36 ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
As noted, 168 Nest Record Cards representing 42 species were submitted as part of the 
Mid-June Challenge and there were 130 species at least observed in the thirteen Challenge 
Areas during the Challenge Period. The Challenge for 1977 will occur from 11 through 19 
June inclusive; write for details. 
In general, the 1976 breeding season was not spectacular; temperatures were about 
normal but the period was noticeably dry. Rains that did occur were chiefly of the 
cloud-burst variety causing temporary flooding locally and bypassing nearby areas com- 
pletely. Near-drought conditions were in evidence towards the end of the season with ponds 
and lakes gradually drying up. 
As usual, several people submitted notes for this report; their continuous support is 
greatly appreciated. The following persons are particularly acknowledged for providing 
most of the information: Richard Anderson, Larry Balch, Dale Birkenholz, David Bohlen, 
Lynn Braband, Elaine Burstatte, Marilyn Campbell, Charles Clark, Joe Eades, Ralph 
Eiseman, Elton Fawks, Ed Frank, Richard Graber, Leroy Harrison, Mike Homoya, 
L. Barrie Hunt, Vernon Kleen, Lynn McKeown, Mike Morrison, Jim Neal, Bruce Peter- 
john, Richard Sandburg, Pat Ward, Ron Westemeier and Lucas Wrischnik. Reference to 
many observers is denoted by the letters “m.ob.”. Documentations have been denoted by an 
asterisk (*). 
PELICANS, CORMORANTS, HERONS and EGRETS. (Please note the Cornell 
University Colonial Bird Register Program previously mentioned; in the future, we hope 
that all nesting colonies are registered so that there can be a chance to save them.) The 
American White Pelican which appeared near Cordova last fall continued to survive there 
all summer (E. Fawks). A survey flight in late July over the last Illinois Double-crested 
Cormorant nesting colony near Thomson showed that there were 15 nests in the two 
remaining trees; actual nesting in the “artificial tree,” placed near the two trees last 
January, was not confirmed, but the presence of sticks in 4 or 5 of the 12 man-made nesting 
platforms and the observation of many cormorants perching on “that tree” provided great 
optimism (R. Graber). There were reports from only four Great Blue Heron colonies; 19 
nests in Pope Co., 16 Mar. (J. Smith); 30-40 birds along the Mississippi River in Mercer Co. 
(L. McKeown); a small colony of 30 at Rend Lake (B. Peterjohn); and a colony (size not 
determined) in Massac Co. in mid-June (M. Homoya). An interesting heron report near 
Waukegan indicated that “in a group of willows (about 3’ high) . . . were nine pairs of 
Green Herons nesting as a colony. The nests were very close together and were about a foot 
above the water;” — rather atypical (J. Neal). The 11 July census at The Illinois Audubon 
Society’s Rosalie Comment Heron Sanctuary showed the following: 
Adult Immature Total 
Little Blue Heron 10 57 67 
Cattle Egret 4 20 24 
Great Egret 10 10 20 
Snowy Egret 0 0 0 
Black-crowned Night Heron 8 17 25 
It was believed that the summer drought, which dried-up local marshes and forced the 
birds to seek more distant feeding areas, was responsible for the decrease in the Heron 
Sanctuary population this year (L. Wrischnik, et al. — Southwest Chapter, J.A.S.). The 
Black-crowned Night Heron colony at Waukegan produced 86 young from 26 nests 
(J. Neal); nesting did not occur in the traditional Lake Calumet colony (L. Balch). Oakwood 
Bottoms (Jackson Co.) was the only reported nesting area for Yellow-crowned Night 
Herons this year; eight adults and five immatures were noted there 24 May (M. Morrison). 
WATERFOWL. A pair of Canada Geese fledged at least two young at Springfield 
(D. Bohlen). Summering records of Snow Geese included singles at Deerfield (blue form) 30 
July (R. Eiseman) and the Chicago Botanic Gardens (white form) 14 & 30 July (L. Balch, 
R. Eiseman). One or two Gadwalls remained all summer at Lake Calumet (C. Clark, 
L. Balch) and near Springfield (D. Bohlen). A cohesive group of ten Common Pintails at 
Lake Calumet, 8 Aug. suggested breeding (L. Balch). A lone male Northern Shoveler was 
