Birds of the Lower Ohio River Valley in West Virginia

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CARDINAL, GROSBEAKS, INDIGO BUNTING, DICKCISSEL

Blue Grosbeak  Passerina caerulea

WINTER:  NO RECORDS.

SUMMER:  Uncommon to Fairly Common Resident since the mid-1970's.  See Remarks section.

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Uncommon Migrant from early May to early June. Early dates, 22 and 24 April 2003 (GR); 26 April 2008 (MG, DP); 27 April 2008 (WA, MG, DP); 01May 2004 (WA, JB, MG, DP); 03 May 2008 (MG, DP); 06 May 1956 (HKL) (Edeburn et al. 1960); 07 May 2006 (MG, DP); 09 May 1998 (WA, JF, MG).

 Fall:  Rare Migrant departing in August.  Late dates, 12 September 1983 (HS); 30 August 1997 (WA).

REMARKS:

Historical Occurrence:  Few records in our area prior to the mid-1970's (Kiff et al. 1986).  This species increased in Mason and Putnam Co's. in the mid-1970's and the first nesting was confirmed (LW) on 15 July 1977 in Mason Co. (Kiff et al. 1977).  Kiff et al. (1977) presents a detailed account of this species in southwestern WV.