ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 29 
SPARROWS, LONGSPURS and BUNTINGS. LeConte’s Sparrows continued to 
winter in southern Illinois; this year they were found as far north as Rend Lake (B. 
Peterjohn). One Harris’ Sparrow wintered at Danville, 29 December-10 April (*M. 
Campbell, m.ob); another was found at Carbondale, 14 January (B. Peterjohn). Four 
Lincoln’s Sparrows were identified on Christmas Bird Counts — an exceptionally high 
number; at least two were documented; another was found at Grafton, 10 March (D. 
Bohlen). There were excellent flocks of Lapland Longspurs; a maximum of 520 were 
reported from Springfield, 14 February (D. Bohlen); about 400 were in Shelby County, 20 
January (R. Cottingham). Snow Buntings were also quite abundant, especially in 
January and February; a maximum of 600 were reported from Shelby County, 20 
January (R. Cottingham); the southern-most record included one just west of the Union 
County Refuge, 2 January (P. Ward, et al.). 
As usual, all birders are encouraged to contribute to these SEASONAL Reports. 
Please observe the following schedule: 
‘Date reports 
Pre-determined due to Field 
SEASON Season Ending Date Notes editor* 
WINTER SEASON April 10 April 15 
SPRING MIGRATION June 10 June 15 
BREEDING SEASON August 10 August 15 
FALL MIGRATION December 10 December 15 
*For convenience of reporters, all records to be used in future seasonal 
reports, but occurring in earlier seasons (Ex., nesting Great Horned Owls 
found in March) can be reported along with the WINTER SEASON field 
notes you submit; however, these records will only be used in the BREEDING 
SEASON report. (Observers are encouraged to submit their field notes to the 
editor in advance of the deadline). 
THE OWL 
A shadow 
cast narrow by a setting sun 
bends on the half-moons of lithe 
grass, echoing stalk against stalk 
glides 
from the distant river jumbled 
trees, storm angular in dark crowds 
massive 
gray and white in nearness 
owl 
beyond your eyes | seek 
recognition, a still moment 
radiating in continuance. 
—Mary Morgan 
