Vol 53, 2001 - Northern State University

I .SOUTH DAKOTA IORNITHOLOGISTS'UNIONSOUTH:1:\ DAKOTAB I RD NO T E SVOL. 53 MARCH 2001 NO.1

~~PRESIDENT'S PAGEBirders have two main tools,field guides and binoculars. Over theyears, I've watched both change andimprove. Today we have fieldguides, both electronic and written.The electronic guides have the advantageof providing both audio andvisual material, but are difficult totake into the field. The written fieldguides have less text, and includemore plates and plumages. They arebetter than ever for identifying birds,but I do miss qualities of the olderguides.The first field guide in mypocket was Roger Tory Peterson'ssecond revised and enlarged edition,copyright 1947, A Field Guide ToThe Birds. My copy is wrinkled fromwater as a result of dropping frommy pocket as I jumped across creeksand the binding is torn and patchedfrom countless referals. The technology at the time this guide was written madecolor plates on every page of the book cost prohibitive. The book contains 230pages of text and 60 plates, many of which are black and white. Amazingly, Petersonwas able to cover the birds of eastern North America superbly; the bookeven has some advantages over newer field guides. In order to represent thebirds in just 60 plates, many species needed to be included on each plate. Sparrows,for example, have 14 species per page. By looking at just two pages of theguide, one can review all the sparrows of eastern North America. Beginningbirders today would appreciate this ease of comparison. The front and backcover includes silhouettes of common birds, illustrating the importance of shapeas a tool of identification-something missed by other guides. The real asset ofPeterson's 1947 guide is the text. When first learning birds, many times I wouldrefer to the text and Peterson's descriptions would cement the identification.Listen to this description of the Eastern Kingbird "Fieldmarks: When this largeblack and white flycatcher flies from one perch to another, the white band at thetip of its fanlike tail leaves no doubt as to its identity. It seems to fly on the 'tipof its wings'. The red crown-mark, emphasized in many color plates, is concealedand rarely noticed. Voice:-A rapid sputter of nervous bickering notes;also a nasal raspy dzeeb." Here is Short-eared Owl, "Field marks: Nearly thesize of a crow; a day-flying ground owl of the marshes and open country. Thestreaked buffy-brown color and irregular floppy flight, like that of a Nighthawkor a large moth, identify it. Large buffy wing-patches show in flight." I miss thatquality of text.For many years both of my hip pockets held guides. A Guide to Field Identi-SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 3 MARCH 2001

fication of Birds of North America written by Robbins, et aI., and published byGolden, was in one pocket. Its current condition is much the same as my PetersonGuide. Peterson's weakest point was range descriptions, for example, EasternKingbird "Range:-Breeds in rural country from Nova Scotia, s. Quebec,and Manitoba s. to Gulf of Mexico." For me this brevity leaves a lot of countryin question. The Golden guide added range maps and had the text and map besidethe plate. At a glance, one could determine if a species occurred in the area.Golden also added lines to the range maps, indicating how far north migratingbirds would be for each month of the spring, a good idea that has not been repeatedsince. The range maps were great, but it was necessary to limit the text tothe space available. "All" the birds of North America where covered by Golden,a very big plus to South Dakota birders, who must deal with both eastern andwestern birds. The biggest disadvantage to the Golden guide was the lack of aquick reference to the identifying field marks of a species. Peterson's guideshave arrows pointing to the field marks that identify a bird. This method ofidentifying birds is wonderful training. Field marks are the only way to identifybirds with assurance and are absolutely necessary in a rare bird report.In 1980, a fourth edition of Peterson's guide was released. This guide followedthe format of text and plate side by side. Large range maps were includedin the back of the book, making their use clumsy at best. The plates are some ofthe best ever drawn, but this format, unfortunately, limited the text to the spaceavailable. Still, the quality of the plates made this guide the best on the market.When I joined SDOU, I was introduced to National Geographic Society'sField Guide to the Birds of North America; it became my field guide of choice.The cover is wrinkled and its pages are spotted with coffee stains, the result ofits spending most of its time on the seat of my car. National Geographic's guideis larger, nearly twice the size of previous guides. Either due to its size or my notneeding field guide as often, I found that it was not going into the field as muchas my other guides. This guide included the best plates and more plumages thanany other book to date, with range maps similar to the Golden book. NationalGeographic's text is not as gripping as Peterson's, but it did cover field marks.During National Geographic's tenure, many other books dedicated to families ofbirds were written. These references are great and include more plumages thanever before. A single field guide was no longer enough. When going to birdwarblers, the warbler book went along, when birding gulls, a book on gulls wasin the car, etc.Today we have the National Audubon Society's The Sibley Guide to Birds.This guide is more comprehensive than its predecessors. As an example, Peterson'sguide had five illustrations of Red-tailed Hawks. The Sibley guide has 41illustration of that species, showing all recognizable subspecies. The quality ofSibley's plates is hard to beat. Sibley's text, in general, is very limited. Somequestion whether Sibley's guide is actually a "field" guide. Few pockets arelarge enough to accommodate this book. As a single reference to help with thattroubling bird that does not fit the descriptions in other guides, Sibley's bookcannot be beat.Would I go back to the field guides I started with? No, but I do miss the narrativethat described birds like no picture can. For the beginner I believe Peterson'snewest edition is still the best guide. It teaches identification through fieldmarks and does not overwhelm the way Sibley may. A birder may not be able toidentify all birds with this guide, but isn't that one of the first lessons of birding,lSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 4 MARCH 2001

that not every bird seen can be identified? When I first started birding, manysightings had to be "let go." Today we have the references to identify nearly everything.I suggest that a smaller quicker book be taken into the field, such as Peterson,with Sibley in the car beside a cup of coffee. Robb Schenck, 422 NorthLinwood Ct.,Sioux Falls, SD 57103,THRUSH AND WILSON'S WARBLER MIGRATION IN BROWNCOUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA, AND A 1999-2000 BANDINGREPORTDan TallmanNorthern State University, Aberdeen SD 57401Dave Swanson and his students suggest that Swainson's Thrushes and GraycheekedThrushes show a clockwise seasonal migration pattern, where the fallmigration route is shifted eastward relative to the spring (Carlisle 1998; Dean1999; Swanson, pers. com.). For example, in southeastern South Dakota, Swansonet al. banded 102 Swainson's Thrushes in the springs of 1996 and 1997, butonly four in the falls of those years. I looked at my banding data to see if thesame pattern is true for northeastern South Dakota. A bit to my surprise, althoughnot as strikingly as Dave, I found the same patterns in Aberdeen, SouthDakota (Table 1).Dave also found Wilson's Warblers to be more common in fall than inspring migration. For example, Swanson et al. banded 144 in fall, but only fourin spring, in two years of extensive banding (1996-1997) in a woodlot in ClayCounty. Dean et al. found a similar discrepancy in the Missouri River corridor inClay County. These data contrast with data from eastern Minnesota and westernWisconsin, where this species is about equally common in spring and fall(Winker et al. 1992; Weisbrod et al. 1993). These data suggest a westward shiftin fall migratory routes relative to spring, at least for eastern populations of Wilson'sWarbler.Summarizing the data in Table 1, and applying a standard t-Test to the data,I found Wilson's Warblers to be significantly more common in the fall thanspring (average 9.2 vs 1.4 (p= 0.00003)). Also, as Swanson suggested, Swainson'sThrushes were more common in the spring (average 39.8 vs. 25.8)-although this difference was statistically significant (p= 0.005), this pattern isoccasionally reversed, at least in Aberdeen. Gray-cheeked Thrushes were highlysignificantly (p= 0.0000001) more common in the spring than the fall (average 7vs. 0.6), and fall birds never outnumbered spring birds (although they were twiceequal). Interestingly, this pattern begins to break down for the other commonthrushes within the genus: Hermit Thrushes are more common in the fall thanspring (3.5 vs 2.2), but the difference is statistically weak (p=0.05) and, althoughVeeries are more common in the spring than fall (0.7 vs. 0.4), the difference isnot significantly different (p =0.12).Table 2 summarizes banding activities at my banding station in Aberdeenduring 1999 and 2000. Interesting records are bolded in the table. For example,in 2000 for the first time I bandedan AmericanCrow and 1999saw the firstWhite-eyed Vireo. On the other hand, 1999 was the year of the Ovenbird, withSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 5 MARCH 2001

- - ~1180 individuals banded and 2000 saw many more Purple Finches, with 133banded.IITable 1. Spring and fall banding data from Aberdeen South Dakota (1979-2000)for Wilson's Warblers (WIWA), Swainson's Thrushes (SWTH), Gray-cheekedThrushes (GCfH), Veeries (VEER), and Hermit Thrushes (HETH).springfallWIWA SWTH Gem VEER BETH WIWA SWTH Gem VEER HETH1979 2 3 0 0 01980 0 5 6 0 2 14 17 0 0 11981 5 16 4 0 0 27 13 0 0 01982 1 11 8 0 0 8 13 3 1 91983 1 42 16 0 5 1 12 0 0 01884 0 47 4 2 4 5 4 1 0 31985 1 30 9 0 0 18 41 1 1 21986 0 25 10 0 0 4 22 1 1 01987 1 61 8 1 0 6 23 0 0 71988 1 26 9 0 0 16 32 0 1 41989 0 55 6 0 1 7 30 2 1 21990 1 40 0 0 1 8 19 0 0 41991 1 13 2 0 2 19 49 0 1 151992 0 18 1 1 5 15 15 1 0 11993 2 9 0 0 0 3 16 0 0 11994 0 26 9 0 0 2 39 0 2 31995 3 54 12 3 2 15 28 0 0 31996 1 68 7 2 2 6 36 0 0 41997 0 83 7 4 2 4 35 1 0 31998 2 51 9 0 1 9 70 2 0 71999 8 68 10 2 13 6 28 0 0 42000 2 87 9 0 6av 1.4 39.8 7.0 0.7 2.2 9.2 25.8 0.6 0.4 3.5total 30 835 146 15 46 193 542 12 8 73SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 6 MARCH 2001

Tble 2. Bid banding in Aberdeen, 1999-2000. Species and numbers in boldpnnt are of mterest. The order of birds in the list is roughly from most to leastbanded and alphabetical.1999 2000 1999 2JDJDIO)Pine Siskin 741 275 WhIte-breastedNuthatch 6 3Slate-colored Junco 405 575 Yellow-shafted Flicker 6 5House Finch 267 169 Yellow Warbler 6 2Ovenbird 180 52 Blue Jay 5 6Ruby-crowned Kinglet 81 44 Fox Sparrow 5 4American Goldfinch 66 330Common Yellowthroat 4 3White-throated Sparrow 59 49 Blackpoll Warbler 3 0Black-and-White Warbler 54 5 Broad-winged Hawk 0 3Northern Waterthrush 54 4 Cedar Waxwing 0 3Swainson's Thrush 54 151 Eastern Phoebe 3 1American Robin 53 53 Tennessee Warbler 3 9Orange-crowned Warbler 52 64 Warbling Vireo 3 0Least Flycatcher 39 30 Brown-headed Cowbird 2 0House Wren 38 15 Harris's Sparrow 2 6Black-capped Chickadee 35 37 House Sparrow 2 5Red-breasted Nuthatch 32 19 Northern Saw-whet Owl 2 4Common Grackle 30 38 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 1American Tree Sparrow 0 29 Winter Wren 2 0Purple Finch 26 133 American Crow 0 1Chipping Sparrow 22 15 Bay-breasted Warbler 1 0Golden-crowned Kinglet 20 57Blue-headed Vireo 1 0Lincoln's Sparrow 19 19 Black-throated Blue Warbler 1 1Magnolia Warbler 18 17 Clay-colored Sparrow 1 5Brown Thrasher 17 3Chestnut-sided Warbler 1 5Hermit Thrush 17 7 Field Sparrow 1 0Gray Catbird 16 23 White-crowned Sparrow 1 0Red-eyed Vireo 14 1 Hairy Woodpecker 0 1Mourning Warbler 13 31 MacGillivray's Warbler 1 1Wilson's Warbler 13 12Marsh Wren 0 1Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 0 12 Nashville Warbler 1 2American Redstart 11 19Northern Cardinal 0 1Mourning Dove 10 2 Northern Shrike 1 1Brown Creeper 8 7 Red-winged Blackbird 1 1Downy Woodpecker 8 3 Scarlet Tanager 1 0Myrtle Warbler 8 8 Song Sparrow 1 0Common Redpoll 7 38 Spotted Towhee 1 1Gray-cheeked Thrush 7 13 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 0Oregon Junco 7 8 Veery 1 3Canada Warbler 6 11 White-eyed Vireo 1 0Traill's Flycatcher 6 24 White-winged Crossbill 1 0Total 2587 2431LiteratureCitedCarlisle, H. A. 198. Abunda.nce, diversity, and energetic condition of Neotropicalwoodand mIgrants dunng stopover in a geographically isolated farmsteadwoodlot m .s

L--: --..Dean, K. L. 1999. Stopover ecology of Neotropical migrant songbirds in ripariancorridors in the northern Great Plains. Ph.D. dissertation, University of SouthDakota, Vermillion.Winker, K., D. W. Warner, and A. R. Weisbrod. 1992. Migration of woodlandbirds at a fragmented inland stopover site. Wilson Bull. 104:580-598.Weisbrod, A. R., C. J. Burnett, J. G. Turner, and D. W. Warner. 1993. Migratingbirds at a stopover site in the Saint Croix River valley. Wilson Bul1.105:265-284.~GENERAL NOTESBLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER IN CODINGTON COUNTY. I saw a BluegrayGnatcatcher around noon on 30 August 1999 in a wooded area along a biketrail at Bramble Park Zoo in Codington County in Watertown, South Dakota.The Big Sioux River runs through the area, which contains mixed vegetation, talltrees and thick shrubbery. The day was partly cloudy, following a windy, wetstorm that drenched eastern areas of the state.I spotted a small, quick moving bird that was busy gleaning the undersidesof leaves for insects and was so involved with its task that I apparently went unnoticed.The bird was feeding in the company of Wilson's Warblers, OrangecrownedWarblers, American Redstarts, Tennessee Warblers, and NorthernWaterthrushes.The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher's underparts were white, its back blue-gray, andits eyed distinctly ringed. The tail was black above, with white outer edges. Thetail appeared elongated and the bird had it cocked over its back during the time Iobserved it. The bird was small (Ruby-crowned Kinglet-sized) with the quickmovements of a warbler. The bird's bill appeared to be long and thin (comparedto warblers'). The back parts of the wings showed a streak of white. Since noblack bordered the forehead, I assume the bird was a female. Jerry Stanford,1516 S Main Street, Aberdeen SD 57401.PILEATED WOODPECKER IN SICA HOLLOW STATE PARK. I observeda Pileated Woodpecker on 6 October 1999, a partly cloudy, showery dayat Sica Hollow State Park in northeastern South Dakota. I observed the bird fortwo to three minutes from distances as far away as 100 yards and as close as 100feet.I first observed this large woodpecker flying toward me from a distance. Itcontinued its approach and proceeded to land on a large leafless oak tree, lessthan a half block from me. The most distinguishing feature was the bird's size,next were white linings of its underwings. While the bird clung to a snag, I easilynoticed the red crest that contrasted with the black back. I assume that thebird was a female, as I did not notice a red patch on the lores, which appeared tobe all black.The bird landed on the oak and proceeded to linger for about a minute,probably searching for food. The bird circled the tree, allowing me to view theSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 8 MARCH 2001

ird from all sides and to approach more closely. Jerry Stanford, 1516 SouthMain Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401.AMERICAN GOLDFINCH AND COMMON GRACKLE BANDINGRECOVERIES. On 1 June 2000, I caught a male American Goldfinch in Aberdeen,South Dakota, that I immediately recognized as not one of my own-thebird was banded on the right rather than the left leg (1700-78684). I called theBird Banding Laboratory's new toll free number for reporting bands, 1-800-327-BAND. The goldfinch was banded on 12 February 1999 about 9 miles east ofMeade, in southwestern Kansas. According to the bander, Tom Flowers, the dayof banding was a big one, with 112 birds, mostly goldfinches, but also PineSiskins and a few Cedar Waxwings. Flowers' only other goldfinch recovery wasa bird he banded that was recovered in the Denver, Colorado, area. During thespringof 2000 I bandednearly 300 goldfinches,manymore than normal.Thisrecovery is atypical of other South Dakota recoveries for this species-no otheris west or southwest of the state. Flowers also e-mailedmethat.coincidentally.most of the Canada Goose recoveries in his area come from Waubay NationalWildlife Refuge.On 11 June 1996, I banded a Common Grackle at my home in Aberdeen.This bird was recovered in Holland, Michigan, on 18 July 2000. Although mostgrackles migrate southeast or northwest from South Dakota, this record is thesecond of a grackle recovered from Michigan; the first is of interest because ofthe short duration between banding and recovery (2 Sep 1939-21 Oct 1939).Other South Dakota-banded grackles have been recovered in Virginia andMaryland.An even more unexpected recovery was of a Common Grackle that I bandedon 8 August 1994, recovered in Vancouver, Washington, on 10 August 2000.Despite over 1100 banding recoveries of grackles for South Dakota during the1900's, this one is the first for the Pacific northwest (Washington, Oregon, orBritish Columbia). One reason for this lack of records may be that CommonGrackles are not expected to be found in the Pacific coast states. This record isonly the 7thfor Washington. On the other hand, some confusion exists since thefinder of the bird does not recollect reporting it. Dan Tallman, Northern StateUniversity,Aberdeen SD 57401.PURPLE GALLINULE: A FIRST FOR SOUTH DAKOTA. 22 May 1999started as a normal late spring day of birding. We left Madison at 6:00 AM andheaded towards Oakwood Lakes State Park. The plan was to bird OakwoodLakes in the morning and to drive to the Willow Lake area of South Dakota inthe afternoon. After seeing a couple of the later warbler migrants at Oakwood,we were off to Willow Lake. Our first stop was to be the heron rookery onHighway 25 north of Willow Lake. When we arrived we found the rookerylargely abandoned, with Double-crested Cormorants being the only noticeableoccupants. The large number of herons and egrets in the area made us believethat there must be a new rookery elsewhere in the vicinity. We decided to lookfor it by driving all the roads leading to Dry Lake Number 2. We caught sight ofthe new rookery and started on a road that appeared to head straight for the newlocation. We found this road blocked by water at 0.55 miles west of the intersectionof 430 Avenue and 187 Street, about 3/4 of a mile from the rookery. Westopped to take a look around.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 9 MARCH 2001

I was listening to an unusual sparrow call and asked Jeff what he thought,when I noticed his attention was elsewhere. I asked what he thought he had, buthe was quiet. He saw it again and let me know I had better get a look. Jeff's birdflew for approximately 30 meters and we saw an American Coot-shaped birdwith a purple cast, a multicolored bill and long bright yellow legs dangling frombehind, a Purple Gallinule. We knew what we had seen, but this sighting was nota good enough look to write a rare bird report. We needed to see it again in moredetail.The bird had flown into a stand of cattails approximately 10 to 15 meterswide by 150 meters long. We decided Jeff would enter the cattails from the northend and I would enter from the south and we would both walk toward the middle.Between the two of us, we would have a view in all directions and weshould be able to get a look at the gallinule without it getting around us. It was agood plan ... with the exception that we would both be soaking wet to the waist,smelling like slough water and, as it turned out, it didn't work!Plan B: we would playa tape of a Purple Gallinule as we walked along theshore, and hoped that the bird responded. Mer ten minutes of playing tapes, wesaw gallinule in the cattails, near the spot where it had first been seen. It came tothe edge of the cattails and we were able to see the light blue forehead shield andthe red and yellow bill. The purple neck and underparts were very apparent aswell as the bright yellow legs and feet. As we approached closer, it flew againand we saw the white rump feathers, which resembled a large white ball of cottonlacking any dark areas.We sat down in the car, turned on the engine and set the heat on full. Jefffound some paper and we began to write our field notes. Mter a half a hour, wetried again to find it, but to no avail.The end of our day was spent at the rookery, watching the egrets return forthe night. We caught sight of a Tricolored Heron, called it a day and began thedrive homePurple Gallinules are found in "extensive wetlands with still or slow-movingwater, lots of dense marsh cover and floating vegetation" (Lives of North AmericanBirds, Kaufman p.169). The Willow Lake area of South Dakota certainlymeets this description, with its current water levels. Sightings of Purple Gallinuleshave been reported from Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wyoming (SouthDakota Bird Notes 49(4): 97). Iowa has six reports, all in May, and seven additionalreports that lacked details (Birds in Iowa. Kent, Dinsmore p.135). Strayshave been known to reach as far north as Canada in any season. Gallinules alsosometimes cross the Atlantic and are one of the most frequent American wanderersto southern Mrica (Lives of North American Birds, Kaufman p.169). Withwater levels as high as they are, I believe we can expect to find this bird again inSouth Dakota. Jeffrey S. Palmer, 821 NW 5th Street, Madison 57041 and RobertF. Schenck, 422 N Linwood Ct., Sioux Falls 57103SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 10 MARCH 2001

~WISCONSIN'S FAVORITE BIRD HAUNTS. 2000. Daryl D. Tessen. TheWisconsin Society for Ornithology: De Pere, WI. Softcover. 532 pp. $30.00 (+$3.00 shipping).According to the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, this entirely updatedfourth edition of the classic bird-finding guide to Wisconsin features contributionsfrom birders throughout the state. Also included are locations in all Wisconsincounties, with 135 favorite haunts detailing more than 1,000 areas. Cleardirections are provided, as well as updated maps for each location, and a list ofthe 410 birds known from the state as of January 2000. Designed for durability,the book is printed on heavy-coated paper with a sturdy spiral binding, allowingthe book to lie flat when open.This book appears to be an outstanding state bird-finding text. The maps areclear, as is the accompanying text. A complete index includes both place andspecies names. The book contains 45 illustrations (15 in color), but these addlittle to the text's functionality. Most birders interested in the book will alreadyknow how to identify birds or will have a field guide.The coverage of the state appears complete. Thus any birder visiting Wisconsinwould do well to purchase a copy. The book is available from the WSOBookstore, % Don and Cristine Reel, 2022 Sherryl Lane, Waukesha, WI 53188,(262) 547-6128, dcreel@execpc.com. Dan Tallman, Northern State University,Aberdeen SD 57401.t~SEASONAL REPORTSThe 2000 Fall SeasonCompiler: Jeffrey S. Palmer01August2000to 30November2000College of Natural SciencesDakota State UniversityMadison, SD 57042The season was warm and dry through October, reminiscent of the mildconditions experienced during the 1998 and 1999 fall seasons. Perhaps related,passerine migration seemed (to me at least) to be relatively uneventful. Cold andsnow came early in November and continued through the period. For the season,301 species were reported. The average (1995-99) is 290. Highlights include twopotential first state records, a Crested Caracara in Bennett County and aHammond's Flycatcher in Pennington County. The second and third possiblestate records for Townsend's Warbler were reported from Custer and Penningtoncounties respectively. The hotspot of the season, Angostura Reservoir in FallRiver County, produced a Red-throated Loon, a Red-necked Grebe, a BlackleggedKittiwake, good numbers of Common Loons, concentrations of WesternGrebes, and several Clark's Grebes. Finally, in late August, the Jasper Fireburned 80,000+ acres in the Black Hills National Forest. As a result,will reportsSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 11 MARCH 2001

..of Black-backed Woodpeckers increase over the next several years?Below, I have tried to highlight the more significant sightings (dates that areearlier/later than listed in The Birds of South Dakota and species that are significantlyout of range). For early/late migration dates, I have listed the three earliest/latestdates (by county); however, if these did not include a sighting EastRiver, West River, and along the Missouri River, I have included the earliest/latestreported date in the missing region also. For shorebirds, I have included[in square brackets] the Latest Ever and/or the Average Last Departure(1994-1999) dates as a reference for comparison. Finally, included at the end is alist of species that were not reported this year but might be expected during theFall Season. A species is placed on the list if it was not reported this year but hadbeen reported during fall in at least 2 of the previous 5 years. Numbers in parenthesesindicate the number of consecutive years (up to 4) that the species hasappeared on the list during the season.Common Loon Early: 12 Aug Sully KM; 20 Aug Day WS; 21 Aug Stanley RDO; 14 Oct FallRiver RBA ... Late: 15 Nov Stanley RDO; 14 Nov Day WS; 09 Nov Perkins DCG ... also reported28 Oct Fall River (14) TJPied.billed Grebe Late: 22 Nov Hughes KM; 17 Nov Yankton SVS; 04 Nav Kingsbury JSP; 04Nov Charles Mix RM; 28 Oct Meade VDFHorned Grebe Early: 07 Oct Meade VDF; 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 10 Oct Hughes KM ... Late: 10Nov Sully KM; 04 Nov Kingsbury JSP; 04 Nov Charles Mix RM; 28 Oct Fall River RBARed.necked Grebe All Reports: 15 Oct Fall River JLB; 14 Oct Fall River RBAEared Grebe Late: 18 Nov Yankton SVS; 13 Nov Hughes RDO; 24 Oct Butte (200) VDFWestern Grebe Late: 28 Nov Hughes RDO; 24 Nov Lyman JSP; 17 Nov Yankton SVS; 11 NovKingsbury JSP; 28 Oct Meade VDF; 28 Oct Fall River RBAClark's Grebe All Reports: 28 Oct Fall River (7) TJ; 14 Oct Fall River RBA; 07 Oct Sully KM;27 Aug Sully RDO, KM; 20 Aug Charles Mix SVSAmerican White Pelican Late: 24 Nov Charles Mix RM; 04 Nav Kingsbury JSP; 02 Nov BonHomme SVS; 13 Oct Butte JLBDouble-crested Cormorant Late: 29 Nov Yankton SVS; 24 Nov Charles Mix RM; 16 NovHughes KM; 04 Nov Kingsbury JSP; 01 Nov Meade EEMAmerican Bittern All Reports: 26 Sep Brown DAT; 25 Sep Day WS; 20 Sep Day WS; 29 AugSully RDO; 26 Aug Meade VDF; 06 Aug Sully KMGreat Blue Heron Late: 27 Nov Yankton SVS; 25 Nov Brown JCS; 14 Nov Day WS; 24 OctButte VDFGreat Egret Late: 27 Oct Day WS; 19 Oct Yankton SVS; 14 Oct Kingsbury JSPSnowy Egret All Reports: 05 Oct Cadington JCS; 01 Oct Brown DAT; 01 Oct Yankton SVS; 04Sep Brookings BHCattle Egret All Reports: 27 Oct Day WS; 16 Oct Brown JCS; 01 Oct Brown DAT; 24 SepBrookings KlE; 15 Sep Hughes RDOGreen Heron Late: 26 Aug Kingsbury JSP; 26 Aug Yankton SVS; 22 Aug Hughes KMBlack.crowned Night-Heron Late: 21 Oct Charles Mix RM; 14 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 30 Sep MeadeREP; 30 Sep Day WS; 30 Sep Sully KMWhite.faced Ibis Late: 19 Oct Roberts WS; 08 Oct Minnehaha RFS; 01 Oct Brown DAT; 18 SepHughes KMTurkey Vulture Late: 16 Oct Charles Mix RM; 10 Oct Yankton SVS; 08 Oct Meade REP; 24 AugRoberts JCSGreater White-fronted Goose All Reports: 17 Oct Day WS; 18 Oct Hutchinson SVS; 20 Oct DayWSSnow Goose Early: 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 25 Sep Lawrence AKB; 04 Oct Day WS; 04Nov Charles Mix RMRoss's Goose All Reports: 27 Nov Hughes RDO; 30 Nov Hughes RDOTrumpeter Swan Only Report: 29 Nov Bennett (25) JLB; 25 Nov Bennett RBATundra Swan All Reports: 01 Oct Marshall JCS; 20 Oct Brown DAT; 23 Oct Day WS; 09 NavDay WSWood Duck Late: 30 Nov Lawrence AKB; 18 Nov Butte VDF; 18 Nov Pennington JLB; 28Oct Hughes KM; 30 Sep Day WSGadwall Late: 29 Nov Yankton SVS; 18 Nav Pennington JLB; 17 Nav Perkins DCG; 04 NovSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 12 MARCH 2001

Kingsbury JSPAmerican Wigeon Late: 18 Noy Pennington JLB; 17 Noy Perkins DCG; 17 Noy Yankton SVS;03 Noy Aurora RGRBlue-winged Teal Late: 14 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 13 Oct Meade JLB; 03 Oct Yankton SVSNorthern Shoveler Late: 16 Noy Day WS; 11 Noy Kingsbury JSP; 05 Noy Sully KM; 20 OctMeade JLBNorthern Pintail Late: 29 Noy Yankton SVS; 15 Noy Stanley RDO; 04 Noy Charles Mix RM; 28Oct Meade VDF; 14 Oct Miner JSPGreen-winged Teal Late: 30 Nov Meade EEM; 30 Nov Hughes JSP; 29 Nov Yankton SVS; 11Noy Kingsbury JSPCanvasback Late: 24 Nov Yankton SVS; 11 Noy Kingsbury JSP; 04 Noy Charles Mix RM; 28Oct Meade VDFRedhead Late: 30 Noy Stanley RDO; 21 Noy Gregory RM; 18 Noy Pennington JLB; 04 NoyKingsbury JSPRing-necked Duck Late: 18 Noy Pennington JLB; 07 Noy Day WS; 05 Noy Sully KMLesser Scaup Late: 30 Noy Stanley RDO; 18 Noy Pennington JLB; 17 Noy Yankton SVS; 09Noy Sanborn RGRWhite-winged Scoter All Reports: 25 Nov Gavin's Point Dam (1 adult male) BH; 29 NovCharles Mix RMBufflehead Early: 24 Sep Hughes RDO; 30 Sep Sully KM; 03 Oct Meade JLB; 05 Oct BrownJCSCommon Goldeneye Early: 03 Noy Sanborn RGR; 04 Nay Stanley KM; 13 Noy Yankton SVS;17 Noy Pennington JLB; 17 Noy Perkins DCGBarrow's Goldeneye All Reports: 12 Noy Pennington (2) RBA; 18-30 Noy Pennington JLBHooded Merganser Early: 02 Oct Pennington JLB; 21 Oct Stanley KM; 03 Noy Sanborn RGRCommon Merganser Early: 01 Aug Pennington JLB; 29 Sep Stanley DAT; 28 Oct Meade VDF;13 Noy Day WSRed-breasted Merganser All Reports: 15 Oct Stanley RDO; 11 Noy Day WSRuddy Duck Late: 11 Noy Kingsbury JSP; 05 Noy Sully KM; 04 Noy Charles Mix RM; 28 OctMeade VDFOsprey Late: 03 Noy Day WS; 01 Noy Stanley DAT; 17 Oct Charles Mix RM; 10 Oct MeadeEEM, APB, JLBBald Eagle Early: 11 Sep Meade EEM; 03 Oct Day WS; 04 Oct Yankton SVSSharp-shinned Hawk Early: 11 Aug Brookings KIE; 12 Sep Hughes RDO; 15 Sep YanktonSVSNorthern Goshawk All Reports: 02 Oct Meade REP; 08 Oct Sully KM; 17 Oct Lawrence REP;03 Noy Aurora RGR; 12 Noy Pennington TBW; 26 Noy Hughes KMBroad-winged Hawk All Reports: 23 Aug Day WS; 29 Aug Union DS, ETL; 17 Sep HughesRDO; 26 Sep Yankton RMSwainson's Hawk Late: 07 Oct Charles Mix RM; 03 Oct Meade JLB; 02 Oct Yankton SVS; 01Oct Day (300+) DRS; 01 Oct Clay (116) RBARough-legged Hawk Early: 13 Oct Meade JLB; 15 Oct Stanley KM; 09 Noy Sanborn RGR; 09Noy Brule RMGolden Eagle reported 30 Noy Sanborn RGRMerlin Early: 01 Aug Meade AKB; 04 Aug Yankton SVS; 26 Aug Sully KMGyrfalcon All Reports: 28 Oct Stanley RDO; 04 Noy Hughes KM; 18 Noy Buffalo JSP, RFS; 28Noy Hughes RDOPeregrine Falcon All Reports: 01 Sep Yankton SVS; 09 Sep Miner JSPPrairie Falcon reported 14 Oct Kingsbury JSPSage Grouse Only Report: 03 Sep Harding KMGreater Prairie-Chicken reported 03 Noy Jerauld RGRNorthern Bobwhite Only Report: 16 Aug Roberts (probable escapes JSP) WSVirginia Rail All Reports: 03 Sep Brookings BH; 12 Aug Pennington JLB; 01 Aug PenningtonJLBSora All Reports: 21 Oct Hughes KM; 18 Oct Hughes RDOSandhill Crane Early: 07 Oct Meade VDF; 08 Oct Hughes KM; 14 Oct Custer KH; 03 Noy SanbornRGR ... Late: 10 Noy Clay DS; 04 Noy Sully KM; 04 Noy Charles Mix RM; 29 OctCuster KHWhooping Crane All Reports: 19 Oct Lawrence DJB; 22 Oct Potter RBA; 26 Oct Lawrence DJB;01 Noy Sully (3) RBA; 03 Noy Clark WSBlack-bellied Plover Early: 13 Aug Hughes KM; 26 Aug Kingsbury JSP; 04 Sep Brookings BH;SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 13 MARCH 2001

.~24 Sep Meade JLB ... Late [l5-Nov-98, 25 Sep]: 28 Oct Lyman JSP; 13 Oct Meade JLB; 14Oct Miner JSPAmerican Golden.Plover All Reports [l4-Nov-58, 23 Oct]: 26 Aug Kingsbury JSP; 12 SepHughes KM; 18 Sep Hughes RDO; 24 Sep Harding KM; 07 Oct Sully KM; 07 Oct KingsburyJSPSemipalmated Plover Late [24-0ct-84, 29 Aug]: 14 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 13 Oct Meade JLB;03 Oct Bon Homme SVSPiping Plover All Reports [08-Sep-79, 20 Aug]: 26 Aug Yankton SVS; 16 Aug Hughes RDO,KM; 04 Aug Yankton SVSKilldeer Late [03 Nov]: 01 Nov Day WS; 26 Oct Yankton SVS; 19 Oct Charles Mix RM; 13 OctMeade JLBAmerican Avocet Late [04-Nov-03, 28 Sep]: 04 Nov Miner JSP; 26 Oct Yankton SVS; 23 OctCharles Mix RM; 05 Oct Meade REPGreater Yellowlegs Late [13-Nov-84, 08 Oct]: 21 Oct Sully KM; 18 Oct McCook SVS; 06 OctMeadeJLBLesser Yellowlegs Late [20-Nov-75, 17 Sep]: 18 Oct McCook SVS; 13 Oct Meade JLB; 07 OctPennington VDF; 17 Sep Hughes KMSolitary Sandpiper All Reports [l2-Nov-94, 14 Sep]: 16 Sep Pennington JLB; 11 Sep HughesRDO; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 26 Aug Meade REP; 04 Aug Yankton SVSSpotted Sandpiper Late [16-Nov-83, 05 Sep]: 24 Sep Meade JLB; 23 Sep Lake JSP; 17 Sep SullyKMUpland Sandpiper All Reports [22-Sep-96, 17 Aug]: 09 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 08 Aug BeadleJCS; 06 Aug Hughes KM; 04 Aug Yankton SVS; 03 Aug Harding KM; 01 Aug Pennington JLBMarbled Godwit All Reports [11-0ct-53, 23 Aug]: 18 Sep Hughes KM; 26 Aug Kingsbury JSP;14Aug Hughes RDO; 06 Aug Sully KMRuddy Turnstone Only Report [l0-Oct-94, 21 Sep]: 09 Sep Kingsbury JSPSanderling Late [10-Nov-91, 04 Oct]: 14 Oct Miner JSP; 08 Oct Sully KM; 16 Sep Hughes RDO;15 Sep Meade JLB ... also reported 07 Oct Kingsbury (100+) JSPSemipalmated Sandpiper Late [31-0ct-57, 01 Sep]: 03 Oct Bon Homme SVS; 23 Sep KingsburyJSP; 19 Sep Meade REPLeast Sandpiper Late [l0-Nov-69, 01 Oct]: 14 Oct Meade REP; 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 07 OctPennington VDF; 17 Sep Hughes KMWhite-romped Sandpiper All Reports [25-0ct-97, 20 Oct]: 05 Oct Day JCS; 24 Aug Brown JCSBaird's Sandpiper Late [l0-Nov-91, 06 Sep]: 14 Oct Meade REP; 14 Oct Kingsbury JSP13 AugHughes KMPectoral Sandpiper Late [26-Nov-88, 30 Sep]: 16 Oct Hughes RDO; 13 Oct Meade JLB; 07 OctKingsburyJSP;07 OctPenningtonVDF .Donlin All Reports [23-Nov-85, 12 Oct]: 16 Sep Hughes RDO, KM; 02 Aug Roberts JCS; 01Aug Brown JCSStilt Sandpiper Late [02-Nov-96, 18 Sep]: 18 Oct McCook SVS; 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 30 SepSully KM; 24 Aug Meade JLBBuff-breasted Sandpiper All Reports [21-Sep-97, 18 Sep]: 09 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 26 AugKingsbury JSPShort-billed Dowitcher All Reports [04-0ct-91, 07 Sep]: 23 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 13 Sep HughesRDOLong-billed Dowitcher Late [26-Nov-85, 06 Oct]: 04 Nov Meade EEM; 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP;07 Oct Charles Mix RM; 07 Oct Pennington VDFCommon Snipe Late [20 Oct]: 27 Nov Yankton SVS; 25 Nov Meade VDF; 28 Oct Hughes KM;22 Oct Day WSAmerican Woodcock Only Report: 08 Oct Minnehaha RFSWilson's Phalarope Late [02-Nov-59, 20 Aug]: 24 Sep Meade APB; 26 Aug Kingsbury JSP; 01Aug Douglas RMRed-necked Phalarope All Reports [l4-0ct-97, 10 Sep]: 23 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 21 Sep MeadeJLB; 26 Aug Kingsbury JSPFranklin's Gull Late: 01 Nov Stanley RDO; 28 Oct Lyman JSP; 26 Oct Yankton SVS; 15 OctMinnehaha RFS; 01 Aug Meade JLBBonaparte's Gull Early: 02 Sep Sully RBA; 10 Sep Hughes RDO; 16 Sep Roberts JSP; 15 OctFall River JLB ... Late: 30 Nov Lyman JSP; 29 Nov Charles Mix RM; 25 Nov Yankton BH; 11Nov Day WS; 19 Oct Fall River JLBRing-billed Gull Late: 30 Nov Hughes RDO; 30 Nov Stanley JSP; 29 Nov Fall River JLB; 29Nov Charles Mix RM; 29 Nov Yankton SVS; 07 Nov Day WSSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 14 MARCH 2001

Herring Gull Early: 21 Sep Meade JLB; 01 Oct Yankton SVS; 01 Oct Stanley JSP; 07 Oct KingsburyJSP ... Late: 30 Nov Hughes RDO; 30 Nov Stanley JSP; 29 Nov Yankton SVS; 17 NovPerkins DCGThayer's Gull All Reports: 01 Oct Stanley TJ, JSP, RFS; 12 Nov Hughes RDO, KMGlaucous Gull All Reports: 26 Nov Hughes KM; 29 Nov Hughes RDOBlack-legged Kittiwake All Reports: 14-22 Oct Fall River TJ; 15 Oct Fall River JLB; 17 NovCharles Mix RMCaspian Tern All Reports: 01 Aug Day DRS; 04 Aug Day (6) WS; 10 Aug Day DRS; 02 SepMinnehaha JSP, RFS; 12 Sep Meade (10) REPCommon Tern All Reports: 09 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 20 Aug Charles Mix SVS; 01 Aug Day JCSForster's Tern Late: 14 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 10 Oct Hughes RDO; 27 Sep Yankton SVSLeast Tern All Reports: 06 Aug Sully KM; 04 Aug Yankton SVSBlack Tern Late: 26 Sep Day WS; 05 Sep Yankton SVS; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 13 AugMeade APBMourning Dove Late: 30 Nov Meade APB; 28 Nov Hughes RDO; 26 Nov Brookings JSP ... ConfirmedBreeding: 23 Sep Lake (NY) JSP; 09 Sep Turner (NE) DSBlack-billed Cuckoo Only Report: 05 Aug Yankton SVSYellow-billed Cuckoo All Reports: 14 Sep Yankton SVS; 22 Aug Hughes KM; 20 Aug YanktonSVS; 05 Aug Hughes KMEastern Screech-Owl reported from Brookings, Brown, Butte, Pennington, Stanley, Tripp, andYankton countiesBurrowing Owl Late: 13 Oct Hughes RDO; 07 Oct Meade VDF; 01 Oct Stanley JSPShort-eared Owl reported from Codington, Day, Edmunds, Harding, Hughes, Jackson, Marshall,and Sully countiesNorthern Saw-Whet Owl All Reports: 20 Oct, 23 Oct, 27 Oct and 29 Oct Brown (banded) DAT;10 Nov Meade EEMCommon Nighthawk Late: 23 Sep Yankton SVS; 17 Sep Sully KM; 16 Sep Roberts JSP; 16 SepTripp RAPCommon Poorwill Only Report: 19 Aug Pennington KMWhip-poor-will All Reports: 23 Aug Yankton SVS; 09 Aug Yankton SVSChimney Swift Late: 16 Sep Yankton SVS; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 07 Aug Stanley RDOWhite-throated Swift All Reports: 18 Aug Custer JLB; 04 Aug Harding DCG, KM; 01 AugCuster KHRuby-throated Hummingbird Late: 27 Sep Yankton SVS; 17 Sep Pennington JLB; 10 SepLawrence SS; 10 Sep Charles Mix RM; 09 Sep Brookings KlELewis' Woodpecker All Reports: 18 Sep Meade REP; 01 Oct Meade EEM; 07 Oct Meade VDF;25 Nov Lawrence VDFRed-headed Woodpecker Late: 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 01 Oct Yankton SVS; 21 Sep PenningtonTBWRed-bellied Woodpecker reported from Charles Mix, Clay, Day, Hughes, Lincoln, Roberts, andYankton countiesYellow-bellied Sapsucker All Reports: 11 Oct Hughes KM; 03 Oct Yankton SVS; 29 Sep StanleyDAT; 16 Sep Roberts JSPRed-naped Sapsucker All Reports: 15 Sep Fall River JLB; 14 Aug Custer JCSThree-toed Woodpecker Only Report: 21 Aug Lawrence DJBPileated Woodpecker Only Report: 16-17 Sep Roberts JSPOlive-sided Flycatcher Early: 02 Aug Roberts JCS; 07 Aug Union DS; 08 Aug Hughes KM ...Late: 04 Sep Union DS; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 23 Aug Yankton SVSWestern Wood-Pewee Late: 06 Sep Meade REP; 27 Aug Pennington TBW; 15 Aug Custer JCSEastern Wood-Pewee All Reports: 15 Sep Yankton SVS; 07 Sep Day WS; 02 Sep MinnehahaJSP, RFS; 05 Aug Yankton SVS; 02 Aug Roberts JCSYellow-bellied Flycatcher All Reports: 13 Aug Brown (banded) DAT; 26 Aug Yankton SVS; 29Aug Union DS, ETL; 30 Aug Clay DSWillow Flycatcher Only Report: 02 Aug Brown JCSLeast Flycatcher All Reports: 26 Aug Yankton SVS; 03 Aug Brown JCSCordilleran Flycatcher All Reports: 22 Aug Meade REP; 14 Aug Custer JCS; 01 Aug LawrenceSSEastern Phoebe Late: 27 Sep Clay DS; 26 Sep Yankton SVS; 17 Sep Roberts JSP; 16 Sep TrippRAPSay's Phoebe All Reports: 06 Sep Lawrence REP; 19 Aug Jackson KMGreat Crested Flycatcher All Reports: 30 Aug Yankton SVS; 15 Aug Custer JCS; 05 AugSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 15 MARCH 2001

..-- --- --Yankton SVS; 02 Aug Roberts JCSWestern Kingbird Late: 10 Sep Sully KM; 09 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 29 Aug Meade AKBEastern Kingbird Late: 14 Sep Yankton SVS; 09 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 28 Aug Hughes KM; 26Aug Meade VDFNorthern Shrike Early: 19 Oct Stanley RDO; 20 Oct Custer KH; 21 Oct Hughes JSP, RFS; 03Noy Aurora RGRLoggerhead Shrike Late: 21 Oct Charles Mix RM; 07 Sep Corson DCG; 06 Sep Lawrence REPBell's Vireo Only Report: 26 Aug Yankton SVSYellow-throated Vireo All Reports: 17 Sep Roberts JSP; 25 Aug Roberts JCSPlumbeous Vireo All Reports: 10 Sep Meade REP; 22 Aug Meade REP; 05 Aug Custer SS; 03Aug Pennington JLBBlue-headed Vireo All Reports: 01 Sep Yankton SVS; 29 Aug Union DSWarbling Vireo Late: 12 Sep Pennington JLB; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 01 Sep YanktonSVSPhiladelphia Vireo Only Report: 25 Aug Roberts JCSRed-eyed Vireo Late: 17 Sep Yankton SVS; 13 Sep Pennington JLB; 06 Sep Hughes KM; 02 SepMinnehaha JSP, RFSPinyon Jay All Reports: 27 Aug Meade AKB; 19 Sep Meade APB; 30 Sep Harding (16) REP; 04Oct Meade APB; 09 Noy Meade AKB; 14 Noy Meade APBClark's Nutcracker All Reports: 07 Sep Custer KH; 14 Sep Custer KH; 06 Oct Custer KHPurple Martin Only Report: 04 Aug Hughes KMTree Swallow Late: 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 08 Sep Day WS; 04 Aug Harding DCG; 04 AugYankton SVSViolet-green Swallow Only Report: 03 Aug Pennington JLBNorthern Rough-winged Swallow All Reports: 26 Aug Meade VDF; 20 Aug Yankton SVS; 01Aug Charles Mix RMBank Swallow Late: 09 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 20 Aug Yankton SVS; 13 Aug Stanley RDO; 13 AugHughes KMCliff Swallow Late: 13 Sep Meade EEM; 05 Sep Yankton SVS; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFSBarn Swallow Late: 07 Oct Sully KM; 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 07 Oct Minnehaha RFS; 24 SepMeade APB, JLBRed-breasted Nuthatch Early: 10 Aug Beadle JCS; 29 Sep Hughes JSP; 06 Oct Yankton SVSPygmy Nuthatch All Reports: 11 Aug Custer SS; 24-30 Noy Pennington TBWBrown Creeper Early: 19 Sep Brown JCS; 22 Sep Day WS; 02 Oct Hughes KMRock Wren All Reports: 13 Oct Meade JLB; 09 Oct Jackson KM; 08 Sep Meade REP; 20 AugMeade APB; 19 Aug Jackson KM; 16 Aug Meade APBCanyon Wren Only Report: 07 Sep Custer KHHouse Wren Late: 08 Oct Brown JCS; 08 Oct Hughes KM; 07 Oct Yankton SVS; 16 Sep PenningtonJLBWinter Wren All Reports: 18 Oct Brown JCS; 16 Oct Hughes KM; 24 Oct Hughes RDO, KMSedge Wren All Reports: 20 Oct Clay DS; 12 Oct Hughes RDO; 16 Sep Tripp RAP; 26 AugMiner JSPMarsh Wren Late: 04 Noy Hughes KM; 04 Noy Kingsbury JSP; 19 Sep Brown JCS; 16 SepTripp RAPAmerican Dipper Only Report: 04 Oct Lawrence JLBGolden-crowned Kinglet Early: 07 Oct Minnehaha RFS; 13 Oct Brown JCS; 14 Oct Lake JSP; 15Oct Hughes KMRuby-crowned Kinglet Early: 01 Sep Brown JCS; 14 Sep Hughes RDO; 15 Sep Yankton SVS... Late: 04 Noy Hughes KM; 01 Noy Sanborn RGR; 21 Oct Stanley JSP, RFS; 10 Oct MeadeEEM .Blue-gray Gnatcatcher All Reports: 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 29 Aug Union DS; 22 AugRoby Canyon, Custer County (2) DSEastern Bluebird Late: 27 Noy Yankton SVS; 04 Noy Brown JCS; 02 Noy Gregory RM; 10 OctMeade EEMMountain Bluebird Late: 30 Nov Jackson JSP; 29 Oct Mellette KH; 07 Oct Meade VDFTownsend's Solitaire reported 29 Sep Hughes JSP; 09 Oct Stanley RDOVeery All Reports: 31 Aug Brown DAT; 02 Aug Roberts JCSGray-cheeked Thrush All Reports: 19 Sep Brown JCS; 04 Oct Stanley RDO; 21 Oct Brown JCSSwainson's Thrush Early: 30 Aug Brown DAT; 01 Sep Hughes KM; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP,RFS ... Late: 24 Oct Hughes RDO; 13 Sep Pennington JLB; 09 Sep Lake JSPHermit Thrush Early: 14 Oct Hughes KM; 21 Oct Stanley JSP, RFS; 21 Oct Brown JCS ... Late:SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 16 . MARCH 2001

02 Nov Brookings KIE; 30 Oct Brown (banded) OAT; 23 Oct Hughes KMVaried Thrush Only Report: 01 Oct Hughes JDWGray Catbird Late: 04 Nov Brown DAT; 28 Oct Hughes KM, ROO; 24 Sep Charles Mix RM; 16Sep Tripp RAPNorthern Mockingbird Only Report: 05 Sep Brown JCSBrown Thrasher Late: 23 Nov Brown OAT; 16 Oct Hughes KM; 22 Sep Meade AKBAmerican Pipit Early: 08 Sep Hughes RDO; 15 Sep Meade JLB; 16 Sep Sully RBA; 07 OctKingsbury JSP ... Late: 18 Nov Yankton SVS; 11 Nov Stanley KM; 11 Nov Hughes RDO;09 Nov Sanborn RGR; 28 Oct Meade VDFSprague's Pipit All Reports: 10 Sep Sully KM; 09 Sep Sully ROO, KM; 29 Aug Corson OCGBohemian Waxwing All Reports: 25 Nov Lawrence VDF; 25 Nov Harding KMTennessee Warbler All Reports: 24 Aug Roberts JCS; 08 Sep Hughes ROO; 05 Oct Clay OS; 17Oct Brown JCS; 28 Oct Brown (banded) DATOrange-crowned Warbler Early: 24 Aug Roberts JCS; 27 Aug Pennington TBW; 13 Sep HughesROO ... Late: 31 Oct Brown (banded) OAT; 24 Oct Pennington TBW; 15 Oct Hughes KMNashville Warbler Early: 24 Aug Roberts JCS; 26 Aug Yankton SVS; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP,RFS ... Late: 25 Oct Brown JCS; 22 Oct Minnehaha RFS; 01 Oct Yankton SVSVirginia's Warbler Only Report: 22 Aug Custer (10+) DSNorthern Parula All Reports: 25 Aug Roberts JCS; 04 Sep Union DS; 17 Sep Roberts JSP; 30Sep Hughes KMYellow Warbler Late: 07 Oct Pennington VDF; 04 Oct Brown JCS; 30 Sep Sully KMChestnut-sided Warbler All Reports: 25 Aug Roberts JCS; 27 Aug Brown OAT; 15 Sep PenningtonJLB; 03 Oct Beadle JCSMagnolia Warbler Only Report: 25 Aug Roberts JCSCape May Warbler Only Report: 05 Oct Clay DSBlack-throated Blue Warbler All Reports: 05 Sep Roberts JCS; 16 Sep Brown OATYellow-rumped Warbler Early: 25 Aug Roberts JCS; 17 Sep Yankton SVS; 23 Sep Lake JSP... Late: 30 Oct Hughes KM; 25 Oct Charles Mix RM; 19 Oct Fall River JLB; 14 Oct Lake JSP;14 Oct Lincoln RFSBlack-throated Green Warbler All Reports: 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 04 Sep Union OS; 09Sep Lake JSP; 28 Oct Hughes KMBlackburnian Warbler All Reports: 25 Aug Roberts JCS; 29 Aug Union OS, ETL; 04 Sep UnionOSPine Warbler All Reports: 25 Aug Roberts JCS; 29 Aug Union OS, ETLPalm Warbler Only Report: 17 Aug Brown JCSBay-breasted Warbler All Reports: 25 Aug Roberts JCS; 30 Aug Clay OSBlackpoll Warbler Only Report: 27 Sep Hughes RDOBlack-and-white Warbler Early: 08 Aug Pennington JLB; 25 Aug Roberts JCS; 04 Oct HughesKM ... Late: 26 Sep Brown JCS; 16 Sep Roberts JSP; 28 Aug Pennington TBWAmerican Redstart Late: 16 Sep Roberts JSP; 02 Sep Brown JCS; 01 Sep Hughes ROO; 26 AugMeade REPOvenbirdAll Reports:13 SepHughesROO;09 SepLakeJSP;03 SepMeadeREP;24AugRobertsJCS; 10 Aug Brown OATNorthern Waterthrush All Reports: 20 Aug Charles Mix SVS; 24 Aug Roberts JCS; 26 AugLake JSP; 10 Sep Meade REPConnecticut Warbler Only Report: 05 Sep Roberts JCSMourning Warbler All Reports: 26 Aug Brown JCS; 29 Aug Clay (4 banded) OS; 05 Sep RobertsJCS; 11 Oct Brown JCSCommon Yellowthroat Late: 13 Oct Hughes ROO; 26 Sep Meade JLB; 23 Sep Kingsbury JSPWilson's Warbler Early: 16 Aug Pennington TBW; 17 Aug Brown JCS; 22 Aug Hughes KM... Late: 12 Oct Hughes KM; 07 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 04 Oct Pennington TBWCanada Warbler All Reports: 15 Aug Brown DAT; 24 Aug Roberts JCS; 29 Aug Union OS; 05Sep Roberts JCSYellow-breasted Chat All Reports: 05 Sep Hughes KM; 30 Aug Codington JCS; 02 Aug RobertsJCSScarlet Tanager Only Report: 17 Sep Yankton SVSWestern Tanager Late: 23 Sep Pennington TBW; 20 Sep Lawrence SS; 17 Sep Meade REPEastern Towhee All Reports: 01 Oct Yankton SVS; 26 Sep Brown JCS; 26 Sep Yankton SVS; 17Sep Roberts JSPSpotted Towhee Late: 23 Oct Hughes KM; 14 Oct Lincoln RFS; 13 Oct Charles Mix RM; 07 OctMeade VDFSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 17 MARCH 2001

..American Tree Sparrow Early: 03 Oct Beadle JCS; 07 Oct Meade VDF; 08 Oct Hughes KMChipping Sparrow Late: 20 Nov Day WS; 21 Oct Clay DS; 15 Oct Meade APBClay-colored Sparrow Late: 19 Oct Fall River JLB; 13 Oct Meade APB; 12 Oct Hughes KM; 13Sep Brown JCSBrewer's Sparrow Only Report: 30 Aug Pennington DJBField Sparrow Late: 08 Oct Minnehaha RFS; 06 Oct Yankton SVS; 05 Oct Roberts JCS; 26 SepMeade JLBVesper Sparrow Late: 11 Nov Lake JSP; 15 Oct Stanley KM; 13 Oct Butte JLBLark Sparrow Late: 01 Oct Stanley RDO; 26 Sep Meade JLB; 06 Sep Lawrence REPLark Bunting Late: 16 Sep Pennington JLB; 09 Sep Sully KM; 06 Sep Lawrence REPSavannah Sparrow Late: 18 Nov Brookings KIE; 09 Nov Stanley ROO; 15 Oct MinnehahaRFS; 26 Sep Meade JLBBaird's Sparrow Only Report: 07 Sep Corson DCGGrasshopper Sparrow Late: 15 Oct Minnehaha RFS; 02 Oct Yankton SVS; 26 Sep Meade JLBLe Conte's Sparrow AIl Reports: 20 Oct Clay (4) DS; 09 Oct Brown DAT; 07 Oct MinnehahaRFS; 02 Oct Yankton SVS; 21 Sep Hughes RDOFox Sparrow Early: 25 Sep Hughes RDO; 26 Sep Yankton SVS; 09 Oct Lake JSP; 09 Oct MinnehahaRFS ... Late: 04 Nov Brown (banded) DAT; 01 Nov Sanborn RGR; 31 Oct Hughes KMSong Sparrow Late: 18 Nov Yankton SVS; 16 Nov Day WS; 04 Nov Kingsbury JSP; 13 OctButte JLBLincoln's Sparrow Early: 30 Aug Clay DS; 10 Sep Sully KM; 16 Sep Roberts JSP ... Late: 18Oct Hutchinson SVS; 15 Oct Hughes KM; 14 Oct Lincoln RFSSwamp Sparrow Late: 22 Oct Hughes KM; 21 Oct Clay DS; 14 Oct Kingsbury JSP; 14 Oct LincolnRFSWhite-throated Sparrow Early: 16 Sep Tripp RAP; 16 Sep Roberts JSP; 18 Sep Brown JCS; 25Sep Hughes RDO, KM ... Late: 25 Oct Day WS; 25 Oct Hughes KM; 21 Oct Charles Mix RM;19 Oct Fall River JLBHarris's Sparrow Early: 23 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 26 Sep Hughes KM, RDO; 29 Sep Charles MixRM; 07 Oct Meade VDF ... Late: 29 Nov Lake JSP; 22 Nov Brookings KIE; 21 Nov CharlesMix RM; 25 Oct Pennington TBWWhite-crowned Sparrow Early: 15 Sep Pennington JLB; 16 Sep Custer KH; 21 Sep Meade SS;23 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 26 Sep Hughes RDO, KM ... Late: 04 Nov Kingsbury JSP; 19 Oct FallRiver JLB; 18 Oct Hughes KM; 18 Oct Day WSDark-eyed Junco Early: 23 Sep Kingsbury JSP; 25 Sep Hughes RDO; 29 Sep Charles Mix RM;29 Sep Stanley DAT; 29 Sep Yankton SVS ... also reported 04 Nov Charles Mix (WhitewingedJunco) OS, ETLLapland Longspur Early: 21 Oct Stanley JSP, RFS; 10 Nov Meade EEM; 10 Nov Clay DS; 10Nov Sully KM; 11 Nov Day WSChestnut-collared Longspur AIl Reports: 26 Sep Meade REP; 12 Sep Meade REP; 08 Aug PenningtonJLBSnow Bunting Early: 28 Oct Day WS; 04 Nov Kingsbury JSP; 11 Nov Sully KM, RDO; 18 NovButte VDFRose-breasted Grosbeak AIl Reports: 07 Sep Charles Mix RM; 29 Aug Yankton SVS; 25 AugRoberts JCS; 05 Aug Yankton SVS; 01 Aug Charles Mix RMBlack-headed Grosbeak Late: 10 Sep Lawrence SS; 08 Sep Hughes KM; 06 Sep PenningtonTBWBlue Grosbeak AIl Reports: 15 Sep Custer JLB; 27 Aug Sully KM; 13 Aug Sully KM; 08 AugPennington JLB; 07 Aug Stanley RDOLazuli Bunting AIl Reports: 13 Aug Meade APB; 09 Aug Meade EEMIndigo Bunting Only Report: 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFSDickcissel AIl Reports: 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 12-13 Aug Sully KM; 05 Aug Meade APBBobolink AIl Reports: 10 Sep Meade JLB; 03 Sep Brookings BH; 12 Aug Sully KM; 08 AugPennington JLB; 05 Aug Meade APB; 04 Aug Yankton SVSYellow-headed Blackbird Late: 25 Nov Brookings JSP; 28 Oct Butte VDF; 21 Oct Sully KMRusty Blackbird Early: 24 Sep Stanley ROO; 26 Sep Brown OAT; 05 Oct Hughes KM ... Late:18 Nov Yankton SVS; 12 Nov Hughes KM; 04 Nov Kingsbury JSPBrewer's Blackbird Late: 04 Nov Kingsbury JSP; 02 Nov Bon Homme SVS; 24 Oct Hughes KM;13 Oct Butte JLBGreat-tailed Grackle AIl Reports: 31 Aug Yankton SVS; 04 Aug Bon Homme SVSBrown-headed Cowbird Late: 04 Nov Kingsbury JSP; 16 Oct Hughes RDO; 08 Oct MinnehahaRFS; 08 Aug Pennington JLBSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 18, MARCH 2001

Orchard Oriole All Reports: 26 Aug Yankton SVS; 13 Aug Sully KM; 07 Aug Stanley RDO; 01Aug Meade JLBBaltimore Oriole Late: 05 Sep Hughes KM; 02 Sep Minnehaha JSP, RFS; 31 Aug Yankton SVSGray-crowned Rosy Finch All Reports: 06 Nov Lawrence SS; 10 Nov Custer KH; 19 Nov LawrenceVDF; 30 Nov Lawrence SS; 30 Nov Custer KHPurple Finch Early: 25 Sep Brookings KlE; 01 Oct Day DRS; 12 Oct Hughes RDO; 16 NovLawrence VDFRed Crossbill reported 01 Sep Lake (4-5 immatures) RB; 30-31 Oct Day WS; 25 Nov Day DRS;26 Nov Hughes RDOEvening Grosbeak reported 05 Aug Pennington (adult female feeding 3 young) TBWReports ReQuirinl! Acceptance Bv The Rare Bird Records CommitteeRed.throated Loon 28 Oct Fall River TJEurasian Wigeon 31 Oct Brown fide DATCrested Caracara 20 Nov Lacreek NWR, Bennett County MA ... subsequent observations 25Nov TJ; 29 Nov JLB; 30 Nov JSP, RFSRed Knot 10 Sep Arikara Wetland, Hughes County KM, RDO, DB; 15 Sep Arikara Wetland,Hughes County RDORuff 07 Sep Arikara Wetland, Hughes County RDOSabine's Gull 25 Sep and 03 Oct Gavin's Point Dam (2) JW; 27 Sep (3) and 03 Oct (2) Gavin'sPoint Dam SVSBroad-tailed Hummingbird 04 Aug and 09 Aug Pennington TBWRufous Hummingbird 06 Aug and 27 Aug Custer KH; 16-17 Aug Edmunds MZYellow-bellied Sapsucker 14 Aug Custer JCS; 15 Aug Pennington JCS; 07 Sep Lawrence SS; 26Sep Meade REPHammond's Flycatcher 11 Sep Sioux-Jackson Park, Pennington County TJScissor-tailed Flycatcher 14 Oct Stanley DBNorthern Shrike 02 Sep Sully FWLoggerhead Shrike 23 Nov Mellette DJBWhite-eyed Vireo 21 Oct Hughes RFS, JSPPhiladelphia Vireo 02 Aug Roberts JCSCommon Raven 11 Nov Meade JT, MJCarolina Wren 22-23 Aug Hell Canyon, Custer County DSAmerican Pipit 12 Aug Sully KMTownsend's Warbler 22 Aug Hell Canyon, Custer County DS; 29 Aug Pennington TBWSummer Tanager 18 Nov Brown (photographed) DATPurple Finch 01 Aug Pennington TBWSpecies Expected But Not ReportedLeast Bittern, Little Blue Heron, American Black Duck (3), Cinnamon Teal (2), Greater Scaup (4),Long-tailed Duck (3), Ruffed Grouse, Black-necked Stilt (2), Willet, Long-billed Curlew, CaliforniaGull, Barn Owl (2), Snowy Owl (4), Long-eared Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Dusky Flycatcher(3), Wood Thrush, Sage Thrasher (4), Golden-winged Warbler, MacGillivray's Warbler(2), Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow (2), Smith's Longspur (4), Bullock's Oriole, Cassin's Finch,White-winged Crossbill, Common RedpollContributinl! ObserversMADBJLBAPBAKBDJBRNBVDFDCGKHBHMJTJKIEETLRMMike ArtmanDoug BacklundJocelyn L. BakerAddison & Patricia BallAnna K. BallDan J. BradyRobert & Nancy BuckmanVic & Donna FondyDave & Carolyn GriffithsKevin HachmeisterBill HuserMike JackleyTodd JensenKieckhefer FamilyEric T. LiknesRon MabieSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(1): 19EEMKMRDOJSPRAPREPRGRRFSSSDRSWSJCSDSDATJTSVSErnest E. MillerKenny MillerRicky D. OlsonJeffrey S. PalmerRichard A. PetersonRandy E. PodollBob RogersRobb F. SchenckSherry SchererDennis R. SkadsenWaubay NWR StaffJerry C. StanfordDavid SwansonDan A. TallmanJim TreloarSteve Van SickleMARCH 2001. ....

PubUshed bySOUl1l DAKOTAORNI1HOLOGISTS'UNIONEDITOR:DANTALLMANNSU BOX 740ABERDEENSD 57401NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGEPAIDABERDEEN,SDPERMIT NO. 60RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDFWTBWJWForest WalterTom & Brenda WarrenJuli WilcoxJDWMZ1. David WilliamsMyRon ZimmerSDOU WEB Page: http://www.usd.edu/biol/SDOUSDOU listserv: e-mail Tallmand@wolf.northem.edu

.~f>SOUTHORNITHOLOGISTS'DAKOTAUNION~I'I.,< ,~...4~..Ii" 'Ii'. .1" /" t- {:' 'SOUTHBIRD0::~~11:, /)~~,.:J..~--DAKOTANOTES~ I,,' .; , ~. ~."'« , IVOL. 53- - -JUNE 2001NO.2

SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES, the official publication of the South Dakota Ornithologists'Union (organized 1949), is sent to all members whose dues are paid for thecurrent year. Life members $200.00; Family life members (husband and wife) with 1subscription to Bird Notes $270; sustaining members $20.00, regular members $12.00;family members (husband and wife) with 1 subscription $16.00; juniors (10-16) $6.00;libraries (subscription) $12.00. Single and back copies: Members $3.50, Nonmembers$4.00. All dues payments, change-of-address notices, and orders for back copies shouldbe sent to the Treasurer, Nelda Holden, 1620 Elmwood Drive, Brookings, SD 57006.Manuscripts for publication should be sent to Editor Dan Tallman, NSU Box 740, AberdeenSD, 57401, or to Tallmand@northern.edu via E-mail.VOL. 53 JUNE ZO01 N{J.""ZIN THIS ISSUEGLOSSY IBIS, Karl BardonPRESIDENT'S PAGECover...23FIFfY YEARS OF SOUTH DAKOTA CHRISTMAS COUNTS, DanTallman 24GENERAL NOTES - A First Record for Glossy Ibis in South DakotaCHRISTMAS COUNTS ...,30.31BOOK REVIEWS .35SEASONAL REPORTS .35PresidentVice PresidentSecretaryTreasurerEditorLibrarianSOUTH DAKOTA ORNITHOLOGISTS'Officers1999- 2000UNIONRobb Schenck 422 N Linwood Ct., Sioux Falls 57103Todd Jensen 4001 Yucca Dr. #D, Rapid City SD 57702David Swanson USD, Vermillion 57069Nelda Holden 1620 Elmwood Drive, Brookings 57006Dan Tallman NSU Box 740, Aberdeen 57401Eric Likness USD, Vermillion 57069Elected DirectorsFor Term expiring 2001: Gertrice Hinds, Prairie City; Jeffrey Palmer, Madison; RosemaryDraeger, Sioux Falls; Dan Tallman, Aberdeen; Duane Weber, Custer.For Term expiring 2002: Addison Ball, Piedmont; Todd Jensen, Rapid City; Travis Hills,Crooks; Karrie Schmidt, Huron; Robb Schenck, Sioux Falls.For Term expiring 2003: Vic Fondy, Whitewood; Linda Johnson, Sioux Falls; EricLikness, Vermillion; Ricky Olson, Pierre; Richard Peterson, Wewela.Past President DirectorsJocelyn L. Baker, L. M. Baylor, Gilbert Blankespoor, Robert Buckman, Ken Graupmann,Cecil Haight, Byron Harrell, Bruce Harris, Nelda Holden, Rex Riis, Dennis Skadsen,David Swanson, J. David Williams.Associate Editor: Erika TallmanSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 22 JUNE 2001

~PRESIDENT'S PAGEAt the fall 2000 meeting of SDOU~Todd Mortenson of Pierre talkedabout beavers' integral part in retainingwater, improving water qualityand stopping erosion on his land.On a recent trip to Newton HillsState Park, I observed that beavershad begun building a series of terracedponds along Sargeant Creek.Those familiar with Newton Hillsknow that erosion is a problem in thepark and along Sargeant Creek.Spring runoff and storm water haveripped through Sargeant Creek, cuttingdeep into the earth. A series ofbeaver ponds slows this runoff, givingtime for the soil to settle to thebottom of the ponds, thus filling thedeep cuts. The water entering the BigSioux River from Sargeant Creekwould not contain as much sediment.Ponds provide a source of waterduring the summer months for birds and other animals, as well as plant species.Another benefit I have observed from beaver dams is that the spillways of thesedams remain open in the winter, giving wildlife a valuable source of water duringthe cold months. It occurs to me that beaver dams along Sargeant Creek mustbe valuable parts of the ecology of Newton Hills, but since the time of the HudsonBay Company, beaver have been trapped in South Dakota. Today, beavercan be trapped in East River South Dakota from 4 November to 30 April, withinNewton Hills, as well as other areas. Jon Corey, the Park Manager at NewtonHills, believes it would be unlikely for the beaver at Sargeant Creek to betrapped. Beaver are thought by most to be destructive animals, because they cutdown trees they use for food and dam building. I believe this view is shortsighted,and if beavers were allowed to continue, the long-term result would be ahealthier ecosystem. Make no mistake, the initial result of beaver would be thedestruction of trees, including trees of great age, but, in time, new growth wouldbegin along the edges of the ponds, creating new plant communities. The ecologyof Newton Hills developed with beaver being an integral part. The plantsand animals are adapted to the activities of beaver. I would like to watch howbeaver affect Sargeant Creek, and trust that the final outcome would be beneficial.I hope beaver will remain in Newton Hills State Park, but anyone with atrapping permit can remove them. The worst case would be if the beavers wereallowed to work for a few years and then be removed, leaving the creek withouttrees or a dams to control erosion; beaver need to be protected.At Beaver Creek Nature Area near Sioux Falls there is another natural proc-SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 23 JUNE 2001

..ess that is being fought against. Here Beaver Creek swings back on itself in ahorseshoe. At the closest point, there remain only ten meters of land betweentwo sections of the creek. If the creek bank where allowed to continue to cave-in,the creek would ultimately join at this point leaving behind an oxbow pond. Theerosion is being controlled by dumping boulders along the creek banks, preventingthe formation of an oxbow pond. Oxbow ponds are part of the ecology,with flora and fauna adapted to their formation. This process should be allowedto continue without interference.These events go to the heart of our philosophy of wild lands management.There seems to be an uncontrollable urge by people to manage nature, to takecontrol and prevent change. I believe that we should only intervene when humanactivities are having adverse effects on ecosystems. For example, the eliminationof wild fire on the prairies must be compensated. If human influence is not afactor, we should have a hands-off policy. Why must we manage nature just toprevent change? Change is a part of nature. If natural processes are not allowedto take place in our Nature Areas and State Parks, where can they take place inSouth Dakota? It is our responsibility to give Game Fish and Parks and otheragencies the input they need to adopt hands off policies. Robb Schenck, 422 NLinwood Ct') Sioux Palls 57103.FIFTY YEARS OF SOUTH DAKOTA CHRISTMAS COUNTSDan TallmanNorthern State University, Aberdeen, SD 57401In this paper, I review 50 years of Christmas Bird Counts (CBC), as reportedin South Dakota Bird Notes from 1949 through 1998. Not reported in the journalare counts from 1949 through 1951 and 1970 through1973. Be advised that reportsin Bird Notes are not officially sanctioned by the National Audubon Society(NAS). Most of these counts are submitted to Bird Notes at the same time ascompilers send them to NAS. When submitted to NAS, the reports undergo areview process during which questionable species may be deleted. Reportscoming to SDOU mayor may not be edited by the various editors, past and present.Thus reports appearing in NAS's American Birds may differ from reports ofthe same count appearing in Bird Notes. Finally, a few counts appearing in BirdNotes have never been submitted to NAS.Table 1 lists the 45 CBC locations around the state. Table 2 lists the 165species tabulated in South Dakota's CBC. The table shows the species, the percentageof counts from which the species have been noted at least once, and thenumber of counts from which the species were reported at least once. Species reportedfrom only one or two locations have the location of the counts fromwhich they were reported included in the table.Breaking these data into units of abundance, it can be seen quickly in Fig 1that most species are rare in the winter in South Dakota. In fact, this patternseems to hold in a roughly exponential curve, with many species that occur onlyrarely and only a few species that occur on almost all counts-not unexpectedfindings, considering how inhospitable most South Dakota winters are.I am grateful to Linda Richards, Kristi Mert, Angie Johnson, and Lori Jacobsfor the tedious task of reviewing past issues of Bird Notes.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 24 JUNE 2001

908070. 60"i~ 50Ic 403020100-20 21-40 41-60 61-60 81-100percent countsFigure 1. Percentage of abundance of bird species on South Dakota ChristmasBird Counts, 1949-1998.Table 1. Christmas Bird Count locations from South Dakota, 1949-1998, as reportedin South Dakota Bird Notes.Aberdeen, Armour, Badlands, Belle Fourche, Big Sone, Brandt, Brookings,Burke, Canton, Crespard, Deuel Co., Fort Thompson, Highmore, Hurley, Huron,Hotsprings, Jefferson, Jewel Cave, Lacreek, Lake Andes, Madsion, McCook,Milbank, Mitchell, Mobridge, Ortonville, Pierre, Platte Creek, Rapid City, Redfield,Sand Lake, Shade Hill, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Springfield, Sturgis, Vermillion,Wall Lake, Watertown, Waubay, Wind Cave, Webster, Wilmot, Winner,Yankton.Table 2. Species reported from South Dakota Christmas Bird Counts, the percentageand number of counts each has occurred at least once, and the locationsof counts for species reported from only one or two counts.Species % # Location of rarest birdsCommon Loon 2% 1 SpearfishPied-billed Grebe 13% 6Homed Grebe 2% 1Eared Grebe 2% 1Western Grebe 2% 1American White Pelican 7% 3Great Blue Heron 33% 15Black-crowned Night Heron 2% 1Turkey Vulture 4% 2Rapid CityRapid CityPierreYanktonRapid City, SturgisSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 25 JUNE 2001

White-fronted Goose 13% 6Snow Goose 27% 12Ross' Goose 7% 3Canada Goose 53% 24Trumpeter Swan 4% 2 Lacreek, Sioux FallsTundra Swan 9% 4Wood Duck 16% 7Gadwall 24% 11European Wigeon 2% 1 Rapid CityAmerican Wigeon 20% 9American Black Duck 13% 6Mallard 69% 31Blue-winged Teal 4% 2 Pierre, Rapid CityNorthern Shoveler 13% 6Northern Pintail 38% 17Green-winged teal 29% 13Canvasback 18% 8Redhead 27% 12Ring-necked Duck 20% 9Greater Scaup 2% 1 PierreLesser Scaup 27% 12White-winged Scoter 2% 1 PierreLong-tailed Duck 4% 2 Pierre, YanktonBufflehead 22% 10Common Goldeneye 33% 15Barrow's Goldeneye 4% 2 Pierre, Rapid CityCommon Merganser 36% 16Hooded Merganser 13% 6Red-breasted Merganser 11% 5Ruddy Duck 20% 9Bald Eagle 49% 22Northern Harrier 60% 27Sharp-shinned Hawk 38% 17Cooper's Hawk 36% 16Northern goshawk 36% 16Red-Shouldered Hawk 2% 1 PierreBroad Winged Hawk 2% 1 MadisonSwainson's Hawk 4% 2 Pierre, Rapid CityRed-tailed Hawk 51% 23Ferruginous Hawk 20% 9Rough legged hawk 73% 33Golden Eagle 53% 24SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 26JUNE 2001

American Kestrel 47% 21Merlin 36% 16Gyrfalcon 4% 2 Pierre, Sand LakePeregrine Falcon 22% 10Prairie Falcon 42% 19Gray Partridge 49% 22Chukar 2% 1 Sioux FallsRing-necked Pheasant 93% 42Ruffed Grouse 2% 1 Rapid CitySharp-tailed grouse 47% 21Greater Prairie-chicken 20% 9Wild Turkey 36% 16Bobwhite 11% 5American Coot 27% 12Sandhill Crane 2% 1 Sioux FallsKilldeer 18% 8Lesser Yellowlegs 2% 1 YanktonCommon Snipe 36% 16Franklin's Gull 4% 2 Pierre, YanktonBonaparte's Gull 2% 1 PierreRing-billed gull 9% 4Herring Gull 18% 8Glaucous Gull 4% 2 Pierre, YanktonBlack-legged Kittiwake 4% 2 Pierre, YanktonMourning Dove 53% 24Rock Dove 60% 27Barn Owl 4% 2 Brookings, Sioux FallsEastern Screech Owl 40% 18Great Horned Owl 80% 36Snowy Owl 36% 16Burrowing Owl 2% 1 MadisonBarred Owl 2% 1 WilmotLong-eared owl 27% 12Short-eared owl 38% 17Saw-whet owl 9% 4Belted Kingfisher 36% 16Lewis's Woodpecker 7% 3Red-bellied Woodpecker 33% 15Red-headed Woodpecker 2% 1 WaubayYellow Bellied Sapsucker 9% 4Red-naped Sapsucker 4% 2 Hot Springs, SturgisDowny Woodpecker 89% 40SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 27 JUNE 2001

Hairy Woodpecker 91% 41Black-backed woodpecker 4% 2 Rapid City, Wind CaveNorthern Flicker 73% 35Pileated Woodpecker 2% 1 OrtonvilleNorthern Shrike 64% 29Loggerhead Shrike 16% 7Gray Jay 18% 8Blue Jay 76% 34Pinyon Jay 11% 5Clark's Nutcracker 9% 4Black-billed Magpie 42% 19American Crow 93% 42Horned Lark 84% 38Black-capped Chickadee 96% 43Tufted Titmouse 2% 1 BrookingsRed-breasted Nuthatch 67% 30White-breasted Nuthatch 89% 40Pygmy Nuthatch 4% 2 Hot Springs, Rapid CityBrown Creeper 73% 33Canyon Wren 9% 4Carolina Wren 9% 4Winter Wren 9% 4Marsh Wren 7% 3American Dipper 4% 2 Spearfish, Rapid CityGolden-crowned Kinglet 53% 24Ruby-crowned Kinglet 9% 4Eastern Bluebird 16% 7Mountain Bluebird 20% 9Townsend's Solitaire 42% 19American Robin 78% 33Varied Thrush 13% 6Gray Catbird 2% 1 PierreNorthern Mockingbird 4% 2 Aberdeen, PierreBrown Thrasher 22% 10European Starling 84% 38Water Pipit 2% 1 PierreBohemian Waxwing 56% 25Cedar Waxwing 53% 24Yellow-rumpled Warbler 13% 6Common Yellowthroat 2% 1 Sioux FallsSpotted Towhee 18% 8American Tree Sparrow 93% 42SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 28 JUNE 2001

[IChipping sparrow 11% 5Clay-colored Sparrow 2% 1 BrookingsField Sparrow 16% 7Vesper Sparrow 2% 1 Rapid CityLark Sparrow 4% 2 Lake Andes, PierreFox Sparrow 2% 1 PierreSong sparrow 40% 18Lincoln's Sparrow 7% 3White-throated Sparrow 31% 14Harris's Sparrow 64% 29White-crowned sparrow 16% 7Slate-Colored Junco 93% 42McCown's Longspur 2% 1 HuronLapland Longspur 62% 28Chestnut-collared Longspur 2% 1 Sioux FallsSnow Bunting 60% 27Northern Cardinal 51% 23Red-winged Blackbird 56% 25Western Meadowlark 67% 30Yellow-headed Blackbird 18% 8Rusty Blackbird 38% 17Brewer's Blackbird 29% 13Common Grackle 51% 23Brown-headed Cowbird 20% 9Northern Oriole 4% 2 Rapid City, SturgisRosy Finch 13% 6Pine Grosbeak 27% 12Purple Finch 53% 24Cassin's Finch 7% 3House Finch 40% 18Red Crossbill 38% 17White-winged Crossbill 27% 12Common Redpoll 64% 29Hoary Redpoll 9% 4Pine Siskin 67% 30American Goldfinch 71% 32Evening Grosbeak 56% 25House sparrow 98% 44SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 29 JUNE 2001

- - -Grzybowski, 1. A. 1999. Southern Great Plains Region. North American Birds53:403-405.Janssen, R. B. 1992. A Glossy Ibis in Minnesota. The Loon 64:5-10.Kent, T. H. and J. 1. Dinsmore. 1996. Birds in Iowa. Privately published, IowaCity and Ames.Koes, R. F. and P. Taylor. 1990. Prairie Provinces Region. American Birds44:445-447.Patten, M. A. and G. Lasley. 2000. Range Expansion of the Glossy Ibis in NorthAmerica. North American Birds 54:241-247.Truan, V. A., and B. K. Percival. 1999. Mountain West Region. North AmericanBirds 53:306-308.Karl Bardon, 13073 Hastings St. NE, Blaine, MN 55449~CHRISTMAS COUNTS2000-2001Compiledby DanTallmanAberdeen: 2 January 2001, 2 observers. Weather: clear to cloudy; 1 to 31°F, 100% snow cover.Compiler: Dan Tallman.Badlands N. P. 18 December 2000, 3 observers: Weather: partly cloudy; 12 to 17°F, heavy snow.Compiler: Eddie Childers.Brookings: 30 December 1999, 16 observers. Weather: partly cloudy; -6 to 6° F, 3 to 4 inch snowcover. Compiler: Nelda Holden.Burke: 23 December 2000, 3 observers. Weather: cloudy to partly cloudy, 0 to 3 of, wind 10 to 25mph, 100% snow cover. Compiler: Richard A. Peterson.Hot Springs: 16 December 2000, 7 observers. Weather -10 to 2 of, wind 10 to 15 mph, 3 to 4 inchsnow cover. Compiler: Cheryl Wormstadt.Huron: 29 Dec 2000, 11 observers. Weather 7 to 14 of, cloudy, heavy snow in AM. Compiler:Karrie Schmidt.Madison: 15 Dec 2000, 13 observers. Weather 10 to 20 of, cloudy, light snow in AM Compiler:Sandy Uecker.Piedmont: 14 Dec 2000, 15 observers. Weather: partly cloudy 10 to 40° F. Compiler: AddisonBall.Pierre: 16 December 2000,19 observers. Weather -5 to 10 of, wind 20 to 30 mph, no snow cover.Compiler: Doug Backlund.Rapid City: 23 Dec 2000,24 observers. Weather 5 to 11 of; cloudy, snow in AM. Compiler: ToddJensen.Sand Lake: 15 December 2000, 5 observers. Weather: Cloudy, light snow PM, -3 to 14 of. Compiler:Bill Schultze.Sioux Falls: 30 December 2000, 22 observers. Weather: cloudy 8 to 9 of. Compiler: RobbSchenck.Spearfish: 30 December 2000, 3 observers. Weather: snow in AM, partly cloudy PM. 15 to 23 of.Compiler: Dan Bjerke.Sturgis: 30 December 2000, 31 observers. Weather: foggy AM, partly clear PM. 14 to 20 of.Compiler: Vic Fondy.Waubay: 19 December 2000, 8 observers. Weather: partly clear. -8 to 0 of. Compiler: LauraHubers.Wilmot: 27 December 2000, 12 observers. Weather: mostly clear, 10 to 17 o F, wind 3 to 5 mph,15 in snow cover. Compiler: Bruce Harris.Yankton: 31 December 2000,16 observers. Weather 4 to 13 of, clear. Compiler: Juli Wilcox.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 31 JUNE 2001

~IIV}0~t;j~~C:j-~t;jZ~V}VI,.-...\.»'-"N\.»N~N0 ,....ABR BAD BRK BUR HOT HUR MAD PIED PIR RAP SND SIU SPE STR WAU WIL YAN TOTALPied-billed Grebe 3 3Great Blue Heron 1 IWlUte-frontedGoose 2 2Snow Goose 213 3 216Ross' Goose 1 ICanada Goose 190 1 11 85,900 26 1274 18 87420WoodDuck 5 4 9Gadwall 18 8 18 44American Wigeon 6 71 77Mallard 51 12 941 7 470 4,300 1,406 20 719 346 55 6 5 218 8556Northern Pintail 1 3 4Green-winged Teal 1 1 CW 7 6 5 20Canvasback 1 IRedhead 1 4 1 6Ring-necked Duck 31 9 40Lesser Scaup 2 3 5Long-tailed Duck 1 IBufflehead 1 22 1 24CommonGoldeneye 16 49 5 23 20 113Barrow's Goldeneye 2 2Hooded Merganser 1 2 3Common Merganser 88 19 4 2 135 248Red-breasted Merganser CW 0BaldEagle 1 4 8 23 5 5 2 19 16 1 38 122Northern Harrier 1 1 2Sharp-shinned Hawk 5 1 1 4 3 2 1 1 18Cooper's Hawk 1 1 1 1 1 5Northern Goshawk 1 1 1 CW 2 2 7Red-tailed Hawk 1 1 2 3 2 4 1 20 6 16 1 11 68Ferruginous Hawk 3 2 5Rough-legged Hawk 3 6 4 7 16 6 9 11 11 30 2 6 5 116Golden Eagle 3 2 1 1 3 3 1 8 10 32American Kestrel 1 2 4 2 1 2 1 4 3 3 23Merlin 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 9Prairie Falcon 1 1 1 3 6Peregrine Falcon 1 1Gyrfalcon 1 1J

en0ẹ..,::r:t:J~0~OJ....:;.:;t:JZ0...,tI1enVI,--.,w'-" tVw'-

C/)0~t1~c:J-~t:I~trlC/)VIl.JJ""'"'~ẉj:::o......c:::~ABR BAD BRK BUR HOT HUR MAD PIED PIR RAP SND SIU SPE STR WAU WIL YAN TOTALCanyonWren 1 1 2Golden-crownedKingler CW 12 12AmericanDipper 2 2Townsend'sSolitaire 1 5 16 6 cw 12 16 3 59AmericanRnbin 1 15 241 151 189 3 22 5 12 639NorthernMockingbird 1 1EuropeanStarling 527 30 30 4 4 434 1143 239 45 1197 92 409 308 697 252 175 310 5896BohemianWaxwing 8 179 253 400 840CedarWaxwing 10 7 28 22 99 293 16 3 35 513SpottedTowhee 1 2 3AmericanTreeSparrow 28 27 9 34 23 5 70 122 86 117 45 9 1 2 137 715SongSparrow 1 14 3 1 1 1 1 22Harris'sSparrow 1 2 1 2 2 8White-crownedSparrow CW 0Dark-eyedJunco 3 53 9 558 13 79 285 45 662 27 119 169 527 26 428 3003LaplandLongspur 80 1 1 82SnowBunting 12 30 54 7 30 133NorthernCardinal 2 7 1 4 17 r;W 12 43Red-wingedBlackbird 1 2 1 21 1 2 65 CW 93WesternMeadowlark 9 9 5 27 2 3 20 CW 9 84RustyBlackbird 1 1Brewer'sBlackbird 1 32 1 34CommonGrackle 2 4 4 3 1 cw CW 14Brown-headedCowbird 1 1Gray-crownedRosy-Finch 27 27PurpleFinch CW 17 2 24 43HouseFinch 10 91 23 74 2 84 8 109 95 99 72 149 25 11 852RedCrossbill 12 21 33CommonRedpoll 1 1PineSiskin CW 36 9 3 3 19 62 54 17 329 242 2 6 782AmericanGoldfinch 6 36 66 64 8 23 16 90 47 6 40 13 25 17 102 559EveningGrosbeak 8 163 171HouseSparrow 383 2 426 75 98 547 3277 154 459 510 198 547 110 324 471 176 225 7982TOTAL 1968 708 1918 640 3425 3226 6056 2249 92437 6881 1183 5659 2297 4452 1333 1269 2460 138161species/forms 27 21 31 37 40 28 35 36 69 60 31 44 50 43 24 33 48l §

~A GUIDE TO THE BIRDS OF THE PHILIPPINES.2000. Robert S. Kennedy,Pedro C. Gonzales, Edward C. Dickinson, Hector C. Miranda, Jr., and TimothyH. Fisher. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Softcover. 369 pp. $34.95.This guide is indispensable for any birder travelling to the Philippines, 7100islands "scattered over 3.2 million [square kIn] of the tropical Pacific and SouthChina Sea." The Philippines melds birds of Malaysia and Indoasia, southeastAsia, China, Korea and Japan-572 species in all. The book's focus is fieldidentification; the ecology of the Philippines is barely covered.Eleven artists contributed to 72 color plates at the beginning of the text. Unavoidably,with such a number of contributors, some range of quality existsfromacceptable herons by John Agnew to superb paintings by a number ofartists, including swallows by William Zimmerman. Usually only a male and afemale are depicted; thus, North American birders spoiled by recent field guidesshowing a range of plumage variation will be somewhat disappointed.The species accounts are sparse and to the point. Each species takes up abouthalf of a page. About a third of each account is devoted to a species descriptionand comparisons similar species. There follows a paragraph of habits and a sentenceor two on voice. Finally, regional and Philippine ranges are summarizedand, where justified, a few sentences on taxonomy and/or conservation are incuded.Unlike some other guides to regions of the world in political upheaval, thereis no section on safety in the field. Perhaps the political situation in the Philippinesis such that birders in the field just know where to venture. However, hereand there in the acknowledgements are hints to the possible situation-"friendshelped make our field work safe... Jor looking after our well-beingTallman, Northern State University,Aberdeen, SD 57401.~SEASONAL REPORTSThe 2000/2001 Winter Season1 December 2000 to 28 February 2001" DanCompiler: Robert F. Schenck422 N. Linwood Ct.Sioux Falls SD 57102Mter three consecutive mild winters, the winter of 2000-01 was colder thannormal, with more precipitation than usual. The National Weather Service's unofficialresults have South Dakota's statewide temperatures nearly four degreesbelow normal, with precipitation one quarter of an inch above average. Thenumber of species reported for the winter season reflects these weather conditions,with a total of 121 species reported. This number compares with the averageof 135 species for the last three mild winters. Highlights of the season werea large number of Gyrfalcons and Lewis's Woodpeckers reported. As with theprevious two years, the six sightings closest to midwinter, 15 January, were includedin this report. Sightings that would have been included in the last additionof The Birds of South Dakota are bolded. The large number of bolded waterfowlSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 35 JUNE 2001

- - -Isightings indicates how much we are learning about wintering birds. Specieswith many reports that are known to occur all winter are reported by county.Common species that occur throughout the state all period are not included. Notethat Christmas Bird Counts are not part of this report and are reported separatelyin South Dakota Bird Notes.Double-crested Connorant All Reports: 01, 08 Dee Yankton SVSGreat Blue Heron All Reports: 08, 17 Dee Yankton SVSGreater White-fronted Goose All Reports: 16 Dec Stanley (2) ROO; 16,24 Jan Stanley KMSnow Goose All Reports: 10 Dee, 25 Feb Hughes RDO; 31 Dec, 23 Jan Lawrence JLB; 14 JanStanley KM; 13 Jan Lawrence (2) SS; 13 Jan Lawrence (4) REP; 22 Feb Lawrence CEM;27 Feb Lawrence AKBRoss's Goose All Reports: 01 Dee Hughes (1),19 Dee Stanley (1) RDOWood Duck All Reports: all period (Canyon Lake) Pennington JLB; 13 Jan Lawrence (2) SS &REP; 20 Jan Lawrence ROO; 23 Jan Lawrence JLB; 22 Feb Lawrence CEM; 27 FebLawrence AKBGadwall All Reports: all period Pennington JLB;03 Dee Stanley RDO; 08, 25 Jan Yankton SVSAmerican Wigeon All Reports: all period (Canyon Lake) Pennington JLB; 02, 04 Jan StanleyKM; 04 Jan Stanley RDO; 15 Jan Pennington (2) SS; 25 Jan, 18 Feb Yankton SVS; 22 FebLawrence CEMNorthern Pintail All Reports: 27 Dec Stanley (3) ROO; 31 Dec, 23 Jan Lawrence JLB; 13 JanLawrence (2) SS & REP; 24 Feb Stanley KMGreen-winged Teal Reported: 18 Dee Meade REP: 30 Dec Stanley (1) ROO; 31 Dee, 23 JanLawrence JLB; 08 Jan, 07 Feb Yankton SVS 12 Jan Hughes KM; 22 Feb LawrenceCEMCanvasback All Reports: 30 Dec Lawrence TJ; 31 Dec, 23 Jan Lawrence JLB; 13 Jan Lawrence(2) SS & REP; 20 Jan Lawrence ROO; 27 Feb Lawrence AKBRedhead All Reports: 06 Dee Charles Mix, 09 Dee Gregory RM; 17 Dee Stanley KM; 05 Jan Pennington,23 Jan Lawrence JLB; 13 Jan Lawrence (1) SS & REP; 27 Feb Lawrence AKBRing-necked Duck All Reports: 19 Jan, 15 Feb Pennington JLB; 20 Jan Pennington RDOGreater Scaup All Reports: 02,07 Jan Stanley KM; 04 Jan Stanley (1) ROO & TJLesser Scaup All Reports: 01 Dee Stanley RDO; 01, 09 Dee Gregory RM; 10 Dee, 07, 24 JanStanley KMWhite-winged Scoter Only Report: 03 Jan Charles Mix RMOIdsquaw Only Report: 03 Dec Butte (Belle Fourche Reservoir) RASBumehead All Reports: all period (Canyon Lake) Pennington JLB; 10 Dee, 01 Jan Stanley KM;16 Dee Stanley RDO; 09 Jan Gregory, 21 Jan Charles Mix RM; 15 Jan Pennington (1) SS; 22Feb Lawrence CEMCommon Goldeneye reported from Butte, Charles Mix, Hughes, Lawrence, Pennington, Perkinsand Stanley counties.Barrow's Goldeneye All Reports: all period Pennington (Canyon Lake) (2-pr) JLB & TJ; 14 Dec,19 Feb (4) Perkins DCG; 13,21 Jan Gregory RM; 03 Feb Hughes RBAHooded Merganser All Reports: 03 Dec Butte RAS; 10 Dee Hughes RDO; 23 Dee Pennington(2) TJ; 25 Dee Pennington (3) JLB; 10 Dee, 24 Jan Stanley KMCommon Merganser All Reports: all period (Canyon Lake) Pennington JLB; 01 Dee StanleyRDO; 09 Dee Charles Mix JSP, RFS; 08, 25 Jan Yankton SVS; 15 Jan, 03 Feb Stanley KM;20 Jan Hughes JSP, RFSRed-breasted Merganser All Reports: 15 Dec Stanley ROO; 13, 24 Jan Charles Mix RM; 15,27 Jan Stanley KM; 20 Jan Hughes JSP, RFSBald Eagle reported from Brown, Butte, Charles Mix, Custer, Fall River, Hughes, Meade, Lawrence,Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins, Stanley and Yankton counties.Northern Harrier All Reports: 08 Dec Meade RAS; 08 Dec Bennett SVS; 24 Dec Tripp ROO;25 Dec Meade (1) JLB; 06 Jan Butte CEM; 07 Jan Gregory, 11 Jan Charles Mix RM; 11Jan Lawrence RAS; 14 Jan Hughes, 03 Feb Sully KMSharp-shinned Hawk reported from Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Hughes, Meade, Pennington,Stanley and Yankton counties.Cooper's Hawk All reports: 02 Dee Hughes KM; 06 Dee Brown DAT; 07 Dee Brown JCS; 14Dee, 05 Jan (1) Perkins DCG; 27 Dee Yankton SVS; 31 Dee Stanley RDO; 11 Jan DouglasRM; 13, 14, 20 Jan Brookings KJE; 15 Feb Meade REP; 24 Feb Stanley RDONorthern Goshawk All Reports: 06 Dee Brown DAT; 13 Dee Custer KH; 17 Dee, 21 Jan, 25 FebHughes KM; 14 Dee (3), 08 Jan (2), 19 Feb (3) Perkins DCG; 25 Dee Jones RDO; 19 JanSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 36 JUNE 2001Brookings KJE; 11 Feb Hughes RDORed-tailed Hawk reported from Brown, Butteory,Hughes, Lawrence, Lyman, Meade,'Union and Yankton counties.Ferruginous Hawk reported from Custer, HardRough-legged Hawk reported from Beadle, B~vidson, Fall River, Harding, Hughes, Lawand Yankton counties.Golden Eagle reported from Butte, Custer, FaIPerkins, Potter, Stanley, Sully and ToddAmerican Kestrel reported from Bon Homme,vidson, Douglas, Fall River, Gregory, HMinnehaha counties.~Merlin Reported: 23 Dee, 19 Feb Perkins (1)18 Jan Yankton SVS; 27 Jan, 03 Feb HuglGyrfalcon All Reports: 04 Dee Stanley RDODee Lawrence (1) TJ; 05 Jan LawrenceFeb Perkins KM; 20 Feb Potter DATPeregrine Falcon All Reports: 27 Jan Sully KJPrairie Falcon reported from Bon Homme, Bley and Sully counties.Gray Partridge reported from Buffalo, Day,and Sully counties.Ruffed Grouse All Reports: 07 Dee (2), 31 D~Sharp-tailed Grouse reported from Buffalo, ~Lawrence, Meade, Stanley Pennington, P~Greater Prairie-Chicken All Reports: 16 DeiKM; 20 Jan Lyman JSP, RFSIWild Turkey reported from Butte, Charles MMeade, Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins, jAmerican Coot All reports: all period PenninJan Fall River SS; 08, 18 Jan Yankton S20 Feb Hughes DATCommon Snipe All Reports: 03, 18 Dee MeaThayer's Gull Only Report: 01 Feb HughesGlaucous Gull All Reports: 05 Dee (4),28 FHughes KM; 31 Dee Yankton DS; 20 JanHerring Gull All Reports: 01 Dee Stanley Rtles Mix RM; 01, 21 Jan, 10 Feb Hughes ~Franklin's Gull All Reports: 06 Dec Yankto~Bonaparte's Gull All Reports: 01 Dee StanliSVS; 09 Dee Charles Mix JSP, RFS; 111Ring-billed Gull Reported: 07 Dec Fall Riv~Charles Mix RM; 20 Dee Yankton SVS;RDOMourning Dove All Reports: 01 Dee, 18 JanBrookings JSPEastern Screech-Owl All Reports: 13 DeeHughes KM; 23 Jan Lake JSP; 19Feb ESnowy Owl reported from Beadle, Brown, Dand Stanley counties.Long-eared Owl All Reports: 10 Dee, 04 IBrown (8) DATShort-eared Owl Only Report: 02 Dee Sully-Belted Kingfisher All Reports: 09 Dee CharIRDO; 31 Dee Lawrence (1), 23 Feb PenRAS; 12 Jan Meade APBLewis's Woodpecker All Reports: 05 DeeMeade REP; 13, 17 Jan Lawrence RAS;JLB; 20 Jan Lawrence RDO '" unusuallyRed-bellied Woodpecker reported fromBraSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 5~........- .....

Brookings KIE; 11 Feb Hughes RDORed-tailed Hawk reported from Brown, Butte, Charles Mix, Custer, Davidson, Fall River, Gregory,Hughes, Lawrence, Lyman, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins, Stanley,Union and Yankton counties.Ferruginous Hawk reported from Custer, Harding, Hughes, Pennington and Stanley counties.Rough-legged Hawk reported from Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Custer, Davidson,Fall River, Harding, Hughes, Lawrence, Meade, Miner, Pennington, Perkins, Stanleyand Yankton counties.Golden Eagle reported from Butte, Custer, Fall River, Harding, Hughes, Lawrence, Pennington,Perkins, Potter, Stanley, Sully and Todd counties.American Kestrel reported from Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Butte, Charles Mix, Custer, Davidson,Douglas, Fall River, Gregory, Hughes, Hutchinson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Meade andMinnehaha counties.Merlin Reported: 23 Dee, 19 Feb Perkins (1) DCG; 29 Dee, 20 Jan Butte RAS; 12 Jan Lake JSP;18 Jan Yankton SVS; 27 Jan, 03 Feb Hughes KMGyrfalcon All Reports: 04 Dee Stanley RDO; 31 Dee Lawrence (1), 23 Jan Stanley (1) JLB; 30Dee Lawrence (1) TJ; 05 Jan Lawrence RAS; 05 Jan Perkins (1) DCG; 04 Feb Stanley, 19Feb Perkins KM; 20 Feb Potter DATPeregrine Falcon All Reports: 27 Jan Sully KM; 14 Feb Hughes (1) RDOPrairie Falcon reported from Bon Homme, Buffalo, Charles Mix, Hughes, Meade, Perkins, Stanleyand Sully counties.Gray Partridge reported from Buffalo, Day, Harding, Hughes, Jerauld, Lake, Marshall, Perkinsand Sully counties.Ruffed Grouse All Reports: 07 Dee (2),31 Dee (3) Pennington JLBSharp-tailed Grouse reported from Buffalo, Butte, Charles Mix, Custer, Day, Fall River, Hughes,Lawrence, Meade, Stanley Pennington, Perkins and Sully counties.Greater Prairie-Chicken All Reports: 16 Dee Hughes (270) RDO; 30 Dee Sully, 21 Jan StanleyKM; 20 Jan Lyman JSP, RFSWild Turkey reported from Butte, Charles Mix, Custer, Fall River, Harding, Lawrence, Lincoln,Meade, Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins, Stanley and Yankton counties.American Coot All reports: all period Pennington TJ; 04 Jan Hughes RDO; 05 Jan Pennington, 18Jan Fall River SS; 08,18 Jan Yankton SVS; 19 Jan Fall River JLB; 20 Jan Hughes JSP, RFS;20 Feb Hughes DATCommon Snipe All Reports: 03, 18 Dee Meade REPThayer's Gull Only Report 01 Feb Hughes RDOGlaucous Gull All Reports: 05 Dee (4),28 Feb Hughes RDO; 17 Dee Stanley, OS,21 Jan, 10 FebHughes KM; 31 Dee Yankton DS; 20 Jan Lake JSP, RFSHerring Gull All Reports: 01 Dee Stanley RDO; 07 Dee Fall River (2) JLB; 13 Dee, 12 Feb CharlesMix RM; 01, 21 Jan, 10 Feb Hughes KM; 20 Jan Hughes JSP, RFS; 28 Feb Hughes RDOFranklin's Gull All Reports: 06 Dec Yankton SVSj09 Dec Yankton (in breeding plumage) DSBonaparte's Gull All Reports: 01 Dee Stanley RDO; 02 Dee Hughes KM; 08 Dee Charles MixSVS; 09 Dee Charles Mix JSP, RFS; 11 Dee Charles Mix RMRing-billed Gull Reported: 07 Dec Fall River (-1000) JLB; 08 Dee Charles Mix SVS; 19 DeeCharles Mix RM; 20 Dee Yankton SVS; 05 Jan Hughes, 03 Feb Stanley KM; 28 Feb HughesRDOMourning Dove All Reports: 01 Dee, 18 Jan Minnehaha (1) MKZ; 16 Dee Stanley RDO; 03 JanBrookings JSPEastern Screech-Owl All Reports: 13 Dee Meade (1) JLB; 16 Dee Stanley (7)RDO; 16 JanHughes KM; 23 Jan Lake JSP; 19.Feb Edmunds JDW; 21 Feb Brown DATSnowy Owl reported from Beadle, Brown, Day, Deuel, Edmunds, Kingsbury, McPherson, Moodyand Stanley counties.Long-eared Owl All Reports: 10 Dee, 04 Feb Stanley (1) RDO; 11 Feb Stanley KM; 21 FebBrown (8) DATShort-eared Owl Only Report 02 Dee Sully RDOBelted Kingfisher All Reports: 09 Dee Charles Mix RM; 09 Dee Lawrence SVS; 18 Dee HughesRDO; 31 Dee Lawrence (1), 23 Feb Pennington (1) JLB; 11 Jan Custer KH; 11 Jan LawrenceRAS; 12 Jan Meade APBLewis's Woodpecker All Reports: 05 Dee Lawrence SS; 08 Dee Lawrence (20+) RBA; 12 JanMeade REP; 13,17 Jan Lawrence RAS; 17 Jan Meade SS; 31 Dee (1),23 Jan (5) LawrenceJLB; 20 Jan Lawrence RDO ... unusually large number of reports.Red-bellied Woodpecker reported from Brown, Charles Mix, Gregory, Hughes, Minnehaha, Lin-SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 37 JUNE 2001

coin and Yankton counties.Northern Flicker reported from Brookings, Brown, Butte, Charles Mix, Day, Fall River, Gregory,Hughes, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Perkins, Roberts, Stanley and Yankton counties.Northern Shrike reported from Bennett, Brown, Butte, Charles Mix, Custer, Day, Edmunds, FallRiver, Hughes, Meade, Miner, Lake, Lawrence, Lyman, Meade, Pennington, Perkins, Stanleyand Sully counties.Gray Jay reported from Custer and Pennington counties.Pinyon Jay All Reports: 12 Dee Meade, 18 Jan (50), 17 Feb (6) Custer JLB; 14 Dee, Jan 01 MeadeAPB; 13 Jan, 3 Feb Meade AKBClark's Nutcracker All Reports: 11 Dee Meade AKB; 08, 23 Jan Custer KHBlack-billed Magpie reported from Harding, Hughes, Lawrence, Lyman, Meade, Pennington, Perkins,Stanley, Sully and Yankton counties.Red-breasted Nuthatch reported from Brookings, Brown, Butte, Charles Mix, Custer, Harding,Hughes, Lawrence, Meade, Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins and Yankton counties.Pygmy Nuthatch Only Report: all period Pennington TBWBrown Creeper reported from Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Day, Hughes, Lake, Meade, Minnehahaand Pennington counties.Canyon Wren Only Report: 21 Feb Custer KHAmerican Dipper All Reports: 09 Dee Lawrence (1) SVS; 13 Jan Lawrence (1) SS; 20 Jan LawrenceRDOGolden-crowned Kinglet All Reports: Pennington TBW; 17 Dee Yankton SVS; 05 Dee, 13 JanLawrence SS; 24 Dee Meade AKBEastern Bluebird All Report: 20 Dee, 25 Jan, 18 Feb Yankton SVSMountain Bluebird All Reports: 10 Dec Stanley (2) RDO; 19 Jan Fall River JLB; 25 Jan Yankton(1) SVSTownsend's Solitaire reported from Brown, Custer, Fall River, Hughes, Meade, Lawrence, Minnehaha,Pennington, Perkins, Stanley and Yankton counties.American Robin reported from Brown, Charles Mix, Fall River, Gregory, Hughes, Lake, Lawrence,Lincoln, Meade, Minnehaha, Stanley, Pennington, counties...also reported 24 DeeMellette (400) KHVaried Thrush Only Report: 2228 Jan Butte RASBohemian Waxwing All Reports: 08 Dee Lawrence (1000+) RAS; 13 Jan, 04 Feb Hughes KM;14 Jan, 05 Feb Hughes RDO; 05 Feb Perkins (40) DCG; 10 Feb Hughes EDS; 25 Feb Pennington(1) JLBCedar Waxwing reported from Brookings, Brown, Day, Hughes, Lake, Lincoln, Minnehaha, Pennington,Stanley and Yankton counties.Spotted Towhee All Reports: 07 Dee, 14, 22 Jan, 28 Feb Butte RASSong Sparrow All Reports: 01 Dee, 28 Feb Minnehaha (1) MKZ; 15, 16 Jan Day WS; 18 FebYankton SVSHarris's Sparrow All Report: 02 Dee Lake JSP; 02 Dee Minnehaha RFS; 10 Dee Brown DAT; 10Dee Hughes (2) RDO; 16 Dee Hughes KMDark-eyed Junco (White-winged) Only Report: 31 Dee Yankton DSLapland Longspur reported from Butte, Hughes, Meade, Perkins and Stanley counties.Snow Bunting reported from Brookings, Brown, Butte, Brookings, Charles Mix, Clay, Day, Lincoln,Meade, Miner, Minnehaha and Stanley counties.Northern Cardinal Reported from Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Edmunds, Gregory, Hughes,Lake, Lincoln, Minnehaha... also reported 22 Dee Brown (pr) DAT; 27 Jan Edmunds JDWRed-winged Blackbird All Reports: 01 Dee Hughes RDO; 16 Dee Hughes KM; 02 Jan BrownDAT; 20 Jan Brown (100) JCS; 27 Jan Hughes KM; 06 Feb Sully RDOWestern Meadowlark Reported: 19 Dee Meade REP; OS,21 Jan Hughes KM; 15 Jan LawrenceRAS; 20 Jan Stanley JSP, RFS; 22 Jan Bon Homme RM; 10 Feb Yankton SVSYellow-headed Blackbird All Reports: 02 Jan Hughes RDO; 06 Feb Sully (2) RDORusty Blackbird Only Report: 30 Dee Sully (5) RDOBrewer's Blackbird All Reports: 14 Dee Meade APB; 06 Feb Sully (1) RDO; 27 Dee Hughes, 27Jan Sully KMCommon Grackle All Reports: 01 Dee Brown DAT; 19 Dee Day WS; 30 Dee Yankton SVS; 18Jan Lake JSP; 29 Jan Yankton SVSBrown-headed Cowbird Only Report: 02 Dee Lake JSPGray-crowned Rosy Finch All Reports: all period Lawrence (Lead) SS; 14, 16 Jan Custer KH; 20Jan Lawrence (100) RDOPine Grosbeak All Reports: 31 Dee, 15 Jan Hughes KM; 01 Jan Hughes (1) RDO; 04 Jan HughesSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 38 JUNE 2001

TJ; 20 Jan Hughes JSP, RFSPurple Finch All Reports: 01 Dec Stanley RDO; 01 Jan Brown DAT; 15 Jan Hughes, 27 Jan StanleyKM; 03 Feb Brown (6) JCS; 11 Feb Hughes (6) EDSHouse Finch reported from Brookings, Brown, Butte, Charles Mix, Hughes, Lake, Lawrence, Meade,Minnehaha, Pennington, Perkins, Stanley and Yankton counties.Red Crossbill All Reports: 01 Dec Stanley RDO; 03 Dec Charles Mix RM; 06 Dec, 17 Jan CusterKH; 19 Dec Day WS; 29 Dec (5), 24 Feb (1) Pennington TBW; 31 Dec (6), 28 Feb (9)Hughes EDS; 08,17 Jan Hughes KM; 20 Feb Meade AKB; 21 Feb Hughes RDOEvening Grosbeak All Reports: 01 Dec Meade (7) REP; 02 Dec Lawrence RAS; 12 Dec Meade(40+) RBA; 20 Jan Lawrence SSSpecies Requiring Acceptance by The Rare Bird Records CommitteeBroad-winged Hawk 27 Jan Gregory RMCrested Caracara 01 Dee Bennett (Lacreek Wildlife Refuge) Mike ArtmannEurasian Collared Dove 10 Jan Walworth (2) Dr. LindeLoggerhead Shrike 19 Dee Day WSCommon Raven 04 Jan Haakon (12.5 miles west of Midland) TJTufted Titmouse 06 Meade Ernie MillerPygmy Nuthatch 03 Feb Brown JCSChestnut-collared Longspur 16 Feb Butte RASChestnut-collared Longspur 26 Feb Butte CEMSpecies Expected but Not ReportedPied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Trumpeter Swan, American BlackDuck (3), Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, Northern Bobwhite, Killdeer, Black-legged Kittiwake,Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black-backed Woodpecker (2), PileatedWoodpecker, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Winter Wren (2), Brown Thrasher (2), White-throatedSparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Cassin's Finch (2), White-winged Crossbill, Common RedpollCorrections to Previous Issues The following sightings should be omitted from the December 2000issue of Bird Notes: Pied-billed Grebe 14 Jun Meade (20) (ON) APB; 02 Jul Meade (ON) APB andfrom the December 1999 issue Blue-winged Teal 07 Jul Meade AB. The following should beadded to the December 1999 issue of Bird Notes: Eared Grebe 14 Jun (ON) (20) Meade APB; 02Jul (ON) APBContributing ObserversJLBAPBJocelyn Lee BakerAddison & Patricia BallAKB Anna K. BallDCG Dave & Carolyn GriffithsKH Kevin, Kris & Lewis HachmeisterTJ Todd JensenKlERMKieckhefer familyRon MabieKMCEMKenny MillerCharles E. MillerRDOJSPRicky D. OlsonJeffrey S. PalmerRP Randy PodollRFSSSBASSVSJCSEDSDSDATWSTBWJDWMKZRobert F. SchenckSherry SchererBud & Alice ShaykettSteve Van SickleJerry C. StanfordEileen Dowd StukelDavid L. SwansonDan A. TallmanWaubay NWR StaffTom & Brenda WarrenJ. David WilliamsMick ZerrSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(2): 39JUNE 2001

-Published bySOUlH DAKOTAORNl1HOLOGISTS'UNIONEDITOR:DANTALLMANNSU BOX 740ABERDEENSO 57401NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGEPAIDABERDEEN,SDPERMIT NO. 60RETURN SERVICE REQUESTEDIIjlSDOU WEB Page: http://www.usd.edu/biol/SDOUSDOU listserv: e-mail Tallmand@wolf.northem.edu

~!I: ORNITHOLOGISTS'I SOUTH DAKOTAUNION0::'~'"DAKOTANOTES..~ .VOL. 53 SEPTEMBER 2001 NO.3SOUTHBIRD

""'TSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES, the official publication of the South Dakota Ornithologists'Union (organized 1949), is sent to all members whose dues are paid for the currentyear. Life members $200.00; Family life members (husband and wife) with 1 subscriptionto Bird Notes $270; sustaining members $20.00, regular members $12.00; familymembers (husband and wife) with 1 subscription $16.00; juniors (10-16) $6.00; libraries(subscription) $12.00. Single and back copies: Members $3.50, Nonmembers $4.00. Alldues payments, change-of-address notices, and orders for back copies should be sent tothe Treasurer, Nelda Holden, 1620 Elmwood Drive, Brookings, SD 57006. Manuscriptsfor publication should be sent to Editor Dan Tallman, NSU Box 740, Aberdeen SD,57401, or to Tallmand@northern.edu via E-mail.VOL. 53 SEPTEMBER 2001NO.3\)IN THIS ISSUEUPLANDSANDPIPER,DanTallman"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""CoverPRESIDENT' S PAGE .422000 REPORT OF THE RARE BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE 44GENERAL NOTES - Barred Owl in Newton Hills State Park; EasternScreech-Owl Attacks Fox Squirrel; Dark-Eyed Junco Banded inAberdeen, South Dakota, Recovered In Minnesota; Chuck-Will's-WidowCorrection; Nesting Pelicans Return to Sand Lake NWR 47BOOK REVIEWS 49SEASONAL REPORTS 53BIRD LISTS ..67SOUTH DAKOTA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNIONPresidentVice PresidentSecretaryTreasurerEditorLibrarianOfficers 1999- 2000Robb Schenck 422 N Linwood Ct., Sioux Falls 57103Todd Jensen 4001 Yucca Dr. #D, Rapid City SD 57702David Swanson USD, Vermillion 57069Nelda Holden 1620 Elmwood Drive, Brookings 57006Dan Tallman NSU Box 740, Aberdeen 57401Eric Likness USD, Vermillion 57069Elected DirectorsFor Term expiring 2001: Gertrice Hinds, Prairie City; Jeffrey Palmer, Madison; RosemaryDraeger, Sioux Falls; Dan Tallman, Aberdeen; Duane Weber, Custer.For Term expiring 2002: Addison Ball, Piedmont; Todd Jensen, Rapid City; Travis Hills,Crooks; Karrie Schmidt, Huron; Robb Schenck, Sioux Falls.For Term expiring 2003: Vic Fondy, Whitewood; Linda Johnson, Sioux Falls; EricLikness, Vermillion; Ricky Olson, Pierre; Richard Peterson, Wewela.Past President DirectorsJocelyn L. Baker, L. M. Baylor, Gilbert Blankespoor, Robert Buckman, Ken Graupmann,Cecil Haight, Byron Harrell, Bruce Harris, Nelda Holden, Rex Riis, Dennis Skadsen,David Swanson, J. David Williams.Associate Editor: Erika TallmanSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 42 SEPTEMBER 2001

..~PRESIDENT'S PAGEI had such a blast at last spring'sSDOU spring meeting in Martin,South Dakota, that I pleaded withRobb Schenck to allow me to writethis issue's President's Page. Muchto my surprise, he acquiesced to myrequest. Our meetings are really avery special aspect of the South DakotaOrnithologists' Union, yetsometimes I don't think we "strut ourstuff' sufficiently to attract potentialrecruits to our organization.I tend to be a solitary birder. Yet,during the Martin meeting, birdingwith a group certainly did haveadvantages. I doubt I would havefound the gorgeous Cassin'sKingbird discovered by Jay Carlisleand others, a hillside away. Norwould I have seen Eric Liknes' male Bay-breasted Warbler, one of only ahandful seen west of the Missouri River. Perhaps more importantly, I would nothave enjoyed the fellowship, identification tips, and tales told to me by my compamons.About the only problem with the spring meeting is that sometimes beginningbirders feel somewhat left out, if all the SDOU regulars are reveling in theirfellowship and running this way and that, identifying feathered creatures that theneophyte can hardly glimpse. I am not sure I have the definitive answer to thisthis problem, except to say that an SDOU meeting is no place to be shy. Jumpinto the action, ask for help--none of us intends to be imperious, and we allwelcome new birders and ideas for improvement. Addison Ball, relatively new toSDOU, made the marvelous suggestion of supplying all field trip vehicles withportable radios. Now even the last car in line will know what to look for, or, atleast, that the line of cars is in the process of coming to a screeching stop.Fall meetings, with their focus on paper sessions, have historically been a littlemore intimidating for the general birder. This trepidation is a mistake. Howare birds reacting to last year's Black Hills fires? Do migrants across our statedepend equally on Missouri River woodlands and farm windbreaks? What sizegrassland is required to maintain our breeding grassland birds? All of thesequestions and many more have been explored during fall meetings. Recently,with the advent of fall birding trips, as well as meeting sessions, fall meetingsSOUTHDAKOTABIRDNOTES53(3):43SEPTEMBER2001

have become even more robust.Although I should probably not admit to it, I even enjoy the annual SDOUbusiness meetings. Here is an opportunity to discuss ecological and politicalconcerns and have the opportunity to steer our organization's future. If all elsefails, it is often amusing to discover what our friends find to be of vital importance.To sum up, spring and fall meetings provide excellent opportunities to explorealmost every corner of South Dakota, meet a fascinating diversity of birders,and learn new things about the feathered creatures we all enjoy. Speaking ofSDOU meetings, two outstanding ones are coming up over the next year. Thefirst is in Pierre on 12-13 October and the second in Aberdeen in May 2002. TheSouth Dakota Ornithologists' Union is remarkable in its vitality and relativeyouth of its members (that gray hair in the mirror just can't be mine). We allthink young, anyway. But we could always use a few new members. Perhapseach one of us could all make an effort to invite a friend to either or both of theseupcoming meetings. Failing that, I have always thought all SDOU membersshould resolve to sign up two new members. I am quick to suggest to birders thatthey join SDOU and have found it surprisingly easy to interest them in our group.Dan Tallman, Northern State University,Aberdeen SD 57401.1jI\\2000 REPORT OF THE RARE BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEEDavid L. Swanson.Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069The SDOU Rare Bird Records Committee (RBRC) met on 21 May 2000at Sioux Falls and on 1 October 2000 at Pierre. The members of the committeewere David Swanson (secretary), Paul Springer, Todd Jensen, J. David Williams,and Jeffrey Palmer. All members either attended each meeting or voted in absentia.The purpose and voting procedure of the committee are outlined by Springer(1988. SDBN 40:67-70). Observers of rare or unusual birds in South Dakota areencouraged to report their observations to any of the following: the secretary ofthe RBRC (currently David Swanson of Vermillion, SD) or other Records Committeemembers, compiler of the quarterly Seasonal Reports in South DakotaBird Notes (Jeffrey Palmer of Madison, SD and Robb Schenck of Sioux Falls,SD), or the editor of Bird Notes (Dan Tallman of Aberdeen, SD). A Rare BirdObservation Form is available for this purpose from any of the people to whomthese reports should be sent. Reports should be as detailed as possible and shoulddescribe the entire bird, as well as vocalizations or behaviors exhibited by thebird at the time of observation. Notes on the observation for rare bird reportsshould be prepared during the observation or as soon afterward as possible, pref-SOUTHDAKOTABIRDNOTES53(3):44SEPTEMBER2001

-erably prior to consulting a field guide. Complete descriptions are necessary toprovide the committee with the greatest amount of information on which to judgetheir acceptance or rejection. A summary of the type of information desired bythe RBRC in a rare bird report can be found in Swanson (1994. SDBN 46:64-71).A listing of those species for which rare bird reports are requested is given onthe latest version of the checklist of South Dakota birds (available from DanTallman, South Dakota Bird Notes Editor). Observers are asked to submit reportsof any species that is rare or unusual at a particular time or at a particular locationwithin the state. Observers whose records are accepted (Classes 1 and 2) are encouragedto publish these records in South Dakota Bird Notes, so details of theobservation can be communicated to a wider audience. Citations are provided inthis report for records that have been published.Following are the results of the committee's actions since the last report inthe September 2000 issue of South Dakota Bird Notes. The numbers included inparentheses with some reports indicate the committee's vote. If no numbers arelisted, the vote was unanimous (5-0) or 4-0 if a committee member submitted thereport. The committee wishes to emphasize that a rating of Class 3 or 4 (nonacceptedrecord) does not imply any personal criticism of the observer. Such arating only means that the information provided in the report, in the opinion ofthe committee, did not conclusively eliminate other similar species. The committeecreated a new rating category in 1995 (Class 2H - Accepted Hypothetical)for well-described, single-observer sight records without corroborating evidence(e.g., photo, video, sound recording) that would constitute first state records, orfor well-described reports where the origin of the reported bird (wild or escapedcaptive) is uncertain.CLASS 1 (Accepted - Specimen, photograph, or recording).Glossy Ibis. 1 and 8 July 2000. One adult in breeding plumage east of Hecla,Brown Co. Photographed. Karl Bardon. First state record.Little Gull. 20 June 1999. One in first alternate plumage just west of Sand LakeNational Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, Brown Co. Video-taped. JohnVanderpoel. First summer record for the state.Chuck-will's-widow. 4-5 July 2000. Two adults and one recently fledged juvenilenear Oahe Marina, Stanley Co. Photographed and video-taped. DougBacklund. First confirmed breeding record for the state. SDBN 52:77,80-82.CLASS 2 (Accepted - Satisfactory written description).White Ibis. 10 December 1999. One adult in Charles Mix Co. Willis Wilcox.Fifth state record and first outside of the summer season.Iceland Gull. 19-20 December 1999. One in second-winter or third-winterplumage at Lewis and Clark Marina, Yankton Co. Photographed; photoswere supportive of the identification, but were too distant for confirmation.David Swanson and Eric Liknes. Second state record.Ruby-throated Hummingbird. 28-31 August 1999. One adult male at Fort Meade,Meade Co. Randy Podoll. Rare in western South Dakota.SOUTHDAKOTABIRDNOTES53(3):45 SEPTEMBER 2001- - -- --

Pileated Woodpecker. 6 October 1999. One female at Sica Hollow State Park,Roberts Co. Jerry Stanford. Outside of normal range in the state. SDBN 53:8-9.Cassin's Kingbird. 4 June 1999. One adult in Custer Co. Richard Peterson.Carolina Wren. 22-23 August 2000. One at Hell Canyon, Custer Co. DavidSwanson. Accidental in western South Dakota.Blue-'grayGnatcatcher. 30 August 1999. One adult in Watertown, Codington Co.Jerry Stanford. Outside of normal range within the state. SDBN 53:8.Townsend's Warbler. 23 August 2000. One female or first-year male at HellCanyon,CusterCo. DavidSwanson.Thirdstaterecord. >::Prothonotary Warbler. 7-18 June 1999. One adult male along Bear Butte Creek,Meade Co. Randy Podoll. Accidental in western South Dakota.Connecticut Warbler. 11 May 1999. One adult male in breeding plumage at Ft.Meade Recreation Area, Meade Co. Randy Podoll. Accidental in westernSouth Dakota.Scarlet Tanager. 20 September 1999. 1 adult male in non-breeding plumage atRapid City, Pennington Co. Jocelyn Baker. Outside of normal range withinthe state.Swamp Sparrow. 3-6 October 1999. One immature at Rapid City, PenningtonCo. Jocelyn Baker. Outside of normal range within the state.Golden-crowned Sparrow. 5 November 1999. One adult in Piedmont, Meade Co.Anna Ball. Second state record.McCown's Longspur. 18 October 1999. One male in Custer Co. Michael Melius.CLASS 3 (Not accepted - Identification possibly correct but description notcompletely convincing).Cassin's Vireo. 25 August 1999. One near Sturgis, Meade Co. This record wouldhave constituted a first state record, but the committee believed that BlueheadedVireo was not conclusively eliminated in the report.Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. 17 May 1999. One adult at Sturgis, Meade Co. (1Class 2, 4 Class 3). The report was rather brief and did not conclusivelyeliminate Cordilleran Flycatcher, which is a much more common species inthe Black Hills.Glossy Ibis. 12 May 1999. One adult near Nisland, Butte Co. This record wouldhave constituted a first state record for this species, but the committee feltthat the description was too brief for a first state record and did not conclusivelyeliminate White-faced Ibis.Ross's Goose. 20 April 1999. A flock of 45 near Webster, Day Co. The report didnot conclusively eliminate Snow Geese, which occur in much larger numbersand would be more likely to occur in large flocks.CLASS 4 (Not accepted - Identification probably or certainly incorrect).No reports were rated as class 4.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 46 SEPTEMBER 2001

SUBMITTEDFOR CONSIDERATIONEurasian Wigeon. 31 October 2000. One adult male in Brown Co.White-tailed Kite. 4 April 2000. One adult in Harding Co.Crested Caracara. 20 November 2000. One at Lacreek NWR, Bennett Co. Potentialfirst state record.Red Knot. 10-16 September 2000. Three in basic plumage at Arikara Wetland,Hughes Co. SDBN 52:82-83.Hammond's Flycatcher. 11 September 2000. One at Rapid City, Pennington Co.Potential first state record.Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. 14 October 2000. One juvenile at Ft. Pierre NationalGrasslands, Stanley Co.Townsend's Warbler. 29 August 2000. One adult male at Rapid City, PenningtonCo. Potential fourth state record.Yellow-throated Warbler. 4 May 2000. One adult male in Pierre, Hughes Co.Potential fourth state record.Summer Tanager. 17 May 2000. One first-year male in Pierre, Hughes Co.Summer Tanager. 18 November 2000. One immature male at Aberdeen, BrownCo. SDBN 53:1.~GENERAL NOTESBARRED OWL IN NEWTON HILLS STATE PARK. At 2:45 PM on 4September 1999, I was driving the loop road in Newton Hills State Park. I wasstopping whenever I heard chickadees and looking for warblers that might bemixed in with the chickadees. Below the east side of the lookout tower on theloop road, I began hearing a few warbler-type chips. I started whistling anEastern Screech-Owl imitation in an attempt to draw the warblers closer. Isuddenly heard a Barred Owl distinctly call twice. The call was that typicallydescribed as who cooksfor you, who cooksfor YOU all/I...Jeff Palmer and I went back the same day to the same location at dusk andheard the Barred Owl call again. We drove to the road that leads to the lookouttower, stopping 100 meters short of the tower. This location is on top of thehillside where we previously heard the owl. We played recordings and eventuallyheard two Barred Owls calling at the same time very similarly to the recording onStokes Guide to Bird Songs by Lang Elliott, Time Warner Audio Books. To myknowledge, this record is the first sighting of a Barred Owl in Newton Hills StatePark. Robert F. Schenck, 422 N Linwood Ct., Sioux Falls 57103.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 47 SEPTEMBER 2001

EASTERN SCREECH-OWL ATTACKS FOX SQUIRREL. On the afternoonof 8 December 2000, I was rushing to a meeting across the Northern StateUniversity Campus. To my surprise, an Eastern Screech-Owl flew low overhead.The owl went feet first into a hole in a nearby tree and pulled a large Fox Squirrelout of the hole. Feathers flew. The owl flew back to a spruce tree from which itmay have originally flown. The squirrel did not seem wounded and returned intothe hole. This refusal to vacate seemed to infuriate the owl, which bobbed up anddown on its perch in the spruce. Unfortunately, by this time I was really late forthe meeting, and did not witness any further combat. Dan Tallman, NorthernState University,Aberdeen SD 57401.DARK-EYED JUNCO BANDED IN ABERDEEN, SOUTH DAKOTA, RE-COVERED IN MINNESOTA. A Dark-eyed Junco that I banded in Aberdeen,South Dakota, on 1 March 2000 was recovered by Edmund Holo in Battle Lake,Minnesota, on 27 December 2000 (band 1651-33834). Battle Lake is about 20miles east of Fergus Falls, in westcentral Minnesota, about 180 road miles northeastof Aberdeen. While not a particularly old record, nor a distant recovery, itdoes indicate that juncos are not always site specific in their choice of winteringgrounds. Dan Tallman, Northern State University,Aberdeen SD 57401.CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW CORRECTION. In my paper, A SignificantBreeding Range Extension of the Chuck-will's-widow: A First ConfirmedBreeding Record for South Dakota (SDBN 52(4): 80-82), I erroneously reportedthat Chuck-will's-widows have only been reported from two locations in SouthDakota. There is a third South Dakota record of which I unaware. A Chuckwill's-widowwas reported by Bill Huser in Union County on 16 June 1991, nearthe Big Sioux River, about two miles northeast of Richland. This record wasaccepted by the Rare Bird Records Committee as Class 2, accepted. The record ispublished in SDBN 44:38-40. I thank Dave Swanson for alerting me to this error.Doug Backlund, Pierre SD 57501.NESTING PELICANS RETURN TO SAND LAKE NWR. American WhitePelicans were last recorded as nesting on Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in1976. But the pelicans returned to nest on Sand Lake NWR during the summer of2000, and fledged 25 young.During the summer, refuge personnel attempted to draw down Sand Lake torevegetate the area most used by colonial nesting birds. This area is just south ofState Highway 10. Overall acreage and density of the cattail used for nesting hasbeen decreasing over the years, and this decrease of vegetation has been acceleratedby the extremely high water levels on the refuge since 1993.The draw-down exposed a small island in the middle of Sand Lake. On 5June, refuge personnel observed American White Pelicans and Double-crestedcormorants nesting on the island. On 18 June, biologists counted 65 pelican nestsand 30 cormorant nests. There were approximately 450 pelicans on the island atthat time.A check of the island, on 7 August, revealed 25 young pelicans and about 60SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 48 SEPTEMBER 2001

'"young cormorants, near flight stage. An estimated 3,500 pelicans used the refugeduring this time. A hailstorm that went through the area on 1 July may have affectedthe number of pelicans that were fledged. William Schultz, Sand LakeNWR, Columbia SD 57433.~BOOK REVIEWSHANDBOOK OF THE BIRDS OF THE WORLD. Vol 6 Mousebirds toHornbills. 2001. J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, and J. Sargatal, Eds. Lynx Edicions,Barcelona. Hardcover. 489 pp. $185.00 (substantial discounts are available: seewww.hbw.com.which also contains sample pages from the book).A reviewer of the Handbook of the Birds of the World runs the risk ofspewing superlatives. Although not inexpensive, each volume contains a wealthof information. Even retaining a fraction of this information would make thereader a very well educated birder. Of the 12 avian families covered in Volume 6,only one is found in South Dakota (kingfishers), three others are wholly (todiesand motmots) or partially (trogons) restricted to the New World, and the rest(mousebirds, bee-eaters, rollers, ground-rollers, cuckoo-rollers, hoopoes,woodhoopoes, and hornbills) are found only in the Old World. Thus, many of thebirds covered in this book will be unfamiliar to South Dakota birders. Manyhappy hours of reading will remedy this situation and expand our appreciation ofthe world's birds.This volume begins with an exquisite and well-written forward on aviansound. These 30 pages alone are worth the purchase of the book. The temptationto share some of the cool facts reported is overwhelming. Did you know thatmale Brown Thrashers can sing over 2000 different songs, the number of whichmay influence his reproductive success? Or that Palm Cockatoos of Australiamake drumsticks to rap against hollow logs? The list of amazing research goeson and on. The introduction has a unique format. Ornithologists around the worldsubmittedquestions that they would like to see answered. These questions appearin the wide margins opposite to where the subjects are discussed in the essay.The essay is profusely referenced with over 500 citations to the professionalliterature.The syrinx is discussed, the organ that allows some birds to sing simultaneouslytwo songs or produce one song alternately from one side or the other. I wassurprised to learn that the exact mechanism of sound production by the syrinx isunknown, as is exactly how airwaves are transformed to neural transmissions.The text continues with an interesting discussion of the neural control of song.Many questions are addressed in the essay. How and when do birds learnSOUTHDAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 49 SEPTEMBER 2001

...--- -rsong? To what extent is song learned or inherited? How do birds learn dialects?What are the evolutionary and ecological consequences of dialects? How dobirds learn new dialects and why should they do so? What about mimicry? Didyou know that White-crowned Sparrows can be tricked into learning other birdsongs, if the new song is preceded by a species-specific song-learning whistle?Live teachers are more effective than loud speakers for teaching baby birds; ifbirds are raised by humans, then a person with a loud speaker around his or herneck is more effective than a speaker alone.The essay continues to discuss the function and evolution of calls and songsas they relate to territory, mate choice, pair maintenance, fitness, advertisement,and intelligence. After the introduction, the text continues, in the superb style towhich we have become accustomed in the previous volumes, with stunninglyillustrated (photos and plates) family discussions and species accounts. Thefamily accounts cover the systematics, morphology, habitats, behavior, voices,and migrations of the species within the family. These discussions end with thefamily's relationship with humans and the status of conservation needs of thegroup. The species accounts list the species in each family and includeinformation on taxonomy, morphology, ecology, breeding, migration, andconservation status, and include a bibliography of works on the species. Ofspecial interest to many birders are lists of subspecies of each species,information that is otherwise increasingly hard to locate, especially for all thebirds of the world.The color plates and photographs are uniformly superb. Among the best ofthe photographs are a series of diving European Kingfishers, as they hit the waterafter minnows. A close-up of a White-throated Bee-eater atop a Water Buffalo'shorn is almost poetic in its beauty. The fact of the matter is that all the photographsare wonderful. Although illustrated by a number of different artists, thecolor plates are remarkably uniform in their excellence. Some of the kingfisherplates are especially elegant in their attention to detail. One small improvementfor future volumes might be the inclusion of juvenile plumages with these plates.Clearly this handbook is beyond the financial bounds of some of our readers.Nevertheless, if you can afford this series, I urge you to purchase these books. Ifthey are beyond your means, you should recommend them to your local library.This series of volumes stands as a hallmark to ornithological knowledge of thebirdsof theworld.Dan Tallman,NorthernStateUniversity,AberdeenSD57401.SYLVIA WARBLERS. 2001. Hadoram Shirihai, Gabriel Gargallo, and AndreasHelbig. Princeton University Press, Princeton. Hardcover. 576 pp. $75.00THRUSHES. 2000. Peter Cement. Princeton University Press, Princeton. Hardcover.463 pp. $These two books are similar in appearance (the covers are designed identically)and format. Since the family is found in the state, Thrushes is probably ofmost interest to South Dakota birders. On the other hand, Sylvia Warblers coversSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 50 SEPTEMBER 2001

- --"only one genus of the family Sylviidae. Species in this genus are notoriously difficultto identify and are restricted to the Old World.Thrushes begins with a relatively short introduction, which covers the scopeand organization of the book. It includes sections on taxonomy and behavior,molt and migration. All the genera of the family are reviewed. A few pages aredevoted to behavior and conservation. These 40 pages are sparsely illustratedwith black and white drawings.Sixty color plates follow the introductory remarks. These paintings give anexcellent review of the thrushes, since opposite each plate are small range mapsand short, written descriptions of the birds portrayed. Thus, the reader can easilyreview the world's thrushes, their appearance and distribution. The platesoccasionally show immature birds and various races not often illustrated in fieldguides. For the American Robin, for example, one female and one immature areshown, along with adults of five races. Not all the field marks of these races,however, are demonstrated. None of the examples shows racial variation in robinwhite tail spots, or the spots at all for that matter. Many of the plates have verydark backgrounds, which I think detracts from the birds.Aside from a literature cited section and an index, species accounts comprisethe remainder of the book. Each account covers nomenclature, identification,taxonomy, variation, voice, distribution, habitat, behavior, breeding, molt,measurements, and references. Overall, the book should be a valuable referenceto anyone wishing to learn more about this globally distributed bird family.Sylvia Warblers covers a single genus rather than a family of birds, and,perhaps consequently, devotes much more detail to the birds it covers. Thebook's bulk consists mainly of species accounts. Within each account are colorphotographs and illustrations of each species, showing many plumage andgeographical variations (20 color plates and 546 photographs). Large, full-pagemaps, clearly show the ranges of even the races of the various species. The text isalso illustrated with many black and white drawings, demonstrating behavior andwing formulae. Sonagrams describe vocalizations and many charts comparemeasurements.The accounts include a general introduction to each species, seasonal identificationnotes, and interesting sections on field identification, including similarspecies and "major pitfalls." The accounts continue with voice, identification inthe hand, taxonomy, molt, age and sex. Finally general biology and ecology, includingdiet,behavior, and population trends are covered.No serious birder traveling to Europe or western Asia will want to be withoutthis text. Others may be inspired by its detailed coverage of a single avian genus.Clearlythis book is in a class by itself. Dan Tallman, Northern State University,Aberdeen, SD 57401.SOUTHDAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 51 SEPTEMBER 2001

'--- -r-VOICES OF AMAZONIAN BIRDS: Volume 1: Tinamous (Tinamidae)through Barbets (Capitonidae). 2000. Thomas S. Schulenberg, Curtis A.Marantz, and Peter H. English. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca. CD.99 tracks. $14.95Welcome to the sounds of the Amazonian jungle! Birders visiting that faraway ecosystem or those wishing to enjoy a totally unfamiliar auditoryexperience will appreciate this CD. The cuts are of extremely high quality andare not interrupted by distracting comments. The listener needs to consult theindex to know which call is being played. Over half the recordings were made bythe late Ted Parker, thus it is curious that he was not given a posthumous coauthorshipof the disk.This disk contains recordings of 99 Amazonian species. Ten tinamous, agrouse-like family more often heard than seen, are covered. Also included are tenhawks and falcons, the most astonishing of which is of a Laughing Falcon thatmust have been told an amazingly funny joke, since it laughs away for almostthree minutes. Also well-represented are the parrots, with 19 cuts, though theseseemed somewhat repetitious to me. Thus almost half the calls are from onlythree bird families, obviously many species have been omitted. Other standoutsinclude other-worldly sounding guans, and musical Marbled Wood-Quails.Almost as interesting as the birds are the non-intrusive background noises of fliesand other insects, reminding the jungle traveler of some of the travails of hissport.Dan Tallman, Northern State University,Aberdeen, SD 57401. 'SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 52 SEPTEMBER 2001

~SEASONAL REPORTSThe 2001 Spring Season1 March 2001 to 31 May 2001Compiler: Jeffrey S. PalmerCollege of Natural SciencesDakota State UniversityMadison, SD 57042Statewide temperature was about average for March and April. Precipitationwas below average in March and much above average in April. The long winterpersisted into spring, with snow cover over much of the eastern third of the statethrough March and even into April farther north. Climatic data for May was notavailable. There were 321 species reported, a new record high, eclipsing the previousmark of 318 set during the 1999 Spring Season! The six-year (1995-2000)average is 308. Highlights of the season (all pending approval of the Rare BirdRecords Committee) include reports of Mississippi Kite, Snowy Plover, WhitewingedDove, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Townsend's Warbler. Therewere two reports of Red Knots, three reports of Whimbrels (including 10+ atLacreek NWR during the SDOU Spring Meeting), and three reports of WhiteeyedVireos (including 1 in Bennett County during the SDOU Spring Meeting).The Spring Meeting next year (scheduled for Sand Lake NWR) should be just asrewarding!Below, I have tried to highlight the more significant sightings (dates that areearlier/later than listed in the upcoming 3rdEdition of The Birds of South Dakotaand species that are out of range). For early/late migration dates, I have listed thethree earliest/latest dates (by county); however, if these did not include a sightingEast River, West River, and along the Missouri River, I have given the earliest/latestreported date in the missing region also. For selected species, I haveincluded [in square brackets] the Earliest Ever and/or the Average First Arrival(1995-2000) dates as a reference for comparison. Finally, included at the end is alist of species that were not reported this year and might be expected during theSpring Season. A species is placed on the list if it was not reported this year buthad been reported during spring in at least 2 of the previous 5 years. Numbers inparentheses indicate the number of consecutive years (up to 4) that the specieshas appeared on the list during the season. Finally, observers are reminded thatRare Bird Report Forms are needed for any species not included on the SeasonalReport Forms, for early/late dates in excess of one week of the earliest/latestever, and for species significantly out of range.CommonLoonEarly[23Mar]:25MarGregoryRM;01 AprHughesRDO;01 AprYanktonSVS;05 AprDayWS;07 Apr MeadeEEM ... Late:30 MayGregoryRM;24 MayPenningtonJLB;17 MayHughesRFS,JSP; 01 May Day DRS ... Concentrations:22 Apr Hughes/Stanley(30)RBA; 14 Apr Kingsbury (8) JSPPied-billedGrebe Early[12Mar]:01 AprYanktonSVS;06 AprBrownDAT;07 AprKingsburySOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 53 SEPTEMBER 2001

JSP; 07 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 14 Apr Mellette KHHorned Grebe Early [28 Mar]: 15 Mar Gregory RM; 22 Mar Hughes RDO, KM; 01 AprYankton SVS; 07 Apr Lake JSP ... Late: 26 Apr Day WS; 23 Apr Yankton SVS; 20 Apr BrownSLSRed-necked Grebe All Reports [22 Apr]: 24 Apr Hamlin RFS; 08-29 May Roberts WS; 15 MayBrown (3) SLSEared Grebe Early [29 Mar]: 31 Mar Charles Mix RM; 03 Apr Hughes JCS; 06 Apr Brown SLS;12 Apr Meade JLBWestern Grebe Early [04 Apr]: 05 Apr Hughes RDO, KM; 06 Apr Brown JCS; 09 Apr Meade(150) REPClark's Grebe All Reports [02 May]: 17 Apr Hughes RDO, KM; 17 Apr Sully RDO; 04 MayHarding (2) CEM; 04 May Gregory RM; 19 May Sully KM; 26 May Brookings JSPAmerican White Pelican Early [27 Mar]: 20 Mar Yankton SVS; 24 Mar Gregory RM; 01 AprBrown SLS; 01 Apr Day WS; 10 Apr Meade (20) JLBDouble-crested Cormorant Early [25 Mar]: 18 Mar Gregory RM; 05 Apr Hughes RDO; 05 AprYankton SVS; 07 Apr Harding CEM; 07 Apr Meade EEM; 08 Apr Brown SLS; 08 Apr LincolnRFSAmerican Bittern Early [19 Apr]: 27 Apr Hughes RDO; 29 Apr Stanley KM; 03 May BrownDAT; 12 May Tripp RAPLeast Bittern Only Report [15 May]: 29 May Marshall WSGreat Blue Heron Early [14 Mar]: 29 Mar Yankton SVS; 30 Mar Brown SLS; 31 Mar CharlesMix RM; 01 Apr Harding CEM; 01 Apr Meade EEM; 01 Apr Pennington JLBGreat Egret Early [29 Mar]: 04 Apr Brown JCS; 11 Apr Yankton SVS; 13 Apr Day MKZ; 20 AprMeade APBSnowy Egret Early [20 Apr]: 17 Apr Clay DAT; 23 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 27 Apr Stanley KM; 02May Charles Mix RMLittle Blue Heron All Reports [10 May]: 29 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 11 May Douglas RBACattle Egret Early [14 Apr]: 14 Apr Hutchinson RM; 21 Apr Lincoln RFS; 25 Apr Brown DAT;18 May Bennett RFS, JSPGreen Heron Early [28 Apr]: 08 May Lake JSP; 09 May Charles Mix RM; 10 May Brown JCSBlack-crowned Night-Heron Early [05 Apr]: 30 Mar Brown JCS; 10 Apr Sully KM; 16 AprHughes EDS; 12 May Tripp RAPWhite-faced Ibis All Reports [19 Apr]: 24 Apr Brown SLS; 12 May Tripp RAP; 14 May SullyRDO; 15 May Brown DAT; 17 May Beadle RFS, JSPTurkey Vulture Early: 03 Apr Meade APB; 03 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 08 Apr Hughes KM; 08 AprPennington TBW; 09 Apr Brown DATGreater White-fronted Goose Early: 05 Mar Hughes RDO; 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; 17Mar Brookings JSP; 08 May Meade JLB ... Late: 11 May Hughes KM; 07 Apr Kingsbury JSP;07 Apr Day WSSnow Goose Early: 10 Mar Lawrence CEM; 13 Mar Charles Mix RM; 14 Mar Minnehaha MKZ;14 Mar Yankton SVS ... Late: 13 May Codington JCS; 11 May Meade JLB; 14 Apr Lake JSP;14 Apr Charles Mix RMRoss's Goose All Reports: 14 Mar Yankton SVS; 18 Mar Hughes KM; 20 Mar Hughes RDO; 25Mar Yankton SVS; 01 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 02 Apr Hughes RDO; 10 Apr Hughes KMTrumpeter Swan Only Report: 19 May Bennett DATTundra Swan All Reports: 24 Mar Kingsbury JSP; 25 Mar Brown SLSWood Duck Early: 02 Mar Pennington SS; 10 Mar Lawrence CEM; 11 Mar Yankton SVS; 25 MarMinnehaha RFSGadwall Early: 01 Mar Pennington JLB; 02 Mar Yankton SVS; 10 Mar Stanley KM; 10 MarCharles Mix RFS, JSP; 17 Mar Lake JSPAmerican Wigeon Early: 01 Mar Pennington JLB; 03 Mar Hughes RDO; 14 Mar Yankton SVS;24 Mar Lake JSPAmerican Black Duck Only Report: 10 Mar Charles Mix (2) RFS, JSPBlue-winged Teal Early: 29 Mar Brown JCS; 31 Mar Charles Mix RM; 01 Apr Hughes RDO,SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 54 SEPTEMBER 2001If~I

----KM; 08 Apr Butte JLBCinnamon Teal Early: 09 Apr Meade JLB; 27 Apr Stanley KM; 08 May Faulk SLS ... Late: 30May Meade JLB; ] 7 May Stanley RFS, JSPNorthern Shoveler Early: 10 Mar Yankton RFS, JSP; ] 2 Mar Stanley ROO; 13 Mar Oay MKZ; 23Mar Meade REPNorthern Pintail Early: 0] Mar Hughes ROO; 03 Mar Lawrence SS; 06 Mar Pennington JLB,AKB; 18 Mar Minnehaha RFSGreen-winged Teal Early: OJ Mar Pennington JLB; 02 Mar Hughes ROO; 04 Mar Stanley KM; 0]Apr Minnehaha RFSCanvasback Early: 10 Mar Lawrence CEM; 10 Mar Yankton RFS, JSP; ]8 Mar Sully KM; 24 MarLincoln RFSRedhead Early: 02 Mar Yankton SVS; 03 Mar Lawrence SS; 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; ]6Mar Brown SLSRing-necked Duck Early: 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; 11 Mar Yankton SVS; 13 Mar StanleyROO, KM; 16 Mar Brown SLS; 25 Mar Meade JLBGreater Scaup Early: 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; 11 Mar Yankton SVS; 15 Mar Stanley ROO;25 Mar Brown OAT; 07 Apr Meade EEM ... Late: 14 Apr Kingsbury JSP; 11 Apr YanktonSVS; 01 Apr Stanley KMLesser Scaup Early: 01 Mar Pennington JLB; 02 Mar Yankton SVS; 03 Mar Stanley ROO; 13 MarOay MKZLong-tailed Duck Only Report: 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSPBuffiehead Early: 01 Mar Pennington JLB; 01 Mar Charles Mix RM; 07 Mar Yankton SVS; 24Mar Lincoln RFS ... Late: ] 7 May Meade JLB; 28 Apr Sully KM; 24 Apr Yankton SVS; 24 AprGregory RM; 21 Apr Miner JSPCommon Goldeneye Late: 26 May Miner JSP; 15 Apr Meade APB; 15 Apr Hughes CEMBarrow's Goldeneye AJI Reports: 06 Mar Pennington JLB, AKB; 0] Mar Pennington JLBHooded Merganser Early: 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; ]] Mar Yankton SVS; 24 Mar HughesKM; 24 Mar Charles Mix RM; 24 Mar Lake JSP; 24 Mar Linco]n RFS ... Late: 24 Apr YanktonSVS; 14 Apr Lake JSP; 13 Apr Kingsbury BHCommon Merganser Late: 27 May Pennington JLB; 13 May Stanley KM; 25 Apr Meade REP; 2]Apr Kingsbury JSPRed-breasted Merganser Early: 01 Mar Charles Mix RM; 02 Mar Hughes ROO; 10 Mar StanleyKM; 10 Mar Yankton RFS, JSP; 21 Mar Roberts WS ... Late: 23 Apr Yankton SVS; 23 AprGregory RM; 17 Apr Stanley KM; 14 Apr Lake JSPRuddy Duck Ear]y: 14 Mar Yankton SVS; 17 Mar Hughes KM; 18 Mar Gregory RM; 24 MarLinco]n RFS; 07 Apr Meade EEM, APBOsprey Early: 05 Apr Gregory RM; 09 Apr Meade REP; 09 Apr Pennington TBW; 16 Apr BrownOAT ... Late: 31 May Pennington TBW; 19 May Custer RAP; 18 May Hughes KM, RFS, JSP;21 Apr Lincoln RFSNorthern Harrier Early: 02 Mar Charles Mix RM; 03 Mar Sully KM; 17 Mar Jerauld RBA; 25Mar Pennington JLBSharp-shinned Hawk Late: 08 May Hughes KM; 23 Apr Brookings K]E; 21 Apr Lincoln RFS; 21Apr Lake JSPCooper's Hawk reported from Brookings, Brown, Custer, Oay, Gregory, Harding, Meade, Minnehaha,Pennington, and Stanley countiesNorthern Goshawk AJI Reports: 16 Apr Hughes KM; 31 Mar Hughes KM; 18 Mar Minnehaha;RFS; 16 Mar Oeuel RBA; 13 Mar Stanley KM; 09 Mar Brown OATBroad-winged Hawk Early: 17 Apr Yankton SVS; 19 Apr Oay (6) ORS; 19 Apr Marshall ORS;21 Apr Pennington RBA ... Late: 18 May Hughes RFS, JSP; ]2 May Lake JSP; 08 May StanleyKMSwainson's Hawk Early: 04 Apr Brown JCS; 13 Apr Brule DJB; 14 Apr Lake JSP; 14 Apr MinnehahaRFS; 14 Apr Charles Mix RM; 18 Apr Harding CEMFerruginous Hawk AJI Early: 03 Mar Stanley ROO; 06 Mar Pennington JLB, AKB; 17 MarHarding CEM; 15 May Oay OATSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 55 SEPTEMBER 2001

Rough-legged Hawk Late: 21 Apr Harding CEM; 15 Apr Meade APB; 07 Apr Stanley KM; 01Apr Minnehaha RFSGolden Eagle Late: 19 May Sully DAT; 29 Apr Stanley KM; 27 Mar Spink JCSMerlin Late: 24 Apr Yankton SVS; 15 Apr Stanley KM; 01 Apr Day DRSGyrfalcon Only Report: 10 Apr Jones DB; 01 Apr Hughes RBA; 03 Mar Stanley RDOPeregrine Falcon Early: 03 Mar Sully KM; 14 Apr Mellette KH; 06 May Brown DAT ... Late: 21May Brown SLS; 17 May Hughes KM; 15 May Meade JLBPrairie Falcon Late: 18 Mar Sully KM; 10 Mar Yankton RFS, JSP; 04 Mar Stanley RDOGray Partridge reported from Day, Harding, Hughes, Meade, Stanley, and Yankton countiesRuffed Grouse Only Report: 03 May Pennington RDO, KMSage Grouse All Reports: 30 Mar Butte (10) RFS, JSP; 05 Apr Harding (4) CEM; 08 Apr Butte (4)JLB; 10 May Harding (1) CEMSharp-tailed Grouse reported 01 Mar Beadle JCS; 13 Mar Day WS; 20 Mar Day DRSGreater Prairie-Chicken reported 01 Apr Clark (2 leks) WSj 22 Apr Perkins DATNorthern Bobwhite Only Report: 16 May Union DSVirginia Rail Early: 08 May Brown (4+) RBA; 12 May Minnehaha RFS; 17 May Hughes RFS,JSP; 18 May Bennett RFS, JSPSora Early: 06 May Hughes RDO; 11 May Brown DAT; 12 May Lincoln RFSSandhill Crane Early: 19 Mar Yankton SVS; 29 Mar Day WS; 30 Mar Charles Mix RM; 04 AprMeade APB ... Late: 26 Apr Brown SLS; 18 Apr Jackson DJB; 17 Apr Hughes KM ... Concentrations:07 Apr Meade (500) AKBWhooping Crane All Reports: 21-27 Apr Hughes USFWS; 26 Apr Hughes (2) RDOBlack-bellied Plover Early [11-Apr-98, 05 May]: 08 May Pennington JLB; 11 May Sully RDO,KM; 12 May Tripp RAP; 17 May Codington WS ... Late: 27 May Pennington JLB; 26 MayKingsbury JSP; 26 May Meade APB; 19 May Hughes KMAmerican Golden-Plover Early [OI-Apr-OO,19 Apr]: 08 Apr Lincoln RFS; 05 May Moody RFS,JSP; 11 May Sully KM; 25 May Meade JLB ... Late: 28 May Meade JLB; 17 May KingsburyJSP; 17 May Clark WS ... Concentrations: 12 May McCook (400+) JSPSemipalmated Plover Early [06-Apr-86, 19 Apr]: 17 Apr Gregory RM; 19 Apr Hughes KM; 05May Moody RFS, JSP; 17 May Meade JLB; 17 May Bennett DAT ... Late: 30 May Meade JLB;18 May Bennett RFS, JSP; 12 May Minnehaha RFS; 12 May McCook JSP; 11 May Sully KMPiping Plover All Reports [11-Apr-89, 22 Apr]: 19 Apr Hughes KM; 20 Apr Sully (6) RDO; 14May Charles Mix RM; 19 May Sully KMKilldeer Early [10 Mar]: 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; 13 Mar Meade APB; 14 Mar Brown MKZBlack-necked Stilt Only Report [11-Apr-00, 27 Apr]: 08 May Brown RBA; 19 May Bennett JDWAmerican Avocet Early [21-Mar-86, 10 Apr]: 06 Apr Hughes RDO; 07 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 08Apr Brown DAT; 09 Apr Meade JLBGreater Yellowlegs Early [14-Mar-00, 22 Mar]: 11 Mar Stanley KM; 01 Apr Meade JLB; 04 Apr---BrownJCS ... Late: 26 May Meade JLB, APB; 12 May McCook JSP; 28 Apr Minnehaha RFS;24 Apr Yankton SVSLesser Yellowlegs Early [06-Mar-00, 26 Mar]: 07 Apr Meade APB; 07 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 11Apr Stanley RDO ... Late: 28 May Meade JLB; 18 May Bennett RFS, JSP; 12 May Charles MixRM; 12 May Minnehaha RFSSolitary Sandpiper All Reports [15-Apr-71, 24 Apr]: 03 May Brown DAT; 05 May Moody RFS,JSP; 12 May Minnehaha RFSWillet Early [07-Apr-78, 17 Apr]: 19 Apr Hughes KM; 20 Apr Sully RDO; 21 Apr McPhersonJDW; 21 Apr Lawrence DATSpotted Sandpiper Early [02-Apr-91, 24 Apr]: 03 May Brown DAT; 05 May Moody RFS, JSP;06 May Hughes KM; 1] May Meade JLBUpland Sandpiper Early [27-Mar-93, 24 Apr]: 21 Apr Lincoln RFS; 27 Apr Stanley KM; 02 MayMarshall WS; 02 May Harding CEMLong-billed Curlew Early [16-Mar-96, 3] Mar]: 07 Apr Meade EEM; 09 Apr Pennington JLB; 18Apr Jones RDO; 28 May Stanley KMHudsonian Godwit Early [10-Apr-89, 15 Apr]: 14 Apr Kingsbury (10) JSP; 19 Apr Sully KM; 20SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 56 SEPTEMBER 2001

,-----0Apr Minnehaha RBA; 17 May Bennett OAT ... Late:20 MayBennettRFS,JSP; 17MayBrownJCS; 17 May Spink RFS, JSP; 27 Apr Hughes ROOMarbled Godwit Early [05-Apr-78, II Apr]: 16 Apr Brown JCS; 16 Apr Hughes ROO; 19 AprFaulk SLS; 08 May Meade JLBRuddy Turnstone All Reports [17-Apr-92, 09 May]: 11 May Sully ROO; 12 May Sully KM; 20May Brown (8) SLS; 26 May Kingsbury (43+) JSPSanderling Early [16-Apr-91, 04 May]: 08 May Sully ROO; 17 May Bennett OAT; 17 MayKingsbury RFS, JSP ... Late: 29 May Hughes KM; 27 May Pennington JLB; 26 May KingsburyJSPSemipalmated Sandpiper Early [02-Apr-86, 21 Apr]: 19 Apr Hughes KM; 08 May Meade JLB;11 May Brown OAT ... Late: 30 May Meade JLB; 29 May Hughes KM; 26 May Yankton SVS;26 May Kingsbury JSPLeast Sandpiper Early [31-Mar-00, 19 Apr]: 04 May Minnehaha RFS; 05 May Moody RFS, JSP;08 May Meade JLB; 19 May Hughes KM ... Late: 30 May Meade JLB; 26 May Yankton SVS;26 May Kingsbury JSPWhite-rnmped Sandpiper Early [17-Apr-66, 04 May]: 05 May Moody RFS, JSP; 12 May HughesROO, KM; 12 May Minnehaha RFS; 25 May Meade JLB ... Late: 30 May Meade JLB; 29 MayHughes KM; 27 May Spink RMBaird's Sandpiper Early [12-Mar-00, 26 Mar]: 06 Apr Gregory RM; 07 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 08Apr Stanley KM; 08 Apr Lincoln RFS ... Late: 30 May Meade JLB; 26 May Yankton SVS; 20May Bennett RFS, JSP; 17 May Kingsbury RFS, JSPPectoral Sandpiper Early [17-Mar-00, 05 Apr]: 08 Apr Lincoln RFS; 15 Apr Gregory RM; 28 AprSully KM; 28 Apr Minnehaha RFS, JSP; 26 May Meade JLB ... Late: 30 May Meade JLB; 28May Hughes ROO; 26 May Kingsbury JSPDunlin All Reports [11-Apr-00, 19 Apr]: 07 Apr Kingsbury (3) JSP; 25 Apr Brown OAT; 27 AprBrown SLS; 12 May Minnehaha RFS; 16 May Hughes ROO, KM; 17 May Kingsbury RFS, JSP;20 May Hughes KMStilt Sandpiper Early [18-Apr-55, 04 May]: 11 May Brown OAT; 11 May Sully ROO, KM; 11May Meade JLB ... Late: 30 May Meade JLB; 19 May Sully KM; 17 May Spink RFS, JSPButT-breasted Sandpiper Only Report [03-May-99, 14 May]: 26 May Kingsbury (3) JSPShort-billed Dowitcher All Reports [20-Apr-91, 29 Apr]: 20 Apr Meade APB; 22 Apr HughesRDO, KM; 12 May Minnehaha RFS; 12 May Charles Mix RM; 26 May Meade APBLong-billed Dowitcher Early [20-Mar-00, 13 Apr]: 27 Apr Hughes ROO; 28 Apr Sully KM; 28Apr Minnehaha RFS; 08 May Meade JLB ... Late: 26 May Meade JLB; 19 May Bennett RFS,JSP; 16 May Sully KMCommon Snipe Early [21 Mar]: 10 Apr Custer KH; 14 Apr Brown MKZ; 14 Apr Lake JSP; 29Apr Stanley ROO, KMAmerican Woodcock All Reports [12-Mar-97, 27 Mar]: 29 Mar Yankton SVS; 20 Apr Marshall(NE 4) WS; 14 May Hughes (4) RDO, KM; 16 May Hughes KMWilson's Phalarope Early [06-Mar-70, 15 Apr]: 20 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 21 Apr Miner JSP; 21Apr Charles Mix RM; 21 Apr Lincoln RFS; 03 May Harding CEMRed-necked Phalarope All Reports [22-Apr-95, 05 May]: 11 May Meade JLB; 17 May HughesRFS, JSP; 19 May Hughes KM; 26 May Meade APB; 30 May Meade APBFranklin's Gull Early: 29 Mar Bon Homme SVS; 02 Apr Brown OAT, SLS; 05 Apr MinnehahaRFS; 15 Apr Meade JLBBonaparte's Gull Early: 29 Mar Bon Homme SVS; 01 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 03 Apr Stanley KM... Late: 26 May Kingsbury JSP; 28 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 25 Apr Oay WS; 24 Apr Charles MixRMRing-billed Gull Early: 01 Mar Hughes ROO; 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; 11 Mar GregoryRM; 21 Mar Roberts WS; 23 Mar Meade REPCalifornia Gull Early: 21 Mar Roberts WS; 22 Mar Hughes RDO, KM; 25 Mar Meade JLB ...also reported 02 Apr Brown OATHerring Gull Early: 01 Mar Hughes ROO; 10 Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSP; 29 Mar Bon HommeSVS; 29 Mar Gregory RM; 01 Apr Minnehaha RFS ... Late: 24 Apr Hamlin RFS; 23 AprSOUTHDAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 57 SEPTEMBER 2001

Yankton SVS; 23 Apr Gregory RMGlaucous Gull All Reports: 08 Apr Hughes KM; 06 Apr Hughes RDO; 22 Mar Hughes KM; 01Mar Hughes RDOCaspian Tern Early: 15 Apr Hughes KM, CEM; 23 Apr Yankton SVS; 15 May Day DAT ...Late: 25 May Day (2) WS; 05 May Hughes KMCommon Tern Early: 24 Apr Gregory RM; 25 Apr Codington JCS; 29 Apr Stanley RDOForster's Tern Early: 10 Apr Hughes RDO; 13 Apr Kingsbury BH; 13 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 12May Harding CEMLeast Tern All Reports: 24 May Yankton SVS; 29 May Yankton SVSBlack Tern Early: 25 Apr Codington JCS; 07 May Sully RDO; 11 May Brown DAT; 17 MayMeade JLBMourning Dove Early: 02 Mar Minnehaha MKZ; 15 Mar Brookings KIE; 19 Mar Yankton SVS;01 Apr Pennington JLB; 01 Apr Mellette KHBlack-billed Cuckoo Only Report: 15 May Lake KBYellow-billed Cuckoo Only Report: 14 May Clay DSEastern Screech-Owl reported 27 May Pennington JLB; 27 May Mellette KHBarred Owl Only Report: 25 Mar Newton Hills State Park, Lincoln County RFSSnowy Owl All Reports: 21 Apr McPherson JDW; 16 Apr Brown (2) SLS; 10 Apr Sully RDO; 04Mar Stanley KMBurrowing Owl Early: 08 Apr Hughes KM; 25 Apr Meade REP; 28 Apr Harding CEM; ... notreported East in the last 7 Spring SeasonsLong-eared Owl reported from Day, Hughes, Stanley, and Union countiesShort-eared Owl All Reports: 08 May Roberts JCS; 07 Apr Brown WS; 04 Apr Hughes KM; 10Mar Charles Mix RFS, JSPNorthern Saw-whet Owl All Reports: 18 Mar Lake (dead) RBA; 17 Mar Meade REP; 09 MarMeade REPCommon Nighthawk Early: 30 Apr Minnehaha MKZ; 13 May Hughes RDO; 13 May StanleyKM; 24 May Meade APBCommon Poorwill Early: 04 May Pennington RBA; 06 May Meade APB; 25 May Harding CEMChuck-will's-widow All Reports: 09 May Hughes DB; 13 May Stanley ROOWhip-poor-will All Reports: 26 Apr Yankton SVS; 13 May Day (calling) DRS; 16 May CharlesMix RM; 27 May Charles Mix RMChimney Swift Early: 26 Apr Yankton SVS; 28 Apr Charles Mix RM; 29 Apr Brown DAT; 29Apr Hughes RDO; 15 May Pennington (6) JLBWhite-throated Swift All Reports: 24 Apr Custer KH; 19 May Fall River DAT; 31 May CusterKHRuby-throated Hummingbird Early: 01 May Brookings NH; 15 May Day WS; 15 May CharlesMix RM; 18 May Yankton SVSBelted Kingfisher Early: 02 Mar Yankton SVS; 01 Apr Hughes RDO; 01 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 14Apr Lawrence SSLewis's Woodpecker reported from Lawrence, Meade, and Pennington countiesRed-headed Woodpecker Early: 10 Mar Bon Homme RFS, JSP; 03 May Charles Mix RM; 05May Moody RFS, JSP; 12 May Pennington JLBRed-bellied Woodpecker reported from Bon Homme, Brown, Hughes, Lincoln, Minnehaha, andYankton countiesYellow-bellied Sapsucker All Reports: 01 May Codington JCS; 06 May Lincoln RFS; 12 MayLincoln RFS; 15 May Roberts OATRed-naped Sapsucker All Reports: 02 May Lawrence OJB; 03 May Custer RDO, KMThree.toed Woodpecker All Reports: 13 May Lawrence SS; 03 May Custer RDO, KMBlack-backed Woodpecker Only Report: 18 May Custer RAPNorthern Flicker All Early: 02 Mar Brown JCS; 02 Mar Yankton SVS; 05 Mar Charles Mix RM;04 Mar Pennington JLB; 06 Mar Hughes ROO; 11 Mar Meade SS; 21 Mar Day WS; 22 MarCuster KH; 24 Mar Kingsbury JSP; 08 Apr Lincoln RFS; 18 Apr Brookings KlE; 20 May HydeNSSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 58 SEPTEMBER 2001

Pileated Woodpecker Only Report: 15 May Sica Hollow State Park, Roberts County JCSOlive-sided Flycatcher All Reports: 07 May Union JC; 11 May Minnehaha RFS; 15 May RobertsJCS; 20 May Hughes KM; 31 May Hughes KMWestern Wood-Pewee All Reports: 19 May Fall River OAT; 24 May Pennington JLBEastern Wood-Pewee All Reports: 25 May Yankton SVS; 31 May Yankton SVSYellow-bellied Flycatcher All Reports: 29 May Brown (banded) OAT; 30 May Lake JSPAlder Flycatcher Only Report: 26 May Minnehaha RFSWillow Flycatcher All Reports: 17 May Bennett OAT; 27 May Minnehaha RFSLeast Flycatcher Early: 06 May Brown OAT; 06 May Hughes ROO, KM; 06 May Lincoln RFS;10 May Pennington JLB ... also reported 19 May Harding CEMDusky Flycatcher Only Report: 17 May Custer OSCordilleran Flycatcher Only Report: 28 May Meade JLBEastern Phoebe Early: 05 Apr Gregory RM; 08 Apr Codington JCS; 14 Apr Minnehaha RFSSay's Phoebe Early: 10 Apr Meade AKB; 18 Apr Stanley ROO; 19 Apr Harding CEMGreat Crested Flycatcher Early: 06 May Lincoln RFS; 08 May Roberts JCS; 13 May HughesKM; 19 May Bennett RFS, JSPWestern Kingbird Early: 28 Apr Sully KM; 29 Apr Edmunds JOW; 01 May Charles Mix RM; 09May Pennington TBWCassin's Kingbird All Reports: 19 May Bennett OAT; 20 May Bennett RFS, JSPEastern Kingbird Early: 27 Apr Clay OAT; 29 Apr Edmunds JDW; 29 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 06May Meade EEMNorthern Shrike Late: 09 Apr Meade JLB; 06 Apr Minnehaha RBA; 31 Mar Sully KMLoggerhead Shrike Early: 09 Apr Charles Mix RM; 20 Apr Harding CEM; 20 Apr Hughes ROO;21 Apr Miner JSPBell's Vireo All Reports [08-May-98, 13 May]: 18 May Bennett RFS, JSP; 19 May Bennett OAT;24 May Pennington (4) JLB; 27 May Pennington (8) JLB; 31 May Yankton SVSYellow-throated Vireo All Reports [26-Apr-94, 10 May]: 06 May Lincoln RFS; 25 May RobertsJCSPlumbeous Vireo Only Report [29-Apr-78, 15 May]: 17 May Custer OSBlue-headed Vireo Early [25-Apr-86, 06 May]: 06 May Brown OAT; 06 May Lincoln RFS; 10May Minnehaha RFS ... Late: 28 May Brown OAT; 12 May Lincoln RFS; 12 May Lake JSPWarbling Vireo Early [29-Apr-00, 06 May]: 06 May Lincoln RFS; 08 May Oay WS; 08 MayHughes ROO; 28 May Meade JLBPhiladelphia Vireo All Reports [08 May-79, 15 May]: 06 May Lincoln RFS; 13 May MinnehahaRFS; 17 May Hughes KMRed-eyed Vireo Early [01-May-79, 10 May]: 06 May Lincoln RFS; 08 May Hughes ROO; 09 MayBrown JCS; 16 May Pennington JLBGray Jay reported from Custer and Lawrence countiesPinyon Jay reported 27 May Harding CEM; 26 May Harding KM ... also from Custer and MeadecountiesClark's Nutcracker All Reports: 31 May Custer KH; 08 May Custer KH; 21 Apr Lawrence OAT;31 Mar Custer RFS, JSP; 06 Mar Custer KHBlack-billed Magpie reported 31 May Yankton SVSPurple Martin Early: 07 Apr Charles Mix RM; 13 Apr Brookings BH; 14 Apr Minnehaha RFSTree Swallow Early: 08 Apr Lincoln RFS; 10 Apr Meade JLB; 10 Apr Yankton SVSViolet-green Swallow Early: 24 Apr Meade REP; 29 Apr Harding CEM; 06 May PenningtonTBWNorthern Rough-winged Swallow Early: 06 Apr Charles Mix RM; 10 Apr Yankton SVS; 21Apr Miner JSP; 21 May Meade EEMBank Swallow Early: 05 May Hughes KM; 09 May Brown OAT; 13 May Harding CEMCliff Swallow Early: 28 Apr Minnehaha RFS, JSP; 29 Apr Stanley ROO, KM; 09 May BrownDAT; 12 May Harding CEM; 12 May Pennington JLBBarn Swallow Early: 10 Apr Yankton SVS; 20 Apr Hughes ROO; 21 Apr Miner JSP; 21 AprLincoln RFS; 27 Apr Meade EEMSOUTHOAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 59 SEPTEMBER 2001

Red-breasted Nuthatch Late: 13 May Brookings KIE; 05 May Brown JCS; 05 May Hughes KMPygmy Nuthatch All Reports: all period Pennington (2) TBW; 31 Mar Custer (3-4) RFS, JSPBrown Creeper Late: 28 Apr Hughes KM; 21 Apr Day WS; 10 Apr Charles Mix RMRock Wren Early: 17 May Custer KH; 17 May Jackson DAT; 27 May Harding CEM, KMCanyon Wren All Reports: 02 Mar Meade AKB; 04 Apr Custer KH; 30 Apr Custer KH; 23 MayCuster KHHouse Wren Early: 13 Apr Minnehaha MKZ; 25 Apr Brown JCS; 26 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 26Apr Yankton SVS; 30 Apr Meade APB ... Confirmed Breeding: 30 May Brookings (NE) KIEWinter Wren All Reports: 19 Apr Roberts DRS; 09 May Hughes KM; 11 May Hughes RDOSedge Wren All Reports: 15 May Brown DAT; 26 May Miner JSPMarsh Wren Early: 19 Apr Hughes KM; 02 May Roberts WS; 09 May Minnehaha RBA; 18 MayBennett RFS, JSPAmerican Dipper All Reports: 15 May Lawrence JLB; 13 May Lawrence SS; 30 Mar LawrenceRFS, JSPGolden-crowned Kinglet All Reports: 05 May Hughes KM; 04 May Hughes KM; 08 Apr LincolnRFSRuby-crowned Kinglet Early: 08 Apr Brown DAT; 08 Apr Codington JCS; 08 Apr Lincoln RFS;17 Apr Yankton SVS; 12 May Lawrence SS; 12 May Custer KH ... Late: 12 May McCook JSP;07 May Hughes KM; 06 May Lincoln RFSBlue-gray Gnatcatcher All Reports: 06 May Lincoln RFS; 07 May Union RBA; 11 May MinnehahaRFSEastern Bluebird Early: 02 Mar Yankton SVS; 13 Mar Stanley KM; 31 Mar Day WS; 06 AprMeade APBMountain Bluebird Early: 01 Mar Custer TBW; 13 Mar Stanley (6) RDO; 23 Mar Butte CEM; 23Mar Meade REP; 26 Mar McPherson DATTownsend's Solitaire reported 04 Apr Hughes KM; 03 Mar Sully KM; 02 Mar Stanley RDOVeery All Reports: 05 May Brown JCS; 08 May Roberts JCS; 25 May Roberts JCS; 28 MayBrown DATGray-cheeked Thrush Early: 25 Apr Codington JCS; 30 Apr Brown OAT; 05 May HughesRDO; 05 May Minnehaha RFS, JSP ... Late: 25 May Roberts JCS; 25 May Brown DAT; 20May Hughes KMSwainson's Thrush Early: 05 May Hughes RDO, KM; 05 May Brown DAT, JCS; 05 May MoodyRFS, JSP; 10 May Pennington JLBHermit Thrnsh All Reports: 09 Apr Brown DAT; 17 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 23 Apr Hughes KM;25 Apr Codington JCS; 10 May Day WSWood Thrnsh All Reports: 28 Apr Minnehaha RFS, JSP; 06 May Lincoln RFS; 12 May LincolnRFS; 13 May Hughes RDOGray Catbird Early: 29 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 30 Apr Day WS; 06 May Hughes RDO; 06 MayCharles Mix RM; 09 May Pennington JLBNorthern Mockingbird All Reports: 27 Apr Lake JSP; 29 Apr Hughes RDO; 30 Apr HughesKM; 19 May Sully KMSage Thrasher Only Report: 19 May Fall River DAT; 20 May Bennett OS, JOWBrown Thrasher Early: 17 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 27 Apr Day WS; 28 Apr Hughes KM; 08 MayPennington JLBAmerican Pipit Only Report: 22 Apr Hughes RDO, KMSprague's Pipit Only Report: 28 Apr Jones (3) DBBohemian Waxwing All Reports: 11 Mar Stanley KM; 11 Mar Hughes RDO; 03 Mar Sully KMGolden-winged Warbler Only Report [08-May-66, 14 May]: 06 May Hughes ROOTennessee Warbler Early [27-Apr-94, 04 May]: 04 May Brown JCS; 06 May Lincoln RFS; 08May Hughes RDO; 10 May Pennington JLBOrange-crowned Warbler Early [14-Apr-92, 21 Apr]: 22 Apr Stanley RDO; 25 Apr Brown DAT;26 Apr Hughes KM; 26 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 09 May Pennington JLB ... Late: 21 May HughesKM; 19 May Brown JCS; 17 May Brookings RFS, JSPNashville Warbler Early [23-Apr-90, 05 May]: 26 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 07 May Brown DAT;SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 60 SEPTEMBER 2001

07 MayUnion RBA ...Late: 12 May McCook JSP; 11 May Minnehaha RFSVirginia's Warbler Only Report [23-May-1999, 24 May]: 17 May Custer DSNorthern Parula Only Report [02-Apr-65, 09 May]: 03 May Clay DSYellowWarbler Early [21-Apr-98, 01 May]: 24 Apr Custer KH; 03 May Hughes FIB; 04 MayDay WSChestnut-sided Warbler Early [04-May-93, 15 May]: 09 May Hughes FIB; 10 May MinnehahaRFS; 12 May Lake JSP ... Late: 30 May Hughes KM; 30 May Brown JCS; 17 May BrookingsRFS, JSPMagnolia Warbler Early [02 May-57, 10 May]: 06 May Lincoln RFS; 09 May Hughes KM; 10May Codington JCS ... Late: 28 May Edmunds JDW; 26 May Minnehaha RFS; 26 May BrownJCSCape May Warbler All Reports [05-May-52, 20 May]: 11 May Day WS; 14 May Lake JSP; 25May Brown JCSBlack-throated Blue Warbler Only Report [07-May-33, 14 May]: 13 May Hughes KMYellow-rumped Warbler Early [18-Mar-00, 29 Mar]: 17 Apr Hughes KM; 17 Apr MinnehahaRFS; 17 Apr Yankton SVS; 23 Apr Meade APB ...Late: 20 May Minnehaha MKZ; 19 MayHughes KM; 19 May Brown JCSBlack-throated Green Warbler Early [26-Apr-81, 11 May]: 05 May Stanley RDO; 06 MayBrown DAT; 07 May Union RBA ... Late: 13 May Hughes KM; 12 May Lincoln RFS; 11 MayMinnehahaRFSBlackburnian Warbler All Reports [01-May-52, 15 May]: 12 May Hughes RDO, KM; 13 MayMinnehahaRFS; 14 May Lake JSP; 17 May Brookings RFS, JSPPalm Warbler All Reports [16-Apr-??, 29 Apr]: 27 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 06 May Brown DAT; 06May Hughes RDO, KM; 09 May Hughes FIB; 12 May Brown JCSBay-breasted Warbler All Reports [03 May-81, 15 May]: 06 May Brown DAT; 06 May LincolnRFS; 10 May Brookings NH; 25 May Brown DATBlackpoll Warbler Early [15-Apr-98, 04 May]: 05 May Minnehaha RFS, JSP; 06 May BrownDAT; 06 May Hughes RDO, KM; 06 May Lincoln RFS; 27 May Harding CEM ... Late: 31MayEdmunds JDW; 30 May Hughes KM; 28 May Lake JSPCerulean Warbler Only Report [09-May-93, 16 May]: 12 May Lincoln RFSBlack-and-white Warbler Early [05-Apr-00, 25 Apr]: 05 May Brown DAT; 05 May MinnehahaRFS, JSP; 06 May Hughes RDO; 06 May Lincoln RFS; 19 May Bennett RFS, JSP ...Late: 17May Brookings RFS, JSP; 13 May Minnehaha RFS; 12 May Hughes KMAmerican Redstart Early [14-Apr-98, 06 May]: 06 May Brown DAT; 06 May Hughes RDO; 10May Pennington JLBOvenbird Early [26-Apr-74, 03 May]: 05 May Brown DAT; 05 May Minnehaha RFS, JSP; 06May Hughes RDO; 06 May Stanley KM; 06 May Lincoln RFS; 15 May Lawrence JLBNorthern Waterthrush Early [24-Apr-42, 01 May]: 05 May Brown DAT; 05 May MinnehahaRFS, JSP; 09 May Hughes KM; 10 May Pennington JLB ... Late: 29 May Brown JCS; 17 MayBrookingsRFS, JSP; 11 May Hughes FIBConnecticut Warbler Only Report [12-May-98, 20 May]: 25 May Brown (banded) DATMourning Warbler Early [03-May-81, 16 May]: 17 May Stanley RFS, JSP; 19 May Brown JCS;25 May Hughes FIB ... Late: 30 May Edmunds JDW; 29 May Hughes KM; 26 May MinnehahaRFSMacGillivray's Warbler All Reports [09-May-87, 17 May]: 16 May Hughes Fm; 29 MayBrown (banded) DATCommon Yellowthroat Early [20-Apr-00, 29 Apr]: 29 Apr Stanley RDO; 03 May Hughes FIB; 05May Brown JCS; 09 May Pennington JLBWilson's Warbler Early [I8-Apr-71, 05 May]: 02 May Hughes RDO, EDS; 06 May Brown DAT;11 May Minnehaha RFS .., Late: 30 May Hughes KM; 26 May Brown DAT; 17 May KingsburyRFS,JSPCanada Warbler All Reports [06-May-83, 19 May]: 21 May Union RBA; 25 May Brown DAT;27 May Minnehaha RFS; 28 May Edmunds JDW; 30 May Hughes KMYellow-breasted Chat Early [02-May-68, 11 May]: 11 May Hughes FIB; 17 May Brown DAT; 19SOUTHDAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 61 SEPTEMBER 2001

May Bennett RFS, JSPScarlet Tanager All Reports:29 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 01 May CodingtonJCS; 15 May RobertsDATWestern Tanager Early: 18 May Pennington TBW; 20 May Meade EEM; 27 May Harding CEM,KMEastern Towhee Early: 26 Apr Yankton SVS; 29 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 06 May Brown JCS; 06May Hughes RDOSpotted Towhee Early: 04 Apr Meade EEM; 28 Apr Hughes KM; 28 Apr Buffalo CEM; 28 AprMinnehaha RFS, JSPAmerican Tree Sparrow Late: 23 Apr Stanley KM; 12 Apr Buffalo CEM; 07 Apr Kingsbury JSP;03 Apr Custer JLBChipping Sparrow Early: 17 Apr Lake JSP; 17 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 18 Apr Yankton SVS; 28Apr Pennington TBWClay-colored Sparrow Early: 26 Apr Yankton SVS; 27 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 28 Apr Sully KM;28 Apr Buffalo CEM; 08 May Pennington JLBField Sparrow Early: 21 Apr Lincoln RFS; 24 Apr Yankton SVS; 25 Apr Charles Mix RM; 11May Harding CEMVesper Sparrow Early: 07 Apr Kingsbury JSP; 12 Apr Brown JCS; 18 Apr Stanley RDO; 23 AprMeade APBLark Sparrow Early: 18 Apr Stanley RDO; 20 Apr Harding CEM; 27 Apr Meade SS; 29 AprMinnehaha RFS; 29 Apr Brown JCS n. also reported 15 May Brown DATLark Bunting Early: 29 Apr Brown JCS; 03 May Haakon RDO; 12 May Harding CEM; 12 MayPennington JLB; 17 May Stanley DAT, RFS, JSPSavannah Sparrow Early: 12 Apr Brown DAT; 14 Apr Kingsbury JSP; 19 Apr Stanley KM; 08May Pennington JLBBaird's Sparrow Only Report: 24 Apr Yankton (1) SVSGrasshopper Sparrow Early: 29 Apr Harding CEM; 01 May Roberts WS; 12 May PenningtonJLB; 28 May Charles Mix RMLe Conte's Sparrow Only Report: 15 May Day (dead bird) DATFox Sparrow All Reports: 24 Mar Lincoln RFS; 04 Apr Day WS; 08 Apr Lincoln RFS; 11 AprCuster CMW; 13 Apr Hughes CEM; 14 Apr Hughes KMSong Sparrow Early: 01 Mar Day WS; 01 Mar Minnehaha MKZ; 06 Mar Pennington JLB, AKB;05 Apr Yankton SVSLincoln's Sparrow Early: 21 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 22 Apr Stanley RDO; 25 Apr Brown DAT; 08May Pennington JLB ... Late: 12 May Pennington JLB; 12 May Hughes KM; 06 May LincolnRFSSwamp Sparrow All Reports: 08 Apr Lincoln RFS; 08 May Lake JSP; 26 May Kingsbury JSPWhite-throated Sparrow Early: 20 Apr Day WS; 22 Apr Stanley RDO; 25 Apr Lake JSP ... Late:30 May Hughes KM; 27 May Minnehaha (2) MKZ; 08 May Lake JSP; 08 May Day WSHarris's Sparrow Early: 20 Mar Yankton SVS; 01 Apr Charles Mix RM; 28 Apr Minnehaha RFS,JSP, MKZ ... Late: 17 May Hyde NS; 12 May McCook JSP; 12 May Hughes KM; 12 May DayWSWhite-crowned Sparrow Early: 07 Apr Stanley RDO; 19 Apr Buffalo CEM; 26 Apr Charles MixRM; 28 Apr Meade EEM; 30 Apr Brown JCS ... Late: 17 May Stanley KM; 12 May LincolnRFS; 12 May McCook JSP; 11 May Meade JLBDark-eyed Junco Late: 16 May Minnehaha RBA; 23 Apr Hughes KM; 18 Apr Yankton SVS; 18Apr Harding CEMLapland Longspur Late: 27 Apr Sully RDO; 07 Apr Kingsbury JSP; 20 Mar Yankton SVS; 06Mar Pennington JLB, AKBChestnut-collared Longspur Early: 18 Apr Jones RDO; 21 Apr Harding CEM; 25 Apr MeadeREP; 28 Apr Hughes KM; 28 Apr Day DRSSnow Bunting All Reports: 07 Mar Sully RDO; 06 Mar Pennington JLB, AKB; 03 Mar ButteREP; 03 Mar Sully KMRose-breasted Grosbeak Early: 30 Apr Charles Mix RM; 05 May Brown JCS; 05 May Minne-SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 62 SEPTEMBER 2001

,I~haha RFS, JSP; 11 May Meade EEMBlack-headed Grosbeak Early: 02 May Hughes EDS; 03 May Meade ROO; 03 May Charles MixRM ... also reported 17 May Hyde NSBlue Grosbeak All Reports: 24 May Pennington JLB; 26 May Stanley ROO; 27 May PenningtonJLB; 28 May Stanley KMLazuli Bunting Early: 08 May Meade EEM; 09 May Pennington TBW; 12 May Lincoln RFS; 12May Tripp RAP; 12 May Custer fide KH; 14 May Hughes ROO, KH ... also reported 16 MayUnion DS; 19 May Brown JCS; 19 May Buffalo CEMIndigo Bunting Early: 03 May Brookings KIE; 10 May Hughes ROO; 12 May Lincoln RFS '"also reported 24 May Pennington (hybrid) JLBDickcissel All Reports: 18 May Yankton SVS; 26 May Minnehaha RFS; 28 May Charles Mix RM;31 May Yankton SVSBobolink Early: 04 May Lincoln RBA; 05 May Moody RFS, JSP; 08 May Marshall WS; 09 MayCharles Mix RM; 12 May Pennington JLBEastern Meadowlark All Reports: 17 May Bennett OAT; 18 May Bennett RDO; 27 May MelletteKHWestern Meadowlark All Early: 01 Mar Stanley ROO; 03 Mar Brookings JSP; 04 Mar HughesKM; 17 Mar Meade APB; 17 Mar Yankton SVS; 18 Mar Mellette KH; 18 Mar Minnehaha RFS;18 Mar Gregory RM; 19 Mar Brown JCS; 25 Mar Pennington JLB; 26 Mar Oay WS; 26 MarCuster SSYellow-headed Blackbird Early: 03 Mar Sully KM; 07 Apr Meade EEM; 07 Apr Kingsbury JSPRusty Blackbird All Reports: 11 Mar Sully RDO; 25 Mar Minnehaha RFS; 07 Apr KingsburyJSP; 18 Apr Meade REPBrewer's Blackbird Early: 20 Mar Yankton SVS; 16 Apr Meade AKB; 21 Apr Stanley ROO; 21Apr Lincoln RFSCommon Grackle Early: 17 Mar Charles Mix RM; 18 Mar Yankton SVS; 24 Mar Lincoln RFS;06 Apr Meade REPGreat-tailed Grackle All Reports: 29 Mar Bon Homme SVS; 01 Apr Turner JC; 14 Apr LincolnRBA; 18 Apr Lincoln RBA; 26 May Kingsbury (2) JSPBrown-headed Cowbird Early: 24 Mar Lincoln RFS; 07 Apr Lake JSP; 14 Apr Brown MKZ; 14Apr Charles Mix RM; 29 Apr Pennington TBWOrchard Oriole Early: 03 May Charles Mix RM; 10 May Minnehaha RFS; 12 May PenningtonJLB; 12 May Hughes KM; 12 May McCook JSPBaltimore Oriole Early: 29 Apr Minnehaha RFS; 29 Apr Charles Mix RM; 05 May BrookingsRFS,JSP; 10 May Pennington JLBBullock's Oriole All Reports: 17 May Meade JLB; 17 May Jackson DAT; 24 May PenningtonJLBGray-crowned Rosy Finch All Reports: 03 Apr Custer KH; 30 Mar Lawrence RFS, JSP; 06 MarCuster KHPurple Finch All Reports: 17 Mar Brookings JSP; 01 Mar Brown OATRed Crossbill reported 22 Apr Hughes ROO, KM; 17 Mar Brookings JSPWhite-winged Crossbill Only Report: 18 May Pennington JC, OSCommon Redpoll Only Report: early Mar Meade RBAEvening Grosbeak All Reports: all season Meade EEM; 20 Apr Lawrence OATReports ReQuirinl!.Acceptance Bv The Rare Bird Records CommitteeTricolored Heron late May Brownfide OATWhite-faced Ibis 06 Apr Brown JCSBrant late Mar Union (5)fide BHMississippi Kite 15 May Hartford Beach State Park, Roberts County OATSnowy Plover 14 May Hughes RDORed Knot 19 May Hughes (2) KM; 26 May Miner JSPWhimbrel17 May Beadle RFS, JSP; 19 May Bennett (10+) OAT, RFS, JSP; 22 May Clay (3) JCWestern Sandpiper 08 May Sully ROOSOUTHDAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 63 SEPTEMBER 2001

White-romped Sandpiper 16 Apr Brown JCSEurasian Collared Dove 29 May Rapid City, Pennington County TJWhite-winged Dove 04-06 May Yankton SVS, DSWestero Wood-Pewee 25 May Day JCSEastern Wood-Pewee 12 Apr Fall River SSSay's Phoebe 25 May Roberts JCSWhite-eyed Vireo 07 May Union JC; 19 May Bennett RFS, JSP; 21 May Clay JCMagnolia Warbler 08 Apr Codington JCSBlack-throated Gray Warbler 05 May Newton Hills State Park, Lincoln County DSTownsend's Warbler 11 May Hughes FIBSpecies Expected But Not ReportedWhite-winged Scoter, Barn Owl, Blue-winged Warbler, Brewer's Sparrow, Nelson's Sharp-tailedSparrow, Smith's Longspur, Cassin's Finch (2), Lesser GoldfinchMil!ration CalenderThis table lists, for selected species, the earliest reported date (during the season) in each of sixregions (southeast, northeast, lower river, upper river, southwest, and northwest) across the state aswell as the species (row) and regional (column) averages for the current year. Trend indicates thenumber of days earlier (-) or later (+) than the average of the previous 6 years.Species SE NE LR UR SW NW Avg. TrendNorthern Pintail 3/18 3/20 3/10 311 3/6 3/3 09 Mar -5Killdeer 3/24 3/14 3/10 3/18 3118 3113 16 Mar -2Blue-winged Teal 4/7 3/29 3/31 4/1 4/8 02 Apr +7Sandhill Crane 3/29 3/19 4/8 4/7 4/4 01 Apr +1White Pelican 4/7 411 3/20 4/3 5/19 4/10 09 Apr +4Common Loon 4/13 4/5 3/25 4/1 5/24 4/7 12 Apr +3Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4/8 4/8 4/17 4/24 5/12 5/12 23 Apr +8Yellow-rumped 4/17 4/26 4117 4/17 4125 4/23 20 Apr +2WarblerBarn Swallow 4/21 4/25 4/10 4/20 5/18 4/27 25 Apr +1Brown Thrasher 4117 4/27 5/4 4/28 5/8 5/9 30 Apr +1Upland Sandpiper 4/21 5/2 5/27 4/27 5/18 5/2 06 May +5Western Kingbird 5/12 4/29 5/1 4/28 5/9 5/11 05 May +2Bobolink 5/4 5/8 5/9 5/12 5/12 09 May +1Common Nighthawk 4/30 5/22 5/20 5113 5/20 5/24 16 May -2Avg. 4/15 4/15 4/13 4/14 5/1 4118Trend +1 0 +3 0 +12 -1Corrections/Additions from Past ReportsAmerican Woodcock delete report from 13 May 2000 Meade CountySOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 64 SEPTEMBER 2001

Contributing ObserversRBADBJLBKBAPBAKBFIBDJBJCKHNHBHTJTKIERMCEMEEMKMRDORare Bird AlertDoug BacklundJocelyn L. BakerKristel BakkerAddison & Patricia BallAnna K. BallFarm Island BandersDan J. BradyJay CarlisleKevin HachmeisterNelda HoldenBill Huserodd JensenKieckhefer FamilyRon MabieCharlie MillerErnest E. MillerKenny MillerRicky D. OlsonJSPRAPREPRFSSSNSDRSSLSWSJCSEDSDSDATSVSTBWJDWJCMWMKZJeffrey S. PalmerRichard A. PetersonRandy PodollRobb F. SchenckSherry SchererNancy ShowalterDennis R. SkadsenSand Lake NWR StaffWaubay NWR StaffJerry C. StanfordEileen Dowd StukelDavid SwansonDan A. TallmanSteve Van SickleTom & Brenda WarrenDavid WilliamsCheryl M. WormstadtMick ZerrBirdTracksLet's try something new. Great-tailed Grackles and Eurasian Collared Doves are relatively recentadditions to the South Dakota bird list. Both species are expanding their range and may becomemorewidespread in the state in the near future. The maps below indicate counties where each specieshasbeen reported during any previous Spring Season (light gray) and during the current SpringSeason(medium gray), and counties where reported for the first time this year (black).Great-tailed GrackleEurasian Collared DoveI am interested in the actual range of the following species. Red-bellied Woodpeckers and NorthernCardinals are typically permanent residents in the southeastern portion of the state. Both are, however,often reported from the northeast and from along the Missouri River at Pierre. LazuliBuntings are regularly found in the Black Hills but often wander east during migration. BurrowingOwls have not been reported east of the Missouri River for the last seven Spring Seasons. Howwidespread are they out west? The following maps indicate the counties where each species wasobserved during the current Spring Season. Let's see how things fill in over the next several years.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 65 SEPTEMBER 2001

- -- -- - - !!!!!!!!!!Red-bellied WoodpeckerNorthernCardinalLazuli BuntingBurrowingOwlLarger versions of these maps (and perhaps others) can be viewed online athttp://www.homepages.dsu.edu/palmerj/Birding/south_dakota_birds.htmSOUTHDAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 66 SEPTEMBER 2001

.~lSD State Lists (31 December 2000)CusterLife 2000 100351 273 Jeffrey S. Palmer DavisonNathaniel R. WhitneyBob Rogers346 Bruce K Harris 148 Robb F. Schenck348 Dave Swanson 185340 Robb F. Schenck Deuel340 Dan A. Tallman 274 Bruce K Harris329 267 Todd Jensen 107 Lowell Anderson327 Jerry C. Stanford Grant313 Ricky D. Olson 225 Bruce K. Harris303 D. George Prisbe 174 Lowell Anderson300 Nathaniel. Whitney Gregory298 Bob Rogers 231 Galen L Steffen288 Ron E. Martin Hamlin281 Jon Little 186 Bruce K. Harris280 Eric T. Liknes Hughes275 Bill Huser 255 234272 Galen L Steffen HutchinsonRicky D. Olson269 233 Steve Van Sickle 127 Steve Van Sickle262 175 Ernest Miller Kingsbury246 Lee A. Schoenewe 211 148238 Mark Mahnke LakeJeffrey S. Palmer233 Bob Russell 242 157233 Ron Mabie LincolnJeffrey S. Palmer230 Lowell Anderson 219 Robb F. Schenck226 188 Kevin Payne 156 Jon Little215 Gertrude Bachmann 106 Mark Mahnke175 Florence Kurtz Meade150 Lester R. Lauritzen 251 175 Ernest Miller147 Mick K. Zerr 152 Nathaniel R. WhitneySDCounty Lists (31 December 2000)MinnehahaBeadle 250 Robb F. Schenck190 Bob Rogers 213 Mark Mahnke143 Bruce K. Harris 209 Jon LittleBennett 189 Jeffrey S. Palmer176 ToddJensen 126 Mick K. ZerrBon Homme146 Steve Van SicklePennington218 Todd JensenBrookings 209 Nathaniel R. Whitney184 Jeffrey S. Palmer 183 Todd Jensen176 Bill Huser Roberts138 Florence Kurtz 275 Bruce K. Harris101 Ron Bauer 152BrownSanbornJeffrey S. PalmerBob Rogers201 Jerry C. Stanford 231 Bruce K. Harris191 Bob Russell Stanley186 Jerry C. Stanford 202 192 Ricky D. Olson160 Ron E. Martin Turner290 Dan A. Tallman 240Charles Mix 150 Lester R. Lauritzen210 Ron Mabie 115 Jon Little106 Steve Van Sickel 101 Steve Van SickleOayUnion223 Dave Swanson 197 Dave Swanson169 Steve Van Sickle 143 Bill HuserCodington 132 Steve Van Sickle236 Bruce K. Harris Yankton221 Ron Bauer 237 210 Steve Van SickleSOUTHDAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(3): 67 SEPTEMBER 2001

- ....toPublished bySOUIH DAKOTAORNI1HOLOGISTS'UNIONEDITOR:DANTALLMANNSU BOX 740ABERDEENSD 57401NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGEPAIDABERDEEN, SOPERMIT NO. 60RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED,SDOU WEB Page: http://www.usd.edu/biol/SDOUSDOU listserv: e-mail Tallmand@northem.edu

- ---- JSOU T H D A K 0 r~ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNIlr -I,- -~s~-SOUTHBIRDVOL.53~o:.."\".~ii'~'~:.i..~DAKOTANOTESDECEMBER2001 NO.4 - II

JTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES, the official publication of the South Dakota Orni-.nologists' Union (organized 1949), is sent to all members whose dues are paid for thecurrent year. Life members $200.00; Family life members (husband and wife) with 1subscription to Bird Notes $270; sustaining members $20.00, regular members $12.00;family members (husband and wife) with 1 subscription $16.00; juniors (10-16) $6.00;libraries (subscription) $12.00. Single and back copies: Members $3.50, Nonmembers$4.00. All dues payments, change-of-address notices, and orders for back copies shouldbe sent to the Treasurer, Nelda Holden, 1620 Elmwood Drive, Brookings, SD 57006.Manuscripts for publication should be sent to Editor Dan Tallman, NSU Box 740, AberdeenSD, 57401, or to Tallmand@northern.edu via E-mail.VOL. 53 DECEMBER 2001 NO.4IN THIS ISSUECRESTED CARACARA, Mike ArtmannPRESIDENT' S PAGECover71CRESTED CARACARA VISITS LACREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFEREFUGE, Mike Artmann 72BLACKBIRD CONTROL, Jim Williams 73GENERAL NOTES - Northern Cardinal at Rapid CitySMALL RESEARCH GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM SDOU8687SEASONAL REPORTS 88PresidentVice PresidentSecretaryTreasurerEditorLibrarianSOUTH DAKOTA ORNITHOLOGISTS'Officers 2001 - 2002UNIONRobb Schenck 422 N Linwood Ct., Sioux Falls 57103Todd Jensen 412 E Utah St., Rapid City SD 57701David Swanson USD, Vermillion 57069Nelda Holden 1620 Elmwood Drive, Brookings 57006Dan Tallman NSU Box 740, Aberdeen 57401Eric Liknes USD, Vermillion 57069Elected DirectorsFor Term expiring 2002: Addison Ball, Piedmont; Todd Jensen, Rapid City; Travis Hills,Crooks; Karrie Schmidt, Huron; Robb Schenck, Sioux Falls.For Term expiring 2003: Vic Fondy, Whitewood; Linda Johnson, Sioux Falls; EricLikness, Vermillion; Ricky Olson, Pierre; Kristel Bakker, Madison.For Term expiring 2004: Marie Curtin, Custer; Ron Martin, Minot, ND; RosemaryDraeger, Sioux Falls; Dan Tallman, Aberdeen; Duane Weber, Custer.Past President DirectorsJocelyn L. Baker, L. M. Baylor, Gilbert Blankespoor, Robert Buckman, Ken Graupmann,Cecil Haight, Byron Harrell, Bruce Harris, Nelda Holden, Rex Riis, Dennis Skadsen,David Swanson, J. David Williams.Associate Editor: Erika TallmanSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 70 DECEMBER 2001

...~PRESIDENT'S PAGEThe September meeting inPierre was the best fall meeting Ihave had the pleasure of attending.Few of us are aware of the significantamount of nongame avian researchbeing conducted in South Dakota.For those unfamiliar withSDOU fall meetings, they consist offield trips in the morning, followedby paper sessions in the late morningand afternoon. SDOU is an organizationof both birders and professionalornithologists. The fall meetingsare a time for our professionalornithologists to show off the workthey have been doing. Birders whohave not been exposed to technicalpapers may feel that this informationis out of their league. I would like todispel this impression.At the fall meeting, the topicspresented varied from sageland birdsto the use of torpor by Whip-poor-will's. Papers were presented on the use ofwoodlots and shelterbelts by migratory and nesting birds and the field work ofthe Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory in the Black Hills. No matter what part ofSouth Dakota a birder is from, there was a paper presented that related directlyto their area. Ornithologist and birder alike found themselves interested in theresults. These studies answered questions such as where to find birds in SouthDakota and also how birds utilize the ecosystem of our state. If you were a birderwho has hesitated to attend fall meetings, thinking that they are for professionals,I would ask you to reconsider. I believe anyone interested in birding wouldfind our fall meeting fun.I would also like to second Dan Tallman's invitation to attend SDOU meetings.In conjunction with the North Dakota Birding Society, we have a greatmeetingplannedfor 17-18 May 2002at the SandLakeNationalWildlifeRefuge.All the meetings will be at the refuge, and a block of rooms has been reservedat the Ramkota Inn at Aberdeen (605 229-4040). I think it will be ameeting to remember. I like to think of Sand Lake as a bit of Florida in SouthDakota, with many egrets and herons. Sand Lake also promises large numbers ofshorebirds, something that Florida cannot boast. I hope to see you there.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 71 DECEMBER 2001

--CRESTED CARACARA VISITS LACREEK NATIONAL WILDLIFEMike Artmann, Biological TechnicianLacreek National Wildlife RefugeREFUGENovember 20th2000 started out like many early winter mornings in southwesternSouth Dakota, clear and crisp. A resident of South Dakota for only ayear and a half, but a Minnesotan for 15 years growing up, I have seen a healthyshare of snowy, cold, wind-swept mornings. However, this particular morningwould be different. I have witnessed many unique things, while working as abiological technician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, stationed at theLacreek National Wildlife Refuge, but none as unique as the observation of aCrested Caracara that wind-swept Monday morning.I first saw the bird about 10 a.m., as I headed north from station headquarters.Upon seeing the large, unusual bird in the grove of ash trees, I quicklyslowed down and reached for the binoculars lying beside me on the truck seat.The bird sat still long enough for me to get a decent look. I remember thinking,"a Crested Caracara, you've got to be kidding!" Mildly stunned and not 100%sure that I had truly seen this bird, I quickly maneuvered the truck to a betterposition. Once atop a small hill, I put the 60x spotting scope on the bird. Sureenough, a Crested Caracara! Mer watching the bird for about 10 minutes, Iwent back to headquarters to share my strange discovery with other staff members.Needless to say, I received some skeptical glances and raised eyebrows.However, they soon verified the observation with their own eyes.Crested Caracaras occur most commonly in Mexico and South America. Inthe U.S., they typically occur only in southern Texas, southwestern Arizona, andin south central Florida. Although individuals have been reported as far north asOntario, Oregon, and Connecticut, these sighting are generally considered to bebirds escaping captivity. An extensive effort was conducted via e-mail and telephoneto determine if anyone reported a missing caracara. No reports came tolight. Prior to my sighting, Crested Caracaras had never been documented inSouth Dakota. The nearest documented record of a Crested Caracara to SouthDakota was in Wyoming, at Yellowstone National Park, in 1984. According toTerry McEneaney, ornithologist for Yellowstone Park, that individual remainedat the park for four days before disappearing.Crested Caracaras are generalists that are quite opportunistic in their choiceof food. Main prey items include insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, andmammals, and all types of carrion. The caracara at the refuge, as best as wecould determine, fed almost exclusively on several deer carcasses. Several daysafter the initial observation, I saw the bird actively walking and hopping in anarea burned early in the fall, apparently looking for food items. The bird wasvery deliberate and cautious, looking around frequently, as it moved. Caracarasare known to search of insects by using their feet to paw through dirt or overturncattle dung. Several crows were in the vicinity, however, I did not notice anysign of interaction, either friendly or combative, between the two species. Theonly other bird species I observed near the caracara was an immature Red-tailedHawk. The hawk displaced the caracara from a perch, however, no other interactionoccurred.The bird, believed to be a juvenile based on coloration of the head and feet,,ISOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 72 DECEMBER 2001

emained at the refuge for 11 days before disappearing. It is unknown whetherthe bird simply moved to warmer latitudes or succumbed to the cold. One thingis for sure, our southern visitor provided a glow of activity among refuge personnel,area birders, and local residents during an otherwise cold and snowy November.BLACKBIRDCONTROLBy Jim Williams5239 Cranberry Lane, Webster, WI 54893(Reprinted in edited form from Minnesota Birding)Over 3,000,000 blackbirds have been killed with poisoned bait in South Dakotain the last seven years. This research was done in an attempt to find a wayto reduce bird depredation on sunflower crops in that state and North Dakota andMinnesota. Information for an environmental impact statement (EIS) is beinggathered as part of a request for a permit to kill 2,000,000 more blackbirds.Biologists in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and in North and South Dakotastate agencies question the efficacy of the effort. It has been suggested thatthe birds in South Dakota, targeted for poisoning in the spring, are not the birdscausing the problems in the fall. Other biologists worry about the effect of thepoison on non-target species of birds. An official within the U.S. Department ofAgriculture, the agency responsible for the research, says it is hard to prove thatremoval of these birds will be a solution.In April of 1994, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks issueda permit to kill up to 250,000 blackbirds. Red-winged Blackbird was thetarget species. It was understood that some Common Grackles and YellowheadedBlackbirds would die as well. The permit was issued to the U.S. Departmentof Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA,APHIS) in Bismarck, North Dakota. The purpose of the kill was to researchways to prevent blackbird predation of unharvested sunflower seeds in NorthDakota and Minnesota fields. This permit covered 1994 and 1995. In August of1995, the same applicants received another permit allowing them to kill another250,000 blackbirds the next spring. In February of 1997, a third permit was issued,again for a quarter million blackbirds. In December of 1997, another permitwas issued for poisoning of up to 500,000 blackbirds the following spring. In1998, the applicants wanted to expand research to include fall migrant blackbirds,and so received a permit to take 500,000 more birds as they moved southfrom breeding grounds. In March of 1999, South Dakota officials issued anotherpermit to APHIS, this for permission to kill up to 950,000 blackbirds that spring.In July a permit was requested and received to kill 500,000 more birds that fall.All of these permits were acted upon, according to a biologist with the SouthDakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks.In the spring of 2000, APHIS requested from South Dakota yet another researchpermit, this one for a proposed kill of up to two million blackbirds. Apermit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also was required at that time.The state research permit to take two million blackbirds was granted; theSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 73 DECEMBER 2001

........... ,.USFWS permit was denied, and so the project did not go forward. (USFWS reviewfrom 1996 to December 1999 was not required because of a federal courtdecision exempting one governmental agency from review by another. That decisionwas later reversed.) That research project reappeared in Spring 2001 in anew permit application, again targeting two million blackbirds. The permit wasrequested by the Wildlife Services division of APHIS. If granted and acted upon,this permit would bring the number of blackbirds killed in this research effort to5,200,000.This latest request triggered the process that requires a federal environmentalimpact statement. It also has been suggested by the USFWS that a MigratoryBird Treaty Act depredation permit might be required for this project. OtherUSFWS permits issued for this blackbird-control effort have been for research.The initial EIS process solicits and evaluates public comments to determine thescope of issues to be addressed. The EIS process was initiated on 15 May 2001.The earliest date for a decision would be about 1 April 2002. Public commentswere received during two 30-day periods, one in March and April, the second inMay and June, 2001. Announcement of these requests for comments were publishedin the Federal Register by the administrator of APHIS.Approximately 80 percent of sunflower production in the United States occursin North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Production has increasedfrom half a million pounds in the early 1960's to about 680 million pounds, valuedat $315 million, in 1999. According to the federal government, however,increasing blackbird populations and resulting damage have hampered sunflowerproduction. Studies of Red-winged Blackbirds collected in late summer and fallshowed that 93 percent of those males and 86 percent of those females had eatensunflower seeds. These seeds made up 69 percent and 57 percent of the diets,respectively. Federal damage surveys in sunflower production areas in NorthDakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota indicate that overall loss is generally oneto two percent of the crop, valued in the late 1990's at about $8 million eachyear. Most people associated with this problem agree that if all producers receivedless than two percent damage, there would be little concern. But, damageis not equally distributed. It can be severe for some producers.Scott Nelson is a farmer near Lakota, North Dakota. His 7,000 acres ofcropland sit about 60 miles west of Grand Forks and 60 miles south of Canada.He is a member and past board chairman of the National Sunflower Association."We grow sunflowers, wheat, barley, beans, canola, and corn," he said whenasked about his blackbird problems. "We grow sunflowers every year. It'splanted with human consumption in mind. Seeds of lesser quality are sold forbird food. We've not always had a problem with birds and sunflowers. Well,we've always had a small degree of problem. But since 1993 this area has hadunprecedented rainfall. It's filled every low area, so the cattails have grown, creatingprime blackbird habitat. That draws the blackbirds to this area. The watercomes. The cattails return. The birds arrive. There's a problem with crop predation.Then, some growers quit sunflowers. And those growers who continue gethit even harder. In 2000, I had 100 percent damage on 500 acres of sunflowers,and 25 to 50 percent on another 1,000 acres. An acre of sunflowers should produce1,500 pounds of seed. The average price was 12 cents per pound. That's$180 per acre. I lost $90,000 on the 500 acres plus $72,000 on the remainingacres. That's $162,000 total loss."SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 74 DECEMBER 2001

_INelson has cut back sunflower planting this year with just 500 acres in thatcrop. He says he has tried every method he could think of to keep the birds fromhis fields-propane cannons, owl decoys, electronic screechers, garbage bagsand balloons, pyrotechnics, hazing with airplanes, shooting small caliber andhigh caliber rifles and shotguns over the fields. This is the common list of recommendedpractices."With hazing, you just move the birds to another field," said Nelson. "Theystill feed, but elsewhere. The birds become accustomed to any of these techniques.Plus, this is very time consuming. And, shooting creates big concernsbecause there are buildings and houses in the area. I've used products such asAvitrol (causes erratic behavior in birds consuming seed baited with the chemical;one bird reacting is supposed to frighten nearby birds to flight). I'm veryuncomfortable with it. We don't like to use this if we don't have to because thebirds appear to suffer. It has been effective, but last year I used it and lost entirefields anyway. Then there is the program to control cattail growth-we've donea lot of that. When you've got so much environment for cattails, it's effective toreduce that growth. Last year, though, there was no way to control cattails becausethe rains came in June. We got 13 to 20 inches, and we couldn't apply thecontrol chemical in the midst of crop growth. The reason we have the cattails isexcess moisture, but also the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bought wetlandeasements some years ago. Producers were paid a small amount for the easementsin the 1960's, perpetual easements to not fill, drain, or burn wetlands. Theeasements are there to provide duck and goose nesting habitat. Some of theseareas are not wetlands in a typical year. In dry years we farm across them. Butnot in wet years. Landowners participated in the (easement) program on a willingbasis. What we have, though, is a federal agency has taken easements onland that doesn't allow me to manage and maintain that land for farming. Thenwe have an inordinate amount of rainfall. And to top it off, there is a bird problemsupposedly managed by another government agency, and as a taxpayer I'mpaying the bill for it all. I absolutely support the DRC-1339 program. A fewyears back there was a fall baiting program. It was beneficial. I know there wasdata that says it might not have been beneficial, but we as producers found it effective.Dead birds don't eat sunflowers."A survey of sunflower growers in the Dakotas and Minnesota showed blackbirddamage of more than five percent among 46 percent of respondents in NorthDakota and 40 percent of the respondents in South Dakota, according to LarryKleingartner, executive director of the Sunflower Growers Association. He madethat statement a letter written in April in support of the current APHIS proposalto continue the DRC-1339 program. In Minnesota, he continued, bird damagefrom five to 10 percent was reported by 20 percent of respondents, while ninepercent reported damage from 10 to 25 percent. "We love the birding community,"Kleingartner said. "Killing blackbirds is not something we relish. We hopethere's a way for the birding and farming communities to work together to solvethis. Local birds are the worst of the problem. In late July and August, when petalsfall from flowers and seeds are beginning to firm up, juvenile and adult birdsbegin to group up locally. The young birds need lots of nutrition. Sunflowersprovide that. These birds are difficult to harass because the young ones won't flyfar when they are scattered. They are particularly persistent. Later in the fall,when migrants come through, a producer can have 50,000 to 100,000 birds hit aSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 75 DECEMBER 2001

field. But those birds are easier to harass; they move quicker. The damage isdone when the birds eat the seeds, pull them out of the plant head. When youcheck a plant head, three-quarters of the seeds might be gone, with the poorestseeds left in place."The association, which has about 10,000 members, supports the DRC-1339avicide (poison) program, Kleingartner said. "There are so many blackbirds it isunmanageable. We are in a wet cycle in the Upper Midwest. Goose and ducknumbers have increased, and so have blackbird numbers, but there is no huntingof blackbirds as there is of ducks and geese." In a letter commenting on the currentAPHIS permit application, Kleingartner wrote, "It is unlikely that there areother pesticides that have been as thoroughly researched as DRC-1339. We recognizethat this is an emotional issue. But farmers must be able to protect theirinvestment in the production of crops as urban dwellers protect their largest investment(house) from rats and other undesirable species."The blackbirds targeted in the research projects from 1994 to 1999 werekilled with a poison known as DRC-1339. While it also affects other bird species,it is known to be particularly lethal for Icterids, members of the blackbirdfamily. It kills by attacking the birds' hearts and kidneys. Death is caused by uricpoisoning, usually within 72 hours. The poison is applied to rice kernels that arescattered in controlled baiting plots. One treated kernel will kill a blackbird."DRC-1339 is attractive as a poison because it breaks down quickly in theenvironment," said Dr. Dan Hubbard, professor in the Department of Wildlifeand Fisheries Sciences at South Dakota State University in Brookings. "It isrelatively specific to a couple of families of birds. Corvids (crows, ravens, jays,and magpies) and Icterids (blackbirds, meadowlarks, orioles, cowbirds, andBobolinks) are the major groups this is used on. This chemical takes out the kidneys.Basically, the bird dies of renal shutdown, of uric acid poisoning. It generallytakes from a few hours to a few days for the bird to die. This is determinedby the sensitivity of the species to the chemical and the amount of toxin taken in.The bird dies a slow and agonizing death, that is my perception. (APHIS literaturesays the birds die "a quiet death within one to three days of ingestion.")Since the poison is slow acting, if a bird gets a lethal dose, it can fly quite a waybefore the chemical kicks in. It's difficult, therefore, to find the dead birds."Hubbard has done research with the chemical in a study funded by the SunflowerGrowers Association and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish,and Parks. It focused on Ring-necked Pheasants, and it showed mixed responsesto the product. "On other species," he said, "we did not show it was safe, we didnot show it was not safe. But poison on the fields is an accident waiting to happen.Sparrows could land on that field during a storm, and boom. We don't knowhow this chemical affects them. They have not studied it under the right conditions."Asked for an opinion on the sensitivity of birds in general to this poison, Dr.Pat Rettig of the Raptor Center in St. Paul said one could not make a statementabout a particular species unless species-specific testing had been done."Our role in APHIS-Wildlife Services is the management of damage whenwildlife and people come into conflict," said Rick Wadleigh, national coordinatorfor the agency, who works in Lakewood, Colorado. "Our mandate is fromCongress. The mandate includes birds. We study the best methods of doing thiswork, and conduct campaigns for destruction and control of animals causingSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 76 DECEMBER 2001

problems." He explained that Wildlife Services has been working on the sunflowerissue for about 30 years, "trying to manage in conjunction with fish andwildlife (USFWS) and the states. We are studying new ideas. One idea began theresearch program on use of DRC-1339. We have been running studies on that forthe past several years, trying to determine if this will help us." Now, he said, anEIS has been requested to assess progress and options, including a possible operationalprogram for DRC-1339. He said the agency probably would pull backfrom work in Minnesota because producers here say the blackbird problem is notlarge enough to merit the program. "We will refine the scope of the project to includeonly North and South Dakota," Wadleigh said. Alternatives will rangefrom an "intense" spring and fall avicide program to nothing more than advice togrowers on what they might do."Right now, we do not have a preferred alternative," Wadleigh said. "We aregoing to evaluate this. Perhaps we will have a preference this fall, after we seethe studies, but not right now. We will have results of some additional studiesthis fall. Opponents of this program have asked for these studies." The earlierkills were considered research. "Unfortunately," he said, "to do the research, wehave to take what might seem to be an operational number of birds. One of thethings that we are finding is that this work is being held to a different standard.In all of the work done, not just in this area, but in anything with wildlife, we'venever been able to show cause-and-effect relationship in actuality. We have ourown logic and science and art of wildlife management which says it should workthis way, but unfortunately, we don't have proof. We have been asked to showproof, but that's hard to do. We are in the EIS process now because there is scientificcontroversy about this."MORE ON DAMAGE CONTROL"Not all sunflower farmers have blackbird problems, and some have tolerableproblems," said Phil Mastrangelo, state director, U.S. Department of Agriculture,Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services(USDNAPHIS/WS), in Bismarck, North Dakota. He defined a serious problemas loss of over five percent of the crop. "Generally, sunflowers planted in theprairie pothole region are those most susceptible to damage. Can you argue,don't plant sunflowers there? Well, yes, but it's a crop the producers can makemoney on."He explained that use of the toxicant DRC-1339 is part of the overall preferredalternative. "That alternative would utilize all of the tools we have," hesaid, including frightening devices, chemical repellents, and cattail or habitatmanagement. The cattails we target are in wetlands choked with cattails. We applya herbicide to 70 percent of the cattails. This makes the wetland less attractiveas a roost area for blackbirds. It's better for ducks then. Marsh Wrens? Itmay have a negative impact. Obviously, with any kind of habitat management,some birds benefit, others do not. Then again, we are only targeting 70 percentof the cattails, and not every wetland that has cattails in it."The damage to other birds varies with the control method. In the experimentalprograms that Wildlife Service has run, 40 to 60 bird species have foundthe rice bait samples attractive. "That is something we will look at as we workon the environmental impact statement. For the proposed use of this toxicant inthe spring, we want to make sure we are minimizing harm to non-blackbirds,"SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 77 DECEMBER 2001

-Mastrangelo said. "The hot bait is mixed with non-toxicant bait. Perhaps fourpercent of the total bait is poisoned. This particular product, DRC-1339, there'slots of research on it. Blackbirds are much more susceptible to this toxicant thanare non-blackbirds. One or two grains of treated rice will kill a blackbird. Ittakes more to kill other species. If the bait is not consumed, it is not taken up(from the bait plot). It is left in place. It breaks down within three days when exposedto ultraviolet light, and if it gets a little moisture it becomes inactive."Asked if the present request is for an operational control program or a researchprogram, Mastrangelo said, "We are still trying to decide. It's premature to labelthe program one way or the other."RESEARCHFOR SOLUTIONSDr. George Linz is the director of blackbird-sunflower studies at the GreatPlains Field Station National Wildlife Research Center in Bismarck. His work isfor USDNAPHIS/WS. His articles on blackbird control and related subjectshave been published often in industry and academic journals. "A series of studieswas carried out by North Dakota State University and the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service," he said. "They looked at how much damage to sunflowercrops, where it was happening, what species of birds were causing the problem.They looked at many non-lethal techniques for keeping the birds from thefield-lure crops on refuge land, propane cannons, high-powered rifles andshotguns fired over the field, other scare devices like eye-spot balloons. All ofthese proved to be non-cost effective."Dr. Linz took the project in 1987, and began to look at the use of glysophateherbicide. This is the chemical sprayed on cattails to kill those plants. The glysophateeffort became operational (an implemented program) in 1991."We found that when you open up the marshes you reduce the number ofblackbirds," he said. "We continue to do research on this today, on non-targetspecies, on water quality. The habitat people in fish and wildlife (USFWS) aresupportive as long as no more than 70 percent of the vegetation is taken. There isconcern about habitat loss. I believe that non-target birds are well studied here,too. On Marsh Wrens, if you take 70 percent of cattails out, that definitely reducesthe number of Marsh Wrens in that wetland. The thing we have going forus is there are a lot of Marsh Wrens out there, and lots of wetlands. They findother places to nest. Black Terns, on the other hand, nest on dead vegetationplatforms. Opening wetlands, of course, improves the habitat for waterfowl. Theglysophate treatment will decrease number of Sora rails for a year or two in thetreated wetland.""In the early 1990's we looked at using an avicide known as DRC-1339," DrLinz said. "It was developed by USFWS in the '60's to control European Starlingsin feedlots. It is perhaps the most studied vertebrate pesticide in the worldbecause it has been around so long. It is highly toxic to the family Icteridae(blackbirds, meadowlarks, cowbirds). It does not seem to affect hawks. This wasdetermined in a series of experiments; there are papers published on this. Hawksare considered non-sensitive to this chemical, but in addition, there is little avicideleft in the blackbird shortly after consumption. One good thing about thischemical is that the blackbird will excrete 90 percent of the chemical within 30minutes of ingestion, but the damage to the bird is done by that time. (A technicalnote drafted by WS in 1999 says 90 percent of the chemical is excretedSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 78 DECEMBER 2001

within two hours.) Some non-target birds are sensitive to DRC-1339. If owlswere to take hundreds of dead starlings or blackbirds they would not get enoughavicide to affect them. But if the owl takes the poison directly it could be killed.I think it would take a larger dose to kill an owl than to kill a blackbird, though.In 1994, we began looking at using DRC-1339 to treat rice for use in the springin east central South Dakota. We believed the birds staging there during migrationwere the ones doing the sunflower damage in the fall. We did a series oftrials. We put the treated bait out in the afternoon to catch the blackbirds comingto roost in the evening. Sometimes we used decoy blackbirds in cages to bringthe birds to the treated plots."Non-target birds do come to the treated plots, Dr Linz said. He named meadowlarksand Tree Sparrows. The latter, susceptible to the poison, came if the plotwas near a brush line. Bait plots were moved 100 yards or more from brushlines, Dr. Linz said. He added that non-target numbers were low. "Our frustrationwas the level of our research. We never took enough birds out of the populationto measure any change in the blackbird population," he said. "The mostwe ever took (before 1999) was 500,000 birds in one year. We were dealing with12 million blackbirds moving through South Dakota. We didn't take enough. Wecould not measure any change."Dr. Linz said there presently is an impasse between the two agencies,APHIS-Wildlife Services and USFWS. "We would like to continue to take largenumbers of birds. Right now, fish and wildlife (USFWS) is in a holding pattern.They have to issue permits if the baiting program is to go forward (to becomeoperational). I don't think there will be a permit for more research." No onewants to annihilate blackbirds, "except maybe for a handful of growers. He saidthat the population of either blackbirds or cattails will "come back quickly whenyou stop management programs with either avicide or herbicide." He describedmanagement technique as give and take. "You hope you are gaining more thanyou are losing," he said. "It is a balancing act that we continue to work on."Dr. Linz said he would like to move research efforts toward a repellentproduct, something to spray on fields, not toxic to the consumer of seed, butsomething that repels the birds. "As a researcher, even if administrators wentahead with the avicide program, I would be working for a non-lethal repellentapproach," he said.THE MIGRATION QUESTIONOne of the questions yet to be answered is where the blackbirds go in thespring when they leave South Dakota. Are the blackbirds gathering in migrationflocks there the same birds that cause the damage in the fall? Dr. Jeffrey Homan,research biologist with USDA in Bismarck, is trying to find the answer. He spentthe early part of this summer in Canada, collecting blackbirds he hoped had beenmarked in South Dakota during migration. His efforts were duplicated by collectionteams in Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Montana."In late March and early April, Red-winged Blackbirds move along flyways,congregating in staging areas," Dr. Homan said. "They stay a few days or longerin these places. Weare working with birds from east central South Dakota. Theybunch up, mainly because there are lots of wetlands and cattails. We had oneroosting aggregation of over 100,000 birds. Once a roost got above 25,000 birds,we would call up the crop dusters. We use a mixture of liquid floor wax andSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 79 DECEMBER 2001

small particles of fluorescent organic pigment invisible to the naked eye. Thecolor becomes visible when you hold it under black light. Just around dark,when the birds come to roost, the pilot would fly over the wetland. The birdsflush, and the plane lays out the pigment vapor. The birds fly through the vaporand become marked. We estimated we marked a little less than 500,000 birds. Inthe early morning, we would shoot a small sample, 50 birds or so, and check tosee what percentage was marked."The plan was to collect marked birds on breeding territories about twomonths later to learn where these birds nest. Different color pigments were used,marking early birds one color, mid-point birds another color, and so on, dividingthe timing of migration into color schemes."We want to know where the birds arriving early went, and where birds arrivinglater went," Dr. Homan said. "Our early-marked birds probably will bethe ones we see from our collections in South Dakota and North Dakota. As weget into later series of colors, they are likely to be the birds we collected in Canada."Collecting by shotgun and keeping wings only for lab examination, Dr. Homan'steam took about 1,500 birds. The total sample will be about 3,000 birds,he said. "We would be happy to find pigment markings on two percent of thebirds collected. Lots of basic ecological information is needed if these populationsare to be managed," he said. "If you could target the right population ofbirds you probably could reduce the number of those birds, I think. But the birdsare not doing widespread damage. It's localized damage, and that makes it moredifficult to work on."Dr. Homan also works on the cattail management program. He says it holdsmuch promise as a non-lethal means of control. "The farmer does not have thechoice of not planting near cattail habitat," he said. "If you say that, you havenever been in east central North Dakota. Cattail reduction has been going strongfor five or six years, and there still seems to be significant demand for reductionin the marketplace. That is the ultimate test, the marketplace."USFWS CONCERNSMuch of the stated opposition to the DRC-1339 program, the use of the avicideto kill blackbirds, comes from staff members in the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService and state wildlife agencies in North and South Dakota. USFWS recentlyre-entered the permit picture because of a court decision. In 1996, a court casechallenged whether USFWS needed to give Migratory Bird Treaty Act permitsto other federal agencies for projects involving protected birds if the work beingdone was within the usual bounds and responsibilities of the agency involved.The court ruled such permits were not required. In December 1999, there wasanother court case. A wildlife group challenged Wildlife Services on permits.The 1996 decision was reversed in an out-of-court settlement. APHIS agreed itwould get Migratory Bird Treaty Act permits from USFWS for all activities impactingthese birds, according to Larry Gamble, contaminant coordinator inecological services in the USFWS office in Denver. That meant that between1996 and 1999 APHIS did not have to come to USFWS for research permits toconduct studies. It did have to receive required state permits during that period.In Spring 2000, APHIS came to USFWS for a permit to take the two millionbirds. The request was denied. In a letter, Terry Terrell, deputy regional directorSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 80 DECEMBER 2001

'\of USFWS, Mountain-Prairie Region, Denver, wrote, "Although potential impactsto non-target birds is our primary concern, we also want to ensure that ifspring baiting is used as a long-term control strategy there is a demonstrationthat this method is effective for reducing damage to sunflowers." This requestwas resubmitted to USFWS by APHIS in Spring 2001. It is the proposal forwhich the EIS has been requested.The EIS would be the critical document in terms of the decision to issue thepermit. USFWS staff at field and regional levels and migratory bird coordinatorswould be involved in the review."One factor to be considered would be efficacy," Gamble said. "Does thisproposal work to achieve the purposes APHIS says are necessary to help thefarmers? Would this program reduce the local nesting population of red-wings inNorth Dakota? Will reduction of the nesters then reduce the predation to sunflowers?There is something called compensatory population mechanism. Thismeans if you remove some elements of the population, the larger population willrespond. You are not going to have a habitat void in the area these blackbirdsnow use. Survival of nestlings and fledglings would likely increase if competitionfor food is lessened. There is an ongoing baiting program to reduce redwingsin Louisiana and Texas to protect rice crops. Wildlife Services is managingthis program. They say they believe this program is working in Louisianaand Texas, therefore it would work in North Dakota. We are not buying the conceptthat it would work in North Dakota and South Dakota if it is working inLouisiana and Texas. We were a bit frustrated to hear that. The biology of winteringbirds and spring migrating birds is different."Red-winged Blackbirds have a valid ecological role in wetland ecosystems,Gamble said. One thing his agency has asked for is a sense of the impact thisremoval might have. "I haven't seen any data that clearly answers that question,"he said. "It is one of the things we ask that they address in the EIS. The anticipationis that there are so many red-wings that you would not see change (to thedetriment of the birds, even if two million more birds are taken). We have askedthis question: Is that valid?"Specific concerns about the most recent APHIS permit application werelisted in a letter written in April by John Blankenship, USFWS deputy regionaldirector in Denver. He wrote that the EIS should discuss, among other things, thenumber of blackbirds to be killed annually, other species of blackbirds to be targetedfor control, the cost benefits to producers who actually experience excessivedamage, and concerns Canadian officials might have, since "based on dispersalstudies, the majority of target male Red-winged Blackbirds breed in Canada,and are not the 'problem birds' breeding in the Dakotas." Blankenship alsowrote that the USFWS "believes that a depredation permit under the MigratoryBird Treaty Act will probably be necessary before the proposed activities couldproceed."MINNESOTA DNR RESPONSE"If they are going to be out there killing millions of birds I think they shouldbe held to very high standards of documentation to justify and describe whatthey are doing, and to explore the consequences of what they are doing," saidBonita Eliason, natural heritage nongame research program supervisor in theMinnesotaDepartmentof NaturalResources. .SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 81 DECEMBER 2001

Ms. Eliason prepared the Minnesota response to the EIS scoping document,submitted by letter on June 20. In it, the DNR asked for data to support the contentionby APHIS that Red-winged Blackbird populations are increasing. Itasked for specific information on blackbird problems in Minnesota. Regardingthe extent of the problem, it suggested that information APHIS provided, describingthe problem in four counties of two states, North Dakota and South Dakota,"is unlikely to be representative." The DNR sayed more information isneeded to justify lethal control, and that "such control should not be done inMinnesota based only on North Dakota and South Dakota data. The Minnesotaletter asked for justification of the effect lethal control will have on non-targetorganisms, particularly on declining, threatened, and endangered species. "TheEIS should clearly outline how bird species that have overlapping food andhabitat preferences with Red-winged Blackbirds, such as Bobolinks, will beprotected from ingesting DRC-1339-treated rice."Concerning use of glyphosate herbicide on cattail stands, the MinnesotaDNR asked for information on how cattail stands are targeted. It suggests a sitespecificreview to determine possible adverse effects of this herbicide treatmenton non-target organisms. The effect of cattail control on plant communities andrare species should be addressed in the EIS. It also asked for information on theimpact of glyphosate on insect populations.'A VERY LOCAL PROBLEM'Proof is needed to show the suggested link between spring concentrations ofbirds in South Dakota and fall predation of sunflower crops in North Dakota,according to Kevin Johnson, an environmental contaminant biologist withUSFWS in Bismarck. "Years ago, Wildlife Services marked male blackbirds asthey came through in the spring," Johnson said. "Collecting the marked birds inthe summer, they found that the majority of these birds were going to Canadaand were not the problem birds in North Dakota. Fish and Wildlife said, 'Youare not killing the right birds. No wonder you can't measure the affect.' Weasked Wildlife Services to determine if females flocking in South Dakota in thespring also are going to Canada." That is the study for which Dr. Homan andothers were collecting bird samples early this summer. "There are too manyquestions and not enough answers. The problem is that Wildlife Services has ascatter-gun approach to a very local problem. They have stated that blackbirddamage occurs in predictable locations. If that is true, let's go to the place wherethe problem is," said Johnson.The Red-winged Blackbird is possibly the most numerous North Americanspecies, and the number of birds is not at issue here, Johnson said. The issue isthe arbitrary approach being taken, killing wildlife to produce crops, and thequestion is, is this effective? "We need a means to measure effectiveness," hesaid. "If previous data suggests this is not effective, why are we doing it?"Non-target birds also are an issue. USFWS has asked for more studies onthis. "We are not comfortable with the non-target aspect of this," Johnson said."From studies done in both fall and spring, we were told non-targets don't visitbait sites. We have found this is not true. Subsequent studies also have shownthat non-target species did eat the treated rice. Now we are told these birds arenot dying from this, because no dead non-target birds are found. This is the migrationperiod. The birds are coming in, picking up food, and they are gone. ItSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 82 DECEMBER 2001

takes three days for the bird to die. We are sympathetic, and we do understandthe [producers'] problem, but a scatter-gun approach hoping to reduce damagefor a few producers is not going to work. The saying that a dead blackbird is notgoing to eat sunflowers is true only if that bird was going to eat sunflowers."Mike McEnroe, supervisory wildlife biologist in the USFWS Refuge Divisionin Birmarck, said his agency objected in 1999 when Dr. Linz proposed "amassive kill" of two million birds. "Our concern was that Wildlife Services didnot have the data to support the program," McEnroe said.In South Dakota, Scott Larson, a biologist with the USFWS EcologicalServices field office in Pierre, expressed concerns about the program to trackbirds by marking and collecting them. He spoke of studies done in 1982 and1983. "These were done on the mid-continent population of blackbirds, grackles,and other Icterids, coming north, marked when on roost. They marked upwardsof two million birds in those years, then collected samples from several locations.What we learned (and these were APHIS studies, not Fish and Wildlifestudies) was that nearly 70 percent of the birds marked in the spring were goingto Canada to nest. We know that most of the sunflower depredation is done bybirds breeding in the area where the plants are grown. If in the spring we takeout those birds that nest in Canada, we would not expect to influence depredationin the fall. Information indicates that we could kill all the birds we wanted atthese roosts in the spring, and we would not help farmers. We brought this informationto Wildlife Services about a year ago. They agreed to do more studies."Larson said it is not known if roosting-nesting area movements are regularand annual. Researchers suspect that this is the case, but they do not know.SOUTH DAKOTA POSmONThree issues have been raised by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and ParksDepartment (SDGFP) in a letter filed in response to the federal regulatory announcementabout the EIS. "First, we want actual documentation that this controlmethod will reduce damage," said Eileen Dowd-Stukel, non-game biologistwith the department in Pierre. "We had been assured from the start that APHISwould not use this as an operational tool unless it could prove that use of theavicide DRC-1339 would reduce (blackbird) damage. Our second main point, aconcern from start, is about potential impact to non-target species. U.S. Fish andWildlife contracted with a researcher at Colorado State University to reviewstudies on which they (APHIS) have based their claims. The work was on theimpact to non-targets, the LD50's (lethal dose at which 50 percent of the testsample dies) for various bird species. The review pointed out problems withthese studies. We have asked APHIS to consider these seriously. We are concernedabout grassland sparrows that might visit these (bait) plots and pick upsub-lethal doses. There has been a lot of work on what it takes to kill birds, butnot much on sub-lethal doses and the impact of this on things like breeding success.Our third concern is about the approach to cattail destruction, removingcattails to eliminate roosts for blackbirds. We have lots of other species thatwould be impacted by this removal." South Dakota has been the site of much ofthe research done on DRC-1339, and the SDFGP has given APHIS every permitit asked for, she said. "They keep coming back for more and more. We haveasked questions about this seemingly endless research. My feeling is that thethinking behind the studies makes sense, but I think the studies are basically im-SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 83 DECEMBER 2001

possible. They are trying to make conclusions on studies impossible to carry out.I would not fault the researchers. I think they have an almost impossible task. Isthere a solution to blackbird predation? Yes, but it is not doable: Don't growsunflowers next to blackbird roosts. Cattail control is a method of reducingroosts, to try to discourage the birds. But how do you discourage people fromgrowing a profitable crop on their own land?"STUDY REVIEWING RESEARCHThe research review study mentioned by Ms. Dowd-Stukel was highly criticalof some of the work done by APHIS and WS. The review was done by Dr.Elisabeth Harrahy, a post-doctoral fellow at the Colorado Cooperative Fish andWildlife Research Unit, an operation staffed, supported, and coordinated by theColorado Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Geological Survey (Biological ResourcesDiv), Colorado State University (CSU), and the Wildlife ManagementInstitute. The unit is located at CSU.Larry Gamble, with ecological services in the USFWS Denver office, saidreview of toxicity data APHIS had provided for non-target species found whathe called "important data gaps." Dr. Harrahy was assigned to examine literatureon the effects of DRC-1339 on non-target bird species."Overall, the amount of reliable information available on the effects ofDRC-1339 on non-target birds is small," Dr. Harrahy wrote in her report. "Despitegreater than 30 years of study, one cannot justifiably say that the effects ofDRC-1339 on non-target birds have been thoroughly assessed. ...data generatedin most of the laboratory experiments should be considered preliminary orrange-finding, rather than definitive," she wrote, "because of the poor experimentaldesigns used to generate them. Fifty percent of all the experiments (laboratory,field, and outdoor pen) included in this review has experimental design'rates of 'poor' or 'useless.'" Dr. Harrahy suggested additional studies be donefor non-target bird species. She also said that because DRC-1339 is a relativelyslow-acting poison, and because carcass searches generally were conducted onlywithin bait sites and target species roosts, "finding even a few dead non-targetbirds may indicate substantial mortality."The analysis in Dr. Harrahy's report was critically flawed, its main conclusionsuntenable, wrote Mark Tobin, program manager for Wildlife Services, FortCollins, Colorado, in a letter to Larry Gamble after review of the Harrahy study."This selective review omits or fails to seriously discuss several important studiesbearing on the effect of DRC-1339 to non-target birds," he wrote. "Also absentfrom the report is an in-depth analysis or discussion of acute dietary toxicitytests with caged birds exposed to formulated baits, standardized diets, or poisonedcarcasses. ... Finally, the review makes no mention of the fact that DRC-1339 has met all the registration requirements of the Environmental ProtectionAgency." He concluded his letter by saying the Harrahy report is "superficialand incomplete to the point of lacking credibility. ...DRC-1339 has been usedoperationally in the U.S. since 1967 without any evidence of major non-targetkills." He mentioned that acute toxicity tests for Tree Sparrows, meadowlarks,Horned Larks, and Dark-eyed Juncos, and dietary tests for Savannah and Treesparrows, meadowlarks, Canada and Snow geese, and Northern Cardinals recentlywere completed. In a telephone conversation he said results of these testsare not yet available. These studies were done at the request of USFWS, ac-SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 84 DECEMBER 2001

- ,..,rcording to Gamble.NORTH DAKOTA POSITIONIn North Dakota, the idea of continued research has equally little appeal."The department supports efforts to reduce damage to sunflowers and/or helpproducers offset damage," wrote Michael McKenna, chief of the conservationand communications division of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department,in response to the call for EIS comment. He continued: "We have been frustratedby Wildlife Services' lack of direction and failure to complete thorough analysesand develop conclusions of ongoing programs prior to initiating new studies."Concern over the take of non-target species during the blackbird research programwas expressed by McKenna in a letter dated Jan. 31,2000, to Mastrangelo,the Wildlife Services state director in North Dakota.CANADIAN POSITIONCanadian wildlife officials have not taken a position for or against theblackbird research and its associated kills, according to Steve Wendt, migratorybird chief for Canada Wildlife Services (CWS), the federal wildlife agency."Perhaps this is important enough for dialogue across the border, however." Hisagency believes the provinces involved should be consulted. Some of the blackbirdsmoving out of spring roosts in South Dakota nest in Manitoba, Saskatchewan,and Alberta. "There are species other than blackbirds involved in this proposedcontrol," he said. "While we haven't analyzed the risk to those species, wefeel that issue should be better explored. We should not have a control programinvolving species not causing damage."CWS also has offered to coordinate bringing the issue to the United States/Mexice/Canada Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservationand Management. The function of this group is coordination of issues and actionsamong wildlife agencies in the three countries. Mexico would be involvedbecause most Yellow-headed and some Red-winged blackbirds winter in thatcountry.A POLITICAL ISSUE?Norman Johnson retired 14 years ago from the USFWS. He worked therewhen the current Wildlife Services agency, now part of USDA, was a division ofUSFWS. He was western regional manager of USFWS at that time. "We beganworking on bird problems in the 1950's, blackbirds and starlings in com inSouth Dakota," he said from his northern Wisconsin home. "At that time, wewere using mainly scaring devices. There wasn't much attempt at populationcontrol. What was done was mainly with European Starlings. I worked with sunflowersand blackbirds in my later years with the agency. We were doing workin North Dakota at that time, using hazing techniques and lure crops. We usedthose also to attempt to reduce waterfowl depredation. This had a limited effect.You could reduce damage in some fields, but I can't say that any of those methodssolved the problems in general. Can this problem be solved? It's very questionable.Most of the wildlife depredation problems that you can solve effectivelyare specific problems in specific areas. Overall, it is very difficult. Maybeyou don't want an overall population reduction of birds. That's kind of a politicalissue, I guess."As mentioned before, a decision on the permit request will be made some-SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 85 DECEMBER 2001

time next spring. And this fall and winter we will feed sunflower seeds to blackbirdsvisiting our yards.Postscript: On 13 Nov 2001, the USFWS denied USDA's application, "The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service today denied an application for a scientific collectingpermit, submitted by USDA under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), tokill an unprecedented 2 million blackbirds as part of an experiment to reducedamage to commercially grown sunflowers, a favorite blackbird food duringlate-summer and fall." ~GENERAL NOTESNORTHERN CARDINAL AT RAPID CITY. From 10 June through 5 August2001, a male Northern Cardinal frequented the Red Dale Drive neighborhood atRapid City, SD. During this period I heard the bird many times, frequently morethan once a day. Also, on four occasions (29 June, 1,6, and 12 July) I had visualconfirmation, so as to note the overall red body, crest, and the distinctive blackmarking around the beak. Additionally, on 19 July, my neighbor Roland Graysaw the cardinal perched on his garden fence at close range. Never was thereevidence that a female cardinal was present.During this time the bird occasionally sang its characteristic song (two distinctlyseparate notes followed by the series of quickly repeated notes) from myapple tree, but more often I heard the bird singing from nearby neighborhoodtrees.The Birds of South Dakota (1991) lists only two records of the cardinal atRapid City, 7-14 June 1967 and late December 1954 through 2 May 1955. Asoccurrence of the species in Rapid City is so exceptional, I was privileged tohave the bird present near my home. It was easy for me to be alert for the songas I was familiar with the species during my youth in northwestern Illinois, andalmost daily I see and/or hear cardinals at my winter quarters in Arizona'sSonora Desert. L. M. Baylor, Rapid City, SD 57702. "4SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 86 DECEMBER 2001

~IrSMALL RESEARCH GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM SDOU~1J.IThe Nathaniel R. Whitney, Jr. Memorial Research Grants are administeredby the South Dakota Ornithologists' Union. They may be awarded to qualifiedgraduate or upper division (Jr. or Sr.) students majoring in ornithology, avianecology, avian wildlife management, or an appropriately related scientific disciplineat a college or university in South Dakota. Whitney research grants mayalso be awarded to other ornithologically or scientifically qualified individuals,including amateur ornithologists. These grants will range from $250 to $500.Two to four grants may be awarded for this application cycle.The SDOU invites applications for these grants. The deadline for applicationis 1 March 2002, and applicants will be notified by 1 May 2002 of the results oftheir application.The process of application is as follows:The application must include:. The applicant's name, address, social security number, and informationabout the applicant's background and qualifications for doing the research.. A statement of the purpose(s) and objective(s) of the research project and themethods, techniques (including any analytical techniques that may be used),and materials needed for the project.. A statement of the amount of funding requested and the specific use of thefundsin the project.. The applicant's assurance that the grant will be used solely and specificallyfor the designated research project.. The applicant's assurance that results of the research will be presented at anSDOU paper session at a fall meeting or an acceptable article to be publishedin SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES or in a major ornithological orrelated scientific journal, within three years of the research.Other requirements:The application should be no longer than three typed pages.. The applicant must arrange for two individuals to send letters of recommendationdirectly to the SDOU committee. The letter of recommendationshould include an appraisal of the applicant's personal qualities and qualificationsfor pursuing the proposed research. The letter should indicate thesignificance of the proposed research for the advancement of knowledgeabout the birds of South Dakota..Three copies of each application and each letter must be sent to:Robb Schenck, 422 N. Linwood Ct., Sioux Falls, SD 57103Phone: 605-332-4442, or email atrschenck@dakota.netSuccessful applicants will receive a check for the grant's authorizedamount from the SDOU treasurer on or before 10 May.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 87 DECEMBER 2001

~SEASONAL REPORTSThe 2001 Summer Season1 June 2001 to 31 Jul2001Compiler: Robert F. Schenck422 N Linwood CourtSioux Falls, SD 57103Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service indicate temperatures 0.6degrees cooler than normal for June, with July having an unbelievable averageof more than 19 degrees above normal. June precipitation was near normal, withJuly receiving 0.86 inches precipitation more than normal. This report includes107 confirmed breeding records. The average for the previous five years is 100.Amazingly, 262 species were reported, which compares to the five-year averageof 239. The large number of species reported due in large part to the extensiveavian research currently being conducted within the state. I would offer specialthanks to those who braved the July heat to produce these records. In general thisreport was compiled by the following method. All confirmed breeding recordssubmitted are included. Those breeding records representing a first for thecounty, according to The South Dakota Breeding Bird Atlas and the 1995-00Summer Season Reports of Bird Notes, are highlighted. Observations of birdswithin established breeding ranges, as defined by The Birds of South Dakota,were omitted. Records outside the normal breeding range are included. Sightingsthat would have been included in the last edition of The Birds of South Dakotaare highlighted.Pied-billedGrebe ConfirmedBreeding:01 Jul Clark (FL) BFH; 07 Jul Moody,13 JulMcPherson,14Jul Brown,21 Jul Miner, 28 JulMcCook(PY)JSPRed-neckedGrebe ConfirmedBreeding:14Jun McPhersonRBA;22 Jun Roberts(BuffaloLake) (PY) WS; 26 Jul Day (PY) DRS ... also reportedfrom MarshallandMcPherson co.Eared Grebe ConfirmedBreeding:08 Jul Sully(FL) JCS; 13 Jul McPherson, 14 JulBrown(PY)JSP,RFS ...alsoreportedfromHarding,Meadeand Perkinsco.Western Grebe ConfirmedBreeding:03 Jun Sully(ON)KM; 13 Jul McPherson(PY)JSP, RFS; 18 Jul Brown (FL) JCS ... also reported from Charles Mix, Harding,Hughes, Meade, Perkins and Sully co.Clark's Grebe Reported from Brown, Charles Mix, Day, Harding and McPherson co.American White Pelican Reported from Bon Homme, Charles Mix, Clark, Day,Hughes, Hyde, Jones, Marshall, McCook, Moody, Pennington and Sully co.Double-crested Cormorant Confirmed Breeding: 20 Jun Hughes (CF) JCS; 13 JulMcPherson, 21 Jul Miner, 28 Jul McCook (ON) JSP ... also reported from Harding,Meade and Pennington co.Least Bittern Reported from Brookings, Brown, Clark, Lincoln and Yankton co.Great Blue Heron Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Hyde (ON) NS; 10 Jul Meade (PY-6)EEM; 28 Jul McCook (ON) JSPGreat Egret Confirmed Breeding: 13 Jul McPherson (ON) JSPSnowy Egret Reported from Brown, Codington and McPherson co.Little Blue Heron Confirmed Breeding: 03 Jul (ON-14) DATTricolored Heron Confirmed Breeding: 03 Jul Brown (ON) DATCattle Egret Reported from Douglas, Hyde, Lincoln and Lyman co.Green Heron Confirmed Breeding: 15 Jul Mina Lake (PY) JCSYellow-crowned Night-heron Only Report: 28 Jun Brown DATSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 88 DECEMBER 2001

';IWhite-faced Ibis reported from Hyde Co.Turkey Vulture Reported from Bon Homme, Brookings, Charles Mix, Hughes, Lincoln,Minnehaha, Union and Yankton co.Greater White-fronted Goose Only Report: 14 Jul Brown (1) JSP, RFSSnow Goose Only Report: all period Clay DSCanada Goose Confirmed Breeding: 05 Jun Pennington (PY) JLB; 09 Jun Lincoln, 23Jun McCook (PY) JSP; 02 Jul Minnehaha (FL) MKZWood Duck Confirmed Breeding: 09 Jun Lincoln (PY) JSP; 10 Jun Meade (PY) EEM;25 Jun Pennington (PY-2), 29 Jun Meade (FL) JLBGadwall Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Hyde (FL) NS; 05 Jun Pennington (PY) JLB; 31Jul Minnehaha (FL) MKZAmerican Widgeon Confirmed Breeding: 30 Jun Pennington (FY) JLB ... alsoreportedfrom Harding, Hyde, McCook, McPherson, Meade, Perkins, Stanley, Sully andYankton co.Mallard Confirmed Breeding: 05 Jun Pennington, 02 Jul Jackson (PY) JLB; 21 JulMiner (PY) JSP; 21 Jun Hyde (ON) NSBlue-winged Teal Confirmed Breeding: 29 Jun Meade, 05 Jul Pennington (FL) JLB; 14Jul Brown, 21 Jul Miner (PY) JSP; 31 Jul Hyde (FL) NSCinnamon Teal Only Report: 06 Jun Meade JLBNorthern Pintail Confirmed Breeding: 23 Jun McCook, 13 Jul McPherson (PY) JSP;27 Jun Meade (PY) AKB; 29 Jun Meade (FL) JLBGreen-winged Teal reported from Hughes, Meade and Stanley co.Ringed-necked Duck reported from Marshall and McPherson co.Lesser Scaup reported from Charles Mix, Harding, Hughes, McCook, Meade, and Sullyco.Bufflehead Confirmed Breeding: 09 Jul Roberts Bruce Harris ... also reported fromBrown, McPherson and Sully co.Hooded Merganser reported from Bon Homme and Brown co.Common Merganser Confirmed Breeding: 05 Jul Pennington (Canyon Lake) (FL-12downy young) JLB ... also reported late 01 Jun Stanley KMRed-breasted Merganser Late Spring: 01 Jun Brown JCS; 03 Juo Stanley RDO &KMRuddy Duck Confirmed Breeding: 14 Jul Brown, 21 Jul Miner (PY) JSP ... also reportedfrom Bon Homme and Yankton co.Osprey Confirmed Breeding: 07 Jul Pactola Dam TWB; 26 Jun (NY), 23 Jul PactolaReservoir (nest with 3 young) JLB; 23 Jul Custer (Stockade Lake) (NY); 29 JulLawrence (Pilot Knob, near Trout Haven HW385) (NY) JLBBald Eagle Confirmed Breeding: 10 Jul Roberts (NY-2), Marshall (NY) WS; 11 JunRoberts (ON) JSP ... also reported from Day Co..Northern HarrierConfirmed Breeding: 29 Jun Harding (CF) REP; 31 Jul Fall River(FL-4) RAPSharp-shinned Hawk Only Report: 07 Jun Pennington RAPCooper's Hawk Confirmed Breeding: 07 Jun Meade (CF) REPNorthern Goshawk All Reports: Black Hills NB; Black Hills RBA; 24 Jun Custer RAPBroad-winged Hawk Confirmed Breeding: 24 Jun Meade (CF) REP ... also reported23 Jun Roberts RDO; Black Hills NB; Black Hills RBASwainson's Hawk Confirmed Breeding: 22 Jun Fall River (one on nest) RAP ... alsoreported 01 Jul Stanley (200+) RDO, Doug BacklundMerlin Confirmed Breeding: 20 Jul Meade (FY-3) REPPeregrine Falcon Late Spring: 03 Juo Brown DATRinged-necked Pheasant Confirmed Breeding: Jul Hyde (FL) NS; 12 Jul Clark, 13 JulMcPherson (PY) JSP; 07 Jul Sully (PY) KH; 30 Jul Minnehaha (FL) MKZSharp-tailed Grouse Confirmed Breeding: 17 Jun Sully (PY) KM; 21 Jun Hyde (ON)NSSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 89 DECEMBER 2001

Wild Turkey Confirmed Breeding: 14 Jul Pennington (FL) AKBAmerican Coot Confirmed Breeding: 07 Jul Moody, 13 Jul McPherson, 21 Jul Miner,28 McCook (PY) JSPSemipalmated Plover Late Spring: 02 Jun Charles Mix RM ... Early Fall: 22 Jul UnionBFH; 29 Jul Meade APBPiping Plover Confirmed Breeding: 22 Jul Union (PY-3) BFH ... also reported 03, 24Jun, 07 Jul Sully KM; 09 Jun Yankton SVS; 24 Jun Sully RDOKilldeer Confirmed Breeding: 22 Jun Meade (ON) APB; 25 Jun Meade (PY) REP; 29Jun Meade (FL) JLBGreater Yellowlegs Early Fall: 27 Jun Meade AKB; 02 Jul Meade JLB; 13 Jul McPhersonJSPLesser Yellowlegs Late Spring: 15 Jun Charles Mix RM ... Early Fall: Jun Meade AKB;02 Jul Meade JLB; 07 Jul Moody JSPSolitary Sandpiper Early Fall: 05 Jul Meade (3) JLB; 07 Jul Stanley RDO; 14 JulBrown JSPUpland Sandpiper Confirmed Breeding: 03 Jun Sully (NE) KH; 27 Jun Meade (FL)AKB; 29 Jun Meade (DD), 05 Jul Pennington (FL) JLBLong-billed Curlew Confirmed Breeding: 29 Jun Harding (PY) REPRuddy Turnstone Only Report: 02 Jun Day (14+) JSPSemipalmated Sandpiper Late Spring: 02 Jun Day JSP; 06 Jun Meade JLB ... EarlyFall: 14 Jul Brown JSP; 15 Jul Hughes RDO & KMLeast Sandpiper Early Fall: 05 Jul Meade (2) JLB; 12 Jul Clark JSP; 13 Jul Day WSWhite-romped Sandpiper Late Spring: 02 Jun Day JSP; 06 Jun Meade JLB; 06 JunHughes RDO ... Early Fall: 14 Jul Brown JSPBaird's Sandpiper Late Spring: 06 Jun Hughes RDO ... Early Fall: 06 Jul Meade (3)JLB; 15 Jul Hughes KM; 21 Jul Miner JSPPectoral Sandpiper Early Fall: 13 Jul McPherson; 30 Jul Hughes RDODunlin Late Spring: 02 Jun Day JSPStilt Sandpiper Early Fall: 13 Jul McPherson JSP, RFS; 22 Jul Union BFH; 25 JulHughes RDOLong-billed Dowitcher Early Fall: 20 Jul Charles Mix RM; 22 Jul Hyde (6) NS; 30 JulHughes RDOWilson's Phalarope Confirmed Breeding: 29 Jun Meade (PY) JLBRed-necked Phalarope Early Fall: 14 Jul Brown (1) JSP, RFSFranklin's Gull Reported from Hyde, Jones, Meade, Miner and Sully co.Ring-billed Gull Reported from Day, Marshall, McCook, McPherson and Perkins co.California Gull Reported from McPherson (7), Meade, Perkins, Stanley and Sully co.Caspian Tern All Reports: 02 Jun Day (2) JSP; 08 Jun Yankton SVS; 30 Jun, 26 Jul DayDRS; 22 Jul Union BFHCommon Tern All Reports: 03 Jun Sully KM; 03 Jun Yankton SVS; 07 Jun Sully RDOForster's Tern Reported: 29 Jun Meade (1) JLBLeast Tern All Reports: 07 Jun Bon Homme, 09 Jun Yankton SVS; 19 Jun Sully RDO;30 Jun Clay (2) JSP, RFS; 07 Jul Sully (Little Bend) KM; 22 Jul Union (pr) BFHMourning Dove Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Hyde (PY) NS; 02 Jun Stanley (FL) RDO;02 Jun Stanley (NY) KM; 01 Jul Pennington (FY) TBW; 11 Jul Fall River (NE-2)RAPYellow-billed Cuckoo Confirmed Breeding: 22-27 Jun (NE-3) (predated on 29 Juncheck) Clay DS; 10 Jul (NE-1, NY-2) - 13 Jul (NE-1, NY-1) (predated on 17 Julcheck) Clay DSEastern Screech-Owl Confirmed Breeding: 21 Jun Brookings (PY-4) KIEBurrowing Owl Reported from Hughes, McPherson, Meade, Pennington, Perkins andStanley co.Short-eared Owl Reported from Harding and Lyman co.Common Poorwill Reported from Harding, Meade and Stanley co.SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 90 DECEMBER 2001

Whip-poor-will Reported from Lincoln, all period in Charles Mix and Yankton co.Ruby-throated Hummingbird All Reports: all Period Minnehaha Judge Severtson; allperiod Charles Mix RM; 02 Jun Roberts JSP; OS,06 Jun Brown JCS; 06 Jun YanktonSVS; 04-13 Jun Brookings KlE; 04 Jun Edmunds JDW; 08 Jun Brown DATLewis' Woodpecker All Reports: Black Hills RBA; 01 Jun Custer (Wind Cave NationalPark) (1) JLBRed-naped Sapsucker Confirmed Breeding: 28 Jun Lawrence (NY) REPDowny Woodpecker Confirmed Breeding: 30 Jul Pennington (CF) TBWHairy Woodpecker Confirmed Breeding: 10 Jun Hyde (CF) NS; 29 Jun Pennington(FY) TBW; 23 Jun Custer (NY) RAPThree-toed Woodpecker All Reports: Black Hills RBA; Black Hills NBBlack-backed Woodpecker All Reports: Black Hills RBA; Black Hills NB; 16, 17 JunCuster & Pennington (Jasper Fire Area) (5) RAPNorthern Flicker Confirmed Breeding: 04 Jul Pennington (FY) TBW; 07 Jul Moody(FL) JSPOlive-sided Flycatcher Late Spring: 01 Jun Lawrence RBA; 02 Jun Stanley RDOEastern Wood-Pewee Reported: 02 Jun Stanley RDO & KMYellow-bellied Flycatcher Only Report: 01, 04 Jun Brown DATAlder Flycatcher Only Report: 01 Jun Brown DATLeast Flycatcher Reported: 10 Jun Harding (1) DCGDusky Flycatcher Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul (NB), 07 Jul (NE), (CF) Meade REPCordilleran Flycatcher Confirmed Breeding: 24 Jun, 04 Jul Meade (NB) REP; 27 JunMeade (ON) AKB; 27 Jun Meade (NE) JLBSay's Phoebe Confirmed Breeding: 25 Jun Meade (CF) REPWestern Kingbird Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul Pennington (ON) JLB; 08 Jul Brown(FY) JCS; 08 Jul Lyman (FY) DAT; 17 Jul Stanley (FY) KHEastern Kingbird Confirmed Breeding: 16 Jun Sully (NE) KM; 20 Jun Oahe Dam (CF)JCS; 20 Jul Charles Mix (FY) RM; 21 Jul Miner (CF) JSPLoggerhead Shrike Confirmed Breeding: 25 Jun Meade (FY) REPWarbling Vireo Confirmed Breeding: 27 Jun Day (NY) WS; 27 Jun (NY), 02 Jul (NE),07 Jul (NY) Meade REPRed-eyed Vireo Confirmed Breeding: 29 Jul Meade (FY) REPPinyon Jay Confirmed Breeding: 16 Jul Meade (FY) APBClark's Nutcracker All Reports: 06 Jun, 26 Jul Custer (Crazy Horse) KH; 14 Jul Custer(Sylvan Lake) REPBlack-billed Magpie Confirmed Breeding: 17 Jun Sully (NE) KMAmerican Crow Confirmed Breeding: 15 Jul Pennington (FY) TBWHorned Lark Confirmed Breeding: 30 Jul Brookings (CF) JCS; 05 Jul Meade (FL)JLBTree Swallow Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Pennington (ON) TBW; 27 Jun Meade (ON)AKB; 01 Jul Pennington (ON) JLBViolet-green Swallow Confirmed Breeding: 14 Jul Pennington (NY) REPCliff Swallow Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul Jackson (ON) JLB; 04 Jul Hyde (NY) NSBarn Swallow Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul Jackson (NY) JLB; 04 Jul Hyde (NY) NS; 28Jul Day (NY) WSBlack-capped Chickadee Confirmed Breeding: Brookings (PY) KlE; 24 Jun Custer(NY) KH; 04 Jul Pennington (FY-lO) TBW; 20 Jul Minnehaha (FL) MKZRed-breasted Nuthatch Confirmed Breeding: 27 Jun Pennington (FY) TBW ... alsoreported from Brown and Day Co.White-breasted Nuthatch Confirmed Breeding: 10 Jun Meade (CF) APB; 03 Jul Pennington(FY) TBW; 21 Jul Charles Mix (FY) RM; 28 Jun Lake (FL) JSPPygmy Nuthatch Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jul (FY) (3 first brood) 07 Jul (FY) (4 secondbrood) Pennington TBWRock Wren Reported: 02 Jun Stanley KM; 22 Jun Stanley RDOSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 91 DECEMBER 2001

House Wren Confirmed Breeding: 16 Jul Minnehaha (DD) MKZ; 04 Jul Hyde (CF) NS;27 Jul Day (NE) WSSedge Wren Reported: 13, 20 Jul Stanley KM; 22 Jul Stanley RDOAmerican Dipper All Reports: Jun Hanna Campground RBA; 17 Jun Rapid Creek RBAEastern Bluebird Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Pennington (ON) TBW; 04 Jul Hughes(FY) KMMountain Bluebird Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Pennington (ON) TBWVeery Reported: 03 Jun Brown DATSwainson's Thrush Reported: 01 Jun Stanley KM; 09 Jun Hughes RDOWood Thrush Confirmed Breeding: 24 Jun (NE-3) - 30 Jun (two thrush eggs, one cowbirdegg) - 11 Jul (2-thrush yg. Fledged) Clay DSAmerican Robin Confirmed Breeding: 10 Jun Lawrence (CF), 01 Jul Minnehaha (FL)MKZ; 02 Jul Jackson (CF), 01 Jul (CF), 08 Jul (FY) Pennington JLB; 21 Jul Miner(FL) JSP; 22 Jul Pennington (FY) TBWGray Catbird Confirmed Breeding: 26 Jul Minnehaha (FL) MKZ; 30 Jul Brookings(CF) JCSNorthern Mockingbird All Reports: 01-17 Jun Custer RBA; 26 Jun Hughes RDOSage Thrasher Only Report: 09 Jun Fall River (7 miles W of Edgemont) RDO & KMBrown Thrasher Confirmed Breeding: 08 Jul Sully (FY) KH; 25 Jul Minnehaha (FL)MKZSprague's Pipit All Reports: 29 Jun Harding (-7 miles N of Harding, SD) (4 male singing)REP; 29 Jun (1),29 Jul (5) Perkins DCGCedar Waxwing Confirmed Breeding: 20 Jun Oahe Dam (CN) JCSBlue-winged Warbler Only Report: 09 Jun Lincoln JSP, RFSGolden-winged Warbler All Reports: 26, 29 Jul Meade JLB, REPTennessee Warbler All Reports: 02 Jun Roberts, 08 Jun Lake JSPVirginia's Warbler All Reports: Black Hills RBA; 10 Jun Custer RDO & KM; CusterNB; 16 Jun Custer (Elk Mountain) (5) RAPNorthern Parula All Reports: 28 Jun Lawrence REP; 09 Jun Lawrence Michael RetterYellow Warbler Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul Hyde (FY) NS ." also reported 01 JunCuster (Wind Cave National Park) JLBChestnut-sided Warbler All Reports: 03 Jun Edmunds JDW; 19 Jun (1 female), 27Jun (2 males), 03 Jul (2 males), 18 Jul (2 males) Meade REP; 29 Jul Meade JLBYellow-rumped WarblerConfirmed Breeding: 26 Jun Lawrence (NB), 07 Jul Meade(CF) REP; 15 Jul Pennington (ON) TBWBlackburnian Warbler Late Spring: 03 Jun Lake JSPBlackpoll Warbler Late Spring: 04 Jun Edmunds JDWBlack-and-white Warbler Late Spring: 09 Jun Bennett RDO; Jun Hyde (1) NSAmerican Redstart Reported: 01 Jun Hughes RDO; 02 Jun Roberts, 30 Jun Union JSP;05 Jun Brown, 20 Jun Hughes JCS; 24 Jun Hughes KMOvenbird Confirmed Breeding: 26 Jun Meade (CF) AKB; 20 Jul Harding (FL) KMMourning Warbler Late Spring: 03 Jun Brown DAT; 04 Jun Brown JCSMacGillivray's Warbler Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul Meade (CF) REPCommon Yellowthroat Confirmed Breeding: 30 Jun Meade (CF)JLBCanada Warbler Late Spring: 02 Jun Brown DATYellow-breasted Chat Confirmed Breeding: 20 Jun Oahe Dam (CF) JCS; 17 JulStanley (CF) KM ... also reported 01 Jun Custer (Wind Cave National Park)JLB; 20 Jun Hughes JCS; 4 Jul Hughes KMScarlet Tanager Confirmed Breeding: 15 Jut Pennington (ON) TBWWestern Tanager Confirmed Breeding: 27 Jun Meade (CN) AKB; 27 Jun Meade (CF)JLBSpotted Towhee Confirmed Breeding: 05 Jul Pennington (CF) JLB; 29 Jul Pennington(FY) TBW ... also reported from Charles Mix, Custer, Harding, Hughes, Jackson,SOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 92 DECEMBER 2001

Meade, Pennington and Stanley co.Eastern Towhee Reported from Hughes, Lincoln, Minnehaha and Union co.Chipping Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jun Stanley (CF) RDO; 27 Jun (CF), 03Jul (FY) Meade REP; 30 Jul Brookings (CF) JCSBrewer's Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul Meade (CF) JLBField Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 30 Jun Meade (FY) JLBVesper Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 04 Jun Fall River (NE-4) RAP; 29 Jun Harding(CF) REPLark Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 05 Jul Meade (FY) APB; 08 Jul Meade (FL) REP... also reported from Charles Mix, Lincoln, Union and Yankton co.Lark Bunting Reported from Custer, Harding, Pennington, Meade, Perkins, Stanley andTripp co.Grasshopper Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jul Pennington (CF) JLB; 13 JulMcPherson (CF) JSPNelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Only Report: 14 Jul Brown (2) JSP, RFSSong Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 13 Jun Lawrence (NY), 21 Jun Fall River (NY)RAPDark-eyed Junco Confirmed Breeding: 20 Jun Pennington (FY) TBW; 18 Jul Meade(FY)REPNorthern Cardinal Confirmed Breeding: 09 Jul Minnehaha (FY) MKZ; 21 Jul CharlesMix (FY) RM; 30 Jul Brookings (CF) JCS ... also reported 04 Jul Pennington(Chapel Valley, Rapid City) JLBRose-breasted Grosbeak Confirmed Breeding: 22 Jun Charles Mix (FY) RMBlack-headed Grosbeak Confirmed Breeding: 20 Jun Oahe Dam (CF) JCS; 20 Jul Meade(PY-4) EEM; 22 Jul Pennington (FY) TBW; 22 Jul Meade (FY) REP ... also reportedfrom Charles Mix, Hughes and Sully co.Blue Grosbeak Confirmed Breeding: 14 Jun (NB) -18Jun (NE-3)- 28Jun (NE-4)-(predated on 02 Jul) Union DS; 17 Jul Stanley (CF) KHLazuli Bunting Confirmed Breeding: 19 Jun Meade (NB) REPRed-winged Blackbird Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Hyde (NE) NS; 30 Jun Meade (FY)JLB; 21 Jul Miner (CF) JSPEastern Meadowlark Only Report: 02 Jun Tripp RDOWestern Meadowlark Confirmed Breeding: 05 Jun Pennington (CF) JLB; 27 Jun Meade(CF) AKB; 29 Jun Meade (CF) JLB; 14 Jul Brown (CF) JSP; 24 Jul Codington(CF) JCSYellow-headed Blackbird Confirmed Breeding: 21 Jul Miner (CF) JSPCommon Grackle Confirmed Breeding: 05 Jun Pennington (CF), 30 Jun Meade (FY)JLB; 07 Jun Hyde (FL) NS; 23 Jun Charles Mix (FY) RMGreat-Tailed Grackle Only Report: 09 Jun Lincoln JSP, RFSBrewer's Blackbird Confirmed Breeding: 24 Jun Meade (NE) REPBrown-headed Cowbird Confirmed Breeding: 18 Jun Minnehaha (FL) (fledged bySong Sparrow) MKZOrchard Oriole Confirmed Breeding: 02 Jun Stanley (NB) RDO & KM; 17 Jun Sully(NE) KM; 01 Jul Hyde (CF) NS; 16 Jul Charles Mix (FL) RMBaltimore Oriole Confirmed Breeding: 01 Jun Hughes (NB) RDO; 02 Jul Charles Mix(FL) RM; 09 Jul Minnehaha (FL) MKZ ... also reported from Brown, Day, Hyde,Marshall, Meade, Moody, Stanley and Union co.Bullock's Oriole Confirmed Breeding: 27 Jun Lawrence (NY) REP ... also reportedfrom Meade Co..Cassin's Finch All Reports: Black Hills RBA; Black Hills NBHouse Finch Confirmed Breeding: 04 Jul Hyde (FY) NS; 21 Jul Charles Mix (FY) RMRed Crossbill Confirmed Breeding: 15 Jul Pennington (FY) (many broods hatched previousto this date) TBWWhite-winged Crossbill Only Report: 02 Jul Pennington Michael RetterSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 93 DECEMBER 2001

Pine Siskin Confirmed Breeding: 14 Jun Pennington (FY) TBW ... also reported 01, 29Jul Charles Mix RMAmerican Goldfinch Confirmed breeding: 13 Jul Fall River (NE-3 + 2 Cowbird)Evening Grosbeak All Reports: 22 Jun, 03, 29 Jul Meade REPHouse Sparrow Confirmed Breeding: 22 Jul Hyde (FY) NSReports ReQuirin2 Acceptance Bv The Rare Bird Records CommitteeRough-legged Hawk Confirmed Breeding: 11 Jun Butte HW212 east of Nevell (2 nest, 4PY) EEMShort-billed Dowitcher 22 Jul Hyde (10+) NSEurasian Collared Dove 07 Jul Pennington JLB and Todd Jensen; 15 Jul Stanley KM;16 Jun Clay Jay CarlisleBarn Owl 09,29 Jul Meade AKBChuck-will's-widow 01, 19 Jun Stanley KMRufous Hummingbird 11, 31 Jul Custer KHCassin's Kingbird 06 Jun Custer (1) RAP; 09 Jun Bennett KM; Custer NB; 11 JunCuster Nicholas BlockWhite-eyed Vireo One singing male for much of June and into July. Jay Carlisle, EmilyStoddard, Eric LiknesBlue-headed Vireo 07 Jul Moody JSPBlue-gray Gnatcatcher 17 Jun Hyde (Rezac Lake) (1) NSKentucky Warbler 20 Jun Clay Eric Liknes, Dale GentryHenslow's Sparrow 13 Jun McPherson (T128N, R73W, S18, W1!2) Larry IgiSpecies Observed But Not Included In This ReportAmerican Bittern, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Northern Shoveler, Canvasback, Redhead,Red-tailed Hawk, Ferruginous Hawk, Golden Eagle, American Kestrel, Prairie Falcon,Gray Partridge, Ruffed Grouse, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Northern Bobwhite, VirginiaRail, Sora, American Avocet, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Marbled Godwit, CommonSnipe, Black Tern, Rock Dove, Black-billed Cuckoo, Common Nighthawk, GreatHorned Owl, Chimney Swift, White-throated Swift, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headedWoodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, EasternPhoebe, Great Crested Flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, PlumbeousVireo, Gray Jay, Blue Jay, Purple Martin, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, BankSwallow, Brown Creeper, Canyon Wren, Marsh Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, RubycrownedKinglet, Townsend's Solitaire, European Starling, Savannah Sparrow, Baird'sSparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Chestnut-collared Longspur, IndigoBunting, Dickcissel, BobolinkSpecies Expected But Not ReportedHorned Grebe (3), Trumpeter Swan (2), Sage Grouse, Sanderling (3), American Woodcock,Long-eared Owl (3), Northern Saw-Whet Owl (2), Pileated Woodpecker (2), Yellow-belliedSapsucker, Cerulean Warbler (2), Le Conte's Sparrow, McCown's Longspur(6), Lesser GoldfinchContributing ObserversJLB Jocelyn Lee BakerAPB Addison & Patricia BallAKB Anna K. BallNB Nicholas BlockRNB Robert & Nancy BuckmanDCG Dave & Carolyn GriffithsKH Kevin, Kris, & Lewis HachmeisterKIE Kieckhefer FamilyBFHRMCEMEEMKMRDOJSPRBARAPBill HuserRon MabieCharlie MillerErnest E. MillerKenny MillerRicky D. OlsonJeffrey S. PalmerRare Bird AlertRichard A. PetersonSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 94DECEMBER 2001

REPRFSSSNSSVSDRSDSRandy E. PodollRobert F. SchenckSherry SchererNancy ShowalterSteve Van SickleDennis R. SkadsenDavid SwansonBreedinl!Status AbbreviationsCN Carrying nesting materialsNB Nest BuildingPE Physiological evidenceDD Distraction displayPY Flightless precodal youngFL Recently fledged youngON Occupied nestCF Adult carrying foodFY Adult feeding fledged youngFS Adult carrying fecal sacNE Nest with eggsNY Nest with youngJCSDATTWBWSJDWMKZJerry StanfordDan TallmanTom & Brenda WarrenWaubay NWR StaffJ. David WilliamsMick ZerrSOUTH DAKOTA BIRD NOTES 53(4): 95DECEMBER 2001

Published bySOtnH DAKOTAORNI1HOLOGISTS' UNIONEDITOR: DANTALLMANNSU BOX 740ABERDEEN SD 57401RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED","NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGEPAIDABERDEEN,SDPERMIT NO. 602002 MEMBERSHIP: A QUICK RESPONSEWILL SAVE TIME AND POSTAGE:RegularFamilyJuniors (10-16)SustainingLifeFamily Life$12.00$16.00$6.00$20.00$200.00$270.00Mr. Tyler Hallock43223 16th St w #West 12Lancaster, CA 93534-5821/SDOU WEB Page:http://www.homepages.dsu.edu/palmerj/sdou/sdou.SDOU listserv: e-mail Tallmand@northern.eduHALL223 9353~3065 350i ii i2/iB/OiRETURN TO SENDER POST DUE = $ ~HALLOCKPO BOX 553BINGEN WA 98005-0553 ~~RETURN TO SENDER POST DUE = $ ~