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Pird-Lore

AN ILLUSTRATED BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO
THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

EDITED BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

Mfficial Oroan of the Audubon Societies

Aupuson Department Epitep By & }
= (tJ
T. GILBERT PEARSON ra

AND 8

ARTHUR A. ALLEN

VOLUME XXIV—1922

RAR =~
AAS a
MAR 24 1969

NV, ot
WSersity of I

CopyRIGHT, 1922

By FRANK M. CHAPN(

DS APPLETON & COMPANY
HARRISBURG, PA., AND NEW YORK CITY

INDEX TO ARTICLES IN VOLUME XXIV
BY AUTHORS

Abbott, Clinton G., The Friendly Phoebe, 75.

Achorn, John Warren, President, Report of, 458.

Ahl, Henry Curtis, An American Egret in Eastern
Massachusetts, 200.

Aikin, Frank, A Thrasher’s Bath,

Allatt, Frank, Christmas Census,

Allen, A, see Raynes, Margaret.

Allen, Amelia Sanborn, San Francisco Region,
50, 104, 162, 226, 288, 356.

Allen, Dr. Arthur A., The New Year with the
Birds, 55; Bird-Plays for the School, 110; The
Courtship of Birds, 167; The Home-Life of
Birds, 232, 294; Bird Walks, 363.

Allen, John, Christmas Census, 24.

Allen, Mary Pierson, Christmas Census,

Allen, Robert, Christmas Census, 24.

Ames, Frederick D., Christmas Census, 38.

Anderson, Edwin C., Christmas Census, 37.

Andrews, Mary S., The Birds of an Elm, 277.

Ayres, Douglas, Jr. and Everett Lasher, Christ-
mas Census, 16.

or.

Bagg, Aaron C., Christmas Census, 12.
Bailey, Florence Merriam, ‘Koo’, 260.
Bailey, Guy A., The Trailer-Blind de Luxe, 323.

Baillie, Ruth M., Killdeers in Northern New
Jersey, 303.
Bangs, Teddy, How Robins Give Pleasure to

Milwaukee Boys, 373.
Bartlett, Margaret A.,

Caught in a Springtime
Blizzard, 80.

Barton, Mrs. Walter, Secretary-Treasurer, Re-
port of, 422.
Batchelder, Mrs. M. G., Secretary, Report of,

440.
Bates, Mrs. Frank, Evening Grosbeaks in 1921-

» 34

Bates, T. i Chrstmes Census, 37.

Battell, Mrs. F. L., The Advance Guard, 145

Baynard, O. E., Photograph by, 313.

Baynes, E rest. Harold, A Vireo as Hostess, 256.

Beard, Theodore R., Christmas Census, 38.

Beck, Herbert H., Christmas Census, 22.

Bedell, Edgar, Christmas Census, 17; An Unusual
Gathering of Migrants, 145; Evening Gros-
beaks at Waterford, N. Y., 149; Seven Years
of the Starling, 346.

Beebe, Ralph, Christmas Census, 28; A Stray
Flock of Martins, 347.

Beers, Mrs. H. P., President, Report of, 452.

Bender, Paul, see Yoder, Edward.

Bennett, George, Corresponding Secretary, Re-
port of, 448.

Bergtold, W. H., Christmas Census,
ata 3, 160, 224, 287, 354.

Bicknell, P., Christmas Census, 19.

Bicknell, Mrs, Tr. T., President, Report of, 448.

Bla “= Mrs. George F., Secretary-Clerk, Report
of, 441.

Black, Robert, Christmas Census, 30.

Blair, Parker, see Gregory, S. S., Jr.

Blaisdell, Maurice E., Christmas Census, 11.

Blanchard, George G., Christmas Census, 11,

Blodget, G. L., Christmas Census, 11.

Boggs, M. A., The Birds of an Acre, 145.

Bourne, Thomas L., Christmas Census, 16.

30; Denver

(ii)

Bowdish, Beecher S., Secretary, Report of, 4290

Bowles, E. H., A One-legged Bather, 148.

Boyles, A Cooperative Chickadee Nest, 273.

Brady, Laura, Magpie in Iowa, 211.

Brady, Lena, Magpies in Iowa, sr.

Brehmer, L. F., Photographs by, 6, 139.

Brewer, O. C., Christmas Census, 25.

Bronson, Barnard S., Christmas Census, 16.

Brookline Bird Club, Christmas Census, 12.

Brooks, Allan, Colored plates by, facing, 1, 125;
Christmas Census, 39.

Brooks, Anna, Christmas Census, 23.

Brooks, Earl, Cardinal and Catbird, 344.

Brown, Alice B., Secretary, Report of, 436.

Bruen, Frank, Christmas Census, 14.

Buchecker, Mrs. E. K., Secretary-Treasurer,
Report of, 460.

Buehrer, Cletus, Christmas Census, 38.

Bull, Henry, Christmas Census, 14.

Burdet, Dr. A., Photograph by, 318.

Butterwick, Claude A., Christmas Census, 23.

Button, Lily Ruegg, Christmas Census, 37.

Calstrom, Carl, Christmas Census, 17.

Cannon, Gabriel, Christmas Census, 26; Starling
Nesting in South Carolina, 212.

Cardinal Ornithological Club, Christmas Census,

Che
Carey, Walter C., The Starling in Louisiana, 95.
Carlson, Fred and Victor, Christmas Census, 33.
Cartwright, Wm. J., Christmas Census, 13.
Case, Clifford M., Christmas Census, 15.
Caskey, R. C., Christmas Census, 21.
Chapin, James P., Migrants in New York City, or.
Chapman, Frank M., Courtenay Brandreth’s Bird
Paintings, 1; reviews by, 52, 107, 164, 220,
292, 360; editorials by, 54, 100, 166, 231, 203,
362; Notes on the Plumage of North American
Birds, 89, 204, 341.
Childs, H. P., Secretary, Report of, 421.
Christensen, Rasmus, A Cliff Swallow Colony,

140.

Christie, Edward H., Christmas Census, 35.

Christy, Bayard H., and Frank Hegner, Christ-
mas Census, 23.

Clark, Isabelle, Christmas Census, 36.

Clements, Mrs. James P., Report of, 453.

Coffin, Robert L., Christmas Census, 12.

Coldwell, Inez, Christmas Census, 24.

Coleman, A. R., Photographs by, 131, 132-

Collan, Almeda A., The Story of a Young Blue
Jay, 211.

Conkey, John H., A Mentally Deficient Robin,
303.

Cook, Mrs. C. D.,
Census, 10.

Cordier, Dr. A. H., Photograph by, 265.

Corts, Ernest, Photograph by, 438.

Coultas, W. F., see Weeks, LeRoy Titus.

Covell, Henry H., Home-Life of the Purple
Finch, 212.

Cowles, R. P., Christmas Census, 24.

Craker, W. A., Photographs by, 331, 332,

Cramp, Lillian, Birds near Chicago, 272.

Crook, George, and Charles Swenson, Christmas
Census, 33.

and Ruby R. Mills, Christmas

334.

Index iii

Crosby, Maunsell S., see Griscom, Ludlow.
Cunningham, Walter, Christmas Census, 36.
Custance, Percy L., Christmas Census, 39.

Danforth, Ralph E., and Stuart T., Christmas
Census, 41.

Danner, May S., Christmas Census, 30.

Davis, Edwin Russell, Christmas Census, 12.

Dawson, Sallie, President, Report of, 464.

Dawson, W. eon: and William Oberlin, Christ-
mas Census, 41

Day, Sarah J., re Ww indow Exhibit, 275.

Dean, R. H., Christmas Census, 36.

Debes, V. A:, Christmas Census, 22.

Derby, Ethel C., Secretary, Report of, 434.

Diamond, Milton, Rescuing A Slate-colored
Junco, 372.

Dingle, E. S., Christmas Census, 26.

Dixon, Gertrude E., Christmas Census, 34.

Donaghho, Walter, Christmas Census, 25;
Annual Report, 433-

Dougherty, Leonard, An Arkansas Kingbird’s
Nest in a Mail-Box, 60.

Dressel, Evan C., Christmas Census, 32.

Driver, E. Raymond, Birds Bathing, r4o.

Dunbar, Lula, and Robert, Christmas Census, 20.

Duval, Wm., Photographs by, 126, 127.

Dyer, Mrs. W. C. L., Corresponding Secretary,
Report of, 455-

Earle, Daniel O., Grace K., and Osborne, Christ-
mas Census, 12.

Eaton, E. H, Christmas Census, 16.

Eaton, Walter Prichard, Christmas Census, 13

Eaton, Warren F., Christmas Census, 13.

Eby, Mrs. H. W., see Harper, Mr. and Mrs.
George R.

Edson, Wm. L., Christmas Census, 17.

Ehinger, C. E., Christmas Census, 34.

Ekblaw, George, Edward, and Sidney, Christmas
Census, 33.

Eliot, W. A., Christmas Census, 4o.

Estlin, E. Margaret, Photograph by, 320.

Evans, Frank C., Indiana Audubon Society, 12
Annual Report, 426.

Farley, John A., Christmas Census, 12; Goshawk
Nesting in Massachusetts, 278.

Finley, William L., Field Agent, Report of, 406.

Finley, William L., and Irene, Photographs by,
307, 406, 400.

Fisher, M. L., Christmas Census, 32.

Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. G. Clyde,
Census, 18.

Fleisher, Edward, Christmas Census, 10.

Fletcher, Lawrence B., see Whittle, Mr. and
Mrs. C.

Folger, H. T., Christmas Census, 24. [403-

Forbush, Edward Howe, Field Agent, Report of,

Ford, Louise P., see Pellwe, Marion J.

Fordyce, Geo. L., Christmas Census, 32.

Foreman, Grant, An Acorn Hoard, 345.

Foster, George S., M.D., A Bird Sanctuary in a
Small Residential Garden, 189.

Fox, Henry, Christmas Census, 27.

Fraser, Florence M., A Winter Sapsucker, 94.

Freeman, Daniel, and R. L. Humphries, Christ-
mas Census, 36.

Fuertes, Louis Agassiz, Colored plates by, facing
71, 189, 253, 323-

Christmas

Gabrielson, Ira N., Portland Region, 103, 160,
225, 287, 355; Factors Contributing to the
Destruction of Birds’ Nests and Eggs, 136.

Gaede, Henry, see Yoder, Wm. H.

Gander, Frank Forrest, The Brown-headed
Nuthatch, 328.

Ganung, Harriet, Secretary, Report of, 430.

Gaylord, Anna Hall, City Birds, 133.

George, Mrs. W. W., Christmas Census, 25.

Gibson, Hamilton, Christmas Census, 13.

Gooch, John H., Christmas Census, 33.

Goode, Mrs. Harriet U., and Harry C.
Christmas Census, 13.

Gordon, Robert, Christmas Census, 30.

Gormley, Liguori, and Charles MacNamara,
Christmas Census, 9.

Gould, M. G., An Ontario Mockingbird, 96.

Goy, Albert and Herman, Christmas Census, 37.

Grange, Wallace B., Christmas Census, 28.

Graves, Bessie M., Christmas Census, 13.

Graves, Francis Miner, Christmas Census, 15.

Greason, Sydney, Everett, and Henry Bull,
Christmas Census, 14

Green, Lonzo S., and Seth L. Snyder, Christmas
Census, 31.

Green, Margaret S., Secretary, Report of, 456.

Greene, Earle R., Redpoll in Georgia, 06.

Gregory, S. S., Jr., and Parker Blair, Christmas
Census, 33-

Gressley, L. H., Christmas Census, 31.

Griscom, Ludlow, and Maunsell S. Crosby,
Christmas Census, 27; see Johnson, Julius M.;
review by, 220.

Griswold, Geo. T., Christmas Census, 15.

Gross, A. O., E. H. Nelson, and J. W. Walch,
Christmas Census, to.

Higbee,

Hankinson, T. L., An Experience with an Amer-
ican Bittern, 146.

Harlor, John, Christmas Census, 30.

Harper, Arthur R., Christmas Census, 31.

Harper, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. R., and Mrs. H. W.
Eby, Christmas Census, 32.

Harrington, Paul, and F. A. E. Stear, Christmas
Census, Io.

Harris, Harry, Kansas City Region, 47, 103, 158,
223, 285, 353-

Hathaway, Harry S., Christmas Census, 14.

Haulenbeek, R. F., Christmas Census, 21.

Heacock, Esther, Secretary, Report of, 466.

Hedley, Roger, Christmas Census, 10.

Hegner, Frank A., see Christy, Bayard H.

Hellstern, Edward, Bird-Bath Notes, 142.

Henbest, Orrin, Christmas Census, 37.

Henderson, Mrs. H. H., Christmas Census, 16.

Henderson, H. N., Birds Across the Continent,

205.

Herbel, M. H., A One-legged Cardinal, 97.
Higbee, Harry G., Christmas Census, 13.

Hill, Grace A., When The Birds Come North, 71.
Hine, Mrs. Andrea M., Chairman, Report of, 452
Hines, Katherine, Christmas Census, 36.

Hix, George E., Christmas Census, 17.

Hodge, Flora A., An Exceptional Music Lesson,

344-
Hodson, Lida, The Red-winged Blackbirds, 177.
Horsey, R. E., Christmas Census, 17.
Horsfall, J. L., see Stoner, Dayton.
Hotchkiss, Neil, Christmas Census, 17.
Houghton, Clarence, Christmas Census, 16.
Hull, Mrs. Baker, President, Report of, 427.
Humphries, R. L., see Freeman, Daniel.
Hunter, Katherine Upham, In the
Season, 196.
Hurd, Frances A., Secretary, Report of, 414.
Hyde, A. Sidney, Christmas Census, 38; Annual
Report, 463.

Nesting

Ingersoll, S. R., Christmas Census, 27.
Ives, Mary, Secretary, Report of, 450.

Jacobs, J. R. W., A Robin's Nest, 151.

James, Mrs. I. M., President, Report of, 442.

Job, Herbert K., Annual Report, 415.

Johns, E. W., see Mills, Wier R.

Johnson, Edna L., Secretary-Treasurer, Report
of, 410.

Johnson, Julius M., and Ludlow Griscom, Christ-
mas Census, 10.

Johnston, Charles, Christmas Census, 18.

Johnston, Malcolm S., Christmas Census, 16.

Jones, Carol, Christmas Census, 11; A Winter
Phoebe at Bennington, Vt., 94.

Jones, Eleanor P., Secretary, Report of, 375.

Jones, Jesse L., Executive Secretary, Report of,

434-
Jones, Joseph P., Christmas Census, 25.
Jones, Lynds, Oberlin Region, 45, 156.
Jones, S. Paul, Christmas Census, 29.
Jung, Clarence, Christmas Census, 29.

Kaan, Mrs. Mary Moore, Secretary, Report of,

437-
Kay, Margaret, An Orphan Robin, 1109.
Kellogg, Jack, A Close View of a Robin, 373.
Kelso, J. E. H., A Plea for the Ruffed Grouse, 271.
Kendeigh, S. Charles, Oberlin Region, 219, 282,

351.

Kimes, Edward D., Christmas Census, 30.

King, Mary, Christmas Census, 30.

Kingman, Prof. R. H., Christmas Census, 38.

Kittredge, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph, Jr., Christmas
Census, 24.

Knevels, Mary E., Secretary, Report of, 444.

Knight, F. D., Martins vs. Tree Swallows, 149.

Kohler, Louis S., Christmas Census, 22.

Kuerzi, John and Richard, A Mockingbird in the
Bronx, 348.

Kuser, Cynthia Dryden, A Pine Grosbeak in
New Jersey, 116.

Lacey, Charlotte A., Secretary, Report of, 420.

LaDow, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley V., Christmas
Census, 20.

LaDue, Harry Jay, Christmas Census, 29.

Laidlow, Louise B., and Laidlow O. Williams,
Christmas Census, 10.

Lane, James W., Egrets on Long Island, 209.

Lano, Albert, Christmas Census, 37.

La Prade, Wm. H., Jr., Christmas Census, 26.

Larrabee, Austin P., and Philo J., Christmas
Census, 37.

Lasher, Everett, see Ayres, Douglas, Jr.

Lear, George, Christmas Census, 22.

Leedy, C. A., Christmas Census, 32.

Leeson, Forrest, A Tenant for Our Boat, 242.

Leng, Charles W., Secretary, Report of, 462.

Levy, Joseph, Christmas Census, 24.

Lewis, Harrison F., Bonaventure Island and
Percé Rock, 125.

Lewis, John B., and Chas. D., Christmas Census,

25.

Lilly, Ada, Evening Grosbeaks in Illinois, 273.

Linton, M. Albert, and Anna A. Mickle, Christ-
mas Census, 20.

Lockwood, Mary E., Hummingbird and Bass,
O4-

Lomax, Dr. Claude, and Dr. William, Christmas
Census, 32.

Lougee, Elva, A Trip to Florida with a Stormy
Petrel, 345.

Loveland, Clifton W., Secretary, Report of, 423

Iv Index

MacLoghlin, Anna E., Notes on the Red Crossbill
and Rosebreasted Grosbeak, 347.

MacNamara, Charles, see Gormley, Liguori.

Magee, M. J., A Michigan Winter Red-wing, 95.

Mainster, Raymond W., Christmas Census, 24.

Mallory, W. B., Christmas Census, 37.

Marton, Warren W., Jim, the Seagull, 61.

Mather, Mrs. F. E., Christmas Census, 23. [18.

Mathews, Frank, and Robert, Christmas Census,

Matlack, Bennett K., Christmas Census, 20.

Mayfield, Dr. and Mrs. Geo. R., Christmas
Census, 26.

McAtee, W. L., Christmas Census, .25.

McConnell, Harry B., and John Worley, Christ-
mas Census, 30.

McConnell, Thomas L., Christmas Census, 22.

McDonald, J. H., Photograph by, 342

McGaffey, Ernest, Valley Quail and Road-
runners, 335.

McGinley, William, Christmas Census, 17.

Mcllwraith Ornithological Club, Christmas
Census, Lo.

McIntosh, Franklin Gray, Robin and Snake, 152.

McKenny, Margaret, and John M. Wilson,
Christmas Census, 39.

McKnight, Thor, Christmas Census, 40.

McMorran, Martha A., Christmas Census, 23;
Annual Report, 464.

Mellott, S. W., M.D., Christmas Census, 24.

Mengel, Mr. and Mrs. Henry, Christmas Census,

23.

Merriman, R. Owen, President, Report of, 446.

Metcalf, Harold, Christmas Census, 32.

Mickel, Clarence E., Christmas Census, 39.

Mickle, Anna, see Linton, M. Albert.

Miller, Abraham Beck, Christmas Census, 22.

Miller, Ansel B., Christmas Census, 23.

Miller, Eliza F., Bluebird History, 152.

Miller, Henry, see Ringwalt, Mr. and Mrs. A. A.

Miller, Julia, Snowy Owl in New York, 148.

Miller, W. DeW., Christmas Census, 21.

Mills, Harry E., Christmas Census, 23.

Mills, Mrs. Herbert E., Christmas Census, 28.

Mills, Ruby R., see Cook, Mrs. C. D.

Mills, S. R., My Neighbors, the Nighthawks, 200.

Mills, Wier R., and E. W. Johns, Christmas
Census, 34.

Mitchell, Arthur B., Christmas Census, 12.

Mohr, C. O., Christmas Census, 20.

Moore, Laura, Christmas Census, 25.

Morgan, Eleonora S., A Window-sill Aviary, 208

Morgan, Griscom, An Eagle’s Nest, 242.

Morris, Lucy N., Secretary, Report of, 451-

Morris, Robert T., Gourds for Bird Houses, 376

Morse, H. G., Christmas Census, 31.

Mosher, Mary S., ‘Bobby,’ 128.

Mounts, Lewis H., Christmas Census, 28.

Nason, E. H., see Gross, A. O.

Nathan, Bernard, Christmas Census, 17.
Nation, Harold T., Report of, 452.

Nauman, E. D., A Strange Migration, 92

Neal, Hendree, Christmas Census, 26.

Neff, Johnson, Christmas Census, 36-

Nelson, P. H., Christmas Census, 17.

Nepp, Katherine, Christmas Census, 30.
Neubauer, George W., A Militant Kingbird, 116.
Nice, Margaret M,, and L. B., Christmas Census,

38.

Nichols, L. N., Christmas Census, 17.

Nichols, J. T., Christmas Census, 19; New York
Region, 42, 98, 153, 217, 280, 349; reviews by, *
52, 108, 164, 201, 360; Bird-Lore’s Twenty-
third Christmas Bird Census, 338.

Index Vv

Nichols, W. F., and J. T., Christmas Census, ro.

Nisbit, Mary C., Secretary, Report of, 433.

Nissley, Mabel H., Evening Grosbeaks in Penn-
sylvania, 149.

Northrup, Elizabeth, Christmas Census, 32.

Norton, Arthur H., Field Agent, Report of, 410.

Norton, Daisy Hill, Secretary, Report of, 461.

Norton, Helen B., Corresponding Secretary,
Report of, 440.

Norton, Mary C., A Stone-rimmed Tub, 143.

Novak, Frank, Christmas Census, 15.

Oberholser, Harry C., Washington Region, 44,
100, 155, 218, 281, 350; The Migration of North
American Birds, 85, 204, 339.

Oberlin, William, see Dawson, W. Leon.

Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club, Christmas
Census, 10.

Packard, Winthrop, Field Agent, Report of, 405;
Secretary’s Report, 428.

Paine, Robert R., An Evening with the Birds in
an English Park, 117.

Palmer, Dr. T. S., Review by, 229.

Parkhurst, Amy C., Secretary, Report of, 444.

Patton, Ludington, Moving a Robin’s Nest, 373-

Payne, Mercedes, Befriending a Crippled Bird, 60.

Pearson, T. Gilbert, Maryland Yellowthroat, 62.
Are Your Bird Neighbors Hungry? 66; Air-
cooled Bird-Houses, 67; A New Audubon
Society Bird Sanctuary, 67; William Watson
Woollen, 67; Federal License and Game Refuge
Bill, 120; A Large Gift for Wild-Life Protection,
120; Important National Park Bill, 121; New
Jersey Legislation, 122; Bird-Box Contents,
122; Encouraging Humane Work, 123; Green-
winged Teal, 178; Notes on the Egret Situation,
182; Activities of Affiliated Societies, 186;
Robins and Mulberry Trees, 187; Impressions
of a Bird-Lover in France, 247; International
Bird Protection, 247; A Bird Sanctuary in the
Bahamas, 249; Herons of the United States,
306; Finley Coming East, 316; Notice of
Annual Meeting, 315; Saving Birds at Light-
houses, 316; Photographs by, 317; 385; Guard-
ing the Great Texas Heronry, 319; The Grackle
Menace, 321; Annual Meeting, 374; Annual
Report, 382.

Pellwe, Marion J., and Louise P. Ford, Christmas
Census, 25.

Perkins, Anne E., M.D., Christmas Census, 16;
Cardinals Nesting in Collins, N. Y., 213.

Perkins, Edward H., Two Unusual Chickadee
Baths, 142; Bicknell’s Thrush in Maine, 150.

Perkins, Samuel E., III, Christmas Census, 32.

Perkins, Samuel E., IV., Christmas Census, 32.

Peters, Harold, Christmas Census, 31.

Phylo, Walter S., Christmas Census, 17.

Pierce, Fred J., Christmas Census, 35; A Removy-
able Floor for Bird-houses, 92.

Pierce, F. Keith, President, Report of, 445.

Pierce, Lilian W., Secretary, Report of, 465.

Pierce, Wright M., Photographs by, 260, 270.

Pitman, Alice W., Secretary, Report of, 454.

Platt, Hon. Edmund, Christmas Census, 24.

Pollak, Joseph, Photographs by, 130, 144, 203,
271, 305.

Pontius, Dale, Christmas Census, 31.

Poole, Cecil A., Christmas Census, 40.

Potter, Julian K, Christmas Census, 20; Phila-
delphia Region, 43, 99, 154, 217, 280, 340-

Pough, Richard, Christmas Census, 35.

Pratt, Helen S., Secretary, Report of, 410.

Preble, Edward A., Christmas Census, 25.

Pruitt, R. M., Christmas Census, 32.
Pumyea, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson D. W.,
Census, 25.

Christmas

Raker, W.S., and Mary E., Christmas Census, 40.

Ratterman, Katherine, Secretary, Report of, 430.

Raymond, Margaret E., Secretary, Report of, 430.

Raynes, Margaret, M. G. Gould, and A. Allen,
Christmas Census, 9.

Reed, Mr. and Mrs. C. I., Christmas Census, 37.

Reid, Russell, Christmas Census, 36.

Rice, Harold, Christmas Census, 360.

Rice, Ward J., Christmas Census, 32.

Richardson, Clarence, and Manly B. Townsend,
Christmas Census, 11.

Riebel, Frank, Christmas Census, 30.

Ringwalt, Mr. and Mrs. A. A., and Henry Miller,
Christmas Census, 32.

Rishel, J. B., Christmas Census, 24.

Ritter, Jeanne O., and Theodore G. Roehne,
Christmas Census, 18.

Robb, Wallace H., A Bird in the Hand, 210.

Roberts, Prewitt, Titmouse and Squirrel, 215.

Roberts, Thomas S., M. D., Minneapolis Region,
46, IOI, 157, 220, 283, 352-

Sopa Francis B., Bald Eagles on the Hudson,

Racine! Theodore G., see Ritter, Jeanne O.
Rogers, Charles H., Christmas Census, 21.
Rosen, W. M., A Night Flight in Iowa, 275.
Ross, Dr. Lucretius H., Christmas Census, 11-

Sadler, Nettie M., Christmas Census, r.

Sage, Mary S.. Field Agent, Report of, 417.

Sanborn, Colin Campbell, Chicago Region, 45,
IOI, 157, 222, 284

Sater, Richard, Christmas Census, 30.

Saunders, Aretas A., Christmas Census, 16.

Savage, James, Christmas Census, 16.

Schantz, Orpheus M., President, Report of, 425.

Schneider, Frances B., Los Angeles Region, 40,
105, 162, 227, 280, 357-

Schottland, Charles, Boy Scouts and the Birds,
170.

Schroder, Hugo H., Christmas Census, 33.

Seaman, Arlie, Christmas Census, 40.

Selkirke, Charles, President, Report of, 442.

Shaver, Jesse M., Christmas Census, 35.

Shaw, J. Henry, Christmas Census, 22.

Shaw, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Norton, Christmas
Census, 13.

Sherman, Mary B., A Nest-Building Parrot, 83

Sherrill, W. E., Christmas Census, 38.

Shirling, Albert E., Christmas Census, 36.

Shumway, F. R., Christmas Census, 17-

Simonds, Susie L., Christmas Census, 17.

Skeele, H. B., President, Report of, 460.

Sloanaker, Prof. J. L., Christmas Census, 40.

Smith, Lester W., Christmas Census, 15.

Smith, Wendell P., Christmas Census, 11.

Seen Geneva, Secretary-Treasurer, Report of,

settee Seth L., see Green, Lonzo S.

Spaulding, Nina G., Christmas Census, 11.

Spaulding, Ruth lb Secretary, Report of, 447.

Spencer, R. H., Christmas Census, 22.

Spiker, Charles J., A Junco Wave, 213.

Spiker, Charles J., and Clarence Wittenburg,
Christmas Census, 34.

Stanford, Mabel A., The Mating Antics of the
Pacific Nighthawk, 269.

Stear, F. A. in see Harrington, Paul.

Stevens, O. A., Magpie at Fargo, N. D., 51

Stevenson, Tom, Photograph by, 292,

vi Index

Stoddard, H. L., Christmas Census, 29.

Stoner, Dayton, and J. L. Horsfall, Christmas
Census, 34. [437-

Strattan, Mrs. Margaret S., Secretary, Report of,

Stratton, C. G., The Magpie in Wisconsin, 51.

Stubbs, Francis and Ralph, Christmas Census, 27.

Styer, Elizabeth P., Birds and Salt, 146.

Swedenborg, Mr. and Mrs. E. D., Christmas
Census, 29.

Swenson, Charles, see Crook, George.

Swope, Eugene, Field Agent, Report of, 412.

Taper, Thos. A., The Herring Gulls, 93.

Tech Bird Club, Christmas Census, 14.

Terry, Alice Palmer, Christmas Census, 13.

Terry, Dr. R. J., Christmas Census, 35; Presi-
dent’s Report, 456.

Thomas, Edward S., Christmas Census, 30.

Thomas, John, Christmas Census, 30.

Thoms, Craig S., Are Squirrels Bird Enemies,
206; A Two-Story Nest, 213.

Tilley, James M., and M. F. Whelan, Christmas
Census, 33-

Tiplin, E. Secretary, Report of, 436.

Tippetts, Katherine B., President, Report of,

457-
Towns, Mrs. Hiram, Conscience Money, 123.
Townsend, Manly B., see Richardson, Clarence.
Tuttle, Mrs. F. May, Evening Grosbeaks in
Towa, 140.
Tyler, Bruce P., The Starling in Tennessee, 94.
Tyler, Winsor M., Boston Region, 42, 98, 153,
216, 270, 348.

Urner, Charles A., Christmas Census, 20.

van Dyke, Tertius, Christmas Cencus, 13.

Van Loon, G. E., A Trip to Gull Island, 274.

Van Tyne, Josselyn and Claude, Christmas
Census, 28.

Van Winkle, Mrs. O. J., Christmas Census, 23.

Vibert, C. W., Christmas Census, 16.

Vignos, Blanche, Christmas Census, 30.

von Tobel, R. G., Christmas Census, 26.

Wagner, Tobias, On the Marsh at Papasquash, 60.

Waite, Emily Morrison, Birds from a Breakfast
Table, 343-

Walbridge, Caroline C., Secretary, Report of, 450.

Walch, J. W., see Gross, A. O.

Walker, Charles, Christmas Census, 30.

Walker, Edith Francis, and Alice Palmer Terry,
Christmas Census, 13.

Walker, Isabelle, Secretary-Treasurer, Report of,

433.
Walsh, Lester L., and George B. Wilmott,
Christmas Census, 18.

Warner, Willis H., Christmas Census, 32.

Webb, Robert, Christmas Census, 30.

Weeks, LeRoy Titus, and W. F. Coultas, Christ-
mas Census, 34.

Wells, Caroline, Secretary, Report of, 451.

Wells, Paul A., Christmas Census, 31.

Welty, Emma J., Corresponding Secretary,
Report of, 431.

Wetmore, Alexander, Christmas Census, 25.

Weymouth, Ethel M., Dust Bathers, 143.

Whelan, M. F., see Tilley, James M.

White, Bertha E., Christmas Census, 25.

Whittle, Charles L., An Unexpected Bird-Con-
centration, 207; Resourceful Cliff Swallows,

214.

Whittle, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L., and Lawrence
B. Fletcher, Christmas Census, 11.

Wicks, Mrs. Gertrude P., Acting Secretary,
Report of, 450.

Widmann, O., A Striking Example of a Bird’s
Power of Accommodation to its Surroundings
and Consequent Modification of Habits, 97.

Wiggins, Mabel R., Christmas Census, 18; Birds
of an Acre, 276.

Williams, A. B., Jr., Christmas Census, 30.

Williams, L. O., Christmas Census, 17; see Laid-
low, Louise.

Willis, Adeline, A Captive Hummer, 148.

Wilmott, George B., Christmas Census, 18.

Wilson, Etta S., A Prince of the House of Eagles,

331.

Wilson, Gordon, Christmas Census, 35; a Queer
Mockingbird, 150.

Wilson, John M., see McKenny, Margaret.

Wittenburg, Clarence, see Spiker, Charles J.

Wood, A. A., Christmas Census, 10.

Wood, Frederick, Christmas Census, 30.

Wood, O. C., The A. M. S. Robins, 266.

Woolston, Josephine Hart, A Prank of the
Downy, 273.

Wooster, L. D., Christmas Census, 37.

Worden, Mona W., Christmas Census, 12.

Worley, John, see McConnell, Harry B.

Wright, Mabel Osgood, Stories from Birdcraft
Sanctuary: I. A Hummingbird Waif, 193;
II. The Rights and Wrongs of Bird-Trapping,
253-

Yoder, Edward, President, Report of, 447.

Yoder, Edward, and Paul Bender, Christmas
Census, 37-

Yoder, Wm. H., Jr., and Henry Gaede, Christmas
Census, 23.

Young, John P., and Chas. V.
Census, 23.

P., Christmas

Zeleny, Lawrence, Christmas Census, 29.

INDEX TO

Advisory Council, Brrp-Lore’s, 7.

Alabama, 36.

American Ornithologists’
gress of The, 358.

Arkansas, 37.

Audubon, John James, Photograph of old home
of, 385.

Audubon Societies, Annual Meeting of the Na-
tional Association of, 315; Annual Report, 381;
List of Affiliated Organizations, 386; Wardens
and Reservations of the, 398; Reports of Field
Agents, 403; Reports of State Societies and
Bird Clubs, 419; Treasurer’s Report, 468.

Auk, Razor-billed, 08.

‘Auk, The,’ reviewed, 52, 108, 164, 201, 360.

Auklet, Cassin’s, 288, 356.

Avocet,’ 50, 106, 162, 226,

Union, Annual Con-

227, 355, 350, 357-

Baldpate, 50, 156, 350, 352.

Bannerman’s ‘The Canary Islands, Their His-
tory, Natural History, and Scenery,” reviewed,
360.

Bent’ s ‘Life Histories of North American Petrels
and Pelicans and Their Allies, Order Tubinares
and Order Steganopodes,’ reviewed, 360.

Bird-banding, 404.

Bird-blind, 323; figured, 323.

Bird Clubs, 275, 375, 304-

Birdcraft Sanctuary, Stories from, 193, 253.

Bird-houses, 57, 92, 122; figured, 139; 370.

Bird migration, 71, 85, 86, 87, 91, 92, 145, 204,
339-

Bird-plays, 110, 243.

Bird protection, 67,
national, 247; 240,

Bird sanctuary, 180,

Bird-study, 175, 371.

Bird-trapping, 253.

Birds’ bath, 70, 140, 142, 143; figured, 206.

Birds’ plumage, 186, 204, 383.

Bittern, 223, 225; American, figured, 146, 147;
221, 222; Least, 223; figured, 295; 349, 350.
Blackbird, 47; Bahama Red-winged, 85; Bi-
colored, figured, facing, 71; 88, 90; Brewer’s,
47, 50, 157, 221, 225, 289; Eastern Red-winged,
85; Florida Red-winged, 85; Kern Red-winged,
86; Nevada Red-winged, 85; Northern Red-
winged, 47, 40, 50, 89, 95, 100, 102, 153, 156,
159, 177, 279; figured, 300, 301; Rio Grande
Red-winged, 85; Rusty, 44, 47, 48, 153, 156,
158; San Diego Red-winged, 86; Sonora Red-
winged, 86; Thick-billed Red-winged, 85;
Tricolored, figured, facing, 71; 88, 90; Yellow-

headed, 221, 285.

Bluebird, 45, 101, 103, figured, with nest, 144;
152, 155, 158, 150, 160, 224, 354; Mountain, 50,
105, 106, 163; Western, 106, 161, 226.

Bobolink, 156, 216, 219, 222, 224, 282, 350.

Bob-white, 103, 223, 282, 286, 288.

Bonaventure Island, Gannet colony on, 125.

Brandaris Lighthouse, Photograph of, 318.

poenceeth, Courtenay, Account of bird paintings

y, I.

Brant, 153.

British Columbia, 38.

Bufflehead, 44, 50, 105, 155, 156, 221.

Bulletin of the Essex Ornithological
reviewed, 107.

Bulletin of the Illincis Audubon Society, 1922,
noticed. 165.

120, 182, 186, 193; Inter-

253, 310, 310.
253; in the Bahamas, 240.

Club,

CONTENTS

Bunting, Indigo, 216, 220, 222, 351, 354; Lark,
224, 228; Lazuli, 226, 228, 288; Snow, 45, 46,
47, 100, IOI, 155, 157.

Bush-tit, 162, 226, 288.

Butcherbird, Great Northern, 40.

Buzzard, Turkey, see Vulture, Turkey.

California, 40, 49, 50, 104, 105, 162, 226, 227, 288,
289, 356, 357, 419, 448.

Canada, 38, 446, 455.

Canvasback, 38, 50, 100, 105, 156, 163.

Cardinal, 97, 100, 155, 213, 223, 343, 354:

Catbird, 43, 91, 220, 221, 222, 343; figured, 305-

Cedarbird, 105.

Census, Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas,
9; Twenty-third, 338.

Chat, 227, 354; Long-tailed,
breasted, 91, 218, 220, 223.

Cleres, Chateau of, Photograph of, 248

Chewink, 221.

Chickadee, 42, 102, 223, 273; Black-capped,
figured, 364; Carolina, tor; Chestnut-backed,
161; Long-tailed, 160; Mountain, 40, 160, 280;
Oregon, 103, 161.

Chubb’s ‘The Birds of British Guiana,’
reviewed, 164.

Colorado, 38, 30, 48, 160, 224, 286, 354, 410.

‘Condor, The,’ reviewed, 229-

Connecticut, 14, 15, 414, 420, 447.

Coot, 105, 156, 163, 356.

Cormorant, Brandt's, 356; Double-crested, 158,
221, 224, 282, 348; Farallone, 355, 356, 358.
Cowbird, 48, 156, 213, 221, 222, 354; figured, 230.
Crane, Little Brown, 163, 228; Sandhill, 74, 223,

224, ey Whooping, figured, 320.

Creeper, 42, 44, 47, 98, 101, 102, 220, 357; Brown,
348, 351, 354; figured, 360; California, r6r.
Crossbill, Mexican, 279; Red, 347, 352; White-

winged, 45, 279; figured, 370.

Crow, American, 44, 101, 102, 155; Fish, ror, 155.

Cuckoo, Black-billed, 340, 351; Yellow-billed,
figured, 203; 216, 218, 340, 351, 354.

Curlew, Hudsonian, 163, 218, 226, 227, 288, 290,
356, 358; Longbilled, 40, 163, 228, 284, 288.

226, 227; Yellow-

Vol. I,

Dickcissel, 354.

Dove, Mourning, 155, 156, 217, 225, 226, 284,
353, 355-
Dowitcher, 50, 162, 218, 227, 279, 281, 284, 288,

356; Longbilled, 50, 106, 226, 227, 290.

Duck, Black, 44, 48, 99, 100, 155, 156, 283, 354;
Greater Scaup, 100, 156; Lesser Scaup, 50,
105, 155, 156, 162, 222; Ring-necked, 156,
221; Ruddy, 44, 50, 100, 105, 156, 162, 221;
Wood, 156, 226, 351, 350-

Eagle, Bald, 47, 147, 280, 411; figured, 331,
334, 349; Golden, 47, 40, 99, 224.

Egret, 49,106, 182, 349, 358; on Long Island,
209, 228; American, in Massachusetts, 200,
280, 350; Reddish, figured, facing, 253; 307; in
Texas, 319; 321; Snowy, figured, facing, 253;
311; figured, 313; 358.

Eider, King, 71.

‘El Hornero,’ Reviewed, 292.

Englewood Bird Club, Photograph of window
exhibit of, 275.

332,

Federal License and Game Refuge Bill, 120
Feeding birds, 66

(vii)

vill Index

Finch, California Purple, 227, 358; Cassin’s, 228;
Purple, 280, 352; Gray-headed Rosy, 280;
House, 160, 224, 358; Northern, 43; Purple, 44,
50, 99, 101, 103, 106, 158, 159, 162; figured, 208;
212, 218, 220.

Flicker, 40, 50, 154, 221, 225; Northern, ror, 156,
163; Northwestern, 104.

Florida, 27, 28, 423-

Flycatcher, Acadian, 220; Alder, 213; Ash-
throated, 163, 227, 280; Crested, 220, 223, 283;
Least, 159, 220, 221, 222, 351; Olive-sided, 217,
220, 226, 227, 228, 288, 289; Traill’s, 163, 218,
225, 285, 354; Vermilion, 228; Western, 162,
163, 227, 288, 356; Wright's, 227, 280.

Forbush’s ‘First Annual Report of the Division
of Ornithology of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts,’ reviewed, 107.

Fuertes, Louis Agassiz, Photograph of, 380.

Fulmar, Pacific, 50, 356.

Gadwall, 288.

Gallinule, Florida, 210, 220, 222, 350, 358;
figured, with nest, 237.

Game Laws, 316.

Gannet, figured, 126, 127; Colony on Bonaventure
Island, 125; 348.

Gault’s ‘Check-List of the Birds of Illinois,’ with
Allen’s ‘Key to Birds’ Nests,’ noticed, 361.

Georgia, 26, 96, 460.

Gnatcatcher, 50; Black-tailed, 50; Blue-gray,
159; 223, 285; Plumbeous, 228; Western, 106,
280, 357, 358-

Godwit, 50, 105, 288, 356; Marbled, 106, 163,
285, 200, 348, 356.

Golden-eye, 100, 102, 105, 158.

Goldfinch, 222, 284, 357; Green-backed, 50, 226,
287, 357; Lawrence’s, 163, 227, 280; Willow,
103, 226, 227.

Goose, Blue, 285; Canada, 44, 74, 155, 156, 159,
161, 218, 226; figured, 233, 326, 327, 411;
Emperor, 74; Greater Show, 48; Snow, 48.

Goshawk, 47, 102; in Massachusetts, 278.

Grackle, 43; Boat-tailed, figured, facing, 189; 204;
Bronzed, 45, 103, 153, 154, 156, 225, 287;
Great-tailed, figured, facing, 189; 204, 321;
Purple, 98, 155-

Grebe, Eared, 40, 105, 358; Horned, 50, tor,
106, 156, 163, 221, 226, 358; Pied-billed, 100,
105, 156, 218, 288, 282, 351; Western, 49, 106,
162, 226, 350.

Green Island, Texas, Heronry on, 319.

Grosbeak, Black-headed, 163, 225, 226, 227, 228,
287, 288, 280, 354, 356, 357; Blue, 228, 285, 290,
354; Evening, figured, 5; 42, 43. 45, 46, 95, 98,
102, 104, 140, 157, 161, 210, 221, 223, in Illinois,
273, 347, 355; Pine, 42, 43, 45, 40, 98, 102, 116;
Rose-breasted, 216, 219, 220, 221, 222; figured,
with nest, 234; 347, 354; Western Blue, 228,
290; Western Evening, 289.

Grouse, Dusky, 355; Ruffed, figured, 173, 2097,
342; 272, 352; Sharptailed, 352; Spruce,
4it

Guillemot, Black, 98; Pigeon, 356.

Gull, Bonaparte’s, 50, 100, 106, 156, 162, 217,
227, 285, 356; California, 106, 162, 163, 226,
355; Glaucous-winged, 50, 104, 163, 226;
Great Black-backed, 100, 155; Heermann’s,
200, 356, 358; Herring, 43, 46, 50, 93; figured,
93; 100, 102, 158, 403, 411; Iceland, 98, 154;
Laughing, 43, 350, 403; Ring-billed, 48, 50,
100, 218; Short-billed, 104; Western, 104, 162,
200, 350, 357.

Gull Island, 274.

Hawk, Broad-winged, 221, 349; Cooper's, 155,
226, 340; Duck, 43, 155, 349, 350; Harlan’s, 48;
Marsh, 49, 101, 102, 158, 221, 222, 223, 279,
285, 287; Pigeon, 40, 349; Red-shouldered, 155;
Red-tailed, ror, 158; Rough-legged, 47, 101,
161, 353; Sharpshinned, 50, 51, 106, 160, 226,
349 357; Sparrow, 49, 158, 349, 353; Swainson’s
228.

Heron, Black-crowned Night, 270, 350, 353;
Florida, 182; Great Blue, 156, 158, 228, 350,
356, 411; Green, 154, 220, 222, 350, 353; Little
Blue, figured, facing, 253; 280, 308, 340;
Louisiana, figured, 307; 350; Yellow-crowned
Night, 217.

Heath Hen, 403.

Holt’s ‘Annotated List of the Avery Bird Col-
lection in the Alabama Museum of Natural
History,’ reviewed, 107.

Hornaday’s ‘The Minds and Manners of Wild
Animals’ reviewed, 164.

Hummingbird, 50, 94, 148, 103; figured, 109;
Allen’s, 105, 280, 357; Anna’s, 51, 162; Black-
chinned, 227, 289; Calliope, 163; Costa’s, 228,
289; Ruby-throated, figured, 131, 132; 220, 351;
Rufous, 161, 163, 227-

Tllinois, 33, 45, 101, 156, 222, 273, 284, 425.
Indiana, 32, 123, 426, 464.
Towa, 33, 34, 35: 51, 140, 211, 275, 448.

Jay, California, 50; Canada, 411; Coast, 288;
Blue, 51, 101, 103, 155, 211, 288; Blue-fronted,
50, 105, 289, 200; Long-crested, 287, 3553
Pinon, 225, 287; Rocky Mountain, 287.

Junco, 43, 47, 159, 348; figured, 208; 223; Gray-
headed, 49, 160, 287; Oregon, 103; Pink-sidedy
49, 160; Shufeldt’s, 49, 170; Slate-colored, 44,
40, 101, 155, 213; Thurber’s, 227, 280, 200;
White-winged, 40.

Kansas, 37, 447, 43-

Kentucky, 35.

Killdeer, 48, 155, 156, 158, 150, 160, 161, 162, 216,
223; in northern New Jersey, 303; 353; 350.
Kingbird, 116, 163, 216, 219, 220, 221, 225, 279,
283, 348, 351; Arkansas, 225, 289, 200; Cassin’s,

106, 290.

Kingfisher, 155, 221; Belted, 103.

Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 42, 44, 98, 100, IOI,
102, 103, 153, 162, 220, 280, 348, 349 351;
Ruby-crowned, 104, 106, 153, 154, 156, 158,
150, 222, 226, 280, 351, 357+ 358; Western
Golden-crowned, 103.

Knot, 218, 281.

Kutchin’s ‘What Birds Have Done With Me,’
reviewed, 164.

Lark, Horned, 46, 49, 102, 105, 157, 163, 289;
Prairie Horned, 150, 223; figured, 367.

Legislation, 120, 121, 383; in New Jersey, 122;
in Virginia, 124.

Lighthouses, Saving birds at, 316.

Linnet, 50, 226, 227-

Longspur, Lapland, 46, 47, 102.

Loon, 226, 350; Black-throated, 3; Common,
figured, 3; 50, 106, 153; Red-throated, 45.

Louisiana, 95-

Magpie, 46, 40, 103, 157; in Wisconsin, 51; at
Fargo, 51; in Iowa, 51, 211.

Maine, 10, 11, 150; Game Laws in, 316; 410,
430, 441. :

Malheur Lake Reservation, 409.

Se eee

Index ix

Mallard, 50, 99, 100, 102, 103, 156, 158, 162, 221,
222, 227; figured, 292; 351, 352-

Martin, Purple, 140, 156, 157, 150, 163, 228, 347,
351; Western, 226, 289.

Maryland, 24, 427.

Massachusetts, 11, 12, 13,
348, 405, 428.

Mathews’ ‘The Book of Birds For Young People,’
reviewed, 52.

McAtee’s ‘Community Bird Refuges,’ reviewed, 25.

McGregor and Marshall’s ‘Philippine Birds for
Boys and Girls,’ reviewed, 229

Meadowlark, 47, 48, 49, 101, 102, 103, 154, 156,
158, 150, 160, 224, 280, 353; Western, 103, 104.

Merganser, 352; American, too, 156; Hooded,
100, 154, 156; Redbreasted, 155, 156.

Michigan, 28, 95, 428.

Minnesota, 209, 46, 101, 157, 220, 283, 352, 450.

Missouri, 35, 36, 47, 103, 158, 223, 285, 353, 450.

Mockingbird, 43, 48, 50, 96, 99, IOI, 150, 225,
286, 348, 357; Western, figured, r4r1.

Montana, 451.

Murre, 50; Brunnich’s, 98; California, 288, 356

Murrelet, Marbled, 288.

2, 98, 153, 216, 270,

National Park Bill, rar.

Nest-building, 232.

New England, 403.

New Hampshire, 11, 440.

New Jersey, 20, 21, 22; legislation in, 122; 429.

New York, 16, 17, 18, 19, 42, OI, 98, 148, 153,
216, 280, 348.

Nighthawk, figured, 200, 201; 218, 221, 225, 282,
280, 352, 353, 354; Pacific, 226; figured, 260,

Sz7Or

North Carolina, 458.

North Dakota, 36, 51.

Nutcracker, Clarke’s, 287, 289.

Nuthatch, Brown-headed, figured, 328, 320; Red-
breasted, 44, 48, 101, 102, 103, 220, 223, 280, 3573
Slender-billed, 50, 106, 163, 289; White-
breasted, ror; figured, 174.

Ohio, 31, 32, 45, 156,
Oklahoma, 38.
Ontario, 9, 10, 96.
Oregon, 40, 103, 160, 225, 287, 355, 431-

Oriole, 357; Arizona Hooded, 163; Baltimore,
nest figured, 56; figured, 57, 58; 217,,220, 221,
222, 282; figured, facing, 323; 330, 341, 353;
Bullock’s, 163, 225, 226; Orchard, 220, 222;
Scott’s, 228.

Osprey, 156, 340; figured, 417.

Ouzel, Water, 228, 280, 2090.

Ovenbird, 45, 91, 216, 220, 221, 280, 351.

Owl, Barn, 155, 159; Great-Horned, 155, 158, 223;
Long-eared, 43, 155, 223, 279, 354; Saw-whet,
43, 45, 46, 100, ro1, 158; Screech, 155; Short-
eared, 47, 102, 103, 105, 155; Snowy, 47, 98,
102, 148, 154.

Oystercatcher, 281.

219, 282, 351, 412, 430.

Parrakeet, Monk, nest figured, 83.

Pelican, Brown, 356; White, 45, 158, 163, 226,
227, 228, 354, 355, 350, 357-

Pennsylvania, 22, 23, 24, 43, 99. 149, 154, 217,
280, 340, 433, 442.

Percé Rock, bird colonies on, 125.

Petrel, Wilson’s, 345; Leach’s, 411.

Pewee, Western Wood, 226; Wood, 216, 220, 222,
225, 226, 287, 288, 280, 290, 351, 355-

Phainopepla, 106, 228, 357.

Phalarope, Northern, 49, 74, 226; Red, 40, 74,
356, 357, 358.

Pheasant, Golden, figured, 171, 1725 Ring-necked,
222, 324; figured, 324, 32

Phillips’ ‘Natural History ai the Ducks,’ noticed,
3061.

Phoebe, 75; figured, 76, 77; 94, 155, 158, 22
Black, 226, 357; Say’s, 49, 106, 160, 161, 355,
357-

Pigeon, Band-tailed, 105, 163, 226, 227.

Pintail, 50, 99, 103, 106, 155, 156, I5 <8. 163, 222,
352, 356, 357-

Pipit, 47, 105, 226.

Plover, Black-bellied, 50, 105, 106, 222, 227, 284,

348, 356, 358; Black-breasted, 44, 281; Golden,
348; Piping, 155, 220, 280, 284, 411; Semi-
palmated, 105, 218, 220, 227, 270, 281, 285,

289, 200, 348, 351, 356; Snowy, 50, 200, 356;
Upland, 156, 223, 285, 287, 350.

Plumage Law, 186, 383.

Porto Rico, 41.

Prairie Chicken, 102, 157, 352-

Puffin, Tufted, 288, 356.

Quail, Gambel’s, 228; Mountain, 227,
Valley, 335; figured, 336.

290;

Rail, Clapper, 356; King, 219, 223, 285; Virginia,
210, 223, 351-

Raven, 288, 355.

Redhead, 156, 163, 352-

Redpoll, 42, 43, 45, 47, 96, 98, 102,

Redstart, 91, 220, 221, 223, 351.

Red-tail, 223.

Rhode Island, 14.

Roadrunner, 260; figured, 261, 264; 200, 335-

Robin, 45, 50, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 128;
figured, with nest, 151, 215, 152, 155, 1593
figured, 168, 267, 368; 221, 222, 224, 227, 266,
286, 288; Varied, 105.

157, 1601.

Sanderling, 45, 100, 106, 281, 285, 288, 356.
Sand Hill Bird Club, Photograph of home of the,

450.

Sandpiper, Baird’s, re 222; Bartramian, 411;
Least, figured, 2, 6, 210; 218, 226, 279, 280,
281, 280, 356; Pectoral, 73, 156, 279, 281, 284;
Redbacked, 44, 45, 50, 100, 105, 155, 222, 284,
285, 356; Semipalmated, 222, 270, 284; Solitary,
44, 221, 284; Spotted, 220, 221, 222, 279, 284,
351; Western, 50, 105, 226, 288, 280, 356.

Sapsucker, Red-bellied, 158; Red-breasted, 105;
Red-naped, 50; Yellow-bellied, figured, 94; 103,
156, 218, 350.

Schrenk, Hermann von, Photograph of, 420.

Scoter, American, 288; Surf, 50, 100, 153, 162,
226, 288; Velvet, 153; White-winged, 44, 50,
100, 105, 153, 162, 226, 288, 290.

Season, The, 42, 98, 153, 216, 270, 348.

Shearwater, 356; Dark-bodied, 50.

Shoveller, 50, 105, 156, 163, 221, 222.

Shrike, 357; Great Northern, 47; Migrant, 44,
158, 223; Northern, 42, 44; figured, 55, 98, 100,
IOI, 154, 155-

Siskin, Pine, 45, 105, 159, 160, 228, 288, 355-

Skimmer, 280, 281; Black, 281.

Snipe, Wilson’s, 45, 102, 103, 156, 158, 284, 351-

Solitaire, Townsend’s, 160, 287.

Sora, 156, 220, 221.

South Carolina, 25, 212.

South Dakota, 37..

Spoonbill, 352.

Sparrow, Bachman’s, 223; Bell’s, 50, 288; Black-
chinned, 227, 228; Black-throated, 228;
Brewer's, 355, 356; Chipping, 50, o1, 154, 155.
156, 159; figured, 208; 221, 279, 287, 355; Clay-

« Index

colored, 221, 283, 284, 355; Desert, 163, 290;
English, 101, 155, 223, 356; Field, 91, 156, 157,
283, 284; Fox, 44, 45, 101, 103, 104, 106, 153,
155, 150, 158, 226, 280, 351, 354, 3573 Gambel’s,
50, 106, 224, 227, 287, 358; Golden-crowned,
104, 106, 101, 162, 226, 357; Grasshopper, ol,
156, 223, 224; Harris’s, 45, 47, 103, 159, 222,
223, 354; Henslow’s, 154; Ipswich, 100, 155;
Intermediate, 162, 226, 357; Lark, 162, 217,
225, 357; figured, with nest, 265; Lincoln’s, or,
159, 225, 354; Nuttall’s, 104, 162; Oregon
Vesper, 161; Rufous-crowned, 162; Rusty
Song, 103; Sage, 228, 356; Savannah, 50, 156,
157, 223, 224, 352, 353; Song, 43, 49, 99, 100,
IOI, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159; figured,
169; 227, 280, 283, 284, 288, 354; Swamp, 91,
155, 150, 150, 221; Tree, 42, 47, 98, 99, 102,
220, 349, 350; figured, 365; Valdez Fox, 50;
Vesper, 155, 156, 157, 224, 283, 354; Western
Chipping, 161; Western Lark, 106; Western
Savannah, 161; Western Vesper, 163; White-
crowned, 40, 91, 155, 161, 219, 220, 222, 225,
289; White-throated, 44, 51, 91, 100, 101, 104,
156, 157, 158, 150, 162, 216, 221, 226, 348, 349,
350, 351, 354, 357-

Squaw, Old, 100, 102.

Starling, 94, 98, 100, 101, 212, 282, 346; Chinese,
104.

Stilt, 162, 356; Black-necked, 163, 226, 227, 228,
200.

Swallow, Bank, 220, 221, 354; Barn, 154, 156, 163,
216, 221, 227, 270, 284, 287, 289, 200, 348, 356,
358; Cliff, 140, 214, 225, 227, 289, 290, 358;
Rough-winged, 163, 227; Tree, 140, 154, 156,
157, 163, 221, 223, 280, 283, 352; figured, 4,
297; Violet-green, 161, 162, 163, 227, 287, 280,
350.

Swan, 228; Whistling, 74.

Swift, Black, 228; Chimney, 45, 156, 159, 210,
216, 221, 279, 354; Vaux, 228.

Tanager, Scarlet, 218, 220, 221; Western, 225,
227, 228, 280, 357-

Tattler, Wandering, 40, 356.

Teal, Blue-winged, 154, 156, 221, 222, 224, 284,
286, 352, 353; Cinnamon, 162, 227, 288; Green-
winged, figured, facing, 125; 154, 156, 163, 178.

‘Tennessee, 35, 94, 422.

Tern, Arctic, 404; Black, 220, 222, 226, 227, 281,
283, 284, 2090, 357; Caspian, 106, 220, 222;
Common, 220, 221, 279, 280, 281, 285; For-
ster’s, 50, 226, 228, 280, 356, 357; Least, 228,
280, 281, 290, 357, 404; Royal, 357-

Texas, 38; Heronry in, 310.

Thijsse, Dr. Jac., Photograph of, 317.

Thrasher, 91, 156, 159, 215, 216, 221; California,
227; Crissal, 228; Leconte’s, 228; Sage, 163, 350.

Thrush, Audubon’s, 225; Bicknell’s, 150; Dwari
Hermit, 357; Gray-cheeked, 91, 217; Hermit,
43, 50, 106, 155, 156, 158, 226, 227, 279, 340,
351; Olive-backed, 216, 220, 221, 225; Russet-
backed, 226, 227, 288, 356; Varied, 50, 104, 105,
162, 357; Willow, 219; Wilson’s, 91, 218; Wood,
9s; figured, 130, 438; 218, 220, 221, 222, 351,

354-

Titlark, 287.

Titmouse, 215; Plain, 357; Tufted, 1or.

Towhee, o1, 103, 156, 216, 351, 354; Anthony’s,
50, 357; California, 288; Green-tailed, 225,
289; Oregon, 104; San Francisco, 226, 288;
Spurred, 50, 104, 225.

Turnstone, 40, 218, 281, 284; Ruddy, 356.

Vecry, 220, 221, 2
Verdin, 163, 228,

Vermont, rr.

Vireo, Blue-headed, 220, 351; Cassin’s, 163, 227,
200, 355, 357; Philadelphia, 223; Plumbeous,
225, 355; Red-eyed, 220, 221, 222, 351; figured,
257, 250, 438; Solitary, 154; Warbling, 162,
163, 216, 220, 222, 224, 225, 226, 227, 287, 288,

289, 290; Yellow-throated, 216, 220, 221, 224.

350.

Virginia, 25, 124.

Vulture, Turkey, ror, 156, 161, 221, 282, 285,
349; Black, 210, 357-

Warbler, Audubon’s, 50, 104, 161, 162, 224, 227,
228, 287, 280, 357, 358; Bay-breasted, 218, 220,
286, 351; Black and White, 51, 91, 106, 220, 221
228, 273, 351; Blackburnian, 216, 210, 220, 351;
Blackpoll, 216, 217, 220, 222, 348, 351; Black-
throated Blue, 91, 220, 351; Black-throated
Gray, 50, 163, 228; Black-throated Green, 45,
220, 221, 350, 351; Blue-winged, 220; Brew-
ster’s, 217; Calaveras, 163, 280; Canada, 44,
217, 218, 220, 222, 286; Cape May, 218, 351;
Cerulean, 217, 220; Chestnut-sided, 91, 219,
220; figured, with nest, 235, 208, 351; Dusky,
106; Golden-winged, 217; Hermit, 227; Ken-
tucky, 223; Lutescent, 104, 225, 226, 162, 163,
289; Macgillivray’s, 224, 227, 355; Magnolia,
216, 217, 220, 221, 350, 351; Mourning, 220,
351; Myrtle, 45, 50, 91, 103, 155, 156, 157, 216,
218, 221, 340, 351, 354; Nashville, 220; Orange-
crowned, 163; Palm, 156, 221; Parula, 91, 216,
350; Pileolated, 162, 163, 228, 288, 280, 356;
Pine, 155, 221; Prairie, 220, 253; Prothonotary,
210, 220, 223, 224; Tennessee, 216, 218, 220,
221, 224, 351; Tolime, 226, 288; Townsend’s,
162, 226, 227, 357; Wilson’s, 218, 220, 221, 350;
Yellow, figured, 199, with nest, 214; 213, 216,
218, 221, 222, 224, 226, 228, 280, 285, 287, 288,
354, 356; Yellow Palm, 340.

Washington, 25, 30, 40, 44, 100, 218, 281, 350.

Water-Thrush, 220, 351; Grinnell’s, 158, 221,
225; Louisiana, 156, 221; Northern, or.

Waxwing, Bohemian, 43, 47, 48, 101, 102, 157,
158, 160, 272; Cedar, 50, 105, 153, 162, 226;
figured, 271, 357; 272, 283, 284, 280, 354-

West Virginia, 433.

Whip-poor-will, 220, 282, 290.

Whitney, Caspar, Photograph of, 432.

Widgeon, European, 105.

Willet, 50, 105, 106, 281, 288, 200, 356, 357;
Western, 288.

‘Wilson Bulletin,’ reviewed, 2209.

Wisconsin, 28, 20, 51-

Woodcock, 48, 154, 155; figured, 443.

Woodpecker, Arctic Three-toed, 273, 348;
Batchelder’s, 160; Cactus, 228; California, 106,
345; Downy, 273; Gairdner’s, 103; Hairy, 42,
223, 355; Lewis's, 50, 106, 163, 227; Nuttall’s,
226; Pileated, 44, 411; Red-bellied, 326; Red-

headed, 47, 101, 102, 103, 217, 220, 282, 354i >
ed,

Rocky Mountain Hairy, 287; White-head
289.

Wren, Cactus, 228; Cafion, 227, 290; Carolina,
44, 354; House, 44, 01; figured, 130; 162, 216,
218, 210, 221, 223, 225, 227, 285, 288; Long-
billed Marsh, 218, 220; Rock, 225, 228, 280,
354; Seattle, 103, 161; Vigors’, 105, 162, 288;
Western Winter, 162, 357; Winter, 44, 101,
153, 350 351-

Wren-tit, 50, 288.

Yellowlegs, 163, 221, 227, 270, 284, 356, 358;
Greater, 48, 156, 158, 218, 221, 225, 280, 288,
348; Lesser, 221, 280, 350.

Yellowthroat, Maryland, figured, facing, 1; 62,
91, 221, 284; Northern, 220, 351; Pacific, 162

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Order— PASSERE Family — C@rEBIDA
Genus — GEOTHLYPI Species — TRICHAS TRICHAS

National Association of Audubon Societies

Sird- Lore

A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE
DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

Vol. XXIV JANUARY— FEBRUARY, 1922 No. 1

Courtenay Brandreth’s Bird Paintings

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN!

a HE form of a bird at rest is so definite, its lines so simple and continuous,
that one might imagine they could be reproduced by anyone with even
slight talent for drawing. Nevertheless, good bird artists are rare.

Possibly the very simplicity of the bird’s outline makes it a difficult subject,

for although each species possesses its own characteristics of form, pose, and

expression, which to the bird student are pronounced and obvious, they are
not evident to the artist who has not sufficient interest in bird-life to study his
subject sympathetically. How many otherwise excellent paintings are marred
by the introduction of the figures of birds as anatomically incorrect as would
be a human figure drawn with arms, let us say, attached to the hips instead of
to the shoulders! No artist would attempt to draw a man without having
previously studied the original; why, therefore, should he hope for success in

bird portraiture when he relies on his imagination rather than on nature for a

model?

It requires, however, something more than study from life to produce a
wholly adequate bird picture, just as it requires something in addition to good
draftsmanship to paint the portrait of a human subject. Where, on the one
hand, there is needed that sympathetic insight into human nature which per-
mits of character interpretation, so, on the other, there is need for that love of
birds which sees not merely a feathered form but a creature marvelously
endowed with its own special traits, disposition, and potentialities, which are
evident only to one who is familiar with what we call the habits of his subject.
It is clear, for example, that one should not depict a Dove with the expression
of a Hawk, but only the bird student knows the difference in expression,
physiognomy, and attitude between a Warbler and a Vireo. Without going
further it may be said, in a word, that no one has ever reached or ever will
reach the first rank of bird artists who is not possessed of that keen interest
in birds which marks the born ornithologist.

This sharp, vibrating response to the sight of a bird or the sound of its
voice is a heritage as rare as it is priceless, and when in the fortunate individual

iReprinted by permission from ‘Natural History’

2 Bird - Lore

possessing it we find also the talents of an artist, we have that exceptional
combination of gifts which makes the true bird artist. The world has known
but few men and no women of this type, and those who are interested watch
eagerly for the exhibition of gifts which mark their possessor as a man of
promise in the field of bird art.

During November, 1920, there was held at the Congressional Library in
Washington an exhibit of bird paintings at which twenty-four artists were
represented. Among the pictures shown were several by Mr. Courtenay
Brandreth, of Ossining, New York. Mr. Brandreth’s name is new among bird
artists, but his pictures aroused such favorable comment that he was subse-
quently invited to exhibit his work in the American Museum. About twenty-

PORTRAIT OF A LEAST SANDPIPER

Ideal treatment of bird drawing for purposes of scientific illustration

five of his paintings were therefore shown in the forestry hall of the museum
in December, 1920, several of which are herewith reproduced.

Black-and-white reproduction unfortunately gives no indication of Mr.
Brandreth’s skill as a colorist, but does do justice to his draftsmanship, to the
excellence of which the most exacting technical ornithologist would bear wit-
ness. Mr. Brandreth’s success in portraying form, pose, ind expression is due
to his natural gifts, to genuine love of birds which sends him to nature for his
subjects, and to a course of study under Louis Agassiz Fuertes, master painter
of bird portraits.

Not only are his birds correct in form, but also in feather. To the land-
scapist who introduces an alleged Eagle or Gull into his painting for purely
artistic purposes it is quite immaterial whether his figure has five or ten pri-
maries; nevertheless, the same man would not think of giving a human subject
an incorrect number of fingers, and to the ornithologist it is quite as important
to give a bird its proper number of wing quills.

LOON ON AN ADIRONDACK LAKE, CALLING AND RUNNING OVER THE W:
COURTSHIP EVOLUTION

4 Bird - Lore

TREE SWALLOW PLAYING WITH A FEATHER
Note the detail with which the feathers of the wing are drawn

Mr. Brandreth has certainly not detracted from the beauty of his figures
of birds by giving them their due allotment of feathers; he has thereby greatly
increased their charm to the bird student who is as much pained by a picture
of a five-primaried Swallow as he would be by that of a two-fingered man.

But Mr. Brandreth is something more than a gifted and accurate drawer of
birds. Among artists of his class his pictures show that he has already attained
an unusual measure of success in placing his bird in the landscape, or perhaps I
should say in placing landscape about his bird.

The purposes of scientific illustration to aid in the identification of the

Be. Fee. hu

FEMALE EVENING GROSBEAK
An excellent example of bird portraiture

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6 Bird - Lore

species drawn are best served by the elimination or suppression of all unneces-
sary accessories. Given a branch on which to perch, or a stick to stand upon,
and all other suggestion of out-of-doors may be omitted. The accompanying
Evening Grosbeak and Least Sandpiper pictures are good illustrations of this
kind of bird drawing. But it is one of the most promising features of Mr.
Brandreth’s art that he is not content to rest here. In several of the paintings
in his exhibition he has aimed to portray not merely the bird on the bough, but
the bird in its haunts, a kind of bird painting in which it is evident success can
be won only by an artist who is a good landscapist as well as a good bird por-
trait painter.

The painting of the Loon, here inadequately reproduced in black and white,
gives some conception of the character of Mr. Brandreth’s work in this higher
branch of ornithological art. The Loon, a male, is shown in one of its courtship
evolutions when, calling loudly, it seems to half run, half jump over the water
about the female. The bird’s excitement at this season is increased by an
approaching storm, and its calls echoing over the water voice the spirit of the
wilderness. No one who has been thrilled by the Loon’s weird cries can fail
to have the experience recalled by Mr. Brandreth’s painting,—an indication,
therefore, that the artist has at least approached the mark toward which he
was aiming.

Other subjects give additional proof that if Mr. Brandreth continues to
jollow the path in which he has made so promising a start, he will win a place
among the few men who can claim to be both painters of birds and of nature.

EVENING GROSBEAKS
Photographed by L. F. Brehmer, at Rutland, Vt., March 1917

Bird-Lore’s Advisory Council

of the ornithologists forming Brrp-Lore’s ‘Advisory Council.’

To those of our readers who are not familiar with the objects of
the Council, we may state that it was formed for the purpose of placing students
in direct communication with an authority on the bird-life of the region in
which they live, to whom they might appeal for information and advice in the
many difficulties which beset the isolated worker.

The success of the plan during the twenty-two years that it has been in
operation fully equals our expectations. From both students and members of
the Council we have had very gratifying assurances of the happy results
attending our efforts to bring the specialist in touch with those who appreciate
the opportunity to avail themselves of his wider experience.

It is requested that all letters of inquiry to members of the Council be
accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope for use in replying.

We: some slight alterations, we reprint below the names and addresses

NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL

UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES

Aaska.—Dr. C. Hart Merriam, 1919 16th St., N. W., Washington, D. C
ARKANSAS.—Albert Lano, 220 E. Lafeyette Ave., Fayetteville, Ark.
Arizona.—Harriet I. Thornber, Tucson, Ariz.

CairorNniA.— Joseph Grinnell, University of California, Berkeley, Calif.
CaLIFORNIA.— Walter K. Fisher, Palo Alto, Calif.

Cotorapo.—Dr. W. H. Bergtold, 1159 Race St., Denver, Colo.

Connecticut.—J. H. Sage, Portland, Conn.

DELAWARE.—S. N. Rhoads, Haddonfield, N. J.

District oF Cotumpra.—Dr. C. W. Richmond, U. S. Nat’l. Mus., Washington, D. C
FLorma.—Frank M. Chapman, Am. Mus. Nat. History, New York City.

Fiorwa, Western.—R. W. Williams, Jr., U. S. Dept. Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
Grorcia.—Dr. Eugene Murphy, Augusta, Ga.

Itrrors, Northern.—B. T. Gault, Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Ittrnots, Southern.—Robert Ridgway, Olney, Ill.

Inp1ana.—A. W. Butler, State House, Indianapolis, Ind.

Iowa.—C. R. Keyes, Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

Kansas.—Harry Harris, 18 W. 52d St., Kansas City, Mo.

Kentucky.—A. C. Webb, Nashville, Tenn.

Lourstana.—H. H. Kopman, Conservation Commission, New Orleans, La.
Matne.—aA. H. Norton, Society of Natural History, Portland, Maine.
MassacuuseEtts.—Winsor M. Tyler, Lexington, Mass.

Micuican.—Prof. W. B. Barrows, Agricultural College, Mich.

Miynesota.—Dr. T. S. Roberts, Millard Hall, University of Minn., Minneapolis, Minn.
Missourr.—O. Widmann, 5105 Morgan St., St. Louis, Mo.

Montana.—Prof. J. M. Elrod, University of Montana, Missoula, Mont.
NEBRASKA.—Dr. R. H. Walcott, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb.
Nevapa.—Dr. A. kK. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C.
New Hampsurre.—Dr. G. M. Allen, Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Boston.

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8 Bird - Lore

New Jersey, Northern.—Frank M. Chapman, Am. Mus. Nat. History, New York City.
New Jersry, Southern.—Witmer Stone, Academy Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, Pa.
New Mexico.,—Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D C
New York, Eastern—Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Washington, D. C.

New York, Western.—E. H. Eaton, Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y.

Nortu Daxora.—Prof. O. G. Libby, University, N. D.

Norra Carorina.—Prof. T. G. Pearson, 1974 Broadway, New York City.
Oxnto.—Prof. Lynds Jones, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.

OxtaHomMaA.—Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C.
OrEecon.—W. L. Finley, Milwaukee, Ore.

PENNSYLVANIA, Eastern.—Witmer Stone, Acad. Nat. Sciences, Philadelphia, Pa.
PENNSYLVANIA, Western.—W. E. Clyde Todd, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburgh, Pa.
RuHopDE Istanp.—H. S. Hathaway, Box 1466, Providence, R. I.

SoutH CARoLINA.—Charleston Museum, Charleston, S. C.

TENNESSEE.—Albert F. Ganier, Nashville, Tenn.

Texas.—H. P. Attwater, Houston, Texas.

Uran.—Prof. Marcus E. Jones, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Vermont.—Prof. G. H. Perkins, Burlington, Vt.

VirciniA.—Dr. W. C. Rives, 1702 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, D. C.
WaAsHINGTON.—Samuel F. Rathburn, Seattle, Wash.

West VirGIntA.—Dr. W. C. Rives, 1702 Rhode Island Avenue, Washington, D. C.
Wisconstn.—Public Museum, Milwaukee, Wis.

CANADA

ALBERTA.—G. F. Dippie, Calgary, Alta.

British CoLumMBIA.—Francis Kermode, Provincial Museum, Victoria, B. C.
Maniropa.—Ernest Thompson Seton, Greenwich, Conn.

Nova Scortra.—Harry Piers, Provincial Museum, Halifax, N. S.

Ontario, Eastern.—James H. Fleming, 267 Rusholme Road, Toronto, Ont.
Ontario, Western.—W. E. Saunders, London, Ont.

QueBec.—W. H. Mousley, Hatley, Quebec.

MEXICO
E. W. Nelson, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C.

GREAT BRITAIN

Clinton G. Abbott, 4290 Sierra Vista, San Diego, Calif.
Frank M. Chapman, Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., New York City.

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census

HE highest number of species recorded in this census, in the northern
and middle Atlantic States, is 37 at Elizabeth, N. J.; comparable, in
the northern Mississippi Valley, with 34 at Buckeye Lake, Ohio, (or a
combined total of 43 of the Wheaton Club, Columbus, Ohio). Kentucky has
39, Alabama 4o, and Oklahoma 38. In the South, rog at East Goose Creek,
Fla., is a larger list than 88 from Santa Barbara, which is the highest for the
Pacific coast. It would seem, then, that Florida can successfully rival Cali-
fornia in variety of winter birds.

Last year, there were 118 published census reports from the New England
and Middle Atlantic States, and Middle Western States north of the Ohio and
east of the Mississippi Rivers. Therein the Northern Shrike was recorded ten
times, a total of 13 individuals. Except for 1 in Illinois, all (that is 12 indi-
viduals) were in the 61 reports from New York and New England. In the
corresponding 113 census reports for the present year the Northern Shrike is
recorded 37 times, a total of 52 individuals, with a maximum of 3 individuals
to any one report (occurring twice). There are 33 individuals in the 57 reports
from New York and New England, but none in 8 reports from Maine, New
Hampshire, and Vermont, as against 3 (of the total 13) in 7 reports from those
states last year. For the rest, 15 individuals are reported from New Jersey
and Pennsylvania, 2 in Wisconsin, and 2 in Ohio.

Arnprior, Ont.—Dec. 25; 9.30 A.M. to 5 P.M. Fine; 3 in. snow; wind west, light; temp
ro” below zero at start, 3° above at return. Twenty miles on foot. Observers separate. Canada
Ruffed Grouse, 28; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Canada Jay, 1; Evening
Grosbeak, 32; Pine Grosbeak, 13; Redpoll, 36; Snow Bunting (heard); White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Black-capped Chickadee, 33; Hudsonian Chickadee, 2.
Total, 12 species, 155 individuals (plus Snow Buntings). One observer traveled the Nopiming
Crown Game Reserve, a small wild-life sanctuary established near Arnprior, which accounts
for the unusual number of Ruffed Grouse—Licuorr GormiEy and Cas. MACNAMARA.

Bowmanville, Ont. (to Hampton and the Lake Ontario shore).—Dec. 23; 8.45 A.M. to
4.15 P.M. Cloudy; 1 inch of snow; wind southeast, very light; temp. 30° to 36°. Total distance
covered, fourteen miles on foot. Observers separate. Great Black-backed Gull, 2; Herring
Gull, 7; Ring-billed Gull, 10; American Merganser, 24; Virginia Rail (?), 1; Ruffed Grouse, 2;
Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Flicker, 2; Blue Jay, 10; Bronzed Grackle, 1;
Tree Sparrow, 30; Junco, 6; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 15.
Total, 16 species, about 122 individuals. Others seen recently—Sparrow Hawk, Golden-
crowned Kinglet. The Bronzed Grackle was observed very closely by Miss Raynes. They
have been here all autumn. The Great Black-backed Gull was observed at about 100 yards
with field-glasses by Mr. Gould. The Gull-like characteristics, together with jet-black
mantle and large size, made identification positive. The Virginia Rail (?) was glimpsed by
Mr. Allen. The identification was not positive, but it was some such marsh bird —MARGARET
Raynes, M. G. Goutp and A. ALLEN.

Coldstream, Ont.—Dec. 24. Sky overcast; ground covered with snow; wind light,
northeast. Ruffed Grouse, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Long-eared Owl,
1; Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker. 1;
Blue Jay, 1; Tree Sparrow, 15; Song Sparrow, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Black-capped

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ie) Bird - Lore

Chickadee, 4. Total, 13 species, 33 individuals. Also seen recently Flicker, Red-bellied
Woodpecker, Pine Siskin.—A. A. Woop.

Duncrief, Ont.—Dec. 26. Bright in the early morning, clouding up later; ground covered
with snow; wind light, south to southwest. Red-legged Black Duck, 1; Short-eared Owl, 1;
Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Prairie
Horned Lark, 1; Crow, 1; Snow Bunting, 175; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Black-capped
Chickadee, 2; Robin, 1. Total, 12 species, 189 individuals. Great Blue Heron, Red-bellied
Woodpecker, Bronzed Grackle, Dec. 20; Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker, Dec. 16.—ROGER
HEDLEY.

Hamilton, Ont.—Dec. 23; 8 A.M. to 12 M. Sky overcast; snow flurries; temp. 30° at start,
34° at return. Eight miles on foot. Observers together. Canadian Ruffed Grouse, 1; Downy
Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 3; Canada Jay, 1(?); Tree Sparrow, 12; Brown Creeper, 1; White-
breasted Nuthatches, 2; Black-capped Chickadees, 9. Total, 8 species, 31 individuals.
Heard Crows; saw (Dec. 22) Robin, 1; Herring Gulls. —Mrs. C. D. Cook and Rusy R. Mr1ts.

London, Ont., vicinity of.—Dec. 24;9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Sky overcast, light snow falling;
ground snow-covered; wind moderate northeast; temp. 9 A.M. 28°, 5 P.M. 20°. Six parties
working in different directions during the day. Herring Gull, 6; Great Blue Heron, 1; Quail,
9 (1 covey); Sparrow Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 6;
Blue Jay, 15; Crow, 6; Bronzed Grackle, 1 (flock of 6 seen a few days ago); Pine Grosbeak, 32
(flock feeding on buds of an ironwood tree); Redpoll, 12; Tree Sparrow, 102; Junco, 9; Song
Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 4; Northern Shrike, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 9; Red-breasted
Nuthatch, 2; Black-capped Chickadee, 75; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 27. Total, 21 species,
323 individuals. Others seen recently Brown Creeper, Meadowlark, Robin, and Goldfinch
(flock of 7).—E. M. S. Datr, Epwarp Daty, Ext Davis, G. Gritespre, W. E. GREENE,
Kh. H. McKoneg, G. T. E. Martin, J. R. McLeop, T. D. Patrerson, W. E. SAUNDERS,
C. G. Watson. (Mcllwraith Ornithological Club.)

Ottawa, Ont.—Dec. 26. Five separate parties. First party, 8.15 A.M. to 2.15 P.M,
Dominion Observatory to Black Rapids and return, 14 miles; second party, 8.50 A.M. to 2.25
p.M., from Billing’s Bridge 6 miles south on Metcalfe Road and return by C. P. Ry. tracks
and road, 14 miles; third party, 9.45 A.M. to 5 P.M.. Kirk’s Ferry, P.Q., to Hull, P.Q., west of
Gatineau River, 11 miles; fourth party, 9.45 A.M. to 5 P.M., Kirk’s Ferry, P.Q., to Hull, P.Q.,
east of Gatineau River, 16 miles; fifth party, 10.45 A.M. to 4.45 P.M., Rockcliffe and eastward,
returning along Ottawa River, 12 miles. All on foot. Occasional clouds; 5-in. snow; wind
light, east near ground, west in upper air. Temp. —6.5° at start, +-9° at return. Merganser
(sp.?, not Hooded), 2; Canada Ruffed Grouse, 10; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1 (C. E. J.); Hairy
Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 5; Canada Jay, 3; Crow, 15; Pine Grosbeak,
260; Redpoll, 42; Pine Siskin, 7; Snow Bunting, 13; Northern Shrike, 1; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 3; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 33; Robin, 3. Total, 17
species, 171 individuals—D. BLAKELEY, RALPH E. DELury, Dantet B. DeLury, Pair F.
Foran, CLAUDE E. Jonnson, Harrison F. Lewis, Hoves Lioyp, C. L. Patcu. (Ottawa
Field-Naturalists’ Club.)

Toronto, Ont. (outskirts).—Dec. 25; 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. Clear; 2 in. of snow; wind light,
north; temp. 18° at start, 14” at return. Ten miles on foot. Observers together. Great
Black-backed Gull, 1; Herring Gull, 5; American Merganser, 2; Scaup Duck, 11; Old Squaw, 53;
American Scoter, 31 (first record in eight years); Hairy Woodpecker, 1 (male); Downy Wood-
pecker, 6; Red-headed Woodpecker, 3; (first winter record); Horned Lark, 1; Blue Jay, 4;
Tree Sparrow, 105+; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 1; Brown Creeper, 2; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 8+; Black-capped Chickadee, 33; Robin, 1 (first December record).
Total, 18 species, about 265 individuals. Ten-power binoculars used. Large number of
Ducks seen but too far out for indentification—PauL Harrincton and F, A. E. STEaR.

Brunswick, Me. (Maquoit Bay, Merrymeeting Park).—Decc. 28; 0.30 A.M. to 1 P.M., 2 to
4.?.M. Fair; wind, northwest; 3 to 6 inches of snow; temp. 16° at start. Nine miles on foot.

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census II

Herring Gull, 45; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 4; Evening Grosbeak, 33;
Chickadee, 1—A. O. Gross, E. H. Nason and J. W. Watca.

Bucksport, Maine. (Woods north of town and along river).—Dec. 25; 9.30 A.M. to
1.30 P.M. Cloudy, no sun; 3 in. snow; wind north, light; temp. 9° at start, 12° at return. Five
miles on foot. Herring Gull, 5; Duck (sp.?),1; Ruffed Grouse, 2; Crow, 6; Junco, 2; Chickadee,
10; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5. Total, 7 species, 31 individuals. Dec. 26, Blue Jay, 1; Pine
Grosbeaks and one Downy Woodpecker seen every day except on the 25th.—G. L. BLopGET.

Goffstown, N. H. (to Dunbarton and back).—Dec. 25; 11.45 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. Cloudy,
snowing; 8 in. snow; wind north, light; temp. 22° at start, 22° at return. Eight miles on foot.
Ruffed Grouse, 1; Ring-necked Pheasant, 5; Pine Grosbeak, 4; Tree Sparrow, 16; Chickadee,
1; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1. Total, 6 species, 28 individuals. A Slate-colored Junco was
seen Dec. 26, and a Northern Shrike, Dec. 18.—Mauvricre E. BLAIspELL.

Jaffrey, N. H.—Dec. 26; 10.15 a.m. Clear; 5 in. of snow; wind variable, northeast to
south, light; temp. 26° at start, 18° at return. Six miles on foot. Great-horned Owl, 1, (heard)
Downy Woodpecker, 1; Pileated Woodpecker, 1 (heard); Blue Jay, 4; Chickadee, 20; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 4. Total, 6 species, 31 individuals. On Dec. 22, I saw 2 Pine Grosbeaks—
Nixa G. SPAULDING.

Wilton, N. H.—Dec. 26; 7.30 to 8 and g to 11.30 A.M. Bright sun; 4 in. snow; no wind;
temp. 12° to 30°. Starling, 3; Chickadee, 5. Total, 2 species, 8 individuals. I have made
many Christmas lists, but this is the poorest, and indicates very clearly how very scarce
winter birds are in this vicinity —GrorcE G. BLANCHARD.

Bennington, Vt.—Dec. 26; 9.55 A.M. to 4 P.M. Clear, 3 in. of snow; no wind; temp. 6°
at start, ro° at return. Eight miles on foot. Ruffed Grouse, 3; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 22; Starling, 4; Tree Sparrow, 9; Slate-
colored Junco, 3; Black-capped Chickadee, 5. Total, 10 species, 55 individuals. Also English
Sparrow, 20.—CAROL JONES.

Bennington, Vt.—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. Sky clear overhead but thin feathery
clouds around the horizon; 3 to 5 in. snow; wind north, very light at start, diminishing to
none at return; temp. o° at start, 30° at return. Five miles on foot through meadows, partially
wooded hillsides and swamps. Ruffed Grouse, 8; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker,
1; Crow, 1; Starling, 20+; Pine Siskin, 6; Snow Bunting, 3; Tree Sparrow, 25+; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 1. Total, 10 species, 67-+ individuals. The
scarcity of Crows and entire absence of Blue Jays are unusual. Both Pine and Evening
Grosbeaks were observed a few days ago.—Dr. Lucretius H. Ross.

Wells River, Vt. (North, South and West of Wells River within a radius of 2 miles).
—Dec. 27. Cloudy; 5 in. of snow; wind south, light; temp. 3° at start, 16° at close. Observer
covered 9 miles on foot. Merganser, 9; Ruffed Grouse, 6; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay,
4; Pine Grosbeak, 5; Brown Creeper, 1; Chickadee, 47 (8 flocks). Total, 7 species, 74 indi-
viduals. On the preceding day a Hairy Woodpecker and a flock of 7 Evening Grosbeaks
were noted—WENDELL P. SmiTH.

Attleboro, Mass. (to Rehoboth Cedar Swamp and back).—Dec. 27; 9 A.M. to 4.15 P.M.
Cloudy, then clearing; 14 in. of snow; wind west, light; temp. 28° at start, 30° at return.
Fifteen miles on foot. Observers together. Ruffed Grouse, 15; Ring-necked Pheasant, 2;
Marsh Hawk, 1; Goshawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Downy Woodpecker,
1; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 18; Starling, 9; Tree Sparrow, 42; Slate-colored Junco, 39; Northern
Shrike, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 45; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 10. Total, 15 species,
about 187 individuals—CLARENCE RICHARDSON and MANLy B. TowNSEND.

Cohasset, Mass.—Dec. 26. Dull and cloudy; occasional snow-squall; wind north to
northwest; temp. 23° to 29°. Seven miles covered; uplands, woods, and rocky seashore.
Horned Grebe, 4; Dovekie, 12; Black-backed Gull, 4; Herring Gull, 50; Red-breasted Mer-
ganser, 4; American Golden-Eye, 4; Old Squaw, 3; White-winged Scoter, 1; Canada Goose, 50;
Ruffed Grouse, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 6; Blue Jay, 6; Horned Lark, 14; Crow, 6;

12 Bird - Lore

Starling, 75; Evening Grosbeak, 8; Pine Grosbeak, 2; Goldfinch, 14; White-throated Sparrow,
1; Tree Sparrow, 8; Junco, 85; Song Sparrow, 4; Myrtle Warbler, 20; Brown Creeper, 2;
Cedar Waxwing, 1; Chickadee, 40; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3; Robin, 25. Total, 29 species,
456 individuals. In addition to above list, with same ground covered on Dec. 25, during
northeast storm, we observed 1 Sparrow Hawk, 4 Purple Finches, and too Dovekies——Mr.
and Mrs. CHarLes L. WairrLe and LAWRENCE B. FLETCHER.

Edgartown, M. V., Mass.—Dec. 27; 9.30 A.M. to 2.30 P.M. After 5 rainy or cloudy days,
no frost in ground, light snow, gradually growing lighter until about 11 a.m. it ceased. The
sun appeared shortly after noon and shone brightly the rest of the day. Wind west, light;
temp. 32° at start, 38° at return. Five miles on foot. Loon, 1; Black-backed Gull, 1; Herring
Gull, 70; Golden-eye Duck, 27; White-winged Scoter, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Flicker, 2;
Horned Lark, 45; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 16; Starling, 12; Meadowlark, 37; Tree Sparrow, 25;
Junco, 7; Song Sparrow, 10; Northern Shrike, 2; Palm Warbler, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch,
2; Chickadee, 20; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 20 species, 287 individuals. My records
show that this is the fourth winter in succession we have had one or two Palm Warblers here,
yellow under tail—Mona W. WorbeEn.

[Absence of the Myrtle Warbler from this list is the one circumstance which seems to
discredit this interesting record of Palm Warbler in winter.—ED.|

Holyoke, Mass. (vicinity of Mt. Tom and Mt. Holyoke Ranges).—Dec. 26; 8 A.M. to
5 P.M. Ground white with 2 to 3 in. of snow; bright sun all day; slight wind, north to north-
west; temp. 12° at start, 17° at return; twelve to 14 miles on foot, partly by automobile.
Three observers together in morning, joined by fourth in afternoon. American Merganser,
8 (a flock); Ring-necked Pheasant, 2; Ruffed Grouse, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Barred Owl, 1;
Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Blue Jay, 9; Crow, 63; Starling, 49; Meadow-
lark, 2; Pine Grosbeak, 11 (x flock); Goldfinch, 54 (x flock); Tree Sparrow, 89 (1 flock, 50;
another, 35); Northern Shrike, 1 (chasing Chickadee); Mockingbird, 1; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 2; Chickadee, 28; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2. Total, 19 species, 337 individuals.
Mr. Bagg has been keeping watch of the Mockingbird since October 20.—JoHN A. FARLEY,
Rosert L. Corrin, ArtHuUR B. MitcHett, and Aaron C. Bacc.

Ipswich, Mass. (town to and over the Dunes and the Crane Estate).—Dec. 26; 8.30
AM. to 3.30 P.M. Clear or partly cloudy; 2 in. of snow; wind north, moderate; temp. about
25°. Ten miles on foot. Observers together except for a short time in afternoon. Holbeell’s
Grebe, 8; Horned Grebe, 1; Red-throated Loon, 1; Dovekie, 1; Great Black-backed Gull, 6;
Herring Gull, 300; Red-breasted Merganser, 150; Black Duck, 1,000; American Golden-eye,
60; Bufflehead, 1; Old Squaw, 2; American Scoter, 1; White-winged Scoter, 1; Ring-necked
Pheasant, 10; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Northern Flicker, 3; Horned
Lark, 7; American Crow, 175; Starling, 13; Meadow-lark, 2; Ipswich Sparrow, 1; Savannah
Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 25; Slate-colored Junco, 4; Myrtle Warbler, 24; Chickadee, 23;
Robin, 2. Total, 28 species, about 1,825 individuals. American Merganser, 15 (at North
Station, Boston, seen from train).—Six members of BROOKLINE Brrp Cius, by L. R. Tazor,
President.

Ipswich, Mass. (from Little Nahant to Ipswich).—Dec. 26; 11.30 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cloudy,
clearing in afternoon; 3 in. of snow; wind, northwest, light; temp. 24° at start, 28° at return.
Automobile and about 4 miles on foot. Observers together. Holbcell’s Grebe, 3; Horned
Grebe, 1; Dovekie, 17; Black-backed Gull, 5; Herring Gull, about 500; Ring-billed Gull, 1;
Red-breasted Merganser, 32; Black Duck, 80; Bufflehead, 23; Golden-eye, 30; Old Squaw, 5;
American Scoter, 1; White-winged Scoter, 10; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Crow, about 300;
Starling, 100; Pine Grosbeak, 6; Northern Shrike, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 14; Brown Creeper, 1;
Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 5. Total, 22 species, about 1,138 individuals.—DANIEL
O., Grace K., and Ospornr EARLE.

Leominster, Mass. (Leominster to Lowell and return).—Dec. 26; 7.30 A.M. to 5.30
p.M. Clear; 3 in. of snow; no wind; temp. 28° at start, 20° at return. Herring Gull, 10; Cooper’s

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 13

Hawk, 1; Pheasant, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 1;
Starling, 16; Tree Sparrow, 3; Chickadee, 19; Goldfinch, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2;
Northern Shrike, 2; Junco, 1. Total, 14 species, 69 individuals. A flock of about 20 Evening
Grosbeaks, and 6 to 8 Pine Grosbeaks were here at my home in Leominster for several days
two weeks ago. None observed today.—Epwin Russet Davis.

Mattapoisett, Mass.—Dec. 26; 8.30 to 11 A.M., 2 to 3.30 P.M. Overcast; light snow; wind
north, light; temp. 28° to 30°. Seven miles on foot. Observers together. Horned Grebe, 18;
Loon (Great Northern Diver), 4; Black-backed Gull, 2; Herring Gull, 28; Merganser, 8;
Red-breasted Merganser, 8; Bluebill, 3; Golden-eye, 29; Bufflehead, 8; Old Squaw, 24; Amer-
ican Scoter, 34; White-winged Scoter, 6; Surf Scoter, 2; Bob-White, 10; Pheasant, 1; Belted
Kingfisher, 1; Flicker, 8; Blue Jay, 18; Crow, 12; Starling, 39; Meadowlark, 16; Purple Grackle,
1; American Goldfinch, 3; Tree Sparrow, 2; Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 2; Northern Shrike, 1;
Myrtle Warbler, 52; Mockingbird, 1; Chickadee, 38; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2; Robin, 5.
Total, 32 species, 388 individuals—Mnr. and Mrs. J. E. Norton SHaw.

New Bedford and Dartmouth, Mass.—Dec. 26; 8.45 A.M. to 12.45 P.M.; 1.45 to 4.30 P.M.
Ground partly covered with light fall of snow; sun out at times, but mostly cloudy, with
frequent light snow-flurries; temp, at start, 26°, return, 29°; about 9 miles on foot, through
woods and open fields in a.m, along shore in p.m. Observers together, except for about one
hour in A.M. Horned Grebe, 9; Holbcell’s Grebe, 2; Black-backed Gull, 24; Herring Gull, 31;
Ring-bill Gull, 1; American Merganser, 2; American Golden-eye, 4; Scoter, 4; Ducks (uniden-
tified), 69; Quail, 14; Red-tail Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 2;
Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Flicker, 9; Horned Lark, 41; Blue Jay, 35;
Crow, 30; Goldfinch, 97; Starling, 1066 (1 flock, 1,000 est.); Meadowlark, 3; Evening Gros-
beak, 22; Tree Sparrow, 57; Junco, 76; Song Sparrow, 45; Northern Shrike, 2; Myrtle Warbler,
100; Brown Creeper, 4; Chickadee, 115; Bluebird, 13; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7; Robin, 6;
Total, 33 species, 1,902 individuals —EpitH FRANCIS WALKER, and ALICE PALMER TERRY.

Sharon, Mass.—Dec. 28; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clear; 2 in. of snow; light west wind; temp.
14° at start, 20° at return. Five miles on foot. Slate-colored Junco, 60; Tree Sparrow, 16;
Purple Finch, 3; Goldfinch, 22; Chickadee, 25; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Downy Wood-
pecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Flicker, 2; Crow, 14; Blue-jay, 20; Starling, 2; Northern
Shrike, 3; Quail, 15; Ruffed Grouse, 6; Ring-necked Pheasant, 5. Total, 16 species, 202
individuals —Mrs. Harriet U. GoopE AND Harry G. HIGBEE.

Sheffield, Mass.—Dec. 27; 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. Partly cloudy; light snow on ground;
wind light northwest; temp. 26°. (About 5 miles, upland pasture, wooded swamp, pine and
hemlock groves.) Ruffed Grouse, 5; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue
Jay, 6; Crow, c. 10; Starling, 3; Tree Sparrow, 8; Slate-colored Junco, 3; Northern Shrike, 1;
Chickadee, c. 25; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2. Total, 11 species; about 62 individuals. (7
Pine Grosbeaks Dec. 26, H. G.) —WAaLTER PricHarp Eaton, HAMILTON GIBSON AND TERTIUS
VAN DYKE.

Southampton, Mass.—Dec. 26; 8.30 A.M. to 12 M. and 1.30 to 3.30 P.M. Clear; light snow
over ice; no wind; temp. 9° above. Eight or 9 miles on foot. Ruffed Grouse, 2; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Blue Jay, 9; Evening Grosbeak, 4; Pine Grosbeak, 9;
Tree Sparrow, 41; Chickadee, 11. Total, 8 species, 84 individuals—Bersste M. Graves.

Weston, Mass.—Dec. 26; 7.40 to 10.40 A.M. and 2 to 4 p.m. Partly fair but mostly
overcast; 2 inches of snow on ground; light wind; temp. 20° to 32°. On foot. Ruffed Grouse,
1; Ring-necked Pheasant, 4; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, 12;
Crow, 12; Starling, 2; Northern Shrike, 1; Tree Sparrow, 35; Junco, 8; Brown Creeper, 3;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 18; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7. Total, 14 species,
tog individuals—WARREN F. EATON.

Williamstown, Mass.—Dec. 26; 9.30 A.M. to 12 M. Clear; ground completely covered
with about 4 in. of snow; no wind; temp. —4° at start, 15° at return. Five miles. Ruffed
Grouse, 2; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 2; Evening Grosbeak, 20; Slate-colored Junco, 7; Northern

4 Bird - Lore

Shrike, 3; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Black-capped Chickadee, 9;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5. Total, 10 species, 51 individuals —Wm. J. CARTWRIGHT.

East Providence, Barrington, and Bristol, R. I.—Dec. 27; 7.15 A.M. to 5 p.m. Cloudy
and light snow until 10 a.M., gradually clearing till 12 M., and very clear all afternoon; 2 in. of
snow, 1% in. of ice in woods, early; ground elsewhere icy or thinly covered with snow, which
melted for the most part in afternoon; wind 17 miles, west, dropping to 12 miles northwest
at finish. Temp. 25° at start, maximum 36° at 3 P.M., 30° at finish. Eighteen miles afoot and
three jumps by trolley. Crescent Park to Bullock’s Point and return; Barrington, through
swamp to beach, out Rumstick Neck and return; Bristol to south end of Mount Hope,
shore of Mount Hope Bay to Bristol Narrows, and return to Poppasquash. Observers together.
Horned Grebe, 10; Black Duck, 5; American Scaup, 4,600 (est.); American Golden-eye, 85;
Old Squaw, 25; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; American Sparrow Hawk, 1; Bob-white (tracks of)
15; Ring-necked Pheasant (?) (tracks of) 2; Herring Gull, 280 (est.); Downy Woodpecker.
8; Northern Flicker, 12; Blue Jay, 7; American Crow, 45; Starling, 17; American Goldfinch,
5; Tree Sparrow, 12; Song Sparrow, 10; Swamp Sparrow, 3; Northern Shrike (?), 1; Myrtle
Warbler, 50; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 13. Total, 24 species:
approx. 5,270 individuals. The pattern of head and throat, call-note, and secretive habits in
swamp of Swamp Sparrow noted. Two Juncosand 1 Ruffed Grouse were seen in North Scituate,
Dec. 26, by H. E. Childs. The total absence of Meadowlarks, Juncos, and scarcity of Tree
Sparrows is notable-——HeEnry E. Cuitps, JoHn Atpricu, and RusseLL BuGBEE (members
of Tech Bird Club, Technical High School).

Graniteville, R. I. to Timerock, R. I.—Dec. 27; 9.30 A.M. to 1 P.M., 2 to 4.30 P.M, Fair;
about % in. of snow on ground; wind, none to light northwest; temp. 45° to 35°. Ruffed
Grouse, 1; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 5; Starling, 2; Goldfinch, 14; Pine Siskin, 5; Tree Sparrow, 48;
Slate-colored Junco, 13; Song Sparrow, 2 (1 in song); Black-capped Chickadee, 3; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 4. Total, 11 species, 102 individuals——Epwarp H. PERKINS.

Newport, R. I.—Dec. 23; 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Cold rain all morning; fairly clear in the after-
noon; ice on the pond. Temp. at start, 18°, at finish, 16°. Distance covered about 15 miles.
Three observers, each alone. Holbcell’s Grebe, 5; Horned Grebe, 1; Loon, 6; Dovekie, 12;
Great Black-backed Gull, 3; Herring Gull, 600 (approximately); Cormorant ( Common or
Double-crested), 30; Red-breasted Merganser, 3; Black Duck, 7; American Golden-eye, 23;
Old Squaw, 7; American Scoter, 1; White-winged Scoter, 11; American Coot, 9; Wilson’s
Snipe, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Short-eared Ow], 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Northern Flicker,
1; Horned Lark, 9; Blue Jay, 2; American Crow, 6; Starling, 60 (approximately); Meadowlark,
10; American Goldfinch, 11; Tree Sparrow, 19; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 11;
Northern Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch,
2; Black-capped Chickadee, 11; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 11. Total 34 species, 883 individ-
uals. On Dec. 26, Lesser Scaup Duck, 2; Marsh Hawk, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Red-winged
Blackbird, 1; Snow Bunting, 7; Swamp Sparrow, 1; Fox Sparrow, 5; Mrytle Warbler, 1;
Robin, 1.—Sypney and Everett GReEASON, and HENRy BULL.

Warwick, R. I.—Dec. 25; 10.30 A.M. to 3 P.M. Cloudy, with fine rain at start; ground
ice covered, with some snow in sheltered spots, wind northeast, strong: temp. 26°. Seven
miles on foot. Scaup, 1,000 (est.); Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 27; Starling, 40; Goldfinch,
24; Tree Sparrow, 19; Slate-colored Junco, 15; Myrtle Warbler, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch
1; Chickadee, 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 12. Total 12 species, (about) 1,153 individuals.—
Harry S. HATHAWAY.

Bristol, Conn. (northwest quarter).—Dec. 26; 7.20 A.M. to 3.40 P.M. Clear; flare of
ice covered by 1% in. fresh snow; wind northeast, light; temp. 17° at start, 29° at return,
Thirteen to 14 miles on foot. Sparrow Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker,
1; Blue Jay, 41; Crow, 15; Starling, 266; Tree Sparrow, 56; Northern Shrike, 2; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 3. Total, 10 species, 388 individuals. R. W. Ford and F. Comes
left me at 11.30 A.M. Hairy Woodpecker seen by myself after the others left. Downy Wood

mn

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census I

pecker and White-breasted Nuthatch were seen by Messrs. Ford and Comes after leaving
me. A Screech Owl known to be in a certain hole could not be made to show himself, nor was
it accessible —FRANK BRUEN.

Fairfield, Conn. (Birdcraft Sanctuary and Fairfield Beach).—Dec. 26; 7 A.. to 4 P.M.
Cloudy, with light snow; temp. 30°. Herring Gull, 80; Black-crowned Night Heron, 8; Scaup,
12; Golden-eye, 3; Old Squaw, 22; Surf Scoter, 4; White-winged Scoter, 35; Sharp-shinned
Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 2; Downy Woodpecker,
5; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 4; Starling, 50 (flock); Purple Finch, 3; Goldfinch, 7; White-throated
Sparrow, 4; Tree Sparrow, 7; Junco, 35; Song Sparrow, 7; Northern Shrike, 1; Myrtle
Warbler, 3; Catbird, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 8; Golden-crowned Kinglet,
3. Total, 27 species, 314 individuals; five Great Black-backed Gulls seen Dec. 22.—F RANK
Novak, Warden.

Fairfield, Conn.—Dec. 27; 8.10 A.M. to 12.40 P.M. Partly cloudy; ground, with about
¥ in. of new-fallen snow; wind light southwest; temp. 28° to 35°. Nine miles on foot.
Horned Grebe, 1; Loon, 1; Herring Gull, 43; Mallard, 3; Scaup Duck, 7; Golden-eye, 14;
Old Squaw, 85; White-winged Scoter, 47; Surf Scoter, 10; Night Heron, 2; Red-shouldered
Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Kingfisher, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Blue
Jay, 7; Crow, 9; Starling, 44; Purple Finch, 4; Tree Sparrow, 42; Junco, 7; Song Sparrow,
4; Northern Shrike, 2; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 24;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2. Total, 27 species, 368 individuals.—Arertas A. SAUNDERS.

Hartford, Conn.—Dec. 26; 9.30 a.m. to 5 P.M. (dark.) Clear. 2-6-mile wind; ground
covered with light crust, and trees with ice., temp. 17° to 27°. Walked about 14 miles, cov-
ering Elizabeth Park, Reservoir Park, and about 6 miles of rolling farm and woodland going
from one park to the other. Alone. Ruffed Grouse, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Sparrow
Hawk, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 4; Crow, 100+; Starling, 25+; Tree Sparrow,
44; Junco, 40+; Northern Shrike, 1 (seen at distance of 50 ft.); Brown Creeper, 3; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 4; Chickadee, 20; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7; Total, 14 species, 256+
individuals. I saw 3 Pileated Woodpeckers on Dec. 18 and others saw a flock of 15 Evening
Grosbeaks on Dec. 17.—Gero. T. Griswoip (Hartford Bird Study Club).

Hartford, Conn.—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 12 M. Clear; ground snow-covered; light northwest
wind; temp. 18°. Ruffed Grouse, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 1;
Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 34; Starling, 56; Pine Gros-
beak, 6; Tree Sparrow, 27; Slate-colored Junco, 28; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee,
22. Total, 14 species, 191 individuals—Ctirrrorp M. Case.

Meriden, Conn.—Dec. 26. Clear sky, becoming partly cloudy; ground crusted with
% in. of snow, covered with a light fall, making good tracking; trees and shrubs ice-coated
from ice-storm of Dec. 24; wind north; temp. 26° to 30° to 24°. Forenoon walk, three hours,
4 miles of residential outskirts, farm section and swamp woodland. Afternoon walk, two
hours, 3 miles—1 mile along Quinnipiac River, and near sewage-disposal beds. Black Duck
31; Pintail Duck, 2 (flew directly overhead); Belted Kingfisher, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2;
Horned Lark, 23; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 100+; Starling, 75+ (25 scattered and one flock of 50+);
Tree Sparrow, 38; Black-capped Chickadee, 36. Total, 10 species, 316 individuals; also
English Sparrow, 16 (decreasing); one Sparrow Hawk and nine Golden-crowned Kinglets
seen on Dec. 25.—LESTER W. SMITH.

New London, Conn. (to Niantic and around Black Point).—Dec. 27; 8.30 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Snowing at start, afterwards clear; light covering of snow; wind west, very light; temp. 29°
at start, 38° at return. Fifteen miles on foot. Herring Gull, 124; Great Black-backed Gull, 1;
Red-breasted Merganser, 28; Black Ducks, 2; Scaup Duck, 100 (est.); Golden-eye, 30; Old
Squaw, 2; Canada Goose, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Crow, 20; Blue Jay, 6; Starling, 1,000
(est.); Tree Sparrow, 6; Song Sparrow, 8; Northern Shrike, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 1; Chickadee,
22. Total, 20 species, about 1,315 individuals. Also English Sparrow, 50.—FRANCES MINER
GRAVES.

16 Bird - Lore

South Windsor, Conn.—Dec. 25; six hours. Snow in the morning, cloudy all day; very
little wind; temp. 27°. About 7 miles. Herring Gull, 3; Merganser, 6; Black Duck, 2; Quail,
8; Ring-necked Pheasant, 4; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Long-eared Owl, 1;
Short-eared Owl, 6; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Prairie Horned Lark, 30;
Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 45; Starling, 10; Meadowlark, 8; Purple Finch, 25; Goldfinch 35;
Savannah Sparrow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 150; Song Sparrow, 14; Swamp-Sparrow, 1; Brown
Creeper, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Chickadee, 23. Total, 25 species, 399 individuals.—
C. W. VIBERT.

Albany, N. Y. (west of the city) —Dec. 25; 9 A.M. to 2 p.m. Cloudy; 2 in. of new-fallen
snow; wind northwest, light; temp. 8° at start, 14° at return. Twelve miles on foot. Sparrow
Hawk, 1; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 728; Starling, 37; Redpoll, 45; Tree Sparrow, 120; Red-breasted
Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 9. Total, 8 species, 947 individuals. A number of Northern Shrikes
seen this fall and winter and Pine Grosbeaks twice reported. Downy Woodpeckers and
White-breasted Nuthatches are numerous in certain localities —CLARENCE HOUGHTON.

Buffalo, N. Y. (Niagara River Shores).—Dec. 26; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sky mostly overcast;
about 3 in. of snow; wind southwest, light; temp. 21° at start, 24° at return. Observers
together. Iceland Gull, 1; Herring Gull, 360; Ring-billed Gull, 90; Bonaparte’s Gull, 375;
Merganser, 35; Red-breasted Merganser, 55; Mallard, 4; Black Duck, 215; Scaup Duck, 400;
Golden-eye, 225; Old Squaw, 375; Ring-necked Pheasant, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow,
350; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 8. Total, 16 species, (about) 2,408 individuals.
The smaller land-birds haye been scarce this winter. A Whistling Swan was swept over
Niagara Falls on Dec. 17. The Iceland Gull noted today was an immature specimen, and was
observed at close range as it rested on the rocks, with Herring and Ring-billed Gulls for
companions.—JAMES SAVAGE, THomas L. BourNE, and BARNARD S. BRONSON.

Collins, N. Y. (hospital grounds and Cattaraugus Indian Reservation).— Dec. 26; 10
A.M. to 4 P.M. Clear in A.M., light snow in P.M.; no wind. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Hairy
Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 3; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 2; Gold-
finch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 30; Slate-colored Junco, 20; Song Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 6 (studied
closely; live here; seen for years past); Northern Shrike, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3;
Chickadee, 14. Total, 14 species, about 91 individuals. Robin, Screech Owl, Barred Owl
seen last week in December and known to be wintering —(Dr.) ANNE E. PERKINS.

Fort Plain, N. Y.—Dec. 26; 8 a.m. to 12.30 P.M. and 2 P.M. to 5 P.M. Bright sunshine; 6 in.
snow; wind northwest, light; temp. —16° at start; +10° at return. Route, vicinity of
Mohawk River, Abeel Island, Little Run, Oak and Otsquago Creek Valleys, including heavy
woods on Oak Hill. Observers together during morning; also beagle hound. About 15 miles
on foot. Ruffed Grouse, 6; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Blue Jay, 1;
American Crow, 75; Starling, 80; Tree Sparrow, 25; Northern Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 1;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Black-capped Chickadee, 25. Total, 11 species, 223 individuals.
Fresh tracks in snow: Ring-necked Pheasant, pursued by mink, takes flight; Dec. 10, 3 Pine
Grosbeaks; Dec. 20, Robin, pursued by Northern Shrike, escapes.—Doucras Ayres, JR. and
Everett LASHER.

Geneva, N. Y. (to Junius, border city swamp, Seneca Lake, and Glenwood Cemetery).
—Dec. 29; 8.30 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cloudy; strong northwest wind; snow-squalls at intervals;
temp. 33° to 15°. Observers working in different directions. Horned Grebe, 7; Loon, 1;
Herring Gull, 51; Ring-billed Gull, 3; American Merganser, 13; Red-breasted
Merganser, 5; Hooded Merganser, 1; Redhead, 4,000-+ ; Canvasback, 12; Greater Scaup, 700+,
Lesser Scaup, 5; American Golden-eye, 17; Bufflehead, 7; Old Squaw, 3; White-winged Scoter;
4; Pheasant, 19; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Wood-
pecker, 5; Crow, 500+; Starling, 1; Meadowlark, 2; Redpoll, 7; Goldfinch, 3; Pine Siskin,
1; Song Sparrow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 75; Junco, 6; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 13; Black-capped Chickadee, 38; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7. Total, 33 species, 5,516
individuals.—E. H. Eaton, Mrs. H. H. HENDERSON, and Matcotm S. JOHNSTON.

ow ——S

———

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 17

Marcellus, N. Y. (to Otisco Lake and return through Navarino and Pleasant Valley ).—
Dec. 27; 10.10 A.M. to 5.15 P.M. Cloudy; 2 in. of snow; wind varying from southwest to
northwest, light to fairly strong in afternoon; temp. 30° at start, 27° at return. Thick ice on
ponds and lake with some open water in Nine Mile Creek. Eighteen miles on foot. Black
Duck, 1; Ruffed Grouse, 2; Ring-necked Pheasant, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow, 20;
Tree Sparrow, 10; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 22. Total,
9 species, 60 individuals—NeEi Horcukiss.

Rochester, N. Y. (Highland, Ontario Beach and Durand-Eastman Parks and vicinities).—
Dec. 23; 7.30 A.M. to8 p.m. Cloudy; 2 in. of snow; wind south, 10 miles per hour; temp. 26°
at start, 28° at return. Ten miles on foot. Observers together after 10 A.M. Horned Grebe,
4; Herring Gull, 200; Ring-billed Gull, 300; Merganser, 1; Scaup Duck, 6; White-winged
Scoter, 1; Great Blue Heron, 1; Ring-necked Pheasant, 30; Screech Owl, 2; Downy Wood-
pecker, 3; Crow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 24; Slate-colored Junco, 10; Song Sparrow, 2; Cedar Wax-
wing, 2; Migrant Shrike, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chicka-
dee, 22; Robin, 1. Total, 20 species, about 617 individuals. Northern Shrike noted by Mr.
Edson on December 22 at Highland Park, about 5 miles from where the Migrant Shrike was
noted on the 23d. Both of these birds were noted in good light at a distance of not over 30
feet with 6X and 8 binoculars—Wwm. L. G. Epson, R. E. Horsey, F. R. SHumway.

Syracuse, N. Y. (Liverpool, Long Branch to Pleasant Beach, same route for the past ten
years).—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 3.25 P.M. Clear; 4 in. of snow; lake and outlet frozen; no wind;
temp. 14° at start. Six miles on foot. Herring Gull, 19; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy
Woodpecker, 6; Crow, 5; American Goldfinch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 58; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 3; Chickadee, 24. Total, 8 species, 117 individuals ——NeEtTTIE M. SADLER.

Waterford, N. Y.—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.,3 to 5 P.M. Clear; 3 in. of snow; wind north,
light; temp. 5° (20° at noon) 15° at return. Twelve miles along Hudson, abandoned
Champlain Canal, wooded ravine, open field, marsh, and upland meadow; country nine-
tenths open fields, the rest deciduous sprout wood-lots. River frozen solid except in one spot.
American Merganser, 50; Whistler, 40; Duck (sp.?), 50; Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Sparrow
Hawk, 1; Kingfisher, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Crow, 15; Starling,
100; Redpoll, 40; Tree Sparrow, 40; Song Sparrow, 7; Northern Shrike, 1; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 10. Total, 15 species, 313 individuals (+ the flock of Ducks).
Dec. 22—Jay, 3; last Gull left; Meadowlark, 20. Dec. 25—Red-legged Black Duck, 6;
Prairie Horned Lark, 2—EpDGAR BEDELL.

Schenectady, N. Y. (Vale Cemetery and Central Park).—Dec. 25; 9 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and
2to4 P.M. Cloudy; several inches of snow; no wind; temp. 20°. Distance covered, about
8 miles. Ruffed Grouse, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 3; Crow,
15; Starling, 8; American Goldfinch, 5; Tree Sparrow, 25; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2;
Chickadee, 8. Total, 10 species, 70 individuals. On December 20, I saw three Bluebirds at
close range-—WaALTER S. PHYLo.

New York City (Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx Park and Pelham Bay Park).—Dec. 26; 8.45
AM. to5pP.M. Clear; ground nearly bare; light west wind; temp. 26° to 34° to 28°. About 12
miles on foot. Loon, 2; Great Black-backed Gull, 1; Herring Gull, 400; American Merganser,
33; Canvasback. 1; Scaup Duck (sp.?), 37; Great Blue Heron, 1; Black-crowned Night Heron,
69; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Duck Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1;
Downy Woodpecker, 5; Blue Jay, 3; American Crow, 25; Starling, 200; White-throated Spar-
row, 20; Tree Sparrow, 22; Field Sparrow, 5; Slate-colored Junco, 3; Song Sparrow, 29;
Swamp Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, 7; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Black-capped Chickadee,
22; Robin, 1. Total, 26 species, 898 individuals. Dec. 25 in Van Cortlandt Park, 3 Black
Ducks were seen by L. O. W.—L. N. Nicuots, P. H. NEtson (8.45 A.M. to 12 M.), L. O.
WILLIAMS, and R. FRIEDMAN.

New York City (from 231st Street subway station to Jerome Reservoir, Van Cortlandt
Park, Williams Bridge, Bronx Park, Unionport, Castle Hill, and Clason Point)—Dec. 26;

18 Bird - Lore

9 AM. to 5 P.M. Clear; ground bare, frozen; wind northwest, brisk; temp. 27° to 31°. Ten
and a half miles on foot. Trolley used between West Farms and Unionport to save time trav-
ersing city streets. Observers together. Herring Gull, about 100; Black Duck, 2; Scaup sp.,
1 (male); Ruddy Duck, 2 (males), 4 (females). (Ducks in Jerome Reservoir); Black-crowned
Night Heron, 42 (Bronx Park colony); Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Red-
shouldered Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 32;
Starling, 8; Tree Sparrow, 20 (flock); Junco, 3; Song Sparrow, 3; Northern Shrike, 2 (1 in
Bronx Park, 1 in Castle Hill); Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Black-capped
Chickadee, 25. Total 20 species, about 260 individuals. Grorce E. Hrx, Cart CaALsTRom,
Writuram McGintey, and BERNARD NATHAN. (The last three are Boy Scouts.)

Staten Island, N. Y. (Moravian Cemetery, Great Kills, and Princess Bay.)—Dec. 25;
8.30 A.M. to 3 P.M. Remains of snow on ground; temp. about 28°. Observers together.
Loon, 1; Horned Grebe, 1; Herring Gull, 300; Red-breasted Merganser, 1; Black Duck, 6;
Scaup Duck, 3; Golden-eye, 100; Ruddy Duck, 1; Canada Goose, 8; Cooper’s Hawk, 1;
Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow, 50; Starling, 100; Goldfinch, 25; White-
throated Sparrow, 1; Tree Sparrow, 1; Junco, 25; Song Sparrow, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; Chicka-
dee, 15; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 6. Total, 22 species, about 650 individuals.—LeEstTeErR L.
Watsu and Georce B. Witmorr (Brooklyn Birdlovers’ Club).

Douglaston, L. I., N. ¥.—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 2P.M. Generally fair; a little snow but not
enough to cover the ground; wind negligible; temp. 20 “at start, 32° at return. Observers
together. Herring Gull, 25; Black-crowned Night Heron, 20 (a small wintering colony);
Sparrow Hawk, 2; Large Owl, not identified, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 2; Horned
Lark, 20; Crow, 150; Fish Crow, 30 (the relative numbers of the two species of Crows probably
not accurate); Starling, 6; Vesper Sparrow, 5 (studied with 6 X glasses at 25 ft., habit of run-
ning on ground and white outer tail feathers observed); Tree Sparrow, 60; Song Sparrow, 5;
Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 8; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2.
Total, 17 species, 340 individuals—Mr. and Mrs. G. CLypE FISHER.

East Marion, L. I., N. Y¥.—Dec. 27; 9.30 to 11.30 A.M. and 2 to 4 P.M. Clear after snow-
flurry in early A.M.; wind northwest, light; temp. 28° at start, 31° at return. At least 4
miles on foot along bay shore, fields, and woods roads. Horned Grebe, 9; Common Loon, 1;
Great Black-backed Gull, 1; Herring Gull, 175+; Ring-billed Gull, 1; Scaup, 100+; American
Golden-eye, 20; Old Squaw, 11; White-winged Scoter, 6; Horned Lark, 16; Crow, 25+;
Starling, 60-++-; Meadowlark, 8; Goldfinch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 18; Song Sparrow, 22; Myrtle
Warbler, 15; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 7; Robin, 1. Total, 20
species, about 498 individuals.—Mapet R. WIcGINs.

Hempstead, L. I., N. Y.—Dec. 25; 8 to 11 A.M., 2 to 4.30 P.M Hail in A.M., undecided and
unfavorable all day; av. temp. 35°. Herring Gull, 315+; Wilson’s Snipe, 1; Quail, 12+;
Cooper’s Hawk, (?), 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Horned Lark, 60+; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 397+;
Starling, 29; Tree Sparrow, 36; Slate-colored Junco, 17; Song Sparrow, 13; Swamp Sparrow.
3; Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 6. Total,
17 species, 898 individuals —JEANNE O. Ritrer and THEopoRE G. ROEHNE.

Long Beach, L. I., N. Y.—Dec. 26; 9.45 A.M. to 4.15 P.M. Clear in morning, cloudy in
afternoon; snow; temp. 26°. Thirteen miles covered on foot. Light northwest breeze. Ob-
servers remained together. Horned Grebe, 20; Herring Gull, 300; Great Black-backed Gull,
1; Red-breasted Merganser, 1; Black Duck, 28; Scaup Duck, 2; Bufflehead, 2; Old Squaw, 5;
American Scoter, 25; White-winged Scoter, 175; Surf Scoter, 300; Snowy Owl, 1; Horned
Lark, 52; Prairie Horned Lark, 1; American Crow, 3; Starling, 1; Snow Bunting, 100; Lapland
Longspur, 2; Ipswich Sparrow, 1. Total, 19 species, about 1,020 individuals—FRANK and
Rospert MATHEWS.

Long Beach, L. I., N. ¥.—Dec. 26; 9.30 A.M.to 5P.M. Clear to overcast; light north wind;
temp. 22° at start, 32° at return. Twelve miles on foot. Horned Grebe, 30; Holbeell’s
Grebe, 1; Black-backed Gull, 40 (chiefly across inlet on Jones Beach); Herring Gull, 500+;

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 10

Bonaparte Gull, 1; Red-breasted Merganser, 4; Black Duck, 4; Old Squaw, 7; American
Scoter, 10; White-winged Scoter, 500+; Surf Scoter, 100+; Marsh Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk,
2; Snowy Owl, 1; Horned Lark, 75; Prairie Horned Lark, 1; American Crow, 20; Starling, 60;
Meadowlark, 1; Snow Bunting, 100; Lapland Longspur, 2; Ipswich Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow,
6; Song Sparrow, 2. Total, 24 species, 1,471-+ individuals. (Holbcell’s Grebe and Lapland
Longspurs added by Mr. W. R. Boulton.)—CHarLEs JOHNSTON.

Long Beach, L. I., N. Y.—Dec. 21. No ice or snow; dandelions still in bloom. Morning
cloudy; wind light, southwest; thick haze off shore; temp. rising from 39°; heavy clouds and
northwest gale from early afternoon with quick fall of temperature to 8° by morning. Horned
Grebe, 12; Red-throated Loon 2; Black-backed Gull, moderate numbers; Herring Gull, many
thousands; Ring-billed Gull, 4 (adult and immature); Red-breasted Merganser, 7; Black
Duck, great flocks off shore on the water and in flight; Old-Squaw, an adult male dead on the
beach perfectly fresh; White-winged Scoter, large numbers, one flock of near 2,000; Surf
Scoter, numerous; Marsh Hawk, a male; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Crow, common; Starling, say 100;
Snow Bunting, flock of about 125; Seaside Sparrow, 1; Tree Sparrow, 465; Song Sparrow, 2.
Total, 18 species. Very unusual at this season to miss Old Squaws, Horned Larks, Ipswich
Sparrows and Myrtle Warblers.—E. P. BICKNELL.

Mastic, L. I., N. Y.—Dec. 26; between 7 a.m. and 2P.M.; 514 hours in the field. Cloudy, a
powdering of new snow, almost gone by noon; open water everywhere, except ice at mouth of
creek; wind northeast, dying down; temp. 32° to 40°. Mainland and marsh bordering bay.
Observers together and separate. Great Black-backed Gull, 2; Herring Gull, 8; American
Merganser, 5; Black Duck, 30; Golden-eye, 5; Ducks, (unidentified, probably mostly Marila),
250; Canada Goose, rg (a flock migrating high); Great Blue Heron, 2; American Coot (Fulica),
170 (J. T. N.); Mourning Dove, 6; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Rough-legged Hawk,
1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 6; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 6; Blue Jay, 40;
American Crow, 30; Starling, 350 (mostly 1 or 2 large flocks in pastures); Meadowlark, 8;
Goldfinch, 6; Tree Sparrow, 35; Junco, 15; Song Sparrow, 6; Northern Shrike, 1; Myrtle
Warbler, 50; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1 (W. F. N.); Black-capped Chick-
adee, 25; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 12. Total, 30+ species, 1,096 individuals. No House
Sparrows. The Coots were on the bay, many close to the marsh, whence they flew further out
when approached. Observed as close and as long as desired, mostly in one straggling flock.—
W. F. and J. T. NicHots.

Montauk (to Montauk Point) L. I., N. Y.—Dec. 24; daylight until dark. Sky overcast,
occasionally drizzling; wind northeast, light; temp. 40°. Observers together. Holbcell’s
Grebe, 4; Horned Grebe, 25; Loon, 200; Red-throated Loon, 3; Iceland Gull, 1; Great Black-
backed Gull, 7; Herring Gull, 1,500; Bonaparte’s Gull, 1; Gannet, 1 (ad.); American Merganser,
25; Red-breasted Merganser, 75; Hooded Merganser, 1; Black Duck, 50; Scaup, 2; Golden-
eye, 25; Bufflehead, 1; Old Squaw, 40; American Scoter, 50; White-winged Scoter, 750; Surf
Scoter, 50; Canada Goose, 85; American Coot, 5; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sharp-shinned (?) Hawk,
1; Horned Lark, 34; Crow, 16; Starling, 2,200; Meadowlark, 5; Tree Sparrow, 9; Song Sparrow,
5; Myrtle Warbler, 25; Chickadee, 3. Total, 32 species, 5,215 individuals. Scarcity of the
commoner Ducks and land-birds remarkable-—Juttus M. JoHNson and Luptow Griscom.

Northport, L.I., N. Y.—Dec. 27; 11 A.M. to4p.M. Clear; % in. of newly fallen snow, bays
and Sound clear of ice; wind northwest, light; temp. 35°. Horned Grebe, 3; Herring Gull,
250; Ring-billed Gull, 1 (im.); Black Duck, 8; Greater Scaup Duck, over 1,000; Old Squaw,
150; American Scoter, 10; White-winged Scoter, 65; Surf Scoter, 300; Crow, 8; Starling, 11;
Meadowlark, 1; Tree Sparrow, 4; Juncos, 9; Song Sparrow, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 6; Chickadee,
1. Total, 17 species, about 1800 individuals. All of the Scaup were in Northport Harbor;
all of the Scoters and most of the Old Squaws were in the Sound. Land-birds were remarkably
scarce though conditions for observation were excellent EDWARD FLEISHER.

Sands Point, L. I., N. ¥Y.—Dec. 23, 12.30 to 1.30 P.M. and 3.20 to 5 P.M. Cloudy; 2 in. of
snow; wind west, moderate; temp. about 36°. Three miles on foot. Observers together.

Bird - Lore

to
io)

Loon, 1; Herring Gull, 20; American Golden-eye, 12; Great Blue Heron, 1; Red-shouldered
Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 1; Horned Lark, 7; American Crow, 3;
Meadowlark, 3; Starling, 4; Goldfinch, 7; White-throated Sparrow, 1; Tree Sparrow, 10;
Slate-colored Junco, 7; Song Sparrow, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 1;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 20 species, about 84 individuals.—Louisr B. LamLtow
and Lar Low O. WILLIAMs.

Northvale, N. J., to Sneden’s Landing, N. Y.—Dec. 26; 12.15 to 4.30 P.M. Fine; wind,
north, light; ground mostly bare; temp. 25°. Herring Gull, 6; American Merganser, 3;
Downy Woodpecker, 2; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Blue
Jay, 6; Crow, 3; Starling, 100; Crossbill, 4; American Goldfinch, 4; Tree Sparrow, 50; Song
Sparrow, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 1; Chickadee, 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3; Robin, 1. Total
17 species, 199 individuals.—Mr. and Mrs. STANLEY V. LaDow.

Bridgeton, N. J.—Dec. 26; 8.30 A.M. to 5P.M. Morning clear, afternoon cloudy; no snow;
west winds; temp. 24° to 40°. Herring Gull, 5; Great Blue Heron, 1; Killdeer, 7; Bob-
white, 2; Mourning Dove, 38; Turkey Vulture, 81; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Red-shouldered
Hawk, 1; American Sparrow Hawk, 6; Saw-whet Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 14; Horned Lark, 350; Crow, about 1,800; Starling, about 500;
Red-winged Blackbird, 35; Meadowlark, 41; Goldfinch, 86; Pine Siskin, 80; White-throated
Sparrow, 63; Tree Sparrow, 15; Field Sparrow, 76; Slate-colored Junco, 350; Song Sparrow,
87; Fox Sparrow, 5; Cardinal, 28; Myrtle Warbler, 38; Winter Wren, 13; Brown Creeper, 17;
Tufted Titmouse, 210; Black-capped Chickadee, 235; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 12; Hermit
Thrush, 1; Robin, 2; Bluebird, 2. Total, 36 species, 4,210 individuals —BENNET?® K. Matiack.

Camden, N. J. (and vicinity).—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 4.30P.M. Clear; wind west, light; temp.
20° to 35°. Herring Gull, 75; Black Duck, 1; Scaup Duck (Lesser), 10; Black-crowned
Night Heron, 1; Mourning Dove, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 5; Barn Owl, 3 (1 dead); Screech Owl,
1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 2; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 15; Starling, 200; Goldfinch, 2; White-
throated Sparrow, 12; Tree Sparrow, 8; Junco, 30; Song Sparrow, 15; Swamp Sparrow, 4;
Cardinal, 10; Myrtle Warbler, 2; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Red-
breasted Nuthatch, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Chickadee, 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5; Total
27 species, 418 individuals.—JuL1an K. Porrer.

Elizabeth, N. J. (between shore Newark Bay and Milburn).—Dec. 26; 7 A.M. to 5.30 P.M.
Clear; light west wind; snow patches; temp. 18° at start, 28° at return. About 16 miles on
foot. Herring Gull, 125 (smaller number than last year due to difference in tide; Bonaparte’s
Gull, 4 (spot on head seen; in same locality, 14 seen Dec. 18); Black Duck, about 25 (1 on
bay; two small flocks, probably Blacks, heard after dark); Greater Scaup Duck, 3 (in hunter’s
bag); Ring-necked Pheasant, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 3; Sparrow
Hawk, 1; Barn Owl, 1; Short-eared Owl, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 4;
Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Horned Lark, 35; Blue Jay, 3; American Crow, 13; Starling,
161; Cowbird, 5; Meadowlark, 20; Purple Finch, 8; Goldfinch, 26; Sharp-tailed Sparrow, 1;
White-throated Sparrow, 7; Tree Sparrow, 95; Field Sparrow, 2; Slate-colored Junco, 68:
Song Sparrow, 29; Swamp Sparrow, 3; Cardinal, 1; Northern Shrike, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 1;
Winter Wren, 2; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Black-
capped Chickadee, 22; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7. Total, 37 species, (about) 718 individu-
als. More Starlings than House Sparrows. Great Blue Heron seen Dec. 11 and 18 not found
Dec. 26.—Cnar es A. URNER.

Moorestown, N. J.—Dec. 26; 8 A.M. to1 P.M. Clear; ground bare; wind north, very light;
temp. 18° at start, 30° at return. Trip by automobile to promising localities, about 5 miles
on foot. Observers most of the time together. Herring Gull, 18; American Merganser, 35;
Turkey Vulture, 1; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 4; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Wood-
pecker, 1; Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 500 (est.); Starling, 23; Goldfinch, 6; White-throated
Sparrow, 5; Tree Sparrow, 14; Field Sparrow, 1; Junco, 87; Song Sparrow, 13; Cardinal, 7;
Northern Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 16; Golden-

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 21

crowned Kinglet, 6. Total, 23 species, 750 individuals—M. ALBERT LINTON and ANNA A.
MICKLE.

Morristown, N. J.—Dec. 18; 7.15 to 10.45 A.M., 1.30 to 5 P.M.; clear in A.m., partly over-
cast P.M.; ground bare; wind strong to high, southwest to northwest; temp. 44° to 50° to 42°
Cutler Park, Lake Road, Speedwell Park, Evergreen Cemetery, to Monroe, and intervening
territory, about ten miles, on foot, alone in a.M., with Mrs. Caskey inp.m. Red-tailed Hawk,
1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Kingfisher, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2;
Blue Jay, 22; Crow, 73; Starling, 48; Purple Finch, 1; White-throated Sparrow, 1; Tree Spar-
row, 54; Junco, 41; Song Sparrow, 12; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 10;
Tufted Titmouse, 1; Chickadee, 14; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 21. Total, 18 species, 309 indi-
viduals.—R. C. CASKEY.

Mount Holly, N. J.—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to4p.m. Clear; wind light, west; temp. 20°. Mount
Holly to Smithville and return, and Mount Holly to Hainesport and return, about 7 miles on
foot. Observers together. Black Duck, 25; Turkey Vulture, 10; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-tailed
Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Sapsucker, 1; Blue
Jay, 2; Crow (roost), 15,000; Starling 30; Meadowlark, 1; Goldfinch, 4; Siskin, 8; White-
throated Sparrow, 5; Tree Sparrow, 35; Junco, 50; Song Sparrow, 3; Cardinal, 6; Northern
Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Tufted
Titmouse, 3; Black-capped Chickadee, 12; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 15. Total, 26 species,
15,235 individuals—Mnr. and Mrs. NEtson D. W. Pumyea.

Newark, N. J.—Dec. 27; 9 A.M. to 12 M. and 3.30 to 4.30 P.M. Cloudy, soon lediinps oi
in. of new snow; temp. 29° to 38°. Forest Hill to Bloomfield and return, open fields and wooded
streams in A.M. Branch Brook Park in p.m. About ten miles afoot. Sharp-shinned Hawk,
1, Horned Lark, about 50; Blue Jay, 1; Starling, about 100; White-throated Sparrow, 10;
Tree Sparrow, 2; Slate-colored Junco, 1; Song Sparrow, 2. Total, 8 species, about 167 individ-
uals.—R. F. HAULENBEEK.

Ocean Grove, N. J.—Dec. 26; 8.15 A.M. to 2.40 P.M. and 3.50 to 5 P.M. Ground practically
bare; light northwest wind; temp. 20°. Sections of Bradley Beach, Bradley Park, Ocean
Grove, Interlaken, Belmar, and adjacent country. Holbeell’s Grebe, 1; Herring Gull, 50;
Bonaparte’s Gull, 6; American Scaup Duck (?), 2; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Downy Woodpecker,
1; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 10; Starling, 12; Goldfinch, 1; Junco, 12; Song Sparrow, 7; Northern
Shrike, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 12; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Red-breasted
Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 3; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4; Robin, 3. Total, 20 species, 142
individuals. Titmice, Tree Sparrows, and a Great Blue Heron seen on Dec. 24.—Mary
PreRSON ALLEN.

Plainfield, N. J. (to Ash Swamp and back).—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. Clear; ground
largely bare; little wind. About 12 miles on foot. Ring-necked Pheasant, 2; Red-tailed Hawk,
3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Saw-whet Owl, 3; Screech Owl, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy
Woodpecker, 10; Blue Jay, 5; American Crow, 31; Starling, 15; Goldfinch, 6 (flock); White-
throated Sparrow, 4 (flock); Tree Sparrow, too; Junco, 125; Song Sparrow, 16; Swamp Spar-
row, 2; Cardinal, 1; Northern Shrike, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 1; Brown Creeper, 5; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 9; Tufted Titmouse, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 11; Golden-crowned Kinglet,
3 (flock). Total, 24 species, 362 individuals—W. DE W. Mirrer.

Princeton, N. J., to Plainsboro and Rocky Hill and back (Millstone River, Carnegie
Lake, anc two red cedar groves).—Dec. 26; 7 A.M. to 5.20 P.M. Fine; ground mostly bare;
river open; lake frozen; wind northwest, very light; temp. 17° at start, 31° at 1 P.M., 33° at
return. Fourteen miles on foot, 4 (after dark) by autobus. Black Duck, 1; Red-shouldered
Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Long-eared Owl, 5, (flock) ; Saw-whet Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker,
3; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Flicker, 3; Horned Lark, 200; Blue Jay, 6; American Crow, 210;
Fish Crow, 8; Starling, 175; Goldfinch, 6; White-throated Sparrow, 8 (flock); Tree Sparrow,
50; Field Sparrow, 3, (flock); Junco, 33; Song Sparrow, 34; Swamp Sparrow, 5; Cardinal, 7;
Northern Shrike, 2; Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Tufted

Bird - Lore

to
tN

Titmouse, 12; Black-capped Chickadee, 5 (flock); Carolina Chickadee. 2; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 5. Total, 29 species, about 800 individuals. Northern Shrikes are far more common
than in any previous winter in my experience.—Cuarves H. RoGers.

Richfield, N. J.—Dec. 25; 8 a.m. to1p.m. Cloudy, 1 in. of snow; wind south, brisk; temp.
28° at start, 34° at finish. Seven miles on foot. Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1;
Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 7; Starling, about 75; Goldfinch, 19; White-
throated Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 6; Junco, 4; Song Sparrow, 2; Chickadee 4. Total, 12
species, 124 individuals—Louts S. KoHLer.

Westfield, N. J. (to Garwood and return and then to Watchung Mountains).—Dec. 26;
9.15 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. Bright sun; slight remains of snow on ground; no wind; temp. 33° at
start and 37° at return. About 7 miles on foot. Screech Owl, 1 (found asleep in hole); Ring-
necked Pheasant, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 9; Crow, 10; Starling, 12; Goldfinch,
2; Tree Sparrow, 6; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 7; Northern Shrike, 1; Black-capped
Chickadee, 4; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2; Robin, 6. Total, 14 species, 65 individuals. Also
English Sparrow, 3—FRANK ALLATT.

Chestnut-Hill and Whitemarsh, Pa.—Dec. 26; 12 M. to 4 P.M. Partly cloudy; ground un-
covered; wind north, light; temp. 25°. About five miles on foot. Hawk (not identified), 4;
Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Flicker, 4; Crow, 10; Starling, about 40; White-
throated Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, about 40; Junco, about 30; Song Sparrow, 4; Cardinal,
4; Northern Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 2.
Total, 15 species, about 151 individuals—GerorGE Lear.

Emsworth, Pa.—Dec. 26; 8.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M., 1.30 to 5.45 P.M. Cloudy; ground bare
and frozen; wind west, light; temp. 20°. Twenty-six miles on foot. Observers together.
Ruffed Grouse, 2; Screech Owl (now spending ninth winter in bird-box), 1; Hairy Woodpecker,
4; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Blue Jay, 3; Crow 8 (flock); English Starling, 14 (flock); Goldfinch,
6; Tree Sparrow 50 (flock); Junco, 9; Song Sparrow, 10; Cardinal 20; Towhee, (male) 1;
Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Black-capped Chickadee, 3;
Tufted Titmouse, 4; Bluebird, 4. Total, 19 species, 156 individuals. The Starlings were the
first we had ever seen in western Pennsylvania. They were feeding at a garbage dump near
the Lowrie Run iron bridge at the hog-farm. They were observed at 60 feet. McConnell had
previously made their acquaintance around Philadelphia last June—THomas L. McCon-
NELL, R. H. Spencer, and Lours McConne Lt.

Essington, Pa.—Dec. 25; 10 A.M. to 2.30 P.M. Cloudy; no snow; scarcely any wind; a few
degrees above freezing. About 8 miles through Tinicum Woods, through meadows, along
Hook Creek and along the tidal flats along Darby Creek. Herring Gull, 3; Red-breasted
Merganser, 4; Mallard Duck, 12; Black Duck, 24; Red-headed Duck, 11; Scaup Duck, 2;
American Golden-eye Duck, 1; Marsh Hawk, 4; Cooper’s Hawk, 2; Red-tailed Hawk, 7; Red-
shouldered Hawk, 1; Broad-winged (?) Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Flicker, 1; Horned Lark,
30; Crow, 1,000; Starling, 4oo; Red-winged Blackbird, 10; Meadowlark, 1; Goldfinch, 18;
Savannah Sparrow, 1; White-throated Sparrow, 15; Tree Sparrow, 45; Junco, 18; Song Spar-
row, 55; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Cardinal, 2. Total, 27 species, 1,674 individuals. Kinglet,
Chickadee, Nuthatch, Titmouse, and Woodpeckers all missing, and though seen during
December are very scarce in this vicinity.—V. A. Drses.

Lititz, Pa. (Hammer Creek Valley, northern Lancaster County).—Dec. 20; 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Ciear; ground bare; wind northwest, light; temp. 20° at start, 26° at return. Total route about
35 miles. Bob-white, 56 (4 coveys); Ruffed Grouse, 1; Ring-necked Pheasant, 2; Mourning
Dove, 1; Turkey Vulture, 16; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 3; Sparrow Hawk,
4; Screech Owl, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 10; Flicker, 3; Crow, about 3,000; Starling, 170; Gold-
finch, 9; Tree Sparrow, 215; Junco, 90; Song Sparrow, 15; Cardinal, 2; Shrike (Loggerhead or
Migrant), (singing) 3; Winter Wren, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 22. Total,
22 species, 883 individuals (excluding Crows). Dec. 20, Great Blue Heron.—Hersert H.
Breck, ABRAHAM Beck MILLER, J. Henry Suay, and bird dog.

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 23

Muncy, Pa.—Dec. 26; 8.15 A.M. to 1 p.m. Bright sun at start, cloudy and snow after
10.30; light northwest wind; temp. at start 12°, at return 22°. Eleven miles on foot along small
streams and Susquehanna River. Merganser, 1; Hawk (Red-Shouldered or Red-Tailed), 1;
Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Crow, 31; Field Sparrow, 20; Slate-colored Junco,
30+; Cardinal (male and female), 2; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Tufted
Titmouse, 14; Black-capped Chickadee, 40+. Total, 12 species, 155+ individuals —Harry
E. Mirts.

Oakmont to Eagle (Delaware Co.) Pa., via Darby Creek and surrounding country.—Dec.
26; 10.30 A.M. to4P.M. Temp. 25°; ten miles on foot. Observers together all the time. Marsh
Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Crow, 25+; Starling, 10; Goldfinch,
2; White-throated Sparrow, 6; Tree Sparrow, 50+; Field Sparrow, 8; Junco, 100+; Song
Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 5; Northern Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 1. Total, 14 species, 219
individuals—Wa. H. Yoper, Jr., and HENRY GAEDE.

Reading, Pa.—Dec. 18; 9.30 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. Clear; ground bare; brisk southwest wind;
temp. 42° at noon. Observers together. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Spar-
cow Hawk, 1;:Quail, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Crow, 25; Starling, 30; Purple Finch, 18;
Goldfinch, 4; Tree Sparrow, 33; Junco, 19; Song Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 2; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 5; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1. Total, 15 species, 154 individuals—Mr. and Mrs.
G. Henry MENGEL.

Sewickley, Pa. (Clinton Pond to Sewickley).—Dec. 26; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cloudy; light
snow; light south wind; temp. 27° at start 32° at return. Ten miles on foot. Observers to-
gether. Bob-white, 20; Ring-necked Pheasant, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 5;
Downy Woodpecker, 8; Goldfinch, 50; Tree Sparrow, 135; Junco, 30; Song Sparrow, 15;
Cardinal, 8; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Tufted Titmouse, 9; Chickadee, 33. Total, 13
species, 334 individuals—Bayarp H. Curisty and FRANK A. HEGNER.

Springs, Pa.—Dec. 27; 8 a-M. to 4.30P.M. Clear at start, partly cloudy later; ground bare;
wind south, light; temp. 25° to 30°. Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy
Woodpecker, 5; Crow, 1; Tree Sparrow, 62; Junco, 14; Song Sparrow, 2; Cardinal, 2; Brown
Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Tufted Titmouse, 4; Black-capped Chickadee, 13;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1. Total, 14 species, 114 individuals —ANsEL B. MILtER.

Telford, Pa.—Dec. 25; 7.50 A.M. to 3.10 P.M. Cloudy; ground bare in open, crusty snow
and ice in woods; wind north; temp. 29° at start, 32° at return. Eighteen miles on foot.
Mallard, 2; Quail, 16 (2 coveys); Mourning Dove, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Wood-
pecker, 13; Blue Jay, 4; Crow, 36; Starling, 59; Goldfinch, 24 (1 flock); Tree Sparrow, 20;
Junco, 84; Song Sparrow, 20 (1 in song); Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 6; Black-capped Chickadee, 43; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 17 species,
336 individuals. Both Winter Wren and Mallards were observed at close range and studied
at leisure—CLaAubE A. BUTTERWICK.

Ulster, Bradford Co., Pa—Dec. 27; 9 A.M., to 12 M., 1 to 4 P.M. Cloudy; light snow;
light south wind in a.m., brisk northwest wind in P.m., temp. 27° at start, 30° at return.
About 12 miles on foot. Observers worked in pairs in a.M.; together in P.M. Starling, 15;
Tree Sparrow, 130; Black-capped Chickadee, 27; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Downy
Woodpecker, 4; American Crow, 3; Junco, 2; Rufied Grouse, 4; Blue Jay, 2; Marsh
Hawk, 1; Song Sparrow, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Northern Shrike,
1; Evening Grosbeak (female), 1. Total, 15 species, 197 individuals. Dec. 1 a pair of Car-
dinals were seen and fully identified—Mrs. F. E. Marner, Mrs. O. J. VAN WINKLE,
Miss ANNA Brooks, and Miss MArtHa McMorran.

Williamsport, Pa—Dec. 27; 9 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. Cloudy; 1 inch of snow; temp. 28°.
Distance covered, 12 miles, walking together. American Merganser, 3; Duck (sp. ?), 1;
Ruffed Grouse, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 9; Flicker, 1; Crow, 21; Meadow-
lark, 3; Evening Grosbeak, 2 (32 were recently seen); White-winged Crossbill, 4; Song Sparrow,
1; Tree Sparrow, 78; Junco, 26; Cardinal, 8; Shrike, 2; Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 1;

24 Bird - Lore

White-breasted Nuthatch, 13; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 9; Black-capped
Chickadee, 25; Robin, 1. Total, 22 species, 217 individuals.—Joun P. and Cuas. V. P. Younc.

Williamsport, Pa.—Dec. 23; 8.30 A.M. to 4.10 P.M. Overcast, followed by light rain and
sleet; wind light, east and northeast; ground slightly covered with snow; temp. 23° at start,
32° at return. Ten to 11 miles on foot, observers working together. Canvasback Duck, 6;
Great Blue Heron, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 6;
Flicker, 1; American Crow, 15; Tree Sparrow, 75; Slate-colored Junco, 36; Song Sparrow, 3;
Northern Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Red-breasted Nuthatch,
2; Chickadee, 28. Also 10 unidentified Ducks which flew over our heads. Total, 15; species,
186 individuals. On Dec. 6 two science teachers from our high school watched 25 Evening
Grosbeaks feed on seeds from a box-elder tree. The Shrike has been a daily visitor for over
two weeks in this locality. It is the second time that the Great Blue Heron has been seen
this month. Others seen within the last two weeks are: Blue Jay, Winter Wren, Marsh Hawk
White-throated Sparrow, Ruffed Grouse, Bob-white, Ruddy Duck, Black Duck, and Hooded
Merganser.—]. B. RisHEL, ROBERT ALLEN and JOHN ALLEN.

Baltimore, Md.—Dec. 24; 9.25 A.M. to 12.15 P.M. Overcast; ground bare and wet; practi-
cally no breeze; temp. 40° at 8 A.M. and 47° at noon. Two and one half miles on foot. Through
grounds of Johns Hopkins University and Guilford, near northern boundary of city. Observers
together. Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Blue
Jay, 1; Crow, 15; Starling, 206; Meadowlark, 1; White-throated Sparrow, 1; Junco, 55;
Song Sparrow, 3; Cardinal, 5; Mockingbird, 3; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 4. Total, 16 species, 303
individuals. Also English Sparrow, 38.—InEz Cotpwett, H. T. Fotcrr, JosepH Levy, and
R. P. Cowles.

Chevy Chase, Md.—Dec. 26; 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Sky partly overcast; ground bare; still;
temp. 25° at start, 32° at return. Section northeast of the village to Rock Creek. Five miles
on foot. Observers together. Bob-white 2; Turkey Buzzard, 22; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1;
Screech Owl, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 15; Blue-Jay, 9; American Crow, 300 (est.); Fish Crow,
25; Purple Finch, 2; American Goldfinch, 22; Song Sparrow, 4; White-throated Sparrow, 4;
Tree Sparrow, 5; Slate-colored Junco, 130; Cardinal, 18; Mockingbird, 2; Carolina Wren, 2;
Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Tufted Titmouse, 11; Carolina Chickadee, 2;
Bluebird, 4. Total, 22 species, about 579 individuals. Also English Sparrow, 275. Also, on
Dec. 25 were seen in Chevy Chase village a Robin and a Flicker—Hon. EpMunp Piatt and
S. W. Met tort, M. D.

Fairhaven, Md.—Dec. 20; 9 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. Clear; ground bare; wind southeast, light;
temp. about 40°. By automobile 35 miles from Washington, D. C., to Fairhaven, 4 miles on
foot near shore of Chesapeake Bay, and return by automobile. Horned Grebe, 2; Herring
Gull, 3; Ring-billed Gull, 24; Bonaparte’s Gull, 1; Old Squaw, 10; White-winged Scoter, 2;
Surf Scoter, 1; Turkey Vulture, 28; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Downy
Woodpecker, 3; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 2; Horned Lark, 10; Blue Jay, 1; Crow,
82; Fish Crow, 27; Starling, 3; Red-winged Blackbird, 25; Meadowlark, 48; Goldfinch, 5;
White-throated Sparrow, 5; Tree Sparrow, 9; Junco, 7; Song Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 10; Migrant
Shrike, 1; Mockingbird, 5; Carolina Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2;
Tufted Titmouse, 4; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Bluebird, 8.
Total, 35 species, 345 individuals—Mr. and Mrs. JosepH KITTREDGE, JR.

Magnolia, Md.—Dec. 26; 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cloudy; ground bare; wind northwest, light;
temp. 19° at start, 21° at return. About 12 miles on foot. Herring Gull, 3; Great Blue Heron,
2; Bob-white, 3; Marsh Hawk, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 3;
Goldfinch, 11; White-throated Sparrow, 11; Junco, 34; Song Sparrow, 11; Swamp Sparrow, 3;
Cardinal, 1; Carolina Wren, 4; Brown Creeper, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Chickadee, 10; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 8; Robin, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 12; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1.
Total, 22 species, 137 individuals—RAyMoND W. MAINSTER.

——————E——eE—————

—

Doty

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 25

Washington, D. C. (Woodlawn, Dogue Creek, Mt. Vernon and Snowden’s, Va.).—Dec. 24;
9.30 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. Overcast all day, occasional light rain; temp. 40° to 59°. Observers
together throughout trip. Pied-billed Grebe, 2; Herring Gull, 92; Ring-billed Gull, 2; Amer-
ican Merganser, 9; Hooded Merganser, 1; Mallard, 3; Black Duck, 212; Canvasback, 50;
Scaup Duck, 5,000; Golden-eye, 6; Great Blue Heron, 2; Killdeer, 15; Bob-white, 9; Mourning
Dove, 15; Turkey Vulture, 17; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Bald Eagle, 1;
Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 3; Blue
Jay, 10; Crow, 13; Starling, 34; Meadowlark, 18; Rusty Blackbird, 7; Goldfinch, 3; White-
throated Sparrow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 20; Field Sparrow, 2; Junco, 48; Song Sparrow, 4; Car-
dinal, 4; Migrant Shrike, 3; Myrtle Warbler, 4; Mockingbird, 7; Carolina Wren, 3; Winter
Wren, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 10;
Carolina Chickadee, 9; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3; Hermit Thrush, 1; Bluebird, 8. Total,
47 species, about 5,685 individuals. Also English Sparrow, 22—EpWaArRD A. PREBLE, ALEX-
ANDER WETMoRE and W. L. McATEE.

Berryville, Va.—Dec. 24; 9 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. Cloudy and a little rain about 12 o’clock;
ground bare;.no wind; temp. 36°. Killdeer, 1; Mourning Dove, 24; Turkey Vulture, 4;
Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Downy Wood-
pecker, 6; Horned Lark, 59; Crow, 132; Starling, 185; Goldfinch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 205; Slate-
colored Junco, 17; Song Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 13; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 5;
Tufted Titmouse, 2. otal, 19 species, 664 individuals—JosrpH P. JONES.

Lawrenceville, Va. (and vicinity)—Dec. 26; 8.45 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. No snow; clear at
start, clouding later; wind northwest, light; temp. at start, 30°, at return, 36°. Route in-
cluded forest, field, pasture and the bank of Meherrin River; about 15 miles on foot.
Observers together. Mourning Dove, 32; Turkey Buzzard, 9; Black Vulture, 1; Red-tailed
Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 6; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Pileated Woodpecker, 1;
Flicker, 3; Phoebe, 1; Blue Jay, 4; Crow, 34; Meadowlark, 3; American Goldfinch, 15;
Grasshopper Sparrow (?), 2; White-throated Sparrow, 26; Field Sparrow, 24; Slate-colored
Junco, 210; Song Sparrow, 25; Fox Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 18; Myrtle Warbler, 1; Mock-
ingbird, 2; Carolina Wren, 16; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Tufted Tit-
mouse, 12; Chickadee, 5; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 11; Hermit Thrush, 4; Bluebird,12. Total,
34 species, 496 individuals. Many Wild Turkey tracks were seen in the sand on the river
bank. We failed to see some common birds, notably Quail, Killdeer, Towhee and Purple
Finch.—Joun B. and Cuas. D. Lewis.

Pulaski, Va.—Dec. 26; 1.30 P.M. to 5.10 P.M. Clear; ground bare; light west wind; temp.
38° at start, 32° at return. Five miles on foot. Quail, 14; Mourning Dove, 50; Turkey Vul-
ture, 40; Black Vulture, 2; Cooper Hawk, 1; Meadowlark, 22; Savannah Sparrow, 1;
Slate-colored Junco, 60; Song Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 6; Mockingbird, 1 (killed by hunter);
Carolina Wren, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Black-capped Chicka-
dee, 8; Bluebird, 2. Total, 16 species, 222 individuals.—O. C. BREWER.

Parkersburg, W. Va. (along Briscoe Run and Ohio River).—Dec. 26; 12.30 to 5.30 P.M.
Cloudy; ground bare; light southwest wind; temp. 36°. Five miles on foot. Observers together.
Herring Gull, 1; Duck, 3 (species not determined); Hairy Wocdpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker,
8; Crow, 150; Tree Sparrow, 15; Song Sparrow, 21; Towhee, 2; Cardinal, 22; Carolina Wren,
5; Bewick Wren, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 25; Chickadee, 43. Total,
14 species, 305 individuals—Mrs. W. W. Grorce, BertHa E. Waite, LauRA Moore, and
WALTER DoNAGHHO.

Aiken, S. C.—Dec. 15; sunrise to 2.30 P.M. Clear; calm; temp. at return 70°. Small,
swampy pond; auto 12 miles, then 3 miles walking along wooded creek and adjoining fields.
Observers together. Pied-billed Grebe, 7; Mallard, 4; Wood Duck, 6; Great Blue Heron, 2;
Bob-white, 25 (2 coveys); Mourning Dove,9; Turkey Buzzard, 50; Black Vulture (identified),
9; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; King-

26 Bird - Lore

fisher, 2; Southern Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 4; Red-cockaded
Woodpecker, 1; Sapsucker, 2; Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Red-headed Woodpecker, 6; Red-
bellied Woodpecker, 4; Flicker, 27; Phoebe, 2; Blue Jay, 22; Crow, 24; Red-winged Blackbird,
70; Meadowlark, 14; Goldfinch, 20; Vesper Sparrow, 70; Savannah Sparrow, 2; White-throated
Sparrow, about 500; Chipping Sparrow, 95; Field Sparrow, 65; Junco, about 300; Song
Sparrow, 185; Swamp Sparrow, 92; Fox Sparrow, 25; Towhee, 30 (both Red-eyed and White-
eyed identified); Cardinal, 19; Cedar-bird, 25; Loggerhead Shrike, 9; Myrtle Warbler, 45;
Pine Warbler, 12; Maryland Yellow-throat (G. /. ignota?), 1; American Pipit, 20; Mocking-
bird, 15; Brown Thrasher, 10; Carolina Wren, 10; Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 1; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 20; Titmouse, 9;
Carolina Chickadee, 12; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 43; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 48; Hermit
Thrush, 12; Robin, 5; Bluebird, 30. Total, 58 species, about 2079 individuals —Marion J.
PELLEW and LoutseE P. Forp.

Spartanburg, S. C.—Dec. 26; 7.30 A.M. to 1 p.m. Cloudy; wind northeast; temp. 40°.
Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 1; Red-headed Wood-
pecker, 2; Flicker, 5; Phoebe, 2; Blue Jay, 10; American Crow, 5; Meadowlark, 6; Purple
Finch, 5; American Goldfinch, 4; White-throated Sparrow, 60; Field Sparrow, 11; Slate-
colored Junco, 43; Song Sparrow, 12; Towhee, 8; Cardinal, 10; Cedar Waxwing, 3; Myrtle
Warbler, 6; Mockingbird, 3; Carolina Wren, 6; Brown Creeper, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch,
5; Tufted Titmouse, 4; Carolina Chickadee, 6; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 35; Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, 5; Hermit Thrush, 11; Robin, 2; Bluebird, 45. Total, 30 species, 329 individuals.—
GABRIEL CANNON.

Summerton, S. C.—Dec. 25. Cloudy; several light showers; temp. 60°. Carolina Dove,
3; Turkey Vulture, 1; Black Vulture, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Red-
bellied Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 7; Phaebe, 3; Blue Jay, 10; Crow, 5; Goldfinch, 5; Vesper
Sparrow, 20; Savanna Sparrow, 6; White-throated Sparrow, 22; Chipping Sparrow, 2; Field
Sparrow, 6; Junco, 10; Song Sparrow, 15; Red-eyed Towhee, 4; Cardinal, 3; Myrtle Warbler,
3; Pine Warbler, 3; Pipit, 50; Mockingbird, 4; Brown Thrasher, 1; Carolina Wren, 5; House
Wren, 1; Winter Wren, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 6; Hermit Thrush, 6;
Robin, 2; Bluebird, 5. Total, 33 species, 218 individuals ——E. S. DINGLE.

Atlanta, Ga. (College Park, Old Speedway, Lakewood, Emory University, Piedmont
Park, and Collier’s Woods).—Dec. 26, 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cloudy; light southeast wind; temp.
40° at start, 50° at return. Observers in two parties. Lesser Scaup Duck, 3; Mourning Dove,
2; Turkey Vulture, 4; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered (?) Hawk,
1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Southern Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 6;
Flicker, 7; Phoebe, 3; Blue Jay, 30; Crow, 3; Red-winged Blackbird, 125; Meadowlark, 1;
Purple and Bronzed Grackles, 12 (both occur here; unable to distinguish); Purple Finch; 3;
Goldfinch, 70; Vesper Sparrow, 2; Savannah Sparrow, 1; White-throated Sparrow, 75; Chip-
ping Sparrow, 5; Field Sparrow, 250; Slate-colored Junco, 250; Song Sparrow, 35; Swamp
Sparrow, 3; Fox Sparrow, 2; Towhee, 35; Cardinal, 14; Pine Warbler, 2; Mockingbird, 4;
Brown Thrasher, 3; Carolina Wren, 12; Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 5; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 7; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 15; Carolina Chickadee, 12;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 30; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2; Hermit Thrush, 18; Bluebird, 45.
Total, 43 species, about 1,105 individuals. In a loose flock of Field Sparrows a bird with
head, throat, upper back, and shoulders pure white was carefully observed at close range, the
size, shape, and company leading to the conclusion that it was an albino Field Sparrow.—
Dr. and Mrs. Gro. R. Mayrretp, HENDREE Neat, and Wn. H. La PRapg, JR.

Macon, Ga. (along Ocmulgee River between Pumping Station and South Macon).—Dec.
26; 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Generally cloudy, with interval of sunshine at mid-day; ground bare;
north wind, light; temp. 40° at start, 52° in mid-afternoon, about 45° at return, About 6
miles on foot; observers in two parties about half the time. Canada Goose, 18 (flying South);
Killdeer, 16; Mourning Dove, 1; Turkey Vulture, 5; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker,

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 27

2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 6; Blue Jay, 5; American Crow, 2; Meadowlark, 75;
Goldfinch, 3; Vesper Sparrow, 40; White-throated Sparrow, 60; Field Sparrow, 15; Junco, 12;
Song Sparrow, 12; Fox Sparrow, 10; Towhee, 8; Cardinal, 5; Loggerhead Shrike, 2; Myrtle
Warbler, 15; Palm Warbler, 3; Mockingbird, 6; Carolina Wren, 16; Tufted Titmouse, 2;
Carolina Chickadee, 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 6; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 30; Hermit
Thrush, 2; Robin, 20. Total, 31 species, 400 individuals——R. G. Von ToBEL, FRANCIS and
RALPH StTuBBS, and HENRY Fox.

East Goose Creek, Wakulla Co., Fla.—Dec. 30; daylight until dark. Fair; wind north,
moderate; temp. 40° to 60°. Observers dividing territory between them: L.G., the islands,
bays and creeks; M. S. C., the prairies, hammocks, woods, and fields inland; total distance
covered about 9 miles. Horned Grebe, 25; Pied-billed Grebe, 3; Loon, 2; Herring Gull, 250;
Ring-billed Gull, 15; Laughing Gull, 25; Forster’s Tern, 9 (specimen collected); Florida Cor-
morant, 7; Brown Pelican, 3; Red-breasted Merganser, 20; Hooded Merganser, 25; Mallard,
150; Black Duck, 2,500; Gadwall, 5; Baldpate, 2; Shoveller, 2; Pintail, 1,000; Wood Duck, 7;
Scaup, 15; Lesser Scaup; 150 (both species seen together at close range); Ring-necked Duck, 5;
Bufflehead, 2; Canada Goose, 300; Ward’s Heron, 500; Louisiana Heron, 75; Little Blue
Heron, 200; King Rail, 1; Flerida Clapper Rail, 4; Virginia Rail, 3; Wilson’s Snipe, 3; Least
Sandpiper, 6; Red-backed Sandpiper, 500; Semipalmated or Western Sandpiper, 50; Greater
Yellow-legs, 11; Western Willet, 1; Black-bellied Plover, 25; Killdeer, 20; Semipalmated Plover,
1; Turnstone, 25; Florida Bob-white, 1; Mourning Dove, 18; Turkey Vulture, 20; Black
Vulture, 13; Marsh Hawk, 5; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Florida Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Bald
Eagle, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 4; Florida Barred Owl, 3; Great Horned Owl, 1; Kingfisher, 6;
Southern Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 10; Red-cockaded Woodpecker,
3; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 10; Pileated Woodpecker, 6; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 9; Flicker,
15; Phoebe, 15; Florida Blue Jay, 10; Florida Crow, 15; Fish Crow, 100; Florida Red-wing, 100;
Southern Meadowlark, 6; Florida Grackle, 48; Boat-tailed Grackle, 20; Goldfinch, 20; Vesper
Sparrow, 5; Savannah Sparrow, 2; Leconte’s Sparrow, 1 (studied at leisure at 20 feet—L. G.);
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow, 2; Seaside Sparrow (juncicola—L. G.), 5; White-throated
Sparrow, 6; Song Sparrow, 14; Swamp Sparrow, 20; Towhee, 2; White-eyed Towhee, 6;
Cardinal, 6; Tree Swallow, 150; Loggerhead Shrike, 4; Solitary Vireo, 3; Black-and-White
Warbler, 1; Orange-crowned Warbler, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 100; Yellow-throated Warbler, 2;
Pine Warbler, 15; Palm Warbler, 50; Yellow Palm Warbler, 4; Yellow-throat (subsp.?), 12;
Pipit, 9; Mockingbird, 20; Catbird, 1; Brown Thrasher, 3; Carolina Wren, 3; House Wren, 20;
Short-billed Marsh Wren, 6; Prairie Marsh Wren, 3; Marian’s Marsh Wren, 1 (both races
seen together within 10 feet—L. G.); Brown Creeper, 1; Florida White-breasted Nuthatch, 2;
Brown-headed Nuthatch, 30; Tufted Titmouse, 18; Carolina Chickadee, 20; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 4; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 50; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2; Hermit Thrush, 12; Robin,
60; Bluebird, 25. Total, tog species; 7,103 individuals. With the possible exception of
Leconte’s Sparrow, not a single noteworthy or unusual species in this list; 160 winter residents
already recorded for this region; the list of John Williams in the Wilson Bulletin taken as the
standard for subspecies. Seen Dec. 28 and 29, Cooper’s Hawk; Florida Screech Owl; Pine
Woods Sparrow.—Luptow Griscom and MaunseEtt S. Crospy.

New Smyma, Fla.—Dec. 23; 9 A.M. to4p.M. Clear and warm; temp. 60° at start, 70° on
return. Route, 4 miles along the river and salt marsh, and back through the oak and pal-
metto jungle. Herring Gull, 2; Laughing Gull, 20; Red-breasted Merganser, 2; Lesser Scaup
Duck, 45; Wood Ibis, 1; Ward’s Heron, 3; Snowy Heron, 1; Louisiana Heron, 6; Little Blue
Heron, 8; Green Heron, 2; Sanderling, 11; Spotted Sandpiper, 5; Killdeer Plover, 2; Wilson’s
Plover, 1; Black Vulture, 5; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Pigeon Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1;
Kingfisher, 7; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker
3; Flicker, 3; Phoebe, 6; Blue Jay, 9; Crow, 25; Meadowlark, 5; Florida Grackle, 11; Boat-
tailed Grackle, 2; Chewink, 4; Cardinal, 5; Yellow-throated Vireo [?], 1; Black and White
Warbler, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 7; Palm Warbler, 12; Mockingbird, 16; House Wren, 3; Tufted

28 Bird - Lore

Titmouse, 4; Hermit Thrush, 2; Robin, 200; Bluebird, 2. Total, 42 species, 351 individuals.—
S. R. INGERSOLL.

Plant City, Fla—Dec. 25; 7 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. Heavy mist in the morning, gradually
clearing. Bright sunshine from 9.30 A.M. till 4.30 P.M., after which time sky was slightly
overcast. Little wind; temp. 60° in morning, 78° at noon, 73° in evening. From 2 miles north
of Plant City to Crystal Springs, 2 miles northwest of town of Crystal Springs, Fla., and
return. First half of trip out on foot; remainder of trip and return by automobile. Region
within half mile of each terminus of long trip was investigated on foot. Observers together.
Total distance, 12 miles and return. White Ibis, 2; Wood Ibis, 1; American Bittern, 1; Ward
Heron, 3; American Egret, 1; Snowy Heron, 1; Louisiana Heron, 1; Little Blue Heron, 100;
American Woodcock, 1; Killdeer, 13; Florida Bob-white, 10; Mourning Dove, 20; Ground
Dove, 10; Black Vulture, 50; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 5; Sparrow Hawk, 1;
Barn Owl, 1 (found dead in road; recently killed); Florida Screech Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher
4; Red-cockaded Woodpecker, 2; Pileated Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1;
Flicker, 2; Phoebe, 11; Florida Blue Jay, 16; Fish Crow, 8; Florida Red-winged Blackbird, 50;
Florida Meadowlark, 29; Boat-tailed Grackle, 3; Pine-woods Sparrow, 1: Towhee, ro (part of
these were probably White-eyed Towhees, proportion uncertain); Florida Cardinal, 6; Tree
Swallow, 20; Loggerhead Shrike, 16; Black-and-white Warbler, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 75; Pine
Warbler, 3; Palm Warbler, 40; Yellow Palm Warbler, 1; Florida Yellowthroat, 7; Mocking-
bird, 39; Florida Wren, 1; House Wren, 3; Carolina Chickadee, 2; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4;
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, 12; Hermit Thrush, 1; American Robin, 1; Bluebird, 25. Total, 50
species, about 619 individuals. Lewis H. Mounts, (Ballard Normal School, Macon, Ga.)
and Eucenr Mounts (Plant City, Fla.).

Tampa, Fla.—Dec. 25; 2.30 to 5.30 P.M. Bright and clear; temp. 70° to 78°. Ride along
Tampa Bay to Gadsden Point by auto. About 15 miles round trip. Laughing Gull, 6;
Herring Gull, 15; Florida Cormorant, 8; Brown Pelican, 2; Red-breasted Merganser, 1; Lesser
Scaup Duck, 500; Louisiana Heron, 2; Least Sandpiper, 6; Semipalmated Sandpiper, 6;
Killdeer, 8; Wilson Plover, 2; Mourning Dove, 11; Ground Dove, 12; Turkey Buzzard, 6;
Bald Eagle, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 5; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 1; Phoebe, 1; Blue
Jay, 3; Meadowlark, 1; Grackle, 20; Boat-tailed Grackle, 6; Towhee, 5; Tree Swallow, 25;
Loggerhead Shrike, 8; Yellow-throated Warbler, 1; Palm Warbler, 6; Mockingbird, 8; House
Wren, 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 3; Robin, 1. Total, 33 species,
650 individuals. Also English Sparrow, 15.—Mrs. HeRBert R. MILts.

Ann Arbor, Mich.—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cloudy; 1 in. of snow; wind west, light;
temp. 20° to 28°. Observers together. Bob-white, 5; Ring-necked Pheasant, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker 5; Red-headed Woodpecker, 10; Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 7;
Crow, 373 +; Redpoll, 9; Tree Sparrow, 141 +; Junco, 6; Cardinal, 3; Brown Creeper, 2; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 10; Chickadee, 18. Total, 15 species, 592+ individuals ——JossELYN and
CLAUDE VAN TYNE.

Detroit, Mich. (eastern suburbs and Belle Isle).—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cloudy; 3 in.
of snow; wind west, light; temp. 20°. Herring Gull, 40; Greater Scaup, 3; Golden-eye, 5;
Ducks, 50 (species uncertain, flying high overhead); Goshawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Hairy
Woodpecker, 4; Red-headed Woodpecker, 11; Crow, 5; Pine Grosbeak, 2; Redpoll, 2; Tree
Sparrow, 11; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 10. Total, 14 species, 150 individuals.
—Ratpu BEEBE.

Hartland, Wis.—Dec. 27; 9 A.M. to4 P.M. Clear; ground snow-covered; wind west, strong;
temp. —2° at start, 20° at return. Five miles on foot, along country roads and lake shores.
Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 6;
Crow, 4; Pine Siskin, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Chickadee, 8. Total, 8 species, 32
individuals.—Susie L. Srmonps.

Ladysmith, Wis.—Dec. 25; 10.30 A.M. to 1.35 P.M., and 3.50 to 4.50 P.M. Clear in morning,
snow flurries in afternoon; 12 to 14 in, snow; wind southeast; temp. —10°. Over six miles

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 29

on foot to a beaver pond, through dense poplar, hardwood and hemlock woods, and one spruce
swamp. Ruffed Grouse, 4; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 1; Redpoll, 12; Black-capped
Chickadee, 6 Total, 5 species, 24 individuals. On December 23, 15 Evening Grosbeaks
and 1 Snowy Owl (evidently a male) were seen.—WALLACE B. GRANGE.

Lauderdale Lakes and vicinity near Elkhorn, Wis.—Dec. 26; 9.30 to 11.40 A.M. and 2 to
4.10 P.M. Partly cloudy; ground snow-covered; wind southwest, strong; temp. 22° at start,
24° at finish. Observers together. About ro miles on foot. Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy
Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, 10; American Crow, 29; Goldfinch,
1; Redpoll, 30; Tree Sparrow, 25; Clay-colored Sparrow, 1; Northern Shrike, 1; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 3. Total, 12 species, 108 individuals —LUuLAa
and RoBERT DUNBAR. :

Milwaukee, Wis. (Milwaukee Harbor, Lake Park, Menominee River valley, to Calhoun,
Waukesha County), shore of Lake Michigan, brushy ravines and river valley, open woods
and fields and tamarack swamps).—Dec. 24; 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. Strong northerly winds and
snow-squalls in A.m., becoming clear with light wind in p.a., 4 in. of snow; temp. 14° to 18°.
Eight hours on foot and two on trolley and bus; starting and finishing points twelve miles
apart. Two observers together in a.M., three inp.m. Herring Gull, 00+; Ring-billed Gull, 4;
Merganser, 100+ (immense numbers of undetermined Ducks seen well off shore in Lake
Michigan); Red-breasted Merganser 1 (many others, probably of this species, seen); Golden-
eye, 200+; Long-eared Owl, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Saw-whet Owl, 1 (captured with hands!);
Belted Kingfisher, 1 (one or more usually winter along the Menominee River where it seldom
freezes over); Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Red-headed Woodpecker, 5;
Northern Flicker, 5 (a few usually winter in the tamarack swamps); Blue Jay, 11; Crow, 20;
Bronzed Grackle, x (this bird seen nearly every day in same locality); Evening Grosbeak, 17
(a flock of eight and one of nine); Redpoll, 156+; Goldfinch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 150+; Cedar
Waxwing, 17; Northern Shrike, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee,
19; Robin, r. Total, 26 species, 826+ individuals. S. Paut Jones, CLARENCE JUNG and
H. L. Sropparp.

Mankato, Minn.—Dec. 25; 9.30 A.M. to 1.30 P.M. Slightly cloudy; ground thinly covered
with snow; wind south, strong; temp. 10° to 16°. Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker,
1; Horned Lark, 1; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Black-capped Chicka-
dee, 7; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4. Total, 8 species, 20 individuals.—C. O. Mone.

Minneapolis, Minn.—Dec. 25; 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. Partly cloudy; 2 in. of snow; brisk south-
east wind; temp. 11° at start, 17° at return. About 7 miles on foot along the east bank of
the Mississippi River and nearby fields and woods. American Golden-eye, 6; Quail, 14 (1
covey); Barred Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Blue Jay, 3; Bohemian
Waxwing, 46 (2 flocks); White-breasted Nuthatch, 3. Total, 8 species, 80 individuals—
LAWRENCE ZELENY.

Minneapolis, Minn.—Dec. 26; 10.30 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. Partly cloudy in forenoon; clear
in afternoon; 3 in. snow on ground; temp. 3° in morning to 12° at finish; wind moderate. Dis-
tance 12 miles, along Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriett, Minnehaha Creek and Mississippi River.
Observers together. Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Blue Jay, 19; Bohemian
Waxwing, 44 (2 flocks); White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Black-capped Chickadee, 3. Total,
6 species, 78 individuals ——Mnr. and Mrs. E. D. SWEDENBORG.

St. Peter, Minn.—Dec. 26; 1.30 to 5 p.m. Cloudy; 1 in. snow; wind west, light; temp.
18°. Fields, wooded ravines and bluffs along Minnesota River. Six miles on foot. Ruffed
Grouse, 2; Mourning Dove, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3;
Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 7; Tree Sparrow, 11; Cedar Waxwing, 1; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 6; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1. Total, 13 species, 4o indi-
viduals. Also English Sparrow. approx. 30. The Screech Owl was perched in a small tree
in a weed patch from which the Ruffed Grouse were flushed. The Cedar Waxwing was alone
in a small clump of cedars—Harry JAy LADvE.

30 Bird - Lore

Cadiz, Ohio.—Dec. 23; 8.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. Sky heavily clouded, light rain part of the
time; ground bare; wind light, southwest; temp. 40°. Observers together. Sparrow Hawk, 1:
Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 1; Tree Sparrow, 72; Slate-
colored Junco, 6; Song Sparrow, 17; Cardinal, 19; Carolina Wren, 1; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 6; Tufted Titmouse, 7; Chickadee, 4. Total, 12 species, 137 individuals. Owing to
the scarcity of dogwood berries, gumberries, etc., this is the smallest number of species that
we have ever reported from Cadiz—Harry B. McConnett and JoHN Wor Ley.

Canton, Ohio.—Dec. 25; 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. Cloudy, except 13% hours partly clear; ground
and all vegetation covered with a coat of sleet; wind northwest, light; temp. 22° at start, 20°
on return. Distance 10 miles. Bob-white, 38 (2 coveys); Kingfisher, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1;
Downy Woodpecker, 9; Réd-headed Woodpecker, 4; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 1;
Red-winged Blackbird, 2; Tree Sparrow, 375; Junco, 30; Song Sparrow, 10; Cardinal, 11;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Tufted Titmouse, 10; Black-capped Chickadee, 6. Total, 15
species, 506 individuals —Epwarp D. Krmes.

Canton, Ohio.—Dec. 27; 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Hazy; trees, shrubs and grass encased in ice;
wind west, light; temp. 30°. Twenty-five miles by auto; 12 miles on foot. Observers in twos.
Bob-white, 28; Ruffed Grouse, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Downy Wood-
pecker, 14; Red-headed Woodpecker, 7; Blue Jay, 7; Bronzed Grackle, 5; Tree Sparrow, 160;
Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 15; Cardinal, 10; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 9; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Chickadee, 15. Total, 16 species, 286 individuals—May
S. DANNER, Mary Kinc, BLANCHE ViGNos, and KATHERINE NEppP.

Lake Erie Shore, Cleveland, Ohio (east to Mentor Headlands). —Dec. 27; 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Cloudy; ground covered with snow; heavy northwest wind; temp. 27° to 25°. All still water
frozen over. Pied-billed Grebe, 1; Herring Gull, 27; Ring-billed Gull, 4; Bonaparte’s Gull, 4;
Scaup Ducks, 83 (4 flocks); Bob-white, 5; Mourning Dove, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 4; Meadowlark, 1; Redpoll, 2; Tree Sparrow, 5;
Cardinal, 2; Northern Shrike, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1. Total, 18 species, 171 indi-
viduals. Also English Sparrow, 25. The three species of Gulls were all seen hunting together,
and noted with glasses at very close range, as were also the Redpolls. The Mourning Dove
was feeding on the ground in a cornfield. The Shrikes were seen separately, probably 5
miles apart. Titmice, Nuthatches and Woodpeckers were conspicuous by their absence —
A. B. WiLttaMs, Jr.

Buckeye Lake, Ohio.—Dec. 26; 7 a.m. to 4 P.M. Cloudy; ground bare, frozen; wind
moderate, south, shifting to southwest; temp. 28° to 32°. Distance covered, 8 miles. Observers
in two parties. Old Squaw, 5; Herring Gull, 3; Mallard, 45; Black Duck, 300; Pintail, 2;
Shoveller, 4; Scaup sp., 30; Bufflehead, 1; Bob-white, 12; Mourning Dove, 1; Marsh Hawk, 1;
Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 12; Short-eared Owl, 2; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy
Woodpecker, 6; Downy Woodpecker, 30; Red-headed Woodpecker, 8; Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 25;
Crow, 150; Cowbird, 10; Meadowlark, 1; Tree Sparrow, 85; Junco, 6; Song Sparrow, 18;
Cardinal, 40; Carolina Wren, 2; Brown Creeper, 18; White-breasted Nuthatch, 25; Tufted
Tit mouse, 30; Black-capped Chickadee, 20; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1. Total, 34 spe-
cies, 831 individuals. All large figures approximate—CHARLES WALKER, FREDERICK
Woop, Ropert BLack and RoBert WEBB.

Columbus, Ohio.—Dec. 26; 8.30 A.M. to4P.M. Observers together. Black Duck, 2; Duck
sp., 150; Bob-white, 13; Mourning Dove, 5; Marsh Hawk, 8; Rough-legged Hawk (?), 1;
Sparrow Hawk, 8; Barn Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker,
28; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 5; Flicker, 3; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 30; Rusty Blackbird, 1; Gold-
finch, 23; Tree Sparrow, 250; Junco, 33; Song Sparrow, 17; Cardinal, 32; Bewick’s Wren, 2;
Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 13; White-breasted Nuthatch, 21; Tufted Titmouse, 20;
Chickadee, 12; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3; Robin, 1. Total, 29 species, 694 individuals—
Rosert Gorpon, JonN Hartor, FRANK RreBEL, RicHARD SATER, JoHN THOMAS, and
EDWARD S. THOMAS.

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census BE

Sugar Grove, Ohio.—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Weather conditions as above. Distance
covered 20 miles on foot. Observers together. Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Hawk
sp., 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 10; Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 2; Gold-
finch, 20; Tree Sparrow, 30; Junco, 15; Song Sparrow, 15; Cardinal, 50; Carolina Wren, 3;
Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 15; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 6;
Tufted Titmouse, 10; Chickadee, 30; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 10. Total, 21 species, 227
individuals.—ARTHUR R. HARPER, HAROLD PETERS, and DALE PONTIUS.

Total Above Three Lisls (Wheaton Club, Columbus, Ohio.): 43 species; 1,747 individuals.
The Barn Owl was captured, and proved to be animmature bird. Although it was full-grown,
it was unable to fly and still had a great deal of the ‘natal’ down adhering to the tips of its
feathers. Another observer reports having heard the ‘whine’ of young Barn Owls within the
last few weeks.

Freeport, Ohio.—Dec. 26; 10.30 to 11.30 A.M., I to 4.30 P.M. Cloudy; ground bare; wind
southwest to west, brisk; temp. 36° at start, 32° at return. Observers traveled together, 7
miles on foot. Country covered was low, brushy hills and open fields adjacent to creek-
bottoms flooded by recent rains. Bob-white, 20 (2 coveys); Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Great
Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; American Crow, 3; Meadowlark, 8 (1 flock); Tree Sparrow, 245
(4 flocks); Slate-colored Junco, 6; Song Sparrow, 11; Cardinal, 15; Carolina Wren, 1; White-
breasted. Nuthatch, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 4; Black-capped Chickadee, 4; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 1. Total, 18 species, 337 individuals—Lonzo S. GREEN and SETH L. SNYDER.

Huron, Ohio.—Dec. 25; 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Cloudy, snowing lightly; wind northwest, light;
temp. 25°. Herring Gull, 20; Bonaparte’s Gull, 6; Merganser, 3; Golden-eye, 66; Red-headed
Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 4; Starling, 18; Red-winged Blackbird, 6; Bronzed Grackle,
5; Tree Sparrow, 76; Song Sparrow, 2; Cardinal, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 1.
Total, 15 species, 217 individuals. The Starlings are part of a flock that has wintered here
for the past two winters and some of which bred here this summer.—H. G. Morse.

Paulding, Ohio (along Flat Rock Creek).—Dec. 27; 8 a.m. to 1 P.M. Clear; ground
barely covered with ice and snow; wind northwest, light; temp. 25° to 33°. Nine miles.
Herring Gull, 23 (seen Dec. 20, above dam in Auglaize River, 70 miles inland from Lake
Erie); American Merganser, 12; Bob-white, 25; Mongolian Pheasant, 15 (introduced); Red-
tailed Hawk, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker,
11; Red-headed Woodpecker, 10; Northern Flicker, 5; Blue Jay, 14; American Crow, 8;
Tree Sparrow, 6; Slate-colored Junco, 6; Song Sparrow, 12; Cardinal, 2; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 7; Black-capped Chickadee, 23. Total, 20 species, about
190 individuals.—L. H. GRESSLEY.

Pennsville, Ohio.—Dec. 25; 9 A.M. to 12 M. and 2 to 4P.mM. Cloudy; ground frozen, north
wind, moderate breeze; temp. 30°, rising to 36°. North 3 miles, 1 mile along Wolf Creek,
return by different route. Bob-white, 13; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 10; Red-
bellied Woodpecker, 4; Flicker, 1; Crow, 8; Tree Sparrow, 112; Junco, 24; Song Sparrow, 11;
Cardinal, 7; Winter Wren, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 27; Chickadee,
18. Total, 14 species, 243 individuals—Pavut A. WELLS.

Oberlin and vicinity, Ohio.— Dec. 27; 8 a.m. to 4.45 P.M. Mostly cloudy; 14 in. of snow;
ground frozen hard; wind west-northwest, strong; temp. 23°. Ten miles northwest, partly
on street car, and one mile south, territory ranging from flat, open country to deep, wooded
ravines. Observers in one group of three, other two alone. Bob-white, 31; Marsh Hawk, 2;
Sparrow Hawk, 5; Barred Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Downy Wood-
pecker, 12; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 5; Blue Jay, 16; Crow, 7; Meadowlark, 2;
Tree Sparrow, 210; Junco, 56; Cardinal, 23; Winter Wren; 1; Brown Creeper, 2; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 3; Chickadee, 19. Total, 20 species, 413 individuals.
—Haroip C. Jones, SypNEY BUNKER, S. CHARLES KrENnDEIGH, ELLSWORTH METZLER, and
RoLanp WALKER (Cardinal Ornithological Club).

32 Bird - Lore

Youngstown, Ohio.—Dec. 26; 7 A.M. to 4.30P.M. Cloudy; ground frozen, slightly whitened
with snow; all trees, shrubbery, weeds and grasses coated with ice; wind south, light; temp.
20° to 30°. Distance walked about 15 miles; parties separated in making lists. Bob-white, 67;
Mourning Dove, 13; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Screech Owl,
1; Great-horned Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 10; Downy Woodpecker, 32;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 66; Crow, 1; Meadowlark, 6; Goldfinch, 2; Tree Spar-
row, 186; Slate-colored Junco, 27; Song Sparrow, 26; Cardinal, 34; Brown Creeper, 4; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 24; Tufted Titmouse, 28; Black-capped Chickadee, 31; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 15. Total, 24 species, 580 individuals.—Gero. L. Forpycr, ELIZABETH NORTHRUP,
C. A. Leepy, Witiis H. WARNER, and Evan C. DRESSEL.

On Dec. 9, 1921, I personally observed an Evening Grosbeak about 6 miles from Youngs-
town. This is our first and only record of this species for this locality.—G. L. F.

Fort Wayne, Ind.—Dec. 28; 8.30 torr aM. Cloudy, light covering of snow on the ground;
wind south, light; temp. 30°. Three miles along river. Observers together. Red-shouldered
Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Red-headed Woodpecker, 10; Blue
Jay, 5; Crow, 60; Tree Sparrow, 50; Slate-colored Junco, 50; Cardinal, 1; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 9; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Black-capped Chickadee, 12. Total, 12 species, 216 indi-
viduals—Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Rrncwatt, and Henry MILter.

Goshen, Ind. (south along Elkhart River, up Turkey Creek to New Paris).—Dec. 26;
9 A.M. to 4P.M. Cloudy; 3 in. of snow; wind southwest, light; temp. 28° at start, 29° at return.
Nine miles on foot; return by interurban car. Mallard Duck, 3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1;
Barred Owl, 1; Kingfisher, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 6; Tree
Sparrow, 30; Slate-colored Junco, 24; Song Sparrow, 7; Cardinal, 8; White-breasted Nuthatch,
8; Chickadee, 14; Robin, 1. Total, 15 species, 115 individuals—Mr. and Mrs. Gero. R.
HARPER and Mrs. H. W. Esy.

Holland, Ind.—Dec. 26. Cloudy, ground bare; wind north, light; temp. 28°. Eight miles
on foot. Observers together. Killdeer, 14; Bob-white, 10; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk,
t; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 9; Downy Woodpecker, 23; Flicker, 2; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 12; Pileated Woodpecker, 2; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Blue Jay, 20; Crow, 6;
Meadowlark, 2; Goldfinch, 24; Tree Sparrow, 202; Slate-colored Junco, 270; Song Sparrow,
88; Towhee, 2; Cardinal, 266; Mockingbird, 1; Carolina Wren, 4; Brown Creeper, 4; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 5; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 73; Chickadee, 32;
Bluebird, 14. Total, 28 species, 1,100 individuals—Dr. CLAuDE Lomax, and Dr. WILLIAM
Lomax.

Indianapolis, Ind.—Dec. 26; 10 A.M. to 3.40 P.M. Cloudy; dull; south wind; temp. 30°.
Eight miles along Buck Creek on foot. Observers together. Mourning Dove, 4; Marsh Hawk,
1; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 155; Goldfinch,
15; Tree Sparrow, 3; Song Sparrow, 5; Cardinal, 10; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted
Titmouse, 3; Chickadee, 2. Total, 13 species, 305 individuals—R. M. Pruirt, HARoLp
Mercatr, SAMUEL E. Perkins, IV, and SAMUEL E. PERKINS, III.

Lafayette, Ind.—Dec. 26; 8.45 A.M. to 1.30 P.M. Cloudy; snow in sheltered places; trees
covered with ice; wind southwest, light; temp. 25° at start, 29° at return. Along Wabash
River, river road to Wabash Valley Sanitarium, return across country and through Happy
Hollow. Eight miles on foot. Mallard (?) Duck, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker,
11; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1 (also seen Dec. 19); this bird has
not been noted before for years; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 8; American Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow,
40; Song Sparrow, 3; Cardinal, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 38; Chick-
adee, 2. Total, 14 species; about 125 individuals. Also House Sparrows, too numerous to
count.—M. L. FisHEr. ‘

Roachdale, Ind.—Dec. 25; 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. Clear; ground practically bare; wind north-
east, light; temp. 26° to 31°. Nine miles on foot. Red-tailed (?) Hawk, 4; Sparrow Hawk,
1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 11; Red-bellied Wood-

OE Eh Ager,

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 33

pecker, 7; Flicker, 1; Prairie Horned Lark, 10; Blue Jay, 3; American Crow, 50; Tree Sparrow,
140; Slate-colored Junco, 8; Song Sparrow, 7; Cardinal, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8;
Tufted Titmouse, 11; Black-capped Chickadee, 18. Total, 17 species, about 288 individuals.—
Warp J. Rice.

Terre Haute, Ind.—Dec. 26; 8.30 A.M. to 12 M.; 2 to 4 P.M. Cloudy; ground bare; wind
southwest; temp. 30° at start, 32° at return. North on tow-path, northeast along cemetery,
and Lost Creek and east over farm and woodland. About 9 miles on foot. Two observers
in afternoon together. Bob-white, 10; Mourning Dove, 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Sparrow
Hawk, 2; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 11; Red-headed
Woodpecker 3; Flicker, 3; Blue Jay, 9; Crow, 8; Meadowlark, 2; Redpoll, 6; Vesper Sparrow,
16; Junco, 50; Tree Sparrow, 6; Song Sparrow, 9; Cardinal, 30; Brown Creeper, 1; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 7; Chickadee, 9. Total, 22 species, 192 individuals.
—James M. Tirteyand M. F. WHELAN.

Albion, Ilis. (vicinity)—Dec. 27; 7 to 11.30 A.M. Clear; ground bare; wind northwest,
light; temp. 30° at start, 41° at finish. Seven miles on foot. Quail, 10; Dove, 1; Barred Owl,
1; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 4; Flicker, 3; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 30;
Meadowlark, 10; Goldfinch, 3;-White-crowned Sparrow, 1; Tree Sparrow, 20; Slate-colored
Junco, hundreds; Song Sparrow, 10; Towhee, 1; Cardinal, 8; Tufted Titmouse, 20; Carolina
Chickadee, 14; Robin, 1; Bluebird, 30. Total, 20 species, about 500 individuals—Joun H.
Gooc#.

Glencoe, Ills.—Dec. 26; 9.30 A.M. to6 p.m. Cloudy; 4 in. of snow; west wind; temp. about
25°. Woods and ravines at Lake Michigan, then north on the shore to Braeside; west from
there to the Forest Preserve and Skokie Marsh. Observers together. Herring Gull, 23;
Bonaparte’s Gull, 13; Golden-eye, 18; 2 rafts of Ducks, about 300 individuals; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 9; Crow, 18; Tree
Sparrow, 1; Cedar Waxwings, 125, (2 flocks); Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch,
1. Total, 12 species, about 520 individuals—GrorGE Crook and CHARLES SWENSON.

Paxton, Ills.—Dec. 26; 7.45 A.M. to 3 P.M. Cloudy; % in. snow on ground and trees with
dusting of snow; wind southwest, light; temp. 20° continual. Paxton to Rantoul on Inter-
urban, Rantoul to Penfield in automobile, 4 miles through woods. Observers apart. Mallard,
21; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Broad-winged Hawk, 1; American Rough-legged Hawk, 5; Sparrow
Hawk, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 14; Downy Woodpecker, 31; Red-headed Woodpecker, 175 +;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 11; Flicker, 11; Prairie Horned Lark, 10; Blue Jay, 67; Crow,
2000 +; Red-winged Blackbird, 7; American Goldfinch, 3; Lapland Longspur, 6; Vesper
Sparrow, 2; White-throated Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 500 +; Slate-colored Junco, 325+;
Song Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 30; Winter Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch,
28; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 30; Black-capped Chickadee, 125+;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1. Total, 29 species, about 3,423 individuals. An American Wood-
cock was seen Dec. 22.—F RED and Victor CARLSON, GEORGE, EDWARD and SIDNEY EKBLAW.

Waukegan, Ills.—Dec. 26; 8.45 A.M. to 3 P.M. Cloudy; 2 in. of snow; wind southwest,
light; temp. 22° at start, 26° at return. Twelve miles on foot. Observers together. Herring
Gull, 12; Merganser, too+; Old Squaw, 3; Canada Goose, 10; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Short-
eared Owl, 1 (collected); Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Red-headed Wood-
pecker, 3; Blue Jay, 30; Crow, 12; Tree Sparrow, too+ Slate-colored Junco, 25; Brown
Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 40; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2. Total,
17 species, 352 + individuals.—S. S. Grecory, JR. and PARKER Brarr.

Bettendorf, Iowa (McManus Woods and Credit Island Park, Davenport, and along
Mississippi River and Duck Creek, Bettendorf.)—Dec. 26; 8.15 A.M. to 3.15 P.M. Cloudy;
sunshine for about an hour at noon; hazy during most of morning; 2 in. of snow; ice in creek
and river frozen except in channel; wind light, west; temp. 24° at start, 30° at return. Nine
miles on foot. Herring Gull, 221; American Merganser, 18; American Golden-eye, 6; Duck
(sp.?), 2; Rough-legged (?) Hawk, 1; Golden (?) Eagle, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy

34 Bird - Lore

Woodpecker, 44; Red-headed Woodpecker, 9; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 22;
Crow, 9; Red-winged Blackbird, 150+ (2 flocks); Tree Sparrow, 150+; Junco, 38; Song
Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 8; Brown Creeper, 11; White-breasted Nuthatch, 20; Tufted Titmouse,
7; Chickadee, 23. Total, 21 species, about 746 individuals. A belated Kingfisher was heard
several times on Dec. 13.—Huco H. ScHRopER.

Emmetsburg, Iowa.—Dec. 27; $ a.m. to 6 P.M. Wind south; temp. at start o°, return 12°.
Seven miles north-northeast along shores of Lake Medium; east 4 mile; west 3 miles to Des-
Moines River; south 5 miles along river; 14 mile east to Emmetsburg; 16 miles. Prairie Hen,
127; Dove, 5; Short-eared Owl, 6; Screech Owl, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Northern Downy
Woodpecker, 13; Flicker, 1; Prairie Horned Lark, 31; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 46; Red-winged
Blackbird, 1; Bronzed Grackle, 3; Red-poll, 22; Tree Sparrow, 129; Slate-colored Junco, 15;
Brown Creeper, 11; White-breasted Nuthatch, 12; Chickadee, 12; Golden-crowned Kinglet,
2. Total, 19 species, 468 individuals ——Lr Roy Tirus Weeks and W. F. Couttas.

Iowa City, Iowa.—Dec. 23; 8.15 A.M. to 2.30 P.M. Cloudy; 1 in. snow; trees and vegetation
ice-coated from yesterday’s rain; wind light northeast at start, becoming stronger in P.M. and
accompanied during last hour by snow-flurries; temp. at start 16°, on return 20°. Four miles
south, then back in circle to City Park, then along river 1 mile; about 10 miles on foot. Ob-
servers together except last mile. Bob-white, 2; Marsh Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2;
Downy Woodpecker, 9 (4 males and 5 females); Red-headed Woodpecker, 4 (3 ads. and 1 imm.),
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 15; Crow, 1; Cowbird, 1 (male; studied at distance of
25 feet with 5 X glasses); Purple Finch, 4 (3 males and 1 female); Goldfinch, 6; Tree Sparrow,
50+; Slate-colored Junco, 12; Cardinal, 3 (2 males and 1 female); Brown Creeper, 2; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 1; Black-capped Chickadee, 30. Total, 18 species,
154 individuals —DayTon STONER and J. L. HorsFALL.

Keokuk (Lee Co.), Iowa.—Dec. 26; 12 M. to 5 p.M. Cloudy, followed by clearing; very
light snow on ground; west wind, very light; temp. 28° at start, 34° at return. Seven miles on
foot; used street-car across city. Herring Gull, 175 (seen mainly below power dam, across
Mississippi River; water above dam frozen; river below dam clear of ice); Black Duck, 35;
Lesser Scaup, 210+; Golden-eye, 255+; (points of observation unusually favorable from top”
of dam, on bridge, and from dyke on Illinois side of river); Sparrow Hawk, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 25; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 6; Purple
Finch, 15; Goldfinch, 18; Tree Sparrow, 38; Slate-colored Junco, 65; Song Sparrow, 3; Towhee,
1; Cardinal, 33; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3;
Tufted Titmouse, 13; Chickadee, 61. Total 22 species, 983 individuals.—C. E. ERINGER.

New Hampton, Iowa (along thinly wooded valley of Wapsipinicon River).—Dec. 20;
1 to 5.30 P.M. Clear; 2 in. of snow; practically no wind; temp. at 1 o’ clock 26°. Six miles on
foot. Observers together. Short-eared Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 2; Crow,
4; Redpoll, 8; Tree Sparrow, 1; Chickadee, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3. Total, 8 species,
23 individuals. The Owl was startled out of a clump of oak close to the ground and about a
rod in front of us; the Redpolls were in a box-elder tree directly over our heads.—CHARLES
J. SprkeR and CLARENCE WITTENBURG.

Oskaloosa, Iowa (along Spring Creek and tributary ravines).—Dec. 25; 12 M. to 4 P.M.
Clear; 2 in. snow; wind southwest, light; temp. 18° at start, 24° at return. Five miles on foot,
returning by different route. Bob-white, 7, (1 covey); Rough-legged Hawk, 1; American
Sparrow Hawk, 2; American Long-eared Owl, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 11; Downy Woodpecker, 15; Red-headed Woodpecker, 7; Red-bellied Woodpecker,
2; Northern Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 13; American Crow, 7; Tree Sparrow, 75; Slate-colored
Junco, 42; Song Sparrow, 1 (with Juncos); Cardinal, 5; Brown Creeper, 3; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 12; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Black-Capped Chickadee, 17.
Total, 22 species, 231 individuals. I saw a Sparrow Hawk kill ad partly eat a Hairy Wood-
pecker.—GrrtTruDE E. Dixon.

Pierson, Iowa.—Dec. 26; 1 to 5 P.M. Partly cloudy; 4 to 6 in. of snow; no wind; temp. 25°.

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 35

Country road, then along Pierson Creek and over wooded hills near Cedar Bluff. Observers
not together. One observer, E. W. Johns, on his farm three miles west of town, 4 to 5 P.M.
Short-eared Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Blue Jay, 8; Crow, 15;
Meadowlark, 4; Prairie Horned Lark, 25; Tree Sparrow, 50; Junco, 15; Chickadee, 10. Total,
10 species, 135 individuals. A Bohemian Waxwing was observed in W. R. Mill’s garden Dec.
24. A pair of Cardinals and a Brown Creeper were seen Dec. 25.—WterR R. Mitts and
E. W. Jouns.

Winthrop, Iowa (Pierce farm, south along Buffalo Creek to ‘The Mounds’ and return).—
Dec. 23; 8 A.M. to 2.30 P.M. Cloudy all day; depth of snow varied, about 1 in. on average; fre-
quent open places in creek; quite strong northeast wind, light snow in the air in the afternoon;
temp. 12° at start, 18° at return. About 12 miles on foot; a different route followed on return
trip. Canada Goose, 17, (this flock, going north, passed within about 100 feet of me. A
short time later I saw a flock of about 7 which was not positively identified as Geese or Ducks,
alighting in a cornfield. These were probably a part of the first flock. Geese at this date
are very unusual); Hawk, 1 (seen at a distance); Northern Downy Woodpecker, 6; Prairie
Horned Lark) 10 (flock); Blue Jay, 2; American Crow, 34; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5;
Black-capped Chickadee, 9 (flock). Total, 8 species, 84 individuals—FRrep J. PIERCE.

Bowling Green, Ky. (along the Nashville Pike, Glen Lilly, and along Jennings Creek).—
Dec. 26; 6.45 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. Thick, cloudy; ground bare; west wind, light; temp. 32° at
start, 45°-at return. Fifteen miles on foot. Mourning Dove, 1 (very scarce thus far this win-
ter); Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Broad-winged Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1;
Barred Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 6; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 15; Red-bellied Wood-
pecker, 10; Flicker, 20; Prairie Horned Lark, 26; Blue Jay, 28; Crow. 500 (a Crow-roost
visited); Meadowlark, 73; Purple Finch, 74; Goldfinch, 4; White-crowned Sparrow, 71;
White-throated Sparrow, 54; Chipping Sparrow, 71; Slate-colored Junco, 160; Song Sparrow,
58; Towhee, 21; Cardinal, 88; Migrant Shrike, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 59; Mockingbird, 41;
Carolina Wren, 8; Bewick Wren, 5; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Tufted
Titmouse, 74; Carolina Chickadee, 68; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2; Robin, 1; Bluebird, 38.
Total, 35 species, 1,593 individuals. Other birds known to be wintering here are Killdeer,
Bob-white, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, and Screech Owl—Gorpon Witson.

Nashville, Tenn. (Peabody College campus, Knapp Farm, Overton Hills).—Dec. 24; 7.30
to8A.M.;9 A.M. to12.30P.M.; 2.30to5P.M. Cloudy; rained thenight before and still very humid;
wind south at start, brisk, north at finish; temp. 58° at start, 38° at finish. Ten miles on foot;
alone. Mallard, 35; Kildeer, 34 (1 flock of 21); Bob-white, 11; Mourning Dove, 6; Black
Vulture, 50 (roosting in trees on top of hill); Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Great
Horned Owl, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Southern Downy Woodpecker, 5; Yellow-bellied Sap-
sucker, 1; Pileated Woodpecker, 2; Northern Flicker, 13; Prairie-horned Lark, 25; American
Crow, 26; Meadowlark, 45; Bronzed Grackle, 26; American Goldfinch, 22; Savannah Sparrow,
1; White-crowned Sparrow, 14; White-throated Sparrow, 37; Field Sparrow, 34; Carolina
Junco, 60; Song Sparrow, 57; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Fox Sparrow, 3; Towhee, 15; Cardinal, 33;
Myrtle Warbler, 8; Mockingbird, 16; Carolina Wren, 14; Bewick Wren, 1; Brown Creeper, 5;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Carolina Chickadee, 23; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 4; Bluebird, 18. Total, 39 species, 675 individuals ——JEssE M. SHAVER.

Creve Cceur Lake (St. Louis Co.), Mo.—Dec. 26; 10 a.m. to 4 P.M. Rain, followed by
freezing Dec. 22-26; trees and bushes ice-covered; no wind; temp. A.M. about freezing; P.M.
thawing. Distance traversed in walk 634 miles. Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker,
21; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Flicker, 7; Crow, 3; Cowbird, 1; Red-winged Blackbird, 6 large
flocks, males, 1 flock 15 females, 1 solitary female, estimated in all 3,000; Purple Finch, 2;
Goldfinch, 5; Pine Siskin, 1; Tree Sparrow, 250; White-throated Sparrow, 1; Slate-colored
Junce, 300; Song Sparrow, 12; Fox Sparrow, 3; Towhee, 1; Cardinal, 63; Carolina Wren, 1;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 14; Black-capped Chickadee, 37. Total, 21
species, about 3,700 individuals.—R. J. Terry, Epwarp H. Curistie, and RicHARD PoucH.

36 Bird - Lore

Kansas City, Mo.—Dec. 24; 9 A.M. to1p.M. Cloudy, changing to partly clear, with snow-
flurries; ground coated with ice; north breeze; temp. 11°. Regions canvassed: Swope Park
woodlands, and Sunset Hill, open country. Four observers working in two groups. Marsh
Hawk, 1; Cooper Hawk, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 12; Downy Woodpecker, 37;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 8; Blue Jay, 10; Crow, 28; Goldfinch, 4; Harris’s Sparrow, 1; Tree
Sparrow, 77; Junco, 137; Song Sparrow, 13; Towhee, 4; Cardinal, 93; Carolina Wren, 17;
Brown Creeper, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 68; Chickadee, 129; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 9. Total, 21 species, 661 individuals. Also English Sparrow, 235. On
Dec. 25, Walter Cunningham reported great flocks of Northern (?) Red-winged Blackbirds,
1,000 or more, in the Missouri bottomland near the mouth of the Blue River.—ISABELLE
CLARK, KATHERINE Hines, WALTER CUNNINGHAM, and ALBERT E. SHrirLInG (members of
Burroughs Club).

Marionville, Mo.—Dec. 26; 8 a.m. to 4 P.M. Wind strong, southeast; ground bare; temp.
27° to 50°. Distance covered, 15 miles on foot. Wilson’s Snipe, 1; Quail, 25; Red-tailed
Hawk, 3; Sparrow Hawk, 1; American Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 2; Kingfisher, 2;
Northern Pileated Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 12; Flicker, 4;
Horned Lark, 12; Crow, 8,000; Meadowlark, 8; Goldfinch, 4; Harris’s Sparrow, 3; Tree
Sparrow, 12; Field Sparrow, 50; Slate-colored Junco, 400; Song Sparrow, 35; Swamp Sparrow,
25; Cardinal, 40; Migrant Shrike, 1; Winter Wren, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Tufted
Titmouse, 40; Black-capped Chickadee, 50; Bluebird, 20. Total, 28 species, approximately
8,760 individuals. Dec. 21, immense flock of Ducks.—JoHNSON NEFF.

Anniston, Ala.—Dec. 26; 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. Cloudy forenoon; veil of clouds afternoon; temp.
at start, 38°; at return, 52°. Area traversed, forenoon about 1 mile radius in the vicinity of
Oxford Lake, marsh and fields; afternoon a like area east of and adjoining the city of Anniston,
fields, ravines and stony mountain-sides. The two areas are 3 miles apart. Alone and on foot;
street-car from one area to other. Killdeer, 20; Bob-white, 4; Mourning Dove, 13; Turkey
Vulture, 3; Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 1; Downy Wood-
pecker, 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker,
1; Flicker, 2; Phcebe, 1; Blue Jay, 28; Crow, 8; Meadowlark, 10; Bronzed Grackle, 6; Purple
Finch, 6; Goldfinch, 22; Vesper Sparrow, 7; White-throated Sparrow, 23; Field Sparrow, 62;
Slate-colored Junco, 91; Song Sparrow, 36; Fox Sparrow, 3; Towhee, 26; Cardinal, 28; Pine
Warbler, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 4; Pipit, 8; Mockingbird, 6; Brown Thrasher, 5; Carolina Wren,
6; Bewick’s Wren, 1; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Carolina Chickadee, 7;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 7; Hermit Thrush, 2; Bluebird, 22. Total, 40 species, 481 individuals.
An 8-power field-glass was used.—R. H. DEAN.

Bismarck, N. Dak.—Dec. 26; 12.30 to6 P.M. Clear; 4 in. of snow; no wind; temp. at start
10°, on return 5°. Eighteen miles on foot, north along Missouri River and back across prairie.
Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, 20; Northern Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1;
Hoyt’s Horned Lark, 5; Magpie, 15; Blue Jay, 1; Redpoll, 300 (5 large flocks); Bohemian
Waxwing, 50; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Long-tailed Chickadee, 25. Total, 1o species,
419 individuals. Waxwings seen in front yard at start; very tame.—RvussEeLt REID.

Fargo Region, N. Dak.—Dec. 26; five hours. Day bright; light west wind; 4 in. of snow;
2° at rr A.M. and about o° at 4 P.M. on return. Prairie Chicken, 10 (fresh tracks in the snow
observed only); Short-eared Owl, 13 (colony or flock); Downy Woodpecker, 5; Brown Creeper,
1, White-breasted Nuthatches, 5; Chickadees, 11. Total, 6 species, 45 individuals. Also
English Sparrow, 500. P. S. H. Pollock saw 2 Blue Jays—DanteL FREEMAN and R. L.
HUMPHRIES.

Flandreau (Moody Co.), S. Dak.—Dec. 24; 9.30 to 3 P.M. Clear; 2 inches of snow; temp.
12°. Prairie Chicken, 75; Marsh Hawk, 2; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 6; Downy
Woodpecker, 2; Crow, 500; Thick-billed Red-wing, 4; Snow Bunting, 50; Brown Creeper, 2;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 30; Ringed-necked Pheasant, 3; Total, 12 species,
680 individuals —Harorp Rice,

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 37

Dell Rapids, S. Dak.—Dec. 25; 9.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. Clear; 4 in. of snow; south wind,
strong; temp. 5° at start, 14° at return. Along the dells, across fields and meadows to Big
Sioux River, which was followed returning. About 7 miles on foot. Ring-necked Pheasant, 3;
Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Short-eared Owl, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1. Prairie Horned Lark,
about 60; Magpie, 1; Crow, 6. Total, 7 species, about 73 individuals—EpwIn C. ANDERSON.

Lennox, S. Dak. (in town and country east of town).— Dec. 26; 11.30 A.M. to4P.M. Cloudy;
5 in. of snow; wind variable, light; temp. about 25°; about 10 miles on foot. Pheasant, 1;
Goshawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Crow, about 100; Horned Lark, 97 (many small flocks):
Tree Sparrow, 33; Northern Shrike, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 5. Total,
9 species, about 240 individuals.—W. B. MAtLtory.

Yankton, S. Dak.—Dec. 27; 1.30 to 5.15 P.M. Fair; ground covered with about 4 in. of
snow; wind south, medium; temp. 28°. Distance covered about 6 miles. Observers together.
Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Flicker, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 20; Magpie, 2;
Crow, 20; Western Meadowlark, 1; Tree Sparrow, 12; Slate-colored Junco, 15; Cardinal, 2;
Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 15. Total, 13 species, 98 indi-
viduals.—Austin P. and Puito J. LARRABEE.

Fremont, Neb.—Dec. 27; 8.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M., 2 to 5.45 P.M. Clear; light wind; light
patches of snow in spots; temp. 30° to 45° or 50°. Cemetery, Murphy’s Island, Hormel’s
Island, country roads, and fields. Canada Goose, 45 (flock); Mourning Dove, 10; Rough-
legged Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Short-eared Owl, 1; Barn Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3;
Downy Woodpecker, 4; Northern Flicker, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 3; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 20;
Pine Siskin, 5; Red Crossbill, 15; Tree Sparrow, 150; Junco, 6; Cardinal, 1; Northern Shrike,
3; Cedar Waxwing, 75 (to 100); Bohemian Waxwing, 100 (to 150); White-breasted Nuthatch,
1; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Brown Creeper, 2; Chickadee, 18; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7;
Townsend’s Solitaire, 3. Total, 26 species, 486 individuals. Up to Dec. 22, many Goldfinches
and numerous kinds of Hawks were about.—Lity Rurcc Burton.

Hays, Kans.—Dec. 26; 2 to 5.30 P.M. Clear and mild. Wooded creek, plowed fields, and
prairie. Wild Duck (unidentified) 1; Prairie Chicken, 7; Hawk (unidentified) 1; Belted
Kingfisher, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 6; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Red-shafted Flicker, 1; Desert
Horned Lark, 19; Crow, between 300 and 400; Meadowlark, 7; Western Savannah Sparrow
(?), 1; Slate-colored Junco, 30; Chickadee, 28. Total, 13 species, 449 individuals—L. D.
WoosTER.

Hesston, Kans.—Dec. 27; 10.30 A.M. to 5 P.M. Partly cloudy; ground dry; wind, south-
east, light; temp. 40°. Twelve miles on foot, 5 miles south along Middle Emmet Creek,
remainder across prairie and farm land. Observers together. Mourning Dove, 7; Hairy
Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Flicker, 1; Common Crow, 50; McCown’s Longspur,
13; Western Savannah Sparrow, 6 (always in pairs away from other birds); Harris’s Sparrow,
68; Tree Sparrow, 338; Slate-colored Junco, 103; Cardinal, 84 (the last four species mentioned
were invariably found together in large flocks); Black-capped Chickadee, 30. Total, 12
species, 708 individuals (besides 5 Hawks unidentified.)—Epwarp YopER and PauL BENDER.

Lawrence, Kans.—Dec. 26; 9.30 A.M. to 3 P.M. Clear, bright sunlight; scattered patches
of snow but ground practically bare. Mild south wind; temp. 30° to 35°. Loop east, south,
and west of city covering about 20 miles. Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Sparrow
Hawk, 2; Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 14; Downy Woodpecker,
6; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 5; Flicker, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 5; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 23;
Meadowlark, 75; Harris’s Sparrow, 16; White-crowned Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 98; Slate-
colored Junco, 212; Song Sparrow, 15; Cardinal, 12; Brown Creeper, 1; Nuthatch, 1 (call
heard); Tufted Titmouse, 7; Chickadee, 177. Total, 23 species, 681 individuals. Doves have
been reported within the last week —Mr. and Mrs. C. I. REEb.

Fayetteville, Ark. (city limits to White River on the south, covering brush and pasture land
and along river in heavier timber).—Dec. 26; 9 A.M. to1p.M. Clear at start; partly cloudy at
finish; ground bare; no frost; maximum temp. 56°; eight miles on foot. Observers together.

38 Bird - Lore

Green-winged Teal, 4; Bob-white, 9; Harlan’s Hawk, 3; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Red-shouldered
Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Red-bellied Woodpecker,
1; Flicker, 7; Blue Jay, 9; American Crow, 12; Red-winged Blackbird, 5 (also flock of 500
estimated); Meadowlark, 10; Bronzed Grackle, 13; Goldfinch, 6; Vesper Sparrow, 3; Harris’s
Sparrow, 8; White-throated Sparrow, 5; Tree Sparrow, 10; Junco, 50; Song Sparrow, 23; Fox
Sparrow, 8; Towhee, 8; Cardinal, 12; Migrant Shrike, 1; Mockingbird, 1; Carolina Wren, 3;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Carolina Chickadee, 7; Bluebird, 12. Total,
32 species, about 748 individuals. Identification of Harlan’s Hawk quite satisfactory.—
ALBERT LANo, T. L. Bates, ALBERT and HERMAN Goy, and OrrtN HENBEST.

Topeka, Kans.—Dec. 27; 8.45 A.M. to 5 P.M. Hazy; faint north wind; ground bare; ponds
and creeks frozen; temp. 25° to 38°. Covered about 12 miles in car and on foot. Wooded
creeks and prairies south and west of town, and two evergreen clumps. Observers together
most of time. Mourning Dove, 4; Marsh Hawk, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1;
Rough-legged Hawk, 3; Hawks unidentified, 4; Short-eared Owl, 5; Great Horned Owl, 1;
Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 6; Flicker, 2; Prairie (?) Horned Lark, 1; Blue Jay (heard unmistakably), 1;
Crow, 12; Meadowlark, 24; Goldfinch, 2; Harris’s Sparrow, 18; Tree Sparrow, 219 (est.);
Junco, 92 (est.); Song Sparrow, 7; Cardinal, 16; Carolina Wren, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch,
1; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 10; Chickadee, 16; Golden-crowned Kinglet,
2; Townsend’s Solitaire, 1. Total, 29 species, 467 individuals. One or two Solitaires have
been identified by Sidney Hyde in four out of the past six winters, including the present one.
Excellent views through strong glasses were obtained.—Pror. R. H. KrncmMan, CLETUS
BUEHRER and SIDNEY HyDE.

Norman, Okla.—Dec. 26; 8.20 A.M. to 12.20 P.M. and 2 to 4.30 P.M. Clear; ground bare;
wind south; temp. 28° at start, 46° at return. Eight miles on foot and 16 miles in automobile.
Observers together. Bob-white, 10 (1 covey); Mourning Dove, 2; Marsh Hawk, 5; Cooper’s
Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; American Rough-legged Hawk, 6; Hawks (sp.?), 3; Barn Owl, 1;
Short-eared Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 13; Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker, 3; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Flicker, 33; Red-shafted Flicker, 2; Blue
Jay, 6; Crow, 600; Western Meadowlark, 74; Brewer’s Blackbird, 300; Blackbirds (sp.?) 100;
Purple Finch, 6; Goldfinch, 34; Western Savannah Sparrow, 4; Harris’s Sparrow, 280; White-
crowned Sparrow, 6; Field Sparrow, 77; Junco, 160; Song Sparrow, 57; Lincoln Sparrow, 1;
Fox Sparrow, 12; Arctic Towhee, 30; Cardinal, 105; White-rumped Shrike, 4; Mockingbird, 3;
Carolina Wren, 9; Texas Wren, 9; Tufted Titmouse, 20; Plumbeous Chickadee, 90; Bluebird,
18. Total, 38 species, over 2,000 individuals —MarGaretT M. and L. B. NIce.

Georgetown, Texas.—Dec. 23; 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. Very cloudy; slight south wind; temp.
67° at start, 72° at finish. Forty miles, mostly in automobile, partly on foot. Mallard Duck,
6; Blue-winged Teal, 5; Coot, 2; Bob-white, 40; Mourning Dove, 13; Turkey Vulture, 7;
Sparrow Hawk, 14; Screech Owl, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Red-shafted Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 4; American Crow, 3; Meadow-
lark, 170; Lark Sparrow, 21; Field Sparrow, 27; Cardinal, 8; Loggerhead Shrike, 21; Mocking-
bird, 11; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Black-capped Chickadee, 9; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 8; Robin, 3.
Total, 24 species, 382 individuals——FREDERICK D. AMEs.

Haskell, Texas.—Dec. 24; 1.30 to 6.30 P.M. Clear; wind north, light; temp. 45° at start,
30° at return. Eight miles southwest and back; 15 miles in car, 6 miles on foot. Alone. Bob-
white, 32; Scaled Partridge, 7; Mourning Dove, 21; Swainson’s Hawk, 1; other Hawks (sup-
posed to be Cooper’s; not positively identified), 3; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 1;
Golden-fronted Woodpecker, 3; White-necked Raven, 6; Meadowlark, 263; White-crowned
Sparrow, 2; Field Sparrow, 35; Fox Sparrow, 11; Lark Bunting, 28; White-rumped Shrike, 4.
Total, 15 species, 418 individuals —W. E. SHERRILL.

Boulder, Colo.—Dec. 21; 7.30 A.M. to 6.20 P.M. Weather, below 6,500 feet, fog, mist
frozen 34 to 4 in. on trees and rocks; light east winds, temp. 22°. Above 6,500 ft., clear;

en

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 39

strong west winds; temp. 40° to 50°; old snow melting. To Bear Cafion, up cafion to Denver
Power Company’s reservoir, west along ridge to a point 2 miles above Boulder Falls, down
canon to Boulder; 27 miles on foot. Alpine Three-toed Woodpecker, 1; Red-shafted Flicker,
1; Magpie, 9; Long-crested Jay, 7; White-necked Raven, 2; Pifon Jay, 1; Gray-crowned
Leucosticte, 1; Pine Finch, 1; White-winged Junco, 2; Slate-colored Junco, 13; Shufeldt’s
Junco, 5; Montana Junco, 2; Pink-sided Junco, 8; Gray-headed Junco, 6; Long-tailed Chicka-
dee, 6; Mountain Chickadee, 8; Western Robin, 1. The White-necked Raven was studied
at a distance of 12 paces with good field-glasses. White patch was plainly visible on back of
neck. Total, 17 species, 76 individuals —THEoDOoRE R. BEARD.

Denver, Colo.—Dec. 25; to A.M. to 12 M., and 2.30 to 5 P.M., by motor, and 12.15 to 1.15
p.M. afoot in Cheesman Park. Partly cloudy; 3 in. snow; wind south, mild; temp., 8 A.m., 16°
and 5 p.M., 32°. Wilson Snipe, 1; Killdeer, 1; Ring-necked Pheasant, 16; Mourning Dove, 2;
Marsh Hawk, 2; Western Red-tailed Hawk, 1; American Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Great
Horned Owl, 1; Orange-shafted Flicker, 4; Horned Lark, 160; Magpie, 115; Red-winged
Blackbird, 1,500 (plus or minus); Western Meadowlark, 68; House Finch, 17; Western Tree
Sparrow, 1253 Shufeldt’s Junco, 12; Pink-sided Junco, 1; Grey-headed Junco, 2; Song Sparrow,
12. Total, 19 species and subspecies, and (about) 2,100 individuals—W. H. BERGroxp.

Rocky Ford, Colo. (west along Arkansas River).—Dec. 25; 8.30 A.M. to 3. P.M. Partly
cloudy; wind east; temp. 25° at start, 42° at return. Green-winged Teal, 2; Western Mourning
Dove, 8; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Desert Sparrow Hawk, 4; Short-eared
Owl, 1; Western Horned Owl, 1; Red-shafted Flicker, 10; Saskatchewan Horned Lark, 40;
Magpie, 50; Red-winged Blackbird, 1,000; Western Meadowlark, 22; House Finch, 45;
Goldfinch, 5; Pine Siskin, 1; Lapland Longspur, 15; Gambel’s Sparrow, 75; Western Tree
Sparrow, 500; Slate-colored Junco, 1; Shufeldt’s Junco, 4; Pink-sided Junco, 65; Mountain
Song Sparrow, 30; Western Marsh Wren, 6. Total, 23 species, about 1,887 individuals. The
Marsh Wren is Telmatodytes palustris, subspecies undetermined, but the form which winters
here. All identifications made with 8-power binoculars.—CLARENCE E. MICKEL.

Calgary, Alberta (down Bow Valley from city limits).—Dec. 26; 11.40 a.m. till dark, 5.30
p.M. Clear and calm; 1% in. of snow on prairie, 3 in. among the brush; temp. at start 7°, at
return 6°. Covering about 5 miles on foot. American Merganser (female), 1; Mallard (male),
1; American Golden-eye, 4; Sharp-tailed Grouse, 16; Hungarian Partridge, 52+ (6 coveys);
Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 13; Magpie, 150-++; Redpoll, 5; Snow Bunting, 1;
Chickadee, 24. Total, 11 species. about 268 individuals. Seen recently, a few Pine Gros-
beaks and 1 Bohemian Waxwing.—Percy L. CusTANCE.

Okanagan Landing, B. C.—Dec. 23, 9 A.M. to 3.30 P.M. Fine; 1 in. snow; wind northeast,
light; temp. at start 3°, at return 8°. Twelve miles on foot. Horned Grebe, 3; Loon (common?)
1; Herring Gull, 17; Merganser, 6; Mallard, 30 (est.); Scaup, 25 (est.); Ring-necked Pheasant,
1; American Golden-eye, 7; Bufflehead, 5; Coot, 3,000 (est.); Wilson’s Snipe, 1; Pheasant, 4
(hybrids torquatus X mongolicus; Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (tracks of), 8; Sparrow
Hawk, 1 (first winter record for many years); Northwest Flicker, 2; Black-headed Jay, 5;
Magpie, 7; Western Meadowlark, 4; Rocky Mountain Pine Grosbeak, 12; Redpoll, 1;
Pallid Goldfinch, 5; Shufeldt’s Junco, 14; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow (Merrill’s ?),
3; Bohemian Waxwing, 75; Long-tailed Chickadee, 2. Total, 27 species, 3,259 individuals.
Also English Sparrow, 18. Seen within the last week: Western Grebe, Holbcell’s Grebe,
Canvasback, Redhead, Ruffed Grouse, Short-eared Owl, Kingfisher, Western Evening
Grosbeak, Western Tree Sparrow, Slender-billed Nuthatch, Red-bellied Nuthatch, Mountain
Chickadee, Water Ouzel— ALLAN Brooks.

Olympia, Wash.—Dec. 23,9 A.M. to4P.M. Cloudy; 3 in. of snow; no wind; temp. at start

2°, at return 38°. Two observers together. From Olympia to Black Hills and back, about
18 miles, in car to Black Hills and then a walk of 5 or 6 miles. Western Grebe, 3; Horned
Grebe, 1; Guillemot, 2; Glaucous-winged Gull, 300; Herring Gull, 100; other Gulls (Cali-
fornia?), 100; Red-breasted Merganser, 50; American Scaup (est.), 2,000; American Golden-

40 Bird - Lore

eye (est.), 1,000; Great Blue Heron, 3; California Quail, 12; China Pheasant, 3; Kingfisher, 1;
Gairdner’s Woodpecker, 3; Northwestern Flicker, 4; Steller’s Jay, 3; Northwestern Crow,
50; Meadowlark, 1; Brewer’s Blackbird, 50; Junco, 14; Rusty Song Sparrow, 5; Chewink, 5;
Winter Wren, 18; Nuthatch, 1; Oregon Chickadee, 1; Chestnut-backed Chickadee, 2; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 16; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Varied Thrush. Total, 29 species, about
3,749 individuals —MarGaret McKEnny and Jonn M. WItson.

Spokane, Wash.—Dec. 23; 9.30 A.M. to 5 P.M. Sunshine; 1 in. snow; light wind, south.
Temp. 20° at start, 25° at return. To Manito and south city limits; across Latah Creek
valley; up Garden Springs Creek to head; down Indian Creek and back to city. Ten
miles on foot. Bob-white [introduced], 10; Western Horned Owl, 1; Northern Pileated
Woodpecker, 1; Red-shafted Flicker, 5; Magpie, 6; Crossbill, 10; Redpoll, 25; Pine Siskin,
50 (est.; 1 flock), mixed with some Willow Goldfinches; Oregon Junco, 8; Merrill Song
Sparrow, 3; Bohemian Waxwing, 1,000 (est.; 1 large flock); Western Winter Wren, 1; Red-
breasted Nuthatch, 12; Pygmy Nuthatch, 38; Oregon Chickadee, 1; Mountain Chickadee,
2; Western Robin, ro; Western Bluebird, 5; Total, 19 species, about 1,180 individuals—
Watrter Bruce (President Spokane Bird Club) and Pror. J. L. SLOANAKER.

Olympia, Wash. (Olympia to Priest Point Park and back.)—Dec. 24; 8.30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Weather clear, tending to be slightly cloudy; 2 in. of old snow on ground; no wind; temp. 28°
at start, 36° at return. Horned Grebe, 40; Glaucous-winged Gull, 50; Short-billed Gull, 50;
Red-breasted Merganser, 30; Baldpate, 4; Canvasback, 25; Scaup, 500; American Golden-
eye, 30; White-winged Scoter, 200; Ruddy Duck, 10; Fannin’s Heron, 1; Coot, 30; Wilson’s
Snipe, 1; Killdeer, 1; Mountain Quail, 8; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Kingfisher, 3; Harris’s
Woodpecker, 3; Gairdner’s Woodpecker, 1; Northwestern Flicker, 30; Steller’s Jay, 1; North-
western Crow, 60; Northwestern Redwing, 60; Western Meadowlark, 1; Brewer’s Blackbird,
100; California Purple Finch, 15; Pine Siskin, 150; Oregon Junco, 100; Rusty Song Sparrow,
12; Kadiak (?) Fox Sparrow, 3; Oregon Towhee, 7; Seattle Wren, 10; Western Winter Wren,
70; California Creeper, 4; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Oregon Chickadee, 11; Chestnut-backed
Chickadee, 5; Western Golden-crowned Kinglet, 75; Sitkan Kinglet, 10; Western Robin, 20;
Western Bluebird, 5. Total, 41 species, about 1,738 individuals—THor McKnicut.

Portland, Ore.—Dec. 26; 9.30 A.M. to 4.30 P.M. Cloudy; light sleet at start; ground
covered with light snow; brisk east wind; temp. about 33°. Pied-billed Grebe, 2; Glaucous-
winged Gull, 1; Western Gull, 12; Herring Gull, 25; Hooded Merganser, 6; Baldpate, 18;
Blue-winged Teal, 3; Shoveler, 12; Pintail, 100; Canvasback, 2; Greater Scaup, 25; Lesser
Scaup, 50; Bufflehead, 20; Coot, 15; Killdeer, 2; Ring-necked Pheasant, 2; Western Red-
tailed Hawk, 1; Desert Sparrow Hawk, 1; Gairdner’s Woodpecker, 1; Red-breasted Sapsucker,
1; Red-shafted Flicker, 4; Western Crow, 3; California Purple Finch, 3; Oregon Junco, 45;
Rusty Song Sparrow, 6; Oregon Towhee, 5; Western Winter Wren, 1; Oregon Chickadee, 25;
Chestnut-backed Chickadee, 15; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 1; Western Robin, 3; Varied Thrush,
5. Total, 33 species, 428 individuals—W. A. Exror, W. S. and Mary E. Raker, ARLIE
SEAMAN.

Monmouth, Ore.—Dec. 24; 7.30 to 10.30 A.M. and 2 to 3.30 P.M. North wind, light; temp.
19° at start, 33° at return. Six miles on foot. Wilson’s Snipe, 4; Killdeer, 11; Ring-necked
Pheasant, 2; Band-tailed Pigeon, 1; Desert Sparrow Hawk, 1; Gairdner’s Woodpecker, 2;
Red-shafted Flicker, 10; Northwestern Crow, 17; Western Meadowlark, 23; Brewer’s Black-
bird, 68; Willow Goldfinch, 9; Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow, 2; Oregon Junco, 78; Rusty
Song Sparrow, 9; Oregon Towhee, 2; Audubon Warbler, 1; Slender-billed Nuthatch, 2;
Oregon Chickadee, 3; Western Robin, 1; Western Bluebird, 5. Total, 21 species, 196 indivi-
duals. Also 21 House Sparrows.—Cecir A. PooLe.

Santa Barbara, Calif. (Mission Canon, Sheffield Reservoir, Hope Ranch, tide flats near
Goleta).—Dec. 24; 6.30 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. Light rain till 8.30 A.M., remainder of day heavily
overcast; the seventh day of a continuous storm after an almost unbroken drought of nine
months; calm; temp. 50° to 60°. Distance of course 30 miles; diameter 8 miles; 12 miles

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-second Christmas Census 41

afoot; remainder by automobile. Western Grebe, 7; Pied-billed Grebe, 1; Pacific Loon, 3;
Glaucous-winged Gull, 10; Western Gull, 500; Herring Gull, 11; California Gull, 1,300; Ring-
billed Gull, 40; Short-billed Gull, 8; Heermann’s Gull, 8; Bonaparte’s Gull, 180; Royal Tern,
15; Forster’s Tern, 6; Farallone Cormorant, 1,200; Brandt’s Cormorant, 700; Baird’s Cor-
morant, 2; California Brown Pelican, 120; Red-breasted Merganser, 2; Mallard, 2; Shoveller,
40; Pintail, 60; Canvasback, 60; Lesser Scaup, 150; White-winged Scoter, 60; Surf Scoter, 80;
Ruddy Duck, 160; California Great Blue Heron, 7; American Coot, 120; Least Sandpiper, 15;
Sanderling, 1; Killdeer, 20; Snowy Plover, 40; Spotted Sandpiper, 3; Valley Quail, 3; Mourn-
ing Dove, 39; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 4; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Western Redtail, 5; Duck Hawk, 1;
Sparrow Hawk, 5; California Screech Owl, 1; Burrowing Owl, 1; Kingfisher, 3; California
Woodpecker, 47; Lewis’s Woodpecker, 1; Red-shafted Flicker, 40; Anna’s Hummer, 7; Say’s
Pheebe, 6; Black Phoebe, 11; California Horned Lark, 7; California Jay, 20; San Diego (?)
Redwing, 3,700; Western Meadowlark, 300; Brewer’s Blackbird, 700; House Finch, 150;
Green-backed Goldfinch, 20; Willow Goldfinch, 3; Western Lark Sparrow, 1; Western Savan-
nah Sparrow, 10; Belding’s Marsh Sparrow, 3; Gambel’s Sparrow, 250; Nuttall’s Sparrow,
20; Golden-crowned Sparrow, 120; Sierra Junco, 10; Rufous-crowned Sparrow, 1; San Diego
Song Sparrow, 16; Valdez Fox Sparrow, 1; San Diego Towhee, 12; Anthony’s Towhee, 40;
California Shrike, 6; Hutton’s Vireo, 1; Dusky Warbler, 7; Audubon’s Warbler, 175; Tule
Yellow-throat, 7; Pipit, 30; Western Mockingbird, 2; California Thrasher, 4; San Diego
Wren, 1; Western House Wren, 3; Tule Wren, 6; Plain Titmouse, 15; Pallid Wren-tit, 20;
Coast Bush-tit, 400; Western Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 45; Western Gnatcatcher, 14; Dwarf
Hermit Thrush, 16; Western Robin, 40; Western Bluebird, 12. Total, 88 species; 11,305
individuals—W. LEon, and WILLIAM OBERLIN Dawson.

Mayaguez, Porto Rico (hill country in A.M., swamp landin P.M.).—Dec. 18; 7.10 A.M. to
12.30 P.M., and 3.15 to 6 P.M. Fair in A.M., tropical showers in the P.M.; temp. 78° to 86°.
Fourteen miles on foot. Observers together. Cuban Green Heron, 4; Little Blue Heron, ro;
Snowy Egret, 2; Porto Rican Sparrow Hawk, 3; Ruddy Turnstones, 9; Porto Rican Ground
Dove, 1; Mangrove Cuckoo, 1; Ani, 5; Porto Rican Woodpecker, 6; Porto Rican Tody, 5;
Fork-tailed Hummingbird, 1; Gray Kingbird, 21; Porto Rican Petchary, 13; Porto Rican
Wood Pewee, 2; Jamaican Cliff Swallow, 11; Jamaican Mockingbird, 6; Latimer’s Vireo, 1;
American Redstart, 8; Waterthrush, 1; Louisiana Waterthrush, 3; Prairie Warbler, 3; Ade-
laide’s Warbler, 2; Northern Parula Warbler, 1; Black-and-White Warbler, 3; Porto Rican
Honey Creeper, or Bananaquit, 68; Hooded Weaver Finch, 11; Yellow-shouldered Blackbird,
470; Porto Rican Oriole, 1; Porto Rican Blackbird, 18; Porto Rican Spindalis, 8; Porto Rican
Grosbeak, 9; Carib Grassquit, 9; Bryant’s Grassquit, 4. Total, 33 species, 720 individuals.—
Raven E. and Stuart T. DANFoRTH.

THE SEASON
XXIX. October 15, 1921 to December 15, 1921

Boston Recion.—A_ mild, pleasant
autumn was suddenly terminated on No-
vember 27 by the most destructive ice-storm
remembered in this vicinity. For three days
and nights branches of trees, bent beyond
the breaking-point by an ever-increasing
burden of ice, were ripped away, and even
the trunks in some cases were riven to the
ground as if by lightning. After the release
by thaw on November 30, the whole region
called to mind pictures of country swept by
shell-fire. For years the damage to the shade
trees will be apparent to visitors to Lexington
and surrounding towns, because, in addition
to the present destruction, the wholesale
tearing away of branches has opened the
way, it is feared, for infection and further
loss by disease. During this storm the birds
suffered surprisingly little. Often when
passing an ice-bound evergreen tree, we
heard the notes of Chickadees and Golden-
crowned Kinglets. The little birds were
safe and happy; wholly concealed among the
branches, they were exploring for food in a
labyrinth of recesses and were meanwhile
protected from any enemy on the outside
by an armor of ice. Snow and cold weather
followed the ice-storm and now, at the
close of the period, we are in the grip of
winter.

Small flocks of Pine Grosbeaks appeared
early in November; they failed to settle
down as they often do, but soon disappeared
from this immediate vicinity, their departure
being due, perhaps, to the smallness of the
crop of their favorite food, the seeds of the
white ash tree. While here the birds were
seen to eat ragweed seeds, but were noted
most frequently eating the seeds of small
apples. A month later Evening Grosbeaks
arrived, but in no great numbers, and these
birds also apparently did not linger, for the
species is now not well represented in the
region. A few Redpolls have been noted.

Of the regular winter birds, Tree Sparrows
are present in numbers well above the average
(this may be a local condition), Chickadees
and Golden-crowned Kinglets in normal

numbers—flocks of six to twelve can be
found daily in suitable localities—Brown
Creepers are now (December 15) frequently
met with (perhaps late migration) and the
Hairy Woodpecker, usually not a common
bird, is locally conspicuous.

Northern Shrikes are as common this
winter as local observers have ever seen
them. It is the habit of the bird in this
latitude to settle in the autumn at some
definite station which suits his fancy—an
apple orchard or a sparsely wooded pasture
affording good look-out posts—and remain
there in solitude and complete silence until
spring. Apparently Shrikes do not wander
far from their headquarters until after a
brief song period; they leave for the north
in April—Wrnsor M. Tyler, Lexington,
Mass.

New York Recion.—Some years, open
weather is succeeded abruptly by winter
storms, rain or snow alternating with icy
blasts from the northwest. Up to the close
of this period no such condition has prevailed,
but fall has dipped so gradually into winter
that one scarcely realizes there have been
sharp nights, below 20 degrees, and one
snowstorm on December 4 which was more
than a mere flurry.

The most striking ornithological feature
has been the very unusual frequency of the
Northern Shrike. At Garden City, Long
Island, the first was seen on October 30,
and this morning (December 19) a gray
adult. and then a brownish young bird, were
observed near the beginning and end of a
mile or two’s walk, before taking the train
for town. The latter of these two individuals,
at least, seems a bird that has settled down
for a prolonged stay, for such a bird is
encountered near the same spot every few
days. One morning in early December it
was heard to give a few grating, scolding
notes. On November 20, a Northern Shrike
in a treetop was singing a continuous song,
in short phrases, some unmusical, others
decidedly sweet, none very loud, suggesting

(42)

The Season 43

a performance of the Catbird. So much for
the vocal powers of this usually silent
morose species.

There has also been more than the usual
influx of Long-eared and Saw-whet Owls.
On December o, the writer was called in to
verify the identity of one of the latter dis-
covered by Miss B. S. Miller, over a back
yard in the heart of New York City. It
was sitting in the sun on top of a projecting
blind, almost within reach as he leaned from
a second-story window to look at it. For
a brief moment its big yellow eyes opened in
an owlish stare, and then it relapsed again
into drowsy somnolence. |

As regards wandering northern Finches,
very few have reached us. At Rhinebeck,
up the Hudson, on the other hand, Pine Gros-
beaks came early and have been constantly
present; Redpoll and Evening Grosbeak
were reported later (M. S. Crosby). This
augurs well for a chance at some of these
interesting birds nearer New York later in
the winter. As a matter of fact, a single
Pine Grosbeak was observed flying over at
Garden City, December 3, and there are one
or two other creditable reports of that species
near New York.

A Catbird is reported at the Bronx Botan-
ical Garden, December 11 (F. F. Houghton).
A flock of Grackles, up to thirty birds, was
frequently observed at Upper Montclair,
N. J., as late as December 16 (R. H. How-
land).

Certain of Mr. Howland’s banding returns
at Upper Montclair are of seasonal interest.
A Song Sparrow (No. 44699) was taken in
his traps October 27, and six times there-
after this fall, a bird which had last been
taken March 6, its thirteenth visit since the
preceding fall. Contrasted with this is
another Song Sparrow (No. 47143) taken
twenty-nine times from April 12 to October
16, 1921, and absent since that date. A
Junco (No. 45740) banded November 28,
1920, was retaken in the same trap, October
15, 1921.

Bird-life during the present period is of
interest for the light it may throw on data
furnished by the census at the close of
December. The season has been mild, and
if it is reflected in the bird-life, such species

as Blackbirds and Hermit Thrushes will be
found wintering. In general, land-birds
have become exceedingly scarce, and the
total counts may be expected to be low
unless, for some reason, winter birds come
down from the North in numbers during the
next week.—J. T. NicuHots, New York City.

PHILADELPHIA ReEGION.—With the ex-
ception of November 18 and 19, when the
temperature soared to 75°, weather condi-
tions for this region averaged normal.
Seasonable easterly storms occurred during
the latter part of November and first week
of December.

Throughout October, and until the second
week in November, immature Laughing
Gulls, which as a rule occur very sparingly
in the fall on the Delaware River, were
present in unusual numbers, from ten to
twenty of these Gulls being no uncommon
sight while crossing the river. With the
appearance of the Herring Gulls (first noted
October 27), the smaller species commenced
to thin out and were last observed November
10).

The plight of a Duck Hawk observed at
Cape May, October 30, shows at least that
this Falcon is sometimes unfortunate in his
pursuit of prey. On being informed by the
lighthouse tender that he had seen a rather
large bird with a curved bill floundering
around in the mud on the edge of a nearby
pond, investigation was made, and said
Hawk was found sitting on the top of a post
in a very much bedraggled condition, with
drooping wings half extended, evidently
drying off. On close approach the bird made
several feints, and then took wing and made
off with great difficulty and considerable
noisy flapping. The Duck Hawk when
first found was so wet and muddy that it
was unable to fly and so helpless that the
tender could have caught it had he been
so disposed.

The writer spent November 20 in the
field with Mr. Nelson Pumyea at Mt. Holly,
N. J. Thirty-five species of birds were
noted, among them being a full-plumaged
male Evening Grosbeak and a Mockingbird.
According to Mr. Pumyea, this is the first
time to his knowledge, that the Mockingbird

44 Bird - Lore

has been recorded at Mt. Holly. A more
or less systematic count was made of the
Crows coming into the Mt. Holly Crow-
roost, which reached a total somewhere
between 10,000 and 12,000 birds. This
seems to be one of the few remaining popu-
lous Crow-roosts in southern New Jersey.

Other noteworthy winter birds occurring
this season are Shrikes (probably both
Northern and Migrant), Saw-whet Owls,
and Siskins, the last quite abundant.

A few statements regarding the great
abundance of Ducks and Geese on the New
Jersey coast will not come amiss at this
time. Gunners say ‘thousands’, ‘rafts,’ etc.
Mr. S. C. Kimble, who spent a few days
along the shores of Barnegat Bay the first
week in December, said that he saw one
flock of ducks which contained at least 5,000,
and a flock of Canada Geese that contained
1,000, which rose from the water with a
‘thunderous roar.’ On December 4, in a
walk along the beach from Sea Isle City to
Corson’s Inlet, N. J., six ‘rafts’ of Ducks
(mostly Black, resting on the ocean just
beyond the breakers) were seen. These
‘rafts’ contained anywhere from 500 to
1,000 birds apiece. White-winged Scoters
were present in hundreds; 5 Bufflehead and
2 Ruddy Ducks were noted. At this time,
also, 5 Sanderling, 10 Black-breasted Plover
and a flock of 30 or more Red-backed Sand-
pipers were observed.—JuL1an Kk. Porrer,
Camden, N. J.

WASHINGTON ReciIon.—The seasonal ebb
and flow of bird-life is one of the most at-
tractive phases of bird-study. Nor is this
attractiveness much the less because observa-
tions are limited to a restricted region. Here
at Washington, although we are, as is well
known, on a tributary of the main stream
of north and south bird migration that flows
along the Atlantic Coast, there are, never-
theless, some interesting features. One of
these is the comparison of the bird move-
ments of one year with those of another,
and again with what might be termed the
average, or better, the normal year, a
criterion obtained from a long series of
yearly observations.

From the height of migration in September

the tide at Washington gradually subsides
through October and November, until by
the last of the latter month practically all
our summer residents and transients have
passed southward. Meanwhile, beginning in
September, the influx of our winter residents
takes place, and by the last of October all
are here except a few which do not usually
put in their appearance until the first week
of November.

This year’s (1921) bird-life has been about
normal during October and November. The
regular winter residents, such as the Rusty
Blackbird, Purple Finch, White-throated
Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Brown
Creeper, and Winter Wren, have put in
their appearance as usual. ‘The Red-
breasted Nuthatch, while present, was
apparently not as common as it ordinarily
is, and the Carolina Wren, a permanent
resident, seems not yet fully to have re-
covered its former numbers.

The generally mild weather that has pre-
vailed during these two months might have
been responsible for the early arrival of the
Fox Sparrow, which was seen on October 9
by Dr. A. K. Fisher at Plummer Island, Md.,
nineteen days ahead of its normal arrival,
a record almost equal to its earliest appear-
ance October 3, 1906. Similarly, the Slate-
colored Junco, which was seen by B. H.
Swales at Chevy Chase, Md., on October 3,
was in advance of its regular date of appear-
ance, which is October 7.

Likewise, the lack of severe cold weather
induced some species to remain rather
longer than common. Such are the House
Wren, seen on October 23 by Dr. A. Wetmore
at Plummer Island, Md., a week beyond its
usual time of October 16, and the Solitary
Sandpiper, noted by the same observer at
Dyke, Va., October 22, twenty days later
than usual. One species, the Canada War-
bler, was observed at Plummer Island, Md.,
by Dr. A. Wetmore on October 23, and was
thus several days beyond its previously
latest date of October 11, 1908.

The Pileated Woodpecker was again seen
by Dr. A. K. Fisher at Plummer Island, Md.,
on October 2, possibly the same individual
as the one previously reported by him on
September 11.

The Season 45

Ducks and Geese have appeared, and
indications are that their numbers will be as
satisfactorily large during the coming winter
as they have been for two or three years
past, with the possibility of even further
increase in numbers.—HaArry C. OBER-
HOLSER, Biological Survey, Washington, D.C.

OBERLIN (OnTO) REGION.—The weather
has continued mild, with no snow at any
time of sufficient depth or duration to have
any effect on the birds. A considerable
company of Chimney Swifts was present on
October 15, and a few were seen up to the
18th, when a storm of three days’ duration
began. None*were seen after the storm.
An interesting thing about this company of
Swifts was that about the first of October
they left the chimneys that they had been
using for roosting-places and repaired to the
cemetery, where they seemed to be roosting
at night in some Scotch pine trees. Certainly
there was no chimney that they could have
used there. The first week in November,
White-winged Crossbills and a single Pine
Grosbeak came and remained for several
days. Never before have these two species
been seen in this region, except in unusually
cold and snowy winters. What drove them
South? By November 20 the birds had
settled down to winter conditions, and there
has been nothing out of the normal to report
since. There is an occasional Robin and
Bronzed Grackle, and, of course, Ducks
are still to be found in the vicinity of Lake
Erie-—Lynps Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Cuicaco RreGcion.—The recent period has
been marked by much stormy weather, snow,
and rain, but with very few days below
freezing. The last of the migrants left early
in November and a number of species from
the North have arrived.

The last Warblers reported were a Ten-
nessee and a Nashville on October 12, and
a Black-throated Green on the 2oth in
Jackson Park; a Myrtle on the 15th and a
Palm on the 16th at Waukegan, and an
Ovenbird at Austin on the 23d. Sanderlings
and Red-backed Sandpipers stayed until
November 2, and Wilson’s Snipe were re-
ported from the Dunes the oth, and from

Highwood the 11th. A Phoebe was seen in
Jackson Park October 20. ‘The first week
in November saw the last of the Sparrows
on their way South.

Wm. I. Lyons, of Waukegan, took an
immature Harris’ Sparrow in a trap October
12, which was banded and released. It
remained about his yard until the 3oth and
during that time was taken in traps thirty-
two different times.

Snow Buntings first appeared on October
20 and again on the 23d and the 3oth;
Pine Siskins, October 21 and Redpolls,
November 13. A Pine Grosbeak was seen
by Stephen S. Gregory in his yard in the
city November 11. He was able to watch
it closely for about twenty minutes before
it flew away. A flock of seven was reported
from Lake Forest, November 23, by Jesse
L. Smith. P. B. Coffin saw a small flock of
White-winged Crossbills at Dune Park, Ind.,
on October 30. It was in this same place
where the last were seen two years ago. A
small flock of Bohemian Waxwings were
found at Beach, Ills., on December 4 by the
writer. A pair were first seen and later the
flock which were very restless. In 1919
on the same day, it was estimated by the
writer that about 1,500 passed there during
a flight of these birds.

H. L. Stoddard, of the Milwaukee
Museum, spent some time in the Dunes, in
Indiana, between November 1o and 20, and
despite the very disagreeable weather was
able to report about fifty species. The
most noteworthy was a flock of about 200
Evening Grosbeaks seen November 11 at
Millers and on the roth at Mineral Springs,
feeding on the flowering dogwood. Other
records are: Red-throated Loon, and Fox
Sparrow at Tremont, November 10; and at
Mineral Springs Saw-whet Owl, November
12; Redpolls and Siskins, the roth; and
Robins and Bluebirds the oth and three
Robins again on the roth.

Other rare and unusual visitors are:
White Pelican, found dead on the beach at
Dune Park, Indiana, on October 23, by
memb 2rz of the Chicago Camera Club, who
took a number of pictures of the bird which
are conclusive proof of the record. G. W.
Lewis and James Watson found a Jaeger at

46 Bird - Lore

Lincoln Park October 16. They spent some
time watching the bird which was identified
as a Pomarine. They also reported a small
flock of Lapland Longspurs the same day.
The Longspurs were seen again (November
1,) by B. T. Gault in Grant Park, together
with many Snow Buntings and a small flock
of Horned Larks (alpestris proper). Jess2
L. Smith reported a Saw-whet Owl found
dead in Highland Park November 7, and a
Greater Scaup, the 16th.

The Society closes this year’s migration
report with 240 species having been iden-
tified by the members in this region.—
CoLIn CAMPBELL SANBORN, Chairman, Re-
port Committee, Chicago Ornithological So-
ciely.

Minnesota REeGIoN.—The mild weather
of early October continued throughout the
remainder of the month, with a number of
beautiful, hazy, Indian Summer-like days
when the mid-day temperatures reached 60
to 68 degrees. Very little rain fell, and the
month was recorded as one of the driest
Octobers for many years. The first “killing
frost” in the vicinity of Minneapolis did not
occur until November 1, making the longest
‘growing season’ (197 days) recorded here
for fifty years. The usual date is between
October 3 and 10. Mild days followed until,
on November 7, came the first real winter
weather ushered in by a snowstorm. From
this date until the 23d, snow fell almost daily,
the aggregate amount being 18.5 inches,
4.1 inches more than had ever been recorded
previously for November at Minneapolis.
The total for the whole winter last year was
20 inches. The coldest day for the season
thus far was on November 20, when the mer-
cury fell to minus 4 degrees at Minneapolis.
On the 21st the temperature at Duluth was
minus 5 degrees and at Grand Forks minus
8 degrees, with nearly zero records in south-
ern Minnesota. Thus, the month of No-
vember was marked by the greatest fall of
snow for that month in the history of the
local weather bureau, and it seemed as
though winter had come down upon us in
earnest. But the ‘cold snap’ was followed
immediately by milder days, and the month
ended with a warm, almost spring-like day

when the snow melted rapidly. There has
been no cold weather since and the ground is
almost clear of snow. The larger lakes have
been frozen only partially until quite re-
cently and considerable areas of open water
have induced small flocks of the hardier
Ducks and a few Herring Gulls to remain
until nearly the present date.

Conditions thus far suggest another open
winter like last year.

The most notable ornithological happen-
ing of the last two months has been a re-
markable visitation of Magpies into the
state from the West. The records received
thus far number more than half of the total
for all previous years and without doubt
there are many more still to be heard from.
We have reports from nine different local-
ities, widely separated but all in the southern
half of the state. The number of individuals
seen is thirty-four. The earliest report was
for October 10, from Ivanhoe, Lincoln
County, near the South Dakota line, where,
attracted by a dead hog, ten Magpies were
seen together (Mrs. J. A. Campbell). Since
that date additional reports have been re-
ceived from Pipestone, Lake Benton, Tyler
(Peterson), and Ortonville (Chamberlain) in
the western part of the state; Dundas (Avery)
Dassel (Jensen), Elk River (Bailey), and
Red Wing (Densmore) farther east, the
last place in the Mississippi River valley on
the Wisconsin line. Thus this western bird
is distributed entirely across the southern
part of the state.

Nearly all the usual winter visitant birds
arrived in the state during late October and
November.

Evening Grosbeak. Brainerd, October 15
(Mrs. Thabes); Lake Minnetonka, October
17 (Commons); Elk River, October 24
(Bailey); Miss Torgerson reports them com-
mon at Fosston, Polk County, and they
have been seen regularly at Brainerd and
Elk River ever since their first appearance.
It, perhaps, is not quite correct to treat this
bird as a winter visitant in the northern part
of Minnesota as it now seems certain that it
remains throughout the summer and prob-
ably breeds in the most northern counties.

Pine Grosbeak. Brainerd, Elk River and
Minneapolis, mostly single birds,

————

The Season 47

Snow Bunting. Elk River, Cannon Falls
(Swanson) and the Red River Valley near
Crookston; common in flocks in the last
locality (Miss Torgerson). The Snow Bunt-
ing is no longer a generally abundant bird
in Minnesota as it was in former times.

Redpoll. Common throughout the state
since early in November. ;

Lapland Longspur. Elk River and Pipe-
stone (many).

Bohemian Waxwing. Elk River on No-
vember 30 and after that from Minneapolis,
Cannon Falls, Pipestone, and Fairmount
(Dr. Luedtke). Small flocks only have been
seen.

Great Northern Shrike. Elk River October
30, Pipestone and Cannon Falls.

Snowy Owl. Only one record thus far—
from McLeod County, far south in the state
(Peterson).

Goshawk. Elk River, October 12 (Bailey).

Rough-legged Hawk. First seen at Elk
River September 26, and on October 26 Mr.
Bailey wrote “‘see Rough-legs every day.”

Mr. Bailey reported that a flock of about
roo Swans was seen flying over Elk River on
November 18.

Several Bald Eagles have been killed this
fall in various parts of the state—two of
them far out in the western prairie region,
Rock and Norman Counties. Mr. Carlos
Avery informs me that at least three Golden
Eagles have also been shot. It is unfor-
tunate that these great birds should be killed
as they are getting very rare. A Golden
Eagle was reported by Mr. Bailey as having
been seen at Elk River on December 12.

The mild winter has induced some of the
half-hardy birds to remain and so frequent
mention is made of the Junco, Tree Sparrow,
Brown Creeper, Blackbirds. Bailey writes
that Red-headed Woodpeckers are ‘‘gen-
erally distributed”’ about Elk River and that
“two or three can be seen during a walk of
five or six miles in any direction.” From
Tairmount, Martin County, down on the
Towa line comes the following from Dr. G.
H. Luedtke under date of December 15:
“Frost all out of the ground and many of the
lakes partly open at this date. About 5
inches of snow fell during November. De-
cember has been sunny and warm to date.

Meadowlarks, Juncos, Brewer’s and Rusty
Blackbirds are still quite common.’”’—TxHos.
S. Roperts, Zoological Museum, University
of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.

Kansas City Recron.—In late October
and early November several flocks of Pipits
were noted in the Missouri bottoms where
this species is only occasionally seen during
migration. From October 19 until late No-
vember Harris’s Sparrows were increasingly
abundant, but have evidently passed on
through, as but a very few wintering individ-
uals have been seen during early December.
All the other large Sparrows, save the Tow-
hee, have accompanied them. The Towhee
rarely winters here, but is common enough
this season up to mid-December.

Short-eared Owls appeared during the
last ten days of October and are still here
feeding on prairie rodents. A characteristic
wave of Harris’s Sparrows was noted on
October 31, when for over a week these
birds were drawling and clinking in hundreds
from every thicket and weed-patch. On No-
vember 1 an immense flock of feeding Red-
winged Blackbirds was discovered in the
region of the mouth of Big Blue where they
had apparently been established for some
time. This flock, estimated to contain be-
tween 3,000 and 4,000 birds, evidently all
females, has remained in this neighborhood
for six weeks feeding on the abundant crop
of weed seeds there. It will be interesting to
note how long the apparently inexhaustible
supply of food will sustain this horde. A
series of specimens is being collected to de-
termine the subspecies of this wintering
form. Red-winged Blackbirds are also com-
mon this winter on the uplands and prairie
regions, though the flocks will doubtless
move on before the season of blizzards ar-
rives. It has been noted in previous years
when this region has been favored with win-
tering throngs of this species that the prairie-
feeding flocks almost invariably fly long dis-
tances to roost in the Missouri Rive: bot-
toms. From the fact of their not roosting
even in large flocks this year it is presumed
that these prairie birds are merely loitering
here during the fine weather.

On November 1, from a station on the

48 Bird - Lore

Missouri River within the city limits, a
count was kept, between 8 and 9:40 A.M.,
of passing Ducks and Geese. Twenty-seven
flocks of Ducks contained 1729 individuals and
six flocks of Geese were estimated to contain
525 birds. For nearly an hour after the tally
was discontinued the flocks passed in an
endless procession too numerous even to
estimate, so that the birds recorded repre-
sent but a small fraction of the flight. Sev-
eral hunters’ bags examined this day con-
tained a large ratio of Black Ducks. Andrews
reported a similar flight from his station
further down stream about a week later, and
stated that withal the flight this year was
not so impressive as last year, or even year
before last. However, reports from other
stations, notably Lawrence, Kans., are more
encouraging.

A large flock of Rusty Blackbirds with a
sprinkling of Cowbirds was seen on Novem-
ber 4. Red-breasted Nuthatches were noted
on the 6th, and on the 7th migrating Hawks
were in sight during most of the day. Kill-
deers were seen in Swope Park on the 22d,
an unusually late date. Andrews saw Kill-
deers and Greater Yellow-legs on the Mis-
souri River on the 16th, and a flight of Her-
ring and Ring-billed Gulls on the 18th and
1gth. On the 21st this observer flushed his
second Woodcock of the season.

On November 20 a beautiful adult male
specimen of Harlan’s Hawk was killed near
Kansas City and brought in to J. F. Frazier
for mounting. Strangely enough on the
same day another specimen was taken near
Independence, only a few miles further east,
and brought in to Charles W. Tindall. This
specimen could not be saved, but was per-
sonally examined in the flesh. These records
constitute the second and third for this im-
mediate region. It is understood that C. D.
Bunker, Curator of the Kansas University
Museum, has added several records of this
bird for eastern Kansas.

Mr. Tindall reports a Mockingbird and a
Red-headed Woodpecker wintering near his
home in Independence, Mo. Sidney Hyde,
of Topeka, Kans., reports a small flock of
Bohemian Waxwings and numbers of Red-
breasted Nuthatches seen in his region in
carly December,

The outstanding feature of the current
period is the very unusual abundance of
Blue Jays over this entire region. Usually at
this season only a few wintering birds are
here and need to be hunted for in the most
favorable situations. But this year they are
in evidence at every turn. Meadowlarks, too,
are rather more numerous than common at
this season, but will doubtless move on at
the approach of very cold weather, the sea-
son to date having been unseasonably mild.—
Harry Harris, Kansas City, Mo.

DENVER Recion.—The writer is like
every other lover of birds, very desirous of
making interesting and valuable observa-
tions about them, and anxious to share such
results with his interested friends and fellow
students. When eight weeks pass, as have
the past two months, with an almost com-
plete poverty of bird-life in his region, he
feels as though he had been ‘buncoed.’
During similar periods (as this now being
reported on) in years past, he has seen in the
neighborhood of Denver, more than seventy
different species and subspecies of birds.
During the last eight weeks only eighteen
species and subspecies have fallen under his
notice as he has gone about in this vicinity.
It is obvious that one can hardly compare a
given period studied during many years, with
the same period studied during one year only,
yet these figures give an idea of the scarcity
of birds hereabouts during the past two
months.

The northern breeding Ducks were very
late in arriving in our region, and were scarce
even then. It was, however, like receiving a
birthday or a holiday greeting to see a flock
of six Snow Geese on a lake north of Denver,
on October 31. There must have been a con-
siderable flight of these Geese over the state
about this time, for a flock was also noted on
a lake fifty miles north of Denver on October
29, one being secured, and its head, wing and
leg given to the writer. The bird proved on
examination to be a Lesser Snow Goose, a
species relatively common in Colorado, its
larger congener, the Greater Snow Goose,
being very rare in this state.

Walks through our parks and drives into
the suburbs, taken at various times during

The Season 40

the past two months, have disclosed our
usual residents, i. e., Magpies, Horned Larks,
Meadowlarks, Red-winged Blackbirds,
Flickers, etc., and only a sparse population
of our Junco winter residents. Of these last
the following have been seen, and all are
probably still here, viz., White-winged, Grey-
headed, Pink-sided, Slate-colored, and Shu-
feldt’s. This array of Juncos would be, prob-
ably, of keen interest to a resident of the
East, but, to us, these birds are familiar
winter friends, and though greeted each year
with pleasure, they do not excite the com-
ment many other and more uncommon
species do. The mass of Juncos seemed to
reach us in a wave which spread over Denver
on October 20.

There have been very few Hawks here-
abouts since October 15; only the Sparrow
Hawk and the Pigeon Hawk have been
noted in the city lately, and of these two
species, but two individuals of each have
been seen, and once the Marsh Hawk was
observed immediately outside of the city
limits.

A visit to a “Duck Club’ late in October
gave the writer a chance to see a few water-
and shore-birds, and also led him to dis-
cover a single White-crowned Sparrow, which
was associating with Song Sparrows in the
swampy outlet of the lake. This date, Octo-
ber 29, is the latest record of this species in
this region.

No Robins have been seen since October
15. Frequently it has been the case that
there are no Robins about Denver, but many
in the neighboring foothills. Friends of the
writer, who also are interested in birds, re-
port that they, too, have seen no Robins,
even in the foothills, and, too, that they have
seen very few other species.

Several Creepers have lingered about the
writer’s home neighborhood, the last one
having been seen on November 13. There
was a snowfall in Denver on November 8,
and another on November 17, but these tran-
sitory cold spells probably had little or no
effect in keeping the Creepers here. It is
extraordinary to have this species here so
long and at this time.

If now the Great Northern Butcherbird
and the Mountain Chickadee be recorded as

visiting this region during the past two
months, the writer will have pretty well ex-
hausted the list of birds seen by him in that
time.

Aside from the two light snowfalls men-
tioned above, and one cold spell with tem-
peratures below 15° Fahr., the weather has
been of great mildness.

Dandelions were seen in bloom in the city
on November 26.—W. H. Berctoup, Den-
ver, Colo.

Los ANGELES REeGIon.—The migration of
shore-birds has held the attention of our ob-
servers throughout the season. A number of
trips were made to White’s Point, where the
Turnstones were recorded at their usual
time of returning, but the Wandering Tat-
lers eluded us until two months after their
normal date of occurrence, the first record
coming from the rocky shores near Laguna
Beach early in October. A few days later,
October 13, four Tatlers, one Baird’s Sand-
piper and two Long-billed Curlews were the
rarities on a long list that included Northern
Phalaropes, Western, Horned, and Eared
Grebes, myriads of Terns, Gulls, and Ducks,
a Golden Eagle, and the first Say’s Phoebes
of the season. Mid-October was marked by
an immense visitation of Red Phalaropes.
They dotted the ocean for miles along the
coast and entered the harbors in vast num-
bers, moving fearlessly about among the
shipping. A group of five visited the small
lake in Westlake Park, three of them suc-
cumbing there to death from some unknown
cause, being found in a very emaciated con-
dition. Mortality was very high among the
great flocks, numbers being found dead
along the shores. Similar conditions were re-
ported from many points along the coast,
throughout the length of the state. Our ex-
treme dates for this remarkable visitation
are October 15 to November 13, when about
50 birds were still in the outer harbor in a
close group near the breakwater, some scat-
tering birds were on the kelp at Point Firmin,
and a few were at Long Beach.

The Egrets that winter regularly about the
harbor district came in at about their usual
time, a single bird being seen in the marshes
in September, 2 or 3 in October, and by the

50 Bird - Lore

first week in November, at least 6 had re-
turned to their winter quarters on the tide
flats at San Pedro, where many waders
gather. A group of 13 Avocets was observed
there on October 26, and again November 8,
the absence of fresh-water areas at this sea-
son apparently having driven them to accept
the margins of salt water for feeding-grounds.
Five Long-billed Dowitchers, 5 Willets, 3
Marbled Godwits and many Black-bellied
Plover were with them. Bonaparte’s, Her-
ring, and Glaucous-winged Gulls are occa-
sionally seen in small numbers in company
with the more common Gulls. Loons and
Horned Grebes have been observed upon the
ocean throughout the fall, and the Surf and
White-winged Scoters ace very numerous.
Our list of winter visitant land-birds has
been augmented by the arrival of the Varied
Thrush, Lewis’s Woodpeckers in unusual
numbers, and a Red-naped Sapsucker, noted
on December 5 and 9. First Robins were re-
ported November 12; Mountain Bluebirds,
November 21, Cedar Waxwings, November
24. The Slender-billed Nuthatch was noted
in Echo Park, November 28, and, on De-
cember 5 and 9, was found in the park at
Sunland. On the latter date Purple Finches
were seen. Blue-fronted Jays were numerous
in the Arroyo Seco near Pasadena November
29. Bell’s Sparrows were found in abundance
in the lower foothills near Tejunga Canon,
December 5 and 9, watch being kept for an
hour at midday on a steep slope covered
mainly with Adenostoma and Artemisia cali-
fornica, where a slight leak in a water-pipe
afforded a drinking-place. Here came Bell’s
Sparrows in constant succession, from one to
five being present continuously. Other visi-
tors were a Valdez Fox Sparrow, a Chipping
Sparrow, many Gambel’s, a Spurred Towhee,
two Anthony’s Towhees, a Thrasher, a
Robin, a California Jay, two Wrentits, many
Audubon’s Warblers and Green-backed
Goldfinches, a Hermit Thrush, a pair of
Linnets, and a Mockingbird. A Humming-
bird, a Gnatcatcher, a Savannah Sparrow, and
a Flicker came near but did not visit the
water, and a Sharp-shinned Hawk flew over.
A Black-tailed Gnatcatcher was seen in the
dry wash near by. An alfalfa field in the
valley was visited by an immense flock of

Red-winged Blackbirds that rose with a
roar of wings as we passed. Immense flocks
of Brewer’s Blackbirds in suburban localities
have attracted much attention, and from the
proportion of brown individuals to black it
would appear that the season’s hatch was a
pronounced success.

As we close this report (December 12), the
Myrtle Warbler is reported from Echo Park
and the Black-throated Gray Warbler from
Sycamore Grove.—FRANCES B. SCHNEIDER,
Los Angeles, Calif.

San Francisco Recion.—The migration
of shore-birds on the Alameda mud flats, as
reported by Mrs. Kelley, shows a decreasing
number of Godwits and Dowitchers until
December 10, when 2 Godwits were seen and
Dowitchers were missing for the first time.
The last wave of Forster’s Terns occurred on
November 18. The flock of Willets is now
(December 12) reduced to 15 but Sandpipers
(Western, Least and Red-backed) are still
increasing, as are also the Black-bellied
Plovers. Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s Gulls
are still very abundant. On the sandy beach
south of the Cliff House Mr. Kibbe reported
the Snowy Plovers as abundant on December
3. On the same date the toll of ocean wan-
derers brought in by the high wind of the
preceding night included 2 Common Loons,
5 Pacific Fulmars, 2 Dark-bodied Shear-
waters and 1 Murre.

The Ducks on Lake Merritt, in Oakland,
are present in throngs, but have probably
not yet reached the peak either as to individ-
uals or species. On November 6, Mr, Kibbe
reported Pintails, Ruddies, and Lesser Scaup
as being far in excess of other species, but by
December 12 the Baldpates and Shovellers
were as numerous as Ruddy Ducks, and
Scaup were hard to find. Only one Canvas-
back was seen. The birds are noticeably
more tame than in other seasons. The Pin-
tails in particular settle down like domestic
fowls in the enclosure recently wired in to
afford them better protection. About 15
pairs of Mallards are also very much at home.
Mr. Dixon reports 8 male Buffleheads on
the lake earlier in the month, and a few are
present on the lakes in Golden Gate Park.

One White-winged Scoter was seen on

The Season 51

Spreckles’ lake on the 11th, and a second
Scoter was in such nondescript plumage that
I could not be sure of its identity. Grebes
are not yet abundant on lakes I have visited.

Among the unusual land-birds are the
Black-and-White Warbler and White-
throated Sparrow, both reported from the
campus of the University of California. Blue
Jays are somewhat less abundant than in
October, but Sharp-shinned Hawks are
many and very bold.

The only signs of mating noticed so far
are the decided pendulum antics of the
Anna Hummingbirds. On November 1 and
again on December 11 the male, in excellent

plumage, was found performing, and the ex-
plosive whistle produced at the conclusion of
the ‘nose dive’ was heard from six to nine
times in close succession.

In spite of the remarkable abundance of
Toyon berries in the park at Lake Merritt,
no Thrushes, Robins or Waxwings could be
found on December 12. There was a dearth
of Robins in Golden Gate Park on the 11th,
only two being seen in a walk extending from
First to Forty-third Avenue. Perhaps, how-
ever, this was due simply to bad luck, for
they have been quite conspicuous in Berkeley
throughout the period—AmMELIA SANBORN
ALLEN, Berkeley, Calif.

SEASONAL NOTES

The Department of Notes from Field and
Study has been omitted from this number
to make room for the Christmas Census, but
in view of the reports in “The Season’ of an
exceptional eastward movement of Magpies,
it is desirable to publish the following records
of the occurrence of that bird in this issue.

Magpie at Fargo, N. D.

On October 23, 1921, when Arthur
Brenckle and the writer were in the woods
along the river near Fargo, we heard in the
distance a bird which both of us suggested
sounded like a Magpie. Later, hearing it
again, we were almost sure of it and walked
that way. We did not succeed in approaching
very closely but saw the bird move in the
trees and then fly away showing the charac-
teristic flight, long tail, and white wing-
patches. They are common in the western
part of the state, especially along the Mis-
souri River, but rarely seen east of it. Two
or three years ago reports of them came in
the winter from several places in the south-
eastern part of the state-——O. A. STEVENS,
Fargo, N. D.

Magpies in Iowa

In early October, 1921, flocks of American
Magpies suddenly appeared in northwest
Iowa, as many as fifty often being seen at a
time.

Their voices are loud and harsh and they
are very noisy, always keeping up a chat-
tering among themselves. They are capable

of imitating well the calls of other birds.

They have never been in this locality
before and I have never heard of their being
seen any further east than the vicinity of the
Black Hills of South Dakota.

They seem to prefer animal food, as they
have been observed making a meal from dead
animals. Some claim that their migrating
here is due to so many cattle dying on the
western ranges, in the recent severe winters.
Others claim it is a sign of the approach of an
uncommonly severe winter.

They act very much at home here and
seem to intend to stay. Just now (early No-
vember) they are still here in large numbers.
Everyone is discussing their presence as the
occurrence is so unusual. They do not get
along well with the Crows.—LeNnA Brapy,
Sutherland, Towa.

The Magpie in Wisconsin
I have been requested by numerous other
bird-lovers to write you concerning a Magpie
which I saw five miles north of this city on
November 25, 1921. It was apparently quite
at home among a small group of Crows. I
recognized it from its resemblance to the
European Magpie, not having seen the wes-
tern Magpie of America. However, its large
size and prominent markings would serve to
identify it, even if one had only a picture to
compare it with. River Falls is in latitude
44° 50’ north and longitude 92° 4o west.

—C. G. Stratton, River Falls, Wis.

Book Mews and fiebietws

Tue Book or Brrps FoR YOUNG PEOPLE.
By F.ScHuyLer MAtuews. With 6 illustra-
tions in color and 28 in black and white,
by the author. G. P. Putnam’s Sons,
New York, 1921. 12mo, xvili+323 pages.
Mr. Mathews tells us that by ‘Young

People’ he means anyone from “‘five to fifty
years of age,” and his method of presentation
seems to be as well designed to hold the
attention of an audience of children and
grown-ups as any we recall having seen em-
ployed. His actual audience, however, ap-
pears to be a grandson whom he takes afield
with him for a series of walks and talks which
carry them through the year.

His style is far from being prosy or unnec-
essarily didactic; at times, indeed, is so
sprightly as to verge on flippancy, but the
interest is sustained and actors and incidents
follow each other rapidly across the page.

The author has won deserved success in
transcribing bird songs to the musical staff,
and he here offers bits of rhyme designed to
express the rhythm and to a lesser extent,
sentiments of bird songs, some of which de-
serve to live.

The ornithological accuracy of the book
does not, unfortunately, measure up to its
literary quality. There is, for example, no
excuse for saying that the small Flicker is
“Without” red on the nape, that the Mock-
ingbird is ‘‘always” an imitator, that his call-
note is “ fo-ree”’ or that he sings throughout
the year. That “fearlessness” is a charac-
teristic of Warblers which are the only
“species,” known to the author, in which a
cautious student may stroke the brooding
female, will also be news to experienced
field men. Many of the illustrations are
attractive but art rather than accuracy has
supplied a standard for others, and even the
widest artistic license cannot sanction draw-
ings of birds with wings of from eight to ten
feathers.—F. M. C.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BIOLOGICAL SuR-
vEY. By E. W. Netson, Chief of the
Bureau. 8vo, 34 pages. U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.
This document. covering the work of the

Biological Survey for the year ending June

30, 1921, gives one in comparatively few
words, some conception of the scope and im-
portance of the work of this invaluable
Bureau of our Government. In reading it
one is impressed, not only by what the widely
varied activities of the Bureau saves the
nation, but also by the absolutely incalculable
losses we should have sustained without the
services of the experts that form the Bureau’s
staff.

Nor should we reckon the value of their
work on the basis of their yearly achieve-
ments, but take also in account the vast and
ever-growing store of information in regard
to the inter-relations of bird and man which
has made the science of economic orni-
thology what it is today.—F. M. C.

Community Birp Reruces. By W. L.
McArteExs, Farmers’ Bulletin No. 1239, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington,
D. C. December, 1921. 14 pages.

This admirable leaflet cannot have too
wide a circulation. It may be obtained with-
out charge by applying to the Department
of Agriculture, and we hope that every reader
of Brrp-Lore will secure a copy for himself
and having read it will give it to his neighbor.

‘Bird Refuges on Farms,’ ‘Roadsides,’
‘Right-of-Ways,’ ‘Community Parkings,’

“Municipal Parks,’ “School and College
Grounds,’ are some of the headings under
which practical suggestions are given in re-
gard to the creation of conditions which will
increase the bird population.—F. M. C.

The Ornithological Magazines

Toe AvukK.—In Memoriam: William
Dutcher,’ by T. S. Palmer, illustrated with
a full-page portrait, opens the October num-
ber of The Auk. It is a tribute to this
eminent ornithologist, who was identified
with the early activities of the American
Ornithologists’ Union, and was the power
behind the Audubon Society movement,
from its inception until ill health forced his
retirement from active affairs several years
before his death. ‘To know William Dutcher
was a privilege; to work with him was an
inspiration.”’

(52)

Book News and Reviews 53

There are several faunal papers. T.
Gilbert Pearson in ‘Notes on the Bird-Life
of Southeastern Texas,’ presents personal
observations on the numbers and habits of
the more interesting species of this region,
made on a field-trip the last of May and be-
ginning of June. Among the birds recorded
are the White Pelican nesting in Laguna de
la Madre, the Roseate Spoonbill, Reddish
Egret, Chachalaca, White-winged Dove and
Great-tailed Grackle. Two plates are from
photographs of the nesting of the Brown and
White Pelicans, Reddish Egret, Cabot’s and
Caspian Terns.

‘Breeding Birds of Warland, Lincoln Co.,
Montana,’ by Thomas D. Burleigh, com-
prises notes made in the summer of 1920, and
lists 79 species. Warland is a remote lumber
town, where Ruffed Grouse and Pileated
Woodpecker, unused to man, are remarkably
tame. To quote from ‘Some Southern Michi-
gan Bird Records’ by Norman A. Wood,
“The records in the Museum of Zodlogy,
University of Michigan, apparently indicate
that several species of birds are in Michigan
extending their ranges to the northward, or
are becoming more common.’ Barn Owl,
Grasshopper, Henslow’s and Lark Sparrows,
Prothonotary and Connecticut Warblers,
Short-billed Marsh Wren, and Tufted Tit-
mouse are mentioned, and the available data
given. Unpublished records of other rare
birds are included in this paper. ‘Notes from
Connecticut,’ by Louis B. Bishop, M. D.,
contains critical migration and other data
on some 66 species and subspecies supple-
mentary to ‘The Birds of Connecticut,’ pub-
lished in 1913.

‘The Later Flights of the Passenger
Pigeon’ by Frank Bond, is a short paper of
much interest, a memory sketch from eastern
Iowa of the vanishing hordes of this species
(half-tone plate). They flew in long lines or
bands, extending laterally to their line of
flight. Leverett M. Loomis records the be-
lief that Albatrosses and Petrels find their
way on their extensive wanderings by fol-
lowing shore-lines, ocean currents, and winds,
not by special sense of direction. He has
made several observations on the behavior
of such birds off the California coast which
would lead to this conclusion. It is also

borne out by facts in the distribution of
birds of this group. “The Abbreviated Inner
Primaries of Nestling Woodpeckers,’ by
James P. Chapin, illustrated with a_ hali-
tone plate and several text figures, is a pri-
marily anatomical discussion from a _philo-
sophic viewpoint. ‘The Feeding Habits of
the Black Skimmer,’ by Stanley Clisby
Arthur, is illustrated with two plates,
from four photographs. The author has
“never seen a Skimmer secure its fish food
while skimming the waters with its under
mandible immersed. He has, on the other
hand, seen them pick up small fish, evidently
chased into a shallow flat by larger ones. The
Skimmers meanwhile were standing in the
shallow water, and so photographed. He
concludes that the Black Skimmer does not
secure its food in the way generally set forth,
and that the function of the peculiar bill is
unknown. This is an interesting paper but it
is hard to prove a negative in the face of
rather convincing affirmative evidence. It
also does not seem likely that a bird could
gain a living by simply picking up such active
fishes as silversides, for instance (here men-
tioned). A taxonomic paper by Nagamichi
Kuroda describes several new races of
Japanese and Korean Woodpeckers.
‘General Notes’ contain a variety of items,
mostly of faunal interest. Aaron C. Bagg
speaks of ‘An Oil-soaked Loon at Watch
Hill, R. I. and suggests “‘a rigid federal law
relative to the disposal of waste oil at sea.”’
Witmer Stone supplements Arthur’s article
on the Skimmer with an observation of its
capturing a fish while flying low over the
water. “It was not ‘ploughing the main’ at
the time, and it would seem as if the peculiar
bill must have been a hindrance to its success
rather than an aid.’ Ralph Hoffman de-
scribes ‘A Mating Performance of the Least
Tern’ in California. It is to be wished that
more details had been supplied by Charles
A. Urner with the statement that “At
least two Greater Yellow-legs remained
here [Elizabeth, N. J.] throughout the breed-
ing season [1921].’’ The Greater Yellow-legs
is almost regularly present in this latitude
in summer as a coastwise transient, except
the last week in June, a short but definite
hiatus, invariable, or nearly so—J. T. N.

54 Bird - Lore

Bird-Lore

A Bi-Monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES
Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Contributing Editor, MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Published by D, APPLETON & CO.

Vol. XXIV Published February 1, 1922 No. 1

SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Price in the United States, one dollar and fifty cents a year;
outside the United States, one dollar and seventy-five cents,
postage paid.

COPYRIGHTED, 1922, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Bird-Lore's Motto:
A Bird in the Bush Is Worth Two in the Hand

——

Brrp-Lore extends its cordial thanks to
the hundreds of observers who have con-
tributed to its twenty-second Christmas
Census. This annual event has now become
an institution. Doubtless a fair proportion
of the bird students who took part in it this
year were not born when it was inaugurated
and we hope that their children and chil-
dren’s children will keep this tryst with the
birds at Christmas time.

The scientific value of these thousands of
definite records from throughout our country
has become increasingly obvious. While it
is not to be expected that the bird-life of the
winter can be shown in a day, or even that
the bird-life of a day can be recorded in any
part of it, it is nevertheless clear that the
lists of birds sent us give, on the whole, an
accurate conception of the numbers and
kinds of birds present during mid-winter.
One ornithologist, known for the thorough-
ness and accuracy of this field work, tells us
that his census this year contains one less
species but exactly the same number of indi-
viduals which he found in the same region
three years ago. A coincidence no doubt, in
part, but significant nevertheless.

It would be most instructive to put a
stranger in the territory of the local orni-
thologist and compare the results of their
day’s observations. Assuming that in orni-
thological knowledge, keenness, and powers
of observation, both were equal, the visiting
man would, of course, be at a great disad-
vantage. And this gives point to the fact that
most of Brrp-Lore’s censuses are made by

observers thoroughly familiar with their
ground. Their route is planned with a full
knowledge of local conditions governing the
distribution of bird-life in winter, and the
real census enthusiast prepares for the grand
‘round-up’ by preliminary surveys which
make him familiar with affairs in his part of
the bird world up to the very day on which
he takes his final count. These factors all
combine to make the censuses truly repre-
sentative of our winter avifauna.

Wholly aside from their present and future
reference value, these lists of names and
figures, which look hopelessly uninteresting to
the uninitiated, perform, we believe, a num-
ber of important functions. Their making
stimulates wholesome competition and ac-
curacy in observation, and their reading
gives one mental pictures of the numbers and
species of birds to be found in other parts of
the country during the winter which are not
elsewhere available. Furthermore, these
pages of names include not only a census of
birds, but, in a measure, a census of bird
students. We know of many regular con-
tributors to the census who have never met
but have become correspondents, to their
mutual pleasure and advantage through the
medium of the Christmas Census.

Birp-Lore has already expressed its opin-
ion of the farmer whose ill-advised energy
prompts him periodically to ‘clear-up’ his
boundary lines and field borders by ruthlessly
cutting off the vegetation which had sprung
up along them.

With much satisfaction, therefore, we read
in ‘Community Bird Refuges’ (noticed on
page 52) Mr. McAtee’s arraignment of this
custom and the reasons why it is not only
needless but defeats the very end the farmer
is supposed to have in view.

Mr. McArtEE writes: “There can be no
doubt that suppression of roadside vegetation
is a potent factor in restricting the numbers
of birds, and the ever-increasing tendency
to allow fence rows the minimum of space
has the same effect. Farmers may gain a
planting row about every field by the destruc-
tion of vegetation along fences, but they lose
the services of the birds, their best allies in
fighting insects.”

Che Audubon Docieties

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by A. A. ALLEN, Ph.D.

Address all communications relative to the work of this
department to the Editor, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.

THE NEW YEAR WITH THE BIRDS

This is the time of good resolutions. The year is still so young that we
have not yet forgotten the ones we made on New Year’s Day and there is
plenty of time to make others. Let us, therefore, in making our plans for the
school year, lay out a definite work that we will do in bird-study and then let
us stick to it. It is not well to try to do everything in one year and the past
volumes of Brrp-Lore are so replete with suggestions that it is well to decide
at the beginning of the year just what plan is to be followed, lest one get lost
in his own enthusiasm, and arrive at the
end of the year with no piece of work well
done. Decide on one line of work to fol-
low and then center all efforts about it.
Let the composition, the drawing, the
manual training, and the geography, as
well as the nature-study, center about it,
so that the children will actually live in
the experience and make it part of their
lives. Suppose, for example, one decides
to study the migration of birds. Do not
wait until the birds begin to come back in
the spring, begin now. Start the bird cal-
ender with the winter birds. Many of
them are migratory and are merely spend-
ing the winter with us. It is a good lesson
to find out which they are. The bird cal-
endar will make more than one good draw-
ing lesson. Refer to the March-April Brrp- } ;
Lore of 1920 for ideas as to the making NORTHERN SHRIKES ARE COMMON
piethe: calendar and information about TUS WiNTee con ON GH IRD?
the migration of birds. Get out your bird
books and look up the nesting range of the Snow Bunting, the Tree Sparrow,
the Northern Shrike, or any other bird that you see on one of your winter
walks or that is reported by some child and let it make a lesson in geography.

Plan at least one walk for birds with the class during the winter and then
have the children write it up as one of their English lessons. If it does not seem
feasible to get out together, encourage or require them to take’ individual

(55)

56 Bird - Lore

walks by themselves in search of winter birds and write letters or compositions
about what they see. Send the best one to Brrp-Lore and we will publish it
in this department. When the birds begin to come back in the spring, the
calendar should already contain the names of all the winter birds that have
been seen and the others should be added as soon as they are reported. Let
it not be sufficient, however, merely to add the bird’s name to the chart.
There is material for a drawing lesson, a geography lesson, or a composition
on any bird that is reported. Where
has it been; what has it seen; what has
it been doing since it left us last fall ?
Read “The Yellow Warbler’s Tale’ from
the July-August, 1921, Brrp-Lorr, to
the class and then let each child write
a similar story for any other bird that
has just come back from the South.

When the spring migration is over,
do not put the bird chart away but add
the nesting records to it, and when the
birds come back in the fall keep a record
of their arrival and try to get the latest
date of departure. In other words, let
the bird calendar be a real calendar and
extend throughout the year.

The subject of bird migration, or
the arrival of the birds in the spring,
would make a good subject for a school
pageant or a little play. Perhaps we
will devote a near number of this
Department to school pageants, and,
in preparation for it, we would be glad
to hear of your experiences in compos-
ing or directing such a school activity.

Perhaps you will prefer to make a
study of birds’ nests this year. Now
is the time to begin making a collec-
tion of Jast years’ nests while they are
conspicuous among the leafless branches. Refer to the November-December

OLD NEST OF BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Now is the time to start a collection of birds’ nests

Birp-Lore of 1920 for suggestions as to how to preserve the nests and for a
key with which to identify them. Perhaps some boy will bring in a stub in
which a Woodpecker has drilled its nesting cavity. This will be a good start-
ing-point for a discussion of nesting-boxes and for starting a bird-house com-
petition. Refer to the January-February Birp-Lore of 1920 for suggestions
as to how to build bird-houses and where to place them. Do not let the com-

The Audubon Societies 57

petition end this year until all of
the bird-houses have been properly
placed, as well as properly con-
structed. The bird-house that is
never occupied may discourage the
budding germ of nature interest
in the youthful mind, and ordinarily
the lack of an occupant is due as
much to poor placing as to im-
proper construction. The study
of bird-homes should not cease
with the study of winter nests and
the building of bird-houses. This
work should be finished and the
bird-houses in place by the middle
of March, in time to turn the atten-
tion to the home-building of the
early Robins and Bluebirds and
Song Sparrows.

Put out nesting material for the
birds—cotton for the Yellow War-

HAVE YOU EVER PUT OUT NESTING MATE-
RIAL FOR THE BIRDS? HERE IS A FEMALE
BALTIMORE ORIOLE TAKING STRINGS FOR
HER NEST

HAVE YOUR BIRD HOUSES IN PLACE EARLY

blers and Redstarts, short pieces of
string or yarn for the Orioles and
Robins, horse-hair for the Song and
Chipping Sparrows, and watch them
carry it to their nests. This is some-
times the easiest way to find nests
when they are just being built. En-
courage the children to watch the
building of the nest carefully and to
record what they see. Which bird does
the building? When is most of the
work done? How far do the birds go
for materials, and what is used? How
long does it take to build the outside
and how long for the lining? How
long before the first egg is laid, etc.?
More can be learned from watching
one pair of birds carefully than by
trying to record the nests of all the
different birds of the locality, al-
though the latter effort often stimu-
lates competition and makes valuable
additions to the bird calendar. Em-

58 Bird - Lore

phasis should always be given to the value and interest of watching a nest
through all the activities until the young take wing. This will help to curb
the impulse which some boys have for making a collection of birds’ eggs, for
they will soon learn how much more interesting is the life about the nest than
the fragile egg-shell in the collection, no matter how beautiful it may be. If
the children become interested in the birds’ eggs, refer to the July-August
1920, Brrp-Lore for suggestions.

Whatever else you do, be sure to maintain a feeding-station for birds on
the school-grounds and encourage the children to feed the birds at their homes.
This will not interfere with anything else you may wish to do and it will bring

A BALTIMORE ORIOLE BUILDING ITS NEST (Upper, right-hand).
The old nest can be seen in the lower, left-hand corner

the birds to the windows for close observation. Some of the boys will be inter-
ested in building a feeding-shelter somewhere along the edge of the woods and
when the birds are coming in numbers to this feeding-place, take the whole
class for a field-trip to study winter birds and visit this feeding-station during
the walk. The winter birds are always concentrated about good feeding-
spots, and, unless one knows where these are, he may walk long distances
without seeing a bird. The winter is a good time to begin bird-study, however,
because the birds are relatively so few in number that they are not confusing.
Furthermore, the majority are quite tame and will allow a close approach,

The Audubon Societies 59

even with a large class. At feeding-stations, Chickadees and Nuthatches often
learn to eat from one’s hand.

In this number of Brrp-Lore you will find the result of the Christmas
‘bird census.’ Perhaps you will find a record from your own town or at least
from one not far distant. If you will read these records you will learn which
birds you can expect to see on your rambles this winter. In many places there
seems to be an unusual number of the more uncommon winter visitors this
winter, especially the Northern Shrikes. Tell the children to be on the lookout
for them.

A number of requests have come to the Editor of this Department for
suggestions as to a graded course of bird-study for the schools. In New York

A BIRD CLASS AT A FEEDING STATION. THE CHICKADEE SOON
MAKES FRIENDS

State and in cities where a nature study supervisor is employed, a syllabus
for the guidance of teachers is ordinarily supplied. Some teachers like to
have their work outlined for them; others do not like to be thus hampered.
The chief difficulty with the ordinary graded course of bird-study lies in the
lack of flexibility of the syllabus. The conditions under which bird-study
must be given are not alike in any two localities nor the same two years in
succession. The best teachers take advantage of each opportunity as it arises
and teach from it according to the development of their pupils and without
regard to any fixed syllabus. It is for this reason that thus far, in this De-
partment of Brrp-Lore, we have discussed general principles that might be
applicable to any birds or any circumstances. We would be glad, however,
to publish your experiences with graded courses of bird-study for the benefit
of those who like to have their work outlined for them. If you have tried

60 Bird - Lore

some form of a graded course, briefly outline it for us and tell us what your
experience with it has been. We would like to open this Department to a
free discussion of the problem.—A. A. A.

FROM YOUNG OBSERVERS
ON THE MARSH AT PAPASQUASH

My friend and I started early on August 2, 1919, with our lunch and began
to explore a salt marsh on Papasquash Point, in Narragansett Bay. Herons’
heads stuck up from the grass at every turn. Many Great Blue and Little
Green Herons were flushed.

Walking over the treacherous ground we were able to observe flocks of
Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers at a few yards distance. They went
calmly about their business, very different from the much more wary Spotted
Sandpipers and Killdeers which were in small numbers and did not allow
approach.

Leaving this marsh we went to the next, flushing several Grasshoppe1
Sparrows at our feet. Arriving at the marsh, a Bittern flew up and away and
a clap of our hands brought eighteen squawking Night Herons over our heads.

On our way back to the first marsh we saw many Bobolinks, Goldfinches
and Vesper Sparrows. Fish Hawks, American and Fish Crows, Herring and
Laughing Gulls, and Roseate, Common and Arctic Terns flew over the marsh,
and we were soon alarmed by a flock of Yellow-legs whistling above us. They
lit and allowed very close observation. The Lesser Yellow-legs were more
shy and had broader bands on the tail than the Greater. Both species waded
up to their abdomens and often immersed their heads. There were probably
roo of these birds. Long-billed Marsh Wrens abounded and many Black
Ducks lit in the marshes.

I shall never forget that day with the Yellow-legs whistling plaintively
overhead and the sun shining through their white tails—Tortas WAGNER,
Chestnut Hill, Pa.

{Many of our most interesting birds dwell in the marshes. Anyone who avoids these
areas misses the richest and most enchanting places for bird-study. Bird-life is at its best in
these so-called waste lands; may they be long preserved.—A. A. A.]

AN ARKANSAS KINGBIRD'S NEST IN A MAIL-BOX
In May, a pair of Arkansas Kingbirds made their nest in our rural mail-
box, and hatched three young birds from four eggs. The mail-box was in
daily use, the nest being in one corner. The old birds fed them in the mail-box
until ready to fly—Lronarp DouGHerty (age 12 years), Tioga, Tex.

BEFRIENDING A CRIPPLED BIRD

Two years ago, when my mother and I were in the mountains, we were
camping by a little grove of trees. One day we heard a loud chirping. We

The Audubon Societies 61

got up and went toward the firs from which the bird’s cries came. We made
our way through the trees and came to a nest, and when I picked it up I found
four little eggs in it.

I looked for the mother bird and found her lying under a tree—something
had broken her leg and one wing. We took her to camp and put splints on
her wing and leg and wrapped her up in a blanket to keep warm. We fed her
some crumbs and she ate with much appetite and drank as if she had had
no water for weeks. She didn’t seem to be a bit afraid or even try to get
away. Within two weeks she could walk around, so we took the splints off.
Soon we took off the splint that was on her wing. That night, as usual, we
left her in her box. The next morning she was gone but the next evening,
about 5 o’clock, she came back. We gave her some more crumbs and she
cuddled in her box. The next morning she was gone again. She did this as
long as we were there and. when we left we put her box under a fallen tree
near the camp.—MERCEDES PAYNE (age 12 years), Orosi, Calif. Member
Orosi Junior Audubon Society.

(We are all glad that Mercedes’ efforts at helping the wounded bird were so successful,
and that she was rewarded by its trust and friendship. All efforts to help some kinds of crip-
pled birds are unavailing, so we wish Mercedes had told us what kind of a bird it was that
she so successfully aided to get well.—A. A. A.]

JIM, THE SEAGULL

One afternoon last summer a Seagull landed on our beach. He was pecking
at a dead fish that had drifted in. We noticed that he was very young and
also tame. I was out rowing at the time, and I rowed in as near as I thought
safe and looked the bird over. I noticed that he was hungry for he kept
pecking at the fish. We went in so near to him that we could almost touch him.

When he saw us so near, he took flight. We watched him go until he lit
on the marsh. We went over to the marsh and found him in a small pool of
water. We had noticed that he was lame and when we went up to him, he
just let out little squawks. We then saw that he had a broken leg.

Then Billy Burnham, a boy that was with us, picked him up and he offered
little resistance. We took him home and made a pen for him. He was frightened
at first but he soon grew contented when we gave him a piece of fish. We then
took him to a man who fixed his leg in splints. After a few weeks he got
better and then we let him go. When he got free he circled around a few
times and flew away.

Often he came back and lit in the water in front of our house, but he soon
grew wild again and went away forever. We were sorry to lose our friend
Jim, but we had to let him go back to his old life—WaRrrEN W. Marton,
Everett, Mass.

(Warren showed the proper spirit when he gave the Gull its liberty as soon as it was able
to care for itself. Better by far to have a happy wild, free bird than a discontented caged
one.—A. A. A.]

MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT

By T. GILBERT PEARSON

Che Mational Association of Audubon Societies
EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 107

The Maryland Yellow-throat is a lover of thickets and rarely is seen far
from the shelter of low, tangled growth. In the bushes and weeds skirting a
ditch-bank or tiny brook winding its way across a field or meadow; in the
covering briars of old fence-rows; or in the growth-bordered swamp you may
look for this little haunter of the shadows. It cares not at all for tall trees,
and the open places so beloved by Meadowlarks and Vesper Sparrows do not
attract it. Like all of the Warbler family, to which it belongs, this bird feeds
mostly upon insects. It is known to consume many leaf-hoppers, an insect
which in some places is very numerous and feeds on grass that the farmer would
like to have left for his cow. In fruit orchards, to which the Yellow-throat
sometimes wanders, it has been found by Forbush to be very fond of canker-
worms, and in the nesting season will travel long distances to get these dainty
morsels for its young. .Mr. Forbush says also:

“Since one of these birds was seen to eat fifty-two caterpillars of the gipsy
moth in a few minutes, it seems probable it may well be ranked among the
official enemies of this pest. Case-bearers, leaf-rollers, and many other de-
structive caterpillars are greedily devoured, and it also catches and eats both
butterflies and moths in considerable numbers.”

It is known to eat plant-lice that take the nourishment from the leaves.
It likes flies and beetles. When grain in the field has grown high enough to
ofier shelter, the Yellow-throat will appear and hunt the live-long day for
insects that infest the crop.

When cold weather approaches, this insect-loving Warbler flies away to
regions where the frost has not played such sad havoc with its food. Down in
the southern states you may find it in winter. In the coast region of North
Carolina, southward to Florida and Louisiana, is where it then spends many
months. Some individuals, also, may be found at this season in the Bahama
Islands, Cuba, Jamaica, and Central America.

Mr. W. W. Cooke, a great authority on bird migration, some years ago
prepared a table from the records he had received showing the average date
when the bird arrives at different points on its northern journey in spring.
Some of these are as follows: Raleigh, N. C., March 30; Washington, D. C.,
April 21; Beaver, Pa., May 4; Germantown, Pa., April 29; Englewood, N. J.,
May 4; Boston, Mass., May 7; Southern Maine, May 14; and St. John,
N. B., May 18.

(62)

Maryland Yellow-Throat 63

Immediately upon its arrival at its summer home the Maryland Yellow-
throat announces its presence with a series of chirps and calls highly charac-
teristic of the bird. It soon bursts into song and its loud and pleasing
notes may be heard issuing from its thicket home at various times during
the day. Some males, however, seem to be more vocal late in the evening.
It does not leave off singing after the end of the nesting period, but,
like the Red-eyed Vireo, may be heard at various times during the warm
summer days.

Mr. F. Schuyler Mathews, a well-known bird student and writer regarding
the songs of wild birds, has this to say of the song of the one under discussion:

“The familiar song of the Maryland Yellow-throat scarcely needs de-
scription. It is commonly composed of three syllables, rendered in a variety
of ways. To wit: Witchery, witchery, witchery, or Which-way-sir? which-way-
sir? which-way-sir? or Wichity, wichity, etc., or Rapity, rapity, etc., or Which-
is-il? which-is-it? etc., or What-a-pity, what-a-pity, etc., or I-beseech-you, I-
beseech-you , etc., etc. One is at liberty therefore to take his pick of the various
sentiments. In any case the rhythm of the bird is remarkably exact and there
is no missing the song. After hearing all the Maryland Yellow-throats about
Boston and also the White Mountain region sing a trisyllabic song, I was
delighted to find, one early morning in the Arnold Arboretum, one of Mr.
Chapman’s New York birds singing the four-syllabled /-beseech-vou version.
But the bird sang the song his own way, and did not conform strictly to Mr.
Chapman’s rendering.

“There is no more tone to this bird’s voice than there is to that of the Oven-
bird; consequently I cannot say that the intervals represent true pitch.”

Many observers unite in the statement that usually two broods are reared
ina year. The nest is made on the ground, and, in fact, one might almost say
in the ground, for a portion of the lined cup in which the eggs are laid is
sometimes below the actual level of the soil.

As is known to all bird students, a great amount of pleasure may be derived
from watching closely the habits of a bird when about its nest. Spying on the
home-life of a pair of feathered inhabitants of the forest very often reveals
many interesting traits and habits not otherwise suspected. A man who has
been fond of thus employing his time is Alfred C. Redfield, of Wayne, Pa.
Writing in the July-August issue of Brrp-Lore for ror11, he had this to say of
his experience with a family of Maryland Yellow-throats.

“On the following day, May 27 it was, I returned and approached more
cautiously. There, on the nest, was a little olive-backed bird, a female Mary-
land Yellow-throat, looking up at me with fearless shining black eyes. I
leaned over, and when my hand was almost touching her, she slipped from the
nest and crept silently through the grass to the shelter of the briars, from
whence I saw her watching me with anxious eyes.

“The nest was lodged in a thick bunch of grass. The outer part was a

64 Bird - Lore

collection of weed-stems, coarse grasses, dead leaves, and strips of grape-bark
rather loosely put together. The lining was of very fine strips of grass and
horse-hairs compactly woven into a deep bowl. On the side away from the
briars, the thick grass rose, completely screening it from view. Indeed, it was
a most proper setting for the beautiful little eggs.

“On every visit the mother bird had shown the same fearlessness. On
June 1, when I tried to photograph her on the eggs, I had little trouble in
setting up my camera and making some pictures from within 2 feet of the nest.
Even when, in removing some obstructing grasses, I frightened her off, I had
only to wait half an hour for her return. Nothing can give the bird photog-
rapher so much satisfaction as such a demonstration of confidence on the part
of his subjects.

“On June 6, three of the eggs hatched. The fourth was addled and re-
mained in the nest until after the young had left. The nestlings were typical
young Warblers, blind and naked, their pink skin covered only by the finest
gray down. No wonder the brooding mother was reluctant to leave them un-
protected at my approach.

“Almost immediately the pin-feathers began to appear on all the feather
tracts, even protruding a little from the extremities of the wings. Four days
later their eyes opened, and the following day the feathers commenced to
burst from the ends of their sheaths. Now, for the first time, the male put in
an appearance. Incubation had been carried on altogether by the female.
The male, however, was no shirker, and soon showed that he could do his share
in caring for the young.

“At 9.30 A.M., on June 12, I set up my green umbrella tent within 3 to 4
feet of the nest, no attempt being made to conceal it. At half-past ten, I
entered the tent with my camera. Both birds appeared at once; the male with
a moth, the female carrying a spider. After ten minutes of excited hopping
about, the female summoned up courage and fed one of the young ones. The
male was still shy. At rr o’ clock I left the tent but returned fifteen minutes
later. Both birds were scolding anxiously when I entered again. I did not
see them go to the nest up to noon when I left for lunch. When I again re-
turned to the tent, I found the male carrying a small insect. Ten minutes
later both birds went to the nest at once. The female remained to clean the
nest. Soon the male was back again with more food. Now for three hours
the birds came regularly and apparently without fear. As I look over my
notes it all comes back to me: the hot sun filtering through the tent, the
stifling air, my cramped legs, the rickety soap-box on which I sat, the busy
trips of the birds, and the constantly decreasing pile of unexposed plate-holders.

“Tn three hours the male made fifteen visits and the female six; an average
of one visit every eight and a half minutes. The food consisted of small moths,
spiders, grasshoppers, soft brown grubs, green worms, and some insects too
small to be identified. The nest was cleaned on the average of once every

Maryland Yellow-Throat 65

half hour. This operation occurred more frequently as the parents became
accustomed to the presence of the tent. Both birds shared equally in this
task. Often the female would stand on inspection for fully five minutes, if
unrewarded, leaving only when her mate made his next visit. Several times
I saw her pick at the plumage of the young as though trying to remove lice.
In going to and from the nest the birds communicated with one another by
low twitters. Occasionally the male paused in his work to give a faint song.

“On one occasion the male fed two of the young. Before he had left, the
female arrived with an insect. He held his bill toward her as though wishing
to take the food from her. Not heeding him she proceeded to feed the young
one last favored by the male. Quickly her mate removed the food from the
young one’s mouth and thrust it into the bill of the third young one, which
had received nothing. This would make it appear that the parent birds do
actually keep some account of which young they have last fed. In the case
of another species, however, I have known one young to be fed six times to
his brother’s once.

“The next day I found the feathers of the young ones had developed
greatly. The sheaths were almost all gone and the little birds were covered
with a coat of soft feathers; greenish brown above, buffy beneath. They were
now eight days old. I photographed them without taking them from the nest.
Two days later they were gone, but the anxious calls of the parents told me
that they were safely hidden away somewhere in the shadow of the old fence-
row.”

The Yellow-throat is found in suitable localities throughout the United
States, also in southern Canada, and, as we have seen above, in winter as far
south as Central America. In the various sections of its range the bird assumes
a slightly different appearance in its coloration and for this reason it has been
divided by ornithologists into six distinct races, the names and distribution of
which, in addition to the eastern form already described, are as follows:

Western Yellow-throat, found in western North America from central
Alberta and South Dakota to northeastern Lower California and western
Texas.

Florida Yellow-throat, breeds in the south Atlantic coastal country from
southern Virginia to south Florida and along the Gulf Coast to Louisiana.

Pacific Yellow-throat, found in the Pacific Coast region from southern
British Columbia to southern California. Winters south to Cape San Lucas
the southern end of Lower California.

The Salt Marsh Yellow-throat has been described from the salt marshes
about San Francisco Bay.

Belding’s Yellow-throat is another western form found in the cape region
of Lower California.

Che Audubon Societies

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by T. GILBERT PEARSON, President

Address all correspondence, and send all remittances, for dues and contributions, to

the National

Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York City.

Telephone, Columbus 7327

T. Girpert Pearson, President

THEODORE S. PALMER, First Vice-President
Freperic A. Lucas, Second Vice-President

WILLIAM P. WHARTON, Secretary
JonatHAN Dwicut, Treasurer

Samuet T. Carter, Jr., Allorney

Any person, club, school or company in sympathy with the objects of this Association may become

a member of it, and all are welcome.

Classes of Membership in the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild

Rirds and Animals:

$5 annually pays for a Sustaining Membership

$100 paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000 constitutes a person a Patron

$5,000 constitutes a person a Founder

$25,000 constitutes a person a Benefactor

Form or BeQuest:—I do hereby give and bequeath to the National Association of Audubon
Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals (Incorporated), of the City of New York.

ARE YOUR BIRD NEIGHBORS HUNGRY?

No method has yet been devised for de-
termining the extent of the loss of bird-life
during extreme cold weather. That many
birds are winter-killed is very well known.
Most students of bird-life in the northern
states and Canada have had the experience
of finding dead birds under evergreens, in
thickets, by the roadside, and under the
edges of out-houses, that have fallen from
their perches in bitter winter nights.

Undoubtedly, it is not so much the cold
itself that is responsible for their death as it
is the lack of food. When snow covers the
earth for many miles in every direction, and
especially when sleet cements hard and fast
on the trunk and limbs of trees, every pos-
sible source of natural food is denied the
small wild birds. The temperature of a bird’s
blood is very high. Its heart beats twice as
fast as the human heart, and it must have
food frequently and in considerable quan-
tities in order to keep burning the fires of
life. Therefore, when the food-supply fails,
the bird weakens and its constitutional
strength quickly deteriorates, with the re-
sult that a low temperature soon ends for it
the battle of life.

Millions of birds are annually saved from
an untimely end by winter feeding, and this

is the season of the year when bird-lovers
should be alert. It is but little trouble, and
but small expense, for a household to be
supplied with cracked grain and small seeds
with which the birds can be fed. Such ma-
terial can usually be bought at feed-stores
where it is sold as ‘chick-feed.’ A few boards
erected 3 to 4 feet from the ground, in such
a way as to keep the earth beneath free from
snow, affords an excellent place for distri-
buting food for grain-loving birds. Of course,
many food-shelters erected on posts are in
use throughout the country, and the expense
of constructing or purchasing these is not
great. At the butcher-shop, for a few cents,
a piece of beef-fat called ‘suet’ can be ob
tained, and this, when wired to a limb, sup-
lies heat-producing food for such birds as
Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, and
others whose diet ordinarily consists so
largely of insects.

Teachers of Junior Audubon Clubs, espe-
cially in small towns in rural communities
where the school-houses are surrounded by
trees and bushes, can do much by directing
the efforts of their children in distributing
bird-food in winter. If it is not snowing, an
old table can be put out in the back yard and
food placed on this. From the windows the

(66)

The Audubon Societies

children can readily see the birds partaking
of the bounty which they have supplied for
them. Few acts of kindness in dealing with

67

our wild feathered life yield more dividends
in the way of pleasure than the feeding of our
hungry bird population.

A NEW AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRD SANCTUARY

Miss Magnolia Woodward, active in the
work of the Audubon Society since its first
development in East Tennessee, reports that
a bird-reserve, covering 1,000 acres, on which
a club-house, with assembly-room, dressing-
room and kitchenette, will be erected, is to
be established in and around Island Home
Park, Knoxville, by the East Tennessee
Audubon Society. This acreage takes in all
of Island Home Park, and the land in that
vicinity, including the island, will be 2 miles
long and 1 mile wide. The club-house will
be erected within three-quarters of a mile of
the car-line on a lot which has been given for

this purpose by Mr. Harry Ijams, a member
of the Audubon Society. Members of the
Society have been at work on this plan for
some time and are very enthusiastic over the
results. There is only one large bird-reserve
in the state at this time, this being near
Nashville, owned by the state. The one here
will be the largest established and fostered
by an Audubon Society.

Permits have been obtained from residents
within this 1,0ooo-acre radius to post their
grounds and use them for the protection of
birds and nature. School-classes will be in-
vited to visit the reserve to study.

WILLIAM WATSON WOOLLEN

Mr. Samuel E. Perkins, III, sends the fol-
lowing notice regarding the passing of
William Watson Woollen, for so many years
prominently identified with nature-study in
and about Indianapolis:

“Some years ago, at a ripe old age, William
Watson Woollen, President Emeritus of the
Nature Study Club of Indiana, gave his
early home ‘Buzzard’s Roost,’ to the city of
Indianapolis for a park. The city, on accept-
ance of the gift, pledged itself to see that the
trees, flowers, and birds therein should not be
molested. It isa sanctuary. This place is the
situs of Woollen’s ‘Birds of Buzzard’s Roost.’

“He died on March 26, 1921. On May 28
last, his birthday, the Nature Study Club of

AIR-COOLED

It has not been unusual to receive reports
that during the hot days of summer young
birds in small, close, nesting-boxes have been
killed by the heat of the sun, and the writer
has on more than one occasion seen instances
of this character. To avoid such catastrophes
and to render life in an artificial nest as com-
fortable as possible, various experiments
have been made to construct these boxes in
such a way that the heat of the sun would not
be so penetrating. One nature-lover who has
recently devised what he considers a very

Indiana placed on an immense boulder in the
deep woods near the cabin, a bronze tablet
to his memory. The inscription reads as fol-
lows: ‘William Watson Woollen, born May
28, 1838, died March 26, 1921. This tract was
given by him to the city of Indianapolis De-
cember 9, 1909.—Nature Study Club of
Indiana.’

“The Indiana Historical Society and the
Indiana Audubon Society joined in the me-
morial ceremony to do him honor. Professor
Stanley Coulter, Dean of Purdue University,
Judge Robert W. McBride, Dr. Frank B.
Wynn, President of the Nature Study Club,
and Charles W. Jewett, Mayor of Indian-
apolis, were the speakers.”

BIRD-HOUSES

practicable bird-house, which may always
be depended upon to keep a reasonable tem-
perature in summer, is E. A. Gilman, of
519 E. Conant Street, Portage, Wis. Mr.
Gilman gives the following description of
this type of bird-house which he has found
to be very satisfactory:

“Air-cooled shelter bird-houses are de-
signed and constructed to secure automatic
removal of sun-heated air from their interior,
allowing the constant force of gravity to
effect an exchange of sun-heated air in open

68 Bird - Lore

vertical shafts back of exterior walls or in
attic, which heated (lighter) air is by gravity
forced up and out of protected slot opening
along the ridge, pole of the roof, by and for
cooler (heavier) air rising from beneath the
bird-houses. This operation automatically
occurs and continues whenever and while the
temperature at any point inside of air-shafts
or attic is warmer than the air beneath the
bird-houses and irrespective of a dead calm
or breeze or wind.

“The same principle is utilized in many
ways in live-stock, hog and poultry buildings,
the ‘animal-heated air’ automatically rising
and passing out ventilators in roof; in prune-
and other fruit-driers; in ventilating hotel
and restaurant kitchens; in warm-air fur-
naces; in the latest Rochester hand-lamps,
etc. the air in exhaust flues, hot-air pipes,
and chimneys heated from burning fuel,
lighter than cooler air beneath being auto-
matically forced out above.

“Heated air rises vertically; it will not
move horizontally except by being forced by
wind or draft as natural forces, thus making
openings through walls at side or end only,
of other bird-houses, of little or no avail in a
dead calm or slight breeze (a very frequent
occurrence) to relieve the interior of the heat
of the sun.

“Shielded from both storm and the sun’s
rays by separate exterior walls and roof, and
also shielded from the sun’s heat penetrating
same, by intervening ascending columns of
air in surrounding air-shafts etc., the tem-
perature of ‘air-cooled shelter’ nesting-boxes
and the air therein will remain the same as
that of the air beneath, and the interior of
nesting-boxes will be free from rain, sun’s

heat and cold drafts detrimental to hatching
and to young birds.

“White or yellow paint on tops of roofs
and even on sides where there are no entrances
will reflect to some extent the heat rays from
the sun, and not be objectionable to the
birds.

“Entrance extension on each side with
horizontal slot for passing of nest material
will speed the nest-building.

“Wire sand screen of close mesh with hole
cut to fit snugly around entrance on inside of
exterior wall, and cut to fit snugly beneath
and at sides of entrance on outside, fastened
with screen staples, will remedy trouble
arising from smooth and slippery surfaces
around the entrance, and aid the birds in
passing in and out, and in fighting off from
the inside any marauding birds.

“Shelter from the roasting heat of the sun
can be easily provided to quite an extent in
case of old-style bird-houses, as follows:

“Installing an extra roof raised above the
original by furring strips 1% to 1 inch thick,
running from eves to ridgepole, leaving open
air-shafts between original and extra roof,
and an opening of 1 inch between roof-boards
at and along the ridgepole for exit of heated
air. Furring strips when placed should be
thoroughly painted in manner to exclude
moisture beneath them.”

Mr. Gilman is not in the business of
making bird-boxes for sale, and is very glad
to pass on his ideas to others. He writes that
he will be pleased to supply assistance to
anyone who may care to follow his plan.
For 25 cents each he will furnish 5 x 7 photo-
graphs showing (1)exterior, (2) interior, and
(3) complete description.

The Audubon Societies 60

NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Enrolled from October 20, 1921, to January 1, 1922

Abbott, Gertrude

Abbott, W. L.

Bird Conservation Club (Maine)

Burdet, A.

Carnahan, Mrs. Melissa S. McKee

Cooper, Mrs. James Fenimore

Cox, Caroline

Davis, Ernest H.

Devereux, Richard Irving (In Me-
moriam)

Dows, Mrs. David

Fox, Caroline A.

Garvan, Mabel Brady

Gratz, Anderson

Hinchman, Margaretta S.

Hussey, Mrs. Frederick

Janssen, Henry

Johnston, Norwood,
Keith, Elizabeth N.
Kissel, Mrs. Gustav E.
McCormick, Mrs. Edith R
McCormick, Mrs. Sarah L.
Mather, Samuel

May, Mrs. E. C. :
Miner, W. H.

Morgan, J. P.

Oliver, William B.

Potts, Mrs. William M.
Sahm, Virginia

Sheffield, William P., Jr.
Strong, Mrs. Converse
Versein, Madame René

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Enrolled from October 20, 1921, to January 1, 1922

Ady, Olivia Parker
Allen, Mrs. Clifford B.
Andrews, A. C.

Arnold, Lowry

Ashforth, George, Jr.
Belknap, Juliet R.
Beller, A.

Billings, A. S., Jr.
Billings, Geo. D.
Blanchard, Leon I’.
Bliss, Edith M.

Boehm, Margaret I).
Braly, Mrs. A. H.

Breck, Daniel

Bross, Mrs. Mason
Brown, Anna M.
Bryant, Guy A.
Buchner, Miss Lucy R.
Burdett, Mrs. Cyril
Carr, Mrs. Cora Elizabeth
Cartwright, Mrs. Bruce
Cartwright, Bruce, Jr.
Chapman, Mrs. William P., Jr.
Cheney, Clifford D.
Clark, George R.

Crews, Mrs. Elizabeth S.
Darling, Master F. B,
Delano, Morean

Dennig, L. E.

Dennis, Miss Bartha P.

Eaton, Mrs. Elizabeth F.

Fowle, Miss Elizabeth King

Franklin, W. S., Jr.

Fritschy, Walter A.

Frost, Miss Lula E.

Frothingham, Miss Anne W.

Fuller, Egbert C.

Garfield, Miss Lucretia

Gilder, Rodman

Gillespie, John A.

Gilliat, Mrs. A. O.

Girl Scouts of Troop 2 (East Lynn
Mass.)

Glackens, Miss Lenna

Gray, Mrs. Albert Z.

Hawthorne, Mrs. Wm. B.

Hill, Dr. Samuel S.

Horstmann, Mrs. Walter

Howard, McHenry

Hoyt, Mrs. John Sherman

Hubbard, Mrs. W. S.

Huntington, R. W.

James, Mrs. Walter B.

Kennard, Harry

King, Mrs. Edward

Kirk, E. B.

Kuhn, Harry Addison, Jr.

Libby, Gertrude C.

70 Bird - Lore

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBERS, continued

Loy, L. Kk.

McCoy, Mrs. W. T.
McDowell, Martha A.
McIntosh, Franklin Gray
Marshall, H. L., Jr.
Matuszak, Roman
Moseley, E. L.

Nature Study Club of Pittsburgh.
Neilson, Winthrop C., Jr.
Norris, Miss Fanny
Parker, Mrs. Harry D.
Peck, Francis W.
Perkins, Mabel H.

Perry, Mrs. Martha D.
Pike, Mrs. F. B.

Porter, Frances R.

Pratt, Mrs. Waldo S.
Prentice, Mrs. S. O.
Primm, Master Timon
Reed, Mrs. George W.
Rice, Mrs. Phillip
Richards, Mrs. R. L.

Sand Hill Bird Club
Schmidt, Henry

Schultz, Ernst H.

Smith, Kirby

Smithman, J. B.

Snowdon, Geo. H.
Somerville, William

Spear, H. M.

Stevenson, Henry Hoyt
Stiles, Mrs. Mary I.
Thomas, Mrs. George C.
Thompson, A. A.

Town, Milton L.

Trask, Mrs. James D.
Tucker, Mrs. Alandon
Twitchell, Herbert F.
Underwood, Mrs. C. J.
Wadsworth, Eugene Delano
Wilson Miss Celia Sibley
Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. R. J
Women’s Contemporary Club
Woodward, S. B.

TO CORRECT A GREAT EVIL

The National Association of Audubon
Societies, together with other organizations
and individuals, has for some time been
calling the attention of the public to in-
stances of fearful destruction to water bird-
life caused by oil-burning and oil-carrying
vessels pouring oil and oil-soaked bilge water
into our harbors along the coast. At times
immense numbers of wild fowl have been
destroyed in this manner. Especially to
those who are familiar with this growing evil
will it be of interest to know that at last a
movement has been started in Congress to
check this destructive agency.

On January 3, 1922, Congressman Hicks
introduced into the House of Representatives
a joint resolution (H. J. Res. 247) authorizing

and requesting the President of the United
States to call an international conference of
maritime nations to consider the advisability
of entering into an agreement to control the
pollution of the navigable waters of the world
on the part of oil-burning and oil-carrying
vessels through the dumping into said waters
of oil waste, fuel oil, oil sludge, oil slop, tar
residue, and other water ballast impregnated
with oil, and the resolution was referred to
the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of
Representatives. This is a step in the right
direction toward an effective control of what
is becoming a very serious menace not only
to our migratory wild fowl, but to other
forms of life in the sea and bays and lower
courses of rivers.

MALI SPRING 4. BICOLORED RED-WING, MALI SPRING

1, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
RED-WING MALI SPRING

YOUN( MALI FALI » TRICOLORED

2. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
FEMALE SPRING 6. TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD, FEMALI . SPRING

3. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD,

ASird- Lore

A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE
DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

=

Vol. XXIV MARCH— APRIL. 1922 No. 2

When the Birds Come North

By GRACE A. HILL, Pullman, Wash.

NE cold day in April, while we were having a snowstorm, the Eider
Ducks began to pass Synuk (a native village 30 miles north of Nome).
The Eskimo children said “ropes and ropes of them.”” They flew over
the frozen ocean about a quarter of a mile from the shore. For over a week
there was no time in the day when at least one black cloud was not visible
drifting past, and often for hours at a time there was a constant procession.
While they did not form the V of many migrating birds, they seemed to follow
a general head and often several long ‘ropes’ trailed out behind the flock. In
these the birds followed each other so precisely that the lines swept and curved
with as perfect undulations as though they were ribbons blown in the breeze.
Some of the Eskimo men hid, with their rifles, under projecting pieces of ice,
in the zone over which the birds were passing. Soon they returned with as many
Ducks as they could carry—whereupon the village had a period of feasting.
Contrary to what might be expected, the birds were fat, and their flesh, unlike
that of the same birds in the fall, was of good flavor.

The male King Eider, when he comes north, is a beautiful bird, with orange-
yellow ear coverts, a lavender crown with soft green side-stripes, and a warm
cream-colored breast. He has a white patch on each wing and white tail
coverts, and for the rest is shining black. Before he goes south in the fall,
however, he has changed this gay attire for a plain brown dress much like that
which the female wears north.

Practically all of the Eiders passing Synuk were King Eiders. A small flock
of the Northern or Greenland Eiders, however, summered on Sledge Island
(an island in Bering Sea about five miles from the village).

At Synuk the ocean ice breaks up about June 1. For a week the floes drift
about near the shore or lie idly basking in the sun, and for the only week in the
year when not ice-bound the habitually stormy water is held in subjection. The
birds seem enamored of this smooth sea, with its floating ice-cakes, and go
drifting back and forth over its surface. For many it is still the vacation
period, before the nesting-time. Their cries make a rare medley. There is the

42 Bird - Lore

strange screaming of the Loons, the harsh /e-av-r of the Terns, the weird 00, 00,
oo-a-00, of the Old Squaw Ducks, the more or less distinguishable notes of the
other Ducks and of the Geese, all mingled with the constant shrill crying of
the Gulls.

Quickly the scene changes. The ice goes out, perhaps in a night, to leave a
stormy water. The birds disperse to their nesting-places, and only the eternal]
Gulls go dipping and sailing by, with now and then an energetic trio of Loons.

Simultaneously with the game-birds come the little songsters. A young
native once told me that these birds come on the backs of the large ones. He

GULLS AT SEWARD, ALASKA
September 3, 1916

declared that he had many times seen several small birds on the back of one
large Goose. The idea is, however, no more strange than that such frail crea-
tures can cover so vast a distance, in a stormy season, and over a frozen for-
bidding land.

When the birds arrive in the Arctic the only food for them is to be found
where the snow has melted from the small tufts or ‘nigger-heads’ of the tundra.
Indeed, the birds always seem to arrive in advance of the first bare spots. On
these spots are last year’s seeds and berries. It isnot uncommon, when walking
over the tundra in May, to come upon one of these bare spots and startle a
cloud of birds into flight.

When viewed from the Arctic standpoint, a bird’s life does not appear to be
all jovous and easy. To rear her young under the most favorable circumstances
she leaves the land of easy food and warmth and sunshine to face privations
and hardships. She beats her way north, often against stormy winds, and
arrives in the land of her destination to find it ice-bound. But she must not
delay her departure for her tired body must be rested before the snow has
gone and nest-building time is upon her, for then there will be no time to

When the Birds Come North 93

lose, else her birdlings will be too small to take the trip when the brief
summer has passed.

There is, however, one really joyous time in the north. It is the mating
season. The tundra is then in a social whirl. The air seems fairly alive with
darting singing birds. Then, too, the birds are dressed in their gayest plumage.
Those who know them in the south would scarcely recognize them now.

If you walk out on the tundra toward the last of May you may imbibe some
of this joy of living. Here, near you, is your old friend the Robin, in his re-
juvenated dress of red and black and gray. Not far from him, in plainer attire,
is his mate. He approaches her with a short, quick run and then, tilting his
head, carols her a sweet if monotonous little song, Hurree, hurree, hurree, hurree,
hurree. After a second she gives her answer. It is merely a little run, the
length of his and from him. He repeats his maneuver and she hers.

Your attention is called here to a series of low musical whistles. All about
you are little gray birds soaring and swooping. They are the Pectoral Sand-
pipers and the whistle is a mating season accomplishment of the male. It is
the most characteristic sound of the tundra at this season. When you tip your
head to watch these birds, and hold your breath that they may come near, you
are suddenly rewarded for your silence from an unexpected quarter. Upon a
knoll at your very feet a beautiful Longspur swells his throat in a torrent of
glad song. Then he rises slowly in the air and, after pausing a moment on
vibrant wings, floats gently back to his place, singing the while his limpid
melody.

Before long the gay season will be over and the birds will be as quiet as
though they were sleeping. The realization of their mission is now full upon
them. Above them ever circles the watchful Jaeger. Some family must be
left bereaved if he is to dine. The Arctic Owl, too, who now must hunt in the
daylight, there being no darkness, does so alarmingly well. Besides, a sly
little, gimlet-eyed ermine is some place noiselessly stalking through the tundra
grass. ‘There are no snakes, however, which should considerably gladden the
heart of a brave little mother bird.

Between the first and the middle of June let us again walk upon the tundra.
It is gay now with sunshine and beautiful nodding flowers. There are some
butterflies, too, and big busy bumble-bees. You must walk warily for from
under your very feet now and then will flit one of the many little somber-
colored birds that nest on the tundra. Among the most common are the
Savannah Sparrow and the White- and the Golden-crowned Sparrows. If you
stop and search patiently for a minute you will find, cleverly concealed by dead
grass, an exquisitely neat little nest. It is lined with down and the woolly tops
of the cotton grass, and every tuft of down and silky thread is precisely where
it should be. The nest will probably contain three or four small mottled eggs.
In a week or two, if you walk again, you will see the naked, open-mouthed
birdlings.

74 Bird - Lore

Almost before we realize it, the brief summer is passing; heavy frosts are
upon us. Then there are twitterings and consultations—and suddenly the
song-birds have gone.

The Arctic song-birds often elude classification. Their characteristics pecu-
liar to the mating season are apparently not always well known to the orni-
thologist in the south.

Among the larger birds that visited us were the Emperor Goose, Canada
Goose, Old Squaw or Long-tailed Duck, Pintail (nesting near the village), and
the Mallard. I saw only one Canada Goose in our vicinity, a crippled gander
feeding by himself in a stream-bed. The Red-faced Cormorant and the Black-
throated and the Red-throated Loons nested on Sledge Island. On June 16a
native shot a Whistling Swan on a lagoon back of the village. The bird meas-
ured 56 inches and weighed, when dressed, eighteen pounds. On the lagoons
we had both the Northern and the Red Phalarope. Back of the village, on
Bolder Creek, the little Sanderling nested. We also had the Pectoral Sand-
piper, the Dowitcher, and the Hudsonian Curlew. On lonely hillsides the
Golden Plover ran, uttering its sweet wild fer-lee. Our most common Gull was
the Herring Gull. Back on the banks of Synuk River nested that little des-
perado, the Arctic Tern. He darts at the heads of passers-by, and the Eskimos
believe he wishes to pick out their eyes.

When the game-birds go south, they do not leave so unpretentiously as do
the little songsters. The Sandhill Cranes were apparently the first to go. The
miners who are back among the hills, where are their nesting-places, say they
begin to congregate several weeks before they migrate. Some convenient hill-
side is the meeting-place, and here there is much noisy coming and going. Early
and late they keep up a constant clamoring, consulting and arguing. At times,
too, a large party will make a short tour, perhaps trying out for captaincy. In
due time the plans are complete. The flock rises in the air, all the while bidding
us a noisy good-bye. They stretch their long necks like magnetic needles to
the south, and they are off. There is no changing of plans now. There is no
returning for something forgotten or a new start. They have gone and we will
see no more of them for seven long months. The Swans are the next to go,
flashing their great white wings against the blue sky. Then quickly follow the
Ducks and Geese.

Of all the birds who come to us, I should dislike most to miss the passing of
the Canada Goose; and, indeed, they would not have us miss them. Their
honking may be heard before they are in sight, and it swells in volume until
the great flock ina symmetrical V, their strong wings beating the air in unison,
sweeps overhead. They are the embodied spirit of the changing seasons. When
they have gone, the portals of the Arctic, which opened in the spring to let the
birds come north, close again behind them.

The Friendly Phoebe

By CLINTON G. ABBOTT
With Photographs by the Author

| NTIL we opened our summer home on May 15, the Phoebes had the
broad veranda all to themselves. From their nest on a pillar in the
corner, they could look peacefully out over smooth walls and floor,
unbroken even by the presence of a chair; and this empty ‘cavern’ doubtless
suggested to their minds an admirable counterpart to the weather-worn cliffs
where their ancestors had placed their nests for generations before man began
to build houses and verandas.

Then in a day all was changed. Awnings, rugs, and becushioned chairs
suddenly appeared, of a brilliance quite unsuited to the taste and nerves of a
demure Phoebe. The ‘cleaning ladies,’ who prepared the house for our arrival,
apologized that they had not removed the unsightly mass of moss and mud
from the pillar top, because ‘‘they were not sure that Mr. Abbott would want
to have a bird’s nest destroyed.” They were right; Mr. Abbott and his whole
family found the nest a center of great interest and education from the very
first day.

The initial problem was to see whether the Phcebes, who had five eggs in
their nest, could adjust themselves to the sudden and complete change in
their immediate surroundings. More terrifying than the furniture were now,
doubtless, the people who constantly moved to and fro upon the veranda.
The children, who seemed to have a way of wanting to play directly beneath
the nest, must have been particularly disquieting. Certainly the first few
days following the arrival of the human family were hectic ones for the na-
turally retiring Phoebes. At every opening of a screen-door—even at the moving
of a book—Mrs. Phoebe would spring from her nest in alarm. Then a long
period of hesitation and tail-twitching would ensue before she could pluck up
courage enough to return to her eggs. She would flit nervously to the tip of
a young spruce, then to a syringa bush, then to the rain-water gutter, then
back again to the spruce—and repeat the round. Sometimes she would thought-
lessly settle for a moment upon one of the outer branches of a certain lilac
bush, only to be promptly ousted, with loud bill-snappings, by a pair of irate
Robins who had their home there.

It was almost pathetic to watch the poor Phaebe’s mental conflict between
the instincts of self-protection and love for her eggs, and more than once we
really hoped that she would abandon the struggle, with consequent peace of
mind, not only to herself, but us! Indeed, once or twice we were sure that she
had reached this decision, when she remained absent from the veranda for
hours, and could be observed in the distance playfully twittering and caressing
her mate, as though in anticipation of a fresh nest. But nightfall always found
her back upon her eggs, and to her credit let it be said that within a week

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76 Bird - Lore

she had succeeded in completely readjusting herself to the new conditions.
From her original shy and timid self, she was metamorphosed into quite a
different type of bird, stolidly remaining seated upon her nest regardless of
sudden noises or the movements of people. Persons could now stand and
converse unheeded, though their heads were but a few inches from her. Even
the activities of our dog—formerly the cause of especial alarm—were calmly
observed by merely cocking her head over the edge of the nest.

TWO PH@BE POSIES

In spite of fears we had entertained as to possible chilling of the eggs, the
babies were all successfully hatched. They were tended with utter fearlessness
by their parents, who now continually used the backs of veranda chairs as
resting-places en route to and from the nest. Persons—even whole tea parties

were ignored, except that once or twice we thought we detected a tone of
annoyance in the Pheebe’s voice upon finding a favorite chair occupied! No
particular objections were raised by the parent birds when we wanted to ex-
hibit their little family to visitors, which was done by holding a hand mirror
above the nest.

It happened that the rose bushes which bordered the veranda had been

The Friendly Phoebe

“I
~I

injured by frost during the previous winter, and many dead shoots extended
above the green foliage. Upon these shoots the Phcebes also very often
alighted, when bearing food to their young and, after the food was delivered,
it was common for them to drop again to one of these perches for a brief
reconnoissance of the field before starting off on another air-raid. As the rose
bushes were in the sun, we saw here an opportunity for photography, and

therefore pruned off all the bare shoots but one—a conspicuous and favorite
one below the nest. The sole resting-place we had left was entirely satis-
factory to the Phoebes, and they used it frequently. By setting the camera
on the veranda and focusing it upon the dead shoot, it was a simple matter

to secure close-up and characteristic portraits, without blind or concealment.

PATIENCE—ON A TWIG

When it became evident from the restless shifting of the young Phcebes in
the nest that they would soon be leaving their already overflowing cradle,
we decided to add their picture to the series we had already secured of their
parents. So we gently removed them from their nest and arranged them on
a branch before the camera. During this operation one of the five escaped
from us by flying over the hedge and becoming lost in the standing hay, but
we photographed the four others in various poses, and then returned them to
their nest. Only two of them were content to-remain in their old nursery,
however, and then only one night longer. For several days thereafter we often
saw all five of the birdlings, whose unceasing demands upon their parents
kept them hustling for food. We never observed any of the babies attempt
to gather a meal for himself, though sometimes one of them would follow the
flight of an insect with an interested movement of his head.

Then, with that suddenness which is one of the mysteries of the bird world,

78 Bird - Lore

all the youngsters disappeared, and the old Phaebes were busy with prepara-
tions for a second brood. With incredible ease they repaired the crushed and
soiled nest, so that it looked as good as new, and in due time it contained two
eggs. The following day the nest again was empty. What had become of
the eggs?

How often the bird student encounters this same problem—unaccountable
disappearance, between successive visits, of the eggs in a nest he has under
observation. For want of better explanation, he attributes it to ‘the tragedies
of bird life.’ But may it not be that for reasons not clear to us birds some-
times devour their own eggs? We are told that the rabbit, a herbivorous rodent,
will eat her newborn young if she fancies that they are in danger. It is no
more difficult to believe that birds might make away with their eggs in the
same way. Certainly it seems difficult to explain otherwise the sudden disap-
pearance (as not infrequently happens) of eggs in a cage-bird’s nest, where
only one pair of birds occupies the breeding-cage. For that matter, the Phoebe’s
nest had almost the security of a cage. Perched high on the top of a smooth
pillar, its upper edge was only a couple of inches from the veranda ceiling; and
no known enemies lived close by—not even a House Wren.

At all events, as was to be expected, the nest was now ‘hoodooed’ and
was deserted. The pair of Phoebes remained about, however, and we soon
began to notice scraps of moss and other nesting material blown by the wind
across the veranda floor. Investigation showed that the birds were evincing
interest in the top of the next pillar, this time having selected that portion
which was outside the awning and hence invisible from the veranda. The
expression ‘evincing interest’ is used, because it could not in any sense be
said that the Phoebes were building. Sundry wisps of vegetable matter would
be laid in haphazard manner upon the flat top of the pillar, only to be carried
away by the next breeze. We believe that the Phaebes were merely experi-
encing the half-hearted nest-building instinct, of which birds are sometimes
possessed in the fall, and which is manifested by aimless picking up and drop-
ping of straws, and the like.

But when these activities were maintained with some persistence for about
three days we began to seek a definite cause for their lack of success. So far
as quantity of materials was concerned, there could be no criticism; but each
load would be gone when the next arrived. Why, we thought, do they not
make the usual foundation of mud, by which to anchor the rest of the structure?
Then the truth dawned. It was in the midst of the long-protracted drought
for which the summer of 1921 will long be remembered, and mud was a com-
modity not to be had except near large and constant bodies of water. We
figured that it was at least a quarter of a mile to the nearest stream, and this
was probably beyond the Pheebes’ radius of operation.

We decided to try an experiment to help the birds. Moving a bird-bath
from another part of the garden, we mixed therein a mud-pie of delightful

The Friendly Phaebe 79

moist consistency, and placed it upon the lawn close below the Phcebes’ chosen
pillar. To make sure that our home-made mud should consist of the ingre-
dients that most appeal to a~Phcebe, part of the bath-tub contained dissolved
portions of the original Phcebes’ nest. Did our feathered friends make use
of this assistance? In the language of the day, I'll say they did. Within a
few minutes they discovered our offering, and thereafter the trips from bowl
to pillar were made with almost feverish continuity and speed.

In the joy of the new-found mud, Mrs. Phoebe (we assumed it was Mrs.
who seemed to do most of the building) splashed a veritable circle of mud
about her scene of operations on the new pillar top. In a surprisingly short
time the foundation of the nest was built. Indeed, so rapidly was the work
done that we unwittingly allowed the best opportunities for photography to
pass unused, and the only picture we got of the Phcebe at her mud-bath was
late in the day when the light was poor.

As for the further history of our friendly Phcebes, they simply lived happily
ever after.’ Four eggs were laid in the new nest, duly replaced by four healthy
birdlings who started their careers in the great wide world on the morning of
August I.

AT THE MUD BATH

Caught in a Springtime Blizzard

By MARGARET A. BARTLETT, Boulder, Colo.

BLIZZARD occurring in the midst of spring, after weeks of warm,
A mild weather, when the grass has grown green, the crocuses and daf-

fodils have blossomed and passed by, and the leaf-buds on the trees
and bushes have swelled and partly burst from their wrappings, is hard enough
on human beings who have emerged from their winter’s shell, only to be
driven back, but to the birds who have arrived from the Southland, such
a storm spells suffering and disaster. Yet just such a storm occurred in the
mountain states of the West the latter part of April, 1920. Larks, Robins,
Killdeers, Bluebirds, House Finches, all had been with us for more than a
month. Morning after morning we had been awakened by their songs. The
House Finches, merry little carollers, had even begun the construction of a
nest in a pocket formed by the close-clinging limbs of a poplar tree. “Summer
is coming, and springtime is here!’’ was the thought continually with us.

And then came a sudden drop in temperature, a cold wind, and snow. For
two nights and a day it snowed without ceasing, and for still another twenty-
four hours the wind blew relentlessly, piling the snow in huge drifts such as
we had not seen before during the winter. Around our house the wind had
swept almost a clean path. Only a half-inch or so covered it at any time, and
this quickly melted as soon as even the faintest of the sun’s rays struck it.
The pasture across the road, flat and treeless as the top of a table, showed not
one inch of bare ground; neither did the fields at the sides and back of the
house. The only possible feeding-ground for the birds, therefore, was the
broken circle in our yard.

There it was they came in flocks. There were, of course, the Juncos who
seemed to enjoy the winter weather, and then there came the Robins. Poor
birds! It was pitiful to see them run along on the snow, cocking their heads
from side to side as if listening for worms, when you knew they were a foot
or a foot and a half from the ground and the home of angle worms! Yet
habit was so strong in them that even when they were picking up the grain
and crumbs that I had thrown out, they assumed the listening attitude as
they ran over the ground. When they struck the open space, however, their
listening was not in vain. There were worms, many of them, drawn to the
surface by the moisture from the melting snow, and the hungry Robins were
quick to detect their presence and after a struggle pull them out from their
hiding-places. Not just two or three Robins came around, but a dozen and
more could be seen at almost any time of the day, listening for worms. The
fights that ensued were many, for the Robins proved themselves very quarrel-
some birds.

Once I witnessed a spirited engagement between a Robin and a Meadow-

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co
H

Caught in a Springtime Blizzard

lark. The Meadowlark won. With its long bill it quickly put Cock Robin to
a disgraceful flight.

The Meadowlarks seemed uneasy near the house. Though they had often-
times sung from a tree-top in the yard, or even from a fence-post, they had
never before, to my knowledge, alighted in the yard. Now they were forced
to do so in order to find food. They would fly down some distance from the
wind-swept path, and then come cautiously waddling across the snow—there
is no word but waddling which adequately describes their progress over the
soft, unfamiliar snow. Though alarmed by the slightest movement at a win-
dow, they were hungry and they liked the grain. Therefore they ventured
nearer and nearer the house, consuming large quantities of the grain in the
short time they dared remain where danger seemed so imminent. They had
no difficulty whatsoever in making way with the large kernels of grain they
found: the Robins, on the other hand, ate grain much as we would eat hay!
It was something to keep them alive, but they could neither relish it nor
master the art of eating it daintily

Sometime after the Meadowlarks had braved the perils of a close approach
to the house, the Killdeers made tentative excursions into the yard. For
long they circled about overhead, uttering their cry of killdeer, killdeer, urged
by hunger to seek food on the bit of open ground, yet fearing to approach so
near a human habitation. Eventually, however, a pair of them, screaming,
settled on the wet ground, within a few feet of our windows. Immediately
they became absorbed in their search for food. They, too, listened for sounds
of life hidden in the mud, but not in the manner of the Robins. The Killdeers
did not cock their heads on one side and then on the other. They listened
with heads held straight in front of the body, but oftentimes they stopped
to listen, balanced on one foot or with one foot slightly in advance of the
other. No difficulty at all was encountered by the Killdeers in unearthing
small insect life, but when worms were heard and their position located, then
there was trouble. The Killdeer’s slender legs, with their high joints, were
never built for bracing the body, as are the stout legs of the Robin. Conse-
quently, as soon as a bird had pulled a worm about half out of its hole, the
strength would leave its legs, it would be forced to ‘give’ to the worm a bit,
and the worm would quickly seize the opportunity to wiggle far down into the
soft earth. In the two days that the Killdeers were about the house almost
all the time, I saw but two worms successfully landed, though dozens of at-
tempts were made.

A slight movement at a window always sent the Killdeers into the air with
the most plaintive scream I have ever heard. ‘Oh, dear, dear, dear, dear,
dear” they seemed to cry as they spread their wide sea-bird-like wings and
circled away from the suspected danger zone to which, however, they returned
in a very few minutes.

The Bluebirds, who heretofore had not left the orchard, made several

82 Bird - Lore

visits. These spring arrivals were not the familiar chestnut-breasted Bluebird
of the East, but the Mountain Bluebird, a bird with beautifully shaded upper
parts of blue, but with a breast of soft grey. Yet, watching them from a
distance, one knew at once they were of the Bluebird family.

Pheasants grew friendly; Flickers were glad of a bit of grain; even the
Lewis’s Woodpecker discovered a crust of bread in the snow and made re-
peated excursions to it, always leaving in the soft snow the trail of his long,
forked tail. One queer little Sparrow, marked with golden brown stripes,
appeared often with the Juncos who never seemed to pay the slightest attention
to us. How it came to be here, all alone, was a mystery. Another lone little
bird whose acquaintance I was delighted to make was Audubon’s Warbler.
I saw it first intently searching the bark of a tree for food, quick, active, happy,
in spite of deep snow on the ground and the raw wind that was blowing. At
first I mistook it for the Myrtle Warbler, but, on closer investigation I dis-
covered that the threat of this bird was yellow, rather than white, a marking
which at once distinguished it from the Myrtle Warbler. Again I wondered
how one lone little bird should be abroad on such a day.

The Finches were strangely absent. The friendly little pair who for weeks
had been singing to us from the poplars and the apple trees disappeared com-
pletely. Where were they? And where are they? The warm days have re-
turned; the snow is gone save where the deepest drifts were piled; the Killdeers
keep close to their irrigated pasture; the Meadowlarks no longer venture into
the yard, and four Robins are the most to be seen at any one time. Other
birds have arrived. There is a Crested Flycatcher which perches on the
telephone wire outside my window and wakens me with his call each morning.
There are the Mourning Doves answering each other from distant trees with
their sad, sweet coo a-coo-coo-coo. The Yellow-headed Blackbirds have joined
the Redwings. The still leafless treetops have been dotted with tiny feathered
balls of golden yellow—dozens of sweet-voiced Goldfinches. But the House-
Finches have not returned to the nest-building over which they worked so
happily before the storm. Is it possible that they fell victims to the spring-
time blizzard?

A Nest-Building Parrot*

By MARY B. SHERMAN, Ogdensburg, N. Y.

N MAY, 10920, two Parrots escaped from their cage. They soon made

their way to my garden, which has been a bird sanctuary for seventy

years, and throughout the summer spent most of their time in this neigh-
borhood. They seemed to find plenty of food in nearby chicken-yards, and
they also fed on the tender green shoots of the trees and delighted in apples
as soon as they were formed.

Built in Ogdensburg, N. Y.

Of course, we tried to feed them, but for some time they were very shy.
As the weather grew cooler they learned where to find food and came daily to
window-sills and piazzas where it was left for them.

In July, they began building a nest. The first one was made of twigs very
loosely woven, well camouflaged, as the green leaves were left on the twigs.
It was shaped like a Robin’s nest and placed on a small branch in a tall maple,
about a half a block from my home. It seemed to be completed and I saw
one of the Parrots sitting in it, when a strong wind brought it to the ground.

*A detailed description of one of the birds, still living, whose interesting history is given in this article,
shows it to be the Gray-breasted or Monk Parrakeet (Myiopsilia monacha) of southern Brazil to Uru-
guay, a species noteworthy for communal nest-building habits.—Eb.

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84 Bird - Lore

In a few days they commenced a second nest which was quite different. This
was round, more like a Marsh Wren’s, and was built around a slender branch,
1% inches in diameter in its largest part, high up in a nearby elm. This nest
is truly remarkable. It measures thirty-nine inches in diameter one way and
thirty-three inches the other. It is firmly woven of small twigs, from which,
in time, the leaves fell. The branch runs through the nest, and on this the
birds roosted, as the bark is all worn off by their feet. In the front of the nest
is a round opening about 5 inches in diameter and in this doorway both Parrots
would sit billing and cooing and talking to each other in Parrot language,
while we watched them from below. As cold weather drew near, we were
greatly distressed fearing they would freeze in our cold northern winter, and
we tried in every way to capture them with traps which the Bird Club had
made. Three different nights the Mayor had the firemen go up to the nest
on extension ladders but each time the birds were aroused and escaped. Every-
one became interested and there was hardly an hour in the day that there
was not an audience on the walk below watching the Parrots. In December
I went to California leaving the birds feeding on the snow under my window.
They had grown very handsome, their feathers thick and fluffy, and they had
plenty of food for everyone in the neighborhocd had a place where food was
kept for them. When they found something they especially liked they would
fly to a veranda railing or tree where the male would break off small pieces
and feed them to the female. Certainly they had had the time of their lives,
and I really believe that they might have lived through the winter, for the
nest seemed warm, but it was so large and cn such a slender branch that we
feared it would fall when covered with ice and snow. Before Christmas word
reached me that both birds had been trapped. They were returned to their
owners, but alas during the winter one died, and in the spring the other
was liberated. It was pitiful to see him in his old haunts calling for his mate.
I believe he has now been captured again and I hope has a happy home.
The firemen again went up into the tree, sawed off the limb which held the
nest and saved it for me.

The Migration of North American Birds

SECOND SERIES

XVIII RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS
Compiled by Harry C. Oberholser, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD

The well-known Red-winged Blackbird (A gelaius phaeniceus) in some one
of its many forms is found throughout most of North America, Mexico, and
Central America, north to Quebec, Mackenzie, and British Columbia, and
south to Costa Rica. Northward and eastward it is migratory, but the Cali-
fornia races and those aleng the Gulf of Mexico seem to be mostly resident.
The distribution of the North American subspecies is given below.

The Florida Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius pheniceus pheniceus) is
resident in the southeastern United States from southern Florida (excepting
the southeastern coast and the Keys) north to the coast region of South
Carolina, to southern Alabama, southern Louisiana, and southeastern Texas.

The Bahama Red-winged Blackbird (A gelaius pkaniceus bryanti) is resident
in southeastern Florida, the Florida Keys to Key West, and in the Bahama
Islands.

The Rio Grande Red-winged Blackbird (A gelaius pheniceus megapotamus) is
resident in central southern Texas, Tamaulipas, and northern Vera Cruz, Mexico.

The Eastern Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius thaniceus predatorius)
breeds in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, north to
Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario; west to central Ontario, central Wisconsin,
Iowa, Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and northeastern Texas; south to northern
Louisiana, northern Alabama, and North Carolina; and east to the Atlantic
coast from North Carolina to Nova Scotia. It winters regularly north to
southern Virginia and Arkansas, occasionally to southern New York and
northern Illinois; and south to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Florida
to Texas. >

The Northern Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius pheniceus arctolegus)
breeds in central Canada and the central northern United States, north to
northern Manitoba (central Keewatin) and southern Mackenzie; west to
western Mackenzie, Alberta, and southeastern British Columbia; south to
Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and northern Michigan; and east to
northern Michigan and eastern Manitoba. In migration it wanders east to
Ohio and Connecticut; and winters south to Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama.

The Thick-billed Red-winged Blackbird (4 gelaius phaniceus fortis) breeds
in the central United States, north to Wyoming; west to Wyoming and central
Colorado; south to northwestern Texas; and east to central Nebraska. It
occurs, at least in migration, east to southwestern Minnesota, and winters
south to northern New Mexico, southern Texas, and Louisiana.

The Nevada Red-winged Blackbird (A gelaius phaniceus nevadensis) breeds

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86 Bird - Lore

in the Great Basin region of the United States, north to southeastern Wash-
ington; west to Oregon, northeastern California, western Nevada, and central
eastern California; south to northern Arizona and southeastern New Mexico;
and east to central western Texas, New Mexico, southwestern Colorado,
southwestern Wyoming, and western Idaho. It winters south to Chihuahua,
Mexico.

The Northwestern Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phaniceus caurinus)
breeds in the Pacific coast region, from southwestern British Columbia, in-
cluding Vancouver Island, to western Washington. It winters south to
northwestern California.

The Kern Red-winged Blackbird (A gelaius phaniceus aciculatus) is resident
in Kern County, California, and apparently is a very local race.

The San Diego Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius pheniceus neutralis)
breeds in southwestern California and northern Lower California, wintering
south to southern Lower California.

The Sonora Red-winged Blackbird (A gelaius pheniceus sonoriensis) breeds
in northwestern Mexico and in the southwestern United States, north to
southwestern New Mexico and central Arizona, west to eastern California,
western Sonora, and western Sinaloa, Mexico; south to Tepic, Mexico; and
east to Tepic, eastern Sonora, and southwestern New Mexico.

In the following tables of migration data the localities indicated by (*)
pertain to the Northern Red-winged Blackbird; those by (t) to the Thick-
billed Red-winged Blackbird; those by (£) to the Nevada Red-winged Black-
bird; and all the others to the Eastern Red-winged Blackbird.

SPRING MIGRATION

LOCALITY ot year | Average dete of | ease
Weaverville, N. C....... 4 March 1 | February 10, 1894
New Market, Va...... 3 28 March 4 February 19, 1909
White Sulphur Springs, W. Va...... 6 March 2 February 17, 1897
French Creek, W. Va.... 3 March 3 February 25, 1890
Washington, D.C..... 21 March 2 Rare, winter
Philadelphia, Pa... . 19 March 4 February 10, 1884
Renovo, Pa... * 23 March 18 March 2, 1887
Beaver, Pa.... ; Beton 15 March 9 February 14, 1891
Morristown, N. J ; 19 March to January 23, 1910
New York, N. Y.... ; Soue 20 March 15 February 22, 1884
Shelter Island, N. Y... : 15 March 3 Rare, winter
Ithaca, Neves , Mt 10 March 12 February 1, 1902
Buffalo, N. Y. : : 9 March 23 March 14, 1013
Hartford, Conn 25 March 20 March 5, 1910
Jewett City, Conn. ’ 30 March 11 February 25, 1909
Providence, R.I.... ‘ 22 March 14 February 22, 1906
Springfield, Mass. ; oe 7 March 19 March 9g, 1898
Elaryard) (Mass: i.e aes 7 March 11 February 22, 1909

_

The Migration of North American Birds

SPRING MIGRATION, continued

87

LOCALITY ctoceant | Svea ae Sule
Bostons Wass sense: ceieis sine eaeee 27 March 15 February 17, 1883
Bennington, Vt...... Be ict ee 13 | March 22 February 3, 1908
SieeohnsbunyenViiss-se acl 1 cr. 15 | March 29 March 10, 1913
philtonss Noles seer ener rears 6 March 22 March 7, 1906
Portland, Maine...... 9 March 29 March 21, 1904
Phillips, Maine...... ....... 10 April 7 March 28, 1905
Orono; Maines... 22... :.22:- 8 April 9 March 25, 1889
Montreal, Quebec...... 12 | April rr March 22, 1897
Quebec, Quebec.......... Re Cee 3 April 29 April 19, 1895
scotchilake NOB. ees ae.. oaks 9 April 21 April 8, 1916
Albertonysb- heres see aR bac 9 April 9 March 30, 1898
Eh enseel ennee rc He 2 hc, sh ancherstacle cit 8 February 26 February 1, 1903
Steours, Mo. 0 occ. cs be) February 28 January 25, 1884
WoncordiaMOner= -eras et, ie 9 February 24 January 30, 1911
Ghicarowl eee eed as cesar 31 March 15 Rare, winter
Bicknellind lect ioe: ye sc cee ths 7 February 28 Rare, winter
WiaterloowInd si5 cyte: ciciivstste « 19 March 1 February 14, 1891
WituseondOhiotseet © oe dssce ons oe 15 March 5 February 22, 1884
Moungstowny Ohio a -52 246 sleet. 3 ness 12 March 3 February 20, 1916
Oberlin Ohiowe.e ees ee == 24 March 9 February 21, 1915
WicksburgaMich sc) ..c..8 iets sess 13 March 11 March 1, 1906
Detroit-Wlichs -2 205. . 2. - anit 10 March 16 February 21, 1915
WondonsOntanlors.: sess. ck 6 « 12 March 17 February 18, 1913
Ottawa, Ontario. . . 30 April 2 March 15, 1902
Keokuk, Iowa... . . Re 13 March 1 Rare, winter
SlouxsCity, Towa. ....-:....- 2.06. 10 March 12 March 4, 1905
Racine; Wis.:-...:-: =<: 15 March 12 March 1, 1882
Madison, Wis......... 19 March 14 March 7, 1904
Lanesboro, Minn..... ; 10 March 28 March 15, 1889
Minneapolis; Minn: . 2.2.2. 4-2... 22 March 28 February 26, 1880
Stem VANCenta WINN ss.2 22.1. <r: 2s ete 2 April 14 April 14, 1897
Oniapa Kans. < ci o6c< c/2.- ns Ce 27 March 6 February 15, 1902
RediGlouds Neb: a5. 5.5 <-srcjej00 oe 9 March 10 February 28, 1909
GikeapidCiby Oe aks os. 2 2) 2 =:-15 210% II March 25 March 14, 1916
Wermilion on Dale «4. crc cite vetoes: 5 March 17 March 4, 1911
eArousville: INE Dak: <cc.cs.feeae oe 12 March 13 March 7, 1894
*Aweme, Manitoba......... ..... 20 April 10 March 23, 1910
*Reabum, Manitoba........... 8 April 19 | April 9, 1900
*Qu’Appelle, Sask......... 16 April 21 April 3, 1910
*Ft. Simpson, Mackenzie............. 3 May 13 April 28, 1861
*Yellowstone Park, Wyo............- 2 April 7 March 29, 1914
PUREE WLGANO. Mois, siefersosteas oleeratclee s : 3 February 27 February 16, 1913
pRAtROTUM Idaho: .. 5c... onc cess tess 9 March 2 February 12, 1900
ROREERV AMON tes. eoeiic =< ctelets oie 2002 3 8 Mayr April 11, 1906
SMssoulas VION cs. 0c 3 ais ave ene eimve 2 March 2 February 28, 1915
SBlapstatt, Alberta...:%2...... 10 April 19 April 11, 1912
pyaniite eA DOL tance a in adafefa ss. fie vas 2s 4 May 2 April 11, 1906
BMiarror takes Goth ae gee ees 3 March 24 March 14, 1911

o
~

Bird - Lore

FALL MIGRATION

LocaLiry Givens | Avece date of |. i Sabet aatee
*Aweme, Manitoba..... 14 October 23 November 6, 1902
*Qu’Appelle, Sask...... . December 1, 1913
“Yellowstone Park, Wyo. October 13, 1915
Madison, Wis. .. . ite) October 31 November 23, 1913
Lanesboro, Minn... 10 November 7 November 23, 1887
*Minneapolis, Minn. 4 November 7 November 19, 1902
*St. Vincent, Minn. 3 October 31 November 4, 1895
Keokuk, Iowa. . 11 November 19 Rare, winter
Concordia, Mo. . 7 November 8 November 20, 1914
Onaga, Kans..... 15 November 6 November 28, 1900
London, Ontario. . . 4 October 27 November 4, 1902
Ottawa, Ontario. . 20 October 18 November 7, 1905
Vicksburg, Mich. .. 11 November 4 November 26, 1902
Detroit, Mich. ... 9 October 31 December 13, 1908
Chicago, Ill. . . 11 | November 2 Rare, winter
Bicknell, Ind... . . 7 November 19 _ Rare, winter
Waterloo, ind. 8 November 5 | November 21, 1905
Wauseon, Ohio. ..... | me November 6 | November rs, 1891
Youngstown, Ohio. 8 November 13 | November 20, rors
Oberlin, Ohio... .. 11 October 20 November 19, 1906
Athens, Tenn..... 6 November 3 | November 25, 1908
Alberton, P. E. I. 5 September 27 October 1, 1895
Montreal, Quebec. . 9 | October 23 November 14, 1896
Boston, Mass... 10 | November 8 | December 25, 1903
Harvard, Mass. 8 October 20 November 26, 1914
Providence, R. I... 6 October 15 October 28, 1906
New York, N. Y.. 2 November 22 | December 7, 1901
Morristown, N. J.... 13 October 22 November 13, 1916
Beaver, Pa..... 4 November 17 November 26, 1890
Renovo, Pa. ... 10 October 22 November 14, 1910
Philadelphia, Pa... 8 November 1 November 28, 1915
Washington, D. C.. 4 November 20 Rare, winter
French Creek, W. Va...... 3 November 7 November 13, 1890

BICOLORED BLACKBIRD
The Bicolored Blackbird (A gelaius gubernator) has only
in the United States, but at least two others in Mexico.

a single subspecies

The Bicolored Blackbird of the United States (Agelaius gubernator cali-

fornicus) is a permanent resident in central California north

to Tehama County

and south to King County. It is also of accidental occurrence at Casa Grande

in central southern Arizona.

TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD

The Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) is a permanent resident,

though local, in most of California excepting the southeastern, northwestern,

and northeastern sections, and it ranges also north to central southern Oregon.

Notes on the Plumage of North American Birds
SIXTY-THIRD PAPER
By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

(See Frontispiece)

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius pheniceus; Figs. 1-3). In accordance
with the law among birds that when the male is brighter than the female,
the young of both sexes more nearly resemble their mother than they do
their father, there is no essential sexual difference in the plumage of nestling
Red-winged Blackbirds. Both the juvenal male and the juvenal female are
brownish black, margined with buffy or rusty above and broadly streaked
with black and buff below. This plumage is worn for more than a month after
the bird leaves the nest, and by a complete molt is succeeded by the first
winter dress. The male (Fig. 2) for the first time acquires the red epaulet;
it is, however, not so bright as in the fully adult bird, and is mottled with
black. The rest of the plumage is black, but is widely margined or tipped
with buff or rusty above, and by buff or whitish below. As the season advances
most of these margins and tips wear, or fall off, and by May or June the bird
is jet-black with but few traces of the fringes which so distinguish its winter
costume. Indeed, so far as the body plumage is concerned, the bird born the
preceding year is much like one that is two or more years old, but its epaulet
still lacks the brilliancy of the adult and possesses the black mottlings of the
first winter plumage. Mature plumage is therefore not acquired until the
first postnuptial, that is, second fall molt. The bird is then in second winter
plumage, which resembles that of the first winter (Fig. 2) but has the rich,
red, unspotted shoulder-patch of the adult. Again by wear the rusty tips
gradually disappear and by the following May (the second of the bird’s life)
we have the bright black, scarlet, and bufi-shouldered bird shown in Figure 1
of the frontispiece.

The young female in the postjuvenal or first fall molt passes from one
streaked plumage to another, and there is, consequently, much less difference
between a young and an old female than between a young and an old male
Fully mature females (Fig. 3) have the ‘shoulder’ tinged with red, and the
throat with reddish orange instead of yellowish, and after these marks are
acquired they undergo but little seasonal change in color.

The Red-wing is found from Canada to Mexico and the West Indies, from
the Atlantic to the Pacific. As might be expected, it exhibits considerable
variation in this extended territory, its general size, the size and shape of the
bill, and the color of the female being the characters most affected. These
local or geographical variations have in a number of instances been described
as races or subspecies. Doubtless no two ornithologists would agree on the
number of these subspecies which are deserving of recognition by name.
The Committee on Classification of the American Ornithologists’ Union has

(89)

go Bird - Lore

made no recent ruling in this field, and we consequently present Dr. Oberholser’s
views on the preceding pages as those of an expert who has devoted much
attention to this group.

During the breeding season, when only one subspecies will be found at a
given place, the various races may be known by the regions which at that
time they occupy. But while migrating, or in the winter, when several races
may be associated, positive field identification is not to be expected.

The Bicolor Blackbird (Agelaius gubernator californicus; Fig. 4) resembles
the Red-wing but the male has the red shoulder-patch bordered with black
instead of buff, and the female is blacker with rusty margins.

The Tricolor Blackbird (A gelaius tricolor; Figs. 5, 6) has the shoulder-
patch of the male bordered with white instead of buff or black, and the female
is less streaked than in the Red-wing.

Motes from Field and Study

Migrants in New York ‘City

On May 15,1921, Madison Square, a small
park in the very heart of Manhattan, was
the scene of an astonishing migratory bird
exhibit. Bewildered in the thick weather of
the preceding night, large numbers of small
birds had dropped into this haven of refuge
and through the kindness of Mr. George
Gladden, of the New York Linnzan Society,
whotelephoned me of this remarkable event,
[ was able to make a rough census on two
successive days, and to investigaté the cause
of such an unusual happening.

Arriving about 1 p.m., I was surprised to
find the birds swarming over the lawns, but
relatively few of them up in the trees. It was
a novel sight to watch Redstarts and a Chest-
nut-sided Warbler flitting about on the close-
cropped sod, and the birds seemed so
ravenously hungry that even Maryland
Yellowthroats were to be seen pecking at the
pieces of bread thrown in by passers-by.
Grasshopper Sparrows appeared more at
home, as they crouched low in the short
grass, where they probably found more
natural food.

The total number of birds, on the 15th, I
estimated at about 525, exclusive of House
Sparrows. Ovenbirds were decidedly in the
majority, scattered everywhere through the
park, while the next most abundant birds,
White-throated Sparrows, were gathered in
more or less of a flock in the center of the
Square. Twenty-three species of native
birds were seen alive, and one more, the
Magnolia Warbler, was represented among
the birds picked up dead.

By the following day more than three-
fourths of the birds had left. Among those
remaining, of course, were some that had
suffered injuries, but others seemed quite
unhurt. Of the larger and stronger species,
such as the Catbird, Towhee, and White-
throated Sparrow, even a smaller proportion
was left.

The species and the estimated numbers of
individuals present on these first two days

are as follows, but Ovenbirds and a few others
remained for many days thereafter.

May

1S LO
Lincoln’s Sparrow............ I °
Chipping Sparrow............ 8 2
BieldiSparrows ses ' Gard: I
White-throated Sparrow. . 100) («5
White-crowned Sparrow... ... eat. 2 °
Swamp Sparrow. . ne eer: 5 4 °
Grasshopper Sparrow. .... ne = ts) I
Towhees ester sees asin Be Sete 8
Northern Water-Thrush. dahen at ene 2
Ovenbird........ BS eects 200 60
Maryland Yellow-throat.......... 80 30
Yellow-breasted Chat. . : I °
RedStarteet ett pen stare creenci 4 2
Chestnut-sided Warbler... ... I I
Black-throated Blue Warbler... 2 °
Myrtle Warbler...............-. I °
Parula Warbler... ean 2 I
Black-and-white Warbler. . 7 1
EIQUSCAWKeD a teree oe eee ee 3 °
iBLOWnebhrashere bye sae a3 °
Catbud a eee eee 35 4
WalSontsshhr 0S bie eee 3 °
Gray-cheeked Thrush............. 2 °

Many birds of the species enumerated
above were found dead in the vicinity of
Madison Square, and the cause of the disaster
is not far to seek. The night had been very
foggy, and it was against the tower of the
Metropolitan Life Building, to the east of the
Square, that the birds had hurled themselves.
The brililant electric lights at its apex, and
the illuminated clock-dials lower down doubt-
less played a part. So many of the dead
birds had been carried off before my arrival
that it was impossible to estimate accurately
the number that had succumbed. The
superintendent of the Metropolitan Life
Building tells me that about one hundred
were found on the building, but two or three
times that number probably fell in the park
and on nearby streets. We noted that few
Towhees or Sparrows had been killed; most
of the casualties were among the weaker

(gr)

03 Bird-Lore

Warblers.—James P. CHAPIN, American
Museum of Natural History, New York City.

A Strange Migration

This locality is in eastern Towa and about
65 miles north of the Missouri line. The
weather during the early part of January,
1922, had been what one might call ‘fine
winter weather.’ The temperature had been
oscillating between zero and 32 degrees
above. Up to the 18th there had been very
little snow in January, though earlier in
December we had both snow and lower tem-
perature. From the 12th to the 18th of
January there had been no snow at all and
the ground was bare. On the 18th, at 3 P.M.,
a very fine snow began to fall. By 9 p m., the
ground was covered by about 2 inches of very
fine, light snow. Some of the snow adhered
to every limb, branch, and twig ofall the trees,
bushes, and plants, converting the landscape
into fairyland. There was not a breath of air
moving. The night was perfectly still, the
temperature was 18° above, and the fine
snowflakes continued to descend lazily to
earth.

At 9 P.M. small voices, as by enchantment,
began to be heard at a distance toward the
northwest. Presently, they were overhead
and in every direction. Judging from the
volume and quality of the sound, the travel-
ers must have been a large concourse of small
birds. They were moving in a southeasterly
direction. For one and one-half hours I
heard their voices, many of them. I could
hear them as they were approaching, could
hear them overhead and for a considerable
distance after they were past. ‘The flight of
birds was continuous though many more
were to be heard at some times thanat others.
Many thousands of birds must have passed
this locality during that time. All the birds
seemed to belong to one species. Their note
is not unlike that of the Bluebird but higher
in pitch and varied occasionally by a little
trill. I have heard the same voices here
before but always in the air, at night, and
during migration time in spring and fall, but
never in the middle of winter!

At 10.30 P.M. the wind began to sigh and
moan in the tree-tops and the flight of the

birds ceased. Gradually the northwest wind
became more boisterous and the temperature
fell to 5° below zero during the night. Next
day was fair and cold.

Now several questions arise at once in
regard to this peculiar and interesting phe
nomenon. What species of birds were these?
Where did they come from? Did they in-
tuitively know or feel the approach of the
cold wave or did the storm stir them up and
did they gain an hour and a half on the wind
by their more rapid flight. If, as would
seem, they are migratory birds, how can we
account for the fact that they did not move
South in December when the temperature
went to 7 degrees below zero and the ground
was also covered with snow.—E. D. NAUMAN,
Sigourney, Iowa.

A Removable Floor tor Bird-Houses

In the past years that I have used home-
made bird houses, I have found that the
strongest argument in their disfavor is the
difficulty experienced in cleaning them out.
A number of house-nesting birds, including
the House Wren, which is, perhaps, the most
desirable of them all, will rarely occupy a
house a second time if the owner fails to clean
it out; but cleaning the house out often
means a great deal of labor. Usually, a tree
must be climbed, the house torn from it, and
after the ground is reached, it is often nec-
essary to tear a side from the house to get
at the contents. Such means will usually
permanently disfigure the bird-house and
the person has the choice of building a
new one or replacing the old in its battered
condition.

In an effort to remedy this fault, a number
of good ideas have been put into practice,
and while most of them will serve their
purpose well, they frequently do not combine
simplicity in construction with strength, and
the results are disappointing. I have used a
good many types of bird-houses and have
tried the various schemes for cleaning them
with more or less success, but I have found
that they do not quite answer the require-
ments, and I was therefore prompted to
devise a removable floor, which is a little
different from any plan I have yet seen, and

Notes from Field and Study 93

have successfully used it on my more recent
houses.

The removable floor can be used on any
single-story bird-house regardless of the
number of rooms, but it is more practical for
the one-room type. The house is constructed
in the same manner as any bird-house, save
that no floor is built into it, and about one-
half inch from the bottom four holes, two
on each side and directly opposite each other,
are bored; these are to receive light wire
which is run through them and cut off,
leaving an inch or two protruding on each

save much unnecessary trouble-——FRep J.
Pierce, Winthrop, Iowa.

The Herring Gulls

One afternoon in April, when the sunshine
was warm and the great out-of-doors was
inviting, a trip was made to the lake shore to
photograph the Gulls.
usual; some were sitting on the ground like
smaller

They were there as
others in were
overhauling the refuse of the city’s waste;
others again, were flying and sending out

sentinels; groups

HERRING GULLS
Photographed by Thos. A. Taper

side of the house. The floor, which is made
to fit snugly, but not tightly inside the
bottom, rests on these two wires, and when
they are bent over on the outside, the floor is
held strongly in place. Two cleats, nailed above
the floor on the inside, will hold it in place
from above, but this is hardly necessary.

It will be readily seen, that, by simply
bending the wires straight and pulling them
out of their holes, the floor will drop out and
with it the contents of the box. This can be
easily accomplished without the trouble of
removing the house from the tree, and as a
pair of pliers is the only tool required, I
believe that the adoption of this plan would

their cries through the clear cool air; the
remaining ones were farther away, near a
break in the ice in the lake.

I first attempted to get a picture by
approaching quietly, but this resulted only
in a general rise of assembly and an alighting
some feet distant.

The next afternoon, the same place was
visited, and the Gulls were there as usual.
The camera was set near a brush-fire, which
was dying out. Some pieces of bread were
thrown a few feet away from it, and the
Gulls soon came from all directions. The
first arrivals settled down near the smoldering
embers of a discarded Christmas tree; others

04

dropped very cautiously over the piec es of
bread; and those that were on the other side
of the lake started on their journey to a
bountiful repast. Thus the birds got their
food, and I got my pictures.
Taper, Negaunee, Mich.

THoMAS A.

A Winter Sapsucker

Since January 3,
Sapsucker,

1922, the Yellow-bellied
the accompanying
photograph, has been an almost daily visitor

shown in

Bird -

Lore

pool. Suddenly a bass jumped from the
water and swallowed the Hummingbird!’’—

Mary E. Lockwoop, Lakewood, N. J.

A Winter Phcebe at Bennington, Vt.

On February 1, 1922, I was sitting on a box
by our barn, when I heard the familiar note of
the Phoebe, and, upon looking upward, saw
him dash from the roof and catch a fly which
had been enticed to come out of his winter

hiding-place by the warm sun. Then the

A WINTER SAPSUCKER
Photographed by

at our window bird-table, where he partakes
of hemp seed. He seems to be an object of
curiosity to our other bird guests who are
just getting up enough courage to eat behind
his back. M. Morris-
town, N. J 1922.

FLORENCE
., Feb.

FRASER,

1g,

Hummingbird and Bass

A letter my family,
from Santa Barbara, Calif., dated November
16, 1921, contains a sentence which seems
worthy of Brrp-Lore. It
“We were seated by the lotus-pool when a
Hummingbird the

from a member of

record in reads:

flew and hovered over

Florence M

Fraser

Phoebe sat on a twig about twenty feet away
from me and vigorously switched his tail.
In a few minutes he flew away and I did not
see him any more. I was very much sur-
prised at his early appearance, as Phoebes
do not usually arrive in this locality before
March. There is no question of his identity,
as I saw him very plainly. The thermometer
stood at 48 degrees at the time.—(MIss)

Carot Jones, Bennington, Vt.

The Starling in Tennessee

It may be of interest to know the

ob-

that
Starling has reached our vicinity. I

Notes from Field and Study 95

served the first seen here on December 12,
near Bluff City, Tenn. They were in com-
pany with Meadowlarks, feeding in the
open fields—Bruce P. Tyrer, Johnson
City, Tenn., Dec. 13, 1921-

The Starling in Louisiana

I was rather surprised recently by coming
upon a flock of Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
at a point on the Mississippi River about
twenty-five miles above Baton Rouge.

As proof of my competence to identify the
European Starling I might state that I have
observedandstudied themat West Englewood,
N. J., where there are numbers of them.
Furthermore, only four or five months have
elapsed since I was at home (Morris Plains,
N. J.), where the Starlings are quite a nui-
sance. I am certain that I have not mistaken
any other bird for the Starling, for I am very
well acquainted with all the members of the
family Icteride, with which this bird might
be confused. During the several years that
I have spent along the Mississippi River in
Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, I
had not noted the bird before, and, in fact,
could be positive in stating that it has not
been in my locality, for the nature of my
work (civil engineering) gives me excellent
opportunities to observe. The particular
location where this flock stays (I saw it
regularly all the time I was in the vicinity)
is at Grand Bay (post office, Hermitage, La.,
railway station Glynn, La.) on the Mississippi
River; and still more specifically I might
state that it remained in a piece of pasture-
land that lay between the levee and the
bank of the river.

A theory that presents itself to me and
which will account for the presence of the
birds is the following: I have noted before
and in localities where there are numbers of
Starlings, that they sometimes associate
rather closely with Red-winged Blackbirds.
In view of this [ think it possible that several
Starlings might become separated from their
own kind, due to the indiscriminate asso-
ciating that I mention, and in their wan-
derings stray outside the usual geographical
range of the Starlings, and then, in accord-
ance with their flocking instinct, remain with
the Blackbirds and follow them on down South.

The birds I noted had all of the usual
characteristics of Starlings such as_ the
peculiar soldier-like evolutions which they
perform when on the wing, the whistled
notes (including the note which you consider
as resembling that of the Wood Pewee—
which it does), and it is also fairly hard to
approach.—W ALTER C. Carey, Baton Rouge,
La., Dec. 16, 1021.

A Michigan Winter Red-wing

The Red-winged Blackbird is common but
not an abundant bird in this vicinity. It
nests in June and July and leaves its nesting-
grounds about the middle of August. After
that it is found in flocks, which leave for the
South in September.

On November 21, 1921, a male bird in
winter plumage came into my feeding-station
and has been around daily since. He seems
to be very much at home and acts as though
he intended to stay for the winter. As Sault
Ste. Marie is in latitude 46° 30’ north, the
latitude of northern Maine and almost the
latitude of Quebec, Canada, this may be a
northern record for the wintering of a Red-
wing.—M. J. Macer, Sault Ste. Marie,
Mich., Dec. 9, 1921.

The Evening Grosbeak in Michigan

In the various bird books I have looked
over, the Evening Grosbeak is given as a
western bird, which occurs irregularly east
of the Mississippi River in winter. This I
do not believe is strictly correct, at least for
the upper peninsula of Michigan, and for
the following reasons:

The Evening Grosbeak was made known
from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., by Schoolcraft
in 1823. That shows that these birds were
in the upper peninsula of Michigan at that
early date.

I came to Sault Ste. Marie in 1888 and
saw my first Evening Grosbeak in the winter
of 1889-90. I found the bird was quite well
known to a number of people and was seen
here frequently in winter. Up to the winter
of 1915-16, never over two consecutive
winters went by without my seeing some of
these birds.

The winter of 1915-16 I started putting

06

out sunflower seed, and not a winter since
then has gone by without some Evening
Grosbeaks being at my feeding-station. They
come from the middle of October to early
November, except one year, when they were
here only in February, and stayed until the
end of May, the flock varying from thirty to
seventy.

It seems to me the above indicates that
they are more than an ‘irregular winter
visitor.’

As Sault Ste. Marie has the honor of being
the location from which the Evening Gros-
beak was first made known to science, it
can now claim to be one of the first places to
report the presence of these birds east of the
Mississippi River in summer and undoubt-
edly nesting.

Dr. K. Christofferson, my partner in
bird-work, visited Munising Junction, about
115 miles west of Sault Ste. Marie, on May
23, 1920, and found Evening Grosbeaks there.
He again visited the Junction September
6 and 7, October 3, 24, and 25, 1920, and
found the birds present. The station agent
told him they had been there all summer.
The Doctor arranged with the agent to keep
track of the birds. June 1, 1921, he again
saw the birds at the Junction and the agent
reported they had been there all winter.
When he visited the Junction, on October
28, 1921, the Grosbeaks were there as before
and the agent reported they had been around
all summer.

In June, 1921, we heard that a flock of
Evening Grosbeaks was at Hulbert, about
forty miles west of Sault Ste. Marie. July
17, we spent an hour and a half at Hulbert,
between trains. We did not see any of the
Grosbeaks but several people reported to us
that they had been feeding along the rail-
road at the station that morning, had been
there all summer and the previous winter.
Up to the middle of August the birds were
reported still there.

August 24, Evening Grosbeaks came to
my feeding-station and have been here every
day since then, the flock numbering about
thirty.

Heretofore (the Grosbeaks coming in from
the middle of October to early in November),
I have found nothing but full-plumaged

Bird -

Lore

males and females. This year there were a
number of young, two very immature, hardly
able to fly and still having some pin-feathers.
One young male showed only the black and
white on the wings and the yellow forehead
and stripe over eye of the male, the remainder
of the plumage being as in the female. Three
young males showed very little of the dusky
olive above, and the throat and breast were
uniformly a light bright yellow which, in a
perfect light, showed a few faint vertical
dusky streaks.

The females varied from birds showing
practically no dark lines at the sides of
throat to the usual dark lines of the adult
female. Four of the birds showing little, if
any, dark lines at the sides of throat, had
most of the usual white spots on the wings,
but only the lower third to half of the pri-
maries black, with no black whatever on the
secondaries.

All the birds now seem to be in adult
plumage, although some males show more
dusky olive above and below than others, and
the females vary almost individually in the
size and shape of their white wing-markings.

I examined practically all the birds while
they were feeding from a tray at my dining-
room window, with only the glass between.
If these birds follow the usual custom they
will be here until the last of May. Late in the
winter or early spring I hope to place bands
on them all—M. J. Macer, Sault Ste.
Marie, Mich., Dec. 9, 1921.

Redpoll in Georgia

On yesterday, February 5, 1922, I added
the Redpoll (Acanthis linaria linaria) to my
list of Georgia birds. There was a small flock
of these birds in my back yard on the out-
skirts of the city, and I had the opportunity
of observing two of them at close range. I
presume that the extreme cold weather in the
north for the last few weeks drove them this
far south.—EarLe R. GREENE, 108 Orme
Circle, Atlanta, Ga. ;

An Ontario Mockingbird

The most interesting ornithological oc-
currence observed by bird students of this
region in many years was a recent visit from

Notes from Field and Study 97

a Mockingbird. It was first seen on the
morning of October 20, 1921, and stayed near
our house all day. Although it was not par-
ticularly tame, it came close to windows,
through which it was often watched for long
periods of time, with binoculars, at less than
twenty feet. Thus, though none of those
who saw it had had personal] experience with
the Mocker before, it was possible to make
an absolutely positive identification.

Many other people saw it and were able
to confirm the identification. Seemingly it
had been attracted to our ground by the
pears which had fallen from a tree in the
garden, for it apparently ate little else.

It was back again on the 22d, and 23d and
then was not seen again till November 12,
when the temperature was below freezing,
but the bird seemed in high spirits. It made
its last appearance on November 20.

Unfortunately, during the entire period it
was here it was quiet and did not sing. —
M. G. Goutp, Bowmanville, Ont.

A Striking Example of a Bird’s Power of
Accommodation to its Surround-
ings and Consequent Modi-
fication of Habits

One hundred years ago the Wood Thrush
was considered a shy woodland bird. Fifty
years ago Dr. J. A. Allen referred to several
instances ‘“‘where the Wood Thrush did not
show itself to be such a recluse as many
describe it.’ Twenty-five years ago the
species had become a common denizen of our
parks and suburban gardens, often making
its home within a few yards of occupied
houses. At that time a pair had its nest for
several years in an European maple (Acer
platanoides) at the entrance to the arboretum
in Shaw’s Garden, St. Louis, Mo., where
scores of people passed under it every day.
But now, in the summer of 1921, a pair
built its nest in the interior of the new con-
servatory in Shaw’s Garden and reared three
young ones undisturbed by the thousands
who visited the conservatory and passed
within a few feet under the nest. This is
fixed twelve feet from the ground in the triple
fork of a Polynesian candleberry tree (Aleu-
ites triloba), in the section of the conservatory
called “Economic House,” which harbors

an interesting collection of exotic plants of
economic value, such as tea, coffee, cocoa,
guava, mango, pepper, and others yielding
food, drugs, fiber, perfume, spice, or valuable
wood. A bearing coffee tree is one of the
neighbors of the tree that holds the nest;
others are a loquat or Japanese plum tree
(Eriobotrya japonica) and the golden apple
of Jamaica (Spondias lutea). Access at all
times was obtained by the birds through
ventilators kept open in summer.—O.
WIDMANN.

A One-legged Cardinal

Last summer a Cardinal and his mate built
a nest just outside one of our dining-room
windows. The mother laid five eggs but only
four hatched. One afternoon while I was
watching them, the father flew up with his
mouth full of food. The female promptly
opened her mouth, and I was surprised to see
him give her part of the food. He gave the
remainder to ihe young.

I watched them very closely after this
occurrence and finally discovered that the
mother had but one leg. I have never before
heard of the male having to care for his mate
and the young, too.

After I learned of the mother’s plight, I
put out crumbs so that the male would not
have to search so far for food, and he promptly
acknowledged my kindness by using the
crumbs.

In placing the crumbs, I unintentionally
moved a small branch that the birds has been
using to alight upon when entering their nest.
This seemed to utterly confuse them, for
when they returned it seemed as if they would
never be able to find their nest. The branch
was replaced and the birds then found their
home without any trouble. I have heard
that the moving of a nesting-box, on the
branch on which a nest was built, was con-
fusing to the bird tenants, but did not know
that the mere moving of a little branch would
so affect them.

The birds finally took flight, and I have
seen them several times since. About three
days after the flight of the young, the Cardi-
nals started another nest, but only two young
ones flew from the second nest.—M. H.
HERBEL, Citronelle, Ala.

98 Bird - Lore

THE SEASON
XXX. December 15, 1921 to February 15, 1922

Boston Recrion.—The winter has thus
far been mild in the main, and, in the country
immediately about Boston, comparatively
open, although to the north of us there has
been an abundant snowfall and now, on the
last day of the present period, snow is falling
to a depth of eight inches.

The promise of a visitation of many of the
irregular winter birds was not fulfilled; a few
Grosbeaks have been here, both the Evening
and the Pine, but only in scattered and roving
flocks, and the Redpolls when seen at all
have been in very small numbers. Northern
Shrikes, to be sure, have remained well
represented; Golden-crowned Kinglets, usu-
ally rare after January 1, have been present
all winter; and Brown Creepers, Juncos, and
Tree Sparrows are not uncommon, but with
these exceptions no land-birds, excepting the
permanent resident species, have been seen.
That even these birds are to be found only
in small numbers is well instanced by the
Christmas census from Wilton, N. H., in
which Mr. George G. Blanchard, an ob-
server of ample experience, records but a
single native species seen during a three
hours’ walk.

The violent storms which have swept
past us over the North Atlantic this winter
have apparently driven landward many of
the winter sea-birds. In his ‘Items of Inter-
est? X., February 1, Mr. E. H. Forbush
reports the record of a Puffin found in a
garage at Duxbury Bay, a Briinnich’s Murre
“at a pond near Boston, and another . . .
walking about in a hen-yard on Cape Cod.”
I am indebted to Mr. Charles B. Floyd for
information of a noteworthy and unusual
distribution of sea-birds. He reports Dove-
kies “positively common,” several hundred
being in sight at one time off shore. The
Purple Sandpiper, a bird which in winter
frequents outlying ledges and the rocky
shores of our small islands, Mr. Floyd has
noted ‘‘a number of times” visiting the main-
land—a_ rare He has
Briinnich’s Murres, Black Guillemots, and
Razor-billed Auks frequently, and names

occurrence. seen

three localities (the most central, the Fish
Pier, Boston) where Iceland Gulls may be
seen “almost any day.”

At this season of the year, when the Star-
lings are gathered into flocks, we can form
a better idea of the number of these birds
inhabiting a region than during the summer
when they are scattered over the country.
Here, in the rural districts, attracted by the
great truck-loads of garbage brought out
from Boston, the birds collect at extensive
piggeries. In one such midwinter gathering
we estimated that 2000 to 3000 birds were
feeding upon garbage which had been spread
out for fertilizer, and less than three miles
away there was another flock nearly as large.
These estimates give some idea of the num-
ber of Starlings with which the hole-nesting
birds of this region have to compete.—
Winsor M. Tyter, Lexington, Mass.

New York Recron.—There was some
cold weather, some snow, from New Year’s
to mid-February, but in the main the winter
was an open one. It was remarkable in
most sections near New York for the scarcity
of passerine birds. A Snowy Owl was re-
ported again (see Christmas Census) at
Long Beach, L. I. (Bicknell), and another on
several occasions on the marshes at Elizabeth,
N. J. (C. A. Urner). A Razor-billed Auk
which had come ashore, oil-marked and dis-
abled, at Long Beach was secured by E. P.
Bicknell and sent to the American Museum
of Natural History. A single Evening Gros-
beak was reported at Garden City, L. I., by
Roger C. Whitman, December 29. As an
excellent view of the bird was obtained and
identification corroborated by examination
of a mounted specimen, there seems little
chance of error here. There was certainly no
general invasion of irreguler northern species
during midwinter.

Presence of stray Grackles at the end of
January proves that this bird wintered in
small numbers. One is reported in Central
Park, New York City, by Tertius Van Dyke,
January 26. W. I. Hendrickson writes from

The Season 90

Jamaica, L. I.: “On January 29, during the
height of the blizzard, a Purple Grackle
appeared in my garden. When I first saw
him (it was a male) he was perched on the
rounded top of a clothes-post, trying to
balance against the gale of wind and snow,
but they were too much for him and he flew
into a big rose bush, where he, with a couple
of dozen English Sparrows, had a garage
wall to shelter them from the storm. I
hoped he would stay there to be fed, but
something frightened him and he flew away
into the storm.- He looked thin and tired, as
though he had been having a hard time of it
lately. This is.the first time I have ever
seen this species on Long Island in the middle
of winter. j

“Another interesting item is that a male
(he sings) Mockingbird has been wintering
in the barren, bleak district south of Queens
Boulevard, near the Packard automobile
building. He has been seen a number of
times, sometimes sings, and seems to be in
good shape.”

The Catbird in the Botanical Gardens,
December 18, apparently met with an un-
timely end, for a dozen or so Catbird feathers
were found, December 25, scattered a few
feet away, and two tail-feathers sent in by
F. F. Houghton.

In late January and early February,
Shrikes were apparently less common, for
the writer saw none, and there seemed to be
a slight influx of Tree Sparrows, doubtless
from the north. As, with the exception of
two stragglers on January 2, the writer has
seen no Meadowlarks since December on
west-central Long Island; their song has not
welcomed the mounting February sun at
Garden City, as in years gone by. Reference
to the corresponding report last year will
show that this species returned in mid-Jan-
uary. Perhaps an exceptionally heavy snow-
storm which followed in late February last
year has discouraged them from repeating
an early return.

On the marshes at Elizabeth, N. J., Urner
reports an apparent spring movement in
Meadowlarks and Ducks the first half of
February. With the increased numbers of
Black Ducks he observed individuals of the
Mallard and Pintail.

A ‘winter’ Song Sparrow, banded at
Upper Montclair, N. J., by R. H. Howland
(No. 44699, see October-December report),
returned to his traps February 4 this year
after being last taken December 23. In 1921
the same individual likewise returned Feb-
ruary 4 after having last been taken Decem-
ber 5 preceding. Such midwinter absence of
this bird from his traps which might easily
have been due to chance one year, becomes
significant when occurring a second time.
On January 17, B. S. Bowdish trapped three
Tree Sparrows at Demarest, N. J., one of
which he had banded (No. 49269) nearly or
quite a mile away two years previous, Feb-
ruary 23, 1920.—J. T. Nicwots, New York
City.

PHILADELPHIA REGION.—The period under
consideration has been marked with a num-
ber of quite cold days and much stormy
weather. The blizzard of January 28 and
29 resulted in about eight inches of snow
which drifted in places to the depth of six
feet or more. A few days later the ground
was for the most part bare, the snow having
been quickly melted by a sudden rise in
temperature accompanied by a warm rain.
It seems therefore quite probable that com-
paratively little damage was done to bird-
life through lack of food. However, numbers
of Black Ducks were reported to have been
picked up along the Jersey coast in an ex-
hausted and helpless condition immediately
following the storm.

Probably the most interesting record of
the winter is that of a Golden Eagle which
was shot by a deer hunter near Browns Mills,
N. J., about mid-December. The bird was
brought into Mt. Holly, N. J., and identified
by Mr. Nelson D. W. Pumyea to whom
credit is due for the record. The gunner
claimed that the Eagle was about to attack
him and he had to shoot in self-defense.
That he made up the story in self-defense
would no doubt be much nearer the truth.

The Cardinal population this winter
appears somewhat above normal. On Jan-
uary 15 a flock of 20 of these birds and 2
Purple Finches were seen feeding on the
seeds of the tulip poplar at National Park,
Gloucester County, N. J.

100 Bird -

A flock of 50 Red-backed Sandpipers were
seen at Corson’s Inlet on February 5. Since
a flock of about the same size was observed
here early in December (see last report), it
would indicate that the birds were wintering.
A small group of Sanderlings accompanied
this flock of Sandpipers.

Other records of interest ar2: Ipswich
Sparrow and 4 Snow Buntings, Cape May,
N. J., December 18; Northern Shrike, Mt.
Holly, N. J., January 8, and Winslow Junc-
tion, N. J., February 5; Saw-whet Owl,
National Park, N. J., January 15; 6 Great
Black-backed Gull, Seaside Park, N. J.,
January 22, and 6 at Corson’s Inlet, N. J.,
February 5; Mallard drake, r.

Robins, which were absent for the most
part during December, began to appear. at
numerous points by the middle of January
(7 at National Park, January 15) and since
have been quite common.—JuLIAN K.
Porter, Camden, N. J.

WASHINGTON REGION.—A winter of about
normal weather drew almost no unusual
northern birds to the region about Washing-
ton during December, 1921, and January,
1922. Notwithstanding this, some of the
ornithological happenings may be worthy
of mention.

The Herring Gull has been as common as
ever along the Potomac River, and the Ring-
billed Gull, although not so numerous, has
also been present. The Bonaparte’s Gull,
which is of rare occurrence after December
I, was several times noted on the Potomac
River during December; and also, by J.
Kittredge, Jr., on January 1, about the Tidal
Basin at Washington. The Pied-billed
Grebe, for which there is no previous certain
winter record, was reported by E. A. Preble
from the mouth of Little Hunting Creek,
Va., on December 24.

Ducks to the number of several thousand
frequented the Potomac River below Wash-
ington, the Greater and Lesser Scaup Ducks
forming the bulk of the flocks. In addition
to these the following other species have been
reported: American Merganser, Hooded Mer-
ganser, Mallard, Black Duck, Canvasback,
American Golden-eye, and Ruddy Duck.
In addition, the Old Squaw, White-winged

Lore

Scoter, and Surf Scoter were noted on
Chesapeake Bay, near Fairhaven, Md., by
Mr. Kittredge. On December 12, a flock of
7 Mallards was seen flying at a considerable
height over the northern part of the city of
Washington. This recalls the fact that wild
Ducks, apparently attracted by their own
kind, and, presumably to feed and rest,
occasionally drop down for a time into the
pond in the Zodlogical Park, where various
species of North American Ducks and Geese,
pinioned but not confined, dwell together
as a happy family.

The Red-winged Blackbird, which is rare
during winter in the vicinity of Washington,
was seen by L. D. Miner, on December 17,
at Dyke, Va., and on January 2 near Arling-
ton, Va. The Golden-crowned Kinglet is
relatively common this winter for the first
time in several years. The European Starling
is becoming one of our common birds, and
is more numerous this winter than ever
before, roosting, in considerable flocks in
places about buildings within the limits of
the city of Washington.

Mr. T. Denmead reports an unusual gath-
ering of Robins near the mouth of South
River, in Anne Arundel County, Md., where
he saw birds to the number of 500 or more on
January 21 and 22, scattered over a number
of fields, feeding on the ground and eating
the berries of the holly trees in the vicinity.
The birds were said by the residents to have
arrived on January 20. While a few Robins
ordinarily winter in this region, the great
bulk of the species moves farther south, and
such a large number in any one place during
January is notable.

What appear to be rather remarkably
early records for the singing of birds were
obtained during January. The White-
throated Sparrow was heard singing on
January 14, the Song Sparrow on January
23 and 30, the Junco on January 30, and the
Cardinal on January 21, 28, and 29. It is
rather interesting to note that none of these
days was much warmer than the days pre-
ceding or following. Furthermore, a pair
of Cardinals was observed mating on Jan-
uary 14.

Of considerable interest was the behavior
of birds in the outskirts of Washington during

The Season

the heavy snowstorm that brought twenty-
six inches of snow between the evening of
January 27 and the evening of January 28.
Previous to this time birds had been very
scarce about the writer’s home, but on the
28th, ten species and a considerable number
of individuals appeared about the house and
remained more or less all day. On January
29, which was cloudy with occasional snow-
squalls, the birds were still more numerous,
and during the two following days, which
were fair, they continued common. During
these four days (January 28 to 3r) the
following species were observed: Turkey
Buzzard, American Crow, Fish Crow, Blue
Jay, European Starling, English Sparrow,
White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow,
Slate-colored Junco, Cardinal, Tufted Tit-
mouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted
Nuthatch, Mockingbird, and Bluebird. The
heavy blanket of snow over all the country
had evidently given them some trouble in
procuring a livelihood, and they were thus
driven to seek food in unusual places. The
Juncos were the most familiar as well as
most numerous visitors, and came readily to
the back yards for crumbs and cornmeal
thrown out for their benefit. The Bluebirds
flew disconsolately about the yards, but
were with difficulty attraeted to feeding-
stations. Since relatively warm weather
succeeded the storm, and the snow rapidly
melted, soon leaving spaces of bare ground,
the birds gradually withdrew from the out-
skirts of the city, and doubtless no serious
loss of life occurred among these bird visitors.
—Harry C. OBERHOLSER, Biological Survey,
Washington, D. C.

Cuicaco Recion.—The winter in this
region has been very mild, as it was last year;
no heavy snows and only a few days of real
cold weather. A number of species have
found food enough for them to stay here
instead of going south. A few visitors have
come in from the north also, which seems to
bear out the belief that it is more the food-
supply than the temperature that controls
the movements of winter birds.

The large crop of acorns has kept the Red-
headed Woodpeckers here all winter. Others
reported staying here are: Marsh Hawk,

IoI

January 8; Red-tailed Hawk, January 15;
Sparrow Hawk, January 6, from the Dunes
and also from Waukegan, December 23 and
24, where Mr. Lyons found one trying to
reach a Junco he had caught in a banding
trap; Red-breasted Nuthatch, January 13;
and Northern Flicker, January 30, seen by
H. K. Coale at Highland Park, Ills. Meadow-
larks have been reported from all sides of the
city, and as far north as Kenosha, Wis.,
fifty-two miles north of Chicago. Robin and
Brown Creeper were seen December 27 by
Dr. C. W. G. Eifrig, at River Forest. W. I.
Lyons reports from Waukegan, Winter
Wren and Golden-crowned Kinglet, January
2, and a Fox Sparrow that has been around
his yard all winter. January 22, the writer
found a Song Sparrow at Beach, Ills.

The common winter birds are here as
usual. Others reported are: Northern Shrike,
January 4, and Rough-legged Hawk, Jan-
uary 9, from River Forest; and Bohemian
Waxwings, December 28 (Dr. Eifrig), Jan-
uary 24 and Tebruary 4; also Northern
Shrike, January 9, at Glencoe (S. A. Harper);
Horned Grebe, January 15, and Purple
Finch, February 5, at Dune Park, Ind.
(Mrs. Cramp).

January 22, the writer saw a Saw-whet
Owl which had been shot west of Highland
Park, Ills. It was sitting on the ground in
some thick hazel brush. A pair of Snow
Buntings were seen at Beach, January 2.
No Ducks have been reported yet, probably
as they stay too far out in the lake for
identification. Some were seen by the writer
at Beach January 2 and 22, but could not be
identified —Coitrs CAMPBELL SANBORN,
Chairman Report Committee, Chicago Orni-
thological Society.

Minnesota Recion.—The first severe
cold of the winter came in late December—
ro degrees below zero on the morning of the
23d and 18 below the day before Christmas,
at Minneapolis, with 24 below at Moorhead
23 below at Fergus Falls, and 22 below at
Duluth, the coldest days since February,
1920. Twice during January there were
cold spells of a few days’ duration when the
thermometer ranged from 10 to 20 degrees
below zero at various places in the state.

102

From the 21st to the 24th inclusive, intense
cold and high winds prevailed generally and
a heavy fall of snow occurred in the northern
part of the state. Snow and blizzards came
again on February 1 and 2, with the heaviest
fall of snow of the winter up north—15
inches at Duluth. Milder days followed until,
on February 11, 13, and 14, morning tem-
peratures at Minneapolis were 6 to 14 below,
28 below at Moorhead on the 14th, 18 below
at Duluth, and 8 below at La Crescent in the
southeastern corner of the state. So we have
had some real winter weather, but the intense
cold has never been of long duration. In the
southern part of the state there is only a
moderate amount of snow on the ground,
but in the north woods there is a heavy
blanket. Lake Superior is largely open, and
many Golden-eyed Ducks, Old Squaws and
Herring Gulls are wintering there.

The last article contained a reference to
the unusual influx of Magpies this winter.
Additional records for the state have been
received as follows: Brainerd, 3 (Mrs.
Thabes); Le Sueur County, 2 (Warden
Olson); Fairmount, 9 (Dr. Luedtke), Crook-
ston, 3 (Dr. Langevin)—17 since the last
report, making 51 in all. A number of these
birds have been accidentally caught in traps
set for fur-bearing animals.

Evening Grosbeaks have continued to be
reported from the same and several additional
localities; Pine Grosbeaks from Fosston
(Miss Torgerson) and Pine County (Warden
Greig); Snow Buntings from the Red River
Valley (numerous, Dr. Langevin), Lake
Washington, Le Sueur County (Warden
Olson), and Pine County (Warden Greig);
and Bohemian Waxwings from many places
chiefly in the southern portion of the state.

Dr. Langevin, of Crookston, writes:
“There seem to be more Arctic Owls (Snowy
Owls) here than usual. I have had several
brought in to me since January 1. It is too
bad that everyone seems to want to kill
this beautiful bird. I do wish there was some
way of stopping this unwarranted practice.”
This Owl has also been reported from Pine
County (Greig) and Hutchinson (Eheim).

But few Goshawks have been reported,
and only one or two additional Butcher-

birds. Redpolls continue abundant.

Bird -

Lore

Professor Hornbeck of Carlton College,
Northfield, reports that Red-breasted Nut-
hatches remained there until latein December.
Golden-crowned Kinglets were at Owatonna
until Christmas time (Jager). Under date of
January 21, Dr. Luedtke, of Fairmount,
writes: “Brown Creepers are safely wintering
so far. Temperature has been to 14 degrees
below only once this winter. The Meadow-
larks and Robins that were here in December
have not been seen this month. Thus far
the winter may be considered mild with only
a little snow.” Fairmount is in Martin
County, not far north of the Iowa line.

Wintering Robins have been reported from
several places: Hutchinson, December 25,
(Eheim); Red Wing (Densmore); Anoka
(Gillis, who writes under date of January 20:
““A Robin has come to be fed all winter at a
residence in the town, and a Red-headed
Woodpecker has been seen about a poultry
yard up to and including yesterday”). A
rather surprising record is of two Robins
away up at Duluth on December 26 (J. E.
Kraeger).

Miss Densmore reports 4 or 5 Red-winged
Blackbirds wintering at Red Wing and they
have been seen elsewhere also.

A flock of Mallard Ducks was seen at
South Heron Lake on January 28 by Warden
C. D. Gibbs. The Mallard will often remain
in the southern part of the state wherever
there is open water on which they can rest
at night and nearby corn-fields where they
can feed in the daytime.

Mr. Alfred Peterson, of Pipestone, Pipe-
stone County, in the southwestern corner of
the state, wrote as follows under date of
December 21: ‘‘Was out on the 18th and
there were plenty of birds to be seen as this
list, named in the order of observed abun-
dance, will show: Many Crows, nearly 200.
Horned Larks, about 150 Prairie Chickens,
20 Short-eared Owls, 12 Tree Sparrows, 7
Redpolls, 5 or 6 Lapland Longspurs, 1 male
Marsh Hawk, 1 Chickadee, and 1 Snowy
Owl.”” Mr. Peterson has previously indicated
the exceptional abundance of the Short-
eared Owl in that locality—far out in the
prairie portion of the state. In a subsequent
letter the same writer reported a Wilson's
Snipe seen on January 8 in a spring-hole near

The Season

the town. This is not a very unusual oc-
currence in the southern half of the state.—
Tuomas S. Roperts, Director Zodlogical

Museum, University of Minnesola, Min-
neapolis, Minn.
Kansas Crty Recion.—A most inter-

esting local Christmas Census including 41
species was made this year by seven ob-
servers but was compiled too late for inclusion
in the February number of Birp-Lore.
Among the species of unusual occurrence at
this season were 10 Mergansers, 26 Mallards,
t Wilson’s Snipe, 50 Doves (feeding on soy
beans!), 1 Belted Kingfisher, 3 Yellow-
bellied Sapsuckers, 2 Red-headed Wood-
peckers, and 15 Red-breasted Nuthatches.
A few common winter species were not listed,
and only oné small troop of Harris’s Sparrows
and a single Fox Sparrow were noted.
Meadowlarks and Towhees, often missing
from Christmas lists in the Kansas City area,
were rather common, and Blue Jays were
abundant. Owing to the scarcity of poison
ivy fruit this winter, no Myrtle Warblers
have been found, and but 4 Robins had been
seen up to February 5. The Mergansers
listed have spent the entire winter in a
stretch of the Missouri River in sight of
William Andrews’ cabin. Two large Gulls
and several Pintails were also under obser-
vation from this station during the holiday
season.

Wintering Hawks of three species became
common on the prairies and uplands of the
county about the time of the severe cold of
mid-January. Short-eared Owls also became
numerous at this time, at least 50 being seen
daily during late January and early February
in the southern outskirts of the city, espe-
cially on the high ground between Waldo and
Swope Park. Competition has been keen, as
the birds include back yards and school
grounds in their hunting ranges, and may be
seen sailing about during all the hours of
daylight in quest of their rodent prey.

A flock of 10 or 12 Meadowlarks weathered
the January storms and could be heard
singing their ventriloquous songs any day
in the neighborhood of 63d Street and Wornall
Road. At least one covey of Bob-whites has
wintered safely in the Country Club District,

103

and another in the Forest Hill region. These
birds are protected at all seasons chiefly by
a wholesome public sentiment. Their nests
are found during the breeding-season in
most unusual places in the southern pre-
cincts of the residence district of Kansas
City, and the species seems actually on the
increase in this fast-growing community.

A few Golden-crowned Kinglets have
wintered in the Fairmount Park neighbor-
hood where a small flock of Bronzed Grackles
have also been seen at intervals during
January and February.

Bluebirds, Robins, and Purple Finches
were noted in the Dodson and Indian Creek
region on February 5, and on February 9
and to dozens of Western Meadowlarks were
heard piping on the Waldo prairies. A few
of the eastern form were mixed in with the
western birds but were not so confident in
their song.

It is good to be able to offer authentic
data on the southern extent of the Magpie
invasion in the Missouri valley. These birds
have reached the southwestern corner of
Nebraska and have crossed over into Mis-
souri. Charles E. Dankers, of Corning, Mo.,
writes that 50 individuals of this species
have been under observation all winter in
his corner of Holt County, and it is hoped
that observers further down the river may
yet record Magpies in Missouri—HARRyY
Harris, Kansas City, Mo.

PortLanp, (OREGON) REGIoN.—The win-
ter season in the Portland region has been
marked by long-continued cold weather of
unusual severity, and this has had a marked
effect on the abundance of birds. Just before
Thanksgiving, the Columbia Gorge district,
including the eastern edge of the city of
Portland, was ice-bound by a severe ice-
storm which turned to rain in other parts of
the region. All the trees of the Columbia
River bottoms were twisted and torn by the
weight of the ice and most of the larger trees
were stripped of their branches. This dis-
trict was visited on Christmas day and again
on January 8. Gairdner’s Woodpeckers,
Oregon Juncos, Willow Goldfinches, Ore-
gon Chickadees, Western Golden-crowned
Kinglets, Seattle Wrens, Rusty Song Spar-

104

rows, Oregon Towhees, and a single Ruby-
crowned Kinglet—all together in a large
flock of several hundred birds feeding in the
debris caused by the storm. This association
of practically all the birds in this locality in
one flock, all feeding on the ground on the
broken branches, has endured for nearly
two months.

The Audubon Warbler, usually a fairly
common winter resident, has been very
scarce, although farther south around Cor-
vallis they were found in numbers on De-
cember 30. A dead one was picked up in
Sellwood on January 1 and brought to
Stanley G. Jewett.

On January 19, while crossing one of the
Willamette bridges, a Glaucous Gull “flew
past at close range. There are several records
of this bird for Portland, though this is the
first for this winter. Glaucous-winged,
Western and Short-billed Gulls are as
abundant as usual on the river and a few
Californias have been noted at various times.
The Short-billed Gulls spend much time in
the various parks and in the suburban dis-
tricts, foraging like a flock of Crows.

Crows have been unusually abundant, the
several small roosts in the vicinity of Port-
land all having a much larger population than
during the last two years. Such winter birds
as the Evening Grosbeak, Varied Thrush,
and Fox Sparrows of several subspecies have
not been as conspicuous nor as abundant
as usual in spite of the severe winter.

The first evidences of spring migration
were noted on January 22 when several
flocks of Geese were seen, and on January
23 large numbers of Western Meadowlarks
and Northwestern Flickers appeared in
districts where only a few have been present
up to this time. Renewed cold stopped the
movement, but the birds already here have
remained. The Robins arrived in force last
year on January 29, but began to appear here
in numbers on February 3 this season. Mr.
Gale, in the eastern part of the city, reports
that Nuttall’s and Golden-crowned Sparrows
remained all winter about his feeding-station.
The former is rather a rare winter resident.
W. A. Elliott reports that a Lutescent War-
bler came to his home on December 9
and remained for some time.

Bird - Lore

Mrs. W. P. Jones reported a strange bird
to members of the Audubon Society and
later Miss Mary Raker visited the place
and identified the bird as the Chinese Star-
ling (Acridotheres cristatellus), a bird with
which she was familiar from observations
made at Vancouver, B. C., where there is
quite a colony of these birds. The writer has
visited the locality twice (on February 5 and
6) and carefully watched this bird, and agrees
with Miss Raker in her identification. Prob-
ably this bird is either an escaped cage-
bird or a wanderer from the British Columbia
colony. It is quite shy, although it frequently
visits the feeding-station. Mrs. Jones states
that it has been coming to her feeding-
station quite regularly since before Thanks-
giving. Realizing the necessity for care in
basing first records on sight identifications,
the writer hesitates to record this bird
formally. However, there does not seem to
be any chance for mistaken identity of this
curiously crested bird. While this is its first
known appearance in Portland, there is no
reason why it should not eventually spread
over the Northwest from the established
colony in British Columbia—Ira N.
GaABRIELSON, Portland, Ore.

SAN Francisco REGIoN.—Winter weather
culminated in a real freeze on January 19 and
a real snowstorm on January 29. The effect
of the cold upon the birds was more marked
than that of the snow. A temperature of
23 degrees made the Thrasher keep one foot
tucked up under his feathers while he warmed
the ‘inner bird’ with suet and bread crumbs.
The White-throated Sparrow, on the other
hand, hopped about on the frozen drinking-
fountain, scratching about quite uncon-
cernedly among the fallen leaves. If he came
this way to avoid the cold, he wasted no time
grumbiing over his disappointment, but
showed himself quite equal to the challenge of
an unexpected environment. When, on the
29th, the falling snow buried the food pro-
vided, the Thrasher gave up trying to dig it
out with his beak, but the Fox Sparrow and
the Spurred Towhee kept scratching energet-
ically, even after the snow was four inches
deep on the feeding-table. Human inter-
ference prevented famine for twenty-four

The Season

hours, after which the danger was past. In
general, few fatalities were reported.

Chilly weather, with frequent frosts, is still
prevalent, but, judging from the number of
moths which collect about a protected porch-
light, insect food is still available. Thrashers
and Vigor’s Wrens are singing freely, un-
daunted by rain or wind; while the Anna
Hummers, robbed by frost of the honey of the
eucalyptus, have turned to the more hardy
acacia and Japanese quince.

Titmice were seen investigating nesting-
boxes on February 8, and though they put off
the day of decision, their frequent songs
indicate an increasing interest in nests and
mates. A Short-eared Owl was seen on the
Alameda marsh lands on February 5 (Mrs.
Kelly), and about 100 Band-tailed Pigeons
and many Varied Thrushes were reported
near Easton on February 12 (San Francisco
Audubon Association). February 13 brought
the first spring migrant, the Allen Humming-
bird (Mr. Storer). The park at Lake Merritt
has a number of bird inhabitants not formerly
found in that neighborhood. This is no doubt
due to the generous planting of toyon and
other shrubs which offer cover and food to a
number of species. The berries are eagerly
sought now by the Cedarbirds and Robins,
but Varied Robins, both here and on the
University campus, are rare this year.

A census of the water-birds on Lake Mer-
ritt, made by a member of the San Francisco
Audubon Association, January 15, estimated a
grand total of from 3,200 to 3,600 individuals.
Of these, Pintails were most numerous, 650 to
700; Coots, a close second; Baldpates, 500 to
550; Canvasbacks and Ruddies, 450 to 500,
each; Lesser Scaup, 250 to 300; and Shovel-
lers, 100 to 125. Golden-eyes, Buffleheads
and White-winged Scoters each numbered
less than a dozen, and a Red-head and a male
European Widgeon were equally distinguished
as rare birds. Eared Grebes numbered 60 to
65, and Pied-billed Grebes 12 to 15. On
February 12 Mr. Storer reported a decided
diminution in these numbers, particularly
among the Pin-tailed Ducks.

Mrs. Kelly has visited the Alameda shore
about three times a week, making a special
effort to observe particularly the effect of
storms upon the shore-birds. She reports

105

that the flocks of Western and Red-backed
Sandpipers have numbered about 1,000. One
Semipalmated Plover and one Sora Rail were
seen early in January, and 2 or 3 Dowitchers
appeared about once in two weeks. A dozen
Willets were always to be seen, while about
24 Black-bellied Plovers covered the flats
only at very low tide. Godwits were always
more conspicuous during stormy weather
and on January 4, which was a cold, stormy
day following mild days, there were 50 God-
wits and about 30 Black-bellied Plovers
which seemed to be seeking protection in the
estuary —AMELIA SANBORN ALLEN, Berkeley,
Calif.

Los ANGELES Recion.—The period under
consideration has been one of frequent storms
of a severity experienced ordinarily only
about once or twice in a decade. The snow-
fall in the mountains has been reported as
averaging from one to four feet at the 2,000-
to 4,000-foot levels, and much deeper at the
higher altitudes. Temperatures many de-
grees below freezing have prevailed during or
following nearly all of the succession of
storms. An appeal from a forest ranger in
the Sierra Madre Mountains for food for the
suffering birds was a new note, perhaps struck
for the first time in this region.

A county game warden reports 1,000 Band-
tailed Pigeons near the mouth of the San
Gabriel Cafion, supposed to be birds that
normally winter in the region north of Mount
Wilson. Audubon members have seen small
numbers of them in the Beverly Hills and in
Gniffith Park, where also a few Blue-fronted
Jays appeared early in February. Cedar
Waxwings and Robins swarmed into the
Park in immense flocks, making short work
of the toyon berries, which had until then
been practically untouched. The Waxwings
then disappeared but the Robins are still
taking the remnants of a supply of pepper
berries that would normally have lasted
through the season. Waxwings have been
common in Whittier since late November,
but were not listed elsewhere until late in
January. Mountain Bluebirds are frequently
seen in open fields, as are also flocks of Pipits
and Horned Larks. Pine Siskins have been
seen swarming in the canons, feeding on the

stele)

alder catkins. Chickadees have been several
times reported from Pasadena and Eagle
Rock and Red-breasted Sapsuckers from sev-
eral different parks. Two of these handsome
and not common visitors have evidently
selected for their winter home the same long
row of pepper trees that are furnishing suste-
nance to so many Robins, and there they may
be seen daily visiting their freshly excavated
and liberally flowing source of supply.

The Lewis’ Woodpeckers noted early in the
season have remained in the vicinity where
first observed, and many others were seen in
January among the oaks of the Canejo region,
where Slender-billed Nuthatches, Robins,
California Woodpeckers, and Crows were also
numerous. Mountain Bluebirds added a
delicate charm to the brilliance of the assem-
blage. A Kingbird, presumably the Cassin’s,
has remained on a ranch at Artesia. Say’s
Phoebe, Western Bluebirds, and Ruby-
crowned Kinglets are distributed about as
usual. Dusky Warblers have been noted
during each month, and Western Gnatcatch-
ers have visited many city gardens. During
the fall, their abundance about the brushy
margins of fields was many times noticed,
but as garden visitors they add a new bird to
our lists.

Two Phainopeplas have been noted, one
early in January and one February to, in a
different locality; Both were females. A
Black-and-White Warbler was collected early
in February by a well-known ornithologist.
There have been but very few records of this
Warbler in the state.

Hermit Thrushes and Fox Sparrows are
scarce; Gambel’s and Golden-crowns abun-
dant; and a large flock of the handsome
Western Lark Sparrows is usually to be found
in the vicinity of Eagle Rock. California

Bird -

Lore

Purple Finches in small numbers are often
seen among the oaks of foothill cafions.

Sharp-shinned Hawks are numerous and
bold, and have not been slow to discover the
gardens in which the presence of birds is
encouraged, their depredations occurring
frequently at our very doors. California
Gulls make regular daily rounds of the school
yards throughout the city and also extend
their foraging excursion far inland, many of
them following the plow.

Loons, Western and Horned Grebes are
common on the ocean, and the beautiful Bona-
parte’s Gulls are wintering in large numbers.
Two Caspian Terns were seen near San Pedro
on January 15. The Egrets of the inner har-
bor are suffering from oil in their plumage, as
are also many Gulls. The bird-life of these
shallow waters and mudflats has presented an
interesting study. At the opening of the
hunting season many Marbled Godwits and
Black-bellied Plover were there, with a few
Willets, Long-billed Dowitchers, 13 Avocets,
and 15 Egrets, besides many Sanderling and
small Sandpipers. On December 18, began a
record rainstorm, which continued a week,
resulting in floods and the filling of every
slough and swale in the region. The abun-
dance of fresh water, so long lacking, did not
tempt the Avocets out, for January 9 the full
quota of Avocets were there. January 30,
two weeks after the close of the shooting
season, they were gone. The date of their
departure is not known, no visit having been
made to the place during the period inter-
vening between the dates mentioned. Ten of
the Egrets had moved to the marshes near
Anaheim Landing on January 28. At this
date the lagoons were filled with Ducks, Pin-
tails being noted as very numerous.—
Frances B. ScHNEWER, Los Angeles, Calif.

Book Mews and fiebviews

First ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIVISION OF
ORNITHOLOGY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF
MASSACHUSETTS, By Epwarp Hower
ForspusH. Reprinted from the annual
report of the Department of Agriculture
for the year ending November 30, 1920.
8vo, 47 pages, 4 plates.

It is, we believe, demonstrable that the
widespread interest in birds which exists in
Massachusetts is,due to the services of the
state’s Director of its Division of Ornithology
no less than to the natural inclination of its
inhabitants. For many years, during which
Mr. Forbush has represented organized orni-
thology in Massachusetts, he has exerted not
only a potent influence in behalf of birds but
also in behalf of bird students, who have
found in him and his publications a guide and
instructor.

We learn from the present publication
that nine pamphlets were issued by the
Division during the year. They deal with
such practical subjects as feeding appliances,
outdoor bird-study, Arbor and Bird Day,
bird-houses, and the like. Some were new,
others reprints or revised editions, and their
titles show that character of the stream of
information which has been flowing steadily
from Mr. Forbush’s active pen.

His ‘Report,’ which constitutes in effect the
thirteenth in the series, includes a general
statement of the status of international bird
protection, and the results of researches on
the food habits of Woodpeckers in which it is
said that “fon a whole, the Downy Wood-
pecker is one of the most beneficial birds of
New England, a persistent enemy of borers,
bark beetles, codling moths, and other de-
structive tree pests; and the Sapsucker, which
may be more or less destructive in the
northern forests, apparently does little
harm to orchards in Massachusetts.” A
review of the bird-life of the year should be
both stimulating and useful to field-students,
and a preliminary report on an ornithological
survey of the State promises most interesting
results. A recommendation for the publi-
cation of a 1200-page illustrated monograph

on the birds of Massachusetts, by Mr. For-
bush, we are glad to learn has been approved,
and it is safe to predict that this work will
take its place in the front rank of state
documents on birds.—F. M. C.

ANNOTATED List OF THE AVERY Birp CoL-
LECTION IN THE ALABAMA MUSEUM OF
NaturRAL History. By Ernest G. Hott.
Biographical Sketch of Dr. William Cush-
man Avery, by his sister, Mary E. Avery.
University, Ala., 1921. 8vo, 142 pages:
frontispiece.

The State authorities of Alabama are to be
thanked for publishing this account of the
life of a fellow-citizen of whom they have
reason to be proud, together with a record of
his contributions to our knowledge of Ala-
bama birds. The latter includes a list of the
216 species in his collection with often ex-
tended notes on their habits extracted from
his journals. —F. M. C.

BULLETIN OF THE ESSEX ORNITHOLOGICAL

Crus. Vol. III. No. 1, December, 1921;
Salem, Mass. 8vo, 88 pages, 1 plate,
I map.

The editor of this publication, Arthur P.
Stubbs, reports that the Essex County
Ornithological Club has had a year of un-
usual activity. Its membership limit of 75
has been reached, it has purchased a camp,
and its meetings have been better attended
than in any previous year.

In addition to a record of meetings, the
annual bird-list, notes etc., this Bulletin
contains papers on “The Wild Turkey in New
England’ by Glover M. Allen, with a map
showing that the bird reached the northern
limits of its range at the mouth of the Penob-
scot; ‘The Status of Certain Ducks at Wen-
ham Lake,’ by John C. Phillips; ‘The Terns
of our Coast; a Retrospect and Prospect,’ by
Charles W. Townsend, M.D.; ‘How Much Do
Loons Use their Wings Under Water?’ by
Edward Howe Forbush; ‘Some Buzzard Bay
Birds,’ by Winthrop Packard; and ‘Changes
in the Essex County Avifauna,’ by S. Gilbert
Emilio.—F. M. C.

(107)

Io8

The Ornithological Magazines

Tue AvuK.—The January, 1922, number
which begins the thirty-ninth volume of
The Auk (the forty-seventh, with the
‘Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club,’
of which it is a continuation) opens with ‘In
Memoriam: Joel Asaph Allen, by F. M.
Chapman, with frontispiece, portrait photo-
graph. As Editor of The Auk, Dr. Allen
was the pilot of a publication which for so
long has carried forward the genius of Amer-
ican ornithology. Though he had the satis-
faction of surrendering the helm to other able
hands several years before his death, The
Auk will remain, among other things, a
monument (which he would appreciate) to
his interest and work in ornithology. “‘It
is impossible to consider Dr. Allen’s career
without feeling that few men have more
nearly and more happily approached the full
measure of their potential achievements.”

C. W. and Enid Michael record detailed
behavior studies of a mated pair of Harlequin
Ducks, evidently nesting, in the Yosemite
Valley, Calif., though the nest could not be
found. These Ducks were particularly fond
of bread, and by means of a floating food-
tray remarkable photographs (two full-page
plates) of this beautiful, bizarrely colored
bird weve obtained. :

‘A Myrtle Warbler Invasion,’ by C. L.
Whittle, records a remarkable concentration
of the bird moving northward through the
outer coastal wax myrtle belt near Charleston
harbor, S. C., 24000 individuals (estimated)
being observed at one point.

“What birds can be satisfactorily identified
in the field?”—‘When is a sight record of
scientific value?” These are questions of
interest to bird-lovers and to modern orni-
thologists who must supplement a knowledge
of the dead bird with that of the living. They
are ably discussed by Ludlow Griscom in
‘Problems of Field Indentification,’ from the
point of view of the professional ornithologist,
and also of the amateur observer. His paper
should be given serious consideration by
everybody (though everybody will not agree
with all its details), for nowhere else in the
field of science is the personal equation more
constantly to be faced and reckoned with
than in such matters.

Bird -

Lore

‘A Calendar of Bird Migration,’ by Norman
Criddle, refers to a locality in Manitoba, and
is based on twenty-five years’ observation
summarized in tabular form. ‘Supple-
mentary Notes on the Birds of Berkshire
County, Massachusetts,’ by Walter Faxon
and Ralph Hoffman, gives faunal data on
some 47 species. “The European Starling
is now generally distributed as a perma-
nent resident through the Housatonic
Valley towns.” ‘Bird Distribution in Eastern
Kentucky,’ by R. E. Horsey, lists 84
species.

C. J. Hawkins in ‘Sexual Selection and
Bird Songs’ discusses a fascinating subject,
one which, it seems to the reviewer, would be
elucidated by a better knowledge of the doubt-
less several functions of a bird’s song.
Hawkins would have us believe that tenden-
cies to a variation in song simultaneously
effect numerous individuals in a given area
and are fixed by isolation as physical, racial
characters doubtless often are. In ‘Notes on
Tubinares,’ R. C. Murphy calls attention to
a first North American record of the Yellow-
nosed Mollymawk, a wanderer from the
southern ocean; to the fact that the Medi-
terranean as well as Azorian, etc., race of
Cory’s Shearwater has been taken off Long
Island, N. Y.; and to what is known of the
range of Hornby’s Petrel, recently found to be
common off Peru, and probably not entitled
to a North American status, even as a wan-
derer. H.C. Oberholser concludes that the
Long-eared Owl, and the Snowy Plovers of
the Pacific Coast, are but geographic races of
species found in both the Old and New World;
and that Hutton’s and Anthony’s Vireos are
indistinguishable even as races. Other papers
are ‘A New Burrowing Owl from Colombia’
(Stone), ‘Thirty-ninth Stated Meeting of the
American Ornithologists Union,’ and ‘Re-
port of the Secretary [of the A. O. U.|’
(Palmer).

‘General Notes’ contain a variety of items,
mostly of faunal interest. McAtee supplies
data on the food of the Guacharo or Oil-bird,
remarkable among birds allied to the Goat-
suckers in being a fruit-eater; and there is
interesting matter on the habits of the Short-
billed Marsh Wren near Montreal, Canada,
by L. MclI. Terrill—J. T. N.

Editorial

Bird-Lore

A Bi-Monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES
Edited by FRANK M,. CHAPMAN
Contributing Editor, MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Published by D. APPLETON & CO.

Vol. XXIV
SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Pricein the United States, one dollar and fifty cents a year;
outside the United States, one dollar and seventy-five cents,
postage paid.

Published April 1, 1922 No. 2

COPYRIGHTED, 1922, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Spird'Wore's Motto:
A Bird in the Bush Is Worth Two in the Hand

A MacazineE for young men has sent out a
series of questions regarding the principal
requirements of various vocations, with the
object of securing information which might
be of service to its readers in choosing a
profession. We have been asked to reply to
these inquiries as an ornithologist, and,
believing that the readers of Birp-Lore will
have an especial interest in what we consider
to be the requirements of the profession of
ornithology, so far as they may be revealed
by these questions, we present our answers
to them below:

REQUIREMENTS

Physical—A sound body no less than a
sound mind.

Mental——An inborn love for the study of
nature with so intense an interest in birds
that they, more than any other forms of life,
demand one’s attention. Love of truth for
truth’s sake: patience, accuracy, imagination,
and thoroughness in investigation; fairness
in making deductions: clearness and reason-
ableness in forming conclusions.

Educational—A good general education,
with at least a reading knowledge of German,
French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish,
and for an American, ability to speak the
last named language. A general biological
training with work in botany, geology,
physical geography, and climatology, and
intensive studies in ornithology, including
embryology, anatomy, classification, zodgeog-
raphy, life-histories and the relation of a
bird to its organic and inorganic environment.

Social—Tact, courtesy, and consideration

109

for the perhaps wholly different viewpoint of
others promoting success in exploration;
sympathy with fellow-students and a desire
to impart information leading to success in
laboratory, classroom, and lecture-hall.

General.—Confidence in the value of one’s
profession to mankind; definite research
problems with a carefully conceived plan of
study and a steadfast, persistent adherence
toit.

CHARACTERISTIC CONDITIONS

Nature of Work.—Includes the study of
evolution, zoédgeography, economics, peda-
gogics, and esthetics as they may be inter-
preted or expressed in the lives of birds; its
exact nature to be determined by the require-
ments of one’s position, by opportunity, and
by preference.

Environment.—Field, laboratory or class-
room, or all three.

Personnel.—In the field, hunters,
etc.; in the study in classroom, one’s col-
leagues, assistants, or students.

Experience-—To be acquired in practice.

guides,

DtsADVANTAGES. Inadequate remunera-
tion. The salary received may be sufficient
for one, but it is usually too small to meet
the requirements of a family.

ADVANTAGES. Opportunity to follow one’s
chosen calling; to gratify an insatiable desire
forresearch; tomake work play, and, whether
indoors or out, daily to renew one’s joy in life.

CoMPENSATION. As a collector: From
expenses to $200 per month and expenses.
In the study: From $1,200 to $5,000 per

annum.

ADVANCEMENT. Not to be measured by
office standards but by the degree bf success
achieved through one’s labors.

SocraL SERvtcE. Limited only by one’s
belief in the value to man of contact with
Nature and by one’s ability to prove that
Nature’s beauty, joy, and freedom are most
eloquently expressed in the lives of birds.

RELATED Occupations. To be deter-
mined by one’s civic conscience. The Audu-
bon Societies, Nature-Study Clubs, Boy
Scouts, and allied organizations offer abun-
dant opportunity to practice as well as to
preach,

Che Audubon Societies

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by A. A. ALLEN, Ph D.

Address all communications relative to the work of this
department to the Editor, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y

BIRD-PLAYS FOR THE SCHOOL

It is said that if we could utilize the energy that is expended in play, the
wheels of industry could be turned without work. Certainly man likes to play
and it is equally certain that he does not like to play alone. Moreover, he
needs to play. The old dictum, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”
applies to grown-ups as well as to children. Man must have recreation and he
must enjoy it with others. Man isa social being, and even if he could play all
the time, it would not satisfy him if he played alone. It is the society, the club,
the team that satisfies because it combines recreation with social intercourse.
The value of this social recreation, this playing together, is recognized, today,
not only in the schools and churches, but even in the larger industrial plants
where the efficiency of the workers counts for as much as the perfection of the
machines. And so these factories have their recreation-grounds, their dances,
their baseball games, anything to get the employees to play together and develop
teamwork.

The idea of getting workers to play together is not a new one, it is merely
finding expression in new ways. The old-time folk dances, the parades of
trades unions, the church socials, the Sunday-school picnics, grew out of this
same desire to bring together the workers in a common field for mutual recrea-
tion that they might learn better to work together. Today we are hearing more
about Rotary Clubs where all kinds of business men get together for a sociable
hour and luncheon once a week, of community sings, and even of community
drama, all making for friendly codperation or neighborliness, one of the greatest
needs of any community.

During the World War men and women of every class learned how to work
together for a common cause. There was one great ideal binding them together
and urging them on. The spirit of self-sacrifice was in the air and that demo-
cratic spirit of neighborliness was felt as never before, and the country grew
better for it. But it was work, and as soon as the war was won, the world
slumped. Communities had learned to work together but now everyone was
ready to relax, and communities had not yet learned to play together. Of
course, each community had its ball nine and knew how to gather on the side-
lines and shout, but, after all, those who actually participated in this community
sport were a very small minority. The ball nine, the bowling-league, the sewing-

(110)

The Audubon Societies III

circle, the subscription dance, the Chautauqua lectures, and the church socials
may include everyone in town and give everyone some form of recreation, but
they are as little aid to codperative service as a pasture full of wild horses are
to the farmer who is ready to plow. There should be some one form of recrea-
tion which includes everyone in the community and in which everyone has an
interest and, at least, takes some small part in order to have teamwork and
establish true neighborliness.

Now what has this to do with a school-play or with birds? Just this: We
have all been working for years for the protection of birds or to awaken an
interest in birds in our home communities. Is it not about time we began to
play or, at least, began to get our neighbors to play at protecting birds. Per-
haps we have not been very successful in getting them to work for birds, but
possibly they would be willing to play, if their children were in a school pageant,
or masque, or play, based upon some phase of bird-life. I know they would.
Of the communities I am familiar with, the ones which show the greatest
spirit, the most widespread interest in birds, are those in which not only the
real bird-lovers have been working for the birds, but in which some school-play
or masque or pageant has been given by the school children. This common
endeavor arouses many parents who have never before listened to birds’ songs.

In 1916, New York City presented a masque by Percy Mackaye called
‘Caliban.’ I say New York City presented it because several thousand persons
of every station of life took part and every nook and corner of the city was
searched for costumes and accessories. Everyone felt that he was taking part
in it because he had furnished an aunt or a cousin or a family heirloom to help
make it a success. And it was a success and had a far-reaching effect, not only
upon the modern drama, but upon the people of New York City that took part
or helped to make up the audience. And it has been repeated with equal
success in St. Louis and Boston.

Perhaps the most successful bird club in the country is that at the small
town of Meriden, N. H., located twenty miles from a railway station. One of
the reasons for its success and its far-reaching help to similar organizations
goes back to 1913 when it presented a bird masque by the author of ‘Caliban,’
entitled ‘Sanctuary.’ Bird club and town are, today, almost synonymous, for
there is such a unity of spirit that rose from their common effort in presenting
this masque. Much of the credit goes to Mr. Ernest Harold Baynes, the leader
and director, for no masque or pageant or school-play can be a success without
an efficient director. In fact, the first thing to do when you decide to give a
school-play is to look about for the best director that the school or community
affords. Find him before you even decide whether to give an original play or
one of those which you will find in Brrp-Lore or elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to
invite him or her to undertake it, for even the busiest are flattered by an offer
to direct something, and to those that have the gift, it is almost a mania. They
would rather direct than eat.

112 Bird - Lore

Next, find someone who can write a bird-play, or else write it yourself,
basing it upon some phase of bird-life like the return of the birds in the spring;
the value of birds in the garden; the need for feeding the winter birds; the need
for bird-houses or bird-baths, etc. The more local interest that can be woven
into it the better. The talent to write a good play is scarcer than that to direct,
however, and it may be necessary to utilize one that has been used elsewhere.
‘Bobbie in Bird Land’ that was printed in Brrp-Lorr Vol. XIX, No. 6 has
been presented successfully in a number of places and will be found quite easy
to costume and present in the ordinary school.

A word of caution should be given to the one who is to write the play.
Above all else, use familiar American birds as the characters and have the facts
employed accurate. Do not introduce Skylarks, and Linnets, and Nightingales
and other foreign birds into an American landscape, and do not have summer
birds appearing in winter or winter birds in summer. It may well be that the
one in the community most familiar with birds is not the most capable of
writing the play, but his knowledge should be used to correct any errors of
fact that are likely to creep in through the desire of the author for additional
color or music in some scene.

A very simple form of playlet for the younger children can be presented
very attractively by costuming them to represent different birds that are the
actors in well-known bits of bird-poetry or prose. Let each child recite that
portion which refers to the bird which he represents. Such a playlet was
presented very successfully by the boys of St. Andrew’s Natural History Club,
of Stamford, Conn., under the direction of Miss Albertina Schleinkofer, from
whom the details can be secured. Lines from Longfellow’s ‘Studying Nature’
and ‘The Birds of Killingworth’ were used, as well as ‘The Song of the Birds’
by W. W. Caldwell, and parts from Tennyson and Whittier on the Blackbird
and the Gray Parrot. Our bird literature is full of beautiful lines that could be
used in this way, and the expense of making costumes from crepe paper or
cheese-cloth is not great. No plot is necessary, each ‘bird’ entering, reciting
his piece, and retiring to the back of the stage. A song or a recitation by the
entire group makes a fitting conclusion.

A somewhat more elaborate bird-play, entitled ‘Nature’s Follies,’ was
presented very successfully by the Audubon Society of the Williamsport (Pa.)
High School, under the direction of Miss M. M. Bubb, from whom a copy of
the play can be secured. Describing it, Miss Bubb states:

The play was written by Carolyn Wein, a member of the Society. The theme of the play
was to interpret the lives of birds, flowers, and grasses into terms of everyday life, and in that
way to link the out-of-doors more closely with human life. The main plot dealt with the
domestic troubles of the Robin family.

All the costumes were designed and made by those taking part in the play, with the assist-
ance of several members of the High School Parent-Teacher Association interested in the work
of the Society. Most of the costumes were made of crepe paper, and an endeavor was made
to have the effect and coloring as natural as possible.

The Audubon Societies 113

As the curtain rose for the first act, the ‘Spring Song’ was played by a piano, violin, and
cello trio. The scene was a large garden in early spring. Wire strung across the back of the
stage was interwoven with greens so that it gave the appearance of shrubbery in the back-
ground. A white fence was placed in front of the shrubbery and rhododendron plants deco-
rated with crepe paper flowers, on either side of the gate, completed the background. Tree
stumps and two garden seats completed the setting.

The grasses, nine girls costumed in green, were lying in various positions on the stage floor.
The daffodils were grouped in the background. Father Time and Mother Nature were
awaiting the coming of Spring.

The grasses stirred and awoke. With Isabel Brown, as solo dancer, they rendered a
musical number consisting of a dance and song, ‘Welcome to Spring.’ Then at the call of

COSTUMES REPRESENTING DAISIES

Human flowers add much to the stage-setting and provide parts for many additional
children in the bird-play
Mother Nature the flowers woke up. Spring entered dancing, and after being welcomed by
the different groups was reprimanded by Father Time for being late. Then the daffodils
danced and the early spring birds came trooping in. The Junco said good-bye, just as Mr.
Robin and his family came rushing in. They were late because they had been held up by a
snowstorm. After a general renewal of acquaintance, the scene ended with a bird-hop.

In the second act the daisies were on the stage as the curtain rose. The scene was the same
as in the first act, only the rhododendron was not blooming, and the flowers in the back-
ground were sunflowers, nasturtiums, sweet peas and pansies.

Mother Nature was worried about the flowers since everything was affected by the extreme
heat and lack of water. A terrific storm came up and the birds dispersed. It was during this
act that the trouble of the Robins began. Mr. Robin became very angry because of an
accusation brought against Mrs. Robin by Mr. English Sparrow. He left Mrs. Robin heart-
broken. The other birds endeavored to console Mrs. Robin as another storm came up. After
the storm Katydid appeared out of the darkness and sang ‘Katy Did It.’

The third act opened in late fall. The garden was strewn with dead leaves, and bitter-

114 Bird - Lore

sweet vines hung over the fence. Mr. and Mrs. Robin were reunited just before time for their
departure to the South. The grasses sang ‘Farewell Robin Redbreast.’ The flowers fell
asleep and Queen Winter came with her snow fairies. The act closed with a snowstorm.

The physical training teacher took charge of the dancing. The songs were suggested
and directed by the music teacher. The whole play was directed by a paid coach.

Enough money was cleared for the purchase of two bird-baths. These baths will be dedi-
cated in March. One bath is to be placed on the boys’ side of the building in memory of
John Burroughs. The other is to be placed on the girls’ side of the building in memory of

3eryl Wurster, former secretary of the Society who most excellently took the part of Mrs.
Robin in the play. Beryl was drowned last summer while bathing in the river.

The Auduben Society of the Williamsport High School consists of three divisions: the
upper class section, the sophomore section and the freshmen section. At present there are
almost two hundred members. Each section meets twice every month during the activities
period.

COSTUMES USED BY WILLIAMSPORT AUDUBON SOCIETY IN REPRESENTING
NATURE’S FOLLIES

Birds, Spring, Father Time, Mother Nature, Queen Winter, Crocuses, Tulips,
Sweet Peas, Pansies and Daffodils

The ideal way to present a bird-play is out of doors, in some natural amphi-
theatre, but this is not always available, and one attempting a bird-play for
the first time might hesitate to start on the scale necessary to make the out-
of-doors event a success. One should bear in mind, however, that the more
actors that are used, the more people that are directly involved, the greater will
be the success of the undertaking, financially as well as otherwise.

By all means interest the editor of the local paper. He can do much to make

The Audubon Societies II5

the undertaking a success by the nature of the publicity he gives it. Do not
wait until it is all over before announcing the names of those who take part,
the names of the committees, and those that have made or donated costumes
and accessories. Let the element of surprise be in the play itself rather than
in these matters.

When you have selected your play and your director, next select your
general committee, each member of which will be chairman of a subcommittee
on costumes, on the stage and accessories, on publicity, on programs and
tickets, etc. Then proceed to select your children for the various parts, using
discretion not only to get the right child for the right part, but to have as many
families and divisions of the community represented as possible. The addition
of dances and choruses will provide parts for all.

Costumes and stage-settings should be very simple. The more things that
can be borrowed for the occasion, the larger the audience is likely to be. Cheese-
cloth and crepe paper will serve for practically all costumes that have to be
made, and the manual-training class and the sewing-class will be glad to con-
tribute their services.

Above all else, decide what the funds resulting from the play are to be used
for before you start any publicity. If possible, make it something for the
welfare of the birds that will at the same time
fill some community need such as bird-baths for
the school-grounds, as at Williamsport; bird-
books for the library; feeding-stations and bird-
houses for the park, or materials with which to
build them and feed with which to maintain
the feeding-stations; the financing of public
lectures on birds, or whatever your community
needs most and would be most willing to
support.—A. A. A.

FROM YOUNG OBSERVERS

BOYS HELP FEED THE
WINTER BIRDS

The boys of the Columbus (Ohio) Audubon
Society help feed the winter birds by helping
others to do so. They are manufacturing in
considerable numbers a suet-holder which sells
for a low price and is easily made. It con-

sists of an ordinary wire soap-holder, from

* A A ALe ~
which the long wires have been nipped, THE COLUMBUS AUDUBON
fastened to a small board by two screw-eyes, SOCIET WS) SUET-HOLDER

; ; MIGHT WELL BE IMITATED
which serve as hinges, and a hook at the top BY OTHER CLUBS

116 Bird - Lore

which fastens it shut. The board is attached to a tree by two screws, the wire
basket filled with suet and closed, and all is in readiness for the birds.

A novel way of advertising the Audubon Society and at the same time
helping to elicit the codperation of the children is by means of the printed card
fastened to the board above the suet which states in bold type that “Boys help
feed the winter birds,” followed by a list of the birds that can be expected to
feed from the suet-holder. Who can resist such an appeal and what bird
decline such help? Other bird clubs might follow the lead of the Columbus
Audubon Society and decorate all the trees in town with these lunch-counters.

A PINE GROSBEAK IN NEW JERSEY

On December 16, my Nature-teacher, Mrs. Gladys Gorden Fry, and I were
walking about in a small evergreen thicket composed chiefly of red and white
pines and a few hemlocks.

Suddenly I saw a large bird, about the size of a Northern Shrike, and as a
few of these birds had been seen lately in the neighborhood, I thought it quite
probable that this was one. However, as we came around the trunk of a large
tree, we saw the bird, which proved to be the Pine Grosbeak, quite plainly.
He was sitting on the branch of the next tree, eating its cones and buds.

We remained quite still, but in a few minutes it flew to a young cedar and
from there to a bank covered with tangled honeysuckle vines.

We watched the bird for fifteen minutes at least and although its black beady
eyes were fastened on us it was very tame. During the time we were watching it
we were only about two yards from it, but we could not tell whether it was an
immature male or a female.

The rest of the birds I saw that day were, Tree Sparrow, Junco, Downy
and Hairy Woodpecker, Whitebreasted Nuthatch, Crow, Blue Jay, and
Black-capped Chickadee-—Cyntu1a DrypDEN Kuser (age 11 years), Fair-
court, Bernardsville, N. J.

[The Pine Grosbeak is a rare bird so far south as New Jersey and Cynthia is to be con-
gratulated upon her discovery.—A. A. A.]

A MILITANT KINGBIRD

On the farm where we spend our summers, many interesting incidents have
occurred, which, as bird-lovers, we would like to share with others.

Three years ago a pair of Kingbirds raised a family in an old pear tree near
our house. When the young left the nest, we took much pleasure in watching
one of them which, for two days, spent much of the time on a brush-pile back
of the house.

The next year the Kingbirds came back (we think it was the same pair),
only to find their special place taken by a pair of Chipping Sparrows. The

The Audubon Societies 117

Kingbirds did not quarrel with the Sparrows, as we had expected, but flew off
to an old apple tree a short distance away and there built a nest.

These birds seemed to take a special dislike to a man employed on the farm
whose homeward path lay directly under the tree where the birds had their
nest. When he started for home the Kingbird would fly to meet him, a distance
of about 50 feet from the nest, and fly close to his hat until about the same
distance the other side. Should the man stop an instant, Mr. Kingbird would
give the hat a peck. The same performance was repeated every time he passed
during the nesting season, no matter from which direction he came, yet he had
never molested the nest in any way. Others passed without the slightest sign
from the bird.

That year seven different kinds of birds nested in our dooryard. Last
year the Kingbirds returned to the same tree and we hope to see them again
next spring —GrorGcE W. NEUBAUER (age 14 years), Bristol, Conn.

(The fact that birds learn to differentiate between people is strikingly shown about game-
farms and aviaries where the keeper is always welcomed with a rush of wings and where a
stranger gets a cold reception from the birds. That this is more or less true in the wild state
is shown by little incidents such as this related by George. Perhaps they more often mistake
friends for enemies than they do enemies for friends. They covld make the latter mistake
but once.—A. A. A.]

AN EVENING WITH THE BIRDS IN AN ENGLISH PARK

A bitterly cold north wind had been blowing all day; it scurried and whistled
as it drove through the pine trees, and the young oaks swayed and tossed with
the full fury of the blast. There was no movement in the great park, for the
pitiless hurry of the icy wind had searched out every hidden vestige of cover.

As suddenly as it had come, the great wind dropped, but the grey, snow-
laden clouds still hurried each other over the landscape.

Towards the middle of the afternoon the sun rose above the clouds in an
immense fiery ball, but within an hour’s time it was blotted out by the snow
which drove down upon the park in a thick, silent wall of falling whiteness;
but it was only the winter’s last touches and the ground was barely sprinkled
by it.

We came in by the little gate in the boundary wall; silence slept in every
thicket and the withered leaves of the previous autumn rustled and scraped as
we passed. All at once a sleepy cock Pheasant called from the trees in the
valley as he flew to his roosting-place in the pine trees. A hen answered him
with a startled cock-cock, and she, too, flew away over the tree-tops. All
around us became alive with little voices; a Blackbird from up the hillside
began to sing with light and buoyant snatches of song; and a perky little Wren
chattered to himself in the undergrowth, for all the world like a little brown
leaf creeping through the bushes; rabbits loped across the path, flicking their

118 Bird - Lore

little white tails; and from the opposite hill a Grasshopper Warbler reeled out
his challenge and was answered faintly from down the valley.

We built a little shelter under a young oak with the loppings the wood-
cutters had left and we covered ourselves over and waited. The feathery arms
of the snow silently drifted through the trees while a light breeze stirred the
branches above us and as evening settled in we became part of the leaves and
the undergrowth.

An Owl from a tall oak nearby called his hunger to the moon, and, spreading
his wings, he silently flew down through the trees to an old stump not five
yards away—motionless as a dead branch he stood, but nothing moved amongst
the dead brushwood, and presently he flew away down the valley on noiseless
wings.

A little way down the hill was a moist patch of ground covered by a year’s
growth of poplar. From time to time as we listened we could hear faintly
little sucking and whistling noises, as of some night-bird feeding; nothing
could be seen, for the valley bottom was hidden by thick shadows and the moon
had not yet risen, but presently there was the tiniest, light, high-pitched
scream amongst the trees higher up the valley, and again it sounded directly
behind us. The sound seemed to zig-zag between the trees, and suddenly a
little brown bird flicked through a gap in the trees. It passed on behind us to
the little marshy ground, for we could hear the peculiar croaking cry it made as
it circled amongst the trees. But barely had we had time to realize that it was
a Woodcock flying to its feeding-grounds when again the little croaking cry
was heard, this time high above the trees, and, passing in a circle round us, a
Woodcock flew into the moonlight. Its little head turned anxiously from side
to side and his long beak showed out black in the pale light. It was a male
Woodcock searching for a mate—a male will fly to the breeding-haunts in a
park four or five times and will then fly off with his mate, who has been brooding
her eggs, to the feeding-grounds.

The clearing seemed alive with Woodcocks zig-zagging through the trees,
for we were in the middle of the feeding-grounds.

All at once, through the space between two huge leafless oaks, darted a pair
of Woodcocks, following each other and flickering between the open spaces.
They came straight for us—to our little shelter-—and settled amongst the dead
leaves at our feet. Such neat and trim little birds they were, with the snow-
flakes drifting past them and melting as soon as they touched their backs! One
little fellow had evidently seen us, as he strutted about, for his protruding eyes
were full of fear and mistrust. They whistled to each other and presently
they flew off to the little marsh down the valley, their peculiar croaking cry
getting fainter and fainter as they disappeared in the dense shadows.

We rose, all stiff and aching, from our bed of leaves—not an animal stirred—
and, as the frosty night settled in, we found our way over the boundary wall
to our camp on the hillside—a hungry vixen screamed as we lay by the fire and

The Audubon Societies 119

we wished her good hunting.—Ropert R. PAINE (age 16 years), St. Loes
House, Amberley, England.
{American boys and girls will be interested in this vivid word picture of early spring in

England. In England, however, as here, it is only those who dare the weather who get as
close to nature as Robert.—A. A. A.]

AN ORPHAN ROBIN

On the rain-pipes under the eaves of our home, a pair of Robins built their
nest where we had a good opportunity to watch them. Three eggs were laid
and hatched. The baby Robins were about twelve days old when the mother
bird disappeared. The father continued to feed them. Two days after the
mother failed to appear, one of the little ones fell out of the nest. We put the
baby bird back, and the father seemed greatly distressed. It fell out again.
The father did not feed it, and we were afraid it might be hurt in falling, so we
took it to our Audubon leader. She put it in a discarded nest. At night the
nest was kept in the house, and at daybreak the little thing would call for food.
He was fed worms and grubs, berries and bits of cherries and given water from
a baby spoon whenever he seemed hungry. During the day the nest was put
in a little basket and tied to a tree near the door.

I kept the Robin over one Sunday and once when he was hungry my brother
referred to him as ‘Petie,’ and after that he went by that name.

He was about nineteen days old when his tail was so long that he would no
longer stay in the nest. He was given every opportunity to be a wild bird.
An aluminum band was placed on his leg with ‘Pete’ engraved on it. He was
soon flying everywhere and learned to dig his own worms, pick up ants, and
take a bath. At first he came to the doorstep early in the morning and called
for food, and often during the day. We noticed that he slept a good deal.
He liked bread and milk, cooked peas, but best of all he liked cherries. As he
grew larger he came and begged for cherries, and he would alight on one’s
shoulder and pick the cherries from a person’s mouth.

When he was first taught to pick up his own food it was funny to see him
open his mouth before the worm which was dug for him, and speak to it, as
if he expected the worm to crawl in his mouth. He must have liked red for he
would pick at anything red, even the disk on the camera.

He was a full-sized bird when the band on his leg was made more secure
one evening. It was done very carefully, but he must have resented it, for
he never came back to us. ‘Petie’ had been handled very little. That fact,
and having plenty of water with every meal, we think are partly the reasons
why we were successful in raising him.—MarGARET Kay (age 13 years),
Milwaukee, Wis.

Che Audubon Societies

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by T. GILBERT PEARSON, President

Address all correspondence, and send all remittances, for dues and contributions, to

the National

Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York City.

Telephone, Columbus 7327

T. Grrpert PEarson, President

THEopoRE S. PALMER, First Vice-President
Freperic A. Lucas, Second Vice-President

Witiram P. WHARTON, Secretary
JONATHAN Dwicut, 7reasurer

SAMUEL T. CarTeER, JR., Alforney

Any person, club, school or company in sympathy with the objects of this Association may become

a member of it, and all are welcome.

Classes of Membership in the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild

Rirds and Animals:

$5 annually pays for a Sustaining Membership

$100 paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000 constitutes a person a Patron

$5,000 constitutes a person a Founder

$25,000 constitutes a person a Benefactor

Form or Bequrst:—I do hereby give and bequeath to the National Association of Audubon
Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals (Incorporated), of the City of New York.

A LARGE GIFT FOR WILD-LIFE PROTECTION

It will be a source of pleasure and grati-
fication to members of the Association and
the friends of wild life generally to learn that
on March 1, 1922, the Association received
a gift of $200,000. This splendid donation
was made by a friend of the birds and
children, who for many years past has con-
tributed with large liberality to the Associa-
tion’s efforts in working with young people.
The development of the Junior Audubon
Club idea on a large scale has been made
possible only because of the generous sup-
port thus received.

All gifts from this friend of wild life have
been made with the distinct understanding
that the name of the donor be withheld, and
it is with regret that in making the present
announcement we are not at liberty to divulge
his name.

This contribution is intended as a partial

endowment of the $20,000 annual contri-
bution which for a number of years he has
been making to the Audubon work. Ac-
companying the check was the stipulation
that the money should be held and known as
the ‘Permanent Fund of 1922.” Only the
interest is to be used from time to time for
current expenses, and by the conditions of
the gift it is to be expended as follows:

1. For the education of the general public
in the knowledge and value of useful, beau-
tiful, and interesting forms of wild life,
especially birds.

2. For the actual protection and perpetua-
tion of such forms of wild life on suitable
breeding and other reservations.

3. For protecting and maintaining ade-
quate protection for such forms of wild life
in all parts of the Western Hemisphere.

4. Or for any one of these purposes.

FEDERAL LICENSE AND GAME REFUGE BILL

On February 16 and 17, 1922, about thirty-
five men, representing various National and
local organizations, and also including game
commissioners of several states, met in Wash-

ington and were given a hearing by the House

(120)

Agricultural Committee on the merits of the
Anthony bill. This measure proposes to
require a Federal hunting license of $x of all
those in the United States who go afield to

shoot migratory game-birds. No change in

The Audubon Societies

the present laws affecting in any way the
species that may be taken, or the season or
time when they can be hunted, is involved in
this proposed legislation. The idea simply is
to collect a fund, 45 per cent of which can be
used for the employing of Federal game-
wardens to enforce the United States laws in
reference to game- and non-game-birds. That
there is a vast need for a largely increased
warden force is apparent to all those familiar,
even to a limited extent, with conditions that
obtain in the hunting-fields. Likewise, 45
per cent of the income is to be used for the
purchase of bird reservations and public
shooting-grounds. .The remaining to per
cent is for overhead expenses. :

The details of the meeting were directed by
John B. Burnham, President of the American
Game Protective Association, who had ar-
ranged for the hearing. Eight or ten of the
friends of conservation who were present
spoke in behalf of the measure, including the
President of this Association. There were
those present who were opposed to the

121

measure, chief among whom was Represen-
tative Ward, of North Carolina, who based
his argument chiefly on the rather surprising
conjecture that the entire bill was a scheme
on the part of wealthy hunting-club owners
in his home county to make it impossiole for
the poor man to hunt. Ex-Governor Riggs
of Alaska spoke in opposition to one or two
features of the measure which he felt should
be modified to safeguard the interests of the
people of Alaska.

The Anthony bill has already been reported
favorably by the Senate Committee and is
now pending in that body. Friends of Con-
servation are hoping very much that Con-
gress may take favorable action on this
important legislation during the present
session.

At the request of the home office of the
National Association of Audubon. Societies, a
large number of letters have been written to
Senators and Congressmen by members of
the Association and officials of affiliated clubs
throughout the United States.

IMPORTANT NATIONAL PARK BILL

When Mr. Barbour’s bill—H. R. 7452—
to establish the Roosevelt-Sequoia National
Park in California, was introduced, individ-
uals and associations deeply interested in
our National Parks protested against it,
because its provisions did not except it from
the Federal Water Power Act, and there was
always the danger that if its water was seized
for commercial purposes—power or irri-
gation—the rights of the public would be
threatened.

These dangers were pointed out to the
author of the bill, and he has now submitted
from the Committee on Public Lands a bill
which removes the threatened danger. He
has added a fundamental amendment pro-
viding “that no permit, license, lease, or
authorization for dams, conduits, reservoirs,
power-houses, transmission lines, or other
works for storage or carriage of water or for

_ limits of said park shall be granted or made
without specific authority of Congress.”

It is now the duty of every citizen inter-

ested in our National Parks to write to his
Congressmen and to his Senators, urging
speedy and favorable action on the amended
bill—H. R. 7452. These legislators should
be told that the people urgently desire the
passage of this bill.

In the enlarged park is to be included an
area of nearly a thousand square miles directly
adjacent to the present Sequoia Park on the
east and north. It isa high country, without
apparent economic possibilities for agri-
culture, grazing, or timber. It possesses
marvelous natural beauties, which are con-
stantly becoming better known and more
admired. The park will be a splendid posses-
sion of the American people. We must all
strive to impress our Representatives with
its importance.

A statement similar to the above was sent
recently to all members of the National
Association, as well as to the officers of all
affiliated organizations, with the result that
many hundreds of letters and telegrams were

122 Bird
received by Senators and Congressmen in
Washington. When legislative matters of
National value are pending in Congress, it is
of the greatest importance that friends of
such measures should register their desire for
speedy and favorable action. Our National

- Lore

Representatives are human, just like the rest
of us, and naturally are influenced by public
sentiment. It is right that they should be so
influenced, for they ‘were elected to repre-
sent us and usually do so if we but make
our voices heard.

NEW JERSEY LEGISLATION

The present session of the Legislature of New
Jersey certainly established a new record for
indifference in the matter of wild-life conser-
vation. One year ago, a bill introduced at
the request of the New Jersey Audubon
Society, and pushed by that organization, for
the purpose of taking the Bobolink off of the
game-bird list and giving it protection, be-
came alaw. This did not please some people
who wanted the pleasure of shooting these
song-birds in autumn and enjoying their
diminutive bodies on toast, so the Legislature
this year proceeded to repeal the bill and the
Governor gave it his approval.

The subject of legislation to restrict the
number of vagrant cats has also been before
this honorable body. Two bills were intro-
duced, one by the State Board of Fish and
Game Commissioners and the other by the
New Jersey Audubon Society. The Com-
missioners’ bill passed both Houses and was

BIRD-BOX

This is the season when contests in building
bird-boxes are in full operation throughout
the country. The annual contest provided
by the Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegraph closed
early in March, with an unusually large
number of competitors. Many hundreds of
splendid, useful bird-boxes were constructed
and will be erected in the neighborhood of
Pittsburgh.

Many of the Audubon Societies and Junior
Clubs are engaged in the same work. Mrs.
C. Oliver Iselin, one of the active and loyal
members of the National Association, has
offered prizes for bird-boxes to be built by the
young people of Aiken, S. C., near which her

vetoed by the Governor as “sumptuary
legislation.” The New Jersey Audubon
Society’s cat bill passed the House and at the
present time is reposing in the Senate Com-
mittee where it may be expected to remain
until the close of the session. This Legis-
lature is also considering the advisability
of putting a bounty of ro cents on all Crows
killed in the state. The fate of this measure
is yet uncertain.

Another bill was introduced to take pro-
tection from the Kingfisher. This passed the
House of Representatives and is now pending
in the Senate, with a good chance of becoming
a law.

Fortunately, the general attitude of the
present session of the New Jersey Legislature
toward wild-life conservation is not typical
of that entertained by most state legislatures
meeting this year, for many good laws
were enacted.

CONTESTS

winter home is situated. One set of six
prizes is to be offered to boys, and another
series is open to girl competitors.

From all parts of the country we have been
receiving requests for information as to how
to conduct contests of this character and
suggestions as to lists of suitable prizes that
may be furnished. This work of supplying
nesting-places for the birds that in spring
wing their way northward is becoming well
established in hundreds of communities.
Some of us can remember the time when a
movement of this character was an unheardof
enterprise. The country is constantly grow-
ing better for wild bird life.

The Audubon Societies

123

ENCOURAGING HUMANE WORK

Under the direction of Dr. William O. Still-
man, President, the American Humane
Association is erecting posters throughout the
country calling attention to the ‘Be Kind to
Animals Week,’ April 24-29, 1922. Prizes
will be given for the best posters dealing with
the subject.

In addition to the poster contest, prizes
will be awarded by the San Francisco Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for

the best essays written by Boy Scouts on the
protection of animals. The prizes are three,
and the amounts $25, $15, and $1o.

Other prizes noted on the poster are two
of $25 each awarded by the National Asso-
ciation of Audubon Societies for the best
essays on the protection and preservation of
birds. One prize is open for competition for
the Camp-Fire Girls and the other to members
of the Girl Scouts organization.

INDIANA AUDUBON SOCIETY

This has been an exceptionally good year
for our Society: Our membership has quad-
rupled and the interest in bird-protection
and-conservation 1s very marked throughout
the state.

Our Society published a spring bulletin
and now has ready for printing a fall bulletin.
We are also issuing, in codperation with the
Department of Education, an outline of bird-
study for public schools prepared by Miss
Rousseau McClellan, Supervisor of Nature
Study of the Indianapolis schools. This
bulletin is to be sent out by the Department
of Education to every teacher in the state.
We feel that it will be of great practical value
to teachers, as it not only gives them detailed
instructions as to how to organize their
classes for bird-study, but is also a manual of
how to conduct their classes. It is the purpose
of the Society to encourage and stimulate bird-
study in the public schools, and we expect
large results from the work thus undertaken.

It is with genuine sadness that we record

the death of our beloved president emeritus,
William Watson Woolen, which occurred
March 26, 1921. Our Society joined with the
Academy of Science and the Indiana Nature
Study Club in a joint memorial meeting at
Indianapolis, May 20 to 22. We greatly miss
his counsel and advice. His presence was
always a benediction. He died full of honor,
love, and esteem of his fellow men and the
abundant admiration of nature-lovers. His
enthusiastic love of the birds and the out-
of-doors will be a continual inspiration to our
Society.

We have already appointed a committee to
arrange the details of our annual meeting
next May. The meeting will probably be at
Indianapolis, and a program of unusual
interest is being arranged, which will un-
doubtedly guarantee a large attendance. Our
Society is planning to accomplish greater
things during the coming year than it has
ever heretofore attempted—FRANK C.
Evans, Secretary.

CONSCIENCE MONEY

“Dear Mr. Pearson: Several years ago I
bought a hat and let my milliner trim it
according to her own taste. She used a small
Heron Aigrette with other trimming. I knew
nothing about them at that time, but since I
learned the sad story of the Aigrettes the
thought of that hat has been a painful one,

and the word Aigrette always brings to mind
my own offense.

“TJ paid $5 for thatAigrette. Inclosed find
the same amount. I hope it may save an
Aigrette and at the same time ease a con-
sciencethat haslongbeen troubled.” —(Signed )
Mrs. Hrram Towns, Milwaukee, Wis.

124

Bird - Lore

NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Enrolled from January 1, 1922 to March 1, 1922

Auchincloss, Hugh D.
Bowdoin, George
Curtis, James F.
Dowd, Joseph
Kellogg, W. K.

Moore, Paul

Moran, John A.
Schumann, Mrs. J. H.
Zimmerman, John

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Enrolled from January 1, 1922 to March 1, 1922

Abercrombie, Mrs. Ronald T.
Armstrong, Mrs. Duane
Atkinson, Mrs. H. M.
Barghoorn, Dr. E. S.
Bartol, Mrs. Henry G.
Bechtold, Dr. A. Charles
Bird, E. D.

Blodgett, Miss Eleanor
Burger, Miss Jeannette
Chiniguy, William F.
Clapp, Mrs. F. G.
Clegg, Luther B. (Mrs.)
Coker, Edward R.
Dibell, Mrs. Dorrance
Doane, Geo. W.
Doering, O. C.
Drummond, Mrs. E. J.
DuBois, Mrs. M. B.
Dudley, Miss Laura F.
Duer, Mrs. S. Naudain
Duke, Miss Doris
Dumond, Mrs. Frank \V.
Eddy, Mrs. E. B.
Edwards, Mrs. Wm. Seymour
Farrand, Max., Mrs.
Farrington, R. I.

Fell, Mrs. Martha ‘T.
Fincke, Miss Nancy
Fisher, Mrs. Janon
Fulton, Miss D. G.
Gale, Mrs. Wm. A
Gasch, Herman E.

Gill, Mrs. Robert Lee

Godfrey, Mrs. W. H.
Green, Master Merrill Mead
Greig, Walter

Hair, Mrs. Thomas R.
Hamilton, Mrs. J. k.
Hansman, Master Carl Morton
Harrington, M. H.
Huntsberger, Russell C.
Jones, Geo. M.

Lowry, Mrs. Robert J.
Miner, Mrs. E. W.
Moore, Theodore D. W.
Murray, Mrs. Harriet G.
New Canaan Bird Protective Society
Pyle, Mrs. James Tolman
Reid, Mrs. Bruce
Reynolds, George G.
Saginaw Reading Club
Slaker, Mrs. H. J.

Smith, Mrs. Flora C.
Smith, Mrs. Maxwell
Steagill, Miss Mary M.
Stillman, William M.
Thaxter, John

Towns, Mrs. Hiram
Trump, R. W.

Van Ingen, Miss Anne H.
Walter, Mrs. J. H.
Wellington, Mrs. C. O.
Wilson, Mrs. James G.
Zimmer, G. M.
Zimmerman, Miss A. W.

GOOD FOR VIRGINIA

It is a pleasure to note that the bill recently
pending in the Virginia Legislature, to take
all the funds from the sale of hunters’ licenses
and put them in the State Treasury instead
of leaving them in the Game Protective Fund
failed of passage.

Mr. Ernest C. Mead, Chairman of the
Executive Committee of the Virginia Game
and Game Fish Protective Association, says
in a recent letter:

“T am pleased to advise the members of our
Association that the General Assembly has
defeated that part of the budget bill which

proposed to place all of the money from the
State Game Department in the General Fund.

“Tf this bill had gone through, it would
have been the ruination of our State Game
Department. There is no question but that
the defeat of this bill is due to the quick and
effective work done by almost every member
of the Association.

“In answer to the circular letter recently
Our
Legislators were simply flooded with letters
and telegrams from sportsmen throughout
the state, urging them to defeat this bill.”

sent out, I received nearly 500 replies.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL

Family — ANATID&

Order — ANSERES
CAROLINENSE

Genus — Nerrion Species

National Association of Audubon Societies

HSird- Lore

A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE
DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

Vol. XXIV MAY—JUNE, 1922 No. 3

Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock

By HARRISON F. LEWIS
Chief Federal Migratory Bird Officer, Ontario and Quebec

COMPARATIVELY small proportion of the bird-lovers of North

America have been able to visit the great breeding-colonies of our sea-

birds. Persons living near the coast or near the Great Lakes may be
able to visit the nesting-places of some species, but most of our bird students,
if they are situated where they see sea-birds at all, know them as birds of
passage. The reading of vivid pen-pictures of Laysan Island or Great Bird
Rock naturally arouses a strong desire to see such wonderful bird nurseries for
oneself, but these breeding-places, like most of those chosen by sea-birds,
are secluded, distant, and difficult of access. A brief account of a great sea-
bird colony, as yet but little known to the public, which can be visited with
ease and comfort, may therefore be of interest.

Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock have been visited each spring, for
uncounted centuries, by many thousands of sea-birds of several different
species, which there lay their eggs and raise their young. These islands are
situated near the eastern extremity of the Gaspé Peninsula, in the Province of
Quebec, Canada. The distance from the village of Percé, on the mainland, to
Percé Rock, is but a few hundred yards, while from Percé to Bonaventure
Island is about three miles. Bonaventure Island is about three miles long and
a mile-and-a-half broad. On its seaward side are great cliffs of red sandstone,
whose broad ledges form secure nesting-places for throngs of sea-birds. Percé
Rock is a unique, isolated limestone mass, about 1500 feet long, 300 feet wide,
and 288 feet high at its highest point. It derives its name from the fact that
it is pierced by a great natural archway, 8o feet in span, through which one
may pass in a small boat. Its beauty is enhanced by its display of a great
variety of brilliant coloring. As its perpendicular sides are unscalable, its
top provides a safe retreat of which the birds have not failed to take advantage.
Both Percé Rock and the cliffs of Bonaventure Island are maintained and
guarded as bird sanctuaries by the Department of the Interior, Dominion of
Canada, and the Province of Quebec.

Beyond doubt the most impressive, interesting, and unusual birds which

126 Bird - Lore

A SMALL CORNER OF THE GANNET COLONY IN THE BONAVENTURE ISLAND
BIRD SANCTUARY, QUEBEC
The young birds shown here are assuming the dark juvenal plumage. Photographed by Wm. Duval

nest in this bird community are the Gannets. There are now but two places
in North America where Gannets nest. The smaller of these two Gannet
colonies, on the Bird Rocks, is comparatively difficult to visit. The larger
colony, containing about 8,oo0 breeding birds, is on the seaward side of Bona-
venture Island. The following graphic account of the appearance of this
colony is from the pen of Mr. P. A. Taverner":

“Approaching this side from the sea, one is aware that every ledge and
shelf is covered with white as though snow had piled in drifts upon them al-
lowing only the overhangs to show dull red between the glistening surfaces.
A wind seems to stir the white masses, and they blow off in eddies and clouds
of drifting flakes that finally resolve themselves into great white birds that
swirl about the cliff faces and circle round the intruder amid a pandemonium
of hoarse cries. These are the Gannets, the Solan Geese of older authors, each
as large as a goose, pure white with black wing-tips and a slight creamy wash
on crown and hind neck. The air is filled with their waving wings. They fill
it like a swarm of giant midges circling in the sun.”

One of the boatmen at Percé told me that he thought that persons visiting
the Gannet cliffs for the first time should be tied to the thwarts on which
they sat, for they commonly became so excited when they beheld the throngs
of birds at close range that they were in danger of leaping overboard. He
added that, often as he had seen the Gannets on their nests, he could never
behold the scene without a thrill of emotion. There are good opportunities
at Bonaventure Island to photograph the Gannets and to make intimate
studies of their home-life.

*“The Gannets of Bonaventure Island,’’ The Ottawa Naturalist, Vol. XXXII, No. 2, p. #1.

Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock 12

~

Another most interesting species which nests at Bonaventure Island is the
Puffin. The Puffin lays its single whitish egg in a hole in the rocky cliffs.
Its ‘spectacled’ eyes and strange varicolored beak give it an appearance of
comical solemnity. Its most simple act appears ludicrous. It is so confiding
and trustful that it is not difficult to study its interesting ways at close range.

On the top of Percé Rock about 2,000 Double-crested Cormorants rear
their young. Other colonies of these birds nest in the neighborhood. Black
Guillemots, Common Murres, and Razor-billed Auks all lay their eggs among
the rocks of Bonaventure Island, and a few Guillemots have their homes on
Percé Rock. Hundreds of Kittiwakes and thousands of Herring Gulls nest
where they can find acceptable sites on both of the Islands. And, last but not
least, Leach’s Petrels, those weird elves of the darkness, maintain large num-
bers of nesting-cavities on the heights of Bonaventure Island.

Aside from the bird colonies, Percé presents numerous attractions to the
summer visitor. Beautiful and unique scenery, salt-water boating, bathing,
and fishing, clear and rapid streams and wild Canadian woodland combine to
make it an ideal place for a summer vacation. There is good hotel accom-
modation, although reservations should be made well in advance, and there
is an abundance of camping-sites. Percé is reached via the Canadian National
Railway System, connection being made from Matapedia by an independent
branch line. It is also accessible by automobile, the best road connection
being through Campbellton, New Brunswick. Those bird-lovers and nature-
lovers who visit it in the nesting-season, between May 1 and September 1,
will be many times repaid.

GANNETS AT HOME ON BONAVENTURE ISLAND, QUEBEC

The young birds may be distinguished by their downy plumage and dark bills.
Photographed by Wm. Duval

‘Bobby’

By MARY S. MOSHER, Rochester, N. Y.

T was the middle of May. A pair of Robins had settled their nest on a
] conductor pipe under the eaves of my house. I often watched them

carrying worms to the family and then, one day, a sick Robin was found
by the bird-bath in the garden. I picked him up and he died in my hand.
The next morning there was another one sick and it also died in my hand. By
this time I was disturbed and watched the nest under the eaves. There were
no birds going to it and I knew something must be done. I found I could
reach the nest through an upper window so I grasped it and brought it down.
There were three birds in it, I thought about ten days old, bare on the bodies
but feathered on their heads and wings. One of them was dead, but the other
two were clamoring for food.

I held the nest in my hand and wondered what I should do. I was tired
and yet here were these two babies who wanted to live, and I was their only
hope. I was afraid the old birds might have eaten the rat poison we used
around the chicken house, and I felt a little responsible for the tragedy. Any-
way, | began feeding them and, as my wise friend said, as soon as I gave
them the first worm I was lost.

Then, the work began. I am sure they ate a hundred worms a day. I cut
them up with an old pair of scissors and crammed as many down their throats
as they would take. After that, they would sleep for perhaps half an hour
and wake up hungry again. Everyone on the place helped dig and it seemed
as if the worm-supply would be exhausted.

I kept the nest in a round, brown basket with a handle. The birds were
contented to stay in the nest for about three days, then they began to climb
onto the edge of the nest, and after a few days more to sit on the edge of the
basket and then on the handle.

The feeding went on steadily. Everyone fed them and loved them. No
mother was more devoted than I. If I went to a ‘movie’ I rushed home to see
if they were all right and, of course, always found them ready for food. After
they had been with me for about ten days, I accepted an alluring invitation
for Sunday dinner and was gone three hours. When I came back the birds
looked weak and sick and the next morning one of them was dead. At first
I thought it was the bright one with the dark head that had died but I soon
found that it was the dull, heavy one, and the bright one was still alive, so I
took heart and started in again.

I think ‘Bobby,’ as I began calling him, must have had the will to live
because I know I made all the mistakes possible, but I was devoted to him and
did my best. After this it was just one thrilling thing after another. I won-
dered how I could teach him all the things he must know but he seemed to
have them all in his own nature. I had only to watch him do them. By this
time he was hopping around the garden and I would dig worms and give them

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‘Bobby’ 129

to him. Suddenly he picked one up himself. That was a great moment. It
grew into a habit that at sundown I should follow him down the garden path.
He would pick up endless ants and one night he investigated a barrel of rub-
bish and flew from it onto my shoulder.

For the first month of his life with me he slept in his basket on the sleeping-
porch where I did. One Sunday night he was with me as usual, but toward
dark he seemed to become excited and suddenly flew up in a tree and did not
come down. The next morning as soon as it was light I called to him. He
came down at once to my shoulder, and I fed him and he seemed glad to be
taken care of.

I devised a scheme, then, to make it possible for him to get into the house
when he wanted to. I tore a corner in the screen of the sleeping-porch, making
a hole just big enough for him to hop through. My friends laughed at me
for expecting him to learn to go through a little hole like that, but he did.

I coaxed him with the cheese that he had come to like better than anything
else, and he soon flew in and out as he wanted to. I kept food there and he
came in and helped himself. He often came in the early morning and would
wake me up with his insistent little chirp. He amused himself pulling my
hair and pecking at my eyes. I used to keep my hand over my eyes and peek
through my fingers at him; he was so funny.

I wish I could tell all the bright, happy things he did. One morning when
he had just begun to fly I left him alone on the back porch and went to work
among the flowers. I wanted to see what he would do, and he flew straight
for me and settled in my neck under my chin. He wasa dear thing. I was the
only mother he knew and he came to me as young Robins follow their parents.

One morning he disappeared and my heart sank! There were so many
things that might happen, but after a couple of hours a neighbor brought him
home. She found him on the porch of the Hospital next door. He insisted
on sitting on the shoulder of a half-blind patient, and the patient was dis-
tracted and was trying to brush him off. The nurse separated them and took
Bobby into the children’s ward where he had a beautiful time. He often ate
his meals with me in the dining-room, hopping over to the flower-dish in the
middle of the table when he wanted a drink of water. He was afraid of no-
body and amused everybody by flying onto their heads or shoulders when
they came to the house.

At this stage I was afraid he might degenerate into a pet Robin, and I had
visions of a floppy Robin always hanging about instead of taking care of him-
self. I tried to discourage him from staying in the house too much. He
would always fly up to a window when he saw me, and I sometimes refused to
let him in. However, he soon flew farther and farther afield and seemed to
get stronger. He was a great talker when he was with you, carrying on quite
a conversation, a low chirping in his throat. I hoped he would sing but he
never did.

130 Bird - Lore

He stayed until the middle of July. One night he came when I called him
and looked at me from a low branch, then he turned his back to me and flew
into a high tree. I said to myself, ““Young man, I guess you are grown up and
don’t need your mother any more.” The next day I was away but the family
said he came back; after that he never returned.

I had told him more than once that I wanted him to be a real Robin and do
as Robins do, but that I hoped he would come back next spring and build his
nest in my garden and bring his family to see me and I am expecting that he
will. So if I ever see a Robin coming through the hole in the sleeping-porch
screen I shall know it is ‘Bobby.’

WOOD THRUSH AND YOUNG
Photographed by Joseph Pollock, Carman, N. Y.

Two Hummingbird Photographs

HE following facts were communicated to us by Mr. Ira Barrows, under

whose direction the photographs here shown were made. The nest

was found at Red Bank, N. J., early in July, 1921. The photographs

were sent to Brrp-Lore by Mr. Barrows, from whose letters we abstract the
following notes:

On July 9, the nest contained eggs and a week later the heads of the young

birds could just be seen when raised above the edge of the nest, but they were

still too small to be seen when feeding. At the end of the second week, or

eer ee
RUBYTHROAT BROODING
Photographed by A. R. Coleman

about July 23, pictures were secured which show this remarkable operation.

On August 4, the young birds were still in the nest, which they more than
filled. On this date the birds were under observation by Mr. Coleman, the
photographer, from 2 to about 4 p.m. From 2 to 3.45 P.M. neither of the
parents was seen. During this period the fledglings constantly tried their
wings, and at 3.30 one of the young left the nest and flew about in the large

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132 Bird - Lore

oak tree in which its home was built. Fifteen minutes later the other young
bird flew from the nest to a neighboring limb and thence to some nearby
flowers from which it fed—a remarkable demonstration of inherited habit.
At this time the mother appeared and flew about with the second young. She
doubtless had been watching them both all the time. The presence of the
photographer did not, so far as he could tell, in any way frighten or annoy the
birds or cause them to leave the nest, before the time nature had set for their
departure. The male was never observed and neither the female nor the young
were seen after the day that the young made their first flight —Eb.

RUBYTHROAT FEEDING YOUNG
Photographed by A. R. Coleman

City Birds

By ANNE HALL GAYLORD, Atlanta, Ga.

N LEAVING New England’s bird-haunts of roadside thicket and neglected
] pastures, and coming to Georgia, with its bright red clay soil, sparse

grass, and oak and pine groves that seem scanty and open beside the
northern woods, I felt I had left behind all chances of bird-study. I eyed
without hope the oak grove next to the home that was to be ours, for had they
not told me that there were not even Robins in Georgia, except as they passed
through and beyond to lovelier places? But newcomers have much to learn,
and before the year was over I realized that my new home was in the path of
the great spring and fall migrations, and that even such uncommon birds as
the Cape May Warbler did not despise my city woods.

Our home is in the suburbs of the city of Atlanta, in a section opened within
the last ten years as a residential district. The homes here have ample grounds,
and among them small pieces of the original woods have been left. Such a
piece, lying next our home, I adopted as my own. The city clatters by its
front line, houses surround it, but within its small recess it is cool and quiet,
a safe retreat where Wood Thrush and Catbirds and Cardinals build unmo-
lested, where a Hooded Warbler has raised his family, and where many a
migrant rests for an hour. This bit of woods measures 250 feet on the side-
walk and runs back to a depth of goo feet. On its rear end it touches an open
piece of ground planted with ornamental shrubbery. The whole has, fortu-
nately, been neglected, so that honeysuckle, lacing together the brambles and
low bushes, has made there almost impenetrable thickets, while young oaks
and dogwoods have filled in the spaces between the fine high old oak trees,
walnuts, and tulips. If a spring or tiny ‘branch’ had been in the midst of this
spot, no better city bird-home could have been found. But in spite of this
lack, I have seen here, within four miles of the city’s shopping district, during
the last fifteen months, seventy-six varieties of birds.

Of these, eleven have lived here the year round. I should like to think that
the same individuals had remained during that time, becoming my permanent
neighbors, but such is probably not the case, for the Thrashers that spent
Christmas with me very likely raised their families in the foothills of north
Georgia, while those whose babies I have been watching this summer will
winter close to the Gulf. Be that as it may, I have been able to see, almost
every day in the year, the Brown Thrasher, Cardinal, Towhee, English Spar-
tow, Mockingbird, Flicker, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren,
Red-headed Woodpecker, and very often the Bluebird, who finally, when
spring had come, ranged her family of three for my inspection along an old
oak limb close to the house.

Next to these faithful, well-loved birds come the three winter residents that
my woods have sheltered: one Hermit Thrush, who has run along over the
dead leaves ahead of me, showing not fear but a kind of resentment in his

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134 Bird - Lore

bright black eye, and who left me on March 20; the White-throated Sparrows,
who came about November 1, in a great flock, and who made the bare woods
cheerful all winter with their ‘Peabody’ song, and their high-pitched chirp, and
who stayed with me until April 25; and the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, whom I
found first on Christmas Day, a warm mellow day full of golden sunshine, and
who was,from then on until April 24, an almost daily companion, beginning
on March 20 to sing his wonderfully melodious and complex little song.

The birds that have come from the South to summer with me and raise
their families in my woods are the Hooded Warbler, who reiterated his ‘Where
in the world is he?’ from morning till night during late April and early May,
the Wood Thrush, most beautiful of the summer singers, the Catbird, Red-
eyed Vireo, Orchard Oriole, Crested Flycatcher, and Wood Pewee.

Aside from these twenty-one birds, my guests have been either transients
or migrants. Thirty varieties that nest within the state have visited me,
sometimes once, sometimes repeatedly. The tiny Carolina Chickadee comes
often, the Mourning Dove joins the Wood Thrush in early song, and the Barn
Swallow circles at twilight over the oak tops. A Red-shouldered Hawk swooped
down one day and in spite of his good reputation for preferring rodents to
feathered prey, grabbed one of my Tufted Titmice, and, perching on a high
branch, tore him to pieces before my very eyes, throwing the head and feathers
down to me as proof of his indifference to my opinions, as well as his contempt
for the five Jays that were trying noisily to drive him off. The Downy Wood-
pecker often comes during the summer and winter and the Field Sparrow has
been a visitor during spring and summer.

Occasional visitors have been the Screech Owl, Quail, Summer Tanager,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Hummingbird, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, most
alluring of tiny birds, with his dashing ways, angrily snapping bill, and sweet,
faint song. ‘Brer’ Turkey Buzzard has often wheeled overhead, but Jim
Crow has come only once. The White-breasted Nuthatch has tried half a
dozen trees and left, the Red-cockaded and the Red-bellied Woodpeckers have
each made one memorable visit. The Yellow-throated, the White-eyed, and
the Warbling Vireos have each spent a week-end with their Red-eyed cousin,
who lives with me during the summer, while the Robins, loved of New Eng-
landers, came between February 23 and March 15, in flocks of from twenty-
five to fifty, spending the night in my woods, and giving me their hearty,
flute-like caroling before they flew away toward the north and northeast. I
have seen Robins during the summer in other parts of the city but none built
in my woods.

Of the Warblers that nest in Georgia, there have visited me often the Parula
(southern variety) and the Yellow-throated, and occasionally the Pine, the
Black-throated Green, the Prairie, the Golden-winged and the Blue-winged.
I have seen the Black-and-White Warbler three times in April, three times in
June after the 11th, and repeatedly in August and September. The Redstart

City Birds 135

I have seen three times in April, six times in May, once in June, twice in July,
once in August, and repeatedly in September, so that he seems to be a reason-
ably close neighbor.

Of the migrating birds whose nesting-site lies north of Georgia there have
come to my city woods twenty-five kinds. Of the Warblers, the Myrtle, the
Yellow, the Worm-eating, the Black-poll, the Maryland Yellow-Throat, the
Cape May, the Chestnut-sided, the Canada, the Magnolia, the Black-throated-
blue, the Blackburnian, the Palm, the Tennessee, and, in the fall migration,
the Ovenbird, making a total of twenty-four Warblers, counting the Hooded
Warbler that nested here. And of other migrating birds, aside from Warblers,
there have visited me the Goldfinch, the Brown Creeper, the Bronzed Grackle,
the Song and Vesper Sparrows, the Junco, the Meadow Lark, the Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, the Indigo Bunting, the Pine Siskin, and, perhaps most dramatically,
the Cedar Waxwing.

At the rear of my woods is a persimmon tree standing alone, several feet
from any other tree. This has seemed the favorite goal of migrating Wax-
wings. I counted eighty-one in the first flock that I saw, looking like gilded
birds in the strong morning sunlight, their musical twitter faintly filling the
air, while they sat quietly enough for me to count them three times before they
rose suddenly, as one bird, into the air, and wheeled, in a small compact body,
away toward the north. After this I saw eleven flocks in the same tree and in
the shrubbery nearby during February and March and the first half of April.
Had they chosen my persimmon tree as an assembling-place for Georgia-
wintering Waxwings, or were they resting during migration from a more
southerly point, attracted by the heavy crop of privet berries all about them?
Probably the latter, for with the exception of one flock, they were here only
a few hours each time.

Since I have begun to write this account of my city birds, a band of negroes
has come into my woods and ‘“‘cleared them up.”’ With axe and brush-fire
they have spoiled and civilized this wild, neglected place. I can now nod to
my neighbor across the scarred and empty space. I hope she does not notice
the lack of enthusiasm in my greeting. Gone are Thrush Thicket, Cardinal
Cover and Catbird Glade! Next season I shall have to see how many birds
will make me formal calls in the high old oaks.

Factors Contributing to the Destruction of
Birds’ Nests and Eggs

By IRA N. GABRIELSON, Portland, Oregon

OR a number of years, I have made it a habit to record the cause of the
K destruction of birds’ nests whenever such cause is positively known.

To accumulate any considerable data along this line necessarily re-
quires that one be ina position to visit nests in the same territory at frequent
intervals.

During 1914 and 1915 such opportunity was presented to me, and I gathered
most of these data at that time. My record now includes fifty nests on which
I have been fortunate enough to secure positive data. It will, of course, be
understood that a large number of nests were found destroyed which could
not be included because of lack of definite records regarding them. For example
on one day I discovered eight Brown Thrasher nests—all of which had con-
tained eggs the previous day—destroyed. All were located in gooseberry
bushes and had evidently been destroyed by some bird or mammal, as bits of
shells were found in the bottom of each nest.

The following list shows the kinds of nests and gives detailed information
regarding the destruction of each:

BLUE-WINGED TEAL. July 8, 1907. Webb, Iowa. Cut into by mowing-machine and
eggs broken.

BitTeERN. July 12, 1909. Webb, Iowa. Five young killed by mowing-machine. Dis-
covered after passage of machine.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER. June 2, 1914. Marshalltown, lowa. Washed away by flood of June 8,

MourninG Dove. May 8, 1910. Sioux City, Iowa. Robbed by boys. May 23, 1910.
Sioux City, Iowa. Location of nest unknown to me until I passed close by. The old bird in
her fright threw both eggs from the nest as she left.

Cooprer’s Hawk. April 30, 1910. Sioux City, Iowa. Nest destroyed by farmer whose
chickens the Hawks were getting. I was attempting to secure photographs of the nest and
young at the time and on a return trip found them gone. I happened to mention this to a
farmer living nearby and he told me he had destroyed the nest. 6

BLACK-BILLED Cuckoo. June 2, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Two eggs. Filled with
mud and water by flood of Iowa River on June 8.

YELLOW-BILLED Cuckoo. June 29, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Saw fox squirrel destroy
this nest.

Harry WoopPECKER. June 28, 1914. Albion, lowa. Three young killed by felling of
stub for firewood. Nest location unknown until after stub fell.

KINGBIRD. June 23, 1909. Webb, Iowa. Young killed by exposure to storm. Found
parent bird on nest afterward, but young dead; nest and young both soaked.

PuHa@spe. April 23, 1910. Sioux City, lowa. Eggs taken and nest torn down by boys.
Saw fresh tracks made by boys in mud when I arrived.

WESTERN MEADOWLARK. May 15, 1911. Sioux City, lowa. Robbed by boys. Found
the boys with eggs in their possession shortly after they had taken them. June 5, 1014.
Marshalltown, Iowa. Parent bird and seven young found drowned in nest after flood of June
8 subsided. June 5, to14. Marshalltown, Iowa. Three young. Found drowned after flood
of June 8.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. July 21, 1910. Webb, Iowa. Nest cut down by mowing-

(136)

Destruction of Birds’ Nests and Eggs 137

machine. May 30, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Robbed by boys. June 8, 1914. Marshall-
town, Iowa. One egg. Nest filled with mud by high water. June 8, 1914. Marshalltown,
Iowa. Four eggs. Found filled with mud after flood. June 8, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa.
Two eggs. Found filled with mud after flood. June 8, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. One egg.
Filled with mud by flood.

Bosoutnxk. July 9, 1910. Webb, Iowa. Contained nine eggs. Came to nest just in time
to see a garter snake swallowing the last eggs. Two lumps, presumably eggs, were visible
in its body.

GotpFincH. July 23, 1909. Webb, Iowa. Blue Jay discovered eating the eggs.

Lark Sparrow. June 8, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Found on June 4. On June 8 found
nest and three eggs washed about 4 feet down the hill and half full of mud.

GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. July 14, 1910. Webb, Iowa. Two eggs. Nest exposed by mowing-
machine and bird deserted it.

Fretp SPARROW. June 25, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Two eggs. Bush containing nest
cut by mowing-machine. June 25,1914. Marshalltown, owa. Four eggs. Weeds in which it
was built cut by mowing machine and eggs thrown out.

WESTERN VESPER SPARROW. July 6, 1920. Portland, Ore. Four eggs. Destroyed by
cultivator.

CARDINAL.- May 30, 1913. Marshalltown, Iowa. Three eggs. Saw Blue Jay fly from nest
and found eggs with a hole in each.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. June 6, 1910. Sioux City, Iowa. Robbed by boys. June 24,
1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Four eggs. Robbed by boys.

RED-EYED VIREO. June 28, 1915. Albion, Iowa. Nest brought in by boy who said he
had torn it from its place by running against it before he saw it.

MaryYLAnpD YELLOW-THROAT. June 12, 1909. Webb, Iowa. Three young taken by cat.
Cat caught with last one.

Bank SWALLow. June 8, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. A colony of several pairs which I
was watching was destroyed by the caving of a bank caused by height of water on June 8.

CHICKADEE. April 23, 1910. Sioux City, Iowa. Nest containing five eggs deserted by
parents after the nest had been opened to photograph the eggs.

SHORT-BILLED MarsH WREN. July 28, 1910. Webb, Iowa. Six eggs. Nest with four
whole eggs and two broken eggs was found on guards of mowing-machine.

Brown THRASHER. June 24, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Four eggs. Robbed by boys.

CATBIRD. June 24, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Four eggs. Robbed by boys. June 20,
1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Two eggs. Nest destroyed by boys. Parent shot, apparently
by 22-caliber rifle, and hung on limb near nest. June 11, 1915. Marshalltown, Iowa. Robbed
py boys. Aug. 7, 1916. Springfield, Mass. Adult and three young killed by cats.

Woop TuHrusH. May 30, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Robbed by boys.

Rosin. June 4, 1909. Webb, Iowa. Four young eaten by cat. Cat seen to catch last
two. June 23, 1909. Webb, Iowa. Blown from tree by severe storm. Nestlings killed just
after hatching. June 24, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. English Sparrow observed to enter
nest and deliberately drop six eggs over edge of nest, one at a time. June 24, 1914. Marshall-
town, Iowa. Four eggs. Robbed by boys. May 11, 1916. Fairfield, Conn. Starling seen
destroying nest. May 18, 1916. Norwalk, Conn. Nest destroyed by Starling.

BLUEBIRD. June 8, 1914. Marshalltown, Iowa. Four eggs. Located in fence-post.
Filled with mud by flood. April 18, 1916. Norwalk, Conn. Nest destroyed by Starlings.

It might be said in explanation that the flood of June 8, 1914, on the Iowa
River was caused by very heavy rains. Such floods are not uncommon during
the spring months, though usually of much less extent than this one. The
nests listed were mostly those with whose location I was familiar before the

138 Bird Lore

flood and able to visit afterwards. Of course, many thousands of nests were
destroyed in the valley at this time. I found sixteen Red-winged Blackbirds’
eggs in one pile of drift, none of which could have come from the nests listed,
as they were a mile or more upstream.

In the case of nests listed as destroyed by boys, it might be well to say that
the boys were either caught in the act, or fresh tracks and marks of climbing
in the trees were noted which were considered good evidence. Few nests are
included whose location was not known before, and as the territory was covered
every day, such evidence was usually fairly fresh. On June 24, 1914, when
five nests were listed as destroyed by boys, a band of four boys were trailed
through a little strip of timber and caught in the act of robbing the last nest.
The other eggs were in their possession.

The following summary of the data shows the distribution of the factors
involved in the destruction of these 50 nests:

Through human agency:

Nests tobbedioxridestroyed! byiboys Yan, ago settee eee nee 12
Destroyediby,amowine-machine jon scree cits sel oie ee 7
Destroyed by cultivator ......,. te a ae tos 1
Destroyea by farmer, purposely .... . bigs « abe, a Sips) ads sie <i ee I
Nest deserted by parents after human interference.................... I
Nest destroyed by cutting of stump on which located ................ I
Nest destroyed accidentally by boy brushing against it................ I
Total through human agency ........<5......%. ere x 24
By cats and other natural enemies:
Young eaten by cats....... as eh Sune E So Re ocak ae 3 >
Eges/eaten by) Blue Jays: a2. sens Wadhecy chee eidets oe tone eee 3
Begsieatenbyasnaken cmkiten san eels G6 .d Vit. Se I
Nests' destroyed iby Starlings: <4 :% .8 sys erected dlecrgten seit eaten et oer 3
Bggsieaten by fox squirrels.) «gid ei rie cnc tsclteats ett ee ee 1
Nest destroyed by English Sparrow ......2..400.....5 00... sue nee I
Total’ by natural!enemiles 72.0.2 0.2 ok cee Se ee 12
By storm and flood:
Destroyed! by-windland! rain 2 «veces veyaiei=) sitelogo eee 2
Destroyed by food! ci. ajc wysvett grat aye celui chs wig aici att 3 2h ee II
DLotall- byselements: «) .i.c) ste 2 ajatecsi ence ake akh atch aie 13
Accidental-desiructromiby bird tESEUf si) <:s2 10:5. ssa tdteince im givis ete v'm + “lain [e)aleiale 1
TOTAL, 3... ..kGhus seo 50

It would obviously be absurd to attempt to draw from so little data any
definite conclusions regarding the part played by various agents of destruction.
Search of literature and correspondence would doubtless reveal a mass of data
from which fairly definite conclusions could be drawn and such work is a
possibility of the future.

>

Destruction of Birds’ Nests and Eggs 139

It is obvious that the elements always have been and always will be a
great factor in holding in check the increase of bird population. No effort on
the part of man can seriously affect this item. It is equally true that there
are many birds and animals not listed among the agents of bird-nest destruction
that play their part to as great an extent as those included, or even greater.

The most significant thing, however, is the high proportion—almost half—
destroyed through human agency. While from the standpoint of bird pro-
tectionists this may be discouraging, paradoxical as it may seem, it is also
most encouraging. While it is the largest factor, it is possible of control to
some extent. The boy problem, is of course, one of education. The schools,
due largely to the Audubon Societies, are taking up such work in increasing
numbers and certainly are exercising a repressive effect in this regard.

The one other large factor is the use of agricultural machinery. The loss
in bird-life from the use of machinery has been and will continue to be severe,
but personal experience and talks with farmers who appreciate the value of
bird-life lead me to believe that this damage can be greatly reduced by proper
precautions. In the cornfields, I have managed to dodge many a Killdeer and
Horned Lark nest by keeping my eyes open, and I know many farmers who
follow the same practice.

HOUSE WREN ABOUT TO FEED YOUNG
L. F. Brehmer, Rutland, Vt.

Birds Bathing

By E. RAYMOND DRIVER, Santa Barbara, Calif.

HAVE noted with a great amount of interest the answers published in
Brrp-Lore to Mr. Ernest Thompson Seton’s question “‘Why do birds
bathe?”

For the last two years it has been a daily pleasure to observe the birds
bathing in six baths very close to my house. These bathing-places range from
the ordinary cement pillar bath to a 1o-foot pool, are used many times each
day, but I will still refrain from attempting to answer Mr. Seton’s question
even after some thirty-odd years of almost constant field observation. I
think, however, I can make some contributions to this subject.

While seated on my front porch watching two pools for bathers I noted a
movement in the acacia tree which overhangs the lower pool. Turning my
binoculars toward the spot I discovered that the movement was caused by a
young, almost fully grown Pallid Wren-Tit. Hardly a moment passed before
a Rufous-crowned Sparrow (I wish all bird students and bird-lovers knew this
grand little fellow) entered the water to give himself a real soaker, as they do,
and then up in that acacia I saw a ‘bath’ such as I never saw before and prob-
ably never will again.

That Wren-Tit went through every motion of a real water-bath, all the
time with an eye apparently on the Rufous-crowned. When the real bath was
over, the Wren-Tit again went through all the necessary details of putting its
plumage in order just as if it had actually bathed. Now comes the part which
pleased me beyond expression.

Fluffing itself out like a round ball, this little mite nestled down close to the
limb, slowly, with many, upward jerks the little head at last bent lower and
lower until it rested*on its breast. Asleep? Yes, just like grandfather goes
to sleep reading his paper, but that impudent, noisy scamp Mr, Titmouse was
evidently watching with me, for out of the big live oak about 20 feet away
came a sharp, shrill note; fp bobbed that sleepy head like a flash, looking
about to see who caused it or why the awakening. The same gradual lowering
of the sleepy head again. This same performance was repeated five times.
Then little Wren-Tit became disquieted with the Titmouse jokes, gave itself
a good shake, and flew away to a quieter spot.

All the following were seen at the same time eithér bathing or at the edge
of the water apparently waiting their turn: Black-headed Grosbeak, Western
Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Western Yellow-throat, Black-throated Gray, Yel-
low Warbler, Spurred Towhee, and a Mourning Dove came for a drink.

On a very hot day last summer two Doves, after getting their drink, flew
about 25 feet to a bare spot on the ground in the full sunshine, each picked
out a small hump or hummock of earth, laid themselves out perfectly flat,
extended neck and both wings fully and remained in this position for at least
fifteen minutes. It was a real sun-bath.

(140

Birds Bathing I4I

WESTERN MOCKINGBIRD AT UPPER POOL

The following list will give some idea of what birds have been seen bathing
in my pools or baths:

“Soakers:”’ Western Mockingbird, California Towhee (both get so wet they can fly only
a few feet), Spurred Towhee, California Jay, Arizona Hooded Oriole, Bullock’s Oriole, House
Finch, California Purple Finch, Western Lark Sparrow, Gambel’s Sparrow, Nuttall’s Sparrow,
Golden-crowned Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Western Chipping Sparrow, Rufous-
crowned Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Robin.

“Dippers:’ Green-backed Goldfinch, Lawrence’s Goldfinch, Louisiana Tanager, Phaino-
pepla, Cassin’s Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Least Vireo (all the Vireos bathe on
the wing), Bush-Tit, Calaveras Warbler, Lutescent Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Yellow War-
bler, Audubon’s Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Western Yellow-throat, Pileolated
Warbler, Golden Pileolated Warbler, Parkman’s Wren, Wren-Tit, Russet-backed Thrush,
Alaska Hermit Thrush.

142 Bird - Lore

Bathe in wet foliage either from showers, heavy dew, or ‘sprinklers’: Black-chinned Hummer,
Anna’s Hummer, Rufous Hummer, Allen’s Hummer, Cassin’s Vireo, Hutton’s Vireo, War-
bling Vireo, Least Vireo, Bush-Tit (sometimes at least forty in one bush), Western Chipping
Sparrow, Western Lark Sparrow, Spurred Towhee, Pallid Wren-Tit.

BIRD-BATH NOTES
BIRD-BATH AND DRINKING-POOL FOR 25 CENTS

The writer has just finished a good, practical concrete bird-bath and drinking
pool, 24 x 54 inches, and about 4 inches deep in the center, at a total cost of
2s cents, this being the cost of 25 pounds of cement. A shady spot at the
edge of the lawn opposite our kitchen window was selected for the site, and a
rectangular patch of sod of above dimensions was removed and excavation
was made, beginning with a depth of about 5 inches in the center and gradu-
ally sloping up to all sides, leaving a smooth concave hollow of firm soil. About
one-half wheelbarrow full of fine gravel, which had been left over from a
neighboring building job, was hauled home in our car. The gravel and cement
were mixed together in an old dry-goods box and enough water added to
thoroughly moisten the mixture to a rather stiff consistency. This was then
shovelled into the hollow and worked over with the shovel to an average
thickness of about 2 inches, finishing the inner surface nice and smooth and
leaving the rim trimmed off squarely and flush with the surrounding lawn.
It holds about five gallons of water; the edge of the water is shallow, gradually
deepening toward the center and thus affords a drinking-place and bath for
birds of all sizes. The water can be freshened or replenished through the
garden hose as often as desired. While this arrangement is not as ornate as
the manufactured article, it looks well,.is practical and the low cost should
make its use common. The whole operation took only an hour’s time, and
when we say that this was the first concreting job we ever attempted it can
readily be seen that almost anyone can undertake it. To attract birds to
your home it is necessary to provide water, as there must be times when birds
have trouble in finding convenient watering-places, and we hope that other
bird-lovers will provide similar inexpensive watering-places on their premises.—
Epwarb HELtstErRN, ort Morgan, Colo., July 1, 1921.

TWO UNUSUAL CHICKADEE BATHS

The notes on bird-baths in the May-June, t921t number of Brrp-Lore recall
two Chickadee baths which the writer saw some years ago.

The first was in the early spring of 1903 at Greenland, N. H. The Winni-
cut River was swollen by melted snow and covered with cakes of floating ice.
One cake drifted slowly past in an eddy. Just as it came near, one of a flock
of Chickadees flew to the cake and hopped to the edge. There he splashed and
spattered the ice-cold water, dressing his feathers between splashes. He was
still enjoying his bath when the ice-cake drifted out of sight.

-

Birds Bathing 143

The second bath was seen several winters later at Tilton, N. H. Ina
back yard was a large apple tree in which a semi-albino Robin and its mate
had nested the season before. Every day a little party of Chickadees came to
a food-shelf near the tree. One day a Chickadee flew to the old Robin’s nest
and rolled about apparently taking a dust-bath in the crumbled mud walls.
This Chickadee or another one was seen taking this bath several times in the
course of the winter.

In the summer of 1921, the writer got his drinking water from a spring in
a spruce and pine grove. Several times he has noted the birds bathing in the
spring. In each case the bird stood in the spring and splashed until thoroughly
wet. The species were White-throated Sparrows, Goldfinches, Hermit Thrushes
Bay-breasted Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, and Chickadees.—
Epwarp H. Perkins, Colby College, Waterville, Maine.

A STONE-RIMMED TUB

A bird-bath made by a circle of stones cemented together on a huge rock
has besides the usual visitors, a Red-eyed Vireo who sits on one side, then
plunges through to the opposite rim, over and over. Towhees take a good
soak, often four or five in succession, then have a sun-bath on the lawn. Three
male Scarlet Tanagers and one female at one time, all soaked and splashed
thoroughly. In August the males were in molting plumage. Song Sparrows
Wiens, Chippies, Robins, Wood Thrushes, Catbirds, Flickers, beside the
others, bathe daily, during June and July. The bath always had one or more
birds in it, but during August it is seldom used.

On May 22, 1917, sitting 3 feet from a shallow, swift brook, I saw the fol-
lowing Warblers bathe: 1 Blackpoll; ro Black-throated Greens; many Mary-
land Yellow-throats; 5 Chestnutsided; many Blackburnians; 4 Baybreasted,
1 pair Black-throated Blues; many Myrtles; many Canadians, and Magnolias;
and Redstarts. Most of them dipped and all cleaned their feathers in nearby
trees. It was a wonderful hour.

In the interior of Nova Scotia I have seen many Parulas dip in deep water
from the overhanging twigs of the bushes and after a thorough preening, take
a sun-bath—Mary C. Nisbet, [rvington-on-Hudson, N.Y.

DUST BATHERS

In Ernest Thompson Seton’s article ‘Why Do Birds Bathe?’ published
in the May-June number of Brrp-Lorg, I notice this statement, “The perch-
ing birds do not take the dust-bath except the English Sparrow, the
Thrasher, the Song Sparrow, and the Wren. (I am in hopes that we shall
add greatly to this list.)’’ In regard to this, I will say that I have seen a
Chipping Sparrow dust itself in the road near my home.

I will also call your attention to a statement made on page 20 of ‘Bird-
World,’ a bird book for children written by J. H. Stickney and Ralph Hoffman

144 Bird - Lore

and published by Ginn Company in tgo02: “If you are walking or riding
on a country road well-lined with shrubs and trees, I should be surprised if
you do not before summer ends, looking up, see the male Indigo bird—a little
blue canary you will think—on the outer end of a high twig; or, once in a
summer, you may come upon the dust-colored mother dusting herself as
mother-hens do, and coming from her bath feeling as clean as you do coming
from yours.” —ETHret M. Weymouth, North Berwick, Maine.

BLUEBIRD AT NEST
Photographed by Joseph Pollock, Carman, N. Y

Motes from Field and Study

The Advance Guard

For several days prior to February 26 the
weather had been very mild and soft. A
few Bluebirds, Robins, and Meadowlarks
were in evidence, and Ducks were seen
winging their way north. As the supply of
food was not yet exhausted, the flocks of
Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings that have
adorned our campus this winter were not
influenced by the balmy weather.

Sunday opened with a warm drizzle which
turned to a light snow in the late. afternoon
and was the forerunner of about three days
of zero weather with real snow and heavy
north and northwest winds. Sunday evening,
at about 9.10, my son, a fifteen-year old
Scout, reported a decided movement of
birds above the town. The calls were dis-
tinctly heard and seemed to cover quite an
area. It was too dark to decide on the direc-
tion of their flight, but they must have been
above Ames for from twenty minutes to
half an hour because there was time to
phone to several interested persons, all of
whom went out and were able to hear the
commotion.

Could it be that this was a band of adven-
turous forerunners who were driven back by
the storm, were confused by the lights, and
so flew back and forth over Ames for a time
before going on south.—Mrs. F. L. Barrett,
Ames, Iowa.

An Unusual Gathering of Migrants

April 1, 1922, was the third day of an
intermittent snow and rainstorm. There were
5 inches of snow on the ground and more
falling heavily. The Hudson River at Water-
ford, N. Y., had overflown its banks and
backed up into a ro-acre, level, corn-stubble
field, flooding a third of it. In this small
field was the most intense congestion of early
migrants I have ever witnessed here, there
being over 2,000 birds, at the most con-
servative estimate, and of twenty species.
This sudden storm came after the fields had
been bare for some time, but the birds did

not appear to suffer and managed to glean a
living until three days later, the fields were
again bare.

A list of the birds follows:

Juncos were the most abundant—soo in
the field and over 1,300 seen on a 5-mile
walk (usually in flocks of 25 to 100); 500
Crows (normally 10 to 20 in flock); 300
Horned Larks (usually flocks of 20 to roo),
10 Prairie Horned Larks, 20 Pipits, 15
Herring Gulls, 200 Red-winged Blackbirds,
1o Rusty Blackbirds, 200 Grackles, 100
Starlings, 25 Meadowlarks, 15 Killdeer, 50
Robins, 1o Bluebirds, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 6
Black Ducks, 150 Song Sparrows, too Tree
Sparrows, 20 Savanna Sparrows, 15 Vesper
There were probably twice as
many Sparrows but these were closely
counted as were all the others. At the end
of the third day normalcy was reached, with
6 species present and about too individuals.
—EpGar BEDELL, Waterford, N. Y.

Sparrows.

The Birds of an Acre

I append a list of birds found nesting on
our acre or so of lawn. This lawn is planted
with spruces, pines, maples, walnuts, locusts,
cherry trees, oak trees, and many others.
In addition there are many varieties of
shrubs. Our place is in the heart of some of
the highest ranges of the southern Appa-

Jachians, at over 2,800 feet altitude. The
list follows:
Robin, Wood Thrush, Bluebird, Bob-

White, Chickadee, Chipping Sparrow, Song
Sparrow, Least Flycatcher, Catbird, Chim-
ney Swift, Phoebe, Acadian Flycatcher,
Baltimore Oriole, Bewick’s Wren, Cedar
Waxwing.

In addition to the foregoing the following
have been seen during the spring and sum-
mer months. Many of these also nest on the
place, but we have not found their nest.

Red-eyed Vireo, Cardinal, Wood Pewee,
American Woodcock, Louisiana Water-
Thrush, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Yel-
low Warbler, Goldfinch, Blue-Gray Gnat-

(145)

146

catcher, Screech Owl, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Maryland Yellow-throat, Brown Thrasher,
Tufted Titmouse, Flicker, Carolina Wren.—
M. A. Boccs, Waynesville, N.C.

Birds and Salt

In reference to letters about ‘Birds and
Salt’ in previous issues, I should say that in
moderate quantity salt would be good for any
bird, but too much would kill it. I have not
a doubt that the Pine Siskins which Mr.
Kelso speaks of died from eating too much of

Bird -

Lore

for birds in the open; every new bird coming
up would help itself too freely, but it may
be safe to supply rock salt. The dampness
collected by the salt settles in the depressions
of the lump, drawing the salt. I should
think for birds it should be kept under cover
to keep rain and dew from freeing any ex-
cessive portion. The article by Esther Reeks
shows that this experiment seems safe. But
if for any reason most of the birds using the
salt should cease doing so for a time would
the supply be too much for the remaining
few? There was never any trouble with the

AMERICAN BITTERN

the spilled salt before the strychnine was
dropped.

I have raised Pigeons in captivity. Salt
was kept before them continuously. If the
box should be found empty and was filled at
once, dead birds would result; but throw a
little on the floor where all can get at it, and
they crowd around it, pushing each other
away in their hurry to eat it, and no one
got an overdose. It is necessary to repeat
this several days, or until they do not rush
for it, before it is safe to fill the box.

Of course, this method could not be used

Pigeons in this respect, but might there be
with smaller birds? I should think there
would be little danger, as when birds once
have a feeding-spot (weeds or whatever)
they visit it regularly. Nature supplies salt
in limited quantity.—ELizaBeTH P. STYER,
Concordville, Pa.

An Experience with an American Bittern

While following a small creek near Ypsi-
lanti, Mich., on October 6, 1921, an American
Bittern stepped from the stream-bed before

Notes from Field and Study

me and walked up the bank opposite me to
a growth of thistles and other pasture weeds,
where it suddenly struck the erect, motion-
less, slender body attitude so often taken
by Bitterns when danger threatens and which
so effectively camouflages them. When
approached the bird remained quiet till I

147

trips, with a loaded reflecting camera, made
it possible to get a dozen good pictures of
this Bittern, some giving me a good record
of its concealing behavior and all making
important additions to my wild-life negative
collection —T. L. Hanxrnson, State Normal
College, Ypsilanti, Mich.

AMERICAN BIT

was within a dozen or so feet of it; then it
relaxed and started to walk along the creek
bank, always keeping at least this distance
ahead of me and making use of every weed-
patch for another effort to elude me with a
quickly assumed, stationary posture like the
one described. Once in a patch of giant rag-
weed it very effectively and remarkably
eradicated itself, although it little
eclipsed by plant parts.

The day was quiet and sunny and it was
near noon. These conditions, with the fact
that I was armed, as I usually am on field

was

TERN POSING

Bald Eagles on the Hudson
For over forty years, Andrew Templeton
watched the winter of the
Bald Eagles to the Hudson River at New-

has visits

burgh and Beacon, where the ferry be-
tween these cities keeps the water free from
ice in the coldest days. When the days begin
to soften, great fields of ice break off with
the changing tides, and these the ferry cuts
into small blocks and eventually a big open
space is formed where the Gulls, Mergansers
and other Ducks gather and wait the

breaking up of the ice. Every year that these

148 Bird - Lore

conditions have prevailed, during the mild
days of winter, a pair of Bald Eagles have
come to the Hudson River and remained in
the ferry pathway for several days, attracting
much attention. It was some surprise to me
in passing over on the ferry Friday, Feb-
ruary 24, to find eight Bald Eagles on the
ice—six mature birds and two immature.
Crows appeared like chickens beside their
hens, but later, when we had a pair of eight-
power glasses on the birds, we were unable
to discover that they found any food, al-
though Mergansers were diving and splashing
not far away. The eight birds were here for
one day only but the pair now here have been
leaving every evening before dusk for the
Highlands south, flying toward Storm King
Mountain. The two mature Bald Eagles are
yet with us, but the gathering of eight birds
on the river seems of enough importance to
me to report to Brrp-Lorg, for it seems as if
the protection of these birds was now bearing
fruit—Francis B. Rogpinson, Newburgh,
N. Y., February 27, 1922.

Snowy Owl in New York

Early on the morning of December 8,
1921, after I had taken a supply of food out
to my feeding-station for the birds’ break-
fast, I saw our neighbor’s dog run out into
the tall grass in a meadow just across the
road from my home. To my great surprise,
a large Snowy Owl arose from the ground and
with slow, heavy flight flew directly into the
dooryard and within about 6 feet from where
I stood. I got a splendid view of him, and
being my first record, I was delighted. The
plumage was slightly mottled with brown
on the breast and underparts, and the
brown markings were quite conspicuous
about the head and neck. The whole upper
parts were snowy white, including wings
and tail.

The Snowy Owl is very rare here, and I
am told that this is the first specimen that
has been seen here for years. The last record
that can be remembered by the oldest in-
habitants was during the severe winter of
1883, when one was killed near here in the
month of February.—JuLiA Miniter, Hor-
nell, N.Y,

A Captive Hummer

Mr. Ralph E. Danforth’s account of the
Hummingbird tangled in cobwebs (Brrp-
Lore, September-October, 1921) interested
me because I have seen the same thing.

My house had been closed for a few days.
I returned one afternoon and, at intervals
until dark, heard a faint metallic squeak.
Thinking it something jarred by the wind, I
paid no attention to it. Next morning I
heard the same sound, louder and more
insistent, and at once realized that some
living thing was calling for help. After some
searching, I found, on the wood-shed floor, a
Hummingbird, bound fast in cobwebs,
seeming quite exhausted, I thought nearly
dead. I worked over him for two hours,
clearing away the cobwebs very carefully
because he cried if I pulled too hard.

I put water before him and he fluttered or
tumbled into the saucer, I could not tell
whether by accident or design. I could not
see that he drank. Then I placed before
him a large trumpet creeper flower. That
he attacked eagerly, sucked at it for some
time, and plainly felt much refreshed.
When he could fly about the room, I let him go.

One little incident pleased me; whenever
I left him and went out of sight, he cried
until I went back to him, then was quiet.
So quickly that atom of life recognized a
friend.

I would like to know how long a little bird
can live without food or water. He must
have lain on the floor nearly twenty-four
hours at least and it may have been much
longer.—ADELINE Witus, Naples, Maine,
January 12, 1922.

A One-legged Bather

Have any of your readers ever had a one-
legged Grackle in their bird-baths? Our
bath is a combination of a cement top
bought in a shop, fitted over a bronze vase
such as our grandmothers had in their front
yards, with purplish-pink petunias growing
in them. It looks attractive standing be-
tween two old apple trees which have grown
up to the third story windows of our house.
The branches form good drying places after
the baths,

> —te

Notes from Field and Study

Several years ago I had the amusing and
pathetic sight of a one-legged Grackle
trying to take a bath. Her mate had a
splendid splash; but poor ‘One-leg’ would
crouch down, balancing with one wing
partly spread, then, just as she touched the
water, she felt insecure and stood up again.
I took a snap-shot of her which I had en-
larged.

In May, 1921, who should appear but
‘One-leg’ and her careful mate! On account
of the frosts I had not put out the bath so
early and, disappointed, my friends went
away hoping for “2 rooms and.a bath” in
some other locality.

However, I am not lonely, for Robins,
Sparrows—Song, English, and Chipping,
Starlings, a Wood Thrush and a Rose-
breasted Grosbeak have quenched their
thirst or bathed near our dining-room win-
dow.—E. H. Bow es, Springfield, Mass.

Evening Grosbeaks in Pennsylvania

It may be of interest to readers of Brrp-
Lore to know that Evening Grosbeaks have
been observed in this section—g miles south-
east of Harrisburg—it being the first time,
so far as I can ascertain, that these birds
have been reported here! Two were seen on
February 18 and ro feeding on the seed of
the box elders which line the drive through
the grounds of a home on the edge of
the town.—Maset H. Nissrey, Hummels-
town, Pa.

Evening Grosbeaks in Iowa

Sunday morning, February 26, a phone
call told me that two pair of ‘Canadian
Grosbeaks’ were in a tree in front of the
M. F. McGhan home on Mechanic Street.
Mr. Tuttle and I hurried over there, and
before we reached them I could see with my
field-glasses four beautiful Evening Gros-
beaks. It was my first personal experience,
and I have kept a record of the birds of this
vicinity since 1908.

The only other records for Osage, are:
April 23, t909. My son Donald came in
_ from school, all out of breath, saying that he
had seen a bird that was “all yellow and
black and white;” May 23, rgr10, and April

149

13, 1916 when Mrs. W. H. Salisbury saw
them in the northern part of town. A flock
of twelve Evening Grosbeaks were seen
January 24, 25, and 26, in New Hampton,
Iowa, about 50 miles southeast of Osage,
and this was their first record there since
1916.—Mrs. F. May Tutte, Osage, Towa.

Evening Grosbeaks at Waterford, N. Y.

On March 8, 1922, a flock of four male
and eight female Evening Grosbeaks were
found feeding on sunflower heads and giant
ragweed along the bank of the Hudson River,
at Waterford, N. Y. One female hung to the
sunflower heads, upside down, like a Chick-
adee. The only notes uttered were Starling-
like, metallic, ‘see, zee, see, see,’ and often
EpGar BEDELL, Water-

only a single ‘zee.’
ford, N.Y.

Martins vs. Tree Swallows

In 1919, in western Maine, I built and
erected a Martin-house of eight apartments.
During that, and the following summer Tree
Swallows took possession of it for the season
and reared their broods. Late in the summer
of 1920, Martins made a brief inspection of
the premises. In 1921, two pairs of Martins
appeared but were driven away by the
Swallows (who were already brooding in the
house), assisted by those self-constituted
mounted police, the Kingbirds. Late in
June, however, the Martins returned—three
pairs of them. For four days the battle
raged without a decision. Between engage-
ments the participants would always retreat
to the same spots, swapping recriminations
while gaining their breath and deciding the
next move. Finally, when both sides had
experienced enough of warfare, articles of
peace were signed and three pairs of Martins
occupied the house with one pair of Swallows,
all rearing broods under conditions of toler-
ance, if not actual intimacy.—F. D Knicur,
New Britain, Conn.

A Cliff Swallow Colony

I am sending you a picture of my barn
which has 300 Cliff Swallow nests. I put up
three shelves under their eaves and the
Swallows have built their nests on, above,

150

and below these shelves. This picture shows
230 of the nests, and the remaining 70 are on
the sides of the barn. There are at least 50
more Cliff Swallows’ nests on my other
buildings. I have a dozen Barn Swallows’
nests in one building. Each fall I cover these
nests to protect them from Owls, Sparrows,
and Woodpeckers, and remove these covers
in the spring when the Swallows return.

A CLIFF SWALLOW COLONY

ed

Last spring I cleaned and hung up fifty
gourds and had nine box houses for House
Wrens. This fall practically each one had a
nest in it. I even placed some of the gourds
on the porches and the Wrens chose this
location as readily as any other. The Wrens
seem to prefer the dipper gourds to the box
houses.

I also had Bronzed Grackles, Robins,
Mourning Doves, and Brown Thrashers,
nesting in bracket boxes which I placed in
the trees.

I am sixty-four years old, and I enjoy
having and watching these birds, some of
which are not very common in this locality,
each season.—Rasmus CHRISTENSEN, New-
ark, Neb.

A Queer Mockingbird

In ‘Notes from Field and Study’ for July-
August Brrp-Lore, 1920, I gave an account
of a Mockingbird which, in the summer of
1910, for several successive days, at the same
place in its medley, imitated in a definite
order several members of the Flycatcher
family. On July 1, 1920, I heard the same
medley with the Flycatcher notes in the
same order. Evidently the same bird was

Bird - Lore

the songster and was especially fond of this
number of his repertory. I did not hear this
song again after this day and am unable to
say whether the bird disappeared or merely
changed his tune. [I listened often in the
summer of 1921 for the renewal of this song,
but, though many Mockingbirds sang, none
gave the Flycatcher program.—GorDoNn
Witson, Bowling Green, Ky.

Bicknell’s Thrush in Maine

Bicknell’s Thrush, the southern form of
the Gray-cheeked Thrush, is known to occur
in the higher portions of the White Moun
tains in New Hampshire and in several places
in Nova Scotia. Between lie the mountains
of Northern Maine. Several peaks in this
region rise above the tree-level and carry a
well-developed Hudsonian flora. These peaks
form ideal Bicknell country and_ there
are unconfirmed reports of the occurrence of
the species, yet as far as the writer knows no
specimen of the bird has been taken in the
state. The purpose of this note is to point
out this lack of a record of a bird which should
be common in suitable localities and to add
a new location where the bird has been ‘seen.’

Mount Bigelow rises from between the
Carrabassett and Dead Rivers to the height
of 2,600 feet above the valley of the Dead
River, or 3,800 feet above sea-level. The
lower slopes of the mountain are covered
with hardwood, mainly beech. As one
ascends, this is replaced by a birch and hem-
lock forest with a thick undergrowth of ferns
and white-wood sorrel. At still higher levels
spruce and balsam fir become dominant.
Finally there is the summit area above the
scrub spruce where the characteristic vege-
tation consists of mountain cranberry,
alpine bearberry, crowberry, Greenland
sandwort, and scrub birch.

On July 13, 1921, Mr. A. S. Pope and the
writer climbed the mountain from the Dead
River side. Just as we came out of the scrub
spruce at its upper edge a Thrush called.
The bird was discovered on a spruce top
where it was joined by another. The call-
notes of these birds were different from those
of the Olive-backs and Hermits which were
common in the lower woods. A little later a

Notes from Field and Study

third bird was seen on the bare rocks nearer
the summit. Although wild he was examined
in a good light at a moderate distance with
8-power binoculars. The sides of the breast
The
call-notes were the same as those of the two
birds seen lower down. The writer is well

were very light and showed no buff.

acquainted with our other Thrushes and has
seen the Bicknell’s during migration. In this
case there was an excellent opportunity to
compare the call-notes of this Thrush with
those of the Hermit and Olive-backed.
Both Mr. Pope and the writer believe the
bird to be Bicknell’s Thrush.

ROBIN

Photographed by R. H. Jacobs,

On August 1, Mr. Pope and the writer
climbed the mountain again, this time ac-
companied by Dr. Glover S. Allen of. the
Boston Society of Natural History.
nights were spent camping on the mountain.
The weather was cold and part of the time
very windy. We saw or heard nothing of
Bicknell’s or any other Thrush on the moun-
tain top. Even the Olive-backs of the lower
forest were silent. The only bird-notes heard
were the calls of Kinglets, Siskins, Juncos,
Myrtle Warblers, and Broad-winged Hawks

Two

I51

and the songs of White-throated Sparrows
and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers. Apparently
the song season was over at these high alti-
tudes. The thickness of the scrub made it
impossible to locate the birds unless they
were calling. In 1922 the writer hopes to
make a trip to this region earlier in the
season.—Epwarp H. PERKINS, Colby College,
Waterville, Maine.

A Robin’s Nest
The Robin shown in this picture is one of
a pair that tried to build their first nest

where this one is placed. After they had

AT NEST

Brockton, Mass.

been working two days, a wind-storm de-
stroyed the results of their labors and they
went to another tree and built a new nest.
Meanwhile, I put up the shelter which is seen
in the picture. After the young had left the
first nest, the birds came back to the exact
spot where they had suffered disaster and
built a nest for the second brood within a
foot of the shelter. The photograph was
made July 1, and the following day the
young were pushed from the nest.—J. R. W.
Jacogs, Brockton, Mass.

[52

Robin and Snake

On page 304 of your issue of November-
December, 1921, appears a letter from Rear
Admiral W. A. Marshall, (retired) of James-
town, R. I., describing the actions of a Robin
with a snake.

Some years ago my wife and I were having
a picnic supper in the woods near town when
we noticed a Robin a short distance down the
path acting in an unusual manner. We went
closer to see what it was doing and found
that it had a young garter snake about 13
or 14 inches long, at which it was pecking
vigorously. The snake was not dead but it
had been so roughly handled that it was
quite sluggish and was only able to make
feeble efforts to get away.

The Robin seemed to be trying to pick
up the snake and was so intent upon its job
that it paid no attention to us, although we
stood for a long time within 15 feet of it.
Finally, after repeated efforts, it managed to
get a good hold on the snake and flew off
with it for a distance of about 75 feet to a
post on which was seated one of its young
Robins, and endeavored to feed the snake to
it. Of course, the baby was unable to handle
the snake and it was dropped in the long
grass. The old Robin immediately dropped
down too and recommenced its efforts to
pick it up. We drew too close and frightened
the young bird so that it flew to a nearby
tree, where, after about ten minutes’ work,
the old bird, having again secured a firm
hold on the snake, flew and once more tried
to get its baby to swallow what it seemed to
think was a fine large meal. The snake was
once more dropped and this time the Robin
flew away and evidently gave it up.

I have described this experience to a
number of bird observers and none of them
has ever seen anything similar. In con-
nection with the experience of Rear Admiral
Marshall it may prove of interest to your
readers. —FRANKLIN GRay MclInTosH,
Franklin, Pa.

Bluebird History

For many years we have had several bird-
houses out, and with the exception of one
year, Bluebirds have always appropriated

Bird - Lore

one. They have had a few hard experiences,
once being robbed of their eggs. Always, and
especially since that time, they have been
very jealous of the presence of any kind of
bird that uses a hole or box for nesting.
They do not allow Downy Woodpeckers,
Sapsuckers, or other Bluebirds in their tree,
and they have persistently driven Wrens
and Tree Swallows away from a house on a
pole, which stands 4 to 5 rods from their tree,
and in sight from it.

One year, after raising one brood in their
apple tree as usual, they seemed very un-
decided whether to use it for the second
brood, or to use a box that was fastened to
an elm, on the other side of our house, and
out of sight of their apple tree home. With
much enthusiastic conversation and wing-
waving, they examined first one box and
then the other. This went on for many
days.

During this time, a House Wren tried to
visit the house on the pole, but Bluebird
dashed at him like a fury, and Wren left in
haste. This was on June 18. After a while
the Bluebird affairs quieted, and, being
busy, I took no particular note of their
actions, except that I saw that a long straw
was sticking out of the door of the elm box,
and another out of the apple tree box. This
seemed a bit strange, as Bluebirds usually
tuck in their nests neatly.

On July 14, my notes record, “The Blue-
birds have young, old enough to be heard, in
the elm box, but continue frequent visits to
the first home in the apple tree.”

July 16, I wrote: “This morning, the
Bluebirds had a surprise for me. I heard
baby voices in the apple tree box, and the
male bird came out and went away with a
sac. A little later, we heard little voices (as
we have for two days), in the box on the
elm. The female was at that box, and the
male on our roof, not far away. The parents
each feed the young in each box, though one
sometimes goes to one box several times in
succession. I can see but one male and one
female. The voices in the elm sound a bit
stronger than those in the apple tree.”

At dusk, on July 18, the male had a
tussle with another male Bluebird and drove
him away. This was near the elm box. I

|

Notes from Field and Study

did not know when this box was deserted by
the young, but I knew on July 28 that those
in the apple tree box had left.

On July 30, the male had another fight
with one of his own kind, while the female
looked on, near the apple tree box, and
again drove him away. I never have seen
more than one female here.

I do not know how many young were in
each box, as I never disturbed them, and
did not see them leave, but I heard at least
two voices in each box.

The year before, the House Wren nested
across the street, and used to visit the Blue-
bird’s house, much to their displeasure.

153

After their young were gone, the Wren de-
lighted to explore their home.

Perhaps it is not lawful to think that the
Bluebirds felt that they could guard the
pole box from tenants, as it was in sight, but
were doubtful if they could so care for the
elm box, and hence decided to occupy both
that and their old home, but that seems the
natural conclusion.

The next spring, both boxes were visited
by one pair of Bluebirds, but early in April,
a pair of English Sparrows planned to use
the elm box, so I closed the door; and the
Bluebirds used the apple tree box.—E za
F. Miter, Bethel, Vt.

THE SEASON

XXXII.

Boston REGIoN.—Winter conditions per-
sisted through February, but on March 6,
a beautiful spring-like day, with “brown
furrow’d fields reappearing,’ the Song
Sparrows began to sing and the migration
was under way.

During the following ten days the first
group of land-birds entered this region,
Bronzed Grackles in countless hundreds
being especially prominent, Red-winged and
Rusty Blackbirds in normal numbers. The
Song Sparrow, a migrant which is usually
tied for first place with the Bluebird, arrived
a week in advance this year and had flooded
the countryside before the first Bluebird
had appeared, a very rare occurrence. Blue-
birds, indeed, are still (April 15) compara-
tively uncommon.

Mr. Floyd’s observations, made with Dr.
John B. May, from the southern side of
Cape Cod in the second week of March,
indicate the presence of large numbers of
water-birds. He lists over a thousand Scoters
(the three species) migrating, Loons and
Old Squaws “very abundant,’ and too
Brant on March to, 1,000 on March 11 and
12 (the Brant and Scoters at Edgartown,
Mass.).

The migration of land-birds thus far has
shown the following variation from the
average: Bluebirds, as mentioned above, are
not breeding here in full numbers; Cedar

February 15 to April 15, 1922

Waxwings are apparently absent (no Feb-
ruary flight was noted); both the Ruby-
crowned and Goiden-crowned Kinglets have
been conspicuously well represented, the
former in song. The Winter Wren is a bird
of decided rarity as a spring migrant in this
region. I saw one in Lexington on April 12
and Mr. Sam E. Brown reports two which
he saw a few days earlier in Hampton Falls,
(southern) N. H. The presence of these
three birds is noteworthy as indicating an
unusual flight of these little birds, for during
the great majority of springs not a single
Winter Wren will come under notice.

No such flight of Fox Sparrows as occurred
this year has taken place since the remarkable
flight in April, 1907. This year, as was the
case fifteen years ago, a heavy snowfall came
in April and prevented the birds from ad-
vancing northward. The Fox Sparrows were
singing everywhere and collected in such
numbers about our door-yards that they
attracted the interest and admiration of
many people who never saw, or heard, or
heard of, a Fox Sparrow.

May their interest in birds continue!—
Winsor M. Tyter, Lexington, Mass.

New York Recion.—The late winter had
been so barren of birds that it left no doubt
when, at an early date the first spring move-
ment began. At Garden City, L. I., Feb-

154 Bird - Lore

ruary 26, Song Sparrows were back and in
song where there had been no Song Sparrows
for weeks. The same day, as the sun went
down in a pinkish light with gray clouds
over the sky, and a warmer air dragged out
of the South, after two bright clear days,
eight Grackles were counted flying over.
The whistles of Meadowlarks were heard
again on February 28.

Despite these prompt beginnings, it was
the general impression that early migrants
were behind schedule throughout the New
York Region. Robin and Chipping Sparrow
were unquestionably late in arriving in
numbers; an individual of the latter species
(Elizabeth, N. J., March 26, C. A. Urner)
being an exception. Garden City is a good
breeding station for the Flicker which
unquestionably does not winter there. The
occurrence of the first individual reported
March 25 this year (W. F. Nichols), is
therefore of interest. The species was noted
by the writer on the following day.

With April, on the other hand, the tide
of birds was running ahead of the calendar,
as definitely evidenced by a small but well-
marked flight of Barn Swallows April 9. On
that day, which was warm and cloudy with a
strong southerly wind, the writer observed
one flying low, in an easterly direction over
the Hempstead Plains, L. I., and upwards of
half an hour later, two together followed the
same course. Two were noted flying north
near Englewood, N. J. (L. Griscom and L.
O. Williams). The species was seen near
Elizabeth, N. J. (C. A. Urner), and also one
was reported from the Bronx. Though not
generally met with, the Tree Swallow had
been present near New York considerably
earlier, for 200 to 300 were reported flying
north up the coast at Asbury Park, N. J.,
March 26 (H. Thurston), and one or two at
Long Beach, Long Island, on the same day
(W. C. Starck).

The unusual frequency of the Northern
Shrike through the winter is doubtless re-
sponsible for late spring dates for that bird,
April 9, Hempstead, L. I. (J. T. N.) and
April 14, Central Park, New York City
(Griscom). Snowy Owl and Iceland Gull
were last recorded about the Newark marshes
at Elizabeth (Elizabethport), April 1 (Urner).

Iceland Gull on the Hudson and Saw-whet
Owl at Englewood April 16 (Griscom) are
late dates of interest.

The spring flight of Ducks was very satis-
factory. The Green-winged Teal, a species
that has been rare in spring for many years,
was generally not uncommon. A Hooded
Merganser, was seen at Mastic, L. I., April
15; two Blue-winged Teal, one of them a
fine drake, at the same locality the next day
(GaN:

Other early dates of interest are: Engle-
wood, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, April 2 (E. R.
P. Janvrin and L. O. Williams); Elizabeth-
port, Green Heron, April 9 (Urner); Central
Park, Solitary Vireo, April 11 (Griscom);
Plainfield, N. J., Thrasher, April 16 (W. D.
W. Miller); Mastic, Henslow’s Sparrow,
April 14, downy young Woodcock, April 17
(J: DANE):

A very large flock of Grackles (some 500)
at Englewood, April 16, were studied at close
range and many of its individuals, all that
could be definitely identified, were the
Bronzed Grackle (Griscom and J. M.
Johnson).

At Upper Montclair, N. J., a ‘winter’
Song Sparrow (No. 44699) after being taken
in the traps nine times beginning February 4,
paid its last recorded visit March 4 (the
last was March 6 in 1921). A ‘summer’ Song
Sparrow (No. 47143, see January-February
Brrp-Lore) was trapped again March 23,
after absence since October 16, 1921, and has
been taken several times since (Howland).
Some Song Sparrows are obviously winter,
others summer residents, coming and going
on schedule. Will it be found that others
still are permanent residents?—J. T. NicHo1s,
New York City.

PHILADELPHIA Recion.—No unusual
weather conditions were apparent until
April 8, 9, and 10. The temperature hovered
around 85 degrees on these days, which,
according to the local Weather Bureau was
a record-breaking heat-wave for any like
period during April since the Bureau had
been established. Vegetation, which up to
the 8th appeared normal, took a sudden
spurt and at this time (April 13) many shrubs
and trees appeared well clothed with leaves.

Pa Qe ee &

OO

2 tee» Lgewet

es

hae

The Season

No other birds than the ordinary early
spring migrants have been noted, and it
seems quite probable that the warm spell
deluded no north-bound birds into advancing
any farther than they would have under
usual conditions. Dates when early spring
arrivals were first noted at Camden are as
follows: February 26, Purple Grackle and
Fox Sparrow; March 25, Killdeer, King-
fisher, and Bluebird; March 26, Dove and
Phoebe; April 2, Hermit Thrush; April 6,
Chipping Sparrow; April 12, Myrtle Warbler.

The Woodcock perhaps is somewhat more
common than usual this spring: Ventnor,
N. J., March 10, one; Merchantville, N. J.,
April 2, one; Mt. Holly, N. J., April 7, one
incubating eggs. This last report comes from
Mr. N. D. W. Pumyea. Wild-fowl have
appeared on the Delaware in their normal
numbers: Fish House, N. J., March 18,
Pintails,6; Bufflehead1. April 18, Merganser,
to, Red-breasted Merganser, 5; Black Duck,
2; Scaup (Lesser?), 300; Canada Goose, 5.

Records from the New Jersey Coast of
interest are: Corson’s Inlet, March 12,
Great Black-backed Gull, 5; Red-backed
Sandpiper, 50 (see last report; these birds
were diligently searched for subsequently on
April 9 and could not be located); Ipswich
Sparrow, 2; Snow Bunting, 2. April 9,
Great Black-backed Gull, 1; Piping Plover,
25. Ventnor, March 19, Piping Plover, 5;
Northern Shrike, 1. The Piping Plover
records indicate a marked increase over num-
bers noted several years back, when the
sight of one or two individuals was a note-
worthy occurrence.

Mr. T. G. McMullen reported the fol-
lowing Raptores found nailed to a farmer’s
barn at Penns Grove, N. J., March 6, all of
which appeared to have been recently
trapped: Barn Owls, 6; Long-eared Owls, 11;
Short-eared Owls, 1; Screech Owls, 4; Great
Horned Owl, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 4;
Cooper’s Hawk, 2. A short time later three
more Screech Owls had been added to the lot.
It is worthy of note that in his efforts to
protect his chickens (the excuse the farmer
gave for trapping the Hawks and Owls) he

_ succeeded in capturing only three notorious
“villains, the remainder being decidedly
beneficial —Juntan K. Porrer, Camden, N. J.

E55

WASHINGTON REGION.—Comparatively
few of the summer resident or transient
species ordinarily reach Washington before
April 1. The principal bird migration phe-
nomena of February and March are, there-
fore, the influx of individuals of our perma-
nent residents and the usually gradual
withdrawal northward of some of our winter
residents, particularly water-fowl.

During these two months of 1922 a mod-
erately and evenly cold temperature some-
what retarded the advance of spring. The
migratory movements of birds, due to warm
weather in the southern states, were, how-
ever, about normal. A few species—the
Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird, Vesper
Sparrow, and Chipping Sparrow—were
apparently late in arrival, but some others,
such as the Mourning Dove, Phcebe, and
Swamp Sparrow were decidedly ahead of
their usual spring appearance. One bird, the
Pine Warbler, seen in Rock Creek Park by
Mr. Carlyle S. Baer on March 5, was one
day ahead of its previous earliest record of
March 6, 1910.

An index of the character of the bird-life
about the city and suburbs of Washington
may be gained from the following list of
species most frequently seen during the
month of February of this year: English
Sparrow, Cardinal, Slate-colored Junco,
American Crow, Fish Crow, Blue Jay.

During the month of March the list was
almost the same: English Sparrow, Cardinal,
American Crow, Fish Crow, Song Sparrow,
Purple Grackle, Blue Jay; and, during the
latter half of the month, the American Robin.

A single Duck Hawk, which is a rare species
in this region, was seen by Dr. A. K. Fisher,
at Plummer’s Island, Md., on February 10.
The White-crowned Sparrow was observed
by Dr. C. W. Richmond, feeding in his yard
on the outskirts of the city of Washington
on February 4, 5, 14, and 16. These occur-
rences are of considerable interest, since
there is apparently but one previous winter
record of the species here. The same, or
another bird was seen by Miss Katharine H.
Stuart on March 26 near the tidal basin
along the river at Washington.

The Ducks of various species that have
during the winter frequented the Potomac

156

River in numbers below the city, gradually
departed for the north during the latter part
of March, and by the last of the month were
largely gone; but of course some will remain
for a time into the month of April. The
Canada Goose has been noted this year more
frequently than usual, and several times in
flocks of considerable size. Mr. Smith Riley
saw two large flocks flying over the city
March 23 and 24; and Mr. William I.
Bancroft observed a flock of seventy-five on
March 26. This apparent increase in num-
bers of this interesting species is another of
the many indications of the value of recent
efforts at protection of our migratory water-
fowl—Harry C. OpBernoiser, Biological
Suriey, Washington, D.C.

OBERLIN (OHIO) REGIoN.—Following an-
other exceptionally mild winter, the migra-
tions began on February 20, with the arrival
of Crows, Robins, Bluebirds, Killdeers, Song
Sparrows, Canada Geese, Meadowlarks,
Bronzed Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds,
Mourning Doves, and Greater Scaup Ducks.
This is a larger number of arrivals for the
first ‘wave’ than we have had in years. The
birds composing it really belong to the first
two ‘waves’. Then followed a Jull until
March 5, when Northern Flickers and Tow-
hees came, along with an increase in the
numbers of the first arrivals. The next move-
ment began on March 9 and ended on the
13th, when the arrivals were Cowbird, Chip-
ping Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Field Spar-
row, Black Duck and Lesser Scaup Duck.
The third movement came on the 17th, 18th
and roth, a very marked movement of most
of the birds that had already come, and the
following: Baldpate, Pintail, Mallard, Green-
winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead,
Fox Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, Wilson’s
Snipe, Coot, Tree Swallow, and Shoveller,—
the most marked movement was on the 18th.
Turkey Vulture came on the 23d, Phoebe on
the 24th, Woodcock and Vesper Sparrow on
the 25th, White-throated Sparrow and Her-
mit Thrush on the 26th, On March 31 the
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Horned Grebe
arrived; on April 1 Purple Martin; on April
3, Upland Plover, Bonaparte’s Gull, Louisiana
Water-Thrush, Blue-winged Teal, Pied-billed

Bird - Lore

Grebe and Bittern; on the 4th, Ruddy Duck;
the sth, Loon; the 8th, Myrtle Warbler; the
oth, Swamp Sparrow, Barn Swallow, Ruby-
crowned Kinglet, Bobolink; the roth, Brown
Thrasher, Greater Yellow-legs, Grasshopper
Sparrow, Savanna Sparrow, Palm Warbler;
the Osprey and Chimney Swift on the rsth
completed the migrations to date. Thus, it
is seen that while some species are distinctly
ahead of schedule others are equally behind
schedule. Temperatures have been favorable
for movements, for the most part, but the
persistently wet weather, with cloudy and
foggy nights have been hindrances.—Lynps
Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.

Cuicaco Recion.—The past two months
have been cold and rainy for the most part,
but there has been a warm spring day here
and there to encourage the birds. The first
of these days was February 22, when Robins
were reported from many points about the
city. By March 1 they were fairly common,
and Bluebirds, Meadowlarks, Song Sparrows,
and Grackles were arriving almost every day.

There have been no unusual records made
recently, but a few early arrivals have been
reported. A Fox Sparrow was seen at Hyde
Lake February 26, and a Swamp Sparrow at
Jackson Park, February 28, by Dr. Lewy.
The writer saw a Sora Rail at Beach, IIl.,
April 11. Ducks are plentiful on the marshes
and lake, eighteen species having been re-
ported to date. Wood Ducks were seen
March 12 and Red-head and Canvasback
April 2. The American and Red-breasted
Mergansers are the commonest Ducks along
the lake and the Pintails and Mallards the
commonest on the marshes. The lagoons in
the city parks are always a refuge for Ducks
in stormy weather. Ruddy Ducks were found
in Jackson Park, February 26 and Ring-
necked the 27th.

The only Yellow-legs so far reported was
seen at Warrenville, March 19, and the only
Wilson Snipe, March 23, at the same place
by Mr. H. B. Conover. Last year the third
week in March found the marshes full of
Snipe, with many Yellow-legs and Pectoral
Sandpipers, and I have been at a loss to
account for their absence so far this year.

The migration seems to be fairly well under

The Season

way at this writing. Purple Martins, Tree
and Barn Swallows appeared the last week
with Savanna, Vesper, Field and White-
throated Sparrows. A few Myrtle Warblers
have also been seen. With the exception of
the Snipe and other shore-birds there seems
to be nothing out of the ordinary in the
migration so far this year—CoLtn CAMPBELL
SANBORN, Chairman Report Committee, Chi-
cago Ornithological Society.

Minnesota Recion.—Following the se-
vere sub-zero weather of mid-February
there was a brief respite of a few milder days
and then Minnesota, in common with almost
the entire middle portion of North America,
was visited on the 22d and 23d by a furious
storm of thirty-six hours’ duration which was
marked by rain, thunder and lightning, sleet,
high wind, and finally a heavy fall of snow,
the most serious winter disturbance that had
occurred in five years. Eight inches of snow
fell at Minneapolis and much more in the
northern portion of the state. The high winds
that prevailed led to immense drifts and the
tie-up of communication of every kind was
almost complete throughout the state.
Duluth and other northern cities were liter-
ally snowed under. The temperature, how-
ever, was not very low, being in the vicinity
of zero. The heavy sleet that preceded the
snow froze over everything and thus pro-
duced conditions that were very bad for most
all wild creatures. The month of February
closed with several very cold days, 11 degrees
below at Minneapolis, 12 below at Duluth
and 18 below at Moorhead.

From this time on through March and the
first half of April there have been no specially
low temperatures but the weather has been
almost uniformly cold and ‘raw,’ with
rather frequent rains and sleet and now and
then ‘skits’ of snow. Twice only, on April 3
and April 8, has the temperature reached 60
degrees. The ice went out of the Minnesota
River on March 21 and on the 26th began
coming over the Falls of St. Anthony at
Minneapolis from the upper Mississippi,
continuing to pass for many days on a stead-
ily rising flood due to the melting of the vast
deposit of snow in the country from which
the river comes. An additional heavy fall of

157

snow occurred in this northern country on
March 27 and 28, amounting to 6 inches in
the Red River Valley and nearly twice that
amount in the Lake Superior region. On the
night of April ro, after the early spring move-
ment was well under way, there was a fall of
about one-fourth inch of snow at Minne-
apolis, accompanied by a fierce wind that
reached almost the proportions of a blizzard.
Horned Larks had both eggs and young at
this time, and it is a marvel how they brought
them safely through such terrible conditions.

Between April 6 and 12 the ice went out of
the smaller lakes in the vicinity of Minne-
apolis, only a few days later than last year,
but the larger lakes are still almost entirely
covered with black and porous ice at the time
of this writing—April 14. The lakes in the
northern part of the state are still ice-bound.

The latter half of February did not bring
anything new in regard to winter birds.
Evening Grosbeaks, Bohemian Waxwings,
and Redpolis continued to be reported from
all parts of the state, the Grosbeaks in con-
siderable flocks in several places. The Mag-
pie invasion seemed to have ended, no further
reports being received. A flock of about fifty
Snow Buntings was seen some 15 miles north
of Minneapolis on February 18 by Mrs. Roy
Hodson, a rather unusual occurrence of late
years. Mrs. Hodson also reported a flock of
about roo Prairie Chickens wintering in the
same locality. Dr. Leudtke, of Fairmount,
Martin County, near the Iowa line, writes
that Brewer’s Blackbirds wintered in a num-
ber of places in that vicinity, feeding about
pig-pens and doing very well. The Doctor
also reported a Song Sparrow in his yard on
February 24, possibly a bird that had passed
the winter nearby. Bernard Bailey saw many
Horned Larks at Elk River, north of Minne-
apolis, on February 18, after which they
disappeared until early in March. The first
Horned Larks were reported at Minneapolis
on March 4 by Miss Tillish and soon there-
after they became more numerous than for
years past, remaining to breed here. The
first nest was reported on March 24 within
the city limits (Mr. William Butler). It
contained four eggs. Between that date and
April 14 three additional nests are known to
have been discovered, all containing young—

158

April 2 (Miss Morse), April 8, two young just
hatched (Mrs. Cook), and April 14 a nest
with four young about four days old on the
It. Snelling prairie (Roberts). The last nest
passed safely through the blizzard of April
to. In previous articles I have remarked
upon the scarcity of this bird as a breeding
species in this vicinity in recent years but
this spring marks apparently a return of the
bird in fair numbers as all observers report
its continued presence.

Geese and many Ducks entered the south-
ern counties in early March, the former
reaching Roseau near the Canadian Line
April 2 (Fryklund). Omitting mention of
‘strays,’ Robins appeared in the southern
part of the state in the second week in March
—March 13 at Fairmount and Montevideo,
March 14 at Ivanhoe, March 15 at Minne-
apolis—reaching the middle of the state by
the last of the month—March 27 at Detroit
and Fergus Falls—and the northern counties
in early April—April 5 at Roseau, April 6 at
Duluth. The arrival dates for the Bluebird,
Song Sparrow, Meadowlark, Phoebe, Kill-
deer, and Marsh Hawk were very nearly the
same, the Phaebe a few days later than the
others. Herring Gulls from the south ap-
peared in the gorge of the Mississippi below
St. Anthony Falls on March 14. Great Blue
Herons were at their nesting-place on Lake
Minnetonka March 25 while the ice was still
firm in the lake (Commons). The first Ruby-
crowned Kinglets were reported on the Uni-
versity campus March 27 (Miss Sewell).

The following record is for Minneapolis and
vicinity:

April 2. Hermit Thrush (Mrs. Keyes);
Fox Sparrow (Mrs. McIntire); a Saw-whet
Owl, very tame. Buds of the red-berried
elder opening in sheltered places.

April g. A flight of Red-tailed Hawks.
The Saw-whet Owl seen yesterday was today
perched in the same place, eating, piece-meal,
a Song Sparrow.

April 5. First Martin.
in bloom (Huff).

April 6. Rusty Blackbirds migrating in
flocks.

April §. White-throated Sparrow (Mrs.
Keyes). A Grinnell’s Water-Thrush seen by
the writer was many days ahead of any pre-

First soft maples

Bird - Lore

vious record for this species. A pair of Spar-
row Hawks examining a possible nesting-hole
(Commons).

April 9. Skunk cabbage in bloom in Min-
nehaha Glen and some plants almost through
blooming (Huff).

April ro. A flock of fifty White Pelicans
alighted and spent most of the day in a
medium-sized lake within the city limits
(Lake Nokomis), an interesting and unique
occurrence that attracted much attention.
A Red-bellied Sapsucker at St. Paul (Thomp-
son).

April rr, First pasque flowers in bloom.
A flock of twenty-five Bohemian Waxwings
(Mrs. Wicks).

April 12. A Migrant Shrike. Large flocks
of Purple Finches; they are very common this
spring but were almost entirely absent last
spring.

April 14. Double-crested Cormorants;
many Ring-necked Ducks in pairs; Coots in
large numbers; a pair of Sapsuckers. There
is very little evidence of vegetation starting
in the woods.—TuHomas S. RosBerts, Zoo-
logical Museum, University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, Minn.

Kansas City Recion.—A review of local
notes for the past winter shows some unusual
records. Persistent and entirely authentic
reports from five points in this vicinity
establish the fact that three species of shore-
birds braved the rigors of a rather severe
winter to remain here throughout the entire
season. These birds were the Killdeer,
Wilson’s Snipe, and Greater Yellow-legs.
This is unprecedented in the case of the Kill-
deer and Greater Yellow-legs, so far as is
known to local observers. William Andrews
remembers Wilson’s Snipe wintering here in
previous years, and there are older records
extant.

The Mergansers, Doves, and Kingfisher
referred to in the last letter, remained all
winter, and a correspondent a hundred
miles up the Missouri River writes that a
few Mallards, Pintails, and Golden-eye
wintered in his region.

A nest of the Great Horned Owl was found
near Lawrence on February 18 by Mr. Jean
Linsdale. The two eggs were deposited on

The Season

the bare floor of a cavity in an immense
cottonwood tree and were nearly ready to
hatch. This is late for eggs of this species in
this region.

Water-fowl began to move north early this
year. By late February eleven species of
Ducks and the Canada Goose had been
recorded. The heaviest early flights were on
February 19 and 22. On February 23, the
first movement of Sparrows was noted, when
numbers of Song, Swamp, and some Lincoln’s
were seen and heard, followed on the 26th by
the first large flocks of returning Harris’s
and White-throats with a few Fox Sparrows.
At least a thousand Siskins and a few small
flocks of Purple Finches, all silent, were
noted between these two dates. Immediately
after the blizzard of February 28 a dozen
sizable flocks of Ducks were seen on the
Missouri River just above the city, and from
this date until March 5 a general movement
among the early land-birds seemed to be
under way.

Meadowlarks, singing, and fighting, ap-
peared in numbers on their breeding-stands
on March 6. It will be remembered by local
observers that this is nearly three weeks
Jater than these birds came in numbers last
year, which was an abnormally early season.
Robins and Bluebirds took up their breeding-
stands about the same time this year, and
Prairie Horned Larks had been carrying
nesting material for some time. Nine pairs of
these Larks were under observation daily
but no nests were found until the r2th of the
month. Purple Martins arrived in force on
March 15, though scouts had been seen as
early as the 8th.

Owing to a far more backward season than
last year, the first full spring chorus did not
burst forth until March 11. By andon March
17 species too numerous to list were present
and passing through, and singing and mating
birds were making every grove and pasture
ting with wild melody. A typical wave of
thousands of the larger Sparrows came in on
the 18th to add to the already crowded
thickets and weed patches. Harris’s Spar-
rows of course predominated, and it is good
to see this fine species returning in its old-
time abundance.

The horde of Red-winged Blackbirds

159

referred to in the January-February letter
from this point remained in their winter
quarters until some time during the first
week of March. It will be recalled that these
birds were all females, and it is interesting to
record that their place was taken immedi-
ately by returning flocks of males. The
inference is that these wintering females
were of a northern subspecies the males of
which had wintered north of here. A good
series of specimens was taken and it is con-
fidently expected that the form will turn out
to be A. P. fortis.

During the first three weeks of March at
least a dozen nests of the Prairie Horned
Lark were under observation, but owing to a
period of cold and wet weather, results were
far from satisfactory. However, records con-
tinue to slowly accumulate, indicating that
three-egg sets are the rule in this region for
the early laying of this species.

A breeding pair of Killdeers was seen on
March 20 when the usual broken-wing tactics
were used to lure the observer away from the
eggs. Another wave of returning Sparrows
of several species was observed on March 25,
and on the 28th a flock of nine migrating
Prairie Horned Larks was noted coincident
with the finding of a nest of this species con-
taining three slightly incubated eggs. On
the 29th Chipping Sparrows were seen car-
rying nesting material, and on the 31st the
height of the Flicker flight was on, noticeable
this year owing to unusual numbers of these
flashy and noisy birds.

A hard freeze on the night of the last day
of March doubtless endangered the eggs of
some of the early nesters, though the danger
was not to compare to the Easter blizzards
of the past two years.

The arrival of several species was noted on
April 2, including Ruby-crowned Kinglets
(weakly singing), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Least Flycatcher, a single Chimney Swift
(early), and a single, silent Brown Thrasher.
A barn Owl, extremely rare in this neighbor-
hood, was flushed from a pine tree in Forest
Hill Cemetery on April 9. Juncos are still
(April 13th) present in abundance over the
entire region. This is late even for stragglers
and may be accounted for by the recent two
weeks of wet weather, though other small

160

species do not seem to have been incon-
venienced by it—Harry Harris, Kansas
City, Mo.

DENVER Recion.—Midwinter has _here-
tofore seemed the least interesting, in an
avian way, of all our seasons. The winter
with us gives possibilities of noting many
interesting species because of the proximity
of the Rockies. This is true even of late
winter, notwithstanding that it is a transition
period. The past season (and in fact all the
winter) in and about Denver has seemed
exceptionally quiet so far as birds are
concerned.

On January 18 we had zero weather, yet
Robins were noted in the city, and on the
zoth (zero weather again) a Batchelder’s
Woodpecker was seen very busily cleaning
the tree trunks in my neighboring park. On
the South Fork of the South Platte River,
near Cheesman Dam, hundreds of Robins
remain all winter, attracted, doubtless, by
an abundance of food in the timber and shrub
growth. It is possible that a few of these
birds may wander, any time that it is ex-
tremely cold, into Denver (air line only about
30 miles).

On February 22, a Sharp-shinned Hawk was
seen on the campus of the University of
Colorado (Boulder). This Hawk frequently
haunts our parks and small towns all winter;
it doubtless takes heavy toll of the English
Sparrow in such areas, but since its dis-
crimination is probably guided only by the
taste of flesh, it most likely also destroys
many House Finches.

It is common to see two subspecies of
Chickadees here all winter, the Long-tailed
and the Mountain. During the season now
passing, only the Mountain form has been
observed; many have visited my home
neighborhood every day. This interesting
little bird frequently becomes so soiled by
the city dust, smoke, and grime that the
white supercilliary line seems black, making
it extremely difficult to determine if the
bird be the one form or the other.

No Bohemian Waxwings have appeared
m the region during the entire winter but,
as said before, they have occurred in large
numbers in and about Grand Junction.

Bird - Lore

Townsend’s Solitaire is a bird of irregular
occurrence in Denver; some remain all winter
yet it is most commonly noted in numbers
during the fall and early spring migrations.
One appeared in the vicinity of my house on
February 9, and, at the time, I hoped it
portended an early spring, a wish not entirely
unsatisfied, since several species have arrived
in force somewhat earlier than usual, amongst
which are the Pine Siskin (seen on February
14), Robins almost daily since January 15,
Bluebirds from February 23 on. Meadow-
larks have remained in the region in large
numbers all winter and have invaded the
city suburbs considerably earlier than the
average, one being detected in Cheesman
Park on March 12. On the same day, and in
the same locality, four species and sub-
species of Juncos were seen, to-wit, Slate-
colored, Shufeldt’s Gray-headed and Pink-
sided. Notwithstanding this, however,
Juncos continued relatively scarce as during
the previous winter months.

No opportunity has presented itself for
me to visit a locality wherein Ducks and
other water-birds might be found; that they
are here is very evident, since the Killdeer
has been detected flying over the city and in
the suburbs on several different occasions.

On March 26, the first Say’s Phoebe was
seen, and the Gray-headed Junco: still
lingers in the region, it being the last Junco
to leave the plains. Robins have appeared in
swarms after light snowstorms of March 18,
and April 9, and 12.

The House Finch and the Bluebird both
are busy now building nests while the
resident Robins give us a chorus each
morning at daybreak.—W. H. BERGTOLD,
Denver, Colo.

PortLanp (OrE.) Recion.—The spring
months in the Oregon district have
been exceedingly backward, and, as far as
vegetation and crops are concerned, the
spring season is now nearly a month behind
the average. This has checked very markedly
the bird movement, and the birds have been
slow in arriving and have not been as
abundant in numbers as usual. While we do
not have the great migration waves so
noticeable in the Mississippi Valley and on

The Season

the Atlantic Coast, there is a marked migra-
tion movement in this district. The migrating
birds are much less numerous, both as to
individuals and species, in a given period
than they would be in a similar period in the
East.

The first migrating Western Bluebirds
were noted on February 3, but it was the
toth before any great numbers of them were
present. A few Bluebirds remained in this
district all winter, but it is quite easy to
detect the migration movement by the in-
crease in the number of individuals present.

On February 13, while en route to Red-
mond, Ore., which is about 250 miles east
and south of Portland, immense numbers of
Robins were noted. This country is covered
with junipers, and the only thing I ever
noted comparable to the numbers of Robins
which swarmed out of the juniper trees
where they had been roosting, has been in
some of the big Crow roosts in the Middle
West. The Robins in this particular case
had been roosting alongside the track and it
was barely daylight when the train disturbed
them. They flew up and circled about like a
veritable swarm of bees before scattering
from the roost.

On my return to Portland from the Red-
mond country I saw the first pair of Killdeers
on February 17. The numbers increased
daily until they were quite abundant by the
2oth of the month. In this country the Kill-
deers are much more familiar birds than in
some other sections. I recall my astonish-
ment on the occasion of my first visit to the
Oregon Agricultural College in December,
about three years ago, to see hundreds of
Killdeers running over the campus as I had
been accustomed to seeing Robins in other
places. I have become accustomed to
them now but often think of my feelings
when I observed them at first.

On March 17, Mr. R. C. Steele noted a
great flight of Geese down the Columbia
River. This was the first big flight of the
season, although small flocks and few birds
had been noted in January and throughout
February. Mr. Steele states that most of
the birds in the flock were Canada Geese.

Mr. S. G. Jewett reports that on March 17
he saw three Rough-legged Hawks in Uma-

TOL

tilla County and on the roth a Redpoll and
a Say’s Phcebe at Pendleton. The Redpoll
is rather an unusual record as they have not
appeared in Oregon for the past several
years. This particular bird was a male in
full plumage. On the 21st, Mr. Jewett noted
a Magpie nest containing three fresh eggs,
in the same district.

The first migrating bands of Audubon’s
Warblers appeared at Portland on the
morning of March 20. They have been
common ever since. On the 22d a single
Northern Violet-green Swallow was ob-
served in the suburbs of Portland, and on
the 26th great numbers of them were present.
On March 27, a large flock of Evening Gros-
beaks were present in a tree in front of the
hotel windows at Dallas where I was staying.
These birds were present every morning for
a week while I remained in this place. The
flock numbered between twenty-five and
fifty, varying between the two numbers. On
the same date the first Turkey Buzzard of
this season was noted.

About April 1, the weather became some-
what warmer and the birds appeared more
active and in greater numbers. The Western
Savanna Sparrows were noted on April 1, and
Western Chipping Sparrows and Oregon
Vesper Sparrows on the 3d. All of the ordi-
nary spring birds, such as Bluebirds, Robins,
White-crowned Sparrows, Golden-crowned
Sparrows and others became much more
abundant and more noticeable at this time.
On April 8, the first Rufous Hummer was
noted. It came to a flowering currant bush
in the writer’s yard and has appeared there
daily since. On April 9, a field trip of con-
siderable duration was taken but no new
migrating birds were noted although there
was a great increase in the Golden-crowned
Kinglets in the coniferous forests. Both
Oregon and Chestnut-backed Chickadees
were also common, and California Creepers
and Seattle Wrens were noted to be particu-
larly numerous for this season of the year.
This is particularly true of the California
Creeper. Fully a dozen were noted during the
trip, which is probably as many as the writer
has seen altogether in western Oregon. On
my return to Portland on April 1 I noted
that the abundant Gulls which have been

162

about the harbor all winter had decreased in
numbers very much and only an occasional
one seems to be present where there were
dozens a few days ago.—IrA N. GABRIELSON,
Portland, Ore.

San Francisco Recion.—Spring has ad-
vanced with such lagging steps that Nature
is still wearing the garb of mid-March. The
tender green foliage of hazel, spirea, and live
oak are awaiting the encouragement of warm
sunshine and balmy air before venturing too
boldly forth. The birds, too, seem to be
waiting.

On April 13, among the water-birds on San
Francisco Bay were many Bonaparte’s Gulls.
Ordinarily they busy themselves about the
outlets of the sewers or sun themselves on the
tide-lands near the shore, but on this date
they were following the boats in company
with the other Gulls. Of these the California
Gulls were most numerous, Western Gulls
common, Ringbills scarce, and Glaucous-
wings limited to immatures. Lesser Scaup,
White-winged Scoters and Surf Scoters dotted
the bay, and only two or three Western
Grebes were seen. Shore-birds were con-
spicuous by their absence. Only two, the size
of Willets, were seen although the tide was
favorable for feeding.

In Golden Gate Park, on the same day,
eight downy Mallard ducklings followed their
mother across North Lake, and Ruddy Ducks
were in nuptial plumage. Observation of
marsh-birds was limited to one day—March
18. Conditions were still those of midwinter
with vegetation very backward. Heavy rains
had flooded the country for miles about, so
that it was impossible to discover the rendez-
vous of Avocets and Stilts, if they were
present. Coots, Dowitchers, and Killdeer
were abundant.

Among the land-birds, many of the per-
manent residents are mating and a few have
been found building. On April 6, Bush-Tits
had a nest half finished, while an Anna’s
Hummingbird had a family partly raised.
Unfortunately for the latter, the owner of the
house under whose eaves she had built her
nest found it necessary, in order to do some
painting, to pull down the vine which gave the
nest support. The nest was removed to a

Bird - Lore

nearby bush and protected by a roof of cor-
rugated paper. The mother bird, however,
continued her duties and the young are nearly
ready for flight (April 14). Purple Finches,
Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and Nuttall’s
Sparrows are in full song, the last singing at
all hours of the night. A pair of Lark Spar-
rows was seen on April 2 on the hill above
Fort Baker. On April 13, in Golden Gate
Park, Pacific Yellow-throats and Vigors’
Wrens were evidently mated.

Winter visitants have been more affected
by the unusually low temperatures than have
the permanent residents. Audubon’s War-
blers have been reduced in numbers since
January, while Golden-crowned Sparrows
and Fox Sparrows have deserted their usual
feeding-grounds on north-sloping hills. A
banded White-throated Sparrow, an unusual
bird on this coast, has remained on the feed-
ing-ground since December 8. Intermediate
Sparrows are more numerous now than at
any time during the winter and are passing
through the prenuptial moult. Cedar Wax-
wings are feeding on the berries in the park at
Lake Merritt. Townsend’s Warblers are
abundant in the Claremont Hotel grounds,
on the Berkeley campus, and in other favorite
spots, and are singing freely. Golden-crowned
Kinglets and Varied Thrushes have been
seen on the campus, but they have not been
abundant. The call of a little Western Winter
Wren, which has been a familiar note heard
daily through the winter, was missed early
in March.

Earliest dates reported for spring migrants
are: Lutescent Warbler, March 14 (Snake
Road); Violet-green Swallow, March 18
(Baumberg); House Wren, March 22 (Clare-
mont Canyon); Pileolated Warbler, March
25 (Claremont Canyon); Western Flycatcher,
March 28, and Warbling Vireo, March 30
(Strawberry Canyon).—AMELIA SANBORN
ALLEN, Berkeley, Calif.

Los ANGELES Recron.—Continued wintry
weather, with frequent storms in the moun-
tains and cold winds from the extensive snow-
covered areas, retards the development of
vegetation and, apparently, also the north-
ward movements of birds. According to the
state crop report, issued April 10, the bloom-

The Season 163

ing of the fruit trees is from two to four weeks
late.

While the average monthly temperature
for the season in Los Angeles has been but
one degree below the normal, to the average
citizen it has seemed very cold. To be exact,
I called upon the observer at the meteoro-
logical station this morning for data. The
station on Mount Wilson this morning, April
13, recorded a temperature of 19° Fahr. The
rainfall for the season recorded there to date
has been 59.32 inches, which is three and one-
half times the amount that fell last year. In
Los Angeles the record to date is 19.06 inches,
five one-hundredths of an inch of which fell
yesterday, partly in the form of a snow-flurry
from the severe storm which prevailed in the
mountains. The prevailing low tempera-
tures are serving to hold the snow on the
mountains and while the streams are run-
ning bank-full there has been little flood
damage during the period covered by this
report, the rainfall for March having been
below normal. The winter land-birds are
still here in normal numbers. Band-tailed
Pigeons are reported from many localities in
flocks of considerable size. A resident of the
oak regions in the Santa Ana Mountains
reports a serious depletion of mast on which
he depends for forage for hogs in consequence
of the consumption of acorns by the hundreds
of Pigeons which have invaded the region.
Lewis’s Woodpeckers were noted as recently
as April 12. Mountain Bluebirds and Slender-
billed Nuthatches have not been noted since
the middle of March.

A Northern Flicker was a visitor at the
drinking-fountain in the garden of one of our
Pasadena members March to. To this same
garden, during the last few days, have come
an Orange-crowned Warbler and a Calliope
Hummingbird. The Rufous Hummingbird
was first noted February 13, again on the
24th, and frequently since that date. Feb-
ruary 19, a small flock of Swallows was seen
flying high, unidentified. Violet-green Swal-
lows were recorded February 22. The
Lutescent Warbler was seen February 22 and
24, but did not become common until late
March. March 7, Lawrence’s Goldfinch
appeared. March 15, many swallows in a
mixed flock, mainly the Violet-Green, passed

northward over the San Gabriel River.
March 26, there was a large influx of Tree
Swallows with a few Barn and Rough-
winged. Purple Martins arrived March 17,
and Arizona Hooded Orioles March 15
Kingbirds were first noted March 22, when
Western Vesper Sparrows were seen, and the
flight-song of the Horned Lark and the
Meadowlark noted. Bullock’s Oriole was not
recorded until March 30. April 2, the Black-
headed Grosbeaks were seen in two different
localities, and during the succeeding week
arrived in numbers. The list of Warblers to
date includes only the Lutescent, Pileolated,
Black-throated Gray, and Calaveras; but
few individuals have been seen. Flycatchers
have also been scarce, only an occasional
Western, Traill’s, and one Ash-throated
having been recorded. Warbling and Cassin’s
Vireos have been noted occasionally.

The lure of the desert, with its riot of bloom
following the unwonted abundance of mois-
ture, has drawn some of our group of bird
observers to Palm Springs where the Verdin
was found building, and to the Mohave where
the Desert Black-throated Sparrow oblig-
ingly perched upon the sagebrush while all
his points were observed. In the latter local-
ity the Sage Thrasher was also found.

About the middle of February, large flights
of Wild Geese were noted and Ducks were
very numerous in the sloughs. Canvasback,
Pintail, Shoveller, Scaup, Redhead, Green-
winged, and Cinnamon Teal were noted.
March 12 and 18, Glaucous-winged and
California Gulls were leaving, Horned Grebes
and Egrets were last seen on the latter date
when both were showing signs of nuptial
plumes. On the same date occurred the first
recorded appearance of the Hudsonian Cur-
lew this season, two individuals. One Long-
billed Curlew, one Yellow-legs, and one Black-
necked Stilt were listed.

March 26, about fifty Hudsonian Curlew
and a few Marbled Godwits had joined the
company, together with hordes of small
Sandpipers. March 15, a large flock of
White Pelicans was seen passing north-
ward. On March ro and 26, large flights of
Little Brown Cranes were noted over Pasa-
dena.—FRANcES B. SCHNEIDER, Los Angeles,

Calif.

Book Mews and fiebiews

Tue Brirps or British Guiana. Based on
the Collections of Frederick Vavasour
McConnell. By CHartes Cuups. With a
Preface by Mrs. F. V. McConnell. London.
Bernard Quaritch. 8vo. Vol. I, 1916,
liiit-s28 pages; Vol. II, 1921, lxxviii+
615 pages. Folding map, 20 colored plates,
numerous half-tones and line-cuts.

We are often asked for a textbook on the
birds of tropical America and heretofore
have been unable to refer the inquirer to any
one work which would serve the purposes of
identification as well as give some general
account of habits. With the completion of
Mr. Chubb’s report on the McConnell col-
lection there is at last available a book in
English treating of a large proportion of the
birds of northern South America, with de-
scriptions of every species and plates or line
cuts of many of them.

The edition of this valuable book is
limited to 250 copies, a fact which not only
increases its price (which we think is two
pounds per volume) but, unfortunately, re-
stricts the size of the audience it seems so
well designed to serve.

Mr. McConnell did not live to complete
the work he began so well, and his widow has
not only secured the services of Mr. Chubb in
producing these two fine memorial volumes,
but has defrayed the cost of their publication
and, finally, presented the collection on which
they are based to the British Museum, thus
reaping to the utmost the fruits of Mr.
McConnell’s labors.—F. M. C.

Tue Minps AND MANNERS OF WILD ANIMALS.
By Wituam T. Hornapay. 12mo. 328
pages, numerous half-tones.

Mr. Hornaday’s many years’ service as
director of the New York Zodlogical Park
has given him exceptional opportunities to
become intimately acquainted with many of
the animals under his charge. Unfortunately,
he devotes only one chapter of his book to
birds, and that is based largely on the ob-
others, but the student of
mammals will find here a wealth of intensely
interesting information.

servations of

Convinced of our kinship with the forms
of life below us in the evolutionary scale,
Mr. Hornaday writes with both insight and
sympathy, and his book may be commended
to the materialist on one side and the ultra-
humanitarian on the other as a sane con-
ception of our position in the world of
animals.—F. M. C.

Wrat Brrps Have Done with Me, By
Victor Kurcutn, M. D., a_ Bird-Lover.
Boston. Richard G. Badger. 12mo.
274 pages.

Dr. Kutchin may well sign himself a bird-
lover, for every page of his book expresses the
warmth of his feeling for feathered folk.
Nowhere have we read a more eloquent and
genuine tribute to the part birds may play
in our lives, and we commend this volume to
everyone who wishes to realize the value of
birds to man and to establish intimate per-
sonal relations with them.—F. M. C.

The Ornithological Magazines

Tue Aux.—In the death of Charles B.
Cory, America has lost a man of large caliber
who left an indelible mark on the history of
Ornithology. Throughout early and middle
life he used his considerable independent
means in development and employment of
unusual and varied talents for many fields,
from music and golf to the study of birds.
After the loss of his fortune, some fifteen
years ago, and until his death, he held the
post of Curator of Zoblogy in the Chicago
Museum. “It has been said that ornithology
to him was a game—the greatest and best
game he played. If so, he played it like other
games, to win, and none knew better than he
that winners never quit.” In the April Auk
Osgood’s résumé (with half-tone portrait)
of Cory’s life has much biographical and
historical interest. In this issue also, Preble
sketches the career of Roderick Ross Mac-
Farlane (half-tone portrait). MacFarlane
was an intrepid fur-trader in the service of
the Hudson’s Bay Company, to whom we owe

(164)

Book News

the foundations of our knowledge of the
ornithology of northern Canada.

F. C. R. Jourdain reviews our knowledge
of the nesting of the Barnacle Goose on
precipitous crags in the north, giving details
of observations thereon in Spitzbergen, and
a full-page photograph of its nest with eggs.
A. A. Saunders discusses flight-songs and
mating-songs. A bird’s flight-song may or
may not likewise be its mating-song. E. R.
Kalmbach compares the food of the Starling
in Britain and America. With the recent
increase of this bird to excessive numbers in
Britain, associated with a heavy migration
to the island in fall, its food habits have be-
come injurious, whereas in America it is still
distinctly beneficial to agriculture. Chapin
gives the results of an anatomical study of
the male American Bittern in breeding season,
corroborating Bradford Torrey’s observation
that the pumping note is dependent on ex-
tension of the neck with air, and discussing
the probable mechanics of the process (illus-
trated). Baldwin presents some details of
bird-banding in 1921 (traps, and handling a
bird in banding, illustrated from photo-
graphs). Mention is made of two Blue Jays
at least six years old, a Cardinal at least five,
a White-throated Sparrow of at least six
years, which had made five trips to the north
(from Georgia) and return, since being
banded. A Myrtle Warbler, at least five
years old, has made four trips. A transient
Chipping Sparrow, passing through in March,
is at least five years old. In Ohio, a Chimney
Swift which came down the identical chimney
in June of 1916, 1917, and 1921, must have
been south each intervening winter.

In faunal papers, M. W. Daly gives an
annotated summer list of 90 species from the
southern Catskills, 14 being considered mi-
grants; W. Rowan presents an annotated
list of 106 species, the results of work at
Indian Bay, Manitoba, from June 15 to
August 4, 1920; and G. Wilson, an annotated
list of 178 birds of Bowling Green, Ky.
Oberholser lists various proposed changes in
the ‘A. O. U. Check-list of North American
Birds.’

In ‘General Notes’ faunal items as usual
predominate. From late January through
February, 1922, a remarkable assemblage of

and Reviews 165
Canvasback Ducks, estimated at 10,000
birds, is reported from the Detroit River
(E. S. Wilson). An increase of American
Egrets is noted in Chatham County, Ga.
(W. J. Ericksen). The introduced ‘Hunga-
rian’ Partridge has become established in
Saskatchewan (J. S. Dexter). The Black
Vulture has been largely driven out of
Georgetown, British Guiana, because of its
proved pollution of the water-supply (C. A.
Wood). In describing a Connecticut nesting
of the Henslow’s Sparrow, A. A. Saunders
comments on hearing “‘only the short song.”
The reviewer has been familiar with a colony
of Henslow’s Sparrows on Long Island each
summer since 1912, and never having heard
anything but the short song, has wondered
if there could possibly be confusion between
the notes of this bird and those of the Grass-
hopper Sparrow, the fizckering song of which
is at times more frequent than its conventional
one. The two species sometimes, but not
usually, nest in identical situations.

E. L. Poole records a variety and numbers
of northern breeding shore-birds among
other water-birds seen at islands off Virginia,
June 30 to July 2, 1921, including species,
such as Black-breasted Plover and Knot,
which would probably not have returned
from the north at that date. This is a very
interesting record, to discuss which space is
not here available. Birds heard passing
southeasterly over Iowa at night with a
January storm (E. D. Nauman) sound, to
the reviewer, like Snow Buntings. In bird-
banding William I. Lyon finds that individual
birds of a given species differ markedly in
temperament.—J. T. N.

Book News

The Department of Public Instruction of
the State of Pennsylvania, through its Super-
intendent, Dr. Thos. E. Finegan, has issued
an exceptionally attractive and useful Arbor
and Bird Day Manual. (Address, Harrisburg.)

The contents of the Bulletin of the
Illinois Audubon Society for the spring of
1922, an illustrated pamphlet of 48 pages,
bespeaks the continued activity of this or-
ganization as a society not alone for the
preservation, but for the study of birds (Ad-
dress, 1649, The Otis Building, Chicago).

166 Bird - Lore

BSsird-Lore

A Bi-Monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES
Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Contributing Editor, MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Published by D. APPLETON & CO.

Vol. XXIV Published June 1, 1922 No. 3

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Price in the United States, one dollar and fifty cents a year;
outside the United States, one dollar and seventy-five cents,
postage paid.

Bi rd-Lore's Motto:
A Bird in the Bush Is Worth Two in the Hand

Tue Its, organ of the British Ornitholo-
gists’ Union (founded in 1858) speaks with
the authority of maturity and the force
of a conservatism which has ever character-
ized its editorial policy. Praise, therefore,
from The Ibis is praise indeed, and only
mock modesty would prevent us from ad-
mitting that the following quotation from
the April issue of this magazine has given us
so much pleasure that we cannot resist
sharing the quotation—and we hope the
pleasure—with the readers of Birp-Lore:
“We have nothing quite like Brrp-Lore on
this side of the Atlantic, and it seems a pity
that the British Royal Society for the Pro-
tection of Birds has not been able to attempt
something of the kind. It is certainly the
most attractive of all the popular magazines
dealing with birds.” Comment follows on
various articles and reports which have
appeared in recent numbers of Brrp-Lore,
including the Christmas Censuses, and with
a discrimination which, if possible, increases

our already high estimate of the reviewer's
judgment, he calls special attention to “the
very useful Seasonal Reports from all parts
of the United States which are to be found
in each number.”

Wuite our thoughts for the moment are
on that side of the Atlantic to which the
writer just quoted refers, we take occasion
to speak of a provision of the British law
regulating the importation of plumage which
went into effect April 1, 1922. This measure
permits the importation into England of

feathers from the Ostrich and Eider, and to
this list other species may be added from
time to time. But may we call the attention
of those who are responsible for such addi-
tions, to the evil results which may follow the
enforced concentration of the efforts of
millinery collectors on specified birds? If
the demands of fashion had not singled out
for destruction Egrets, Paradise Birds,
Crowned Pigeons, Least Terns, etc., we
should not have witnessed the whole-
sale destruction of these species which
has threatened them with extermination.
So, the naming of certain species as the
legitimate prey of the milliners may be
equivalent to signing their death warrant
and this, in other respects, admirable law,
may thus defeat the very ends it was de-
signed to serve.

Brrp-Lore frequently receives lists of
birds found nesting on an acre, in a garden,
orchard, or other definitely circumscribed
area, and when space permits we publish the
more interesting of these contributions.
Observations of this kind, but on a some-
what larger scale, are now called for by the
Biological Survey at Washington, which pro-
poses to resume the systematic ‘bird counts’
it began in ro14. It is just as important to
learn the bird population of deserts as of
more favored places, and anyone with time
and experience is eligible for this work with-
out regard to the nature of area available for
examination. Blanks and instructions may
be obtained from the Survey.

Os}ECTION has been made to our outline of
the “requirements” of the ornithologist, pub-
lished in the last issue of Brrp-Lore, on the
ground that they are too “severe.” In our
opinion, however, they are not severe enough,
and a more detailed treatment of the subject
would show how broad a foundation should
be laid by the professional ornithologist.
But one need not be a professional ornitholo-
gist to enjoy the privilege of association
with birds. To paraphrase a saying, one
“may love birds and hate ornithology.”
But the bird-lover may be assured that
his love of birds will increase with his
knowledge of them.

~ag

ce

Che Audubon Societies

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by A. A. ALLEN, Ph.D.

Address all communications relative to the work of this
department to the Editor, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.

THE COURTSHIP OF BIRDS

“All the world loves a lover.” It loves him because at this period of his
life, whatever good there is latent within him, whatever gentleness, comes
to the surface, and his real personality shines forth. Whether that per-
sonality be attractive or not does not concern us, it is at least interesting
if it is real. And so it is with birds, the period of courtship brings out the
personality of the bird and the characteristics of the species as at no other
time. One might easily learn to recognize every bird in his locality at sight,
but he does not really know a single species until he has followed its courtship
and peeped into its home life. Indeed we can understand but little of what
we hear from birds and not much more of what we see until we have followed
with a discerning eye through the period of mating and the rearing of the
young. Their weird calls and their enchanting songs, their elegant plumes
and their varied colors, their amusing antics and, indeed, many of their strange
structures take on a new meaning after we have watched their courtship per-
formances. Weare all familiar with the display of the Peacock and the domestic
Turkey and have watched the vain struttings and excited chippering of the
Sparrow in the street, but the story of the vast majority of our commonest
birds has never been fully written. Some that are conspicuous in their demon-
strations, anyone can observe, but those that are less demonstrative require
most careful observation and a trained understanding. How many bird-
lovers, for example, who are so familiar with the Chickadees and Nuthatches
at their feeding-stations during the winter, have marked the change which
comes over them during March and April, and how many could describe their
courtship performances?

The most conspicuous feature of a bird’s courtship is its song. So much
has been written on bird-song, including an article in this Department for
May-June, 1920, that we will pass over it with a word. The song-period
varies with different species from those, like the Song Sparrow, that commence
with the first warm days of early spring and keep it up far into the molting
season of August and September, to those, like the Veery and Hermit Thrushes,
that seldom waste a song until the females arrive on the nesting-grounds.
And these same birds usually cease singing soon after the eggs hatch, though
they are often heard from again upon the inspiration of a second brood. Some

(167)

168 Bird - Lore

birds, like the Meadowlark, the Yellowthroat, and the Ovenbird, have remark-
able flight-songs which differ from their ordinary songs, and other birds, like
the Black and White Warbler, sing, during the nesting-time, a song radically
different from that used during migration. The interpretation of the different
songs sung by birds is as difficult as it is fascinating and offers a rare field for

ROBIN SINGING

Song is the most conspicuous feature of the courtship of birds

observation to those who have trained their ears to bird music and their minds
to the philosophy of evolution.

The song of a bird is primarily an announcement to the female of the
presence of the male and a challenge to other males of his species to keep out
of the territory which he is guarding. The male birds ordinarily precede the
females on the northward flight, and, arriving on the breeding-grounds,
proceed to select the territory in which the future nest is to be built and

The Audubon Societies 169

over which they exert absolute dominion so far as their species is con-
cerned, unless driven out by a more powerful bird. If any other male of his
species dares to intrude, he is immediately driven away. An amusing incident,
illustrating this, took place in front of one of my windows, where I maintain a
feeding-log, last spring. It seems that a certain male Song Sparrow had
decided to have a nest in an adjoining hedge and had been announcing the
fact by his cheerful song for several days. Whether he already knew about
the feeding-log near the window I do not know, but one unfortunate day he
ventured to it, and when he did so,
discovered his own reflection in the win-
dow. He thought it was another Song
Sparrow trespassing upon his-territory,
and in a fury he dashed into the glass
to drive it away. Nor did the fact that
the window met him as hard as he
met it dampen his ardor in the least.
He kept at his task of driving away
the other bird all that day and all the
next, barely taking time off to eat or

:
5 ?

to announce to the world that he was
still defending the hedge. Indeed, as
the days rolled by and he continued
to fight his reflection, we grew worried
about him and tried every means of
discouraging him to no avail. He had
discovered that another Song Sparrow
claimed every down-stairs window on
that side of the house, and he con-
tinued to fight. There were so many
windows that it gave him little time to
eat or to sing, and the result was he
had to go without a mate from early
in April until the middle of May.
When at last a female settled in his

territory, he grew less pugnacious and :
z SONG SPARROW FIGHTING HIS OWN

ventured to the windows only a few REFLECTION
va -_ _ He had decided to nest nearby and so proceeded to drive
times each day to make sure that his aircallvothes Sone :Spamowe=-even including.

his own reflection

hated rival did not steal a march on him.

With some birds this zeal of the male in the defense of his territory seems
to be quite essential, for the female, which accepts him, seems to be much
more devoted to his territory than she is to him. Should a stronger male
come along and drive away her first lord and master, she accepts the new
suitor with perfect equanimity. I have observed this with Robins, Red-

170 Bird - Lore

winged Blackbirds, and House Wrens. Indeed, in the case of the Wrens,
the victor was already the lord of a household a short distance away, so
that he proceeded to preside over two families that season.

Whether the varied songs of birds have any effect upon the females other
than to point out a nesting territory which will be guarded, is open to question.
Certainly the males of most species have recourse to other methods of hyp-
notizing the females than merely singing to them, and it is some of these
methods that we wish to consider. Before leaving the combats of the males
in defense of their territory, however, we ought to mention the ‘tournaments’
for which some birds, such as the European Ruff, and the Black Cock, as well
as our own Prairie Chicken, are noted. With these birds it is quite customary
for all the male birds of the neighborhood to assemble on a suitable knoll and
engage in sparring matches. The details of what constitutes a victory or just
how the females, which usually gather nearby, are apportioned to the winners
I do not believe have yet been worked out.

Just as important as the singing and fighting in the courtship of many birds
is the display of plumage. Some species have special plumes, wonderfully
fashioned and beautifully colored, which are worn only during the breeding-
season, and which are seen to advantage only during the periods of courtship;
others have large air-sacs which can be distended beneath brilliantly colored
skin; while still others, which can claim but little by way of adornment, dis-
play whatever they have in some curious way.

Of the birds which have special plumes to display, the Peacock is perhaps
the most familiar. The greatly elongated, eyed feathers which are ordinarily
spoken of as the ‘tail’ are in reality the upper tail-coverts, the real tail of ordi-
nary stiff blackish feathers being entirely concealed. It is interesting to watch
a pair of these gorgeous peafowl on a spacious lawn and see with what deftness
the male displays his charms to the female. They may be walking quietly
side by side when one’s attention will be attracted by the rattling of quills as
the male shakes out his feathers and prepares to spread them. A few quick
stiff-legged steps brings him ahead of his consort and then, with a beautiful
sweep of his long ‘tail,’ he wheels in front of her and at the same instant lifts
and spreads the most beautiful fan that nature has ever conceived. It is no
wonder that he is venerated by the inhabitants of his native jungle.

The Peacock belongs to the Pheasant family, the males of all of which are
noted for their brilliant plumage and their curious displays. The display of
the Golden Pheasant, a native of western-central China and conspicuous in
every aviary, is shown in the accompanying photographs. Even when at rest
he is a gorgeous bird with his scarlet breast, his brilliant yellow back bordered
by red, his emerald-green shoulders, his bright orange cape banded with purple,
his silky yellow crest, and his long flowing tail. But when, like the peacock,
he takes a little run ahead of the female, spreads his fan-like cape, apparently
shifting all of his brilliant feathers to her side of his body, and opens his arched

The Audubon Societies 7

GOLDEN PHEASANT
Normal pose. The specialized feathers of the cape and tail are relatively inconspicuous

tail, splashing it with the red of his upper tail-coverts, one wonders how his
somber-colored mate can ever resist. His brilliant yellow eye gleams over the
top of the cape, but it gets no response from her, for she either appears per-
fectly unconcerned or she dodges back without so much as giving him a glance.
The display of the Lady Amherst Pheasant is very similar, but the numerous
other species have each their characteristic courtships which are easily watched
in an aviary or on a game-farm. I was once fortunate enough to watch a wild
Ring-necked Pheasant displaying before its mate. He began by pecking the
ground as if to attract her attention and then followed a little stamping. With
his head still down, the wing toward the female was lowered to the ground
carrying the spotted flank feathers with it. The tail was then spread and the
back feathers shifted, as in the display of the Golden Pheasant, until the picture
which was presented to the female was that of a perfectly gorgeous shield,
almost heart-shaped, the iridescent bars and spots making a beautiful pattern
on an orange and maroon background.

The display of our native Ruffed Grouse is no less interesting though less
brilliant. As illustrated in the photograph, both wings are drooped to the
ground and the fan-like tail is lifted as with the more gorgeous peacock. The
iridescent black ruff feathers which normally lie almost concealed on the side
of the neck are then lifted until they make a perfect circlet into which the
head fits, like an extreme Elizabethan ruff. The cock bird struts beside the
hen until the spirit moves him to enter into the final spasm. He begins then
to shake his head from side to side, uttering short, hissing sounds with each
twist. Finally, with a short, quick run, he gets in front of the female, and,
shaking his head so rapidly that the ruff is but one continuous iridescent blur,
he turns quickly, stiffening his legs and turning his tail laterally so that she

072 Bird - Lore

will get the full benefit of the climax of his effort. At the same time, his short
notes that have kept time with the shaking of his head grow into one loud
prolonged hiss. The accompanying photograph shows a captive bird at about
the middle of the display period. This strutting of the Ruffed Grouse is quite
apart from the drumming which was so well described by H. E. Tuttle
in Birp-Lore for May-June, 1920. The drumming takes the place of song,
and is the announcement to the females and other males that the cock is
ready to defend his territory. The strutting is the display, ordinarily
intended for the benefit of the female, though often indulged in in a half-
hearted manner when no female is present. The tame Grouse in the photo-
graph, however, had no mate and used to display for almost any visitor,
male or female.

Some of the most elaborate displays of nuptial plumes are those of the
Birds-of-Paradise which may frequently be watched at the larger Zoological
Parks. During the past year there has been on exhibit at the New York Zo-
ological Park, a Blue Bird-of-Paradise, which surprised even the most experi-
enced aviculturists by the unusualness of his display. For, instead of hopping
up and down on his perch and erecting his plumes into a beautiful cascade as
was expected of him, he hung upside down from his perch and shook out his
long flank feathers until he formed an exquisite azure lyre with a dark maroon
center.

Lest it be thought that only foreign birds or birds with unusual plumes or
brilliant colors display in an interesting way, mention should be made of the
curious effort of the Cowbird, a plain little black bird with a brown head. So
far as colors go he has nothing to boast of, and when it comes to his abominable
practice of parasitizing smaller birds, the less said here the better. But, for a

GOLDEN PHEASANT
he full display. All the specialized feathers used

The Audubon Societies I

~

plain little bird, he certainly makes a supreme effort at a nuptial display.
Cowbirds are very easily watched because they are often in small flocks and
take delight in sitting in the exposed tops of trees where, early in the season,
they are quite conspicuous. The juxtaposition of another Cowbird, male or
female, starts one off. He points his bill toward the zenith and compresses his
feathers, looking like a broken stick. The next moment, however, the feathers
all over his body stand on end, he spreads his wings and tail, and with a shrill

ay 2 ; ui > Wart

RUFFED GROUSE STRUTTING. (A BIRD RAISED IN CAPTIVITY)

hissing whistle he falls forward with quivering wings as though he had suddenly
been taken with extreme nausea. So far forward does he fall that he often has
difficulty in regaining his balance.

The display of the White-breasted Nuthatch is less often observed but is
no less interesting because, in addition to showing every feather that he owns
to advantage, he has the cute little trick of making a present of food to the
female. This is what happens at my feeding-station every year when the
warm days of early April start the buds to swelling. Together the two Nut-
hatches come to the tree nearby, uttering low conversational notes, the female
almost coy in the way she follows the male and edges away when he comes
too close. Suddenly the male swoops to the food-shelf, seizes a sunflower
seed, and is back to the waiting female with scarcely a pause. With wings
and tail spread and feathers fluffed, he presents the tidbit to her as though it
were a choice bouquet or a box of chocolates. Occasionally he pauses at the

174 Bird - Lore

WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH DISPLAYING
In this_case it was to drive another bird away from the feed

food-shelf long enough to remove the seed coat from the seed so that it will
be ready to eat, but this is by no means a regular part of the ceremony. The
display of the little Chickadee is very similar, though apparently with less
bravado, for his is a different nature.

But the courtship of birds is not complete with song and fighting and dis-
play., There are many birds which supplement their displays with curious
evolutions in the air, with what well might be called dances, and with other
performances that will have to be called ‘antics’ for want of a better word.
The European Skylark and our own Horned Larks mount high in the air, and,
after hovering and singing for a few moments, close the wings and drop like
stones to the earth, catching themselves when only a few feet from the hard
ground, and saving themselves from apparent destruction. The Woodcock,
as dusk falls, mounts, likewise, high in the air and then zigzags back to earth
on set wings producing a winnowing sound by the wind rushing through his
attenuated primaries. The Wilson’s Snipe gathers momentum as he sweeps
high over the marsh and has seemed to me to turn over on his back while on
set wings, producing a somewhat similar sound to that of the Woodcock, sup-
posedly by the air rushing through the spread tail-feathers. The Marsh Hawk
‘loops the loop’ over the spot in the marsh where the female is perching, some-
times making several loops in succession, like gigantic somersaults. The
ecstatic flight-song of the Ovenbird is no less thrilling, though, because it is
given most often in the dead of night, the singer is seldom seen when he leaves
his lowly roost and mounts high over the trees, pouring forth a melody so
different from his ordinary song of ‘teacher-teacher-teacher’ that one would
never guess its composer were it not for the fact that as it falls back to the trees
it finishes with its customary notes.

The Audubon Societies 175

The promenades of the Cayenne Lapwing of South America, the clustering
and waving of wings of the flocks of Jacanas on the tropical marshes, the dances
of the Cranes and the Albatrosses are all examples of courtship performances,
or at least undoubtedly had their origin as such, though they are today often
indulged in at other times. Space will not permit of their description here, and,
after all, they are perhaps less interesting than the actions of our more familiar
birds. Enough has been said to indicate the sort of thing to look for and the
greatest pleasure and the greatest good will come from making an original
discovery of the courtship of some common bird. Make a point of watching
a pair of Flickers and try to describe their interesting courtship. Robins, Song
Sparrows, Grackles, Redwings, Hummingbirds, practically all of our common-
est species, will take on a new interest when one becomes absorbed in trying
to observe their complete display. Young eyes are as good as old ones, and
if their experience in life is less, perhaps the descriptions will be that much
freer from human interpretations.

SUGGESTIONS

1. Name the four principal ways in which the courtship of birds is performed.
2. What is the function of birds’ songs?
3. Name ten birds that are singing when they arrive from the South in the spring.

4. Name five birds that do not often sing while migrating.

5. Name five birds that you have heard give flight-songs. Do these songs differ from
their regular songs?
6. What species of birds have you seen fighting during the courting period?
7. Do birds seem more pugnacious to birds of their own species or to other kinds during
: the nesting season?
8. What birds have you seen pecking at windows? Why do they do it?

9. What birds of your acquaintance have special plumes for display during their court-
ship? Where are the plumes located and how are they used?

10. Where do the ‘aigrettes’ that formerly adorned women’s hats come from? What is
their rightful function?

11. Describe the outstanding feature in the courtship of the following birds: Peacock,
Golden Pheasant, Ring-necked Pheasant, Ruffed Grouse, Prairie Chicken, Cowbird,
Nuthatch, Flicker, Chickadee, Woodcock, Wilson’s Snipe, Marsh Hawk, House
Sparrow.

SUMMER BIRD STUDY

This summer a great many teachers and others will take advantage of their
summer vacation to go to summer school at some one of the colleges or univer-
sities, that offer summer work. Bird-lovers will do well to refer to the issue
of Birp-LorEe for May-June, 1921, where descriptions of various summer
courses for the study of birds given at the different summer schools are listed.
So far as known, the courses this summer will be the same as last, with the
exception that a few other colleges that are not listed will undoubtedly offer
some bird-work. Word has been received from T. L. Hankinson, for example,
that a course on ‘The Birds of Michigan’ will be given at the Michigan State

176 Bird - Lore

Normal College, at Ypsilanti, Mich., from June 20 to August 4. A course on
birds and mammals is being given now, April 3 to June 16.

Before deciding definitely on any particular summer school, one should write
to the secretary of the summer school in question and inquire if any bird-work
will be offered. Even though one is planning to do other work at the summer
school, it is often feasible to take a course in bird-study as well. Many enduring
friendships with persons of kindred tastes are often started in these summer ~
bird-courses.

FROM YOUNG OBSERVERS

BOY SCOUTS AND THE BIRDS

How often we hear our grandfathers say, “In my day I used to see such
and such a bird, but they are all killed off now.” Today, many species of birds
are rapidly disappearing—some to satisfy a man’s craving for sport, and some
to satisfy a boy’s craving for fun. Sport and fun literally murder thousands
of these creatures annually. But why does the human race kill these birds?
Because their practical value to mankind is not realized. God sent these
winged creatures upon earth for some purpose, and that purpose was not to
make them the prey of man. But the prey of man they have become and are
being slaughtered unmercifully. Almost all have become their enemies. But
in the midst of all this there arises an organization that is seeking to protect
these helpless birds against the injustice and oppression of man. That is the
organization which is founded on the belief that its members must do a “good
turn daily.” That is the organization which is going to build the citizens of
tomorrow. This organization realizes that it is its duty as boys of today to
help to save as many as possible of these winged creatures for the boys of to-
morrow. They realize the value of these birds, and realizing this, know it is
their duty to protect them. This organization is the Boy Scouts of America.

One of the main factors all through the history of this organization has been
their fight to preserve the gifts of nature. They have taken especially great
interest in birds. The boys of this organization have put up bird-boxes, food-
tables, etc., in an effort to preserve the birds. Go to a Boy Scout camp and
you will find numerous bird-boxes and food-tables. The Boy Scout studies
the birds, finds out their relationship and value to man, and inevitably seeks
to protect them. The man or boy who kills them is not a Boy Scout. They
know nothing of birds, and this ignorance results in the killing of these creatures.
The Boy Scout seeks to protect birds by helping to enforce the law regarding
them. He does not kill the birds to study them. He studies them by close
observation. A Boy Scout bird student is more often seen than heard. His
weapons are not the gun. They are an opera glass, a pencil and a field note-
book. He is the observer, not the hunter.

The Audubon Societies 177

The Boy Scouts are doing a great deal in preserving our wild bird life and
in so doing are rendering a great service to the world. Though they are only
boys of America, the Boy Scouts are in deed and in truth, citizens of the world.
—CHARLES SCHOTTLAND, Troop 65, Los Angeles, Calif.

THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS

A pair of Red-winged Blackbirds nested last summer in a swampy place
near our garden. When mother and I were in the garden the male would sit
on the raspberry bushes and sing. If we came toward the swamp he would
cry ‘chip, chip. This is the way he warned his mate when danger was near.

At night he roosted in the bushes. One morning we found him dead under
them. He had eaten the poisoned corn that we had put in the garden for the
gophers. We missed his cheery song and we wondered if the little widow would
feed the baby birds.

Awhile after this when we went down to the nest, two baby Blackbirds
were in it. They were big and fat and almost ready to fly. We went down
again and all we found was the nest and one egg. Then we took the egg and
the nest home. It was a pretty thing. It was cup-shaped, made of grass and
was fastened to the rushes. They had blossomed and had made an umbrella
for the little birds. The egg was bluish-white with black spots.

I know 68 birds, over a hundred flowers, and 30 butterflies and many
insects. Last summer mother and I found 22 different kinds of bird nests.—
Lipa Hopson, (age g years), Anoka, Minn.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL

By T. GILBERT PEARSON

Che Mational Association of Audubon Societies

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 108

Of all the forty-three kinds of wild Ducks that have been recorded in
North America, the Teals are the smallest. There are three of these, all
named from peculiarities of their markings. Thus we have the Blue-winged
Teal, Green-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, and, rarely, the European Green-
wing. The Cinnamon Teal is confined almost wholely to the western three-
fifths of the Continent, while the other two range largely throughout Canada,
the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the West India Islands.

In attempting to give an idea of the actual size of these little wild fowl one
might say that the Green-winged Teal, for example, is about 14 inches in
length, and, when its wings are spread to their greatest capacity, the distance
from tip to tip is about 23 inches. As is the case with most wild fowl, the male
is much more brightly colored than his mate. Both are extremely attractive,
however, the softness of their plumage, the alertness of their manner, and
the wildness of their usual surroundings all tending to render the species par-
ticularly fascinating to students desirous of spying upon their movements.

The summer home of the Green-wing is in the northern border states of the
United States and northward through Canada. The nests are made on the
ground in the vicinity of fresh-water ponds, sloughs, or marshes, to which the
young are led for food and shelter almost immediately after hatching. The
site chosen for the nest usually is well screened by a clump of grass or weeds
where the brooding parent becomes, in a measure, invisible from the eye of a
passing enemy. When it becomes necessary to leave the nest for a short
period, the eggs are completely covered by feathers and down that closely
encircle the eggs. This soft covering not only keeps the contents of the nest
warm, but in many cases must prevent discovery. These feathers are picked
from the belly and lower breast of the parent and tucked about the eggs to be
used for the very purpose just mentioned.

The eggs are creamy buff in color and in size are about 1.75 by 1.30 inches.
When hatched, the young are entirely covered with a thick, fluffy down, grayish
and brown in color. The troubles of life begin for the young Teal the moment
they first see the light of day, for Hawks, weasels, skunks, foxes, and many
other enemies are on the lookout for these dainty tidbits, and many perish even
before they reach the shelter of the reeds along the margin of the pond to which
the parent quickly conducts them. Even here they must keep in very shallow
water, otherwise turtles, pickerels, and other ferocious creatures may seize and
drag them beneath the water. Even along the shores, snakes are on the lookout

(178)

aie OLE ME EE |

Green-Winged Teal 179

for little baby Teal, and rare indeed must be the family all the members of
which survive to fly away to the South on the approach of autumn.

John James Audubon, the illustrious American naturalist who just one
hundred years ago was in the midst of his most active field-work, thus sets
forth some of his observations regarding the life of this interesting bird:

“The Green-winged Teal is a fresh-water bird, being rarely met with in
marine bays, creeks, or lagoons, where, however, it may sometimes spend a
few days. It is accordingly enabled to feed with its body half immersed, in
the manner of the Mallard and several other species, for which purpose it is
furnished with a comparatively long neck. Its food consists principally of the
seeds of grasses, which are collected either when floating or when still adhering
to their stalks, small acorns, fallen grapes or berries, as well as aquatic insects,
worms, and small snails. I have never found water lizards, leeches, fishes, or
even tadpoles in their gizzards.

“The food of this bird being thus more select than that of most other Ducks,
its flesh is delicious, probably the best of any of its tribe; and I would readily
agree with any epicure in saying, that when it has fed on wild oats at Green
Bay, or on soaked rice in the fields of Georgia and the Carolinas, for a few
weeks after its arrival in those countries, it is much superior to the Canvas-
back in tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. Indeed, the Green-wing is as much
superior to the Canvas-back, as the European Quail is to the Capercailzie, or
Sora of the Delaware to the Scolopaceous Courlan of the Florida everglades.

“On land, the Green-wing moves with more ease and grace than any other
species with which I am acquainted, excepting our beautiful Wood Duck. It
can run at a good rate, without entangling its webbed feet, as many others do;
and in this, too, there is a marked difference between fresh-water and salt-water
Ducks, as one may very readily perceive. On the water, also, it moves with
great ease, at times with considerable rapidity, and when not severely wounded,
is able to dive in a very creditable manner. On wing it has no rivals among
Ducks. Our two smaller Mergansers, however, are swifter, although they
exhibit none of the graceful movements every now and then shown by the
Green-wings, when coursing in the air over and around a pond, a river, or a
large wet savannah. They rise from the water at a single spring, and so
swiftly, too, that none but an expert marksman need attempt to shoot them,
if when starting they are many yards distant. While feeding, they proceed in
a close body along the shores, or wherever the water is so shallow that they
can reach the bottom with ease.

“In savannahs or watery fields intersected by dry ridges, they remove from
one pool to another on foot, unless the distance is considerable; and in effecting
the transit, they run so huddled together, as to enable a gunner to make great
havoc among them. When the cravings of hunger are satisfied, they retire to
some clean part of the shore, or a sand-bar, where they rest in perfect harmony
each individual composing its dress and afterwards, with wings slightly droop-

180 Bird - Lore

ing, placing its breast to the sun. There they remain for an hour or more at a
time, some sound asleep, some dozing, but rarely without a trusty sentinel
watching over their safety. In this manner they spend the winter months in
the Southern and Western Countries. There, indeed, they are far more abun-
dant than in our eastern districts, just because the climate is milder, the human
population more dispersed, and the damp fields, meadows and savannahs more
abundant.”

Audubon’s reference to the habit which the Green-winged Teal often ex-
hibits of flying in compact flocks has long made the bird the joy of the pot-
hunter who may be interested in the number rather than the size of the Ducks
he may secure. When the gunner in his blind sees approaching through the
air a flock of Teal, often ranging from twenty to forty individuals, he may well
feel that here is a possibility of securing half a dozen or more by the single
discharge of his weapon. However, when the birds approach within range, and
the fowler rises to shoot, if for a moment his head is exposed above the blind,
instantly the flock scatters and he is fortunate if he wings a single bird.

While feeding they often collect in such compact bodies that it is difficult
at a little distance to see the water between them. Some weeks ago the writer
had the opportunity of observing a flock of Teal at frequent intervals during a
period of many days. This was in the semi-arid country of South Texas. For
many miles the only water available was a pond of perhaps eight or nine acres
caused by the overflow from an artesian well. Upon approaching the pond it
was not difficult, by a little search with field-glasses, to locate the Teal. Gen-
erally they were feeding in shallow water close along the shore. One day, —
taking advantage of some intervening bushes, I was able to crawl within 100
feet of eleven Teal that were thus engaged. In gathering their food the birds
would tip up with their tails pointing upward and with but a small portion of
their bodies exposed to view. It occurred to me that in the event of danger
these birds, whose heads were under water, might not be aware of their peril
in time to escape. Suppose a Hawk sailing low over the bushes should make
a dash for the flock. What chance would there be for those whose heads were
submerged to learn of their danger in time to escape? Those with heads in the
air would see it coming and could, of course, get away, but what about those
that could not see? I decided to try the experiment, and at a time when seven
of the heads were down and only four pairs of eyes were on the watch, I made
a dash from my cover. With the quickness of thought every bird was on the
wing. I could not tell but what those that were feeding got under way just as
quickly as those that were alert and watching. How was the signal given to
the birds whose heads were down, and how was it physically possible while in
this attitude for them to spring into the air as quickly as the birds that were
sitting on the water? I have no solution to this problem—I only know this is
what happened. f

Many years ago I saw a wounded Green-winged Teal behave in a manner

Green-Winged Teal 181

that greatly interested me. I was too young to carry a gun but trailed along
behind a hunter who graciously allowed me to wade into the marsh or pond to
secure an occasional bird that he shot. A small flock of Green-winged Teal came
along. He fired into it. A handsome male dropped out and fell into a pond
thickly grown with vegetation, which from the bottom came close to the surface
of the water. The moment the Teal struck it disappeared. It was easy to
determine the exact spot so I waded out and looking down into the water saw
it holding to the stem of a submerged plant, its tail pointing upward toward the
surface. Lifting it in my hands, the plant came up, still tightly clasped in
the bird’s beak. I have been told by hunters that they have known wounded
Teal to dive and hold on in this manner until they perished for lack of air.

As already intimated, the Green-winged Teal is an inhabitant of fresh-
water ponds and small lakes. Swift-running streams, so much beloved by
Mergansers, have little attraction for them, nor do we often meet with them
on the open waters of large lakes, except when in an effort to escape persecution
from hunters the birds will sometimes seek open reaches to rest during the
hours of daylight. Here, at such times, they will remain until the friendly
cover of darkness again invites them to return to their feeding-grounds. Some-
times they are seen in coastwise bodies of water, but not often, for the Teal
can in no sense be truthfully considered as salt-water Ducks.

By no stretch of the imagination can the notes of our wild water-fowl be
considered musical, and the Teal is no exception to this general statement.
Eaton states that the male has a ‘mellow whistle,” but frankly admits that
the call of the female is merely the conventional quack of the typical Duck.

The Green-winged Teal is one of the earliest Ducks to arrive, in autumn, on
the southern feeding-grounds, and, on the other hand, is one of the last to
retire north in spring. The flight is rapid and is usually direct in passing
between two given points. This statement, however, will not hold true when
a flock is flying about a marsh for exercise or because it has been disturbed by
gunners. On such occasions the birds will turn and twist in a most bewilder-
ing manner.

This species is very numerous, and although the bird is constantly perse-
cuted by hunters, there is little reason to doubt that with the protection
it is now afforded by state and Federal laws, and by an awakened public
conscience, it will long continue to grace our inland waters.

Che Audubon Societies

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by T. GILBERT PEARSON, President

Address all correspondence, and send all remittances, for dues and contributions, to
the National Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York City.
Telephone, Columbus 7327

T. Grrpert PEARSON, President

THEODORE S.

PALMER, First Vice-President
Freperic A. Lucas, Second Vice-President

WittiAm P. Warton, Secretary
JonaTHAN Dwicut, Treasurer

SaMuEL T. CarTER, JR., Alforney

Any person, club, school or company in sympathy with the objects of this Association may become

a member of it, and all are welcome.

Classes of Membership in the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild

Rirds and Animals:

$5 annually pays for a Sustaining Membership

$100 paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000 constitutes a person a Patron

$5,000 constitutes a person a Founder

$25,000 constitutes a person a Benefactor

Form or BEequest:—I do hereby give and bequeath to the National Association of Audubon
Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals (Incorporated), of the City of New York.

NOTES ON THE EGRET SITUATION

In May, 1921, the writer made a brief
survey of a portion of the Florida Heron and
Egret colonies in which we have for some
time been interested. Those visited, seven-
teen in number, are situated in the counties
of Levy, Alachua, Bradford, Putnam, and
Marion.

Eight years ago a trustworthy agent ad-
vised that Egrets could be found in all of
these, and a few years later the writer veri-
fied this report in a number of instances.
The Association has been employing guards
each spring to protect these breeding-places,
seven men having charge of the seventeen
colonies.

It was a great disappointment to find last
year that Egrets remained in only two of
them and the other species of Herons, viz.,
Louisiana, Little Blue, and Black-crowned
Night Herons, chiefly, had become greatly re-
duced in numbers. Some of these places that
a few years before contained at least a thou-
sand birds of various species, were now found
to be the nesting-home of less than fifty indi-
viduals, and in some cases not half this num-
ber were present. One of the two colonies
that contained Egrets, viz., the rookery
situated at Micanopy in charge of S. Elliott
Bouknight, had only one Snowy Egret, al-

though a few years ago I found a number of
representatives of this species, as well as the
large Egret inhabiting the place.

The only other place where Egrets were
found in numbers was on Bird Island, Orange
Lake, Alachua County. This is a bird reser-
vation, or sanctuary, made so by the Asso-
ciation years ago when we purchased the
Island, and have since carefully guarded it
during the breeding season. It is in charge
of M. N. Gist, of McIntosh, and the $200
paid him annually for looking after the birds
during the three months they inhabit the
Island has for some time past been graciously
provided by one of our loyal members, Mrs.
Charles Douglass. Warden Gist lives and
has his place of business within a mile of the
Island, and from his wharf could readily see
anyone who approached the nesting birds.
Furthermore, he and his employees are con-
tinually on and about the lake, which is very
large and affords a considerable portion of
the feeding territory used by the birds. Be-
cause of this latter fact, the Orange Lake
colony has fared better than any of the other
rookeries in central Florida.

The only other Florida Egret colony that
we guarded in the year 1921 is located in St.
Lucie County. Warden L. Ashburner was

(182)

The Audubon Societies

in charge. In his report of the birds resorting
there last year he estimated that the following
species were present in the numbers given:
Snowy Egrets, 200; Little Blue Herons, 1500;
White Ibises, 1,000; and a few Ward’s Herons.

The birds in the other colonies mentioned
have been shot on their feeding-grounds.
Usually they come together for nesting pur-
poses in some pond in the swamps or thick
woods, from which place they fly to prairies
and lake-shores over regions many miles in
extent. It is here and not in the rookeries
that the birds had been killed. We had not
the means to protect their feeding-grounds
so the birds had to succumb, not simply to
the plume-hunters, but chiefly, it is believed,
to the guns of the thousands of tourists that
now travel by automobile and camp through
Florida in winter.

These birds have a natural enemy in the
form of the Fish Crow. These black nest-
robbers stay about the colonies and the mo-
ment the eggs are left exposed by the depar-
ture of a parent bird they slip in, seize an egg
each, and fly away. I have personally seen
Fish Crows do this on dozens of occasions
and under nearby trees have found scores
of broken egg-shells.

With men killing the birds on the feeding-
grounds, and the Crows stealing their eggs
from the nests, the species cannot survive,
and the Heron family is rapidly approaching
extermination in central Florida.

Following this field-work I proceeded to
Leesburg in Lake County. Securing a small
boat, I crossed Lake Griffin and went down
the Oklawaha River to the St. Johns, a dis-
tance of perhaps 175 miles. Among the upper
reaches of the river four colonies of water-
birds were found, the most numerous species
being the Water Turkey. In one of these, on
Lake Griffin, numerous Florida Cormorants
were nesting. All of them contained Ward’s,
Little Blue, Louisiana, and Black-crowned
Night Herons. In not one of these rookeries
was a white Egret of either species observed,
only one or two large Egrets were seen
during the entire course across the lake
‘and down the river, and not one Snowy
Egret was observed.

In addition to the above, the Association,
last year, guarded three colonies of Herons,

183

including Egrets, in Louisiana, one in South
Carolina, and one in North Carolina. On
Orton Plantation, near Wilmington, N. C.,
there is another colony of Herons containing
both species of Egrets. I have visited this
place frequently at intervals since first dis-
covering it in 1898. This is carefully pro-
tected by Mr. James Sprunt, a member ‘of
the Association.

Another of our members, E. A. McIlhenny,
has a colony ina pond near his house at Avery
Island, La., which he is personally responsible
for having built up to its present large pro-
portions. Snowy Egrets breed here, possibly
to the extent of a thousand pairs, and con-
stitute the largest group of this species in the
United States of which we have knowledge
at the present time.

In May, 1921, I spent some days as the
guest of Andrew Carnegie, 2d, on Cumber-
land Island, Ga. This is the most southern
of the Georgia islands and has been a bird
and game preserve since it came into the
hands of Mr. Carnegie’s father, Thomas M.
Carnegie, about forty years ago. At the time
of my visit numerous Snowy Egrets and
large American Egrets were seen, but owing
to the low water in the pond where they
ordinarily nested, they had that year taken
up their abode farther back in one of the
island swamps which Mr. Carnegie regarded
as inaccessible and which we therefore had
not the opportunity to explore. There is no
doubt however that there are a considerable
number of both species of white Egrets breed-
ing here and as the Carnegies protect the
entire island which includes the feeding
territory of the birds’ the prospects for
the continued welfare of them is indeed
bright.

The Present Season

Last year the outlook for the future of the
white Egrets in eastern United States seemed
discouraging. After twelve years of earnest
effort on our part it looked as though we had
been fighting a losing battle and there ap-
peared to be no chance of ever bringing back
these marvelous birds to anything like their
former numbers. The Association’s tremen-
dous success in guarding Gulls and Terns
along the Atlantic Coast evidently was not

184

to be repeated in the case of the Egrets. How-
ever, this year conditions look somewhat
brighter, although the news from Florida
continues to be discouraging. This state,
once the home of countless thousands of
Egrets and Herons, still continues to be the
worst slaughter-grounds for water-birds in
the United States, and the Florida Legislature
also continues to exhibit a primitive mind on
the subject of wildlife conservation and re-
fuses to establish a State Bird and Game
Commission to enforce its laws regarding
wild-life protection.

Following is a letter from B. J. Pacetti, the
one United States game warden operating in
that state. He and J. M. Jackson, a warden
employed by this Association, recently vis-
ited a large number of places where Herons
and Egrets were supposed to breed in the
eastern part of the peninsula of Florida.
His report shows something of the situation
regarding these colonies and gives interesting
side-lights on the conditions under which one
operates in field-work in connection with
locating breeding-places of these birds.

“I beg to say that I returned last night
from a three-day trip with Audubon Warden
J. M. Jackson to the several Egret rookeries
in Volusia County and one in the edge of
Brevard County, and am compelled to say
that I find a very unusual condition as my
experience goes in these matters.

“We visited seven well-known places
where Egrets have heretofore nested and
raised young, but I find that there is abso-
lutely not a bird in any of them, except the
one known as the Clifton Lake rookery.
Approximately four hundred large Egrets
came in there every evening to roost, but not
a sign of a nest or any preparation to make a
nest, and yet the place is covered with shed-
ded feathers and there was a considerable
number of shedded plumes on the ground
around there.

“On the afternoon of April 16 we got in the
rookery at 5.30. At that time there was not
a bird in sight except several Night Herons,
but about 6 p. mM. they began to come in and
from that time until it was so dark we could
not distinguish what birds they were, they
were still coming in. Even after it was en-
tirely dark we knew by the noise that there
were others coming. The next morning we
left camp before daylight and were in the
rookery just at light and the birds began to
leave. By the time the sun was up there was
not a bird in the rookery. They left as they
came in every direction, which proves to me

Bird -

Lore

conclusively that these birds gather to this
rookery from all over the county or at least
the southern end of it.

“T found the birds gentle, paying but little
attention to us as we sat near the rookery
watching them, which would show they had
not been disturbed, but for some reason they
did not act to me as if they had any idea of
nesting for some time.

“There was no water in the country, only
in the larger lakes, and every little water-hole
in the swamps had several Egrets feeding in it.

“We went to what is known as Island Lake
rookery. It is four miles south of Maytown
and is an island in the middle of a small lake.
It was a sight to see the White Ibis and Little
Blue Herons that were in there, and which
were, I presume, nesting, but we did not go
on the island as I had no boat and could not
find the one that was there as it was hidden
in the swamp where we could not find it.

“We then went to what is known as Buck
Lake in the edge of Brevard County, which
is quite a large lake and has an island in the
center of it. Here I saw a great many birds
of all kinds except Egrets.

“On the morning of the roth we left camp
just at light and went to a point near the
Clifton Lake rookery and saw the birds all
leaving, and continued on to a rookery in
Hell’s Half Acre country and saw but few
birds as it was all dried up. We then went to
Buzzard’s Roost rookery and there found a
large colony of Wood Ibis nesting, as well as
several big Blue Herons. We then crossed at
Cow Creek ford where there is always so
much water that it is almost impossible to_
cross with a car. We did not find enough
water to put in the radiator of my car, in
fact it was dusty dry. From Cow Creek we
went to what is known as the Prideau Lake
rookery and found quite a large colony of big
Blue Herons around there, but nothing else,
and this, like most other places, was dry, all
the water having dried up.

“We crossed Spruce Creek Swamp twice on
foot and did not get wet nor could we find
any place where there was water enough to
drink, and as a rule the water is four feet
deep all over these swamps and every water
hole is alive with moccasin snakes of which IT
am sure we killed fifty.

“All these lakes that I have mentioned
where there are rookeries are way back in
Spruce Creek Swamp and are surrounded by
the most awful jungle of cypress and by
briars of all kinds, and a person going in has
to know the country well and then alm
crawl in to these places.

“Jackson is camped at the Cow Pen Islands
and has a very comfortable place. It is the
only place in the entire section where he
could get water as the cattlemen have a well
that is 180 feet deep and which has very good

The Audubon Societies

water. I saw no signs of anyone having been
in that section for the past two weeks and
don’t think anyone will attempt to molest
the birds while Jackson is in charge of them.

“It is a sight to see the amount of game in
the section that I have just been in, and you
can be in Jackson’s camp and hear Wild Tur-
keys gobbling in every direction. On Tues-
day morning two large wild gobblers came
right by his camp, and I saw several doe deer
and fawns around the saw grass, besides the
country in the swamps is cut up with deer
tracks. There are also many bear and panther
in that section.

“T have gone over the situation of bird pro-
tection thoroughly with Jackson and feel that
he will do everything possible to guard these
birds and get good results. I believe that
the birds that are now going to the Clifton
Lake Rookery will eventually nest there if not
disturbed.

“I have advised Jackson not to have any
set time to come in for supplies as someone
may be on the lookout and might know when
he left his camp and attempt to shoot the
birds when they came in. I haye further ad-
vised him not to leave his camp nor to get
far away at any time if he has any idea there
is likely to be anyone around. I have further
arranged that in the event that he should not
show up within a week or ten days, that his
son, A. L. Jackson, shall go to him and see
what is the trouble.

“I have every confidence in Jackson as a
warden and fully believe he will give entire
satisfaction as he has always done when em-
ployed by the National Association.”

On the Sea Islands

Strung along the coast of the state of
Georgia there are a number of islands exqui-
sitely beautiful and extremely interesting.
Brief mention of one of these was made above,
viz., Cumberland Island. Another one fur-
ther up the coast is Ossabaw owned by
Strachan & Co., of Savannah. On April 12,
1922, as the guest of H. B. Skeele, President
of the Savannah Audubon Society, and ac-
companied by Mr. Dixon, representing the
owners, I visited this 30,000-acre game-pre-
Serve. Here in a pond, estimated to contain
fifteen acres, was a magnificent colony of
Herons containing Little Blues, Great Blues,
and Black-crowned Night Herons. Some
Least Bittern, forty Water Turkeys, and

other water-birds were observed. The colony

also includes a wonderful group of Egrets.
Mr. Dixon and the writer counted about two

185

hundred at one time. This was the beginning
of the nesting-season and many Egrets had
not yet arrived. Furthermore, the observa-
tion was made near the middle of the day
and many of the birds were away feeding.
Probably a thousand Egrets are nesting here
this summer. About three-fourths of them
are of the larger species.

On April 13, we visited St. Catherine’s
Island, the northern end of which lies about
a mile below the southern end of Ossabaw.
This is owned by the Rauer’s Estate. Like
Ossabaw it is protected at all times from the
ravages of gun-fire, except during the winter
months when wild ducks, deer, and an occa-
sional Wild Turkey are taken. Here, on a
pond covering about five acres, were perhaps
one-quarter as many Egrets and other water-
birds as were found in the colony on Ossabaw.
Both of these rookeries are carefully guarded,
and as the owners also protect the feeding-
grounds of the Herons and Egrets, there is a
splendid chance for saving them through the
years.

On April 14, the writer visited McClelland-
ville, S. C., and, in company with L. A.
Beckman, superintendent of the Santee Gun
Club, inspected the Egret rookery in the rice-
reserve pond on this old plantation. The
breeding-season had but recently started and
no young birds were in evidence, but scores
of Egrets were seen sitting on their nests in
Cypress trees as we passed in our boat nearby.
We estimated the number of occupied nests
anywhere from 300 to 500. The birds were
so tame that they often lighted within 50 to
60 feet of us. The Santee Gun Club has pro-
tected this colony for many years and has
also extended protection to the Egrets on
their feeding-grounds. This organization
some months ago decided to abandon the
rookery with a view of economizing, and
H. T. Fleitman, treasurer, so advised this of-
fice, thinking perhaps we might take up the
burden which they had been carrying for
many years. During my visit, arrangements
were made for two men to guard the Egrets
the present season.

Another interesting fact is that E. B.
Whitehead, United States Game Warden,
located at Thomasville, Ga., has recently dis-
covered two very fine colonies of Egrets in

186

the neighborhood of Tallahassee. Fla., and
arrangements were at once made with him to
employ two guards for the Association to take
care of the birds the present year.

R. D. Camp, of Brownsville, Texas, is pro-
tecting our famous Green Island rookery in
Laguna Madre.

The effort to save these exquisitely beau-
tiful white birds in our southland has been a
long, hard fight, but prospects for ultimate
success seem decidedly brighter now than
they did a year ago.

Milliners Against Sale ot Plumage

The following letter has been issued by
Rufus Davis, representing the Millinery
Chamber of Commerce of the United States.
This is a body with whom the Association
coéperated last fall in bringing before Con-
gress the desirability of making it illegal
to sell in this country the feathers of
birds that have been smuggled in violation
of the law.

This Millinery Chamber of Commerce is
composed of a large number of the most repu-
table millinery houses in the country. Many
of these companies fought the Audubon Asso-
ciation for years in our attempt to get laws to
prohibit the sale of feathers, but once the
laws were written on the statute books, the
firms represented in the Millinery Chamber
of Commerce, being directed by honorable
men, felt that they should be upheld.

Bird - Lore

“To the Members of the Millinery
Chamber of Commerce

“Your attention is called to the new Tariff
Act now before Congress, paragraph 1419 of
which reads, in part, as follows:—

“Birds of Paradise, Aigrettes, Egret
Plumes, and the feathers and parts of Wild
Birds, the importation of which is prohibited
by the Act of October 3, 1913, would be
deemed to have been unlawfully imported
after the passage of the above Act wherever
found except when in actual use for personal
adornment or for scientific or educational pur-
poses. The burden of proof to establish law-
ful possession would be upon the holder when
such articles are proceeded against in for-
feiture proceedings.

“Tn other words, the possessor must prove
conclusively to the representatives of the
Government that the identical plumage in
his possession, the importation of which is
prohibited by the Act of October 3, 1913, was
imported prior to the passage of the last-
mentioned Act, and failing to do so to the
satisfaction of the Government, the merchan-
dise will be confiscated.

“Aigrettes. In this connection the Milli-
nery Chamber of Commerce wishes to state
clearly the status of Aigrettes. The importa-
tion of these goods is prohibited by law, and
the purchase and sale are forbidden by the
Federal Migratory Bird Law and also by the
laws of most of the States of the Union, and
therefore the article cannot be legitimately
dealt in in the United States.

Rurus Davis,
Chairman, Plumage Committee
Millinery Chamber of Commerce.’”

ACTIVITIES OF AFFILIATED SOCIETIES

Some time ago the Hamilton (Ontario)
Bird Protection Society, through its local
postmaster, secured permission from the
Dominion Government to use a cancellation
stamp in the post office at Hamilton bearing
the legend ‘‘Protect the Birds and Help the
Crops.”’ On all mail matter, therefore, issued
from the post office at Hamilton during the
month of May this stamp was used. Mr.
Robert H. Merriman, father of R. Owen
Merriman, President of the Society, writes
that this was accomplished by an expendi-
ture of $15 on the part of the Society, this
being the amount required to make the ‘lie.

Our bird friends in Hamilton have been
very active the past year, holding lectures,
bird-walks, and organizing Junior Audubon
Clubs in the schools. Miss Ruby R. Mills,
the secretary, from her position in the Public
Library, comes constantly in contact with
the young people of the city. She is an in-
domitable worker, and has much to do with
the widespread interest in bird-study mani-
fested in the schools. A bird-box contest the
past spring was a noteworthy one. Many
useful boxes were constructed and erected.
The Society is also endeavoring to secure
official action in establishing a bird-reserva-

<a ay ae

The Audubon Societies

tion on an extensive marsh near the city
which at the present time is constantly shot
over.

The Savannah (Ga.) Audubon Society,
under the energetic and resourceful leader-
ship of H. B. Skeele, is rapidly coming for-
ward as one of the most active local Audubon
Societies in the southern states. During the
spring the President of the National Asso-
ciation had the pleasure of visiting Savannah
on two occasions and seeing something of the
splendid work that is being accomplished in
this section of Georgia. Bird-walks have
been attended and renewed stimulus in orni-
thological study has been given an ever-
increasing number of observers studying the
bird-life of the region. The Society has an
article every week in the leading Savannah
paper. Inquiries are constantly received by
the President and other officers, asking how
birds may be better studied or more effec-
tively protected and encouraged to come about
the home. In March, several hundred people
collected in the Savannah theatre to hear an
illustrated address on bird-life.

There are few State Audubon Societies
whose work has been expanded so extensively
the past two years as that of the Indiana
Audubon Society. Prof. M. L. Fisher is
President, and Frank C. Evans of Craw-
fordsville is Secretary. Although a man of
large financial interests and many obligations,
Mr. Evans has devoted a great deal of time
to the expansion of the Audubon work in
Indiana. A bulletin recently published
under his supervision, which gives in-
structions to those desiring to study wild
birds and aid others in doing so, has been
widely distributed throughout the state. The
National Association’s plan of Junior Audu-
bon Clubs is being handled directly by Mr.

187

Evans and his associates, and the material
supplied the children of the state is being
furnished directly from his office. There is an
unusually close bond of codperation between
the Indiana Audubon Society and the State
Department of Conservation. The two
organizations work in the utmost harmony.

The past season the Illinois Audubon Soci-
ety again gave a course of public lectures
which were largely attended by the people of
Chicago. Mr. O. M. Schantz, President, has
spent much time in lecturing on various
topics connected with conservation work, and
his influence has been felt throughout the
state. Miss Catherine A. Mitchell, the Sec-
retary, has had her hands full attending to
the correspondence and distributing litera-
ture called for by the people of her state and
elsewhere.

The Western Tennessee Audubon Society
has succeeded in establishing a magnificent
bird-reservation near Knoxville, and it is a
great pleasure to announce that this has been
named in honor of Magnolia Woodward who
has been the mother of the Society since the
day of its first organization. It was she who
kept the Society alive some years ago dur-
ing a period of very little activity. The
naming of this important reservation for her
is, therefore, a most fitting and appropriate
tribute.

During the first week in May the Audubon
Society of New Hampshire and the Man-
chester (N. H.) Bird Club had an extensive
exhibit in behalf of bird-conservation at the
Institute of Arts and Sciences, Manchester,
N. H. The exhibit took a wide scope, and
the National Association was very glad to
codperate by sending such materials from the
office as would be of value and interest to
those attending the exhibit.

ROBINS AND MULBERRY TREES

Are the members of the Audubon Society
aware that our good friends, the Robins, Cat-
birds, Flickers, Woodpeckers, and other
berry- and fruit-eating birds are threatened
with extinction, and that our Federal Goy-
ernment is now issuing permits to kill Robins
“when they are committing or are about to

commit serious injury to cherries and other
small fruits’? The holder of such permit is
allowed to shoot Robins “from half an hour
before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
each day from May 16 to July 15, and to hold
the bodies in cold storage until after July 25
for ‘food purposes.’ ”

188

This means that a man with a cherry tree,
a gun, and an appetite for Robin potpie could
kill and eat during their nesting-season all
of the parent Robins within a large radius of
his place and allow their nestlings to die a
lingering death of starvation in their nests on
our trees and window-sills.

From March until June the Robins, with
the assistance of other species working just
as hard, scour the gardens, fields, and forests
clean of destructive insect life and make pos-
sible our small-fruit crops. Yet in June, when
the parent birds attempt to collect for their
nestful of hungry babies their tithe of cherries
and berries, which they had an indispensable
share in raising, they meet with a very dif-
ferent reception from the one to which they
are entitled. The small-fruit raiser who was
glad to welcome them in February and happy
to see them toiling so industriously in March,
April, and May, combating insect plagues,
now regards them as robbers and greets them
with shotguns.

How about the nestlings of the Robins
whose lives are snuffed out in the second
which holds the roar of a shotgun and whose
only crime was that the Creator made it
necessary for them to have some fruit for
themselves and their babies as a change of
diet? Have you ever seen a nestful of young
birds, accustomed to being fed every few
minutes become orphans? The least rustle
of a leaf or movement of a twig causes them
to chirp, stretch their necks, and open their
mouths to the fullest extent in expectation of
being fed. As time passes, they gradually
become weaker and weaker until they are no
longer able to lift their heads. Calling with
sad, weak voices on the parents who never
come, they gradually die a lingering death of
starvation,

We who erect bird-houses, feed the birds
in the winter, take bird-hikes for study and
recreation in the summer, and enjoy their
companionship must not abandon them in
this emergency. We must be aroused to
plant fruit-bearing shrubbery and trees for
our feathered friends. We must not be
slackers!

Bird - Lore

On the passage of the Federal Migratory
Bird Law, a few people interested in our wild-
life, foreseeing the increase in birds, advo-
cated the planting of fruit trees for them, so
they would not become nuisances. For many
years, the Game Commission, sportsmen,
Boy Scouts, and school children of Pennsyl-
vania have been planting mulberry and sweet
cherry trees for the birds and nuts for the
squirrels. They have planted hundreds of
thousands.

Our birds prefer the fruit of the mulberry
to that of the cherry, as it is sweeter and the
glutinous seeds are easily digested, especially
by young birds. Years ago, the wild mul-
berry was plentiful but has been commercial-
ized and destroyed by man. The Russian
mulberry, a small tree costing but a few cents,
is a good substitute. It is a beautiful shade
tree with fine foliage and smooth bark, a
prolific bearer, and will grow almost
anywhere. The fruit ripens about the same
time as early cherries and berries bear-
ing continuously from about the first of June
to the first of September—a mature tree will
feed hundreds of birds. They prefer the mul-
berry to all other fruits, consequently it is of
great protecton to the fruit-raisers. Dr.
Kalbfus, the late Secretary of the Game Com-
mission of Pennsylvania, one morning, in less
than an hour counted twenty-two species of
birds feeding on a mulberry tree.

Fellow members of the Audubon Society,
let us plant bird trees—millions of trees,
dedicating at least half the fruit to the birds.
Let us interest our children in planting bird
trees as well as erecting bird-houses—this is
the foundation of conservation. Let us ask
our various state forestry departments to
raise seedling Russian mulberries in their
many nurseries and send them to our schools
by parcel post. Let us work ina sustained drive
to save the lives of our birds. A tree for a
life! That’s what it means! Then let us plant
trees for our feathered friends, that they may
be saved for future generations.

“Trees that may in summer wear
Nests of Robins in their hair.”’
Joun M. PHILLIPS.

"
*

1. BOAT-TAILED GRACKLI MALI i GREAT-TAILED GRACKLI

MALI
2. BOAT-TAILED GRACKLE, FEMALI 4. GREAT-TAILIE.D GRACKLE, FEMALI

Sird- Lore

A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE
DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

Vol. XXIV JULY— AUGUST. 1922 No. 4

A Bird Sanctuary in a Small Residential Garden

By GEORGE 8S. FOSTER, M.D., Manchester, N. H.

HE writer has long felt that a well-established home with a small adja-

cent garden has something wanting about its environment if it does
not have the things necessary to attract birds.

Song-birds certainly play an important part in the happiness of a home.
Also, if children who have reached the proper age are continually playing
about the garden, they will develop traits of observation if given something
in nature to observe. The writer has children of this age and they are con-
tinually making inquiry about birds and plants, trees, and flowers. Such
inquiries must assist the parents to be better observers and naturally to acquire
the desire to help the children.

Back of our home we have a space some 55 feet square. We have bounded
this area by a hedge of ibota and barberry. Within the space we have set out
apple, plum, pear, and cherry trees for our own use, with the possible exception
of the cherries which we contribute freely to the Robins and Cedar Waxwings.
For small shrubbery we have set out rose bushes, elderberry, red cedar, moun-
tain-ash, fir balsam, blue spruce, plain ash, bittersweet, Virginia creeper,
Dutchman’s pipe, white pine, red pine, and numerous other varieties of low-
growing shrubs. These were planted with the idea of creating an environment
proper for birds in the fall and winter that they might find enjoyment within
the branches and food when they lacked other resources for nourishment.
All of these have flourished and are doing well and seem to fulfil the desires of
various varieties of birds.

About two years ago, after things had begun to grow well, we set about to
plan out a systematic home for the birds with the idea of having them brood
their young within this small area.

Our children were becoming intensely interested, and our own enthusiasm
was augmented by theirs. As a result, plans were drawn and ready-made
houses, baths, feeding-stations, nesting-supply station, and the like were
secured.

We secured the services of a mason and carpenter and things were begun

190 Bird - Lore

to make birds happy. The idea was not without its drawbacks, for the numer-
ous house-cats, the English Sparrows, the small space at hand were all hin-
drances. However, we made progress and, wherever possible, we placed some
sort of an enticement for birds. To eliminate the house-cat my boy used
his air-rifle. The same method proved effective for driving away that pest,
the English Sparrow.

Houses for Wrens, Bluebirds, Chickadees, Flickers, and other birds were
placed under the advice of an ornithologist of some note, in positions where
they would be attractive.

The attractive little circular Wren house was placed on the south side of

GENERAL VIEW OF GARDENS IN REAR OF THE RESIDENCE
In this small plot of land are located the devices for attracting birds, as mentioned in the text; close
scrutiny will reveal some of them

the residence, near the rose-arbor and Virginia creeper, and close at hand, on
the lawn, was placed a bird-bath, which has proven to be a great relief to all
kinds of birds.

On the south side of the house, just outside of the dining-room window,
was placed a wall feeding-station which the birds frequent and enjoy very
much. Just a little to the left of this feeding station, but at a higher elevation,
was placed a Bluebird house. This house has been occupied this season and
a fine brood of youngsters raised. ‘This rearing of a Bluebird family, just
outside of our dining-room window, has been a great source of pleasure and
instruction to my children.

In the rear of the house, facing the east, is situated the garden and some
fruit trees. Here, near a cherry tree, we placed a large protected feeding-
station. This has been frequented by various kinds of birds both summer and
winter. Because of our neighbor’s house-cats it has been necessary to surround
this feeding-station with a wire fence. At each corner of the feeding-station

we have placed a red cedar tree.

A Bird Sanctuary in a Small Residential Garden 191

Among the fruit trees has been put another Bluebird house of the circular
type, placed on an 8-foot galvanized iron pole. This house was visited by
Bluebirds last year and again this season. At the base of the pole we have
planted dwarf red pine and some bittersweet vine.

Just at the south border of the garden has been placed a nesting-supply
station, with very happy results for many birds. This also can be used in
winter for a suet-supply station as well as a grain-feeding station.

The rear of the garden is bounded in part by a trellis which is covered with
bittersweet vine. In among this vine are placed two wall suet-cone feeding-
stations, two Robin shelter nest-shelves and one Wren house. In this Wren

NESTING-SUPPLY STATION AT CLOSE RANGE
A little to the center and behind can be seen the Rockaway bird-bath and Martin-house pole

house a pair of Wrens built this spring but after completing the work they
deserted the nest and built in a Wren house in a birch tree across the street.
Here they successfully reared a brood. These sprightly little songsters have
been a source of great pleasure to us all and as I write I can hear their song
of ‘five notes all in one,’ as Burroughs puts it.

In the far northeast corner of the garden we erected a Purple Martin house
this spring. This house has fifteen apartments and is placed on a pole 30 feet
long. At the base of this pole was built a Rockaway bird-bath 4 feet high and
4 feet across the top. This bath contains three basins of cement varying in
depth from 2 inches to a half inch. This has been a rendezvous for many
birds in which to make their toilet. The Song Sparrows seem to enjoy it most,
and this just at dusk each evening. How happy they seem in their bath, well
protected from cats and shaded by the fruit trees, vines, and the sumac tree
which grows very near!

Just at the south of this bath we placed a swing feeding-station which
serves its purpose very well. All in all, this corner of the garden, bounded by

192 Bird - Lore

the ibota hedge, garnished with the evergreen trees and Styrax japonica, seems
a little bird-city all by itself.

The garage limits a portion of the eastern border’ and here, covered as it
is by bittersweet and trumpet vines, the birds gather to refresh themselves.
On the south wall of the garage was placed a Bluebird house and a Chickadee
house. The Bluebird house has been visited and these houses soften ate
appearance of the garage wall on this side.

A general view of the garden, hardly 50 feet square, is rather pleasing to
one interested in birds. The cherry, plum, pear, and apple trees are there,
not entirely for our own use, but that the birds may enjoy them as well. The
vines, hedges, and flowers of the garden attract the Hummingbirds and Wrens.
At the close of day the Song Sparrow and the Chipping Sparrow enjoy the
rockway bath. This space is for the birds and will remain so while the writer
owns it. It furnishes a pleasant, worth-while recreation.

Regarding the Martin house, it pleases one interested in birds to know that
in this, the first season it has been out, four Martins have quite regularly
made visits. They come early in the morning and remain during the forenoon.
The Bluebirds persist in fighting them away but in time, possibly next year,
we hope that the Martins will return, conquer, and survive. How pleasing
it would be to establish a Martin colony in a city from which they have been
absent for several years!

Here is one little interesting incident in closing. Early this spring, in May,
a pair of the Bluebirds were seeking to nest in one of the houses. A male
English Sparrow took command of the house and the quarrel began. Such
a noise and confusion! The Bluebirds called in cooperative forces and while
the argument was at its height, seated on a wire running from the residence
across the garden to the garage were seen the following birds: a pair of Blue-
birds, a pair of Wrens, a Hummingbird, a pair of Purple Finches, a pair of
Yellow Warblers, and a pair of Chipping and of Song Sparrows. They were
all arrayed in a straight line and with the seeming intent of driving the English
Sparrow away. It goes without stating that the English Sparrow lost out and
the Bluebirds built and reared their brood. Many are the birds seen in this
little garden daily. The Catbird, Blue Jay, Grackle, Flicker, Waxwing, as
well as those enumerated as gathering on the wire, are seen at almost any time.

This account is given merely to encourage others to establish these little
sanctuaries. We cannot do too much for our bird friends, and the recreation
gained by this hobby is a beneficial one. May others take this work up and
thus properly mold a fitting environment so that our feathered friends may
enjoy coming to the city.

Little Stories from Birdcraft Sanctuary

By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

I. A HUMMINGBIRD WAIF

intended as an isle of safety for birds on their travels as well as birds
at home, but almost as soon as it became even locally known came
the constant inquiry—‘‘Have you a bird hospital? Do you care for maimed
birds or nestlings that have lost their parents or otherwise come to grief?”

At first the suggestion seemed so good that we entertained it with enthu-
siasm; later on it appeared that the idea could be overworked to the verge of
folly. Children, eager to help and at the same time gain recognition, would
capture young birds, often in their first, ill-steered flight, that if left alone
would have been perfectly well able to care for themselves, aided by overhead
parental advice, etc.

In due course this misapplied aid was better directed, so that the birds
brought in for care were those fatally injured or those with perhaps a sprained
wing, or some minor trouble that a few days’ peace, in a protected place, where
food and water could be had easily, would allow Nature to make her own cure.

Among the larger birds that came in this way was a Wood Duck, two Great
Blue Herons, a Woodcock, Bittern, and Loon. The first Heron was found
one bitter cold January day in a half-starved condition, the tip of its bill being
injured so badly that it could not obtain food in the normal way. It was
placed in a large box-cage in a light, dry cellar, and fed with small fish, but
though it swallowed them eagerly, it could not digest them and died after a
few days. The Woodcock and Wood Duck had wing troubles, but recovered
and went their way. The second Heron, Bittern and Loon each had fractures
of one of the wing-bones; a two weeks’ rest allowed the knitting of the parts
and they flew away, the Loon living in the interval contentedly on the pond.

Two birds thus harbored gave us in return for the hospitality some intimate
glimpses of themselves that might be called examples of bird friendship,
without elaborating facts, and during the weeks that they were with us, wrote
their own biographies in the records we are keeping—“The Stories of Birdcraft
Sanctuary.” The first of these was a scrap of a Hummingbird, brought to
Birdcraft early in July, staying with us twenty-two days.

At the first glance it seemed more like a black bug than a bird, as it lay in
the warden’s palm, motionless, with no expression in its beady eyes. It had
been picked up on the porch of the finder, who had brought it half a dozen
miles in the hope that some means could be devised of rearing it.

No anxious parent was in sight, there was no visible nest from which it
could have fallen, or any other clue, and it seemed almost impossible that so
frail a thing could have been dropped on the hard boards, in any way, and
still be alive.

()i« to-acre Sanctuary, with its enclosing wire fence, was primarily

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194 Bird - Lore

A scant crop of rough black down was its only cloak, its neck was not strong
enough to hold its head up or keep the needle-like bill from doubling under its
body.

The warden made a nest-like bed of cotton in a small box, then sprinkled
a few drops of sugar and water on his finger, which the bird ate greedily,
following the shaky drops about with its tongue. At best it must have been
several hours without food at a time when such young nestlings of any species
require constant feeding in the daylight hours. In a surprisingly short time
it revived and fed eagerly. At this period food was given every half hour,
always by sprinkling it upon the fingers.

Soon the warden began to vary the food, using diluted honey. This diet
and method of feeding were continued for ten days. By this time the bird
was able to perch on the edge of the box, extend its wings and try to preen
itself. The warden then changed the feeding method and sought to stimulate
the bird’s actions and natural habits by dropping the food into petunias, or
other deep-throated flowers, and letting the Hummer siphon the nectar in
the usual manner.

Then came strenuous days for the warden’s entire family, for the bird
demanded food every fifteen minutes, and if it was not forthcoming would
squeak and dash about until it was supplied, the children taking their turn
as foster parents, until each one realized the labor required of the little parents
to keep even the normal Hummingbird family of two supplied.

It was at about the twelfth day of its visit that the bird took its first bath
in a tablespoon, first alighting on the edge and then splashing vigorously.
After this it flew about at its own pleasure, having a finely developed sense of
direction that kept it from colliding with the many objects of a family kitchen
and living-room combined, and at no time was it confined. After feeding, it
would perch, sometimes on a picture, the clothes-rack, or on the top of the
clock, and more than once it stopped to rest upon the head of the warden’s
wife when she was ironing and moving about, more or less, sometimes becoming
tangled in her hair. Its favorite night roost was the edge of an electric lamp
shade.

Up to this time the bird had been an object of keen interest and study, but
for the remaining ten days of its stay it became a serious responsibility. A
constant watch had to be kept at the opening and closing of the screen doors,
lest it should make a sudden dash and be caught and crushed, for to keep a
bird of this species in any sort of available cage was unthinkable. In spite of
constant feeding and the liberty of the house, the Hummingbird was fast
growing restless and the desire for liberty was uppermost.

On the twenty-second day, after much deliberation and some misgivings,
it was decided that the time had come when the waif must be released, for its
own sake,as well as our own. What would it do on thus suddenly being thrown
upon the world? Would it be lonely and bewildered, presently seeking to

Little Stories from Birdcraft Sanctuary 195

return to house shelter, like some of the Robins and Catbirds that I had
rescued and housed in pre-sanctuary days? Would it quickly exhaust itself
by too rash and constant flight?

It was a little past noon of a half hazy August day when the warden brought
the bird to my garden. The phloxes were ablaze with bloom and their delicate
fragrance was made more evident by the heavy air. Pausing before a stalk
of very large white flowers, the warden opened his partly closed hand, releasing
the bird which had remained there without a struggle, so complete was its
confidence.

My camera was placed to the best advantage for taking a snap of the bird
against the white flowers. The moment came! It paused a moment upon a
finger of the now open hand, and then circled the white spray with the true
spinning-wheel hum of a veteran. My fingers tightened upon the bulb of the
camera, the shutter being set at full speed, when lo, and behold! from above
came a flash of iridescence and a second Hummingbird circled about the phlox!
The waif gave two sharp calls, the other bird responded, and before I could
press the bulb the two had darted away in evident joyous companionship!

Was it only a chance meeting? Or was it a feathered scout of the tribe
sent by Mother Nature to seek and reclaim the lost?

One thing only is certain, the house-reared Hummingbird did not return
to us, but entered into its own kingdom—our best reward. At Birdcraft we
do not seek to humanize birds, or to tame them artificially; we try to look at
their lives from their own angle, not ours. We strive to aid them and then
speed them on to the life for which they were made.

AN ORPHAN HUMMER

In the Nesting-Season

By KATHARINE UPHAM HUNTER, West Claremont, N. H.

T WAS June; the voices of a thousand birds proclaimed it in the old
| pasture, in the encroaching forest, in the broad adjacent fields, and in

the ancient apple orchard. Never had bird music been richer, more
charged with the promise of renewed life and hope. When I awoke, the
pleasant voices of my dreams had melted into the liquid, joyous notes of Purple
Finches, poured from the elms drooping over the stone house, and quickly I
arose to seek the little singers, silhouetted against the mist-encircled mountain
and the shining river at its foot. Why, just at that moment, when earth, sky,
bird music, and the miracle of recurring dawn wrought their spell upon the
listener, should the Brown Thrashers and the Catbirds in the hedge begin
their vocal grotesques?

Then from the pasture came the plaintive, eerie wails of the Upland Plover,
and the minor lay of the Vesper and Field Sparrows, their notes seemingly
much more cheerful now than when, sometimes at night, their sad singing
quavers in the dark. In the field, over the hum of many tiny voices, rose the
clear, sweet whistles of the Meadowlark; with a flash of gold, black, and brown
plumage and pennant white tail-feathers the bird would mount overhead, his
rich jumble of song lasting till he reached the top of an elm. Over in the
orchard the amorous Flicker sent forth his clarion notes, and the Woodpeckers
voiced their emotions in a dull, steady drumming. There, too, the jubilant
Orioles and the tender Bluebirds warbled and arranged their differing nests.
On the edge of the woods the Scarlet Tanagers and the Vireos chirruped, the
Ovenbird shrilled, and the busy little Warblers darted and sang their tiny
praise.

Yet all this joyous prelude of bird music and beauty of plumage was not to
delight our eyes and ears. The real meaning was hidden away in the grass,
the trees, and the bushes. If a mortal found the secret, happy the mortal. If
not, happier still the birds, and in either case, perhaps, small difference in the
scheme of Eternal Nature.

But I ama gossip, of a kind, and I needs must go out and see what my bird
neighbors were doing. The first that I saw was a Bluebird; she was flying
toward a knot of an old apple tree in the orchard, and she had something in
her beak; squeakings tell the secret, and a peep into the knot-hole reveals a
feathery family of five young Bluebirds. Their baby clothes were grey, tinged
with blue. They lisped and stretched their necks, with friendly eyes, and
yellow, gaping throats, but when my face greeted them instead of their mother’s,
they silently withdrew and flattened themselves against the wood of the
tree-hole.

The next discovery was a Meadowlark’s nest in the field above the house.
Five large white eggs, plentifully speckled with dark spots, lay in a grass nest

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In the Nesting-Season 197

with an arch of grasses completely hiding the eggs. In the fork of a young
white pine on the edge of the field, I found a Chipping Sparrow’s cradle; it
was made of dry grass and rootlets and lined with horse-hair. Five small
pastel-blue eggs with purplish brown markings at the larger end, foretold moie
Chippies. But I hurried away, lest even my presence should cause the parent
birds to desert the nest. Some Chipping Sparrows are over-sensitive.

Not far from the little white pine grew a tiny hardhack bush, and from
beneath it, as I approached, flew a small brown bird whose white outer tail-
feathers proclaimed it a Vesper Sparrow. The nest of dry grass, loose yet
firm, and lined with soft horse-hair, rested in a slight hollow scooped in the
earth. Five white eggs, speckled with brown, lay in it.

And so I spent the happy hours, wandering from upland field to wooded
valley, and from valley to the river meadows. Everywhere life was at the
high tide. And the magic of it ‘all came when the sun sank behind the violet
mountain; then in the dusky aisles of pine in the cathedral woods rose the holy
evening hymn of the Hermit Thrushes and from the timbered terraces far
below by the river rang the rich, mysterious song-cycle of the Veery—wheel,
wheel-wheel, ah wheel!—running, crystal water, bush ferns, moss, mystery and
wonder, shot with pain, compressed in the song of one dun bird.

But verily ‘‘in the midst of life we are in death,” for Nature is ruthless, and
the smiling landscape hides many a bitter tragedy. The struggle for survival
brands everything living, and from the frail birds is wrested every year a
heavy toll. Only yesterday, in a mood of high ecstasy, I found two Hermit
Thrushes’ nests. The first nest was in the pasture, cunningly contrived on the
ground at the base of a small white pine seedling; it was fitted to the earth
and built of pine needles with an edging of soft green moss at the brim; it
contained four eggs. The nesting bird slipped away noiselessly over the ground
and then flew up as I approached, but this high priestess of the woods had
revealed her true shrine and very reverently I knelt before it. The second
nest was on the edge of a hemlock fringe of woods, and I saw the downless new
birds in its piney cup. Today the nest was empty, and the helpless blind babies
gone. From a pit I passed this afternoon some ugly skunks leered out at me.
Were the heavenly voiced babies squab for skunks?

The walk had revealed one more tragedy. Two days ago, below the stable,
in an unprotected spot, I had found—a Veery’s nest! From the center of a
low meadowsweet bush two great eyes watched me unflinchingly and let me
approach by cautious degrees till I bent over the bush. Then out quietly flew
a female Veery—quietly, unexcitedly she flew to a nearby basswood and shook
her feathers, leaving me to examine her nursery—the nursery of the most
magic-voiced of all our birds whose strange singing weaves a spell as deep as
any ever cast by witches’ incantation. Plaited of roots and grasses, with one
crow’s feather for luck, was the sprite’s nest, and within it three clumsy, naked
birds. Today but one blind thing remained. Now, when with the sunset rose

198 Bird - Lore

the mysterious, haunting notes of the Veery, I knew that the Hebrew mother
wept again for her slain innocents. “In Ramah was there a voice heard,
lamentation and weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her
children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.”

As the gathering darkness stilled the voices of the Hermit and Veery, I
heard an Upland Plover trail his weird and long-drawn whistle across the sky,
and then there was silence, save for the plaintive call of a distant Whippoorwill
and the occasional hooting of an Owl from the deep woods along the river.

2. BROODING

3. ON GUARD
THREE VIEWS OF THE YELLOW WARBLER
By Albert D. McGrew, Pittsburgh, Pa.

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My Neighbors, the Nighthawks

By S. R. MILLS

With Photographs by the Author

URING the month of June, 1919, I was especially interested in a pair

of Nighthawks which frequented the neighborhood of my home

(Kingston, Ontario, Canada). From the garden I could watch these
birds on their incessant sky-hunt for insects, each selecting its section of the
upper air apart from the other. There was a peculiar fascination in watching
one of them climb so high in little ascending jerks, then to see him ‘side-slip’
and come tearing down in a ‘nose-dive’ until on a level with the housetops,
where he would ‘straighten out’ with a bongk! and whirr upwards to begin
again his fitful, irregular climb towards the heavens.

~ eer a |
Sa

A ROOF-NESTING NIGHTHAWK

One bright morning, while watching this continued aerial performance, I
saw one of the Nighthawks alight on the neighboring housetop, about a hundred
feet from me, and I was greatly impressed with the contrast in appearance
while on the wing, and squatting on the roof railing. In the air he is most
graceful, but out of it he is awkward and ungainly. He had been in repose
but a short time when by chance a Bronzed Grackle alighted on the railing a
few feet from him. The Grackle was plainly startled on finding a living eye
in that mottled mass of feathers, but after a little hesitation he grew bold and,
strutting up to him, stared him in the eye in a most impolite manner. The

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Pt

My Neighbors, the Nighthawks 201

challenge passed seemingly without notice on the part of the Nighthawk and
the Grackle soon flew off. This little scene impressed me with the Nighthawk’s
equable temperament and peaceable nature.

‘Bird Neighbors’ states, ‘““The Nighthawk’s misleading name could not
imply more than the bird is not: it is not nocturnal in its habits, neither is it
a hawk.’ Probably no person familiar with the habits of this bird would
seriously disagree with the foregoing statement, but it goes on to say, ““—except

“FOUND THE FEMALE SITTING ON THE EGGS”

when the moon is full they are not known to go ahunting after sunset.”” The
latter statement will no longer hold good for on June 1, when the new moon
set about 10.30 in the evening, I heard these birds hunting continually until
dawn.

On June 20, when I was beginning to think these birds very considerate
of me, in that they seemed always to dive in the-direction of the garden, I by
chance saw one of them rise from our house and go into the sky quite close
to its mate. The two had hunted together but a moment when the one which
had been in the air for some time dropped quietly to the roof. I immediately
went inside and ascended the ladder which led to the well-hole in the roof,
making as little noise as possible. When I pushed up the cover I heard the
Nighthawk fly to the next house where she regarded me with some uncertainty.
I saw the eggs, as expected, and climbed out on the roof to look for the other
bird. He was very high in the sky, but I had scarcely discerned him when
he dropped in a swoop that brought him within a yard of my head. Then both
flew round and round, not daring to alight, making me feel somewhat of an
intruder. I, therefore, admired their odd coloring and perfect movements for
only a moment before I dropped back into the well and left them undisturbed.

202 Bird - Lore

By the time I had returned to the garden one of the birds had already gone
back to the hunt.

The following day I again went up, this time bringing my camera, and
lifting the well-cover quietly, found the female sitting on the eggs only 3 feet
from me. She remained perfectly motionless and after the first glimpse I did
not again meet her gaze until I had walked to the opposite side of the roof.
I then attempted to approach her, this time looking directly at her, but at
my first step she flew reluctantly to the next house. This time the male did
not concern himself with my intrusion, although he must have seen me, easily,
from his lofty position. Fearing to keep the bird from her eggs too long, I
stayed but a few minutes and did not attempt to take any photographs. On
my third visit, however, I was less cautious, and on approaching the bird she
would spread her wings and make a sound like a spitting cat. Since she gave
no indication this time that she would desert her eggs, I set up my camera
and measured off 22 inches from her beak to the lens. I obtained two very
sharp pictures by using a 3-second bulb exposure and a small stop. Later, I
tried to take some snaps of her with wings spread in defence of her eggs, but
these were not sharp owing to cloudy weather which made it necessary to
use a large stop.

As the hatching of the eggs requires but sixteen days, my discovery must
have been soon after they were laid, for the young birds appeared some two
weeks later. I had been going up every day in order to mark the date of their
hatching, when my usua? visits were prevented by a severe rainstorm which
lasted three days. The storm being over, I once more called upon my bird
friends, and found the female watching forlornly over a single young one, which,
on investigation, proved to be quite dead. I could find no trace of the other
young one, but it is my theory that it died first and that the parents, noting it
to be lifeless in contrast to the one still living, disposed of it, the remaining
young one even after death still attracting the female’s mothering instinct.
Of course, this storm came at the most inopportune time, but it does seem a
pity that these peaceful birds do not build a nest, or at least lay their eggs in
some place less exposed to the elements.

The black chips on the roof, shown in the picture, probably made the roof
especially attractive to the Nighthawks. No other roof in the vicinity has
this feature.

eA >

:
:

TWO SCENES IN THE HOME-LIFE OF A YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO
Photographed by Joseph Pollak

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204 Bird - Lore

The Migration of North American Birds

SECOND SERIES

XIX. BOAT-TAILED GRACKLES
Compiled by Harry C. Oberholser, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey

Of the five or six geographic races of the Boat-tailed Grackle (Megaquiscalus
major) only two occur in the United States. Neither are strictly migratory,
but they wander more or less during the winter season, influenced doubtless
largely by the food-supply.

The Boat-tailed Grackle (Wegaquiscalus major major) is resident and
breeds in the south Atlantic and Gulf States, north to southeastern Virginia,
west to southeastern Texas, and south to southern Florida.

The Great-tailed Grackle (Megaduiscalus major macrourus) is resident and
breeds chiefly in eastern and southern Mexico and in Central America, but
also north to central Texas and southeast to Colombia.

Notes on the Plumage of North American Birds
SIXTY-FOURTH PAPER
By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

(See Frontispiece)

The Boat-tailed Grackle (Megaquiscalus macrourus). The difference
between the sexes is more pronounced in the Boat-tailed than in the Purple
Grackle, the female of the former being a generally brownish bird with small
trace of the glossy plumage of her mate. Furthermore, she has a much shorter
tail. Young birds of both sexes resemble their mother. The post-juvenal
molt is complete. The female acquires a plumage essentially like that of the
adult, but that of the male is much duller than that of the mature bird. There
is no spring molt and the shining fully adult plumage is not donned until the
first post-nuptial, that is, second fall molt, after which there is no further
change in color.

The more northern of our two races of this species, the true Boat-tailed
Grackle (Megaquiscalus major major), differs from the more southern race
(M.m. macrourus) in being smaller witha shorter tail (particularly in the male);
in the male the violet of the crown does not, as a rule, extend behind the
nape, instead of spreading over the foreback, and the female averages paler.

PR Or. es,

~tins

ke

Motes from Sield and Study

Birds Across the Continent

For fifteen years I had been a student of
ornithology in Ohio. My spare time, and
sometimes not so spare, had been delightfully
spent unraveling the complexity of bird-
life, delving through all the volumes of the
science, until I knew most of the birds by
sight and a great many by note.

I had studied birds from Michigan to
Florida, but nowhere did bird-life seem so
varied and appealing as in Ohio. We were
located about midway between the Arctic.
and the Tropical faunal zones, giving us the
benefit of seeing twice a year most of the
myriad inland migratory hosts, in addition
to our resident species.

Notwithstanding the fascination I had for
Ohio birds, the call of the West had long been
whispering of the many beautiful birds of the
setting sun, and I longed to see and know
them. While it was a trial to leave these
most intimate friends behind, the longing to
know new ones in a new land was the more
alluring.

It was my desire to see the change in bird-
life across the continent, and there is no
better way to see this than by motor.

We left Ohio July 7, and arrived in Cali-
‘fornia August 12. This was the time of year
for most of the birds to be rearing their
young, which gave us a fairly adequate idea
of which birds were residents of the locality
in which they were seen. Surprises await the
student on a journey like this, where the
landscape and environment are constantly
changing. My dream was of many new
species all along the road. To my surprise I
saw no new ones until reaching Lyons, half
way across the state of Kansas, when we saw
the Arkansas Kingbird. Most of the bird
books spoke of the Dickcissel being seen as
far west as Illinois, while we saw it as far as
Trinidad, Colo., and it was plentiful most of
the way. A great many Ohio birds were with
us as far as Missouri, then we began missing
them—the Downy and Red-bellied Wood-

pecker, Cardinal, Catbird, etc—and I began
to realize that maybe I was leaving forever
a great many of my feathered friends. The
Red-headed Woodpecker, Flicker, King-
bird, Phoebe, Meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole,
Goldfinch, Towhee, Logger-headed Shrike,
Brown Thrasher, Chickadee, Robin, and
Bluebird were with us more or less, all the
way to Kansas and Colorado, several species
overlapping the western forms. We saw the
Kingbird long after seeing the Arkansas
Kingbird, and the Eastern Meadowlark after
seeing the Western. We saw the Brown
Thrasher frequently as far as northern New
Mexico. The Kingfisher, Killdeer and,
Mourning Dove were the only three species
which remained unchanged to the Pacific
coast.

As stated above, the Arkansas Kingbird
was the first new species seen, then followed
new ones in rapid succession. The Yellow-
headed Blackbird was the next seen beyond
Lyons, Kan., although we should have seen
it sooner. No drawing I have ever seen has
given this bird its natural beauty. The
gorgeous golden orange of the head and neck
in contrast with the glossy black of the body,
makes it one of the most attractive birds I
have ever seen. We saw it no place but
central Kansas. The Desert Horned Lark,
Magpie, Lark Bunting, Mountain Bluebird,
and the Burrowing Owl we saw in Colorado.
In New Mexico we saw the Road Runner,
Black-chinned Sparrow and the House Finch.
In Arizona we saw the White-headed, North-
ern Pileated, and Lewis’ Woodpeckers, Blue-
fronted Jay, Audubon’s and Black-throated
Gray Warblers, Slender-billed, Red-breasted
and Pigmy Nuthatches, Plain Titmouse, and
Western Robin.

Crossing the desert we saw very few birds.
Occasionally we would see the Desert Horned
Lark and a few Scaled Quail. After passing
through the Cajon Pass, over the San
Bernardino Mountains, into Southern Cali-
fornia, we came to more vegetation and more
water and naturally saw more birds. We

(205)

206

had traveled hundreds of miles without
seeing scarcely a living thing, then abruptly
entered a land of palms, flowers, and oranges
with its complement of numerous habitations
of men, animals, and birds.

On first coming to California I was dis-
appointed in the number of birds seen. The
number of species of land-birds was far less
than in Ohio during summer and fall, because
of the scarcity of water. As late fall and
winter time came on, winter visitors appeared
in larger numbers and now we have more
than in Ohio during winter.—H. N. HENDER-
son, Whittier, Calis.

Are Squirrels Bird-Enemies?

As I watched the birds drinking and
bathing at the bird-bath the other day, a
squirrel played in kittenish fashion with the
knotted end of a rope that hung from the

THE RED SQUIRREL TAKES A DRINK AT
THE BIRD-BATH
Craig S. Thoms, Vermillion, S. D.

limb of a tree to the ground. In a few mo-
ments he dropped the rope and zigzagged
intermittently, and with many prankish
poses, over to the bird-bath, where he is seen
in the illustration, The birds had hopped to
the ground or taken a winged jump to the
nearby fence as he appeared, but without
any signs of fear. Not an alarm-note was
uttered,
Is_ this little fellow the

frisking bird-

Bird - Lore

enemy some think him to be? “The more
squirrels the fewer birds,” is a common
remark.

I tried to recall, one by one, the depreda-
tions of squirrels that I positively knew about
during the twenty years that I had been a
lover of birds, and their fewness surprised
me. A few times I had seen Robins driving
a squirrel out of the tree which held their
nest, which seemed to be evidence against
the intruder. Only last summer, before my
very eyes, a red squirrel stole down the
opposite side of a tree and pounced upon a
Mourning Dove as she sat upon her nest.
She fluttered vigorously and got away, but
the rascal ate her eggs. A friend of mine was
sitting under a tree in his yard when some
very young, featherless birds fell to the
ground at his side. Upon investigation a red
squirrel was found in the tree-top throwing
young Oniles out of their nest.

But these instances exhaust my list in an
experience of twenty years in a town where
red squirrels, which are thought to be the
most mischievous of all squirrels, and birds
have been associated in about ideal pro-
portions.

Doubtless the word ‘roguish’ best char-
acterizes the squirrel. In the instances given,
the squirrel did not eat the young Orioles.
He is not much given to flesh-eating; throwing
them out of their nest was doubtless only a
playful prank. The squirrel did not want the
Mourning Dove that he caught. He does
not eat Doves, although eating the eggs
cannot be excused. And when the Robins
drove the squirrel out of their tree, he al-
lowed himself to be driven without protest.
He seemed just to have happened into the
tree without evil intent.

Since this is all the evidence against the
squirrel that I can recall out of twenty years
of rather close observation of bird-life, I
cannot class the squirrel as a bird-enemy, and
could not do so if my evidence were multiplied
tenfold, for birds have a way of recouping
their losses.

I have known a Robin, for example, when
molested by English Sparrows, to build three
nests in about as many weeks. The last one
succeeded, and she reared as many young
Robins as though success had attended her

Notes from Field and Study

first nest. Mourning Doves rear several
broods, some as late as September. It is the
habit of most birds, when one nest is de-
stroyed, straightway to build another. It
would therefore seem to be true that the few
depredations perpetrated by squirrels, and
done doubtless more through sheer prank-
ishness than from evil intent, do not lessen
in any appreciable degree the number of
birds.

It must be recognized, however, that wild
creatures, while usually liking company,
also like room. , Squirrels may become so
numerous in a town as to drive many birds
away, just as English Sparrows or Grackles
may become so numerous as to crowd other
birds out; but a ‘sprinkling’ of squirrels in a
well-shaded town does not decrease either the
number or kinds of birds.—Craic S. THoms,
Vermillion, S. Dak.

An Unexpected Bird-Concentration

On July 17, 1921, four of us, bird-cruising
on Mount Monadnock, N. H.,
cending the mountain along the fire-line,
running between the ‘Red Cross’ trail and
the ‘Pasture’ Trail, when a few yards ahead.
in large red spruces, we saw a number of
small birds feeding on the ground where a
patch of strong sunlight filtered through the
trees. At this spot the forest floor was thickly
sprinkled with freshly fallen spruce-cones
from a tree which, in comparison with its
immediate neighbors, was shedding its cones
somewhat early. Just previous to this we had
seen a small flock of birds fly into the trees
some distance ahead and had heard their calls
which we had remarked sounded like the
notes of the American Crossbill.

At first glance the birds on the ground
appeared to be all adult male Goldfinches,
but with them were at least one adult male
Purple Finch and three or four adult female
or immature White-winged Crossbills, and
the latter could be seen extracting seeds from
the fallen cones. In addition, Mrs. Whittle,
equipped with more powerful glasses than
mine, identified two adult male American
Crossbills with the other birds and could
even see their crossed mandibles. Several
Juncos. all females or immature birds, com-

were as-

207

pleted the list, and they,in common with the
Purple Finch and the Goldfinches were
picking up the spruce seeds which had become
freed from the cones.

Further up the fire-line we ran across other
places where freshly fallen cones abounded
and here were Chipping Sparrows and more
Juncos, and in one place six Purple Finches
were feeding on the ground. The Purple
Finches appeared to constitute an entire
family, an adult male and female and four in
juvenal plumage. As we later descended the
mountain we encountered still more of these
birds so that they were distinctly common
among the spruces at this time.

Of the six species of birds mentioned above,
the Goldfinches and Chipping Sparrows are
not commonly found in this environment.
The former are rarely and the latter are
almost never met with in thick spruce
woods, at least that is my experience, yet
here, on July 17, we found these species
and four other species in very unexpected
numbers.

In regard to the Purple Finches, I have
often wondered what becomes of these birds
which nest so abundantly about the farms
surrounding Monadnock, for they become
exceedingly scarce for a season as soon as
nesting cares are over and the young are able
to feed themselves, that is, in July, and the
explanation may be that it is a common
practice for the parents to lead their young
from the comparatively open farm land to
the forest where the seeds of the spruce are
usually obtainable and thus introduce them
to the vegetable food that will soon form so
important a part of the diet of northern
wintering birds. The Chippies probably
flocked with the Purple Finches and followed
them to the mountain.

Crossbills of both species are celebrated
for their erratic wanderings and eccentric
nesting habits, both as to season of nesting
and as to locality. While both species gener-
ally nest well to the north of Monadnock, the
Red Crossbill sometimes nests considerably
south of the mountain, but inconstantly as
far as any given locality is concerned
William Brewster has described a case of
this species nesting in Marblehead, Mas
(See The Auk, Vol. XXXV, p. 225.)

208 Bird - Lore

There is, accordingly, a possibility that
this species may nest on Monadnock. The
White-winged Crossbill, however, is seldom
reported so far south at this season of the
year and there seems little probability that
this species nested in the vicinity or on the
peak, although on account of the altitude of
the mountain (3,166 feet), a surprise of this
kind might occur, the upper reaches of the

A Window-Sill Aviary

A free lunch-counter for birds was opened
in my west window. ‘The first
patron was a Chipping Sparrow who liked
fresh doughnuts crumbed very fine, served in
a glass saucer. Chippy gobbled them all up,
then flew away to tell all of his friends and
relatives about it. Very soon I had all I

August 1,

PURPLE FINCHES CHIPPING SPARROWS, AND JUNCOS, WHO ENJOYED HEMP SEED
AND DOUGHNUT CRUMBS ON THIS WINDOW-SILL

Sometimes twenty were there at one time.

They drank water, sweetened and plain,

and also liked sand-gravel

mountain possessing nesting conditions, as
regards temperature and the presence of
spruce woods, distinctly similar to the Cana-
dian Life Zone. An example of another
member of the Canadian avifauna pretty
certainly nesting here is found in the occur
rence of a pair of Bay-breasted Warblers
summering more than 1,500 feet below the
WHITTLE,

summit in 1921.—Cnaries L.

Cambridge, Mass.

could do to keep them supplied. Little
Mother Chippies came who were feeding
their second broods and they stuffed their
bills full and carried away breakfasts and
lunches to their nestling babies.
Hummingbirds arrived. They wanted
‘soft’ drinks. Sugar and water ‘straight’ was
most popular. They drank and perched and
drank again and did not even wait to be
served, but, sticking their long tongues out,

Notes from Field and Study

drank out of the bottles. fighting for first
turn.

By and by a Purple Finch flew in. He
would like some hemp seed, if you please.
“No! Nothing else would do.”’ He preferred

FROM AUGUST 1 TO 20, HUMMINGBIRDS
CAME ALL DAY LONG TO THIS THIRD-FLOOR
WINDOW IN A SUMMER HOTEL IN MAINE

Pill-bottles covered with turkey-red and_ filled
with sugar and water enticed them 15 minutes
after they were put out
it cracked, but as that was only to be found
on the hostess’ hand, a very small quantity

was consumed.

The Junco came along now, very shy and
self-conscious. He would not say what he
liked but sampled a little hemp seed and then
a little doughnut crumbs, found them both
good, and said he would come again. Success
was now assured, five dozen doughnuts and
over six pounds of hemp seed being eaten
before the place closed on September 20.—
ELeonorA S. Morcan, Northeast Harbor,
Maine.

Egrets on Long Island

In 1921, there were at least six American
Egrets summering in the marshlands of the
Nissequogue River and of Stony Brook
Harbor, and on the sand-flats of Smithtown
Bay on Long Island Sound. On or about
July 26, I saw one bird, and up to September

209

7, had seen one or a pair several times; but
on that day I came upon six of them feeding
all near together on the river flats. A friend
of mine tells me he has been as close to them
as 50 feet.

The birds were around most of the summer.
Farmers by the shore speak of seeing them,
and I am led to believe they could be seen
near the marshes almost any day. On
September to, while automobiling along the
river, I saw four Egrets, breast-high in the
water, not more than 75 yards away.

Exactly five years ago, Egrets (one or two
individuals) were observed in this vicinity—
to wit, about the inland tidal marshes of
Setauket and Stony Brook. I remember
seeing one bird myself in company with a
Great Blue Heron; and I recall several suc-
cessful pilgrimages made by people to the
marshes, though I find neither in The Auk
nor in Brrp-Lore mention of the 1916
occurrence.

Phenomenal last year was the presence of
so many Egrets. Eaton, in Volume I of his
‘Birds of New York,’ published in 19009, gives
26 records, from 1856 to 1890, of the Egret
in New York State. A note by Mr. John
Treadwell Nichols in The Auk for July, 1914,
records a bird seen by him at Mastic, L. I.,
in August, 1913—a year of another marked
Egret flight. Research, however, has not
brought to my eyes any published records
since then, though—and this is important—
talk with life-long residents of this com-
munity suffices to show that Egrets occur
here not extremely rarely, but merely un-
usually.— JAMES W. LANE, JR., St. James, L.1.

An American Egret in Eastern
Massachusetts

In the latter part of August, 1920, I ob-
served an American Egret in a small pond in
Newbury, Mass. I was within roo feet of it,
and there was no doubt as to its identifica-
tion. Its body was entirely white, slightly
smaller than that of the Great Blue Heron,
its legs black, and its bill yellow. I had ob-
served Great Blue Herons and Bitterns in
the same pond many times. The Egret
rarely moved as it stood in the water. It
remained around the pond about ten days.—
Henry Curtis Aut, Newbury, Mass,

A Bird in the Hand

Is a bird in the bush worth two in the hand?
Before I answer this question let me tell you
of my experience with the Least Sandpiper.

This little bird, about as big in the body
as an English Sparrow, is much like the
Spotted Sandpiper in general outline and
actions, minus the tipping, at least so it
appeared to an average business man bird-
lover. They are to be found nesting along the
St. Lawrence River below Montreal and in

Bird - Lore

with young just hatched is beyond de-
scribing, and the photograph must tell the
story.

The mother (I suspect) was the braver of
the pair. When I placed the downy young
in my palm she fearlessly came to them. The
touch of one parent’s breast on my middle
finger with the other old bird beside her was
so thrilling that I shall not spoil the experi-
ence by attempting to describe it. Now I am
ready to answer my opening question. In
this case, at least, I must claim that a bird

BIRDS IN THE HAND

the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The accompanying
photograph was made on the Magdalen
Island, June 20, 1921, when I had gone as a
representative of the Province of Quebec
Society for Protection of Birds, in company
with Mr. Herbert K. Job.

We were with the Least Sandpiper during
the nesting season and found them sweet,
confiding little birds, soon learning to trust
us near them and even brooding as we stood
right over their nest, a grass-lined hollow in
the swamp.

The courting actions of these little birds
are interesting. They dance on the ground,
face each other, jump into the air, strut about
for hours at a time. The action of the parents

in the hand is worth two or two hundred
times two in the bush.—WaLLace H. Roses,
(P. Q. S. P. B.) Portland, Maine.

A Chimney Swift Invasion

About May 20, 1922, the New York
papers published extended accounts of the
entrance of Chimney ‘Swallows’ into the
home of Mr. Rice of Kingston, N. Y. Their
accounts seemed so circumstantial that at
our request Mr. Julian Burroughs inter-
viewed Mr. Rice and obtained from him the
following statements in regard to this un-
usual occurrence. Evidently one or more
flocks of migrating Swifts selected the chim-

Notes from Field and Study 211

ney of Mr. Rice’s house for a roosting-
place.

For some unknown reason they flew not
only into the chimney but down to the fire-
places connected with it, with disastrous
results to themselves and Mr. Rice’s home.
EDs

Mr. Burroughs writes: “I have been
able to verify the story about the ‘Swallows’
or Swifts. The report of the number killed
was greatly exaggerated, otherwise it was
true enough. I saw Mr. Rice and he took
me in and told me the whole story. They
did not kill any’ of the Swifts at all, but
many died in the soot in the chimney, ten
water-pails full, he said, down in the bottom
of the chimney, smothered in the soot, and in
their efforts to drive them out of the chimney
about a thousand perished. Mr. Rice said:

“Saturday night a big flock of the Swallows
were seen about my chimney, and I was sent
for to come home, and when [I opened the
living-room door the rush of birds knocked
off my glasses. I got to the window, covering
my face with my arms, and got the window
open. About 1,500 went out. Then we
switched off the light, and when we turned it
on again there were Swallows on all the
mouldings and pictures, and these we picked
off and threw out of the window, when they
flew away. Later we found them behind all
pictures and furniture. These we put out.
They had brought the soot out of the chimney
until it had to be shoveled up, and their
wings marked up the ceilings, while their
droppings marred the walls and furniture.
On Monday they were still in the chimney
and when I made a paper fire in the grate
they drove the smoke down with their wings.
I went to the furnace in the cellar and there
were about fifty live ones and fifty dead in
the furnace—also ten water-pails full of dead
ones in the pipes and bottom of chimney.”’

Magpie in Iowa

In November, 1921, I wrote you about the
Magpie in Towa. In accordance with your
desire, I write now to tell you that the Mag-
pies stayed here all winter, going in flocks.
They were very shy, it being almost im-
possible to get near them.

This spring the flocks seemed to disband
and only a pair would be seen at once. For
the past two weeks none have been seen or
heard and I do not believe there are any here
now.—Laura Brapy, Sutherland, Lowa
May 10, 1922.

The Story of a Young Blue Jay

Several years ago I had a young Blue Jay.
Christie, for so I named him, was found early
one morning in June on a farm in the Susque-
hanna valley. He was immature; tail still
short, and plumage not perfect yet. One
wing was injured, so he could not fly. My
boy took food in his fingers and moved it to
and fro before the bird’s mouth, when, presto!
the bill flew open as if by magic, and the food
was put in. We put vaseline on the torn wing
and it soon healed. At first he was kept in a
crate with food and water by him, and he
soon learned to eat and drink. He liked bread
and milk, meat cut up fine, and red rasp-
berries. As the wing healed and he could take
little flights, he was given his liberty in the
big dining-room, having one corner as his
own particular place. Part of the family
grew very fond of him, and others did not
like him. He knew his friends at the long
table and would fly on one’s shoulder or
even on the head of the man who saved
him. The two who did not like him he
never went near.

I have fed Blue Jays for many winters but
never dreamed what affectionate birds they
were until I had Christie. I knew three or
four separate calls very distinct from the
others they have, but Christie taught me
another, or rather a low, sweet song. He
would fly on top of the inside doors and sing
so softly and sweetly when the house was
quiet and only one or two present. The outer
doors were screened so he could not escape.

He delighted in baths and had his bath-tub
by his food. One day some water was spilled
on the painted floor, and down he flew for a
bath; and once he flew into a big pail of water.
Such a frolic, and how the water flew!

I once saved a young Robin and cared for
him, and he showed his appreciation by
opening his gold-lined mouth and biting me
wickedly. But Christie showed only love and

212

trust. After he was fully grown and well, he
escaped one day through the door. He flew up
in a tall locust tree in front of the house. The
farm was simply infested by cats, and a
hungry cat was everywhere present, so I
trembled for Christie. He knew his name as
well as I knew mine, but my call of ‘Christie,
Christie’ from the front porch brought no
response. Liberty was too sweet. All through
a windy, dark night he stayed in the tree
supperless. The next morning when I called,
his appetite was too strong, and he flew
down on the porch. I carried him in rejoicing,
and what a meal he ate! But he was soon
given his freedom and _ disappeared.—
Atmepa A. Cortan, Mount Upton, N.Y.

Starling Nesting in South Carolina

On April 24, I saw a black bird perched on
a wire. As I had a pair of glasses with me, I
was able to identify it as a Starling. A
moment later it dropped to a lawn and
walked along in the most approved Starling
style.

A few days later, while talking with Dr.
L. J. Blake of this city, I mentioned the
event of that morning and he told me that
he had a report of a black bird nesting on a
trolley-pole. On May 7 we were able to get
out to investigate the report and found a
pair of Starlings nesting in an old Wood-
pecker hole.

These are my first personal records of
Starlings in South Carolina. Miss Baugham,
of the Kennedy Library staff, this city, tells
me that during the spring migration of 1918
she saw a black spotted bird with large,
light-colored bill, walking along a fence near
her home. Doubtless this was a Starling.

If any of your readers have records of
Starlings in South Carolina, the writer would
be glad to hear from them.—GABRIEL
Cannon, Spartanburg, S.C.

Home-Life of the Purple Finch

The Purple Finches are nesting in a pine
tree outside my window where it is possible
for me to observe their domestic relations!

The song of the male is very pleasing. It
is full of life. It has strength, clearness,
brilliance, It is not very frequently heard,

Bird - Lore

not nearly so often as the song of the Towhee
or Robin, for example.

The Finch has a simple, but definite and
well-modulated song, or succession of notes,
with considerable variation in what he sings,
and which is all too short in duration. One
listens and feels a regret that too suddenly it
has ceased!

Possibly the absence of frequency tends
to make the song more welcome. One may
suddenly, when and where least expecting it,
hear the Purple Finch begin his combination
of Warbler-like notes, trills and song. Then
it is silent; possibly in a few minutes we will
hear it again in the same spot, but more often
the song is detected from another location—
to the left or to the right or behind you,
fainter or more clearly, showing a change of
base, so to speak.

This pair interests me particularly because
of the apparent devotion of the male to his
partner! He will suddenly appear in the
nesting-tree and sing, possibly, in a tree near
that in which his wife is performing hcr
family duties. Seemingly it isa meal-time
bell, or a call to a feast, for Mrs. Finch will at
once hop off the nest and approach her lord
with fluttering wings and uttering at the same
time a most coaxing series of notes. It re-
minds me, every time I see or hear it, of the
attitude that young birds assume in begging
of the parents the food they seem never to
have had a supply in satisfying quantity!
Then Mr. Finch pushes his beak down the
yawning mouth.

This occurs not once but repeatedly. I
wonder if he is not regurgitating the food he
has fetched with him. I may be wrong in
this, but if it were in one clump or mass, he
could easily place it in her bill at ‘one
sitting-—make one ‘operation’ of this love
scene—but no, he deftly inserts his mouth in
hers. Then he withdraws it, turns his head
one way, and repeats the feeding; then in
another direction repeating the feeding, for
all intents and purposes treating the female
as though she were a fledgling! Is this the
common way of doing things in the domestic
economy of Purple Finches? I never before
have been where they seem to be so numerous
This certainly is Finch country and this
pair is both fearless and friendly.

So Eh AE SE eA Mee Bis

Notes from Field and Study 213

After giving his mate all that he may have
in hand, so to speak, he suddenly will turn
away, hop off to another branch in the tree,
with Mrs. Finch after him in close pursuit and
most insistent for further feedings. But he
still moves away and then will fly from the
tree most peremptorily. Sometimes Lady
Finch pursues him for a distance; at other
times, perhaps thinking of her nest and the
unborn babes she must guard, she desists
from pursuing her master and hops on to the
nest, wiggling her body from side to side as
she brings her wings closer to her side in the
act of hovering—precisely after the manner
of an old sitting motherly ‘Biddy’!—Hrenry
H. Covet, Minnewaska, Ulster Co., N. Y.

eA Junco Wave

Leaving the house at 4 o’clock Monday
morning, April 3, 1922, to catch an early
train, I noticed many small birds sitting on
the ground and in the street, which would
flutter up just from under my feet and alight
a few yards beyond. It being too dark to
discern them sufficiently to identify, I passed
on, wondering at their numbers and at their
being on the ground. On my return at the
end of the week, a number of people spoke
to me of the occurrences of that Monday
morning. The birds were Slate-colored
Juncos, and when people woke up in the
morning, the town was full of the birds, all
sitting stupidly on the ground until nearly
trodden on. Quite a number were picked up,
seemingly inert, but the moment they were
handled, they cried out and viciously at-
tacked the hand of the person who held
them. A local butcher left the transom of his
shop open Sunday night, and in the morning
there were about forty of the birds in the
place. It had drizzled rain all night, and
could it be that the birds were so drenched
and ‘fagged’ out that they could not fly? For,
as the morning cleared and the sun came out,
they soon found their place in the trees.

There has been a dearth of Juncos all
winter in this section of Iowa, and different
ornithological friends of mine from over the
State report the same for their vicinities. Out
of curiosity I wrote to a number of individuals
n the southern part of the United States

who had reported the Juncos in large num-
bers in the Christmas census, and they in-
formed me that there had been an unusually
large number of Juncos in the South the
past winter. I know of no reason for the
scarcity except that during the early part of
the growing season in 1921 we had a period
of drought which might have curtailed the
production of weed seed and thus deprived
them of food.—Cuartes J. SprKER, New
Hampton, Iowa.

Cardinals Nesting in Collins, N. Y.

I wish to report the nesting of the Cardinal
Grosbeak in Collins, Erie County. I have a
nest under observation, the earlier one
having been robbed.

Since May 5, 1913, there have been Car-
dinals on the Cattaraugus Indian Reserva-
tion, but this is the first time I have found
them nesting. he first nest was built May
7, the second begun May 1s, in the woods of
the Gowanda Hospital.

The Alder Flycatcher continues to breed
in this vicinity. Two or three pairs are in
close walking distance, but the only nest I
have found was June 13, 1917.—ANNE E.
Perkins, M.D., Collins, N. Y.

A Two-Story Nest

I sat one day in a grove on a side hill
watching a little Yellow Warbler in great
trouble. Ten feet from me was a bush in
which her dainty felted nest was placed.
She had laid one exquisite white, brown-
spotted egg; but while she had been absent
feeding, and doubtless rejoicing with her
mate over their new home and prospective
family, a black bird many times her size that
had been watching her movements from a
nearby tree, slipped into her nest and de-
posited her own larger and sinister looking
egg—a dusky egg, heavily and irregularly
spotted with dark brown.

The interloper was the detested Cowbird.
These birds are innocent looking enough,
about the size of the common Red-winged
Blackbird, but they build no nests of their
own. They may be seen any summer day
following close behind cattle and horses

214 Bird - Lore

grazing in our pastures and feeding on the
insects which they disturb as they graze.
Thus, even in their feeding, they make the
animals work for them.

When the females lay their eggs they go
to swamps and lay them in the nests of their
cousins, the Red-winged and Yellow-headed
Blackbirds; or to groves or orchards where
they find the dainty nests of the Yellow
Warbler, or the nests of other birds smaller
than themselves.

I have never found their eggs beside other

than spotted eggs. They seem to be too

A TWO-STORY NEST

shrewd to lay them in the nests of birds
larger than themselves, or in nests with un
spotted eggs, like those of the Mourning
Dove, Robin, or Catbird.

They are among the worst enemies of our
birds, for their eggs hatch more quickly than
most other eggs, and their young grow with
extraordinary rapidity, taking most of the
food and literally crowding the rightful
young to the wall of the nest. Sometimes two,
three, or even more of these eggs will be
found in a single nest

rhe strange fact is that only the little
Yellow Warbler seems to understand the
As Isat watching

danger of these enemy eggs.

the little yellow lady in trouble, she kept

bringing billfulls of thistle-down, but would
not even light upon the edge of her nest.
Indeed, she seemed to regard her nest as a
defiled thing because the enemy egg lay
beside her own. She lit upon a branch near
enough to reach over and drop the thistle
down upon the two eggs. The fact was that
she was beginning a new nest, which was to
rise above the first. She was burying her own
egg together with that of the interloper; and
not until she had built a complete new nest
above the first one did she lay her clutch of
dainty eggs and rear her young.—Craic S
Tuoms, Vermillion, S. D.

Resourceful Cliff Swallows

It is often said that the Cliff Swallow is
unable to construct its nest under the cornice
of a building when the wooden surfaces are
painted, and no doubt it is true that examples
of its nests properly adhering to such surfaces
are so infrequent that the rule is in accordance
with the general belief. An example of an
exception to the rule has been noted by me
in Jafirey, N. H., where three pairs of this
species have successfully nested during 1920
and 1921, attaching their nests to smooth,
painted surfaces formed by the base of a
cornice and the finishing board adjoining.
One nest was built in a corner and therefore
had three surfaces of attachment, the others
being detached nests with only two surfaces
of contact. The wood was apparently planed
before painting, so that these latter nests
were built under conditions of maximum
difficulty.

Sometimes, however, the problems of con
structing a nest under such conditions are
solved by a resort to a radical departure in
nesting habits. Such a case was observed by
me at Meriden, N. H., on July 3, 1921. Here,
under the cornice of the gymnasium be-
longing to a private school in the village,
whose finish was painted wood, two telephone
wires incased in tubular insulations entered
the building, passing through a board about
8 inches below the bottom of the cornice.
hese wires were horizontal, were placed at
the same height, and were about 3 inches
apart During 1920, or earlier, a pair of
Robins built a nest on the wires about 4

=,

Notes from Field and Study 215

inches from the woodwork. I am_ not
informed whether or not the pair of Swallows
attempted first to build a nest in the angle
under the cornice, but, be this as it may, the
old Robin’s nest revealed nesting possibilities
hitherto untried by the newcomers, who,
beginning at the rim, simply domed over the
old nest and constructed the usual retort-like
projection having a circular entrance. The
nest was not in contact with the building at
any point, but simply rested on the Robin’s
nest which in turn rested on the wires. At
the time of my visit the old birds were indus-
triously feeding their young, then nearly
full-grown.—Cuartes_ L. WuirtLr, Cam-
bridge, Mass.

A Thrasher’s Bath

Early in May I saw a Brown Thrasher
take a bath in an unusual way; while a very
slow, mist-like rain was falling it flew into
the top of an old, flat-topped lilac bush in a
queer, fluttering way. Then it flew or
jumped up and down on top of the bush, each
time going under, or partly under and among
the leaves, which were dripping wet. After
jumping around in the top of the lilac several
times, the bird flew on to a pear tree limb
nearby, where it preened its feathers as birds
do after bathing —FRANK Atkin, Decatur,
Ills.

Titmouse and Squirrel

On my walk today, a short time after I
entered the woods, I heard a Warbler song
that was new to me, and while looking for it,
JT noticed a Titmouse near the top of the tree
that was quarreling even more vehemently
than usual with something. 1 would have
paid him no attention as they are very com-
mon here, but while searching for the War-
bler I saw that the Tit’s argument was with
a red squirrel’s tail, which was hanging down
from a crotch. He continued fussing a

minute or two, then flew down, perched on
the trunk beside the tail, and gathered him-
self a mouthful of hairs, the squirrel seem-
ingly paying him no attention. At first I
supposed that the squirrel was dead, but
when I started to walk around the tree he
kept himself on the other side of the trunk, as
usual. The Titmouse followed him around,
took a few more hairs, and flew away, only
to return in a very few minutes for more.—
Prewitt Roperts, Conway, Mo.

An Odd Place for a Nest

In a dance hall in Hartland, Wis., there is
an unused chandelier. Through a broken

window-pane a Robin gained entrance and
built her nest in the receptacle of this chan-
delier, and reared a brood in peace and safety.

THE SEASON

Edited by J. T. NICHOLS

XXXII.

Boston REGIoN.—Many years ago it was
written of this part of our New England
spring. ‘Then seems to come a hitch,—
things lag behind, till some fine morning
Spring makes her mind,’ This season the
delay came late in April when on five days
the temperature fell nearly or quite to the
freezing-point and the migration of birds
came to a standstill. But immediately after
the cold snap, the birds began to move north-
ward again, the House Wren, Barn Swallow,
Myrtle Warbler, and White-throated Spar-
row appearing on the first warm days (April
26 and 27). On May 3, following a marked
rise in temperature with a west wind, there
came another flight, comprising Towhees,
Brown Thrashers, Chimney Swifts, and
several resident Warblers, a flight which
brought the migration up to date. In some
cases, as Mr. Nichols aptly says, “the tide of
birds was running ahead of the calendar.”
Another prominent migration-wave, on May
ro and 11, again following warm weather,
brought the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, King-
birds, Ovenbirds, Bobolinks, and other
summer residents, and with them came a few
transient species, e.g., Blackburnian and
Parula Warblers. These were closely fol-
lowed by a host of North-breeding birds—
Olive-backed Thrush (May 13), Tennessee
and Magnolia Warblers (May 14).

During the migration of Warblers in the
latter half of May, the Magnolia was notice-
ably abundant and the Blackburnian rather
more numerously represented than in most
seasons; the Blackpoll, however, a Warbler
which is generally our commonest and most
conspicuous transient in both migrations,
was rare with us here in Lexington. I did
not personally see a single one and am at a
loss to explain how a bird which year after
year over-ran this region—whose unmis-
takable song was heard day after day in the
spring—how this ubiquitous and abundant
Warbler can have so strangely disappeared.

The Yellow-throated and Warbling Vireos,

April 15 to June 15, 1922

the Wood Pewee, and the Yellow Warbler,
four birds which have markedly decreased
locally during the past ten years, are this
season fairly well represented here. The
Wood Pewee is especially welcome and has
returned to many of its former breeding-
stations. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo and the
Indigo Bunting, on the other hand, are
present in small numbers. The rarity of the
Cuckoo is not surprising, for its numbers
fluctuate widely from year to year, but the
Indigo Bunting has for years been a constant
and common breeder and its scarcity is hard
to explain.

There has been good evidence of an increase
in the number of Killdeers visiting the region
this year. Dr. Glover M. Allen tells me that
a pair of these birds has frequented the
vicinity of Soldiers’ Field, Cambridge, during
the late spring and early summer. Mr.
George Nelson heard a bird calling late in
May in Great Meadow, East Lexington, and
four birds have been noted lately, also in
Lexington, two of which have been under
observation for a month. These records are
in accord with the statement by Dr. C. W.
Townsend in his ‘Supplement to the Birds
of Essex County,’ 1920, p. 93. “This species
[Killdeer] has changed in the last seven years
from a very rare and somewhat accidental —
visitor to a summer resident.’”-—Wrnsor M.
Ty er, Lexingion, Mass.

New York Recion.—As noted in the
previous report, warm weather in mid-April
was marked by the arrival of several species
of birds well in advance of their ordinary
dates. A few House Wrens came at this
time, establishing earliest records at several
stations: April ro, Glen Ridge, N. J. (Mrs.
F. M. Talbot); April 14, Islip, Long Island
(Miss E. R. Jenks); April 15, Rhinebeck,
N. Y. (M. S. Crosby); April 18, Montclair,
N. J. (R. H. Howland); April 19, Garden
City, Long Island (J. T. N.). There followed
clear but cool weather with protracted

(216)

The Season

northerly winds and an almost complete
cessation of migration.

In the first days of May, a slender steady
stream of new birds from the South was
setting in, with a small wave of migrants on
May 2, and a more pronounced one on May
7, wherein the first Baltimore Orioles arrived
in most sections and scattering individuals
of several species appeared at a very early or
even record date. A lull of two days was
followed on May to by the only spring wave
of transients of any considerable magnitude.
Warblers were present in abundance for the
first time, the Magnolia Warbler being espe-
cially numerous. The birds in Central Park
from this wave moved out immediately. At
Garden City they remained for two or three
days, and at Rhinebeck, up the Hudson,
transients from the same flight or an accumu-
lation of arrivals were still exceedingly abun-
dant the following Sunday, May 14 (Crosby
and Murphy), whereas but few remained in
the immediate vicinity of New York City.
In the ten days that followed, the Blackpoll
Warbler arrived generally, but a scarcity of
transients and the advanced foliage of the
trees simulated conditions which one usually
finds the last of May at the ‘tag-end’ of land-
bird migration. The spring army of birds
had already passed this latitude into the
North at an exceptionally early date, and on
the whole the migration was one of the
scantest and earliest in the memory of local
bird students. That a number of species were
late, not early in being recorded may, in some
cases, be accounted for by their scarcity.

Among early records are: May 3, Magnolia
Warbler in Central Park (L. Griscom); May
7, Canadian Warbler at Bronx Park (Starck)
and at Englewood (Griscom); Gray-cheeked
Thrush at Englewood (Griscom); May 10,
Olive-sided Flycatcher in Central Park
(Griscom).

The nest of a male Brewster’s Warbler
mated with a female Golden-winged Warbler
was found during the Wyanokie (N. J.) bird
census by T. D. Carter and R. H. Howland,
and the Brewster’s Warbler and three of the
young later photographed and banded. This
interesting find will be reported in detail
elsewhere. A pair of Cerulean Warblers
nested at Poughkeepsie (George Gray and

217

other members of the Dutchess County Or-
nithological Society). A Redheaded Wood-
pecker nested at Garden City. A Lark Spar-
row was observed at Montauk, Long Island,
June 12 (J. T. N.)—J T. Nicuots, New
York City.

PHILADELPHIA REGION.—Among the mi-
grants arriving in April, the Bonaparte’s Gull
was by far the most conspicuous; so many of
these birds were flying above the surface of
the Delaware River and resting on the tidal
flats that it was a difficult task to estimate
their numbers with any degree of accuracy.
April 15, first noted about 200 resting on bar;
April 27, most numerous, flock of about 500
feeding on the river near mouth of Cooper
Creek; May 6, last noted, 6. It is probably
safe to say that at no time during the last
twenty years, at least, has there been any
such flight of these little Gulls. They were
certainly as numerous as Herring Gulls are
at any time during the winter months.

By far the most interesting record for the
season was made by Mr. John A. Gillespie,
who discovered a Yellow-crowned Night
Heron at Glen Olden, Pa., April 23. The
Heron made its headquarters in a rather
heavily wooded glen and could most often be
found early in the morning or rather late in
the evening. At the suggestion of Mr. Gilles-
pie, a trip was taken to the bird’s retreat on
May 15, and after a rather exciting wait, true
to his custom, the bird appeared flying as
silently as an Owl, and lit on a nearby beech
tree, where an excellent view was obtained of
its plumage, including the conspicuous white
crown and cheeks and rather short plume.
On May 29 the Heron was still about, accord-
ing to report, though no mate had been
observed.

No bird student could fail to note the
abundance of Mourning Doves in this region;
they seem to be becoming more numerous
yearly, their soft, cooing notes being heard
on all sides in the April woods and groves.
Five nests were discovered without undue
effort in a comparatively restricted area near
the city. One of these nests contained the
usual two eggs and was placed directly on
the ground. The Warbler migration was not,
it seemed, up to the usual standard, there

218

being no apparent pronounced waves which
are a special delight to the bird-lover. This
condition was no doubt due to the favorable
weather conditions encountered, the migrants
passing through without delay. Certainly
the bulk of the Warblers had come and gone
by May 14. On May 14, an excursion
by canoe from New Lisbon, N. J., to Mt.
Holly, via the Rancocas Creek, piloted by
Mr. Nelson Pumyea, yielded 83 species, only
three of which were at all out of the ordinary
run of birds expected at that time of year
(Loon, Osprey and Golden-winged Warbler).
The apparent total lack of some of the more
common migrant Warblers was surprising.
Those who were out‘a few days earlier saw
many more, and among them were found a
scattering of Tennessee, Wilson’s, and Cape
May Warblers. The Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-breasted Chat, House Wren and
Wood Thrush seem to be decidedly more
common than usual this year.

The coast migration of shore-birds is re-
ported to have been very satisfactory, numer-
ous Hudsonian Curlew, Dowitchers, Turn-
stones, Greater Yellow-legs, a scattering of
Knots, and a host of smaller Sandpipers
passed through during the latter part of May.
Least Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers
are still here at Camden June 9.

Two young Yellow-billed Cuckoos out of
the nest and able to fly short distances (June
8), seems a rather early date for such an
occurrence.—JULIAN K. PotTEer, Camden,
Ne Je

WASHINGTON ReGion.—The spring mi-
gration of 1922 about Washington proved to
be unusually interesting. Most of our sum-
mer residents and transients arrive from the
south in April and the early part of May, and
during these two months of the present year
there were not only gratifyingly large num-
bers of birds present, both of species and
individuals, but many rare or otherwise
attractive ornithological visitors made their
appearance.

The weather was moderately cool up to
the middle of May, thus setting the stage for
a migration movement that in many respects
was about normal. The four most noticeable
migration waves occurred (1) from April 29

Bird - Lore

to 30, its effect lasting until about May 3; (2)
May 7; (3) May ro to 12; and (4) May 14.
In all of these the migration movement began
on the night of the day preceding the first
dates above given. The height of the migra-
tion season was about May 12, and the tide
rapidly receded after May 14, until by June
1 practically all of the transient species had
passed northward.

The cold weather of the early spring
induced a few species to remain later than
usual, as, for instance, the Ring-billed Gull
to May 14, its average date of departure
being April 21; the Pied-billed Grebe, noted
up to May 13, the average departure of which
is May 3; and the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
April 29, the average departure of which is
April 23. The Canada Goose, moreover, was
observed as late as April 21, on which date Dr.
H. H. T. Jackson saw a flock of 50 to 60 flying
over the city of Washington, which record is
three days beyond its previously latest spring
stay (April 18, 1920). 7

A feature worthy of mention is the gener-
ally early arrival of the spring migrants.
About thirty species were from three to
eighteen days ahead of their average spring
appearance, and some of them close to their
best records in this respect. Furthermore,
the Wilson Thrush noted on April 9 by Mr.
F. C. Lincoln, at Plummer Island, Md., was
thus earlier than its previously early appear-
ance of April 20, 1889; and the Traill Fly-
catcher, seen May 7 in the National Zo-
ological Park, was one day ahead of its pre-
viously earliest spring record (May 8, 1906).
A few species, however, most of them nor-
mally rather late migrants, such as the Lorg-
billed Marsh Wren, Yellow-breasted Chat,
Nighthawk, and Scarlet Tanager, were
unusually late in putting in their appearance,
but this may be due to lack of observations,
an element always liable to cause error in
records of the non-appearance of species in
the spring.

Among the birds taking part in this spring
migration were a number that were unusually
numerous, such as the Tennessee Warbler,
Bay-breasted Warbler, Myrtle Warbler,
Canadian Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and the
Purple Finch. Some, however, that should
be common were apparently decidedly un-

se bal tee

The Season

common or even rare; the most conspicuous
cases of this kind being the Chestnut-sided
Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-
breasted Grosbeak, Kingbird, and Bobolink.

Of rare or otherwise notable occurrences
the spring of 1922 produced rather more than
usual. The White-crowned Sparrow, which
we have previously reported as wintering
about Washington, remained in Dr. C. W.
Richmond’s yard on the outskirts of the city
until May 6, having been previously noted
by him on April 30, May 1, and May 4. A
White-crowned’ Sparrow, probably another
individual, was seen by Miss Katherine H.
Stuart at Fort Myer, Va., on May o.

The Prothonotary Warbler, which seems
to be of more or less regular occurrence and
possibly breeds about Dyke, Va., was re-
ported a number of times this year, first on
April 22 by Miss Stuart. A single bird was
also noted in the National Zodlogical Park by
Mr. A. H. Howell and a number of other
persons.

Two Black Vultures were seen at Laurel,
Md., on March 25, by Mr. E. B. Marshall.
This species is of only occasional occurrence
about Washington, and this record is there-
fore noteworthy.

Mr. R. W. Williams reports finding a nest
of the Florida Gallinule containing ten eggs
on May 11 on Alexander Island, Va., in the
Potomac River near Washington. ‘This
makes the third breeding record of this
species for the vicinity of Washington,
although it may be more common than obser-
vations hitherto have indicated.

Two nests of the Virginia Rail containing
ecgs were found by Mr. A. H. Hardisty on
what is known as Little River, a channel of
the Potomac River along Analostan Island
near Washington, on May 26. This is the
second authentic record of the breeding of
this species in the Washington region. A
nest of the King Rail was found by the same
observer on May 14 in the marshes near the
Arlington Experiment Farm not far from the
city of Washington, which record is worthy
of mention in view of the rarity of this bird
as a breeding species in this vicinity.

Up to the present time the only record of
the Willow Thrush for the vicinity of Wash-
ington was a single bird obtained by Mr. Ned

219

Hollister on September 2, 1920, but we were
fortunate enough to find another one on
May 7 1922 in the National Zodlogical Park
in the city of Washington.

By far the most interesting occurrence of
this spring, however, was the appearance of
the Evening Grosbeak in the Washington
region, since it adds this famous bird to the
District of Columbia fauna. So far as we are
aware, this Grosbeak, east of the Allegheny
Mountains, has heretofore not been recorded
farther south than Mount Holly, N. J., and
Haverford, Pa., both of which localities are
not far from Philadelphia. The first report
from the Washington region came from Cam-
bridge, Md., where it was reported by Mr.
W. D. Gould during the latter part of Jan-
uary. Later, on April 3, five were seen by
Mr. George Marshall, at Laurel, Md., and
six on the two following days. It appeared
in the Nationa! Zoélogical Park at Wash-
ington on April 21, on which date several
were seen by Mr. William Hopkins. From
this last date on until May 13 it was seen on
almost every day in practically the same
place in the Zodlogical Park, where often on
the ground it fed regularly on the seeds of
the box elder and elm, and on the buds and
flowers of other trees. Its characteristic
notes were frequently heard, and an attempt
at song was once noted by Miss Katherine
H. Stuart. While a majority of the indi-
viduals apparently remained in the vicinity
of the Zodlogical Park, the species was re-
ported also at Takoma Park, Md., on April
23; and by Miss M. T. Cooke on May 6 at
Cabin John Bridge, Md. The last straggler
of which we have any record was noted on
May 26 at Glen Echo, Md. Bird-lovers in
the vicinity of Washington are interested to
see whether or not this distinguished northern
visitor will repeat its visit in the near future.
—Harry C. OBERHOLSER, Biological Survey,
Washington, D.C.

OBERLIN (OHIO) REGtIon.—The latter hal!
of April was cold and unfavorable, so that
the migration brought in but a few new
arrivals. On the night of the zoth snow fell
to a depth of three inches, and on the 2ist
and 27th there were exceptionally severe
frosts. The House Wren came on the 17th

220

and the Spotted Sandpiper on the 18th. The
Sora, Florida Gallinule, and Bank Swallow
were first noted on the 24th. With the last
two days of April the weather became more
favorable bringing Green Heron, Water
Thrush, and Catbird on the 29th, and Balti-
more Oriole, Black-throated Green Warbler,
Black and White Warbler, and Common
Tern on the 3oth.

The weather for May was generally fair
and warm so that the migration progressed
quite steadily. Increased numbers of the Red-
headed Woodpeckers were noticed on May 2.
Warbling Vireos and Blackburnian Warblers
came on the same date. Ovenbirds and Wood
Thrushes, although first found on the 2d,
probably arrived a few days earlier. Kingbird
and Northern Yellowthroat came on the 4th,
Cerulean Warbler on the 5th. On the 6th, on
a hike taken to the lake, a number of new
migrants were found, Crested and Least
Flycatchers, White-crowned Sparrow, Scarlet
Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo, Magnolia, Nash-
ville, Chestnut-sided and Blue-winged War-
blers, Blue-headed Vireo, Long-billed Marsh
Wren, Veery, and Olive-backed Thrush.
Yellow-throated Vireo, Tennessee Warbler,
and Redstart came on the 7th, Caspian and
Black Terns, Semipalmated Plover, Orchard
Oriole. and Ruby-throated Hummingbird
on the 8th.

There seems to have been a lull in the
migration now unti] the 11th. Between the
11th and 13th the height of the migration was
reached. During this period the arrivals were
the Wood Pewee, Bay-breasted, Black-
throated Blue. Wilson, Canada, Mourning,
Prothonotary, and Prairie Warblers, Yellow-
breasted Chat, Acadian Flycatcher, Piping
Plover, Whip-poor-will, Indigo Bunting, and
Rose-breasted Grosbeak. ‘The first Black-
poll Warbler was noted on the 18th.

A last small wave came on the 20th and
21st bringing the Olive-sided Flycatcher and
taking away most of the Warblers. However,
a few Wilson, Magnolia, Canada, Mourning,
and Black-poll Warblers were still with us
on the 27th.

The Warblers on the whole and the Mag-
nolia, Cerulean, and Black-throated Green
in particular seem to be exceptionally numer-
ous this spring. The Mourning Warbler has

Bird -

Lore

been seen a number of times, while the
Black-throated Blue on the contrary has been
represented by only a very few individuals.
Of the winter birds the Tree Sparrow and
Brown Creeper departed about the normal
time, the Golden-crowned Kinglet and Red-
breasted Nuthatch somewhat before and the
Junco and Purple Finch somewhat after
theirs.—S, CHARLES KEeNDEIGH, President of
Cardinal Ornithological Club, Oberlin, Ohio.

MinneEapouis REGIoN.—The third week
of April continued cold and raw. The ice in
the larger lakes in the vicinity of Minneapolis
went to pieces slowly. disappearing finally
shortly after the middle of the month (Lake
Minnetonka, April 16), but in the northern
part of the state it remained some days
longer (broke up in J ake Itasca April 23,
Orcutt Frost) and drifting ice was present in
Lake Superior throughout the month. At
Minneapolis, on May 19, the temperature fell
to 27° and a blizzard with a fall of 2 to 6
inches of snow visited all parts of the state.
The snow soon melted in the south but lasted
a day or two farther north. The weather
service reported this the worst April storm in
Minnesota since 1907. Real spring weather
followed quickly in the wake of this final blast
of winter and throughout the remainder of
April and all of May the weather continued
fairly equable, temperatures in the daytime
rarely sinking below 50° or rising above 75°.
There were a few hot days in mid-May which
changed a previously backward, lagging
spring into a rapidly advancing one, so that
the season jumped all at once, about May 20,
into conditions very like eary summer.
Before this time the spring had bee \ regarded,
from the farmer’s standpoint, as . late one
and a lack of sufficient rain had furnished an
additional drawback. Following the early
freshets, the lakes and streams were abnor-
mally low and the marshes and swamps
unusually dry.

June thus far has been a hot month and
there has been a considerable increase in
rainfall but this, unfortunately, has come in
the shape of severe downpours, accompanied
at times by high winds reaching in places
tornado violence, wrecking thousands of trees
and doing great damage to property of

The Season

various kinds. These terrific storms must
have been very destructive to nesting birds.

The most marked feature of the bird migra-
tion at Minneapolis this year was the almost
entire absence of the usual mid-May Warbler
wave. Nearly all the possible species were
seen by one or another observer but for the
most part in only limited numbers. At Red
Wing, on the Mississippi River, about 45
miles southeast of Minneapolis, there was a
single large flight of mixed Warblers on
May 9 which lasted only a single day (Miss
Densmore). A probable explanatiun of their
failure to appear here is that the advent of
hot weather caused them to make ‘an abrupt
forward movement of such length that it
carried them entirely over this locality and
there were no succeeding large waves. About
the middle of the month we plunge: into al-
most summer conditions and from that time
on very few migrating Warblers were seen.

An idea of the progress of the season can
be gained from the following outline calendar.
I am indebted for many items in this record
to the following persons: Mr. and Mrs. F. W.
Commons, Mrs. Phelps Wyman, Mrs. C. F.
Keyes, Mr. E. D. Swedenborg, and the
Misses Carol H. Webb, Agnes W. Williams,
and Harriet F. Younglove, members cf the
1922 University bird class who did consid-
erable independent field work.

April 15. Turkey Buzzard. Myrtle War-
blers at Anoka (Gillis). Striped gopher.

April 16. Hundreds of Myrtle Warblers,
the first of several waves. Tree Swallows;
Chipping Sparrow; a pair of Brewer’s Black-
birds. Robins building. A Kingfisher select-
ing a nesting place. A Broad-winged Hawk.
Marsh Hawk. Mourning cloak butterflies
have been out for several days. Hepatica and
blood-root in bloom.

April 19. American Bittern.

April 20. Loon. Robin’s nest with one egg.

April 21. A large flock of Evening Gros-
beaks. Lesser Yellow-legs.

April 22. Brown Thrasher. Large flocks of
Flickers have been passing for several days.
Hazel in bloom. City lawns are now green
and the elms are a russet-brown haze with
the swelling flower-buds.

A pril 23. Chewink; Cowbird; Swamp Spar-
tow; Yellow-headed Blackbirds (males).

April 24. Chimney Swift.

April 26. Horned Grebes (10 to 12); Barn
Swallow; Bank Swallow, a colony just arrived
at their holes. Dutchman’s breeches in bloom.

A pril 28. Solitary Sandpiper.

April 29. Common Tern: a flock of 50
Yellow-legs and the following Ducks all in
pairs and apparently mated—Bufflehead,
Ruddy, Shoveler, Mallard, Ring-neck and
Blue-winged Teal. Box-elder, ironwood,
cottonwood and elm in full bloom. First
dandelions.

April 30. Palm Warblers; many White-
throated Sparrows; Flickers digging nesting-
holes. Wild ginger and large-flowered bell-
wort in bloom.

May 1. Wood Thrush. Watched a flock of
Double-crested Cormorants on Lake Minne-
tonka engaged in their curious mating antics.

Wood anemone, marsh marigold and tooth-
wort (Dentaria laciniata) in bloom. The
white birch trees with their small, light green
leaves and slender, drooping catkins look as
though draped with delicate lace.

May 3. Black-throated Green, Yellow, and
Black and White Warblers; House Wren;
Veery; many Grinnell’s and one Louisiana
Water-Thrush; Dove’s nest with young;
Sora; one Greater Yellow-legs with the lesser
species. The Greater Yellow-legs is a rare
bird hereabouts of late years. The Sora Rail
has almost disappeared from our marshes
during the last two years. The three-flowered
geum and ground plum in bloom.

May 5. Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Spot-
ted Sandpiper. Yellow violets in bloom.

May 6. Pine and Tennessee Warblers;
Scarlet Tanager; Baltimore Oriole; Clay-
colored Sparrow.

May 7. Yellow-throated Vireos at Elk
River (Bailey). The trees are now well leafed
out and the lawns are green as summertime
and everywhere dotted with dandelions.
Tulips, daffodils, and the Missouri currant in ,
bloom.

May 8. Maryland Yellow-throat and Red-
eyed Vireo.

May g. Olive-backed Thrush, Catbirds,
Least Flycatchers, Kingbird, Ovenbird, Mag-
nolia and Wilson’s Warblers, Redstart,
Nighthawk. Red-berried elder in full bloom.
First white cabbage butterflies.

222 Bird - Lore

May 10. Bobolinks, all males. First Gold-
finches. White-crowned Sparrows. In bloom:
plum and apple trees, wild cherry, juneberry,
nodding trillium, early rue, white violets,
Jack-in-the-pulpit and wild geranium.

May 11. Canada Warbler. Swamp saxi-
frage in bloom.

May 12. Black-poll Warbler, Black Tern.
Phlox maculata and blue cohosh in bloom.

May 13. Warbling Vireos, Wood Pewees,
and a Harris’ Sparrow. Lilacs in bloom.

May 14. Yellow Warbler building. Young
Robins ready to leave nest. Last Ruby-
crowned Kinglet.

May 15. Many Black Terns. Florida
Gallinule. Phoebe’s nest, small young. Long-
flowered puccoon in bloom.

May 17. False Solomon’s seal (S. stellata)
in bloom.

May 19. Orchard Oriole; this bird is rare
here. Yellow moccasins in bloom.

May 20. Three Caspian Terns. Conditions
are now generally just like early summer, the
first Robins are off their nests; Catbirds,
Yellow Warblers and Wood Thrushes incu-
bating; Grackles with young; water-leaf
coming into bloom and willows and poplars
shedding their seeds.

May 21. Indigo Bunting. Least Fly-
catcher building. Wild honeysuckle in bloom.

May 22. Saw three cock Ring-necked
Pheasants out in a meadow. They are fond
of displaying themselves in open, low ground
where they are very conspicuous. This bird
has become quite common hereabouts.

May 23. In bloom: Scarlet painted cup,
wild lupine, spiderwort, blue-eyed and yellow-
eyed grass.

May 27. Red-backed, Baird’s and Semi-
palmated Sandpipers associated in same
flock. Brood of Mallard Ducks just hatched;
both parents with them.

May 29. Wild roses in bloom and_ the
great-flowered pentstemon just coming out.
Hillsides gay in places with the golden rag-
wort. Heard a Baltimore Oriole uttering
incessantly a distinct, clear-cut chewink call!
Different individuals of this species not
uncommonly possess calls and even songs
that closely resemble the notes of other birds.

May 30. Wood Thrush just hatching.
Red-eyed Vireo’s nest, one egg.

June 1, Watched two female Cowbirds
trying to enter same Yellow Warbler’s nest
while the Warbler endeavored to prevent
them.

June 2. A Hummingbird’s nest, bird incu-
bating; seven Yellow Warbler’s nests, eggs
just hatching in two; six Least Flycatcher’s
nests, birds sitting; a Veery’s nest, four eggs.
Stemless lady’s-slipper, pitcher plant and
tufted loosestrife in bloom.

June 3. Wild red phlox in bloom.

June 5. Wild iris in bloom.

June 6. Two nests of the Spotted Sand-
piper with eggs. Nest of the Rose-breasted
Grosbeak with young.

June 9. Northern bedstraw (Galium bore-
ale) in full bloom.

June 11, Nest of Marsh Hawk with three
eggs and one newly hatched young.

June 12. Green Heron’s nest with three
young just out.

June 14. Nest of American Bittern with
four young just emerging from the eggs.
Zygadene just coming into bloom.—Tuos. S.
Roserts, Zoological Museum, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.

CuicaGo Recion.—The weather during
the recent period has been warmer than is
usually experienced here in spring. The
Sparrows began arriving during the first week
in April and continued with other migrants
until May, when the first Warblers appeared.
There was no sudden rush of Warblers this
year but a gradual passing through during
the first weeks in May, so that they seemed
less abundant than usual. Nesting is in full
swing at this time (June 15), and seems to
have begun earlier this year.

Ducks were plentiful during the last of
April, and Blue-winged Teal, Pintail, and a
pair of Shovellers have been reported from
various sloughs where théy are apparently
breeding. A flock of 25 Lesser Scaup have
been in the harbor off Chicago for the past
ten days—non-breeding birds, no doubt.
April 23, Black-bellied Plover were seen in
two different localities, and May 2, a flock of
80 from Hyde Lake (A. C. Weed). The abol-
ishment of spring shooting seems to be
showing results already.

A few of the rarer birds reported are:

|

The Season

Sandhill Crane, Dunes, Ind., April 16 (W. B.
Richardson); Lapland Longspur, Addison,
Ill., April 22 (C. J. Hunt); Bachman’s Spar-
row, Beach, Ill., April 23 (C. C. Sanborn);
Evening Grosbeak, Washington Park, May
5 (A. Lewy); Grasshopper Sparrow, Deer-
field, Ill., May 6 (C. C. Sanborn); Yellow-
breasted Chat, Dunes, Ind., May 14 and 21
(C. J. Hunt), and Deerfield, Ill., May 22
(H. K. Codale); Philadelphia Vireo, Deerfield,
Ill., May 21 (H. K. Coale).

To date, 44 species have been found nest-
ing. Mr. W. B. Richardson reports from the
Dunes a Marsh ‘Hawk nest with eight eggs; a
Long-eared Owl’s nest destroyed -before the
eggs hatched, and he was attacked by a Great
Horned Owl when he attempted to photo-
graph its nest. At Hyde Lake, IIl., Mr. C. J.
Hunt and Mr. B. F. Gault found Virginia
Rail and Savannah Sparrow nests on June 4.
The writer, with Mr. E. J. Scupham, spent
from May 20 to 22 on the Kankakee River
near the Illinois-Indiana state line, and
located many interesting nests. Prothonotary
Warblers were plentiful, and, while one nest
contained eggs, most of them were just
starting to build. Other stubs held Tree
Swallow, House Wren, and even an English
Sparrow. Two Hairy Woodpecker nests were
seen, each containing large young ready to fly.
Mr. Scupham later found Crested Flycatcher,
Chickadee, Cardinal, and others there. He
also reports from Homewood, IIl., between
June 5 and 10, the following—Upland Plover,
King Rail (two nests, eleven and thirteen
eggs), Bittern, Least Bittern, Migrant Shrike,
and many other more common ones.

To date 194 species have been reported.—
CoLin CAMPBELL SANBORN, Chairman Report
Committee, Chicago Ornithological Society.

Kansas City Recion.—It is regretted
that notes covering only half of the current
period can be included in this letter, since the
writer leaves shortly after the middle of May
for a month or so in more remote and more
fruitful fields for the study of nesting habits.
However, Messrs. Bolt, Teachenor, and
Woodworth, having promised to do a lot of
field work during the writer’s absence and to
keep voluminous notes, it is hoped that the
next letter will contain important data.

223

Spring has been late this year, and, though
the early breeders have averaged later in
their nesting, the migrants in the main seem
not to have been delayed by the cold, wet
season. Sizable flocks of Juncos, instead of
stragglers merely, may have lingered beyond
their accustomed time of departure, but the
bulk of these winter visitors left for their
northern homes during mid-April as usual.
This is mentioned because of the insistence
of several local students that the bulk of this
species remained long after their regular
leaving-time.

A pleasant fact to record is the noticeable
increase in Bob-whites in a wide area in the
southern parts of the city. On the breaking
up of the covies in late April, the cheery and
ringing call-notes of this sturdy species have
been heard on all sides. Many pairs have
been surprised in suitable nesting-places and
two nests have been located. It is feared that
the local craze for Airedale terriers tends to
keep down this fine bird, as ranging dogs of
this species in twos and threes are often seen
in the places where the Bob-whites nest.

Red-breasted Nuthatches were still present
on April 18, three having been seen on that
date. On the same day a third specimen of
the Western Red-tail was brought in to Mr.
Frazier for mounting. The several records
of this form this season indicate a local
invasion. Redstarts and Kentucky Warblers
were heard singing for the first time on April
21, though it is likely that they had been
present and silent during several cold, wet
days prior to this date. Blue-gray Gnat-
catchers had their nests well under way at
this time.

April 22 was Harris’s Sparrow day, as
thousands of these old fellows were singing
at a great rate from every tangle and thicket.
It is always hard to say just when the bulk
of these birds are passing, as they go in waves
of varying numbers. They may be here in
droves today and gone tomorrow, and in
three weeks are common again.

Local students will regret to learn that the
Prairie Horned Larks and Killdeers that have
always nested on the high prairies in the
region of 63d Street and Ward Parkway have
at last been driven off by building and grad-
ing operations. The many and varied species

224

that have always found a refuge in the ‘plum
thicket’ nearby are likewise doomed to a
speedy exile. A list of breeding species of this
delectable spot would, I believe, astonish
even its discoverer and one-time chronicler,
Ralph Hoffmann. It numbers 48 species!

Pairs of Blue-winged Teal have been ob-
served all spring about ponds near the city
and on two of the park lakes within the city.
At least one pair have begun building opera-
tions, though it is quite too much to hope
that they may succeed in bringing off young
within plain sight of a busy street-car line
and within throwing distance of a boulevard.

Warbling and Yellow-throated Vireos mi-
grating in numbers on April 29 were late, as
were Savannah, Vesper, and Grasshopper
Sparrows on May 3. Passing Prothonotary
and Tennessee Warblers were numerous in
the Missouri River bottoms on May 14, and
migrating Bitterns were flushed on the up-
lands near Waldo on the same date.

Up to the middle of May but compara-
tively few Tennessee Warblers had been
heard in the parks and along the boulevards
where usually at this season the staccato call
of this busy insect-gleaner is much in evi-
dence. The present scarcity would seem to
indicate a dearth of canker-worms and other
pests of the elms.

Great numbers of migratory Thrushes were
present from May 11 to 15 in all wooded
situations over the entire region. Professor
Shirling reports having seen the Veery (H. /.
salicicola?) in unusual numbers on May 13
and also having heard the song of this species
in his yard near Swope Park. This is the
first authentic record known to the writer of
the local singing of this bird. The migratory
Thrushes are usually silent on their passage
through this region, but all save the Hermit
have now been heard here at one time or
another.

Roy Woodworth reported a small flock of
Bobolinks on May 14. Seasons occasionally
pass without this species being seen here at
all, and it has rarely been heard here in full
song.

Notes received from Johnson Neff, of
Marionville, Mo., mention the Double-
crested Cormorant and Sandhill Crane as
two rarities seen at his station in early May.

Bird - Lore

Much correspondence has failed to bring
to light any further data on the Magpie in-
vasion of the lower Missouri Valley. Mr.
Charles Dankers’ notes on the fifty individ-
uals in Holt County mark, so far as I can
learn, the southern limit of the remarkable
migration of this species —Harry Harris,
Kansas City, Mo.

Denver Recion.—While the wave of
spring migration was slow in reaching us, and
then seemingly of small magnitude as com-
pared with previous similar periods, the rush
of nesting with our local birds was sudden
and most pronounced. There are more young
Robins and young House Finches in this
vicinity than ever before observed by the
writer at this date. Many other species have
been found nesting more commonly in the
suburbs this spring, to-wit, Lark Sparrows,
Lark Buntings, and Meadowlarks. And the
Bluebird has nested during the past eight
weeks nearer in toward the denser portions
of the city than for several years past.

One of the outstanding and very striking
features of this season’s local bird-life has
been the almost total absence of Warblers;
a single Audubon’s Warbler was seen in one
of our parks on April 28, another in the
outskirts on May 28, and a single Macgilli-
vray’s Warbler on May 16, These are the only
Warblers detected by the writer, in the city,
excepting, of course, our summer resident
Yellow Warbler, which arrived here on May
7 (about its average). As usual, it came at
once in numbers and has remained common
since its first appearance.

One of the great pleasures and possibilities
inherent in one’s interest in birds, as has
often been said before, is the unexpected sight
of a rare bird, an experience coming to the
writer twice this spring. On April 25, a
Golden Eagle was seen majestically sailing
over his neighboring park. A few of these
grand birds haunt the mountains within
thirty miles of Denver, and nest in the can-
yons within this area.

Gambel’s Sparrow was first noted here on
April 24, though in all probability it was
present in the outskirts much earlier, and the
White-crowned Sparrow came in to Chees-
man Park on May 8, on which date, and in

The Season 225

the same place, a Gambel’s Sparrow, and a
White-crowned Sparrow were seen at close
range, within a few feet of each other. It is
seldom that one has a chance to see these two
almost identical Sparrows so close together
that one can instantly compare the head
markings of the two subspecies, each with
the other.

The last White-crowned Sparrows were
seen here on May 28. Mocking-birds ap-
peared in the outskirts on May 11, but none
have been seen by the writer in any of our
parks, though they often have been in them
in years past.

An unusually large number of Western
Tanagers were in the city between May 14
and May 21, on which latter date six bril-
liantly colored males were watched for some
time within a couple of blocks of the writer’s
home. This species must have been present
in the region in considerable abundance, for
many inquiries have come about it, the
bright plumage, especially the striking crown,
compelling attention of even the most inat-
tentive observer.

Each spring one sees examples of species
clinging to districts almost in the heart of
the city; again a Flicker has nested close to
the Y. M. C. A. building downtown, and on
May 25, a Plumbeous Vireo advertised itself
by its very insistent and characteristic song
near the state capitol. This species has been
common since its arrival on May 21, while
the Warbling Vireo has been detected but
four times this spring, first on May 25.

Both Audubon’s and the Olive-backed
Thrushes remained in the city longer than
usual. Many of both species have been in
the parks from May 14 to May 22. On the
latter date a singular thing was noted in an
Olive-backed Thrush. As it flew from the
ground into an evergreen, one could see that
it was crippled. Patient and careful stalking
brought it into close range, when it was dis-
covered that in some manner the right leg
and foot were entangled in the outer tail
feathers of the right side, making it necessary
for the bird to stand and hop on one foot;
this tail and foot entanglement kept the tail
spread fan-wise, in ‘display’, as it were. It is
a mystery as to how and why this condition
occurred and was continued.

A small wave of Pinyon Jays passed
through the city on May 16 and 17, and
another on May 28; these dates are rather
late for this Jay’s spring visits to Denver,
though it is true that it may appear here
almost any time.

There is no summer resident whose advent
here is more welcome to the writer than that
of the Black-headed Grosbeak; it always
arrives in full song, and it is a singer of great
ability and sweetness. This Grosbeak
reached the city on May 13, and started its
house-hunting at once, so that now its house-
keeping duties are in full swing. The writer
never sees its frail nest without wonderment
that it successfully holds a lot of lusty young
ones.

A solitary Lincoln’s Sparrow came to notice
here on May 17. Perhaps it frequently es-
capes detection altogether because of its
mouse-like habits of dodging under bushes,
logs, and rocks. A goodly number of the
summer resident species arrived here about
on time and in their usual numbers, such as
Kingbird, Arkansas Kingbird, Bullock’s
Oriole, Spurred and Green-tailed Towhees,
Rock and House Wrens, Nighthawk, Traill’s
Flycatcher and Brewer’s Blackbird. The
writer has seen no Bronzed Grackles this
season, though there can be no doubt of their
being here. The Wood Peewee is either less
common here this spring or more silent,
probably the former, as it tends to vary in
number from year to year.

A great pleasure was afforded to one of the
writer’s friends and her son, as well as to the
writer, by a sight of a single Grinnell’s Water
Thrush. It was seen in Washington Park
where it lingered two or three days. Unless
he is much in error, this is the second record
for it for Denver—W. H. BErGTo.p, Denver,
Colo.

PoRTLAND (OREGON) REGION.—The spring
season continued cold and backward in the
Oregon district until well into May, and the
bird movement seemed to be correspondingly
late. Greater Yellow-legs were first noted on
April 17, and a considerable wave of mi-
grants, which includes Lutescent Warblers,
Cliff Swallows, and Mourning Doves as new
arrivals, appeared on the 23d. Western

226

Martins were first noted two days later, while
on the 29th a long list of new arrivals were
noted along the Columbia River between
Portland and Astoria. The shore-bird flight
included the Long-billed Dowitcher, Least
and Western Sandpipers, and Hudsonian
Curlew in abundance.

A flock of 25 Wood Ducks were noted in
the Columbia bottoms on April 23, and a
number of pair, presumably from this flock,
which remained for several weeks before
breaking up, are now breeding in this region.

During the first week in May a great shore-
bird migration, principally Long-billed Dow-
itchers, Red-backed and Western Sand-
pipers, and Hudsonian Curlew was noted on
Yaquina Bay. At this time a few of the win-
ter visitors to the bay were still in evidence.
White-winged and Surf Scoters were common
and a few Western and Horned Grebes,
Loons and Glaucous-winged Gulls were seen.
On May 9, Stanley G. Jewett noted three
Northern Phalaropes in spring plumage on
Rogue River, an unusual inland record.

During the month of May the writer
spent a week in Klamath County, which in
spite of the drying up of the Lower Klamath
Lake Reservation is still a wonderful bird
country. While there an opportunity arose to
visit the Lower Lake and a great colony of
California Gulls were found to have re-
established themselves in the flooded section
of the lake-bed. Considerable numbers of
Ducks of various species were also noted al-
though the area of spring flood water is small
compared to the original lake-bed.

The Canada Geese were nesting in numbers.
The flooding of the usual nesting-sites has
driven most of the birds to the edges of the
swamps and causes them to seem more
abundant than before. Whether there is any
increase in numbers of Ducks or Geese is
hard to determine. Several competent ob-
servers who had been familiar with the bird-
life of the district for several years informed
me that both Avocets and Black-necked
Stilts have increased in numbers. A number
of Avocet nests were discovered which had
been flooded slightly, as attested by the
alkali deposit on the eggs. In several in-
stances the Avocets, apparently the same
birds, had nested again farther up the bank.

Bird - Lore

At Klamath Falls, from the bridge across
Link River, White Pelicans, Western Grebes,
Ducks of various species, and Forster’s and
Black Terns were noted at various times.
These birds, particularly the Pelicans, were
quite tame. The Pelicans sat gravely about
on the piling and logs or did absurd looking
things with their big beaks while swimming
about in the lake.

About June 1, Band-tailed Pigeons were
reported as appearing in numbers along the
Columbia River bottoms, and on the third a
large flight of Pacific Nighthawks were noted
in the outskirts of Portland—Ira N.
GaBRIELson, Portland, Ore.

San Francisco Recion.—The last dates
on which winter visitants were seen in the
Bay Region have been reported as follows:
Sharp-shinned Hawk, April 29; Cooper
Hawk, April 25; Intermediate Sparrow,
April 21; Golden-crowned Sparrow, April
24; White-throated Sparrow, April 20;
Fox Sparrow, May 3; Cedar Waxwing, May
30; Townsend Warbler, April 12; Pipits (at
Baumberg), April 27; Ruby-crowned King-
let, April 27; and Hermit Thrush April 24.

Summer visitants arriving after April 12
were recorded as follows: Olive-sided Fly-
catcher, April 28 (Mr. Storer); Western
Wood Pewee, April 18 (Miss Wythe); Black-
headed Grosbeak, April 19 at Lafayette and
April 24 in Berkeley; Yellow Warbler, April
23 (Mr. Storer); Tolime Warbler, April 26;
and Russet-backed Thrush, May 2 (Miss
Wythe). A visit to Lafayette on May 4, in
Higher Sonoran territory, showed that at
that date Lazuli Buntings, Bullock Orioles,
Wood Pewees, Yellow Warblers, Mourning
Doves, Green-backed and Willow Gold-
finches, and Western Bluebirds were abun-
dant. The Long-tailed Chat was present
but not in full song. Bush-tits, Warbling
Vireos, and Bluebirds were busy with their
nestlings; a Black Phoebe’s nest was finished;
Linnets, Goldfinches, and Grosbeaks were
building. A Nuttall Woodpecker entered a
nesting-hole several times but it was not
possible to determine the condition of the
inside of its domicile. In Berkeley (June 12)
young Bush-tits, Lutescent Warblers, and
San Francisco Towhees are following their

z
4

The Season 227

parents and begging for food; House Wrens
and Western Flycatchers are still unfledged;
young Robins have been seen; and young
English Sparrows are looking fat and pros-
perous.

Four kinds of Swallows have been seen
in localities widely separated. At Baumberg,
on April 27, Cliff Swallows were building
scores of nests under the eaves of an old
barn. Barn Swallows were also present but
in smaller numbers. On May 20, Violet-green
Swallows were conspicuous in the Marin
County hills above Ross Valley and Rough-
winged Swallows were reported by Mr.
Storer as present in a canyon near Muir
Woods.

Migrants are not abundant among the
land-birds in- this region. The only records
available are of Rufous Hummingbirds seen
April 19 and Western Tanagers May 16 to
1g. A flock of migrating Warblers were in
evidence in Strawberry Canyon on May 19—
a rainy day. A Cassin Vireo was seen on the
university campus May 11 and in Claremont
Manor May 30. The continuous presence of
a pair of Creepers on the university campus
suggests the possibility of a breeding record.

On April 20, Dowitchers were very abun-
dant on the salt marshes of Alameda. A few
Semipalmated Plover and Hudsonian Cur-
lew and one Black-bellied Plover were also
seen. On the fresh water at Baumberg, on
April 27, Yellow-legs, Avocets, White Peli-
cans, and Bitternms were added to the list of
waders. On May 28, baby Mallards in
assorted sizes trailed after the parents on
most of the lakes—AmetiaA S. ALLEN,
Berkeley, Calif.

Los ANGELES ReEction.—On April 16,
Bonaparte’s Gulls were wearing their dark
hoods, the Red-backed Sandpiper had
assumed full summer plumage, and Black-
bellied Plover were in various stages of
change.

On April 17 occurred the first notable wave
of Warblers of the season, including all the
species that occur here except the Chat,
which was not reported until the 24th.
During the succeeding two weeks the early
scarcity was compensated for by large
accessions of both species and individuals.

April 19 marked the departure of Gambel
Sparrows and Audubon Warblers from many
city gardens, though passing migrants were
noted for another week. An unusual city
visitor was a Black-chinned Sparrow which
stopped on this date to bathe and sing in a
Pasadena garden made very attractive to
travelers by the air-lines. On the same date
arrived also the Ash-throated and Wright
Flycatchers, the Western Tanager and the
Lazuli Bunting. Black-chinned Humming-
birds, first noted April 10, were abundant in
the canyons on the roth, while Hermit
Thrushes, Thurber Juncos, Lewis’ Wood-
peckers, Band-tailed Pigeons, and Robins
were still here in large numbers. The last
two species appear upon our lists the last
time (April 23) when the Russet-backed
Thrush arrived, overlapping the Hermit by
about ten days. April 24 brought the Olive-
sided Flycatcher and the Long-tailed Chat.
April 26, Willow Goldfinches, Song Sparrows,
and Linnets were at the height of their
nesting and song season, and Macgillivray’s
Warblers were common.

April 26, Black Terns were found at Nigger
Slough, on the same date as last year. There
were also there 26 Long-billed Dowitchers in
summer plumage, many Black-necked Stilts,
a few Yellow-legs, 4 Cinnamon Teal, Rough-
winged and Violet-green Swallows. April 28
brought many Townsend and Hermit
Warblers. April 30, Black-headed Grosbeak
had young out of the nest, a California
Thrasher was feeding young in nest, and
Lawrence’s Goldfinch and Long-tailed Chats
were numerous.

May 2, a trip was made to one of the
canyons of the Sierra Madres, where the
Violet-green Swallows were found at their
accustomed nesting trees, the Olive-sided
Flycatcher at its station, and a nest of the
Thurber’s Junco was found, containing four
eggs. Townsend and Hermit were the most
abundant Warblers. Warbling and Cassin’s
Vireos and Flycatchers of many kinds were
numerous, California Purple Finches and
Canyon Wrens were in song, and Mountain
Quail were seen. The day’s list totalled forty-
four species. This walk has been taken
annually for a number of years, and com-
parative lists kept.

228

Full streams have again brought Water
Ouzels down to the lower parts of the canyons
from which they have been absent for several
years past, due to the low stage of water.

May 10, the contributor to “The Season,’
from San Francisco, honored the writer with
an invitation, through a mutual friend, to go
in search of Blue Grosbeaks. Fortune favored
us, not only with the desired Grosbeak but
also with Lazuli Buntings, Costa Humming-
birds, Purple Martins, an Egret, and many
more common species of both land- and
water-birds. Western Blue Grosbeaks have
been recorded in many different localities,
ranging from the desert at Thermal to the
hills of Whittier and ocean shores near
Balboa. May 30, the individual seen on the
roth was again found at the same place, in
full song and accompanied by a mate. It
was recognized as the same bird by its im-
mature or changing plumage, only the head
being blue, with a few traces of blue in the
body plumage. Four other full-plumaged
males were seen on that date. June 1, a
pair was found feeding two young that were
perching in blossoming mustard.

May 14, at an altitude of about 6,400 feet,
in Upper San Antonio Canyon, Warblers in
song were the Piliolated, Yellow, Black-
throated Gray, and Audubon’s. All ex-
cept the last were very common but only
one pair of Audubon’s was seen. Western
Tanagers and Black-headed Grosbeaks were
numerous, and Olive-sided Flycatchers called
from the tops of the tall spruce trees. Large
numbers of Pine Siskins and many Cassin
Finches were feeding among the alder
catkins.

May 16, Miss Helen S. Pratt reports seeing
Black Swifts about a cliff and waterfall far
back in the San Gabriel range. Vaux Swifts
were observed with Swallows over the Arroyo
Seco, June 1, Purple Martins are frequently
seen about buildings in the center of town and
at Echo Park and are undoubtedly increasing.

Bird -

Lore

May 25, at Nigger Slough, Black-necked
Stilts were apparently nesting, as one of the
birds advanced to meet the observers and
threw itself upon the ground in an agony of
beseeching. Its feelings were spared, perhaps
the more readily as the attention of the party
was claimed by a curious ceremony being
performed by four other Stilts nearby.
After some passages at arms in the air, they
alighted, partners facing each other and
executed a series of bows and stately steps,
after which they flew away in pairs in
opposite directions. On this date a Pied-
billed Grebe was followed by two young, and
many shore-birds were seen, including eight
Long-billed Curlew.

May 30, Least and Forster's Terns were
numerous at Balboa, and in the inner bay
were six Great Blue Herons, one Egret, and
five White Pelicans. The Pelicans are cur-
rently reported to fly back and forth from
tide water to Lake Elsinore daily. Seven
notable flights of White Pelicans have been
observed from Mt. Wilson and Pasadena this
spring, totaling many hundred birds. One
large flight of Swans was reported and three
flights of Little Brown Cranes.

Other flights of Cranes have been noted in
the Colorado desert, where several parties of
our observers have gone this year. Lark
Buntings were seen m migration about the
middle of April, as were also Swainson’s
Hawks. <A Black-and-White Warbler was
taken by a local ornithologist. Other birds
seen by our members in various localities in
the Colorado and Mohave deserts are as
follows: Cactus Woodpecker, Cactus Wren
nesting, Rock Wren nesting, Sage Sparrow

nesting, Black-chinned Sparrow, Black-
throated Sparrow, Vermilion Flycatcher,
Plumbeous Gnatcatcher, Verdin, Crissal

Thrasher, Leconte’s Thrasher, Gambel Quail,
Scott’s Oriole, Phainopeplas were very nu-
merous, feeding on the desert mistletoe.—
Frances B. ScHNEIDER, Los Angeles, Calif.

Book Mews and fieviews

PHILIPPINE BiRDS FOR Boys AND GIRLS.
By Ricwarp C. McGrecor and Euiza-
BETH J. MarsHALL. With illustrations
by Macario LicaAya. 8vo., 138 pages,
6 colored plates, 26 line cuts. Price,
$1.50, ppd. Published by the authors,
care of the Bureau of Science, Manila, P.1.

Thirty Philippine birds are described and
figured in this little volume which makes an
admirable first book of birds for children and
grown-ups as well. The text is well adapted
to attract and instruct the audience to
which it is addressed and the illustrations,
particularly the pen and inks, are most
pleasing. —F. M. C.

The Ornithological Magazines

THe Conpor.—Serious students of birds
will find much of interest in the general
articles of the March number of The Con-
dor. Pemberton gives an interesting and
well illustrated account of a visit, in May,
1921, to ‘A Large Tern Colony in Texas,’
between Brownsville and Point Isabel. Here
no less than eight species of Terns were found
breeding on three islands. In order of abun-
dance the list included the Gull-billed,
Common, Least, Caspian, Royal, Black,
Cabot’s, and Forster’s. It is gratifying to
learn that the Gull-billed and Least Terns are
still abundant in this remote corner of Texas.

In ‘Notes on Fox Sparrows in California in
the Autumn of 1921,’ Joseph Mailliard con-
tinues his studies on the migration of these
interesting birds along the northern coast of
the State. From Requa south to the Mattole
River practically only one subspecies was
found—the Sooty Fox Sparrow (Passerella i.
fuliginosa).

In ‘A Study of Roosting-Holes of the Red-
shafted Flicker,’ Stoner gives the results of
his examination of an old wooden building in
the outskirts of Benicia in which there were
seven large and nine smaller holes drilled by
Flickers, not for nesting-sites, but mainly to
secure shelter on rainy and frosty nights.

‘A Law Governing the Elevation of the
Nesting-Site’ of Passerine birds has been

(

worked out by C. K. Averill from a study
mainly of Warblers, Finches, and Thrushes.
He concludes that birds with short, round
wings nest low while those with long, pointed
wings may nest high or low. Measurements
of wing and heights of nests given in the
tables seem to bear out his conclusions.

Among the brief notes on page 63 is a
record of “a pair of San Diego Tilmouses
(Beolophus inornatus murinus)’ collected
near Palmdale, which are ‘‘most like murinus
but are not typical of that form.” It is to be
hoped that this plural is ot typical of the
form advocated by the author of the note
for the names of such birds as the Goose and
the Grouse!—T. S. P.

Witson BuLretin.—Volume XXXIII for
1921 has been concluded since our last notice
a year ago. We are immediately impressed
by the increase in size, the improved quality
of paper, the attractive illustrations, and,
above all, the improved calibre of the articles.
The editors state that the file of papers
awaiting publication far exceeds the capacily
of the Bulletin to handle. This is regrettable
from many points of view, but invariably
results in raising the standard of the articles.
Another new feature is a section entitled
‘Notes—Here and There’ conducted by the
Secretary, Mr. Albert F. Ganier, whose
activities the Club has good reason to
appreciate.

Turning now to the articles, it is a matter
of regret that space prevents more than brief
notices of the more important. In the June ~
issue, Frank L. Burns has a further install-
ment of his paper ‘Comparative Periods of
Nestling Life of Some North American
Nidicole,’ presenting valuable data in a
neglected field, which are concluded in
the December issue. Of special note is an
article in the September number on Nebras-
kan Tyrannidae by Myron H. Swenk and
Ralph W. Dawson. This article, as well as
shorter notes by the senior author in other
issues, bears the stamp of thorough scientific
investigation backed up by judicious col-

29)

230

lecting, and the status of eastern and western
species in the state becomes capable of clearer
definition through their researches. In the
same issue a paper by J. A. Spurrell, con-
cluding an account of the ‘Land Birds of Sac
County, Iowa,’ suffers by contrast. While
undoubtedly of value, it bears the obvious
stamp of incompleteness, and the data sub-
mitted could be greatly improved by five
years’ more observation.

A most interesting article in the December
issue is on the ‘Summer Birds near Lake
Caddo, Texas, by Alvin R. Cahn, a region
practically unknown ornithologically and still
comparatively wild and inaccessible. Mr.
Cahn made the most of his opportunity, and
records such interesting birds as Attwater’s
Prairie Chicken, the Wild Turkey, and the
Wood Duck, the latter in great abundance.
W. L. McAtee contributes a paper summar-
izing the results of ten spring bird lists made
near Washington, D. C. The most important
part is the preliminary discussion of methods
of procedure, and the rules to be observed in
making such a list. These rules are most
timely in a day when more and more students
are tearing madly over wider and wider
stretches of territory in an effort to “run up
a big list.” There is no doubt that this is
good fun, but the results are of small scien-
tific value. A walking trip, however, over the
same carefully selected route, made every
year on exactly the same time schedule will
yield data of real comparative value, espe-
cially if a careful count of individuals is taken.
It is highly desirable, as McAtee points out,
for two or more observers to see and hear
every species listed and to remain together
the whole time. The importance of such a
check cannot be overestimated. We also
heartily agree with the writer in the desir-
ability of seeing every species. The somewhat
lengthy discussion, however, of the risks
taken in making sound records is too dog-
matically written. Some of the author’s
examples of birds with confusing notes will
seem absurd to many students whose ornitho-
logical attainments are way below those of
Mr. McAtee, and we cannot help but suspect
either the keenness of his ear or, what is much
more likely, a lack of sufficient annual field
experience with the birds of the region to

Bird - Lore

maintain his memory at par. There is no
doubt that auditory memory is the first to
go. No one can hope to distinguish similar
Warbler songs, for instance, who does not
hear them every available day every spring,
and even when once well learned, lack of
practice for two successive seasons is quite
sufficient to destroy the ability previously
acquired. On the other hand, it is equally
impossible to make a good Warbler list
unless the ear is in proper training to pick up
all songs worth looking up. In the opinion of
the reviewer, another rule might be added to
make spring bird lists worth while, and that
is that the proposed route should be covered
as frequently as possible throughout the
spring. Only in this way can the elusive
though fairly common resident or summer
resident species be obtained, by definitely
locating nests or the restricted habitat of a
given pair.

An inspection of the ten lists given in-
dorses the suspicions already voiced. In the
first place the variety of routes destroys
much of potential comparative value. The
percentage of ‘bad misses’ in most of the
lists is also far too high. Thus the Nuthatch
is on only three lists, and should certainly
have appeared on all the last three, if there
had been sufficient preliminary field work.
The entire absence of the Tennessee Warbler
from any of the lists is astonishing. In 1918
the reviewer was out daily in the Washington
region. The Tennessee Warbler arrived on
May 7 and was common on May 11 and
May 12, when it was singing freely. No
Warbler, except possibly the Cerulean and
the Orange-crowned, is more easily over-
looked, unless its song is known. In conclu-
sion we might add that the citation of birds
whose notes are similar, or cases (exceptional
let us hope) where ‘naturalists’ could not
distinguish between the sound made by cow,
bird, or bullfrog (!), do not prove the general
unreliability of sound records, any more than
a list recently published of species which are
indistinguishable when seen in life proves the
unreliability of sight records.

The Field Notes in all three issues bear a
pleasing stamp of reliability. In closing
we congratulate the Club on a magazine of
increased attractiveness and value,—L. G.

Editorial

Bird-Lore

A Bi-Monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES
Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Contributing Editor, MABELOSGOOD WRIGHT
Published by D. APPLETON & CO.

Vol. XXIV Published August 1,1922 No. 4

SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Price in the United States, one dollar and fifty centsa year;
outside the United States, one dollar and seventy-five cents,
postage paid.

COPYRIGHTED, 1922, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Bird-Lore’s Motto:
A Bird in the Bush Is Worth Two in .the Hand

WE HAvE lately compared the self-written
histories of the boyhood of John Burroughs”
and J. A. Allenj with each other, and with
the record of their authors’ achievements.
These men had much in common in environ-
ment and temperament.

Burroughs was born in 1837, Allen in 1838;
both died in 1921. Both were born and raised
on a farm, Burroughs in the Catskills, Allen
near Springfield, Mass. Both had brothers
from whom in tastes and mentality they
differed widely. Neither could attribute his
distinctive characteristics to inheritance.
Both were direct, simple, sincere, and unaf-
fected, shunning society but loving compan-
ionship. Both had a pronounced interest in
nature, but one was born a poet and the
other a scientist; and each developed true to
type, but Burroughs was much longer in
finding himself.

The inherent desire to study nature, which
made Allen one of the foremost technical
naturalists of his time, was soon manifested,
and was too clearly defined and insistent to
be denied. Burroughs’ longings were more
vague. He was primarily responsive to litera-
ture and describes how the reading of certain
passages from the ‘Life of Washington’ al-
ways overwhelmed him with a wave of
emotion. A strange word at once commanded
his attention. Birds, mammals, toads, and
insects all attracted him. He used to watch
and woo the little piping frogs and induce
them to sit in his open hand and pipe; and
creep on hands and knees to see the partridge

*“My Boyhood.’ Doubleday, Page & Company.

231

drum. He watched the mud-wasps building
their nests and studied the habits of bumble-
bees. But this sympathetic interest in the
various forms of life about him was not
accompanied by the deeper, stronger feeling
which characterizes the original investigator.
The boy Burroughs appears to have made no
collections. He knew nothing of specimens
or of the science of natural history.

Allen, on the other hand, without ever
having met a naturalist or seen a book on
nature began at the age of thirteen to form
collections of birds, rocks, and plants, and
his specimens were measured, weighed, and
named. Thus he gave a wholly spontaneous
expression to the desire to acquire that
definite type of knowledge which can be
obtained only by close personal inspection.
He collected to gratify a desire for knowledge,
not a passion for acquisition. With un-
swerving steps he followed the star of his
destiny. Guided first by his own longings,
an amateur taxidermist, a school teacher and
an academy professor were links in the chain
of fate which brought him straight to the care
of Louis Agassiz. With his feet now firmly
on the road, his course was ever upward.

Burroughs, less fortunate, heard no such
unmistakable call. Leaving the farm at the
age of seventeen, for the ensuing ten years
he taught in rural district schools. For the
succeeding decade he was a clerk in the
Treasury at Washington. It was during the
latter part of this period that the ‘response
to literature,’ which was perhaps his dominant
trait, found an outlet in an essay on ‘Expres-
sion.’ And when, soon after, he decided to
make nature his theme, the experiences of
his boyhood came to ‘fruit and flower’ in his
mind and ‘Wake Robin’ was the memorable
and imperishable result. Burroughs had now
found himself. The farm at Riverby was
purchased, and the Bark Study and Slab-
sides became laboratories wherein through
the alchemy of his mind Burroughs trans-
mitted experience and impression into the
living word.

So these two farmer boys, in their very
different ways, fulfilled the promise of their
youth, one through the sentiment, the other
through the science of nature.

+Autobiographical Notes. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist.

Che Audubon Societies

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by A. A. ALLEN, Ph.D.

Address all communications relative to the work of this
department to the Editor, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y

THE HOME-LIFE OF BIRDS
NEST-BUILDING AND EGG-LAYING

At no time of the year are birds more interesting than during the nesting
period. The throngs of migrating birds bring out their hosts of admirers
during April and May; the morning and evening choruses of courting birds
draw a response from others during May and June; but the nesting birds are
the most fascinating to the quiet observer. The hunting for the nests and the
watching of the daily life about the birds’ homes hold thrills that are never
known by those who put away their glasses when the migration is over. In
the last number of Brrp-Lore we discussed the courtship of birds; this time
let us begin with the mated birds and the building of the nest.

In the beginning it might be mentioned that most birds are monogamous,
that is, they have the same mates throughout the period of the dependency
of the young. With birds the entire cycle from birth to maturity occurs within
a comparatively few weeks. The home is built, the eggs are laid, the young
are cared for until they become entirely self-supporting, with many birds,
all within the period of a month or six weeks. With the human species this
cycle of events requires anywhere from twenty-one to forty years depending
upon the number of children. It is fair, then to say that birds are monogamous,
even though they may change mates from year to year, or even between
broods, as is sometimes the case, so long as they do not maintain two mates
at the same time. Some birds, particularly those that do not migrate, probably
retain the same mates year after year and, even among migratory birds, the
same two birds may resort to the same nesting-spot year after year and remate.
We have very little definite information upon this subject, however, and it
is one of the problems which ‘bird-banding’ should throw much light upon.
In this, as in most aspects of the home-life of birds, there is as much individual
difference as there is with the human species, which makes it difficult to general-
ize upon but most fascinating to observe. Indeed the similarity of their lives
and actions and responses to our own is so striking that it has led some nature
writers to endow them with an intelligence and power of thought that is not
justified by the facts. Some birds are remarkably faithful to one another
while others have much greater attachment for the nesting-site than they
have for their mates. If one of a pair of Canada Geese is killed or permanently

(232)

The Audubon Societies 23

w

separated, the other remains single for years and perhaps never remates. On
the other hand, with the majority of birds, if one is killed, a new mate is secured
within a few hours.

A few birds, like the Pheasants and, probably, most Grouse, are regularly
polygamous and others, like the House Wren (and probably other species of
Wrens), Red-winged Blackbirds, Great-tailed Grackles, and doubtless other

ea ke =f ees at
THE CANADA GOOSE DEFENDING ITS NEST
The Goose (in the foreground) crouches over her eggs while the gander

grasps the intruder with his bill and beats him with his wings. (Birds
nesting in captivity)
species, frequently so; and individual cases can be expected occasionally with
almost any species, should there chance to be a preponderance of females, a
condition which rarely happens. Polyandry, the mating of one female with
more than one male, may likewise occasionally happen, particularly if a
stronger male is able to drive away one that is already mated. It is not regu-
larly the case with any bird unless it be the Cowbird, and of its domestic
relations we still know too little to say definitely.

234 Bird - Lore

A few birds are communistic: they build a common nest in which all the
females lay eggs and then share the duties of incubation and rearing the
young. This is particularly true of the Anis of tropical and subtropical Amer-
ica, though many of the African Weaver Birds and the Palm Chats of Santo
Domingo are communistic to the extent of building a common roof beneath
which each pair builds its nest. There are slight indications among our colonial-
nesting Swallows that they may be leaning toward communism.

A MALE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK INCUBATING
This is one of the few species in which the bright-colored male assists
in incubation

After the birds are mated the first thought, of the female at least, is the
building of the nest. The male has already selected the general nesting area
or territory in which he has been singing and which the female has accepted
by accepting him. It is her duty, however, to select the actual site where the
nest is to be built and to do most if not all, of the building. With most, if
not all, species of Wrens the building of ‘dummy nests’ by the males is a common
practice but is apparently rather part of a courtship performance, for they
are never used by the female. The male House Wren, for example, arriving
before the female, proceeds to fill every nesting-box and cranny in the vicinity
full of sticks and may even build quite well-shaped nests. When the female

a Ea aS ee PNP tS atinePeST. huss dietitians) Shaolin Soe
ST TA

s

The Audubon Societies 23

mn

arrives and accepts him for a mate, however, she does not at the same time
accept the home which he has built; for even though she may decide to use
one of the boxes where he has already started a nest, she usually proceeds to
throw out all of the sticks which he has laboriously brought in before starting
a nest of her own. I have never known any bird in which the males and
females worked equally at nest-building though with many of the common
birds the male makes a pretense at helping. It is his duty to see that no
other male or even female
of the same species intrudes,
and this takes so much of
his time that, though he
may accompany the female
back and forth on her trips,
he has little time or in-
clination for gathering nest-
ing material. Judging from
the way the female usually
treats his occasional offering
of nesting material, it would
seem that his lack of ex-
perience has so warped his
judgment that he does not
know the proper material
when he sees it.

This brings up the ques-
tion of what determines the
proper nesting material for
each species. Practically
all birds build nests that
are characteristic of the

species. The materials vary MALE CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER ON GUARD
somewhat in different local- When the male bird is brighter than the female, he usually does
ae not condescend to incubate but either feeds the female on the
ities depending upon what test or stands guard awaiting her return from feeding excursions
. ° L : This species does either way

is most convenient but, in

general, House Wrens use twigs, Bluebirds use grasses, Yellow Warblers use
cotton, and so on, though often curious substitutes are employed. I have, for
example, a Wren’s nest built largely of hair-pins and wire clippings, and a
Robin’s nest in which the customary grasses were replaced by long, narrow
strips of paper from a nearby paper factory. But only such materials are used
as permit the bird to build the type of nest characteristic of the species. Balti-
more Orioles normally weave their nests from vegetable fibers such as the
inner bark of milkweed. They will take pieces of yarn or string or horse-
hair just as readily but never, to my knowledge, will they use sticks, straws.

236 Bird - Lore

or grasses, though grasses are regularly used by the Orchard Oriole. Marsh-
birds regularly use the dried sedges or rushes or marsh grasses; field-birds use
grasses and horsehair; woodland birds use dead leaves, mosses, and rootlets,
and so on. The materials with which a bird comes most in contact are the
ones employed in nest-building provided they conform to the general type of
nest characteristic of the family.

Birds that spend a great deal of time on the wing and come less into contact
with nesting materials and nesting-sites show the greatest diversity both as
to site and materials. Among our common Swallows, for example, the Barn
and Cliff Swallows build nests of mud about barns or clifis; the Tree Swallows
build nests of straws and feathers in holes in trees or bird-houses; the Bank
Swallows build similar nests at the end of holes which they excavate in sand-
banks; and the Rough-winged Swallows utilize old Kingfisher burrows or
natural crannies about cliffs or bridges or drain-pipes.

The factors that control the selection of the nesting-site are primarily the
necessity for concealment, accessibility to the feeding-ground, and protection
from the elements. If birds were capable of worrying over the possibility of
the destruction of their homes, their heads would be white before their nests
were started. As it is, they go about the selection of the site instinctively and
finally decide upon one which is usually well concealed from their ordinary
enemies such as cats, Crows, Hawks, Owls, Jays, Grackles, Wrens, weasels,
skunks, raccoons, squirrels, rats, and snakes, as well as being fairly well pro-
tected from wind and rain, and accessible to their feeding-ground. The large
percentage of nests that are broken up, however, attests the many dangers
that ever beset the bird’s home and the bird’s life. I think it is no exaggeration
to state that less than ro per cent of the nests which I find each year endure
until the young leave of their own accord. I would even venture to say that
not one in twenty of the nests that are started succeed in housing the young
to maturity.

The many ways in which birds circumvent their enemies by building their
nests in inaccessible or inconspicuous places, or by decorating them with bits
of paper, cobwebs, or lichens so that they will look like something else, would
make quite a story in itself, but we must pass them over and merely mention
the birds that have changed their natural nesting-sites to suit changed con-
ditions. Some species are not adaptable and when conditions change they
vanish; others are able to make the best of changed conditions and may even
increase. Such are the Robin, all of the birds that nest in nesting-boxes, the
Phoebe, and the Barn and Cliff Swallows that formerly nested only on clifis
but are now so familiar about our dwellings. The Chimney Swift that has
almost forsaken the hollow trees for the chimneys is another good example of
adaptation. One often hears of birds nesting in unusual places, such as moving
street-cars or traveling cranes, under wagons left standing, in clothespin bags,
in the pockets of scarecrows, etc., but they are always of these adaptable

Fi J
Oo Penh aang remit,

The Audubon Societies 237

species. It is almost beyond the realm of possibility to have a Yellow-breasted
Chat or a Cuckoo or even a Catbird behave in such a manner.

Before leaving the subject of nesting we ought to try to answer the question
of why birds build nests anyway. Some we know still lay their eggs on the
ground without any nest whatsoever, and they manage to persist or else we
would not have any Nighthawks or Whip-poor-wills. The same is true of
many of the sea-birds like the Auks and Murres. At the other extreme are
the Orioles and the Weaver Birds that weave such elaborate nests. Between

TURNING THE EGGS IS A NECESSARY DUTY ACCOMPANYING INCUBATION
Here is a Florida Gallinule attending to this requirement
the two we find all gradations of nest structure from those that merely scoop
out a little depression to keep the eggs from rolling, like the Killdeer, or those
that add a few grasses by way of a lining, like the Spotted Sandpiper, to those
that build rather elaborate domed nests on the ground like the Meadowlark
and the Ovenbird.

Of the birds that have raised their nests above ground to escape floods or
terrestrial enemies, there are some that merely lift them by building a platform
of dead leaves, like the Veery, or the Rails and Gallinules in the marsh; others
build crude platforms of sticks in trees or bushes, barely sufficient to keep the
eggs from rolling to the ground. Such are the nests of the Herons, the Mourning

238 Bird - Lore

Dove, and the Cuckoos. Crows and Catbirds have advanced a step further,
for while they still use sticks they build deeply hollowed nests and line them
with softer materials. Nests of the Yellow Warbler, Redstart, and Goldfinch,
made entirely of soft materials, doubtless represent a still higher stage in the
evolution of nests that culminates in the beautifully woven structures of the
Vireos, Orioles, and Weaver Birds. Such is the present status of birds’ nests
and doubtless it indicates the various steps through which the more compli-
cated nests have passed. If we would understand the real origin of nest-
building, however, we must go back to the earliest birds when they first arose
from their reptilian ancestors.

Doubtless their habits of egg-laying at that time were about the same as
those of reptiles today. Turtles bury their eggs in the sand; lizards hide them
in holes in stumps or decaying logs; snakes bury theirs in decaying vegetation;
and alligators build nests of the same material in which they hide their eggs,
and are the only reptiles which are said to take an interest in the welfare of
the young later on. But, as in all other reptiles, the eggs are hatched by the
heat of the sun or from the decaying material. Now it must be remembered
that reptiles are ‘cold-blooded’ creatures and are not affected by great changes
in their bodily temperature. A turtle basking in the sun may have a blood
temperature nearly boiling while the temperature of the same animal hiber-
nating in the mud may be near the freezing point. As its temperature drops,
it becomes more sluggish, but its health is not affected. The warm-blooded
birds and mammals, on the other hand, can endure but a very slight change
from the normal temperature of their blood without ill effect. What is true
of the grown bird is equally true of the embryo developing within the egg.
Its temperature must be maintained or it will not develop and will soon die.
There are a few birds, such as the Megapodes of the Australian region, which
still rely upon the ancestral method of burying their eggs in the sand or in
piles of decaying vegetation, but they lay their eggs at a time when the tem-
perature is remarkably uniform in the places which they select. All other
birds have to depend upon supplying the heat from their own bodies; that is,
they have to incubate their eggs. The longest stride in the change from the
reptile to the bird and the one which affected their habits even more than the
development of wings and feathers, was this advance from a changeable to a
constant temperature, from ‘cold-blooded’ to ‘warm-blooded.’ We have not
the space, nor is it appropriate here, to go into all the differences which this
change brought about, but we can point out that the need for incubating the
eggs which followed gave rise to the nest-building habit. Birds that had been
in the habit of nesting in holes in banks or in trees where they could remain
with their eggs with no great inconvenience, were doubtless less affected.
They did not have to learn how to build nests, except in so far as they had to
learn to dig their own excavations instead of accepting natural cavities. Such
is the habit of the Woodpeckers and the Kingfishers today. They excavate

The Audubon Societies 239

their nesting cavities but they build no nests within for their eggs. Birds that
had been in the habit of burying their eggs, however, and now had to lay them
on the surface of the ground where they could be incubated, had other problems
to meet. There were the floods, the cold, wet ground, the numerous terrestrial
enemies, all threatening to destroy the eggs. It is easy to imagine, therefore,
that those individuals that learned to raise their nests off of the ground
were the ones that persisted until the habit was formed. The first nests were
doubtless very crude and the beautiful structures with which we are familiar
are no doubt the result of a gradual evolution as already indicated.

We have stated that nests are ordinarily built by the female birds though
the male often makes a pretense at helping. The time required depends a good

A PAIR OF COWBIRDS
They have no home-life, but are parasitic upon other birds

deal upon the time at the disposal of the birds, but, with ordinary birds, like
Robins or Blackbirds, it is about six days. Three days are spent on the outside
and a like time on the interior. The same bird, however, if the first nest is
destroyed while the eggs are being laid, might build an entirely new nest in a
single day. A pair of Phoebes, on the other hand, under observation this
spring, began repairing an old nest fully a month before any eggs were laid.
Usually the nest is completed the day before the first egg is laid.
Incubation does not ordinarily begin until egg-laying is completed, so that
all of the eggs will hatch at about the same time. Otherwise the first young
to hatch would have an unfair advantage over the others in the nest. Occa-
sionally one finds Owls or Bitterns beginning to incubate before all of the eggs
have been laid, but they are, perhaps, less regular about egg-laying than most

240 Bird - Lore

birds. Most birds lay one egg each day at about the same time but larger
birds, like Hawks, Owls, and Geese. have intervals of two days.

As the time for incubation approaches, the bare area on the middle of the
breast becomes suffused with blood and is termed the ‘brood spot,’ and the
bird becomes ‘broody.’ Ducks and Geese which have practically no bare area
on the breast then proceed to pull out the down from that region so as to bring
the eggs in direct contact with the skin. Incidentally, this down forms a
blanket with which the eggs are always covered when the Duck leaves them
to feed.

When both birds are colored alike, they usually share equally the duties
of incubation, but when the male is brighter than the female, he is not often
seen on the nest, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak being an exception. Ordinarily,
he either stands guard on the edge of the nest until the female returns from
her feeding excursions or else brings food to her. Sometimes he feeds her on
the nest but more often he calls, as he approaches, and she flies out to meet
him. The easiest way to find a Marsh Hawk’s nest is to listen for the returning
male and then note from what spot the female flies up to meet him and take
the food from his claws. The caie of the female by the male is carried to the
extreme by the African Hornbills in which species the male walls up the opening
to the nest in a hollow tree with mud until only the female’s bill can be pro-
truded. He then proceeds to bring her all her food and likewise that for the
young later on, for she remains’ imprisoned until the young are nearly full
grown. So great is the task of providing the entire menu for the whole family,
we are told, that he becomes excessively thin and often succumbs during
inclement weather.

With a few birds the males do most or all of the incubating and care of the
young. This is said to be true of the Emeus and Cassowaries of the East
Indies, the Rheas and Tinamous of South America, of Ostriches, at least in
captivity, and more particularly of our own Phalaropes. In the case of the
Phalaropes the males not only do all of the domestic chores but they are like-
wise less brightly marked than the females, apparently a complete reversal of
the sexes.

The period of incubation depends largely on the size of the egg and the
nature of the young, larger eggs and those from which precocial young hatch
requiring longer periods. The actual time varies from ro days in the case
of the Cowbird to from 50 to 60 with the Ostrich, or even 70 to 80 with
the Emeu. Sparrows require 12 to 13; Thrushes, 13 to 14; Hens, 21;
Ducks, from 21 to 30, depending largely on the size; Geese, 30 to 35; etc.
An apparent exception is the Hummingbird which requires 14 to 15 days but
has the smallest egg of all. This may be due to the fact that she receives no
help whatsoever from the male and the eggs may become unduly cooled during
her feeding excursions, for it is a fact that unusual cooling of the eggs delays
the hatching if it does not entirely prevent it.

a>

| Od St pier ine ree nee ees «

The Audubon Societies 241

The extremely short period of the Cowbird is perhaps an adaptation to its
parasitic habits, for if the young Cowbird hatches ahead of its foster brothers,
it has a better chance of getting most of the food and either starving them to
death or ousting them from the nest.

Young birds are assisted in getting out of the shell by what is called the
‘egg-tooth,’ a hard calcareous tubercle which develops on the upper mandible
and which is used as the cutting tool in ‘pecking’ the egg. The bills of all
embryo birds are very soft, making such an instrument necessary. This egg-
tooth persists for several days after hatching and is quite conspicuous on some
birds. Many birds, particularly Grouse and Quail, cut a neat little cap out of
the larger end of the egg with this egg-tooth, but others break the shell irregu-
larly. Most birds are very careful to remove the empty shells from the nests,
either swallowing them or carrying them off to some distance. Birds that
have precocial young, however, that do not stay in the nest for any time after
hatching, do not bother with the empty shells.

During the period of incubation the eggs have to be turned once or twice
a day so that they will be heated evenly and so that the membranes will not
adhere to the shell and prevent the free passage of air to the interior. Some
birds turn the eggs with their feet and others with their bills, and usually it is
at the time that the female returns from a feeding excursion. The accompany-
ing photograph of a Florida Gallinule shows the female bird turning the eggs
with her bill.

(To be continued)

SUGGESTIONS

1. What is meant by monogamy among birds and what birds are monogamous?

2. Have you any definite information upon the mating of the same two birds two years
in succession?

3. Have you ever known birds to change mates between broods?

4. What is meant by polygamy among birds and what birds are polygamous?

5. Have you ever known House Wrens to be polygamous? Any other species not regu-
larly so?

6. What is meant by communism among birds and what birds are communistic?

7. Which sex selects the nesting-site and which sex builds the nest?

8. What is the duty of the male before and during nest-building?

9. Have you ever observed a male bird assisting in the building of the nest? To what

extent?

10. What determines the nesting material used by birds? The general type of nest?

11. Have you known of any birds using unusual nesting materials or nesting in unusual
places?

12. What determines the selection of the nesting-site?

13. What is the probable origin of the nest-building habit in birds?

14. Outline the probable evolution of the more elaborate nests that we know today and
illustrate the steps by examples of present day nests that represent the different
stages.

15. Why do some birds that lay their eggs in holes build nests and others not?

242 Bird - Lore

16. Why do birds incubate their eggs? When does incubation begin? How long does
it last with different birds?

17. What is meant by ‘warm-blooded’ and ‘cold-blooded’ and what changes must have
taken place in the birds’ habits when the change from one condition to the other
evolved?

18. How long does it take a bird to build its nest? Have you any original observation

upon this?

19. What is meant by the ‘brood-spot’ and what is its function?

20. What is the ‘egg tooth’ and what is its function?

FROM YOUNG OBSERVERS

AN EAGLE’S NEST

I am at some lakes and my Daddy and I were paddling in a canoe when
we heard a noise from a bird which afterwards I found was an Eagle, and it
flew to a big nest which an Indian said was about twenty-five years old. We
saw the Eagle in another place, too. Once when I was wandering through the
woods I saw a Red-headed Woodpecker pecking on a drooping dead branch,
and he pecked and pecked till the limb broke. The Woodpecker was on the
under side and it fell and fell till within about 4 feet from the ground, when
he fluttered and got away. He had cut off the limb he was sitting on.—
Griscom Morean (age, 9 years), Englewood, Ohio.

A TENANT FOR OUR BOAT

One sunny day in April I was lying on the grass reading when suddenly I
heard a sweet twittering song. Looking up I saw a small bird. It had a brown
back and tail. Its breast was a sort of gray and brown mixed. It was about
the size of a female Sparrow and it twisted its tail in a comical fashion, singing
a short song over and over again. For about a week I saw it either in an
apple tree or an old brush-heap, always near a large skiff which we had taken
out of the river and turned over before the ice formed last fall. In about two
more days another bird came which was about the same size and color as the
first. I began looking around but could not find the nest which I knew was
somewhere near. The next day as I was going past the skiff I tapped it with
a stick which I had in my hand. Almost instantly a small form glided noise-
lessly out from under the boat. I peeped under and there, on the front seat
was the nest. It was of rough structure on the outside but the center, which
was about the size of a hen’s egg, was lined with feathers as soft as down.
This little House Wren is a very busy worker, eating bugs and insects that
destroy crops. It also makes everybody cheerful by its singing.—FoRREST
LEESON (age, 14 years), Belpre, Ohio.

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a ee ee

The Audubon Societies 243

INVITATION

A BIRD PAGEANT FOR THE DEDICATION OF A BIRD BATH

Compiled for the Audubon Society of
Robert E. Lee (No. 30) School

From those poets who love birds, especially Percy Mackaye.

JANUARY 18, 1922. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

CAST OF CHARACTERS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Ornis: A Fairy . . Lois CUNNINGHAM

Annual Visitants to San Antonio
CARDINAL . Te Be cere Se . Helen McDavitt
DovE: = -; Stas ; . Earle Harle
KIELDEER . : . Marie Frazor
SUMMER TANAGER Paul Walton
ORCHARD ORIOLE Enos Reynolds
CEDAR WAXWING John Herren
BLUEBIRD . : . Edna Taylor
TuFTED TITMOUSE Edna Grote
SCARLET TANAGER Callie Dixon
OUATIA S325. 5 2-2. James Butcher

YELLOW WARBLER . .
ScIssOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER
KINGFISHER . ste
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE
MEADOWLARK ;
RED-HEADED WoOODPECKER
FIELD SPARROW
Bite PAM oc cen aera ee
VERMILION FLYCATCHER
INDIGO BUNTING .

Thelma Krause
John Kight
Marguerite Uhr
Nat. Adler
Clinton Herring
Hugh Magill
Jerry Oates
Celso Cuellar
Inez Ankerson

. Charles Pabst

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD J Sidney Stewart
WRENS Sites css en tne os 2: : ; Irma Mesch
INGRINER MASE tern tne et Se . Nellie Jordan
Mockxrinc Birp . . Robert Loessberg

Ornis comes forth from the retreat, bearing a pitcher of water. She mounts a little plat-
form made of tree branches by the covered bird-bath. She speaks to the children who are
seated in a circle nearby the bath:

Come gather round this covered spot,
Ye children of this city school.

Be silent! Let the laughter of your play
Be still! Hearken with quick ears,

And you shall hear of treasure

To which you all are heir.

You have been robbed, O city children;
You have not known your feathered friends.

244

Bird - Lore

The hostile city drives them forth.
No longer here they nest and fly;
Deep in the woods they’ve fled to sing.

They are God’s choicest singers.

They welcome every rising sun,

While you, perhaps, are still abed
With sleepy head.

They pour their soul abroad

In cheerful ecstasy.

They fly with all the winds

And visit many lands

Which you, perhaps, will never know.

They know the secret streams among the hills.

They probe the bosoms of the trees;

And with exploring wing

They search through every thicket.

The wild flowers bend beneath their speckled breast,
And Autumn’s ripened seeds are carried far and wide
For Spring to dress in glowing color.

They wage a daily battle with the worms

That would destroy your growing food.

They stitch a tiny house with magic art,

And soon bright-colored eggs

Are hatching ’neath the mother’s breast.

The birds are wingéd joys;

But you must gentle be,

If you would win their friendship.

Tf you do follow them with love and care
They’ll lead you to much health and happiness;
They will charm you all your life;

They will teach you truest knowledge.

If you will only follow

Over wooded hill and hollow,

Only watch and silent be

By the stream and ’cross the lea,
They will sing their sweetest song,
Make you glad the whole day long,
Make you wise in woodland lore,
Make you rich in Nature’s store.

If you promise to be gentle,

I will draw this covering mantle.
Here the birds may rest awhile

In their travels many a mile,

Bathe and drink from this tiny pool,
Here in sight of you in school,

And perhaps you'll wish for wings,
While the robin dips and sings.

The Audubon Societies

Now I'll call to the birds of the air,

They may e’en now be lingering near.
5 y g g

Come here, come here, comrades coy,
From hill and swamp and heather;
Make joy, make joy together!
Slant wing and sleek feather,
Tawny beak and scarlet vest,
Bulging bill and cocking crest,
Hither!
Tumble out of nest,
Topple out of windy weather
Here, hola!
Up from dew-grass, down from aerie,
With preenings quaint,
Purple dyes and crimson paint,
Here, hola in merry state!

Ornis, Ornis,
Summons you to dedicate
Here a new bird-bath!

245

The birds come running in zigzag paths, with stops and starts all converging round the
bath, and with a continual chorus of bird-calls:

Cardinal
Dove .
Killdeer .
Field Sparrow

Summer Tanager .

Orchard Oriole .
Cedar Waxwing
Bluebird

Tufted Titmouse .

Scarlet Tanager
MO al Ses A x)
Yellow Warble

. Good-cheer!

Scissor-tail .

Coo! Coo! Kingfisher

. Killdee! Meadowlark

. Cher—wee, dec—e-e

_ Chip! Chip! Grackle 2
Hit-e-e- Blues|ayi <eee hohe

. A whistle Vermilion Flycatche

. Soft whistle

Indigo Bunting .

. Pete! pete! Hummingbird
. Chip! chip! Wren
. Bob-white Robin .

. Witch-e-wee-o | Mocking Bird.

Red-headed Woodpecker

. Ka-quee!

. A crackle

. Whistling boy

. Lfl aft

. Throaty noise

. . Jay! jay!
. Long whistle
. Short whistle
. Noise with wings
. Whee-udelt

. . Cheerily, cheerup
. A whistling boy

While Ornis pours water from her pitcher into the bath, the Birds dance and sing, now
and then sprinkling water on each other with their fingers:

Veery, veery! vireo!

Cedar waxwing! warbler wary!
Ori-ori-oriole!

Here is sanctuary!

Jack daw rath,
Scissor-tail-twitcher

Drink’s in the pitcher

Dip in the bath

Dew’s in the bath

Rain’s in the pitcher
Dawn’s the greenwood eerie;

246 Bird - Lore

Here, O, highhole!
Redpoll!
Oriole

Vireo, vireo, vireo!

Ornis: Welcome O Birds
Hither thou comest.
The busy wind all night
Blew through thy lodgings, where thy own warm wings
Thy pillows were. Many a sullen storm
Rained on thy beds
And harmless heads;
But now as fresh and cheerful as the light
Thy little hearts in songs doth sing
Unto that Providence whose unseen arm
Hath clothed thee well and warm.

The Birds dance a sprightly dance around the bath at the end of which Ornis steps down
and speaks to some of the Birds in turn, placing her wand on their shoulders or touching
their heads or hands. Now and then a bird replies.*

The birds crowd around Ornis and begin to move off in a dance with her toward their
retreat singing:

Untamed, unshamed,

On swift shy wings;

Whom do we follow?
Jubilant Joy!

We dream,

We drink from immortal springs,

Hid away in a far-away hollow.
Follow, follow,

O girl and boy!

By tree and stream,

On land and sea,

The heart that ever sings.

The birds disappear in their retreat with the vanishing birdcalls sounding as at first.

Led by Ornis, all the birds now come back and sit down in a semi-circle facing the audience. —
Ornis stands before the Principal of the school and says the following, to present the deed of
gift, with all the signatures of the members of the Audubon Society engraved upon it: ,

Ornis: Mrs. Schenck, the 1921 Audubon Society of Robert E. Lee (No. 30) School have
had so much pleasure in bird-study that, before we finally depart from the portals of this”
school, we wish to leave behind some token of our gratitude. So we beg you to accept this”
bird-bath from us. And we herewith present to you an engrossed deed of gift of same, signed
with our respective signatures.

COPY OF THE DEED

To the Robert E. Lee (No. 30) School, Mrs. K. S. Schenck, Principal.
We, the Audubon Society of 1921, make gift of a bird-bath, this day in token of our —

gratitude for happy school days and in remembrance of our delightful study of birds.
Jan. 18, 1922. San Antonio, Tex. Lots CUNNINGHAM,

Signed by all the pupils Presicens

“Owing to limitations of space, the clever dialogue between Ornis and the various birds has been omitted.
It can be secured by interestedgreaders from the Editor of the School,Department.
‘

Che Audubon Societies

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by T. GILBERT PEARSON, President

Address all correspondence, and send all remittances, for dues and contributions, to
the National Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York City.
Telephone, Columbus 7327

T. Grrpert PEarson, President +

Tueopore S. Patmer, First Vice-President
Freperic A. Lucas, Second Vice-President

Writram P. Warton, Secretary
JonatHan Dwicut, Treasurer

SamMuEL T. CarTER, Jr., Attorney

Any person, club, school or company in sympathy with the objects of this Association may become

a member of it, and all are welcome.

Classes of Membership in the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild

Birds and Animals:

$5 annually pays for a Sustaining Membership

$1oo paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000 constitutes a person a Patron

$5,000 constitutes a person a Founder

$25,000 constitutes a person a Benefactor

Form oF Brequest:—I do hereby give and bequeath to the National Association of Audubon
Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals (Incorporated), of the City of New York.

INTERNATIONAL BIRD PROTECTION

An International Committee for the Pro-
tection of Wild Birds has recently been
formed. Such action was taken at a meeting
of bird protectors held at 36 Smith Square,
London, on June 20, 1922. The following
were present and took part in the proceedings:
P. G. van Tienhoven, of Amsterdam,
Holland; Dr. A. Burdet, of Overveen,
Holland; M. Jean Delacour, of Paris, France;
T. Gilbert Pearson, of New York City, and
the following who are prominently con-
nected ‘with various bird-protective organi-
zations in England: The Earl of Buxton,
G. C. N. G.; Viscount Grey, of Falladon;
William L. Sclater, H. J. Massingham, Frank
E. Lemon, Mrs. Reginald McKenna, and
Dr. Percy Lowe.

Those present formed themselves into a
temporary committee to serve until such
time as their respective societies shall have
opportunity officially to appoint representa-
tives on the committee.

Various matters in connection with wild-
bird protection, of mutual interest to the
various countries involved, will at once be
taken up. Plans were also made for closer
coéperation between the various societies in
the matter of exchange of information,
printed and otherwise, so that all may keep
in close touch with what is being done else-
where in the world. Bird-protective societies
in countries not represented will be invited to
unite with the movement and appoint
representatives.

IMPRESSIONS OF A BIRD-LOVER IN FRANCE

As the steamship ‘Savoie’ approached the
French coast on May 13, a flock of Kitti-
wake Gulls appeared and convoyed us until

_ the night approached. Next day the Black-
backed Gulls came, and in the afternoon
Herring Gulls took up their station in our
wake and beat their way shoreward until the
anchor rumbled down in the mouth of the

Seine, as the setting sun lighted up the cliffs
of Havre.

The first land-bird seen in France was a
Goldfinch, quite differently attired from our
American bird that bears this name. Jack-
daws I have seen feeding in the public gardens
of Paris and standing on the shell-shattered
arches of many a war-ruined church of

247)

248

northern France. A breeding pair of Kestrels
were crying about the injured towers or
perching on the necks of the broken gar-
goyles of the Cathedral of Rheims.

‘English’ Sparrows are to be seen, although
nowhere as abundant as in New York or
Chicago. A pair have their nest in the crown
of an angel standing over the portal of the
Temple of Justice in Paris. Others were seen
feeding their young in the shell-splintered
trees girting the Chemin des Dames eastward
from Soissons. In all the cities and villages
large black Swifts circle and dart under the
eaves and above the roofs of the everpresent
stone buildings. Their high, squeaking notes
may be heard at all times of the day. They
appear not to build their nests in chimneys
but in holes and cracks of the houses. White-
rumped House Martins make their cradles
of mud on protected beams of church towers
and about the homes of peasants.

In the fields, half a mile from the village
of Chamery, is a little shrine to which many
loyal Americans find their way. It is here
that I first met the Skylark. It arose singing
from the meadow and by a series of short,

Bird - Lore

fluttering flights ascended in an irregular
spiral to a height of perhaps three hundred
feet. Then, with wings and tail spread to the
utmost and soaring uncertainly, like an in-
jured aéroplane, it slowly sank for a time
until suddenly, with half-closed wings, it
volplaned to the earth but a few yards
from the grave of the fallen Quinten
Roosevelt. The whole performance required
a little more than two minutes and
not for one instant did the notes of the
happy bird cease to pour forth in the still
morning air.

On the evening of May 16, in Paris, I had
the great pleasure of addressing a meeting of
the French League for the Protection of
Birds. This organization in France corre-
sponds to the National Association of Audu-
bon Societies in the United States. It was
organized January 26, 1912. The present
membership is about 600 and the annual fee
for members is ro francs. Since the begin-
ning the League has published a magazine,
Bulletin de le Ligue Pour la Protection des
Oiseau. It holds meetings for the members
and offers cash rewards to officers of the Re-

CHATEAU OF CLERES,

IN NORMANDY

Home of M. Jean Delacour, President of the French League for the Protection of Birds
Photographed by T. Gilbert Pearson

a

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The Audubon Societies 249

public who bring about convictions of persons
who illegally kill wild birds.

It also presents medals now and then for
distinguished achievements along the lines of
bird-protection. Of late it has taken up the
subject of encouraging the establishment of
private bird sanctuaries, and issues metal
signs for posting. Five hundred acres of the
devastated Mormal Forest have been granted
by the Government to the League as a
sanctuary. Should the experiment prove
successful other grants will follow.

France has neither National nor Provincial
game-warden forces, such as we know in
North America. The civil officers alone are
responsible for enforcing wild-life protective
measures, and, as may be expected, they
show scant interest in this aspect of their
duties. A hunting license is required. Few
of the country people ever hunt or even
possess guns. Furthermore, most of the
game is found on private estates. Skylarks
are legal game-birds. They are killed and
sold in enormous numbers in all the cities of
the land. Other small birds are trapped
illegally and eaten, especially by the inhabi-
tants of southern France.

“Tis apple blossom time in Normandy,”
and I am writing these lines in the beautiful
Chateau of Cleres (Clair), the home of M.
Jean Delacour, President of the French
League for the Protection of Birds. The

50o-acre estate is a magnificent sanctuary of
wild life. In addition to the native birds,
M. Delacour, who is a great traveler, has
brought here 200 and more species of exotic
forms ranging from Hummingbirds to Rheas.
Many of these now inhabit the surrounding
country; especially is this true of the Senegal
Palm Doves, Barbary Doves, Australian
Crested Pigeons, Ring-necked Parrakeets,
Macaws, and various Pheasants. Interesting
mammals have the run of the place also, and
one may see antelopes, kangaroos, cavies
from Patagonia, and various deer. Here my
gracious host has introduced me to many of
his native feathered friends, such as the Pied
Wagtail, the yellow-billed singing Black-
bird, the Missel-thrush, the Rook, and the
Cuckoo.

The chateau is one of the most historic in
France. It dates from the eleventh century
and as it is today so it has stood since the
last additions were made in the sixteenth
century. Beneath its roof kings of France
have been entertained and many times its
walls have been bitten by the arrows: of
the English long-bowmen.

It is peaceful and very beautiful at the
Chateau of Cleres. Just now the chimes from
the ancient village church are ringing and
they are very sweet—these ‘Chimes of
Normandy.’—T. GiLBert PEARSON, Cleres,
France, May 25, 1922.

A BIRD SANCTUARY IN THE BAHAMAS

In 1904 Dr. Frank M. Chapman discovered
a very large colony of Flamingos breeding on
the Island of Andros in the Bahamas. He
also found that the birds were being killed
and eaten by the natives. At his instance
steps were taken which resulted in govern-
ment restrictions against the killing of the
birds. No adequate means were provided,
however, for enforcing the law and the
slaughter of the Flamingos has continued
until the present time, when late reports
indicate that only a pitiful remnant of the
vast numbers found by Chapman. still
remains.

When this information became generally
known, it caused a stir among those inter-

ested in the protection of birds, with the
result that an order by the Acting Colonial
Secretary of the Bahama Islands has just
been issued creating a bird sanctuary of the
southern part of Andros. The wording of
this interesting document follows:

BAHAMA ISLANDS
H. E. S. CorpEaux, Governor.

By His Excellency Major Sir Harry
Edward Spiller Cordeaux, Knight Com-
mander of the Most Distinguished Order of
Saint Michael and Saint George, Compan-
ion of the Most Honourable Order of the
Bath, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in
and over the said Islands, Vice-Admiral
and Ordinary of the same.

250

A PROCLAMATION.

Wuereas, Under and by virtue of Section
IV of The Wild Birds Protection Act, 1905,
it is lawful for the Governor in Council to
establish Reserves for the protection of any
wild bird, and from time to time to vary,
enlarge, or reduce the extent of such Re-
serves;

Anp WHEREAS, It has been deemed ex-
pedient by the Governor in Council that all
that portion of Andros South of the Southern
Bight should be a Reserve for the protection
of Flamingos;

Now TuereroreE, I do hereby proclaim
and give notice that all that portion of Andros

RESULTS OF JUNIOR

When the fiscal year of the Junior Depart-
ment of the Association closed on June 1,
1922, it was found that considerably more
than 200,000 children had been enrolled in
the bird-work the past year. It is a pleasure
to announce that through the generosity of
the anonymous donor who has made it
possible to build up this great system of
primary educational work in bird-study, the
efforts will be continued another year. As
usual, a different set of birds will be studied.
The coming year special attention will be
given to the following: Flicker, Blue Jay,
Bluebird, Song Sparrow, Robin, and Cat-
bird. Leaflets and colored pictures on these
subjects will be supplied to all Junior
members.

The widespread interest in this important
phase of wild-life protection is manifested

by the territory covered in the organization

of Clubs throughout the United States and
Canada. A fuller account of the accom-
plishments in the Junior work the past year
will be published later in the annual report
of the Association.

The following statement shows the dis-
tribution of Junior Clubs and Junior mem-
bers enrolled up to June 1, 1922:

State Clubs | Members
Alabama. ’.!on 0s fiate ieee 12 559
Arizona. =; .. |. 5 tg A 219
Arkansas . Tet) 738
California 142 5,862
(Colorado), « piace 51 2,301
Connecticut 184 6,077
Delaware . ; . 38 1,552
Dist.Golumbia * .. 2s) mee 50
Vlorida . ‘ 176 5,963

Bird -

Lore

South of the Southern Bight shall be a
Reserve for the protection of Flamingos as
from the fifth day of April, 1922.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal
of the said Islands at Government House,
in the City of Nassau, in the Island of New
Providence this 15th day of May, A. D.,
1922, and in the Twelfth year of His Ma-
jesty’s Reign.

By His Excellency’s command,
(Sgd.) P. W. D. ARMBRISTER,
Acting Colonial Secretary.

GOD SAVE THE KING
M. P. 412-22.

CLUB ORGANIZATION

State Clubs = Members
Georgia). Seo ee 18 856
Idaho . . 10 412
Illinois . . 320 13,457
Indiana . . . 18x 6,700
Towaie ae. 123 4,106
Kansasice ae ose . 44 1,543 '
Kentucky . # Jed DAs 1,023
Louisiana. : Kony 219
Maine... 42 1,471
Maryland 58 2,482
Massachusetts 407 18,231
Michigan’... feu. eee 146 5,840
Minnesota ee 2m 8,183
MGSSIsSIppl) Gy ee 164
Missourl . . . . ‘Fe IIo 4,081
Montana. .... | Seay I,115
Nebraska. . . . 79 2,807
Nevada ae 8 313
New Hampshire. .... . 40 1,404
New Jersey. .... - . $243 10,689
New Mexico =... <... \sjuueeenrae: 182
New York es =v: hoes 33,064
North Carolina... ... 339
North Dakota) 7) ame 37 1,288
Ohio\ct Soe ee 616 22,562
Oklahoma 9 377
Oregonice a. eG 32 3,035
Pennsylvania. ... . . . 607 25,080
RhodeJsland 3: canara 652
South Carolinas. =) cs 25) aaeae 508
South Dakota 36 1,184
Tennessee oy peta = 9 518
"Texagioh-, ce the eee 1,604
Utah); -5c00 2) ie eee 902.
Vermont: - e705. Se 1,052
Virginia) d* 00. 1) 5e Ase eee 1,838
Washington v wet 5,392
West Virginia . 33 1,384
Wisconsin Ree sary fom!) 6,130
Wyoming oo initia eee oe 274
Canada Merge RE), 358 11,571
British Guiana... .. . I 26
Japan. ei vy er sea ee ° 20

Totals sox ee nes 5,851 229,787

The Audubon Societies

to
Wn
_

NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Enrolled from March 1, 1922, to July 1, 1922

Ames, Mrs. James B.
Bok, Mrs. Edward
Book, Dr. R. D.

Briggs, Mrs. L. Vernon
Calkins, Mrs. Alice H.
Case, Miss Marion R.
Cory, Daniel W.

Dodge, Mrs. M. Hartley
duPont, Mrs. Pierre S.
Fay, F. L.

Frankel, Nathan
Godwin, Mrs. Harold
Harkness, Edward S.
Hittinger, Jacob
Holden, Mrs. Virginia Hawley
Jones, Arthur B.

Locke, Almon A.

Mali, Pierre

Marburg, Miss Emma
Matthies, Miss Katharine
Mayer, Edward L.
Metcalf, Mrs. L. S.
Morss, Noell

Porter, Miss Frances R.
Richardson, C. Tiffany
Sands, Mrs. Benjamin A.
Sargent, Miss Laura
Seaverns, Chas. F. T.
Tucker, Mrs. Carll

Van Law, Jesse Mead
Warner, Mrs. H. A.
Weil, Milton

Whitney, Mrs. Eli
Whittemore, Mrs. Harris
Williams, E. Francis
Yuille, Thos. B.

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Enrolled from March 1, 1922, to July 1, 1922

Abercrombie, Mr. & Mrs. G. H.
Allen, Miss Amy

Allen, Charles Dexter
Anderson Bird Club
Anderson, Miss Katharine M.
Armstrong, Miss Mary J.
Ash, Miss Annie E.
Ashbridge, The Misses
Ball, M. J.

Ballard, Mrs. May B.
Baltzell, Dr. & Mrs. Wm. Hewson
Bateson, John A.

Bedell, Miss Dorothy M.
Behr, Miss Minna D.
Behrend, Dr. Moses
Beitler, Abraham M.

Bell, Gilbert E.

Blair, Mrs. A. A.
Blauvelt, Miss Bertha
Blow, Mrs. Geo. P.

Blunt, Mrs. H. W., Jr.
Boies, Mrs. William J.
Borden, E. Shirley
Borden, Mrs. Jas. B.
Bracken, Mrs. Francis B.
Bratt, J. H.

Brinckerhoff, Mrs. M. W.
Brinton, Mrs. Willard C.
Broone, Miss C. Cushman
Brownell, Miss Eleanor O.
Brylawski, A.

Burck, Miss Florence H.
Burr, Mrs. H. L.

Canedy, Mrs. C. F.
Capen, Geo. H.

Cardeza, Mrs. J. M
Cassard, Harrison

Chace, Miss Maud

Chiniguy, William F.
Clegg, Mrs. Luther B.
Clowry, Robert C.

Cole, John N.

Coleman, Miss Catherine A.
Coleman, Master George Edward, Jr.
Collins, Mrs. Wm. H.
Cook, C. Lee

Corwin, Mrs. A. S.

Cotton, Mrs. Joseph P.
Creighton, Mrs. Thos. S.
Dady, Charles

Davis, Master Sam

Doak, Mrs. Charles
Dobson, Miss Lulu
Downer, Mrs. Jay

Dunk, Miss Laura V. M.
Dutro, Nicholas E.
English, Harry A.

Evans, Miss Clara F.
Field, Mrs. Clifton L.

Fish, Dr. E. L.

Flory, Miss Mary B.

Ford, Miss Clara A.
Forsyth, King

Foster, Dr. G. S.

Fox, Dr. Joseph M.

Fox, Willard A.

Frankel, Mrs. Henry
Freudenberger, Mrs. W. K.
Gamwell, Wm. A.
Ganzalez, Mrs. J. C.

Gaus, Miss Elizabeth E.
Gingrich, Mrs. Cyrus

Girl Scouts, Oak Troop No. 1 (Minn.)
Gittings, James C.

Gowen, Francis F.

Grand, Brooks

252 Bird - Lore

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBERS, continued

Grzybowski, Karl Potter, Miss Alice Elizabeth
Harding, Miss Annie Bigelow Preston, Miss Mabel P.
Heggland, C. M. Ranstead, Miss Kate A.
Heiser, J. M., Jr. Richards, Miss A. A.
Hepworth, Miss Florence L. Roberts, Miss Caroline
Hepworth, Mrs. John W. Roberts, Charles L.

Hill, Miss Sarah Rogers, Mrs. H. J.
Hocking, Dr. George H. Root, Willis R.

Hollis, Dr. Robert St. Paul Audubon Society (Minn )
Hood, Capt. J. D. Schulte, I. J.
Hollingsworth, Miss Delphine Scovell, C. H.

Hoskins, Mrs. Robert Sears, Miss Mildred G.
Hurst, William B., Jr. Sequin, Mrs. Elsie M.
Hutchens, Miss Alice J. Shepard, Mrs. Finley J.
Hyndman, Miss Lillian Simonson, Joseph C.
Ikeler, Mrs. P. M. Singer, Mrs. John Vincent.
Irving, Mrs. L. DuPont Sioux Falls Audubon Society
Jaques, F. L. Smith, Miss Amedee M.
Johnson, Mrs. Guy B. Smith, Mrs. F. C., Jr.
Kyler, Mrs. J. F. Smith, Miss M. E.

Lasell, Mrs. Joseph, 2d. Starrett, Mrs. Paul
Lawton, Master James Stover, Mrs. Olive Payne
Levering, Mrs. Harriet Sullivan, Miss Frances
Lloyd, Mrs. C. Howard Symington, Fife

Lumb, J. F. Taft, Mrs. H. J.
MacArthur, W. W. Taylor, Benjamin Irving
Mackenzie, Joseph W. Taylor, Miss Katharine F.
Mahuken, J. Herman (In Memoriam) Thomas Miss Maura G.
Maier, G. W. M. Thorndike, Sturgis H.
Maim, Miss Dagmar Thorpe, Mrs. W. H.
Martin, Henry Lewis, Jr. Tinker, Miss Charity M.
Mathews, Gilbert Tobey, A. F.

Mathieson, Olaf Towns, Mrs. Hiram
Miller, Mrs. Alice A. Tracy, Mrs. Amasa S.
Morgan, E. C. Tyson, Mrs. Frederic
Morgenstern, Mrs. S. E. Van Duzer, H. B.
Morgenthau, Henry, Jr. Wahmeda Tribe of the Woode
Morrison, Mrs. James League of America
Myerson, Joseph G. Walker, Gustavus A.
National Gleaner Forum (Mich.) Warner, Miss C. A.
Newark Bird Club Watts, Mrs. Lillian Y.
Oliver, Mrs. Thomas Harrison Weeks, Miss Leila M.
Otten, Mrs. Charles Whitney, L. A.

Paine, Mrs. Clinton Paxton Whittingham, Mrs. G. H.
Palmer, Miss Jessie B. Wiese, Mrs. Wm.

Pearre, Sifford Williams, J. Edgar
Peterson, Miss Margaret Linn Wilton Bird Club

Polk, Mrs. Wm. M. Winward, Miss Alice

Porter, Mrs. Chas. S. Wunderlich, Herman.

LITTLE BLUE HERON—Changing plumage.

LITTLE BLUE HERON—Adult.
SNOWY EGRET.

Sird- Lore

A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE
DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON Societies

Vol. XXIV SEPTEMBER— OCTOBER, 1922 No. 5

Stories from Birdcraft Sanctuary
By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

Il. THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF BIRD-TRAPPING

tuary’ and quite another to make it justify the name. Unless this land
be guarded against enemies, both human and wild, either by a fence
difficult to climb or by a constant intelligent patrolling by a man with a keen
eye and steady aim, the very means taken to attract birds in unusual numbers
is sure to be followed by a great increase in the dangers that beset bird-life.

The first half-year at Birdcraft was quite enough to convince us that the
making of a sanctuary must be a militant rather than a peaceful process, and
our first step was to obtain permission irom the State Fish and Game Com-
mission to destroy any form of wild life that should prove detrimental to the
object for which the place was developed.

The list of the forbidden reads as follows: cats, weasels, rats, Crows, Cooper’s
and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Shrikes, Jays (when they start to break up nests),
and red squirrels; also, the two alien enemies, English Sparrows and Starlings.
Yes, the Starling, the bird of poets, a feature of the English downs, where they
hover over the flocks of grazing sheep, whistling melodiously as they either
follow them or alight upon the backs, deep in wool, to pick off the tormenting
ticks. Our Biological Survey also maintains the Starling’s excellence by.
stomach analysis, nevertheless, to the country lover and songbird protector,
this bird is oban. For does he not devour the food of our native birds, espe-
cially in winter, but also fights with them in the nesting season and wrecks the
nests and kills the young of species as large as the Robin? Does he not give
a false alarm of spring, when we are awaiting the Redwing? an ethical crime
in itself.

Tf the English Sparrow was a menace, the Starling is an accomplished cut-
throat, and whatever he may be at home, or whatever his stomach contents
may prove him to do from a hard and fast scientific viewpoint, in and about
Birdcraft he is a Bolshevist. In one afternoon a flock stripped the berries

I IS one thing to set apart a piece of land and call it a ‘Wild-Bird Sanc-

254 Bird - Lore

from two enormous pepperidge trees that would otherwise have yielded our
native birds a month’s rations.

Shooting, at wide range, was too risky, so the warden soon put in use a
crude but effective trap—a large box with a hinged cover, held partly open by
astick to which a stout string was attached. This string ran in through the work-
shop window. The trap was baited with garbage and the Starlings did the rest.

The English Sparrows, with a longer criminal experience, were, of course,
more wary. We bought an approved Sparrow trap, baited it, and waited. It
was well that the Warden also watched, for an unwatched Sparrow trap
can inflict much misery and destruction upon its inmates, as the tempting

= S

NORTHERN SHRIKE AND TWO SPARROWS IT KILLED IN THE TRAP

seed-bait lures both the just and unjust. Among the birds caught the very
first season were Song Sparrows, Juncos, Field Sparrows, White-throats galore,
as well as ‘Towhees, and even a Thrasher.

For a few minutes the trapped bird is unafraid and engaged in feeding, but
as soon as there is a general fluttering among the inmates, the birds begin a
dash for freedom, and unless the trap is visited, the detrimental birds removed
and the rest set free, broken feathers and bleeding, battered heads result; and
an all-night neglect of the trap, in even moderately cold weather, will show a
pitiful array of little stark bodies next morning. At times such a trap is a
necessity, but at best it is one of the greatest responsibilities of the Warden.

For this reason the use of the trap in the new general experiment of bird-
banding should be very carefully considered. The banding of adult birds, if

Stories from Birdcraft Sanctuary 255

carefully done by responsible people, and the traps often emptied, is in no wise
detrimental. We never band nestlings; it is not our idea of perfect bird pro-
tection to in any way tamper with young birds. Our Warden has banded adult
birds without causing them to become even disturbed. In one day he caught
one Junco seventeen times and a Tree Sparrow seven times—the trap seeming
to have a hypnotic effect upon them, for there was plenty of similar food out-
side. But this indicates a very careful watching of the trap, and here is another
side, showing what could happen in an unwatched trap.

Shrikes were very plentiful in the Sanctuary last winter, eighteen having
been shot by the Warden, in every instance taken in the act of harrying a song-
bird. In March; the Warden being at work in his shop, saw the shadow of a
Shrike dash by. Seizing the gun kept for the Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s
Hawks and going out, he saw the Shrike make a lunge at a Sparrow in the
trap. Before he could reach it, the Shrike had entered the trap, killed a Junco
and a Sparrow before he could be taken and would have doubtless made short
work of the other eight imprisoned birds. Shrikes had harried birds all winter,
chasing a Chickadee round about the bushes, in and out of the shelters, one
coming into the Warden’s hands by striking the fence wire, but the invasion
of the trap seems the last word in daring.

The two bad Hawks, Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s, always make a spring
drive, and last year a baker’s dozen of Sharp-shinned were taken. The Crows
are perennial, but only to be disturbed in the season of eggs and squabs; a
poisoned egg well secured in a dead tree is one remedy—a just sentence for
egg-thieves—for whatever virtue the Crows may possess in the wide open
spaces—and they have a certain picturesque beauty in the autumn and winter
landscape—in the garden, or bird-refuge, the birds themselves will tell you,
in no uncertain way, how they are feared.

More than once I have had a poor mangled Robin squab, fall, upon my
head, from the beak of a startled Crow. When we attempt to coéperate with
nature, and no less interfere with her processes, we assume a wide responsibility.
A bird sanctuary is certainly codperation, and as surely a responsibility, for
even with the greatest care we sometimes seem to bend the axle of the great
balance-wheel and something is upset.

Friends, do not undertake the making of bird-refuges unless you are pre-
pared to do more than post a piece of land and scatter a little food, once in a
time! Also do not put out Sparrow traps either for purposes of banding birds
in general or catching English Sparrows unless someone can watch them con-
stanily, and someone who knows the species of Sparrows apart. Better it is to
let the alien Sparrows fight it out with their kin than that they should all die
in a trap, for, at the worst, the Sparrow menace is lessening and the sturdy
little brown gamin is following the horse toward the setting sun!

A Vireo as Hostess
By ERNEST HAROLD BAYNES, Meriden, New Hampshire
Photog:aphs by the Author

Copyright by Ernest Harold Baynes

F ONE makes a practice of extending hospitality to the birds, by giving
] them food and water and nesting-sites, and by protecting them from their
enemies, it is easy to have hosts of acquaintances among the feathered folk.

For years it has been a very common thing for us to have birds of many
species come to our window-sills to be fed and to have several species alight
upon our hands and arms and even upon our hats and ears and lips. My wife
and I have sat in the snow with a hundred birds swarming over us and the
ground about us, some of them creeping inside our outer coats and into our
loose pockets in search of the food we carried for them. They even permitted
us to pick them up in our hands. But, after all, most of these we regarded more
as delightful acquaintances rather than intimate friends.

Now and then, however, a bird will “take you into the family” so to speak.
When this happens make the most of it. It will be a delightful, perhaps won-
derful, experience, and probably you will never again have another exactly
like it even if you live to be very old.

I had such an experience recently in my home village, Meriden, N. H. One
day, near the middle of last June, a lady visiting the Bird Sanctuary, called
my attention to the almost completed nest of a pair of Red-eyed Vireos in a
small maple tree not far from the main foot-path. A few days later when I
went to visit it I found it complete—the typical deep little basket made chiefly
of strips of bark and grasses, suspended from a forked twig about five feet from
the ground. Next day there was an egg in it, white, with black and reddish
brown spots.

Two or three days later when I approached the nest the female was sitting
on it, while her mate in a nearby maple grove continually called attention to
his presence by short, precise, and quickly delivered sentences.

I knew that Vireos have the reputation of being willing to meet one half
way in the matter of making friends, so I decided to make an advance. First
I went to a dry and sandy spot where I turned over large stones until I found
some ants’ eggs. Then I selected a dead weed-stalk about five feet long and
impaled an ant’s egg on the sharp end of it. With this I very quietly approached
the nest and held out my offering at arm’s length, until the white morsel was
within reach of the Vireo. At first she looked alarmed, then astonished, and
a moment later rather bored, for she turned her head away and refused to

look at the proffered food. But I waited patiently, holding the tip of the weed-

stalk within easy reach. At last she turned her head as if the temptation to
do so could no longer be resisted. She now showed keen interest in the pro-
ceedings, took a sharp look at the white delicacy at the end of the stalk and

(256)

— |

A Vireo as Hostess

to
On
~

then as much as to say, “Hello; that 7s an ant’s egg, isn’t it?’’ stretched out
her neck and took it. For a moment she held it, rather doubtfully, it seemed,
in the tip of her bill, but presently she swallowed it, and then settled herself
very contentedly in the nest, with the air of one whose final decision had been
fully justified. It was not necessary to be an ornithologist to understand that
she thoroughly enjoyed that ant’s egg, and she also had the appearance of one
whose mind had been set at ease on a very important question.

A moment later she confirmed her own opinion by taking another ant’s egg
in the same way, after which I quietly withdrew, leaving her to digest both
her food and her strange experience.

Next day I returned and after she had promptly accepted a few more ants’
eggs from the end of the weed-stalk, I stepped up a little closer and offered

“HELLO! THAT IS AN ANT’S EGG, ISN’T IT?”

one between my thumb and forefinger. After a little hesitation she took it,
and from that moment we were on friendship’s footing. She seemed much
interested, if not actually pleased, whenever I approached; she would some-
times stretch far out over the rim of the nest in order to make quick connections
with the food I brought her, and did not mind in the least if I stroked her on
the head or back with my finger. At first she was a little nervous when I
stroked her throat, and when I persisted she slipped off the nest. But as she
got used to me she minded less and less and would even allow me to lift her
off her eggs and put her gently back.

In a day or two I felt sufficiently well acquainted with Madame Vireo to
introduce my friends. Usually the introduction came as a surprise. I would

Bird - Lore

i)
Jt
oa

take a friend to the Sanctuary on one pretext or another, and when we were
near enough to the Vireo home, I would point the bird out and make a formal
introduction: “Madame Vireo, allow me to present my friend, Mr. Hunter.”
Whereupon Mr. Hunter would approach, and, after making an offering of an
ant’s egg or two, would almost literally shake hands with the lady. Many
people were introduced in this
way, and children especially ex-
perienced ecstatic joy at the
privilege of feeding and stroking
a wild bird in her own home.

One warm afternoon when
some of us were paying her a
visit, the little Vireo slipped
away for a few minutes, and,
flying to a bird-bath not far
away, took a bath and returned,
looking much refreshed and with
her plumage damp and some-
what disarranged. Very soon
she flew to the nest and looked
rather astonished, I thought, to
find my hand covering the little
home. But she was not in the
least afraid, and, forcing her way
between my slightly parted
fingers, went onto her eggs in
the dark.

Presently she went away
again, and again I put my hand
over the nest, this time with
the fingers pressed firmly to-

Ze a EES SNE 2 gether. When she returned she
ONE OF MY FRIENDS MEETING MADAME VIREO

flew boldly up to me, but, find-
ing that she could not get between my fingers, she hopped over the back of
my hand, along my arm to the shoulder, and then flew to a nearby twig
where she sat and scolded in a tone which left no doubt as to her opinion of
me. Her mate, who had been busy preaching in a large maple tree, now
joined her, and gave me to understand that he entirely agreed with her. Of
course, I apologized and removed my hand and back she came and took up
her domestic duties. No doubt it was pure imagination on my part but it
seemed as if she looked at me with just a touch of self-satisfaction at having
gained her point.

In order to photograph her I temporarily tied back the leaves which shaded

A Vireo as Hostess 259

the nest, and as I sometimes used a mirror as well, the light at times must
have been very dazzling. She would stand it a little while and then she would
abruptly turn her back to the light and to the camera as much as to say ““Now
you may go ahead and do anything you like.”

One hot day while I was photographing it was plain to see that she was
feeling the heat very much and she sat with her bill parted as birds often do
in warm weather. I sent a friend to a nearby bird-bath for water and offered
her some ina spoon. She sipped it readily, and when she had had all she wanted
she became very much interested in the shining spoon. She pecked at it, then
turned it over and spilled the remaining water onto the ground, peering curi-

ously over the edge of the nest as if to see where it fell. Then while I held the
handle of the spoon, she took hold of the bow] of it with her bill, slid backward
off the nest onto the branch which held it and deliberately played tug-of-war
with me. Finally she became so excited that still holding onto her end of the
spoon, she flew into the air and would doubtless have carried off the shining
prize if she had been strong enough.

These pleasant experiences continued for several days, and I was looking
forward eagerly to the time when Madame would introduce me to her babies.
But, alas, one morning when we reached the nest we found it torn and
deserted. Only one egg remained and next day this one too had disappeared.
Probably it was the work of a Blue Jay or a Crow, a sad termination of a

delightful friendship.

I OFFERED HER SOME WATER IN A SPOON

Koo

By FLORENCE MERRIAM BAILEY

OO; for so the Roadrunner who came familiarly to our tent in southern
k Arizona named himself by the call with which he usually announced

his presence.* He was so surprisingly tame that I asked our good
neighbor, the ranchman’s wife, if she had been the cause. He sometimes got
into her garden, she said, and she would catch him and put him out over the
fence. The first time he was terrified and tried to force his way out through
the wire mesh, but the next time, having found that she did him no harm,
when he saw her coming he ran into a corner of the fence, crouched down,
and waited for her, letting her pick him up and submitting quietly while she
stroked him.

He was often seen near the ranch watering-tanks and probably got water
from dripping pipes. But what did he get to eat? His summer food, such as
grasshoppers, crickets, scorpions, centipedes, lizards, and snakes were mostly
housed in safe underground quarters for the winter. Mice were still to be had
but most of these were nocturnal. He might easily miss a meal.

His first appearance in camp was at a truly psychological moment, for not
only did our tent contain cages of numerous live rodents which were being
studied by the Mammalogist, but a number of white-footed mice had been
caught the night before and were waiting to be disposed of. So, holding up
one of the delectable furry morsels for the alert, long-tailed visitor to see, the
Mammalogist invited him to the feast. Being treated like a rational personage,
Koo, on seeing the mouse coming through the air toward him, instead of run-
ning away, frankly accepted the invitation and started toward the mouse,
actually walking up within a few yards of his benefactor for it. But with the
prize once in his bill, discretion evidently seemed the better part of valor, for,
turning tail, with body and tail held at the swiftest horizontal running level,
Koo raced up the slope out of sight.

After that, all through January and February, and until it grew warm
enough to bring out a goodly supply of lizards, Koo was a frequent and often
daily visitor, some days staying around camp a great deal. He would always
take small mammals thrown him with avidity, and when two live pocket mice
were set free some distance up the trail to test his fleetness and hunting skill,
he was off like a flash in pursuit, catching them before they could get to cover.

©

But whatever savage hunting instincts he possessed to flatter us with our —

evolutionary superiority, his behavior in camp, and it would seem under great

temptation, was most exemplary. To be sure, he did take especial note of one

of our caged kangaroo rats when it was being photographed in a glass box

out-of-doors, taking up his position on a stone close beside us and sitting flufied

up comfortably but betraying expectant interest by certain keen glances and
*As the plumage of the sexes is alike, the determination was arbitrary.

(260)

Koo 261

cranings of the neck. Our small diurnal mammals whose cages were taken
out into the sunshine in the daytime were safe from him although he was caught
regarding an antelope squirrel quite keenly one day in passing. Koo’s predi-
lection for scorpions and other ‘varmints,’ as they are expressively called, might
well have made him a worthy camp watchman when those sleepers roused
from their winter slumbers. The big hole in the ground in front of the tent
which the University entomologist assured us was only that of a near-tarantula
—the same size but gray
instead of brown — gave
point to Koo’s possibilities”
of usefulness. Evena
harmless _near-tarantula
may be an undesirable
tentmate to other than an
entomologist. And _ then
there was that eight-inch
centipede with needles
pointing each claw and ven-
omous forceps at its head,
met with in the valley, now
in the formaldehyde bottle
on a shelf of the tent!
Surely Koo would be a use-
ful camp mascot when
spring came!

But he kept his good
deeds to himself until near
our departure, when one
day he was seen making ex-
cited sallies into a dense
thicket a few yards from
the tent, calling and snap-
ping his bill, his wings and
tail showing in frantic, hys-
terical action in the shadow.
After a number of spirited
attacks upon the hobgoblin, he appeared to give in and ran up the hill out
of sight. The next day a Stephen’s Vireo in the mesquite over the spot stopped
singing and began to fuss. Then another came, and presently two male
Hooded Orioles joined the excited, scolding group, all flying down to the lower
branches scanning the ground. Had they discovered Koo’s enemy? Focusing
my glass on the ground, I discovered a streak of coral slipping over the leaves.
At my call the Mammalogist came with his collecting pistol and in a mo-

of he’

COMING DOWN TO CAMP

262 Bird - Lore

ment more was holding up a beautiful five-foot coral-bellied racer. Koo was
vindicated. His warning might as easily have been for the rattlesnake found
later a few rods from camp.

But it was not his potential usefulness as a camp watchman or killer of
‘varmints’ but his ready friendliness and attractive ways which attached us
to our rare camp visitor. If we were busy when he came he would call kao, koo,
and then wait for us to discover him. Sometimes we would look hard before
finding him and finally make him out standing on the mesquite slope above
us, his feathers puffed out spreading the streaks on his chest till they and his
light underparts toned in perfectly with the background of straw-colored
ground and dry weed-stalks—completely camouflaging him. It was aston-
ishing to see how such a large, marked bird could disappear in its background.
And what a contrast that round, bird-like form made to the grotesque
running figure we were familiar with—long neck, slender body, and long tail.
one straight line.

When we had found him, most often standing quietly in camp waiting for
us, while we were getting his food ready he would come up within a few yards
of us and stand nervously raising and lowering his crest, and raising and
lowering his tail as if to be ready for instant flight, an instinctive habit he
partly lost when better acquainted with us.

When there were no spare mammals in camp to appease his appetite, he
condescended to bits of raw beef or jack rabbit, although he greatly preferred
his more natural food. Once when he was standing in the trail waiting for his
purveyor to lower the meat-bag which, according to custom in arid, iceless
Arizona was hung in a tree, Koo, whether from impatience or anticipation
spent the time rattling his bill in the droll way he had and giving his call.
When food was thrown to him from any distance, the keen-eyed hunter would
watch it eagerly and follow unerringly where it fell, whether among the mes-
quite logs by the camp-fire or overhead among the branches of a tree.

When a stranger came to camp while Koo was there he flattened his crest
and lowered his tail and scooted, racing away out of sight. But he knew us
and our voices. When coming into camp one noon we discovered him disap-
pearing up the trail, but when we called koo-koo in appealing tones, he turned
and came back in sight rattling his bill. When we kept on calling and talking
to him, he came walking prettily down the trail to camp making his way
daintily between the piles of camp-fire brush till he was so near we could see
his yellow eyes, when he picked up the rabbit kidney thrown him and ran up
the hill with it.

When he was hungry and we were not outside, he would sometimes fly up
to the crotch of the mesquite by the tent where we kept his mice, or even on
the tent itself, when we could see his shadow on the canvas. The first time I
saw him trying to help himself; it had been cold and he had not been fed for a
day and a half, so I hurried out to him. At sight of me he gave his tail a quick

Koo 263

sideways toss which I interpreted as ‘‘Oh, there you are! Now I'll get some-
thing to eat.”

While I was getting his lunch and talking to him he stood with a pleased
and not-at-all nervous air looking up at me. Holding out his food I called
coaxingly and he came nearer and nearer until I could see not only the hand-
some bluish black of his crest but the pink of the streak over his yellow eye.
Quite different he seemed from the sandy-and-brown streaked bird so well
camouflaged when standing on the mesquite slope. But the beautiful green
sheen of his tail seen sometimes as he ran was not noticeable now. Such a
decorative, cuckoo-like fan is not always kept tightly closed and may well
play an important part, as has been suggested, in courtship display.

While Koo and I were regarding each other in friendly fashion, and I was
coaxing him to come still nearer, with a pretty turn he lowered his head, puffed
out his throat and emitted his strange guttural note. Was it a coy way of
begging for favors in the manner of a trick dog, or was it just a sign of intimate
friendliness? Be that as it may, as our bird became more and more at home
with us, in choice, as it were confidential moments, he frequently went through
with this same pretty play.

A familiar habitue of camp, if we were in the tent when he came he pro-
ceeded to look for us, often surprising us by peering in under a raised tent flap.
He was photographed at such a time from inside when standing only six feet
away, back to the sun, and feathers bristled up all over his body.

Koo was not usually an early visitor, but one morning when the tent door
was opened he was found standing outside waiting for breakfast. As we had
nothing especial for him at the moment, I went on with my morning’s camp
work, leaving the door open and paying no more attention to him. When
something called me outside, to my surprise, out of the door ahead of me ran
Koo! Had he taken the opportunity to examine the cages of small mammals?
Ti so, he may well have found it an interesting interior.

Whenever, perhaps by reason of an awakening warm wave, Koo failed to
come regularly for his meals, we thought anxiously of feathers of dead Road-
runners found up the canyon and of shots heard from his route, for he had
become such an accepted camp mascot that we missed him sadly. After one
such unhappy interval I suddenly heard his voice and looked up to discover
him standing quietly waiting as was his wont after announcing his arrival. I
called out an eager welcome and the Mammalogist, equally glad to see him,
hurriedly threw him a pocket mouse that had been waiting for him, such a
big one that he had to gulp hard to even partly swallow it and had to leave
the tail sticking out of the side of his bill for some minutes. In the afternoon
he was back for more, however, as if his prolonged hunting expedition had left
him hungry, this time coming within two feet, almost to the hand for a small
kangaroo rat.

The first week in February Koo appeared on the trail above the tent with

264 Bird - Lore

a companion. He stayed to be talked to as usual but the stranger ran off.
From that time on there seemed to be a difference. Koo was not getting senti-
mental, but spring was coming.

One morning when the Mammalogist was several rods from camp near what
we took for a last year’s Roadrunner nest, he heard a faint footfall on a leaf on
a terrace below him and caught sight of Koo’s crested head bobbing as he

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KOO IN A HACKBERRY TREE

trotted along. Being called, Koo stopped, turned, and came right up the trail
in the direction of the sound, and when he had skirted around the bushes until
he was able to see his old friend, he began making a new and curious note—low,
sibilant, and seething, suggestive of a courtship call. He kept this up when
he had seated himself on a branch two or three feet above the ground, and
humped up, with feathers loosely ruffled, facing the old nest, had all the inti-

mate suggestion of being at home.

Koo 26

n

After that, Koo not only recognized his friend when met with in this neigh-
borhood but when called, actually followed him like a little dog back down
the trail to camp for food.

As the two birds stayed in the neighborhood for a few days, we hoped that
we were going to have a nest under close observation, but then they both
deserted the old nesting-ground.

About the first week in March it grew warm enough to rouse some of the
lizards and we were away a great deal working in the lower country, so the
comrades went farther afield for their hunting.

But again, about April 1, low koos were heard not far from camp and
glimpses were caught of—was it Koo looking across the gulch at us? The low, ©
familiar snapping of the bill was also heard and once a level streak was seen
disappearing under the mesquite—Koo’s mate?

After another long interval in which we vainly looked and called and called
and looked for our mascot, his familiar notes were heard rather near camp.
Soon after, one morning before the tent door was open, we heard what was
recognized as the Roadrunners’ spring love-song. It was given near enough
the tent for us to catch its vibrant, emotional tones. It was the ordinary koo
note sublimated, repeated rapidly and with fervor. From across the gulch
came the answer, and we knew that Koo had left his strange human friends to
answer the primordial call of his own race.

LARK SPARROW ON NEST
Photographed by Dr. A. H. Cordier Olathe Kans.

The A. M. S.* Robins

By O. C. WOOD, Denver, Colo
With Photographs by the Author

HIS story has to do with two pair of Robins that made their home

close to the Agnes Memorial Sanitarium, where they were a delight to

the patients. One pair built their nest in a small pine about fifty feet

from my porch, and not over four feet from the ground. I had this nest

under observation at all times. The other pair built their nest on the other side

of the pavilion, on a box intended for House Finches, and which was tied to a

porch column. The fact that beds were occupied on the porch throughout

the day and people coming and going close at hand did not disturb the
Robins during building operations or later.

The first nest, in due course of time, had three eggs and the second nest
had four eggs. Fortunately, as it proved, I knew that incubation began at
both nests within twelve hours of each other.

Had Mother Robin of four eggs not been so trustful of all human beings
and gone farther afield to get her evening meal she might not have lost her
life. But she ran afoul of a thoughtless, heartless creature with a gun and
here ensued the first tragedy among our Robins. I knew of the killing in a
short time after it occurred. Then the question came to me, Will Cock Robin
assume the responsibilities of the household? I was convinced in a short time
that he could not be depended upon. Whether or not he knew of his mate’s
death, he at least knew that she was absent from her post of duty, and was
calling for her from various points of vantage.

I decided to try an experiment and took the nest and transferred all four
eggs to the other nest in the pine tree with its original three eggs, taking care
not to touch the eggs with my hands. Mother Robin flew a short way off while
the eggs were being placed in the nest, but as soon as I walked away a short
distance, she came back, cast a few inquiring glances at a more than doubled
clutch of eggs, settled herself on them apparently contented.

Instead of her three prospective progeny, Mother Robin now faced the
possibility of seven. And seven young Robins hatched in three days from the
time the extra eggs were placed in the nest. Six of the eggs hatched within
so many hours of each other, the seventh egg about twelve hours later, a cir-
cumstance which doubtless made this bird the weakling of the brood.

Now Cock Robin enters the scene and shares responsibilities. Heretofore
he spent part of his time in the top of a tall tree, calling his cheery song
to his mate on the nest and the world in general, and part of his time he
spent picking up choice worms at his various meal-times. However, I did
not see him take a worm to his mate at the nest; he allowed her to find
them for herself.

*Agnes Memorial Sanitarium, Denver, Colo.

(266)

The A. M. S. Robins 267

I do not believe there ever was a busier or apparently a prouder pair of
Robins. They played no favorites; probably they were obliged to feed all
seven fledglings to make sure their own blood relatives were fed. At least
they did a good job, and those seven young Robins, with exception of the
weak one, grew as only young Robins can.

It was soon evident that the nest would not long accommodate such a large
family. I wanted to see them all live and thrive so I devised ways and means
to relieve the congestion. At first, the extra nest was placed beside the over-
crowded home and three young
birds were put in this nest
during the daytime but all
were put in the one nest for
the night. All were fed during
the day as regularly as the
young in the Robin’s own
nest, but the mother would
brood only the young in her
own nest.

By keeping accurate count
one evening I observed that
the Robins carried seven
worms, giving the nest with
four birds four worms and
giving the nest with three
birds three worms. This feed-
ing period was well defined
each day, and I am sure I
counted all the worms car-
ried. I was anxious to know
if each bird received food in
turn but was unable to deter-
mine that definitely. How-
ever, I believe they did from

4 FOOD-CALL

the fact that seven worms
were carried and that the correct division was made between the two nests.

After two days I could no longer get the young all in one nest for the night.
On the third night I kept three of them in my room and decided that the next
day I would use the two nests to make one nest large enough to accommodate
the entire family of Robins. While this enlarging operation was going on, the
Mother and Cock Robin entered vigorous protest, but after placing all the
young in the now one big nest, the Mother Robin flew down while I was close
at hand, made some hasty examinations then flew off, called Cock Robin and
they proceeded to feed the hungry fledglings.

268 Bird - Lore

I wish all bird-lovers might have been privileged to observe the growth of
these fledglings and the care bestowed by the parents and foster parents of
them. The young birds would take worms from my hands but when I first
tried to feed them they appeared afraid and tried to get as near the bottom of
the nest as possible. On one occasion I left some worms in a little soil in a box
lid close by the nest. The old birds found the worms at once and made a
meal on them, but never one of these worms did they give the young.

It was evident that the young would soon leave the nest for they had begun
to raise up in the nest and flutter
their wings. As this had been such
an unusual experience with bird-
life for me, I wanted some per-
manent record of it. The enclosed
pictures are the result. I took
them while the birds were being
fed, standing not more than four
feet from the nest and using the
Kodak bulb.

With all the care exercised and
the young almost grown, I was not
privileged to see them fly, for on
the evening of the same day the
pictures were taken, a black shadow
stole across the lawn, unseen in the
dusk of evening, a commotion
arose at the nest in which Mother
Robin began a frightened calling,
to be joined at once by Cock Robin.
I knew a marauder was at work.
Quickly as possible I was at the
nest, but in the space of one min-
ute the nest had been emptied and
I found two live Robins on the
eround, one the weakling, and
three dead ones; the cat had taken
another young one for her evening tidbit. Later I saw to it that she paid

A BUSY ROBIN

the penalty.

For two nights I kept in my room the young birds that escaped the raider,
and put them out in their nest in the morning. It was a pitiful call Mother
Robin gave as she perched on the top of her pine tree home the morning after
the cat raided her nest. She begun calling where, where as soon as it broke day.

The weakling of the brood had survived up to this time but now died,
leaving but one fledgling out of seven hatched; the lone one to fly away.

The Mating Antics of the Pacific Nighthawk
By MABEL A. STANFORD
With Photographs by Wright M. Pierce

HE mating antics of the Pacific Nighthawk are unusual and interesting.

This bird, which lives in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, and

many western states, migrates from Colorado to Nicaragua and is found

in southern California from May to August. It has one or two unusual tricks
to lure the intruder from its marbled eggs and fuzzy, camouflaged young.

The scientific name is interesting in relation to the bird’s mating habits.

Besides the name for Nighthawk, it contains the words which mean a stringed

YOUNG NIGHTHAWK NEARLY FLEDGED
Photographed by Wright M. Pierce, Claremont, Calif

musical instrument and evening. The whole name is a large one for such a
compact bird, with its long, slender wings and its brown, gray, and tawny
coloring—Chordeiles virginianus hesperis. Popularly, the eastern Nighthawk,
to which this species is closely related, is known as the ‘Bullbat’ because of
its peculiar, booming, nasal utterance.

During the mating and nesting season, the Pacific Nighthawks, which
forage in bands at twilight and early morning (even later in cloudy weather)

269)

Bird - Lore

to
~
O°

for injurious insect pests, fly high in the air, uttering their nasal pée-ark and
executing a peculiar trick for certain members of the band. At the same time
they utter a booming sound which attracts the attention of the others.

The sight of this curious acrobatic courting is more vivid than the usual
twittering and cooing maneuvers of other birds. In the mountains of southern
California, in July, 1921, an incident took place which illustrates this admira-
bly. Just at twilight, eight birds flying together seemed to be sporting about

in the air, continually uttering their nasal pée-ark. Suddenly one would fly

ADULT PACIFIC NIGHTHAWK ATTEMPTING TO ATTRACT ENEMY FROM HER NEST
Photographed by Wright M. Pierce, Claremont, Calif

about and then drop with the speed of a rocket toward a lower bird, passing
close to it and describing a circle below, giving a loud whiff or boom at the
end of its dive.

When this cycle was completed it was repeated again and again, as if the
bird were indefatigable in his endeavor to win the attention of the other.

The bird lays its equal ended eggs, with their marble tracery or unusual
rings, upon the pepper-and-salt-like gravel of a hillside among the pines and
oaks, usually on a few leaves. There she incubates upon them, a still figure

indistinguishable, except at close range.

The Mating Antics of the Pacific Nighthawk 271

The birds sometimes employ all of the familiar tricks to lure the intruder
away from the nesting-place. In one instance the pair detached themselves
from the band when danger threatened, fluttering and even flying toward the
intruder, uttering the boom note, until the location was passed.

The mother bird tries, of course, to get the enemy to move on or to deceive
him. The broken-wing trick is a common one, and closely akin to this is the
habit of fluttering and leading the intruder in the opposite direction from the
nesting-place. These antics are accompanied not only by the squeaks that
other birds use but also by piteous moanings and shrill cries and hisses. The
variety of ways with which the bird can attract attention would often make it
impossible to find the place where the eggs or birds are, even if they did not
have perfect protective coloring.

In Big Bear Valley, Calif., July, 1921, the incident here illustrated took
place. When the photographer, Wright M. Pierce, discovered a Pacific Night-
hawk and its two half-grown young on the gravel, the bird flushed as soon as
he came within six feet. It lit nearby, nearly flattened on the ground, wings
outspread, uttering a shrill hiss. The maternal instinct militant made it come
toward the enemy to attract attention from the young. It fluttered and con-
tinued hissing when he picked up one of the young and even came close, uttering
another shrill note. When he released one of the young it ran toward the old
bird and then, as the mother seemed satisfied that she had succeeded in de-
ceiving, she flew across the canon and did not return for fifteen minutes.

CEDAR WAXWING FEEDING YOUNG

Photographed by Joseph Pollak, Carman, N. Y

Motes from Field and Study

A Plea for the Ruffed Grouse

In notes, April 17, issued by the Division
of Ornithology, Department of Agriculture,
Boston, Mass., there is an account of serious
damage to apple trees by Grouse eating the
fruit-buds during the past winter in Massa-
chusetts and New Hampshire. Some trees
in western Massachusetts were nearly
stripped.

The same thing occurred. on the Arrow
Lakes, British Columbia, on certain fruit
ranches. At Broadwater, on the Lower
Arrow Lake, a bunch of eight Grouse were
observed for a week in the apple trees. Suspi-
cion being aroused that they were doing
harm, six were shot, but the remaining two
made good their escape and did not return.
The crops of the six shot were stuffed full of
fruit-spurs.

When in Victoria on a visit, I took the
contents of one crop to the Provincial Mu-
seum, and was informed by the Director,
Mr. F. Kermode, that he had never in his
experience known Grouse to attack apple
trees. On my return I made enquiries up
and down the lakes and found that on certain
ranches Grouse had done considerable
damage, while on others the trees were un-
touched, though the latter were often sur-
rounded by woods containing Grouse.

In Massachusetts the reason given for this
departure from the usual feeding habits of
Grouse, were, first, the lack of the usual wild
fruits; second, increase in the number of
Grouse.

On the Arrow Lakes we had an excep-
tionally dry summer, which no doubt af-
fected the usual supply of wild fruit and buds
on which the birds feed, but the second
cause did apply here, for about 1915-16 a
disease thinned out the Grouse to an alarming
extent, and only this year have they attained
to anything like their former numbers.

In discussing the question with ‘old timers’
they one and all agreed that Grouse, however
plentiful, did no damage to fruit trees until

this season. Incidentally, I may remark that
I have examined the crop and stomach con-
tents of a goodly number of Ruffed Grouse
when they were being prepared for the table,
and found they contained wild fruits, buds,
and often a quantity of grasshoppers, espe-
cially a dark-colored prickly species, which
makes a clicking noise in flight, is common
here in summer, and goes by the local name
of ‘locust.’

It is to be hoped that ranchers and others
will not wage indiscriminate war on Grouse
in and out of season from the one experience
of last winter. Not until it can be proved
that Grouse have altered their habits, and
will continue to do damage, need they be
destroyed, and then only those individual
Grouse actually invading fruit ranches.

When any damage done to fruit, and the
like can be traced to birds, people are only
too inclined to wage war against the species
implicated, oblivious to the fact that it may
be only certain individuals that are doing
harm, or that the birds have been forced to
alter their habits owing to climatic condi-
tions, and that given normal seasons the
same species does good that far outweighs
the harm done under abnormal circum-
stances.—J. E. H. Kerso, M. D., Edgewood,
Arrow Lakes, B. C.

Birds near Chicago

Trees, feeding-shelves, and drinking-foun-
tains around my cabin in the Dunes attract
bird visitors all the year. Occasionally there
is one that is rare. For the last three weeks a
female Cardinal Grosbeak has been visiting
my food-shelves. This week (January 8),
a flock of six Bohemian Waxwings were in
my tallest perching-tree. They sat there for
a long time, preening their feathers and
chattering sociably. I was able to get close
to them with my glasses and get a fine view
with a good light on them. They were
larger than the Cedar Waxwing and had the
well-defined white marks on wings. Mr.

(272)

Notes from Field and Study

Burroughs says in “Under the Maples” that
a visit from this northern bird indicates a
severe winter. However, we had a northern
visitor in the Dunes all last winter—the
Three-toed Arctic Woodpecker—beginning
as early as October 30, when I first saw him,
and our winter was unusually mild.

All summer I had a Prairie Warbler and a
Black and White Warbler singing in my
perching-trees. They evidently nested near,
judging from the activities of both the males
and females in gathering food.

I mention them because they are not
common summer residents in this section.
There were plenty of the more common birds,
from the House Wren, nesting in a bird-
house, to the Great Horned Owl, perching in
the very top of the tallest tree.

A Bewick’s Wren made us a call in passing,
and sang beautifully near our door.—
Livi1an Cramp, Chicago, Iils.

Evening Grosbeaks in Illinois

My neighbor’s garden runs down toward
a small creek. Along this creek are low
willows, small box elders, and other small
bushes. I visited this place every day, if
possible, to watch the migration of birds.

On October 15, 1921, I went down about
7 o'clock and discovered the place to be full
of birds. I saw the Purple Finches, that I
had discovered there the week before, and
Myrtle Warblers, both Ruby- and Golden-
crowned Kinglets, a Brown Creeper, a White-
breasted Nuthatch, a young Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, a Song Sparrow, a flock of White-
throated Sparrows, some Juncos, a pair of
Chickadees, and a few Fox Sparrows.

I was just about to leave the place when
I saw in the tops of the trees across the creek,
some birds with black and yellow and white
markings. Their call was similar to that of
the Robin. At first, they were too far away
to get distinct markings, but after a little
while, they flew directly in front of me and
began feeding on weed seeds and in the box
elders. They proved to be Evening Gros-
beaks. There were about a dozen in the
flock, some of them females or young. I
watched them feeding until a shower drove
me away, but about noon the sun came out

to
~
Oo

again, and I found the Grosbeaks up in the
garden, feeding in the raspberry bushes and
on some elder berries along the fence. They
did not seem to take any notice of me and
I watched them until they flew away across
the creek.

I looked for them every day after that, but
did not see them again until October 24.
They were here then for just one day, and
there were about the same number in the
flock.

I have kept a record of spring and fall
migration of birds for several years and never
before have I seen the Evening Grosbeaks,
nor did I expect to see them in this locality.—
Apa Litty, Durand, Ills.

A Cooperative Chickadee Nest

In the winter of 1918, a Downy Wood-
pecker started to drill a hole in a post in our
back yard. It was just started when he left.
In the spring, I noticed a pair of Chickadees
pecking at the same hole. They worked for
days but made little progress. Finally my
mother suggested that I try to help them.
IT took a chisel and hammer and chipped away
the hard central part of the post. Around
this the wood was soft and crumbly. My
work had made the opening rather large. I
was afraid the English Sparrows would take
possession so I took a square of heavy dark
paper, cut a small hole in it and tacked it
over the hole in the post. I watched from
the window. The Chickadees tried but
could not get in, so I enlarged the hole. They
immediately entered and commenced their
excavating again. They raised a brood of
eight, and this summer they raised a brood
of the same number. We feed the birds
every winter but it seemed an even greater
privilege to help them make their nest.—
F. Boyies, Kent, Ohio.

A Prank of the Downy

Of all the birds that visit my feeding-
station, I believe the Downy Woodpecker is
one of the most interesting. He seems to be
one of the first to become acquainted and
when once acquainted does not forget you
from season to season.

274

I was very much amused at one of his
pranks, in fact, so much so, that I wish others
to share it with me. One day as I was
sitting at my window sewing the ‘little man’
came and gently tapped on the pane as much
as to say, “There is no food on my shelf.”
As I was busy I did not heed his tapping and
he soon disappeared. Later I thought I
heard someone gently tapping at the door
and arose to admit them. When I reached
the door I saw my visitor, the Downy, flying
away, leaving for his card a tiny hole pecked
in the door. I now thought that he had been
faithful enough to be rewarded with a hearty
meal, so I proceeded to place food on the
shelf and saw to it that he never begged so
hard again.—JOSEPHINE Hart Woo LsTon,
Canandaigua, N.Y.

A Snow-Bath

- In Brrp-Lore for May-June, 1921, page
125, the writer states, in reference to the
snow-bath that the Downy Woodpecker and
Shorelark are the only birds that participate
in that kind of bath.

I saw two Juncos last winter on a branch
of a Tulip tree, taking what I considered a
snow-bath, after a rather severe snow-
storm, in which the snow remained on the
trees several hours after it ceased falling.
They flipped the snow all over themselves for
some time. I would like to know if this is
an unusual case.—(Miss) I. M. Norton,
Washington, D.C.

A Trip to Gull Island

A short time ago two friends and myself
decided to take a trip to Gull Island. We had
heard of a bird island, somewhere near
Detroit, but for a long time none of our in-
formants knew just where this bird island
was. The Government map showed no such
island and the Government officials seemed
to know of none. But we were undaunted
and after repeated investigations we learned
that Gull Island was simply a popular name
for a low-lying island of sand about thirty
miles from Detroit at the upper end of Lake
St. Clair, an island about a half mile long and
perhaps 100 yards wide, its longer axis

Bird - Lore

parallel to the Government canal at that
point. Gull Island, or Sand Island, or
Jefferson Butler Island, after a former presi-
dent of the Audubon Society of Michigan, is
now a state bird preserve located in one of
the most favorable places possible. How-
ever, it is not a Gull Island but a Tern Island,
for the Common Terns have taken possession
and reign in peace. Here, in the midst of the
Great Lake region, a region of lakes and
shallows and marshes, conditions have been
most favorable for aquatic birds. Although
this island lies in the line of summer travel,
it receives very few visits, I believe, because
there is little to attract anyone save a nature-
lover.

We chose June for our trip because at that
time the birds would be nesting, and we
wished to take photographs under as favor-
able conditions as possible. We left Detroit
on the ‘Tashmoo’ at 9 o'clock, and after a
delightful trip up the Detroit River and
across Lake St. Clair, we disembarked at
Star Island. Here we persuaded a loiterer
with a launch to take us down to our island,
a mile below, with the stipulation that he
was to return for us at 5 P. M., in ample time
for the afternoon boat. After an uneventful
trip past summer cottages and hotels, we
came in sight of our goal. In order to land
it was necessary to remove shoes and stock-
ings and wade, as we could not get near the
island.

With us, of course, we carried our impedi-
menta: lunch, cameras, opera-glasses, bird-
books, etc. The island is at no point more
than eight feet above the river or lake, and
is covered by a sparse vegetation of which a
few low willows were the only tree-like forms.
As we proceeded along the central axis of
the island the Terns became more and more
excited and vociferous, an indication that the
nests were becoming more and more nu-
merous. Indeed, the nests were on all sides
now and it was only by using great caution
that we avoided crushing the eggs and nests.
However, we were very careful and enjoyed
our new experience whether the birds did or
not. How the birds flew at us, but always
lacked the courage to touch us! Nevertheless
we involuntarily ducked our heads. Un-
doubtedly, each bird took a turn at us as we

—

,rwer

Notes from Field and Study

threatened each nest and all worked together,
with a stupendous scream of anger and fear.
We wished for a movie camera in order to
show others what we saw.

Some of the nests were fully formed, in
the grass; others near the grass were more
rudimentary; others displayed very little
grassy material; while still other eggs were
absolutely nestless save for a depression in
the sand.

They were frequently as close as three feet
apart and held one, two or three eggs, light
green or olive-brown, heavily blotched with
blackish spots. There seemed to be every
possible variety of coloring and blotching.
We visited every part of the island and
found nests nearly everywhere, although the
majority of them were grouped in or near
the center of the island on the higher ground.
I should estimate the number of nests at
1,500.

Egg-shells were common enough, and two
or three dead birds were seen, but we saw
only two young birds. This was due to the
fact that it was rather early in the season
and also to the fact that the young are able
to hide or run to water soon after hatching.
The two young ones were beautiful, downy
brown chicks, looking exactly like bantam
chicks with webbed feet, showing no resem-
blance to the Tern that was to be.

We found at the lower end of the island
about 200 Herring Gulls, either sterile or

sick, as this Gull does not ordinarily remain

in this vicinity in the summer time. Per-
Manent residents, aside from the Terns,
“seemed to be very scarce, due no doubt to
the activity and noise of the Terns.
Sparrows, Sandpipers and Red-winged Black-
birds were seen. A nest of the latter testified
to their residence.

Tt was a day oi intense interest to us as
‘amateurs. Perhaps it would have been to
those of larger knowledge. At 5 P. M. our
boatman came for us and we soon caught the
‘Tashmoo’ back to Detroit—G. E. Van

Song

Loon, Highland Park, Mich.

A Night Flight in lowa

' The May-June issue of Brrp-Lore, which
just arrived yesterday, contained a letter

rs)
—~I
On

from Ames, Iowa, by Mrs. F. L. Battell
which related an account of a flight of birds
the night of February 26, 1922, and this
aroused my curiosity enough so that I
referred to my field-notes for that date and
I copy from them the following: ‘“Tempera-
ture 30° to 4o°. Weather cloudy. Very
light snow this evening. Between g and
to P.M. I listened to many bird-notes, evi-
dently by birds in migration but could not
distinguish what they were. All were alike.
Some fog this evening and weather barely
freezing.” This no doubt was the same
flight of birds that was observed by Mrs.
Battell, as it was at exactly the same hour.
Ames is nearly thirty miles directly east
of Ogden. Could it be possible that the flock
of birds was thirty miles wide traveling
northward? In addition to the above notes,
T recall very distinctly this particular evening,
as my wife and I had been spending Sunday
evening with a friend, and when we were
returning home I heard them very plainly,
and when we arrived home I remained out-
of-doors for at least fifteen minutes standing
out in the fog and mist trying to make out
some of the calls but was unable to do so.
There seemed to be hundreds of them. It
would be interesting to hear from other Iowa
observers about this flight. What can you
make out of it?—W. M. Rosen, Ogden, Iowa.

A Window Exhibit

The window of a book-seller’s shop, in
Englewood, N. J., displayed during late
November and early December, 1921, a bird

tableau of unique quality.
One-half of the large space was strewn with
autumn leaves, from which arose belated

goldenrod stalks (in pots). A stalwart tree-
trunk towered at one side. Bittersweet vines
clambered over a cottage window at the
back of the ‘scene,’ and under the window
glowed a brilliant sumach bush.

For what actors was this stage set?

A Nuthatch clung to the wires of a suet-
holder attached to the tree; a Blue-Jay
lorded it over a drinking-dish among the
autumn leaves; beneath the cosy cottage
window, Juncos and Chickadees were peck-
ing seeds from a feeding-shelf; and a Downy

276 Bird - Lore

at
open cafeteria counter a little distance apart.

Woodpecker enjoyed his luncheon an

The seeking mind, aroused by this novel
presentment, turned to the other half of the
window to receive the explanation very
obviously offered there. Three large Au-
dubon charts showed the birds whose com-

pany we may attract and retain throughout

the bleakest winter, if the enticements set
forth in the scenic part of the window are
Samples of different

persistently employed.

Rar wa

sorts of bird-foods, with, presumably, their
calories, proteids, carbo-hydrates, and vita-
mines, were displayed with a printed list of
menu prices, and places where the supplies
might be obtained. The most popular books
on birds were there, and for sale within the
store. There resulted, also, a lively sale of
feeding-trays and shelters, suet-holders and
bird calendars; and a neighboring seed store
had a run on its stock to the amount of a
hundred pounds.

At this same time a feeding-table and

: yes tl
WINDOW EXHIBIT OF THE ENGLEWOOD BIRD CLUB

other food devices were shown at a popular
field club of Englewood, together with a
corn stalk shelter erected on the club grounds.

All this was done by the Protection Com-
mittee of the Englewood Bird Club and the
results should recommend their plan to other
bird associations. A significant factor in
the success of the exhibit was the timing of
a lecture by Prof. Arthur Allen of Cornell
University on “Bird Protection and Winter
that it occurred during the

Feeding” so

fortnight of the illustrative window, to which
the
attention.

inviting to the lecture called

SaraH J. Day, Englewood, N. J.

cards

Birds of an Acre

Our yard and flower-garden cover just an
acre of land.
including linden, maple, larch, and Norway
spruce. The flower-garden, largely shrub-
filled, is surrounded on two sides with old
apple trees, and the walk is bordered with

There are several large trees,

large old pear trees. During the ten years
that I have studied birds, from 1911 to 1921,
I have seen ror species of birds, either on
the acre or flying over it, and have known
twenty species to nest on it. The following
is a list of them:

Common Tern (overhead), Herring Gull
(overhead), Canada Goose (overhead), Black-
crowned Night Heron (overhead), Woodcock,
Bob-White, Mourning Dove, Sharp-shinned
Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Osprey (overhead),
Screech Owl (nested), Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Black-billed Cuckoo, Belted- Kingfisher
(overhead), Hairy Woodpecker, Downy
Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
Flicker (nested), Whip-poor-will, Nighthawk,
Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Humming-
bird (nested), Kingbird (nested), Crested
_ Flycatcher (nested), Phcebe, Wood Pewee,

Least Flycatcher, Blue Jay, Crow, Starling

(nested), Cowbird, Red-winged Blackbird,

Meadowlark, Orchard Oriole (nested), Balti-

more Oriole (nested), Rusty Blackbird,

Purple Grackle (nested), Purple Finch,

White-winged (?) Crossbill (bird flew, recog-

nized by note), Goldfinch, Pine Finch,

English Sparrow (nested), Vesper Sparrow,

White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated

Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow

(nested), Junco, Song Sparrow (nested),

Swamp Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Towhee,

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager,

Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow (overhead),

Cedar Waxwing (nested), Migrant Shrike,
_ Red-eyed Vireo (nested), Warbling Vireo,

Blue-headed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Black-

and-White Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler,

Nashville Warbler, Tennessee Warbler,

Parula Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Yellow

Warbler (nested), Black-throated Blue War-

bler, Myrtle Warbler, Magnolia Warbler,
_ Chestnut-sided Warbler, Bay-breasted War-
_ bler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blackpoll War-
bler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Palm
_ Warbler, Yellow Palm Warbler, Prairie
Warbler, Ovenbird, Northern Water-thrush,
Maryland Yellowthroat, Wilson’s Warbler,
Canadian Warbler, Redstart, Cat bird
(nested), Brown Thrasher (nested), House
Wren (nested—only known nesting record
in township), Winter Wren, Brown Creeper,
White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nut-

Notes from Field and Study

277

hatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Golden-
crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
Wilson’s Thrush, Olive-backed Thrush,
Hermit Thrush, Robin (nested), Bluebird
(nested).

The following birds have taken food pro-
vided for them at our back door or on
window-sill and arbor.

Downy Woodpecker, Starling, English
Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Tree
Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Junco, Song
Sparrow, Catbird, White-breasted Nut-
hatch, Chickadee—Mapet R. WiccrINs,
East Marion, L.T., N. Y.

The Birds of an Elm

Twenty-five feet from our south windows
there grows an elm which is rather large and
tall. So many birds come to our trees, and
particularly to this elm, that in June, 1920,
I decided to make a list of all the birds I
should see in the tree in a year, beginning
June 5, just after the spring migration. On
our lawn are two other elms and two maples,
but more birds seem to come to the south
elm than to the other trees, and I hoped to
list fifty kinds within the year.

Our home is on the edge of a small village
which is noted for its large numbers of trees.
A very small stream, which is often dry in
the summer, runs through the village. Very
likely the trees and the stream are in a
large measure responsible for the fact that
many birds may be seen here. We have
quite a good many resident, summer, and
migratory birds, and a few that come from
the North to spend the winter here. -

Beginning June 5, I saw the following
named birds in the elm in June: Red-
headed Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo,
Robin, English Sparrow, House Wren, King-
bird, Bluebird, Bronzed Grackle, Goldfinch,
Orchard Oriole, Warbling Vireo, Mourning
Dove, Brown Thrasher, and Chipping
Sparrow. This makes fourteen on my list
for the first month.

The Dove nested in the tree, that year,
and I saw a Warbling Vireo feeding her
young on a limb of the tree, but did not find
her nest. Robins nest in the tree every year.

In July my list showed only four addi-

278

tions, the Flicker, Bewick’s Wren, Blue Jay,
and Carolina Chickadee.

August added only three to the list:
Downy Woodpecker, Catbird and Humming-
bird.

September brought eleven new birds to
the list, nearly all of them being migrants:
Red-eyed Vireo, Red-winged Blackbird,
Philadelphia Vireo, Black and White War-
bler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-billed
Cuckoo, Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green
Warbler, Screech Owl, Ruby-crowned King-
let, and Tennessee Warbler.

The Philadelphia Vireo is the only one I
have ever seen. The Black-billed Cuckoo
was the first one I had seen, but since then
I have seen another one in the same tree.

In October, thirteen were added to the
list: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Blue-headed
Vireo, Brown Creeper, Nashville Warbler,
Hermit Thrush, White-throated Sparrow,
Cowbird, Blackpoll Warbler, Orange-crowned
Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Myrtle
Warbler, Cardinal and Phebe.

The Cardinal is very common here, and
almost every year one nests in our door-
yard.

Only three new birds were seen in the elm
in November: a Junco, a Hairy Woodpecker,
and a Song Sparrow. Thus, at the end of
six months my list numbered forty-eight.

In December, the only new bird I saw in
the tree was a Tree Sparrow. They come
here for the winter in quite large numbers.

No new visitors to the Elm were noted
until April, when a Meadowlark came to the
tree. They are very abundant in the spring
and summer, and some stay here all winter.
We often hear their song in the winter.

May brought nine birds to be listed,
nearly all being migrants, as follows: Palm
Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole,
Gray-cheeked Thrush, Magnolia Warbler,
Least Flycatcher, Redstart, Canada Warbler,
and Wilson’s Warbler.

Early in June the list was completed by
adding the Crested Flycatcher, which
totaled just sixty seen in the elm for the
year.

This list shows that birds are much more
abundant about our homes than is generally
believed, and that we have opportunity to

Bird - Lore

learn much about them without going out of
our own dooryards.

In the last two years with the aid of my
good six-power glass, I have listed 118 birds
within the limits of our village corporation.—
Mary S. Anprews, Farina, Ills.

Goshawk Nesting in Massachusetts

I am glad to announce the breeding of the
Goshawk in Massachusetts, a consummation
devoutedly wished, for, lo, these many years,
by Bay State ornithologists. The Goshawk
nested last spring in Petersham, in Wor-
cester County, in the central part of the
state. The two downy young in the nest,
which was in a large white pine, were taken
May 22, 1922, by Mr. J. Nelson Spaeth of
the Harvard Forest School, assisted by two
of the students of the school. One of the
young died after a while, but the other bird
lived to become practically full-grown and
to assume the complete juvenal plumage.
I saw this young Goshawk, July 1 to 4, in
good health and spirits apparently, during a
short sojourn at the Harvard Forest School
where I enjoyed the delightful courtesy
of Prof. R. T. Fisher, director of the Harvard
Forest in Petersham, and of his assistant,
Mr. J. Nelson Spaeth. To these gentlemen
I am indebted for the foregoing facts. A
little later the young Goshawk died and the
carcass was forwarded by Professor Fisher
to State Ornithologist Forbush at the State
House, and made into a skin.

The breeding of the Goshawk in Massa-
chusetts has long been anticipated, particu-
larly since an immature bird of the species
was reported August 15, 1900, in the Hoosae
range, in Berkshire County, by that keen
observer, Mr. Gerald Thayer (Auk, Vol.
XIX, 1902, p. 296.) In addition, individuals
of the species have been reported in the past
on other occasions in summer in Massa-
chusetts.

While this is the first record with date of
the nesting of the Goshawk in Massachusetts,
it is antedated by a hitherto unpublished
record of a nesting a dozen or more years ago
in Townsend in Middlesex County, where in
a small local collection a mounted adult
female Goshawk and two badly blown eggs

Notes from Field and Study

taken from her nest in Townsend were seen
by Mr. M. Abbott Frazar, the well-known
taxidermist of Boston. Mr. Frazar, to whom
I am indebted for this record, tells me that
he sent one of these eggs by mail to Mr.
William Brewster, but that it was broken in

279

transit. Mr. Brewster kept the fragments
of the egg but never published the record.
Mr. Frazar cannot now recall the date of the
taking of the eggs of the Townsend bird.—
J. A. FARLEY, Boston, Mass.

THE SEASON

Edited by J. T. NICHOLS

XXXIII.

Boston Recion.—The passing summer
has been cool in the main, and the precipi-
tation has been far above normal, the rain
falling in almost daily deluging showers. The
plentiful supply of water has caused a luxu-
riance of vegetation; the lawns and trees are
beautifully green and the roadsides are
banked with rank growth, many species of
plants (e.g. wild lettuce, L. spicata) having
attained phenomenal height. The excess of
rain was unfavorable to many birds; nestlings
in exposed nests were either drowned by the
rain or killed by violent hail-storms; adults,
also, of certain species suffered, the Chimney
Swift, for example, because their feeding
habits render them especially liable to
starvation during prolonged stormy weather
on account of the beating down from the air
of all their insect food. Other birds of
similar but clearly not identical feeding habits
were not noticeably affected, e.g., Barn
Swallows and Kingbirds are at the present
time even more numerous than usual.

Nesting activities appeared to be com-
pleted early this year, hastened, perhaps, by
the mortality of well-grown nestlings of
single-brooded birds. The notes of nocturnal
migrants were heard soon after the middle
of July, very early for this region, and some
species of migrating shore-birds arrived in
numbers at dates not long after the earliest
records of their appearance here. Lawrence
B. Fletcher furnishes an interesting list of
birds seen on or near the seacoast at Ipswich,
Mass., on July 29, including Common Tern,
Dowitcher, both species of Yellowlegs,
Spotted, Least, Semipalmated and Pectoral
Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plover, Marsh
Hawk, and Long-eared Owl.

June 15 to August 15, 1922

The most prominent departure from nor-
mal in the distribution of local breeding birds
is the marked increase in the number of
Hermit Thrushes in the country to the west-
ward of Boston. Three years ago the increase
was noticeable and was reported in these
pages, but since then this Thrush has con-
tinued to increase, till now it is a regular and
not uncommon summer resident here.
Arthur J. Parker reports the bird as ‘numer-
ous’ in Lincoln, Mass.

E. W. Forbush, in his ‘Items of Interest,’
XVII, August 16, mentions both species of
Crossbills in northern Maine and New
Hampshire and gives the advice, ‘Look out
for Crossbills; especially where spruces grow.”

The New England Bird-Banding Asso-
ciation, formed last winter, with head-
quarters in Boston, has made rapid advance
in growth and has accomplished definite
results in trapping, banding, and re-trapping
birds. Many problems can be solved by this
fascinating method of bird-study only after
long and patient experimentation, but cer-
tain facts have already been proved since the
recent discovery by S. Prentiss Baldwin of
the value of the trap in banding birds.
Lawrence B. Fletcher, treasurer of the
Association, reports the record of a Chipping
Sparrow who entered his trap nine times in
ten days, three times on the same day, a
record which illustrated that trapping is a
method of taming birds. Similarly, a male
Red-winged Blackbird, trapped and banded
on August 5, returned the following day
accompanied by an adult female and four
young, all of which entered the trap and were
banded. I am indebted also to Mr. Fletcher
for the history of an immature Black-crowned

280 Bird -

Night Heron, one of ro2z2 Herons banded by
him and Messrs. Floyd and MacKaye on
June 17, at West Barnstable, Mass. The
bird was found dead on August 7, lying under
electric wires at Kennebunkport, Maine.
The young bird had moved northward in
midsummer over 100 miles——Wrysor M.
Ty er, Lexington, Mass.

New York Recion.—At Mastic, L. I., on
June 24, two Yellowlegs were observed flying
together. One, from its notes, was definitely
a Lesser Yellowlegs; the identity of the other
was uncertain. On June 25, a Greater
Yellowlegs was sighted on the same bit of
marsh, and, although flushed several times,
did not leave. In notes and actions it seemed
like a late spring bird which had been living
there. On July 1, there was a Lesser Yellow-
legs (and there were also about ten south-
bound Least Sandpipers) on this marsh, and
on July 2, a Greater Yellowlegs flying over it.

The Lesser Yellowlegs on June 24 may be
considered an early south-bound bird, June
27 being the previous earliest south-bound
date for Long Island; June 1, the latest
north-bound. The Greater Yellowlegs on
June 25, however, was probably north-bound.
Had there been a Greater Yellowlegs es-
tablished here July 1, the presumption would
be that it was the same bird, which had
summered over the critical few days between
the known north-bound and south-bound
migration periods of the species. None was
found, and the bird of July 2 may as well
have been or have not been the individual of
June 25. In this connection, see observations
on the Greater Yellowlegs in 1921, reported
by Charles A. Urner in the July (1922) Auk
(p. 413). Stray individuals of the species
occur rather frequently on Long Island with
the south-bound wave of shore-birds the
first week in July. One seen by E. P. Bicknell
at Long Beach, June 28, 1917, seems referable
to either migration with equal appro-
priateness.

As regards south-bound movement of land-
birds, Tree Swallows began to increase early
in July and are now to be found in goodly
numbers along the shore and marshes. The
presence of the Yellow Warbler on July 20,
in scant bushes bordering a coastwise bay

Lore

separated by a stretch of marsh from any
considerable cover, is taken as evidence that
the species was moving. August 6, E. P.
Bicknell noticed several species of transient
Warblers at Hewlett, L. I., and L. Griscom
also detected such migrants in Central Park
at about the same date. Two instances have
been personally observed of Oven-birds
striking against the screens or windows of a
house. One, which had probably met its end
in that manner, was picked up dead, and one
seen to fly against a piazza screen and drop
panting to the ground beneath, flew off in
the opposite direction when approached.

Reports of southern Herons which have
come in so far (August 15) are confined to a
juvenal Little Blue Heron at Greenwood
Lake, July 27 to 31 (R. F. Haulenbeek), and
several of the same species as well as Amer-
ican Egrets on the Newark Marshes (Miller
and Urner).

At Demarest, N. J., B. S. Bowdish secured
two Song Sparrow ‘returns’ of interest in
connection with the study of that bird’s
movements by means of banding. One of
these individuals (No. 50024) which had been
banded April 26, 1921, was retaken July 9,
1922, and another (No. 50045), banded
July 13, 1921, retaken July 16, 1922, signifi-
cantly close to the date of its original
capture.—J. T. Nicnors, New York, N.Y.

PHILADELPHIA REGION.—With the idea of
looking into the present status of some of the
Tern and Black Skimmer colonies of the New
Jersey coast, investigations were carried on
during the ‘Season’ just past on a number of
the more thinly populated beaches.

Four colonies of Common Terns, con-
taining perhaps 75, 100, 50, and roo birds;
three colonies of Skimmers of approximately
14, 20, and 60 birds; one colony of Least
Terns of 30 birds were looked into; also,
probably some 20 pairs of Piping Plover were
found. One downy young of the last species
was discovered on Seven-Mile Beach July 30.

One of the smaller Skimmer colonies was
deserted by the birds before any young were
hatched, probably because of frequent visits
by summer cottagers, although a colony of
Common Terns nesting in the same locality
stayed and succeeded in raising a few young.

iia cttenestteetintitiin eae semnan tel

The Season

Three trips were taken to the island on
which the Least Terns, one colony of Com-
mon Terns, and the colony of 20 Skimmers
were nesting, and while the following brief
account may by no means be accurate, it
will give some idea of the vicissitudes, dan-
gers, and misfortunes of these colonial birds.

June 25. Common Terns, about 100;
about 30 nests with eggs; about 10 downy
young; a number of eggs laying around in the
sand as if washed out of the nests by high
tides. Black Skimmers, 14; 2 nests, one
with 5 eggs. A pile of some 30 eggs (mostly
Skimmers’) laying on the sand as if gathered
by someone who wished to see* how many
could be found. Least Terns, 30; 9 nests with
2 eggs each; 3 downy young, one with pin-
feathers starting on wings.

July 16 (second trip). Common Terns, 75;
2 nests with eggs; a number of downy and
some well-feathered young found stretched
prone on the sand and hiding in the sparse
grass, also a few young birds on the wing, the
young birds being distinguished from the
parents by their quicker wing-beats and
labored flight; numbers of eggs scattered
about. Black Skimmers, 14; 3 nests, one
with 3 young just hatched. Tracks of a
horse, dog, and man in the sand. It looks
as if these birds were persistently robbed.
Least Terns, 30; no nests with eggs found,
1 downy young, probably there are more as
these little fellows are just the color of dry
sand and hard to see; the parent birds all
flying about very anxious.

August 18 (third trip). Common Terns 40;
no nests with eggs; 2 young with pin-feathers
starting; most of the birds appear to have
finished breeding and have scattered. Black
Skimmers, 20; 6 of these birds are young, in
gray plumage, 5 are flying about, the other
one was found by Jack Crosby, lying prone on
the sand. The bird is well feathered but un-
able to fly; if put on the sand he immediately
squats; finally he is induced to move off,
which he does rather hurriedly. The lower
mandible of this bird protrudes about an
eighth of an inch beyond the upper. Adult
Skimmer found dead, floating on surface of
Inlet, apparently shot. Least Terns, 10;
no young are found, though old birds are
seen flying about with food in their bills,

281

also show considerable alarm; most of the
birds have apparently left.

While all the colonies suffer more or less
from eggers, floods, etc., there seems to be
no immediate danger of their being extermi-
nated though one cannot predict with any
degree of accuracy in view of the rapid growth
of the resorts on the New Jersey coast. A
sanctuary which would include a strip of
beach, it would seem, would be the proper
thing.

Sanderling, 2 Knots, and a Semipalmated
Plover were still present on Seven-Mile
Beach, N. J., June 18. At this time, also,
an Oyster-catcher was observed. This bird
was probably a straggler and not nesting,
as he manifested no apprehension such as
nesting Oyster-catchers at Cobbs Island, Va.,
had been observed to do when breeding.
A very good view of the bird was obtained,
but, true to his wild nature, he did not permit
of very close approach. As he took wing,
the striking wing pattern was plainly seen.
C. K. Roland was present and also observed
the bird. He also is familiar with the species,
having seen it on the Virginia coast islands.
Three Turnstones and several Least Sand-
pipers were noted on the meadows near
Atlantic City, N. J., June 25.

The migration of south-bound shore-birds
was in full swing July 16. Dowitcher, 150
(4 flocks); Black-breasted Plover, 60 (2
flocks); Willet, 2 (Western ?):; together with
a fair number of the commoner species were
all noted on the salt marshes near Atlantic
City. Here also Black Terns (7 adults) were
observed June 25 and July 16. A large
flight of Least Sandpipers, perhaps a thou-
sand birds, and a few Pectoral Sandpipers
are at present writing (August 14) frequent-
ing a filled-in, muddy meadow near the out-

skirts of Camden—Jurtan K. Porter,
Camden, N. J.
WASHINGTON ReEGIon.—Ornithological

conditions in the vicinity of Washington,
D. C., were about normal during the months
of June and July, 1922. The weather was
for the most part moderate and thus favored
the usual avian activities. In general, birds
were rather numerous, possibly more abun-
dant than usual at this time of the year

282

Some species, like the smaller Flycatchers,
were, however, less frequently seen than in
recent years; others, like}the Whip-poor-will,
appeared to be more common.

In view of the fact that all the transient
visitors and all winter residents had passed
northward by June 1 of this year, there is
little of interest concerning such movements
to chronicle in the present report.

The Pied-billed Grebe, which is common
in fall, sometimes also in spring, but which,
so far as we know, has not previously, except
once (June 10, 1919), remained later than
the middle of May, continued here this year
until June 21. A flock of eight was observed
by F. P. Callaghan along the Potomac River,
near Washington, regularly from early June
to the above date. From this we may in-
dulge the hope that the species may at some
future time breed in the Washington region.

Two individuals of the Double-crested
Cormorant, which is a rare straggler in the
vicinity of Washington, were seen by Miss
M. J. Pellew along the Potomac River, near
Marshall Hall, some fourteen miles below
Washington, on May 31 of the present year.
It is interesting to note that this Cormorant
has been certainly reported from this region
in only five previous years—i859, 1884,
1896, 1917, and 1921—although there some-
times has been more than one record ina year.

The European Starling, which has been
rapidly increasing in numbers since its
appearance here a number of years ago, has
now become a common bird in most of the
region about Washington, both in winter
and summer. Young birds this year have
been conspicuous in many places during July.

The Nighthawk, which commonly belies
its name of ‘Nighthawk’ by being abroad
mostly in the daytime, occasionally flies also
by night, but this is not so regular an occur-
rence that it entirely ceases to be a matter
worthy of comment. During the early part
of June, Nighthawks were frequently heard
calling on the wing after dark in the out-
skirts of the northern part of Washington.
On June 6 they were heard at 8.30 P.M.,
on June 7 at 9.40 P.M., on June 9 at 10.45
P.M., and on June 11 at 1.45 A.M. They
were thus abroad at practically all hours of
the night, though it will be noted that on all

Bird -

Lore

these nights there was bright moonlight,
as the moon was full on the oth of the
month.—Harry C. OBERHOLSER, Biological
Survey, Washington, D. C.

OBERLIN (OHIO) REGION.—The weather
during the summer has been very different
from that of the two preceding years. There
have been frequent showers and wet and
cool weather with but a few really hot days
as compared with 1920 and 1921. However,
August up to date (15th) has been dryer
and warmer. The birds have been fairly
numerous and seemed to have been more in
prominence. The weather seemed to in-
vigorate them to greater activity.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers have been
more common than usual this summer as they
likewise were last spring. Bob-whites could
be heard whistling on all sides of you. They
are by no means abundant, but their num-
bers have steadily increased the last few
years. However, in winter, when they are
gathered in flocks and are silent, they seem,
of course, less numerous, and as one has
almost to step on them to flush them, they
even at times seem almost uncommon.

The Turkey Vulture is a prominent bird
in this region during the summer months.
At places along the Vermillion River where
farmers leave their dead animals lying in
the fields, they are especially numerous. In
such localities at least a few birds can be
seen every day, while flocks of 15 to 30 are
a common sight and once in a while the
flock numbers over 4o. Such a gathering
circling around in the air at one time certainly
makes a startling scene.

The Bobolinks had all ceased singing and
left the fields and meadows to gather in
flocks the second week in July. The Balti-
more Orioles, after a silence of about three
weeks, were heard singing again the last
week of the month. The song however, was
unequal to their rich full melodies of May.

The nesting of all the birds, so far as
known, has been satisfactory. One record
especially is interesting, that of a pair of
Pied-billed Grebes which was seen with a
young one on June 3o in the marshes near
Vermillion. They were seen a number of
times later during the summer in the same

The Season

place. It is a very unusual occurrence to
find them nesting in this region.

Although there has as yet been no distinct
indication of any migration besides the
usual flocking together, that of two Black
Ducks seen on August 3 is rather suspicious.
As there were no signs of their nesting, and
as they were not found at any time previous
during the summer months, they must have
been mere wanderers from another realm,
their nesting region perhaps which lies
farther north. It is a month at least too

early for them to be in migration —S.

CHARLES KENDEIGH, President of Cardinal
Ornithological Club, Chicago, Ills.

Mryneaports (MINNESOTA) REGION.—
The last half of June was marked by change-
able weather alternating from cool, pleasant
days to very hot ones, an unusual maximum
of 99.1° being reached on the afternoon of
the 22d.

July was reported by the local United
States weather observer as “the coolest July
in seven years and the driest in six years.”
The average temperature was 70° compared
with 77.4° last year, and a normal average of
72.2°. The total precipitation was only 1.76
inches, compared with 3.16 inches last year
and a general normal of 2.05 inches. The
month closed with one or two very hot days
—g1° on the 3oth. The hot spell thus begun
continued with only a brief intermission
(from the 4th to the 8th) until the middle of
August. Midday temperatures of over 80°
prevailed, reaching 92° on the 3d. Several
severe electric storms, accompanied by heavy
rain and hail, occurred.

There has been this year an unusually
abundant crop of fruits of almost all kinds,
both cultivated and wild, due perhaps to the
cool weather of July. Vegetation has grown
rank and tall and flowering plants have
blossomed profusely.

June 15. A brood of young Tree Swallows
just leaving the nest.

June 16. While watching a Song Sparrow’s
nest in which one of the two eggs that it con-
tained was just hatching, a common garter
snake, 30 inches long, suddenly appeared,
seized and made off with the young bird in
spite of a vigorous attack by one of the

283

parents. When pursued the snake quickly
swallowed the tiny nestling. On being killed
and dissected a second young Song Sparrow
was found in the stomach, presumably an-
other of the same family which accounted for
the smallness of the brood. The snake had
a hole under a large stump close by, toward
which it was retreating when overtaken and
killed. The nest with the remaining egg was
deserted. Another large snake of the same
species killed close by contained the feet and
wing feathers of what was apparently a well-
grown nestling Blackbird, the rest of the bird
having been fully digested. Both of these
snakes were females and contained from
twenty-six to twenty-eight small young in-
closed in the egg-sacs. The garter snake is
very abundant hereabouts and it seems prob-
able that it takes during the nesting season a
heavy toll from ground and low-nesting
birds.

July t. White Water-lilies coming into
bloom.
July 11. Many young Clay-colored and

Field Sparrows of first brood are on the wing.
The Field Sparrow has always been uncom-
mon or entirely absent in the immediate
vicinity of Minneapolis but only 15 miles
northeast in a sandy, oak-open country in
Ramsey County it occurs regularly in con-
siderable numbers. It is an abundant bird in
southeastern Minnesota as far north as Lake
City. North of this it is unevenly distributed
as far as Isanti and Sherburne counties.
Records farther north probably refer to the
Clay-colored Sparrow.

Nestling Vesper Sparrows of the second
brood two-thirds grown.

The sandy hillsides are thickly covered
with dense masses of the Jersey tea, the
fluffy white carpet variegated with innumer-
able golden blossoms of the coreopsis (C.
palmata). ‘

July 18. A Cedar Waxwing’s nest with
young just hatched. A Clay-colored Spar-
row’s nest with young one-half grown.

July 23. A family of Crested Flycatchers
flying about among the trees, the young being
fed by the parents. The first Black Tern
showing traces of molt about the head.

July 25. A brood of nestling Kingbirds
about one-half grown. The Cedar Waxwings

284

mentioned above were feeding their young
white berries—the only white berries to be
had at present are those of the poison ivy.

Culver’s root, bergamot and early sun-
flowers in full bloom. Goldenrod and blazing
star just coming into bloom.

July 27. A Field Sparrow’s nest with young
about three-fourths grown. A Clay-colored
Sparrow’s nest with two fresh eggs.

July 29. First young Black Terns on the
wing (Kilgore).

July 31. Young Cedar Waxwings left nest
today. It is curious to see the young of this
bird, almost as soon as they are able to
stand, strike the prolonged ‘freezing’ atti-
tude of the adults.

August 4. A Song Sparrow’s nest con-
taining four fresh eggs. Of all the Song Spar-
rows’ nests seen this year none has been on
the ground. All have been from 6 to 18
inches up in small bushes or shrubs.

An old Loon and her two young, almost
full grown, seen together in a small lake
where they have been since spring. Many
young Black Terns now a-wing.

While watching the nest of a Goldfinch at
close range from a photographing tent the
following notes were made:

The five young birds were about three-
fourths grown.

Both male and female fed the young at
intervals of about half an hour.

The young were fed a white sticky paste or
‘pap’ which was regurgitated from the gullet
in small amounts and given to all the nest-
lings in rotation several times around at each
visit. There was no sign of food in the bill
of the parent when it came to the nest. It

.seemed_probable that-this-“pap’ consisted

of the white meat of seeds mashed up after
the removal of the hulls. No other food was
brought during the several hours that the
nest was watched.

On at least one occasion the female was
seen to take the excrement from all the five
nestlings and swallow it beside cleaning up
the inside of the nest in the same way.

The young birds at this age ejected ex-
crement to some extent over the rim of the
nest where it was apt to lodge and render the
outside of the nest soiled and untidy.

Once the male bird alighted on top of the

Bird -

Lore

tent and spent some time peeping curiously
down through the ventilating aperture as
though bent on finding out what was going
on inside. It seemed to us as though he was
after this much more wary about approaching
the nest, which was something less than 3
feet from the movie camera. He had appar-
ently seen too much.

August 8. A Barn Swallow’s nest con-
taining four eggs. A Maryland Yellowthroat
still singing its ‘witchite’ song. Blue-winged
Teal Ducks in flocks of twenty or more at
the Long Meadow sloughs.

Ironweed and golden aster in full bloom.

August 14. The eggs in the Song Sparrow’s
nest mentioned on the 4th beginning to hatch
today. A Mourning Dove’s nest containing
two eggs (Huff).—Tuos. S. Roperts, M. D.,
Zodlogical Museum, University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis, Minn.

Cuicaco Recion.—The weather has been
fair and warm during the past two months,
the temperature ranging between 65° and
80°, with very little rain. The rainfall
during June was the lowest for fifty-two
years, only .14 of an inch being registered,
and the rain of July rr ended a forty-three
day drought.

The presence and early appearance of
numbers of shore-birds is the notable feature
of the recent period. On June 17 and 18 the
writer found a Black-bellied Plover and two
Red-backed Sandpipers at Beach, Ill. Three
Turnstones and a Long-billed Curlew flew
by and lit a short ways up the beach where
they were watched for a short time at close
range. The Curlew was very wary, soon
flying nofth, and on following four miles up
the beach it could not be found, although
the Turnstones were seen twice. It is
probable that all these were non-breeding
birds spending the summer here. Five pairs
of Piping Plover were seen along as many
miles of lake shore and were, without doubt,
nesting there. Spotted Sandpipers were
plentiful and a nest with four eggs was found.

Hyde Lake, near south Chicago, has been
the locality where the waders have been the
most abundant. Wilson’s Snipe, Dowitcher,
Pectoral, Least, Semipalmated and Solitary
Sandpipers, Yellowlegs, and Semipalmated

i
f
;
a
4
i
}

é

The Season 285

Plover were found there on the following
dates; July 2 (B. T. Gault and C. J. Hunt),
July 22 (G. P. Lewis), July 23 (B. T. Gault
and C. J. Hunt), July 28 (Lewis, Sanborn and
Conover), and August 6 (Sanborn and Con-
over). The Dowitcher and Semipalmated
Plover were first seen July 22. Least and
Semipalmated Sandpipers and Plovers were
in the greatest numbers, with Yellowlegs and
Pectorals next and a few Dowitchers and
Jack Snipes, the latter birds probably young
raised near there.

With the exception of the Dowitcher and
Snipe, all these birds have also been reported
from the Lincoln Park beach on July 18 and
22 by G. P. Lewis and July 22 and August 8,
by B. T. Gault. Mr. Lewis added Upland
Plover to the list on the 22d and Mr. Gault
added Red-backed Sandpiper the 22d and
Sanderling August 8. On the 22d Mr. Gault
had a very close view of two Marbled God-
wits, a rare record from this region. Bona-
parte’s Gulls and Common Terns were also
there August 8.

Messrs. Gault and Hunt found a few
Yellow-headed Blackbirds at Hyde Lake,
July 2, and a King Rail’s nest with nine
eggs. The writer found the Blue-gray
Gnatcatchers at Beach again this year on
June 18 and July 16, but had no time to
look for the nest. E. J. Scupham saw a
Turkey Buzzard, August 6, on the Kankakee
River. It was after a heavy rain and the
bird was perched on the top of a dead stub
drying its wings and plumage. The small
flock of Scaup stayed in the harbor off
Chicago until July 30, when the hydroplanes,
motorboats, yachts, and dredges evidently
became too much for them. No Warblers
have been reported as yet——CoLin Camp-
BELL SANBORN, Chairman Report Committee,
Chicago Ornithological Society, Chicago, Ills.

Kansas City Recion.—A numerous
colony of Traill’s Flycatchers nested again
this year in the extensive willow thickets in
the Missouri River bottoms near the mouth
of Big Blue. Scores of nests were watched
during the last two weeks of June and the
early days of July. The full complement of
eggs in the nests of this colony varies about
equally between three and four, only a single

set of five being seen. It was found that this
species does not lay an egg every day, but
that several days usually elapse between the
laying of successive eggs. Yellow Warblers
were also numerous in the willows, and those
individuals of the two species that chose
their nesting-sites deep within the thickets
were not imposed on by Cowbirds, while
nests located in more open situations usually
contained eggs of the parasite. In the older
parts of this region, where there are large
areas of broken and dead willow stubs of
from three to six inches in diameter, the
House Wrens are particularly numerous
nesting in old Downy Woodpecker holes
and natural cavities. It was noticed last
year for the first time, and verified this
season, that every nest of the Wren in this
wild region contained fragments or whole
cast snake-skins. This material was worked
into the lining, as the outer nest was of the
usual coarse construction.

A visit was paid late in June to the Holt
County, Missouri, farm of Charles E.
Dankers for the purpose of examining recent
acquisitions to his collection of birds and
Missouri records, and to see again his large
flocks of wild Geese. It was found that his
Blue Geese had been breeding during the
past two seasons, and the writer was pre-
sented with a fine set of these rare eggs.
Mr. Dankers has established several unique
bird records for western Missouri, as well
as two or three for the entire state, which
have been recorded elsewhere. A _ recent
record of interest was the finding of a nest
of young Marsh Hawks near his home on
June 4.

A pair of Upland Plover, presumably the
same that have nested for several years in
the Waldo region, were present this year in
the large pasture on Oak, between 71st and
75th streets. They were not found until
late in June and had evidently succeeded in
bringing off their young, as they were very
solicitous of something in the high grass
that could not be found.

Records of the Blue Grosbeak have ac-
cumulated to such an extent that it is
puzzling to know whether the species has
extended its range into this region lately as
has been supposed, or that the bird has been

286 Bird -

merely overlooked which is hard to believe.
At all events the recorded local status of this
species will need to be entirely revised.

A deluge of rain, accompanied by a gale
of wind, early in July, did some damage to
young birds, and a severe squall near the end
of the month added something to the mortal-
ity, but in the main the season has been
favorable to bird-life and there is much
evidence of an enormous crop of young of all
the common species. Late in July the Robin-
and Dove-roost in the grove of old pines on
the Country Club golf-course was visited
and found to be in use by even more birds
than last year. The Robins especially are in
greater numbers and are flying in from all
points “of the compass, whereas last year
they were noted coming from the east or
northeast. The usual large flocks of return-
ing Grackles testify each evening to the
continuance of the Rockhill roost of this
troublesome species.

The writer does not remember ever having
seen all kinds of wild fruit in such abundance
as this year. Wild cherries are actually
hanging to the ground, and dogwood trees
are loaded with berries. Other berries be-
loved of birds, such as poison ivy, bittersweet,
sumac, wild grape, together with all the
ornamental shrubs and market fruits, are in
the greatest profusion, and it will be in-
teresting to note what effect, if any, this
will have on migration.

Full-grown young Mockingbirds were
seen on July 31. This is one of the off years
for this bird, as only two pairs have been
found in a territory where a dozen or more
have been located in other years.

A few troops of Blue-winged Teal have
lately been seen on the river near the city,
and stragglers have been met with on ponds
nearby, indicating that the usual few broods
have been raised in the region, The pair
referred to in the last letter as beginning a
nest within throwing distance of a boulevard
had to abandon their site to the small boy.
Other possible sites are rapidly being im-
proved and cultivated until there is little
hope of ever seeing the increasing water-
owl stop here to nest. It is different,
however, with the Bob-white. This bird
has found conditions so favorable within the

Lore

southern boundaries of the city and adjacent
territory that it has about reached the limit
of its abundance. It has become so tame in
certain localities as to stalk about in full
view of passing traffic and to perch about
on fences and street signs. The past several
seasons have been favorable to its rapid
increase, and what with being entirely let
alone except by its natural enemies it has
increased by leaps and bounds.

Thomas Hayes Whitney writes of the
singing of the Veery at Atlantic, Iowa, during
the spring migration. Mr. Whitney has a
summer home in the north woods and knows
the bird well. It is rare indeed that this
bird is heard in song while in transit through
this region.

A. Sidney Hyde had unusual good fortune
with migrating Warblers in the Topeka
region, and reported such local rarities as the
Bay-breasted and Canada Warblers and
the Woodcock.

Ralph J. Donahue reports seeing an Egret
at close range on a lake in the vicinity of
his home at Bonner Springs, Kans., on
July 30.—Harry Harris, Kansas City, Mo.

DENVER REGION.—Many readers of Brrp-
Lore are familiar with the belief held by
ornithologists that some western birds raise
the first brood in the spring on the plains,
and the second or later broods higher up in
the adjacent mountains. I believe that this
is correct with at least two or three species
common about Denver. This belief, how-
ever, has not been susceptible of proof up to
date, but that it will be settled after a while
cannot be doubted, for the establishment in
the near future of banding stations on the
plains and in the mountains will furnish
positive data for or against the hypothesis.
A recent motor trip across the Continental
Divide focused anew my attention on this
question. When leaving Denver early one
morning, no Pine Siskins were noted in the
city nor in its surrounding country, yet,
immediately on getting well into the moun-
tains (not lower than 7,000 feet) they became
common and seemed to be nesting.

This motor trip exhibited in a striking and
most enjoyable manner how well an auto
lends itself to making a vertical cross-section

The Season 287

of the birds of a mountain region. Leaving
Denver (altitude 5,200 feet) in the morning,
one gradually climbs to higher and higher
levels, and, without undue haste, in four
hours can be at timber-line on Berthoud Pass,
for example. Timber-line at Berthoud Pass
is at 11,500 feet altitude. On the way up to
this level one will see several species which
visit Denver and the plains only in the fall,
winter and early spring, such as Gambel’s
Sparrow, Gray-headed Junco, Long-crested
Jay, Townsend’s Solitaire, Audubon’s War-
bler, Pifon Jay, Rocky Mountain Jay, and
Clark’s Nutcracker, and if one is not in a
hurry, many more can be seen, each at its
appropriate level. When one drops onto
the lower levels of the Pacific watershed, at
Grand Lake, perhaps, other forms become
abundant, especially the beautiful Violet-
green Swallow. All of the above listed
species were seen on this particular motor
trip, together with others not specifically
mentioned. At and above timber-line, those
hardy pioneers, the Titlark and the Gray-
headed Rosy Finch were seen, these two
species being very noticeable on Flat Top at
an altitude of 12,000 feet. It was a matter
of something more than ordinary interest to
watch a Marsh Hawk plying his trade at
this altitude, sweeping over the rocks, and
about the little lakelets on and near the
Divide with as much elan as over the plains
or over a New Jersey marsh.

This season has reimpressed me with the
impossibility of divining the reasons why the
complexion of a local bird-life should change
so much from year to year.

Now that the young are able to fly, it
becomes very apparent that a large number
of Wood Pewees were successful in nesting
this year in and about Denver. One sees an
unusual number of them these days, and the
second or third brood of Robins must also
have been large, the residential parts of the
city almost swarming with them. Yet there
have been no Warbling Vireos to speak of,
very few Black-headed Grosbeaks, and fewer
Chipping Sparrows.

The summer so far has seemed warmer than
ordinary because of a somewhat greater
humidity, a combination which may have a
relation to the scarcity of some local birds.

One can count with great trust on seeing
flocks of Bronzed Grackles appearing or
reappearing in Denver and its environs about
the middle of August. This year the first
came under my notice on August 6; on the
morning of August 14, Upland Plover were
heard calling as they flew over my home, and
on August 6 and 7. the first Rocky Mountain
Hairy Woodpeckers reappeared in the city.
These two last species are very apt to be
seen in or over the city any time after
August 1.

Several years ago quite a few Bob-white
flourished along the Platte River immediately
above and below its course through Denver.
They have been decidedly scarcer during the
past four years. It was a welcome sound to
hear again the calls of this species in the
neighborhood of Loveland on August 5, and
I hope that it means that the species will
get a fresh start. A native species which has
almost deserted Denver, the Barn Swallow,
was detected nesting in a barn on the eastern
edge of the city. This effort at nesting, and
those of Bluebirds, and Mockingbirds,
prompts one to hope that more will succeed
in the future, and also makes one realize
with sorrow what a great change the English
Sparrow has wrought in the bird-life of this
city. Even now, despite the. obnoxious
Sparrow, if given a bit of encouragement and
help these species, and Wrens and others are
occasionally successful in nesting within
the city proper. For the past few days there
have been no Yellow Warblers about my
neighborhood. As this is being written
(August 15) they are again singing freely in
Cheesman Park. I believe these two facts
mean that our local Yellow Warblers de-
parted for the South about a week ago, and
that those here today are migrants either
from the mountains or from the North.—
W. H. Berctorp, Denver, Colo.

PoRTLAND (OREGON) ReEGION.—Nothing
particularly startling was noticeable in the
months of June and July in this district. The
small birds have been nesting in normal
numbers and at about the usual dates. Yel-
low Warblers seem to be even more common
than usual and the Green-backed Gold-
finches have been particularly noticeable.

288

None of the handbooks or lists record the
Green-backed Goldfinch from Oregon, al-
though, as a matter of fact, it is one of the
commonest birds throughout the western
part of the state. It is very abundant about
Portland, and in the vicinity of my own home
on the east side outnumbers the common
Willow Goldfinch.

During the month of June, Stanley G.
Jewett was on the Malheur Lake Reservation
and reports that there is a considerable in-
crease in numbers among the Egrets, Ibis,
and Western Willets. He also reported: that
Ducks, particularly Cinnamon Teal and Gad-
wall, were present in numbers. He found that
the Ravens were destroying enormous num-
bers of nests and eggs, which is, however, a
usual thing about these big bird colonies in
the desert countries. He also found the
Sandhill Cranes to be less numerous than
usual.

Bob-whites, which have been introduced
into this country, seem to have had a good
year and are more abundant than they have
been at any time in the past four years. The
Robin has become so numerous as to be a
pest to the berry-growers of the Portland
district and causes considerable loss to the
earlier berries, but later, when berries become
more abundant, the loss is not so noticeable.

On July 20, while on the beach of Lincoln
County, a large shore-bird migration was
noticed. This consisted principally of West-
ern Sandpipers and Hudsonian Curlews.
One flock of 17 Sanderlings was noted and a
single Long-billed Curlew. A small flock of
Dowitchers and 5 Greater Yellow-legs were
seen on the mudflats at Newport. The
usual sea-birds were noted along the coast,
California Murres and Tufted Puffins being
particularly common, At the jetty in New-
port, large numbers of Cassin Auklets and
Marbled Murrelets were feeding in the harbor
entrance. I also noted a considerable number
of White-winged and Surf Scoters and three
or four American Scoters which evidently
had spent the summer off this coast. One
dead American Scoter was picked up on the
beach and 15 to 20 California Murres with
oil-soaked plumage were found dead, or
dying, during the day.—Ira N. GABRIELSON
(or U.S. BrotocicaL Survey), Portland, Ore.

Bird - Lore

San Francisco Recion.—The whole of
the period covered has been free from hot
weather and has contained very few cold,
foggy days. Bird-life has seemed excep-
tionally abundant in the East Bay region.
A half-hour walk through Strawberry Canyon
on June 16 revealed the presence of many
pairs of. Black-headed Grosbeaks, Song
Sparrows, San Francisco and California Tow-
hees, Pileolated Warblers, Vigors Wrens,
Bush-tits, Wren-tits, and Russet-backed
Thrushes. There were two Tolmie Warblers
singing, but no Vireos, either Hutton or
Warbling. On the lower campus, Warbling
Vireos were present but in reduced numbers,
and Russet-backed Thrushes had not yet
regained the normal population. Coast Jays,
Robins, Juncos, and Pine Siskins were
noticeably on the increase, but Lazuli Bunt-
ings were hard to find (Dr. Miller). One
of the usual nesting areas of the Rufous-
crowned Sparrow was burned over last year,
with the result that none of that species has
been observed since. On other bushy hill-
sides they are present as in former years.
The usual niches were occupied by Olive-
sided Flycatchers, but few Wood Pewees
were reported except from the Contra Costa
side of the hills. Mr. and Mrs. Kibbe found
the Bell Sparrow as formerly in its island of
artemisia and fern on a south sloping hillside.

By June 18, young Quail were trailing
through a Berkeley garden. House Wrens
left their box on June 19, and Western Fly-
catchers tried their wings for the first time
on June 21. A second brood were raised in
the same nest and were almost ready to fly
on August 5. Full-grown young Thrashers
were accepting food from the parents on
June 29, and young Blue Jays began to pick
up food provided on July 3. Yellow War-
blers were singing still on August 10, and a
Robin on the topmost spray of a deodar
saluted the setting sun with its usual melody
on August 13.

Shore-birds are reported by Mrs. Kelly to
have been very scarce during June. None
were seen on June 26, but on July 7 Curlews
began to come in and by August 4, 30 were
counted on the mud-flats near Lincoln Park.
Six Godwits and 4 Willets were also seen on
July 7, but the numbers have not increased

The Season 280

as yet. Four Semipalmated Plover were
first seen on July 8 and they have increased
steadily since that date, as have also the
Western and Least Sandpipers. Dowitchers
are still very scarce, 1 having been seen on
July 22 and 2 on July 23. Forster Terns
were seen first on August 4.

A week spent in the mountains August 5—
12, at an elevation of 6,000 feet, showed few
signs of migration or flocking. Most species
were in family groups, feeding together where
food was most abundant. Robins had de-
serted the mountain meadows and were
feeding on berries which were fast ripening
on the open bushy mountain-sides. On the
same slopes were Western Tanagers, Cassin
Purple Finches, and Western Evening Gros-
beaks, which flew back and forth from the
shrubs to the bordering forest trees, while
underneath the bushes Green-tailed Tow-
hees and Fox Sparrows kept to their usual
haunts. In the dense forest growth Slender-
billed and Red-breasted Nuthatches, Golden-
crowned Kinglets, Mountain Chickadees,
and Audubon Warblers gleaned their insect
food, and a White-headed Woodpecker
searched every cranny of a moss-grown
stump; Wood Pewees caught the low-flying
insects, while the Olive-sided Flycatchers
darted out from the dead tops of the highest
trees. In the alders along the river bank
were Calaveras and Pileolated Warblers and
in the brush that grew on rocky divides were
Rock Wrens and Wright Flycatchers. Higher
still in the Juniper belt were Clarke Nut-
crackers in family groups. Two birds ordi-
narily common at this altitude during the
nesting season seemed to have departed:
the Mountain White-crowned Sparrow and
the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and only one
Nighthawk was seen. As we came down
through the foothills on August 12, families
of Horned Larks perched on the wire fences,
and Meadowlarks and Brewer Blackbirds
were seen. As we approached the upper bay
large numbers of Barn Swallows and Cliff
Swallows were assembled—the only flocks
observed during the week.—Ameuia S.
ALLEN, Berkeley, Calif.

Los ANGELES ReGion.—An item of in-
terest that reached me too late for last report,

records the appearance of a small flock of
Cedar Waxwings at the bird-bath of a
Whittier member as late as June 4.

June 14, one to two weeks earlier than in
former years, occurred our annual obser-
vation of birds, with reference to nesting in
a canyon of the Sierra Madres. The day’s
list was made up of fourteen resident birds
and twenty summer visitants. Bird-songs,
nests, the gathering of nesting materials,
food-carrying, all proclaimed that this
favored place held its average quota of
breeding birds, but in only one instance was
a family of young birds found—Pileolated
Warblers apparently just out of the nest.
The anxious behavior of a pair of Lutescent
Warblers nearby seemed to point to a
possible nest in the locality. Nesting of this
species in this locality is rare. Western
Tanagers were numerous and in song. Black-
chinned and Costa Hummingbirds were
noted, and one pair of Lawrence Gold-
finches was seen.

June 22. Mrs. F. T. Bicknell reports a
pair of Bald Eagles nesting on a cliff at
Catalina Island. The Allen Hummingbird
was also seen there. On this date a small
number of Western Martins appeared at
Echo Park, and have frequently been seen
since that time. On August 1 and 2, they
fed young that were perching on the wires.
August 6, there were eighteen, most of which
were young. August 8 and 9, all disappeared.

July 9, Upper San Antonio Canyon. Com-
parison of list of this date with that of May
14, the walk being taken at the same hours
and over the same course, afforded striking
contrasts. Pine Siskins, Cassin Finches, and
all the Warblers had disappeared. There
was little song, other than that of the Black-
headed Grosbeak and the Warbling Vireo.
Blue-fronted Jays, Wood Pewees, Thurber’s
Junco, and the Western Tanager were
feeding young. Violet-green Swallows, an
Arkansas Kingbird, Ash-throated Flycatch-
ers, and a Western Gnatcatcher were added
to the lists. The Swallows were evidently at
home in the dead spruces of a high forested
slope, and came down to hawk over the
chaparral of the Upper Sonoran area, where
the last-named birds were also seen. A
Water Ouzel passed up the stream.

290 Bird - Lore

July 23. Western Blue Grosbeaks were
again seen in the Balboa region, two indi-
viduals being in typical plumage and one
brown with only the head blue. A Virginia
Rail was seen in the salt marsh. On July 26,
a pair of Blue Grosbeaks was seen at Artesia,
where Kingbirds were numerous, Cassin’s
being noted as well as many Arkansas. About
one thousand Cliff Swallows were congre-
gated near a ranch reservoir. July 20,
another assemblage of Cliff Swallows was
noted numbering several hundreds. On this
date Barn Swallows were still feeding young
at the nests under a bridge at Playa
del Rey.

Mid-July had arrived before any trips
to the shore were undertaken. July 16, the
migration of shore-birds seemed to be well
under way, Hudsonian Curlew being fairly
numerous, and several small flocks of Sand-
pipers and Semipalmated Plover noted, as
well as 4 Willets. Fifteen White-winged
Scoters were on the ocean at Playa del Rey,
at least 5 being males. They had very
probably remained through the summer.
Fifteen Least Terns and a few Snowy Plover
were noted. July 23, brought a few Marbled
Godwits and many more Curlews. July 26,
r young Heerman’s Gull was noted. July 20,
at Playa del Rey, the writer saw 1 Long-
billed Dowitcher come into the lagoon in
company with 12 Curlew, apparently after
a Jong flight. It was in summer plumage of
brighter, deeper tones than those seen in the
spring. Six Willets were noted. The 15
White-winged Scoters were again seen.

August 6, 2 Roadrunners were seen on the

Annandale golf-links. A repetition of the
now familiar walk in the mountains yielded
but meager returns, the total list comprising
the Water Ouzel, Canyon Wren, 5 or 6 Quail
(Mountain), 1 young Thurber’s Junco,
Warbling and Cassin’s Vireos, the latter
feeding young, Wood Pewee, and many Blue-
fronted Jays.

August 6 and 7, a strange bird visited the
feeding-station of our Pasadena members,
the Miss Wilsons, affording opportunity for
careful observation. Its markings were
found to correspond to the description of the
Juvenal plumage of the Desert Sparrow
(Amphispiza bilineata deserticola). There is
one record of the occurrence of this Sparrow
near Pasadena.

August 10. A walk from Sunset Beach to
Bolsa Chica disclosed the presence of a small
colony of Least Terns with young half grown.
Snowy Plover were numerous in the same
locality. Willets were present all the way in
extraordinary numbers. Hudsonian Curlew
and Marbled Godwits were abundant, small
Sandpipers much more numerous than on
previous trips. In the lagoon at Bolsa Chica
were five or more Black-necked Stilts, and a
Kingfisher hovered above the water, harried
by Barn Swallows. Two young Black Terns
dropped onto a bar where Gulls and some
waders were resting, rising very soon to
course over the marshes in characteristic
manner. Western Gulls were common.

August 10. Poor Will’s heard in Griffith
Park. Other earlier reports have reached us
of their presence there—FRANcEs B.
ScHNEIDER, Los Angeles, Calif.

Book Mews and Liebiews

The Ornithological Magazines

THe AvxK.—In Memoriam: William
Palmer,’ by Richmond, with photographic
portrait frontispiece, opens the July number
of the Auk. Palmer was for forty-seven
years connected with the United States
National Museum as field collector and taxi-
dermist. Meanwhile he contributed largely
to the art of taxidermy, gathered: specimens
for the Museum in different parts of the
world, and gave to science the product of
keen observation with clear independent
deduction. To other and younger orni-
thologists he gave the inspiration of a boyish
enthusiasm for field investigations, never
lost. William Palmer’s published papers
are varied and scattered, and it is very nice
that a list of them follows this memorial
sketch.

Lincoln describes methods and _ traps
(illustrated) for taking Ducks for banding
purposes, and gives details of returns from
banding 206 Ducks at a single station north
of western Lake Ontario in the fall of 1920
by Mr. H. S. Osler.

These birds were mostly Mallards and
Black Ducks, the majority whereof migrated
down the Mississippi Valley; a smaller
number crossed the Alleghanies to reach the
Atlantic coast at Chesapeake Bay. Two
Ring-necked Ducks, banded, seem to have
followed the latter course and were killed
respectively in Virginia in November and
South Carolina in January. Several Blue-
winged Teal were banded, but the early
migration of this species seems to have
carried them beyond the United States before
the opening of the gunning season. One,
however, was taken in the West Indies,
September 24.

L. R. Talbot, operating S. P. Baldwin’s
trapping station at Thomasville, Ga., in the
spring of 1922, met with a Brown Thrasher
now at least eight years old.

In ‘Bird Notes from North Greenland,’
Langdon Gibson presents interesting field

observations from an Arctic expedition some
years past. Water- and shore-birds were
noted on these far northern summer grounds
from the South at various dates in June, as
follows: Glaucous Gull, June 2 to 10;
Ringed Plover, June 5; Briinnich’s Murre,
Old Squaw, and Northern Eider, June 6;
Red-throated Loon and Dovekie, June 8;
Knot, June 11; Parasitic Jaeger, June 12:
Sanderling, June 14; Arctic Tern, June 16;
and Turnstone, June 21.

Joseph Grinnell in ‘The Role of the Acci-
dental,’ points out that the occurrence of
stray birds outside their range is a natural
phenomenon incident to a possible occupa-
tion of new territory by a species. He would
restrict the term ‘accidental’ to cases where
a species has occurred but once. In the
opinion of the reviewer this term, if quite
so narrowly restricted, would lose some of its
usefulness. On the other hand, it is doubt-
less frequently employed too broadly. A
bird which has occurred sufficiently often
in any territory to be expected again—for
instance, the Arkansas Kingbird in the
East—should not be called an ‘accidental.’

McAtee gives a statistical study of the
food of the Shoveller Duck; A. A. Saunders,
a very thorough descriptive study of the
songs of the Field Sparrow. R. C. Harlow in
“The Breeding Habits of the Northern Raven
in Pennsylvania,’ gives a considerable contri-
bution to the life history of that bird. The
date of the laying of its first egg is found to
vary from February 22 to April 5. N.
Kuroda and T. Mori, ‘On Some New and
Rare Birds from Corea,’ is a short syste-
matic paper in which two new subspecies are
described. C. C. Sanborn, ‘Recent Notes
from an Old Collecting Ground in North-
eastern Illinois,’ gives annotations on some
twenty-five species.

As usual ‘General Notes’ contains a variety
of items of faunal interest. Pearson has had
the good fortune to observe four Whooping
Cranes in Texas in December, 1921. C. A.
Urner gives full details of his observation of

(291)

292 Bird - Lore

Greater Yellow-legs at Elizabeth, N. J., in
summer, already noted in the October Auk
preceding. There is mention of storm-driven
Longspurs in Colorado (Bergtold) and
Nebraska (Bessie P. Reed). J. E. H. Kelso
records peculiarly favorable observations on
diving birds using and not using the wings
under water. Items by C. W. Townsend and
H. H. Beck touch on the interesting sub-
ject of bird music. In the latter case it
should be noted that whereas the aérial
music of the Wilson’s Snipe is again ascribed
to the birds’ wings, the opinion that it is
caused by the modified outer tail-feathers is
rather well substantiated.—J. T. N.

Et Hornero.—BE&l Hornero, the organ of
the Ornithological Society of La Plata (ad-
dress Calle Peru, 208, Buenos Aires) has won
its way to the first rank among magazines
devoted to the study of birds. In the two
issues now under review, Nos. 3 and 4 of
Vol. II, Dr. Dabbene’s scholarly review of
the ‘Petrels and Albatrosses of the South
Atlantic’ is a notable contribution to the
literature of systematic and faunal orni-
thology. In No. 3, August, 1921, we have

also ‘Remarks on the Neotropical species of
the genus Anthus by C. E. Hellmayr, who de-
scribes three new forms. ‘A List of the Birds
of the Falkland Islands’ by Richard H. Wace,

who records the arrival of the English Spar-

row in vessels in November, 1919; ‘Notes on
Paraguay Birds’ by Carlos Fiehrig, who
records the discovery of a young Cuckoo
(Tapera naevia) in the nest of Philydor rufus;
‘Studies of Birds in Relation to Agriculture’
by F. Lahille; Tubinares observed in the
South Atlantic, by W. B. Alexander, and
several pages of notes, news, and reviews.

In addition to the second part of Dr.
Dabbene’s paper, No. 4 (April, 1922) contains
‘Notes upon Antarctic Birds,’ by A. G.
Bennett; ‘List of Birds Collected in Las
Eosas,’ by J. B. Daguerre; ‘Capture of Thal-
assogeron eximius in the Province of Buenos
Aires’, by Roberto Dabbene, with a key to the
group in which this species belongs; ‘Birds
in South American Folk-Lore,’ by R.
Lehmann-Nitsche, and 35 pages of notes,
news and reviews. Obviously no working
ornithologist should be without E/ Hornero.
F. M. €.

Tue Essex County [Mass.] Ornithological
Club issues a useful pocket check-list of
Essex County birds. The method of arrange-
ment places a maximum of information in a
minimum of space and might well be em-
ployed for similar lists from other localities.
Copies of this publication may be obtained
from Ralph Lawson, Secretary, 88 Washing-
ton Square, Salem, Mass. The price is not
stated.

WILD MALLARDS AT LAKE MERRITT, OAKLAND, CALIF.

Photographed by Tom Stevenson, September 15, 1921

ot 26s pom

bas

Editorial 203

Bs trd-Lore

A Bi-Monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds
OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES
Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Contributing Editor, MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Published by D. APPLETON & CO.

Vol. XXIV Published October 1.1922 No.5

SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Price in the United States, one dollar and fifty cents a year;
outside the United States, one dollar and seventy-five cents,
postage paid.

COPYRIGHTED, 1922, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Bird-Lore’s Motto: _
A Bird in the Bush Is Worth Two in the Hand

WHEN man takes a hand in regulating the
affairs of nature he assumes responsibilities
he often finds it difficult consistently to dis-
charge. To his misguided efforts, for ex-
ample, we owe the presence of the English
Sparrow and Starling in this country, and
are thereby confronted with feathered race
problems which the economist views from
one angle, the humanitarian from another.

When the Sparrows take possession of
houses erected for Bluebirds and Martins and
deny admission to the rightful tenants; when
they crowd our feeding-stands and devour
the seed designed for Purple Finches, Juncos,
and White-throats, what part should we
play? Neither bird is responsible for the
presence of the other. The Sparrow does not
know that he is a trespasser in our bird-
houses and an unbidden guest at our feeding-
stands. Why blame him?

Let us take another case. With food of
many kinds and attractively placed baths,
we spare no effort to induce birds to come
about our homes. Finches and Sparrows of
several species, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers,
Chickadees, Jays, and other birds accept our
invitation and we welcome them with en-
thusiasm. But the Hawk who helps himself
to the bountiful supply of food he finds so
temptingly assembled in our poultry-yards
is shot at the first opportunity. How does
the Hawk know that we have not prepared
a feast for him as well as for the Juncos and
Chickadees?

We have a friend in Florida who keeps a
variety of stands and shelves on his lawn

filled with an unfailing supply of things birds
love, and he is rewarded by visits from
hundreds of Cardinals, Jays, Woodpeckers,
Chipping Sparrows, Myrtle Warblers, Red-
winged Blackbirds, and others who, to his
delight, throng the place from morning to
night.

He also has a small pool in which were
many goldfish, and they, too, were recipients
of his bounty. But one morning only half of
them answered the food-call. Day by day
their number grew less, and they had nearly
all been made away with before a Little
Green Heron was found to be the executioner.
He was promptly killed, but how did he
know that the invitation so cordially ex-
tended to other birds did not include him?

Thanks to an unfailing supply of food,
natural and artificial shelter and the pro-
tection from feline enemies afforded by a
cat-proof fence, birds have become increas-
ingly abundant in Birdcraft Sanctuary.
Every summer adds to the known population
of nesting species and each winter the flocks
of pensioners grow larger. But, as Mrs.
Wright tells us in this issue of Brrp-Lore,
the Sanctuary has become not only a home
for harmless birds but a well-stocked hunting
ground for prediceous ones. Crows rob the
nests of eggs and young; Hawks are de-
structive; and last winter numerous raids
were made by Shrikes. Is it justifiable to
poison Crows and shoot Hawks and Shrikes?

In all the instances mentioned man is the
primary cause for the conditions as related,
and he should not shirk his responsibilities.
In our opinion the question of humanita-
rianism is not the one at issue. If it were, it
would certainly be more humane to kill one
Hawk than to permit it to murder a dozen
little Chickens, and a single Heron may be
sacrificed to save a score of goldfish. If, there-
fore, responsibility compels us to sit in
judgment on these cases, it seems to us that,
basing our action on the principles of justice
and fair play, and with due regard to the
rights of the defendant as compared with
those of the aggressor, we should protect our
native birds from the English Sparrow; our
poultry-yards from marauding Hawks, our
fish-ponds from murderous Herons, and make
our sanctuaries true havens of refuge.

Che Audubon Docieties

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by A. A. ALLEN, Ph.D.

Address all communications relative to the work of this
department to the Editor, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.

THE HOME-LIFE OF BIRDS

THE YOUNG BIRDS, THEIR GROWTH AND CARE

Young birds at hatching are of two general types. They are either precocial
or altricial. Precocial young resemble young chickens in that they are wide
awake when hatched, are covered with down, and are able, very soon after
drying off, to follow their parents in search for food, a large part of which
they find by themselves. Altricial young, on the other hand, are almost naked
when hatched, their eyes are not yet open, and they are cared for in the nest
by their parents for periods varying from a week or ten days with terrestrial
Sparrows, to nearly a year with the Condor and the Wandering Albatross.

In general, terrestrial, diving and swimming birds have precocial young,
while arboreal birds and birds that search their food on the wing, have altricial
young. Among the former are the Loons and Grebes, the Ducks, Geese and
Swans, the shore-birds, the marsh-birds, and the fowl-like birds. Some young,
such as those of the Gulls and Terns, remain in the nest or, at least, have food
brought to them for weeks, but in other respects are entirely precocial, being
wide awake, covered with down, and able to run about shortly after hatching.
Other young, such as those of Hawks, Owls, Nighthawks, and Whip-poor-wills,
and even Herons, are covered with thick down when hatched but in other
respects are quite altricial, being blind at first and quite unable to help them-
selves for a long time. At the opposite extreme among altricial young are those
of the Flicker, the Kingfisher and the Hummingbirds, which are entirely naked.
The majority of Woodpeckers have a few hair-like feathers when hatched, and
Cuckoos have them quite thread-like. Young Cuckoos and Kingfishers are
worthy of attention again when they come to attain their first real feathers for,
unlike most birds, they remain in the sheaths until nearly full grown. For a
time the young birds seem covered with tiny lead pencils, and the transform-
ation to the fluffy feathers, by the breaking open of the sheaths, is very rapid,
requiring but a few hours. With other young birds, the transformation from
almost naked babes into fluffy feathered creatures is gradual. Whatever down
there is, is pushed out on the tips of the incoming juvenal feathers which
begin to break their sheaths before they are quarter grown. In the case of a
Red-winged Blackbird, for example, the ‘pin-feathers’ have pushed the down
entirely out and are well grown by the end of the fifth day, and on the sixth,

(294)

ee en

The Audubon Societies 295

the sheaths of the ‘pin-feathers’ have begun to break. Three days later the
feathers have unfolded sufficiently to hide most of the bare spots, and by the
eleventh day the young bird is apparently fully feathered, except around the
eye, which area, in Blackbirds, is the last to be clothed. Of course, the feathers
continue to grow after the eleventh day, but the young bird has left the nest
and is already able to fly short distances. The change, however, has been
gradual, requiring several days, while in Cuckoos and Kingfishers it seems to
occur within a few hours.

When the young hatch
they are not fed im-
mediately, the time
elapsing before the first
feeding varying with dif-
ferent species. The
method of. feeding like-
wise varies. Many birds
are first fed by regurgi-
tation. The parent bird
swallows the food and
gives it to the young in
a partially digested
state. Some, like the
Mourning Doves and
Goldfinches, continue
this process as long as
they feed the young.
Herons and Bitterns do
also, at least as long as
the young are in the
nest, and one never sees
one of these birds re-
turning to its nest with
anything in its bill.

HERONS REGURGITATE THE KOOD INTO THE MOUTHS OF
Waxwings use their THE YOUNG IN THE CURIOUS WAY SHOWN HERE

BY THE LEAST BITTERN
crops as regular market-

baskets and return to the nest with their necks bulging with a great variety
of small fruits and insects, mostly in a good state of preservation. With
the majority of common birds, however, this method of feeding is continued
but a short time, if at all, and it is a familiar sight to see the parent birds
returning to their young with insects or fruit in their bills.

The commonest method of feeding is for the old bird to put its bill, con-
taining the food, far down into the throat of the young. This prevents any
live insect from escaping. In birds that regurgitate food, however, there are

2096 Bird - Lore

several different methods of transferring the food. In birds like the Pelicans
and Cormorants, which bring back fish in their throat-pouches, the old bird
merely opens its bill and permits the young to rummage around inside. Some-
times they almost disappear down the throat of the old bird. With the Herons,
as shown in the photograph of the Least Bittern, the old bird turns its head
on the side and the young grasps it with a scissors-like action, dilating its
lower mandibles so as to catch whatever comes out of the throat of the old
bird. To the onlooker, it appears like a very clumsy performance, but little
food seems ever to be wasted by spilling. Young Mourning Doves have
swellings at the corner of the mouth which the old birds press when they inter-
lock bills to inspire the proper swallowing action of the young. I once
tried to raise a crippled young Dove and could not get it to swallow anything,
even that was forcibly put into its throat, until I discovered the nervous
adjustment between the swellings and the throat muscles. After that it was
easy, for I merely had to touch the swellings and it was like pressing a button.
The little bird’s mouth flew open and the throat muscles commenced to work
even before the food entered the bird’s mouth.

With all birds there is a nervous adjustment which prevents over-feeding.
Birds do not feed their young in rotation, as one might expect, but ordinarily
they feed the hungriest one first and continue to feed him until some other one
gets hungrier and stretches its neck further and cries louder. This might
result in overfeeding the largest young one but, fortunately, when the young
bird has had enough, its throat muscles refuse to work. So after each feeding
the old bird looks down into the throat of the young one (the young bird, if
well, keeps its mouth open for food as long as the parent is about), and if
the last bug is not promptly swallowed, she takes it out again and gives it
to one of the other young. It is this habit of feeding the one with the longest
neck and widest mouth first that results in the fatalities to the rightful young
in a nest where there is a young Cowbird, for the Cowbird always has the
longest neck and the widest mouth and gets all the food.

After the young have left the nest the old birds are not so particular about
putting the food far down the throat of the young, for the young bird has soon
to catch insects or find food for itself. It is interesting to watch a family of
young Swallows learning to catch insects on the wing. So long as they are in
the nest, they are fed like other young, having the food placed far down their
throats, but once they leave the nest, such caution ceases. It is but a short
time before the old bird merely sweeps by the young one and drops the food
into the open mouth without stopping, and when the youngsters are able to
fly, the same operation is employed in full flight. It is as though the old
birds were teaching the young to catch things out of the air. Young Duck
Hawks learn in much the same way to pounce on birds in full flight. When
the young are able to fly, the old birds merely swing by the nesting-ledge
with the food in their talons, and the young ones fly out, turn over beneath

The Audubon Societies 207

the old bird, and strike at the food as though it was being carried along on
its Own wings.

The amount of food which birds, especially insectivorous species, require,
is always a surprise to one observing it for the first time. The classical experi-
ment of feeding a young Robin all the earth-worms it can eat at the time it
leaves the nest can scarcely be improved upon. The result with the original

Ep,

SWALLOWS ARE ‘TAUGHT’ TO CATCH INSECTS ON THE WING
At first the young are fed like other birds but after they leave the nest, the parents
merely fly past them and drop the food in passing

Robin experimented with was that it consumed 14 feet of earth-worm in one
day. Experiments with young Crows have shown that they require at least
half their own weight of food each day merely to exist, and that they can
easily consume food equivalent to their full weight each day. Many young
Crows that are kept in captivity, as well as other young birds, are starved to
death because their owners do not realize how much food is required. They

208 Bird - Lore

do not eat very much at a time but their digestion is so rapid that their parents
feed them almost continuously from daylight until dark and, as Mr. Forbush
says, they eat the equivalent of at least eight full meals each day. If one
wishes to be duly impressed by the amount of food required by a young bird,
he should put up an observation blind by a nest of young birds of almost any
species. Quite naturally they do not require as much food when the young are
newly hatched as when they are ready to leave the nest. Birds that feed by
regurgitation and those which bring back large pieces of food naturally do not
feed as often as those which
make the trips to the nest
with only their bills full. Hawks
usually feed only about once
an hour; Hummingbirds, once
in twenty minutes; but a pair
of Chickadees that I watched
at their nest last summer made
35 trips to the nest in 30 min-
utes. A pair of Rose-breasted
Grosbeaks are recorded as
feeding their young 426 times
in 11 hours, and a House
Wren, 1,217 times in the 15
hours and 45 minutes of day-
light.

When the young are small,
until they have developed
their coating of feathers, they
require frequent brooding by
the old bird to keep them
from getting cold and likewise
A FEMALE CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER BROODING — to keep them from getting too

MAURIE EES 1 (eOLTSG AT ATTA EAR RANE hot if the nest is exposed to

the sun. Altricial young are never brooded after they leave the nest

but precocial young are brooded for five or six weeks (or until they grow
their juvenal feathers), wherever it strikes the fancy of the old bird, though
seldom in the nest which they have left. A pair of Canada Geese, however,
that I had in captivity, took their goslings each night back to the old nest
to be brooded, though it was not much more than a depression in the ground.
Florida Gallinules, and doubtless other marsh-birds, as well, often make new
nests or rafts of rushes on which to brood their young. Wood Ducks, Grebes,
and Swans often take their young on their backs and brood them beneath
their wings. Indeed the Grebes often take this method of conveying their
young to safety, closing their wings down tight upon them and diving with

The Audubon Societies 299

them. The European Woodcock, on the other hand, is said to convey its
young to suitable feeding-spots between its thighs, flying with dangling legs,
and it is apparently a common practice with Rails to seize their young by
any convenient appendage and rush them to safety.

The varying degrees of attachment for their young which birds show and
their methods of expressing it are always interesting to observe. Few birds
seem to feel much of a parental instinct when the young are freshly hatched.
The instinct increases daily and reaches a maximum at the time the young are
ready to leave the nest. The same is true of the bird’s instinct to incubate.
When the eggs are freshly laid the birds will desert them readily, but at the
time they are hatching, even the most timid birds will cling to the nest in the
presence of danger. Bird photographers should always bear this in mind and
never try to photograph birds at their nests when they are just beginning to
incubate or just beginning to brood. Most Hawks, Herons, Cormorants,
Pelicans, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Mourning Doves have their parental
instincts very poorly developed and readily desert their eggs or young in
the presence of danger. Most Chickadees, and a great many Warblers and
Vireos, on the other hand, have their parental instincts so highly developed
that they pay no attention to dangers while they are incubating or brooding.
At least they will permit of very close approach and even let you stroke
them while they cling to the nest. Between the two extremes there are all
gradations, no two birds behaving
exactly alike in the defense of their
nests or young.

Many birds feign being wounded
in an attempt to lure one away from
the nest and drag themselves pitifully
over the ground in the hope that the
enemy will follow them and lose track
of the nest or young. Other birds dart
at one’s head and attempt to inflict
blows with their bills, their wings, or
their talons, while the majority ~
miefely express their distress by loud A B4R ROPPED GROUSE Two DANS OLD,
calls which attract all the other birds down and wide awake when hatched

Sots Photographed by A. A. Allen
to the vicinity.

It is interesting to observe the varying times at which fear first develops
in the young birds. It is apparently instilled into them by their parents, for
when eggs from wild birds are hatched under domestic birds, the young seem
never to develop the sense of fear for human beings. There are some exceptions
to this statement, however, especially among precocial birds which are ex-
tremely timid even when hatched under most quiet hens and lose their fear
very gradually. In the wild state, precocial young seem to respond to this

Pode i od Ss ‘
hi Be ~ ays

300 Bird - Lore

fear instinct as soon as they have dried off and are able to run. With altricial
young, on the other hand, it is not until they are developing their feathers, a
few days prior to leaving the nest, that they crouch and try to hide at one’s
approach. Before that time, they stretch up their necks and open their mouths
for food just as freely for a human being as for their parents. At about the
same time the young birds apparently come to a realization of the meaning of
the different calls of their
parents and crouch for
one note, stretch up their
necks at another, or re-
main passive for a third.
Anyone at all familiar
with poultry knows of the
various calls of the old hen
to her chicks. Her vocab-
ulary is not extensive but
no one would deny the fact
that she has a method of
conveying many different
instructions to her chicks.
They all crouch when she
cries ‘hawk,’ they scatter
when she cries ‘cat,’ and
they rush to her when she
cries ‘food,’ etc. Other
birds are just the same
but it takes a discerning
ear to catch the differences
in notes, and it is impos-
sible to put them in print.
Distress calls are usually
recognized by all species
of birds and they fly to the
scene of trouble. Whether
the other notes are under-

stood by all species, or

MOST BIRDS PLACE THE FOOD FAR DOWN IN THE :
PHROATS OF THE YOUNG, AS SHOWN WITH THE whether each species has
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD

its private language, we
have no very good way of knowing. It is a study that will take a refinement
of observation that we have not yet attained, and there is no need of theor-
izing here upon a subject for which we have so few facts.

It is said that the call-notes of a bird are instinctive and that its song is
learned by imitation, but the latter fact has not been entirely proved, Cer-

The Audubon Societies 301

tainly a Crow will caw and a Duck will quack whether or not it ever hears
any others of its kind, and I am inclined to the belief that a Robin would sing
like a Robin if it never heard any other bird sing. But when young birds are
raised by other species, never hear their own kind and continually hear the
songs of their foster parents, they do seem to acquire songs resembling more
those of their foster parents than their own. We should remember, however,
that the power of imitation
is quite general among birds
and not confined to the
Mockingbirds alone, though
with them it reaches its
greatest perfection. The only
fair test would be to raise a
young bird to the singing
stage without its hearing
any other song and, to the
best of my knowledge, this
has never been done.

All young birds by the

iE
ila
/

time they leave the nest
have well-developed dis-
tress-calls and food-calls.
Some young, like the Balti-
more Orioles and the Florida
Gallinules, never stop call-
ing except when notified by
their parents that danger is
near. Other young call
when they are hungry or
think they are lost, and
thus, though the brood may
be quite scattered, the par-
ents are able to keep track
of them. Many persons,

Bs
finding a young bird with” arreR FEEDING THE YOUNG, THE FEMALE ORDI-
out its parents, think it has NARILY CLEANS THE NEST, AS SHOWN BY THIS
Dae Se FEMALE REDWING

been deserted and feel that

they must take it home and feed it. This is a mistaken kindness for,
usually, it merely signifies that the brood is somewhat scattered, and that
the parents are busy feeding the other young; particularly, if the young
bird is quiet, for that indicates that he has just been fed and that the
old birds may not be back for some time. If the young bird is put up out
of reach of cats, the parents will sooner or later find it and care for it,

302 Bird - Lore

for its food-call will carry as far as it could possibly have flown since its
previous feeding.

The syrinx of a young bird, and therefore its song, does not develop fully,
ordinarily, until the winter or following spring, though I believe there are
instances of domesticated song-birds singing the same year they are hatched.
It is not the case with wild birds, however, though some of the shaky voices
that we hear in the fall may possibly be from early hatched birds.

The time required for the young bird to acquire its full plumage varies with
different species. Ordinarily, by the time the wing-feathers are full grown, the
body feathers of the juvenal plumage begin to drop out and the first winter
feathers come in. If the male and female are alike, this plumage, which is
usually fully acquired by September, will be almost indistinguishable from
that of the adults, but, in brightly colored birds where the male and female are
different, it will resemble the female or the male in winter plumage. The
next spring it will have a complete or a partial moult of its body feathers to
bring it into its breeding dress just as in the adult. Immature Scarlet Tanagers,
Goldfinches and Indigo birds then closely resemble the adults, being only
slightly less brilliant. With some of the Warblers, however, like the Redstart
and Myrtle, there is but a slight moult and the immature male still resembles
the female with a few of the male feathers. This often results in the recording
of female birds singing. Some birds seem to require even more than the two
years to acquire the full brilliancy of plumage, but ordinarily, after the second
year, the health of the bird will affect its plumage more than its age —A. A. A.

QUESTIONS

What is meant by altricial young and what groups of birds have altricial young?
. What is meant by precocial young and what groups of birds have precocial young?

3. Describe the covering of as many young birds as you have observed.

4. How do young Cuckoos, Kingfishers, and Chimney Swifts differ from other altricial
young?

5. How long does it take for young birds to acquire their juvenal plumage? Have you
ever made any observations of your own upon the time spent in the nest by young birds?

6. What is meant by regurgitation? How long are young birds fed this way?

7- Describe other methods of feeding the young employed by birds?

8. What prevents young birds from being overfed?

9. How much food do young birds require? Have you ever made any observations of
your own upon the number of times a nest full of young birds are fed?

10. How long are young birds brooded and what is the purpose of brooding?

11. In what ways do birds express their attachment for their young?

12. When does the fear of man develop in young birds?

13. What would you do with a young bird if you found it apparently without parents?

14. How long does it take for young birds to acquire their full plumage?

bo

The Audubon Societies

Los)
Oo
ios)

FROM YOUNG OBSERVERS
A MENTALLY DEFICIENT ROBIN

Last spring a female Robin chose, as the site for her nest, the flat top of a
pillar on the piazza of a club house at Lake Wickaboag, West Brookfield, Mass.
It was an ideal place for a nest, and we, who were her observers, thought she
showed great wisdom in selecting it.

She was very industrious and, the first day, brought quantities of twine
and dry grass with which to build her home. Her mate contributed very
little to the actual house-building but he sang his sweetest to cheer his spouse
as she worked. It seemed as if the nest would be completed within two days.

To our surprise, however, the next morning the nest material was strewn
all over the piazza and the lawn, and Madame Robin was busily engaged in
picking it up and replacing it. We thought that perhaps rats had upset it, and
we admired the bird for her courage in starting all over again.

The same misfortune came to light the following day and we decided to
investigate. On examination of the nest, we found that the bird had not used
the mud which characterizes the average robin’s abode, and consequently the
night winds from up the lake had wrought havoc with the light, unattached
material.

After a day or two her mate disappeared and did not return. She was per-
sistent and even tried the top of another pillar, but she had no greater success.
Her efforts went on fruitlessly for three weeks. Then she suddenly disappeared
and we saw no more of her.

This incident has been a source of discussion among those who witnessed
the persistent effort of the bird, and we have come to the conclusion, finally,
that she was mentally deficient. No other solution seems plausible. She
certainly had the desire to build but evidently did not have the ability. Her
mate discovered it early and instead of helping her, simply deserted her for
a more capable wife-—Joun H. Conxey, Boston, Mass.

{Interesting episodes like this are usually difficult to explain. The Robin may have been
mentally deficient but even a normal Robin would have difficulty in combating any agency
that destroyed its nest at night when it could not know what was happening. Robins or-
dinarily begin their nests with a platform of straws before adding the mud, and immature
birds, building for the first time, are often slower about beginning the mud layer. This may
have been an immature bird, though the persistence of its attachment to the nesting-site
indicates maturity. Incidentally, its persistence in nest-building, even after the disappearance
of the male, is a good example of the attachment of many birds to the nesting-site, rather
than to the mate, as mentioned in the last issue of this department.—A. A. A.]

KILLDEERS IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY

I feel quite proud this year, for I have found and watched the nest of a
bird very rare in this vicinity. (I live on a farm on Chestnut Ridge, on the

304 Bird - Lore

northeastern boundary of New Jersey.) Last year the first Killdeer’s nest
that I know of was found on a neighboring farm.

All this spring we noticed the Killdeers calling in our meadow and around
the fields. For a while we kept one of our horses grazing in a large field before
it was plowed. One day the Killdeer became frantic, screaming ‘Kill-dee-er,
Kill-deer’ right before him. It was easy to guess that they must have a nest
near by. When the horse went away, they stopped calling. Soon we found the
bird leading the calf away. She ran a few steps, then fell down on the ground,
flapping her little brown and white wings as if wounded. The calf followed and
smelled her to see what she was. The Killdeer jumped up and pecked the
calf’s nose, then ran off again.

The next day, my mother saw the bird right between the horse’s feet,
lying still, but screaming as loudly as it could. She decided the nest must be
there, so she went to the spot. The Killdeers, unlike the friendly Catbirds
and Robins that nest near our house, were more afraid of her than of the horse.
They screamed louder and louder as my mother approached, and tried their
best to attract her away. She drove the horse away and found the nest.

The nest consisted of a shallow depression in the ground, with a few roots
and dry, brown weeds. There were four eggs, arranged with the points toward
the center. The eggs were a rather muddy light gray, with thick speckles and
scrawls of a dark, greenish brown. It was April 12, 1922, when we found the
nest and the eggs did not hatch until May 6.

The young were very funny little creatures, that matched their surroundings
so well that they could hardly be seen. About four hours after the first egg
hatched, they had all left the nest. The next afternoon, we found them
down in the swamp. They looked somewhat like little Quail except that their
legs were much longer. Their shape and manner of walking reminded me of
young Sandpipers. When we found them, they were following their mother
just as a brood of chicks follows the hen. The mother pulled up worms, and
got other things for them to eat. Already they had learned to hide. When-
ever anyone approached, the old bird screamed a shrill ‘Ee-ee/’ Immediately
the young would scatter and each would settle down beside a stone. It was
practically impossible to see them unless they moved.

We saw them quite often afterward in the meadow. The other day, my
father saw a flock of eight. Evidently they had been successful in raising the
whole brood in spite of Hawks, Crows, and other dangers. I cannot under-
stand how they escaped, for, in spite of every precaution, we lost many chicks
and little goslings. Now, one of our neighbors says he has found another
flock of little Killdeers.

The Killdeer is very different in character from most of the birds that
build near our home. He is not nearly so friendly, for one thing. We have
nests of the Baltimore Oriole, the Catbird, the House Wren, the Robin, the
Song Sparrow, the Yellow Warbler, the Least Flycatcher, the Barn Swallow,

The Audubon Societies 305

the Cliff Swallow, the Chewink, the Flicker, the Redstart, the Chipping
Sparrow, and several others very near the house and barn. All of these birds
seem to know a friend immediately. If we go out to rescue any one of these
from danger, they stop calling and seem perfectly confident. The Killdeer,
on the contrary, becomes more afraid than ever if anyone tries to help her.
Its call grows louder and more plaintive until it becomes a despairing scream.
In spite of this apparent fear of man, it builds in our fields, within a very
short distance of our house and barn. At all hours of the day and night, the
sad, plaintive call of the Killdeer is heard. It has a very weird sound when
heard in the middle of the night, suddenly breaking the silence. I value this
new acquaintance more because of its total difference from all of my other
bird friends.—Routu M. Baitre, (Age, 17 years), Allendale, N. J.

[Let us hope that the Killdeers will return to this farm where they are so well cared for

every year, and that Miss Baillie will continue to make the most of her opportunity to ob-
serve them as she has done this year.—A. A. A.]

CATBIRD FEEDING YOUNG
Photographed by Joseph Pollak, Carman, N. Y.

HERONS OF THE UNITED STATES

By T. GILBERT PEARSON

Che Mational Association of Audubon Societies
BULLETIN NO. 5

REDDISH EGRET (Dichromanassa rufescens)

DeEscripTION.—There are two very distinct phases of plumage found in
Reddish Egrets. One that we may call the ‘dark phase’ is by far the more
common in this country (see Plate I, No. 1). In this plumage the feathers of
the head and neck are rufous chestnut, while the back, wings, and underparts
are of a bluish slate-color. From bill-tip to tail-tip it measures pretty close
to 30 inches, or about 7 or 8 inches more than the Little Blue Heron, which
at a little distance it strikingly resembles.

The other plumage may be described as the ‘white phase’ (see Plate I,
No. 2). Every feather on the bird is pure white. This astonishing difference
in plumage between individuals of the same species has never been satisfac-
torily explained. Neither age, sex, season, nor environment appears to have
anything to do with determining which plumage an individual bird shall wear.
Out in the village of rude stick nests, of the many eggs that hatch, here and
there are those that will produce baby birds destined to wear white plumage
all of their days. In both phases the birds in the breeding season are adorned
with long white aigrette plumes growing from the back.

At one time the white bird was supposed to be a distinct species and
was called Peale’s Egret.

RaANGE.—Reddish Egrets are found in the Bahama Islands and the West
Indies, as well as on the Pacific Coast of northern Mexico and.along the Gulf
Coast to Guatemala. No other Heron has so restricted a breeding range in
the United States. So far as we are aware it is now known to rear its young in
this country only on islands in the bays and lagoons along the Gulf Coast of
southern Texas, from near the center of Cameron County to Mesquite Bay
in Aransas County, a distance of only 125 miles. Unmated birds wander north-
ward as far as Louisiana, but it is doubtful if they breed in that State. Many
years ago the species was not uncommon in southern Florida, but apparently
no occurrence of its breeding in this State has been recorded for a long
time. So far as known, it is found in Texas only about salt waters or
those that are brackish. Apparently it always remains in the immediate
coast country.

GrNERAL Notes.—In the office of the National Association of Audubon
Societies it had long been feared that the Reddish Egret had become extinct
as a breeding bird within the borders of the United States. It was, therefore,
a delightful surprise to the writer to discover on June 20, 1918, a colony of

(306)

Herons of the United States 307

these interesting birds on the Second Chain-of-Islands, lying between Mesquite
Bay and San Antonio Bay, Texas. This-was at a spot about twenty miles
north and east of Rockford. These islands were at that time twelve in
number and all small, the largest being not over two acres in extent.
Typical of all the islands along that coast, they were composed of mud,
sand, and oyster shells. They were covered more or less with stunted
mesquite, yucca, and prickly pear cactus. Nearly all were occupied
by breeding birds.

Nests of the Reddish Egrets and various other Herons were scattered

everywhere among the cactus and other bushes, at heights varying from

- ;
REDDISH EGRETS IN THE ROOKERY ON SECOND CHAIN-OF-ISLANDS, GULF COAST OF
TEXAS. YOUNG LOUISIANA HERONS ON NEST IN LOWER LEFT-HAND CORNER
Photographed by William L. and Irene Finley
eight inches to seven feet from the ground. Of the Reddish Egrets, it was
estimated there were 1,250 pairs in the colony. Many nests contained four
or five blue eggs, and numerous young were running about in the bushes or

along the narrow beaches.

Two years later, on June 21, 1920, I again visited this group of islands, this
time in company with Mr. and Mrs. William L. Finley. The heavy growth of
cactus and thorny bushes had largely disappeared, leaving only a few dead
mesquites. Most oi the nests, therefore, were built on the ground or on drift
matter carried in by the sea. On one island many were built on wild sunflower
plants at heights varying from one to three feet from the ground. The island
had also been greatly reduced in size by the ravages of storm-tides. Only
six of the islands were this year occupied as nesting places by the various
Herons. I estimated the Reddish Egrets to be present to the extent of about
500 pairs. Among the hundreds of young climbing about the nests or running

308 Bird - Lore

through the weeds underfoot, only one in the white phase was found, and only
one white adult bird discovered, the latter lying dead on the ground by its nest.

Bird Island, in the northern part of Laguna de la Madre, some distance
below Corpus Christi, yielded two nests of the Reddish Egret, and six birds
were seen. Both nests were on the ground.

In Brownsville I was informed by R. D. Camp that on Green Island, lying
in the Laguna, 32 miles north of Point Isabel, he had, the autumn before, ob-
served the remains of a number of dead young Herons scattered about under
the bushes, which he thought indicated that Herons had been breeding there.

On June 3, 1920, in company with Mr. Camp and George C. Shupee, of
San Antonio, a visit was made to this spot. The island is several acres in
extent and the higher portions are very densely covered with mesquite, prickly
pear cactus, maguey, and Spanish bayonet. It proved to be the breeding ground
of a very large colony of Herons. This certainly was the home of 5,000 water
birds—possibly twice that many. The most numerous species was the Reddish
Egret. Here thirteen adult birds in the white phase of plumage were counted,
most of which were observed as the birds came in the evening.

Mr. Camp, as a representative of this Association, guarded the Green Island
Heronry throughout the breeding season of 1922. He estimated the number
of Reddish Egret nests this year to be about 1,800.

One very characteristic note of the Reddish Egret which I noticed, both
at the rookeries and on the feeding grounds, is a bugle-like cry, decidedly
more musical in its nature than the ordinary Heron squawk. It is to be hoped
that this large, handsome bird may not only continue to be numerous on the
southern coast of Texas, but that through protection and good fortune its
numbers may increase so that they may again adorn the coastline of our entire
southern country.

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Florida cerulea cerulea)

DescripTION.—There are three distinct phases of plumage in the Little
Blue Heron, and confusion in the matter of identification, therefore, is frequent.

Dark Phase (Plate I, No. 5).—What is supposed to be the fully adult plum-
age in all instances is represented by the bird whose head and neck are maroon-
chestnut, while all the rest of the plumage is dark bluish slate-color.

White Phase (Plate I, No. 3).—All Little Blue Herons while young are
covered with white down. When the feathers come, the plumage is pure
white with the exception of the tips of the long wing-feathers (primaries)
which are washed in very dark blue. The skin of the legs and feet is greenish
yellow. The birds remain in this plumage for two years, although it has been
suggested that some individuals may continue in the white phase throughout
life. The writer has often found white Little Blue Herons sitting on eggs or
caring for their young. One should not, however, regard this as evidence that
the birds are more than two’ years of age, as some other species are known to

Herons of the United States 309

breed while still dressed in immature plumage. These white birds often are
mistaken for Egrets, and many of the reports that come to the office of the
National Association, telling of the occurrence of ‘Egrets,’ undoubtedly refer
to the Little Blue Heron in the white phase. During July and August many
of them wander northward for a time and are often seen as far as New
England. These northward summer migrations seem to be undertaken almost
entirely by the white birds, a blue one very rarely being reported. Upon the
approach of cold weather they retire again to the South.

Pied Phase (Plate I, No. 4).—When the bird is changing from white to
dark plumage it assumes a most unusual appearance. The molting takes
place very gradually. The white feathers drop out a few at a time, their
places are quickly taken by dark ones, and the bird soon acquires a polka-dot
appearance. At first it is a white bird with dark spots scattered about over it,
but these spots increase in number until in time we have a dark bird with only
a few white spots visible. By autumn the new plumage is fully acquired, the
skin of the feet and legs having meanwhile become black.

The size of the bird appears not to vary in its different aspects of plumage.
An average specimen is 22 inches long; the wing (from outer joint to tip) is
10% inches long, and the bill is 3 inches long.

RaAncE.—The third edition (revised) of the ‘Check-List’ of the American
Ornithologists’ Union gives the following reference to the range of this bird:

“North and South America. Formerly bred from Missouri, Indiana, Illi-
nois and New Jersey to western Mexico and south to Argentina and Peru; in
the United States now breeds locally on the Gulf Coast and in South Carolina;
wanders casually to Nebraska, Wisconsin, Ontario, New England, and Nova
Scotia; winters from South Carolina southward.”

The territory given as its breeding range in the United States is inadequate,
and to many may be misleading. The Little Blue Heron is rarely if ever
common along the sea beaches of the coast. It is mainly a bird of fresh and
brackish water areas.

The writer has visited nearly every known breeding colony of water-birds
on the islands along the Gulf Coast of the United States, and has no recollection
of ever having seen a Little Blue Heron’s nest in one of them. Their nesting
places may be found ai various points in the Gulf States, but not actually on
the coast. There is a colony at Avery Island, Louisiana, but that is many
miles from the sea beaches and the nesting place is in a fresh water pond. On
the Atlantic Coast the birds breed on Cumberland, St. Catherine’s, and Ossa-
baw Islands on the Georgia Coast, but these are very extensive islands with
numerous fresh and brackish water marshes where the birds may seek their
food. The same statement may be made of the colony that has long been
established on Craney Island in Carteret County, N. C. A possible exception
to this rule may be found in the colony reported to occupy a little island in
Mosquito Inlet Bird Reservation, near Daytona, Fla.

210 Bird - Lore

To find most of their breeding colonies one must search inland. In May,
1921, the writer visited twenty-one colonies of Herons, all situated in a small
group of counties lying almost exactly in the center of the northern part of
the Peninsula of Florida. These were the counties of Alachua, Marion, Putnam,
Clay and Lake. I once visited a populous breeding community near Red
Springs, Robeson Co., N. C., 75 miles in a direct line from the coast. For
thirty years at least, Little Blue Herons have gathered annually in a breeding
place on the Orton Plantation, Brunswick Co., N. C. This is about 15
miles inland. I have found them breeding elsewhere in North Carolina,
South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana, but invariably some little
distance back from the coast. In the Heron colonies of the coastal country of
Texas, the Little Blue Heron has not been found during recent trips to the
region. Dr. E. W. Nelson has written that there is a colony in ‘southeastern
Missouri, and W. D. Howser, a few years ago, reported a breeding place on
Reelfoot Lake, Tenn.

GENERAL Notes.—This species inhabits much of the extensive marshlands
in our Southland. When traveling through the pine barrens of our South
Atlantic and Gulf States, one will often come upon shallow ponds or small
lakes whose margins and shallow reaches are more or less grown over with
various water plants and scattered bushes; farther out the leaves of the water
lilies are usually much in evidence. About the pond the bare grasslands, or
prairies, extend from roo feet to many hundreds of yards. Here is the natural
and favorite feeding ground of the Little Blue Heron. Singly, or in small flocks,
they may be seen wading slowly along in the shallow water or standing sta-
tionary with heads erect, watching the intruder from a distance.

Their food consists of water insects, frogs, and especially minnows that
swarm in such regions. Sometimes these lakes contain islands covered with
buttonwood or willow bushes, and these frequently are chosen as nesting sites
for various Herons of the neighborhood. Other favorite breeding places of
the Little Blue Heron are the small ponds in dense hammock lands that sur-
round many of the lakes. Here, in the heavy semi-tropical forests, one may
find quiet little ponds thickly grown with bushes, and such places the
Herons love.

Their nests are composed of coarse sticks, with usually a slight depression
at the top, and lined with finer twigs. One may find them situated all the
way from 4 to 15 feet above the water—rarely higher than this. They are
very sociable in their nesting habits, and the cradles with eggs may often be
found within two or three feet of one another. Several species of Herons usually
assemble in a nesting colony, and sometimes one may find a number of Water
Turkeys also associated with them. Little Blue Herons are known to breed
in the ‘immature’ or white phase of plumage, and in most southern heronries
some of them will be seen in attendance on their young. Near Levy Lake,
Fla., | once found a heronry composed entirely of white Little Blue Herons.

tt hth A ethetD cgeee A Mim tm

ie aa

Herons of the United States att

About sixty nests were counted and not one individual in the adult blue
plumage was observed.

The dull blue eggs are generally four or five in number and it is supposed
to require about three weeks for them to hatch. Herons are very noisy birds
around the rookeries, and especially when the young have hatched and grown
strong enough to add their clamor to the general uproar, the cries may be
heard at times for several hundred yards.

The chief natural enemy of this species, as well as of our other southern
Herons, is the Fish Crow. Numbers of these black bandits stay in the neigh-
borhood of every rookery. In fact they light among the bushes and, hopping
from limb to limb, peep and watch until they see a Heron leave its eggs and
then, often before its mate can take its place, the Fish Crow dashes in, thrusts
its bill into an egg, and with it thus transfixed, flies away to some favorite
limb to enjoy its ill-gotten booty.

Little Blue Herons, in common with the other Herons of our southern
rookeries, are almost always known as Cranes. You will hear them spoken
of as ‘White Cranes,’ or ‘Blue Cranes,’ or ‘Spotted Cranes.’ In eastern North
Carolina this species is frequently called the ‘Scoggen.’

SNOWY EGRET (E£gretta candidissima candidissima)

DeEscripT1on.—The plumage of this Heron is pure white, (see Plate I,
No. 6). Growing from the region of the upper back are about fifty delicate
plume feathers known in the millinery trade as ‘cross aigrettes.’ These usually
are about 8 or g inches in length and recurved at their tips. They constitute
a distinctive nuptial adornment, although, as a rule, they are not shed for a
considerable time after the young have left the nest. Mr. Lee Crandall tells
me that Snowy Egrets kept in captivity in the New York Zodélogical Gardens
acquire their plumes in December, and that with the exception of the loss of
an occasional feather, they are not shed until about September 1. This state-
ment, of course, refers to birds kept in unnatural conditions. The exact length
of time in which they are worn in the state of nature has, so far as I am aware,
never been fully determined.

The bill of the Snowy Egret is very black, with a little yellow at the base.
The legs also are black and the feet are bright yellow. From the end of the
tail to the bill-tip, this bird measures about two feet.

RaNncE.—The principal range of the Snowy Egret is tropical and sub-
tropical America, though to some extent it also breeds in temperate regions.
At one time it was known as far north as New Jersey, Illinois, Nebraska and
Oregon. To the south it extends to Chile and Argentina.

Due to persecution, its range in the United States has been greatly reduced.
For the past twelve years the National Association has exerted much effort
in seeking out and employing men to guard the few remaining breeding places

312 Bird - Lore

of these birds in our country. During the summer of 1922 our guards protected
ten colonies of Snowy Egrets. They were distributed as follows: One at
Craney Island, east of Beaufort, Carteret Co., N. C.; one at the reservoir of
the Santee Club, one at Penny Dam Reservoir, and one at Grimball’s Buzzard
Island, Charleston Co., S. C.

In Florida, colonies were protected at Orange Lake, Levy County; west of
Micanopy in Alachua County; and San Sebastian River colony in St. Lucie
County.

In Louisiana, one colony was guarded in West Feliciana Parish; and one in
Cameron Parish.

In Texas, birds were breeding in our protected Reddish Egret colony on
Green Island, Cameron County.

In addition to the above there were colonies of nesting birds on Orton
Plantation, Brunswick Co., N. C. (Bird-Lore, 1920, p. 255); and on Ossabaw
Island, Chatham Co., and St. Catherine’s Island, Liberty Co., Ga. (Bird-Lore,
1922, p. 185). They were also undoubtedly breeding on Cumberland Island,
Camden Co., Ga. (‘Wilson’s Bulletin,’ June, 1922, p. 85); at Avery Island,
Iberia Parish, La.; and at Wolf Point Ranch, Matagorda Co., Texas (Bird-Lore,
1920, p. 321).

William Leon Dawson reported (The Condor, 1915, p. 97) on May 26, 1914
a small colony in Merced Co., Calif.; and Dr. E. W. Nelson has written me
of a breeding place at the mouth of Bear River in Utah. During recent
years they were also reported breeding on Mosquito Inlet Reservation,
Volusia Co., and at Passage Key Reservation, Manatee Co., Fla.

Most of these nesting places are in the immediate vicinity of the coast or
the swampy lowlands of the coastal plain. I know of only one in the Southern
States that is situated as far as go miles inland. This is in a place known as
‘The Burn,’ about 30 miles south of Natchez, Miss. (Bird-Lore, 1920, p. 250.)

GENERAL Nortes.—It is the custom of most American Herons while feeding
to stand motionless and allow their prey to swim up to them, or with great
care move slowly through the shallow water, therefore giving the appearance
of sedateness and great dignity. The feeding habits of the Snowy Egrets are
noticeably different. They rush on their prey and turn and dart about in an
extremely active manner. While thus engaged, with wings half raised and
plumage fluttering in the wind, they present a most charming and animated
sight. Like all other Herons they feed on such small life as they can capture
along the margins of ponds and sloughs. They are particularly fond of minnows
and, like the Little Blue Heron, feed their young chiefly on this diet. The fish
and other prey are never carried in the bill. It is always swallowed as quickly
as captured and later is regurgitated into the throats of their young. They
make long flights in quest of food, sometimes going as far as 15 miles or more
from the heronry for this purpose.

They assemble to breed with others of their kind in heronries, usually called

Herons of the United States 313

‘rookeries.’ One seldom, if ever, finds them breeding by themselves; that is
to say, there are usually other species of Herons present. The nests, placed
in low swamp-trees or bushes, are rude affairs made of sticks and twigs, and
the four or five blue eggs are usually indistinguishable from those of the Little
Blue Heron. While feeding they are generally silent, but about the nest some-
times emit squawks and guttural notes, especially when engaged in combats
with their neighbors. In watching them in the colonies I have often thought
they must possess an irritable nature not usually exhibited by the more sedate
Little Blue and Night Herons.

On visiting a Heron rookery one unfamiliar with the habits of the birds

.

: Pee N LIENS
SNOWY EGRETS IN THE BREEDING COLONY AT ORANGE LAKE, FLORIDA, WHICH IS
OWNED AND PROTECTED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUDUBON SOCIETIES
Photographed by O. E. Baynard

may easily get an inadequate idea of the numbers resorting there. During
the day many are away feeding. The birds are coming and going all the time,
hence one can learn of the full number only when the whole population assem-
bles. It isa fine sight to watch them coming in to roost. Singly or in scattered
flocks numbering from two or three up to a dozen or more, they appear flying
high or low according to the surroundings and strength of the wind.

At Orange Lake, Fla., they often approach the breeding island, flying at
a height of only 4 or 5 feet above the water. When the colonies are in little
ponds closely surrounded by high forests the birds must necessarily fly in
over the tree-tops and then drop down to their nests. A situation somewhat
similar to this exists at Avery Island, La., where Edward A. MclIlhenny, by

314 Bird - Lore

exercising ingenuity, based on a knowledge of the habits of the birds, has
built up a colony of perhaps 2,000 nesting Snowy Egrets almost in his dooryard.
Late in the afternoon these and other Herons of the colony begin to arrive in
numbers. Standing with Mr. MclIlhenny on his lawn I have seen the birds
arriving at a height of from too to 200 feet, until nearly over their nests, then
with wings partly closed they volplaned almost to the bushes. A few vigorous
wing-beats, and they would settle among the assembled hosts. Flocks of these
snowy creatures dropping from the sky make a stimulating and most charming
spectacle.

This is one of the birds that has been extensively shot by agents of the
feather trade, the result of which has been that but for the active efforts put
forth to guard their nesting places, the species would probably be on the very
verge of extinction in the United States today. Thanks to the liberality of
members of the Audubon Society and the friendly guardianship afforded by a
few private individuals, there are still some thousands of these beautiful crea-
tures left in our southern country, although their numbers have not materially
increased in the United States even under protection the past ten years.
Many people still shoot them when they have the opportunity, and Fish
Crows are ever on the lookout to take their eggs.

It would appear that the preservation of the species can be assured only
by a persistent effort of guarding their nesting and feeding territories.

If this can be continued without interruption until the rising tide of
interest in bird protection can penetrate the minds of the people dwelling
about the haunts of the Snowy Egret, its numbers may again increase and
the species be saved to our country.

(To be continued)

a Rl Me

ta,

Che Audubon Societies

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by T. GILBERT PEARSON, President

Address all correspondence, and send all remittances, for dues and contributions, to
the National Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York City.
Telephone, Columbus 7327

T. Grrpert Pearson, President
THEopoRE S. PALMER, First Vice-President Witiiam P. Warton, Secretary
Freperic A. Lucas, Second Vice-President JonatHan Dwicat, Treasurer
SamueEL T. Carter, Jr., Attorney

Any person, club, school or company in sympathy with the objects of this Association may become
a member of it, and all are welcome. ~
Classes of Membership in the National Association of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild
Birds and Animals:
$5 annually pays for a Sustaining Membership
$1oo paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000 constitutes a person a Patron
$5,000 constitutes a person a Founder
$25,000 constitutes a person a Benefactor

Form or Bequest:—I do hereby give and bequeath to the National Association of Audubon
Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals (Incorporated), of the City of New York

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of the National Asso- interest and inspiration to those who attend,
ciation of Audubon Societies for the Protec- as the exchange of ideas and experiences
tion of Wild Birds and Animals, will be held among those engaged in the same line of
in the American Museum of Natural History, endeavor in widely separated fields is always
New York City, on Tuesday, October 31, stimulating to the participants. It is to be
1922, beginning at 10 o’clock A. M. hoped that as many members as possible

There will come before the members at will plan to be present on this occasion. All
this time the reports of the President and others interested in the purposes of the

Treasurer. Verbal reports will be made by Association are welcome.
various Field Agents and delegates from On the evening of Monday, October 30,
affiliated organizations. in the large lecture hall of the Ametican

The selection of two directors also will be | Museum of Natural History, there will be
considered, as the terms of Dr. Frank M. held a public gathering at which various
Chapman and William P. Wharton expire speakers will appear. Slides and moving
at that time. pictures will be presented. This public

The annual meeting is always a source of | meeting usually attracts a large audience.

FINLEY COMING EAST

There are many who will learn with moving picture films of wild life that have
pleasure that William L. Finley, oi Jennings ever been taken in this country. As lecturer
Lodge, Oregon, is coming east a.ain this before the National Geographic Society,
winter on a lecture tour. He plans to leave National Association of Audubon Societies,
Oregon about December 1, and to return in Columbia University, and numerous Audu-
March or April. bon Societies, bird clubs, sportsmen’s organ-

The names of William L. and Irene Finley _ izations, and colleges throughout the East,
are inseparably associated with the pre- he is well known to many hundreds of most
sentation of many of the most attractive discriminating audiences. He is now making

(315)

316

lecture appointments. Those who desire to
obtain his services may communicate with
Mr. Finley at Jennings Lodge, Oregon, be-
fore December 1, 1922, or write directly to

ENFORCING GAME

Some weeks ago Mr. and Mrs. Carl A.
Sutter, of Maine, decided to answer the back-
to-nature call by going into the woods and
seeing if a living could be wrested from
Nature in the old cave man manner. Later
newspaper reports told of the wonderful
time they were having and remarked that
partridges and venison were to be found
before their camp. A member of this Asso-
ciation reading this press account, wrote to
ask whether, if it were true, these people
should be allowed to thus violate with im-
punity the game laws of the State of Maine.
The Department of Inland Fisheries and
Game, of Augusta, was immediately com-
municated with and under date of August
12, 1922, Myrtle A. Hodgson, Chief Clerk
of the Department, reported as follows:

“As soon as the Department learned of the
alleged violation of our inland fish and
game laws by these parties, two of the most
experienced officers and woodsmen in the
State were detailed to investigate their
activities and take such action as the law
required, these wardens being Howard Wood
Patten, Chief Warden of the Northern
Penobscot and Southern Aroostook Dis-
tricts, and Fred E. Jorgensen, of Masardis,
Chief Warden of the Central Aroostook
District. As the result of their investigations,

Bird - Lore

the office of the National Association of
Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New
York City, where he will make his head-
quarters while in the East.

LAWS IN MAINE

prosecution was instituted against the Sutters
as follows:

“On June 9, 1922, before the Houlton
Municipal Court, Carl A. and Margaret L.
Sutter, of Brockton, Massachusetts, were fined
$25 and costs each, for unlawful hunting with-
out a license. The costs amounted to $15.95.

“On the same date, the same parties were
prosecuted before the same court for fishing
without a license, each being fined $10 and
costs, the costs amounting to $16.17.

“Same day, in the same court, same parties
were prosecuted for having partridges in
possession in closed time, each being fined
$10 and costs, the costs being $16.17.

“The same day, before the same Court,
same parties were prosecuted for camping
and kindling fires in an unorganized town-
ship without being in charge of a registered
guide, as is required by law; both pleaded
guilty and they were fined $40 each and
costs; the costs amounted to $16.97.

“The same day, before the same Court,
the same parties were prosecuted for hunting
and killing deer in closed season; fine of $50
each was imposed, and paid, and costs
taxed at $16.17.

“From the above extract from our records,
I think you will agree with me that our war-
dens took prompt and effective action.”

SAVING BIRDS AT LIGHTHOUSES

It is generally known that many light-
houses, erected as beacons of warning to
human navigators, on the other hand serve
as lures of destruction to migratory birds.
For many years bird-lovers sought to devise
some means to prevent this great loss of
life. It is toa Dutchman, Dr. Jac. P. Thijsse,
that credit must be given for discovering a
practical method of dealing with this situ-
ation,

It was at the home of Dr. A. Burdet, in

Overveen, Holland, that on June 4, 1922,
the writer had the pleasure of meeting Dr.
Thijsse and learning at first hand of his
efforts to save birds, which on foggy nights
dash themselves against lighthouses or flut-
ter about the lanterns until exhausted. Dr.
Thijsse made his successful experiment on
the tower of Brandaris Light, situated on the
Island of Terschelling, lying between the
Zuider Zee and the North Sea. It stands in
the center of a strongly maintained migra-

a ae

The Audubon Societies

tory route of birds leading south from the
Scandinavian Peninsula and northwestern
Russia and Germany.

As long as this light threw a steady beam,
the destruction of birds was not great, but
when it was modernized and a high-power
flash that can be seen at a distance of 100

317

aided by Dr. Burdet, hit upon a plan of
erecting a series of parallel iron bars around
and just below the light. Here bewildered
birds perch and find safety until they can
again get their bearings or daylight comes
to their rescue. So commodious are these
perches that they can give a total seating

DR. JAC. THIJSSE, OFSHOLLAND
Dr. Thijsse invented the first practical device for saving the lives of
bewildered birds at lighthouses
Photographed by T. Gilbert Pearson

miles was installed the destruction of bird-
life became tremendous. The tower is about
200 feet high and stands in the midst of a
village well populated with cats, dogs, and
bird-eating human inhabitants, who gathered
rich harvests of exhausted birds falling to the
pavements on foggy nights.

After various experiments, Dr. Thijsse,

capacity of 30,000 birds. Dr. Burdet esti-
mates that he actually saw in the neighbor-
hood of 22,000 birds roosting here at one
time. It is interesting further to note that
Owls and even Falcons frequently come here
at night and catch the birds, but by means
of the perches the loss of life has been re-

duced to a minimum. Among the species

Bird - Lore

BRANDARIS LIGHTHOUSE

On the Island of Terschelling, north of the Zuider Zee, Holland, where the first system of perches
was erected for birds attracted to the light
Photographed by Dr. A. Burdet

4 DETAIL SHOWING PORTION OF BIRD PERCHES ERECTED NEAR THE TOP OF
BRANDARIS LIGHTHOUSE
Photographed by Dr. A. Burdet

The Audubon Societies 319

attracted to the tower are innumerable

Starlings, Larks, Thrushes, Gulls, Terns and

- Oystercatchers. In addition there is a great

variety of other land and shore-bird species.

The perches or ‘ladders’ are erected twice

a year and remain up for two months during
the period of migration.

Similar Efforts in England

It is but natural that the wonderful success
attending this experiment should attract the
attention of the oflicers of the Royal Society
for the Protection of Birds just across the
English Channel. ‘At the annual meeting of
that Society held in London on March 6,
1913, Lord Curzon headed a special fund
with a gift of £25 for the purpose of equip-
ping some of-the lighthouses in England.
Many other members of the Society at once
contributed. The London Times took up the
campaign and materially aided in the col-
lection of funds which soon amounted to the
very useful sum of £500.

In the annual report of the Royal Society
for 1921 there appears this paragraph:

Bird-rests at Lighthouses

“The perches at the four lighthouses
equipped by the Society were erected as
usual for the spring and autumn migrations,

and abundant evidence was again given of
their value to bewildered little migrants.
The lighthouses at present furnished with the
rests are the Caskets, St. Catharine’s, Spurn
Point, and South Bishop. The Committee
will be glad to add Bardsey Lighthouse
(Carnarvon), when funds permit. This year
the apparatus at Spurn has had to be re-
newed at a cost of £70, owing to the de-
struction wrought by heavy storms.”

In America perches for birds have never
been erected on any of the lighthouses, but
it is a question that has frequently been dis-
cussed. Some months ago the National
Association of Audubon Societies took up
the matter with the Lighthouse Board in
Washington. Inquiry was made as to
whether the Government would look with
favor on the idea of the National Association
equipping one lighthouse with perches as an
experiment. In reply we were advised that
the Biological Survey of the Department of
Agriculture is at the present time engaged
in making a thorough investigation of the
extent of the destruction of birds by Ameri-
can lighthouses. It will probably be a year
before the Survey will make its final report,
after which we shall be in position to know
what further consideration of the subject is
needed.

GUARDING THE GREAT TEXAS HERONRY

The great colony of Reddish Egrets dis-
covered in Laguna Madre, Texas, in 1920,
was taken under the care of the Association
the past season. The work of guarding these
extremely rare and interesting birds was
entrusted to R. D. Camp, of Brownsville.
It may be recalled that the Texas Legislature
at its last session enacted a law authorizing
the Commissioner of Public Lands to lease
to our Association, without cost for a period
of fifty years, various islands in these waters,
whose vast bird-life had been brought to the
attention of the public by our field work in
that territory. While the necessary legal
arrangements for taking title of the Islands
have not yet been completed, we felt the
necessity of immediately beginning the work
of protecting the birds.

It was the southern group of these Laguna
Madre Islands that Mr. Camp undertook to
protect. These consist of Green Island,
Moro Island, and the Three Islands. His
report of the season’s work is of more than
usual interest, and this means is taken to
present it to the members of the Association.

“T arrived at Green Island on May 20, in
a sailboat, towing the houseboat and skiff,
having made the trip from Point Isabel in
seven and one-half hours. The houseboat
was an old affair with a cabin 1o by 20 feet
built on two small barges. I rented it for
the season for $15. The deal proved very
satisfactory as it gave me a dry and semi-
comfortable place to camp, away from the
mosquitoes which were troublesome at times.

“During my stay in the Laguna a number

320 Bird - Lore

A YOUNG WHOOPING CRANE

Owing to continuous persecution by gunners, the Whooping Crane has become one of the rarest birds in North
America. This photograph was made by Miss E. Margaret Estlin, at Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, in the
summer of 1913. Adult birds were seen by her in this neighborhood as late as the autumn of 1921

The Audubon Societies

of naturalists visited me for study. Prof.
Alvin Cahn and two assistants came on
June 3, and stayed about ten days, during
which they studied the life habits of Egrets
and Herons, and took about 250 photographs
of them. Mr. and Mrs. G. Finlay Simmons,
the former being an instructor in biology at
the University of Texas at Austin, came
about the middle of June, and worked among
the birds and fish of the surrounding district
for two weeks. Prof. B. C. Tharp, botanist

oun THe
NATIOWAL ASSO)
oF

BIRD RESERVATION

ms
iON

321

by camping on land, which camp would have
to be built during the heat of nesting, I used
the houseboat. I am convinced the proper
way to handle the Island is to put up a small
permanent wooden shack, say 12 by 16 feet,
with a porch across one side, building this
in the fall or winter. Such a building could
be used for a great many years and would
not, in my judgment, bother the birds. The
first cost of a structure of this sort should
not be over $250. It would be the base of

OM SOCIETIES

ONE OF THE SIGNS RECENTLY ERECTED ON GREEN ISLAND, TEXAS, BY R. D. CAMP
REPRESENTING THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUDUBON SOCIETIES

of the University of Texas, spent six days,
from June 23, studying and collecting the
flora of Green Island. Mr. Jack Specht,
field man for the Fox Film Service, arrived
on June 27 and took about 550 feet of film
for educational screen work. Also a number
of local fishermen parties visited the camp
for a few hours each. On only two occasions
did I have to correct trespassers who at-
tempted to land on the Island with guns;
each time these parties waded over from
Moro Island.

“Conditions on Green Island, the territory
principally watched, were far more satis-
factory this year than formerly. Due to my
fear of the possibility of disturbing the birds

action for all the territory from Point Isabell
to Topo Bay.

The Grackle Menace

“By far the greatest menace to the rookery
at Green Island the destroying of
the fresh eggs of the Herons and Egrets by
the Great-tailed Grackles. This destruction,
however, was greatly overcome this year,
but not to the extent possible, as I clearly
determined by conditions observed while on
the ground. Last year, by a careful census
and estimate, there were over 5,000 shells of
devoured fresh eggs, mostly Reddish Egret
and Louisiana Heron, on the ground at one
time, This was so greatly reduced the present

is

322

year that I estimate not over 300 eggs de-
stroyed. Another year, by proper steps being
taken, I am confident the trouble can be
entirely eliminated.

“My recommendations for combating the
Grackles are, after this year’s experience, to
be on the ground between April 20 to 25 and
start a systematic campaign of destroying
the nests of the Grackles, and in this way
discourage their using the Island for breeding.
I find that practically all the eggs destroyed
by Grackles are fresh, and are eaten during
the period of incubation of the Grackle, as
after the young are out, the parent birds
bring food fromm the mainland. My campaign
of eradication this year consisted of traps,
poison, and shooting, the latter finally being
the only successful means, as, in a very short
time, the Grackles evaded both traps and
poison. In some cases I found the Grackles
destroying and eating their own eggs. There
was no further necessity for watching the
Grackles after June 30 this year, and if the
case is properly handled by early action
hereafter, I think the Island can be cleaned
up by the middle of May.

“The increase in bird-life on Green Island
was noticeable, particularly that of the
Ward’s Heron and Snowy Egret; there were
also more Reddish Egrets in evidence this
year. Only a very few cases of natural death
of young birds were seen, and in this respect
the conditions differed from those of previous
years. But once did a coyote visit the Island
this season, and then to stay only a day.

“High-water conditions about the Laguna
this year caused the destruction of many
bird colonies. The Rio Grande was on a
rampage and vast quantities of fresh water
came into the Laguna via the Arroyo Colo-
rado, causing a rise of over two feet, which
submerged practically all the reefs and flats
on which the Terns and Gulls were nesting.
At one time there were no bars in sight at
either end of Green Island.

The Bird Population

“Birds breeding on Green Island during
the season of 1922 had nests in about the
number given below:

Nests
Reddish Egret, approximately .. 1800
Louisiana Heron, approximately . . 1200

Bird - Lore

Ward’s Heron, approximately .... 300
Black-crowned Night Heron, ap-
proximately . Bia ateyeh UREN
Snowy Egret, approximately. HASH 20
Least Tern, approximetely, 60
Black Skimmer ; I
Black: Vulfure’$:2 | a>.\cc sere eee
Mexas) Woodpecker, <2... -s.5 se
Curved-billed Thrasher .......... 4
Grey-tailed Cardinal ..._. Rep ehe 4
Golden-fronted Woodpecker . Dike aE

In addition to the above there were, perhaps,
300 nests of the Great-tailed Grackle, a
majority of which were destroyed or the
birds shot. I estimated 50 of the white
phase of the Reddish Egrets on Green Island
this season, also saw at one time 17 of the
large White Egrets, but I did not find them
breeding. I did, however, see a number of
nests of the Reddish Egrets with downy
young in the white phase.

Many more of the Reddish Egrets were
nesting on the ground this year than for-
merly—there were hundreds of them. Large

flocks of Roseate Spoonbills visited the »

section at various times, once 177 being
counted, and there were also many White
Pelicans.

“On Moro Island there were about 50
nests of Least Terns, and possibly 12 of the
Black Skimmer on the bar at the north end
of the Island. Most of these were destroyed
by high water. Also one nest each of Ward’s
Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, and
Black Vulture were found on the high part
of the Island. On a bar just north of Three
Islands I found a colony of Black Skimmers

with sixty-odd nests, with eggs and many ©

ready for eggs, but the entire colony was sub-
merged and destroyed by high water later.
Deer Island, on which a large colony of
Gulls and Terns nested last year, was entirely
under water and I rode over it in my
boat, ,

“T visited a great deal of the surrounding
country and Islands, as far north as Topo
Bay, but was unable to find any other
rookeries or to find any Spoonbills or Pelicans
breeding. Large flocks of Sooty Terns were
noticed, and in one case there were at least
17 young birds, but I was unable to find
whether they were breeding in the Laguna.

Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) R. D. Camp.”

:
)

,

|
|

Bt
\. Qos PuerTes,
Gitex f Jb
1. BALTIMORE ORIOLE, ADULT MALE 2. BALTIMORE ORIOLE, ADULT FEMALE
3. BALTIMORE ORIOLE, IMMATURE FEMALE

Sird- Lore

A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE
DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

Vol. XXIV NOVEMBER—DECEMBER, 1922 No. 6

The Trailer-Blind de Luxe

By GUY A. BAILEY
With Photographs by the Author

NCE upon a time I sat on a cake of ice for hours with the thermometer
() hovering around zero waiting for Ducks to come in near an improvised

blind of canvas to feed upon some corn that had been dropped in the
water near the shore. These Ducks were Redheads, Canvasbacks and Scaups.
They sat out in the lake apparently afraid of the blind. A few of the bravest
ones would leave the raft and swim toward the blind, then, becoming suspicious,
they would return to their more timid companions. A few minutes later some
more could be seen working gradually toward the blind. After three or four
hours of watchful waiting, the whole raft moved in and began to pitch and
and dive. Once they tasted the corn they seemed to lose all sense of fear. It

TRAILER-BLIND IN
(323)

POSITION

324 Bird - Lore

was now an easy matter to photograph them and they paid little attention to
the click of the shutters or to the noise attending the changing of plate-holders.
Dozens of exposures were made, until the whole supply was used up.

My companion and leader on this expedition was Prof. Arthur A. Allen,
Editor of the School Department of Brrp-Lore. The place was the west
shore of Cayuga Lake, about a mile from the inlet. He had apparently become
hardened to the benumbing effect of a cake of ice on a zero day, but I found it
difficult to adapt myself comfortably to this kind of a cushion. It was not so
much the cold in itself as it was the trying to walk loaded down with cameras

A HEN AND TWO COCK PHEASANTS

and plate-holders after my legs had become paralyzed. So I might say that
the idea of the Trailer-Blind de Luxe had its inception while I was sitting on
Allen’s icy cushion.

The Trailer-Blind de Luxe is a small house on wheels so constructed that
it can be drawn as a trailer behind a car or wagon. It is 7 feet long, 4 feet
wide and 7 feet tall under the cupola. It is provided with a writing-desk, a
collapsible bed, an oil-stove, and a presto-lite tank with a suitable burner.
There is linoleum on the floor, a limited library, refreshments, and a thermos
bottle of coffee when in operation.

This blind has usually been left for a season in various favorable places for
bird-photography. The first station was near a ravine where the Ring-necked
Pheasants had been regularly fed during the severe weather for several years.
In front of the blind a pile of corn was left at a convenient distance for photo-
graphing the birds. At the same time a suet-basket was hung up so that other
birds of the region could be studied and photographed. For six weeks the
feeding-station was kept up with no attempt at photographing the birds.

The Trailer-Blind de Luxe 325

Under date of February 11, 1917, I find in my notebook these notes: “Came
down to the blind about noon. A few Pheasants flew out while I was putting
out food. A Red-bellied Woodpecker was in the woods nearby. White-
breasted Nuthatches and Chickadees came readily and fed on suet. Song
Sparrows and Tree Sparrows were about. Made five exposures of Song Sparrow
and four exposures of the Tree Sparrow about 2 p.m. Two cock Pheasants and
two hen Pheasants came about 2.15—made one exposure. Only one male
came later, about 4 p.m. Three others went up through the ravine and did not

TWO HENS AND A COCK PHEASANT AND A CROW

come toward the feeding place. They remained under brush-piles across the
ravine and did not seem to be hungry. The wind and cold weather seemed to
keep them away. The Red-bellied Woodpecker came again about 3.45. The
Tree Sparrow and Song Sparrow came to the feeding-station at two different
times during the afternoon. Nuthatches and Chickadees also came. As I
went to the trolley station, I saw a Northern Shrike with a bird at the end of
the ravine. Hope to get the Shrike yet.”

On March 29 of the same year, the blind was moved to North Bow Pond.
This pond is an old oxbow loop of the Genesee River and is filled during the
flood season. It is well protected from strong winds, and, being in a deep bend
of the main river, is not easily approached. For years it has been a favorite

326 Bird - Lore

resting-place of the Canada
Geese on their northern flight.
The blind was moved to the
southern edge of this pond and
corn poured out on the shore and
in the water directly in front of
the blind. Within three days the
Geese became accustomed to the
blind and fed in front of it or
rested by the side of it undis-
turbed.

Under date of April 14, 1917,
I find these notes: ‘‘Entered the
blind at 1 AM. Geese came in
about 6 A.M. Too dark for pic-
tures until 7. Made sixty expos-

“A RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER SAMPLED ures up until 9 o’clock. Used 5 x7
DHERSUEITS camera, 4x5 and the stereo.”

On April 16 I made these notes: “‘Came down after dinner and flushed the
Geese and Ducks. Geese raised a little and alighted in the river at the north.
This is the fourth time in succession they have done this. They are not much
disturbed by the car. Put out corn and buckwheat and set up three cameras
as follows: stereo, 4 x 5 front combination and 11-inch lens on a 4 x 5 camera.
Two Mallards came in at the east end of the pond about 1.45. Ducks to the

- wa AL.

oa? Pe

“THERE WERE SEVENTY-FIVE GEESE IN THE POND”

The Trailer-Blind de Luxe 327

number of nine came before 2.30. At 2.30, thirty Geese came, followed in ten
minutes by a dozen more.”

Under date of April 22, 1917, I find these notes: “Came to the blind about
tr o'clock a.m. There were about seventy-five Geese on the pond and one
Blue-bill. Geese flew up and alighted in the river farther north than usual.
They arose before I reached the blind and flew over the pond and alighted north
of the road about one-half mile from the blind. No pictures today.”

On this occasion I fell asleep shortly after I entered the blind and was
awakened by the bellowing of the steers that had just been turned out in the
pasture. As they came nearer and I could hear them coughing and even
breathing, they discovered that the sharp corners of the blind were well fitted
to alleviate their itching sides and one after another they came up to the blind
and rubbed their heavy bodies against these corners. The blind was elevated:
about a foot and one-half on four rather slender posts too insecurely attached
to endure such rough treatment. Uncertain of the whereabouts of the Geese,
I hesitated to make any effort to drive away the steers, and so I lay in the
bed waiting for the dawn and hoping that all the itching sides could be re-
lieved without the blind being tipped into the pond. While I was waiting I
fell asleep but was awakened by the welcome sound of the Geese as they
circled the pond, and I saw them close their wings and strike the water while
the steers were well off to the further side of the field.

ee = OT ae? en —— SS
“WITHIN THREE DAYS THE GEESE BECAME ACCUSTOMED TO THE BLIND
AND FED IN FRONT OF IT”

The Brown-headed Nuthatch

By FRANK FORREST GANDER, Wichita, Kansas
With Photographs by the Author

N THE morning of March 21, I stepped ashore from a rowboat on the

() bank of High Bluff Creek in Franklin County, Florida. My purpose

was a ten-days’ outing in the wilderness, and I was looking for a place

to pitch my tent. A palmetto ridge margins the creek on each side, and it was

on the right-hand ridge, about a half mile or so down stream from where the

creek emerges from the big swamp, that I made the landing. As I walked

out through the grass and palmettos I passed near a fire-blackened stump

some eight feet or so tall, and noticing two small openings near the top, I

-rapped smartly on the side to see if perchance I had discovered the home of

a flying squirrel.

To my surprise, a small bird darted out and disappeared among the sur-
rounding pines. So unexpected had been its appearance and so swift its flight

m |

“SHE LIT HEAD DOWNWARD”

that it was gone before identification was
possible, so I turned my attention to the
hole which it had quitted. This opening
was 5 feet and g inches above the ground
and was 7éinch across by 4 inches long.
Being unable to reach the bottom with
my finger, I thrust a pine straw in and
found it to be 4% inches deep, and by
the same method discovered there were
eggs in the nest but could not ascertain
the number.

As it seemed an excellent opportunity
to secure some bird photographs, I
pitched my tent nearby, the while I kept
one eye open for my neighbor in the
stump. Soon she returned, and as she lit
against the stump, head downward, I
needed nothing further to tell me I had
happened upon a Nuthatch nest, and
my field glasses disclosed the brown cap
which completed the identification. She
kept up a continual twittering and fid-
geting, passing back and forth over the
hard, smooth surface of the stump, and
when she was finally satisfied that it was
safe for her to venture inside, she entered
head first from above the opening.

(328)

The Brown-headed Nuthatch 320

Thinking it best to let the birds become accustomed to me before I attempted
to photograph them, I was content for several days to observe them from a
little distance. The female was a very steady little housewife and brooded
quite faithfully, and her mate was devoted to her, frequently feeding her on
the nest. He would appear in a nearby pine tree, twittering and calling until

“A SMALL BIRD DARTED OUT”

she came to the entrance of their home, when he would fly to her with the
morsel of food he carried, or, at times, as if my presence disconcerted him, he
would hide his offering behind a loose piece of bark and the little female would
fly to the place, and when she had eaten the tidbit, they would both fly away
among the pines. Occasionally the male would hide the food while his mate
was not watching him, and then she would have to search for it, and if, after
a time, she was not successful she would abandon the hunt and fly away for a

330 Bird - Lore

little recreation or perhaps to find something for herself. When, in a minute
or two, they returned, the female would go on the nest and the male would
take the hidden food for himself.

I rigged up one of my oars as a scaffold for my camera and on the fifth day
I decided to try for some pictures. As the opening was on the north side of the
stump, I planned to make the exposures in the early morning when a little
sunlight filtered through the needles of the pines and played upon the hole.
By the time I had my camera focused and a thread attached for operating the
shutter, small clouds were scurrying across the sky and the light was very
uncertain. After a short wait the female returned to the stump but was
frightened and flew away, but came again in a minute and I made the exposure
which shows her near the nest-hole, moving head first down the stump. I
waited until she went on her nest and then stole up to wind another film into
position, but the slight noise of my approach frightened her and she came off
with a rush. On her return I attempted to snap her as she entered, but so
quick were her movements that she was half way in the hole before the shutter
clicked, and the resulting picture was a puzzle to everyone. I was eager to
catch the male feeding her but he would not come near the camera, so when
I had an opportunity to snap her coming out, I pulled the thread and got the
best picture of the three. I waited patiently in hopes of getting the two to-
gether, but the clouds grew thicker and I was forced to give up for the day.
I felt sure of success on some other day, but for all the rest of the time I was
encamped the sun was in hiding and I did not get the picture I wanted most.

On the last day in camp I removed a section of the outer wall of the stump
and inspected the nest. The eggs had hatched two days before and the five
babies were still very tiny. The hollow was quite roomy at the bottom, and
all cracks and holes had been stuffed with fine bark. The nest was made of
fine bark and lined with the wings of the pine seeds. Two other openings in
the stump were evidently previous attempts at home-building but for some
reason had been abandoned. Without doubt the occupied hole was excavated
by the birds themselves as the work was fresh and was clearly the work of a
bird’s beak. Before I left I replaced the chip I had removed and fastened it
firmly in place.

Ce ee

A Prince of the House of Eagles

T IS the privilege of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Craker

By ETTA S. WILSON

With Photographs by Mrs. W. A. Craker

of Omena, Mich., to

?

possess an Eagle for a pet; and a most delightful pet is this bird, knowing

his friends, enjoying their society, and furnishing them with endless

pleasure and amusement by his capers and pranks, his dignified poses and
occasional outbursts of anger.

In July, 1917, accompanied by an Indian guide named Me-giz-ze-was

(Eagle) while on a camping trip in one of the lake regions of Michigan, Mr. and

Mrs. Craker discovered
a large, dark-colored
bird floundering around
apparently unable to
extricate himself from
the entangling branches
of a thick growth of
young evergreens.
Heavy of body, weak
of wing, and wholly
inexpert, the bird, mak-
ing a mighty effort,
would rise almost to the
top of the evergreens,
only to fall back again
into the meshes of hem-
lock and cedar. Finally,
becoming exhausted,
the bird was easily
caught, when, to their
great delight, they saw
that it was a young
Bald Eagle.

The bird measured
six feet six inches from
tip to tip of wings; its
eyes and beak were dark
and its plumage dark
brown, somewhat like
that of a Golden Eagle
in color. He was a
good fighter.

ad ’ Ne :
Ma cai

“WHEN THREE YEARS OLD HE WAS STILL BROWN”
(331)

Bird - Lore

WwW
Ww
to

“THE FOURTH YEAR THE FEATHERS OF THE HEAD, NECK AND TAIL CAME IN

WHITE”

A Prince of the House of Eagles 333

Arriving home permission was secured from the State Game Warden to
keep the bird and every arrangement was made for his comfort and safety. A
large park was set aside for his exclusive use in which are rocks and old stumps.
A roomy, warm shelter was built for his use in cold weather, but he seems to
prefer the open the greater part of the year. He delights in summer storms
and at such times will mount the highest rock where he will clap his big wings,
jump up and down and scream in an ecstasy of joy, and the fiercer the thunder,
the stronger the wind and the heavier the downpour, the more he enjoys it.
He was named ‘‘Me-giz-ze-was” in honor of the Indian who found him.

His food consists of squirrels, rabbits, rats, fish, and an occasional chicken;
in fact, he eats any kind of meat but it must be strictly fresh as he will not
touch anything that is tainted. He is very keen-eyed and nothing escapes
his notice. He is devoted to Mr. Craker and when he sees him coming he flies
to meet him, uttering pleasant little sounds of greeting and showing his delight
in many gentle motions quite at variance with the usually accepted idea of a
bird of prey. He will take food from Mr. Craker’s hand; in fact, he is not
afraid of anyone but he must be treated with respect or he develops a whirlwind
of anger and vents it upon the one who has been lacking in courtesy. He
particularly resents having a finger pointed at him, and will instantly hurl
himself at the offender in a wild swoop through the air. Landing on the ground,
he follows up the attack by running after his victim in a series of high jumps,
wings flapping, beak open, uttering all the while the most horrifying screams.
Strong and agile, armed with sharp beak and talons, he can put the bravest
man to flight. He has a special hatred for cats and never permits one of the
animals to come near him. Dogs and chickens he regards with unconcern.

Me-giz-ze-was has molted every year since he was captured. The first two
years his plumage remained in the dark, and when three years old he was still
brown, though showing a grayish color under the wings, but at the next molting
the feathers of his head, neck, and tail came in perfectly white while the color
of his beak and eyes underwent a change, becoming lighter. Each time that
he had molted his primaries, secondaries, and tail feathers have been carefully
saved and from them a beautiful chief's war bonnet has been made which is
now in the possession of an Indian of ror Ranch fame.

Once Me-giz-ze-was ran—or rather flew—away. The Crakers never ex-
pected to see him again but the Indians of the vicinity said, “Oh, yes, he'll
come back when he has seen the world,’’ and sure enough one morning in
April Me-giz-ze-was was discovered in the top of a tall tree near the house,
looking somewhat disheveled and weary. He allowed himself to be captured
and put back in his park, and after a good meal he perked up, dressed his
feathers, and seemed to show great satisfaction at again having all the comforts
of home.

The nest in which Me-giz-ze-was was undoubtedly hatched is in the top of
an immense dead tree 4 feet in diameter, standing in the midst of a swamp

2
3

os)

Bird - Lore

aN eM
“SCREAM IN AN ECSTASY OF JOY”

A Prince of the House of Eagles 335

that is so wet that no near approach can be made. It is enormous in size
but photographs having to be made from so great a distance fail to convey its
true dimensions.

Mr. and Mrs. Craker visit the location every year and have seen the old
birds repairing the nest and later have seen them brooding the eggs and feeding
the young. After incubation begins, attention is constant, for one parent
does not leave the nest until the other arrives to take its place. The home-
coming of the Eagle is a wonderful sight. At first a mere speck in the dis-
tance, he flies in a direct line toward the home tree and on arrival soars around
overhead, uttering great screams until the sitting bird leaves, when he descends
to the nest and settles down softly upon the eggs which he moves about by
weaving slowly from side to side.

Fearful that this pair of Eagles may be disturbed or destroyed, Mr. and
Mrs. Craker will not disclose to anyone the exact location of their aerie. Nor
will they release Me-giz-ze-was for fear of the hunter. Having experienced
nothing but kindness from humanity, Me-giz-ze-was is afraid of no one and
would be an easy mark for the gunman.

Valley Quail and Road-Runners

By ERNEST McGAFFEY, Hollywood, Calif.

AYT-EIGHT-O, payt-eight-o, payt-eight-o. It is the call of the Valley
Pp Quail. I slip to my window in the faint dawning light that is creeping

over the Hollywood hills and peer down to the street below. Across
the street is a vacant lot which was lately adorned with a high growth of weeds.
Some philanthropist cut them all down, and the seeds have strown the ground
thick with succulent food for the Valley Quail. Payt-eight-o, payt-eight-o.
There the birds are, fully one hundred of them, some of them with heads bent
down among the shorn cover of weeds, others scurrying across the street with
that level, swift movement of the Quail afoot. The top-knots on their brown
heads bob back and forth as they pick and forage among the short stems of
the severed grass and weeds, all the while keeping up a sharp watch for any
intruders.

Here comes a Jate-comer. He rises at the edge of the sidewalk and clears
the street a-wing, lighting with a little flurry among the other Quail, and
causing the same sort of fidgety attention that a new lady coming into a
sewing-circle will produce. But he settles down to picking industriously and
presently the entire conclave is huddled together closely, with one or two stray
birds apart from the rest. These blasé members of the party, seem to be
oblivious to the tasteful weed-seeds and sometimes they ruffle their feathers
in a sort of ‘plumagy’ yawn.

But softly. Hush! Slinking cautiously through the grass of an adjoining
yard comes a stealthy cat, intent on the feeding bevy on the vacant lot. He

336 Bird - Lore

combs the earth with furtive claws, every muscle in his body quivering with
expectancy. His tail waves ever so little, his green eyes burn with the ardor
of the chase. Nearer he crawls and nearer, he stops, crouches, he is almost
close enough to spring, when one of the outside ring of Quail emits a shrill
warning of keet keet, and then zizz-uzz, the entire bevy have scattered to the
foothill cover back of my house, and not a feather is left for grimalkin. The
Valley Quail of southern California is a little smaller than the Bob-white of
the eastern states, a trifle swifter on the wing, and a great deal more cunning
in his methods of evading his enemies. When a bevy of Valley Quail are
flushed by the hunters, they often scatter in every direction, not holding their
formation nearly so close as the Bob-whites. When they alight, instead of

,

VALLEY QUAIL FEEDING IN THE SNOW
running a short distance and squatting, as the Bob-white does, they run some-
times for a half mile before hiding.

When they go to roost, instead of squatting in a circle with their heads out,
as does Bob-white, making them an easy prey to prowling raccoons, foxes,
skunks, etc., they frequently roost in the trees, deep in the leaves, so as to
hide from the Owls, and they often dive into the densest recesses of thick
bunches of cactus, where they are safe from all enemies. They usually fly
instantly to the most impenetrable cover in the vicinity when alarmed, and
here in southern California much of the brush cannot be penetrated with
anything short of a spear. And even when they alight in this thorny chap-
arral they keep on running, and if you send in a dog to rout them out, they
are three or four hundred yards away before the dog has burrowed in a foot
into the closely interwoven thicket.

In Hollywood the Valley Quail are protected from everything except cats,

oe

Valley Quail and Road-Runners 337

and the result is they thrive and wax apace. Bevies of from 4o to 150 birds
are not at all uncommon, and they descend from the foothills, which are
crowned with thick cover of sage-brush and thickets, and come to the very
door-steps and back yards of the residents. As there is absolutely no winter
weather here, and not a flake of snow, and only a little rain annually, they are
never killed off by snowdrifts and starvation. Further north in southern
California, where the snow comes occasionally in some parts of the country,
they feed the birds when the ground is snow-covered, and it is a pretty and
interesting sight to watch a bevy of Quail picking up seeds or bread-crumbs
scattered about on the white tablecloth.

Driving about the southern counties, over roads sign-posted and guarded
in every direction by the directing and warning signs of the Automobile Club
of Southern California, you will sometimes see a swift-moving grey and black
bird, about as large as an Upland Plover, dart quickly from some neighboring
clump of thickety chaparral, stop for an instant on the roadway, and then go
briskly across and disappear in the adjoining cover. Somehow I never see a
Road-runner that I do not think of the “pony-riders,” the mail-carriers of the
early sixties. Alert, rapidly moving, sem:-military figures, the Road-runners
are almost invariably on the move.

Their movements are incredibly swift and precise, and their alignment
against a background of grey sage-brush and greyer rocks seems almost shadow-
like, taken in connection with their own uniform of greyish black. I have
never seen two Road-runners together, nor two in close proximity to one
another in the same stretch of country. They appear to be as solitary as
Loons. But to the stranger in the land, the sudden appearance of this gro-
tesque bird is as quaint and unique as the apparition of Poe’s ‘Raven perched
upon the bust of Pallas.’ He is one of the most disappearing birds in the
entire roster of birddom.

“Here he comes and there he goes” does not quite do justice to his trick of
entrance and exit. He will be in the middle of the highway before you have
noticed him emerge from one side of the road, and he will be on the other side
of the trail, and out of sight before you have fairly visualized his perky top-
knot and long tail. Maybe the Road-runner sometimes deigns to use his
wings, but I have never yet seen one in the air. As a sprinter he has few
rivals.

The Road-runner, or ‘Chapparal Cock,’ as he is locally called, partakes of
the outward appearance of a Pheasant, a Chicken, and a Jay. His elongated
beak is a characteristic of his own. His preposterously long tail, often elevated,
is like a Pheasant’s for sheer length. The lower portion of the breast reminds
one of certain breeds of poultry. The saucy and suspicious gleam of the eyes
is something similar to the Blue Jay of the eastern states. But all in all, there
is no bird quite like him.

Bird-Lore’s Twenty-third Christmas Bird Census
| Pee Annual Bird Census will be taken as usual on Christmas

Day, or as near that date as circumstances will permit; im no case should

it be earlier than December 23 or later than the 27th—in the Rocky Moun-
tains and westward, December 20 to 25. Without wishing to appear ungrateful
to those contributors who have assisted in making the Census so remarkably
successful, lack of space compels us to ask each census taker to send only one
census. Furthermore, much as we should like to print all the records sent, the
number received has grown so large that we shall have to exclude those that do
not appear to give a fair representation of the winter bird-life of the locality in
which they were made. Lists of the comparatively few species that come to
feeding-stations and those seen on walks of but an hour or two are usually very
far from representative. A census-walk should last four hours at the very least,
and an all-day one is far preferable, as one can then cover more of the different
types of country in his vicinity, and thus secure a list more indicative of the
birds present. Each report must cover one day only, that all the censuses may
be comparable.

Bird clubs taking part are requested to compile the various lists obtained
by their members and send the result as one census, with a statement of the
number of separate ones it embraces. It should be signed by all observers
who have contributed to it. When two or more names are signed to a report,
it should be stated whether the workers hunted together or separately. Only
censuses that cover areas that are contiguous and with a total diameter not
exceeding 15 miles should be combined into one census.

Each unusual record should be accompanied by a brief statement as to the
identification. When such a record occurs in the combined list of parties that
hunted separately, the names of those responsible for the record should be
given. Reference to the February numbers of Brrp-Lorr, 1921-22, will
acquaint one with the nature of the report that we desire, but those to whom
none of these issues is available may follow the form given below. The date is
important, and the species should be given, in the order of the A. O. U. ‘Check-
List’ (which is followed by most standard bird-books), with, as exactly as prac-
ticable, the number of individuals of each species recorded,

Yonkers, N. Y. (to Bronxville and Tuckhoe and back).—Dec. 25; 8 A.M. to 4.30 P.M,
Clear; 5 in. of snow; wind west, light; temp. 38° at start, 42° at return. Eleven miles on foot
Observers together. Herring Gull, 75; Bob-white, 12 (one covey); (Sharp-shinned?) Hawk,
1; ... Lapland Longspur 1. Total, 27 species, about 470 individuals. The Longspur was
studied with 8-power glasses at 30 ft.; eye-ring, absence of head-stripes and other points
noted.—JameEs Gates and JoHN RaAnpb.

These records will be published in the February issue of Birp-Lorr, and
it is particularly requested that they be sent to the Editor (at the Americar
Museum of Natural History, New York City) by the first possible mail. It will
save the Editor much clerical labor if the model here given and the order of the
A. O. U. ‘Check-List’ be closely followed.—J. T. Nicno.s.

(338)

The Migration of North American Birds

SECOND SERIES
XX. BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Compiled by Harry C. Oberholser, Chiefly from Data in the Biological Survey

The Baltimore Oriole (/cterus galbula) is one of the best-known birds of the
eastern United States, and a favorite alike with country and city bird-lover.
Its whole range extends from southeastern and central southern Canada south
through the eastern half of the United States to Central America and northern
South America; and the species is as yet undivided into subspecies. It breeds
north to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, southern
Quebec, southern Ontario, central Saskatchewan, and central Alberta; west
to central Alberta, eastern Montana, western South Dakota, eastern Colorado,
northwestern Texas, and eastern Texas; south to southern Louisiana, central
Alabama, and central Georgia; and east to central South Carolina, western
North Carolina, eastern Virginia, and the Atlantic Coast north to Nova
Scotia. In migration it moves southward over the remainder of the southeast-
ern United States, including Florida. It winters from southern Mexico through
Central America to Colombia. It is of casual occurrence in the Bermuda
Islands; accidental at York Factory, Manitoba, and in Cuba.

SPRING MIGRATION

Number ae
LOCALITY | pisests soles Seay PPMP ey ay a ah

Long Island, Ala 2 April 26 | April 23, r916
Kirkwood, Ga. |eO April 25 April 15, 1803
Raleigh, N. C... 3 April 29 April 26, 1890
Lynchburg, Va... 8 April 28 April 21, 1902
New Market, Va 38 April 27 April 19, 1896
French Creek, W. Va 5 April 26 April 21, 1889
Washington, D.C.... Wana | May 3 April 24, 1912
Mardelia Springs, Md 13 | April 27 April 17, 1896
Philadelphia, Pa....... d 20 | May 5 April 23, 1791
Renovo,!Pas.. =. |) 25 May 5 April 30, 1903
Beaver, Pa..... eee April 27 April 19, 1889
Morristown, N. J. 19 | May 3 April 23, 1890
Englewood, N. J 16 May 6 May 1, 1908

New York, N. Y 30 May 4 | April 24, 1890
Ballston Spa, N. Y 26 May 7 May 3, 1905

Plattsburgh, N. Y Io May 11 May 5, 1915

Geneva Ne Ys... :- 11 | May 3 April 29, 1910
Buffalo, N. Y... II May 5 April 28, 1914
Hartford, Conn. oe 28 May 6 April 28, 1908
Portland, Conn........ 46 May 5 April 30, 1888
Providence, R. I ae 2 May 8 May 1, 1904

Northampton, Mass 13 May 7 May 3, 1916

Harvard, Mass...... 5 May 3 April 22, r910
Boston, Mass. ... 28 May 5 April 26, 1908
Bennington, Vt.. 13 May 10 May 1, 1913

Retianlotte; Vitsiecch ss Wrcee: 15 May 11 May 7, 18905

St. Johnsbury, Vt. 26 May to April 21, 1896

|

340

Bird - Lore

SPRING MIGRATION, continued

Earliest date of
spring arrival

May 9, 1915
May 6, 1895
May 8, 1905
May 8, 1917
May 5, 1895
April 9, 1916
April 4, 1890
April 5, 1893
April 8, 1908
April 21, 1906
April 14, 1910
April 22, 1916
April 15, 1911
April 25, 1916
April 18, 1900
April 20, 1889
April 21, 1896
April 17, 1896
April 25, 1913
April 14, 1905
April 21, 1896
April 25, 1908
April 25, 1899
April 28, 1915
May 3, 1899
April 23, 1902
May 2, 1905
April 27, 1903
April 26, 1894
May 1, 1887
April 26, 1889
April 10, 1903
April 15, 1911
April 24, 1908
April 27, 1014
May 3, 1913
May 10, 1896
May II, 1911
May 12, 1906
May 22, 1906
May 16, 1916

|

departure

September 17, 1886
August 30, 1890
September 14, 1919
September r4, 1015
September 21, 1899
September 7, 18890
September 22, 1914
September 2, 1908
November 25, 1909

Aum De verage date of
LOCALITY ob veiw ee arrival
Abi ey RVING 1s Coe Geen aa neha Sarina sea ok Gin 6 May 11
Hanover.) Nevelase ieee k= 12 May 9
Phillips iain Gsrrccie serra cys ieee 13 May 13
MronosMaine? ae. 5 2:14 aces ests nese IL May 11
Montreal, Quebec. . 19 May 11
New Orleans, La... 4 April 16
Rodney, Miss. .... NTS ERT AS gs tee 5 April 6
Hfelemas Ages fra, otassek so rere eset 30 April to
Athens se tennis... «jose sacnnecp ates 8 April 17
Lexington, Ky.. SAEs Se ae 6 April 25
SEP Bons Mobs oc n tiie citrsyere aes 14 April 21
WOHCOrdia MOS feos cle sere es srereve see ness ine 9 April 26
Olney SIS Reee re a2) o7 Sas tay tera sie 5 April 18
Chicagoysllisser ce: sie, vere. ciemaeeucls | oO April 30
Bloomington Indes -)<7-4725 och eel ae LE April 25
Richmond sides. yey). een ees 13 April 25
Waterloo and ase st ki-aree toss seri ce or 19 April 27
Hamilton, Ohio. Ae ot eet ante 7 April 25
Vounpstown Ohioss. corre aan eles ee 13 April 28
Oberlin (Ohionets. sce otc meee ener 24 April 26
Wauseon Ohlone jer o-oo te «eerste ak 14 April 26
Wicksburg Mich ja-n7 -cieen Sarees =e 14 May 1
Detroit, WMich yee cvsasns ea ctlsn apes 15 May 2
London, Ontario. Be Sey5 6 SOMERS 12 May 3
OttawaliOntarione 00a areca eel ese May 10
Keokuklowalte jas. fs ceinbecme sides 20 April 27
Sioux City, Iowa. . erchigerarectieiey so, SBP 16 May 6
Racine Wiss veeae. cso erp oes Ue Sess II May 2
Madison, Wis... .. 24 May 4
Lanesboro, Minn. Renny tae tee Cee Be) May 4
IMinnedpoliss Minny. ene eccnee ele sere 28 May 7
CorpusiGhnsiig Wexas 3 cactyreieae 3 April 11
iBrownsyilles/lexaswe.- eee eee = 3 April 20
Onapar Kans errr sei 4eeer nc, eee 28 April 30
Red Cloud, Nebr. 15 May 4
Vermilion .)S sb alk: - feast yssy eters 6 4 May 6
Bathgate; SNeiDaks. Ws. e ie ate anette ote 5 May 17
Aweme, Manitoba...............+.-:. 18 May 16
Indian Head, Sask... II May 19
Yuma, Colo. . 3 May 23
Flagstaf, Alberta. . 7 May 25
FALL MIGRATION
Number
LOCALITY of years! Averspeaue of Latest date of

Raleigh, N. C..... ST a RM Se 5 August 31
French Creek, W. Va. 4 August 26
Washington, D.C... 6 August 26
Berwyn, Pa....... 13 August 31
Renovo, Pa.. 17 August 31
Beaver, "Pa 10 August 30
Morristown, N. is 15 September 4
Englewood, N. ise 3 August 209
New York, N. Y 15 September 5

13 August 29

Ballston Spa, N. Y.

September 12, 1915

The Migration of North American Birds 341

FALL MIGRATION, continued

Number

LOCALITY or eae | cence ear enue ee
(Canaria INE MOE Se Serene este ees 2 September to September 12, 1915
eFartior den Conny eis ois ciees.cpaietechera itera: 16 September 21 September 30, 1905
COVA ENCE: ROU e084 Ses 5 ws ysl ouetec arenes ei 15 August 24 September 13, 1897
eraTvard Masses. cmtys seis cecait 42 os: 6 September 8 September 25, 1909
Boston, Mass......... 4 August 26 September 14, 1911
piiltons Ns Else eect) eo.s Pisces Some 7 September 5 September 29, 1908
Phillips Maines :) ede dee ba cmietee es 30 = 7 August 26 August 31, 1914
Montreals|@uebeCsaes ise. eens eae II August 21 August 31, 1912
EAUINGEIE, SRA Sere Sabre ae 7 September 12 September 29, 1909
HRGXIN ELON KGy teen ott acie tia eectae «te: 3 August 29 September 3, 1905
K@OnCordial MO ror. fe). cree ekoisisiepeie in Ses 8 September 1 September 6, 1912
Re NicaAco wll septa cictacisic ne eae eteleeere ne 9 September 9 October 7, 1906
BMECTIOO SENG eo oafecions coeeis mig ayectele sot 7 August 30 September 2, 1906
O)ncnithy OO. se ceane sos seroeemaare 6 September 1 September 21, 1906
RVEISEONE ONIOR, vec ye cro cscsnste ther spenstencveusrse II September 15 October 2, 1897
MckspurpasMaIch': A.7ece0 2 c.Ficye cease 10 August 30 September 24, 1902
BE TrOLt VIG se crac, o yee isp sta iS eiaisrae 7 September 4 September 22, 1912
Warid ons ONtarO ss ta ciahs:2 sia slasints=) 40 3 September 4 September 8, 1900
WEtawva ns ONtaTIOg fe. coe sae che ah e ies 2, os 15 August 25 September 16, 1885
RSCOR UKM OWA sj sceein seriss/stclcledsts-o sche II September 2 September Io, 1901
Madison, Wis......... epee hectitan ie iacoae Io August 24 September 5, 1914
WeameSbOro; (MIND... .<.5. 6c. cavesisie wf ssa 6 August 27 September 1, 1889
MDMA AMICANS fers ty so. casei hae ee he 25 September 4 September 18, 1908
Awermies Manitoba: .sc.sircnc v0 <2 Ou, secs 18 August 28 September 6, 1913

Notes on the Plumage of North American Birds
SIXTY-FIFTH PAPER
By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

(See Frontispiece)

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula). Both male and female nestling Orioles,
aptly called by Olive Thorne Miller the ‘“‘cry-babies of the bird world,’ resemble
the immature female (Fig. 3). At the postjuvenal molt the body feathers are
exchanged for a new set, but the wing and tail feathers are retained. The
somewhat downy looking feathers of the nestling plumage are replaced by
stronger, firmer ones, but there is no essential difference in color between the
juvenal, or nestling, plumage and the one (first winter) which follows it. The
sexes still resemble each other, and Figure 3 of the frontispiece, therefore,
represents the male in its first winter dress, as well as the female at this age
and older.

The spring (prenuptial) molt occurs before the bird leaves its winter quarters
in the tropics, and collections contain few specimens illustrating it. There is,
however, a young male in the American Museum collected about seventy years
ago near Panama, which is molting from first winter into first breeding plumage.
New black feathers are appearing in the throat, and two black, olive-tipped
feathers are half-grown in the center of the tail; new black, white-tipped wing-
coverts are replacing the old brownish ones, and deeper orange feathers are

342 Bird - Lore

sprouting in the breast. Comparing this bird with others taken in May after
their arrival in the North, it is evident that the first nuptial plumage is
acquired by a nearly complete molt, only the larger wing feathers and some of
their coverts, of the first winter plumage being retained. This plumage re-
sembles that of the adult (Fig. 1) but the orange is paler, the wings resemble
those of Figure 3, with more or less black and white in the wing-coverts, and
the tail is like that of Figure 3, with two central black feathers. At the first
post-nuptial (second fall) molt this plumage is wholly lost and replaced by
that of the adult (Fig. 1). There are no further changes in color.

The molts of the female doubtless agree with those of the male. The first
breeding plumage (Fig. 3) resembles the first winter plumage, and the black
throat and blackish back (Fig. 2) are found only in fully adult birds.

A DRUMMING GROUSE
Photographed by J. H. McDonald, Guelph, Ontario, at a distance of six feet

Motes from Field and Studp

Birds from a Breakfast Table

As a busy housewife, living in the heart of
town, I have no time to linger under trees, or
take a half day off to stretch out in some se-
cluded nook, with a field-glass in one hand
and a camera in the other. But the birds are
my dear friends, and last November I con-
ceived the idea of putting up a food-board
near my breakfast-room window, where, at
least once a day, I could observe the little
feathered creatures.

The porch is open to the sky, and so is the
food-board, a primitive arrangement of one
long plank nailed to two supports, attached
to the veranda railing. But the amount of
information which I gleaned, showed me that
any sort of feeding-place is good enough, pro-
viding the snow is brushed away from time to
time.

I put out whole wheat bread crumbs, white
bread, crackers, cracked wheat, bird-food
which I bought from my grocer, and sun-
flower seeds. The latter remained longer on
the board than the other food, so long, in
fact, that I gave up placing any more out,
until this spring.

Have I heard it mentioned that ‘English
Sparrows are stupid?’ Perhaps the adjective
was used in a tone of contempt. At any rate,
allow me to state that the ones I fed this
past winter were the smartest little rascals I
ever saw! They must have had some ‘war-
time’ training or have been associated with
Hoover! They ate all the whole wheat first,
pushed or dropped the cracker crumbs off the
board, and only took the white bread crumbs
as a ‘last resort!’ They came in flocks of
forty to fifty, and in ten minutes every crumb
worth having would be gone.

I resigned myself to the probable fact that
all the birds I should ever feed would be those
Sparrows. But, wait! One evening in Febru-
ary, when every tree and twig was covered
with a coating of ice, and I was sitting in the
living-room reading, I heard a beautiful
whistle, soft and clear. It sounded as if he
were saying ‘thank you’ over and over. I

cautiously lifted a window-shade, but there
was no sign of the visitor, yet the next
morning my man-of-all-work reported that
there was a big, fat red bird a-chewin’ some
dried grapes on the barn.” And so I saw my
red Cardinal, all by himself. I put out quan-
tities of seeds, but he did not come back to
the board during the daytime.

Although Robins were here March 1,
winter had by no means left us, and that
food-board was decidedly overworked! One
big, heavy-breasted Robin, which I nick-
named ‘General Bobby,’ was the most agres-
sive bird I ever saw! His hunger was ever-
present, and he ordered every Sparrow in
sight to ‘lay low’ when he came. He pecked,
he chased, he dove with his beak so suddenly
on the Sparrows, at times, that they squeaked
with fear. I thought he was paying up for
some of the mean treatment that the “wretch-
ed Sparrows” have, in the past, accorded
other members of his family. Then, after he
had chased them all off, he would commence
to gobble sunflower seeds as fast as he could.
But the Sparrows had no intention of giving
up their feeding-place, so they used strategy!
Four or five, at once, would rush at General,
and make him so furiously angry that he
would chase them off across the yard. This
was what they wanted! Then, the whole
feathered family would fly down to the board
and begin to eat rapidly.

Later on, in the spring, Chipping Sparrows
came modestly, and one morning, after a
heavy frost, I saw, to my delight, Robins,
English and Chipping Sparrows, and one
half frozen little Tree Sparrow, all on the
Emity Morrison WAITE,

board at once!
Ravenna, Ohio.

Cardinal and Catbird

This story presents many unusual, but all
true, incidents that took place during the
summer of 1922, in our grounds, at Nobles-
ville, Ind.

A pair of Cardinals that have been in our
neighborhood for the last two years decided

(343)

344

this spring, to nest in a Tartarian Honey-
suckle bush. There they built nest No. 1 and
hatched three birds. Two of the little fellows
soon disappeared but they reared the other
one to maturity. They then moved over
about 2 feet in the same bush and built nest
No. 2. On the day the third egg was laid
the House Wrens destroyed all three eggs.
The Cardinals promptly moved to the
trellis over the conservatory and built nest
No. 3 and laid three eggs. Two of these eggs
were typical Cardinal eggs, the other was a
funny little egg and almost a clear white
color. We could readily see in the nest from
inside the conservatory, and we speculated
considerably on the hatching of this small
egg. In due time it hatched out a Cardinal
which grew to maturity while the other two
normal looking eggs never hatched.

Now, while the Cardinals were occupied
with nest No. 3, a pair of Catbirds having
raised their first brood, and were looking for
a site for their second nest, discovered
Cardinal nest No. 1 and appropriated it to
their own use rather than build a new nest.
Soon the nest had three baby Catbirds, but
before they were feathered there came up a
wind storm during an afternoon and tore
down the nest. This was discovered two
hours later when we picked up the naked and
chilled birds, placed them in the battered
nest, and replaced it securely in the bush.
Mrs. Catbird promptly hovered and warmed
them and they were reared to maturity.

To return to the Cardinals. After having
reared the single bird from nest No. 3 they
built nest No. 4 about 6 feet down the same
trellis and also in such a position that we
could see into the nest from the conservatory.
Three young Cardinals in due time arrived
and were about half feathered when there
occurred a tragedy that makes us heartsick
to think about. Being away from home all
day until late in the evening, we discovered,
upon returning, that Mr. Cardinal was dis-
tressed and calling his mate. We became con-
cerned and a hunt resulted in finding her
dead in the Sparrow-trap, thus leaving a
family of three little children, two young to
shift for themselves, to the care of the father.
All the next day Mr. Cardinal mourned the
loss of his mate and only occasionally fed the

Bird - Lore

hungry mouths, spending most of his time in
calling and hunting the lost mother. We
were unsuccessful in getting them to eat for
us and during the day they crawled out of the
nest and fell to the ground. That night we
gathered them up and placed them in the
nest and the nest in a cage. The next day the
father fed them through the bars but he had
such difficulty in giving them food that the
day following we released them and at night
caught them and placed them in the cage.
The fifth night we could not find them and
feared for their safety and welfare.

The next day we found all three and, to
our surprise, Mrs. Catbird was feeding them
and continued to feed and mother them until
they were as large as their father. Mr.
Cardinal resented this and would fight and
drive her away every time he brought food,
but mother Catbird never faltered in re-
paying the debt she owed for the nest she
stole rather than build one.

I am assuming that this was the same Cat-
bird and a female regardless of the fact that
we had two pair of Catbirds with us, but the
story is more complete to think it was the
mother Catbird from Cardinal nest No. 1 who
reared the orphan Cardinals.—Eart Brooks,
D.D.S., Noblesville, Ind.

An Exceptional Music Lesson

If hearing vocal lessons deliberately given
and practised by birds is as unusual an ex-
perience among others as it is with me and
those of my friends to whom I have told what
I had the pleasure of hearing a few years ago,
it might be of interest to give this bit of
experience wider publicity.

It took place in Conneaut, Ohio, in the
summer of 1916. A large apple tree stood
near one of my windows, which was always
open at night. This tree was a rendezvous
for both the familiar resident birds and others
merely passing through in their migrations,

Early one morning a Wren song broke out
suddenly, and as suddenly I was wide awake,
and for half or three-quarters of an hour was
an unbidden listener to a bit of child-training
that is one of the treasures of my memory.
The full song was sung through lustily, then
a pause. A timid little voice piped out two or

CEE IMR Yo + mer gs

Notes from Field and Study

three uncertain notes. The song, the pause,
and the effort were repeated once, but no
more. Next came what we might call one
measure—the first four or five notes—of the
song, slowly and deliberately. The young
son, as I take for granted he was, tried bravely
to make some imitation of these sounds,
and for thirty or forty minutes these same
few notes were painstakingly repeated, and
however unsuccessfully, imitated, until I
felt like going to the rescue of the poor little
fellow. However, the time of that lesson was
evidently up, for the whole song now rushed
forth with all its original speed and vim, two
or three times, with no pause for imitation,
and they were off for breakfast. At the end
of the lesson the pupil had got the number of
notes and the time very well, but the quality
and pitch seemed hard to master.

The next morning my hope that I might
hear another lesson was realized, and it
evidently really was the second, though the
pupil had apparently done some rehearsing
on the first one. The whole song was gone
through once or twice, as on the morning
before; then the part used as the first lesson
was repeated by both three or four times, and
much more successfully by the youngster.
Then three or four notes were added and the
lesson proceeded exactly as on the previous
morning and ended in the same way.’ The
same methods were followed on succeeding
mornings until, within probably less than a
week, the whole song was so well mastered
that it was hard to tell the teacher from the
pupil—F tora A. HopcE, Grand Forks, N. D.

An Acorn Hoard

One of the canniest providers of winter
stores that I know of is the California Wood-
pecker of the Laguna Mountains in southern
California. In October I was on top of these
mountains, where, at an elevation of between
six and seven thousand feet, they are covered
with handsome pine and live-oak trees.

I observed a pine tree at least 5 feet
through, the bark of which was riddled with
holes somewhat over % inch across, and from
an inch to an inch and a half deep. In many
of these holes, acorns had been thrust, point
first, so that the other end was flush with the

345

surface of the bark. This great pine tree, with
its sieve-like bark bearing a bounteous crop
of acorns, puzzled and interested me intensely.
I learned that it is the storehouse of the
Woodpeckers who were then in the middle of
their harvest.

This information was verified by the wife
of the forest ranger who has a cottage near
this particular tree. From the bountiful crop
of acorns nearby the Woodpecker has only
to fly a few yards to the pine tree and de-
posit his burden in one of the many holes in
the bark. If the nut will not go in, or if it
fits too loosely to stay, he tries another
cavity. Some of the holes looked as if they
might have served many generations of
birds; others seemed comparatively new. All
were well formed, of uniform appearance, and
varied little in size.

I estimated that, from near the ground up
to and including 2 number of large limbs 50
to 7o feet from the ground, the bark of this
tree contained an average of fifteen to twen-
ty-five of these holes to the square foot, or
between 10 and 20,000 holes in the tree. At
least one hole out of every four had an acorn
in it, so that there were from 2,500 to 5,000
acorns already stored away in that tree, and
the harvest was just well under way. This
store, reduced to cubic measure would, make
quite a supply, for the nuts were of fairly
good size.

I saw hundreds of pine trees similarly
punched with holes for holding acorns, some
empty and others in various stages of being
filled; some apparently were no longer used
or others were preferred because of their
location nearer to a well-loaded oak tree.
What provision of nature taught these birds
to make holes just large enough to hold these
particular nuts? How many years of associ-
ation of oak trees, pine trees and Woodpeckers
in that locality were required to develop this
phenomenon?—GrRant FoREMAN, Muskogee,
Okla.

A Trip to Florida with a Stormy Petrel

In December, 1914, I sailed from Baltimore
for Jacksonville. It was the stormy season,
and off Old Point Comfort, Va., our boat had
to anchor for two days. A terrific gale, in-

346

juring much shipping, raged by day and
night. At the end of the second day, the
stewardess came to my stateroom and said:
“A Stormy Petrel has just blown in. I hope
he is not dead for the sailors are so super-
stitious about those birds.”

I begged her to bring the bird to me. She
returned soon with the dear brown thing,
limp and bloody, perhaps from striking some
part of the steamer. We washed off the
blood and bathed it with some mild antisep-
tic. L asked forlwarm milk with a bit of wine,
and, opening its small bill, poured a few drops
down its throat and soon it began to move.
Fearing to frighten it, I made a nest out of
a woolen scarf, carefully laid the bird in it
and went out on deck for about an hour.
Returning I found my little patient had
opened his eyes. Covering his head so not to
alarm him, I opened his bill and gave him
more milk and wine. The next morning the
nest was empty for my little guest had hidden
away in the dark under my berth.

It was a Wilson’s Stormy Petrel, I after-
wards learned, with a band of white feathers
at the base of the tail and yellow webs con-
necting the claws. The bird was with me for
four days, eating from my hand but never
uttering a sound. With regret I released him
in the harbor of Jacksonville on our arrival.
He was apparently well, and skimmed over
the water, without turning to say good-bye
to his friends—Etva Loucrr, San Diego,
Calif.

Seven Years of the Starling

Tn tors the first Starling was seen at Water-
ford, Saratoga County, N. Y., 160 miles
north of New York City. For several years
only a few were seen, mostly breeding in
church towers. Today almost no Starlings
nest in the village, yet every available cavity
in the surrounding bottom-land is occupied
by them. In a bird-count of Waterford
Township, 110 pairs of breeding Starlings
were enumerated, making it ninth in the list
of the most common birds of this area—6
square miles.

As a nesting-site, it prefers Flicker holes,
especially those in telegraph poles along a
canal; next, it occupies the cavities in isolated

Bird -

Lore

dead trees, taking other holes only after
these two have been preémpted. No nests in
buildings or in roofs have been found. The
nests in the poles have been used for two
broods in many cases—the first in early May
and the young of the second leaving the
middle of July.

On June 19, 1922, about 500 immature
Starlings were roosting in a small, inland,
cattail marsh here; on June 24, the number
was 700; on July 6, 2,100 Starlings were
counted as they poured down into the roost;
on July 13, the number had dropped to 500,
and, a week later, to 100.

Standing on a low hill 3 miles west of the
roost, the birds could be seen at sunset,
flying still farther west. What caused the
sudden exodus? The same thing occurred
last year. The 400 Grackles, that also roosted
in the marsh, left at the same time but flew
southeast to the new roost each evening now
instead of using the new Starling roost.
Nothing disturbed the birds in the marsh,
and I think it is merely the ending of the
breeding-season that brings the change.

With all these birds in this township no
damage to fruit, grain, or other crops has
been seen, though the flocks were carefully
watched. The small flocks remain in the
pastures around cattle and the larger flocks
either fly out of this area or feed in fresh-
mown hay-fields. In winter a hundred birds
can be seen feeding on the village dump and
roosting in a church tower, probably the only
ones that have not migrated.

The only act of violence witnessed was the
mobbing of a Night Heron at dusk by a band
of thirty birds that followed for a mile
jabbing repeatedly at it. Yet in this section
Bluebirds nest either in fence-posts or some
other undesirable (to a Starling) location;
Flickers are seen driving holes that are
occupied by Starlings later; and House Wrens
are found only in the village shrubbery.
There must be a reason! House Sparrows
feed all winter in perfect harmony with the
Starling and never seem to be molested.

Summing it up, despite the rapid increase
and the competition caused by it, the Star-
ling, after seven years, seems very desirable
here. Yet it is only with foreboding that one
can watch the dusky birds sail into their

Notes from Field and Study 347

roost or leave it in a vast, twinkling, cloud.

If they have reached this number in seven
years, what will fifty years bring?—EpGar
BEevDELL, Waterford, N. Y.

Notes on the Red Crossbill and Rose-
breasted Grosbeak

While I was camping on Sand Lake, south
of the Algonquin Park Reserve, great flocks
of the Red Crossbills, male and female, were
seen on August 15, and from that day on
until I came away, on the 26th, they could be
seen and heard at any time of the day, and on
both sides of the lake for several miles. They
were constantly uttering their Goldfinch-
like calls to each other, and every now and
then one would sing a sweet song consisting
of four or five notes, starting on the dominant
of the key and going down to the tonic in
triplets. This sweet little song I heard many
days before I identified the bird. Looking
at the birds from a short distance, they
looked quite like small Parrots as they
turned almost upside down in their search
for cones. Some of the males were bright
red and others well speckled with red and
green, and the females
and brown.

Have any of the readers of this magazine
noticed that the female of the Rose-breasted
Grosbeak sings? I heard her, to my astonish-
ment, several times this summer, sing a
beautiful soft song, similar to that of the
male, but shorter. She would then utter a
peculiar call to her young, and be answered
by them as they surrounded her, We-up, me-
up, me-up.—ANNA E. MacLocuuty, Hamil-
ton, Canada.

were olive-green

Evening Grosbeaks in 1921-22

On November 9, 1921, we saw a flock of
about ten male Evening Grosbeaks feeding on
wild cherries across the road from the house.
On February 27, 1922, a neighbor called us
to see the strange birds feeding on his sun-
flower seeds. We saw three male Evening
Grosbeaks. He said they had come for several
days. On March 30, 1922, we had a snow-
storm and the morning of the 31st Mr. Bates
shoveled patches of snow away and put out

mixed chicken-feed. During the three days
the snow stayed on the ground the following
birds came to the cleared spots of ground:
flocks of Juncos, Tree Sparrows, Horned
Larks, several Song, Fox, and English Spar-
rows, Evening Grosbeaks, Grackles, Robins,
one Meadowlark, one Cowbird, one Starling,
a White-breasted Nuthatch, and a Downy
Woodpecker. The latter two had come all
winter to feed on suet which we had on the
tree trunks. All the birds, except the Mead-
owlark came to the cleared space next to the
porch. After the first Evening Grosbeak had
found the sunflower seeds on the ground, on
April r, the flock increased until, they left on
the afternoon of May oth, when there were
ten males and three females. They came
every morning between 6 and 7 o’ clock and
fed off and on all the morning. We had a
feeding-shelf built in each of two trees and a
long one fastened to the porch. As we have
studied birds for only a year we were de-
lighted to make the acquaintance of the Gros-
beaks, and we shall look for them again next
winter.—Mrs. FRANK Bates, Glenfield,
Lewis County, N. Y.

A Stray Flock of Martins

The Purple Martin is one of our most
regular migrants, both spring and fall move-
ments being conducted with great regularity.
The southward movement begins soon after
August 1, and my latest previous record is
September 1, 1917. Professor Barrows, in
“Michigan Bird-Life,’ also gives September 1
as the latest probable date. This year the
movement took place as usual, the last ones
seen in this vicinity being three on August *
20 near Salem, Washtenaw County. Auto
trips through the surrounding country failed
to reveal others.

On September 3, I was returning from
Kingsville, Ont., by steamer. As we came to
the lower end of Bois Blanc Island, at the
mouth of the Detroit River, at about 6.30
p.M., I saw a few Martins. Soon their number
increased until we were in the midst of a
whirling, chattering cloud of them. They
extended as far as the eye could see and their
numbers seemed endless. But we soon passed
through them and within a mile from where

348

the first ones were seen the last stragglers
were hurrying to overtake their companions.
Where did these Martins come from?
During our brief stay in Kingsville I saw
a Least Bittern and a Mockingbird. Of the
latter there are only a few previous records
for Ontario.— RALPH BEEBE, Detroit, Mich.

A Mockingbird in the Bronx

On the evening of October 9, we happened
to be at Hunts Point, when we noticed a
slaty gray bird, with a whitish chest, a little

Bird -

Lore

* smaller than a Thrasher, with a long tail that

showed much white when in flight. It flew
into some dense underbrush and was hidden
from view. We were puzzled—could it be a
Mockingbird? Sure enough. Soon it reap-
peared, and perched in plain view, and in
excellent light upon a protruding branch.
We watched it at close range, with our field
glasses, for a full quarter of an hour, noticing
the long straight bill and the peculiar mark-
ings on the wings, and were absolutely certain
of its identification—JoHN and RicHARD
Kuerzi, New York City.

THE SEASON

Edited by J. T. NICHOLS

XXXIV. August 15 to October 15, 1922

Boston Recron.—The exceptional feature
of the past two months was the absence of a
severe killing frost. Asa result of this holding
off of winter there occurred a remarkable
autumnal blossoming of certain species of
fruit trees and spring-flowering shrubs, and
many of the summer flowers continued to
bloom far into the fall. Although the country-
side presented the appearance of flourishing
summer vegetation, most of our resident
birds left, as usual, during the four weeks
following mid-August.

Late in August the Kingbirds gathered into
companies, often of a dozen or more, and
accordin., to their usual habit, disappeared
almost completely before September 1. I
know of no species of bird in this region which
each year on a given date, vanishes as sud-

*denly as the Kingbird. The Barn Swallows

left the barnyards, and, in preparation for
migration, collected on roadside wires, and
within a week of the Kingbirds’ departure
they, too, were gone, leaving the country
nearly deserted.

The first group of migrants from the North,
e.g., Blackpoll Warblers, White-throated
Sparrows, Brown Creepers, and Juncos,
arrived on normal dates, or, in some cases,
a little early. With them came the vanguard
of the Golden-crowned Kinglets, the leaders
in a Kinglet migration which proved an ex-
ceptional one. This Kinglet has not occurred

here so numerously since the autumn of 1916,
and since then in some years it has been so
scarce as to excite comment in print (see
F. H. Allen, Brrp-Lore, 1919, pp. 361, 362).

There was a heavy migration of Double-
crested Cormorants, and Gannets are off our
coast now in remarkably large numbers.
The shore-bird flight, which began conspicu-
ously in late July, is still passing, represented
by Greater Yellowlegs, Semipalmated and
Black-bellied Plover, Sanderlings, and Turn-
stones. During September, Golden Plovers
were reported as occurring numerously on
Cape Cod.

Mr. Forbush (‘Notes for Observers,’
October 16) speaks of ‘an influx of Wood-
peckers in Maine” and advises us to “look
out for Arctic Three-toed Woodpeckers this
winter.” A favorable place to look for them
is in a burned area where dead trees are stil!
standing—Winsor M. Ty er, Lexington,
Mass.

New York Recion.—The flight of shore-
birds along the ocean side of Long Island in
the latter part of August is reported to have
been large, the Greater Yellowlegs and
Black-breasted Plover especially being pres-
ent in unusual numbers. A Marbled Godwit
was definitely identified at Cedarhurst,
August 17 (Rolfe Floyd, Jr.). A flight of
Hudsonian Godwits occurred August 28,

The Season

Shinnecock Bay (W. Pell, II); a flock, prob-
ably Hudsonian, near Hicks Beach, August 30.

A flock of 23 white, and 1 blue Little Blue
Herons at South Plainfield, N. J. in August
(W. DeW. Miller), is remarkable. The north-
ward movement of this species may have been
further to the west than usual, but some also
followed the easterly course along Long
Island, as one was observed at Mastic,
August 26, and the species is recorded at
Montauk, September 5 (L. Griscom). H. F.
Stone observed a Least Bittern at Lawrence,
Long Island, September 21. This is a late
date, and the species is also rare on the island
even in migration.

The Yellow Palm Warbler, Central Park,
N. Y., September 22 (Griscom), is early.

Late September and early October weather
was unusually mild and summery. Conditions
seemed right for the southward flight of
arboreal Warblers, etc., to linger in this
Jatitude to unusually late dates as they some-
times do. Such seems not to have been the
case, however, with the single exception of
the Cuckoos. A transient Black-billed
Cuckoo in some low, scrubby trees in a field,
Garden City, Long Island, October 8, is
rather late for that species, and a Yellow-
billed Cuckoo in a big linden tree at Mastic,
October 14, is decidedly late. Though the
Mastic trees were almost everywhere full
leaved and green, only a little brown or a
little bare, other birds were essentially those
to be looked for at this fall date: Swamp
Sparrows, calling along the creek, White-
throats, Myrtle Warblers, Golden-crowned
Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, etc—J. T.
Nicuots, New York, N.Y.

PHILADELPHIA REGION.—With the excep-
tion of a few days in mid-September, the fall
season has been abnormally warm and exceed-
ingly dry. Early October was especially
summer-like, the thermometer registering
93° on October 4. During the heat period the
wind blew almost continuously from the
southwest and bird-life seemed at times to be
almost absent. At Cape May, October 1,
temperature 85°, on an all-day trip, only
eighteen species were recorded.

The northward migration of Egrets and
Little Blue Herons it seemed was not up to

349

the standard set by the summers of 1920-21.
However, a number have been about. Mr.
Delos Culver writes that he observed about
a dozen Egrets and Little Blues on the
meadows back of Wildwood, N. J., on Sep-
tember 23.

A seasonable yet always interesting flight
of Hawks was observed at Cape May on
September 17; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 60;
Cooper’s Hawk, 2; Bald Eagle, 4 (3 seen at
one time); Broad-winged Hawk, 52 (?);
Pigeon Hawk, 2; Osprey, 10; Duck Hawk, 2.
The wind on this date was northwest, a
seemingly necessary condition to produce a
big flight. A bunch of a dozen Hawks were
found which had been shot—1o Sharp-shinned,
r Pigeon, and 1 Sparrow Hawk. While not
of an ornithological nature, yet of consider-
able interest to the nature-lover, was a tre-
mendous migration of monarch butterflies
on this date. They passed down the coast
literally by the millions, a continuous line all
day. At Cape May Point, where there is a
considerable growth of pine trees, many of
the insects had stopped to rest, and the pines
presented the appearance of deciduous trees
covered with dead leaves. Reports from
Atlantic City on the same day stated that
the insects were present in clouds.

According to a local paper, the ‘seagulls’
have become so numerous along the New
Jersey coast that the fishermen are up in
arms, and are intending to ask the lawmakers
to legalize the shooting of these birds. The
reason, of course, is very clear (?): The Gulls
smash all the clams by carrying them high
into the air and then dropping them on the
hard sand. This is carried on so persistently
that there are no clams left for the fishermen
to gather for bait. Let us hope that the law-
makers turn a deaf ear to such flimsy reasons
for persecution.

The bulk of the winter residents have not
as yet (October g), it seems, put in appear-
ance, the Junco being the only one that is at
all common.

October 12, two Turkey Vultures noted
feeding on a dead skunk at Oaks, Pa.,
October 13, decided change in temperature,
45° this a.M., chirps of many migrating
Sparrows heard last night—Jutran K.
Potrer, Camden, N. J.

WasHINGTON ReEGION.—Each season of
ornithological work brings its surprises and
rewards, sometimes greater, sometimes less.
Nor were the months of August and Septem-
ber, 1922, an exception in the region about
Washington, D. C. To judge from the War-
blers reported in August and from other
advance records, the migration in general
seemed to be rather early, although birds as
a whole, except for certain species, particu-
larly water-birds, did not seem to be abun-
dant; on the contrary, rather less numerous
than usual. Furthermore, not so many, nor
so long-continued, migration waves were
noted.

The earliness of the season was indicated by
the appearance of the following species in
advance of their usual time of arrival: Mag-
nolia Warbler, August 25 (average date of
autumn appearance, August 31); Wilson
Warbler, August 25 (average, August 27);
Winter Wren, September 28 (October 7);
White-throated Sparrow, September 26
(October 4); Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Sep-
tember 26 (October 3); and the Swamp Spar-
row, August 29 (the average of which is
October 9, and the two earlier records,
August 21, 1913, and September 28, 1890).
Furthermore, three species were noted earlier
than ever before in the autumn: the Duck
Hawk, seen at Washington by C. H. M.
Barrett, on August 29, the previously earliest
report of which is October 23, 1900; the Black
throated Green Warbler, seen by Miss M. J.
Pellew, at Glencarlyn, Va., on August 24,
the previously earliest record of which is
August 26, 1888; and the Loon, observed at
Herring Bay, north of Chesapeake Beach,
Md., by A. H. Howell on September 23, more
than a month ahead of its previously earliest
record of October 25, 1887, near Washington,
and considerably in advance of the previous
records for Chesapeake Bay.

Induced probably by the warm, pleasant
weather, the Yellow-throated Vireo
noted singing on August 26 and 29, and
September 3 and 5, which is later than is
Likewise, a

was

Parula
Warbler, in the suburbs of the city, on Sep-

usual in this region.

tember 24, rather astonished us by singing
several times, and fully as well as in the
spring.

Bird -

Lore

A few birds of uncommon or irregular
occurrence in this vicinity likewise made
their appearance during the period. Three
Laughing Gulls were seen by F. C. Lincoln at
Alexander Island, just below Washington, on
the Potomac River, on August 25, and five
in the same locality by the present writer
on August 29. Both of these records are
materially earlier than the species has been
seen in this region in the autumn, since Sep-
tember 9, 1914, is the earliest previous record.
A fine male Baldpate was seen at Dyke, Va.,
on September 14, by Dr. R. W. Shufeldt; a
Florida Gallinule, on August 29, at Alexander
Island, by C. H. M. Barrett; and Upland
Plovers, in migration, on the night of August
16, were heard by Miss M. T. Cooke.

Some species have been rather more than
ordinarily common during the present
autumn. The Bobolinks in their Reed-bird
attire were here in great numbers for a con-
siderable period, and furnished much ‘sport’
for local hunters. With them came the Soras,
likewise in numbers, and dwelt in all the
marsh areas in the vicinity of Washington.
The Lesser Yellowlegs were also common;
the larger species apparently not so, though
also present.

Perhaps the most interesting local orni-
thological feature has been the occurrence of
seven species of Herons, some of them in
noteworthy numbers, for the most part in
the marshes on and about the above-men-
tioned Alexander Island. These species in-
clude the Least Bittern, Black-crowned
Night Heron, Green Heron, Great Blue
Heron, American Egret, Little Blue Heron,
and the Louisiana Heron. The first four were
in their regular numbers; the American Egret
was common and was associated with the
Little Blue Heron, which latter was the most
abundant species of all, and was chiefly in
the white plumage. Dates for the Little
Blue Heron on which the largest numbers
were observed were August 24, 25, 26, 28,
and 29, although the birds were present
during most of August and into September.
The same dates apply to all the other species.

A single Louisiana Heron, the first ever
reported in this region, was seen first by Miss
M. J. Pellew on August 25, and was subse-
quently seen by her and a number of other

“ee,

ss eee

The Season

observers on August 26, 28, 29, in the vicinity
of the same Alexander Island. Unfortunately,
it was impossible, notwithstanding special
efforts, to collect the bird, but there is no
doubt whatever of its proper identification.
In view of the recent probable occurrence of
the species on the coast of Virginia, this Dis-
trict of Columbia record is particularly
interesting.

As in several seasons past, the Purple
Martins again this summer gathered into a
roost in the city of Washington. This year
the roost was located on New Jersey Avenue
near L Street, and in the trees over this
avenue, along which runs a double electric
street-car track, they were present during
the whole of July, all of August, and up
at least until.September 17, which is con-
siderably later than the average date (August
31) of departure of the species in this vicinity.
This year’s roost was occupied by a very
large number of birds, larger than has ever
been observed before, some estimates ranging
as high as 50,000, and was, as always, one of
the interesting ornithological sights of the
summer in Washington—Harry C. OBER-
HOLSER, Biological Survey, Washington, D.C.

OBERLIN (OHIO) REGIoN.—The fall migra-
tion started rather early this year. The first
flight of Nighthawks, which generally opens
the migration, came on August 15. They
were seen practically every day after that
until September 7. The largest flight came
on August 29, a cold, drizzly day.

The weather during the latter part of
August was much cooler than during the
middle of the month, so that the first mi-
grants came straggling in during the last two
weeks. The Black and White Warbler was
seen on the 24th, the Black-throated Blue,
Magnolia, Blackpoll, and Blackburnian
Warblers were here by the 27th, and the
Cape May by the 31st.

During the first week of September the
weather turned warm, so that very few
Warblers or migrants could be found in the
woods. On September 4, Wilson Snipe and a
Virginia Rail were found in the marshes. This
date was the last for the Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and
Indigo Bunting. A Mourning Warbler was

351

found on the 7th and a Least Flycatcher on
the roth.

The migration quickened with the cooler
weather of the second week in September.
Pied-billed Grebes were here by the rsth.
The 16th marks the last date for the Red-
eyed Vireo and Kingbird, and the 17th for
the Northern Yellowthroat and Semipal-
mated Plover. New arrivals on the 17th were
Bay-breasted and Tennessee Warblers, and
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

The rest of September and the first six days
of October were warm, with no rain at all, so
that the woods contained only a few sulky
birds and the migration progressed but
slowly. A single Myrtle Warbler was seen
on September 18. On the 24th, Juncos, Her-
mit Thrushes, and Black-throated Green
Warblers were noted. It was also the last
date for the Water Thrush. The 30th was the
last date for the Black-billed Cuckoo. Octo-
ber 1 saw the arrival of Winter Wrens and
White-throated Sparrows and the departing
of Least Flycatchers and Wood Pewees.

From October 6 until the present (15th) the
weather has been generally cool with a few
light frosts and some rain. Many of the trees
have shed practically all their leaves, making
observation easier. On the 8th there was a
marked increase in the numbers of almost
every species. White-throated Sparrows
seemed to be everywhere, while the Myrtles,
Kinglets, Winter Wrens, and Towhees were
quite common. Golden-crowned Kinglets
and Brown Creepers were seen for the first
time, while the Spotted Sandpiper, Wood
Thrush, Redstart, and Ovenbird were seen
for the last.

A flock of Wood Ducks was found in the
marshes at Oak Point on the oth and two
Mallards were also found flying over the
marshes near Vermilion on the same date.
Thus far these have been the only reports of
Duck migrants this fall, and as none were
seen on the 15th when a hike was taken to the
marshes near Cedar Point, we have reason to
believe they have not yet come south.

The Magnolia Warbler, which has been the
most numerous of the Warblers this fall, was
still with us on October 12, as was also the
Veery, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blue-headed
Vireo; and Fox Sparrow, a new arrival.

352

On October 15 a single Tree Sparrow was
found. A Purple Finch and about five
Savannah Sparrows were also noted. The
Tree Swallows were quite numerous over the
marshes where they roost in spite of the fact
that it is way beyond their usual departing
date. They will probably stay as long as the
warm weather lasts.

The migration on the whole has been
rather slow this fall, although it started early.
The summer birds, as a rule, have remained
longer than customary, while the transient
and winter migrants have been, for the most
part, late. The Warblers have not been very
numerous, the Magnolia, as last spring, being
the best represented—S. CHartes Ken-
DEIGH, President of Cardinal Ornithological
Club, Oberlin, Ohio.

MINNEAPOLIS (MINNESOTA) ReEGION.—
The intensely warm weather of mid-August
continued until the 24th, with daily temper-
atures of over go° and midnight temperatures
of 80° on one or two occasions. On the 24th,
there was a sudden drop from 87° to 56°
with a high wind and rain. But warm
weather soon returned and continued with
slight interruptions throughout the month
of September. From September 4 to 9
there was a record-breaking spell of hot
weather for this locality—g6° to 98° at noon
and very warm nights. On September 16, a
light frost occurred at Minneapolis, while
in the northwestern part of the state the
temperature was below freezing—30° at
Thief River Falls. The average temperature
for September at Minneapolis was 65.6°.
October began very warm—68°, on the 1st
72° on the 2d, and 89°, with a minimum of
68° on the 4th, the hottest October weather
on record here. The U. S. weather observer
remarked “We had the hottest September
in years and October is setting out to beat
September.’’ But it turned cooler after this,
and on the morning of the oth, there was the
first heavy frost at Minneapolis. A flurry of
snow occurred up at Duluth on the rath.

August 16. Found a brood of young Robins
about ready to leave the nest. This is a late
record.

August 19, to 23. Made a visit to the Pine
County State Refuge. This is‘a large tract

Bird -

Lore

of some five or six townships that has been
set aside recently as a wild-life refuge. It
lies along the St. Croix River, about 75
miles northeast of Minneapolis. It is a wild
and rough region, with few settlers, many
streams, and was once heavily timbered with
evergreens and other trees, but is now largely
without heavy forest, except along the rivers
and streams, as it was devastated by the
great Hinckly fire of many years ago. Ruffed
Grouse, Prairie Chickens, and Sharp-tailed
Grouse are abundant, the last two species in
about equal numbers.

August 21 and 22. Nighthawks migrating
in large numbers all day.

September 1. Dr. G. H. Luedtke, at Fair-
mount, Martin County, reported that on this
date several American Red Crossbills
visited his yard and later fed upon sun-
flower seeds and made frequent use of his
bird-bath. These were early wanderers
from their summer home in the northern part
of the state.

September 16. Spent the day at the Long
Meadow Gun Club Preserve, 10 miles
south of Minneapolis, in the valley of the
Minnesota River. It was the opening day
of the Duck season. About 65 Ducks were
killed by 17 hunters, as compared with over
a hundred on the opening day last year. The
species killed this year were, in the order of
abundance, Blue-winged Teal, Pintail, Bald-
pate, and Mallard. At this place, so close to
the Twin Cities, 1,048 Ducks were shot
during the season last year. The number of
each species taken indicates pretty closely
the relative abundance. The club register
shows: Pintails 299, ‘Bluebills’ (mostly
Ring-necks) 208, Teal (nearly all Blue-wings)
154, Mallards 136, Baldpates 120, Spoonbills
36, Redheads 7, Black Ducks (‘Dusky’
Mallards) 4, ‘Fish Duck’ 1, unclassified 83.

September 17. While on the ‘Duck pass’ at
daybreak, the most interesting thing that
happened was the aérial flight and marvelous
evolutions that follow the awakening of
thousands—it seemed millions—of Tree
Swallows that had spent the night roosting
on the wild rice and canes of the sloughs. This
began at 5.40, a short time before sunrise.
The morning was cool, the sky slightly over-
cast, and but little wind stirring. The

The Season

Swallows rose from the rice in great swaying
columns, dense and black, and mounted into
the air like towering streamers of smoke,
undulating and drifting about with the
lower end of the column close to the rice, the
upper end mounting higher and higher until
finally it spread out like a vast mushroom,
the tiny birds just visible as they fluttered
and floated about in the upper air. Several
of these streamers formed at the same time
and as they swayed and moved about, two
of them occasionally came together when they
merged into one and the dizzy, whirligig
game went merrily on in augmented numbers.
Every now and then one of these columns
broke asunder and the birds scattered in a
vast revolving flock, only to come quickly
together again as before. While scattered
the birds all twittered incessantly, but as soon
as the column was reformed they all became
silent. After an hour or so the upper air
became literally alive with Swallows, that
could be seen plainly only with the aid of a
glass. They milled about over a wide area,
sustaining themselves by rapid, fluttering
wing-beats alternating with brief periods of
soaring, a manner of flight very unlike their
normal movements.

This regular morning performance of the
Swallows was so remarkable and spectacular
that it attracted and held the attention of
many of the members of the club, even
though they were not interested in birds, and
I am inclined to think saved the life of an
occasional Duck that might have been
bagged, had the Swallow-play been less
absorbing.

September 23. The first Green-winged
Teal shot at the Gun Club. This Duck is a
rather late arrival from farther north.

September 24. The Swallows are still at
the sloughs but the evolutions this morning
were somewhat different. The birds did not
tower so high but remained in great, whirling
flocks which rose from the rice and settled
back again from time to time, keeping this up
from daylight until after 9 o’clock, when they
scattered for the day. These great flocks
left shortly after this date, only a few strag-
gling birds remaining —Tuos. S. RosBerts,
Zodlogical Museum, University of Minnesota.
Minneapolis, Minn.

353

Kansas City Recion.—It will be re-
membered that the unprecedented invasion
of Magpies down the Missouri Valley last
winter penetrated northwestern Missouri as
far as southern Holt County where fifty or
more individuals were under observation
throughout the winter. Word has recently
reached the writer from an entirely trust-
worthy source that at least two pair of these
showy and noisy strangers remained in that
region to breed, and that the two nests in
which young are known to have been raised
are located less than three miles from Corning.
Mr. Charles E. Dankers has been asked to
photograph these nests if possible, and to
furnish such documentary proof as will make
this astonishing record absolutely authentic.
This is, of course, a new record for Missouri.

Random notes for the early part of the
current season include such records as the
true singing of the Blue Jay heard on August
I5, a rare performance indeed and only once
before heard by the writer; a feeding Upland
Plover seen on the Shelter House lawn in
Swope Park on August 16; a Mourning Dove
building a belated nest on August 22; Kill-
deers and Green Herons heard overhead
during the dark nights of August 24 and 26;
a continuous migration of Nighthawks during
the last week of August and the first week of
September, when birds displaying every
color and shade of plumage were seen
perching about in shade trees and on feed
wires and telephone cables within the city;
Baltimore Orioles heard in full song as late
as September 6; and migrating Savannah
Sparrows seen on September 14.

A protracted heat-wave and drought gave
way on September 8 to a forty-eight-hour
downpour of rain accompanied by 25° drop
in temperature which marked the beginning
in earnest of fall migration. On the morning
of September 10, several Black-crowned
Night Herons and a mixed crowd of Sand-
pipers were surprised in Forest Hill Cemetery;
on the 12th Meadowlarks fairly swarmed
everywhere in the open, singing their par-
ticularly pleasing, rollicking traveling song;
on the 13th the first Rough-legged Hawk,
probably a bird of the year, was seen being
worried by a pair of pugnacious Sparrow
Hawks; and on the 15th the first iarge gangs

354

of southbound White Pelicans passed high
over the city, giving local newspapers their
first ‘Wild Goose’ opportunity of the year.
On September 18 migrant Warblers of several
species were present in all wooded places
visited, but, owing to thick weather, identifi-
cation was difficult. On September 20 a Red-
headed Woodpecker was noticed hammering
something into a crevice in an ancient
telephone pole. A close examination of the
pole showed it to be rent from top to bottom
with wide cracks, each one filled with acorns.
Several other old poles in the line were found
to be stored in a similar manner and notes
were taken for future reference. Little exact
data seems to have been published regarding
this well-known Redhead habit.

September 22 was a grand moving day for
several common species, including Robins
and Flickers, and the fields were again
thronged with singing Meadowlarks. Im-
mense flocks of tired and silent Cowbirds
were seen where none had been noted lately
and where they tarried only for the day.
Yellow-billed Cuckoos were much in evidence
in widely scattered regions during the last
few days of September, but were not seen
after October 1. On this day the behavior of
flocks of feeding Nighthawks and Chimney
Swifts was noted in the neighborhood of an
aviation field where more than a dozen planes
were constantly in the air. These birds, as
well as flocks of Grackles and Robins re-
turning to their roosts later in the day, paid
not the least evident attention to the monsters
How quickly the birds have adjusted them-
selves to this seeming menace!

Another rain-storm on October 8, with a
sharp drop in temperature and a touch of
frost, settled passing migrants here in great
numbers for a few days. The wooded bluffs
and bottoms along the Missouri River in and
near the city, and the upland woods further
south were thronged with Kinglets, Brown
Creepers, Warblers (mostly Myrtle), and
the first Juncos. Two days later Harris’s,
White-throated, and Fox Sparrows, with a
sprinkling of Song and Lincoln’s were met
with in the weed flats near the mouth of Blue
River. A lone Vesper Sparrow was also
identified. Thousands of resting and feeding
Bluebirds were seen along the bluffs on this

Bird - Lore

and the following day; in fact, the writer
never before met with such an immense
gathering of this familiar species. The sound
of shooting on the Missouri River during
these two days and the sight of a few strings
of Ducks in the air indicated a movement of
water-fowl. On October 11 at least a dozen
small Flycatchers, Traill’s doubtless, but not
satisfactorily identified, were seen on a 5-mile
walk in the bottoms. On the 12th Myrtle
Warblers were abundant on the uplands as
well as in the bottom timber, and a flock of 40
Cedar Waxwings was seen flying over a point
of the bluff below the Big Eddy. A winter
feast awaits these berry-eaters in this region.

Local students and observers will grieve to
learn that the last wild stronghold of the
birds in the immediate vicinity of the city is
doomed to fall at once. Vireos, Tanagers,
Carolina Wrens, Rose-breasted and Blue
Grosbeaks, Cardinals, Towhees, Wood
Thrushes, and those other delightful songsters
that have had their homes in the bluff woods
beyond the Blue River, and the Orioles,
Dickcissels, Indigo Buntings, Chats, Cuckoos,
Traill’s Flycatchers, Warblers, and the rest
that have loved the thick tangled and open
spaces of the adjacent bottom region, will be
met on their return next spring by the roar
of steam shovel and hydraulic nozzle. Not
the least of the beauties of this region to be
wiped out is the colony of hundreds of pairs
of Bank Swallows in Santa Fe Cut.—HArry
Harris, Kansas City, Mo.

DENVER REGION.—This region has shared,
with other parts of the country, a prolonged
dry spell. However, this condition seems to
have made no difference in the current of
bird-life here. The last Black-headed Gros-
beak was seen on August 10, and the Yellow
Warbler was last seen on August 18, both
dates being a trifle early, perhaps, for the
departure of these species. Long-eared Owls
seem to have been much more rare during the
past three or four years, and I had begun to
fear that the species was really getting un-
common, as it is in many regions in the East.
It was a pleasure, therefore, to hear several
of these Owls calling over the meadows and
prairies at Parker (20 miles from Denver) on
August 15.

The Season

Wood Peewees have been infrequent this
year, while there have been more Broad-
tailed Hummingbirds in Denver than usual.
The last Wood Peewee was noted on Sep-
tember 7, and the Hummingbird was last
seen on August 24. A considerable wave of
migrating Plumbeous Vireos spread over
Denver from August 24, to September 6.

A Flycatcher that braves weather which
drives away other insectivorous birds is our
Say’s Pheebe, taking the place here that the
common Phcebe does in the East. We have
had some quite cold nights during the past
week, yet Say’s Phcebe is to be seen in the
outskirts of the city every day. It occasion-
ally winters at Grand Junction.

One often sees evidences of late nestings by
the occurrence of very immature young long
after all should have been well developed.
This happened to me during the last week of
August when a partly fledged Mourning
Dove was seen in the street near my home.
This is long after the great bulk of this species
has ceased housekeeping.

Recently, while I was in the hills, my atten-
tion was attracted by a song much like that
of a Mockingbird, although very weak and
brief. A patient search showed that it came
from a Vireo, which, when collected, proved
to be a Cassin’s Vireo, a very uncommon bird
in Colorado. Shortly after this incident, the
song of a Catbird, apparently, was heard near
my home, a song which finally was proved to
come from a Plumbeous Vireo. These two
incidents show anew how much one can learn
about species relatively familiar to the ob-
server. I have never heard either of these
Vireos sing those strains.

One can count with certainty on seeing
Hairy Woodpeckers in the city late in August
but not during the previous months. This
year was no exception, for several were seen
in my home neighborhood and in other parts
of the city. They certainly are not driven out
of the hills by lower temperatures, for they
remain in the city even during zero weather.
Perhaps it is merely wanderlust.

One of Denver’s most erratic bird visitors

_ is the Long-crested Jay, which with us takes
“the place of the Blue Jay. The Long-crested

Jay appeared here during the first week of
September, tarried a few days, and disap-

355

peared. The erratic wanderings of this bird
are also a puzzle to me.

Warblers have been very scarce in the city,
in fact, almost absent; Macgillivray’s was
seen on September 7, and, on several different
dates after that, Audubon’s appeared in our
parks, the last date of its appearance here
being October 7.

Early in September there was an extremely
large wave of Robins going South over this
region. All were very gray and some had an
unusual amount of white about the head. I
believe these all are birds from the extreme
north, for they follow after and displace the
local darker forms.

During a ten-days’ sojourn in the hills
recently (at a spot 30 miles by air-line from
Denver) I noticed several interesting phe-
nomena. For several days, during daylight
hours, a steady stream of Brewer’s, Clay-
colored, and Chipping Sparrows flowed down
the canyon of the South Fork of the South
Platte River, traveling through the bushes
and evergreens with apparently no retrograde
movement. It was the first ocular demon-
stration I have ever had of such a large
number of migrants following, in the fall, a
stream downward towards the plains. Later
on in the season, thousands of Robins winter
in this same locality, yet I saw but two. As
I motored home, two Ravens were seen, and
a single Dusky Grouse, the first now rare,
and the second becoming uncommon in the
state —W. H. Bercto.p, Denver, Colo.

PoRTLAND (OREGON) REGION.—There is
nothing unusual to report from the Portland
district this season. The summer birds, such
as Warblers, Flycatchers and Hummingbirds,
have mostly disappeared. Evening Gros-
beaks, Pine Siskins, and Juncos have made
their annual appearance.

The writer has been away from Portland
much of the time since August 1 and conse-
quently cannot report accurate dates for bird-
movements.

In August I made a trip through the lake
district of eastern Oregon and passed through
the Malheur, Warner, and Klamath Lake
sections. Ducks seemed to be unusually
abundant and such birds as Avocets, Cali-
fornia Gulls, White Pelicans, and Farallone

356

Cormorants were to be seer in large numbers.
While I saw Western Grebes everywhere
suitable conditions prevailed, Flagstaff Lake,
of the Warner group, and Upper Klamath
fairly swarmed with them. The usual desert
birds, such as Sage Thrashers, Sage and
Brewer’s Sparrows, Kingbirds, and Arksanas
Kingbirds, and Shrikes were abundant and
ever present. The Sage Hen seems to be fast
disappearing. Each year fewer are noted in
traveling through this region.

During early September a few days were
spent on the beaches of Tillamook County.
The weather was fair and warm and fewer
migrating shore-birds were noted than is
usual at this season. A few Hudsonian
Curlew, Marbled Godwit, Sanderling, and
Western Sandpipers were all that were seen.

Duck-shooting season opened in western
Oregon on October 1. The weather has been
warm and the water low, consequently fewer
Ducks have been reported. A larger number
of Shovellers and Geese than usual are
present, but the total number of birds is not
as large. Wood Ducks are also reported as
quite common along the Columbia River.—
Tra N. Gasrretson, Portland, Ore.

San Francisco ReEGIoN.—A _ cursory
glimpse of the water-birds on Bolinas Lagoon
on August 16 revealed the presence of both
White and Brown Pelicans. At Point Rich-
mond, on the same day, one Wandering
Tattler was seen. On August 20 a trip was
made to the Farallone Islands by members
and friends of the Audubon Association of
the Pacific. They reported the birds seen as
follows:

California Murres. The colony has been
much reduced in number. A few were still
nesting and the young were under constant
danger from the attacks of the Western Gulls.

Pigeon Guillemots. A few.

Cassin Auklets. A few. Young were found
in burrows by two different investigators.

Tufted Pufiins. Numerous.

Western Gulls. The most abundant species
on the island.

Cormorants, both Brandt and Farallone.
Nests contained half-grown young.

Fulmar. Seen from the boat before reaching
the island.

Bird - Lore

Shearwaters. A flock seen on the return
trip.

Brown Pelicans. Seen from the island.

Ruddy Turnstone. One seen.

Wandering Tattler. Two seen.

Rock Wrens. Numerous.

English Sparrows. Numerous.

Report s from Baumberg, where both
fresh and salt water is abundant, are
dated September 17 and 20, and include
Bonaparte’s Gulls, Farallone Cormorant,
innumerable Pintails in eclipse plumage,
Great Blue Herons, Coot, a few Northern
Phalaropes, about 25 Avocets, 4 Stilts,
30 Dowitchers, a few Sandpipers, about
35 Yellowlegs, and many Killdeer. In addi-
tion to the resident land-birds, on September
20, great aggregations of Violet-Green Swal-
lows were hawking over the marshes or resting
on the telephone wires. A few Barn Swallows
(a species which nests in the region) flocked
with them.

On the Alameda shores Mrs. Kelly reports
the Curlew in diminishing numbers since
mid-August. Dowitchers have not been
abundant at any time; Willets and Godwits
increasingly abundant; Western Sandpipers
augmented by the Least on September 3 and
by the Red-backed on September 1g.
Black-bellied Plover reached their height on
September 19, when too were counted in
separate feeding-places, presenting all phases
of plumage. On August 25 and October 7,
Semi-palmated Plover were seen, and on
September 28, on a sandy beach, 2 Snowy
Plover. The draining of Bay Farm Island is
apparently driving the Clapper Rails to the
outer edges of the island, where Mrs. Kelly
heard 6 on September 3. Forster’s Terns were
first seen on September 23. On the bay,
Northern Phalaropes are numerous near the
piers, and Heermann Gulls mingle with the
other Gulls which follow the boats. On Sep-

ES Sato

tember 16, Mrs. Kelly saw Brown Pelicans }

near the ferry-boats.

Of the land-birds that come in for the
breeding season, Western Flycatchers and
Yellow Warblers were last recorded on
August 31 (Miss Wythe), Black-headed

Grosbeaks on September 9 (Mrs. Allen), —

Russet-backed Thrushes on September 20
(Dr. Storer), Pileolated Warblers on October

= oneal

The Season

4 (in Claremont Canyon, where they are re-
corded earliest in the spring), and Allen
Hummingbirds on October 11 (Mrs. Bogle).

Winter birds were reported on the following
dates: Red-breasted Nuthatch, September 7
(Miss Wythe and Mrs. Allen); Sharp-
shinned Hawk, September 14 (Mrs. Allen);
Cooper Hawk, September 16 (Mrs. Allen);
Intermediate Sparrows, September 22 (Mr.
Storer); Townsend Warbler, September 25
(Miss Wythe); Fox Sparrow, Golden-crowned
Sparrow and Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Sep-
tember 30 (Mrs. Allen); Audubon Warbler
and Golden-crowned Kinglet, October 1
(Miss Wythe); Cedar Waxwing, October 8
(Mrs. Allen); Say’s Phcebe, October 8 (Mrs.
Kibbe); Dwarf Hermit Thrush, October 11
(Mr. Storer); and Varied Thrush, October 12
(Mrs. Allen).

A few of the more unusual birds have been
reported as follows: A Cassin Vireo on the
University Campus on August 23 (Dr.
Grinnell); Western Tanagers, August 20,
September 2 (Mrs. Allen); September 24
(Mrs. Schlesinger); Western Gnatcatcher,
September 7 (Mrs. Allen), October 5 (Mrs.
Bogle); Creeper, September 28 (Mrs. Allen),
October 1 (Miss Wythe); Western Winter
Wren, October 5 (Mrs. Schlesinger); and
White-throated Sparrow, October 12 (Mrs.
Freeborn).—AmetIa S. ALLEN, Berkeley,
Calif.

Los ANGELES REGION.—The efforts of the
Least Terns of Playa del Rey to hold title to
their historic nesting-ground, in the face of
the increasing aggressions of their chief
enemy, man, and his attendant satellites, have
been graphically described in a recent orni-
thological magazine.

On August 13, a half hour was spent by
the writer in watching and counting Least
Terns that were resting on the upper beach.
A few came and went to and from lagoons
and ocean, the number in the flock at rest
varying from 25 to 31, all but three of them
being adult birds. No young were seen on
the wing. Willets were numerous, a large

{ proportion of those seen wearing the plumage

of the young. Western Gulls were accom-
panied by their young.
September 1, Orioles and Black-headed

357

Grosbeaks came for the last time to the
writer’s garden. A bed of blossoming four-
o-clocks in the garden of a member held the
Orioles there until the supply was exhausted
September 16.

September 2, 3, and 4, near Fallbrook, San
Diego County, Lark Sparrows were very
abundant in the fields. A Buzzard’s roost
was located, occupied by about 50 birds. In
the vicinity of Los Angeles, the extension of
agriculture and of buildings into areas for-
merly utilized as pasturage has reduced the
numbers of Buzzards very noticeably. An-
other group, going to San Diego September
2, kept a close watch for Phalaropes, but saw
none. Returning September 4, small flocks of
the Northern Phalaropes were seen scattered
along the coast, aggregating perhaps 50 birds.
Willets, Godwits, Dowitchers, Sanderling
were numerous. One Avocet was seen, and
many flocks of Ferster’s Terns, the first re-
ported this season. Black Terns were seen at
Lake Elsinore, where there were three White
Pelicans. First Ducks of the season were
flying southward over the ocean in large
flocks. A beautiful sight was presented by a
large flock, thought to be Pintails, dropping
from the evening sky into the Santa Ana
River in its still reaches in the lower canyon.

September 3, at the entrance of San
Antonio Canyon two Least Vireos were seen,
one of them singing in the extremely dry and
intensely hot air, with all the ardor of the
springtime.

September was notable for a very distinct
revival of song on the part of a number of
species, Anthony Towhee, Black Phcebe, the
Shrike, Goldfinches, being especially evident.
The brilliance of the Shrike’s September song
was commented on by several individuals.
September 12, in a Pasadena locality, the
writer listened to a mid-morning bird musi-
cale, the chief performers in which were 3
Shrikes, several Mockingbirds, many Green-
backed Goldfinches, and 1 Plain Titmouse.
A Phenopepla was seen but not heard.

September 14. A trip to Bolsa Chica re-
sulted in a list of 30 species, the most note-
worthy being 1 Royal Tern, seen to excellent
advantage resting on a bar with Forster’s
Terns where its identity was evident in bill
and wing tips as well as comparative size:

358

1 Florida Gallinule, 1 Yellowlegs, and 2
Egrets. September 17, 8 adult Heermann
Gulls were noted on a pier at Venice. Others
were apparently fishing rather far out.

September 16, and 21, the song of a Gambel
Sparrow was heard at Echo Park. None
were seen until the 24th, and within the next
two weeks they became common. The
desiccating weather that prevailed at that
time did not appear to hold them back.
September 17, the hottest day of the summer,
with the official temperature 102°, relative
humidity very low and with brush-fires pre-
vailing over many square miles of territory
normally occupied by California Purple
Finches, Mrs. Robert Fargo reports the
appearance in her garden of five individuals
of that species, one male and four females.
She reports that they appeared very weary,
panting visibly with bills open as they perched
on the wires, where they excited the interest
of the House Finches that gathered near
them, affording opportunity for comparison.

September 25, Mrs. F. T. Bicknell reports
seeing a Snowy Egret (Egretia candidissima)
at Playa del Rey. It was under observation,
within easy range of the glasses of three com-
petent people together for a period of about
two hours, and its identity undoubtedly
established.

September 24, Barn Swallows were re-

Bird - Lore

ported gathered in considerable numbers
over shallow ponds in a marshy district on
the coast, where Ducks and Northern
Phalaropes were assembled in hundreds.
September 27, of the Swallows, but two Barn
and one Cliff were seen in a period of four
hours spent at the ponds, in the middle of
the day. Phalaropes were there in very large
flocks, so far as could be ascertained all
being the Northern. An unidentified Hawk
harassed them with frequent attacks.
Waders were numerous, including consider-
able numbers of Yellowlegs. Three Egrets
were seen in the marshes.

September 25, two large flocks of young
Farallone Cormorants were seen near Man-
hattan Beach. Heermann Gulls were numer-
ous and one of the smaller Grebes was listed.

October 5, both the Horned and Eared
Grebes were seen at Playa del Rey. Black-
bellied Plover have been very little in evi-
dence at any time the shore has been visited.
Hudsonian Curlew are now but rare strag-
glers, immense numbers having passed down
our shores in July and August.

Audubon Warblers became numerous
about October 8, and one Ruby-crowned
Kinglet was noted. Western Gnatcatchers
are common in brushy foothill regions.—
Frances B. SCHNEIDER, Los Angeles, Calif.

ANNUAL CONGRESS OF THE

AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’

The fortieth Annual Congress of the
American Ornithologists’ Union convened
in Chicago, October 23 to 26, 1922. It was

the first meeting of the Union to be held in
the Mississippi Valley, and the fact that it
was more largely attended than any pre-
vious meeting indicates that hereafter
Chicago will hold its place in the A. O. U.
itinerary.

The open sessions of the Congress were held
in the public lecture halls of the Field Mu-
seum, which were dedicated on this occasion.
Yor the first time in the history of the Union,
the length of the program necessitated the
holding of simultaneous sessions, Wednesday
morning being devoted to papers and dis-

UNION

cussion on bird-banding, while at the same
time papers on the more technical phases of
ornithology were presented in another room.
This procedure not only made it possible to
present all the papers on the program, but
it allowed time for discussion, often as valu-
able as the papers themselves.

The efforts of the local committee of
arrangements, both in regard to the scientific
and social phases of the Congress, were
eminently successful. The annual dinner and
excursion to the dunes were both memorable,
while the exhibit of paintings and photo-
graphs of birds was such an attractive part
of the program that it may well be made a
regular feature of subsequent congresses.

A ATU My) Po

Re

Annual Congress of the American Ornithologists’ Union

At the business meeting of the Union, held

at the University Club on October 23, Dr.

Arthur A. Allen, of Cornell University,

was

elected to fill the one remaining vacancy in
the list of Fellows; Donald R. Dickey, Alfred
O. Gross, Wharton Huber, Tracy I. Storer,
and John T. Zimmer were made Members,
and 268 Associates were elected. The titles
of papers presented are appended.

ie.

2

20.

20.

. An Eagle Observatory.

. Some Phases of Bird Photography.

. Impressions of

- Selection of Birds

. The Role of the Bird Census.

A Sketch of the Wilson Ornithological Club.
T. L. Hankinson, Ypsilanti, Mich.

The ‘Broken Wing’ Ruse in Mourning Doves.
Mrs. Margaret M. Nice, Norman, Okla.

. Some Observations on Struthious Birds.
W. H. Sheak, Philadelphia, Pa:
. The Home Life of the Chimney Swift. Miss

Althea R. Sherman, National, Iowa.

. Bird Notes from the Tennessee Cumberlands.

Albert F. Ganier, Nashville, Tenn.

. Remarks on Methods of Measuring Birds.

Mrs. E. M. B. Reichenberger, New York
City.

. The Comparative Value of Bird Measure-

ments. [Illustrated by lantern slides.

W. H. Bergtold, Denver, Colo.

. A Contribution to the Home Life and Eco-

nomic Status of the Screech Owl. Illus-
trated by lantern slides. Dr. Arthur A.
Allen, Ithaca, N. Y.

Tilustrated by lantern

slides. Francis H. Herrick, Cleveland,

Ohio.

. Nest-Life of the White-headed Eagle—Late

Phase. [Illustrated by lantern slides.

Francis H. Herrick, Cleveland, Ohio.

. Notes on the Pelicans of the Yellowstone

National Park. Illustrated by lantern
slides. Henry B. Ward, Urbana, Ills.
Tllus-
trated by lantern slides. A. H. Cordier,
Kansas City, Mo.

Arizona. Illustrated by

lantern slides. A.C. Bent, Taunton, Mass.

. What Iowa Is Doing to Promote Bird Study.

George Bennett, Iowa City, Iowa.

for Banding. F. C.
Lincoln, Washington, D. C.

. What can be learned from a Bird Census.

Miss May T. Cooke, Washington, D. C.

Ludlow
Griscom, New York City.

. A few Notes from the Records of the New

England Bird-Banding Association. Mrs.

A. B. Harrington, Lincoln, Mass.

. Methods of Trapping, Experiences or General

Practice of Bird-Banding. W. I. Lyon,

Waukegan, Ills.

Bird-Banding and Bird-Migration at Ros-
sitten on the Baltic Sea. Illustrated by
lantern slides. T. G. Ahrens, Berlin.

Experiments in Bird-Banding. Illustrated

by lantern slides. S. Prentiss Baldwin,
Cleveland, Ohio.

26. Distribution of the Genus Momotus.

30.

33-

34.

38: Notes on Donacobius.

43-

44

. Bird Arrivals in Relation to Sunspots.

36. Laying Cycles in Birds.

. Notes on Off-Shore Atlantic Birds.

. A Summer in

. The Farallones.

. Flamingoes of the Bahamas.

359

. The Great Plains as a Breeding-Ground for

Water-Fowl.
ington, D.C.

Harry C. Oberholser, Wash-

. Present-Day Tendencies and Opportunities

in Ornithology. Witmer Stone, Phila-
delphia, Pa.
. The Sea-Bird Sanctuaries of Texas. Illus-

trated by lantern slides.
Simmons, Austin, Texas.

George Finlay

. The Whitney South Sea Expedition of the

American Museum of Natural History.
Illustrated by lantern slides. Robert
Cushman Murphy, New York City.

Tilus-
trated by maps and lantern slides. Frank
M. Chapman, New York City.

. Further Observations on the Habits and

Behavior of the Herring Gull. Illustrated
by lantern slides. R. M. Strong, Chicago,

Ills.

Tilus-
trated by lantern slides. Ralph De Lury,

Ottawa, Canada.

. The Influences of the Southwestern Deserts

upon the Avifauna of California. A. B.
Howell, Pasadena, Calif.

On a Collection of Birds from the Cape
Verde Islands. Robert Cushman Murphy,
New York City.

. Is Photo-periodism a Factor in Bird Migra-

tion? C. W. G. Eifrig, River Forest, Ills.

. A Possible Mutant in the Genus Buarremon.

Illustrated by maps and specimens. Frank

M. Chapman, New York City.

The Vocal Organs of the Prairie Chicken.
Illustrated by lantern slides. James P.
Chapin, New York City.

The Fundus Oculi of Some South American
Birds and Reptiles. Illustrated by lantern
slides. Casey A. Wood, Chicago, Ills.

. Variations in the Structure of the Aftershaft

and Their Taxonomic Value. W. DeW.

Miller, New York City.

Leon J. Cole,
Madison, Wis.

37. Status and Distribution of Larus fuscus and

Larus cachinnans
New York City.

Jonathan Dwight,

Illustrated by. speci-
Ludlow Griscom, New York City.

do Al

mens.

Nichols, New York City.

Ecuador. Illustrated by
lantern slides. Frank M. Chapman,
New York City.

(Exhibition of film of the
Biological Survey.) W. L. McAtee,
Washington, D. C.

. Familiar Birds and Mammals in Motion

Pictures.
Minn.
A Pre-View of New Brunswick Wild Life in
Motion Pictures. Donald R. Dickey,

Pasadena, Calif.

Thomas S. Roberts, Minneapolis,

(Film loaned
by the Miami Aquarium.) L. A. Fuertes,
Ithaca, New York.

Book Mews and Kebiews

Lire Historres or NortH AMERICAN
PETRELS AND PELICANS AND THEIR
ALLIES, ORDER TUBINARES AND ORDER
STEGANOPODES. By ArTHUR CLEVELAND
BENT. 8vo. xii+343 pages, 60 full-page
half-tones. Bull. 121 U. S. Nat. Mus.,
1922.

The appearance of this, the third of Mr.
Bent’s splendid series of ‘Life Histories,’
indicates that his great undertaking is pro-
gressing as rapidly as all the circumstances
which lie between the field-book and the
printed page permit.

Mr. Bent appears to have drawn on every
available source of information, adding to
the results of his own wide experience the
studies of others. The whole, therefore,
makes a truly adequate summary of our
existing knowledge of the species treated.
We regret that Mr. Bent has departed from
the commendable practice pursued in his
two earlier volumes, of using the nomen-
clature of the current edition of the ‘Check-
List’ of the American Ornithologists’ Union,
rather than that of an unpublished edition
which, at the best, will not see the light for
several years. The object of scientific
nomenclature in popular works is to identify
the birds to which the names in question are
applied, not to reflect the latest fashion in
nomenclature; and this it seems to us can
best be done by using an existing available
standard rather than one which has not yet
appeared. May we also suggest the desir-
ability of including in subsequent volumes
of this notable series fuller reference to those
which have already appeared than is con-
tained in the Introduction to this one.—
ReMi.

Tue Canary Istanps, THerr History,
NATURAL History AND SCENERY. By
Daviy BANNERMAN. 8vo. xvi+365
pages. Colored plates, photographs, and
maps. Gurney and Jackson, 33 Pater-
noster Row, London.

We call the attention of Brrp-Lore readers
to Mr. Bannerman’s work, not because we
believe that any of them expect to visit the
Canary Islands, or are even especially inter-

ested in their birds, but because it presents
in such an admirable, instructive manner the
results of expeditions made primarily for the
study of bird-life but which have resulted
also in obtaining much general information
in regard to the origin of the islands, their
physical characteristics and history.

The whole, therefore, has the combined
value and interest of a general book of travel,
a naturalist’s narrative, and a specialist’s
conclusions in a field where he can speak with
authority. All in all, therefore, Bannerman’s
‘The Canary Islands’ is a model work and
his publishers have given it a most attrac-
tive form.—F. M. C.

The Ornithological Magazines

Tue Avx.—In the October number, ‘A
Study of the Nesting of Mourning Doves,’
by M. M. Nice, is a more or less statistical
statement based on between two hundred
and three hundred nests observed at one
locality in two seasons. It can well serve as
a model for studies of this sort. Intensive
observation of individual nests unquestion-
ably yields results which can be obtained in
no other way, but here, on the other hand,
we gain an idea of how much of interest can
be gleaned by comparison of a wealth of
nests observed. “About a third of the
nests were placed at 1o feet or lower, and
about two-thirds from 12 to 20 feet.” . ..
“About two-thirds of the nests were found
on branches, and one-third in crotches,”
with a preference for crotches in early spring.
“A little more than half’’ of the crotch nests
were successful, but only “‘slightly more than
a fourth” of the branch nests. Building,
material, height, etc., of the nest, use of
other nests, incubation period, number of
eggs, growth of the young, length of time
brooded, length of time they remain in the
nest, etc., are treated, and the article is to
be concluded in an ensuing issue.

A. L. and H. L. Ferguson find that autumn
Hawk flights along the coast at Fishers
Island, N. Y., are correlated with clear.

(360)

?

TE eh ee aaa tie

ie

Book News and Reviews

colder weather and northwest winds. The
Sharp-shinned, the most numerous Hawk in
these flights, unquestionably prefers a north-
west wind, but Pigeon Hawk and Duck
Hawk prefer to fly directly into a southwest
wind. Whittle presents additional data
regarding the ‘Arnold Arboretum’ Mocking-
bird, with a table of the many bird-songs
and calls imitated by it. It seems that a
second Mockingbird, a female, appeared in
the Arboretum just before this remarkable
singer was last authentically noted there,
concluding its almost six years’ residence.
Griscom, ‘Field Studies of the Anatide of
the Atlantic Coast’ (Mergansers and fresh-
water Ducks in this number), will be very
helpful to anyone desirous of identifying
these birds in life. Reading the description
of the diagnostic shape of a flying Pintail,
brings to mind the expressive adjective
‘spidery,’ wherewith Mr. Griscom called the
writer’s attention thereto a number of years
ago. This ‘trick’ word, which would perhaps
have been out of place in a scientific discus-
sion, like the ‘more shapely’ (an expression
from an old bayman) shape of the fresh-
water versus the sea Ducks, has proved very
helpful. Allan Brooks, discussing the habits
of the Bald Eagle in British Columbia, finds
that at times they subsist largely on fish;
at other times are very destructive to game-
and water-birds. The latter they do not
capture in flight, but pursue relentlessly,
until exhausted by diving, and then take
them from the surface of the water.

‘An Arizona Feeding-Table,’ by F. M.
Bailey, gives delightful character sketches
of western birds; in ‘A Visit to Midway
Island,’ Bartsch summarizes species listed
from that locality. This paper, together
with a new Warbler from Southern Annam
described by Riley, give this number of The
Auk a foreign touch. H. F. Lewis, ‘Notes
on Some Labrador Birds,’ listing 36 species,
finds the sea-fowl on this coast less depleted
than has sometimes been supposed, gives a
Labrador record for the European Starling
and Bronzed Grackle, and judges that the
Song Sparrow is extending its range there.
J. D. Corrington lists 112 species of winter
birds from the Gulf coast of Mississippi,
and gives a short ornithological bibliography

361

for the state. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker
is still “uncommon rather than rare” in a
certain wild swamp of considerable area.

In General Notes are various records of
rare occurrences and items of faunal interest,
among them the Wood Ibis at Cape May,
N. J. (Stone), Cerulean Warbler at Wash-
ington, D. C. (a May, 1922, record, and
review of past occurrences about Washington,
M. T. Cooke). G. B. Grinnell records an
observation wherein he “saw a Woodcock
carry off a young one.” While perfectly
convinced of the accuracy of his deductions
in the matter, every circumstance is care-
fully gone over so that the reader also may
judge thereof. This renders the note a
valuable contribution to a subject which is
not new. J. R. Malloch describes a House
Sparrow feeding a nest of young in the
evening in the lighted front of a moving-
picture theatre, on mayflies captured within
the radius of the lights. T. Hallinan writes
of ‘Bird Interference on High-Tension
Electric Transmission Lines.’ E. A. Doo-
little and E. von S. Dingle discuss the
‘defense’ note of Chickadees inside their
nesting-holes. From some familiarity with
the Horned Grebe in life, we would not
consider ‘salmon-bufl’ throat or upper breast
a good criterion for sight identification of that
species in fall and winter, as apparently used
by one of the contributors.—J. T. N.

Book News

Houghton, Mifflin & Co., announce the
early publication of the first volume of Dr.
John C. Phillips’ ‘Natural History of the
Ducks.’ This important monograph will
treat of the Ducks of the world and be fully
illustrated with colored and black and white
plates from drawings by Benson, Brooks,
and Fuertes.

The Illinois Audubon Society (10 South
La Salle Street, Chicago) has issued a pocket
‘Check-List of the Birds of Illinois’ by B. T.
Gault, with Arthur A. Allen’s ‘Key to Birds’
Nests’ (reprinted from Brrp-Lore) which
makes a most convenient field manual.

‘Natural History’ (Vol. XXII, p.235) con-
tains an article by Francis H. Allen on ‘Some
Little Known Songs of Common Birds’

Bird-Lore

A Bi-Monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES
Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Contributing Editor, MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Published by D. APPLETON & CO.

Vol. XXIV Published December 1, 1922 No. 6

SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Price in the United States, one dollar and fiftv cents a year;
outside the United States, one dollar and seventy-five cents,
postage paid.

COPYRIGHTED, 1922, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Bird-Lore’s Motto:
A Bird in the Bush Is Worth Two in the Hand

IN a preceding number of Birp-Lore a
brief comparison was made of the life and
works of J. A. Allen and John Burroughs,
two nature-lovers who, with essentially
similar boyhoods and ancestral backgrounds,
developed on wholly different lines. The
death of W. H. Hudson arouses a desire to
find his place in this notable trio of natural-
ists. It has been said that Hudson was the
product of his environment, but if by this
is meant that his interest in nature was the
outcome of his early life on the Argentine
pampas, the remark is far from the truth.

Like Allen and Burroughs, Hudson was
born a nature-lover. Like them, also, he
had brothers who were strangers to his
His New England mother (for
America may share with England pride in
Hudson’s achievements) alone seemed to
understand his sympathy with birds, trees,
and flowers, which without other encourage-
ment, grew with his growth.

Living in a country whose birds were little
known, he became, for a time, a collecting
naturalist.

tastes.

Hundreds of specimens prepared
by him are contained in our museums.
Among a group on which we are now working,
for example, we find three specimens col-
lected by Hudson at Conchitas, about
fifteen miles east of Buenos Aires in 1868.

This phase of Hudson’s life ended with the
publication (in conjunction with P. L.
Sclater) of his ‘Argentine Ornithology.’
Thereafter it was the sentiment rather than
the science of bird-life to which he gave
expression, and his subsequent publications,

Bird -

Lore

like those of Burroughs, were of the literary
rather than of the technical naturalist.

In their attitude toward nature, Hudson
and Burroughs had much in common. Their
differences were primarily those of tempera-
ment. Hudson’s was the more sensitive
nature and his greater introspectiveness was
occasioned by a shyer, more retiring dispo-
sition. Burroughs’ friends were a legion;
Hudson had comparatively few, not because
he was self-sufficient, as we imagine Thoreau
may have been, but rather because he found
few persons with whom he had real affinity.

To say that Hudson was not the product
of his early environment does not imply
that he was not profoundly influenced by
it, for he was, and he continued to be through-
out his life. Had Hudson remained in
Argentina it seems doubtful if his powers
would have reached that measure of develop-
ment which placed him in the first rank of
the writers of his day. But when in his
young manhood he left Argentina for
England he carried with him a surprising
store of experiences the memory of which,
as his youth receded, became increasingly
dear and vivid. These mental pictures,
idealized by the lapse of years, formed a
background against which he viewed much
of his subsequent life. We wonder whether
Hudson had his boyhood on the pampas in
mind when in ‘A Traveller of Little Things’
(1921) he wrote: “If we see a thing once or
several times we see it ever after as we first
saw it; if we go on seeing it every day or
every week for years and years, we do not
register a countless series of new distinct
impressions, recording all its changes; the
new impressions fall upon and obliterate the
others and it is like a series of photographs,
not arranged side by side for future inspec-
tion, but ina pile, the top one alone remaining
visible.”

Hudson reveals himself most fully in his
autobiographical ‘Far Away and Long Ago.’
Written more than three score years after
the events recorded in it occurred, it is a
series of mental photographs, surprising in
their detail, “arranged side by side.” For

keen self analysis of an exceptionally respon- —

sive, sympathetic nature, we commend
especially his chapter on ‘Animism.’

OP eae

Che Audubon Societies

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by A. A. ALLEN, Ph.D.

Address all communications relative to the work of this
department to the Editor, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y

BIRD WALKS

On Christmas Day, or the day after, hundreds of observers will take to the
woods and fields in search of birds. From Nova Scotia to British Columbia
and from Florida to California, groups of bird-lovers will be seen starting out
with field-glasses in hand to make Brrp-Lore’s annual bird census. First
suggested by Dr. Chapman in 1900, the Christmas Bird Census has come to
international fame, and the pages of the January Brrp-Lore, where the various
lists are reported, are eagerly scanned by bird-lovers the world over. Reports
from the West Indies, South America, and Europe often arrive in time to be
printed. Even in far-off Australia there will be interested bird students in
the field who would love to exchange their lists and their observations with
others on this side of the globe.

The bird-walk has become a delightful and wholesome practice, giving
enjoyment to the most experienced ornithologists as well as those learning
their first birds. At the same time, it helps to assemble records of considerable
scientific value. The Christmas Bird Census, for several reasons, produces
records of greater accuracy and, therefore, of greater scientific value than simi-
lar records made at other times of the year, but for the enjoyment of the
observer, a census taken during the spring migration, among the nesting birds
of summer, or with the drab birds of fall is equally interesting. Indeed, com-
petition among observers during the spring, to secure the longest list of birds
ona single walk, often ranges high, and the bird-walks become correspondingly
exciting. It has never seemed advisable to print such lists in Brrp-Lore, but
for the compilation of a local list of birds to show which species occur in a
given region, where and when they are found, such records are invaluable.
Summaries of several years’ observations at a given place are often printed in
The Auk*, a journal with which all serious bird students should become
acquainted. Bird students in the Middle West should likewise become familiar
with the Wilson Bulletin} and those of the West with The Condor.{

School teachers who start their bird-study with the Christmas or New

*The Auk—Organ of the American Ornithologists’ Union. Quarterly. Each volume contains about 500 pages,
a number of half-tones and, occasionally, colored plates. Subscription, $4 per annum (free to members of the
A. O. U.). Address, 1939 Biltmore St., Washington, D. C.

+Wilson Bulletin—Quarterly. Organ of the Wilson Ornithological Club. Each volume contains about 225
pages and a number of half-tones. Annual subscription, $1.50 (free to members of the W. O. C.). Address, Oberlin,
Ohio.

tThe Condor—Organ of the Cooper Ornithological Club. Bimonthly. Each volume contains about 250
pages and numerous half-tones. Annual subscription $2 (free to members of the C.O. C.) Address, Pasadena, Calif.

(363)

364 Bird - Lore

Year’s bird-walk derive sufficient impetus from it to assure the interest of their
pupils for the rest of the year. Of course, this is the period of school vacation,
but for just that reason the children are freer to spend more time in the field.
A school or class competition can be inaugurated to find the most winter birds,
either in a single day or during the entire vacation. The combined lists of all
will then form the start for a school bird calendar (see Brrp-Lorre, March,
1920) which will maintain interest until the summer vacation.

For the benefit of any who cannot get out into the woods and fields them-
selves, or for those who wish to refresh their memories or those of their school
children on the winter birds and where to look for them, the Editor of this
department of Brrp-Lore will outline the bird-walk which he, himself, takes
each Christmas or New Year’s Day. The birds which he sees in central New
New York state will not be exactly the same as those which his friends in the
South or West will see; there will even be some differences in the Middle West,
but the winter birds are remarkably uniform throughout the northern states,
varying chiefly in relative abundance.—A. A, A.

A CHRISTMAS WALK WITH BIRDS

It is a gray morning, the day after Christmas. Ever so lightly the feathery
snow crystals drift downward and falter as they meet the branches of the
mulberry tree by the window. But it is cold; they do not cling to the branches,
but sift down to join their fellows in a quilt inches deep on the lawn and on the

“MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. CHICKADEE”
Photographed by A. A. Allen

The Audubon Societies 365

feeding-shelf at the window. The birds’ ‘Christmas tree’ is well laden, but a
rift in the smooth snow blanket covering the shelf shows where an early Junco
has been scratching for the seeds that he has learned to expect so regularly.
We hasten to sweep away the snow and scatter fresh ‘chick-feed’ for the
Juncos and Tree Sparrows and sunflower seeds for the Chickadees and Nut-
hatches. We brush off the suet holder on uke DESH stub at one a o the
shelf, only to find that it must
be replenished for the hungry
Woodpeckers. We get a dough-
nut from the pantry and hunt
for an old pancake to put out
for the Blue Jays. Our bird-
walks always begin at home and
the more birds we can see while
at breakfast, the longer our list
will be, and this is the day for
the Christmas Bird Census. The
celebrations for the kiddies the
day before prevented our going
on Christmas day, and we have
set aside the 26th for a good
old-fashioned hike across the
fields and through the woods.
What an ideal day we have
for a walk! The snow stops fall-
ing while we are at breakfast
and the air clears until the dis-
tant hills are once more visible.
Fortunately, clouds still veil the
sun and we will not have the
discomfort of its bright light re-
flected from the snow to our
eyes. Were we hunting spring
birds, we would have started
soon after daylight, but the ~~
winter birds do not become ac- TREE SPARROW _
tive until the sun is well above Soe eae
the horizon and from then on they remain active throughout the day.
Before breakfast is over, our bird-list is well started. The Chickadees
announce the arrival of the first troop by their tinkling conversational notes
and a scolding chick-a-dee-dee. The yank-yank of a Nuthatch tells us that he
is close by, and the sharp Robin-like call of a Hairy Woodpecker proclaims
that he will have his breakfast of suet before the Downy this morning. Soon

366 Bird - Lore

our window cafeteria is in full swing, and we can scarcely keep’ the children
at the table, so anxious are they to climb to the broad window-sill and look
into the beady black eyes of the hungry birds. The sunflower seeds seem to be
the first choice of the Chickadees, and although there are plenty scattered
over the shelf, and there are a dozen Chickadees and Nuthatches about, it is
seldom that more than one comes to the shelf at a time. Sometimes a Chickadee
hops to the edge of the shelf with a seed in his bill and, after tucking it under
both feet, proceeds to hammer it open. At such times others will sneak in
behind him and carry off the seeds, but more often they wait and each takes
his turn. The Nuthatches are thrifty and believe in laying up a store against
the time when the cafeteria proprietors may close the doors, and so, grasping
two or three seeds at once, they fly to the elm and tuck them into the crevices
of the bark. At first, when they are hungry, they hammer them open, but soon
they are content to carry and hide and hide and carry. Last spring one of the
seeds that had been hidden in the bark during the winter germinated and
produced quite a sizable plant before it died from lack of nourishment. The
little Chickadees are also provident, and they find the tiniest crevices in twigs
and weed-stems in which to hide their seeds.

Next comes the old Hairy Woodpecker. With a swoop he lands on the far
side of the suet stub, and, with a flirt of his head, looks first to one side and then
to another. If anything alarms him, he clings, immovable as though frozen,
to the bark, but if all is safe, he sidles around the stub with short hops until his
full profile is visible to us. Then, after another pause, he climbs jerkily up to
the suet which we have arranged on the window side of the stub. There is no
difficulty in distinguishing the Hairy from the Downy at this distance, for the
pure white outer tail-feathers are quite distinct and his larger size is very
appreciable. Later on we may have some trouble when we see the bird at a
distance too great to see the tail-feathers or to judge the size. Just to remind
us of the great diflerence in size along comes the Downy and alights on the
opposite side of the stub, and when we have them both together we wonder
why anyone ever confuses them.

Next comes the Tree Sparrow, and he settles down in one spot on the shelf
and proceeds to gorge himself on the cracked wheat and millet. Even the
children know it is a Tree Sparrow for, as it faces the window, the single dark
spot on its plain fluffy breast shows very distinctly. The chimp-chimp of a
Song Sparrow in the hedge and the distant jay-jay of a Blue Jay tell us that
other visitors will soon be coming, but it is high time we started on our walk.

We plan our course so as to cover as diverse types of country as possible,
following up our ravine until we come to the open fields, then along hedge-rows
and past the old orchard to the sugar-bush, through the sugar-bush to the
hemlock woods, and then down to the frozen swamp and the lake-shore. The
crisp air adds zest to our steps, and we are glad that there are no birds to stop
us until we get warmed up. It seems that all the birds of the ravine have

eT

The Audubon Societies 367

gathered about our feeding-station, for we hear not another sound until we
surmount the hill and come to the open fields. Then a rolling twitter overhead
attracts our attention and we see a little cloud of Snow Buntings swirling
over, their white breasts and broad white patches in their wings giving them
the appearance of a veritable snow-flurry. The illusion is heightened when,
with a broad sweep, they wheel and settle down on an adjacent field where we
can see other dark-colored birds feeding among the weeds that project above
the snow. There were several darker birds among the Buntings and we hasten
on in the hope of discovering some of the rare Lapland Longspurs that some-
times stray into our part of the country with the Buntings. We are doomed to

PRAIRIE HORNED LARKS—MALE AND FEMALE
Photographed by Verdi Burtch

disappointment, however, for when we sneak up behind the old rail-fence and
get our glasses on the flock, we discover that they are Horned Larks. The
Prairie Horned Lark is the common one with us, though occasionally the
eastern ‘Shore Lark’ visits us in winter, and so we scan the flock very carefully
to see if some of the birds are not yellower above and behind the eye. There is
much difference in the amount of yellow on the throat of the birds we are
watching but this is apparently indicative only of age or sex. They are all
gray above and behind the eye, and we have to be content to add but two species
to our list. The Snow Buntings, likewise, show considerable variation in the
amount of brown on their heads and backs, though none of them is as distinctly
black and white as all will be in the spring when the brown veiling of the
feathers wears off. They are rather erratic in their movements and suddenly,
without the slightest warning, as though by some innate understanding, the
whole flock of Buntings and Larks brisks off, mingling their twitters and
sharp tse-tse notes.

We continue down the fence-row and soon hear the convivial notes of a

368 Bird - Lore

flock of Tree Sparrows feeding about the weeds and briars at the edge of a
little run. They are always cheerful, and even on this gray morning indulge in
little snatches of canary-like song expressive of their good will, though far from
the varied strains that they will take back to Hudson’s Bay with them next
April. On the opposite side of the little gully are some alders, and just as we
discover a flock of small, dark-colored birds feeding on the catkins, they are
off with an excited chatter that pronounces them Redpolls. Why they should

A WINTER ROBIN FINDING FOOD ON THE SUMACH, “THE
TREE OF LAST RESORT”
Photographed by A. A. Allen

be so wild at this time of the year when they are so tame in the spring, I have
yet to discover, and my fondest hopes of discovering Greater Redpolls or
Hoary Redpolls among them are always shattered by having them depart thus
wildly before I can get a good look at them. We write down just plain ‘Redpoll’
and continue to think that some looked larger and some much lighter colored
than the rest and wonder if after all, all three subspecies were not represented
in the flock.

Now we come to the old orchard. A few frozen apples still cling to the
trees, and we hope to find a flock of Cedar Waxwings or at least a few Starlings

The Audubon Societies 369

but luck is not with us. Even the hollow tree that has always sheltered a
Screech Owl stands empty. A sharp call from a thick patch of sumac at one
side of the orchard, however, gives us a start. It has such a familiar sound,
yet one that we have not heard for so long that at first we do not recognize our
old friend ‘Cock Robin.’ All his relatives left over a month ago, but this daring
bird had apparently determined to brave the winter and eke out his living from
the sumac bobs, the frozen apples, and the blue berries of the red cedars which
cover a sheltered hillside just beyond. His red breast is veiled by the gray
tips of the feathers, and he is by no means the tame, confiding, and conspicuous
bird that frequents our lawns during
spring and summer. Indeed, we get but a
glimpse of him as he darts off through the
thicket; he is wilder than the Redpolls.

The hillside covered with junipers
yields us nothing new, though it is
crossed and recrossed by the tracks of
a cock Pheasant and at least two hens.
Molly Cottontail has apparently played
tag here with several of her friends,
though most of the tracks are con-
cealed by the snow of the early morn-
ing. So, we continue on to the woods
beyond and soon are scanning the trunks
of the maples for the owner of the shrill
sibilant voice that we heard as we climbed
the fence. It sounded like a Brown
Creeper but since Golden-crowned King-
lets and even Chickadees have notes
which are quite similar, we search until
we find our bird. At last a flake of bark
apparently flips off from the trunk of a big
maple, 30 feet from the ground, and sails

: A BROWN CREEPER ATTRACTED BY
down to the base of an adjacent tree, surr FROM HIS HOME IN THE OAK

and we know that we have found the GROVE TO THIS STUB BY THE WINDOW

5 Photographed by A. A. Allen
Creeper. Upward he goes on his never-

ending search for insects, spiralling around the trunk and never stopping.
We station ourselves near an adjacent tree in the direction in which he
seems to be trending, and, sure enough, after spiralling nearly to the top of
his tree, he glides down to the base of the tree where we are standing, barely
missing us in passing. Either he has become near-sighted from “keeping his
nose to the grindstone” or else he is lacking in fear or common sense, for he
pays not the slightest attention to us but continues on his spiral course almost
within arm’s length. He is not alone, we soon realize, for we hear the notes of

370 Bird - Lore

three or four others which seem to be following through the woods in the same
general direction. Apparently they are tagging a little flock of Nuthatches and
Chickadees and Downy Woodpeckers that have already passed by and whose
notes we can hear in the direction in which the Creepers are moving. They

A WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL RESTING

BETWEEN HIS ATTEMPTS TO EAT SUET

AS HE WOULD THE SEEDS OF CONIFERS
Photographed by A. A. Allen

are traveling toward a stand of hem-
lock, a likely place for other birds,
so we follow also.

Beneath the hemlocks the snow is
covered with small cones from the
branches above. Squirrels or birds
have been having quite a repast, but
apparently, all is quiet now. We
search the branches in vain and are
about to decide that the red squirrels
are responsible for the cones when
a cheeping sound at the far side of
the grove attracts our attention. We
hasten to that side just in time to see
a flock of a dozen or more dark
Sparrow-like birds hastily leaving
the higher branches. They swing to-
gether into a compact flock, making
a clicking sound as they go, and are
apparently bound for distant parts,
when, suddenly, they swing on the
arc of a big circle and are back in to
the same tree almost as suddenly as
they left. Now we get a good look at
them as they crawl along the branches
and we discover that they are
White-winged Crossbills. Most of
them are greenish females or im-

mature birds but several are dull red males. We watch them as they snip off
the small cones; and then, holding them upside down beneath their feet, insert
their curiously crossed bills and with their tongues scoop out the seeds that
lie in the axils of the scales. At times they are silent but again they indulge
in excited chippering or in plaintive cheeps. They seem not the least bit afraid
of us but all of a sudden they are off, like the Redpolls.—A. A. A.

(To be continued)

QUESTIONS
1. Do you feed the winter birds at your window? If not, why not?
2. What food would you supply for Juncos. Tree Sparrows, Nuthatches, Chickadees.

Woodpeckers, Blue Jays?

The Audubon Societies 371

3. Where would you look for Snow Buntings and Horned Larks? What is their natural
food?

4. How different are the Snow Buntings during winter and summer? How does this
change take place?

5. Where would you look for Tree Sparrows and how would you recognize them?

6. Where would you look for Redpolls? Describe one of their calls.

7. What birds feed upon frozen apples?

8. How do Robins differ in winter and summer? Where are most of the Robins during
the winter? ;

g. Where would you look for Brown Creepers, what do they look like, and how could you
recognize them from their habits?

to. Where would you look for Crossbills? How do they get their food?

FOR YOUNG OBSERVERS
BIRD-STUDY IN AUSTRALIA

A letter from Mr. Charles Barrett, the Editor of Pals, an Australian
nature magazine, tells us of the deep interest which boys and girls in Australia
are now taking in the study of birds and of their interest in America’s activities
on behalf of birds. He has sent us a list of boys and girls in Australia who
would like to correspond with others in this country about their experiences
with birds. It seems to us like such an unusual opportunity for our boys and
girls to hear about a wonderful region at first hand, where the birds are so
different and yet so like our own, that we are going to publish the list of names
in Brrp-Lore. We feel confident that there are many bird-lovers among our
young readers who would enjoy such correspondence and we do not hesitate
to recommend to teachers that they encourage their pupils to write such letters.
The letters might well be counted as English or geography lessons.

Mr. Barrett likewise suggests that if we will forward the names of young
Americans who would like to correspond with bird-lovers in Australia and
New Zealand, he will be glad to publish their names in his magazine. If there
are any boys and girls who hesitate to take the initiative in writing to any of the
names here published and would prefer to have their names published over
there, if they will send them to the Editor of this Department, he will see that
they get to the Editor of Pals.

LIST OF CORRESPONDENTS

Epitu M. Gurr, 224 McKillop Street, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

JoserH B. Raymonp, Camp Hill, Forbes, New South Wales, Australia.

REGINALD VICKERY, Post Office Box 55, Cunnamulla, Queensland, Australia.

Keita R. V. MacAnpreEw, 70 Cambell Street, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.
R. J. Moy, 26 Joseph Street, Ballarat East, Victoria, Australia.

Artuur G. Trist, Wick Street, Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia.

H. Wutre, Moore Street, Rochester, Victoria, Australia.

Artuur H. F. O'NEILL, State School, Costerfield, Victoria, Australia.”

Gerap J. Ryan. “Sunnyside.”’ Gordon. Victoria Australia

372 Bird - Lore

Aan VolIsey, Nambucca Street, Macksville, New South Wales. Australia.

I. Morton Trotter, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia.

Ernest McKay, Main Drain, Koo-Wee-Rup, Victoria, Australia.

A. H. Smout, Gladstone Road, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

James Brittincuam, “Booroolla,’ Wee Waa, New South Wales, Australia.

T. E. Dewar, 149 Beaconsfield Road, Croxton, Victoria, Australia.

D. Axins, Main Street, Stawell, Victoria, Australia.

R. H. Extis, Othello,” 92 Story Street, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
BERNARD CHAPMAN, “Osborne House,” Osborne Grove. Preston, Victoria, Australia.

A WINTER HIKE

One day in December, when the ground was covered with snow, Mother,
Victor, and I went on a hike. We went down to Song Sparrow Valley. We
named this valley after the Song Sparrows because there were so many there
last summer.

As we were walking along the creek, a male and female Redpoll flew right
in front of us and lighted in the snow. The tops of their heads were red. They
were grayish birds and lighter beneath. The male had a rosy breast with dark
streaks. The female had dark streaks on her breast but no red.

We walked up the creek a little farther and then we saw a flock of Redpolls
feeding on weed seeds, and how they did twitter as they fed! As we went
along two Blue Jays flew over the creek and we heard a Crow cawing. We
saw a Downy Woodpecker and we flushed a Partridge, and on the snow we
could see many Bob-white and Prairie Chicken tracks.

These are the birds we have learned this winter—the Redpoll, the Evening
Grosbeak, the Bohemian Waxwing, and the Snow Bunting.—Lipa Hopson
(age 9 years), Anoka, Minn.

RESCUING A SLATE-COLORED JUNCO

We had a heavy snowstorm on April 16 and 17. The snow was 3 to 4 feet
deep. When I went out on the porch Saturday morning I found a Slate-
colored Junco there. I took it into the house and gave it some crumbs and
water. It ate the crumbs and drank some of the water. It had no tail. The
next morning I let the little bird go. On Monday it came back. It sat on our
door-step again. Then I put crumbs out; it took some of the crumbs and flew
away.—Miton Diamonp (age ro years, Form III), Milwaukee, Wis.

{Perhaps Milton maintains a feeding-table for birds regularly now and saves the lives
of many birds. Birds always come back, as did this Junco, when they find food and are
kindly treated. Perhaps this Junco will come back to the door-step again next April. In
January, 1921, the Editor placed aluminum bands on the legs of three Tree Sparrows
which came to his food-shelf. In January of 1922 he recaptured all three of them in the
same Sparrow trap set below the same food-shelf.—A. A. A.]

The Audubon Societies B75

HOW ROBINS GIVE PLEASURE TO MILWAUKEE BOYS

A ROBIN’S NEST

One May morning I went into the yard to see if I could find any birds’
nests. I soon came upon a nest in a bush only about 5 feet from the ground
It was made of mud, dried grass, and horse hair. A Robin flew into it. A few
days later there were four blue eggs in the nest. I watched the nest every day
and soon there were four little Robins in it. They were very ugly looking
because they did not have any feathers. I took worms and bread crumbs
every day and laid them somewhere near the nest. The mother bird would
get them and feed her babies, until at last they flew away from the nest. |
saw them almost every day after that somewhere around the house——TEpDDy
Bancs (Form V), Milwaukee, Wis.

MOVING A ROBIN’S NEST

We are building a new house in the country and a Robin had built a nest
above the door of a closet. When the plasterers wanted to plaster there were
little Robins in the nest. While the mother Robin was away from the nest the
plasterers took it down and put it under a bush out-of-doors. When I came
out to look at our house after school the mother was looking for her young.
I saw her and dug some worms. When I came near the nest the young Robins
would open their mouths so I dropped some worms in. The next time I went
into the country I saw the mother Robin feeding her babies in the nest under
the bush.—LupincTon Patron (Form V), Milwaukee, Wis.

A CLOSE VIEW OF A ROBIN

One afternoon in May I was reading ‘The Boys of ’76’ in my yard. I was
so interested that I sat perfectly quiet. After reading for some time I raised
my eyes just a tiny bit and saw an immense Robin very near to me. It had
just rained and there were a great many worms about and the Robin was busy
eating them. He did not see me and I watched him until he got within 2 inches
of my foot. Then a dog came and scared him away.—Jack Kexiocc (Form V),
Milwaukee, Wis.

[These boys’ experiences with Robins clearly indicate how even the commonest birds
will give pleasure to anyone who will observe them closely.—A. A. A.|

A HINT TO BIRD-STUDY CLUBS

Officers of Bird Clubs who find difficulty in securing suitable papers for
their meetings will do well to consult the Annual Booklet of the Hartford
(Conn.) Bird Study Club, for the season of 1922-23. From September 16,
1922, to June 16, 1923, this Club plans to hold 47 meetings and the program
for each one is announced in this publication.

Che Audubon Societies

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by T. GILBERT PEARSON, President

Address all correspondence, and send all remittances, for dues and contributions, to
the National Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York City.
Telephone, Columbus 7327

T. Grrpert Pearson, President

THEODORE S. PALMER, First Vice-President
Freperic A. Lucas, Second Vice-President

Wiriam P. WHarTon, Secretary
JonatHaNn Dwicut, Treasurer

SamueEL T. Carrer, Jr., Attorney

Any person, club, school or company in sympathy with the objects of this Association may become

a member of it, and all are welcome.

Classes of Membership in the National Association-of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild

Birds and Animals:

$5 annually pays for a Sustaining Membership

$100 paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000 constitutes a person a Patron

$5,000 constitutes a person a Founder

$25,000 constitutes a person a Benefactor

Form or Bequest:—I do hereby give and bequeath to the National Association of Audubon
Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals (Incorporated), of the City of New York.

EIGHTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING

On the night of October 30, the first session
of the eighteenth annual meeting of the
National Association of Audubon Societies
was held in the American Museum of Nat-
ural History, New York City. The President
welcomed the members, friends, and visiting
delegates, and reported on some of the larger
results of the year’s activities. Following
this he spoke on bird-protection in Europe
and America. His remarks were illustrated
with colored slides made from photographs
by him and others while on a trip to Europe
last spring. Ernest Thompson Seton ad-
dressed the meeting on the ‘New Era in Wild
Life.” He referred to the generally accepted
fact that the large wild game animals of the
world are due to ultimate extinction, with
the exception of those species that may be
preserved on the scattered reservations. He
also told some wild-bird and animal stories
in the entertaining manner for which he has
long been famous.

Dr. Frank M. Chapman spoke on ‘Bird
Photography Past and Present.’ Dr. Chap-
man was one of the very first naturalists in
this country to teach the lessons of natural
history by means of the camera, and his
notable achievements in this direction many

years ago exerted a large influence in devel-
oping the great interest in wild-life photog-
raphy which exists today. He showed
colored slides made from a number of his
early attempts, and some of these dealing
with Flamingoes of the Bahama Islands
would be regarded as marvelous bird pictures
had they been made only yesterday. His
address was followed by two reels of new
motion pictures by William L. and Irene
Finley. These revealed intimate and humor-
ous scenes in the life history of the ‘Opos-
sum,’ ‘Barn Owl,’ Gray Fox,’ ‘Water Ouzel,’
and other forms of western wild life.

The business meeting was called to order
in the Academy Room of the Museum at 10
o’clock, on the morning of October 31. The
Association was formally welcomed by Dr.
Frederick A. Lucas, Director of the American
Museum of Natural History. William P.
Wharton, and Dr. Frank M. Chapman, whose
terms as officers of the Board of Directors had
expired, were re-elected for the term of five
years. Twenty-nine members of the Ad-
visory Board were all re-elected, the vacancy
caused by the death of Howard Eaton being
filled by the election of George Finley
Simmons of Austin. Texas

(374)

Pa ry 64

a

The Audubon Societies

The reports of the President, Treasurer,
and Auditing Committee were presented and
afterward discussed by Dr. Theodore S.
Palmer, of Washington, and others. Verbal
reports of the following field agents were then
given: Herbert K. Job, Miss Frances A.
Hurd, E. H. Forbush, Arthur H. Norton,
Mary S. Sage, and Winthrop Packard. The
President called for members of affiliated
organizations to arise and state their names,
and indicate the societies or clubs they repre-
sented. The muster roll was responded to as
follows: Groton (Mass.) Bird Club, Mr. and
Mrs. William F. Wharton; District of
Columbia Audubon Society, Dr. and Mrs.
T. S. Palmer; New Haven Bird Club,
Herbert K. Job; Massachusetts Audubon
Society, Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop Packard;
Connecticut Audubon Society and Westport
Nature Club, Frances A. Hurd; Massachu-
setts State Grange’s Committee on Protec-
tion of Wild Birds, Mrs. E. O. Marshall;
Cumberland County Audubon Society,
Arthur H. Norton; New England Bird-
Banding Association, E. H. Forbush; New
Jersey Audubon Society, Newark Bird Club,
and Englewood Bird Club, Beecher S.
Bowdish; Los Angeles (Calif.) Audubon
Society, Mrs. William Clarke Brown; Audu-
bon Society of Irvington-on-Hudson (N. Y.),
Mrs. George Cummings; Montclair (N. J.)
Bird Club, R. H. Howland; Long Island
Bird Club, Robert Cushman Murphy; Rhine-
beck (N. Y.) Bird Club, Maunsel S. Crosby.

375

It was found that representatives of some
other affliated clubs who were present the
evening before had not yet arrived in the hall.
At 12.30 the meeting adjourned to the front
of the Museum where a photograph was taken
by a representative of the Photo News
Service of New York. All then repaired to
the Mitla Restaurant for luncheon as guests
of the Association.

At 2 o’clock the usual educational con-
ference was held, under the leadership of
Edward H. Forbush, and animating discus-
sions occupied the time until a late hour.
Many gathered at the Endicott Hotel for
dinner at 7 o’clock. In the afternoon there
was also held a meeting of the Board of
Directors at which there were present: Mr.
Pearson, Dr. Palmer, Dr. Chapman, Dr.
Lucas, Mrs. Wright, Miss Meyer, Dr.
Murphy, Dr. Dwight, Mr. Wharton, and
Mr. Carter, the Counselor.

The budget for the coming year was worked
out and adopted. J. D.,Corrington of the
University of South Carolina was added to
the list as field agent. The officers were all
re-elected for the coming year. Report was
made by the counsel on the securities of the
Endowment Fund. The Board was in session
most of the afternoon.

These annual meetings are always the
occasions for the getting together of workers
in the field of wild-bird and animal protec-
tion, and they are greatly enjoyed by those
who find it possible to be present.

REPORT OF THE SCRANTON (PA.) BIRD CLUB

Under the excellent leadership of its presi-
dent, Mrs. Francis Hopkinson Coffin, the
Club has had a most profitable year in
keeping before the people of Scranton the
necessity of a real interest in birds and their
protection. We had attractive exhibits at
the expositions of the Scranton Industrial
Society and of the Scranton Florists’ Asso-
ciation, giving out on the occasion specially
prepared pamphlets which had been compiled
by Mrs. Coffin.

To increase the interest among small chil-
dren there was the Birds’ Christmas Tree
festivity, given by the Juniors, which has

become an annual affair under the special
supervision of Miss Elizabeth Rice and Miss
Helen Hay. As usual, a Christmas Day
Census was conducted by the president of the
Club. Weekly bird-study classes were held
during January and February. The large
enrollment and the high average attendance
proved the popularity of these classes. The
Club is most grateful to the special Club
members and to the Merit Badge Scouts for
their valuable assistance on the program and
to R. N. Davis, particularly, for so success-
fully carrying on the classes for a period of
six weeks.

376 Bird

In March, under the auspices of the Bird
Club, Henry Oldys gave an illustrated lecture
before a crowded auditorium. According to
the Club’s custom, early morning walks,
under well-chosen leaders, were conducted
during the spring migration period. The
growing interest in the opportunity for bird-
study, afforded by these walks, was very

GOURDS FOR

Many a bird has looked up in surprise at
the house tendered to him by kindly hands,
but which carried the suggestion of artistic
design to a point beyond taste on the part
of the bird.

Some years ago, when in the South, I
observed that many people successfully
attracted Martins by hanging up a group of
bottle-gourds in which holes of the proper
size had been cut. Some of these gourds were
brought north and hung about in the trees
on my country place in Stamford, Conn. It
was at once apparent that birds seemed to
recognize the gourd as natural objects and
seemingly chose these in preference to any of
my other bird-houses, even the ones which
had been disguised with bark and branches.

My first experience in raising gourds at
Stamford resulted in practical failure. The
vines were grown upon trellises and given
ordinary care and attention in ordinary soil.
The fruits matured so late that frost nipped
most of them and the ones which developed a
sufficiently hard shell to serve for houses were,
for the most part, too small for anything
excepting wrens and chickadees. In the
following year I started gourds in pots in the
coldframe in order to give them a longer
fruiting season, but still did not succeed in
getting fruits like those which grew in
gentler climes.

My final method is successful. A gourd
vine is a pig for nourishment. Well-drained
soil seems to be essential and this prepared
in the previous autumn by burying manure,
garbage, or leaf-mold where the gourds are
to grow. In the spring seeds are planted in
rather large pots and started in the coldframe
so that the young plants are well under way
by the time when it is safe to set them out,

- Lore

evident by the large registration. The week
of May 15 was the crowning one when, for
the entire week, the morning and afternoon
walks were conducted by Henry Oldys whom
the Club had engaged for one week’s activi-
ties in the interest of our members and
our bird friends.—( Miss) ELEANOR P. JoneEs,
Secretary.

BIRD HOUSES

about the second week in May, after all
danger of late frost has passed.

Transplanting is done without disturbing
the gourds, by gently tapping the pots until
earth and plant come out in one mass, which
is then planted in the rich ground. The
plants may be trained along walls or may be
set in a circle along a framework of bean
poles arranged wigwam style. Fences may be
employed also for gourd vines which are
wonderful climbers, a single plant sometimes
exceeding 4o feet in length and with side
branches amounting in all to perhaps 100
feet of vine per plant.

There are many varieties of gourds but the
bottle gourd and the dipper gourd types are
the ones which I have found best up to the
present time. Seeds may be obtained from
any dealer in garden seeds. For the best
effect it is well to keep the ground about the
plant well cultivated and properly watered or
mulched. The gourds to be used for bird-
houses will vary in sizes from those suitable
for Wrens, Chickadees, Bluebirds, Nut-
hatches, Martins, and Great Crested Fly-
catchers, up to the sizes suitable for Flickers,
Screech Owls, Barred Owls and Wood Ducks.

When preparing gourds for bird-houses
they may be first set in a dry place in the
barn until wintertime. A hole is then cut in
each gourd, of the size for the sort of bird to
which the house is to be offered. Seeds and
other contents of the interior of the gourd
are scooped out through the hole, leaving
only a hard shell. It is essential to make a
small drill hole in the bottom of each gourd
in order to allow rain-water to escape. Sus-
pension is made after drilling a hole in the
top of the gourd which will allow the intro-
duction of a copper wire. This copper wire

:
4

The Audubon Societies 377

will last indefinitely. I do not as yet know
the life of the gourd bird-house, but it will
remain good without attention when exposed
to all of the weathers for many years. The
gourd which is on a tree for three or four
years often becomes covered with some of
the lichens or molds, which make it still
more like a natural object from the bird’s
point of view, but which do not seem to
injure the very hard shell.

Aside from the utility of gourds for bird-
houses, the plants themselves are stimulating
objects of beauty in the garden because of

their vivacious enthusiasm of growth. The
flowers are among the most beautiful of all
garden flowers, although not commonly
classed in that group because their delicacy
is smothered by the valiant mass of great
leaves. A single gourd flower with its long
stem, cut in the early morning and placed in
a vase with some narrow leaf like that of iris
has decorative value of such high quality
that it evokes expressions of surprise from
flower-lovers who are visitors at my country
home in Stamford Connecticut.—ROBERT
T. Morris.

NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Enrolled from July 1 to November 1, 1922

Abercrombie, David T.
Ames, John S.

Baring, Thomas
Barton, Mrs. F. O.
Bentley, Mrs. Cyrus
Blanchard, Annie K.
Bole, Ben P.

Bradford, Mrs. Elizabeth F.
Bromley, Joseph H.
Bruce, Mary A.
Burrows, Mrs. W. F.
Chapman, Mrs. John Jay
Church, E. D.

Clapp, George H.
Cobourn, Louise H.
Converse, Mary E.
Coyle, Mrs. John E.
Crosby, G. N.
Dunham, Arthur Louis
Dunlap, D. A.

Dunn, Mrs. George B.
Eastman, Mrs. L. R.
Edwards, Elizabeth S.
Falconer, J. W.

Forbes, William S.
Fowler, Angela

Gates, Mrs. John
George, Mary J.
Goodwin, Mrs. H. M.
Gray, Matilda Geddings
Hamilton, Elizabeth S.
Hill, Dr. William P.
Hinchliff, Mrs. Wm. E.
Hunt, Ella M.

Hunt, Emily G.

Keep, Mrs. Chauncey
Laimbeer, R. H.
Lippincott, Mrs. M. M.
Lloyd, Mrs. John Uri
Loughran, Mrs. M. F.
Lowell, Mrs. A. Lawrence
Luchsinger, Mrs. F. B.
Lyman, Mabel

Marrs, Mrs. Kingsmill
Marshall, Mrs. E. O.
Marshall, W. A.
Matheson, Mrs. W. J.
Mitchell, W. S.
Montgomery, Mrs. Leila Y. P.
Moody, Mrs. Samuel
Moore, Katharine T.
Morris, Miss L. T.
Moses,Mrs. James
Mosman, P. A.

Peirson, Walter, Jr.
Proctor, William

Pyne, Mrs. M. Taylor
Randolph, Mrs. E.

Reed, Mrs. Geo. W.
Ripley, Miss J. T.
Robbins, Ida Elizabeth
See, Alonzo B.
Siedenburg, Mrs. R. Jr.,
Spreckels, A. F.

Stearns, William S.
Stillman, Liska

Strader, Benjamin W.
Swartz, E. G.

Taber, Mary

Thomas, Landon A.
Torrance, Mrs. Francis J.
Tower, Florence E.
Tuttle, Jane

Tyler, Mrs. W. G.
Vandeneer, Eudora G.
Vanderbilt, Laura

Van Sinderen, Mrs. A. J.
Van Wagenen, H. W.
Van Wagenen, Mrs. H. W.
Van Wyck, Philip V. R.
Vickery, Mrs. H. F.
Wallace, Mrs. Lindsay H.
Wheatland, Mrs. Stephen G.
Wilcox, Mrs. Fred’k P.
Wood, Mrs. William M.

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBERS
Enrolled from July 1 to November 1, 1922

Adams, Miss Pamelia S.
Ailes, Milton E.

Amos, Master John Waldo
Appleton, Wm. Sumner
Armstrong, Newton
Atwood, Kimball C.
Averett, Miss Bettie
Bachia, Robert
Ballantine, Mrs. Robert F.
Ballard, Mrs. Eugene S.
Bayer, Edwin S.
Benson, R. D.

Berry, Mrs. John McWilliams
Bevin, Mrs. A. Avery
Bingham, Mrs. Hiram
Birchall, Katharine H.
Boetticher, Oscar
Brazier, E. Josephine
Brewster, E. F.

Briggs, George

Brooks, Gerald

Buck Hill Nature Club (The)
Butler, Miss Genevieve
Callaway, Fuller E.
Cameron, Miss Janet L.
Cammann, Oswald N.
Card, Miss Helen L.
Carter, G. C.

Chalmers, Arthur A.
Chapman, Miss Mary
Clippert, Charles F.
Cole, John L.

Collier, D. R.
Copeland, Henry
Copeland, S. B.

Cross, A. E.

Cummer, A. G.
Darlington, Geo. E.
Day, Arthur P.

Dennis, Mrs. A. L.
Deutsch, Joseph
Dexter, Mrs. Franklin B.
Dines, T. A.

Faree, Thos. W.
Easton, Miss Mary Ella
Eberhart, Mrs. F. G.
Emmerich, Edward E.
Everett, S. A.
Ferguson, Alcorn
Ffolliott, Miss Millicent
Fisher, C. L.

Forbes, Mrs. Alexander
Gereke, Mrs. E. G.
Gillett, Dr. Henry W.
Ginn, Mrs. F. H.
Gladwin, Sidney M.
Greer, Miss Edith LeB.
Gurley, Mrs. W. F.
Hardt, Emil

Hardy, Richard
Hartford, George H.

Hawley, Theodosia deR.
Hayden, Brace

Herrin, William F.
Hesston Audubon Society
Heyworth, James O.
Hills, Robert H.
Hitchcock, H. H.
Houghton, A. Seymour, Jr.
Huntington, Mrs. Howard
Hurlburt, Frederick B.
Jackson, Charles
Jackson, Mrs. R. B.
James, Norman
Johnson, Corydon S.
Johnston, Charles E.
Kellar, Chambers
Kimball, Mrs. Paul W.
Kincaid, W. W.

Klaber, Mrs. Maurice
Lamb, Misses Ellen and Anna
Laws, Dr. Claude E.
Leahy, Mrs. Mary M.
Lehman, F. F.

Lockwood, Mrs. Eliz. C. W.
Lodge, Mrs. Edwin

Lyons, Clayton

McLean, Mrs. W. E.
Mackenzie, Judson C.
Matthiessen, Mrs. C. H.
May, Miss A.

Mead, D. Irving

Mead, George W.

Metcalf, John R.
Middaugh, Henry G.
Migel, Miss Elisa Parada
Mitchell, Charles T.
Morrill, Sidney A.

Morris, Dr. Charles G.
Mount, C. K.

Neff, Miss Grace

Norton, Miss M. Helen
Ortega, James L.

Peterson, Charles S.
Pfeiffer, Jacob

Plant, Miss Caroline

Post, Mrs. W. F.

Prentiss, Mrs. F. F.
Pulitzer, Seward Webb
Rankin, John J.

Ritter, Charles H.

Roy, Miss Esther Belcher
Reubens, Mrs. Chas.
Rumbaugh, John B.

Russ, Mrs. E. C.

Rust, J. C.

.

Saginaw Branch American Association

of University Women
Sawyer, Edgar P.
Schuette, August
Schwill, Mrs. J.
Schwanda, Henry T.

ap

Scott, George E.
Scott, J. T.

Scovill, Dorothea H.
Sefton, J. W., Jr.
Severance, F. W.
Sharp, James

Shaw, Miss Joanne B.
Simmons, Parke E.
Sloane, Henry T.
Sloane, Miss Margaret
Small, Mrs. A. E.
Smith, Arthur W.
Smith, Edward A.
Starbuck, Mrs. G. F.
Starr, Frederick R.
Stebbins, Mrs. Fred J.
Stephenson, Robert S.
Stern, Albert
Stillman, Mrs. Ernest G.
Stillman, Miss Jane
Stirn, Louis A.

Suiste, Miss Ella Hartt
Swartz, Nicholas
Thayer, S. Willard

Through the untiring efforts of Dr. John
Warren Achorn and other members of the
Sand Hill Bird Club, the town of Pine Bluff,
North Carolina, has been declared a bird
sanctuary. This action was taken by the
Board of the Commissioners on November 6,
1922. The town and its environs run north
and south one mile, and east and west a mile
anda half. It is bounded by streams on three
_ sides, and has two artificial lakes within the

The Audubon Societies

379

NEW SUSTAINING MEMBERS, continued

Theyer, Sydney
Thomas, Percival

Van Allen, Miss Betty
Van Husan, Mrs. E. C.
Vial, Mrs. Geo. M.
Voss, Fred W.

Walker, Miss Miriam Dwight
Walker, Roberts

Wallin, Dr. Marie E.
Walter, Mrs. I. N.
Warren, Mrs. Walter
Waters, Miss Esther
Watkins, Mrs. W. T.
Way, Bayard C.

Webb, Wm. Seward
Welch, A. A.

Whitaker, F. B.
Whitehall, Robert L.
Wilder, Charles P.
Winters, Miss Katharine
Wolfskill, Julian

Wood, Bernard Henry, 3d
Young, E. M

ANOTHER BIRD SANCTUARY

corporate limits. The streams and lakes are
surrounded by evergreens. There are also
several branches and small creeks bordered
with low evergreens, shrubs and vines, which
afford ample cover for ground-loving birds.

Pine Bluff is very popular as a winter
resort, and here is played throughout the
winter the game of “bird golf” which Dr.
Achorn invented and which has become so
popular with the bird-lovers of the region.

LOUIS AGASSIZ FUERTES
President Cayuga (N. Y.) Bird Club

350)

Report of the National Association of Audubon
Societies and Affiliated Organizations for
the Year Ending October 19, 1922

TABLE OF CONTENTS

_Report or T. GILBERT PEARSON, PRESIDENT

InTRopuUCTION.—GENERAL NotTES.—AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS.—JUNIOR CLUBS.—
WARDENS AND RESERVATIONS.—MISCELLANEOUS AND FINANCIAL.—DISTRIBUTION
oF MEMBERS.

REportTS OF FrELD AGENTS

Epwarp H. ForsusH, FoR New ENGLAND; WINTHROP PACKARD, FOR MASSACHUSETTS;
Wrrriam L. FINLEY For THE Pacrric Coast STaTEs; ARTHUR H. Norton, FOR
Marne; EUGENE SWOPE, FOR Out0; FRANCES A. HurD, FOR CONNECTICUT; HERBERT
K. Jos, AppLrep ORNITHOLOGY; Mrs. Mary S. SAGE, FoR Lone Isianp (N. Y.)

REPORTS OF STATE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

CALIFORNIA, COLORADO, CONNECTICUT, District oF CoLumBIA, EAstT TENNESSEE
AupuBoN Soctety, Fiorma, Itrrois, INpIANA, MAryLAnp, MASSACHUSETTS,
Micuican, New Jersey, O10, OREGON, WEST VIRGINIA.

REPORTS OF OTHER AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

AUDUBON CLUB OF NoRRISTOWN (PA.).—AUDUBON SocIETY OF IRVINGTON-ON-HUDSON
(N. Y.).—Aupupon Socrety OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA.—BiIrD CLUB OF LONG
IsLAND.—BIRD CONSERVATION CLUB OF BANGOR (MAINE).—BtrD-LovERS CLUB
OF Brooktyn (N. Y.).—BROOKLINE (Mass.) Brrp CLus.—Buck Hiri (Pa.)
NaturRE CLus.—BURROUGHS-AUDUBON NATURE CLUB OF ROCHESTER (N. Y.).—
BurRouGHS NATURE Stupy CLUB OF JOHNSTOWN (N. Y.).—CuHautaAugua (N. Y.)
Brrp AND TREE CLuB.—Community Birp CLuB (VT.).—CUMBERLAND COUNTY
(Marne) AupUBON SocteTy.—DaAna NATURAL History Soctety (N. Y.).—Doy.Les-
TOWN (Pa.) Nature CrLus.—ENGLEwoop (N. J.) Birp CLuB.—Forest HILLs
Garpens (N. Y.) AupuBoN Socrety.—GENESEE (N. Y.) WESLEYAN AUDUBON
Soctety.—Hamitton (OntT.) Brrp Protection Socrety.—HAartTForD (CoNN.)
Birp Stupy Crus.—HeEsston (Kans.) AupuBon Soctety.—Iowa Crty (Iowa)
AUDUBON Soctety.—Los ANGELES (CALiF.) AUDUBON SOCIETY.—MERIDEN (CONN.)
Birp CrLus.—MINNEAPOLIS (Mrnn.) AtupuBON Socrety.—Montcrair (N. J.)
Brrp CrLus.—Missouta (Monrt.) Brrp Crusp.—NaturaL History Socrety OF
British COLUMBIA.—NATURE STUDY SECTION OF WOMEN’s CONTEMPORARY CLUB
(N. Y.).—NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE CLUB OF WESTPORT (CONN.).—NEWARK (N. J.)
Birp Crus.—PasapENA (Catir.) AUDUBON SocreTy.—PROVINCE OF QUEBEC
(CAN.) SocteTY FOR THE PROTECTION OF Birps.—RocKkaway (N. Y.) Brrp CLus.—
Sr. Louis (Mo.) Brrp Criup.—St. PETERSBURG (FLA.) AUDUBON SocrETY.—
Sanp Hitt Brrp Crus oF Prine Buurr (N. C.).—Saratoca (N. Y.) Brrp CLus.—
Savanna (GaA.) AupUBON SocrETY.—SPOKANE (WasH.) Brrp CLuB.—STANTON
Brrp Crus (Mare).—STATEN Is~tanp (N. Y.) Brrp Crusp.—ToreKa (KaAns.)
AvupuBon Society.—ULsTeR (Pa.) Nature Cius.—Vico County (Inp.) Brirp
Crius.—WEst CHESTER (Pa.) Brrp CLuB.—WYNCOTE (Pa.) Birp CLus.

List oF AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
REPORT OF TREASURER

Report OF AUDITING COMMITTEE
(381)

REPORT OF T. GILBERT PEARSON, PRESIDENT

INTRODUCTION

Some time ago an European naturalist said to me, ‘If we had the universal
public sentiment in favor of bird-protection that you have in America, we,
too, might have better laws for the protection of birds.” While appreciating
the implied compliment to the good sense and judgment of my country-
men, I felt forced to advise him that a portion of his major premise was in-
correct. While undoubtedly there exists on the statute books of this country
as complete a system of laws for the protection of bird-life as exists in any
other country of the globe, these laws are not a result of ‘universal public
sentiment.’ They have been enacted because of the insistence of a small
but very active minority of the population. Had he been correct in his assump-
tion there would apparently be no need of the hundreds of game wardens,
both state and Federal that it is found necessary to employ to enforce the
laws. Had we universal public sentiment on the subject, there would not
have been one thousand prosecutions for illegal bird-killing in the state of
New York during the year 1921.

The Audubon Society was the pioneer in seeking to secure adequate laws
for the well-being of non-game birds in the United States, and those respon-
sible for its growth and development in the various states and nation have
ever kept the banner of the Society in the lead of activities looking to this
end. Gradually other organizations have been brought into the field, until
today there are many state departments, agricultural colleges, museums,
membership societies under a variety of titles, and other institutions all inter-
ested more or less actively in the protection and study of wild bird-life. Some
of these, probably, do not even recognize the original source of the current
of thought which brought their work into operation. The organization of
the Audubon Society influence has expanded until today it might very properly
be called the ‘Audubon Movement.’ Great responsibility rests upon this
Movement to continue and expand its efforts in arousing and crystallizing
public interest in the preservation of wild birds. It is to this end that the
National Association of Audubon Societies and its affiliated state and local
club workers are now bending their efforts. We must use every legitimate
means to secure better law enforcement and to arouse the public to the joy
of making friends with the wild birds. Something of the manifold lines along
which the Audubon Society efforts have been directed during the past year,
it is my purpose and privilege to outline briefly in the following pages. Time
will not permit mentioning, however, even in brief manner many interesting
happenings and developments that have taken place.

(382)

Report of the President 383

THE PLUMAGE SITUATION

In the report of your President one year ago, reference was made to a
provision that had been inserted in the Tariff Bill which would, it was thought,
stop the open sale of smuggled Paradise feathers in this country. It is a
pleasure to here record that when the Tariff Act became a law on September
21, 1922, it carried this feather proviso into the Federal statutes.

When, a year or more ago, announcement was made in the public press
that the new tariff bill presented to the House of Representatives by the
committee having the matter in charge, contained a paragraph that would

Al

if

DR. E. W. NELSON, CHIEF U. S. BIOLOGICAL SURVEY, AND TALBOT DENMEAD,
DEPUTY CHIEF U. S. GAME WARDEN, EXAMINING CONFISCATED PLUMAGE

render it illegal to sell the imported feathers of wild birds unless proof could
be given that such goods had been acquired legally, there was much excite-
ment in the millinery feather-houses. Advertisements promptly appeared
in the papers offering to sell Paradise plumes at a greatly reduced rate. Hats
decorated with this plumage that a week before were selling for $160 were
now advertised for $65. As time progressed, and it became increasingly
certain that the feather proviso would become a law, the price of Paradise
plumes steadily declined as the houses handling them made more frantic
efforts to dispose of their stock before the bill should pass. By the middle
of September the price shrank to $29.50, and the day before the bill became a
law, many of these exquisite plumes were disposed of at a figure as low as $15.

384 Bird - Lore

We have, therefore, during the past year witnessed a success of what may
be the last large legislative battle it is necessary to wage in the United States
against the illegal traffic in the feathers of wild birds, a fight which began when
in r885 and 1886, Dr. J. A. Allen and Dr. George Bird Grinnell first began to
call the attention of the public to the great slaughter of wild birds for the
feather trade. As a matter of fact, the Audubon Society was originally organ-
ized as a protest against the killing of our native birds for millinery adorn-
ments, and one of our chief activities throughout the years has been to exert
a steady pressure on the feather trade.

The reports of the Association the past eighteen years usually have con-
tained considerable space devoted to the progress made in the campaign
which now, after the passing of many years, has reached a most successful
issue. It is but reasonable to expect that there will continue to be a limited
amount of smuggling and surreptitious handling of Paradise plumes, just as
these illegal practices are still carried on in dealing with aigrettes. Men in
the southern swamps will continue to kill Egrets and sell their feathers quietly
to northern tourists who go to Florida winter resorts, and it will be necessary
for the Association to continue strenuous activities in protecting the Egret
colonies in the Southland. However, the enormous nation-wide slaughter
of birds for their feathers no longer exists, and the Audubon Society, whose
workers first started the agitation for the protection of birds of plumage and
by whose contributions and labors one battle aiter another has been suc-
cessfully waged, may well congratulate itself on its achievements in this
important field of endeavor.

GENERAL NOTES

The past year, as usual, a very large correspondence has been conducted
from the home office, and the field agents also report a steadily increasing
volume of demands for information. In addition to the usual office duties,
your President has delivered about forty public addresses, many of these
before affiliated Audubon Societies and Bird Clubs. If time permitted he
would like very much to visit every such organization in the country, for he
always finds it extremely stimulating to thus come personally in contact
with these workers in the Audubon Movement.

In the late spring he was privileged to make some study of bird-protective
conditions in France, Holland, and England, and on June 20 took part in
a conference in London where representatives from all these countries were
present and at which plans were laid for the formation of a world committee
for the protection of birds.

Recently the Board of Directors amended the by-laws of the Association
to provide for an associate membership with an annual fee of $1, to be open
to members of such allied organizations as may be accepted by the Board
for such purpose from time to time. It was voted that this form of member-

et es

Report of the President

w
On

ship at once be made available for Girl Scouts, as that organization now
requires that its members shall become members of the Audubon Society,
if they desire to obtain a certain required standing in their nature work.
Your officers and directors have endeavored to keep in touch with impor-
tant legislation affecting the interests for which we labor, and by conference,
visits, and correspondence have sought to encourage good legislation and

discourage that which was otherwise in nature. Through our wide correspond-
ence we are naturally in constant touch with the current of thought and

THE OLD HOME OF JOHN JAMES AUDUBON, “MINNELAND,” JUST OFF RIVERSIDE
DRIVE, NEW YORK CITY, WHICH, IT IS REPORTED, MAY SOON BE TORN
AWAY TO MAKE ROOM FOR A STREET EXTENSION

Photographed by T. Gilbert Pearson

tendencies of public sentiment dealing with wild life and have endeavored
to make the most of all opportunities that arise for the bettering of general
conditions touching the subject.

The following field agents have kept constantly at work in their various
spheres of influence: Edward H. Forbush, general agent for New England;
Winthrop Packard, agent for Massachusetts; Miss Frances A. Hurd, agent
for Connecticut; William L. Finley, agent for the Pacific Coast States; Dr
Eugene Swope, working chiefly in Ohio; Mrs. Mary S. Sage, operating mainly
on Long Island; Arthur H. Norton, agent for Maine; and Herbert K. Job,
in his chosen field of applied ornithology.

Following this report there will be given a detailed statement of the
splendid work. The office force, which in the spring ran as high as twenty
four clerks, has, as heretofore, shown a spirit of interest and codperation
which made it possible to accomplish results not obtainable with a less-devoted
corps of assistants.

386 Bird - Lore

State Audubon Societies and local Audubon Societies and Bird Clubs,
to the number of 150, are at this time formally affiliated branches of the
National work. The splendid influence of the thousands of men and women
working in these groups from the Atlantic to the Pacific is incalculable to
our cause. Numbers of these organizations have recently submitted reports
which it is planned to publish in connection with this, in order that some-
thing of their work may be placed on permanent record and that all may
see what others are doing and benefit by their experiences. A list of these
affiliated organizations, together with the names and addresses of their presi-
dents and secretaries, so far as they have been reported, is herewith given:

ORGANIZATIONS FORMALLY AFFILIATED WITH THE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUDUBON
SOCIETIES, OCTOBER 19, 1922

STATE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

ARIZONA:

President, Thomas K. Marshall, Tucson, Ariz.

Secretary, Mrs. J. J. Thornber, 10g Olive Road, Tucson, Ariz.
CALIFORNIA:

President, Wilfred Smith, Altadena, Calif.

Secretary, Miss Helen S. Pratt, 245 Ridgeway, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, Calif.
CoLorapo:

President, E. R. Warren, 1511 Wood Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo.

Secretary, Miss Edna L. Johnson, Box 414, Boulder, Colo.
CONNECTICUT:

President, Mrs. Mabel Osgood Wright, Fairfield, Conn.

Secretary, Miss Charlotte A. Lacey, Southport, Conn.
District OF COLUMBIA:

President, Hon. Job Barnard, Falkstone Courts, Washington, D. C.

Secretary, Miss Helen P. Childs, Chevy Chase, Md.
East TENNESSEE:

President, Rey. Angus McDonald, 1322 Tremont St., Knoxville, Tenn.

Secretary, Miss Magnolia Woodward, Chestnut Hill, Knoxville, Tenn.
FLORIDA:

President, Mrs. Katharine Tippetts, St. Petersburg, Fla.

Secretary, Clifton W. Loveland, Box 22, Palatka, Fla.
ILLINOIS:

President, O. M. Schantz, 10 S. La Salle St., Chicago, Ills.

Secretary, Miss Catharine H. Mitchell, 10 S. La Salle St., Chicago Ills.
INDIANA:

President, Allan Hadley, Monrovia, Ind.

Secretary, S. E. Perkins, 3d, 205 City Trust Bldg., Indianapolis, Ind.
MARYLAND:

President, Mrs. Baker Hull, Washington Apts., Baltimore, Md.

Secretary, Miss Margaretta Poe, 1204 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md.
MASSACHUSETTS:

President, Edward Howe Forbush, 136 State House, Boston, Mass.

Secretary, Winthrop Packard, 66 Newbury St., Boston, Mass.

Report of the President

MICHIGAN:

President, Mrs. Edith Munger, Hart, Mich.

Secretary, Geneva Smith, 106 Summit St., Ypsilanti, Mich
MINNESOTA:

President, J. W. Taylor, 206 Globe Bldg., St. Paul, Minn
Missouri:

President, Dr. Herman von Schrenk, 4139 McPherson Ave., St. Louis, Mo.

Secretary, Robert J. Terry, 5315 Delmar Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
New HAMPSHIRE:

President, Gen. Elbert Wheeler, Nashua, N. H.

Secretary, George C. Atwell, Strafford, N. H.
NeEw JERSEY:

President, Jahn Dryden Kuser, Bernardsville, N. J.

Secretary, Beecher S. Bowdish, 164 Market St., Newark, N. J.
Nort CAROLINA:

President, Dr. R. H. Lewis, Raleigh, N. C.

Secretary, Placide Underwood, Raleigh, N. C.
Nort Dakota:

President, Prof. D. Freeman, 711 7th St. N., Fargo, N. Dak.

Secretary, O. A. Stevens, 1110 roth St. N., Fargo, N. Dak.
Oxto:

President, Prof. Wm. G. Cramer, 2501 Kemper Lane, W. H. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Secretary, Miss Katharine Ratterman, sro York St., Cincinnati, Ohio.
OREGON:

President, William L. Finley, Jennings Lodge, Ore.

Secretary, Dr. Emma J. Welty, 321 Montgomery St., Portland, Ore.
PENNSYLVANIA:

President, Witmer Stone, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, Pa.

Secretary, Miss Elizabeth W. Fisher, 2222 Spruce St., Philadelphia, Pa.
RuoveE IsLanp:

President, Dr. H. E. Walter, Brown University, Providence, R. I.

Secretary, Miss Marie E. Gandette, Park Museum, Providence, R. I.
Utau:

President, J. H. Paul, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Secretary, Mrs. A. O. Treganza, 624 E. 6th St. S., Salt Lake City, Utah.
VERMONT:

President, Dr. Ezra Brainerd, Middlebury, Vt.

Secretary, Mrs. Nellie Flynn, Burlington, Vt.
WEst TENNESSEE:

Secretary, C. C. Hanson, Box 1043, Memphis, Tenn.
WEST VIRGINIA:

President, Miss Bertha E. White, 1609 Latrobe St., Parkersburg, W. Va.

Secretary, Walter Donaghho, 2528 Murdock Ave., Parkersburg, W. Va.

CLUBS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

ANDERSON (Inp.) Brrp CLUB:

President, S. R. Esten, Anderson, Ind.

Secretary, Mrs. Mary L. Cook, 412 W. 11th St., Anderson, Ind.
AUDUBON ASSOCIATION OF THE Pactric (CALIF.):

President, A. S. Kibbe, 1534 Grove St., Berkeley, Calif.

Secretary, Miss I. Ames, Wellington Hotel, Geary St., Berkeley, Calif.

387

388 Bird - Lore

AupuBon Brrp Cius or Erasmus Hatt (N. Y.):
President, Arthur Rosenberg, Erasmus Hall High School, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Secretary, Miss Marion Dehuee, 188 Fenimore St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
AupUBON CLUB OF ARDMORE (OKLA.):
President, Mrs. Sam H. Butler, 1oro Hargrove St., Ardmore, Okla.
AvupDUBON Socrety OF EVANSVILLE (IND.):
President, George S. Clifford, Evansville, Ind.
Secretary, Miss Edith O. Trimble, 1040 S. 2d St., Evansville, Ind.
AupuBON Soctrety OF IRvinGTON (N. Y.):
President, Caspar Whitney, Irvington-on-Hudson, N. Y.
Secretary, Mrs. Theodore B. Nesbit, Irvington-on-Hudson, N. Y.
AUDUBON SocreTy OF IRWIN (Pa.):
President, R. T. McCormack, Irwin, Pa.
Secretary, Bert H. Rylander, Irwin, Pa.
AvupDUBON SOCIETY OF SEWICKLEY VALLEY (PA.):
President, George H. Clapp, Woodland St., Sewickley, Pa.
Secretary, Miss E. L. Young, 405 Peebles St., Sewickley, Pa.
AUDUBON SocIrTy OF SKANEATELES (N. Y.):
Secretary, Miss Sarah M. Turner, Skaneateles, N. Y.
Beprorp (N. Y.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:
President, William Borland, Bedford Hills, N. Y.
Brrp Crus or Lone Istanp (N. Y.):
President, Mrs. E. M. Townsend, Townsend Place., Osyter Bay, L. I., N. Y.
Secretary, Mrs. Richard Derby, Oyster Bay, L. I., N. Y.
Brrp CLuB OF WASHINGTON (N. Y.):
President, Mrs. Susan D. Sackett, Millbrook, N. Y.
Secretary, Mrs. H. S. Downing, Millbrook, N. Y.
Brrp CONSERVATION CLUB OF BANGOR (MAINE):
President, Miss Madeleine Giddings, Coombs St., Bangor, Maine.
Secretary, Miss Alice Brown, 53 Court St., Bangor, Maine.
Brrp-Lovers Cius (Mrippietrown, N. Y.):

President, Miss E. E. Mattison, Box 1453, Middletown State Hospital, Middletown, N. Y.

Brair County (Pa.) Game, Fish AND ForESTRY ASSOCIATION.

President, John H. Winter, 1609 11th Ave., Altoona, Pa.

Secretary, Paul Kreuzpointer, 1400 3d Ave., Altoona, Pa
BritisH CoLtumsia (CAN.) NarurAL History Society:

President, W. H. Kelly, 410 Jones Bldg., Victoria, B. C., Canada.

Secretary, Harold T. Nation, 1613 Elgin Road, Victoria, B. C.. Canada.
BROOKLINE (Mass.) Brrp CLus:

President, L. R. Talbot, 509 Audubon Road, Boston, Mass.

Secretary, Mrs. George W. Kann, 162 Aspinwall Ave., Brookline, Mass.
Brooktyn (N. Y.) Birp-Lovers CLus:

President, Miss M. S. Daper, Care of Children’s Museum, 185 Brooklyn Ave.

INS Ye

Secretary, Miss Elsie Tiplin, 228 St. James Place, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Buck Hitt Nature Cius (Pa.): :

President, Mrs. William C, Gannett, Buck Hill Falls, Pa.

Secretary, Mrs. Margaret S. Strattan, Buck Hill Falls, Pa.
Burrao (N. Y.) AupuBON Society:

President, Edward C. Avery, 114 Marine St., Buffalo, N. Y.

Secretary, Mrs. E. M. Wilson, 503 Lafayette Avenue, Bufialo, N. Y

Brooklyn,

Report of the President

BuRROUGHS-AUDUBON NATURE StuDY CLUB (ROCHESTER, N. Y.):
President, William B. Hoot, 203 Monroe Ave., Rochester, N. Y.
Secretary, Miss Harriet Ganung, 57 S. Washington St., Rochester, N. Y.
BurRRouGHS JUNIOR AUDUBON Soctety (Kincston, N. Y.):
President, Elizabeth Burroughs, Kingston High School, Kingston, N. Y.
Secretary, Ethel Shaffer, Kingston High School, Kingston, N. Y.
BurrouGH NATURE StuDy CLusB (JoHNstTowN, N. Y.):
President, Rev. Charles McKenzie, 35 S. Market St., Johnstown, N. Y.

Secretary, Miss Margaret E. Raymond, 200 Fon Claire St., Johnstown, N.

Cananpaicua (N. Y.) Birp Crus:

President, Mrs. Edwin P. Gardner, Canandaigua, N. Y.

Secretary, Miss Rachel Packard, Canandaigua, N. Y.
CARROLLTON (Ky.) WoMAN’s CLuB:

Treasurer, Miss Katie Vallanding, 811 Highland Ave., Carrollton, Ky.
Cayuca Birp Crus (N. Y.):

President, Louis Agassiz Fuertes, Ithaca, N. Y.
CuHautauqua (N. Y.) Brrp anp TREE CLUB:

President, Mrs. Robert A. Miller, Pelham Manor, N. Y.

Secretary, Mrs. H. B. Norton, 9 Claremont Ave., New York City.
Crvic LEaAGuE (Micu.):

Secretary, Miss May Turner, 1702 Court St., Saginaw, Mich.
Cocoanut GRoveE (FLA.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:

Secretary, Mrs. Florence P. Haden, Cocoanut Grove, Fla.
CoLtorapo Museum or NATuRAL HIstTory:

President, Frank M. Taylor, Colorado Museum, City Park, Denver, Colo.

Director, J. D. Figgins, Colorado Museum, City Park, Denver, Colo.
CortumsBus (OnI0) AUDUBON SocIEtTyY:

President, Prof. J. S. Hine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

Secretary, Miss Lucy B. Stone, 26 Garfield Ave., Columbus, Ohio.
CRAWFORDSVILLE (IND.) AUDUBON AND NATURE STUDY CLUB:

Secretary, Mrs. Emma T. Bodine, Crawfordsville, Ind.
CUMBERLAND County (Marve) AUDUBON SOCIETY:

President, Arthur H. Norton, 22 Elm St., Portland, Maine. y

Secretary, Mrs. George F. Black, Portland, Maine.
Dana Natural History Society (N. Y.):

President, Mrs. Charles Selkirk, 111 S. Lake Ave., Albany, N. Y.

Secretary, Mrs. John J. Merrill, 353 State St., Albany, N. Y.
Detta Duck Crus (LaA.):

President, John Dymond, Jr., Quarantine P. O., La.

Secretary, C. A. Burthe, Cottam Block, New Orleans, La.
Derroir (Micu.) Brrp PROTECTING CLUB:

President, Mrs. J. D. Harmes, 1460 Hamilton Ave., Detroit, Mich.

Secretary, Miss Agnes Sherman, 572 E. Lavin Ave., Detroit, Mich.
DoyLestown (Pa.) NATURE CLUB:

President, Mrs. I. M. James, 105 W. Court St., Doylestown, Pa.
Etern (Itt.) AupUBON SOCIETY:

President, B. F. Berryman, 13 Chicago St., Elgin, Ills.

Secretary, Cyrill Abbott, 24 S. Liberty St., Elgin, Ils.
ENGLEwoop (N. J.) Brrp CLus:

President, Miss Emily Dawes, Englewood, N. J.

Secretary, Mrs. Thomas Haight, Englewood, N. J.

389

390 Bird - Lore

Forest Hirts Garpens (N. Y.) AupUBON Socrety:

President, Mrs. George Smart, 45 Deepdena Road, Forest Hills, L. I., N. Y

Secretary, Speir Whitaker, Forest Hills, L. I., N. Y.
FRANKLIN (N. Y.) Mars WREN CLUB:

President, Mrs. Alton O. Potter, Franklin, N. Y.

Secretary, Miss Marcia B. Hiller, Franklin, N. Y.
FRANciIs W. PARKER SCHOOL (CuIcaGo, ILtrs.):

Secretary, Miss Florence N. Hefter, Francis W. Parker School. Chicago, Ills.
GARDEN CLUB OF EVANSTON (ILLs.):

President, Mrs. John Blunt, Evanston, Ills.

Secretary, Mrs. William Evans, Main St., Evanston, IIls.
GenessE (N. Y.) WESLEYAN AUDUBON Soclety:

President, Harold V. Potter, Wesleyan Seminary, Lima, N. Y.

Secretary, Miss Mariana Staver, Wesleyan Seminary, Lima, N. Y.
Girt Scouts, Oak Troop No. 1. (MINN):

Secretary, Mrs. H. E. Weiss, Zumbrota, Minn.
Girt Scouts, Troop No. 2 (Mass.):

Secretary, Miss Elsie H. Lewis, 30 Bassett St., East Lynn, Mass.
GLENVILLE (W. Va.) Norma Birp Cius:

President, Edgar Hatfield, Glenville Normal School, Glenville, W. Va.

Secretary, Miss Pansy Starr, Glenville Normal School, Glenville, W. Va.
Groton (Mass.) Birp Crus:

President, William P. Wharton, Five Oaks, Groton, Mass.

Secretary, Miss Gertrude B. Gerrish, Groton, Mass.
HAMILTON (OnT.) Brrp PROTECTION SocIETY:

President, R. Owen Merriman, 96 W. Second St., Hamilton, Ont., Canada.

Secretary, Miss Ruby R. Mills, 36 Robins St., Hamilton, Ont., Canada.
Harpy GARDEN CLUB OF RuxTon (Mp.):

Secretary, Mrs. John Love, Riderwood, Md.
Hartrorp (Conn.) Brrp Stupy Crus:

President, Henry W. White, 454 Park Road, West Hartford, Conn.

Secretary, Ruth L. Spaulding, 22 Townley St., Hartford, Conn.
Hesston (Kans.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:

President, Edward Yoder, Hesston, Kans.

Secretary, Estie M. Yoder, Hesston, Kans.
Towa Crry (Iowa) AupUBON Socrety:

President, F. L. Fitzpatrick, Museum Department, State University, Iowa City, Iowa.

Secretary, Philip A. Walker, Manville Heights, Iowa City, Iowa.
LitrLe LAKE Crus (La.):

Secretary, George B. Matthews, Jr., 420 S. Front St., New Orleans, La.
Los ANGELES (CALIF.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:

Secretary, Mrs. E. J. Saunders, 122 N. Friends Ave.; Whittier, Calif.
MAncuester (N. H.) Brrp Crus:

Secretary, Miss Daisy E. Flaunders, 714 Beech St., Manchester, N. H.
MANCHESTER (Mass.) WoMAN’s CLUB:

Treasurer, Mrs. Nellie M. Sinnicks, 24 Bennett St., Manchester, Mass.
Manrrowoe Co. (Wis.) Fish AND GAME PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION:

President, E. L. Kelley, Dempsey Bldg., Manitowoc, Wis.

Secretary, Fred Carus, 1502 Washington St., Manitowoc, Wis.
MERIDEN (Conn.) Brrp CLuB:

President, Judge Frank L. Fay, 510 Broad St., Meriden, Conn.

Secretary, Miss Mary P. Ives, 81 Randolph Ave., Meriden, Conn,

Report of the President 301

MeErweEn (N. H.) Brrp Cus:
President, Dr. Ernest L. Huse, Meriden, N. H.
Secretary, Miss Elizabeth Alden Tracy, Meriden, N. H.
Miami (FLA.) AUDUBON SocrIEty:
President, Mrs. J. T. Gratiny, Buena Vista, Fla.
Secretary, Mrs. R. D. Maxwell, 230 S. E. 1st Ave., Miami, Fla.
Mirrsrooxk (N. Y.) GARDEN CLUB:
President, Mrs. Oakleigh Thorne, Millbrook, N. Y.
Secretary, Miss M. Elizabeth Smith, Millbrook, N. Y.
Minneapotis (Mrnn.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:
President, Mrs. A. Edward Cook, 4121 S. Sheridan Ave., Minneapolis, Minn.
Secretary, Mrs. Williard W. Davis, 4441 S. Washburn Ave., Minneapolis, Minn.
Miss Hattie AupuBoN Soctrety (Ky.):
President, Mrs. Pierce Butler, 1303 rst St., Louisville, Ky.
Secretary, Miss Jenny L. Robbins, 505 W. Ormsby Ave., Louisville, Ky.
Missouta (Mont.) Brrp Crus:
President, Mrs. Sarah E. Summer, 416 Grand Ave., Missoula, Mont.
Secretary, Miss C. Wells, 502 S. 4th St., W., Missoula, Mont.
Monrcrarr (N. J.) Brrp Cus:
President, Randolph H. Howland, 164 Wildwood Ave., Upper Montclair, N. J.
Secretary, Miss Lucy N. Morris, 9014 Midland Ave., Montclair, N. J.
NatuRE Stupy Cius (Iowa):
Secretary, Mrs. W. F. Muse, 22 River Heights, Mason City, Iowa.
Nature Stupy CLus oF PITTSBURGH (PA.):
Secretary, Miss Edna E. Schlegel, 7217 Witherspoon St., Pittsburgh, Pa.
Nature Cus or ULSTER (PaA.):
President, Mrs. Fred E. Mather, Ulster, Pa.
Secretary, Miss Martha McMorran, Ulster, Pa.
Nature Stupy Crus (Rocxrorp, Itts.):
Treasurer, Gertrude M. Thomas, 1oo3 N. Court St., Rockford, Ils.
NEIGHBORHOOD NATURE CLuB (CONN.):
President, Mrs. H. P. Beers, Southport, Conn.
Secretary, Mrs. Wm. Taylor, Jr., Westport, Conn.
NEWARK Bait AND FLy Castrnc Crus (N. J.):
President, Kenneth F. Lockwood, 92 Richelieu Terrace, Newark, N. J.
Secretary, R. Kersting, 82 Fulton St., New York City.
New York Birp AND TREE CLUB:
President, Dr. George F. Kunz, 601 W. 110th St., New York City.
New Century Crus oF Umica (N. Y.):
President, Mrs. Libbri C. Westcott, 253 Genesee St., Utica, N. Y
Secretary, Miss Ida J. Butcher, 253 Genesee St., Utica, N. Y.
New Beprorp (Mass.) Woman’s CLus:
President, Mrs. Walter H. Bassett, 347 Union St., New Bedford, Mass.
Secretary, Mrs. I. M. Kelsey, 53 Willis St., New Bedford, Mass.
New Canaan (Conn.) Brrp PROTECTIVE SOCIETY:
Treasurer, Miss Annie M. Behre.
New PuiLapEeLputa (OnT0) Brrp Crus:
President, B. H. Scott, New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Newark (N. J.) Brrp CLus:
President, Herbert L. Thowless, 765 Broad St., Newark, N. J.
Secretary, Mrs. James P. Clement, 717 Clifton Ave., Newark, N. J.

392 Bird - Lore

Norristown (Pa.) AupUBON CLUB:

President, Willis R. Robert, 800 DeKalb St., Norristown, Pa.

Nortu East (Pa.) Nature Stupy CLus:

President, N. S. Woodruff, North East, Pa.
Secretary, Mrs. J. M. Benedict, 74 Gibson St., North East, Pa.

PASADENA (CALIF.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:

President, Howard W. Carter, 1085 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena, Calif.

Secretary, Miss Alice W. Pitman, 742 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, Calif.
Prorta (Itts.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:

President, V. H. Chase, Peoria, Ills.

Secretary, Miss Minnie M. Clark, 514 Western Ave., Peoria, Ills.

PHILERGIANS (THE) (Mass.):

President, Mrs. Walter A. Poore, 94 Liberty St., East Braintree, Mass.
Secretary, Mrs. H. T. French, 353 Beacon St., Boston 17, Mass.

Prtcrim Women’s Crus (Mass.):

PROVINCE OF QUEBEC (CAN.) SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF WILD Birps:
President, L. MclI. Terrill, 44 Stanley Ave., St. Lamberts, P. Q., Canada.
Secretary, Mrs. N. E. L. Dyer, 12 Willow Ave., Westmount, Montreal, Canada.

RacInE (Wis.) Brrp CLuB:

Secretary, A. E. Shedd, 1308 Main St., Racine, Wis. )

Reap, MARK AND LEARN Crus (R. I.):

President, Mrs. Julia Rich, 32 Whitmarsh St., Providence, R. I.

Secretary, Mrs. George A. Jepherson, 134 Brown St., Providence, R. 1.
RESOLUTE CIRCLE OF THE KING’S DAUGHTERS (CONN.):

President, Mrs. Elizabeth Rathburn, Ivoryton, Conn.

Secretary, Mrs. L. Behrens, Ivoryton, Conn.
RutwesBeck (N. Y.) Brrp CLus:

President, Maunsell S. Crosby, Rhinebeck, N. Y.

Secretary, Tracy Dows, Rhinebeck, N. Y.

Rockaway (N. Y.) BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY:
President, Arthur H. Cooper, 7 Lockwood Ave., Far Rockaway, N. Y.
Secretary, Miss Margaret S. Green, Far Rockaway, N. Y.

SaGInaw (Micu.) BRANCH OF AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WOMEN:

Chairman, May Turner, 1702 Court St., Saginaw, Mich.
Treasurer, Mrs. Edna C. Wilson, 315 S. Warren St., Saginaw, Mich.

Sacinaw (Micu.) READING CLuB:

President, Mrs. James Cartwright, 1732 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, Mich.

St. Louis (Mo.) Brrp CLus:

President, Dr. Robert J. Terry, 9 Lenox Place, St. Louis, Mo.

Secretary, Miss Jennie F. Chase, 5569 a. Cabanne Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
Str. Paut (Minn.) AupUBON Society:

Treasurer, Wm. W. Field, 47 Kent St., St. Paul, Minn.

St. PETERSBURG (FLA.) AUDUBON Society:

President, Mrs. Katharine Tippetts, The Belmont, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Secretary, Mrs. M. G. Foster, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Sanp Hitt Birp Crus (N. C.):
President, Dr. John Warren Achorn, Pine Bluff, N. C.
Secretary, Miss Gussie Abrams, Pine Bluff, N. C.
SARATOGA (N. Y.) Brrp CLuB:
President, Waldo Leon Rich, 15 Rock St., Saratoga Springs, N. Y.
Secretary, Miss Caroline C. Walbridge, 109 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, N. Y.

Report of the President 393

SAVANNAH (Ga.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:
President, H. B. Skeele, 116 W. Gaston St., Savannah, Ga.
Secretary, Mrs. B. F. Bullard, 122 E. 36th St., Savannah, Ga.
SerruaTE (Mass.) WomaAn’s CLuB:
President, Mrs. Eva L. Granes, North Scituate, Mass.
Secretary, Mrs. Mary A. Doherty, Scituate, Mass.
SCRANTON (Pa.) Brrp CLus:
President, Mrs. Francis H. Coffin, 1528 Jefferson Ave., Scranton, Pa.
Secretary, Miss Eleanor Jones, 14 Dart Ave., Carbondale, Pa.
Sroux Fats (S. D.) AupuBON Socrety:
President, Mary Peabody, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
Secretary, Mrs. M. P. Price, Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
SoctrTE PROVENCHER D’ HisTorRE NATURELLE DU CANADA:
President, Rev. P. J. Fillion,
Secretary, Jos. Matte, 18 Avenue Maisoneuve, Quebec, Canada.
SoutH Haven (Micu.) Brrp Crus:
President, Mrs. A. D. Williams, Michigan Ave., South Haven, Mich.
Secretary, Miss Florence T. Gregory, South Haven, Mich.
SPOKANE (WasH.) Brrp CLuB:
President, Walter Bruce, 813 Lincoln Place, Spokane, Wash.
Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Buchecker, W. 725 Chelan Ave., Spokane, Wash.
StaNTON Birp Cius (Marve):
Secretary, Miss Daisy Dill Norton, Lewiston, Maine.
StaTEN IsLtanp (N. Y.) Brrp Crus:
President, William T. Davis, 146 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, N. Y.
Secretary, Charles W. Leng, St. George, Staten Island, N. Y.
Sussex County (N. J.) Nature Stupy CLus:
President, Mrs. Wm. G. Drake, 333 Halsted St., Newton, N. J.
Secretary, Miss F. Blanche Hill, Andover, N. J.
TopEKA (Kans.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:
President, Miss Ruth M. Price, 1322 W. 7th St., Topeka, Kans.
Secretary, Miss Ida M. Harkins, 1322 W. 7th St., Topeka Kans.
ULSTER GARDEN CLuB (N. Y.):
President, Mrs. John Washburn, Saugerties, N. Y.
Secretary, Mrs. Charles Warren, Clinton Ave., Kingston, N. Y.
Vassar WAKE Rosin Crus (N. Y.):
President, Miss Mary K. Brown, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Secretary, Miss Mary Horne, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
Vico County (InpD.) Brrp CLus:
President, Miss Sallie Dawson, Terre Haute, Ind.
Secretary, Miss Sarah J. Elliot, Union Hospital, Terre Haute, Ind.
WASHINGTON STATE FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS:
President, Mrs. A. E. Larson, 1811 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima, Wash.
Secretary, Mrs. W. O. Bradbury, 513 N. 2d St., Yakima, Wash.
WATERBURY (Conn.) Birp CLUB:
President, Mrs. A. A. Crane, 300 W. Main St., Waterbury, Conn.
Secretary, Carl F. Northrup, 144 Bank St., Waterbury, Conn,
WatTERTOWN (N. Y.) Brrp CLus:
President, P. B. Hudson, Watertown, N. Y.
Secretary, Miss Grace B. Nott, Watertown, N. Y.

304 Bird - Lore

WapLeicH GENERAL ORGANIZATION (N, Y.):

President, Miss Frieda Finklestein, 233 W. 112th St., New York City

Secretary, Miss Mildred Bunnell, 235 W. 135th St., New York City.
WASHINGTON (IND.) AUDUBON SOCIETY:

President, Mrs. R. C. Hyatt, 702 E. Walnut St., Washington, Ind.
West CHESTER (Pa.) Brrp CLus:

President, Isaac G. Roberts, 217 E. Washington St., West Chester, Pa.

Secretary, Miss Lilian W. Pierce, 205 S. Walnut St., West Chester, Pa.
WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AUDUBON SOCIETY (PA.):

President, C. W. Parker, Oliver Bldg., Box 64, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Secretary, Mrs. Spencer C. King, 224 Ingram Ave., Crafton, P. O., Pittsburgh, Pa.
WINTER PARK (FLA.) Birp CLuB:

President, Rev. W. M. Burr, Winter Park, Fla.
Woman’s Cius (Cony.):

President, Mrs. E. B. Hobart, 41 Elm St., Seymour, Conn.

Secretary, Mrs. L. C. McEwen, 106 West St., Seymour, Conn.
WoMEN’s CONTEMPORARY CLUuB (N. Y.):

President, Mrs. Walter Rogers, 88 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, N. Y.

Secretary, Mrs. Josiah I. Perry, 86 Hamilton Ave., White Plains, N. Y.
Wyncote (Pa.) Brrp CLus:

President, E. H. Parry, Wyncote, Pa.

Secretary, Miss Esther Heacock, Wyncote, Pa.
Wyominc VALLEY AUDUBON SocreTy (PA.):

President, Mrs. W. H. Trembath, 368 Maple Ave., Kingston, Pa.

Secretary, H. W. Bay, 32 Oneida Place, Forty Fort, Pa.

. JUNIOR CLUBS

Interest in the minds of the children of the country in the Association’s
plan of primary bird-study remains unabated. From teachers in every State
in the Union we receive letters commending the liberal offer made to their
pupils and complimentary expressions regarding the character of literature
and colored pictures of birds furnished them.

Each teacher who forms a class of twenty-five or more receives free a
year’s subscription to Brrp-Lore, every issue of which contains interesting
articles prepared with the special view of being helpful to those who are en-

deavoring to teach the young about the pleasure and value of wild bird-life. -

Thus, many people who know little about birds themselves do not hesitate
to form Junior Audubon Clubs, realizing that through the magazine they
may acquire a certain amount of reserve information which they can pass
on to the children and thus retain their dignified position of superior knowledge
which they naturally have in the other subjects which they are accustomed
to present to their classes.

In many schools the Junior Members have constructed and erected large
numbers of boxes in which birds may nest. Other thousands feed the birds
during the winter and many list the occurrence of species found in their
neighborhood.

hel

;
b

Report of the President 395

In addition to the correspondence and circulars from the home office,
much material has been sent by our field agents, who, by lecturing in schools,
have carried the gospel of bird-protection to thousands of eager listeners.

Coéperating financially with the University of Virginia, we were able to

- arrange for Miss Katharine H. Stuart to give a course in bird-study to the
students of the State Summer School.

A like arrangement was entered into with the University of Colorado,
and Ralph Hubbard represented us in giving a five-weeks’ course in bird-
work at the State Summer School at Boulder.

The Conservation Commission of Louisiana has taken much interest.
The past year, H. H. Kopman, a member of the Commissioners staff, has

represented us in the Junior work in Louisiana. Officials of many Audubon
Societies and Bird Clubs are giving the work their support. Among these
may be especially mentioned the Societies in Oregon, Massachusetts, New
Jersey, and Indiana. ;

Through the financial support of one of our members, Mr. C. Oliver Iselin,
we were able to send Henry Oldys to South Carolina to give courses of lectures
during the summer to the teachers assembled in the State Summer School
at Winthrop Normal College. Arrangements have been made with the Uni-
versity of South Carolina by which J. D. Corrington, Assistant Professor of
Zoology, becomes our representative in handling the Junior work in that
State. This will be conducted as part of the regular University Extension

390 Bird - Lore

activities. Mr. Corrington, a vigorous and trained ornithologist, will undoubt-
edly prove to be a source of great strength to the cause in his portion of the
Southland.

Commissioner J. B. Harkin, Department of Canadian National Parks,
became greatly impressed with this work with the children, and, on his own
initiative, communicated with the officials of various provinces in Canada,
asking whether they would be willing to assist in encouraging the formation
of Junior Audubon Clubs in their schools. Very hearty and favorable accept-
ances were received by him from the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Nova
Scotia, and Saskatchewan. Commissioner Harkin is now negotiating with
the home office to see whether it is possible to have our leaflets published in
the French language, in order that they may be used among the extensive
French-speaking population in the Province of Quebec.’

During the year our generous benefactor, who has for some time been
supplying $20,000 annually to make this work with the children possible,
decided to endow at least half his annual gift. Therefore, on March 1, 1922,
there was received from him the sum of $200,000 cash, accompanied with
the statement that the funds were given:

“First, For the education of the general public in the knowledge and value
of useful, beautiful, and interesting forms of wild life, especially birds.

“Second, For the actual protection and perpetuation of such forms of
wild life on suitable breeding and other reservations.

“Third, For protecting and maintaining adequate protection for such
forms of wild life in all parts of the Western Hemisphere.

“Fourth, Or for any one of these purposes.”

For the present the Board plans to use the income exclusively for the
Junior Audubon Club work. In addition to the above, our Benefactor has
also sent $10,000 to be used in this field the coming year. I regret to report
that some of the other contributors, owing to financial reverses, have been
forced to discontinue their support of the Junior Department the coming
year. It seems too bad that a much larger sum cannot be made available for
this important work with the children.

Years ago this plan passed the experimental stage and has received the
stamp of approval of principals, superintendents, and teachers all over the
country, and, what is more important, it has met with the hearty good-will
and enthusiastic acceptance of the children.

In reference to this phase of the Association’s plans, the new United States
Commissioner of Education recently sent your President the following
letter:

I am greatly interested in the aims of the Audubon Societies and believe that the idea of
the Junior Audubon Clubs is good.

Children are always interested in bird-life, and there is a great opportunity for organiza-
tions such as the Junior Audubon Clubs to spread information among them on this subject

ee ee

POP er, at =

Ne

ag

Report of the President 397

and to inculcate in them a love of our winged friends and a desire to protect instead of perse-
cute them. I wish the Junior Audubon Clubs the greatest success in their work.
Cordially yours,
Washington, D.C. (Signed) Joun T. TiGERT

With the close of the school year, on June 1, 1922, it was found that 5,543
clubs had been formed during the previous twelve months, and the total
membership in this period amounted to 216,572. The following table shows
their distribution by states:

STATEMENT SHOWING NUMBERS AND LOCATION OF JUNIOR AUDUBON
CLUBS .FORMED DURING THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1, 1922
STATES . CLuBs MEMBERS

ZAI ED) SENT eT es he ee ke 32 1,191
PATIZONA AAS ie porcine tec eee eis tere BIFm al 2 oer Cumin y Nean Ls oleae 60
Arkansas: ... 2
(CalTornia sepa Rist teats, SSekiee RTECS 2 wane ae cee eee
Wolorado® ketecte Soest eee Gai bo anata tae Syne oe DA OD
GonBectiCti tesaetars acters sysitete eka co Oe PLOW A. caters sacs SMe ein coe ee te ORT!
Delaware. . ee ree nee sete BR a RASC Lei Me, eee 665
Mistrict of Columbia. -.2--...- sea. <s = She eS cie, tes es. Toe oto 2
Wlonidazer rts. Sr anatase hse oe OE) h ustrine! ta.ce eee ee ane 2b e
(GEOr ea rere ead: cytaeisie oe on BARONS AN ahah e onsen Mets epee 8790
LGUs SPR Sa Saar I oon DG ae Sarees ta ears e emotes 617
UM OIS oR te Ree Racine eens ST QOL Paint hitter eet ete ee D AAS
Wiiiana rae pera en SAS cose cogs Rete LOSE tet eae A ete re EN SEL Te OOM!
OMAP es irs since ctckchayeic ie seoteyatietad Qe Ss ewan cent sts Oc One reelooe EB OO
IKEAHSA GH Re Mele a loc ste terete eth ha ae 7S” cet BR arate ca he SOE ee POST
een ta ckiyanen: Sisto se ethic aS ERD eovntecdncenene atels eases OCR ERE eR
NE OUISIAD AS apse cies et snuca ea ne eleven oie 1 eh SY ee LOS TSS eR 446
VIAIMG Meier eicitete cl tetefats tq sue matee BT Watt seiatc fthac Meena cree cpe epson eae AOD
INTL le See ee a cere ee oa Cae a arse hee ae eck eet 003
Whassarchusetiser <o' seks otc tgingieta, 7 u4O4) 2a lorries acco antes rel 72353
Michigan......... I
IVINS ESO LAM Geter Seis oie cree ere Renate Speen ZLO Slpsinne Washoe Sea Ae oe tee ae
IVIISSISSI PP le sro Sens Sache tree tee Wine ss BERS Seay eR nao Re ys TO 228
INTISSO UNA HAI oe Ger ahae ee Feit siereoes 7
INGAAS Soe tcl Seen ear ee Sine V10) emer ae: HRS GORE SR 793
Nebraskate sion cG7 sos « oc) amicus eines 65
IN (ERG ES 3 ok aes ceetees SS eee acne ie AAS rab Ark sd cee res 201
INGG 18 Ein oR Videee pon See Soe eee o oar ZS Moa dnemcat abo oho aees ate 866
IV EWA EISEN MU occa vicieos he mitle odin A 222H waa a,. Meera cies ie aces OZ OL
NeW VIOXICOMS ets cte hc selec ern oe OESe Ryn’ delve teal erates 260
INVES WARY OKA Sess sess, Ses tole Wels aie te dhs (aeselale OL QpWeic ia sisisin Aapommapelere spect iter) teaedemi gS BN2 IO
Noxthy Caroliniaics vj.\jm aes vere oes Ba cata nig Ba Ngapert eats one ae dee LOO
RNOLD AKO LAH. 3 ses eres eimeers ee scree Di Dek. etm wis Ne terns Be eee 887
OHIO eS ra, eel tee ae wea GOL Wea the nis s AUR wae ate Re UO; ORS
Oblahomacre s5-yatas ne tees = es DE. tLe Hae IRS a ee 1,072

iat

a

398 Bird - Lore

STATES CLuss MEMBERS
Rhode Aslan 7 cecineet cece oer LTH. So erchinis Sarsrereirea atetaaave 744
South’ Carolina: ens icis se Sane al BE yrange atalh ts eave Siniele ge severe ROME
South: Dakota 236 dreerne Senet e ee Bia a rdhigen p PEO Eee oie oat Oe
sMennessee herons eure g ie areas ie hee TO acti sae bee oe shisicese eats 304
TEXAS sot. mote Cera Secale see 2 Reds hii ahs Fp pe he ae ieee ee!
UD tab ys Peyatcncia eee e aio 8 Seeaistauereretove ave IG SB etejess lee Searels ors jeubie ahs ata Sted MRMRAATS
Vermont ae iciackiie ystems Ot BOY Re Noe creme ce ce els tale See ee aT
Mirginia, So somes cosets votes BGO Bebb oa. acco Me. sealers ed ME
Washingtonce- cusnincet ee penile BBs weaistarsis Sis, Marche dnase tala tess eS eee
West Virginia 2 -sne nace eter ATS elon to touge hte. oo lente Oe
Wisconsin: S2) es cemateemie estate erates LAG secs cake celeste slepounre le his ERS
Wyoming) iieelcen en een eaten ce Roce tee oe he ae ee ae 202
Canadas act ha. 2e ete ote Nae ae LO Po cteye tS et ree ctor ee a

Totals ssocs ot gehen pian. wel Rate ISySASY saa ajc kUves meets serena el ea ae

WARDENS AND RESERVATIONS

Some of the Herring Gull colonies that have long been guarded by the
wardens of the Association were this year abandoned temporarily, at least.
This special protective work was begun about twenty years ago, as the birds
at that time had been greatly reduced in numbers because of the war made
on them by the agents of the millinery trade. With the passage of the Audubon
Law in the various states of the Union, and the later state and Federal enact-
ments which rendered it illegal to sell feathers of native birds, the demand
for Gulls’ wings in the feather trade may be said to have entirely stopped.

Aside from their natural enemies, therefore, this species had but little to
fear, save when an occasional lobsterman or fisherman landed on their breeding-
islands to gather a bucket of eggs for food, or when some fishermen or tourist
shot at a passing bird. Even this was prevented largely by the watchfulness
of the Audubon wardens. Very naturally, therefore, this species began rapidly
to increase and has once more become an extremely abundant species.

The Herring Gull lives not altogether a blameless life, and varied are
the complaints that have been made against him because of his alleged killing
of young domestic ducks and chickens, his destruction of sheep pastures
along the coast, and his pollution of city reservoirs. Arthur H. Norton,
representing this Association, was sent along the coast of Maine two different
summers to make careful observations on the destructiveness of the Herring
Gull. As result of his final investigations, coupled with the recommendations
of Edward H. Forbush, State Ornithologist of Massachusetts, and Dr. E. W.
Nelson, Chief of the Bureau of Biological Survey in Washington, the Board
of Directors decided the past spring that the Association was not at this time
justified in continuing to spend money to guard these birds, and several
wardens therefore, were withdrawn from service. As there is today practically
no demand for their feathers and but little egging is known to exist, the Gulls

sere

LIne

Report of the President 399

will doubtless continue to enjoy peace and prosperity. Should their numbers
ever again be threatened, it would be a simple matter to reéstablish protec-
tion on their breeding-islands.

During the year, warden service has been extended to four additional
Egret colonies, two in South Carolina and two in western Florida. Some
of the new Audubon Islands on the lower coast of Texas have also been
protected by a guardian for the first time.

Birds in our protected colonies appear to have enjoyed a good nesting-
season, and with the exception of the Roseate Spoonbill colony in southwestern
Louisiana, all appear to have held their own or increased numerically during
the season. Twenty-four wardens, guarding about fifty islands, lakes, or other
special territories, were employed. A list of these officials, together with
their addresses, names of the colonies they protected, and brief notes on the
more abundant species of birds found in all cases is given below.

LIST OF PRESENT AUDUBON WARDENS

Elisha G. Bunker, Cranberry Island, Maine, guarded Cranberry Island,
Beggars’ Island, Duck Island, and Gott Island. Birds breeding there were
Black Ducks, Gulls, and migratory shore-birds.

Fred E. Small, Bucks Harbor, Maine, guarded Old Man’s Island and
Double Head Shots Island, protecting about 150 Eider Ducks, also colonies
of Herring Gulls.

Charles R. Beal, Beals, Maine, guarded Freeman’s Rock, where Herring
Gulls and other water-birds were breeding.

Frank O. Hilt, Matinicus, Maine, guarded Matinicus Rock Island where
it is estimated 18,000 Common and Arctic Terns were nesting. Also several
hundred Black Guillemots and 12 Puffins, which as a breeding species is very
rare on our Atlantic coast.

George E. Cushman, Portland, Maine, guarded Bluff and Stratton Islands,
holding, this year, about 10,000 Arctic, Common and Roseate Terns.

Woodbury M. Snow, Rockland, Maine, guarded Metinic Green Island,
protecting Herring Gulls, Terns, and Guillemots.

Irving L. Edwards, Springs, N. Y., guarded south end of Gardiner’s Island
where there is a large colony of Terns.

Samuel D. Cramer, Tuckerton, N. J., guarded the life-saving station
beach and adjacent marsh where thousands of Laughing Gulls and hundreds
of Clapper Rails reared their young. Twenty-five pairs of Black Skimmers
also occupied the colony this year.

J. R. Andrews, Cheriton, Va., protected Big and Little Easters Islands
where it is estimated 300 Laughing Gulls, 1,200 Terns and 4,000 Clapper
Rails were breeding.

Julian Brown, Marshalburg, N. C., guarded Craney Island, where Great

400 Bird - Lore

Blue, Louisiana, Little Blue, and Black-crowned Night Herons, as well as
Snowy and large Egrets assembled to rear their young.

Arthur T. Wayne, Mt. Pleasant, S. C., protected Egret rookeries on Fair-
lawn Plantation and Penny Dam Reservoir. The colonies were reported to
contain about 45 pairs of large Egrets and several hundred Little Blue, Louisi-
ana, and Black-crowned Night Herons. In 1922, 125 pairs of White Ibises
also nested here.

Ludwig A. Beckman, McClellanville, S. C., guarded Santee River Rookery
colony, estimated to contain occupied nests as follows: Great Blue Heron,
150; Little Blue Heron, 240; Black-crowned Night Heron, 175; Large Egret,
460; and Snowy Egret, too.

R. F. Grimball, Charleston, S. C., protected Buzzard Island on James
Island, S. C., guarding breeding colonies as follows: 500 Snowy Egrets, 250
Black-crowned Night Herons; and 700 Louisiana Herons.

M. N. Gist, McIntosh, Fla., guarded Bird Island, Red Bird Island, Elder
Island, and Sawgrass Island in Orange Lake, and estimated them to contain
breeding pairs as follows: American Egret, 62; Snowy Egret, 18; Ward’s
Heron, go; Little Blue Heron, 200; Louisiana Heron, 150; Green Heron, 400;
Black-crowned Night Herons, 35; Water Turkeys, 70; Least Bittern, 450;
Florida Gallinule, 1,200; Purple Gallinule, 1,000; Boat-tailed Grackle, 2,400;
Red-winged Blackbird, 4,000; Florida Duck, 16; Wood Duck, 25; White
Ibis, 1,700; and King Rail, 4.

S. Elliott Bouknight, Micanopy, Fla., guarded in Black Gum Swamp, a
small colony of perhaps 200 birds containing Water Turkeys, Egrets, Snowy
Egrets, and other Herons.

J. M. Jackson, Port Orange, Fla., protected Spruce Creek and Island Pond
rookeries, estimated to contain 1,200 Snowy Egrets and about 600 large
Egrets. Several hundred of the common Herons also bred here.

L. Ashburner, Roseland, Fla., guarded various islands in the San Sebastian
River, estimated to contain 1,000 to 1,500 White Ibises and about 200 Snowy
Egrets, 75 Water Turkeys, and about 1,600 common Herons of three species.

W. L. Odum, Thomasville, Ga., protected May’s Pond rookery in Jefferson
County, Fla. This vast colony was estimated to contain 8,000 large Egrets,
as well as thousands of Wood Ibises, Water Turkeys, and Ward’s Herons.

R. T. Berryhill, Jr., Milltown, Ga., guarded Banks Pond rookery, Jefierson
County, Fla. This was estimated to contain 3,000 American Egrets, thousands
of Ward’s Herons, Ibises, and other water-birds, as well as several hundred
Wood Ducks.

Albert Matulich, Pilot Town, La., guarded vast Brown Pelican colonies
off Pass a Lutre and estimates 17,000 Pelicans bred there this year, besides
Caspian and Forster’s Terns. There are twelve islands in this group.

R. H. Stirling, Wakefield, La., protected Ray’s Lake and Thompson’s
Creek, 25 pair of Snowy Egrets, also Ward’s, Louisiana, and Green Herons.

Report of the President 401

J. A. Carruthers, Edgerly, La., guarded Cameron Island, Black Bayou,
Fifth Lake Bayou, Ged Island, Lost Lake, and Heron Island of Calcasieu,
which were the homes of 80 Roseate Spoonbills, 150 Large Egrets, 6,000
Snowy Egrets and many thousands of Ward’s, Black-crowned, and Yellow-
crowned Night Herons and Louisiana Herons.

R. D. Camp, Brownsville, Texas, guarded Green Island, Moro Island, and
Three Islands. The birds resorting here were: Reddish Egret, 4,000; Louisi-
ana Heron, 5,000; Ward’s Heron, 6,000; Black-crowned Night Heron, 300;
Snowy Egret, 50; Large Egret, 15; Least Tern, 300; Black Skimmer, 500 and
Roseate Spoonbill, 75.

The income from the Mary Dutcher Fund was used in this work.

MISCELLANEOUS AND FINANCIAL

The past year our Supply Department sold at cost of manufacture and
handling, 1,044 stereopticon slides. Several thousand dollars worth of Educa-
tional Leaflets, bird-books, field-glasses, bird-charts, and other aids to bird
students were also supplied to the public. From the home office there were
issued 2,025,000 Educational Leaflets, and other circulars to the number
of 740,000.

Within the year there were enrolled 152 life members at $100 each. The
amount realized from this source, together with $1,148.55 in gifts, and $1,191.72
transferred from the general surplus totals $17,540.27 that have been added
to the General Endowment Fund.

The gift of $200,000 referred to above, and which by request of the donor
will be known as the ‘Permanent Fund of 1922,’ was upon its receipt tempo-
rarily invested in Government bonds. Later, when a permanent investment
in the form of mortgages was arranged for, the Government bonds were
disposed of by your Finance Committee at a higher rate than the original
cost. The Permanent Fund of 1922 therefore stands today at $201,851.42.
Only the interest from this will be used from year to year.

The number of sustaining members, the fee for which is $5 annually, has
been advanced to 4,553. The total income of the Association for the year
was $335,101.42.

DISTRIBUTION OF MEMBERS

The following statement shows the distribution by states of sustaining
and life members of the National Association of Audubon Societies as these
existed at the close of the fiscal year, October 10, 10922:

SUSTAINING Lire

MEMBERS MEMBERS Tora
MN ADAXOLA Nees reece ita ge ea els ae Ritch ic Cota ae eC eae ss 3 ee Dee eS
ESV ET cies Godan Gee SSIS CR REREEIED' - =.) SoS SR cRS CO anc panna CMe an ar
ATEANSAS (7.80% w/<)2e chosen ie coe oss och 55s eee ales Sve sews ons ee 4

402 Bird - Lore

SUSTAINING Lire
MeEMBERS MEMBERS ToraL

Californias. sre. actae acts he ostotrab sine octal ClsaneRipieieets si sia. OANF Lsclareiere tae
Os) bo) ¢:¥e (Pee Aye Meee SER emer Ae Sine ino a4 ost hidn Nope ee tte igi i mmtcioe 2)
Connecticut ssioss retusa) ose ure ane alec ROO Ree ets SOR ie adee) eas
Delaware 2ns<s os suscep oe Eero REO RE er LTT 2 bye ie ies PORE ae em!
Districtiof:Columbia 4.050. cnc eo eee eiccee cies eaten 8 OS Leer 26 acS.a5e SO
Plorida s «ists; 2s iscausSetreiialc Melcaete cee roksan eitls sipetatone © ey 20! Seay eta Oe t a Siem
Georgia Gay cet hele Sotsrais ceteeeracted ocd Phata rey sere ners alee eeeeehsie LD) Sa est sew Ney eee 13
Mo Mtoe SaaS ares eririd Na Go icicn o cy SAND 9 8 do Bigcrn 30 SECS hemo

TUM MOIS so sic Pe pcidasien onc eke clase cael otal Leah eucta a dere eee eee de to teaie neat Oe V7 cae. 275
Lbs heist: ore te nte NA SRO SUA aoa uN OP anata sy Yeaco so 28
1 Oe \ 2: REE AERA poe eis ot ocr Dataty Ores old's o old Cake) HaREMCh! uth dions woe Semen
Sheet: CA RT RES ntees IN. doR Ines a ritadld om Beh Mock My Malin coc cyeeraet aa)
Ren tuckey soi he cckc 1p Siete aise See nets pe pcnels bays ta teMlate pete yeas cierto ORNs Covel s<)5's IO ae ee
[Pei tlt a ee ee CRS <I ao oc boat aa Saar hi OO Let les Boek c 9
WEEN © 2c 5554 faahots Sats sie vc RSI aoe Sn oe OSes OD mark. ettatena is 22°. Sea
Maryland’ »..ccic Se cic. cseccssitin: devclieatahon sale) nne Shame inte rctetayn gl 97 O) Mince sy «ia O Maina ee ED
MassachtisettSsoice « ciavcw » cllicthacisuion occie cule Sameine arte sre OO /elets tare 2202 ik eee eC
Michigan wy acters oeicie <= seit ttn epics Gis Saree eae oO A omnes oe ke meee
Minnesota’. mo soite ni heck eos et eneke Ree aN Telos ERE eee rer oP 050 eadehsioiia cites an fe Aare na 66
1 VIL} 0) 0) Bare ae Oa an ona Soote MN be cho sb ocborcoeMpEa dambonm || dedes = 5
MUISSO ULE sce, cease tects eS ace fo) AEE STEP SKU SPM CEETEI) CIRESLC tl ZO) fone coesc hese me LiS tie ee
Montana sae oii hare ciclo ostorcateee ate iaitle sie talouel one ebrevecowepere ee eee do Su 6
INGDraska as. c ore roche eae PIO oe Te ok al hone See one ook Oe erat aatar Se 4 Lee
INCE Ke CES aes Rerarier eas mo el Stare windy OER ENCID pO IO Gp OO Cue Be 2hs Sus
ING Als Enero ite R annaye oo.con Ha de.cogocdo.wbobacdioaeo ono sie couns6 LO Soe ees
INew, J ELS? ant of sir sictocrstataee sore clerne eek eee Oeletagelat> (250 Weeretste tiers AY nee)
ING wo MERICO feioc Acts easels eran ONba OE TIRE eo CIE Ba ie een, 3
INC, 2s 40) 9 SR HE Sno acer he ote 6 OMA OS oor ORO UAH /—o8 .tadone

North Carolin aiacasco acces ote scot aie cs ost eree a ayes ete aie Lovo ote EE ad Ope ene a a) Sto 24
North Dakota jcmce tne eater ona TAM Te tude Sedetaes
(0) 10 Re ee SacI Sn or Sree ERE diner viceicicans aise Mar SANS leT esta eo Or Gee ee 251
Oklahoma sy... ae cea ser eens bee UE anes cone ect Rana aoe ae Ud ere ere eo Shae ET)
Oregonistere ee cake ar ee: OS Oe CN Oe oo Omiting fie (einige = DL pars and epee
Pennsylvania re cinerea iets steee ae rakes ec keke ree ehe 24 L cen ee 498
Rhode wlsland! Sorta eso etek sie Cava eo tere aC OST mie er enemas BON avcroks 124
South, Carolinas s.5..5 i: discs creer ce ering leis Srenelovelthers) asttecbeduen, sa Sie loins te kl
South Dakota's Sic. -/c5e Os Tere 2 tees eheer eects tie cae ere mL eer creye eae ot
Mennessee Poy a sos cei ease sal Mqude els alee Bl ceateer Pee fee Oy cates » a, 7
TOXAS 5 ccthes nese aaah aia oven hall the Gore eee LON route ee Io RG fo eles LO a eee 6 hats ee 23
Wtalite scocs 5 cc cties ae eee ire een eC ene eee AC Rene eer ent ee
\i(sa 1) | Seen fa anon aeo na ore SO cORtotooss Se mSch )dhvaods TLS ..\-;eeee

West: Virginia it.i2). <.s0 cick ageetou Baler es. sialae Sao to SORT Nae eR E eiersiers is ee 0
WISCONSIN’... 5:22 5 5.125 oeaors ip Sieve cbale se whctelee! che’! ata tenatatht oe istics CoM MeapAL I his eteeats te bo MES Sic:
Nala) oh) Hen Sagi meee dic DO OBO IOS UnDAgaS.so.00 ses e000 eee CE RE 53. 2

Ie) Cat OSHA A DUO AG ORGOOGn oO OOMRGON oD Soncb oN OnO8 rt on oe 02) Scie pee 50

eS

Reports of Field Agents 403

REPORTS OF FIELD AGENTS

REPORT OF EDWARD HOWE FORBUSH, FIELD AGENT
FOR NEW ENGLAND

It is difficult, year by year, to report on the New England territory without
referring to the excellent work of the Audubon societies of the New England
States and, in part, duplicating the reports of the secretaries of these organi-
zations. Your agent for New England will, however, continue the policy of
confining his report, as far as possible, to matters outside of their many activities.

During the year 1921 the Heath Hen of Martha’s Vineyard apparently not
only failed to hold its own but decreased considerably in numbers, owing
largely, it is believed, to late spring frosts which occurred at a time when many
of the females had deposited their eggs and before they had commenced to
incubate. But if the census of the birds taken by John A. Farley in April, 1922,
can be considered fairly accurate, there must have been many fatalities among
the adults since the census of April, 1921. As there were few northern Hawks
and Owls on the islands last winter, suspicion must fall on hunting cats and
human hunters.

From information received during the past summer it seems probable that
the birds had a more successful breeding-season than in 1921, but no definite
statement regarding the increase or decrease for this year can be made until
the shooting-season and the winter have passed.

It seems that the Herring Gull in New England has about reached the
maximum of numbers within which it may be properly classed as a useful
species. Further increase in its numbers may result in some change of food
habits so that the species may become injurious. Complaints of the destruction
of clams, fish, and scallops in Massachusetts by this species and of raids on
young chickens and blueberries in Maine indicate that its numbers have about
reached the limit of its normal food-supply. If it continues to increase, it
may attack the grain in the fields, as under strict protection, it did in the
British Isles.

Apparently, as the Gulls increase on Muskeget Island the Terns decrease.
Both Herring Gulls and Laughing Gulls are increasing there. Possibly we are
giving the Gulls too much protection there. The Terns on the Massachusetts
coast generally have held their own very well this year, in spite of the fact that
hundreds of young Terns died early in the season as a result of heavy rains, and
other hundreds starved to death when nearly ready to fly, probably because of
a lack of sufficient food in nearby waters. This was particularly noticeable at
Chatham, Mass., where practically all the Terns concentrated on one island.
As the island lies close to shore, there were only the ocean to the eastward and
the waters of the harbor to draw from. On islands at a distance from the shore
from which the birds can fish in every direction, they have a much better chance

404 Bird - Lore

to obtain sufficient food. The colony at Monomy is more favorably situated,
and as the Massachusetts Conservation Commission, through the good offices
of Director William C. Adams of the Fish and Game Division, employed a man
to destroy the numerous cats, skunks, and other enemies of the Terns at that
station, this colony did well. An attempt was made to pass an act in the
Massachusetts Legislature to set aside Penikese Island as a reservation for
Terns, sea-birds, wild-fowl, and shore-birds. This bill failed of passage. The
state now keeps a man on the island and protects the birds there, but under the
present law the island will be sold whenever an adequate price is offered. The
sale of this island may be the death-knell of this great Tern colony. Some
friend of the-birds should buy it and present it to the National Association of
Audubon Societies. Penikese and Muskeget are the only two islands off the
Massachusetts coast on which there is a chance of preserving Tern colonies
perpetually. All the other islands are in harbors or close to the coast and will
be occupied eventually by summer residents. None of the Massachusetts
coast colonies of Common Terns succeeded in rearing enough young this year
to keep up their numbers. The Roseate Terns on the islands may have held
their own but there are few Arctic Terns there. The Least Terns did well this
year. ‘They have scattered along the coasts of Cape Cod and Martha’s Vine-
yard and have occupied new nesting-sites. More young birds were in evidence
at the close of the breeding-season than for many years. The only chance the
Least Tern has to perpetuate its race is to scatter in small groups along the
coast, like the Piping Plover, which, under protection, has risen in a few years
from a rare breeder approaching extirpation to a common summer resident on
many suitable New England shores not completely overrun by summer people.

The dangers to bird-life are constantly increasing. Now come the automo-
bile, the airplane, the electrification of steam railroads with their additional
strings of wires, and last, but not least, the oil danger.

Fuel-oil cast upon the sea or into harbors has destroyed, during the past
year, hundreds of birds in New England waters. Geese, Ducks, Loons, Puffins,
Murres, and Auks seem to be the principal victims. Shore-birds apparently
suffer little, and few Gulls and Terns seem to be affected. Much of this floating
oil comes from pumping waste oil out of the bilges or tanks of steamships.
Now and then a wreck of a tanker occurs which liberates thousands of gallons
of oil on the surface of the sea, to destroy nearly every bird that is once im-
mersed in its sticky flood. The pumping of waste oil into the sea should be
stopped. This oil can be utilized. The Japanese use it. Are the Whites their
inferiors?

The New England States as a section seem to have taken the lead in the
bird-banding movement inaugurated by the Biological Survey. During the
past year the New England Bird-Banding Association has been organized, and
now numbers hundreds of members. The value of this work is fully appreci-
ated in these states, and Laurence B. Fletcher, of Boston, the enterprising and

Reports of Field Agents 405

active corresponding secretary and treasurér of the Association, has stirred up
an ever-increasing interest in the work. Bird-banding always increases the
interest in the living bird. Bird-banders, of necessity, become bird-protection-
ists. Each one soon finds it necessary to be on the alert against the many
enemies of birds if he would be successful in trapping and banding them. If
he attempts merely to band fledgelings, he must protect the nests so far as
possible, and is soon led to erect bird-houses for the better accommodation and
protection of certain species. The bird-banding movement, therefore, is one
that the National Association should encourage throughout the land.

REPORT OF WINTHROP PACKARD, FIELD AGENT FOR
MASSACHUSETTS

The Audubon Society offices, at 66 Newbury Street, Boston, occupied
jointly by the Massachusetts agent of the National Association and the State
Society, have teemed with activities throughout the year. The chief cares of
your agent are threefold: First, to find members for the Association, both life
and sustaining; second, to push the work of the Junior Classes in Bird-study
throughout the schools of the state; third, to continually place before the
public the needs not only of the Association but of the birds themselves. All
these are great and worthy ends and for them we labor unceasingly. Your
agent has been in correspondence with every school superintendent and teacher
in the state concerning the use of the leaflets and the formation of Junior
bird-study classes in the schools. As many schools as possible are visited
each year and the Junior Club plan is explained to teachers and pupils in
ten-minute talks.

A generous appropriation from the home office last spring made it possible
to engage two trained assistants for this work, thus making it much more
effective. Your agent finds that almost invariably the children receive the
opportunity gladly and are eager to take advantage of it: many teachers also,
but there is still great need of missionary work among others, and there are
still superintendents, especially in large cities, who are not willing to give time
to bird-study. One way of reaching them is through the general enlightenment
which the public still needs in regard to bird-study and bird-protection. This
work is being pushed at the Boston office through the press, lectures, exhibi-
tions, assistance in legislature, and individual action in all possible ways.

400 Bird - Lore

REPORT OF WILLIAM L. FINLEY, FIELD AGENT FOR THE
PACIFIC COAST STATES

CTOBER, 1922, finds your western agent still increasing
the output of motion-picture films of wild birds and
animals. During 1921, a series of reels which we re-
leased on the theatrical circuit in the United States
and foreign countries, through the Bray Pictures
Corporation and the Goldwyn exchanges, brought a
great deal of publicity for wild-bird and animal pro-
tection among a large class of people who give these
matters little attention. During the past year, another
series of seven reels was released, also bearing the
name of the National Association of Audubon So-
cieties. The titles for these reels were written by Katharine Hilliker, one of
the most expert title writers in the country, with the idea of giving them
a popular touch necessary to reach the theatrical public. The subjects released
were as follows:

(1) ‘High Water,’ a series of pictures around Crater Lake and other high
lakes of the Cascade Range. (2) ‘Page Mr. Edison,’ motion pictures in Mt.
Rainier National Park illustrating mammals and birds, especially the life of
the White-tailed Ptarmigan and how she is protectively dressed both in summer
and winter. (3) ‘The Climbing Mazamas,’ showing mountain climbers on
their trip to the top of Mt. Rainier with some of the wild folk they met. (4)
‘Angling in Oregon Waters,’ illustrating the life history of the salmon of the
Columbia River. (5) ‘Healthy Appetites,’ picturing a trip around Mt.

CHILDREN FEEDING GULLS ON OREGON COAST
Photographed by William L. and Irene Finley

Reports of Field Agents 407

Jefierson in the Cascade Range, with camp views and how some of the birds
and animals are attracted when food is furnished them. (6) ‘Ups and Downs,’
a story centered about Klamath Lake Reservation with remarkable flight
pictures of White Pelicans, as well as studies of Herons, Phalaropes, Grebes,
and others. (7) ‘Wanted, a Fumigator,’ a series of amusing experiences with
skunks, bob-cats, and other wild animals.

In order to meet the demand for high-grade educational material, both on
the theatrical circuit and for schools and colleges, our efforts during the past
year have been centered in making up a series of twelve reels of motion pictures
covering as completely as possible a general work on American natural history.
The different chapters in this
series begin with some of the
lowest forms of the animal king-
dom, such as the corymorpha
and sea-anemone, and follow
the steps in the evolutionary
development through the more
primordial forms of life up to
man. The special subjects
treated are the struggle for ex-
istence, the story of animal in-
telligence, social nature of wild
folks, how birds and animals are
equipped to take their parts,
their friendship for man, and
other phases.

A series of four reels of
motion pictures have been made
up especially for the National
Association of Audubon Socie-
ties, illustrating the work
among children in building and
putting up bird-houses, the
various wild-fowl reservations
which have been established, and
other phases of Audubon work.

During the past year, the
Oregon Fish Commission, at the
request of a few commercial
fishermen, have continued their
efforts in exterminating the
Steller sea-lions off the Oregon

coast because certain salmon

408 Bird - Lore

fishermen thought these animals were living on salmon and thus injuring their
business. This destruction has gone on, although a warning was sent to the
Oregon Commission by Harold C. Bryant, who is in charge of education and
research for the California Commission, to the effect that it is a mistake to
destroy sea-lions, as the investigation carried on by the California Fish Com-
mission showed that the sea-lions were living largely on squids and octopi,

rather than salmon.
Up to last summer, the sea-lion colonies on Three Arch Rocks Reservation
had never been molested to any extent since its establishment by special

3 77

ree age hoe f ew bah oaeee

SEA-LION PUPS AND TWO FEMALES, THREE ARCH ROCKS RESERVATION, OREGON
Photographed by Finley and Bohlman

proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt, on October 14, 1907. During
the past summer, however, the reservation has been continually raided. Mr.
Hunter, who was employed by the state of Oregon, told H. H. Rosenberg, of
Tillamook, Ore., that he killed one hundred and seven sea-lions on Three Arch
Rocks Reservation on his trip up the coast in the early summer. Mr. Rosenberg
who has a hotel at Maxwell Point opposite Three Arch Rocks, is interested in
seeing that the Federal law, which provides that no one shall molest or disturb
birds or animals on a Federal reservation, is enforced.

As late as August 23, he sent a letter to R. C. Steele, United States Game
Warden, of Portland, Ore., that on Sunday, August 20, ‘‘a small power boat
appeared off Three Arch Rocks and anchored. A small boat containing two
men then left the power boat and rowed to a small rock where the sea-lions
usually stay. They shot about a dozen shots and then rowed on around the

Reports of Field Agents 400

rocks and back to the power boat. They were on the rocks from thirty to forty
minutes. While they were shooting, the birds were flying in every direction
from being molested and we have seen no sea-lions on the rocks since. This
power boat had about ten or fifteen persons aboard, and we think was from
Tillamook Bay.”’

In talking with Mr. Steele since that time, he said that he spent several
days in Tillamook, but was unable to get sufficient evidence to warrant bringing
the matter into the Federal court.

The situation in regard to Malheur Lake Reservation, which was created
by proclamation of President Theodore Roosevelt, on August 18, 1908, is

MR. AND MRS. VERNON BAILEY FEEDING GULLS NEAR THREE ARCH ROCKS
RESERVATION, OREGON
Photographed by William L. and Irene Finley

substantially as follows: The Government had completed plans to file an
injunction to determine their right and title to their share of the water of
Silvies and Blitzen Rivers. Percy Cupper, State Engineer for Oregon, appealed,
through our representatives in Congress, to the Biological Survey to withold
the suit until a conference was held. This was done and representatives from
both the state and Federal government met in Salem during the spring of
1921. The proposition put up by State Engineer Cupper was to divide the
lake into two parts, building a dyke to separate the east and west parts of the
lake, the state to have the western end, and the Government the eastern end.

Many of those who are interested in seeing Malheur Lake Reservation
saved have taken the stand that this would be a reasonable solution providing
the state would stand the expense of building the dyke, which should extend
across the lake in a northerly and southerly direction west of both the mouths
of Silvies River on the north and Blitzen River on the south, and that there

4fo Bird - Lore

should be a guarantee of enough water flowing into the lake to supply the
reservation. This boundary would insure the inclusion of all the large bird
colonies at present on the reservation.

During June, 1922, surveyors and representatives, both of the state and
Federal government investigated the matter on the ground and while State
Engineer Cupper has not yet offered a proposition in writing, it may be that
some compromise can be made which will be accepted by the Government.

REPORT OF ARTHUR H. NORTON, FIELD AGENT FOR
MAINE

While the winter was very mild in this state and favorable to the wintering
of wild birds, the early summer was remarkable for its excess of rain. This
was fatal to many birds nesting in open places and in lowland water-courses.
Terns raised almost no young in Maine this season, and the single colony of
Laughing Gulls, which has prospered for the last few years, fared as badly.
Herring Gulls were less inconvenienced by the weather conditions and raised
a good many young, while Black Ducks, which have been breeding in increasing
numbers for the last few years, seemed to have passed through the rains with
comparatively little loss of young. Ruffed Grouse, which had recovered from
the serious depletion of three to four years ago, nested in considerable numbers,
but, hatching just before the heavy rains, seem to have lost many young.
Robins, Swallows, and Swifts are known to have suffered much inconvenience
through this cause.

The fall has been very dry, and the condition of the forests and the preva-
lence of late forest fires raging in various parts of the state have caused the
Governor, for the first time in our history, to issue a proclamation prohibiting
the hunting of all woodland game in the state until such time as conditions
warrant the safety of the forests. In response to the request of the United
States Game Warden, Bertrand G. Smith, I again went as pilot on a trip by
water along the coast in early May, from Portland to Roques Island in Eng-
lishman’s Bay, visiting the islands and ledges where gunning for sea-birds is
practiced. On this trip we were able to locate several new, or previously
unnoticed, breeding-places for a number of species of birds.

Several small groups of Eider Ducks were observed at places where they
have not been noticed before at this season; half a dozen Black Ducks, un-
doubtedly the mates of breeding females, were found to be stopping at Flint
Island. A small colony of Great Blue Herons was found breeding near Jonesport
and with them several Ospreys, and various other pairs of the latter at other
places in this vicinity. Herring Gulls were found at all of their regular breeding-
places along the route of our course, and new colonies were noted at Otter
Island of the Vinal Haven group. This is an old breeding-place for this species,
but they had been expelled from it about twenty years ago. Later in the season

Reports of Field Agents ~- 411

I availed myself of the codperation of the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries
and Game, Hon. Willis E. Parson, and his warden, Capt. Herbert L. Spinney,
and visited a number of other colonies of birds.

As a result of these investigations it appears that Leach’s Petrels are again
breeding in small numbers at Pumpkin Knob, one of the Damascove Islands.
A good-sized colony of Herring Gulls are also located there, but the Terns
which formerly occupied the place have disappeared. The colony of Herring
Gulls at White Bull in Casco Bay has increased largely, several hundreds
breeding there this year. I have mentioned the return of these birds to Otter
Island and its small satellites, all of the Vinal Haven group. These hardy
birds have maintained their hold on nearly all of the colonies newly occupied
by them within the last few years, and this season they succeeded in raising
many young while less hardy species failed. Many Laughing Gulls came to
Maine this spring and remained all summer, though they seem to have raised
few, if any, young. The adult birds were commonly seen twenty miles east
of their breeding-place through the summer for the first time for many years.
They also ranged, as is usual, 20 miles west of that place.

Terns, with the constant increase of the Herring Gull, have been constantly ~
driven to smaller islands and even dry ledges where they have never before
been known to colonize. As I have stated, these birds raised almost no young
owing to the heavy rains. Eider Ducks are lingering at many places along the
coast where they have not been known in summer ior years, and it is probable
that some are soon to be, or now are, breeding at new points. Red-breasted
Mergansers remained all summer as far west as Casco Bay, and one pair was
said to have nested within these waters. One pair of Canada Geese remained
all summer in the waters of the lower part of the Kennebec River. A colony
of Great Blue Herons was visited in Boothbay. There were about fifty nests,
all containing young birds in early June. Night Herons are in much less
evidence than they were a few years ago. Ospreys, in some sections, appear to
be increasing, and Bald Eagles seem to be holding their own, if not increasing.

The Piping Plover continues to breed on our shores. A few Bartramian
Sandpipers were seen in the vicinity of Portland late in July. Harbor seals
which have become, within the last twenty years, much reduced in numbers are
now to be found in considerable numbers in several colonies chiefly west of the
Penobscot waters. The Katahdin Park proposition, which, so far as territorial
possession is concerned, was defeated at the last session of the state Legis-
lature, has been declared a game preserve by the Commissioner of Inland
Fisheries and Game and regulations declared March 31, 1922. By this decree
90,000 acres, more or less, containing, among other rare animals, moose, black
bears, beaver, Spruce Grouse, Pileated Woodpeckers, Canada Jays, and North-
ern Ravens, have become a wild-life preserve. I visited this territory in Sep-
tember. It contains not only Mount Katahdin, the highest and wildest moun-
tain in the state, but also a wide expanse of wild land about its base. Fresh

412 Bird - Lore

tracks of a moose, now roaming these wilds in security, were seen within a
mile of a popular public camp. A colony of beaver on the stream between
Elbow and Grassy Ponds had increased. Through various influences, among
which the work of the Audubon Society for the past twenty years has been a
part, there is now a widespread interest in the study of natural history, and
especially birds and their protection, throughout the state. During the year a
new and active bird club has been organized in the city of Gardiner. Two of
the older clubs, the Stanton Bird Club of Lewiston and Auburn, and the
Cumberland County Audubon Society of Portland have been incorporated for
the purpose of more fully carrying on their work. The well-organized bird
clubs and Audubon Societies of the state, of which there are no less than seven,
have all been active, as will be seen by their several reports. It is with great
satisfaction that I am able to announce that between these local clubs there
exists the utmost feeling of good will and desire for coéperation.

Besides these clubs, many other organizations within the church, literary
clubs, and the organizations for young people, in carrying out their annual
programs desire talks on various natural history subjects, and especially on
birds. These demands I have met on many occasions, and now the various
clubs are doing much more by furnishing trained students from their own
membership to carry on this phase of the work. Governor Baxter, who in
192 prolcaimed a state-wide bird-day, calling especially upon the teachers of
the public schools to observe the day with appropriate exercises, repeated the
custom this year, and it is safe to say that there was hardly a school in the
entire state but carried out the purposes of the proclamation to the best of its
ability. On this day hundreds of thousands of children answered this great
muster-call eagerly, to listen to exercises and exhibit their own work for a
better knowledge of birds and their usefulness to man. If much has been
accomplished since the zeal of William Dutcher and Abbott Thayer were the
guiding stars of this great Association, it but reminds us forcefully of our
greater responsibilities to a great and awakening public.

REPORT OF EUGENE SWOPE, FIELD AGENT FOR OHIO

Early in 1915, some of the Ohio conservationists and agriculturists were
instrumental in having the Bob-white legally classed with all protected birds
of the state. Ohio bird-census takers, reporting Christmas observations to
Birp-Lore six weeks prior to the enactment of this law, do not mention even
one Bob-white in their lists. Now it may be only a meaningless coincident, but
every Ohio Christmas census since 1914 mentions many Bob-whites. It would
seem that the birds must be more numerous since they are not hunted. It is
also likely that they are less shy and census-takers find them in the open, when
formerly hunting dogs were necessary to get them out. In every part of the
state where conditions are at all suited to the Bob-white’s welfare, observing

Reports of Field Agents. 413

people declare that their numbers yearly increase. The cartoonist of the
Columbus Dispatch tells this story tersely. ‘The experiment has succeeded
so far,” said a Cleveland Audubon member, “and the peeved pessimists are
awfully disappointed.”

Ohio educators have taken earnest notice of the nation-wide question,
“What’s wrong with our schools?” Many have answered, “Too many frills and
fads, for one thing, are being forced upon the attention of the children.”
Some educators did not distinguish between the helpful and the useless sup-
plementary subjects, and moved to rule out about everything not in their
curriculum. This move discouraged progress in our Junior work last year, but
it will gradually become nonactive and our work will advance.

Here is one outstanding fact about Ohioans and birds: Ever since the
National Association of Audubon Societies began giving its generous aid to
the cause of bird welfare in the state, the people’s interest in birds has steadily
and pretty generally grown. In many communities, interest had to be developed

OHIO MUSIC

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CARTOON FROM THE COLUMBUS (OHIO) DISPATCH OF JUNE 1, 1922

414 : Bird - Lore

against antagonism. Pioneer bird-protective teaching was resented by certain
communities as insidious attempts by outsiders to interfere with personal
liberty. But now, in just such communities, can be found one or more leaders
in bird-welfare, locally and pridefully known as ‘Our bird man,’ or just as
often, ‘Our bird woman.’ Wild-life conservation interests in all large pro-
gressive communities has forged ahead until it is now taken for granted that
everyone is friendly toward wild birds; exceptions stand out and are marked
as cases of retarded conscience. It is common in these communities to meet
people with highly creditable knowledge of birds, acquired in recent years.
The genesis of all this healthy, growing interest is found mainly in the
Junior Bird Clubs. Ohio conservationists owe much to the National Association
for making this work possible in the schools of the state, and their high appre-
ciation should be shown those earnest teachers who have had the vision to
foresee and the courage to work for a better relation between men and birds.

REPORT OF FRANCES A. HURD, SCHOOL SECRETARY FOR
CONNECTICUT

The time of our Connecticut field-worker is devoted largely to the organi-
zation of Junior Audubon Clubs. The past year 219 were formed, with a
membership of 8,134. During the spring, the school secretary traveled over
a thousand miles in the state, giving bird-talks to several thousand children
who were eager to hear about the birds. She also spoke before a number of
audiences. An entirely new field for Audubon activity was presented in the
eastern part of the state, where school superintendents, teachers, and pupils
were found to be actively interested in bird-study.

The principal of one of the larger schools reports taking a class out once a
week for an early morning bird-walk, and a number of his teachers have formed
Junior Audubon Clubs. In this same town the Women’s Club engaged a bird-
man to lecture for them, and the pupils of the village and rural schools were
invited to hear the lecture. The children afterward wrote interesting accounts
of it.

The eastern part of Connecticut is thinly settled and there are many small
rural schools scattered over a large area. Teachers were found here who, with
only a limited knowledge of birds, were arousing the interest of their pupils
in the subject. In a few it was pathetic to find ears deaf to the bird-music
of nearby woods and fields. It made one wish that every schoolroom might
have hanging on its walls the Audubon bird-charts which are such a delight
to pupils wherever they are used, and that it were also possible for every child
to belong to a Junior Audubon Club.

In a kindergarten class visited at one time by the school secretary, the
teacher asked her to let the children tell the names of the birds as she showed
them the bird skins. The tiny tots had, during the year, looked at the bird-

Reports of Field Agents 415

charts and been taught the names of the birds so that they readily identified
twenty of the skins as they were shown. Upon a visit to one of the Bridgeport
schools, it was learned that the principal and one of the teachers and her
pupils had visited Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield the day before, and they gave
most glowing accounts of their experiences. It was a pleasure to find such in-
telligent interest and to answer their questions. Other classes were also plan-
ning a visit to the Museum.

From one of our small rural schools, which every year has had its Junior
Audubon Club, came a letter saying, “Mudder” thought these two little people
too small to join, but when an older brother, only ten, but active in our meet-
ings, received his treasured button and leaflets, the pleas of the other two could
not be resisted; hence two more dimes and two more members.” In one of the
smaller schools, a little child in the first grade, to show his appreciation of the
talk, came up to me as his class was leaving the room and surprised me by
putting his arms about me and holding up his little head to kiss me. A super-
visor of several rural schools, who has laid great stress on nature-study in
the schools under her supervision, writes, “I hear enthusiastic accounts of
your work everywhere you have been, and I thank you most heartily for the
excellent work which you have done for us.”

The teacher of a little country school, with only sixteen pupils, writes,
“The Audubon leaflets have been received. The children are very happy and
send a big “Thank you.’ It is perfectly splendid to think we can have Brrp-
Lore. Our club meets once in two weeks and we color the outline picture and
talk about the birds. In the spring we take walks and observe the nesting
birds. We try to interest others in bird protection.’ Interesting accounts of
the work come from all parts of the state, and one cannot help but feel that
they are particularly priviledged in having this opportunity to arouse the
dormant interest of the school children in bird-study.

REPORT OF HERBERT K. JOB, DEPARTMENT OF
APPLIED ORNITHOLOGY

During the past year the work of our Experiment Station at Amston, Conn.,
has made more progress than ever before. Previously we have been handi-
capped by lack of sufficient funds for operating purposes. By the recent
organization of the ‘Amston Lake Club, in coéperation with the National
Association of Audubon Societies,’ this work now has the support of a consider-
able and increasing group of prominent business and professional men. Owing
to this support, we have been able to employ Henry A. Bowden, who, with
his family, resides on the Preserve the year around. Mr. Bowden is one of
the most skilled and successful of professional English gamekeepers, with
life-long training in the work, and who, because he loves it, is willing to bestow
upon each detail the infinite patience which brings results.

410 Bird - Lore

Though it was generally a bad season, owing to the incessant rains and the
spreading invasion by myriads of rose-chafers, poisonous to young birds, we
were able to bring to maturity about eleven hundred young Pheasants, besides
a number of other species. Total sales, all for purposes of liberation-and re-
stocking, amounted to $3,000, and we also retained several hundred dollars’
worth of stock for next year’s breeding.

This season we resumed our work with Quails, breeding the Bob-white and
the California Valley Quail in a small way. We hatched two broods and raised
most of these birds to maturity. It is interesting to note that from our past
breeding and releasing we had, last winter, on the Preserve a fine covey of
fourteen Valley Quail in the wild state, coming to feed regularly at one of the
barns, showing that this introduced species can survive New England winters.
These have now been maintained for at least three years in freedom, originally
from young birds which we raised, so it is possible that the species may increase.

In our work with water-fowl, this year, we raised Redheads and Wood
Ducks. That there is especial interest in breeding the latter species is shown
by the fact that they are in demand, even at $35 a pair. It also indicates that,
by present methods, they are not easy to raise. We are evolving a new method
for quantity production which we plan to try out in full next season, as also
the breeding and rearing of the Gray or ‘Hungarian’ Partridge of Europe, with
which Mr. Bowden has had long experience. Work with the smaller birds has
been continued, as before, and the bird-boxes have been abundantly occupied

VIEW FROM FRONT PORCH OF NEW HEADWATERS, AMSTON, CONN.
Photographed by Herbert K. Job

Reports of Field Agents 417

BANDED FEMALE OSPREY AT NEST, GARDINERS ISLAND, N. Y.
From new Audubon film ‘Feathered Camp Intimates.’ Photographed by Herbert K. Job
Since our first publications in applied ornithology, funds have been lacking
for publishing the results of our later experimental research work, but it is
now probable that further needed publication can be made in the near future.
Class instruction work at Amston was not resumed this season, owing to
the pressure of other work there, and the photographing of another reel of
educational pictures of wild bird-life. This film ‘Feathered Camp Intimates’
will be available before this report is read. It will also be issued and dis-
tributed by The Fox Film Corporation, New York City. Correspondence,
demonstration, and lecture work have been conducted as before. In lectures
for the coming season under the Department, besides the above new reel, we
also expect soon to have available several other new films, the result of our
last season’s expedition to the coast of Maine, northern Nova Scotia, the
Magdalen Islands, and the Bird Rocks. Application for lecture dates may be
made to the New York office of this Association.

REPORT OF MARY S. SAGE, FIELD AGENT FOR
LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK

For the first time since I have been working on Long Island, I had to cancel
some appointments on account of sickness in the schools last winter, and bad
weather interfered several times, as well. So many pupils were absent in some
schools that the principals asked me to wait until more could be present. In
some schools, where two or three talks are generally given, all the pupils were
assembled at one time, so the number of talks and lectures will fall below what
would be the regular number, had conditions been normal,

418 Bird-Lore

I have had several requests to speak outside of Long Island, and have gone
when it did not interfere with the regular work. I have spoken in Philadelphia
(Pa.), Newark and Elizabeth (N. J.), Valhalla, and New York (N. Y.). Several
clubs have asked for lectures, and I have spoken before the Women’s Club,
Farmingdale, Women’s Club of Garden City, Women’s Club of Bellerose and
the South Woods Nature Club. At Valhalla I talked to the children in the
Jennie Clarkson Home, at Elizabeth, the Monday Evening Club and the
Pingry School for Boys.

The Newark Bird Club had two lectures, the Bird and Tree Club of New
York City, one, the Parent-Teachers’ Association of Southampton, one, and
the Boy Scout Troop, Oyster Bay, one. Since returning to Long Island for
the work this winter, I have been to the Setauket Neighborhood House, the
Winnwood School, private, and many public schools. In all, since the last
meeting of the Association, I have given 121 talks and lectures, have been to
54 towns and villages, 6 private and parochial schools, and the Sound Avenue
Grange, and have appointments to speak at other Granges. I have traveled
from Forest Hills to Orient Point on the North Shore and as far as East Hamp-
ton on the South Shore.

In June I was asked to judge some bird-houses at Great Neck, and at
Patchogue the teacher of manual training has taken up the making of bird-
houses with enthusiasm. A prize has been given by the Bird Club for the best
bird-house at the last place, the judging to take place some time in March.

The interest on the Island seems to be increasing, if applications to speak
in the various schools, clubs, and Granges are any indication. Many of the
schools are small, and I have to drive many miles to reach them, but the
interest shown makes it worth while.

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 419

REPORTS OF AFFILIATED STATE SOCIETIES
AND OF BIRD CLUBS

REPORTS OF STATE SOCIETIES

California.—The California Audubon Society had the pleasure of honoring
Edward W. Nelson at a luncheon in Los Angeles in November, 1921. Dr.
Nelson explained the Federal Public Shooting-Grounds and Bird-Refuge Act
before an audience representing various scientific societies of the Southwest
as well as the state and local Audubon Societies. At the annual meeting in
June, 1922, a luncheon was well attended by representative members of
Pasadena and Los Angeles Audubon Societies, the Bird Club of the Southwest
Museum, and the Field Department of Los Angeles Boy Scouts.

Beside the secretary’s report, the program consisted of local reports, greet-
ings from directors and the showing of the Oregon Audubon set of slides by
our honored ‘secretary-for-twelve-years,’ Mrs. Harriet Williams Myers, whose
comments were chiefly from personal knowledge of the birds shown. As a new
feature, the secretary’s report brought into the limelight the work of the
individual directors all over our big state. From a Los Angeles radio station,
a university professor broadcasted bird-songs and calls, with talks on the
Nature Guide Service in Yosemite National Park. The Service this year
employed four assistants, under that ‘high-power bivlogist,’ Dr. H. C. Bryant.
Two of the men and one woman are particularly good in bird-lore and field-
study of birds. The interest of the public is multiplying rapidly.

Our directors in Modesto and Riverside have done notable work in giving
Boy and Girl Scout and Girl Reserve tests in stalking, forestry, botany, and
birds. Our warning cards, with summary of state law, have been posted through
the codperation of Junior Audubon members and Scouts. Our officers have
made many addresses on bird and conservation subjects before children in
schools, high schools, women’s clubs, and churches. High schools have given
school credit for the lectures. No pay is received; we spend money only for
stamps and printing a small amount of original literature-—(Miss) HELEN
S. Pratt, Secretary.

Colorado.—At the last annual meeting of the Society, a report was made,
showing that an effort had been put forth to induce county and city superin-
tendents of the state to influence more of their teachers to form Junior Audubon
Clubs. The Society has on hand a supply of bulletins which leaders of Junior
Clubs may obtain free of charge. Many teachers availed themselves of this
opportunity to obtain helpful literature. The Society also has a lantern and
a collection of about 300 slides which may be obtained at a nominal rental
when desired for educational purposes.

Dr. W. W. Arnold, of Colorado Springs, who is a charter member of this

420 Bird - Lore

Society, still continues his bird hospital, where he cares for injured birds
which are brought to him by the children and bird-lovers of the city. Though
there has been some agitation in regard to his giving up the hospital, due to
the fear that the work is too heavy for him, Audubon members and others
interested in bird welfare sincerely trust that he will decide to continue his
interesting and humane work with wounded birds. President E. R. Warren
and Vice-president W. H. Bergtold were instrumental in causing the arrest of
a rancher who, seeing a very large Pelican swimming on a lake near Colorado
Springs, could not resist shooting this unusual visitor. The work of the Society
this year, then, has been of the usual character, active in the direction where
its energies seemed most needed—Epna L. Jounson, Secretary-Treasurer.

Connecticut.—We are glad to report a very successful year. There has
been great activity at headquarters, in Fairfield. Six business meetings of the
Executive Committee have been held. Our Field Day, in June, at Birdcraft
Sanctuary, was a delightful occasion. There was a large attendance of members
from various parts of the state.

The morning session was held in the local theatre. Mr. Wolcott, president
of the Fish and Game Commission, spoke on ‘What the Commission Is Doing
to Help Bird-protection,’ and aroused much enthusiasm. Mr. Morgan and
Wilbur Smith talked of experiences with birds and wild flowers, both of which
talks were illustrated by very beautiful colored slides.

Mrs. Johnson, of Hartford, gave a summary of work done by the State
Board of Education with materials furnished by the Connecticut Audubon
Society. From promoting interest in bird-protection, the educational side of
the matter has grown to fill a large place in teaching science and nature-study
in the state. The traveling libraries include many branches of science other
than bird-study, and with the illustrated lectures on trees and flowers, the
Society is contributing to visual education in botany. Charts, libraries, and
lectures have been sent, not only to public schools, but to Boy and Girl Scout
Troops, summer camps, Granges, churches—in short, to almost every sort of
welfare organization, a significant fact being the interest aroused among the
women in two of the state penal institutions by means of the lectures on birds
and flowers.

After the morning session in the theatre, luncheon was served on the Sanc-
tuary grounds, under the trees. Bird-walks were enjoyed in the afternoon.
The most important piece of work accomplished this year has been the addition
to the Museum of a third unit—a study-room, having its shelves filled with
birds arranged according to order, genus, and species. This shows Connecticut
birds—male, female, and immature—labeled with common and scientific
names, and one case is devoted to the birds of the current season. There is
opportunity for a thorough and satisfactory acquaintance with all birds,
resident or visitors, in our state, This completes the Museum,

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 421

The warden at Birdcraft Sanctuary, the place that continues to be our
greatest factor in popular teaching, reports a more specialized interest. Those
that came at first merely to see and be amused are now becoming real students,
and many young sportsmen are hereby learning what may or may not be
hunted. A large delegation of the Fairfield County Game Protective Associ-
ation visited the Sanctuary recently. Game Warden W. F. Smith gave an
illustrated lecture and Warden Novak spoke on the life and habits of shore-
birds, illustrating with mounted specimens.

Another feature of our work this year has been a weekly exhibit, in the
Museum, of the wild flowers in their season. A member of our Executive
Board and a special committee of the Fairfield Garden Club arranged these
exhibits, each specimen flower being placed by itself and labeled. This side
line has been very attractive, leading up to the important teaching that plants,
either in flower or fruit, are necessary to bird-life. It will thus be seen that
the bypaths opened through bird-study and -protection are many and varied.—
CHARLOTTE A. Lacey, Secretary.

District of Columbia.—Our Society was twenty-five years old last May
being the eighth Society to be formed in the United States. On May 18, 1897,
twelve persons met at the residence of Mrs. John Dewhurst Patten and formed
the Audubon Society of the District of Columbia. Of these twelve, nine are
still members of our Society. During these twenty-five years we have had two
presidents, three treasurers, and two secretaries. This year, at our annual
meeting, an enthusiastic audience listened to Dr. A. A. Allen’s lecture on
‘Birds and their Relation to Man.’ Our five bird-study classes had a total
enrolment of 177 this spring; of these, 9 were teachers, 18,Girl Scouts,"3 Camp
Fire Girls, and 17 were Boy Scouts.

- . / Se SS
— i a eee S|
BLACK POND, NEAR WASHINGTON, D. C., WHERE, ON MAY 27, 19022, MEMBERS OF

THE DISTRICT AUDUBON SOCIETY COUNTED 59 SPECIES OF WILD BIRDS

422 Bird - Lore

The classes were followed by six field meetings, and though several of the
Saturdays were stormy, 10g persons went on the walks and 128 species were
identified. Our greatest excitements this year were the appearance of a flock
of Evening Grosbeaks, never before recorded in the District of Columbia,
and the Brazilian Cardinal which for weeks dined at Professor Bartsch’s
feeding-station. It is probable that it had escaped from the Zoo. On April
3, the eighty-fifth anniversary of John Burrough’s birthday, our Society
assisted at a memorial tree planting.

One of our members told me that her aunt picked up a young bird which
had fallen from the nest. As she could not put it back, she “brought it up by
hand.” Its favorite perch was on her shoulder, with its head tucked under
her collar. When she had callers he would be jealous and peck her cheek.
She called him ‘Nig’ and would say, “Come, Nig, read the paper,’ and while
she held it he would walk along the top and peer over the sides. Then she
would say, “‘Come, Nig, thread the needle,”’ and after she had put the thread
through the eye, Nig would take it in his beak and pull it farther through—
and he was just an English Sparrow!

One day last winter I heard a curious noise, as though someone was breaking
ice. On looking out of the window I found the water in the bird-bath frozen
solid and a Flicker was pecking at it and sending the bits of ice flying. As soon
as he had gone I went out, cleared the pan of ice, and filled it with water. The
pan had a tiny leak and when the Flicker returned he found that by perching
on a ledge below he could hold up his head and the water would drop into his
bill. In a minute the Sparrows were doing the same thing—H. P. Currps,
Secretary.

East Tennessee Audubon Society.—This year has been a notable and
memorable one for the East Tennessee Audubon Society. We are very proud
to say that we have been the most active of any organization in our state, and
therefore have accomplished great success in the work. Mr. Harry Ijams, one
of our leading members, owns a wonderful farm, situated on the Tennessee
River. Being a naturalist and bird-lover, he has always protected the birds
on this wonderful tract of land. In January he offered the Society a lot, if it
would get the rest of the land-owners to post their grounds and would build
a club-house for its meetings and for educational purposes, to be used by our
schools and colleges.

His offer was immediately acted upon, and, as is usual in such cases, a few
of our members went to work with a will, determined to win, and the conse-
quences are: One thousand acres of land posted for bird-protection, a club-
house for the convenience of bird-lovers, and over two hundred new members.
The club-house was built by the members making a drive for subscriptions.
It is a three-room house with a large porch overhanging the river, and immedi-
ately opposite an island which has no other population than birds. The recep-

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 423

tion room will be used for meetings and is large enough to accommodate
fifty or more persons. We have had donated quite a collection of birds,
nests, and eggs.

Prof. H. C. Fortner, of the University of Tennessee, camped on the preserve
in the spring and early summer, and we are delighted with the result of his
observations. He found 136 species, 34 families, and rr orders. So far 65

«2 i stg

CLUB HOUSE IN THE BIRD SANCTUARY OF THE EAST TENNESSEE AUDUBON SOCIET
NEAR KNOXVILLE TENN.

Y;

birds were found to be nesting on the reservation. The club-house was named
the ‘Magnolia Woodward Lodge’ to honor Miss Woodward, the founder and
mother of our Society. Miss Woodward has been very active in her work in
the schools, as has also Mrs. Steinmetzand the writer —(Mrs.) WALTER Barton,
Secretary-Treasurer.

Florida.—The popular conservation movement in Florida of late has been
the creating of sanctuaries for the preservation of wild life. So popular has
this idea become, as the result of the strenuous work of the Audubon Society,
that most of the counties have some agitation along this line, and although
Pinellas remains the single instance of a full county sanctuary, there are many
of the sixty-one counties striving to obtain it. Thomas Edison, Henry Ford,
and Edward Bok have estates in Florida and are making their land bird
sanctuaries.

The Junior Audubon Clubs continue to increase, and the Junior members
this year will well reach over 8,000. We are considering putting a field secretary
in the schools for a few months if funds are available. The demand from schools

424 Bird - Lore

and clubs from all over the state has overtaxed the strength of the president,
who has responded as far as able to all calls, even to speaking a number of
times before the Bird and Tree Club, and other organizations at Chautauqua;
at the Interstate Palisades Park conference, and elsewhere during her vacation
in the North. This month, in addition, she attended the organization meeting
of the Florida Game and Fish Protective Association, being on the program
of speakers, and later was made an honorary member of that Association in
recognition of her work in the state.

The annual March meeting, which this year was held in Jacksonville, was
of three days’ duration, and awakened fresh interest in all who attended. At
the opening reception, held in the Seminole banquet-room, all the officials,
form the mayor down, were in the receiving-line, and the city turned out to
welcome the State Audubon Society. T. Gilbert Pearson, president of the
National Association of Audubon Societies, made the principal address of the
evening. The following morning, which was the opening of Bird Day, Mr.
Pearson presented motion pictures made by one of the members of his staff,
William L. Finley. These were the finest ever seen in the state. He also
talked on the value of the work done by the Audubon Societies. These ad-
dresses were so interesting and instructive that since appearing at the Imperial
Theatre, many requests have come for a repetition at the next annual meeting,
which in all probability will be held in Clearwater, Fla., with the Pinellas
County Audubon Society as host.

A day was given to forestry and legislation, when Austin Cary, personal
representative of Col. W. B. Greeley, chief United States Forester, gave an
illustrated talk on reforestation. On Legislative Day, the speakers of note
were Hon. W. A. MacWilliams, President of the Senate, and Hon. Frank A.
Jennings, Speaker of the House. In addition, the presidents of the prominent
state organizations had five minutes in which to tell how they were codperating
with conservation work in the state. Mrs. Katherine B. Tippetts, St. Peters-
burg, president, presided, and spoke effectively of the value of our birds and
forests and adequate legislation for both. Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs, chairman of
the Executive Board, and one of the organizers of the State Audubon Society,
came all the way from Boston to be present at the annual meeting, and was
an inspiration during the business and legislative work. Mrs. Marrs is at all
times a firm supporter of the work of the Audubon Society.

The conservation work now being stressed is that leading to the drafting
of a well-balanced game bill and to a unification of sentiment along these
lines, that all interested organizations may go to Tallahassee and agree upon
a single bill, and seek to enact it early in the session.

MRS. KIRK MUNROE—1852-1922

The following notice is presented by Mrs. Katherine B. Tippetts:
Mary Barr Munroe, wife of the noted author, Kirk Munroe, and daughter

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 425

of another author, Amelia Barr, passed away in Cocoanut Grove on September
8, 1922. Mrs. Munroe, herself an author, in the thirty-nine years she had
lived in Florida had so effectively associated herself with the life of the state
and so jealously guarded its natural resources, that she will be remembered as
one of the pioneer conservationists.

Mrs. Munroe was one of the organizers of the Florida Audubon Society,
and was the president and organizer of the Cocoanut Grove Society, which
always lay nearest her heart. Her work for legislation for protection of the
wild life of the state and for the Junior Audubon Clubs, as well as the creation
of bird reservations, will remain in our Audubon history as her true memorial.
Her presence was always an inspiration, and she occupied an unique position
in the state which cannot be filled. She planned for the next annual Audubon
meeting while last ill, and wrote to know if we could not have a ‘Song-Bird
Luncheon’ in connection with it,and make it an event.—CLiFton W. LOVELAND,
Secretary.

Illinois.—Our activities for this year have been quite varied. The usual
lecture course was omitted because of the difficulty in getting as good lecturers
as we felt we should have in the work in Illinois, but other work has been done
toward bird conservation and the spreading of the gospel of bird protection.
A number of reprints of articles which have appeared from time to time in the
Illinois Audubon Society Bulletin have been sent out and, the circulation of
these bulletins has created an interest in sections of the state in which we have
not before been in contact.

The circular entitled ‘Cat Ordinances and State Laws’ has been sent out
as an educational leaflet to assist in arousing a sentiment throughout the
state for the proper control of stray cats. It is hoped to get an act through the
Legislature at the next session which will put the cat on the same legal footing
as the dog. Another circular has been distributed, containing a plan for a
course of study for Junior Clubs and for schools. A third reprint contains
information, illustrated with appropriate pictures, on the use of bird pictures
and the mounting of the same for school-work.

A request has gone to the Society’s membership to increase the dues of the
active members from $r to $2, and to create a new class of members which shall
be called associate members and whose fee shall be $1. Asa result of this appeal
we have not only received many favorable responses but have also added a
great many new members. During the spring and early summer we received
an unusual demand for the United States Department of Agriculture Bulletin
entitled ‘Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard.’ One school alone asked
for over five hundred copies. The Audubon Pocket Bird Collection, published
by the National Association, has also been very popular.

From December 15 to January 15, 1920-21, a joint exhibit of wild flower
and bird pictures and literature was held in the Chicago Art Institute. The

426 Bird - Lore

Audubon Society had Dr. Roberts of Minneapolis come and give one of his
delightful lectures. The writer,on May 13, attended the joint meeting of the
Indiana Audubon Society and the Indiana Nature Study Club at Indianapolis.
This was a very delightful gathering and was attended by bird-lovers from
many parts of Indiana. A field-trip, a beautiful pageant, and a chicken dinner
filled in the program of the day.

The meeting of the A. O. U. is to be held in the Field Museum October 25,
26, 27, and the Illinois Audubon Society, jointly with the Wilson Club, will
partake in the entertainment of the distinguished guests who will come from
other cities. This is the first meeting of the A. O. U. in the Middle West, and
the plans of the meeting include a very fine exhibit of bird paintings, photo-
graphs, and so forth. The Audubon Society’s Check-List, which has been
announced from time to time, is at last in the hands of the printer. The ex-
haustive work on this Check-List has been done by Benjamin T. Gault, one
of the most noted ornithologists of Illinois. It is felt that the Check-List will
find a permanent place in bird literature for the Middle West, as it will defi-
nitely show, by a colored zonal map, the bird distribution based on geographic
and climatic conditions in the state of Illinois—-OrpHeus M. ScHANTz,
President.

Indiana.— During the past year our Society has been unusually active, and,
as a result, we note with great satisfaction the increased interest on the part
of the public in the protection and conservation of our song-birds.

We have worked in close coéperation with our State Department of Con-
servation and the Department of Public Instruction. We are making an
earnest effort to encourage our state departments to take an active interest in
bird conservation. They are taking up the work enthusiastically, and we
believe the time is not far distant when the Department of Conservation will
employ a state ornithologist.

We have published our regular annual bulletin and, in addition, a special
bulletin entitled ‘Bird Study for Indiana Schools.’ This is intended as a
manual for teachers to both encourage them in the organization of Junior
Audubon Clubs and to assist them in leading the classes. This manual, of
which 20,000 were printed, was mailed direct by the State Department of
Public Instruction to every teacher in the state. The inquiries for bird litera-
ture and the organization of Junior Audubon Clubs following the distribution
of this bulletin was nothing short of remarkable. In less than six weeks we
had organized 82 Junior Audubon Clubs with a membership of 3,527.

In coéperation with the Department of Conservation, we have had Prof.
A. A. Allen, of Cornell University, prepare a most interesting and instructive
lecture illustrated by roo beautifully colored slides. These are available for
the use of any individual, club, or organization interested in bird study.

The annual meeting was held at Indianapolis, May 12 and 13. We had as

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 427

our principal speaker, Norman McClintock, of Pittsburgh. More than 1,000
people attended his first public lecture. In the evening he was given a reception
at the Herron Art Institute, which was attended by more than 200 invited
guests. After the reception he showed his moving pictures of bird-life, which
were truly wonderful. These films represent the highest stage of modern
motion photography.

On the second day, early bird-hikes were taken and at noon we held our
annual business session at Riverside Park pavilion, after which we took a
tramp up the old canal for a distance of two miles to a beautifully wooded
tract where the Indiana Nature Study Club put on the pageant ‘Spring.’
This was indeed a most beautiful and appropriate spectacle. Following this
we took another tramp of a mile after which more than one hundred of our
members sat down to an elaborate chicken dinner which ended the program.

Our Executive Committee is planning an active program for the coming
year, and it is our intention to direct our energies very largely to encouraging
bird-study in the public schools, believing this the most fertile soil for cultiva-
tion, because if we teach children of this generation to love and enjoy the birds,
they will accomplish more in their protection than all the game-wardens that
can be employed by the state—FRANK C. Evans, Secretary.

Maryland.—The year 1921-22 ends for the Maryland Audubon Society
with a record of great activity and substantial growth. The Society held
fourteen meetings at the Maryland Academy of Sciences, of which six were
devoted to study-talks directed by Chalmers Brumbaugh and illustrated by
mounted specimens of bird-skins. One evening of moving pictures, loaned by
the United States Department of Agriculture, was open to the public.

At the other meetings the Society was addressed by: Dr. Paul Bartsch,
Dr. T. S. Palmer, and Dr. Harry C. Oberholser, of Washington, D. C.; and
Dr. A. A. Allen, of Ithaca, N. Y. Other addresses were made by J. M. Sommers
and Frederick C. Lincoln.

Three bird-walks were taken, led by Percy T. Blogg. The president of the
Society gave two talks on the need for bird-protection to women’s clubs and
attended the convention of the National Association of Audubon Societies in
New York City, where the Maryland Audubon Society was especially com-
mended for its splendid record for the year 1920-21.

On May 16, the Society held a joint meeting in the Engineering Hall of the
Johns Hopkins University, with the Hopkins Naturalists’ Club, the Guilford
Association, and the Wild Flower Protection Association, at which Dr. A. A.
Allen, of Cornell University, was the speaker. His subject was ‘Birds and
Flowers,’ and was illustrated with lantern slides, photographed and colored
by himself. This meeting, to which the public was invited, was largely attended
and formed a fitting close to a series of lectures by some of the foremost orni-
thologists of the country.

428 Bird - Lore

With the opportunities which our Society offers for study and entertain-
ment, we may confidently expect to continue to enlarge our membership and
increase our usefulness to the community.—(Mrs.) Baker Hutt, President.

Massachusetts.—We are glad to report a busy and, we believe, an effective
year’s work. The sustaining membership steadily increases, being now well
over the 4,000 mark. We also have enrolled to date 669 life members. To the
backing of this large body of devoted and enthusiastic members the Society
owes such measure of success as it has attained. The office at 66 Newbury
Street, Boston, has come to be recognized as state headquarters for information
and assistance in all matters of bird-study and bird-protection. From it
steadily go forth literature, traveling lectures, lecturers, definite plans and
instructions for bird-work of all kinds, help to birds and bird-lovers.

The Society continues to publish its Bulletin which grows in size and the
interest and importance of the matter contained. The Bulletin goes free
monthly to all sustaining and life members. Its annual calendar, beautifully
illustrated with colored pictures of birds, through the courtesy of the National
Association, reaches an edition of 2,000 this year. Its three Bird-Charts,
showing seventy-two birds, life size and in colors, carry the good work of the
Society into schools, libraries, and private homes in practically every state
in the Union.

The past year has been one of great importance in its Sanctuary work.
Through the generosity of more than a thousand of its members it was enabled
to purchase an estate of 45 acres, with suitable buildings for a permanent
home for its Bird Sanctuary. The location is in the midst of a region filled
with bird-life, at Sharon, Mass., 18 miles from Boston and easily reached by
railroad or motor. Owners of the surrounding region, to the extent of about
1,000 acres, have placed their lands under the care of the Society for bird-
protection purposes. There, under the oversight of the resident superintendent,
Harry G. Higbee, all wild life is protected and a perpetual demonstration of
the best methods of protection and Sanctuary adminstration carried on.

That the general public appreciates the value of this work is shown by the
great interest taken in it. Between May 1 and September 1, 3,000 people,
many from distant regions, registered as visitors at this Sanctuary and carried
away with them at least some part of the lessons demonstrated there. In all
its work, as in previous years, the Massachusetts Society appreciates the good
will and friendly guidance of the National Association of Audubon Societies.—
WINTHROP PACKARD, Secretary-Treasurer.

Michigan.—The activities of this Society for the five years past have
consisted chiefly of those of our devoted president, Mrs. Edith C. Munger,
who alone has kept the Society alive against a time of possible rejuvenation.
Her Bird Study Outline, prepared as Audubon Chairman of the State Federa-

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 429

tion of Woman’s Clubs, has been widely used through the state. She has
talked to thousands of school children, among them those of the Coldwater
Children’s Home, whom she found most eager and interested. She has exhib-
ited at fairs, Granges, and other meetings; led a week of Bird Classes at the
Y. W. C. A. Camp at Vestaburg, in 1920, and a similar week in tg2t at the
Ypsilanti Normal College Summer School. Last May the time was ripe for
reorganization, which was effected at Jackson, reélecting the president whose
vision had insured the Society’s life. The new work is starting out with a
swing, and next fall there will be a full year’s progress to report—(Miss)
GENEVA SMITHE, Secretary-Treasurer.

HERMANN VON SCHRENK
President Missouri Audubon Society

New Jersey.—Our activities have continued along the several well-fixed
lines as in the past. The enrolment of new members, as compared with the
inevitable losses from death, resignation, and delinquency, shows better results
than those of last year. During the year the Society enrolled 2 life members.
23 sustaining members, 174 members, and 1 associate member. The total
receipts for the year, including the previous balance, were $7,254.17, the total
disbursements, $6,057.67, leaving a balance on hand of $1,196.50.

The results in legislative effort would have been extremely discouraging if
an Audubon Society could afford to be discouraged by one year’s setback.
The Legislature repealed thé Bobolink Protection Law, passed at our behest
the year before, and in spite of a very strong public protest. It enacted a cat
measure that would have been merely farcical, had the Governor not vetoed

436 Bird - Loré

it, and it refused to enact the reasonable and conservative Cat License Bill
introduced by this Society.

As has been the case yearly, with few exceptions, since its organization, this
Society codperated with the National Association in the Junior Audubon Class
work in the schools, and of these there were organized in New Jersey 222, with
a total membership of 9,281. The twelfth annual meeting of the Society was
held in Newark, October ro, 1922. The business session met as usual in the
Newark Free Public Library, by courtesy of the Newark Museum Association.
In addition to the regular address of the president, the reports of secretary and
treasurer, and the auditing committee were read and, reports were presented
on behalf of member organizations as follows: Ridgewood Audubon Society,
Newark Bird Club, Montclair Bird Club, Englewood Bird Club, and the
Chiakong Tribe of the Woodcraft League. A number of interesting communi-
cations were read, and a brief discussion of squirrels, Blue Jays and Screech
Owls versus song-birds took place. The previous Board of Trustees was, on
motion, unanimously reélected.

The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees immediately followed that
of the Society, and at the same place. Routine business was transacted,
Legislative, Membership, and Publicity Committees appointed, and, on
motion, the incumbent officers were unanimously reélected.

At the public session in the evening, in the auditorium of the Newark State
Normal School, Dr. Arthur A. Allen presented a particularly interesting, as
well as instructive, address on ‘Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ illustrated
by motion pictures, showing what birds do for man, and what man may do for
the birds——BEECHER S. BowpisH, Secretary.

Ohio.—We had a new plan of program during the past year. It might
almost be said that our Society hibernated for the winter, coming back to
renewed life in February, from which time the work of spreading propaganda
for our feathered friends was attacked with ‘vim, vigor, and victory.’ The
meetings were largely attended and intensely enjoyed by all, for Mrs. Hansen’s
delightfully informing talk in November, Prof. Harris M. Benedict’s more
scientific address in February, and Mrs. Lewis Hopkins’ scholarly paper read
before the Society in March, made up a program that may well cause any
Society to feel gratified. In April, Guy C. Caldwell, of Massachusetts, gave a
varied program, illustrated with beautiful colored slides showing trees, flowers,
and birds, and he imitated the songs of many of the latter. The Society spent
much of its surplus funds in order to send Mr. Caldwell before the children
of the schools. In all, he addressed about ten thousand pupils, who received
him with great enthusiasm.

Some of those who always deserve ‘honorable mention’ for work done in the
past year in behalf of bird-life, are our president, William C. Kramer, Miss
Dora Hargitt, and Miss Kate Sweeney. The Society shows a slow but steady

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 431

growth in the adult membership, and the sentiment for birds is very evident.
Instances are frequently reported to show the changed attitude of boy toward
bird, due to the steady and persistent effort on the part of various workers.
A group of Clifton boys discovered the nest of a Meadowlark in a vacant lot
where they intended to have a baseball game and immediately adjourned to
the street, lest they should frighten the mother bird or hurt the eggs. There
are many such instances recorded to show that the Ohio Society has not been
idle. The sentiment for nature-study is growing constantly and the work of
this Society in the past twenty-one years is one that has been well rewarded.
Birds are plentiful and some, like the Mockingbird, which had disappeared
when they were not protected, are to be found in constantly increasing numbers
in Ohio.

In my experience as a teacher I have found that, without exception, all
boys in the school seem to be enthusiastic admirers of birds. This can only
be the result of the seed planted early in their lives by someone who has learned
the value of the birds. We hope to make the next year the banner year of the
Society’s history, for it will be the twenty-fifth anniversary of its organization,
and some of the charter members are still with us, to marvel at its progress.—
KATHERINE RATTERMAN, Secretary.

Oregon.—Our state Society has made fair progress during the year past.
The Junior work, which we regard as the most important part of our activities,
was ably and enthusiastically covered by Mrs. Gale. She knows how to interest
parents, teachers, and children; it is to this skill in the presentation of the
subject that we owe much of the favorable public opinion enjoyed by this
Society. The Saturday evening talks upon birds and other outdoor subjects,
illustrated with slides and moving pictures, under the management of our
vice-president, W. A. Eliot, continue to please large audiences. These talks
are to be continued this year with a greater variety of subjects and more
varied speakers.

The lantern-slides of northwestern birds, drawn and colored by Bruce
Horsfall, completed last year with text for the accompanying lecture by Mr.
Eliot, have called forth much favorable comment. We have two sets of these
beautiful slides for use in the field. Our fourth annual Art Exhibition was
held last spring, in coéperation with the Department of Botany of the Univer-
sity of Oregon, and consisted of photographs and paintings of wild birds and
their nests, with water-color studies of the wild flowers of the state, supple-
mented by a most pleasing display of natural wild flowers blooming at that
time. Thousands of our people, both school children and grown-ups, received
pleasure and instruction from this exhibit.

As we move along, the young people fall into line with the enthusiasm of
youth to carry forward what others have laid down; so may it ever be.—
Emma J. WEtTY, Corresponding Secretary.

CASPAR WHITNEY
President Audubon Society of Irvington-on-Hudson, New York

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 433

West Virginia Audubon Society.—At the solicitation of our Society,
Hon. A. B. Brooks, State Game Protector, delivered an illustrated wild-life
lecture in Parkersburg early in March, which was very entertaining, as well as
instructive. He showed several slides of song-birds and their nests, taken in
their native environments. The lecture was well attended and aroused much
interest in nature-study among adults as well as the pupils in the schools.

During the past winter, to create a friendly rivalry among the pupils of
the manual-training department in the junior high school, our Society offered
first and second prizes for the best bird-houses. Utility was to be the first
consideration by the judges, and workmanship next. The-prizes were awarded
in May, a dozen or more boys competing, with a very creditable exhibit —
WALTER DonaGuuo, Secretary.

Audubon Club of Norristown (Pa.)—Our Club has held its regular
quarterly meetings during the year, and each time there has been a large and
enthusiastic audience. Our lecturers have included A. S. Martin, Dr. Arthur
A. Allen, who spoke on ‘Birds in their Relation to Man,’ James P. Chapin, on
‘Birds in the Belgian Congo,’ and C. J. Pennock on ‘Birds of the Gulf Coast
of Florida.’ These lectures have been highly instructive and entertaining and
have been followed by most interesting motion pictures, dealing with bird-,
plant-, and insect-life.

The meetings of the Society, held as usual in the Regar Museum, are a
real inspiration to all lovers of our feathered friends and do much to encourage
bird-protection in the community. Our members have done much individually
along the line of feeding birds in winter and are also greatly interested in a
bird-chart, on which is recorded the names of birds seen in a locality on certain
dates and other interesting items. We have increased our membership and
are looking forward to a very successful year.—ISABELLE WALKER, Secretary-
Treasurer.

Audubon Society of Irvington-on-Hudson (N. Y.).—This Society was
organized in 1920. Caspar Whitney is the president. There are now 140 mem-
bers and an awakened interest in the whole community. In the past year,
twelve feeding-stations and twelve baths have been maintained, besides many
not reported to the Society. Fifty suet-holders have been placed about the
village and about the same number of bird-houses have been erected. The
Society gave a large bird-bath to the village, which was placed on the lawn of
the Presbyterian Church.

There are bird-classes in all the schools and the children have been on
numerous bird-walks. The Society has offered prizes to the school children
for the best bird-pictures taken between now and December 1. Mr. Job and
Louis A. Fuertes have given very interesting lectures which have added greatly
to the number of people who have become interested. The Society is very

434 Bird - Lore

young and the village small, but we hope to extend our activities in many
ways.—Mary C. Nispit, Secretary.

Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.—Our past year has been a
very satisfactory and successful one. The seventh annual banquet was held
at the Fort Pitt Hotel, Pittsburgh, March 25, 1922, with an attendance of
135 members. Three of our own members were the speakers of the evening.
John D. Meyer made an eloquent plea for more altruism on the part of bird-
and nature-lovers; Prof. George R. Green, of State College, Pa., gave an
address on the relation of trees to birds; and T. Walter Weiseman gave a
remarkable and unique exhibition of his moving pictures. A memorial to the
State Game Commissioner was adopted, urging protection for the Raven,
which is almost extinct in Pennsylvania.

We scheduled eighteen field-trips during the year, most of which were very
well attended. Our most successful outing was held at Bradford Woods, May
13, on which occasion 63 species of birds were seen. A Christmas bird census
was taken for the first time in the history of the Society. Ten different parties
participated and 30 species and 1,200 individuals were noted. A synopsis of
this census was published in our local papers. We plan to conduct a similar
census in 1922 on a much more extensive scale. Two of our outings were
scheduled for the Junior Audubon Societies. There are fifty of these societies
in Pittsburgh, with a membership of 2,000 children. On April 11, our statis-
tical secretary, George M. Sutton, gave a wireless talk on “The Bird Citizens
of Pittsburgh’ from station KDKA of the Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co.
This talk was broadcasted to thousands and proved to be a valuable publicity
feature.

We regret to chronicle the loss of Thomas L. McConnell, a most enthusi-
astic bird-lover and a very keen observer. Our ‘Country Rambler’ paid an
eloquent tribute to the memory of ‘Whip-poor-will Tom,’ as some of his
intimate friends called him, in the Pittsburgh Sw on October 18, under the
title of ‘The Trail of Sorrow.’ A number of our members paid visits to our
tract in the State Forest Reservation, near Ligonier, at various times during
the year and observed the birds of the Allegheny Mountain Region.—JrEssE L.
Jones, Executive Secretary.

Bird Club of Long Island.—One of the most important things which
happened to the Bird Club the past year was the meeting of the Club which,
through the courtesy of Mrs. Willard Straight, was held at her house in West-
bury, in October. Thirty villages were represented and so much interest was
shown by the unexpectedly large audience that the Executive Committee is
planning for two more such meetings this season.

Mr. Pearson, president of the National Association of Audubon Societies,
gave a most interesting talk; Mrs. Sage, our field agent, gave a brief description

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 435

of her method of work in the public schools and showed the ‘Suet bags’ which
have proved so popular with the birds; and not the least interesting part of
the meeting was the open discussion which took place. Mr. Pearson told of
the aims and purposes of the Audubon Society and of the work it is doing in
helping enforce existing laws and in getting legislation for the protection of
rapidly disappearing birds. Few of us realize how much our National Asso-
ciation has accomplished and still has to do. The fight for protection has liter-
ally had to be carried to the floors of the senates and legislatures of the dif-
ferent states. Even today, a constant watch must be kept on state and National
legislatures to prevent the passage of such a bill as was recently brought up at
Albany which will give farmers permission to shoot Robins when, in their
opinion, they become a menace to crops. This means, of course, that they
would be indiscriminately destroyed.

Those of us who were appalled at the steady increase in the demand for
aigrettes which Mr. Bok speaks of in his autobiography, and which he seems
to think was due to the campaign carried on in his magazines to discourage the
wearing of these feathers, could well believe Mr. Pearson’s accounts of the
wholesale attempts to break the law prohibiting their importation and sale.
However, it is encouraging to know that the legislation that has been enforced
and the organization of many bird clubs has made a very perceptible difference
in the number and varieties of birds which we can all appreciate.

Perhaps not many of us realize how many varieties there are on Long
Island. William Beebe, while staying with a member of the Bird Club in August,
1921, on Dosoris Island, counted fifty different kinds of birds in two days.

The field agent has given 113 talks and lectures, speaking to public schools,
clubs, and other oragnizations as will appear in her report. There has been an
unusual amount of sickness in the schools, and Mrs. Sage has been ill herself,
which has made the number of talks given this year less than last year.

We have printed and distributed large cards which carry excerpts from the
Penal Code regarding the sale and carrying of weapons, and also directions
for winter feeding of birds. These cards have been greatly sought after by the
school principals, game-wardens, and have been reprinted in many of the
local newspapers, and hung in post offices, schools and railways stations. Mrs.
Sage and the little Ford coupe with ‘The Bird Club of Long Island’ on the
panel of the doors, and known as ‘Birdie,’ is well known from one end of the
Island to the other. Requests for her to speak before other organizations and
to small groups of members have been gladly complied with whenever possible.

It will be noted that we are still only fifty-five per cent self-supporting, and
we hope that a sufficient number of new members may be secured during the
coming year to give us a large enough income to make it unnecessary for us to
accept funds from the National Association of Audubon Societies which they
might devote to carrying forward the work in unorganized territories ETHEL
C. Dery, Secretary.

436 Bird - Lore

Bird Conservation Club of Bangor (Maine).—The first official act of
our Club the past year was to vote $100 to make our Club a life member of
the National Association of Audubon Societies. We have wanted to do this
for several years, but the regular work kept our treasury low. The Herbert K.
Job lecture, which was a great success, helped us to reach the goal. The monthly
meetings have been profitable and interesting. Through the fall, winter, and
spring, one of our members has contributed monthly a ‘Bird Lover’s Column’
to one of the daily papers. This has aroused public interest in our work.
In April we gave a motion picture entertainment of bird films at the
opera house.

The Club has been much interested in the bird-banding movement, through
the active work of one of its members. This year, with a superintendent of
public schools in sympathy with our aims, we have done more work in the
schools of Bangor than ever before. In codperation with the manual training
department and the public library, we offered prizes for the six best
constructed nesting-boxes. The exhibition was a success and many nesting-
boxes were sold to interested buyers. The Club has given Audubon Charts to
six of the suburban schools. We have made great efforts to form Junior Audu-
bon Clubs in the schools, and there are now several flourishing Clubs started.
In some schools, where the teachers felt that they could not form Clubs, the
interest in birds has been stimulated, and we look for more Clubs next year.
Our field meetings are a great feature and highly enjoyable.

In January, Mrs. Florence Buzzell, for six years president of our Club, died
after a lingering illness. Mrs. Buzzell was an ardent lover of nature. Every-
thing in God’s great out-of-doors appealed to her, but the birds were especially
dear, and it was in her heart that the ‘Bird Conservation Club’ found birth.
The birds will never have a more appreciative, loyal friend than she. It is our
ambition to erect a beautiful bird fountain in Summit Park, a place much
frequented by birds, in memory of Florence Bragg Buzzell, our Club’s founder
and first president. We are now bending all our energies towards raising the
necessary funds.—AticE B. Brown, Secretary.

Bird-Lovers’ Club of Brooklyn (N. Y.).—The past year meetings were
held on the second Tuesday evening of each month from October to June,
inclusive, at the Children’s Museum. Talks by members of the Club were
given on ‘Migration,’ illustrated with charts; ‘Winter Birds’ and ‘Spring Birds’
seen at Prospect Park from 1914~21, each accompanied by color prints of the
birds discussed; ‘Warblers,’ with which water-color sketches were also shown
of each species; ‘Treatment of Bird-Skins for Study Specimens,’ with several
mounted specimens for illustration. At other meetings ‘Round Robins’ have
been the special feature of the evening, or a visit to the exhibition rooms of
the Museum to study the collection of birds which are classified in cases
according to seasons in Prospect Park and the ‘Birds We Read About.’ At

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 437

each meeting it is the custom for members who have been afield during the
preceding month to give three-minute reports of observations.

The Club has joined with other parties in several field-trips and has ex-
pressed its sympathy with the measure to conserve the Quail in this country;
also it has written to United States Senators of New York and Representatives
of Brooklyn urging their support of Mr. Barbour’s amended bill to establish
the Roosevelt-Sequoia National Park. During the past two years the Club
has kept posters at some of the entrances of Prospect Park, and this year
fresh ones, painted in oils, have been placed in the frames provided for that
purpose.—E. Trpxin, Secretary.

Brookline (Mass.) Bird Club.—Our Club has enjoyed a most successful
year. As in other years, our principal activity has been our walks. These are
held on Saturdays and holidays, and during the spring migraton season, early
in the morning, each day except Thursdays, and on late Wednesday afternoons.
These have been so well attended that in nearly every case, during the spring
and early fall months, two or more trips have been conducted on the same
day. Many of our members have become greatly interested in bird-banding
and have done some excellent work.

Our meetings have been well attended. The speakers have been as follows:
L. T. Little, ‘The Birds of Nova Scotia; Horace Taylor, ‘Fuertes’ Bird Draw-
ings; Dr. John B. Brainerd, ‘A Bird Trip in the Yosemite;’ Rev. Manley B.
Townsend, ‘Following Nature’s Trail;’ L. R. Talbot, ‘Bird-Banding Experi-
ences in Thomasville, Georgia.’ In February we held an exhibition of bird-
paintings by Ralph A. Quinby, of Dorchester.—(Mrs.) Mary Moore Kaan,
Secretary.

Buck Hill (Pa.) Nature Club.—Although nature in its entirety lies within
the scope of the Buck Hill Nature Club, birds are kept always in the fore-
ground. Buck Hill Falls, Pa., the seat of the Club, is a bird sanctuary, within
whose limits nest nearly fourscore species of birds. Throughout the Club
season, which extended over the months of July and August, bird-walks were
taken on the average of four times weekly, two of them at daybreak. They
formed a part of the study course that, for adults, consisted of two classes
daily, five days a week. The Junior Classes met once every day except Sunday.
Attendance at the classes this summer totaled 1,188, a new high record.

At the Club exhibit at the Barrett Township, Fair, which is held annually
in August at Buck Hill Falls, emphasis was laid upon the value of birds.
Literature, generously supplied by the Audubon Society, was distributed
among the hundreds of visitors to our booth. We endeavored also to combat
the popular enmity toward ‘good’ snakes and to further the campaign for
wild-flower preservation. (The uprooting or picking of plants and flowers is
prohibited at Buck Hill Falls.)

438 Bird-Lore

A FRIENDLY VIREO AT BUCK HILL FALLS, PA,
Photographed by Ernest Corts

A WUULD ILHKUSH AND HER YOUNG
Photographe y Ernest Cort

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 439

The Club Director, Edward H. Parry, of Wyncote, Pa., assumed personal
charge of the adult activities, while the Junior Classes were in the hands of
his assistants, Miss Miriam Louise Stirl, of Reading, Pa., and Miss Eleanor
Wharton, of Philadelphia. To supplement the classes, both afield and within
doors, and the campfire suppers and all-day botanizing and ‘birding’ trips, the
Club presented a free lecture course at the Inn, bringing to Buck Hill Falls
the following named speakers: Frank Morton Jones, Wilmington, Del.; Dr.
Mayville W. Twitchell, Assistant State Geologist of New Jersey; Prof. C. L.
Harrington, New York City; Prof. George B. Kaiser, University of Pennsyl-
vania; Henry J. Fry, Columbia University; and Dr. E. T. Wheery, Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.—(Mrs.) Marcaret S. STRATTAN,
Secretary.

Burroughs-Audubon Nature Club of Rochester (N. Y.).—The past year
has been for our Club a memorable one. Perhaps our greatest experience in
creating interest was through the fitting up of a Nature Room in the Municipal
Museum which is open to the public and under the direct supervision of the
Club. In it will be cases for mounted birds, four containing specimens of all
the native species of Rochester and vicinity, including the migrants. With a
start of 94 birds, more are to be added as dead birds are found, only one of a
kind being used. There will also be a botanical collection including native
wild flowers and ferns, cases of butterflies, moths, and insects, shells, and
geological specimens. In a room adjoining the Nature Room will be the
library. It will contain books on birds and other subjects. Periodicals and
magazines on the above subjects, such as Brrp-Lore and others that may be
suggested from time to time, will also be there.

At our annual meeting our president, William B. Hoot, gave a very inter-
esting description of his summer spent at Enos Mill’s camp at Long’s Peak,
Colo., illustrating his talk with colored slides. At another meeting, in March,
W. L. G. Edson, one of our valued members, spoke on ‘The Winter Birds’,
illustrated with slides. Meetings were held regularly through the spring, summer
and fall months. A growing interest in the study of shore-birds is noticeable.
We have held several meetings where we could study the birds in their favorite
resorts around the marshy ponds and bays skirting the lake shore. The Club
stands ready to unite its efforts with the Fish and Game Protective Association
of Monroe County to have better administration of the local bird and animal
laws to the end that such life may be protected. Sausage roasts at the end
of some of our walks in the fall added a little social life to the Club. (Miss)
HARRIET GANUNG, Secretary.

Burroughs Nature Study Club of Johnstown (N. Y.).—Our only accom-
plishment of note thisy ear is the erection of a handsome cement bird-bath in
the Courthouse Park, within a few feet of the old courthouse which occupied

440 Bird - Lore

so prominent a part in the recent pageantry commemorative of the County’s
one hundred and fiftieth anniversary. (Perhaps even the busy New Yorkers’
eyes may have caught a glimpse, in the daily papers, of this renascence, in
memory of the days when Indians instead of strikers threatened the public
welfare!) As to the officers of our Club, the personnel remains the same as
when published in Brrp-Lore several months ago. Our annual election of
officers does not take place until next month.—Marcarret E. Raymonp,
Secretary.

Chautauqua (N. Y.) Bird and Tree Club.—Our Club began its work in
June with the added inspiration gained through the presence of the sixteenth
biennial convention of the Federation of Women’s Clubs at Chautauqua. Mrs.
Robert A. Miller, president of the Club, was the chairman of the Convention
Hospitality Committee, and twenty-four members of the Club worked with
her on this and other committees. The first reception, attended by about
five hundred people, was held in Miller Park, adjoining which is a charming
woodland garden. Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, the owner, recently transformed
this from a barren plot into a paradise of verdure with bird-boxes, fountain,
and large hospitable bird-shelter. During the year we gave $1,000 toward the
improvement of an unsightly area around the traction station. Two friends
gave a marble bird-bath and Italian bench for this park.

On Saturday afternoons, informal meetings were held. One of these took
the form of a trip to five beautiful gardens—those of Mrs. Edison, Mrs. Munger,
Miss Merrill, Dr. Jewett, and Mrs. Praisted. Mrs. Thomas Edison spoke at
the first meeting. In succeeding meetings Mr. Van Cleve gave a talk on
‘Wild Flowers.’ Mr. Retan, the forester, spoke on ‘Chautauqua Trees’ and
on ‘Birds.’ Miss Anna Maxwell Jones gave a talk on ‘Gardens and Flowers,’
and Mrs. Goodrich Smith identified numerous flowers and birds. Mrs. Tibbetts
gave a comprehensive exposition of bird protection with charts and pictures,
and presented information showing the menace of cats to bird-life. A resolution
was adopted providing for action against tramp cats. Dr. G. Clyde Fisher
lectured at the amphitheatre on ‘John Burroughs,’ giving the audience a
delightful home acquaintance with the great naturalist.

The season closed with the annual club supper attended by two hundred
people. Mr. Arthur Bestor, president of Chautauqua Institution, presided
and gave a talk in which he thanked the Club for its work. Mr. Lorado Taft,
the sculptor, was the guest of honor—Herten B. Norton, Corresponding
Secretary.

Community Bird Club, Wells River, Vt., and Woodsville, N. H.—The
Club maintains a membership of twenty-eight and it now includes in its study
not only birds but other nature-study. We have held during the year 1921—22,
ten meetings, taking a vacation in July and August. Our programs have been

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 441

varied and interesting. One of our members specialized in college upon astron-
omy and is interested in forestry; another has reported a migration list for a
number of years to the Biological Survey and is engaged in bird-banding;
others are interested in plant-life, so that we have many interesting papers.

Each year we plan for one meeting for the public with a speaker from the
outside. We secured the secretary of the New Hampshire Audubon Society
this last year, who brought with him some colored slides and gave an inter-
esting and instructive talk. On Arbor Day, one member, who is especially
interested in birds, went into the grades in the school and gave each one a
talk on ‘The Utility of the Birds.’ Several bird-walks have been taken with
school children. A number of feeding-stations are maintained. Considerable
interest is aroused in the introduction of the English Pheasant into this section.
Another member, president of the Junior Audubon Society, manufactures
nesting-boxes.—(Mrs.) M. G. BATCHELDER, Secretary.

Cumberland County (Maine) Audubon Society.—Our annual meeting
was held in April. The treasurer’s report showed the finances of the organiza-
tion to be satisfactory. More than one hundred new members have joined the
Society the past season. The constitution and by-laws have been revised, also
the Society has been incorporated and has purchased Western Egg Rock, a
small island in Muscongus Bay, as a breeding-place for the Laughing Gulls.
We have placed a warden in charge. The activities of the Society may be
judged by the following list of committees: Membership, Program, Bird-Box,
Cat-License, Bird-Day Program, and Advisory Committee for Attracting
Birds to our Home Gardens.

The Junior Audubon Society has been organized, with many enthusiastic
members and able leaders. The chairman, Mrs. Caroline B. Rolfe of the Junior
Society, writes of her work: ‘“‘After our good Governor, Percival P. Baxter,
set aside April 14, 1922, to be observed as Bird Day all over the state of Maine,
the associate members of the Cumberland County Audubon Society, who are
teachers in the city of Portland, were appointed as a committee to plan a
program for that day in the schools. They invited several members of the
Society to speak to the children in different schools, and hundreds of children
were invited to join with the Society in its work for the wild birds. The pro-
gram was splendidly arranged by the Committee and several large Junior
Clubs were formed. The Jackson School deserves special mention as its teach-
ers have formed three large Clubs. As this is the very beginning of the Junior
work in Portland, the Committee feels encouraged and hopes to send names
of more Junior Clubs in the near future.”

The chariman (and originator of the idea), Mrs. Edwin Gehring, writes of
the work of the Advisory Committee on ‘Attracting Birds to our Home Gardens’
as follows: ‘‘With the realization that there are hundreds of persons in our
city—as well as in the whole country—to whom the desire has recently come

442 Bird - Lore

to know our wild birds, one of the members of our organization conceived the
idea of forming a committee whose privilege and duty it should be to go to
homes by invitation and there advise how to attract the birds to the surround-
ings.” The Society eagerly adopted the idea. A Committee of four called the
‘Advisory Committee on Attracting Birds to the Home Gardens’ was formed
and as soon as it was clear in their minds what subjects to treat at any such
interviews, a notice was inserted in one of the daily papers. In one hour after
the paper’s publication a call came from a member of a Grange, representing
about fifty homes, asking if our Committee would address a Grange meeting
and give our suggestions and advice to the many who would be there. A week
later the Committee was called to meet with a group of over one hundred
persons, then with one of the Parent-Teachers’ Associationf. Individual calls
from homes and questions upon the subject come in over the telephone.

There have been six program meetings and five directors meetings. An
address, in November, was given by Arthur H. Norton on ‘The Herring Gull
and What Protection Will do for Birds,’ illustrated by fine stuffed specimens.
In December, Dr. Alfred O. Gross, of Bowdoin College, spoke on the ‘Junior
Audubon Societies of Brunswick.’

In January, T. Gilbert Pearson, president of the National Association of
Audubon Societies, delivered a fine illustrated lecture on the ‘Necessity of
Conserving Bird Life.’ The April meeting was addressed by Capt. Herbert G.
Spinney, of Bath, Maine, who spoke on ‘Bird Life as Seen on the Island of
Seguin’ where he was keeper of the lighthouse for some years.—(Mrs.) GEORGE
F. Brack, Secretary-Clerk.

Dana (N. Y.) Natural History Society.—The annual Bird Day lecture
established by our Society for the school children of Albany was held in Chan-
cellor’s Hall on Friday, April 7. A large and enthusiastic audience was gathered
there. Dr. Clarke, director of the State Museum, introduced the speaker,
Prof. Arthur A. Allen, of Cornell University, who gave a most informing and
delightful lecture on ‘What the Birds Are Doing for Man.’ He was listened to
with closest attention, and at the conclusion we all felt greatly indebted to
these tiny citizens of the air for eating the slugs, insects, and other destructive
vermin. A feature of the lecture was the exhibit of bird-houses made by the
school children, and a very wonderful one that had taken the prize—( Mrs.)
CHARLES SELKIRKE, President.

Doylestown (Pa.) Nature Club.—Our Club has grown from 7 members in
1907 to 250 adults and 50 juniors in 1922. The Bird Sanctuary at Fort-Hill,
Doylestown, the home of Dr. H. C. Mercer, was dedicated in 1917, and is
under the care of the Nature Club of Doylestown. Warning posters are placed
at the five entrances, consequently the birds have found a ‘haven of rest’ and
protection, and many species build their nests and raise their young in unex-

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 443

pected places. Generations of the same family of birds and animals have felt
the protection, and are increasing in number, due to their security. It is
impossible to tell the exact number of species which enjoy the hospitality of
Fort-Hill. A safe estimate of those noted during the year would be seventy-
five species.

Dr. Mercer has made the following interesting observations: A pair of
Barn Swallows has built a nest under the cloister of the castle in which Dr.
Mercer lives, and raised a brood for three successive years in the same nest,
which they have repaired each year. A pair of Sparrow Hawks built their
house in the chimney and reared a family of four for three successive years.
A Cooper’s Hawk winters at the Sanctuary and has a propensity for white
Pigeons. A peculiar feature of this particular bird is he will only kill Pigeons
in foggy weather, then methodically put the feathers in heaps. Nighthawks,
which are rather rare in this locality, visit the Sanctuary. The Quails and
Pheasants are becoming quite numerous and tame.

Killdeers lay their eggs on a much-traveled cinder path, used daily by
vehicles, but for two years they have escaped harm.

The Junior members are being taught the value of birds, trees, and flowers,
and during severe weather they provide feed for the bird-boxes and place suet
in the holders which are fastened to the trees. A wild-flower garden has started
at Fort-Hill, and in time the Nature Club hopes to have all the flowers and trees
native to Bucks County growing at the Sanctuary.—(Mrs.) I. M. James,
President.

siilabiie tps

A WOODCOCK FRIEND OF THE DOYLESTOWN (PA.) NATURE CLUB

A44 Bird - Lore

Englewood (N. J.) Bird Club.—This Club, organized in tots, enters
upon the seventh year of its work with 290 active members. Regular monthly
meetings of the Club are held from October until April, with splendid attend-
ance at each meeting. During May, six early morning bird-walks were taken,
under the leadership of Walden DeWitt Miller of the Department of Orni-
thology of the American Museum of Natural History. The Club has active
Protection, Field-Study, Publicity and Program Committees. The Pro-
tection Committee erected a shelter and installed a feeding-tray at one of the
country clubs and, working with the Publicity Committee, aroused much gen-
eral interest and activity by placing a complete and attractive exhibition of
feeding-devices, baths, bird-houses, and books on bird-lore in a prominent
store-window during a week in the late fall. The Publicity Committee has
done able work through the local paper, the object being to make all citizens
‘ex officio’ members of the Bird Club. The program of the season was arranged
to further hold the attention of the general public who were invited to the
popular lectures.

The chief attractions were: A lecture by Dr. Frank M. Chapman on ‘Fall
Migrations;’ a matinee lecture by Professor Allen, of Cornell University, on
‘Bird Protection,’ with slides and motion pictures, for the school children,
which was repeated in the evening for the Club and its friends; Dan Fellows
Platt on ‘Our National Parks’ with beautiful pictures; Charles Gorst, of
Boston, in his very popular and instructive series of bird-call imitations, with
paintings of the birds.

Members were given a surprise test at another meeting, being asked to
identify numerous skins and the Audubon Chart illustrations. This resulted in
some immediate and intensive bird-study. The membership is increasing.
The treasurer’s report shows net assets of $165 on September 30, 1922.—
Amy C. PARKHuRST, Secretary.

Forest Hills Gardens (N. Y.) Audubon Society.—Our Audubon Society
is going quietly and steadily on as it has ever since the organization on April
9, 1914. The aims of the Society have been to attract birds to the village and
then to keep them here and to interest the residents in these feathered friends.
The birds are needed to save the priceless trees, shrubs, and flowers from the
pests that would destroy them, and their songs are needed to lift the men and
women, boys and girls, from things material. Bird-houses have been placed
in hospitable trees, in private yards and in the parks, and the people have been
encouraged to keep the houses clean and ready for the occupants. Generous
and friendly winter-feeding of many pounds of grain has saved the life of many
a bird when the snow has been on the ground.

All through the years, a continuous program of education has been carried
on by the organization to interest the adults in the birds and to train the
children in the intelligent care of these valuable song-birds. On November 5,

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 445

1922, the Society presented T. Gilbert Pearson, President of the National
Association of Audubon Societies, to the people of the gardens when he spoke
on the varieties and habits of birds, particularly in the nesting season.

Especially important is the work which the organization is doing with
children. Once or twice a year, as a gift of the Bird Club of Long Island, Mrs.
Mary S. Sage speaks to all the children in the public schools of the village.
On December 13 she gave four illustrated talks to the different groups of
public school children in Public School 3, driving home the facts that “every
bird is a friend and every bird has a work to do.’”’ The school principal and
the teachers coéperate in this work of reaching the children at the most impres-
sionable ages when the impressions are the most lasting.

In the parade on last Independence Day, the group representing the Audu-
bon Society received the first prize for the most original group. As a regular
medium of publicity, the Audubon Society uses the Forest Hills Gardens
Bulletin. Also the artistic posters on the lamp-posts have recorded pictures
and bird-notes. It is a regrettable fact that the Society is put to considerable
expense and trouble in replacing the glass in the posters. How is the glass
broken? It is the hope of the Society that such careless breaking of the glass
will cease. In connection with the Bird Club of Long Island, the organization
is trying to influence the officers of all country clubs and golf clubs of Long
Island to make their grounds bird reservations—(Miss) Mary E. KNEVELS,
Secretary.

Genesee (N. Y.) Wesleyan Audubon Society.—The Society was founded
in March, 1917, with a membership of 31. Ever since then the membership
and activity have been increasing. Our meetings are held the first Thursday
night of each month during the school year. The first part of the meeting is
devoted to business after which a program is given. The programs are pro-
vided by members of the Society giving talks on different birds and their
habits. For the program the bird-slides, furnished by the State Education
Department, are used. Field-trips are taken during the fall, winter, and spring
and reports of these are made at the meetings. A record is kept of the arrival
and departure of migratory birds and the member’s name who first saw the
bird on arrival and who last saw it before departure.

During the past year one of our local residents, who owns a large swamp
near the village, posted it and announced the swamp as a bird-refuge. Nobody
will be given permission to hunt near the swamp except with field-glasses and
camera. The Club sent a letter to the owner expressing their appreciation for
this action which had come about as a result of the influence of our Society.

A contest was held the latter part of the school year between two sides of
the Club. Counts were given for seeing the first bird, fmding nests containing
eggs or young, pictures of nests and birds, destruction of bird enemies,
attendance at meetings, field-trips, and the reading of books and leaflets. The

446 Bird - Lore

losing side furnished a picnic dinner to the Club. Many birds were attracted
near one of the class-room windows by food placed for them nearby.—F.
Kern Prerce, President.

Hamilton (Canada) Bird Protection Society, Inc.—The Society has
again enjoyed a highly successful year. Its six regular meetings were largely
attended, and addresses on bird-study and bird-protection were thoroughly
appreciated. Among the speakers of the season were T. Gilbert Pearson, W.
E. Saunders, and other well-known authorities on the subjects in which our
members are interested. In field-work the Society conducted its usual weekly
bird-walks during the spring migration season, compiled spring and fall mi-
gration lists, and, for the first time, was able to make a Christmas bird-census
(previously reported in Brrp-Lore) which will no doubt be an annual event
in future. Work in the schools of Hamilton and the neighboring counties was
carried out as usual, and a large number of Junior Bird Clubs were formed, to
obtain the educational leaflets of the National Association of Audubon Societies.

Mr. Pearson kindly spoke at a children’s meeting as well as at the regular
meeting of the Society, and the juvenile audience, which taxed the capacity
of the hall, were fired with fresh enthusiasm for the cause of bird-protection.
Through the efforts of this Society, all letters mailed in Hamilton during the
month of May bore the postmark shown in the illustration. We hope other
bird-protective organizations will join us in this method of propaganda during
the breeding season next spring. At present, we are preparing a set of instruc-
tive posters which we hope will influence some who are unaffected by warning
or threatening notices. Each will deal briefly with the economic value of one
of our common birds. They are being printed by a member, H. C. Merrilees.

‘PROTECT THE BIRDS AND HELP THE CROPS’
Showing Cancellation Stamp of Hamilton, Ontario Post Office

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 447

Our Society is affiliated with the Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club (the
central organization for Canada,) and with the National Association of Audu-
bon Societies. R. Owen Merriman and Miss Ruby R. Mills were reélected
president and secretary-treasurer, respectively, and Dr. H. G. Arnott (who
acted for the president during the past season) and C. D. Cook were named
first and second vice-presidents. With a splendid program arranged for its
coming meetings, and plans laid for the continuation and extension of its work,
the Society intends to make the season of 1922-23 another step in the ladder
of its success —R. OWEN MERRIMAN, President.

Hartford (Conn.) Bird Study Club.—The past year has been a happy
and prosperous one for our Club. Eighteen indoor meetings were held. These
were well attended, and the papers and discussions on a great variety of sub-
jects were thoroughly enjoyed. There were five illustrated lectures, open to
the public, given by the following men: Charles A. Gorst, Beecher Bowdish.
Herbert K. Job, William Smith, and Prof. A. A. Allen, of Cornell University,
There were nineteen field-trips on which the average attendance was 21.
These trips furnished wonderful opportunities for the study of plant and animal
life, and the greatest care was always taken to protect the flowers, the birds,
and the animals.

In ‘Warbler time’ the Club has a census day on which the territory around
Hartford is covered by different members, who report on the total number of
birds seen. This year, on May 14 and 15, 125 varieties were observed. Saturday
morning illustrated lectures were held for the children, who had the privilege
of listening to such men as Donald McMillan and Ernest Thompson Seton.
These lectures have inspired the children with a love for and interest in birds
and animals, which are of far-reaching importance.

We sent a letter of resolution requesting the Board of Water Commissioners
to reconsider their intention of removing the guards from Reservoir Park,
thinking that lack of guards would lead to damage to property and injury to
plant and animal life. During the year, 41 new members were voted into the
Club, which seems not only in numbers, but in the influence which it has upon
the community, to be steadily increasing —Rutu L. SpauLprNe, Secretary.

Hesston (Kans.) Audubon Society.—The second year of our Audubon
Society closed with September, 1922. It has really been the first year of any
special activity. Two public lectures were given, one by Mr. Hutchins, in
November, and the other by S. M. Kanagy, in February. The latter was
ilustrated with lantern slides. From February to May monthly meetings
were held for general discussions and for the comparing of field-notes and
planning work of the Society.

Thirteen new members have been enrolled during the year. A total of
seventy-one species of birds was recorded on a chart which we keep for this

448 Bird - Lore

purpose. To Ruth Bender went the honor of recording the greatest number of
new bird arrivals. Members record their field-notes on blanks supplied by the
Society. Two members took part in the annual Brrp-Lore Christmas census.

Our Society is a member of the National Association of Audubon Societies.
This brings us the valuable magazine Birp-Lore and other literature which
the Association puts out. The income of the Society for the year was $39.36;
expenses, $34.55.—EDWARD YODKER, President.

Iowa City (Iowa) Audubon Society.—Circumstances over which we have
had no control have materially limited the activities of our Society during the
past year, but I am happy to say that our organization is now taking on new
life, and we are anticipating in the immediate succeeding months a period that
promises a broader field of operation and many a new and wide-awake adherent
to our cause.

Particularly are we anxious to line up the public schools of our city in the
matter of Junior Audubon work, feeling, as we do, that this would accomplish
great and far-reaching good, and we therefore trust that a year hence we shall
be able to report success in this direction.

Recently an address was given by Prof. C. C. Nutting, Iowa State Univer-
sity, who had just returned from a research expedition to the Fiji Isles and
New Zealand. A noteworthy incident of the expedition, was the bringing back
by Professor Nutting of four living specimens of the Sphenodon, the sole living
species of an order, otherwise known by fossil remains only. The creature,
about a foot in length, and similar in general outlines to a lizard, is found
only in New Zealand, on a small island, near Wellington, and possibly one
other. Because of its scarcity, the New Zealand government has forbidden its
being taken from its native habitat, but the regulation was suspended in his
case and the four creatures brought to the Iowa State University. These are
the only living specimens within the United States today.—GEORGE BENNETT,
Corresponding Secretary.

Los Angeles (Calif.) Audubon Society.—Among the workers of the Los
Angeles Audubon Society are several conscientious students whose knowledge
of birds and wild life ranks above the amateur. They are the nucleus around
which the membership centers; the magnet which attracts and draws unto
itself new material. The circle of this Society’s influence is widening, as the
successful work of the last year fully demonstrates. Two new educational
features have been introduced for the benefit of the beginner—observation of
‘field identification marks’ of live birds and a study of mounted specimens ef
the same species.

Nature programs by able and scientific speakers; field-day excursions to
parks, canyons, and seashore; trail-trips on Saturdays for teachers, children,
and tourists, constitute the general activities cf the Society, while the ‘side

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 449

issues’ of individual workers read like the pages of a fascinating novel. Twenty
enthusiastic talks before federated women’s clubs; demonstrations of the
value and migration of our wild birds before the public schools; earnest pleas
for our feathered missionaries before the different church organizations; the
daily hikes of a Nature Guide for the Los Angeles Municipal Mountain Play-
ground Camps; an Audubon Exhibit of photographs, discarded nests and
nature books before the State Convention, C. F. W. C., whose reports are too
long for the publisher, are some of the ‘individual efforts’ put forth to further
the interests of the Audubon work.

Migratory bird-notes of Los Angeles and vicinity have been carefully pre-
pared and forwarded to Brrp-Lore for publication. An official call from a

Los Angeles Audubon Society

Our Slogan

Protect the birds That produce the crops

That eat the insects That supply the markets
That destroy the forests That provide the foods

That preserve the waters That nourish the people
That feed the streams Who make the laws

That fill the resevoirs That govern this Nation of
That irrigate the lands Reace-abiding liberty: loving Gmericans

Mra FT Bicknell = President

COMPOSED BY MRS. F. T. BICKNELL, PRESIDENT

representative of the Interior Department of Canada has resulted in the inter-
change of literature and a codperative interest in the protection of migratory
birds. The fiftieth anniversary of Arbor Day was observed by a special
program calling attention to the work of the wood-boring beetles and other
insects that destroy the forests. Founder’s Day, of the Los Angeles Audubon
Society, was established and pioneer work fittingly eulogized, several charter
members being present. All measures for the preservation of our forests and
wild life have been enthusiastically indorsed.

Literature distributed, articles published, letters written, wild birds ‘snapped’
and the pictures made into slides to illustrate future talks, complaints of killing,
trapping, and caging Mockingbirds promptly reported to higher authority,
are some of the minor activities. Being federated with women’s clubs, the work
of this Society is brought directly before the other clubs through the various

450 Bird - Lore

councils, conferences, and conventions in a codperative way, which tends to
create new interests, increase our activities, and broaden our own vision.—
(Mrs.) F. T. BIcKNELL, President.

Meriden (Conn.) Bird Club.—The rambles, as provided by our Field
Committee, are much enjoyed by all who take them. The evening meetings
are well attended, thoroughly enjoyed, and always furnish a bright, original,
and timely entertainment. The public reservoirs and watersheds are fairly
well protected against gunners; the Federal laws on birds and migration,
fairly well observed and result in a notable increase of wild bird life, especially,
as to Black Ducks, Mallards, Wood Duck, Herons, Sandpipers, and Plovers.
We feel sure that our school teachers, members of the Club, are doing fine
work with the children, interesting them in bird-study and protection —MAry
Ives, Secretary.

Minneapolis (Minn.) Audubon Society.—This Society, organized in
1915, became affiliated with the National Association the same year. Our
membership dues are $1 a year, or membership with a year’s subscription to
Birp-Lore, $2. Life membership dues are $25. We have 75 members in addi-
tion to 8 Life members and take 38 copies of Brrp-Lore.

During the past year, eight regular monthly meetings were held in the
Audubon Museum Room of the Walker Branch Library. Papers, book reviews,
and informal talks on various phases of bird-life and bird-protection were
given by different members of the Society and its friends, the program gener-
ally closing with a Round Table discussion. Two of these meetings were held
in the evening, the others in the afternoon. The October program was an
‘experience-meeting,’ the members responding to roll-call with three-minute
reports of their bird observations during the summer, and for the last meeting
of the season, in June, an afternoon picnic, with a campfire supper, was held
at Glenwood Park. We are indebted to Dr. Thomas S. Roberts, a life member
of the Society, for two very helpful and interesting programs, one in January,
illustrated by two reels of moving pictures relating to bird-life, and another in
March, on ‘Sparrows,’ followed by motion-picture films.

Mr. William Kilgore, Jr., of the University of Minnesota, delivered an
illustrated lecture, ‘Birds’ Eggs and Birds’ Nests,’ in December. In October,
Charles G. Gorst, under the auspices of the Minneapolis Teachers’ League,
gave an evening entertainment, ‘Whistled Bird-Songs’, at West High School,
which all good Audubon members attended with pleasure and profit. Our
evening lecture in April, ‘Birds and Bird Music,’ by Henry Oldys, was well
attended. Through the courtesy of Mrs. Frank W. Commons, a delightful,
red-letter day was spent at her summer home, ‘Tanager Hill’ at Lake Minne-
tonka, in May, and so species of birds were identified.

Weekly bird-walks, in four groups, began on March 28 and continued

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 451

through the migration season, 141 species being reported. In addition to the
usual birds seen in the locality, there were Evening Grosbeaks, Orchard
Orioles, White Pelicans, Field Sparrows, Red-bellied Woodpecker (1), and
Bald Eagle (1), while Bohemian Waxwings and Horned Larks were unusually
numerous. A special study was made of the birds nesting in Washburn Park
by Mrs. Phelps Wyman, who reported 59 species nesting within a radius of
half a mile.

Lantern talks have been given to several groups of school children by
members of the Club, and a series of six talks on ‘The Coming of the Birds’
was given in the spring at the Sunday-school sessions of the First Unitarian
Church by our treasurer, Miss Mathilde E. Holtz. A group of thirty-four
public school teachers met in the Audubon Museum Friday afternoons, after
school, during the spring and early summer, for a course of sixteen lectures on
bird-study and bird-identification given by our vice-president, Miss Mary
Tillisch. Public interest in bird-life is undoubtedly growing in this community.
We see there is much to be done and are planning increased activity and
helpfulness for our Society the coming year.—(Mrs.) GERTRUDE P. WICKS,
Acting Secretary.

Montclair (N. J.) Bird Club.—The Montclair Bird Club reports a gain
in membership of 37. Field-trips have been greatly enjoyed during spring and
fall, and individual members were active in field-work during summer vacations,
reporting interesting experiences to the secretary. Brrp-Lore has already
published an account of Mr. Howland’s finding a Brewster’s Warbler noted
with a blue wing at Wyanokie.

The annual bird-house contest was held in the spring and the ‘exhibit’ was
shown at Madison’s book store for a week. Rev. Robert Barbour, our Field
Secretary, published ‘The Montclair Bird List’ in successive issues of a local
paper. A questionnaire sent out by the secretary brought answers from forty
members and yielded some valuable material for future reference-—Lucy N.
Morris, Secretary.

Missoula (Mont.) Bird Club.—We have just completed a very successful
year. Meetings were held regularly, with good attendance. The winter
meetings were conducted indoors, the first being held in the Natural Science
Hall at the State University, where a series of slides of northwestern birds,
prepared by the Oregon Audubon Society and purchased recently by the
University, were shown by Dr. Elrod, of the University, and a member of the
Bird Club. At these meetings the programs consisted of papers, discussions,
bird-magazine reviews, and reports by the members. At roll-call each member
responded by relating items concerning the birds he had seen since the previous
meeting. This proved to be very interesting.

In the spring, several outdoor meetings were held. The members usually

452 Bird - Lore

spent the morning in Greenough Park, on the edge of the city, where they
found splendid opportunity for studying birds, meeting at noon to compare
notes, conduct a short business session, and have lunch. On several occasions
members have given talks on birds to other local organizations that have
asked aid. In July, two members madea survey of the birds nesting in Green-
ough Park. Some members of the Club have made application for bird-banding
permits and it is hoped that something may be accomplished along this line
later on.—CAROLINE WELLS, Secretary.

Natural History Society of British Columbia (Canada).—The subject of
birds is discussed at practically every meeting, while on three occasions the
entire meeting has been devoted to the local birds. Miss Mary Raker, of
Portland, Ore., addressed a special meeting this month at which there were
nearly one hundred present.

The matter of a bounty which had been put on Eagles and Owls in this
Province, at the instance of the cattle and sheep industries, was taken up, and,
following the efforts of ourselves and other societies in British Columbia, the
bounty has now been removed. Bird-houses have been put up in various parts
of the town.—Harotp T. Nation.

Nature Study Section of the Women’s Contemporary Club of White
Plains (N. Y.).—During the past year, we added to our varied interest the
study and conservation of wild bird life. Not only has special effort been
made during Section meetings to interest members in the planting of shrubbery
for the purpose of attracting birds, but the Girl Scouts have been given a prize
for collecting the greatest amount of seeds, during the summer, for winter
feeding. A number of winter feeding-houses were constructed by the pupils
of the manual training classes of the public schools. These were sold to indivi-
duals for the price of materials used, and have all been placed—and enjoyed—
while the snow was deep. During the spring Wren and Robin nesting-houses
were made by the boys. These were a continued source of delight to the
friendly little Wrens who invariably moved in as soon as they had discovered
the house was available.

Through the courtesy of the Bronx Parkway Commission, permission was
granted last fall for the placing of two revolving feeding-houses in one of the
most ideal spots on the Parkway. These were kept stocked with nuts, suet,
and seeds during the winter, and were fully appreciated during the cold weather
when food is scarce and hard to find. We feel that a start has at least been
made.—(Mrs.) ANDREA M. Hiner, Chairman.

Neighborhood Nature Club of Westport (Conn.).—The Club has held
meetings throughout the year, with good attendance and unfailing interest on
the part of its members. Several meetings have been devoted to wild-flower

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 453

study, and one meeting to the habits and nature of spiders. At each meeting,
whatever its topic, there is an interchange of experiences with the birds. One
member reported a white Robin about her home in November, 1921, and in
February, 1922, this member saw frequently, about her home, a Mockingbird.

In January the Club went by train to New York and spent the day in the
American Museum of Natural History, thereby gaining much pleasure and
profitable information. Another trip, in March, was to the Birdcraft Sanctuary
in Fairfield, Conn., where a new unit had recently been added to the Museum.
Through the courtesy of Mrs. Wright, president of the State Audubon Society,
the Club was permitted the use of the Committee Room of the Birdcraft
Bungalow where Mrs. Wright was their guest.

One member of the Club has undertaken bird-banding, and her experiences
are listened to with much interest. When the weather has permitted, walks
have been taken after the Club meetings and many personal experiences
exchanged. Each member who has found printed items of interest to nature-
lovers, has brought these to the Club to be read, thus adding to the fund of
general information —(Mrs.) H. P. Beers, President.

Newark (N. J.) Bird Club.—This Club with approximately 150 members,
has entered upon its fourth year. Many features of interest have been taken
up of late, but with it all the study and protection of birds has been kept as
the principal idea.

Illustrated lectures by prominent persons connected with our own or
kindred organizations, and papers by Club members, have afforded much
pleasure to both members and guests. Guests are always made welcome at the
program meetings, the third Monday of each month, from October to June
inclusive, the first Monday of each month being given to the business sessions.
In addition, one program meeting, each fall and spring, is set aside as “Guest
Night,’ when invitations are sent out quite generally. Usually there is quite
an addition to the membership following one of these meetings.

An unique feature of the past year has been the work of the Social Commit-
tee, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Robert A. Baldwin. This Committee was
formed to plan for the ‘playtimes’ of the Club, and was given the fifth Monday
of any month, as its day. The first event was a Hallowe’en party, but later a
fine concert was given, and from that and other methods of raising funds, a
sufficient amount was secured to purchase an excellent lantern, which was
presented to the Club at the close of the season. One of the standing commit-
tees is the Ways and Means, which under the leadership of Mrs. Martin Luther
Cox, has, each year added a large sum to the treasury. The annual card party
given by this Committee has come to be looked forward to by many as one of
the season’s events.

Frequent field-walks are taken for the purpose of studying bird-life in our
county parks, and an all-day field-trip is taken each June and October to more

454 Bird - Lore

distant points. During the coming season it is the desire of the members to
undertake some new activity of equal importance to their work in the past.
At present, plans are under way for a public lecture and program evening on
a more ambitious scale than has heretofore been attempted.

It has been the policy of the Club to keep its officers for two-year terms,
excepting the secretary and treasurer, who are retained indefinitely —(Mrs.)
James P. CLEMENTS.

Pasadena (Calif.) Audubon Society.—Growth, both in numbers and
enthusiasm, has been characteristic of the Pasadena Audubon Society during
the past year. Enrollment of 50 new members brings the membership up to
200. Practical bird-study has been an important feature throughout the year.

2S —
TEACHING CHILDREN TO LOVE THE BIRDS
An exhibit by the Pasadena (Calif.) Audubon Society

This has been greatly assisted by illustrated talks at the meetings by Prof.
Roland C. Ross, a close student of bird-life and a veritable artist in imitating
their songs. Supplementary to these have been frequent bird-walks which
have given great zest in the study to the members and their friends. Long
lists of native and migratory birds have been made and reported. The city
aviary continues to be an unfailing source of pleasure and interest to the
community, and, under the wise supervision of Dr. E. C. Bull, is in a most
flourishing condition.

The Society has been active in indorsing, by letters to our senators and

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs ~ 455

representatives, those bills that will be, either directly or indirectly, a protection
to birds and other wild animals. Conspicuous among these, to which favorable
replies have been received, is the bill that takes action against commercial
concessions in the Roosevelt-Sequoia National Park, and another is an appro-
priation bill providing a Federal forest experimental station in the San Jacinto
Mountains in California, in codperation with the University of California —
(Miss) Atice W. Pitman, Secretary.

Province of Quebec (Can.) Society for the Protection of Birds.—Seven
general meetings were held during the year for the members and interested
friends. The opening meeting was at McGill University, during Centenary
Week, when the speaker was Dr. Casey A. Wood, the recent donor to McGill’s
Library of the splendid collection of g00 volumes devoted to birds known as
the ‘Emma Shearer Wood Library of Ornithology.’ At the annual meeting
in January, Wallace H. Robb, investigatory officer for the Society, gave an
illustrated account of his summer trip to the Magdalen Islands with Herbert
K. Job, of the National Association of Audubon Societies.

In February, Miss Edith L. Marsh of ‘Peasmarsh’ spoke on the private
sanctuary. Miss Marsh’s sanctuary, on the shores of Georgian Bay, was one
of the first private wild-life sanctuaries in Canada, and was set aside recently
as such by the provincial government of Ontario at the request of the owner.
Other speakers were the president, L. Mel. Terrill; the vice-president, Napier
Smith, of Magog, Quebec; H. Mousley, Naturalist of Hatley, Quebec; W. A.
Oswald, and W. Gordon Wright.

The annual public lecture in March was given by Stuart L. Thompson, of
Toronto, who held the close attention of a very large audience. The following
morning his son spoke to over four thousand of the Junior Members in the
Imperial Theatre. Mr. Thompson also delivered two lectures to pupils in the
Montreal high school. Addresses to both children and adults were given by
members throughout the year in schools, summer camps, and in nearby towns.

Bird Clubs were established at the Boys’ Farm and Training School at
Shawbridge, Quebec. In the early spring, the Society arranged for an exhibition
of specimens of migratory birds from the Wild Life Division of the Canadian
National Parks. This exhibition was kept two weeks in a prominent window
in the downtown business district, and two weeks in the uptown shopping
center. Eighteen specimens of birds were on exhibition. These birds were
confiscated under the Migration Birds Convention Act.

During the year a commencement has been made towards a slide library.
The Society has also acquired its own lantern. More sanctuaries for the
province have been urged upon the provincial government, and a campaign
is under way to encourage more of the smaller private sanctuaries which are
so valuable. A great feature of the plan has been the increased press interest —
(Mrs.) W. C. L. Dyer, Hon. Corresponding Secretary.

456 Bird - Lore

Rockaway (N. Y.) Bird Club.—During the year the various members
have maintained bird-houses, feeding-stations, and bird-baths about their
home-grounds. Both indoor and field meetings were held. One lecture was
given by a Club member, Charles Hewlett, and another by Edward Avis. Mr.
Avis lectured in the high school assembly-room and had a large and enthusi-
astic audience—many of whom were children. Our teacher-members have
continued their splendid educational work in the schools, forming Junior
Audubon Clubs, maintaining nature-study clubs, and giving talks. The
members of the High School Bird Club have been encouraged to give talks to
the grammar and primary grades, and this has been of mutual benefit: These
talks have been made easier for the speakers and more interesting for the
audience by the use of stuffed bird specimens generously loaned by the Ameri-
can Museum of Natural History.

According to our usual custom, prizes were given to the members of the
Junior Clubs for the best individual observations and reports. The prizes
were a set of colored plates ‘Birds of New York,’ published by the New York
Museum, and any one of the Pocket Nature Guide series. Two winning con-
testants chose the “Tree Guide.’ One interesting meeting consisted of bird-
drawings in colored chalk by one of our members. Large sheets of drawing-paper
were used, and an attempt was made to leave the most marked characteristic
of the bird until the last. This resulted in sustained interest and in nearly
every instance some member would name the bird before the picture was
completed. After the completion of each picture, a short talk was given on
the bird’s characteristics. It is with sincere regret that we report the death of
one of our members, a staunch friend of the birds, Mrs. Daniel Lord. Her
beautiful estate ‘Sosiego’ has been for a long time the haunt of the Black-
crowned Night Herons. At present the colony numbers about sixty.

It was discouraging, just when the members believed the Club to be exerting
an influence for good throughout the community, to discover that, between
our visits to the Sanctuary, an attempt had been made by vandals to destroy
it. The boxes and feeding-stations were torn down and demolished and general
havoc wrought. The trees, bushes, and pond, however, are still there and we
hope that our feathered proteges have not noticed the intrusion, but will con-
tinue to allow us the opportunity of furnishing them with at least a share of
their next winter’s food.—(Miss) MARGARET S. GREEN, Secretary.

St. Louis (Mo.) Bird Club.—An autumn bird-walk, in addition to the
program of spring walks, was conducted last October, bringing its reward of
several interesting migrants novel in the field experience of many members of
the Club. At a luncheon of the Club preceding the Christmas holidays, plans
were formed for decorating trees for the birds, and prizes were offered for the

best results. Children in several public and private schools carried the plans
into effect in the city parks and school-grounds of the suburbs. During the

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 457

business meeting following the luncheon, the Club went on record as strongly
opposed to the proposition of caging native song-birds in the St. Louis Zoo.
At this meeting, also, prizes were established for the best photographs of Quail
and Cardinals at feeding-stands in St. Louis during January and February,
1922. Our Christmas bird-census was taken as in previous years, at Creve
Coeur Lake, and reported to Brrp-Lore. Considerable work has been done in
the development of the St. Louis Bird Sanctuary, established by the Park
Department on the recommendation and plans of the Bird Club. Grading of
this 8-acre tract on the bluffs of O’Fallon Park is now completed; fences on
the three sides adjoining private property have been built; planting of trees
and shrubs has proceeded. The affairs of the Club have reached an extent and
diversity calling for the special attention of subcommittees and expert advisors!
Therefore, at the annual meeting, committees were created on Bird Sanctuary,
Posters, Junior Membership, and Bird-Walks, and the offices of corresponding
secretary and legal advisor were named.—(Dr.) R. J. TERRY, President.

St. Petersburg (Fla.) Audubon Society.—The Junior Audubon work in
our schools, which leads in the state, has been due largely to the untiring efforts
of Mrs. S. E. Barton, who for twelve years has been the faithful secretary of

[ISZERSRERERES ce SRESPEREETTT TRE
E SSSR ER RSEESAEE ERATE

ns

AUDUBON

SOCIETY

SECTION OF AN EXHIBIT BY THE ST. PETERSBURG (FLA.) AUDUBON SOCIETY

458 Bird - Lore

the St. Petersburg Audubon Society. Mrs. Barton has, on account of added
responsibility in her family, resigned, and the loss to the Society cannot be
estimated. The work will be carried’ on by Mrs. Susan Foster, treasurer, and
Mrs. J. C. Owen, recording secretary. There were over a thousand Junior
Audubon Members enrolled when ordering this year’s school leaflets. The
Central Primary, Miss Sterling, principal, was too per cent in Junior
Members and received the banner offered by the Society for proficiency in
Bird-Work.

The St. Petersburg Society offers annually $5 in gold for the bird-house
made and put up by boy or girl that shall house a family. A prize of field-
glasses is also given for the best list of birds seen on a specified hike, and a
bird-book is given for the best story written on the value of bird-protection.
The picture in this issue, of the bird-houses made by the boys of the Manual
Training Department, will give some idea of the Audubon prizes offered. This
does more to create public sentiment for bird-protection than anything else.

The state president organized a county society in Pinellas, with Rutherford
P. Hayes, son of the late President Hayes, at the head. As the county of
Pinellas had already been declared a bird sanctuary, their work will be to
maintain it and to promote Junior Audubon work in the schools. Tarpon
Springs will soon have an Audubon Society, with Mrs. Ada Fernald at its
head. Mrs. Tippetts had Mrs. Fernald for her efficient aid in the bird-work at
Chautauqua this summer and incited her interest then.

The atmosphere of Pinellas County is such that birds are flocking hither,
assured of safety. The sportsmen’s organization of the county codperates in
every way and is offering a bounty for rattlesnakes and other enemies of the
game-birds. The Audubon Society is alive to the needs of a state game com-
mission and is bending its energies to remove from Florida the stigma of being
one of the three states of the Union without such officials —(Mrs.) KATHARINE
B. Treretts, President.

Sand Hill Bird Club of Pine Bluff (N. C.).—This is a winter Club, open
from November until June. There are 50 members—25 grown-ups and 25
Juniors. We play bird golf, recognizing birds, by sight only, since they are
not in song. Two players, accompanied by a bird scout, constitute a ‘set.’ To
qualify, a bird scout, or caddie must know 30, 50, or 75 birds. Each scout
wears a badge showing whether he is a first-, second-, or third-class scout. He
receives a fee for taking out tourists. Time of short game 1 hour and 30 minutes;
time of each link 10 minutes. Time of long game 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Birds only count when recognized by two of the three players in any set.
Male birds count 1, and female birds count 3. The best Junior set challenges
the best grown-up set and vice versa. For championship games, prizes are
awarded. Highest score, long game, season of 1922~—23; best single link 13.
(Sample bird golf score cards on application.)

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 459

Many of our members have bird gardens 16 by 16 feet, planted to millet,
sorghum, sunflowers, etc., for winter use of our birds. At the bird golf head-
quarters we have an acre and a half planted to feed for birds. We estimate
twenty-five birds to the acre around our homes and especially around the club
house. This coming winter we hope to make it fifty birds to the acre, by

attracting more of the resident birds, and many immigrants that usually
winter further south JOHN WARREN AcHoRN, President.

HOME OF THE SAND HILL BIRD CLUB OF PINE BLUFF, N. C.

Saratoga (N. Y.) Bird Club.—Our meetings have been held monthly,
omitting July and August. Two were planned for out in the country. The
following subjects were presented at the meetings: ‘Bird Houses and Folding
Trays;’ ‘Organized Work for Protection of Bird-Life; ‘The Burrough’s Me-
morial Association;) ‘The Ways of the Four-footed;’ and ‘Songsters of the
Swamp.’

In April the annual public lecture was given. We were most fortunate in
having Dr. Arthur A. Allen, who spoke on ‘What Birds Are Doing for Man.’
At our annual election, in June, the Program Committee was enlarged to ten;
each member is held responsible for one meeting.—(Miss) CAROLINE C.
WALBRIDGE, Secretary.

400 Bird - Lore

Savannah (Ga.) Audubon Society.—We have had, within the past year,
a number of interesting activities which have afforded a good deal of pleasure
to our members as well as more or less enlightenment to the community.
Regular monthly meetings were held from January to June, at some of which
Prof. W. J. Hoxie talked on local birds, using illustratively the De Renne
collection of Chatham County birds which he mounted some years ago. During
the spring there were several early morning bird-walks, headed by competent
leaders, in parks, cemeteries, and private estates. From two to five automobiles
brought their loads of nature-lovers at 6 o’clock to what proved really
fascinating occasions.

Mrs. V. H. Bassett, chairman of the Publicity Committee, did excellent
work for the Society in having published each week in the Sunday edition of
the Savannah News, an article written by one of its members, on some bird,
giving its description, habits, range, economic value, and so forth. These
articles were instructive and useful to the community as well as to members.
Mrs. C. B. Gibson, chairman of our Educational Committee, interested the
children of the county schools by using to illustrate her talks the Audubon
colored bird-charts, of which we secured several for that purpose.

On February 28 the Society welcomed T. Gilbert Pearson, of New York,
by filling the largest theatre in the city to hear his most instructive and enter-
taining lecture, illustrated with slides and moving pictures of bird-life. In
April we coéperated with Mr. Pearson in arranging for him a trip to the Egret
colonies on the coast islands. Ossabaw Island was visited April 12 and St.
Catherine’s on the 13th, and our Society takes this opportunity of publicly
expressing its warm appreciation of the courtesies extended to it in Mr. Pear-
son’s behalf by Messrs. Strachan & Co., the owners of Ossabaw Island, and to
the Rauer’s estate, to which St. Catherine’s belongs. Mr. Pearson was much
pleased with these trips, finding unexpectedly large nesting colonies of White
and Snowy Egrets, besides many other varieties of Herons and water-birds.
Being under private ownership, absolutely protected from poachers and plume-
hunters, not only permanence, but growth may be expected in both these
colonies.

In the absence abroad of our secretary, Mrs. B. F. Bullard, I am sending
this report—H. B. SKEELE, President.

Spokane (Wash.) Bird Club.—Our Club is now entering its seventh year,
and though our membership does not increase materially (we have between
40 and 50 members), we have done some worth-while things. We own one
hundred mounted bird specimens which are on exhibition at the City Museum
where we hold our meetings. We have had ten meetings during the year with
excellent programs. We are most fortunate in having for our president, Walter
Bruce, whose lantern slides of local birds, flowers and scenery are admirable.
He himself makes the photographs and prepares and colors the slides. He

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 461

usually favors us with two lectures each year. We have also on our membership
list, J. L. Sloanaker, who has made several contributions to bird science by
listing new bird species in the West and Southwest.

Another of our members is T. A. Bonser, curator of our museum and a
biological authority. Dr. Arthur H. Benefiel, one of the founders of our Club
and our best-informed authority on birds, eastern and western, left us last
winter. The Club is planning a memorial bird-fountain in Greenwood Ceme-
tery, where he rests among the birds and flowers he loved so well. Others of
our most enthusiastic members have left us for new fields and, we hope, new
bird clubs, so what we have lost may be another’s gain. We have not changed
the course of nations, but we have brought great pleasure into the lives of
many of our members by introducing them to the fascinating field of bird-
study. It is our plan to have bird-walks every month, or oftener. We did not
have our usual number last year because of the inclemency of the weather.

Last spring several money prizes were offered by members for the best
bird-houses built by school children. This exhibit was rather disappointing,
not from the number of houses exhibited, but from the standpoint of archi-
tecture. They were ornamental rather than practical, and made for no partic-
ular type of bird. To one somewhat versed in bird-house lore, it was a mirth-
provoking collection of miniature dwelling-houses, dog-kennels, and mutilated
starch-boxes. For results, specifications and directions should be furnished
each aspirant for honors in a bird-house contest. At least five of our members
have appeared on different club programs, hoping thereby to increase a little
knowledge of our home birds to those who lie in darkness so dense that they
cannot tell whether English Sparrows or Wrens have taken possession of their
bird-boxes.—(Mrs.) ErizABETH KAYE BUCHECKER, Secretary and Treasurer.

Stanton Bird Club (Maine).—In the past year we have held six regular
meetings, with talks on forestry, birds, gardens, and subjects of general interest
to nature-lovers. We have added 46 new members. From March 29 to June 8
we took eighteen early morning walks, three sunset walks, and three Sunday
afternoon walks, with an average attendance of 16. Seventy-nine kinds of
birds were identified. Guest night we entertained an audience of about 200
with the film of the ‘Birds of Killingworth,’ combined with a musical and
literary program. Three out-of-door meetings, with hikes and picnic suppers,
were delightful affairs. Our exhibition in April lasted four days, and was
visited by hundreds of school children and adults. A special feature was the
exhibit of ‘Nature-Study in the Schools,’ arranged by our school teacher
members, which included the work done by their Junior Audubon children, and
attracted a great deal of attention.

April 14 was proclaimed Bird Day by Governor Baxter, and 53 Juniors and
Seniors went out on an early morning bird-walk, led by our president, Mr.
Kavanagh. A delightful feature of our Club life is the way children and adults

462 Bird - Lore

mingle on all occasions. On Arbor Day we planted a memorial elm. In May’
when tent caterpillars swarmed in hordes along the roadsides, our Club was the
first organization in the state to issue a call to action in the newspapers, and
go out equipped to destroy the nests.

We have had a collection of 300 bird-skins, many of them of great value,
donated to us by a man who formerly collected for the British Museum and
Smithsonian Institution. A collection of mounted ferns has been given us by
John Parlin, who has been associated with Fernald in collecting plants for the
Harvard herbarium. Thirty mounted birds have come to us from a friend of
the Club. Our treasurer, Miss Miller, has given several talks on birds, illus-
trated with the Audubon charts, to the children on the community playgrounds,
many of whom did not know by name the only bird they were familiar with,
the English Sparrow.

Believing that birds and gardens belong together, we have tried to interest
people in planting shrubs, flowers, and trees, feeling reasonably sure that the
gardener will become the bird-lover as soon as the birds attracted by his
planting come to live near him. We have begun the planting of a ‘Peony
Memorial’ on the college campus, where a row of named peonies borders
each side of a broad walk 130 feet long, in memory of the beloved professor
for whom our Club is named.

The greatest joy that has come to us this year is the gift from three of our
members, Dr. and Mrs. A. W. Anthony and Miss Kabe Anthony of ‘Thornerag,’
a beautiful tract of 45 acres of woodland 2 miles from town, as a memorial to
be known as the Stanton Bird Sanctuary. We are now incorporated ‘for the
increase and protection of wild birds, the stimulation of an interest in bird-life,
and the establishment of a model bird sanctuary, and to foster and encourage
research work in all branches of natural science, and in general to inculcate the
love of nature and science, seeking to preserve God’s out-of-doors and the
wild life therein for the present and future happiness of all our citizens to per-
petuate the memory of Professor Jonathan of Stanton.’”—Datsy Ditt Norton,
Secretary.

Staten Island (N. Y.) Bird Club.—During the past year the Club has con-
tinued its monthly walks, which have been well attended, the number parti-
cipating having usually been 30 to 4o people, and in one instance 7o. Fre-
quently the walk has ended at the cabin in the woods, built by our members,
where coffee is made and supper is eaten around the camp-fire. The field-
secretary, Carol Stryker, has kept a list of the species of birds (115 in number)
seen on these walks. The president of the Club since 1919, William T. Davis,
whose interests include plants and insects as well as birds, has added to the value
of the walks by identifying the species encountered and by his photographs
of the various gatherings.

The Club has also held four indoor meetings during the year, either in the

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 463

Staten Island Public Museum or at the residence of members, Mrs. Louis A.
Dreyfus, Mrs. Walter T. Ligh, and A. W. Callisen having each extended their
hospitality. At one such meeting Edward Avis gave his ‘Birdland’ recital,
assisted by Mrs. F. L. Hillyer, accompanist, Edward J. Burns, Miss Kathryn
Trench, and the following children: Victoria EJenberg, Richard Leng, Paul
Kuhn, Edith Trapp. At other meetings the work of conserving wild life has
been discussed by Mr. Davis, Mr. Rader, Dr. John J. Schoonhoven, and others;
or the reports on winter feeding stations (of which the Club maintains sixteen)

t\
‘\

2
=a st a
% he
: ‘4

MEMBERS OF THE STATEN ISLAND (N. Y.) BIRD CLUB

has been the subject. The meeting of November 5, 1921, was pleasantly sig-
nalized by the presence of Mrs. Wilhelm Knauth, Miss Ida F. Thies, Hon.
Howard R. Bayne, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hofimeyer, and Mrs. H. A. Witte,
who were among the founders of the Club in 1914.

Public interest in the Staten Island Bird Club is shown by its increasing
membership, now 26s, and by the press notices it receives, not only from local
newspapers, but in the large dailies of Manhattan. Thus, while the Club
has perhaps accomplished no great scientific results, it has in a modest way
stimulated the interest in bird-life in its own locality.—CuHaries W. LENG,
Secretary.

Topeka (Kans.) Audubon Society.—The year just completed was perhaps
as successful a one as could be desired for a new organization. The chief
activities, aside from the meetings, have been field-trips and the obtaining of
outside speakers. Three of the latter were secured last year, viz., Mrs. Bessie

404 Bird - Lore

Price Douthitt Reed, of Kansas University; Rev. R. B. Peabody, of Blue
Rapids, Kans., spoke twice; and Charles Bowman Hutchins, a very able imi-
tator of bird-songs. In honor of Mr. Hutchins we gave a banquet, which did
much to arouse the zeal of the members in regard to bird-protection and the
dissemination of information.

A bird-house contest was conducted among the school children of the city,
which was very successful, many fine pieces of work being on display. We now
have about 50 members and hope to increase the number as well as the enthu-
siasm of the old members for the work of the present year.—A. SIDNEY HyDE,
Secretary.

Ulster (Pa.) Nature Club.—Ours is a small country village, and the work
done is necessarily somewhat different from that in the larger Clubs. Interest
has continued to manifest itself in various ways. We are able to interest others
in securing posters, which were put up on several farms, protecting Grouse,
Pheasants, and Quail, which are locally very scarce. We gave to our school
Audubon Bird Charts, which have been helpful in arousing the interest of
teachers and pupils. One of our teachers, Miss Louise Reynders, conducted a
contest in building bird-houses, several very good houses resulting, which were
afterwards put up in different places.

Last winter, feeding-places were established at the homes of the members,
with the usual winter bird visitors. Our Christmas Census was participated in
by most of our members, this being the third time we have taken it. As here-
tofore, each member has kept a list of birds seen in our locality during the year,
the highest list being 118. We took several all-day ‘hikes,’ finding many new
plants and flowers, as well as seeing many birds. A very pleasant outing was
taken in May, when the Club spent a day at Ithaca, N. Y., and accompanied
Dr. Allen through the bird sanctuary at that place.

Our most successful attempt to interest the community in nature work
was when we gave an entertainment explanatory of our work and of what we
hoped to accomplish. Our president, Mrs. Mather, and others, gave short
talks on our work and plans.—Marrua A. McMorran, Secretary.

Vigo County (Ind.) Bird Club.—In the past year we have worked princi-
pally for the extension of interest in birds in the public schools. The secretary
of the Club wrote an interesting bird play which was very cleverly dramatized
by school children and presented first at their school and afterward at a meeting
of the Club. A series of very good stereopticon views of birds was shown in
some of the schools.

A number of bird-hikes were taken with groups of school children, A Junior
Society was formed in Garfield High School in Terre Haute. Two high
school boys did some very good work in bird-photography. One hundred bird
pictures were given to a children’s library.—SALLie Dawson, President.

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 465

West Chester (Pa.) Bird Club.—This Club continues to grow in enthu-
siasm and usefulness. Biweekly meetings of a high character have been held
during the past year, the sixteenth since the Club’s organization. At one of the
meetings, Charles Pennock gave an account of his studies of Florida Burrowing
Owls. He proved conclusively that the male and female birds of this species
have well-defined markings by which the sex can be determined—a fact
hitherto unknown. At another meeting Mr. Pennock told of a recent study he
had made of a Seaside Sparrow near Cape Sable.

Dr. S. C. Schmucker also gave a lecture at a meeting the past year on “The
Bird as a Flying-Machine.’ Several Club members spent the winter in distant
fields and reports of their observations were given at the meetings. From
North Anson, Maine, came accounts of the bird-life in the far north, while
Dr. Ehinger, a former president, contributed reports from the state of Wash-
ington. A full account of each meeting was published in the daily paper.
Citizens of the town, in this way, become interested in our efforts.

Work among the school children has grown and the beauties of nature have
been opened to them. Through the influence of the Bird Club several children
have become experts in collecting and identifying the common moths and
butterflies. Several members have erected feeding-stations and bird-baths,

thus increasing the number of song-birds in this locality.

SCENE FROM ‘THE BLIND SHALL SEE,’ A PLAYLET PRESENTED BY
THE WYNCOTE (PA.) BIRD CLUB

466 Bird - Lore

The most successful field-trip was that to Pequea on the Susquehanna
River. This annual pilgrimage was made at the height of the wave of migrants,
and the list made during the two days contained many birds of rare interest.

Individual members have done much to spread the love and knowledge of
birds. Several young people have been taken into the field during the mi-
gration period and when interest was greatest they were supplied with bird-
guides. This has resulted in a continual chain of blessings, the results of which
are beyond computation.—LILIan W. Prerce, Secretary.

Wyncote (Pa.) Bird Club.—Among the outstanding features of the year’s
activities of the Wyncote Bird Club are the following: A delightful evening
of moving pictures by Ernest Corts, of Buck Hill Falls, Pa., showing intimate
and beautiful scenes in the lives of many of our common birds, also the winter
sports in that beautiful country; several other evenings of nature-study films
by William L. and Irene Finley; an illustrated lecture by Charles N. Shoffner,
of the Liberty Bell Bird Club, which our Club gave to the children of the public
schools; and the presentation, in a wood in Wyncote, of Mr. Shoffner’s playlet,
‘The Blind Shall See,’ by some of the Junior Members of the Club, which made
a strong appeal to the community for the protection of birds.

A number of delightful bird-walks were taken, and in May more than eighty

WILD BIRDS IN THE PLAYLET ‘THE BLIND SHALL SEE’

Reports of State Societies and Bird Clubs 467

of our members attended the wonderful ‘Bird Masque’ by the Charles W.
Henry School of Germantown in their Bird Sanctuary in the Upper Wissa-
hickon. The Wyncote Bird Club has gained in numbers and strength during
the year, and the prospects for the winter look good.—EsTtHER HEAcocK,
Secretary.

JOHN H. KOCH & COMPANY, Certified Public Accountants
55 Liberty Street, New York

October 25, 1922.
THE AupiIt COMMITTEE,
National Association of Audubon Societies, Inc.,
1974 Broadway, New York, N. Y.

Gentlemen—We have completed our customary examination of the books,
accounts, and records of The National Association of Audubon Societies, Inc.,
for the year ended October 19, 1922, and present herewith the following Ex-
hibits:

Exuipir A—BALANCE SHEET AS AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS, OCTOBER IQ, 1922.

ExuIBiIr B—INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT, GENERAL FUND.

Exuipir C—INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT, EGRET PROTECTION FUND.

Exuispir D—INcOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT, CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL FUND.

Exuipir E—INcoME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED
ORNITHOLOGY.

Exuipit F—InNcoME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT, FUND FOR NATIONAL Parks’
DEFENSE.

Exurpir G—INcoME AND INVESTMENTS, PERMANENT FUND OF 1922.

Exuipir H—SraTEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS.

All disbursements made on account of your various funds were substan-
tiated either by duly approved and receipted vouchers or cancelled endorsed
checks.

We examined all investments held at the safe deposit vaults accompanied
by your Messrs. Pierson and Carter, and found same in order, excepting the
H. Dougherty loan on which a principal payment of $500.00 was defaulted
on February 16, 1922.. We were informed that this matter has received
consideration from your Board.

Confirmations were received from your depositories, certifying to the
balances as shown on your books.

Submitting the foregoing, we are Very truly yours,

JOHN H. KOCH & CO.,
Certified Public Accountants

408 Bird - Lore

The Report of the Treasurer of the National Association

of Audubon Societies, for Year

Exhibit A

Cash in Banks and at Office (Exhibit H).......................-
Alccount Recesvavle®. ctr sie oie stiles oe oS io araie eta ee oe Sets oc

Ending October 19, 1922

$40,793 96

1,000 00
Furniture and Fixtures—
BalanceOctobermormoete water eee eee eee OL A7ONTS
Additions thisiyeary (Net) mi. areata clayeretero ra slain orcs namics 715 58
$2,195 33
Less— Depreciation’ = accrtsreye nice ee sat season sie se 442 31
— “35753802
Inventory of Plates, etc. (Nominal Value)....... 22... 0000 ee cues 500 00
Bird Island Purchase, Orange Lake, Fla.............-+..+-+++-:- $250 20
Bassard LT sSlAnd SAG ase sees eater ese dereaietoe cafe dle Othe Fi aeons 300 00 550 20
Audubon Boats—
Balance:|@ctoberatgi92 ot aes feline toch Re ein el, 530057
Less—Sale of ‘Royal Tern’............... $1,000 00
Loss on Sale of ‘Royal Tern’............. 513 12 1,513 12
26 45
Investments, Endowment Fund—
Bonds and Mortgages on Manhattan and Bronx
RealiWsfate’ sy .eereerraee a sen ee eA OCONOO
U. S. Government Obligations (Par $28,5 28,455 75
$460,455 75
Mary Dutcher Memorial Fund—
Bonds and Mortgages on Manhattan Real Estate.......... 7,100 00
Roosevelt Memorial Fund—
U. S. Government Obligations (Par $12,000.00)............. 11,839 65

Permanent Fund of 1922—

Bonds and Mortgages on Manhattan and Bronx

Real Estate..........

U.S. Government Obligations (Par $r1,5
Latal Taestiments Metece caine: sys ccteiatele teenies oie eA erp meraet

DONUT A SSCL tLatcts te trey se rtcet. pcicia.e » can ctery Dan aeronn mine ary Te

...+..$189,000 00

11,546 19 200,546 19

688,941 59

$733,505 22

Report of the Treasurer

LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
Endowment Fund—

Balances October tO, TO2T. << sees e alae cisses oe $463,399 04
Received from Life Members................. $15,225 00
Received from Gifts. . 1,123 55

Transfer of Surplus in excess of Hepenwe: at
@ctobersugw109 225 Veins eee elke wee LOL 72 17,540 27

Balance October 19, 1922..............---
Mary Dutcher Memorial Fund—
Balancer Octoberwmo wo 22eractaaceieta om ae atas panne mire
Permanent Fund of 1922:
Balance October 19. 1922 (per Exhibit G).
Special Funds—
Heret Protectionsbund: (per! Exhibit ©)i-.5>...0-.---s0.-.

2,549 97
Children’s Educational Fund (per Exhibit D)............... 2,319 o1
Department of Applied Ornithology (per Exhibit E) ore 34 85
Roosevelt Memorial Fund. . : Epos LSSAS 2672
Fund for National Parks’ miefence (ex: ernie F). ! =.) 2,700/130
PACE OUNGEE VED Leer Prin tel oy = fat oe ct Ave EAR we ahs, Posies zea ore
Surplus—
Balance, October 19, 1921. a war $10,238 53
Add: Gain for year Ered October 19, 1922 Sivan moe
Accounts (BrxhibiteB))h. seesee teen cia eens oe 953 190

$11,191 72
Deduct: Excess above $10,000.00 transferred to Endow-
MEN CAUTG eters erase Orince i octee eine eae e Teng E72)

Balance, October 19, 1922

Total Liabilities and Surplus... .

$480,903

469

9

4

10,000 00

479 Bird - Lore

INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT—General Fund

Exhibit B EXPENSE
Wardens’ Services and Reservations—
Salaries ys ioecsciate,et oes sree mickey tain tae rae ner eiachae etn POCONOS:
enh ieoees SyeSe Sy ahaka tal ave! aps Toya ceteilsta lees here ie Semesters caeeeatahe 221 77
Educational Effort— Ba
Administration Expense. . Soin mele Mie hain canes parE LS SOONOS
Brrp-Lore, Extra Pages Deneal Repo erates see rnia wad; 204) 125
ee eT Sk a MO ak eS le he) WEE cr 5,388 07
Bird Books. . ya. Sie ciate atte Re ee eee alee ames OD SRLS:
Colored Plates in Bren-Lone. , Ba Heuichct A aO en ae 203 50
Contributions to Florida Audubon Gece enh sonasiaeeo 737 5°
Contributions to Illinois Audubon Say eee has 100 00
Drawings. . arn dnmac Shane's 175 00
Electros cad Half Toces pone al erates sae eerste ute ise 196 03
Mducationalleahletse. ns see-tenpat terete eee eit imen2s 00 7a
Field-Glasses. . : Byesetea sate evens ieee ke tele s/t meee OOH ROL
Field Agents’ Galanes andl Pence RC ara 4 25040)
IEG st bintys awh aownss boohoo Goodbosn ooocensanenanccsongecse 385 52
Library. . bre icecicr oeeTOne ates Crane ecine eyionc 248 14
Printing, Ofce and Field Agents...00.0.5 sss 0e0sesss oe 715 07
Slides. 5.0 Seer SRa at chveheis teperetrcent apes eather ee eee a OO BLS
Sharer cateall Wore. Yau tate wrecks veteacke, crence eC amene tonto ens II5 00
Tabctiational Bika Deotectiauce om ote ae hae eae 1,072 19
General Expense— aig
paint SMR MRI Yee Ra Y Santa ees anes a SHAT Bes
Auditing. . : satay afenete nies apoocieloNatela yaks eral See Ris ea 125 00
CAE scacliaee pial eaten a chee Rateal otecain Tanager abstot as aki 28 13
Loss on Sale of Boat. . Salil nae eyelet ee Ne omnes (ee es tele Nee HOLS LG MOS
Depreciation on Ofice Pumiture....00000.ss0000ss ses 442 31
1 Hoaglel states 4 oqupdaoocs atonoo cpenaonG babe na cnos oo aso som 30 II
eernapeonlGhedte Peer Cat ring Someone acre Hod 16 05
Berl encrid Steahes, nayaleroensime ere niaayateraten a neaereys 455 90
Insurance. . STOO RSTO SDRC S Ede TO a eS sa noiae ok 207 86
Legal Servis os o-oo eeesns ses ceneeess seen enssces 435 00
Miscellaneous. . BET tr omen ec sins han aac ote 289 07
Multigraphing. . 2 Re Pe eer ri ade antn Son otoso Oli nsac 123 05
Publicity and’Propaganda Se a Id ISS oe ice SER ear eT OAMZO
Office and Storeroom Rents... Tye ar ecaetae kta hier ake peatic heir 2 SAO MGR
Office Assistants.............. ms(citsberais) Xiepntagsle sCibEere eto re ESE Te ay SOLON ;
Postage. . : ee oer or ee doreaon |) M/s 136) |
Sinpiy Desartinen tuaeeneee Se as are cranny Ge aetay Seen Te TOF EELE 4
Stencils, Addressograph iMaatones Orie ooo no Daas 47 81 d
Telegraphiand Melephonea steric: melee ceaeleel retest ante 265 66 »
= —— 293550836
Total Expense . 7508 $69,645 55
Balance being Net Profit yore year eric # ioepie (Exhibit ane ANetonc 953 10
$70,598 74

i a ay rere

rs

Report of the Treasurer

INCOME

LCE Dad DOSS Son dag bas OOOO a HAOAE Dobe OD OLE Son Bon ete

Contributions... .... .

LETTE TEAC TES TTS SAGO COSC EAS Bb COC CEERI AT ABA pe oa noe

Supply Department Receipts:
ES OBES DOKS aE, Pies ie oie ya Pat ofu Glas elabagtate nr sievesine

Ibiie-| VO 05 so 581d Oe SIO EE a aa OM Ree Tete RE ee Nite
iyaligiigye so: . 3 ue See a eee eee eae ie eet
Cabinelsteenemrscrne acts. oe ae Me dines Be aewnteeies eee

(Gree gun oanb Goer eee Coens
Educational Leaflets....... .

HSRLCI eas. oe aoe es OR eee Rear
SUITES <p g's Ge ie eg Ae Ia CaN I gras ee Re Rete

TUTE TIO dg so gaa 3 APOC OE OIA TO eee

-.-.. $3,168
742
102
520
918

4,840

2,423

1,031

EGRET PROTECTION FUND
INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT

Exhibit C

LEAR OPW NEP SIO SOD Jee A One OO OCR CR TOn aC

INcOME—

(Contrib ULOUSse ee eres erro ee oka oii eo ote secoteraene beeen

EXxPENSE—
IB PTE PA WaAldens® ot. cee theo eesyes ee eee Shee sche Mate Stein

IMSpechNnePROGKEMESs tose) ee Se pis ne MOIS oe eee
ee pale Servicese severe ats a.c asian © SRS oxeeaettye yaks patiecare Eats

Painting and Pictures...

RESELVALION EXPENSES ya) sfoyaie sere ieee em aero seas Oe

seca uo1,790
113

71
o7

18 20

288 00

102

Balance, unexpended, October 19, 1922 per Exhibit A............

fete)

471

13,747 68

$70,598 74

$2,706 75
2,154 30

$4,861 05

2,311 98

2,549 97

472 Bird - Lore

CHILDREN’S EDUCATIONAL FUND
INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT

Exhibit D

Balance; October. 20; 'TO2T sin. davsimss te os avaus alesorata are cptiee ale ae nuete ako ieie

INCOME—
Contributions. . 4
Junior Members’ Fees.

Transferred from Permanent Fund 1922—Income.............

EXPENSES—
Administration Expense......

‘Brep-oRrE tos) unio Clupsmeseierincla ane ey mieten eileen ee
Buttonsttow)mmior Clubs nce teaemeene eereeenemestr
GoloreddPlatestinvBreD-LORE ys saee trees rie eieigs Seeine ceeieeias
GartagerandsBixpresstis. see ns ace aie Bees Pe cl Paice sete

Drawings.

Field Agents’ Scinets ad ieperees
Half- SE ORE GCA Eran eee ee ee get et
MascellanteouSs tc cele cere tera atest ees hee eae

Office Rent. .
Office Soles

Postage on Circulars and Ttereties oe
PrntedsCircularsitomlheachersseasseeeiee sii cie cient renee

Printed Envelopes.........

Printed Leaflet Units for renioe Sissies :
ReportsjandiPublicitys, sewer msec eet ert ere eee
Soliciting for Junior Members........

Stenographic and Clerical Work...

Balance, unexpended, October 19, 1922 per Exhibit A........

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED ORNITHOLOGY

. .$16,398

22,2

1 22:0n7

$38,615
4,003

Lele}
go

go
It

$11,451 63

2,619 OL

INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT

Exhibit E

Balance, unex pended, October 19, 1921
INCOME—

Earnings of Mr. H. K. Job, Public Lecturer

Rental and Sale of Films.....

EXPENSES—
Agents’ Salary and Expense...

Balance, unexpended, October 19, 1922 per Exhibit A.

$54,070 64

EE

Report of the Treasurer 47

ww

FUND FOR NATIONAL PARKS’ DEFENSE

INCOME AND EXPENSE STATEMENT
Exhibit F
BOUNCE UMES PENLEd | OGLOUEN LOS LOZT «cn s.c\c) els aeve\e sm ln eieyeles Jore\oveseis. © os «le $2,463 93
EXPENSES—
Publicity‘on behalf of National Parks...........................$194 54
Contributions for improving Yellowstone Park................... 500 00

604 54

Balance, unexpended, October 19, 1922 per Exhibit A.............-..... $1,769 39

PERMANENT FUND—1922
Exhibit G

For (1) The education of the general public in the knowledge and value of useful and beautiful
and interesting forms of wild life, especially birds.
(2) The actual protection and perpetuation of such forms of wild life on suitable breeding
and other reservations.
(3) Protecting and maintaining adequate protection for such forms of wild life in all
parts of the Western Hemisphere.
Or (4) For any one of these purposes.

INCOME AND INVESTMENTS

IncoME—
Donors Gutetoreermanents bund an.) eile eter eel ayes $200,000 00
Interest on U. S. Government Obligations...................- 3,616 49
Profit on Sales of U. S. Government Obligations.............. 1,851 42
interestions bank i Balancesenmeeai ia. wei Seer eee cite 311 62
Interest on Funds pending Investment in Mortgage on Man-
a tkanwhealabistate steer rcesereraero erasers: cake scismer ele 75 00
$205,854 53
Less: Income transferred to Children’s Educational Fund. . 4,003 II
Balanceafebund per Bax lib itv Ale esters acssteeieie la) cfelei=ielet=(sieteisiae ote $201,851 42
INVESTMENTS—
Mortgages on Manhattan and Bronx Real Estate.............$189,000 00
U. S. Government Treasury Notes (par value, $11,500.00)..... 11,546 109
Dotal Investments per Exhibit Al... 0.2 1. ce. 2 es oe oe = 200,546 I9

Ominvested Balance October IQs LOZ) ss ic) =-1<-)= spetsl=saj~ oie =) 21~ =\0) =Inhe <r $1,305 23

474 Bird - Lore

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
Exhibit H

RECEIPTS—
Income: General Bunda cridiets cine Warsritis on cis ae aaa pire RODIN Ta
Hgret Protectionh und. c1 gene sis pias Sols asiakt ele sere aa Re Aes
Children’s! Educational Bund o.oo eee ees 36,025 000
Department of Applied Ornithology......................-. 751 84
Permanent bundiofstg22 tens sutpalanic ts. tae seinen + ese Ob ESAs
Brdowment Mund see ote ae th seis) cet a schseiseudet nists vee STO. ADI et
Roosevelt MemorialPund! eects «ots selec ne ls hel <pnle sabi etn dolores 777 56
Total Receipts for year ended Oclober 19, 1922... $335,101 42
Add: Reimbursement of Prepayment of Tntexestic on nE sit ment
Bund tmyestinente syacrtet errs “ahaa he = cist teins aera 23 75
Gash Balance Octobers10. 202 Tree eee a yt tnie e 43,005 83
$378,131 00
DISBURSEMENTS—
Expenses) Generals bunds. anaes cides eerie se ae eee OOOmLs
BereteProtectionchun dant few cise af jitiietstc ele anita ay= fool 2,311 98
Children's} Educational’ Pund’s. cece asain steele sei AOOZO ToS
Department of Applied Ornithology............. oe 735 00
Fund for National Parks’ Defense........... 2's awcajepeis pahce¢ 694 54
Permanent Fund of 1922—Investments....................-200,546 19
Endowment Fund Investments......... Sethe $52, 600 00
Less: Investments Reduced...... ..........- 38,949 25
13,650 75
Purchase of Furniture............... ARS Nea 715 58
Liquidation of Bills unpaid on Ontovens TOMIO2T Bem ae sels gO SOO
Total Disbursements for year ended October 19, 1922........-.-.-.- $337,337 O4
Cash Balance, October 19, 1922 per Exhibit A............0.-+-2-5- $40,793 96

New York, October 30, 1922.
T. GiLBert Pearson, President,
National Association of Audubon Societies,
New York City.

Dear Sir:—We have examined report submitted by John H. Koch &
Company, certified public accountants, of the National Association of Audubon
Societies, for the year ending October 19, 1922. The accounts show balance
sheets of October 19, 1922, and income and expense account for the year
ending the same date. Vouchers and paid checks have been examined by
them in connection with all disbursements, and also the securities in the Safe
Deposit Company. Yours very truly,

H. A. LUCAS,

ROBERT CUSHMAN MURPHY,
Audiling Committee

¥

aL Audubon

671

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& Medical
Serials

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