Menu of Jan.-May 1998 (sections 98.1-98.42) 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 19
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98.1      January 1998 
98.15     February 1998 
98.17     March 1998 
98.23     April 1998 
98.30     May 1998 


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98.1               January 1998 Sandpiper Bird Field Notes

        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, Drift 
Creek Meadow=field south of Gorton Road (from HWY 101 south of Cutler 
City, turn onto Drift Cr. Road, drive about 0.4 mi, and then turn onto 
Gorton Road), Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, 
HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just 
east of the HMSC, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at 
Yaquina Bay, Thiel Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, 
Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo and Eddyville, YCBC=Yaquina Bay 
Christmas Bird Count, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.2                            OILED BIRDS

        In last month's newsletter, BB reported three oiled birds at 
Yachats beaches in mid-December.  Evidently, this was not limited 
to Yachats, as along 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek, B&SLo and S&DB 
found a COMMON MURRE on 12/5 and a PACIFIC LOON ON 12/20 that were 
covered in oil.  Since few of our beaches are monitored during the 
winter, there were probably more oiled birds, some of which may have sunk 
before they washed ashore.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.3                           WET PASTURES

        Bayview Pasture continues to often be a good birding site in 
winter, especially at high tide.  On 1/4 at about 3 PM (about 1.5 hr 
before high tide), KM found 800 AMERICAN WIGEON, 160 WESTERN CANADA 
GEESE, 105 DUNLIN, 75 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 17 KILLDEER, at least five 
EURASIAN WIGEON, and four NORTHERN PINTAILS.  On 1/19 at about 3:45 PM 
(about an hour before high tide), KM spotted 210 Dunlin, 55 MEW GULLS, 
55 Green-winged Teal, 48 BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, 30 LEAST SANDPIPERS, 
20 WESTERN SANDPIPERS, three RING-BILLED GULLS, two 
GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, and an indeterminable number of Canada Geese. 

        We didn't receive any reports for the other popular high tide 
pasture for waterfowl and shorebirds in Lincoln County, Drift Creek 
Meadow.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.4                          FULMARS-EGRETS

        This winter doesn't appear to be a great one for NORTHERN FULMARS.  
19 were found dead by Thiel Creek in December (B&SLo, S&DB).  On 1/2 
along 3 mi of beach south of Yaquina Head, AF found 18 dark- and 13 
light-phase fulmars.  One live fulmar toured Boiler Bay on 1/2 (AF).

        Three BROWN PELICANS visited Yaquina Head on 12/27 (BLM), and 
1-2 were at YBSJ on 1/5 (RL) and Boiler Bay on 1/23-25 (KA; AC).  Since 
1982, usually singletons have been found in January in many years, so 
their presence this year is not extraordinary and not necessarily related 
to El Nino.

        1-2 BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were reported at the West Pond 
between the Oregon Coast Aquarium and HMSC on 1/17 (fide TN & PR).  One 
was relocated there at 5 PM on 1/20 (CPh) and also on 1/30 (PR).  They 
have been rarely reported in recent years, perhaps because of their 
mainly nocturnal habits here.

        All GREAT EGRET records were by KM and include two at Alsea Bay on 
12/28, three at Siletz Bay on 1/9, and one at south Beaver Creek on 1/19.  
None were discovered during the 1/3 YCBC.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.5             SERIAL USE OF A SITE: ERRORS IN CENSUSING

        If the numbers of birds are the same or nearly the same between 
counts, researchers generally assume that the same birds are present.  
Unfortunately, it is too easy to forget that this is an untested 
assumption that can sometimes (often ?) be wrong.

        An incident this month illustrates this.  This winter two, rather 
unwary BLACK BRANT have been regularly (12/21, KM; 1/3, RL; 1/8, SkL) 
along the YBSJ roadside, often eating grass; this is very atypical of 
Yaquina Bay Brant, which are usually pretty wary.  

        On 1/25, AC counted four Brant there, including one with a band; on 
1/27, RL went to see if he could read the entire band number, and found 
four Brant, but none of them were banded!  Sooooo, how many Brant were 
participating in this behavior at the YBSJ?  Probably more than four, 
unless the banded bird lost its band, which is possible but not very 
likely.  But how many more than four?

        There is no substitute for censusing individually identifiable 
birds and if that is not possible, which it rarely is, then we need to 
accept and acknowledge that a count only represents (within the limits of 
counting error) the birds that were counted at one point in time, not 
necessarily the total number of birds that are using a site during a day, 
week, month, or season.  It is easy to overanalyze censuses.

        It may seem that this tale of four (?) Brant is an anomaly--and it 
is . . .  More Magnificent Frigatebirds have been reported in Lincoln 
County than there are researchers monitoring individual birds here.

        Although it may seem like I am dismissing censuses, that is not 
true.  Censuses are the only way we can monitor bird populations and are 
essential.  My point is that counts are not as perfect as we would 
sometimes like to believe, and, if possible, it is more informative to 
monitor individuals.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.6                         MORE ABOUT BRANT

        On Jan. 7-8, RL conducted the USFWS Winter Waterfowl Trend Survey 
for the Oregon Coast and wrote in his report: "The number of wintering 
Brant along the Oregon Coast continues to decline with a record low of 
580 birds counted this year.  Since 1992, the number of wintering Brant 
in Oregon has declined by approximately 50%.  Serious management 
considerations must be given to this species in order to attempt to 
retain Oregon's wintering population."

        The customary three wintering sites in Oregon for Brant are at 
Tillamook, Netarts, and Yaquina Bays.  During his survey, RL found 
64 at Tillamook Bay, 325 at Netarts Bay, 157 at Yaquina Bay, and 34 at 
Coos Bay.

        Further, DP's frequent monitoring of Brant, many of which are 
banded, at Yaquina Bay the past few winters also indicate that Brant 
numbers there have declined a lot in recent years and that some Brant 
remain many months at Yaquina Bay.  During 1-15 January in 1981-1990, an 
average of 278-525 Brant were counted at Yaquina Bay (1996 Journal of 
Oregon Ornithology 6:761).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.7                          OTHER WATERFOWL

        So far this winter, our only BARROW'S GOLDENEYE report is of one 
male near the Alsea Bay Public Docks on 1/9 (SaL & KH).  That is the only 
Lincoln County location where they are found with any consistency, and 
this winter they appear to be largely absent.

        Our largest concentration of HARLEQUIN DUCKS was a dozen at the 
YBSJ on 1/17 (RO).

        An OLDSQUAW was at the Alsea Bay dock area on 12/21 (KM) and at the 
YBSJ during the 1/3 YCBC and on 1/17 (MT).

        24 REDHEADS wintered at Sallys Bend on 12/21 (KM).

        SG spotted two male HOODED MERGANSERS at the Newport Reservoir on 
1/6, and I agree with his comment that they rival Wood Ducks in good 
looks!
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.8                          RED-TAILED HAWK

        Few live seabirds are usually beached, so when beached birds are 
"recycled" by animals, this is usually done so by scavengers.  However, 
while doing his beached bird walk north of Beaver Creek on 1/5, BLo 
flushed a RED-TAILED HAWK that carried off a bird so large that 
it could only rise 12 ft; accordingly, it dropped it because it could not 
rise above the beach cliff.  BLo walked to the dropped bird and found 
that it was a WESTERN GREBE that was still warm.  It is possible that the 
hawk caught the grebe and brought it to shore, but that would be a pretty 
tricky operation, so it seems more likely that it caught a live Western 
Grebe that had been washed ashore.  For example, a "live but exhausted" 
Western Grebe was up on the beach at South Beach in late January (BW).

        On 1/11, CPh spotted a melanistic Red-tailed that was essentially 
black with a red tail at about Mile Post 4 along Highway 20, east of 
Newport.  He has seen a melanistic Red-tail (same bird ?) at about the 
same spot in previous winters, too.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.9                           OTHER RAPTORS

        An immature RED-SHOULDERED HAWK flew over the Newport Post Office 
on 1/7 (CPh); we have been getting occasional sightings each winter 
recently.

        We missed OSPREY during the YCBC, but one was at Eckman Lake on 
1/9 (fide AC) and over the HMSC on 1/16 (RO).

        One SHARP-SHINNED HAWK hunted Yaquina Head during three days in the 
first week of December (BLM), and another was intently studying birds 
at SaL & KH's feeder in Yachats on 1/10.

        A MERLIN swooped through Newport on 1/2 (AF) and 1/22 (RB).

        An adult PEREGRINE FALCON surveyed Yaquina Head on 12/27 (RC & WN), 
and one was also seen there during five other December days (BLM).

        At Idaho Flats on 12/21, an adult and a subadult BALD EAGLE shared 
eating a bird (KM). Two possible subadults with white tails but 
apparently without white heads were flying together a few miles south of 
Mike Miller Park on 1/11 (MH).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.10                          CRANES-GULLS

        A very large crane-like bird with a red topnotch in a field 
four miles up Yachats River Road in early January was probably a 
SANDHILL CRANE (BMi).  We have no previous winter reports.

        Our only large BLACK OYSTERCATCHER flock was 11 at Seal Rocks on 
1/4 (KM).

        Two, maybe three, birds that appeared to be POMARINE JAEGERS were 
at Boiler Bay on 1/23-24 (KA).  We also have January records for them in 
1986 and 1987.

        Our gull of the month is a first-winter HEERMANN'S GULL at Yachats 
on 1/25 (DF); they are regular in November, but we only had one early 
December and no January-March records through 1992.  There have also been 
a few reports this year along the southern Oregon coast.

        As many as "dozens" of BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were at Boiler Bay 
on 1/2 (AF), 1/9 (KM), and 1/23-25 (KA; AC).  One was also at 
Yaquina Head on 12/28 (KM) and Yachats on 1/12 (DF).

        A first-winter GLAUCOUS GULL stood at YBSJ on 1/17 (RO), and an 
adult was at the mouth of Beaver Creek on 1/13 (LO) and 1/19 (DF; LO).  
We are getting to that time of the year when Glaucous-winged Gulls with 
very worn plumage can have faded, all-white plumage and thus resemble a 
Glaucous Gull, so be careful!

        1-3 THAYER'S GULLS were at Yachats and west of the Alsea Bay Bridge 
on 12/28 (KM), the mouth of D River and the YBSJ parking lot puddles on 
1/18 (DBa & SR), and Idaho Flats on 1/19 (KM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.11                             ALCIDS

        Hundreds of COMMON MURRES were at Boiler Bay during 1/23-24 (KA).  
About six of 15 in flight at Yaquina Head were in breeding plumage, and 
two were in transitional plumage on 12/28 (KM).

        Our only PIGEON GUILLEMOT visited Boiler Bay on 1/23-24 (KA).

        One ANCIENT MURRELET and two MARBLED MURRELETS were glimpsed at 
Boiler Bay on 1/25 (AC).  Counts of Ancients this winter have been 
surprisingly low, but it is not clear if they are being overlooked, or if 
they are truly not as abundant as they normally are.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.12                           PIGEON-JAY

        On June 28 and 29 at the Siuslaw South Jetty (Lane Co.), R&KW saw a 
red pigeon.  It had a red head and back, an orange chest, and a 
smoky-orange lower abdomen.  Through her investigations, RW has found 
that it was probably an introduced pigeon that originally came from Syria 
and used to be raised in at least New Mexico.  When you go out, you never 
can quite tell what you may see!

        SHORT-EARED OWLS used to be occasionally reported along the coast 
in winter, but our only recent report is of one at the YBSJ dunes on the 
1/3 YCBC (AF).

        A WESTERN SCREECH-OWL called at 10 PM at north Beaver Creek on 
1/14 (RC).

        One of the nicest parts about winter is that NORTHERN FLICKERS 
visit us more--two graced CPe's Newport backyard on 12/29.

        Our only GRAY JAYS were near Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) on 12/22 and 
1/7 (SS).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.13                         CREEPER-SHRIKE

        P&MD glimpsed a BROWN CREEPER in north Toledo on 1/17.

        AMERICAN DIPPERS have a beautiful song--on 1/8, SS was lucky enough 
to not only hear one singing at a creek near her Neskowin home on 1/8, 
but to be close enough to see his white eyelid blink!  Have you been so 
lucky?

        Our new HERMIT THRUSH fall arrival for Lincoln Co. was on 11/5 at 
Nye Beach (PD); singletons have also popped up in Newport and at SaL's 
Yachats yard on 1/16.

        VARIED THRUSHES started showing up at more lower elevation sites, 
with arrivals at Nye Beach on 1/9 (PD), Beaver Creek on 1/10 (RC & WN) 
and north Newport on 1/17 (SG).  AMERICAN ROBINS are sometimes absent in 
winter, but a flock of 50 was in north Toledo on 1/10 (P&MD).

        A NORTHERN SHRIKE at the YBSJ dunes during the 1/3 YCBC (AF) is the 
first in some time.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.14                     WARBLERS-HOUSE SPARROW

        An ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER at Waldport on 12/1 is our latest.  About 
half a dozen TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were regulars in north Toledo, with a 
high count of 10 on 1/17 (P&MD).  A PALM WARBLER was noted at the YBSJ 
dunes during the YCBC (AF).

        OREGON DARK-EYED JUNCOS commonly winter here, but a female 
SLATE-COLORED and a male PINK-SIDED arrived at SS's home near Neskowin on 
12/26 and have been seen sporadically since then.  Slate-colored's are 
uncommon but usually occur at least once each winter, and can be regular 
April vagrants at some Lincoln County locations.  Pink-sided's are rarely 
reported, with, I think, the only Lincoln County record being of one at 
DF's Thornton Creek home from 20 November 1994 through 15 April 1995.  
However, I suspect that they may be as frequent as Slate-colored's but 
that they are overlooked because they are currently not a separate 
species.

        WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS regularly visited D&BM's home south of 
Waldport during January, with the only ones in immature plumage (three) 
appearing on 1/4.  In some winters, mostly immatures are noted.

        WESTERN MEADOWLARKS used to be common at the South Beach Peninsula 
in winter, but in recent years they are most often reported at Yaquina 
Head where 1-3 were seen almost every day in December (BLM).

        An albino HOUSE SPARROW in north Newport on 1/2 (AF) continues 
Newport's tradition of having at least one.


        OBSERVERS.  Ken Aldrich, Betty Bahn, David Bailey (DBa), 
Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at 
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek, Alan Contreras, 
Pat & Meagan Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Steve Gobat, 
Mary Holbert, Karen Houston, Skip Laubach (SkL), Sally Lockyear (SaL), 
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel,  Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Bob Miller 
(BMi), Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Walt Nelson, Terri Nogler, Robert Olson, 
Laimons Osis, Carol Perkins (CPe), Chuck Philo (CPh), Dave Pitkin, 
Paul Reed, Skip Russell, Shirley Schwartz, Marg Tweelinckx, 
Ruth & Ken Warren, Barbara Wilson.


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98.15                February 1998 Sandpiper Bird Field

98.16   Because I have run out of time, the field notes are greatly 
abbreviated this month--thanks for everyone sharing their notes, even if 
they are not included here!

      Another oiled, moribund COMMON LOON was found along a Yachats beach 
on 2/26 (BB).

      1-2 BROWN PELICANS were at Yaquina Head in early Jan. (BLM) and at 
YBSJ in early Feb. (J&CC).

      An adult male and female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE were shot by a hunter 
at Alsea Bay on 1/18 (LG).

      There were occasional reports of single OLDSQUAWS at Yaquina Bay 
South Jetty/Bayfront, with the highest count being five on 1/17 (AS).

      A RED-SHOULDERED HAWK was near Otis on 2/15 (PS); a possible one 
was also heard at Drift Creek (Lincoln City) on 1/19 & 24 (AS).

      A very early TURKEY VULTURE was a mile south of Siletz on 1/21 
(JB).

      A WANDERING TATTLER near the HMSC on 2/1 (KM) and a RED KNOT at 
Yachats on 2/12 (SaL & KH) are uncommon for February.

      HEERMANN'S GULLS are putting on a great show; we had no previous 
January-February records.  This year we only had one record in January of 
a singleton as reported in last month's newsletter.  In February, they 
have become more common and abundant along the coast with seven and five 
records in the first and last halves of the month, respectively.  High 
counts were five at Lincoln City on 2/13 (SLa) and four at Yachats on 
2/15 (BB).

      Spring arrivals include a BAND-TAILED PIGEON at J&DC's Toledo home 
on 2/16 and a RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD at RL's Waldport home on 2/17.

      Occasionally a few CEDAR WAXWINGS will show up early in the year 
before their mass immigration in mid-May, so one in Toledo on 2/26 (CP) 
is not a sign of an early spring.  First song reports were of a SONG 
SPARROW at Neskowin on 2/2 (SS) and, at Toledo, DARK-EYED JUNCO on 2/14 
and RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET on 2/18 (P&MD).

      OBSERVERS.  Betty Bahn, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at Yaquina 
Head, Jerry Butler, Jean & Chuck Chard, Jesse & Doris Crabtree,  Pat & 
Meagan Dickey, Larry Gangle, Karen Houston, Skip Laubach (SLa), Sally 
Lockyear (SaL), Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, Chuck Philo, Alan Schmierer, 
Shirley Schwartz, Paul Sullivan.


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98.17                 March 1998 Bird Field Notes

        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 Lake=lake just 
east of Waldport along HWY 34, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the 
LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, Thiel Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina 
Bay bridge, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.18                        LOONS-SHOREBIRDS

        A YELLOW-BILLED LOON was at YBSJ on 3/15 (JG et al.), and a 
CLARK'S GREBE hid amongst 309 Western Grebes in the Sallys Bend area on 
3/7 (AF).

        The dead LAYSAN ALBATROSS found along 4.5 mi of beach near Thiel 
Creek on 2/27 is rare (B&SLo; S&DB); other beached bird numbers were 
within the normal range.  A live Laysan was seen during the 2/28 pelagic 
trip out of Depoe Bay (MH et al.).

        An unseasonable BROWN PELICAN continued at YBSJ or 3/22 or 23 (CP) 
and Yaquina Head on 3/26 (RC).

        Two immature BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS were last reported at the 
West Pond of Oregon Coast Aquarium on 3/1 (PS) and 3/3 (EH).

        1-4 GREAT EGRETS at south Beaver Creek on 3/21 & 22 (LO et al.; DF) 
and one at Yaquina Bay on 3/22 and at Alsea Bay on 3/30 (MR) are getting 
late.

        A male hybrid MALLARD X NORTHERN SHOVELER was paired with a female 
shoveler at Beaver Creek on 3/8 (DF), and a male AMERICAN WIGEON X 
EURASIAN WIGEON was discerned at Sallys Bend on 3/22 (KM).

        The only male BARROW'S GOLDENEYE reported at Yaquina Bay in several 
years was in the Sallys Bend area on 3/7 (AF).

        This spring's first OSPREY was at Eckman Lake on 3/27 (RL).

        In addition to the 2/12 RED KNOT at Yachats (SaL), another in 
winter plumage was at Seal Rocks on 3/14 (BN & PB).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.19                          GULLS-ALCIDS

        Hybrids among WESTERN GULLS and GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS are 
widespread here; however, other gull hybrids also occur such as the 
GLAUCOUS GULL X GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL hybrid at the YBSJ on 3/22 (DF).  
Using field guides to distinguish "large" gulls can be frustrating!

        HERRING GULLS may be migrating as 90 were at Siletz Bay on 3/15 
(JG et al.), and a BONAPARTE'S GULL on 2/22 at Yaquina Bay (KM) is 
unusual for February.

        1-7 HEERMANN'S GULLS continued their unseasonable showing with 
eight records throughout  March along the coast (SaL; KM; CP; JG et al.).

        BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES seem to be more conspicuous than usual this 
spring with several reports in late February and March (PD; KM; JG et 
al.).  The largest count from shore was 17 at Seal Rocks on 3/8 and at 
Yachats on 3/15 (KM).  Offshore, a total of 312 (including flocks of 150 
and 80 birds) were counted during the 2/28 Depoe Bay pelagic trip (MH et 
al.).  Of concern is the five dead ones found beached near Yachats on 3/6 
(LL) because that is higher than normal.

        The first arriving CASPIAN TERN on 3/23 at Yaquina Bay (CP) is 
about right on schedule.

        The first landing of COMMON MURRES on Yaquina Head's Colony Rock 
was on 2/25--large numbers were present in the nearby water on 2/4 (BLM). 

        Although a scattering of PIGEON GUILLEMOTS were noted through late 
January, the first ones in breeding garb were noted at Yaquina Bay and 
Head on 3/15 (KM).

        A LONG-BILLED MURRELET in winter plumage was detected at Boiler Bay 
on 3/15 (JG et al.); this species is not included in most North American 
field guides and was separated from the Marbled Murrelet last year.

        A pair of ANCIENT MURRELETS were at YBSJ on 3/14 (DMi), and four 
were at Yaquina Head on 3/15 (KM).  They were not as widely reported this 
winter, but that may be because of lower effort to find them.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.20                        PIGEONS-SWALLOWS

        BAND-TAILED PIGEONS have been putting on a good showing in March, 
especially at feeders (RC), with as many as 18 on 3/30 (fide RO).

        As reported last month, the first male RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD was at 
Waldport on 2/17 (RL); the first female fed at SS's Neskowin (Tillamook 
Co.) feeders on 2/25.

        The early swallows may have slipped by us and our first reports are 
late, with "arrival" dates for TREE SWALLOW at Beaver Creek on 3/2 (LO) 
and VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOW at South Beach on 3/12 (EH).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.21                         STELLER'S JAYS

        On 3/7, DO's attention was drawn to a possible MERLIN attacking a 
Steller's Jay at her Tidewater backyard on 3/7.

        On 3/12, RC writes: "Our [north Beaver Creek] neighbor told me 
months ago that the Steller's Jays come rap on her bedroom window on 
weekend mornings when she sleeps in and doesn't get the food out 
promptly.  Last fall I was putting the food out in the evening on 
platform feeders but changed to early morning when the rains came, and 
also because I think I was feeding the pack rats over night.  Now that 
the days are longer I'm not up before the sun anymore, and the jays wait 
by the feeders and yell until breakfast appears.  For the past couple of 
weeks I've thought I heard occasional squawking near one window or 
another; guess one was testing and this morning [3/12], one got it 
right.  I stayed in a little late, and as soon as the radio alarm came 
on, a jay alighted on the gutter just outside the window by the head of 
the bed and squawked and banged on the edge of the roof until I opened 
the curtain.  I suppose that through observation and trial the bird has 
figured out that opening window curtains (other windows in the house are 
bare) and the radio noise precedes my coming out to fill the feeder, so 
that must be the place to yell, even though the bird cannot see me 
through the curtains.  I really wonder if it was accident that the bird 
came to the window closest to the bed rather than the window on the 
other side of the bedroom, or has it been looking in when the curtains 
are open and from observations at the neighbor's house recognizes the 
bed as the place where people are in the early AM.  A scary thought to 
contemplate...I'm glad these guys are friendly!  Anyway, if the jay 
continues this behavior--I will be forced to put out food at night or 
rise at dawn! 
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.22                   BUSHTITS-EVENING GROSBEAKS

        A pair of BUSHTITS were carrying nesting materials at Mike Miller 
Park in South Beach on 3/5 (D&BM).

        Our only TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE this mild winter was in South Beach 
on 3/12 (EH).

        WHITE-THROATED SPARROWS have not been often reported this winter; 
the most recent were two at Florence (Lane Co.) on 2/18 (RW).

        WESTERN MEADOWLARKS graced Yaquina Head through 2/17 (BLM).

        A male orangish HOUSE FINCH at Toledo on 3/11 (RA) reminds us that 
not all are red--if their diet doesn't have enough carotenes, they can be 
yellowish or orangish.

        The first spring EVENING GROSBEAK arrived in Toledo on 3/10 (PD).

        OBSERVERS.  Ron Arriaga, Peg Boulay, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of 
Land Management (BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, 
Rebecca Cheek, Pat Dickey, Darrel Faxon, Anthony Floyd, Jeff Gilligan, 
Eric Horvath, Matt Hunter, Lynn Larson, Sally Lockyear (SaL), 
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, Kathy Merrifield, 
Dick Miller (DMi), Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Bruce Newhouse, Dorothy Olson, 
Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Carolyn Paynter, Mike Rivers, 
Shirley Schwartz, Paul Sullivan, and Ruth Warren.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
98.23                April 1998 Sandpiper Bird Field Notes

        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 Lake=lake just 
east of Waldport along HWY 34, Eckman Slough=slough between Alsea Bay and 
Eckman Lake, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, Idaho Flats=large 
embayment just east of the HMSC, Mike Miller Park=county park on east 
side of HWY 101 in South Beach, and Thiel Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south 
of Yaquina Bay bridge.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.24                       OCEAN CONDITIONS ??

        Perhaps all is not well.  Along 4.6 mi of beach by Thiel Creek in 
March, dead beached birds included 36 NORTHERN FULMARS and 
15 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES (B&SLo, S&DB).  This number of kittiwakes is 
greater than the total of any year since 1978, and the number of fulmars 
is much higher for March than in other years.  As reported last month, 
five dead kittiwakes were also found near Yachats on 3/6 (LL).  Time will 
tell if the mortalities will continue or if seabird nesting will be 
affected.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.25                          LOONS-EGRETS

        A COMMON LOON in breeding plumage a mile inland on Beaver Creek on 
4/29 is unusual there (LO).

        A dead SHEARWATER sp. tangled in fishing gear and found on a Lane 
Co. beach in mid-April had a New Zealand leg band (GL), which is a good 
reminder to look for and report leg bands.

        During the April 3-4 pelagic trip from Depoe Bay, MH and others 
found 218 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, one LAYSAN ALBATROSS, 
51 NORTHERN FULMARS, 109 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, four PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 
238 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS, and three LEACH'S STORM-PETRELS.

        One BROWN PELICAN was at Yaquina Head on 3/26 (BLM), and 50 were 
spotted at Yachats on 4/23 (KH).

        Our first GREEN HERON was near Newport Reservoir on 4/14 (SG), but 
they probably arrived earlier.  A GREAT EGRET was along HWY 229 marshes 
between Toledo and Siletz on 4/16 (BLl), and up to four were at Beaver 
Creek in April (LF; LO).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.26                            WATERFOWL

        Our first brood of WESTERN CANADA GEESE emerged at Nute Slough of 
Yaquina Bay on 4/21 (KM) and three days later at Eckman Slough (RL).  The 
first MALLARD brood was at lower Beaver Creek on 4/29 (LO).  RL checked 
one of his WOOD DUCK nest boxes at Eckman Lake on 4/26 and found 25 fresh 
eggs--it was probably a dump nest for more than one female.

        A flock of 16 BRANT flying about 80-90 mi offshore of Depoe Bay on 
4/3-4 (MH et al.) may have been taking a Great Circle migration route.

        Our latest NORTHERN PINTAIL was at Idaho Flats on 4/28 (RO) and 
next day at Beaver Creek (LO).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.27                        RAPTORS-PHEASANT

        There have been quite a few BALD EAGLE sightings; only those with 
high numbers or those at Yaquina Head (where JS is researching nesting 
seabirds) are mentioned.  A kettle of six BALD EAGLES, at least five of 
which were immatures, were flying in an updraft like vultures over Alsea 
Bay on 4/5 (RL).  At Yaquina Head, eagles were noted during seven days in 
late March (BLM), an adult was there on 4/12 (PS), and JS has seen them 
kill five Common Murres through 4/24.

        The first WHITE-TAILED KITE in a while was at Milepost 3 along 
Moonshine Park Road near Logsden on 4/19 (MW), and our latest NORTHERN 
HARRIER lingered at Beaver Creek on 4/10 (JW).

        A MERLIN was noted several times in mid-April at the HMSC (RL, RO), 
and one kept pace with RL's car as it traveled 50 mph about 2 mi south of 
Waldport on 4/25.

        1-2 PEREGRINE FALCONS were at Yaquina Head during four days in late 
March (BLM) and on 4/29 (TS).

        We only had one report of an AMERICAN KESTREL; it flew over 
Waldport on 4/6 (DF).  

        A possible RING-NECKED PHEASANT calling at Beaver Creek on 4/5 (RC) 
may be an escapee because they don't survive well here.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.28                        SHOREBIRDS-ALCIDS

        Shorebird arrivals include: four MARBLED GODWITS at Idaho Flats on 
4/2 (RO), a SOLITARY SANDPIPER on the mudflats at about Milepost 7.7 of 
North Yaquina Bay Road on 4/21 (KM), and a RED KNOT on the beach north of 
the Yaquina Bay North Jetty on 4/30 (TJ).

        1-3 COMMON SNIPE at Mike Miller Park on 4/16 (BLl) and at HMSC on 
4/22 (TW) are getting late, though they seem to nest at high elevation 
marshes here.

        A POMARINE JAEGER was offshore of Depoe Bay on 4/3-4 (MH et al.).  
HEERMANN'S GULLS seemed to have become less common as our only reports 
were of four at Yachats on 3/29 and two at Idaho Flats on 4/5 (KM).

        A possible XANTUS' MURRELET at Yaquina Head on 4/19 (JS) is a 
rarity, four ANCIENT MURRELETS at Yaquina Head on 3/15 (BLM) are getting 
late, and MARBLED MURRELETS called while overflying SS's Neskowin 
(Tillamook Co.) home at about sunrise on 4/14.

        1-2 TUFTED PUFFINS were noted at Yaquina Head on 4/29 (TS), and two 
HORNED PUFFINS were 80-100 mi off Depoe Bay on 4/3-4 (MH et al.).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.29                        TERRESTRIAL BIRDS

        ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS remained south of Waldport through at least 4/2 
(D&BM).

        Spring arrivals include: VAUX'S SWIFTS at CP's Toledo home on 4/20, 
PACIFIC-SLOPE FLYCATCHER in Lincoln County on 4/26 (JH), 
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW at Eckman Lake on 4/23 (SaL & KH), and 
three AMERICAN PIPITS at Newport's LNG tank on 4/24 (CP).

        PURPLE MARTINS arrived at the HMSC on 4/19 (RB), and 12 were at 
their Kernville nesting boxes south of Lincoln City on 4/24 (FS).  

        A TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE was a good find between Toledo and Siletz on 
4/25 (CP).

        CEDAR WAXWINGS occasionally show up in early spring like a flock of 
6-8 at Yachats on 4/21 (JT), but they usually don't arrive en masse until 
late May.

        PD heard an EUROPEAN STARLING imitating a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD in 
Toledo on 4/21.  Starlings are good imitators; one winter, one did a 
convincing imitation of a Common Nighthawk near the HMSC.

        More arrivals include COMMON YELLOWTHROAT at Beaver Creek on 4/1 
(LF), MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER between Toledo and Siletz on 4/25 (CP), 
WESTERN TANAGER in Newport on 5/1 (SM), BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK in Newport 
on 5/2 (LH), and CHIPPING SPARROW near Lincoln City on 4/18 (CP).

        A WHITE-THROATED SPARROW lingered at Toledo on 4/7 (EH) and 4/18 
(CP), and a "Gamble's" form of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW visited BW's 
Tidewater home on 4/24.  

        Although some overwinter, the first spring AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES 
arrived at Lost Creek north of Ona Beach on 4/25 (DG) and three days 
later at Tidewater on 4/28 (BW).

        OBSERVERS.  Range Bayer, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land 
Management (BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek, 
Pat Dickey, Darrel Faxon, LeRoy Fish, Dave Gilbert, Steve Gobat, 
Jeff Harding, Louise Hemphill, Eric Horvath, Karen Houston, Matt Hunter, 
Tim Janzen, Lynn Larson, Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob Llewellyn (BLl), 
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, George Lyons, Sue Martin, 
Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, 
Chuck Philo, Floyd Schrock, Shirley Schwartz, Jennifer Seavey, 
Tim Shelmerdine, Paul Sullivan, Jim Thielen, Tom Wainwright, 
Jean Weakland, Mike Wheeler, and Bunny Wright.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
98.30                  May 1998 Sandpiper Bird Field Notes 

        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, Boone Slough=freshwater 
slough at about mile 8.9 along north Yaquina Bay Road, Eckman Lake=lake 
just east of Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, 
HY=hatch-year (bird in the calendar year of its hatching), 
Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the HMSC, Lost Creek SP=park 
about 4.75 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Nute Slough=freshwater slough 
at about mile 9.3 along north Yaquina Bay Road, Sallys Bend=large 
embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, Thiel Creek=creek about 
3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, Thornton Creek=creek between Toledo 
and Eddyville, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.31              CONGRATULATIONS TO KATHY MERRIFIELD!

        Kathy's "Waterbird censuses of Yaquina Bay, Oregon: 
March 1993-February 1994" was just published by the Oregon Department of 
Fish and Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity Program, Technical Report #98-1-01.  
This is a great contribution to our knowledge.  Thanks, Kathy!
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.32                            RARITIES

        This May, we must have set a monthly record in Lincoln County for 
rare species!  After a BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW was spotted, many talented 
birders were attracted, and other rare species were subsequently 
detected.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.33                           FLEDGLINGS

        HY Canada Geese and Mallards were reported in late April in last 
month's newsletter.  This month at or near Beaver Creek HY 
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS appeared on 5/9 (BC) and HY PURPLE FINCHES arrived 
at a feeder on 5/24 (RC); at Waldport, JW noted HY HOUSE SPARROWS on 
5/12, HOUSE FINCHES on 5/14, SONG SPARROWS on 5/19, and SPOTTED TOWHEES 
on 5/26. The first fledgling AMERICAN ROBINS were near Neskowin 
(Tillamook Co.) on 5/21 (SS).  It looks like it is going to be a banner 
year for EURASIAN STARLINGS, too, as many fledglings have been out and 
about, and they seem more numerous than usual in Newport (RB).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.34                          LOONS-HERONS

        ARCTIC LOONS were split into two species that can be difficult to 
separate: Arctic and Pacific.  Arctics are very rare here, but SR, TJ, 
and DPh found one east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay on 5/17.  Many 
birders had a chance to see it in the Sallys Bend/Idaho Flats area, and 
it was last reported on 6/4 (TR).

        One dead FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL was beached near Thiel Creek on 
4/25 (B&SLo, S&DB). They are rare inshore, but 1-8 graced the Sallys 
Bend/Idaho Flats area on 5/21-24 (TJ & DMu; JG & OS; DE; CP).

        1-2 BROWN PELICANS were at Yaquina Head during six days in April 
(BLM) and 5/9 (BC), Depoe Bay on 5/1 (TJ et al.), South Beach on 5/4 
(BLl), and Seal Rocks on 5/16 (MC et al.).  The high count was 10 near 
Beaver Creek on 5/30 (RC) and at Yaquina Bay on 5/31 (AC et al.).

        A brown-streaked BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON was again found at a 
pond near the Oregon Coast Aquarium on 5/21 (JL); we have had a 
smattering of records there the past few months.  Our latest GREAT EGRET 
lingered at Beaver Creek on 4/28 (DF) and at Boone Slough on 5/16 (MC et 
al.).  RO spotted a GREEN HERON carrying a stick, presumably for a nest, 
into the alder grove south of the USFWS at the HMSC on 5/28.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.35                          CANADA GEESE

        An ALEUTIAN CANADA GOOSE grazed on the grass at the west tip of 
Yaquina Head mainland from 4/30 (BLM) until at least 5/9 (DPi; JSe). 

        Few, if any, WESTERN CANADA GEESE usually nest at Yaquina Bay, but 
two adults at Idaho Flats on 5/1 (BLl) may be nesting, and some had 
goslings at Nute Slough on 5/17 (KM).  

        In recent years, a small, late May northerly flight of WESTERN 
CANADA GEESE has been noted; one flock of 22 passed over Newport on 5/17, 
and the next day DPi spotted a flock of 24 flying about 80 ft high and 
wrote: "They passed over my South Beach house at 5:57 AM and about 
1 minute later the Channel 8 weatherman came on the air and started 
showing weather conditions around the state using the remote cameras they 
have set up in various locations.  When the camera at Newport's 
Embarcadero was shown, the same flock was flying through the field of 
view!  Talk about tracking!"  On 5/22, another flock of 51 flew north 
over Yaquina Bay (DPi).  These late flocks are thought to be nonbreeders 
flying to a molt area, perhaps the Columbia River (RL & DPi).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.36                              DUCKS

        Last dates include: a very late male EURASIAN WIGEON at Siletz Bay 
on 5/1 (fide TJ), two pairs of REDHEADS at Sallys Bend on 5/4 (JR), a 
pair of GREEN-WINGED TEAL and a pair of NORTHERN SHOVELERS at Eckman Lake 
on 5/11 (RL), a pair of very late LESSER SCAUP at Yaquina Bay on 5/31 
(AC et al.) (Greater Scaup usually linger later than Lessers here), 
NORTHERN PINTAIL at Idaho Flats on 5/31 (EH), and a male CINNAMON TEAL 
with a male BLUE-WINGED TEAL at Eckman Lake on 6/3 (RL).  A pair of 
Blue-winged Teal in the ocean at Lincoln City on 5/7 were out of place 
(DF et al.).

        The pair of BLACK DUCKS at Eckman Lake on 5/12 (B&LMu) are probably 
not wild in origin as a variety of ducks are raised in captivity and 
escape or are released.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.37                          RAPTORS-QUAIL

        OSPREY seem to hunt out over the ocean more in late summer, but one 
was out at Seal Rocks on 5/28 (LH).

        A female NORTHERN HARRIER was in the HMSC/YBSJ area on 4/30 (CC), 
5/3 (BLl), and 5/16 (MC et al.).  A female harrier was also at Salmon 
River on 5/7 (DF et al.).  Perhaps they will nest here this year.

        A PEREGRINE FALCON was eating one of the many Bonaparte's Gulls 
near the HMSC on 5/21 (JG & OS).

        A MERLIN was at Yaquina Head on 4/27 & 28 (BLM) and at Boiler Bay 
on 5/1 & 2 (TJ et al.).

        MOUNTAIN QUAIL have been regulars in the Beaver Creek area, with 
the last report on 5/4 (LO).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.38                           SHOREBIRDS

        BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEWS normally migrate from central Pacific 
Islands to western Alaska, but this May some detoured to the Oregon 
Coast, with 1-2 in Lincoln County.  Others were spotted previously in 
Clatsop and Coos Counties.  Many birders were attracted to Yaquina Bay 
after RL spotted one at the HMSC on 5/13; one continued to be seen by 
many birders in the Idaho Flats salt marsh near the HMSC through 5/15 and 
then again on 5/19 (BB).  Perhaps the same one was also seen on the road 
and grass near the LNG tank on 5/14 (SLau; EH).  SLau saw one at both 
locations and thought they might be different birds.

        On 5/26, RL found a LONG-BILLED CURLEW amongst Whimbrels at Idaho 
Flats.

        A white-rumped godwit, possibly a BAR-TAILED GODWIT was detected at 
Idaho Flats on 5/25 (CP), and there were many reports of 1-4 
MARBLED GODWITS in the Idaho Flats/Sallys Bend area until 5/23 (JSi & 
ML).

        A PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER visited Boiler Bay on 5/2 (fide TJ).  Our 
second SOLITARY SANDPIPER of the spring was at Thornton Creek on 4/27 
(DF).

        During May migration, SPOTTED SANDPIPERS are not confined to 
freshwater like they are in winter and alight in marine and estuarine 
areas.  This year 1-8 were at Sallys Bend on 5/16 (BLl; MC et al.) and 
5/23 (JSi & ML), at Idaho Flats on 5/23 (JSi & ML) and 5/24 (NH), and at 
the Yaquina Bay north jetty on 5/28 (RL).

        Our latest COMMON SNIPE was one at Beaver Creek on 5/3 (DF).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *


98.39                          JAEGER-ALCIDS

        A light-phase PARASITIC JAEGER attacked a gull at Idaho Flats on 
5/13 (RL).

        An adult SABINE'S GULL flew over Idaho Flats on 5/24 (RR), and an 
adult FRANKLIN'S GULL in breeding plumage was discerned along the Newport 
bayfront on 5/21 (JG & OS) and at Idaho Flats on 5/22 (RF) and 5/24 (RR; 
DF; RC).

        HEERMANN'S GULLS appear to have left after their rare early 
appearance this year.  Our only record was of  one at Florence (Lane Co.) 
on 4/23 (RW).

        The latest HERRING GULL lingered at Salmon River on 5/7 (DF et 
al.).

        PIGEON GUILLEMOTS can be quite numerous in the early breeding 
season; KM counted 297 at Yaquina Head on 5/3.  The only TUFTED PUFFINS 
were 1-2 at Yaquina Head on 4/29 and 5/31 (JSe).  

        Four RHINOCEROS AUKLETS foraged with 400-500 COMMON MURRES at the 
Yaquina Bay jetty "jaws" on 5/28 (RL).  Another Rhino was at Yaquina Head 
on 5/3 (KM).  It takes several years for COMMON MURRES to attain breeding 
plumage, and immatures usually avoid nesting areas; of the 2,925 murres 
KM observed at Yaquina Head on 5/3, only two were not in breeding 
plumage.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.40                       PIGEON-WOODPECKERS

         A few years ago, BAND-TAILED PIGEONS were a subject of concern 
because their numbers were down.  But this has been a great spring for 
them with many reports of them inundating coastal feeders (e.g., ME) and 
at least 20 were at each of two different sites at Yaquina Bay on 5/16 
(MC et al.).  For his Eckman Lake feeder on 5/3, RL observed that they 
"are draining my feeders as fast as I can fill them.  They even land on 
my tube feeder of sunflower seeds that the chickadees normally use and 
drain that, too.  I am now buying cracked corn in 50 lb bags to feed 
them!  This morning I had at least 70 fighting over the feed!"  In 
mid-May at least 40 were in Toledo (SK) and about a hundred were just 
east of Lost Creek on 5/23 (B&SLo).

        MOURNING DOVES were at Nute Slough (a customary summer [and 
nesting ?]) hangout on 5/16 (MC et al.) and at the HMSC on 5/28 (CP).

        Lincoln County's first ACORN WOODPECKER was discovered at Thornton 
Creek on 5/10 by DF and corroborated by CP the same day.

        A male HAIRY WOODPECKER mined a fallen log close to SS's Neskowin 
(Tillamook Co.) home on 5/21 and then looked up at SS with his beak full 
of grubs.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.41                        KINGBIRD-CORVIDS

        A rare, possible EASTERN KINGBIRD was about a half mile east of the 
Newport Airport on 5/5 (BLo). The first WESTERN KINGBIRD was at Newport 
on 5/1 (RB).

        We have few records of ASH-THROATED FLYCATCHERS, but one was at the 
HMSC on 5/23 (JSi, ML, and TS; DBe) and 5/24 (CP, DF).

        Flocks of up to 12 VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS were migrating north along 
the coast in SW Newport on 4/27 (RB); such migratory flocks are subtle 
enough that they are rarely reported.

        Single WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS were at Devils Lake State Park on 4/30 
(DMu) and in South Beach on 5/19 (MR).  South of Waldport in May, D&BM 
saw "a lone AMERICAN CROW herding two COMMON RAVENS, diving on one, then 
the other, back and forth.  The ravens seemed glad to be on the move."

        But crows don't always come out ahead.  RC lives near Beaver Creek 
and reports that on 5/12: "a crow was at one feeder when a male 
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD showed up.  I have seen blackbirds mob crows who fly 
over the marshes but was surprised when this guy proceeded to swoop at 
the crow several times until the crow flew away, and then the Red-wing 
took off in pursuit.  In the brief interval before the blackbird 
returned, a STELLER'S JAY came in for a snack, and when the blackbird got 
back to the feeder he also drove away the jay!"
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

98.42                          DIPPER-ORIOLE

        An AMERICAN DIPPER at Fall Creek Hatchery on 5/16 (MC et al.) is 
our only report.

        Two TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRES on Table Mountain ENE of Waldport during 
the 5/16 field trip (CP et al.) are unusual for this species that may 
regularly frequent the high country where birders very rarely go.

        Our first spring flock of CEDAR WAXWINGS arrived near Beaver Creek 
on 5/25 (RC).  A MACGILLIVARY'S WARBLER was west of Newport Reservoir on 
5/31 (SG), and a warbler (probably an Orange-crowned Warbler) flew 22 mi 
offshore of Newport on 5/28 (RL).

        The ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK that visited BH's Newport feeder on 5/25 
is our first since 1977; it was not re-discovered, but perhaps the same 
one was seen just north of the Newport High School on 5/29 (CP).

        A rare LARK BUNTING visited J&ST's Seal Rock home on 5/2, and a 
BULLOCK'S ORIOLE, which is uncommon here, was at Thornton Creek on 5/20 
(DF).


        OBSERVERS.  Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Deb Beutler (DBe), 
Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at Yaquina Head 
Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek, Barbara Combs, Alan Contreras, 
Clay Creech, Marcia Cutler, Marie Erickson, Dave Eshbaugh, Darrel Faxon, 
Reid Freeman, Jeff Gilligan, Steve Gobat, Louise Hemphill, Becky Henry, 
Neil Holcomb, Eric Horvath, Tim Janzen, Steve Kupillas, 
Skip Laubach (SLau), Mike Lippsmeyer, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), 
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, John Lundsten, Kathy Merrifield, 
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Don Munson (DMu), Barbara & Lyndon Musolf (B&LMu), 
Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Darlene Philpott (DPh), 
Dave Pitkin (DPi), Michele Redmond, Roger Robb, Tim Rodenkirk, 
Skip Russell, Joe Russin, Owen Schmidt, Shirley Schwartz, 
Jennifer Seavey (JSe), Tim Shelmerdine, Jamie Simmons (JSi), 
Jim & Shirley Thielen, Ruth Warren, Jean Weakland.
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