md-dcrc first field recognition award feb v17€¦ · title: md-dcrc first field recognition award...

of 126

The Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee Presents the

First Richard A. Rowlett Field Excellence Award to Richard A. Rowlett

(Unabridged)

Phillip C. Davis, MD/DCRC Secretary

V17 - 21 June 2018

Table of Contents ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

BACKGROUND .............................................................................................................................................. 5 The Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee (MD/DCRC) ..................................................... 5

The Maryland/District of Columbia Ornithological Baseline ................................................................... 5

The MD/DCRC Historical Canvass ............................................................................................................ 5 THE MOS MD/DCRC FIELD CONTRIBUTION AWARD .................................................................................... 5

Historical Perspective ............................................................................................................................... 5 Award Genesis .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Award Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 6 Award Process .......................................................................................................................................... 6

Award Name............................................................................................................................................. 7

THE FIRST AWARDEE (2018): RICHARD A. ROWLETT ................................................................................... 7 Awardee: Richard A. Rowlett ................................................................................................................... 7

Award Permanent Name .......................................................................................................................... 7 Plaque Inscription .................................................................................................................................... 7

Rowlett’s Contributions to Maryland Birding .......................................................................................... 8 Rowlett - The Well-Rounded Birder ..................................................................................................... 8

Rowlett - The Indefatigable Observer .................................................................................................. 8

Rowlett - The Rarity Finder .................................................................................................................. 9 Rowlett - The Photographer ................................................................................................................ 9

Rowlett - The Pelagic Birding Pioneer.................................................................................................. 9 Rowlett - The Author ......................................................................................................................... 10

Rowlett - The Educator ...................................................................................................................... 10 Rowlett - The Contributor .................................................................................................................. 10

Rowlett’s MD/DCRC Maryland Reports and Records ............................................................................ 10

of 126

Richard A. Rowlett: Bibliography ........................................................................................................... 12

Early Years – Missouri and Western US ............................................................................................. 12 Middle Years - Mid-Atlantic Region ................................................................................................... 13

Later Years – Western Pelagic Observations and Land-based Birding .............................................. 15 Atlantic Regional Chronology: Richard A. Rowlett ................................................................................. 17

1971 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 19 1971 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 20

1971-1972 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 21

1972 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 22 1972 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 23

1972 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 26 1972-1973 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 26

1973 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 29 1973 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 31

1973 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 32 1973-1974 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 33

1974 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 35

1974 – Summer .................................................................................................................................. 36 1974 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 38

1974-1975 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 43 1975 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 45

1975 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 45 1975 – Autumn .................................................................................................................................. 46

1975-1976 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 51

1976 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 53 1976 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 57

1976 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 58 1976-1977 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 61

1977 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 63 1977 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 64

1977 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 65 1977-1978 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 68

1978 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 72

1978 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 74 1978 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 75

of 126

1978-1979 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 75

1979 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 77 1979 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 77

1979 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 79 1979-1980 - Winter ............................................................................................................................ 82

1980 - Spring ...................................................................................................................................... 87 1980 - Summer .................................................................................................................................. 90

1980 - Autumn ................................................................................................................................... 90

1981 ................................................................................................................................................... 92 1982 ................................................................................................................................................... 92

1983 ................................................................................................................................................... 92 1986 ................................................................................................................................................... 93

1987 ................................................................................................................................................... 93 1988 ................................................................................................................................................... 93

1989 ................................................................................................................................................... 93 1994 ................................................................................................................................................... 93

1995 ................................................................................................................................................... 94

1996 ................................................................................................................................................... 94 Richard A. Rowlett: Biography .................................................................................................................... 95

Biographical Sketch ................................................................................................................................ 95 Rowlett’s Early Days - Early Rarity Finding ............................................................................................. 95

Early Christmas Bird Counts ................................................................................................................... 96 Rowlett Interview (2005) ....................................................................................................................... 96

Rowlett Self-Reflections (2008).............................................................................................................. 98

Rowlett Professional Update (2011) ...................................................................................................... 99 Work and Self-Profile (2014) .................................................................................................................. 99

Rowlett Recollections by Friends and Colleagues ................................................................................ 100 SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................ 104

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 104 LITERATURE CITED .................................................................................................................................... 105

APPENDIX 1. ROWLETT’S FIRST 1973 OCEAN CITY PELAGIC TRIP ADVERTISING FLIER ............................ 120 APPENDIX 2. EXTRALIMITAL AND POST-MARYLAND PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND ACCOLADES ............................................................................................................................................... 121

1984...................................................................................................................................................... 121

1988...................................................................................................................................................... 121

of 126

1990...................................................................................................................................................... 121

1991...................................................................................................................................................... 121 1992...................................................................................................................................................... 121

1993...................................................................................................................................................... 121 1994...................................................................................................................................................... 121

1996...................................................................................................................................................... 122 1997-1998 ............................................................................................................................................ 122

1999...................................................................................................................................................... 123

2000...................................................................................................................................................... 123 2001...................................................................................................................................................... 124

2002...................................................................................................................................................... 124 2003...................................................................................................................................................... 125

2004...................................................................................................................................................... 125 2005...................................................................................................................................................... 125

2017...................................................................................................................................................... 126

of 126

ABSTRACT This article documents the genesis and first issuance of an award by the Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee (MD/DCRC) to recognize and express deep appreciation for regional field work and documentation, beyond the call of duty, by a Maryland/District of Columbia field birder. This first award is presented to Richard A. Rowlett, for whom the award will be permanently named. Rowlett’s bird-related history; his records, publications, and accomplishments while in the Middle Atlantic region are compiled and chronicled. Also summarized are Rowlett’s ornithological experiences before he moved to the Maryland area and his ensuing ornithological career after leaving Maryland. Rowlett’s ornithological observations and publications were extensive; this paper compiles references from many varied sources and integrates them into an historical compendium for current scholars and future researchers. BACKGROUND The Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee (MD/DCRC) The Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee (MD/DCRC) is a standing committee of the Maryland Ornithological Society (MOS). The committee was established in 1982 and is chartered by the MOS (2014), as follows:

“The primary duty of the Records Committee is to review reports of rare bird sightings in Maryland and the District of Columbia. The Committee shall establish procedures for the submission of reports; publish a list of reviewable species; publish a summary of its work periodically in Maryland Yellowthroat and Maryland Birdlife; and maintain an official list of the birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia.”

The Maryland/District of Columbia Ornithological Baseline The MD/DCRC baseline document is Stewart and Robbins (1958), Birds of Maryland and The District of Columbia. This classic state bird book is a comprehensive treatment of the species of MD and DC, including records of rare and unusual species. The scope of this book encompasses all records accepted by the authors through 1955, with one appendix dedicated to accepted reports through 1956 and another appendix dedicated to “hypothetical” records, those that are plausible but lacking sufficient documentation for full acceptance. The MD/DCRC Historical Canvass The Stewart and Robbins baseline was published in 1958 and the original MOS Records Committee to vet and confirm rarity reports was not established until 1983. Therefore, there was an interregnum period from 1958 through 1983 until the committee became operational. The responsibility to approve and publish rarity records fell on the editors of the current regional seasonal reports in the MOS Maryland Birdlife, the ANS Atlantic Naturalist, and the American Birding Association’s American Birds. After the MD/DCRC was established, an historical canvass began to identify and conduct reviews of, “historical” observational reports, to include this 1957-1983 period. THE MOS MD/DCRC FIELD CONTRIBUTION AWARD Historical Perspective Numerous field birders have contributed to the observation and identification of rare and unusual avian species in Maryland and the District of Columbia since regional ornithological records were first documented. Notable in the very early history of MD and DC records, beginning with John James

of 126

Audubon, and continuing to the era of Robert E. Stewart and Chandler S. Robbins, were ornithological luminaries such as Elliot Coues, Robert Ridgway, Frank Kirkwood, William Palmer, Paul Bartsch, Wells Woodbridge Cooke, W.L. McAtee, B.H, Swales, May Thacher Cooke, Alexander Wetmore, Arthur Cleveland Bent, W. Howard Ball, Irving E.H. Hampe, H.G, Deignan, Hervey Brackbill, and many others. From the time of the publication of Stewart and Robbins to the present, hundreds of field birders have provided invaluable support to the mission of the MD/DCRC by describing, photographing, and collecting rare and usual taxa in our region; however, a small number of these observers are especially notable for the quality and quantity of the documentation they ultimately provided to the committee and for their research and educational activities to further our understanding the avifauna of our region. These special people deserve special recognition. Award Genesis At the 2009 MD/DCRC Annual Meeting, the Secretary proposed that the committee establish an occasional award to recognize the major contributions of field birders that have, over the years, supported the committee with significant amounts of documentation (written and photographic) of review species and birding community educational efforts to expand and document the history of MD/DC avifauna and birding from our region. Award Purpose The purpose of the MD/DCRC Field Contribution Award is to publicly acknowledge and extend the appreciation of the MOS and the MD/DCRC to birders who have materially and significantly supported furtherance of the MD/DCRC mission by documenting rare and unusual taxa. Documentation considered include photographs and written submissions directly to the MD/DCRC and articles published in Maryland Birdlife and other regional ornithological journals. Also, of significant consideration is the giving back to the community in terms of education and knowledge. Coverage of the entire state is a key factor in qualifying for this award. A secondary objective of this award is to encourage similar continued MD/DCRC support from current and emerging birders. As the birding community moves forward with 21st century digital photography and communications technology via Internet and social media, this award remains focused on unique and individual scholarly contributions to understanding the avifauna of our region, i.e., activities and actions that materially extend our knowledge of rare and unusual taxa to our region – i.e., more than just chasing rarities and posting digital images. This award is envisioned to be issued only occasionally, likely not more frequently than every few years. This award can recognize active birders as well as those who are no longer active in the field and the award may be issued posthumously. The committee vision for this award encompasses an in-person presentation, if practical, and an article in the MOS journal, Maryland Birdlife, that includes a biography of the awardee, a summary of key records, a list of relevant publications, etc. Award Process Candidates may be nominated by the members of the MD/DCRC prior to an MD/DCRC Annual Meeting. If multiple candidates are nominated, the committee will select only a single recipient. Selectees must receive at least two-thirds of the votes of eligible voting committee members at an Annual Meeting. The committee will attempt to present the award at the next MOS Conference, Board of Directors meeting, or a local chapter meeting, if possible. Presentation of the award will include a summary of the candidate’s accomplishments to be highlighted at the MOS Convention and/or published in Maryland Birdlife, as appropriate.

of 126

Award Name The basic name of the award is: The Maryland Ornithological Society - Maryland / District of Columbia Records Committee Field Excellence Award; however, the permanent name of this award will be taken from its first recipient. THE FIRST AWARDEE (2018): RICHARD A. ROWLETT Awardee: Richard A. Rowlett The committee is pleased to announce that the initial awardee of the Maryland Ornithological Society - Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee Field Excellence Award is Richard A. Rowlett. Unless they were actively birding in the region in the 1970s, few current MOS birders will probably personally know “Rich” and many others will probably not even know of him since he departed from our area in 1980; however, Rowlett had a profound impact on the knowledge of the avifauna of Maryland and the entire Middle Atlantic region. Rowlett was an extremely avid and productive birder who searched out and documented rarities, in both writing and photographically, and published his findings. Although primarily well-known for his pioneering seabird-related activities, he was also an avid land birder, throughout Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region. There was no local Maryland records committee in the 1970s so, ironically, Rowlett never interfaced directly with the MD/DCRC during the 1970s since it was not established until after he left our area. However, Rowlett contributed many key regional records and published many articles in Maryland Birdlife and other regional journals. Much of his documentation subsequently was acquired and reviewed by the MD/DCRC in the late 1990s. Although living out-of-state in the 1990s, at the committee’s request, he kindly searched his personal archives, located, and provided many unpublished historical photographic slides to the committee. Award Permanent Name The permanent name of this award will be taken from the first recipient. This award is now perpetually named the “Richard A. Rowlett Maryland Ornithological Society - Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee Field Excellence Award.” Plaque Inscription This first award physically consists of a brass inscribed plaque mounted on wood. The inscription for this first award reads:

of 126

Rowlett’s Contributions to Maryland Birding Rowlett’s contributions to our mid-Atlantic regional knowledge of avifauna, and especially that of Maryland, are considerable and diverse. Rowlett - The Well-Rounded Birder Rowlett was a birding “renaissance man;” besides his well-known pioneering pelagic activities, he was equally skilled with identification challenges of shorebirds, hawks, waders, rails, and passerines, and his published records and papers reflect this fact. (Although, perhaps in a moment of weakness, he did admit to Harvey Mudd in 1996 (pers. comm.), “I still “hate” seagulls, BTW; the big larid ones that is.”) He scoured the entire state of Maryland from the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean and coastal Worcester County to the mountainous Garret County Alleghany Plateau. Although primary operating in Maryland, Rowlett also ventured into Virginia, North Carolina, and Delaware primarily for pelagic opportunities; but also garnering notable land birding and rarity records in those states. In college, Rowlett studied not only biology but also geology and meteorology and his knowledge of these subjects is exhibited in many of his writings. Rowlett - The Indefatigable Observer There are over 500 references to “Rowlett” in fifteen volumes of Maryland Birdlife, primarily between 1971 and 1980, attesting to his dedication to birding the entire state of Maryland and as an indicator of his time spent in the field. Paul O’Brien (pers. comm.) recalls stories of Rowlett grabbing “meals” on the run between birding venues from spray cans of processed cheese while driving! Hal Wierenga (pers. comm.) similarly remembers Rowlett grabbing buckets of carry-out fried chicken and then driving down the highway, tossing the leftover bones (biodegradable, of course) out the window as he traveled from destination to destination. The vision and term “energizer bunny” graphically comes to mind. Rowlett’s name also appears in 56 references in The Raven, the journal of the Virginia Society for Ornithology between 1971 and 1982. Rowlett references also appear in 37 separate issues of The Chat, the journal of the Carolina Bird Club, mostly between 1972 and 1980. Rowlett’s observations were also recorded in more than 70 seasonal reports, compiled by various editors, from the Middle-Atlantic (Maryland and Virginia), Southern Atlantic (North Carolina), Appalachian (western Maryland), and Hudson-Delaware

The First Richard A. Rowlett Maryland Ornithological Society - Maryland / District of Columbia Records Committee Field Excellence Award

This award is presented to Richard A. Rowlett to acknowledge his outstanding field work and to extend the appreciation of the Maryland Ornithological Society's Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee for his excellent contributions to the committee's mission by broadening our knowledge of rare and unusual regional bird species during the decade of the 1970s. His considerable contributions include extensive written and photographic rarity documentation, research articles published on regional species identification and range limits, many educational contributions, and, especially, his pioneering of Maryland Atlantic Ocean pelagic waters birding. This award is hereby perpetually named in honor of its first recipient, Richard A. Rowlett.

Maryland Ornithological Society, Barbara Johnson, President, 2018 Matt Hafner, Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee, Chair, 2018

of 126

(Delaware and New Jersey) regions between 1972 and 1979 in American Birds, the journal of the American Birding Association. Rowlett - The Rarity Finder Rowlett is a contributing observer to 78 MD/DCRC rarity reports and records from 1970 through 1980. At least thirteen of these were first state records for Maryland, including Maryland’s first Sage Thrasher, Limpkin, American Flamingo, Atlantic Puffin, Yellow-nosed Albatross, Common Murre, Northern Fulmar, as well as many state second and third records, seasonal records (e.g., “first winter”), and state geographic records (e.g., first for the Allegany Plateau). Rowlett also found or provided initial documentation for state firsts in Virginia (e.g., Arctic Tern, Gray Kingbird, Bridled Tern, and White-faced Storm-Petrel) and Delaware (Band-rumped Storm-Petrel and Garganey). It is no coincidence that the first three letters of “rarity” are “RAR,” his initials, which were frequently seen in print! Rowlett - The Photographer Many Rowlett photographs were published in ornithological journals. Notably Finch et al. (1978) featured several Rowlett’s photos of Maryland’s 1975 Yellow-nosed Albatross, among others. Rowlett is also credited with photos in The Birds of the Carolinas (Potter et al. 1980) as reviewed by Robbins (1979). Rowlett also published nine Maryland Birdlife cover photos, an average of one per year. One issue of the journal American Birds included three Rowlett rarity photos within one single regional report. Rowlett - The Pelagic Birding Pioneer Peripatetic birders from Maryland were on the leading edge in developing pelagic birding. Kaestner (1964) documented two summer 1964 expeditions out into pelagic waters off of Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland in an attempt to “stimulate others to leave “terra firma” and venture into a new realm of birding.” His two trips went as far and 6 and 20 miles, respectively, offshore. Later, Oberman (1970), President of the Montgomery County MOS Chapter, recounted the success of the chapter’s “annual” pelagic trip in May 1969. Robbins (1971a) also referred to a Montgomery Chapter boat trip off Ocean City on 22 May 1971, with the observations of two Sooty Shearwaters credited to Dr. R.L. Pyle. Robbins (1971b) reported a pelagic trip, “On Aug. 7 [1971] Carl Carlson and party took a fishing boat off Ocean City during a mill-pond calm; their only pelagic birds were 31 Wilson’s Petrels and a Parasitic Jaeger.” These two 1971 trips occurred after Rowlett arrived in our region and certainly spurred on our award recipient to greatness. With this backdrop, Rowlett quickly made an indelible mark in pelagic exploration. Harding and Harding (1980) referred to Rowlett as “the dean of pelagic birding in the east.” They quoted from one of his brochures, “These trips provide the rare opportunity for those of us, who have idolized the exploits of early explorers in American Ornithology and Cetology, to be a part of our own modern day pioneering efforts to explore one of the last and long neglected frontiers of North America field biology, that of observing and establishing spatial and temporal distribution and habits of the pelagic birds and cetaceans living in the ocean waters off the middle-Atlantic States.” As one of the original "pioneers" of North American and Maryland pelagic birding, Rowlett’s culminating 87-page 1980 NOAA publication, Observations of marine birds and mammals in the northern Chesapeake bight (Rowlett 1980a), was key to understanding and documenting Maryland and western Atlantic Ocean seabirds. At the time of publications, Rowlett was associated with the National Coastal

of 126

Ecosystems Team (U.S.), Biological Services Program (U.S.), National Fish and Wildlife Laboratory (U.S.). This monograph has subsequently been cited by many of state seabird authorities. On a personal note, Wierenga (pers. comm.) also recalled (and Rowlett confirmed) that despite Rowlett’s unbridled passion for pelagic birding, he still got seasick, at least for a short while, on almost every trip! That is dedication! Rowlett - The Author While in the Atlantic area, Rowlett published 16 articles in Maryland Birdlife and other mid-Atlantic regional journals, many dealing with first state records. His monograph on the seabirds of the region (Rowlett 1980a) was a classic and much cited ornithological reference. His regional bibliography is presented below. Rowlett - The Educator In addition to his numerous articles, Rowlett gave presentations and workshops on various regional birding topics, notably on seabirds and shorebirds, to many local MOS chapters and other regional organizations. These activities are mentioned in the chronology that follows. Rowlett - The Contributor In addition to rarity-focused activities, Rowlett contributed his time to various MOS causes and survey projects including May Counts, Christmas Bird Counts, Breeding Bird Atlases. He also served a term on the MOS Board of Directors as a Trustee/State Director from the Montgomery County Chapter. During the 1970s, the MOS annual conventions were mostly held in Ocean City and he organized pelagic trips for conference attendees. He also contributed money for the MOS Sanctuary Fund, raised from a portion of his pelagic trip fees. Rowlett contributed over 50 pelagic and land bird study skin specimens to the Smithsonian Institution Birds Division from 1969 through 1983, with three from Maryland, one from Virginia, five from North Carolina, and four from New Jersey. His Maryland specimens are listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Rowlett’s Maryland Specimens Donated to the Smithsonian Institution USNM# Scientific Name Common Name Date Collected Location County Preparation 574947 Carduelis pinus pinus Pine Siskin 7 Mar 1974 Laurel Prince George’s Whole skin 575650 Puffinus gravis Great Shearwater 18 Jun 1978 unrecorded unrecorded Whole skin

553853 Sula bassanus Northern Gannet 5 Apr 1979 Assateague Island Worcester Skelton

Rowlett’s MD/DCRC Maryland Reports and Records A summary of Rowlett’s MD/DCRC reports and records contributions (captured in the MD/DCRC database) is shown in Table 2.

Table 2. MD/DCRC Maryland reports and records documented by R. Rowlett (in chronological order). [Legend: State “first” reports are bolded. Rec# = MD/DCRC accession number; Co = county; Decision/Status = MD/DCRC database decision or status (Accepted and Not Accepted - self-explanatory; Non-Review Species - the species is no longer reviewable; Ready - the report is ready to be scheduled for a review; Reviewable - there still may be a chance of locating detailed documentation; Unreviewable - no detailed documentation exists.)]

of 126

Rec# Species Start Date Co Location Photo? Decision/Status 2011-123 Audubon's Shearwater 08/01/1970 WORC Assateague Island √ Non-Review Species 1990-013 Rufous Hummingbird 05/01/1971 FRDK Lily Pons Water Gardens Accepted 1995-014 Limpkin 05/25/1971 FRDK Lily Pons Water Gardens √ Accepted 1995-015 Sage Thrasher 10/24/1971 WORC Assateague Island √ Accepted 1997-307 "Oregon" Junco 01/27/1972 MONT Rockville √ Ready 2004-086 Hoary Redpoll 03/02/1972 MONT Rockville √ Reviewable 2007-110 Common Redpoll 03/03/1972 MONT Rockville √ Non-Review Species 2003-482 Eared Grebe 03/14/1972 WORC Ocean City Not Accepted 1997-234 Painted Bunting 04/18/1972 MONT Kensington √ Accepted 2008-143 Bewick's Wren 06/04/1972 WASH ?? Reviewable 2008-144 Bewick's Wren 06/04/1972 ALGY ?? Reviewable 2008-145 Bewick's Wren 06/08/1972 ALGY Little Orleans Reviewable 2011-022 Bewick's Wren 06/16/1972 ALGY Little Orleans Reviewable 2001-088 American Flamingo 08/08/1972 WORC Assateague Island √ Accepted 2007-086 "Oregon" Junco 12/17/1972 GRTT Garrett County CBC circle Reviewable 2008-016 Great Skua 01/13/1973 WORC Atlantic Ocean Non-Review Species 2006-147 Northern Fulmar 02/03/1973 WORC Atlantic Ocean Non-Review Species 1997-411 Pine Grosbeak 02/10/1973 GRTT Big Savage Mountain √ Accepted 1997-546 Thick-billed Murre 03/03/1973 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 2003-486 Ruff 05/06/1973 SMST Deal Island WMA Reviewable 1997-575 Pine Grosbeak 12/17/1973 GRTT Friendsville Unreviewable 1997-404 Great Skua 02/02/1974 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 2008-015 Manx Shearwater 06/01/1974 WORC Pelagic Zone √ Non-Review Species 1999-027 European Storm-Petrel 08/08/1974 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 1997-531 Long-tailed Jaeger 08/08/1974 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 2006-151 Northern Fulmar 10/19/1974 WORC Atlantic Ocean Non-Review Species 1997-412 Atlantic Puffin 02/01/1975 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 2006-149 Murre, species 02/01/1975 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 2006-150 skua species 02/01/1975 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 1990-006 Yellow-nosed Albatross 02/01/1975 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 1990-007 Atlantic Puffin 03/16/1975 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 1997-522 Purple Gallinule 06/19/1975 MONT Seneca-C&O Canal Unreviewable 2104-074 Black-capped Petrel 09/07/1975 WORC Atlantic Ocean Reviewable 1997-645 Long-tailed Jaeger 12/06/1975 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 2003-493 Thayer's Gull 02/08/1976 WORC Ocean City Reviewable 2006-145 skua species 04/11/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 2004-161 Magnificent Frigatebird 04/14/1976 WORC Ocean City Reviewable 1997-515 Yellow Rail 04/24/1976 DORC Elliott Island Unreviewable 2008-034 South Polar Skua 05/09/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean Accepted 1997-409 Northern Fulmar 05/09/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 1986-017 Sabine's Gull 05/09/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean Accepted 1997-721 skua species 05/09/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 1986-020 Arctic Tern 05/16/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean Not Accepted 1997-255 Bridled Tern 09/26/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 2003-498 Clay-colored Sparrow 10/22/1976 WORC Assateague Island Reviewable 1996-028 Smith's Longspur 11/27/1976 WORC Assateague Island √ Accepted 1997-407 Northern Fulmar 12/04/1976 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 1995-013 Common Murre 12/29/1976 WORC Ocean City Inlet Accepted 1997-237 Thick-billed Murre 01/09/1977 WORC Assateague Island √ Accepted 1997-236 Common Murre 01/16/1977 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 1997-528 Ruff 09/21/1977 FRDK Lily Pons Water Gardens Reviewable 1997-328 Fulvous Whistling-Duck 09/21/1977 MONT Violette's Lock Unreviewable 1983-007 Le Conte's Sparrow 10/23/1977 WORC Ocean City Accepted 1997-335 Northern Shrike 11/09/1977 ANAR Sandy Point State Park √ Accepted 1997-306 Common Ground-Dove 11/10/1977 ANAR Sandy Point State Park √ Accepted

of 126

1997-315 Lark Bunting 11/18/1977 KENT Galena √ Accepted 1997-567 Pine Grosbeak 11/19/1977 ALGY Dan's Rock Unreviewable 1997-232 Clay-colored Sparrow 01/15/1978 HARF Churchville √ Reviewable 1997-326 "Pink-sided" Junco 01/19/1978 PGEO Laurel Unreviewable 1997-348 Hoary Redpoll 02/11/1978 MONT Spencerville √ Ready 1997-298 Western Tanager 04/22/1978 MONT Takoma Park √ Accepted 2004-166 Arctic Tern 05/06/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 1997-536 Arctic Tern 05/06/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 1997-403 Atlantic Puffin 05/07/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 1997-408 Northern Fulmar 05/07/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 2004-167 Arctic Tern 05/07/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Unreviewable 2004-168 Arctic Tern 05/07/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean Unreviewable 1998-001 Purple Gallinule 05/28/1978 PGEO Upper Marlboro √ Accepted 1997-413 South Polar Skua 06/18/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 1997-256 South Polar Skua 06/18/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 1997-406 Great Skua 12/30/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 1997-405 Great Skua 12/30/1978 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Non-Review Species 1997-500 Black-capped Petrel 07/18/1979 WORC Atlantic Ocean Accepted 1997-301 South Polar Skua 07/20/1979 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 2008-020 Yellow-nosed Albatross 12/03/1979 WORC Atlantic Ocean √ Accepted 1997-518 Yellow Rail 12/25/1979 WORC Assateague Island Unreviewable 1996-022 Magnificent Frigatebird 04/28/1980 WORC Ocean City √ Accepted

Richard A. Rowlett: Bibliography Rowlett’s regional ornithological publications are summarized in the chronological bibliography, below. The bibliography is organized into three sections. First, are publications from his younger years in Missouri and from early western travels, which demonstrate the background that prepared him for his ten years in Maryland. Second, are his regional Middle Atlantic publications of the 1970s and 1980s. Third, are Rowlett’s publications, presentations, and key blogs after he left Maryland and became a professional seabird and marine mammal observer, mostly in the Pacific Ocean. In the Rowlett bibliography and the chronology, I provided, in brackets, extensive field observations year annotations for many of Rowlett’s observations to aid in following the chronology since, in many cases, papers were not published until many years after the field work was complete. Early Years – Missouri and Western US This section presents a bibliography of Rowlett’s nature and science work as a young man in Missouri and from trips to the western US.

1969 Rowlett, R. A. 1969a. Mortality at 400-foot tower [Spring 1966, Spring 1967]. The Bluebird 36(1):17-20. Rowlett R.A. 1969b. Bird reports from southeast Missouri. The Bluebird 36(3):2.

1972 Rowlett R. A. 1972a. First Records of Eumops perotis and Microtus ochrogaster in New Mexico [June 1968; Aug 1969]. Journal of Mammalogy, 53(3):640.

of 126

Middle Years - Mid-Atlantic Region This section summarizes Rowlett’s regional ornithological publications during his time in the Middle Atlantic region, focusing primarily on Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and North Carolina. Maryland Birdlife cover photographs are noted.

1971 Rowlett, R.A. 1971a. Rufous Hummingbird at Lily Pons, Maryland [1 May 1971]. Audubon Naturalist 26(3):125-126. Rowlett, R.A. 1971b. First Maryland record for the Sage Thrasher [24 Oct 1971]. Maryland Birdlife 27(4):171-172.

1972 Rowlett, R.A. 1972a. First Records of the Limpkin in the Mid-Atlantic States (Maryland and Virginia) [25 May 1971]. Maryland Birdlife 28(1):3-6. Cover photo: “Tributary of the Monacacy River, flowing along the edge of Lily Pons, where the Limpkin was feeding on fresh water mussels. Photo by Richard A. Rowlett.” Rowlett, R.A. 1972b. Third Maryland Record of the Painted Bunting [18 Apr 1972]. Maryland Birdlife 28(4):146. Rowlett, R.A. 1972c. A "wild" flamingo in Maryland? [8 Aug 1972] Maryland Birdlife 28(4):148-149.

1973 Rowlett, R.A. 1973a. First specimen of Audubon's Shearwater. Maryland Birdlife 29(1):13-14. Rowlett, R.A. 1973b. Status of the Sandwich Tern in Maryland [25 Jul 1972]. Maryland Birdlife 29(2):81-82. Cover photo: “Sandwich Tern photographed 5 mi. south of Ocean City on July 25, 1972 by Richard A. Rowlett. Yellow bill tip is visible in original Kodachrome.” Rowlett, R.A. 1973c. Sea birds wintering off Maryland shores, 1972-73 [19 Nov 1972 – 25 Mar 1973]. Maryland Birdlife 29(3):88-102. Cover photo by Rowlett: “Adult Gannet off Ocean City, Dec. 23, 1972.” Rowlett, R.A. 1973d. Special Charter Pelagic Trips from Ocean City [Advertisement]. Maryland Birdlife 29(3):124.

1974 Rowlett, R.A. 1974a. Additional sighting of skuas in Maryland and Virginia waters [2 Feb 1974, 27 Apr 1974]. Maryland Birdlife 30(2):51-55. Rowlett, R.A. 1974b. A White Ibis in the Appalachian region of Virginia [1 Sep 1973]. The Raven 45(3):72.

1975 Rowlett, R.A. 1975. First records of Atlantic Puffin and Yellow-nosed Albatross off Maryland [1 Feb 1973]. Maryland Birdlife 31(2):51-56. Cover photo by Rowlett: “Sub to near-adult Yellow-nosed Albatross (Diomedea chlororhynchos) in flight, 60 miles east of Ocean City, on February 1, 1975.”

1976

of 126

Rowlett, R.A. 1976a. Maryland records of the Manx Shearwater [6 Dec 1975]. Maryland Birdlife 32(1):27-28. Rowlett, R.A. 1976b. Sabine's Gull and Arctic Terns off Ocean City [9 May, 16 May 1976]. Maryland Birdlife 32(4):107. Cover photo by Rowlett: “Northern Fulmar photographed 65 miles east of Ocean City, Md., on May 9, 1976.”

1977 Rowlett, R.A. 1977a. A non-storm-blown Bridled Tern and other observations from a late September pelagic trip off Maryland [26 Sep 1976]. Maryland Birdlife 33(1):31-33. Rowlett, R.A. 1977b. First records for the Thin-billed Murre in Maryland, with a summary of alcid observations for the winter of 1977 [29 Dec 1976, 9 Jan 1977]. Maryland Birdlife 33(2):105-106. Cover photo: “Thin-billed Murre photographed at Ocean City, Md., on Dec. 29, 1976 by Richard A. Rowlett.” Rowlett, R.A. 1977c. A sight record of the Black-capped Petrel off Virginia [7 Sep 1977]. The Raven 48(1):26-27. [Due to changes in the MD and VA pelagic boundaries, this VA record is now a MD report/record, awaiting review.] Rowlett, R.A. 1977d. Accurate recording of seabird positions at sea. American Birds 31(6):1101.

1978 [Rowlett, R.A. 1978x. Maryland Birdlife cover photo by Rowlett: “Common Redpoll at Laurel, Md., Feb. 23, 1978.” Maryland Birdlife 34(2).] Rowlett, R.A. 1978a. Second record of the Le Conte's Sparrow in Maryland [23 Oct 1977]. Maryland Birdlife 34(3):164-165. Rowlett, R.A. 1978b. A massive flight of Cory’s Shearwaters at Cape Hatteras [28 Oct 1974]. The Chat 42(3):45-46.

1979 Rowlett, R.A. 1979. A first record of the Bridled Tern at sea off Virginia [24 Aug 1977]. The Raven 50(1):11-12. Lee, D.S., and R.A. Rowlett. 1979. Additions to the seabird fauna of North Carolina. The Chat 43(1);1-9.

1980 Rowlett, R.A. 1980a. Observations of marine birds and mammals in the northern Chesapeake Bight [1971 - 1977]. FWS/OBS-80/04. 87 pp. p. 12. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Service Program. Rowlett, R.A. 1980b. Little Stint (Calidris minuta) in Delaware "an unprecedented comparison of Little Stint and Semipalmated in spring plumage..." [23 May 1979]. American Birds 34(6):850-851.

1981 Rowlett, R.A. 1981. Yellow-nosed Albatross off Virginia and Maryland [3 Dec 1979]. The Raven 52(1):13-14. [Note: This was previously a Virginia record, now, with the change of pelagic boundaries, this is an accepted Maryland record– MD/2014-073.]

of 126

Later Years – Western Pelagic Observations and Land-based Birding Rowlett continued to publish ornithological and marine mammal papers and presentations after he left the Maryland area. Clearly, his experiences in the Middle Atlantic region prepared him for an illustrious career in marine biology.

1988 Kasamatsu, F., D. Hembree, G. Joyce, L. Tsunoda, R. Rowlett, T. Nakano. 1988. Distribution of cetacean sightings in the Antarctic: results from the IWC/IDCR southern hemisphere minke whale assessment cruises, 1978/79-1983/84. Report of the International Whaling Commission 38:449-487. Brooks (1988) cited Rowlett’s Virginia records of Atlantic Puffins (in Scott 1979b) in her article on the first record of the species for Florida.

1992 Brueggeman, J.J., G.A. Green, R.A. Grotefendt, M.A. Smultea, D.P. Volsen, R.A. Rowlett, C.C. Swanson, C.I. Malme, R. Mlawski, and J.J. Burns. 1992a. 1991 Marine mammal monitoring program (seals). Shell E&P Inc. and Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Brueggeman, J.J., G.A. Green, R.A. Grotefendt, M.A. Smultea, D.P. Volsen, R.A. Rowlett, C.C. Swanson, C.I. Malme, R. Mlawski, and J.J. Burns. 1992b. 1991 Marine mammal monitoring program (seals and whales): Crackerjack and Diamond prospects, Chukchi, Sea. Prepared for Shell Western E&P Inc. and Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Final Report. Brueggeman, J.J., R.A. Grotefendt, M.A. Smultea, G.A. Green, R.A. Rowlett, C.C. Swanson, D.P. Volsen, C.E. Bowlby, C.I. Malme, R. Mlawski, and J.J. Burns. 1992a. 1991 Walrus monitoring program at the Crackerjack and Diamond Prospects, Chukchi Sea. Ebasco Envtl. Rept. to Shell Western E&P Inc. and Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Brueggeman, J.J., R.A. Grotefendt, M.A. Smultea, G.A. Green, R.A. Rowlett, C.C. Swanson, D.P. Volsen, C.E. Bowlby, C.I. Malme, R. Mlawski, and J.J. Burns. 1992b. Marine mammal monitoring program (walrus and polar bear), Chukchi Sea 1991. Prepared for Shell Western E&P Inc. and Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Final Report.

1993 Green, G.A., R.A. Grotefendt, M.A. Smultea, C.E. Bowlby, and R.A. Rowlett. 1993. Delphinid aerial surveys in Oregon and Washington offshore waters. No. 50ABNF200058. Prepared for the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, Washington. Grotefendt, R., J. Brueggeman, C. Green, C.E. Bowlby, M.A. Smultea, R. Rowlett, and C. Hossell. 1993. Comparison of visual versus photographic counts of walrus group size. Abstracts, Tenth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. 11-15 November. Galveston, Texas. Rowlett, R.A., M.A. Smultea, J. Brueggeman, G.A. Green, C.C. Swanson, R.A. Grotefendt, D.P. Volsen, and J.J. Burns. 1993. Polar bear reactions to icebreaker operations associated with offshore drilling explorations. Abstracts, Tenth Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. 11-15 November, Galveston, Texas.

1994

of 126

Rowlett, R.A., G.A. Green, C.E. Bowlby, and M.A. Smultea. 1994. The first photographic documentation of a northern right whale off Washington State. Northwestern Naturalist 75:102-104.

1996 Rowlett, R. A. 1996a. Great Gray Owl: Okanogan encounter [16 Feb 1996]- An excerpt from a story by Richard Rowlett. WOSNews [Washington Ornithological Society] 43:1, 3. Rowlett, R. A. 1996b. Bird List, Pt. Piedras Blancas. Unpublished. Piedras Blancas Research Station, San Simeon, Calif. 7 pp.

1997 Rowlett, R. A. 1997. Reports from contributors In The 1997 El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO 97-98). Compiled by Dr. David Duffy and Dr. Peter J. Bryant. Available at http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/Enso97/. Last accessed: 15 Jan 2017.

1999 Force, M.P., R.A. Rowlett, and G. Grace. 1999. A sight record of a Streaked Shearwater in Oregon [13 Sep 1996]. Western Birds 30(1):49-52. Rowlett, R. A. 1999. Pterodroma's seabirds of the ETP 1998 [blog]. Available at http://mailman1.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/1999-January/000005.html. Last accessed: 15 Jan 2017.

2000 Rowlett, R. 2000a. Night of the Yellow Rail Pt. 1. WOSNews [Washington Ornithological Society] 67. pp. 1, 8-9. Rowlett, R. 2000b. Night of the Yellow Rail Pt. 2. WOSNews [Washington Ornithological Society] 68. pp. 1, 6-7.

2002 Rowlett, R. 2002. Daily seabird sightings during Marine Mammal/Seabird Research Cruise on R/V David Starr Jordan August-November 2002 for Hawaiian Cetacean & Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS), NOAA/NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla. [Copy on file at B.P. Bishop Museum]

2004 Fertl, D., N.B. Barros, R.A. Rowlett, S. Estes, and M. Richlen. 2004. An update on anomalously white cetaceans, including the first account for the pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata graffmani). Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 3(2):163-166. Perryman, W.L., G.M. Watters, L.K. Swartz and R.A. Rowlett. 2004. Preliminary results from shore-based surveys of northbound gray whale calves in 2003 and 2004, with a comparison to predicted numbers based on the distribution of seasonal ice. Paper SC/56/BRG43 presented to the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee. Sorrento, Italy. 7pp. Richard R.A. 2004. Piedras Blancas, CA 2004 [21 Mar – 29 May]. Whale Blog on morro-bay.com. (http://morro-bay.com/docents/piedras-blancas/Rowlett/2004.htm).

http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/Enso97/

http://mailman1.u.washington.edu/pipermail/tweeters/1999-January/000005.html

http://morro-bay.com/docents/piedras-blancas/Rowlett/2004.htm

of 126

2005 Richard R.A. 2005. Piedras Blancas, CA 2005 [21 Mar – 28 May]. Whale Blog on morro-bay.com. http://morro-bay.com/docents/piedras-blancas/Rowlett/2005.htm

2009 Force, M.P., J.M. Cotton, R.A. Rowlett, And L.T. Balance. 2009. First records of Chatham Island Petrel Pterodroma axillaris In the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Marine Ornithology 37:277–279. Henry, A. E., R.A. Rowlett, J.M. Borberg, and L.T. Balance. 2009. Spring loon migration phenology off central California, 1994 Through 1996. Oral Presentation: COS/AOU/SCO Meeting in San Diego, California.

2010 Smultea, M. A., J. Brueggeman, D. Fertl, G. A. Green, R. A. Rowlett and C. Bacon. 2010. Polar Bear reactions to icebreakers. Poster presentation, Alaska Marine Science Symposium. 18-22 January 2010. Anchorage, Alaska. Perryman, W.L., S.B. Reilly, and R.A. Rowlett. 2010. Results of surveys of northbound gray whale calves 2001–2009 and examination of the full sixteen-year series of estimates from the Piedras Blancas Light Station; 2010. Paper SC/62/BRG1 presented to the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee. Available from: http://iwc.int/.

2011 Perryman, W.L., S.B. Reilly, and R.A. Rowlett. 2011. Results of surveys of northbound gray whale calves 2001-2010 and examination of the full sixteen-year series of estimates from the Piedras Blancas Light Station. Paper SC/62/BRG1 presented to the IWC Scientific Committee.

2012 Rowlett. R.A. 2012. Woodpeckers in your neighborhood: Urban Seattle area Pileated Woodpecker study [2012]. The Wandering Tattler 35(6):8.

2014 Rowlett, R.A. 2014. NOAA Fisheries. Southwest Fisheries Science Center: Scientists at Sea [web page]. Available at: https://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx?Division=PRD&ParentMenuId=248&id=15202. Last accessed 18 Jan 2018. Rowlett, R.A., B. Blackie. 2014. Great Shearwater [record submission]. British Columbia Bird Records Committee (BCBRC) #2014-010 [24 Jun 2000].

2016 Smultea, Mari A., J. Brueggeman, F. Robertson, D. Fertl, C. Bacon, R. A. Rowlett, and G. A. Green. 2016. Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) behavior near icebreaker operations in the Chukchi Sea, 1991. Arctic 69(2):177 – 184. Atlantic Regional Chronology: Richard A. Rowlett The following chronology traces Rowlett’s notable ornithological experiences in the Atlantic region, primarily though his field observations that were reported and recorded in compiled regional seasonal journal reports and from his own publications. The primary sources of Rowlett’s field observations are

http://morro-bay.com/docents/piedras-blancas/Rowlett/2005.htm

http://iwc.int/

https://swfsc.noaa.gov/textblock.aspx?Division=PRD&ParentMenuId=248&id=15202

of 126

from the quarterly Maryland Ornithological Society’s (MOS) Maryland Birdlife report, entitled “The Season.” For most of the 1970s, Chandler S. Robbins compiled this report and, later in that decade, the editorship was assumed by Robert F. Ringler. The seasonal reports compiled in the American Birding Association’s journal, American Birds, was a key source for Rowlett observations. Rowlett birded in locations reported to various regional compilers; notably, The Middle Atlantic Region, the Hudson-Delaware Region, and the Southern Atlantic Region, with a few reports from other regions. Other Rowlett report sources include seasonal reports in The Raven, the journal of the Virginia Society for Ornithology (VSO); reports in The Chat, the journal of the Carolina Bird Club, and the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club’s journal, Cassinia. Duplication of Rowlett reports is common within this chronology due to overlapping geographical scopes and because various seasonal compilers often provide lesser or greater levels of emphasis of Rowlett’s observations and varying levels of background and editorial comment. I also assume that some compilers and editors were sometimes subject to page space constraints and had to edit down report text. The intent of this compendium is to generally recreate Rowlett’s sequence of activities and to summarize and comment on key observations such as state firsts, unusual species, and notable reports, such as large numbers, which readers may find quite interesting in contrast to corresponding small species numbers now encountered, some 40-45 years later. Rowlett’s pelagic experiences are especially highlighted in this chronology, as are other significant Rowlett contributions to the birding and ornithological community. This chronology integrates information from various sources and presents events basically in seasonal chronological order, however, observations will deviate from pure chronological order due to reporting and recording artifacts such as how compilers aggregated published reports, delayed publications, source reports appearing in taxonomic vs. chronological order, varying seasonal definitions used by different compilers, etc. Although lengthy, this chronology includes the vast majority, but not every cited Rowlett report, but rather those deemed to be related to rarities or of ornithological interest due to historical, identification, taxonomic, early/late dates, or large number significance. However, most of Rowlett’s observations that were published by seasonal report compilers were included because they were indeed significant. Typically, Rowlett reports that I omitted deal with some of the diving ducks, grebes, and gulls. Pelagically, recall that foreign fishing fleets were not excluded from Maryland waters in the 1970s, especially around Baltimore Canyon, and their presence and offal attracted many more seabirds than we are accustomed to finding on today’s Maryland pelagic trips. Around 1983, the US adopted a 200 nm Economic Exclusion Zone, consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and foreign trawlers became restricted (NOAA 2017) and the impact of the numbers and variety of pelagic species was notable. A minor challenge of disambiguation was required when researching “Richard A. Rowlett” since “Rose Ann Rowlett” is a contemporary ornithologist and peripatetic field birder, having lead birding tours for years for the birding tour companies VENT and Field Guides. Ms. Rowlett’s name and initials will surface during online searches for “R. A. Rowlett” or “RAR.” Also challenging, season report editors in various (and even within the same) journals do not employ a standardized nomenclature for observer’s names. For Richard A. Rowlett, most compilers used “RAR," however,” others used “RR,” “RRo,” or “RRw.” All Rowlett chronology observations credits are bolded.

of 126

1971 - Spring Rowlett’s earliest published regional observation was from Fairfax, Virginia, appearing in the Virginia Society for Ornithology journal, The Raven. Scott (1971b) noted, “… a Royal Tern was seen at Dyke marsh, Fairfax County, on 16 April 1971 (R. A. Rowlett), an unusual record this far inland.” [Rowlett came to the DC area as a member of the Army honor guard assigned to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery (Company E, 1st Battalion, 3rd Infantry), and was stationed at nearby Ft. Meyer in Arlington, in northern Virginia.] Rowlett’s first year of Maryland birding was extremely productive. The first Rowlett Maryland Birdlife reference occurred in Hackman (1971). Rowlett was listed as a participant in both the Frederick and Montgomery Counties for the statewide bird count (“May Count”) on 1 May 1971. During this May Count, Rowlett saw and heard a male Rufous Hummingbird at Lily Pons in Frederick County, Maryland. This was the first spring sighting of this species in Maryland. Rowlett’s first regional publication (Rowlett 1971a) was an article he authored in Atlantic Naturalist, the journal of the Audubon Naturalist Society, to document this western hummingbird sight record. Rowlett published his description of this adult male Rufous Hummingbird, including a description of how the wings sounded, contrasted with the sound of the local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. This record was accepted by the MD/DCRC [MD/1990-013] and represented the first published spring record east of the Mississippi River, except for the extreme southern states. Scott (1971a), credited Rowlett et al. with a report of three adult Little Blue Herons seen at Fort Belvoir, Fairfax County, on 8 May [1971]. Scott noted, “In an unprecedented occurrence, adult Little Blue Herons were found inland in Virginia in three localities during the spring of 1971 … Although white-plumaged immature birds are often found inland after the breeding season, adults rarely occur and are virtually unknown so far inland in spring.” The first Rowlett seabird reference, albeit land-based, also occurred in Robbins 1971a:

“Thirty mile-an-hour onshore winds accompanied by heavy rain swept 9 shearwaters close enough to Ocean City inlet so they could be seen from land on May 16 [1971]. One Sooty and 2 Greaters were identified and 6 other "black and white types" were observed under less favorable circumstances (Paul DuMont and Richard Rowlett).”

In this same seasonal report (Robbins 1971a) was a note of Rowlett’s finding and photographing Maryland’s first Limpkin on 25 May 1971 at Lily Pons, Frederick County. This bird stayed until 8 June, during which Rowlett observed it six additional times, along with many other observers. Rowlett documented and analyzed this first state record in Maryland Birdlife. In his article, Rowlett (1972a) he analyzed the diet of Limpkins and the habitat along the edge of the Monacacy River, at the edge of Lily Pons, where he found the bird. Rowlett also noted that the occurrence of this bird, along with another in Virginia during the same time frame, correlated to a period of severe drought and fires in Florida and he speculated that this could be a causal effect. In June 1971, Rowlett took his first offshore pelagic trip. In later recollections to Paul Pisano (pers. comm.) over the passing of his long-time friend, Paul DuMont, Rowlett recalled his first pelagic experience shortly after moving to the Maryland area:

“Having expressed my keen interest in getting to finally see seabirds, starting with the Wilson's Storm Petrel, it was Paul [DuMont] (and Claudia Wilds) with whom I made my first ever "pelagic

of 126

trip". It was a beautiful June day back in 1971, sunny, flat slick glassy calm, and off we go as tag-alongs onboard that slow dreadful little fishing headboat, the "Capt. Talbot". Just sitting there bobbing around no more than 12 miles off Ocean City while the fishermen fished, I suddenly became deathly ill. I had no idea what was wrong with me. I hadn't even heard of sea-sickness and remember being so horribly embarrassed when I suddenly just puked right there into my hand on the upper deck. I think I saw a Wilson's Storm Petrel or two, but I remember more how both Paul and Claudia genuine and comforting consolation in my misery. After that and still not to be undaunted if not outright masochistic, that trip was the gateway to what was to be my future in marine work with seabirds and marine mammals which continues to this day. That is certainly on a much grander scale than that decade in the '70's of puking my guts out on practically every ocean trip including of course those ground breaking "Ocean City Pelagic Trips" which would have never been possible had it not been for Paul and countless MOS members and ever-growing numbers of other birders from further afield.”

1971 - Autumn Robbins (1971b) published significant Rowlett summer 1971 pelagic, coastal, and land bird reports in Maryland Birdlife, while Rowlett was still fairly new to the area. Coastal sightings included:

“[A] Sooty Shearwater was seen in Ocean City inlet at dawn on Aug. 28 [1971] after Hurricane Doria brushed the area with 60 m.p.h, winds during the night (Richard Rowlett).” “Roseate Terns are rarely encountered in Maryland waters at any season because their migration route lies far offshore; an observation of 3 individuals at Ocean City on Aug. 28 [1971] can be credited jointly to Hurricane Doria and Richard Rowlett. This is the first acceptable fall migration record for the State. “Observations of special importance were: “… a Wilson's Plover at the north tip of Assateague Island on the new late date of Sept. 6 [1971]; and 44 Northern Phalaropes three miles off Ocean City on the same day (both species by Rowlett).

Robbins (1971b) also included several 1971 Rowlett land bird sightings that cause us current-day Maryland birders to pine for the birding environment of the “good old days”:

“Few present-day observers have seen as many as 4 migrating Red-headed Woodpeckers in Maryland on the same day; yet 4 were seen from the tower at Washington Monument State Park on Sept. 24 [1971] (Rowlett). “The West Ocean City Bobolink roost reached record proportions this year. Robert Warfield reported "very large flocks" over the marshes on Sept. 2 [1971], and four days later Rowlett estimated the population at 65,000 Bobolinks, which is nearly twice the previous record set in the 19th century. This does not necessarily imply that Bobolinks are increasing, but perhaps that the roosting populations are more concentrated as suitable marsh habitat diminishes.” “The inland hot spot for shorebirds this fall was the Summit Hill Turf Farm upriver from Seneca. The greatest single attraction was the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, a species unknown in Maryland prior to 1957. Richard A. Rowlett found Buff-breasts on 6 out of 8 trips from Aug. 25 [1971] (1 bird) to Sept. 21 (2 birds). On Sept. 14 he counted a record-breaking 14 individuals. His seasonal total included 17 different Buff-breasted Sandpipers.”

of 126

“Three Goshawks were reported, two of them on the same day by Richard Rowlett: an immature at Hughes Hollow (Seneca) and an adult at Lilypons on Oct. 20.” “Richard Rowlett reported a fantastic count of 245,800 Canada Geese on Nov. 20 [1971] in the 20-mile stretch from Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge to St. Michaels …”

In his paper on “All-dark petrels in the North Atlantic,” Morrison (1998:542) listed a sight report by Rowlett from 2 Oct 1971 off Oregon Inlet, NC of a putative Swinhoe’s Storm-Petrel off Oregon Inlet.” This same sight record was also later published by Flood (2008). There seem to be no contemporaneous seasonal reports of what would be a mega-rarity. Robbins (1972a) reported fall 1971 Rowlett Maryland observations:

“A fast-moving cold front out of the west disintegrated over Maryland when it ran into a stagnated low-pressure area on Oct. 24 [1971]. At dawn, heavy rain and northeasterly winds covered all of Maryland except the southern counties and the lower Eastern Shore. But right along the boundary of the remnants of the front, Richard Rowlett discovered an unprecedented concentration of Western Kingbirds: 4 birds in one tree 2 miles southwest of Ocean City, and 5 more on power lines Just across the Delaware line at Fenwick Island. Others, all by the same observer [Rowlett], were found as follows: 1 at Ocean City on Oct. 30 [1971], singles at Hoopers Island on Nov. 7 [1971] and Blackwater Refuge on Nov. 22 [1971], and 1 at Kent Island, also on Nov. 22 [1971].”

Robbins (1971b) reported: “On 24 October 1971, Rowlett discovered and photographed Maryland’s first Sage Thrasher at Assateague Island [see below, Rowlett 1971b, plus cover photo].” Rowlett’s second Maryland “state first,” the aforementioned Sage Thrasher, was observed and photographed at Assateague on 24 Oct 1971 during the previously described kingbird fallout. While “pishing” to arouse birds, a Sage Thrasher popped up into his view, which he immediately recognized due to his experiences in New Mexico. The conditions of this finding were remarkable. Rowlett (1971b) wrote, “The weather had been partly cloudy and mild, and the winds had maintained an east-southeast direction for at least the preceding 12 hours. On this same day, I found a flock of four Western Kingbirds only four miles northwest of the site where the Sage Thrasher was seen, and another flock of five at Fenwick Island, Del., right on the Maryland State Line north of Ocean City. Still another flock of eight Western Kingbirds was found at Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, on this same day by A. E. Conway. One can only speculate why. 17 Western Kingbirds and a Sage Thrasher might be found within a 40-mile stretch of Mid-Atlantic coast in one day!” In addition to his photograph and description, Rowlett described the behavior of the bird that he observed and analyzed the species’ distribution patterns. Robbins (1972a) continued, “Single Parasitic Jaegers were seen from Assateague Island on … Oct. 24 [1971] (Rowlett), and … Rowlett and Paul DuMont found [a single Parasitic Jaeger] 7 miles off Ocean City on the late date of Nov. 14 [1971].” This appears to be the first published reference of Rowlett venturing offshore. 1971-1972 - Winter Robbins (1972b) reported “Evening Grosbeaks. Arriving from the north in late December [1971] and early January [1972], this species reached a peak in mid-January and then remained in all sections of

of 126

Maryland in good numbers, gobbling up thousands of dollars’ worth of sunflower seeds at the expense of MOS members. Peak counts reported were: 325 at Cambridge, Feb. 12 [1972] (Rowlett); …” 1972 - Spring Robbins (1972b) reported Rowlett sightings from February and March 1972:

“An Eared Grebe, the second ever reported from Maryland, was carefully studied in Ocean City Inlet on Mar. 14 [1972] (Carl W. Carlson) and Mar. 18 (Richard Rowlett) … “A most extraordinary early spring observation of a Cory's Shearwater was made at Ocean City by Rowlett on Mar. 18; details will be published separately. “Two adult Mute Swans, probably from adjacent Talbot County, provided the first record from Kent County on Mar. 15 [1972] when they were observed on Eastern Neck Refuge (Rowlett). “An Oregon Junco that had been discovered by Rowlett in Rockville in February was collected on Mar. 13 to become the only extant Maryland specimen of this difficult-to-identify species.”

Robbins (1972c) reported spring 1972 Rowlett land bird observations:

“An adult male Painted Bunting at Kensington, Apr. 18-23 [1972], is the subject of a separate note by Richard Rowlett.” Rowlett (1972b) observed, photographed, and documented this Painted Bunting coming to feeders in Kensington, MD, the third Maryland record. “The most exciting [warbler] counts were obtained by Richard Rowlett on May 12 [1972] on the south and east slopes of Sugarloaf Mountain: 25 Worm-eating, 32 Tennessee, 28 Nashville, 40 Cape May, 15 Black-throated Blue, 7 Blackburnian, as well as 16 other species of warblers!" “An astonishing count of 270 Indigo Buntings was made in eastern Allegany County at the peak of their migration, May 15 [1972] (Rowlett). “At Cranesville Bog in Garrett County, Rowlett noted 3 Saw-whet Owls calling all night on June 4-5 [1972].” “Those observers who are plagued with too many House Wrens will be envious of Richard Rowlett, who on four days in Washington and Allegany Counties, June 4, 5, 8, and 11 [1972], found exactly 25 Bewick's Wrens and 1 House Wren. Twenty-two of the Bewick's Wrens were in Allegany County. One pair was nesting above the headlight of an abandoned truck six miles north of Little Orleans.” This observation was also detailed in Boone (1975).”

Robbins (1972c) also reported Rowlett’s May 1972 pelagic and coastal sightings:

“Richard Rowlett spent many patient hours scanning stormy seas for pelagic birds and was well rewarded for his efforts. On May 9 [1972] a rapidly moving low pressure area moved off the Maryland coast at dawn; 40 m.p.h, northeast winds changed quickly to northwest, but the sea remained rough and tides remained high all day. Two Greater Shearwaters (1 at 1:15 p.m., 1 at 6 p.m.) seen between one-fourth and one-half mile off the mouth of Ocean City inlet tied the earliest State record. Eleven Gannets also were counted. Rowlett spent the morning of May 14 [1972] aboard a commercial sport fishing boat anchored 5 miles east of Ocean City. Pelagic birds

of 126

were few, but choice: 1 Wilson's Petrel (tying the State arrival date), 5 late Gannets, and 1 exceedingly late Great Cormorant in full breeding plumage with white throat and flank patches, seen within 100 feet of the boat. As a low approached from the southwest, the weather worsened, the wind rose to 40 m.p.h, or more and the sea became very rough. Rowlett continued his observations from the Ocean City jetty, and between 5:30 p.m. and dark he saw 1 Greater and 4 Sooty Shearwaters, all about one-fourth mile off the mouth of the inlet.” “On May 14 [1972] Rowlett saw 2 Parasitic Jaegers 5 miles off Ocean City in the morning, and 3 Parasitics and a possible Pomarine from the Inlet during the afternoon storm.” “The Roseate, one of Maryland's rarest terns, was sighted on May 9 [1972] in Ocean City Inlet (2 birds), and 2 Cabot's Terns and a cloud of 2700 Common Terns were feeding in the Inlet at 6 p.m. on May 14 [1972] (Rowlett).” “At the north tip of Assateague Island on May 30 [1972], Rowlett counted not only 22 oystercatchers, but unprecedented totals of 85 Piping and 9 Wilson's Plovers.” “In the high-count category were 130 Willets, 325 Knots and 450 Ruddy Turnstones at Assateague Island on May 30 [1972] (Rowlett).”

Julian (1972b:8) reported, “A single Swallow-tailed kite was seen by [Blackwater] Refuge Manager Julian and Larry Dunkeson of Mason Neck Refuge on May 31, 1972. The kite was also seen by Messrs. Crews, Julian and Wheatley on June 2 and Mr. Richard Rowlett ...” Julian (1972a) detailed, “News of the kite was relayed by telephone to observers on the Eastern Shore and in the Baltimore and Washington areas. Several people searched for this rarity on the next few days. Paul DuMont and V. Edwin Unger with a group from the Caroline County Chapter of MOS found it on June 1 [1972], a mile or so to the north, and on the next morning [2 Jun 1972] it was well seen by Richard A. Rowlett, Wendell Crews, Ken Wheatley and the author.” 1972 - Summer During a July 1972 trip to North Carolina, Rowlett provided a number of reports that were published by Teulings (1972):

“Brown Pelican: A count of 287 pelicans was recorded from the Fort Fisher ferry in the Cape Fear River near Southport, N. C., on 8 July [1972], Richard Rowlett.” “Gannet: A sub-adult was seen off the tip of Cape Lookout on 9 July [1972], Richard Rowlett.” “Audubon's Shearwater: One was seen at Cape Hatteras on 11 July [1972] by Richard A. Rowlett.” “Wilson's Petrel: … five were noted off Cape Point at Cape Hatteras, N. C., on 11 July [1972] by Richard Rowlett.”

The 1972 nesting season was an active one for Rowlett. Robbins (1972d) reported: “Rowlett detailed his experience with tern colonies in the Sinepuxent Bay, south of Ocean City on 25 July 1972 and described finding Sandwich Terns mixed in with Royal Terns.” Rowlett suspected possible nesting of Sandwich

of 126

Terns in Maryland. In his article (Rowlett 1973b), he described the natural history of the Sandwich Tern and its relationship with Royal Terns and suggested that observers monitor for the possibility of Sandwich Terns breeding in Maryland. During the summer of 1972, Rowlett (1973a) found a specimen of an Audubon’s Shearwater is the National Park Service’s freezer at the Assateague Islands National Seashore headquarters. The specimen was tagged two years earlier (1 Aug 1970) as having been found on the beach by park employee R.E. Fawley, apparently run over by a vehicle. Rowlett preserved the specimen as a whole specimen in the Smithsonian Institution (USNM #566272). Robbins (1972d) continued to report Rowlett summer observations [all dates 1972]:

“A Leach's Petrel with a broken wing was found on the beach on Assateague Island by an unknown fisherman on July 16 [1972] and taken to the National Seashore headquarters; the specimen was subsequently identified by Richard Rowlett and preserved as a study skin at the National Museum of Natural History (No. 566273); this is only the fifth Maryland record.” Robbins report includes a photo of the Leach's Storm-Petrel by Rowlett.” “A record-high tally for Wilson's Plover was 20 birds on Assateague in the first three miles below Ocean City on July 25 [1972]; 3 there on Aug. 31 broke the State departure record (Rowlett).” “The most Wilson's Petrels ever seen from the Maryland shore were 675 counted from 3 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 16 [1972] from Assateague beach three miles south of Ocean City (Rowlett).”

Robbins (1972d) reported, “A very elusive American Flamingo summered from late June [1972] to at least Sept. 3 on Assateague Island. The bird's rich pink plumage, healthy, alert appearance, and shyness suggest it was a fully wild bird, perhaps brought to Maryland by Hurricane Agnes. See the detailed account by Richard Rowlett on pages 148-149 [= Rowlett 1972d].” Scott (1973b) also reported, “An American Flamingo suddenly appeared on Assateague Island, Virginia and Maryland, following the passing of tropical storm Agnes in late June 1972. During the summer it ranged up and down the island, mainly feeding in the ocean surf and was last thought to be seen in early or mid-September. Richard A. Rowlett and Paul G. DuMont saw it on August 12 just south of the Ocean City inlet and described it as a very healthy, rich pink bird, alert, wary, and feeding readily in the shallow surf. Most other observations were by fishermen, hikers, and National Park Service and Chincoteague Refuge personnel in remote sections of the island (but always on the beach) and were reported secondhand by Rowlett or J. C. Appel, the refuge manager. ... More details on this bird were reported elsewhere (Maryland Birdlife, 28:148-149, 1972 [= Rowlett 1972c]). Another report of an American Flamingo on the beach at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge on 8 September 1972 may have been the same bird (Frank Smith, fide Dennis F. Holland).” Rowlett documented this flamingo sighting, above, in Maryland Birdlife (Rowlett 1972c). The MD/1987-013 Greater Flamingo of 1972 was originally found by the MD/DCRC to be a likely escape, from somewhere. However, the content of a related 16 Feb 2001 message on this subject from MD/DCRC member, Marshall Iliff (pers. comm.), is provided, below:

of 126

“MD/DCRC members, I am writing to suggest a re-open of [MD/1987-013], a Greater Flamingo reported from Assateague Island, MD. “In 1987 the MD/DCRC reviewed only the black-and white photos printed in Maryland Birdlife, along with the accompanying article (MB 28(4):148-149). The committee decided unanimously on the first round that the flamingo could not be identified to species based on the photos. Without being able to identify it to species, the committee could not even start to grapple with the question of origin. “Several years ago, Harvey Mudd acquired over 100 slides from Richard Rowlett, and among them were several slides of the flamingo in question. The slides show a bright pink bird that seems to be consistent with the Caribbean subspecies (roseus) of Greater Flamingo, the only likely vagrant along the East Coast. “With this new information the record should be re-opened to at least provide an opinion on the identification of the photos. “The origin question will obviously be a sticky one. I note several things that MAY support its origin as a wild bird:

· American roseus are kept in captivity in much lower numbers than Chilean. Lesser, and African (ruber) Greater Flamingos.

· Rowlett discusses the very wild behavior and bright plumage of this individual · The habitat seems appropriate for a wild bird - at least it is not in a freshwater area like

the escapee seen a year prior at Chincoteague · Rowlett ties its appearance to the passage of a Tropical Storm. A recent paper by Doug

McNair (McNair D.B. & J.A. [1998]. Assessment of occurrences of Flamingos in northwest Florida, including a recent record of the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) Florida Field Naturalist 26(2):40-43) discusses the correlation with the passage of Tropical Storms and the appearance of 8 Greater Flamingos in Florida. This may be a very strong piece of evidence given that recent paper. The same storm that may have brought the MD bird brought another to St. Marks Light, FL.

· Bermuda has at least four records (as of 1991) including: one 5 Dec 1969-8 May 1970; one 30 Aug 1980. Given that island's remote location and the (presumed) lack of captive flamingos there, it serves as good evidence for vagrancy in this species. Less convincing support comes from Veit & Petersen's (1993) Birds of Massachusetts, which lists 11 records, which they present as wild with the caveat "some of which may represent escaped aviary birds." Interestingly though, their records are concentrated in late May and August-mid-September, with only 3 records outside of those time frames. They also note that while aviaries have increased since 1967, there have been no flamingo reports, all of which have been concentrated between 1964-1967. It is unclear whether all these birds were confirmed as P. r. roseus though.

“The re-opened record would hopefully include comments from other East Coast committees that have grappled with the question of flamingos; some inventory of captive flamingos (preferably now [2001] vs. 1972); a complete list of records of other roseus Greater Flamingos on the East Coast. I volunteer to help compile some of this information.”

of 126

After the Rowlett color slide was obtained, the following was reported in the 2001 MD/DCRC Annual Meeting minutes of (MOS 2001): “The committee felt that the Rowlett color slide, now available, constitutes “new information” as defined by the committee (that is, direct information on the observation, as opposed to general new species identification or taxonomic information). Therefore, the Secretary/Chair under the “new information” policy will reopen the record.” The report was re-reviewed by the committee and accepted [as MD/2001-088] as a “wild/natural” bird and it was then added to the Official List of the Birds of Maryland in 2005. 1972 - Autumn Robbins (1972d) reported from the fall of 1972:

“Both Hal Wierenga and Richard Rowlett took advantage of persistent strong northeast winds and visited the inlet on Aug. 16 [1972] (Rowlett) and Sept. 21 (Wierenga). At 7:30 on the morning of Aug. 16 [1972] an adult Pomarine Jaeger and 4 adult Parasitic Jaegers were identified, breaking the earliest arrival date for both species (Rowlett).” “On Sept. 3 [1972], Richard Rowlett found a flock of 27 Red Crossbills at Swallow Falls State Park.” “The only probable nesting report of the White-throated Sparrow in Maryland came from Cranesville bog in 1952. The lake at Herrington Manor would bear close scrutiny, because a bird believed to be an immature was seen here on Sept. 3, 1972 by Richard Rowlett.” “A single Cory's Shearwater was seen from a fishing boat off Ocean City on Sept. 11 [1972] (Richard Rowlett).” “Palm Warblers reached a peak of 270 individuals on Assateague Island, Sept. 25 [1972] (Rowlett).”

1972-1973 - Winter Causing pangs of finch invasion envy, Robbins (1972b) also reported from the winter of 1971-1972:

“Arriving from the north in late December [1971] and early January [1972], this species [Evening Grosbeak] reached a peak in mid-January and then remained in all sections of Maryland in good numbers, gobbling up thousands of dollars’ worth of sunflower seeds at the expense of MOS members. Peak counts reported were: 325 at Cambridge, Feb. 12 [1972] (Rowlett) … “White-winged Crossbills trickled into Cecil, Baltimore, Prince Georges, Montgomery, and Allegany Counties, starting in mid-January [1972]. At Gude's Nursery they increased from 7 birds on Jan. 15-16 (Carl Carlson and Paul DuMont) to 40 in February (Rowlett) …”

Robbins (1973a) reported, “The rarity of the period was a Gyrfalcon, a new species for Maryland's Hypothetical List. It was discovered on Nov. 30 [1972] at Blackwater Refuge (Refuge Manager William Julian) and was subsequently sighted on Dec. 3 [1972] (Robert Hahn), Dec. 4 [1972] (identification confirmed by Carl W. Carlson), Dec. 5 [1972] (Paul G. DuMont), Dec. 6 [1972] (Rowlett), and Dec. 8 [1972] (Philip DuMont).”

of 126

Julian (1972b:8) also reported, “Mr. Bob Hahn visited the refuge on December 3 [1972] and reported sighting what he thought was a Gyrfalcon. Mr. Carl Carlson confirmed the sighting on December 4 [1972] and likewise Messrs. Paul Dumont and Richard Rowlett on December 6 and 7 [1972] respectively. December 7 [1972] was the last reported sighting for the Gyrfalcon.” This Gyrfalcon report, however, was never reviewed by the MD/DCRC since no detailed documentation was ever located to review and substantiate this as an official state record. Robbins (1973a) reported, “A Pomarine Jaeger seen off the south Jetty at Ocean City Inlet on Oct. 28 [1972] constituted a new late departure record for Maryland (Armistead) until Paul DuMont and Richard Rowlett saw one from a boat off Ocean City on Nov. 19.” Robbins (1973a) reported, “A well-marked Oregon Junco and a Swamp Sparrow on the Garrett County Christmas Count, Dec. 17 [1972], by Richard Rowlett were the first and second winter observations, respectively, of these two species on the Allegheny Plateau.” Scott (1973a) reported from the Middle Atlantic region, “There were several reports of White-winged Crossbills in Virginia during early 1972 following the two Christmas bird count reports in late December 1971 ... In northern Virginia, 3 were reported off and on at Arlington National Cemetery up to 27 February [1972] (R. A. Rowlett), ...” [Recall that Rowlett was an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington Cemetery.]” Scott (1973b) reported, “A big influx of White Ibis occurred in Maryland following the 1972 nesting season, but only three reports were received from Virginia … Richard A. Rowlett saw an immature at Chincoteague Refuge on 12 August 1972.” Scott (1973b) reported, “A single Fulvous Tree Duck was noted at Chincoteague Refuge, Virginia, between 11 and 27 August 1972 by P. G. DuMont, R. L. Pyle, and R. A. Rowlett.” Teulings (1973a) reported from the Southern Atlantic region, “Semipalmated Plover: During field work along the North Carolina Outer Banks in late August [1972], Richard Rowlett found the species extremely abundant. Estimated numbers were 3,500 at Ocracoke Island on 20 August [1972], 15,000 at Pea Island on 21 August [1972], and 7,500 at Portsmouth Island on 22 August [1972].” Rowlett printed a flier for his first commercial pelagic trip. The flier was captioned, “Special Trip - A Mid-Atlantic Regional First! The Winter Ocean City Pelagic. February 3 or 4, 1973.” The cost was $10 (!). An extract from the flier reads:

“In a series of recent birding trips this winter aboard Cod fishing headboats, 10 to 20 miles out of Ocean City, some interesting new data is [sic] being learned about the status of the long-neglected seabirds wintering off the Maryland coast. Species such as the Black-legged kittiwake, long considered rare at the Maryland latitude and represented only by a scattering of isolated records along the coast, has been found to be common, and often, the most abundant species only a few miles off shore. Razorbills represented only by two or three isolated hypothetical coastal records have been encountered twice, once with three at one time, and a Skua, a first record for Maryland, was seen on January 13.

of 126

“The potential in penetrating this unexplored aspect of Maryland Birdlife is indeed wide open, and you can be a part. Offered now is an opportunity to be a pioneer on a team that can make an important ornithological contribution, and perhaps too, find such new Maryland species as the Fulmar or one of the rarer alcids, as well as gain new information and insights toward offshore winter birdlore. “On Feb. 3 [1973], we are chartering a headboat out of Ocean City, strictly for the search of sea birds. We will (hopefully) go where the birds are, leaving promptly at 6:29 am (that means be on the dock or on board at 6:14 am or before) aboard the “Taurus,” from the Mast Restaurant in Ocean City. We will steam as far as possible out to sea, hopefully 30 to 40 miles (the closer we get to the Gulf Stream, the better our odds for number and species). We should return no later than 5:00 pm. We will be chumming in an effort to attract desirable species close to the boat like Gannets, Kittiwakes, white-winged gulls, and who knows that else. “If the seas are unreasonably rough or weather is fowl, the trip will be postponed until Feb. 4, and we will bird the ocean city area for the Harlequin Ducks, Little and Black-headed Gulls, Ipswich sparrow, etc., or whatever the group elects to do. “There are a number of people expressing strong interest in this trip. The cost is $10.00 per head, and space will be limited to about the first 40. Reservations must be accompanied with $10.00 and sent promptly to Richard A. Rowlett (address above) and should reach me no later than Jan 30. A minimum head count will be 20, which means that cancellations can be refunded only if this minimum can be met. “The "TAURUS" is equipped with an observation deck with seats above the stern, which is extremely beneficial as an excellent vantage point for observation for a large number of people, and for the sake of staying dry from the constant spray which may wash over the bow. Restrooms and a heated cabin are available. Several experienced "sea-birders" including Chandler Robbins and Paul DuMont will be on board to help point out helpful field marks for those less experienced. “Winter boat trips at sea are often rigorous and require an excess of hardcore desire and stamina to endure the grueling hours. There are often long boring periods between birds, but the good fellowship accompanied by the often-amazing close looks at Gannets and Kittiwakes squelches boredom.”

In the flier, Rowlett lists expected and hoped-for species and presents 11 points addressing, “How Should I Prepare? (based on experience).” Recommendations for lodging and meals were provided as was a map showing how to reach the dock. Robbins (1973b) reported, “This was a fantastic season [winter 1972-1973] for pelagic birds off the Maryland coast. Since Richard Rowlett was the promoter and chief participant in the sea trips off Ocean City, the results will be reported separately under his authorship [see Rowlett 1973c]. The results of Rowlett’s early Ocean City winter pelagics were documented in his article, “Sea Birds wintering off Maryland shore, 1972-1973.” His abstract (Rowlett 1973c) read:

of 126

“During the winter of 1972-73, studies were conducted to determine the status and distribution of pelagic species of birds occurring at sea as far as 38 miles east of Ocean City, Md. The wintering off-shore avifauna was found to be impressively rich in variety of species and numbers of individuals. Sightings included Fulmar and Skua, both first sight records for Maryland. Large alcids, especially Razorbills, were observed in unprecedented numbers and on five of the seven trips undertaken. Thick-billed Murre was sighted once and Dovekie, once. A Pomarine Jaeger was a mild-winter first for Maryland. Black-legged Kittiwakes were sighted on all seven trips, with age ratios consistently averaging About three adults to one immature. Likewise, Gannets were observed on all seven trips, 7.5 adults to one immature. Iceland Gulls were seen twice and Black-headed Gulls on three trips. Evidence of a definite migration was noted on Nov. 19 [1972], as Gannets were observed flying south in a narrow band, four miles wide, five to nine miles east of Ocean City, and Black-legged Kittiwakes, likewise, were heading south in a steady stream no closer than 14 miles east of Ocean City. Data accumulated from December [1972] through March [1973] suggest most pelagics occurring in Maryland waters during this period were truly wintering and not transients. This report is concerned primarily with the true pelagics normally found well away from the sight of land and does not dwell on those "sea birds" commonly seen in immediate coastal waters.”

In the article, he provided a summary of his trips on fishing boats and his first “chartered” pelagic trip on 3 Feb 1973, where he was able to “chum” to attract birds. In the article, he summarized the species and numbers of birds seen, discussed migration, winter visitors, meteorological conditions, ecological conditions affecting wintering sea birds, “chumming,” and the challenges of counting birds at sea. The paper also included detailed annotated species accounts. The issue cover photo [Maryland Birdlife 29(2)] is: “Sandwich Tern by Rowlett. 1973.” Robbins (1973b) reported Rowlett 1973 sightings: “Most observers were treated with visitations from Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins, Purple Finches and/or House Finches. Rowlett encountered a feeding flock of over 1,000 Pine Siskins in hemlock woods in Savage River State Forest, Garrett County, on Feb. 10 [1973];” … on Feb. 10 Rowlett found a flock of 21 (11 adult males!) [Pine Grosbeaks] in pines and sumacs on the west slope of Big Savage Mountain south of Carey Run Sanctuary.” The cover photo of Maryland Birdlife 29(3) [1973] is: “Northern Gannett by Rowlett. 1973.” 1973 - Spring Robbins (1973c) reported spring 1973 Rowlett observations:

“The South Point heronry below Ocean City was visited on May 5 [1973] by Richard Rowlett, who estimated 2,000 nests with eggs, and the following adult birds: Cattle Egret, 1,200; Snowy, 1,000; Glossy Ibis, 800; Little Blue, 450; Louisiana, 350; Common Egret, 150; and Black-crowned Night, 50.” “Rails: This much neglected family of birds was pursued by Messrs. Armistead, Rowlett, and others with interesting results. … Between 10 and 11:30 p.m. on May 6 [1973], Richard Rowlett counted 55 Virginias, 45 Blacks, 9 Soras, and 8 Kings from the Elliott road; and on May 13 he heard 11 Kings, 10 Clappers, 30 Virginias, 2 Soras, and 4 Blacks at Deal Island W.M.A. Black Rails were still actively calling at Elllott on the night of June 22-23 [1973], when Rowlett and Hal Wierenga counted 22 birds between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. and saw 4 of them.” … [Rowlett’s report of hearing 45 Black Rails during a 90-minute period at Elliott Island on 6 May 1973 was cited in Reynard’s (1974:749) paper on rail vocalizations.]

of 126

“Rowlett found a concentration of 26 Henslow's [Sparrows] north of the Elliott Island marsh on Apr. 14 [1973], but a week later only 1 remained.” “The great exodus of Green-winged Teal from Deal Island took place between May 6 [1973] (1,750 birds) and May 13 [1973] (none)(Rowlett).” “Rowlett's and Armistead's estimates of shorebirds in the big impoundments at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area in Somerset County are among the best ever reported in Maryland in spring away from the coast: On May 13 [1973] Rowlett estimated Semipalmated Plover, 2,500; Killdeer, 2; Black-belly, 250; Ruddy Turnstone, 35; Spotted, 12; Solitary, 3; Willet, 160; Greater Yellowlegs, 2,000; Lesser Yellowlegs, 700; Pectoral, 30; White-rumped, 5; Least, 24,000; Short-billed Dowitcher, 4,500; Long-billed Dowitcher, 1; Stilt Sandpiper, 7; Semipalmated, i0,000; and Western, 250; total, 17 species in 6 hours.” “Rowlett listed 60 Yellow-throated Warblers and 135 Ovenbirds in the Pocomoke Swamp below Shad Landing on May 5 [1973], and. … on Apr. 15 the first Swainson's [Warbler] was spotted in the Pocomoke Swamp (Rowlett).”

Scott and Cutler (1973a) reported spring 1973 Virginia pelagic sightings by Rowlett: “… Sandwich Terms were seen at Virginia Beach May 20, one well offshore (RAR) …” Teulings (1973c) reported an interesting North Carolina land bird sighting by Rowlett: “Gray Kingbird: One was well observed at the Buxton Woods Nature Trail, Cape Hatteras, N.C., on 18 May [1973] by Richard Rowlett, William Blakeslee, and Harold Wierenga. [This observation was also reported in Holmes (1975).]” Scott (1974a) reported a Rowlett first Virginia state pelagic record:

“Pelagic Observations Off Virginia [1972-1973]. The growing interest in offshore bird trips has resulted in a number of recent records of interest. … On 20 May 1973 another trip with about 40 observers led by Ake and DuMont recorded 2 Sooty and one Cory's Shearwaters, 85 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, 7, Pomarine and one Parasitic Jaegers, a Roseate Tern (1. M. Abbott), and 3 probable Arctic Terns. The last species [Arctic Tern], observed by Ake and DuMont as well as R. A. Rowlett, P. W. Sykes, and others, was a first sight record for Virginia.”

Teulings (1973b) reported other spring seabird Rowlett observations from North Carolina: “Shearwaters and Petrels: On 26 May [1973] a cruise was taken by charter boat to the Gulf Stream 30 to 60 miles off Morehead City by Harry LeGrand, Edmund LeGrand, Richard Rowlett, and Harold Wierenga .... Recorded were: …

Audubon's Shearwater: 6 by LeGrand party [including Rowlett], 26 May [1973] Northern Phalarope: Thirty were seen in waters off Morehead City, N.C., during a pelagic cruise to the Gulf Stream on 26 May [1973] by Harry LeGrand, Edmund LeGrand, Richard Rowlett, and Harold Wierenga.

of 126

Pomarine Jaeger: Two were seen in waters off Morehead City, N.C., during a pelagic cruise to the Gulf Stream on 26 May [1973] by Harry LeGrand, Edmund LeGrand, Richard Rowlett, and Harold Wierenga. Bridled Tern: Eight were observed during a cruise to the Gulf Stream off Morehead City, N.C., on 26 May [1973] by Harry and Edmund LeGrand, Richard Rowlett, and Harold Wierenga. Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher: A migrant of this species was sighted 30 miles at sea off Morehead City, N.C., by Harry LeGrand, Edmund LeGrand, Richard Rowlett, and Harold Wierenga during a pelagic cruise on 26 May [1973]. The bird circled the boat at close range permitting visual identification.

Teulings (1973d) also reported, “Pelagic Trips--Increasing interest in the species to be found offshore resulted in reports from three parties who took cruises off the North Carolina coast. The trips were on consecutive weekends late in the period, from Hatteras May 19 [1973] (PD, RA. RAR [Rowlett], HW, BB, DJ), Morehead City May 26 (HL, EL, RAR, HW), and from the latter location June 3 (RR & students). Their censuses follow with the tallies for each species listed in the same respective chronological order [Rowlett’s trip totals are highlighted]: Cory's Shearwater 1,1,9; Greater Shearwater, 31,2.34; Sooty Shearwater 6,12.2; Audubon's Shearwater 16,6,0; Wilson's Storm-Petrel 116,150,110; Leach's Storm-Petrel 2,0,0; Northern Phalarope 17,30,0; Pomarine Jaeger 0,2,0; Parasitic Jaeger 0,0,1; Arctic Tern 1,0,0; Bridled Tern 9,8,1; and Black Tern 0,1,0.” 1973 - Summer Scott and Cutler (1973b) reported summer 1973 Middle Atlantic sightings by Rowlett:

“The interest in pelagic observations in the Region continued undiminished, and many boat trips were made offshore with varying results. Cory's and Sooty Shearwaters were reported only once each, three Cory's some 75 mi. east of Wallops I., Va., July 15 [1973] (RAR) …” “Rowlett and Wierenga estimated five pairs of Wilson's Plovers on the n. end of Assateague I., Md. and found a nest with three eggs June 9 [1973] at Wallops I., Va. …” “… there were three Sora reports, two at Deal I., Md., June 3 [1973] (RAR & HW), two at Bombay Hook Ref., July 28 [1973] (RAR) ... The peak count of Black Rails at Elliott I., Md. was 45 on June 2 [1973] (RAR), and there were two reports of Purple Gallinules, [including] an adult at Chincoteague Ref., Va., July 28 [1973] (RAR). Common Gallinules were common at Deal I., Md and surrounding areas, with a maximum count of 40 adults here June 3 [1973] (RAR & HW).” “… early Com. [Wilson’s] Snipe were noted at Little Creek, Del., … July 28 [1973] (RAR & HW).” “Stilt Sandpipers seemed in excellent numbers with a peak count of 475 at Little Creek July 28 (RAR & HW), …”

Scott (1974b) reported, “More [Virginia] Pelagic Observations. On a boat trip offshore on 15 July 1973 Richard A. Rowlett counted 3 Cory's Shearwaters, one Greater Shearwater, and 82 Wilson's Petrels. These were all about 75 miles due east of Wallops Island, Virginia.” Teulings (1973c) reported 1973 summer North Carolina sightings by Rowlett in The Chat:

of 126

“Bridled Tern: This tropical species was seen in significant numbers offshore in late July [1973] by several parties. … [A count of 12 was recorded] off Cape Hatteras by Robert Ake, Paul DuMont, Richard Rowlett, et al. “Long-Billed Curlew: One was observed on tidal flats at Ocracoke on the North Carolina Outer Banks 30 July [1973] by Robert Ake and Richard Rowlett.

Teulings (1973e) reported 1973 summer North Carolina sightings by Rowlett in American Birds:

“Black Rails--Eighty, an astonishing total, were heard calling at Cedar Island N.W.R., Carteret Co., N.C. around midnight on May 27 [1973] by Richard Rowlett and Harold Wierenga. These observers systematically censused the area along Secondary Road 1387 from the s. end of the refuge northward for 5 miles, listening carefully for 3-minute periods at stops spaced a half mile apart. Very little is known about the distribution and abundance of this species in the Region and much could be learned by further field work of this type.” “A Long-billed Curlew was observed on the tidal flats at Ocracoke I. July 30 (RA, RR).” “Bridled Terns are being seen offshore in numbers which indicate that the species is of far more than accidental occurrence in the Gulf Stream off the Carolinas. … During the present period, sightings were reported … [including] five off Morehead City July 28 (PD, RR, HM, VW), and 12 off Hatteras July 29 (PD, RA, RR et al.).” This entry also included a photo, captioned: “Bridled Tern, 20 m. E. of Cape Hatteras, N.C. May 19, 1973. Photo R.A. Rowlett.”

Scott (1974a) reported from Virginia:

“Purple Gallinule at Chincoteague. R. A. Rowlett observed an adult Purple Gallinule at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia, on 28 July 1973. “On 1 Sep 1973, Rowlett observed an unusual immature White Ibis south of Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, VA, west of the Blue Ridge mountains. He published a note documenting the sighting [Rowlett 1974b].

Hall (1974a) also recorded Rowlett’s sighting of an immature White Ibis near Harrisonburg, VA on 1 Sep 1973. In the September 1973 issue of Maryland Birdlife [29(3):124], Rowlett (1973d), in an advertising blurb, announced upcoming Maryland pelagic trips. He commented, “Since last winter's charter trip was so popular and so successful, a boat has been chartered for 2 consecutive days, Sat. Feb. 2 and Sun. Feb. 3. Space is limited to 30 persons per day. Reservations at $12 per day per person for one or both days are strictly on a first paid first served basis. These winter trips are strenuous, cold, wet, at times boring, at times exciting. They are definitely not recommended for those with an aversion to a tossing and pitching boat, or those susceptible to seasickness.” [I don’t think Rowlett would have made a very good used car salesman; he was too honest! PCD] 1973 - Autumn Robbins (1974b) reported:

of 126

“Two rare pelagics that should have been mentioned in previous reports [including an Audubon's Shearwater seen 20 miles off Ocean City on Aug. 12 [1973] (3rd Maryland sighting--Richard Rowlett). A Great Cormorant was studied at the Ocean City Inlet on the early date of Dec. 9 [1973] (Rowlett and Charles Vaughn).”

Scott and Cutler (1974a) reported:

“There were numerous offshore boat trips this fall, resulting in far more pelagic records than have been submitted previously. … Audubon's Shearwaters were reported … southeast of Ocean City, Md. (RAR), … on Aug. 12, [1973]” “An unusually-colored sandpiper at Brigantine Ref., Sept. 9-12 [1973] was seen by many observers and caused much controversy (and merriment); it was variously identified as a Spotted Redshank or an oiled yellowlegs (HHA, PGD, RAR et al.).” “Inland records of the Baird's Sandpiper included two at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., Aug. 1 [1973] (RAR), …” “Pine Siskins … were particularly abundant at Cape May, where Rowlett estimated 4000 on Oct. 29 [1973] …”

Teulings (1974a) published a Rowlett report of two Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Ocracoke Island on 6 Oct 1973. On 29 Oct 1973, Rowlett found a female or immature Black-headed Grosbeak at Cape May, NJ, which was reported by Scott and Cutler (1974a) and Dunne and Sutton, Jr. (1980-1981:53). Robbins (1974a) acknowledged a Rowlett donation in a “List of Contributors for Carey Run [MOS] Sanctuary. 1974 as, “Ocean City Pelagic Trip.” Robbins (1973d) posted the following Maryland Rowlett 1974 coming events:

Feb *2-3 [1974]* Pelagic Trip from Ocean City. Reservations for Sunday boat still available ($14). Phone R. Rowlett (498-6091). Feb 26 [1974] Patuxent [Chapter] Monthly Meeting. Maryland's Pelagic Birds by Richard Rowlett. St. Philips Parish Hall, 6th & Main, Laurel, 7:45 p.m.

1973-1974 - Winter Rowlett (1974a) published a Maryland Birdlife article entitled, “Additional sighting of skuas in Maryland and Virginia waters” and the cover photo [Maryland Birdlife 30(3)] was Rowlett’s image of a Black-legged Kittiwake. 1974. Scott and Cutler (1974b) reported, “There were again a number of inland reports of wintering Whistling Swans. … Field feeding in this species continued to increase, in some cases many miles from water. Near Ocean City, Md., Rowlett found 200 on Jan. 20 [1974] in a field with cattle (“Cattle Swans”?)”

of 126

From North Carolina, Grant et al. (1976) documented:

“A phenomenal 85 Black-legged Kittiwakes were seen resting in the surf off Coquina Beach, Dare County, [NC] on 16 February 1974 by R.A. Rowlett and B. Edsburg (Teulings 1974b). “The recent Bodie-Pea Island sightings were enhanced by more thorough ocean coverage facilitated by access to a U.S. Coast Guard vessel on count day. Adequate winter pelagic coverage probably would reveal that the Black-legged Kittiwake is much more common immediately offshore than suspected. Recently, R.A. Rowlett [1974a] has found the Black-legged Kittiwake to be the most abundant gull a few miles off the Maryland coast. His observations are the result of a series of winter pelagic trips aboard cod fishing headboats. Rowlett recorded over 200 on 3 February 1972, ...”

Teulings (1974b) reported in American Birds from the Southern Atlantic Region for the winter of 1973-1974:

“… a remarkable 85 Black-legged Kittiwakes were counted at Coquina Beach, Cape Hatteras Nat'l Seashore, Feb. 16 [1974] (RR, BE).” “Observers noted small rafts of Brant at Hatteras Inlet on the North Carolina Outer Banks in late February (GG, RR, BE), the peak count being 35.” “Black Skimmers apparently overwintered in significant numbers along the upper N.C. coast, as indicated by counts [including] up to 30 at Cape Hatteras Feb. 18-23 [1974] (RR, BE, GG).” “Lapland Longspurs were again rare visitors in the Region this winter, all in North Carolina, where small numbers were noted at Cape Hatteras (GG, RR) …”

Teulings (1974b) reported from the Southern Atlantic region from North Carolina for the winter of 1973-1974:

“A detailed description was submitted by Richard Rowlett of an apparent Arctic Loon seen Feb. 17 [1974] on Pamlico Sound at Ocracoke, N.C. This is the first reported sighting of the species in North Carolina.” “Highlighting the shorebird records was a flock of 200 + Marbled Godwits seen at Ocracoke Inlet Feb. 17 [1974] by Richard Rowlett and Berit Edsburg. “Skua, Gulls, Skimmers -- A N. Skua was observed for 20 min. under good viewing conditions 1000 yards off the beach at Pea I. N.W.R. Feb. 18 [1974] by Rowlett and Edsburg, providing a firm third record for North Carolina. The same observers also reported finding an Iceland Gull in first-winter plumage at Oregon Inlet Feb. 16 [1974], as well as an imm. Glaucous Gull at Coinjock, N.C. on the same date. The latter sightings, however, were reported without details of the identifications. The Iceland Gull therefore can only be conditionally listed as a second record for the state, pending further documentation.

On 26 Feb [1974], Rowlett presented a program to the Patuxent MOS chapter on “Maryland's Pelagic Birds” (Robbins 1973d).

of 126

The cover photo of Maryland Birdlife 30(3), September 1974 was “Part of a flock of Black-legged Kittiwakes off Ocean City, Feb 2, 1974. Photo by Richard A. Rowlett.” 1974 - Spring Robbins (1974c) reported from Maryland from the spring of 1974:

“The peak northward movement of Common Loons took place during the period … As many as 104 were still present off Ocean City on Apr. 27 [1974] (Richard Rowlett).” “Richard Rowlett's pelagic trip from Ocean City to Baltimore Canyon (57 miles to the southeast) had recorded only 30 scattered Wilson's Petrels on the preceding day, but a scattering of 9 Sooty Shearwaters and a single Cory's Shearwater (27 miles out) provided some variety on the pelagic trip. Rowlett's Apr. 27 [1974] pelagic trip had been too early in the season for shearwaters and petrels but had yielded a tally of 278 brown-plumaged Gannets and 3 adults, mostly within 20 miles of shore.” “A high inland total of 32Red-breasted Mergansers on the Potomac River at Seneca on Apr. 7 [1974] indicates overland migration at that time (Richard Rowlett).” “In the Elliott Island marsh, Rowlett counted the calls of 138 Virginia Rails on Apr. 13 [1974], and 30 Clappers, 30 Virginias, 8 Kings, 8 Blacks, and a Sora on Apr. 27. No Blacks had called there on Apr. 13.” “A record count of 494 Red Phalaropes was obtained on Rowlett's Apr. 27 pelagic trip, all in a narrow band 50 to 52 miles offshore, as related by him (Maryland Birdlife 30:51-55). Only 9 Northern Phalaropes were seen on this sea trip. A Wilson's Phalarope was found by Dr. Tom Valega at Lake Needwood in Montgomery County on May 4. If we can count 45 miles offshore as within Maryland birding waters, this is the first time that all three of the world's phalarope species have been seen in Maryland in the same week.”

Scott and Cutler (1974c) reported from the Middle Atlantic Region for spring 1974:

“Of the 281 [Northern Gannets] noted off Ocean City Apr. 27 [1974], only three were fully adult birds (RAR et al.).” “Rowlett counted 138 Virginia Rails at Elliott I., Md., Apr. 13 [1974] along with 30 Clapper Rails, both excellent counts for this Chesapeake Bay area.” “An excellent incursion of Fulvous Tree Ducks occurred in coastal Delaware and New Jersey. … 16 were photographed at Woodland Beach, Del., Apr. 20 [1974] (RAR, CPW et al.), …” “… Red Phalaropes [were] reported offshore … [including], a remarkable 494 45-50 mi. off Ocean City Apr. 27 [1974] (RAR et al.)” “Skuas were reported [including] two off Ocean City, Md., Apr. 27 [1974] (RAR et al.).”

of 126

“Offshore reports of white-winged gulls included … one Glaucous and two Iceland Gulls 45 mi. east of Ocean City Apr. 27 [1974] (RAR et el.).” “Off Ocean City 40-50 mi., 1750 Herring Gulls were found Apr. 27[1974] associated with a large pod of finback whales (RAR et el.).” “There were … reports of Black-legged Kittiwakes, [including] three off Ocean City Apr. 27 [1974] (RAR et el.), the latter the latest spring record for Maryland”

1974 – Summer From an apparent trip west to California, McCaskie (1974) reported: “… Bendire's Thrashers were found nesting [in various places], a pair with three young was observed in Hidden Valley Camp Ground May 28 [1974] (RR), and another pair with four young was found on Ryan Mt., June 1 (RR); this is more than the average number of reports away from e. San Bernardino County.” [RR = “Richard Rowlett. PCD] Scott and Cutler (1974d) reported from the Middle Atlantic Region for the 1974 summer season”

“Rowlett observed a Curlew Sandpiper at Chincoteague Ref., July 28, [1974] …” “Rowlett counted an unusual concentration of 165 Seaside Sparrows in the Port Mahon, Del. area July 21 [1974], perhaps indicating early flocking prior to migration.”

From Virginia, Ake (1976) reported [all dates 1974]:

“White Ibis in 1974. On 30 July 1974 at Hog Island State Waterfowl Refuge, Surry County, Virginia, Jerry W. Via observed two immature White Ibis feeding with about 50 Snowy Egrets. During the period from 20 August to 8 September 1974 several observers noted a single immature White Ibis feeding with a large flock of up to 2500 Glossy Ibis on the Wash Flats section of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (R. A. Rowlett, P. W. Sykes, and C. P. Wilds). These appearances by White Ibis in Virginia follow the pattern of recent sightings of these birds, occurring as post breeding dispersals of young birds which usually make their first appearance in late June. The location they come from is to the south, the closest breeding location being near Morehead City, North Carolina. “Record Count of Stilt Sandpipers. The unusually dry summer season of 1974 brought about suitable shorebird habitat for early faIl migrants. During a complete census of Chincoteague Refuge on 27 and 28 July Richard A. Rowlett estimated 1200 Stilt Sandpipers scattered throughout the refuge in all the fresh and brackish water areas. He noted that none were seen on the tidal flats or salt marshes. High counts of unmixed feeding flocks were 165 and 140, and flocks containing 20 to 30 birds were commonly recorded. “Ruffs at Chincoteague. … Two fall Ruffs were reported here on 22 August 1974 (D. F. and J. M. Abbott), and one was observed three days [25 Aug 1974] later along the refuge drives (R. A. Rowlett).”

Rowlett (1973d) published a notice of upcoming pelagic trips for 1974: “Since last winter's charter trip was so popular and so successful, a boat has been chartered for 2 consecutive days, Sat. Feb. 2 and Sun.

of 126

Feb. 3. Space is limited to 30 persons per day. Reservations at $12 per day per person for one or both days are strictly on a first paid first served basis. These winter trips are strenuous, cold, wet, at times boring, at times exciting. They are definitely not recommended for those with an aversion to a tossing and pitching boat, or those susceptible to seasickness. Cancellations will be refunded as long as your vacancy can be filled, but $1 from each registration will be retained as a contribution to the MOS Sanctuary Fund.” Since Rowlett’s earlier pelagic trips yielded only skuas sight records, a later article (Rowlett 1974a) published photographic documentation of skuas in Maryland waters. His article was entitled “Additional sightings of skuas in Maryland and Virginia ocean waters”; however, with the 2013-redefined pelagic water boundaries (Hafner et al. 2013), even the reports described from Virginia are now considered to be in Maryland waters. Rowlett, and others on the boats, saw 5-8 skuas on 2 Feb 1974 about 33-37 miles SE of Ocean City, associating with a large flock of approximately 350 Black-legged Kittiwakes. On the following day (3 Feb 1974), on a “chase” trip to attempt to re-find these birds, the same number of skuas (5-8; probably the same birds?) were found approximately 44-45 miles SE of Ocean City. In his paper, Rowlett published transect maps of his pelagic trips where skuas were seen. This is a graphic technique that Rowlett also used in his later papers.

Transects of 1974 pelagic trips where skuas were observed. By R.A. Rowlett.

The skipper of the 2 Feb trip reported that a large school of surface feeding mackerel had been present recently in that area. Rowlett also recounted reports from local ship captains and from the Coast Guard that “up to 23 foreign fishing trawlers and two factory ships had been systematically working this area during the preceding several days. The dumping of junk fish and scraps, or “offal” from the factory ships may have been responsible for the bird concentrations.” A later pelagic trip, 27 Apr 1974, was also described in Rowlett’s article. On that trip, two skuas were observed approximately 45 miles out and one was with a flock of 1,000 Herring Gulls approximately 45

of 126

miles offshore. In the article, Rowlett stated that the assumed species of the observed skuas is Great Skua; however, he discusses the systematic status of the skuas and why these birds cannot be unequivocally assigned to a species due to the similarities of the Southern Hemisphere skua species. In the same article, Rowlett also documented the skuas he observed in Virginia waters. Scott (1975c) reported, “Purple Gallinule at Chincoteague. While birdwatching with his son Peter at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia, on 13 July 1974, R. J. Tripician spotted a Purple Gallinule feeding at the marsh edge along the west side of the wildlife drive. … Although shy, the bird was seen by those observers willing to be patient. On the following day R. A. Rowlett reported on the bird's shyness and noted that when spooked, it would fly up into the trees, 7 feet above the marsh, and peer out through the branches for extended periods of up to 30 minutes. Occurrences of this species along the Atlantic Coast north of its usual breeding range are rare but regular.” Scott (1975d) reported: “Saxis Marsh Observations. “… on 27 July 1974 Richard A. Rowlett found three Henslow's Sparrows and one Short-billed Marsh Wren in this same area [in the marsh along the road to Saxis, Accomack County, Virginia].” Scott (1975c) reported, “Curlew Sandpipers at Chincoteague. The Curlew Sandpiper was found twice at Chincoteague Refuge in 1974. R. A. Rowlett found one feeding with a small flock of Red Knots on 28 July, [1974] ...” 1974 - Autumn Robbins (1975a) reported: “Boat trips off Ocean City yielded the only Maryland Jaeger records of the fall. Richard Rowlett saw an adult Long-tailed Jaeger on Aug. 8 [1974], 50 miles out to sea; the only previous record of this species in Maryland was on May 1, 1906 at Ocean City. Rowlett also broke the early fall arrival date for the Pomarine Jaeger on Aug. 8 [1974]. On Oct. 19 [1974], Rowlett and party identified 1 Pomarine Jaeger and 3 Parasitics, and on Nov. 23 [1974], Pomarines and 3 Parasitics.” Robbins (1975a) reported: “The first Black-legged Kittiwakes were 8 seen off Ocean City on Oct. 19 [1974] and an immature flying off Assateague State Park the next day (Rowlett). The highest pelagic count was 134 on Nov. 23 [1974] (Rowlett). An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull 50 miles east of Ocean City on Oct. 19 [1974] (Rowlett, Hal Wierenga, Marshall Howe and Harold Morrin) was a welcome addition to the small number of Maryland records of this Old World species, and 2 Glaucous Gulls off Ocean City on Rowlett's Nov. 23 [1974] pelagic trip were the second earliest on record for the State.” Scott and Cutler (1975a) reported from the fall of 1974 from the Middle Atlantic region:

“… reports of Audubon's Shearwaters included four off Delaware and New Jersey Aug. 12-15 [1974] (RAR), … and a Manx Shearwater was reported well off Ocean City, Md., Aug. 8 [1974] (RAR). … Sixteen Greaters [Shearwaters] at Baltimore Canyon (60 mi. e. of Assateague 1., Md.) Nov. 23 [1974] seemed late (RAR et al.), ... Northern Fulmars were reported [including] one 50 mi. e. of Ocean City Oct. 19 (RAR & HW). A possible British Storm-Petrel closely examined off Ocean City Aug. 8 was-almost captured in a hand net (RAR). An early Great Cormorant was seen at Cape May Pt., Sept. 28 (RAR et al.)” “Fulvous Tree Ducks appeared in several locations. Rowlett found five near Delaware City, Del., Aug. 3, [1974] …”

of 126

“Locally excellent counts of Hooded Mergansers included … 500 at Brigantine Ref., Nov 24 [1974] (RAR et al.).” “An interesting pelagic observation was of 92 Whimbrels Aug. 11 [1974] and 45 on Aug. 13, all 50 mi. off Cape May migrating steadily and noisily in a southeasterly direction (RAR).” “Peak phalarope counts included … about 40 N. Phalaropes flying along the surf line at Chincoteague Ref., Sept.2 3 [1974] (BBwn & RAR).” “Jaegers, Gulls -- Numerous Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers were reported by the offshore parties, ... Small numbers of both species were seen by Rowlett off Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey Aug. 7-16 [1974], a rather early occurrence suggestive of summering birds. A sight record of an ad. Long-tailed Jaeger was made off Ocean City, Md., Aug. 8 [1974] (RAR),” “This was certainly the year for unusual gulls. Early Glaucous Gulls included one near Delaware City Aug. 3 (RAR) and a second-year bird at Chincoteague Ref., Aug. 22 (DFA & JMA). … [Adult] Lesser Black-backed Gulls were reported, one 50 mi. e. of Ocean City, Md., Oct. 19 (RAR & HW), … and one on the Anacostia R., D.C., Nov. 4 (RAR). A "mystery" gull, seen and photographed by many observers, remained at Brigantine I., N.J., Nov. 5-25 (JFA. EAC et al.) and was reported later at Barnegat Inlet (FG). It was variously thought to be an aberrant Franklin's, Mew, or Indian Brown-headed Gull or a hybrid escaped from some aviary.” A black and white photo of this “mystery gull,” taken by Rowlett at Brigantine NWR on 24 Nov 1974 appeared in this seasonal report.” “… the peak [Black-legged Kittiwake] count from the offshore parties was 134 off Ocean City Nov. 23 [1974] (RAR).” “… nine [Dovekies] were found at Barnegat Inlet Nov. 16 [1974] (RAR & EW), ... Kunkle carefully observed a Black Guillemot at Thompson Beach, N.J., Oct. 22, and a large unidentified alcid was seen off Ocean City, Md., Nov. 23 [1974] (RAR).” “Warblers - Rowlett noted ten species of land-bird transients which rested on his ship 40-50 mi. off Cape May Aug. 15 [1974], including one each of Golden-winged and Blue-winged Warblers.” “… a migrating Blue Grosbeak came aboard ship 35 mi. e.n.e. of Ocean City, Md, Aug. 8 [1974] (RAR), …”

Teulings (1975a) provided a tabular summary of fall 1974 pelagic sightings of North Carolina, including a Rowlett-party 1 Sep 1974 trip off Hatteras that tallied: 9 Cory’s Shearwaters, 3 Greater Shearwaters, 4 Audubon’s Shearwaters, 75 Wilson’s Storm-Petrels, 6 Northern Phalaropes, 14 Bridled Terns, and 9 Black Terns. Other Rowlett North Carolina fall 1974 sightings reported by Teulings (1975a) included:

“Nearly 200 Gannets were observed feeding off Cape Pt. Oct. 28 (RR, WMcD).”

“Mystery Gull” at Brigantine N.W.R., Nov 24, 1974. Photo / R.A. Rowlett

of 126

“Two King Elders were found at Cape Hatteras Oct. 28 (RR; photos).” “A Long-billed Curlew was seen at Pea I. N.W.R. as early as Aug. 2 (RA, PD, PS) and two were present there Aug. 31 [1974] (RR).” “… Baird's Sandpiper … two [were present] at Cape Hatteras Sept. 3 (RR), …” “A Hudsonian Godwit was present at Pea I. Oct. 6 (SA, AC, RC) and up to four were seen at Bodie I. Oct. 26 (RR, WMcD).” “Wilson's Phalaropes were seen in late August and early September (peak count of 4 at Pea I. Sept. 3 [1974], RR)” “In addition to offshore sightings listed in [Table1], four Pomarine Jaegers were noted … at Cape Pt., Oct. 28 [1974] (RR, WMcD).” “Several observers reported an abundance of Sandwich Terns along the Outer Banks through mid-October with flocks numbering into the hundreds seen along the beaches at Pea I and Cape Hatteras. Fifteen still lingered at Cape Pt, Oct. 28 [1974] (RR, WMcD) …” “The largest coastal concentration of Black Terns was noted Sept. 2 [1974] when an estimated 1350 were seen from the Ocracoke-Cedar I ferry (RR).” “Single W. Kingbirds were seen on the Outer Banks at Pea I. Oct. 6 (SA, AC) and Ocracoke Oct. 27 [1974] (RR),” “Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers were seen in great abundance on Ocracoke I., and heard flying overhead in countless numbers Oct. 27 [1974], with only a few remaining the following day after this massive influx (RR).” “A Dickcissel … was seen at Ocracoke I. Oct. 27 [1974] (RR).” “On the coast, a Lark Sparrow was seen at Oregon Inlet Oct. 26 [1974] (RR, WMcD), …” “White-crowned Sparrows, which seem to be steadily increasing as fall visitors and winter residents in the Region, were common on the N C Outer Banks in October (BD, LD, JOP, RR) …” “Three sightings of Lapland Longspurs were reported from the Outer Banks where as many as seven birds were seen at Cape Hatteras Oct. 28 [1974] (RR, WMcD).”

Two authors reported an enticing possible record of a European Storm-Petrel by Rowlett from August 1974:

Scott and Cutler (1975a) reported, “A possible British Storm-Petrel closely examined off Ocean City Aug. 8 [1974] was-almost captured in a hand net (RAR).”

of 126

Patteson et al. (2009) detailed, “Another European Storm-Petrel (then known as British Storm-Petrel) was reported by Richard A. Rowlett, who was working on a Duke University research vessel, from waters east of Ocean City, Maryland on 8 August 1974 Scott and Cutler (1975[a]). “The bird was nearly captured by hand with a dip net as it fed in the chum, and the small size and lack of foot projection beyond the tail were noted, but as it was not photographed (Richard A. Rowlett, Phil Davis, in litt.).” This report, as a potential MD/DCRC record was subsequently retracted due to the lack of contemporaneous documentation.”

On 24 Oct 1974, Rowlett and Will McDowell observed a massive flight of more than 8850 Cory’s Shearwaters offshore from Cape Point, Dare County, NC, during seven hours of counting. In his article (Rowlett 1978b), his first publication in the Carolina ornithological journal, The Chat, Rowlett also tabulates the species observed and provides a sketch of Cape Point and the relative positions of the flocks. Robbins (1975a) reported, “Richard Rowlett's pelagic trips off Ocean City almost never fail to add to our knowledge of distribution and migration dates of pelagic species. The most successful trips are those that succeed in reaching Baltimore Canyon, about 50 miles offshore. Such a trip on Oct. 19 [1974] provided the earliest arrival date for a Northern Fulmar, the first October sighting of a Greater Shearwater, and the latest fall departure date for a Cory's Shearwater off Maryland, all 50 miles out. Quite unexpected on the Nov. 23 trip were 16 Greater Shearwaters 62 miles east of Ocean City at Baltimore Canyon--another record-breaking date.” Teulings (1975b) reported in The Chat many Rowlett North Carolina records from the summer and fall of 1974:

“Gannet: Nearly 200 were observed feeding off Cape Point, Hatteras Island, N.C., on 28 October [1974] by Richard Rowlett and Will McDowell. It was noted that only a single adult was seen among this large aggregation.” “Double-Crested Cormorant: An impressive flight of an estimated 14,000 migrants was seen moving southward off Ocracoke Island, N.C., early on the morning of 27 October [1974] by Will McDowell and Richard Rowlett.” “King Eider: Two in female plumage were observed closely on 28 October [1974] at Cape Point, Hatteras Island, N.C., by Richard Rowlett. Photographs were taken to corroborate the identification.” “Long-Billed Curlew: … two were present there [on the North Carolina Outer Banks at Pea Island N.W.R.] on 31 August [1974], observed by Richard Rowlett.” “Baird's Sandpiper: Two occurrences of this rare fall transient were recorded on the North Carolina Outer Banks where … two were seen later at Cape Point, Hatteras Island, N.C., by Richard Rowlett on 3 September [1974].”

of 126

“Buff-Breasted Sandpiper: Along the North Carolina Outer Banks a single bird was seen at Pea Island N.W.R. on 31 August [1974] and another at Ocracoke Island on 2 September [1974] by Richard Rowlett.” “Hudsonian Godwit: Two Outer Banks occurrences were recorded during the fall season. … up to four were seen at the Bodie Island lighthouse pond on 26 October [1974] by William McDowell and Richard Rowlett.” “Wilson's Phalarope: Several scattered sightings of single birds were recorded by observers along the North Carolina Outer Banks during August and early September; Richard Rowlett reported four present at Pea Island N.W.R. 31 August to 3 September [1974].” “Pomarine Jaeger: Four were seen at Cape Point, Hatteras Island, N.C., on 28 October [1974] by Richard Rowlett and Will McDowell.” “Parasitic Jaeger: … On the Outer Banks, two were observed along the beach at Ocracoke Island on 2 September [1974] by Richard Rowlett, and the same observer sighted another at Cape Point on Hatteras Island the following day.” “Black Tern: An estimated 1,350 migrants were seen from the Ocracoke-Cedar Island, N.C., ferry on 2 September [1974] by Richard Rowlett.” “Western Kingbird: Two fall sightings were reported from the Outer Banks [included one] at Ocracoke Island on 27 October [1974] by Richard Rowlett.” “Dickcissel: One … was seen at Ocracoke Island, N.C., on 27 October [1974] by Richard Rowlett.” “Lark Sparrow: One was seen on the coast at Oregon Inlet, N.C., on 26 October [1974] by Will McDowell and Richard Rowlett.” “Lapland Longspur: A small flock of seven was seen on Hatteras Island, N.C., at Cape Point on 28 October [1974] by Richard Rowlett and Will McDowell. Two were also seen elsewhere on the Outer Banks at Ocracoke Island on 26 October [1974] by the same observers,”

Scott (1975a) recorded Rowlett as a participant on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Christmas Bird Count on 28 Dec 1974. Scott (1975b) wrote, “Winter Pelagics Offshore. Two winter boat trips organized by R. A. Rowlett out of Ocean City, Maryland, on 2 and 3 February 1974, with a combined total of 80 observers, yielded the best results yet of any winter pelagic trip off Virginia. The routes of the two trips went southeast from Ocean City and into Virginia waters about 35-40 miles out. Most of the interesting birds were in Virginia waters or just over the Maryland line [now, considered to be Maryland waters]. Among the more interesting observations made in Virginia were at least five Great Skuas and 500 Black-legged Kittiwakes each day. Details of these trips, with photographs of the skuas, were published elsewhere (Maryland Birdlife, 30:51-55, 1974 [Rowlett 1974a]). There are about four prior sight records of the Great Skua in Virginia.”

of 126

Ake and Scott (1976a) reported, “1974 Summer and Fall Shorebird Highlights. …Maximum counts of phalaropes were … an estimated 40 Northerns flying along the surf at Chincoteague Refuge on 23 September (R. A. Rowlett and Bonnie Bowen). 1974-1975 - Winter Hall (1974b) reported, “There were … reports of Pine Grosbeaks: Friendsville, Md., Dec. 17 [1974] (RRo [Rowlett].” Robbins (1974d) listed the following Rowlett coming events pelagic trips for 1975: Jan. 12 [1975] Pelagic Trip off Ocean City. Richard Rowlett Feb 1 [1975] Pelagic Trip off Ocean City. Richard Rowlett Feb 2 [1975] Repeat of same Pelagic Trip. [Richard Rowlett] Cost $18. Mar 8 [1975] Pelagic Trip off Ocean City. Richard Rowlett On 1 Feb 1975, a Rowlett Ocean City pelagic trip with 44 other observers encountered and photographed the first Maryland record of one sub- to near- adult Yellow-nosed Albatross near Baltimore Canyon. This same trip witnessed Maryland’s first seven Atlantic Puffins (of up to a total of 37 Maryland birds from 9 days at sea, over the next six weeks). All puffins were immatures. Rowlett (1975) documented the observations of both species, including other observations of puffins in mid-Atlantic pelagic waters between February and March 1975. Th7e overall results of a total of ten winter pelagic trips (12 Jan – 16 Mar) in DE, MD, and VA waters [VA records are now MD records due to the MD pelagic boundary changes] are also tabulated in this article (Rowlett 1975). In this article, Rowlett extended his appreciation to “more than 180 participants who contributed financially and visually to the 1975 winter charter trips off Ocean City.”

Cover [Maryland Birdlife 31(2); June 1975]: Sub to near-adult Yellow-nosed Albatross (Diomedea

chlororhynchos) in flight, 60 miles east of Ocean City, on February 1, 1975. Photo by Richard A. Rowlett.

of 126

Scott and Cutler (1975b) reported winter 1974-1975 Rowlett observations from the Middle Atlantic region:

“Perhaps the record of the season was a subadult Yellow-nosed Albatross watched for some 2 hours 57 mi. e. of Ocean City Feb. 1 (RAR, PGD, HM, et al.). This was apparently a first report for this Region, and numerous excellent photos were obtained. Another surprise was a Manx Shearwater 15 miles off Ocean City Jan. 12 (RAR & HWga), probably a first regional winter report of this species.” “Red Phalaropes apparently wintered at sea off the Delmarva coast. Rowlett and Barnhill counted 113 40-50 mi. e. of Ocean City Jan. 12, and Rowlett observed a few in this area Feb. 5-10.” “There were a record 29 sightings of Skuas off the Delmarva Pen, Jan. 12-Mar. 16, with a maximum of nine off Ocean City Feb. 1 [1974] (RAR et al.).” “Of special interest [were] … three [Glaucous Gulls] 45 mi. off Ocean City Mar. 16 [1974] with about 1000 Herring Gulls (RAR, PGD et al.). …” “The winter pelagic trips off the Delmarva Pen. were unusually productive of alcids. Two Razorbills were found off Ocean City Jan. 12 [1975] and one on Mar. 16 [1975] (RAR et al.), and at least one unidentified murre was seen here Feb. 1 [1975] (RAR). Strangely, the most common alcid in this area this winter was the Com. Puffin, a species rarely recorded previously in this Region. Some 39 individuals were noted offshore on six different days between Feb. 1 and Mar. 16 [1975] from Delaware south to Chincoteague, with a peak of 16 off Ocean City Feb. 2 [1975] (RAR, PGD, LKM et al.). None were seen closer to shore than 40 miles. These reports constitute the first sight records for Maryland; there was only one previous Virginia sight record. There were 35 sightings of Dovekies off Delmarva Jan. 12- Mar. 16 [1975] (RAR et al.).”

Ake and Scott (1976b) reported:

“Puffins Offshore. During a joint research cruise with the U. S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency on 6 February 1975 Richard A. Rowlett observed five Common Puffins in the area south of Baltimore Canyon 40 to 45 miles off Chincoteague, Virginia (Maryland Birdlife, 31:51-56, 1975 [Rowlett 1975]). All the birds were immatures and appeared reluctant to fly, preferring to dive to get out of the way of the boat. Identification was based on observation of the large dirty gray facial area of the bird and the shape of the all-dark bill. The prevailing current along the outer continental shelf is from the northeast, and Rowlett speculated that the occurrence of puffins in Virginia waters could be the result of simply drifting southward from the Canadian Maritimes with the help of the Labrador Current. … This new, well-documented report complete with photographic evidence will allow the Common Puffin to be moved from the hypothetical list to the accidental category of the official list of the birds of Virginia.” “Other species seen on the [Rowlett] 6 February 1975 cruise included 125 Gannets, 27 Red Phalaropes, two Great Skuas, 345 Black-legged Kittiwakes, five Dovekies, and a large unidentified alcid. This appears to be the first winter record of the Red Phalarope for Virginia.”

of 126

Robbins (1975c) wrote, “A record high total of 3 Glaucous Gulls was found on Richard Rowlett's Mar. 16 [1975] pelagic trip, 45 miles off Ocean City. See Mr. Rowlett's report on pages 51-56 of this issue [Rowlett 1975] for other pelagic sightings during this period.” 1975 - Spring On 1 Mar 1975, Rowlett conducted three separate identification workshops at the Glenelg, MD “Birding ‘75 Workshop,” a joint venture of the Patuxent Bird Club and the Howard County MOS. The three workshops were on shorebird identification, tern identification, and gull identification (MOS 1975). Meanley (1975:39) recounted in a chapter on Bobolinks (or “Reedbirds” as they were colloquially called back in the early days, “An ornithologist friend of mine, Richard Rowlett, recently saw a fall roost of some 65,000 of these birds near Ocean City, Maryland.” [As remarkable as that number sounds today, Meanley also stated that he estimated the roosting population on the Bohemia River marsh in the upper Bay region at 100,000 birds.] 1975 - Summer Robbins (1975e) reported, “Richard Rowlett's June 1 [1975] pelagic trip plowed through empty waters until they reached the 40-fathom line some 45 to 50 miles east-southeast of Ocean City. There, flying over a great pod of whales and dolphins, were five species of shearwaters and petrels: 40 Cory's Shearwaters, 5 Greater Shearwaters, 100 or more Sooty Shearwaters, 1 Leach's Storm Petrel, and a conservative estimate of 3,000 Wilson's Storm Petrels (Rowlett, Barnhill, Peter Pyle, and 29 other observers).” Robbins (1975e) reported, “Richard Rowlett again used a midnight version of the Breeding Bird Survey technique to monitor Black Rail populations along the Elliott Island road. In 1 to 1½ hours he counted 36 Black Rails on June 1 [1975] (10:45-11:45 p.m.), 21 on June 9 (1 to 2:30 a.m.), and 13 on June 15 (1:35 to 2:45 a.m.); these counts were a little lower than in past years. Rail call enthusiasts were astonished by Rowlett's observation that 9 out of 23 Virginia Rails heard in the Elliott Island marsh on June 9 were giving the "mystery call" that for so many decades had gone unidentified and had been erroneously attributed to the Yellow Rail; this call was not heard at all on June 1 or June 15.” Robbins (1975e) reported, “Two adult Sandwich Terns and 3 nests of Gull-billed Terns were on a channel island north of the Assateague bridge on June 7 [1975] (Rowlett);” Robbins (1975e) reported, “At least one Purple Gallinule resided along the C & O Canal at Seneca from June 19 to 29 [1975] (Rowlett).” Robbins (1975e) reported, “Bobolinks are notoriously early fall migrants, but an immature discovered on June 24 [1975] on the north end of Assateague Island by Richard Rowlett was so early one wonders how there was time in such a late season for it to have been raised to the point where it could be independent of its ‘parents--to say nothing of making a migratory flight of at least 100 miles.” Robbins (1975e) reported, “A Black-throated Blue Warbler singing on June 29 [1975] along Fifteen Mile Creek in eastern Allegany County (Rowlett) provided the first hint that this species may breed east of Garrett County, where it is found primarily at elevations above 2,000 feet.”

of 126

Scott (1975c) reported for the Middle Atlantic Region for summer 1975:

“The only pelagic trip report received was one off Ocean City, Md., June 1 [1975]. This trip was quite uneventful until the 40-fathom line was reached 45-50 mi. east-southeast of Ocean City, where a huge flock of seabirds was found feeding over a large pod of marine mammals. Included in this flock were 40 Cory's, five Greater, and 100+ Sooty Shearwaters and one Leach's and 3000+ Wilson's Storm-Petrels (RAR, MVB et al.).” “At Elliott I., Md. the maximum Black Rail count was 36 in one-hour June 1 (RAR & AL), and a Purple Gallinule, first seen near Seneca, Md. … remained at least to June 29 (RAR).”

Tuelings (1975c) published Rowlett sightings for the summer of 1975 from the Southern Atlantic Coast region:

“In the Gulf Stream 24 mi. off Cape Hatteras, N.C., 15 Cory's Shearwaters were seen July 5 [1975] (RR) .... Small numbers of Audubon's, Greater, and Sooty Shearwaters were recorded by several offshore parties during June and July ... Wilson's Storm-Petrels seemed to be the most abundant of the pelagics present off the coast of the Carolinas during the period. Counts of 60 to 75 were recorded off Hatteras … July 5 [1975] (RR)” “During a pelagic cruise July 5 [1975] aboard the "Shady Lady", Richard Rowlett recorded a good observation of a Skua 24 mi. ESE of Cape Hatteras. The bird flew within 60 yards of the boat and was well seen. This occurrence provides a rare record for North Carolina waters”

1975 – Autumn Robbins, C.S. (1975b) listed and upcoming Rowlett 1975 events:

Sep 7 [1975] Ocean City Pelagic Trip on the TALBOT. Richard A. Rowlett.

Oct. 19 [1975] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Register by sending $20 to Richard A. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Apt. 5, Laurel, 20810.

Gizzarelli 1975 penned: “Several of the chapter members have gone on the widely publicized Ocean City Pelagic Trips and seen Puffins, Skuas, and Dovekies plus an assortment of gulls and jaegers. We hope Our Fearless Leader, Rich Rowlett, will plan similar trips in the future.” Robbins (1975d): included the following upcoming Rowlett 1975-1976 pelagic trips:

6 Dec [1975] Ocean City. PELAGIC TRIP. Send $20 to R. Rowlett, 715 Main, Laurel 10 Jan [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Send $20 to R. Rowlett, 715 Main, Laurel. Register early. This and other pelagic trips will probably be oversubscribed!

Wierenga (1975) observed:

“Unquestionably, out of all the observations mentioned above, the Hudsonian Godwits emerge as the single greatest highlight of the season. Their appearance at all, let alone in unprecedented numbers, was a totally unexpected surprise. The flock of 21 on Sept. 25 [1975] exceeded the previous high Maryland count by fifteen (six were recorded on Assateague Island

of 126

on Sept. 17 and 24, 1950 by J. H. Buckalew and E. O. Mellinger). Unfortunately, the flock was restless and remained at Sandy Point only about ten minutes before heading east across the Bay toward Kent Island. Additional singles of this species dropped in on Sept. 26 and Oct. 2, but they too lingered only a few minutes before departing. The presence of these godwits was undoubtedly tied to Hurricane Eloise, whose remnants produced heavy rains and northeasterly winds in this area, Sept. 23-26, and very likely intercepted an offshore flight of these birds and blew them inland. Scattered flocks were deposited almost simultaneously throughout the northeastern United States, including nearby flocks of 27 in Washington, D.C., 12 near Norfolk, Va., and 19 near Dover, Del. Aside from the Sandy Point birds, Maryland's only other report during this bonanza was of a lone individual on a turf farm near Seneca, Montgomery County, on Sept. 26 [1975] by Richard A. Rowlett.”

Paxton et al. (1975) reported on fall 1975 New Jersey Rowlett landbird observations:

“Fall migration began precociously. A series of August cold fronts pushed migrants into the region at or near record early dates. Cold fronts on Sept. 13-14 and 22 produced major waves, but the principal weather feature of September was the aftermath of hurricane Eloise which poured rain on the region Sept. 23-26. The succeeding cold front on Sept. 27-28 released a deluge of pent-up migrants. “Rowlett visited Cape May Point, N.J., as the winds began to shift to NW on Sept. 27 [1975]. "As I expected, there were few songbirds, since they had probably remained grounded to the north. By noon, however, an excellent flight of hawks, especially small falcons, developed... numerous shorebirds were in the meadow." Rowlett's journal entry for Sept. 28 recalls some of the big days described in Witmer Stone's Bird Studies at Old Cape May (1937):

"Watched moon (half-moon) with scope at Higbee Beach between 1 - 4 a.m. A spectacular flight, running3 00-400 birds/hr. Peak flight occurred between 0230 and 0300. The pre-dawn twilight was a sensation in a new dimension of birding. An incredible deluge of warblers, thrushes, grosbeaks, flickers, and waxwings. Thousands of birds literally rained out of the sky all around me and swept past and out of sight. The sound of all the chips, chirps, zits etc. was mind-boggling...Hawk flight steady most of the day. More accipiters than falcons today. All shorebirds at meadow were gone.”

“The small Delaware breeding population of Purple Gallinules is thriving. A pair and downy young were observed at Bombay Hook N.W.R., Aug. 3 [1975] (RAR, HW, SW et al.) … for the second successive year.” “Wader species that normally migrate offshore were abundant onshore, particularly in the aftermath of Eloise [Oct 1975]. … Eloise seems to have grounded the main migration of Hudsonian Godwits all along the e. seaboard. In the days immediately following, there were ... 19 at Cape May Pt. (RAR), and a series of astonishing inland records: … at Dover AFB, Del. … up to 19 there Oct. 4-8 [1975] (DLA, RAR).” “The importance of the outer beach as a Com. Flicker migration path was reemphasized this season following Eloise. … on Sept. 28, … there was an "excellent" flicker flight … over 1000 passed Cape May Pt. (RAR).”

of 126

“Red-breasted Nuthatches, whose irruptions have often coincided with those of chickadees, staged a very strong early flight. … one bird came aboard ship 73 mi. e. of Rehoboth Beach, Del., Aug. 15 (RAR).”

Paxton et al. (1975) also reported on Rowlett’s fall 1975 New Jersey seabird observations:

“Pelagic Trips -- This region's new-found interest in birdlife far offshore continues unabated, despite the cold, seasickness and long empty stretches of many pelagic trips. The picture of pelagic populations and movements is slowly being filled in. “Rowlett spent Aug. 11-15 [1975] aboard a Marine Science Consortium Research Cruise out of Lewes, Del. On station 73 mi. E of Rehoboth Beach, Del., a Leach's Storm-Petrel* came aboard late at night on Aug. 11, and a Harcourt's Storm-Petrel* made the same error in the night of Aug. 14. The Leach's is a first Delaware specimen. The Harcourt's is a first Delaware record, and apparently the first North American specimen taken at sea under "normal" conditions, the five previous records being moribund storm-borne birds picked up inland. How "normally" this e. Atlantic species wanders to our offshore waters remains to be seen. The common petrel, and indeed the commonest species of the entire cruise, was of course Wilson's Storm-Petrel, with a peak daily count of about 250 on Aug. 13. “Among shearwaters, as expected, Rowlett found scattered Greaters and Cory's 73 mi. out, and 130 Cory's further out, over the continental shelf, at 96 mi. The prize in this department, however, was four Audubon's Shearwaters around the ship while at anchor 73 mi. out Aug. 15 [1975]. This species has proved regular in the Gulf Stream off the Carolinas, but its status off our coast remains to be clarified.”

Scott (1976a) reported fall 1975 Middle Atlantic region observations by Rowlett:

“The only significant pelagic trip reported was on Sept. 7 [1975] and yielded the second Virginia record of the Black-capped Petrel some7 2 mi. east of Chincoteague (RAR, PS, CPW et al.). Other species recorded on this trip included two Cory's and six Greater Shearwaters. The first Gannets reported were eight at Chincoteague N.W.R., Va. Oct. 5 [1975] (RAR et al.), …” “No outstanding heron concentrations were reported along the coast during the fall, but the Cattle Egret appeared inland in a number of localities. These included … 24 at Anacostia Naval Air Station, D.C. (A.N.A.S. below) Sept. 26 [1975] (JMA & RAR) …” “Other inland records included [a] single Glossy Ibis [at] A.N.A.S., Sept. 26 [1975] (JMA, RAR et al.) …” “American Golden Plovers were found in at least ten localities, the best counts being peaks of 80 near Centreville, Md., Sept. 28 [1975] (RAR), ... Also, of interest were 30 seen flying over the Atlantic 60 mi. east of Ocean City, Md., Sept. 7 [1975] (RAR, CPW et al.).” “Buff-breasted Sandpipers again appeared in at least six localities between Aug. 16 [1975] … and Sept. 26 (A.N.A.S.--RAR) … Inland records of Dunlins included a maximum of 16 at A.N.A.S., Sept. 25 [1975] (RAR et al ), … The peak Pectoral Sandpiper count at A.N.A.S. was 60 on Sept. 26

of 126

[1975] (RAR et al.), an unusual Piedmont record of the Short-billed Dowitcher was obtained at Lilypons, Frederick Co., Md., Sept 14 [1975] (RAR & SW),” “But it was really the Hudsonian Godwit that stole the show this fall. The clear, if irregular, increase in numbers over recent years, combined with an apparently fortuitous weather situation, produced the best concentrations and most widespread reports of this species on record. As noted in the nesting season report (AB 29 956 [= Scott 1975c]), this species first appeared at Chincoteague Ref in early July and then built up here to a summer peak of 16 on Aug. 9 [1975] (RAR). None were seen elsewhere in the region till EIoise hit in late September. After several days of easterly winds (east of a frontal system stalled over the region), Sept. 25 revealed 27 Hudsonian Godwits at A.N.A.S. (ten of which remained to Sept. 30-- JMA, RAR et al.)., certainly an inland record for this region, ... It is, of course, pure conjecture as to whether or not the easterly winds intercepted an offshore flight of these birds and deposited them here at the edge of the front, but at the moment there are no alternative explanations. But these were not the only reports. One was found even farther inland near Seneca, Md., Sept. 26 [1975] (RAR), … and at Chincoteague Ref. … 53 [were found] on Oct. 5 [1975] (RAR et al.), a record regional count.” “Two Reeves were found at A.N.A.S., Sept 19 [1975] (RAR), …” “A Sanderling was observed far inland at Lilypons, Md., Sept. 14 [1975] (RAR & SW),” “Rowlett noted 32 unidentified phalaropes at sea off Chincoteague Sept. 7 [1975].” “Lesser Black-backed Gulls continued to be reported with increasing frequency, and four probably different birds were observed this fall. A subadult [was] found at Chincoteague Ref., Aug. 17 [1975] (RAR & CK) ... At Bowie, Md. an adult appeared Nov. 13[1975] (HW et al.) only to be joined by a subadult Nov. 22 [1975] (MVB, JL, RAR et al.), both remaining at least to the end of the month.” “Black Tern … late inland records … included one at A.N.A.S., Sept. 26 (RAR) ...” “… reports were … received of single W. Kingbirds [at] Ocean City Oct 19 [1975] (PGD, RAR et al.), …” “… Yellow-headed Blackbirds [reported] were … two banded at Laurel, Md. (fide RAR) …”

Teulings (1976a) reported for the Southern Atlantic Coast region Rowlett observations from the fall of 1975 from North Carolina:

“Pelagic observations by several parties in Gulf Stream waters off the North Carolina coast during the period from late August through early October indicated the presence of good numbers of Cory's Shearwaters, Audubon's Shearwaters and Wilson's Storm-Petrels. Small numbers of Greater Shearwaters were also seen. A single Black-capped Petrel was sighted 21 miles off Cape Hatteras Oct. 12 [1975] (RA, RR et al.).” “… a massive flight of over 20,000 Double-crested Cormorants was seen moving past Ocracoke I. during the early daylight hours of Nov. 30 (RR).”

of 126

“An unusually large flock of 800 Brant was seen at Ocracoke Inlet on the Outer Banks Nov. 30 [1975] by Richard Rowlett.” “A large flock of 950 Red Knots was seen at Ocracoke I. Nov 30 (RR) …” “A few Red Phalaropes were seen in the Cape Hatteras area by offshore cruise parties in August, September and October [1975] and a crippled bird of this species was picked up on Ocracoke I., Nov. 29 [1975] (RR; *U S N.M.). [USNM # 567886] … An offshore sighting of 70 N. Phalaropes was recorded off Cape Hatteras Oct. 12 [1975] (RR)” “an imm Black-legged Kittiwake was also noted there [Cape Point on Hatteras I.] Nov 28 [1975] (RR).” “An estimated 3000 Forster's Terns were seen at Hatteras Inlet Nov. 29 [1975] along with eight late Sandwich Terns (RR).” “A Scissor-tailed Flycatcher was well photographed by Richard Rowlett at Ocracoke I., Oct. 27 [1975], …” “A close and well described sighting of a Green-tailed Towhee at Bodie I., N.C., Nov. 28 [1975] was reported by Richard Rowlett. It is of interest to note that specimens have previously been taken in South Carolina and Georgia and that a bird tentatively identified as this species was seen last May in the same locality as the presently reported sighting (GC, unpubl.).”

Robbins (1975f) posted the following upcoming Rowlett 1976 events:

Feb. 1 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Register by sending $20 to Richard A. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Apt. 5, Laurel, 20810. Mar. 6 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Register by sending $20 to Richard A. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Apt. 5, Laurel, 20810. Mar. 23 [1976] Patuxent [Chapter] Annual Meeting. Shorebirds, Richard Rowlett. 7:45 pm

In the December 1975 issue (vol. 31, no. 4) of Maryland Birdlife a full-page advertisement ran announcing birding tours sponsored by World Nature Tours [Don Messersmith, Founder and President] offering birding trips in the U.S. and worldwide, adding that expert local leaders are used, and groups are small. Rowlett was listed as the leader of an announced Arctic Canada tour on 25 Jun – 10 Jul [1976] Robbins (1975g) listed the following Rowlett 1976 coming events:

Apr. 11 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel Apr. 14 [1976] Talbot [Chapter] Meeting. Pelagic exploration for seabirds, Rowlett. Maryland Room, Loyola S & L Assn., Easton, 8 p.m. Apr. 25 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel

of 126

May. 7-9 [1976] Annual Convention, Fenwick Inn, North Ocean City, featuring Ellis Porter Friday evening, field trips Saturday & Sunday. For Sunday sea trip send $20 to Richard Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel, Md. 20810 (reservations for this trip will be taken in order of receipt of boat fare).

Teulings (1976b) reported Rowlett fall 1975 observations from North Carolina in The Chat:

Double-Crested Cormorant: A massive flight of over 20,000 migrating cormorants was seen moving past Ocracoke Island, N.C., during the early daylight hours of 30 November [1975] by Richard Rowlett. Brant: A flock of 800 was seen in Pamlico Sound between Ocracoke and Portsmouth Islands, N.C., on 30 November [1975] by Richard Rowlett. Red Knot: Good counts [included] 950 at the southern end of Ocracoke Island on 30 November [1975] by Richard Rowlett. Northern Phalarope: Sightings were noted by several cruise parties off Cape Hatteras, N.C., during the fall season, highlighted by a count of 70 on 12 October [1975] reported by Richard Rowlett. Red Phalarope: A few were seen by observers in waters off Cape Hatteras, N.C., during September and October [1975], and an injured bird was found at Ocracoke Island, N.C., on 29 November [1975] by Richard Rowlett (specimen to U.S. National Museum). Black-Legged Kittiwake: … An immature was seen at Cape Point, Hatteras Island, N.C., on 28 November [1975] by Richard Rowlett. Forster's Tern: Over 3000 were massed at Cape Point on Hatteras Island, N.C., on 29 November, [1975] observed by Richard Rowlett. Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher: One was observed and photographed at Ocracoke Island, N.C., on 23 October [1975] by Richard Rowlett. Lark Sparrow: One was a feeder visitor at Pawleys Island, S.C., from mid-September through early October (F.M. Probst); and another was seen at Ocracoke Island, N.C., on 15 October [1975] by Richard Rowlett. Lapland Longspur: Two coastal sightings were reported from the Outer Banks where an individual was found near the Hatteras Lighthouse on 11 October by David Lee and two birds were seen at Ocracoke Island on 25 October [1975] by Richard Rowlett.

1975-1976 - Winter On a 6 December 1975 pelagic, Rowlett (1976a) and 39 other observers observed and captured the first photographs of Manx Shearwater in Maryland waters. Rowlett (1976a) published an article on all Maryland Manx Shearwater records. He documented three prior 1974-1975 sight records but also the

of 126

photographed record (published photograph by Bob Augustine) of a bird observed on the 6 Dec 1975 pelagic trip by a boatload of observers. Robbins (1976a) reported,

“The Gannet count on Rich Rowlett's pelagic trip off Ocean City on Dec. 6 [1975] exceeded 500 individuals. An estimate of 2,000 Double-crested Cormorants in the Ocean City area on Oct. 19 [1975] (Paul DuMont, Richard Rowlett and Robert W. Smart) is a record high tally for the fall migration; …” “Richard Rowlett's pelagic trip off Ocean City on Dec. 6 [1975] yielded 270 Red Phalaropes. “Five skuas were counted by Richard Rowlett and party off Ocean City on Dec. 6 [1975], but there is some doubt as to whether our Maryland skuas are Northern Skuas from the North Atlantic breeding grounds or South Polar Skuas. The two birds are so similar that they cannot be reliably separated under field conditions. The same pelagic trip yielded an estimate of more than 600 Black-legged Kittiwakes as well as single early Glaucous and Iceland Gulls.”

Scott (1976b) reports the following winter 1975-1976 Rowlett observations from the Middle Atlantic Coast:

“A series of four pelagic trips was led by R. A. Rowlett out of Ocean City, Md. to the edge of the continental shelf and Baltimore Canyon about 60-70 mi. to the east and southeast. Among the choice results of these trips were 76 N. Fulmars on Mar. 7 and 12 on Mar. 20 and single Greater and Manx Shearwaters on Dec. 6, the latter well photographed and seen by about 43 observers. Both the fulmers [sic] and the Manx Shearwater were observed in both Maryland and Virginia waters.” “Good concentrations of Gannets were found along the coast with peaks of … 500 off Ocean City Dec. 6 [1975] (RAR et al.).” “Fulvous Tree Ducks appeared … [with] one at Blackwater Dec. 7-11 (RAR, MLH et al.)” “The pelagic trip off Ocean City Dec. 6 [1975] recorded 273 Red Phalaropes, and a single was found here Mar. 7 (RAR et al.).” “At least 20 jaegers were found off Ocean City Dec. 6 [1975], of which the only ones positively identified were five Pomarines and one Parasitic, though a possible imm. Long-tailed Jaeger was also seen (RAR, PP et al.). One or more Skuas were observed on all four of the pelagic trips out of Ocean City, with a peak of six on Feb. 1 [1976] (RAR et al.).” “… a possible imm. Thayer's Gull was photographed at the Ocean City inlet Feb. 8 (RAR, PGD, RWS et al.) … “Three ad. Little Gulls wintered at Ocean City (MLH, RAR et al.), …. [Black-legged Kittiwake] was recorded on all the pelagic trips with a maximum of 600 on Dec. 6 [1975] (RAR et al.). These trips were also highly productive of alcids. Single Razorbills were noted Dec. 6 [1975] and Feb. 1 [1976]; Dovekies were recorded on all four, the best totals being 73 on Dec 6 [1975] and 51 on

of 126

Feb. 12 [1976]; and Com. Puffins were observed on two trips, one on Dec. 6 [1975] and seven on Feb. 1 [1976] (RAR et al.)” “Single ad. ♂ Yellow-headed Blackbirds were noted near Blackwater Ref., Dec. 7 [1975] (RAR, PGD et al.) …” “A count of 54 Lapland Longspurs near Ocean City Dec. 29 [1975] (RAR, BSB & EE) was apparently a record for Maryland”

During another trip to his home, Rowlett recorded a wintering Lincoln’s Sparrow on the Marysville, Missouri Christmas Bird Count on 20 Dec 1975 (Kleen 1976). 1976 - Spring Robbins (1976d) reported on Rowlett’s 7 March 1976 pelagic trip:

“Richard Rowlett's pelagic trip to Baltimore Canyon on Mar. 7 [1976] produced not only the third Maryland record of the Fulmar, but a fantastic total of 76 of them, nearly all in Maryland waters between 45 and 66 miles east of Ocean City. One was a dark phase bird; the others were in the light phase typical of North Atlantic birds. The two previous Maryland records were of single individuals. “Quite unexpected was a lone Red Phalarope on the pelagic trip off Ocean City on Mar. 7 [1976] (Rowlett and others), not only the earliest Maryland record, but the first in the month of March. “The Mar. 7 [1976] pelagic trip to Baltimore Canyon produced most of the fancy larids that were seen during this period: 5 skuas (of unknown species), 3 Iceland Gulls, 1 Glaucous Gull, and 21 Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rowlett and many others). “Four Dovekies were the only alcids observed off Ocean City on Mar. 7 [1976] (Rowlett).”

Rowlett-sponsored pelagic trips in mid-May 1976 produced “first” Maryland reports of one Sabine’s Gull (9 May) and two separate Arctic Terns (16 May). These records were documented by Rowlett (1976b). The Sabine’s Gull [MD/1986-017 was subsequently accepted by the MD/DCRC; however, the Arctic Tern reports [MD/1986-020 and MD/1995-034] were found to be equivocal and were not accepted. Robbins (1976f) reported:

“Richard Rowlett's famous pelagic trips off Ocean City continued to produce new and interesting records, some of which will be written up in more detail by him. On the Convention trip on May 9 [1976] the 17 observers went all the way to Baltimore Canyon, 60-65 miles east of Ocean City, where they encountered an amazing total of 48 Northern Fulmars and an estimated 1,700 Wilson's Storm Petrels. Our failure to find the latter species on previous Convention trips is most likely because we did not go far enough out to sea rather than the earliness of the Convention date. Paul DuMont was the only observer on board to detect a single Leach's Storm Petrel among the Wilson's. On Richard's May 16 [1976] pelagic trip only 300 Wilson's Storm Petrels were found, but 13 Sooty Shearwaters were sighted.

of 126

“The offshore count of Northern Gannets dropped from 230 on Apr. 11 to 2 on May 9 [1976] (Rowlett). A Magnificent Frigatebird, the fourth record for Maryland, was seen on Apr. 14 over a tidal gut off Route 611 near Ocean City by Dale Brown, who is very familiar with this species in Florida and the Bahamas. Richard Rowlett, who investigated and reported the observation, pointed out that this "all black" bird could not have been the same individual as the white-plumaged bird that turned up at Chincoteague, Va. in mid-May. “Six Red Phalaropes and an estimated 1,000 Northern Phalaropes were seen about 55 miles east of Ocean City on Rowlett's May 9 [1976] pelagic trip, but only 20 Northerns were found on May 16 [1976]. “Soras were scarce this spring (Armistead), but Hills heard 2 on May 30 [1976] at Irish Grove where they have not been known to nest. He heard a Black Rail there at 11 p.m. the same evening. At Elliott Island, Mark Hoffman broke the arrival date for Black Rails when he heard 2 on Apr. 23. On the next night [24 Apr 1976] Rowlett counted 6 individuals between 9:30 p.m. and 2 a.m., and he had a Yellow Rail as a bonus. “A single skua (identified only to genus) was sighted on the Apr. 11 [1976] pelagic trip, and there were 2 on the unprecedented late date of May 9 [1976] (Rowlett and many others). On the latter trip single Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers were identified, and on the May 16 [1976] trip there were 2 Pomarines (State departure record) and 1 Parasitic (Rowlett and party). “Black-legged Kittiwakes departed early, with only a single bird found off Ocean City on Apr. 11 [1976] (Rowlett).”

Paxton et al. (1976) reported Rowlett spring 1976 sightings from Hudson Canyon:

“Since they first became regular off this coast about five years ago, N. Fulmars have become normal, and are seen in ever increasing numbers. Of seven sea trips for which we have reports this season, fulmars were seen on all but one. They were observed on all four late May trips to Hudson Canyon (H.C.), 85 mi. e.s.e. of Barnegat Light, N.J. Maxima there were 14 on May 29 (PWS, RAR, Urner Club, D.V.O.C.) …” “The Urner Club and the D.V.O.C. hit the jackpot with four Stercorariids at H.C. [Hudson Canyon] on May 29 [1976], in what Rowlett describes as "the finest jaeger show I've ever experienced at sea": three Long-tailed Jaegers (ph.), up to four ad Pomarines (one dark-phase), one Parasitic, and one Skua (ph.) "all hovering and feeding over a chum slick right off the stern" (RAR, PWS, 80 obs.).” Manx Shearwater was identified … three at H.C. on May 29 [1976] (PWS, RAR).” “Traditionally we expect Cory's Shearwaters later in the summer, but increased offshore coverage indicates regular small numbers in spring, perhaps mostly well offshore. The first New Jersey May record dates from last spring. This season they were reported on three out of four H.C. [Hudson Canyon] trips in late May, with a maximum of 19 on May 31 [1976] (RAR), ...

of 126

“Wilson's Storm-Petrel reached modest maxima of … 750 at H.C. May 29 [1976] (PWS, RAR), but Leach's Storm-Petrels were found only at the edge of the Continental Shelf and beyond: six at H.C. May 29 (PWS, RAR),” “Among a number of late Gannets at the end of May was one which illustrated a new ecological hazard. An immature dead of starvation was fished out of the sea at H.C. May 29 [1976] with its bill entangled in a pair of ladies' panty-hose (PWS, RAR).” More astonishing was ad. Garganey at B.H.N.W.R. Apr 24-May 5 (DWF, RAR, PGD et al.). Since the first record for this continent, at Hatteras in 1957 (AFN 11 334), we know of only two other e. North American reports; one on Prince Edward I., in the early 1970s and one at Plum I., Mass., in 1968, the latter not published because there was some possibility of an escape (fide DWF). … [However], Ryan has ascertained that no one is now breeding Garganey in the United States, that the last importation dates back several years, and that none are left in collections in this area …”

Scott (1976c) reported Rowlett observations from the spring of 1976 from the Middle-Atlantic:

“The migration was relatively uneventful and somewhat of a puzzle. The warm weather through early May would normally have presaged an early migration, but this was certainly not the consensus of field observers. J.W. Eike probably summed up the migration best with the statement, from northern Virginia, that the "migration was spotty here, some birds early, some late." One universal agreement among observers was that there were no major concentrations or waves of passerines, but minor waves were reported in the Washington, D.C. area on May 7, 17, and 21 [1976] (RAR).” “A boat trip off Ocean City, Md., May 9 [1976] yielded 48 N Fulmars, 1700 Wilson's Storm-Petrels, and one Leach's Storm-Petrel (RAR, PGD et al.),” “… an apparently ad. ♂ Magnificent Frigatebird was seen near Ocean City Apr. 14 [1976] (DBn, fide RAR).” “Yellow Rails were reported calling, one … at Elliott Is., Md., Apr. 24 [1976] (RAR).” “Offshore phalarope counts included six Reds and 1000 N. Phalaropes off Ocean City, Md., May 9 and 20 [1976] Northerns in the same area May 16 (RAR et al.).” “Skuas through Skimmers - Rowlett's pelagic trips off Ocean City listed one Skua Apr. 11 [1976] and two May 9 [1976]. Although all or most -- skuas in this area are thought to be Catharacta skua (C.s. skua of the A O U. Check-list), there are possibilities of other species, especially C. maccormicki, so the true composition of the population here will have to await further study, as will the validity of some of the species themselves.” “A large spring concentration of gulls at S P S.P. reached a peak of about 8000 on May 1, and a remarkable ten species were identified here between Apr. 25 and the end of May. Among these were … at least three different Iceland Gulls May 1-21 [1976] (HLW, RAR et al.), …”

of 126

“At least seven different Franklin's Gulls appeared at S P.S.P., May 11-30 [1976], with up to five being seen at one time (HLW, MLH, RAR et al.).” “An ad. Sabine's Gull was identified 68 mi. e. of Ocean City May 9 [1976] (RAR, PGD, BB et al.), … Further publication … in more detail is planned.” “Two Gull-billed Terns … Two were seen at S.P.S.P., May 10 [1976] (RAR) …” “Two different Arctic Terns were observed closely and photographed 50 and 60 mi. e. of Ocean City May 16 [1976] by many observers (JMA, MVB, RAR et al.). All field marks were noted including the supposedly diagnostic all notes.” “Among the very early warbler reports were six Worm-eating Warblers at Shad Landing S.P., Md., Apr. 11 [1976] (RAR), a Parula at Seneca, Md, Apr 4 [1976] (RAR), a Magnolia at Shad Landing S.P., Apr 24 [1976] (RAR), …” “Several observers reported numerous Henslow's Sparrows at Elliott l., Md., with a peak count of 13 here May 10 [1976] (RAR).”

Teulings (1976c) reported from Southern Atlantic Coast region (North Carolina) from the spring of 1976:

“During the third week of May impressive numbers of shorebirds were concentrated along the N.C. Outer Banks with over 30,000 birds seen at Oregon Inlet May 18 (RA, RR). The tally on that date included 400 Semipalmated Plovers, 175 Black-bellied Plovers, 1200 Ruddy Turnstones, 2000 Least Sandpipers, 8500 Dunlin, 2800 Short-billed Dowitchers, and an estimated 17,500 Semipalmated Sandpipers. A rare Curlew Sandpiper was also present among the migrants, along with 70 White-rumped Sandpipers, 30 Stilt Sandpipers and four N Phalaropes (RA, RR).”

Teulings (1976d) reported from North Carolina for The Chat for spring 1976:

“Semipalmated Plover: An estimated 400 were seen among a large concentration of shorebirds at Oregon Inlet, N.C., on 18 May [1976] by Richard Rowlett and Robert Ake.” “Ruddy Turnstone: An estimated 1200 were seen at Oregon Inlet on the North Carolina Outer Banks on 18 May [1976] by Richard Rowlett and Robert Ake.” “Least Sandpiper: A count of 2000 was recorded at Oregon Inlet, N.C., on 18 May [1976] by Richard Rowlett and Robert Ake.” “Curlew Sandpiper: An individual in nearly full breeding plumage was observed and photographed at Oregon Inlet, N.C., on 18 May [1976] by Richard Rowlett.” “Dunlin: Over 8500 were among massive numbers of shorebirds found at Oregon Inlet, N.C., on 18 May [1976] by Robert Ake and Richard Rowlett.” “Semipalmated Sandpiper: Large flocks totaling an estimated 17,500 migrants were seen on the North Carolina Outer Banks at Oregon Inlet on 18 May [1976] by Richard Rowlett and Robert Ake.”

of 126

“Sanderling: The above-mentioned concentration of shorebirds at Oregon Inlet, N.C., on 18 May [1976] included at least 3500 Sanderlings as reported by Robert Ake and Richard Rowlett.” “Northern Phalarope: Four were seen feeding at the Oregon Inlet, N.C., sandflats on 18 May [1976] by Richard Rowlett and Robert Ake.”

1976 - Summer Scott (1976d) reported from the Middle Atlantic Coast during the summer nesting season of 1976:

“A June 10 [1976] offshore trip to Norfolk and Washington Canyons, 65-70 mi. e. of Cape Charles and Exmore, Va., respectively, yielded 22 Cory's, nine Greater, two Sooty, and one Audubon's Shearwater, along with 288 Wilson's Storm-Petrels (RAR). On the previous day [ 9 Jun 1976] five Leach's Storm-Petrels had appeared at sunset 30 mi. e. of Chincoteague (RAR).” “… the best Whimbrel count was 400 at Chincoteague Ref., July 24 [1976] (RAR).” “Hudsonian Godwits were first noted at Chincoteague Ref., July 9 (LKM), increasing to 16 on July 24 (RAR & SW).” “Early migrating N. Waterthrushes were heard overhead at Chincoteague Ref. in the early morning hours of July 25 [1976] (RAR & SW),”

LeGrand, Jr. (1976) reported Rowlett summer 1976 observations from North Carolina

“The peak counts of the four common shearwaters along and off the North Carolina coast predictably fit the pattern established in recent years. Sooties are seen in greatest numbers along the coast with strong E winds late May to early June (100+, Bodie I., June 5-RLA, PGD, HL et al.). Greaters peak offshore in June and early July (18 off Cape Lookout June 23, PHW; and 15-20 off Carolina Beach July 10, JFP), and Cory's and Audubon's peak offshore in July and August (94 Cory's and 21 Audubon's off Cape Hatteras Aug.1 [1976] --RAR).” “About 300 (80% adults) [Brown Pelicans] were counted at [a colony near Ocracoke, N.C.] July 31 [1976] (RAR), an excellent count for the state.” “Shorebirds -- One-hundred Am. Oystercatchers on N. Rock I. near Portsmouth, N.C., and 38 Wilson's Plovers at nearby Ocracoke, both July 31 [1976], were high counts for the Outer Banks region (RAR).” “Rare but regular in late summer-fall along the coast were single Long-billed Curlews [including one at] Portsmouth I., N.C., July 31 [1976] (RAR, PGD, FS).” “One of the most remarkable migration highlights of late summer was an unusual movement of Spotted Sandpipers on July 31 [1976] along the Outer Banks, where the species is by no means common (RAR, PGD, FS) The observers counted approximately 100 beside and on the road on Ocracoke I. It was also the most common bird on the beach at Hatteras village, and many were heard in flight between 3 :30 a.m. and daylight at the village. The same birders noted a Curlew

of 126

Sandpiper in 90% breeding plumage on the n.e. tip of Portsmouth I., July 31, a very rare sighting for the Region.” “Outstanding White-rumped Sandpiper counts for the Region were … 70 at Pea I., June 6 [1976] (RAR et al.).” “Other noteworthy high counts were 5,000 Semipalmated Sandpipers and 60 Black-necked Stilts at Pea I., June 6 [1976] (RAR).” “Only two Bridled Terns were seen this summer, single birds … off Cape Hatteras Aug. 1 [1976] (RAR, PGD).”

Buckley et al. (1976) acknowledged Rowlett for providing multiple Hudson-Delaware region summer 1976 contributions and there were many reports from the Hudson Canyon; however, none were credited to Rowlett. Only one land bird Rowlett report was listed. [I suspect some Rowlett (“RAR”) Hudson Canyon pelagic observations may have been credited to another observer (perhaps “RR”), but I may be wrong.] The report provided was: “Summer(-ing) Red Crossbills, likely but unproven breeders, were two found in the New Jersey Pine Barrens near Atsion June 1 [1976] (RAR) …” 1976 - Autumn Scott (1977a) reports on fall Middle Atlantic region fall 1976 observations:

“Only two reports of pelagic trips were received this fall, both out of Ocean City, Md. to Baltimore Canyon, about 60 mi. to the east. Of particular interest on these were a Greater and an Audubon's Shearwater Sept.3 [1976] (RAR et al.) and three Audubon's, an early N. Fulmar, and400 Wilson's Storm-Petrels Sept. 26 [1976] (RAR et al.). The first Great Cormorants appeared at Ocean City Oct 22 [1976] (RAR) …” “The best jaeger counts were off Ocean City, with eight Pomarines Sept. 26 [1976] and five Parasitics Sept. 3 [1976] (RAR et al.).” “… a Black-legged Kittiwake off Ocean City Sept. 26 [1976] (RAR et al.) was quite early.” “A sub ad. Bridled Tern was photographed 26 mi. e.s.e. of Ocean City Sept. 26 [1976] (RAR et al.), apparently the second Maryland record.” “Rowlett's pelagic trips out of Ocean City totaled 40 Red Phalaropes Sept. 3 [1976] and three Reds and 12 Northerns Sept. 26 [1976] (plus numerous unidentified ones).” “… two [Clay-colored Sparrows] were present on Assateague I., Md., Oct. 22-27 [1976] (RAR, J & MS & CPW).” “… [on n. Assateague I., Md.] was a Smith's Longspur … also located the next day by Rowlett, Wierenga, and others. The first Snow Buntings were noted at Chincoteague Ref., Oct. 24 (RAR) …”

Teulings (1977) reported Rowlett observations from North Carolina from the autumn 1976 season:

of 126

Teulings included a single Black-capped Petrel from a Rowlett 1 Aug 1976 pelagic trip in his table of “Fall pelagic sightings off the Outer Banks.” “The [inland] fall warbler migration was described as "spectacular" … Movements along the Outer Banks were, by contrast, generally unspectacular … although an influx of several thousand Palm Warblers Oct. 11 [1976] at Ocracoke I. drew special comment (PD, RR).” “Two Outer Banks sightings of Clay-colored Sparrows were recorded during October [1976] (PD, RR), …”

Robbins (1976b) reported the following scheduled fall and winter 1976 Rowlett pelagic trips and presentations:

Sep. 3 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St, Laurel Sep. 26 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St, Laurel Oct 1 [1976] Anne Arundel [Chapter] Sea Birds & Marine Mammals, R. Rowlett. Library, 8pm Oct 5 [1976] Baltimore [Chapter] Pelagic Birds and Mammals, Cylburn, 8pm. R. Rowlett Oct 31. [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St, Laurel Nov 20 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St, Laurel Dec 4 [1976] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St, Laurel Dec 12 [1976] Chesapeake Bay Boat Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main, Laurel Dec 16 [1976] Montgomery Exploring the Outer Banks, Richard Rowlett. Perpetual Bldg. Auditorium, Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda

On 21 Oct 1976, Rowlett was the featured speaker on the topic of “Pelagic Birds and Mammals off the Atlantic Coast” at the Philadelphia, PA 86th Annual Banquet of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club (LaVia 1976). Quoting Meritt (1979), “Mr. Rowlett's discussion of sea birds and mammals off the Atlantic coast was both educational and enjoyable.” On the landbirding front, Robbins (1977a) reported on the techniques Rowlett used to search for an uncommon sparrow, indicating his diligence to locating and documenting rarities. Robbins wrote, “Rarely does one spend a long weekend searching for a particular rare Maryland bird in a place where it has never been seen and come home successful. Using this technique Richard Rowlett located not 1 but 2 Clay-colored Sparrows at the entrance to Assateague State Park headquarters on Oct. 22 [1976]; he submitted three pages of notes to substantiate his find. There are only five previous records for the State.” Robbins (1976e) reported the following upcoming 1977 scheduled Rowlett pelagic trips and presentations:

Jan. 8 [1977] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel.

of 126

Feb 5 [1977] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel. Feb 6 [1977] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel, Mar 5 [1977] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel. Mar 17 [1977] Patuxent [Chapter] Birding the Outer Banks, R. Rowlett. 6th & Main, 7:45.

Rowlett ran an advertisement for his upcoming 1977-1978 Maryland pelagic trips in the September 1976 issue of Maryland Birdlife (vol. 32, no. 3, p. 134):

Robbins (1975g) reported the following 1977 scheduled Rowlett pelagic trip and presentations:

Apr. 1 [1977] Frederick [Chapter] Spring Shorebird Identification, Richard Rowlett. Hodson Science Bldg., Hood College, 7:30 pm. Apr 23. [1977] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel. Apr 24 [1977] Ocean City Pelagic Trip. Contact R. Rowlett, 715 Main St., Laurel. May 15 [1977] Ocean City Pelagic Trip During Convention. Send $30 to R. Rowlett who will hold 25 places for MOS members until Apr.15.

Robbins (1976c) reported:

“Convention Announcement. 1977. Maryland Birdlife 32(2):53 This year's Convention will be held on May 13-15 [1977] at the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, Md. Because of rising costs there will not be Sinepuxent Bay boat trips this year, but there will be an all-day (4 a.m. to 8 p.m.) pelagic trip, May 15; 25 places will be held for MOS members until Apr. 15; send $30 to Richard Rowlett, 715 Main St., Apt. 5, Laurel, Md. 20810.”

of 126

Robbins (1976h) reported:

“Richard Rowlett had Maryland's first August observation of a Greater Shearwater off Ocean City on the 14th [14 Aug 1976]. “Rowlett organized and conducted two very productive pelagic trips to Baltimore Canyon, 60 miles east of Ocean City in September. On Sept 3 [1976]. he estimated 425 Wilson's Storm Petrels, 7 Cory's Shearwaters, and one each of Greater and Audubon's Shearwater, almost all of these being over the Canyon. These are the first September records for the Greater and Audubon's Shearwaters in Maryland waters. On Sept. 26 [1976] departure records were broken for the Wilson's Storm Petrel (about 400--birds from 70 to 80 miles east of Ocean City) and Audubon's Shearwater (3 birds 42 miles east-southeast of Ocean City); and a record-early Northern Fulmar (light phase) was encountered 36 miles east-southeast of Ocean City. “Rowlett's pelagic trips yielded 5 Parasitic Jaegers on Sept. 3 [1976], 25 to 30 miles off Ocean City, and 8 Pomarine Jaegers on Sept. 26 [1976]. “… 3 Red Phalaropes were counted by Rowlett and party off Ocean City on Sept. 26 [1976]. The first Red was encountered at Ocean City on Aug. 14 [1976] (Rowlett), and 40 Reds seen 45 to 50 miles off Ocean City on Sept. 3 [1976] by Rowlett's pelagic party were early for that big a concentration. “… an immature Black-legged Kittiwake 70 miles east of Ocean City on the very early date of Sept. 26 [1976] (Rowlett and others). “The earliest arrival dates for terns were as follows: Maryland's second Bridled Tern (a subadult, photographed) about 26 miles east-southeast of Ocean City on Sept. 26 [1976] (Rowlett); …”

The cover photo of issue of Maryland Birdlife 1976 vol. 32, no. 4 is of a Northern Fulmar by Rowlett. 1976-1977 - Winter Robbins (1977a) reported, in Maryland Birdlife, Rowlett’s winter 1976-1977 reports:

“Maryland's first winter Whimbrel was discovered, also on Assateague Island, on the Ocean City Christmas Count (Rowlett). An ill Red Phalarope found on the Assateague beach on Oct. 10 [1976] was taken to the U.S. National Museum of Natural History (Dr. Prescott Ward). A high tally of 305 Reds rewarded Richard Rowlett and his Ocean City pelagic trip, 42 to 60 miles east of Ocean City on Dec. 4 [1976]. “Single Pomarines were seen from the Ocean City shore on Oct. 17 and Nov. 28 [1976] (Rowlett). Rowlett and party found 3 Parasitic Jaegers and a magnificent total of 37 Pomarines on the Dec. 4 [1976] pelagic trip off Ocean City; the Parasitics were only 10-15 miles offshore, but most of the Pomarines were in the 42-60-mile range.

of 126

“Rarely does one spend a long weekend searching for a particular rare Maryland bird in a place where it has never been seen and come home successful. Using this technique Richard Rowlett located not 1 but 2 Clay-colored Sparrows at the entrance to Assateague State Park headquarters on Oct. 22 [1976]; he submitted three pages of notes to substantiate his find.” “On Dec. 4 [1976] Rowlett and party counted 5 Little Gulls with a flock of 300 Bonaparte's 12-15 miles off Ocean City; this ratio of 1 to 60 should encourage everyone to examine each Bony with great care, at least along the coast. (The Bonies on the Annapolis Christmas Count were studied in flight in good light and did not include any other species.) Off Ocean City on Dec. 4, Rowlett noted that none of the 750 Black-legged Kittiwakes observed were adults. There were about 5 first-year birds to each 3 second-year birds. “Twelve Greater Shearwaters seen 42 to 60 miles east of Ocean City on Richard Rowlett's Dec. 4 [1976] pelagic trip extended the fall migration period of this species in Maryland into December for the first time. On the same trip 3 Northern Fulmars (1 light phase and 2 tan-colored birds) were encountered 60 miles east of Ocean City in Baltimore Canyon. Rowlett estimated that about 240 Northern Gannets crossed their path during the course of this trip.

In 1976, Rowlett began a term as an MOS State Trustee/Director from Montgomery County (Front matter. Maryland Birdlife 32(2):34. 1976.) Brady (1976) summarized pelagic trip results off of the New Jersey coast, in which he wrote, “I am most indebted to Richard Rowlett for use of his records in both Hudson and Baltimore Canyons.” Woodward (1976) wrote, “Again this year we had a varied and interesting group of monthly programs. … Richard Rowlett talked about spring shorebirds …” Brethwaite (1976) referenced Rowlett’s spring Lilypons, MD Rufous Hummingbird record in her note on a Devon, Pennsylvania record for the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club’s journal, Cassinia. Buckley et al. (1977) relayed Rowlett reports from Delaware from the 1976-1977 winter season:

“Northern Fulmar reports are keeping pace with, or exceeding, increased offshore winter work. Maxima this season included 27 on Mar. 5 in the Hudson Canyon area (D.V.O.C. trip), 30 in shelf water between Baltimore and Hudson Canyons Feb. 5 (RAR), and 100 with the Polish fishing fleet 75 miles e. of Sea Isle City, N.J., Jan. 16-18 (TK). Except for the fishing fleet count, these are pale ghosts indeed of the Georges Banks counts this winter (see p. 305), but only ten years ago even one or two would have been astounding and possibly disbelieved.” “Skuas, Gulls, Terns, Alcids--"Great" Skuas of indeterminate species were seen from ships as follows: four on Feb. 4 [1977] between 38°37’N and 38°52’N in shelf waters (RAR), … [N.B. twenty Skuas (!) were also reported 16-18 Jan 1977 by another observer “with the Polish fishing fleet” 75 miles e. of Sea Isle City, N J.] … In view of earlier comments in this column on H-D Region skuas (AB 30:936, 1976), readers are referred to a paper by Finn Salomonsen comparing Stercorarius (=Catharacta) skua and S. maccormicki and reporting the first Greenland occurrence of the latter form (Dansk. orn. Foren. Tidsskr. 70 81-89, 1976). We predict that most, but possibly not all, winter skuas will be the nominate skua, and most, possibly all, late spring, summer and early fall skuas will be maccormicki.”

of 126

“… an immature [Lesser Black-backed Gull] was seen offshore by RAR Feb. 5 at ca. 38°26'N, 73°30'W in shelf waters.” “… Common Puffins were also seen only offshore: five on Feb. 4 in shelf waters at ca. 38°51'N, 73°07'W (RAR), …”

Scott (1977b) posted Rowlett reports from the Middle Atlantic region from the 1976-1977 winter season:

“[One] Whimbrel … was observed at Ocean City Dec. 29 [1977] (RAR et al.), the first Maryland winter record.” “Phalaropes Through Alcids -- The pelagic trip off Ocean City Dec. 5 [1977] yielded a host of interesting birds, including 110 Red Phalaropes, two Skuas, ten Pomarine, six Parasitic, and 11 unidentified jaegers (RAR, LKM et al.).” “Outstanding was a Com. Murre at Ocean City Dec. 29 [1977], a first record for Maryland. The bird was well seen by many observers and photographed by Rowlett.” “A second Smith's Longspur was found in late December with the one previously reported on n. Assateague I. Md. (RAR et al.), and both were still present Jan. 16 when several photographs were taken (MLH, PP & PS). As in November, these birds were associating with about 55 Lapland Longspurs.”

In Robbins’ (1977b) final, outgoing “The Season” report, before retiring as the report editor, he acknowledged, “Richard Rowlett reports his coastal and off-shore observations in great detail.” In his incoming first “The Season” report as editor, Ringler (1977) acknowledged, “Major contributors for Tables 1 and 2 and other field notes were: … Richard Rowlett …” 1977 - Spring On a 26 Mar 1976 Ocean City pelagic trip, Rowlett (1977a) et al. observed and photographed a Bridled Tern approximately 23 nm ESE of Ocean City. This was the second Maryland record, with the first being a storm-blown birds observed inland at Salisbury. Ringler (1977) reported:

“High counts of shearwaters off Ocean City were 6 Cory's (rare in spring) and 29 Sooty Shearwaters, both on May 29 [1977]. Five Sooties on Apr. 24 broke the arrival record for the State. In addition, Manx Shearwaters were seen on Apr. 23 (3), Apr. 24 (1), Apr. 30 (3), May 8 (1) and May 29 (1). A single Leach's Storm Petrel was seen on Apr. 30. Breaking the State arrival record by 4 days were 30 Wilson's Storm “Petrels on Apr. 23. High count for this species was 1,177 on May 29. All pelagic notes fide Rich Rowlett.” “Another Little Gull was off Ocean City on Apr. 23 [1977], another adult Lesser Black-back was there on Apr. 30, and two adult Black-legged Kittiwakes on May 29 were the latest spring records by a month (Rowlett).”

of 126

“Five Pomarine Jaegers off Ocean City on May 29 [1977] (Rowlett) were late ….

Scott (1977c) reported from spring 1977 from the Middle Atlantic region:

“Pelagic trips off Ocean City, Md. produced 13 N. Fulmars Mar. 5 [1977] (JBB, RAR et al.) …” Paxton et al. (1977) included in their Hudson-Delaware region from the spring of 1977 a general comment related to pelagic observations of the era: “Tubenoses to Ibises--Northern Fulmars, unknown off our region a decade ago, can now be numerous around the fishing fleets well offshore, at least in the colder months. … Area pelagic specialists are wondering how the removal of foreign fishing fleets beyond the new 200-mi limit will affect the concentration of pelagic birds, especially scavengers like fulmars. As late May shearwater and jaeger reports form a unit with early summer observations, they are deferred to the next issue for fuller study.” Vaughn (1977), in his report on the 1977 MOS Convention, acknowledged a “[7 May 1977] Baltimore Canyon boat trip to search for pelagic species.” In an April 1977 Washington Post newspaper article on the “sport” of birdwatching, including participation by local Washington, D.C. political luminaries such as James Schlesinger and Elliot Richards, the reporter (Scarborough 1977) refers to our local dean of birdwatching, Chan Robbins, and writes, “The lowest-key, most soft-shoe guy imaginable, Robbins also enjoys taking monthly chartered boat trips with Richard Rowlett of Laurel, Maryland, who regularly turns up "real goodies" like the yellow-nosed albatross, Sabine's gull, Manx shearwater and razorbill lark, none of which had ever been spotted in Maryland before Rowlett did.” 1977 - Summer Scott (1977d) reported Rowlett observations from the Middle Atlantic region from the summer of 1977:

“A pelagic trip out of Ocean City, Md. to Baltimore Canyon May 29 [1977] yielded six early Cory's Shearwaters and a Manx Shearwater, among others (RAR, PGD et al.). On a two-day trip July 3-4 [1977], 59 Greater Shearwaters were recorded at Washington Canyon off Wachapreague, Va., and at least 130 (and probably hundreds more) Cory's Shearwaters were found off Ocean City July 4 [1977] (RAR).” “Purple Gallinules were seen … at Chincoteague Ref., … July 2 [1977] (RAR),” “A Ruff was first seen at Chincoteague July 2 (RAR), remaining throughout the month, …” “Five Pomarine Jaegers off Ocean City May 29 [1977] (RAR, PGD et al.) provided a record late spring observation for Maryland, and one Parasitic Jaeger there July 4 [1977] (RAR) seems to represent the first July record for the state.” “A Gray Kingbird, a first record for Virginia, was observed briefly but well at Chincoteague Ref, July 7 (RAR);”

LeGrand, Jr. (1977) listed various Rowlett summer North Carolina records, all from 1976:

of 126

“Cory's Shearwater: Richard Rowlett and Paul DuMont tallied 94 birds on a pelagic trip off Cape Hatteras, N.C., on 1 August [1976]. “Greater Shearwater: … five were noted off Cape Hatteras, N.C., on 1 August [1976] by Richard Rowlett and Paul DuMont. “Audubon's Shearwater: … Twenty-one were seen in the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras, N.C., on 1 August [1976] by Richard Rowlett and Paul DuMont. “Curlew Sandpiper: One in 90% breeding plumage was seen on Portsmouth Island, N.C., on 31 July [1976] by Richard Rowlett, Paul DuMont, and Frank Schaff.”

From the lobster boat, Jack Pot, on 24 Aug 1977, in Washington Canyon, Rowlett observed and documented (Rowlett 1979) the first Virginia sight record of Bridled Tern, at sea. Pelagic-wise, Ringler (1978a) reported, “There were few pelagic trips this season, but Rowlett reports one Audubon's Shearwater was 20 mi. SE of Ocean City on Aug. 23 [1977], and on Sept. 18 [1977] there were 8 Cory's Shearwaters and 225 Wilson's Storm Petrels off Ocean City. 1977 - Autumn On a 7 Sep 1975 pelagic trip, Rowlett (1977c) and 23 other pelagic birders recorded a sight record of a Black-capped Petrel 60 nm due east of Assateague Island. Rowlett indicated that his notes and sketches were submitted to the VSO Records Committee for review. This observation now falls within Maryland’s redefined pelagic boundaries. Vickery (1978) recorded that Rowlett ventured north and made a crossing on the then famous Bluenose ferry that used to sail between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and was renowned for its pelagic observations: “Alcids were again very scarce this fall. … Eight Razorbills were counted from the "Bluenose" Nov. 27-28 (RR et al.) ... Dovekies numbered a sparse 20 [for the region]; six seen on two "Bluenose" crossings, Nov 27-28 were indicative of the species' scarcity (RR et al.).” However, Rowlett had a banner 1977 fall land bird season, in terms of both quantities and rarities. Ringler (1978a) commented:

“There were several reports of Fulvous Whistling Ducks. Nine flew in and landed on the Potomac River at Violet's Lock, Montgomery Co., Sept. 21 [1977] (Rowlett). “A Reeve (female Ruff) was at Lily Pons, Frederick Co., Sept. 21 [1977] (Rowlett).” “Passerine migration proceeded steadily until the night of Sept. 28-29 [1977] when vast numbers of birds moved south. Rich Rowlett's experience at Pt. Lookout, St. Marys Co., was most interesting. At dawn of the 29th he found a cornucopia of birds on the ground and in a thicket only 150 X 30 feet. Rich estimated there were 350 Common Flickers, 24 Red-breasted Nuthatches, 40 House Wrens, 400 Gray Catbirds, 100 Brown Thrashers, 200 Swainson's Thrushes, and 14 species of warblers including 30 Black-and-whites, 2 Yellows, 30 Magnolias, 55 Yellow-rumps, 25 Palms, 3 Connecticuts, 40 Common Yellowthroats, and 25 American Redstarts. Conspicuous by their small numbers were one Red-eyed Vireo, 10 sparrows of 2 species, and no blackbirds. All of these birds were probably migrants as Rich reports that "by 11:30 there was

of 126

not a clue that a massive flight had ever taken place." Apparently, the birds had moved off in search of food, having quickly exhausted the supply at their first landfall after coming down from over the Bay. “Buff-breasted Sandpipers appeared … at West Ocean City, Sept. 9-10 (Rowlett). “Five Northern Phalaropes were off Ocean City, Sept. 18 [1977] (Rowlett). “An early flight of Red-breasted Nuthatches was noted in several areas, but the boldest of these birds was found 74 miles east of Ocean City on a pelagic trip, Sept. 18 [1977] (Rowlett). “A Reeve (female Ruff) was at Lily Pons, Frederick Co., Sept. 21 [1977] (Rowlett). “High counts of Water Pipits were 200 near Galena, Kent 20 Oct. [1977] (Rowlett), … “Lesser Golden Plover arrived in unprecedented numbers in Maryland in October. In a plowed field near Galena, Kent Co., a flock of up to 850 by Oct. 22 [1977] had gathered before moving south (Parks, Rowlett). “Rowlett found a LeConte's Sparrow at Ocean City, Oct. 23 [1977], only the second seen in Maryland.” “A Lark Bunting was found at the Angelica Nursery, Kent Co., Nov. 18 [1977] (Rowlett, Parks), the fifth state record. A descriptive article will appear in a later issue. “Rowlett observed 15 Pine Grosbeaks migrating silently past Dans Rock, Nov. 19. [1977] “Rowlett saw an adult male Yellow-headed Blackbird near Galena, Nov. 20. [1977]

Scott (1978a) reported fall 1977 Rowlett observations from the Middle Atlantic region:

“… the only report of a major passerine flight was at Point Lookout, Maryland, where Rowlett found large numbers arriving at dawn on September 29 [1977]. Major constituents of the flight were Common Flickers, Gray Catbirds, and Swainson's Thrushes …” “… a trip out of Ocean City, Md, SE to Washington Canyon Aug. 23 - 24 [1977] yielded four Audubon's Shearwaters, three of these in Virginia waters (RAR). Peak counts of other species included 26 Cory's Shearwaters on the Aug. 23 - 24 [1977] trip (RAR) and 225 Wilson's Storm-Petrels off Ocean City Sept. 18 [1977] (RAR et al.).” “A Great Cormorant on the Potomac R., at St. Georges I., Md., Sept 29 (RAR) was apparently a record early date for the state, …” “… Rowlett and Parks found a raft of 200 at Eastern Neck I., Nov. 18 [1977].” “Fulvous Whistling Ducks were reported in four localities [including]: nine on the Potomac R., near Seneca, Md., Sept. 21 [1977] (RAR), … and one at S.P.S.P., Nov. 9 - 10 (HLW, SJM, RAR et al.)”

of 126

“Some 20,000 Surf Scoters were estimated moving S off Assateague I., Md., Oct. 23 - 24 (RAR, SW), …” “Rowlett felt that Long-billed Dowitchers seemed to be more numerous this fall than usual and recorded 200 at Chincoteague Ref., Oct. 3 [1977].” “… a Hudsonian [Godwit] at S.P.S.P., Oct. 4 [1977] (RAR) [was] unusual for the upper Chesapeake, ... A single Ruff … appeared on the Piedmont at Lilypons. Frederick Co., Md. Sept. 21 [1977] (RAR). … Aside from small numbers at Chincoteague, the only other avocet reported was one near Berlin, Md., Sept. 9 (RAR). … Wilson's Phalarope that took the prize … [and included] one near Berlin Sept. 10 (RAR).” “… two subad. Bridled Terns seen at Washington Canyon Aug. 24 (RAR), the latter a first for Virginia.” “A Ground Dove that spent virtually all-day Nov. 10 at S.P.S.P., was seen by about 40 birders and was well photographed (HLW, SJM, CSR et al.). This appears to represent the fourth Maryland record of the species.” [The seasonal report included a photo of the dove by Rowlett].

Common Ground Dove, Anne Arundel Co., Md., Nov. 10, 1977. First state photograph, 4th record. Photo/R.A. Rowlett.

“There were several astonishing late reports of Rough-winged Swallows. Rowlett reported 10 at Lilypons, Md., Sept. 21 [1977], …” “An early imm Northern Shrike showed up at S.P.S.P., Nov. 9 - 10 and was seen and photographed by many observers (HWL, CRS, RAR et al.).” “… Yellow-headed Blackbirds … reported [included], … a male near Galena, Md., Nov. 20 (RAR).” “A ♀ Lark Bunting, making the fifth Maryland record, appeared near Galena Nov. 18 [1977] and remained into December (FLP, RAR, PGB et al.) where it was seen and photographed by

of 126

numerous observers [the seasonal report included a photo of the Lark Bunting by Rowlett], and Rowlett found Maryland's second Le Conte's Sparrow at Ocean City Oct. 23 [1977].” “Lapland Longspurs were reported … at Ocean City Oct. 24 (RAR, SW).”

Rowlett (1978a) published extensive details of his sight record of the 23 Oct 1977 LeConte’s Sparrow at 120th Street in Ocean City, Maryland’s second record, by him and other observers. The article contrasted the differences between LeConte’s and similar sparrows. Parks (1978) wrote, “In November [1977], Richard Rowlett spoke and gave an excellent presentation on pelagic birding.” 1977-1978 - Winter Rowlett (1977b) documented the first Maryland records of Common [“Thin-billed] Murre. The first was spotted by Jay Sheppard, in the water from the north tip of Assateague Island on the 29 Dec 1976 Ocean City Christmas Bird Count and observed by Rowlett and later others. In the same article, Rowlett details the second Maryland observation by him and Steve Witcomb from a sports fishing boat 35 km SE of Ocean City on 16 Jan 1977. In the December 1977 issue of Maryland Birdlife (vol. 33, no. 4, p. 152), Rowlett placed another, graphic, advertisement for his upcoming series of 1978 pelagic trips:

Rowlett (1977d) published a note in American Birds encouraging pelagic birders to make accurate records of pelagic observations. He explained the basics of Loran navigation [remember, there was no GPS back then!] and solicited pelagic participants to seek the aid of their captain to obtain accurate location measurements. Cheevers (1977) reported, “Anne Arundel Chapter: The speakers to whom we are deeply indebted, and their subjects were: Richard A. Rowlett "Sea Birds and Marine Mammals, …"

of 126

Hodge (1977) reported, “Frederick Chapter [MOS]: [I]n April we were given a very complete and helpful illustrated talk on "Spring Shorebird Identification" by Richard Rowlett. We were happy to share these last two programs with the students in the Hood College ornithology class. The generosity of our speakers in sharing their time, experiences, and expertise with us has been highly appreciated] Birders truly are "the nicest people." Wilds (1977) reported, “Montgomery County Chapter [MOS]: Our two final programs were presentations by two of the chapter's finest photographers, Bill Oberman on "Fauna and Flora of the Rockies" in April and Rich Rowlett on "Exploring and Birding the North Carolina Outer Banks" in May.” Ropes (1977) reported, “Talbot County Bird Club [MOS]: We held monthly meetings from September through April. Some of our outstanding programs were: … "Seabirds and Marine Mammals off Ocean City" by Richard A. Rowlett; …” Bystrak (1977) reported, “We [Patuxent Chapter] wish to thank the following speakers who gave freely of their time and efforts: Dr. William Bodenstein, Dr. Bill Oberman, Dr. Donald Messersmith, Wayne Klockner, Luther Goldman, Rich Rowlett, Dr. David Farr and Floyd Murdoch and Dave Holmes.” Meanley (1977), in his book on the “Birds of the Dismal Swamp [VA and NC],” acknowledged and listed several Rowlett records from May 1972. In 1977, Weske et al. (1977) published a paper that relied on earlier 1972 Rowlett Sandwich Tern encounters:

“On 14 May 1972 R. A. Rowlett saw two "Cabot's" Terns feeding in the Ocean City Inlet, Worcester County, Maryland (Robbins, 1972[c]) and earlier that day had seen two, thought to be the same birds, east of Ocean City (Rowlett, 1973[b]). Later that year, on 25 July [1972], Rowlett (1973[b]) photographed two "non-breeding plumaged" Sandwich Terns among several hundred Royals flying about a colony on a small dredge-spoil island in Sinepuxent Bay, Worcester County, Maryland. One was seen at the same spot on 5 August [1972] by JSW. Landing on the island, which lies 0.7 miles south of Gray's Point, he found a few Royal Tern chicks still too young to fly, but it was apparent that most of the birds produced in the colony had already fledged.” “The Virginia' breeding population decreased in 1974. Ten pairs tried to nest on Adams Island but failed due to a late June storm (Erwin, personal communication). One adult (no nest) was found in a large, successful Royal Tern colony on Metomkin Island (JSW). In Maryland, however, on the same island in Sinepuxent Bay where Rowlett had seen two grown birds in 1972, three well-feathered but still flightless young Sandwich Terns were among 123 young Royals corralled for banding on 2 August [1974] (Erwin, Frank and Robin Smith, JMS, JSW). One of the young sandvicensis is shown in [Figure 1.] This breeding record is the first for Maryland and the northernmost breeding locality for the Sandwich Tern in the Western Hemisphere.”

Scott (1978b) reported winter 1977-1978 sightings from the Middle Atlantic region by Rowlett:

“The only shearwaters reported were six Greaters off Ocean City, Md., Dec. 3 [1977] (RAR, MVB et al.), …”

of 126

“Gannets were in good numbers during the early part of the winter. Rowlett's pelagic trip off Ocean City Dec 3 [1977] recorded 1400, a record Maryland count, …” “A Harlequin Duck at Annapolis first on Feb. 5 [1978] (RAR) …” “… one [Marbled Godwit] lingered at Ocean City at least to Jan. 3 [1978] (RAR, MLH).” “The pelagic trip off Ocean City Dec. 3 [1977] totaled 38 Pomarine Jaegers (RAR, MVB et al.), but there were no other jaeger reports.” “Rowlett and party counted 424 Black-legged Kittiwakes off Ocean City Dec. 3 [1977], …” “A Razorbill was seen off Ocean City Feb. 4 (RAR, MVB et al.).” “An ad. ♀ Varied Thrush was present at Savage, Howard Co., Md. Dec. 11- 15 (PGD, ph. -- RAR et al.) where it was seen by hordes of observers.” “The featured finch of the winter was clearly the Com. Redpoll, which flooded the n. part of the Region in unprecedented numbers. Although two were found near Baltimore as early as Nov 10 [1977] … it was mid-January before most areas recorded them, and the floodgates didn't open until late in the month and early February. In Baltimore and Laurel, Md., flock sizes reached 150 in February (RAR, RFR et al.), and there were lower numbers reported all over Maryland and n. Virginia. … Along with these birds came the predictable reports of possible Hoary Redpolls, accompanied by furious and sometimes acrimonious debate concerning identification criteria. Probably valid was one near Burtonsville, Montgomery Co., Md., Feb. 11-16 [1978] (FM, CSR, RAR et al.), and up to two at Baltimore first on Jan. 29 (MR, EATB, RFR et al.). "Convincing" photographs were obtained of the latter birds (DWH) Other reports of this species remained unverified.” “The Lark Bunting previously reported near Galena, Md., remained into late December [1977] (fide RAR).” “… on n. Assateague I., Md., Rowlett and others totaled 21 "Ipswich" Sparrows Dec. 29 [1977].” “Rowlett made a 90-mi roadside census in snow-covered Worcester County, Md., Mar. 4 [1978] and totaled 804 Tree Sparrows, most feeding along the road shoulders. A Clay-colored Sparrow remained at a feeder near Churchville, Harford Co., Md., Jan. 15 - Feb. 15 [1978] (KU, RAR et al. -- ph.), for the second state winter record.” [A photo of the Clay-colored Sparrow by Rowlett is included in this seasonal report.]

Kleen (1978) reported a Rowlett observation of a Gyrfalcon on the 18 Dec 1977 Swan Creek Missouri Christmas Bird Count. Klimkiewicz and Solem (1978) acknowledged Rowlett as a contributing observer to the first county-wide breeding bird atlas pilot studies (of Montgomery and Howard counties). Based on work performed in the UK, these studies were designed to “test the feasibility of an atlas project in the United States and to ascertain the problems that needed to be solved for a successful atlas.”

of 126

The cover photo of the 1978 issue of Maryland Birdlife vol. 34, no. 2 is of a Common Redpoll at Laurel, Md., Feb. 23, 1978 by Rowlett. Ringler (1978b) reported on the redpoll invasion and other Rowlett winter 1977-1978 sightings:

“Montgomery - Jan. 1 [1978], 40 in a grove of ornamental birches at Gude's Nursery, Rockville (Rowlett). At the end of February Rowlett counted about 150 near his feeder in Laurel. Worcester - Mar. 4, 16 roadside birds during a 90-mile drive (Rowlett). “Hoary: Feb. 11-16 [1978] - Spencerville, Montgomery Co., a male at a feeder (Floyd Murdoch, Rowlett, Robbins, et al.) “Six Greater Shearwaters were found 50-60 miles east of Ocean City on a Dec. 3 [1978] pelagic trip (Rowlett). 1,400 Northern Gannets were estimated for the same trip. An immature Great Cormorant was on the jetty at Ocean City for the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), Dec. 29 [1978] (Rowlett, et al.). “Most of the 38 Pomarine Jaegers on the Dec. 3 [1978] pelagic trip were 20-40 miles east of Ocean City (Rowlett). Two Glaucous and 2 Iceland Gulls were seen 60 miles east of Ocean City on the same trip. “Black-legged Kittiwakes off Ocean City on Dec. 3 [1978] numbered 424 (Rowlett). A Razorbill was there on Dec. 4 [1978] (Rowlett). “… up to 2 [Short-eared Owls] near Buckeystown, Frederick Co., during February [1978] (Rowlett), ... Single Saw-whet Owls were noted … at Gude's from Jan. 2 through Feb. 4 [1978], with 2 on Jan. 29 [1978] (Rowlett, Robert W. Warfield, Wierenga). “An adult male Varied Thrush was present at a feeder in Savage, Howard Co., Dec. 11-15 [1978] (George and Chandler Robbins, Holmes, Rowlett, et al.). This is only the third documented record for the state. “Red Crossbills appeared [including] 3 on Savage Mt., Garrett Co., Feb. 20 [1978] (Rowlett). “A Northern Junco of the mearnsi race was present in Laurel, Prince Georges Co., from Jan. 19 [1978] to the end of the period (Rowlett). “American Tree Sparrows staged an impressive flight throughout the state. … Rowlett found them to be quite common among other ground-feeding birds along the roadsides on the Eastern Shore.”

Updegrove (1978) wrote of a feeder-frequenting winter Clay-colored Sparrow in Churchville, Harford County, MD, “… MOS and ABA members were contacted for confirmation. During the next 3 weeks and 3 days [15 Jan – 7 Feb 1978], 99 out of 115 visitors to our feeder or the Fords' had excellent views of the sparrow. Approximately 120 photographs were taken by Rich Rowlett, Bob Augustine, and Chuck Graham.” Robbins (1978c) also listed, under “Coming Events,” another Rowlett pelagic trip:

of 126

“Apr. 29 [1979] Pelagic Trip, $40. Write Richard Rowlett, PO Box 579, Ocean City, 289-4296. Change to Daylight Time.”

Under “Save These Dates,” Robbins (1978b) reported two upcoming Rowlett pelagic trips, with one to be offered in conjunction with the annual MOS conference in Ocean City:

“[May 13, 1979] Annual M.O.S. Convention, Ocean City. Watch for announcement. Reserve early for May 13 pelagic trip; send $40 to Richard Rowlett, P.O. Box 579, Ocean City 21842.”

1978 - Spring Ringler (1978c) wrote:

“To avoid repetition of names from certain locations I will note here that all Garrett County reports are credited to Fran Pope, Sandy Pt. and Annapolis to Hal Wierenga, Black Marsh to Rick Blom, pelagic trips and southeastern Worcester County to Rich Rowlett, …” “Red-throated Loons on [Rowlett’s] spring [1978] pelagic trips included 17 on Apr. 29 and one late bird on May 7. … An impressive list of tubenoses was encountered off Ocean City on the boat trips. One Northern Fulmar was seen on Apr. 15, 47 on Apr. 29, 13 on May 6, and 13 on May 7. On the May 28 trip 2 Cory's (early), 47 Greater, and 188 Sooty Shearwaters were counted. Sooties also were counted on earlier trips with 9 on Apr. 29, 3 on May 6, and 1 on May 7. Four Leach's Storm Petrels were found scattered among the many Wilson's 70 miles ESE of Ocean City on May 7. Totals of Wilson's Storm Petrels were 40 on Apr. 29, 489 on May 6, 1,025 on May 7, and 1,830 on May 29. The high count of Northern Gannets for the season was 303 on Apr. 15 [1978] with one late bird on May 28 [1978]. “A record-early Black Rail was at the Elliott I. marsh, Apr. 14 [1978] (Rowlett). “Rich Rowlett made several shorebird surveys in southeastern Worcester County during May [1978] and these are some of the interesting observations he made: 625 Semipalmated Plovers, May. 14, 2,635 Black-bellied Plovers, May 14, 930 Ruddy Turnstones, May 14, 2,805 Short-billed Dowitchers, May 14, 412 White-rumped Sandpipers, May 8, and 2,025 Dunlins, May 14. All of these are record high counts. Other notes of interest are 5 Wilson's Plovers on Assateague, Apr. 30 [1978] (Rowlett, Mele); “[At Sandy Point] on May 24 [1978]; 22 Upland Sandpipers near Buckeystown, Frederick Co., Apr. 23 (Rowlett); … 750 Willets flying north over Sinepuxent Bay, Apr. 30 (Rowlett, Mele); “Rowlett found a very high count of 100+ Bay-breasted Warblers at Little Orleans, Allegany Co., May 12 [1978]. “Mourning Warblers were exceedingly common … Rowlett found 9 near Rocky Gorge Reservoir between May 22 and 26 [1978].”

Robbins (1980) documented that Rowlett participated in the Maryland “Statewide Bird Count” [i.e., May Count] on 6 May 1978 in Worcester County.

of 126

Scott (1978c) reported from the Middle Atlantic region from spring 1978 [Note: this report included three Rowlett photos!]:

“A … count of 222 [Common Loons] off Ocean City, Md., May 7 [1978] (RAR et al.) was … good.” “Pelagic field trips run by Rowlett out of Ocean City continue to add to our scanty knowledge of bird movements over the ocean. An impressive peak count of 47 N. Fulmars off Ocean City Apr. 29 [1978] was notable, two Cory's Shearwaters here May 28 [1978] were early, and 47 Greater Shearwaters were counted in the same area May 28 [1978] (all RAR et al.). Nine Sooty Shearwaters Apr. 29 [1978] beat the state arrival record by nine days, and the maximum count of 188 May 28 [1978] was excellent. Four Leach's Storm-Petrels off Ocean City May 7 [1978] (RAR, PGD, MVB et al.) also provided an early record for the state, and Rowlett's group totaled 1830 Wilson's Storm-Petrels May 28 [1978].” “… Rowlett and Whitcomb found four Yellow-crowned Night Herons near Dickerson, Montgomery Co., Md., Apr. 23 [1978], one of which was on a nest.” “A Black Rail heard and seen at Elliott I., Md., Apr 14 [1978] (RAR, RSN) beat the previous earliest state arrival date by ten days.” “Rowlett and Mele noted five Wilson's Plovers on n. Assateague I., Md., Apr. 30, [1978] …” “… Rowlett noted 930 [Ruddy Turnstones] in the wet fields of s.e. Worcester County, Md., May 14 [1978].” “… Rowlett found a large N flight of Willets over n Assateague I., Apr. 30 [1978] totaling 750 birds.” “Upland Sandpipers were reported more than normally, and 22 near Buckeystown, Md., Apr. 23 [1978] (RAR, SW) probably included locally breeding birds as well as migrants” “White-rumped Sandpipers were in excellent numbers near the coast with a peak report of 412 in s.e. Worcester County, Md., May 8 [1978] (RAR), …” “Rowlett's pelagic trips off Ocean City recorded staggering numbers of Red Phalaropes with 4665 Apr. 29 [1978] and 738 May 7 [1978]. A puzzling light but very widespread flight of Wilson's Phalaropes occurred in early May. On May 6 [1978] one or two were found at West Ocean City, Md. (RAR et al.), … Numerous reports of one to three N. Phalaropes were received from near the coast, and a maximum of 121 was found off Ocean City Apr. 29 (RAR et al.).” “Off Ocean City, 12 Arctic Terns were reported May 6 [1978] (RAR) and two May 7 [1978] (RAR, PGD, MVB et al.), …” “The Ocean City pelagic trips yielded two alcid reports: five Razorbills Mar. 4 (RAR et al.) and two Common Puffins photographed in breeding plumage May 7 [1978] (RAR, PGD, MVB et al.).” [A Rowlett photo of a Common Puffin in adult winter plumage was included in this seasonal report.]

of 126

“The Boreal Chickadee previously reported at Baltimore was banded Mar. 11 and last seen Apr. 23 [1978] (JLS, RAR, OEF et al.).” “An ad. ♀ Varied Thrush was at a feeder in Aberdeen, Md., Mar. 5-12 [1978] (RFR, RAR et al.), for the fourth state record, and a brown-plumaged Wheatear was photographed at Chincoteague Mar. 23 (JE, RAR et al.), the third Virginia record of this species.” [A Rowlett photo of the Wheatear was included in this seasonal report.] “Three Yellow-headed Blackbirds were reported, all ad. males [including one] near Churchville, Md., Mar. 12 (RAR), … and a near-ad. ♀ Western Tanager was present (and photographed) at a feeder in Takoma Park, Md., Apr. 22-29 (PK, RAR, SJM et al.).” [A Rowlett photo of the Western Tanager was included in this seasonal report.]

Paxton et al. (1978) reported from the Hudson-Delaware region for spring 1978:

“We have reports of only three trips offshore this season, but they document the continuing build-up of N Fulmars. … The May 27 [1978] trip off New Jersey also ran into the greatest assemblage of S. Hemisphere Procellariiforms moving up into their "wintering" grounds ever encountered on any organized sea trip off New Jersey: 2500+ Sooty and 1250 Greater Shearwaters, and 1450+ Wilson's Storm-Petrels (RRo, PWS, AB, RK et al.). According to the scallop fishermen, the birds had arrived within the previous day or so.”

Robbins (1978c) listed the following 1978 Rowlett pelagic trip:

"Dec. 29 [1978] Balto. Canyon Pelagic Count. R. Rowlett, PO Box 579, 0. City 289-4296” In the September 1978 issue of Maryland Birdlife, Robbins (1978d) again listed the 1978 Christmas Bird Count schedule which included:

“29 Dec [1978] Pelagic Count. R.Rowlett, PO Box 579, 0. City 289-4296” 1978 - Summer Rowlett’s pelagic surveys afforded many opportunities to observer Maryland waters sea life. Ringler (1978d) reported, “Rowlett made one other notable discovery during his Coast Guard patrol. On July 18 [1978] he watched a Black-capped Petrel as it passed by the ship and headed off to the SSW. The location was 38°26'N, 71°47'W or 180 miles due east of Ocean City. It is problematic whether this record belongs on the Maryland list, or to any state. The closest landfalls were in New York and New Jersey.” In 1998, the MD/DCRC reviewed this report and found the location to be within Maryland waters, as defined at the time, and the record was accepted as the first documented Maryland record of this species. However, with the recent change of Maryland’s pelagic boundaries (Hafner et al. 2013), this record now falls outside of Maryland’s waters and it will be considered for administrative removal from the Maryland database at the next Annual Meeting of the MD/DCRC. Scott (1978d) reported summer 1978 Rowlett observations:

“At least one of two skuas seen off Ocean City June 18 [1978] seemed to be a South Polar Skua and was well photographed (RAR et al.).”

of 126

1978 - Autumn Woodward (1979) wrote, “On September 30, 1971, Rowlett saw 170 Rough-wings at Lily Pons (Am. Birds 26:44, 1972 [Scott and Cutler 1972]). Some Rowlett highlights of the 1978 fall season reported by Ringler (1979a) included:

“Two Pomarine Jaegers off Ocean City on Oct. 28 (DuMont, Rowlett) were exceptionally late. … Six Black-legged Kittiwakes off Ocean City on Oct. 28 (DuMont, Rowlett) were moderately early.” “The loon migration got into full swing in November with high counts of … 624 migrating past Monument Knob on Nov. 25 [1978] (Rowlett, Wierenga).

Scott (1979a) also provided autumn 1978 Rowlett reports from the Middle Atlantic region:

“Several pelagic trips produced some interesting records. Six Cory's Shearwaters and one Wilson's Storm- Petrel off Ocean City. Md., Oct. 28 [1978] (PGD, RAR et al.) were late, and a Manx Shearwater was recorded here the same day (m. obs.). Audubon's Shearwaters were reported twice three off Ocean City Aug. 6 [1978] (ph. -- PGD, RAR et al.) … the latter a record count for the state. Some [Other] peak counts included … 14 Greater Shearwaters off Ocean City Oct. 28 [1978] (PGD, RAR et al.).” “Six Black-legged Kittiwakes off Ocean City Oct 28 [1978] (PGD, RAR et al.) were considered early.”

1978-1979 - Winter Ringler (1979b) reported:

“The first CBC held off the coast of Maryland was along the Baltimore Canyon on Dec. 30 [1978]. Among the rarer finds were a Northern Fulmar and a Manx Shearwater. A total of 332 Northern Gannets were also counted on this trip. On a Feb. 3 [1978] boat trip 315 of the latter were counted (Rowlett). “Seven Great Skuas were seen off Ocean City on Dec. 30 [1978], a record count. … An immature Little Gull was seen at Ocean City from mid-December to mid-January [1978] (Rowlett). On pelagic trips 227 Black-legged Kittiwakes were counted off Ocean City, Dec. 30 [1978], and 88 on Feb. 3 [1978]. “Two Razorbills were seen off Ocean City on Dec. 30 [1978] and 6 were found on Feb. 3 [1978] (Rowlett). An incredible 759 Dovekies were seen on the Dec. 30 [1978] trip, another record count. “Rowlett reports that a Saw-whet Owl on Assateague Island roosted on the same spot of the same branch in the same tree from Dec. 29 [1977] to mid-February [1978].”

Rowlett’s winter 1978-1979 observations in the Middle Atlantic region were also reported by Scott (1979b):

of 126

“A N. Fulmar off Ocean City Dec. 30 [1978] (RAR et al.) was the only winter report of this species, …” “Gannets became abundant in the s. in late December … A count of 332 off Ocean City Dec 30 [1978] (RAR et al.) was … considered good.” “A Harlequin Duck was at Ocean City Dec. 29 [1978] - mid-January [1979] (fide RAR) … An exceptional concentration of 20,000 scoters was found along the C.B.B.T., Feb. 28 [1978] (RAR), probably pushed out of lower Chesapeake Bay by extensive Ice floes.” “… nine Red Phalaropes were recorded off Chincoteague Feb. 3 [1979] (RAR et al.).” “At least seven Great Skuas were recorded off Ocean City Dec. 30 [1978] and one off Chincoteague Feb. 3 (RAR et al.). Happily, several of these were well photographed.” “The only Little Gull reported was at Ocean City from mid-December to mid-January (RAR et al.), and the pelagic trips off Ocean City recorded 227 Black-legged Kittlwakes Dec. 30 [1978] and 88 Feb. 3 [1979] (RAR et al.).” “Alcids showed up very well on the pelagic trips off Ocean City, with two Razorbills Dec 30 [1978] and six Feb. 3 [1979] (RAR et al.). But it was the Dovekies that really dazzled the observers. On the glassy smooth seas off Ocean City some 759 were counted Dec. 30 [1978], whereas 68 were noted, along with one Common Puffin, off Chincoteague Feb.3 [1979] (RAR et al.).”

Wilds (1978) reported, “Programs at the [Montgomery County] Chapter meetings were wonderfully diverse … Rich Rowlett gave landlubbers all the sensations of a great pelagic trip.” During a trip home, Rowlett, on 19 Dec 1978, is recorded as having observed, with Berlin Hecht, the only two Common Yellowthroats on a Missouri Christmas Bird Count (the Squaw Creek CBC) as reported by Goodge (1979). Beginning in 1978, Rowlett organized and compiled two Maryland “Baltimore Canyon” Christmas Bird Count. Baltimore Canyon is a submarine canyon located approximately 70 miles off Maryland’s coast. Rowlett’s inaugural Baltimore Canyon Christmas Bird Count was held on 30 Dec 1978 and the published results (National Audubon Society 1979) indicated 3233 individual birds of seventeen species and were observed, along with a description of the count:

“Within a rectangular area, 38°00'N to 38°20 N. and 75°00'W to 73°40 W. along a transect ranging seaward to the edge of the Continental Shelf at Baltimore Canyon; habitat coverage: open ocean 100%. Working fishing vessels accounting for concentrations of birds included 5 foreign trawlers at Baltimore Canyon, and 1 American scallop boat along the 20-fathom line. "Chummed" with 200 lbs. of coarse ground beef suet and 50 loaves of bread throughout length of transect from chartered 80 headboat, "Miss Ocean City."-Dec. 30 [1978]: 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Mostly clear. Temp. 25° to 50°F. Wind variable. 0-3 m.p.h. Seas calm (70% slick). Seventy observers in 1 party. Total party-hours, 10.5 (all by boat); total party- miles, 107 nautical (all by boat).”

of 126

In addition to many local birders, the participant list included several national “top listers” including Larry Peavler (IN) and Macklin Smith (MI). 1979 - Spring Paxton et al. (1979) reported on Rowlett spring 1979 season observations from a Delaware pelagic trip:

“Northern Fulmar numbers grow in giant leaps. An unprecedented 265+ were at Block Canyon, at the edge of the continental shelf 85 mi s. of Montauk Pt., L.I., Mar. 12 [1979] (RAR), around trawlers ...” “A notable Gannet count was 3600+ at Block Canyon Mar. 12 (RAR).”

Scott (1979c) reported on Rowlett spring 1979 season observations from the Middle Atlantic region:

“… a pelagic trip off Ocean City, Md., May 12 [1979] totaled one Manx Shearwater, two Sooties, and 1500 Wilson's Storm-Petrels (RAR et al.).” “… the pelagic trip off Ocean City May 12 [1979] totaled ten Northerns and 20 Reds [Phalaropes] (RAR et al.).”

Ringler (1979c) reported, “The only pelagic trip of the season went out from Ocean City on May 12 [1979] and found a Manx and 2 Sooty Shearwaters with 1,500 Wilson's Storm Petrels.” … “More expected were the 10 Northern and 20 Red Phalaropes seen off Ocean City on the May 12 pelagic trip.” Rowlett is not specifically mentioned, but it is assumed this was one of his trips. Kale III (1979) listed Rowlett as a contributor for his spring 1979 Florida region report and there was text dealing with pelagic observations; however, no observations were credited to Rowlett. 1979 - Summer Ringler (1979d) reported:

“Two pelagic trips were conducted from Ocean City. On June 9 [1979] observers found 60 Cory's and 13 Greater Shearwaters and 3,700 Wilson's Storm Petrels. The June 17 [1979] trip produced 60 Cory's, 258 Greater, and 2 Manx Shearwaters, plus 2,200 Wilson's Storm Petrels. “For two weeks in July [1979] Rich Rowlett conducted seabird observations from the United States Coast Guard Cutter “Reliance" along the 100-fathom curve from the latitudes of Chesapeake Bay to central New Jersey. Quoting from Rich's report: "Off Maryland, on July 20 [1979], I participated in a helicopter survey over the scallop fishing fleet between about 20 and 50 fathoms of water. Cruising at 500 feet and close to 100 mph, it’s sort of like identifying flycatchers and sparrows on telephone wires and fence posts while driving down the highway at 60 mph. Cory's, Greater, and even one Audubon's Shearwaters, and Wilson's Storm Petrels were easy to distinguish. The most interesting result of this flight was noting that all of the Cory's (145), and Greater Shearwaters (5), and Wilson's Storm Petrels (177) were seen only seaward of the 30-fathom curve, beyond 40 miles from shore. The lone Audubon's Shearwater was at

of 126

38°06'N, 74°24'W (=36 mi SE of Ocean City, Md.). Two additional Audubon's were seen later from the ship, about 20 and 50 miles SE of Ocean City." “Rowlett made one other notable discovery during his Coast Guard patrol. On July 18 [1979] he watched a Black-capped Petrel as it passed by the ship and headed off to the SSW. The location was 38°26'N, 71°47'W or 180 miles due east of Ocean City. It is problematic whether this record belongs on the Maryland list, or to any state. The closest landfalls were in New York and New Jersey. “Rowlett photographed a South Polar Skua on July 20 [1979], 42 miles SE of Ocean City at 38°08'N, 74°24’W. He described it as a very pale-headed and heavily molting individual. The South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki) was formerly considered subspecies of the Great Skua (C. skua). “Rowlett found an adult Sandwich Tern at Foxhill Levels on July 22 [1979], probably from a colony to the south. Sandwich Terns have nested in the past on the island noted above; however, this was the only one seen in Maryland this year.” … “Rowlett found 6 Hudsonian Godwits at Foxhill Levels on Assateague Island, July 22, with a Wilson’s Phalarope.”

Richards et al. (1979) reported on Rowlett 1979 summer observations from the Hudson-Delaware region:

“Rowlett found no Cory's Shearwaters beyond the 100-fathom line in the s. half of the Region. Inshore of this line, it was the dominant species. He has often seen Cory’s beyond 100 fathoms in the past. A squid fishing fleet, 90 mi e. of the mouth of Delaware Bay, was tended by a stable group of 500 Greater Shearwaters in mid-July. “Four reports of Manx Shearwater were received with a maximum of three 50+ mi off Atlantic City June 21 [1979] (RAR). … More normal were the 200-400 [Wilson's Storm- Petrels] with the squid fleet off Delaware Bay (RAR).” “The surprise bird of the season was a Harcourt's Storm-Petrel seen with a flock of eight Leach's 220± mi due e. of Cape Henlopen (RAR), a second record off Delaware …. This bird was a shade darker than the Leach's, exactly the same size and had a bright, white rump band. Details to be published elsewhere.”

Ringler (1980a) reported, “Rich Rowlett estimated 200-300 Yellow-crowned Night Herons on Smith Island, Aug. 14-15 [1979].” Scott (1979d) reported on Rowlett summer 1979 sightings from the Middle Atlantic Coast region:

“Pelagics -- In the past it has been customary to assign an observation of a bird at sea to a particular state or region depending on the latitude where seen. This works fine for birds reasonably close inshore, but as observers wander farther E off the Atlantic Coast, this reasoning becomes less valid. At issue here are observations made 160-240 mi due e. of Maryland and Delaware July 18 [1979] by Rowlett, the first time this situation has come up for this Region. Along with small numbers of Cory's and Greater shearwaters and Wilson's Storm-Petrels, there were 173 Audubon's Shearwaters, the most common species observed, 54 Leach's Storm-

of 126

Petrels, one Harcourt's Storm-Petrel, and one Black-capped Petrel. The Harcourt's was at the latitude of Cape Henlopen, Del., and thus clearly belongs to the Hudson- Delaware Region, but the Black-capped Petrel was 180 mi due e. of Ocean City, Md. To confuse regional editors, Rowlett points out that this bird was actually closer to Fire Island, N.Y., and Atlantic City, N.J.! Closer inshore, mostly in the Baltimore Canyon area off Ocean City, there were peak counts of 145 Cory's and three Audubon's shearwaters July 20 [1979], 258 Greater and two Manx Shearwaters June 17 [1979], and 3700 Wilson's Storm-Petrels June 9 [1979] (RAR et al.). A few Sooties were also present here June 9 & 17 [1979]. A remarkable experience, again by Rowlett, occurred at Chincoteague N.W.R., Va., July 29 [1979] when an Audubon's Shearwater buzzed by his face within arm's reach where he was swimming in ... the surf! Rowlett postulates that the bird was attracted by his suntan oil, which formed a noticeable slick. Have pelagic observers been using the wrong chum?” “If red eyes and a pink face are diagnostic characters of the White-faced Ibis (H. D. Pratt, Birding 8:1-5, 1976), then the bird that Dave Abbott and Rich Rowlett saw (and photographed) at Chincoteague Ref., July 8 [1979] was certainly this species a, first record for this Region and possibly only the fifth record for the East Coast (AB 31:979).” “a Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Chincoteague Ref., July 29 [1979] (RAR) beat the previous state fall arrival date by one day.” “The first Hudsonian Godwits were six on n. Assateague I., Md., July22 [1979] (RAR), and a breeding-plumaged ♂ Ruff was photographed at Chincoteague Ref, July 7-10 [1979] (RAR, DFA, JMA et al.).” “A Wilson's Phalarope … on Assateague I., Md., July 22 [1979] (RAR) [was] considered very early; …. and two [were also seen] at Chincoteague Ref., July 8 [1979] (RAR & DFA).” “Rowlett found two South Polar Skuas, one about 75 mi e.s.e. of Chincoteague July 10 [1979] and a different bird photographed 42 mi s.e. of Ocean City July 20 [1979].” “The only Roseate Tern report was of one bird in a Common-Least colony at Chincoteague Ref, June 28 [1979] (RAR).”

1979 - Autumn LeGrande (1980a) reported on Rowlett’s 1979 Coast Guard cutter surveys, from a North Carolina perspective:

“Richard Rowlett spent much of the fall of 1979 on two U.S. Coast Guard cutters off the coast of the mid-Atlantic states, with approximately 25 days spent off the North Carolina coast, and 1 day (27 August [1979]) off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. In North Carolina he spent 11 days offshore from 23 August to 10 September [1979], the 7 days from 27 September to 3 October [1979], both 15 and 16 October [1979], and the 5 days from 1 to 5 November [1979]. Days were spent between 10 and 100 miles from shore. The following is a brief summary of the noteworthy observations, all from North Carolina unless otherwise indicated [all dates 1979]:

of 126

Cory's Shearwater: Approximately 5975 individuals were seen on 19 of the 25 days, including 3 of the 5 days in November; outstanding counts were 1404 on 9 September, 1014 on 29 September, and 1741 on 2 November. Greater Shearwater: Surprisingly scarce, with only 10 individuals seen on seven dates. Sooty Shearwater: Seldom seen on the Carolina coast after June, single individuals were thus rare on 9 September and 28 September. Manx Shearwater: One observed on 4 November, between Capes Fear and Lookout, was a first fall record for North Carolina. Audubon's Shearwater: Approximately 4825 birds were noted on 18 of the 25 days, with excellent totals of 565 on 9 September, 2285 on 29 September, and 1439 on 2 November. Black-Capped Petrel: Approximately 435 of these "rare" gadfly petrels were seen on 12 of the 25 dates, with exceptional counts of 154 on 8 September, 69 on 28 September, and 100 on 30 September. Five were of interest on 2 November. On 27 August Rowlett noted 31 Black-cappeds while in Georgia and South Carolina waters, but a state-by-state breakdown was not made. Wilson's Storm-Petrel: Seen on the majority of days, but the only count in triple figures was 132 on 1 September. No Leach's or other storm-petrels were noted in Carolina waters. White-Tailed Tropicbird: Single individuals were observed on 5 September and 27 September. Brown Booby: One was reported, without details, on 28 August between Capes Fear and Lookout. Northern Phalarope: A total of 215 were tallied on six of the 25 dates, with the last seen on 3 October. Red Phalarope: Just two individuals were seen during the fall off North Carolina; the species is far more numerous in December than it is in any other month in the fall (see Lee and Booth, 1979, American Birds 33:715-721). Pomarine Jaeger: A total of 75 birds were observed on nine of the 25 dates, with a peak of 29 on 2 November. Parasitic Jaeger: Twenty were noted on nine dates, with a peak of six on 2 November. Long-Tailed Jaeger: Seven of these rare jaegers were observed, with two on 1 September, one on 5 September, three on 28 September, and one on 29 September.

of 126

Black-Legged Kittiwake: One was extremely early on 1 September; 44 were tallied on four of the five dates in November. Arctic Tern: Unprecedented numbers were reported for the Carolinas, with one on 7 September, 17 on 8 September, 20 on 9 September, 30 on 10 September, five on 2 October, and single birds on 3 and 15 October. Roseate Tern: Surprising numbers were seen, with 20 counted from 8 to 10 September. Sooty Tern: Before this season, the previous high pelagic count for North Carolina was just 14 birds, but Rowlett recorded truly impressive numbers. He tallied 195 on several dates in late August, with 159 on 28 August. From 5 to 10 September he observed 940 Sooties, with 668 occurring on 9 September. Other records were four on 29 September, and singles on 30 September and 2 November. Approximately 85% of the Sooties seen during the season were adults. Bridled Tern: A total of 177 were seen on most dates from late August to mid-September, but only one bird was seen on a later date (29 September). Brown Noddy Tern: Highly noteworthy were one seen on 28 August and three noted on 9 September.”

Scott (1980a) reported Rowlett autumn 1979 observations from the Middle Atlantic region:

“Rowlett's cruises offshore continued into the fall with overwhelming results. The most spectacular day was Sept. 26 [1979] when a feeding concentration of 1335 Cory's and 1545 Audubon's shearwaters was found along the edge of the Continental Shelf 65 mi e. of Virginia Beach, Va. Other concentrations of Audubon's included 565 approx. 135 mi e. of the Virginia Capes Sept. 11 [1979] and 225 in one flock 125 mi e.-s.e. of Chincoteague Oct. 14 [1979]. In this same area off the Capes, Rowlett and Burrell observed a Black-capped Petrel and a White-faced Storm-Petrel Aug. 30 [1979], the latter a first Virginia sight record. Rowlett recorded the last Wilson's Storm-Petrels off Cape Henry Oct. 20 [1979], a record late date. Details of these cruises, which extended from Delaware s. to Florida and e. to the Sargasso Sea. will be published separately.” “Rowlett estimated 200-300 Yellow-crowned Night Herons at Smith I., Md., Aug. 14-15 [1979].” “Rowlett recorded 21 Pomarine and one Long-tailed Jaeger off Cape Henry Sept. 26 [1979].” “An imm. Sabine's Gull about 40 mi e of the Virginia Capes Aug. 2 [1979] (RAR) provided the fifth state sight record.”

Fink (1983), cited Rowlett’s two Sep. 1979 White-tailed Tropicbird sight records (no descriptions) [5 Sep. and 27 Sep.]. Ringler (1980a) reported, “Rich Rowlett estimated 200-300 Yellow-crowned Night Herons on Smith Island, Aug. 14-15 [1979].”

of 126

Fussell III and Grimes (1980), in their account of September 1979 Hurricane David sightings, made extensive use of Rowlett’s seabird observations. 1979-1980 - Winter Ringler (1980b) reported on Rowlett’s winter 1979-1980 observations:

“From some time in December [1979] through Jan. 25 [1980] an American Avocet was on the flats at Ocean City (Rowlett, et al.), the first winter record for the State. “Few Bonaparte's Gulls wintered in the bay region, … Perhaps this was because about 15,000 stayed in the Ocean City area. Rowlett occasionally found them massed on the flats, but more often they were scattered in rafts beyond the surf from Ocean City to Cape Henlopen, Delaware, or feeding in huge flocks at the inlets at Ocean City and Indian River. Mixed in these flocks were up to 11 Little Gulls to reward the diligent observers (Rowlett, et al.). “[Four] Long-eared Owls … wintered on Assateague (Rowlett, et al.).

On 3 Dec 1979, while onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alert as a marine observer representing the Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program (CETAP), Rowlett and several crew members studied a Yellow-nosed Albatross approximately 55 nm due east of Assateague Islands (Rowlett 1981). Rowlett’s research assignment was sponsored by the University of Rhode Island and the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Labor. At the time, Rowlett considered this sight record to be both in both Maryland and Virginia waters. The MD/DCRC’s original review of this report, there was no question of the identification; however, it could not be unequivocally determined if the bird was observed in Maryland waters. After the 2013 Maryland pelagic boundary redefintion (Hafner et al. 2013), this Yellow-nosed Albatross report [MD/2008-020] was reopened [as MD/2014-073] and accepted as a Maryland record since the location was now clearly within the new Maryland pelagic boundaries. Scott (1980b) reported from the Middle Atlantic region from the winter of 1979-1980:

“In spite of living at sea for a major portion of the winter Rowlett commented on the low numbers of many pelagic species. Some of his records were made at great distances offshore but are mentioned here for lack of an alternative popular forum. They are here expressed in nautical miles e. of Assateague I. A Yellow-nosed Albatross was seen 55 mi from the Virginia coast Dec. 3 [1979]. A Sooty Shearwater was well seen at 52 mi Dec. 6 [1979]. Four Manx Shearwaters were 55-60 mi out Dec. 3 [1979] and two were seen Dec. 6 [1979] in the same area. "Far out" was an Audubon's Shearwater in the Gulf Stream 430 mi from shore Dec. 13 [1979].” “Rowlett's highest Gannett total was 442 seen 40-55 mi from Ocean City Dec. 3 [1979].” “There was a singular lack of rail reports slightly compensated for by a report of a Yellow Rail on Assateague I., Md., Dec 25 [1979] (RAR).” “Rowlett encountered Red Phalaropes 65-90 mi e. of the Virginia capes Jan 12 [1980] (four), 15 (one), and 17 (one).” “Off the Delmarva Pen. coast from 1-2 Pomarine Jaegers were seen daily Dec. 1-13 [1979] as far as 500-600 mi offshore. During a n.e. gale a Parasitic Jaeger was at Ocean City Jan 5 [1980].

of 126

From 1-6 Great Skuas were seen each day from 60-100 mi e. of Ocean City during the period Jan. 12-21 [1980] (all RAR).” “Coastal and pelagic white-winged gull reports were at an all-time low in Rowlett's experience, but he saw a Glaucous Gull 60 mi e. of Ocean City Jan. 14 [1980].” “Iceland Gulls fared better with sightings at … Ocean City Feb. 27 [1980] (RAR, CL).” “Lesser Black-backed Gulls were widespread, …. One was 65 mi e. of Cape Henry Jan. 18 (RAR).” “Black-headed Gulls were seen four times after the CBC period: "offshore" near C.B.B.T., Jan. 20 [1980] (RAR), at Ocean City Jan. 20 (PD) & Feb. 28 [1980] (RAR), and at Baltimore …. Many thousands of Bonaparte's Gulls spent most of the period in the Ocean City area and there were several inland reports in December, January and February for the Virginia Piedmont. Consorting with the Ocean City Bonies were up to 14 Little Gulls (RAR, m.ob.). Black-legged Kittiwakes were scarce at sea although the high was 515 on Jan. 14 [1980], 60-70 mi e. of Ocean City, after which counts of them dropped off sharply (RAR).” “‘Three Razorbills 40 mi e. of Cape Henry Jan. 17 [1980] "constituted the only alcid sightings all winter. In spite of several hundred hours at sea by me the winter of 1979-80 was the worst alcid winter since I started birding here (1972).’ " (RAR)” [Perhaps this is one reason why Rowlett shortly thereafter left our region? PCD] “A N. Shrike was reported on Assateague 1., Md., Feb. 2 [1980] (fide RAR).” “A Christmas N. Waterthrush on Assateague I., must have helped to make things bright (RAR).” “American Goldfinch was in the lowest numbers in six years on the CBCs [1979-1908]. One very active observer stated, "I can't tell you the last time I've even seen or heard a goldfinch!" (RAR)”

Ringler (1980b) specifically reported “Rowlett found some interesting birds offshore this season” [December 1979]:

“Rowlett saw 1 or 2 Pomarine Jaegers daily, Dec. 1-13 [1979], off the Delmarva Coast and as far out to sea as 500-600 miles. On Dec. 3 [1979] at 38° 01' N, 74° 04' W, approximately 55 miles east of the Maryland-Virginia line, [Rowlett] watched a Yellow-nosed Albatross for about ten minutes. It was either an immature or subadult. “Rowlett found Manx Shearwaters to be the most common tubenose with 4 at 55-60 miles east and southeast of Ocean City on Dec. 3 [1979], 2 in the same area on the 6th, and 2 at the Baltimore Canyon on the 30th. “The high count of Northern Gannets for the season was 442 on Dec. 3 [1979], in the vicinity of Baltimore Canyon (Rowlett).

of 126

“The first winter record for Sooty Shearwater in Maryland waters was one [by Rowlett] at 38° 04' N, 74° 09' W, 52 miles east of Assateague on Dec. 6 [1979]. “A bit far afield was an Audubon's Shearwater at 38° 17' N, 66 ° 06' W on Dec. 13 [1979] [by Rowlett]; that's 430 miles offshore. This is far out into the Gulf Stream, indicating that a few tropical birds may straggle at these latitudes through the winter in those rich waters.

Land-wise, Ringler (1980b) reported:

“The prize find of the season was a Yellow Rail seen on Christmas Day [25 Dec 1979] on Assateague by Rowlett. “Rowlett found a Northern Waterthrush on Assateague on Christmas Day [1979].” “A Saw-whet Owl … Rich also saw one flying around his ship 100 miles east-northeast of Ocean City on Dec. 21 [1979].” “[One] was on Assateague at least from Dec. 27 [1979] (Effinger, Denny Quirk) through Feb. 3 [1980] (Rowlett).

Rowlett’s 1979 Baltimore Canyon Christmas Bird Count was held on 30 Dec 1979 and covered the same geographic area as the prior year’s count. The formal description of the count (National Audubon 1980) included:

“… 3 foreign squid fishing trawlers accounted for largest concentration of birds at Baltimore Canyon; "chummed" with 200 lbs. of coarse ground beef suet throughout length of transect from charted 80' headboat, "Miss Ocean City."-Dec. 30 [1979]; 7 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Mostly clear, Temp. 36° to 57'F. Wind NW, 12-20 m.p.h. Seas choppy, 2-6 ft. Fifty-two observers in 1 party. Total party-hours, 10.25 (all by boat); total party-miles. 112 nautical (all by boat).”

This pelagic Christmas Bird Count attracted a number of birding luminaries as participants, including a nationally well-known birder who was attempting a “Big Year” to observe more than 700 birds in the ABA area during the 1979 calendar year and he used the Rowlett winter pelagic as a last-ditch effort to achieve his goal. A newspaper reporter (Wales 1980) documented the effort:

“James M. Vardaman, a Jackson, Miss., forest management specialist and avid birder who has been trying for a goal of sighting 700 species of North American birds in one year, has ended his quest. His last newsletter, dated Dec. 31, 1979, relates his experiences in winding up the unique project: "The last big event of the year was Rich Rowlett's Christmas Bird Count aboard the 65-foot Miss Ocean City on the Atlantic Ocean from the shore to a point about 60 miles east of Ocean City, Md. Rich deserves great credit for organizing and promoting this trip. "The crowd of birders gathered at the dock before dawn Dec. 29 only to learn that the trip had to be postponed 24 hours because of strong winds that were causing 10- to 15-foot seas in the count area. The next morning was clear, cold and not quite so windy, and we sailed at 6:30. "The birders had come from everywhere: 16 from Maryland, five from Pennsylvania, four from Delaware, Ontario and Ohio, three from Virginia and New York, two from New Jersey, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Texas and California, and one from West Virginia, Florida, Mississippi, Minnesota and Alaska.”

of 126

Vardaman (1980:180-182) later published his own account of his 1979 year of birding and Rowlett’s pelagic trip played prominently in the year-end narrative:

“My last chance to add another bird on a scheduled trip-was Rich Rowlett’s Christmas Bird Count aboard the sixty-five-foot Miss Ocean City on the Atlantic Ocean, from the shore to a point about sixty miles east of Ocean City, Maryland. Rich is a thirty-two-year old Missouri native who first became interested in birds when he observed the 1961 Bohemian Waxwing invasion of northwest Missouri while studying zoology under Dr. David Easterla. He is a professional birder now working on a cetacean and turtle survey from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras under a grant from the University of Rhode Island. “Since the boat was due to leave at 6:30 a.m. on December 29, Rich invited me, as well as others, to come up the night Before and stay at his apartment. This gave me a chance to learn the hardships some birders will put up with in order to see birds. There were only five single beds or sofas in the apartment, but ten men and one woman slept there, the unlucky bedless six stretching out on the floor in bedrolls with nothing except the carpet -between them and the concrete floor of the building. “A crowd of birders gathered at the dock before dawn on December 29 only to learn that the trip had to be postponed for twenty-four hours because of strong winds that were causing ten- to fifteen-foot seas in the count area. The only noteworthy event that morning was the filming by [an] NBC-TV crew of other birders and me on the boat during a thirty-minute test run. The film was not shown that night and may never appear. “The next morning was clear, cold, and not quite so windy, and we sailed at 6:30. The birders had come from everywhere: sixteen from Maryland; five from Pennsylvania.; four from Delaware, Ontario, and Ohio; three from Virginia and New York; two each from New Jersey, District of Columbia, Illinois, Texas, and California; and one each from West Virginia, Florida, Mississippi, Minnesota, and Alaska. Many top birders … were there: Ben King, Larry Balch, Barbara Hickey, Paul Sykes, Terry Savaloja, Jon Dunn, Guy McCaskie, and Thede Tobish. The others came from all occupations: four lawyers, four reporters, four teachers, two physicists, a computer programmer, a doctor, an immunologist, an officer in the U.S. Corps of Engineers, a historian, a railroad car inspector, a Wall Street banker, an administrator for a medical college, and a construction company executive. “By the time we reached the foreign fishing fleet-vessels from Russia, Japan, and other countries-around noon, the seas were five to six feet, and the motion was beginning to test the effectiveness of the anti-seasickness pill I had taken at dawn. There were gulls everywhere. Rich decided to "chum" heavily to attract them to our boat, and in no time, there were several hundred following us. Soon a cry rang out, “There’s a skua way, way back!" Fifty of us crowded toward the stern, and I was in the back row. Someone's head was always blocking my view, and I must have been the last one to find the big-brown bird. There was no need to hurry. The bird, a Great Skua at last and # 698, gradually overtook us and passed about 150 yards off the port side, and we later saw five more. Our total list for the day included:

Northern Gannett Black-legged Kittiwake Herring Gull

of 126

Great Black-backed Gull Common Loon Red-throated Loon Scoter species Surf Scoter Boneparte’s Gull Ring-billed Gull Manx Shearwater Great Skua Large Alcid species

“Our sighting of the Great Skua caused a celebration on board. After all, Larry Balch and I had spent countless hours and days hunting for the species. The bird was #700 for both Ben King and Jon Dunn, so the 700 Club gained two more distinguished members. I was more excited than anyone, for this sighting set the stage for a near-miraculous finish for my Big Year.”

Skyes (2009) recalled the same pelagic in his article on participating on 400 CBCs. He wrote, “Harry Armistead and Will Russell started the Cape Charles count in 1965. I have participated on every Cape Charles count except one, in 1979 (Table 2). I was on Richard Rowlett’s Ocean City Pelagic CBC the day before the Cape Charles count, but the trip was weathered out, and instead ran the next day at the same time as Cape Charles. As a consolation, I saw my life Great Skua off the Maryland coast and was still able to make the compilation of the Cape Charles count.” [In 2016, Sykes (2016) announced that his CBC participation total was now over 500!] Ringler (1980b) continued to report on Rowlett’s winter 1979-1980 observations:

“Great Skuas numbered 6 on the Baltimore Canyon CBC, Dec. 30 [1979], and Rowlett also saw 1-6 daily, Jan. 12-21 [1980], at 60-100 miles offshore. “[Rowlett] also saw a near-adult Parasitic Jaeger chasing Bonaparte's Gulls back and forth through Ocean City inlet and West Ocean City Harbor during a northeast gale, Jan. 5 [1980]. “An immature Glaucous Gull was at Baltimore Canyon, Jan. 14 [1980] (Rowlett). “Rowlett's high count of Black-legged Kittiwakes was 515 on Jan. 14 [1980], 60-70 miles east of Ocean City. Most of the birds were flying north, and Rich noted a sharp decline in numbers for the remainder of the season. “Rowlett and Chris Ludwig found a Semipalmated Plover on Assateague on Feb. 26 [1980], only the second mid-winter record in Maryland. “Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls wintered in Baltimore, … [one] spent the season near the Ocean Downs Racetrack east of Berlin (Rowlett, et al.). Other Lessers were reported as follows: … an adult on Assateague, 15 miles south of Ocean City, Jan. 26 [1980] (Rowlett, Ludwig, Steve Whitcomb), and an adult on the beach in Ocean City on Feb. 28 [1980] (Rowlett). “An immature Black-headed Gull … was at Ocean City, Feb. 28 [1980] (Rowlett).

of 126

In a book review of Birds of the Carolinas (Potter et al. 1980), Robbins (1979) wrote, “This richly illustrated book is designed to interest Carolineans in birding. Nearly every pair of pages contains one or several well-reproduced color photos by such experts as William Cobey, Heathcote Kimball, Richard Rowlett, Paul Sykes, Michael Tove, John Trott, or one of the authors. … The book is worth buying just for the photographs.” In 1979, Rowlett collaborated with Lee (Lee and Rowlett 1979) to publish a major pelagic update to the list of North Carolina birds by documenting “seven species not previously recognized as occurring in North Carolina’s offshore waters.” These species included Northern Fulmar, Manx Shearwater, White-faced Storm-Petrel, Long-tailed Jaeger, South Polar Skua, and Arctic Tern. The paper also updated records of Black-capped Petrel. The paper is a compendium of reports, with only some of the records coming directly from Rowlett. Rowlett’s photographs of North Carolina records of Black-capped Petrel, South Polar Skua, and Arctic Tern are included in the paper. Also, in 1979, Lee and Booth (1979) published a detailed article on the seasonal distribution of pelagic birds off of North Carolina. Their article extensively cited Rowlett records, especially from Lee and Rowlett (1979) and the article included nine Rowlett seabird photographs. 1980 - Spring Armistead (1980a) reported:

“Pelagic activity was for the most part not reported. … Off Ocean City, nine Sooty Shearwaters and 250 Wilson's Storm- Petrels were seen May 25 [1980] (HW, RAR et al.). For an excellent summary of 1971- 1977 sightings in this area see Observations of marine birds and mammals in the northern Chesapeake Bight (87pp., by RAR [Rowlett 1980a]) available gratis from H. S. Rienstra, Information Transfer Specialist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 1010 Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458.” “Outstanding this spring were unprecedented numbers of Whimbrels in the Chesapeake Bay area, where normally even one is an event. [Sightings included] 26 were at Elliott I., May 24 [1980] (HW, RAR et al.).” “One [American Avocet was] at Ocean City was present from at least Apr. 6-May 19 [1980] (RFR, RAR et al.).” “Five N. Phalaropes were found off Ocean City May 25 [1980] (HW, RAR et al.)” “An Arctic Tern off Ocean City May 25 [1980] was unique (HW, RAR et al.).” “Spectacular was a Common Puffin in full breeding plumage off Ocean City May 25 [1980] circling a boat at less than 50 yards--for Maryland's second and latest May record (RAR, HW et al.).”

LeGrand, Jr. (1980b) reported: “Dave Lee conducted six pelagic trips out of Oregon Inlet, N.C., from mid-April to late May ... [including] a very rare sighting of a Manx Shearwater on the May 22 [1980] trip (DL, RR), ...”

of 126

Ringler (1980c) published Rowlett’s last Maryland sighting for “The Season”: “Rich Rowlett spotted an immature or female Magnificent Frigatebird at Ocean City on Apr. 28 [1980] and followed it north into Delaware.” Appropriately, we can visualize this final Maryland image of Rowlett, spotting a frigatebird heading north at Ocean City and chasing after it, in his car with binoculars and camera in hand, to following it into Delaware for that state’s list! Paxton et al. (1980) also included Rowlett’s frigatebird observation: “An imm. Magnificent Frigatebird flying along the beach from Maryland to Fenwick 1., Del., Apr. 28 [1980] (ph RAR) provided the third Delaware record and the first fully documented one there (AFN 23:647). Of several dozen regional sightings over the years, this was the first to occur before June.” Paxton et al. (1980) also reported: “A prodigious 17,000 Red Phalaropes were estimated s. of Hudson Canyon, 75 mi e of Atlantic City Apr. 18 [1980] (RAR), …. RAR found 12 N. Phalaropes s. of Hudson Canyon Apr. 18 [1980], …” In 1980, Rowlett published his seminal findings from his 1971-1977 regional pelagic observations (Rowlett 1980a). His abstract read:

“Sightings of 56 species of marine birds and 11 species of marine mammals recorded from 1971 - 1977 are summarized to show species composition and spatial and temporal distribution over the Continental Shelf in the northern Chesapeake Bight. Distributional abundance of seabirds is indicated relative to sounding contours and to the average distance from shore. Cetaceans and pelagic birds are most abundant between the 30 and 40- fathom contour and along the edge of the Continental Shelf, especially Baltimore Canyon. Gulls of the genus Larus composed 71.8% of the offshore avifauna from November through March. Wilson's storm petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) accounted for 66.6% of all seabirds counted from May through September. Fishing vessel activity was responsible for winter seabird concentrations. Distribution of tropical and subtropical seabirds and cetaceans corresponds to the presence of warm slope water and Gulf Stream eddies spreading over the outer Continental Shelf during late summer months. The northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) and Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) may be extending their ranges and increasing in abundance in the western North Atlantic. Most cetacean sightings were seaward of the 20-fathom contour. The saddleback dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is the most common offshore cetacean. Grampuses (Grampus griseus) are often seen along the Continental Slope and in Baltimore Canyon. One population of Atlantic bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) occurs offshore along the Continental Slope, and another is usually found within 10,000 m offshore. A small population of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) resides over the Continental Shelf in the northern Chesapeake Bight. Fin whales and saddleback dolphins were most abundant each spring at about 38°15'N, between the 30 and 40-fathom contour.”

Rowlett detailed his Study Area and Methods used to collect his observations:

“The Chesapeake Bight overlies the Continental Shelf between Cape Hatteras (35°10'N, 73°32'W) and the mouth of the Delaware Bay (ca. 39°00'N, 75°00'W) at Cape May, New Jersey …. The northern half of this area was surveyed with most extensive coverage given to the coast of Maryland between latitudes 38°30'N, seaward to Baltimore Canyon and the edge of the Continental Shelf along the 100-fathom (183-m) contour. This contour lies an average of 111 km (60 nautical miles) offshore …

of 126

“I recorded sightings of marine birds and mammals during 784 hours (80 days) of observation in the northern Chesapeake Bight from 1971 - 1977. Most observations were recorded from chartered sports fishing boats which carried an average of 30 "birders" and naturalists (37 days from 1973 - 1977) from Ocean City, Maryland, to near Baltimore Canyon. Additional observations were recorded during extended cruises on oceanographic research and U.S. Coast Guard vessels (22 days) and small commercial fishing boats (21 days). [Tables in the paper] summarize days and hours of observation, the majority of which occurred from 1974 - 1977. “Spatial distribution of seabirds over the Continental Shelf in the northern Chesapeake Bight is graphically illustrated for each species observed ten or more times during the 784 hours of observation. Hours shown … were used to compute an average number of birds seen per hour. “Most of my observations were made with Zeiss 8 X 10 Dialyte binoculars. Nearly continuous watches were maintained during daylight hours from time of departure to return. Individuals of all species of birds and cetaceans were recorded at half-hour intervals. Boat-following birds were noted in an effort to minimize duplication. Specific notes on behavior and species associations were also recorded. “Regular LORAN (LO)ng RAnge Navigation) "A" and "C" position coordinates were recorded as described by Rowlett (1977c) at regular intervals or at stops or course changes for transect plotting …. Observation intervals for bird counts corresponded to intervals between sounding contours (fathoms) on National Ocean Survey Nautical Chart No. 1109. LORAN positions were recorded for all cetacean sightings, locations where animal life was concentrated, and for sightings of avian species whose statuses were inadequately documented off the mid-Atlantic States. “To attract birds, coarsely ground beef suet, ground fish, stale bread, fish oil, and mashed shark liver were dispersed as "chum" on all 37 charter trips and occasionally on other vessels when it did not interfere with research or fishing activities. Generally, 200 Ib (908 kg) of beef suet and 30 loaves of stale bread were dispensed daily during winter surveys. Unless kept cool, the beef suet became rancid and the gulls ignored it. During the summer months, when gulls were not a part of the offshore avifauna, chumming with oily, slick-forming substances including ground fish, fish oil, and mashed shark liver attracted Wilson's storm petrels and, occasionally, shearwaters. Chumming during the summer was successful only when the boat was stationary or moved in tight circles so that a single slick could be maintained. Birds gradually gathered at slicks and lingered until all of the chum were consumed. The longer I remained at one slick, the greater the number of birds usually seen.”

Rowlett’s (1980a) acknowledgements included the following:

“More than 800 amateur naturalists and field ornithologists helped to cover expenses for boats, chum, and correspondence, and participated in the surveys. Without their inexhaustible enthusiasm, even when cold, wet, and suffering the effects of "mal-de-mer," these observations would not have been possible. I am indebted to Paul G. DuMont and Maurice V. Barnhill for helping less-experienced participants with field identification. They also maintained standards for recording observations during trips in my absence.

of 126

“The captains of the charter boats at Ocean City, Howard Cleaver, Dale Brown, and Marvin Foxwell of the "Cap't Talbot," Darryl Nottingham of the "Mariner," Orlando Bunting of the "Cap't Bunting, "and Ed Brex of the "Taurus," were exceedingly helpful in providing information about the area, recording LORAN coordinates, and demonstrating discretion and skill at maneuvering the boats into position to observe animals under optimal conditions. “I extend my appreciation to the following persons and agencies for providing room and board and for permitting my observations during extended research cruises: Dr. Michael Champ, American University and the Marine Science Consortium, and the crew of the Research Vessel (R.V.) "Advance II" - ocean pollution cruises during August 1974 and 1975; Dr. Donald Lear, Environmental Protection Agency Field Office, Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Coast Guard and personnel of the USCGC "Alert," Cape May, New Jersey - ocean pollution cruise in February 1975; and the Office of Biological Services (DBS) and the National Fish and Wildlife Laboratory (NFWL) - cruise aboard the R.V. "Gyre," from Galveston, Texas, to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, January - February 1977. “Several captains allowed me to ride on one-day fishing trips, and Jim Barlow and William Bunting provided passage aboard their lobster boat, "Jack Pot," during summer 1977. “Robert L. Pyle, United States Weather Service, provided photographs from infrared sensitive imagery of the Landsat satellite system, and arranged for my examination of weekly charts reconstructed from these satellite transmissions, a part of the Experimental Gulf Stream Analysis (EGSA) program of the Environmental Satellite Service (ESS). These were important in following the seasonal distribution of Gulf Stream, slope, and shelf waters. “The following people provided information from areas outside the study area: David S. Lee (North Carolina), Fred R. Scott (Virginia), and P. William Smith (New Jersey).”

1980 - Summer This seasonal reference is notable only for its lack of a reference to Rowlett. Ringler (1980d) referenced “A boat trip out of Ocean City on June 14 produced 60 Cory's Shearwaters, 100 Greater Shearwaters, 20 Sooty Shearwaters, 2 Manx Shearwaters, 1 Leach's Storm Petrel, and 2,500 Wilson's Storm Petrels. In addition, several observers believe a Black-capped Petrel was also seen on the trip.” However, the report did not associate Rowlett’s name with the trip. A check of the documentation submitted to the records committee for the Black-capped Petrel showed that the trip leader was Maurice Barnhill. Armistead (1980b) reported: “An albino Cory's Shearwater and ten Leach's Storm-Petrels were 100 mi e. of Cape Charles July 23 (RAR).” 1980 - Autumn LeGrande, Jr. (1981) reported, “Long-Tailed Jaeger: Extremely rare for the fall season was an adult observed by Paul DuMont, Richard Rowlett, and party off Hatteras on 17 August [1980].” This was apparently Rowlett’s last North Carolina and Middle Atlantic regional pelagic trip. Paxton et al. (1981) reported spring 1980 Rowlett observations from the Hudson-Delaware region:

of 126

“Rowlett also nearly doubled this Region's records of White-faced Storm-Petrel, finding three in six days: two 85-100 mi s.e. of Cape May Sept. 10 [1980] and one in the Hudson Canyon area Sept. 11 [1980]. In spite of thousands of Wilson's Storm-Petrels around, the White-faced Storm-Petrels, he writes, "were seen as solitary units. The one on Sept. 11 [1980] was seen on a slick calm sea and seemed to fly by almost hydroplaning along on outstretched but nearly motionless wings, and just seemed to bounce along like a rubber ball with its belly or feet barely touching the water each time." This warm-water species was photographed off Delaware in August 1972 (AB 27:17 [=Barnhill, III and DuMont 1973]) and was observed at Hudson Canyon Sept. 19, 1979 (AB 34:144 [=Paxton et al. 1980b]). Other Regional sight records all but one in early fall, are summarized in AB 30:818 [=Paxton et al. 1976].” “Rowlett also observed two Leach's Storm-Petrels Oct. 1 [1980] while en route from a point 165 mi e. of Cape May toward Nantucket.” “Rowlett found numbers of this warm water species [Audubon’s Shearwater] out nearer the Gulf Stream during six days aboard U.S. Coast Guard cutters. His counts of 27 along the length of Long Island at the edge of the continental shelf at 200+ fathoms Aug.7 [1980], of 12 on Sept 10 [1980] at 85-100 mi s.e. of Cape May, and of seven in the Hudson Canyon area, 60-115 mi e.s.e. of Atlantic City Sept. 11 [1980] were second in this Region only to the 225 reported last fall 105 mi e. of Barnegat, N.J. He found none off our Region in October [1980].” “That Pomarine Jaegers outnumber Parasitic Jaegers offshore was confirmed by Rowlett, who found 27 Pomarines and one Long-tailed Jaeger 85-110 mi e.s.e. of Cape May Oct. 3 [1980], but only a single Parasitic Oct. 1 [1980].” “Rowlett found a late Bridled Tern 85-100 mi e.s.e, of Cape May Oct. 1 [1980].” “A Clay-colored Sparrow and a Lincoln's Sparrow were among 13 species of landbirds that came aboard Rowlett's boat 85-110 mi e.s e of Cape May Oct. 3 [1980].” [A photo of this bird, by Rowlett, appeared in Armistead (1980c)].

Armistead (1981a) reported:

“Off Cape Henry, Rowlett saw a N. Fulmar Oct. 11 [1980]. Peak Cory's Shearwater numbers were 102 far off the Virginia coast Sept. 9 [1980] (RAR), while Greater Shearwaters were noted on 7 of 10 dates Aug. 4 - Oct. 11 [1980] with a maximum of five Aug. 24 [1980], 10 mi from Ocean City, where an Audubon's Shearwater was also seen (RAR, DFA). Audubon's were present up to 150 mi E of the Region's coast Aug. 5 - Oct. 11 [1980] with a high count of seven Sept. 1 & 9 [1980] (RAR). Four Black-capped Petrels were 100-150 mi from the Virginia capes Aug. 15 [1980] (RAR). A second record for the Region was provided by a White-faced Storm-Petrel 50 mi ESE of C.N.W.R., Aug. 24 [1980] (RAR, DFA, MLH, PGD) when eight Leach's Storm-Petrels were also seen. Wilson's Storm-Petrel peaked at 2420, a count made from the Wilmington-Norfolk Canyons area Sept. 12 (RAR). Birds seen at some of the distances from shore indicated above may be rather provincial additions to any state list and sentiment is growing for designating the entire East Coast pelagic area as an autonomous reporting Region.” “On Oct. 4 [1980] a White-tailed Tropicbird was seen 300 mi e. of the Virginia capes (RAR). A very early Gannet was found Aug. 24 [1980] 10 mi s.e. of Ocean City (DFA, RAR et al.).”

of 126

“One [Anhinga] was … reported at C.B.B-T., Oct. 12 [1980] (RAR, fide BW).” “Perhaps the most extraordinary event of the fall was the incredible massing of Buff-breasted Sandpipers at C.N.W.R., eclipsing the previous Virginia high count of 50 … Sample counts included … 340 [the highest] Sept. 14 (RAR), …. Some of these totals are apparently unprecedented for the East Coast and higher even than all but a few counts on the Great Plains or the coast of Texas.” “The only pelagic Red Phalaropes reported were two off the Virginia capes Aug. 15 (RAR) … Off the Virginia capes N. Phalaropes were noted Aug. 4 (three-RAR), Aug. 15 (eight-RAR)” “Off the Virginia coast 13 [Pomarine Jaegers] were counted Sept. 30 [1980] (RAR) ... Also, off the Virginia coast were two Parasitic Jaegers Sept. 12 [1980] (RAR) ... Long-tailed Jaegers were present 60-300 mi offshore from the Region's coastline: two Sept. 9 [1980], one Sept. 12 [1980] and one Oct. 4 [1980] (RAR).” “Single Arctic Terns were …[also] at sea off Cape Henry Oct. 11 (RAR). … Bridled Terns were seen three times: [including] one 10 mi s.e. of Ocean City Aug. 24 (RAR, DFA et ai.). seven 60-80 mi e. of Assateague I., Sept. 9 (RAR) …” “Henslow's, a Clay-colored and the first Virginia Bachman's Sparrow since 1968 (DFA, RAR, BW et al., ph.). High winds kept these birds on the islands all day, allowing excruciatingly detailed observation.”

1981 No reports or publications appeared by Rowlett. He had left the region and was off sailing the Pacific and Antarctic Oceans. In his winter 1980-1981 Middle Atlantic region seasonal overview, Armistead (1981b) commented, “Pelagic birding was nil.” The era was over! [PCD] 1982 In Clapp et al. (1982), Rowlett’s records and publications were extensively cited. In 1982, Rowlett was listed in the CETAP Staff and Consultant’s list in the University of Rhode Island’s final CETAP (1982) report, characterizing marine mammals and turtles in the mid- and North Atlantic areas of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. On 2 Jan 1982, one more Baltimore Canyon survey was conducted as a part of the 1981-1982 82nd National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count (National Audubon Society 1982), but without Rowlett at the helm. This last count was organized and compiled by Ron Naveen. 1983 After departing from Maryland in 1980, Rowlett returned from his world travels and gave a presentation to the Montgomery County MOS Chapter. Oberman (1983) recounted, “Rich Rowlett, our long-time member back from one of his pelagic adventures, held us spellbound with his accounts of "Birding the Antarctic," accompanied by his stunning photographs.”

of 126

Haney (1983) published a paper on previously unrecorded seabirds off the Georgia coast and referenced Lee and Rowlett (1979) North Carolina fulmar records. 1986 Potter (1986:86) wrote in her history of the Carolina Bird Club, “During the early 1970s Paul DuMont, Richard Rowlett, and Robert Ake made some of the first regular trips off the North Carolina coast solely for the purpose of studying seabirds. Subsequent work by David S. Lee, E. Wayne Irvin, and others greatly increased our knowledge of offshore bird populations.” Brady (1986) acknowledged Rowlett’s inputs on his article on a possible Antarctic Skua off of New Jersey. 1987 Analyzing winter Common Loon distribution, Lee (1987) wrote:

“Most researchers studying offshore faunas in the southeastern United States to date have not discussed loons. Rowlett (1980a), however, does indicate 0.1 to 1.0 Common Loom per hour in deep waters (40-500 fathoms) of the Northern Chesapeake Bight in February, April, and May. Studies on wintering Common Loom are few (e.g. McIntyre 1978) and were conducted in sounds and along beach fronts. “[A table in the monograph] provides information on the number of Common Loons encountered at different depths off the North Carolina coast during my offshore studies. A rough calculation of density of birds seen in deep water is 0.341 per hour for 19 winter trips. This falls within the range found by Rowlett (1980a) off the Maryland coast. Off the coast of North Carolina, wintering and migrating

1988 Rowlett’s report of Virginia Atlantic Puffin records (in Scott 1979b) is referenced in an article on Florida’s first record of the species (Brooks 1988). 1989 Lee (1989), in an article on jaeger and skuas, cited Rowlett records from Lee and Rowlett (1979). 1994 In his analysis of spring North Carolina seabird distribution, Brinkley (1994) wrote:

“The status of Arctic Tern off North Carolina has undergone rapid revision in the last decade. … Richard Rowlett's offshore counts of Sterna following the passage of Hurricane David provide a previous maximum count for Arctic Tern in North Carolina, 30 on 10 September 1979, and the current maximum count for Roseate, 10 on the same date. Interestingly, Rowlett's numbers for 8-10 September yield a proportion of (positively identified) Common/Arctic/Roseate very close to that of the 22 May count, about 20:3.5:1 … .” “The number of Roseates observed is equally unusual. … Aside from Rowlett's storm-associated counts, there are few records of multiple Roseate Terns off North Carolina in spring.”

of 126

“… I suspect that it is now generally taken for granted by many that spring skuas at these latitudes are South Polars. A skua recorded by Rowlett and Edsburg from shore at Pea Island on 18 February 1974 probably refers to this species.”

1995 Lee (1995) included extensive references to Rowlett published accounts and pers comm. records. 1996 In 1996, the MD/DCRC began its “historical canvass” in earnest, based on a comprehensive list of historical reports compiled by Marshall Iliff that were never reviewed by the committee. Many of these reports were from Rowlett during the record review interregnum period between the publication of the Stewart and Robbins (1958) Maryland baseline and the establishment of the records committee in 1982. Then committee Chair, Dr. S. Harvey Mudd, contacted Rowlett and asked him if he happened to still have any documentation on about 14 committee “reviewable” reports of interest. Rowlett was more than glad to search his files (located in a storage locker on the other side of town in Washington state) and he forwarded for the committee’s use, 100 color slides dealing with the observations requested, along with a detailed cover sheet, plus other slides that he thought might be of interest to the committee. Rowlett replied to Mudd, “… thanks to your persistence and dedication to this matter in compiling a thorough Maryland records [data]base. I’m sure the final outcome will be a valuable historical archive in the future.” Rowlett had some other interesting comments during these communications with Mudd:

“It has been kind of nice to know that my journals which I maintained way back then are still of use from time to time, especially for getting exact positions for a few slides which hadn't it marked (very few). I'm glad I did all that back then, still do really. I'm still using the exact same style of log books as you saw me use since way back at the very beginning. I made sure I bought enough ahead to last me the rest of my life since they don't make them anymore. I'm on volume 51 now, page 6,463. However, I don't write my detailed notes there any more - just field data tables and a few notations. My portable notebook computer goes everywhere I go, and makes it a lot more faster, complete, and corrections, edits, and insertions are easier to deal with. “I don’t know if you and Marion [Mudd] watch the proceedings on “Birdchat.” You mentioned that in one of your emails that you both enjoyed hearing from me and some of my stories. I posted a few that if you didn’t read, you might find of interest now, and I could forward those to you if you wish. Writing and posting stuff on the BB’s has sort of been therapeutic, inspiring me to actually sit down and write down recent and distant birding experiences. It’s almost been like writing an autobiography of sorts. “Have fun with the slides. I’m happy to have been of help. If there is anything else you can think of, please don’t hesitate to ask. It’s actually amazing how clear my memory is of some of these things, despite being so long ago. I think keeping these photo records is akin to having a photo-diary or journal, and written journals help, too.”

of 126

Richard A. Rowlett: Biography Biographical Sketch In an “Interesting Member Profile” newsletter interview for the East Lake Washington [State] Audubon Society (ELWAS), McQuade (2005) wrote of Rowlett:

“Born [in 1947] and early schooled in Maryville, Missouri (MO), a scrapbook he authored on Bohemian Waxwings as a seventh-grade science project directed his interests to nature and the outdoors, particularly birds, and while at Northwest Missouri State University majoring in Meteorology he would skip classes to go birding and finally transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, graduating with a degree in Zoology in1970. Drafted by the US Army the same year, he chose the option of going to Washington, DC over Vietnam and served two years in the Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery as a sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, afterwards, remaining in the DC area as a Biological Technician assisting professional staff with pesticide studies on upland game and water birds at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland. The next five years proved to be the basis of his ultimate career.”

Rowlett’s Early Days - Early Rarity Finding Rowlett honed his skills for find rarities in his early years. He was cited several times for observations of unusual sightings in Missouri: Easterla (1966) reported on the winter 1965-1967 winter finch invasion into northwestern Missouri. Reports included a 20 Nov 1965 sighting by Rowlett, Watkins, and Easterla of a pair of White-winged Crossbills in a pine grove 10 miles west of Maryville, Missouri; a observations by Rowlett and Easterla of at least six Common Redpolls in the same area on 18 Dec 1965 and 15 Jan 1966. At an early age, Rowlett (1969a) published an article in The Bluebird, journal of the Audubon Society of Missouri, entitled, “Mortality at 400-foot tower. He writes, “This paper explains the results of research into the accidents involving spring migrating birds at a television receiving tower, located in Maryville, Nodaway County, Missouri. This analysis was done to satisfy personal interests and fulfill a requirement in beginning ornithology, under the direction of Mr. David A. Easterla, at Northwest Missouri State College, Marysville. Investigations into these “towerkills” were maintained during the springs of 1966 and 1967, although more extensively in 1967.” The paper presented the results of Rowlett’s daily surveys, a hand drawn plot of the kill locations relative to the tower and guy wires, and a discussion of the broader topic of tower kills. While a student at Southeast Missouri State College in Cape Girardou, Rowlett (1969b) published a detailed account and analysis of his 1968-1969 winter and spring bird sightings in southeast Missouri, his first exposure to the avifauna of the opposite corner of his home state. Rowlett contributed a Black Rail specimen (USNM 564977) to the Smithsonian Institution that was collected in Missouri on 23 Sep 1969. Interestingly, also in 1969, Rowlett’s brother, Roger, published a note in the same journal entitled, “Why study ornithology?” (Rowlett R[oger], 1969) In the winter of 1968-1969, Rowlett was credited with many reports in the winter bird surveys and also in the spring and summer surveys (Anderson 1971a, 1971b, 1971c). Regional birds of note reported by Rowlett include Western Meadowlarks, Evening Grosbeaks, and Red Crossbills in winter; Eared Grebe,

of 126

White-rumped Sandpiper, 34 Fish Crows, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and continuing Evening Grosbeaks into the spring; and an adult Louisiana Heron and a Glossy Ibis in the summer. Rowlett is cited in Easterla (1969): “On May 25 and 26, and June 2, 1968, Richard Rowlett observed one male bobolink five miles east and two and one-half miles north of Maryville. In late May 1968, he observed from one to four bobolinks at four other sites within six miles of Maryville. These birds were probably breeders, although the possibility exists that some of these individuals were late transients.” Probably during a visit home from Maryland in 1974, Rowlett is credited (Robbins [M.B] 1975) with observing “a late water pipit” at Maryville in late November. Early Christmas Bird Counts Rowlett began participating in Christmas Bird Counts in 1965, having been credited as an observer in two Missouri CBCs according to Hansleman (1966). In 1969 and 1970, Rowlett was listed as participant in the Maryville, MO CBC (Dawson 1969, 1970) In 1975, Rowlett [presumably Richard] reported White-winged Crossbills and a Lincoln Sparrow on the 1975 Maryville Christmas Bird Count (Jones 1976). During the 1977 Squaw Creek [MO] Christmas Bird Count, Rowlett and Barksdale reported (Goodge 1978) and submitted a detailed sight report of a Gyrfalcon, seen in flight for about five minutes. This sighting was called the “find of the season” by Robbins [M.B.] (1978) and later referred to as the only “reliable sighting” of this species, prior to the first photographed Missouri record of a bird caught in a falconer’s trap in 2000 (Easterla and Scarbrough 2001). In 1978, Rowlett is credited with having reported two Common Yellowthroats (unusual) on the Squaw Creek Christmas Bird Count (Goodge 1979). During the summers of 1968, 1969, and 1970, Rowlett spent time in the mountains of northeastern New Mexico with his father, Ray L. Rowlett, where he became familiar with many western species. He references his New Mexico experience in several of his later articles (Rowlett 1971a, 1971b). He published records (Rowlett 1972a) of western mastiff bats and prairie voles observed and collected in New Mexico. Rowlett Interview (2005) In her “Interesting Member Profile” newsletter interview for the East Lake Washington [State] Audubon Society (ELWAS), McQuade (2005) wrote of Rowlett:

“I discovered Richard on Tweeters [the then Washington State birding listserver], the techy birder connection because of his interesting postings. In fact, they were so interesting I was compelled to start saving them. It wasn't exactly clear to me what he did until he gave a talk at an ELWAS meeting, and later, Bev Jennings suggested we do a profile on him for the Crier. So, we recently interviewed him in spite of his declaration that "my life is far too complex and complicated to be explained in a short, concise way that might be of general interest." After the interview and reading the biography hard-copy he sent, I tended to agree, but stubbornly feel that by highlighting the most important milestones in his career, our associates might concur: ELWAS is richer having Richard among us.

of 126

“Imagine being so enamored with what you do it's like being retired for thirty years - the answer I received after asking when he planned to retire. Today [2005] he's still doing aerial and seagoing contract work in marine biology, whale and other marine mammal surveys, seagoing, and coastal bird migrating counts for fish and wildlife organizations. You can tell he loves it from the way he writes about it in 1996:

"Piedras Blancas and other stuff: We're well into our third week of the Gray Whale survey, already seeing above average couples of cow/calf pairs so early in the season. The Loon migration which I monitored so extensively in 1994/95 is running well in '96; 600,000. Pacific to Red-throateds ratio has been about 50:50. The only significant one- day flight being in the low thousands streaming by at the rate of 600 to 1,000 per minute. Few spectacles in nature can compare to such an unsung show as this."

“But being in this almost unbelievable situation takes years of background. After Patuxent he assisted the Smithsonian Institution National Fish & Wildlife Lab Division of Mammals by trapping, mist-netting and preparing specimens for display, adding them to the museum collection; even donating his own collection of 2000 specimens to the museum in 1982. From 1978 to 81, as Regional Cruise Leader he conducted and supervised field research for the U. of Rhode Island Marine Science Consortium, Wallops Island, VA. Next, he worked seven seasons as a Naturalist Guide & Lecturer on board Society Expeditions luxury cruise ships, visiting Chilean fjords to the Antarctic Islands, Falklands, Shetlands, So. Georgia, with a focus on wildlife ecology and history. “Following that, as a senior scientist and cruise leader, he organized and supervised multi-year, multi-ship seabird and cetacean surveys for the International Whaling Commission, Cambridge, England. And from 1981 to 1988 he was responsible, as Field Supervisor, for National Marine Mammal Laboratories, Seattle, for studying impacts on North Pacific and Alaskan Dall's Porpoise, other sea mammals, and seabirds while assigned to the 176 Japanese vessel fleet engaged in high seas drift net salmon fishing. “From then until the present [2005] he has been associated with NOAA/NMFS, including Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California on term appointments and contracts, working out of Sand Point, Seattle, and La Jolla. This involves numerous seasonal, multi-year-at-sea marine mammal, seabird and turtle projects as well as whale/dolphin and tuna population recovery issues worldwide. He considers his terrestrial field research of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians throughout Central, North America, Peru and Alaska of secondary importance in his biological work around the world. “Each year he tries to spend the three winter months "at home" in Eastgate, Bellevue, where he wages war with neighboring mountain beavers that have developed a taste for his "rhodies," among other nasty habits. On the brighter side, after recently locating Canada's McKay's Bunting, followed by the Asian Redwing rarity in Olympia and Hugh Jennings’ Phantom Lake Tufted Duck, he has indulged in his latest passion: hunting rocks on the Oregon coast, and elsewhere, and polishing them in his two well-traveled rock- polishing machines. Yes, they even accompany him on the fabulous marine mammal surveys I've been telling you about. Now that's PASSION!

of 126

“Thank you, Richard, for being so very interesting and sharing some of your ambience with other East Lake Washington Audubon Society members.“

Rowlett Self-Reflections (2008) In early 2008, Paul Pisano wrote Rowlett to notify him of the passing of long-time area birder and friend, Paul DuMont. Rowlett replied (pers. comm.) and included an insightful retrospective on his early involvement in area birding:

“Indeed, it has been a long time. Thank you ever so much for thinking of me regarding Paul Dumont and the sad news of his passing. If you hadn't have dropped me this note, I probably would never have known, or at least not for some time. Birding with Paul? Yes, indeed. In fact, when I first came to the DC area back in 1971, and popular birding as we know it today was still in its infancy, me, totally gung-ho no holds barred, and knowing no-one in the DC area, I did my research even before arriving by pouring through "North American Birds" looking for names and frequent contributors. Paul's (and his Dad, Phil [Dumont]) name came up more than any other. Obviously, someone I must meet up with! Immediately! On arriving in DC (Arlington actually), I literally looked up the Dumont's name in the phone book for an address, and unimaginable as it would seem today, I just literally went there and showed up on the doorstep one night without so much as calling first, to introduce myself. I can't imagine ever doing such a thing today. At least CALL first!) “Anyway, the Dumont's and me hit it off immediately, and both Paul and Phil took me under their wing, introducing me to MOS, and birding Maryland and the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. I will never forget those early days and years, the way early morning departures to the Maryland coast or the Outer Banks, and Paul sometimes struggling to stay awake between cigarettes, coffee, and rolled down windows for jolts of cold fresh air zipping down Rt. 50 to Ocean City. Sometimes I think it's a miracle that we survived! And if we weren't actually off on a weekend birding jaunt somewhere, Paul was constantly planning his next weekend jaunt to all corners of the country (in the same weekend!) to tick some new rarity that showed up. I envied that sort of freedom to some degree albeit I always thought it a bit obsessive/compulsive not to mention expensive, at least by my living standards at the time. “Today, and continuing my pursuit of marine mammal and seabird research, it's been more than 25 years since I've been seasick [recalling his regular bouts with “mal de mer” from his earlier Maryland pelagic trips]. It's all on larger "boats" these days like dedicated NOAA research vessels and many others that lead me to several months at sea at a time in all parts of the world from the Arctic to the Antarctic and everywhere in between. One area of extensive work over the past 20 years has been in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, a massive study area the size of the African continent extending from San Diego to Hawaii to Peru and everywhere including remote uninhabited exotic seabird rich islands in between such as Clipperton (off Mexico) and Cocos (off Costa Rica) and many more. It's been an absolute never-ending gold mine, no two days are ever the same, and fortuitous port calls open the doors for sampling nearly free birding in so many exotic places for a few days. None of this would probably have ever happened had it not been without having come to know Paul and his unknowing support in what at the time was never foreseen ways, and having come to know, bird, and love the rich Maryland and mid-Atlantic region and its wonderful cast of birders of that era.

of 126

“Please extend my sincere condolences to all at MOS, ANS, and especially to those who knew Paul as he was back in those days. Paul, please feel free to share this message with the MOS community. “

Rowlett Professional Update (2011) Earlier, in 2011, Rowlett provided information on his current activities to Davis (pers comm.):

“I am currently at sea working around this place (Palmyra Atoll) which is a pretty cool place indeed. It's my second time on the atoll and working the seas within the 200nmi EEZ around Palmyra. The atoll is dominated by various breeding seabirds of course and at this season now (fall-winter) an abundance of wintering Pacific Golden Plovers and Bristle-thighed Curlews, the latter sprinkled about everywhere and even in the most seemingly unlikely of places like in the middle of the 'jungle'. Not really a 'jungle' per se but seems like it at times. There are absolutely no land birds on this island nor ever have been which seems and feels quite strange. Seabirds along the standard survey lines at sea has been excellent, especially for Pterodromas with 16 species logged so far over the past month and 10-12 per day some days. It's hard to beat the North Equatorial Counter Current way out here in 'the absolute middle of nowhere' in the tropical mid-North Pacific (2-9N) for the endless bounty of Pterodroma gadfly petrels and perhaps the richest region on Earth for diversity with this genus, my 'avatar' so to speak as you've probably noticed. “As I've been out in these mid-North Pacific tropical waters on several occasions during the northern autumn migration season, it's always fascinating to witness what a seabird migration looks like from this middle of the Pacific perspective. Mottled Petrels, Cook's Petrels, and Sooty & Short-tailed Shearwaters go screaming by hell-bent with purpose to get from their Alaska or the West Coast 'wintering' grounds to New Zealand and Australia with absolute zero interest or even curiosity of the ship lying in their path. Apart from Short-tailed Shearwaters that may form fast moving 'rolling clouds' of 50-150 or more and whiz by at perhaps 70-100 mph, here one instant, gone the next, the others including Sooty Shearwaters never flock up and just make their journey individually and alone.”

Work and Self-Profile (2014) Currently, Rowlett is a Senior Marine Mammal Observer for NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC). The mission of the Southwest Fisheries Science Center is to generate the scientific information necessary for the conservation and management of the region’s living marine resources. (http://swfsc.noaa.gov/default.aspx). His current home base is Seattle/Bellevue, WA. Rowlett's [2014] self-described NOAA web page profile follows:

“I started as a recreational birder which evolved into a decade of organizing and running seabird and whale watching trips off the East Coast (Ocean City, MD and Cape Hatteras, NC) through the 1970’s while my “day job” was with the Museum of Natural History (Smithsonian, Washington, DC). These first ever pioneering efforts into previously and amazingly “uncharted” waters led to a significant data base simply through self-teaching and growing experience, that I moved on to the first ever marine mammal, turtle, and seabird surveys in the NW Atlantic off US East Coast (University of Rhode Island project acronym CETAP) and from there these “dangling carrots” just kept escalating and expanding to a decade (1980’s) of marine mammal surveys circumnavigating Antarctica (southern summers) and North Pacific Alaska/Aleutian/Bering Sea (northern

http://swfsc.noaa.gov/default.aspx

of 126

summers) with the National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Seattle, WA, working with Dall’s porpoise and the Japanese high seas drift net salmon fishery. “Foreign fisheries work filled some gaps in between until coming on with NOAA Fisheries and Southwest Fisheries Science Center (La Jolla, CA) in 1989 as a marine mammal observer in annual marine mammal surveys including Eastern Tropical Pacific, U.S. West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii projects in addition to 15 seasons monitoring gray whale calf migration along the central California coast at an extraordinarily unique shore based study site, Pt. Piedras Blancas Light Station near San Simeon, CA.”

From Rowlett’s (2014) NOAA web site, are some personal factoids: · Current favorite pastime: Travel, birding, photography, rock collecting/polishing, and at home, yard

and garden work · Years observing: 35+ · Favorite ship food: Eggs benedict · Favorite port call: Manta, Ecuador; Panama City, Panama; Fremantle, Australia; Honolulu, HI · Most unique sighting: Bright *RED* southern right whale off South Africa 100% encrustrated with

whale lice that came up alongside the ship during a transit from Antarctica to Mauritius and I could literally reach over the side and scrape lice off with my hand

· Favorite shore-based activity: Birding, gardening, rock collecting/polishing Rowlett Recollections by Friends and Colleagues Davis had located a copy of Rowlett’s advertising flier for his first “deep water” 1973 pelagic trip out of Ocean City. A copy of this flier is reproduced in Appendix 1. The flier was distributed across the Internet in 2004 in response a data call by Debi Shearwater for historical information on North American pelagic trips. The data call and the distribution of the flier prompted some impromptu recollections from Rowlett’s colleagues. Peter Pyle [CA] Peter attended Swarthmore College while also working on forest bird surveys in the South Pacific. He was also a biologist on the Farallon Islands for 15 years. Since 1996, he has been affiliated with IBP, where he conducts research on molt, writes, and holds banding workshops. Peter is a Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences and the Bishop Museum in Honolulu and has authored or co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers, four books, and a monograph on the birds of Hawaii. He is perhaps best known for his two-part Identification Guide to North American Birds, which has detailed criteria for ageing and sexing. In 2011 he had the good fortune of describing a new species, Bryan's Shearwater, and naming it after his grandfather. Pyle recalled Rowlett’s early pelagic trips in a 2004 email:

“The Maryland Ornithological Society use to run half-day trips out of Ocean City in the 1960's. I think it cost $5 or $10/person to go out 15 miles or so in hopes of seeing a Wilson's Storm-Petrel or Sooty Shearwater. Yahoo. I went on what I believe was the last one of these in 1969 or 1970 (as a 12-yr old). Then in the early 1970's Rich Rowlett came along and started organizing all-day trips out 50-60 miles from OC. It seems this sort of trip was a new frontier back then, although it is possible they were also doing similar trips in New England or New Jersey. Between 1971 and 1975 I think we added 10-15 new birds to the state list, beginning with fulmar and the two

of 126

skuas, cruising through the alcids, Manx and Audubon's shearwater, Leach's Storm-Petrel, Arctic Tern and Long-tail Jaeger, and culminating with a Yellow-nosed Albatross on 1 Feb 1975.”

Debi Shearwater [CA] (2004) Debi Love Shearwater, the charismatic owner of Monterey-based Shearwater Journeys, has been leading boat tours to view seabirds in Monterey Bay, Half Moon Bay, and the Farallon Islands since 1975. Renowned throughout the birding world for her expertise on pelagic birds. Debi grew up in the Delaware Valley, PA. and her family vacationed every summer in Ocean City. Shearwater recounted (pers. comm.):

“[These] vacations allowed me to spend 3 or 4 weeks down there, feeding the laughing gulls!! It was a big part of the first 18 years of my life. [Rowlett’s 1973 Ocean City pelagic] may well have been my second, ever, pelagic trip! My first trip was with Bob Ake and Paul DuMont from Nags Head, NC.”

Mark Hoffman [MD] (2011) Hoffman is the former Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and a long-time specialist in the birds of Worcester County, MD. Hoffman is also a perennial leader at the top of the Maryland life list competition]. In 2011, Hoffman wrote in an email:

“Growing up in Maryland in the mid-70s, one of my greatest joys was being able to participate in numerous pelagic trips emanating out of Ocean City, organized and lead by Richard Rowlett. I can still remember Rich's words at the sight of five Great Skuas coursing through the horizon amongst a feeding frenzy of gulls surrounding the Russian fishing fleet. This was the "golden age" of discovery for Maryland pelagics, with many species - both skuas, Northern Fulmar, Atlantic Puffin, Sabine's Gull, Manx Shearwater, and not least, Yellow-nosed Albatross, to name a few, added to the State list. I'd encourage anyone with a historical bent to read the many excellent Maryland Birdlife articles of this era that document Rowlett's exploits. I feel privileged to have been able to share in many of these legendary trips of the past (the albatross included!!).”

Maurice Barnhill† (1940 - 2016) [DE] (2011) Dr. Barnhill was an innovator who changed Delaware ornithology, contributing as an author, mentor, and observer. He was a co-author of Birds of Delaware (Hess et al. 2000), and his blog “Where to Find Birds in Delaware” was used by visitors and residents as a guide to locating the best birding venues in the state. He published in the journal of the American Birding Association and was an active member of the Delmarva Ornithological Society (DOS) for 47 years. Elected a DOS Fellow in 1976, he served DOS as a member of the Records Committee, Council and as vice president. Dr. Barnhill was awarded the DOS's "Lifetime Achievement Award"]. Dr. Barnhill passed away in 2016. In 2011, he wrote in an email:

“My field card indicates that I saw offshore specialties Gannet, Kittiwake, Razorbill, and Fulmar on that [Feb 1973] trip. I may have missed a species, but I doubt that I would have missed two, for Rich was very careful to get the word spread and I would have been outside and at the rail

of 126

for the entire trip. On later trips that would have been regarded as a smallish take, but at the time the last three were very good birds, especially the Fulmar. As time went on, the trips got longer, so that we could get to rougher water, which for some occult reason generally has the most birds.”

Chris Haney [Defenders of Wildlife] (2011) As Chief Scientist, Haney oversees Defenders’ Conservation Science and Economics division, which provides research and analysis to guide and support Defenders’ science-based policy and advocacy agenda. Haney (2011) provided the following recollections:

“Sometime during the late 1970s, I first learned just how difficult it was to even get a seabird into the field of view of my own binoculars. A friend and I had driven overnight from Tennessee up to Ocean City, in order to go out into the Atlantic Ocean during late May to see pelagic seabirds. Richard Rowlett was then chartering local fishing head-boats, loading them up with enthusiastic birders. (At that time, such excursions were still quite a novelty, whereas today one can select from an extensive menu of seabird trips on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts.)”

Floyd Hayes, Professor of Biology, Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA reminisced in a 2017 email (pers. comm.):

“I never knew Rich very well, but as a teenage birder ambitious to become a professional ornithologist, I read through all the issues of Maryland Birdlife that I could get my hands on and was very impressed with Richard Rowlett's birding prowess. I went on a couple of his pelagic trips, spoke with him on the phone many times, and often bumped into him while chasing rarities. He always encouraged me and my twin brother to become better birders and shared lots of tips about where to find birds. His tips for finding remote spots for shorebirds on Assateague Island were especially helpful. What I appreciate most about Rich was his help and encouragement when I needed to write a research paper for my high school biology class. I was enchanted with seabirds at the time and I picked the topic of skuas, which I knew very little about. Rich sent me one of his manuscripts on seabirds observed during a long cruise and highlighted a bunch of literature references in his manuscript that I should read. He suggested that I contact George Watson, a curator at the National Museum of Natural History, and request permission to visit the museum's ornithological library. So, I did just that and wrote a research paper that I submitted to my teacher, but unfortunately, he misplaced my one and only typed copy of the manuscript, so I never got it back. However, the experience was my first exposure to technical writing and the beginning of a long career as a professional biologist. Unfortunately, I never saw or communicated with Rich since he left Maryland for new horizons, but I want him to know that he was among a handful of the most inspiring birders I have ever known.”

Sherman Suter (2017), long-time Maryland birder and former MD/DCRC member, recounted via email (pers. comm.):

“The last of those [Rowlett] pelagics was the Dec 1979 Baltimore Canyon CBC. Jim Vardaman was along for Great Skua in his quest for 700, and when we showed up at the dock predawn there was a NBC news crew (with their floodlights). (Vardaman had generated a number of stories in the Wall Street journal, with one of their reporters piggy-backing along on several twitches and that coverage prompted the TV interest.) The predicted seas were high enough to convince the captain to cancel, but the film crew didn't want to wait 24 hours to see if we would actually go out on the 30th. So, they chartered the boat for a trip through the Ocean City inlet

of 126

and out a couple of nautical miles. We managed to pick up a Razorbill (or some other large alcid?) just beyond the breakwaters---and failed to find that species the next day. On the weathered-out Saturday, Rich led a group (which included Jon Dunn and Guy McCaskie) up the Delaware shore to Cape Henlopen (with snow buntings and longspurs in the dunes). We did get all the way out to the foreign trawlers the next day, and someone woke Vardaman so he could be pointed in the direction of the skuas (we had a conservative total of 6). “One point perhaps worth mentioning: For a long time, Rowlett drove a huge, bulky grand American Station wagon … with the personalized plate (not so common those years) SKUA. It was an excellent match, as the car seemed to have the character of a Great Skua. But at some point, it finally broke down and Rich replaced it with an early imported Subaru station wagon---which was far too light and fine for the plate (perhaps LTSkua might have fit better).”

Joe Hanfman (2017), long-time Maryland birder and former MD/DCRC member, recalled in an email (pers. comm.):

“I took several pelagics with Rich Rowlett in the early 1980's. We sailed out of Ocean City on the Mariner. It was a slow boat but got us to the Continental Shelf. I believe the captain was Daryl Nottingham. “8/24/1980 was a very memorable trip. There was a very smelly object in the water with storm-petrels all over it. Some thought it was a huge turtle but others including me thought it to be the remains of a whale. Rich was standing next to me when a couple of us saw a white storm-petrel. Rich got very excited and called out White-faced Storm-Petrel. I had never even heard of it before that day. “A very memorable trip was 2/14/1982. There were over 5,000 birds around our boat. Northern Gannets, Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls and Black-legged Kittiwakes. While watching this mass of birds a large brown bird flew into the group and the mass of birds parted for the Great Skua. “I didn't see Rich for a while because he had gotten a job, I believe for the US government, aboard a Russian whaling vessel to monitor them. Rich should have had his sea legs when he returned, but on a pelagic out of Ocean City, he got sea sick. He said you feel the motion more in the mid-Atlantic especially when the boat rocks front to back and side to side. “

of 126

SUMMARY Richard A. Rowlett’s contributions to the knowledge of the avifauna of Maryland and the Middle Atlantic region are legion. His indefatigable efforts to seek out rare and unusual avian sightings, on both land and sea, during the decade of the 1970s are preserved by numerous published scholarly articles and his photographs. His influence persists, even if many contemporary birders did not know him, personally, or even know of his renowned reputation. The MD/DCRC is pleased to have this opportunity to acknowledge his ornithological contributions to our region and to educate the birding public on his significant accomplishments. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the following people for their personal recollections of Richard Rowlett: Chris Haney, Joe Hanfman, Floyd Hayes, Mark Hoffman, Paul O’Brien, Peter Pyle, Debi Shearwater, Sherman Suter, and Hal Wierenga. I would also like to extend my appreciation to Eugene J. Scarpulla and Mark S. Johnson, respectively Maryland Birdlife's editor and associate editor, for successfully tackling the challenge of reviewing my original, lengthy monograph and abridging the manuscript into a succinct journal article.

of 126

LITERATURE CITED Adams, J., Kelsey, E.C., Felis, J.J., and Pereksta, D.M. 2017. Collision and displacement vulnerability among marine birds of the California Current System associated with offshore wind energy infrastructure (ver. 1.1, July 2017): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2016-1154, 116 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161154. Ake, R.L. 1976. News and Notes [1974]. The Raven 47(1):29. Ake, R.L. and F.R. Scott. 1976a [1974]. News and Notes. The Raven 47(2):45-48. Ake, R.L. and F.R. Scott. 1976b [1974]. News and Notes. The Raven 47(4):74-79. Anderson, D. 1971a. Bird Survey - Winter: Dec. 1, 1968 to Feb. 28, 1969. The Bluebird 38(1):2. Anderson, D. 1971b. Bird Survey - Spring: March 1 to May 3, 1969. The Bluebird 38(1):2-3. Anderson, D. 1971c. Bird Survey - Summer: June through August 1969. The Bluebird 38(1):3-4. Amistead, H.T. 1980a. The Spring Migration March 1 – May 31, 1980: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 34(5):762-765. Armistead, H.T. 1980b. The Nesting Season June 1 – July 31, 1980: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 34(6):882-885. Armistead, H.T. 1980c. The Autumn Migration August 1 – November 30, 1980: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 35(2):166-169. Armistead, H.T. 1981a. The Autumn Migration August 1 –November 30, 1980: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 35(2):166-169. Armistead, H.T. 1981b. The Winter Season December 1, 1980 –February 28, 1981: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 35(3):286-289. Barnhill, M.V., III, and P.G. DuMont. 1973. Observations of a White-faced Storm-Petrel off Delaware. American Birds 27(1):17. Boone, D. 1975. 24th Annual Nest Card Summary, 1972. Maryland Birdlife 31(1):17-24. Brady, A. 1976. A Summary of recent pelagic trips off the New Jersey coast. Cassinia 56:7-14. Brady, A. 1986. Possible Presence of an Antarctic Skua in New Jersey Waters, Cassinia 62: 7-11. Brethwaite, K. 1976. A Rufous Hummingbird in Devon Pennsylvania. Cassinia 56:22. Brinkley, E.S. 1994. Spring Migration of Seabirds off Central North Carolina: 22 May 1992, with Notes on two Skua (Catharacta) Taxa. The Chat 58(3):94-101.

https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20161154

of 126

Brinkley, E.S. 1997. Changing Seasons: The Fall Migration 1996. Field Notes 51(1):8-14. Brooks, J.M. 1988. First record of Atlantic Puffin for Florida. Florida Field Naturalist 16(1):10-12. Buckley, P.A., R.O. Paxton, and D.A. Cutler. 1976. The Nesting Season, June 1 –July 31, 1976: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 30(5):932-938. Buckley, P.A., R.O. Paxton, and D.A. Cutler. 1977. The Winter Season, December 1, 1976 – February 28, 1977: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 31(3):311-316. Bystrak, P., President. 1977. Annual Reports of Local Chapters - Patuxent Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 33(2):88. CETAP (Cetacean and Turtle Assessment Program). 1982. Final report: A characterization of marine mammals and turtle in the mid- and North Atlantic areas of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. University of Rhode Island; sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management under contract AA551-CT8-48. Available at https://tethys.pnnl.gov/sites/.../A_Characterization_of_Marine_Mammals_and_Turtles.pdf. Last accessed 5 Feb 2018. Cheevers, J.W., President. 1977. Annual Reports of Local Chapters - Anne Arundel Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 32(2):79-91. Clapp, R.B., R.C. Banks, D. Morgan-Jacobs and W.A. Hoffman. 1982. Marine birds of the Southeastern United States and Gulf of Mexico. Part I. Gaviiformes through Pelecaniformes. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington, D.C. FWS/OBS-82/0l. 637 pp. Dawson, R. (ed). 1969.. Christmas Bird Census reports from state of Missouri (and adjacent Kansas and Illinois. The Bluebird 37(1):2-5. Dawson, R. (ed). 1970 Christmas Bird Census reports from state of Missouri (and adjacent Kansas and Illinois. The Bluebird 38(2):3-7. Day, R. H., D.G. Shaw, and S.E. Ignell. 1990. The quantitative distribution and characteristics of neuston plastic in the north Pacific Ocean, 1985-88 in R. S. Shomura and M. L. Godfrey (editors), Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Marine Debris, 2-7 April 1989. Honolulu, Hawaii. Memo. NHFS. NOM-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-154. De Gange T. 1984. Pelagic Studies: Regional Reports: Alaska, Pacific Seabird Group. Bulletin. Volume 11 Number 1. Duncan, C.D., and R.W. Havard. 1980. Pelagic birds of the northern Gulf of Mexico: A preliminary summary of distribution and abundance with comments on field identification. American Birds 34(2):122-132. Dunne, P., and C.C. Sutton, Jr. 1980-1981. Additions to the Cape May County bird list since Stone. Cassinia 59:43-54. Easterla, D. 1966. Northern fringillids invade northwestern Missouri. The Bluebird 33(2):3-5.

https://tethys.pnnl.gov/sites/.../A_Characterization_of_Marine_Mammals_and_Turtles.pdf

of 126

Easterla, D. 1969. 1968 breeding records of the Vesper Sparrow and Bobolink in Missouri. The Bluebird 36(1):21-24. Easterla, D. A., and D. L. Scarbrough. 2001. First documentation of the Gyrflacon (Falco rusticous) in Missouri [18 Dec 1977]: The world’s largest falcon. The Bluebird 68(2):23-24. Finch, D.W., W.C. Russell, and E.V. Thompson. 1978. Pelagic birds in the Gulf of Maine. American Birds 32(2):140-155. [Includes Rowlett photos: Yellow-nosed Albatross (3); Leach’s Storm-Petrel, in the hand (1); Wilson’s Storm-Petrel (1); and Gannett (1).] Fink, L.C. 1983. Further information on tropicbirds in the Carolinas in CBC Roundtable [White-tailed Tropicbird 5, 27 Sep 1979] The Chat 47(3):69-70, 75. Flood, B. 2008. North Atlantic possible, probable, and rejected records of Swinhoe’'s Storm-Petrel and extralimital Bulwer's Petrel. Avibirds.com. Available at Scilly Pelagics: http://www.scillypelagics.com/All_dark_poss_prob_rej.pdf.http://www.avibirds.com/pdf/S/Swinhoes%20Stormvogeltje2.pdf. Last accessed 7 Jan 2018. Fussell III, J.O. and A. Allen-Grimes. 1980. Bird Sightings Associated with Hurricane David [Sep 1979]. The Chat 44(1):89-100. Goodge, W. 1978. Missouri Christmas Bird Counts 1977-78 [Gyrfalcon; 18 Dec 1977]. The Bluebird 45(1):11-20. Goodge, W. 1979. Missouri Christmas Bird Counts 1978-79 [Common Yellowthroat; 19 Dec 1978]. The Bluebird 46(1):11-20. Gizzarelli, E., President. 1975. Annual Reports of Local Chapters – Patuxent Chapter. 1975. Maryland Birdlife 31(2):64-73. Grant, G.S., M.M. Browne, J.F. Parnell, and J.R. Harrison. 1976. The Black-legged Kittiwake in the Carolinas [16 Feb 1974]. The Chat 40(1):12-13. Hackman, D.C. 1971. Results of State-wide bird count: May 1, 1971. Maryland Birdlife 27(2)55-66. Hafner, M., R. Ostrowski, S. Suter, B. Hubick, and P. Davis. 2013. Appendix A: A revision to Maryland’s pelagic zone boundaries. Pages 30–36, in: Maryland/District of Columbia Records Committee 2013 Annual Meeting, Saturday, March 09, 2013, Meeting Minutes and Annual Business Report. Available at: http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/rcannual2013.pdf. Last accessed 25 Jul 2017. Hall, G.A. 1974a. The Fall Migration August 1 – November 30, 1973: Appalachian Region. American Birds 28(1):52-56. Hall, G.A. 1974b. The Winter Season December 1, 1973 - March 31, 1974: Appalachian Region. American Birds 28(3):638-641. Hanselmann, S. 1966. Christmas Census in Missouri: 1965-1966. The Bluebird 33(2):13-23. [p. 16, 17]

http://www.scillypelagics.com/All_dark_poss_prob_rej.pdf

http://www.avibirds.com/pdf/S/Swinhoes

http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/rcannual2013.pdf

of 126

Haney, J.C. 1983. Previously unrecorded and hypothetical species of seabirds on the continental shelf of Georgia. The Oriole 48(2-3):21-32. [p. 23] Haney, J.C. 2011. Back in the Gulf: Tricks of the Trade. Defenders of Wildlife blog. Available at https://defendersblog.org/2011/05/back-in-the-gulf-tricks-of-the-trade/. Last accessed: 15 Jan 2018. Harding, J[ohn] J., and J[ustin] J. Harding. 1980. Birding the Delaware Valley Region: A comprehensive guide to birdwatching in southeastern Pennsylvania, central and southern New Jersey, and northcentral Delaware. Temple University Press. pp. 1 – 238. [p. 151-153] Harrison, P. (ed). 2006. Dr. David Easterla, recipient of the Rudolf Bennitt Award for Distinguished Service to The Audubon Society of Missouri. The Bluebird 73(4):12. Henry, A., R. Rowlett, J. Borberg, L. Balance. 2009. General Session: Common Loons: Presentation: The timing of loon spring migration off Central California, 1994 through 1996. 33rd Annual Meeting – Waterbird Society, November 4-8, 2009, Cape May, NJ. Hess, G. K., R. L. West, M. V. Barnhill III, and L. M. Fleming. 2000. Birds of Delaware. Univ. of Pittsburgh Press, Pittsburgh, PA. Hodge, P., President. 1977. Annual Reports of Local Chapters - Frederick County Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 33(2):83-84. Holmes, D. 1975. First Maryland Record of Gray Kingbird [18 May 1973]. Maryland Birdlife 31(3):103-104. Jones, D.M. 1976. Missouri’s Christmas Bird Count – 1975 [26 Dec 1975]. The Bluebird 43(2):8-21. Julian, W.H. 1972a. Swallow-Tailed Kite Seen at Blackwater Refuge. Maryland Birdlife 28(3):24. Julian, W.H. 1972b. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: Narrative Report: 1972. 64 pp. Available at https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/DownloadFile/45144?Reference=44401. Last accessed 5 Feb 2018. Kaestner, H. 1964. Pelagic species off Ocean City. Maryland Birdlife 20(3):79. Kale II, H.W. 1979. The Spring Migration, March 1 – May 31, 1979. Florida Region. American Birds 33(5):762-765. Kleen, V.M. 1976. The Winter Season, December 1, 1975 – March 31, 1976: Middlewestern Prairie Region. American Birds 30(3):724-728. Kleen, V.M. 1978. The Winter Season, December 1, 1977 – February 28, 1978: Middlewestern Prairie Region. American Birds 32(3):357-361. Klimkiewicz, M.K. and J.K. Solem. 1978. The Breeding Bird Atlas of Montgomery and Howard Counties, Maryland. Maryland Birdlife 34(1):3-39.

https://defendersblog.org/2011/05/back-in-the-gulf-tricks-of-the-trade/

https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/DownloadFile/45144?Reference=44401

of 126

LaVia, J. (ed). 1976. Programs. Larus [D.V.O.C. newsletter] 3(2):1. Lee, D.S. 1987. Common Loons Wintering in Offshore Waters. The Chat 51(2):40-42. Lee, D.S. 1989. Jaegers and skuas in the Western North Atlantic: some historical misconceptions. American Birds 43(1):18-20. Lee, D.S. 1995. Marine Birds off the Coast of North Carolina. The Chat 59(4):113-171. Lee D. S., and J. Booth, Jr. 1979. Seasonal distribution of offshore and pelagic birds in North Carolina waters: An ongoing survey is revealing new insights into the year-round status of many species. American Birds 33(5):715-721. Lee, D.S., and J.C. Haney. 1999. Chapter 2: Diablotin (Pterodroma Hasitata): A Biography of the Endangered Black-Capped Petrel. In Draft - Status Report on The Black-Capped Petrel (Pterodroma Hasitata). Prepared for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA USA, 31 December 2006 by Theodore R. Simons, David Lee, J. Christopher Haney, John Gerwin, Chris Rimmer, Jaime Collazo, Juan Klavins, James E. Goetz, Eladio M. Fernandez, Becky Browning, Brian Patteson, Rebecca A. Hylton. Lee, D.S., and R. Rowlett. 1979. Additions to the seabird fauna of North Carolina. The Chat 43:1-9. LeGrand, Jr., H. 1976. The Nesting Season, June 1 – July 31, 1976: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 30(5):942-945. LeGrand, Jr., H. 1977. Briefs for the Files [1976]. The Chat 41(1):14–16. LeGrand, Jr., H. 1980a. Briefs for the Files [1979]. The Chat 44(3):83-87, 66-69. LeGrand, Jr., H. 1980b. The Spring Migration, March 1 –May 31, 1980: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 34(5):765-767. LeGrand, Jr., H. 1981. Briefs for the Files [1980]. The Chat 45(2):47-54. Lewallen, E.A., R.L. Pitman, S.L. Kjartanson, and N.R. Lovejoy. 2011. Molecular systematics of flyingfishes (Teleostei: Exocoetidae): Evolution in the epipelagic zone. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 102:161-174. Malone, J., and C. Malone. 2006. Seasonal Report, Spring [2006] [2 Mar 2006]. The Bluebird 73(3):3-28. [p. 22] Manuwal, D. A., H. R. Carter, T S. Zimmerman, and D. L. Orthmeyer, Editors. 2001. Biology and conservation of the common murre in California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Volume 1: Natural history and population trends. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Information and Technology Report USGS/BRD/ITR2000-0012, Washington, D.C. 132 pp. McCaskie, G. 1974. The Nesting Season June 1-July 31, 1974: Southern Pacific Region. American Birds 28(5):948-951.

of 126

McFarling, U.L. and K.R. Weiss. 2002. LA Times: June 24, 2002. A Whale of a Food Shortage: The grays, which used to be growing in numbers, have plunged by a third in four years. Now scientists think they know why. Available at: http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/whalesgray-LATimes6.24.02.html. Last accessed: 19 Jan 2018. McNair D.B., and J.A. McNair. (1998). Assessment of occurrences of Flamingos in northwest Florida, including a recent record of the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) Florida Field Naturalist 26(2):40-43) McQuade, A. 2005. Interesting member profile: Richard Rowlett. The Corvid Crier. March 2005. Issue 05-2, pp. 8. Meanley, B. 1975. Birds and Marshes of the Chesapeake Bay Country. Cornell Maritime Press/Tidewater Publishing. pp. 157. [p: 39] Meanley, B. 1977. Birds of the Dismal Swamp, Virginia-North Carolina. The Raven 48(1):3-25. Meritt, J.K. (compiler). 1979. Abstracts of Proceedings: July 1, 1976 – December 31, 1977 [21 Oct 1977]. Cassinia 57:53-57. Morrison, S. 1998. All-dark petrels in the North Atlantic. British Birds 91:540-560. MOS (Maryland Ornithological Society). 1975. Maryland Ornithological Society, Howard, Newsletter of the Howard County Chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society 3(6). MOS (Maryland Ornithological Society). 2001. Maryland Ornithological Society, Maryland/DC Records Committee 2001 Annual Meeting, February 24, 2001 Meeting Minutes and Annual Business Report. Available at: http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/rcannual2001.pdf. Last accessed 18 Jan 2018. MOS (Maryland Ornithological Society). 2014. Maryland Ornithological Society, Inc. Manual of Operation: Section V.J., MD/DC Records Committee. 11 pp. Available at: http://www.mdbirds.org/members/manop_20140301.pdf. Accessed 25 July 2017. National Audubon Society. 1979. The 79th Christmas Bird Count [30 Dec 1978]. American Birds 33(4):440. National Audubon Society. 1980. The 80th Christmas Bird Count [30 Dec 1979]. American Birds 34(4):442. National Audubon Society. 1982. The 82nd Christmas Bird Count [2 Jan 1982]. American Birds 36(4):506. [Naveen, compiler] NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Office of Coast Survey, National Ocean Service, NOAA, Department of Commerce. 2017. Law of the Sea: History of the Maritime Zones Under International Law. Available at: https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/us-maritime-limits-and-boundaries.html#. Last accessed: 20 Jan 2018.

http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/whalesgray-LATimes6.24.02.html

http://www.mdbirds.org/mddcrc/pdf/rcannual2001.pdf

http://www.mdbirds.org/members/manop_20140301.pdf

https://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/us-maritime-limits-and

of 126

Oberman, L. 1983. Annual Reports of Local Chapters: Montgomery County Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 39(2):55-57. Obermann, J.W. 1970. Annual Reports of Local Chapters: Montgomery County Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 26(2):63. Parks, F.L., President. 1978. Annual Reports of Local Chapters - Kent County Chapter. 1978. Maryland Birdlife 34(3):S12-S20. Patten. M.A., E. Mellink, H. Gómez de Silva, and T.E. Wurster. 2001. Status and Taxonomy of the Colorado Desert Avifauna of Baja California. Monographs in Field Ornithology 3:29-63. Patteson, B., K. Sutherland, and S.N.G. Howell. 2009. Recent records of European Storm-Petrel off North Carolina. North American Birds 62(4):515-517. Paxton, R.O., P.A. Buckley, and D.A. Cutler. 1975. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1975: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 30(1):39-46. Paxton, R.O., P.A. Buckley, and D.A. Cutler. 1976. The Spring Migration, April 1 – May 31, 1976: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 30(4):817-823. Paxton, R.O., P.A. Buckley, and D.A. Cutler. 1977. The Spring Migration, April 1 – May 31, 1977: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 31(5):979-984. Paxton, R.O., P.A. Buckley, and D.A. Cutler. 1978. The Spring Migration, March 1 – May 31, 1978: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 32(5):983-98. Paxton, R.O., P.W. Smith, and D.A. Cutler. 1979. The Spring Migration, March 1 – May 31, 1979: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 33(5):754-758. Paxton, R.O., W.J. Boyle, Jr., D.A. Cutler, and K.C. Richards. 1980a. The Spring Migration, March 1 – May 31, 1980: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 33(5):758-762. Paxton, R.O., K.C. Richards, and D.A. Cutler, 198b0. The Autumn Migration August 1 –November 30, 1979: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 34(2):143-147. Paxton, R.O., W.J. Boyle, Jr., and D.A. Cutler, 1981. The Autumn Migration August 1 –November 30, 1980: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 35(2):162-166. Perryman. W.L., M.A. Donahue, P.C. Perkins, and S.B. Reilly. 2002. Gray whale calf production 1994-2000: are observed fluctuations related to changes in seasonal ice cover? Marine Mammal Science 18(1):121-144. Potter, E.F. 1986. The First 50 Years: A Brief History of Carolina Bird Club. The Chat 50(3):61-95. Potter, E.F., J.F. Parnell, and R.P. Teulinga. 1980. Birds of the Carolinas. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill. 408 p., 338 color photos, 1 map.

of 126

Pyle, P. 2006. Offshore Pacific Highlights in Summer-Fall 2005: Just another year. North American Birds 60(1):4-13. Pyle, R.L., and P. Pyle. 2017. The Birds of the Hawaiian Islands: Occurrence, history, distribution, and status. B.P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI, U.S.A. Version 2 (1 January 2017) http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/birds/rlp-monograph. Last accessed 26 Dec 2017. [Various species accounts.] Reynard, G.B. Some vocalizations of the Black, Yellow, and Virginia Rails. The Auk 91(4):747-756. Richards, K.C., R.O. Paxton, and D.A. Cutler. 1979. The Nesting Season June 1 – July 31, 1979: Hudson-Delaware Region. American Birds 33(6):848-851. Ringler, R.F. 1977. The Season: Spring Migration [March 1 – May 31], 1977. Maryland Birdlife 33(3):116-124. Ringler, R.F. 1978a. The Season: Fall Migration, August 1 - November 30, 1977. Maryland Birdlife 34(1):47-60. Ringler, R.F. 1978b. The Season: Winter Season, Dec, 1, 1977 - Feb, 28, 1978. Maryland Birdlife 34(2):78-84. Ringler, R.F. 1978c. The Season: Spring Migration, March 1 - May 31, 1978. Maryland Birdlife 34(3):152-163. Ringler, R.F. 1978d. The Season: Breeding Season, June 1 - July 31, 1978. Maryland Birdlife 34(4):178-183. Ringler, R.F. 1979a. The Season: Fall Migration, August 1 - November 30, 1978. Maryland Birdlife 35(1):12-26. Ringler, R.F. 1979b. The Season: Winter Season. Nov [should be “Dec” PCD], 1, 1978 - Feb, 28, 1979. Maryland Birdlife 35(2):55-62. Ringler, R.F. 1979c. The Season: Spring Migration, March 1 - May 31, 1979 Maryland Birdlife 35(3):73-82. Ringler, R.F. 1979d. The Season: Breeding Season, June 1 - July 31, 1979. Maryland Birdlife 35(4):98-104. Ringler, R.F. 1980a. The Season: Fall Migration, August 1 - November 30, 1979. Maryland Birdlife 36(1):18-36. Ringler, R.F. 1980b. The Season: Winter Season, December 1, 1979 - February 29, 1980. Maryland Birdlife 36(2):60-64. Ringler, R.F. 1980c. The Season: Spring Migration, March 1 - May 31, 1980. Maryland Birdlife. 36(3):113-128.

http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org/birds/rlp-monograph

of 126

Ringler, R.F. 1980d. The Season: Breeding Season, June 1 - July 31, 1979. Maryland Birdlife 36(4):140-150. Robbins, C.S. 1971a. The Season: April, May, June 1971. Maryland Birdlife 27(3):139-149. Robbins, C.S. 1971b. The Season: July, August, September 1971. Maryland Birdlife 27(4):186-194. Robbins, C.S. 1972a. The Season: October, November, December 1971. Maryland Birdlife 28(1):29-39. Robbins, C.S. 1972b. The Season: January, February, March 1972. Maryland Birdlife 28(2):75-82. Robbins, C.S. 1972c. The Season: April, May, June 1972 Maryland Birdlife 28(3):105-117. Robbins, C.S. 1972d. The Season: July, August, September 1972. Maryland Birdlife 28(4)150-158. Robbins, C.S. 1973a. The Season: October, November, December 1972. Maryland Birdlife 29(1):20-30. Robbins, C.S. 1973b. The Season: January, February, March 1973. Maryland Birdlife 29(2):54-59. Robbins, C.S. 1973c. The Season: April, May, June 1973. Maryland Birdlife 29(3):114-124. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1973d. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 29(4):168-171. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1974a. Third list of contributors for Carey Run Sanctuary. Maryland Birdlife 30(1):35. Robbins, C.S. 1974b. The Season: October, November, December 1973. Maryland Birdlife 30(1):37-46. Robbins, C.S. 1974c. The Season: April, May, June 1974. Maryland Birdlife 30(3):105-118. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1974d. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 30(3):121-123. Robbins, C.S. 1975a. The Season: October, November, December 1974. Maryland Birdlife 31(1):34-44. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1975b. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 31(1):47-48. Robbins, C.S. 1975c. The Season: January, February, March, 1975. Maryland Birdlife 31(2):93-97. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1975d. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 31(2):98-99. Robbins, C.S. 1975e. The Season: April, May, June, 1975. Maryland Birdlife 31(3):110-122. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1975f. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 31(3):127-128. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1975g. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 31(4):151-152. Robbins, C.S. 1976a. The Season: October, November, December. 1975. Maryland Birdlife 32(1):16-25. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1976b. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 32(1):29-31.

of 126

Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1976c. Convention Announcement [May 1977]. Maryland Birdlife 32(2):53. Robbins, C.S. 1976d. The Season: January, February, March, 1976. Maryland Birdlife 32(2):70-75. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1976e. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 32(2):79-80. Robbins, C.S. 1976f. The Season: April, May, June, 1976. Maryland Birdlife 32(3):88-101. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1976g. Coming Events. Maryland Birdlife 32(3):103-104. Robbins, C.S. 1976h The Season: July, August, September, 1976. Maryland Birdlife 32(4):115-126. Robbins, C.S. 1977a. The Season: October, November, December 1976. Maryland Birdlife 33(1) 35-46. Robbins, C.S. 1977b. The Season: January, February, March, 1977. Maryland Birdlife 33(2):92-103. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1978b. Save these dates. Maryland Birdlife 34(2):84. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1978c. Coming events. Maryland Birdlife 34(2):95-96. Robbins, C.S. (ed). 1978d. 1979 Christmas Bird Count Schedule. Maryland Birdlife 34(3):168. Robbins, C.S. 1979. Book Reviews: Books of Nearby States – Birds of the Carolinas. Maryland Birdlife 35(4):104-106. Robbins, C.S. 1980. Statewide Bird Count, May 6, 1978. Maryland Birdlife 36(2):43-59. Robbins, M.B. 1975. Fall Survey – August 1 to November 30, 1974 [29-30 Nov 1974]. The Bluebird 42(2):5-7. Robbins, M.B. 1978. Winter Survey: December 1, 1977 through February 28, 1978 [18 Dec 1977 – Gyr]. The Bluebird 45(2):11-15. Robbins, M. B., and D.A. Easterla. 1992. Birds of Missouri: Their Distribution and Abundance. University of Missouri Press. 399 pp. [Various species accounts.] Rogers, R. 1994. Washington Bird Field Notes: April 1 – July 31, 1994. WOSNews (Washington Ornithological Society) 33:2-7. Ropes, Mrs. J.W., President. 1976. Annual Reports of Local Chapters – Talbot County Bird Club. Maryland Birdlife 33(2):88. Rowlett, R[oger]. 1969. Why study ornithology? The Bluebird 36(4):16. Scarbrough, L. 1977. Washington bird watch. The Washington Post: April 10, 1977. Scott, F. R. 1971a. News and Notes [1971]. The Raven 42(3):53.

of 126

Scott, F. R. 1971b. News and Notes [1971]. The Raven 42(4):69. Scott, F. R. 1973a. News and Notes [1972]. The Raven 44(3):23. Scott, F. R. 1973b. News and Notes [1972]. The Raven 44(3):79. Scott, F. R. 1974a. News and Notes [1973]. The Raven 45(2):49. Scott, F. R. 1974b. News and Notes [1973]. The Raven 45(3):74. Scott, F. R. 1975a. Virginia Christmas Bird Counts-1974-75 Season. 1975. The Raven 46(1):3-22. Scott, F. R. 1975b. News and Notes [1974]. The Raven 46(1):30. Scott, F. R. 1975c. News and Notes [1974]. The Raven 46(2):54. Scott, F. R. 1975d. News and Notes [1974]. The Raven 46(3):71. Scott, F. R. 1976a. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1975: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 30(1):47-51. Scott, F. R. 1976b. The Winter Season, December 1, 1975 – March 31, 1976: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 30(3):702-705. Scott, F. R. 1976c. The Spring Migration, April 1 – May 31, 1976: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 30(4):823-826. Scott, F. R. 1976d. The Nesting Season, June 1 – July 31, 1976: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 30(5):938-942. Scott, F. R. 1977a. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1976: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 31(2):160-163. Scott, F. R. 1977b. The Winter Season, December 1, 1976 – February 28, 1977: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 31(3):316-319. Scott, F. R. 1977c. The Spring Migration, April 1 – May 31, 1977: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 31(5):984-986. Scott, F. R. 1977d. The Nesting Season, June 1 – July 31, 1977: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 31(6):1120-1124. Scott, F. R. 1978a. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1977: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 32(2):189-193. Scott, F. R. 1978b. The Winter Season, December 1, 1977 – February 28, 1978: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 32(3):332-361.

of 126

Scott, F. R. 1978c. The Spring Migration, March 1 – May 31, 1978: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 32(5):988-991. Scott, F. R. 1978d. The Nesting Season, June 1 – July 31, 1978: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 32(6):1147-1150. Scott, F. R. 1979a. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1978: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 33(2):163-165. Scott, F. R. 1979b. The Winter Season December 1, 1978 - February 28, 1979: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 33(3):270-272. Scott, F. R. 1979c. The Spring Migration March 1- May 31, 1979: Middle Atlantic Coast Region; American Birds 33(5):758-760. Scott, F. R. 1979d. The Nesting Season June 1- July 31, 1979: Middle Atlantic Coast Region; American Birds 33(6):851-853. Scott, F. R. 1980a. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1979: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 34(2):147-149. Scott, F. R. 1980b. The Winter Season December 1, 1979 - February 29, 1980: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 34(3):260-263. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1972. The Fall Migration August 16 - November 30, 1971: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 26(1):41-45. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1973a. The Spring Migration April 1 - May 31, 1973: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 27(4):754-757. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1973b. The Nesting Season June 1 – July 31, 1973: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 27(5):853-856. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1974a. The Fall Migration August 1 - November 30, 1973: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 28(1):33-37. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1974b. The Winter Season December 1, 1973 - March 31, 1974: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 28(3):621-625. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1974c. The Spring Migration April 1 - May 31, 1974: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 28(4):784-788. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1974d. The Nesting Season June 1 – July 31, 1974: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 28(5):885-889. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1975a. The Fall Migration August 1 - November 30, 1974: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 29(1):34-40.

of 126

Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1975b. The Winter Season December 1, 1974 - March 31, 1975: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 29(3):672-676. Scott, F.R., and D.A. Cutler. 1975c. The Nesting Season June 1 – July 31, 1975: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 29(5):954-957. Simons, T.R., Lee, D.S., and Haney, J.C. 2013. Diablotin Pterodroma hasitata: a biography of the endangered Black-capped Petrel. Marine Ornithology 41(Special Issue):S3–S43. Stewart, R. E., and C. S. Robbins. 1958. Birds of Maryland and the District of Columbia. North American Fauna: Number 62: pp. 1 – 401. Stone, W. 1937. Bird studies at old Cape May; an ornithology of coastal New Jersey. Philadelphia. The Delaware valley ornithological club at the Academy of natural sciences of Philadelphia. Sykes Jr., P.W. 2009. Four hundred and counting: Reflections on long association with the Christmas Bird Count. American Birds 63:16-23, 119. Sykes Jr., P.W. 2016. 500 Christmas Bird Counts and Still Going. Available at http://www.audubon.org/news/500-christmas-bird-counts-and-still-going. Last accessed 8 Jan 2017. Toochin, R. 2017. Status and Occurrence of Great Shearwater (Ardenna gravis) in British Columbia. http://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/documents/GRSH-article-RT.pdf. Accessed 8 Nov 2017. Toochin, R., J. Fenneman and P. Levesque. 2014. British Columbia rare bird records: January 1, 2014: 3rd Edition. [Online resource] Retrieved from http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/documents/BCRareBirdListJanuary2014XZBC.pdf Accessed: 24 Dec 2016. Teulings, R.P. 1972. Briefs for the Files [Summer 1972]. The Chat 36(4):111. Teulings, R.P. 1973a. Briefs for the Files [Fall 1972]. The Chat 37(1):29-33. Teulings, R.P. 1973b. Briefs for the Files [Spring 1973]. The Chat 37(3):85. Teulings, R.P. 1973c. Briefs for the Files [Summer 1973]. The Chat 37(4):108-110. Teulings, R.P. 1973d. The Spring Migration April 1 - May 31, 1973: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 27(4):758-760. Teulings, R.P. 1973e. The Nesting Season June 1 – July 31, 1973: Middle Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 27(5):856-859 Teulings, R.P. 1974a. The Fall Migration August 1 – November 30, 1973: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 28(1):37-40.

http://www.audubon.org/news/500-christmas-bird-counts-and-still-going

http://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/documents/GRSH-article-RT.pdf

http://www.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/efauna/documents/BCRareBirdListJanuary2014XZBC.pdf

of 126

Teulings, R.P. 1974b. The Winter Season December 1, 1973 - March 31, 1974: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 28(3):626-628. Teulings, R.P. 1975a. The Fall Migration August 1 – November 30, 1974: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 29(1):40-43. Teulings, R.P. 1975b. Briefs for the Files [Fall 1974]. The Chat 39(1):22-29. Teulings, R.P. 1975c. The Nesting Season June 1 – July 31, 1975: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 29(5):957-960. Teulings, R.P. 1976a. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1975: Southern Atlantic Coast Region; American Birds 30(1):51-54. Teulings, R.P. 1976b. Briefs for the Files [Fall 1975]. The Chat 40(2):46-51. Teulings, R.P. 1976c. The Spring Migration, April 1 – May 31, 1976: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 30(4):826-828. Teulings, R.P. 1976d. Briefs for the Files [Spring 1976]. The Chat 40(4):101–105, 110. Teulings, R.P. 1977. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1976: Southern Atlantic Coast Region. American Birds 31(2):163-166. Updegove, S. 1978. Mid-Winter Clay-Colored Sparrow in Harford County [Jan-Feb 1978]. Maryland Birdlife 34(4):184. Vardaman, J.M. 1980. Call collect, ask for Birdman. McGraw-Hill Paperbacks. pp. 247. [p. 180-182] Vaughn, C. 1977. 1977 Convention summary. Maryland Birdlife 33(2):68-70. Vickery, P.D. 1978. The Fall Migration, August 1 – November 30, 1977: Northeastern Maritime Region. American Birds 32(2):174-180. Viet, R., and W. Petersen. 1993. Birds of Massachusetts. Lincoln, MA: Massachusetts Audubon Society. Wales, H.B. 1980. Record Bird Count Ends. The Times from Shreveport, Louisiana. Jan 20, 1980. Page 57 - Newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/216850183/. Last accessed: 13 Nov 2017. Weske, J.S., R.B. Clapp, and J.M. Sheppard. 1977. Breeding Records of Sandwich and Caspian Terns in Virginia and Maryland. The Raven 48(3):59-65. Wierenga, H. Autumn, 1975, Shorebird Spectacular at Sandy Point State Park, MD. Maryland Birdlife 32(1):3-5. Wilds, C.W., President. 1977. Annual Reports of Local Chapters - Montgomery County Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 33(2):87-88.

https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/216850183/

of 126

Wilds, C.W., President. 1978. Annual Reports of Local Chapters - Montgomery County Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 34(2):S17-S18. Woodward, P.W., President. 1976. Annual Reports of Local Chapters - Montgomery County Chapter. Maryland Birdlife 32(2):65. Woodward, P.W. 1979. On the Fall Status of Rough-Winged Swallows in Maryland. Maryland Birdlife 35(4):31.

of 126

APPENDIX 1. ROWLETT’S FIRST 1973 OCEAN CITY PELAGIC TRIP ADVERTISING FLIER A copy of the first page of for Rowlett’s first pelagic trip flier is reproduced, below.

of 126

APPENDIX 2. EXTRALIMITAL AND POST-MARYLAND PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, ACTIVITIES, AND ACCOLADES After moving from Maryland, Rowlett began a long series of publications of his seabird work and other ornithological interests. Rowlett published or co-authored numerous non-regional publications and gave various presentations after he left Maryland. He also posted observations on various Internet blog sites. Additionally, he received acknowledgements and appreciations from colleagues. These references are summarized below. 1984 De Gange (1984) reported, “Rich Rowlett (NMFS) continues his observations of seabirds from catcherboats in the Japanese gillnet fleet. Rich and 11 other marine mammal observers will continue to monitor seabird mortality in the Japanese fishery.” 1988 Rowlett was coauthor of a paper (Kasamatsu et al. 1988) on the distribution of cetacean sightings in the Antarctic, specifically results from the International Whaling Commission southern hemisphere minke whale assessments. 1990 Day et al. (1990) stated, “Additional samples [of neuston plastic] were collected by James Seger and Richard Rowlett of NMFS and by Amy Stone of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).” 1991 During the summer of 1991, Rowlett was part of a team that studied and documented the behavior and interactions of 46 polar bears, in 34 groups, from the Canadian icebreaker Robert LeMeur (Smultea, et al. 2010, 2016). 1992 In Birds of Missouri, Robbins [Mark] and Eastrela (1992), Rowlett is credited with observing notable early, late, or numbers of various Missouri species: Upland Sandpiper, Piping Plover, Horned Lark, Black Rail (specimen), Fish Crow, Golden Eagle, and a jaeger, sp. (probably Parasitic). In 1992, Rowlett was coauthor on four papers on marine mammal monitoring involving walrus, seals, whales, and polar bears (Brueggeman, Green, et al. 1992a, 1992b; Brueggeman, Grotefendt, et al. 1992a, 1992b) 1993 In 1993, Rowlett coauthored three papers dealing with aerial surveys of dolphins (Green et al. 1993) and walrus (Grotefendt et al. 1993), and he presented a paper dealing with polar bear reactions to icebreaker operations in the Arctic (Rowlett et al. 1993). 1994 In 1994, Rowlett et al. (1994) published a paper including the first photograph documenting a northern right whale of Washington state. Rogers (1994) reported the sighting: “Great Gray Owl: 1 was om Mt. Annie Road, south of Wauconda, OK [Okanogan County] on 1/31 [1994] (RRw).

of 126

1996 Rowlett (1996a) wrote of his experience in finding one of his now home state’s (Washington) rarest nesters in February 1996. He recounted that after one hour of sleep, he was off at 5 am for an owl prowl at Highland Sno-Park, near Havillah, WA. Amongst the hooting Great Horned Owls, howling coyotes, and calling distant Barred Owl, just before dawn with a waxing full moon, and just about to give up, he wrote, “… there is was! Great Gray Owl! Perched atop the Okanogan National Forest entrance sign, exposed to the moonlight, white mustache absolutely glowing. It was like an ethereal apparition, magnificent and huge, detailed in the subtle sliver light of the moon. Perfect! Chilling! It perched erect there for 2 to 3 minutes, then took flight silently, like a giant moth disappearing into the shadows.” In 1996, Rowlett began to document his observations from Pt. Piedras Blancas, San Simeon, CA, including a bird list from the point (Rowlett 1996b). Manuwal et al. (2001) reported, “R. Rowlett (unpublished data) … recorded 2,030 murres between 5 and 12 May 1996 off Point Piedras Biancas.” 1997-1998 Brinkley (1997) included several 1996 Rowlett references:

“Loons and grebes: Loons are all the rage these days. To add to Richard Rowlett's censuses from California in the spring at Piedras Blancas, … [several large loon counts follow] …” “But it is the Pacific Loon that has been stealing headlines, largely in the interior, for about a decade now. A concentration of 100,000 off southern Santa Cruz County, California, boggles the brain, even with Rowlett's counts in mind, but how about the inland trekkers? … [Several inland counts follow] …” “Tubenoses and Tropicbirds: These two families provided a great deal of stir on all three pelagic fronts. From the R/V McArthur, coursing through the Central Pacific Gyre, came word from Rowlett, Michael Force, and Todd Pusser of a Streaked Shearwater off Oregon's Heceta Bank, about 30 nautical miles (nm) offshore, on September13 [1996]; …” “Landlubbers who ventured out to sea on day trips saw an equally astonishing variety of seabirds. Running a chase trip for the Streaked Shearwater on October 5 [1966], Oregonians saw instead a nominate Shy (White-capped) Albatross, a sublime Patagonia-effect if ever there was one. (Recall that Rowlett's California record of the spring season was identified as Salvin's Albatross (D. c. salvinii].”

Rowlett began a two-year series of Internet postings on the 1997 El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO 97-98) (http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/Enso97/). Locations surveyed, and topics published by Rowlett (1997) include: · 5 Oct 1997. Mexico. Seabirds, Marine Mammals, Hurricanes. · October 1997, California: Seabirds, Marine Mammals. Cruise Summary: NOAA R/V David Starr

Jordan, 06-30 October 1997. · 11 August [1997]: USA Alaska. · 15 November 1997. Bering Sea, Alaska: Climate. · 31 May 1998. California: Marine Mammal (Grey Whale).

http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/Enso97/

of 126

1999 In January 1999, Rowlett (1999) blogged on his 1998 seabird observations from the Eastern Tropical Pacific. In 1999, Rowlett coauthored a paper to document a sight record of a Streaked Shearwater in Oregon waters (Force et al. 1999). In 1999, Rowlett was cited in Lee and Haney’s (1999) chapter in the draft USGS status report on the Black-capped Petrel (and later in the final, Simons et al. 2013). 2000 Rowlett wrote, essentially, a 30,000-word short story, Night of the Yellow Rail, as a trilogy of his experience in searching for and finding this elusive species at Upper Kalmath NWR in Oregon in 2000. This narrative was originally posted, in three parts, on Tweeters [the then Washington State birding listserver] and then serialized as a two-part article in the Washington Ornithological Society newsletter (Rowlett 2000a, 2000b). In his Piedras Blancas, CA 200X Blog on morro-bay.com (http://morro-bay.com/docents/piedras-blancas/Rowlett/), Rowlett describes the monitoring efforts he and others conducted over many years from Pt. Piedras Blancas:

“Each winter, the entire Eastern Pacific (or California) population of gray whales migrates from its primary feeding grounds in the Arctic to the lagoons and near-shore areas of Baja California, Mexico to breed, bear and nurse their young, and cavort before returning to the Arctic. The northbound migration is composed of two distinct pulses of whales. The first is composed of adults and juveniles, and the second is made up almost entirely of cows with their three-month-old calves. Since the spring of 1994, scientists from the Southwest Fisheries Science Center have been monitoring this northbound migration of cows and calves from Piedras Blancas, a point of land just north of San Simeon, California and just south of the Big Sur coast. This site is ideal for counting these whales because these animals generally pass within 200 m of the point and often stop to nurse their young in the lee of the rocky point. Counts of northbound cows and calves have revealed surprising variability in calf production for this population. It appears that the number of calves born each year is related to environmental conditions in the Arctic that limit prey populations and/or the availability of prey to reproductive females. We have hypothesized that the timing of the melt of sea ice in the Arctic may control access to primary feeding grounds for newly pregnant females and thus impact the probability that existing pregnancies will be carried to term.”

From LA Times reporters, McFarling and Weiss (2002) wrote,

“Richard Rowlett and other researchers took shifts scanning the horizon from a cliff top on a finger of land called Piedras Blancas, which extends into the ocean near San Simeon's Hearst Castle. Scientists believe this is the best place on the West Coast to see mothers and calves slalom through offshore rocks and kelp beds. The calf remains on the inside, closer to shore. The mother shields her offspring with her massive bulk, a precaution against marauding bands of killer whales eager to make a meal of a baby gray fattened by mother's milk.

http://morro-bay.com/docents/piedras

of 126

"The cows and calves follow the inside track here," Rowlett said, plotting a course in the logbook after he spotted one large geyser of water, followed by the more timid breath of a calf in tow. He labeled the pair No. 286. "Sometimes they come so close you cannot see them over the ice plant on the cliff," he said. "You can hear them breathe and sometimes see the spray of their blow."

Grey [sic] whale research began at Piedras Blancas in 1980 by Michael Pool. After a brief respite, it

continues today under the auspices of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Every spring, biologists count the number of gray whale mothers and calves that pass Point Piedras. Pictured at the large

binoculars referred to as “big eyes” is Richard Rowlett. (Courtesy PBLS Collection.) First BC record of Great Shearwater Toochin (et al. 2014; 2017) reports that Rowlett and others provided the first accepted record of Great Shearwater in British Columbia waters from a pelagic survey on 24 Jun 2000, approximately 35 nmi west of Cape Flattery, Washington. (BCBRC #2014-010) 2001 In 2001, Rowlett was cited in a number of the seabird species accounts in the Patten et al. (2001) paper on the status of the avifauna of Baja, Mexico. 2002 In 2002, Rowlett participated in marine surveys of Hawaiian waters. Pyle and Pyle (2017) acknowledged Rowlett’s survey contributions in most of their avian species accounts in the Hawaiian Biological Survey’s Hawaiian Islands Cetacean and Ecosystem Assessment Survey (HICEAS). In the introduction, Pyle and Pyle describe the surveys: “… a cetacean and ecosystem assessment survey of the Exclusive

of 126

Economic Zone of the Hawaiian Archipelago conducted by the Southwest and Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Centers (SWFSC) of NOAA Fisheries. Extensive surveys of all Hawaiian waters were conducted from 1-2 survey vessels during 6 Aug-1 Dec 2002 (163 survey days) …” Most of the species account cite Rowlett’s (2002) HICEAS data. Perryman et al. 2002 acknowledged, “Richard Rowlett has been the leader of our observation team [Gray Whale calf production survey from Piedras Blancas, California] since the beginning of the study [1994-2000] and his professionalism and unique skills are responsible in a large part for the consistent quality of our data set.” 2003 Rowlett continued to blog on his Pt. Piedras Blancas observations. 2004 In 2004, Rowlett coauthored a marine mammal paper (Fertl et al. 2004) on anomalously white cetaceans, including the first account for the Pantropical Spotted Dolphin. He also was coauthor of a presentation to the International Whaling Commission in Sorrento, Italy. Rowlett continued to blog on his Pt. Piedras Blancas observations. 2005 Rowlett’s observations at Pt. Piedras Blancas ended in 2005 and this was the final year of his blog on his observations there. 2006 In 2006, Dr. David Easterla was presented with the Rudolf Bennitt Award for Distinguished Service to The Audubon Society of Missouri. In the announcement (Harrison 2006), Rowlett is mentioned as one of the noted ornithologists that Easterla taught and mentored: “As a professor at Northwest Missouri State University, he has served as advisor and teacher for such birders/ornithologists as Richard Rowlett, Drew Thate, Jim Grace, Terry Miller, Tim Barksdale, and Mark Robbins.” Rowlett, during a visit home, recorded a notable spring 2006 sighting (Malone and Malone 2006): “Once again this year a Northern Shrike was present in the Northwestern corner of the state. On March 2, Richard Rowlett reported it near Skidway in Nodaway County. This is the 4th such record in March, suggestive of a lingering wintering bird.” Pyle (2006) referenced two Rowlett sight records: Solander’s Petrel in the northern Pacific Ocean and Black-winged Petrel off Alaska. 2009 Rowlett coauthored a paper with Force et al. (2009) on first records of Chatham Island Petrel Pterodroma axillaris In the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Another paper was published with Henry et al. (2009) on the spring loon migration phenology off central California, 1994 Through 1996. Rowlett also coauthored a presentation to the COS/AOU/SCO meeting in San Diego on the same topic. Rowlett was a member of the team (Henry, et al. 2009) that presented “The timing of loon spring migration off Central California, 1994 through 1996 at the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Waterbird Society: November 4-8, 2009 at Cape May, NJ.

of 126

2010 Rowlett was a co-presenter of a paper (Smultea et al. 2010) to the Alaska Marine Science Symposium in Anchorage, AK on his earlier 1991 work on Polar Bear reactions to icebreakers. Rowlett was also a co-presenter of a paper (Perryman et al. 2010) the International Whaling Commission on the results of surveys of northbound gray whale calves 2001–2009 and an examination of the full sixteen-year series of estimates from the Piedras Blancas Light Station; 2010. 2011 In 2011, Rowlett was acknowledged by Lewallen et al. (2011) for his assistance with collecting flyingfish specimens. Rowlett was also a co-presenter of a paper (Perryman et al. 2011) the International Whaling Commission on the results of surveys of northbound gray whale calves 2001-2010 and examination of the full sixteen-year series of estimates from the Piedras Blancas Light Station. 2012 Rowlett (2012) wrote about a woodpecker survey that involved a sighting in his yard in Washington state. 2014 In 2014, Rowlett’s report (Rowlett and Blackie 2014) of a Great Shearwater in British Columbia waters was accepted by the British Columbia Bird Records Committee. 2016 In 2016, Rowlett, along with Smultea, et al. (2016) published their final paper on their earlier 1991 work on monitoring Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) behavior near icebreaker operations in the Chukchi Sea. 2017 In 2017, Rowlett’s 2002 and 2010 Hawaiian Islands waters observations of Pomarine Jaeger were including in the species account in the Birds of the Hawaiian Islands (Pyle and Pyle 2017). In 2017, Rowlett was also cited (pers. comm.) by Adams et al. (2017) attesting to the fact that Pacific Loon migration along the Pacific coast is strictly diurnal.

md-dcrc first field recognition award feb v17€¦ · title: md-dcrc first field recognition award...

Documents