Compiled and Edited by Ken Blankenship
(First published in The Oriole, Vol. 72, Nos. 1-4, Pp 61-76)

Easily the highlight of fall 2007, if not the year, was the appearance of a GREEN-BREASTED MANGO at a hummingbird feeder in the city of Dublin, in Laurens Co. This bird, whose typical range includes Central America and southern Mexico, represents only the third U.S. record outside of Texas. Many birders were able to catch glimpses of it visiting feeders throughout the fall season and into the winter. A MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER was banded at JIBS during the fifth Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival, providing excited birders with some up-close views of only the 4th record of this western species in Georgia. A SNOW BUNTING showed up at AWMA, and another surprising report of this rare species came from the summit of Stone Mountain in metro Atlanta! Roaming CAVE SWALLOWS were spotted on 3 occasions this fall, continuing a trend in recent years which is being noted in many Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic states (see species account below). A major invasion year got under way this fall with many reports of RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH that continued into the winter, as well as good numbers of PURPLE FINCHES and PINE SISKINS. A WILSON’S PHALAROPE, UPLAND SANDPIPERS, BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPERS, LONG-BILLED DOWITCHERS, and consistent good numbers of other shorebirds were reported from the MSS, confirming its status as one of the state’s important locations for migrating shorebirds in fall. Record drought conditions and a scorching heat wave in August dominated the weather pattern this fall, and may have contributed to lower over-all numbers of migrants observed at many locations. It was a notably slow fall migration at KMT, normally a very productive area for observation of Neotropical migrants. Locations with a reliable water source produced more consistent numbers of migrants, such as areas on the Chattahoochee River (CSU in Cobb Co. and Standing Boy Creek WMA in Harris Co.), and Henderson Park in DeKalb Co.
   

The appearance of observations in this section does not suggest verification of acceptance of a record. Records need to be documented and submitted to the Checklist and Records Committee for consideration.

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK - This species continues to be found regularly at AWMA, the highest count being 20 on 14 September (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn). Breeding was confirmed at this location this season, as ducklings were seen with adults on 29 August (Jeff Spratt) and juveniles were reported throughout the season by v.ob. The species may be expanding in the state, with reports of 20 in the Savannah area on 3 October (Steve Wagner), and 3 on the JI Causeway on 23 November (Jeff Sewell, Carol Lambert).

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks - AWMA - 4 Nov 2007

GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE - A report of 6 the week of 12 November in Henry Co. (Eric Beohm) was the only report of the season for this species.

SNOW GOOSE - A blue-phase bird was an interesting find in a highly developed area near Perimeter Mall in DeKalb Co. on 14 September (Leslie Curran). There was also a report of 5 near Midway in Liberty Co. on 7 November (Tim Miller), and another report of 5 at AWMA on 28 November (Brenda Brannen). Single birds were seen at Jekyll Island South Beach on 4 November (Bob Zaremba, Pierre Howard), at GWTF on 24 November (Gene Wilkinson), and at Georgia Highlands College in Floyd Co. on 28 November (Darlene Moore et al.).

Snow Goose - Floyd Co. - 28 Nov 2007

ROSS’S GOOSE - There were 4 reports of single birds this season, including one on PCR on 18 November (Mark McShane, Max Medley) that remained for a week or more, another at SCSP on 19 November (Hugh Garrett, Patrick Brisse), and one flying with a group of Sandhill Cranes over CSU on 23 November (Johnnie Greene). The bird that has been resident at a farm in Madison Co. for several years was still present as of 17 November (Ken Blankenship, Rachel Cass).

Ross’s Goose - Gordon Co. - 29 Nov 2007

GADWALL - A good count of 94 was made at Garden Lakes in Floyd Co. on 18 November (Marion Dobbs).

AMERICAN WIGEON - A good count of 115 was made at Garden Lakes in Floyd Co. on 18 November (Marion Dobbs).

MOTTLED DUCK - There were several reports of single birds seen this season, and 2 birds were seen on 5 August at AWMA (Mark McShane, Bill Boyd).

CINNAMON TEAL - A report of a single male molting from “eclipse” to breeding plumage came from a marsh on White Graves Rd. in Gordon Co. on 26 September (Max Medley; GCRC 2008-31); the bird was not relocated despite several attempts by v.ob.

NORTHERN PINTAIL - A good count of 10 was observed flying over Andrew’s Island Causeway in Glynn Co. on 4 November (Bob Zaremba, Pierre Howard).

CANVASBACK - A report of 5 birds came from West Point Lake on 25 November (Mark McShane).

REDHEAD - Remarkable numbers of waterfowl - numbering up to 3000 individuals in several huge rafts - were seen on the morning of 24 November at West Point Lake by 2 independent observers (Walt Chambers, Barry Fleming). Included were up to 498 of this species (Barry Fleming); this is more than twice the published high count in the ACOGB. A nice count of 100 was made at Lake Hartwell, Hart Co., on 24 November (Paul Sykes).

RING-NECKED DUCK - A female bird was a good find at PSNP in Richmond Co. on 11 August (Lois Stacey); this individual may represent a new state early arrival date or a rare summering bird.

SURF SCOTER - A single bird was seen off JI South Beach the weekend of 12 October (fide Jeff Sewell).

SCOTER SPP. - A nice report of 5000-10000 BLACK SCOTERS, 100 SURF SCOTERS, and at least one WHITE-WINGED SCOTER off the coast of Cumberland Island was made to the RBA the week of 18 November (Patrick Leary).

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER - Included in the same massive group of waterfowl mentioned earlier at West Point Lake on 24 November were 300+ of this species (Barry Fleming); this number ties the published inland high count in the ACOGB.

RUFFED GROUSE - A few reports of this secretive mountain resident included singles seen on 17 August (Dot Freeman, Betty Belanger), 16 September (Joel McNeal), 4 November (Brandon Best), and quite a story when on 11 October an apparently panicked bird crashed through a screen door, ran throughout the interior of a home, and was finally caught and released (Betty Belanger).

RED-THROATED LOON - Only one report was made this season, a single bird at Tybee Island on 23 November (Bob Zaremba, Earl Horn).

COMMON LOON - Uncommon late summer reports of this species included 2 birds at Lake Nottely and a single bird at Lake Blue Ridge in the Mountains region, both on 22 August (Betty Belanger, Dot Freeman).

RED-NECKED GREBE - A single bird was reported from the LWFG dam on 22 November (Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm).

EARED GREBE - A nice count of 30+ of this species, made by v.ob. on a field trip to Plant Scherer in Monroe Co. on 17 November (Terry Johnson et al.), easily constitutes a new state high count, besting a previous high count of 21 from the same location on 3 December 2005 (Terry Johnson et al.), and almost tripling the latest ACOGB published high count of 11 on 20 November 1995 from adjacent Lake Juliette. Other than scattered single birds or small groups at random locations during migration, this species is rarely observed in the state except on the ash pond of Plant Scherer and adjacent Lake Juliette from fall through winter, where it is annually present in fairly high concentrations.

BLACK-CAPPED PETREL - Four birds were seen on a pelagic trip out of Tybee Island on 26 August (Bob Zaremba et al.).

CORY’S SHEARWATER - Fourteen birds were seen on a pelagic trip out of Tybee Island on 26 August (Bob Zaremba et al.).

Cory’s Shearwater - Atlantic Ocean - 26 Aug 2007

GREATER SHEARWATER - A single bird was seen on a pelagic trip out of Tybee Island on 26 August (Bob Zaremba et al.).

AUDUBON’S SHEARWATER - Two birds were observed on a pelagic trip out of Tybee Island on 26 August (Bob Zaremba et al.).

NORTHERN GANNET - A count of several hundred off the north beach of Tybee Island was notable on 23 November (Bob Zaremba, Earl Horn).

AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN - Seventeen birds were observed over U. S. Hwy. 17 (Jeff Sewell, Carol Lambert) near Brunswick, and an unspecified number of birds were reported from Andrew’s Island Causeway (fide Jeff Sewell), both on the weekend of 12 October.

BROWN PELICAN - There were 2 inland records, both from the LWFG dam - 3 birds on 25 August (Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm), and a single bird on 17 November (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn).

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT - A nice inland flock of 150+ was counted at Lake Blalock of the ELHLAF on 14 November (Carol Lambert).

ANHINGA - There were 2 rare late fall sightings from the Piedmont, a single bird seen on 6 November at the ELHLAF, and 2 in the same area from 14 November through the end of the month (Carol Lambert). This species is expanding its range inland across the southeastern U.S., and more reports from the Piedmont can be expected.

AMERICAN BITTERN - There was a relatively early record of a single bird at MSS on 1 September (Bill Birkhead), while other single records came from Franklin Co. on 30 October (Mark Freeman), from ELHLAF on 1 November (Carol Lambert), and from AWMA on or about 4 November (Bob Zaremba), on 15 November (Rusty Trump), and on 28 November (Brenda Brannen).

WHITE IBIS - An immature bird was found at an unusual northerly location in Gilmer Co. on 26 October (Tom Striker, Robert Kimsey).

GLOSSY IBIS - A nice count of 75 was made at AWMA on or about 4 November (Bob Zaremba).

ROSEATE SPOONBILL - A single bird was first reported inland at a pond in Screven Co. on 27 Jul., and up to 3 were present there until at least 3 August (fide Jeff Sewell). A good count of 27 was made in the Brunswick area on 25 August (Jeff Sewell), and an excellent count of 43 came from the Colonels Island roost area visible from Hwy. 17 just south of the JI Causeway in Glynn Co. on 3 September (Gene Wilkinson).

WOOD STORK - Late inland records included 4 birds in Greene Co. on 21 October (Paul Sykes), 4 at MBBP on 3 November (Lois Stacey), and one at BUENWR on 4 November (Steve Barlow).

TURKEY VULTURE - Notable counts of migrating birds included 500 in Bibb Co. on 27 October (Trey McCuen), 375 on 28 October at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Cobb Co. (Stacy Zarpentine), and 300 in Gwinnett Co. on 3 November (Rick and Sandy Krause).

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE - A single bird was reported from Monroe Co. on 3 August (Ty Ivey), 2 birds were reported on 10 August in Spalding Co. (Eric Beohm), and 4 birds were reported from Effingham Co. on 12 August (Ramona Bartos).

MISSISSIPPI KITE - A flock of 50 birds was reported on 10 August in Spalding Co. (Eric Beohm), another nice flock of 30+ was reported from Oconee Co. on 10 August (Mark McShane), and interesting reports of this species wandering into the northern reaches of the state - a recently increasing phenomena in late summer and early fall - included single birds in Gordon Co. on 20 August (Betty Belanger, Dot Freeman, Ann Stewart) and in Bartow Co. on 3 September (Jeff Sewell, Carol Lambert).

NORTHERN HARRIER - Early reports of single birds were made on 29 August in Morgan Co. (Mark McShane) and 1 September in Butts Co. (Patrick Brisse).

BROAD-WINGED HAWK - A good count of 22 migrating on 16 September came from KMT (Bob Zaremba et al.).

MERLIN - Among numerous fall sightings across the state, a good find for the Dawson Forest WMA in Dawson Co. was a single bird on 10 November (Georgann Schmalz).

PEREGRINE FALCON - An interesting report for the date was an immature bird from Cobb Co. on 10 November (David Hedeen); this bird was seen over the next 2-3 days by v.ob., who were also looking for a late AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER at the same location.

VIRGINIA RAIL - A good count of 7 was made at the Georgia Highlands College wetlands in Floyd Co. on 5 October (Jim Flynn).

SANDHILL CRANE - There were at least 12 separate reports of migrating flocks in November, totaling about 2600 individual birds. The peak movement appeared to be from 23 November through the end of the month. Rather far from its normal range, a single bird was reported from PSNP on 16 October (Lois Stacey).

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER - There was a rare inland record of one bird at LWFG on 19 October (Walt Chambers).

AMERICAN GOLDEN-PLOVER - Two birds were found in Burke Co. on 16 September (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn), and a single bird showed up on private property on a polo field in Cobb Co. on 10 November and was present until at least 12 November (David Hedeen).

American Golden-Plover - Cobb Co. - 12 Nov 2007

BLACK-NECKED STILT - A pair of adults with young was seen at AWMA on 25 August (Jeff Sewell).

AMERICAN AVOCET - A rare inland record of 4 birds came from CLRL on 27 September (Cheryl Kanes et al.).

SPOTTED SANDPIPER - A single bird was a good late season find at CSU on 30 November (Darlene Moore).

YELLOWLEGS SPP. - On a particularly productive trip to MSS on 3 September, well over 400 mixed yellowlegs were observed, including more than 150 GREATER YELLOWLEGS and 300 LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Bob Zaremba).

WILLET - Rare inland reports included 3-4 birds from LWFG on 25 August (Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm), and a single bird at ELHLAF on 10 November (Johnnie Greene).

UPLAND SANDPIPER - By far the best location for observing this species annually in fall continues to be the MSS in Macon Co. The first report was 11 birds on 29 Jul. (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn); the flock increased to 21 on 3 August (Darlene Moore et al.), and the season high count was 28 the following day, 4 August (Jeff Sewell et al.). The species was consistently reported from this location during the next month, with the last report coming on 3 September (Bob Zaremba et al.). An unspecified number were reported from Spalding Co., for an interesting Piedmont record on 15 August (Eric Beohm).

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER - A rare transient in fall, 2 juvenile birds showed up in Bartow Co. on 7 September (Bob Zaremba), and another juvenile bird was found at a separate location in the same general area the following day, 8 September (Pierre Howard).

BAIRD’S SANDPIPER - Reports of this rare transient included 2-3 birds at CLRL from 28-29 August (Max Medley, Bob Zaremba, Deb Zaremba), 2 birds at the same location on 4 September (Max Medley), and single birds were seen in Bartow Co. on 8 September (Ken Blankenship et al.) and 11 September (Pierre Howard, Bruce Hallett).

PECTORAL SANDPIPER - Among a large number of shorebirds at MSS on 3 September were up to 250 birds (Bob Zaremba), only 3 short of the published ACOGB high count; a late season report of 2 birds came from BUENWR on 4 November (Steve Barlow).

PURPLE SANDPIPER - Six birds were reported from the only reliable spot for the species in the state during late fall and winter, on the north beach of Tybee Island, on 23 November (Bob Zaremba, Earl Horn), and 8 birds were seen at the same location on 28 November (Diana Churchill).

Purple Sandpipers - Tybee Island - 23 Nov 2007

RUDDY TURNSTONE - A rare inland record came on 16 September in Burke Co. (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn).

RED KNOT - A good count of 449 came from St. Catherines Island on 16 September (Jeff Sewell, Carol Lambert).

SANDERLING - Interesting inland reports included up to 3 birds at CLRL from 28 August - 4 September (Max Medley, v.ob.), and a single bird on 23 September in Carroll Co. (Ken Blankenship et al.).

STILT SANDPIPER - Single birds were seen at ELHLAF in Clayton Co. on 27 August (Eric Beohm), and in Bartow Co. on 29 August (Bob Zaremba); 2 birds were found at LWFG on 25 August (Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm); 5 birds were in Bartow Co. on 30 August after a heavy rain (Ken Blankenship); and 3 birds were reported from Bartow Co. on 25 September (Bob and Deb Zaremba).

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER - This sought-after species was reported in good numbers this fall, with most reports (15+ total) coming from sod farms in Macon and Bartow Counties. The first definitive report was a single bird on 11 August at MSS (Ken Blankenship, Rachel Cass). A notable high count of 17 birds came from Bartow Co. on 8 September (Ken Blankenship et al.). The last report of the season was a single bird in Bartow Co. on 29 September (Mark McShane, Bill Boyd).

LONG-BILLED DOWITCHER - Three calling birds were heard when a large group of shorebirds flew over MSS on 3 September (Bob Zaremba).

WILSON’S PHALAROPE - A single bird was found on 1 September at MSS (Bill Birkhead) and relocated by v.ob. over the next 2 days.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL - Three birds were seen on Tybee Island on 25 August (Jeff Sewell), and 3-4 birds were reported from the same location on 23 November (Bob Zaremba, Earl Horn).

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL - Three birds were seen on Tybee Island on 25 August (Jeff Sewell).

SOOTY TERN - Thirteen were seen on a pelagic trip out of Tybee Island on 26 August (Bob Zaremba et al.)

BRIDLED TERN - Fifteen birds were observed on a pelagic trip out of Tybee Island on 26 August (Bob Zaremba et al.)

BLACK TERN - The inland high count of 50+ birds came from LWFG on 25 August (Eric Beohm, Michael Beohm), and offshore 35 were seen on a pelagic trip out of Tybee Island on 26 August (Bob Zaremba et al.)

PARASITIC JAEGER - A single bird was seen chasing gulls on 23 November from the north beach of Tybee Island (Bob Zaremba, Earl Horn).

WHITE-WINGED DOVE - Single birds were seen at JI on 17 November (Marjorie Clark) and at Tybee Island on 18 November (Diana Churchill).

COMMON GROUND-DOVE - Quite a rare find in the northern tier of the state, a single bird was reported from CLRL in Murray Co. on 20 August (Dot Freeman Betty Belanger, Ann Stewart).

BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO - The only report for the season was a single bird at KMT on 13 September (Giff Beaton et al.).

COMMON NIGHTHAWK - Migrating flocks were reported statewide. High counts included 56 in Gordon Co. on 29 August (Joshua Spence), 255 at the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell on 31 August (Stacy Zarpentine, Zelie Lebeau), and 82 at the same location on 1 September (Stacy Zarpentine). A late report for the piedmont of 4 birds seen came from Henderson Park in DeKalb Co. on 7 October (Patty McLean).

CHIMNEY SWIFT - A particularly large flock of 1500 was seen in the Athens area on 20 October (Kelly Bettinger).

GREEN-BREASTED MANGO - Certainly the most astonishing species to show up in Georgia in many years was this immature bird, which was banded on 29 October (Bob Sargent, AL) after a “different” hummingbird was noticed coming to feeders at a home in Dublin, Laurens Co. (Marshall and Laurie Jackson; accepted, GCRC 2008-04). This bird represents only the third U. S. record of the species outside of Texas (North Carolina, November 2000; Wisconsin, September 2007), and there are fewer than 20 Texas records. The bird was featured on the front page of the local newspaper, becoming quite the local celebrity. It remained in the area through the end of the season, visiting feeders that were offered at several homes and allowing m.ob. from around the state and beyond to spend a few hours staking it out for fleeting glimpses and, sometimes, good looks during longer feedings.

Green-breasted Mango - Laurens Co. - 29 Oct 2007

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD - A single bird appeared at a feeder on Skidaway Island, Chatham Co., on 6 November (Russ Wigh).

BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD - A female was banded at a residence in Locust Grove, Henry Co., on 25 November (Karen Theodorou) and was seen by v.ob. through the end of the season.

CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD - A single bird was present in McDuffie Co. on 8 November (Janelle McGahee; accepted, GCRC 2007-25).

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD - A male, which had been previously banded in Acworth, Cherokee Co. (Dec. 2006), appeared at a feeder in Dawson Co. on 12 August (Georgann Schmalz) and was present through the end of the season. Single birds were seen sporadically at residences in Lilburn, Gwinnett Co., starting 1 October (Rick and Sandy Krause), in the Buckhead area, Fulton Co., starting 22 October (Bill Lotz), and a male was visiting the same feeders in Dublin as the previously mentioned Green-breasted Mango, from 16 November until the end of the season.

Rufous Hummingbird - Dawson Co. - 14 Nov 2007

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER - Single birds were seen in Columbus on 24 August (Walt Chambers), at KMT on 28 August (Deb Zaremba, Bob Zaremba, et al.), at Big Canoe on 1 September (Theresa Hartz), at Dawson Forest on 2 September (Yvonne Bombardier), and at CSU on 22 September (Ken Blankenship et al.).

YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER - Single birds were reported on 16 September in White Co. (Ken Blankenship), on 20 September at Dawson Forest (Jim Flynn), on 22 September in Spalding Co. (Eric Beohm), on 23 September at Bond Swamp NWR (Bob Zaremba), and on 29 September in Heard Co. (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn), and a bird that ties the published ACOGB late date was seen on 14 October at Standing Boy Creek WMA (Walt Chambers).

ALDER FLYCATCHER - There was one report of this rare species on 14 September at AWMA (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn; accepted, GCRC 2007-23A/B), which was identified by its call and was relocated 2 days later by v.ob. using the same method.

LEAST FLYCATCHER - A single bird was reported from Berry College in Floyd Co. on 5 October (Jim Flynn).

Least Flycatcher - Berry College - 5 Oct 2007

VERMILION FLYCATCHER - A female bird appeared at BUENWR on 21 October (Mark McShane et al.), and was seen again on 4 November (Steve Barlow); this is most likely the same individual that has wintered at this location the previous 2 years.

WESTERN KINGBIRD - Single birds were seen in Emanuel Co. on 11 October (Dan Vickers, Bill Lotz), and at AWMA on 17 November (Mike Chapman).

WARBLING VIREO - Three records included single birds reported from CSU on 23 September (Pierre Howard), from Greene Co. on 30 September (Paul Sykes), and from Henderson Park on 2 October (Hugh Garrett).

PHILADELPHIA VIREO - This vireo continues to be reported in good numbers in the fall as more birders learn where to look for them, with 15 total reports this season. Many were singletons, with reports of multiple birds including 3 in Forsyth Co. (Grant McCreary) on 25 September, 5 at CLRL on 28 September (Theresa Hartz), and 2 at the Newman Wetlands Center on 30 September (Carol Lambert).

COMMON RAVEN - A very nice count of 9 birds came from Brasstown Bald on 6 October (Rusty Trump), which is 4 more than the published ACOGB high count. On 15 September, a report of a single bird came from an area north of Dahlonega in Lumpkin Co. (Ken Blankenship), somewhat south of the more typical haunts of this species.

HORNED LARK - Good counts included up to 100 birds seen in Spalding Co. on 17 August (Eric Beohm), 40 on 3 September at MSS (Bob Zaremba), and 41 on 29 September at the Perry Super Sod Farm (Dot Freeman).

BANK SWALLOW - There were several reports of this uncommon fall migrant, with a high count of 20 birds at MSS on 3 September (Bob Zaremba et al.).

CAVE SWALLOW - The first sighting of the season was 2 birds reported on a field trip to LSSI on 12 October (Jeff Sewell, Carol Lambert; GCRC 2007-21), and single birds were found at the south end of JI on 14 October (Chuck Saleeby), and at AWMA on 10 November (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn; GCRC 2008-17); the latter bird was photographed, and was relocated by v.ob. over the following 2 days. The southwestern (Mexican) subspecies Petrochelidon fulva pelodoma was first documented in the state in winter 2002-03, and is listed as accidental in the ACOGB; its status in Georgia may now be considered rare. It has been reported annually along the immediate coast in fall and winter since 2004 (12+ total reports). It is usually found associating with flocks of Tree Swallows, and has been located as far north as Tybee Island and as far south as JI South Beach, with one inland record at PSNP in October 2004, which was documented extensively. This phenomenon is not unique to Georgia; wandering CAVE SWALLOWS have been showing up in the Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic U.S. for several years.

Cave Swallow (right, with Tree Swallow) - AWMA - 10 Nov 2007

RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH - A major invasion year got under way for this irruptive species this fall, with the first report coming in from the Piedmont at KMT on 9 September (Giff Beaton et al.), the first Mountain region report on 12 September from Ft. Mountain State Park (Joshua Spence), and the wave reached the Coastal Plain with reports on 23 and 24 November from Dublin, Laurens Co. (Cliff Gibbons). Dozens of reports of the species both at feeders and in the field continued throughout the fall and into winter, too many to list separately. The vast majority of reports came from the Piedmont and Mountain regions, but there were several reports from locations along the Fall Line as well, all of which indicates that this may be one of the largest irruptions of the species on record.

SEDGE WREN - Good counts of migrating birds came consistently this season from the metro Atlanta area at the sparrow field at CSU, including 5 birds on 9 October (Bob Zaremba), and again on 15 October (Ken Blankenship).

MARSH WREN - Good counts of migrating birds came from the sparrow field at CSU consistently this season, including 3 birds on 19 September, and again on 15 October (Ken Blankenship).

RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET - A very impressive count of 55 came from Henderson Park in Dekalb Co. on 21 October (Hugh Garrett).

VEERY - A pre-dawn thrush count produced 10 of this species flying over Standing Boy Creek WMA on 7 October (Walt Chambers).

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH - A pre-dawn thrush count produced 30 of this species flying over Standing Boy Creek WMA on 7 October (Walt Chambers). There were several daytime reports of this uncommon fall migrant, usually singles.

SWAINSON’S THRUSH - A good daytime count of 24 came from KMT on 26 September (Bob Zaremba, Giff Beaton et al.). A pre-dawn thrush count produced 200+ of this species flying over Standing Boy Creek WMA on 7 October (Walt Chambers).

WOOD THRUSH - A pre-dawn thrush count produced 20 of this species flying over Standing Boy Creek WMA on 7 October (Walt Chambers).

GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER - There were a total of 14 reports of this declining species, the majority being singles. Three birds were seen on 23 September on Boat Ramp Rd.. in Chattahoochee Co. (Walt Chambers et al.).

TENNESSEE WARBLER - The season high count from KMT was 41 on 13 September (Giff Beaton, Bob Zaremba et al.), and a good count of 25+ came from Henderson Park on 4 October (Jim Flynn). A late migrant was reported on 2 November from Cherokee Co. (Vicki DeLoach).

MAGNOLIA WARBLER - A good count of 22 came from Greene Co. on 30 September (Paul Sykes).

“AUDUBON’S” YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER - This rare western subspecies was reported visiting a suet feeder in Cherokee Co. on 18 November (Rob Jacobs); there are fewer than 10 records of this subspecies in the state.

NASHVILLE WARBLER - Reports included single birds at KMT on 24 August (Bob and Deb Zaremba), from Athens on 1 September (Ed Marioriello), back at KMT 12 September and 22 September (Bob Zaremba), near Culloden on 15 September (Nathan Klaus), at the Dawson Forest on 15 September (Georgann Schmalz, Yvonne Bombardier, Theresa Hartz), at CSU on 28 October (Tim Rose) and 30 October (Darlene Moore et al.), at AWEC on 2 October (Ann Stewart et al.), and at Henderson Park on 29 September (Ken Blankenship, Rachel Cass) and 17 October (Hugh Garrett).

BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER - A good count of 12 came from KMT on 12 September (Bob and Deb Zaremba).

PRAIRIE WARBLER - One or 2 were seen on Jekyll Island on 24 November (Bob Zaremba, Earl Horn), which may represent rare wintering birds.

PALM WARBLER - A good count of 35 birds came from ELHLAF on 30 September (Carol Lambert).

BLACKPOLL WARBLER - A rare fall sighting of a single bird came from KMT on 7 September (Bob Zaremba et al.).

CERULEAN WARBLER - There were a total of 27 reports of this declining species, the vast majority from KMT, including nice counts at that location of 7 on 23 August (Bob Zaremba) and 8 on 10 September (Sterling Blanchard, Tim Keyes).

AMERICAN REDSTART - A report of a female or immature bird on 16 November on Skidaway Island (Beth Roth) would represent a new state record late date by 9 days.
SWAINSON’S WARBLER - A rare fall sighting, a bird briefly visited a yard in Fannin Co. on 22 September (Nedra Sekera).

MACGILLIVRAY’S WARBLER - A bird was banded at JIBS on 13 October, only the 4th record of this accidental western species in the state (fide Amy Barbe).

WILSON’S WARBLER - Reports of single birds came from Standing Boy Creek WMA on 15 September (Walt Chambers) and Georgia Highlands College on 5 October (Jim Flynn), 2 birds were seen at CSU on 9 October (Bob Zaremba), and a bird was banded at JIBS on 13 October (fide Amy Barbe). Multiple reports of a single bird came from Henderson Park from 4 October - 25 October, but these likely involved more than one individual.

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT - A single bird was seen at AWMA on 9 November (Roy Morris); this is outside of the regular ACOGB published date range for this migrant, which is rarely encountered in the state in winter. Notably, one or 2 birds were detected at this same location a year ago on 27 November 2006 (Steve Barlow).

SCARLET TANAGER - A good count of 18 came from KMT on 13 September (Giff Beaton, Bob Zaremba et al.).

BACHMAN’S SPARROW - An interesting report in mid-September came from outside Thomasville, of a female bird performing a unique distraction display to draw attention away from a hidden nest containing 4 eggs (Nathan Klaus). The bird ran along the ground like a mouse, purposefully bumping into grass stalks to make her movements more visible to a potential predator.

CLAY-COLORED SPARROW - Though these birds were not as easily found as in previous fall seasons at AWMA, the area produced several records for the season including a single bird on 13 October (Giff Beaton), 2 birds on 27 October (Pierre Howard), and another single bird on 8 November (Bob and Deb Zaremba), and again on 10 November (v.ob.), which may have been the same individual.

“IPSWICH” SAVANNAH SPARROW - A single bird was a nice find on 4 November (Bob Zaremba, Pierre Howard) on JI South Beach. This subspecies is a rare winter resident, found only on barrier islands. Seventeen records are mentioned in the ACOGB. Including a single bird found at this same location in February 2007, this would represent the 19th record for the state.

“Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow -Jekyll Island - 4 Nov 2007

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW - A good count of 12 was made in Greene Co. on 5 August (Paul Sykes), and a late report of a single bird came from AWMA on 5 November (Bob Zaremba).

LE CONTE’S SPARROW - A single bird was reported from CSU on 31 October (Chris Lambrecht).

VESPER SPARROW - This species was first reported on 28 September from CLRL (Theresa Hartz). There were a total of 9 reports, with a high count of 7 from PCR on 3 November (Ken Blankenship et al.).

LARK SPARROW - Perhaps the most difficult “regular” sparrow to find in the state, a single bird was discovered on Tybee Island on 13 November (Sandy Beasley, Brenda Brannen) and was relocated by v.ob. through the end of the season. Single birds were also reported on 1 September from Spalding Co. (Eric Beohm), on 21 October from CSU (Jack Carusos), and on 12 November from DeKalb Co. (Lisa Hurt).

Lark Sparrow - Tybee Island - 24 Nov 2007

LINCOLN’S SPARROW - Several records came from CSU, confirming this species as a fairly consistent fall migrant at this location. Reports included single birds on 15 October (Ken Blankenship) and 30 October (Darlene Moore et al.), and at least 3 birds on 28 October, one of which was photographed (Ken Blankenship, Rachel Cass). Single birds were also seen in Catoosa Co. on 28 October (David Hollie), and at AWMA on 5 November (Bob Zaremba).

WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW - This uncommon transient and local wintering species was first reported on 18 October from Gordon Co. (Joshua Spence), and a good number of reports came in throughout the rest of the season. The highest concentrations were found in annually reliable spots such as PCR and Fite Bend Rd.. in Gordon Co.

SNOW BUNTING - A single bird was found on 7 November at AWMA (Sandy Beasley, Brenda Brannen) after the nighttime passage of a strong cold front and associated heavy northwest winds (GCRC 2008-37). This bird was relocated by m.ob., was documented extensively, and was present until at least 11 November (Bob Zaremba et al.). A very interesting report came in nearly a week after the fact of a single bird on the summit of Stone Mountain east of Atlanta on 24 November (Albert Gonzalez).

Snow Bunting - AWMA - 10 Nov 2007

DICKCISSEL - A single bird was seen in Greene Co. on 29 April (Joel McNeal et al.).

BOBOLINK - As expected, the high count of this uncommon fall migrant was on the coast, with 725 at AWMA on 14 September (Jim Flynn, Earl Horn).

SHINY COWBIRD - A single bird made a brief appearance in the Brunswick area on or about 24 September (Denny and Pam McClure; accepted, GCRC 2007-24).

BALTIMORE ORIOLE - The high count was 11 at KMT on 8 September (Bob Zaremba et al.).

PURPLE FINCH - Another irruptive species that began staging an invasion this fall, the first report came on 25 October of a small flock visiting a feeder in Floyd Co. (Ann Stewart). A total of 30+ reports came in between then and the end of the season - most from feeders, several from the field, and all of which came from the Piedmont or Mountain regions. The high count was 9 birds in Fannin Co. on 31 October (Nedra Sekera).

PINE SISKIN - Another “winter finch” that started invading the state this fall, the first reports both came on 31 October concerning 3 birds in Floyd Co. (Ann Stewart) and a single bird in Fulton Co. (Adrienne Myles). There were a total of 9 reports this season, all from the Piedmont and Mountains, except for 2 reports from Tybee Island on 14 and 18 November (Diana Churchill); the former date is 4 days earlier than the previous Coast early date in the ACOGB. A flock of 30+ birds was seen at Coopers Creek WMA in Union Co. on 17 November (Ken Blankenship, Rachel Cass).

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