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Fall 2001 Great Basin regional report

Hello, Nevada & Utah birders.  Here is the Fall 2001
(August-November) Great Basin regional report.  This
report will be published in the journal Great Basin
Birds.  Please let me know of any corrections or errors.

Ted Floyd
Reno, Nevada
tedfloyd57@hotmail.com

- --------------------------------------------------------

GREAT BASIN
Ted Floyd
Great Basin Bird Observatory
One East First Street, Suite 500
Reno, Nevada 89501
gbbo@altavista.com

The fall season is typically the most exciting in
the Great Basin, and so it was this year: a good
scattering of sea ducks started to show up on area
lakes and reservoirs by the end of the reporting
period; shorebirds again made a good showing in
Northern Utah; and the vagrant traps hosted the
usual assortment of rare passerines. Few observers
were willing to generalize about the weather or to
speculate about the climatological causes of avian
distribution and abundance this fall. What follows,
then, is just a random sampling of some of the most
uncommon species that were reported: Red-throated
Loon, Mississippi Kite, American Golden-Plover,
Ruff, Arctic Tern, Nuttall's Woodpecker, Eastern
Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo,
Prairie Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Kentucky
Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Common Redpoll.
Records marked with an asterisk (*) were documented
with a written description.

Abbreviations: A.I.C., Antelope Island Causeway
(Davis, UT); A.M.N.W.R., Ash Meadows N.W.R. (Nye,
NV); B.R., Bodyfelt Ranch (Nye, NV); C.L., Carson
Lake (Churchill, NV); C.C., Corn Creek (Clark, NV);
D.C., Devil's Canyon (San Juan, UT); F.S.N.W.R.,
Fish Springs N.W.R. (Juab, UT); G.R., Garr Ranch
(Davis, UT); G.L., Glover Lane (Davis, UT); G.M.H.W.,
Goshute Mountains Hawk Watch (Elko, NV); H.B.V.P.,
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (Clark, NV); H.R.,
Hyrum Reservoir (Cache, UT); L.S., Lake Shore (Utah,
UT); M.R., Mantua Reservoir (Box Elder, UT); M.R.S.,
Miller's Rest Stop (Esmeralda, NV); P.N.W.R.,
Pahranagat N.W.R. (Lincoln, NV); P.L., Pyramid Lake
(Washoe, NV); Q.C.R., Quail Creek Reservoir (Washington,
UT); S.L., Soda Lake (Churchill, NV); S.N.W.R.,
Stillwater N.W.R. (Churchill, NV); W.F., Washington
Fields (Washington, UT).

LOONS THROUGH FALCONS

Single Red-throated Loons were found at Q.C.R. 22
Nov (RF) and at Minersville Res., Beaver, UT 27 Nov
- - 1 Dec (DS et al.). There are only two previous UT
records, and both of them are more than 20 years old.
Pacific Loons numbered 1-2 at three UT locales 20
Oct - 30 Nov (v.o.), but two at P.L. 20 Oct (TF et
al.) were the only NV report. Horned Grebes numbered
1-4 at four UT locales 22 Sep - 27 Nov (v.o.); in NV
the species was noted at Alamo (Lincoln) 6 Oct (MC
& JCr) and at P.L. as early as 26 Aug (DSe). A Red-necked
Grebe at P.L. 3 Nov (FP) was the only report.
     An American Bittern was found at W.F. 27 Sep (RF
and KW), and a good count of five came from S.N.W.R. NV
25 Oct (BH). A Least Bittern at A.M.N.W.R. 5 Aug (JC)
was the only report. Green Heron reports came from four
locations in NV and from three in UT (v.o.). Cattle
Egrets made a better-than-usual showing in NV, with
reports from five locations led by 24 at Moapa (Clark)
30 Sep (MC & JCr).
     Small flocks of Tundra Swans were noted at three
NV locales 11-19 Nov (v.o.), and more than 200 were
seen at Salt Creek W.M.A., Box Elder, UT 10 Nov (JM).
Three Trumpeter Swans at H.R. 12-22 Nov (JLf et al.)
were the only report. Greater White-fronted Geese
numbered 2-7 at three NV locales 26 Aug - 18 Nov (v.o.),
while the only UT report was of a single bird at Jordan
R. Parkway, Salt Lake, UT 3 Oct (fide MMo). Snow Goose
max. was 3000 at C.L. 21 Nov (JW); three "Blue" Geese
also were on hand at C.L. on that date (JW). Ross's
Geese were found at four NV locales 11-30 Nov (v.o.).
     Wood Ducks at nine NV locations were led by a
count of six at Oxbow Park (Washoe) 4 Nov (AW); UT reports
included two at Draper (Salt Lake) 15 Nov (SA) and a
good 24 at La Verkin Creek (Washington) 23 Nov (SS et
al.). A Blue-winged Teal at B.R. 20 Oct (DT) was the
only report. A Eurasian Wigeon was a nice find at
F.S.N.W.R. 31 Oct (JG). A Greater Scaup was at P.L.
20 Oct - 13 Nov (v.o.), and three were at S.L. 21
Nov (JW). A Long-tailed Duck put in an appearance
at A.I.C. 3 Nov (TJ). Scoters went unreported in NV,
but they made a nice showing in UT: two Black Scoters
were at M.R. 27 Oct (LW) and one was at H.R. 3-11 Nov
(v.o.); single Surf Scoters were found at an impressive
five locales 20 Oct - 17 Nov (v.o.); and White-winged
Scoter reports included a single bird at M.R. 27 Oct
(LW) and up to three at H.R. 3-29 Nov (v.o.).
     An early (or oversummering?) Common Goldeneye was
at H.B.V.P. 19-21 Sep (v.o.), and two Barrow's Goldeneyes
at Logan 10 Nov (CG et al.) were the only report. A
Bufflehead was at A.M.N.W.R. on the unusual date of
5 Aug (JC). One Hooded Merganser at A.M.N.W.R. 9 Nov
(SG) and two at S.L. 10 Nov (TF et al.) were the only
NV reports; there were records at three UT locales,
including 15 at Q.C.R. 27 Nov (DS & BS). Red-breasted
Merganser reports included one at P.N.W.R. 12-18 Nov
(RF et al.), one at H.R. 10 Nov (CG et al.), and three
at M.R. 3 Nov (JB & KB).
     A Mississippi Kite at Henderson, Clark, NV 5
Aug (ph., *MC & JCr) was one of just a handful of
state records. Bald Eagles were noted at four UT
locales (v.o.), and a mere six passed by the G.M.H.W.
during the fall season (fide HG). Red-shouldered Hawks
were reported from an impressive 14 locations in NV,
but the only UT records were of single birds at Callao
(Juab) 21-22 Aug (RF) and at W.F. 12 Oct (RF & KW).
Broad-winged Hawk is hardly the sort of bird that
regional birders think of as commonplace, and most
observers would count themselves lucky to see one
anywhere in the Great Basin. Yet they are of regular
occurrence at the G.M.H.W., with a staggering 79
being counted this fall (fide HG).
     Two Zone-tailed Hawks were at P.N.W.R. 16 Sep ?
11 Nov (JC), and one was at Pine Park, Washington,
UT 13 Aug (RF & KCo). A Rough-legged Hawk at S.N.W.R.
15 Oct (BH) was early. Merlins at three NV locales
were led by 46 at the G.M.H.W. (fide HG); single
birds were found at seven places in UT (v.o.).
Peregrine Falcons numbered 29 at the G.M.H.W. (fide
HG), and singles were noted at three other NV locations
(v.o.); reports of 1-2 birds came from four UT locales
(v.o.).

GROUSE THROUGH TERNS

The Gunnison Sage-Grouse is associated in most
people's minds with Colorado, but the species
does range into our region; there was a report
of three from near Monticello, San Juan, UT 23
Nov (TB). Two Common Moorhens at H.B.V.P. 19 Sep
(TF et al.) were the only report. Migrant Sandhill
Cranes numbered 1-5 at four NV locations 9 Sep ?
10 Nov (v.o.).
     Black-bellied Plovers were scarce, with reports
of two at Saltair, Salt Lake, UT 19 Sep (AN et al.),
15 at A.I.C. 27 Aug (LL), and single birds at three
NV locations 21 Aug - 30 Sep (v.o.). A juvenile
American Golden-Plover was at F.S.N.W.R. 21-28 Oct
(*MSt et al., ph. TS). Rather tardy were a Snowy
Plover at A.I.C. 16 Nov (JLf) and two Semipalmated
Plovers at P.L. 4 Nov (MM).
     Solitary Sandpipers were found at three NV
locales 5 Aug - 16 Sep (v.o.) and at four places
in UT 1 Aug - 7 Sep (v.o.). A Ruddy Turnstone at
A.I.C. 13 Oct (JB & KB) was the only report. Single
Sanderlings were noted at H.B.V.P. 29 Sep - 4 Oct
(v.o.) and at S.L. 21-26 Sep (v.o.), while small
flocks were at Saltair, Salt Lake, UT 5 Sep (AN et
al.) and at A.I.C. 21 Sep (TJ & PK). The usual
scattering of Semipalmated Sandpipers included
two at C.L. 21 Aug (JD et al.), one at H.B.V.P.
4 Oct (MC & JCr), and 1-2 at Utah L., Utah, UT
14-24 Aug (DS & EH). Baird's Sandpipers numbered
1-5 at six NV locations 3 Aug - 6 Oct (v.o.),
while reports from six UT locales were led by
35 at Farmington Bay W.M.A. (Davis) 9 Oct (TJ).
     The Pectoral Sandpiper passage was a little
better than usual: small flocks numbering up to
seven were reported from eight NV locations with
the last record coming from S-Line Res. (Churchill)
on the late date of 10 Nov (TF et al.); there were
reports from eight UT locales, including 10+ at
Fool Creek Res. (Millard) 13 Oct (DA). Stilt
Sandpiper reports included the following: one
at Provo Airport Dike, Utah, UT 1 Aug (DS);
one at G.L. 19 Aug (JB & KB); and five at G.L.
28-29 Sep (TJ & BB). A Ruff at G.L. 23 Sep (ph.
DG et al.), if accepted by the Utah Bird Records
Committee, would be a state first. Single
Short-billed Dowitchers were noted at C.L. 21 Aug
(JD et al.), S.L. 26 Aug (DSe), G.L. 27-29 Sep
(v.o.), and at the SR-9 sewage ponds, Washington,
UT 10-12 Oct (RF). Single Red Phalaropes were nice
finds at P.L. 27 Sep (*SH et al.) and at the Logan
sewage lagoons, Cache, UT 20 Oct (JLw).
     Bonaparte's Gulls were scarce in NV, with
reports of 1-3 birds at three locations 7 Sep ?
18 Nov (v.o.). They were better represented in UT,
though; there were reports from six locations 24
Sep - 27 Nov, including several counts in the double
digits (v.o.). Herring Gulls were noted at four NV
locations, with a top count of 11 at P.L. 4 Nov (MM);
1-3 were found at three UT locales. Single Thayer's
Gulls were noted at P.L. 15 Nov (JW) and at the
Logan sewage lagoons, Cache, UT 20 Oct (JLw et al.).
P.L. hosted 1-2 Glaucous-winged Gulls 27 Oct ?
15 Nov (v.o.) and 1 "Olympic" (Glaucous-winged x
Western) Gull also during that time span (v.o.).
The Sabine's Gull flight was good: reports from
eight NV locations 3 Sep - 12 Oct were led by five
at P.L. 27 Sep (v.o.); in UT there were reports
of 1-2 birds at 5 locations 19 Sep - 17 Oct (v.o.).
     The Common Tern passage was modest: a flock of
12 was found at Rye Patch Res., Pershing, NV 13 Sep
(GS); a flock of six were at P.L. 27 Sep (v.o.);
and 2-3 were at Q.C.R. 22 Sep - 12 Oct (RF & KCo).
An Arctic Tern was a good find at Washoe L., Washoe,
NV 28 Sep (KG et al.).

DOVES THROUGH VIREOS

The plot thickens! Streptopelia doves continue to
show up in our region, but several observers have
rightly questioned the origin and identification
of Ringed Turtle-Doves, Eurasian Collared-Doves,
and possible hybrids in the Great Basin. This
period's sightings included: a Ringed Turtle-Dove
at Bryce N.P., Garfield, UT 6 Aug (BP & MPa); three
Eurasian Collared-Doves at L.S. 2-3 Sep (DG & LW);
and one Eurasian Collared-Dove at Fallon, Churchill,
NV 2 Aug (MA). A White-winged Dove at M.R.S. 6 Sep
(JBr) was northerly.
     A Vaux's Swift at Dyer, Esmeralda, NV 15 Sep
(fide GS) was the only report. A male Black-chinned
Hummingbird at Reno 22 Nov (ph. LWi) was quite tardy.
Northerly Anna's Hummingbirds were noted at two Reno
area locations 3 Aug - 10 Nov (v.o.), and a Costa's
Hummingbird at Reno 12 Nov (LWi) was something of a
surprise.
     There was a strong passage of Lewis's Woodpeckers
through NV: migrants were reported from at least 22
lowland locations 31 Aug - 27 Oct, and flocks numbered
into the double digits at three of these locales (v.o.).
Acorn Woodpecker is accidental in NV, so it was thrilling
to have two in the state this fall: the first was at
Wadsworth, Washoe, NV 4 Oct (ph, *JL & DW), but it
did not stick around; the second was at C.C. 19-24
Oct (DC et mult. al.), and it was enjoyed by many.
Meanwhile, an individual at D.C. 11 Nov (JB & KB)
was at a more expected locale. Easterly Red-breasted
Sapsuckers were reported from F.S.N.W.R. 27 Sep (LW),
at St. George 4 Oct (LJ), and at three central or
eastern NV locations 20 Oct - 30 Nov (v.o.). Meanwhile,
hybrid sapsuckers (Red-breasted x Red-naped) were
noted at four eastern NV locales 10-14 Oct (v.o.).
Away from far western NV, hybrids are considerably
more likely than pure Red-breasted Sapsuckers, and
observers should be aware of this problem.
     An extralimital Nuttall's Woodpecker was at
Circle-L Ranch, Esmeralda, NV 16 Sep - 2 Oct
(GS et al.). Flickers present an interesting
challenge to Great Basin birders, especially
in southern NV. All three of the major populations
("Red-shafted", "Yellow-shafted", and Gilded) are
present to varying degrees, but the occurrence of
hybrids complicates the matter. This fall, possible
Gilded Flickers were noted at three southern or
central NV locations away from the breeding grounds
reported from six southern or central NV locations
(v.o.). The only "Yellow-shafted" x "Red-shafted"
hybrids were single birds at two Reno area locations
30 Oct - 14 Nov (TF et al.).
     Migrant Willow Flycatchers were noted at eight
NV locations 12 Aug - 3 Oct (v.o.), while two birds
near Mt. Rose, Washoe, NV were thought to be breeders
(TF & KS). The species is nearly extirpated as a
breeder in n. NV. Least Flycatchers were reported
from three NV locations 26 Aug - 20 Sep (v.o.),
and it is gratifying that all three records were
accompanied by good written descriptions. Meanwhile,
a Least Flycatcher at G.R. 9-14 Sep was seen by
many. A late Gray Flycatcher was at C.C. 15 Nov
(RF & KW). Black Phoebes made their usual fall
incursion into northern and central NV, with reports
from eight locations 9 Aug - 2 Nov (v.o.). The most
northerly record for UT was of a bird at Draper
(Salt Lake) 14 Sep (KC & SC). An Eastern Phoebe
strayed to C.C. 22 - 23 Nov (KR, *RS). A male
Vermilion Flycatcher at Circle-L Ranch, Esmeralda,
NV 2 Nov (JW) was northerly. A Cassin's Kingbird
at H.B.V.P. 28 Oct (MC & JCr) was the only report.
Eastern Kingbirds were found at three n. UT locations
17-25 Aug (v.o.).
     Northern Shrike reports came from the following
locations: M.R.S. 20 Oct (DT); Elko 26 Oct (MP & LP);
D.C. 11 Nov (JB & KB); and Utah L., Utah, UT 14 Nov
(KC). A White-eyed Vireo was found at Peavine Ranch,
Nye, NV 2 Sep (*JBo). Gray Vireos are almost never
seen on migration, so a report of an apparent upslope
migrant at 8000 feet in the Pine Valley Mountain
Wilderness, Washington, UT 18 Aug (SS & PS) was
interesting. The Cassin's Vireo flight was rated
by several observers as better than usual. There
were reports of a Philadelphia Vireo at G.R. 30
Aug - 25 Sep (m.ob.). The record appears to be
credible, but there was some question as to whether
more than one individual was present during the
period of observation. One or more Red-eyed Vireos
were at G.R. 16 Aug - 29 Sep (v.o.), and another
was seen at Provo Canyon, Utah, UT 4 Sep (KC).
     Single Steller's Jays wandered to the lowland
locations of W.F. 27 Sep (RF) and Dyer, Esmeralda,
NV 2 Oct (MS et al.). Western Scrub-Jays staged a
major invasion into the lowlands of UT and
especially NV (m.ob.). The Pinyon Jay flight was
comparatively minor, with reports from only three
lowland desert locations in s. NV (v.o.). And the
Clark's Nutcracker flight was virtually nonexistent,
with the only sightings coming from C.C. 8 Sep ?
9 Nov (v.o.).

SWALLOWS THROUGH WARBLERS

A Purple Martin at L.S. 26 Aug (JB & KB) was unusual,
and a Cliff Swallow at Virginia L., Washoe, NV 29 Nov
was quite late (JW). Mountain Chickadees made a
better-than-usual incursion into the lowlands of NV
this fall. It was felt by several observers that some
of the birds exhibited characters of the nominate
subspecies, for which there exist no known NV records.
Winter Wrens were found at G.R. 9-23 Sep (v.o.), at
Q.C.R. 13-29 Oct (RF & KCo), and at six NV locales
31 Aug - 18 Nov (v.o.).
     The only Swainson's Thrush reports came from
P.N.W.R. 14 Sep (RF & KW) and Floyd Lamb S.P., Clark,
NV 14 Oct - 1 Nov (v.o.). Varied Thrushes were noted
at six NV locations 8 Oct - 25 Nov (v.o.), while the
only UT report came from G.R. on the early date of
23 Sep (v.o.). Great Catbird reports included the
following: 6-8 near Eden, Weber, UT 14-16 Aug (LL);
one at Jordanelle Res., Wasatch, UT 14-16 Aug (CD);
and a stray to M.R.S. 22-26 Sep (v.o.). Brown
Thrashers were found at C.C. 25 Oct - 23 Nov (JC
et al.), at S.N.W.R. 17 Nov (ph. BH), and at Garden
City, Rich, UT 18 Nov (JBy). A Bendire's Thrasher
was at Hurricane Fields, Washington, UT 11 Sep (RF).
     An American Pipit at the summit of Mt. Rose,
Washoe, NV 4 Aug (TF & KS) may have been a local
breeder. The species was not detected here during
the recently completed NV Breeding Bird Atlas. The
first migrant Cedar Waxwings were seen at Numana,
Washoe, NV 12 Aug (TF). A Phainopepla at Peavine
Ranch, Nye, NV was northerly (JBo).
     A Tennessee Warbler at Washoe L., Washoe, NV
30 Sep (*PL) was the only sighting this fall. The
peak of the Orange-crowned Warbler flight through
NV seemed to occur during the period 13-16 Sep (v.o.).
A late Nashville Warbler lingered at Willard Bay
S.P, Box Elder, UT until 28 Nov (CS & MSo).
Chestnut-sided Warblers made a nice showing, with
sightings at G.R. 29 Sep (BB & TJ), L.S. 26-28 Aug
(JB et al.), Q.C.R. 22-30 Sep (RF et mult. al.),
M.R.S. 6 Sep (JBr), and Lida, Esmeralda, NV 22 Sep
(GS & MM). A possible Cape May Warbler was reported
from M.R.S. 3 Oct (JBr). Black-throated Blue Warblers
were found at C.C. 23 Oct - 5 Nov (v.o.) and at G.R.
8 Sep (DG). "Myrtle" Warblers were noted at three
NV locales 2-25 Oct (v.o.).
     The Townsend's Warbler flight through UT was
better than average and was highlighted by a remarkable
one-day high of 20+ individuals at G.R. 13 Sep (TJ).
A Hermit Warbler in the Spring Mountains, Clark, NV
12 Aug (SG & HH) was somewhat off the beaten path,
and a hybrid Hermit Warbler x Townsend's Warbler
was found at the Carson R. Diversion Dam, Churchill,
NV 14 Aug (TF). The Parulid of the season was a
Prairie Warbler at Q.C.R. 28-30 Sep (DG et al.).
Palm Warblers were noted at three NV locations 26
Sep - 3 Oct (v.o.). A possible Bay-breasted Warbler
was reported from Lovelock, Pershing, NV 13 Sep
(JW). Blackpoll Warblers were found at a good five
NV locations 9 Sep - 2 Oct (v.o.).
     Black-and-white Warblers were found at L.S.
23-27 Aug (DS et al.) and at three NV locales 19
Aug - 23 Nov (v.o.). American Redstart reports
came from eight locations in NV 31 Aug - 9 Oct
(v.o.) and from three in UT 23 Aug - 1 Oct (v.o.).
Two or more Prothonotary Warblers were found at
two locations in the Dyer, Esmeralda, NV area 8-22
Sep (GS et al.). A Worm-eating Warbler was a good
find at C.C. 1-2 Sep (KWa & RS). One or two Ovenbirds
were at C.C. 19 Sep - 25 Oct (v.o.). Northern
Waterthrushes were seen at ten NV locales 23 Aug ?
16 Sep (v.o.) and at four locations in UT 15 Aug ?
3 Sep (v.o.). A Kentucky Warbler was a surprise at
Dyer, Esmeralda, NV 8 Sep (GS et al.).

TANAGERS THROUGH FINCHES

A Summer Tanager at Dyer, Esmeralda, NV 16 Sep
(GS & JBr) was somewhat northerly, and one was
found at St. George 6 Oct (SS & RF). A well-described
female Scarlet Tanager at Crystal Springs, Lincoln,
NV 11 Oct (*JD et al.) was one of only a handful of
records for the state.
     An American Tree Sparrow was at the unexpected
locale of C.C. 4-10 Nov (SG & JC). At more expected
locations were eight at Ruby Valley, Elko, NV 11 Nov
(KV) and seven at Farmington Bay W.M.A., Davis, UT
21 Nov (TJ). A Clay-colored Sparrow was at Q.C.R.
24 Sep - 6 Oct (RF et mult. al.). Possible "Timberline"
Sparrows were found above 10,000 feet in Great Basin
N.P., White Pine, NV 11 Aug (MP & LP). The status of
this form has not been determined in the Great Basin,
and more work is needed here. A Black-chinned Sparrow
at nearly 9000 feet along the Ophir Creek Trail,
Washoe, NV 20 Aug (*JD & GB) was remarkable in every
way: latitude, altitude, and habitat.
     Single Lark Buntings were reported from Butler
Basin, Nye, NV 20 Aug (JBr) and from Torrance Ranch,
Nye, NV 9 Sep (JBr), and three were at Tremonton,
Box Elder, UT 9 Sep (fide MSt). A Grasshopper Sparrow
at Hurricane Fields, Washington, UT 4 Aug (RF) was
the only report. Three juvenile Lincoln's Sparrows
near Mt. Rose, Washoe, NV 4 Aug (TF & KS) indicated
local breeding. A Swamp Sparrow was reported from
Tonopah 3 Oct (JBr). White-throated Sparrows
numbered 1-3 at nine NV locations 3 Oct - 25 Nov
(v.o.), but the only UT reports were of singles at
Cedar City (Iron) 4 Nov (SS) and at Sugar House
(Salt Lake) 2-8 Nov (MSt). Harris's Sparrows were
seen at Provo Airport Dike, Utah, UT 3 Oct (EH) and
at Jordan R. Parkway, Utah, UT 5-10 Nov (TR et al.).
Golden-crowned Sparrows were widespread in w. NV,
and single individuals ranged as far east as the
Fish Spring Mountains, Juab, UT 20 Oct (MSt) and
Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Washington, UT 24-29
Nov (RF). "Slate-colored" Juncos were noted at
three NV locales 27 Oct - 2 Nov (v.o.).
     Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were found at seven
NV locations 15 Aug - 19 Nov (v.o.), but one at
L.S. 25 Aug (MW) was the only record for UT. Single
Indigo Buntings were found at B.R. 8 Sep (GS & JBr),
at Lytle Ranch, Washington, UT 29 Sep (RF et al.),
and at C.C. on the late date of 23 Nov (KR). An
adult male Dickcissel was seen at Tonopah 20 Sep
(JBr).
     A female Bobolink strayed to M.R.S. 8 Sep
(GS & JBr). Single Common Grackles put in appearances
at B.R. 9 Oct (*JD et al.) and at Sandy, Salt Lake,
UT 11 Oct (KL). Great-tailed Grackles continue
to expand in UT, as evidenced by a flock of 35+
(including juveniles) at Cedar City (Iron) 19 Aug
(SS et al.). A female Baltimore Oriole at the
Carson R. Diversion Dam, Churchill, NV 28 Sep
(MG et al.) was a nice find.
     Some 25+ Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were at
Arches N.P., Grand, UT 12 Nov (JB & KB). An apparent
Brown-capped Rosy-Finch at Monticello, San Juan,
UT 23 Nov (TB), if accepted by the Utah Bird Records
Committee, would be a state first. Red Crossbills
were barely noted, with the only reports coming
from the following locales: Incline Village, Washoe,
NV 22 Aug (JD); Ophir Creek Trail, Washoe, NV 28
Sep (JD); and D.C. 11 Nov (JB & KB). A Common Redpoll
at Woods Cross, Davis, UT 15 Nov (SCo) heralded an
impressive invasion of the species in the months to
follow. Two Evening Grosbeaks at C.C. 9 Nov (SS et
al.) were the only report. Finally, a Nutmeg Mannakin
was a delightful if "uncountable" visitor to Rancho
San Rafael Park, Washoe, NV 30 Aug (DAr).

Observers: David Allan, David Arsenault (DAr),
Mike Amos, Sharon Andrus, Giff Beaton, Joel Beyer,
Kathy Beyer, Todd Black, Jim Boone (JBo), Jeanie
Boynton (JBy), John Brack (JBr), Bob Bradley,
Steve Carr, K.C. Childs, Jack Cochran, Steve
Coleman (SCo), Kristen Comella (KCo), Donna
Crail-Rugotzke, Marian Cressman, Jim Cressman
(JCr), Carol Davis, Jon Dunn, Ted Floyd, Rick
Fridell, Kimball Garrett, Shawn Goodchild, Jim
Graham, Dana Green, Mike Green, Howard Gross,
Carol Gwynn, Bill Henry, Steve Howell, Eric Huish,
Heather Hundt, Lee Jones, Tony Jones, Phil Kline,
Kim Lane, Peter LaTourrette, Lisa Lister, James
Lofthouse (JLf), Jean Lown (JLw), Jim Lytle, Jim
McIntyre, Martin Meyers, Milton Moody (MMo), Anne
Neville, Bob Parsons, Marilyn Parsons (MPa), Fred
Petersen, Lois Ports, Mark Ports, Kathy Robertson,
Tuula Rose, Terry Sadler, Mike San Miguel, Rick
Saval, Greg Scyphers, Dennis Serdehely (DSe),
Bryan Shirley, Dennis Shirley, Kei Sochi, Carolyn
Somer, Mark Somer (MSo), Mark Stackhouse (MSt),
Priscilla Summers, Steve Summers, Dennis Trousdale,
Ken Voget, Alan Wallace, Kevin Wallace (KWa),
Jack Walters, Kevin Wheeler, Larry Williams (LWi),
Diane Wong, Merrill Webb, Larene Wyss.

S.A. Fox Sparrows breed in the high mountains of the
Great Basin, they are commonly encountered on migration,
and they are occasional in winter here. But which of the
four or more distinctive forms occur in our region? The
"slate-colored" form breeds throughout much of the
region, and the "thick-billed" form is common in the
Carson Range and perhaps elsewhere in western Nevada.
Single "sooty" Fox Sparrows were recorded at three
Nevada locations this fall, and 1-2 "red" Fox Sparrow
were at Corn Creek (Clark, NV) 9-19 (v.o.). It is
obvious that virtually any sort of Fox Sparrow can
show up in the Great Basin, but it is likewise clear
that we lack good occurrence data for the multiple
forms that occur here. Observers in the Great Basin
are thus urged to try to identify migrant Fox Sparrows
at the subspecies level.

Photo captions:

Any golden-plover in the Great Basin is notable.
After some initial discussion about the bird in
this photograph, it was determined to be an American
Golden-Plover. The bird is a juvenile, and it was
at Fish Springs N.W.R. (Juab, UT) 21-28 Oct 2001.
Photograph by Terry Sadler.

When most people think of riparian specialists in
the West, birds like Bell's Vireo, Yellow-breasted
Chat, and Blue Grosbeak come to mind. In the Great
Basin, the Long-eared Owl is definitely a riparian
specialist, too. It is not necessarily uncommon
here, but it is typically overlooked in riparian
surveys - and neglected in management plans for
riparian habitats. Photograph by Terry Sadler.

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