ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 25 
eD INO bi 
by VERNON M. KLEEN 
WINTER SEASON 
Although the 1975-1976 WINTER SEASON was good for most wintering birds, it 
appeared to be a non-spectacular season. As always, a few new records were set, some 
species were more common or less common than usual, half-hardy species survived 
longer into the winter than normal or for the entire winter, some species pushed far 
inland compared to their more regularly reported locations and winter finches enlivened 
feeders. A good to excellent berry crop allowed great concentrations of robins and 
smaller numbers of bluebirds and waxwings to stay all winter. 
Basically, the season was mild; a warm trend began about 10 February and 
triggered much early migratory activity — to be reported in the SPRING MIGRATION 
Report. The season included the traditional Christmas Bird Count Period which has 
already been reported; therefore, only a few of the exceptional records have been 
repeated. 
Once again the Illinois Rare Bird Alert was in effect; unfortunately, there were few 
opportunities to use it. Occasionally, an outstanding rarity was reported and the 
information quickly sped through the Alert system allowing many observers to see the 
bird(s) and to further document the observations by including some notes that other 
persons had not recorded. As many birders (no longer to be called bird watchers) know, 
one of the important functions of birding (no longer to be called bird watching) nowadays 
is to see who can show the most rare birds to the greatest number of other birders. 
Therefore, the Alert system has great potential and many birders now get to see birds 
that they haven’t seen before. We anticipate increased success for each year that the 
Rare Bird Alert is in effect throughout the state. We thank everyone who participated in 
the Alert this past winter. 
The regular contributors were once again responsible for the majority of notes used 
throughout the report. We always welcome more contributions from any persons making 
significant field observations. The purpose of each SEASONAL REPORT is to assemble 
in one report all facts and information pertaining to the abundance and distribution of 
birds throughout the state during the appropriate season; therefore, we need the 
enthusiastic support of all field observers. The schedule of dates for submitting material 
is printed at the end of the report. Appreciation is extended to the following persons for 
their important contributions: Larry Balch, Dale Birkenholz, David Bohlen, Elaine 
Burstatte, Marilyn Campbell, Charles Clark, Robert Cottingham, Aura Duke, Joe 
Eades, Elton Fawks, Darlene Fiske, Jim Frank, Ed Franks, Darlene Friedman, Jim 
Funk, Leroy Harrison, Margaret Horsman, Virginia Humphreys, L. Barrie Hunt, Ver- 
non Kleen, Roy Knisley, Inez McLure, Robert Montgomery, Mike Morrison, Jim Neal, 
William O’Brien, Richard Palmer, Bruce Peterjohn, Richard Sandburg, Betty and Harry 
Shaw, Jim Smith, Dick Thom and Patrick Ward. The symbol “m.ob” after an observation 
refers to “many observers.” Observations for which a satisfactorily prepared documen- 
tation form was submitted have been denoted by an asterisk (*) in front of the observer’s 
name. 
