Menu of January-May 2000 (sections 00.1-00.49) 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 21
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01.1       January 2000 
00.10      February 2000 
00.20      March 2000 
00.28      April 2000 
00.38      May 2000     

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00.1         BIRD FIELD NOTES from the January 2000 Sandpiper 21(1)
      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, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, Ona 
Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge along HWY 101, 
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, Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona Beach 
along HWY 101, YBCBC=Yaquina Bay Christmas Bird Count, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay 
South Jetty.
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00.2                 YAQUINA BAY CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

      The weather was not all bad during the 1/2 YBCBC, but the weather 
breaks were appreciated.  Compiler RC reports that 15 observers plus four 
feeder watchers found 102 species; four additional species were found 
during Count Week.  The most numerous species were AMERICAN WIGEON 
(2,013), WESTERN GULL (1,163), and EUROPEAN STARLING (1,060)(RC).  It was 
fun!
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.3                     1999 BEACHED BIRD REPORT

      Birds die, but the yearly patterns vary.  B&SLo, S&DB, and LO weekly 
cover 4.6 mi of beaches near Thiel Creek; BLo's annual report indicates 
that a total of 785 birds were found during 1999; higher totals during the 
1990's were in 1990 (1,277), 1992 (1,143), 1993 (870), and 1995 (927).  

      The five most abundant taxa in 1999 were COMMON MURRES hatched in 
1999 (393), older murres (77), NORTHERN FULMARS (45), FORK-TAILED 
STORM-PETRELS (37), and RHINOCEROS AUKLETS (30).  The fork-tails are the 
most extraordinary.  Only four CASSIN'S AUKLETS were found, which ties the 
lowest yearly count and is far below the average of 89.  New beached 
species were an AMERICAN COOT and a TURKEY VULTURE.

      Beach surveys were intensified in late February through March to 
daily observations as part of the New Carissa oil spill evaluation.  The 
greater effort probably elevated the number found, but only 10% of the 
year's total were found during this period.  RHINOCEROS AUKLET mortality 
peaked in March and December shortly after oil spills--the New Carissa 
second grounding in March near Waldport and the Blue Heather sinking in 
December at the Yaquina Bay North Jetty; these March and December totals 
were higher than in any previous year for those months.
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00.4                         LOONS-CORMORANTS

      At Boiler Bay during January, PP had six days of morning seawatches 
that ranged from 0.5-2.8 hr long.  Like December, RED-THROATED LOONS were 
the most abundant loon with a peak count of 200 flying mostly south during 
an hour on 1/17; seven or fewer PACIFIC LOONS or COMMON LOONS were noted 
each seawatch (PP).

      1-2 CLARK'S GREBES were discovered during the 1/2 YBCBC at Yaquina 
Head, north Siletz Bay on 1/12 (PP), and at Boiler Bay during PP's 
1/15 & 17 seawatches.

      The EARED GREBE at Eckman Lake on 1/3 & 9 (KM) is unexpected for that 
location; they are winter regulars at Yaquina Bay where there were four at 
Sallys Bend on 1/17 (KM) and one near the HMSC on 1/31 (RF).

      Tubenoses were rare with 1-2 NORTHERN FULMARS just during PP's 1/1 & 
4 Boiler Bay seawatches and a SOOTY SHEARWATER/SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER 
only there on 1/1.

      Our last BROWN PELICANS were three immatures at Boiler Bay (PP) and 
an immature at Seal Rock on 12/26 (KM).

      A flock of six immature and one adult DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS flew 
south at mid-day past Seal Rocks on 12/26 (KM)--it is unclear if this was 
a migratory flight or just a flight to or from a roosting area.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.5                           EGRET-RAPTORS

      Two GREAT EGRETS were at Beaver Creek during the 1/22 YB&N field trip 
(LO), and one was also at Eckman Lake on 1/9 (KM).

      About 500 dabbling ducks (including about 200 MALLARDS, 200 
GREEN-WINGED TEAL, and NORTHERN PINTAIL, NORTHERN SHOVELER, and GADWALL) 
continued to reside at north Beaver Creek on 1/29, along with HOODED 
MERGANSERS, BUFFLEHEADS, RING-NECKED DUCKS, and COMMON GOLDENEYES (JH).

      Two REDHEADS were a surprise at Eckman Lake on 1/3 (KM) and 1/9 & 10 
(DF).  A female BARROW'S GOLDENEYE lingered at the Alsea Bay Port Docks on 
1/1&2 (SaL & KH)--no males have been spotted yet this winter.

      Scoter numbers during January Boiler Bay seawatches were dramatically 
down from December with only 10-60 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS, 0-45 SURF 
SCOTERS, and 0-12 BLACK SCOTERS (PP).

      In the past, HOODED MERGANSERS were rare in lower Yaquina Bay, but 
1-2 were at Sallys Bend during the 1/2 YBCBC and on 1/18 (J&LM).

      An unseasonal TURKEY VULTURE flew over Yachats on 1/17 (KM).  14 
BALD EAGLES (including five in the same tree, sheltering from an incoming 
squall and at least 10 adults) during the 1/2 YBCBC is a record high for 
the count!  SK saw an adult and a subadult near the HMSC on 1/24-25.

      On 1/31, RL and others saw a PEREGRINE FALCON flying over their HMSC 
office building carrying prey in its talons.  Further back an adult Bald 
Eagle was in an apparently futile chase, but about a minute after the 
birds went out of sight, the eagle returned carrying the prey!  Although 
the Peregrine is a faster flier unencumbered, the prey item may have 
allowed the lumbering eagle to catch it.

      A MERLIN at Seal Rocks and an AMERICAN KESTREL at Yaquina Head graced 
the 1/2 YBCBC; one kestrel at Beaver Creek on 1/10 (BT) is unusual there.

      The only accipiter during the 1/2 YBCBC was a SHARP-SHINNED HAWK; 
another killed and ate one EURASIAN STARLING in BT's Newport yard on 1/10.

      There were several harrier reports near the coast, but no one saw any 
with a wing tag.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.6                            SHOREBIRDS

      The only BLACK OYSTERCATCHER flock reported this month was a flock of 
27 at Seal Rocks on 1/9 (DF).

      A very unexpected LONG-BILLED CURLEW was near the HMSC Nature Trail 
on 1/10 (EH).  A ROCK SANDPIPER was a surprise at Nye Beach during the 
1/2 YBCBC, and two were at Seal Rocks on 1/11 (JG).  We get few 
observations from Olalla Reservoir north of Toledo, so a SPOTTED SANDPIPER 
there on 1/25 (CP) is of note.

      A possible SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER was with 14 LEAST SANDPIPERS at the 
Lincoln City Sewage Ponds on 1/12 (PP).  These sewage ponds often provide 
interesting birds, and PP reports that the manager politely asked that all 
birders ALWAYS check in at the office before birding there, so please 
respect this.

      Four GREATER YELLOWLEGS were along the north shore of Alsea Bay on 
1/3 (KM).  North Beaver Creek continued to be a haven for about 20 Greater 
Yellowlegs and some COMMON SNIPE on 1/29 (JH).  The peak snipe count was 
31 along south Beaver Creek on 1/3 (KM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.7                           GULLS-ALCIDS

      During PP's Boiler Bay seawatches, gulls were only abundant on 1/1, 
when 1,200+ GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, 800+ MEW GULLS, 800+ HERRING GULLS, and 
600+ WESTERN GULLS flew by, mostly northward (PP).  Similarly, few gulls 
were passing Yachats during KM's seawatches on 1/3, 9, & 17.

      On 1/4, 5, & 11; north Siletz Bay/Salishan Spit had about 900-1,200 
HERRING GULLS, 200-400 THAYER'S GULLS, 50-400 GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, 10-80 
WESTERN GULLS, 20-150 MEW GULLS, and 10-50 CALIFORNIA GULLS (PP).  There 
appeared to be 2,000 or more total gulls there during this time (PP).  The 
Herring and Thayer's gulls were usually together in 1-3 concentrated 
flocks (PP).  PP did not see many feeding in or near the bay, so they may 
have been driven onshore during storms.

      1-2 GLAUCOUS GULLS were often reported in a variety of locations.  
Probable GLAUCOUS-WINGED X HERRING GULLS included an adult at the Lincoln 
City Sewage Ponds on 1/13 and a third-winter bird at D River Wayside on 
1/25; a second-winter, probable GLAUCOUS X GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL was at the 
D River Wayside on 1/16 (PP).

      1-2 BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES were at Yachats on 12/26 (KM), a Seal 
Rocks beach on 1/11 (JG), and at Siletz Bay on 1/12 (PP); 115 adults flew 
south past Boiler Bay on 1/4--the only other seawatch with any was when 
one was recorded on 1/17 (PP).  Kittiwakes were missed during the 
1/2 YBCBC.  

      As reported in earlier newsletters, single COMMON MURRES in breeding 
plumage were noted at Boiler Bay starting on 11/26, and about 10-15% of 
them were in breeding plumage on 12/31 (PP).  Another in breeding plumage 
was at Yachats on 1/3 (KM).  Murres were noted during each Boiler Bay 
seawatch in January, with peak counts of 300+ and 800+ on 1/15 & 17, 
respectively--about half were in breeding plumage (PP).  So "a winter 
murre in breeding plumage doth not a Thick-billed Murre make."

      The only PIGEON GUILLEMOT this month was one in winter plumage at the 
YBSJ on 1/3 (KM).

      In January, 11 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were beached near Thiel Creek; 
previously, the only January's with more than three were 1983 (14) and 
1996 (13)(B&SLo, S&DB, LO).  This is a continuation of the extraordinary 
December mortality associated with the Blue Heather sinking (see above).  
None were seen live from shore.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.8                          PIGEON-SPARROWS

      The latest BAND-TAILED PIGEON was inland at Thornton Creek on 12/24 
(DF)--spring arrivals should not be far away.

      Four ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were at feeders during the 1/2 YBCBC.  
During the colder weather in mid-January, they became more active, and two 
males and two females were counted at once at RC's Wandemere feeder.

      The NORTHERN FLICKER with yellow-shafts lingered at Wandemere to at 
least 1/9 (RC), and a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER briefly visited D&BM's holly 
tree south of Waldport on 12/27.

      A TREE SWALLOW flying over the Log Pond near Highway 101 at Beaver 
Creek on 1/16 (DF) is very early.

      Large flock of AMERICAN ROBINS visited Tidewater the last week of 
January (BW)--they sometimes arrive en masse in January-February.

      Our largest concentration of VARIED THRUSHES was a flock of about 
25 near Lint Slough (Alsea Bay) on 1/2 (SaL & KH); they seemed to be 
increasing in numbers at Yachats in mid-January (BB).  A TOWNSEND'S 
WARBLER dropped in at BB's Yachats feeder daily in mid-month.

      The largest concentration of WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS this month was at 
D&BM's feeder south of Waldport where four adults and six subadults were 
regularly noted.  Our only SWAMP SPARROW called near the Lincoln City 
Sewage Ponds on 1/13 (PP).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.9                          LONGSPUR-SISKIN

      A LAPLAND LONGSPUR frequented the YBSJ during the 1/2 YBCBC, 
1/8 (CR), and 1/9 (SaL); and two SNOW BUNTINGS were discovered at the 
dunes near Yaquina Bay State Park during the 1/2 YBCBC.

      RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD flocks may be mobile or highly variable in their 
conspicuousness during winter--a flock of 200 was at RC's Wandemere feeder 
on 1/9, though they had been absent there since early December and a total 
of only 10 were found during the 1/2 YBCBC.

      Eight WESTERN MEADOWLARKS foraged near the Yaquina Bay LNG tank 
during the 1/2 YBCBC, and two were at the YBSJ on 1/8 (CR) & 1/17 (SaL).

      Huge flocks of 100+ PINE SISKINS were at BW's Tidewater feeder in 
late January, but such numbers have not been reported elsewhere yet.


      OBSERVERS.  Betty Bahn, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management 
(BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek, 
Darrel Faxon, Reid Freeman, Joel Geier, Jeff Harding, Eric Horvath, 
Karen Houston, Steve Kupillas, Sally Lockyear (SaL), 
Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, John & Linda Mackown, 
Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, 
Phil Pickering, Chris Romsos, Bryant Tarr, and Bunny Wright.


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00.10  BIRD FIELD NOTES from the February 2000 Sandpiper 21(2)
      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, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, Nute 
Slough=freshwater slough at about mile 9.3 along north Yaquina Bay Road, 
Ona Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge along HWY 
101, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, 
Thiel Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, 
Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along HWY 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay 
South Jetty.
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00.11                           BEACHED BIRDS

      In February, the only beached birds along 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel 
Creek were one NORTHERN FULMAR, two RHINOCEROS AUKLETS, and one COMMON 
MURRE (B&SLo, S&DB, LO).  It was a slow month for beached birds and also 
for live seabirds.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.12                            LOONS-EGRET

      At Boiler Bay, PPi had seawatches on 2/2, 2/22, and 2/29 that were 
0.5-1.5 hr long; the most abundant loon was the RED-THROATED LOON with a 
maximum of 35 on 2/22, but there was no strong flight in one direction.  
KM made 8-10 mid-day seawatches that were 5-min each at Yachats on 2/6, 
13, & 20; similarly to PPi, the few loons flying each day were not doing 
so strongly in any direction.  

      March is when YELLOW-BILLED LOONS are most frequently found, and CP 
discovered one in the channel of the YBSJ, north of the puddle where gulls 
roost, on 3/9.

      EARED GREBES lingered at Eckman Lake with two on 2/20 (AC & HH), the 
largest concentration was 12 at Sallys Bend on 2/20 (KM), and one was in 
breeding plumage at Sallys Bend on 2/21 (MC & PV).

      A CLARK'S GREBE visited Boiler Bay on 2/2 (PPi), and a tight flock of 
26 RED-NECKED GREBES at the southeast side of Sallys Bend on 2/20 was a 
very large concentration for them (KM).

      The only live tubenoses during PPi's seawatches were two SOOTY 
SHEARWATERS/SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATERS on 2/29; KM did not see any at 
Yachats.

      A BRANDT'S CORMORANT at Yaquina Bay on 1/23 had small white 
breeding plumes on its neck (KM).  Many seabirds start molting 
into breeding plumage long before breeding season.

      Our only GREAT EGRET was a singleton at Beaver Creek on 2/20 (AC & 
HH) and 2/21 (LO).
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00.13                             WATERFOWL

       On Jan. 5-6, the USFWS conducted its Winter Waterfowl Survey along 
the Oregon Coast, and the number of BLACK BRANT hit an all-time low (RL).  
As usual, they were overwintering only at Tillamook, Netarts, and Yaquina 
Bays, but only 110 were at Yaquina Bay (RL). The 2/18 YB&N field trip was 
graced with sunny weather, and MJ counted 104 Brant at Sallys Bend.  The 
21 Brant at Boiler Bay on 2/29 (PPi) were migrants.

      A flock of 24 NORTHERN PINTAILS flying south past Yachats on 1/23 
(KM) probably represents a local movement between coastal sites rather 
than migration.

      Our only OLDSQUAW was a female in lower Alsea Bay near the seawall on 
2/5 (NB & BN); they are more expected at Yaquina Bay.

      Eckman Lake wasn't bad for ducks on 2/6 with 55 GADWALL, 
50 RING-NECKED DUCKS, 29 GREEN-WINGED TEAL, 15 BUFFLEHEADS, and 1-2 SCAUP, 
COMMON GOLDENEYES, and one COMMON MERGANSER (KM).

      The marsh along HWY 20 just west of the Toledo Dairy Queen can be 
productive this time of year; on 2/11, BLl found about 45 Ring-necks and a 
male REDHEAD there.  Another productive freshwater marsh area is the 
Beaver Creek Valley, where AC & HH saw 12 Common Goldeneyes and other 
ducks on 2/20, and LO counted 106 Bufflehead and a pair of WOOD DUCKS on 
2/21.

      Scoters were not abundant at Boiler Bay on 2/2 & 22, but 
300+ WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS were mostly flying south on 2/29 (PPi).

      Pairing among ducks is to be expected during January and February, 
and a pair of HOODED MERGANSERS were at the lower pond of the Newport 
Reservoir on 2/14 (SG).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.14                        SHARP-SHINNED HAWK

      DM writes about his Jan. 17 observation at Seabrook Lane just south 
of Waldport: "A Sharp-shinned got my attention by the squawking of its 
prey, a European Starling.  As I turned to the noise, I saw the hawk lift 
out of the neighbor's yard, over a hedge and down to the pavement of the 
street.  Very soon, a neighbor's dog came to the street, seemingly curious 
about the noise.  Immediately the hawk let go of the starling and took 
off.  Apparently not injured, the starling took off in the other 
direction."

      Last year an immature Sharpie started frequenting RC's Wandemere 
home.  On 2/22, RC writes:  "It seems to go after bigger prey now than 
when it was younger; I have seen it chase a Varied Thrush and last month 
saw it kill a European Starling under the feeder.  It took about 
5 minutes to subdue the victim; I was impressed that it could take down 
and hang onto such robust prey.  The jays seem to be impressed also; they 
used to pester the Sharpie when it was a youngster.  No more!  Now when 
it comes into the yard the jays hide in the bushes along with the little 
birds!"
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.15                           OTHER RAPTORS

      A COOPER'S HAWK hunted Beaver Creek on 2/6 (KM) and 2/21 (MC & PV).

      A possible GOLDEN EAGLE was said to be at Beaver Creek in 
mid-February (fide LO), but it was not confirmed.  Immature Bald Eagles 
are sometimes mistaken for Golden Eagles, but Golden's do occur here 
rarely.

      Two WHITE-TAILED KITES at Nute Slough on 2/21 (MC & PV) are our first 
in several months.

       At the YBSJ, BT saw two PEREGRINE FALCONS interacting somewhat 
aggressively on 2/9--both appeared to be females, and, on 2/15, he saw a 
female of the Peali form that was a different bird from the two he had 
seen there the previous week.  One Peregrine flew over the Newport 
Bayfront on 2/16, scattering all the Rock Doves (SK); and another buzzed 
the doves at D River on 2/22 (PPi).

      The only AMERICAN KESTREL report was again for Yaquina Head where one 
was tallied during five days in January (BLM).

      A male NORTHERN HARRIER was at the YBSJ in early February (SM), and 
several others were also reported, but no one saw one with a patagial tag.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.16                            SHOREBIRDS

      The only BLACK OYSTERCATCHER flock of more than three birds was a 
flock of 10 at the mouth of the Yachats River on 2/6 at about noon (KM).

      Our only WILLET this winter walked along the shoreline at the Newport 
Bayfront on 2/16 (SM); 1-3 used to regularly winter across the bay between 
the HMSC docks.

      Four SPOTTED SANDPIPERS in Toledo by the Railroad Bridge over the 
Yaquina on 2/6 (PD) is a large number for winter.

      A COMMON SNIPE flew over Oregon Coast Aquarium on 2/15 (BLl), and 
another accompanied 10 GREATER YELLOWLEGS at Beaver Creek on 2/21 (LO), 
where both species often overwinter.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.17                           GULLS-ALCIDS

      A second winter GLAUCOUS GULL lingered at D River Wayside on 2/14 & 
22--on the latter date, it appeared to have a badly injured leg (PPi).

      On 2/1, a flock of 150 HERRING GULLS along with a few Western and 
California gulls was at the mouth of D River (PPi).  About 500+ Herring 
Gulls were flying south at Boiler Bay on 2/29 (PPi).

      One BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE joined the gull flock at the Yachats River 
mouth on 2/25 (SaL).  They were absent at Boiler Bay on 2/2, and 35 were 
counted (about 6/5-min) on 2/22, but, on 2/29, about 50/5-min were flying 
south during PPi's 1.5 hr seawatch plus there were two large compact 
flocks of about 100 and 300 flying south; about 80% were adults and about 
a third of the adults were in breeding plumage (PPi).  KM saw no 
kittiwakes during her 2/6 & 13 seawatches, and an average of only 0.2 per 
5-min during her 2/20 Yachats seawatches.

      For Boiler Bay seawatches, PPi did not see many gulls on 2/2 & 22, 
but did so on 2/29, when besides the 500+ Herring Gulls and 1,200+ 
kittiwakes already mentioned, he saw 300+ WESTERN GULLS, 
50+ GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS, 50+ CALIFORNIA GULLS, 50+ MEW GULLS, and 
10+ THAYER'S GULLS.  At  Yachats, KM found that Western Gulls were the 
most numerous gull on each day of her seawatches with averages per 5-min 
of 3 on 2/6, 6 on 2/13 and 21 on 2/20; Glaucous-wings were the next most 
abundant with 1/5-min on 2/6 & 2/13 and 4 per 5-min on 2/20.  It is 
unclear if differences between the Boiler Bay and Yachats seawatches 
represent different days of observation with 2/29 being an exceptional day 
or intrinsic differences between these locations that may be related to 
deeper water being closer to shore at Boiler Bay.

      On average, about 4 and 20 COMMON MURRES per 5-min flew by Boiler Bay 
on 2/2 & 22, respectively, and the average increased to about 28/5-min on 
2/29, when all were in breeding plumage (PPi).  At Yachats, KM saw no 
murres during her 2/6 & 13 seawatches, and an average of 9 per 
5-min during 2/20 seawatches.  So it appears that the number of murres 
increased sometime after 2/13 at both sites.

      A PIGEON GUILLEMOT in winter plumage visited Yaquina Bay on 1/31 (DD 
& RF) and the YBSJ on 2/21 (MC & PV); some in breeding plumage are 
overdue.

      1-2 MARBLED MURRELETS graced Boiler Bay on 2/2 & 29, and one 
ANCIENT MURRELET was there on 2/22 (PPi).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.18                         PIGEON-MARSH WREN

      1-2 BAND-TAILED PIGEONS visited J&KC's feeder four miles east of 
Waldport on 2/23 and BB's Yachats home on 2/28; they are not frequent 
until late March or April.

      The first spring RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD arrived at J&JG's Yachats home on 
2/10; subsequent first sightings for various other locations were four 
miles east of Waldport on 2/14 (J&KC), Waldport on 2/19 (RL), Toledo on 
2/26 (CP), Wandemere on 2/26 (RC), and Yachats on 2/28 (BB).  Because the 
earliest migrants often move around a lot, one might have been present 
momentarily a few days before it or another is first detected.

      Some ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS continued to winter, in spite of the arrival 
of the Rufous'.  A male Anna's chased off the first Rufous at Wandemere on 
2/26 (RC), and a female Anna's was still at BB's Yachats home on 2/28.

      A PILEATED WOODPECKER perched in cedars near D&BM's Waldport home and 
called on 2/2.  The NORTHERN FLICKER with yellow-shafts remained at 
Wandemere until at least 2/17 (RC).

      Our only swallows were at Beaver Creek with a few VIOLET-GREEN 
SWALLOWS on 2/21 (LO) and 2-12 TREE SWALLOWS on 2/21 (MC & PV) and 2/24 
(EH).

      An AMERICAN CROW with half of its upper mandible missing ate popcorn 
at the Alsea Bay public docks on 2/19 (SD).  Wonder how long it will 
remain there?

      Our only SCRUB JAY this winter was at a Lincoln City feeder on 2/27 
(EM), and our first reported BROWN CREEPER in months was east of Waldport 
on 2/24 (J&KC).

      Lovely to hear anytime, a WINTER WREN sang at SS's Neskowin 
(Tillamook Co.) home on 2/4, and a MARSH WREN sang at north Alsea Bay on 
2/6 (KM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.19                        DIPPER-PURPLE FINCH

      On 2/21, MC & PV noted AMERICAN DIPPERS; MC writes: "A reliable place 
to see dippers is along Fall Creek Road off Highway 34 (east of Waldport).  
This time we heard two dippers singing and managed to see one of them.  It 
was a real joy to hear the dippers' songs!"

      500+ EUROPEAN STARLINGS have been daily concentrating at dusk on the 
wires just west of the HMSC throughout February and later flying in 
several flocks north across the bay to a night roost (RB).

      MC & PV found 1-2 ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS at the mouth of Nute Slough 
on 2/21; these Orange-crowns are most apt to be overwintering birds, as 
spring migrants first appear in late March.  Single TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS 
were occasionally reported,  but the 5-6 at PD's Toledo home on 2/22 are 
the most.

      On 2/5, PS discovered a LINCOLN'S SPARROW, a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, 
and a bright SWAMP SPARROW in Toledo.  The only SAVANNAH SPARROW was at 
the LNG tank on 2/21 (MC & PV).

      Several forms of DARK-EYED JUNCOS can occur here, and 1-2 with 
pink-sides were at SS's Neskowin home on 1/8 & 2/13.

      WESTERN MEADOWLARK distribution this month was much greater than it 
has been recently.  Seven were at the HMSC on 2/14, with one singing on 
2/18 (RO); one perched in a pine and sang away at Makai near the mouth of 
Beaver Creek on 2/14 (PPa), six were near the LNG tank on 2/21 (MC & PV), 
and five remained at the YBSJ on 2/23 (EH).  1-2 were at Yaquina Head 
during January (BLM), where they have been most reported during recent 
winters.

      Three PURPLE FINCHES stopped for sunflower seeds at RC's Wandemere 
feeder on 2/22; some were also at D&BM's Waldport home in early February.  
A few vagabonds customarily overwinter, but most arrive in April.


      OBSERVERS.  Betty Bahn, Range Bayer, Neil Bjorklund, Sara & Don 
Brown, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural 
Area, Rebecca Cheek, Jorrie & Ken Ciotti, Alan Contreras, Marcia Cutler, 
Don DeWitt, Pat Dickey, Steve Dowlan, Reid Freeman, 
Janice & Jim Gerdemann, Steve Gobat, Hendrik Herlyn, Eric Horvath, 
Steve Kupillas, Roy Lowe, Miles Johnson, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), 
Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Sue Martin, 
Ed McVicker, Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Bruce Newhouse, 
Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Pam Parker (PPa), Chuck Philo, 
Phil Pickering (PPi), Shirley Schwartz, Paul Sullivan, Bryant Tarr, 
Paula Vanderheul.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
00.20  BIRD FIELD NOTES from the March 2000 Sandpiper 21(3)

      Comments in this column about abundance or seasonality refer to 
**LINCOLN COUNTY** only.

      Abbreviations and some Lincoln Co. site locations: Eckman Lake=lake 
just east of Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, 
Ona Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge along HWY 
101, Sallys Bend=large embayment east of the LNG tank at Yaquina Bay, 
Thiel Creek=creek about 3.5 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge, 
Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along HWY 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay 
South Jetty.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.21                           LOONS-EGRETS

      A rare YELLOW-BILLED LOON in winter plumage was in the channel of the 
YBSJ on 3/9 (CP); it was not found again.

      At Boiler Bay, PP had one morning seawatch of 0.5-1.5 hr each on 
3/15, 20, 23, & 28; at Yachats, KM made 8-9 mid-day seawatches that were 
5-min each on 3/5, 3/12, & 26.  The only one of their dates with a strong 
loon migration was 3/28 at Boiler Bay when 300+ RED-THROATED LOONS were 
mostly flying north during 1.5 hr (PP).

      An EARED GREBE graced Sallys Bend on 3/18 (RO).

      We had no reports of live tubenoses, but along 4.6 mi of beach near 
Thiel Creek, five NORTHERN FULMARS and one FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS 
washed ashore during March, starting on 3/19 (B&SLo, S&DB, LO).

      We have become fairly adept at spotting southerly migrating 
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS in fall, but northerly spring flights are not 
often noted.  However, several small flocks of 2-6 in an hour flew 
northward about a quarter mile inland at Lincoln City the evening of 3/16 
(PP), and a flock of about 40 flew northward in a "V" the morning of 3/31 
at Wandemere (RC).

      A pair of BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERONS flying at dusk over Lincoln City 
on 3/1 (PP) may be a first for the north county.

      One GREAT EGRET stalked Eckman Lake, and another was at McKinley 
Slough (Alsea Bay) on 3/4 (BW).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.22                       WATERFOWL-SHOREBIRDS

      BLACK BRANT numbers sometimes increase during spring migration, but 
high counts were only 115-118 at Sallys Bend on 3/5 & 3/26 (KM).

      A male REDHEAD was still in the pond along HWY 20 west of Toledo's 
Dairy Queen on 3/6 (BLl).

      The first northerly scoter flights were noticed at Yachats on 3/26, 
when KM counted an average of 48 scoter sp. flying north per min and at 
Boiler Bay on 3/28, when PP enumerated about 200 SURF SCOTERS per 1.5 hr 
(=11/5-min) that were mostly flying north--there were only 
15 WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS then.  Just one scoter (a White-winged) was 
beached at Thiel Creek in March (B&SLo, S&DB, LO); with their migration, 
the number of beached scoters may increase.

      BALD EAGLES are regulars along the coast (e.g., the BLM recorded 
1-3 during 15 days in March at Yaquina Head), but an adult at Logsden on 
3/3 is unusual (BLl).  An adult was also soaring together with a 
RED-TAILED HAWK over the Newport Bayfront on 3/21 (SK).

      Our first spring TURKEY VULTURE soared near Waldport on 3/14 (D&BM), 
and a pair of OSPREY was copulating at their nest in Eckman Lake on 
3/28-30 (EH).

      1-2 PEREGRINE FALCONS were often at Yaquina Head in February and 
March, and an AMERICAN KESTREL was also noted most days there (BLM).  We 
had many other coastal reports of Peregrines, but our only MERLIN blasted 
through Wandemere on 3/16 (RC).

      WESTERN SANDPIPERS must be migrating as their numbers increased to 
230 near Oregon Oyster (Yaquina Bay) on 3/26 (KM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.23                           JAEGER-ALCIDS

      PP viewed a light-phase adult POMARINE JAEGER on 3/28 at Boiler Bay.

      Gulls can be hard to distinguish, so GG and PP's Oregon Gull ID Web 
Page at http://www.teleport.com/~guide/gulls/index.htm is most welcome.

      A BONAPARTE'S GULL in nonbreeding plumage at Yaquina Head on 2/27 
(BLM) was probably a winter lingerer, like one at Yachats on 
3/12 (KM)--spring migrants usually start showing up in April.

      At Boiler Bay, the only strong gull migration was noted on 3/28, when 
PP counted about 300 MEW GULLS that were all flying north during 1.5 hr; 
at Yachats, there was no strong movements of any gulls on 
3/5, 12, or 26 (KM).

      At Yachats, an average of one BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES per 5-min 
seawatch was flying south on 3/12, and only five were spotted on 3/26 
(KM); in contrast, only one kittiwake was once recorded during PP's Boiler 
Bay seawatches.

      The spring's first CASPIAN TERN returned to Yaquina Bay on 3/26 (EH & 
MB).

      COMMON MURRES first landed and stayed all day on two of their Yaquina 
Head nesting islands on 2/26 (BLM).  The next day, they landed again, and 
a Bald Eagle took one of the murres (BLM).  At Boiler Bay, most of 
200+ murres during the 1.5 hr seawatch on 3/15 were flying south, and 
about 80% of the 1,000+ murres during the 1.5 hr seawatch on 3/28 were 
also flying south (PP).

      Our first PIGEON GUILLEMOTS in breeding plumage were at Yaquina Bay 
on 3/11 (DBa), and, at Boiler Bay, eight of nine PG's on 3/15 were flying 
south (PP).

      1-4 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS were recorded during each of PP's four Boiler 
Bay seawatches during 3/15-3/28.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.24                         DOVE-HUMMINGBIRDS

      CP discovered our first MOURNING DOVE calling a mile north off Siletz 
on 3/12.

      A NORTHERN PYGMY-OWL chasing a junco hit JC's window between Waldport 
and Tidewater on 3/6, but recovered after a few moments.

      A rare YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER graced CP's Toledo home on 3/21; it 
was distinguished from a Red-naped Sapsucker because it was not yet in 
adult plumage, and bird books indicate that Red-napeds are in breeding 
plumage by November.

      The NORTHERN FLICKER with yellow-shafts continued at Wandemere until 
at least 3/29 (RC).

      A possible male BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD showed up briefly at CP's 
Toledo home on 3/26.

      RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS have become abundant.  On 3/27, BW writes about 
them at her Tidewater home: "We have feeding frenzies in the evening with 
up to 14 of the beautiful little birds all trying to get their last 'bite' 
before bedtime.  They've been drinking two to a space at the feeder--like 
a swarm of feathered bees!"  There were eight at one of JC's feeders 
between Waldport and Tidewater on 3/25.

      ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS appear to be coming and going.  After being 
absent for three weeks at Wandemere, one sang on 3/17 but was gone the 
next day (RC).  One was still at J&JG's Yachats home on 3/31; J&JG write: 
"It seems the Anna's are staying longer this year and not letting the 
Rufous chase them away."
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.25                               CROWS

      Crows sometimes exhibit antics during breeding season; for example, 
in mid-March, SK observed a crow flying and then doing "very smoothly 
controlled barrel rolls every ten or twelve wingbeats" at the HMSC.

      RC has been learning about the crows at Wandemere and reports: "The 
resident crow pair and I seem to have reached a new level in our 
relationship--though they are still very aware and wary, after 2 years 
they finally seem to have decided that I'm no threat, and they approach 
closer than ever before and seem to mind less if I watch them.  Last year 
they were very careful not to let me know where they were nest-building.  
We spent 2 weeks playing games with each other--every time I saw one of 
them carrying a stick I would watch to see where the bird was going.  The 
crow would promptly perch somewhere in sight and sit till I got bored 
watching or looked away for a minute, and then it would vanish, or fly 
off in some random direction.  They proved to be more patient than me, 
and I never did figure out where the nest was. This year, both birds are 
hauling nest material into a flat-topped spruce about 100' east of our 
house.  They don't seem to care that I see them.  They are actively 
guarding the tree from aerial invasion--yesterday afternoon a Turkey 
Vulture happened to fly over the tree at low altitude and got 
dive-bombed.  The poor vulture was doing its best to get out of the way, 
but gliders just aren't quick at evasive action.    

      "Two years of watching these crows has taught me some things about 
them.  I've been interested to see that they maintain their territory 
year round--in 2 years they have been here every day.  There is a large 
crow flock that hangs out around Ona Beach in winter (and roosts 
somewhere in the woods in that area) so there are many other crows 
passing by here, often flying along the beach.  But other crows rarely 
stray into our yard or attempt to visit our feeders, yet the residents 
seldom resort to active attacks to enforce ownership.  They must be 
communicating vocally or visually to the passersby that this place is 
theirs.  The residents also keep their territory free from avian 
predators.  The sharpie is beneath their notice (too small, I suppose), 
but I've seen them chase Cooper's Hawks, Red-tails, Bald Eagles, Ravens 
and Turkey Vultures.  I might see more birds of prey if they didn't live 
here--but on the other hand I definitely see the ones that do show up 
because I hear the crows' racket!
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.26                           OTHER CORVIDS

      TB saw and heard a rare CLARK'S NUTCRACKER about 10 miles east of 
Logsden on 3/31--previous records were in fall.

      COMMON RAVENS are not common along most of the Lincoln County coast 
but are near D&BM's Waldport home, and in early March, DM remarked that 
"they attracted my attention with very loud cries from one of the dead 
cedars.  It sounded important, perhaps because the ravings of the ravens 
were echoed by calls of crows across the street.  I found the ravens 
harassing a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a cedar.  The ravens were brave 
enough to get in the hawk's face.  The crows were willing to add noise, 
but from a safer distance."
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.27                         KINGLET-GROSBEAK

      A RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET was an unexpected songster at CP's Toledo home 
on 3/23.

      VARIED THRUSHES still vocalized near J&JG's Yachats home on 3/31; 
they do nest along coast, even at low elevations if there are suitable old 
trees.

      There were two waves of AMERICAN ROBIN immigrants at Wandemere in 
mid-March (RC).

      In last month's Sandpiper, RB reported 500+ EUROPEAN STARLINGS 
concentrating near the HMSC at dusk before flying northward across the 
bay.  The saga continues--on 3/8, RC & WN went to dinner at Port Dock One 
(on the north side of the Newport bayfront).  RC comments: "As daylight 
began to fade we were amused by the flocks of starlings that circled 
overhead and swooped under the docks to roost.  At one point all the 
birds that had settled suddenly rushed out from under the dock and 
resumed circling.  We idly wondered what had spooked them, but it was a 
good 5 minutes before we noticed the reason--a Peregrine Falcon was 
perched on a piling at the end of the dock, about 40 feet from our 
window.  The falcon must have arrived in the flurry of activity, and we 
didn't notice!  Light was failing, so without any binocs we couldn't make 
out plumage details besides the helmet markings on the head, but the 
falcon appeared to be dusky brownish on the breast & quite dark overall.  
It remained perched for another 5 minutes while the starlings circled 
overhead; when a family admiring the sea lions lolling below came too 
close (15'!), the falcon departed over the top of the restaurant toward 
Newport.  It flew right past the sea-lion admirers, and they never saw 
it.  After several more minutes of nervous circling, the starlings 
funneled back to roost under the docks.  Great free show with dinner!"

      DARK-EYED JUNCOS co-exist peacefully in flocks during winter, but as 
spring comes, they become more intolerant.  At Wandemere, they started 
becoming more aggressive towards each other on about 2/24 (RC).

      Although a few WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS overwinter, the first migrants 
were singing at Newport on 3/21 (RB).

      On 3/11, DBa observed "two brilliantly yellow-breasted WESTERN 
MEADOWLARKS performing a duet of their liquidy songs like they thought 
they were in Eastern Oregon or something" on the cyclone fence near the 
HMSC entrance.

      A female BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD at RC's Wandemere feeder on 3/2 
probably overwintered as a few used to do in the past--spring migrants 
usually arrive in April.

      Although PINE SISKINS were abundant at BW's Tidewater feeder in late 
January, they were very rare this winter along the coast.  Only one all 
winter visited D&BM's Waldport feeder on 2/17, and the only two since last 
August at Wandemere arrived on 3/11 (RC).

      Our first EVENING GROSBEAKS arrived at JC's home between Waldport and 
Tidewater on 3/15.

      COMMENTS ABOUT LAST MONTH'S FIELD NOTES.   Feb. 29 was a great day 
for flying gulls at Boiler Bay, and PP comments: "2/29 was an exceptional 
day due to strong westerly winds the previous night and all that 
morning--I think the only such day in February.  It seems clear that such 
west winds may compress large numbers of ocean-going larus gulls near 
shore, as well as pelagic species.  While Boiler Bay may be the best 
place to view truly pelagic species such as Kittiwakes during such 
conditions due to the proximity of deep water, the larid flights I've 
observed seem to be following the shoreline fairly closely and have been 
noted at other locations."


      OBSERVERS.  David Bailey (DBa), Range Bayer, Mike Brazelton, 
Trent Bray, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at Yaquina 
Head Outstanding Natural Area, Rebecca Cheek, Jorrie Ciotti, 
Janice & Jim Gerdemann, Greg Gillson, Eric Horvath, Steve Kupillas, 
Bob Llewellyn (BLl), Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Kathy Merrifield, 
Dawson & Bobby Mohler, Walt Nelson, Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, 
Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Bunny Wright.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
00.28  BIRD FIELD NOTES from the April 2000 Sandpiper 21(4)

      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, Eckman Lake=lake just east of Waldport along HWY 34, HMSC=Hatfield 
Marine Science Center, Idaho Flats=large embayment just east of the HMSC, 
Ona Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi south of Yaquina Bay bridge along HWY 
101, 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, Tidewater=about 8 mi east of 
Waldport, Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona Beach along HWY 101, 
YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.29                           LOONS-GREBES

      At Boiler Bay during nine days throughout April, PPi made one 
seawatch each day in the morning before 10 AM; each lasted 0.5-2.5 hr.  At 
Yachats on 4/5, 16, 23 & 30, KM conducted 7-8 seawatches each day; each 
lasted 5-min, and seawatches were during 10 AM-3:15 PM.  Here, their 
flight rates are converted to birds/minute to be comparable.

      During Boiler Bay and Yachats seawatches, loon migration appeared to 
be greatest in mid-month, but rates were quite variable from day to day.  
At Boiler Bay, RED-THROATED LOONS were migrating last month and continued 
to do so in April at average rates of about 9/min on 4/5, about 1-2/min 
during 4/13-20, and less than 0.3/min thereafter (PPi).  PACIFIC LOON 
migration at Boiler Bay started in earnest on 4/13 (average of about 
30/min), but then their rates were variable the rest of the month and 
ranged from about 40/min during the 2.5 hr seawatch on 4/20 to less than 
1/min on 4/23 (PPi).  COMMON LOON rates were less than 0.5/min throughout 
the month (PPi).  At Yachats, loons were not usually identified to 
species, although most were Pacific Loons on at least 4/23 (KM); the 
average rate was less than 1/min on 4/5 and 4/30, and 3/min on 4/16 & 23 
(KM).  Few dead loons are found during spring migration, and only one 
Pacific Loon was beached along 4.6 mi of beach near Thiel Creek this April 
(B&SLo, S&DB, LO).

      At Boiler Bay, PPi noted a pair of EARED GREBES in breeding plumage 
swimming next to a pair of MARBLED MURRELETS on 4/5 and our only 
CLARK'S GREBE on 4/20.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.30                             TUBENOSES

      A dark ALBATROSS was seen from Boiler Bay on 4/20 (PP).  On 4/17 at 
Seal Rocks, DF saw many SHEARWATERS flying near shore, and PPi found 
SOOTY SHEARWATERS at Boiler Bay only on 4/20, 24, & 28.  Our only 
FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL seen from land was at Boiler Bay on 4/24 (PPi). 

      But tubenoses are more numerous offshore, and during the 4/29 Bird 
Guide pelagic trip from Newport, 116 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, 
two LAYSAN ALBATROSSES, one NORTHERN FULMAR, 1,317 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, 
three PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS, 67 FORK-TAILED STORM-PETRELS, and 
11 LEACH'S STORM-PETRELS were tallied (GG).  See the following address for 
all results and pelagic trip info: 
http://www.teleport.com/~guide/trips_01.htm

      The six dead NORTHERN FULMARS near Thiel Creek in April are more than 
the 1978-1998 average of 1.1 (maximum of 5)(B&SLo, S&DB, LO).  However, 
there were only two Sooty Shearwaters, no other tubenoses, and only eight 
other dead birds, so the increase in fulmars was not reflected in other 
species.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.31                    BROWN PELICAN-POSSIBLE IBIS

      Last year we only had one BROWN PELICAN sighting in April--this year 
they had a good showing with 1-3 at Boiler Bay on 4/14 (PPi), 4/16 (NP), 
and 4/17, 4/20, 4/23, & 4/24 (PPi); three were also at Yachats on 4/17 
(EH).

      The northerly flight of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS continued to 4/5, 
when about a total of 200 flew past Boiler Bay in several flocks (PPi).  
Our only GREAT EGRET flew south past Boiler Bay on 4/13 (PPi).

      On 4/13 at Wandemere, RC saw about 25 mystery birds; they may have 
been WHITE-FACED IBIS based on their being larger than Whimbrels and their 
downcurved bills, feet dangling past the tails in flight, shape, color, 
and flight pattern.  We have previous records of White-faced Ibis in May 
1988 and 1990.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.32                      ROSS' GOOSE-KING EIDER

      PPi detected a white-morph ROSS' GOOSE flying north with 
12 ALEUTIAN CANADA GEESE past Boiler Bay on 4/20; this may be the first 
for Lincoln County because according to correspondence with Steve 
Summers, the Lincoln County Ross' Goose record in the 1993 "Oregon County 
Checklists and Maps" was in error.  

      Aleutians are small Canada Geese and have made a big comeback to a 
current population of about 36,000 birds (DPi).  On 4/17, there were two 
sightings of what may have been Aleutians: two flocks with about 250 each 
flew over the surfline near Waldport (DF) and about 400 flew north near 
Yachats (EH).  On 4/18, DPi identified a flock of 120 migrating north over 
Otter Crest, and on 4/20, PPi saw a flock of 12 and of four flying past 
Boiler Bay.  A flock of 500 Canadas of unknown subspecies migrated north 
past Wandemere on 4/17, and another 100 passed on 4/18 (RC).

      The first goslings with a pair of WESTERN CANADA GEESE paraded near 
Eckman Lake on 4/19 (RL), and six GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GEESE were near 
42 Western Canada Geese at Bayview Pasture on 4/5 (KM).

      Our biggest count of BLACK BRANT was a flock of 250 at the YBSJ on 
4/11 (BH).

      At Boiler Bay, mostly SURF SCOTERS were migrating north throughout 
the month, although their rates varied greatly--PPi's peak counts were 
averages of about 17/min during 30 min on 4/13 and 40/min during 75 
minutes on 4/14; on other days, the average was 4/min or less.  At 
Yachats, scoters were not separated to species, and the average was only 
5/min on 4/23, although the peak rate during a seawatch was 24/min; the 
averages on the other three days were 1-2/min (KM).  The differences 
between sites may mostly reflect that the scoter movement was strong only 
on 4/13 & 14 because counts on other days were comparable.  None were 
found dead near Thiel Creek in April; few usually are beached during 
spring migration (B&SLo, S&DB, LO).

      A male OLDSQUAW flew with scoters past D River on 4/17 (PPi), and a 
pair resided at Boiler Bay on 4/17, 22, 24, 25, & 26 (PPi; DT & JW).  The 
high HARLEQUIN DUCK count was two pairs at Seal Rocks on 4/5 (SaL).

      A possible immature male KING EIDER migrated north with a flock of 20 
Pacific Loons past Boiler Bay on 4/20 (PPi).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.33                        RAPTORS-SHOREBIRDS

      An adult BALD EAGLE put on a good show for the fishermen at lower Big 
Creek (Newport) Reservoir on 4/3 (SG), and an immature was near Ona Beach 
on 4/12 (PPa).   Adults were also noted elsewhere.

      A COOPER'S HAWK caught a BAND-TAILED PIGEON on BB's Yachats feeder, 
ate one breast, and left, so BB tidied up the feeder by removing the rest.  
Later, the Cooper's returned twice, looking for it.  I wonder what it 
thought?  Another Cooper's was at Yaquina Bay on 4/15 (E&PH, JM).

      One WHITE-TAILED KITE visited the HMSC on 4/18 (RL) and Siletz Keys 
on 4/23 (PPi) & 4/29 (SR); none were noted in March.  A MERLIN foraged at 
Lincoln City on 4/3 (PPi), YBSJ on 4/13 (BH), and at Sandpiper Village 
north of Waldport on 4/22 (JS).  There were several Peregrine Falcon 
sightings.

      Our only rail was a VIRGINIA RAIL singing at a marsh just south of 
Waldport on 4/1 (JS); Soras should be around.

      A LONG-BILLED CURLEW at Idaho Flats on 4/15 (E&PH, JM) was 
unexpected.  WHIMBREL migration was first noted at Idaho Flats with two on 
4/7 (RO); 69 were counted there on 4/22 (JS).

      One MARBLED GODWIT was detected at Idaho Flats on 4/7 (RO) & 4/22 
(JS), and our only LESSER YELLOWLEGS was also there on 4/13 (BH).  A 
WESTERN SANDPIPER with a yellow band on its right leg was at Yaquina Bay 
on 4/22 (DT & JW), and our only RED KNOTS were three at Siletz Bay on 4/29 
(TJ, DPh, & SR).

      50+ RED-NECKED PHALAROPES at Boiler Bay are the first of the season 
(PPi), and 83 RED PHALAROPES were recorded during the 4/29 pelagic trip 
(GG).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.34                           JAEGER-SWIFTS

      PPi espied an unknown JAEGER at Boiler Bay on 4/20, but, offshore, a 
PARASITIC JAEGER and two POMARINE JAEGERS were located during the 4/29 
pelagic trip (GG).

      23 BONAPARTE'S GULLS in breeding plumage at Boiler Bay on 4/3 (PPi) 
were our first of spring and the THAYER'S GULL at D River on 4/28 (PPi) 
our latest.

      No strong gull migration was noted during KM's Yachats or PPi's 
Boiler Bay seawatches, but about 20 CALIFORNIA GULLS per minute were 
flying north on 4/4 at D River during a half hour ending at 6 PM (PPi).  

      In spite of good observation effort for gulls by KM and PPi 
throughout the month, the only BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKE reports were one at 
Siletz Bay on 4/3 (PPi) and another at Yachats on 4/5 (KM); none were 
recorded during the 4/29 pelagic trip (GG).

      Two COMMON TERNS graced Boiler Bay on 4/28 (PPi), and two presumably 
ARCTIC TERNS were seen during the 4/29 pelagic (GG); Caspian Terns were 
widely observed.

      The only CASSIN'S AUKLET seen from shore was at Boiler Bay on 4/14 
(PPi), but 33 were counted during the 4/29 pelagic (GG).

      1-16 RHINOCEROS AUKLETS and 2-26 MARBLED MURRELETS were at Boiler Bay 
during 8 of PPi's 9 morning seawatches; all 26 Marbleds were flying south 
on 4/14.  An ANCIENT MURRELET in breeding plumage lingered at Boiler Bay 
on 4/5 (PPi).

      COMMON MURRES in breeding plumage are now abundant, but only one 
subadult in nonbreeding plumage was detected at Boiler Bay on 4/20 (PPi).

      TUFTED PUFFINS have become hard to find here in recent years, but 1-2 
were flying past Boiler Bay on 4/17 and D River on 4/24 (PPi); in 
addition, JW saw one flying around Yaquina Head on 4/30 (fide DPe), where 
a few have nested but are usually only seen from a boat.

      A MOURNING DOVE was near Sallys Bend on 4/20 (J&LM), and our first 
VAUX'S SWIFTS (at least five) graced Eckman Lake on 4/22 (JS).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.35                        RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD

      It is great to have observations from many sites because sometimes 
what appears to be true at one site, may not be true at another.  This 
year, many RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRDS were at feeders over four miles inland 
near Tidewater in March (BW; JC), but south of Waldport along the coast, 
DM writes: "For most of this winter hummers have avoided my feeder.  But 
Rufous and ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRDS were often around in April because they 
were eager about the newly blooming quince, and, especially the red 
currant.  So I am convinced my feeder is repellant in their minds."

      Further, RC writes on 4/17 about Wandemere: "I reluctantly took down 
and put away the hummingbird feeders yesterday.  After last spring's 
swarms, I was expecting many, many hummingbirds again.  Instead, they 
missed us entirely.  The most I ever saw at once was two Rufous males.  
In considering the differences of this year vs last, I'm wondering if 
1999 was the exception.  If you recall, last spring stayed quite cold 
till later than average, and there was still freezing weather at higher 
elevations into May.  When the main '99 Rufous migration arrived in 
Lincoln Co. many native shrubs hadn't started blooming.  Possibly the 
birds followed a different migration route closer to the coast where the 
weather was a little warmer, so there were actually more birds than usual 
passing by this vicinity.  Or possibly there was the 'usual' number of 
birds in the area but they were all frequenting the feeders because there 
was so little natural food nearby.  This year your Lincoln Co. Field 
Notes indicate the birds were numerous in more inland/sheltered locations 
in late March; by that time there were willows and red currants and 
salmonberry blooming here, but I think the plants were delayed relative 
to peak bloom time of the same species just a little further inland 
(proximity to the cold ocean).  So, does the migration shift coastward in 
cold springs and landward in more moderate years?"
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.36                        KINGFISHER-SPARROWS

      A pair of BELTED KINGFISHERS perched on a wire by the dirt cliff with 
burrows at SE Fogarty Creek in Newport on 4/11--last year only European 
Starlings appeared to nest in the burrows there (SK).

      4-5 DOWNY WOODPECKERS were noisily establishing their territories at 
Tidewater on 4/12 (BW).  The last sighting of the NORTHERN FLICKER with 
yellow-shafts at Wandemere was on 4/3 (RC).

      Our first PURPLE MARTIN, a male, arrived at the Kernville (Siletz 
Bay) nest boxes on 4/14 (PPi); the first at the HMSC was reported on 4/20 
(RO).

      DF saw the first migrant BARN SWALLOW at Thornton Creek on 4/5, but 
then they were absent there the rest of the month.  We had a few sightings 
elsewhere, but it is unclear if they are less abundant this year.

      While driving across the Yaquina Bay Bridge on 4/11, WH glimpsed what 
appeared to be a BANK SWALLOW--they have become very rare here.

      A HERMIT THRUSH sang at SS's home near Neskowin (Tillamook Co.) on 
4/15, and our only AMERICAN PIPITS were five at Boiler Bay on 4/20 (PPi).

      Our latest TOWNSEND'S WARBLERS were at Tidewater on 4/3 (BW) and 
Newport on 4/6 (PR); the first WILSON'S WARBLER was south of Waldport on 
4/6 (D&BM).

      DF found a SWAMP SPARROW about 2/3 into breeding plumage behind the 
Toledo Gas for Less service station on 4/2.  The first CHIPPING SPARROW 
was at DF's Thornton Creek home on 4/5, and another was at CP's Toledo 
home on 4/11.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.37                         COWBIRD-GOLDFINCH

      EH spotted our first migrant BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD at his South Beach 
home on 4/1.

      PINE SISKINS continued to be common at Tidewater on 4/18 (BW) and 
JC's home four miles east of Waldport on 4/28, but were only occasional at 
CP's Toledo home.  Along the coast, they continued to be absent south of 
Waldport (D&BM) and at Wandamere (RC).

      Probable immigrant PURPLE FINCHES arrived at Tidewater on 4/5 (BW), 
and our first migrant AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES also arrived there on 4/12 
(BW).


      OBSERVERS.  Betty Bahn, Sara & Don Brown, Rebecca Cheek, 
Jorrie Ciotti, Darrel Faxon, Greg Gillson, Steve Gobat, Bob Hancy, 
Wayne Hoffman, Eric Horvath, Phoebe Horvath, Tim Janzen, Steve Kupillas, 
Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, 
John & Linda Mackown, Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler, 
Robert Olson, Laimons Osis, Pam Parker (PPa), Diane Pettey (DPe), 
Chuck Philo, Darelene Philpott (DPh), Phil Pickering (PPi), 
Dave Pitkin (DPi), Naomi Price, Paul Reed, Skip Russell, Shirley Schwartz, 
Jamie Simmons, Dave Tracy,  Jennifer Weiss, Julia Williamson, 
Bunny Wright.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
00.38        BIRD FIELD NOTES from the May 2000 Sandpiper 21(5)

     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, HMSC=Hatfield Marine Science Center, 
HY=hatch-year (bird that hatched in 2000), Idaho Flats=large embayment 
just east of the HMSC, Idaho Slough=freshwater slough south of Idaho Point 
Road at the SW corner of Idaho Flats, Ona Beach=State Park about 6.6 mi 
south of Yaquina Bay bridge along HWY 101, 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, 
Tidewater=about 8 mi east of Waldport, Wandemere=about 0.5 mi north of Ona 
Beach along HWY 101, YBSJ=Yaquina Bay South Jetty.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.39                        LOONS-CLARK'S GREBE

      At Boiler Bay during six days from 5/3-5/30, PP made one seawatch 
each day in the morning, usually before 10 AM; each lasted 45-120 minutes.  
At Yachats on 5/7, 14, 21, & 29, KM conducted 8-11 seawatches each day; 
each lasted 5-min, and seawatches were during 11 AM-4:30 PM.  Here, their 
flight rates are converted to birds/minute for comparison.

      At Boiler Bay, PACIFIC LOON average flight rates were greatest on 5/8 
with 15 loons/min but also averaged 4-8/min during 5/3-25 (PP); 
RED-THROATED LOONS averaged only 1-2/min or less, and just 0-15 
COMMON LOONS were found (PP).  At Yachats, the average total loon rate was 
greater than 1/min only on 5/7, when it was 3/min (KM).  A subadult 
COMMON LOON lingered at Yaquina Bay on 5/30 (EH)--some nonbreeders occur 
in summer.

      A CLARK'S GREBE was at Sallys Bend on 5/12 (PS, BB, & DF) and Yaquina 
Bay on 5/14 (GG).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.40                             TUBENOSES

      At Boiler Bay, Sooty Shearwaters flying either north or south were 
noted during every seawatch with a peak average rate of 33/min on 5/5; 
1-2 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS were counted on 5/3 & 5, and one 
FORK-TAILED STORM-PETREL was observed on 5/10 (PP).  A possible 
MANX SHEARWATER at Boiler Bay on 5/3 (PP) is a rarity.

      Bird Guide had pelagic trips out of Newport on 5/7, 14, & 21.  See 
the following address for all results and pelagic trip info: 
http://www.teleport.com/~guide/trips_01.htm.  They had 1-7 LAYSAN 
ALBATROSSES and 1-4 PINK-FOOTED SHEARWATERS on 5/7 & 21, a NORTHERN FULMAR 
on 5/14, 1-2 BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSSES, 35-150 SOOTY SHEARWATERS, and 
1-3 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels during 5/7 & 14 trips on each trip (GG).  
The 5/21 pelagic was exceptional with 250 Black-footed Albatrosses, 
250 Sooty Shearwaters, and 110 Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (GG).

      Dead, beached birds along 4.6 miles of beach near Thiel Creek in May 
included a Black-footed Albatross, four Northern Fulmars, two Sooty 
Shearwaters, a Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, and an unidentified tubenose 
(B&SLo, S&DB, LO); the four fulmars tides the record high for May since 
1977 (BLo).  Along a Newport beach during 4/26-6/2, there were also a 
Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, 12 Northern Fulmars, and seven Sooty Shearwaters 
(NH & CF).  Since so few fulmars were seen live, it seems surprising that 
more than usual were found dead.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.41                           PELICAN-IBIS

      In addition to those reported last month, as many as six BROWN 
PELICANS were recorded at Yaquina Head during four days during 4/14-19 
(BLM).  In May, 1-3 were at Boiler Bay and at Cape Foulweather on 5/4 
(TJ), Boiler Bay on 5/10 (PP), Yachats on 5/14 (KM), near Seal Rocks on 
5/15 (LO), the 5/21 pelagic (GG), Boiler Bay on 5/25 (PP), and Yachats on 
5/29 (KM).

      A northerly flight of 23 DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS past Boiler Bay 
on 5/1 (PP) is late.

      A GREAT EGRET lingered at Beaver Creek until at least 5/15 (LO)--
could they be nesting?

      As reported last month, some possible WHITE-FACED IBIS were glimpsed 
on 4/13.  This month they were positively identified on 5/21, when 
45-65 flew north over the Yaquina Bay Bridge (GG), and a flock of 12 flew 
south during PP's 5/25 seawatch.  They are rare here, but many were also 
reported elsewhere this month in western Oregon.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.42                             WATERFOWL

      In recent years, there has been a northerly flight of large (Western) 
CANADA GEESE in late May; most reports had less than 50 geese.  This year 
this flight was first detected on 5/13 at Cape Meares (Tillamook Co.)(EN), 
and many flocks of 60 or fewer were reported along the Lincoln County 
coast during 5/17-5/29 (RL; RB; PP; FR; KM).  Many nest at Alsea Bay, but 
a pair with seven goslings at Olalla Lake northeast of Toledo on 5/20 may 
be the first nesting record there (J&PL).

      Two small white geese that were presumably SNOW GEESE, which are rare 
here in spring, accompanied the flock of Canadas on 5/22 at Newport (RB).  
A GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE dropped out and rested near the Yaquina Head 
Lighthouse on 5/27 (NH & CF).

      Our latest northerly flight of BLACK BRANT was a flock of about 30 
near Wandemere on 5/18 (B&SLo); others were at Idaho Flats (2) on 5/21 
(JS) and the Yaquina North Jetty (9) on 5/30 (EH).  Molting nonbreeders 
are occasional during summer.

      2-11 WOOD DUCKS were often feeding on the lawn at the Big Creek 
(Newport) Reservoir park during early May, with the most seen earlier in 
the morning (e.g., 6 AM)(SG).

      HARLEQUIN DUCKS are regularly at Seal Rocks and the YBSJ, but a pair 
inside Siletz Bay by Salishan Spit on 5/4-10 and a single male during 
5/11-14 (D&BMr) is very unusual.  Perhaps, they're nesting this year up 
the Siletz River?

      The latest OLDSQUAW flew with a mixed flock of scoters and Brant past 
Boiler Bay on 5/8 (PP).

      Scoters that were mostly SURF SCOTERS migrated north, with average 
rates of 2-4/min only during PP's 5/5, 5/8, &  5/25 Boiler Bay seawatches.  
Similarly, an average of as many as 2-3 total scoters per minute flew 
north past Yachats on 5/14 & 21 (KM).  On 5/7, KM saw one flock of 60 
WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS fly south past Yachats--she has also seen this in 
previous springs and early summers.

      A male and two female HOODED MERGANSERS at Idaho Slough on 5/30 (EH) 
may be nesting.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.43                              RAPTORS

      OSPREY have become regulars in spring and summer.  On 5/6, CP watched 
one hovering over the Yaquina River near Toledo; it dove and caught a fish 
in each talon (probably Surf Smelt) and carried the still wriggling fish 
off head-first in typical Osprey-fashion!  On 5/20, one hunted at Olalla 
Lake (J&PL).

      BALD EAGLES were regularly noted with a high count of five of unknown 
age circling above Oregon Coast Aquarium one day in late May (BLl).

      A WHITE-TAILED KITE was at Yaquina Bay near Nute Slough on 5/12 (PS, 
BB, & DF), near the YBSJ on 5/14 and the last week in May (DO), and at 
Poole Slough (Yaquina Bay) on 5/30 (EH).

      NORTHERN HARRIERS were only at the HMSC, with a male on 5/21 (JS) and 
a brown female or immature male on 5/23 (MW & PR).

      A COOPER'S HAWK perched on a fence about 25 ft from RO at his Newport 
home on 5/3, and RC's resident SHARP-SHINNED HAWK continued at Wandemere 
in early May.

      Our latest PEREGRINE FALCON was near the Yaquina Bay Bridge on 5/22 
(DMe) and at the mouth of D River on 5/24 (PP).  Our latest AMERICAN 
KESTREL was at Yaquina Head on 4/3 (BLM).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.44                         CRANES-SHOREBIRDS

      We had several reports of possible SANDHILL CRANES.  A singleton flew 
over Fox Creek near Seal Rocks on about 5/5 (MN), and eight flew over 
Newport on 5/16 (SG).

      50+ WHIMBRELS promenaded at Mooloch Beach north of Yaquina Head on 
5/14 (J&AD), and 30 remained at Idaho Flats on 5/30 (EH), where about that 
number often oversummer as nonbreeders.  On 5/13, unexpected Whimbrel 
sightings included four on the Waldport High School football field and 25 
on the Salishan Golf Course (WH).

      One LONG-BILLED CURLEW was observed at a Lincoln City ocean beach on 
5/2 (PP) and at Idaho Flats on 5/28 (DF) & 5/30 (EH).

      Departing shorebirds included three WANDERING TATTLERS at Seal Rocks 
on 5/13 (BC & RG), a WILLET at Idaho Flats on 5/28 (DF), and a 
GREATER YELLOWLEGS at Idaho Flats on 5/30 (EH).

      RED PHALAROPES were very abundant from 15 to at least 35 miles 
offshore during the 5/21 pelagic (GG); they have not been abundant onshore 
for several years.  But many RED-NECKED PHALAROPES passed Boiler Bay with 
an average of 33/min on 5/3 and averages of 5-7/min on 5/5 & 5/8 (PP).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.45                          JAEGERS-ALCIDS

      One unidentified JAEGER was located during PP's 5/5 Boiler Bay 
seawatch, and a POMARINE JAEGER graced his 5/10 seawatch.  Offshore, three 
LONG-TAILED JAEGERS and five PARASITIC JAEGERS were detected only during 
the 5/21 pelagic (GG).

      An adult FRANKLIN'S GULL in breeding plumage was 16 miles off Yaquina 
Head on 5/7, but SABINE'S GULLS (13) were only found during the 5/21 
pelagic (GG).

      At Boiler Bay, CALIFORNIA GULLS were not abundant during PP's six 
morning seawatches, but averaged 17/min during his afternoon seawatch on 
5/23--almost all were immatures.  At Yachats, many immature Californias 
also flew north during KM's seawatches on 5/14, 21, & 29 at an average of 
about 1/min.  Flocks of immatures also moved north past D River the 
afternoon of 5/24 (PP).

      Departing gulls included THAYER'S GULL (5/3), GLAUCOUS GULL (5/8), 
and HERRING GULL (5/8) at the D River mouth (PP).

      University of Washington researchers are again studying COMMON MURRES 
at Yaquina Head this summer; this is the second summer for NH, and she is 
joined by CF.  In recent years, Bald Eagles have started preying on adult 
murres there, and this May NH & CF observed eagles kill 28 murres.  The 
first hatchling murre appeared on June 1 (NH & CF).

      At Boiler Bay, PP regularly saw RHINOCEROS AUKLETS, with a peak count 
of 176 on 5/25, but he only spotted one CASSIN'S AUKLET during his 
seawatches on 5/8.  Similarly, 4-29 Rhinos were noted each pelagic trip, 
but Cassin's (4) were found only on the 5/21 pelagic (GG).  Given the 
rarity of live Cassin's, it is unexpected that a dead one was found near 
Thiel Creek in mid-May (B&SLo, S&DB, LO).

      Our only TUFTED PUFFIN passed Boiler Bay on 5/5 (PP).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.46                              WEATHER

      Early May was brisk--the morning of 5/6, it was 29 F at SS's Neskowin 
(Tillamook Co.) home and 32 F at CP's Toledo home!  It is unclear if this 
affected land birds.
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.47                           DOVE-CORVIDS

      One MOURNING DOVE was near Nute Slough (Yaquina Bay) on 5/12 (PS, 
BB, & DF), at Wandemere on 5/13 (RC), and at Tidewater along with 
BAND-TAILED PIGEONS on 5/28 (BW).

      Our first BARN OWL in several months was at a Beaver Creek barn on 
5/12 (PS, BB, & DF).

      A female ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD remained at Wandemere on 5/15 (RC), and 
some were also at SK's Newport home in late May.

      A PILEATED WOODPECKER at Seal Rocks in early May (JT) and at BW's 
Tidewater home on 5/28 is unusual for the coast because most are reported 
in fall.

      Last May we had many records of WESTERN SCRUB-JAYS, but the only one 
this May was at Wandemere on 5/15 (RC), where the first HY STELLER'S JAY 
appeared on 5/28 (RC).

      The AMERICAN CROW saga continues at Wandemere; on 5/15, RC writes: 
"They abandoned the nest site where they were first building in favor of 
an unknown location.  I suspect they are incubating, since for the past 
couple of weeks only one bird, usually the male, is at the feeder in the 
morning.  Recently a hot competition has developed between the crow and 
the boldest of the European Starlings to see who gets to the crow treats 
(bread and cat chow) first.  This particular starling is an accomplished 
mimic and recently started doing a very passable Steller's Jay scold 
call.  So now when the crow chases the starling off the feeder, the 
starling sits a few feet away and scolds the crow in jay talk.  The 
starling not only is correctly rendering the call of another species, but 
is using it in the same context as a jay would.  Is that amazing or 
what?" 
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.48                         ARRIVALS-SPARROWS

      Arriving birds include BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK at Beaver Creek 
on 5/1 (LO); WESTERN KINGBIRD east of Siletz Bay on 5/4 (TJ), 
MACGILLIVRAY'S WARBLER at Beaver Creek on 5/13 (LO), SWAINSON'S THRUSH 
heard at the HMSC on 5/15 (DMe), and a CEDAR WAXWING at Beaver Creek on 
5/15 (LO).

      Two WRENTITS were busy feeding a BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD chick in 
South Beach on 5/30 (EH).

      Two AMERICAN PIPITS persisted at Boiler Bay on 5/1 (PP).

      On 5/30, two fledgling EUROPEAN STARLINGS appeared at RC's Wandemere 
feeder; RC writes: "One was so inexperienced that it was begging from 
anything black or bigger than itself, which besides every adult starling 
in sight included a Steller's Jay, a Band-tailed Pigeon, an adult male 
Red-winged Blackbird, and a dark HY Red-winged Blackbird, who responded 
to the starling's fluttering begging display with fluttering and begging 
of its own!"

      DARK-EYED JUNCOS are only winter residents at many coastal 
locations, but they also breed at many sites; two were heard singing 
north of Wandemere on 5/21 (JS).  

      GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS were very vocal as usual in early May before 
they departed, with our last record near Waldport on 5/12 (D&BMo).  The 
first HY SONG SPARROW was at Beaver Creek on 4/30 (LO).
*      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *      *     *

00.49                     GRACKLE-EVENING GROSBEAK

      A well-described mystery bird that fit the description of a female 
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE was six miles south of Yachats in coastal Lane 
County on 5/7 (RLa), and perhaps the same bird was studied and 
identified as a female Great-tailed Grackle at Wandemere the morning 
of 5/8 (RC)--this is the first record for Lincoln County.

      A BULLOCK'S ORIOLE was at Thornton Creek on 5/12 (DF), and a possible 
Bullock's was at the HMSC in mid-May (SK).  PINE SISKINS continued to 
frequent Tidewater area feeders on 5/3 (JC) and 5/8 (BW).

      EVENING GROSBEAKS were reported at Beaver Creek on 5/3 (LO) and as 
many as 24 were counted in the Waldport area on 5/3 (JC) and 5/13 (SaL).


      OBSERVERS.  Range Bayer, Barb Bellin, Sara & Don Brown, Bureau of 
Land Management (BLM) at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, 
Rebecca Cheek, Jorrie Ciotti, Barbara Combs, Jim & Annetta Dunlap, 
Darrel Faxon, Colin French, Robin Gage, Greg Gillson, Steve Gobat, 
Nathalie Hamel, Wayne Hoffman, Eric Horvath, Tim Janzen, Steve Kupillas, 
Renee LaChance, Janet & Phil Lamberson, Bob Llewellyn (BLl), 
Sally Lockyear (SaL), Bob & Shirley (SLo) Loeffel, Roy Lowe, 
Dave Mellinger (DMe), Kathy Merrifield, Dawson & Bobby Mohler (D&BMo), 
Dona & Bob Morris (D&BMr), Eric Nelson, Michael Noack, Robert Olson, 
Dane Osis, Laimons Osis, Chuck Philo, Phil Pickering, Fran Recht, 
Paul Reno, Shirley Schwartz, Jamie Simmons, Paul Sullivan, Jim Thielen, 
Margo Whipple, and Bunny Wright.
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