ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN oO” 
present at Springfield during early July (D. Bohlen). Wood Ducks were blessed with 
another excellent breeding season. Three immature Hooded Mergansers were noted at 
Lake Sangchris, 11 June (D. Bohlen). Several diving ducks were observed throughout the 
summer, those records were printed in the Spring Migration report. 
VULTURES, HAWKS, OSPREYS, HARRIERS and FALCONS. Are vultures sur- 
viving in normal numbers in Illinois? We cannot really tell since there were no significant 
notes concerning either species. Black Vultures were usually found in their known-southern 
Illinois haunts; as in the past, two nestlings were banded at Dixon Springs State Park 
(V. Kleen). No comments were received about the abundance or distribution of Turkey 
Vultures; does this mean they are holding their own? The Illinois population of Mississippi 
Kites thrived (in reduced numbers) at the state’s population center at the northeast end of 
the Union County Conservation Area; however, with nearby portions of their known 
habitat (on Federal land) either clear-cut or scheduled for it despite much state opposition, 
we can only hope the species will continue to exist there. If the kite does disappear from the 
Union County Conservation Area, its known range, which at one time even included 
portions of central Illinois — especially along the Illinois River — will be reduced to just a 
few very small isolated pockets and nesting pairs will have little contact with each other. 
What was the 1976 breeding status of Red-shouldered Hawks? No one provided any 
information. A single Broad-winged Hawk was sighted near Kaskaskia State Park, 3 July 
(R. Anderson, et al.); how many others were observed this summer? Does anyone know if 
the Swainson’s Hawks successfully fledged any young this year? This is important to know 
if we intend to maintain that small population. We do request that all observers visiting the 
Swainson’s Hawks nesting area refrain completely from disturbing the nesting birds in any 
manner as they are known to abandon their nests rather easily. An Osprey spent all 
summer at Rend Lake (M. Morrison) and another appeared at Charleston, 7 July (L. B. 
Hunt). A pair of Northern Harriers were seen together in Randolph County, 29 May; the 
male was observed again, 24 June (J. Eades); it would be great if nesting actually occurred 
there; two successful nests in close proximity to each other were studied at Goose Lake 
Prairie (D. Birkenholz); another bird was sighted near Nashville, 1 June (M. Morrison). 
There was an apparent good nesting season for American Kestrels in the E. St. Louis area; 
was this true statewide? 
PRAIRIE CHICKENS, BOBWHITE, RAILS, GALLINULES and COOT. “For the 
fourth consecutive year, (Greater Prairie Chicken) nest success on the sanctuaries at 
Bogota was below 50%. Of the 45 nests found this summer, . . . only 16 were successful 
. . . producing at least 149 chicks.” (R. Westemeier, R. Vance). The Common Bobwhite has 
apparently taken up residency in the Lake Calumet area; it was not previously known to 
occur in that area (L. Balch). We know that some species of rails nest in Ilinois but there is 
little information about their abundance and distribution. In fact, the elusive Black Rail 
must regularly nest throughout central Illinois and the Yellow Rail may also nest in the 
state — are there any rail enthusiasts who are willing to devote some time to these unique 
species? We definitely need more information about all rail species. One Purple Gallinule 
was observed at Oakwood Bottoms, 2 June (B. Peterjohn) and four suspected birds of this 
species were heard at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander Co.), 5 Aug. (B. Peterjohn). At Round 
Lake, four young Common Gallinules were present, 26 June (J. Neal). American Coots 
summered as far south as Charleston, however, did not breed there (L. B. Hunt); 16 were 
noted at Lake Mermet, 22 July (B. Peterjohn) and one remained at Springfield until at least 
23 June (D. Bohlen). 
SHOREBIRDS. Several shorebird species regularly nest in Illinois, but little data are 
submitted. Without such data, we can do little to protect their necessary habitats — 
therefore, we urge observers to spend more time collecting information about breeding 
species, especially the extremely vulnerable species such as shorebirds. Does the Piping 
Plover still exist as a nesting species along the protected beaches of Illinois Beach State 
Park? — none were reported this year. Killdeer can nest most anywhere, and do, but few 
observations were reported. American Woodcock arrived in Illinois early and nests were 
reported by early March (m.ob.). Common Snipe must breed in northern Illinois, but no one 
