The PeregrineThree Rivers Birding Club Newsletter

Vol. 17, No. 5, September/October 2018 http://www.3rbc.org

continued on page 8

See The Peregrine in beautiful color at 3rbc.org

BEAUTIFUL GUEST – Bill Beatty, our October speaker, briefly holds a Pileated Woodpecker he has just banded. A licensed bander, he has ringed approximately 1,000 birds at his home near Wellsburg, West Virginia, each year.

UNUSUAL VISITOR – This is the Bonaparte’s Gull Tom and Nancy Moeller saw at Duck Hollow. Tom photographed it as it took flight from the area that has become an extraordinary hot spot for finding unexpected birds.

Rainbows, Bluebirds, and Buffleheads

What in the world are nature’s connections from rainbows to bluebirds to Buffleheads? We will find out in a colorful program by Bill Beatty at the 3RBC meeting on Wednesday, October 3. Bill is a widely known consulting naturalist and outdoor education specialist from Wellsburg, West Virginia.

The program’s title is that of his new book, Rainbows, Bluebirds and Buffleheads: Discovering Life Through Birds, which chronicles his interest in birds from a young boy to the present.

We meet at the Phipps Garden Center, 1059 Shady Avenue in Shadyside. Doors will open at 6:30 PM for socializing, a business meeting will begin at 7:30, and the program will start at 8:00.

Bill, who lives near Wellsburg, West Virginia, has a B.S. degree in biology from West Liberty University. He founded a company named Wild & Natural in 1990, specializing in nature/environmental programs, writing, and photography with more than 2,500 published photos.

He holds a federal master bird banding permit and for 28 years studied the breeding biology of the Eastern Screech-Owl. He presented a program on his owl research at our club’s April 2005 meeting.

Bill will have copies of his Rainbows book and Bill and Bev Beatty’s Wild Plant Cookbook (cash or check only) at our meeting: Rainbows, Bluebirds and Buffleheads is $18.95 and the cookbook is $9.95. Read more about Bill’s work on his website and photo gallery at www.agpix.com/billbeatty.

By Tom Moeller“There is a single gull down on the mudflats. It’s strange

because it has a black bill,” I said to my wife Nancy, who had suggested we come down to Duck Hollow on the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh to bird on July 9.

We went down to the river to get a better look at the gull. Black beak, pinkish legs, and a spot on the side of its head. It looked like a winter plumage Bonaparte’s Gull, but it was July 9! Confusion. The only other gull around was a Herring Gull flying overhead. We looked and studied. I took several photos (20), and we came home to figure this gull out.

Again the enlarged photos seemed to say “Bonaparte’s Gull,” and there were some pictures with a passing Killdeer for size comparison. Maybe it was small enough to be a Little Gull? I sent some of the photos to Mike Fialkovich and Paul Hess plus a few others in the club to ask their opinions.

Mike said he knew from the photographs that it was a Bonaparte’s Gull, and he had time to drive down to see it that same day. At first the gull was not visible to him, but then a Killdeer flew to the mudflat followed by the gull. Mike could see that the gull’s wings were ragged, making it obvious to him that it was in the middle of a heavy molt. Aside from the worn look, the gull seemed to be in good health, moving about quickly on the ground, pecking

Bonaparte’s Gull: Allegheny County’s First in Summer

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The Peregrine

The PeregrineThree Rivers Birding Club Newsletter

Published bimonthly:January, March, May, July, September, November

Send articles and/or illustrations to:Paul Hess, Editor

phess@salsgiver.com1412 Hawthorne St., Natrona Heights, PA 15065

Send ideas or items for the website to:Tom Moeller, Webmaster

thosjmoel@gmail.com

Send questions and suggestions to:Bob VanNewkirk, President

van126@comcast.net126 Timberlane Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15229-1059

Suggest or volunteer to lead outings to:Steve Thomas, Outings Director

thomassj22@verizon.net309 Center Ave., Aspinwall, PA 15215

Report bird sightings to:Mike Fialkovich, Bird Reports Editor

mpfial@verizon.net805 Beulah Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Membership: FREE Student-Youth, $15 Individual,$20 Family, $50 Contributing, $100 Sustaining

Send check to Three Rivers Birding Clubc/o Thomas J. Moeller, Treasurer

6357 Ebdy St., Pittsburgh, PA 15217-3035thosjmoel@gmail.com

Copyright © Three Rivers Birding Club. All rights reserved.(Photographers and illustrators retain their copyrights.)

continued on page 4

President’s Message

Having Fun With the Kids

at “Birdz Camp”By Bob VanNewkirk

Over the past seven summers, I have had the pleasure to co-team with Gabi Hughes, an Environmental Educator at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, to lead a week-long summer birdwatching session we playfully named “Birdz Camp.”

The camp is geared for children ages 8 to 16 who enjoy learning about nature, but want specifically to discover birds. Most attendance varies from 7 to 10 participants, and some are repeated campers. There were four young birders this June: Jacob, Ben, Yarrow, and Megumi.

On the first day of camp, each youngster was equipped with binoculars – Bushnell Powerview 8 x 25, a copy of The Young Birder’s Guide to Birds of North America by Bill Thompson III, a checklist of birds prepared by Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, a small notepad and pencil, and a field pack with a colorful bird stitched on the flap. They appreciated being outfitted with everything that was needed to make them look and feel like birders.

On our first day, Gabi and I talked about the places and habitats to explore on our morning bird walks, and we assured the kids that although seeing birds was an important part of camp, our goal was for them to have fun each day in a variety of ways.

The first order of business was to show the youngsters how to adjust and focus their binoculars at the feeders. Active feeders would provide opportunities to observe a variety of birds. We also stressed the importance of keeping their eyes focused on birds when bringing the binoculars to their eyes. That took daily practice, especially when sighting birds in the field. On our first walk, they had a good time finding the usual sparrows, cardinals, robins and other common species with their binoculars.

Because most kids use the camera function on their cell phones and iPads, we invited David Brooke, an avid bird photographer, to show us his photos and suggest tips on how to use light and how to frame a subject. Each youngster was given an iPad and instructions to go on a scavenger hunt to photograph only natural subjects. The young birders selected their best pictures and gave a short presentation explaining how they applied Mr. Brooke’s lesson. From their results, it was apparent they had paid close attention.

Our concluding activity each day was to review the birds we found, note them on our checklists, and with assistance from Gabi, how to file a report on eBird. Our first day’s total was 15 species. The kids decided that a high-flying Great Blue Heron and a Belted Kingfisher passing low over the pond were the day’s best birds.

Checking the bird feeders on Day Two produced first-time sightings of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, American Goldfinches, Mourning Doves, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, House Finches, and a Chipping Sparrow.

Since most youngsters are not used to hiking for longer than 60 minutes, we always chose early morning for our walks when birds are most active and the temperature is cooler. As we made our way along the Old Squaw Trail, it began to rain. Instead of looking for flying birds, it was a good time to listen and learn some woodland bird calls and songs of a Hooded Warbler, Wood Thrush, Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Towhee, Gray Catbird, and Red-eyed

Vireo. Back in the classroom, Gabi presented a basic lesson on field

sketching. By making a small circle for the head and a larger one for the body, she added details to her drawing provided by the campers, which led to the bird’s identification. Each camper took a turn at the blackboard and produced a successful drawing and identification.

In the afternoon the campers performed two simple simulations to understand what it would be like to be a migratory bird. Each person flapped their arms for 10 seconds. The average number of flaps was 18. This was compared to a Ruby-throated Hummingbird that can flap its wings 120 times per second and fly nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico.

We next headed to the pond to engage the kids with an engineering task. Could they construct a boat out of at least three or more organic materials? The only live materials permitted to be used were Norway maple leaves or burdock leaves, non-native species. Following an intensive search for floatable objects and last-minute finishing touches, the boats were launched. Pushed by gentle breezes, the boats slowly drifted away. Dragonflies even dared to land on each vessel. With celebratory Jolly Ranchers, they filled out their daily checklist. The “birds of the day” were the Acadian Flycatcher and the Indigo Bunting. Ben commented on

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The PeregrineOutings to Come

‘Tis the Season for Our Favorite Fall Migrants

By Steve Thomas, Outings DirectorThursday, September 6 – Sewickley Heights Park:

In collaboration with the Fern Hollow Nature Center, Bob VanNewkirk (412-366-1694; van126@comcast.net) will lead this bird walk beginning at 8:00 AM in the upper parking lot.

For directions to the park, see www.3rbc.org. Be prepared for muddy trails. It is also advisable to bring water and a lunch. Besides birding in the park we will drive and make stops along Little Sewickley Creek.

Saturday, September 8 – Presque Isle State Park: Join Bob VanNewkirk (412-366-1694; van126@comcast.net) at one of the state’s prime locations for seeing fall migrants. Meet at 8:30 AM in the first parking lot (Vista 1) on the right as you enter the park. The park is at the north end of Route 832 just west of the city of Erie. Bring a lunch for this all-day outing.

Saturday, September 8 – Deer Lakes Regional Park: Todd Hooe (hooe@verizon.net) and Oliver Lindhiem will lead this outing focusing on fall migrants (warblers, flycatchers, vireos, etc.) at this under-birded park. The outing will begin at 7:30 AM and run until about 11:30AM. We will meet in the lot at these GPS coordinates: 40.618722, -79.815371.

From Creighton-Russellton Road, enter the park (Kurn Road), drive by two ponds on the right, then turn right and proceed to the last parking lot. We will hike approximately 4 miles. Although the trails are fairly well maintained, please dress for possible wet grass, mud, and rainfall.

Sunday, September 9 – Harrison Hills Park: Meet leader Jim Valimont (412-828-5338) at 8:00 AM at this county park off Freeport Road between Natrona Heights and Freeport. We will meet at the Rachel Carson parking lot near the pond. As you enter the park, bear right and proceed to the parking lot at the end of the road. Please note: This is not all the way down to the soccer field parking lot. Dress for wet grass and mud. Previous fall outings have produced a nice variety of fall migrants.

Sunday, September 16 − Glade Run Lake Park: Dave Brooke (724-487-3586) will take us on a second outing to this park in southwestern Butler County. Meet at 8:00 AM at the park on Lake Road in Valencia, which is off Route 228. Google maps coordinates are 40.716229, -79.901211.

We will survey the lake from the dam and boat ramp for waterfowl. Then we will walk a trail that is about 2 miles long out and 2 miles back, which can be muddy in places, so boots are highly recommended. The outing last spring was very successful, and the fall should be just as exciting.

Sunday, September 23 - Pymatuning Area: Meet leader Bob VanNewkirk (412-366-1694; van126@comcast.net) at 8:00 AM in the parking lot at the former site of the Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center (Waterfowl Museum), 12590 Hartstown Road in Linesville (41.635779, -80.436634) for this all-day outing. Plenty of waterfowl, lots of Bald Eagles, and migrant songbirds should be around for this trip. Arrangements will be made to have lunch at the Spillway Inn for those who are interested.

Saturday, September 29 − Frick Park: Jack and Sue Solomon, (412) 521-3365 will be our leaders. Meet at 8:30 AM at the “Blue Slide” entrance to the park, where Nicholson St. meets Beechwood Boulevard. We will look for lingering migrants on an easy walk around Riverview Hill.

Traditions of this outing include a good chance of a drive down to Duck Hollow to check for Northern Mockingbird and lingering waterfowl; and a near certainty that we’ll head to a good spot for brunch afterwards. If you’re a beginner, tell Jack when you arrive and he’ll give you tips from his self-described “vast store of birding lore.”

Wednesday, October 3 – Moraine State Park – North Shore: Meet our leader Karyn Delaney (724-713-9474) at the McDanels Boat Launch in front of the Owlet Gift Shop on the North Shore at 8:30 AM for a morning walk. We will walk a portion of the North Country Trail and/or the Butterfly Trail depending upon the bird activity. Both trails can have a variety of migrating species, including warblers. Note: Rain date will be Friday, October 5.

Saturday, October 6 – North Park: Meet leader Steve Denninger (sjdenninger@gmail.com) in the parking lot at the Round Top shelter (shelter 101 on the North Park map) at 7:00 AM, and depart from the parking lot at 7:10.

We will walk on established and overgrown trails, so there is a chance for ticks. The walk would be for two miles on flat to hilly terrain and take between 1.5-2.5 hours depending on bird activity. Please note that there is only a port-a-john at the parking lot.

Target birds will be Lincoln’s Sparrow and late warblers.Shelter 101 is located on South Ridge Drive at 40.5883685,

-79.9819363. The North Park map is available online at:alleghenycounty.us/parks/north-park/index.aspx. Sunday, October 21 – 3RBC Picnic at Moraine State Park:

Mark your calendar for our annual picnic and bird walk. We will meet in the Day Use Area (South Shore) in the first parking lot on the right at 8:30 AM. After the morning outing, we will have the pot-luck picnic at one of the park pavilions near the McDanels Boat Launch. Please bring a dish that will serve 4-6 people to share.

Directions to the Day Use Area: From I-79, take Route 422 East toward Butler and exit at the Moraine State Park exit. At the end of the ramp, turn left and go straight into the park until you see the first major parking area on your right. Allow one hour driving from Pittsburgh.

Saturday, November 3 – Yellow Creek State Park: This outing will be a joint outing of the 3RBC and the Todd Bird Club. Meet Margaret Higbee (724-354-3493) at the park office at 8:00 AM. The park office is located on Route 259 just off Route 422 east of Indiana, PA. The park’s many habitats include a large lake that attracts a wide variety of waterbirds and sometimes exciting rarities. Allow an hour and a half to drive from Pittsburgh.

***Be sure to check the 3RBC website and Facebook for last-

minute announcements of new outings or cancellations.

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The PeregrinePresident’s Messagecontinued from page 2

seeing his first bunting: “I have never seen a more beautiful bird.”On Wednesday, we bussed our way to Moraine State Park

for a pontoon ride, guided by Mike Shaffer, the park’s Education Specialist. Before meeting him at the Crescent Bay launch site, we had allowed time to bird the Sunken Garden Trail which was alive with birds. We soon sighted a Yellow Warbler, an American Redstart, a Swamp Sparrow, Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, and a Common Yellowthroat. With our appetites whetted to find more birds, we were excited to meet Mike to begin our boat ride.

What we discovered far exceeded our expectations. As we left the dock, an Osprey flew overhead. We spied several Belted Kingfishers and Double-crested Cormorants hunting for fish. As we cruised along the shore, the hillsides were filled with the flute-like songs of unseen Wood Thrushes and Red-eyed Vireos. Before long, sightings of Eastern Kingbirds foraging for insects became common. Entering a small cove, we located a pair of adult Bald Eagles perching side-by-side on a snag only about 50 yards away.

During our two-hour excursion, we noticed lots of nesting behavior. We watched a male and female Baltimore Oriole take turns feeding their two chicks. Cliff Swallows swooped into their mud nests to nourish their babies. A fledged Northern Waterthrush was a great discovery walking along the shoreline while its parents trailed on the bank. Purple Martins, some carrying insects or nesting material, flew constantly at their colonial bird houses.

We listed 42 species during our action-packed day at Moraine and ended the afternoon with a refreshing swim in the lake.

On Thursday we headed to North Park for a morning around the Latodami Nature Center. Nesting Barn Swallows provided most of the action as we watched them continually swoop in and out of the barn, which made estimating their numbers difficult. A pair of House Wrens also caught our attention as they attended to their nesting box. Calls of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo and a Scarlet Tanager were nice to hear, but they were no-see-ums.

After lunch we cooled off with a free-for-all squirt gun shootout providing lots of fun and wet clothing. Nobody complained about getting soaked. We dried off while fishing at Marshall Lake. Every camper caught one or more fish – mostly bluegills – Ben caught the largest, a 12-inch Channel Catfish.

Kingbirds were also caught in action all around the lake: Eastern Kingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, a Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vultures, a Northern Mockingbird, a Baltimore Oriole, Mallards, Bank Swallows, and a Ring-billed Gull. When asked which one was her favorite, Megumi answered, “They are all awesome.”

Our last day of camp was spent at the Todd Nature Reserve. We happily made our first sightings of Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, and Black-throated Green Warbler along with 14 other species.

Following lunch, we turned from birders to entomologists to search the stream for aquatic organisms. Gabi explained that Louisiana Waterthrushes depend on clean streams for nesting successfully. With no stone unturned in the quest and based on the organisms collected and identified, the stream was judged suitable for the waterthrush.

Upon returning to Beechwood, Gabi brought out a live Eastern Screech-Owl, one of the education birds, for the kids to meet up close. This was one more effort to connect kids with nature in a way that may make a lasting impression upon them.

For the week we tallied 68 species, and although that’s a good number, it was only a small part of our experience. Each day brought a sense of adventure, laughter, excitement, new discoveries and eating those wonderful Jolly Ranchers.

Briefly…MEMORIAL LEGACY: Bird-related books from the library

of the late Randi and Sarah Gerrish were offered at our August meeting for a modest fee. The Gerrishes were founding members of the club. Proceeds, $229 so far, will go to the National Aviary. Remaining books will be available at our October meeting.

NOTABLE FIRSTS: On August 2, 2018, 3RBC members Frank and Adrienne Izaguirre were in New Hampshire when Adrienne spotted a small cormorant beside a larger one. It was a Neotropic Cormorant, the first record for New Hampshire and all of New England. Next, they found a rare Bicknell’s Thrush fledgling. See Frank’s photos on the 3RBC website.

SCOTT SHALAWAY: After many years on local radio, Scott Shalaway aired his final broadcast of “Birds and Nature” on July 22, 2018. Scott and his wife are relocating to North Carolina to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. If you would like to receive information about his activities, friend him on Facebook or email him at SShalaway@aol.com.

A WEEK TO REMEMBER – Audubon “Birdz Camp” leader Bob VanNewkirk and camp participant Megumi Kawabe pause in Moraine State Park during their week of birding and other nature study. (photograph by Gabi Hughes)

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The Peregrine

continued on page 6

A COOL DAY IN MAY –The annual May outing at Presque was less friendly weather-wise than usual, but participants saw lots of birds –and a bear! (photograph by Mary Shisler from Lancaster, New York, a new 3RBC member on her first outing with us.)

Outings Revisited

Our Participants EnjoyedAnother Bird-filled Spring

Presque Isle State Park − May 11: Weather at Lake Erie is like its birds – “flighty.” No rain was predicted except during late at night, and plenty of sunshine and light winds were expected. In fact, our temperature ranged from 42-48º F, but we did see the sun pop out occasionally. Those light winds became stronger and downright nasty, causing many in the group of 15 birders to retreat to their cars during our lunch break. Despite the overcast and cool morning, there were birds to be found and enjoyed.

Scanning the bay produced a Horned Grebe, a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers, Herring Gulls, and Double-crested Cormorants. As we began to walk across the road from the parking lot, a Black-throated Green Warbler and a Black-throated Blue Warbler were discovered foraging in grape vines. Baltimore Orioles, Yellow Warblers, Palm Warblers, American Redstarts, Warbling Vireos, and Gray Catbirds were most of the birds we found in the cottonwood trees there. Their presence was also noted on every other trail throughout the day. We also located two Swainson’s Thrushes walking alongside the road in a grassy patch. When the first Northern Parula was discovered, we crowded together to get a glimpse of it.

Since there were 11 cars in our caravan, we parked in the dirt lot by the pond and walked to the Ranger Station. A Black-and-white Warbler was discovered and a female Yellow Warbler was spotted flying out of the nest that she had begun to construct in a small tree. Competing for seeds and grape jelly at the feeders were Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, Baltimore Orioles, a Downy Woodpecker, two Chipping Sparrows, and a White-breasted Nuthatch.

Along the woody bike path, a male and a female Black-throated Blue Warbler provided a good view as did our first Bay-breasted Warbler. Buffleheads and a few Pied-billed Grebes were swimming in the bay, while Tree Swallows and some Chimney Swifts zig-zagged over the water. While we walked along the bike path, a Spotted Sandpiper flushed from his position on the shoreline and provided brief looks of its stuttering flight. Our only Eastern Kingbird was found perched statue-still on a low branch hugging the shoreline. Nearby, the flute-like song of a Wood Thrush was heard.

Unfortunately, the Niagara boat launch area near the old banding site was quiet. Our first of many Magnolia Warblers and a Brown Thrasher drew admiring looks. The call of a Great Crested Flycatcher alerted us to its presence as we headed back to our cars.

Our last stop of the morning was the Old Gas Well Trail, which produced quite a surprise. While we were attracted by the activity of Purple Martins gathering matter for their colonial nest boxes near the pond, we saw a Pennsylvania Game Commission truck parked with a bear-catching container attached. We learned that an estimated 350-pound black bear was in the large cylinder. The bear was sedated so that it could be safely exhibited to the curious adults and a group of young children and their teachers who gathered to hear the story behind its capture.

The bear had been reported to the game commission by a home owner who witnessed it raiding and vandalizing his bee hives. One of the officers investigating the case and assigned with capturing and eventually releasing the bear to a new location, was married to the elementary teacher. That explained how the youngsters happened to be there after the bear had been baited,

trapped, and brought to this location. The lucky youngsters were given a personal real-life lesson about wild bear ecology prior to its release in a different county. Our group stayed only long enough to view and admire this beautiful muscular creature lying quietly on a tarp. Some of us with cell phones took photos of it.

Walking along the trail, we had close looks at a Chestnut-sided Warbler and a Veery. The call of an angry-sounding gull pursuing an Osprey immediately grabbed our attention as the birds passed overhead. On several occasions I have witnessed an Osprey being harassed by an eagle before, but never a gull.

We continued up the road hoping for another surprise – the nesting site of two soon-to-fledge Great Horned Owls near the Fox Trail. The parents were using the same tree where they had successfully raised last year’s owlets. With the scope zoomed on the wide-eyed twins, everyone “oohed and awed” over these fascinating and adorable young birds.

Following lunch at Thompson Bay, we visited Fry’s Landing to watch the bird banders in action. Fry’s Landing and Niagara at one time were both used as banding locations. However, it was determined that Fry’s had better varieties of vegetation that attracted more birds, and is now the only place in the park used for banding. One of the banders, Sara, explained and demonstrated how she collects a variety of data while holding a Magnolia Warbler in her hand. She measured its wing length, determined its sex and age, its fat content, and its weight. She explained that data is collected and submitted to the USGS bird banding laboratory. A metal band with a unique ID number and sized for each species is placed on the bird’s leg. If the bird is recaptured, the number can be traced back to its banding location. We watched her deftly and gently band a Red-eyed Vireo, an Ovenbird, and a Palm Warbler.

We left the banders and entered the woods near the banding site hoping to add some new warblers to our list. This was not the case. We were content to find the same ones we had routinely found on the other trails. However, the sighting of a White-crowned Sparrow was a life bird for two participants.

We retreated to Thompson Bay to look for a Willet that some birders told us they had found there earlier in the morning. We had no luck relocating it, but we did watch a kettle of 13 Turkey Vultures spiral on invisible wind currents along the shoreline. An immature Bald Eagle was scoped across the bay sitting on a stump at Gull Point. Three Common Terns called as they flew past us.

As we walked Pine Tree Trail, our last one for the day, it

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continued on page 7

DEER LAKES HIGHLIGHT –Thanks to Todd Hooe, Deer Lakes Park in West Deer Township has been a productive new location for 3RBC outings. One highlight in May 2018 was this Green Heron posing prettily for a portrait taken by Oliver Lindhiem.

began to rain and the woods became very quiet. We decided to call it a day. On our way back to our cars we talked about our favorite sightings. Several birders were happy to have added one or two birds to their life list. One new birder proudly announced she had seen and added 19 to hers.

Perhaps it was the cold front passing through that limited bird activity. In spite of the weather, it was a wonderful day to explore the trails. Who will ever forget that our search for birds led us to discover a bear and the young owls that touched our hearts and filled us with wonder? –by leader Bob VanNewkirk

Sewickley Heights Park – May 11: Seven birders were greeted at the parking lot by a few unpredicted sprinkles. The raindrops soon stopped, but the overcast sky remained. The poor light made for a day of guessing “what is that bird silhouette?”

Bright American Goldfinches were everywhere. A larger yellowish bird proved to be a female Scarlet Tanager. Later we saw both the glowing males and a few more of the subtle females.

At the Butterfly Field we watched a pair of Eastern Bluebirds investigate a nest box. Indigo Buntings, Eastern Towhees, and Red-eyed Vireos called from the tree line. A Broad-winged Hawk grasping something in its talons made a quick pass overhead. Next, a Great-blue Heron, long legs trailing behind, flew over. Two warblers were spotted: a Chestnut-sided and a Yellow-rumped.

Barn Swallows gracefully skimmed over the Longhorn cattle pastures while a Northern Mockingbird went through its varied repertoire. Studying the silhouetted birds in the fencerow trees revealed a Northern Flicker, American Robins, and raucous American Crows.

We finally found a wave of warblers moving through the treetops. Unfortunately, the light was so poor that we could only make a positive ID on one, a Magnolia. Hooded Warblers had been calling incessantly all morning, and we finally found a cooperative male that allowed everyone to have good looks.

A loud “wheep” call stopped us in our tracks. The group displayed great patience and waited until everyone got to watch as a Great Crested Flycatcher lived up to its name and repeatedly swooped out from a perch to catch insects from the air.

As is always the case, some birds − Wood Thrush, Black-throated Green Warbler, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks − were heard only. A few birds flew by quickly and were seen by only a few who happened to be looking at the right spot at the right time. Several times Ruby-throated Hummingbirds shot by in a high-pitched twittering blur. Zoom!

We birded only Sewickley Heights Borough Park and did not continue to the other areas that are traditionally part of this outing. Thirty-nine species, five of them warblers, were found. −by leader Sheree Daugherty

Deer Lakes Park – May 12: Following a successful fall 2017 outing, 11 birders participated in 3RBC’s second outing to this park, which yielded 71 species including 18 warbler species. Over the course of the five hours spent hiking approximately four miles of trails (mostly the orange, purple and yellow trails), there was almost constant bird activity.

We started at the edge of the field near the Wagman Observatory, where our birds included Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Least Flycatcher, Blackburnian Warbler, and Magnolia Warbler.

The Bridle Trail through the forest produced a number of warblers including many singing Ovenbirds and Hooded Warblers, American Redstart, Northern Parula, and Black-throated Green Warbler. A section of the orange trail allowed for a nice comparison of the songs of the Ovenbird and Kentucky Warbler, two of the handful of breeding warbler species in the park.

When scanning the forest canopy from a service road, we heard a Worm-eating Warbler in the distance. We took a detour along the purple trail in the direction of the song, and we were able to locate the bird along a steep, forested hillside. He sang constantly and made a brief appearance 20 feet away from the group on a low branch. This was the highlight of the day for many in the group, and a first for this location. Although the habitat seemed appropriate for this species, the bird was not relocated during follow-up visits over the next two weeks.

We ended the day by following the purple trail toward the three ponds in the park. Along the way, we had great looks at Bay-breasted Warblers, located a number of raptors including Red-shouldered, Broad-winged, and Cooper’s Hawks, and were able to spy a Veery that was doing its best to avoid detection. Along the ponds, we had great looks at both Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, Yellow Warblers, an Eastern Kingbird, and three Green Herons, one of which perched in a tree like a songbird.

Overall, it was a gorgeous day in terms of the weather, and some great birds in this under-birded park that is proving to be a top county hotspot. –by leader Todd Hooe

Laurel Mountain, Wolf Rocks Trail – June 6: Twenty birders gathered at Laurel Summit State Park to begin our

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The Peregrine

FORTUNATE SURVIVOR – This immature Hooded Warbler hatched and fledged early in the nesting season when parental care was adequate. Dave Brooke photographed it at Harrison Hills Park on July 4, 2018. Young hatched much later may not survive because their mother is unable to feed them.

Outings Revisitedcontinued from page 6

exploration of the forest on Laurel Mountain. A few were new birders, so some in the group saw life birds. Unfortunately, the dense forest often hides the birds, so we relied heavily on sound, although a few appeared in the open.

We began at the parking lot where a Blackburnian Warbler was singing and flying around the area. We also heard a Veery singing, along with a few Chipping Sparrows.

Moving on, we took a short walk out to Spruce Flats Bog, which gave us a feeling that we were in a coniferous forest to the north. The bog is an interesting and rare habitat in Pennsylvania where insectivorous Pitcher Plants and Round-leaved Sundew grow, along with Lowbush Blueberry and Large Cranberry.

We listened for Hermit Thrushes but didn’t hear any. We did see and hear Dark-eyed Junco, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Blue-headed Vireo, and a Purple Finch. The oddest sighting was a flock of nine Rock Pigeons flying over the bog; a first for me at that site. The trail to the bog was alive with bird song including several Veeries, an Indigo Bunting, Canada Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Black-and-white Warbler.

Returning to the parking area, we started the nearly 4.5- mile round trip hike to Wolf Rocks. This forest is dense with an understory of Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel, and is the home of a variety of warblers, thrushes, vireos, and more.

Not far along the trail we saw a Porcupine sleeping on the limb of a White Pine. This was an unexpected surprise, and it was still there when we returned.

During the hike we encountered several Chestnut-sided Warblers (one that gave us great views), Canada Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Ovenbirds, Black-throated Green Warblers, Common Yellowthroats, American Redstart, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Dark-eyed Junco, several Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, a Broad-winged Hawk, an Indigo Bunting. Finally we heard a Hermit Thrush

The group was pleased to see a pair of Eastern Towhees next to the trail. We then discovered a fledgling and observed the male feeding it.

Another interesting non-bird sighting: a Red Eft form of the Red-spotted Newt was crossing the trail. This is the second stage in the life cycle of this amphibian. The Red Eft is the land form of this salamander, which spends three to seven years as a terrestrial amphibian before returning to the water as an adult.

While we took a break at Wolf Rocks enjoying the view of the Linn Run Valley, we heard Black-and-white Warbler and Common Raven. A few Cedar Waxwings were in the trees at the overlook. Because many people arrived at the rocks before us, we did not see any Timber Rattlesnakes.

On the return hike, the group was spread out as some started back before others. Some of us saw a pair of Ovenbirds carrying food and appearing nervous. Clearly, a nest or fledged young were nearby.

Fortunately, the forecasted rain held off, and we enjoyed a bird-filled hike through the forest. –by leader Mike Fialkovich

Why Do Hooded Warblers Desert Their Nestlings?

By Paul HessRemember the day you first saw or heard a Hooded Warbler?

All warblers are fascinating, but a researcher in Pennsylvania has taught us much about this species that we had not known.

Ronald L. Mumme, Professor of Biology at Allegheny College in Meadville, uncovered remarkable behavior in this species that had never been known before. He had a handy location to find out – the nearby Hemlock Hill Biological Station in Crawford County where various researchers have studied Hooded Warbler behavior for many years.

Mumme told 3RBC members about his work at our April 2016 program. Hooded Warblers habitually flick their tails when foraging, suddenly flashing the white spots on their tail feathers. He surmised that these flashes are “scare tactics” to flush up hidden insects from foliage and make them easier to find and grab.

Indeed that hypothesis was supported by his research published in The Auk: Ornithological Advances in 2014 (vol. 131: pp. 141-149). Mumme experimentally darkened the tail spots of individuals and found that they were significantly less successful in capturing prey than those with white spots to flash.

Now Mumme reports surprising new findings, which he will describe at the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology’s annual meeting in Crawford County on September 15.

He discovered that adult females face trouble caring for young during late-season nesting. In early August adults’ tail feathers are lost when molting while young are still in the nest or newly fledged. The substantial energy required for molt competes with energy needed for seeking food.

The result? Molt sometimes wins the competition at the expense of parental care. Without tail spots to flash, a female cannot care for her young and must desert them for her own survival to breed again next year. Adaptive behavior is sometimes a difficult trade-off.

Mumme’s new findings are published in The Auk: Ornithological Advances in 2018 (vol. 135: pp.427-438).

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The Peregrine

MARSH DWELLER – A close look at a Sora is always a birding delight. Jeffrey Cohen found and photographed this one in mid-May 2018 at Moraine State Park. It was in the cattail marsh at the start of Sunken Garden Trail, where spring 3RBC outings usually begin. A little later a second Sora popped out from the vegetation.

Bonaparte's Gullcontinued from page 1

about for food. It even ventured close to fishermen at the water’s edge. Mike said it appeared to be a second-summer bird (not an adult) by its pink legs, black tail band, and lack of a hood.

We posed the question, including photos, of whether this is a normal molt on the North American Gulls Facebook page. Gull expert Amar Ayyash concluded that it was amid a normal molt.

Ayyash did wonder what the gull was eating, and we told him how it poked around in the mud and shallow water for tidbits. Bonaparte’s Gulls catch insects on the fly, pick small fish and other invertebrates from the water surface while hovering or dipping, swimming or walking in shallows, or even feeding in plowed fields. Several observers saw this gull walking along the shore or in shallow water pecking at morsels to eat. This may have been sufficient to sustain the gull for its 11 or so days here.

Twice I observed the gull fly, and both times it was only a short flight. One time it flew out into the river because two Killdeer flew noisily into its area. Quickly the gull swam back to shore. Trinidad Regaspi (whose excellent video of the Bonaparte’s gull swimming is on the 3RBC “Videos” page) also witnessed the gull fly out into the water because of noisy Killdeer; again the gull swam directly back to shore. The second time I saw it fly was when fishermen came out onto the spit where the gull was. The bird only flew 75-100 feet to avoid them, landing farther away on the spit. Photos I took and Mike’s observations showed ragged wings in molt. They were not fit enough for an extended flight, just enough for quick flights to avoid immediate problems.

This Bonaparte’s Gull is a first summer record for Allegheny County, according to Mike Fialkovich, who keeps detailed records of the county’s birds. Jerry McWilliams, co-author of The Birds of Pennsylvania, states:

“Bonaparte’s Gulls found between the second week of June and the third week of July are considered summer records. Most birds during this period are one-year-olds. Away from the Lake Erie Shore summer records are few and lack precise dates.”

We do have precise dates. Our first sighting of the bird was July 9, 2018, and the last sighting was July 19, 2018. The gull was at Duck Hollow for 11 days undergoing a normal molt, which rendered it incapable of flying any long distance.

A large question is why was a Bonaparte’s Gull here in July? A Reference Guide to Gulls of the Americas by Steve N. G. Howell and Jon Dunn may explain the Bonaparte’s Gull’s presence at Duck Hollow in this passage on their migration and breeding:

“Nonbreeders (mainly immatures) over-summer irregularly in Great Lakes region (where numbers vary from a few birds to hundreds) and locally in New England with usually only a few birds elsewhere in east interior and along Atlantic Coast south of New England.”

Seasonal editors for the Pennsylvania Birds journal compiled a list that shows widespread summer visits by Bonaparte’s Gulls. The reports from 1992 to 2018 show that the species has been found during summer months in 10 Pennsylvania counties (Bucks, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Crawford, Erie, Indiana, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Somerset). Most reports are of singles or small groups, although Ben Coulter and Mark Vass found a mixed group of 20, adults and juveniles, at Gull Point in Presque Isle State Park on July 10, 2004. Marge van Tassel reported a group of three gulls at Crooked Creek Lake on August 2, 2018. She said they flew over and skimmed the water in the lake for 30 minutes but never landed. This is a first Armstrong County summer sighting.

Whether the Duck Hollow visitor will join other Bonaparte’s Gulls is not knowable, but hopefully it will. Jennifer Ackerman wrote in her book The Genius of Birds that even inexperienced birds disoriented after a hurricane swept them off course still had an innate instinct to fly south to their wintering grounds. Let’s wonder whether our gull was on its way either southward or northward to find others of its secies.

References:Jennifer Ackerman. The Genius of Birds. Penguin Press: New

York, 2016.Steve N. G. Howell and Jon Dunn. A Reference Guide to

Gulls of the Americas (The Peterson Reference Guide Series). Houghton Mifflin Company: New York, 2007.

Gerald M. McWilliams and Daniel W. Brauning. The Birds of Pennsylvania. Cornell University Press: Ithaca, NY, 2000.

Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology. “Birds of Note.” Pennsylvania Birds, Vol. 6, No. 3, to Vol. 32, No.1 (July 1992 to February 2018).

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Adult Spotted Sandpiper – Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, June 2011. Juvenile Spotted Sandpiper –Duck Hollow, Pittsburgh, July 2018.

Observations

The Next GenerationBy Tom Moeller

“That bird looks like a robin, but I’m not sure. It has spots!” Has that thought ever occurred to you in the summer? In

August and September, fledglings and juvenile birds that hatched earlier in the summer start appearing more and more. Most look similar to their parents, but there are sometimes subtle and sometimes gross differences.

The problem with robins is that they are thrushes, most of which have spotted breasts as juveniles and adults. Young American Robins start off life with spotted breasts which eventually become the all-red breasts with which most people are familiar. Northern Mockingbirds are not thrushes, but the juveniles also have faint spots on their breasts during their first summer.

Just the opposite is the Spotted Sandpiper. Juvenile Spotties are spotless! They get their spots only as adults during the next year from April through August. Adults’ winter plumage is like juvenile birds’ – no spots. The juveniles are also distinguished from the adults by a checkered pattern on their wing coverts – plain brown on adults. Seeing a spotless Spotted Sandpiper in the summer means it is a juvenile. (Both photos are by the author.)

Juvenile male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have not yet developed the red gorget of the adult male. The young male’s throat is covered with streaky lines of spangles. Plus, his three outer tail feathers (R-3 to R-5) are white-tipped, confusing him with a female, whose three outer tail feathers are also white-tipped. As an adult male, all white tips in the tail have disappeared.

Other juvenile birds display subtle differences from their parents. Young cardinals appear very much like their parents. The only difference is that the juveniles’ beaks are black; however, these change to orange by their first winter. Juvenile grackles are all brown with no distinction in their head feathers as in adult females. Iridescent head plumage appears only in adult males. First-summer Mourning Doves show a distinctive light pattern on their heads and faint spots on their breasts.

European Starlings show gross differences between juveniles and adults. Juvenile starlings begin with a light gray-brown plumage, a dark beak, and dark legs. Their parents are in basic black with a bright yellow beak and red legs. As summer progresses the juvenile’s plumage becomes a lighter, tawny brown. Near autumn they start losing this first plumage for the traditional black with their heads being the last to change over. In the fall,

adults and first-year birds are all fresh with their new plumage – iridescent black with white spots.

Caspian Tern juveniles resemble their parents with a black cap (although a bit dusky), orange-red beak, and black legs. However, while an adult tern has light gray back and wing coverts, the juvenile Caspian Tern has brown, patterned markings on its back and wings, a vestige of nestling camouflage.

All the birds above usually lose their juvenile plumage by their first winter. Certain bird species, like gulls and raptors, take years to achieve full adult plumage – five years for a Bald Eagle.

Three waterbirds take only one year to achieve adult plumage: Double-crested Cormorants are similar to European Starlings

– they start with a light plumage and mature into an overall dark bird. The coloring of juvenile cormorants shows a pale brown, sometimes white, neck and breast with a darker brown back. Its beak and face are orange. By the end of its twelfth month, the adult plumage comes in – iridescent black body and head with an orange throat and a dark gray beak.

The Little Blue Heron spends most of its first year in an all-white plumage. The only adult color is its dull green legs. In the first spring after it hatches, the heron develops dark gray areas in its white plumage which eventually turn the entire bird to the blue-gray color of an adult. The gray beak also takes on a bluish tinge. A very impressive change!

The White Ibis changes in the opposite direction. Beginning as an all-brown fledgling with dark brown legs and beak, the juvenile’s legs change to pink, its decurved beak becomes orange, and its belly is bright white. In the summer after its hatch year, the ibis gradually molts its dark feathers to white adult plumage. The wing tips turn black, and its legs and beak become red. Another remarkable change!

See also my related article “‘Red-crowned’ Woodpeckers” in the November/December 2012 issue of The Peregrine (Vol. 11, No. 6), which describes fledgling Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers.

References:David Allen Sibley. The Sibley Guide to Birds. New York:

Alfred A. Knopf, 2000.Sheri L. Williamson. A Field Guide to Hummingbirds of

North America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 2001.

See Tom’s new photo gallery on the 3RBC website, comparing adults and juveniles of many more species.

10

The PeregrineA Badly Deformed Bill and an Avian Mystery

By Paul HessAt first glance, this woodpecker photographed by 3RBC

member Walt Shaffer may hint at a Hairy because of its long bill. It is not.

It is a Downy with a grotesquely abnormal bill, which 3RBC members Walt and Dana Shaffer have watched at their feeder in Churchill, Allegheny County, during late winter and early spring 2018.

The reason for its abnormality is unknown. Only sophisticated necropsy and testing by veterinary and wildlife disease experts might shed light, and perhaps not even with certainty after those examinations.

Could the woodpecker survive by digging its dainty bill into hardwood bark for its usual food? Perhaps the relatively soft diet in Walt’s feeder was a key to its survival.

But maybe we shouldn’t write off the Churchill bird’s fate. In 1908 an observer named J. H. Bowles watched a Red-breasted Sapsucker with an upper mandible 2.5 inches long and curving far to the right. He said the bird was “very fat and experienced no difficulty whatever in securing her food as I watched her for some time. This she did by using her long upper mandible much as we do a nut pick, digging the insect life to the surface out of deep crevices in the bark, and then picking it up by turning her head completely over on one side.”

The cause of such deformities is a long-standing question. In 1962, D. E. Pomeroy listed genetics, accidental injuries, diseases, and “industrial contamination” as possibilities.

Extensive research in the past several decades has focused on Black-capped Chickadees in Alaska, after a large cluster of overgrown beaks was discovered in this species. In Birding magazine in 2007, Caroline Van Hemert at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Science Center also listed five other species commonly reported with deformed beaks: Northwestern Crow, Black-billed Magpie, Downy Woodpecker, Steller’s Jay, and Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Since then, many more species have been reported in North America and other continents spanning avian groups from loons and eagles and from warblers to siskins. These are much rarer elsewhere than in Alaska, and they include Hairy and other woodpecker species in various locations.

The deformity observed among Alaskan birds is called avian keratin disorder (keratin being the strong substance of birds’ bills, legs, and toes). The search for a cause has focused most intensively on Black-capped Chickadees, which have the greatest incidence of deformities. In 2010 Colleen M. Handel at the Alaska Science Center and her colleagues described the symptoms but reported that their forensic examinations failed to uncover a cause.

Caroline Van Hemert and co-researchers concluded again in 2012: “We did not find consistent evidence of a bacterial, fungal, or viral etiology for the beak lesions. The changes observed in affected birds did not correspond with any known avian diseases that suggest a potentially novel hyperkeratotic disorder.”

A breakthrough suggesting another possibility came in 2016. Maxine Zylberberg, in collaboration with Van Hemert, Handel, and others, used genetic tools to discover a virus never before known, which was strongly associated with birds afflicted with the bill disorder. They named it “poecivirus,” which refers to the chickadee genus Poecile. The virus has not been detected outside of Alaska, although additional testing is in progress.

End of detective story? Not yet. The research team suggests that this virus needs further investigation to support it as a cause.

Birders have an important role. We are urged to report bill abnormalities, with photos if possible, to the Alaska Science Center tinyurl.com/abnormal-beaks.

*** Meanwhile, see something coincidental about the Shaffers’

bird in color at The Peregrine online. The normally white areas of plumage are pale tan or buff. Sibley’s and the National Geographic field guides describe such coloration as typical of faraway subspecies; however, those are year-round residents within their limited ranges and are not known to wander away.

No one knows whether this is an intrusion of buffy melanin pigments or some other aberration. Van Hemert comments that plumage changes are commonly seen in birds with avian keratin disorder. Feathers are also made of keratin, so perhaps a viral or other process disrupting the growth of the beak could also influence the plumage. As with the bill, this is a mystery.

References:J. H. Bowles. 1908. “Odds and Ends from Washington State.”

Condor vol. 10, pp. 129-130. Colleen M. Handel et al. 2010. “Epizootic of beak deformities

among wild birds in Alaska: an emerging disease in North America. The Auk vol. 127, pp. 882-898.

Paul Hess. 2010. “The Mystery of Deformed Beaks.” American Birding Association Blog. tinyurl.com/deformed-beaks.

D. E. Pomeroy. 1962. “Birds with Abnormal Bills.” British Birds vol. 55, pp. 48-72.

Stephen Shunk. 2016. Peterson Reference Guide to Woodpeckers of North America. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Caroline R. Van Hemert. 2007. “Alaskan Birds at Risk: Widespread Beak Deformities in Resident Species.” Birding September-October 2007, pages 48-55.

Caroline Van Hemert et al. 2012. Microscopic, histologic, and ultrastructural lesions associated with avian keratin disorder in Black-capped Chickadees. Veterinary Pathology vol. 50, pp. 500-513.

Maxine Zylberberg et al. 2016. Novel picornavirus associated with avian keratin disorder in Alaskan birds. mBio [journal of the American Society of Microbiology]. Vol.7, issue 4.

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continued on page 12

Birds in the Three Rivers Area

From Waterfowl to Warblers We Loved April–May 2018

By Mike Fialkovich, Bird Reports EditorWinter weather continued into April with cold temperatures

and even a bit of snow. Rain was also a feature of April and it was one of the wettest on record. Rain on April 11 resulted in a waterfowl fallout that featured Buffleheads, Long-tailed Ducks, and Surf Scoters. This report highlights the annual migration summaries from Dashields Dam on the Ohio River. Rain on April 19 caused a small fallout of terns and waterfowl in the county. The first big push of landbird migrants occurred in early May with warm air from the south for two days.

A white morph Snow Goose was a nice find at North Park 4/14 (DN), a late date here. Northern Shoveler reports include 5 at Dashields 4/11 (GM), 3 at Imperial 4/29 (GM), and 8 at Duck Hollow 4/29 (eBird). Rainy weather 4/19 put down several Gadwalls in various locations including 1 at Duck Hollow (JF, SA), 2 in Jefferson Borough (JHa), and 3 at Wingfield Pines (MJ). American Wigeons are uncommon migrants here. Two were on the Allegheny River in Harmar Twp. 4/11 (TRBC) and 1 was at Wingfield Pines 4/21 (MJ).

There was a fallout of waterfowl 4/19 with Buffleheads particularly numerous; 500-plus were counted along the rivers. A raft of 21 Greater Scaup were at Duck Hollow 4/19 (TM et al.); a good count for Allegheny County. A few Surf Scoters were also seen during this rain event including 3 at Dashields Dam (GM), 3 at North Park (MW, JR), 1 at Sewickley (GM), and 2 at Woods Run (JM).

Throughout western Pennsylvania, large numbers of waterfowl were resting on lakes and rivers waiting for unfavorable weather to pass. A White-winged Scoter flew past Dashields 4/4 and 2 passed by 4/11 (GM). Two Long-tailed Ducks were at the Moody Road Ponds in Findlay Twp. 4/6 (MV). There were two small fallouts of Long-tailed Ducks in April: 10 on the Monongahela River at Duck Hollow 4/11 (SA, JF, JM), 13 at Dashields Dam on the Ohio River (GM) and 4 on the Allegheny River at Harmar Twp. (MF, 3RBC). Another small fallout occurred 4/19 with 9 on the Ohio River at Emsworth (SD) and 1 in Sewickley (GM). A late bird was at Dashields 5/10 (GM). A Ruddy Duck was at Dashields 4/7 (GM) and 10 were at Duck Hollow 4/11 (SA, JM). This species was widespread 4/19 with reports from six locations on the three rivers. High counts that day include 14 at Duck Hollow (SA, JM), 21 at Dashields (GM), and 14 at Woods Run (JM, JF).

A Ruffed Grouse was reported at Kennywood Amusement Park in West Mifflin 5/26 (DP, eBird).

Horned Grebes were in unusual numbers during the fallout on 4/19. Eighteen were at Duck Hollow (SA, JM), 4 were at Chapel Harbor (SK), 11 were at Woods Run (JHa, ST), and 2 were at North Park (MW, JR). One lingered at Chapel Harbor to at least 5/22 (JL).

Three American Coots were at Duck Hollow 4/11 (SA, JM, JF), 1 was at Dashields that day (GM), and 2 were at Woods Run 4/19 (JM, JF). A Virginia Rail was detected by nocturnal recordings in Moon Twp. 4/18 (GM).

This spring, the Allegheny Land Trust site at Wingfield Pines was the best location for shorebirds. Several of the small ponds were drained, providing muddy feeding areas. A Semipalmated Plover was there 5/13 (GM) and 5/20 (TRh). Lesser Yellowlegs were present from 4/14 to 5/13 with a high count of 11 at

Wingfield Pines 5/4 (GM). A Willet was a great find at Wingfield Pines 5/3 (MJ and many observers). It was right on time; this rare migrant is most likely to appear during the first few days of May. As in the past, it was gone the following day. Single Greater Yellowlegs were at Peters Creek in Jefferson Borough 4/19 (JHA) and Wingfield Pines 4/23-5/13 (v.o.). A Solitary Sandpiper was found at Harrison Hills Park 5/5 (3RBC), and others at Wingfield Pines included a high count of 12 on 5/12 (GM). A Semipalmated Sandpiper was at Wingfield Pines 5/4-20 (MJ, GM, JF, LF, JHa), 2 were there 5/22 (ST, MJ), and a great count of 25 were at Imperial 5/19 (GM), the third highest count in the county. Five were there 5/27 (MV). Least Sandpiper was present at Wingfield Pines 5/3-21 (VO) with a high count of 21 on 5/13 (GM et al.). One was at Imperial 5/3 (GM) and 2 on 5/12 (JM). One was at North Park 5/5 (SD) and 1 was in Jefferson Borough 5/6-10 (JHa, LKa). A flock of 40 Short-billed Dowitchers were reported on eBird at Imperial 5/12. Several observers were able to see this largest flock ever recorded in the county. Another 15 were found nearby at another small pond (ST). A single bird was there 5/22 (MV). Good-sized flocks of Wilson’s Snipe were at Imperial this spring: 32 on 4/7 (MV) and 16 on 4/8 (AH). It has been several years since flocks of this size have been observed in the area.

A total of 403 Bonaparte’s Gulls were tallied at Dashields this spring. High counts included 47 on 4/13 (GM, JM), 77 on 4/19 (GM), and 95 on 4/21 (MF). A total of 180 were counted upriver at Sewickley 4/19 (GM). Bonaparte’s at other locations included one at Oakmont 4/15 (MD), 2 at Duck Hollow 4/19 (SA), 39 at Woods Run 4/19 (JM, JF), and 1at North Park 4/19 (MW, JR). An adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was a surprise on the Allegheny River at the Highland Park Bridge 4/3 (SK). This species is normally found during the worst winter weather when the rivers freeze.

A total of 16 Caspian Terns were recorded at Dashields Dam 4/6-21 (GM, JM, MF) with a high count of 4 on 4/13 (GM, JM). Other reports include 6 in Oakmont 4/16 (MD), 2 at North Park 4/19 (MW, JR), 1 in Jefferson Borough 4/19 (JHa), and 9 at Woods Run 4/19 (JM, JF). Forster’s Terns at Dashields included 1 on 4/13 (GM, JM), 2 on 4/19 (GM) and 4 on 5/6 (MV). Other reports included 1 at Woods Run 4/19 (JM, JF) and 1 flying over Frick Park 5/4 (JHa). A Common Tern passed Dashields 4/19 (GM). Three unidentified Sterna tern species were at Woods Run 4/19 (JM, JF) and 1 was at Duck Hollow 5/6 (eBird).

Two Common Loons passed Dashields 4/7 (GM). There were two American Bittern reports: 1 detected by a nocturnal recording device in Moon Twp. 4/14 (GM) and 1 flying out of Wingfield Pines at dusk 4/22 (ST). Three Great Egrets were observed migrating past Dashields Dam 4/4 (GM) and 2 were at a small marsh in Harmar Twp. 4/11 (3RBC).

A light morph Rough-legged Hawk was noted flying over Dashields 4/4 (GM), a first for that location.

A Great Horned Owl was discovered on a nest at Imperial, and three chicks were in the nest in early April (MV et al.). The nest was among the ravages of development for an industrial park. A Snowy Owl continued at the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport from last reporting period into April. Ten Northern Saw-whet Owls were banded at Sewickley Heights Park during the season (BMu).

Olive-sided Flycatchers were at Frick Park (ST) and North Park (SD) 5/13. A Yellow-bellied Flycatcher was at Beechwood Farms 5/20 (AH, PM), the first spring report since 2016. An Alder Flycatcher was a great find at Wingfield Pines 5/13 (GM), the first report in the county since 2015 for this rare migrant.

The long-standing Purple Martin colony at Yough Country Club in the southern part of the county continues to do well (SSn). The colony at Harrison Hills Park is also doing well with 22 birds

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The PeregrineBirds in the Three Riverscontinued from page 11

ENTHUSIASTIC SINGER – Worm-eating Warblers are not easy to find in Allegheny County, but a reliable place is Harrison Hills Park in Natrona Heights, where many birders have enjoyed the males’ dry trills. Steve Gosser photographed this one on May 12, 2018 – one of at least two singers heard there this spring.

counted this spring (KK). Reports of Bank Swallow, our least common swallow, included 1 at Leetsdale 4/28 (SA, TRh), 2 at Wingfield Pines 5/11 (RG, MG), and 1 in Jefferson Borough 5/12 (JHa). There were 7 reports of Gray-cheeked Thrush from four locations.

Four Pine Siskins were at Sewickley Heights Park 4/7 (GM), 6 were in Gilfillan Park 4/4 (ST), and 2 visited a feeder in Plum 4/22 (AH, PM).

Nocturnal flight calls of a Vesper Sparrow were heard in Moon Twp.: 2 on 4/14 and 1 on 5/3 (1) (GM). A Vesper Sparrow was photographed carrying nesting material at Imperial 5/6 (AH, PM), 2 were photographed at Boyce-Mayview Park 4/29 (ST), and 1 was in Jefferson Borough 5/10 (JHa). Fox Sparrows were reported from various locations throughout April. Lincoln’s Sparrow was found only at Frick Park 5/6 (GM, MW) and Boyce-Mayview Park 5/18 (LN).

A Yellow-breasted Chat was seen at Dead Man’s Hollow 5/18 (DYe), and 2 were heard at Imperial during May (v.o.).

Six Rusty Blackbirds were in Gilfillan Park 4/4 (ST), singles were at Duck Hollow 4/12 (JHa), Schenley Park 4/13 (SA), and Wingfield Pines 4/17 (JM). A late bird was in Schenley Park 5/8 (eBird).

The warbler passage was excellent – one of the best in recent years. Cape May, Bay-breasted, and Tennessee Warblers were particularly numerous compared to previous years. Their numbers have been increasing due to irruptions of the Spruce Budworm, their preferred diet in the northern forests. We recorded 32 species in the county this spring. An interesting warbler that may have been a hybrid Black-throated Green x Cape May Warbler was photographed in Plum 5/2 (AH). The bird looked like a Black-throated Green but had chestnut cheeks like a Cape May. A more typical hybrid, a “Brewster’s” Warbler, was an interesting find at Beechwood Farms 5/5 (MK), the first report since 2014.

We are on the edge of the range of Worm-eating Warbler, so any reports are notable. They breed in the county locally but are an exciting find for birders here. One was quite cooperative and photographed at Frick Park 5/3 (TH), 1 was heard at a regular breeding site in Harrison Hills Park 5/5 (MF, 3RBC) and 2 were noted there 5/8 (OL) and 5/12 (SG). One was also at Deer Lakes Park 5/12 (TH, OL). Single Northern Waterthrushes were reported at the following locations: Moon Twp. 4/22 (GM), Sewickley 4/28 (RT), Sewickley Heights Park 5/2 and 5/4 (GM), Frick Park 5/3 (SD), Carnegie-Mellon University 5/4 (SA), Deer Lakes Park 5/5 (OL, TH), and Jefferson Borough 5/12 (JHa). The bird at Carnegie-Mellon was in sparse habitat, illustrating how migrants will use any habitat available to them.

There were two Golden-winged Warbler reports: a female at Schenley Park 5/5 (KSJ) and 2 males at Frick Park 5/6 (GM). A Mourning Warbler was singing at Frick Park 5/13 (ST). Kentucky Warblers returned to local breeding locations at Sewickey Heights Park 5/4 (GM), Harrison Hills Park 5/12 (SG), Deer Lakes Park 5/12 (TH, OL), and Dead Man’s Hollow 5/18 (DYe). Cerulean Warblers returned to the most reliable breeding locations in the county: Harrison Hills Park and Sewickley Heights Park. One was at Frick Park 5/4-6 (SA, JHa, GM et al.). Usually more common in fall, Palm Warblers were reported at five locations. A “Yellow” Palm Warbler, the eastern subspecies that migrates typically along the Atlantic seaboard, was at Sewickley 4/28 (SA, TRh). Pine Warbler is also an uncommon migrant here. Singles were in Sewickley 4/16 (KD, KS, BG), and Frick Park 4/22 (JS, SS) and 5/13 (ST). Another species uncommonly

found during migration is Prairie Warbler. Single birds were at Hilltop Park 4/15 (JM, LN), Tom’s Run Nature Reserve in Kilbuck Twp. 4/20 (JF), and Frick Park 5/4 (JHa). Canada Warbler was reported at Frick Park 5/8-19 (MH, JH, MF, MW); 4 were found 5/14 (ST). Singles were listed at Harrison Hills Park 5/12 (SG), Sewickley Heights Park 5/12 (GM), in a backyard in Moon Twp. 5/14 (GM), Boyce-Mayview Park 5/16 (ST), and 1 at Deer Lakes Park 5/19 (TH). Wilson’s Warbler is found in small numbers: singles at Frick Park 5/12 (MF), Sewickley Heights Park 5/12 (GM), Frick Park 5/13 (ST), Lawrenceville 5/15 (AB, CB), and Imperial 5/23 (MV).

A leucistic Northern Cardinal was photographed in Hampton Twp. in April. A Blue Grosbeak was a great find at Frick Park 5/3 (MW) and was well documented with photographs. Despite follow up searches that day and the next, it was not relocated; however, it was seen again 5/5 (eBird). This species was last reported in the county in 2006.

A Varied Bunting visiting a feeder in Elizabeth Township 5/5-7 and seen by many observers was an astonishing event that provided the first state record and one of only three in the eastern U.S. The homeowner posted photos online, word spread quickly, and it was seen and photographed by a number of observers. Unfortunately, it remained only a few days. (See a photo of this colorful bird on the 3RBC website.)

Observers: Sameer Apte, Al Borek, Carole Borek, Michael David, Karyn Delaney, Steve Denninger, Leslie Ferree, Mike Fialkovich, John Flannigan, Melissa Gallardy, Ross Gallardy, Steve Gosser, Barb Griffith, Jackie Harter, Malcolm Harter, Jim Hausman (JHa), Amy Henrici, Todd Hooe, Matthew Juskowich, Lisa Kaufman (LKa), Michelle Kienholz, Scott Kinzey, Ken Kostka, Judy Lesso, Oliver Lindhiem, Jeff McDonald, Pat McShea, Geoff Malosh, Tom Moeller, Bob Mulvihill (BMu), Lauren Nagoda, Dick Nugent, David Palmieri, Tessa Rhinehart (TRh), John Rice, Kathy Saunders, Sam Sinderson (SSn), Kate St. John (KSJ), Jack Solomon, Sue Solomon, Shannon Thompson, 3RBC (Three Rivers Birding Club members), Ryan Tomazin, Mark Vass, Matt Webb, David Yeany (DYe).