38 ILLINOIS AUDUBON BULLETIN 
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reported them; at least one remained at Lake Sangchris and was regularly seen in courship 
flight and heard winnowing during May (D. Bohlen, V. Kleen, et al.). Upland Sandpipers 
occur as a nesting species throughout the state; however, the only reports were: “present” 
at Moraine View State Park all June (D. Birkenholz); three adults in Hancock County, 5 
June (V. Kleen); four at Lake Calumet, 5 & 12 June (C. Clark); “a few” in Lake County, 30 
June (J. Neal); and “rare” in Vermilion County (M. Campbell); if we are to protect this 
vulnerable species, we need more annual details concerning numbers, habitats and exact 
locations of these birds. Where were all of the nesting Spotted Sandpipers? One pair was 
observed at Springfield (D. Bohlen). Has anyone located nesting areas for Wilson’s 
Phalaropes? If so, please make that information known so actions can be taken to conserve 
their required habitat. 
GULLS and TERNS. One attempted nest of Herring Gulls was observed in the 
Ring-billed Gull colony established again this year at Lake Calumet. The Ring-billed colony 
consisted of about 500 birds on an island a short distance from the mainland. By observing 
from the mainland only, at least 62 incubating birds were seen but the torrential rains of 
mid-June washed away about half of the nests and probably drowned some young. The 
maximum count of young over half ground was 52 (C. Clark). At least one Ring-billed Gull 
attempted to nest at Waukegan, but abandoned (*J. Neal); one immature spent all summer 
at Rend Lake (B. Peterjohn). Common Tern nests (up to six at various times) were found 
between 27 May and 10 July at the Commonwealth Edison cinder flats at Waukegan; 
unfortunately, both first and second nesting attempts were unsuccessful; most observations 
were made from a distance, therefore it was possible that more nests existed (J. Neal); two 
other nests, both unsuccessful, were found near J ohns-Mansville, 27 May (J. Neal). Little 
Terns were apparently quite late in arriving; nesting success was not determined; however, 
the following reports were received: one bird at Springfield, 18 June (D. Bohlen); one in 
Madison County, 24 June (J. Eades); one at Lake Chautauqua, 26 June (D. Bohlen); five 
adults near Golconda in late July (R. Graber); four at Horseshoe Lake (Alexander Co.) all 
July and early August (B. Peterjohn); and two near Kaskaskia State Park for more than 
two weeks in July (R. Anderson). Four Black Tern nests were found at Round Lake, 26 
June (J. Neal). 
CUCKOOS, OWLS, CAPRIMULGIDS and WOODPECKERS. Once the cuckoos 
arrived (mid-June) they were apparently fairly common as breeding species. One Black- 
billed Cuckoo, near Rend Lake, was noted carrying food, 16 July — for an unusual southern 
Illinois record (B. Peterjohn); another bird was noted in Springfield, 24 July (D. Bohlen). As 
seems to be typical, Barn Owls were not even mentioned. No hints were provided for the 
status of Common Screech Owls, Great Horned Owls or Barred Owls. Although nests were 
not located, it is possible that Short-eared Owls nested at Goose Lake Prairie (D. Birk- 
enholz) and Lake Calumet (C. Clark, L. Balch) as one and three birds, respectively, were 
noted at those locations in June. One Chuck-will’s-widow was singing throughout the 
breeding season at Sand Ridge State Forest in Mason County; no others were heard 
(D. Birkenholz). How common are our nesting woodpeckers? Apparently the Red-headed 
had a fairly good year — but there were no reports about the other species. 
FLYCATCHERS and SWALLOWS. What was the statewide breeding situation for 
the following species: Eastern Kingbird, Western Kingbird, Great Crested Flycatcher, 
Eastern Phoebe, Acadian Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Pewee, Tree Swallow, 
Bank Swallow, Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow and Purple Martin? A 
Least Flycatcher nest was reported from Siloam Springs State Park, 20 June, but the nest 
was blown away the following day (L. Funk). One pair of Tree Swallows may have nested at 
Crab Orchard Refuge this summer, another pair did nest at Grand Tower and five pairs 
nested at Rend Lake (all records by B. Peterjohn and M. Morrison). 87 Cliff Swallow and 
114 Barn Swallow nests were counted under the bridges at Crab Orchard Refuge 
(M. Morrison). 
CORVIDS, PARIDS, CREEPERS and WRENS. Over the years American Crows 
have been taken for granted; what is their current status; are they as abundant as we think? 
