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y The Audubon Bulletin.
Complete set to date consists of

Spring, 1916.

Winter, 1916-17.
Spring, 1917.

Winter, 1917-18.
Spring and Summer, 1518
Winter, 1918-19. |
Sering, 1920.

Feil. 1920.

Spring, 1921.

Paid, el.

Spring, 1922.

Fall, 1922.

Spring, 1923.

Fall, 1923.

Ti, AN INSTIPS.
, a re GA o ~,
(fs aN

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4 koe "Og i. f . rie hes 4 j

The
Audubon Bulletin

S ip vIn a - 7976

Publ shred by
The ILLINOIS
AUDUBON

SOCIETY

Are You a Friend
of the Birds?

How can you better show your friendship
than by joining the lilinois Audubon Society?

Why not associate yourself with others
who are like-minded on the bird question?

To be an Active Member involves an ex-
pense of but $1.00 per year, with no other
obligations which are not self-imposed.

If you have the means and the inclination
you can help five times as much by becom-
ing a Contributing Member at $5.00 per year.

Or if you insist you can finish the matter
once for all time by becoming a Life Member
upon payment of $100.00. However, this
gives you no privileges not enjoyed by active
or contributing members.

Sign the application blank on page 35 and
send to the Treasurer with your remittance.

Illinois Audubon Society

President Vice-President
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Mr. John M. Blakeley
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago 19 South La Salle Street, Chicago
Secretary ) Treasurer
Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee Miss Amalie Hannig
2436 Prairie Avenue, Evanston 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago

~ i < ae

ore ee

ae

pes, or

oo one
A Ri a I ee sc

OFFICERS - CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES

MEETINGS

PRESIDENT MR. RUTHVEN DEANE. 112 W. ADAMS ST, CHI
ORPHEUS M, SCHANTZ, 5215 W. 24TH ST., CICERO EDUCATION
Sill 4 ig Al dD if MR, F. E. SANFORD eit Re - Set SRALGR
; LEGAL MATTERS
ae VICE REE Soe SU es ot u u on MR. JOHN M. BLAKELEY, 19S. LA SALLE ST., CHI
_ JOHN M. BLAKELEY . LA SALLE ST,, CHICA: FINANCE

Mr. W, L. DE WOLF,110 S. DEARBORN ST , CHI

;

| SECRETARY 4 PUBLICITY

, FREDERICH. PATTEE, 2436 PRAIRIE AVE. & - MR. A, L. STEVENSON. 1308 MORSE AVE., CH
:

EVANSTON PRINTING
MR. FREDERIC H. PATTEE,

FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIRD LIFE 2436 PRAIRIE AVE,. EvAr
: TREASURER = LECTURES ANDSLIDES
3 AMALIE HANNIG, 800 S, HALSTED ST,, CHICAGO ESTABLISHED IN 1897 MR. JESSE LOWE SMITH, - HIGHLAND PAR}

June 23, 1916

This is to direct your attention to the activities of an organization calling itself the Inter-state
Sportsmen’s Protective Association which is at present making a vigorous attack upon an item in the
Agricultural appropriation bill in which the sum of $50,000.00 is allotted to the U. S. Biological Survey
to be used in enforcing the provisions of the Federal Migratory Bird Law. This organization of which
Mr. J. H. Aldous of Alton is president is made up of a small group of hunters in and about St. Louis
who wish the above-named law amended to permit of Spring shooting of ducks and geese. As they
have not been able to accomplish this, they are trying to cripple the work of the Survey by defeating
the much-needed appropriation. They have even attacked the Survey directly. In the columns of
the St. Louis Globe-Democrat Mr. Aldous has announced that if the Biological Survey persists in en-
forcing the regulation concerning Spring shooting his organization will “put the Survey out of business.”

Now in all this activity, these shotgun hunters of St. Louis and vicinity claim with astonishing
effrontery to represent the people of Illinois. They list the following Congressmen from [Illinois
as favoring the amendment of the Migratory Bird Law to permit shooting until March 31:

sei ' W. A. Rodenberg Martin B. Madden F. A. Britten
‘ Vee C. U. Stone John C. McKenzie
Be uperucid Thos: Gallagher T. S, Williams
E. E. Dennison C. H. Tavenner John A. Sterling
Edward J. King Charles E. Fuller W. B. McKinley
L. E. Wheeler James D. McDermott J. G. Cannon.

In commenting upon the above it is hardly necessary to say that the great majority of the peo-
ple of Illinois that have any information at all upon the subject are strongly in favor of the rigid en-
forcement of the regulations proposed by the Biological Survey. These regulations looketo the ac-
complishment of the purpose of the Federal Migratory Bird Law, namely, to prevent the extermina-
tion of certain species of birds; to secure an increase in numbers of certain desirable species; to
equalize as far as may be opportunities for using certain species for recreation shooting and food pur-
poses. They should be supported by the Congressmen from Illinois and from her Senators as well.
Shall we not urge them to do so?

The item in the appropriation bill referred to has passed the House. It is now before the Sen-
ate. It would seem that now is the time for all of us in Illinois who favor the conservation of bird
life to rally to the support of the U. S. Biological Survey and repudiate unsparingly the efforts of the
small minority who in their attacks upon the Survey claim to represent the people of Illinois.

Let us do this and do it at once, and in the following manner: Write Senators Lewis and Sher-
man urging their active support of the item of $50,000.00 in the appropriation bill. Write to the
Honorable D. F. Houston, Secretary of Agriculture, protesting against any amendment permitting
the shooting of birds on their northward migration, or anywhere on the continent after February I.
Do it now.

- THE ILLINOIS STATE AUDUBON SOCIETY.
Per Orpheus M. Schantz, President

Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee, Secretary
2436 Prairie Avenue, Evanston, Ill.

a
SUNIAaar

Ist.

2nd.

3rd.

Ath.

The Aims and Principles of the Illinois
Audubon Society are:

To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the schools,

and to disseminate literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and
Federal laws relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of
the ostrich and domestic fowls.

To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruction
of wild birds and their eggs

SHAD-BUSH

“‘When the shad blossoms trilliums are specking the woods with white, violets have come
in place of hepaticas, and warblers keep the thickets rustling. The woods, which soon wiil be
closed with masses of green, are still open. It is a moment when such fragility as the beauty
of the shad blossom gets the setting it needs. It is a flash of beauty in the woods, an evan-
escent delight which touches the earth and is gone.’’ Thus far the poet, but the birds know
how the blossoms are in due time transmuted into purple berries, rich and juicy and sweet, which
are good to drop into the mouths of greedy offspring.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING, 1916

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

Greetings from the President of the Illinois Audubon Society

To the members of the
Illinois Audubon Society.

The Directors of the Audubon Society long ago realized that its mem-
bers who have so generously supported it from year to year, have had no
way of knowing how the income of the Society has been spent except
through the reports of its officers which have been read at the annual
public meeting in May. It was recognized that while the real activities
of the Society would naturally be determined and controlled by the Di-
rectors, the members should have a more definite knowledge of how the
bird conservation work has been carried on and with what measure of
success. . Accordingly the Directors have committed the Society to the
publishing of stated bulletins which shall give the activities of the Society
publicity, as well as contain items of interest to bird lovers, notes on the
status of both State and Federal laws for bird conservation fe protection,
and any bird news of importance from other organizations, State or Na-
tional, that have the same object as the Illinois Audubon Society.

It is planned to publish three a year, a Spring Bulletin, an Autumn
Bulletin, and a Winter Bulletin.

This Spring Bulletin for 1916 is the maiden issue. It is hoped that
through it and the succeeding bulletins the Illinois Audubon Society will
be able to create a wider interest in bird life, increase its membership and
- resources, and furnish a center of influence for the work of bird conserva-
tion in Illinois.

_ There are doubtless many bird lovers i would be willing to assist
materially in organized work of this kind who are not even aware of the
fact that there is an Illinois State Audubon Society and that it has been
more or less actively at work for eighteen years. This is explainable in
large part by the Society’s limited resources and inadequate means of
publicity. However the Directors are willing to admit a measure of re-
sponsibility for the somewhat limited role the Society has hitherto played.
They realize that theirs should have been a wider appeal, and that they
have not been quite courageous enough to assume for the Society the
leadership which its name and its position entail. Let us hope that this
bulletin and those which are to follow will serve to foster a truly state-
wide organization and help to make possible whenever necessary, a union
for efficient effort of the Illinois State Audubon Society and all organiza-
tions of similar aims in the state.

4 PE. AU DU BON, 5:U LE TT iN

This Spring Bulletin has been put together hurriedly, yet in its prepara-
tion thirty or forty individuals and seven organizations have given cheerful
co-operation. ‘The response has been immediate. It has come from various
parts of the state. Doubtless even a larger number of organizations would
have been represented had our Secretary possessed a comprehensive list of
bird clubs, nature study clubs, lecal Audubon Societies, etc. to which to
send out the invitation to co-operate. We apologize to all clubs and or-
ganizations of this kind that we failed to include on our mailing list.
We hope that before we issue the Autumn Bulletin we may have all such
organizations on our list.

We are sending out two thousand copies of this bulletin. It would
seem possible for our Society so to increase its resources that it could afford
to issue a much larger edition and instead of a forty-eight page bulletin
like the present one, send out a seventy-two page bulletin, well illustrated
and attractively printed. There will be no trouble to secure valuable
articles for publication. “The range and wealth of bird life in Illinois
insure us material of the right sort. Elsewhere are suggestions for co-
operative work which we trust will appeal to bird observers in every part
of the state. The big word is‘ CO-OPERATE. Our membership is 450.
Let’s make it 1,000.

Now then Fellow Members, all together!

OrPHEUS M. SCHANTZ,
President Illinois State Audubon Society.

The Present Bird Protection Laws in Illinois and Their
Enforcement

(Editer’s note: In response to a request for some notes for editorial use on the pres-
ent status of bird protection in Illinois, Mr. Millard submitted the following article which
he characterized as a “‘dry, formal statement to be worked over and made interesting by
the editor.” To the editor it seems unusually clear and clean-cut. It appears here un-
changed except for the decorations in the way of Italics, for which the editor is
responsible. )

The present Illinois statute protecting bird and fish life in the state is
known as the Game and Fish Act, and went into effect on July 1, 1915. It
provides that the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall
appoint three persons, to be known as the State Game and Fish Commission,
one of whom is the President and Executive officer of the Commission. It
is the duty of the Commission to conserve and propagate the game, birds
and fish of the State, enforce the statutes and bring action in the name of
the people, to prosecute violators of the statutes. [The Commission ap-
points seven wardens and 78 deputy wardens, who give all their time to
the offices. They are under the control of the Commission, and, in addition,
all constables of the state are ex-officio special deputy wardens, without
salary or expenses as such, but receiving one-half of all the fines recovered
for violation of the statute, in cases where they file the complaint.

The President receives an annual salary of $4,000.00; the other two
Commissioners $3,000.00 each; the seven wardens receive $1,500.00 each
and the 78 deputy wardens $1,200.00 each, besides actual traveling ex-
penses. There are offices in Springfield, as well as in each of the six dis-
tricts provided. ‘The law protects various kinds of animal life for all or
part of the year, and provides a penalty of from $15.00 to $50.00

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

cr

for violation. It prohibits selling or having in one’s possession in the
State any of the animals protected. The ownership of wild game and
birds is declared to be in the State, and the destruction of nest or eggs of
wild birds or having them in one’s possession is subject to fine, except in
the case of persons holding a certificate giving the right to’take birds, their
nests and eggs, for scientific purposes. These certificates are granted by
the Commission upon testimonials from two scientific men certifying to the
good character and fitness of the applicant, and are issued upon the pay-
ment of $5.00 and the execution of a $200.00 bond: A license to kill
game must be secured from a county, city or village clerk, upon appli-
cation. The fee to citizens and residents of the State is $1.00. /f issued
to non-residents of the State or to aliens, the total fee is $ro.50.

The Commission has the power to establish game and bird reservations
in any county for song and insectivorous birds, the land being leased at
the nominal rental of $1.00 a year for each tract, with power to use five
acres in each such tract for planting grain, and to pay therefor the usual
rental of such land.

There are also careful provisions protecting the fish of the state, pro-
viding for state fish hatcheries, etc.

Considerable information as to the work of this commission is given
in its printed annual report for the year ending July 1, 1915,-which can
be obtained from the Commission at Springfield, or its office at 130
North Fifth Avenue, in Chicago. Jt zs evident from the report that the
chief interest of the Commission is in protecting and increasing game, and
the necessity of protection of song-bird life is not emphasized. This ts un-
doubtedly owing to the activities of the game clubs and professional hunt-
ers who have always taken an energetic interest in the passage and adminis-
tration of the law, while the Audubon Society and those interested in song
bird and game protection, for love of the birds or for economic reasons,
have not made their interest felt in the same degree.

The first district comprises ten of the northern counties and has three
deputies in Chicago, with seven more in other northern counties of the
state. The report for this district shows*158. arrests during the year cov-
ered, with total fines of $887.50. ‘These comprise both fish and game
violations, and are not separated in the report. They are mostly for sell-
ing undersized fish, and ducks and rabbits out of season. ‘The other five
districts contain varying numbers of counties, similarly patrolled by
deputies. The reports from the district wardens of each of these districts
discuss game and fish protection almost to the exclusion of song bird pro-
tection. Some of them are of considerable interest. The district warden
at Carbondale, in the sixth district,.for example, recommends amendments
to be made to our present law, to prohibit bird dogs running at large from
April 1 to November 1, and to prohibit the use of pump and automatic
and all other repeating or machine guns, whereupon he believes that our
game, birds and animals will increase very rapidly.

The wardens are said to be under civil service. The constables of the
state are reported to be quite inactive in enforcing the statute in general,
although there are a few exceptions.

The State had a propagating farm at Auburn, I1linois, but it was given

6 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

up in July of last year because it was not deemed by the Commission to be
worth the expense. There are a number of reservations, however, including
four in the first district, running from 600 to 3,000 acres each. That at
Moosehart is the largest.

[t is obvious that the enforcement of such laws as we have is fully as
important a matter as having secured their passage. In securing good ap-
pointments by the Governor to the Commission, and by the Commission to
the offices of warden and deputy warden, the Audubon Society could
rightly take an aggressive interest, and accomplish much good. It would
seem feasible to familiarize the constables with the law, and their oppor-
tunities to make money under it, and so arouse their dormant interest in
bird protection.

The Federal Migratory Bird Law prohibiting Spring shooting is en-
forced by the national authorities but not by the state. It is in force and
will be unless declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme
Court. No decision on this is expected for some time.

-EVERETT L. MILLARD.

R. Aw WAGER — PHOTO

THE CATBIRD
f

The catbird sings from the syringa thicket his colloquial ‘‘ode to ripening summer,” but,
more important: still for the good of his race, his mate hovers beneath her breast the bluish
green eggs which

Will soon have wings and beak and breast,
And flutter and fly away.

DV rNOrs AUD UB ON SO. CLE Ty 7

An Opinion of Great Significance

Note: While a combination of circumstances was unfortunately delaying the
appearance of this issue of the Bulletin, the following correspondence came to hand,
and because of its importance it is printed just as received. The significance of the
last sentence is apparent. During the past winter months representatives of the
Audubon Society collected advertisements of certain State Street Department stores
of Chicago in which aigrettes were offered for sale. These are on file. Possibly our
readers know of similar violations of the law quoted below. All such are invited to
write to the Secretary of the Society.

April 22, 1916.
Game and Fish Conservation Commission,
Springfield, Illinois.

Gentlemen: Under date of the 19th inst., Mr. Everett L. Millard,
69 W. Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, submitted the following prop-
osition to this department:

“As a director of the Audubon Society, I inquired of the State
Game and Fish Commissioners. whether they felt themselves in a
position legally to prosecute vendors of aigrettes in Chicago, con-
trary, as I look upon it, to the statute. They inform me that they
are in doubt as to the law, and that you will give me your opinion.
Will you kindly inform me whether, under Section 6 or any other
portion of the statute, you consider having possession of or selling
aigrettes to be a punishable violation?”

In view of the nature of the proposition submitted, I deem it ad-
visable to direct my reply to the Game and Fish Conservation Commission
and to send Mr. Millard a copy of this letter.

In answer to the inquiry I will say that said Section 6 of the amended
Game act of 1915, laws of 1915, page 450, in part provides:

“Any person who shall, within the State, kill or catch, or have
in his or her possession, living or dead, any wild bird, or part of
bird, other than a game bird, English sparrow, crow, blackbird,
bluejay, chicken hawk, cormorant, or who shall purchase, offer or
expose for sale any such wild bird, or part of bird, after it has
been killed or caught; shall, for each offense, be subject to a
fine. * *.* This section shall not be construed to apply to any
part or parts of birds actually used.and in the possession of any
person as decorations or ornaments.”’

Under this provision of the statute it is provided that this section shall
not be construed to apply to any part or parts of birds actually used and in
the possession of any person as decorations or ornaments. The exception
does not extend to possession of any part or parts of birds to be used as
decorations or ornaments but only those parts that have been actually used.
The language indicates that the object of the exception was to exempt from
fine a private user of such ornaments but not a dealer.

It is, therefore, my opinion that vendors of aigrettes in Illinois my be
prosecuted for selling them or having them in possession for the purpose
of sale. Very respectfully,

P. J. Lucey, Attorney General.

i

8 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

-
ae ot

MALLARD GROUP

The Habitat Groups at the Chicago Academy of Science

(Note: The attention of all bird students is directed to the work being done at the
Academy of Sciences in Lincoln Park, Chicago, in preparing habitat groups of birds of
Illinois. Here the birds with their nests and young are placed in a facsimile reproduction which
includes actual material from the environment in which the bird is found—soil, stones, leaves,
branches, etc., and behind this: is a background in color photographed from nature. This back-
ground is so skillfully blended with the foreground that it is not easy to tell where the one
leaves off and the other begins. The large photographic backgrounds which have been colored
by hand are remarkable pieces of work. As seen in the accompanying illustrations the illusion
of reality is almost perfect. Mr. Woodruff, who has had charge of the preparation of these
habitat groups has kindly furnished the following notes).

Through the generosity of Mr. LaVerne Noyes, the Chicago Academy
of Sciences has been able to construct a series of groups illustrating not
only the life habits and food of the native birds but the flowers, trees and
physiographic features of this region as well. The superiority of the
photographic background over the painted one is universally admitted, for

in the latter the paint is im evidence at all times and the infinite detail
cannot be repro-
duced by the ar-
tist except by
years of work.

We now have
Sixty baad
groups finished
and. ‘fortyawon
animals, fish
and reptiles. A
few illustrations
are shown as
follows:

The Mallard
group is a day-
break scene on
the Grand Cal-

BLACK TERN GROUP

Pi ln Oils, -p.U0 DEE ONS OC TLE TY 9

umet River at Millers, Indiana. ‘The birds have been feeding on the acorns
along the bank and are arising through the tree tops in the foreground.

The Black Tern group is one that has the painted background. ‘This
scene is taken on the Sag, at Worth, Illinois. As this region is now drained
the remaining locality at which these birds can be studied is at Fox and
Grass Lakes, Illinois. On the right is a muskrat house with the family
sunning themselves on the top. At the left among the flags may be seen
a Black Tern’s nest with two downy young. The parent bird may be seen
flying over the lily pads.

2

ig
nee

BANK SWALLOW GROUP

The Bank Swallow scene is taken on the beach at Millers. Indiana, and
shows the character of bank that these birds burrow in. ‘The nests are
usually placed among the small rootlets as these prevent the sand from cav-
ing in upon them.

; CORMORANT GROUP
Lovers’ Leap at Starved Rock forms the background for the Cormorant
group. Occasionally in April a number of these birds can be seen in the

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

tall “dead “trees: alongs, tlie
islands, but navigation on
the’ river frightens © them
away and they are driven to
the region about Havana,
Illinois, where the young
birds in this group were
taken.

The background of the
Beach Birds group is a scene
taken east of Miuillers, I[n-
diana, and is a typical scene
during the migration of our
Limicole. ‘T’wenty years ago
these birds could be seen dur-
ing the month of August in
far greater numbers than our
group shows. ‘The birds are

BEACH BIRDS GROUP

the Willet, Turnstone, Robin Snipe and Sanderling.

CANVAS BACKS

For years we have been assisting
bird students in identifying the Gulls,
Terns, Ducks, Hawks and Owls. As
a rule these birds are only seen fly-
ing. The specimens mounted stand-
ing do not offer a fair means of identi-
fication. Hence our decision to mount
all of these birds in an attitude of
flight. This has proven very satis-
factory. The group of Spoonbill
Ducks are mounted as they arise from

the marsh. The Scaup are just dropping their legs preparing to alight on
the water. The Canvas-back are twisting and turning as they do when

alighting.

FRANK M. WoopRuUFF.

SCAUP AND SPOON BILLS

Lit ho. S At.) UB: ON” $0. Ci EP y 11

Training the Chickadees

From widely separated places in []li-
nois come reports of the abundance of
chickadees .during the past winter
months. It has been a good time to try
one’s luck at luring chickadees to eat
from one’s hand. ‘The secretary of the
Illinois Audubon Society has been very
successful at doing this at her home in
Evanston and one of her pet chickadees
has learned to fly down at her call in
whatever part of her yard she happens
to be. Mrs. Pattee has not been able
to get any photographic record of her-
self and “bird guests,” but Miss Grace
Putnam of Moline has been more suc-
cessful in that respect. The two pictures reproduced herewith show the
earliest and the final stages in training a chickadee. Miss Putnam writes.

“For several winters the chickadees and nuthatches have eaten from one
of our window-sills, but this last winter I determined to get the chickadees
to eat from my hand. So, all unconsciously they have been put through a
graded course of study.

First, sitting inside the room, I put my hand on the window-sill cut-
side, lowering the sash on my wrist. After a few frights the chickadees
became used to the motionless white :
object and finally took the nuts from pow
my hand. ‘Then day after day I grad- ,
ually raised the sash a little higher un-
til I was able to sit on the window-sill
and coax them to fly down by whistling
their sweet “pee-wee” call. They be-
came so tame that I could call them
from any door or window in the house
or even out on the walks, and they
would fly down for the nuts I had.

They showed plainly which kind of
food they liked best. Their first choice
was the fat grubs we found in some
hickory nuts. They liked English wal-
nuts next best. Hickory nuts were ta-
booed. Several times one of the birds,
the tamest one of all, deliberately
picked up one hickory nut meat after
another from my hand and dropped it
on the ground. But when I held out
some English walnut meats and whis-
tled to him, he would come back and
eat greedily. We are hoping a pair of
them wili choose the new Berlepsch
nesting box we have just put up in the
suet-trce.”’

12 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

A Word from the Secretary

It is somewhat difficult for the Secretary to find time at this busy season
of the year to write even a brief word for print. The usual busy round of
writing letters, sending out literature, lantern slides and libraries and ar-
ranging dates for lectures reaches its maximum in April and May, and
leaves few spare minutes for anything else. One might even miss the ar-
rival of the song sparrow were it not for the open window.

Any message from the Secretary naturally reflects to a certain extent
the monotony of this everyday work. She is always glad, however, to
help give publicity to this continuous effort that is carried on by the Society,
and it is an especial pleasure to make use of the opportunity afforded by
the Bulletin. In this new seasonal publication, she feels she has found a
new voice which will reach every portion of Illinois. So at the risk of
being tedious to those familiar with our endeavors, she will use it on this
occasion to repeat the details of our more important activities for the
benefit of such readers as are not already acquainted with our work.

While the Society desires to be in touch with everyone who is interested
in birds and their conservation, it wishes especially to reach the teachers,
since it is largely through their influence that the ideas and ideals of the
rising generation will be formed. We send to teachers on request a liberal
supply of literature on bird topics consisting of illustrated Educational
Leaflets issued by the National Association of Audubon Societies, and spe-
cial leaflets concerning the economic value of birds, methods of attracting
and protecting birds and other similar topics. We also provide a complete
list of birds found in Illinois arranged as a migration record. Our travel-
ing libraries consisting of ten books on bird subjects are available for a
month’s use by any teacher who will ask for them.

Perhaps our most important educational aid is the illustrated lecture.
We have a number of sets of beautifully colored stereopticon slides of birds
and their nests. These slides are new and much superior to those we
loaned in former years, nearly all of them being made from photographs
of the living bird in its natural surroundings. Each set is accompanied by
a typewritten lecture. The lantern slide lectures are also available for
clubs, churches and other organizations. The use of libraries and lantern
slides is free, but the borrower pays express charges both ways. On occa-
sion, we are also able to furnish a lecturer who will give a bird talk with
the slides, for a very moderate recompense. It is hardly necessary te add
that such a talk is much more interesting and valuable than any type-
written lecture.

.T'wo years ago, Mr. Henry Oldys of Washington, made two lecture
tours in Illinois in the interest of both State and National Audubon So-
cieties, one in the fall and another the following spring. You may have
enjoyed his very interesting imitations of bird music, or have been impressed
_ by his presentation of the remarkable economic value of these feathered
friends. One of the objects of Mr. Oldys’ trip was to awaken an interest
in the formation of Junior Audubon Clubs in Illinois. As a special
stimulus to these organizations, Mr. Oldys conceived the idea of offering
prizes to clubs doing the best work. This suggestion met with generous
response from one of our directors, for many years an ardent bird lover

LELENOLS AUDUBON -S:O:-CIET Y 13

and supporter of the Audubon movement, who supplied the necessary
funds. It was decided to offer two prizes, the first consisting of ten pairs
of bird glasses and the second of six standard Bird books. ‘The con-
test was open to clubs affiliated with either the State or National organiza-
tion, and the results showed some excellent work.

The first prize was awarded to the Seventh Grade Audubon Club of
Lagrange, whose leader was Miss Esther Craigmile. This club sent in a
very remarkable record of bird identification as well as a good report of
activities in feeding and sheltering birds. The award of the second prize
was made to the Sixth Grade Audubon Club of the Gary School of Chi-
cago, Miss Lilian Wiggins, leader. These pupils submitted the manuscript
of an original play, “Our Audubon Society,’ bound into book form by
themselves, and also a set of drawings of birds. It is interesting to note
that nearly all the members of this club bear foreign names, and that in
their location they had a comparatively poor field for first hand bird knowl-
edge.

Our president, Mr. O. M. Schantz, presented the prizes to the winning
clubs, and gave them a talk on birds, with lantern slides. He was greatly
pleased with the reception accorded him and by the fine spirit shown by
the boys and girls who had given such a good account of themselves in
bird study and its practical application.

The donor of the prizes has made it possible to repeat the prize offer
this year, and it is a pleasure to report that a much more widespread
interest is being shown. In fact a greater interest is manifest all along the
line—-continuous inquiries for literature, libraries and stereopticon lectures
are received, not only from grade teachers,—many of whom conduct Junior
Audubon Clubs—but from principals and superintendents of schools as
well. Requests for lectures are also frequent from women’s clubs, boys’
clubs and other organizations. .

The secretary may complain of being busy; nevertheless she is most
happy when work is at flood tide. BertHa TRAER PATresr, Secretary.
Address Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee, 2436 Prairie Avenue,

Evanston, Illinois.

R. A. WAGER PHOTO
YOUNG BLUEJAYS

The callow offspring of the bluejay, solemn, suspicious, helpless, beset upon this thea
formal entry into active life with a fathomless longing for food.

14 THE- AUDUBON BU L LE TIN

Something to Do—A Few Suggestions

It is the purpose of this article to suggest certain activities and first-
hand studies and to invite the co-operation of bird students whether
members of the Illinois Audubon Society or any similar organizaticn. The
columns of the Autumn Bulletin which will go to press about October 15,
will be open for reports from such activities. Photographs of birds and
their habitats, of bird nests, census diagrams, range maps, etc. will be very
welcome.

All bird students need to be reminded that nothing like adequate data
for comprehensive life histories of many birds, even of those more or less
familiar, is available. In-the collection of this data for life histcries, it
is possible for almost any painstaking observer to have an honorable part.
For every locality and for every county or convenient unit of area there
should be nesting data available from which a trustworthy list of resident
birds could be made. With such facts at hand, for example, a definite
basis for a plan for encouraging the increase of birds of unusual economic
importance might be possible. .

Town or City CENSUS.

Suppose, then, that readers of the Bulletin co-operate in a spring and
summer survey of nesting conditions in areas of convenient and definite
size. Our first suggestion is for a nesting census for a city block. Below
is copied from Hodge’s Nature Study and Life published by Ginn & Co.
(2301 Prairie Avenue, Chicago), a report of a census of nests made at
Worcester, Massachusetts. Can we not have similar pieces of work carried
on in Illinois during the season now beginning and reports carefully sum-
marized for the Autumn Bulletin?

a ey)

C

or

s ;
~ ; ae s
f 2: ; «
Se : NG: :
e “ 5 Lory 4 gs
2 4 ° : ee
: oe:
=e e ‘ 'e Cs. =
eS ee @__. e 5 © . ee
Lap rs : ony YR =
| RE | eee Lies ‘ec Nore ie
LEON : Ya Yee eo Pa IE, St ee Lee Da
ema ot [O@ ee9.®2 ®@
2} © ee e®@ tgs *2@ - ie
@° ee @e® e
ee @e

18

i Ses =
i. Sp -
DOWNING Sto “CH. c

Fic. 122, 4

were eee esr ewe eee

Chart and census of a city block, Worcester, Mass., for 1898 and 1901. Stsrs signify nests
in 1898, viz., two robins, one oriole, one chipping sparrow, and one downy woodpecker. Initial
letters stand for nests in 1901. Note the gain, 300 per cent, in three years. Houses, trees, and
shrubbery are appropriately indicated; r., robin; 0., oriole; b.b., bluebird; w.p., wood pewee;
c.c., chipping sparrow. ‘The trees are:

Pay nO os AU De) BrON: SO C PET Y 15
Apple. 5 Maple — one robin (two robins, 1goo) .

Ash, Mountain : 2 Oak — (one robin, 1900)

SNTOGUFL 4 gd 20 a ic ana, PRM Peach Bree tk aye
Cherry — (one redstart, rgo0) . . 9 Pear— one robin, one oriole .
Chestnut — one woodpecker (one ori- Pine, etc.

ole, 1900) CMR Sover ioe Tame anne To Plum

ARTA is a Pa, oh Vea a? Lk in 5 Others aie :
Hawthorn — one chipping sparrow I Total number of trees pepo 3
Hickory 4 Bignonia vines — (three chipping spar-

roOwWS, 1900) ;

FARM AND ORCHARD SURVEYS.

Another suggestion of a similar nature would apply to rural areas, farm
In this connection attention is directed to an
article in Bird-Lore for March-April, 1916, by Gilbert Grosvenor, editor
of the National Geographic Magazine, who writes about the bird life on his

and orchard surveys, etc.

farm in Montgomery County, Maryland, about ten miles from Washington.
The article is entitled ‘The World’s Record for Density of Bird Popula-
tion.” This Mr. Grosvenor claims for his farm. He found fifty-nine
pairs of birds with young or eggs in the nest in one acre adjacent to the
house and barns on his farm and this, he says, is the highest number of
land birds inhabiting one acre that has ever been reported to the Depart-
ment of Agriculture or to any Audubon Society. The details of this census

are presented below:

(Only pairs whose nests were located with young or eggs
in them are counted).

1 LUGS ese EL ea ne ge 1 pair FLouse, Wirenne eens. a ee 14 pairs
BOD INC porch: gene Seng 2) Lee) Dallte new OMNI fates. gah aah ieee ae oees 7 pairs
Reel Howe Wiarb let aio 8h): 1 pair Kingbird 1 pair
CrehardwOxigle: 1. tds. Da aues en WU AREIIS Stee We oot a cae 26 pairs
SEN CT IEG en alee ee ae 2 pairs ane ed
Song Sparrow ........-. L pair toe He eee 59 pairs
Chipping ‘Sparrow. ...+:..- 2 pairs English Sparrows ....... L
EGC Seamer ee ger at erg 1 pair

Our members are invited “to go after” Mr. Grosvenor’s record. They

The
reports from all such efforts will make interesting reading in the Autumn
Bulletin.
he freely gives in the article quoted.

will doubtless have “‘to go some’’ to surpass it but it is worth trying.

It might be well to profit by Mr. Grosvenor’s experience which
(If you haven’t it, send 20 cents. to
Bird-Lore, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the March-April number or,
better still, send a dollar and receive the regular issues of the magazine

16 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

for a year.) Note what he says about sparrows and cats and pieces of.
oil paper and puddles of mud, and about putting up boxes and keeping
fresh water handy at all times, etc. Then go and do likewise.

Stupy OF “PRIMITIVE” AREAS.

Still another suggestion of a similar nature has to do with the study
of more or less undisturbed areas where man has yet done little harm or,
what usually amounts to the same thing, made any “improvements.” Here
is included remnants of prairie and forest, areas of virgin forest, swamp
areas, etc. As a model for a study of this kind we may cite a Bulletin of
the Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History for September, 1915, the
author of which, Mr. Thomas L. Hankinson, is head of the department
of biology in the Eastern Illinois Normal School at Charleston. The com-
plete bulletin can doubtless be obtained by addressing the State Laboratory
at Urbana. Through the courtesy of Mr. Hankinson and of Professor
S. A. Forbes, Director of the Laboratory, Mr. Francis G. Blair, State.
Superintendent of Public Instruction, was permitted to reprint the major
portion of this under the title of ‘“‘Notes and Observations on Birds’’ in
Circular No. 97, entitled “Arbor and Bird Days, Illinois, 1916.” This
circular which is of recent issue has been widely distributed among the
schools of the state. Copies may be obtained by addressing State Superin-
tendent Blair at Springfield.

As noted by Mr. Blair, the plan Mr. Hankinson followed in making
these observations can be used by any teacher in the public schools (and by
a great many other people, too, let us add). ‘Two areas were chosen by Mr.
Hankinson, a prairie area which is a bit of the right-of-way of the T. St. L.
& W.R. R. near Charleston, and a forest area composing a part of a farm,
also near Charleston. These areas were not unusually favorable for bird
study and the interest in the article is in the suggestive way in which
observations are recorded and correlated.

COMPARISON OF NESTING RECORDS.

In adding to what was said in the beginning about nesting records and
resident birds, reference might be made to an article in the Wilson Bulletin
for December, 1915, entitled “A Two-Year Nesting Record in Lake
County, Illinois,” the authors of which, Colin Sanborn and Walter Goelitz,
were, at the time of collection of the data, high school boys at Highland
Park. ‘The nests of 71 species are there described. The material in the
article is of unusual value and the,manner of making the records is geo
of imitation. “Two specimen records follow:

34. Cowbird, May 14, 1914. A towhee nest found on this date con:
tained one towhee egg and eight cowbird eggs. About fifty of the (various
kinds of) nests found during 1914 and 1915 held cowbird eggs.

' 37. Meadowlark, May 5, 1914. Nest and six eggs found in the Skckie
Valley. All nests found here have had the entrance on the south side. (8
nests examined. )

reUnLNOLS AUDUBON .S:0 C.1lE TY ni

It can readily be seen that nesting records fairly representing the sev-
eral areas into which, through variations in climate, topography, plant life,
etc., the state of Illinois might be divided, would be very interesting for
purposes of comparison. Such records would show to what extent, for ex-
ample, certain western birds are extending their range eastward into
Illinois.

THE INVASION OF New AREAS.

Elsewhere in this Bulletin under the head of Spring Migrating Records,
Mr. T. I. Musselman, reporting for Quincy, notes the appearance within
the Quincy area during the last three years of such typical western birds as
the white-headed woodpecker, the western grebe and the Harris’ sparrow.
From Ogle and DeKalb counties come reports of the western meadowlark.
Here is an interesting lead to follow up. Observers in any part of Illinois
thus “invaded” can be sure of a welcome for reports of occurrences for this
season and past seasons and for nesting records of the above named birds.
Mr. Musselman will be invited to edit such data and he will doubtless wel-
come correspondence on that subject.

Birds of central and southern Illinois that seem to be extending their
range northward might come in for particular attention at their north
limits. The cardinal grosbeak, for example, has been nesting for the past
three years at Highland Park, which is on a wooded ridge along Lake
Michigan, twenty-three miles north of Chicago. Prior to that time the
cardinal’s ‘‘farthest north” was Riverside, Illinois, ten miles southwest of
Chicago, on the DesPlaines River, and it was only eight or ten years ago
that it was first recorded there.

The tufted titmouse has apparently appeared for the first time within
the Chicago area during the last two years, observers reporting it from
Hinsdale, about sixteen miles southwest from Chicago. Observers likely
to be within the northward-tending range of the cardinal and the titmouse
or of the eastward advance of the western birds named above have a chance
to get honorable mention in mapping out the new habitats of these birds.

Other birds might come in for mention here. Where are the north
limits of the mocking-bird? Of the red-bellied woodpecker? The
prothonotary warbler? Where does the yellow-headed blackbird nest in
Illinois? In Lake County in extreme northeastern part of the state, which
has many lakes with marshy margins, the yellow-heads return year after
year to nest only at Butler’s Lake near Libertyville and; possibly, at Fox
Lake. (Gcelitz has an interesting article on the bird life of Butler’s Lake
in the number of the Wilson Bulletin named above. Upon receipt of thirty
cents Professor Lynds Jones of Oberlin, Ohio, will send a copy to any
address.) Other birds might be referred to but enough has been said,
perhaps, to “start something.” It is hoped that no one will hold back
his record because it is imperfect or incomplete. It will at least be sug-
gestive. Let the readers of the Autumn Bulletin have the benefit of it.

For THOSE WHO FEEL AND THRILL But Do Nort Act.

In an article on bird protection laws by Everett L. Millard to be found
in another part of this Bulletin it appears that there are seven game

18 THE AUD US ON eB Ui Ee? EN

wardens and seventy-eight deputy game wardens in Illinois who give all
their time to their duties, which include the enforcement of the statutes
relating to game and other birds and the prosecution of violators of those
statutes. It is also shown that the statutes make all constables of the state
ex-officio special deputy game wardens, without salary or expenses, as such,
but receiving one-half of all fines recovered for violation of the statute, in
cases where they file the complaint. Think what this last statement means !
It means that there are several thousand potential friends and protectors
of the song birds in the state whose legal authority to arrest violators of
the law relating to bird protection 1s immediate and unquestioned. It means
that no bird flying over the state or nesting within its borders is at any time
remote from a possible protector and avenger. ‘Suppose there were no such
law and some one should propose that the Audubon Society advocate one.
What fine talking points one could bring up in its favor! The writer could
say, for example, that the nearest state game warden is twenty-three miles
from where this is being written but that there are three constables within
fifteen minutes walk from the same place and that any one of them may be
~ reached by the phone on this desk in less than a minute! Well, it is almost
too good to be true, but we actually have such a law and it creates guard-
ians of song birds in every community. Truly, as Mr. Millard says, “It is
obvious that the enforcement of such LTS es we have is fully as important
a matter as having secured their passage.”

And so we come to a final (and inevitable) suggestion (or two). It
is that each of us endeavor to make the acquaintance of the warden in our
particular district. Make friendly inquiry as to what he is doing or stands
ready to do for bird protection and encourage him by showing interest
in his work. Then get personally acquainted with each of the constables
in your immediate territory and ascertain whether they are fully informed
as to their powers as special deputy game wardens. Encourage them to be
vigilant and compliment them when they are. Invite them to join the
Audubon Club or other organization of that kind nearest at hand. They
should be ex-officio members of the Illinois Audubon Society, anyway.

For our Autumn Bulletin let us have reports from our members of inter-
views with wardens and constables (the Board of Directors of the Audubon
Society will give a prize to the person submitting the largest list of such
officials she or he will have interviewed before October 1st). Write up in
detail any official who does praiseworthy service and send in his photograph
for publication. As an incentive for doing work of this kind, fellow
Audubonites, please remember that one efficient constable in a district
where wild life is held in cheap regard may be of far more service to bird
life than a dozen persons who feel and thrill but do not act.

Jesse L. SMITH.

hice ois AUD BON -Ss.0 CLETY 19

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
SPRING 1916
Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park.
EVERETT L. MILLARD
69 W. Washington St., Chicago.
MRS. C. E. RAYMOND
Hinsdale.

MRS. FREDERIC H. PATTEE
Evanston.

MR. O. M. SCHANTZ
10°S.ca. Salles St: Chicago.
MR: FREDERIC H. PATTEE
226 W. Madison St., Chicago.

THE ANNUAL MEETING

The Illinois Audubon Society Annual
Meeting for 1916 took place Saturday,
April-29, 2:00 p:. m., at Fullerton Hall,
the Art Institute, Chicago. Mr. Orpheus
M. Schantz, President of the Society, was
in the chair. Mrs. F. H. Pattee, Secre-
tary of the Society, read her report for
the year. Mr. Schantz, after some pre-
liminary remarks introduced Mr. Norman
McClintock of Pittsburgh who gave a
lecture entitled ‘““American Bird Life in
Moving Pictures.” The lecture was illus-
trated with five reels of film taken in va-
rious parts of the country, showing the
natural activities and home life of some
of our most interesting species.

Judging by the expressions of interest
and delight made by the bird-lovers dur-
ing the lecture, the Audubon Society is to
be congratulated on its selection of Mr.
McChntock from among the numerous
lecturers available for this occasion. The
remarkable pictures of the great bird col-
onies in the south, and the reel showing
the intimate and fascinating view of the
birds on Judge Shiras’ grounds, held the
audience spellbound for an hour and a
half. Mr. McClintock’s patience and
skill as a photographer of wild birds was
evidenced by his wonderful pictures, and

the delightful manner with which he de-
scribed his experience in securing the pic-
tures, together with his descriptions of
habits, settled his
standing and reputation among bird lovers

the birds and their

there assembled.

For the first time at an annual meeting,
Audubon So-
ciety members and their friends not only

Fullerton Hall overflowed.

from Chicago, but from Joliet, Elgin, Ore-
gon, Lake Forest, and many other towns
outside of Cook County assisted in mak-
ing the 1916 annual meeting the most suc-
cessful of the Society's history. As a re-
sult, many new applications for member-
ship have been received.
INTEREST OF FARMERS
TN BERD Eire

One of the most encouraging signs of
a wider interest in birds is the fact that
the State Farmers’ Institute has in its
program both in 1915 and 1916, a place
for an address on ‘‘Beneficial Birds.”

The farmer is fast learning that birds
are a very practical and efficient check on
both noxious insects and weeds, and that
the birds that nest in his orchard and
garden, which he formerly scarcely no-
ticed except to object to their helping
themselves to berries, are a very valuable
asset.

The principal address at the session
of the Department of Household Science,
on Thursday, February 24, during the an-
nual meeting of State Institute in Decatur,
was an illustrated talk on birds by a
promirent educator of Southern Illinois,
Professor J. P. Gilbert of Carbondale.
The addresses given at such times are in-
cluded in the annual report of the Farm-
ers’ Institute which is published and dis-
tributed to farmers all over the State.
This will give desirable publicity to the
message Professor Gilbert brought to the
Decatur meeting.

As a result of the awakening interest
in bird life in the country, farmers in
many localities are establishing local bird
protection organizations.

20 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

BIRDS AND THE MOVIES

Ina recent issue of ~Bird=lLore,” the
Secretary of The National Audubon So-
ciety advises people to have the managers
of local moving picture shows secure the
film entitled, “The Spirit of Audubon.”
ihisais aytwo reel tim. It isan. part. a
story of how a destructive boy was shown
in a dream the beauty of bird life, and
how he reformed. It works in a number
of spectacular pictures taken by Mr. Her-
bert K. Job who has done some of’ the
most remarkable photography of wild
birds of the present day. The film shows
great concourses of birds in the rookeries
of Florida and Louisiana, Colonel Roose-

velt appearing in some of the Louisiana

scenes. This film can be secured from
the Mutual Film Corporation in New
York.

Our readers may be interested to know
that Mr. Job is about to get out another
film in one full reel or two short ones,
entitled “Where Wild Fow] Winter.” This
one shows great concourses of wild ducks
and geese on the Louisiana _ refuges.
United States Senator George P. McLean
was in the party with Mr. Job on the
trip in which the pictures were secured
and he appears in the film. The Educa-
Film Corporation of New York
In this connec-

tional
City will issue this film.
tion an even more interesting piece of

news is that Mr. Job expects to work up,

other films soon, on our common birds.

All members of The Audubon Society
should make sure that the communities
in which they live have the benefit of
these very interesting films.

TERS ARAN eS Or Eis
LANTERN SLIDES
The sets of colored lantern slides
owned by The Illinois Audubon Society
and which are loaned to any school or
other organization in this state free of
charge have travelled about

directions of late.

in various
Since January 1 and
up to April 15, the slides have been to
the schools in Batavia, Highland Park,

Mironk, Elkville, Atkinson, Danville,

Evanston, Hinsdale, Gilman, Joliet,
Rossville, Roseville, Deerfield, Richmond,
They have also
been used by various lecturers, some of
the organizations addressed being the
inde @ halo Sat: the Evanston
Woman’s Club, the Illinois Farmers’ In-
ctitute at Decatur, the Englewood Wom-
ans Club, Boy stouts “ot ~ Sijealames
Church (Chicago), the Chicago Heights
Woman’s Club, Juvenile Court Detention
Home of Chicago, the Boys. Club of Lin-
coln Center, Chicago; the Bernard, Van-
derpoel, Gary and other public schools in

Galesburg, and Peoria.

Freeport,

Chicago; “ete,

BIRD SONG RECORDS

Persons interested in reproduction of
bird songs for use on the phonograph
may be interested in the result of an in-
vestigation of such records by a commit-
tee of directors of The Illinois Audubon
Society. This committee recommends two
\ictor records reproducing bird songs,
the one, No. 55049, by Charles Kellogg,
and the other, No. 17735, by Charles
Gorst. These records are, on the whole,
excellent and give a good idea of the
songs of twenty or more common native
birds. Among actual songs of birds taken
in the aviary of Carl Wright of Bremen,
the Victor record No. 64161, reproducing
the actual song of a nightingalé, is con-
sidered the best.

CONTRIBUTIONS: TO” THE
BU een

The Publication Committee invites bird
lovers to contribute accounts of their in-
teresting experiences and _ observations,
fo. publication in future issues of the
Audubon Bulletin. ‘sood photographs of
birds, nests, nesting boxes, baths, feed-
ing shelves, etc., are especially desired.
Local bird clubs are requested to send re-
ports of their activities, and any item of
news having a bearing upon the bird

question will be welcomed, from any
source. Material for the fall number
should be received by Sept. 15. Address

Jesse L. Smith, Highland Park, Il.

five NOS AUD Ua ON, SOC LET ¥ 21

A Suggestive List of Bird Books

There have never been available so many well-written books and _ peri-
odicals for the guidance of bird students as at the present time but this
does not make it easy to select the most representative books for a small
library. Selecting a bird book is frequently a very serious question for the
beginner, for example, as some books are much better adapted to beginning
bird-study than others. Again, many delightfully written books are not
the best guides for identification, and are intended for the use of those
who already know the birds by sight and who wish a more intimate knowl-
edge of their songs and habits. Other books have been written for the
express purpose of emphasizing the economic value of birds, and still others
have been written about a particular family or group of birds or of the
general bird life of a certain locality. Then, too, there are other books
that have only a chapter or two devoted to birds, yet frequently containing
invaluable additions to bird literature.

It will therefore be readily seen that it is impossible to prepare a limited
list of books like that printed below which will meet all needs and not
exclude many of value. For that reason the list is well labeled ‘“‘Suggest-
tive.’ It contains more books than most of the smaller libraries can afford
and omits many that our readers might prefer to see listed. Everyone is
invited to enter complaint about our omissions. The list is only tentative.
anyway, and in another issue of the Bulletin it may be possible to print a
more complete and a much more carefully prepared list, in the preparation
of which our readers are invited to assist.

Inquiry is sometimes made for a “five dollar list” or a “‘ten dollar list”’
of bird books for school libraries. In the preparation of such a list hardly
two persons will agree. Perhaps the needs of no two school libraries wi!l
be exactly the same. Nevertheless two lists of that sort are ventured here-
with, the description of the books, prices, etc., being given in the detailed
list printed below. - For the first list Mrs. C. E. Raymond is responsible
and Mr. O. M. Schantz is to blame for the second.

First List

A. Collection to cost about five dollars: Reed’s Bird Guides, Part I and Part II;
Citizen Bird by M. O. Wright; Bird Stories from Burroughs; The Sport of Bird Study
by Job.

B. Collection to cost about ten dollars. To the above list add Chapman’s Hand-
book of Birds of Eastern North America, and Birds in Their Relation to Man by
Weed and Dearborn.

SECOND List

Collection to cost about ten dollars: Reed’s Bird Guide, Part II; Bird Craft by
M. O. Wright; Wild Bird Guests by Baynes; American Birds by Finley; Chapman’s
Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America; Walter's Wild Birds in City Parks.

THE LIsT
Bailey,. Florence Merriam Birds of Village and Field. A bird book for beginners;
with a color key to 154 birds and 300 illustrations. 12mo. $2.00

OS Act cs aE el VARS, eae ne Handbook of Birds of Western North America.
Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 33 full plates by Fuertes; 600 illustrations in text;
570 pages. 12mo. Includes the Great Plains, Great Basin, Pacific Slopes, and
lower Rio Grande Valley. This book does for the West what Chapman’s
Handbook does for the East. $3.50
Barrows, Walter Bradford Michigan Bird Life. Michigan Agricultural College.
(Address Sec. A. M. Brown, East Lansing, Michigan). 70 uncolored plates,
152 text figures, 822 pages. 8vo. Cloth, 60 cents plus postage (package weighs

oe THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

over four pounds). In many respects a superior work. Sold at cost. Price
negligible. Its reference to Michigan localities does not prevent it from being
a valuable book for use in Illinois. 60 cents

Baynes, Ernest Harold Wild Bird Guests. E. P. Dutton & Co. An unusual book
combining charming description and thoroughly practical directions for the
bird lover who wants to know how to attract and protect the birds. It is
especially valuable for its definite instructions for forming bird clubs. $2.00

Blanchan, Neltje Bird Neighbors. Doubleday, Page & Co. An introductory ac-
quaintance with 150 birds commonly found in the gardens, meadows and
woods about our homes. Introduction by Burroughs. 48 colored plates. $2.00

Burroughs, John Bird Stories from Burroughs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 8 full
page illustrations by Fuertes. 174 pages. 12mo. 60 cents

Chapman, Frank M. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. D. Apple-
ton & Co. Over 200 illustrations. 530 pages. 12mo. This book heads the list
of all the bird books. It is easily the most useful for study or reference.
Pocket edition, flexible cover, $4.00. Library edition $3.50

Ce coe ae NY Pai ae wae The Warblers of North America. D. Appleton & Co.
24 full-page colored plates illustrating every species and half-tones of nests and
eggs. Drawings by Fuertes and Horsfall. 306 pages. 8vo. Prepared with the
co-operation of 30 other naturalists. Contains valuable migration records, nest-
ing dates, and biographical references. An indispensable book for a study of
the warblers. $3.00

ERE RN i Ae SOR Ne a Camps and Cruises of an Ornithologist. D. Appleton
& Co. With 250 photographs from nature by the author. 432 pages. 8vo. A
fascinating story of various expeditions to obtain material for the ‘Habitat
Groups” of North American Birds for the American Museum of Natural

History. $3.00

hfe eine eae and Reed, Chester A. Color Key to North American Birds. Double-
day, Page & Co. 800 drawings by Reed. 312 pages. 8vo. Excellent reference

for identifications. Very brief notes. $2.50
Dugmore, A. Radcliffe Bird Homes. Doubleday, Page & Co. 183 pages. 16
colored plates and 50 half-tones. 8vo. A useful book. $2.00

Finley, W. L. American Birds, Photographed and Studied from Life. Charles
Scribner’s Sons. 256 pages. Large, 12mo. Each of the twenty-one chapters of
this book represents one bird family, the selections being nation-wide in scope.
The book is entertainingly written and is illustrated with unusually good photo-
graphs taken in the field. A splendid work. $1.50

Forbush, Edward H. Useful Birds and Their Protection. Massachusetts Board
of Agriculture, Boston. Many illustrations. 437 pages. Large, 8vo. Contains
brief descriptions of the more common and useful species of birds with rather
full accounts of their food habits. One of the most valuable bird reference
books ever published. Sold at cost. Postage extra. $1.00

AME ROMANS, ht fC aed EA Game Birds, Wild Fowl and Shore Birds of Massachu-
setts and Adjacent States. Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, Boston. Many
illustrations. 622 pages. Large, 8vo. A comprehensive description of all resi-
dent and migratory game birds with suggestions as to their conservation. Also
a history of such birds as have been driven out or exterminated. Local and
common names given. Very valuable book. Sold at cost. Postage extra. $1.00

Herrick, Francis Hobart The Home Life of Wild Birds. G. P. Putnam’s Sons.
255 pages. 8vo. A popular story of birds In action. Chiefly concerned with
homes or nests and their occupants. Very valuable photographic records. $2.00

Job, Herbert K. How to Study Birds. Outing Publishing Co. 272 pages. Large,
12mo. Chapters on method of bird study, equipment (cameras, etc.), identifi-
cation, learning bird calls and notes, migration, nesting season, etc: $1.50

Pie An Oris Ae U8 ONS S'O CLE Ty 23

nS aan RE SE The Sport of Bird Study. Outing Publishing Co. 134
half-tones. 8vo. Book designed especially for the beginner at the study. Won-
derful display of photographs from life. $2.90

J 2S eee Wild-Wings. Outing Publishing Co. 341 pages. Square
8vo. Profusely illustrated from photographs. Adventures of a camera hunter
among the larger wild birds of America on land and sea. Introductory letter by
Theodore Roosevelt. $3.00

Matthews, F. Schuyler Field Book of Wild Birds and Their Music. G. P. Put-
nam’s Sons. 262 pages. l6mo. 38 colored and 15 other full-page illustrations
and numerous musical notations. A description of the characteristics and music
of birds and intended to assist in the identification of the species common in
Eastern United States. Can be carried a-field in one’s pocket. Flexible leather

pao0ce -Cloti= o2:00:

Ladd, Neil Morrow JHow to Attract Birds about the House. Greenwich Bird
Protective Society, Greenwich, Conn. 68 pages, 40 illustrations mostly from
photographs. Paper cover. Valuable pamphlet. 60 cents

Reed, Chester A. Bird Guide. Doubleday, Page & Co. In two parts. Pocket
size. Illustrations in color.
Part I. Water and Game Birds; Birds of Prey East of the Rockies. Flexible
cloth $1.00; flexible leather $1.25.
Part IJ. Land Birds East of the Rockies from Parrots to Bluebirds. Flexible
cloth 75 cents; flexible leather $1.00.
These well-known Bird Guides are of great service in identification of birds.
They are the first books in which the beginner should invest. The two Guides
may be obtained bound in a single volume, flexible leather, for $2.25

iia te PE Se wa Sk North American Birds Eggs. Doubleday, Page & Co.
356 pages. Numerous illustrations. 8vo. The eggs of nearly every North
American bird appear life size in half-tone illustrations. An accurate descrip-
tion of each bird and its range are given. $2.50

Trafton, Gilbert H. Methods of Attracting Birds. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 171
pages. l6mo. A handbook of the most approved methods of attracting wild
birds about houses and providing for their nests in summer and homes in
winter. Chapters include such topics as nesting sites, bird houses, attracting
winter birds, drinking and bathing fountains, lists of trees, shrubs and vines
for planting to attract birds, etc. $1.25

Walter, Herbert E. and Alice H. Wild Birds in City Parks. Pocket edition
with chart showing migration of birds. Written for use in Chicago Parks but
very useful elsewhere. The very brief characterizations are of unusual value.

40 cents

Weed, Clarence M. and Dearborn, Ned Birds in Their Relation to Man.
J. B. Lippincott & Co. 390 pages. Large, 12mo. The subject is set forth in a
most readable style and the scientific data covered by the authors (for the most
part first-hand) is of great practical value. A very useful book. $2.50

Wheelock, Irene Grosvenor Birds of California. A. C. McClurg & Co. 578
pages. 12mo. An introduction to more than 300 common birds of California
and adjacent islands. Illustrated by Bruce Horsfall.

Wright, Mabel Osgood Birdcraft. A field book of two hundred song, game and
water birds. 80 full-page plates by Fuertes. 317 pages. Small, 4vo. $2.50

Wright, Mabel Osgood and Coues, Dr. Elliot Citizen Bird. MacMillan Co.
430 pages. 12mo. Scenes from bird life in plain English for beginners. One
of the best introductions to the study of bird life. Profusely illustrated by
Fuertes. $1.50

24 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

lf

AN ATTRACTIVE BIRD-BATH

The shrubbery background is of our native dog-woods—panicled
tower of the ‘‘mullein stalk’? contrasts agreeably with the slender
Lilies, while a fringe of forget-me-nots borders the cement bowl.

and red-osier; the sturdy
spires of the Turk’s Cap

PEIN Ors. vA UWE ON SOCIETY

The Bird’s Bath

A shallow pool of water, even in a city back yard, is an unfailing
attraction to the birds, as many bird lovers know from _ experience.
Water is as prime a necessity as food, for birds as for men; and most
birds, thirst being satisfied, proceed to bathe. Many of our insectivorous
birds prefer to live in neighborly relations with human kind, and find
abundant food on our lawns, shrubbery and trees, which seem to harbor
more insect life than the uncultivated fields and woods. But where no
water is provided they sometimes have to travel long distances for the
necessity of a drink or the luxury of a bath.

The picture on the opposite page shows a bird bath of the most
simple type. It is placed against a clump of shrubbery in a small suburban
yard. Although but ten feet from the sidewalks at a corner, with people
continually passing and automobiles rushing through the adjoining streets,
it is very popular with the robins, catbirds, orioles and wrens, and other
birds that nest in the vicinity, and is usually discovered by the migratory
thrushes and warblers that linger a few days on their spring and fall
journeys. The charm of watching the catbird at his morning bath, or
of seeing one of the rarer warblers taking a drink or an entire dip—
as suits his fancy—is irresistible to the human folk who live in the vicinity,
to say nothing of the satisfaction of having provided a much needed
refreshment on a hot day.

Where the shrubbery is thick and there is danger of lurking cats it
is wiser to have the water basin set on a pedestal. But when danger
from the feline tribe is eliminated there is nothing so attractive as a pool
of water on the ground. This may be one of the commercial variety, such
as the illustration shows, which may be purchased from the department
stores at a reasonable price. Or it may be a kitchen pan of suitable size
and shape, but in any case it must not be too deep.

A permanent cement pool of good dimensions can be constructed with
but little trouble and expense, and can be made an attractive feature of the
grounds. If possible, locate it where it can be easily seen from the
porch or the living room windows, and where it will be backed by
shrubbery. .A little irregularity in shape will add to its attractiveness.
If the job is done by a professional cement worker, caution him not to
make it too smooth and workmanlike; a little roughness to the surface
gives a much better footing for the bird bathers.

A handy man with, no knowledge of concrete work could do the job
and it might even be tackled by a handy woman. ‘The local dealer in
building materials can supply the cement, and furnish instructions for
mixing it. Scoop out the earth where the pool is to be built, carefully
shaping the opening to the shape you have in mind. Remember that the
greatest depth of water should not be over four inches, and that the slope
of the edges should be very gradual so as to provide shallow water for
the smaller birds. Make the excavation deep enough to accommodate
about a three-inch thickness of cement, shovel the mixture into the hole
and spread it around in shape with hoe or trowel and finish the moulding
of it with your hands.

But if you do nothing else, put out the pan of water, and the birds will
be grateful.

eo
or

26 fH EE -Aw DU BON. BULLE © IN

News From The Field

ALTON: A club known as the Alton Bird Club was organized in
March of this-year, Mr. L. D. Yager being President and Mr. W. D. Arm-
strong, Secretary. An advisory board of twenty members was selected to
assist the officers of the organization. Articles have been published in
the local press and encouragement given the public schools to organize
Audubon Societies and to design bird boxes to be placed among the trees
bordering the school yard.

CHARLESTON: The*call. for material for the Spring, Ballemm
reached Prof. IT. L. Hankinson’s field class at the Eastern Illinois Normal
just as its members were leaving for spring vacation. However, their
leader and a few of the members managed to get out for’an hour or so
in early morning of March 31, and thus Charleston is on the roll of the
Census and Migration Records.. Of especial interest at this time at
Charleston, it seems, is the work in Bird Protection by the Boy Scouts
under the leadership of their Scout Master, Mr. Clarence Huffman. It is
hoped to publish a detailed report of some of their activities in the Autumn
Bulletin.

CHICAGO, James H. Bowen High School: In this High School
there is a club of eighty-five members organized among the students of
Zoology, which is known locally as the “Bowen Bird Boosters.” This
is the second year of its existence. It has a constitution and a corps of
officers and members pay dues of ten cents a month. Well attended
meetings have been held every two weeks at which time the club has
taken up current happenings in the bird world, life habits of strange and
interesting birds, causes and routes of migration, reports of birds seen,
etc. On March 3ist, the club had a “Bluebird Day,” all the members
on the program dealing with the Bluebird. Riley’s poem on the Bluebird
was recited, the life habits of the bird discussed and a paper entitled
“Why the Bluebird” telling why it is so popular, etc., was given. The
club ends its year’s work with a grand bird picnic. Miss Helen A. Loomis
is instructor in Zoology.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS: The Boy Scout Troop of Chicago Metsiis
has done a conspicuously ‘‘good turn’ for the birds in that city and
vicinity. For several years Italian hunters have gone about shooting birds
or catching them in snares and nets. These law-breakers have been so bold
as to threaten ‘“‘to get”? possible informers, and people have been afraid to
imform on them. Last Spring the Scout Troop, deciding to invoke the law,
sought out a policeman with courage enough to go with them beyond the
city limits, if necessary, and sallied forth. Two hours later, three offenders
were in court, caught red-handed with nets, bags and birds as witnesses.
The sentence, ‘“Ten dollars each and costs and I’l] give you the limit next
time,” stopped bird killing last year, and our Scouts are alert to make an
example of the first offender this season.

In addition to this police work, the boys have made boxes for trees on
school grounds and have furnished scores of boxes for citizens who wished
them for their own premises. It is due the Woman’s Club in Chicago

BEEN Oo Sta DUBON SOCrETY 27

Heights to say that its members have been liberal patrons of the scouts in
the purchasing of bird houses. Mr. F. M. Richardson is Scout Master of
Troop No. 1.

DE KALB: Thus far this Spring there has been the usual keen in-
terest in bird work among the students taking nature study courses at the
Normal School. This interest is also shared by the schools and various
groups of citizens of DeKalb. <A cardinal distinguished himself by
living on or near the campus all winter, which is a rare event for DeKalb.
The red-bellied woodpecker seems to be unusually common.

EAST St. LOUIS: The schools have for years emphasized bird
study and in each school there are excellent bird charts, books, etc. ‘The
boys in Manual Training have built many bird boxes, the East St. Louis
Park Board purchasing a supply of them from the school. The Women’s
Civics Club has a committee which co-6perates with the scheols, increasing
the interest in bird life. The children in the schools have contributed
liberally to the support of bird propaganda. This direct effort on the
part of the children is giving them a personal and abiding interest in the
subject and the interest has been growing from year to year.

FREEPORT: The Freeport Bird Club has thirty-five members
and meets twice a month for the study of some one bird, the special
papers presented being supplemented by quotation or comments from
each of the active members. In summer the Club has picnics and
picnic breakfasts where bird life is studied at first-hand. The Club
furnished an interested audience for Mr. O. M. Schantz when he came
out from Chicago in March to deliver an illustrated lecture. A prom-
inent nurseryman of Freeport has permitted the Club to establish a bird-
sanctuary on his grounds where there are big trees and masses of every
kind of shrubbery. In this splendid home the birds are given food and
shelter. During the past winter it was discovered that the cardinal is
very fond of hickory nuts and that he would come back again and again
to a window for a supply. The Club has bought 300 “Protect the Birds’’
signs and is setting them up in Freeport and the surrounding country.
Mrs. Leila Hyatt is Secretary.

GRANITE CITY: A very interesting article in Bird Lore by
Doctor A. E. MacGailliard has helped to place Granite City on the
map of Audubon centers. The article which appeared in the September-
October 1915 number of Bird-Lore was entitled “A Ruby Throated
Refugee” and contains some very interesting first-hand data. It was
accompanied by a photograph showing a ruby throat, perched on the rim
of a glass beaker, being fed by hand, the bird apparently innocent that it
was setting at naught the dictum of certain natural histories that the
“hummer” feeds only while on the wing.

JACKSONVILLE: At Illinois Woman’s College there is a class
of sixteen doing regular field work in ornithology and very much in-
terested in the work. The college furnishes field glasses for the students.
Colonel G. O. Shields gave an illustrated lecture on bird conservation on
March 13th which was much appreciated. Miss Alma Hollinger is
instructor in biology at the College.

28 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

JOLIET: Since the first of March the colored lantern slides of the
Illinois Audubon Society have made three visits to Joliet, being used in the
schools and at nature study clubs during a total period of two weeks. If
the demand for bird talks and pictures is an indication, Joliet should be one
of the banner cities in Illinois for general knowledge of bird life. Presi-
dent O. M. Schantz of the Illinois Audubon Society lectured on bird life
before the Science ©lub of Joliet on the evening of Mareh 23. Dhewac
tivity and intelligent guidance of City Superintendent R. O. Stoops and his
assistants is shown in the increased interest in bird study from year to vear.

LAGRANGE: For years bird study has been popular with both old
and young at Lagrange. It is this city that has had “bird breakfasts” dur-
ing migration time, when groups of enthusiasts, early a-field, finish their
morning survey with a breakfast at the home of one of the members of the
Club. Superintendent F. E. Sanford of the public schools has been in-
fluential in awakening interest not only at Lagrange but among other
suburban towns of the Chicago region. A seventh grade class of the La-
grange schools, Miss Esther Craigmile, leader, won the first prize in the
state-wide Junior Audubon contest last year. This is spoken of in the
Secretary’s report elsewhere in this Bulletin. The sixth and seventh grade
classes in the schools have Audubon clubs with their own officers, hold
monthly meetings, and prepare and conduct their own programs. A
Mothers’ Bird Club under Miss Kavanagh’s leadership is co-operating well
with the children’s clubs at the schools.

MOLINE: Look under the heading, “Rock Island and Moline.”

QUINCY: Interest in bird life in Quincy has been greatly stimulated
through the columns of the local press. The Quincy Journal has been
printing daily articles, popular in style, containing notes on migration and
interesting facts in general about bird life. These articles have been fur-
nished by Mr. T. E. Musselman, Secretary of the Gem City Business Col-
lege. The special note of emphasis has been bird protection.

ROCKFORD: The Nature Study Society of Rockford has been in
existence for five years and among its other activities has an organized bird
club. A list of migration dates has been completed of the movements of the
avifauna locally and this list is constantly added to and will be ready for
publication within the next year or two. The list now contains the names
of 265 species in this vicinity but'data on many of these is still incomplete.
Some excellent notes from this club are printed elsewhere under the head
of Census and Migration Records. Mr. Paul B. Riis, Superintendent of
Parks, is president of the Nature Study Society.

On Mr. Riis’ personal petition, the Board of Directors of the West
Side Cemetery have recently appropriated $150.00 for this year to make a
bird sanctuary out of their beautiful fifty acre cemetery. It has many fine
evergreens fully grown and is ideal as a bird refuge. Seventy-five Von
Berlepsch boxes have been set up there,and feeding stations, drinking
fountains, and other paraphernalia will be added as fast as the plans can
be matured. The 250 acres of public parks in Rockford under Mr. Riis’
supervision are already bird sanctuaries. Steps have been taken to secure
action looking to that end from the country club and from the cemeteries

LAS ETN OS sa UD BO 'N.-§°0.C LE T:y¥ 29

adjacent to the city. Ultimately Rockford, the ‘Forest City,’ will be
a community sanctuary.

ROCK ISLAND AND MOLINE: There have been enthusiasts and
newspaper publicity in Moline and Rock Island for years and these to-
gether with the facility with which bird study can be carried on at the
Arsenal and ‘“The Watch Tower” along the Mississippi have made for
widespread interest in both cities. The big thing this year has been the
organization of the Rock Island County Bird Club by Burtis H. Wilson,
the “Bird Man” of Rock Island, and others, including Mr. E. C. Fisher,
Superintendent of Schools at Rock Island, Mr. L. A. Mahoney, the Super-
intendent at Moline, and Miss Lou Harris, County Superintendent of Rock
Island County. _The latter has asked that a bird club be organized in each
of the schools in the county and has especially invited each teacher to join,
Adult memberships are twenty-five cents and child memberships ten cents.
The school clubs are taken into the county club on the payment of one adult
fee. Mr. Wilson has given lectures with lantern slides in both cities and
in many of the rural schocls. Up to April 10 nearly one thousand members
were enrolled in the county club. Adults and children alike are plannin® to
make the whole county a bird preserve.

About seven years ago Mr. Wilson became editor of the Daily Union
“Bird Corner,” a strictly “honorary” job. The first bird-house building
contest in Rock Island was started in accordance with suggestions from the
“Bird Corner.” This year the contest was omitted because, since there
are so many bird-houses now in Rock Island, it was thought that with the
normal increase there would be more than would be used. Mr. Wilson
complains that when any bird house remains unused the citizens of Rock
Island “blame it onto” him. This year the Mcline Dispatch and the Greater
Moline Committee raised fifty dollars for prizes for bird-houses under the
direction of the County Bird Club. Seventy houses were entered and the
contest was a success.

URBANA: Professor Frank Smith has a class of sixty-six members
in ornithology at the University of Illinois, which goes a-field three times
a week in eleven divisions cf six members each. The thoroughness with
which they cover the field can be seen from the census report printed else-
where in this Bulletin. Professor Smith has very valuable migration data
covering the last fourteen years and it is to be hoped that this can be
printed and made available for students in Illinois and elsewhere.

WHEATON: There is an Audubon Society of about one hundred
members at Wheaton, including the Junior Society. Special stress has been
laid upon the work of the young people and the society has been ably as-
sisted by the teachers in the public schools. A contest among members of
the high school manual training classes under the supervision of S. C,
Berry is concerned with the building of bird-houses. ‘The houses are to
be judged from the viewpoint of design and construction and prizes rang-
ing from one to five dollars will be awarded. A number of stereopticon
lectures have been given in Wheaton during the past year. One is
scheduled for the present month. These lectures are free to the public
and are given to audiences which crowd the capacity of the hall. Miss
Ruth Patrick is secretary of the society.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

30

ANOSVIN

dala

HHL—«AXVOLINVS;

WOU ANHOS

Pie tN Oils, AUDUBON’ SOCIETY ad

“Sanctuary” as a Chautauqua Offering

The growth of popular interest in the bird question is definitely in-
dicated in the decision of the Redpath Chautauquas to present Percy
Mackaye’s Bird Masque “Sanctuary” as one of the principal attractions
during the current season.

Mr. Ernest Harold Baynes, whose name is familiar to everyone in-
terested in birds as the founder of the Meriden (N. H.) Bird Club, and
as author of ‘“‘Wild Bird Guests,” will take one of the principal parts in
the play, and in addition will give illustrated lectures on bird topics at
the afternoon sessions.

“Sanctuary” was written by Mr. Mackaye primarily for the presentation
by the Meriden Bird Club and was dedicated to Mr. Baynes. ‘The original
performance was given in a beautiful outdoor setting, the cast being com-
posed of distinguished members of the colony of authors and artists who
make their summer home in the vicinity of Cornish and Meriden, New
Hampshire. Mr. Baynes assumed the character of Shy, the Naturalist, and
takes the same role in the present production.

It is a pleasure to know that this beautiful and convincing plea for the
birds is to reach so wide an audience as the patrons of the Redpath Chau-
tauquas throughout the country. The list of the Illinois towns where
the Masque will be presented is not available at this writing, but can be
obtained by addressing the Redpath Lyceum Bureau, Chicago. Local
Audubonites should strive to have every actual and potential bird lover
attend this unique and appealing dramatic performance.

To those who have no opportunity to see the performance of the
Masque, there is still available the pleasure of reading this charming poetic
composition, with its delightful lyrical quality and its quaint humor. It
should be in the library of every bird lover.

A CITY GARDEN WHICH ATTRACTS MANY BIRDS

32 THE (AU DUB ONE 2B UL EE aN

List of Birds Found in Illinois

This list includes practically all birds to be found in Illinois, either
resident or migrant. Owing to the length of the State, there is naturally
some variation in the species observable in different sections. Birds com-
mon in the southern portion may rarely appear in the north, and the re-
verse is equally true. For example, the American Egret is a summer visitor
to the southern counties, but is practically unknown in the north. Again,
the Snowy Owl may be found in the northern district, but is seldom found

in the south.

GREBES
Horned Grebe
Pied-billed Grebe

LOONS
Great Northern Diver
Red-throated Loon

GOLLSANDITERINS
Herring Gull
Ring-billed Gull
Bonaparte’s Gull
Caspian Tern
Foster’s Tern
Common Tern
Black Tern

ANHINGER
Snake Bird

CORMORANTS
Double Crested Cormorant
Florida Cormorant

PELICAN
American White

DOCKS GEESE of LC.
American Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Hooded Merganser
Mallard
Black Duck
Gadwall
Baldpate
Green-winged Teal
Blue-winged Teal
Shoveller
Pintail
Wood Duck
Redhead
Canvas-back Duck
Lesser Scaup Duck

Ring-necked Duck
American Golden-Eye
Buffle Head

Old Squaw
White-winged Scoter
Ruddy Duck

Lesser Snow Duck
Blue Goose
White-fronted. Goose
Canada Goose
Hutchin’s Goose

SWAN

Whistling Swan

BITTERNS: AE RONSAND

CRANES

American Bittern

Least Bittern

Great Blue Heron

American Egret

Snowy Heron

Little Blue Heron

Green Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Sandhill Crane

RATES, (GAL ING IG Sade e

COOTS
King Rail
Virginia Rail
Sora Rail
Yellow Rail
Purple Gallinule
Florida Gallinule
American Coot.

PHALAR OPES

Northern Phalarope
Wilson’s Phalarope

ILEINOLS AUDUBON. SOCIETY 33

SWIPE, SANDPIPERS, ETC.
Woodcock
Wilson’s Snipe
Short-billed Dowitcher
Long-billed Dowitcher
Stilt Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Baird’s Sandpiper
Least Sandpiper
Red-backed Sandpiper
Semi-palmated Sandpiper
Sanderling
Greater Yellow-legs
Lesser Yellow-legs
Solitary Sandpiper
Western Willett
Bartramian Sandpiper
Spotted Sandpiper
Black-bellied Plover
American Golden Plover
Killdeer
Semi-palmated Plover
Belted Piping Plover
‘Turnstone

BOBWHITE, GROUSE, ETC.

Bobwhite
Ruffed Grouse
Prairie Hen

DOVE
Mourning Dove
VULTURES

Turkey Vulture
Black Vulture

HAWKS and EAGLES

Swallow-tailed Kite
Marsh Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Goshawk

Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Broad-winged Hawk
American Rough-legged Hawk
Bald Eagle

Duck Hawk

Pigeon Hawk

American Sparrow Hawk
Osprey

OWLS

Barn Owl

American Long-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

Barred Owl

Saw-whet Owl

Screech Owl

Great Horned Owl

Snowy Owl

CUCKOOS AND
KINGFISHERS

Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black-billed Cuckoo
Belted Kingfisher

WOODPECKERS

Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Pileated Woodpecker
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Northern Flicker

WHIP-POOR-WILL, SWIFT
AND HUMMING BIRD
Chuck-will’s-widow
Whip-poor-will
Nighthawk
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
HEV CATCH ERS
Kingbird
Crested Flycatcher
Phoebe
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Wood Pewee
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Traill’s Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher

LARIES

Horned Lark
Prairie Horned Lark

CROWS and JAYS

Blue Jay
Crow

34 THE AU DUB O NB ULL Ear

BEACICGBI RDS, OF) OFS; 2 EC SWALLOWGS

Bobolink
Cowbird

Vellow-headed Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbird
Meadowlark

Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Rusty Blackbird
Bronzed Grackle

PINCHES, SPARROWS, ETC,

Evening Grosbeak
Pine Grosbeak

Purple Finch

House Sparrow
American Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill
Redpoll

American Goldfinch
Pine Siskin

Snowflake

Lapland Longspur
Smith’s Longspur
Vesper Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Henslow’s Sparrow
Leconte’s Sparrow
Lark Sparrow

Harris’ Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow

Junco

Song Sparrow
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

‘Towhee

Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Dickcissel

TANAGERS
Scarlet Tanager
Summer Tanager

Purple Martin —
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Tree Swallow
Bank Swallow
Rough-winged Swallow
WAXWINGS
Bohemian Waxwing
Cedar Bird
SHRIKES
Northern Shrike
Migrant Shrike
VIREOS
Red-eyed Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Blue-headed Vireo
White-eyed Vireo
Bell’s Vireo
WOOD WARBLERS

Black and White Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Parula Warbler

Cape May Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Myrtle Warbler

Magnolia Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Black-poll Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Sycamore Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Kirtland’s Warbler

Pine Warbler

Palm Warbler

Prairie Warbler
Oven-bird

LETAiNOAS AUDUBON § OC TLE TY

Water- Thrush
Grinnell’s Water-Thrush
Louisiana Water-Thrush
Kentucky Warbler
Connecticut Warbler
Mourning Warbler
Maryland Yellow-throat
Yellow-breasted Chat
Hooded Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Canadian Warbler
American Redstart

WRENS, THRASHERS, ETC.

Mocking Bird

Catbird

Brown Thrasher
Carolina Wren

Bewick’s Wren

House Wren

Parkman’s Wren

Winter Wren

Short-billed Marsh Wren
Long-billed Marsh Wren

CREEPERS
Brown Creeper

NOTHATCHES: and-TiIts
White-breasted Nuthatch
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Tufted Titmouse
Chickadee

KINGLETS AND
GNATCALCHERS
Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

THRUSHIS, BLOE BIRDS; EG.

Wood Thrush
Wilson’s Thrush
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Olive-backed Thrush
Hermit Thrush
Bluebird

Robin

The Conrad Slide and Projection Company of 4928 Jackson Boulevard,

Chicago, has gotten out a series of 150 lantern slides of photographs of

wild birds, their nests, eggs and young.

Most of the photographs were

taken by Dr. Robert M. Hegner of the University of Michigan, many of

them by unique methods of bird photography.
strongly appeal to Audubon lecturers and all lovers of wild bird life.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
Application for Membership

Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society,

and being in sympathy with them, I wish to become a

member of the Society.

So) O86 OF Cle Sal wie ee te. ae ee) se eas ef a ee eet a he! a eS wom, where) ee

CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

Life Memberships see
Sustaining memberships -
Contributing memberships -
Active memberships ee

- $100.00. No annual dues
Z $25.00. No annual dues
- $5.00. Annually
- $1.00. Annually

All members receive the

publications of the Society.

The set is one that should

Del ot tate ofl ole, we eee er ee eo we) eel oe ee, Be we Oe epee) @) anise, mT leyle, le,

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Treasurer, Miss Amalie Hannig,
800 South Halsted Street, Chicago.

36 THE AUDUBON BULLE PEN:

Spring Census and Migration Records for 1916

Note: On March 20 the chairman of the Committee on Publications
sent out a number of invitations to take part in a “‘Springtime Bird Recon-
naissance” to be carried on simultaneously in widely distant places in the
state, this to cover as nearly as possible the last days of March and the
first day or two of April. The Committee is highly gratified at the number
and nature of the responses and takes great pleasure in printing these just
as they were submitted. The observers in several instances modified the in-
structions sent them because of exigencies in field work and others submitted
notes covering the record to date. ~The Committee considers the total report
of great value and believes that students of bird life will wish to file it
away for use another year. The Committee wishes especially to commend
observers that had “‘hard luck,” as for example the observer at our “farthest
south” in Cairo who struck bad weather and could not get beyond the city
limits. His report and all others made under unfavorable conditions are
of value as incidents of early migration time.

CAIRO: April 8, 12 to 2 p. m. Cloudy, rainy with little snow; wind moderate; temperature
35 degrees. Ducks 25; Geese 11; Robin 5; Sparrow 19; Mourning Dove 3. Observations taken
within city limits. Weather conditions unfavorable for birds. Total, 5 species, 63 individuals.

L. C. Morean.

CARBONDALE: Field Notes of the Ornithology Class of the Southern Illinois State Normal
School; March 28, 7:00 to 8:00 a. m. Weather fair; temperature 50; wind southwest; thicket
and orchard. Bluebird 7; Robin 10; Tufted Titmouse 4; Bewicks Wren 3; Brown Thrasher 9;
Cardinal 2; Towhee 3; Fox Sparrow 2; Junco 53; Field Sparrow 2; White Throated Sparrow 1;
Bronzed Grackle 15; Meadowlark 2; Cowbird 2; Blue Jay 17; Mourning Dove 4. Individuals
136, species 16.

March 30; 7:00 to 8:00 a. m. Weather cloudy; temperature 55; wind southwest; Locality:
Border of grove, orchard and 60 acre lake with thickets. Bluebird 6, one nest; Robin 15; Tufted
Titmouse 8; Brown Thrasher 22; Myrtle Warbler 4; Black Duck 1; Cardinal Grosbeak 6; Tow-
hee 4; Fox Sparrow 1; Swamp Sparrow 23; Junco Sparrow 38; Field Sparrow 3; Tree Spar-
row 3; Bronzed Grackle 13; Meadowlark 9; Red-winged Blackbird 25; Crow 3, one nest;
Blue Jay 21; Flicker 13; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6; Downy Woodpecker 2; Mourning Dove 2.
Individuals 228, species 22.

April 4; 7:00 to 8:00 a. m. Weather clear; temperature 50; wind southwest; locality:
Bordering grove, orchard and lake. Bluebird 2; Robin 13; Brown Thrasher 9; Barn Swallow 7;
Purple Martin 3; Cardinal Grosbeak 4; Towhee 2; Song Sparrow 20; Junco Sparrow 24; Field
Sparrow 5; Tree Sparrow 1; White Throated Sparrow 1; Bronzed Grackle 36; Rusty Blackbird 6;
Meadowlark 7; Red-winged Blackbird 25; Blue Jay 5; Flicker 2; Kingfisher 1; Mourning
Dove 1; American Herring Gull 7. Individuals 190, species 21.

April 6; 7:00 to 8:00 a. m. Weather clear; temperature 40; wind northwest. Locality:
Bordering grove, orchard and lake. Bluebird 4; Robin 6; Golden-crowned Kinglet 1; Chick-
adee 4; Brown Thrasher 7; Migrant Shrike 1; Barn Swallow 9; Purple Martin 20; Black
Duck 3; Black-winged Teal 2; P. B. Grebe 1; Coot 1; Cardinal Grosbeak 4; Towhee 4;
Song Sparrow 9; Junco Sparrow 25; Bronzed Grackle 39; Meadowlark 4; Red-winged Black-
bird 30; Crow 2; Blue Jay 7; Flicker 4; Mourning Dove 3. Individuals 190, species 23.

April 10; Weather, rain; Temperature 60; Wind south; 20 acre campus of S. I. S. N. U.
Bluebird 1; Robin 25, two nests; Golden-crowned Kinglet 7; Tufted Titmouse 1; White Breasted
Nuthatch 1; Brown Thrasher 1; Cedar Waxwing 4; Purple Martin 1; Great Blue Heron 9;
Cardinal Grosbeak 1; Towhee 1; Junco Sparrow 2; Chipping Sparrow 4; Bronzed Grackle 12;
Blue Jay 10; Chimney Swift 1; Flicker 4; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 6; Downy Woodpecker 2;
Kingfisher 1; Mourning Dove 5. Individuals 99, species 21.

J. GirBert, Department of Biology.
BIRD DATA, SPRING, 1916, JANUARY TO APRIL 14.

CARTHAGE: Location, 13 miles east of the Mississippi River at Keokuk. Highland, the
source of rivers. Between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, so between the major lines of

migration.

Mewes AUDUBON SOCLET Y

Country, largely prairie (now in cultivation), few trees, except in towns.

37

Generally

speaking, relatively few birds in comparison with Keokuk, Quincy, Urbana, Peoria, etc.

n ON UT Ut
oO
“I UL

593

Canada Goose

Kildeer

Bobwhite

Prairie Hen

Mourning Dove
Red-tailed Hawk
Sparrow Hawk

Screech Owl

Kingfisher

Hairy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Flicker

Phoebe

Pr. hrnd. Lark

Blue Jay

Crow

Cowbird

Red-winged Blackbird
Meadow Lark

Western Meadow Lark
Bronzed Grackle
Vesper Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Tree Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow

Junco

Bachmann’s Sparrow
Song Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Towhee

Cardinal

Cedar Waxwing
Migrant Shrike

Brown Creeper
White-breasted Nuthatch
Tufted Titmouse

BC Chickadee
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Hermit Thrush

Robin

Bluebird

CHARLESTON: March 31,

Woodpecker 1;
crowned Kinglet 1;

Mockingbird 1; Robins, many.

CHICAGO: Lincoln Park, April 1; 6:50 to 7:30 a. m.
Amierican Merganser 1;
Kingfisher 1; Flicker 1; Bronzed Grackle 20;
‘Brown Creeper 1;

CHICAGO: Lincoln Park, April 2: 8:00 to 8:50 a.
Ring-billed Gull 3; American Merganser. 4;

Ring-billed Gull 25;

Gull 8;

Chickadee 2; Robin 15.

First Seen
March 20

April 5

March 25
April 5

March 18
March 18
March 9
Winter resident
April 5

March 10
Winter resident
March 31
March 4
February 15
March 23
Winter resident
Winter resident
Winter resident
March 11
March 11
March 11
March 10
February 16
March 25
April 14
February 12
March 25
March 25
Winter resident
March 18
February 27
April 5

March 23
March 18
Winter resident
February 29
March 25
March 30
Winter resident
February 25
Winter resident
March 30

April 11
March 31
January 26
February 16

1916S 28 to, 29.42 om:
Northern Flickers,

many;
Bewick’s Wren 1;

Number
Jan. Feb.
3 3
17 29
an 4
1 2s
18 29
6 1
2s 1
see We 7
18 27
ris 1
3 24
=e 1
1 eee
pe 4
17 29
1 10

i /

of Days Seen

Mar. Apr.

1 =
es 1
1 2
a 1
9 14
1 1
2 2
1 5
a 1
5 3
31 14
1 4
5 4
18 14
“ 4 4
4 2
31 14
15 6
2 2
6 5
15 14
7 -
16 14
1 a
<— 1
2 ae
1 10
1 ae
29 14
9 are
29 9
== 1
2 3
4 5
31 14
1 ze
1 3
4 3
25 14
31 14
1 6
hes 3
1 3
31 14
25 14

FRANK C. GATES.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1;
several; Bronzed Grackles,
Golden-crowned Kinglets, many;

Juncos,
Brown Thrasher 1;

Red-bellied
many; Ruby-

T. L. Hanxrnson and class of twelve students.

Lesser Scaup Duck 4;

Pied-billed Grebe 2;
Lesser Scaup Duck, 4;
Junco 8; Song Sparrow 2;

Total, individuals 126, species 15.
Pied-billed Grebe 2; Herring

American Golden-

Herring Gull 35;
American Golden-eye 6;
Fox Sparrow 3;-

38 THE? AUD UB ON 76 U LE ET EN

eye 4; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Downy Woodpecker 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2; Flicker 3;
Phoebe 4; Bronzed Grackle 50; Crow 1; Red-winged Blackbird 2; Song Sparrow 2; Junco 3;
Towhee 1; Robin 20; Bluebird 2; Total, individuals 117, species 19.

WILLOW SPRINGS: A stretch from bridge for about a mile southwest along Drainage Canal,
and also a walk through the wooded hills on the mainland. April 2; 2:30 to 6:30 p. m. Herring
Gull 50; Woodcock 1; Sparrow Hawk 1; Screech Owl 1; Kingfisher 1; Yellow-beliied
Sapsucker 1; Flicker 2; Phoebe 10; Crow 10; Cowbird 5; Rusty Blackbird 3; Red-winged
blackbird 2; Meadowlark 20; Tree Sparrow 2; Field Sparrow 1; Song Sparrow 5; Vesper
Sparrow 2; Junco 200; Fox Sparrow 1; Winter Wren 2; Chickadee 2; Brown Creeper 2;
Golden-crowned Kinglet 10; Robin 30; Hermit Thrush 1; Bluebird 2. ‘Total, individuals 377,
species 26. Harotp R. WANTLESS.

CHICAGO: Jackson Park, 9:00 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. Clear, partly cloudy in early hours;
wind north, moderate; temperature 50 degrees. Pied-billed Grebe 12; Ring-billed Gull 30;
Herring Gull, many; American Merganser 10; Red-breasted Merganser 250; Baldpate 6; Lesser
Scaup 150; American Golden-eye 8; Coot 15; Saw-whet Owl 1; Kingfisher 2; Downy
Woodgecker 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4; Flicker 1; Phoebe 1; Blue Jay 2; Crow 18;
Cowbird 2; Meadowlark 4; Bronzed Grackle 75; Tree Sparrow 3; Junco 25; Song Sparrow 8;
Fox Sparrow 2; Brown Creeper 1; White-breasted Nuthatch 2; Chickadee 12; Robin 40;
Blue Bird 2. Individuals 687, species 29; Herring Gulls not counted. SIDNEY WADE.

CHICAGO: Jackson Park, March 31; 8:00 to 9:00 a. m. Southwest wind, temperature 55;
sky overcast. Pied-bill Grebe 15; Herring Gull, innumerable; Ring-billed Gull, innumerable;
American Merganser 8; Red-breasted Merganser, 60 approximately; Baldpate 6; Lesser Scaup 37;
Ring-necked Duck 3; American Golden-eye 8; Old Squaw 1; Coot 5; Kildeer 4; Kingfisher 3;
Blue Jay 2; Crow, a very large flock, uncounted, flew over; Bronzed Grackle, very numerous,
uncounted; Junco, numerous; Song Sparrow 12; Fox Sparrow 20; Brown Creeper 1; Chickadee 4;
Golden-crowned Kinglet 5; Robin, very numerous, uncounted; Blue Bird 4.

After 5:30.p. m. slight sprinkle of rain, I added to the above list: Canada Goose 30; Marsh
Hawk 3.

CHICAGO: April 3, 1916; Dune region and Lake Michigan. North of Porter, Ind. Clear;
Northeast wind; temperature 40 to 43. 11:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. Herring Gull 3; Canada
Goose 25; Ruffed Grouse 2; Mourning Dove 2; Marsh Hawk 2; Kingfisher 1; Downy
Woodpecker 3; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 5; Flicker 2; Phoebe 6; Crow, innumerable; Red-
winged Blackbird 1; Meadowlark 7; Field Sparrow 2; Junco, innumerable; Song Sparrow
30, approximately; Fox Sparrow 20, approximately; Chewink 1; Cardinal 1; Chickadee 7; Golden-
crowned Kinglet 30, approximately; Robin 10; Bluebird 4.

The north wind had filled the scuthern pertion of the lake with ice; hence the scarcity
of waterfowl. It is difficult to account for failure to observe the Grackle, which has been in
the city in large numbers for over a week. Dr. ALFRED LEWY.

CHICAGO: Members of the Chicago Ornithological Society report the following notes:

February 22. River Forest. Temperature 50. Blue Bird 2; Kildeer 1; flock of Lapland
Longspurs. ;

March 11; Mineral Springs, Indiana; temperature 35 to 40; wind southwest. Marsh
Hawk 5; Red-tailed Hawk 4; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Pigeon Hawk 1; Great-horned Owl 2;
Ruffed Grouse 3; Bobwhite 12; Cardinal 1; large flock of Redpolls; Juncos 8 to 10; Downy
Woodpecker 10; Chickadee 10; Blue Bird 2; Meadowlark 2; On same date three Robins
observed in Jackson Park, Chicago.

March 12; from Eggers Woods and Wolf Lake. Crows active and noisy; Sharp-shinned
Hawk 3; Marsh Hawk 1; Fox Sparrow 1; Blue Bird 3; Kildeer 1; Prairie-horned Lark 2;
Song Sparrow 2.

March 12; Mineral Springs, Indiana. Blue Bird; Song Sparrow; Robin; Canada Goose;
Ring-necked Duck; American Merganser; Marsh Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; -Kildeer; Crow; Tree
Sparrow.

March 13; Jackson Park, Chicago. Kildeer; Chickadee 2; Robin 4; Lesser Scaup Duck;
Golden-eye 3; Old Squaw 1, male; small flock of Red-breasted Merganser.

River Forest: Meadow Lark 1; Blue Birds; Robins.

Mineral Springs, Indiana: Red-winged Blackbirds and Bronzed Grackles.

March 13 to 19; cold Northerly winds; practically’no migration; Jackson Park, Chicago:
Large flocks of Herring and Ring-billed Gulls on ice in lagoons; observed Chickadees in the
Park on several days.

March 16; Jackson Park: Robins; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2.

March 18; Dune Park to Miller’s, Indiana, along the shore of Lake Michigan: Lapland
Longspurs; Juncos; Cardinal 3; many Tree Sparrows; Chickadee 25; Downy Woodpecker 3;

PiU Ol Sa De Bee NN. S:0°C LE hy 39

Canada Geese 30 to 40; Golden-eye 20; Lesser Scaup Duck 15; Mallard 10; Great Horned
Owl 1; Screech Owl 1.

March 19; Egger’s Woods and Wolf Lake region; Many Blue Birds paired and selecting
nesting sites; several Prairie Horned Larks; Meadowlarks in numbers; small flock of Juncos;
many Cowbirds; Hawk 1; remarkably few species.

Jackson Park same date; Kingfisher 1.

March 20; River Forest: Meadowlarks; Blue Birds; Robins; Kildeer.

March 21; River Forest: 1 Coot observed on Des Plaines River. Evening of 21st heavy
rain storm accompanied by severe lightning and thunder. On 22nd high wind; rain turning
to snow; during the night the ground was covered with a heavy blanket of wet snow. This
storm stopped all migration.

March 23 and 24; warmer; two warm days followed by a heavy rain storm lasting
36 hours. Temperature on 24th, 65; on 25th, 71; on morning of 26th, wind turned north
and during the day increased in violence, resulting in a gale of wind and rain which lasted
for the greater part of two days and nights.

March 24, the following birds were observed in Jackson Park: Large flocks of American
Herring and Ring-billed Gulls; also large flocks of Red-breasted Merganser; American
Merganser 5 or 6; Golden-eye 5; Lesser Scaup Duck 15 to 20; Redhead 3; Coot 2; Pied-billed
Grebe 2; Bronzed Grackle 5; Rusty. Blackbird 1; Kingfisher; Phoebe; Downy Woodpecker;
Kildeer; Meadowlark; Longspurs on Lake front; Red-tailed Hawk; Cooper’s Hawk; Sparrow
Hawk; many Robins and Blue Birds; Blue Jay; Crows; Juncos; Song Sparrow 5; Fox
Sparrow 6; Bonaparte Gull 1.

March 29; Milder; several flocks of Grackles in Jackson Park, arrived this morning.
Kingfisher 3; large flocks of Red-breasted Merganser and Lesser Scaup Duck in lagoon: also
large flocks of Gulls; ice all gone from lagoons. Grass in Park showed tint of green and a
decided Spring color. Observed also in Park on 29th: Sharp-shinned Hawk 2; Robins; Song
Sparrows in song; Golden-crowned Kinglet 5 or 6; American Coot 6; Pied-billed Grebe 1;
Hermit Thrush 1; Flicker 1; Towhee 1; Brown Creeper 1; Juncos 5 or 6.

March 30; Jackson Park; In addition to the above named Ducks: Baldpates 5; Coot
8 or 10; Old Squaw 1; Meadowlark 3; Brown Creeper 1; Tree Sparrow 1; Golden Kinglet;
Chickadees; Hermit Thrush 6; about 8 American Mergansers; about one-half dozen Fox Sparrows.

March 31; Jackson Park: Ring-necked Duck 3; flock of Canada Geese flying west over the
Park: ;

April 3; Mineral Springs, Indiana: Crows moving north; observed many Song Sparrows;
Fox Sparrows 8; Towhee 3; Cardinal; Field Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; Red-wing; Bronzed
Grackle; Canada Geese; Herring Gulls; Phoebe; Marsh Hawk; Downy Woodpecker; Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker; Flicker; Ruffed Grouse; Kingfisher.

April 4, Jackson Park: Hermit Thrush and Winter Wren.

April 7, Jackson Park: Loon and Tree Swallow.

April 9, Horned Grebe; Cedar Wax-wing; Cowbirds.

April 10, wind turned south and on morning of April 11, the following arrivals noted:
Myrtle Warbler 12 to 15; Purple Martin 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, large number; Golden-
crowned Kinglet; Phoebe; Hermit Thrush; Fox Sparrow and Juncos.

-SUMMARY OF ARRIVALS

First Compara- First Compara-
observed tively observed tively

common common
1 Blue Bird Feb, 22 Mar. 11 22 Rusty Blackbird Mar. 24

2 Kildeer Brien 299) a ails 23 Bonaparte Gull eae oy! Apr. 11

3 Meadowlark Mar. 11 SS eA 24 Golden-crowned Kinglet ‘‘ 29 Seo see lal

4 Marsh Hawk eee Tl 25 Hermit Thrush Soo BQ) pce lL

5 Sharp-shinned Hawk eel 26 Flicker See 29 Sa wee |)
6 Sparrow Hawk arate il 27 Towhee ied")
7 Robin er 8 bei 2H! 28 Brown Creeper a)
8 Fox Sparrow cot ell 2 eee opt) 29 Field Sparrow Apr. 3
9 Song Sparrow corpeddie eA 30 Mourning Dove es 3
10 Junco ee tg ihe DA 31 Tree Swallow 2 7
11 Bronzed Grackle 13 “« 29 32 Horned Grebe es
12 Redwing Reals eden) 33 Cedar Waxwing ss 9
13 Lesser Scaup Duck sl So 34 Myrtle Warbler rene ty
14 Red-breasted Merganser ‘ 13 Ose 24 35 Purple Martin alae |
15 Mallard Duck Stews AS 36 American Bittern emia LiL
16 Cowbird SE Neal O Loge 37 Ruby-crowned Kinglet bs |
17_Swamp Sparrow serail) ore SL 38 White-throated Sparrow Sear ath
18 Kingfisher AG 39 Green Heron Elo
19 Phoebe S19 Cots 40 Spotted Sandpiper eee ntl
20 Coot SEN 2 41 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker “ 11

21 Pied-billed Grebe Sem 4

40 Tne sA.U-DUBON] BOUL EE TIN«

A decided wave of migration on April 11 brought large numbers of Fox Sparrows, Juncos,
Myrtle Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and especially great numbers of Yellow-bellied Sap-

suckers.
J. L. Devine, President, Chicago Ornithological Club.

DE KALB: March 12; Weather, mild; 9:30 to 11:00 a. m. Blue Birds in flight, 2;
Cardinal, 1,.which has been about all winter; Tree Sparrows, very numerous; Song Sparrows,
relatively numerous, singing freely; Goldfinches, flock of 8 or 9, both sexes, partial winter
plumage, males show some change; Junco, in large numbers everywhere in thickets; Robins,
numerous, migration well on; Downy Woodpecker, single individual; Kildeer, in flight;
Horned Lark, calling over the fields, common; Crows, increasingly common.

Record to date. April 12. In addition to the winter residents, the following migratory birds:
Bronzed Grackle, March 11; Red-winged Blackbird, March 12; Robin, all winter, common
by March 12; Blue Bird, March 12; Meadowlark, March 19; Red-bellied Sapsucker, April 4;
Marsh Hawk, March 19; Sparrow Hawk, April 2; Fox Sparrow, March 29; Vesper Sparrow,
April 9; Cowbird, April 2; Mourning Dove, April 6; Phoebe, March 24; Cedar Waxwing,
April 7; Golden-crowned Kinglet, April 4; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, April 10; Kildeer, March 12;
Song Sparrow, all Winter, common by March 12; Flicker, March 29; Coot, April 13; Brown
Creeper, April 7; Hermit Thrush, April 10; Black-crowned Night Heron, April 8; Winter
Wren, April 9; Kingfisher, April 11; Myrtle Warbler, April 11; . Black Duck, April 12.

RatpH E. WaceEr, Head of Department of Biology, N. I. S. N. S.

EVANSTON: March 31; April 1; April 2; Grackles, many; Junco, many; Song Sparrow,
several; Meadowlark, many; Fox Sparrow 2; Blue Birds, many; Phoebe, several; Flicker,
several; Brown Creeper 1; Cedar Waxwing 10 or more; Chickadee, many; Robins, many;
Nuthatches; Downy Woodpeckers; White-throated Sparrow 2. Mrs. H. G. CAMPBELL.

Northern part of Evanston and open woods near Glenview Golf Club; April 2; 10:30 a. m.
to 1:30 p. m. Clear; light east wind; temperature 40 degrees. Herring Gull 3; American
Sparrow Hawk 2; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Flicker 5; Phoebe 3; Blue Jay 1; Crow 2;
Meadowlark 6; Bronzed Grackle 7; Junco 6; Song Sparrow 4; Swamp Sparrow 1; Cedar
Bird 7; White-breasted Nuthatch 1; Chickadee 5; Golden-crowned Kinglet 2; Hermit Thrush 2;
Robin 6; Blue Bird 3; individuals 63, species 19. Mr. and Mrs. FREDERICK H. PATTER.

GLEN ELLYN:. March 31; 9:00 to 12:00 a. m. Cloudy with light rain; Temperature 57 at
2:00 p. m. Wind southwest. Blue Bird 2; Duck 1; Wilson Snipe 1; Sandpiper 8; Kildeer 2;
Mourning Dove 2; Red-shouldered Hawk 2; Kingfisher 1; Downy Woodpecker 1; Flicker 12;
Phoebe 4; Blue Jay 5; Crow 15; Cowbird 1; Red-winged Blackbird 30; Meadowlark 4;
Rusty Blackbird 4; Bronzed Grackle 20; Junco 3; Song Sparrow 11; Fox Sparrow 12; Golden-
crowned Kinglet 1; Robin 20; Blue Bird 4. Twenty-three species, 164 individuals. Frogs very
noisy at a little pond in the woods.

GLEN ELLYN: Diary Notes from B. T. Gault. January 23, 1916. Cloudy; wind south-
west; temperature 45; 2 p. m. In woods and about the lake and to springs; 10:00 to 11:45.
Several crows feeding about the lake and among weeds near slough, north of dam; a good
many Tree Sparrows present. Some were out among the weeds in the ice along Lake shore.
Quite a number singing, adding a springlike effect to the occasion.

February 2. Clear and cold; temperature 5 at 9:00 a. m. and 13 at 2:00 p. m. Wind west by
northwest. During a short walk in woods near lake this afternoon, a flock of 7 Purple Finches
was seen. Also the Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, 1 each. Not a Jay or Crow in evidence.
(My first Winter record for purple Finches in Glen Ellyn).

February 16. Clear; wind southwest; temperature 42 at 2:00 p. m. Four Black-capped
Chickadees and three Crows seen during a one-half hours walk in woods this morning.

February 22. Heard Song Sparrow singing during a short walk near the Lake this morning.
Several spiders were sunning around in the matted grass near the springs. Fair and pleasant
in the morning, cloudy afternoon and raining this evening. Wind shifting from southwest to
northeast. Temperature 50 at 2:00 o'clock.

February 25. Cloudy; wind northwest; temperature 28 at 2:00 p. m. JDuring a _ short
walk this morning to the woods on west shore of Glen Ellyn Lake the following bird
observations were made: Black-capped Chickadee 1; White-breasted Nuthatch 1; Downy
Woodpecker 3; Gold Finch 6; Song Sparrow 1, in song.

February 27. Clear; brisk northwest wind; temperature 23 at 2:00 p. m. During a walk
into the fields northwest of village this afternoon 2 male Horned Larks, also 2 Prairie Hens,
the latter in a cornfield where corn stalks were left standing.

February 29. Clear; wind westerly; temperature 28 at 2:00 p. m. Heard another Song
Sparrow in song this morning near the springs. In woods Tree Sparrows 6; Black-capped
Chickadees 2; and Nuthatches 2; the Chickadees and Nuthatches together.

Pe ees: AUDEBON: SOCIETY 41

March 7. Cloudy; rather brisk west and northwest wind; temperature 31, at 2:00 p. m.
Light snow flurry in afternoon. Robin calls from a tree in our front yard at 6:30 a. m. In
woods this forenoon, saw a mixed flock of 15 to 20 Tree Sparrows and three or four Juncos.

March 11. Clear; wind southwest; temperature 39 at 2:00 p. m. MHeard Blue Bird and
Robin near our house this morning, and later some 4 Blue Birds near the springs. Song and
Tree Sparrow 1; each in song near Lake.

March 12. Clear; wind southwest; temperature 55 at 2:00 p. m. Following is a list of
birds seen during a four mile trip into the fields northwest this afternoon: Robin 2;
Meadowlark 2; Crow 6; Hormed Lark 12; Song Sparrow 3; Red-winged Blackbird 3; flock
of 50 going northwest; Marsh Hawk 1; Prairie Hen 1; Canada Goose, flock of about 75 in
V shape going south this evening. Blue Bird, heard 1.

March 18. Cloudy morning and clear afternoon; wind northeast; temperature 43 at
2:00 p. m. Male Bronzed Grackle calling on our place this morning and heard again this
afternoon.

March 19. Clear; cool northwest wind; temperature 39 at 1:00 p. m. Made two birding
trips today. First to the springs where a Red-winged Blackbird and Meadowlark were singing.
Phoebe called and several Robins were singing in village. The walk of the afternoon was an
eleven mile affair into Bloomington Township and return via Wheaton. Apparently not a
good day for birds though the fields were not traversed much. Following is the list: Sparrow
Hawk 2; Rough-legged Hawk 1; Robins, several; Bluebirds; Meadowlark 1; Song Sparrow
1; Bronzed Grackle 2; Red-winged Blackbird 2; Horned Lark, several; Tree Sparrow, several;
Crows.

March 21. Cloudy; wind northwest; temperature 36 at 2:99 p. m. Sapsucker 2; fully a
dozen Bronzed Grackles on our place and at least one pair mated, the female gathering nest
material.

March 29. Cloudy for the most part; wind northeast; temperature 44 at 2:00 p. m.
Flicker calls in village this morning. Heard Sapsucker call in woods this forenoon. A few frogs
croaking in small pond near the dam at lake. Mourning Dove calling on our glace this
afternoon.

March 30. Clear; wind northwest; temperature 57 at 2:00 p. m. Mouming Dove on our
place this morning. Two Ducks (Bluebills) in the lake this morning. Also a pair of Red-
shouldered Hawks present in woods near by. The latter noisy.

GRANITE CITY: March 25; Daybreak to 8:30 a. m. Swampy timber three miles from
town; clear; wind northwest; temperature 40 degrees. Song Sparrow 26; Meadowlark 15; Red-
winged Blackbird 75; Crows, 2 large flocks estimated 200; Hell Diver 2; Mud Hen 8; Blue-winged
Teal 6; Blue Heron 8; Cardinal 3; Robin 17; Blue Bird 5; Hawk 2; Mourning Dove 2. —

A. E. MacGALtiarp.

HARVEY: March 31; 12:30 to 3:30 p. m. Cloudy; wind southwest, moderate. Meadow-
lark 8; Robin 13; Cowbird 4; Purple Grackle 6; Blue Bird 7; Prairie Horned Lark 2;
Red-winged Blackbird 3; Crow 4; Junco 75; Song Sparrow 4; Fox Sparrow 1; Downy
Woodpecker 2; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2; Total, individuals 130, species 13. This vicinity
is not favorable for birds because of the factories. C. W. LANtTz.

HINSDALE: April 3; 9:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. Clear, fairly strong east wind, temperature
45 to 50 degrees. Pied-billed Grebe 4; American Coot 10; American Woodcock 3; Wilson Snipe 1;
Hairy Woodpecker 2; Downy Woodpecker 4; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1; Flicker 9; Phoebe 4;
Hormed Lark 2; Blue Jay 5; Crow 23; Cowbird 128; Red-winged Blackbird 172; Meadowlark 100;
Rusty Blackbird 1; Bronzed Grackle 100; Goldfinch 2; Vesper Sparrow 1; Tree Sparrow 50;
Field Sparrow 1; Junco 450; Song Sparrow 28; Swamp Sparrow 1; Fox Sparrow 10; Chunk
Sparrow 4; Cedar Waxwing 66; Brown Creeper 1; White-breasted Nuthatch 2; Crested
Titmouse 2; Black-capped Chickadee 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet 8; Hermit Thrush 2;
Robin 150; Blue Bird 10; Total, individuals, 1378, species 39.

Mrs. C. E. RAymMoNnD, Miss Eta WARREN.

JACKSONVILLE: February 19. Robins 2; Cardinals 3; Blue Jay; Black Shafted
Flicker.

February 20. Chickadee; Rusty Blackbird; Blue Bird; Meadowlark; Song Sparrow; Crow.

March 6. Brown Creeper 8; Phoebe.

March 12. Downy Woodpecker; Tree Sparrows.

March 13. Red-winged Blackbirds; Bronzed Grackle; Kildeer 2; Wild Ducks migrating;
Loggerhead Shrike 1; Fox Sparrow.

March 26. White Breasted Nuthatch.

March 30. Brown Thrasher; Towhee.

March 31. Golden Crowned Kinglet.

42 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

April 2. Chipping Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; Clay-colored Sparrow; Field Sparrow;
Mourning Doves 3; Kingfisher 1; Hermit Thrush 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4; Phoebe 2.

April 3. House Wren; Palm Warbler; Lincoln Sparrow; MHenslow’s Sparrow.

April 5. Cedar Waxwings 12.

Note: The Henslow’s Sparrow was first heard creeping through the dry grass in a meadow.
We stepped up to it, where it remained motionless for several minutes. I bent over it yet it
remained quiet and did not move till I put out my hand to touch it and then it crept off into
thicker grass. I followed it; it did not fly till forced to, then only about six feet to where it
crept down into the grass again.

Ornithology Class of Illinois Woman’s College, ALMA HOLLINGER, Instructor.

LA GRANGE: April 1; 2:00 p. m. to 5:00 p. m. Blue Jay 2; -Downy Woodpecker 2;
Chickadee 4; Crow 20; Brown Creeper 2; Tree Sparrow 7; Cedar Waxwing 60; Robin 200;
Prairie Horned Lark 1; Flicker 8; Screech Owl 1; White-breasted Nuthatch 1; Junco 400;
Cardinal 2; Bronzed Grackle 300; Golden-crowned Kinglet 4; Song Sparrow 40; Meadowlark 30;
Blue Bird 20; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2; Red-winged Blackbird 100; Kildeer 6; Phoebe 4;
Mourning Dove 6; Rusty Blackbird 50; Cowbird 30; Fox Sparrow 10; Towhee 2; Ruby-crowned
Kinglet 1; Field Sparrow 1; Hermit Thrush 1; Marsh Hawk 1. ‘Total number of individuals,
1336. EDMUND HULSBERG.

LA GRANGE: April 4; Herring Gull; Mourning Dove; Marsh Hawk; Red-shouldered
Hawk; Flicker; Phoebe; Horned Lark; Crow; Cowbird; Red-wing Blackbird; Meadowlark;
Rusty Blackbird; Bronzed Grackle; Vesper Sparrow; ‘Tree Sparrow; Field Sparrow; Junco;
Song Sparrow; Fox Sparrow; Chewink; Brown Creeper; White-breasted Nuthatch; Golden-
crowned Kinglet; Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; Robin; Blue Bird. Total 27.

Mrs. KAvANAGH’S Bird Class.

NORMAL: March 25; 8 to 10:30 a. m. and 3:00 to 5:00 p. m. Fair; temperature cool;
wind moderate; Blue Jay 12; Cardinal 5; Chickadee 14; Down Woodpecker 3; Flicker 24;
Hairy Woodpecker 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker 1; Song Sparrow 2; Brown Creeper 3;
Junco 20; Mourning Dove 8; Myrtle Warbler 1; Screech Owl 1; Northern Shrike 1;
White-breasted Nuthatch 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet 12; Blue Bird 7; Bronzed Grackle 128;
Kildeer 3; Meadow Lark 8; Red-headed Woodpecker 3; Yellow-bellied sapsucker 3; Sparrow
Hawk 3; Robin 120.

April 1 and 2; 7:00 to 12:00 a. m: Cloudy; temperature 50 to 60 degrees; wind northwest.
Blue Jay 6; Cardinal 2; Chickadee 2; Downy Woodpecker 3; Flicker 8; Hairy Wood-
pecker 4; Song Sparrow 8; White-breasted Nuthatch 1; Brown Creeper 2; Golden-crowned
Kinglet 16; Junco 3; Blue Bird 6; Bronzed Grackle 100; Brown Thrasher 2; Chipping
Sparrow 2; Field Sparrow 2; Green Heron 1; House Wren 4; Kildeer 2; Meadow Lark 3;
Mourning Dove 12; Red-headed Woodpecker 3; Robin 100; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2;

Hermit Thrush 1; Goldfinch 1; Purple Finch 3. Field Class in Omnithology.
ALICE JEAN PatTTERSON, Instructor.

QUINCY: Spring report of T. E. Musselman, at Quincy, Adams County, Illinois, six miles
south of the 40th parallel. ;

Report of bird arrivals thus far in 1916 follows:

February 9. Robins; Pintail Ducks; Golden-crowned Kinglet.

February 20. Canada Geese; Turkey Buzzard; Cedar Waxwings; Kildeer Plover; Herring
Gull; Franklin Gull; and Bluebird,

February 22. Meadowlark.

February 27. Coot.

March 2. Mallards.
March 12. Purple Finch; Fox Sparrow; Winter Wren; Migrant Shrike; Cooper's Hawk;
Phoebe; Broad-winged Hawk; Green-winged Teal; Kingfisher; Chewink.
March 18. Long-billed Marsh Wren; general movement of Sparrow Hawks, Kildeer and Song
Sparrows.

March 22. Cowbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles migrate in large flocks—scattered
records before.
March 23. Flickers and Mourning Doves appear in numbers.

March 24. Field Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow; Brant.

March 25. Chipping Sparrows.

March 28. Large movement of Goldfinches and Kinglets. Trees full of the former.

March 31. Hermit Thrush; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Brown Thrasher.

April 1. Purple Martin.

April 2. Red-headed Woodpecker; Bachmann’s Sparrow.

In the last three years, I have seen several typically western birds. The Western Grebe, the
White-headed Woodpecker, and Harris Sparrow; which records are unique for this locality.

Li eee AUD Ts ON .§ OC LET Y 43

RANTOUL: This report covers the period of the spring migratory season up to, and on,
April 2, 1916. The weather has been very unfavorable for birds, because of the small number
of fair days and the frequency of cold rains, which is ever a cause for tardiness in arrival of
the birds.

1. Robin, arrived February 22, in very small numbers, increasing on March 6, when the full
volume of migration began, but is now falling. Earliest date of arrival February 6; latest March 5.

2. Bluebird, arrived February 22, migration now decreasing. Earliest date February 13; latest
March 18.

3. Hermit Thrush, arrived April 1; much earlier than ordinary; former earliest date, April 6;
latest April 24; six were seen on April 1 in one flock.

4. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, March 31; earliest date of arrival March 20; latest date of arrival
April 12.

5. Golden-crowned Kinglet, March 27; earliest date of arrival February 13; latest April 5;
height of migration is now present.

6. Chickadee. Several chickadees have been steady and contented winter residents the past
winter. First winter record in the past few years. Earliest February 21; latest March 20.

7. Winter Wren. But one record so far this record, on February 14. Further records are
expected during the first of April, according to former years. Earliest February 21; latest April 19.

8. Bewick’s Wren. March 21; earliest March 6; latest April 6; record is quite usual, though.

9. Brown Thrasher, March 31; March 12 is the earliest date of arrival; latest April 13. Mi-
gration is thus but beginning.

10. Migrant Shrike, March 8; full tide of migration from March 22 to March 25. Earliest
date, February 28, 1910; latest March 24.

11. Cardinal. Permanent resident in this region.

12. Towhee. March 21 was the first record of this year, and it was a cheery one at that.
No more records were observed till April 1. The bulk of the migration is now due. Earliest
date February 20; latest April 19.

13. Fox Sparrow. March 31. Full migration is now in force. Earliest date March 5; latest
March 28. This year’s record is extremely late; in 1913 they were even a winter resident.

14. Swamp Sparrow. March 21. Earliest date of arrival March 5; latest April 3.

15. Song Sparrow. Permanent resident.

16. Junco. Though a regular winter resident, the migrations of those which winter further
south is now at the high tide.

17. Field Sparrow. March 21. Migration at its height. Earliest March 3; April 6 is the
latest. a

18. Tree Sparrow. Winter resident. No movement has yet been observed.

19. Lapland Longspur. Winter resident. Apparently all residents to have moved north.

20. Vesper Sparrow. March 7. Full migration started on March 31. Earliest date March 3;
latest April 12.

21. Bronzed Grackle. February 20. Full migration started about March 12 and is now
ebbing. Earliest date February 11; latest March 17.

22. Meadowlark. March 7; full tide of migration dated from March 10 to March 25. Frac-
tically no further movements will be recorded. Earliest January 30; latest March 17.

23. Red-winged Blackbird. February 20. Migration is still going on. Earliest date February
18; latest date of arrival March 18.

24. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. April 1. Earliest date of arrival March 29; latest April 9. One
of the migrants noted for appearing on almost regular time.

25. Kildeer. February 22. Heavy migration started March 19 and ended March 25, in one
wave, and another wave which started March’ 29 is now in progress. Earliest date February 16;
latest March 14. :

26. Golden Plover. April 2. Migration started, earliest date March 30; latest May 1.

Other birds which are permanent residents, but which seem still to have waves of migrations
are (27) Crow, (28) Flicker, (29) Blue Jay, (30) Prairie Hormed Lark, (31) Downy Woodpecker,
(32) Mourning Dove, (33) Red-tailed Hawk, (34) Sparrow Hawk, all of these birds seem to have
finished their final wave of migrations.

Another group, those which are permanent residents with no apparent migratory character-
istics, include (35) Bobwhite, (36) Prairie Hen, (37) Screech Owl, (38) Cooper’s Hawk.

There are a few occasional records of peculiar import and classification is difficult for these.
These are, for this season, (39) Great Horned Owl on March 31 and (40) Brant on March 10.

Very few wild ducks and no wild geese have been observed. In former years there has
never been such a dearth of these, though they are never by any means plentiful. Practically
all birds which have been recorded in these recent years before this time have been recorded this

44 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

year, so there is apparently no marked distinction in this locality in any way, beyond, possibly, a
less number of every kind on account of the weather.

Winter records of interest center around the attendance in this vicinity of the Short- cared
Owl, the White-tailed Kite, the Chickadee, all of which have been observed often and of the
Bronzed Grackles, two in number, which have been observed twice during the winter.

GEORGE E. EXKBLAW.
Eppie L. EXKBLAW.

RIVER FOREST: Waller's Park, 80 acres in River Forest; April 3; 12:30 to 2:30 p. m. Blue-
bird 7; Robin 70; Cedarbird 75; Junco 238; Song Sparrow 4; Chipping Sparrow 3; Cowbird
28; Meadowlark 17; Flicker 11; Sparrow Hawk 3; Bronzed Grackle 9.

Hyde Lake: April 2; 8:00 to 11:00 a. m. Temperature 40 to 50 degrees. Robin 2; Blue-
bird 10; Fox Sparrow 25; Junco 100; Song Sparrow 15; Redpoll 1; Red-winged Blackbird 20; —
Cowbird 26; Winter Wren 1; White-breasted Nuthatch 1; Meadowlark 10 to 15; Kingfisher 1;
Marsh Hawk 1; Kildeer 3-4; Flicker 1; Woodcock 1; Horned Lark 1; Great Blue Herring 3;
Ducks 1 flock. C. W. EIrric.

ROCKFORD: April 2; Fair; 5:00 to 6:00 a. m. Sapsucker 11; Downy Woodpecker 11;
White-breasted Nuthatch 4; Phoebe 2; Meadowlark 2; Flicker 1; Chickadee 2; Goldfinch 1; Junco;
Robin; Purple Grackle; Red-winged Blackbird 1; Fox Sparrow; Field Sparrow; Song Sparrow;
Golden-crowned Kinglet; Hermit Thrush; Cowbird, flock; Kildeer; Blue Jay; Bluebird; Tree
Sparrow; Mourning Dove. Mrs. A. S. T. OGILBY.

ROCKFORD: April 2; Clear; Moderate wind; temperature mild. Herring Gull 1; Mourning
Dove 5; Belted Kingfisher 4; Hairy Woodpecker 3; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2; Flicker 5: Phoebe
1; Blue Jay 2; Crows 4; Red-winged Blackbird 6; Meadowlark 2; Bronzed Grackle 12; Tree
Sparrow 3; Field Sparrow 2; Slate-colored Junco 50; Song Sparrow 18; Fox Sparrow’ 2; Black-
capped Chickadees 5; Robin 38; Bluebird 10. Total species 20, individuals 175.

Brotocy Cius, RockForD HicH SCHOOL.

ROCKFORD: March 28; 8:30 to 6:00 p. m.; Black Hawk Park. Crow 6; Tree Sparrow 2;
Slate-colored Junco 20; Fox Sparrow 2; Hermit Thrush 1; Robin 10.

April 1; West-side Cemetery, Harlem Park, Spring Creek. Mourning Dove 1; Kingfisher 1
Downy Woodpecker 2; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3; Flicker 3; Phoebe 2; Crow 4; Blue Jay 2
Cowbird 12; Red-winged Blackbird 3; Meadowlark 3; Bronzed Grackle 50; Field Sparrow 1;
Slate-colored Junco 100; Song Sparrow 6; Fox Sparrow 6; Winter Wren 1; Brown Creeper 3
Chickadee Black-capped 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet 5; Robin 12; Bluebird 2.

EpiraH P. SOVEREIGN.

ROCKFORD: March 31. Crew 2; Bluebird 2; Robin 10; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Flicker 4;
Bronze Grackle 25; Junco 1; Chickadee 2; Song Sparrow 4; Tree Sparrow 50; Fox Sparrow 7;
Golden-crowned Kinglet 10; Winter Wren 1; Kildeer 1.

April 1; West-side Cemetery. Crow 17; Bluebird.8; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Robin 30; Flicker 5;
Bronze Grackle 25; Junco 65; Chickadee 2; Song Sparrow 8; Fox Sparrow 3; Kildeer 1; Downy
Woodpecker 2; Red-tailed Hawk 1; Phoebe 1; Hermit Thrush 2; Sapsucker 1; White-breasted
Nuthatch 1; Field Sparrow 4; Sparrow Hawk 1; Brown Creeper 1; Red-winged Blackbird 2.

Lorrie B. GREGORY.

ROCKFORD: March 28; 5:40 to 7:00 a. m. By canoe through the flooded land along Rock
River to Love’s Park and adjoining marshes. Light north wind; heavy clouds and some rain;
temperature 40 degrees. 2:15 to 2:30 p. m.; Black Hawk Park; temperature 50; other conditions
same only no rain. 3:00 p. m. to 5:00 p. m.; woods on east side of Spring Park; conditions
same as above. Herring Gull 1; Belted Kingfisher 2; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Downy Woodpecker 1;
Phoebe 2; Blue Jay 6; Crow 5; Red-winged Blackbird 12; Meadowlark 2; Goldfinch 1; Slate-colored
Junco 6; Song Sparrow 15; Fox Sparrow 20; Winter Wren 1; Chickadee 1; Golden-crowned
Kinglet 20; Robin 10; Bluebird 7.

March 30. By canoe up the flooded Rock River about three miles, practically all of the way
through flooded woodland, marshes and meadows; 9:00 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. Fair; temperature 60;
calm to light north wind. Herring Gull 1; Mallard 1; Scaup Duck 5; Ring-necked Duck 6;
Kildeer 3; Mourning Dove 3; Sharp-shinned Hawk 2; Belted Kingfisher 3; Hairy Woodpecker 2;
Downy Woodpecker 4; Flicker 3; Phoebe 4; Blue Jay 4; Crow 18; Cowbird 1; Red-winged Black-
bird 31; Meadowlark 5; Rusty Blackbird 14; Bronzed Grackle 3; House Sparrow 2; Tree Spar-
row 2; Slate-colored Junco hundreds; Song Sparrow 28; Fox Sparrow 1; Chickadee 12; Robin 19;
Bluebird 16.

Birds first seen: Herring Gull January 26; Mallafd March 30; Scaup Duck March 12; Ring-
necked Duck March 30; Kildeer March 12; Mourning Dove March 30; Sharp-shinned Hawk
March 30; Belted Kingfisher March 25; Hairy Woodpecker January 10; Downy Woodpecker
January 10; Flicker March 25; Phoebe March 25; Blue Jay January 1; Crow January 1; Cowbird
March 30; Red-winged Blackbird March 18; Meadowlark March 25; Rusty Blackbird’ March 30;

READ BLUE-BIRD

FOR ALL. INTERESTED IN WILD
BIRDS AND THEIR
PRESERVATION

Published monthly (except July and August) in co-

operation with the Cleveland Bird-Lovers Association

ELISABETH C. T. MILLER,

Owner and Editor

LLUSTRATED Articles and Com-
ments on Birds, and Bird Protection topics
of the day; Reports on the work of the

Association; useful papers on the Economic
Value of Birds; Record of Bird Study classes;

News and Notes from other Societies, local

and foreign.

Address all communications to

EDITOR, BLUE-BIRD

1010 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio

46 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Bronzed Grackle March 18; House Sparrow January 1; Goldfinch March 28; Tree Sparrow March
12; Slate-colored Junco January 10; Song Sparrow March 12; Fox Sparrow March 28; Winter
Wren March 28; Chickadee January 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet March 19; Robin February 29;
Bluebird February 24. J. C. VAN DUZER.

March 28; 9:00 to 11:00 a. m. Wind northwest, moderate; Cloudy; temperature
50 degrees. Pied-billed Grebe 1; Kildeer 1; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Downy Woodpecker 3;
Phoebe 4; Prairie Horned Lark 2; Blue Jay 6; Crow 4; Meadowlark 2; Purple Grackle 12; Henslow
Sparrow 5; Tree Sparrow 22; Slate-colored Junco 116; Winter Wren 1; Brown Creepers 2; White-
breasted Nuthatch 4; Chickadee 16; Hermit Thrush 2; Robin 20; Bluebird 8. 20 species, 233 in-
dividuals.

April 2; 11:00 a. m. to 1:00 p. m. Clear; wind northerly; temperature 60 degrees. Red-
shouldered Hawk 1; Hairy Woodpecker 1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 1; Flicker 5; Phoebe 4;
Prairie Horned Lark 1; Blue Jay 2; American Crow 6; Meadowlark 2; Bronzed Grackle 12; Tree
Sparrow 2; Field Sparrow 3; Slate-colored Junco 150; Song Sparrow 5; Fox Sparrow 4;
Cedar Waxwing 10; White-breasted Nuthatch 2; Chickadee 6; Golden-crowned Kinglet 14; Hermit
Thrush 2; Robin 33; Bluebird 2. 22 species, 268 individuals.

The winter of 1915-16 has brought many delightful surprises to bird lovers. The weather
predictions pointed to a winter of unusual severity and this apparently was borne out by the
arrival of an unusual number of Chickadees in early October. Every bird lover counted this
species among his guests this winter. This was shortly. followed by the almost total departure
of the Slate-colored Junco and Brown Creepers.

The acorn crop averaged less than 30 per cent and this unquestionably induced the an
headed woodpecker to a feather to go farther south and perhaps influenced the blue jay in a
measure to follow suit. The winter previous, the blue jays were almost entirely absent, while
this winter a good 25 per cent remained. But right on through the entire winter bird lovers of
authority recorded from one locality one red-bellied woodpecker (Centurus Carolinus), from two

other localities a cardinal (Cardinalis, Cardinalis, Cardinalis) and from still two other places

NOW

Is The Time

To Put Up
The Packard

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Audubon Society for the Protection

of Birds.

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unobtrusive, easily cleaned, easily
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Chickadee size for chickadees,
wrens, etc.
Bluebird size, for bluebirds, tree
swallows, downy woodpeckers, etc.
Three for one dollar in advance.
Flicker size, 60 cents each; two
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Address

WINTHROP PACKARD
CANTON, MASS.

opens aN Make your bird gar-
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bird house building. His home
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nothing to build. The birds like
them, and you will too. You, your
boy, or your neighbor's boy can
easily build 25 types from A. Neely
Hall’s complete instructions and
working diagrams. Schools from
coast to coast are usingthem. Pitts-
burgh boys last year built over 6000
houses, Dayton, Ohio boys built and
sold more than 1,400 houses. Plans
sent, with membership in “Amer-
ican Bird House League,” Button,
Certificate, suggestions for a boys
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coin. Getthe plans now! Let the
boys make bird houses this summer.
Help our birds, and help our boys!

The Put-Together Handicraft Shop

Dept. I, Elmhurst, III.

Pre Leors. AUDUBON SOCIETY 47

several tufted titmice (Baelophus bicolor). Red-breasted nuthatches also came here and remained
for the winter for the first time. At least such is assumed by looking over the data on hand.

The first robins were recorded early in January and quite regularly up to their regular date
of arrival. The western meadowlark which migrated to these parts and nested here for the first
time in 1915 again returned this spring and it is hoped that they can be included in our regular
summer residents.

The following list gives comparative dates of the arrival of birds this Spring so far and the
earliest arrivals recorded during the past fifteen years.

Earliest Previous Arrival. 1916.
Kildeer Mar. 16 Apr. 8 Mar. 16
Phoebe Mar. 14 Mar. 22
Meadowlark Mar. 4 Mar. 12
Purple Grackle Mar. 9 Mar. 22
Henslow Sparrow Mar. 26 Mar. 25
Hermit Thrush Apr. 3 Mar. 28
Bluebirds Feb. 18 Feb. 25
PauL B. Rus

ST. CHARLES: March 31; 9:30 a. m. to 12:45 p. m. Cloudy, light rain part of the time;
wind southeast; temperature 45 degrees. Robin 36; Grackle 32; Kildeer 5; Junco 155; Jay 12;
Song Sparrow 26; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 8; Orange-crowned Kinglet 7; Brown Creeper 1;
Phoebe 8; Meadowlark 17; Red-winged Blackbird 9; Crow 47; Bluebird 20; Black-capped
Chickadee 11; Golden-winged Woodpecker 14; American Herring Gull 3; Tree Sparrow 16;
Red-shouldered Hawk 1; Purple Martin 3; Wilson’s Snipe 1; Fox Sparrow 2; Mourning Dove 2;
Hermit Thrush 1; Cowbird 2; Field Sparrow 1; American Merganser 3; Richardson’s Owl 1;
Little Blue Heron 1; Kingfisher 2; -Downy Woodpecker 3; Goldfinch 1; Vesper Sparrow 1;
Mallard Duck 8. Total, 34 species, 460 individuals. HARRIETT BROWNELL.

URBANA, ILL., and vicinity, March 25 to April 2, inclusive. The numbers show the largest
number of individuals recorded by a single observer on a single trip during the above period.

SoME OF OUR LISTS

AGRICULTURE

AN. MORPHOLOGY
ALG & FUNGI
BIRDS & THEIR FoopD
GENERAL BOTANY
ENTOMOLOGY
EVOLUTION

NATIVE FERNS
NATURE STUDY
PLANT ECOLOGY
PLANT MorPHOLOGY
PLAY GROUNDS
PORTRAITS

PUBLIC PARKS
TREES & FORESTS
WILD FLOWERS

PROJECTION FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS AND LECTURERS
Is a booklet of 76 pages containing descriptive lists of slides and appa-
ratus and it will be sent to teachers and lecturers who make the request,
giving name and official position plainly written. Please refer to this ad,

Conrad Slide and Projection Co.
4028 JACKSON BOULEVARD, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

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Educational Slides Our Specialty

Send for descriptive lists. If you will send
your name and official positon, and state the
subject in which you are interested, we will
place your name on our mailing list and send
you literature from time to time.

48 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Pied-billed Grebe 3; Red-breasted Merganser 1; Mallard 3; Lesser Scaup Duck 1; Blue Heron 2;
Black-crowned Night Heron 1; Coot 1; Wilson’s Snipe 1; Kildeer 3; Bobwhite 12; Prairie
Chicken 1; Mourning Dove 8; Marsh Hawk 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk 1; Cooper's Hawk 1;
Red-tailed Hawk 4; Broad-winged Hawk 1; Sparrow Hawk 5; Barn Owl 4; Long-eared Owl 2;
Barred Owl 1; Screech Owl 1; Belted Kingfisher 4; Hairy Woodpecker 2; Downy Woodpecker 6;
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 25; Red-headed Woodpecker 6; Red-bellied Woodpecker 4; Northern
Flicker 20; Phoebe 4; Prairie Hormed Lark 6; Blue Jay 3; Crow 30; Cowbird 8; Red-winged
Blackbird 40; Meadowlark 12; Rusty Blackbird 11; Bronzed Grackle 300; Vesper Sparrow 2; White-
throated Sparrow 4; Tree Sparrow 2; Chipping Sparrow 2; Field Sparrow 20; Slate-colored Junco
120; Song Sparrow 25; Swamp Sparrow 1; Fox Sparrow 40; Towhee 2; Cardinal 5; Cedar
Waxwing. 7; Migrant Shrike 4; Brown Thrasher 2; Bewick’s Wren 3; Winter Wren 3;
Brown Creeper 8; White-breasted Nuthatch 3; Tufted Titmouse 4; Chickadee 3; Golden-
crowned Kinglet 15; Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1; Hermit Thrush 4; Robin 50; Bluebird 8.
Water Thrush, exact species uncertain, reported by two observers.

Several other species reported earlier, including: American Woodcock, Short-eared Owl,
Saw-whet Owl, Goldfinch, and Purple Martins.

Nests with eggs noticed as follows: Red-tailed Hawk, March 18; Red-shouldered Hawk,
March 18; Barred Owl, February 27; Screech Owl, April 2; Crow, March 25 and April 2.

Some of the more interesting ‘““first seen’? records are as follows: Kildeer, February 22.:
Belted Kingfisher, March 11; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, March 23; Cowbird, March 12;
White-throated Sparrow, March 10; Chipping Sparrow, March 28; Field Sparrow, March 23;
Fox Sparrow, March 6; Towhee, March 7; Migrant Shrike, March 9; Brown Thrasher,
April 2; Bewick’s Wren, March 30; Winter Wren, March 23; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, March 31;
Hermit Thrush, March 25; Bluebird, February 20.

Compiled from the records of W. A. Goelitz, H. J. Van Cleave, Mrs. Percy Ash, Miss Bessie
R. Green, and F. Smith by Professor Frank Smith. University of Illinois.

ON ACCOUNT OF THE WAR

It has been almost most eee
to obtain glasses from abroad. We
have been fortunate in securing
two shipments, made special for
us for Nature Study. We think
that these will supply us for this
Spring trade, but it will be im-
possible to have another shipment
this year.

If you are thinking of

buying a Good Glass
this year

Send in Your Order at Once

$5.00 delivered to you——and your
money refunded if glasses are not
perfectly satisfactory.

Send for our list of THE BEST NATURE BOOKS in NATURAL
COLORS. It is free on request.

CHAS. K. REED Chadwic Block —= Worcester, Mass.

Books for the Nature Lover

Nature Notebook Series, The
(An Inspiration to Nature Study)

Notebooks for field and home study. BIRD NOTEBOOKS NOS. 1
AND 2; TREE NOTEBOOK; PLANT NOTEBOOK; FISH NOTE-
BOOK and INSECT NOTEBOOK are now ready. Others to follow.
Fach book contains outlines of study for field use. The Bird, Insect and Fish
books contain in addition outlines on watercolor paper to be filled in with crayons
or watercolors. Louis Agassiz Fuertes made the Bird outlines for the Bird
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pemes Size, boards. 125.to 150 paces... ef. eee. $ .30 each.
MP MERORE NINQO SIX POR ee Po ae Oe ek $1.50 Net.

The Nature-Study Review

Official Organ of the American Nature-Study Society
L. H. BAILEY, NEW YORK, President
A live journal for those who are interested in the teaching of Nature in the
Common Schools.
Subscription One Dollar a year (nine numbers). This also covers mem-
bership in the National Society.

Pet Book, The, anna soTsForD coMsTOcK

A delightful nature study volume with directions for the care, feeding, and
housing of seventy common and uncommon pets. Beautifully illustrated
with one hundred and seventeen full page halftones. Frontispiece painted
especially for this book by Louis Agassiz Fuertes. School Edition now Ready.

Handsomely bound in Library Buckram, 427 pages .......04.. $2.00

Nature Songs and Stories, KATHERINE CREIGHTON

““Catchy’’ little songs and clever little stories (with special illustrations) of
the Chickadee, the Squirrel, the Honeybee, the Dandelion and fourteen more
make this a most attractive addition to the little folks’ library. Parents and
teachers are delighted with it.

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Handbook of Nature Study, The
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Is the American Nature Study book for.the home, the school, and the
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and small), reptiles, plants, trees, flowers, and the stars are studied. In use
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Bound in Cloth. 900 pages. 1000 illustrations.
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Send for Circulars

THE COMSTOCK PUBLISHING COMPANY
102 Roberts Place : : ; ITHACA, N. Y.

Books About Birds

@. The rapidity with which Ameri-_
can wild birds are disappearing is
ample reason for their protec-
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ing reason—they add immeasur-
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@, Encourage the boys and girls to
learn more about our native
birds and to protect them.

@. Our stock of books about birds
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q Tell us your wants and we are
sure we will be able to supply
just the books you need.

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218-224 Wabash Avenue — Chicago.

The

udubon Bulfetin

Winter +7916 -77

FEED THE vali vt BIRDS NOW
Pages 4 to 7

~ Aiaie TO sabe, i CONGRESSMAN
e Page 15

Published by

: Te ILLINOIS
AUDUBON
moOGCLE, TY

Are You a Friend |

of the Birds?

How can you better show your friendship

than by joining the Illinois Audubon Society? —

Why not associate yourself with others
who are like-minded on the bird question?

To be an Active Member involves an ex-

pense of but $1.00 per year, with no other »

obligations which are not self-imposed.

If you have the means and the inclination
you can help five times as much by becom-

ing a Contributing Member at $5.00 per year.

Or if you insist you can finish the matter

once for all time by becoming a Life Member |

upon payment of $100.00, with the assur-
ance that your contribution will be efficiently
applied to the important work of bird
conservation.

Sign the application blank on page 47 and
send to the Treasurer with your remittance.

Illinois Audubon Society

' President Vice-President
_ Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
~ 10 South La Salle Street, Chicago Highland Park
Secretary ( Treasurer
Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee Miss Amalie Hannig

2436 Prairie Avenue, Evanston 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago

iar

is
r A,
eee oO. ee

The Aims and Principles of the
Illinois Audubon Society are:

Ist.

To encourage the study of birds, particu-
larly in the schools, and to disseminate
literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws re-
lating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich and
domestic fowls.

To discourage, in every possible way,
the wanton destruction of wild birds and
their eggs.

— Oo Oo ee ee Eee ——— EEE SST lr

THE WINTER WOODS

To many the thought of the deep woods in winter is one of utter desolation and solitude.
But a tramp through their snowy aisles will usually reveal a few furred or feathered inhabitants
who do not seem depressed by their cheerless surroundings. A rabbit may scurry away in
a panic of fright, or a squirrel scold from am adjacent tree at your intrusion. Overhead
may be heard the call of the bluejay, his color doubly brilliant in the neutral tones of
the woods. Perhaps a vigorous tapping above you may enable you to discover a downy or
a hairy woodpecker at his work; again, it may be the quiet complacent ‘‘quank’’ of the
nuthatch as he inspects the tree trunks for larvae, or a group of chickadees may be discovered,
searching the twigs for insect eggs, chatting the while in the appealing chickadee tongue.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

WINTER 1916-1917

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

Winter Birds in Illinois

As this Bulletin goes to press, the record for winter birds in I[l]linois
is being made up. As early as October 15, a flock of thirty American
Cross-bills arrived at Highland Park in Lake County, north of Chicago,
and for several days spent much of their time in a clump of Scotch pines
at the corner of an open lawn, fronting a busy street. A hundred or
more school children were able to get frequent views of these birds as
they twisted open the pine cones and disported themselves fearlessly down
on the ground or on the cone-laden branches. <A flock of evening
grosbeaks appeared on November 21st. Snow buntings were present
in large flocks on the Waukegan flats.

In anticipation of the peculiar pleasure bird lovers may have in the
approaching winter in searching for birds in the barren wintry land-
scapes, the following regional notes have been obtained: Prof. T. E.
Hankinson writes for the Charleston, Ill., region;“l. E. Musselman for
the Quincy region and O. M. Schantz for Northern [Jinois.

COMMON BIRDS OF THE CHARLESTON REGION.

Prof. Hankinson reports having seen thirty-seven or more species of
birds in winter in the neighborhood of Charleston, and it is probable that
as many as a dozen others occur there at that season. Of these forty or
more species, twenty-four may be called common winter birds, and found
quite regularly in their favorite habitats during the winter. These are:
English sparrow, downy woodpecker, crow, bluejay, sparrow-hawk,
northern flicker, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, hairy
woodpecker, tufted titmouse, chickadee, brown creeper, golden-crowned
kinglet, goldfinch, screech owl, song sparrow, horned lark, tree sparrow,
junco, Carolina wren, bob-white, cardinal, mourning dove and purple finch.

From an examination of the favorite habitats of birds in winter it
appears that a walk at this season for the purpose of studying them should
be taken when possible on a piece of low ground like a stream valley.
High regions and open field had better be avoided except covered hill-
sides with southerly exposures. Courses along edges of bush patches
ought to be taken and such places traversed when possible. Streams, roads
and fences can be advantageously followed when these are bordered with
high, dead grass, tall weeds, bushes or trees. Low woodlands with rather
dense tree growths and some underbrush are pretty sure to yield good

ee ge a a EE

4 THE AUD UB ON, BU Lit ef fein

results. Birds will not be found at all places that seem favorable for
them in winter, and they may be abundant at a particular locality at one
time and be entirely absent at another. They can often be located by
their calls; and for this reason it is desirable to stop and listen now and
then. When birds are found, it-is a good plan to follow them if their
movements are progressive in any particular direction. The observer
should move as slowly, quietly, and steadily as possible. When such
precautions are taken much can often be learned about the ways of winter
birds for they are not usually hard to approach at this season. Good field
or opera glasses give the student a great advantage in making observations.
All interesting and important actions of the birds should be noted; and
whenever they are seen to eat, the nature of the food ought to be deter-
mined if possible. When there is snow on the ground, much can be
found out by examining bird tracks.

THE WINTER BIRD RESTAURANT AND WINTER VISITORS AT QUINCY.

Mr. T. E. Musselman, writing from Quincy, says:

No doubt all lovers of bird life wish to surround themselves with
everything which will attract birds. I suggest the selection of a site for a
bird restaurant on some tree which is near enough the house to allow the
study of birds. To attract the birds a careful distribution of foods must
be made so as to tempt birds of every kind.

First suet should be placed about six feet up the tree trunk in a suet
bird feeder, or it should be nailed to the tree and a piece of one ines
mesh chicken wire put over it to prevent squirrels or jays from indulging
too freely. About a foot beneath this, a shelf or box should be fitted
to the tree to catch the suet chips which fall while birds are feeding.

On the shelf a variety of foods should be given. Supply finely chegied
acorns, cracked hickory nuts, also bread crumbs and fine grain.

During the season when grasshoppers are numerous I collect a large
number of these insects and dry them. ‘The birds are very fond of them.

I also suggest the nailing of an entire sunflower to the tree. Birds
like the seed and will work busily all day about the huge head.

I have experimented with elm and maple seeds which are so numerous
in the gutters in some seasons of the year. The squirrels like these better
than the birds, although by dampening them and covering them with
a moist cloth, I find that upon swelling, they make good green food which
the birds relish. Also, should any robins remain during the winter, apple
cores and wormy raisins are greedily picked at and eaten.

Juncoes and some other varieties of sparrows will seldom rise to the
shelf but prefer to glean what few tidbits are scattered on the ground
by the hungry feeders above. During the winter place some sweepings
from the hay mow in the shelf box and scatter the other food therein.
I also scatter an abundance of this, together with cracker crumbs, at the
_base of the tree.

The result is that throughout the winter I have a dozen varieties of
birds or daily boarders and the occasional stray bird which drops in for a
hand-out makes the study that much more interesting.

e

MLA heo LSA U DUE ON SOCTET Y

Or

The regular boarders in Quincy during the winter are: The white-
breasted nuthatch, tufted titmouse, blackcapped chickadee, little brown
creeper, downy, and hairy woodpecker, junco, red bird, blue jay, English
sparrow, tree sparrow, red-bellied woodpecker, with an occasional red-
breasted nuthatch, red-headed woodpecker, song sparrow, and yellow-
bellied sapsucker.

WINTER VISITORS AND RESIDENTS OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS.

e

Mr. O. M. Schantz of Chicago, comments as follows:

After the fall migration is over do not think that there are no more
birds to be seen until spring. ‘There is a constant bird population well
worth a further acquaintance. Before the snow comes the great stores of
weed seeds attract many members of the sparrow family to stay as long
as the weather is not too severe, and some of them to stay with us until
spring. The whitethroated sparrows are probably the most numerous of
these late visitors, but the junco, tree sparrow, pine siskin, and goldfinch
are also often to be seen until quite late in autumn. ‘The towhee frequently
stays “till the last minute.’”’ The downy and hairy woodpeckers, white
and red breasted nuthatches, the chickadee, cardinal and in favored local-
ities where evergreens abound the cross bills, pine finch and evening gros-
beak, are all quite likely to be found in the woodland all winter. Crows,
varieties of owls, the snowflake, an occasional shrike, and possibly a par-
tridge, and the ever present and never silent bluejay make a very interesting
and varied winter bird population.

It is not always the severe cold alone that drives the birds south. Many
birds could get along reasonably well if their food was at all times avail-
able. Many instances can be cited where injured birds have survived
even a severe winter when provided with sufficient food. Bird tables may
bring surprises among their visitors. Try one and find out for yourself.

A= SUCCESSFUL FEEDING SHELF

ee ————————————— LL

6 ACHE cA a DUB YOUN SB Uris eh er aN

q #5
ae Sites ¥

i fee shut off jis natural i
us = =

7 spay vou by destraving Sundreds of cat
| eypilars, grees, borers, &

that wala -

Sd esas,

i fear, ieee «

Secets tater,

Feeding | in winter 1s a delightful and inexpensive recreation as well as an excellent investment
Children particularly enjoy and oy from fins fs iorm al of apphed 1 nature study

| How to Help ._.._ a)
@ Birds in Winter | ry | 7
Every Destructive Insect is on the Bill of Fare of One or More of Our Native Birds

[ep i ‘4 t ‘ : ay as eat vo = + i = C i i : 5 ra }
Pil informatian as to teeing and attracting birds and pravading gest boxes, houses, and shelters for them will be

furmished «an receipt of a postal urd addressed tc

eS. DE PAR IMENT OF AGRICULTURE

PR PAUL GE GIGLeMCOAT, SURVEY, WASHINGTONS LD). ©,

t

|

|

i

tf i
Begin to Feed the Birds To-day-—The Singing Laborer is Worthy of His Hire

SEL EMO PS, AUDUEON S-OCLE TY 7

Uncle Sam and the Birds

On the opposite page is a reduced facsimile of a poster now being distributed in
large quantities by the United States Department of Agriculture. This is merely one
of many evidences of the importance of bird conservation in the eyes of the wise men
at Washington who look out for Uncle Sam’s farming interests. The small type, lost

in reproduction reads, in part, as follows:

Birds feed upon almost all kinds of injurious insects. -They lead active lives and require much
food. A single bird often eats more than 100 insects at a single meal and sometimes consumes
several thousand small insects. Birds on a 200-acre farm in North Carolina destroyed a million
green bugs or wheat aphids daily. There are many localities where birds have saved certain trees,
garden crops, or farm fields from total destruction.

Encourage all kinds of birds, as the various species prey on different kinds of insects. For
example, the hairy and downy woodpeckers render a special service in the protection of trees.
They glean pests from beneath the bark and from within the wood. They account yearly for many
a scale insect, bark beetle, borer, caterpillar, and ant. The bobwhite, one of the most important
of our game birds, renders particular service in cultivated fields by destroying large numbers of
potato beetles, wireworms, clover weevils, bollworms, cutworms, army worms, and other crop
pests. The bobwhite suffers particularly from hard winters. A little suet or a little cracked
corm and grain will keep these valuable feathered servants in your employ.

For bobwhites, build low hutches with roofs that will keep out snow, or make wigwam-like
stacks of grain sheaves with openings below. Keep the entrances free from snow and scatter
within cracked corn or small grains or seeds. Putting out food on a bare spot on the ‘ground
is an easier method, but not so useful.

For woodpeckers, place suet under wire netting on trees; pour a melted mixture of suet and
grain seed in cracks in bark or in large holes bored in thick pieces of wood accessible to the
birds; or make a 2-inch hole in a coconut and fill the interior with chopped suet and nuts and

suspend from a _ branch.

For small birds in general, make food shelves at windows or on trees, sheltered from the
wind, and with raised edges to keep food from being blown off. Better still, put the food in a
hopper, which will protect the supply from the weather and let it down gradually. Small birds
will feed also at the coconut larders mentioned above and upon the suet mixtures.

Aigrettes and Other Feathers of Wild Birds Withdrawn from
Sale in Chicago

The Audubon Society has secured a complete victory in its efforts
to stop the sale of aigrettes, bird of Paradise and goura feathers in Chicago
stores. In the Illinois Audubon Bulletin for Spring 1916, it will be
remembered, there was printed an opinion rendered the Fish and Game
Commission by the Attorney General of the State of Illinois, at the request
of this Society, holding that the law forbidding dealers having such
feathers in their possession or offering them for sale is valid.

In November last, two directors of The Illinois Audubon Society found,
on investigation, that the law was being generally violated in Chicago,
and they took specific note of a number of stores thus engaged. ‘There-
upon the Attorney for the Society, Mr. Everett Millard, wrote a letter
to each of these stores, which stated the position of the Society as follows:

“As attorney for the Illinois Audubon Society, I beg to
inform you that the representatives of the Society, by personal
investigation, have found that your store has in its possession,
and is offering for sale and selling aigrettes, as well as Paradise
feathers and goura feathers, in violation of Chapter 56 of the
Illinois Revised Statutes, the Fish and Game Act. This act
provides for a fine and imprisonment until the fine or costs are
paid, for violation thereof.

I attach hereto a copy of an opinion by P. J. Lucey, attorney
general of Illinois, rendered the Game and Fish Conservation
Commission, holding that vendors of aigrettes in Illinois may
be prosecuted for selling them or having them in their

8 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

possession for the purpose of sale. This opinion would apply
to parts of any wild birds.

I call your attention to this law, and your violation thereof,
for the purpose of asking whether you will voluntarily discon-
tinue the sale of all such feathers and parts of wild birds. The
Society has confidence that you will see, as other stores have,
that as public spirited citizens you do not wish to take the
attitude of defying or evading the law, or of lending your store,
for purposes of small private profit, to aid in the ruthless
slaughter and extermination of these beautiful wild birds which
are many times more valuable alive than dead, and whose
destruction in the breeding season is accompanied by the wanton
and unspeakable suffering of their young.

The Society does not wish to take any public action in

-regard to the matter, if you wish to immediately cease the

violation.
Thanking you for prompt information as to your attitude,
I am Yours very truly

EVERETT L. MILLARD.

All the stores thus addressed showed an immediate desire to comply
with the provisions of the law and with the spirit of this letter. One or
two of the stores had not been selling aigrettes for some time, but were
selling other contraband feathers. Several of them asked for a little time
in which to dispose of or reduce the stock they had on hand, promising
meanwhile to purchase no more of such feathers. Owing to their fair
attitude and prompt compliance with the request of the Society, they were
informed that no action would be taken in making complaint to the Fish
and Game Commission, except for violations found after February 1, 1917,
although no action of the Audubon Society, could of course, bind the
official Commission in any way as to action they might take of their own —
accord. Most of the stores had little or no stock of aigrettes, but consider-
able of Paradise and goura feathers, and it was felt that a sufficient victory
had been won in getting the honest cooperation of the dealers, ge
putting them to undue hardships.

Public mention was made of the enforcement of the law in the news
columns of the daily papers, and an editorial appeared in the Chicago
Herald, January 21, commending the Society for the result. The Fish and
Game Commission have shown that they are officially interested in the
matter, in coOperation with the Society’s representative, and it is understood
they have notified the stores that the sale of such feathers will be stopped
after February 1, in harmony ’with the plans of the Society.

The Directors of the Society feel that the results secured are important,
not only for the actual protection of wild birds and in the moral effect
resulting from the enforcement of the law, but in the public attention
thereby secured to the principle involved. It remains now to move against
violators of this law in other cities of our state. Readers of this Bulletin
can take the initiative in this matter by warning violators wherever found
and at the same time by sending in data to the Secretary of this Society
relating specifically to such violations.

TELINGLIS“.AUDUBON S:OCTIETY 9

The Attack on the Federal Bird Law

There were stirring times for Audubonites during the recent session
of Congress, the story of which should be interesting reading. It might
be styled a ‘‘thriller’’ with a happy ending. It is summed up in the single
statement that certain organizations conducted both in the House and the
Senate a vigorous campaign against the enforcement of the Weeks-McLean
Federal Migratory Bird Law, and lost their campaign, and that a treaty
negotiated between the United States and Canada and signed by President
Wilson, which virtually embodies the chief feature of the Weeks-McLean
bill, was ratified by the Senate with only eight dissenting votes. Some of
the details of these contests are set forth below and their significance
noted. It is hoped that all our readers will follow the story through, for it
suggests much work yet to be done in Illinois.

THE WEEKS-McCLEAN Law.

It should be remembered that the so-called Weeks-McLean Bill passed
through Congress in the closing days of the session ending March 4, 1913,
and that President Taft signed the measure only a few hours before he
retired from office. The struggle for the passage of this bill is said to
have been the most gigantic single campaign ever waged for a bird pro-
tective bill. In this Federal Migratory Bird Law, as it now became known,
the government of the United States assumed custody and protection of
all migratory game and insectivorous birds and empowered the Agricultural
Department to adopt and enforce regulations governing the “destroying
or taking” of such birds. Under this provision of this law the United
States Biological Survey representing the Agricultural Department has
issued each year “regulations prescribing and fixing closed seasons, having
due regard to the zones of temperature, breeding habits, and times and
lines of migration, flight, etc.”

QUESTIONING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE Law.

From the very outset these regulations have met with strong opposition
from some of the sportsmen in the middlewest area centering about St.
Louis and Kansas City, and the constitutionality of the law has been
attacked in several instances. In two of the federal districts, those of
Arkansas and Kansas, and in the Supreme Court of Maine, decisions
adverse to the law have been made. An appeal from the decision made
in Arkansas has been pending for two years in the United States Supreme
Court. Last spring when a declaration was expected the court ordered
a re-argument of the case, much to the surprise of some of the friends of
the law who supposed this to be evidence of an even division of the eight
members of the court. It now appears that the action was due to a wish
to have a full bench consider the matter because of its great importance.

OPPOSITION TO THE REGULATIONS OF THE SURVEY.
Meanwhile the law has been operative, and law-abiding and conscien-
tious citizens all over the country “have accepted and observed both the
letter and the spirit of the law.’’ However the disaffected element, an

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

“energized minority,’ as it were, has conducted highly organized efforts
to prevent the enforcement of the law. These have taken the form of
opposition to the appropriation for enforcing the regulations of the
Biological Survey. In February 1914 the Interstate Sportsmen’s Protective
Association was organized in Kansas City for the avowed purpose of either
securing a special dispensation for Spring shooting or of killing both the
federal migratory bird law and the proposed international treaty. During
the recent sessions of Congress this organization has led off in a fight to
strike out of the Agricultural Appropriation Bill an item of $50,000 for
the use of the Biological Survey in enforcing the law. The publicity man
of the opposition has been Mr. E. T. Grether of St. Louis who edits the
Rod-and-Gun department of the St. Louis Globe Democrat and the
columns of this paper have been freely used for attacks upon the Biological
Survey itself. In this paper the boast was made that “unless the Biological
Survey granted their petition for shooting ducks and geese until March 31,
they (the Opposition) would ‘put the Survey out of business.”’

Mr. A. D. Holthaus of St. Louis and one of our I]linois citizens, Mr.
J. H. Aldous of Alton, lobbied in Washington to defeat the appropriation.
Mr. Aldous is quoted as asserting that the people of Illinois were in favor
of amending the regulation so as to permit the shooting of ducks and
geese until March 31. He is said to have given out a list of seventeen
Illinois Congressmen whom he is supposed to have tied up to his proposi-
tion. ‘These congressmen will be referred to in a succeeding paragraph.

Tue CONTEST IN THE LOUSE:

While the contest over the appropriation for the enforcement of the
regulations was on in the House, Hon. Wm. E. Williams of Pittsfield, one
of the two congressmen at large for Illinois, made on April 24th, a speech
in opposition to the appropriation. He stated that ‘‘the law, believed by
many to be unconstitutional is practically harmless, for all it does is to
authorize the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules and regulations
for the preservation of wild game.” “The whole mischief,” he said, “arises
in the department which promulgates the rules.’’ He then cited the rule
closing the Mississippi from Memphis to Minneapolis for killing migratory
birds from “any boat, raft, or other device, floating or otherwise, in or on
any of such waters,” and declared his opposition to it on the ground of
its unfairness to Illinois sportsmen. South of Memphis and north of
Minneapolis no embargo is laid upon the hunter, while on the five hundred
or so miles of the course of the Mississippi along Illinois, comprising the
greater portion of the area between Memphis and Minneapolis and form-
ing the chief migration route of the water fowl, hunters are forbidden to
kill game. It may be said in passing that there is no evidence in Mr.
Williams’ published address that he was aware of the fact that the restric-
tion had been placed on the shooting of ducks, for example, on the Missis-
sipp1 River because the states bordering the river permitted the use of
motor boats in hunting, and of the additional fact that the Biological
Survey offered to remove the restriction the moment the states concerned
passed laws stopping the pursuits of wild fowl with power boats.

LeGiN ODS AUDUBON S'OCIEE TY 11

(Illinois game laws of 1915 prohibit shooting from power boats on
the Mississippi. The restrictions have been removed since Mr. Williams’
speech was made, the latest regulatory announcements of the Biological
Survey under date of Aug. 21, 1916, omitting any specific reference to
hunting on the Mississippi. )

THE MEMORIAL OF THE SPORTSMEN’S PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATIONS.

Upon concluding his address, Mr. Williams had incorporated into
the Congressional Record (See pages 7993 and 7994) a memorial addressed
to the Senate and House of Representatives on the part of the Illinois
Sportsmen’s Protective Association and the officers of the Interstate Sports-
men’s Protective Association and others interested.

Some of the important assertions in the memorial are as follows:

1. The seasons for hunting migratory birds have been so arranged by
. the Biological Survey officials that hunters residing in the middle western
states are authorized to hunt migrating game only during those seasons
of the year when the migrants are practically absent, and are forbidden
from hunting during seasons when the migrants are present.

2. Positive physical evidence has been offered the Biological Survey
showing that the game birds are not even approximating the breeding or
nesting period in February and March, nor do they at any other season
breed in this section of the North.

3. The ideal season for hunting waterfowl begins February first and
ends March thirty-first at which opportune time such hunting is legally
prohibited.

4. In the dry fall season the large water courses afford the main resort
for the fowl, but the Biological Survey officials prohibit hunting wild fowl
on the upper Mississippi. They do not prohibit such hunting south of
Memphis.

3. The officials of the Biological Survey have refused to prosecute
violators of the law, thus placing at a disadvantage the better element
who are conscientious about observance of law.

6. The petitioners are deprived of their rights without any compensa-
tion on behalf of wild life conservation.

The memorial closes with the statement that the game laws of the
states represented by the petitioners are the most perfect and restrictive
legislation of any of the states, and that the Federal regulations produce
such conditions in conflict with these laws as to sadly deplete the hunting-
license revenue necessary to protect not only the wild fowl game birds
but the non-game song and insectivorous birds, etc. (How restrictive the
legislation of Missouri, for example, is, appears in the law permitting duck
shooting until May 1. Compare Dr. Field’s report on the nesting of ducks
in Missouri. See later paragraph).

Our principal interest in the signatures to this memorial is in the list
of Illinois organizations and their officials there given. The list is as fol-
lows:

H. C. Norcross, Carlyle, Ill., president Illinois Sportsmen’s League.

James H. Aldous, Alton, Ill., president Madison County Spertsmen’s
League.

12 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

F. L. Pfeiffer, Centralia, Marion County Sportsmen’s League.

Robt. Bethmann, East St. Louis, St. Clair County Sportsmen’s League.

W. A. Jacobs, president Johnstone City Sportsmen’s League.

John Loos, president St. Clair County Sportsmen’s League, Belleville,
ile

Jas. N. Browne, president Illinois Sportsmen and Game Protective
League, Quincy, Ill.

T. V. Brannan, president Cass & Schuyler Counties Association.

Pet Pronmell Wihite tall is (Greene Coun:

W. T. Gordley, secretary Cass & Schuyler Counties Association,
Virginia, [11.

The appropriation for the Agricultural Department including that con-
tested item for the Biological Survey passed the House by a good majority,
but the fight was renewed in the Senate.

(ire CONTEST UN GREE So NAGE E),

May 9, 1916, Senator Sherman presented a memorial of sundry citizens
of Centralia, Bloomington, Nashville, Valmeyer, New Baden, and Breese,
remonstrating against the appropriation for enforcing the regulations con-
cerning Spring shooting. May 16, 1916, Senator Sherman presented
petitions of sundry citizens of Quincy and Oquawka, praying for the
adoption of certain amendments to the Bird Law. ~

The Hon. James A. Reed, Senator from Missouri, led the opposition
to the enforcement of the rulings of the Biological Survey as he had done
in the Senate years before. ‘This is the statesman who in the debate in
August, 1916, over the “Feather Proviso,’ speaking of the killing of
egrets, unburdened himself as follows:

“I really honestly want to know why there should be any sympathy
or sentiment about a long-legged, long-beaked, long-necked bird that lives
in swamps, and eats tadpoles and fish and crawfish and things of that
kind; why we should worry ourselves into a frenzy because some lady
adorns her hat with one of its feathers, which appears to be the only use
it has.” And, again: “If the young are then left to starve, it would
seem to me the proper idea would be to establish a foundling asylum for
the young, but still let humanity utilize this bird for the only purpose that
evidently the Lord made it for, namely, so that we could get aigrettes for
bonnets of our beautiful ladies.”

On July 10, the contest culminated over the motion of Senator Reed
to strike out the entire appropriation, $50,000, for the enforcement of
the law. For two hours Senator Reed occupied the attention of the Senate
by a bitter denunciation of the law, its supporters, the Biological Survey,
Dr. W. T. Hornaday and others. Senator McLean replied in a dignified
logical and forceful speech fifteen minutes long, and the vote to sustain
the law and retain the appropriation was fifty-two to eight. The appro-
priation was safe. ‘Two years before Senator Reed had been able to
muster seventeen votes. He and his following could now count but
eight votes. Of the two senators from Illinois, one, Senator Sherman,
voted to retain the appropriation. Senator Lewis was present but did
not vote.

PERN OLS AUDUBON SOCIETY 13

WHAT ABOUT THE BIOLOGICAL SURVEY?

While its investigators were in the field collecting data about the
breeding season in the middle western states, the Survey seemed to wabble
a little on the subject of Spring shooting. Under date of May 13 it sent

out “Proposed Regulations for the Protection of Migratory Birds.” ‘These
were ‘made public for examination and consideration before final adop-
tion.” One of these regulations had a bearing on the controversy then

on in the Senate. For the middle west area, it provided an open season
for shooting waterfowl between September 15 and November 16 and
another between February 9, and March 11. It may be said in passing
that this concession to those who favored Spring shooting was ungratefully
received by them and that it met with determined opposition by those
favoring the bill and opposed to all Spring shooting.

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD.

The investigators of the Survey had gone out early into the field and
the reports that came in developed the important fact that wild fowl were
actually breeding in Kansas and Missouri in the early days of March. One
of the investigators, W. F. Bancroft, was a visitor in Atchinson, Kansas, on
March 14th and accompanied Eugene A. Howe, Editor of the Atchinson
Globe, on a trip to several of the Missouri lakes in that vicinity. They
found as reported by Mr. Howe that eighty per cent of the ducks common
to that section from the blue winged teal to red heads and mallards were
mated. Mr. Howe has personally observed wild mallards mating the first
week in February. |

Dr. Geo. W. Field of Boston, visited during June, many points in Kan-
sas and Missouri and from his observations concluded that the main hatch-
ing periods during 1916 for pintails and both greenhead and dusky mal-
lards, which breed earliest, was the first week in May, and egglaying must
have begun about March 15. As late as June 20th many blue-winged teal
were still incubating. Between these dates “broad bills’ and gadwalls
breed abundantly and redheads, canvas-backs, ruddies, wood ducks, hooded
mergansers, and green-winged teal occasionally. These observations, quite
at variance with the statements of the League of Sportsmen previously
quoted, make the demand for an open season for wild fowl in March seem
entirely unreasonable.

FINAL REGULATIONS OF THE BIOLOGICAL SURVEY.

The outcome so far as the Biological Survey is concerned is that the
proposed regulations issued on May 13, were withdrawn and the final regu-
lations issued August 21, provide a closed season for waterfowl in fifteen
states between January first and September fifteenth, next following.
Among these fifteen states are Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska!
All this means that the birds are coming back if—no, there seems to be
no 7f about it. The constitutionality of the Federal Migratory Bird Law
seems no longer to be in question since the ratification of the Treaty with
Canada—which is another story. It follows this.

“14 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Treaty for the Protection of Migratory Birds in the
United States and Canada

A treaty for the federal protection of all the migratory birds of North
America, north of Mexico, has been ratified by Congress and is to be a law
of the land. It is believed that this is the first treaty dealing with the
fortunes of birds ever consummated. It was initiated over two years ago by
Senator George P. McLean in a Senate resolution. At that time President
Wilson wrote a letter to Secretary Bryan, approving the idea and re-
questing its advancement. Concerted action by the two governments was
necessary to insure the carrying out of the principle of the McLean Federal
Migratory Bird Law. Bird conservationists in the two countries have put
forth continuous efforts during these two years to secure the happy con-
summation. Dr. C. Gordon Hewett of the Canadian Department of Agri-
culture played an important part in securing the cooperation of ‘the
Canadian Government. The treaty was finally sent down from Ottawa
early in August and on August 16 it was signed at Washington by Secretary
Lansing and Sir Cecil Arthur Spring-Rice, the British Ambassador.

It was transmitted by the President to the Senate on August 22' where
Senator McLean had for some months been preparing the way for its
smooth passage. It went to the Committee on Foreign Relations and
“passed through” in a few hours, and Senator Jas. A. O. Gorman was
designated to take charge of it on the floor of the Senate.

On August 29, it was brought before the Senate and quickly ratified
by a two-thirds’ majority. The United States Senate had with remarkable
celerity added to its fine and quite unbroken record in the enactment of
sane and reasonable wild life protection laws. Let it be said again that
the ratification of this treaty is the most important and far reaching step
in the protection and increase of birds that has yet been taken in any
country. It extends the strong arm of federal protection over about 1,022-
species and sub-species of the most valuable and interesting birds of North
America.

Official procedure requires that the treaty be sent to England for
ratification and its return for exchange of ratifications. This is a mere form,
however, and will be accomplished long before Congress convenes again
in December. Congress will then be asked to pass an enabling act for
the enforcement of its provisions and the work will be complete.

What effect will the treaty have upon the Weeks-McLean Migratory
Bird Law? The report of the Interstate Sportsmens’ Association in
Kansas City, February 2, 1914, shows that the Missouri Senators and
Representatives in Congress “were also asked to vote against the treaty
with Great Britain which if passed will make it impossible for the Courts
to declare the Weeks-McLean Law unconstitutional.” This opinion of
the effect of the treaty by its opponents is shared by its friends. It is
pointed out that the agreements in the present treaty are practically iden-
tical with the regulations under the ‘federal migratory bird law. The
treaty contains an express agreement that the two nations will enforce
it by necessary measures. We have in the migratory bird law, legislation
which will carry the treaty into effect.

rCSoerneorTs AUDUBON SOCIETY 15

The treaty ratifies an act of Congress for the protection of migratory
birds. The two must be construed together and the provisions of both
enforced by the courts. Now that this law is required to carry into effect
the treaty agreements, many think it is highly improbable that any court
will declare it unconstitutional.

All this seems to mean no Spring shooting on this continent. And that
in turn means that birds will be permitted to shorten the northward
migratory flight and to stop to breed within our borders in such places as
promise to be suitable and undisturbed. ‘There is said to be no question
that such of the migratory ducks and geese as do not pair for life pair and
mate during the northward migration. “During the flight mated pairs
drop out of the flock and start house hunting in favorable localities, and,
having successfully reared a brood in a special location, the foundation
for a new colony is laid. The original pairs or their descendants, doubtless
with the addition of new migrants, return to the same place as long as
they survive and conditions remain favorable.’ And the cessation of
Spring shooting is one of the most important conditions for making
localities “favorable.”

(The latest Bulletin of the National Audubon Society reports that the
test case in the United States Supreme Court under the migratory bird law
came up for a hearing on October 23, 1916, and at the request of the
legal representative of the United States was indefinitely postponed. )

LATER

The ratifications referred to above were exchanged December 7, 1916, and
a bill to give effect to the treaty with Canada for the protection of migratory
birds has just been introduced into the Senate by Senator Hitchcock.
This is known as Senate Bill 7858. In the House, a similar bill, designated
House Bill 20080, has been introduced by Congressman Flood of Virginia.
It makes good certain deficiencies in the Migratory Bird Law. For example,
possession of migratory birds during the closed season is made unlawful and
inspectors or wardens are invested with power of arrest. This insures
adequate enforcement of that portion of the migratory bird law. Further,
the passage of the bill will accomplish what is referred to above, and will
put the federal regulations for the protection of migratory birds above the
review of any court in the United States. Here is a splendid and urgent
opportunity to do some concrete Audubon work. Let everyone who believes
in the protection of birds write Senator J. Hamilton Lewis, and Senator
Lawrence Y. Sherman at Washington, urging them to give immediate and
determined support to this measure. Then the congressman from one’s
district should be written to, and legitimate pressure brought upon him and
other congressmen also to see that the entire Illinois delegation votes right
on this important measure.

16 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Conservation and Forest Preserves

Every movement for forest preservation is in the interest of bird life.
Every bit of landscape set aside for its natural beauty is accepted by the
birds for utilitarian purposes. They profit automatically by our enthusiasm
for undisturbed landscape, forest or prairie or marsh or dune. So the
following reports on conservation projects are of good cheer for bird lovers
although no mention is made of birds.

CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT OF THE ILLINOIS FEDERATION
OF WOMEN’S CLUBS

The work of the Conservation Department of the J. F. W. C. has
been very gratifying during the past year. In many places through the
efforts of Women’s Clubs, Audubon societies have been formed in schools.
Prizes have been given for bird houses built by school children and great
interest has been shown. Bird houses are in evidence everywhere and that
the interest is bringing results is proven by the increase of song: and
migratory birds, particularly in the southern part of the State. Vacant
lots have been secured by many clubs to be used for gardening. The.
applicants were so numerous that it was sometimes impossible to supply
the demand. The work of protecting wild flowers has been pushed with
splendid results. Men and women as well as children have awakened to
the fact that wild flowers must be preserved for the future generations.
Many rural school yards and the roadside in front of the school houses
have been beautified during the summer, and trees have been planted along
many highways, which is a step toward Making Illinois Beautiful.

Mrs. CHARLES W. IRION, Chairman of Conservation I. F. W. C.

THE CONSERVATION COUNCIL

The Conservation Council was proposed at a meeting called by the
Chicago Chapter of the Wild Flower Preservation Society of America at
the City Club Dec. 9, 1914. Among those present were members of
societies and nature lovers including Dr. H. C. Cowles of the Geographic
Society, Thomas W. Allinson of the Prairie Club, O. M. Schantz of the
Audubon Society, Mrs. John Worthy and Mrs. Edward Reininger of the
Outdoor Art League, Mrs. Julius Rosenwald of the Friends of Our Native
Landscape, Mrs. Jean Ellis Driver of the Forestry Class of the Chicago
Woman’s Club, Miss Lena M. McCauley of the Horticultural Society,
Mr. E. K. Warren of Warren’s Woods, Three Oaks, Michigan, and the
hostesses “Mrs. D. Harry Hammer, Mrs. F. W. Blocki, Mrs. Agee
Michelson, Mrs. L. A. Walton, Mrs. C. F. Millspaugh, Miss Catherine
Mitchell, and Huron H. Smith and C. F. Millspaugh of the Wild Flower
Preservation Society.

At a final organization meeting, the body assumed the name The Con-
servation Council, and the following objects set forth: namely, to serve
as a “Clearing House” for its component societies, assist their aims, act
in any matter requiring concerted action, hold property dedicated to
common interests, and refer to the society most interested any new motion
presented to the Council.

ProeLinoLs AUDITBON S OCTET Y 17

In the year and one-half of its existence, the Conservation Council has
enrolled the following societies in its organization: ‘The Geographic
Society of Chicago, The Prairie Club, The Horticultural Society, The
Municipal Art League, The Wild Flower Preservation Society of America,
Chicago Chapter, Riverside Chapter; The Illinois Audubon Society,
The Outdoor Art League, The Second District Women’s Clubs, The
West End Woman’s Club and The Ridge Woman’s Club.

It has given moral support to the Geographic Society and the Prairie
Club in their efforts to Preserve the Dunes, to save Stony Island, to protect
Starved Rock, the White Pine Forest, and Black Hawk Park. Both
delegates and Secretary have written letters to various authorities in this
work. It published and distributed 15,000 “Save the Wild Flower”
leaflets with the aid of the Outdoor Art League. At its meetings it has
urged delegates to keep the aims of the Friends of Our Native Landscape,
the Audubon Society, the Wild Flower, Preservation Society and the
Outdoor Art League before their members. It has inspired editorials in
the newspapers and there is no question but that the attitude of railroads
toward wild flowers, and the public toward the dunes was influenced by
The Conservation Council.

LENA M. McCAu_tey, Secretary.

WHat Has THE ForEST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF CooK COUNTY DONE
up to; DATE?

Chicago, Janis. 19 i.

It has examined by the inspection of the members of the Commission
and the Plan Committee over 21,000 acres of forest. It has had drawings
or recommendations made for over 15,000 acres, all of which have been
definitely recommended by the Plan Committee for purchase. The Forest
Preserve District—the official body—has accepted and concurred in these
recommendations and is now having the various legal and real-estate and
surveyor committees at work. Records of ownership and formal surveys
upon which legal descriptions can be based are being made for practically
all of the 15,000 acres as fast as the work can be taken up and pushed
along.

In some instances the Commissioners are able to proceed by direct
negotiation and find themselves able to agree with the owners of certain
pieces of property upon the value of their holdings. Within this character
of dealings may be placed over 900 acres in the center of Deer Grove,
which is Forest Preserve No. 1 and is situated in the northwest part of
the County, about three miles north of Palatine. For more than two months
at this writing the people of Cook County have been in legal possession
of these 900 acres of beautiful hill, ravine and forest. The remaining
portion of the 1,100 acres of this preserve will become publicly owned
within a short time. Some of it is, like the first, under direct negotiation
and some of it will have to be acquired by condemnation.

Forest Preserve No. 2 is along the Desplaines River extending about
three miles south from the north County line. Of this, over 400 acres in
Wheeling is acquired and owned by the public. Other portions of this
district will be acquired by negotiation.

18 To Es AU DsU, BO. Ne BULL bea TaN

vy oma

VIEW ON THE DESPLAINES RIVER IN THE FOREST PRESERVE

The Thatcher Grove in River Forest and the wooded area south of
Lake Street and north of Madison will probably be acquired by condemna-
tion, as the Commission and the owners are not able to agree on the price.

The Commission has already accepted within the 15,000 acres mentioned
above a recommendation for a large tract south, east and west of Willow
Springs in the Township of Palos. Some 4,000 or 5,000 acres more will
shortly be submitted to them for negotiation, in addition to what they
have already acted upon.

A recommendation of 3,500 acres has just been made and accepted
by the Commission along the Chicago River from Crawford Avenue up
to and including the woods in Glen View, and orders have been given
for a definite plat and recommendation along this same river from Glen
View to the north County line. The Commission has also given orders for
detailed reports along the Calumet region, Calumet River, the woods
south of South Chicago and Burnham and from that on to the south County
line. The Commission will very shortly take definite action upon reserva-
tions which shall have value and relation to the residents of South Chicago,
Pullman and Blue Island.

It is also the intention, if funds permit, to continue the work along
the Desplaines River from the portions already covered by recommendations
to its junction with the Drainage Canal.

The Commission is actively engaged in the promotion of the Forest
Preserve enterprise and has already accumulated thousands of dollars’ worth
of plats, descriptions, surveys and other information necessary before
actual purchase of property can be made.

D.H.. PERKINES

————

PEE EN OTs AUDUBON SOCIETY 19

FRIENDS OF Our NATIVE LANDSCAPE

“Tf the Friends of Our Native Landscape go down to history with no
other record to their credit than that they have led a band of nature lovers
to the country, given joy to some, and opened the eyes of others, they will
not have lived in vain.” The primary purposes of the society, however,
are twofold: First to secure and preserve for the people of today and all
future generations examples of landscape types which are fast vanishing
before the encroachment of industry: Second, to cultivate in every in-
dividual a love for the world of the open with an understanding of how
it may be enjoyed in a social way without destroying those things we want
to preserve.

To create an interest in the first object, an annual meeting of all
members of the society is held in June in some bit of primitive landscape
worthy of preservation by the state. The first of these “annual pilgrimages”
was to the White Pine Forest near Oregon, Illinois, where an original
masque by Kenneth Sawyer Goodman was enacted with a bend in the
flood plain of a picturesque creek for an amphitheater. This was in June,
1913. Succeeding pilgrimages have been to the Warren Woods near Three
Oaks, Michigan; to the Illinois Canyon near Starved Rock, and to the
Warren Dunes at Lakeside, Michigan.

But when “Autumn has flung her crimson splendor abroad,” the Friends
gather and go to the blazing dunes for the refreshment of spirit which only
broad horizons and wind-swept hill tops can give. At night they light an
enormous campfire and listen to reports from committees that have been
continuously active in promoting such work as state survey, county reserva-

tions, city reservations, public highways, school propaganda, and publicity
work.

ALGROUE OF “FRIENDS”. ON AN ‘OUTING

20 THE AU DU B-OON? BU iE. Lee ay

The organization as a whole through its leading spirits is in touch with
the conservation movement throughout the entire country, even pointing
the way to new efforts and urging and encouraging every great act from
the acquirement of National Parks, to the preservation of Stony Island,
and of wild flowers along the railroad right-of-ways. It has chapters doing
similar work in various parts of the country. The local body in Chicago
is made up of men and women from every profession and rank of life,
many of whom are prominent in the world of art, in the Universities, and
in business circles commanding wide interests, and all are determined that
the commercial vandals shall not control as amusement parks, the wooded
dunes with their rare and marvelous floral carpet, the streams with their
adjoining bluffs and headlands, ravines and canyons, the ponds and
swamps where water birds make their haunts, and all places of beauty.

The midwinter festival held by the Friends is a revelation of the beauty
of the woods at sunset in January, to many present, and in April the
pilgrimage to the crab-apple trees in blossom time is made with harp and
flute and birds, and dancing on the green.

The Board of directors recently enjoyed a trip to Savanna, IIL,
the bluffs above the Mississippi, where they were received and BoA:
by the Mayor and other public spirited citizens, and plans were made for
the organization of a new chapter to preserve the bluffs and floodlands
along the Mississippi which at that point are famous in Indian history.

The society was organized in Chicago at the City Club, April 7, 1913
and incorporated May 15, 1913. Mr. Jens Jensen has been the president
untiring throughout the three years of active propaganda work. Mr.
Eames MacVeagh is the treasurer. Mr. Sherman Booth was the first
secretary, later resigning to be succeeded by Mrs. Charles F. Pearce.

GENEVRA M. PEARCE.

THE CONSERVATION OF THE INDIANA DUNES

The movement for creating a park, state or national, to include within
its boundaries some of the most beautiful sand dune areas of Northern
Indiana, has been given considerable valuable publicity during the past few
months, and is attracting the attention of bird lovers all over the country.
Senator Thomas Taggart of Indiana, has taken an active interest in the
movement and the seventh of last September, submitted a resolution in The
United States Senate which is already bearing fruit. The resolution di-
rected the Secretary of the Interior to investigate and report to Congress at
its next session, the advisability of securing, by purchase or otherwise, ali
that portion of the counties of Lake, La Porte, and Porter, in the state of
Indiana, and bordering upon Lake Michigan and commonly known as the
“Sand Dunes,” with a view that such lands be created a national park. The
secretary was also directed to report the cost of acquiring such lands and
the probable expense of maintaining them as a part of The National Park
System. ,

The Secretary of the Interior has taken prompt action in accordance
with this resolution and on October 30, Mr. Steven T. Mather, Assistant
to The Secretary of the Interior, gave a public hearing at the Federal
Building in Chicago to all persons and organizations interested in the sand

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dunes. An entire day was given to the hearing, which attracted wide-
spread attention.

The various significant features of the Dunes, scenic, scientific and
recreational, were set forth by representatives of Chicago University, The
Academy of Sciences, and various organizations such as The Geographic
Society of Chicago, The Friends of Our Native Landscape, The Prairie
Club, and others, including, of course, The Illinois Audubon Society.
The hearing was very friendly to the project, Mr. Mather himself being
thoroughly acquainted with the dune topography, and personally very much
in sympathy with the preservation of the area as a public park.

To assist in the accomplishment of this end, a National Dune Park
Association has been organized and articles of incorporation were taken up
at Gary, Indiana, October 15th, which have been sent to the Secretary of
State of Indiana. The following directors were elected to serve for one

A MOVING DUNE

22 tA A OD UB ON: (Bo Leh Ee ile

BA Pek es om Se ee

A TYPICAL DUNE LANDSCAPE

year; A. F. Knotts, I. R. Cannon, Mrs. Frank Sheehan, J- Oo @Somen::
G. Pinneo, Gary; Dr. Stoltz, South Bend;* Prof. Bennett, Valpanaica:
T. W. Allinson, Dr. H. C. Cowles, D. W. Roper, Jens Jensen, E. L. Mil-
lard, C. A. Mitchell, Z. Baber, and E. M. Winston, I1linois.

Mr. O. M. Schantz represented The Illinois Audubon Society at the
hearing. A portion of his address is herewith appended.

BIRDS AND THE DUNES

The Mississippi Valley each spring and autumn, is the favorite route
for the migration of countless thousands of both land and water birds.
Probably nowhere on the North American continent does there take place
a greater movement of bird life than in the region tributary to the Dunes.
Thirty years ago, when the region south and east of the City of Chicago
was still a vast uncommercialized and uninhabited area, this region was a
paradise for the sportsman and market hunter. Calumet Lake, Wolf Lake,

the Big Calumet and the Little Calumet rivers and all the streams and

ponds of the region were alive with waterfowl.

Today much of this wonderful bird life is gone never to return and
where once could be seen thousands of ducks, geese and other waterfowl.
small flocks of game birds are a novel sight. While the larger land birds
have never been in as great numbers as the water birds they were once very
plentiful in the Dune region and its outskirts. Ruffed grouse, quail and
prairie chicken have been driven out by the ruthless hunter.

Nature has been very kind to the Dunes in providing a peculiarly favor-
able climate for the propagation of both plant and bird life. The tempera-
tures are never extreme either summer or winter, and except on the exposed
lake beach the winds are also moderate.

The abundance of fruit-bearing plants in the Dunes makes them par-
ticularly attractive to the thousands of the smaller migratory birds that are
so important a factor in the destruction of injurious insects. The Depart-

eo

Pints WOTS AWD UB:ON. SOCTE TY 2

ment of Agriculture at Washington, and those of the great states of Indi-
ana, Illinois, and Michigan, are continually issuing bulletins urging bird
conservation, and are instructing farmers and fruit growers as to the in-
calculable value of our native birds, as checks on injurious insects and
weeds. In connection with this education the creation of bird havens is
urged wherever possible, to be made as attractive and safe as necessary
for the re-establishment of many of our fast disappearing birds.

The present game laws in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois are no doubt
broad enough to protect the birds, if enforced. The enforcement of game
laws in many communities is, however, a dead letter, and the selling of
hunting licenses a very profitable and jealously guarded part of political
patronage. The creation of a forest preserve under Federal supervision,
automatically prohibits shooting in the territory set aside, and the Illinois
Audubon Society realizes that the creation of a National Forest Reserve in
the Dunes, would go farther to protect and conserve bird life at the head
of Lake Michigan, than all the legislation enacted by the individual states
for that purpose.

It has been demonstrated that in a remarkably short time, wild life
recognizes protection. The establishment of a Forest Reserve in the Dunes
would unquestionably restore much of the bird life that under present condi-
tions is falling an easy prey to the lawless shooter with his pump gun and
other destroying devices.

The list of birds regularly visiting the area comprising the Dunes and
the adjacent regions, is a very large one, well over 300 varieties, and the
list is often swelled by wandering visitors who are attracted by the won-
derful food supply, and the favorable climatic conditions.

While there have been set aside vast bird havens in the south and west
and on the Atlantic seaboard, for the protection of our larger waterfowl,
there is no large area in the middle west or Mississippi Valley, where the
marvelous throng of land birds whose annual migrations are among the
most wonderful phenomena of nature, can find secure resting and feeding
places while passing through our region.

THE BEACH AT THE DUNES

24 TE AU DU BON Bu Lk ein

Bird study is fast becoming a recognized and important part of the
nature study in our primary and advanced education. Adults are becom-
ing more and more interested in bird study as a recreation. Constantly in-
creasing demands are being made for illustrated lectures on birds and their
economic value. |

At the head of Lake Michigan, where has grown up one of the greatest
centers of population in the world, destined to become the greatest factor
in the industrial life of the middle west, here at almost the center of popula-
tion of the United States, are we not entitled to this breathing spot and
out-of-door school of nature for the children and adults of the future, a
school in which can be studied the botany, geology, ornithology and the
history of this great region whose physical beginnings are inseparably
linked with the glacial period of America, and whose history goes back to
the time of La Salle, Marquette and Joliet?

Give to us and the birds, the Sand Dunes of Indiana as a place of
peace, rest, recreation and national protection, where we may go to enjoy
the things that are the inherent right of both the wild life and the human
population. Where we can be invigorated by the clean north wind sweep-
ing down across over 300 miles of Lake Michigan and where we may watch
the sun rise and set without a veil of dust and smoke to hide its glory.

THE SURF ON THE DUNE SHORE

Iphone pa DLUEB-O.N »S)O.C FET Y

Refuge

(The Bird Sanctuary at Cornish, N. H.)

Every wild wing of the hunted, the harried,
Every fleet foot of the stalked, the pursued,
Every bright eye of the fearful, the followed,
Solace may find in this blithe solitude.

Here the wings fold by the peace of the water,
Here the feet pause in the woodland’s deep calm,
Here the eye rests; for the woods and the waters,
Friendly and welcoming, offer their balm.

Where the trees dip to the wide placid water,
Where the reeds bend to the stately slow tide,
Where the moon rises o’er leagues of dim woodland,
Glimmering greenly—here may they abide.
Hither they speed over moorland and mountain,
Wary and valiant, far-sighted and brave;

Hither they come at the call of compassion,
Here may they rest in the wood, on the wave.

Beautiful wings of the air and the river,
Wonderful eyes of the forest and glade,
Marvelous voices a-tune with the dawn-wind,
Welcome, ah, welcome, to sun and to shade!
Here you may have the desired, the cherished—
Only the longing in freedom to live
Here in this happy place stayed is the hand of man,
Opened the heart of man—refuge to give!

ARCHIBALD RUTLEDGE in the Outlook.

Or

26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Sportsmen, Congressmen, Audubonites and Others —

In the story of the recent campaign in Congress, given elsewhere in
this Bulletin, a list of sportsmen’s organizations in Illinois opposed to the
enforcement of the regulations of The United States Biological Survey
appears. From a memorial spread on the records of the United States
Senate, it seems that there is an Illinois Sportsmen’s League and an
Illinois Sportsmen and Game Protective League, and that there are Sports-
men’s Leagues for Madison, Marion, St. Clair, Greene, and Cass and
Schuyler counties of Illinois. ‘These various organizations have a weekly
publication known as The Illinois Sportsman of which H. C. Norcross of
Carlyle is editor and publisher. The editorials in this paper are temperate
in tone and with the editor’s conviction that the sportsmen he represents _
have a just grievance this paper and its influence will have to be reckoned
with in the near future.

HE ROUND UIPs

The Illinois Sportsman is agitating a “round-up” of sportsmen from
all parts of Illinois to take place at Springfield early in January. This
is for the purpose of effecting an organization and mapping out a program
to urge upon the attention of the legislature in the present session. Editor
Norcross contends that ‘‘the several state bodies, many county leagues
and associations, and hundreds of clubs, ranging in membership from five
to one hundred or more, all interested in either hunting or fishing,” should
send delegates to Springfield to form a compact organization, the members
of which should, after due consideration, frame a bill embodying its par-
ticular demands. With an organization of that kind behind it, he believes
that this bill would go thru the general assembly without a single solitary
change. He makes the point that in framing a measure “everything possible
must be done along the line of conservation of our wild life,” while at the
same time no effort must be spared ‘“‘to try to give the sportsmen a square
deal.”

Audubonites will naturally be interested in the “round-up” at Spring-
field, for it cannot but be a matter of concern to them what the interests
and activities of Illinois sportsmen are. They may well consider also the
conditions that make such a “round-up” possible—the existence of many
active associations all over the state. If The Illinois Audubon Society
should call for a similar “round-up” of Audubonites, where are the “‘many
active associations’ upon which it could call? Truly, the advantages
of the aggressive program are at present with the sportsmen and the
moral is plain to Audubonites. There should be organizations in every
county in the state in working relations with the State Audubon Society.
This society then, and its branches, should be prepared to codperate with
sportsmen’s organizations whenever such organizations stand for ‘‘conser-
vation of our wild life and the square deal to sportsmen.”

if

THE ‘SQUARE DEAL.”

In interpretation. of what a “square deal’”’ to sportsmen should be, the
Audubon Societies may be unable to agree with the sportsmen and they

PELIN OLS AUDUBON SOCIETY

w
~

should also be prepared for such a contingency. ‘The support Audubonites
in general have given to the program of the United States Biological
Survey where the enforcement of the Migratory Bird Law is concerned,
and the active opposition of the sportsmen’s organizations above named to
this same program, do not seem to promise unanimity of effort for the
future. But it still remains that some of the most important contentions
of the group of sportsmen under consideration are of unquestionable value,
and merit the support of Audubonites. It is true that the stand of these
sportsmen in Illinois and adjoining states in securing the enactment of
laws prohibiting the sale of game and limiting the “bag” of the hunter,
has been wholly admirable, and has made for the conservation of bird
life. They have insisted upon reserving the game for those who hunt it,
and who pay license fees to maintain the game departments of the state.
Before the sportsmen of Illinois and Missouri made it illegal to sell game
in those states, there was considerable rivalry between commission dealers
of Chicago and St. Louis as to which city was the greatest game market
in the world.

The sportsmen of the middle west want federal laws restricting the
activities of hunters and prohibiting the sale of game, so that in those
states which have not yet enacted such laws the wholesale slaughter and
shipment of game birds must cease. They claim that the marketmen
of the nation congregate in the South when the game birds have arrived
there for their winter sojourn, and that these marketmen, together with
the wealthy class of citizens that can afford to go there for sport, can
kill and ship fowl to those states which permit the importation of game,
“when killed in other states,” etc. One single shipment of one hundred
thousand mallard ducks sent to market, is cited together with the killing
of eighty thousand ducks in one single game resort during the federal
season. In opposing such conditions, Audubonites and sportsmen may well
make common cause. It can be only gratifying to Audubonites that there
is no controversy between them and sportsmen’s organizations over the
principle of bird conservation and it is hoped that they can arrive at some
common agreement as to the exact methods of attaining such conservation.

To promote clearness of statement it should be added that in the
controversy over Spring shooting, organizations of sportsmen of northern
Illinois worked aggressively in opposition to the various groups repre-
sented by the Illinois Sportsman. The Fish and Game League of Illinois
for instance, should be mentioned in this connection as effective sup-
porters of the program of the Biological Survey. This latter organiza-
tion had an important part in the preparation of the present state law re-
lating to the sale of game and the limiting of the ‘“‘bag” of the hunter.

CONGRESSMEN AND AUDUBONITES.

Here is the place to refer to the list of seventeen congressmen from
Illinois who were named as friendly to those who opposed the regulations
of the Biological Survey. Knowing that one can easily get a great deal of
‘information that ain’t true,” the editor of this Bulletin wrote each of
the seventeen congressmen for a statement of his position. A few replies
have been received to date, which are of value. Doubtless the strenuous

DS wes Tae ALU DUB ONG S Ub bE rN

campaign of the past few months acceunts for the neglect of some of the
congressmen to reply.

Congressman John C. McKenzie, writing from Elizabeth, Ill., declares
himself as strongly in favor of protecting bird life and wild fowl and
willing to support any reasonable measure at any and all times. Congress-
man Frank Buchanan of Chicago, makes a similar declaration and while
frankly admitting that he is not as well informed on the details of the
movement as he should be, offers the important suggestion that when
matters of particular interest to our society are scheduled to appear before
Congress, we drop a note to the members of Congress, explaining the
proposition and its merits. Congressman E. E. Denison of Marion, I11.,
makes a similar admission as to his lack of familiarity with the subject and
explains that his vote was the result of appeals from his constituents who
knew more about the subject than he did. There is the same implication
that our organization has not furnished him with information as to
the merits of the proposition, all of which is true. Congressman C. U.
Stone of Peoria, writes a friendly letter, showing that he approved of the
appropriation for the enforcement of the Migratory Bird Law, and Con-
gressman B. M. Chiperfield of Canton, expresses his resentment that he
should be quoted as opposing the appropriation for the Survey. Congress-
man M. B. Madden of Chicago, states that he voted for the appropriation
and assures us of his great interests in the conservation of bird life.

From all this, it is plain that, fortunately, some of our information
“ain’t so.” As Congressman W. E. Williams of Pittsfield made a speech
in Opposition to the Survey, there is no question as to his position. The
Illinois Congressmen still to be heard from as to their alleged opposition
to the appropriations are: Thos. Gallagher of Chicago, T. S. Williams
of Louisville, Chas. E. Fuller of Flora, L. E. Wheeler of Springfield,
Ff. A: Britten of Chicago, J: A. Sterling ‘of Leroy, EF. |. King }onmGales:
burg, J. D. McDermott of Chicago, W. A. Rodenberg of Chester, C. H.
Tavenner of Cordova, J. G. Cannon of Danville, W. B. McKinley of
Petersburg, and W. W. Wilson of Chicago.

Here is something for friends of bird conservation in the districts
represented by these Congressmen to do. Let us secure from the Congress-
men a statement of their position and show what is involved in the con-
troversy. In the coming session, Congress will be asked to pass an enabling
act to put into effect the provisions of the new Migratory Bird Treaty with
Canada. Here will be a good chance to secure federal legislation of the
kind we want to correct any inequality that has been the subject of just
complaint. Our Illinois Congressmen must not be quoted again as op-
posing the program in which Audubonites are interested. Let us give
them information so that they can vote right.

We are sending to each of the Congressmen from Illinois a copy of
this Winter Bulletin, with the compliments of The Illinois Audubon
Society. We invite their careful consideration of the position taken by
The [linois Audubon Society, as set forth in the preceding articles.

Bee eOr sc Aw DBO NN) SO: CLE T Y 29

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
WINTER 1916-1917
Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park.
EVERETT L. MILLARD
69 W. Washington St., Chicago.
MRS. C. E. RAYMOND

Hinsdale.
MISS CATHERINE A: MITCHELL
Riverside.
MRS. FREDERIC H. PATTEE
Evanston.

MR. O. M. SCHANTZ
10 S. La Salle St., Chicago.
VW EREDERIC H: “PATTEE
226 W. Madison St., Chicago.

LOOKING FORWARD

Looking forward, for one thing, to
the Audubon Bulletin for Spring, 1917!
The Spring, 1916, Bulletin came out so
late that some of the readers for whom
it was intended had set about their sum-
mer vacations! We had unfortunate ex-
periences with that Bulletin and some
more of the same kind with the one now
in our readers’ hands, but we have prof-
ited by all this and we think we can
safely promise the
time.

next Bulletin on
more certain of
the problems in preparing the Bulletins.
We believe more help will be available
and that more resources will be at hand

for the coming year.

The problems? Well, one of the hard-
est ones is to uncover even a fraction of
the lights that, so far as the Publication
Committee is concerned, are hidden away
under bushels. There are many good
deeds done in Illinois in an Audubon
way which we would like to set forth in
the Bulletin, but our intelligence depart-
ment is not sufficiently well equipped
to catch their glow. The Bulletin itself
is the supreme effort of the Illinois

We are now

Audubon Society to see how far its little
candle can throw its beams, and it some-
times seems that the metaphor of the
light and the bushel applies to it also.
For note what follows. During the nearly
twenty years of the existence of the IIli-
nois Audubon Society, practically all of
its directors’ meetings have been held in
Chicago. Its annual meetings have all
taken place there (in recent years at the
Art Institute), and the daily papers have
noticed the event and given space to
Yet. it
is a not infrequent occurrence that right
in Chicago, the Illinois Audubon Society

comment upon the open lectures.

and some newly organized association
with an almost identical program, discover
each other and are mutually surprised
at the other’s existence! No harm is
done, of course, since the field is big
enough for all comers, but we should
be permitted to remark that if the bushel
obscures the light (of the Illinois Audu-
bon Society) so near at hand, how dim
it must appear, say, at Danville or Cen-
tralia !

More publicity, that’s all, and more,
The Bulletin must
have more readers and contributors in
Chicago and Danville and Centralia and
at all other strategic points in Illinois.

many more members!

(All places in Illinois are equally strate-
The Society must
find active workers to represent various
portions of the state on the Board of

gic, if not more so).

Directors. Not only must we secure in-
dividual memberships, but we must en-
deavor to enroll on our membership list
whose interest we

every organization

can represent. This means women’s clubs,
conservation leagues, garden clubs, nature
study clubs, boy scout

campfire girls, ete, It

organizations,
would be fine
indeed if every school had a member-
ship and at least one wide-awake pupil
to serve as our special agent and reporter.

Let us get behind every movement for
state parks, bird refuges, forest preserves,
etc. As pointed out elsewhere the birds

30 TRE ADDU BOON] BE Ub Lane EN

are innocent beneficiaries of every such
Some have objected to the
original name of Audubon Society as
being too limited. in what it implies.
Very well, let us make it imply conserva-
tion leagues, out-door leagues, leagues for
the conservation of wild life, etc. The
birds will share in all the benefits and
find their way into the foremost affections
of the lovers of wild life and of forest
solitudes.

In this issue of the Bulletin there are
reports from the Conservation Committee
of the Federation of Women’s Clubs,
from the Conservation Council of Cook
County, The Cook County Forest Pre-
serves, and the Association for the Pres-
ervation of the Indiana Dunes.

movement.

It is pro-
posed to publish reports of a similar
nature in every issue. In the Conserva-
tion Council referred to, there has been
frequent expression of a desire to have
a publication to represent the interests
of the various organizations thus asso-
ciated. The Illinois Audubon Society in-
vites the Council to use the columns of
the Bulletin and it extends this invita-
tion to all organizations of Illinois hay-
ing similar aims.

A survey of our State showing its
hMva
group of discriminating nature lovers in
each county would undertake the local

scenic assets should be under way.

survey, the combined reports would make
valuable and very interesting reading.
For note the significance of all this when
the state law permitting counties to or-
ganize forest preserve districts is brought
to mind. A bond issue of one-tenth of
one per cent of the assessed valuation
is authorized and a maintenance tax pro-
vided for. Cook County is the first
county to avail itself of this privilege and
a report elsewhere in this Bulletin shows
the beginning of an expenditure of $12,-
000,000 for forest preserves in that county
Lake County will vote in April
on the question of issuing bonds to the
extent of $150,000 to begin the purchase

alone!

of forest lands in the Skokie Valley, a
portion of the “Waukegan Flats,’ the
Grass Lake area with its lotus beds, etc.
With similar action of this kind McLean
County might possibly make a forest
preserve of Funk’s Woods; Carroll
County might possess itself of the tow-
ering bluffs north of Savanna and of
the forested valley near Mount Carroll;
Jo Daviess County might preserve some
of its fine scenery including Charles’
Mound, the highest spot in this state.
Ogle County might purchase the famous
white pine forest near Stratford and the
beautiful open canyon of Pine Creek, and
Joliet and Will County might own Hig-
ginbotham’s Woods and the valley of
Hickory Creek, etc., etc,

Mr. Theodore Jessup in a paper read
before the Chicago Literary Club, April
10, 1916, calls attention to the specific
instances just given and then shows how
through county action the great highways
of the state might in many instances pass
through continuous county parks. He
says, for instance: “If we begin with the
Fox River in Lake County and follow
it in its windings in McHenry, Kane
and Kendall to its mouth at Ottawa in
LaSalle County, we find the roads fol-
low the stream. Sometimes they are only
a few feet away and at others a quarter
of a mile distant. Often the roads are
twenty to fifty feet above the stream.
The space between the roads and the
river was originally forested and some
surviving or second-growth trees still
mark every mile of the hundred and
fifty included. A county park scheme
would permit utilizing this river bank.
Under a forester’s care it would soon
come back forest conditions.
and
soon we would have without excessive
taxation a boulevard at small cost, beau-
tiful every mile of the way. The same
principle could be applied from Ottawa
all down the Illinois Valley to St. Louis.
Almost identical conditions exist in the

to true

State roads are now under way;

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 31

Rock River Valley, along the Kankakee,
the Sangamon, the Vermilion, and many
other streams.

It would transform the state highways
from places one wanted to get over as
quickly as possible into one long suc-
cession of delightful views, and make
lingering and slow motoring a thing to

be desired.”
* ok x

Our readers are invited to report for
the Spring Bulletin the significant areas
in their respective counties that might
well be preserved and what funds the
authorized levy would make available for
that purpose. There might also be re-
ports of areas that could at least be set
aside for bird refuges. Perhaps some
one can write us about the very inter-
esting Ozark region of southern Illinois.
Who can furnish detailed information as
to the government “zone” through which
the Illinois and Mississippi Canal runs?
This canal connecting the Illinois River
with the Mississippi is 75 miles long and
It would
seem possible to make this zone a bird
This would be a fine achieve-

ment for Audubonites living along the

has a feeder 29 miles long.
refuge.

canal zone.

The
State Park Commission may at this time

The legislature is now in session.

ask for the purchase of additional park
areas. This Commission now controls
855 acres in the Starved Rock Park and
ten acres at Fort Chartres in Randolph
County. It has urged past legislatures to
purchase the Cahokia Mound area and
also the white pine forest in Ogle County.
It may renew its request and recommend
additional areas. As soon as its program
is announced the members of the Illinois
Audubon Society will be invited to back
up that program by individual work with
our legislators. A bill appropriating
$30,000 for the purchase of the white

pine forest in Ogle County passed both
houses of the legislature in 1903, but
Governor Yates’ veto killed it. Governor
Dunne’s express statement that he would
veto any bill for the purchase of this
tract has prevented any action during
the past four years. Our new governor
has been conspicuous for his interest in
the preservation of places of scenic
beauty in the Rock River country where
his Sinnissippi farm is located. We can
be sure that Governor Lowden will give
a sympathetic hearing to any well-con-
sidered plan for conserving the scenic
assets of our state.
ee

Another March bird-census is promised
for our coming Spring Bulletin. Sup-
pose our contributors report for the
period between March 1 and March 15.
Last year’s list was very interesting and
will prove of value for use during the
corresponding period this year. For the
Bulletin we also wish reports from all
over Illinois of the results of field obser-
vations during these winter months. Es-
pecially welcome will be reports upon
success in winter feeding and attracting
of birds. invited to
send in criticisms of the bird list printed
in the Spring, 1916, Bulletin. This was
a copy of one our Society has been
distributing as a separate print.

Our readers are

Two
hundred and sixty-four different species
are therein listed with no effort to sepa-
rate the more common from the rare.
Possibly our readers will wish to add
As this list is
now arranged it is somewhat technical
and not easy to consult.

other names to the list.

Possibly a new
list can be prepared with the 100 com-
moner birds of the state named first and
the remaining species arranged as com-
paratively rare or limited in range, etc.
Our readers are invited to suggest ways

to make this list more helpful.
: re ee

32 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Boy Scouts as Conservationists

The rapid growth of the boy scout movement in the State of Illinois
is worth considering in its relation to the conservation of wild life. Almost
any intelligent boy is easily persuaded as to right and wrong of the
destruction of life, and can be enlisted with very little effort as a guardian
instead of a destroyer. That is what the teachings of the leaders in this
movement seem to accomplish.

In the sixth annual report of the boy scouts of America, a comparative
statement is given of merit badges issued. ‘The interest in bird study is
shown by the following figures: Badges given for bird study: 1911, 0;
LOU 2 eS ACP OIA SO ee TONS, “62:

In another part of the report is a picture of two hundred or more bird
houses, under the heading, “Scouts become Practical Wild Life Pro-
tectors.” The last edition of .“‘The Scouts’ Hand-book for Boys,” devotes
eight pages to bird identification, protection, photography, and the feeding
of. wild birds, written by a member of The National Association of
Audubon Societies. To this is also added a strong plea for bird protec-
tion, by W. T. Hornady, the famous naturalist.

The boy scout movement is receiving the substantial support of thinking
men and in Chicago and its environs, there are more than five thousand
scouts. [The membership in the state is about fourteen thousand, and is
increasing rapidly. Each of these bright, intelligent boys has an influence
over other boys which should result in a wide-spread interest in bird
protection.

LLNS AUDUBON: SOCTETY 33

Prize Contest for Junior Clubs

In the hope of inspiring Junior Clubs with zeal for extra effort, the
Illinois Audubon Society, in 1916, again offered valuable prizes for the
best work of such clubs and met with-much better response than the year
previous,—though still disappointing as a representative State Contest.

In reviewing the matter it is interesting to note that the clubs entering
the contest varied in size from seventy to seventeen members and that the
age of the individuals in the various clubs ranged from pupils of second
grade to those in Grammar School.

One club represented a large city school in the heart of a foreign dis-
trict. Another came from an exclusive private school in a cultured and
wealthy suburb,—while a third contrast is provided by a club consisting
of an entire Country Schoo] of pupils of all ages.

Each one of the competing clubs sent in something interesting and
worth while.

One leader from Streator reported a wigwam constructed for a feed-
ing station in winter by her Juniors and set up by permission of the au-
thorities in a public park. Another club which failed of a prize sent in
such excellent individual lists of birds identified that they deserve special
mention. These boys and girls live in St. Charles and had lists varying
from fifty-two to eighty-five. The leader of the Junior Audubon in Hins-
dale, where they won a first prize last year, submitted a fine migration list
as usual and she said that she had never had such early reports of so many
species identified from so many individuals as in 1916.

After most careful consideration of all reports and work submitted,
the committee decided that the first prize consisting of ten pairs of Bird-
glasses would have to be divided between the Roycemore School Club of
Evanston, Miss Julia Henry leader and the Junior Audubon Club of the
Gary School, Chicago, Miss Lillian Wiggins leader. The work of both
of these schools was so excellent and along such entirely different lines, that
it seemed necessary to honor them equally.

-In the award of the second prize the committee met with a similar con-
dition. Two clubs seemed equally deserving. This difficulty was met,
however, by the generous offer of the original donor to duplicate the second
prize, which consists of ten dollars’ worth of Bird books. These two prizes
will go to the Junior Audubon Club of Peoria, Miss Mildred Foster leader,
and the Buffalo Prairie Audubon Club, Mr. W. C. Harris leader.

The club from Buffalo Prairie submitted an excellent general report but
failed to supplement it with written work of any kind. One very good
idea of the leader there is to have the members of his Junior Club study the
relation of insects to bird hfe. They have a case of mounted insects speci-
mens for reference.

The Peoria Club is a very large one and in their report showed good
general work both in study and practical efforts. They also gave an espe-
cially gratifying report of their work as “‘Bird-Police.” Peoria should be-
come a bird refuge if these boys and girls continue their efforts.

The bird identification record of the Roycemore School is so unusually
good as to make city bird lovers envious. These lads and lasses had the

34 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

EXHIB OF “THE sGARY SCHOOL, JUNIOR AUDUBONTERUS

advantage of suburban surroundings with woods and hills and swamp not
far away. They took advantage of their opportunities and compiled such
a migration record that they stood highest in this particular. This club
also sent in the best specimens of literary effort yet received.

The Gary School Club of Chicago, which won the second prize in the
previous contest, made another big effort this time and as a result tied for
the first prize. The work of this club is remarkable considering their
handicap of situation, the school being located in a densely populated for-
eign district of Chicago. Their migration record is somewhat meagre
compared to those from more favored localities, but it is good considering:

Cmccstt bite hibasmniitaiaibbesige

SCENE FROM PLAY BY GARY SCHOOL JUNIOR AUDUBON CLUB

if tol wee UO BONS: OC TE TY 35

their surroundings. This club again submitted a play about the value of
birds, more ambitious in form and idea than the previous one and very
good too. Photographs were also taken of the play this time and inserted
in their record book. ‘There were also some attempts at outdoor photogra-
phy of birds presented. “They made a scrap book consisting of.clippings
from all sorts of papers and magazines, of bird articles or poems or current
news, which showed that the members of the club are alert to everything
of interest concerning birds that comes within reach. Another thing worthy
of mention is the fact that this club sent its report bound into attractive
book form with an effective cover design. Perhaps most noteworthy of all is
their modest report of missionary efforts on their part, not only with
individuals but in helping to form bird clubs in other schools.

Honor is due to all the clubs that competed for the prizes. Their re-
ports show good work and prove most interesting. But the committee
regrets to announce that the interest created by the offer of the prizes has
not been sufficiently widespread to justify the expenditure in this direction
again, and it has been decided to discontinue the prizes.

BERTHA TRAER PATTEE, Secretary.

Juvenilia

Among the material submitted in the Prize Contest by the Roycemore
School Club, were the following compositions which seem worthy of repre-
duction here. Too long to print was a story ‘The Oriole” by Margaret

Kelley (age 8 years), remarkable for its imaginative quality and its com-
position.

The Yellow Warbler’s Nest.
PAULINE D. RupotpH. (Age 11 Years)

On June 14, my brother brought home a yellow warbler nest with a cowbird’s egg
in it and a yellow warbler’s. He brought it home because the birds had gone away
from it and the eggs were cold. He was going to put it in his egg collection. In
doing so he squeezed it a little bit and he heard something crack. He took the nest
apart and found a layer of cowbirds eggs and yellow warbler eggs. Then another
layer of cowbird’s eggs and yellow warbler eggs and then the bottom and that had
some cowbird’s eggs and yellow warbler eggs.

The statements in this account are confirmed by Mrs. Franklin
Rudolph who saw the nest with four layers of eggs.
Roycemore School. JULIA HENRY.

In the. Evening
By Betty SARGENT. (Age 9 Years)

At night the birds sing softly,

To lull their babies to sleep, .
And in their nests so lofty

They sing, “Peep, peep, peep.”
The bluebird sings a lullaby

Of flowers gay and bright,
The Robin in her nest so high

Sings, “Sleep, it is now night.”
Each bird has a lullaby,

And if you'll listen you'll see
That birds whether low or high,

Sing, “Chee, chee, chee.”

36 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Canoe as an Aid to Bird Study

I wonder how many of the rank and file of Nature lovers realize what
a valuable aid to bird study the canoe is?

In addition to its own peculiar charm to the lover of the out of doors,
it has as many or more advantages over other water craft as a saddle
horse has over other land conveyances. Like the horse it will go easily
to places where others of its own field would not even be considered.
One would not be able to employ the heavy skiff or power boat to explore
shallow, winding creeks or river bottoms (where a light portable boat is
needed to get around fallen timbers and through short stretches of wood-
land to nearby sloughs) any more than one would use an automobile, wagon
or bicycle to reach the summit of a steep hill in a broken and trackless
wilderness. ;

Any student of bird life knows that in just such places as those men-
tioned above, are to be found the greatest number of our birds. A strong,
active man, who is not afraid of a little physical exertion, can, alone and
unaided, explore, with a canoe, every slough, bayou and creek in a certain
strip of river bottoms, where it would require at least two men and a team
of horses to portage a row boat, and a power boat would be useless.

To get a great deal out of one’s canoe, however, it is not necessary to
do any portaging to otherwise inaccessible places. It is especially easy
on small streams to glide along close to the willows, and observe the birds
along the edge, almost before they are aware of your presence and on
open water the birds may be approached very closely before they take
alarm, if care is exercised in paddling. If one wishes an observation
blind, the boat may be easily covered with suitable vegetation (where it
would be impossible to build a shore blind) thus giving new opportunities
for observation. Another great convenience is: one can carry along as
much, or as little, as he wishes to add to his comfort or efficiency as a
Naturalist. The real canoeist has solved the problem of being more com-
fortable on the least amount of comforts than any of the outdoor people
unless it is the fellow who carries all his camping supplies on his back
when he takes to the wilderness. ‘The bird student may thus carry with
him only his day’s supplies and necessities, or he may go out for a few
days, or a month, camp near his chosen territory, and with his canoe,
camera and note book, explore every bit of river, swamp and woodland
within a wide radius of his base of supphes. In the spring, when the
rains swell the rivers until they flood the adjacent woodlands, marshes
and meadows, one may float on the flood among the trees where the ducks
are feeding, through the thickets where the chickadees and the tree spar-
rows are singing, as silently as our dear neighbor’s cat stalks the robin —
whose nest is just outside our bed-room window. A canoe will also
carry a rifle very conveniently, and will approach just as noiselessly, the
cat with a taste for birds as it will the birds themselves. I have found
that a rifle shot when used to the best advantage, will frighten a bird
away from an impending cat without the cat ever knowing anything
about it. 3

I doubt if there is a more slandered object in America than the canoe.
There is a large class of people who would like to read a funeral service

Piet Ores ree ON, 6.0 CLE TY 37

Over everyone entering a canoe, for they never expect to see his body
again. Even a fool in a canoe has a better chance of returning than
a wise man in an automobile, for the one in the boat has only himself to
look after while the one in the auto is as much in danger from his fellow
autoist as from his own action. What is a fool in a canoe? Primarily,
he is the same fool who goes out in a small boat of any kind, on
deep or dangerous waters, alone, without first learning to swim. If he
cannot swim, he is as safe in a canoe as in an auto. I have been an active
canoeist for eleven years and have had to swim for self-preservation but
three times. Two of these times I was sailing my canoe in half a gale,
the other time was in a wind storm where even an expert should have
stayed ashore.

On September 2, 3 and 4, while taking a trip from Pecatonica to
Rockford, I1l., on the Pecatonica and Rock rivers, I observed without
the use of a glass, while passing by without stopping to study them, the
following: Black Tern, two species of Ducks, three species of Herons,
species of Sandpipers, Killdeer, Mourning Dove, two species of Hawks,
Screech Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Kingfisher, four species of Wood-
peckers, Night Hawk, Chimney Swift, Kingbird, Phoebe, Blue Jay, Crow,
Baltimore Oriole, Bronzed Grackle, Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, Cedar
Waxwing, Grinnell’s Waterthrush, American Redstart, Catbird, White-
breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee and Robin. A good share of the time
the weather was dubious and we were so pressed for time, that I could
not stop to observe and identify them as I would have liked to do. With
a glass and a little spare time I could have swelled this list to fifty or
sixty as there were many warblers and other small birds that could not

be classified under existing conditions.
{> C- Naw Duzer.

38 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Western Meadowlark at Rockford

The western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) up to a few years ago
was entirely unknown in the region around Rockford. A few bird lovers,
who had seen this bird in their travels, recognized it by its notes here two
or three years ago and it became almost a point of honor to travel north
of town to hear this very desirable songster. When silent, it still remained
a difficult matter to distinguish between the local meadowlark and the
newcomer, and even now few of us care to make definite identification
without the telltale song.

One, who speaks with authority and enjoys the third decade of life,
however, avers that the western meadowlark was a familiar summer
resident around Roscoe, also on Rock River and twelve miles north of
Rockford. ‘This meadowlark was known there for many years and pre-
dominated over Sturnella Magna Magna. However, the newcomer in these
parts had made a deep impression and found favor with local bird lovers
and many returned from their field trips with data, establishing this bird
in new fields.

The first authentic nesting site was found just north of Love’s Park,
on Rock River, and three miles north of the city limits of Rockford, and
later on at.the Country Club, and one mile north of our city. The notes

of the western meadowlark were next heard just south of the city limits.

This spring resident birds were located in all of these places, also one mile due east
of the city, one-half mile south of the city limits, four miles southwest of the city on
the west side of Rock River and a little later on several birds were heard during the
nesting season twenty-two miles southwest of Rockford.

Thus it can be seen that this species is spreading rapidly. Vhe extremely wet
season unquestionably has checked the spread to a certain extent. Last year the
notes of the western meadowlark were heard November 7 and a personal impression
prevails that this species has a long season of song.

North of the city it is a common occurrence to see two meadowlarks sitting on
neighboring fence posts, one singing the old familiar song, which is immediately entirely
drowned out by the explosive and resonant notes of its western relative.

Pau B. Rus,
President Nature Study Society of Rockford.

Oriole’s Nest and Baby’s
Ring.

Photo by W. B. Howe.

The baby’s ring was found by
a Baltimore oriole, probably on
a sidewalk where it had been
dropped out of the baby’s cab.
The bird was attracted by the
string attached to the ring. This
had been tied about the baby’s
wrist to hold the ring in place but
had become unfastened, and the
ring had dropped off. The oriole
picked up the string and wove it
securely into the side of the nest,
allowing the ring to swing free.
After the birds left the nest the
nest was removed from the tree
to be preserved as a curiosity.

PELoI Worse DUBON. SOCIETY 39

Unusual Birds Along the Mississippi River Near Quincy

For a number of years I have been keeping a record of birds which
visit this vicinity and my efforts have been rewarded and my interest
increased by the occasional appearance of some arctic, tropical or western
visitor which seldom is or which never before has been reported.

Probably the most unusual northern bird recorded in this vicinity
was the Labrador Duck. A number of years ago, when ducks were hunted
for and sold openly in the market, a collector from the Smithsonian
Institute happened in a duck shop and found a rarity—a Labrador Duck
hanging, ready to be sold.

“Got any more like this one?” anxiously inquired the collector.

“Had three but just sold two beauties to a couple of fishermen who
live in a shanty-boat down two miles on the point,” was his reply.

The collector rented a launch which rapidly chugged its way to the
fishermen’s shack. In he rushed to find the latter standing before a stove
frying two carcasses which had been the much desired specimens.

“Are those the ducks you just bought up town?”’ inquired the Smith-
sonian man.

“Yep,” was the reply.

“Well, I’m sorry, for you are eating up $1,000 worth of ducks which
Uncle Sam wants, but I can’t pay you unless the carcasses have feathers
on. Good day.”

From the far Southland appeared the Roseate Spoonbill which was
first reported by Mr. Otho Poling of Quincy. This bird appeared about
eight years ago after a number of days of continual strong south wind.
It was seen by a number of local sportsmen but never has it reappeared.
No doubt the continual south wind forced it this far north.

From the westland we have recorded the Oregon Junco, and White-
headed Woodpecker, Harris Sparrow, and one fall the beautiful Western
Grebe was much more numerous than our common “Hell Diver,” or Pied-
billed Grebe.

Another unusual guest appeared last week. I was in the densest of
our lowland oak woods when far away—nearly a mile—I heard the tattoo
of some large woodpecker upon a particularly resonant hollow limb. My
companion remarked that if he were near town he would think it a trip
hammer.

I had an idea of what it was, for hunters had told me of a huge
woodpecker up in the islands the previous winter. After the big noise oc-
curred, dozens of smaller members of that family would nearly bounce their
little heads off trying to rival the noise made by the larger bird. Naturally
these conditions appealed to me as a bird lover—and imagine my added
delight upon coming near a huge oak tree to discover a beautiful Northern
Pileated Woodpecker, a huge bird which would have measured from my
elbow to my finger tips, perched on a limb, high in the tree and as I
approached, he beat a challenging tattoo, his red-crested head bouncing
back and forth like a trip hammer for sure. He was the first I had ever
seen and the first to be reported in Illinois, I believe, in a number of years.

Other birds come here as irregular migrants such as: the Bohemian

eee eee

40 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Waxwing, Evening Grosbeak, and many rare Warblers, so the student
along the Mississippi River may at all seasons expect unusual migrants if
he will but watch for them. T. E. MUSSELMAN.

From the Wilson Bulletin

In the Wilson Bulletin for December, 1916, there are some interesting notes
on the fall migrations of 1916 in the Chicago area by Jas. D. Watson and
Edmund Huesberg, from which the following excerpts are taken.

There are several birds which are on a decided increase in this region,
these being the Tufted ‘Titmouse, Carolina Wren, and Cardinal. The Tit-
mice were first noted in any great numbers during the winter of 1915-16,
and since then have been seen very often. On August 14, 1916, eight
of these birds were observed at Riverside, two or three from all appear-
ances being young birds. ‘This leads to the conclusion that they may have
nested in the vicinity.

The Carolina Wren, although it has been of regular occurrence in
the past, did not become common until August of this year. Since then
we have noted it in many different localities, chiefly on account of its
being in full song. The Cardinal has been very common this year and is
undoubtedly increasing in the Chicago area. ‘These three birds are clearly
extending their range northward.

Among the strictly migrants, the Red-breasted Nuthatch, Myrtle
Warbler, and Rusty Blackbird have been more abundant than usual this
fall.

On September Ist the American Crossbills appeared and have been
numerous since that time. On October 21 the Redpolls put in an
appearance, which is unusually early. Last Saturday, November 4, a
flock of ten were watched for a long time at Riverside. They were
exceedingly tame. White-throated Sparrows have been entirely absent
this fall.

The Bachman Sparrow and Lark Sparrow were both found to be
breeding here this last summer (1916).

Shrike’s Nest.

Photo by W. B. Howe.

This is typical of the nests the
loggerhead builds in _ thickets
along country roads. The one
shown was built in a bit of osage-
orange hedge and the usual lin-
ing of white chicken feathers can
be seen in the picture. On ac-
count of such prickly locations
few photographers have tried to
picture the interior of the nest of
this species.

be Gh tO Ss «AUDUBON .S'OCIE TY 41

Concerning the State Game and Fish Commission

An article in the Spring Bulletin on the enforcement of the bird pro-
tection laws in Illinois has called forth a friendly protest from the State
Game and Fish Commission and a statement of the attitude of the Com-
mission toward the work of the protection of the non-game birds which
should encourage all interested in Audubon work. In its statement the
assertion is made that no other agency has done so much for the non-game
and insectivorous birds of Illinois as has this Commission, and it cites as
evidence of this, its inauguration of the plan of creating refuges for non-
game, as well as game birds. It therefore protests against the impression
given in the article mentioned that the Commission is not doing as much
for the non-game birds of the state as it might do or should do. That that
criticism was implied in the article must be admitted, but it was explained
in that connection that such a state of affairs was due to the lack of ener-
getic interest shown by Audubonites in the passage and administration of
bird protection laws, one criticism thus offsetting the other.

It is evident from the statement of the Commission that it is unwilling
that its activity in looking after the protection of non-game birds should be
gauged by its published reports which contain but slight reference to that
work. This is a matter entirely within the hands of the Commission, but
since Audubonites as well as sportsmen are reading its reports and looking
_ therein for matter of particular interest to them, it would seem well for
the Commission to give publicity to the wider activities which have in view
the protection of all the feathered wards of the state. Anyway, the pro-
test of the present Commission against implied criticism of lack of interest
in the welfare of song birds is encouraging. It indicates that the song and
insectivorous birds, as well as the game birds, have friends at court.

With reference to the claim of the Commission of having advanced con-
structive measures, it should be said that the Commission should be given
credit for the bird sanctuary provision in the law which went into effect
June, 1915. This law places Illinois in the front rank with such states as
Pennsylvania, and Minnesota and two or three others which have passed
legislation of this sort.

The measure referred to confers upon the Commission, power and au-
thority to establish bird and game reservations or refuges in any county in
the state where it shall be deemed necessary for protection and propagation
of game and as a refuge or sanctuary for song and insectivorous birds, the
land for such reservations to be leased at a nominal rental of one dollar per
year for each parcel. On such reservations the commission may have
planted any suitable grain for bird and game food, not to exceed five acres
for each one thousand acre reservation, and may pay a rental usual and
customary for similar lands in the vicinity. It will thus be seen that The
Game and Fish Commission of Illinois has performed an important service
for the song and insectivorous birds, as well as the game birds of Illinois.
As yet only a few such reservations have been established. It has been
necessary to move slowly in order to get a useful body of experience in
such work, but it is believed that these reservations will be found practical
for both game and non-game birds and that a further development of the

42 Dae E SAUD UB OUN. | BU Lehane

project will be simple. ‘The reservations established nearest Chicago in-
clude one of one thousand acres in Cook County between Oak Park and.
Harvey, one in Lake County near Round Lake, and one each in Will and
Kankakee Counties.

The actual results already accomplished by the Commission are, accord-
ing to the commissioners themselves, really insignificant when compared
with the worth of the foundation laid for future activities. If the plan of
conservation already initiated shall be locally developed, Illinois will have
in time, an effective and economic system for the protection of non-game
birds.

As the Commission points out, this bird reservation plan is peculiar in
its radical departure from other plans of bird reservations. Instead of
having a few large and expensive reservations, the plan contemplates a
reservation in each county. It is found to be a simpler matter to establish
these state bird reservations than might be supposed. Farm owners find
it of value to have the state post their land, and place it under the surveil-
lance of game wardens. Much as the farmer may want to keep people
off his land, he is slow to risk a quarrel with his neighbors who like to
wander about with a gun, but when his land is leased to the state, he can
truthfully say that the matter is entirely out of his hands.

The State Game and Fish Commission regards these state sanctuaries
as great opportunities for Audubonites. It calls attention to the fact that
a local organization in each county of the state where there are reservations
could promote the propagation of birds in that county. This work might
be enlarged to take in the forest preserves of the state. Officials in charge
of such county forest preserves as have been established could no doubt be
encouraged to plant suitable trees and shrubs that furnish food for the
birds. They would most likely encourage the putting up of bird houses in
such reservations. All this work of providing food and assistance in propa-
gation would require the expenditure of considerable energy but of very-
little money. It is largely a matter, according to the Commission, of good
organization. County organizations could be federated into a state organi-
zation and the work carried on in a systematic manner at a comparatively
small cost. Moreover such an organization could influence further desir-
able legislation.

The suggestion of the Commission as to organization and federation
among Audubon Societies is timely. Organization and federation are just
what this Bulletin advocates. That is why it exists. The members of the
Commission can be sure, on the other hand, of the friendly interest of the
Bulletin and its readers in all their activities. Audubonites will welcome
further suggestions from the Commission.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 43

News From the Field

ALTON: The Alton Bird Club, one of the three largest organiza-
tions of this kind in the state, affiliated with the Illinois Audubon Society,
has been responsible recently for an active campaign for bird interest
in the public schools of Alton.

A lecturer was engaged for a week to arouse interest in the subject
and talks were given in every school. As a result many Junior Audubon
Clubs have been formed, and a large number of members enrolled.
Memberships in the Illinois Audubon Society were presented to sixteen
principals of the local schools by the Bird Club.

This was an unusual piece of constructive work, generously and wisely
done, which ought to spread information and promote interest in a rapid
and systematic manner. The directors of the Alton Bird Club are evi-
dently a progressive and wide awake group of people. Miss Eunice C.
Smith is one of the most devoted supporters of the movement. _

CHARLESTON: The forty boys that belong to Troop I, of the
Charleston boy scouts under scoutmaster, Clarence Huffman, in their
frequent hikes, have learned to know many of the birds. Last June they
took a one hundred and forty mile trip in boats down the Embarrass River
(pronounced am-braw, gentle reader) to the mouth and then up the
Wabash to Vincennes, and on the way they learned much about the
life of birds along the river. ‘Their scoutmaster expects to have an ex-
hibition of bird-houses next spring.

A bulletin issued some years ago by the Eastern Illinois Normal School
at Charleston entitled “Bird Study in the Rural School,” by Professor
T. L. Hankinson, has gone through two editions and the demand for it
continuing, a third edition has been authorized. Professor Hankinson has
taken this opportunity to revise and enlarge the bulletin for the new issue
which is now going through the press. Anyone desiring a copy of the
bulletin should address the Eastern [Illinois Normal School.

CHICAGO: An organization calling itself ‘“The Chicago Bird Con-
servation League,”’ with its activities centering about Rogers Park, numbers
among its members some unusually enthusiastic workers and is doing efh-
cient work. One of the Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society was on
the program at one of its recent meetings in the auditorium of the Arm-
strong School.

The Wilson: Ornithological Club held its annual meeting at the Morri-
son Hotei, Chicago, on December 27 and 28, 1916. Among the Illinois
members present were Prof. Frank Smith of Urbana, Prof. T. L. Hankin-
son of Charleston, Mr. Ruthven. Deane of Chicago and Prof. R. E.
Wager of De Kalb. T. C. Stephens of Sioux City, lowa, is president
of the Club. The official organ is the Wilson Bulletin, published quarterly,
Prof. Lynds Jones of Oberlin, Ohio, editor.

ae THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

At the Chicago meeting, Prof. Frank Smith read a paper entitled,
The Relation of Migratory Flights of Birds to Weather Conditions.
Prof. Wager gave some observations on the Breeding Habits of the
Night Heron. Miss Charlotte Weatherill of Elgin reported on an ecology
trip on the coast of Washington and Prof. Eifrig of River Forest gave
a record of field observations in the Chicago area for 1916.

ROCKFORD: The Nature Study Society has published a well
planned program, varied and interesting, with meetings running through
the year. It is so suggestive that we venture to reprint a portion of
it, believing it may be inspiring to other organizations.

January 6, Field Trip to Black Hawk Park—‘Winter Birds.”

January 15, 7:30 p. m., Stereopticon—‘‘Bird Lecture.” O.M. Schantz.

February 3, Field Trip to Sinnissippi Park—‘Winter Buds.” Agnes
Brown. ;

Hebruany 195 77-230 p- m.—‘Indian Relics of Our Region.” Frank
Pell,

March 3, Field Trip to Keith Creek—General Interests.

March 19, 7:30 p..m.—“Origin of Birds.” Paul B. Riis.

April 7, Field Trip to West Side Cemetery—“Bird Migrations.”

ROCKFORD: ‘The most noteworthy action of the Nature Study
Society of Rockford this year was to form a bird club, to be known as
the ‘‘Audubon Society of Rockford.” This club supersedes the former
bird committee, which was previously a division of the Nature Study
Society. It enables bird lovers to join this Audubon Society alone but
also entitles them to an associate membership in the Nature Study Society.

It is hoped to complete the organization with the advent of cold weather.
This Audubon Society contemplates to finish the migration data now under
preparation and also add the nesting dates for this region. Further,

they hope to open an educational campaign among the school children to ~

protect birds and build bird boxes. The Society also expects to get back
of every move in the interest of bird life, local, state or national and
support it. Individuals and corporations will be encouraged and sup-
ported in establishing bird sanctuaries. A bird exhibit will be arranged
for later on, for which an adequate display room has already been engaged.

The work is to be carried on entirely along constructive lines and
with a membership composed of the foremost local authorities on bird life,
the success of the Society is assured. Mr. J. C. Van Duzer is chairman.

PAUL B. Rats;
President Nature Siny Society of Rockford, Ill.

ROCK ISLAND: On the program of the annual Institute for Rock
Island County teachers, space was reserved for the work of the Rock
Island County Bird Club. The President of the Club, Mr, Burtis@ae
Wilson, gave an address before the six-hundred teachers in attendance.
Nearly all of the teachers are members 6f the Club. Its members are pre-
paring for an active winter. They are hoping to establish many new
feeding stations all over the county. This Club wired both of our Senators
urging them to vote for the ratification of the bird treaty with Canada.

ILL Otis 2URDUBON SOCTETY 45

SOMONAUK: The pride of the countryside in this area is an almost
continuous belt of woodland which extends along Somonauk Creek for a
distance of fifteen miles or more. ‘There is typical bottom-land timber
with fine large trees and on the higher ground there are occasionally almost
pure stands of hickory in fine, healthy condition. Some of the property
owners and other interested persons are trying to work out a plan for the
permanent preservation of the woodland and its formal incorporation into
a bird sanctuary. Mr. O. M. Schantz, President of the Illinois Audubon
Society was invited to help in arousing public interest and on Nov. 23, he
addressed a large audience at Somonauk, his theme being the economic
value of bird life and the preservation of forest areas.

STREATOR: A keen interest in birds, which has long existed in
this community has been especially evident recently. Miss Marion
Hoadley lends enthusiasm to Junior Club work in the schools, and through
her enterprise a stereopticon lecture on birds was recently given in the
High School, with the aid of the Society’s slides.

The Parent-Teachers Club of the Plumb School, of which one of
the leading spirits is Mrs. Roy Sexton, has planned an interesting and
comprehensive program of Nature Study. ‘Trees, shrubs, flowers, ferns
and birds all have a special place on the program, and the enterprise
should prove a most profitable one for the community. The January meet-
ing was devoted to birds, and the large audience which assembled found
much pleasure in the beautiful bird portraits thrown on the screen with
the assistance of the Society’s slides.

SYCAMORE: Rev. G. H.. Ashworth, the enterprising pastor of
the Universalist church of Sycamore, gave two Sunday evening pro-
grams to the subject of birds, using the slides furnished by the Illinois
Audubon Society. He is endeavoring “to make his community better
acquainted with the birds and the nature of their service to man.”

VIRDEN: A feature of the very successful “institute” conducted by
the Woman’s Club and the Corn Clubs of Virden was a lecture on bird life
and its economic importance by Mr. O. M. Schantz of Chicago. This was
illustrated by lantern slides selected from the ‘“‘traveling sets” owned by the
Illinois Audubon Society. Virden is in the midst of a very fine farming
country in “the corn belt’? where Osage orange hedges and trees planted
for wind breaks and for shelter about houses constitute most of the refuges
for birds that haunt wooded areas.

WAUKEGAN: A lecture by Harold Baynes here early in September
awakened fresh interest in organized work which has resulted in a per-
manent organization with Mrs. Elam Clarke as President and Mr. W. F.
Lyon as Secretary-Treasurer. A Board of Directors has been named and
by-laws for the club adopted. The club has set itself two special tasks,
one having to do with the organization of Junior work in all the schools of
Waukegan. As a “starter” a copy of Baynes’ ‘“‘Wild Bird Guests” has
been presented to each of the schools to be used as a sort of textbook for

46 TH E-AU DUS ON: Usb Er TN

this work. ‘The co-operation of the Superintendent of Schools and of each
of the Principals has been promised. ‘The other special task referred to is
concerned with the incorporation into a bird sanctuary of a portion of the
“Waukegan Flats” and of the wooded ridges overlooking the Flats. This
is an unusually interesting beach-plain area which is bordered by low sand
dunes and corrugated by sand ridges which represent bar deposits left by
the ancient glacial Lake Chicago. Here is a marsh and prairie flora com-
ing right up to a sandy area dotted with pines, all of this within easy reach
of the city. The Waukegan Bird Club is fortunately situated.

WELDON: Miss Margaret Isenhour, an enthusiastic teacher of
Weldon, is tireless in her efforts to encourage bird and nature study
among her pupils. She has borrowed one of the traveling libraries of
bird books, and one of the sets of color prints of one hundred Illinois
birds from the Society. She secured a duplicate set of the color prints,
which were mounted by her energetic pupils and herself, for the perma-
nent use of her school. An Arbor and Bird Day program and exhibi-
tion was given in October, for which a small admission fee was charged.
Enough money was realized to buy a new Victrola for the school, and
they secured with it a number of good bird song records. 2

Recent Bird Literature
NEw Birp Booxs

“Birds and Man,” Hudson, $2.25.

“Birds in Their Relation to Man,’ Weed and Dearborn, $2.50.

“Study of the Structure of Feathers with Reference to Their Taxonomic Significance,”
Chandler, $2.00.

“Travels of Birds,’ Chapman, $0.40.

“Structure of the Fowl,” Bradley, $1.25.

“Plantation Bird Legends,” Martha Young, $1.50.

“The Bird House Man,” Walter Prichard Eaton, $1.35.

‘““Chickadee-dee and His Friends,” Lyle Ward Sanderson, $1.25.

“Witte bird Blue,” We is Finley and i, Binley, S075:

“Laittle Gray Sparrow, EE. Be Stuart, $0:35-

) Bird) Priends,4 iG, HLlratton, 62.00.

“Year with the Birds,” A. E. Ball, $3.00.

“Field Ornithology of Birds of Eastern North America,’ C. J. Maynard, $2.15.

“Bobby, A New York Robin,’ H.C. Denslow, $0.50.

“Bird Poems,” M. A. Davis, $1.00.

“Bird Houses Boys Can Build,” A. F. Siepert, $0.50, Manual Arts Press.

ARTICLES IN MAGAZINES AND JOURNALS, MAY—SEPTEMBER, 1916

“Among the Winged Builders with a Camera,’ S. M. Kane. I]. Country Life, 30:62,
July, 716.

“Are Our Birds Decreasing or Increasing?” Henry Oldys, Amercian Music Jour-
mals NO:

“Bird Day,’ Alabama Dept. of Game and Fish, 16.

“Birds’ Feet and Legs,’ Home Progress, 5 :413-14, May, ’16.

“Bird Garden,” F. Biehler. I]. Woman’s Home Companion, 43:26, May, ’16.

“Bird Neighbors; How to Study Birds,’ I. G/ Barsen. JI!. Country Lite? 30552
May, ’16. Monthly beginning in May. /

“The Birds of North and Middle America,” Ridgway.

A—Part VII; Bulletin of U. S. National Museum, No. 50.

“Bird Protective Laws and Their Enforcement,’ T. G. Pearson, American Mus. Jour-
nak JViay, 16.

[Lit ALOrs AUDUBON SOCIETY 47

“Birds to Save Countless Dollars a Year,’ R. H. Moulton. Il. St. N. 43:651-3,
May, ’16.

“Birds’ Tails’ Home Prog. 5 :506-7, Jan., 716.

“Birds’ Wings,” Home Prog. 5 :461-3, Jan., 716.

“Birds as Travelers,” F. M. Chapman. Il. St. N. 43:846-9, July, ’16.

“Bird Notes from the Chicago Area,” H. L. Stoddard. Il. Auk. 33, P. 328, July, ’16.

B—‘Bobolinks’ Journey,” E. G. Chapin, Home Prog., 5 :405-6.

“Bird Watching and Biological Science.”

“Some Observations on the Study of Courtship in Birds,” J. S. Huxley, Auk. 33,
E 250,, July; ’16.

CG “Changes in the A. O. U. Check List of N. A. Birds,” Auk. 33, P. 425, Qct., 16,
May, 716

“The Chipping Sparrow,” N. Miller, Bird Lore, May, ’16.

“Chipping Sparrow,” C. J. Stanwood. Ils. Country Life, 30:52, July, ’16.

“College Graduation Thesis as a Method of Bird Study,” Henry J. Fry, Bird Lore,

July, °16.

“Breeding of the Prairie Horned Lark,’ H. Mowsley. Auk. 33, P. 281, July, 716.

“Control of Cats in Montclair, N. J.” Bird Lore, May, ’16.

“Cultivating An Acre to Birds,’ O. Crooker. Ils. Garden, 23:328-9, July, ’16.

“A Domestic Tragedy,” Julia Moesel, Bird Lore, May, 16.

“The Domestic Cat,” E. H. Forbush, Economic Biology, Bull. No. 2, Mass. State
Board of Agriculture.

“Dissemination of Virginia Creeper Seeds by English Sparrow,” Bartle T. Harvey,
The Plant World.

“Economic Ornithology in Recent Entomological Publications.’ Auk. 33, P. 448,
Oct. 16;

“English Sparrow,” Ishmael H. Whipple, Country Life, 30:122. May, 716.

“The Glory of a Man Who Has Killed over 4,000 Hawks in His Lifetime,” J. W.

Jacobs. (Strong exploitation of the value of hawks.)

“The Hermit Thrush,” E. H. Crosby, Bird Lore, May, ,’16.

“The Hills,’ C. W. Beebe, Atlan., 117 :774:83, July, 716.

“Hummingbirds’ Home,” F. A. Merriam, Home Prog. 5 :409-11, May, °16.

“Insect Migrations as Related to Those of Birds,’ H. J. Shannon, Scientific Monthly,
Sept., 716.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
Application for Membership

Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society,
and beimg in Sympathy with them, I wish to become a................
member of the Society.

ne DIST cod RAD: Ae BARES A
PAE SS eal Nee MENA ee Sra keke.” fad ay Boles dane 5
ND ds eRe eI eee thes Ae rica y SERN aaa, 5 ably abc's
CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP
Life Memberships = =» -= = .$100:00. No annual dues
Sustaining Memberships - - - $25.00. No annual dues
Contributing Memberships- -— - $5.00. Annually
Active Memberships - - - - $1.00. Annually

All members receive the publications of the Society.

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Treasurer, Miss Amalie Hannig,
800 South Halsted Street, Chicago.

}
H

48 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

“Making Birds at Home in a Museum,” R. H. Moulton, Ils. Craftsman, 30:325-9,
July ’16.

“Nesting Days,’ G. T. Pearson, Country Life, 30:52, June, °16.

“Official List of Generic Names,’ Smithson, Inst. Publ. 2409.

“Our Bird Architects,” R. L. Honeyman, Ils. St. N. 43:655-6, May, 716.

“Pete, Story of an Adopted Robin,” W. H. Munson, Bird Lore, May ,’16.

‘Publications on Bird and Game Preservation.” Auk. 33, P. 450. Oct., ’16

“Proposed Regulations for the Protection of Migratory Birds.” FEorbush 8th Annual
Report as State Ornithologist of Mass.

“The Redstart,” F. G. Pearson, Bird Lore, May ,16.

“Robins at Home,” D. L. Fish, Bird Lore, May, ’16.

“Shakespeare as a Bird. Fancier.” Ils. Lit. Digest, 52:1632-3, June, 716.

“Snapping the Backyard Birds,” P. H. Dowling, Bird Lore, May, ’16.

“Snapping Baby Birds; Photographs.” Outing, 68:243-7, June, 716.

“Some Experiences in Attracting Birds—The Nesting of a Red-breasted Nuthatch,”
H. S. Shaw, Jr., Bird Lore, May, 16.

“Some Stories of the Parasitic Cowbird,” Country Life, 30:68, June, ’16.

“Some Experiments on Protective Coloration, ¥ ey lie Young, Jour. Exper. Zool. XX.

“Some Tiny Eggs,” W. K. Putney. Ils. St. N. 43:657, May, 716.

“A Successful Bird Exhibit,” F. Greenwood, a Lore, July, °16.

“Hen Excellent Birds—Good Friends of the Farmer.” Craftsman, 30 :220-1, May, ’16.

“The Veery,’ T. G. Pearson, Bird Lore, July, 716.

“Welcome the Thrushes, Robins and Bluebirds,’ Garden Magazine, 23:272, May, ’16.

“Wild Bird Music; Individuality of Bird Songs,’ H. Oldys, Home Prog., 5:453-5,
June, °16.

“Word on the Nesting Habits of Nuthatches,’ Home Prog., 5:412-13, May, ’16.

“The Years Junior Audubon Results.” Bird Lore, July, °16.

MAKE YOUR GARDEN SING

Lloyds in London will insure your
garden party against rain—But they
can’t compete with “Bird Insurance”
in your garden. ‘Trees, plants,
shrubs or vegetables, all are guar-
anteed under “The Food and Shelter
Act” of the Bird Lover.

The little child or the

scientific agriculturist
has an equal chance
to invite and retain
feathered wardens. — Wrenor Chick-a-dee House $1.50

Evans Bros. will help you to see and hear all
about homes, shelters and food—Send for Illus-
trated Folder of houses and interesting information.

Chick-A-Dee —The ti 230 Main Street

BirdFood Universal FOV ANS BROS., Evanston, ILLINOIS

SE ates and Bird Books

We make bird houses and bird-
feed boxes. Moderate prices.
We deal in new and second-
hand bird books and will take

orders for any book wanted.

Write for circular

Boston Bird House and Bird Book Company

Room 30, 162 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass.

ihe distrations in. the Audubon
Bulletin are made by the

Barnes-Crosby Company

Engravers and Illustrators

_ 226 W. Madison St. “= fe Chicago

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(tee , Sng -

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“ee 7 — cranes

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READ BLUE-BIRD

FOR ALL INTERESTED IN WILD
BIRDS AND THEIR
PRESERVATION

Published monthly (except July and August) in co-

operation with the Cleveland Bird-Lovers Association

ELISABETH C. T. MILLER,

Owner and Editor

yLLUSTRATED Articles and Com-
ments on Birds, and Bird Protection
topics of the day; Reports on the work
of the Association; useful papers on the
Economic Value of Birds; Record of
Bird Study classes; News and Notes from
other Societies, local and foreign. |

Address all communications to

EDITOR, BLUE-BIRD :
1010 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio

! The

A udubon Bulletin

SPINE: 7977

: Published by
q The ILLINOIS
: AUDUBON

SpOCIE TY

Are You o Friend

of the Birds?

How can you better show your friendship
than by joining the Illinois Audubon Society?

Why not associate yourself with others
who are like-minded on the bird question?

To be an Active Member involves an ex-

pense of but $1.00 per year, with no other

obligations which are not self-imposed.

If you have the means and the inclination
you can help five times as much by becom-

ing a Contributing Member at $5.00 per year.

Or if you insist you can finish the matter
once for all time by becoming a Life Member
upon payment of $100.00, with the assur-
ance that your contribution will be efficiently
applied to the important work of bird
conservation. |

Sign the application blank on page 64 and
send to the Treasurer with your remittance.

Illinois Audubon Society
President Vice-President
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago Highland Park
Bact Treasurer

Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee Miss Amalie Hannig
2436 Prairie Avenue, Evanston 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago

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The Aims and Principles of the
Illinois Audubon Society are:

Lst:

2nd.

ards

4th.

To encourage the study of birds, particu-

larly in the schools, and to disseminate
literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws re-
lating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich and
domestic fowls.

To discourage, in every possible way,

the wanton destruction of wild birds
and their eggs.

AN INCIDENT OF SPRING

The long arranged-for rendezvous and spring-opening of the hepaticas is near when the
fox-sparrow arrives for his brief dalliance, as he fares northward, and, though sparingly musical,
he does not wholly conceal his elation as he scatters the leaves recklessly about. The towhee
soon joins him, more vigorous still, more joyous and open hearted, with an air of proprietorship
and domesticity well befitting a summer resident. The sunlight then awakens the hepatica
buds and from a cluster of mottled leaves with fuzzy brown stems the blossoms, white and
pink and lavender tinted, appear. It is the earliest votive offering of the woods.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1917

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

The Ozark Region of Illinois

A friend whose work has always kept him in the northern part of Ilh-
nois was condoling with me over what seemed to him my ill luck in finding
employment in the extreme southern end of the State; in Egypt, as he
expressed it. I told him that I was beyond Egypt. “Then in Ethopia,” he
said.

This incident illustrates the view of many who are strangers to that
extensive and interesting part of the State extending over several counties
and known as the Ozark region of Illinois. Perhaps a majority of the
people do not know that such a region exists. I recall two men who rank
high among the scientific people of the State who, after lstening to an
illustrated talk on this locality, expressed surprise on learning that rock
outcrops at any point in these counties farthest south.

Among those who have passed through but have not stopped, or those
whose sojourn has been in but one locality, the mental pictures are as
different as were those of the proverbial blind men who saw the elephant ;
so much depends upon the place of contact and the season of the year, for
the variety of natural features is great and the daily, weekly, and seasonal
changes of climate are more varied than in any part of the State, Chicago
not excepted. The picture may be one of swamps, mountains, floods, high
walled canons, railway tunnels, rich farm lands, sooty mining towns, rocky
hills, hardwood forests, cedar crowned hill tops, rushing torrents and cas-
cades, meandering streams, drought stricken fields, rain unceasing, perfect
autumn weather, fruit killing frosts of early April, or fruit laden orchards
in July, revealed in the order in which the interviews may be obtained.
Such is the medley of ideas, all depending upon when and where the ob-
server got his glimpse of this varied and somewhat neglected part of the
State, popularly supposed to be made up almost exclusively of monotonous
prairie varied occasionally by muddy streams, bordered with a fringe of
forests, with several counties of malarial swamps in the extreme south
end.

Here, the climatic conditions and variety of geographic phenomena
contribute to a wonderful variety in forms of life. Here, in the two
southern tiers of counties of Illinois, the storms from the Gulf and the cy-
clones from the northwest, at times, exert their influence at once, then
alternately, with sudden and unexpected changes that baffle the weather
man to explain, much less to predict. Here grow the cypress, the magno-
ha, the mistletoe, and the cane brakes of the farther south by the side of
the cedar, the hardy oak, and almost every other tree and shrub that grows
near the northern border of the State. Here, the gooseberry thrives in the
shade of the persimmon, the violet occasionally blooms in January, and

4 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

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the wild. duck sometimes makes its winter home. The wild turkey was
hunted till within the last few years and may not yet be extinct. Only
a few years ago I found an old turkey trap in a secluded spot, which
would yet be standing if woods fires had not destroyed it. The wild cat
is yet found in out of the way places, and occasionally an otter. The
ground hog is so common that there is a reward for his scalp in at least one
county. Foxes are common in the hill country and are hunted with
hounds.

The distinguishing physical feature of these southern counties is the
Ozark hills or mountains stretching across from Grand Tower on the
west to near Shawneetown on the east, with the crest in Union, Johnson,
Pope, and Hardin counties and the ridge overlapping onto the lower
lands of Jackson, Williamson, Saline and Gallatin counties on the north,
and onto Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac counties on the south. It is a
spur of the Ozarks of Missouri and, after crossing the Ohio, is lost under
the coal beds of Kentucky. ‘These are not mere erosion hills such as occur
in Pike and Calhoun counties along the western border of the State, but
are the remains of an upbended ridge more than twenty miles in width at
places. Erosion of this ridge has made it a region of round topped hills
having a fairly even sky line. The ascent from the lower lying lands of
Saline and Gallatin counties on the north, and from those of Massac and
the southern part of Pope counties on the south, is abrupt. An elevation
of several hundred feet from the starting place is attained in some localities
in a half-hour’s climbing. The erosion valleys are so deep and the ridge
stands so high above the bordering lands that these hills are locally called
mountains.

The Ohio cuts through the ridge at the eastern border of Hardin and
Pope counties and affords scenery of rare beauty and charm; a fair sized
river as it passes historic Shawneetown protected from its might by the
levee, it sweeps on past Elizabethtown half asleep in its security, safe and
dry but not very high above the river, and on past the lovely little city of

Pet wors Ad DUBON SOCTETY

i |

TYPICAL OZARK UPLAND SCENE W. W. Rathbone—Photo.

Golconda nestling in a deep valley at the mouth of a tributary of the Ohio
and spreading out onto the adjoining hills from whose bluffs the view
of the main river is unsurpassed. Not far below, the Cumberland joins
it, and the Tennessee at Paducah, forming a stream that rivals the Missis-
sippi in size. Such is its magnitude that the great bridge now being built
at Metropolis is given by one authority as one of the ten greatest engineer-
ing projects of the present decade.

Bay creek, rising in Pope county, has a fall of three hundred feet dur-
ing the first seven miles of its course and is confined within rocky walls.
For the other thirty-three miles it drops but a few feet for it has emerged
into an old river bed. This river bed is marked by the course of the lower
Bay (beginning at the mouth of the Bay creek), extends westward through
the swamp to the north of Massac county, and is occupied in its lower
course by the present Cache river which joins the Ohio above Cairo. This
old river bed could contain the upper Ohio of today and no doubt did
once contain it. Its width and high bluffs thruout its length indicate that.
Probably the Cumberland and Tennessee have always followed the course
of the lower Ohio, but the upper Ohio must surely have remained apart
and followed the path nearer the hills through which some of its waters
still flow at flood time, thus making of the greater part of Massac county,
temporarily, an island. Extensive cypress swamps at one time occupied
the connecting lowland between the Bay and the Cache proper at the foot
of the Ozark bluffs. Immense drainage ditches and the lumbering in-
dustry have turned much of this into rich farm land. It was here that the
wild’turkey lingered longest and the water fowl stayed in countless num-
bers. Here was the haunt of the wood duck and here lingered some ducks
throughout the winter. There is evidence indicating that ducks often go
from here in the morning to feeding grounds as far as Arkansas and return
at nightfall. It must be remembered that on this southern side of the
Ozarks, spring comes a month earlier and winter a month later than in the
counties farthest north. The ferns in sheltered nooks stay green all winter,
the violet sometimes is found in midwinter, and the strawberry ripens for
the early Chicago market.

The Saline river moves sluggishly from west to east across the low-
lands of Saline and Gallatin counties, often flowing five miles to go two,

6 THE °“A.U'DU.B ON BOUL Lari Nn

sisi @

W. W. Rathbone—Photo.
CAMP UNDER THE CLIFF NEAR CLARIDA SPRING

and at a level so near that of the Ohio that back water in flood time reaches
from Shawneetown to Harrisburg, twenty-five miles away. The Saline
river and its tributaries display the same sluggishness as the lower Missis-
SIppl.

In the counties of Saline, Gallatin, Hardin, Pope, Massac, and John-
son, the variety of physical phenomena is not equaled by any equal area
in the State. ‘Two or three other counties to the west are probably of as
much interest but their features are not so familiar to the writer.

The southern limit of glaciation in Illinois coincides roughly with the
course of the Saline river. ‘The drift is not very apparent at this limit but
it gives the student a thrill such as he feels when he first stands on some
famous battle ground, to stand where the great ice sheet made its last ad-
vance and to say: “This is historic ground.”

Reference to the geological map of Illinois reveals several fault lines,
of which the Gold Hill axis is the most prominent in the region under dis-
cussion. A shp of several hundred feet along this axis in southeastern
Saline county, for a distance of several miles, has left a vertical cliff fac-
ing the northwest, known as Eagle Cliff. Its magnitude is indicated by
the fact that, although an extensive talus slope lies at its base and the top
extends to but a small fraction of its height before erosion began, it can
be seen for more than twenty miles from the northwest. The slope is
gradual from the top toward the southeast. It is a typical ‘block moun-
tain.” A limestone cave, extending in each of two directions not to ex-
ceed a quarter of a mile from its mouth, near the top of the cliff, is ex-
plored without danger that the wanderer will become lost. He needs but
to remember that the strata in this “mountain” all slope down to the south-
east. Much unfounded tradition still lingers in the minds of many of the
native population concerning the nature and extent of this cave. Many
believe that this cavern is continuous with the one at Cave-in-Rock some
twenty-five miles away. This is impossible from geological considera-
tions. I and others, some co-operating and some working independently,

~

ret NOLS: AUDUBON. SOCLETY

have proved to our own satisfaction that this cave, though remarkable in
many ways, is limited in extent and without the ‘“‘bottomless pit” and other
impossible features. It is peculiar and offers us a problem to solve, in that
the air comes owt from the one discoverable opening at all hours and at
all seasons, which is not the way a limestone cave should behave. It is
popularly supposed, by those who do not distinguish between bats and
other kind of birds, to be inhabited by birds. Another peculiarity is the
elevation of the cave mouth which commands a view of the greater part of
two counties.

Standing here on the sub-carboniferous formations above the cave
mouth, the view for twenty miles to the northwest is of a rolling plain
lying several hundred feet below—a plain covered with glacial drift almost
to the foot of the hills and underlaid with two thick coal seams and sey-
eral thin ones, the true coal measures, the richest in the State. Frequent
slips, revealed in almost all of the nearly two score mines whose smoke
darkens the sky as seen from this eminence, testify to the wide extent of
the disturbance which heaved this and other mountains of rock from their
beds in this region, to look out upon the advancing glacier as it came to
the very foot of the mountain, wavered, and then retreated, leaving a thin
sheet of drift and small boulders, small as compared with those scattered
over the prairies of northern Illinois, but glacial material, nevertheless.

Sometime, a “‘sky line drive” will be constructed along the top of the
cliff, the magnificent view from which is now obtained only by tiresome
climbing. A few miles south from the cave, the vertical cliff is broken by
the picturesque Stillhouse Hollow, down which a great volume of water
flows from the summit which here is broad enough for fertile fields. The
name is due to moonshining operations in the early days.

About a quarter of a mile further south along the faul cliff, I discov-
ered, more than a year ago, a very remarkable profile of a human face,
tw elve or fifteen feet high and directly overlooking the more level country
below. It is all the more remarkable in that I had been that way
several times before and had not seen :
it, and that no one claims to have
noticed it before, though the lands
below were the earliest to be cleared
and settled. Fancy may here be em-
ployed to add interest to local ge-
ology. Hawthorne had Ernest be-
come like the unapproachable face in
the distance. This face is near and
full of sympathy. It is that of an old
woman with wrinkled features. Once
the face was young with bold out-
line. Her birth was when the moun-
tain was heaved into view by the
forces within. In youth she saw the
beginning of the eroding forces that
have shaped the valley below. Here
roamed prehistoric beasts whose bones
we find in the swampy lands along SRE ge

Z : la THE “GREAT STONE FACE” OF
the Saline river. The ice sheet of the SALINE COUNTY

| 8 THE AUDUBON BULLE TIN

|, glacial period came to her very feet, wavered, and then retreated. Pre-
historic man, whose mounds stand high above the lowlands of Pope county, -
passed up and down this valley as did the Indian, whose stone walled
graves lie in the ridge a few miles away. The white pioneer cleared the
cones drove the Indian away, and developed the farms and the mines.
She saw it all, and grew old and wrinkled watching the strivings and
| follies of men. She reflects the struggles of men and knows the true
| philosophy of life.

| Emphasis is added to the above when we remember that less than a
fourth of a mile below, there is the ‘‘silver mine,”’ an abandoned shaft sunk
years ago by a stranger who came and put his small fortune into it, search-
ing for a greater fortune which was not there. Another feature which
adds interest to the scenic features of this limited region is a small sand-
| stone cave under the cliff a few hundred feet away. This is merely the
| result of weathering of the softer under-portions of the stone, but is
} . typical of much more extensive caverns elsewhere, one of which I shall
describe in detail later.

Perhaps, nowhere in the State, is the enormity of Nature’s work in de-
positing and then removing great quantities of rock better shown than in
this vicinity three or four miles to the southwest at Womble Mountain,
a mesa-like rock of red sandstone having an area of about ten acres, being
split diagonally across, displaying fore-set beds and other evidences of
shore lines, and standing far above the surrounding valleys. The even
sky line as seen looking from it across twenty miles of the Ozark hills into
Kentucky, together with the corresponding strata across the valleys, make it
clear that these same valleys once filled with stratified rock laid down
under the sea and then elevated, have been carved out by running water
‘and that the process still continues.

The perpendicular walls of this mesa show two degrees of weathering,
one of long continuance giving a long talus slope on all sides with “slide.
rock” such as Hornaday describes in the Canadian Rockies, and another
more recent where huge blocks have fallen off and rolled down the talus
slope. One of these is two hundred and twenty-five feet in circumference
and thirty-five feet high, locally known as “Table Rock,” has slid down
a hundred feet, remaining horizontal. The east and south sides show
little weathering as does,
also, the corresponding niche
in the cliff above from which
it came, while the west and
north sides are rugged as is
the undisturbed portion of
the cliff. Large trees grow
between this block and _ its
former position. There is
nowhere much evidence of
gradation between these two
stages of weathering over a

Clarence Bonnell—Photo.
TABLE ROCK carefully studied region ex-

LiiclLwOLrS:; AUDUBON SOCIETY y

Pi
Es @ nny >
_ ee 4 sf - 4
» ae eee . 4
ae wih . f 4 , A -
ren Sy .
3) =

pert.
od. ee ED

i Set

Bd
j i

.*

—

oer
~ee

W. W. Rathbone—Photo.
UNWEATHERED CLIFF NEAR SAND CAVE

tending over three counties. Exemination of many blocks rolled off from
the cliff, shows there is always the absence of weathering of the side where
the cleavage occurred while the old outer side is always badly worn. In
nearly all cases, tre2s as much as ten to fifteen inches in diameter are stand-
ing in the path taken by the fallen rock, which indicates that these falls
occurred sometime before these same trees began to grow. In this hill
region of Illinois, and nowhere else in the State so far as has come to
my knowledge, there is common knowledge, of a traditional nature, among
the native stock of hill dwellers, of the great New Madrid ‘earthquake of
1811-12. This has led me to question whether there might not be some
connection between that earthquake and these huge falls of rock.

Under the southeast corner of the mountain, the lower layers have
rotted out from under the cliff, leaving an overhanging portion. A num-
ber of years ago, four of us who were caught on the mountain in a rain,
took refuge here, hoping to complete our picture making after the rain.
The clouds drifted so low in the valley that we were above them when
the sky partially cleared and we were, momentarily, now in them our-
selves. We stayed all day in the dry, cooking by a smoky fire and catch-
ing drinking water in a bottle from the dripping cliff, much to the annoy-
ance of a phoebe who had her nest far back under the roof. At night,
being destitute of dry fuel, covers, and food, we braved the cold drizzle,
and tramped around the mountain and down the slope through the dense
undergrowth to a farmhouse a half mile away and slept on feather beds
on the floor before an old-fashioned stone fireplace. Whenever I have re-
turned in June, the phoebe is on her nest in the same place. I have ob-
served, elsewhere, this habit of the phoebe of using the same nesting place
year after year.

The roads in the valleys on either side of Womble Mountain converge,

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

W. W. Rathbone—Photo.
ON THE TERRACE ABOVE THE HEAD OF CLARIDA BRANCH

a little to the south, and lead through Thacker’s Gap out of Saline county
toward Hardin county by way of Grand Pierre lake, a deep, wide por-
tion of Grand Pierre creek, lying near the water’s head between the
Ohio and the Saline. Beyond the cliff, which is across the valley to
the east of Womble, is Eagle Creek valley, wide and occupied by fertile
farms. Within the memory of men now living in the vicinity, an ex-
tensive area of heavy woods was ruined by becoming the roosting place
of the passenger pigeons whose great numbers broke the limbs from
the trees. I have not the exact date of this event, but it was near the time
of the last appearance of these birds in Illinois in great numbers. I hope
to photograph the locality and any traces of the event that remain and get
the accounts of eyewitnesses, during the coming summer.

Before leaving Saline county, we should cross the next ridge to the
west of Womble and go down into Beech Hollow. It and Mud Spring
Hollow just across the next ridge to the west, both extend north and south
from the divide in the north part of Pope county and include with the
separating ridge an area averaging a mile or two wide and four miles
long. The large timber of oak, poplar, and beech has all been removed,
some of it only recently, but there is much second growth of good size.
Aside from the timber, the rocky land is of little value. These narrow val-
leys are deep with perpendicular walls and the rocky stream beds, which
also serve as highways, carry a torrent in time of rain. When it is not
raining numerous springs keep the pools full. ‘This little spot is typical
of many throughout the Ozarks, which could be retained in most of their
natural beauty as a refuge for wild life, and the timber, if protected,
would soon pay for the price of the land at present figures. Numerous
railway surveys have gone up these,outlets to the south, they being the
easiest approach to the. top of the Ozarks, but no railroads. Eventually,
trolley lines will go through this region, for there are fine farms on the
level tops of the main ridges and down in the larger valleys from which
the timber was removed years ago. Then there are rich fluor spar and

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 11

lead and silver and iron deposits too far from the river or railroads to be
worked profitably. ‘There are well-to-do farmers who frequently come six-
teen miles from the very top of the Ozark ridge to market farm products
at Harrisburg. Automobiles get on well on some of the main roads. On
the ridge top there is one school district in particular, which I call to
mind, that takes great pride in its excellent country school and in counting
the number of professional and business men who have made good in the
outer world. ‘The speech of the older people in the remote neighborhoods
bears resemblance to that of the descendants of the Kast Tennessee Moun-
taineers. We hear, “The coon, hit uses along this creek.”* ‘The spinning-
wheel may yet be found in use by some older women. Evidences of back-
ward conditions are fast disappearing in the most remote districts. The
straight-forward, truly American spirit of the native stock more than com-
pensates for any lack of modern accomplishments on their part.

The fault cliff, which is described above, loses itself in the hills in
this vicinity, but the same axis of upheaval appears again at a point about
three miles southeast of the village of Stonefort in the southwestern part
of Saline county. Here the cliff faces the south and is prominent only
for a short distance, where the Little Saline river, coming in from the
south, makes a U shaped curve as it comes to the base of the cliff and
turns. The fault line may be traced by the upheaved rock face for quite
a distance, but the point of interest is the site of the Old Stone Fort, a pre-
historic work which stood on the top of the cliff. The face of the cliff
next the stream is almost vertical and so steep and high that it forms a
natural fortification on that side. The old stone wall, several feet in
width and several feet high, surrounds a semi-circular enclosure on the
top of the cliff. The slope down to the north, made such a wall an excel-
lent defense against attack from all sides except from the south, where the
cliff is almost an insurmountable barrier. The sandstone blocks of which
the wall was made were so convenient for building fireplaces and chim-

eys that the greater part of the wall has been removed and scattered over
the country in every direction for such purposes. Enough rocks remain to
mark clearly the outline of the wall through which trees and brush are
now growing. ‘The acre or
two of level space within is
cultivated as a_ cornfield.
@he view from the south.
looking over the valley of the
Little Saline, is a beautiful
one. It is a matter of regret
that the old wall was not
left. But some means should
be found to preserve the
traces that are left. No ade-
quate explanation of who

built t] ; ll ae 1 W. W. Rathbone—Photo.
1e¢ wa Nas = been COMING UP FROM CLARIDA SPRING

*Compare the expression, ‘Where never foot did use,’’ in Spenser’s
Faerie Queene where the old meaning “‘to frequent” of the word “use”
occurs.

12 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

found, but everything points
to the fact that the site had
been chosen and the wall had
been erected as a means of
defense by the predecessors
of the Indians.

Leaving Saline county, a
section in Hardin county be-
tween the towns of Eliza-
bethtown and Cave-in-Rock,

is of special interest. Fol-
Clarence Bonnell—Photo. lowing ihe-colia stage route
TYPICAL CAVE NEAR STILL-HOUSE HOLLOW

which was a star route for
the United States mails until about ten years ago, the site of the old iron
furnace is passed. Iron was smelted in considerable quantities at one
time and pigs of iron are yet found in the region used to weight down har-
rows or lying about barnyards. Want of transportation facilities was the

death of this once prosperous industry.

Leaving Elizabethtown, the county seat of Hardin county, two roads
lead to Cave-in-Rock, a few miles up the river. The upper road, the one
furthest from the river, should be taken. This is a limestone region and
is evidently honey-combed with subterranean passages. For several miles
along the road almost every field is punctured with sinkholes where the
roof of the cavern below has fallen in. In some of these, the opening is
clear so that the water goes through at once, in others the passage has
become blocked and ponds are formed. At one place the roadway has been
built across one of the larger of these ponds. Another which I visited had
a pond in the edge of a cornfield. A number of years before, the hole
was a dry one. After a season of heavy rains the sink was found filled
with water and so remained, the opening having been clogged so as to
prevent further drainage. The fence which was built through the sink
when it was dry still remained, mostly submerged. j

Caves of considerable extent and fabulous reputation are said to exist
near but I have not had a chance to explore them. One such passage opens
into the river bluff at Cave-in-Rock and forms the famous cave about
which clusters so much tradition and some of the early history of the
region. The enterprising manufacturers of St. Jacob’s Oil, years ago,
painted their sign in six foot letters above the entrance to attract the eye
of the traveler on passing boats. Though obstructed by a sink hole one
hundred and fifty feet from the mouth, the arched entrance and rocky
walls make it a wonder to those who do not read among the names carved
and painted on the walls the deeper written story of its origin.

It is said of this cave that it was the headquarters of bands of river
pirates and horse thieves who once infested the region. Tales are told of
flat-boat men who mysteriously disappeared here and it is certain that
notorious bands of horse thieves made their headquarters in the vicinity.
Within the roof there is an opening, leading to a chamber above in which
booty could well have been hidden. Last summer a stockade had been
built across the mouth and timbers were cluttering the passage. The whole
idea seems to have been to charge an admission fee, whereas the in-
quisitive wayfarer heretofore had come and gone as he chose.

Pasi te te oeU-B ON SOCIETY 13

Further down the river at Rosi Claire and Fairview the most extensive
fluor spar mines in the country exist. Lead and silver are found with the
spar. Deposits are found further back from the river in many places and
some of them would no doubt be profitable to work if they were near a
river or railroad.

Let us shift the scene to an especially interesting area in Pope county
about three miles west of Eddyville. Follow me for a day for an eighteen
miles drive starting before daylight from Stonefort or a ten mile drive
from Ozark or Simpson to the vicinity of the Belle Smith Spring, which
is not remarkable except that it is near a popular camping place. The
shortest approach from the North or West is by way of Hunting Branch
for three or four miles, which is a tributary of the upper Bay Creek. Hunt-
ing Branch is the vertex of a V shaped valley and is very rocky and con-
stitutes the only public highway in that direction. There is no room on
either side for a road and the grade is so steep that it is a rushing torrent
after a rain, but the water soon runs out. A better way is to drive over
a good road to the head of Clarida Branch and pitch camp near the cool
waters of Clarida Spring which is only a few hundred feet from the
head of the valley. Here, the water, for a few minutes only after a rain,
flows in a cataract from an extensive rock basin above, over the cliff which
overhangs as much as thirty feet. Just beyond this cascade, we climb
upon fallen rock masses onto the “Indian Ladder,” a cedar trunk which
has, upon well authenticated evidence, remained loose in this position for
three generations and, according to tradition, was there when the first
white men came. At one place the cliff overhangs a distance of seventy
feet due to the rotting away of the softer layers of rock beneath. Where
Clarida Branch comes down over the cliff the undercutting is as much as
thirty or forty feet. We tried to photograph a phoebe upon her nest in the
roof back of the waterfall. It was too dark to accomplish much in daylight
so we attempted a flashlight. After arranging a battery of cameras and
making elaborate preparations for a good picture, the bird became alarmed
and refused to stay upon her nest. She refused to go back and the attempt
had to be abandoned after some hours of waiting.

A few hundred feet from here Clarida Spring emerges from under
the cliff. Its waters are cool and abundant and pleasant to taste. I have
camped under the overhanging cliff near it on several occasions. One June
morning on my first trip to the place, when my friend, Rathbone, who
first led me here, and I, were crossing the lichen covered glade on the
cliff above, a nighthawk suddenly left her nest at our very feet feigning
a broken wing. Our camera was ready but we lost our opportunity. Hoping
that she could be coaxed back to the nest we let her get away without a
picture. We hoped she would return. She did not that afternoon nor the
next day. We have not seen her or one of her kind since. We marked
this as the greatest ‘bone head” play of our camping experience. A picture
of the eggs and nest, if a bare spot among the lichens by the side of a
piece of cedar wood may be called a nest, is our only consolation.

Come with me over the ridge to the left of Clarida Branch to another
valley and enter the great Sand Cave, a dome shaped room in the solid
sandstone cliff, whose interior dimensions are one hundred forty-two feet
by one hundred sixteen feet and whose arched roof is fifteen feet high. A
large drove of horses, mules and cattle finds shelter here from cold in

14 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

===>2 winter and from heat in sum-
“J mer. Situated mear any
large city, it would yield a
small fortune as a dancing
hall, always dry, always cool,

curving cliff in which this

cave is situated, in most

places the softer rocks below

have disappeared leaving an

overhanging cliff. But close

to the cave opening, the over-

hanging cliff has fallen and

lies a crumbling mass on the

W. W. Rathbone—Photo. slope below leaving the new

TOADSTOOL ROCK face of the cliff smooth and

unweathered. Apparently

these recent falls were due to the earthquake of over a hundred years ago.
And the trees have grown since the cliff broke away.

In another nearby valley, an undercut cliff shelters livestock, a great
assortment of farm machinery, and a winter’s supply of corn fodder.

Back over the ridge and on down Clarida Branch toward Bay Creek we
pass toadstool formations imitating those in the Garden of the Gods, but
mostly hidden in the thick brush. A balanced rock forty feet by fifty feet and
thirty-five feet high stands on a triangular base only twenty by twenty by
ten feet, but is too densely hidden by trees and shrubs to be photographed.

Clarida Branch joins Bay Creek near the Belle Smith Spring. Bay
Creek, after it leaves the hills and enters the old river valley, for thirty-
three miles, is very sluggish and muddy and has a current up stream
in flood time as mentioned before. A few hundred feet above where it
is forded at the mount of Clarida Branch, the bank has a steep slope to one
of the characteristic curving bluffs. At one place this bluff was deeply
undercut as was the bluff at the “Sand Cave,” at Clarida Spring, and
at many other places near. In fact, a cave had formed. But the roof
of the cave fell in and most of it was washed away so that the water from
the slope above now falls over a new cliff further back and runs under
a natural bridge whose arch is twenty-six feet wide, sixteen feet thick,
and whose under surface is twenty-four feet from the bed below. The
span is one-hundred fifty feet in the clear. On three occasions we have
tried to make the picture of this bridge. Though armed with the best of
cameras, we have failed of very. great success, for it is too big and too
high up the slope and has too many trees in front to be successfully
photographed.

I have given in detail some of the most interesting features in three
somewhat widely separated regions of the Ozark region. ‘There are many
more matters of natural and historical interest which add charm to this
somewhat misrepresented area. The, archeologist finds much in every
county telling of the busy hfe of the red men and their predecessors.
Shawneetown is built upon the remains left by the former inhabitants. This
is made evident by the wealth of stone implements and pottery unearthed
in that vicinity. Indian graveyards marked by stone mounds beneath which

but never cold. Along the

biel DN OS Av DUE ON SO: CLE TY 15

Dr. W. S. Swan—Photo.

OLD FORT MASSAC

are stone walled graves, are not uncommon. In the lowlands of Pope
County near the Bay Creek, mounds of large size yield pottery and other
pre-historic remains in great abundance. Only last summer the Ohio river
by a shift of current was cutting away an Indian burying ground bringing
to view portions of skeletons.

The Old Fort Massac at Metropolis is the only one of many places of
permanent interest in this end of the state over which the state has taken
control. What was a few years ago a brush covered bluff being encroached
upon by the current of the Ohio is now a beautiful park in which are
marked the ramparts of the old fort. I remember when I was unable to
find the outline of the fort for the undergrowth and when an old wooden
drain which led from the interior was projecting from the receding river
bank and was being carried away by piece-meal by relic hunters. The route
of Clark and his men from Fort Massac to the northwest is now marked.
A monument marks the place where he emerged from the swamps of the
Cache river at Indian Point in the southern part of Johnson County. A
branch of the Logan-Lee Highway is marked to cross the Ozarks. Further
than this, little has been done to even mark the site of features for which
future generations will search in vain. The old stage routes are being
forgotten and lost. The rich soil and valuable mineral deposits insure
much greater density of population and more intensive development of
the country in the future. In but a short time these almost inaccessible
points of beauty and interest will be reached by good roads and trolley
lines. In the present decade some effort should be made to put a number
of these most attractive tracts under the public care at a time when their
purchase would incur but. little expense. There is no reason why the
Illinois Audubon Society should not find here a field awaiting recognition
of its value as a refuge for wild life and for preservation as a source
of pleasure to the coming generations.

CLARENCE BONNELL.

/

16 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Bird Bath

There are numerous ways with which to attract birds. The two most
common forms are the feeding shelf with its hunk of suet which attracts
during the winter months, and the bird bath—the chief summer attrac-
tion.

Too many of us feel that a lovely bird bath is alone the pleasure
of the rich man or woman. As we scan the beautiful illustrations of
many of the expensive monthly magazines, we see exquisite marble and
concrete bird baths advertised for sale. Often, because we cannot afford
one of these artistic yard decorations we make no effort at all to supply
our neighborhood birds with a drink of good, cool water and a refreshing
bath. .

If you can do no better, secure a shallow crock and keep it well supplied
with pure fresh water. You will be surprised at the number of visitors
you will receive. :

Several years ago I noticed an old metal kitchen sink in the yard of
a junk dealer. At once the thought came to me that there lay the making
of a bird bath both useful and artistic. I had the sink hauled home and
placed in my back yard not too close to a hedge of lilacs and snowball
bushes, for I feared the ever sneaking cat, yet close enough to secure this
as a suitable background. I had it placed so that a pear tree cast a partial
shadow upon it during the afternoon.

I fitted a large cork in the drain and then mounted the entire sink
on a solid foundation of six bricks, set three to a side. This left the bottom
clear of the ground and allowed a free drainage of the water in the bath.
Next I collected geodes and glacial boulders selecting them from the size
of a cantaloupe to that of a man’s head and these I terraced up to the
sink entirely hiding everything but the interior. Next I secured some
black enamel and thoroughly surfaced the interior to prevent rust and to
add to the general appearance. The bottom of the bath was next covered °
with light colored pebbles and a large flat rock was placed over the cork
and drain, and here it was that the birds best enjoyed themselves when the
water was turned in.

I secured an umbrella plant and started it growing in one corner
while I started a small water hyacinth near the middle. I secured four
slips of various willows; the common yellow, the weeping, the common
riverside and the pussy willow. These I started growing upon three sides
of the bath. The common yellow willow was an inch in diameter and
had many small branches which extended over the water thus giving
the birds a good place to perch as they prune themselves after their bath.

As soon as I turned in the water, the success was immediate. Birds
came in numbers and because the environment was so natural, I was more
than repaid for my effort by the numbers of my callers. This year I
expect to add cattail grass and arrowwort to the side where I draw my
water and I believe I shall have even more bird visitors than last year.
Not only am I ahead the bird bath but I enjoyed the planning of each
minute detail. I advise you -to try the same experiment, but, REMEMBER,
make a finished job of it and keep the bath away from heavy shrubbery
or you invite cats as well as birds.

LRELIOlsS AUDUBON §0 CIETY 17

There are other features of interest also. A toad took refuge under my
sink and many were the cool, comfortable hours which she spent there
while the rest of the world sweltered. An occasional stray pup stopped
long enough in his haphazard chase of excitement to lap a few mouthfuls
of cooling water only to be chased from the yard by a bevy of busy
scolding robins—This and more, I promise of interest to you if you turn
“good fellow” and help the birds.

T. E. MUSSELMAN.

The Migratory Bird Treaty

A letter from Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary of the National Association
of Audubon Societies, contains timely information about the enforcement of the
Migratory Bird Treaty. It is printed herewith:

“In December, 1916, the Migratory Bird Treaty between United States
and. Great Britain, in reference to birds that migrate between Canada and
United States, was ratified and became a fact. Before such treaty could
become operative, however, it was necessary that Congress should pass a
law empowering some department of government to enforce the treaty and
provide funds for this purpose. On January 13, 1917, a bill was intro-
duced in the United States Senate by Senator Gilbert M. Hitchcock of
Nebraska, and a bill of identical character was introduced in the House by
Congressman Henry D. Flood of Virginia.

The National Association of Audubon Societies, which has always
taken a very active part in Federal legislation for the conservation of wild
birds and animals, immediately became active. As Executive Officer of
the Association I prepared and sent out thirty thousand circulars urging
voters to write to their Congressmen. As a result of this, many thousands
of letters were written to Senators and Congressmen, urging their support
of the bill. I went to Washington, where for about six weeks I spent most
of the time lobbying with Senators and Representatives in the interest of
the bill, working in close co-operation with the officials of the State De-
partment and the Biological Survey of the Agricultural Department.

Whenever I found a Congressman or Senator who was opposed to the
measure, or who was lukewarm, I wired to our representatives in his State
and authorized them to get at least forty influential constituents to tele-
graph him urging his support, and asked that bills for these messages be
sent to us. I also brought to Washington at our expense, two men from
distant parts of the country, who were well acquainted with some of the
members of Congress who had not become fully cognizant of the de-
sirability of passing the measure.

With some amendments the bill was reported favorably both in the
Senate and the House, and we had abundant votes to pass it, but you will
recall that in the closing days of Congress, by the reprehensible action of
the “wilful twelve,” all administrative bills were held up. The Migratory
Bird Treaty Bill was regarded as an administrative measure and it shared
the fate of the Armed Ships Bill and others.

Congress will convene again on April 2 and the Migratory Bird Treaty
Bill will be reintroduced.”

T. GILBERT PEARSON.

18 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

i Czar Red-Head

1 Among our winter visitors this year the most entertaining has been
a lone red-headed woodpecker. We have called him the Czar as he has
been absolute monarch of his domain.

il The Czar’s winter sojourn with us was evidently premeditated for
i during the fall we noticed him every day as he worked most diligently
from daylight to sun-down, carrying suet from our food table to two
trees on opposite sides of the house—one a large swamp white oak and
| the other a red maple, whose top had been cut off years ago and whose
| trunk had died for about a foot below the cut end.

Soon after the woodpecker began to put away his winter stores the
| autocratic way in which he guarded these two trees first attracted our
| attention to him. If a squirrel or a bluejay visited either tree, the Czar
| would suddenly appear from some unseen quarter, although perhaps we
had not noticed him for several days, and make things so uncomfortable
for the intruders, flying savagely at them at the same time uttering his
loud scolding note, that they would quickly beat a retreat. No other
| regular winter visitors seemed to annoy His Majesty excepting the ever
present English sparrows and they soon learned to keep away from his
property. -

On close examination of the oak we were surprised to find pieces of
| suet tucked securely under the rough edges of the bark and very close
together from the ground up the entire length of the trunk. The empty
top of the maple seemed to be the portion of that tree utilized as a larder.
| We have never seen him hide food to any extent in any of the other trees
altho we have a number of large oaks in other parts of the yard,—neither
have we seen him take exception to the presence in any of the other trees of
either bluejays, squirrels or sparrows, a number of which have come daily to
the feeding table, which is in a large oak between the two selected by the
red-head. One very cold day in midwinter a wandering crow alighted
on top of the maple tree treasure house. We imagine that the Czar has
wintered in this treetop surrounded by the fruit of his labors and it took
only a second for him to appear in defense of his possessions. Such a
scolding as he administered to his unwelcome guest and such courage as
he displayed in his frantic efforts to dislodge him from the tree were
remarkable—flying at him again and again in the greatest wrath. The
crow seemed astonished at first at such unhospitality but soon decided
that “discretion was the better part of valor” and finally took his departure
cawing loudly his protests but even louder sounded the victorious scolding
notes of the woodpecker.

ee Ae

= SS eee

SS eee

We trust that the Czar may bring his bride this spring to the home
in the maple tree. If he does they are assured of a hearty welcome and,
in spite of the high cost of living, of all the suet which the family can
possibly use. r

Marion L. Mose.ey, Highland Park.
q [ As to the activities of other red-headed woodpeckers, see Mr. Schaefer’s
| article entitled ‘‘Winter Birds on a Rock Island County Farm.” Editor].

Pi PN tale (AT UE ON: 5 O'CTE TY 19

BIRD RESERVATION

COOPERATION \BETWEEN- ’
THE OWNERS Be
SORTER uO STATE wot sc. a

A School Conservation Project

To the Northern Illinois State Normal School belongs the distinction
of initiating and maintaining a conservation project and thus establishing
what may prove a happy precedent for other schools. This, as is believed,
the only school-supported project of the kind in the country, is a large
heronry situated in Ogle county near the village of Egan. A grove of Nor-
way spruce and European larch furnishes the nesting sites, the spruce, how-
ever, being occupied to the well nigh total disregard of the larch. About one-
half acre of the grove consists of spruce trees and nearly every tree is
occupied when nesting is at its height. This means between seventy-five
and ninety pairs of birds.

Some years ago gunners were accustomed to shoot off numbers of the
birds simply as a pastime. Through the co-operation of Mr. W. W.
Jones of Sunnyside Farm, the present owners of the farm where the
Heronry is situated were interested in the plan proposed whereby through
mutual assistance and co-operation with the Normal School the grove
and its inmates should be permanently protected. A contract was drawn
up signed by President John W. Cooke of the Normal School and by
the owners of the land which showed the interest and generous spirit
of helpfulness with which the owners and administrators of the property
entered into the undertaking.

The last sentence of the contract reads: ‘‘This contract is to extend
Over a period of five years with no compensation for the owners other
than the right of co-operating with such measures as lead toward the
protection of birds and the properties concerned.”

For two years now the plan has been in operation. A warden is
employed to warn off intruders with hostile intent, but genuine bird lovers
are welcomed. Mr. Jones has recently undertaken to have the whole farm
of three hundred and twenty acres and neighboring farms incorporated

20 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

into a bird refuge to be under protection of the Tlinois State Game and
Fish Commission.

The students of biology at the DeKalb Normal School under the
leadership of Prof. Ralph E. Wager are doubtless entitled to the honor
of identifying that school with so worthy a project. An especially valuable
aspect of the matter is its suggestiveness. Surely there are other educa-
tional institutions, small as well as large, that can perform a similar —
public service, the conspicuousness of which attract attention to the im-
portance of the conservation of wild life.

A Few Notes From Gresham, Wisconsin

The town of Gresham is about three hundred miles north of Chicago.
It is close to the Menominee Reservation where there still are acres upon
acres of uncut timberland, where the Nature-lover can follow the moss
and fern-covered path of the deer and other game which leads between

century-old birch, hemlocks, and pines down to the green-fringed shores

of the Red River, that rapidly flows over the many rapids and winds its
way along the edge of the woods. From the midst of a cluster of shrub-
bery comes the faint “meow” of the cat bird bringing food to its never-
satished young. Near the shore the brown thrasher bathes in the cooling
waters of the stream, while the kingfisher sounds his clattering call in
skimming over the water’s surface. Coming away from the river and going
up the hillside you are greeted with the jubilant sounds of music pouring
forth out of the throats of sc many cheerful creatures. Deeper in the.
woods you may hear a mysterious sound above you, similar to “klunk,”
“klunk.” Looking up, you behold at the very top of a dead tree the
pileated woodpecker. He is easily distinguished from others of his kind
by his longer tail, his black body, and his long neck, on both sides of which
runs a broad, white stripe. As headdress he wears a conspicuous crimson
crest, which he usually raises when angry. He does not mind the sound-
ness of a tree but will tackle it in search for food. While you are still
watching him he is steadily hammering away at the tree, and every now
and then a piece of wood drops down which he has chopped off. It often
happens that while one bird is peacefully feeding, another hungry one
comes to share the food with his friend. Now the quarrel begins during
which they fly from tree to tree and are lost to your sight.

Passing on you may see the brown creeper in his protectively colored
dress, searching the bark for the larve of some noxious insect. The
warblers are some of the most common birds in this territory. The north-
ern Parula, Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted, Blackpoll, and a few other
warblers I found to be quite common.

One of the most beautiful birds is the Indigo Bunting (Passerina
cyanea). Its nest, which consists of dry grass, at times lined with horse-
hair, is generally built in low maple trees, about four feet from the ground.
Four pale-blue eggs are usually laid, but at times you may find five in a
nest. I found a few nests with eggs in them as late as August 23nd7 ime
Indigo Bunting is one of the jolliest songsters in the northern woods. His
call is a sharp chirp which you can always hear upon approaching his nest.

Pino ! Ss AUDUBON sS:0 CERT: Y 21

On one of my hikes thru the woods, while studying the various ferns
and lichens, I suddenly saw a whippoorwill flying up a few feet in front of
me, and alighting on a limb close by. Concluding that its nest was near,
I thoroly searched the dry leaves that covered the ground. In a short
time I came upon the two protectively colored eggs, which lay on the bare
ground with a few leaves surrounding them, close to a partly decayed log.
During this time the bird did not move from its place, but seemed to be
watching my every step. Having my camera at hand I decided to attempt
taking a picture, focusing my camera, and stepping several feet nearer, I
snapped him. Since he did not move I stepped closer still and succeeded
in taking his picture once more before he flew away. Many more interest-
ing events of bird-life could be described, but space will not permit me to
do so. WALTER G. GERTH.

Boy Scouts on the Embarras River

The following extracts are taken from the “log” of a trip by scoutmaster
Clarence Huffman of Charleston and a group of boys who last summer
explored the Embarras River from near Charleston to its mouth where it
empties into the Wabash. They then rowed up to Vincennes and returned
to Charleston by train. The Charleston scouts are planning a trip down
the Kaskaskia River the coming Summer.

“We had spent the morning loading our two boats, the Wanderer and
the Adventurer, and after a hasty dinner we pushed out into mid-stream
and let the current send us southward. It was Wednesday afternoon,
June 7, and school had closed only that morning. It was a grand be-
ginning of vacation for the boys and we threw aside all memories of
troubles and worries, and just lived. Sunshine and clouds alternated
that afternoon and now and then it sprinkled, but we kept on. We went
under two suspension bridges and at 4 P. M. were down in Cumberland
County not far from Jonesville and at the spot we had camped the year
before. Suddenly the sky grew black and lightning flashed. Fortune was
with us for we saw a big barn near and, as the rain began to fall in
sheets, we shot into land with such force that, as a bright streak of
lightning seemed to strike at my feet and a big fish jumped into our boat
and fell at the feet of one of the boys, I heard a splash and looking
around saw one boy coming up to the surface, grabbing for his hat! I
had made the boys go barefoot in the boats and they could all swim in
their clothes so we all laughed while the boy swam out. Then I sent
our ambassador scurrying up that rocky hill to ask for shelter while we
began to unpack. (One boy always went to the farmhouses for water,
’ milk and eggs, and asked if we could camp or sleep in the barn, if it
happened to be stormy, two helped me cook, two cleaned and packed the
boats, put up the tents, and fixed our beds, while another got wood and
made fires). The farmer gave us permission to stay all night and soon we
had our cargoes safe in the barn or drying on the rail-fence, for the rain
soon ceased while we put on dry clothes and hung our wet ones out.
The barn proved to be granary and garage combined and that night
part of us slept in the granary while two took the garage. The farmer

29 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

broke up several bales of hay for our beds and we surely slept warm that
night. Before going to bed the boys pole-vaulted, threw the discus and
javelin, and visited a suspension bridge near. Nora had cooked a delicious
supper for us as I was afraid it might rain our first night and this we
spread in the grassy barn-lot overlooking the river. Then the farmer and
his hand came down and we all went swimming near the boats. It was
an ideal “first night.” Grayson was right in “The Friendly Road” when
he speaks of the warm friends one makes on a trip lke this. It seemed to
me I had known these people all my life and they treated us royally. The
next morning we cooked breakfast at the landing, telephoned home, took
some pictures, and then pushed the boats out again into the middle of the
river and started on around Scouch Bend.

‘“Scouch or Horseshoe Bend extends for eight miles and when one has
gone around he is just half a mile from the starting point. The bluffs and
the wild-roses are a thing never to be forgotten. I was proud of Illinois
before I took this trip, but I am prouder than ever now for I have just
begun to find how beautiful and magnificent it is.

“Just before noon we reached Greenup, were met at the bridge by the
scouts, and all went up town to buy groceries, write home, and inspect
the tennis court. Do you remember the town Dickens describes in “Old
Curiosity Shop” that was so sleepy? That’s Greenup. It’s a lonely place
among the hills—a place of peace and quiet, a place to live and grow
strong in strength of body and goodness of soul, a place to prepare for
Heaven in. And so is Newton. I wonder if wrong can ever be done in these
two towns.

“We cooked dinner near the railroad bridge and then started around
the bend to meet the two tennis players I had promised to meet at another
railroad bridge. It began to rain, in fact it just poured, and twice we
stuck upon sand-bars, but we jumped out, pushed and pulled, and soon
were on our way again. At the second bridge we built a big fire under
the maples, dried clothes and bed-clothes, ably assisted by the Greenup
scouts, who had come out with our tennis team. The Greenup boys in

PRLS AUDUBON SOCTEE TY 23

drying Arthur Van Camp’s favorite quilt let it catch fire and for a time
we had hard work to save its life. You would have laughed had you seen
our clothes-line. At five the rain ceased and under gray skies we started
down again, looking for a place to sleep. When it was growing dark
Arthur heard a mule—it proved to be a cow—and we knew help was
near. We saw a big barn across a big field and soon our messenger was
speeding with jugs and buckets to the farmhouse, quickly returning with
the joyful news, “We can stay.” Before long supper was cooking and
we were hiding all the valuables we could in the weeds and bushes as
we did not want to carry all that load so far. We did take our suit-cases
and late that night we climbed up into Mr. Scherrick’s big hay-mow. I
found Mr. Scherrick spreading hay for us and promising the boys all the
popcorn they wanted from the store in the loft.

“Some of the boys talked in their sleep that night, but that was not the
only noise. The “mule” lowed, so did a calf, pigs squealed, a dog barked
and chased the pigs whenever they put their noses out of the barn, four
roosters beneath us crowed every five minutes to announce the coming of
morning, while mice nibbled around in the hay and sparrows twittered
and pigeons cooed around the eaves. It was not a very restful night,
but we laughed so much over the racket nobody felt tired when four
o'clock came and we all waded that plowed ground again to breakfast on
the river.

“That morning we saw the men putting in the new breakwater near
Hidalgo, visited ‘““Mr. Used-to-Did,” an old friend of ours we had met
the year before and who had amused the boys by his lack of grammar.
At noon we camped upon a big sand-bar for dinner and in the afternoon
reached Newton where the boys played tennis with the West End Tennis
Association, and visited the stores. Late that night we went into camp in
a barn some miles below Newton. It was an immense barn, and supper
that night at nine o’clock in the big hay-mow was delicious.

“At noon the next day we reached the pretty little village at Ste. Marie.
We took pictures of the old Catholic Church, saw the hospital, visited the
post-office—it closes for the noon-hour, and part of the crowd went to
one of the saloons—I mean it used to be one, and bought sodas. Gen.
Custer’s last battle was on a poster on that building and the boys never
got through describing the scalping scenes. We ate dinner in a beautiful
grove below Ste. Marie and then began the most beautiful part of our
journey.

“Dark Bend extends for nearly twenty miles and is just one curve after
another. The beauty of this land nobody can fully describe. It is like
Fairyland with its forests, big bluffs, old log cabins and shanties, and
sparkling water. It was a perfect June afternoon when we went through
it and once we heard the chimes from the distant Catholic Church at
Ste. Marie. We stopped for a swim, but I took no pictures in the Bend
for I knew they could never satisfy me.

“The North Fork pours into the river here and from that place on
the river is much wider and deeper. It seemed odd to hear the boys in
the boat ahead of us and not be able to see them, but the curves were
so frequent we soon became used to that. Our voices echoed back from

24 THE “AXED UBON BULLETIN

%

BE

bluff to bluff and yet the boys did not talk loud for the spirit of the
place was over us. We camped out that night in Dark Bend, put up an
army tent, popped corn around the camp-fire, discussed robbers, listened to
the kingfishers in the bluff across from us, and then reluctantly went to
bed. That night Martin tried to climb out of the top of the tent, but
I got hold of his foot just in time to keep him from bringing the tent
down upon our heads.

“Sunday morning we stopped at the little village of Lafetown for
water, made the curve in Richland County, shot our second dam, saw

»>many campers along the way, passed the beautiful Tithian Club-House,

and ate dinner among the sawmills.

“That afternoon we heard a chugging noise which meant we were near
the oil-fields. Soon we came to the Ohio Oil Company’s wells, and stopped
to visit them. One boy had visited the wells near Casey so told us all about
the machinery.

“That night we climbed a big bluff, found to our great joy a big

barn up there, and soon with the farmer’s consent were preparing supper
and making ready to sleep there for that night. I shall never forgot how
that night the sound of the church bells came across the river to us—it
was one of the heavenly things on earth. The farmer did not stop his
kindness to us with letting us sleep in his barn, but told the boys to. go
into his garden for June berries and mulberries for breakfast. We bought
home-made bread here, which was a great treat to the boys.

“At nine that morning we reached the little village of Westport after
passing several ferries and some big cliffs. Here the boys visited an old
woman’s shop, bought me a kettle in which to cook, and tried to get
bread, but none was to be had in the village.

‘We ate at noon near the dredge-ditch leading to Lawrenceville, then
went swimming at a big sand-bar over five acres in extent. So much fun

=
, eS" La

ee St EP

BL LINOors AUDUBON SOCIETY 25

or

did the boys have there it was hard for us to go on, but hasten on we
did and at four, as we rounded a bend, we were met by the Lawrenceville
scouts, who had been there all day at “Camp Beanery’ expecting us.
They had their tents and soon we were busy putting up ours. I don’t
know what those Lawrenceville scouts thought of me as a scoutmaster
when I stepped out of the boat, barefooted, spattered with mud, with a
big straw hat on the boys had bought me at Ste. Marie, (for Arthur had
stepped upon my other one at Greenup), but soon they were all clustered
around me telling me all their scout happenings while I tried to shave
and hold a round mirror upon my knees at the same time. I sent one
boat down to Lawrenceville for water, milk and bread—the oil makes
the river water unfit to drink there and no well is near, while the scout-
master, who is deputy county clerk, rowed the second one down on an er-
rand. When the boats came back we had supper and I wish you could have
seen the picture! Big sycamores with white tents gleaming here and there in
the moonlight, a dozen fires blazing, the big sand-bar in front, the boys
cooking or putting up tents. After supper we rowed and swam, sat around
the fires and told stories—while I wrote letters home by snatches. Camp
Comradeship I would have called it and in my heart there will always
be warmly cherished those Lawrenceville scouts and their scoutmaster, a
man of lovely character and of great ability.

“The next morning we rowed down to the city and landed at the high
school campus. The building itself is on a high bluff while the lower
campus is a grassy meadow. Here we had a field meet with the Lawrence-
ville scouts. After a dinner with the scoutmaster at the circuit clerk’s
home he took me through the courthouse and together we climbed up
into the old tower and he pointed out the smoke of Vincennes to me.
Then he came down to the boats with me to see us off and once more
we were on our way. That afternoon we saw many oil-wells and in places
the water was black with oil. Many of the trees and bushes had been
killed by the oil and the smell was sickening.

“We knew we were approaching the mouth because the river was
getting so wide and deep and the sycamores were to be seen everywhere.
We saw a forest fire raging, then passed an old barn, and ahead saw an
immense open space. The boys in the boat ahead had landed and were
waving branches of willow, not as a sign of rejoicing, but to keep off the
mosquitoes, which were in swarms in the willows on the bank. The boys
soon embarked again and together we sailed out into the Wabash. I
wonder if you can realize the thrill that came to us when we knew we
had really reached the mouth. The river seemed immense in the June twi-
light, but fearlessly we turned toward Vincennes rowing only a few mo-
ments and then landing to camp for the night.

“IT called the boys at four next morning and soon we were busy
packing and getting breakfast. We rowed only half an hour at a time
going up the Wabash as the current was so strong, but soon I saw at the
rate we were going we would miss our train so I called to a mussel-hunter
with a row boat’ with a motor in it and asked him to take us up to
Vincennes. Soon we were fastened to his boat and speeding through the
water. We stopped to visit his camp, passing house-boats and mussel-boats
by the dozens. At last we caught a glimpse of the spires of Vincennes,
and soon we were at our journey’s end.”

26 THE AUWDU SON 7 BU E EE ein

As to the Boy Scouts of America

People over the country have been asking on every hand what the Boy
Scouts of America will do in the event of war. This concerns every neigh-
borhood and more so because boys themselves are anxious to do something
to serve their country.

Every organization has its particular function or activity as related to
the public or cause of humanity. The Boy Scout Organization has its
objects and to that end has developed and trained its boys for civic service.
One of the most outstanding accomplishments is its personal service. Doing
a good turn daily, courtesy, helping others, man or beast, in distress, are
the things that Boy Scouts are taught to do and practice.

Service of this sort is therefore the function of the organization and
its individual members are always ready to offer their services. The Scout
motto, ‘““‘Be Prepared’ is indicative of the training and practice of Boy
Scouts. :

Newspaper articles and statements of uninformed persons are liable to be
inaccurate. The activities of a small military organization known as the
United States Boy Scouts should not be confused with those of the Boy
Scouts of America, whose policy is expressed in the following statement
by the National Council:

“There must be no violation of the trust reposed in us by parents
who have permitted their boys to enroll with us for character and citizen-
ship training. No Scout Organization under our control may take part
im any military operations. Our program and policy which have been
followed since the foundation of Scouting will not be changed.”

Boys who are members of the Boy Scouts of America, as you doubtless ©

know, cannot be required by reason of his Scout membership to do any duty
whatever of a military character.

‘

It is possible however, that there may be ways in which the Scouts,
without interfering with home or school duties, can be of aid locally to
the nation. Definitely, Scouts might be asked to volunteer with the consent
of their parents for such work as :—

Gathering statistical information as to supplies, etc. for the use of
civic or military authorities.

Acting as messengers and orderlies, thereby releasing men needed for
military duties.

Co-operating with the Red Cross Society and other proper agencies for
various kinds of relief work.

A Scout’s first duty is his home. He may there take upon himself the
duties of an older brother or a father who has accepted the call to the
colors. A Scout is thus fulfilling his Scout Law of Loyalty in a double
sense, viz., to his home and his country.

Se

————————

Pie no as AN DT BON SO C LET ¥ 27

At Allendale Farm

Allendale Farm at Lake Villa, Illinois, is a place to live and a school
besides where city boys that have not had a good chance are sent to be
given the best of chances, beautiful cottage homes on a picturesque lake,
real homelife on a real farm of their own, genuine friends, and inspiring
leaders. It is an Arabian Nights transformation for a homeless boy in
a crowded city to wake up and find himself at Allendale!

The Allendale boys make and sell bird houses as one of their ways of
doing a good deed while supporting themselves for, as they say in their
Bird House Leaflet, ‘It is not our words, but our work that must count
for bird conservation.” Mr. Lawrence Buck of Ravinia, a noted architect,
designed some of their models, and they offer for sale the St. Armand
Model Martin House, the Lawrence Buck Model, the Quincy Model, the
Jens Jensen Model, etc. However, notwithstanding the modest disclaimer
quoted above, the words of these boys must also count for bird conserva-
tion as the following selections from issues of the Allendale Chap Book
will show:

THE BURIAL OF A BIRD.

By George Franklin (Fourth Grade).

One day, while I was walking along the lane near the bridge, I heard
a noise, and I turned to look, and there I saw a man with a gun in his
hand. I ran up when he fired the shot. I looked around for a half an
hour, until I found something hopping around on the ground. Then I
saw a Blackbird.

He hopped slower and slower until he dropped dead, and then I
picked him up. I brought him to Miss Willie, and she gave me a box to
bury him in. Then I buried him in Shelter Garden, in the corner, and
then I built a cross, and made a wreath of flowers, and I put some flowers
on the grave. Then some other boys said the Lord’s prayer, and then we
went away sad.

PRIMARY NATURAL SCIENCE.

By Harry Posé (Fourth Grade).

At Allendale Farm, we have a natural science department. We try to
help the birds, to study the birds and flowers, to feed the birds in winter,
and to see that the flowers are not all picked at Allendale, and, when
the birds are hurt, to keep them, and fix up their wounds, and study their
nature.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird we have never had before this. year.
The least bittern is a bird that roams around in the marsh, and once in
a while they come in to the shore and we can see them, and also the Sora

28 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Rail and the King Rail. The Yellow-headed Blackbird builds its nest of
reeds from the marsh. |

After the birds have left their nests we collect a few bird nests, and
describe them, and tell what kind of a bird builds them.

THE STORY OF A ROBIN.
By Louis Dirden-Groff (Fifth Grade).

One day in early spring, as I was going fishing, | saw a small robin
fly upon a sail-boat which belonged to one of the Allendale boys. The robin
was young, so it could not oes
take care of itself. It had :
something wrong with its
foot, so I tried to catch it to
see what was the matter, but
it flew out into the swamp
and was drowning, so I went
eniennita) Lewaded ini upy to
my knees to get it. When I
got it, it was chirruping for
want of food, so I took it
down to the pond near the
lake and dug a few worms
for it. It was so wet that I
took it to the school house,
and put it by the radiator,
which dried its feathers.
Then I took it to a pear tree,
where I put it ona limb and
stood on the porch to watch
what it would do. But the
school bell rang and I went
to study my lessons. At four
o clocks 1 was let out. ‘of
school, and I went to look
to see what had happened
and guess what had! It was
gone. But I was glad.

Wild Geese and Ducks at Hinsdale

Mrs. Carrie E. Raymond reports that within a short distance of Hins-
dale is quite a large swamp where only a few ducks have been seen in
former years. The hunters of this section have been obeying the Federal
Law and as a consequence the bird lovers have been having an unusual
opportunity to observe the ducks. As many as seven kinds have been there
at one time and there have been a goodly number of each kind—Mallards,
Pintails, Shovellers, Baldpates, Scaup-Ring-necks and Green-winged Teal.

One White-fronted Goose was kind enough to allow close enough ap-
proach so that all his markings could be seen.

Four Blue Geese spent several days in the corn fields near Hinsdale—
the first record for them in Du Page County.

AN ALLENDALE BOY

rota wots AUDUBON. SOCIETY 29

Recent Activities of the Illinois Audubon Society

Since the publication of the Winter 1916-17 Bulletin, the Society has
conducted a series of three lectures at Central Music Hall in Chicago
which have given a decided impetus to Audubon work in the Chicago area.
William L. Finley of Portland, Oregon, gave the first lecture of the series
on March 11, his subject being, “Nature’s Children in Moving Pictures.”’
This lecture greatly impressed an audience which practically filled the
hall, and it was at once evident that in bringing lecturers with so valuable
a message to Chicago, the Illinois Audubon Society was performing an
important public service. The second lecture was by Ernest Harold Baynes
of Meriden, N. H., on March 24. It was entitled, ‘‘Wild Birds and How
to Attract Them.” This widely known naturalist and author is a very
gifted speaker and wherever he goes, he arouses a far reaching interest in
bird life and its protection which expresses itself in bird clubs and other
forms of practical activity. Norman McClintock of Pittsburg gave the
third lecture on April 14 entitled, “American Birds in Moving Pictures.”
It was a wonderful display of pictures and it is no reflection upon other
lecturers to state that no one has brought within the moving picture fieid
so much of the intimate life of the common as well as the more unusual
birds as has Mr. McClintock. This is his second appearance in Chicago
under the auspices of the Audubon Society, and it is hoped that his
appearance and that of Mr. Baynes and Mr. Finley shall be annual events.
It is also the hope of the Directors that a circuit can be planned for
these lecturers so that their inspiring message can be delivered. throughout
the state.

2 x Kk

The Audubon Society has just printed notices of post card size warning
possible violators of the bird law of Illinois and the United States. A
fascimile of the addressed side of the card appears below. On the reverse
side appears the following statements.

Non-GAME Birps.

The laws of Illinois forbid killing, catching, or having in one’s posses-
sion, living or dead, practically all the non-game birds of the State. The
birds thus protected by law include robins, bluebirds, meadowlarks, bobo-
links, sparrows and finches, swallows, wrens, owls, thrushes, nearly all the
hawks and a long list of other birds. Any person who shall kill or catch or
have in his possession, living or dead, any such wild birds, or part of a
bird, shall for each offense be subject to a fine of $5.00 and cost for
each bird killed or caught or shall be imprisoned not to exceed ten
days.

GAME BIRDS.

The laws of the United States also protect the wild birds named
above, and permit the killing of game birds, such as geese, ducks, brants,
coot, snipe, plover, etc., only between September 15 and December 31,
inclusive of each year. THIS MAKES ALL SPRING SHOOTING
ILLEGAL. Anyone violating the United States Law may be fined not
more than $100 or imprisoned not more than ninety days.

30 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

CONSTABLES.

All constables in
Illinois are by virtue
of their office special
deputy wardens for
the protection of
birds and shall re-
ceive in addition to
the fees and mileage
provided by law,
one-half of all the
funds recovered for violation of the State law
in cases where they have filed the complaint.

An edition of this card translated into
Italian has also been printed. Copies of these
cards in either English or Italian can be ob-
tained by writing the Secretary of. the Society.
It is recommended that a mailing list of vio-
lators of the law in each community be pre-
pared and copies of the card sent those on
the list. A friendly visit to the local con-
stables and the presentation to them of a copy
of this card might be of valuable service.
Upon request the Illinois Audubon Society
will mail cards directly to addresses furnished
the Secretary.

Protection

of Birds

Read on the other side of this card how
the Illinois and the United States laws
recognize the right of birds to life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Report violations of the law to the
nearest constable. Also report violators
to the State Game and Fish Com
misaton, Springfield, Ill. Write the
Illingis “Audubon Society, 1649 Otis
Bldg., Chicago, for advice.

(Non-Game Birds)

owls, thrushes, nearly all the hawks
and a long list of other birds. Any
person who shall kill or catch or have
in his possession, living or ad, any
such wild birds, or part of a bird, shall
for each offense be subject to a fine of
$5.00 and costs for each bird killed or
caught or shall be imprisoned not to
exceed ten days. F
(Game Birds)
The laws of the United States also pro-
tect the wild birds named above and
permit the killing of game birds. such
aa geese, ducks, brants, coot, anipe,
plover, etc., only between September
and December 31, inclusive of each
year. This makes all spring shoot-
ing legal. Anyone violating the
United States Law may be fined not
more than $100 or imprisoned not
more than ninety days.

(Constables)

All conetables in Illinois are by virtue
of their offices special deputy wardens
for the protection of birds and shall
receive in addition tothe fees and mile-
age provided by law, one-half of all the
funds recovered for violation of the
state law in cases where they have
filed the complaint.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
+ OFFICERS -.

President
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz
5215 Wi 24th St, Cicere

x x 2K

The officials of the Exmoor Country Club at Highland Park recently
invited the Illinois State Audubon Society to suggest plans for making
a bird sanctuary of the Club Grounds and set aside a generous appropria-
tion for carrying out the plans. A committee representing the directors-
of the Audubon Society and consisting of Mr. Ruthven Deane, Mr. Everett
Millard, and Mr. Jesse L. Smith, has taken direct charge of the work.
About eighty nesting boxes including three colony nests for Martins have
been set in place. Six feeding stations and three bathing pools complete
the present equipment. Nesting boxes of three different types, including
the Berlepsch Box, are being tried out. Each box is numbered and has
a removable cover, and it is planned to inspect these boxes at least once a
month during May and June.

The Club House stands on a wooded ridge from which the grounds
slope down gently to the Skokie Valley. A thin screen of woods follows
down the slope opening out here and there to make room for the golf
course. There are several areas where heavy tangles are to be set with
fruit-bearing shrubbery. A pond near the edge of the course has a colony
house hard by, which the Martins filled last summer. Bordering on the
west is a marsh area traversed by the Skokie slough, and dotted with
wooded islands, the whole area including about two hundred acres.

Acting for the Country Club the Audubon Committee petitioned the
State Game and Fish Commission to declare the Exmoor Country Club
Grounds a State Game and Bird Refuge. The petition has been granted,
and steps are now being taken to include within the reservation the adjoining

PeLPwWors: AUDUBON: )S 0O:C LET Y 31

marsh area. With this accomplished there will be a reservation of about
three hundred sixty acres where protection will be given to birds of forest,
marsh and meadow. It is needless to add that the attitude of this Country
Club toward bird life is greatly appreciated by the Audubon Society and
that the action taken will doubtless be a precedent for similar undertakings
elsewhere.

A Bird House Exhibition in Peoria

From February 26 to March 2 the first bird house exhibit ever held
in Peoria, Illinois, was opened to the public. The various conditions of
the exhibit were carefully organized, giving everyone interested an oppor-
tunity to participate on terms that were fair to all. The following were
the most important points covered as published in the Manual Training
Magazine:

Exhibitors:
Class A. School pupils not taking shopwork (boys below the seventh grade,
girls of all grades). ,
Class B. Seventh grade boys in the public or parochial schools.
Class C. Eighth grade boys in the public or parochial schools.
Class D. First year boys of the high schools and Bradley Institute.
Class E. Any friend of birds.
Class F. Commercial manufacturers of bird houses, baths, etc.

Kinds of Houses:
Group I. Sawed lumber, (painted, stained or natural).
Group II. Sawed lumber covered with bark, twigs or shingles.
Group III. Rustic houses made of parts of tree trunks, limbs.
Group IV. Stucco and concrete houses.
Group V. Nesting shelves.

Accessories :
Group VI. _ Food shelters.
Group VII. Baths, (wood, concrete, metal).
Group VIII. Sparrow traps.

Kinds of Birds: :
Bluebirds Robins

Chickadee Swallows
Martins Woodpeckers
Nuthatch Flickers, Wrens
Owls

First, second and third prizes were awarded in classes A, B, C and D under
Kinds of Houses (Groups I to V), Accessories (Groups VI to VIII), and Kinds of
Birds. Honorable mention was awarded in classes E and F. First and second prizes
were offered as follows:

(a) For the best essays on the value of birds and the methods of attracting
them to the city, open to high school and Bradley Institute (Academy) students.

(b) For the best stories on “The Birds that Built in My House” open to
classes A, B and C and closing October 1, 1917.

(c) For the best essays on “Bird Enemies and How to Guard Against Them”
(sparrows, cats, snakes, etc.), open to classes A, B, C and D, and closing October 1,
1917.

A first prize was offered to the first person reporting a nesting house occupied
by any bird except English Sparrow, open to classes, A, B, C and D. A banner was
awarded to the school entering the most houses.

There were 603 bird houses exhibited, many of which showed an unexpected
degree of skill and artistic merit. In extent of interest the exhibit was a civic event,
visitors coming even from the nearby towns, and plans are already being made for
a larger and better exhibit next year.

32 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Great Horned Owl

On one of its early trips this
spring, one of the bird classes of Car-
thage College discovered this little
Owl’s home. It was high up in an
oak tree. A week later the nest was
almost destroyed. We do not know by
what—or by whom. A third trip in
that vicinity showed the nest built up
again and the mother Owl sitting on
four eggs. wo weeks later we visited
it and found three babies. The fol-
lowing week we brought back one to
the college—taking the accompany-
ing pictures of it. It was perhaps
three weeks old. One of the girls car-
ried it close to her with her muff as
a shield and the little Owl was quite
content. Its amusing way of looking
about from one to another of us while
having its picture taken kept us all
laughing, but a piece of beefsteak was more to the satisfaction of the little
Owl.

Mes: F. C. GArEs

Seed Planting for Birds

A timely suggestion from Mr. Musselman is that those who wish an
abundance of birds both in numbers and varieties should begin to prepare in
the spring for the growing of feed for the next winter’s restaurant. ;

Most important for those who desire nuthatches and goldfinches will
be the planting of the large sunflower. A dime’s worth of seed properly
planted will supply a large harvest of fine heads for next winter. Plant
them near your tennis court wires so that when the heads are heavy you
can help support them.

Those wishing to attract tree sparrows and juncoes should plant a
supply of large headed grass such as millet, and this should be cut when
ripe and laid away until the winter days. Then let it be dropped at the
base of your feed box tree with small particles of bread crumbs and ground
suet.

Broom corn and maize both are good to be cut and reserved for the
winter seed feeding. Blue grass when ripe may be cut and laid away
also. This makes a good scratching bed for the birds, supplying feed
and when placed over packed snow acts as a carpet. If this is not con-
venient, remember that the sweepings from the hay mow make attractive
gleaming for all ground-feeding birds. You can increase your winter
bird visitors by planning and planting now.

REVS be kU RORON SOCIETY

ww
w

Bird Contest in Zoology Classes

In a letter from Mr. Harold B. Shinn of the Karl Schurz High
School, Chicago, there is an interesting reference to the scheme he has
been using to stimulate bird observations among the two hundred fifty
zoology students of that school by utilizing their play instinct. If this is
of value in a large city high school it would seem to be of all the more
value where conditions are more ideal for bird study. We take the liberty
of copying Mr. Shinn’s memorandum.

“Over a large board, about 18 x 48 inches, we tacked a white cheese-
cloth. The pupils in the drawing department made on this a colored chalk
picture of a landscape having fields and a river in the foreground and
mountains in the background. Crossing the river is a road which winds
into the distance and climbs the mountain side. When a pupil has re-
ported 5 birds his name is written on a small pennant (paper) and he is

started on the trail. 10 birds carry him over the river and into the second
field; 20 birds carry him over the fence into the third field, 30 birds into
the next field, etc. We have seven sections of pupils and therefore use
seven different colors of paper for the pennants and these are affixed by
means of small pins stuck through the cheesecloth.”

“The landscape is quite well done and large enough to attract attention.
The parti-colored pennants add to the interest of the picture. The climax
‘is gained by the rivalry between sections and between pupils as they watch
their pennants progress across the board. We have used the board two
seasons and it has put more life into the reporting of field work than
anything else I have ever tried or seen others try.”

“Various means of getting the reports can be used. We give the pupils
large sheets, each printed into 8 blank records. The pupil colors the
printed diagram of the bird with his own crayons, fills in the data and
hands in each record as he makes it. The records are kept and tabulated,
then returned to the pupil who now pastes them into his laboratory note-

34 TH EAU DSU: BON 3 BY ELEN

book as his record of field work. We demand 15 of these and 10 others
from laboratory study. When these are carefully colored the pupil has -
his own color key and is ready for the class examination.”’

A Bird Talk in the Movies

Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz, President of the Illinois Audubon So-
clety, claims to know of a new method of getting an audience for a
bird lecture and he bases his claim upon his recent experience at Sheffield
where he went to give a bird talk. “As every one knows,” says Mr. Schantz,
“with the coming of the movies, great difficulty is found in many com-
munities in getting any kind of a crowd to attend a lecture of an educa-
tional character. It was a woman who discovered how to get a crowd to
attend the bird lecture in Sheffield. Arrangements were made with the
picture house to run several reels and then allow an hour for the lecture.
As the result of this strategy, the house was crowded, with standing room
only, and whether persons wished to or not, they heard an illustrated
talk on the economics of bird life.

“It is hoped that some of the 500 people in attendance will have
realized as a result of the missionary work, something of the relation of
our bird life to farm economics.”

After the lecture Mr. Schantz went to the Sheffield House to spend the
night. It was late and the proprietors of the hotel were about ready to
close up for the night. Some one noticing his case of slides asked him if
he was the “bird man,” and on acknowledging the implication, he was
asked whether he knew Robert Ridgway. When Mr. Schantz stated that
he knew Mr. Ridgway by reputaticn and was an admirer of his writings
about birds, he made the interesting discovery that the landlady was a
cousin to the famous ornithologist, and that she and her husband were
very proud of their relationship. After this discovery Mr. Schantz visited
for nearly two hours with these charming people and learned from them
many delightful and interesting anecdotes of our great Illinois orni-
thologist.

It seems Mr. Ridgway as a boy became intensely interested in bird
study, gathering much data and many specimens from his home locality at
Mt. Carmel, Ill. When about 17 years of age, he decided to take his col-
lection to Washington and show it to the scientists at the Smithsonian
Institution. As a result of this visit he never returned to Illinois to reside
permanently, and he has given 50 years of active service to ornithology.
He has repeatedly refused offers of positions in other lines of work with
larger salaries, because of his love for the field of work he chose when
a boy. .

Mr. Ridgway now spends a portion of each year at Olney, IIl., where
he has an eight acre tract of woodland which, out of the richness of
his knowledge, has been adapted to the requirements of his bird friends.
There he labors toward the completion of his great work, “Birds of North
and Middle America,” which when finished will be the most complete work
ever written on the bird life of this continent.

It was a very pleasant experience to learn of the appreciation of those
who prize him both for his delightful personality and his marvelous
knowledge of birds.

LLL Oors AUDUBON SOCLETY 35

A Working Library of Bulletins

Readers of the Spring Bulletin are here reminded of the aid which the
U. S. Government gives in the way of carefully prepared bulletins setting
forth the economic importance of birds and detailing methods of attracting
and feeding them. As to schools availing themselves of these bulletins
it is suggested that the teachers write for these bulletins and distribute
them rather than encourage indiscriminate application by children who may
not realize the value of the material thus freely given away.

Farmers’ Bulletin No. 621, How to Attract Birds in Northeastern,
United States, by W. L. McAtee, describes bird shelters and methods of
feeding birds, and contains a very complete list of fruits attractive to
birds. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 609, entitled, Bird Houses and How to
Build Them, by Ned Dearborn, has numerous detailed drawings and
covers the subject completely. With these two bulletins at hand, one of
15 pages, the other of 19, one has a good working library to start with.
Farmers’ Bulletin No. 493, The English Sparrow as a Pest, by Ned Dear-
born, (24 pages, 17 illustrations) treats the subject authoritatively and
completely. It should be studied and its suggestions followed up every-
where in our state. Bulletin No. 630, Some Common Birds Useful to the
Farmer, by Beal (27 pages with illustrations), treats of 25 groups of birds.
This Bulletin together with Farmers’ Bulletin No. 497, Some Common
Game, Aquatic and Rapacious Birds in Relation to Man, (30 pages, 14
illustrations), by McAtee and Beal, and Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, Food
of Some Well Known Birds of Farm, Forest, and Garden, (35 pages, 16
illustrations), by the same authors, should be added to one’s working
library. All the bulletins mentioned above are to be had free of charge,
by writing to the Department of Agriculture at Washington.

As an addendum to this lst mention might be made of Farmer’s
Bulletin, No. 513, entitled “Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard.”
This has 31 pages and 50 colored illustrations. All but nine or ten of
the birds there pictured and described nest in Illinois and it would be
very desirable if an unlimited supply of this valuable bulletin were avail-
able for reference and for class study in Illinois. As it is not given in the
March 1917 circular of the U. S. Biological Survey in the list of publica-
tions available for general distribution, no statement can be made here
as to the method of securing it.

The State Board of Agriculture of Massachusetts has in its employ
the distinguished ornithologist, Edward Howe Forbush, and the bulletins
issued under his supervision are of unusual value. Two of the special
reports that Mr. Forbush has issued as bound volumes are entitled, Useful
Birds and Their Protection, and A History of the Game Birds, Wild Fowl
and Shore Birds of Massachusetts, etc. These are described elsewhere
under the head of Suggestive List of Bird Books. These are sold at cost
for $1.00 plus postage.

The annual reports prepared by Mr. Forbush are of interest far beyond the
boundaries of Massachusetts. The Eighth Annual Report for the year 1915
has some unusually valuable material relating to nesting boxes with reports
of success obtained with different types of boxes in various parts of Massa-
chusetts. —The Ninth Annual Report for 1916 contributes additional mate-
rial of this kind. These reports are beautifully printed and illustrated.

36 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Circular 47, February, 1917 edition, by Mr. Forbush, entitled, Bird
Houses and Nesting Boxes, (24 pages with 44 illustrations) embodies
the best and most recent information obtained by experiments in Massa-
chusetts. Circular 49, Food Plants to Attract Birds and Protect Fruit,
by Forbush, (21 pages, 7 illustrations), includes most of the material in
Farmers’ Bulletin No. 621 by McAtee referred to above and much valuable
comment and additional material. Then there are three bulletins of
Economic Biology also by Mr. Forbush, which are very important con-
tributions to the literature of bird protection. Bulletin 1, Rats and Rat -
Riddance, (87 pages, 35 illustrations), and Bulletin No. 2, The Domestic
Cat, Bird Killer, etc., (112 pages, 46 illustrations), and Bulletin No. 3,
The Natural Enemies of Birds, (58 pages, 13 illustrations), are really in-
dispensable aids. These and the annual reports and the circulars named
above, may be obtained free of charge, by addressing the State Board of
Agriculture, Room 136 State House, Boston.

A Challenge

A large and influential wing of the scientist army, led by some very
able ornithologists (including the well-beloved Burroughs) refuse ab-
solutely to credit birds with the power of memory. According to their
theoretical arguments, all actions displaying symptoms or even suspicions
of memory upon the part of birds are merely the results of instinct.

What is meant by the term “instinct,” or just how nearly this hidden
power approaches memory, has never been lucidly explained.

I have just given a company of birds including members of two species,
a test that I challenge the world to explain without using the term “mem-
ory” in itself or a synonym. I have enjoyed an exhibition as logically con-
vincing of the gift of memory possessed by our feathered friends, true as
any form pervading the human mind.

One afternoon a large barred owl was brought me for mounting. I
stretched it upon a table back of my store and left it. Something less than
an hour later, five jays and twenty sparrows had congregated around my
table and were making the air hideous with their protests. This well
known action of birds might very properly be called ‘“‘instinctive action,”
for the hate of owls is either born in each feathered form or instilled at
an early age.

At dusk when the non-pacifist gathering had dispersed, I carefully
wrapped the owl in a newspaper and turned over him a large box tray used
for picture washing. The owl was completely covered—not a feather in
sight—and left through the night.

Next morning when I returned to the store the protesting congrega-
tion was already present with the exception of one absent jay. ‘The spar-
rows were all there. The noise of the protest was fully as convincing of
their displeasure. My question follows:

Why were these birds present upon the second occasion if they were
not possessed of memories?

Isaac E. Hess.

TLELInWois AUDUBON. SOCIETY a7

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1917
Published by the
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

TESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park.

EVERETT L. MILLARD
69 W. Washington St., Chicago.

MRS. C. E. RAYMOND
Hinsdale.

MRS. FREDERIC H. PATTEE
Evanston.

MR. O. M. SCHANTZ
iS) La’ salle St., Chicago.

MRS EREDERIC H. PATTEE.
226 W. Madison St., Chicago.

A gratifying interest in bird life shown
by construction of bird houses, feeding
shelters, etc., has recently manifested itself
in various parts of Illinois. Several weekly
and monthly publications of national cir-
culation such as The Ladies’ Home Jour-
nal, Country Gentleman, The Farm Jour-
nal of Philadelphia, etc., have printed ex-
cellent pictures of bird houses and in-
formation as to their construction, and
these have doubtless helped Audubon So-
cieties and bird clubs to awaken public
interest. Elsewhere in this bulletin are
references to activities of this sort at
Edwardsville, Peoria, Hinsdale and other
places. It is hoped that the building and
placing of bird houses will be followed
up by a careful study of what happens.

* *x *

It is one thing to get up enthusiasm
for building of bird houses, it is quite an-
other thing to secure intelligent placing
of the houses and the right kind of super-
vision to make sure that the houses are
not put to uses quite foreign to the intent
of the builder. In the Eighth Annual Re-
port of State Ornithologist Forbush of

Massachusetts which is referred to in

this bulletin under the heading of “A
Working Library of Bulletins,” the story
of what happened in the public parks of
Hopedale and Brookfield, Mass., is given
and this illustrates what may happen else-
where. Some years ago the park commis-
sioners at Hopedale had put up one hun-
dred five bird houses and nesting boxes in
their beautiful forest park of several hun-
dred acres. In the summer of 1914 ex-
amination showed twenty-six empty boxes,
sixty-four occupied by squirrels, three by
mice, seven by hornets, wasps, etc., three
by undesirable birds, and only two by
birds for which they were intended. In
1915 the town of Brookfield set in place
large numbers of nesting boxes of. vari-
ous patterns. In July a census of some
of these showed seventy-six used by Eng-
lish Sparrows, nineteen by squirrels, ten
by caterpillars of the gypsy moth, one by
Bluebirds and one by the _ blue-crested
fly-catcher—only two families of useful
nesting birds out of one hundred five
nests.

Mr. Forbush’s own experiments were
especially concerned with 25 board boxes
set up on poles on his estate. By warring
on English Sparrows, either by killing
them outright or removing their nests
when the eggs were laid, he managed to
secure peace for the occupants of the
nesting boxes and the result was an “out-

put” of ‘fourteen Bluebirds, thirteen
Chickadees, nine Flickers, and ninety
Swallows—these on an area of about eight

acres where prior to 1914 not one bird of

any of these species was reared.

* * *

For further details the reader is referred
to the Bulletin previously described and
the others in the list given. A study of
such bulletins and of the books relating
to this same subject referred to in “A
Suggestive List of Bird Books” printed
elsewhere, may help workers to control
nesting conditions in the areas under in-
spection.

38 PEE Y AU D UcB- ON? BeU Lek Bet oN

In the Spring Bulletin of one year ago,
reference was made to an article in Bird-
Lore for March-April, 1916 by Gilbert
Grosvenor, editor of the National Geo-
graphic Magazine who wrote about bird
life on his farm in Montgomery County,
Maryland, about ten miles from Wash-
ington. Mr. Grosvenor found fifty-nine
pairs of birds with young or eggs in the
nest on one acre adjacent to the house
or barn on his farm. The readers of this
Bulletin are once more advised to emulate
Mr. Grosvenor’s example by placing nest-
ing boxes, feeding stations, etc., about
their homes, furnishing building material,
(Pieces of oiled paper, string, puddles of
mud, etc.) bird baths, etc., and by fight-
ing off English Sparrows and cats. They
are also requested to furnish in due time
a detailed report of success or failures
with nesting boxes and comments thereon.
This will be of decided value for our Fall-
Winter Bulletin.

*K * *

The Publication Committee of the
Illinois Audubon Society might as well
admit at the outset that it is proud of
the co-operation from so many sources
that has made this Spring Bulletin pos-
sible. It considers it a praiseworthy feat
to introduce the Ozarks of Southern IIli-
nois to Illinoisans in general, and for this
special acknowledgment is due Mr. Clar-
ence Bonnell of Harrisburg, who writes
from a full knowledge of that picturesque
and historic region. Then there is the
check list of birds of Illinois with special
reference to those nesting within the
borders of the State. This is surely an
achievement of the first rank since it
is the outcome of the separate efforts
of Ridgway and Gault and Hess and em-
bodies their critical and authoritative
judgment. This list, as Mr. Gault sug-
gests elsewhere, is somewhat tentative ow-
ing to insufficient data relating to the
life history of a number of the birds,
but this rather gives it added interest.
Here is a chance to check up one’s area
of observation and also, it may be, to fur-

nish important data for the revision of
the list itself.

Special mention, likewise, might be
made of the many field notes that appear
Coming as they have, not
only from experienced observers but also
from those whose keenness of interest
makes up in part for lack of experience,
these notes have all been welcomed and
printed in the alphabetical order of the
localities.

in this issue.

Naturally there may be errors
in observation where the best of intent
to be accurate is evident. For such errors,
of course the Bulletin disclaims respon-
sibility. It is simply suggested that criti-
cisms and corrections be sent in to the
Bulletin and that observers correspond
with one another in an endeavor to check
up and test their lists. The outcome of
such correspondence would no doubt be
valuable material for a succeeding issue
of this Bulletin.

Ee the aie

The Spring shooting season as defined
by the laws of Illinois has come and gone.
These laws provide for an open season
for wild fowl from February 15 to March
31, and, as all our readers know, are in
conflict with the. Federal regulations
which prohibit all Spring shooting. While
in many places in Illinois the Federal —
regulations were respected during the
weeks just past, there is little doubt that
over large areas no attention was paid to
them. When a hunter was reminded of
the illegality of Spring shooting, he in-
variably produced his state license to
justify his sport. This unfortunate con-
flict between Federal and State laws is,
let us hope, nearing an end. As this Bul-
letin goes to press, Senate Bill No. 542,
containing among other provisions, one
making the laws of Illinois conform to the
Federal regulations is about to come up
for second reading. This provision of
the bill should be the special concern of
Audubonites and every legislator should
be urged to support it.

Koes ek

During the interval mentioned above
when the Federal regulations were being

fet oO hsS AUDUBON S$ OCTET Y 39

disregarded, inquiry was often made as
to what the Biological Survey was doing
to enforce these regulations. The answer
seems to be that the Federal officials were
obliged to assume an attitude of observa-
tion rather than of enforcement. For one
thing there is the question of the con-
stitutionality of the migratory bird law
which has been pending before the U. S.
Supreme Court for over two years. Then
this same law as it stands is imperfect
in that it does not give agents of the
Biological Survey power of arrest even
when the law is violated in their presence,
and there is no provision whereby pos-
session of birds out of season is made
evidence of violation of the law. All the
agents can do is to secure the name of
the violator and the necessary evidence.
This, we are privately informed, these

agents have been doing, and a large num-
ber of cases have been accumulating in
the office of the Biological Survey.

Relief, however, is in sight in the en-
abling act to put into force the migratory
bird treaty. Elsewhere in this Bulletin,
Mr. T. G. Pearson, Secretary of the Na-
tional Audubon Society, tells of the failure
of this act to receive consideration in the
Congressional term that ended March 4.
The act has been introduced in the present
Congress and once more all who are in-
terested in this important measure should
again urge its passage. In this act there
will doubtless be provisions clothing
agents of the Survey with needful powers,
establishing a uniform bag limit through-
out the United States, and outlawing the
sale of game birds.

A Suggestive List of Bird Literature

Bailey, Florence Merriam Birds of Village and Field. A bird book for beginners;
with a color key to 154 birds and 300 illustrations. 12mo. $2.00

oo eek BE ee eee eee Handbook of Birds of Western North America.
Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 33 full plates by Fuertes; 600 illustrations in text;
570 pages. 12mo. Includes the Great Plains, Great Basin, Pacific Slopes, and
lower Rio Grande Valley. This book does for the West what Chapman’s
Handbook does for the East. $3.50

Ball, Alice E. A Year With the Birds. Gibbs and Vleeck, Inc. 8vo. pp. 191. Fifty-
six colored plates after Horsfall’s drawings. Written in delightful rhythmical
verse. Author has also drawn freely upon the standard poems of bird life.
Illustrations unusually fine. $3.00

Barrows, Walter Bradford Michigan Bird Life. Michigan Agricultural College.
(Address Sec. A. M. Brown, East Lansing, Michigan). 70 uncolored plates,
152 text figures, 822 pages. 8vo. Cloth, 60 cents plus postage (package weighs
over four pounds). In many respects a superior work. Sold at cost. Price
negligible. Its reference to Michigan localities does not prevent it from being
a valuable book for use in Illinois. 60 cents

Baynes, Ernest Harold Wild Bird Guests. E. P. Dutton & Co. An unusual book
combining charming description and thoroughly practical directions for the
bird lover who wants to know how to attract and protect the birds. It is
especially valuable for its definite instructions for forming bird clubs. $2.00

Blanchan, Neltje Bird Neighbors. Doubleday, Page & Co. An introductory ac-
quaintance with 150 birds commonly found in the gardens, meadows and
woods about our homes. Introduction by Burroughs. 48 colored plates. $2.00

Burroughs, John Bird Stories from Burroughs. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 8 full
page illustrations by Fuertes. 174 pages. 12mo. 60 cents

Chapman, Frank M. JHandbook of Birds of Eastern North America. D. Apple-
ton & Co. Over 200 illustrations, 530 pages. 12mo. This book heads the list
of all of the bird books. It is easily the most useful for study or reference.
Pocket edition, flexible cover, $4.00. Library edition. $3.50

Warblers of North America. D. Appleton & Co.
24 full-page colored plates illustrating every species and half-tones of nests and
eggs. Drawings by Fuertes and Horsfall. 306 pages. 8vo. Prepared with the
co-operation of 30 other naturalists. Contains valuable migration records, nest-

40

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

ing dates, and biographical references. An indispensable book for a study of
the warblers. $3.00

deka A CU Ne Se Camps and Cruises of an Ornithologist. D. Appleton

& Co. With 250 photographs from nature by the author. 432 pages. 8vo. A
fascinating story of various expeditions to obtain material for the ‘Habitat
Groups” of North American Birds for the American Museum of Natural
History. $3.00

Be ae and Reed, Chester A. Color Key to North American Birds. Double-

day, Page & Co. 800 drawings by Reed. 312 pages. 8vo. Excellent reference
for identifications. Very brief notes. $2.50

Dugmore, A. Radcliffe Bird Homes. Doubleday, Page & Co. 183 pages. 16
$2.00

colored plates and 50 half-tones. 8vo. A useful book.

Finley, W. L. American Birds, Photographed and Studied from Life. Charles

Scribner’s Sons. 256 pages. Large, 12mo. Each of the twenty-one chapters of
this book represents one bird family, the selections being nation-wide in scope.
The book is entertainingly written and is illustrated with unusually good photo-
graphs taken in the field. A splendid work. $1.50

Forbush, Edward H. Useful: Birds and Their Protection. Massachusetts Board

of Agriculture, Boston. Many illustrations. 437 pages. Large, 8vo. Contains
brief descriptions of the more common and useful species of birds with rather
full accounts of their food habits. One of the most valuable bird reference
books ever published. Sold at cost. Postage extra. $1.00

fs LN, co oN Rl Ondo ae Game Birds, Wild Fowl and Shore Birds of Massachu-

setts and Adjacent States. Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, Boston. Many
illustrations. 622 pages. Large, 8vo. A comprehensive description of all resi-
dent and migratory game birds with suggestions as to their conservation. Also
a history of such birds as have been driven out or exterminated. Local and
common names given. Very valuable book. Sold at cost. Postage extra. $1.00

Herrick, Francis Hobart The Home Life of Wild Birds. G. P. Putnam’s Sons.

255 pages. 8vo. A popular story of birds in action. Chiefly concerned with
homes or nests and their occupants. Very valuable photographic records. $2.00

Job, Herbert K. How to Study Birds. Outing Publishing Co. 272 pages. Large

12mo. Chapters on method of bird study, equipment (cameras, etc.), identifi-
cation, learning bird calls and notes, migration, nesting season, etc. $1.50

The Sport of Bird Study. Outing Publishing Co. 134
half-tones. 8vo. Book designed especially for the beginner at the study. Won-
derful display of photographs from life. $2.00

Wild-Wings. Outing Publishing Co. 341 pages. Square
8vo. Profusely illustrated from photographs. Adventures of a camera hunter
among the larger wild birds of America on land and sea. Introductory letter by
Theodore Roosevelt. $3.00

ips Sa bes a a ee Propagation of Wild Birds. Doubleday, Page & Co. 276 pages.

121 photographs from life by the author. A manual of applied ornithology,
treating of practical methods of propagating quails, doves, waterfowl, etc.
There are four chapters on methods of attracting and increasing smaller land
birds, including aids to nesting, making surroundings attractive and artificial
feeding.

Ladd, Neil Morrow How to Attract Birds About the House. Greenwich Bird

Protective Society, Greenwich, Conn. 68 pages, 40 illustrations mostly from
photographs. Paper cover. Valuable pamphlet. 35 cents

Matthews, F. Schuyler Field Book of Wild Birds and Their Music. G. P. Put-

man’s Sons. 262 pages. 16mo. 38 colored and 15 other full-page illustrations
and numerous musical notations. A description of the characteristics and music
of birds and intended to assist in the identification of the species common in
Eastern United States. Can be carried a-field in one’s pocket. Flexible leather,

$2.50. Cloth $2.00.

Cee tNwOLS AUDUBON SOCTETY 41

Miller, Olive Thorne The First Book of Birds. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 12mo.
149 pages with 8 colored and 12 plain plates and 20 figures in the text. This
book has long been highly prized by experienced leaders of children’s bird
clubs. $1.00

2 The Second Book of Birds. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 12mo.
209 pages with 8 colored plates from designs by Fuertes and 16 other illustrations.
This stimulating book is about bird families, explaining why the birds are
thus grouped and how the families may be distinguished, etc. $1.00

Pearson, T. Gilbert The Bird Study Book. National Association of Audubon So-
cieties. 12mo. 258 pages. Color frontispiece. Pen and ink drawings by Simmons
and 16 photographs. An excellent book for beginners and also of great interest
to experienced observers. But recently published and contains latest informa-
tion as to progress of movement for bird conservation, etc. The author as
Secretary of the National Association of Audubon Societies is a well informed
writer on birds in America.

Reed, Chester A. Bird Guide. Doubleday, Page & Co. In two parts. Pocket
size. Illustrations in color.
Part I. Water and Game Birds; Birds of Prey East of the Rockies. Flexible
cloth $1.00; flexible leather $1.25.
Part II. Land Birds East of the Rockies from Parrots to Bluebirds. Flexible
cloth 75 cents; flexible leather $1.00.
These well-known Bird Guides are of great service in identification of birds.
They are the first books in which the beginner should invest. The two Guides
may be obtained bound in a single volume, flexible leather, for $2.25

a Psi North American Birds’ Eggs. Doubleday, Page & Co.
356 pages. Numerous illustrations. 8vo. The eggs of nearly every North
American bird appear life size in half-tone illustrations. An accurate descrip-
tion of each bird and its range are given. $2.50

Trafton, Gilbert H. Methods of Attracting Birds. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 171
pages. 16mo. A handbook of the most approved methods of attracting wild-
birds about houses and providing for their nests in summer and homes in
winter. Chapters include such topics as nesting sites, bird houses, attracting
winter birds, drinking and bathing fountains, lists of trees, shrubs and vines
for planting to attract birds, etc. $1.25

Walter, Herbert E. and Alice H. Wild Birds in City Parks. Pocket edition
with chart showing migration of birds. Written for use in Chicago Parks but
very useful elsewhere. The very brief characterizations are of unusual value.

40 cents

Weed, Clarence M. and Dearborn, Ned Birds in Their Relation to Man.
J. B. Lippincott & Co. 390 pages. Large, 12mo. The subject is set forth in a
most readable style and the scientific data covered by the authors (for the most
part first-hand) is of great practical value. A very useful book. $2.50

Wheelock, Irene Grosvenor Birds of California. A. C. McClurg & Co. 578
pages. 12mo. An introduction to more than 300 common birds of California
and adjacent islands. Illustrated by Bruce Horsfall.

Wright, Mabel Osgood Birdcraft. A field book of two hundred song, game and
water birds. 80 full-page plates by Fuertes. 317 pages. Small, 4vo. $2.50

Wright, Mabel Osgood and Coues, Dr. Elliot Citizen Bird. MacMillan Co.
430 pages. 12mo. Scenes from bird life in plain English for beginners. One
of the best introductions to the study of bird life. Profusely illustrated by
Fuertes. $1.50

42 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

News From The Field

BLOOMINGTON: With reference to the Park owned by McLean
County, Mr. Spencer Ewing of Bloomington writes:

“West Park, a tract of forty acres, was given to McLean County by
Simeon H. West a few years ago and accepted by the board of supervisors
as a County Park. It consists of a tract of rolling land, heavily wooded
with the original forest timber which has never been cut over. It has
been put under the State law as a game preserve in order to make it a
sanctuary for bird life. Nothing has been done to the tract except for
its protection and I do not know of any movement on foot to do anything
with it except to keep it as a County Park. It is about sixteen miles from
Bloomington and is not very frequently visited; but in my opinion should
have some sort of expert supervision in regard to the preservation of the -
timber.”

Perhaps some of our readers in McLean County will be able to
prepare for publication in our next Bulletin a check list of trees and shrubs
in West Park and a list of birds found nesting there. Would it not be
feasible to organize a McLean County Bird Club representing every Town-
ship in the County? Such an organization might well give special attention
to West Park and its possibilities in adding to the wealth of bird life in
the area.

EDWARDSVILLE: Members of the Monday Club, several hundred
school children and others composed a very interested audience at the
Wildey Theatre one afternoon in February when Prof. T. E. Musselman of
Gem City Business College, Quincy, Ill., gave an illustrated talk of birds.
The enthusiasm occasioned by this lecture carried over into the practical
activity of bird house building. Representatives of several of the churches
formed a committee to interest the boys in the study of the birds and assist
them in providing more comfortable homes. At the suggestion of Mr. Alton
L. Logan, a contest in bird house building was inaugurated. Blue prints
were made of birds houses suitable for the different birds that nest in
and near Edwardsville and were posted in the Sunday-schools and some of
the business houses. One of the hardware stores gave up a show window
for the display. Prizes were offered and the newspapers of the city gladly
gave publicity to the contest. The contest came to a close on April 7th
and cash prizes and prizes consisting of a tool chest, a camera, etc., were
awarded to the winners. Already plans for a contest for another year are
being matured.

CARTHAGE: The head of the department of Botany at Carthage
College, Prof. Frank C. Gates, offers an extra course in bird study which is
proving a popular feature of college work there. A group of twenty-seven
students is taking the work, one of whom is beginning major work in birds
this year. A report of field observations made by members of this class
appears elsewhere in this Bulletin.

HINSDALE: The Hinsdale Bird Study Club (Junior Audubon) is
endeavoring to do its share in the good work by putting up notices and pro-
viding baths for the birds in summer, and feeding stations and shelters in
the winter, and by interesting others in this same work. The members

PLAN Owes AUDUBON: SOCLET Y 43

meet every fortnight for study; a regular program is followed, one time a
new bird is taken up, the next, a special subject, such as migration, molting,
etc. ; or, occasionally, a radiopticon lecture is given. “The ten-room martin
house shown in the accompanying picture was designed and constructed by
the members, who are of the sixth and seventh grade ages.

The boys built the house and the girls paid for the materials. ‘They
bought the rough material, cut it, worked it out themselves, etc., all with-
out any help from any adult. In fact, no one knew anything about it until
it was far advanced. ‘The idea of hinges to open the top was all their own.

The class uses Miller’s First and
Second Book of Birds as texts and
supplements them with the Audubon
leaflets and pictures, and clippings
from various .Sources;. etc, ‘«, Tlree
members take Bird Lore, and each
child has at least two bird books of
his own. They are active in sending
for government publications on birds,
etc. Hinsdale has many bird houses
in its trees, and also a good many
bird baths of various sorts. ‘The
Club is trying to get all the schools
of the town interested in a large
exhibit. Miss Edith M. Adams is the
leader.

JACKSONVILLE: Interest in bird study has shown itself among
adults as well as the public schoo! pupils and college students. At the
Illinois Woman’s College, Mrs. Alma Hollinger has a class interested in
all phases of bird study. This class has field work in two sections on Mon-
days, Miss A. Alexander of the Biology department leading one of the
sections. The Illinois Audubon Society’s bird slides were enjoyed by the
college students, then shown several times, in the public schools, including
the manual training departments and also in the State School for the Deaf
and Dumb. Another program was given in the School of Music. Miss
Lazelle sang bird songs and Miss Alexander explained the slides. About
250 pupils and friends enjoyed the program.

OREGON: At the “story hour’ given every other Saturday at the
public library, Mrs. Augusta De Lhorbe makes it a point to have a bird
story on the program and then permit children to talk about the birds they
have seen since their last report. The story of John Muir’s life together
with bird, animal and tree stories made up a recent program.

RANTOUL: Mr. George E. Ekblaw writes as follows:

“Mr. Musselman’s report of the Pileated Woodpecker along the Missis-
sippi River reminds me that many years ago one was observed in this
vicinity. He was discovered near the top of a pine tree standing on a lawn.
His flashing crest and brilliantly contrasted colors surely identified him.
With his strong beak he was actively engaged in tearing off large pieces of
the loosened bark. His stay was of very brief duration, only a few minutes.
This is one of the welcome occasional surprises that gladden the heart of
an observer.”

44 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

STREATOR: The Spring campaign is proving successful in the high-
est degree. The two clubs organized by Miss Marian Hoadley and Mrs.
Benalleck have increased to twenty with a total membership of about 500.
Through the influence of the ladies mentioned and of other Audubon
workers a majority of the various parents’ and teachers’ associations of the
city exploited birds in their programs. One of these associations, that of the
Plumb School, organized five Audubon clubs. One outcome of activity of
this sort was a bird house contest which ended April 2 with an exhibit of
300 houses. These were set up in the long corridor on the first floor of the
Grant School. This was lined along its entire sides and there was a double
row through the center and still there were more bird houses, so one
room was vacated and given over to the exhibit. Included in it were
the hand-made booklets worked: out by two Audubon clubs showing the
work done by them during the past few months. The Commercial Club,
Civic League, two of the newspapers, two literary societies, and several
teachers and other interested individuals had furnished thirty-seven prizes
and as the work was of unusual excellence the judges had no easy task
in making the awards. Throughout the afternoon and evening of the day
the houses were on exhibition great crowds came and went and all were
unanimous in declaring the exhibit one of the most interesting ever dis-
played in the Streater schools. In connection with the exhibit the Grant
Parents’-Teachers’ Club gave a program at which time City Attorney T. G.
Essington gave a very interesting talk on how to study birds in the field.
The bird slides loaned by the Illinois Audubon Society were used in
Streator during the progress of the contest and helped to create and
increase public interest.

VANDALIA: This city also reports a bird house contest which has at-
tracted attention throughout that part of the state. The contest was pro-
moted by the publishers of the Vandalia Union and was open to all children
under sixteen living in Fayette county, of which Vandalia is the county seat.
On March 24 two hundred contestants from various school of the county
were present with their nesting boxes and the public display in front of
the courthouse was witnessed by hundreds of people. At a gathering of
the contestants and _ their
friends: in the Dixey theater,
in the afternoon prizes were
awarded to eighteen pupils.
Rev. J. W. Ramsey who
awarded the prizes gave a
fine talk to the young people
about the value of birds and
how to attract them. The
publishers of the Union gave
much newspaper space to
notices of the contest and in
addition they obtained a sup-
ply of government bulletins

W. W.. Rathbone—Photo. Which were distributed 4o
COOPERS HAWK good advantage.

—— ae Sl OTF

_

—————

ee eee

TEEN OTs. AUDUBON SOCIETY 45

Spring Census and Migration Record

CARTHAGE, ILLINOIS.
Winter of 1916-17 to March 27, 1917.

AOU First Seen AOU First Seen
Seereeraiiard, Ouck, 222-2 se March 8 498 Red-winged Blackbird _._._.March 14
171a Amer. White-fronted Goose_Mar.12 501 Meadowlark ~__----------- March 9
Preamatige GOOSe 2c Solu Feb. 22 501.1 Western Meadowlark__._._March 24
Mee etiigeer 6. oct ow kel March 21 ° 509. Rusty’ Blackbird... 2 32 - March 10
Prerresorm nite’. oe Pep. 20” Sith’ Bronzed ‘Grackle: 2.204220 Feb. 12
316 Mourning Dove ~..---~..- March 18-51 7."Parple: Fine? foe te Feb. 22
Seeemearsh Hawk 229-2 March 17 528 Redpoll —_---- Abundant Winter Res.
334 American Goshawk ___--- March 24 529 American Goldfinch__-~__ Winter Res.
ou wed-tailed” Hawk |=. 2_.-—- Pep. 3% 2559: Tree: Sparrow 2. .-2-2. Winter Res.
343 Broad-winged Hawk ~_--_-_- March 24 560 Chipping Sparrow ------- March 17
347a Amer. Rough-legged Hawk_-_Feb.3 563 Field Sparrow ~---------- March 21
360 Sparrow Hawk -~---=-.-- Winter Res. 567 Slate Colored Junco_-_-__Winter Res.
366 Long-eared Owl ~~ ---- Winter Res: -) 581 Song Spatraw <-22-2-4-_22- Feb. 15
367 Short-eared Owl ~-----_ Winter ees,’ “S85: For Sparrow) 2-2-2422 22— March 10
Sry nerercn Owl. 2... Winter Res) = 587 Dowhee soho. a 8 March 21
375 Great-horned Owl ~__-- Winter Res. 593: Cardinal): i129 3 ee Winter Res.
ao snowy Owl 22... Winter Res.- 617 Cedar’ Waxwing 02. 24.2_22 Feb. 12
393 Hairy Woodpecker ____-_ Winter ‘Res: -~ 622c Migrant-Shbrike 2.---.—--- March 22
394 Downy Woodpecker _-___Winter Res. 726 Brown Creeper ~------- Winter Res.
409 Red-bellied Woodpecker_Winter Res. 727 White-breasted Nuthatch Winter Res.
aia ivortnem. Flicker 2... — Feb. 26 728 Red-breasted Nuthatch ~---~_ Jan= 25
Ee RAO ea 2 ae ce March 20 731 Tufted Titmouse ~__-~_- Winter Res.
474b Prairie Horned Lark_______- Bebnis 2 7 35>-Onickadee, 2812. eo Winter Res.
ONS TT SC Winter Res. 759b Hermit Thrush ~-----~-- March 10
oe atta oe Ge ee Winter Res’ 761. Robins2=22-.222 5. First seen Feb. 14
2 SURE S10 |e ae March: 15. --.766) Bluebird, 2.0850 ese ee es Heb. 22

Compiled by Luella Strauch from the records of Earl L. Lambert, Frank C. Gates
and students in the bird class at Carthage College.

CHARLESTON WINTER AND SPRING NOTES.

An open winter with little snow has been favorable for bird life. Downy Wood-
peckers and Chickadees have seldom come to the suet except during the few short
spells of wintry weather, which makes it appear that they were finding plenty of
natural food. A few robins have remained over winter. A female Baltimore Oriole
remained till December 1, making daily visits to a feeding shelf maintained by Mrs.
C. L. Lee. All of our regular winter birds appeared in their usual numbers, and two
species, usually scarce in the region, were quite common. These are the Short-eared
Owl and the White-breasted Nuthatch. Raptorial birds have been unusually in evidence
this last winter and early spring, which may be partly accounted for by the open
weather, an unusual abundance of rabbits and perhaps by the high cost of shot
gun shells, making many gunners shoot only those creatures that yield returns in the
on of meat; and the high cost of this meat has caused an unusual amount of pot-

unting.

The early spring birds arrived unusually early this season. The following is a
list of them with dates when they first appeared and became common.

First Became First Became

. seen common seen common
Robin Feb.25 Turkey Buzzard Mar..22
Bluebird Feb. 17 Feb.26 Red-winged Blkbrd Mar. 16
Bronzed Grackle Feb. 26 Mar.15 Cedar Waxwing Mar. 17

Killdeer Feb. 21 Bewick’s Wren Mar. 25 Mar. 26
Meadowlark Feb. 25 Feb.25 Brown Thrasher Mar. 26
Phoebe Mar. 11 Vesper Sparrow Mar. 26
Towhee Mar. 20 Cowbird Mar. 28
Song Sparrow Mar.11 = R. C. Kinglet Mar. 28
Fox Sparrow Mar. 22 Y. B. Sapsucker Mar. 28
Mourning Dove Feb. 25 Wilson’s Snipe Mar. 28

Normal School, Charleston, Ill. T. L. HANKINSON.

46 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Chicago, Graceland Cemetery, April 1. Cloudy. Cold Northeast Wind. Tem-
perature about 35 degrees. 6:00-7:30 A. M.: Robins, 18; Flickers, 10; Sapsuckers, 11;
Ruby-crowned Kinglets, 8; Hermit Thrushes, 7; Chewinks, 2; Juncos, 20; Golden-
crowned Kinglets, 10; Brown Creeper, 1; House Wren, 1; Field Sparrows, 3;
American Golden-eye, 1. April 6, moderate northwest wind. Temperature 43 degrees.
7:00-8:45 A. M.: Robins, 31; Grackles, 21; Song Sparrows, 4; Flicker, 1; Phoebes, 4;
Downy Woodpeckers, 3; Fox Sparrow, 1; Sapsuckers, 4; Chickadees, 3; Brown
Creepers, 4; King Fisher, 1; Junco, 1; Field Sparrows, 5.

River Forest, first seen dates: February 22, 1917. Prairie Horned Larks, 5.
March 9, 1917, Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1. March 10, 1917, Quail, 2; Juncos, 20;
Flicker, 1; Meadowlarks, 2; Killdeers, 8. March 11, 1917, Robins, 5. March 19, 1917,
Song Sparrow, 1; Cowbirds, 5; Junco, 1; Bronze Grackles, 8; Crows, 2. March 21,
1917, Tree Sparrows, 5; Bluebird, 1; Nuthatches, 2; Blue Jays, 2; Red-headed
Woodpecker, 1; Red-winged Blackbirds, 12. March 23, 1917, Juncos, 200; Sparrow
Hawk, 1. March 26, 1917, Golden-crowned Kinglets, 8; Brown Creeper, 1; Black-
birds; 50. March 28, 1917, Hermit Thrush, 1. WALTER G. GERTH.

EQUALITY.

April 1. List of Birds observed by Mrs. M. I. Maas: Robin Titmouse (tufted) ;
Towhee; Downy Woodpecker; Red-headed Woodpecker; Flicker; Cardinal; White-

crowned Sparrow; Lincoln Sparrow; Carolina Wren; House Wren; Bluebird;.

Mockingbird; Brown Thrasher; Grackle.

GLEN ELLYN.

The spring season of migration seems to have come into being here on the ninth
of March, when a single migrant Shrike was seen. That evening two Robins were
heard and seen, though a single individual of the latter probably has remained in
the village all winter. Several Juncos and Tree Sparrows were singing among the
willows at upper end of lake. These, too, have been with us all winter. The day
was cloudy for the most part, but clearing in the afternoon; wind southwest, temper-
ature 43 degrees at 2:00 o'clock.

March 10: Cloudy and threatening; thunder showers in the morning; wind
southwest, temperature 45 degrees at 2:00 o'clock. A single male Red-winged Blackbird
was seen in a small slough east of Sanford; also a Rough-legged Hawk flying over
the fields near Bellewood, farther east. .

March 11: Cloudy; wind southwest shifting in the afternoon to northwest,
temperature 43 degrees at 2:00 o'clock. Thunder shower during the night. Robin on
our place this morning. Flock of 15 Red-wings in willow near springs. Red-shouldered
Hawk circling over woods and calling. One Song Sparrow, several Juncos and a

number of Tree Sparrows singing. Three Goldfinches seen. Crows noisy. A neighbor ~

reports hearing and seeing at least one Meadowlark today.

March 15: Fair for the most part; wind northwest, temperature 37 degrees at
2:00 P. M. A Bronzed Grackle calling on our place at 6:30 A. M. Must have been
a transient, as not heard or seen later in the day.

March 16: Light snow and hail during the night; light rain and hail about
noon today; wind westerly; temperature 35 degrees at 2:00 o’clock. Bronzed Grackle
pursuing a Crow over our place about 7:00 A. M. Several Tree Sparrows near the
lake—one or more singing, and at least one Robin among the willows.

March 18: Partly cloudy; snow flurries at times; wind west and southwest,
shifting to northwest, temperature 29 degrees at 2:00 P. M. Several Tree Sparrows
in song among the willows of south end of lake. No other birds heard or seen,
though it was thought the call of the Bluebird was heard in early morning before
arising; large snowflakes were falling, with driving wind from southwest at the time.

March 19: Clear; brisk southwest wind; temperature 44 degrees at 2:00 P. M.
Two Bronzed Grackles on our place.

March 20: Clear; wind west and southwest, temperature 51 degrees at 2:00 P. M.
Early migrants really were in evidence today. Pair of Bronzed Grackles on our place.
During a trip to woods, lake and springs the following noticed: Song Sparrow,
two singing; Juncos, one; Tree Sparrow, several; Bluebird, two males seen and
possibly two more heard. Red-tailed Hawks pursued by Crows circling off north-
westerly. Heard the call of the Red-shouldered Hawk; Cedar birds, flock of fifteen
among large willows near the springs. Meadowlark, two singing; Killdeer—heard
one call at the lake. Several Robins singing in the villages, two going north at
9:00 A. M. were evidently migrating. At 8:15 A. M. a flock of twenty-one Canada
Geese was seen flying northeast.

fReAN OLS AUDUBON «S;OCTE T Y 47

’ March 21: Clear; wind westerly; temperature 54 degrees at 2:00 P. M. About
a dozen Bronzed Grackles on own place and one Bluebird singing. This evening
frogs were heard croaking for the first time.

March 24: Clear; wind southwest, temperature 56 degrees at 2:00 P. M. Robins
numerous in village, two Bluebirds seen, and flock of about 20 Bronzed Grackles about
our place.

March 25: Clear in early morning, cloudy for the most part later; wind south-
west, temperature 60 degrees at 2:00 P. M. Visited woods, lake and springs 9 to
10 A. M. Bluebill Ducks—flock of 22 and more in centre of lake; Northern Flickers, 3;
Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Golden-crested Kinglet, 2 males; pair of Red-shouldered
Hawks, flying over and through the woods calling. Tree Sparrows, 3; Juncos, 3;
White-breasted Nuthatch calling its mating-note, but remained quiet when imitated.
Frogs calling loudly from a little pond in woods.

March 27: Cloudy and cool; wind northwest, temperature 38 degrees at 2:00 P.
* M. Visited lake and woods for a short time this afternoon. 2 Fox Sparrows in song;
Phoebe—a pair, (together on same branch of tree) on shore of lake. Red-shouldered
Hawks still present and noisy. There is decided difference in the male and female
calls. Sapsucker, 1 due, and later another on our place. Also a Brown Creeper on
our place. Several Juncos in woods.

March 28: Fair; wind southwest, temperature 56 degrees at 3:00 P. M. Visited
lake, woods and springs again—9:00 to 10:00 A. M. Several Juncos in woods. One
Fox Sparrow singing. Winter Wren, 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1; Pied-billed
Grebe, two (2), together, and possibly a pair in lake; Phoebe, two pairs, one being at
same stand as yesterday. Bluebird, 1 male. Later several juncos appeared on our place

March 29: Cloudy; wind northeast, temperature 47 degrees at 3:00 P. M.
Visited lake and woods again, but evidently no change had taken place from yesterday.
Same species present.

March 30: 2:00 o'clock, a single Coot in lake this morning. Was very tame
and allowed a near approach. Juncos, common, at a little wet run in village where
they were bathing and feeding.

March 31: Slight thunder shower in early morning. Cloudy and threatening
later. Brisk southwest wind, shifting in evening to northwest, temperature 73 degrees
at 2:00 P. M. First Mourning Dove arrived on our place this morning though it
was thought one was heard yesterday. Visited lakes, springs, creek, bottom and
woods. A male Cooper's Hawk was observed near the Springs, flying within easy
range of me, while talking with a friend, and passed rapidly in a northwesterly di-
rection through the woods and just below the tree-tops. Was evidently foraging and
migrating at the same time. The first Cowbirds also noticed on this trip—a flock of
5 trailing a scattered flock of Red-wings going northwest; later in the day a Cowbird
was heard calling near our place.

Glen Ellyn, April 2, 1917. Be TL AGauLrr,

HINSDALE.

March 25, 4:30 to 6:00 P. M. Clear, no wind; temperature 70 degrees. Sanitarium
and Highland woods with adjoining eastern meadow.

Killdeer, 1; Short-eared Owl, 1; Red-headed Wookpecker, 2; Flicker, 1; Phcebe,
2; Prairie Horned Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 30; Cowbird, 2; Red-winged Blackbird,
100; Meadowlark, 6; Bronzed Grackle, 50; Tree Sparrow, 15; Junco, 50; Song
Sparrow, 10; Fox Sparrow, 18; Towhee, 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5; Robin, 100;
Bluebird, 4. Species 20, individuals, 400.

ESTHER A. CRAIGMILE.

Jacksonville, February 26, 8-10 A. M. and 4:30-5:30 P. M., clear, cool, light wind.
Song Sparrows, 6; Meadowlarks, several; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 1; Flicker, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 4; Cardinals, 2;
Sparrow Hawk, 1; Rusty Blackbird, 1; Bluebirds, 2; Crows, several; Blue Jay, 1;
Fox Sparrows, 3; Migrant Shrike, 2; Chickadee, 1; Juncos, many; Robins, 4;
English Sparrows, many. March 26, 6-9 A. M., clear, warm, light wind: Robins;
Meadowlarks; Bluebirds; Song Sparrows; Tufted Titmouse; Chickadees; Cardinals;
Blue Jays; Turtle Doves, 2; Crows; Phcoebes, 2; Red-winged Blackbirds; Downy
Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 4; Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker, 2; Bronzed Grackle; Cowbird, 2; Flickers, many; Brown Thrasher, 1;
Golden-crowned Kinglets, several; Juncos, many; Field Sparrows, 4; Screech Owl, 1;
Brown Creepers, 6; 2-4 P. M. Baird’s Sandpipers, 19; Killdeer, 2.

ALMA HOLLINGER.

48 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

LAGRANGE.

March 21; clear; bright sun; temperature 45 degrees; light northwest wind.
9:00 A. M. to 12:00 A. M. Along Salt Creek, north of LaGrange.

Juncos, 5; Song Sparrow, 6; Swamp Sparrow, 1; Cardinal—male and female, 2;
Marsh Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Downy
Woodpecker, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Crows, 9; Rusty Blackbirds, 50; Red-
winged Blackbirds, 10; Meadowlark, 10; Bluebirds, 15 (male and female); Robins,
8 (males); Goldfinch, 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1; Bronzed Grackle, 1. 18
varieties, 123 individuals.

Mrs. A. E. Tayior,

Mrs. J. M. KAVANAGH.

On the whole, the Spring Migration so far has been quite fruitful in the line

of good dates and a few rare records.

The Snowflake was seen on the second of February. Flocks of Cedar Waxwings
were observed occasionally and I might also mention that the Bohemian Waxwing
was reported by reliable observers. During one of my Saturday afternoon sojourns
to the near-by woods, I almost stepped on a Ruffed Grouse (this is my first record
for LaGrange). The date was February 17th. The Robin was first noted on the
24th of the last named month and was seen every day from then on. On the 16th
of March I saw a flock of 30 Redpolls. They are still lingering here (March 25th).
Following are some of my dates for the migrants which have arrived up to now
(March 25th) :

Green-winged: Teal: 2222-2 March10> "Goldfinch (o_o March 25
Bile pire ea es Sie March-10 = Kingiishern 2222 2 March 25
Ailcleers ary ewer aes eS March: 10° — Bex Sparrow... 220322 ae March 25
Red-winged. Blackbird ~---__~- March 10 Sharp-shinned Hawk _____-__- March 25 ©
Bronzed: Grackle 22s i ee se March -10'> Vesper Sparrow 2-2. — ae March 25
Nreacdlowilank ese et eos March’ 10; Towheer2 == 42. 7 March 25
Northern licker] 22-2 March 10 Golden-crowned Kinglet ~__-__ March 25
Rusty Blackbird 2:52 2a March: 16.5 > Winter -Wrem\2. 2 >= oo eee March 25
apland, 1:enespur, 2225-2. March-18 « Sapsucker: <2 i225 2 ae March 25
(SOOE pose Sd ete PERN ee ee March -24 2-Cedar Waxwing, =o). = aaa March 25
Sparrow mela wis ede ee eer March24 “Cowbind: 222578 2S ee March 25
Woalsais Snipe » enc sek Ree Miarch) 24° °iMnerant Shmke a0. = 9" salem March 25
Rough=legeed Hawk =) =2 22 "2_March 24" ~TLutted -Ditmouse: 2 eae March 25
Sanenilla Grane .s 92. see ates ee March 24 + Ruby-crowned Kinglet _____-__ March 25
ruta unre inet ae ese Lr March 25 :

There are some species of birds that arrived a few days earlier but I have given
my dates.

I suppose I will have to tell the story of the Sandhill Crane. I was just returning
home from the Clarks’ at Hinsdale when my attention was called to some ducks
which were flying over. One boy scout called out, “Look at the ducks.” What they
supposed were ducks, turned out to be a very rare record, such are the chances
of an observer. They were flying in a northerly direction at a moderate rate of
speed and up in the air at a height until they were about twice the size of a crow.
It was at 5:15 P. M. The sun was shining on them but they looked black as far
as I could make out. What first attracted my attention was the flying of the birds
in single file with the long necks and feet stretched out horizontally. Three individuals

were in the flock.
EpMuND F. HULSBERG.

March 1. A flock of 15 Canvas-back in Jackson Park in a small patch of open
water. Also several Old-squaw. A flock of 25 Redpolls at Riverside.

March 4. The same ducks at Jackson Park. The “Phoebe” note of the Chickadee
heard this afternoon. Red-wings and Robins reported.

March 9. Red-wings and Meadowlarks here in full song. Cardinal and Tree
Sparrows singing at Riverside. 17 species observed.

March 10. Very warm day. Heavy migration lasting through the day. Crows
migrating. All the birds are singing. Cowbird, Bluebird, Rusty Blackbird, Longspurs,

Robins, Killdeer, Sparrow Hawk, Bronzed Grackle, Marsh Hawk, Red-shinned Hawk —

and Mallard Duck arrived.

—_— eC

[iucrwols AUDUBON SOCTET Y 49)

March 11. Green-winged Teal and Fox Sparrows seen at Summit. Song Sparrows
abundant and in full song.

March 15. The river is rising rapidly. Sharp-shinned Hawk observed at River-
side. The Tufted Titmouse also seen with a flock of Chickadees. Juncos numerous °
and singing.

March 18. Snowing and cold at Riverside this morning. Titmouse calling and
a Red-tailed Hawk seen. A male Wood Duck in full plumage observed. We watched
him walk along the bank for a few yards before he flew. A beautiful bird.

March 20. Tree Sparrows and Juncos increasing. Their full song is heard every-
where. Red-wings passing in large flocks.

March 21. Very warm. Ring-billed and Bonaparte Gulls observed on lake front.

March 22. Another heavy migration. South wind. Fox Sparrows everywhere
and in full songs. Other birds increasing. Coot, Kingfisher, Vesper Sparrow, Wood-
cock, Towhee, Phoebe, Lesser Scawp Duck, Ruddy Duck, and Golden-crowned Kinglet
observed for first time.

March 24. Very good day for birds. 44 species observed including Carolina Wren,
Rough-legged Hawk, Wilson Snipe, Blue-winged Teal, Pigeon Hawk and Cooper’s
Hawk. Rusty Blackbirds are exceedingly abundant.

March 26. Hermit Thrush and Grebe at Jackson Park. A large flock of Pectoral
Sandpipers observed at Riverside. Sparrow Hawks flying over.

March 28. Cold and snow. Woodcock on wooded island in Jackson Park. Grebes
common.

March 29. Mourning Doves and Sapsucker seen. Juncos the most common bird
now.

March 30. Winter Wren, Red-headed Duck, and Golden-eye seen for the first
time. Tree Sparrows going north rapidly. Swamp Sparrow seen.

March 31. Jackson Park, Riverside and Millers. Very warm and birds abundant.
The following birds seen during the day: Bluebird, 6; Robin, 75; Hermit Thrush, 4;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 7; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 45; Chickadee, 7; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 1; Brown Creeper, 10; Cardinal, 6; Towhee, 25; Fox Sparrow, 85; Song
Sparrow, 85; Junco, 525; Field Sparrow, 15; Tree Sparrow, 50; Vesper Sparrow, 2;
Redpoll, 1; Purple Finch, 1; Bronzed Grackle, 150; Rusty Blackbird, 175; Cowbird,
50; Crow, 40; Blue Jay, 4; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Phoebe, 5; Flicker, 20; Sapsucker, 25;
Downy Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Kingfisher, 3; Red-shinned Hawk, 2;
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Marsh Hawk, 1; Turkey Vulture, 1; Golden-eye Duck, 1;
Green-winged Teal, 3; Ring-necked Duck, 10; Killdeer, 5; Coot, 25; Black-crowned
Night-Heron, 2; Great Blue Heron, 2; Lesser Scaup Duck, 110; Greater Scaup Duck,
1; Redhead, 3; Baldpate, 7; Mallard, 6; Herring Gull, 75; Ring-billed Gull, 4;
Bonaparte Gull, 4; Piedbill Grebe, 15. Total, 52 species.

The following were observed by others during day: Greater-yellow leg, Wilson
Snipe, Blue-winged Teal, Red-tailed Sparrow Hawk, Screech Owl, Prairie Horned
Lark, Goldfinch, Sparrow Hawk, Tree Swallow, Winter Wren, Longspur. Grand total
for day, 63 species.

JAMES D. WATSON AND MAx DE LAUBENFELS.

METROPOLIS.

March 29: Junco; White Throated Sparrow; Field Sparrow; Chipping Spar-
row; Meadowlark; Brown Thrasher; Downy Woodpecker; Hairy Woodpecker;
Mockingbird; Cardinal; Black and White Creeper; Bluebird; Bronzed Grackle;
Northern Flicker; Pine Warbler; Bewick’s Wren; Carolina Wren; Tufted Titmouse.

Mrs. J. C. CouRTNEY.

March 29: Brown Thrasher; Field Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Chipping Sparrow;
Meadow Lark; Red-headed Woodpecker; Mockingbird; Cardinal; Bluebird; Bronzed
ces Bewick’s Wren; Cowbird; Robin; Turtle Dove; Blue Jay; Junco; Carolina

ren.

This winter when the snow was heavy, there were large flocks of Lapland Long-
spurs around my house. I fed them from the porches. They were the first I ever saw
in this county. I know of no other record.

Mrs. P. O. JOHNS.

50 THE {AUDUBON BULLETIN

Muppy.

Birds reported April 5 as follows: Blackbirds; English Sparrows; Meadow-
larks; Juncos; Robins; Field Sparrows; White-crowned Sparrows; White-throated
Sparrows; Song Sparrows; Clay-colored Sparrows; Crows; Towhees; Vesper Spar-
rows; Red-winged Blackbirds; Red-headed Woodpecker; Fox Sparrow; Townshend
Sparrow; Tree Sparrow; Blue Jay; Sapsucker; Cardinal Grosbeak; Brown Thrasher;
“Jack Snipes’; Bluebirds; Flicker; ‘“Bob-White”; Chickadees; Tufted Titmouse;
Mourning Dove; Sparrow Hawk; Chicken Hawk; Barred Owl; Screech Owl; Downy
Woodpecker; Hairy Woodpecker; Phoebe; Chipping Sparrow; House Wren; Brown
Creeper; White-breasted Nuthatch; Golden-crowned Kinglet; Purple Finch; Shrike;
Mockingbird; Winter Wren; Carolina Wren; Marsh Wren. These are mostly birds
that remain with us during the winter. W. E. JAYNER.

OREGON.

Oregon, on Rock River, in Ogle County. Bird Census, March 1-15. Taken in
Oregon and vicinity, with the assistance of other observers.

Mrs. E. A. Laughlin, one mile north, west side: Barn Owl, 1; Winter Wren, 1;
Robin, 12. Elizabeth Laughlin: Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 10;
Red-winged Blackbird, 3; Chipping Sparrow, 2; Chickadee, 6. Miss C. M. Barg:
Bluebirds, 6.

Mrs. Mary B. VanInwegen, three miles north, west side: Bluebird, 2; Blue Jay, 2
Crow, 3; duck, 9 (not identified), flying up the river; innumerable English Sparrows
seen day after day; Chickadee, 1; Bluebird, 3 flocks, 12 in all; several groups of
Robins, about 20. ;

Mrs. J. L. Schaeffer, Sinnissippi Farm, home of Governor and Mrs. Lowden, four
miles south, east side, duck 10, on river (not identified). Usual observer is at
Springfield, so the great number and variety of birds at Sinnissippi Farm could not
be reported, but Mrs. Schaeffer had “beginner’s luck,” and found American Three-toed
Woodpecker, 1, March 10 (not listed by the Illinois Audubon Society); Blue Jay, 5
Crow, 10; English Sparrow, 50; Field Sparrow, 1, March 10; Chickadee, 1; Robin, 3;
Bluebird, 1.

, Fred Maysillis, five miles south, west side: Meadowlark, 1.

Dr. Pankhurst, Grand Detour, ten miles south, west side, March 6: Bluebird, 2;
Robin, 6; Red- bellied Woodpecker, 2; Cardinal, 2: hundreds of Mallards, Pintails
and Shelldrakes near the river.

Conductor Huntley along or near right of way of the C. B. & Q. R. R. Branch
from Oregon to Forreston. Near Oregon: Prairie Chicken, 20. Scattered along as far
as Maryland Station, 12 miles northwest, 5 flocks of Quail (Bobwhite), about 15
in each flock.

Mount Morris College; observers, five students, Merlin G. Miller, Chas. Seeley,
LeRoy Emmert, Paul Wingerd and Russell Dierdorf; Mount Morris seven miles
northwest. Localities, Mount Morris and vicinity; Pine Creek from the “Old Mill”
south three miles and the ““White Pine Woods of Ogle County,” five miles southwest,
and south of the main line of the C. B. & Q. R. R. to St. Paul, but nine miles directly
west of Oregon. Weather prevented observations on March 10, as planned, on account
of cold week, so census was taken March 17, as the students could use only Saturday.
However, census shows, in the main, the winter birds. Mount Morris: Horned Lark,
10; Bronzed Grackle, 200; Redpoll, 1. Mount Morris and Pine Creek, Robin, 11.
Mount Morris and Pine Woods, Blue Jay, 24. Pine Creek and Pine Woods, Crow. 157.
Pine Creek, Killdeer, 4; Downy Woodpecker 2; Tree Sparrow, 1. Pine Woods, Red-
headed Woodpecker, 3; Junco, 6; Cedar Waxwing 250; Chickadee, 48; Bluebird, 15.
Number in large flocks, notably Blackbirds, Crows, Waxwings, estimated. 3 Hawks
seen, but not identified. Total number of species identified, 14; number of individuals,
N22,

Mrs. Alec Smith, Liberty Hill (Oregon), north, west side: Cardinal, 2; Blue-
bird, 4; Junco, 20; Blue Jay, 3; English Sparrow, 40.

Mrs. J. Swingley, on river, north, west side, flock of Geese at night on Margaret
Fuller Island; Tree Sparrow, 15; Robin, 2; Bluebird, 6; Blue Jay, 2; Cardinal, 1;
Crow, 5; Flicker,. 1.

Miss Lillie Lindsay, near Fair Grounds, north, west side, Tufted Titmouse, 2;
Blue Jay, 25; Robin, 12; Cardinal, 1.

P. E. Hastings, Oregon, north, west side, on river, Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Blue
Jay, 250Chickadees l- Robin, 1.

Se

Praises A Dee ON Ss OCLET Y 51

Mrs. William DeLhorbe, Oregon, south, west side, Evening Grosbeak, 1.

Mrs. C. F. Thayer, Oregon, south, west side, February 15, Bluebird, 1. (Put in
because of early arrival).

George Etnyre, Oregon, south, west side, Crow, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2;
Downy Woodpecker, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 2; Brown Creeper, 1;
Evening Grosbeak, 15, (1 dead), feeding on seeds of American Linden Trees.
The Evening Grosbeak is very fond of the Hackberry seed dried, but the Hackberry
Trees about here had no fruit on them this last year. Suet kept in box on tree for birds
at this home, and at other homes. One meat market man says suet is scarce here
on this account. Cedar Waxwing, 1.

Sammis Betebeener, near railway bridge across river, south, Geese, 50; Mallard
Duck, 30.

On road south across Kyte Creek, east side, three miles, March 5: Chickadee, 3;
Robin, 1; Redpoll, 9; Junco, 11; Cardinal, 2, near their last year’s nest in over-
grown roadside hedge; Tree Sparrow, 23; English Sparrow, 175, in several flocks;
Crow, 7. Near my home, March 7, Screech Owl, 1; Blue Jay, 1; Cardinal, 1; Flying
low over house, March 12, Geese, 5. From train to Mount Morris, March 15, Robin, 15;
Crow, 9; Wood Pewee, 1; Wilson’s Snipe, 10, about to alight on a slough; covey
of 20 Prairie Chickens seen earlier by Conductor Huntley. These birds had already
mated. About my suet box and feed on ground under suet box tree, from March 1-15,
Brown Creepers, 3, (1 dead under tree, one cold morning); Blue Jay, 7; Robin, 1;
Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Whitebreasted Nuthatch, 2; English
Sparrow, 50, (My English Sparrows are lowly creatures, and only what is on the
ground is eaten by them) ; Bronzed Grackle, 1; Chickadee, 6. 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers
came regularly for suet till end of February, then stopped; and usually Red-breasted
Nuthatches, but not this winter, come for suet every day. Eagles’ Nest Camp, the
summer home of the Artists’ Colony, has many birds, and I planned to make a
tramp up there, before the period was over, but other matters prevented. However,
on this side of the river, about opposite the Camp, I came across last year’s nest
of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, in the crotch of a young elm tree on the far side
of the river roadway, looking, for all the world, as Mr. John Burroughs says, like “a
wart on a limb,” and waiting for the May coming of the tiny fliers.

REBECCA H. KAUFFMAN.

Port Byron.

The following bird censuses were taken out in the country, from 3 to 5 miles
southeast of Port Byron. Feb. 25, 9 to 10:30 A. M.; 1 to 4 P. M., partly cloudy;
fields and pastures nearly bare, ice in the sloughs and creeks, some snow in the
woods; wind southeast, shifting to south, brisk temperature 31 degrees to 50 degrees.

Rough-legged Hawk, 5; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 9; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 3; Prairie Horned Lark, 6; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 11; Redpoll, 2; Tree
Sparrow, 35; Junco, 30; Song Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 10;
Tufted Titmouse, 2; Chickadee, 16. Total, 15 species, 143 individuals.

March 4; 9 to 10:30 A. M.; 12:30 to 3:45 P..M., partly cloudy; ground partly
covered with snow and ice; wind north brisk, temperature 13 degrees to 27 degrees.

Great Horned-Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 3; Prairie Horned Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 4; Crow, 3; Rusty Blackbird, 10;
Bronzed Grackle, 7; Tree Sparrow, 180; Junco, 85; Song Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 3;
Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Chickadee, 17; Robin, 1; Bluebird, 25.
Total, 18 species, 358 individuals.

March 11; 8:20 to 10:30 A. M., 12:15 to 4 P. M., cloudy and hazy; ground bare,
thawed about one inch deep, rain during night made it very wet; wind northwest,
brisk, temperature 39 degrees to 47 degrees. Pintail, 18 (one flock, flying over) ;
Killdeer, 1; Bobwhite, 15; Rough-legged Hawk, 2; Great-Horned Owl, 1 (heard
before sunrise) ; Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 4; Prairie Horned
Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 8; Red-winged Blackbird, 60; Meadowlark, 10; Rusty
Blackbird, 50; Bronzed Grackle, 3; Redpoll, 5; Goldfinch, 25; Tree Sparrow, 300;
Junco, 185; Song Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 8; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 7; Tufted Titmouse, 1; Chickadee, 22; Robin, 130; Bluebird, 25. Total, 27
species, 904 individuals.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Or
w

March 18; 8:15 to 10 A. M.; 12:15 to 4 P. M. Partly cloudy, ground bare, ice
in the sloughs; high northwest wind, temperature 23 degrees to 30 degrees. Marsh
Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Rough-legged Hawk, 2; Screech Owl, 1 (heard after
sunset) ; Great-Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Red-
bellied Woodpecker, 5; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 4; Rusty Blackbird, 100; Redpoll, 1;
Goldfinch, 12; Tree Sparrow, 285; Junco, 300; Song Sparrow, 5; Fox Sparrow, 2;
Cardinal, 4; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Tufted Titmouse, 3;
Chickadee, 15; Robin, 10; Bluebird, 20. Total, 24 species, 793 individuals.

Birds first seen: February 25, Song Sparrow; February 26, Bluebird; February 27,
Robin; March 4, Rusty Blackbird, Bronzed Grackle; March 10, Killdeer, Red-
shouldered Hawk, Meadowlark; March 11, Pintail, Red-winged Blackbird, Goldfinch;
March 18, Marsh Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Fox Sparrow. Total, 14 species.

J. J. SCHAFER.

RANTOUL.

The steady weather of the past spring has been extremely good for birds, as
their migratory movements have been very steady. This report covers a period from
March 1 to March 25, inclusive:

(1) Bluebird arrived February 21; observed March 1, 3, 9 and daily thereafter.
Highest record is 50, approximate, on March 18. (2) Robin arrived February 17;
recorded daily during this period; highest record 500, approximate, on March 11 and
March 20. (3) Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1 on March 25. (4) Tufted Titmouse,
winter resident, March 11 and March 25, 2. (5) White-breasted Nuthatch, winter
resident, March 18, 1; March 25, 2. (6) Brown Creeper, March 10, 1. (7) Winter
Wren, March 25, 1. (8) Bewick’s Wren, March 20, 1; March 25.) 23 )(@) Saianormen
Thrasher, March 23, 1 (this date of the first arrival is same as last year). (10)
Migrant Shrike. First recorded on March 6, and daily thereafter. High records,
10 individuals on March 11, 20 and 25. (11). Cedar Waxwing, winter resident,
March 14, 11; March 18, 18; March 20, 12. (12) Cardinal (permanent) March
11, 25 March 25, 2. (13), Fox Sparrow: arrived February. 27; March 11.65) Mereneas
20. (14) Song Sparrow (permanent resident), recorded March 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 15,
16, and daily after March 19: high record March 20, 50. (15) Junco (winter
resident): daily recorded. High record, March 11, 100, approximate. (16) Tree
Sparrow (Winter resident), Daily recorded. High record March 11, 300, approximate.
(17) Vesper Sparrow, March 24, 6; March 25, 2. (18) Bronzed Grackle: recorded
February 26, 1. Recorded March 2, 1; March 7, 5. Daily after March 9. High record
March 10 and 17, 50, approximate. (19) Meadowlark arrived February 22. Daily
observed. High record March 12 and 20, 60, approximate. (20) Red-winged Black-

_ bird, March 2, 1; daily after March 9; high record March 11 and 20, 30, approximate. —

(21) Cowbird, February 13, 1; daily recorded after March 10; high record March 17,
80. (22) Crow (permanent resident); daily recorded in estimated counts from 100
to 1,000. (23) Blue Jay regularly observed from 2 to 10. (24) Northern Flicker (per-
manent resident). Numbers are increasing; high record March 25, 12. (25) Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker, March 9, 1. (26) Downy Woodpecker (permanent resident). Daily
recorded on March 2, 3, 6, 10 and 11. (28) Screech Owl (permanent resident).
One daily recorded by calling of bird. (29) Sparrow Hawk, one or two recorded
daily. (30) Red-tailed Hawk, one recorded on March 16 and 20. (31) Kiulldeer
arrived February 26; one recorded daily after March 7. High record March 11 and 15,
20. (32) Solitary Sandpiper, 1 on March 24. (33) Blue-winged Teal, March 14, 20;
March 15, 500; March 17, 500; March 18, 200; March 19, 50. (34) Mallard (posi-
tively identified) March 17, 150. (35) Wild Geese arrived February 24: March 1, 10;
March 2, 8; March 8, 60; March 9, 52; March 23, 3. (36) Wild Ducks arrived
February 21. March 6, 22; March 7, 18; March 8, 70; March 9, 62; March 14, 23;
March 15, 20; March 17, 3,000, approximate; March 18, 1,000, approximate; March
19, 300; March 20, 20. (37) Prairie Hen (permanent resident). (38) Rough-
legged Hawk (Winter resident) : March 3, 1; March 9, 3; March 16, 1; March 19, 1;
March 20, 2. (39) Redpoll (Winter resident). Daily recorded till March 20. High
record March 11, 300, approximate. (40) Lapland Longspur (Winter resident).
Daily recorded. High record on March 20, ¥,000, approximate.- (41) Marsh Hawk,
March 23, 24 and 25, 1. (42) White-tailed Kite, March 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 20, 1. (43)
Cooper Hawk, March 22 and 24, 1.

These records were made while about ordinary labors in the immediate vicinity
about the lawn, orchard and farm.

GEORGE E. EKBLAW.

ee ee ee ee

Pivot os pee DU BON .S:O0CLET Y Bi

“_

RIVER FOREST.

March 1, Robin; March 2, Song Sparrow; March 9, Cooper’s Hawk White-
breasted Nuthatch; March 10, Killdeer, Bob-white, Northern Flicker, Red-winged
Blackbird, Meadowlark, Lapland Longspur, Junco; March 12, Bronzed Grackle;
March 14, Cowbird; March 15, Red-headed Woodpecker, Blue Jay; March 20, Hairy
Woodpecker; March 21, Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Marsh Hawk; March
23, Phoebe, Crow, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Brown Creeper, Chickadee,
Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet; March 24, Wilson’s Snipe, Gold-
finch, White-throated Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch; March
25, Vesper Sparrow, Towhee, Hermit Thrush; March 26, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,

Dr. Doehmling Natural History Society.
Per WALTER G. GERTH.

ROCKFORD.

March 3, 1917, Spring Creek, Rockford, Ill., 32 degrees, wind north. Hairy
Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Woodpecker, 6; Prairie Horned
Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 6; Crows, 3; Red Poll, 60; American Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow,
50; Slate-colored Junco, 12; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 8. 12 species,
154 individuals. PAUL B.eRms:

March 7, 1917, Black Hawk Park, Rockford, IIll., 40 degrees, wind south.
Herring Gull, 1; Red-head Duck, 12; Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Screech Owl, 1; Hairy
Woodpecker, 6; Downy Woodpecker, 9; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 7;
Crows, 50; Redpoll, 2; Tree Sparrows, 54; Montana Junco, 6; Slate-colored Junco, 60;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Chickadee, 23; Brown Creeper, 1; Bluebird, 1. 17 species,
241 individuals. J. C. VAN DuZzER AND PAuL B. Rus.

March 9, 1917, Highbridge to Roscoe, 8:45 A. M. to 5:00 P. M.

Dark in the morning to clear in afternoon, 30 degrees to 36 degrees; wind, light,
south shifting southwest; ground frozen in morning, soft later in day.

Herring Gull, 2; Mallards, 5; Pintails, 44; American Golden Eye, 6; Short-
eared Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 9; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Red-headed Wood-
pecker, 1; Prairie Horned Lark, 12; Blue Jay, 45; Crow, 83; Red-winged Blackbird, 1;
Redpolls, 67; Tree Sparrows, 82; Slate-colored Junco, 32; Song Sparrow, 3; Brown
Creeper, 3 (one singing); White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 23; Robin, 8;
Bluebird, 2. Total, species 21, individuals 441. J. C. Van Duzer.

March 21, 1917, Willow Creek, clear, temperature 50 degrees, wind west, ground
soft.

Mallards, 2; Canada Geese, 10; Killdeer, 2; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; (6 hawks
migrating in loose flocks, not identified); Sparrow Hawk, 2; Belted Kingfisher, 1;
Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpeckers, 3; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Phcebe, 3;
Prairie Horned Lark, 16; Blue Jay, 3; Crows, 15; Red-winged Blackbird, 12; Meadow-
lark, 15; Western Meadowlark, 5; Rusty Blackbird, 2; Purple Grackle, 42; Purple
Finch, 1; Redpolls, 3; Lapland Longspur, 1; Tree Sparrows, 31; Field Sparrow, 1;
Slate-colored Junco, 5; Montana Junco, 1; Song Sparrow, 8; Brown Creeper, 1; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 7; Robin, 15; Bluebird, 5. 31 species, 218 individuals.

J. C. Van Duzer AND PAut B. Rus.

Rock ISLAND.

List of birds seen from March 20 to March 30, 1917: Phoebe; Tufted Titmouse;
Chickadee; Goldfinch; Brown Creeper; White-breasted Nuthatch; Downy Woodpecker ;
Red-head Woodpecker; Meadowlark; Bluebird; Robin; Purple Grackle; Fox Sparrow;
Field Sparrow; Chipping Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Cardinal; Winter Wren; Golden-
crowned Kinglet; Red-winged Blackbird; Cowbird; Herring Gulls.

URBANA.

Urbana and vicinity, March 21 to 26, inclusive. The numbers show the largest
number of individuals recorded by a single observer on a single trip during the
above period. Pied-billed Grebe, 2; Blue Heron, 1; Coot, 1; Killdeer, 2; Mourning
Dove, 4; Turkey Vulture, 2; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2; Long-eared Owl, 3;
Screech Owl, 1; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 3;

54 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2; Flicker, 8; Phoebe, 1; Prairie Horned Lark, 4; Blue Jay,
4; Crow, 12; Cowbird, 9; Red-winged Blackbird, 25; Meadowlark, 15; Rusty Black-
bird, 4; Bronzed Grackle, 75; Redpoll, 20; Vesper Sparrow, 2; Field Sparrow, 4;
Slate-colored Junco, 125; Song Sparrow, 4; Fox Sparrow, 5; Towhee, 2; Cardinal, 4;
Cedar Waxwing, 1; Migrant Shrike, 5; Brown Thrasher, 1; Bewick’s Wren, 2; Winter
Wren, 4; Brown Creeper, 12; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 1;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 30; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2; Hermit Thrush, 6; Robin, 65;
Bluebird, 8.

Several other species reported earlier, including: Mallards, Bobwhite, Red-tailed
Hawk, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Tree Sparrow.

Nests with eggs noticed as follows: Red-tailed Hawk, February 17; Crow,
February 25.

Some of the more interesting “first seen” records are as follows: Killdeer,
February 25; Belted Kingfisher, March 10; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, March 25;
Phoebe, March 25; Cowbird, March 23; Meadowlark, February 25; Field Sparrow,
March 23; Fox Sparrow, February 25; Towhee, February 26; Migrant Shrike, March
24; Brown Thrasher, March 25; Bewick’s Wren, March 23; Winter Wren, March 25;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, March 25; Hermit Thrush, March 26; Bluebird, February 24.

Compiled from the records of W. A. Goelitz, H. J. VanCleave, Mrs. Percy Ash,
H. S. Grindley, Bessie R. Green and F. Smith, University of Illinois.

Winter Notes

RANTOUL—WINTER RECORD.

List of birds which were wintering in vicinity, but were observed only on days
when their special winter home was visited:

1, Cardinal; 2, Chickadee; 3, Tufted Titmouse; 4, White-breasted Nuthatch; 5,
Brown Creeper.

Additional list of those which were regularly, if not daily recorded during the
winter; 6, Junco; 7, Tree Sparrow; 8, Crow; 9, Prairie Horned Lark; 10, Downy
Woodpecker; 11, Hairy Woodpecker; 12, Screech Owl; 13,. Rough-legged Hawk;
14, Lapland Longspur; 15, Redpoll.

Additional list of those occasionally seen: 16, Song Sparrow; 17, Goldfinch; 18,
Blue Jay; 19, Northern Flicker; 20, Sparrow Hawk; 21, Red-tailed Hawk; 22, Prairie
Hen; 23, White-tailed Kite; 24, Cedar Waxwing.

Additional list of rarer occurrences with dates of record, and number for each
record:

25, White-throated Sparrow, December 25, 1; December 31, 2; 26, Vesper Spar-

row (No . doubt late southbound migrant), December 27 and 28, 1; 27, Bronzed ~

Grackle (Also a procrastinating migrant), December 11, December 12 and Decem-
ber 23, 1; 28, Meadowlark (Same as above), December 1, 1; 29, Barred Owl, De-
cember 30, 1; 30, Morning Dove, December 9, 1; 31, Pigeon Hawk, December 3, 1;
32, Goshawk, January 4, 1; December 13, 1; 33, Broad winged Hawk, December 25, 1;
34, Purple Finch, January 13; 1; January 29:°6; February 22,1; Kebrummygeeieeee
35, Herring Gull, January 5, 2; 36, Bohemian Waxwing (No doubt often inter-
mingled with Cedar Waxwings but definitely identified only as below, February 15, 20;
37, Bobwhite, February 10, 4.

Special attention is Gareeted ove numbers 15, 24, 32 and 35. The Redpoll
has not been observed here for years, and the others but very rarely. Attention is
desired toward 37. The Bobwhite is rapidly decreasing in this vicinity. In former
years it was regularly observed. This winter it has been seen but once, and not
because of lack of effort to discover it. Even so, the few that are here are assiduously
hunted by those who pride themselves as being “sportsmen.”

GEORGE E. EKBLAW.

BIRD OBSERVATIONS OF ROCKFORD AND VICINITY FOR THE YEAR ENpING MArcH, 1917.

Rockford, Ill., (Pop. 57,000), Winnebago County, is situated on the beautiful
Rock River, 92 miles northwest of Chicago, 18 miles south of the Wisconsin State
line.

The field here offers good opportunities for bird study, with the exception that
water birds must be sought in remoter parts of the county, as marshes and pools
are insignificant. The bird life in our vicinity during the year just passed has been
more abundant and richer than heretofore.

———— Oe

.
:
|

PLGEN ORS “AUDUBON, S:'OCIE-TY 55

The earliest migrant in order of its arrival of the season and never recorded
here before was the Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana). But the brightly
colored bunch of feathers near the point of observation a day later clearly indicated
the tragic end met by this beautiful visitant.

The Western Meadowlark arrived March 25th in partial song and continued to
perform continuously until October 21st. The season previous their last notes were
heard November 7, and am quite sure that even a later date should have held last
year if other observers had assisted in making observation. The Western Meadowlarks
as noted before are spreading through this region quite rapidly and are becoming
less of a curiosity.

The first flock of Redpolls (Acanthis linaria linaria L) were seen by the author
November 4th, and since that time have become very abundant. Flocks of from 100
to 500 birds were seen personally on several occasions.

On November 22nd for the first time according to local records there came to
notice here a Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator leucura—Miill). This bird had found
a snug retreat in a quiet residential district, feeding freely on the red berries of the
matrimony vine, alternating the fare with buds of the bush honeysuckle. There it
remained for a week unafraid of its inquisitive callers.

The first flock of Evening Grosbeaks (Hesperiphona vespertina vespertina W.
Coop) came to notice January 22nd composed of four birds, and a few days later
eleven were seen in the same place. Other flocks of from seven to nineteen birds were
seen about various parts of the city and to date, March Ist, are still here.

A flock of purple finches (Carpodacus purpureus purpureus —Gmel), composed
of twenty-five birds, were observed repeatedly during the latter part of February.

One male Kingfisher also was noted, which in spite of the severity of the season
remained here, (and is here today) making use of his burrow for a retreat from the
cold. The river froze over entirely and his range lay along a small creek, which
opened up but little here and there, during the severest part of the winter.

Red-headed Woodpeckers in fair numbers remained with us all winter, among
them an inmature bird.

The American Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra minor—Brehm) arrived here Novem-
ber Ist and other flocks were reported from time to time, however they soon passed
on.

Tree sparrows (Spizella monticola monticola—Gmel) were especially numerous,
large flocks being present in many of the shrub-grown pastures. In other seasons these
birds were almost entirely absent until late winter or early spring.

Several Song Sparrows and one male Red-winged Blackbird also wintered here.

The Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis—Linn) was again reported here,
two females at one time and a single female at others. The one bird especially became
a regular guest at a local feeding table.

Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) with the vague record of transient
visitants, last summer nested in the outskirts of this city in two widely different places
and in one instance within the city limits. The author was fortunate enough to
have under observation one nest near his home. Scotch Pines (Pinus sylvestris L)
and Norway Spruce (Picea abies L) served for their nesting sites, the nests being
placed eight and twenty-five feet above the ground respectively. The decoy nest,
which is usually built by this specie, in advent of the real one, also was noted. Two
fledglings resulted from one and four from the other nest.

The Winter Wrens, of which several were generally found around here, left for
points unknown late in December.

The Red-breasted Nuthatches (Sitta canadensis—Linn) were unusually abundant
early in the winter but since have settled down to their normal number.

The fall migration of Chickadees was not as marked as the year before. However,
I have been able to establish quite definitely the permanent residence of members of
this species by banding six nestlings, each one around the left leg. Banding is prac-
ticed here by two operators only, and by agreement on opposite legs, therefore we
found Chickadees banded on the left leg feeding on suet but twenty-five feet from the
box where six Chickadees had been banded around the left leg.

The Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina—Gmel) also showed that they had ex-
tended their range through the thickly populated part of the city, eight pair nesting
here against two of the year previous. One pair especially noted for years has built
within six blocks of the busiest corner in the city. PAauL B. Ras.

WINTER BirDS ON A Rock ISLAND COUNTY FARM.
Following are two lists of birds seen by the writer during the last two winters
on a farm of 103 acres, 3 miles southeast of Port Byron, in the upper end of Rock

56 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Island County, Illinois. Several bird walks were taken through the near-by fields,
pastures, timber and brush land.

Birds seen during December, 1915, and January, 1916: Bobwhite, common;
Marsh Hawk, one seen December 26, 27 and 28, was chasing some Bobwhites which
took refuge in a hedge fence. Cooper’s Hawk, rare during the winter; Rough-legged
Hawk, common, not here when the snow was deep; Bald Eagle, one seen flying over
on December 29; Screech Owl, common; Great horned Owl, common; Hairy Wood-
pecker, common; Downy Woodpecker, common; Red-headed Woodpecker—three re-
mained over winter, two stayed in some woods one-half mile north, and one in
the timber two miles south of where we live; Red-bellied Woodpecker, common;
Northern Flicker, two seen December 26; Prairie Horned Lark here whenever the
ground was bare; Blue Jay, common; Crow, common; Meadowlark, one stayed here
near-by all winter; Tree Sparrow, abundant; Junco, abundant; Song Sparrow, one
seen January 30; Cardinal, tolerably common; Brown Creeper, rare during the winter;
White-breasted Nuthatch, common; Tufted Titmouse, rare permanent resident; Chick-
adee, common. Total, 24 species.

Birds seen during December, 1916 and January, 1917: Merganser, flock of
about 100, flying over, December 2; Bobwhite, common; Mourning Dove, 1,
December 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1, December 17, seen flying from the ground
and carrying a bird about the size of a Bobwhite; Cooper's Hawk, 1, December
11; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1, December 31; Rough-legged Hawk, here all winter;
Barred Owl, 1, December 25; Screech Owl, common; Great-horned Owl, com-
mon; Hairy Woodpecker, common; Downy Woodpecker, common; Red-bellied Wood-
pecker, common; Prairie Horned Lark, here all winter; Blue Jay, common; Crow,
common; Purple Finch, four females, December 10; Redpoll, first seen November
5, then none were seen until December 17, after which they were here near-by every
day this winter. Some days a flock of about 50 came into the garden; Goldfinch,
last seen December 10; Tree Sparrow, abundant; Junco, abundant; Cardinal, com-
mon; Brown Creeper, rare: White-breasted Nuthatch, common; Tufted Titmouse,
rare; Chickadee, common. Total, 26 species.

For feeding the birds we have two suet holders fastened to the south side of
two posts at the south end of our vineyard, and about forty feet from one of the
kitchen windows. About a foot below one of the suet holders, we fastened a shelf,
on which we put cracked walnuts and butternuts every morning. Last winter we
scattered ground popcorn and sweetcorn on the ground for the Tree Sparrows and
Juncos. This winter we used ground corn. We also fastened a few ears of corn
to the tops of some of the posts in the vineyard for the Cardinals.

The same birds that came to our feeding station during the winter of 1915 and
1916 came again this winter, and were as follows: Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy

Woodpecker, one pair; Red-bellied Woodpecker, one pair; Blue Jay, 3; Tree Sparrow, -

first winter, a few, second winter, many; Junco, first winter, many, second winter,
large flock; Cardinal, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, one pair; Chickadee, 4.

All of the birds were very fond of the cracked walnuts and butternuts. The
Nuthatches and Chickadees would carry off all the loose kernels, the Woodpeckers
and Blue Jays ate at the large pieces of shell in which there were yet kernels, and
the Juncos and Tree Sparrows would eat the fine crumbs. Sometimes when the
Woodpeckers were eating suet, the Juncos and Tree Sparrows would watch for the
crumbs that fell upon the feeding shelf and the ground. This winter several of the
Juncos learned to hang on the suet holders like a Chickadee does sometimes, and
eat suet. The Cardinals, Blue Jays, and also sometimes the Woodpeckers, would
take kernels from the ears of corn which were fastened to the tops of the posts.

During the latter part of April, and the fore part of May, 1916, several Chipping
Sparrows, and one Catbird came to the feeding shelf to eat walnut kernels and
crumbs. About the 10th of April, 1916, a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers took
possession of our feeding station, and chased all the other Woodpeckers away. They
were especially vicious toward the Red-bellied Woodpeckers. During January, Febru-
ary and March, 1916, whenever there was snow on the ground, a flock of Bobwhites
came to our garden, where we fed them corn at the north end of the vineyard. This
winter not a single Bobwhite came on the place, but several of our neighbors reported
having flocks come to their barnyards when the snow was deep.

The Redpolls, which were here all wintér, would never eat at our feeding place.
They were often seen sitting on the pear trees near the feeding station, but they would
never fly down on the ground where the Juncos and Tree Sparrows were eating. I
saw them quite often in the pastures, eating ragweed seed.

March 24, 1917. J. J. ScHAFER, Port Byron, Ill.

rete wie owe OUR ON SOC LE T Y

Check List of Illinois Birds

The following check list of birds found in Illinois is a revision, with
annotations and additions, of the one printed in the bulletin a year ago.
The material for the revision and additional records has been furnished
by Mr. Robert Ridgway of the United States National Museum, Mr.
Benjamin T. Gault, of Glen Ellyn, Mr. Isaac Hess of Philo, and Mr. C. E.
Vandercook of Odin. The records and observations of Mr. Gault have
for years been regarded as standard for Illinois by Government experts
such as Wells W. Cooke, and by Frank Chapman and other writers. Mr.
Ridgway is one of the most eminent ornithologists America has produced.
The Illinois Audubon Society is honored by his friendly co-operation in
the preparation of this Bulletin. Mr. Hess is a business man of Philo
who has for years been a discriminating field student of birds. His list
of 108 species of birds whose nests he has visited within a ten mile radius
of his home in Champaign County should greatly stimulate the interest
of bird observers in Central Illinois. Mr. Vandercook’s list of 95 species
from Clinton County in Southern Illinois is entitled to the same honor-
able mention. A copy of his original notes, as well as those of Mr. Hess,
showing nesting dates, is in the files of the Illinois Audubon Society. It
was not possible to print all this data at this time, but the Society will
be glad to furnish information therefrom to anyone writing for it.

The check list has been prepared as follows: Mr. Gault’s list with
comments and accompanying initial letters, referring to Northern, Central
and Southern Illinois is printed as sent in. Mr. Ridgway’s list for
Southern Illinois and Mr. Hess’ list for Central Illinois have been embodied
in this by the use of asterisks and daggers. The asterisks refer to nesting
records in Southern Illinois, double asterisks showing that the record was
made in Richland County in which Mr. Ridgway’s farm home is located
and where his special observations have been made. Mr. Hess’ records
of nesting birds for Central Illinois are readily distinguished by the dagger
marks. Mr. Vandercook’s records being like those of Mr. Ridgway’s
from Southern Illinois blend with those records and do not require special
notation but are referred to in the appended notes.

Mr. Ridgway’s notes show that the southern form of Hairy Woodpecker,
Meadowlark, and Robin occur in Southern Illinois as given in the list
above. He also considers it likely that the southern form of the Downy,
Pileated Woodpecker, Blue Jay and Crow prevail in Southern Illinois.
Mr. Ridgway adds that the following species which breed in Central
Illinois do not breed in Richland County, namely the Bobolink, Song
Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Chickadee. The latter, (not the
Carolina Chickadee), Mr. Ridgway has not been able to find nesting
in seven counties of Southern [1linois.

Mr. Vandercook’s notes are with special reference to Clinton County.
The Wood Duck was common a few years ago along timbered creeks but
now seems to breed only in secluded wooded bottoms. The Great Blue
Heron now rarely nests. The Turkey Vulture is greatly on the decrease.
Ruffed Grouse are not to be found now. The Pileated Woodpecker once
common is now rare. In 1890 a Saw-whet Owl nested, but no other record
has been made. The least Fly Catcher nested in 1888. There is one record
for the Rose-breasted Grosbeak in 1888, and one for the Logger-head
Shrike in 1890.

i |

58 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Accompanying Mr. Gault’s notes was a letter in which he stated that
he had tried to make it a complete breeding list of the birds of our state.
A few names could have been left off altogether perhaps, but in order to
make it a finished job it was thought best to let them go in. The nesting
data for a great many of our birds is far from being complete and neces-
sitates more or less speculation as to their probable breeding ranges.
In other words, we are considerably in need of more accurate details and
much might be attempted along these lines.

It is hardly necessary to remind readers of the Bulletin ‘nat of the
names of birds on the check list, by far the most significant are those of
the nesting birds. The occurrence within an area of a visitant rightly
excites interest because of the very casualness of the visit, but one’s abiding
interest should be in the birds that nest and prove their worth within the
limits of one’s area. For this reason the annotations on the following
list should be of great value. For example, a resident of Southern Illinois
by looking for those names in the lst marked with an asterisk can at once
select from the greater list for the whole state those in whose life history
he is more vitally concerned, and he can have the authority of Mr. Ridgway
for his selection. Similarly those living in Central Illinois have but
to look for names marked with a dagger and they have Mr. Hess’ list which
he checked off for himself in a typical corn-belt county. The initial letter
N. represents Mr. Gault’s special contribution for bird students of Northern
Illinois. It is of interest to compare Mr. Gault’s lists for Central and
Southern Illinois marked with the initial letters C. and S., with those
of Hess and Ridgeway distinguished by asterisks and dagger marks. One
list usually corroborates another but not always. As in the preparation of
the lists none of these gentlemen conferred with the others, each will
doubtless be as interested in this composite list as will be the general
readers. It is hoped that these lists will stimulate a wider interest in
the study of bird populations, nesting dates and occurrences, etc., and
that the records, additions, and revisions occasioned by this study will be
sent in to this Bulletin for future publication.

EXPLANATORY.

The initial letters, N, C, S, refer respectively to Northern, Central

and Southern Illinois. Where no such initial letter appears there is no
record of the species breeding in Illinois, and such species are pure migrants
or occasional visitants. The asterisks mark birds as nesting in Southern
Illinois, the double asterisks referring especially to Richland County. The
dagger mark refers to Central Illinois, the special reference being to
Champaign County. The order in which the names appear is that of the
AOU check list employed by all ornithologists. In using this check list
many of our readers, like the editor, may find it more convenient to begin
at the end of the list where the more common birds appear and work
backwards.

e

The abbreviation S. R. refers to summer residents.

LLLIWOLS AUDUBON: SOCIETY 59

Grebes
Holboell’s Grebe.
Horned Grebe. N.
Eared Grebe.
Pied-billed Grebe. N.C. S.

Loons
Great Northern Diver. N.
Black-throated Loon.
Red-throated Loon.

Jaegers and Skuas
Pomarine Jaeger.
Long-tailed Jaeger.

Gulls and Terns
Kittiwake Gull.
Glaucous Gull.
Iceland Gull.

Great Black-backed Gull.
Herring Gull.
Ring-billed Gull.
Laughing Gull.
Franklin’s Gull.
Bonaparte’s Gull.
Sabine’s Gull.
Gull-billed Tern.
Caspian Tern.
Royal Tern.
Forster’s Tern. N.
Common Tern.

Least Tern.

Biack Tem, N.
Anhingas

Snake Bird. S.
Cormorants

Double-crested Cormorant. C.
*Florida Cormorant. S.
Mexican Cormorant.

Pelican
American White.
Brown Pelican.

Ducks, Geese, etc.
American Merganser.
Red-breasted Merganser. N.
*Hooded Merganser. N. C. S.
Mallard. (Probably confined as a
breeder to Northern half of State. )
Black Duck. N.
Gadwall.
European Widgeon.
Baldpate. A possible breeder in N.
Tl.
Green-winged Teal.
*Blue-winged Teal.
Cinnamon Teal.
Shoveller. Nested formerly in N. IIl.
and may do so now.
Pintadl.-iN.
+*Wood Duck. N. C. S.
Redhead.
Canvas-back Duck.
- Greater Scaup Duck.

N.
NO.Cos-

Lesser Scaup Duck. N.

Ring-necked Duck. N.

American Golden-eye.

Barrow’s Golden-eye.

Bufflehead.

Old Squaw.

Harlequin Duck.

American Eider.

King Eider.

American Scoter Duck. Common
winter visitor on Lake Michigan.

White-winged Scoter.

Surf Scoter. Abundant fall and win-
ter visitor to Lake Michigan and
interior waters of State.

Ruddy Duck. N.

Lesser Snow Goose.

Greater Snow Goose.
during migrations.

Blue Goose.

White-fronted Goose.

Canada Goose. N.

Hutchin’s Goose.

Cackling Goose.

Brant.

Not uncommon

Swan
Whistling Swan.

Trumpeter Swan. No recent records.

Bitterns, Herons and Cranes

Roseate Spoonbill. (?)

White Ibis.

Glossy Ibis.

Wood Ibis. Not uncommon late sum-

mer visitor to Southern and Cen-
tral Illinois.

*American Bittern. N. C. S.
*Least Bittern. N.C. S.
Cory’s Least Bittern. A_ peculiar

color-phase of the Least Bittern
—one record.

+*Great Blue Heron. N. C. S.
American. teret.- (7) <Prebably mnot
nesting now. S. II.

Snowy Heron.
Reddish Egret.
Little Blue Heron.
Ill.
+**Green Heron. N. C. S.
+*Black-crowned Night Heron. N. C. S.
*Yellow-crowned Night Heron. S.
Whooping Crane.
Sandhill Crane. Nested formerly, but
doubtless not now.
Limpkin.

feater Se Reino

Rails, Gallinules and Coots
jeoticime: eal. NG. Ss:

Virginia, Rail, N-..€.:S.
TOOL at wae Co.
*Vellow Rail: N.C. S:

+Black Rail.
Tl.

N. C. and possibly in S.

ILLINOIS

Grebes

Holboell’s Grebe.
Horned Grebe.
Eared Grebe.
Pied-billed Grebe.

Loons

Great Northern Diver. N.
Black-throated Loon.
Red-throated Loon.

Jaegers and Skuas

Pomarine Jaeger.
Long-tailed Jaeger.

Gulls and Terns

Kittiwake Gull.
Glaucous Gull.
Iceland Gull.
Great Black-backed Gull.
Herring Gull.
Ring-billed Gull.
Laughing Gull.
Franklin’s Gull.
Bonaparte’s Gull.
Sabine’s Gull.
Gull-billed Tern.
Caspian Tern.
Royal Tern.
Forster’s Tern.
Common Tern.
Least Tern.
Black Tern.

Anhingas
Snake Bird. S.

Cormorants

Double-crested Cormorant.
Florida Cormorant.
Mexican Cormorant.

Pelican

American White.
Brown Pelican.

Ducks, Geese, etc.

American Merganser.
Red-breasted Merganser.
Hooded Merganser.
Mallard.

Black Duck.
Gadwall.

European Widgeon.
Baldpate.
Green-winged Teal.
Cinnamon Teal.
Shoveller.

Pintail.

Wood Duck.
Redhead.
Canvas-back Duck.
Greater Scaup Duck.

AUDUBON SOCTETY 59

Lesser Scaup Duck.

Ring-necked Duck.

American Golden-eye.

Barrow’s Golden-eye.

Bufflehead.

Old Squaw.

Harlequin Duck.

American Eider.

King Eider.

American Scoter Duck. Common
winter visitor on Lake Michigan.

White-winged Scoter.

Surf Scoter. Abundant fall and
winter visitor to Lake Michigan
and interior waters of State.

Ruddy Duck. N.

Lesser Snow Goose.

Greater Snow Goose. Not uncommon
during migrations.

Blue Goose.

White-fronted Goose.

Canada Goose. N.

Hutchin’s Goose.

Cackling Goose.

Brant.

Swan
Whistling Swan.
Trumpeter Swan. No recent records.

Bitterns, Herons and Cranes
Roseate Spoonbill. (?)
White Ibis.
Glossy Ibis.
Wood Ibis. Not uncommon late sum-
mer visitor to Southern and Cen-
tral Illinois.

*American Bittern. N. C. S.
+ east, Bittern: + N.C S:
Cory’s Least Bittern. A_ peculiar

color-phase of the Least Bittern
—one record.
+*Great Blue Heron. N. C. S.
*American Egret (?) Probably not
nesting now. S. Il.
Snowy Heron.
Reddish Egret
Little Blue Heron.
. Tl.
t**Green Heron. N. C. S.
7*Black-crowned Night Heron.
Nw tC S:
*Yellow-crowned Night Heron. S.
Whooping Crane.
Sandhill Crane. Nested formerly, but
doubtless not now.
Limpkin.

ate _S. asain §;

Rails, Gallinules and Coots
Tonnes Kail: Ne Cus:
Virginia Rail. N. C. S.
foora Rail: N.-C. 8,
*Yellow Rail. N.C. S.
+Black Rail. N. C. and possibly S.
Til.

60 ThE vA DU BON. VB be Ei tN

Purple Gallinule.
*Florida Gallinule. N. C. S.
American Coot. N. C. S.

Phalaropes

Red Phalarope.
Northern Phalarope.
Wilson’s Phalarope. N.

Avocets and Stilts

American Avocet.
Black-necked Stilt.

Snipe, Sandpipers, Etc.

+**Woodcock. N.C. S.
Wilson’s Snipe. N.
Short-billed Dowitcher.
Long-billed Dowitcher.
Stilt Sandpiper.

Knot. Occurs sparingly.

Purple Sandpiper.

Pectoral Sandpiper.
do not nest.

White-rumped Sandpiper.

Baird’s. Sandpiper.

Least Sandpiper. May have nested
very rarely in former years.

Red-backed Sandpiper.

Semi-palmated Sandpiper. Occasional
S. R., but do not nest.

Western Sandpiper. Common during
migrations.

Sanderling.

Marbled Godwit.

Hudsonian Godwit.

Greater Yellow-legs. Occasional S. R.
and may breed in N. III.

Lesser Yellow-legs. N. Very rare
breeder.

Solitary Sandpiper. Casual S. R. but
never found breeding.

Willet. (?)

Western Willet. N. Authority—W. W.
Cooke.

A few S. R. but

+Bartramian Sandpiper. N. C. S.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
{**Spotted Sandpiper. N.C. S.

Blackbellied Plover. A few non-breed-

ing birds are S. R.

Long-billed Curlew. Authority of
Nelson who once found it nest-
meine Ne wk

Hudsonian Curlew.

Eskimo Curlew.

Plovers

Black-bellied Plover.
American Golden Plover.
eo skuildeer: » Ni Ce -S:
Semi-palmated Plover. A few remain
S. R. and may breed in N. IIl.
Belted Piping Plover. N.

Turnstones: Oyster-Catchers
Turnstone.

Bob-White, Grouse, Etc.
+**Bob-white. N.C. S.
**Ruffed Grouse. N. C. and possibly
of rare occurrence in S. Ill. ;
Willow Ptarmigan.
{hiPraimie-blen.,. INt. Cas,

Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. Nested
formerly in N. E. Ill—Once at
Waukegan.

Wild Turkey. S.

Dove
(Passenger Pigeon once nested spar-
ingly in N. E. Ill. Now extinct).
¢**Mourning Dove. N. C.S.

Vultures
7**Turkey Vulture. Chiciyy3@aeaneis
Rate SvRe mo Ne we
**Black Vulture. S.

Hawks and Eagles

**Swallow-tailed Kite. S.
White-tailed Kite.
Mississippi Kite. S.
+Marsh Hawk. N. C. and said to be
uncommon if not rare. S. R. in
Se Jae
+**Sharp-shinned Hawk. N. C. S.
t**Cooper’s Hawk. N. C. S.
Goshawk.
Western Goshawk.
+**Red-tailed Hawk. N.C. S.
Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk.
Western Red-tailed Hawk. Casual.
Harlan’s Hawk. Casual. .
Mexican Goshawk.
**Red-shouldered Hawk. N. C S.
*Swainson’s Hawk. C. S. and possibly
INP Oi:
+Broad-winged Hawk. N.C. S.
American Rough-legged Hawk.
Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk.
Golden Eagle. Formerly nested in
different parts of state.
*Bald Eagle. N.C. S. but now rare.
Prairie Falcon.
Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk.
*Duck Hawk. S.
Pigeon Hawk. Rare S. R. and may
nest.
***American Sparrow Hawk. N. C. S.
**Osprey. N. C..S.

Owls |

rat*Barn Owl, (C 25S:
7+*American Long-eared Owl. N. C. S.
Short-eared Owl. Possibly confined as
a breeder to N. IIl.
7**Barred. Owl "Ne Gos,
Great Gray Owl.

re eTwot Ss AUDUBON: SOCTET Y

Richardson’s Owl.

Saw-whet Owl. No breeding records
for Ill., but a S. R. in N. W. In-
diana (Lake Co.).

+**Screech Owl. N. C. S.
+**Great Horned Owl. N.C. S.

Arctic Horned Owl.

Snowy Owl.

American Hawk Owl.

Paroquets

Louisiana (Carolina) Paroquet. Long
extinct.

Cuckoos and Kingfishers

7**Yellow-billed Cuckoo. N.C. S.
**Black-billed Cuckoo. N. C. S.
7**Belted Kingfisher. N. C. S.

Woodpeckers
Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
extinct in Illinois.
**Hairy Woodpecker. N.C. S.
**Southern Hairy Woodpeckers. Prob-
ae replaces former in extreme S.
7**Downy Woodpecker. N. C. S.
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, N.
*Northern Pileated Woodpecker. N. C.
5. Rare’ in. C.-and N. Iu.
7*Red-headed Woodpecker. N. C. S.
+*Red-bellied Woodpecker. N. C. S.
but rare in N. IIl.
**F licker. S.
+Northern Flicker. N.C. S. Probably
replaced by Flicker in extreme S. Ill.

Probably

Whippoorwill, Swift and Humming
Bird

** Chuck-will’s-widow. Casual S. R. in
S. Ill., and probably nests.
+** Whippoorwill. N.C
7**Nighthawk. N.C. S. and probably re-
placed largely in N. and C. Ill.
by Sennett’s Nighthawk.
Sennet’s Nighthawk. N. C.
7**Chimney Swift. N. C..S.
*Ruby-throated Hummingbird. N. C. S.

Flycatchers
7 * Kingbird. N. C.S.
7**Crested Flycatcher.
q**Phoebe. N.C. S.

Say’s Phoebe Flycatcher.
Olive-sided Flycatcher.
7**Wood Pewee. N. C. S.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.
fAcadian Flycatcher. N. C. S.
t**Traill’s Flycatcher. N.C. and prob-
ably in S. IIL.
Alder Flycatcher.
grant.
Least Flycatcher.

IN Cs.

Not common mi-

N.

61

Larks

Horned Lark.
+**Prairie Horned Lark.

Nx Gera:

Crows and Jays

American Magpie.
+**Blue Jay.. N.C. 5S.
Northern Raven.

7**Grow.. .N.-C..S,
Clarke’s Nutcracker.

Blackbirds, Orioles, Etc.

+Bobolink. N. C.
+*#*Cowbird: N. C. S.
Yellow-headed Blackbird. N.
+**Red-winged Blackbird. N. C. S.
Arctic Red-winged Blackbird.
thority of Oberholser.
+Meadowlark. N. C. S. But question-
able in N. W. and S. Il.
**Southern Meadow Lark. Breeding
status not fully determined.

Au-

Western Meadow Lark. Same com-
ment as above.
+**Orchard Oriole. N.C. S.
+**Baltimore Oriole. N. C. S.
Rusty Blackbird.
Brewer’s Blackbird.
+**Bronzed Grackle. N. C. S.

Finches, Sparrows, Etc.

Evening Grosbeak.
Pine Grosbeak.
Purple Finch. N. 4
+**House Sparrow. N. C. S.
American Crossbill.
White-winged Crossbill.
Hoary Redpoll.
Redpoll.
Holboell’s Redpoll (?).
Greater Redpoll.
+** American Goldfinch. N. C. S.
Pine Siskin.
Snow Bunting.
Lapland Longspur.
Smith’s Longspur.
Chestnut-collared Longspur.
McCown’s Longspur.
+**Vesper Sparrow. N. C. S.
Savannah Sparrow. N.
+**Grasshopper Sparrow. N. C. S.
**Henslow’s Sparrow. N. C. S.
Leconte’s Sparrow. Recorded breed-
ing. in N. E. Ill., but record ques-
tioned.
Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow a pos-
sible breeder in N. IIl.
+**Lark Sparrow. N. C. S.
Harris’ Sparrow.
White-crowned Sparrow.
White-throated Sparrow.
Tree Sparrow.

+**Chipping Sparrow. N. C. S.

62 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Clay-colored Sparrow. Classified as
S:4Rriny Ne Te
7+**Field Sparrow. N.C. 5S.
Slate-colored Junco.
Montana Junco.
Shufeldt’s Junco.
+Bachman’s Sparrow.
chiefly S. Ill.
+*Song Sparrow. N.C. S. Rather rare
SH Reams rile
Lincoln’s Sparrow. N.
TSWwaIMp, opaLTow. vINwac. oO.
Fox Sparrow.
+**Towhee. N.C. S.
Arctic Towhee.
We(Cehachiaeh IN CASS
+Rose-breasted Grosbeak. N. C.
Blue Grosbeak.
A indieo Bumntime se Nos:

Painted Bunting. Authority of Ridg-
way.
+**Dickcissel. N.

Tanagers
jap ocanleh. Danager aN. s@ oS:
7**Summer Tanager. N.C. S. Rare S.

INE Clos) but

Ces)

Rea ONS El
Swallows
+**Purple Martin. N.C. S. j
+**Cliff Swallow. N.C. S.
ji barmnowallow. INC. Ss:
7*Tree Swallow. N. C.S.
+**Bank Swallow. N. C. S.

+**Rough-winged Swallow. N.C. S.
Northern Violet-green Swallow.

Waxwings
Bohemian Waxwing.
fie Cedar Waxwing, IN7“C2 Ss. Probably
rare as a breeder in S. III.

Shrikes
Northern Shrike.
Loggerhead Shrike. C. S.
7+**Migrant Shrike. Possibly confined as a
S. R. to northern half of State.

Vireos

***Red-eyed Vireo. N.C. S.
Philadelphia Vireo, Possibly S. R. in
Ife UNE

+**Warbling Vireo. N. C. S.

** Yellow-throated Vireo. N.C. S.
Blue-headed Vireo.
fio mVaite-eyedsaVIke@uu Ni @us Sam leN Ot
common S. R. in N. Ill.

+**Bell’s Vireo. N. C. S. Not common
Sa Reais Neu

Wood Warblers

**Black and White Warblers. A _ pos-
sible S,°R; im Nv Oil,
+*Prothonotary. Warbler. N.C. S.

Swainson’s Warbler. Rare S. R. in
Se -iilk
+*Worm-eating Warbler. N.C.S. Rare
So Rea Ne ere
*Blue-winged Warbler. N. C. S.

+Golden-winged Warbler.
chiefly N. Il.
Nashville Warbler. N.
Ridgway.
Orange-crowned Warbler.
Tennessee Warbler.
*Parula Warbler. N. C. S.
Cape May Warbler.
+**Vellow Warbler. N.C. S.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Myrtle Warbler.
Magnolia Warbler.
** Cerulean Warbler. N. C. S.
Chestnut-sided Warbler. N. May
nest in S. IIl., as there is a breed-
ing record for S. E. Missour..
Bay-breasted Warbler.
Black-poll Warbler.
Blackburnian Warbler.
*Sycamore Warblers. Apparently con-
fined as'S. R. to: Se ik
Black-throated Green Warbler. N.
Authority of Nelson.
Kirtland’s Wa-bler.
*Pine Warbler. N. C. S.
Palm Warbler.
*Prairie Warbler. N.C.) Se bateune
common in N. Ill.
+**Oven-bird. N.C. S.
Water-Thrush.
Grinnell’s Water-Thrush.
Ay AS Re seal IN/S UNL
+**Louisiana Water-Thrush. N.
but chiefly C. and S$.
***Kentucky Warbler. ,N.
rare in N. IIl.
Connecticut Warbler.
Mourning Warbler.
7**Maryland Yellow-thro: ats Ne sere
+** VY ellow-breasted Chat. N.C. S.
+*Hooded Warblers. N. C. S. Rare S. R.
in N. Ill.
Ill.
Wilson’s Warbler.
Canadian Warbler.

Authority of

Quite likely
Cie S:

C:*SsBur

7 American Redstart. N.C. S.
Wagtails and Pipits
American Pipit. Common migrant.

Spring and fall.
Wrens, Thrashers, Etc.

"Mocking Bird. N. Ci-S. GRaresseee
ameIN. fis

hao Catpiren Ne Gre

+**Brown Thrasher.. N. C. S.

+**Carolina Wren. N.C. S. Not com-
THOM, Sek: itd. IN ee

+**Bewick’s Wren. N.C. 'S.” Rares
in N. Ill.

NYGxsebud

———s- = —- =

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 63

t*House Wren. N. C. S. ** Carolina Chickadees. Apparently
**Parkman’s Wren. Apparently more confined to S. Ill. asa S.R.
common than the preceding but Hudsonian Chickadee.
breeding status not fully deter- é
ent: : y Kinglets and Gnatcatchers
Winter Wren. Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Short-billed Marsh Wren. N. C. S. Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
+**Long-billed Marsh Wren. N. C. S. +**Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. N.C. S.

Prairie Long-billed Marsh Wren. N..,

but breeding status not fully de- Thrushes, Bluebirds, Etc.

termined. Townsend’s Solitaire.

+**Wood Thrush. N. C. S.
Creepers +Wilson’s Thrush. N. C.

Brown Creeper. A possible breeder. Willow Thrush. The common form in

Northeastern Illinois.
N.C.5. Gray-Cheeked Thrush.
: Bicknell’s Thrush.
Nuthatches and Tits Alaska Hermit Thrush.
+**White-breasted Nuthatch. N. C. S. Olive-backed Thrush.
Red-breasted Nuthatch. N. C. Hermit Thrush.
***Tufted Titmouse. N.C. S. Uncom- Robins: NE;
mon oo ie. mN. Til: **Southern Robin. S.
+Chickadee. N. C. +**Bluebird. N. C. S.

The Secretary Has the Last Word.

~The Secretary would like to call attention -once more. to the resources of
the Society which are always at the command of its members. While the
Society desires to be in touch with everyone who is interested in birds and
their conservation, it wishes especially to reach the teachers, since it is
largely through their influence that the ideas and ideals of the rising gen-
eration will be formed. We send to teachers on request a liberal supply of
literature on bird topics consisting of illustrated Educational Leaflets issued
by the National Association of Audubon Societies, and special leaflets
concerning the economic value cf birds, methods of attracting and pro-
tecting birds and other similar topics. We also provide a complete list
of birds found in Illinois arranged as a migration record. Our traveling
libraries consisting of ten books on bird subjects are available for a
month’s use by any teacher who will ask for them.

Perhaps our most important educational aid is the illustrated lecture.
We have a number of sets of beautifully colored stereopticon slides of birds
and their nests. These slides are new and much superior to those we.
loaned in former years, nearly all of them being made from photographs
of the living bird in its natural surroundings. Each set is accompanied by
a typewritten lecture. The lantern slide lectures are also available for
clubs, churches and other organizations. The use of libraries and lantern
slides is free, but the borrower pays express charges both ways. On occa-
sion, we are also able to furnish a lecturer who will give a bird talk with
the slides, for a very moderate recompense. It is hardly necessary to add
that such a talk is much more interesting and valuable than any type-
written lecture.

It seems worth while to print below suggested collections of bird

64 2 EAU, DUB ON 4 Be bee TN

books for small libraries. ‘The books listed here are described elsewhere
under the caption, “A Suggestive List of Bird Literature.”

First List

A. Collection to cost about five dollars: Reed’s Bird Guides, Part I
and Part II; Citizen Bird by M. O. Wright; Bird Stories from Burroughs ;
The Sport of Bird Study by Job.

B. Collection to cost about ten dollars. To the above list add Chap-
man’s Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America, and Birds in Their
Relation to Man by Weed and Dearborn. q

SECOND LIST

Collection to cost about ten dollars: Reed’s Bird Guide, Part IL; Bird
Craft by M. O. Wright; .Wild Bird Guests by Baynes; American Birds
by Finley ; Chapman’s Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America; —
Walter’s Wild Birds in City Parks.

For the circulars referred to above, and for slides, lectures, etc., ieee
address the Secretary,

‘Mrs. FREDERIC H. PAtrresr, 2436 Prairie Ave., Evanston, III.

ee

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Application for Membership

Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society,
and being in sympathy with them, I wish to become a
member of the Society.

INAINIOL AE OSe ei ee cac pe caee ca Magee Reo, SES oh er
PNGORESS boc Phe hae os dose en Rohe are! Oba ale
Dates ek eT, Ok en rrr
CLASSES OF MEMEBERS EMP
Life Memberships — - - - $100.00. No annual dues
Sustaining Memberships — - - $25.00. No annual dues
Contributing Memberships - - $5.00. Annually
Active Memberships - : : $1.00. Annually

G
All members receive the publications of the Society.

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Treasurer, Miss Amalie
Flannig, 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago.

”

: q

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ly q - a!
{ % 4
7
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4 7

The
A Audubon Bulletin

Winter +7977 ~78

Published by
The LLLINOIS
AUDUBON
BOCrE TY

Do you know what the birds of |
America mean to food production?

Do you realize that without the ef-
ficient aid of these feathered allies we
could not possibly produce the food
to win the war?

Read the article on page 17 and see
what authorities like Herbert Hoover
and Senator McLean think of the im-
portance of bird conservation.

The efforts of organizations like the Ilki-
nois Audubon Society must not be cur--
tailed because of other war activities.
Join your local “bird club” and the

Illinois Audubon Society

President Vice-President a
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith 1
19 South La Saile Street, Chicago Highland Park La
Secretary Treasurer ;
Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee Miss Amalie Hannig

2436 Prairie Avenue, Evanston 800 South Halsted Street, Chicago

The Aims and Principles

of the

Illinois Audubon Society are:

first
To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the
schools, and todisseminate literature relating to them.
Second
To work for the betterment and enforcement of State
and Federal laws relating to birds.
Third
To discourage the wearing of any feathers except
those of the ostrich and domestic fowls.
Fourth

To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton
destruction of wild birds and their eggs.

ZAWYG

RIDGW

.

ROBERT

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

WINTER, 1917-1918
Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

Robert Ridgway, Ornithologist

A series of sketches is planned for the Bulletin to make its readers
better acquainted with Illinoisans that have done productive work in orni-
thology or that have been of conspicuous service in arousing an interest in
the study of bird life. The dean of them all, Mr. Robert Ridgway, is
naturally the subject of the first of the series, and through him Southern
Illinois takes precedence over other portions of the state. It was as a
boy of 14, living at Mt. Carmel on the Wabash River, a community far
removed from railroads, that the future ornithologist learned that there
were in the outside world scholarly men devoting their lives to the study
of the very things that interested him most. ‘Three years later he was in
the employ of the United States Government as a zoologist and was
entering upon the career that has placed him in the foremost rank of living
ornithologists. Access to some autobiographical notes has made it possible
to give here an intimate glimpse of those early days in which a new heaven
and a new earth unfolded themselves before the wondering gaze of the ©
young naturalist.

Referring to his school days, Mr. Ridgway has written:

“I was not a very good boy; was too fond of play and especially of
running off to the woods and fields. Most of my whippings were for the
latter; but I must say, in justice to my parents, that I never received a
whipping at home that I did not thoroughly deserve, and that I surely
deserved many a one that I was fortunate enough to escape! [|The only
whipping I ever received that I did not deserve, and much the worst, was
at school. The teacher (a man) was a very strict disciplinarian, and so
far as I have been able to figure out his only reason for whipping me was
that I was about the only boy in school that he had not whipped and he
didn’t want any “left-overs”; this, plus a bad temper. My back was
crossed by green stripes for six weeks afterward. |

“IT was exceedingly fond of sports, especially those involving action, as
ball-playing, running, jumping, swimming, etc., but was always ready to
forsake any game in order to go to the woods. I never cared for sedentary
games, such as checkers, puzzles, etc., and never could become interested in
cards, which always seemed to me dull and tedious, and a waste of valu-
able time.

‘The only study which interested me at school was geography, especially
physical geography ; grammar I detested, and arithmetic was too much for
me, as I could comprehend only the rudiments of mathematics.

4 oT HE AUDUBON] BL Er PN

“Of all pleasures, not only during my boyhood but during later years,
by far the greatest to me was that of going to the woods and fields to
observe birds, trees, and nature in general, and in order to do this I would
take any chance, even with the certainty of punishment.

“My love for the country and taste for natural history were inherited
from both my parents. It was my father’s custom to take walks to the
woods and visit friends in the country whenever he could spare the time
from business (he was a druggist). On these occasions I was usually his
companion, and a delighted one, too, for he possessed an unusual knowl-
edge of birds and other animals, knew nearly all the trees and other plants,
and thus I learned many things from him that otherwise I could only have
learned much later in life.

“Of course it was necessary for me, when old enough, to carry a gun
with me during my excursions, in order to secure specimens of such birds
as were new to me, but I can truthfully say that I never shot a bird out of
mere wantonness or for ‘sport.’ “The specimens obtained were taken home
and carefully studied and colored drawings made of them. It was through
these colored drawings of birds, and not through a collection of birds,
that I became known to Professor Spencer Fullerton Baird, then Assistant
Secretary, later Secretary, of the Smithsonian Institution.”

In a memorial to Professor Baird, read before the American Ornithol-
ogists’ Union in January, 1888, Mr. Ridgway tells how that eminent scien-
tist encouraged him and gave him valuable direction in his work. Refer-
ring to himself as “the writer,’ Mr. Ridgway says:

“Until the middle of the year 1864, the writer, then a lad in his four-
teenth year, was unacquainted with the name of any living naturalist, or
with any books on natural history except such general or superficial com-
pilations as Goldsmith’s ‘Animated Nature,’ a history of the United States
(author forgotten) which included a chapter or two on the natural history,
and Goodrich’s ‘Animal Kingdom’—works which, although supplying
much valuable information to the general reader, were of course wholly
inadequate to the wants of a special student. A lady resident in the town
learned of his difficulties, and suggested that by writing to the Commis-
sioner of Patents in Washington he might be able to obtain the correct
names of birds, supplementing her fortunate suggestion by the gift of an
envelope bearing the printed address of a former Commissioner of Patents.
A letter was written, and with it was enclosed a colored drawing, life size,
of a pair of Purple Finches (‘‘Roseate Grosbeak, Loxia rosea,’ of the
incipient ornithologist) perched upon a dry stalk of the great ragweed
(Ambrosia trifida), the seeds of which in winter constitute the principal
food of the bird in that locality. An answer was awaited with great impa-
tience, but in due time was received, the following being an exact copy:

‘Smithsonian Institution.
‘““No. 5664 Washington, D .C., June 23, 1864.

“Dear Sir:—The present Commissioner of Patents (Mr. Holloway,
not Mr. Bishop), has sent me your letter, as more conversant with the sub-
ject of North American Birds than himself. I have read it with interest and
much pleasure, as showing an unusual degree of ability as an artist, and

Beat Ei eS AU DUeBON S'O CLE T Y 5

of intelligent attention to a scientific subject. I had no difficulty in recog-
nizing the bird you sent, and was much pleased to see that you had given
all the essential features of form and color with much accuracy.

“*“The bird is the Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus). I sent you
a catalogue of the birds of North America, and some other pamphlets.
If you can procure the 9th volume of the Pacific Railroad Reports, you will
find descriptions of all the North American birds, by myself.

‘““*T will be glad to hear from you and to render you any aid by naming
your drawings, or in any other way. You must learn the scientific names
of the birds, and thus be able to talk and write about them with persons
not knowing the English names used in your part of the country.

“Let me know what kind of eggs you have.
“ “Very truly yours,

“ “Robert Ridgway, (Signed) ‘“ ‘SpENCER F. BAIrp,
“Mt. Carmel, [1linois.’ wa, ASSts OeGe Oe ke

(The pamphlets referred to were the various circulars of instruction for col-
lecting and preserving specimens of natural history, published by the Smith-
sonian Institution, and well known to naturalists in this country. )

“ “The above letter was a revelation to the recipient, who, in his isola-
tion, was ignorant of the existence of any one but himself engaged in the
study of birds. He had read of Audubon and Wilson, and Nuttall, and
Bonaparte, but these he knew were all dead. ‘The profound impression
produced by the letter and the hope that it gave may be imagined. From
this commencement arose a correspondence which to the present writer was
a constant source of delight and instruction, and to which he looks back
with feelings that cannot be expressed. It was not until the early part of
1867, nearly three years later, that the writer obtained a copy of the text
of ‘Birds of North America’ (Volume IX, Pacific-R. R. Report), and it
therefore became necessary for him to continue the sending of drawings
and descriptions in order to obtain the much desired identifications. In
replying to the writer’s numerous letters of this character, Professor Baird
always wrote most kindly and encouragingly, replying to multitudinous
queries as fully as the arduous duties of his official position would allow.
To mention all the useful hints which he gave would require too much
space here, but the following is selected as a sample:

“‘T would advise you to spend most of your leisure time in practicing
drawing of birds and mammals from nature and from life, so as to acquire
a facility in seizing a temporary attitude and transferring it to paper.
Make these sketches continually whenever you have the opportunity, so as
to secure the more practice. A certain number of these drawings you may
work up in their minutest details, and it will be a good exercise to draw
the feathers of a single wing, as well as bill, feet, etc., and skulls of
mammals. The object should be in drawing form to secure artistic elegance
and at the same time a minute, almost microscopic, accuracy in matters of
detail, as far as they can be represented.’ ”

From the notes previously referred to, the story continues:

“T first went to Washington in April (the 17th or 18th, I think), 1867,
having received, through Professor Baird, the appointment as zoologist to

6 fal h © ATU DU BON “Bev Ee TaN

the U. S. Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel, in charge of
Clarence King, U. S. Geologist. The purpose of this expedition was to
explore, and ascertain the resources of the country adjacent to the route
of the projected but then unbuilt Pacific Railroad. A little while later I
was asked by Major Powell to join his expedition to explore the Grand
Canyon of the Colorado River, but, of course, could not accept the invi-
tation.

“T remained in Washington for about a week, studying the bird collec-
tion of the Smithsonian Institution, in order to familiarize myself with the
western species, then proceeded to New York City (alone), when I joined
the party and embarked, May 10th, on board the steamer Henry Chauncy
for Aspinwall (now Colon), Panama; crossed the Isthmus by rail, and
at Panama embarked on the steamer ‘Constitution’ for San Francisco,
when, after a very brief stay, we proceeded, by steamboat, to Sacramento.
Here our ‘outfit’? was assembled, and on July 4 (1869) our party started
on horseback for the deserts of the interior, via Donner Lake Pass in the
Sierra Nevada. During the field work of the expedition we traversed the
country from Sacramento, California, to the Uintah Mountains in. Utah,
on horseback, besides making numerous side trips ; indeed, even when camps
of several weeks’ duration were established, almost daily excursions were
made into the adjacent mountains. -The wmter of 1867-68 was spent in
Carson City, Nevada, that of 1868-69 in Washington, the trip from Salt
Lake City to Green River Station, Wyoming, then the western terminus
of the Union Pacific Railroad, being by stagecoach. Returning in May,
1869, by rail, to Ogden, Utah, thence to Salt Lake City on horseback, we
spent the summer of that year in Salt luake City and the neiehbonme
Wahsatch Mountains, and eastward into the Uintah range.

“It may be of interest to say that previous to this long trip by rail,
ocean steamer, and on horseback, the writer had never been more than
eighty miles from home, had never seen a railroad train, and, of course,
had never been inside a car!” :

The story of the expedition was published under the title, “Report of
Geological Explorations of the Fortieth Parallel,’ and in Volume IV, Part
III, Ornithology, Pages 309-313, the itinerary of Mr. Ridgeway’s winter
field work while connected with that expedition is given.

With the return from the Western field began Mr. Ridgway’s career
as an author. The period from 1870 to 1915, inclusive, was passed mostly
in Washington, at first preparing a report on the ornithology of the For-
tieth Parallel Expedition and in assisting Professor Baird in the prepara-
tion of ‘A History of North American Birds” (3 vols., published in 1874),
and “The Water Birds of North America” (2 vols., published in 1884) ;
later as Curator of the Division of Birds, U. S. National Museum, in
connection with which office more than 500 monographs and special papers
-and seven volumes of ‘The Birds of North and Middle America’ were
written and published. Separate works, prepared during the author’s own
time, during this period, are: “Nomenclature of Colors for Naturalists and
Compendium of Useful Knowledge for Ornithologists’ (1886); “A
Manual of North American Birds” (1887); “Ornithology of Illinois”
(Vol. I, 1889, Vol. II, 1895); and “Color Standards and Color Nomen:
ellen bh SOULS).

Maa le OLS 420UDU EON SOCIETY y

Part VIII of the great work, “The Birds of North and Middle
America,”” has been completed and will soon be in press; two additional
volumes will be required to complete the series. Some idea of the extent
of this work may be conveyed by the statement that the seven volumes
already published comprise more than 5300 printed octavo pages (not
counting indices in which are described, with full synonyms, more than
2300 species and sub-species of birds. )

Of the endeavor to secure accuracy in this work, interesting stories
might be told. For instance, the measurement of certain dimensions of a
series of specimens of every species of birds must be made and recorded
with utmost accuracy in order to determine the difference between the
more closely related kinds, and in this way and as a necessary aid to the
preparation of Volume VIII, 3500 specimens were measured. Since
definitions of color have of necessity to be absolutely exact, and there being
no adequate standards of colors to draw from, Mr. Ridgway compiled the
book of standard colors referred to above in order to give definite names
to every color tone of every bird described by him. The volume contains
over 1100 names of colors and is said to have become the standard of colors
and of color nomenclature for the world. All this indicates the great
perseverance and patience which have made Mr. Ridgway’s scientific
achievements possible.

During the progress of the work on the “Birds of North and Middle
America,” it became necessary for Mr. Ridgway to make several field trips
in order to secure material not contained in the National Museum or other
collections in this country. Several visits were made for this purpose to
Southern Florida, one along the coast of Alaska (as far as Unalaska
Island), and two to Costa Rica in Central America.

Since 1910 more or less of each year has been passed by Mr. Ridgway
at Olney, Illinois, the scene of some of his earlier bird studies and a
field which to him has lost none of its interest, though, sad to say, much
of its former attractiveness is gone forever. Here he has established a
home where opportunity is afforded for out-of-doors employment as a relief
from nervous strain of literary labors, such portions of the work on birds
of North and Middle America as do not require the handling of large
series of specimens being as conveniently done there as in Washington.

Near Olney Mr. Ridgw ay purchased a tract of land intended both as
a home and a bird preserve, named by Mrs. Ridgway, Bird Haven; but
unforeseen conditions prevented its use as a home. so another place (this
one in the town itself) had to be acquired for a residence. Here his recrea-
tion is horticulture, the pursuit of which he confesses he finds so fascinat-
ing that his only regret is that more time cannot be given to it. He is
conducting experiments with trees and shrubs (both ornamental and use-
ful) never before planted in this section of the country, and with most
interesting results. ‘Bird Haven” was selected, after careful search, on
account of the very unusual number of species of native trees growing on
a small area (18 acres). The fifty-eight native species found growing
naturally there form a good nucleus for a state arboretum and gradually
other species native to Illinois are being added to the number, a careful
record of the plantings being kept. To the fifty-eight species of trees
growing naturally on Bird Haven twenty-four additional Illinois species
have been added, while fifteen more are in the nursery at Larchmund; to

8 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

the original ten woody climbers three have been added and six more are
in the nursery. Mr. Ridgway hopes that when more time can be allowed
this matter that the representation of woody plants native to Illinois may
be made nearly complete on “Bird Haven.”

As stated above, eight volumes of the truly monumental work on the
birds of North and Middle America have been completed. Two more
volumes are needed to complete this task, upon which Mr. Ridgway has
centered his great powers of research for so many years. It is the sincere
hope of all interested in the advancement of science that he may carry
along this work without interruption to its full fruition. Next April he
will celebrate his fiftieth anniversary of service in the United States
National Museum, an event that is anticipated with interest by all who
have profited by his labors in the field of ornithology.

Legislation

The new administrative code bill for Illinois that went into effect
July 1, 1917, assigns the work of administering the game laws of the state
to a branch of the Department of Agriculture known as the Division of
Game and Fish. Instead of three “commissioners” as in the past, the law
provides for a division head known as the Chief Warden and for five in-
spectors, five investigators, and sixty or more employes. Mr. Ralph F.
Bradford of Pontiac was appointed Chief Warden. The new plan of
administration has as yet been in operation less than six months and the
work of reorganization is probably still under way. Mr. Bradford, how-
ever, has announced that the Division of Game and Fish will enforce to
the best of its ability the laws for conserving the game of the state and for
protecting non-game and insectivorous birds. ‘The Division has shown
active interest in the organization of bird refuges. There are already-
_ thirteen such refuges in the state, and the work of organizing additional
ones will doubtless receive fresh impetus.

Another of the new state departments known as the Department of
Public Works is of especial interest to conservationists because the Division
of State Parks is under its jurisdiction. At the head of this Division is a
Superintendent of Parks, Mr. Frank Lowman of Sandwich having been ap-
pointed to that position. The Division superseded the Illinois Parks Com-
mission which had been in existence for six years, during which time it had
secured for the state the Starved Rock reservation amounting to 855 acres
and an area of about 10 acres in southwestern Illinois, which includes the
site of old Fort Chartres. Prof. James A. James of Northwestern Uni-
versity was chairman of the Commission during its entire existence. The
new Superintendent has associated with him a commission to assist in
shaping the affairs of the Park.

The attempt to amend the state game and fish laws at the last session of
the legislature brought to Springfield representatives of all opposing fac-
tions of sportsmen in the state. A bill embodying as a compromise measure .
some of the features especially desired by the contestants passed the legis-
lature but failed to secure Governor Lowden’s approval. Attorney General
Brundage furnished the report upon which Governor Lowden based his

reitn oee AUDUBON SOCIETY 9

unfavorable decision. From the standpoint of Audubonites the proposed
legislation contained some features considerably in advance of the present
law. It made the state game laws conform as to closed seasons with the
regulations of the U. S. Biological Survey. It increased the penalty for kill-
ing of non-game and insectivorous birds and clothed with additional powers
field officers seeking to enforce the law. Unfortunately there were serious
defects in the phraseology of the bill when it reached the governor’s desk,
and for these and-other reasons the veto was applied. With one exception,
the old game laws, therefore, remain unchanged, the manner of their ad-
ministration only being affected, as previously pointed out, by the admin-
istrative code. The exception relates to House Bill 312, approved by the
Governor June 25, 1917, which forbids roadside hunting. The new law
forbids the discharge of fire arms upon any public highway by any one
other than an officer of the law and provides a penalty of from five to
twenty-five dollars for each and every violation of this law. This will
doubtless prove a very useful law and one not difficult to enforce.

As reported in the Spring Bulletin, the enabling legislation necessary to
make effective the migratory bird treaty with Canada failed of enactment
in the session of Congress that came to an end on March 4th. When the
special session called by President Wilson met to consider legislation relat-
ing to war activities, the enabling act was brought up in the Senate and
pushed to a successful conclusion. Consistent with his previous attitude
on the same question, Senator Reed of Missouri opposed its passage with
every obstacle he could bring up. The bill properly came from the foreign
affairs committee and when Senator Reed opposed its presentation at that
time on the ground that the special session was to confine its attention to
war matters, Senator McLean declared it a war measure and announced
his intention to offer the bill as an amendment to the Hoover Food Con-
servation Bill, if necessary, in order to secure its consideration. Senator
Marcus A. Smith of Arizona was unusually active in supporting the bill and
successfully maneuvered it to a final vote which was forty-three to seven
in its favor. Of the two senators from Illinois, Senator Lewis voted for
it, Senator Sherman refrained from voting. Unfortunately no action was
taken on this measure in the House. The Bill went to the foreign affairs
committee of that body of which Representative Flood of Virginia is Chair-
man and was still in the hands of that committee when Congress adjourned.
It now remains to secure the necessary action by Representative Flood’s
committee to put it before the House during the present session. Then
there must be the line-up of friends of bird conservation from every part
of the country to insure its passage.

Canada has already passed similar legislation. With its passage
through the House of Representatives there will no longer be any question
as to uniformity and fairness of regulations to conserve bird life in every
section of our country.

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Birds’ Nests on the Campus at Macomb

Editor’s Note—Attention is called to Normal School Quarterly, Number 30, en-
titled ‘‘Birds of the Campus,” issued by the Western Illinois State Normal School at
Macomb, in June, 1917. This reports the result of migration records and of studies
of nesting habits and conditions made by the students and faculty of the school in
1916 under the leadership of Mr. Charles W. Finley, instructor in Biology. It is a valu-
able report in many ways, not the least in being a model which individuals or groups
of observers may follow with great profit. The Bulletin can be of no greater service
to its readers than by giving publicity to such reports. Permission has been secured
from President W. P. Morgan and Mr. Finley to quote extensively from the report,
and portions relating to nesting observations have been selected. It is hoped that
excerpts thus presented will not lose unduly by removal from their context. Mr.
Finley and the institution he represents are to be congratulated upon this practical
bit of nature study. The editor has been informed that Mr. Finley and his assist-
ants have made similar studies of the bird life on the campus at Macomb during the
past season, and with even greater success than during the preceding year. It is
hoped that these studies will be published and available for distribution by spring,
1918. Since September, 1917, Mr. Finley has been serving on the staff of Lincoln
School of the Teachers’ College at Columbia University.

THE CAMPUS

“For many years prior to 1900, the campus had been a pasture, the soil
being too poor for profitable cultivation. The central part, where the main
buildings now stand, was a brickyard and the repeated removal of the soil
exposed a yellow clay subsoil which had to be enriched before it would even
grow bluegrass. The removal of the soil was accompanied by the removal
of all vegetation so that the shrubbery and trees on most of the campus
have been planted there in the last fifteen years. Beginning at the south-
east corner of the campus and running across it in a northwest direction is
a deep, well-wooded ravine. In this ravine are many large native trees
among which are white oaks, red oaks, black oaks, burr oaks, laurel oaks,
shellbark hickories, river birches, basswoods and others. Among these trees

PEEP InGiris-AUDUBON SOCIETY 11

are such shrubs as sumach, blackberry, gooseberry, black haw and others.
For the greater part of the year the little creek in this ravine has running
water in it. To the east of this ravine is a strip of about six acres of rather
ievel land given to a growth of timothy and bluegrass. North of our ath-
letic field is a two-acre thicket of small saplings of various trees, berry
briars and many shrubs. ‘The rest of the campus so far as environment is
concerned is a well-kept park. The only marsh near the campus is a strip of
about two acres adjoining it near the southwest corner. Although strictly
speaking not a part of the campus, notes on the birds nesting in this strip
are included in this report. It will be seen from these remarks that the
campus is varied enough in topography and vegetation to appeal to birds
of widely varying nesting habits.”

SUMMER RESIDENTS

“Between the dates of February 21st and July 22nd, 1916, one hundred
ten species of birds were seen on our Normal School campus. “Twenty-four
of these species nested here. In all, two hundred eight nests were built, in
which were deposited four hundred sixty-seven eggs, two hundred sixty of
which hatched. Sixty-three of the young birds were destroyed before they
were old enough to leave the nest, which leaves one hundred ninety-five
successfully reaching that age. As the data concerned an area of about
sixty-three acres, there were on average about three and a half nests per
acre.

“The species of birds building these nests and the number of nests built
by each species is as follows:

LED AS er 64 -“iield, Sparrow 52-2 3s Bronzed; Grackle’_=".- = 2
Brown Thrasher _~_-- 30) ‘Orchard’ Oriole: > Peo ine pb. 2275 es 2 Soe 1
Mourning Dove _----~- 29 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 2 Yellow Warbler ------ 1
lili) ZA ees Qatar N ite ee om Dirk POD wiibe ee. ek es 1
WO sth) iS, | oGEcee Owl. = ic, Wedar Waxwing = 1
OD Sale oe ee Se hawhee kre Se 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo__ 1
SEs ee ee i =Chippime Spartow 2 > 1 Unidentified =.= -- 3
CE Ses See oa 5 Baltimore Oriole —_--- 1 ===
Red-Winged Blackbird. 4 Tufted Titmouse ~___-_ 1 208

“Cowbirds’ eggs were found in five of the nests and, should they be
counted as ‘nesting on the campus,’ it would raise the number of species to
twenty-five.

“In order that data might be kept on this large number of nests, the
campus and the two-acre strip adjacent to it were divided into ten sections,
each of which was assigned to two or more students who were responsible
for the data concerning the nests in it. These data were to embody:

1. Kind of nest. (Species of bird.)

Position and location of nest.

Date on which first egg was laid.

Date on which each successive egg was laid.
Date on which each bird was hatched.

Dates on which the young left the nest.
Duration of egg incubation (from 4 to 5.)

. Duration of brooding of young (from 4 and 5.)

iatectonately, however, only in few instances were all these data
obtained. In order that the data might show the duration of egg incubation

Paeetap ne ae. ee SS

12 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

it is necessary that the last date on which the eggs were in the nest be
recorded. This is shown by the following record:

SECTION Five, Nest ELEVEN
CATBIRD

Shrubbery at right of walk, 8 feet from ground.

May 21, one egg. May 22, two eggs. May 23, three eggs. May 29,
thirec.eses) | ume Opehree binds. ume mi/ binds scone

“It cannot be told from the data whether the birds hatched on June 6, or
before. Had the record been, ‘June 5, three eggs,’ then there would have
been no doubt as to the day on which the birds hatched. Likewise for the
data to show the duration of brooding of young, which in this paper is
taken as the time interval between the hatching of the first bird and the
leaving of the nest by the last one, it is necessary that the last date on
which the young were still in the nest be given. It may be that in obtaining
the above record the nest was actually visited each day and that the birds
were seen to leave the nest, but so far as the record goes one cannot tell but
that the birds might have left the nest at an earlier date than June 17. The
following sample records illustrate the correct method of procedure:

SECTION Five, Nest Two
MEADOWLARK

Hillside near track, runway N. E. down slope.

April 18, one egg. April 19, two eggs. April 20, three eggs. April
21, four eggs. April 22, five eggs. May 3, four eggs (one gone). May 4,
two eggs, two birds. May 5, four birds. May 15, two gone, others left
nest at approach of observers. May 16, birds gone.

PLEGtin ots AUDUBON SOCIETY 13

SECTION ONE, NEST SEVEN
CATBIRD

Shrubbery near road, seven feet high.

May 16, one egp. May 17, two eggs. May 18, three eggs. May 19,
four eggs. May 20, five eggs. May 31, five eggs. June 1, two eggs, three
birds. June 2, five birds. June 11, two birds, three in near-by elm. June

12, birds gone.
. ROBIN

More than twice as many robin nests were built on the campus as any
other one kind. Some of these nests were built in small trees, some in large
ones, some in the ravine, some on the upland, and some at the edge of the
marsh. Complete data on many of the robin nests at the first of the season
were not obtained, due to the amount of time required to climb the trees
daily in order to get the facts. Later in the season an apparatus was
devised, which consisted of a large, adjustable mirror mounted on a bamboo
pole. With this apparatus it was possible to study nests to a height of 30
feet without climbing the trees, hence the data on the later nests were more
complete. As regards height from the ground, the nests ranged from two
and a half to forty feet. The distribution of the nests regarding this point
is as follows:

Under 6 feet, 4; 6 to 10 feet, 28; 11 to 15 feet, 8; 16 to 20 feet, 10; over 20 feet,
4; no data, 10.

The number of eggs in the nests in which the young were hatched ranged
from two to five. More than half the nests had in each, three eggs. All
save two of the nests recorded were in trees.

Of the fifty nests located in trees, thirty-six were on top of a main branch
and against the side of the main trunk, in other words, a crotch formed by
a main branch and the trunk. Six nests were on top of a horizontal limb,
two were in crotches formed by the junction of branches, and no data were
recorded on six of them other than recording them as located in trees.

mie one time there were thirteen robim nests in the trees along the
walk between the writer’s home and the main entrance of the building, a
distance of three and a half blocks.

So far as the data may be relied upon there were 128 robin eggs in these
nests, of which 85 hatched. 35 of these young birds were killed or died
before they were old enough to leave the nest, which leaves 50 as the
recorded number of young robins successfully passing the brooding period.

BROWN THRASHER

The first nesting date of these birds on the campus was May third, and
the last, June twenty-ninth. Almost half of these birds nesting on the
campus began their nesting activities between the middle of May and the
first of June.

Twenty-three of the nests were built in shrubbery, five were built in
climbing roses and Virginia Creeper on the walls of the main building, and
two were built on the ground. One of these ground nests was located at
the base of an elm tree, the other at the foot of a small crabapple sapling.
In two previous instances the writer has found nests of brown thrashers on
the ground; in each case the nest was located in a bunch of mandrakes.

14 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Inasmuch as the data concerning brown thrasher nests was more easily
obtained, the following statistics are of more significance than those con-
cerning the robin. Of the thirty nests, three were destroyed during the
egg-laying period, one before any eggs were deposited in it and the other
after two eggs had been laid.

In these nests there were seventy-three eggs, fifty of which hatched,
forty-three young birds successfully leaving the nest.

MOURNING DOVE

Of the twenty-nine mourning dove nests found on the campus, five were
destroyed before any eggs were placed in them. Two eggs were found in
each of twenty-two of the remaining twenty-four nests. In the other two
nests there was one egg each.

The first date on which a nest was found with eggs in it was April 20.
and the last date was July 20. There was a wide range as regards the
nesting site. “Two nests were on the ground, some were on horizontal limbs
of trees, some were in crotches of trees, some were platforms placed on
many fine twigs, and two were built in deserted robin nests. ‘The -writer
has seen mourning dove nests in deserted bronzed grackle nests and one in
a deserted brown thrasher nest. Judging from the nests of this species
on the campus, the mourning dove seems not yet to have found out the
meaning of nest sanitation. Of the forty-six eggs laid in the nests, thirty-
seven were destroyed before they hatched and of the nine hatched, one
died before it was old enough to leave the nest.

CATBIRD

From the point of view of successfully rearing the young to the age of
being old enough to leave the nest, catbirds seem better fitted to our campus
environment than either of the above species. These birds were found

LoL rots AUDUBON SO CIlrET Y y

Lo)

nesting from May 5 to July 11. The climax of the nesting period was from
the middle of May to the middle of June, eleven of the seventeen nests
being recorded within these dates. More than half the nests recorded had
three eggs each, five had four each and three had five each, no nest con-
tained more than that number.

SCREECH OWL

On the twentieth of April a screech owl and its nest were found in a
hole which for at least two years previous had been the nesting place of
flickers. Flickers and fox squirrels spent much time in molesting this owl
and it was through their excitement that the nest was located. In trying
to find out what was in the nest an awful odor was discovered, which proved
to be from a semi-decayed fox squirrel on top of which the owl had depos-
ited its three eggs. The squirrel, owl, and eggs were removed and eggs
replaced, but a few days later the nest was deserted.

SUMMARY

It was a surprise to the writer to find that so far as the records obtained
in this paper are concerned, about sixty percent of the eggs laid, failed to
produce young which lived to the age when they were ready to leave the
nest. In other words, the number of young birds successfully reared was
about forty per cent of the number of eggs produced. As there were two
hundred eight nests recorded and one hundred ninety-five young birds which
left the nest successfully, there was an average of less than one young bird
to the nest. How many of the young birds were killed after they had left
the nest is not known. Judging by observations made on cats as bird
destroyers we have a right to believe that many were so destroyed. In
addition to cats, snakes, skunks, squirrels, hawks, many other predacious
animals, weather and disease tend to increase the mortality list of young
birds. Below are some data concerning the destruction of eggs and young:

16 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Eggs Young Young Young
Eggs Laid Destroyed Hatched Left Nest Destroyed

Cathind:, 2s ose ae ae 65 20 45 42 3
Browne hnashery ss 73 28 50 43 a.
Rob ines et, ee Be es 128 22 85 50 33
Micadowlank) #222222 42— 49 Ze, Dif 11 16
Mourning Dove —_-----_ 44 35 7 6 1
Bob=wihite™ —22- ae 15 15 15
Bilwe= Jaya 2 Boe Se 11 6 it 1
Red-winged Blackbird __ 11 11 10 2
Blaebindi tose see 8 2 5 5
Chipping Sparrow —___- 2 2 2
Gialel. Syoebacoyy le 5 5
@rchard @riole | .222222 5 5
Kemig bird 2s i22) eek 3 3 3
Vellow. Warbler wes]. 22" 3 5 3
Cedar Waxwing —-_..._ 5 5
ScreechreOwd, = ass oes Be 3 3
Cardinal ses ek ie theless il
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak 7 7
Baltimore Oriole ______ 3 3
Bronzed Grackle ~______ 2 2
WMRowMees oso 3 3
Gowibird@ 232 anes ete 11 8 3 3

SRG tal geet 467 179 260 195 64

According to the above data, the catbirds made the best record in
average young bird production per nest of all those species, building five or
more nests, two young per nest. Likewise the mourning doves did the poor-
est, averaging about one successful young to each five nests.

Some of the eggs were crushed, some were apparently eaten by birds,
and many were thrown out of the nest by storms. The towhee nest, men-
tioned above, was, according to report, destroyed by a boy who was making
a collection of bird’s eggs. One robin nest was destroyed by a cat.

Advertisement

We are advertised by————

Mr. J. J. Schaefer: “The Spring Bulletin was fine, especially that
article about the Ozark region of Southern Illinois.”

Prof. T. L. Hankinson: “I am much pleased that there is such a good
publication to instruct all people about the birds of this state and stim-
ulate an interest in bird study. I hope you will advertise the Bulletin
well for it ought to have a wide circulation. It should be in every school
library.”

Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary of the National Audubon Society:
“T think your bulletins are magnificent ; quite the best thing ever done by
a state Audubon Society.”

Mr. E. W. Nelson, Chief of the Us: S. Biological Survey: “I wish to
congratulate you on the idea and the members of your organization in hav-
ing produced such an attractive and valuable report. It is filled with inter-
esting and valuable matter and should serve to stimulate interest in your
work throughout the state.”

Pool eois AUDUBON SOCTETY i

Conservation of Food and Conservation of Bird Life

When Senate Bill 1553, which is the enabling act for putting into force
the Migratory Bird Treaty between the United States and Canada, came up
before the Senate, June 28, 1917, Senator Reed of Missouri opposed its
consideration. He said that he had understood that the legislation of the
present session was to be confined to war measures and that nothing was
to be done with that kind of legislation. Whereupon the following dia-
logue took place as printed in the Congressional Record:

Senator Overman: “I wish to inquire of the Senator from Connecticut
if this is a war measure.”

Senator McLean: “It is a food-conservation measure; and I will say
to the Senator from North Carolina that if it is not disposed of in any other
way I shall offer it as an amendment to the pending bill (referring to the
Hoover Food Conservation Bill) because, if there is anything in statistics,
I can demonstrate that the operation of this proposed law will tend to
conserve the food of the country to quite as liberal an extent as anything
contained in the pending bill.”

The above dialogue may well be set down as historic. The records of
the United States Senate here contain the deliberate statement of one of
the most aggressive members of that body to the effect that the conservation
of bird: life is one of the important problems before the American people.
What Mr. Herbert Hoover has to say on this same subject, referred to else-
where in this issue, will bear repetition here. Writing to the publisher of
the People’s Home Journal, he says:

“T have noted with much satisfaction the information which your Journal
is giving to the public in its columns devoted to home economics and, pri-
marily, the conservation of food, and I hope the people of the United States
realize how closely related to this whole question of food saving is the
question of the protection and encouragement of insectivorous and migra-
tory birds.”

It has thus come about that in the midst of a great national crisis we
have the authoritative assertion of men high in public station that the bird
life of our country is one of its important assets. Such an assertion is a
challenge to all who have interested themselves in bird life, a challenge to
take courage and renew their activities. Esthetic considerations are now
reinforced as never before by considerations of economic needs. It has
become a patriotic act to work for the conservation of bird life. So one
may say it is patriotic to offer shelter and food to birds in winter, to set
up nesting boxes, to provide bird baths, to make war on the animal life
that preys upon useful birds.

The duty of the members of the Illinois Audubon Society is plain. It
is to support the propaganda of the Society and to seek to extend its mem-
bership and influence. The Society has a right to be heard even amidst
the numerous appeals for help which every day brings forth. Conservation
is a weapon which will not lose its significance when peace shall come. Our
country has everything to gain, in war or in peace, from our propaganda.

18 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Maywood Bird Club

The Maywood Bird Club, organized in March, 1917, has accomplished
so much in the few months of its existence that a summary of its activities
should prove of value. A vigorous publicity campaign marked its begin-
ning. It started off with a live membership of adults and with business
and professional men among its list of officers. During the first six months
of its existence it had several interesting public gatherings, conducted bird
hikes on Saturday afternoons, enrolled twelve teachers and three hundred
children in Junior Audubon classes, pushed through the Village Board a
“Cat Ordinance,” appeared, through its representative, before a circuit
judge in defence of the ordinance and received much free advertising in the

Chicago papers.

It had enrolled as a member of the National Audubon

Society and had become a contributing member of the Illinois Audubon

Society.

It is worth while examining the methods through which the Club was

able to accomplish so much in so short a time.

At the time of its organiza-

tion the Club distributed handbills to attract attention to its program. A

copy of one is here reproduced.

It held its meeting in the Village Hall, which it filled to overflowing,
and it reported its activities fully in the columns of the local papers. A

circular stating the specific aims of the Club was sent out.

Join the

MAYWOOD

BIRD CLUB

Have you ever considered how fortunately our village is
located along the wooded Desplaines Valley for the attraction
of a great variety of wild birds?

Do you know that 150 or more species of birds can be seen.
in Maywood during a season? What a wealth of song and
beauty they bring into our community!

The purpose of the Maywood Bird Club is to ‘arouse an
interest in bird life and to encourage birds to come and stay, by
protecting them against their enemies, by putting up bird
houses, bird baths and feeding stations.

Why not lend your influence to this movement by becom-

ing a member and attending a special meeting of the club to
be held in the Village Hall.

Next Monday, April 2nd

AT 8:00 P. M.

Children are entitled to membership fronf date of enroll-
ment until fifteen years of age upon payment of 10 cents. The
fee entitling adults to active membership is 50 cents per annum.

REMEMBER THE DATE AND PLACE. THIS WILL BE f
YOUR LAST CHANCE TO ENROLL AS A CHARTER MEM-
BER.

Roy M. Landon, Sec.,
709 N. Third Ave.

Maywood Herald-Recerder Printers

Telephone 804J

This included
carefully prepared instructions
as to building and placing bird
nesting-boxes, suggestions as to
suppressing the activities of cats
and English sparrows, and
blank spaces were provided for
a bird census, the latter to be
published in the local papers at
the end of the season.

Mr. Samuel A. Harpervea
lawyer with offices in Chicago,
was chosen President of the
Club and: for its Secretary sm
has had Mr. Roy Langdon, an
energetic young business man
with a genius for organization.
Mr. Harper is the author of a
work just coming from the Al-
derbrook press entitled ““Twelve
Months with the Birds and
Poets.

With the co-operation of
Supt.- LaRowe _ of “=themverns
schools, the ‘Burroughs Asso-
ciation of Junior Audubon
Classes” was organized in the
schools on Burroughs’ birth-
day, each class taking for its
name that of some favorite

TRGenots AUDUBON SOCIETY 19

bird. These Junior classes celebrated their organization by sending through
the secretary of the Club, an affectionate letter of birthday greeting to
John Burroughs. The Club furnished the Juniors with study leaflets and
encouraged their organization under the Junior plan supported by the
National Audubon Society.

In May the Club began to give “special attention” to the cat, and an
ordinance declaring stray cats a nuisance and providing for the restraint
of cats between the hours of 7:00 p. m. and 9:00 a. m. from April Ist to
September 30th both inclusive was prepared. This ordinance met with the
unanimous approval of the Village Board. Because of the special interest
in the matter, the President of the Village Board, Mr. H. W. Tolsted,
wrote Dr. C. St. Clair Drake, Secretary of the State Board of Health, a
letter from which the following quotation is made:

“It is gratifying to note the splendid work which the State Board of
Health is doing in its efforts and determination to check and minimize the
spread of contagious disease. Practically every issue of the monthly bulletin.
“Tllinois Health News,” takes up some line of this most important matter,
and the State Board of Health is certainly deserving of the highest praise
for this work.

“But may I be permitted to suggest that what I believe to be one
prolific source of spreading contagion has not thus far been touched upon,
namely the domestic cat. These animals often prowl about all night,
getting into all sorts of places and rubbish, and during the daytime they
become the pets of little children to be hugged and kissed.

“T understand that very often these cats are tubercular or otherwise dis-
eased. If my understanding is correct, wouldn’t it be well to devote some
attention to the subject in an early number of the Illinois Health News?”

To this Dr. Drake replied as follows:

Springfield, June 30, 1917.

Hon. Henry W. Tolsted, Village President,
Maywood, Illinois.
Dear Sir: Your suggestion as to the réle in disease of domestic animals,
especially cats, is worthy of the most careful consideration.
We have referred it to our expert in tuberculosis for special attention.
Yours very truly,
(signed). © -St..Clair Drake, M.l2; Secretary.

The Club wrote Dr. W. A. Evans for his views as to the spread of
contagion by cats, and his reply, occupying about a column of space, ap-
peared in the Chicago Tribune of August 14th. The Doctor had little to
say in favor of cats. On the contrary, he charged them with spreading tape-
worm, and other forms of parasites, and claimed they were in part respon-
sible for the spread of hydrophobia. He quoted authorities to show that
cats spread something akin to human diphtheria and often infect persons
with whom they come in contact.

“The ordinance was passed by the village board on June 14, 1917, becom-
ing effective on and after July 2. It immediately encountered opposition.

20 THE-AUDU BON BULLE Pin

The validity of the ordinance was called in question by fifteen citizens of
Maywood, who, on September 19, filed a bill praying that the circuit court
restrain the village board from enforcing the cat ordinance, basing their
petition upon the charge that the law was unconstitutional. It is probable
that this is the first time in the history of Illinois that such action has been
brought before one of its courts of record. On October 20, when the case
came up for final disposition, Judge Merritt W. Pinckney gave both sides a
hearing but dismissed the case on the ground that the ordinance, by its own
terms, apples only to the period from April 1 to October 1 of each year,
and, as at the time of the hearing the ordinance was inoperative, the ques-
tion of its validity was not properly before the court. Another attack will
probably be made upon the ordinance the coming spring, but this will find
the Maywood Bird Club ready to defend its position.”

General interest in the subject justifies the reproduction below of the
original text of the Maywood’s Bird Club Ordinance. It is suggested by
Mr. Langdon that the word “adult” be inserted in section 6 before the
word “persons.”

CAT ORDINANCE

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD, AS FOLLOWS: Sec. 1. THAT WHEREAS stray and unrestrained
cats wandering about the Village of Maywood have become a menace to the public health and
a source of damage to gardens, and have been and are destroying large numbers of birds living
and nesting within the limits of the Village, therefore the permitting or keeping of any stray
or unrestrained cats within the limits of the Village of Maywood, contrary to the terms of this
ordinance, is hereby declared to be a nuisance and any such cats shall be dealt with as here-
inafter provided, and the owners and keepers thereof shall be subject to the fines hereby imposed
for any violation of this ordinance.

Sec. 2. STRAY CAT. The term, stray cat, as used in this ordinance shall be held and
construed to mean any cat within the limits of the Village of Maywood and not on the premises
of the owner or keeper thereof.

Sce. 3. UNRESTRAINED CAT. The term, unrestrained cat, as used in this ordinance shall
be held and construed to mean any cat not controlled or kept in proper confinement by the
owner or keeper thereof as hereinafter provided.

Sec. 4. CONTROL AND RESTRAINT OF CATS. No person shall cause or permit any cat
or cats owned or kept by him or her to run at large on any street, alley or other public place,
or upon the premises of any other person, within the Village of Maywood between the hours of

7 P. M. and 9 A. M. of each and every day during the breeding season of the birds, to-wit: _

-from April 1 to September 30, both inclusive, of each and every year.

Sec. 5. POLICE CONTROL. It shall be the duty of the Village Marshall, his assistants,
and all policemen of the Village to warn any owner or keeper of any cat who violates any
of the provisions of this ordinance that upon a second violation the cat will be killed, and if
after such warning any such owner or keeper again violates the provisions hereof by neglecting
to restrain his cat as herein provided, such cat shall be forthwith killed by such officer in some
humane manner.

Sec. 6. TRESPASS. All persons shall have the right to kill any and all stray or unrestrained
cats trespassing upon their premises at any and all times, and the owners or keepers of such
cats so killed shall have no right of redress therefore.

Sec. 7. PENALTIES. Any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall
be subject to have his or her cat taken up and killed as herein provided, and shall also be sub-
ject to a fine of not less than $2.00 or more than $5.00 for each violation of this ordinance.

Passed June 14th, 1917.
Approved: Henry W. Tolsted, President.

Attest June 14.
Edw. J. Thelin, Village Clerk.

roa oOlLe AUDUBON SOCLETY 21

Rock River Game Preserve

Deputy Game Warden Mrs. Rebecca H. Kauffman, of Oregon, Illinois,
has written so intimately and entertainingly of the Rock River Game Pre-
serve, that the Editor takes the liberty of printing the letter in full. Mrs.
Kauffman has long been active in the work of arousing interest in the
conservation of wild life, and when the opportunity to continue under an
official title the work which her son was obliged to lay aside, she accepted
the title and duties of deputy game warden as if they were “all in a day’s
work.”’ ‘The newspapers, however, thought differently, and Mrs. Kauff-
man, as “‘the first woman game warden of the United States,” has had to
submit to considerable newspaper publicity. Below is a reproduction of a
snap shot taken for a Philadelphia press bureau, showing Mrs. Kauffman
standing by her pheasant coop at Cedar Lawn, on the Rock River Game
Preserve.

“The Rock River Game Preserve had its beginning in December, 1913,
when Colonel Frank O. Lowden learned that the Game and Fish Com-
mission of Illinois, of which C. J. Dittmar, of Freeport, was the head,
would pay a nominal sum an acre per year to any land owner in the State
who would set aside his land as a game preserve under the law enacted the
previous winter by the General Assembly. The now Governor said at once
he would make Sinnissippi Farm a game preserve immediately, without any
pay at all. Then, later, when Mr. and Mrs. Medill McCormick purchased
the 1,200 acres of land they have now made into their estate of Rock
River Farms, near Byron, at the northern end of Ogle County, they, too,
at once wished to make a game preserve of it, especially since a herd of fine
deer are running wild in that part of Ogle County. Mr. McCormick has
offered a reward of $500 for the arrest and conviction of anyone shooting
one of these deer. There are about
forty of these handsome creatures
in the herd. Years ago a man liv-
ing near the Kishwaukee River
owned several, which bounded
out and away one fine day, and
ever since that, deer have been
“running wild” in the north end
of the county. One recently was
found in the barnyard with the
stock at the farm of Mr. Robert
Newcomer, at the north edge of
Mount Morris. The increase
would have been more than the
number now seen, but it is said
(sub rosa, if you please) that
there is scarcely a farmer in the
deer neighborhood who does not
know the taste of venison.

“My son, Harlan B. Kauffman,
was appointed deputy game warden
in February last, having the April
previous taken the Civil Service

22 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

VIEW IN PINE CREEK VALLEY NEAR ROCK RIVER GAME PRESERVE

Examination, and standing first in the lst of 300, was given charge of
the territory of Ogle County and especially the Rock River region, which
so much needed looking after as to game and fish, and everything wild
found in nature hereabout. Having grown up by, in, and on Rock River,
he thoroughly understood the situation, and knowing personally the ones
already interested in the game preserve, he at once took up the matter with
Mr. Dittmar, who was quite ready to initiate steps for the establishment of
the Rock River Game Preserve. I enclose you a sample lease. You may
want to publish it in the Bulletin to show just what the landowners have
agreed to. The leases begin with the first of March, 1917, and run for
five years, with the nominal rental by the State to the owner of one dollar
a year. My son started to include the lands on each side of the river for
a half mile, extending from the southern boundary line of Ogle County
to the northern line. But some of the farmers who own more than the
land this close to the river, want their other lands in the preserve. One
man being away six miles is signing a lease because he desires the pro-
tection to his place. Others include as many as three farms, or all they
own. But, of course, there are those who will not sign. Some because
they think their rights are being taken away, and others because they want
to keep on shooting on their own land. There are now a number of
summer homes along Rock River; and, to the credit of our summer resi-
dents be it said, they all want the preserve established.

“Before my son left for the Second Officers’ Reserve Training Camp
at Fort Sheridan, August 27, 1917, he arranged with Mr. Ralph E. Brad-
_ford, the present Chief Game and Fish Warden, that I should continue in

Pee rwoke AUDUBON SOCTET Y

wo
ee)

his place the work of conservation for the Rock River Game Preserve. I
will not be able before winter sets in to go to see all the owners. I must
go in an automobile, and it requires considerable time sometimes to talk
the matter over with the landowner. Even when he is willing, he nat-
urally desires to know all about it. ‘There are now about a hundred who
have signed leases, and perhaps half of these my son had secured before
his leaving. I desire to post these places, if possible, before snow is deep,
or it is too cold. The Chief Game and Fish Warden will supply the ‘No
hunting or trespassing’ signs.

“Tt is part of the plan to have those who are willing, to take some
quail, to be sent up by Mr. Bradford from the southern part of the state,
and care for and feed them over winter. And, in the spring, to take some
English pheasant eggs to place under a chicken hen,—the pheasant eggs
being procured by the State for this purpose from the Wallace Evans Game
Farm at St. Charles, Illinois. My son bought a half dozen for me this
last spring,—they sent seven for good luck! Out of four fertile eggs,
three were hatched. Unfortunately they got their feet wet before they
were red around their eyes, and only one is left to show his ringneck and
handsome irridescence,—and incidentally, to greedily eat all the angle
worms I have time to get for him.

“Tt will be of interest, I know, that the establishing of the Rock River
Game Preserve has gone the rounds of the newspapers in different parts
of the country. It is a help to others who have a similar plan in mind,
and wish successfully to carry it out. The State of Oregon has these pre-
serves. When we were at Hood River, Oregon, in 1912, Mr. William L.
Finley, then State Game Warden, sent to me some blanks for use in the
Hood River Valley, desiring me to secure the signers. I had arranged for
a talk at Hood River, with slides, by Mr. Finley, in this connection, but
we were leaving for our return to Illinois a day before, and others had to
attend to the nature talk for me. So, I missed meeting and hearing this
very brilliant nature worker and writer. He is now State Biologist of the
State of Oregon. The Illinois Audubon Society gave bird lovers in Chi-
cago a chance to hear Mr. Finley last March.

“Under the present State arrangements, there are five inspectors in
Illinois for game and fish matters. One of these is Mr. C. M. Myers, of
Oregon, for this part of the State. Mr. C. L. McDowell who has Ogle
County as his warden work, aside from my conservation part, is also from
Oregon. So, we should surely get on with our preserve,—but, please
note, it takes vigilance. ‘Eternal vigilance’ is the price of anything that is
made to succeed !

REBECCA H. KAUFFMAN.

24 TH Eo AU DU BON; BU EE e-EiN

A Commissary for Winter Birds

A window near a sheltered corner looks out upon shrubbery and the
open spaces of a lawn. A heavy “north-easter” blowing from the lake has
banked up the shrubbery and piled house roof and branches with snow.
But there is good cheer within and without. At the clean swept feeding
shelf on the window ledge, back of the snow laden shrubbery, there is food
for all comers. The standard ration is hemp and chick feed and sunflower
seed. A thud plainly heard by one sitting at the fireside within means that
a nuthatch has dropped down for a sunflower seed. Grabbing it quickly,
he flies over to the nearby tree to wedge it into the bark where he can attack
it in approved nuthatch fashion. Chickadees in mellow note and juncoes
share in the feast as does an occasional jay. The cardinal flashes down,
cheeping loud and cheerfully, his female companion and all other species
of birds remaining discreetly apart until the male has had his fill. Birds
sit in the evergreen close at hand and await their turn. This tree favors
the approach of timid birds to the shelf and the tall ferns of the window
-box within doors screen the observer, and seem to be a part of the out-of-
doors. So successful is this in-door-out-of-door setting of the shelf that it
is frequently overcrowded and an extra supply of food has to be scattered
on the ground. It is at the home of Everett L. Millard in Highland Park.

Three Orioles

It was during a cold, rainy spell in the middle of July that we adopted
our three baby orioles. Since they had been calling for a day and a half,
as if cold and hungry, we climbed up high into a cottonwood tree, broke
off the branch to which the nest was fastened and brought them down.
The parents seemed to have been killed or to have abandoned them so
that we felt perfectly free to adopt the nestlings and the rites were con-
firmed when we took them into the house and fed them.

One by one we disentangled their feet from the hair and string of the

PEavnN-OTrs AUDUBON SOCIETY 25

nest and placed them upon the table. Such a sorry, cold little group they
made. I must confess we were somewhat disappointed for they were still
dressed in the solemn yellow and greenish brown of their mother and did
not show any of the orange and black of their father. On each side of their
heads was a tuft of yellow down, while the feathers were about half formed.

Before starting to feed them we consulted a bird book and discovered
that Baltimore orioles ate ‘“‘small insects and caterpillars,” but as we
could not possibly find enough for three hungry babies, we tried small pieces
of raw steak. We put a little bit on a toothpick and held it out toward
the liveliest baby. Immediately his beak flew open, his clumsy little wings
fluttered, and he called loudly, or shall I say screeched loudly, for it. We
put it down below the inverted fork on his tongue and he swallowed it
readily. The others were fed in the same way and we gave them as much
as we dared.

They stayed in a strawberry box, lined with flannel, for a day and then
began to fly. As we feared they might hurt themselves on some piece of fur-
niture, we put them in a large ring dove cage on a’screened porch. For
two and a half weeks they stayed there, being allowed to fly around the
porch most of the time.

The feeding question still bothered us. At first, for fear of over-
feeding them, we gave only small bits at intervals of fifteen minutes, but
they seemed to be continually hungry. After watching young canaries being
fed we tried the “cramming” method with more success for they seemed
to be happiest when their crops were full. Their favorite food was raw
meat and we gave them chiefly
this, but added insects when we
could find them, bits of lettuce,
dry bread, sand or ground egg
shell. As soon as they were fed
they would go to sleep on the
perch with a peculiar rocking or
rolling motion.

In anticipation of the time
when they would be flying out
of doors before they could feed
themselves, we trained them to
come for food whenever we gave
a certain whistle. Then too, as
they grew older, we had to teach
them to pick up their food in-
stead of waiting to have it forced
down.

While still on the porch they
became perfectly tame and would
alight anywhere on any of us.
Indeed ‘one time the three -of
them went to sleep on my sister’s
hair. Perhaps the funniest sight
was one taking a bath in
a muskmelon shell half filled
with water. He had been pick-

26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

ing at its edge and when we filled it with water he began splashing in great
glee. After the meal was over they would pick the crumbs off the table and
even eat from our forks. Indeed, every movement, such as throwing away a
currant worm with a quick toss, investigating every crack, pulling leaves
off a Boston fern, hanging on an electric light cord upside down and peck-
ing gently at our ears, was worth watching.

As we continued to watch them, the individual characteristics of the
birds became more apparent. One especially, was always first to come to
be fed, while another one was unusually stupid or timid.

After two and a half weeks they were given their freedom out of doors.
One did not come back after the first night but the others still came to be
fed when we whistled for them. I shall never forget the sight of their
little yellow wings spread out above me as they dropped straight down
from a tree overhead to take a bit of food from my hand. They stayed
for two weeks longer, swimming in the bird bath during the hot part of the
day and hunting over the bark of trees for insects.

When they did leave, about the last of August, we wondered if they had
started on their long journey to South America and if they would get there
safely. Certainly no wild friends could have been more attractive and
interesting than our little orphaned orioles and we are only hoping that
they may come back next year.

Loris GREEN, Highland Park.

Worstall r
CHICKADEE AT FOOD TABLE

Photo by R. A.

This chickadee, having satisfied his hunger at the liberal supply of nuts provided by a thoughtful
host, is about to satisfy his curiosity as to the interior of the rustic bungalow, doubtless
having in mind the need of a residence of his own when spring returns.

rEnITNOrsS AUDUBON SOCTETY 27

Advertising Bird Conservation

Two monthly journals of wide circulation are, with commendable en-
terprise, carrying on a very successful propaganda for the organization of
bird clubs and for the establishment of bird sanctuaries, and are doubtless
profiting financially from their enterprise. The Farm Journal of Phila-
delphia has, for the past two or three years, been organizing Liberty Bell
Bird Clubs among its readers, youthful and otherwise, assuming all ex-
penses of organization. So, for the members, there are no dues, no fines,
no assessments. ‘They simply sign the bird pledge, and then a Club but-
ton and a twenty page Guide is sent them free. The Club memberships in
September numbered 809,000! The literature sent out by these clubs and
the installment in each monthly issue of the Journal seem to be uniformly
of high grade.

The Peoples’ Home Journal of New York is carrying on a Sanctuary
movement and has thus far secured over 1300 pledges of estates and farms
as perpetual sanctuaries for birds, more than 184,000 acres being thus in-
cluded. The Green Meadow Clubs organized by this Journal are active in
securing pledges of this sort. Forty-one pledges are reported from I1linois
covering an area of 8,367 acres. To the publisher of this Journal, Mr.
Herbert Hoover sent a letter of commendation in which he expressed the
hope that the people of the United States would realize how closely related
to this whole question of food saving is the question of the protection of
insectivorous and migratory birds.

To everyone creating a bird sanctuary of his estate, the Journal sends
as Many warning notices as is required to post the land thoroughly. These
notices are printed on stout canvas. They read as follows:

GREEN MEADOW-CLUB BIRD SANCTUARY
HUNTING ON THESE PREMISES -FORBIDDEN
UNDER PENALTY OF LAW. ANY PERSONS MO-

PES NG BER DORAN ES [ScON-THIS“PROPERTY
Wi BE PROSECUTED. BIRDS ARE: OUR BEST
FRIENDS.

The two journals above mentioned with their large circulation reach
homes in every part of our country and their propaganda must surely make
for a greatly increased interest in bird life and its protection among their
clientage. The business advantage involved in this need not be held to
discount the good results. They advertise a good cause.

The Audubon Society’s Bird Slides

Mr. R. O. Stoops, Superintendent of City Schools, Joliet, writes under
date of Nov. 24, 1917, as follows:

‘We used the Audubon Society’s bird slides in all of our twenty-three
schools last Spring. We kept these slides moving from school to school
over a period of two weeks.

“All told, the slides were viewed by 5,600 pupils, and the pictures were
explained by principals or teachers who were especially interested in bird
study. All of the schools reported keen interest, and many excursions to
the woods for the purpose of studying birds resulted. We found the slides
so helpful that we wish to have the privilege of using them again next
spring.”

28 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Forest Preserve of Cook County

The Board of Commissioners of the Forest Preserve District of Cook
County has made great progress in the past year in perfecting its plans
and developing the organization of the new territory continually being
acquired. It is a wonderful work and Mr. Peter Reinberg, president of
the Board, and his fellow commissioners seem to have entered upon it
with a fine sense of the opportunity for. public service that their official
position has afforded. At the start they selected five of their Board for a
plan committee and chose four others outside of public life as additional
members. The four are Charles H. Wacker, President of the Chicago Plan
Commission, Dwight H. Perkins, a noted architect with a great fondness
for the out-of-doors, and J. C. Vaughan and William A. Peterson, widely
known nurserymen. ‘This plan committee has had great visions, and it
is pleasant to report that the visions are growing into reality from day
to day. Through their recommendation, the Board of Commissioners has
already acquired 10,000 acres of land, and 15,000 additional acres are
under consideration. It is hard to overestimate the future significance of
this work. Chicago is now famous the world over for her small parks.
Cook County will be famous for her belt of protected woodlands and
lakes and shady watercourses free of access to the population of the great
city nearby.

The first of the Forest Preserve areas to be set aside was that near
Palatine and formerly known as Deer Grove Park. The formal dedication
of this area, which includes 1195 acres, took place June 16, 1917, under
the auspices of the Forest Preserve District and the County Superintend-
ent of Schools. The schools in the townships of Barrington, Palatine,
Wheeling and Elk Grove had a prominent part in the program, and
County Superintendent Edward J. Tobin availed himself of the occasion
to conduct the graduating exercises of the eighth grade pupils of those
townships. Games, field meets, drills by Camp Fire Girls and speeches
by prominent men were a part of an all-day program which came to a
close with the dedicatory parade to the “Undiscovered Lake.”

Further reference to the area above named, known now as Forest
Preserve Number One, is pertinent here. In this preserve the work of
organization has been carried along far enough to show the possibilities
of a continuation of such enlightened procedure in other preserves yet to
be developed. Mr. Ranson Kennicott, whose title of Forester makes him
executive head of the field organization, has been able to mature several
very interesting projects here. Advantage was taken of two small creeks
to divert their course into a spring fed lake. Then with the protection of
a dam this lake was enlarged to cover an area of thirty acres. It is irregu-
lar in outline and nestles among the wooded hills in a most natural manner.
A small island adds to the charm of this lake.

This lake and its surroundings furnish Mr. Kennicott and his associates
a much desired opportunity to attract wild fowl to the area. Immediate
success has attended their efforts. All this past summer members of the
snipe family have been numerous there, “yellow legs,” ‘“‘tip-ups,” and
others. Three mallards arrived in August and by September their num-

ce ——

——

PEELE-GIiS- AUDUBON SOCIETY 29

\: RE
“Net

b ¥3%
4

A TYPICAL SCENE IN THE COOK COUNTY FORESTZPRESERVE

bers had increased to thirteen. These soon became comparatively tame
and when by November 1 the total of mallards and other varieties of fowl
had reached at least 500, the original arrivals furnished a nucleus of tame
birds that remained rather easy of approach.

Mr. Kennicott intends to plant suitable portions of the lake with wild
rice and other duck foods. Live decoys will be maintained to attract
visitors. A more secluded area in this same preserve is to have a small
Jake to which the public will not have access during the breeding season
of the water birds.

This preserve has quite a few pheasants at large and one covey of
quails has become well established. The forester is saving all hollow
trees and adapting them wherever necessary to the needs of birds that build
their nests in such situations. It is Mr. Kennicott’s plan to assign a por-
tion of the wooded area to each of the nearby schools, rural and village,
and allow the children to supply and set in place bird nesting boxes and
shelters of approved types.

The Forest Preserve District looms up large on the map. Nearly
all of the picturesque portions of the north branch of the Chicago river
and of the DesPlaines river within Cook County have already been
acquired or are under consideration. In the Mount Forest area there is
a depression within the folds of the morainic upland which will shortly
become a lake of the same character as the one in Forest Preserve No. 1.
The dam is under construction and when completed will raise the water
level over twenty feet and give the lake an area of more than sixty acres.
These protected lakes and river courses in Cook County will doubtless
become the nesting home of countless numbers of birds representing many
species whose appearance in all this area is now only a brief incident of
their migration flight.

30 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

ALONG SALT
CREEK

A resort of the spotted
sandpiper who goes
etec-tet ime alone tlre
way. In the near-by
woodland the cardinal,
the chickadee, and the
song - sparrow can be
found all the year round.

THE RAIL FENCE
AT THE MARGIN
OF THE WOODS

When we destroy an
old rail fence, we de-
stroy the nesting facil-
ities of various species
of birds. Long may this
old fence and its forest
companions endure.

Photographs by Edwin Hulsberg

TLetMors AUDUBON SOCIETY 31

Notes From LaGrange

Mr. Edwin Hulsberg writes of observations made during the past sum-
mer at LaGrange and includes field records for the past few months.
He says in part:

‘During the past summer the larve of the tussock moth were very
numerous in this region and I endeavored as far as possible to see to what
extent the various species of birds were helping to exterminate the pest.
A parasitic wasp seemed to be working havoc among the larve but I found
to my satisfaction that the birds were helping materially to rid our suburb
of the pest. Cuckoos were more numerous, which sustains the theory that
this bird resorts to places where larve are most abundant. From my rec-
ords of birds, both seen and heard, which I have kept for every day of the
past four years, I might show the wave of increase in the number of
cuckoos for the past summer, but it is sufficient to say that both species
were numerous. I studied one pair of black-billed cuckoos during the
nesting period.

“It is a great pleasure to hear the call of the cuckoo. Even in the
night, as they doze, one can distinguish their call-note. These birds should
have the fullest protection. Another bird which I saw at the work of de-
stroying the tussock moth was that happy-go-lucky sprite, the chickadee.
This particular bird was feeding on the egg masses. The robin eats the egg
masses also but not to a great extent. Other birds such as the rose-
breasted grosbeak, the Baltimore oriole, the red-eyed vireo, and the blue-
jay were friendly co-operators in this work of extermination.

“My notes show that downy woodpeckers were coming into town by
September 1. A long-eared owl was seen on Sept. 9. I saw a red-tailed
hawk, a woodcock, a bob-white and a golden-winged warbler on Sept. 3.
A Carolina wren was caroling away on Sept. 1 and 4. Winter wrens
seemed more numerous in the dense shrubbery than usual. I recorded them
on seventeen days in October.

“One of the most unusual incidents this Fall was the big day for geese,
October 24. Coming just after our first snow storm, they occasioned much
argument and prophecy. One heard the old predictions about changing
weather and that we were to have piercing cold weather soon, etc. The
flight involved very large numbers of geese. I, myself, counted three hun-
dred and twenty-five in one hour’s observation. Most interesting to me
was one flock of fifteen snow geese flying moderately high. Their honk-
ing reminded me of the noise of school children in the distance.

“On October 27 a short-eared owl was disturbed in its slumber and a
late date for the bittern was secured. Myrtle warblers seemed to be more
numerous this Fall. Pipits were seen on Nov. 4. Lapland longspurs were
seen in great flights for several weeks. I saw jacksnipe as late as Nov. 22,
23, and 24, along Flag Creek. On Nov. 23 a saw-whet owl was observed.
The same day a marsh hawk was seen cruising about for mice. On the
following day I secured a record for the fox sparrow.”

32 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

A Working brary of Bulletins

Readers of the Spring Bulletin are again reminded of the aid which
the U. S. Government gives in the way of carefully prepared bulletins
setting forth the economic importance of birds and detailing methods of
attracting and feeding them. In the following paragraphs material
printed in the Spring, 1917, Bulletin under the same heading as above, is
reproduced with revisions and additions, the value of the material being
deemed of sufficient importance to justify its reappearance in this if not
in succeeding issues of the Bulletin. As to schools availing themselves of
these bulletins it is suggested that the teachers write for the bulletins and
distribute them rather than encourage indiscriminate application by chil-
dren who may not realize the value of the material thus freely given away.
All the Bulletins mentioned with one exception to be noted, are to be had
free of charge by writing to the Department of Agriculture at Washing-
ton. When the limited supply of free publications is exhausted, appli-
cants are referred to the Superintendent of Documents, Government Print-
ing Office, Washington, D. C., who has the publications for sale at a
nominal price.

Farmers’ Bulletin No. 621, “How to Attract Birds in Northeastern
United States,” by W. L. McAtee, describes bird shelters and methods of
feeding birds, and contains a very complete list of fruits attractive to birds.
Farmers’ Bulletin No. 912, ‘““How to Attract Birds in the East Central
States,’ in press at the date of issue of this Winter Bulletin, will
doubtless prove of peculiar interest in this area. Farmers’ Bulletin No.
609, entitled, ‘““Bird Houses and How to Build Them,” by Ned Dearborn,
has numerous detailed drawings and covers the subject completely. With
these two bulletins at hand, one of 15 pages, the other of 19, one has a
good working library to start with. Farmers’ Bulletin No. 493, “The
English Sparrow as a Pest,” by Ned Dearborn (24 pages, 17 illustrations),
treats the subject authoritatively and completely. It should be studied and
its suggestions followed up everywhere in our state. Bulletin No. 630,
“Some Common Birds Useful to the Farmer,” by Beal (27 pages with
illustrations), treats of 25 groups of birds. This bulletin together with
Farmers’ Bulletin No. 497, ‘Some Common Game, Aquatic and Rapacious
Birds in Relation to Man” (30 pages, 14 illustrations), by McAtee and
Beal, and Farmers’ Bulletin No. 506, ‘‘Food of Some Well Known Birds
of Farm, Forest, and Garden” (35 pages, 16 illustrations), by the same
authors, should be added to one’s working library. The following bulletins
are recommended in addition to the above:

DEPARTMENT BULLETINS.
205. Eleven Important Wild-Duck Foods.
465. Propagation of Wild-Duck Foods.
619. Food Habits of the Swallows (In press).
621. The Crow and Its Relation to Man (In press).

SEPARATE REPRINTS FROM YEARBOOKS.
504. Plants Useful to Attract Birds and Protect Fruit.
642. Our Shore Birds and Their Future.
Biological Survey Circular No. 17, Bird Day in the Schools, will prove
helpful to program makers.

FELINGIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 33

As an addendum to this list, mention might be made of Farmers’ Bul-
letin, No. 513, entitled, ‘Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard.”
This has 31 pages and 50 colored illustrations. All but nine or ten of
the birds there pictured and described nest in Illinois and it would be very
desirable if this valuable bulletin were generally available for reference
and for class study in Illinois. It is for sale by the Superintendent of
Documents at fifteen cents a copy.

The State Board of Agriculture of Massachusetts has in its employ the
distinguished ornithologist, Edward Howe Forbush and the bulletins
issued under his supervision are of unusual value. Two of the special re-
ports that Mr. Forbush has issued as bound volumes are entitled, ‘‘Useful
Birds and Their Protection,” and “A History of the Game Birds, Wild
Fowl and Shore Birds of Massachusetts, Etc.’”’ These are described else-
where under the head of Suggestive List of Bird Books. They are sold at
cost for $1.00 plus postage.

The annual reports prepared by Mr. Forbush are of interest far be-
yond the boundaries of Massachusetts. The Eighth Annual Report for the
year 1915 has some unusually valuable material relating to nesting boxes
with reports of success obtained with different types of boxes in various
parts of Massachusetts. The Ninth Annual Report for 1916 contributes
additional material of this kind. These reports are beautifully printed
and illustrated.

Circular 47, February, 1917 edition, by Mr. Forbush, entitled, “Bird
Houses and Nesting Boxes” (24 pages with 44 illustrations), embodies the
best and most recent information obtained by experiments in Massachu-
setts. Circular 49, ‘‘Food Plants to Attract Birds and Protect Fruit,” by
Forbush (21 pages, 7 illustrations), includes most of the material in
Farmers’ Bulletin No. 621, by McAtee, referred to above and much valu-
able comment and additional material. Then there are three bulletins of
Economic Biology also by Mr. Forbush, which are very important con-
tributions to the literature of bird protection. Bulletin 1, “Rats and Rat
Riddance” (87 pages, 35 illustrations), and Bulletin No. 2, ““The Domes-
tic Cat, Bird Killer, Etc.” (112 pages, 46 illustrations), and Bulletin No.
3, “The Natural Enemies of Birds’ (58 pages, 13 illustrations), are
really indispensable aids. These and the annual reports and the circulars
named above, may be obtained free of charge, by addressing the State
Board of Agriculture, Room 136, State House, Boston.

News From The Front

The Secretary of the Maywood Bird Club writes: I am enclosing
check for five dollars in payment of dues of the Maywood Bird Club as a
Contributing Member of the Illinois Audubon Society.

The Maywood Bird Club regards it a duty and an achievement in the
accomplishment of its purpose to become a member of the Illinois Audu-
bon Society and is glad to be one of a large company of bird lovers and
defenders joined in thought and purpose by one of the oldest state Audu-
bon Societies in the United States.

The watchword of the Club is FORWARD WITH THE ILLINOIS
AUDUBON SOCIETY. Roy M. LANGDON.

34 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
WINTER 1918
Published by the
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park

MISS MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest

MRS. FREDERIC H. PATTEE
Evanston

MISS CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside
MR. O. M. SCHANTZ
10 So. La Salle St., Chicago

MR. FREDERIC H. PATTEE
626 S. Clark St., Chicago

Reference should once more be made
to the warning card relating to bird pro-
tection which the Illinois Audubon Society
publishes and distributes free of cost. This
card, which was reproduced in facsimile
in the Spring, 1917, Bulletin, is of suit-
able size for mailing or for direct distri-
bution. An illustration on the front of the

card calls attention to its purpose and tells.

where to apply for assistance in securing
the prosecution of violators of the law.
The reverse side of the card summarizes
the laws, state and national, for the pro-
tection of birds and calls the attention of
constables to their duties and opportuni-
ties under the law. The editor of an Ital-
lan newspaper has kindly furnished a ver-
sion of it in Italian and an edition in that
language has also been printed.

The Directors of the Illinois Audubon
Society believe that these warning cards
can be used effectively by those who are
willing to take a positive stand for law
enforcement in their community and will
work to arouse a public sentiment which
will demand such enforcement. There are
many areas in Illinois where very import-
ant results will surely follow from work of
this kind. It is advised that workers make
friendly calls upon each constable and pre-
sent him with a copy of the warning card.
Friendly calls upon hunters for a similar

purpose might frequently result in co-op-
eration and greatly reduce the number of
violations of the law. The local papers
will print the contents of the warning card
in their news columns upon request. The
Illinois Audubon Society can loan an elec-
trotype if it is desired to print a facsimile.
In some instances it may seem best that
warning notices be mailed to offenders
directly by the President of the Illinois
Audubon Society and this will be done
whenever plainly written mailing lists are
sent to him.

One does not get far these days without
some reference to the Great War and so
the statement is pertinent that the war is
revealing the economic importance of bird
life to many who have hitherto given the
subject little or no consideration. ‘The
necessity which war conditions create of
making a close inquiry into our national
assets and the best methods of conserving
them is bringing out clearer than ever the
fact that bird life is a national asset and
that its conservation is of national signifi-
cance. All who have been working for
bird protection during these past years
have really been working for national pre-
paredness, for conservation of national re-
sources. Protection of the insectivorous
birds, let it be said therefore, is one way
of increasing our national assets, it is a
way of conserving food products.

During the winter months ahead of us
it will be contributing to economic pre-
paredness to see that our winter bird
visitors do not lack food. Feeding shelves
should be set up and kept inviting for
bird guests. There should be cornstalk
wigwams for the quails, suet, and chunks
of meat fastened to trees for the nut-
hatches and their kind, and cleared spaces
maintained for scattering food for all
sorts of bird visitors. Farmers’ institutes
will be in session during these coming
months and there will be valuable oppor-
tunities to acquaint people with the rela-
tion between crops and the bird life on the
farms. There will be opportunities to
advertise the work of the Illinois Audubon
Society and to enroll organizations and
individuals on its membership list. It will
be a good time to make use of the travel-
ling libraries of the Illinois Audubon So-
ciety and of its collections of colored
lantern slides.

TLLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 35

Officers and Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society

President: MR. O. M. SCHANTZ, 10 S. La Salle St., Chicago.
Vice-President: MR. JESSE LOWE SMITH, Highland Park.
Treasurer: MISS AMALIE HANNIG, 800 S. Halsted St., Chicago.
Secretary: MRS. FREDERIC H. PATTEE, 2436 Prairie Ave., Evanston.
Directors, Terms Expiring in 1918
JOHN M. BLAKELY, 19 S. La Salle St., Chicago.
MISS ESTHER A. CRAIGMILE, Hinsdale.
MRS. J. M. KAVENAGH, LaGrange.
MR. RANSON KENNICOTT, Desplaines.
MISS CATHERINE MITCHELL, Riverside.
REV. GEORGE B. PRATT, 1046 Lawrence Ave., Chicago.
MRS. C. E. RAYMOND, Hinsdale.
Directors, Terms Expiring in 1919
MRS. EMMA S. ADAMS, 1220 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.
MR. RUTHVEN DEANE, 112 W. Adams St., Chicago.
MR. R. J. H. DELOACH, 6605 Harvard Ave., Chicago.
MR. C. W. G. EIFRIG, River Forest.
MISS AMALIE HANNIG, 800 S. Halsted St., Chicago.
MRS. FREDERIC H. PATTEE, 2436 Prairie Ave., Evanston.
Mio Pht OrRIC H. PATTER, 6265. Clark St., Chicago:
Directors, Terms Expiring in 1920
MR. WALLACE L. DEWOLF, 110 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
MISS MARY DRUMMOND), Lake Forest, IIl.
MR. EVERETT MILLARD, 69 W. Washington St., Chicago.
MRS. A. B. PORTER, 1024 Lake Shore Drive, Evanston.
MR. PAUL B. RIIS, Rockford.
MR. O. M. SCHANTZ, 10S. La Salle St., Chicago.
MR. JESSE LOWE SMITH, Highland Park.

Those who have long been familiar with the work of the Illinois Audubon Society
will notice that in the list of Directors printed above there are some new names to-
gether with the names of several who promoted the earliest organization of the Society
and whose steadfast support of it during its many “lean years” has made possible its
present-day promise. Among these latter are the names of Miss Mary Drummond, so
long the devoted Secretary of the Society, Mr. Ruthven Deane, President of the Society
for many years, Mrs. Emma S. Adams, and Rev. George B. Pratt. The members of
the Society will be gratified to note their participation in the current work of the
Society. The new members of the Board of Directors are presented for introduction
in the paragraphs that follow.

Mr. R. J. H. DeLoach is head of the Bureau of Agricultural Research
and Economics of Armour & Co. Upon learning of his transfer from
Atlanta to Chicago during the past year, Mr. T. G. Pearson, Secretary
of the National Association of Audubon Societies, wrote to the Illinois
Audubon Society, advising that Mr. DeLoach be enlisted in the work in
Illinois. Mr. Pearson regarded him as one of the most efficient workers
for bird conservation in this country. A graduate of the University of
Georgia, Mr. DeLoach has served in important educational positions, such
as Botanist of the Georgia Experimental Station, Professor of Cotton
Industry, Georgia State College of Agriculture, and Director of the Geor-
gia Experiment Station. He is the author of bulletins on plant breeding
and diseases, and of works such as “Rambles with John Burroughs,” ‘“‘Agri-
culture for Common Schools,” etc.

Prof. C. W. Gustave Ejifrig, a member of various scientific organiza-
tions and President of the Chicago Ornithological Society, is the author
of numerous articles and notes for the ‘‘Auk,” ‘“The Ottawa Naturalist,”
the “Wilson Bulletin” and other publications. Professor Eifrig was for-
merly a resident of Ottawa, Canada, from whence he came to River Forest

36 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

a few years ago to serve as instructor in Geography and Nature Study at
Concordia Teachers’ College, a Lutheran Normal School. At this institu-
tion he avails himself fully of the opportunity to point out to the future
teachers the value and importance of birds and the necessity of bird pro-
tection. He is an excellent field naturalist and his lectures are attractive
and stimulating.

Mrs. J. M. Kavanagh is a prominent club woman of LaGrange, III.
She has been a great force in that community and in other western suburbs
of Chicago in arousing interest in bird life. The past few years she has
conducted various bird classes. Her field observations and reports have
appeared in previous numbers of the Bulletin.

Mr. Ranson Kennicott of Des Plaines, who holds the important posi-
tion of Forester for the Cook County Forest Preserve District, comes from
a family noted for its deep interest in nature. His grandfather, Dr. Ken-
nicott at one time edited the Prairie Farmer and served for a time as
curator of the Academy of Sciences. His uncle, Robert Kennicott, was
one of the earlier ornithologists of this country. He went on three scien-
tific expeditions to Arctic regions, his death occurring while the last expe-
dition was in progress. Reference to Mr. Ranson Kennicott’s work
appears elsewhere in the report upon the work of the Forest Preserve
District of Cook County.

Mrs. A. B. Porter has long been active in the work of the Illinois
Humane Society. It is because of this activity that the police officials in
Evanston came to consult her about violation of bird laws. A farmer from
Niles Center pounced upon an offender who had in his bag twenty or more
robins, flickers, and bluebirds, and brought him into Evanston and turned
him over to the police. Mrs. Porter was called up and she readily swore
out the warrant for the man’s arrest. His two associates were later on
convicted and received a heavy fine, and out of this two other cases were
brought to notice and successfully prosecuted. From the published re-
ports of Mrs. Porter’s activities, the Board of Directors of the Illinois
Audubon Society rightly concluded that she would be a valuable member
of that Board.

Mr. Paul B. Riis, Superintendent of City Parks at Rockford, is a leader
in nature ~tudy and field excursions in that city. He has been influential in
the founding of the Rockford Nature Study Club. He and his associates
are preparing a check list of the birds in that area which will be issued as
one of the publications of the Nature Study Club.

The Chicago Ornithological Society

To such members of the Illinois Audubon Society who, beside wishing
to learn how to protect and attract birds, also have a desire to learn to
know and study birds in their natural haunts, and for this purpose would
like to meet some congenial spirits, the Chicago Ornithological Society may
be pointed out as an organization in which such desires may be realized.
This club was organized about seven years ago by Dr. R. M. Strong, then of
Chicago University, and in one of the lecture rooms in the anatomy build-
ing of this great institution the meetings were held during the first years.
To accommodate members from the north and west sides, the meetings are
now held in the loop district, as a rule in the city office of a member. The
membership is not large—it must seem strange that a society of this kind
finds so little support in so large a city as Chicago—but what it lacks in

{LEINGIS. AUDUBON SOCTETY a7

size it makes up for in enthusiasm. The meetings are held on the first
Tuesday evening of each month, excepting July and August, with two meet-
ings in April, May and June, the main migrating and nesting season. Papers |
are read, talks given by members or guests, often illustrated, but probably
the most attractive feature of the meetings are the informal reports of the
members, in which not only statistics as to what and how many species and
individuals have been seen since the last meeting, but intimate observations
of habits, peculiarities, etc., are given. It is this feature which always
kindles enthusiasm anew and urges the members to make expeditions singly,
or in conjunction with one or more of the members, into the parks, beaches,
dunes, prairies and woods of our much-favored area. Any member of the
Audubon Society wishing to join this club, may send his or her name to the
secretary, Miss Marian Fairman, 4744 Kenwood Avenue, Chicago.
G. ErFric, President.

The Lincoln Highway

The work of planting and beautifying the Lincoln Highway from coast
to coast has been undertaken by the two million club women of the General
Federation of Women’s Clubs. The comprehensive plan for the planting
of the Lincoln Highway from New York to San Francisco, prepared by
Mr. Jens Jensen, was adopted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.
Each state through which the Highway passes is to be responsible for its
roadside planting. The plan in detail for the Lincoln Highway planting
in Illinois, also prepared by Mr. Jensen, was adopted by the Illinois Fed-
eration of Women’s Clubs at the Annual Meeting, November, 1917. The
club women of Illinois are indebted to Mr. Jensen for his generous serv-
ices which have involved expenditure of time and means. The plan which
he has given is not only for today, but for all time and is his contribution
to the memorial to President Lincoln, the Lincoln Highway.

I quote the following from Mrs. John D. Sherman, Chairman Conserva-
tion, General Federation of Women’s Clubs:

“In connection with the Roadside Planting of the Lincoln Highway
by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, it is the ambition of the
Conservation Department to make the way a Bird Reserve from coast to
coast—a Bird’s Continental Divide of Safety—where these friends of man
may find a refuge and a nesting place.

It is also the ambition of the Conservation Department to have the
Lincoln Highway one great national road that shall be unspoiled by adver-
tising signs. The Lincoln Highway, made simply and naturally beautiful
with native trees and shrubs and flowers and a permanent home for the
birds, will then be splendidly akin to our national parks which are public
playgrounds set apart for the recreation and spiritual uplift of our people.”

It is the determination of the Federation of Women’s Clubs that
Illinois shall stand second to no other state in the planting and beautifying
of the Lincoln Highway, which covers a distance of one hundred and sev-
enty miles and passes through the following counties—Cook, Will, Kane,
DeKalb, Lee, Ogle, and Whiteside. .

The planting plan for Illinois is in the hands of the State Conserva-
tion Committee. Women’s Clubs, other organizations and individuals
wishing to be responsible for some portion of the roadside planting are
requested to communicate with the Chairman of this Committee.

Mrs. W. L. ARNOLD,
5427 Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago.

38 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Photo by J. V. Needham

Winter Woods

Now that Nature’s lavish mood has gone, she can invite you to a more
intimate companionship with her. Those who really love her will seek
her when she is at leisure. They will discern the beauty of bare branches,
which make such exquisite etchings against the Winter sky ; of wind-swept _
hills, keen in outline; ragged, undraped bushes casting violet shadows on
the snow ; the gleam of blue ice, showing reflections of swamp grass on its
surface. :

A sunset in such woods is a never-to-be-forgotten glory. How glad
you are that there are no heavily foliaged trees, rimming yonder hill, to
dim your vision. Mayhap there is the flash of a gorgeous red-winged
spirit, who sits with raised crest on yonder bough, cutting the stillness with
the richest and most joyous whistle ever heard from a bird’s throat,—the
cardinal, monarch of all he surveys, subsisting on the few seeds left in last
year’s supply of weeds or the chick-feed you scatter about the coop. His
voice stands out matchless, for there is no other to interrupt him, except,
perhaps, the flute-like call of the titmouse, who wishes very much to be
heard right now. He is a mouse-colored bird, and “‘pomps’’ his hair in
quite the same style as the cardinal.

On the very coldest days, you might hear the chickadee. A more
friendly little body could not be found. A few cracked nuts and bits of
suet, accompanied by your coaxing ‘“‘do-ti’ will bring him right to your
feet. And he will thank you by day-day-ing above your head or whistling
his two little Spring love notes.

A downy woodpecker beats a tattoo on the old oak across the way, a

Miazbow Gres AUDUBON. SO CLE T Y 39

black-and-white checkered bird, wearing his wee red cap on the back of
his head. His sharp eye and auger-like bill make him a useful citizen, as
no injurious grub escapes his vigilance. While he is at work below, chick-
adee swings on a trapeze above his head, and spears quite as many with his
needle-like bill.

Their first aids are the nuthatches and brown creepers. The former
is a notorious acrobat, coming down a tree head first, without losing his
balance, a feat no other feathered being can do. We have two varieties
here, the white-breasted and the red-breasted. Both have blue-gray backs,
with black heads, but the latter is the tinier and daintier of the two, and has
a clear tawny breast, with the shortest of tails to balance him. The brown
creeper, who can scarcely be distinguished from the bark of the tree,
creeps spirally around the trunk, and when he reaches the top, flies down
to the bottom of the next tree and begins all over again. Such a lone-
some little fellow as he is—never playing tag like the chickadees or running
races like the nuthatches. However, he fills a quiet little niche, doing his
share in ridding the trees of their destroyers.

GENEVIEVE ZIMMER, Rock Island.

Book and Magazine Notes

TWELVE MONTHS WITH THE BIRDS AND POETS

This book embodies the observations of one who has lived much afield
and who reports the sights and sounds of our own hedge rows and thickets.
Northern Illinois and the sand dunes of Indiana come into the story and
all this seems appropriate when one learns that the author is President of
the Maywood Bird Club and a member of the Illinois Audubon Society.
To an intimate knowledge of out-of-doors, the author adds a fondness
for good books, a discriminating fondness for poetry and a wide acquaint-
ance with it. Quotations from poets of the past and of our own day appear
so naturally in the narrative of the months that it is only as one is well
through the book that one realizes what a wealth of poetic material is
available, and appreciates the wide acquaintance with poetry involved in
bringing together in this way so many fine selections. The author chooses
April as the first month of the bird year and shows that from month to
month how rich in observation or in the materials for reflection every vary-
ing phase of the passing seasons may be. Even when winter strips the
landscape and leaves only the occasional birds that hover about feeding
shelves, the fewness of observations to record gives opportunity to review
events when actors crowded every stage. There is an introduction by
Jean Stratton Porter which adds to the attractiveness of the book. The
illustrations are by Ralph Fletcher Seymour and the book comes from the
Alderbrook Press.

BIRD-LORE

Bird-Lore for November-December, 1917, has the usual number of
interesting general articles with excellent illustrations, together with notes
from field and study, book news, etc. The school department, edited by
Mrs. Alice Hall Walter, includes among other valuable material a bird
masque for children by Ella Florence Padon which the author has success-
fully staged at Fort Smith, Arkansas. The announcement is made that

40 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

the important studies of bird migration begun by the late Professor Wells
W. Cooke are to be continued by Dr. Harry C. Oberholser of the U. S.
Biological Survey. The annual report of the National Association of
Audubon Societies which follows includes very interesting reports by the
Secretary and by the various field agents and the secretaries of state
societies, etc. Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee furnishes a report of the past year’s
activities of the Illinois Audubon Society and this is accompanied by the
portrait of President Schantz. The price of Bird-Lore has been raised to
$1.50 a year. Even this increased price is a small sum to pay for so valu- _
able a magazine. It is greatly worth while for all interested in Audubon
able a magazine. It is greatly worth while for all interested in audubon
work in Illinois to read Bird-Lore regularly and to aid in securing a large
subscription list for it in the state.

NATURE STUDY REVIEW

The Nature Study Review, the official organ of the American Nature
Study Society commends itself to all lovers of out-of-doors. The October
number was a Butterfly Number gotten up especially for those who. had
wished to know the names and something about the feeding habits of some
of the commoner butterflies. “~The November number was a Brook number,
with studies of actual brooks, their life histories, plant and animal life, etc.
The illustration of the Brook used in this number of the Bulletin is from
the November number of the Nature Study Review. The Winter Bird
Number is the title of the December number and it is given over to de-
tailed experiences with feeding birds in winter. Of particular importance
is an article entitled ‘“What Birds Feed on in Winter” by Harriet Rey-
nolds. The price of the Nature Study Review is $1.00 a year for nine
issues. Mrs. Anna B. Comstock is editor and it is published by the Com-
stock Publishing Company, Ithaca, N. Y.

The Fall Migration

Beginning with 1914, the writer has been keeping a yearly record of
the spring and fall migrations, also a record of the breeding birds in this
part of Rock Island County, for the U. S. Biological Survey. The terri-
tory on which the following records of the fall migration were made, is
situated from three to five miles southeast of Port Byron, and consists of
a strip of bluff land about one-half mile wide by two and a half miles
long, the south part extending to the edge of Rock River Bottom. The
surface of the land is partly level and rolling, some sloughs, and a good
many hills and hollows. There is yet much timber and brush land on
this area. ‘The trees are mostly red, white, black, and burr oak, a good
many elm, and some hickory, poplar, wild cherry and willows. On week-
days my observations are made while at work on a farm of 103 acres. On
Sunday nearly the entire day is spent observing on our own farm, and also
in the timber and brush land of twelve other farms. My records for the
first two years are not as good as for the last two, because I was at that
time not yet acquainted with some of the birds.

Peat hos: AUDUBON, SOCIETY

Breeding Birds

Killdeer

Mourning Dove
Marsh Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
Sparrow Hawk
Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Black-billed Cuckoo
Red-headed Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Whip-poor-will
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Kingbird

Crested Flycatcher
Phoebe

Wood Peewee
Traill’s Flycatcher
Prairie Horned Lark
Cowbird

Red-winged Blackbird
Meadowlark

Orchard Oriole
Baltimore Oriole
Bronzed Grackle
Goldfinch

Vesper Sparrow
Grasshopper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow

Song Sparrow
Towhee
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Dickcissel

Scarlet Tanager
Purple Martin

Cliff Swallow

Barn Swallow

Bank Swallow
Migrant Shrike
Red-eyed Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Bell’s Vireo
Blue-winged Warbler
Yellow Warbler
Oven-bird

Maryland Yellow-throat
Yellow-breasted Chat
Redstart

Catbird

Brown Thrasher
House Wren
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Wood Thrush

Robin

Bluebird

Dates when last seen

1915

Oct: 21
July 30
Oct. 18
Nov. 13
Nov. 21
Oct Ali
Nov. 21
Sept. 13
Sept. 18

Oct-77)
Sept. 19
Aug. 15
Sept. 28
Sept. 14
Sept. 5
Nov. 7
Sept. 19

Nov. 22
Oct 7
Nov. 22
Nov. 7
Aug. 8
Sept. 6
Nov. 15
Nov. 27
Oce 10
Aug. 29
June 18
Oct. 14
Oct =i
Nov. 14
Oct. 24
Sept. 13
Oct. 24
Aug. 29
Oct) = '3
Sept. 16
Sept. 14
Oct. 28
Sept. 14
June 20
Sept. 12
Sept. 12
Sept. 19
Aug. 22
Sept. 12
Aug. 22
Oct» 9
Oct. <3

Sept. 19
OCS
OCte 83
Sept. 22

Nov. 14
Nov. 17

1916
Sept. 25
Sept. 22
sept, 17
Oct. 6
Octy 25
Oct, 5
Nov. 12
Sept. 23
Sept. 24
sept, 17
Sept. 24
Nov. 5
Sept. 24
Sept. 11
Sept. 24
Sept. 11
Sept. 17
Oct; 78
Sept. 24
Aug. 20

Sept. 21
Nov. 17
Oct. 26
July 22
Sept.)
Ochs 22

Ori 29
@cty Ut
Jnaly. 37
Oct. 11
Oct. 29
Nov. 26
Oct.222,
Octw i
Oct: 1
July 25
Sept. 10
sept. If
Sept. 11
Sept, 15
Sepie i
‘fail hts:
Octyyat
Sept. 14
Sept. 11
Sept. 2
Sept. 3
June 25
Sept. 24
Sept. 3
Aug. 20
@ct. 1
Sept. 17
Geta
Oct] 15
July 30
Aug. 20
Nov. 20
Nov. 3

41

42 TE ACU. D:U-BsO2N. BS U4 ere

The Marsh Hawk probably breeds on Rock River bottom; it is occa-
sionally seen here, flying low over the fields, hunting for its prey. They
are sometimes seen during the winter, as are also some of the other hawks.
The Red-headed-Woodpecker stayed here during the winter of 1915-1916;
there are many of them here at the present time, and will probably stay all
winter. The Prairie Horned Lark stayed here last winter, and are also
here at the present time. In 1916, the Goldfinch remained until Dec. 10;

they yet can also be seen and heard nearly every day.

Migratory Birds

Loon

Wild Ducks

Snow Goose

Canada Goose

Brant

Heron

Solitary Sandpiper
Turkey Vulture
Goshawk

Rough-legged Hawk
Bald Eagle

Barred Owl
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Nighthawk

Olive-sided Flycatcher
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Acadian Flycatcher
Least Flycatcher
Bobolink

Rusty Blackbird

Purple Finch

Redpoll

Lapland Longspur
Savannah Sparrow
Leconte’s Sparrow
Nelson’s Sparrow
Harris’s Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Tree Sparrow
Slate-colored Junco
Swamp Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Tree Swallow

Cedar Waxwing
Blue-headed Vireo
Black and White Warbler
Golden-winged Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Orange-crowned Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Myrtle Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Black-poll Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler

Palm Warbler
Northern Water Thrush
Connecticut Warbler

1914

Nov.
Oct.

Oct.

Nov.

Oct.
Aug.

Aug.

Sept.

Sept.

Oct.

Sept.
Nov.
Sept.
Sept.

Oct.

Sept.

Aug.

Aug.

Aug.

Sept.
Sept.

Aug.

Sept.

11

Dates when first seen
1915

Sept.

Oct

Nov.
Oct.
Aug.

Nov.
Oct.
Oct.

Oct.
Oct.
Aug.
Sept.

Sept.

Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

Sept.

Oct.

Sept.

Oct.

Sept.

Oct.
Aug.
Oct.

Aug.

Sept.

Sept.

Sept.

Aug.

Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.

Sept.
Aug.

24

Sal

INOW a ae r
Ce Ney DO) DS! Cain

—
Naw be)

12

ia
22

1916

Nov.
Oct:

Oct.
Sept.
Aug.

Sept.

Oct.

. Aug.

Aug.

Aug.
Aug.

Sept.

Oct.
Nov.

Sept.

8
18

16
17
14

a

1917
Septame

Oct Zs
Oct Th6
Aug. 24
Aug. 28

Oct 227
Octiez2t
Oct. 24

Sept. 27
Aug. 21

Aug. 26
Sept. ce

Oct4zs
©ct? 2

Nov. 4

Oct. 14
Sept. 23
Octs725
Oct. 14
Sept. 23
Oct.228
Octhat
Sept. 30
Sept. 30
Aug. 24
Sept. 14
Sept. 30
Aug. 29
Aug. 29

Sept. 30
Aug. 26
Sept. 22
Sept. 2
Sept. 2
Sept. 7
Sept. 4
Aug. 29
Aug. 24
Sept. 23

Pit obs AUDUBON 8s OC:LET Y 43

Migratory Birds Dates when first seen

/ 1914 1915 1916 1917
Mourning Warbler Aug. 30 Sept. 2
Wilson’s Warbler Sept. 6 Sept. 12 Sept. 8 Sept. 7
Canadian Warbler Aug. 30 Aug. 22 Aug. 25 Aug. 26
Bewick’s Wren Oct.:25
Winter Wren Oct. 4 Sept. 21 Sept. 24 Sept. 30
Brown Creeper Oct --} Sept. 19 Wer ok Oct. 14
Red-breasted Nuthatch Ock 9
Golden-crowned Kinglet Oct 18 ce. 2 Cee it Oct. 14
Ruby-crowned Kinglet Sept. 25 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 Sept. 30
Veery Sept. 3 Sept. 2
Gray-cheeked Thrush Sept. 12 Sept. 10 sept...2
Olive-backed Thrush Sept. 20 Aug. 29 Aug. 27 Sept. 2
Hermit Thrush Oct. 4 Oct. 10 Octs 1 Oct. 28

The only water birds on my list are those which were seen flying over.
The Solitary Sandpipers were seen in a slough near the farm buildings.
On October 23, thousands of Brant were seen flying southward ; they were
evidently fleeing from the early cold weather and snow which we had this
Fall. Many species of water birds could be seen in this county if one
lived along the Mississippi or Rock River or on Rock River Bottom. I have
four new records on my list this fall. A flock of about 50 Lapland Long-
spurs were seen in one of our fields on Nov. 4; they were also seen and
heard Nov. 11, 18, and 19. One Nelson’s Sparrow was seen Sept. 23,
and one White-crowned Sparrow Oct. 14. Four or five Harris’s Sparrows
were seen on Oct. 28, while observing three different flocks of sparrows in
some timber and brush land; there was one with the first flock, two or
three with the second,-and one with the third. Harris’s Sparrow is easy
to observe, as it is not so restless as other sparrows are. While observing
the second flock, I had the pleasure of seeing a Harris’s Sparrow, and a Fox
Sparrow, sitting about a foot apart. The next day, Oct. 29, it snowed all
day from the northwest. The Golden-winged Warbler is a regular visitor
here in the fall, but I have never seen any in the spring. It is remarkable
that I have never seen any of the blue colored warblers, neither during the
spring or fall migrations. On October 25, 1914, I saw a small bird in the
brush, which was entirely blue on the back, but when I tried to observe
it with my field glass, it had disappeared. It probably was a Black-
throated Blue Warbler. J. J. SCHAEFER.

Port Byron, Tl Nov: 23,1957.

Check List of Illinois Birds

The following check lst of birds found in I[lhnois is a very careful
revision of the one printed in the Spring 1917 Bulletin. For this the
“members of the Illinois Audubon Society and all who may have
occasion to use this check list are greatly indebted to Mr. Benjamin T.
Gault of Glen Ellyn. It has been his somewhat trying task to sift out
fully verified records from the hazy or uncertain ones, and to deal with
not yet clearly determined matters relating to the variation between north-
ern and southern representatives of certain species of birds which make
the work of editing a check list rather perplexing. All this and the pro-
saic but important work of correcting nomenclature and errors of spelling
have doubtless made Mr. Gault’s task a heavy one, but it surely has been
worth while. The list as now published is authoritative for Illinois as

44 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

far as available data can make it, and the Illinois Audubon Society may
well be proud to send it out as the work of one of its members. .

In this final revision Mr. Gault corresponded with Mr. Ridgway and
Mr. Vandercook and profited by their cordial co-operation. Certain addi-
tions to and revision of the data furnished by them for the Spring Bulletin
have been made with their approval. For the benefit of new readers of
the Bulletin certain items of interest that accompanied the presentation
of the check list in the Spring Bulletin are here repeated.

The material for the revision and additional records embodied in this
check list has been furnished by Mr. Robert Ridgway of the United States
National Museum, whose summer home is at Olney, Richland County,
Mr. Benjamin T. Gault of Glen Ellyn, Mr. Isaac Hess of Philo, and Mr.
C. E. Vandercook of Odin. ‘The records of observations of Mr. Gault
have long been regarded as standard for Illinois by government experts
such as the late Wells W. Cooke, and by Frank Chapman and other writ-
ers. Mr. Ridgway is one of the most eminent ornithologists America has
produced. Mr. Hess is a business man of Philo who has for many years
been a discriminating field student of birds. His list of 108 species of
birds whose nests he visited within a ten-mile radius of his home in Cham-
paign County should greatly stimulate the interest of bird observers in
Central Illinois. Mr. Vandercook’s list of 95 species from Clinton County
in Southern Illinois is entitled to the same honorable mention.

The check list recently revised by Mr. Gault was prepared as follows:
Mr. Gault’s list was printed with initial letters referrmg to Northern, Cen- -
tral and Southern Illinois. Mr. Ridgway’s list for Southern Illinois and
Mr. Hess’ list for Central Illinois were embodied in this by the use of
asterisks and daggers. Asterisks refer to nesting records in Southern []li-
nois, double asterisks showing that the record was made in Richland Coun-
ty in which Mr. Ridgway’s farm home is located and where his special
observations have been made. Mr. Hess’ records of nesting birds. for Cen-
tral Illinois were distinguished with dagger marks. These special desig- -
nations have been preserved in the final revised list as printed herewith.

EXPLANATION

The initial letters, N.C.S., refer respectively to Northern, Central and
Southern Illinois. Where no such initial letter appears there is no record
of the species breeding in Illinois, and such species are pure migrants or
occasional visitants. The asterisks mark birds as nesting in Southern I1h-
nois, the double asterisks referring especially to Richland County. ‘The
dagger mark refers to Central Illinois, the special reference being to
Champaign County. The order in which the names appear is that of the
AOU check list employed by all ornithologists. In using this check list
many of our readers may find it more convenient to begin at the end of the
list; where the more common birds, such as the blue bird and robin, appear.
The abbreviation S.R. refers to summer residents.

Grebes Loons :
ElolncelhoiG@che: Loon. a Pa iee nesting records,
Horned Grebe. N. Probably very ‘ A A Saas oe

rare, if not questionable, as a eH ihnoa ted eonke
breeder at present day. Jaegers
Eared Grebe Pomarine Jaeger.

Pied-billed Grebe. N. C. S. Long-tailed Jaeger.

EE LINGIS AUDUBON SOCTET Y 45

Gulls and Terns
Kittiwake Gull.
Glaucous Gull.
Iceland Gull.
Great Black-backed Gull.
Herring Gull.
Ring-billed Gull.
Laughing Gull.
Franklin’s Gull.
Bonaparte’s Gull.
Sabine’s Gull.
Gull-billed Tern.
Caspian Tern.
Royal Tern.
Forster's Tern. N.
Common Tern.

Least Tern.

Black Tern. N.
Anhinga

Water-Turkey. S.
Cormorants

Double-crested Cormorant. C.
*Florida Cormorant. S.
Mexican Cormorant.
Pelicans
White Pelican.
Brown Pelican.
Ducks and Geese
Merganser.
Red-breasted Merganser. N.
** Hooded Merganser. N. C. S.
Mallard. N. Probably confined as a
breeder to Northern half of State.
Black Duck. N.

Gadwall.

European Widgeon.

Baldpate. A possible breeder in N.
Ill.

Green-winged Teal. N.
*Blue-winged Teal. N.C. S.
Cinnamon Teal.
Shoveller. Nested formerly in N. IIl.,
and may do so now.
Pintail. N.
T**Wood Duck.
Redhead.
Canvas-back.
Scaup Duck.
Lesser Scaup Duck. N.
Ring-necked Duck. N.
Golden-eye.
Barrow’s Golden-eye.
Buffle-head.
Old-Squaw.
Harlequin Duck.
Eider.
King Eider.
Scoter.
White-winged Scoter.
Surf Scoter.
Ruddy Duck. N.
Snow Goose.
Greater Snow Goose.
Blue Goose.
White-fronted Goose.

NES:

Canada Goose. N.
Hutchin’s Goose.
Cackling Goose.
Brant.

Swans
Whistling Swan.
Trumpeter Swan. No recent records.
Extremely rare and possibly ex-
tinct in state.

Bitterns, Herons and Cranes
Roseate Spoonbill (?)
White Ibis.
Glossy Ibis.
Wood Ibis. Not uncommon late sum-
mer visitor to Southern and Cen-
tral Illinois.

*Bittern. NaC. 5:

*Least Bittern. N. C. S.

Cory’s Least Bittern. A_ peculiar
color-phase of the Least Bittern
—one record.

7**Great Blue Heron. N. C. S.

*Eeret. (?) Probably not nesting

WOW 4 ool.

Snowy Egret.
Reddish Egret.
Little Blue Heron.
aT
+**Green Heron. N.C. S.
+*Black-crowned Night Heron. N. C. S.
*Yellow-crowned Night Heron. S.
Whooping Crane. Very rare and pos-
sibly now extinct in state. No
recent records.
Sandhill Crane. Nested formerly, but
doubtless not now.
Limpkin.
Rails, Gallinules and Coot
fa ane inaiinNi 2S,

Late. Ss-Roan SS:

Varemua ska — INC! S:
TOOLAy IN: CaS:
*Vellow Rail. N. C. S.

TBlack Rail. N.
Til.

Purple Gallinule.

*Florida Gallinule. N. C. S.

Coot TNC S:

Phalaropes
Red Phalarope.
Northern Phalarope.
Wilson’s Phalarope. N.
Avocet and Stilt
Avocet.
Black-necked Stilt.
Snipe, Sandpipers, Etc.
t**Woodcock. N. C. S.
Wilson’s Snipe. N.
Dowitcher.
Long-billed Dowitcher.
Stilt Sandpiper.
Knot.
Purple Sandpiper.
Pectoral Sandpiper.
do not nest.

C. and possibly in S.

A few S. R., but

46 PrHE-AUD-U BON: BULeL EN

White-rumped Sandpiper.
Baird’s Sandpiper.
Least Sandpiper. May have nested
very rarely in former years.
Red-backed Sandpiper.
Semipalmated Sandpiper. Occasional
S. R., but do not nest.
Western Sandpiper.
Sanderling.
Marbled Godwit.
Hudsonian Godwit.
Greater Yellow-legs. Occasional S. R.
and may breed in N. Ill. :
Yellow-legs. N. Very rare breeder.
Solitary Sandpiper. Casual S. R., but
never found breeding.
Willet. (?)
Western Willet. N. Authority—W. W.
Cooke.
jo Banthamian Sandpiper. 9 INE (Ces:
Perhaps absent in extreme S. III.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
7 Spotted Sandpiper. IN. ©. S:
Long-billed Curlew. Authority of
Nelson, who once found it nest-
ime mMNE, Fe, Mlle
Hudsonian Curlew.
Eskimo Curlew. No recent records.
Possibly extinct in state.
Plovers
Black-bellied Plover.
breeding birds are S. R.
Golden Plover.
To Illdcercm Ne CaS:
Semipalmated Plover. A few remain
S. Rowand may breeds im Nl:
Piping Plover. N.
Turnstone
Ruddy Turnstone.
Bob-White, Grouse, Etc.
+ Bob-wiite. + No«CG.s:
Ried “Grouse. sINi Gs o,
Willow Ptarmigan. (?)
i braimieuC hickeng oN. Crise
Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse. Nested
, formerly in N. E. Ill—Once at
Waukegan.
f \Wiilde ae Uirkeyan oS:
Pigeon and Dove
Passenger Pigeon. Once nested spar-
ingly in N. E. Ill. Now extinct.
+**Mourning Dove. N.C. S.
Vultures
{2 Dunrkey, Vulture: ‘Chiefly (©, and S:
Rarers. Rees Nall:
Black Vultunes 3S:
Hawks and Eagles
*Swallow-tailed Kite. S.
White-tailed Kite.
Mississippi Kite.
A summer visitant to S. IIl.
+Marsh Hawk. N. C. and questionable
bev sa ONE
+**Sharp-shinned Hawk. N. C. S.
+**Cooper’s Hawk. N.C. S.

A few non-

~Goshawk.
Western Goshawk.
T*Red-tailed Hawk. N.C. S.

Krider’s Red-tailed Hawk.

Western Red-tailed Hawk.

Harlan’s Hawk.

**Red-Shouldered Hawk. N. C. S.

*Swainson’s Hawk. C. S. and possibly
N. Ill.

*Broad-winged Hawk. N. C. S.

Mexican Goshawk.

Rough-legged Hawk.

Ferruginous Rough-legged Hawk.

Golden Eagle. Formerly nested in
different parts of state.

*Bald Eagle.” N. C..S., butimeygrranc

Prairie Falcon.

*Duck Hawk. S.

Pigeon Hawk. Rare S. R. and may
nest.

Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk.

i coparrow. Elawk. oN jCaior

*Osprey. No €. Ss.

Owls
se sularnee Oxide (Cans
7 ““Long-eared Owl. No@ase.

*«Short-eared Owl. N. C. S. But now
rare in Southern portion of State.

7Tchbarred Owls © Nai@as:

Great Gray Owl.

Richardson’s Owl.

**Saw-whet Owl. S. One breeding
record (Vandercook), so far as
known, but a probable breeder in
ING Caelile

+**Screech Owl. N. C. S. Questionable
Im Sele
*Southern Screech Owl. S.
+**Great Horned Owl. N. C. 5S.

Arctic Horned Owl.

Snowy Owl.

Hawk Owl.

Paroquet
Louisiana (Carolina) Paroquet. Long
extinct.
Cuckoos and King Fisher
+** Vellow-billed Cuckoo. N.C. S.
**Black-billed Cuckoo. N. C. S.
+**Belted Kingfisher. N.C. S.
Woodpeckers

Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

extinct in Illinois.
+**Hairy Woodpecker. N. C., but ques-
tionable in S. II.

*Southern Hairy Woodpecker. S.
*Southern Downy Woodpecker. S.
+**Downy Woodpecker. N. C. S. Ques-

tionable in S. IIl.

, Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. N.

**kPileated Woodpecker. S.

Northern Pileated Woodpecker. N. C.
Rare im C.°and N2 Tile Viese
doubtful as a breeder at present
time.

Probably

heist we ote AUDUBON SOCIETY 47
7**Red-headed Woodpecker. N.C. 5S. Purple Finch. N.
7**Red-bellied Woodpecker. N.C. S ***House Sparrow. N. C. S.
but rare in N. Ill. Crossbill.
**F licker. S. White-winged Crossbill.
fNorthern Flicker. N. C. Hoary Redpoll.
Whippoorwills, Nighthawks, Swift Redpoll.

and Humming Bird

*Chuck-will’s-widow. S.
7**Whip-poor-will. N. C. S.
7**Nighthawk. N. C. S., but probably

replaced largely in N. and C. III.
by Sennett’s Nighthawk, and by
the following in S. II.

*Florida Night Hawk. S.

Sennett’s Nighthawk. N. C.
7**Chimney Swift. N. C. S.
7**Ruby-throated Hummingbird. N.C.S.

Flycatchers

2 mongbrd. N.C. S.
7**Crested Flycatcher. N. C. S.
7**Phoebe. N. C. S.

Say’s Phoebe.

Olive-sided Flycatcher.
7**Wood Pewee. N. C. S.

~Yellow-bellied Flycatcher.
7**Arcadian Flycatcher. N. C. S.
{**Traill’s Flycatcher. N. C. S.

Alder Flycatcher.

Peast Flycatcher. IN. C.S. Possibly
absent as a breeder in extreme S.

Ill.
Larks
Horned Lark.
7**Prairie Horned Lark. N. C.S.
Crows, Jays, Magpie, Etc.

Magpie.
7**Blue Jay. N.C. S., but questionable
iota pa ANB

*Southern Blue Jay. S.
Raven. Formerly resident, but now
very rare if not absent entirely.
Northern Raven.
1**Crow. N. C. S., but questionable as a
breeder in S. Ill.
*Southern Crow. S.
Clarke’s Nutcracker.
Blackbirds, Orioles, Etc.
{Bobolink. N. C.
77 Cowbird) (N.C. S:
Yellow-headed Blackbird. N.
+**Red-winged Blackbird. N.C. S.

+Meadowlark. N. C. S. But ques-
tionable in N. W. and S. IIl.
Southern Meadowlark. Breeding

status not fully determined.
Western Meadowlark. Same com-
; ment as above.
+**Orchard Oriole. N. C. S.
+**Baltimore Oriole. N. C. S.
Rusty Blackbird.
Brewer's Blackbird.
+**Bronzed Grackle. I eS:
Finches, Sparrows, Etc.
Evening Grosbeak.
Pine Grosbeak.

Holboell’s Redpoll. (?)
Greater Redpoll.
F*Goldfinch. N. C. S.
Pine Siskin.
Snow Bunting.
Lapland Longspur.
Smith’s Longspur.
Chestnut-collared Longspur.
McCown’s Longspur.
*Vesper Sparrow. N. C. 8.
Savannah Sparrow. N.
7**Grasshopper Sparrow. N. C. S.
*kFfenslow’s Sparrow. N. C. S.
Leconte’s Sparrow. Recorded breed-
ing in N. E. IIl., but record ques-
tioned.
Nelson’s Sparrow.
(+? bark Sparrow: . NIC. S.
Harris’s Sparrow.
White-crowned Sparrow. Possibly a
rare breeder in extreme N. Ill.
White-throated Sparrow. Probably
nests sparingly in the northern
counties of the State.
Tree Sparrow.
7* Chipping Sparrow.
Clay-colored Sparrow.
Soni. oe NS EL.
+**Field Sparrow: N.C. S.
Slate-colored Junco.
Shufeldt’s Junco.
Montana Junco.
7**Bachman’s Sparrow. N.
chiefly S. IIl.
+**Song Sparrow. N.C.S. Rather rare
Sy etl oe eee
Lincoln’s Sparrow. N.
+Swamp Sparrow. N.C. 5S., but ques-
tionable in extreme S. II.
Fox Sparrow.

+
.

+t

Ties

Nerc. S;
Classified as

©. .(S. but

qe hownee: IN: C. :S.
Arctic Towhee.
+**Cardinal. N.-C. S.

+**Rose-breasted Grosbeak. N. C. S.,
but rare or wanting in extreme
Seri:
Blue Grosbeak.
+**Indigo Bunting. N. C. S.
Painted Bunting.
+**Dickeisselu’ N.C. 5S.
Tanagers
+**Scarlet Tanager.
7**Summer Tanager.

NCS:
ING S.ARaAre.o

Roan Noi
Swallews
+**Purple Martin. N. C. S$
+*Chff Swallow. N.C. S
+**Barn Swallow. N.C. S

+*Tree Swallow. N.C. S.

48 PRE AUDUBON: BULLE PLN

Northern Violet-green Swallow.
{bam swallows WN Cass:

+*Rough-winged Swallow. N.C. S.
Waxwings
Bohemian Waxwing.
7 Cedar Waxwine. NG. s:
Shrikes
Northern Shrike.
Loggerhead Shrike. S. (?)
7 Magsrant .lirikes “Nix (©) 7S:
Vireos
7**Red-eyed Vireo. N. C. S.

Philadelphia Vireo.
hole INT IONE
-esWarbling Vireo.

Possibly S. R.
INGALERNS

*Yellow-throated Vireo. N.C. S.
Blue-headed Vireo.
+**White-eyed Vireo. N. C. S. Not

Commonyo. oe in Ne EE
+*Bell’s Vireo. N.C. 5S. Not common

SERS ing Ne SEE
Warblers
*Black and White Warbler. S. A. pos-
Sle Sie Ie tina NS (Eo IE,
7 serothonotany, Warbler, “ Ne7€.s:
Swainson’s Warbler. Rare S. R. in
Seis
7**Worm-eating Warbler. N.C.S. Rare
SIRE ssid IN IONE
**Blue-winged Warbler. N.C. 5S.
+Golden-winged Warbler. N. C. S.,

but chiefly N. II.
Nashville Warbler. N. Authority of
Ridgway.
Orange-crowned Warbler.
Tennessee Warbler.
*Northern Parula Warbler.
Cape May Warbler.
+** Yellow Warbler. N. C. S.
Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Myrtle Warbler.
Magnolia Warbler.
*Cerulean Warbler. N. C. S.
Chestnut-sided Warbler. N. May
nest in S. IIl., as there is a breed-
ing record for S. E. Missouri.
Bay-breasted Warbler.
Black-poll Warbler.
Blackburnian Warbler.
*Sycamore Warbler. Apparently con-
fniedvasve. Ro» topos Uh:
Black-throated Green Warbler. N.
Authority of Nelson.
Kirtland’s Warbler.
*Pine Warbler. N. C. S.
Palm Warbler.
SP rainies Wat bler i Nive Geo.) tie mun
common in N. IIl.
+*Oven-bird. N.C. S.
Water-Thrush.
Grinnell’s Water-Thrush. Quite likely
Sole. adil Niels
7 Louisiana..Water- (Thrush. .N. €r s.,
but chiefly C. and S.

NCS:

T*=Kentucky Warbler. «N. “CSespue
rare in N. II.
Connecticut Warbler.
Mourning Warbler.
7**Maryland Yellow-throat. N. C. S.
+**Y ellow-breasted Cat. N.C. S.
+*Hooded Warbler. N. C. S. Rare S.
Xo panay INI OM,
Wilson’s Warbler. —
Canada Warbler.
fRedstart. — ING Cs:
Pipit
Pipit.
Mocking Birds, Wrens, Etc.
7**Mocking Bird. N.C. S. Ranelsmke
in N. Il.
it Catbirds = NeiGers-
{7 row wobrasheris Nie Gamo”
+**Carolina Wren. N: C. Sv Notscom-
mon S$. R. in N. Ill.
+** Bewick’s Wren. N.C.S. Rare S. R.
moay INE AN
7*House Wren. N. C. S.
*Western House Wren. Apparently
more common than the preceding,
but breeding status not fully
determined.
Winter Wren. |
Short-billed Marsh Wren. N.C. S.
7*Long-billed Marsh Wren. N. C. S.
Prairie Marsh Wren. N., but breed-
ing status not fully determined.

Creeper
Brown Creeper.

NECRS:
Nuthatches and Titmice
7**White-breasted Nuthatch. N. C. S.,

but questionable as a_ breeder

(resident form.) in S. Ill.

*Florida White-breasted Nuthatch. S.
Red-breasted Nuthatch. N.
+** Tufted Titmouse. N.C. S. Uncom-
MON-9.) kee ime INE UR
+Chickadee. N. C.
*t Carolina’ Chickadee. S. Apparently
confined to S. Illi: asa S. R.
Hudsonian Chickadee.

Kinglets and Gnatcatcher
Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

7**Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

Thrushes, Bluebird, Etc.
Townsend’s Solitaire.

+**Wood Thrush. N. C. S.

7 Veery.. N.C:

Willow Thrush. The common form
in Northeastern Illinois.
Gray-cheeked Thrush.

‘ Bicknell’s Thrush.
Olive-backed Thrush.
Alaska Hermit Thrush.
Hermit Thrush.

PRobinw, NAG:

**Southern Robin. S.
Tes laebird, Na Gos;

A possible breeder.

N:-@xiee

A NEW WORK

Which Should be in Every Nature Lovers Library —

BIRDS OF AMERICA

Just published in Three Handsome Volumes. (8x11 inches)
1200 Pages. 300 Illustrations in colors.

Hundreds of marvelous Field Photographs.
ONE YEAR MEMBERSHIP IN THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Given to Every Purchaser of this work.

The Book of A Thousand Birds

Here for the first time is given a complete and satisfying treatment of
this important subject. To-day the American Ornithologist’s Union list 1,200
species of birds. Of this number some 300 are either very rare or seldom visit
our shores; but of the total, the new “Birds of America,” describes and pictures
upwards of 1,000. This is the first time the subject has been dealt with fully
in any popular work; and the treatment is not fragmentary—on the contrary it

is complete and systematic, with many interesting stories of bird-life surround-

ing the hundreds of pictures.

Authority of the Work

In the preparation of this Library the most eminent authorities have co-
operated. “Birds of America” includes upon its editorial and advisory board
such men as T. Gilbert Pearson, of the National Association of Audubon So-
cieties; John Burroughs, naturalist and author; E. H. Forbush, State Ornitholo-
gist of Massachusetts; William L. Finley, State Biologist of Oregon; Herbert K.
Job, and many others; including field and government observers in every sec-
tion of the country.

Fuertes’ Beautiful Colcr Plates

In addition to the large number of field pictures and black-and-white
drawings, the value of this work is heightened by the inclusion of over 300
species in full color from original drawings by the dean of bird artists, Louis
Agassiz Fuertes. This is recognized as the most important series of bird
studies ever made. It brings into the pages a constant glow of beauty and
delight, and inspiration to every lover of the birds.

DELIVERED FCR ONE DOLLAR
Easy Monthly Payments. One Dollar Per Month.

The University Society, 431 So. Dearborn St., Chicago.

As ‘per your offer please send me one 3 Volume set of “The Birds of
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Membership in the Illinois Audubon Society.

I am enclosing One Dollar with this order and promise to pay One Dol-
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SIGN TODAY AND MAIL.

‘
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Audubon Bulletin

am Spring and Summer
: 7975 -

Published by
The ILLINOIS
, AUDUBON
5S Ge it TY

Se 9 of the Audubon Bulletin has been seriously delayed by a
"strike affecting the printing trades in Chicago

[ON Pre es i : :
(THE CHICAGO JOURNAL}

:

: w
ttre op 1 TAMEnt

si hig = Million “jug
haq Ng I \nknok q | Que
N¢

The efforts of organizations like the Illinois Audubon Society
must not be curtailed because of other war activities. Join —
your local “bird club” and the —

Illinois Audubon Society

President Vice-President
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago Highland Park
Secretary Treasurer
Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee | Miss Amalie Hannig

2436 Prairie Avenue, Evanston 1649 Otis Bldg., Chicago

The Aims and Principles of the
Illinois Audubon Society are: —

Ist.

2nd.

3rd.

To encourage the study of birds, par-
ticularly in the schools, and to dis-
seminate literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

To discourage, in every possible way,
the wanton destruction of wild birds
and their eggs.

Photo by Frederic H. Pattee

A BIRD SANCTUARY

This photograph, made on one of the streams in the Cook County Forest
reserve, is typical of the thirty miles of watercourses along which
lie the forests included in this magnificent project. The
Forest Preserve is a bird sanctuary, even the carry-
ing of firearms being prohibited.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING AND SUMMER 1918

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

Proposed Forest Preserve Districts of Lake County

In previous numbers of the Bulletin extended reference has been
made to the conservation work going on in Cook County whereby
already more than 12,000 acres of woodland and prairie and water-
course have been incorporated within forest preserve districts. The
spread of this movement adjoining into counties is now assured. Du-
Page County has a forest preserve district and has already acquired
important tracks of woodland along Salt Creek continuous with those
along the lower course of the same creek within the Forest Preserve
District of Cook County. Logically the forest preserve projects along
the DesPlaines River and the Skokie in Cook County should be ex-
tended northward along the same natural geographic units into Lake
County, and a program of this kind with a strong committee behind it is
developing in Lake County. Representatives from various portions of
the county have held conferences at Waukegan and an organization has
been perfected with W. Scott Keith of Waukegan as President and
Treasurer. Jens Jensen of Highland Park is Vice-President, Paul
Willis of Waukegan, Secretary, with E. L. Ryerson of Lake Forest as
Chairman of the Finance Committee. Attorneys E. L. Millard of
Highland Park, E. L. Clarke of Waukegan, and Paul MacGuffin of
Libertyville are counsel.

Lake County is the northeasternmost county of Illinois, its eastern
boundary including thirty or more miles of shore line of Lake Michigan.
Because of the diversity of its geographic features its landscape is of
unusual interest. The Valparaiso morainic system occupies much of
the western half of the county and is characteristically undulating
upland with pronounced morainic expression in the form of knobs,
steep hills, kettle holes, sags and winding sloughs, etc. Within its
borders lie most of the many lakes whose fame is embodied in the
name given to the county. The accompanying map shows fifty of the
larger lakes.

Other interesting geographical features of the county include the
valley of the DesPlaines River, the rolling upland between that river
and Lake Michigan, the shore line with the lake plain developed along
its northern portion, and the numerous ravines that intersect the high-
walled upland. Nature has done her part and only the financial
resources available and the willingness of the voters to permit of their
use condition the establishment of forest preserve districts rivaling in

4 2H E eau DU BO WN TEU Lv eh iN

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Joao scan Saaeeiryppesetlsocl

‘PROPOSED FOREST PRESERVES IN LAKE COUNTY
(Indicated by shaded areas)

beauty the finest areas in the forest preserves of Cook County. The
state law authorizing the establishment of forest preserves provides
for a bond issue not to exceed one percent of the assessed valuation of
each county and an annual maintenance tax of not to exceed one tenth
of one percent. When Lake County organizes under the forest pre-
serve act there will be available at once a fourth of a million dollars
for land purchases and more than ample funds for maintenance.

With such resources to begin with, a comprehensive plan for forest
preserves could be inaugurated looking to a steady development as from
time to time additional resources become available. Mr. Jens Jensen,
widely known as a landscape architect, who is an enthusiastic supporter
of the movement, favors the simultaneous opening up of projects
within easy reach of every portion of the county. His suggestions
relate specifically to reservations to include Grass Lake and adjacent

Piet) Le. a OU DsU BO 'N-S:O CLE T Y 5

area, the Waukegan Flats, the Skokie Marsh, the loop in the Fox River
in the southwestern part of the county, and areas bordering upon the
DesPlaines River for its entire coursé across the county from north
to south. These projects are indicated upon the accompanying map
though, of course, without any attempt at preciseness of location.

A review of the projects proposed might properly begin with that
of the DesPlaines River as being on the largest scale. The DesPlaines
lies in a gently sloping valley “beautifully diversified with woodland
and meadow. The river has its source in Wisconsin in a flat swamp
or slough where drainage is so imperfect that in wet weather part of
the marsh discharges northward to Root River and part south to the
DesPlaines. From this ill-defined divide the river flows south and
southwest a distance of one hundred and twenty miles and joins the
Kankakee twelve miles below Joliet to form the Illinois River. Where
it crosses the Wisconsin boundary into Lake County the river is six
miles from the shore line of Lake Michigan. At the latitude of Wauke-
gan it is five miles distant from the lake, and it crosses over the
boundary into Cook County only eight miles from the shore.

Plans already maturing look to the ultimate ownership by the county
of a strip varying from one fourth to a half mile wide the entire length
of its course within the county. This would insure the preservation of
the pastoral beauty of the river, with forests opening out into prairie-
like meadows and grassy flood plains dotted with hawthorne and wild

Photo by John Baird

IT IS FITTING THAT IN A DEMOCRACY SUCH AS OURS JOINT OWNERSHIP OF
THE BEAUTIFUL PARTS OF OUR COUNTRY SHOULD BE VESTED IN EACH
CITIZEN. WE NEED WILD BEAUTY FOR OUR SOUL AS MUCH AS WE NEED
THE FERTILE PRAIRIES FOR OUR MATERIAL WELFARE.—JENSEN.

6 DE, BASU oD BO NB) Woe ea

HERE UNDER THE SHADE OF VENERABLE TREES UNDER WHICH OUR FORE-
FATHERS FOUND SHELTER, AND THE INDIAN BEFORE HIM, CITY-BRED
AND FARMER ALIKE FIND WHOLESOME MEETING PLACE

IN A WORLD NOT OF THEIR MAKING |
crab apple trees. Picnic grounds and camping places could be set aside
here and there along the valley with connecting driveways and con-
venient foot and bridle trails. The DesPlaines woods are especially
rich in spring flora and the flood plains are a notable sight when the
smaller flowering trees are in full bloom. ‘The forests are of the typical
oak, hickory, elm and maple type, with linden, ash, hackberry, walnut,
and various other trees well-represented. A rich undergrowth of
witch-hazel, gray dogwood, viburnums, bladdernut, osier dogwood,
hazelnut, and other interesting shrubs contribute greatly to the charm
of the woodland.

The area lying between the DesPlaines River and Lake Michigan
is traversed throughout much of its extent by morainic ridges parallel
with the river and Lake Michigan. These belong to what is known
geologically as the latter Wisconsin morainic system and they mark
the last successive stages of the retreat of the ice mantle which finally
withdrew into the basin now occupied by Lake Michigan. The last
of these morainic ridges formed in the way mentioned fronts the shore
line of Lake Michigan and has located upon it such cities as Highland
Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, North Chicago and Waukegan.
Between this ridge and the parallel ridge immediately to the west is a
shallow valley known as the
Skokie. This is drained by
the Skokie stream which can
be traced southward from
near the latitude of Wauke-
gan to a point within Cook
County, seventeen miles
away, where it discharges
into the north branch of the
Chicago River. During the
last five or six miles of

Photo by John Baird : - ‘ i fe
IN CAMP ALONG THE DES PLAINES RIVER its course in Lake County

hope oOo ACU DUB ON S,O CILET Y 7

this stream traverses the so-called
Skokie Marsh which varies from a half
to one and a half miles in width.

In this marsh are winding lagoons
dotted with lily pads, and hemmed
by walls of rushes and sedges, of cat-
tails and bur reeds and sweet flag, and
there are wide-open expanses swept
over by marsh-loving grasses. In due fx
Petumiensh mindricolds and iris, the "Vict or choEN HERON IN THE
cardinal flower and the closed gentian SKOKIE
appear on the border of the marsh, and the low bordering prairies that
dip down to it are covered with asters and golden rod ‘and blazing star.

“Wooded Islands” fringed about by willows and aspens and shrubs like
the ninebark, elder-berry and osier dogwood stand out in the marsh and
at intervals advancing tongues of woodland
from the forested slopes facing the Skokies
extend down into it.

The marsh with its wooded islands affords
shelter and nesting sites for a great variety of
bird life. Typical nesting birds of the area
are the American Bittern, Blue-winged Teal,
Green Heron, King Rail, Sora Rail, Virginia
Rail, Florida Gallinule, Red-winged Blackbird,
Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Short-billed
Marsh Wren, Long-billed Marsh \Vren, \Vood-
cock, Killdeer, etc. A strip of land five miles
from north to south would include the most
beautiful portions of the Skokie. Within this

pe ae eon ob ne would occur such notable woodlands as those
me)”. SKOKIE “held by the Sweeney estate west of Fort Sher-

idan and Copp’s Wood's west of Ravinia station.

For the Waukegan area a portion of the beach plain north of the
city and known as the ‘Waukegan Flats’ has been suggested for
reservation. This plan recognizes the importance of saving for public
use and enjoyment for all time to come a portion of Lake County’s
valuable frontage on Lake
Michigan. From the
southern boundary of Lake
County northward to
\aukegan only a: narrow
strip of beach lies between
the foot of the bluff and
the shore line, but from the
south limits of Waukegan
northward the bluffs swing
away from the shore,and the
beach plain rapidly broad- Photo by Walter Goelitz

ae ; A MANDRAKE CANOPY AN
ens until it is nearly a mile THRASHER’S NE

A BROWN

D
Sst

8 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN.

i City
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MAP OF THE “WAUKEGAN
PIGAES”

wide continuously to the state line. This
is really an ancient terrace corrugated
by sand ridges which represent sand bars
of the glacial lake whose waves lapped
against the cliff walls and spread out the
materials for the beach plain of today.
For much of its extent this sandy beach
is bordered by low but more or less
active sand dunes which form a belt
sometimes one hundred yards wide. Be-
hind the dunes the terrace for several
miles is more like a marsh broken by
low sand ridges. Sloughs or lagoons
of more or less stagnant water alternate
with these ridges while occasional water
courses drain at high water into the
lake. Dead River is one of the largest
of these sloughs and into it the over-
flow from Dead Lake pours. It should
be added that these names are dis-
tinctly libelous and should be sup-
pressed.

On the accompanying detail map of
the region being described the arrows
pointing shoreward indicate respectively
the northern and southern limits of the
proposed reservation. ‘This includes all
the area that has its drainage through
Dead River. Native alders and birches.
occur in this particular area with a crea-
itable showing of tamarack and white
pine and there is a scattered but inter-
esting grove of introduced pines which
represent a nursery experiment under-
taken many years ago by Robert Doug-
las'\:of Waukegan. There: aremmiam:
delightful spots suitable for camp sites
here and it is easy to imagine what this

area with recreation facilities developed might in time come to mean
to the inhabitants of the near-by manufacturing city alone.

The flora of the Flats has many of the features that characterize
that of the more widely known sand dunes of the southern end of Lake
Michigan. Certain plants such as the buckbean, the alder, bog willow,
dwarf birch, trailing juniper, tamarack, and kinnikinnik give it a
rather northern aspect while the prickly pear cactus and false worm-
wood suggest the cactus and the related sage bush of the western plains.
Hosts of water-loving plants grow here and prairie-like expanses dis-

Peta NCO SALUD U'B-O N° S.0:'CLE:T Y 9

play coreopsis, and hee

turk’s - cap and : ; a
Philadelphia lilies » Rai ak =:
in abundance and : SS eR.

prairie orchids,
such as calopogon
and the rose po-
ronia. The royal
term and other
members of thee
fern family flour- =
: Photo by Jesse L. Smith
Pan et e,>a nd : : nee ‘ ‘
here and there are “COVERED WITH MATS OF THE TRAILING JUNIPER
helds that display

fringed gentians and purple gerardias in season. Black oaks grow on
the higher ridges and shrubs such as ceanothus, St. John’s-wort, poten-
tilla, sand cherry, high-bush cranberry, and red osier dogwood are
abundant.

A great variety of bird life resorts to this region but owing to the
activities of persons with firearms the actual summer residents prob-
ably represent a very small proportion of the bird life that would main-
tain itself here if the area were protected. In winter northern visitors
are likely to appear here first—the Snow Bunting, the Longspur, the
Pine Siskin, the Redpoll, the Pine and the Evening Grosbeak, the
Crossbill, etc. The more conspicuous summer residents include the
prairie birds such as the Meadowlark and Bobolink, the Red-winged
Blackbird, the Marsh Wren, the Yellow Warbler, Maryland Yellow-
throat, shore birds such as the Belted Piping Plover and Rails,
Grebes, etc.

It remains to refer briefly to two other areas in Lake County that
have been suggested for preservation. The one to include the loop
in the Fox River valley suggests the use that might well be made of the
river itself. From recreation centers here canoe trips up and down this
charming valley would easily be made. The other proposed area, that
of Grass Lake and its environs, also sug-
gests recreational activities on or about the
water. This lake is a little more than two
miles long and a mile or more wide. From
the accompanying map-it will be seen that
Fox River flows into the lake midway of
the western shore and that it emerges
through a broad channel at the south end of
the lake. The lake is saucer-like in its shal-
lowness and the gentle current through it
has permitted rich silt to accumulate and
furnish anchorage for the roots of plants
that flourish in the ooze. Tall grasses flour-
Se es ee as the wild ah ae most
: _ beautiful of all the grasses, and here is a
‘OF THE AMERICAN Lonus splendid colony of the American lotus or

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Photo by Jesse L. Smith

IN THE GRASS LAKE COUNTRY

water chinquapin. These lotus beds attract hundreds of visitors during
August when the blossoms are open. A few years ago the plants
occupied more than half of the area of the lake. There were literally
millions of blossoms in sight at one time. Later on the extent of the
colony was greatly reduced by natural causes, these including probably
the upheaval of roots by the ice when a severe winter found an unusu-
ally low water level in the lake, but the area occupied is again increasing.

The fame of the lotus beds in Grass Lake is equalled by its fame
as a place to shoot water fowl. As a possible sanctuary for bird life
the whole region appeals greatly to all interested in birds. With its
abundant aquatic plant and animal life and the fine nesting sites along
its marshy fringes and on its reedy islets it could support an immense
summer population of bird life. A few years of protection would be
sufficient to insure such a population made up largely of species that
now make their way to nesting places far to the north.

Lake County has great opportunities in the way of preserving the
primitive beauty of its landscapes. The progress of the movement
looking to this end will be watched with interest in other counties of
the state.

HARBINGERS OF SPRING
By W. C. Harris

(BLUEBIRD’S WARBLE) (Rosin AT DAY-BREAK)
Truly, surely, truly, Cheerily, cheerily, | am here,
Spring is here, Chanting morning warbles clear.
This new year. Bring good cheer, cheer, cheer.
Fragrance rare, Cheerily—cheerup,

In the air, Cheerily—cheerup,
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Up, up, up!
Day is here—here, here!
Up, up!

(Brown THRASHER’S SONG OF VICTORY )

Look, look! See me! Listen to me!
Look, look! Look at me!

High up in the tree, T am useful,

I won victory! Don’t deny it!

Sun is shining, sun is shining; My nest is ready,

I am happy, I am happy. I must work!

Peet nots a2UDUBON SOCTETY 11

Photo by J. Evelyn Ridgway

My Winter Guests

For, lo, the winter is past, the rain (in this case snow) is gone: The
flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come,
and the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land.

Spring is, indeed, now well advanced and seems the more glorious
by contrast with a winter of unprecedented duration and_ severity.
The grass is brilliantly green, and the lawn-mower has twice gone over
our place; many shrubs and trees are putting forth their new foliage,
pears and other fruit trees in bloom and many birds nesting. Doves
have been hovering their eggs for a week or more. Blue birds are set-
ting, and Robins, Blue Jays, Brown Thrashers, Cardinals, Chickadees,
Tufties, Downy, and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Flicker and Carolina
and Bewick’s Wrens, either have nests or are building. (A Robin was
seen with its mouth full of building material on March 15.)

Snow covered the ground continuously from December 8 to about
February 9, the snowfall for January alone being 2314 inches. There
were fifteen days in January when the mercury fell to or below zero,
and twice it reached 18 degrees below.

I might continue to write of the miracle of spring, but at this time
I am going to tell of my experience in feeding the birds during the past
winter.

I have always, as long as I can remember, had bird guests, but never
in such large numbers. Food was bought in quantity and of various
kinds as there were birds of many different tastes to cater to. The list
includes Juncos, Cardinals, Flickers, Hairy (both Northern and
Southern) and Downy (ditto) Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nut-
hatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee,
Mocking Bird, Blue Jay, Carolina Wren, Tree Sparrow, White-
throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Field Sparrow and
Brown Creeper. At times, the hawks were attracted by the numerous

12 Tn Ek ASU-D UB ON BU Lhe en

birds, those seen being Cooper’s,
Sharp-shinned, Sparrow Hawk and
Red-shouldered Hawk. The last,
however, did not molest the birds,
though all the others did.

The daily menu consisted of
chick feed, sunflower seed, and a
mixture of cracked corn, hemp
seed and oats, together with suet,
nuts and raisins; the latter being
the corinth raisin, or so-called dried
currants, six pounds costing fifty
cents. I still have:a few Tenauaiime
mixed grains were scattered broad-
cast, sunflower seeds in special feed-
ing boxes for the Cardinals who preferred those to the mixed grains;
the chick feed was eaten by Juncos, White-throats and other sparrows.
The nuts were relished by Tufted Titmice and Chickadees. Raisins were
(and still are) enjoyed by the Mocking Bird exclusively. Suet at-
tracted the Woodpecker family.

All the birds were very fond of nuts; as I have only the two nut
boxes, my “Tufties” and Chickadees, for whom the nuts were specially
intended, were often crowded out by the little Juncos who were very
persistent in appropriating the boxes. It was amusing to see one Tufted
Titmouse bar the way to his particular nut box, and I was glad to see
him assert himself.

The nut boxes are close to the dining room windows, one, in fact is
secured on the side of one window, the other is on a post, two feet
from the windows; we often stand very near the windows, the birds
not objecting to our presence in the least; the whole “bird dining
room” is within a radius of twelve or fifteen feet of our dining room
windows. It was wonderful to hear the Cardinals, Mocking Bird and
Carolina Wren singing their very best after a hearty breakfast, when
the thermometer registered near zero, with deep snow covering the
landscape.

Mr. Ridgway has just quoted to me from his diary the exact date
and time of one the “grand operas’: January 21, at 7:45 A. M.; ther-
mometer registering 1 degree above zero.

We felt well repaid for all the work of keeping “open house.”

During the coldest weather I have counted as many as seventeen
Cardinals feeding at one time, including a nearly equal number of
males and females; it was a most lovely sight. I was much surprised
to see my “‘Tufties” and Chickadees bathing the latter part of February
when it was 33 degrees above zero; they seemed to enjoy it as much
as they do in mid-summer. Several birds which are ordinarily with us
all winter this year disappeared during the coldest part of the season.
They are the Robin, Grackle, Meadowlark, Dove, Killdeer, Blue Bird
and Chewink. Two doves came for two consecutive days during the
coldest weather, but then dissappeared.

When the weather moderated early in February, all these species
returned. Robins came February 9, Killdeers February 13.

Wa
Photo by J. Evelyn Ridgway

or nN OAs AUDUBON: SOCIETY 13

As I write (March 27) Bewick’s Wren is building in a box on the
kitchen porch. When the House Wren comes (he is due by the middle
of April) Bewick’s will have to vacate, and take to the woods.

The Mocking Bird divides his time between singing and chasing
Robins clear off the place, especially if he sees one eating raisins,
which Robins like, too; he evidently considers this place his own special
domain. I have put raisins at the base of the elm on the east side of
the house, and some under a maple on the west side, and as Mr.
Mocker cannot be in two places at one time, the robins do succeed
in eluding him occasionally.

It does my heart good to see some (in fact a majority) of the birds
feeding in harmony; have seen all the varieties of woodpeckers men-
tioned, Cardinals, Juncos, and Mocking Bird feeding at the base of the
elm tree at one time; yesterday I was within ten feet of the elm, and
the following birds were seen on the trunk or at the base: Tufted Tit-
mice (a pair), Chickadee, Chipping Sparrow (singing), Blue Birds
(a pair), Mocking Bird and little Downy.

That elm, a magnificent giant of its kind, is my shrine; I have an
intimate acquaintance with it. It could have some exceedingly interest-
ing things to tell about bird life, if it was endowed with speech. We had
for a while a covey of 22 Quail which we fed every day. They found
shelter in a brush pile in our little piece of woodland; the number

finally grew smaller until all disappeared, probably killed unlawfully
by some hunter.

It may surprise some bird lovers to know that I provide nuts and
suet for the birds the whole year; it keeps the birds near the house
and they become very tame. Quite a number of the birds which came
during the winter are our permanent guests. Besides thirty odd nesting
boxes on this place, it is most gratifying to see the large number of
nests built in the trees and shrubbery, when the leaves fall in the
Autumn. It delights me to see so many birds bring their entire young
families to feed at the nut boxes. When it happens that we have been
away during the greater part of the day, the food supply becomes ex-
hausted long before our return—no doubt by the help of the ever-
watchful House Sparrow. On such
occasions, when we return in the late
afternoon Tufties and Chickadees are
always watching and waiting for us,
in fact meet us at the gate, and follow
us to the house, expressing in unmis-
takable language their pleasure at our
return, and at the same time their
eagerness to be fed.

I feel that we have _ probably
saved the lives of many birds, which
would have perished from hunger
Par © during the period of deep snow and
— oa 6 St ~CtsCbtttte ccd had wee not fed them; and
Photo by J. Evelyn Ridgway that preservation of bird life is a

14 TH EA UID U Bro UN B UsLzL. Ete Ne
very important part of food conservation which has been fully demon-
strated on our own place, where, as yet, no spraying has been neces-
sary. Currant worms and other insect pests do not more than get
started than they are discovered by the birds and promptly exter-
minated.

J. Evetyn (Mrs. Ropert) Ripcway, Olney.

Conservation in Iowa

A copy of the lowa Fish and Game Laws sent out by Warden
Hinshaw contains the text of a very interesting law which may prove
suggestive for Illinois. Section I of the Act entitled, “Public State
Parks and Their Beautification,’ reads as follows: ‘“‘The State fish
and game warden, by and with the written consent of the executive
council, is hereby authorized to establish public parks in any county of
the State, upon the shores of lakes, streams or other waters of the
State, or at any other places which have by reason of their location
become historic or which are of scientific interest, or by reason of
their natural scenic beauty or location become adapted therefor, and
said fish and game warden, under the supervision of the said executive
council, is hereby authorized to improve and beautify such parks.
When so established they shall be made accessible from the public
highways, and in order to establish such parks said executive council
shall have the power to purchase or condemn lands for such purposes
and, to purchase and condemn lands for said highway purposes.

Section 9 of the same Act provides that the executive council of
the state shall designate three persons who, with the curator of the
historical department, shall constitute a board of conservation. This
board is to investigate places in lowa valuable as objects of natural
history or for forest reserves and shall consider such problems as
maintaining and preserving animal and bird life in the state, etc. Other
provisions in the Act relate to the acceptance on the part of the state
of gifts of land for park purposes or of donations for enlarging such
areas. It also provides that the sum of $50,000 a year shall be expended
for such purposes. While it is probable that the present measure hardly
makes adequate provision for any extensive undertakings, it is a very
valuable forward movement and can not fail to prepare public interest
that will support far-reaching undertakings.

Editorial Note

This paragraph, the last to be set
in type for this number of the Bulletin;
must suffice for some general refer-
ences. First, there is the disappointing
fact that the House of Representatives
has not yet passed the Enabling Act to
put into effect the Migratory Bird
Treaty with Canada. The Act passed
the Senate ten months ago! And this
is a treaty with one of our allies! Our
Illinois delegation is believed to favor
the Act. If certain interests do not
prevent its consideration, which has

been promised for early in June, there
will be a good chance for Illinois con-—
gressmen to help in a great national
service.

Another reference is to the fact that
this Spring Bulletin celebrates with
good will the scenic virtues of Lake
County. A year ago it was the eastern
/Ozarks of Illinois. A following num-
ber is to have a description of the
Big Grassy Lake Country in south-
western Illinois. Material of this sort
the Publication Committee takes pleas-
ure in presenting.

Poa tn Ors AUDUBON SO CIETY 15

Bird Migration and the Weather

Just as the daily constitutional may become far more interesting by
acquiring a knowledge of the birds and making it a daily bird trip, so
the daily bird trip may become more interesting by having some definite
problem which requires for its solution the records of the daily trips.
Such a problem is involved when one attempts to determine what re-
lation there may be between bird migration activities and the weather.
Anyone so situated that he can make such daily trips may expect some
degree of success in attempting the solution of the problem for him-
self. Records should be made that show as complete a list as possible
of all the kinds of birds seen and an approximately accurate record of
the numbers of each of such species as are migratory. The more com-
plete the records, and the more accurate the correspondence between
the records of ‘first seen” and the actual first arrivals, the more con-
sistent will be the results obtained when one compares the weather
conditions that prevail at the times of great migration activity. It is
evident that the results would be confusing if there were actually ten
new arrivals in one night and only five of them were recorded the next
day and the others a day or two later, when very different weather con-
ditions might prevail. Cooperative effort in such a study has obvious
advantages. The combined results of several workers are quite sure
to be more complete than those of any one of them.

An outline is here given of some of the results obtained from a
study of this kind, made in the vicinity of the University of Illinois dur-
ing the Spring migration periods of the years 1903-1917. The records
used are the combined results of the observations of various persons
and include the records of the classes in ornithology, additional records
of the instructors, and of other competent observers in the community.
The appearance of species not previously reported for the season is
taken as an evidence of migration, and the records usually show that the
appearance of any considerable number of these “‘firsts” at one time has
been accompanied by extensive movements among certain other migra-
tory species previously recorded.

The average Spring migration season for the fifteen years has had
89 days, and the average number of “firsts” considered has been 119;
but theses have been so bunched that when we select for a season the
records which show the greatest number of “firsts,” we find that, on
the average, 61 of them have been recorded on 9 days. The extremes
were in the season of 1907 when it took 14 days to record one half of
the “firsts,” and in 1912 when one half of them were bunched in 5 days.
This lack of uniformity in distribution is still more apparent when we
examine the records of the last 30 days of each season, during which
three fifths of all the arrivals make their appearance. On the average,
73 “firsts” are recorded in these 30 days and 39 of them are bunched
on 4 or 5 days. Extremes occurred in 1915 in which it took 8 days to
record one half of the “firsts” of the last 30 days, and in the years
1909 and 1916 in each of which it took but 2 days. One half of all the
“firsts” of those 15 seasons of 30 days each were recorded on a total of

16 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

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Peet NODS AUDUBON SOCIETY 17

68 days, and we have now to examine the weather conditions which
prevailed on those days.

A series of weather maps issued at Washington, D. C., which ap-
peared on Sundays and holidays, has been used for the comparison,
and an examination shows that on 59 of those days there were ap-
proaching areas of low pressure, with south winds which had been
effective during the preceding night. On 5 days there were southerly
winds, or had been at points further south in the state during the pre-
ceding night, although an approaching “low” was not well defined.
On 3 days the winds were light and either due East or West. On one
night, April 30, 1907, there was a rather light northerly wind and yet
5 “firsts” were recorded on the morning of May Ist.

Since an examination of the records for these 68 days shows that
they also include the heaviest of the bulk movements of many species,
as well as the “firsts” of others, there seems ample justification for the
statement that there has been a high degree of correlation between the
flights of night migrants and the meteorological conditions involved in
the near approach from the West, of an area of low barometric pres-
sure with the accompanying rise in temperature and southerly winds.
The determination of the relative importance of temperature and wind
direction is yet to be made.

Weather maps are reproduced of two dates on which our records
show that particularly heavy movements took place during the pre-
ceding nights. On April 29, 1909, over 100 species were recorded, of
which 32 were “firsts.” On May 7, 1916, there were 14 “firsts” and
the total number of species again exceeded 100. Of these, 95 species
were seen by the writer. FRANK SmituH, Urbana.

Lecture Course of IJlinois Audubon Society

The second spring lecture course of the Illinois Audubon Society
was held at Central Music Hall, Chicago, at 2:30 on the Saturday after-
noons of March 9, 16, 23 and 30. The first lecturer was Ernest Harold
Baynes of Meriden, N. H., his subject being “Birds in the Nesting
Season.” Norman McClintock of Pittsburg gave the second lecture
entitled, “American Birds and Animals in Motion Pictures.” The
third lecture was by Edward Howe Forbush of Boston, Mass.. and
entitled, “How Birds Help Us to Win the War.” A lecture by Louis
Agassiz Fuertes of Cornell Heights, Ithaca, N. Y., entitled, “Birds
and Their Conservation,” concluded the series. These lectures con-
stituted an impressive symposium on the value of bird life with the
last lecture as the fitting climax of the series. Even more strongly
than last year the directors of the Illinois Audubon Society felt that
the effort spent in promoting these lectures and the financial sacrifice
involved were exceedingly worth while. The significance of these
lectures was recognized by the press of the city and the audiences were
in a peculiar sense representative people who will carry the message
of the lecturers far afield. The directors hope to arrange a schedule
so that another year other sections of sufficient. population in Illinois
may share with it the series of lectures.

18 THE AU; Deu. BORN’ (Br Le iN

Criticising the Cowbird
(Copied from Mr. T. E. Musselman’s notebook. )

April 20. A pair of house wrens have taken possession of the south
compartment of my hanging barrel.

April 22. The pair of robins which have a nest in the upper
branches of the pear tree, object to the wrens in the hanging box
below. Often when one of the wrens is struggling to get a long stick
thru the entrance hole, the robins fly down and frustrate the effort, the
wren lodging itself in a nearby lilac bush where he scolds and no doubt
swears and says some very caustic things about his neighbors up above.

May 1. Believe the wrens have finished building.

May 2. It rained last night. Many new migrants here. I dug in
the garden and my pair of robins enjoyed a feast of earth worms. I
took several worms and hung them on the step before the wrens’ nest.
The wrens did not like the intrusion, and the male bird seized the
morsels and flew to a neighboring elm tree where he dropped them. .

May 4. Robins have a full set of eggs. Believe the female wren
also has started laying.

May 6. I heard the wrens complaining and chattering. Fearing a
cat, I hurried onto the back porch with my rifle, but could see no reason
for the commotion. Suddenly the mother robin left her nest up in the
pear tree and flew headlong toward a clump of long grass at the base of
the syringa bush. A female cowbird had been hiding there and flew
away with the robin in hot pursuit. Again the wrens demonstrated
their ability to say mean things—evidently this time about the cowbird.

May 8. Heard the wrens talking spiritedly. JI took up my station
on the porch but could not see anything. Quiet was finally restored,
and the wrens began their busy duties. Both disappeared in a neigh-
boring yard and I also noticed that the robins were not on guard.

From the base of the syringa crawled forth a sneak—a female cow-
bird. She took half a dozen steps
and then stopped. She peered up-
ward, then suddenly crouched by a
leaf, and without motion she waited.
One wren busily flew to the box,
then was gone. Closer and closer
crawled the “sneak.” Again she
squatted and again she was unseen.
When the wrens were gone she rose
and stretched herself in all direc-
tions to see that the way was clear.
Again she squatted and waited. Im-
mediately upon the disappearance
of the wren she flew to the box and
in went the dirty blackish head but
SE OLING (GOW LISD TNE ee Lo gle in the box is just the size

NEST of a quarter so she could not get in.

iit Se AU DUB ONS O CTE TY 19

A sudden flash thru the air startled me and one of the robins
pounced pell-mell on the cowbird whose head was inside the entrance of
the wrens’ house. The shock and wrench upon the cowbird’s neck
must have been terrible for she escaped with difficulty and dropped
clumsily in the high grass in Mr. Blank’s yard.

I cannot help thinking that this bird planned her invasion with the
care of a safeblower and her sneaking actions showed she appreciated
she was doing wrong.

May 13. Tramped twenty-three miles today, out past the Old
Stone Bridge. In the creek above Dyer Springs I scared a mother
towhee off her nest. She played cripple, but I quickly found the nest
slightly covered with an arch of grass. There were three native fresh
eggs and one cowbird egg. Discovered a cardinal red bird nest near
the cress beds in a clump of buckbrush with one native egg, two cow-
bird eggs. Found a cardinal nest in a small juniper tree. A solitary
cowbird nearly grown was the only occupant of the nest. Found a
deserted phoebe’s nest at the cliff at Pape’s mill with one cowbird egg
init. Found one cardinal nest in buckbrush on top of Buzzards’ Roost
cliff with three native eggs and one cowbird. Found one deserted nest
of a chipping sparrow in a juniper tree with a solitary cowbird egg.
Flushed a mother field sparrow from her nest in the lowly fork of a
tiny sassafras tree. She acted like a cripple. Upon looking at the
nest, | found two native eggs and a cowbird egg.

Summary. <Altho I do not collect eggs or nests, yet upon my Sun-
day tramps I discover many nests and take many pictures. On this
particular day I found more than my average quota of nests but with-
out exception they contained the eggs of the cowbird. In all, there
were nine native and seven cowbird eggs. This is a dangerous per-
centage. Scarcely ever do I find a cardinal’s nest without at least one
parasitic egg, while it is also a very common‘occurrence to find this
spotted egg in the nest of the field and chipping sparrow. I always
remove the cowbird’s egg when I find it. Generally, I have found,
it does not interfere with the continuance of incubation to remove this
egg. When it does, I feel that it is better for the parents to desert
and build another nest than to have them act as foster parents for the
young cowbird which crowds out and starves the rightful offspring.

Commending the Cat Circular

Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, secretary of The National Association of
Audubon Societies, New York, in a letter addressed to Mr. Langdon
on May 23, says of the Maywood Bird Club’s cat circular:

“Thank you for your letter and the broadside on the cat.
I have read this and it seems to me it is a most convincing pub-
lication. JI was exceedingly pleased to find the moderation
which runs through it all, for there are many lovers of cats in
the country, and it is always well in dealing with this subject
not to offend them unnecessarily. This I think you have done
admirably, and I hope it may be given wide circulation.”

20 I nE AUDUBON BULL EePIN

Starved Rock Park and the Concessionaries

The Board of Directors of the Friends of Our Native Landscape,
of which organization Jens Jensen is President, has addressed a memo-
randum and petition relating to Starved Rock State Park to the Depart-
ment of Public Works and Buildings of Illinois the purport of which
should attract the attention of citizens of Illinois in general. The peti-
tion is signed by Spencer Ewing of Bloomington, J. H. Austin of Oak
Park, Everett L. Millard of Highland Park, Genevra M. Pierce of
Glencoe, Lena McCauley, Eileen Ahern, Jens Jensen, George Hooker
and others of Chicago, all known in their respective localities for their
interest in the conservation of all that is best in our natural resources.

The memorandum characterizes as “unfortunate” certain conditions
existing at Starved Rock Park said to be due to the practice of giving
out concessions by the State to various forms of entertainment not in
keeping with the surroundings nor in harmony with the purpose for
which the Park was created by the State. It appears that from. the
establishment of the Park to the present time funds for its maintenance
have been obtained largely from fees paid by the concessionaires. This
policy the petitioners above named strongly deprecate and they urge
that as soon as financial arrangements can be made the State operate
every form of service directly. At present it seems that the lessee of
the hotel is the most important factor in the situation at the Park and
that he is endeavoring to “develop” the Park as a summer resort of
a type that can be created near almost any city of some size. An
unsightly dancing pavilion has been set up where it obstructs the view
across the flood plain to the river from the trail leading towards
French Canyon. Refreshment stands and the usual sign boards are
by no means inconspicuous. Rows of bath houses have been set up
about an artificial pond back of the hotel and deep wells have been
driven to furnish mineral water for the “baths.’’ The Park is adver-
tised much after the fashion of amusement parks elsewhere. Sign
boards up and down the Illinois Valley announce the “Grand Spring
Opening of Starved Rock State Park. Finest dancing pavilion in
iiiimois; ete: ete: :

In contrast with this rather cheap program of commercial exploita-
tion, the petitioners urge a policy of keeping the Park in its original
condition, so far as possible for utility, so that nothing divert attention
from its characteristic and distinctive beauty or from the historic
interest which centers about this singularly attractive region. It is
urged that in suitable areas sites be set apart for camps, that camping
facilities be provided, and the public encouraged to make use of them.
It would be quite in character for tepees to dot the wooded uplands
back from and overlooking the river and the gleam of camp fires at
night time would awaken interest in stories of the romantic past.

The affairs of Starved Rock State Park had until a little over a
year ago been administered by the State Park Commission consisting
of three members. The last printed report of this Commission dates
back to 1913. No formal report of its activities since then seems to be
available. When the new civil administrative code went into effect

reer oris AUDUBON SOCIETY 21

the Commission passed out of existence and the state parks came under
the control of the Department of Public Works and Buildings. The
Acting Director of this Department is Thomas G. Vennum and Frank
D. Lowman is Superintendent of Parks. Governor Lowden appointed
a Board of Parks and Buildings Advisors consisting of Charles L.
Hutchinson, N. Max Dunning, Frank E. Davidson, Julius W. Hegeler,
and S. R. Lewis. A board composed of men of this type can but
inspire confidence in its work. Acting Director Vennum has made an
excellent record for his Department during his brief control of affairs.
It is Mr. Vennum and the Advisory Board that will pass upon the
petition presented by the Friends of Our Native Landscape. They
have before them as a legacy from the former State Park Commission
a number of contracts with concessionaires purporting to commit the
state to the maintenance of concessions as far in the future as 1925.
Offhand one would venture the opinion that no appointive commission
has the power to determine policies beyond the legislative term that
gave it existence. The decision of the Director and his advisers in
this matter will be awaited with much interest.

A Confession

I’ve been down to the city, and I’ve seen the ’lectric lights,
The twenty-story buildin’s an’ the other stunning sights;
I’ve seen the trolley cars a-rushin’ madly down the street,

An’ all the place a-lookin’ like a fairy land complete.

But I’d rather see the big trees that’s a growin’ up to home,
An’ watch the stars a-twinklin’ in the blue an’ lofty dome;
An’ I’d rather hear the wind that goes a singin’ past the door,
Then the traffic of the city, with its bustle an’ its roar.

I reckon I’m peculiar an’ my tastes is kind o’ low;

But what’s the use denyin’ things that certainly is so?

I went up to a concert an’ I heard the music there;

It sounded like angelic harps a floatin’ through the air,

Yet spite of all its glory an’ the gladness an’ acclaim,

If I stopped to think a minute, I was home-sick jes’ the same;
An’ I couldn’t help confessin’, though it seems a curious thing,
That I’d rathet hear a robin sweetly pipin’ in the spring.

22, THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

1918 Invasion of Central Illinois by the Snowy Owl :

When very young, I was always fascinated by a fine specimen of
a Snowy Owl which sat perched on a bookcase in one of the Quincy law
offices.

The naturalist who mounted it kindly answered my many questions
about it and one thought maintained itself in my mind. He said that
every fifteen or twenty years this bird deserted its Arctic haunts and
came South. He stimulated my interest by saying that no doubt I
should see the bird a number of times if I were to keep up my interest
in ornithology.

Several years after this inquiry, in the year 1905, one of my friends
who was duck hunting reported to me that he had seen two of these
Snowy Owls. Others were reported that season. However, not until
this 1918 season have I come in direct contact with this Arctic visitor.

Imagine my surprise one day in December at seeing a young street
urchin, with his face apparently glued to the outside of a store window,
fall back as if hurt. As I approached, I found a live Snowy Ow! within.
It was on a perch and as the lad had been teasing it, it made a counter-
attack and dashed at the boy who was only saved injury by the pres-
ence of the window glass. The ferocity of the captive quickly indicated
why the lad had retreated. Upon inquiry, I found that the Owl had
been wounded by a farmer over in Missouri, who brought it over to
Quincy for inspection. |

The appearance of this one owl made me feel certain that others
were or would be here. No doubt the terrifically cold winter en-
couraged the general flight to our warmer clime. In January, I read
of a farmer north of town who had shot a huge white owl. The
wounded bird looked so innocent that the man reached carelessly to
lift it. Like a steel trap, the bird seized his wrist and sank its sharp
talons into the flesh being stopped by the wrist bone. A companion killed
the bird before its grip could be released.

My next acquaintance with the owl lay in the receipt of several
pictures which illustrate this article. They were taken by Professor
Frank Smith and Mr. Walter Goelitz of the University of Illinois.
I shall not go into any great detail concerning this capture as I hope
Professor Smith will issue a university pamphlet giving minute detail
of his valuable experiences with this bird.

Professor Smith reports that in 1905 (which is the same year these
owls were seen and killed by hunters in Quincy) that the bird was
recorded as follows in Champaign, Urbana and vicinity: Nov. 18, 1905,
one male, four miles S. W. Champaign; Nov. 23, 1905, one female near
Danville; Dec. 1, 1905, one female on East Oregon St., Urbana; Dec.
1905, near St. Joseph, Michigan, one male was reported.

Since that time until 1918 no specimen has been recorded, I believe,
in or along the 40th degree in [llinois.,

In the March edition of Guide to Nature, a magazine published in
Sound Beach, Connecticut, is an article from an eastern source in which
an observer records seeing crows chasing “a huge white hawk or owl.”

Pata woos “AU DU BON: S O'C LE TY 23

I believe he determined
it a hawk because of the
fact that it was hunting
in the day time. To me
this suggests the pres-
ence of the Snowy Owl
in the East, as this owl
hunts throughout the
day as do the hawks.
The article mentioned
the great size of the bird.
This together with the
known enmity of the
crow for all owls leads
me to believe it a Snowy
Ow] rather than a hawk.
This is not an authentic
record, but suggests a
wide distribution of the
visitor, if such it chanced
£0". be.

What I wish to say
of the local habits of the
migrant, has been ob-
tained from hunters and
farmers who have seen
it hunting, ‘and have
killed specimens, thus making authentic the identification of the bird.

Mr. J. P. Behrensmeyer reports killing two in 1905. Both were
found near water in the Mississippi bottom lands above Quincy. One
was flushed from the grass and slashes where it had alighted, evidently
to eat its prey or to watch for game. The other was perched on a small
stump where he could observe the surrounding ground while waiting
for unsuspecting mice or rabbits. Both were hunting in the day time.

Another hunter reports flushing a Snowy Owl which he did not
shoot. It rose from a willow stump at the edge of an ice covered pond.
This was in early February 1906. Its flight was very rapid, steady and
quiet. He commented particularly on the speed with which it travelled.
It resembled the snowy surroundings so much that he did not notice the
bird until it rose in flight.

Nuttall in his Ornithology of Eastern North America says, that
this owl inhabits both continents being common in Ireland, Greenland
and Hudson Bay, where its white plumage makes it almost indiscerna-
ble in the white surroundings. It is known to. eat fish and carrion as
well as grouse and rabbits. ,

Wheelright in his Spring and Summer in Lapland says, that it lives
and nests within the arctic circle. The eggs (four in number) are white,
2% inches in length and 134 inches in breadth and are deposited in
nests made of reindeer moss.

Little more is known of its nesting habits. Its eggs are collected
and are considered very delicate by the native Laplanders. Authors

Photo by G. A. Eldredge

24 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

agree in writing of the
Snowy Owl’s actions, say-
ing that it hunts by day
and has a very swift flight,
being able to overtake
grouse and even wild
ducks, which together
with rabbits afford its
principal diet.

In the Northern States,
some authors recognize
the Snowy Owl as a
yearly visitor where it
appears irregularly in
small numbers. However
this far South we regard
its appearance as an
invasion or migration,
and we herald it as un-
usual.

Not since 1905-06 have we seen it. In 1918, after twelve long
years, we again know it has been here largely because ci a few
mounted specimens, some very fine pictures and the records of a few
faithful students. I hope our “Snowy Friend” will come again and
that when next he comes that he may be greeted with the training
of field glasses on his wonderful plumage and not with belching
pump guns which destroy his greatest beauty—life.

T. E. MussELMAN, Quincy.

i
Photo by G. A. Eldredge

A Snowy Owl in Captivity

A Snowy Owl came into the possession of the writer, November
30, 1917. It had been slightly wounded and captured, about twelve
miles south of Urbana, Illinois. The opportunity for securing photo-
graphs and learning something of its characteristics seemed unusual
enough to warrant the trouble required in caring for it for a short
time. The bird has proven to be so unexpectedly gentle in disposition,
and easily cared for, that, after four months of ownership and com-
panionship, the idea of converting it into a museum specimen is enter-
tained with great reluctance. Kidneys from the butcher shop constitute
the favorite food and if a sufficient amount for a meal is given in shape
so that it can be bolted whole, it is disposed of in that way; otherwise
it is torn to pieces in the ordinary fashion. A hunger strike greets
every effort to substitute liver for the accustomed ration. An English
Sparrow was disdained, but mice are bolted whole without any attempt
at orientation, regardless of the way in which they happen to be seized.

The gentleness of the bird can be judged from the photograph, and,
aside from a fresh piece of kidney nothing seems to please it more than
posing for a camera. The first photographs were made outdoors on a
bright, cold December day, soon after its capture, but subsequent to the
recovery from its injury. They show the strong contrast between the

Pera NOs AUDUBON, SOCIET'Y 25

actual behavior and that which
was anticipated by the owner,
whose memories of encounters
with asavage Horned Owl and
obstinate specimens of other
owl species, had led him to
protect his hands with a par-
ticularly invulnerable outfit.
The actual behavior is well
illustrated by the photograph
which shows the bird sitting
peacefully on the bare hand of
Mr. Goelitz, who participated
in the photographing activities.
Friend Owl seems not only to
tolerate, but actually to enjoy
human companionship, and, if
brought up to the sitting room
after its evening meal, will sit
on its perch by the hour with- G2 3S
out making any disturbance, Photo by G. A. Eldredge
although entirely unrestrained.
FRANK SMi1TH, Urbana.

The Snowy Owl] in IlIlinois

A iimited number of Snowy Owls probably occur in Illinois every
winter, but unusual incursions visit us only at irregular periods. We
used to think that very severe cold was the cause of large southern
migrations, but it is now generally conceded that the scarcity of food
is the more logical cause. In 1905 they were abundant in the Northern
counties of Illinois, the earliest record being Oct. 317, and by December
Oh, I had examined twenty-eight specimens received by two taxi-
dermists in Chicago, principally from Illinois. Later investigation
brought records as far south as Albion, Ill., and St. Louis, Mo.
The past winter of 1917-18 these beautiful birds have again been
quite abundant. While I have not made any extended investiga-
tion over this section of country, I have known of several received
by Chicago taxidermists, and an unusual flight has been reported from
lowa. Another large flight of Goshawks has been reported from
different states, and Great Horned Owls have been very abundant.

One taxidermist in Toronto has received about forty specimens.
cauk Vol. XXIII: 1906, P. 101.
*Auk Vol. XXIII, 1906, P. 298.

RUTHVEN DEANE.

26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Rare Birds in the Chicago Region

During the last year or two some noteworthy additions to the list of
birds found in the Chicago area have been made, mostly by Mr. H. L.
Stoddard of Harris’ Public School Extension of Field Museum, who
has turned his attention primarily to that most interesting part within
our area, the dune region in northwestern Indiana. The following
notes relate to the new list:

Horned Grebe, seen on April 3rd and 15th, 1916, at Millers, Ind.

A Long-Tailed Jaeger, a fine male, was seen Sept. 21, 1915, at Dune
Park, Ind. It turns out, on close observation, that Caspian and
Forster's Terns are common on Lake Michigan at certain times.

A specimen of the Roseate Tern was seen between Millers and Dune
Park, Aug. 14, 1916. This seems to.be the first clear record for the
Great Lakes.

On October 21st a flock of 40 Blue Geese and six Snow Geese
(species doubtful) was seen on the lake shore off Gary.

From among the swamp birds three Sandhill Cranes were seen near
Dine Pang Apml:7, 1917.

Among the many large and small flocks of shore birds that visit the
shores of Lake Michigan annually in Spring and Fall the following
varieties have lately been seen; the Knot, Baird’s Sandpiper, Buff-
breasted Sandpiper; the last once only, Aug. 30, 1916. Also the
formerly abundant Golden Plover has been seen in various plumages,
and the dapper little Piping Plover still nests in several places on
the beaches.

The thunderous wing whirr of the Ruffed Grouse may still be
heard and the flying bird seen at certain places in the dunes, but
unfortunately its ancient enemy, the Great Horned Owl, is also to be
found right there, nesting not uncommonly.

An immature specimen of the Bald Eagle was seen at Millers
Oct. 15, 1916. Perhaps it wanted to visit the former stronghold of
its ancestors, as this species nested here, years ago. The fierce northern
marauder, the Goshawk, was seen by Mr. Stoddard and the writer
at Mineral Springs, Feb. 17, 1917, carrying a cottontail in his talons.

It has turned out that the rare northern winter visitor, the Evening
Grosbeak, about whose appearances so much is reported of late in
“Bird Lore,” the seeing of which is considered such a rare treat and
privilege by most ornithologists, is a rather regular and almost common
winter resident in certain parts of the dunes region, where it has
been seen, sometimes in flocks of up to 75 individuals from November
to the end of March, and some were seen in Highland Park as late
as May 21, 1917; certainly a late date for these parts!

Also that other more or less eccentric visitant from the north
country, the Redpoll, has been abundant the last winter or two in
the dunes, where even a small flock of the very rare Hoary Redpoll
was seen, Dee, 23.7190:

On March eI wan ounce Tre Toed Woodpecker was seen
at Muillers.

In some ancient lists of birds of the Chicago region the Swainson
Hawk is given as a possible nester here. This is as wide of the truth

oreo se AUDUBON SOCTETY zs

as can be. It does not nest here and is rare even as a migrant. Occa-
sionally, however, many are seen at once, as on last September 28th,
when Mr. K. W. Kahmann saw a flock of fifty or more mingling
their graceful circles of flight in a bewildering way. One was taken
and thus identified. Mr. Kahmann, who gets many hawks, etc., to
mount, states he does not recollect ever having received one of these
voyagers from the Northwest before.

Finally, on last Thanksgiving Day, several hunters secured several
young King Eiders from a flock of several dozen, flying over the lake
off the Municipal Pier. Probably these and similar birds from the
north would be oftener seen if observers were out on the lake during
the stormy days of late fall.

From this it can be seen that we must not be keen and alert in
watching for birds in spring only, but in winter. Any day and any
tree or shrub in winter may bring or harbor a rare visitor from the
far north, and perhaps one not heretofore recorded from here.

C., W. .G. Ererre River Forest:

Bird Conservation in the Sanitary District of Chicago

The Board of Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society at the
regular meeting for march instructed President Schantz to address a
letter to the President and each of the members of the Board of
Trustees of the Sanitary District of Chicago calling attention to the
possibilities for conservation of bird life within certain areas under
the control of the Sanitary District. The map which is reproduced
herewith, together with a copy of the letter, shows the Forest Preserve
District of Cook County and the drainage channels of the Sanitary
District.

The North Shore Channel referred to in the letter begins at Wil-
mette on Lake Michigan. Its right of way, 660 feet wide, extends
to Lawrence Avenue, a distance of eight and one-third miles, where
the channel discharges into the North Branch of the Chicago River.
The District owns a twenty-acre park of “made land” at the Wilmette
end, and it has been computed that along the channel there are 500
acres more of land thus owned available for park purposes. An asso-
ciation of north shore citi-
zens was formed four years
ago to try to in‘uence the
trustees of the District to
create a park of this land
but the movement has not
as yet met with success.

The main channel of
the Drainage Canal extends
from the intersection of
Robey Street and the Chi-
cago River to Joliet, a dis-
tance of 39 miles. The Calu-

a amncl, referred ear GLEN IN THE CALUMET-SAG
to in the letter is under ; REGION ALUMET-SAG

28 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT oF COOK
COUN TY = SCALE OF MILES

~1917-

Z
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DV

> 7
lime =

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Le
LA GRANGE

[Eo

C2Z7Z7Z3 DENOTES AREA RECOMMENDED |
mE 40 DENOTES AREA PURCHASED ' YY & /,

WILLOW BPRinkge
( Y

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a ‘ORLAND }

q
4
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bel
ry

BREIMEN | 4 |

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V7? LocK PORT
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| ORLAND @
|

a : JOLIET ; |
ihe B

=
1 CHICAGO
! HEIGHTS

eon oss ADU BON SOCIETY 29

construction. When completed it will be 16 miles long. On the map
before referred to the shading along this canal is the same as that used
to designate areas within the Forest Preserve District, but the area so
marked is the property of the Sanitary District. The right of way
along this particular channel is in places nearly half a mile wide and
contains many interesting natural features. The letter sent out by Mr.
Schantz to Mr. Sergel, President of the Board of Trustees, follows:

Mr. Charles H. Sergel,
President of the Sanitary District of Chicago,
The Karpen Building, Chicago.

Dear Sir: I am addressing you in behalf of the Directors and members of
the Illinois Audubon Society and with reference to the conservation of wild life
within the territory under the control of the Trustees of the Sanitary District of
Chicago.

The Illinois Audubon Society, as you probably know, has been actively engaged
for twenty years in the effort to interest the public in the conservation of our
native song birds and other birds of economic importance. The Society has
been quick to recognize the significance of parks and of protected woodlands and
meadows as affording shelter and inviting nesting sites for birds, and its officers
and members have been active in the work of incorporating such areas wherever
opportunity offered. It has regarded with great enthusiasm the rapid growth
of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and anticipates for the near
future a very appreciable increase in bird life in the Chicago area because of the
protected watercourses and long stretches of woodland already included within
the boundaries of the District and because of the artificial lakes now being
created in favorable locations in the District.

In view of the fact that the Sanitary District of Chicago controls land, both
wooded and prairie, in direct connection with or adjacent to certain portions of
the Forest Preserve District, it occurs to the members of the Illinois Audubon
Society to call your attention to the opportunity your Honorable Body has to
co-operate with the Forest Preserve District by extending over the waterways
and adjacent areas of the Sanitary District the same rigid restrictions as to
hunting that prevail in the Forest Preserve District. It is a matter of common
knowledge that on holidays and Sundays throughout the year great numbers of
men and boys, with and without dogs, go out from Chicago in every direction
to shoot anything they may find. Wherever there are areas in which the officials
are not especially concerned the laws relating to bird protection are flagrantly
violated. This irresponsible army deploys along the North Shore Channel of
the Sanitary District to the annoyance and even apprehension of people living
near that channel. This same condition of affairs occurs along the other stretches
of waterway in the District and especially along the Sag and Calumet channels
where the forest and marsh land included in the wider area there under the Dis-
trict’s control increases the opportunity for hunting game birds in season and
out of season. The fact that hunters resort so persistently to these areas estab-
lishes the existence of valuable bird life there and it is beyond question that the
number and variety of birds there would greatly increase if molestation by
hunters were to cease.

The trustees of the Sanitary District do not need to be reminded of the eco-
nomic importance of bird life nor of the great service it renders in helping to
protect from the ravages of insects the native woodland and the meadows and
cultivated fields as well. The members of the Illinois Audubon Society believe
that it is within the power of you and your colleagues of the Sanitary District
Board to enforce thoroughly a rule prohibiting hunting or the bearing of firearms
upon the territory within your control. We believe that in so doing you would
perform a great public service and that your action would meet with the peculiar
approval of the taxpayers of the District. Accordingly we respectfully petition
that at the earliest opportunity your Honorable Board pass suitable rules and
regulations and take such other action as is necessary to make safe for bird life
the areas of the drainage channels throughout their entire extent.

Respectfully submitted for and in behalf of the Illinois Audubon Society,

OrpHEus M. ScHANTz, President.

30 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
SPRING AND SUMMER 1918

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park

MISS MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest j

MRS. FREDERIC H. PATTEE
Evanston

MISS CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside

MR. O. M. SCHANTZ
10 So. La Salle St., Chicago

MR. FREDERIC H. PATTEE
626 S. Clark St., Chicago

Editorial

Let us indulge in a bird lover’s
homily appropriate for the spring-sum-
mer season before us and discreetly
arranged about four sub-headings, of
which the first is:

I—The Cat Nuisance. Fight it, and
thus help to make the world safe for
the birds, our allies. Read over care-
fully the Maywood Bird Club’s Cat
Circular, a copy of which was enclosed
in this bulletin before mailing, and post
it up where it can do good to others.
Write for more copies if you can use
them. If you haven’t a copy of For-
bush’s Bulletin entitled “The Domestic
Cat, Bird Killer, etc,” write to the
Massachusetts State Department of
Agriculture for a copy. One is always
in the proper frame of mind to do
one’s bit after reading the Forbush
Bulletin.

II]—Prevent the Increase of the Eng-
lish Sparrow. Farmers’ Bulletin 493,
revised in April, 1917, entitled ‘“The
English Sparrow As a Pest,” will stim-
ulate one to do the English Sparrow a
bit. In this bulletin Mr. Ned Dear-
born says, “The most effective method

of preventing the increaSe of sparrows
in a locality is to destroy their nests at
an interval of ten or twelve days
throughout the breeding season. In a
town of 4,000 inhabitants where this
method of attack was practiced for
four years, 20,000 eggs were destroyed
and the number of sparrows was great-
ly reduced. Occasionally they build
large covered nests in trees, but as a
rule they build open nests in bird |
houses, electric-light hoods, cornices,
waterspouts, and similar places. While
it is often difficult to reach nests by
hand, they can easily be torn down by
means of a long pole having an iron
hook at the tip. By concerted and
continuous efforts to destroy every nest
after the eggs are laid, the number of
English Sparrows in any locality may
be rapidly reduced.” The Bulletin
would like to have reports of con-
certed efforts of this kind for publica-
tion in the next issue.

I11J—Drinking Fountains for Birds
and Bird Baths. This paragraph is not
meant for those who keep cats. Birds
should be discouraged from visiting
premises where cats are harbored. It
is extreme cruelty to lure birds to
one’s premises where destruction of
that sort awaits them. Let us make
a wise choice and let it be bird baths,
and bird companions. Little puddles
of mud, scraps of cloth and string, a
brush pile in the backyard, if possible,
and a nicely graduated bird pool, that
is the type of hospitality to maintain.

IV—It is worthy of comment that
practically every report from those
who are successful in maintaining well
patronized feeding stations for birds
in winter are those who keep up the
practice the year around. Let us keep
the suet supply replenished and dole
out from time to time sunflower seeds
and other choice supplies for the birds
so that our home grounds to the extent
of their natural fitness will be bird
havens indeed. Every home where
there are facilities for bird shelter and
feeding and where persistent warfare
upon the English sparrow and the
prowling cat is carried on will profit
financially and spiritually from that
fact. There will be ample protection
from most of the insect pests. There
will be the quickening and elevating of
human sympathies sure to come from
sustaining intimate relations with the
birds.

anos AD DU BON $0 CILET Y¥ 31

Illinois Game Preserves

Mr. Ralph F. Bradford, Chief Warden, Division of Game and
Fish of the Illinois State Department of Agriculture, has kindly fur-
nished the Bulletin a list of the Illinois game preserves that have been
organized up to the present time. It will be seen by reference to the
list, which is printed below, that these preserves represent the work
of the Game and Fish Commission which went out of existence over a
year ago. It is rather disappointing that the first year’s activities of
the new administration include very little progress in this direction.
This is probably due in part to the readjustment to new conditions
which unfortunately interfere with continuity of policy when political
changes occur. Then there has been delay in the issuing of forms of
leases. It was decided to discontinue the old form but the revision was
not accomplished for several months so that the revised form was
not available until March of the present year. The Skokie Valley
project north of Chicago, which is to include the Exmoor Country
Club Grounds Game Preserve, has been delayed for this reason, but
now further development of the plan is possible. Then, too general
interest in war matters has probably diverted attention from conserva-
tion matters of this sort, but it would seem to be the duty of Audu-
bonites at this time to urge such work as a form of war preparedness.
They will find Warden Bradford interested and ready to co-operate.
The following quotations from a letter from Mr. Bradford are worthy
of careful attention.

He says, “There are many ideal localities throughout the state
which may be set aside as intended by the framers of our game laws
as preserves or sanctuaries in which the birds may be protected to
the extent required for their natural increase against the elements of
destruction which operate against them. Such tracts should be made
permanent, and nature given a chance to restore the coverts needed
for the protection of bird life, their undisturbed nesting, and the
providing of their natural foods. These contemplated preserves should
not be isolated and of small extent, but should be as extensive as
_reasonable circumstances will permit.”

“After their formation as suggested, it should not be left for an
over-burdened and widely scattered force of game wardens to give
them the protection needed against inconsiderate and oftentimes law-
less hunters who kill for the mere sport of killing, but interested
citizens should regard it as a part of their duty to aid in the enforce-
ment of the protective laws by swearing out warrants for the arrest
of violators, and see to it that prosecution is pushed. An active public
influence for the enforcement of law is not without its restraining
power over the lawless element.”

Following is the list of game preserves as filed in the office of the
Chief Warden:
ILLINOIS: GAME PRESERVES

1. Quincy Bay Game and Fish Preserve, November 12, 1913. No
exact limits.

S4 THE AUDUBON BULLE TI

2. Cook County Game Preserve, December 31, 1913. No exact
limits. |

3. Lake County Game Preserve, December 31, 1913. No exact
limits.

4. Kankakee County Game Preserve, December 31, 1913. No
exact limits.

5. Will County Game Preserves, December 31, 1913. No exact
limits.

6. Crane Lake, Mason County Game Preserve, September 23,
1915. Time limit of two years. Made Fish Preserve permanently.

7. Logan County Game Preserve, 1,452 acres, belonging to Mrs.
R. J. Oglesby and H. G. Keays, October 14, 1915.

&. Mooseheart Game Preserve, Kane County, 1,051 acres, belong-
ing to the Royal Order of Moose, October 14, 1915.

9. Sinnissippi Farm Game Preserve, 5,000 acres, Ogle County,
belonging to Frank O. Lowden, October 14, 1915.

10. Lands of Charlotte Gillette Barnes, and Jessie D. Gillette,
Logan County, made a part of the original Oglesby Game Preserve,
December 8, 1915.

11. Lands of Henry Dixon, adjoining Sinnissippi Farm Preserve,
February 9, 1916.

12. Medill McCormick Game Preserve, 800 acres, Ogle County,
May 10, 1916.

13. Eastern Illinois Game Preserve, Symmes Tp., Edgar County,
September 22, 1916.

14. Rainey Game Preserve, neither location nor acres given,
September 22, 1916. ae

15. Funk Game Preserve, McLean County, acres and exact loca-
tion not given, September 22, 1916. :

16. Hamilton County Game Preserve, Mayberry and Broughton
Tps., acres not given, August 11, 1916.

17. Rainey Game Preserve, Greene County, to include the lands
of the Greene County Fair Association.

18. Hazelwood and Lowell Park Game Preserve, State Epileptic
Colony, extent not given, leases forwarded, March 14, 1917.

19. Public Utilities Game Preserve, Dixon, Illinois, leases for-
warded, March 16, 1917.

20. Exmoor Country Club Grounds Game Preserve, Lake County,
resolution adopted, March 20, 1917. Leases to be drawn.

21. Illinois Northern Utilities Co! Game Preserve, created extend-
ing from March 1, 1917, to March 1, 1922.

22. Sudduth Game Preserve, Warden Luther Dodd to confer with
owners. Not completed.

tein be AD DUB ON SS O CIE TY 33

The Story of a Broad-Winged Hawk

(Buteo platypterus plalyteces-Vieill)

One evening I got a telephone call from a man who works with
me at times, stating that he had shot what he supposed was a Chicken
Hawk. That was in the evening very early in October. The next
morning I took my bicycle and beat it up to his place, which lies on the
border of Salt Creek in an ideal place for birds and in a place where
the Indians used to stop in their travels. Billy Meyers told me that
there was a “critter” in the corn-crib for me. The hawk was
crippled in the wing but still very much alive and ready to dig his
talons into anything which would disturb his peace of mind. I felt
a little shy in handling the fellow but | managed to tie his feet to-
gether with my handkerchief and rode home, with him under my
arm. (Can you imagine riding with one hand on the bicycle and
the other hand having my time with the hawk). He behaved pretty
well though, much to my surprise and elation. On arriving home
I put him in a big screen cage which | had used during the summer
months for raising larvae in. Here he thrived pretty well for a time
on water, grasshoppers, frogs, English sparrows, which I captured
at night in their roosting place in the vines. When the weather be-
came severely cold in the shop, I put him in the basement. Once
in awhile I bought a piece of liver, or a scrap of meat of some sort,
or captured an English sparrow or two under the old method of
pulling a string and dropping a screen over them. It was extreme-
ly interesting to watch him pluck the feathers off of the body of the
sparrows. He used his beak just as we mortals use our fingers.
The bird was left loose in the basement after a time and got very
tame and confiding. One time I gave him the carcass of a muskrat,
which he ate very greedily. Water seemed to be the essential thing
in feeding. The bird after a few months became better and would
fly from one end of the basement to the other and became very expert
in flying but here is the most remarkable of all. He became so tame,
sO unsuspicious and confiding that we could pet and stroke him very
readily. When my mother: was
washing he would sit fer hours
on the wash-ringer as the ringer
was turned. I wish I could have
taken a: picture of him in that
amusing position but may it
be sufficient to say that it is no
fish story. When we went up
stairs he would fly over to the
steps and could not seem to
understand where we. disap-
peared to. When. we came
down later he would be wait-
ing and almost always perching
on one leg.. The only note
muich I> heard was a° note
which I would call a peeping
note, very much like the note

34 LHE AUD UE ON, BULLE ran

of a dog when he is whining for something. I secured one picture
outside showing how tame and how attached he had become to me.
He did not fly away until one day early this Spring when the weather
became balmy and his spirit moved him to be going. One of the boys
left the basement door open and he disappeared. He was seen nearby
for a while by my Dad and he informed me that he was capable of
flying easily and correctly. So ended the experience of healing a bird.

I just wish to state that the bird has a lot of asphalt on his tail.
If you should come across him let me know but I presume it will
disappear in time. It would be interesting to see if a bird if kept
in captivity would have the instinct to again journey south in the
migration time.

EDMUND F. HutssBerc, La Grange.

Notes from Lake Forest

My observations are pretty generally limited to what I observe
from my study window; and that that may not seem too narrow a
field, may I say that in just three years of residence in Lake Forest,
I have seen just 70 species from my windows, and have entertained
41 at either the food-shelf or the bird bath; while I have caught in
an enclosed porch in through whose door they occasionally fly when
scared suddenly from the shelf, 13 species, including the evening
grosbeak. But this winter tells no such story. The winter began
with the early and sudden departure of robins and grackles and song
sparrows on the arrival of the heavy fall of snow, October 31st, near-
ly two weeks earlier than my dates of the preceding years. The
white throats left the next day. Since then all I have to report is
the occasional visit of a hairy woodpecker, and only slightly less oc-
casional visits of the downy, the jay, the white-breasted nuthatch,
and the junco,—the latter being most frequent, but much less than
previously. Those cheerful residents the chickadees were with me a
scant week; the evening grosbeaks have ‘been seen but twice, the red-
polls and the red-breasted nuthatches not at all,—and the latter never
missed a day from November 9th to early in May, disappearing en-
tirely on May 24th. The cardinals were also daily visitors, a pair
of them, from January 22nd to March 21st. This year “nary” a car-
dinal has been near my place, though a neighbor, half a mile or more
away, has seen as many as eight at one time; they seem to have
flocked together this winter; last year the four pairs were scattered
over the town. The brown creeper has paid a visit to my restaurant
a few times, the red-headed woodpecker not at all, the Hudsonian
Chickadee not at all, nor the white-crowned; and even the kinglets
have been rare. I can only account for this by the severe cold
of December and the heavy snows of January. But I have missed them
all sorely.

As others have reported a similar dearth I do not believe my
misfortune is due to any bad management of my shelf, but to con-
ditions, which after all may be unaccountable.

GEORGE Roserts, Lake Forest.

Phas tw Ors AU DUE ONS OCLET Y 35

Notes from Hinsdale

The winter was not fruitful in the line of rare northern birds,
but still we found some interesting things. Redpolls were absent, but
some snowflakes were observed, which makes up for their absence.
Blue Jays were in isolated pairs here and there, a few always remain
in the village. Downy Woodpeckers were common, three pairs re-
maining near my place to feed on the suet almost every day. Crows
were less frequently seen than in former years. A few Brown
Creepers stayed among the pines at the Clarke’s at Hinsdale. Tree
Sparrows were not seen in big flocks as usual. Once in a while a
Hairy Woodpecker, a Junco, a couple of Cardinals or some Gulls would
be seen, otherwise the woods were dreary and solemn. A few Song
Sparrows, a couple of Robins and a Flicker were seen at Riverside
all Winter. Prairie Horned Larks can always be found on the La-
Grange Country Club golf grounds and occasionally a Lapland Long-
spur. Chickadees were seen in the town proper hardly at all but the
woods had a few scattered bands. Screech Owls were found in the
town quite commonly. They seem to show themselves more in the
early Spring. A pair of Titmice was seen on the 24th of February.
There seemed to be a decided northward push in the migration on the
last named date when I took a long hike along Salt Creek and west
of Fullersburg, which lies: in a northwesterly direction from here.
About twenty-three varieties were seen, among some of the most
noteworthy ones being the first Bluebird, a Robin, about two hun-
dred Snowflakes (a wonderful sight) a flock of fifteen Cedar Wax-
wings which have wintered at Hinsdale and a lone Bohemian Wax-
wing with the flock of Cedar Waxwings. Three hundred and forty-
one individual birds not counting the English sparrows were seen
on this trip which I consider pretty good for so early in the season.
One of the most surprising things which was brought out this last
winter was the total absence of White-breasted Nuthatches.

Some of the first records in the real migration are the following:
Robins, March 1; Bluebird, March 2; Canada Geese, March 2; Marsh
Hawk, March 2; Sparrow Hawk, March 2; Bronzed Grackle, March 2;
Killdeer, March 5; Red-winged Blackbird, March 10; Meadowlark,
March 17; Mourning Dove, March 18; Cowbird, March 18; Fox
Sparrow, March 18; White-throated Sparrow, March 18; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, March 18; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, March 20;
Goldfinch, March 24; Kingfisher, March 24; Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
March 31; Vesper Sparrow, March 31; Woodcock, March 31; Wilson
Snipe, March 31; Pectoral Sandpiper, March 31.

So far the birds are arriving rather early.

ESTHER CRAIGMILE, Hinsdale.

36, THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Letter from Henry K. Coale

The Winter 1917-1918 Bulletin called forth a letter of congratula-
tion from Mr. Henry K. Coale of Highland Park, an ornithologist as
well as a business man, who has for many years been a frequent con-
tributor to the Auk. In the early days of the Field Museum Mr. Coale
as a member of the staff had an important part in building up the
ernithological collection and his correspondence with and contributions
to museums in various parts of the world since that time have given
him a rather unique place among the orinthologists of this country.
Mr. Coale writes:

Thank you very much for the Winter Bulletin of your society. I
was especially interested in your article on Robert Ridgway, whom I
have known for over forty yee also in the list of birds of Illinois by
Mr. Gault.

I thought you might like to know what the Australian Ornitholo-
gists think of the Society, and quote from J. A. Leache’s “An Austral-
ian Bird Book,” published in Melbourne 1912, page 114 as follows:

“In America the Audubon Society has done splendid work by dis-
seminating knowledge about American birds, and arousing public in-
terest in the value of birds. There, also, thorough scientific investiga-
tion has been made of the value of insect-eating and seed-eating birds.
It has been stated, as the result of full research, that one wild pigeon,
in whose crop over /000 weed seeds were found was as efficacious in
destroying weeds as two farm laborers.”

“On the lines of the American Audubon Society, the Gould League
of Bird Lovers has recently been established. Just as Audubon was
the great father of American ornithology, so “John Gould, the bird
man,”’.was the father of Australian ornithology, hence his name has
been associated with this movement to save our birds. The movement
is progressing by leaps and bounds.

The Victorian branch has a very large body of members, Hoare
40,000 certificates having already been issued to adults and children.
Tasmania has a branch in full operation. In South Australia bird
clubs are doing excellent work, especially amongst the young people,
and Queensland and New South Wales bird-lovers have taken active
steps to develop the movement in their States. A Bird Day, by order
of the Minister of Education, Hon. A. A. Billson and the Director, Mr.
F. Tate, was observed in Victorian schools in 1909 and 1910, with
gratifying results. Bird-nesting, for the collection of eggs, has prac-
tically wholly disappeared from our schools, while at most country
schools native birds can be seen nesting on the school grounds, the
children keeping observation notes of nesting and feeding habits of the
birds as part of their work in Nature-Study. What study is of greater
economic importance to this wealthy,’ Gowen occasionally insect
troubled, land ?”

han Ooms kU DUB.ON SOCIETY 37

School Members of the I]linois Audubon Society

It is good news to be
able to report that schools
here and there in the state
are enrolling as members
of the Illinois Audubon
Society. Among those re-
cently enrolled are the Ra-
vinia School at Highland
Park, the Rockford High
School, the Central School
at Wilmette and the Oak
Terrace School at High-
wood. A picture of the
latter, an attractive one-
story building, is herewith presented. A photograph of the special
certificate issued to school memberships and filled out to indicate the
membership of the Oak Terrace School is also reproduced. It would
not seem to be a difficult matter for every school to take out at least
a one dollar membership and thus have a definite part in the bird con-
servation movement in Illinois.

Ag >=
& Te eee:

THE OAK TERRACE SCHOOL

For every bulletin sent out to its membership the Illinois Audubon
Society distributes at least three free of charge, including postage.
Its publication expenses alone usually greatly exceed the membership
fees and it has been found necessary to draw upon friends of the
Society to make good the deficit in the yearly budget. The work of
bird conservation in Illinois and the importance of a state organization
for furthering that work are worthy of liberal financial support. As
has been intimated before, Audubon work is really war work and its
significance should be recognized along with other war measures. The
schools might well have a part in the state work and the consciousness
that their contribution is significant in results.

2 Illinois

PERS ik BRS
3

Hudubon Society

(for the protection of wild birda)

: This certifics that
She Oak Jerrace
RE ne
Hs9 heed Illiners is

{NNT NE ATTY IY SIL OUI PF ES EESTI ROI STL

an acti re member

of the Illinois Hudubon Society. for LY / S
Bethe TF Sectine COM: Shawl

Seeretary ss Preetent

38 THE ALUcD UU BON (BsUeLsb a iN

From the Publication Committee

The publication committee of the Illinois Audubon Society has care-
fully considered the problem of putting into convenient form for ready
reference the valuable check list of Illinois birds printed in the Winter
1917-18 Bulletin. A few years ago a check list printed for wall dis-
play and with blank spaces for entering dates and names of localities
was issued by the Society and this proved to be very useful in schools
and homes. The revised check list, however, is by reason of its very
completeness and careful discrimination among species somewhat tech-
nical for use by school children. So, a wall list including 200 of the
more common birds of the state has been printed on heavy paper with
convenient blank spaces for notes as before. The complete check list
which Mr. Benjamin T. Gault is editing will appear in the form of a
handbook which will slip readily into a side pocket. A colored map of
the state showing regional distribution of birds is being prepared for
this handbook and Mr. Robert Ridgway will furnish the introduction.
The wall list referred to above is ready for distribution but the prepara-
tion of the complete check list has met with delays which it is hoped
soon to overcome. It will be necessary to charge a small price for each
of these to cover printing expenses and postage.

The Society now has a good supply of the special warning notices
in postcard form and these can be furnished in either English or Italian
language. The Society has received but one request as yet for these
cards. It is hoped that these cards may prove of great help where
campaigns for bird protection are carried on in strategic areas.

Commenting Upon the Winter 1917-1918 Bulletin

Commenting upon the Winter 1917-1918 Bulletin, Mr. George
Roberts, Jr., of Lake Forest writes:

I am particularly interested in the “dates of last seen” of the breed-
ing birds of Rock Island County, especially the dates for the humming-
bird, which are put at September 19, 23, 24 and 28. These agree with
Dr. Chapman’s date for Glen Ellyn of September 22. But in 1916 I
saw one in my yard every day up to and including October 7th, and in
1917 I saw one at some salvia in a yard in Waukegan on October Ist.

Both Rock Island County and Glen Ellyn are a trifle south of, and
much inland from, these two towns on the Lake, and it seems curious
to me that the hummingbird should be found with us so much later
than with the other two places. Furthermore my journal notes that in
1916 the nights were becoming quite cold as early as the last of Sep-
tember. A closer observer than myself might have found the bird here
even beyond the dates I have given; my observation consisting almost
entirely of what comes immediately under my eye, as I have little time
for going out to see what I can see. (

I may just add this, too: Rock Island reports October 22nd for the
last date that the Bronzed Grackle was seen; I saw them as late as
November 12th that year, 1916.

Piet tees UD UB ON. S OCLE TY 39

DECATUR: News From the Field
Mr. W. B. Olds, a member of the staff of the James Milliken Uni-

versity of Decatur, Illinois, has issued through the press of G. Schirmer
of New York a very attractive collection entitled, ‘“Twenty-Five Bird
Songs for Children.” Both the words and the music are furnished by
Mr. Olds. Mr. Olds has obtained his material in the field where he
has studied the habits and characteristics of the birds and noted their
melodies and calls. The result is a very pleasing collection of melodies
where the musical themes have received a great variety of treatment.

Mr. Olds uses much of this material in lecture recitals which have
been received with appreciation at various places in the state.
EDWARDSVILLE:

From Edwardsville comes the report of an unusually successful
spring “drive” to widen the circle of bird friends in that city. The
Illinois Audubon Society’s lecture was given on the night of March 30,
the Rev. James R. Sager having charge of the program. At that time
Mr. Alton L. Logan announced the terms of a bird house contest and
gave all those present who were interested preliminary instructions
as to dimensions of bird houses, etc. Then followed a month of great
activities among certain of the youths of Edwardsville. Mr. George
L. Mooreman shared the responsibility of the undertaking with Mr.
Logan. The contest came off April 6th, at which time prizes consisting
of thrift stamps were given to the eight prize winners. All the houses
together with a series of bird pictures donated by Mr. Charles Fangen-
worth, Sr., were attractively displayed in the large show windows of
me FE. A. Keller ‘a
Company’s_ Store.
More than a thou-
sand people visited
the collection. The
Secretary .of the
Illinois Audubon
Society has re-
ceived very enthus-
lastic reports of
the success of this
undertaking.

MAYWOOD: Photo by Alton L. Logan

The Maywood Bird Club has been doing important constructive
work relating to the cat nuisance. The Secretary, Mr. Roy Langdon,
has collected a great deal of material on the subject and with the
encouragement and co-operation of the Illinois Audubon Society has
prepared a very convincing circular of information which the Club
and the Illinois Audubon Society jointly are giving wide circulation.
A copy of this circular is enclosed in this number of the Bulletin.
Additional copies will be sent in reply to requests accompanied by the
necessary postage. The Illinois Audubon Society takes great pleasure
in giving publicity to the work of the Maywood Bird Club and in
sharing in the support of this important campaign.

i)
f

— #£

‘a

+
+ cig As iA
_ }

40 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

On Rendering Cats Harmless
From the National Humane Review.

The eminent ornithologist and nature lover, Dr. R. W. Shufeldt, of
Washington, D. C., has brought to the attention of the Review a scheme
for rendering cats harmless as bird destroyers. Dr. Shufeldt’s thor-
ough acquaintance with animal life makes his suggestion worthy of
more than passing notice and the editor of the Review would be pleased
to have an expression of opinion from its readers regarding the practi-
cal features of the plan.

The Review quite agrees with Dr. Shufeldt’s notion, as practically
all the anticruelty societies do, that unclaimed, homeless cats should be
collected as far as possible and humanely destroyed. As a step in this
direction, animal rescue leagues and humane societies spend large sums
of money each year in collecting these unwanted animals and painlessly
putting them to death. Dr. Shufeldt, however, points out that many
pet cats will kill small birds. It is regarding them that he advances
the following suggestions:

“Dr. Wm. H. Dall, of the United States National Museum, recently
pointed out to me a method that will save our cats and thoroughly
protect the birds against their attacks. It is a well-known fact that
these animals only seize their prey through the use of the claws on the
forefeet. These claws are, as we know, so organized anatomically that
when at rest they are retracted, but when brought into play they are
thrown forward, so that their sharp points may be instantly employed
in the act of seizure. No cat ever attempts to catch a wild bird in
the open by employing its hind feet, or the claws upon them. No lion,
tiger, leopard, or any of the rest of the big felines in nature ever do.
This also holds in the case of pet cats who kill the canary in its cage,”
or capture the fish in the globe or aquarium.

“When one comes to think this over, it soon becomes clear that,
were cats deprived of their claws on their forefeet, they could not catch
a bird of any kind, however hard they tried. The claws have no more
feeling in them than have our finger-nails, to which they really corre-
spond. Cat-claws can be trimmed just as we trim our nails, and the
best tool to do it with is the small cutting pliers used by jewelers. Any-
one can use such a tool, and, with a little practice, anyone owning a pet
cat can readily trim all the claws on its forefeet. All there is to be done
is to gently press the foot from above, downwards, between your
thumb and forefinger, when the claws will be thrown forward. They
should be snipped off a trifle back of their middles applying the cutting
edges of the nippers to their sides. A little dressing with delicate file
afterwards will also prove advantageous. A cat so operated upon can-
not possibly catch and kill a wild bird,or a pet bird in a cage; nor can it
destroy fish in any receptacle in which we may keep them. Moreover,
a cat with its claws so trimmed cannot climb a tree; it is up in trees
that they catch many birds, as they likewise do by running up poles
topped with bird-boxes and bird-houses of every description. After

Pawan es AUDUBON SOCIETY 41

the claws are trimmed, the foot looks precisely as it did before the trim-
ming was performed—that is to say, nothing unsightly results.

“Some will say that it prevents the cat from catching mice. Well,
what of it? There is not one cat in a hundred that catches mice for
any purpose; moreover, a few mousetraps of modern models will very
quickly rid house, barn, and outhouses of all description of mice. Any
of the ‘cyclone’ pattern of traps will do it in a few weeks. Cats with
trimmed claws can enjoy their milk and other food just as well as
with untrimmed ones, so there is no cruelty done along such lines.

“Finally, were we to trim the claws in the manner indicated of all
claimed cats, and destroy all cats not claimed by anyone, we would save
thousands of insectivorous birds annually; and surely the country has
by this time begun to realize what the insectivorous birds mean to the
farm and agriculturist generally. A federal law should be enacted to
enforce what is indicated in this matter, and be so framed that, when
passed, it would be in the highest degree effective.”

Winter Notes from Port Byron

Following is a list of birds seen by the writer during December
1917 and January, 1918. Also a record of one species seen the first
four days of February:

Bob-white, a good many coveys were seen last fall, but they were
badly shot up by hunters during the open season. The last ones seen
by me during the winter was on December 23; Rough-legged Hawk,
only a few were seen during the winter; Sparrow Hawk, one was
seen flying from a telephone pole along the public highway, December
22; Screech Owl, common; Great Horned Owl, common; Snowy Owl,
one seen February 1, 2, 3 and 4, always after sunset or before sun-
rise, flying back and forth in a pasture near the house, probably trying
to catch mice, as quite often she would fly down and appear to be
trying to catch something on the surface of the snow, which was then
about two feet deep. Before sunrise on February 4, when about 200
Juncos and Tree Sparrows began to arrive at the house to be fed, the
Snowy Owl came flying along close to the surface of the snow and
alighted behind an elder patch about 40 feet from the house. The owl
probably was trying to catch one of the Juncos or Tree Sparrows, and
when I stepped outside to see what she was doing, she flew rapidly
away. The next day the weather moderated, and the Snowy Owl was
not seen again. The weather was very severe during the time the owl
stayed here.

On the mornings of F ebruary 1 and 4, the thermometer
registered 18 degrees below zero; Hairy W oodpecker, common; Downy
Woodpecker, common ; Red-headed Woodpecker, common ; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, common; Northern Flicker, one was seen December 2,
and two on December 23; Prairie Horned Lark, two were seen January
25. This was the first day in January that any snow melted on the
roofs facing south; Blue Jay; common; Crow, common; Bronzed
Grackle, one came into the garden and houseyard on the morning of
December 21. A Downy Woodpecker that had been eating suet, was

42 THEA UD UB ON «BULLE rk Ba ian

trying to chase the Grackle away; Goldfinch, several flocks were seen
flying south December 21; Lapland Longspur, several were heard
December 3; Tree Sparrow, abundant; Junco, abundant; Cardinal,
only a few were seen; Brown Creeper, rare, none seen since December
23; White-breasted Nuthatch, common; Tufted Titmouse, rare, slowly
increasing ; Chickadee, common. Total, 24 species.

Following is a list of birds that came to our feeding station:

Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Red-headed Wood-
pecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, about a half dozen;
Tree Sparrow, about 200; Junco, about 50; White-breasted Nuthatch,
2; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Chickadee, 3. Total, 10 species. Two suet
holders were kept filled with suet, and on a feeding shelf below one of the
suet holders we kept a good supply of cracked walnuts and hickory nuts.
For the Tree Sparrows and Juncos, we kept a place on the east side
of the house clear from snow, where we scattered plenty of weed seed,
which we obtained last fall by cleaning some wheat with a fanning
mill. The Tree Sparrows liked the weed seed better than anything
else, and during the coldest weather about 200 were sometimes seen
eating together on a small space of ground. A good many Juncos also
ate weed seed, but were oftener seen on the feeding shelf. On Novem-
ber 27, the first Red-headed Woodpecker was seen on the feeding
shelf, and after that came nearly every day, and most always before
sunrise. He never touched the suet, but would always take a large
piece of walnut shell and fly to a large old burr oak tree near the
garden, where he would eat the kernels from the shell. He would do
this several times, and then not be seen again that day. When the
Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers were about, and would see the Red-
head coming, they would fly to some nearby tree or post, and remain
on the opposite side until the Red-head was gone. Once I saw a Hairy
hide under the feeding shelf, when a Red-head came and lit on the top
of the post, backed down on to the shelf, took a nutshell, and flew
away. On January 10, a male Red-bellied Woodpecker came for the
first time and ate suet, and after that would come nearly every day at
noon, or when the Red-head was not about. January 22, a Tufted Tit-
mouse came with the Chickadees, and on January 27, two Tufted Tit-
mice came to the feeding shelf, and after that were regular visitors,
sometimes coming two and three times a day. January 30, another
Red-headed Woodpecker came to the feeding shelf. The Red-head
that came first did not like this very well, and sometimes would chase
him away.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers quit coming about March 10, and
then on March 16, a female Red-bellied Woodpecker began to come to
the feeding shelf. This was probably the male Red-bellied Woodpecker’s
mate, as they quite often came at the same time. I think the female
Red-belly was afraid to come as long as the Red-heads came. Several
times a little Downy undertook to be boss of the feeding shelf. A big
Hairy would be sitting on the shelf eating, when the Downy would be-
gin to chatter and dart back and forth past the Hairy, but the Hairy
just kept on eating and paid no attention to the Downy.

Port Byron, Ill., March 29, 1918. J. J. SCHAFER.

Pie reOosss AUDUBON s-OCLET Y 43

Spring Notes From a Seventh Grade Class

The following remarkable list is the work of the 7th grade of
LaGrange, Ill., Miss Esther Craigmile, leader.

Pied-billed Grebe, March 16, Jackson Park; Red-throated loon, March 16,
Jackson Park; Ring-billed Gull, January 24, Chicago; Herring Gull, January 24,
Chicago; Bonaparte’s Gull, March 30, Jackson Park; Red-breasted Merganser,
March 16, Jackson Park; American Merganser, March 16, Jackson Park; Scaup
Duck, March 29, Jackson Park; Ringnecked Duck, March 30, Jackson Park;
American Golden Eye, March 16, Jackson Park; Canada Goose, March 8, La-
Grange; Wilson’s Snipe, March 29, Hinsdale swamp; Killdeer, March 9, La-
Grange; Mourning Dove, March 17, LaGrange; Marsh Hawk, March 18, La-
Grange; Red-tailed Hawk, March 17, LaGrange; Red-shouldered Hawk, March 2,
Hinsdale; Broad-winged Hawk, March 4, LaGrange; Screech Owl, January 16,
Riverside; Kingfisher, March 30, Jackson Park; Hairy Woodpecker, February
23, Riverside; Downy Woodpecker, February 1, LaGrange; Yellow-bellied Sap-
sucker, March 24, LaGrange; Red-headed Woodpecker, March 5, LaGrange;
Northern Flicker, Feb. 16, LaGrange; Phoebe, March 20, Fullersburg; Prairie
Horned Lark, Feb. 23, LaGrange; Blue Jay, January, LaGrange; Crow, Feb.
23, Riverside; Cowbird, March 19, LaGrange; Red-winged Blackbird, March 4,
LaGrange; Meadowlark, March 4, LaGrange; Rusty Blackbird, March 8; La-
Grange; Bronzed Grackle, Jan. 9, LaGrange; American Goldfinch, March 17,
LaGrange; Tree Sparrow, March 2, Hinsdale; Field Sparrow, March 17, La-
Grange; Junco, January, LaGrange; Song Sparrow, March 17, LaGrange; Swamp
Sparrow, March 20, Fullersburg; Fox Sparrow, March 9, LaGrange; Towhee,
April 1, LaGrange; Cardinal, Feb. 23, Riverside; Cedar Waxwing, March 9,
LaGrange; Migrant Shrike, March 30, LaGrange; House Wren, March 24,
LaGrange; Winter Wren, March 29, LaGrange; Brown Creeper, Jan. 25,
LaGrange; White-breasted Nuthatch, March 4, LaGrange; Red-breasted Nut-
hatch, March 22, LaGrange; Tufted Titmouse, March 12, LaGrange; Chickadee,
March 2, Hinsdale; Golden Crowned Kinglet, March 15, LaGrange; Ruby
Crowned Kinglet, March 26, LaGrange; Robin, February 24, LaGrange; Bluebird,
March 2, LaGrange.

Spring Records at Port Byron

Following is a record of my bird walks taken this spring, from
February 24, to March 31:

February 24; 9 A. M. to 3:30 P. M., partly cloudy; ground bare, snow-
banks on north side of woods, and along fences and hillsides; wind west, light;
temperature 46° to 60°. Rough-legged Hawk, 2; Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy
Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Red-headed Woodpecker, 12; Red-
bellied Woodpecker, 6; Prairie Horned Lark, 12; Blue Jay, 15; Crow, 25; Tree
Sparrow, 55; Junco, 70; Cardinal, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Tufted Tit-
mouse, 5; Chickadee, 15; Bluebird, 7. Total, 16 species, about 244 individuals.

March 3; 9 A. M. to 4 P. M. Clear; ground bare, a few snowbanks, also
some ice in the sloughs and creeks; wind east, brisk; temperature 35° to 45°.
Pintail, (one flock, flying over) 15; Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Red-headed Woodpecker, 7; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 6; Prairie Horned Lark, 4; Blue Jay, 15; Crow, 6; Red-winged
Blackbird, 25; Tree Sparrow, 100; Junco, 175; Cardinal, 4; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 11; Tufted Titmouse, 3; Chickadee, 20; Robin, 2; Bluebird, 14.
Total, 18 species, about 419 individuals.

March 10; 9 A. M. to 4 P. M. Clear; ground bare, ice in the sloughs and
creeks; wind variable, light temperature 20° to 35°. Pintail, (one flock, flying
over) 10; Rough-legged Hawk, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker,
9; Red-headed Woodpecker, 11; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 10; Flicker, 1;

44 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Prairie Horned Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 14; Crow, 8; Red-winged Blackbird, 100;
Goldfinch, 3; Tree Sparrow, 100; Junco, 120; Song Sparrow, 1; Fox Sparrow, 1;
Cardinal, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 11; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Chickadee, 16;
Robin, 15; Bluebird, 10. Total 22 species, about 459 individuals.

March 17: 8:30 A. M. to 3:30 P. M. Clear; ground bare; wind west,
moderate temperature 42° to 60°. Pintail, 85 (3 flocks flying over); Killdeer,
5; Bob-white, 10 (one covey) ; Coopers Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy
Woodpecker, 5; Red-headed Woodpecker, 10; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Flicker,
1; Prairie Horned Lark, 4; Blue Jay, 10; Crow, 7; Red-winged Blackbird, 15;
Meadowlark, 6; Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow, 130; Junco, 400; Song Sparrow, 4;
Fox Sparrow, 7; Cardinal, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Tufted Titmouse, 8;
Chickadee, 11; Robin, 14; Bluebird, 22. Total, 25 species, about 779 individuals.

March 24; 9 A. M. to 3 P. M. Clear; ground bare; wind north, brisk;
temperature 40° to 55°. Kildeer, 2; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Rough-legged Hawk,
2; Screech Owl, 1 (heard at 8 P. M.); Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Wood-
pecker, 5; Red-headed Woodpecker, 16; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 6; Flicker, 6;
Prairie Horned Lark, 2; Blue Jay, 10; Crow, 6; Red-winged Blackbird, 1;
Meadowlark, 5; Bronzed Grackle, 2; Goldfinch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 125; Junco,
385; Song Sparrow, 2; Fox Sparrow, 16; Cardinal, 7; White-breasted Nuthatch,
5; Tufted Titmouse, 5; Chickadee, 7; Robin, 15; Bluebird, 8. Total, 26 species,
about 644 individuals.

March 31: 8:30 A. M. to 4 P. M. Clear; ground bare; high southwest
wind, very difficult to observe; temperature 58° to 74°. Killdeer, 1; Red-tailed
Hawk, 1; Rough-legged Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 5;
Red-headed Woodpecker, +; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 6; Flicker, 7; Phoebe, 1;
Prairie Horned Lark, 4; Blue Jay, 11; Crow, 3; Cowbird, 4; Red-winged Black-
bird, 2; Meadowlark, 8; Western Meadowlark, 3 (heard singing); Bronzed
Grackle, 2; Goldfinch, 1; Vesper Sparrow, 9; Tree Sparrow, 3; Field Sparrow, 2;
Junco, 70; Song Sparrow, 5; Fox Sparrow, 7; Towhee, 1; Cardinal, 1; Purple
Martin, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 10; Robin, 11; Bluebird, 9.
Total, 31 species, about 202 individuals.

Following is a list of the early spring birds, and the dates when first seen:
Jan. 25, and Feb. 6, Prairie Horned Lark; Feb. 6, and March 6, Goldfinch; Feb.
12, Pintail; Feb. 14, Bluebird; Feb. 25, Robin; March 2, Marsh Hawk; March 3,
Red-winged Blackbird; March 4, Killdeer, Rusty Blackbird; March 5, Meadow- ~
lark; March 7, Bronzed Grackle; March 10, Flicker, Song Sparrow, Fox Spar-
row; March 17, Cooper’s Hawk; March 21, Sparrow Hawk, Western Meadow-
lark, Vesper Sparrow; March 24, Red-tailed Hawk; March 26, Purple Martin;
March 29, Phoebe; March 30, Cowbird; March 31, Field Sparrow, Towhee;
April 1, Mourning Dove; April 2, Great Blue Heron; April 3, Chipping Sparrow.

Some of the noteworthy features of the spring migration are as
follows:

1. The disappearance of the Great Horned Owl, none seen or
heard since Feb. 24.

2. The absence of the Brown Creeper, none seen since Dec. 23,
1917.

3. The many flocks of Pintail ducks seen flying north during
March.

4. An abundance of sunshine and dry weather. On March 30,
a Prairie Horned Lark nest was found in a pasture, with three young
in it. The young already had good sized feathers.

Port Byron, Ill., April 4, 1918. J. J. SCHAFER.

Piste nw OLS AUDUBON SOCTETY 45

‘“First-seens’ by Members of the Chicago
Ornithological Club

This is a composite list of the observations of Mr. E. R. Ford, Mr. M. W.
DeLaubenfels of LaGrange and Marian Fairman, representing the Chicago
Ornithological Club:

Pied-billed Grebe, March 23; Loon, March 24; Herring Gull, January 3; Coot,
March 21; American Merganser, January 25; Mallard, March 13; Black Duck,
March 24; Green-winged Teal, March 19; Blue-winged Teal, March 31; Pintail
(Dunes, March 3), March 24; Lesser Scaup, January 30; Ring-necked Duck,
March 24; Golden-eye Duck, March 23; Woodcock, April 7 (breeding) ; Wilson
Snipe, March 31; Killdeer, March 18; Ruffed Grouse, March 24 (Dunes) ;
Prairie Chicken, March 31; Mourning Dove, March 23; Marsh Hawk, March 21;
Cooper’s Hawk, March 26; Red-tailed Hawk, March 3 (Dunes) ; Red-shouldered
Hawk, March 10 (Dunes), 31 (Lake Co.); Rough-legged Hawk, March 17;
Sparrow Hawk, January 3; Screech Owl, January 17; Great Horned Owl,
March 3 (Dunes, breeding) ; Kingfisher, March 26; Hairy Woodpecker, January
1; Downy Woodpecker, January 1 (fed all winter from suet); Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker, February 24 (Dunes), March 31 (Cook Co.); Flicker, January 20;
Phoebe (Dunes), March 24; Prairie Horned Lark, January 6; Blue Jay, January
1; Crow, January 1; Cowbird, March 18; Red-wing Blackbird, March 3; Mead-
owlark, March 7; Rusty Blackbird, March 3 (Dunes); Goldfinch, March 31
(Lake Co.) ; Snowflake, February 18; Lapland Longspur, January 26; Vesper
Sparrow, March 21; Tree Sparrow, January 14; Chipping Sparrow, March 20;
Junco, January 14; Song Sparrow, January 1; Swamp Sparrow, March 22; Fox
Sparrow, March 20; Towhee, January 1; Cardinal, January 1; Cedar Waxwing,
March 24 (Dunes); Northern Shrike, February 24 (Dunes); Carolina Wren,
March 31; Brown Creeper, January 27; Tufted Titmouse, March 3; Chickadee,
March 31 (Lake Co., excavating nest hole) ; Golden-crowned Kinglet, March 31;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, March 31; Hermit Thrush, March 31; Robin (migrating),
February 26; Bluebird, February 24.

Spring Becora st Clea Ellyn

The natural inference in connection with the cold arctic weather
recently experienced would be that a number of far northern rep-
resentatives would at least visit us this winter. Such seems not to
have been the case, however, while those ordinarily regular during the
winter season were either lacking entirely or much reduced in numbers.
The Blue Jay was less numerous for example, while the .Chickadee
and White-breasted Nuthatch seem to have disappeared altogether.
Now and then a solitary Junco put in an appearance, occasionally a
Downy, while a pair of Jays came as regular visitants to our place.
Even the Crows were not as much in evidence, either.

Recently the writer has been informed of a female Cardinal hav-
ing visited the feeding box of a neighbor off and on this winter. Quail
are reported as having wintered well and apparently massed for the
most part in one large flock of fully 75. Prairie Chickens were less
plentiful than ordinarily, but doubtless the cold wet Spring of 1917
may account for that in a great measure.

Following are some of the Diary Notes made during March and
early April of the present year. No apparent movement of the birds
was noticeable before the 5th of March when on that day and at 9:30
A. M., the first call of the Bluebird was heard, and at 12:30 a Robin

46 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

was seen at Forest Park while the writer was on his way to the city.
The day generally was cloudy; wind southwest, temperature 60 de-
grees at Z o'clock.

March 7: Clear A. M., cloudy P. M., wind southwest; temperature 38 de-
grees at 2 o'clock. Male robin in our yard this afternoon.

March 8: Partly cloudy with wind northeast; temperature 48 degrees at
2 P. M. Bluebird singing near our place while a male Bronzed Grackle was
putting forth his best efforts from the top of a silver leaved poplar; not far
away a Robin was twittering, the combined effort being decidedly spring like.

March 9: Cloudy with light rain in late P. M., wind west shifting to high
northwest; temperature 47 degrees at 2 o'clock. A single Bronzed Grackle
about our place.

March 10: A sudden change of weather conditions took place during
last night, commencing about 8 o'clock, temperature dropping more than 30
degrees, water forming into ice and thermometer registering 15 degrees above
this A. M. The day proved clear and crispy, wind northeast. A Robin was
seen at 52nd Ave., Chicago, while on my way to city.

March 11: Fair A. M. and cloudy P. M. Brisk southwest wind; tempera-
ture 48 degrees at 2 o'clock. Visited woods, lake and creek-bottom this fore-
noon, but absolutely nothing in the way of birds in sight. Heard a Crow or
two, and also one Robin, while later in day a single one was seen on our place,
and a solitary Bronzed Grackle closeby.

March 12: Partly cloudy with warm westerly wind; temperature 60 de-
grees at 2 P. M. Several Robins in village and two Bronzed Grackles on our
place, both males.

March 13: Cloudy with heavy rain in forenoon; misty P. M. cool north-
east wind; temperature 37 degrees at 2 o'clock. Thunder and rain again tonight
at 11:30. Registered nothing new in bird life.

March 15: Fair; cool northeast wind; temperature 31 degrees at 2 P. M.
Visited lake, woods and springs, 10:30 to 11:30 this A. M. Lake nearly frozen
over and in the center on the ice a single Herring Gull was standing. Nearby
was a dark object, the remains of a catfish, as later it was ascertained that many
were dead beneath and in the ice of the shallow water all long the shore. The
water in lake was very low when winter came on, thus accounting for the
destruction of fish which could not very well have escaped the unusual depth -
of ice. Many were of fair size for this locality. A single Tree Sparrow was
among the willows at lake and a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks at the old
stand evidently settled for the season. Were quiet compared with last year,
the male calling but a few times.

March 16: Clear; brisk southwest wind; temperature 46 degrees at 2 P. M.
Several Robins in village but quiet. Bronzed Grackles increasing, small flocks
of 3 and 5 seen with a few additional singles. Two Meadowlarks came near
our house this P. M. singing. Bluebirds quiet since cold spell of Saturday and
Sunday last.

March 17: Clear fine day with warm southwest wind; temperature 56 at
2 o'clock. Many people discarded their heavier outer garments in taking their
Sunday afternoon walk. Robins and Meadowlarks singing vigorously this
morning, the larks continuing through the day and the Robins this evening.
Several Bluebirds, too, were heard singing. Ice in lake has disappeared. 7 or
8 Red-winged Blackbirds (males) in Creek bottom and two in song. Were
singles as they left separately, going in a northwesterly direction. Four Juncoes
seen, three of them in song. Bronzed Grackles still increasing.

March 18: Clear and warm; brisk southwest wind; temperature 70 at
3 P. M. Several Bluebirds singing in village and one observed inspecting a
hole in a telephone pole. Heard a Killdeer call at 9:45 A. M., and a Flicker at
11:15. First Butterfly of season on our place at 11:30 A. M.

March 19: Misty, fair and partly cloudy the greater part of the day.
Wind southwest, temperature 63 degrees at 2 P. M. Excursion varied this
morning by going into the fields and along hedge-rows northwest of town.

tite Oolts AUDUBON SOCYTETY 47

Birds quite plentiful; at least 4 Song Sparrows were’ singing and twice that
number ot Ked-wings. Juncos numerous in hedges and a single Fox Sparrow
seen. A few Tree Sparrows were there also and a Killdeer flew over calling.
One Bluebird listed. Frogs croaking this evening for the first time.

“March 20: Misty, fair, with southwest wind; temperature 65 degrees at
2 o'clock. Visited woods and lake this forenoon—8 to 8:30. Many Juncos
and five Fox Sparrows noted, one of the latter singing. Several Redwings go
over in a northwesterly direction. For three days past Robins have been singing
merrily during the early morning hours.

March 21: Misty, fair; wind southwest; temperature 72 at 3 P. M.
Visited fields and hedges again this A. M. Heard Fox Sparrows singing and
another seen. Killdeer calls. Many Juncos and at least three Tree Sparrows
in hedge. Juncos singing merrily. Male Cooper’s Hawk skims low over fields,
going north. Song Sparrows mated and several males in song. Thought
I detected song of Vesper Sparrows.

March 22: Cloudy for the most part with cool northeast wind; temper-
ature 40 degrees at 3:50 o’clock. What was taken for a Loon was seen in lake
this A. M., but only a limited inspection given from far end of lake. Too
large for a Grebe and certainly a diver of same kind. Many Juncos present
in woods. Robins quiet. On the other hand frogs were calling loudly from
a little pond in woods.

March 23: Cloudy for the most part and wind still cool from the north-
east; temperature 41 degrees at 2 P. M. The diver was not seen in lake this
A. M. One Red-shou!dered Hawk and a Flicker were calling. Some Juncos
present on outskirts of woods also a pair of Chickadees. No Tree or Fox
Sparrows in evidence.

March 24: Clear. Wind still northeast; temperature 49 degrees at 4 P. M.
No bird life in sight about the lake this A. M. Visited fields and hedge-rows
north of village. From 1 to 4 P. M. Pair of Marsh Hawks circling about a
field where a brood of four was raised last year. Male in gray or adult dress.
Some Tree, Fox and Song Sparrows in hedges. The two last in song. Several
Meadow Larks singing, one in flight song. Vesper Sparrows—two in song.
Bluebird, one. Several Robins and a number of male Redwings, in evidence.
A male Rusty Grackle alone in top of willow tree. Although a likely field
was visited no Prairie Chickens were seen—Prairie Horned Larks were scarce,
too, two only being listed.

March 25: Fair A. M. but partly cloudy P. M. Wind northeast shifting
to northwest. Temperature 55 degrees at 2 o’clock. Winter Wren among
willows and brush on shore of lake this A. M. Pair of Red-shouldered Hawks;
still at stand; quiet. Fox Sparrows in song. Three butterflies were seen along
pathway in woods and frogs calling loudly.

The Aims and Principles of the Illinois
Audubon Society are:

Ist. To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the schools, and to dis-
seminate literature relating to them.

2d. To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

3d. To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

4th. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruction of wild
birds and their eggs.

5th. To restore to our wild birds wherever practicable, the natural environ-
ment of forest and shrubbery which gave them food, protection and
seclusion.

48 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

March 27: Clear and cool; wind northeast; temperature 39 degrees at
2 o’clock. Heavy hoar frost this A. M. Bronzed Grackles were gathering nest
material early, some straws and weed stalks they were carrying being heavily
laden with the frost. Seems they can not wait for warmer weather to come.
Are also here in more than usual numbers, 30 being counted on our place this
P. M. and about equally divided as regards sex. A Redwing evidently to show
its sociability dropped into the orchard about noon today and contributed its
calls and song to the Grackle medley.

March 28: Clear and cool. Wind northeast; temperature 46 degrees at
2 P. M. Again the hedges and fields west were visited this A. M. Nothing
of importance, noticed, however. Conditions about as before, but perhaps fewer
Juncos present. A few Fox Sparrows on hand and Song Sparrows evidently
settled for the season. A Flicker calls.

March 29: Clear A. M., but sky misty overcast in P. M. Wind north-
east; temperature 50 at 2 o’clock. A slight change in the present bird fauna
noticed. 3 Pied-billed Grebes and a female Scaup were in the lake this A. M.

March 31: Fair to clear A. M., misty in P. M., temperature 71 degrees
at 3 o’clock, with high southwest wind blowing. 6 Pied-billed Grebes and the
female Scaup in lake. 3 Tree Sparrows seen, also a Golden-crested Kinglet.
Crow on nest. Several western painted turtles were perched on brush drift
and wood about the lake.

April 1: Partly cloudy and threatening; wind westerly, temperature 63
degrees at 2 P. M. 2 Pied-billed Grebes and the female Scaup still in lake.
An exceptionally good songster of the Fox Sparrow was heard. Flickers are
increasing and mating. Was interested in finding the Red-shouldered Hawk
on the occupied nest of last year and with head facing same way, which was
very convincing of its being one of the pair of the preceding year. Some bits
of down were clinging to the nest thus showing its probable occupancy for
several days past

April 2: Cloudy for the most part with brisk and cool northeast wind ;
temperature 49 degrees at 2 P. M. A single Grebe in lake.

Our orchard was alive with Grackles this evening between 5 and 6 o'clock.
160 were counted and there might easily have been more. Some Rusties were
among them and all appeared to be singing and calling their level best. A stiff
breeze blowing caused them to face the northeast, and some with difficulty
maintained their perch.

April 3: Rain during the night and changing to sleet before morning.
Cloudy for the most part in A. M., but clear in P. M. Wind still cool from the .
northeast, temperature 41 degrees at 2 P. M. A few spring beauties were
found blossoming in warm sunny spots in woods and 2 Hermit Thrushes—
probably a pair—were on hand.

B. T. Gautt, Glen Ellyn.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
Membership Card
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society, and

being in sympathy with them, I wish to become a...................22222220000-22000eeeeeeeeeeeeee :
member of the Society.

IN Aries ee ie tle Ae AEG ae ek hee ORE E Reman) teat
Addressee £o\ 08 208 tag ol Ee ig oc Ne es ane
DAG Sa tee a oe oS alee On a he ee
CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP
Life memberships - - - - - $100.00. No annual dues
Sustaining memberships - 2 mr ihe $25.00. No annual dues
Contributing memberships - - - $5.00. Annually
Active memberships - - - - $1.00. Annually

All members receive the publications of the Society.
Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Treasurer, Miss Amalie
Hannig, 1649 Otis Bldg., Chicago.

The

A udubon Bulletin

Winter 1918-1919

Conservation Number

) Pablished 5 eee
a Jllinnis Andubon
‘Surivty

Show Your Interest ! Show Your Interest!

Show your interest in the birds — they are
their own excuse for being.

Show your interest in the birds— they have
a claim upon you for the great service
they render as conservers of crops and
forests by the destruction of vast numbers
of rodents, insects and weeds.

Show your interest in the birds — they pro-
tect great quantities of meat foods by
destroying insects that carry disease to
cattle and other domestic animals.

Show your interest in the birds — they help
safeguard the health of man and beast
_by their consumption of germ-spreading
insects.
Show your interest in the birds — they add
immeasurably to the joy of life by
adorning labor with song and beauty.

SHOW YOUR INTEREST!
HOW?

See Inside Back Cover

rr eee ae ee ee ee Ce

I do hereby give and Beatseitty to THE ILLINOIS AUDUBO}

Application for Membership
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society, and being i

sympathy with them, I wish to become a.........
member of the Society.

EEL Re OL Se EUV EF PEL ROT See. ke Oe Bere

pS a REL ee hie Fe I CS SSB el EL hPa
Date Don micihnn dente sure cian oe Wicalin Udy een tannetaly enieped Ue aiipe a adteauinasainadatptiinnn coud palin died y eae kines
Classes of Membership

. Active memberships : $1.00. Annually

Contributing memberships . $5.00. Annually
Sustaining memberships . $25.00. No annual dues
Life memberships . : ‘$100.00. No annual dues
Benefactor . : ‘ $500.00. No annual dues
- Patron . : : $1000.00. No annual dues

All members receive the Salicatiine of the Society. With every contributing mem-s ,)
bership will be included a subscription to “Bird-Lore.”

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society, 1649 Otis Bldg., Chicago, :

FORM OF BEQUEST

SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF
WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois

ann en en ne ene ne enn e ewe ene ee ne ee ee en nn een ee nena nee eee n a yen ena n neem anna naan nena wanna nae n eee nanan nanan een wanna eee n eens enna ene annem news

To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois Audubor}}
Society must increase its membership. Out of a populatior'
of nearly six millions, Illinois should have at least ten thousanc/}!
people who are enough interested in bird life to help the
Society in its conservation efforts. Will you not help us ex
pand our usefulness?

I suggest for membership in the Hncis Audubon Society! |
the persons whose names appear on the other side of this’}

sheet. 4
|

Member of the Illinois Audubon Societ |

a

i
y

Audubon Society are:

. . To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the schools, and

to disseminate literature relating to them.

. To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and Fed-

eral laws relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those’ of the
ostrich and domestic fowls.

To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruction of
wild birds and their eggs.

To restore to our wild birds wherever practicable, the natural

_ environment of forest and shrubbery which gave them food,
(pare viion and seclusion.

Needs

“The lllinois Audubon Society depends for its support upon —

the contributions of its members and friends. It should have
‘an income from a moderate endowment sufficient to meet all

fixed expenses.

( The present income is totally inadequate to meet the ur-

gent and incessantly growing demands.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC.
1649 OTIS BUILDING ~*~: CHICAGO

, [OVER]

The Aims and Principles of the
Illinois Audubon Society are:

Est.

2nd.

3rd.

To encourage the study of birds, par-
ticularly in the schools, and to dis-
seminate literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and en-

forcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any

feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

4th. To discourage, in every possible way,

the wanton destruction of wild birds and
their eggs.

Photographed by Jesse L. Smith

AN INTERVIEW

It is July 2, 1918--in the morning. A Great-crested Flycatcher has arrived at a Packard
house which he and his mate are occupying for the season for domestic purposes, and,
plunging head and shoulders into the opening, has deposited a reluctant offering where it
will temporarily divert a confirmed appetite. Withdrawing his head, he pauses to bestow
a side-long glance upon a creature seated on the grass below who does not appear in
the picture and who is nervously clutching the bulb end of a long tube. At this moment
appears at the portal one of the forward offspring who seems to contemplate the possible
advantages of life in the open. Then the shutter clicks.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

WINTER, 1919

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the Illinois Audubon Society Writes:

ONSERVATION is an old word. When Theodore Roosevelt con-
‘= nected with it the words, OF NATURAL RESOURCES, he

gave the word a new meaning destined to go with it to all peoples
for all time to come. ‘The underlying principles of conservation as enun-
ciated at that time were that the natural resources of the earth belong to
posterity quite as much as to us and that it is our sacred duty both to use
and to save them that our requirements may be met and that those for
whose bringing forth we are responsible may live in peace and plenty. The
ending of the world war gives still greater significance to the word, the
duty to use without wasting and to save that our starving, stricken con-
temporaries may be fed and clothed and housed.

The purpose of the Illinois Audubon Society is The Conserva-
tion of Bird Life. Years of strife, which we hope are gone forever, have
made conservation a very common but all important word in our every-
day life. The world situation makes it imperative that we conserve the
necessities of life to the limit of our ability. ‘That means we must conserve
in every way possible, however small or however great that may be. To
do less than the most we can is to fail grossly in our duty to humanity and
to ourselves. We must seize opportunities to direct conservation efforts
according to our varied abilities and means. Food was one of the most
important factors in winning the war for democracy. Food will be the
greatest factor in saving the world for democracy. There are no more
effective food conservationists in the world than the birds, a fact too
little known and appreciated. It happens that the Illinois Audubon Society
is fitted to serve in this reconstruction period not only by making known
and appreciated the vast economic importance of bird life to food conser-
vation, but also by putting into practice its stated purpose, the protection
of bird life in Illinois. This Society cannot justify its continuance if it
permits to pass unheeded the opportunity of today to become an active,
effective conservation force. It must be in the vanguard of the recon-
struction hosts.

The world has entered upon a new era—so has the Illinois
Audubon Society. With conservation the watchword of the hour
throughout the world, the Society felt it necessary to take steps to become
more aggressive in the protection of bird life for the saving not only of
birds but also of food. As an earnest of its policy of action, it has recently
elected to the offices of secretary and treasurer a young man of enthusiasm

4 HE AUD UB ON BULLE tal Nv

and ability. The Society very much wishes to be able to command his
entire time and to have him make the promotion of the objects of the Society
his sole occupation. The plan of employing a secretary and treasurer on
this basis has been adopted by some of the other state Audubon Societies
with marked success and the directors of this Society are confident the same
result would follow its introduction in Illinois. ‘To make it possible to
adopt the plan, it will be necessary that the receipts of the Society for. this
year be increased by at least $3,000. The Illinois Audubon Society appeals
to its members and friends to signify their willingness to enter a class of
membership paying higher dues, or to contribute toward the carrying out of
this plan, with the understanding, if desired, that the offer to do so shall not
become binding unless enough others also signify their willingness to make
the aggregate of increased dues at least $3,000. This would mean an
increase of 30 in the number of Life Members at $100 each, 120 in the
number of Sustaining Members at $25 each, or 600 in the number of Con-
tributing Members at $5 each. Once established, it is certain the work of
the secretary and treasurer under the new plan will bring to the Society
an increase in its revenue which will in future years much more than meet
the added expense of his employment on the basis proposed.

Those who know the value of bird life and rightly desire to
have it conserved must give their moral and financial support to this
‘movement if the birds of Illinois are to receive the fullest measure of
protection. Spring, which is fast approaching, calls for action, as it is
then the birds come back to us in great numbers. ‘The secretary of the
Illinois Audubon Society should be devoting all his time to his tasks right
now. Your early attention to this appeal will therefore be very much
appreciated. ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY,

OrpHEUS M. ScHANTZ, President,

Law for Migratory Birds Safe

The following paragraphs from the last issue of Bird-Lore answer
very concisely the many inquiries raised by the publication by various
papers recently of a report that the Migratory Bird Law had been declared
unconstitutional. The quotations follow:

‘A news dispatch, recently sent out from Washington, D. 6 stating
the government had dropped the case of appeal before the Supreme Court
in reference to the constitutionality of the Migratory Bird Law, has led
many people to understand that migratory birds are no longer protected
by the Federal statute. Such is not the case, however. What really hap-
pened was this:

“The old Shauver case which had been pending for several years
before the Supreme Court was finally disposed of merely for the purpose
of clearing this dead issue off the docket. The treaty between the United
States and Great Britain affecting migratory birds in the United States
and Canada is much more comprehensive than the old Migratory Bird
Law and as the Enabling Act, making the treaty operative, was enacted
by Congress July 3, 1918, those engaged in bird protection took no further
interest in the fortunes of the Migratory Bird Law. The action of the
Supreme Court, therefore, does not adversely affect in the slightest the
Federal guardianship of migratory birds.”

Poa fo Pe aU Dr BON S$ O:;C ITE TY 5

The Need for Forest and Game Preserves in Southern
Illinois

For many years it has been plainly evident to observing people that in
Southern Illinois there has been a steady decrease in wild life of all kinds.
Lovers of Nature, of whom there are very many more than these who are
indifferent to Nature’s charms suppose, are deeply impressed and.
greatly troubled by the knowledge of this fact, and it is in behalf of this
too much ignored part of our population that this article is written. Within
my own recollection many kinds of birds and four-footed animals have
utterly disappeared ; others are now on the verge of extirpation, and scarcely
a trace remains of our once splendid virgin forests. At least one species of
tree (the linden) is no longer to be found in my home county except
where planted, and many of our ornamental plants, beyond all others
prized for two centuries or more in European gardens, listed by practically
all American nurserymen, and once the glory of our prairies and more
open woodlands, have either totally disappeared in the wild state or are
restricted to small and widely separated patches along roadsides and the
right-of-way of railroads, where through annual cutting and burning, they
are becoming each year more scarce and must soon vanish altogether if
present conditions continue. The wooded areas that remain, although
numerous, are despoiled of their best and largest trees, and all of them,
through pasturage (some of them also through fires set by hunters), show
little, often none, of the luxuriant undergrowth which formerly gave them
a distinctive character and afforded food, shelter, and nesting places for
thousands of birds, which, deprived of these necessities, are no longer to
be found there. So far as I have been able to ascertain, it is now impossible
to find anywhere in this and other counties which I have visited a single
piece of woodland where the thickness of the stand, the grandeur of the
trees, luxuriance of undergrowth and vine-drapery, and abundance of
bird-life more than feebly recall those of forty or fifty years ago. This is
more particularly true of bottom-land forest, the most ‘distinctive type of
Southern I1linois.

That deterioration of remaining woodlands can easily be checked and
original conditions, except as to replacement of mature trees, be restored,
has been convincingly demonstrated by my own experiment on a small
scale. Of course the forest giants are gone forever, for their growth is a
matter of centuries. All the money in the world cannot replace a single
one of them. The most ambitious work of man, no matter what its cost,
if destroyed can be restored, for its restoration is merely a matter of
money; but ten times the cost of the Panama Canal will not suffice to
replace a single tulip tree, black walnut, or oak of mature growth.

The advance of civilization has up to date been too much one-sided,
having only the “practical” in view, and therefore the so-called ‘‘develop-
ment” of the country has resulted in destruction of much that is attractive
or beautiful. Indeed to such an extent is this true that it really seems as
if man’s efforts have in large part been expended in striving to make

6 be AL WD: UB OrN Bib be tren

RGB Ca - Robert ie:

A bit of Bird Haven, Mr. Ridgway’s forest preserve near Olney, Ill, showing rich growth of
wild flowers which appeared after grazing animals were excluded. The ‘flowers shown here are a
bright orange-yellow composite, Krigia Dandelion.

the country as ugly as possible. Of course those who have lived all their
lives under such conditions do not realize this as do those who come from
more favored sections.

Southern Illinois has, unfortunately, rather a bad reputation among
“outsiders; but this has been brought about almost entirely by man’s
abuse, misuse, waste, and neglect, and there are particular sections, even
occasional localities or individual properties within areas which deserve,
more or less, the prevalent outside opinion, which are fairly above criticism.
As a whole, however, Southern Illinois—‘Darkest Egypt” as it is some-
times contemptuously called—is susceptible of great improvement in many
ways. Unquestionably the dominant impression received by a visitor from
one of the more advanced sections of the United States is that of ugliness
of the landscape, untidiness of farm-house surroundings, wretched roads
(made worse by long stretches where most if not all of the trees have been
removed and the few that are left disfigured by those ubiquitous “‘eyesores,”
advertising signs), and a general air of shiftlessness and backwardness.
The land itself, while in general less fertile than that of many other
sections, is susceptible of very great improvement and has been brought to
its present condition by misuse and neglect—in other words, has simply
been worn out. All these conditions, however, are gradually if slowly
being changed for the better, excepting only the matter of roadside trees,
which are still at the mercy not only of irresponsible road bosses and tele-
phone linemen but anyone who chooses to fell, mutilate, or disfigure them.

That Southern Illinois was once beautiful as well as fertile is attested
by many early writers, who, while outspoken and often unsparing in their

: ie ere eo ts AUD UB ON SOCIETY 7

criticism of the people, all re-
fer to the park-like beauty of
the semi-prairie sections and
gigantic size of some of the
forest trees. For confirma-
tion of this one has only to
consult the journals of those
Englishmen’ who, early in
the 19th century, came over
to investigate conditions in
the English Settlement (now
Albion), in Edwards County.

ee ee ee

In one respect Southern
Illinois stands, or did stand,
in the very front rank. That
is in the great variety of for-
est trees and the size to which
these grew in the original
forests. No less an authority
than Professor Sargent, Di-
fector.of the Arnold’ Ar-
boretum (Harvard Univer-
sity), author of the Sylva of
Merh. Ametfica, and . for
many years the first authority
on the subject, says, in a re-
view of the present writer’s
paper on the trees of the
Lower Wabash Valley, that

“until some other forest con- Gigantic Sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis). Wabash

tainin OT rarietyv : Bottoms opposite Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Diameter, 15 x 10
Stee te, eater e: arlety of fie Spread sO top. slot NL) ie beret. oO eS tt:
trees and larger individuals The figure on the lett is Mr. Ridgway. (December, 1875.)

can be found, that of the

Lower Wabash Valley must be considered the most remarkable aggregation
of trees in the north temperate zone.”’ The forest giants are no more, but
there remains much the same wonderfully rich aggregation of species on
limited areas, and tracts representing the sev eral. types of forest growth
should be secured for preservation before it is too late.

In asserting that by proper action original forest conditions can be re-
stored, my evidence consists in the results attained on a tract of eighteen
acres purchased by me in October, 1906. This property, located on the East
Fork of Fox River, near Olney, was originally very heavily timbered but
had been cleared and was under cultivation up to within thirty-five years of
the time of purchase. After cultivation ceased (from ‘wearing out” of the
soil on the uplands) the land grew up with a second growth w hich, in 1906,
had reached considerable size. For many years previous to its purchase by
me the land had been pastured, and this of course prevented the reproduc-
tion of tree species or other underwood; only closely-cropped grass and a

(
:

‘Faux, Fordham, Hulme. Welby, et. al.
“Proceedings of the GS: National Museum, V, 1882, pp. 49-88.

8 THE AU DUE ON] BULLE iN

Photographed by Robert Ridgway.
Several hundred acres as here are now being cleared (Nov. 14, 1918). Here grew Acer

Drummondti, Ulmus_ serotina, Ilex decidua, Quercus lyrata, Quercus Michauxti, Populus
heterophylla, etc.

few weeds grew between and beneath the trees. Within two years after
fencing and the exclusion of stock the ground had, as if by magic, become
covered with an herbaceous growth in great variety, including several
species of ferns and many kinds of flowering plants, and these have in-
creased from year to year. At the same time seedlings of different kinds of
trees sprang up, including several species which were not included among
the trees already growing on the place; in fact additional species are being
discovered almost every year.

This place was selected by me, after careful inspection of a considerable
portion of the county, on account of the extraordinary number of species of
trees growing there, the number far exceeding that of any other equal area
in the North Temperate Zone so far as the records show. ‘The species thus
far identified on the eighteen acres number sixty-two, which exceeds the
number of broad-leaved trees native to the entire Pacific Coast, from
southern California to Alaska (inclusive) ; and the twelve species of oaks
are one more than grow, naturally, in the whole of New England! Not one
of the sixty-two species is present as the result of man’s agency, but all
are of natural or spontaneous growth. ‘This fact, together with the known
age of the larger growth and other historical data, renders the place of
special interest and value. |

Few people realize how rapidly trees may grow. In September, 1918,
I had the trees growing along the banks of a small stream on the tract
above referred to cut down, because they intercepted the view from hill
to hill across a narrow, mostly open valley, and to make room for shrubbery
to grow. With one exception these trees had all grown up since 1910.
One of them, a “sycamore”? (Platanus occidentalis) was measured after
felling and found to be forty feet and seven inches tall and ten inches in

Meee ee DUB ON:- § OCLET Y 9

diameter across the top of the stump. Many of the other trees (mostly
American elms) were nearly if not quite as tall. The ten-year old tree
(also a “‘sycamore’’) measured fifty-one feet two inches in height and
twelve inches across the stump. Had it not been for two consecutive
seasons of severe drought the dimensions would have been greater, for those
two years (1913 and 1914) were easily identified by the very narrow anes
representing their growth. Another sycamore tree felled in May, 1908,
and known to be nineteen years old (confirmed by the rings of erowth) was
seventy-two and a half feet in length and eighteen and a ‘half inches across
the stump. All these trees grew in deep and moist but not very rich soil,
in bottem-land. A fourteen year old tree of the same species growing on
dry, poor upland, also cut in May, 1908, measured only forty feet in length
and nine inches in diameter—a little less than the eight- year-old bottom-
land tree.

I know of another tract of woodland in this (Richland) county which is
also of much interest. This is a ten-acre tract along Gentry Creek. A
remarkable feature of this woods consists in the fact that while oaks of
different species are usually the predominant trees, there are here only four
kinds of oak in a total of forty species, and two of these are represented
by a single specimen each, while only one of the four is at all common.
On the other hand all the species of elms growing north of Mason and
Dixon’s Line are represented, including the southern red elm (Ulmus
serotina) and the winged elm (U. alata), and there are two hackberries
(Celtis crassifolia and C. mississippiensis). This bit of forest is less than
seventy-five years old, for in 1885, while taking some photographs there,
a relative who was present told me that just forty years before he had

[ae by Rone Ridgway.

This is the “wood-lot’’ of a farm on Gentry Creek, Richland County, Illinois (Nov. 14,
1918.) Here are four species of elms in one group, Ulmus fulva, U. thomasi (?) U. serotina,
and U. americana.

10 tn ES AUD Urs ON, BU Ler aN

cultivated the land in
corm. - “Yet the lancer
trees are about equal in
size to the largest of the
same kinds that remain
in our forests, and the
larger sycamores (a tree
of rapid growth) are
more than one hundred
feet high and fomelos
five feet in diameter.

My opportunities for
investigating the wood-
lands hereabout have been
very limited — indeed I
have never even been
inside of more than one
out of fifty—and conse-
quently some tracts in
this county may exist of
even greater interest that
are as yet unknown to
me. There is one more,
however, which may be
mentioned. This is an
eighty-acre body of fine
timber which approaches
more closely to the orig-
inal forest conditions

Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua). Near Mt. Carmel, than any other I have

Ill. Circumference, 12% ft.; clear trunk, 78 ft.; spread of
top, 85 ft. Several feet of the base are hidden from view, seen. Relatively few of

the tree standing in a low swale. (October, 1875). the larger trees have

been cut, and there has
been very little change in the character of the undergrowth. I have not
had the time to explore this tract thoroughly nor to make a list of the
species, but the number must be very large, as the surface includes both
upland and bottoms. Should this tract be purchased for a preserve (and
it is well worth preservation, in fact it should be preserved) action would
have to be taken soon, as all the merchantable trees have been marked for
sacrifice by a timber cruiser who surveyed it for the purpose a few months
ago.

; In this matter of dealing with the remaining woodlands of Southern
Illinois, one of two things should be done at once: either their thorough
investigation by trained botanists or the purchase for preservation of a
sufficient number of tracts to embrace all the types. The necessity of
botanical investigation before it is too late is shown by the fact that on a
tract which is now being cleared the present writer found growing the
Southern Red Maple (Acer Drummondii) and Southern Red Elm (Ulmus
serotina) the former new to the I1linois flora, the latter collected only once
before (many years ago) within the State, in Union County; and in the
same locality a climbing rose which is probably new, and a green-brier

fiat oO won, Oo DUB ON &.0 C. PE T ¥ 11

(Smilax) which Professor Sargent thinks may be new. Another species
was added to the state sylva from a different locality, namely, the pumpkin
ash (Fraxinus profunda), which, although long known to me as growing
in Southern Illinois had not previously been actually collected and its
occurrence properly verified. The writer has also added, from time to time,
to the sylva of Richland County the Washington thorn (Crataegus
cordata), Southern hawthorn (C. viridis), deciduous holly (Ilex decidua),
woolly-leaved hickory (Hicoria villosa), Chickasaw Plum, (Prunus
angustifolia), and Biltmore ash (Fraxinus bilmoreana), while the additions
among herbaceous plants, including grasses and sedges, have been numerous.
When it is considered that all these additions to the flora are the result of
a very few collecting trips and nothing even approaching systematic or
continued work in that line, it may be seen that the field is really a very
promising one for the experienced botanical collector.

Of vastly greater importance, to the general public at least, than the
scientific value of the proposed establishment of forest and game preserves
and like measures for the improvement of Southern I]linois, is the direct
benefit which would result in improving the appearance of the country. At-
tractiveness from the esthetic point of view is an asset which has been far
too much underestimated or ignored. Hitherto only so-called ‘practical’
matters have been considered, and with a short-sightedness that is little less
than amazing, the work of vandalism in the way of tree-destruction has
been wholly unrestrained, and many localities thereby rendered repellent
in their ugliness. No reasonable person can, or will, object to the cutting
down of a tree when there is good cause for doing so, nor to clearing of
woodlands when necessary; but altogether too much freedom has been
allowed to those who ruthlessly destroy trees which shade the roadside and
beautify the landscape, with no other excuse than that such trees stunt the
growth of a row or two of corn for a space of a few rods, or that they
prevent the road from drying out. The first excuse has some basis, because
the feeding roots of the tree do draw the moisture from the soil (and per-
haps more or less of the fertility also), but the second has none whatever,
for if the tree dries up the ground on the one side of it, it must, of course, do
the same on the other. The essential matter of proper drainage of the road
is in such cases entirely overlooked.

There are, of course, many people whose minds are so constituted that
they cannot see anything to admire in Nature, and who have a certain
contempt for those who can. But these should remember that there are
many people who do admire and appreciate God’s handiwork, and that they
as well as themselves have rights in the matter of road-sides, which belong
to one class as much as the other; and of this fact the laws, thus far favor-
ing only the former class, should take cognizance. There is very much in
this life besides the ‘‘practical,’’ which too often means the exploitation
rather than the true development of the country. The waste of natural
resources, with utter disregard for the future, is natural and defensible
under pioneer conditions ; but these have long ago ceased to exist, and it is
now time to install a new era in the development of our State. No civiliza-
tion is complete or real unless it combines the esthetic with the practical.
Jesus said: ‘‘Man cannot live by bread alone,” which, rightly interpreted,
means that he must have food for the mind and soul, as well as for the body.

ROBERT RipGway.

12 THE AL Ur DU BION BULL Ew tN

Illinois Should Establish Game Preserves

I am what some people call a “nut” on the outdoor life proposition, —

and you can hardly blame a fellow for getting the fever in a place like
Carlyle. This picturesque and rather historic little city, of which I have
the honor of serving my third consecutive term as Mayor, hes on the. west
bank of the Kaskaskia river, one of the longest and crookedest streams in
the state. As some of the boys say, “You hardly know whether you are
going or coming when you navigate it.” ‘The people cross the river on a
suspension bridge built in 1859, or just sixty years ago, and the original
wire cables are still in use.

When I was a “kid” there was an old watermill just below this bridge,
with a wooden dam, with a big floodgate, etc. ‘This was some fishing place.
No trouble at all to catch all the crappie we wanted with a dinky pole and
line off the floor below the dam. It was great for channel cats, and we also
caught many salmon and bass, but we left this part of the game for the
high brows of the piscatorial fraternity from Carlyle and abroad. But
the mill was destroyed by fire many years ago, and since, the angling game
has not been so good. We still have a brush dam, but the water below it
is not deep enough to make it attractive for the finny tribe.

A block west of the river is the Hunter’s Home, a big two story frame
building. During the early days this place was conducted by James
Baxter, an old Englishman. It was a great resort for wealthy sportsmen
of New York, Cincinnati, St. Louis and other big cities. Occasionally
they came here from England. ‘The attraction was mainly waterfowl,
prairie chicken and turkey hunting. ‘The visitors loved to shoot snipe, and
the Sante Fe bottom country south of here seven miles was a great place
for this sport. The chickens could be found in abundance within a few
miles of Carlyle, ditto the wild turkeys.

SUSPENSION BRIDGE OVER THE KASKASKIA AT CARLYLE, ILLINOIS.

— ee

Piast noe a DU BON: $$ O CLE TY 13

So, under the conditions, if a youngster had any inclination whatever
for outdoor life, these natural surroundings would certainly develop it.
I have been a resident of Carlyle all my life, started at the hunting and
fishing game for amusement when I was a boy, and today finds me an
enthusiast. I spend most of my spare time either hunting or fishing, but
neither is as good as it used to be.

I give the above resumé for the purpose of qualifying for a few remarks
and suggestions to follow on game and fish conservation—one will naturally
follow the other, that is if the state takes over certain territory, homes will
be preserved for both. Furthermore, permit me to state, that I served
fourteen years as game warden of my county, and this gave me the oppor-
tunity to study conditions in other parts outside of the vicinity of Carlyle.
During that period I had the chance to get in touch with the game condi-
tions in each and every one of the fifteen townships. One season quail,
or rabbits, or squirrels, might be plentiful, then scarce the next. They
seemed to come in waves, so to speak, depending largely upon the weather
conditions both in winter and during the breeding season. It was only a
few years ago that the river bottoms only a few miles northeast of Carlyle
—from two to three miles—were full of quail. Plenty of birds were left
over, remaining in the timber, but the water came up during the nesting
time, and the birds have never been plentiful in the timber since. The
high water also affects the rabbit and squirrel crop, as the severe winters
do the quail.

At every session of the legislature we may expect to hear of the great
destruction of our game, especially the quail, by the hunters. From some
of the talks a person would imagine the sportsman to be the inveterate
enemy of wild animal and bird life, but they forget that we are the
fellows who are putting up the money for the only protection that they get,
and constantly on the alert for new schemes to increase the supply.

We are spending thousands of dollars every year for game and fish
conservation in one way or another, but we seem to have hit the wrong
trail. We need an efficient warden system at all times, but more work
ought to be provided for them, for example giving them some game pre-
serves to look after. I suggest the following:

First—The enactment of a law giving the state the right to acquire land
to be set aside as game preserves on which no hunting shall be permitted
at any time.

Second—This having been done, some means should be provided for
making a study of such a system in other states, for example Pennsylvania.
If necessary appoint a special Commission of competent persons (not
politicians) to make a study of the proposition.

It should be evident to every student of wild life that we can never
hope to maintain-the supply by permitting the indiscriminate destruction
of the natural homes of the same. It is indeed a pity that the state did not
take the matter in hand years ago. ‘There are thousands of acres of land,
especially in which there was timber, which should have been kept by the
state and the timber cut off in a systematic manner. This would have
served a double purpose—conserved the hardwood supply, and conserved
the game by maintaining homes for the same under state supervision.

14 THE AUDUBON BULL fin

There is still the opportunity to get hold of a lot of this bottom land,
much of it practically useless for farming purposes, and I am heartily in
favor of its being taken over either by purchase or condemnation proceed-
ings.
If I were a millionaire I would immediately purchase a few thousand
acres of the timber land northeast of Carlyle, cut out tracts here and there
on which no hunting would be permitted, thus allowing the game to breed
and drift out, and deed the same to the City of Carlyle to be maintained
forever as a meee park for the use of the people... I would stipulate that
certain things should be done, else the deed would be null and void. That’s
how strong I am on this proposition. It’s all right to promote agriculture
by cleaning off and cultivating waste land, but people should remember
there is something else in life besides the dollar. We must have recreation,
and what is there to beat hunting, fishing, camping and kindred
sports? So I say Illinois must take radical. action. We're expecting to
spend millions on hard roads, but are neglecting the outdoor attractions for
those who will use them.

It pleases me very much to receive assurance from the Illinois Audubon
Society that they will co-operate with the Illinois Sportsmen’s League, of
which I am the president and one of the originators. It’s a shame that the
sportsmen do nct take more interest in proposed legislation. Lots of
them make a great howl about what’s happened after the legislature
adjourns, but are too busy to be on the job when needed. Our organization
has been on the firing line at the two last sessions, and we will be there
again this year.

H. C. Norcross,
Editor, The Illinois Sportsman, Carlyle, Ill.

The Barn Owl

A note on the unusual abundance of the Barn Owl (Aluco pratincola)
in Illinois and Adjoining States:

This owl is by no means a rare occurrence with us, individuals being
seen by observers every year, yet we have not heard of any previous unusual
flight as occurs in certain -years with some of the larger and more northern
species. This year I have records of over twenty-five specimens that were
received by Chicago taxidermists between September 18th and November
29th, the larger number being males. The Illinois specimens received were
from Fox Lake, Henry, Genoa, St. Charles, Cardiff, Palatine, Momence,
and other localities, while others were sent from Southern Wisconsin and
Northern Indiana. Other species, as the long-eared and barred owls, have
also been received in larger numbers than for several years, while there
seems to have been no unusual flight of the snowy owls this winter and I
have heard of only a dozen or fifteen species having been received by the
taxidermists. As the food of the barn and long-eared owls consists largely
of injurious rodents, and as both species are under protection of our laws,
these birds should not be killed for objects of ornamentation. I am in-
debted to Richard A. Turtle, Henry Nussbaumer and Karl W. Kahmann
for information and examination of specimens.

RUTHVEN DEANE, Chicago.

Peas AUDUBON SOCIETY <* “15

Photo Madsen Bros.

The Palisades of the Mississippi at Savanna

To the people of Savanna and vicinity has come the idea of conserving
the beautiful natural setting in which they live and of safeguarding
jealously for all time to come their magnificent river front which curves
along wooded flood plains and past palisaded heights that look far out over
the broad island-dotted expanse of the Mississippi River. A great state
park should be created here to include two miles or more of palisades along
the river and four or five miles of frontage along the flood plains. ‘This
should include fine wooded ravines back of the palisades, some of them
almost untouched as yet, a few extending back to the old Indian trail which
follows the windings of the Mississippi. Several thousand acres should be
brought into this preserve including the many picturesque islands in the
river within sight of the palisades. These islands would prove wonderful
bird refuges. As the Iowa line comes near the Illinois shore, and most of
the islands belong to Iowa, a preserve of this sort will require the joint
action of both states.

A local committee to prepare plans for such a park and to arouse state-
wide interest in it has been formed with F. J. Stransky, Colin Higgins, F.
S. Greenleaf, C. K. Miles, and C. H. LeVitt as members. Cooperating
with it is Jens Jensen of Chicago, President of The Friends of Our Native
Landscape, who voices the enthusiastic interest of that organization in the
project. It is the good fortune of the school children of Savanna to have
teachers that direct their attention to the beauty of their immediate sur-
roundings. The following illustrated paragraphs representing the work of
some of the children were kindly furnished by Superintendent C. H.
LeVitt.

16 THE AUD UB ON BULL Loe fEN

Photo Madsen bros.

THE “THOUSAND ISLANDS” OF SAVANNA.

As we ride along the river road to the north of Savanna, the scenery
becomes most delightful. Stop near the “Indian Head” and look across
the river to the Iowa side. There we see many beautiful islands surrounded
by the calm blue waters of the Father of Waters. The bright green color
of the plant life is very pleasing to the tourist. Between the islands may
be found a paradise for fishermen, and on the islands, ideal sites for camping.

Jennie Dent.

THE INDIAN HEAD.

About two miles north of Savanna
is the famous Tndian Head? ieaisee
rock formation about seventy-five feet
high. Its aquiline nose and prominent
cheek bones make it visible for miles.

Two small trees growing upon its
crown, give it the appearance of wear-
ing the feathered head-dress of the
Indian.

When viewed from below, it is just
a jumble of rocks; but looked at from
a distance it is the image of an Indian.

In summer, tourists drive along the
tiver toad and gaze at the Head
which appears to a great advantage
against a background of green trees
and shrubs.

f Ruth Haven.

Photo Madsen Bros.

Meet nels) A .U-D-U BON: 8 OCTET Y

— re <5
Photo Madsen Bros.

THE PALISADES.

How little we realize what a treasure we possess along our beautiful
Mississippi River. Some do not know that our bluffs are among the most
wonderful creations of Nature. Those who have seen the Palisades of the
Hudson come back and declare the superiority of the Palisades of Savanna.

They begin at the outskirts of Savanna and extend north for miles.
Their rocky sides, covered with trees and ferns and mosses, are about two

hundred and fifty feet high.

THE TWIN SISTERS.

The Twin Sisters are a rock forma-
tion on the River and north of Savan-
na. They resemble each other very
closely. The general outlines are those
of human beings, although their faces
cannot be distinguished. They stand
on a huge rock platform apart from
the other bluffs.

When viewed at a distance they
seem but a shapeless mass of rock;
but when seen in the proper way, it
is not difficult to imagine that they
were once two shy maidens who were
changed into stone by the order of
some Indian God.

Norma Bahne.

ik ae

Photo Madsen Bros.

Evangeline Day.

1 Eg

THE AUD UB OWN EB UL Ee iaN

18

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42190 AO LSHAOA ANId ALIHM AHL NI

Pie wool bo DUB ON TS OCTET Y¥ 19

The White Pine Forest of Ogle County

The highway running from Oregon (9 miles) to Polo (7 miles) by the
Pine Creek Town Hall bounds the White Pine Forest Tract of Ogle
County on the south; another highway runs by its east side north to Mount
Morris; the St. Paul line of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad
goes by on its northern edge; to the west and southwest it reaches out
irregularly towards Stratford and over the charming Spring Valley Branch,
—these boundaries including about seven hundred acres. ‘The tract is
owned by a number of individuals, many of whom purchased their holdings
years ago in small timber lots of from five to sixty acres, it being the
custom in an early day thus to divide up the forest area for use in connection
with the more fertile farming land near, for pasture, firewocd, and the
various needs of the work and life on the farm. The tract is traversed by
Pine Creek, which rises farther to the north, flowing in a winding course,
and entering Rock River near the curious bend at Grand Detour. This
creek is a most picturesque stream along its course in other spots than where
it cuts through this forest, but here it reaches the height of its picturesque
beauty and variety, as it runs by the high, rocky, vine-and-flower-covered
banks, mirroring them in its clear ripples as it eddies by. The creek just
before it enters the tree tract was deflected from its course in 1885, by the
railway company in extending the road to St. Paul. To avoid washouts in
time of heavy rains, the rocks were blasted out and made as a natural
support for a bridge over the waters of the stream flowing far beneath,
being barred out of the former bed by the high embankments and grade of
the track. The name of this stream would indicate that pine trees pre-
vailed along the creek at the time it received its appellation. Old settlers
who came to the region about 1840, say that white pines were found then
pretty much all along the east bank of the creek and extending out to a
breadth of sometimes a half mile and more. It is chiefly on this bank that
the white pine is found now. The red cedar is found in this tract mainly
on the west side. The American yew, or ground hemlock, the third ever-
green growing in this tract, is found mostly on the east side of the stream,
creeping and hanging in long dark festoons over far stretches of the rocky
wall.

In October, the brilliant colors of the hardwoods (which are intermixed
with the evergreens over most of the tract) mingled with the soft, rich
green of the white pines and the young growth, make a picture of en-
trancing loveliness. The white pine and red cedar, procured from along
Pine Creek, were planted around the early homes of the settlers, both in
town and country, to protect them from the fierce storms, and for their
beauty, too, for the people who made up the body of sturdy pioneers had
not lost their appreciation of the beautiful things in life, even though they
were struggling with the stern asperities of the new situation. The groups
of these evergreens, as they surround the homes and dot the landscape, are
today an evidence of the houses in which once lived a pioneer family.

Mr. Robert Ridgway, the great naturalist, has shown that in [1linois
the “lower border lands were once the cream of the country and a big tree

20 LH EAU DUS OW Ib we, LE aN

region second only to the Pacific Coast” ; and in 1880, sixty-two of the one
hundred and two counties in the state were from fifteen to twenty-five per-
cent in forests and the remaining forty of them had from six to eight
percent. Now it is estimated that the forest area is only five ane one-half
percent of the entire land area. The people of the United States awoke too
late to the need of forestry regulations; the wealth of timber in our country
seeming to be inexhaustible, it did not come into the minds of those in
authority that it was necessary to make permanent reservations of our
bountiful tracts of trees. Now we have the pitiful spectacle of the once
beautiful regions of the Blue and Alleghany Mountains a series of barren
slopes, and the forest sections in every one of the states largely denuded of
their useful and handsome growth. What would France have done in this
World War if she had not long, long ago, turned her attention economically
to the protection and growing of trees, so that she was able by her great
state-grown forests to provide in enormous quantities the various kinds of
wood and timber for the needs of a// the Allies in almost every manner?
And, what is more serious, what would America and the other allied coun-
tries have done without this marvelous and Ausbanded supply?

At the beginning of the twentieth century, our then President, Theodore
Roosevelt, turned his attention with his characteristic thoroughness, to this
problem, being ably assisted by Mr. Gifford Pinchot, the enthusiastic and
capable head of the Government Forest Service, and measures to arouse
people to the seriousness of the situation were taken. The General
Assembly of the State of Illinois in 1903 passed a resolution asking the U.
S. Department of Agriculture to make an examination of the forests of the
State, with recommendations as to preserving and propagating them. Mr.
Ro». Kelloggs, of the U. S. Bureau of Forestry (now Forest Service)eenad
charge of this examination with headquarters at Roodhouse, during the
summer of 1904. Under the direction of himself and Mr. E. A. Ziegler.
later of the Mount Alto Park (Pennsylvania) Forest Reserve and School,
an examination and report were made of the White Pine Forest of Ogle
County, from which the following is quoted:

“The piece of land should be made into a State Forest Reserve, since
it is the only White Pine Grove in the state and shows excellent prospects
of enlarging itself by natural seeding—in time, perhaps over-running the
greater part of the tract—if a little care is taken to cut out a little oak,
now and then, as the young pines become larger and denser. ‘The natural
beauties are exceptional. Natural conditions are favorable to good tree
growth. The present forest is young. and evidently very few of the trees
in it are over 75 years old. In a rather hurried survey the following
species were noted: red oak, white oak, burr oak, scarlet oak, chinquapin
oak, white elm, slippery elm, largetooth aspen, quaking asp, sugar maple,
box elder, hornbeam, hop hornbeam, red mulberry, black walnut, butternut,
shagbark hickory, pignut hickory, mocker nut hickory, sycamore, white ash,
black ash, choke cherry, black cherry, wild plum, basswood, hop tree, black
willow, Juneberry, white pine (Pinus Strebus), red cedar.

“The interesting feature of the proposed reserve is the small forest of
white pine which is unique for Illinois and represents the southernmost
extension of the species in this section of the United States. The maximum
height of the pine is 90 feet, and the largest diameter, breast high, abcut

Paw t nn et Se AUDUBON § OC LE Ty 21

Pine Creek flows by high, rocky, vine-and-flower-covered banks, mirroring them in its clear
ripples as it eddies by.

30 inches. A long distance, in the tract, from the nearest pine tree one
finds patches of young pine so dense as to be almost impenetrable, while
smaller numbers and individual young trees are scattered about everywhere.
A few years of care and good management would make this tract a beauti-
ful spot and a fine object lesson in forest preservation and regeneration.”’

The purchase by the State of 700 acres, or even more, of this evergreen
tract would make it possible to have there a forest station for replanting
places over the state that have been made bare of trees, of whatever sort,
and of foresting unsightly lands and growing, in time, timber all over the
State on many acres of the lands not now good for any regular cultivation,
—growing forests both for commercial, practical use and for beauty.
Then, too, it is a region of all sorts of native plants, flowers and shrubs;
and contains a complete flora of the State. An instructor in botany, Miss
Mildred Hinds, in Mount Morris College, in studying there with her
classes recently, made the following report: “I was surprised not only
at the great variety of flowers to be found, but also at the small area in
which each kind is found, this, in my opinion, being one of the strongest
arguments in favor of wild flower preservation.” A large water elm found
there by the examining foresters in August, 1904, measured fourteen and
a half feet in circumference, and 115 feet in height.

An effort to have the State purchase the White Pine Forest has been
made with each General Assembly since the one that passed the first bill
in 1903, excepting the last on account of war conditions, and the bill
has nearly every time had added to the arrangement for a State Park
clauses for establishing therewith a forestry experiment station. Illinois

22 OH EAU DU BON BU) Eek) iN

has laws offering inducements for farmers and other land owners to plant
trees, but experience has shown the only way to preserve, secure and main-
tain forests for permanency is to do it under the thorough, firm control
and supervision of the State, whether national or State.

Mrs. Resecca H. KAUFFMAN.

To the foregoing description by Mrs. Kauffman should be added some
account of the efforts that have been made to include all this notable area
under the permanent protection of the State. The White Pine Forest has
many devoted friends but none more so than Mrs. Kauffman who has been
able to enlist in its support workers from various portions of Illinois.

In 1903, the Oregon Woman’s Council, under the lead of Mrs. Kauff-
man, its President, assisted in the work by many interested friends. who
came enthusiastically to its support from all over the State, secured the
passage of a bill for the purchase of 300 acres, carrying an appropriation
of $30,000 for that purpose. Attorney Horace G. Kauffman and Mr.
Charles Walkup, then of Pine Creek, had called upon all the owners of
the land and secured options from them on its sale for six months. ‘The
measure had been ably managed in the General Assembly by Representa-
tive James P. Wilson, of Polo, assisted by Representative Johnson
Lawrence, also of Polo, in the House, and by Senator Henry Andrus of
Rockford, in the Senate. Governor Yates, however, vetoed the bill,
assigning the always-ready reason of economy. Another reason, however,
might be found. Every one now knows how land has gone up in price,
and that it would have been economy to have invested this comparatively
small sum at that time, adding more land to the tract as soon as possible,
as has been done with the Starved Rock Park.

In 1903 Mrs. Kauffman also became a member of the newly-organized
Forestry Committee of the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs, and later
its chairman, thus securing the interest of one of Illinois’ most practical
and ardent nature lovers, Mrs. P. S. Peterson of Chicago, and of all the
club women of the State in the preservation of this white pine region,—
and they have worked unceasingly for its ultimate purchase. Meanwhile
the tract has become famous, and has been visited by many of the best
known nature lovers. It is the mecca of automobile parties from every-
where. Being wholly unprotected, the gates of the forest ‘“‘wide open,”
there is ever-present danger of its destruction from fire, or other care-
lessness. In 1911 the White Pine Forest Association was formed, with
Mr. A. W. Brayton of Mount Morris as president,—Mr. Brayton who is
now the head of the Illinois State Horticultural Society. This tract has
been inspected at different times by members of the State Park Commission
and Mr. David Shanahan.

Under the leadership of Mr. Jens Jensen, the Friends of Our Native
Landscape came to the Forest on one of their annual summer pilgrimages.
On this occasion an original Masque written by the late Kenneth Sawyer
Goodman was given in the glen of Pine Creek and Nicholas Vachel Lind-
say recited his poem to the memory of Black Hawk.

Inspired by this splendid wildwood, Mrs. Elia W. Peattie, one of the

moe ms DUB ON. BULLE TIN 23

able writers of the “Chicago Tribune,” has written a fine poem entitled
“The Pine Forest of Illinois Speaks,”—
Above your acres of corn and grain,
We stand a living choir,
To put life’s prose into rhyme again,
While the dreams of youth suspire.
x *k sk *k *
Oh fend for us, that we may still
Sing on in shine and rain—
Thrive by your love, live by your will,
The guardians of your plain.

And we will coax reluctant skies
To shed their showers for you,

And make it our benign emprise
To store the dripping dew.

Your children’s sons shall visions see,
A dream beneath our shade;

So shall our debt of fealty
To you and yours be paid.

Governor Lowden on Re-Forestation

On New Year’s Day newspapers printed an informal message from
Governor Lowden entitled, “A Vision of 1919.” Among other various
significant paragraphs those printed below are selected as peculiarly
appropriate to accompany the conservation articles in this issue of the
Bulletin. It would be fortunate if every paper in Illinois would reprint
the quotations with the explanation that the Governor’s suggestions as to
the encouragement of re-forestation can be realized only if at the forth-
coming constitutional convention the necessary provisions are written into
the constitution.

Governor Lowden says:

“T know of no single acre of land in the state, even though it be
not suited to cultivation, that cannot be made to produce trees
successfully. We shall, if we are wise, make laws whereby every
acre which will not produce wheat or corn will be made to grow
trees.

“It may be that we shall be wise enough to exempt these lands
from taxation, saying to the owner: ‘Plant this little tract to trees
and we shall tax you nothing, requiring only that when your
children or your grandchildren harvest them they shall pay a fair
percentage of the proceeds into the treasury of the state.’

“You would not only thus set these idle acres to work for the
profit of both the state and the owner, but the little growing forest
upon the farm will help to tie the children to the farm.”

24 THE AUD UE ONY ES ULL Et EN

Theodore Roosevelt, Conservationist

Death comes unannounced and takes the mighty among men with as
little concern for human welfare as it shows in taking the lowly. Just
before daybreak on January 6, Death silently stole away from a sleeping
nation its indispensable citizen, a man whose vision, wisdom, counsel and
dynamic force are most needed at this dawning of a new era. In the un-
timely passing of Theodore Roosevelt, mankind suffers an irreparable loss.
The world is much better, however, for his having lived—his good works
for the physical, moral, mental and spiritual welfare of man will be felt
and appreciated as long as man, in the image of God, inhabits the earth.

Among the many achievements, mental and physical, by which our
myriad-minded, omniactive Roosevelt attained the pinnacle of fame, none
is greater or more enduring than his attainments as conservationist. “The
first chapter of the history of conservation of natural resources cannot be
written without the name of Roosevelt. Whatever may be said for others,
it was Roosevelt who grasped the big idea of conservation and made it.a
national and then a world movement.

Forests, waters, soils, minerals, birds and animals were embraced in the
thoroughgoing Roosevelt conservation program. As governor, Roosevelt
took measures to protect the forests and wild life of New York. As presi-
dent of the United States of America, he made the nation understand that
Nature’s store of the essentials to life on this globe is not unlimited and
that every generation owes a duty to posterity to use this limited store with
scientific economy that its benefits may be extended into the future as far as
possible. Simultaneously with establishing the principles of conservation,
Roosevelt set about putting them in practice, of course. He increased
the national forest areas from a little more than forty-six millions to one
hundred ninety-four and one-half millions of acres, opened to regulated use
the natural resources in these forests, saw to it that every part of the land
in these reserves was put to its most efficient use, and opened to farm settle-
ment nearly one-half millions of forest lands best suited to that purpose ; he
put under national regulation and control the use of water power in the
national forests, on the public domains and in the navigable rivers, with-
drew from private entry many water power sites on twenty-nine streams,
and established the practice of making a charge for value received in
granting water power rights; he caused the proceeds from the sales of
public lands to be set aside for reclaiming arid lands by irrigation, began
twenty-eight projects for the irrigation of more than three millions of acres
and the watering of more than thirty thousand farms, built great dams,
many of them the greatest in the world, and constructed more than seven
thousand miles of main-line canals to hold and distribute water for irriga-
tion purposes; he withdrew from all forms of entry, for classification and
scientific and economic disposition, more than seventy-five millions of acres
of coal lands, established the principles of the retention of federal title to
all minerals im lands of unceded: ferritory and the lease “os
same for a fixed rental, and the separation of surface title from title
to minerals in coal and oil lands, and withdrew from private entry almost
five millions of acres of phosphate rock, all the phosphate rock area

fit er ores AT DUB ON: S 0.C LE TY 25

then known to exist in the West; and he created five national parks, four
big game refuges and fifty-one bird reservations, and secured the enactment
of laws for the protection of wild life. It is safe to say that more was
begun and done to conserve natural resources during the presidency of
Roosevelt than during all time before and after that brief seven and one-
half years.

Roosevelt grasped the big ideas of men with a swiftness that was mar-
velous. Being a broad-minded, practical man, he put itito the hands of men
the means for developing their ideas and by his enthusiasm, public spirited
example and unflinching support inspired them to great achievements. A
man imbued with the conservation idea brought his idea to Roosevelt.
Roosevelt saw immediately. He called the governors together—the first
time in history—to consider, with federal officials, scientists and others, a
national problem, the conservation of natural resources. As a result of this
memorable conference he appointed the National Conservation Commis-
sion, with the man of the idea as its chairman. “This Commission made the
first natural resources inventory known to history. He called the North
American Conservation Conference, at which the United States, Canada,
Newfoundland, and Mexico got together on this problem. And finally, he

26 THE AUDUBON BULLE TLN

invited all the nations of the world to meet at The Hague to confer on the
natural resources of the entire globe. Although this last project lapsed
when Roosevelt left the presidency, the effects of his efforts were far-reach-
ing. Some day this conference will come and it will be guided by the spirit
of Roosevelt. ‘This greatest of conservationists, this man of the Square
Deal, has recorded in his own writing that from the beginning to the con-
summation of his conservation work, his inspiration and guide was the man
imbued with the conservation idea, Gifford Pinchot. His magnanimity
makes his enduring fame more brilliant.

It is fitting that the people of the country Roosevelt loved so well and
did so much for should name their great forest of giant trees after him. It
is indeed fitting that the people of Cook County should name its forest
preserve after him, as has been suggested, and that in it should be erected a
monument visualizing the man and his deeds. As time rolls on and on and
the store of natural resources becomes less and less, conservation will
become more and more vital to the human race. In depicting his works let
us not forget that historians of all the future will record that Theodore
Roosevelt, American, inspired and inaugurated on a vast scale a world
movement for staying waste and for saving those things of earth, of sea
and of sky upon which depend absolutely the permanence, well-being and
happiness of man.

Roy M. LANGDON.

Roosevelt Memorial Fountain
A Call to the Nature-Lovers of America

The great spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, an inspiration
to naturalists, bird-lovers, conservationists and sports-
men, today rests upon the nation like a mighty benedic-
tion. Men of the open loved him and the faces about his
campfire, whether black or yellow, white or copper, bent
their gaze upon him with that respect and affection which
men of towering nobility have ever inspired.

He was a scientific collector of birds in his youth and
in manhood sought the fiercest animals of the jungle and
brought his trophies to museums where the public might
look upon them and learn. As President he established
the principle of government bird-reservations, and created
thirty-eight of these national wild-life sanctuaries. He
awoke the nation to the need of saving its forests and
other natural resources.

He taught and practiced clean, straight sportsmanship
with a power that has caused thousands of men afield to
walk in straighter paths.

He discussed questions understandingly with our great-
est technical naturalists and at the same time was presi-
dent of the Long Island Bird Club that feeds the wild
birds in winter and teaches little children to love them.

The man or woman who is wedded to the open knows
these facts and many others. It is because of this knowl-
edge and of a desire to give some tangible expression
of esteem in which his memory is held that the plan has
been formed to erect at some appropriate spot a memorial
that speaks of the wild bird-life in which he was so
deeply interested.

reat hoes AU DU B.ON-$ 0-C 1 E TY 27

The National Association of Audubon Societies and
affiliated organizations of various kinds throughout the
United States, therefore, call upon the friends of their
great fallen leader to erect a Roosevelt Memorial Fountain.

The possibilities of such a work of art are boundless
and in the hands of some great American sculptor there
can be wrought a fountain of such beauty and appropri-
ateness that it will become one of the land-marks of
our country; and ever serve as a reminder of the great
American Nature Lover.

A National Committee cooperating with the officers
and directors of the Association has been formed to aid
in the collection of funds and in the ultimate selection
of a proper work of art.

The books are now open for subscriptions and con-
tributions may be sent to Dr. Jonathan Dwight, Treasurer,
1974 Broadway, New York City, or to any member of the
Committee. In addition to the usual receipt all subscrip-
tions of one dollar and over, unless otherwise requested,
will be published in the magazine Bird-Lore.

i. GILBERT PEARSON,

Chairman.

The Rockford Nature Study Club

Bulletin No. 4 of the Nature Study Society of Rockford recently issued
under the title of ‘‘Birds of Rockford and Vicinity” is in booklet form and
contains besides title pages, introduction, etc., a check list of birds covering
32 pages. It is dedicated to Ruth A. Conklin ‘whose ruling passion was a
love of the out-of-doors, and whose devotion to the Society is a cherished
memory,” and her likeness appears on the dedicatory page.

The Bulletin is noteworthy for the nature study club of a single city
and is evidence of an abiding enthusiasm for the observation of bird life in
the Rockford area. Of special-interest are the observation dates which
appear beside the names of 229 different species. For such extensive records
involving, of necessity, years of patient observation, the highest commenda-
tion is due various members of the club, and especially the collaborators,
Mrs. Chas. T. Sackett, Paul B. Riis, and Sergeant J. C. Van Duzer.
Opposite the last named now appears the gold star of supreme devotion to
his country.

The introduction explains the two-fold purpose of the publication of
Birds of Rockford and Vicinity to be to aid the bird student in his field
work and to stimulate the collection of more complete data than have
hitherto been offered. It is expressly stated that the bird-list is a copy of
one which appeared in the Winter 1917-18 Illinois Audubon Society
Bulletin and due credit is given the compilers of the original records.
Examination of the list, however, shows a few additions, for example, the
Clapper Rail, the Starling, the Whitewinged Junco, and the Western
Tanager. These latter are indeed exceptional out-of-state records and the
evidence for including them in the list would doubtless be examined with
great interest by the compilers of the Illinois Audubon Society’s check list.

bee es

28 fae AeU DUB ON BULL EE TiN

Bird Protection in Illinois

The Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society believe that the present
time is opportune for a candid discussion of the situation as to the protection
of wild birds in Illinois and the writer has been delegated to open the
discussion. A mere outline of the situation involves so much that added
comment and discussion will certainly make this article somewhat formid-
able in length. ‘To mitigate this state of affairs sub-headings will be in-
serted at intervals so that the canny reader may slip from time to time from
one of these headings to another considerably removed and shorten his task
with probably little loss to himself. As a preface to the first sub-heading
it may be stated that the officials of the Illinois Audubon Society are in
frequent receipt of reports of wrongs committed upon bird life by boys
and men and cats, and there is apparently the implication, “uttered or
unexpressed,” that the I]inois Audubon Society should be able to intervene.
In a letter recently received one of our friends writes: ‘‘My observation for
a considerable number of years has thoroughly convinced me that the
Audubon Societies, both state and national, really accomplish very little
indeed in the matter of bird protection so far as the country at large is
concerned. Within a very limited field such as the establishment of reserva-
tions or preserves (mostly for the protection of certain sea birds and other
waterfowl) and in a few localities favored by an efficient police force and
rigid enforcement of the laws, these societies have undoubtedly accom-
plished something toward bird protection. But for approximately nine-
tenths of the area of the United States, the laws for the protection of birds
are practically a dead letter, and might just as well not exist. I am sorry
I have to write so pessimistically, but my experience covering many years
and many localities, certainly justifies my conclusion.”

For this plain speaking let us be thankful—for it is well-meant—but let
us admit only that we “‘are baffled to fight better.” To that end let us take
stock. What have we? The General Assembly of Illinois is now in session.
If we need more or better laws, now is the time to ask for them.

THe ILLINOIS Law RELATING TO NON-GAME OR INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS

Section 6. Any person who shall, within the State, kill or catch,
or have in his or her possession, living or dead, any wild bird, or part
of bird, other than a game bird, English sparrow, crow, blackbird,
blue jay, chicken hawk, or cormorant, or who shall purchase, offer or
expose for sale any such wild bird, or part of bird, after it has been
killed or caught, shall, for each offense, be subject to a fine of five
dollars for each bird killed or caught or had in his or her possession,
living or dead, etc.

AN UNFORTUNATE OMISSION

Now this Section 6 just quoted lacks a certain expression which was
carefully written into Section 4 and all other sections of this law which
relate to game birds, namely, the words “or attempt to kill or catch.”
Because of the occurrence of these words in Section 4, if one attempts to
kill a game bird, one is liable in law even if one’s aim is faulty. But one

Peet eo a DUB ON SO CLE T Y 29

may shoot at non-game birds and go free provided one’s markmanship is
amiss because Section 6 of the law does not offer a penalty for the “attempt
to kill or destroy.”’ In one notable instance, that of a hunter caught shoot-
ing at goldfinches, the judge ruled that according to the law the man had
committed no offense since he had apparently failed to kill any of the
birds. Of course, this defect of the law must be remedied. With this weak
point removed, the boy (or man) with the sling shot or the air gun can be
held liable even for his futile effort to kill birds. As the law does not
specify means of killing or destroying, sling shots and air rifles are, of
course, to be reckoned with as are guns or rifles.

OUTLAWS

What do you think about the list of unprotected birds given in Section
6 above: the English sparrow, crow, blackbird, blue jay, chicken hawk, or
cormorant? Audubonites are by no means unanimous in condemning any
of these except the English sparrow. ‘The writer believes that he voices
conservative views in saying that the crow is a local problem and that it
should be warred against only where its numbers and the local conditions
make it a menace. ‘This idea is elaborated on another page of this bulletin
where the shot gun propaganda of a powder manufacturer is examined and
duly characterized. Of the blackbirds only the grackle is commonly held
in bad repute and that only locally. Think of a state law banning the red-
wing and the yellow-head! In a way, the grackle or crow blackbird and
the jay are local problems also. In very few communities are they a
menace. As to the chicken hawks, everyone acquainted with the hawk
family knows that the large and conspicuous hawks which the ignorant
hunter goes after are not really chicken hawks at all and they are too
valuable assets of agricultural life to be outlawed. It is the smaller hawks,
the Cooper’s, the sharp-shinned, the pigeon hawk, (the sparrow hawk
excepted), and the goshawk which should be exterminated and not the fine
big hawks, the marsh hawk, red-shouldered, broad-winged, and the rest.
“Of 65 stomachs of broad-winged hawks examined, Fisher reported 2
containing small birds; 15, mice; 13, other mammals; 11, reptiles; 13,
batrachians ; 30, insects; 2, earth worms; 4, crawfish; and 7 were empty!”’
The vicious goshawk and the pigeon hawk are very rare in Illinois. The
cormorant is also rare and probably does very little harm. By way of
compromise (and with mental reservations) it might be well to offer no
protest to a list that outlaws the English sparrow, crow, jay, crow-black-
bird or grackle, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, pigeon hawk, and
goshawk.

Wuat ABOUT THE OWLS

Two years ago a bill revising the fish and game laws went through the
legislature in one of the provisions of which the owls (except the ‘‘screech
owl’) were placed on the list of outlawed birds. The bill was vetoed for
certain structural weaknesses and need not be considered here, but the
astonishing fact remains that it was drafted by intelligent persons who
were yet in ignorance of the great economic value of the owl family. With
the exception of the great horned owl which is very rare in Illinois and

30 TH EAD UB ONE UL ee N

which might well be exterminated the owls are to be sought after for their
nightly and very efficient forays among mice and other destructive rodents.
Mr. Deane’s paragraph appearing elsewhere in this Bulletin relating to the
unusual occurrence of barn owls in Northern I]linois this winter reveals the
fact that hunters at the places in Illinois therein mentioned have not only
been violating our present state law, which protects the owls, but that they
have also been committing acts of great stupidity. As Secretary Langdon
says, “Instead of greeting this valuable aid with a shot gun, every farmer
favored with his presence should give a barn dance and feast in honor of
his coming and taking up his abode on the farm.”’ Here properly belongs
mention of a certain man, a champion among stupids, who hunted screech
owls in Jackson Park, Chicago, in order to remove ‘‘the nuisances.”

THe List oF GAME BiRDS

Audubonites do not like the provisions in Section 4 by which the mourn-
ing dove is included in the list of game birds and made to run the gauntlet
of an open season. To be sure it can be taken only from August 15 to
August 29 of each year, both inclusive, but it seems a crime to shoot so
useful and charming a bird. As to open seasons, the Audubon Society
favors the amendment of the law to make its provisions identical with the
regulations issued by the Biological Survey under authority conferred by
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This would do away with the open season
from February 15 to March 31, both inclusive, on ducks, geese, brants, etc.
Warden Bradford has instructed his staff to urge strict conformity wherever
the state law does not conform to the provisions of the national law. This
is wise attitude on the part of the Warden and it should be confirmed by
necessary revisions of the law.

WuHo ENFORCES THE LAW?

The Division of Game and Fish of the State Department of Agriculture
is especially charged with the duty of securing “the enforcement of the
statutes of the state for the preservation and propagation of game, wild
fowl, birds, and fish,’ and of bringing, or causing to be brought, “actions
AMGs ROCECEIMOS es nm ney ans to recover any and all fines relating to game, wild
fowl, birds, and fishes and to prosecute all violators of said statutes.”
Besides the specific responsibility laid upon the officers and employes of
the Division the law provides in general that “It shall be the duty of all
sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, coroners, constables, police officers, and all
other conservators of the peace to enforce the provisions of this
Act.”

Now the staff of the Chief Warden consists of five inspectors, five in-
vestigators, and sixty or more ‘‘employes.” This force is, of course, too
small in itself to cover the commonwealth of Illinois, and there are within
the state many large areas which necessarily hhave not received any personal
attention by an official of the Division. It is possible for those of us who
are especially interested in the protection of non-game birds to get the
attention of an agent of the Division, but this is not, and probably can not
be, the general rule.

Pat Noss AUD oe B ON §.0 CIE T yYv 31
CONSTABLES AS DEPUTY WARDENS

Section 2 of the law enlists several thousand constables of the state
specifically in its enforcement. It provides that ‘fall constables in this
state shall be ex officio special deputy wardens, who shall receive no
salary per diem or expenses as such, but who shall receive in addi-
tion to the fees and mileage provided by law, one-half of all the fines
recovered for violation of this Act in any case where they have filed
the complaint.”

It should be noted that the fees and mileage provided by law plus the
share of the fines make it decidedly profitable for a constable to run down
violations of the law. For other officials such as police officers enforcement
of the provisions of the Act is all in the day’s work but has no direct relation
to official salary. It would seem that this law should be amended to put
police officers upon the same footing as constables with fees and mileage and
one-half of the ensuing fines when they have filed complaints. The law
should even go farther and provide that any one who shall file a complaint
upon which there shall be a conviction shall receive one-half of the fine
received.

WuHo SHALL HUNT

Almost any one may hunt, it seems. The law provides that “no person
may hunt, pursue, or kill with a gun, rabbits or any of the wild animals,
fowl or birds that are protected during any part of the year” without first
having procured a license from a county, city or village clerk, but prac-
tically whoever has the price may secure a license. ‘There are no specific
restrictions as to age, sex, or ‘“‘previous condition.’ One simply makes out
an application and pays the fee of one dollar required of residents of Illinois
and citizens, or prospective citizens, of the United States. A non-resident
of the state or an alien pays a fee of ten dollars and fifty cents. These
licenses expire on the 31st day of March of each year. License No. 202730
issued in the County Clerk’s office in Lake County authorizes the nine year
old boy holding it to “hunt, pursue, or kill with a gun, rabbits or any of the
wild animals, fowl or birds that are protected during any part of the year.”
The Clerk was acting within the law when he invested young Master
Tompkins with such authority. Eleven other Lake County boys under
fifteen years of age hold licenses issued at the County Clerk’s office and
doubtless the names of many others would be obtained if the records of the
city and village clerks throughout that county were examined. Reference
is made to Lake County only because the home of the writer is in that
county. Possibly readers of this article would profit by conducting an in-
vestigation of this sort in their respective counties. Surely we are all agreed
that it is unwise to clothe such youthful Nimrods with so great a power
over wild life. There is to be reckoned with not only the menace to human
life from the careless handling of firearms, but the almost certain tempta-
tion to the heedless child to accept any chance bird as a target upon which
to test his prowess. The law wisely sets the minimum age limit at eighteen
for those applying for a license to take birds’ eggs for scientific purposes.
Why not the same for hunting licenses?

32 THE ALUeDU BON BU fe TEN

WHERE AND WHEN NOT TO HUNT

Not along the roadsides in Illinois. House bill 312, approved by
Governor Lowden June 25, 1917, forbids the discharge of firearms upon
any public highway by anyone other than an officer of the law and provides
a penalty of from five to twenty-five dollars for each and every violation of
the law. This useful law should not be difficult to enforce. It is unlawful
to hunt “within or along the premises of another, or upon the waters
flowing over or standing on said lands or premises, without first
obtaining from the owner, agent, or occupant of said lands or
premises, his, her or their permission so to do.” Violation of this
provision involves the forfeiture of the hunter’s license and a fine of from
five to fifteen dollars. ‘There is nothing to hunt after February | anyway.
There is no Spring shooting, unless outlawed birds are a target. ‘There is
no real hunting until September 1 when the open season for certain game
birds begins. ‘There is really no legitimate excuse for anyone roaming the
countryside, Spring or Summer, with a weapon in hand. Anyone doing
that may well be suspected of indulging in surreptitious shooting at for-
bidden targets.

A CONSTRUCTIVE PROGRAM

Let us work for the amendment of our present law, (a) to strengthen
its phraseology, (b) to give policemen the same powers and privileges as
constables, (c) to reward those who file complaints from which convictions
‘follow, (d) to revise and restrict the list of outlawed birds, (e) to fix a
minimum age limit for the holders of hunting licenses. The legislative
committee of the Illinois Audubon Society has the matter of amendments in
hand and at the proper time will inform our membership of the com-
pleted program and advise as to lending our combined support in the most
effective way. The prospect of accomplishing much of its program seems
good. Organizations such as the Illinois Sportsmen’s League favor the
strict protection of non-game and insectivorous birds and can even be
counted upon to push through laws making it easier to afford such protec-
tion. Audubonites are bound to stand for the amendment of the state law
to make it conform to the national regulations forbidding Spring shooting
and here they are obliged to part company with some of the sportsmen’s
organizations. While they do this, it seems proper to express the hope that
with the ultimate victory of the national government’s contentions as to
closed seasons there may be found some way to mitigate the conditions
which seem to constitute a real grievance in some parts of the middle West.

A DRIVE

After all is said and done, is not the big thing the arousing of wide-
spread interest in bird life, its charm, its human appeal, its economic
significance? ‘This is what bird clubs and Audubon Societies are doing with
signal success. Are they not directly or indirectly behind much of the
publicity given to bird protection in our widely circulated magazines and
papers and farm journals? ‘Their efforts appear in programs of farmers’
institutes, in class rooms in the schools and in books which children read.

Piatto Ot een. U DIB ON’ S O CLE T Y 33

The situation surely does not warrant pessimistic conclusions. It is just bad
enough and good enough to spur us on to better effort. So, why not each
of us, “Each in his separate star,” or field of effort, start a great drive to
make his part of the map safe for bird life? We can stimulate the enforce-
ment of the law by organizing committees of tactful persons to call on each
of the local constables and policemen and make sure that each is familiar
with the provisions of the law and his duties thereto; to secure a list of all
holding hunting licenses in that area and then to call on each hunter and
make sure that he is familiar with the provisions of the law and invite his
complete cooperation in law enforcement; to give each hunter of Italian
origin a copy of the Illinois Audubon Society’s special card of instructions
in the Italian language. This same committee might report fully in the
local papers as to the law, and as to the data secured in this investigation.
Names and addresses of constables as well as policemen should be printed
together with advice as to filing complaints.

There is no limit to the activities we can set in motion which have to
do with the constructive side—with stimulating interest in bird life. Some
might be listed as suggestive: Organize a ‘“‘parent’’ Audubon Society to
take in people of all ages and to have branch Societies in the various school
rooms. Have Junior Societies enroll with the Illinois Audubon Society and
study such texts as Farmers’ Bulletin, No. 513, entitled, “Fifty Common
Birds of Field and Orchard” (Fifty colored pictures, 15 cents) ; or enroll
with the National Audubon Society,—Broadway, New York, and study
leaflets furnished by that Society ; or provide each of the members of these
groups with a copy of Chapman’s “The Travel of Birds’ (45 cents, less in
quantities), etc. Have exhibits of bird books and magazines, bird pictures,
and stimulate the purchase of the same. Build nesting boxes and shelters
and display them at public exhibitions. Have conferences to report upon
success with the various kinds and styles of nesting boxes and _ nesting
materials. Reports upon success with feeding shelves, etc. See that each
school room has a liberal supply of the best bird pictures mounted
artistically. Write to the Secretary of the Illinois Audubon for help in this
work. Provide each room with one of the wall lists of Illinois Birds pub-
lished by the Illinois Audubon Society. Have the lantern slides and
printed lectures of that Society visit your town. Use the columns of the
local papers to good advantage. Extend this list at your pleasure.

Jesse L. SMITH.

Bird and Nature Clubs

Your memberships in the Illinois Audubon Society will prove of great
benefit both to yourselves and to the Society. You will profit by association
with each other through a central organization—by using the Illinois
Audubon Society as a clearing house for the interchange of ideas and reports
of results and observations, you will be stimulated to greater and more
effective activities. The society will profit by the acquisition of organized
agencies through which to spread propaganda and achieve results. There
is everything to be gained and nothing to be lost by membership in the
Illinois society of bird lovers and defenders.

34 THE ALU DU BOON 3S UE Et aN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
WINTER 1919

Published by the
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

For the Conservation of Bird-life

COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION

Jesse LoweSmith C hairman
Roy M. Langdon Miss Catherine Mitchell
Miss Mary Drummond Mr. O. M. Schantz

Mrs. Frederic H. Pattee Mx. Frederic H. Pattee

From several sources come expres-
sions favoring some form of publica-
tion under state auspices which will
give the departments of our state
government concerned with the con-
servation of natural resources an
opportunity to set forth their accom-
plishments and to arouse public in-
terest in an extension of their fields
for effort. This would concern espe-
cially the division of Game and Fish,
Ralph T. Bradford, Chief Warden,
and the Department of Public Works
and Buildings of which Frank I.
Bennett is Director. A number of
states, notably California, Oregon,
Iowa and New York, publish bulle-
tins or quarterly reports in magazine
form advertising the work of the
Game and Fish commissions and
attempting to arouse in each locality
an interest in the protection of wild
life. The California publication,
issued from Sacramento, is entitled,
Caltiornia wish andes Game ja) lhe
motto printed on the front page is
“Conservation of Wild Life through
Education”. The last number con-
sisting of fifty three pages, contains
six special articles with twenty-six
illustrations, together with excellent
editorials, 2 mumbe; | .Orespecial
reports, etc. The publication must
surely be an inspiration to good
work on the part of wardens and
other officials and a source of great
interest to all lovers of out-of-doors
ithe state... Uhe editor sof the
publication in question, has, at his
request, been placed on the mailing
list of the Illinois Audubon Society.

* OK OK

What about such a publication for
Illinois? Surely Illinois can have
it if our officials and all of us who
are interested as well can get to-

gether and can show that there is an
intelligent demand for it. The IlIli-
nois Sportsmen’s League has more
than once through its official publica-
tion expressed a great interest in the
matter. There will be several hun-
dred interested readers from the
ranks of that organization. The III-
inois Audubon Society will guarantee
many hundred more and the various
Audubon Societies and Nature Clubs
of Maywood, Elgin, Joliet, Rockford,
Rock Island, Alton, and scores of
places besides are to be reckoned
with. The right sort of publication
will find a large and enthusiastic con-
stituency “spring up over night.”
Sei Riese ose

By way of constructive criticism,
let us see what the proposed publica-
tion could do to advance the pro-
gram to which the Illinois Audubon
Society is especially committed.
First of all it could report in detail
what the Division is doing to enforce
the laws relating to song and in-
sectivorous birds and it could set
forth the limitations in its work
necessitated by inadequate support
or cooperation or whatever that
might be. It could publish a direc-
tory revised to date of each issue of
all officials directly concerned with
this part of the work of the Division
so that any interested person could
readily find the name and address
of the nearest official. It could give’
specific reports of activities so that
officials with meritorious records to
their credit might receive public
recognition. It could give special
attention to the part constables
might play in the enforcement of the
law. Each investigator or inspector
might be encouraged to organize
the constables in his district, and
wherever constables responded in

this specific way they might receive

deserved publicity. It could give
reports from the game preserves and
bird refuges in the state. The excel-
lent work of organizing bird refuges
inaugurated by the previous admin-
istration has apparently come to a
standstill under the present one.
The proposed publication could
explain the change in the situation.
It might contain special reports from
fleld agents of the Division sent-out
to investigate areas that may well
be set apart for wild life protection
under the auspices of the state. In
this way the Division would have an

excellent chance to take the lead in

ieee ote aU DUB ON SOCIETY 35

such important work instead of wait-
ing for the uncertain initiative of
unorganized leaders of public senti-
ment.
to ae

The proposed publication might
well report for the Division of Parks.
Every state park adequately protect-
ed will automatically become more
or less a wild life refuge. The Divi-
sion of Parks comes under the
Department of Public Works and
Buildings of which Frank I. Bennett

of Chicago is Director. Frank D.
Lowman of Sandwich is Superin-
tendent of Parks. There is also

a Board of Parks and Building
Advisers of which Charles L. Hutch-
inson of Chicago is Chairman, the
other members being George W.
Maher and Frank E. Davidson, also

of Chicago, Julius W. MHegeler
of Danville, and S. R. Lewis of
Marseilles. This Board is supposed

to represent the old Park Commis-
sion which, under Prof. James A.
James as Chairman, arranged for the
purchase and organization into state
parks of the Starved Rock area, 855
acres, and the Fort Chartres area,
10 acres. This same Commission
reported favorably upon the purchase
of the Cahokia Mound and the White
Pine Forest of Ogle County, but the
opposition of Governors Yates and
Dunne prevented the purchase of
these areas. The report of that
Commission, dated 1913, is the last
official reference to the organization
of state parks in Miigois.
*

The new Board of Parks and
Building Advisers above referred to
went into existence in 1917. This
Board does not seem to have in-
herited the program of the former
Park Commission which was_ to
study significant areas in Illinois with
reference to their suitability for state
parks and from time to time make
formal reports thereon to the Gen-
eral Assembly. The present Board
is made up of men of influence and
of large experience in public affairs,
but it has made no report or recom-
mendation upon this subject of the
extension of state parks. An inquiry
into the matter reveals the fact that
the Board is not supposed to act until
called upon by the state authorities
and then it can act only in an advis-
ory capacity. It possesses no power
of initiative. Unfortunately also,
there are no state authorities directly

charged with the task of surveying
the natural resources of the state.
It would seem that in the process of
consolidating the various state com-
missions into administrative depart-
ments the old Park Commission lost
its significance. This should not be.
If there had been adequate facilities
for publicity, the present Board
could have called attention to its lack
of power of initiative. This number
of the Audubon Bulletin with Robert
Ridgway’s stirring appeal for forest
and game preserves in Southern
Illinois and with the special articles
on the White Pine Forest and the
Palisades of the Mississippi is in-
tended to visualize the type of park
areas our state can well afford to
preserve. A state with such imperial
resources as those of Illinois need
not hesitate to invest liberally in
areas whose despoliation would be
an irreparable loss, material and
spiritual, to the state.

* * X

We may well ask leadership of our
state officials but we must give them
channels of publicity. What chance
is there for arousing the interest in
the important work of the Division
of Game and Fish, for example, and
for encouraging excellence on the
part of various officials in the dis-
charge of the duties of the Division
unless there is some opportunity to
let those who are well served know
the facts? It is probably true that
the Division has far too small a staff
of field agents to make its influence
felt generally in the state and this
accounts for the complaint that
comes in from various parts of the
state relative to inactivity of game
wardens. This is unfair to those
who are serving the state well. We
feel impatient that the Division of
Parks announces no_ far-reaching
program until we find that no one
has the initiative. It is nobody’s
express business, as it were, but
surely there should be a way to
expose this weakness in our adminis-
trative organization. The remedy,
again, is publicity, and to this extent
the divisions concerned are_ re-
sponsible—they should make such an
outcry for more adequate support
that the rest of us would be
thoroughly miserable until we had
come to their assistance. Publicity’s
the thing whereby—we get some-
where.

36

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Kill the Crows
These “‘caws” are the cause of whole-

sale destruction of grain and useful
bird_life.

National Crow Shoot

Contribute your share to the in-
creased production of grain and the
protection of game and insectivorous
birds by destroying some of these
pests during 1919.

Ask Your Dealer

The Crow

The picture on the calendar opposite is
taken from United States Department of Ag-
riculture Bulletin No. 621, “The Crow and
Its relation to Man,” by E. R: Kalmbache
Assistant Biologist, Bureau of Biological Sur-
vey. At the end of this economic study of the
crow, the general conclusions are, in part,
“The misdeeds of which the crow has been
convicted greatly outnumber its virtues, but
these are not necessarily equal in impor-
tance. Much of its damage to crops and
poultry can be prevented, while the bird’s
services in the control of insect pests can
ill be spared...... As the capabilities of
the crow for both good and harm are
great, it is believed that an extermination
of the species would have ultimate con-
sequences no less serious than an over-
abundance...... It is well that no protec-
tion be afforded the bird and that permission
be granted for shooting it when it is actually
found doing damage. Bounties can not be
recommended, neither can a campaign of

wholesale destruction where complete ex-
termination is the object sought. How-
ever a reasonable reduction of numbers is
justifiable in areas where there is an over-
abundance of the birds. The attitude of
the individual farmer toward the crow
should be one of toleration when no seri-
ous losses are suffered, rather than one of
uncompromising antagonism resulting in
the unwarranted destruction of these birds
which at times are most valuable aids to man.’’*

Where can be found an excuse for the words accompanying the picture
cn this calendar.

for particulars or write direct to the Sporting Powder
Division, Du Ront Company. Wilmington, Delaware.

1919 JANUARY 1919
SUN [on:[ 106: [web-[ Tuo | Fer [SaT-

REMOVE THE “CAWS”

What appears to be a circular letter to ammunition dealers, on I. I.
du Pont de Nemours & Company letterhead, dated January 29, 1919,
contains the following under the caption, DU PONT NATIONAL
CROW SHOOT, “Here is a plan that will help to increase the sale
of loaded shotshells during 1919.” Do not these words reveal a motive
behind the “National Crow Shoot’? campaign?

Both on the calendar and in an eight page pamphlet announcing the
proposed ‘‘National Crow Shoot,” only the vices, exaggerated for the
most part, are mentioned, no consideration whatever being given the crow’s
virtues as an economic asset. This is manifestly unjust.

*The heavy type is ours.

Pie Ae Ne teen, Do UB: OTN -§ OC LE TY 37

Mr. Shooter, show your fine American trait of fairmindedness in this
matter. Give the crow a square deal. Do not allow yourself to be preju-
diced blindly. Before you decide to become a participant in this ‘‘Na-
tional Crow Shoot,” send fifteen cents to the Superintendent of Documents,
Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., and ask for a copy of
Department Bulletin 621, ‘““The Crow and Its Relation to Man.” This
is the last word on the crow, and it comes from your Uncle Sam who
decides these matters in favor of his people regardless of consequences to
the birds. It is an exhaustive study of the stomach contents of 2,118
crows, old and young, taken in all parts of the country and at all times
of the year, and of many other crows observed in the fields and woods.

When you have read this ninety page pamphlet, weigh the good traits
of the crow against the bad and decide for yourself whether, in the words
of the “National Crow Shoot” leaflet, “It is certain that some concerted
action on the part of farmers and sportsmen to reduce the number of
these pests will conserve a large quantity of grain and thus prove an
important factor in meeting America’s obligation to feed the world during
these critical years,’’ or whether the killing of crows is a matter for
the individual farmer to take care of according to local conditions if the
greatest net conservation of food is the purpose of such action; and
whether your conscience will permit you to wear medals or exhibit trophy
cups, which have the same effect as bounties, advertising to your fellow
men that you have killed stated number of crows, which in concert
with other shooters means wholesale destruction, or whether your
common sense leads you to believe with your Uncle Sam _ that
“Bounties can not be recommended, neither can a campaign of
wholesale destruction where complete extermination is the object
sought.”

As the crow has no legal status in Illinois, the matter is entirely in
your hands, Mr. Shooter. We are certain your intelligence and patriotism
will guide you aright in your attitude toward the crow.

By ML TE:

Progress

Mr. Howard E. Rinehart of 425 Sinnissippi Avenue, Rockford, a
deputy game and fish warden, is reported as being a very efficient and
capable official. He has taken an active part in protecting the song and
insectivorous birds in the area under his jurisdiction. The records of his
arrests and convictions for one month, September 6 to October 8, are in-
structive :

Fine
earl tan ei oN ee TOIT Sitka acces x IS waste wn o's toledo si hthe baw BRO ou $17.90
Pete. arises Lopins,.5 mickers, 1 bluebird, 1-goldfinich..-....:....+. 47.90
NAMEN tn TONS ae et ened A Gite ne) ahanle’s wave eo coe u'eia se dae 32.90
Tony Gepani, SUG DUETS EEE ON, any Ae Regen Al Es Ae Se 17.90
Reape eOmnno mi SOM SpaTrawss-. 24°. s5 sss ws es ce ee eee ee 12.60
Pein IM ge ECONO SPATEOWS J -)og.s< Coe ee ee eet oe ee ee ee 12.60

ie eet SOMO SPATTOWS <2. Ol. ol dae boas ies oe ek Be ee 27.50

38 LHE AUD US ON BM Le TiN

(folhneBriscoe mowlicense ssn) Sasa (clas “ar sia e Soh algae ae 12290
ASG Gibbs, Ibrownethrasher qtr. see ee 12.60
Emery Muller. 2 awoodpeckers “sic, ecien : ¢ Aves e tee ee ee 12.60
Fred Holtz, 2 robins, joined the army and not prosecuted..........

Reteo Palmer: noslicense- cc. 28 ,s a Gas 2 hea, oa ok ee 27.60

A glance at the list shows the prevailing ancestry among the offenders
and reveals the necessity of a campaign of instruction in the Italian
language. Mr. Rinehart found that the item in the hunting license per-
mitting the killing of English sparrows was usually offered as an excuse for
killing any other species of sparrow.

Roy Monroe Langdon—
Secretary- Treasurer

The new Secretary-Treasurer of the
Illinois Audubon Society, Mr. Roy Monroe
_ Langdon of Maywood, was born in Chi-
cago on January 2, 1887, and educated in
the schools of his native city and state.
After graduating from the University of
Illinois in 1911, he entered the employ of
Butler Brothers, wholesale merchants,
where for three and one-half years he
worked for his fellow alumnus, the late
Homer A. Stillwell, then president and
general manager of that concern. In 1915
he gave up that position to become assist-
ant superintendent for the Committee of
Fifteen in Chicago, which office he has recently resigned.

Mr. Langdon attracted the attention of the Illinois Audubon Society
by his effective work as secretary of the Maywood Bird Club. The Winter
Bulletin, 1917-1918, had a three page description of the work of that Club
and gave some of the details of its activities in order to show other clubs
how to maintain a successful organization. Under Mr. Langdon’s leadership
the Maywood Bird Club not only grappled with local problems but under-
took to help solve problems national in scope. The ‘‘cat problem’’ was one
of these. The ‘‘cat circular’ which Mr. Langdon wrote and which the
Illinois Audubon Society printed and circulated for the Maywood Bird
Club was the outcome of Mr. Langdon’s efforts to direct the activities of
the latter club into practical channels. A copy of this circular was sent out
to each of the members of this Society with the Spring and Summer, 1918,
Bulletin. From various places in the United States have come expressions
of outspoken approval of the circular and numerous requests have been
made for copies of it. The Illinois Audubon Society was glad to elect Mr.
Langdon a Director in June, 1918, and on December 4, 1918, he was
elected Secretary-Treasurer, in order that the Society might avail itself of
his aggressiveness and enthusiasm for Audubon propaganda to do greater
and more effective work for the conservation of bird life in Illinois.

Poti Ss) Aw DPB ON S$ OCTET Y 39

In Memoriam

Joun L. DEVINE

Mr. John L. Devine, for many years a director of the Illinois Audubon
Society, and widely known in the middle west among those interested in
the study of ornithology, died at St. Luke’s Hospital, Chicago, January
}1th, after an illness of four months.

Mr. Devine was a native of Ohio but spent most of his boyhood and
early manhood in Hardin County, Iowa. He was educated at West Point
and at Ann Arbor and he first came to Illinois as Superintendent of the
Evanston Schools. He held that position for five years and then went into
the real estate business which engaged his attention until his appointment
on the staff of the Interstate Commerce Commission in 1916. He was
serving in this capacity when his last illness came upon him.

Mr. Devine had a lifelong interest in birds and was a discriminating
student of bird types, the economic significance of birds, etc. He was the
second president of the Chicago Ornithological Society and for many years
an Associate Member of the American Ornithologists’ Union. He was long
:dentified with the Illinois Audubon Society and for years was a valuable
member of the Board of Directors, his service as a director terminating only
two years ago when his business duties called him away from the city. His
associates and even those who came only into casual relationship with him
felt the force of his kindly personality. ‘This seems to have been the reflex
of his contact with books and men and with the great out-of-doors. His
loss will be deeply felt by his many friends.

J. C. Van Duzer

The Rockford Nature Study Club has suffered a great loss in the death
of Sergeant J. C. Van Duzer which oc-
curred at Fort Bliss, New Mexico, in
October. He had enlisted as a photog-
rapher expecting to go to France, but
instead he was sent to El Paso, Texas,
where he remained on border duty for
eighteen months. At the time of his
death he was serving as a member of
Company C, 9th Engineers Mounted.
He had accepted his assignment on
the border in good part and in time his
photography and topographic work
took him to the mountains of New
Mexico, and this enabled him to enrich
his knowledge of bird life of the South-
west. Lack of time and proper equip-
ment prevented a more intensive study
of the birds in his new environment
but he found much of interest, and
usually identified strange birds by veri-
fying his notes with books in the public
library at El Paso. These records were
all sent home and entered in his “‘log.”’

40 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Commercial photographer by profession, he possessed an artistic sense
and patience so essential in the successful photography of wild things.
Most of his life was spent in Rockford, Ill. and he had a fine collection
of original photographs of birds and of nest life in the Rockford area which
he had hoped ultimately to publish. He retouched the colored plates in his
bird guide to conform to reality. This comprehensive bird log was at once
original, simple and complete. Work of this sort carried on in his con-
sistent, unfaltering way should in time have proven a valuable record for
the Rockford region. His life’s journey brief, as years go, was well rounded
out by pleasurable throbbing response to Nature’s alluring beauties. Prob-
ably few people have derived more pleasure from the beautiful things out
in the open, or brought more joy of living into the lives most closely
associated with his. A formal memorial of his life work has been recorded
in the minute book of the Nature Study Society of Rockford, and from this
the data in the foregoing sentences have been obtained.

Mid-Winter Field Notes

Judging from reports that came in as late as January 15 the present
winter season has been a lean one to most observers and to a favored few
one of rich experiences. ‘There has been an unusual “flight” of barn owls
in northern Illinois, it seems, and now and then a snowy owl has been
reported. In favored places flocks of evening grosbeaks have appeared.
Pine Grosbeaks, Redpolls, Crossbills and Pine Siskins have been variously
reported in northeastern Illinois.

Most of the observers comment on the very mild weather up to Christ-
mas time. Mr. Benjamin T. Gault, writing from Glen Ellyn, reports
dandelions in blossom, Dec. 19, and angle worms strolling on the village
sidewalks, Dec. 21, a truly remarkable record for northern Illinois. Brown
Creepers, Jays, Crows, White-breasted Nuthatches were usual visitors at
that-tume: Mor Dee 27, Mr Gault writes: ~~ Temp: 23 vdesmeenssem
2p. m. Wind N. W. Wallace Grange of Wheaton who was out
taking a bird census, called and reported seeing a Mourning Dove today
on his uncle’s farm south of Wheaton. Was feeding near a barn where
some corn had been spilled. Identity positive. This is interesting as it
makes the first winter record of the bird for these parts so far as I’m aware.

“Dec. 29—A single Brown Creeper put in an appearance about 3 p. m.
on one of the large poplars making but a hasty inspection of the trunk and
was off. It passed rapidly from the base upwards and then took wing
alighting again 10 to 15 feet higher up. This struck me as being an
unusual performance, as ordinarily in flying from the tree they drop down
and start over again and if not on the one they left, the tree adjoining.
No mention is made here of the Blue Jay and Downy Woodpecker, both of
which visit our grounds regularly.

“Jan. 10—I visited woods and lakes again in afternoon, but saw only
one Tree Sparrow and.three Crows. Marks in the snow showed much
recent activity on the part of rabbits, squirrels, ground mice and shrews,
also where a Screech Owl had lately secured its prey. The day was clear.
Wind:s. We Tem.-31,. 2) pan.

eee eos BOO DUB ON §$ O CIE TY 41

“Jan. 12—I also visited woods for a half hour, finding during that time
a company of from 3 to 10 Blue Jays and one Downy. Shortly before a
White-breasted Nuthatch was heard calling. No Crows were in evidence.
Day fair, wind southerly. Tem. 37, 2 o’clock.”

‘‘Lean”’ observations seem to be the rule at Rockford this winter, much
to the disappointment of the Nature Study Club there. Mr. Paul Riis writes:
“It is rather remarkable that bird life this winter is as little represented.
The weather conditions have been ideal, but it finds no reflection in the
birds wintering here. Not only are many winter residents totally lacking,
other old standbys are numerically weak. ‘The Chickadees, so numerous
two years ago, are of course with us but in small number, and there are
but few Juncos, Tree Sparrows, Brown Creepers, Red-breasted Nuthatches
and Blue Jays. On the other hand we are enjoying the visits of a pair of
Tufted Titmice (with one report in 1914 of nesting record),:a pair of
Cardinals, male and female (with also but one nesting record for this
vicinity), a few Redpoll, and Evening Grosbeak, singly and in flock.
Unusually large flocks of Goldfinches were noted in the fall and owing to
the mild weather the White-throats stayed a long period, offering snatches
of song more than is their wont. One lone Red-headed Woodpecker also
cast his lot with us this winter.”

Mr. J. J. Shaefer reports from Port Byron under date of January 15:

“A Marsh Hawk was seen several times during the first week in De-
cember. Rough-legged Hawks were here until we had the big snowstorm,
December 24. A Short-eared Owl stayed in a mouse-infested stubble field
from about December 1 to December 14. Goldfinches were last seen
December 16. A Robin was seen in our garden on the morning of
December 7. There are more Brown Creepers here this winter than
last winter. ‘There are more Red-headed Woodpeckers staying here than
ever before. On December 22, I saw about 40, and think they are all
here at the present time. A lone Canada Goose was seen flying south on
the evening of January 2, fleeing before the terrible cold wave.

“The same birds that came to my feeding station last winter are coming
again this winter but there is one new boarder, a Brown Creeper, and it
certainly is a fine sight to see this little bird alight at the bottom of the
post and climb up to where the suet is. There are a good many coveys
of Bobwhite left, and if we do not get any more big snowstorms, they will
get through the winter all right. During the severest weather they always
come into the barnyards in search of food. The Prairie Horned Larks
are also staying here this winter; I heard them calling today as they flew
over. To sum up, the usual numbers of the following species are staying
here this winter: Screech Owl, Great Horned Owl, Hairy, Downy, and
Red-headed Woodpecker, Blue Jay, Crow, Tree Sparrow, Junco, Cardinal,
Tufted Titmouse, and Chickadee.”

Readers of the last issue of the Bulletin will recall the interesting
feeding-shelf reports from Lake Forest by Mr. George Roberts, Jr.
Unlike most who are interested in birds, bird-life and conservation, Mr.
Roberts seldom goes to see the birds but he lets the birds come to see him.

He writes: ‘‘My observations are limited almost entirely to what is

49 THE AUDUBON BULLET i

visible (and audible) from my study window, which looks out upon a
hedge, some trees and bushes, and a shelf kept well stocked with seeds and
bread crumbs, and always supplied with a generous piece of suet. ‘This is
my fourth winter, and is notably the best one—not least in contrast with
the dull winter of 1917-18. Since I began keeping the shelf supplied on
September 18th it 1s safe to say (im er it is probably a conservative
estimate) that not thirty minutes from sunrise to sunset has passed without
some bird appearing for food, and oftener the number is from three to ten
than otherwise. At the present writing (January 15th), the following are
with me regularly, and have been for many weeks: Jays, Juncos, Chick-
adees, White-breasted Nuthatches and Downy Woodpeckers. These appear
in numbers. Since November 11 a Tutfed Titmouse has hardly moved one
hundred yards from the neighborhood of my window, but, so far as I can
see, 1s the only one of his species to be here, and perhaps the only one to
be found in northern Illinois. He has been in Lake Forest since April. A
pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches are regular visitors at the shelf; a pair
of Cardinal Grosbeaks have been with me since Christmas Day, and
occasionally a Brown Creeper takes a few mouthfuls of suet.

“To go back: The White-throated Sparrows were here until October
24th; and shortly afterwards, with the advent of cold weather, the
Grackles and Robins left for the south (October 31st and November 9th
respectively, the latter date applying to a lone Robin who lingered beyond
the departure of the majority). An occasional White-crowned Sparrow
visited the shelf in October, and two flocks of evening Grosbeaks drank
from the bird-bath. There have been fewer flocks of these erratic visitors
this year than heretofore. On November 12th I picked up the dead body
of an American Merganser on the beach of Lake Michigan. On December
2nd a companion and I approached within six feet of a Screech Owl (in
the gray phase of plumage) who was perched near the bridge that spanned
a ravine ; when disturbed he flew silently down into the ravine and perched
there till we went on. On the fifth I found a Jay caught in the trap set
tor tats; he had evidently tmed to eat the cheese! From the 7th togme
20th a single Myrtle Warbler ate from the shelf daily, and on the 23rd
(the day berore the blizzard) I saw one at Highland Park.

‘Beyond my own observations there may be added the appearance of a
Turkey Vulture in November; and that ‘my’ Cardinals are one of four
(five?) pairs that stay in Lake Forest the year around. ‘This is the second
winter that one pair has left the others to live near me, and the two are
almost always to be seen eating from the shelf or sitting quietly on the
inedicicnmeate lyn

Mr. CC: W. G. Hitrig of River Morest, one of the Dinectorssoteanine
Illinois Audubon Society, spent three days in November and December
scouting in that wonderland of the Chicago region, the Sand Dunes near
Gary and Millers, Indiana. He writes of his experiences as follows: “We
were surprised and delighted to find on each of the three excursions num-
bers of that northern and aristocratic member of the finch and sparrow
family, the Evening Grosbeak. The first time we saw eighteen of them.
They were busily budding in oak trees. The second time we saw two flocks
of twenty-five to thirty each, one again budding, the other hurriedly flying

Pe ee enon oe TR ON £:O CLE TY 43

over. ‘The third time we missed the main flock, only seeing four, which
we scared out of their sleeping quarters for the night in dense junipers, as
it was getting dark on that short December day. On November 30th we
also saw two Pine Grosbeaks, which are even rarer here. December 27th
we added about twenty-five Redpolls to our list. All three species breed
far north in Canada. ‘To show what is possible in this region, where the
north and south meet, and where, usually at this time, but few species of
birds can be seen in most places in this latitude, I will list what additionai
species we saw: Herring Gulls, Red-breasted Mergansers, one Hooded
Merganser, one Rough-legged Hawk, Crows, Blue Jays, Bronzed Grackles,
Juncos, Tree Sparrows, Cardinals, Red-headed Woodpeckers, one Downy
Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatches, Chickadees, and one Tufted
Titmouse. Frogs were still piping on December 21st, showing the mildness
of the season until then, and still the northern visitors were there. They
may be looked for in other places of our region, all the more since the
weather has now turned colder. ‘The Evening Grosbeaks are extremely
fond of the seeds of box-elder or ash-leaved maple, the Pine Grosbeaks
prefer mountain-ash berries, pine seeds and buds, and the Redpolls, seeds
of birch, alder and also weeds. Who will add the Crossbills and the
Bohemian Waxwing to the list?”

The western border of our state is represented by Quincy. Mr. T. E.
Musselman writes from there: ‘‘During my Sunday trips thruout the
winter I have never failed to record less than fifty Redbirds (Cardinals).
They began singing January 7. Our winter has been mild enough to allow
Kingfishers to remain. For four Sundays of December and January I have
recorded several. Quail have wintered well. During the heavy December
snow I disturbed a covey one afternoon at 5. I+ slid down a steep bank
where a bush heavily overhanging with its weight of snow made an excel-
lent cover. Beneath this a covey had gathered for the night. I found
their tracks in an adjacent corn field and found that they had not lacked
for food as they had clustered about the occasional ear that squirrels had
dragged from the shocks and deserted. Many good coveys are in evidence.

“The Quincy Country Club has just leased, for forty years, a one
hundred-acre tract for golf purposes. It has allowed the land to be made
a bird sanctuary and the landscape gardening and planting will be to
produce cover and food for our bird friends.”

From Olney in Southern Illinois Mr. Ridgway writes: ‘The dominant
fact is that there are far fewer birds this winter than last, notwithstanding
the latter was far colder, in fact the coldest ever known here. Today a
beautiful adult white-crowned sparrow has been feeding with the juncos,
cardinals, etc. Last winter we had seventeen cardinals, this winter only
nine! and a pretty sight it was to see the beautiful white-crown, a male
cardinal and a junco feeding close together but in perfect peace under an
upturned cheese-box lid which, fastened to the top of a short post, served
as a feeding table. A discordant note was later added by the addition of an
English sparrow to the group.

“Yesterday (January 4th) Mrs. Ridgway called my attention to a strange
bird, the sight of which at first fairly startled me, for I had never seen one
like it before but a nearer view showed it to be a partial albino of the

44 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

common junco with the whole throat, the side of the head, and a spot on the
nape, white. The pattern was so symmetrical (both sides being colored
exactly alike) that the illusion of an entirely new bird was hard to over-
come. A significant fact in connection with this bird:is that according to
Mrs. Ridgway it was here last winter, proving that migratory birds do
return to the same place each succeeding year. This we have long believed
because each winter the juncos on their arrival go at once to the feeding
boxes at the dining room bay window, while the first winter we were here
they were a long time in finding these boxes.

‘There are no doves this year and I fear it will not be long before there
are none at any season. There were not one-tenth as many doves nesting
on our place last summer as there were five years ago. Can not the Illinois
Audubonites make a strong effort to have this wholly inoffensive, useful
and beautiful bird removed from the list of game birds? I do not see how
any community that tolerates dove shooting can claim to be civilized.

“The mockingbird that spent the whole of last winter with us put in the
last few days of his stay in chasing robins off the place. One day (April
22d last) he had just returned to his favorite perch from a diversion of this
kind when a brown thrasher alighted in a small tree nearby and scolded
him. He disappeared at once and we never saw him again until October
26 when he returned.”’

Mrs. Ridgway adds under date of January 24th: “While I was down at
the mail box this morning I was listening to the different bird notes and it
seemed as if spring must be here, Bluebirds and Cardinals singing, Tufted
Titmice, Flickers, Carolina Wrens, Downy, Hairy and Red-headed Wood-
peckers calling, also a Meadowlark singing, Blue Jay whistling in the
woods, and Crows cawing overhead !”

A Day Among the Waterfowl and Its Sequel

Several years ago a friend and the writer decided to take a walk from
Arlington Heights to Elk Grove and back, to see what birds we would
meet with. The day fixed, May 30th, 1914, came and we started at five in
the morning. It was one of those rare, perfect days, and we commenced
seeing things from the very threshold of the house. We saw fifty-six species
of birds that day, or rather till about three in the afternoon. Beside the
common birds, such as Robins, Bluebirds, Thrashers, House Wrens, Bobo-
links, Meadowlarks, Mourning Doves, Redwings, Grackles, etc.. we saw
Henslow’s Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Indigo-birds, Dickcissels,
Migrant Shrikes, Traill’s Flycatchers, Cerulean and Blackpoll Warblers,
and many more. After awhile we came to a large “‘slough,” i. e. a swamp
with much open water, shallow on the sides but three to four feet and more
deep in the centre. While we were hearing and seeing King Rails, Spotted
Sandpipers, Killdeer, Bitterns, Redwings, Red-shouldered and Marsh
Hawks, a Short-eared Owl, Prairie Chickens and a multitude of other
sights and sounds—nature was at her best that day—I suddenly spied
several Yellow-headed Blackbirds flying into the marsh. That made me
excited, as they are becoming rare in our parts, and, throwing aside all
impediments, I walked, with clothing on, after them into the water, not any
too warm then. I wanted to see the nests of the Yellow heads. When the
water reached up to the hips, I suddenly saw a circular, compact mass of

Piero Ce wa Oo DUB ON 8S OCTET ¥ 45

old cat-tail before me, and looking more closely saw seven large whitish eggs
on it, finely sprinkled with black. It was the nest of a Coot or Mudhen.
Nearby was another one. Then a Black ‘Tern or Sea Swallow arose from
the marsh nearby, circled around us, uttering cries of apparent displeasure
at our trespassing on her watery domain. Keeping the yellow heads in
view, | pushed on. A rod or so farther on, | saw another floating mass of
cat-tail before me, heaped up with freshly put on material. Knowing the
tricks of the Pied-billed Grebe or Dipper, I recognized it as one of her
nests, and lifting off the moist cat-tail from the top saw the seven buffy
eggs of this well-known denizen of open swamps. ‘The bird had heard
our approach, had hastily put on the concealing vegetation, making the
nest look like many of the other masses of similar material to be seen on all
sides, and had slunk off. Nearby was another with two eggs, camouflaged
the same way. By this time I had lost my Yellowheads, and could not
locate the nests, especially since the water was getting deeper, and cooler,
and wetter, as it seemed to me. ‘There were nests of the gaudily dressed
Redwing on all sides, also the queer globular ones of the Prairie Marsh
Wren, who protested vigorously against our intrusion. So we turned back
toward shore, but not before we had seen a Blue-winged Teal, with its
white crescent on each cheek, which no doubt had a nest in there some-
where. I was told that in some years quite a number of wild ducks had nested
there. Coming to shore, we noticed that our wet clothes did not improve
our appearance, or our feeling of comfort, but we did not get time to mind
it, because new things turned up right along such as Little Green Herons,
Upland Plover, Black-crowned Night Herons, and, to cap these experi-
ences with a climax, we flushed a Prairie Hen from her nest of thirteen
eggs. It was ina clump of alfalfa, about ten feet from a road where many
autos passed daily. Some of our clothing had dried on us, and we kept on
talking about our experiences in the water. Such is the wonderfully rich
and interesting life of the marsh. There, life is fairly piled up, flora and
fauna display themselves more lavishly than in most places on dry land.

Now comes the sequel. August 19th of the following year, we went
over the same route, to the same place. But imagine my surprise when
instead of seeing the graceful scirpus Lacustris, wild rice, cat-tails, etc., and
hearing the cries and calls of marsh and water birds, we saw cows peace-
fully browsing, looking at us with mildly inquiring eyes—not even a trace
of marsh or water flora and fauna remaining. The beautiful slough had
been drained by the owner of the farm, who had no eye for the beauties of
wild life, but only for the coin, the milk from the kine, and later the crops
the newly won field would bring him.

The moral of the tale is plain. If we want to retain the native birds
of such areas, and enjoy in the open the varied form, voice and color, we
must set aside preserves before it is too late. Nor should we then think
only of the birds of the forest, grove and prairie, but also of the water
birds. ‘They are suffering more and more by the increasing cultivation of
the soil, which is necessary to feed us humans. ‘They have to leave us, not
of their choice, but because they are compelled by being deprived of their
nesting sites and conditions.

Recently the writer read Mr. E. W. Nelson’s “Birds of Northeastern
Illinois,” written in 1876. I was astounded at the difference in conditions as

46 rH A UL UABLOIN] BU) bl Br 1

regards. the bird ‘lite of Chicago then and now. Of” the \orenm
and interesting Wilson’s Phalarope he says: ‘“‘Very common summer resident
in this vicinity.” It is almost absent now. He gives many shore-birds and
wild ducks and others as breeding in the Calumet and Sag regions and in
other places, that are now hardly seen here, let alone being found
breeding here. Their haunts, so full of rich and interesting life, have now
largely been turned into fields and factories, some chemical factories with
their evil smelling effluvia and smoke. It may be necessary, but how one
hates to see such changes!

Who of the readers of this Bulletin, owning a large or small slough or
marsh, perhaps undrainable and therefore useless to him or her, will com-
municate with the Illinois Audubon Society, with a view of making this a
swamp bird-sanctuary? Should we not preserve some of these natural
monuments and remainders as well as reminders of what this region once
was, and not force them to leave us forever? Let us do it, and do it soon.

River Forest, Illinois.

G Pirenes

A Successful Contest at Savanna

Mrs. Margaret Greenleaf of Savanna and her children have for many
years derived great pleasure and learned much of interest from their bird
neighbors. Wishing to interest other children in birds, Mrs. Greenleaf
pianned last April a contest in the erection of bird houses, shelters, etc.
This was to be open to any pupil in the graded schools of her city. Prizes
of five, three, and two dollars were to be given for the most meritorious
work. Mr. C. H. LeVitt, Superintendent of the city school, cooperared
heartily and procured plans for bird houses from various sources for the use
of the contestants. It is putting it very mildly to say that the pupils of the

upper grades were very enthusiastic. They scoured near-by woods for ~

material for rustic houses. Some of the parents of children who were
participating in the contest said that at their homes the building of new
and suitable homes for the birds had for the time being eclipsed everything
else of importance. The manual training teacher gladly gave aid and
suggestions. One lad who had built an elaborate and beautiful martin
house asked for permission to enter another one and this being granted
built a beautiful wren house of rustic design.

The bird houses were to be judged at an evening meeting of the Parent-
Teacher Association and when the room in which the bird houses were on
exhibition was thrown open it was indeed a pretty sight. While the judges
were making the awards, an interesting and instructive program was given
on “Birds of our Vicinity, Their Habits, etc.”, placing especial emphasis
upon their friendliness and their willingness to become tenants of houses
provided for their occupancy. The enterprising youngsters had placed
prices upon their creations and the men and women of the Association had
become so imbued with enthusiasm for bird neighbors that nearly all of the
houses entered in the contest were sold and orders were given for many
more. Qne lad later on sold eleven wren houses alone. Prices ranged from
three dollars down to twenty-five cents. They varied greatly in architecture,
size, and material used. It is a conservative estimate to say that more than

bl haiial

Pio nN oO LS ew DUP ON 8S OC LE T ¥ 47

two hundred bird houses and shelters were built last season as a direct result
of the contest. “he most beautiful home in our city cuddles as lovingly the
tiny wren house nestled under the porch or pergola as does the less pre-
tentious cottage. Surely no pair of wrens needed to choose a home that did
not exactly suit them as they had many styles from which to choose. “‘Is
your bird house occupied yet?” became quite a familiar salutation with
grown-ups as well as with boys and girls.

It has been noticeable that the boys and girls feel it a personal duty to
feed and protect the birds more than ever before. The children who built
the tiny houses experienced | great pleasure in creating homes for the birds
and also a gratification in that they could produce something that people
were desirous of buying. It has been found that birds much prefer to
build in houses that are not too ostentatiously new. ‘They like a house that
is weather-beaten or that has at least the newness worn off. So the late Fall
and Winter is the best time to build one’s bird houses and shelters for one
will then have time to find the most suitable location for them. Every
human habitation should have near it at least one home or shelter for the
birds, built and placed there by human hands. It is an investment that
repays a thousand fold in the privilege of having near us the beautiful,
dainty, sweet-voiced singers and in the enjoyment of their comradeship.

KarHRYN WIRE HAMMOND.

Indorsements of Cat Circular Issued by the Maywood Bird
Club and the Illinois Audubon Society

It is only recently that the cat has come to be considered a serious
menace to bird life and farm interests. The original investigations of
Edward Howe Forbush, State Ornithologist of Massachusetts, opened the
eyes of the people to the truth about the cat. A rapid change of attitude
toward this domestic animal is taking place in various states. New York
recently passed a state cat law. Michigan, we have recently heard but not
yet verified, has a law. Massachusetts is agitating for such a law. ‘There is
a bill now before the Connecticut legislature for a law to control the cat.

The Illinois Audubon Society’s Committee on Legislation is now pre-
paring draft of a bill for a law to solve the cat problem in Illinois. It
is to be believed the people of this great state will face the truth and
secure the passage of a model law. Other states are sure to fall in line
in rapid succession.

That the movement is spreading to other parts of the country is evidenced
by the increasing demand for the circular on the cat problem written by
Secretary Langdon for the Maywood Bird Club and distributed by the
Illinois Audubon Society. ‘his circular tells the truth in very conservative
terms. The testimonials printed below explain the growing demand for
the document.

“There is no question that the elimination of the wandering house cat,
especially those homeless animals of which many live a half or completely
wild life in the woods surrounding towns in various parts of the United
States, will be an important step toward conserving wild bird life. The
more definite control of house cats, particularly in small towns, suburban
localities, and on farms, would result in a marked increase in the numbers
of our feathered friends.” Edward W. Nelson, Chief, Bureau of Biological
Survey, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.

48 THE. A:U DUB ON: BU Le foN

“T believe this is the best circular on the cat issued so far. The material
is very well arranged and is presented in an attractive form...... IT have
never been quite sure that cat licensing would cure the evil, but there seems
to be no other way to provide the means for enforcing a law, and I hope to
see the plan tried widely...... Certainly you are doing a good work.”
Edward Howe Forbush, Massachusetts, State Ornithologist, Boston.

“Thank you for your letter and the broadside on the cat. I have read
this and it seems to me it is a most convincing publication. I was exceed-
ingly pleased to find the moderation which runs through it all, for there
are many lovers of cats in the country, and it is always well in dealing with
this subject not to offend them unnecessarily. This I think you have done
admirably, and I hope it may be given wide circulation.” T. Gilbert
Pearson, Secretary, The National Association of Audubon Soe New
We Orgs

“Please accept my thanks for the copy of your Cat Poster. You have
chosen a very opportune time for taking up the cat problem and I wish you
success in your campaign. I was very glad to see the Maywood and Mont-
clair cat ordinances printed side by side. Your poster will be very useful in
calling attention to the cat question and in paving the way for future
legislation.” - IT, S. Palmer, Secretary, American Ornithologists SUmen
Washington, D. C. :

“Thanks for your letter and the poster on the handling of the cat
problem. I am going to mark it, write a brief note to go with it to the
Editor, and ask for publication in our local daily papers of certain excerpts,
including the Maywood ordinance in full. Perhaps it could be cut up, and
run piece-meal as a serial till the whole poster is brought before the public.
I think we might get a cat ordinance through in that way. I am greatly
interested in your cat campaign. It is a great work. It seems to me if
the nation can get rid of booze with such flying colors, it ought to be able
to stagger the cat out some day.” lLouis Agassiz Fuertes, noted painter
of birds and animals and a naturalist of wide reputation, Ithaca, N. Y.

“All the intelligent cat and dog legislation that can be had in this country
is just that much good toward preserving the birds...... I shall be on the
lookout for every opportunity to back up this movement, as it is very
much needed to conserve our wild life, particularly the insectivorous birds,

which mean so much to agriculture and the increase of our crops. All-

cats and dogs should be licensed by Federal Law. The owner should pay
a fair tax for any dog or cat in his possession.” Frederic C.. Walcott,
United States Food Administration, Washington, D. C.

“You have prepared a very sane and effective folder on the cat. It avoids
extreme statements and unreasonable methods of control. I believe it will
appeal to thinking people. I wish you the best of success in your efforts for
bird protection. It is such campaigns as yours that will eventually awaken
the people to a realization of the situation.” Gilbert H. Trafton, Professor
of Nature-Study, State Normal School, Mankato, Minnesota.

“Your ‘Cat’ Circular is great and certainly does not overrate the destruc-
tion to bird life from this cause. I am inclined to believe that the statements
therein are very conservative.” W. Scott Way, Secretary, Florida Audubon
Society, Winter Park, Florida.

~“Commissioner Pratt has recently come into possession of one of your
Cat circulars which he regards as a very fine piece of educational work.:

“This Commission (Conservation Commission, State of New York) is at
present engaged in a strenuous campaign against Vermin in this State, which
is proving so destructive to our valuable insectivorous and game birds.
Commissioner Pratt is using some of the figures from your circular in his
lectures.” Clinton G. Abbott, Confidential Secretary and Editor, Conser-
vation Commission, State of New York, Albany, New York.

alli: Vie ile

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HOW ?

REPORT all violations of bird and game laws to
wardens, constables and other officers of the peace.
Acquaint yourselves with these laws.

REPORT violations, your action, and results or failures
to get results, to the Illinois Audubon Society, giving
names, ages, nationalities, dates, places, species of
birds, the evidence and the sentences.

REPORT efficient work of officers as well as ineffi-

ciency, giving names, official titles, locations and all
other details.

REPORT tracts of land and lakes which you believe

should be set aside as bird and game sanctuaries.

REPORT your activities in encouraging birds to nest
about you, in giving them shelter from weather
and cats, and in feeding them in winter. Send in
items concerning your experiences, illustrating
them with pictures, if possible.

REPORT all unusual observations as to migration,
flights, nesting, numbers, markings, environment,
economic services, and habits.

MAKE the Aims and Principles of the Illinois Audubon
Scciety your Aims and Principles. Make the
Illinois Audubon Society your information clearing
house. Make this a bigger, better and more
frequently occurring magazine by contributing
items as above indicated. Make the work of the
Illinois Audubon Society more extensive and
effective by giving your moral and financial sup-
port to it. A membership certificate wil! record
your interest in birds and their protection.

Show Your Interest! Show om Interest !

ILLINOIS

Do you know —

ILLINOIS is the 1st state in crep value?
ILLINOIS is the 3rd state in population?
ILLINOIS is the 6th state in number of spe-

cies of wild birds?
ILLINOIS was the 3rd state to claim an

Audubon society?
ILLINOIS is the home of one of the words
greatest ornithologists?

ILLINOIS gave the United States Biological
Survey its present chief and one of his
most able assistants?

ILLINOIS, because of its wealth, population,
variety of birds, early concern for the wel- ~

fare of its birds, and contributions of men - le

and knowledge, should rank Ist in
effective activity in behalf of its valu~

able bird life?

ILLINOIS will contribute to the nation its
greatest state Audubon society and one
of its most effective conservation bodies
if you give your moral and financial
support to the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY?

(See page 3)

The
udubon Bulletin

Spring 1920

Published by
She ILLINOIS
AUDUBON
PpoCcCrE Tr? Y

Illinois Audubon Society
Service

The Society has two collections of hand-colored
lantern slides of bird life, each with an accompany-
ing printed lecture. ‘These are loaned free of
charge to any school or organization in the state
but borrower pays express charges both ways.

The Society has travelling libraries of bird books
which are loaned to schools or organizations for a
reasonable length of time, the borrower paying
express charges both ways.

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200

typical [Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces —

for recording migration and nesting data. Schools,
Boy Scout organizations, and individuals as well
find these of great service. Price ten cents each.

The Society has in press a pocket check list of
birds with colored zonal maps. This list records
every known species of birds that visits I[]linois or
nests within its borders. Send in applications for
copies of the first edition. __

The Society publishes the Langdon Cat Circular
which is invaluable in arousing interest in the
question of protecting birds from marauding cats.
Price five cents each.

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the
Italian language warning against violation of laws
for bird protection. Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society,
1649 The Otis Building, Chicago

President Acting Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell
10 So. La Salle Street, Chicago Riverside

Vice-President
Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
Highland Park

Pa —_—s Pr. se

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ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Application for Membership
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society, and being

in sympathy with them, I wish to become a--------------------------0:+-:e:esse+seessensneessnsnnesnenneeteneesenentetees
member of the Society.
(NE OR ON RID SES TE ERS, SIR RE OLA 1 MEAD Sk
Be NS EA SID NS, ART BBD 9 Ai ETP Ee de ILE CP ak EA
Be ROE CESAR SR EOE UO NE Cent Ne eT
Classes of Membership
Active memberships : $1.00. Annually
Contributing memberships . $5.00. Annually
Sustaining memberships ; $25.00. No annual dues
Life memberships . ; $100.00. No annual dues
Benefactor . t $500.00. No annual dues
Patron ; : ; $1000.00. No annual dues

All members receive the publications of the Society.

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society, 1649 Otis Bldg., Chicago

FORM OF BEQUEST

[ do hereby give and bequeath to THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON
SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF
WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois

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To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois Audubon
Society must increase its membership. Outofapopulation |.
of nearly six millions, Illinois shouldhaveatleasttenthousand
people who are enough interested in bird life to help the
Society in its conservation efforts. Will you not help us ex- |
pand our usefulness? |

|

I suggest for membership in the Illinois Audubon Society
the persons whose names appear on the other side of this _
sheet.

Member of the Illinois Audubon Society /

May we use your name? ths

aS) ee See

The Aims and Prague: of the Hlinois

_ Audubon Society are: |

lst: To encourage the study of birds; particulatly in the schools, and ;
to disseminate literature relating to them.

f

2nd. To work fon ene betterment and piiare mien ct State andi
eral laws relating to birds.

3rd. i aoe the wearing ae any beatin except those of the

ostrich and domestic fowls.
4th. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruction of
wild birds and their eggs.

bib, Towestere tour it Hands wherever practioubtes the natural
environment of forest and shrubbery which gave them food,
protection and seclusion.

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Needs
The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support upon
the contributions of its members and friends. It should °

have an income from 4 moderate endowment sufficient to
meet all fixed expenses.

@ The present income is totally inadequate to meet the ur-
gent and incessantly growing demands.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, INc.
1649 OTIS BUILDING: S CHICAGO

(OVER)

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The Aims and Principles of the
Illinois Audubon Society are:

Ist.

2G.

3rd.

4th.

To encourage the study of birds, particu-
larly in the schools, and to disseminate
literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich and
domestic fowls.

To discourage, in every possible way,
the wanton destruction of wild birds
and their eggs.

SS

fi Photos by Jiesue L. Smith
No Place Like Home

The top of a fence post with a cleat extending up to carry additional wires seemed to
meet the requirements of a pair of robins. Two or three sequels appear in the view but
not the two or three hundred school children who watched from day to day the evolution
of a nursery.

To another pair of robins the fire-escape on a large school building commended itself
as airy, yet substantial, and commanding a considerable view. The view was very sat-
isfactory to the school children also and drills involving the use of the fire-escape went
out of fashion for a time.

A beacon no longer functioning fell into di ‘epute. Its metal cap, torn off, was thrust
inside through a broken pane for safe keeping. A pair of wrens saw possibilities there.
The picture shows one of the wrens on the job.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1920

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the Illinois Audubon Society writes:

This number of the Bulletin reviews the progress made during the year
since the last preceding issue, the Conservation Number, appeared. It
teils of the revision of the state laws in the interest of better safe-guarding
of bird life, and reveals the honorable part the Illinois Audubon Society
had in this work. The concerted campaign on the part of the state game
wardens to interest the school children in their respective districts and the
public in general in protecting bird life is described. ‘There is a story of
activity in law enforcement in certain districts. The history of Fox Lake
refuge is told. Experiences with bird houses are given. A constructive
program for state parks is outlined and bird study in the schools is given
concrete exposition. There are idylls of boyhood on stream and prairie
and following all these are field notes from widely sundered posts of ob-
servation within the state. A hopeful note runs throughout all the follow-
ing pages and it is left for a single paragraph of this page to refer to things
not of the brightest hue.

The campaign to finance greatly expanded activities of the Society
which was outlined one year ago has met with limited success. All] to the
good is the wide publicity it gave to the aims and possible accomplishments
of the Society, but it remains true that the occupation of certain promising
fieids of endeavor by the Society must await resources of membership and
finance not yet at hand. Perhaps our campaign should have centered more
directly upon the co-operation of our members in greatly expanding the
membership list with the point of view, as a down-state member expressed
it, that “active support and co-operation is worth more to our Society than
a donation.”” This suggests the need of closer contact between the Directors
of the Society and individual members. Someone advocates issuing each
year nine monthly news bulletins and one illustrated ‘“‘annual.’”’ Another
favors holding an annual convention and “field meet.”” The Indiana Audu-
bon Society has done this for some years with marked ‘success. Anyway, the
subject is open for discussion. ‘The Directors of the Society will appre-
ciate a very general response.

OrPHEUS M. SCHANYTZ, President.

4 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Bird Protection in Illinois

The Bulletin published one year ago gave much space to a discussion of
the defects in the then existing laws for bird protection and forecast a
program for revision to be brought up at the session of the legislature which
was at that time well under way. This issue of the Bulletin may fittingly -
concern itself at some length with the outcome of that legislative ses- —
sion. First of all the very gratifying assertion can be made that nearly ©
everything outlined in the Audubon Society’s program for law revision one
year ago was embodied in the revised Game and Fish Code for Illinois that
passed the legislature, was approved by Governor Lowden, and went into
effect July 1, 1919. Notable changes were made in the provisions relating
to.law enforcement and to the issuing of hunting licenses, the list of birds
without the protection of law was improved. by certain omissions, and the
law was expressly amended to make its provisions identical with the regula-
tions issued by the United States Biological Survey under authority con-
ferred by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

It was a famous victory but there was little opposition. Representatives
of sportsmen’s organizations, state officials, and members of the legislature
all worked in more or less accord to effect desirable changes. ‘The Presi-
dent and the Secretary of the Illinois Audubon Society made one visit to

Sringfield to confer with state officials and by invitation to present the
- program of the Society to a gathering representing the Illinois Sportsman’s
League, Mr. Ralph F. Bradford, Chief Game and Fish Warden, invited
the Illinois Audubon Society to present detailed suggestions as to desirable
revisions as did Mr. J. H. Vickers, Chairman of the House Committee on
game legislation. [his committee as well as that of the Senate worked in
close accord with Mr. Bradford and his assistants and the law as it stands
today represents, as is very fitting, the cooperation of law maker and ad-
ministrative officials. What we now have on the statute books to invoke for
the protection of our feathered folk appears in the following inventory.

The Illinois Law Relating to Non-Game or Insectivorous Birds.

Section 17. Non-Game Birds. It shall be unlawful:

(a) For any person to shoot, kill, destroy or catch, or attempt
to shoot, kill, destroy or catch, or have in possession, living or dead,
any song, insectivorous or non-game seed-eating bird, or part of
such bird, other than an English sparrow, crow, blackbird, blue-jay,
Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, goshawk, duck hawk, pigeon
hawk, great horned owl or cormorant.

(b) For any person to take or needlessly destroy the nest or-
eggs of any song, insectivorous or non-game seed-eating bird, or
have in his or her possession the nest or eggs thereof.

Comment on Section 17.

It will be noticed that the list of outlawed birds set forth in (a) above
includes five of the hawk family, all but one being small hawks and all of
deservedly bad reputation. On the other hand the big hawks, commonly
called hen-hawks, conspicuous as targets but very generally useful members
of society,—the red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged hawk,
marsh hawk, etc., are no longer on the list of outlaws and are entitled to the
same protection as the bluebird and the wren. ‘This is also true, now, of all
the owls. except the great horned owl which is more or less rare in I]linois

Poe wee OLS AUD UB ON § O CIE T Y 5

anyway. ‘The representatives of the Illinois Audubon Society were not
successful in-their plea for the blackbirds. ‘The law remains as of old, and
red-wings and yellowheads, surely without evil records in Illinois, are left
to take their chances with that dignified pirate of a bird, the grackle, who,
it is believed by many observers, is not generally an evil bird but only
locally and now and then. Anyway, what is the evidence against any and
all of the blackbirds in Illinois? Let us find what there is and examine it
and be ready when the legislature meets again to speak with certainty for
the yellowhead and the redwing, at least, if not for the grackle.

Who Enforces the Law.

Section 75. It shall be the duty of all duly accredited officers and
employees of the Department, and all sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, con-
stables and other police officers to arrest any person detected in
violation of any of the provisions of this Act.

It shall further be the duty of all such officers to make prompt
investigation of any violations of the provisions of this Act reported
by any other person, and to cause a complaint to be filed before a
court having jurisdiction thereof in case there seems just ground for
such complaint and evidence procurable to support the same.

Upon the filing of such a complaint, it shall be the duty of such
officers to render assistance in the prosecution of the party com-
plained against.

Sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, constables and other police officers mak-
ing arrests and serving warrants under the provisions hereof shall
receive the same fees and mileage as constables are entitled to in
similar cases, under the provisions of the statutes of the State, and
shall also be entitled to one-half of the fines imposed and collected
for violations of the provisions hereof in cases where they have filed
complaints.

Comment on Section 75.

Notice the various ofhcers of the law whose duty it is to arrest persons
detected in violation of any of the provisions of this Act. Note further
that it is the duty of these same officers to make prompt investigation. of
any violations of thé provisions of the Act reported by other persons, and
if there seems just ground for complaint the officer is to file a complaint
before a court of jurisdiction. Then after filing such a complaint it is the
duty of the officer to render assistance in’ prosecutions. Lastly all such
officials including police officers are to receive fees and mileage and one-half
of the fines imposed. It is an open secret that the officer who ‘‘works”’ an
area frequented by violators of the game laws has an opportunity to swell
his normal income perceptibly.

Who Shall Hunt.

Only those who have hunting licenses may hunt and that only during
the respective periods of the year when hunting shall be lawful.

Section 40. Hunting licenses will be issued to no person under
the age of sixteen years, without the written request of the father or
mother or legally constituted guardian of such person. Hunting
licenses will be issued (a) to residents of the State of Illinois and
citizens of the United States; (b) to non-residents of the State of
Illinois, but citizens of the United States; (c) to foreign born per-

6 TH EB AcU DU BeO-N BU £ Loreen

sons who have procured their final narieaneanon papers, ang to the
minor children of such persons.
Comment on Section 40.

It will be seen that aliens may no longer hunt within the state of
Iliinois. They cannot procure a license and therefore can be arrested on
general principles when seen with a hunting weapon of any kind, gun or
net. Our laws still permit children to secure hunting licenses but set up a
slight safeguard as to issuing licenses to those under sixteen. The conten-—
tion of the Illinois Audubon Society was that sixteen should be the mini-
mum age requirement for the holders of hunting licenses.

When not to Hunt.

House Bill 312, approved by Gov. Lowden, June 25, 1917, makes un-
lawful the discharge of firearms upon a public highway by anyone other
than an officer of the law and provides a penalty of from five to twenty
five dollars for each and every violation of this act. Section 38 of the
Game and Fish Code reads:

It shall be unlawful:

(a) To hunt, kill, take or destroy, ur attempt to hunt, kill, take
or destroy game birds, rabbits, squirrels, or fur-bearing animals
from any automobile or vehicle of any kind propelled by mechanical
power, by the use of the lights thereof or any light used from such
vehicle.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to trap or hunt with a
gun or a dog, or allow a dog to hunt within or upon the land of
another, or upon waters flowing over or standing on the land of
another, without first obtaining permission so to do from the owner,
agent or occupant of such land, and it shall be further unlawful for
any person to wantonly or carelessly injure or destroy, in any
manner whatsoever, any real or personal property on the land of
another while engaged in trapping or hunting thereon.

Further and Final Comment.

There is no lawful hunting on highways or roadsides nor may one hunt
on private property without permission. ‘These two provisions should be
easy to enforce. The penalty for violation of Section 38 is a fine not less
than fifteen dollars for each offense. Here it might be stated that the
penalty for killing protected birds is ten dollars for each and every offense.
All these penalties are coupled with jail sentences where the fines are not
paid, so that there is no default because of inability to pay a fine.

It should be noticed finally, that no chance for subterfuge is left to
those who violate the rights of birds to life and the pursuit of happiness.
Section 17 explicitly states that it is unlawful to shoot, kill, destroy or catch.
or attempt to shoot, kill, destroy or catch, and thereby sling-shot, air rifle,
club, stone, or net are outlawed with other weapons when an attempt» on
birds on the protected list is made. The illicit hunter has sometimes an
unarmed companion to carry the bag and to hold the attention of the officer
while the weapon bearer may escape. The innocent story of carrying the
bag to oblige an unknown person or of having picked up the game along
the way is barred out by this same Section 17 which declares it unlawful to
have in one’s possession, living or dead, birds on the protected list.

On the whole the bird protection laws of Illinois are adequate to a high
degree. As to their enforcement, that is up to the final source of authority,
the gentle reader and the rest of the people. Jesse L. SMITH.

Tues Ons no DAB ON. SO CIE T ¥ 7

Constructive Work

There is much evidence to show that the Division of Game and Fish of
our State Department of Agriculture is not only making a very honorable
record for law enforcement but that it is taking the lead in constructive
measures that are full of promise for the accomplishment of some of the
objects to which the Illinois Audubon Society is committed. This appears
in Warden H. C. Norcross’ letter published elsewhere in this issue which
tells of the special drive for the protection of birds which was made last
April by the various employes of the Division of Game and Fish under in-
structions from Chief Warden Ralph F. Bradford of Springfield. Inter-
esting children in the conservation of bird life and acquainting them with
the laws relating to bird protection has apparently become a feature of the
work of the Division. This the Illinois Audubon Society cannot commend
too warmly. Each warden in his particular district. (Every warden in
Illinois has far more territory than he can adequately cover unaided) is to
stimulate the growing influence of the youth in behalf of bird protection
and to visit constables, policemen, and other officials and encourage them to
play up to the important part they may and should have in this same work.

In the issue of one year ago the value of a state publication showing
activities of wardens and inspectors was pointed out. It is now announced
that such a publication is planned for the near future. Unfortunately for
the purpose of this article the data such a publication would furnish are not
at hand as this goes to press and interesting details of the work just out-
lined are not generally available. It should be said here and at this time
that no material for the columns of this Bulletin would be more interesting
to its readers than records of arrests and of other constructive activities of
the Division of Game and Fish.

Let the writer tell what he knows at first hand assuming this to be
typical of the service our wardens are now giving us. It relates to Henry
Kern of Waukegan, one of the two wardens whose task it is to cover Lake
County with its 52 lakes, its areas of marsh land and sand flats and more
than 30 miles of shore land along Lake Michigan. Mr. Kern appeared at
the Elm Place School in Highland Park one day and displaying as his
credentials a copy of Reed’s Bird Guide and the Conservation Number of
the Illinois Audubon Society’s Bulletin made friendly inquiry about the
status of bird study in the schools. In this way Mr. Kern went about his
territory visiting rural and city schools, making simple talks where this
seemed desirable and explaining the principal features of the laws for the
protection of wild life.

His next appearance in Highland Park was to escort a violator of the
game laws to Justice Winter’s court and stand by until the full penalty of
the law was administered. The records of Mr. Kern’s arrests and those of
nis colleague for Lake County, Mr. William Stratton of Ingleside, if avail- .
able, would make good reading. With Inspector St. Clair in command they
patrolled the lake district and on the first day of the open season arrested
22 persons for hunting before sunrise. Each of these persons was fined
$25.00 and costs. Warden W. W. Schultze of 5114 Southwestern Avenue,
Chicago, has a record that reads very well. One of his most interesting ex-
ploits was gathering in a Chicago policeman who was celebrating a dav’s

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THE MILITANT MARY LOUISE IN A NON-MILITANT MOOD

vacation by filling his game bag with slaughtered song birds. It cost the
policeman in fines $190.00 plus court fees. For the five months beginning
September, 1919, the fines accruing from arrests made by Warden Schultze
totaled respectively $290.00, $345.00, $120.00, $240.00 and $200.00. It is
easy to believe that Schultze made good use of the tin Lizzie furnished him
by the Division. It is hinted that two additional machines are to be used
in the Chicago District this Spring.

The efficient wardens named above are three of the fifteen wardens in
the district of which Inspector Edward St. Clair is in charge. This in-
cludes, Lake, Cook, McHenry, DuPage and Kankakee Counties. In-
spector St. Clair’s office is in the Kimball Building at 25 E. Jackson Blvd.,
Chicago. A splendid collection of mounted specimens with photographic
backgrounds has been installed here and the office is fast becoming head-
quarters for information about bird life of the area. Mr. St. Clair is proud
of the record of law enforcement his district has achieved and with good
right. The most notable achievement of the year in his district was the
setting aside of Fox Lake as a refuge or rest for water fowl and other
birds. In August the Inspector and his associates secured the necessary
signatures of residents of the Fox Lake area to a petition and Chief Game
Warden Bradford proclaimed the lake a Refuge, September Ist. Now
Fox Lake is about five and one-half miles long and two and one-half
miles wide and it must have been a great surprise to the migratory host of
wild fowl to find that they could float anywhere on this fine stretch of
water or feed along its margin without molestation. The record of what
happened soon after the area was placarded and the Warden’s motor boat,
the Mary Louise, began to cruise about the lake is remarkable, to say the
least. , The accompanying photograph taken within twenty feet of wild
birds tells the story. These birds avoided nearby lakes—Grass, Channel,
Marie and others where hunting was legal’ and lingered long in the Fox
Lake refuge. A new sport was then inaugurated on Fox Lake, that of
hunting without a gun. As many as four hundred canoes and motor boats
filied with sight-seers would be out on the lake at one time threading
their way among squadrons of wild fowl and enjoying the rare spectacle of
wild life at close-up range.

Publicity should be given throughout the state to what has happened
at Fox Lake. . The division of Game and Fish has shown in the most con-

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

vincing manner what “rest areas’ mean to migrating birds. There are
various favored areas in our state which should be set apart in a similar
way for refuges of this kind. There should be a chain of these areas the
entire length of the state. It is to be hoped that local sentimént in these
areas will be stimulated and public support assured that will justify Chief
Warden Bradford in taking the decisive steps.

OrpeHeEus M. SCHANTZ.

Elgin Audubon Society

The Elgin Audubon Society will cele-_
brate its sixth birthday next June. It has
recently taken out incorporation papers
and is entering upon a most promising
phase of activity. ‘The City of. Elgin has
recently turned over to the Society for its
exclusive use the Museum, a large hand-
some brick building situated in one of the
city parks. This is being remodeled and
furnished and here will be housed the
specimens belonging to the City and the
Society. The Society has performed an
important educational service each year
by its annual exhibits where photographs,
stuffed specimens, nests, eggs, grasses,
ferns, fossils, etc., are displayed. Large

Mr. B. F. Berryman crowds are attracted in this way and the
; Society has demonstrated its fitness to
make good use of the Museum Sur ane For the last three years Mr. B. F.
Berryman has been President of the Society and it was under his leader-
ship that the Museum has been acquired. Through his efforts the City
Council passed an ordinance making it a misdemeanor to molest birds, their
nests or eggs in the city limits. The Society is now planning a campaign
to make all of the country within five miles of Elgin a bird sanctuary by
securing pledges of land owners to protect bird life on their farms, and
prohibit hunters from trespassing. Meetings of the Society are once a
month at 6:30 P. M. beginning with a buffet supper followed by a business
meeting and an interesting program.
It now has a membership of two hun-
dred thirty-one and at its monthly
meetings there is an attendance from
sixty to seventy-five.

Mr. Berryman is strongly in favor
of an Audubon Society in every city
and an annual meeting of delegates
from these societies to interchange
ideas and thus build up a strong and
powerful state organization that will
have a wide influence for the protec- . : .
tion and conservation of wild life. icin Whisenm

Pet we te aU DU BON §S OCTET Y 11

The National Association of Audubon Societies

There is a national conscience as well as a local conscience and along
with the local aspect of bird protection there is a national aspect of the
same question which is at all times of great importance. Because the
National Association of Audubon Societies has for so many years functioned
so opportunely and so forcefully in campaigns for state and national legisla-
tion, and has all this time steadily widened and intensified its activities while
state and local associations have passed through widely varying phases of
influence, it has become very natural for those engrossed in local or state-
wide campaigns to take the National Association for granted or forget it
altogether. But this service of the National Association, effective and
vigilant, has its claim upon us. It is a just claim for moral and financial
support, and it would seem that the Illinois Audubon Society might well:
include among its most important working objectives the active support of
the National Association. : ,

The Fifteenth Annual Report of the National Association submitted
October 20th, 1919, shows the total receipts for the year of $137,386.84
and the total disbursements of $123,201.26. These statistics begin fairly
to talk to us when we note such summaries of expense as that of Educational
Effort at $33,212.52 and that of the Childrens’ Educational Fund at $55,-
i47.52. This latter expenditure meant the organization of* hundreds of
thousands of children into classes for bird study. ‘There were 6,204 such
classes last year in the United States and Canada, two hundred fifty-nine of
them in Illinois alone, these latter enrolling 8,714 children. So strongly
has this work appealed to those familiar with it, that one “unnamed bene-
factor” alone contributed $20,000 to the Fund for the expenses of the year.

The National Association has 100 different Educational Leaflets which
circulate everywhere in the United States and Canada disseminating
authentic and well-balanced information about bird life and its significance,
economic and aesthetic. Reprints of these leaflet units to the number of
3,524,500 were made last year. Nearly a half million circulars, announce-
ments to teachers, etc., were distributed.

The Annual Report takes up 107 pages of the November-December
number of Bird-Lore. It includes the report of T. Gilbert Pearson, secre-
tary, the reports of Field Agents and those of State Societies and Bird
Clubs. A note of optimism pervades Mr. Pearson’s report because of the
great advances that have been made in state and federal legislation for the
protection of America’s wild birds and animals. No one can speak with
so much authority of the long years of struggle which have led up to this
accomplishment as can Mr. Pearson. As Executive Secretary of the.
National Association he has directed in person many legislative campaigns
at Washington and appeared before the legislatures of various states as a
courageous and persistent advocate of the conservation of wild life. “Today
he is pressing upon the attention of Audubon Societies the importance of
conducting an intense campaign in support of these bird laws and of
working for the creation and maintenance of greatly increased numbers of
bird-reservations.

What happens at Mr. Pearson’s office may appear in a typical cross-sec-
tion quoted from this report:

12 ab al se, PU 1 UB ON BU a iN

“More than 60,000 letters at the New York office alone have claimed the
attention of the Executive Officer and the office force, and the Secretary
has personally engaged in such widely diversified activities as attending a
legislative hearing on the Deer Law in Albany ; supplying material on con-
servation to the Czecho-Slovak Republic; investigating a reported sale of
American Woodpeckers in a New York bird-store, which turned out to be
South American Parrots; and explaining to a correspondent why the
Association could not immediately raise a fund of one million dollars to
exterminate English Sparrows.”

During the past year the Association employed thirty-six wardens on
‘bird reservations and the number of birds guarded in the various Audubon
colonies during the breeding season must have numbered close to two mil-
lions. ‘The society maintained three patrol boats, one on Lower Klamath
Lake, Oregon, another on Pelican Island Reservation, Florida, and the
third on Breton Island Reservation, La. This service as well as that of
the wardens was given in cooperation with the United States Biological
Survey. However the Survey has now taken entire charge of the employ-
ment of wardens and the Association in withdrawing has leased its patrol
boats to the Biological Survey for an indefinite period at a nominal rental.

The reports of the special field agents and of the state societies repay
careful reading. Especially notable is that of Wm. L. Finley, Field Agent
for the Pacific Coast States, which tells of the approaching destruction of
the two large federal wild-bird reservations, Lower Klamath and Malheur
Lakes. The former has been accomplished by the Reclamation Service cut-
ting off the flow of water from the Klamath River. The diversion of water

for irrigation purposes is likewise threatening the destruction of Malheur |

Lake. It is a melancholy story of the “commercialism that would destroy
everything of beauty in the hope of turning it into money.”

Among the state reports, that of Ilhnois prepared by our former Secre-

tary, Roy Monroe Langdon, is naturally of especial interest to us. In this —

well prepared report the activities in our state are seen to compare very
favorably with those of other states. The very substantial achievement of
legislation during the past year is rightly emphasized. Among affiliated
organizations the Elgin Audubon Society presents a remarkable showing
which is commented upon elsewhere in this issue.

The National Association of Audubon Societies is evidently covering its
great field with a success more than commensurate with its resources. It is
maintained in part from interest on endowment funds but in larger part
from contributions and membership dues. Contributions from one dollar
up are gladly acknowledged. Sustaining members pay five dollars a year.
All members receive free Bird-Lore and the publications of the Association
as they appear. It is good to invest in a national organization of this kind.

wane ote A DUB ON S$ OCIET Y 13

NEAR BYRON, ILLINOIS

A Boyhood on Rock River

The readers of the Audubon Bulletin would, perhaps, be interested in a
boy’s reaction to a Rock River environment. To get the setting, imagine a
great shallow bow! about two miles across, not much over a hundred feet
deep, very gently sloping sides and a level bottom about a mile wide. On
this level bottom lies a sleepy little village, on a terrace well above even the
flood waters of the stream which has been trenching the valley ever since the
time of an earlier glacier.

To the boy mind the rim of the bowl] was the boundary between the seen
and known, and the great world beyond. The second-growth forest which
topped the rim, its irregularity softened by distance, gave a somewhat wavy
but nearly even sky line. To the east the rim was sharply notched where
the trees had been felled to make way for the steel rails tying the little
community to the metropolis more than eighty miles away. Day after day
the boy looked from the doorstep at this gateway notch, its vertical sides as
high as the forest trees, and watched for the swift emerging of the smoking
iron horse with its train of coaches bringing strangers and messages from
the cities and people beyond the rim.

To the north and to the south were other notches where wagon roads
had long ago been cut thru the timber, notches whose sides were softened
in outline by the healing growth of shrubs and saplings. Thru these came
the wagons of friendly folk with their burdens of farm produce. The bowl
sagged to the west and opened in a deep notch cut, not thru the trees by the
hand of man, but deep in the hills by the gnawing tooth of the river. From
points of vantage you could get glimpses of the shining water as it turned
around a rocky point and was lost behind a bluff it had made.

The boy never dreamed that hundreds of thousands of years ago, before
the time of the glaciers, this wide valley had been made by the slow down
cutting of a stream which flowed east to join the master stream lying
seventy-five or eighty miles west of Chicago, and by the still slower weather-
ing of rain, wind and frost; that a great glacier had filled the valley of

a THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

this master stream with rock, sand and clay and completely changed the
course of drainage. Yet such is the story we can read if we have skill to —
interpret the legend etched on the surface of the earth. After the drainage
had been thoroly blocked by the action of the glacier, the new streams in
places cut across the sides of the old valleys making deep gorges in the
rock walls; in places they ran thru the preglacial valleys in a direction
opposite that held by the original stream. As the new streams cut thru the
rocky gorges they rushed with a force that carried the stony fragments from
the glacial wear and their own cutting out into the old valley beyond,
where the more gently flowing water dropped the sediment and spread it
out over the floor of the valley to the depth of a hundred feet, more or
less. The gravel and sand left by the earlier flood waters was later covered
by a thick bed of clay which has since weathered into a most excellent soil.
The present river has cut this broad gravel plain by a deep trench, leaving
most.of the plain as a convenient terrace for the home of man. ‘The early
settlers were quick to take advantage of this provision of nature. They
cleared away the forest and built their houses on this level, fertile land.
And that is how the boy came to live in this beautiful, wide valley.

As the boy watched the neighbors build their houses of sawed pine
lumber brot on the cars from Chicago, he began to wonder why the house
he lived in had hewed oak logs for sills and joist, why the studding and
rafters and roof boards were oak, why the clapboards, doors and window
frames were walnut, and the shingles huge hand-riven strips of wood. Then
he learned that before the days of the railroad, before even lumber was brot
in rafts down the river, the earliest houses had been built of the timber
that grew on the valley sides. When he became old enough to prepare the
fuel for the kitchen stove the boy sawed up cords of walnut fence rails.
Now-a-days the walnut logs from which the rails had been split. would be
worth a fortune. A few late survivors of the walnut forests, so abundant
in the early days, have recently been cut down and made into gun stocks.

This beautiful valley, small portion of the environment of the grown.
ups, was a world of wide boundaries and rich experiences to the boy. The
remnants of the forests that once filled the valley were still abundant on
the sides and crests of the slopes. In them were found the berries in
summer, the nuts in autumn, rabbits and «squirrels and grouse in winter.
The river, tho it sometimes caught a boy in a treacherous current running
off a point and carried him away to an untimely death, was a welcome
refuge on a hot summer day, a meeting place of all the urchins innocent
of bathing suits and unsuspicious of the blistering effects of a blazing sun.
In winter its frozen surface was a highway for wood-laden bob sleds, and
its smooth stretches offered the adventurous skater an avenue for extended
exploration, and to the boys and a few girls a crystal floor for winter
sport. A bonfire of driftwood on the sandy point of the island made a cosy
center for warming the tingling fingers and toes of the youth whom a bright
moon and crisp air had lured to the joys of a skating party. The sides of
the valley supplied a long gentle slope for coasting ; and tho toboggans were
unknown the village blacksmith could put steel shoes on home-made sleds
that would make them swift and durable.

In spring the friendly river became a raging.monster. The copious
rains and melting snow brot such floods that the ice crust of the stream was
lifted bodily and borne down the racing torrent. Ice jams. were formed,

eee wn ol S>, Av DUB ON. S°'O.CTE T Y 15

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FROM THE BLUFF ABOVE BYRON, ILLINOIS

and the stream rose ten or fifteen feet above its common level, flooding the
bottoms. Great cakes of ice were thrust up the bank gouging and tearing
it away. ‘They stood on edge and piled up in huge, formless barricades.
They cut the bark from trees. They rode down the bushes and covered the
fields with their fragments. ‘Then the ice jam broke and the flood hurled
the ice masses with terrific violence against the bridge. Stone piers were
ripped out and great timbers snapped like twigs and carried away in the
seething waters. .The agent of summer refreshment and winter sport
became an irresistible giant, threatening, filling its beholders with awe.

The cut made by the river in the old preglacial divide two miles north
of the village formed a picturesque spot for picnics, a wonderland of rocks
and canyons for the children. ‘ The river had cut a deep gorge with rocky
walls now veiled by trees and shrubs thru whose meshes the grandeur of
the towering buttresses was enhanced. A spring brook had worn a side
canyon narrow and deep, shady and cool on the hottest summer afternoon.
The trickling water stepped daintily down from ledge to ledge. Its bed
was softened by mosses. Its sides were greened with liverwort. In spring
the rich soil of the hillsides above the rocks was purpled with hepaticas
clustered about the roots of trees. This was the home land for shy, retiring
birds. The quiet, the cool, the gentle moving, the strange life gave an
atmosphere to the glen which might have made a more imaginative child
people it with fairies; in the boy it aroused an unusual feeling. It made
him step more softly, listen more keenly, look more intently. It impelled
him to explore. Is that an eagle’s nest in the high tree? Perhaps a wolf
lives in that cleft in the rock; a beaten path leads to it.

16 THE AU DU BO. Nee BU Las, TaN

From the top of the bluff one looks down nearly a hundred feet at the
river rippling over its rocky bed. ‘To the north are other rocky points and
steep, tree covered hillsides. To the south is the wide valley with the
sluggish stream half obstructed by sediment islands. In the morning the
long shadow of the great hill on the opposite side of the river darkens the
foreground and the light spreads over the active valley in the distance. At
noon the sun dazzles up from the broad expanse of water below and in
contrast seems to haze the fields and trees half a mile away, yet lights up
the opposite rim of the valley far in the distance. At evening the shadows
lengthen over the fields from the tree covered ridge in the west; the river
sheen, a broad ribbon between its green banks, reaches into the dusky
distance. At all times of day or moonlit night this is one of the beautiful
spots of Illinois. The most beautiful outlook, I think, along the beautiful
Rock River.

RateH E. BLOUNT.

‘Ellen Drummond Farwell

The distribution of privately printed copies of Mrs. Ellen Drummond
Farwell’s ‘‘Bird Observations near Chicago” has earned for her husband,
Mr. John V. Farwell of Lake Forest, the grateful appreciation of the many
friends of Mrs. Farwell, particularly those who shared with her in her
favorite pastime of bird study. Mrs. Farwell was one of the group including
her sister, Miss Mary Drummond, and Mr. Ruthven Deane, who organized
the Illinois Audubon Society in April, 1897, and she served either as
Director or Vice President until her death which occurred August 6, 1912.
Her field notes covering a number of years and relating principally to ob-
servations in the vicinity of Lake Forest were made with no thought of pub-
lication. ‘This enhances instead of detracts from their value. Each bird
listed has its own page or succession of pages and the notes follow in
chronological sequence. ‘Thus it is that the portrait of each bird grows
before the reader very much as it did in the mind of the observer. Best of
all, each observation is made as if it were a matter of ethics to set it down
with fidelity and without concesssion to what might have been reported else-
where and by anyone else. Painstaking observation, accuracy of statement,
and abiding love for the birds, characterize these notes. No one can read
them without a quickened interest in the study of birds and the preservation
of faithful records of field observations. The sincerity and unstudied sim-
plicity of Mrs. Farwell’s writings reveal even to those who did not know
her something of the worth and charm of her personality. The publication
of the notes, a labor of love wrought out with the best art of the printer, is
a most fitting way to extend the influence of their author.

The Bluebird

By THoMAS BAILEY ALDRICH.

Hark ’tis the bluebird’s venturous strain
High on the old fringed elm at the gate—

Sweet-voiced, valiant on the swaying bough,
Alert, elate, :

Dodging the fitful spits of snow,
New England’s poet-laureate

Telling us Spring has come again!

Pes lO le AUDUBON SOCIETY 17

Bird Study in Public Schools

sa During my last years in college the opportunity came

~ to get acquainted with our native birds in the classes of
Dr. Lynds Jones of Oberlin College. It was such a de-
light to have this door to birdland opened to me, I re-
solved to pass on the inspiration to the youngsters who
might fall to my lot in school work. Sharing with them
has been a real pleasure since their enthusiasm is so
marked.

~y setussegtse tie
tiscetsicets ex1i BRRAS EASE ET? 4 ,

ws During the autumn months not much is attempted in

__» bird study. A review of summer experiences is sometimes

_..,_ worth while for most children get close to Nature’s heart

= on summer outings. Some slight attention is given to fall

migration but no census is ever taken. ‘The immature

birds are often so unlike the adults and the fall plumage less brilliant than
that of spring, so that careful identification would be difficult.

In November a profitable period may be spent in discussing and dem-
onstrating bird counters, shelters and feeding stations. The National
Audubon Society for Juniors has some very suggestive circulars illustrating
these topics. I glean the best suggestions from this material and give copies
of hints to the pupils. In December we acquaint ourselves with the winter
residents and await guests at our bird counters. The bird friends do not
always accept our friendly invitations at first but some interesting reports
come in.

In January intensive study begins. I have prepared typewritten lists,
compiled from my records since 1900, of the birds which are commonly
found here as winter residents or visitors. Such a list is prepared for each
grade studying so pupils may know what to expect to find. “Never expect
to see what your judgment tells you should not be seen,” was a wise
proverb Mr. Frank E. Sanford, a pioneer in the study of Cook County
birds, used to tell his bird pupils in LaGrange. This wards off the possi-
bility of children reporting swallows and warblers in January. I have
similar lists posted for the spring arrivals in March and early April. Chil-
dren soon learn to be accurate in reporting and say diplomatically, ‘‘Is it
too early to see the bobolink yet?” About May first I assure them I shall
not be skeptical about any report.

Pupils are encouraged to keep their own lists for the year, making
careful records of the date and place of the birds observed. Beside these
individual lists a group list for the whole room is.worth while. The Illinois
Audubon Society has prepared a wall chart of 200 birds to be found in
Illinois. This chart has the birds arranged in families so the pupils are
getting a fine idea of the relationship. Blank spaces occur for the date and
name of the first observer of each bird. This chart becomes an object of
increasing interest as the season advances. My classes in the Grammar
Grades usually record about 160 birds identified by the end of June. My
Second Grade, where sense perception is keen, often report as high as one
hundred. The joy these youngsters find in this work can hardly be de-
scribed. Generally I challenge a whole group to compete with my in-
dividual list for the year. If I am fortunate to get out on sufficient trips

15 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

alone I can sometimes outstrip them. Yet I always share the best trips with
some of the pupils so that frequently the group list outnumbers mine.

Pupils of the various. grades take real pride in joining the Junior
Audubon League. I can never express to Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson the far

reaching results in bird protection that come through this channel. ‘The |

button, the colored and uncolored plates, and the pamphlets make a special
appeal to each child. Best of all is the promise they make to protect the
birds and hold a meeting once a month. In the lower grades these are very
simple programs. ‘he motive with the little people is of course aesthetic
while with the Grammer Grades it is economic. The following topics I
have found of special interest with older pupils: Tree Trunk Patrol, Seed
Eaters, Migration, Bird Sanctuaries, Value of Hawks and Owls, Work of
Warblers and Vireos, Nests and Nesting, Food of Nestlings, Bird Houses,
Life of Audubon, etc. Various bulletins from the Department of Agricul-
ture are invaluable for these topics. Weed and Dearborn’s “Birds and
Their Relation to Man’ is frequently consulted. Bayne’s ‘Wild Bird
Guests” we once used as a text with real profit. Burgess Bird Book is of
special interest to younger pupils now. I find pupils quoting from. Mrs.
Bailey’s ‘Birds of Tree Top and Meadow.” I saw a class using Mr.
Pearson’s book for Juniors with profit last spring. Mr. Frank Chapman’s
recent books ‘Our Winter Birds’ and “Travels of Birds” are both attrac-
tive and helpful in this work.

Whenever a dead bird is brought in we make it a special object of
study. The characteristics of different orders and families are thus learned.
Great profit has come from this source. In February or early March the

Audubon Bird Slides make a delightful diversion to the work. While a

well written lecture accompanies the 90 carefully selected slides in each set.
I always prefer to explain the pictures as they appear on the screen. ‘The
society has three sets of these slides, so a different one may be obtained each
spring. ;

I encourage pupils to visit the Academy of Science to enjoy the habitat

studies. These are not so pretentious as those in the Natural History

Museum in New York but they are most accurately arranged. Those who

know the original haunts of Illinois birds are proud of these reproductions.
The Bird House at Lincoln Park is a profitable place for study as also the
exhibit of Illinois birds at Field Museum, while the lagoons and lake at
Lincoln and Jackson Parks abound in rare individuals in migration. Just
last week a Fourth Grade boy told his class of the pleasure he had recently
in seeing the bird plates of Audubon at the Crear Library in Chicago.

Pupils are urged to use Reed’s Bird Guide and field glasses in field
work. When they have learned the method of field study their real joy
begins. ‘Then large groups can be taken out with profit. A swamp trip, a
wood trip and one all day outing, make a fine program for pupils who
have caught the spirit of individual study. Having first gotten acquainted
with the birds in the lower grades and later studying them from the light
of biological department at Washington, the pupils in the public schools
today should have a sane appreciation of the harm or value of our bird
hfe. To protect the desirable and to eliminate harmful birds should be
the future program.

ESTHER CRAIGMILE.

a :
7

Peat eon Ss AUDUBON SOCIETY 19

A Federal Warden in Action

From the records obtained from the office of the Federal Game Warden,
B. G. Merrill, Hinsdale, Illinois, this memorandum. of arrests during the
past season has been compiled. The following persons appeared before
Judge Louis FitzHenry and were each fined $50.00 and costs for killing
wild ducks during the closed season: Samuel Bishop, Havana; Claude C.
Stillwell, Liverpool; Walter B. Hess, Liverpool; Louis Springstein,
Oquawka; Herman B. Rebman, Frederick. For the same charge and
before the same judge, Frederick H. Sharpe, Jacksonville, was fined $75.00
and costs; Fred C. Barnes, Washburn, $25.00 and costs; H. W. Packard,
Washburn, $25.00 and costs ; Rex Curless, Bluff City, $10.00 and costs and
Clifford J. Rose, Bluff City, $10.00 and costs. For the same offense
Edward H. Alexander, Centralia, and Clarence DuMontel, Kankakee, ap-
peared before Judge George W. English and were each fined $1.00 and
costs.

In Judge George A. Carpenter’s court John Vander- Meier, Kensington,
was fined $50.00 and costs for selling and killing Coots; Angelo Incianpi,
Kensington, was fined $25.00 and costs for killing Killdeer and Sand
Pipers; Alexander Arrivo, Kensington, was fined $25.00 and costs for .
killing Killdeer Plover; Frazero Conterato, Kensington, was fined $50.00
and costs for killing Warblers; Tony Pissito was fined $25.00 and costs
for killing Killdeer Plover. Tony Winco, Kensington, charged with killing
Woodpeckers, Robins, Flickers and Cuckoos, was discharged by United ©
States Commissioner Louis F. Mason upon payment of $25.00 to the gov-
ernment conscience fund. John Mettifogo and John Guzzette both of Ken-
sington charged with a similar offense were discharged by Commissioner
Mason upon payment of $20.00 to the government conscience fund.

Six citizens of Fort Madison, Iowa, are under bonds to appear for trial
on charge of killing wild ducks from a motor boat. Fifteen other persons
charged with violation of the game laws are awaiting trial.

Resignation of Secretary Langdon

One year ago the Bulletin announced the election of Mr. Roy Monroe
Langdon to the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the Illinois Audubon
Society. The publication of this number will bring to his many friends the
much regretted announcement of his retirement from the position. In
order to qualify for a very promising opening in Denver Mr. Langdon was
obliged to present his resignation at the January meeting of the Board of
Directors. Unfortunately Mr. Langdon, while making preparations for his
departure, was taken seriously ill and has been for some time a hospital
case in Chicago. His friends will be glad to learn that the latest report
is that his condition has greatly improved and that he will soon be able to
resume active work.

Mr. Langdon has made his influence felt in Audubon circles in many
ways but his big contribution has been the arousing of public attention to
the common domestic cat as a very concrete obstacle to the conservation of
bird life. Several thousand copies of his ‘‘cat circular’? have been dis-
tributed, not only in Illinois but in various parts of the United States.
Applications for it for distribution in quantities have been nation-wide

26 fee A UCD: UB OYUN Bw ie EE oon

and its influence is steadily increasing. It is to be hoped that whatever
Mr. Langdon’s duties in his new surroundings may involve, he will reserve
time to promote the campaign for the elimination of the harmful unneces-
Sary Cat. ,

A Few King Birds

The above reproductions of photographs by F. N. Whitman represent certain aspects of
life as it appears to kingbirds. The upper clearly sets forth the familiar story of the
drowsy acquiescence of the young in the rapid transformation of carbohydrates into bird
tissue, feathers, etc. It is passive recipiency with its zero of urge.

Below the young are seen registering the discrepancy between supply and demand, the
pensive if not concerned look of the parent on the right suggesting inability to function
as to supplies at this particular time. The sudden appearance of an insect within a
convenient radius would no doubt put a severe strain upon the feelings of a parent. It
might prove embarrassing to the insect.

tit wos AUDUBON SOCIETY 21

An Illinois Boy Among Illinois Birds

“A boy’s will is the wind’s will, and the thoughts of youth are long, long
thoughts.”’

Adam was assuredly the first boy who studied birds and collected their
eggs. I am sure that he knew all the birds in the Garden of Eden, and all
about them ; hidden away in some corner of his ancestral cave his collection
of bird's eggs would have done credit to a modern museum. I can readily
fancy his joy upon finding his first clutch of eggs of the bird-of-paradise.

And ever since then, this primal passion for bird-study and the collection
of birds’ eggs has been part of every real boy’s character. Like the inherent
wanderlust that sends a boy far afield, his love for birds has kept his heart
clean and his mind stimulated, all through the ages. He has to pass through
the egg-collecting stage, but it is only temporary—and thank goodness it is,
for else there would long ago have been no birds left.

As a boy I grew up on a prairie farm in Central Illinois, and almost
before I had donned trousers I had become a lover of birds. I remember
very well how my father carried me out into the yard one late fall evening
to see the hundreds of wild pigeons that had settled to rest in the Norway
spruces. It must have been in 1885 or 1886 that this happened and I never
saw them again. It was about the time of their extinction, I think, and they
never returned.

About the same time another experience with birds happened which I
never forgot. The sapsuckers on their spring migration north were tapping
the spruces and I tried very hard to catch some of them. My father, who
saw me at it, advised me to go to the salt-barrel, get some salt, and put it on
the birds’ tails. In all confidence I tried for a long time, before I finally
gave up the futile pursuit.

Still another experience of my very early days taught me that the shrike
is a “butcher-bird.”’ The snow lay heavy upon the ground and hundreds of
juncos and tree sparrows were feeding about the garden and the millet and
haystacks. While I stood at the window watching the storm and the bird-
life a shrike dashed into the flocks of small birds in pursuit of a junco. The
poor junco had no way of escape. He flew against the window-sill, and was
at once pounced upon and carried off by the shrike.

In my boyhood, most of the sloughs of the prairie counties were as yet
undrained, and the great migration of ducks, geese, and snipe still followed
the Illinois prairie route. In the spring especially the great flights swept
northward and I distinctly recall wedges of ducks, geese, and brant, miles
in length. ‘The cornfields were filled with feeding waterfowl, and the
musical honk of the Canada goose was common for weeks. The last wild
swans that I saw on the prairie alighted in a small creek not far from the
,country-school that I attended, and I remember well how all the pupils
wondered what the big birds were.

Then as I grew older my interest and my knowledge grew by leaps and
bounds. I did not have any way of learning the right names for most of
the birds, so I named them myself. The marsh wrens I called “cat-tail
birds,” the woodcock I called ‘‘scare-birds” because they always startled me
when I flushed them; I named the Maryland yellow-throat the ‘Little
slough-meadowlark,” an obvious enough name; and so, except for the com-

92 | THE AUD U BON 2.0 EL eer a

monest birds, I had my own system of nomenclature, which still remains
potentially dominant in my mind.

The habits of the birds always interested me; the way the quail, and
kill-deer, and meadowlark tried to entice me away from their nests by
feigning injury; how the prairie horned lark nested so early in the season
that snow covered the nest and the mother bird had to dig her way out;
how the wren tried out several nesting-places before finally deciding upon
the permanent home; the antics of the mating woodcock ; these merely illus-
trate how I was daily acquiring at firsthand a vast store of bird-lore.

I summarize this early history of my bird-study because I wish ardently
to plead the cause of the Audubon Society and the work that it is doing.
And more ardently I wish to plead the cause of the boys in relation to the
birds. I know from my own experience that.my whole boyhood would have
been richer and pleasanter even than it was, could I but have had the help
of the society. As education and training in nature and in citizenship, bird
study and bird discipline as outlined by our State Audubon Society can not
be surpassed.

The common schools of the state should be the skirmish ie for a more
vigorous campaign in the study and conservation of our bird life; in the
beginning of all kinds. of self-discipline and national thrift. The entire
boy-scout army should be enlisted actively in the movement. The field is
splendid. What a magnificent army of local observers in every branch of
natural history and science could be thus developed! What renewed and
extended interest there would-be in the natural life of this good old world
of ours! And how much broadened and brightened would be the horizon of
every boy and man in this whole state! The Audubon Society has a great
opportunity to do a splendid bit of work, and we bird lovers have a great

opportunity to help effectively. W. Ener Ree
. 4 3

The University of Illinois.

SETS ARBOR AND BIRD DAYS

Lowden Proclaims April 23 and Oct.
22—-Sees “Intangible Wealth.” |
[By The Associated Press.|

Springfield, Ill., Feb. 26—In a procla-
mation just issued Gov. Frank O. Low-
den fixed Friday, April 23, and Friday,
Oct. 22, as Arbor and Bird days.

The proclamation is as follows:

“There is a kind of wealth in birds
and trees that defies appraisement, and
yet there is a sense in which they con-
stitute a very real and a very tangible
source of public wealth. The practical
utilities which they serve are so great
as to make their conservation and pro-
tection matters of grave public concern.
Any nationwide instruction in thrift must
provide for an effort to correct our habits
of profligacy and waste of these great
natural resources.

“An intelligent sentiment for the plant-
ing and culture of trees and forests must
_be encouraged. It may prove to be a
sound state and national policy to exempt

all timber-growing lands from taxation.
The constant menace of insect pests to —
an agricultural state like ours makes’
necessary the protection of our wild birds
through the creation of sentiment and
the enactment and enforcement of wise
laws.

“With these objectives in view it was
an expression of practical wisdom and
sound statesmanship on the part of the
general assembly to provide by law for
the setting aside each year of a day or
days when these important matters should

-be brought to the attention of the people

of the commonwealth in an_ especial
manner through programs given in our
schools, churches, civic and social centers.

“Therefore, under the acts of the gen-
eral assembly - passed to encourage the
planting of trees, shrubs and vines about
the homes, along the: highways and
around public grounds, I, Frank O. Low-
den, governor of the state of Illinois, do
hereby designate Friday, April 23, 1920,
and Friday, Oct. 22, 1920, as Arbor and
Bird days.”

Potent ae es A DUR ON SOCTET Y 23

State Parks for Illinois

In the issue of the Bulletin one year ago attention was directed to the
fact that there has been no official reference to the organization of state
parks in Illinois’since 1913 and that although there is a Division of Parks
under our state government it does not seem to be charged with the task
of studying significant areas in Illinois with reference to their suitability for
state parks and reporting thereon from time to time to the General
Assembly. The old Park Commission had this particular function and it
was in accordance with its successive recommendations, that the Starved
Rock Park was first acquired and later enlarged, and the Fort Chartres
area set apart as a State Park.

In contrast with the official inactivity in Illinois during the past six
years, there is a record of progress in Iowa that is inspiring and full of
promise.

The thirty-seventh General Assembly of Iowa authorized the creation
of state parks out of funds from fees obtained from hunters’ license fees.
Although the funds available have not been large, two state parks have
resulted from this action. A 1200 acre park along the Muskoqueta River,
embracing one of the few type streams left in Iowa, containing also some
magnificent old white pine, was dedicated last October. A second state
park has recently been established in the horseshoe bend of the DesMoines
River near Keosauqua. ‘This area of 1,123 acres contains a large number
of interesting native trees, especially oaks, and shrubs. Some of-the rarer
species of Iowa birds, such as the drumming pheasant, are found here.

The state is receiving generous gifts. The Brandt sisters of Davenport
donated 57 acres of what is known as “Wild Cat Den,” an area containing
some rare ferns and interesting from an ecological standpoint. ‘The citizens
of Farmington and Van Buren county purchased outright 100 acres con-
taining a lotus pond of 40 acres. The thirty-eighth assembly appropriated
$100,000 annually for the creation of these parks.

Fortunately all this time public interest in Illinois in state parks and
the conservation of forest areas has been steadily growing. The forest
preserve established in Cook County, an area almost imperial in proportions,
has had a significant influence. Various conservation groups have been
considering particular phases of the situation. Up to the present time the
most significant bit of work has been that of the Illinois State Park Com-
mittee of the Friends of Our Native Landscape. ‘This Committee has for
several months been making a survey of the state to include the following
objectives: areas suitable for state parks and state forest land areas. This
committee has no. official relation to the state government but its organiza-
tion met with Gov. Lowden’s approval and the peculiar fitness of its mem-
bers to undertake a work of this kind will insure respectful consideration
for its recommendations. A subcommittee consisting of Prof. S. A. Forbes
of Urbana and of Mr. Jens Jensen and Prof. H. C. Cowles of Chicago
has recently presented to the full committee a detailed report
with recommendations which while tentative in its nature is big with con-
structive significance. ‘This committee favors for state parks areas of not
less than one thousand acres—and the distribution of such park areas over
the state with reference to population centers where possible. The com-

24 TH EAU DU BO No BU Lb Aan

Photo by John Baird
IN THE COOK COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE

mittee reported unanimously in favor of eight park propositions—five major
and three minor—as follows:

1. Mississippi River bank in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties (major).
This park should extend through both counties along the river, including
islands, down to the Savanna region with a possible extension to the Apple
River canyon in Jo Daviess County.

2. Rock River Bluffs (minor), to include the bluffs on both sides of -
the river from the Mississippi, through Rock Island, Whiteside and Lee
Counties and well into Ogle County with a possible extension to the White
Pine Grove of that county.

3. Enlargement of the Starved Rock reservation (major) to include
Deer Park and the banks of the Fox and Vermillion Rivers in LaSalle
County.

4. Illinois River banks in Mason and Fulton Counties (major), this
to include the banks on both sides of the Illinois and Spoon Rivers and
lakes and dunes in the vicinity of Havana.

5. Mouth of the Illinois (major), this to include both sides of the
mouth of the Illinois with areas in Calhoun and Jersey Counties.

6. Danville region in Vermillion Co. (minor), a park in the prairie
country.

7. Effingham region (minor), an attractive park also in prairie
country.

8. (a) Mississippi River bank in Jackson and Union Counties
(major), or (b) Wabash River bank in Gallatin County (major), both
notably scenic regions. The committee proposes to name one of these two
areas after further consideration of their significance.

tone Nate kU DUS ON SOC RE T Y 25

No recommendations have as yet been made with reference to state
forest land areas. The development of the plans for the new state highway
system may suggest extensions or alterations of park boundaries but even
the tentative outline of a system of state parks as proposed must make a
profound appeal to all who give thought to the future welfare of our state.
It is unnecessary to dwell upon the significance of a program of state parks
and state forest-land areas for the conservation of bird life.

FREDERIC H. PATTEE.

Making Game Wardens of School Children

I am supposed to write something about the enforcement of the laws
protecting song birds. First of all 1 wish to say that as Editor of the
Illinois Sportsman and an active member of the Sportsmen’s League I
speak with authority when I assert that contrary to the opinion of some
people the sportsmen are the friends of our little feathered friends and
are heartily in favor of any law that will serve to keep up the supply. This
will apply to an overwhelming majority of those who use a gun in the
field, the few exceptions being mostly those who are lacking in education
on the importance of conserving our wild birds. At the last big confer-
ence of sportsmen held in Springfield, which was during the 1919 session
of the General Assembly, among those present were representatives of the
Illinois Audubon Society, all of whom received a cordial reception and
were invited to take part in the proceedings. If they did not get what
they wanted from the legislature it was not the fault of the sportsmen.

I am connected with the Illinois Division of Game and Fish. Last
April Chief Warden Ralph F. Bradford, of Springfield, conceived the
idea that it would be a splendid plan to have the various employees go out
and make a special drive for the protection of the birds. My instructions
were to visit the police officers and others in authority in my district asking
them to report any cases where song birds were killed or nests robbed. I
was to call on the school teachers, especially the superintendents, asking
their co-operation in the work. My territory consists of Clinton, Bond
and Montgomery counties. I started out with the expectation of getting
by without doing any direct talking to the children, being under the im-
pression that perhaps the teachers might not want to give the time, but it
did not take long to convince me that the people were practically 100 per
cent. in favor of preserving our song birds. ‘The officers of the law, school
teachers, newspaper editors, all declared that it was one of the best moves
ever made and promised to cc-operate in every way. One newspaper editor
who is among the leaders of his profession in the state, gave my hand a
vigorous shake and said: ‘‘Let me congratulate your department. I have
been a wild life conservationist for many, many years, and of song birds in
particular. It is one of the best moves ever made by the state. Educate
the boys while they are in school to the importance of protecting our birds
and you’ve won more than haif the battle. I am with you, ditto my paper.”
This was a sample of the greetings I received.

In Litchfield we had a real bird day celebration. On my first visit the
superintendent of the public schools suggested that we make a big time of
it, so he arranged for the use of the movie theatre building. That morn-
ing we had two lectures by Prof. J. D. Gilbert, of Carbondale, who spoke
to almost a thousand pupils from all the schools of the city. It was illus-

26 oe DRE AO D.U-B. O Ni Bo Ere Pala

trated with his own slides and was highly entertaining and instructive to

the school children and teachers alike. Since Prof. Gilbert did the heavy
work I made only a few closing remarks. |

In my own lecture work I used three colored charts obtained from the
National Audubon Society of New York. After a short preliminary talk
on the benefit of the birds, and calling attention to the laws protecting the
same with certain exceptions, I would ask the pupils to name either twenty-

five or fifty of our native song birds, the number depending upon the age

of the pupils to whom I was talking. In questioning the children, I found

them quite ready in identifying birds from the charts. Some schools made —

a much better showing than others, and I found individual pupils excep-
tionally well posted on birds and their habits. I always asked the boys,
at least old enough to handle an air rifle, to name the birds permitted to be
killed by law, and most of them named the list completely.

As a rule I found both teachers and pupils very much interested in the
study of birds, but one important thing was lacking, and that was a text
book on the subject, or charts, etc., to work with. Both the superintendents
and teachers were of the opinion that the colored charts were of vital im-
portance in the study of the birds, being the most effective method of
familiarizing the pupils with the different species. “The sentiment seemed
to be unanimously in favor of better and more instruction on the birds.

I am not familiar with the courses of study in the various schools, or the
state requirements pertaining to the same, but my brief experience as a
bird lecturer convinced me that a regular course should be established and
made compulsory to give instructions on the values of our feathered friends.
Start with the primary grades where the youngsters can be taught to iden-
tify the different species of the birds by means of the charts, and other
details may be added as the children advance. In making my rounds I
found one primary teacher who had been giving much attention to the
birds, and it was surprising how easy it was for many of these “infants”
to name the common ones shown on the chart.

In every school'I found some attention had been given to the birds,
but mostly in a desultory manner, due to the lack of a fixed program and
proper material. It is true that we have laws protecting the beneficial
birds of our country, but I believe we can do more real good by instilling
in the hearts of the people a love for them, and the place to start is in the
schools. If it were left for me to say, I would go further and make it
“compulsory to study our wild life in general. I would teach the pupils
why it is necessary to protect our game and fish and explain the state and
federal laws. ‘The state could provide a corps of special lecturers to help
spread the wild life propaganda. |

In addition to the schools we ought to seek publicity through the news-
papers, magazines and movie theatres. I have found that the editors of the
newspapers are always willing to give space to short articles on the value of
the birds, and perhaps they might be induced to have a department on this
subject, the matter to be furnished by a regular press bureau. To make it
all the more interesting items pertaining to our game and fish should be
included.. For the purpose of getting the boys especially interested Wild
Life Clubs could be organized, and Bird Clubs for the girls, which would
mean frequent hikes to the ‘Tall Timber,” with a good lunch on the side.

When Chief Warden Bradford started the system of spreading the bird

~)

Pe Ole AUDUBON SOCIET Y 2

propaganda by having the employees of the department make special and
direct appeals to the school children I think he hit the right trail. I know
it has done a lot of good. With a few exceptions I have found the boys
willing and anxious to protcct our song birds, and through these lectures I
was able to reach the “exceptions.”” In a number of instances boys have
been induced to change their ways, and in addition thereto it has caused the
older shooters to be more careful about killing woodpeckers, robins, etc.
That possible state and federal fine makes the elders think twice before they
shoot.

I might sum up by quotirg the substance of a portion of an interview
with one school superintendent, who said: |

“The work you are now engaged in is meritorious, and your department
is entitled to congratulaticns for manifesting an interest in our little
feathered friends, but I prefer to let you do the talking to the pupils. We'll
arrange to give you time in each room. I believe that a short talk by you
will have a much better effect than a long one by me, because you are an
official and will not make any mistakes, especially on the law end of it.
The subject is a very important one, and more attention should be given
zt.”

H. C: Norcross, Carlyle, Il.

Nesting Boxes and Nesting Sites

It is an encouraging sign of the times to find so much interest among

the children to protect the native bird life. Much of this is due to courses
of education given in schools and much more to the efforts of the junior
Audubon Societies. The interest is forcibly demonstrated in many spirited
bird house contests, in which the zeal and patience displayed in making
attractive bird dwellings is truly inspiring.

In looking over a bird house exhibit, as spectator or judge, the im-
pression has ever prevailed that somehow the instructors had given full
rein to the fancy of the individual to build according to his artistic tem-
perament. In consequence among many practical boxes there are found
perfect imitations of bungalows, complete in every detail with doors and
windows, lapped siding, shingled roof and a chimney, intended to house
a family of bluebirds. Now bluebirds have been known to occupy such
a building successfully where nothing else offered, but a smaller and sim-
pler nesting box would have proven more satisfactory and safer for the
purpose on hand. ‘The greatest criticism centers on houses too large and
too deep for any purpose, with openings that would with equal comfort
admit a wren, a squirrel or a cat. Other conspicuous designs noted repre-
sent straw-covered tepees, chickadee apartment houses, triangular and py-
ramidal structures for wrens, batteries of pendent logs, graduated for one,
two or three apartments, Dutch windmills, covered strawhats, tin crescents,
flower pots, vinegar jugs and tin cans, plain and ornamental.

The spirit which prompts this lavish outlay of time and material is
commendable, but the same amount of labor and material would produce
twice as many nesting boxes if the efforts were directed along practical
lines. The absence of suitable nesting sites has induced many birds to
accept the substitutes offered by man; a fact greatly instrumental in in-
creasing our bird population. The success met with in the initial attempts

28 THE. ALU-D.U 3B ONY B UL Le rN

brought about a great demand for nesting boxes, which induced business
men to venture into the bird box game commercially. Their products are
in evidence everywhere. |

The types, while differing considerably in design and workmanship,
however, are easily grouped into two classes, one known as the Von
Berlepsch bird box constructed from hollowed-out logs and the other as
the square type made of boards. The Von Berlepsch box is by far the
more attractive, fitting into its Surroundings inconspicuously and naturally.
The report of E. H. Forbush, with reference to this box has not been
favorable, but here in Rockford it has been found the favorite nesting
box with: the birds. .

The needs of each species of birds has been met by well studied, simple,
practical, roomy, sanitary and safe nesting boxes. The proportions of
these have been painstakingly worked out by authorities on bird life and
little or no improvement can be made except as individual fancy may
dictate. The Von Berlepsch box can be bought so much cheaper than
one could make it that measurements of this type will be omitted. It can
be bought of Phillip E. Perry, P. O. Box 275, Boston, Massachusetts.
The Audubon Bird House Company, of Meriden, New Hampshire, manu-
facture a slightly modified form of the Von Berlepsch box, the changes
- being intended to meet the special requirements of American birds.

Materials for the square box type are easily obtained and its construc-
tion is so simple that by following a few important rules any one is in a
position to turn out very satisfactory houses. Labor being the greatest
item of expense, the lumber should be selected with a view to its lasting
qualities. Weathered lumber is to be preferred to newly planed boards
and a coating of paint well dried in, especially if applied in the fall, will
be no detriment.

Lumber less than 52” in thickness should not be used and boards 7%”
thick for anything larger than a wren box are preferable. The board form-
ing the back of the box may project four inches above and four inches
below the box proper. This permits of a secure and easy fastening to
pole, building or tree. The roof should have a slope toward the front of
two inches, with a projection of three inches over the front of the box.
By placing the <en-
trance hole one and
one-half inches below
the overhang, the roof
will. act as_ shelter
against driving rains
and also prevent cats
and squirrels from
wea Cha no the mest
fromthe: roof. ” ihe
two sides should reach
to but 4” of the slop-
ing roof, giving much
needed ventilation to
stifling nestlings. The
board composing the
front of the box must

Ree nO Ss AUDUBON: SOCIETY 29

be considerably roughened or grooved both inside and out to give the birds
a chance to climb in and out. Projecting bottom boards and perches must
be entirely omitted. They offer foothold to bird enemies, enabling them
to annoy and drive away rightful tenant. The bottom board should be
perforated with gimlet holes for drainage from entering rains. ‘The en-
trance, carefully corresponding in size to the size of the box, may be
encircled with a zinc collar to prevent woodpeckers and squirrels from
enlarging the opening. A hinged roof, fastened with a small hook, will
be found a great convenience. It greatly facilitates ejecting undesirable
tenants, bird enemies, cleaning out old nests or nest photography. A hinged
roof is not desirable where boxes are exposed to public abuse and covers
fastened down with screws or dummy nails should be given the preference.

The merits of the many substitutes used in place of lumber, such as
cigar boxes, gourds, jugs, tin cans, tarpaper, flower pots, will not be dis-
cussed here. They are make-shifts at the best, tho they often serve their
purpose. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and greater enjoy-
ment is commensurate with greater effort. Farmers Bulletin No. 609
“Bird Houses and how to build them” publishes a practical list of the
various boxes with full dimensions of house, size of entrance and distance
to be placed from the ground.

By applying the fundamental principles of construction, as outlined
above, one cannot go wrong in providing a simple, practical home for his
bird friends. ‘The size of the wren house, as given above, is somewhat
large; a box 4x6 will be found more than sufficient. It matters little if
the box is made vertical or horizontal, the bird’s nest will always be found
farthest from the entrance. Any one who has watched the tiny bird in
its endlessly tedious task carrying in the material for the nest foundation,
only to be confronted with the alternative of seeking a new home or
cleaning out the old for its second brood, will gladly remember to build
large enough but not too large.

As much depends upon proper placing of a bird house as upon proper
construction. ‘The greatest error is made in placing too many boxes for
a given area, which always sets the bird to quarreling, excepting the com-
panionable swallows and martins. Boxes for a certain species are best
placed at least one hundred feet apart. Dense woods and trees are gen-
erally to be avoided. A tree trunk is a highway of travel for flying squir-
rels, chipmunks, squirrels and cats. However, boxes suspended from a
limb by a wire overcomes this objection and homes for wrens, nuthatches,
chickadees and woodpeckers may be placed about shade trees and orchards.
Extensive experiments have clearly demonstrated that nesting boxes placed
on poles are preferred by the birds. These poles may be cat and squirrel
proofed by a two foot strip of galvanized tin, six feet above the ground.
Pergolas, porch pillars and buildings often offer desirable and safe loca-
tion for bird boxes. The entrance of the box should be placed opposite
to that of the prevailing winds, which in Illinois are mostly from the
south west.

Equal in importance to proper construction, dimension and placing of
a bird house is the strictest vigilance over its occupant. Close observa-
tions and bi-monthly examinations will often reveal such tenants as mice,
chipmunk, flying squirrel, squirrel or English sparrow. These bird enemies
are responsible for the greatest part of all failures in successfully attract-

30 THE Aw DU: BON BU LE Ee en

ing birds. ‘Fhe success attained by individuals will be measured by the
amount of intensive protection accorded. Cats also must be dealt with
relentlessly. No sensible person will expect to reform this animal instant-
ly by an unkind word, cuff or severer punishment after considering that its
impulses are those of countless ages and its diet of birds date back almost
to the beginning of time. —

Nesting boxes with openings of one and one-half inches and upward
will ever remain the legitimate prey of the house sparrow. I have found —
it expedient to place many of these boxes in low down and convenient
places for the sparrows’ own use. A little observation soon records the
home life.of each and when the female bird has been brooding her eggs
for two days, no disturbance will induce her to leave. This is the logical
time to act; the male usually nonchalantly taking the place of the defunct
female within half an hour, immediately meeting the same fate. The box
is then cleaned out ready for the next victim. At one time I took six
males before the wily female fell a victim. The house sparrow is per-
sistent, adopting abandoned eggs or young with frequence and mating
alternately time and again as one or the other falls a victim. ‘This method
of duping them has helped to relieve the martin colony from their un-
welcome attentions and never more than one or two birds a season have
preferred the disputed martin house to an undisputed home of their own.

Now for a brief reference to those birds affected by the spread of civili-
zation who find sufficient food in the changed country but no suitable sites
to build their nests. The ever thinning ranks of woodlands and forest,
the scrupulous mandates of civilization to tidy up, automatically and
‘unconsciously deprive them of safe nesting sites. [he towhee, catbird,
thrushes, brown thrashers, grosbeak, tanager, and others must still build
in brushwood, undergrowth and tangle, and, their existence depends on the
presence of shrub and tree growth.. Think of a region having become
silent for the want of a brushpile; think of the same region enriched by
the incomparable song of the brown thrasher, simply because of the pres-
ence of a brush pile.

While the woodlands are vanishing, the bird population is also vanish-
ing in proportion. ‘Therefore, one should make necessary provisions to
offer them a substitute. Here in the City of Rockford, with a population
of 80,000, we listened to the flute-like notes of the wood-thrush but six
blocks removed from the busiest corner of the city. A year later another
woodthrush cast her lot with the dwellers of the ‘Forest City” and last
year no less than eight pairs of these thrushes resided in various parts of
the city, the initial bird still holding forth at its old site.

Sinnissippi Park in Rockford covers 124 acres. Of these 60 acres are
in fine timber, but the early management fell into unsympathetic hands. -
In consequence it was robbed of much of its natural beauty by denuding
it of its undergrowth. It no longer knew the song of the brown thrasher,
the mocking bird of the north. How eagerly the few initial brush: heaps,
composed of fallen twigs and limbs and disposed of in out of the way
places, found ready takers. Again the carols of ecstacy rang forth from
liquid throats. The brown thrasher had accepted the substitute. Black
Hawk Park, 80 acres, presenting the typical Illinois scenery, is adding an-
nually to its abundant bird population. Nests of rose-breasted grosbeak,

Tain oor S AUDUBON’ S OCIET Y 31

robin, American goldfinch and catbird in one instance all occurred in a
radius of 15 feet.

Suitable bird boxes, drinking dishes, bird baths, systematic winter
feeding, new plantations of wild fruits, shelter belts, annual pruning of
crotches, checking the spread of natural enemies, will, in a measure restore
natural conditions. ‘This, together with tireless love for the work, will
bring to us many birds and a never ending source of new delight.

PAUL. B. RAs.

Withdrawal of Professor Hankinson

Announcement is made with regret of the withdrawal of Professor T.
L.. Hankinson, one of the active supporters of the Illinois Audubon Society,
who resigned his position on the staff of the Eastern Illinois Normal School
last June to take the position of Icthyologist at the New York State College
of Forestry. His work will be in the department known as the Roosevelt
Wild Life Forest Experiment Station. As fish will be studied from the
ecological standpoint the complex environment will have to be dealt with
and this will involve much work with other subjects than icthyology. For
this reason Professor Hankinson hopes to continue his bird studies and other
lines of natural history in which he is interested. He has a varied col-
lection of ornithological studies made in Illinois and it is hoped that in
time some of them at least will be available for publication in the Bulletin.

es 8 nh te eo ; RN res ms
: il ‘ i ri - - Se Se

Photo by W. D. Richardson

CASPIAN TERNS

View of a breeding colony on a small gravel-covered island at the north end of Lake Michigan.
Caspian terns obligingly ‘“wheeling about’? and posing for a member of the Illinois Audubon
Society who sojourns temporarily in an umbrella tent.

32 THE AUDUBON BULLE TaN

Experiences with Bird Houses

I have had the following birds occupy artificial bird houses which I have
constructed: Bluebirds, House Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Chickadees, Tufted
Titmice, Flicker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Purple Martin, Great-crested
Flycatcher, Screech Owl, and English Sparrow, while a neighbor who has
a small shelf built on his porch yearly enjoys the return of a Robin to this
protected nook where it nests. Another neighbor has an open nesting box —
with roof upheld by four rustic sticks. This is on top of a trellis and twice
a Brown Thrasher has filled it with sticks and made it her nesting site for
two years. This is a list of thirteen varieties which have nested in artificial
houses in one neighborhood.

For Bluebirds and Wrens I use boxes of the type described by Mr. Riis
in the foregoing article. Practically all the other birds mentioned above
require houses made from logs, the Martins and Swallows, of course,
excepted, these birds being community dwellers and requiring spacious
boxes with sufficient nests to encourage the community instinct. I have had
marked success with log houses of my own making but space will not permit
giving details of construction at this time. Perhaps mention of some of my
experiences will be worth while.

I once had a box which was attached to the tree by a hook. The metal
of the screw which held the log, unknown to me, pierced the inner cavity of
the log. As the log was a long one and was placed 12 feet high in a
chestnut tree, it met the approval of a pair of Red-headed Woodpeckers.
The point of metal irritated the male bird. Even after the mother bird had
eggs, he would reach through the entrance hole and peck away at the ob-
jectionable metal. Gradually he released the wood about the retaining
hook and one day as he pecked, the log’s weight released the hook and
down fell the log killing the Red-head family. For this reason I warn you
to be careful of the way you attach your boxes to the trees. Have the
interior smooth, and all screws or hooks heeted to attach the box to the
tree should be carefully placed.

Having noticed that the Great-crested Flycatchers sometimes built their
nests in horizontal hollow limbs, I easily blocked up one end of a cut hollow
limb, and partly blocked the other end with a crescent shaped plug. This
nest was perhaps 12 inches in depth. I suspended it to a maple tree which
stood close to a large tennis court. One end of the nest was nailed to the
tree, and all evidence of artificiality at the opening was obliterated by use
of patch work with bark. This end faced the court so the bird could watch
for flying insects from his home entrance. This box was horizontal or
parallel to the earth’s surface. I have been fortunate in having Great-
crested Flycatchers in this nest for two successive years. [he two years
following this occurrence, I had a pair nest in an upright hollow log in my
tulip tree. In the last case the cavity was four inches across and nine
inches deep.

Many persons wonder why the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers do not
nest in box nests. Both varieties seem to desire a clean nest chiseled out by
themselves yearly. Several years ago, during the winter, I found a well
chiseled hole in a willow stump. I broke off the rotten limb and brought it
home and attached it to the elm tree. Instead of accepting this fine site, a

Maat OS AUDUBON SOCIETY 33

Downy Woodpecker started a new excavation at once, six or eight inches
below the other. Just as he had about completed it, March arrived with its
abundance of Bluebirds. A pair of the latter tried to take possession of
the upper hole while the downies down below took violent exception to this
intrusion of the flats above. The suggestion, however, was a good one and
yearly I have since brought in several good soft willow logs about the size
of my arm and attach these to a tree in my yard or to the trees in the
_ park across the way. The Woodpeckers do their share and I often have
them as residents, however, if by accident the Woodpeckers are scared
away, I know that I’m nearly sure of a pair of Titmice, Chickadees, or
- Bluebirds.

Many may object to the above program as too much work. — Secure a nest
of Greatcrested Flycatchers, a Titmouse or Chickadee once and you will
never begrudge the several hours spent on making the right kind of a house.

T. E. MusseLMAN.

A Unique Exhibit

The Chicago Chapter of the Wild Flower Preservation Society of
America is to be congratulated upon a unique exhibit held during the month
of January at the Art Institute in Chicago. Although the exhibit was
arranged to further the particular interests for which that Society stands,
its scope was so broad that it might well have been called a natural history
exhibit. Dried specimens of grasses, reeds, seed pods, insect galls, ferns,
mosses and lichens, were displayed in close proximity to photographs of
birds and spiderwebs, and there were displays of photographs of flowers,
blueprints of plant life, collections of insects, shelf mushrooms, etc. No
emphasis was laid upon things purely scientific and the members of the
exhibit committee and their friends simply brought their “treasures” to
the exhibit. This accounts for the wide diversity of subjects and explains
the great interest the exhibit aroused. A very satisfactory result was the
keen and intelligent interest shown by school children. One teacher of
biclogy made fifteen consecutive visits, each time bringing a group of
children. Another interesting result was the bringing to light of many
unsuspected hobbies among business men and women and the occasional
revelation of great interest in, or unusual scientific knowledge of, some
plant or flower. During the time the exhibit was in place over. 30,000
admissions to the Art Institute were recorded and of these only a small
proportion failed to visit the gallery where the exhibit was displayed.
Someone from Peoria “happened in” and later on the Chamber of Com-
merce of that city requested that the whole exhibit be packed and shipped
there at its expense for a two weeks public display. The success of the
exhibit in Chicago has been so great and its educational value so important
that the management of the Art Institute have offered double space for
next year’s exhibit. Mrs. Charles Hutchinson is President of the Society
and Mrs. C. S. Eaton of 5744 Kimbark Ave., Chicago, is Secretary.

O; M.S:

34 1-H AU D.U; BON BOUL Leet EN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1920 |

Published by the
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

JESSE LOWE GNETE. Charanan
Highland Park

RUTHVEN DEANE
112 W. Adams St., Chicago

MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest

BOR DEA ae eA
Evanston

CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside

ORPEEUS Mo SCHANTZ
10 So. La Salle Street, Chicago

FREDERICK H. PATTEE
626 S. Clark St., Chicago

This page is given up to suggestions to
Audubon societies, nature study clubs, and
similar organizations. For these organiza-
tions the adoption of some project or
concerted activity is an essential to well-
being.

sh sh te
a 7 a

Select a given area for intensive study of '

bird visitors and bird residents. A spe-
cially suitable area should be partly wood-
ed, have a dwelling house and orchard,
meadow, etc., and contain twenty or more
acres. Address E. W. Nelson, Chief of the
United States Biological Survey of Wash-
ington, D. C., for printed forms to be used
in a similar study of an area under his
directions.
record for a given locality worked out in
as much detail as possible constitutes an
excellent club project and is of permanent
value. Lists such as that made by Mr.
Isaac Hess of Philo of one hundred eight
birds found nesting within a ten mile
radius of his home in Champaign County,
that of Mr. C. E. Vandercook of Odin of
ninety birds found nesting in Clinton
County, or that of the Rockford Naturc

Study Club are valuable contributions to —

the study of bird life in Illinois.

In a general way a nesting -

A complete cat census for one’s locality.
This usually reveals a much larger cat
population than ordinarily supposed. This
census should be supplemented by cumula-
tive data, as accurate as possible, of the
destruction of birds by cats during the
season. The effect upon public sentiment

in a locality thus studied is always Very |

favorable—to the birds.

* * eS

A drive to extend the interest in organ-
ization. Get up a big display of nesting
boxes, pictures, photographs, books on
birds, etc. Offer prizes for exhibits. Have

the lantern slides of the Illinois Audubon -

Society visit the town or city.

Study the laws for bird protection

printed elsewhere with comment in this ~
Bulletin. Let committees call on each con-

stable and policeman in the area and
sheriffs and deputy sheriffs wherever at
hand and point out in a friendly way their
duties under the law. Do not forget to
remind them of the fees involved. Visit
every hunter and invite his cooperation in
securing law enforcement. Publish the
synopsis of the law in the local paper. The
Tllinois Audubon Society will send free of
charge sufficient copies of this Bulletin to
give one to each officer interviewed. Write
to Chief Warden R. T. Bradford, Spring-
field, for copies of the game law. Ask for
the address of the nearest inspector and
warden. Report law violations to these
latter or to Springfield if local officials are
inactive. Secure from the Illinois Audubon
Society a supply of postcard warnings in
Italian to give to hunters of that national-
ity.

Help the schools to become one hundred
per cent Audubon Societies or bird clubs.
(Every grade room in Batavia is an
Audubon Club.) Address the National
Association of Audubon Societies, 1974

_ Broadway, New York City, for Junior club

literature. For details see inside of the
back cover of this Bulletin.
plementary fund for each teacher so that
every pupil may join the Audubon Society.
The Illinois Audubon Society will send
free of charge a copy of this Bulletin to

every teacher organizing a bird class.

Raise a sup-

Pili n OLS AUDUBON SOCIETY 35

Mid-Winter Notes 1919-1920

Below appear the annual mid-winter notes from correspondents of the
Bulletin. Some of these were brought up to February 1, others three weeks
later. With one exception the observations have to do only with Illinois
areas. That exception is the report from Sioux City, Iowa, which Professor
Stephens kindly furnished at the request of the Editor. It was desired to
check up the extent, east and west, of the “invasion of Bohemian Wax-
wings.” This invasion seems to be the only event of unusual interest to
mark the somewhat severe and sustained winter period. In the notes there
is the usual sharp contrast between the bird census of a southern Illinois
area represented by Olney and a nothern area like that covered by the Rock-
ford Bird Club. Mr. Stoddard of the Field Museum of Natural History is
able to furnish the most complete report upon the flight of Waxwings. Mr.
Nordenholt of Oak Park had the most thrilling visit with ducks off the
- shore line of Lake Michigan. His report of seeing a few specimens of the
liarlequin Duck aroused the close attention of ornithologists and other ob-
servers such as Ruthven Deane, Professor Eifrig, Larry St. John and others,
and there has been some questioning and much exchange of notes because of
the lack hitherto of authenticated records for the Harlequin in the Chicago
area. Mr. Nordenholt stands pat, however, and seems to have made a
“new” report for the area. The stray robin made himself conspicuous at
Waukegan, Lake Forest and other northern points about February 1 and
the metropolitan papers presented the usual report of the ‘first robin.” It
seems that flickers and meadow larks represented by solitary specimens are
each winter not uncommon even as far north as the latitude of Chicago.
The northward flight of bluebirds was evident at Quincy as late as Febru-
ary 20. They had not been reported in northern Illinois as the last copy
went to the printer, March 1. ;

Belvidere

This is a feeding-shelf report and relates first of all to our chickadee
guests.

We have not seen more than three at once, but they are so gay and
spirited that they make our sumach bushes seem full of joyous fluffs of
down. Their swinging food shelf is not a yard from the window beside
my desk, and there is really only one so tame that he pretends | am not
there when he finds me just inside the window. One flies off in a panic,
shrieking, if he alights on the shelf before he sees me, and will not venture
back while I am at the desk, but the third one wz/7 come, only he never
ceascs making most uncomplimentary remarks, occasionally flying to the
porch roof where he will do justice to his feeling of injury by jerking out.
a rapid succession of ‘‘dee-dee-dees”’ delivered in a very rasping voice! Of
course we love the chickadees most, and never tire of watching them make
their dainty meals of crushed peanuts, but a solitary red-breasted nuthatch
certainly affords us most amusement. We call him “The Clown,” for he
takes the greatest delight in terrifying the chickadees by casting himself,
apparently in the most abandoned and careless acrobatic manner, from all
manner of angles, upon the food-shelf, seizing a bit of nut and diving off

36 THE AU. Do BLON BU Lee a aN

the shelf, flinging himself directly at any chickadee who may be in the
neighborhood—frequently curving off after a second one with his bit of nut
still in his bill. When he comes to the shelf and there are no chickadees
about, his manner is entirely different. He really acts like a contented little
chick, and is most deliberate. But the chief joy of his existence appears to
be teasing chickadees.

This winter, also, for the first time in all these years, we have brown
creepers as guests for our food shelf. Strictly speaking they do not come
to the shelf, but carefully investigate the stalk of trumpet-creeper vine
where the nuthatch is very fond of storing choice bits. Occasionally the
creeper will alight on the porch floor, and he looks so funny in that un-
natural position—like an animated little rug, or bird-skin—he flattens him-
self out so. This very noon we saw him oz the shelf for the first time. He
seemed much surprised to have come upon the source of supply and took a
bit of nut in his bill, but appeared to find it impossible to swallow it until
he flitted to the trumpet-vine stalk where he seemed to consider himself in a
natural position, and swallowed it with great satisfaction. A blue-jay
comes to the shelf, too. He rarely fails to make sure that the “‘coast is quite
clear” by shouting lustily, first from a cedar tree, some little distance from
the house, gradually coming nearer, in the sumach, and at last, when no one
has appeared at the windows, softly and most quietly and lightly balancing
himself upon the shelf. DJownies come to our suet sacks also.

MuRIEL LAMPERT.

Chicago Area

Almost every winter presents us with something of exceptional interest
in bird life, some rare northern visitors flooding our country in unusual
numbers. One year it may be the fierce Goshawks, another Crossbills or
Kedpolls and so on down the list. The present season, 1919-20 will be
long remembered for its great flight of Bohemian Waxwings, one of the
most aristocratic and beautiful of birds. Few birds excel this stranger
from the north in beauty with its richly colored coat of exquisite texture,
long crest and scarlet wax-like wing tips.

An unusual flight of these birds was observed by Mr. Colin Sanborn
and the writer on Nov. 30th, 1919, five miles north of Waukegan, Illinois,
on the Waukegan Flats, a region justly famous for its winter birds. The
wind was blowing a gale from the northwest, with snow squalls, the first
day of real winter weather, but our hopes ran high as waxwings had been
reported a day or two before. Nor were we disappointed, for soon after
daylight they appeared, flock after flock of them, whirling southward be-
fore the wind, following the same general course, a couple of hundred
yards from the Lake Michigan shore line. Along towards ten o’clock
some of the flocks would stop a few minutes to feed, swarming into some
small dead tree till it was full to overflowing with feathered beauties,
while hungry members of the flock fed on the berries of nearby junipers.
These flocks were the very spirit of restlessness, as is so often the case
with winter birds on a blustery day, in marked contrast to their behavior
on other occasions.

One large flock swarmed down on to a stretch of bare ice, the last no
sooner arriving till the first were up and on their way. Altogether, on

Pion OLS AUDUBON SOCIETY 37

this never to be forgotten day, we saw at least twelve hundred waxwings,
probably a good many more. ‘The flocks contained from thirty to perhaps
a hundred birds each, sometimes appearing every few minutes, at others
an hour or so elapsing between arrivals. They were not wandering flocks,
searching the countryside for food, but in full migration, the flocks follow-
ing one another as if on a beaten path.

On this and two preceding days large numbers had appeared in Jack-
son Park, Chicago, and a few lingered throughout the first week in Decem-
ber, small flocks being seen almost daily. Here they were very tame and
allowed a close approach as they fed on various dried berries. This food
supply being limited the birds soon disappeared.

The next Bohemians seen were at Gary, Ind., in a dead tree top of a
dune, at sunrise Dec. 21st. On subsequent trips to the Dunes I failed to
locate them till Mr. Edward R. Ford and I found them on Jan. 18th.
Many small flocks and one of thirty or forty were seen feeding on the dry,
currant-like berries of the chokeberry, which are found in great quan-
tities in the low country in the south part of the Dunes proper, between
Dune Park and Mineral Springs. Scattered here and there in these great
feed patches are small dead trees where part of the birds rest while others
feed nearby. Their love of companionship is shown clearly here, the birds
frequently lining up on some small limb till it will hold no more, others
equally desirable nearby remaining bare. A flock of twenty-two were
seen in this same region on Feb. Ist.

Towards evening on Jan. 18th, four Evening Grosbeaks were seen in
the swamp at Mineral Springs. Although only four o’clock in the after-
noon the birds had already gone to roost, being found sitting bolt upright,
half resting against the trunks of thick cedar trees, well scattered. One
female was found about fifteen feet up a small cedar, and a few feet
higher sat a blue jay, also close to the trunk, a position that may prove
very advantageous in case of an attack by an owl. Hulls of poison sumac
berries scattered about on the snow indicated that a larger flock had been
feeding nearby, but no more could be located in the deepening gloom.
Two were seen at Dune Park on Feb. Ist. Although of regular occurrence
in the dunes they have been rare this year.

Redpolls are also rare this winter compared to some seasons, though a
few have been seen on each trip to the Dunes. A flock of about forty
were seen feeding on alder seeds in the swamps of Mineral Springs on
Dec. 7th. This swamp is a favorite resort of the winter birds of the Dune
region. Wild grapes, woodbine, poison sumac, alder and hundreds of
acres of weeds nearby furnish abundant food, while the tangle of shrubs
and evergreens furnish ideal shelter.

Pine Siskins appeared in immense numbers around the swamp in early
October, spending their time in the tamaracks and nearby weed fields. On
October 9th, literally thousands were seen in whirling flocks, streaming
back and forth between the weeds and: trees. A few lingered till Nov.
9th, after which none were seen. ‘They were also seen in Jackson Park,
Chicago, in small numbers.

Snow Buntings, as usual, were common on the lake shore near Dune
Park for a short time in early November. At sundown on Nov. 2nd three
large flocks of from thirty to fifty birds each were seen and studied at close

38 THE AUDUBON -B1U L LE TIN

range, the birds being extremely tame even for this species. One flock
of eleven and another of about thirty were seen on Nov. 9th.

White-winged and American Crossbills have both been present in small
numbers, two of the former being reported from Dune Park, Nov. 9th, by
Mr. L. L. Walters, and a few of the latter were seen at the Waukegan
Flats on Nov. 30th.

Flickers and Goldfinches are wintering in small numbers in the Dunes,
both species and a Northern Shrike being seen in a small swamp near
Dune Park on Feb. Ist, by Mr. Sanborn and me.

Ruffled Grouse are much more numerous in the Dunes this year than
usual, as many as eight being seen in one day’s tramp, two individuals being
noted within a half mile at the Gary Steel Mills. They have also been

reported as on the increase from various points in southern Wisconsin,

perhaps due to a favorable breeding season.
: HERBERT L. STODDARD, |
Field Museum of Natural History.

Chicago Area

The past shooting season was
one of great interest -to ‘bors
sportsmen and bird lovers. Of

abundance of waterfow] although
one must look upon this with a
little caution and without too
much optimism. It should be re-
membered that with the increased
drainage now going on at an
alarming rate (from the view-
point of the hunter and bird
man) the ducks are forced to
concentrate in certain places.

However, there is no doubt

that our waterfowl on the whole

are increasing and it can be at-

Photo by F. N. Whitman tributed only to the migratory

SONS SPARROW bird treaty act. An: unusually

large number of teal and mal-

lards bred in Illinois the last spring; these were reinforced-by early flights

from the north and with them came many widgeon—unusually early last
fall; blue bills came down earlier than usual, too.

Most gratifying is the marked increase of wood ducks. These hand-

some birds literally swarmed in the overflowed timber along the Illinois

and hunters as a class did not attempt to shoot them. It is a fine object

lesson on what a few years protection will do toward saving a species.
Exceptionally large flights of Dusky Ducks (Black Mallards) were
also noticed by Illinois sportsmen last fall; they were in wonderful con-
dition which may also be said of all waterfowl last season. ‘The inland
duck shooting closed abruptly with the first heavy freeze but it continued

in the minds of the observing —

course the big feature was the

—a

—— ee oe er

Pine Nw, en DB ON S$'0.C LE TY 39

on Lake Michigan up to the last day, December 31st. Bluebills (Scaups),
Whistle Wings (Golden Eyes), Fish Ducks (Hooded Mergansers) and
Old Squaws were the principal varieties found, although occasionally some-
one got a few Redheads or Canvas Backs. An event in local bird affairs
was the arrival near So. Chicago of an immense flight of Golden Piover,
in October—weeks behind schedule. I believe they got through without
losing a member of the flock. I hope so at any rate, as they are not
game birds.

I have not been afield a great deal of late but I have seen a number of
Cardinals and on my way to the loop I always see numbers of Herring
Gulls in the north branch of the Chicago river and plenty of ‘‘Downies”’
busily at work on the bare trees. Several correspondents who live in the
suburbs report seeing quite a number es Purple Finches and Evening
Grosbeaks.

LARRY ST. JOHN,
Editor of ‘“‘Woods and Waters” Chicago Tribune.

Highland Park

Four years ago this winter we had the pleasure for the first time of
having a pair of Cardinals come daily to our feeding shelf. In the spring
they disappeared and altho there have been several pairs living in different
parts of the town we have seen none in our yard since, until last March
when a beautiful male was seen in an oak tree near the house. We im-
mediately added sunflower seeds to the supply of grain and suet with which
the feeding shelf was always bountifully provided and in a few days had
the great pleasure of having him return with his less brilliant but equally
_ beautiful mate. They came every day and many times a day and we were
able to observe them quite closely as the feeding shelf is built on the
window sill of a south window in an upstairs sitting room which we use
a great deal.

One day in May we saw quite an aerobane performance between two
gorgeous male birds ; they tumbled over and over in the air darting at each
other in a most warlike manner but finally the intruder was driven out and
our own brave soldier came back a victor but rather out of breath and: with
feathers considerably awry.

From this time on the domestic life of our Cardinals seemed to run
very smoothly. Mr. Cardinal was most devoted to his pretty wife during
the entire nesting season. They came together to the feeding shelf every
day and he was very faithful and untiring in cracking sunflower seeds and
feeding them to her. At times she was a bit coquettish and would refuse
to come to the shelf preferring to remain in a bush or tree some distance
away. When this occurred the faithful husband would crack the seeds
and carry them to her; she always accepted them but many times in a very
indifferent manner.

After awhile we seldom saw Mrs. Cardinal; Mr. Cardinal appeared
regularly, ate his meal, then filled his bill with seeds and flew away, pre-
sumably to feed her on her nest. One day we were much interested in see-
ing him add a salad course to his dinner. He flew onto the shelf with his
bill full of inch pieces of green. They looked like the tips of young grass.
He laid them carefully on the board, ate several sunflower seeds, then a

40 T.H EAU D U'B-ON 5B°U.L fet iN

mouthful of his salad, then more seeds followed by more salad. He then
filled his bill with seeds and last of all picked up the remainder of the
green—about half of it—and flew away in the direction of a ravine north
of us, where we imagine he had his nest, but which we were never able to
find. :
One hot July day I heard a peculiar lisping sound in a tree near one
feeding shelf, soon father Cardinal appeared on the shelf and in a most
persuasive way tried to call attention to the tempting array of food dis-
played there. He would take a mouthful then seemed to say something.
We could not see to whom he was speaking but the lisping sound became
louder and more continuous; he finally flew to the tree with his mouth full
of seeds and thru my glasses I soon discovered several fluffy brown balls
among the green leaves of the oak, which proved to be four baby Cardinals.
This coaxing and feeding the young in the tree continued for several days
when one morning the father flew onto the shelf followed by the four baby
birds; the cunningest fluffiest little brown balls you ever saw, with black
bills and very large mouths which they seemed unable to close. Such a
proud and busy father one seldom sees! He arranged the children in a
row on the edge of the shelf and proceeded to feed them in order. A less
industrious and enthusiastic parent would have been discouraged at the
black bottomless pits which those four open mouths seemed to indicate, for
no matter how many times they were fed, the mouths were always wide
open begging for more. ‘Their little monotonous story told over and over
again sounded more like a number of grasshoppers than anything else we
could think of. We never saw the mother feeding her children nor were
they allowed to remain on the shelf when she was there. Whenever she
appeared the father would fly at the young frightening them away, and
then proceed to feed her. When she had finished her meal and had flown
away the little birds would come back from a nearby tree and the father
would continue feeding them. The whole family came every day and many
times a day. All of the young birds looked very much like the mother with
the exception of their bills which were black. They grew rapidly and were
soon very independent in feeding themselves whenever the father was not
around but just as soon as he appeared they would all open their mouths,
and childlike, beg to be waited on. On Labor Day father Cardinal ap-
peared with two new little fluff balls who soon grew to be as independent as
the first lot. Their bills very gradually turned red, in fact it was well along
in December before they seemed as red as the parents’. Among the six
young there was only one male. It has been a wonderful treat to have
eight Cardinals at our feeding tables most of the winter!

In addition to our Kentucky friends we have had daily calls from a
number of chick-a-dees, a pair of white breasted nuthatches, a pair of downy
woodpeckers and a number of Jays. Early in the winter we had visits
from a hairy woodpecker.

A large flock of Cedar Waxwings, from one hundred and fifty to two
hundred were in the yard for two days. They have a special liking for
Japanese Barberries of which we have a good many and on January 10th
we discovered about fifty Bohemian:Waxwings in an Ash tree and on a
stone wall near the house feeding on the berries of a Bittersweet vine. This
was an event, as we had never seen the Bohemian Waxwings before. On
January 24th we saw a solitary one near the Bittersweet vine.

Peo Not Ss AUDUBON: SOCIETY 41

gi : Ta 2 is
Photo by F. N. Whitman
APPETITES FOR FRUIT

The cedar-bird is estimating the depth to which food should be deposited to insure
successful respense of muscles used in swallowing. Some nicety of calculation is
involved as to the force necessary to impart to the food mass to get it well under
way without toppling the beneficiary off the perch. The whole undertaking is probh-
ably not so simple as it looks.

I should not forget to mention the solitary White-winged Crossbill I
met” on December 4. Among the chattering notes of some English
Sparrows in the shrubbery I thought I detected snatches of a song strangely
canary-like. A nearer approach brought only closer views of sparrows
when suddenly the song occurred
again and just at hand. Looking
up I found myself within but a
few feet of a bird scarcely larger
than a sparrow, apparently olive-
green in color and with conspicu-
ous white wing bars. Another look
revealed the crossed tips of its
mandibles and readily established
the identity of the bird. I had
time for a good visit with it be-
fore it disappeared. I could find
none of its companions.

Bird guests add great interest
to our shut-in days and make the
winter season pass more quickly.

On February fifth we heard
the Cardinal’s song for the first
time this season and later in the ma
day discovered that several of the Photo by F. N. Whitman
pussy-willow buds, in a sheltered TREE SPARROW
corner, had burst their hard.
brown shells and were pushing their little soft gray bonnets out into the
cold world, unfailing harbingers of spring. (Mrs.) MARION MOSELEY.

ac

42 SPA ES ACU D UCB ON Bau ae ST aN

Lake Forest

Whatever may have been the delights, new or old to those who can take
more or less frequent tramps afield for the purpose of observing and study-
ing birds, for one who is hmited to watching them from his window, as
they come to a shelf, kept well supplied, the Winter has been a very com-
mon-place one. ‘To go back, a humming bird was seen as late as September

27th, and on the same date the white-throated sparrows came and stayed

through November 4th, unaccompanied, this year, by any of the white-
crowned sparrows. An oven-bird was seen on the 30th, while grackles
left on October 20th and the robins a week or so later. Since then the
white-breasted nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, and juncos (which first
came on October 16th) have been the chief feeders at the shelf, with, of
course, jays and English sparrows. On November 13th, the pair of
Cardinals came and have been regular visitants ever since. I call them
“the” pair because, though I have not been able to band them, I assume
that they are the same pair that have visited me every Winter (staying

until March). I do not know whether they are a pair that leave the three -

or four others that live and nest in another part of town or an entirely
different pair that visit me alone on a northbound trip. Suffice to say that
they are most welcome guests. ‘To look out of one’s window and see the
red male and a blue jay sitting on dead branches a few feet above white
snow is a sight to delight the eye of any one.

Evening grosbeaks have been seen but twice, and then in small flocks.
Heretofore they have been seen probably eight or ten times by this date
(January 27th). It was my misfortune to miss the flock of Bohemian wax-
wings which spent several days in the neighborhood. ‘The tufted titmouse,
whose tragic story has, I think, been told before, left the neighborhood
entirely some time in the early Fall. A hairy woodpecker occasionally

comes to me for a meal of suet, and, still less frequently, a brown creeper.

The red-breasted nuthatches have not been seen at all, and, curiously, aes
have visited me only on alternate years.

On November 19th the friendly chickadee was heard and seen, and for
several days after that date. Three or four years ago they were the com-
monest of all my friends (a place now taken by the juncos) ; since then
there have been practically none of them. Others, too, have noticed this
inexplicable chance. After that week in November they were seen and
heard no more, until the heavy storm of January 23rd, when first one and
then another appeared. These two have been constantly at the shel since
then.

GEORGE E. ROBERTS, JR.

Normal

The usual birds have been seen in this vicinity this winter. Of the
migrants from the north the golden crowned kinglets were numerous during
the latter part of November and early December. Juncoes have not been
as plentiful as usual this year. A few flocks were seen during December.
Brown creepers have been here in larger numbers than we ordinarily see.
On the seventh of February three were feeding on an elm tree in the back
yard at the same time. A red breasted nuthatch has been feeding upon suet

of ee

rent mors A2UDUBQN SOCEIET ¥ 43

m the same elm tree all winter. This is the first record I have of this bird
staying all winter. I have seen the species other years as late as the twen-
tieth of December and as early as the twentieth of March, but never during
January and February.

The permanent residents have been as numerous as usual. White
breasted nuthatches, hairy and downy woodpeckers and a few chickadees
have fed off and on in the yard during the entire winter. A few cardinals
have been here and for the last week have been whistling most delightfully.
We have had at least one robin in the town all winter. From reports it is
possible that two or three have been here. I have known this to happen
before. Three years ago a robin stayed in the vicinity of a chicken yard all
winter taking shelter during the most severe weather in an old shed.

Other birds that are common now are blue jays, crows, bob whites and
sparrow hawks. ‘These hawks have nested for years on a corner of one of
the University buildings. They always remain here over winter and
frequently fly around half the day, screaming as they fly.

Miss ALICE JEAN PATTERSON.

Oak Park

On. the 25th of January, 1920, a naturalist friend and I drove out to
the Lake Shore south of Chicago in an endeavor to get a closer view of the
ducks on Lake Michigan. We had considerable equipment consisting of a
dozen wooden decoys, blankets and a white sheet which was to be thrown
over us while we waited for the birds to come to our decoys. We walked
out over the ice floes now frozen solidly together a distance of two miles
or more. ‘This was no easy task because we encountered some hard walk-
ing and were carrying the cumbersome decoys, heavy blankets, etc. I
climbed to the top of a large mass of ice and found open water far ahead
with here and there a flock of ducks. As we came closer, though still at
considerable distance, flight after flight of ducks left us going farther out
into Lake Michigan. We finally reached the margin of the ice and saw
a small flock of Lesser Scaups settled far out from shore.

We halted to construct a rude blind out of ice to conceal ourselves
from view. We made things as comfortable as possible, placing our
biankets on the ice and throwing the white sheets over us to conceal our
movements. Hardly had we been comfortably settled when seven large
Saw-Bills or American Mergansers settled down just outside our decoys.
They were satisfied with their wooden friends and seemed at ease. ‘These
birds are certainly beautiful with their bright green heads and snow-white
feathers. Soon I noticed a flock of nearly a hundred birds high overhead.
They were calling in their peculiar manner and making a great deal of
noise with their wings. I knew immediately that they were Old-Squaws.
They circled, coming lower in their noisy way, and soon were on the water
just outside the decoys. A minute passed and eleven Hooded Mergansers
came in with a rush and alighted on the water not twenty feet away. The
drakes were a beautiful sight with a large crest of feathers on their heads.
These birds have a peculiar habit of giving grunting sounds to one another.
While I was watching these birds my partner whispered an inquiry about
some peculiarly marked birds that had just settled down near the American
Mergansers. I looked in that direction and found them to be Harlequins,
three drakes and one female. I have seen these birds every year but never

44 . THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

in great numbers. They are one of the most beautiful of the North
American ducks. As we had not seen them fly into the open water they
must have swum in from the Lesser-Scaups that were out farther in the lake.
I started to purr, mimicking the peculiar call of the Lesser-Scaups.
The birds farther out in the lake slowly swam towards our decoys. Now
already we had over one hundred and fifty ducks not over sixty yards away.
Slowly the Blue-Bills came in from the Lake. About twenty birds rose
from the water and flew in and settled down near the large bunch of Old-
Squaws. Soon the other Scaups were within fifty yards of us. Among
them I noticed some Golden-eyes and Hooded Mergansers. Ten Canvas-
backs came in from the north, made two large circles over the birds in front
of us and turned and flew out into the lake and were lost in the distance.
Turning in another direction I noticed four ducks coming in from the
south. They flew over within fifteen feet of our heads and alighted with
a terrific splash. They were Red-breasted Mergansers. We waited until
four o’clock and then began to sack our decoys. As we rose from our ice
shelter the ducks flew in all directions, probably surprised that they had
not been scattered with a volley from a shotgun. We observers both re-
eretted that we did not have a camera with us. .
Today there are ornithologists
in Chicago who look out over the
vast stretches of ice on Lake
Michigan without knowing what
prizes lie there on the open water
peyond. I enjoy watching these
birds and have spent the entire
day watching ducks in Florida at
a distance of only ten feet and
have mastered their calls to very
good advantage. ‘These birds to-
day on Lake Michigan are feed-
ing on minnows and small perch;

feeding mainly on perch. The
Old-Squaws are very ardent div-
ers and are extremely graceful
on the water. They resemble
the Pintails in that both species
Photo by F, N, Whitman have the elongated tail feathers.
NUTHATCH Among my _ observations made

during the month of January I

prise it flew out of a hollow tree stub. JI watched it for some time and
might report that I found a Flicker on the 11th of January. To my sur-
found it returned again to the hollow stub. This was probably its only
source for obtaining food. On the 16th I flushed a Meadowlark which
came from a large and dense patch of sweet clover. I followed this bird
from tree to fence post and it at length returned to the sweet clover patch.
This seemed to be the bird’s only shelter. I frequently visit during the
winter months a deserted farm near Oak Park to watch the birds that

seem to know they can spend the winter months here without being

molested. A Hairy Woodpecker stays here and profits by the enormous

the large American Mergansers

Ts TS

Pieces toot se A OU DUB ON SOCIETY 45

dead trees which offer an abundance of food. A hay shed that has only
two closed ends and a roof has a large quantity of hay seed on the floor.
A Mourning Dove has been living in this barn ever since the winter has
set in. I have taken feed in several times but I imagine most of this is
consumed by the English Sparrows.

I know of a spring fed creek back from Geneva, Wisconsin, which re-
mains open the entire winter. I can go there tomorrow and find large
bunches of Mallards which have been there all the fall and winter. No
hunting was permitted on the farm last fall and the birds became very
tame. Our new Fox Lake Preserve certainly is a success. ‘lChousands
of ducks stayed on the Preserve, never leaving it, as it took them only a
very short time to know the boundary lines. (Gunners by the score waited
patiently for the birds to go inland, but this does not happen after the
birds become educated.

WALTER NORDENHOLT.

Olney

A “spell” of cold weather, with much snow and ice, from January 6th
until about February 3rd, greatly augmented our family of bird-guests,
especially the cardinals, of which an average of 15 and 20 congregate
several times each day at the feeding boards just outside the dining room
window. Sometimes there are between 25 and 30 present at one time, but
we are unable to count them accurately because they move about or change
positions so often that we get “mixed up” in trying to count them. I think
I wrote you about a most beautiful semi-albino female cardinal which first
visited the feeding place on January 14th, and has been there several times
a day ever since. If you happen to have a copy of my ‘‘Color Standards”’
to refer to I can describe her so that you may have a pretty good idea of her
appearance. Her crest and the greater part of her wings and tail are a
clear pinkish red (nearly ‘‘eosene pink,” Plate I, d) ; the rest of the upper
parts are soft “pallid quaker drab” (Pl. LI, f) the under parts being inter-
mediate between the latter color and white.

No other birds worthy of special note have occurred on our place this
winter, except a pair of barred owls, which roost during the day hidden in
the dense foliage of a large white pine tree or, sometimes, that of a hemlock
or spruce. At first there was only one bird, but about a week ago it was
joined by another, and I think they have paired. We often hear them at
night, hooting or “‘laughing.”’ In order to ascertain, if possible, whether
they were destroying any of our birds I examined a number of “pellets”
picked up from the ground beneath their roosting places. Thus far I have
been able to identify with certainty bones of ground mice, house rats, and
rabbits. Consequently they have been allowed to remain, as they have
become quite tame. The last pellet examined, however, contained some
half digested remains suspiciously resembling part of a bird’s wing; so it is
possible I may have to drive them away. I shall be very sorry to have to do
so, as they are evidently ridding the place of one of the worst of pests,
namely, the common rabbit, of which they have caught at least two, as
evidenced by the fur scattered over the grass, as well as by the bones ae
covered in the before-mentioned pellets.

After two months of steady winter—not extremely cold but the tempera-

AG TWEVAW-D U8 ON SUL be PN

ture continually below the freezing point—the weather has moderated and — ,

there are evidences that Spring will soon be here. Cardinals, meadowlarks,
bluebirds, tufted titmice, Carolina chickadees, our mockingbird, and an
occasional robin are singing, and even the juncos now and then emit their
simple but pleasing spring trill. The average temperature for the first 10
days of February was as follows: Average maximum, 46 degrees, average
minimum, 36.1 degrees, average mean 40.75 degrees, showing a remarkably
small range for this time of the year.

Our mocking bird returned to us on October 7th, and will probably
remain until the brown thrasher arrives (Some four or five weeks hence),
in the meantime amusing himself by chasing robins off the premises. When
the brown thrasher comes, however, he realizes that he is no longer “boss,”
and departs for some place unknown to us, probably to some favorite place
in the country. This is the third or fourth consecutive winter that he has
sojourned with us.

On January 9th a single crow blackbird (bronzed grackle) visited the —

feeding place and returned daily until the 14th, when he disappeared. On
the same date one of our doves returned. I say one of our doves, because,
after alighting on the snow it walked in a direct line to the spot where*our
doves were fed last summer. It made only the one visit, having probably
been shot by some one of the numerous boys or men who hunt rabbits just
outside our place (and some of whom would hunt them inside if they
dared. )
There are no pink-sided Juncos (J. Montanus) this winter, and there
were very few last year. Usually, they are present in the proportion of at
least 1 to 10 of the common species. As during previous winters, we have
this year only one song sparrow; and thus far not a single fox sparrow,
white-crowned sparrow, nor Harris’s sparrow has been seen this winter.
Of course these remarks pertain to our home grounds alone, as I have not
been able to get outside at all.
ROBERT RipGwWay.

Port Byron

On the afternoon of February Ist, I took a walk to the rapids of the
Mississippi at Rapids City, about one and one-half miles below Port
Byron, to observe the many Mergansers which are staying there. I observed
them from the shore at a distance of about one-fourth of a mile, using
a telescope with an object glass two and one-fourth inches in diameter.
The species observed were the American, and Red-breasted Merganser, and
I estimated their number at about 2,000. While observing the Mergansers,
I also saw two Herring Gulls standing on the ice near the edge of the
water.

There are many more Bob-whites, wintering here than on previous years.
I am feeding a covey of about ten birds at a brush pile on the north side of
our orchard. '

The Cooper’s Hawk was seen January 5th and on the afternoon of
December 12th, I observed a strange hawk with my eight power field
glasses which proved to be\a Swainson’s Hawk. I had one good view of
the hawk when it turned its underparts toward the sun, and I could then see
the large rufous patch on the breast and the white belly. Rough-legged

\

ee ee eee ee ee eee

Lean t NOTTS “AUDUBON S:‘OCIETY 47

Hawks were here until Dec. 10th, then none were seen until January 6th
and 25th. Screech and Great Horned Owls are sometimes heard calling
in the evening and during the night.

The Hairy Woodpecker is rare, and the Downy Woodpecker is common.
The Red-headed Woodpeckers left early last fall and I thought there were
none left here this winter but was surprised to find two on December 28th,
in a large piece of timber about two miles south of where we live. I also
heard one calling near Rapids City, February Ist. The Red-bellied Wood-
pecker is tolerably common this winter. I was surprised to find three
Flickers where there was some bare ground at the edge of a piece of timber,
December 28th.

Prairie Horned Larks were seen and heard December 30th and 3lst,
January 21st, 22nd and 27th. February Ist, they were common, and were
singing. Goldfinches are staying here all winter which is something very
unusual. On January 7th and 8th a flock of about fifty came into the
houseyard garden. Lapland Long Spurs were heard calling as they flew
over on December 27th and 30th. ‘There are not many Tree Sparrows and
Juncos here this winter and Cardinals are rare. The last Cardinal was
seen on December 30th, then none were seen until February Ist. Brown
Creepers are very rare, and White Breasted Nuthatches, tolerably common.
Chickadees are common. The Tufted Titmouse is very rare, only one
was seen Dec. 21st and 28th. There are a few Prairie Chickens left on
Rock River Bottom, about three miles south of here.

J. J. SCHAEFER.

Rockford

Rockford, Il]. ~The cardinal has stayed with us all the year, and the
Tufted Titmouse seems to have elected to stay also, the number of birds
steadily increasing during two or three years.

The Prothonotary Warblers came early in May and nested here, to the

delight of all bird lovers. A Prairie Horned Lark’s nest was found and
watched for some time and three young Red-bellied Woodpeckers were
seen in the season.
Our first record was made for the Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker
which was seen early Sunday morning April 13th by two of our bird
committee. The bird was low down on the tree and could be observed
for some time and it was evident from the chips on the ground that it
was not his first visit.

In August, in an immense flock of Purple Martins there was one entire-
ly white Martin which was observed for a week or more.

Robins and Blackbirds have been reported at. intervals all winter and
a great prevalence of winter birds—Blue jays, Red and White-breasted
Nuthatches, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers and Chickadees have kept
us busy supplying their needs, and Cardinals, Titmice, Tree Sparrows and
Golden crowned Kinglets have also visited the local feeding stations.

Early in November a large flock of Pine Siskins came to the evergreen
trees in South Rockford accompanied by a smaller flock of American Cross-
bills. They remained most of the month. About November 14 a female
White-winged Crossbill visited us and a few days later was joined by her
mate. They worked busily in the same trees some eight or ten days.

48 THE AUDUBON BULLE DIN

Rockford was especially favored in November for the 30th a flock of |

twenty Bohemian Waxwings came and have been reported from. various
places about the city ever since, the last date being January 30th,

Our list for the year contains 168 birds, not as large a list as in some

previous years but it has been impossible .to obtain a complete list of

water birds.

Have Redpolls, Pipits, Longspurs or Snow Buntings been observed —

elsewhere in this vicinity? We have no record of them this winter.
EpItH VAN DUZER,
Of the Nature Study Club.

Sioux City, lowa

Field Work in the Sioux City area has not been as diligently carried

on during the winter of 1919-20 as in some other years. Although the

season is not yet over, the most interesting records, so far, would include

a number of Purple Finches, noted by Mr. A. F. Allen in November and
December ; and a small flock of Red Crossbills observed by Mrs. H. M.
Bailey, early in November. A single Red-breasted Nuthatch has visited
Mrs. F. W. Marshall’s food shelf almost daily through the greater part
of the winter. A flock of about two dozen Magpies were seen about ten
miles from Sioux City, on the Nebraska side, and one specimen was shot
and brought to our local taxidermist, Mr. Anderson, for mounting. This
flock remained in the same general locality for some time. |

No doubt the most interesting event in the bird field has been the
marked flight of Bohemian Waxwings. They were first noted in the city
parks on December 16, 1919. On several later dates flocks were seen in
different parts of the city. These flocks varied in size from five to about
fifty individuals. On the 23rd of December a large flock of about one
hundred were seen. Mrs. Bailey also had forty-nine in her you on: tie
5th of January.

On the 25th and 26th of December Miss Aiken saw a flock of thirty-two
feeding on the frozen.apples in an orchard at Carroll, Iowa, In this

region the Waxwings feed much on the hackberries, which are native; they.

are also very fond of the Russian Olives, which have been introduced in
the city parks, and which afford a very abundant food supply. This season
these birds have been observed to feed on the asparagus fruit. They are
_ also fond of wild grapes, which, however, are not plentiful here.

While the Waxwings are not especially rare in our locality the point
of interest this year was the ‘‘sudden onslaught” of the flight. Those who
are familiar with the movements of the birds from year to year are quick
to appreciate the difference between the arrival of a few individuals and a
flight of considerable proportion.

This season we have had no Pine Siskins or Redpolls. ‘The birds of
prey, such as Goshawks, Western Horned Owls, and Snowy wis, have
also failed to appear.

PROF, Cs STEPHENS,
Morningside College.

i eee _ ee

—

EEE LS ee | Ul

——

- pe Audubon Society recom-

mends the organization of Junior
Audubon Societies under the auspices of the
National Association of Audubon Societies.
That Association desires to call your atten-
tion to the offer it is able to give this year
to teachers and pupils in helping them to
become better acquainted with our wild
bird population.

The pupils will be given a new set of
ten Educational Leaflets, with colored pict-
ures and outline drawings for coloring with
crayons. In addition to the set of Leaflets,
we will give each member the beautiful new

Audubon button of. the RED-WINGED
BLACKBIRD, which represents a badge of

membership in a Junior Audubon Class.
Each teacher who forms a class of twenty
or MORE receives a year's free subscrip-
tion to the well-known bird magazine,

“BIRD-LORE,” the official organ of this

Association.

As our birds are the protectors of our
crops, and so important to the successful
part we must now play in helping to feed
the people of the world, do you not think
it desirable for teachers to form classes and
teach the children the value of bird protec-
tion? If so, write to the Secretary of the
National Association of Audubon Societies,
1974 Broadway, New York City, for a
sample of the Educational Leaflets.

The

A udubon Bulletin

Fall 1920

— Published by

She ILLINOIS
AUDUBON
SOCIETY

Illinois Audubon Saemaae
Service

The Society has two collections of hand-colored
lantern slides of bird life, each with an accompany-
ing printed lecture. These are loaned free of
charge to any school or organization in the state
but borrower pays express charges both ways.

The Society has travelling libraries of bird
books which are loaned to schools or organizations
for a reasonable length of time, the borrower
paying express charges both ways.

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200
typical Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces _
for recording migration andnestingdata. Schools,
Boy Scout organizations, and individuals as well
find these of great service. Price ten cents each.

The Society has in press a pocket check list of
birds with colored zonal maps. This list records
every known species of birds that visits Illinois
or nests within its borders. Send in applications
for copies of the first edition.

The Society publishes the Langdon Cat Circular
which is invaluable in arousing interest in the
question of protecting birds from marauding cats.
Price five cents each. 2

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the
Italian language warning against violation of
laws for bird protection. Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society,
1649 The Otis Building, Chicago
President Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell
10 So. La Salle Street, Chicago Riverside

Vice-President

Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
Highland Park

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Application for Membership

Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society, and being

in sympathy with them, I wish to become a
member of the Society.

BR, Oi eee ore nn. ee ee ee et
PImareee io 8 OTL.
Rees SU: i) of Oe oe eee meee ee

Classes of Membership

Active memberships :
Contributing memberships .
Sustaining memberships
Life memberships
Benefactor

Patron

$1.00.
$5.00.
$25.00.
$100.00.
$500.00.
$1000.00.

Annually
Annually
No annual dues
No annual dues
No annual dues
No annual dues

All members receive the publications of the Society.

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society, 1649 Otis Bldg., Chicago

FORM OF BEQUEST

af do hereby give and bequeath to THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON ©

SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF
WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois.

me ee ae ee ee ee ee

To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois
Audubon Society must increase its membership. Out of |
a population of nearly six millions, Illinois should have at
least ten thousand people who are enough interested in
bird life to help the Society in its conservation efforts.
Will you not help us expand our usefulness?

I suggest for membership in the Illinois Audubon Society
the persons whose names appear on the other side of this.
sheet. |

Member of the Illinois Audubon Society
May we use your name? NP ey

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, 1649 OTIS BLDG., CHICAGO |

The Aims and Principles of the Illinois
Audubon Society are: |
Ist. To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the schools, and

to disseminate literature relating to them.

* 2nd. To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and Fed-
eral laws relating to birds.

3rd. To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of et.
ostrich and domestic fowls.

4th. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruction
of wild birds and their eggs.

5th. To restore to our wild birds wherever practicable, the natural
environment of forest and shrubbery which gave them food,
protection and seclusion.

Needs

The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support
upon the contributions of its members and friends. It
should have an income from a moderate endowment
sufficient to meet all fixed expenses.

@, The present income is totally inadequate to meet the
urgent and incessantly growing demands.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, INC.
1649 OTIS BUILDING... Maps SERICAGO

(OVER)

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Address

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The Aims and Principles of the

Illinois Audubon Society are:

Ist.

2nd.

3rd.

Ath.

To encourage the study of birds, particu-
larly in the schools, and to disseminate
literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich and
domestic fowls.

To discourage in every possible way.
the wanton destruction of wild birds

and their eggs.

Photo by John Baird

IN THE FOREST PRESERVE

VINES THAT TRAIL AND FESTOON FROM SWEEPING BRANCHES, THICKETS OF
SHADE, AND A BROODING CHARM THAT DOMINATES THIS
SPECTACLE OF WOODS AND WATER.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

FALL 1920

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the Illinois Audubon Society writes:

Forestry affairs are again given a prominent place in this number of
the Bulletin. Here is revealed a truly co-operative beneficence: forests
mean bird-life and bird-life means forest protection. The peril which our
National Parks System faces is outlined and an appeal made for a con-
certed registry of protest against the attempt to divert our Parks from the
noble purpose for which they were originally set aside. Encouraging news
from forest preserves and bird refuges is stressed. There are suggestive
studies of bird behavior, those particularly from Olney and Port Byron
revealing problems of bird conduct that perplex the promoters of bird
sanctuaries. The announcement of the enrollment of local secretaries of
the Illinois Audubon Society at various points in the state is a forward-
looking event of especial significance. The story of earlier days of the
Illinois Audubon Society is told by our honored ‘‘Secretary-Emeritus,”
Miss Mary Drummond, and an appreciative sketch of her services to the
Society is contributed. Summer experiences of members of the Society
are attractively reported. A revised book list is printed for the conven-
ience of workers, new and otherwise, in the Society.

The enthusiasm and resourcefulness of the new Secretary, Miss Cath-
erine A. Mitchell, bring in to the Society’s activities a very welcome ad-
vance in our educational work. The possibilities for more prompt and
direct service, by reason of having an office in the City, are greatly in-
creased, and the sending out of literature, slides and other material is
much facilitated.

Miss Mitchell is also active in general conservation, such as the sav-
ing of the Indiana Sand Dunes, and wild flower preservation. Through
these varied interests and her close touch with the Federation of Woman’s
Clubs, the Audubon Society’s interests receive wide publicity and much
valuable assistance.

The secretary, more than any other officer, has the opportunity to keep
the Society before the public and to impress the needs of active support
and participation upon birdlovers.

Your earnest co-operation is solicited for the Secretary and the Audubon
Society in making the work of the coming year show a marked advance
in all its activities.

OrpPHEUS M. SCHANTZ, President.

4 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Formative Years of the Illinois Audubon Society

It is probable that the first Audubon Society in Illinois was composed
of a class of some nine boys in Oak Park and certainly the Rev. George
B. Pratt of Grace Church in that town, who is still an “honorary” and
honored member of the present Board of Directors, was one of the first
members. ‘This was in 1886 in connection with the “Forest and Stream” or-
ganization.

In 1890 a Chicago Society was started under the able presidency of
Mrs. E. Irene Rood. About seventy persons joined and the Society was
incorporated in 1893. Its most important work was that it inspired and
largely managed the Audubon Congress held in Chicago during the Co-
lumbian Exposition in October, 1893. Dr. Elliot Coues, though unable
to be present, was chairman of the Congress. About twenty-seven valu-
able papers, afterward published, were contributed by distinguished or-
nithologists, and letters of greeting came from various parts of the world.
Unfortunately after this congress Mrs. Rood’s work took her away from
Chicago with the result that the Society’s activity diminished and after
a life of about four years its work was taken up by the Illinois Society.
It should not, however, be forgotten nor should we fail to honor the names
of certain of its workers. Mrs. Rood, Mrs. Oscar Oldburg, Mrs. Clara
EK. Buxbaum, the Rev. M. Pratt, Prof. David Swing and W. A. Mitchell,
Rev. Mr. Johonnot and Mr. Edward B. Clark were good friends of the
birds and helped lay foundations for the larger work that followed.

In 1896 and ’97 another strong bird protection movement was started.
Illinois was approached by the newly organized Massachusetts Society with
the result that, through the efforts of such working bird lovers as Mrs.
Sara A. Hubbard, Mrs. John V. Farwell, Jr., Mr. Ruthven Deane, Rev.
George B. Pratt and Mr. Edward B. Clark to whom we largely owe the
fact that there is an Illinois Audubon Society to have its story told—the
work was organized and on April 1, 1897, the Illinois Society, the fourth
of the State Societies, began its existence. A good Board of Directors,
with Mrs. Henry W. King as President and Miss Emily S. Rumsey as
Secretary- Treasurer took the reins, with the result that at the first annual
meeting in 1898 Miss Rumsey could report a membership of 580 adults
and 2800 juniors, the publication of several leaflets, a wide campaign oft
publicity among milliners, teachers, and newspapers and the fact that the
Society was provided with constitution and by-laws and was incorporated.
In 1898, the first President and Secretary-Treasurer having resigned, Mr.
Ruthven Deane was elected President, a position he held with great honor
and benefit to the Society for sixteen years. Miss Mary Drummond was
elected Secretary-Treasurer and served for fourteen years. During these
fourteen years many matters were taken up which are mentioned, not
in order of time but of subject. Numbers of leaflets, warnings and
notices were published. Among them “Birds in Horticulture’ by Prof.
Wm. E. Prager, “The Study of Birds” by Alice Hall Walter;7asmece
books by Mr. Deane, “John James Audubon” by Mr. Clark, etc., etc.
Through the joint activities of the State Game Commission and the
Society, notices of the state laws on birds with a warning against
breaking them were placed in every post office in the state. Programs

rows aeeae UDYBON SOCLETY S

for Bird Day were arranged for the Woman’s Out Door Art League
of Chicago for a number of years by Mrs. E. S. Adams and Mr.
John M. Blakely.- Articles for the Arbor and Bird Day Annual were
furnished by the Secretary and others of our members and articles were
furnished for many months to “School News” and other papers. Mate-
rial was furnished for the “Illinois Course of Study’ and the publication
of a children’s paper “‘By the Wayside” was carried on for many years
in conjunction with the Wisconsin Society. Other important publicity
work on these lines was the publication in the Ladies Home Journal—
partly through the efforts of Miss Amalie Hannig and thanks to the great
kindness and generosity of the Editor of the paper—a full page of copies
of an English series of Egret pictures, and it also came about that the
ladies in the charming fashion plates of that influential paper were per-
mitted “ostrich feathers only.” Through Miss Hannig’s influence also
an article by Baron von Berlepsch was written for and published by
Bird-Lore. The educational work of the Society was carried on in
various ways. Over 100,000 leaflets, our own and those of the National
Association, were sent all over the State. Portfolios of pictures and leaf-
lets of information were placed in libraries and other public places. Sets
of mounted pictures and migration records were supplied to schools. Our
first lecture, given by Mrs. Farwell, written by Mr. Clark and the slides
furnished by Mr. Dugmore and others, began its work in 1902, a circulating
library having antedated it about a year. Our second lecture, written by
Mr. John L. Devine, with slides by Mr. Frank M. Woodruff, came in 1910.
Largely through the efforts of the Society with the kindly aid of Hon.
H. G. Hall and Hon. S. E. Erickson in the State Legislature, April 1893
saw the observance of Bird Day in conjunction with Arbor Day made a
law in Illinois. The legal questions connected with our work have been
largely managed by Mr. J. M. Blakely assisted in those earlier days by
Mr. Deane and Mr. Clark. Through their efforts the bird laws have
been much improved and bad laws generally have been defeated.

To our able President, with his large knowledge and well known name,
we are indebted for most of the work accomplished with the millinery
trade, in especial for friendship and help for the birds from Mr. Fredrick
Bode, President of the Western Merchants Millinery World, which re-
sulted in the publication in one number of the paper of some beautiful
plates of featherless hats and the more important fact that the Association
passed resolutions endorsing the work of the Audubon Societies and also
sent warnings to the milliners against breaking the plumage laws. Through
Mr. E. B. Clark of the Chicago Evening Post the battle against caging of
our native birds was largely fought, in fact, Mr. Clark with his able pen,
was a veritable St. George in fights against the many dragons we en-
countered.

The Illinois Society claims a goodly share in helping the cause of the
birds with the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs. Many letters
passed between the officers of the State Federation and the Audubon
Secretary and an arrangement was made for the associated work with the
Forestry committee, all of which helped toward the good work accomplished
by Mrs. Martha Decker, then President of the General Federation, and
Mr. Dutcher, which culminated in the endorsement of the Audubon work

6 FHE- AUDUBON BULLETIN

by the Federation in October 1906. This would be an incomplete report
with no mention of the important work done by Mr. Sanford and Mr.
Orville T. Bright and Mr. Jesse L. Smith among the schools and teachers
of the State and by Mr. Smith in many other lines, such as furnishing two
sets of slides of the English egret pictures for the use of our society.
The Illinois Society has been most fortunate in its Board of Directors,
among whom we have counted Mrs. Sara A. Hubbard, Mrs. E. S. Adams,
Mrs. Irene G. Wheelock, Mr. Frank S. Daggett, Mr. John L. Devine, Mr.
Frank M:. Woodruff, the Rev. George B. Prati, Mr. John Hyer eama
others who, like these, deserve more than a mere mention and our warmest
thanks. The Society received during these fourteen years one bequest, a
thousand dollars from Miss Nancy Lawrence of Wasteka, I1l., whose name
is never forgotten among us. Our money receipts, aside from the gift
from Miss Lawrence were about $5006.00 and our expenses about
$4300.00. No salaries or officers expenses were paid except a small sum
for the care of libraries and lectures. In this report no mention can be
made of the many helpers all over the State who aided us in countless ways,
but without them we must have failed. May the Birds sing their praises.
Mary DruMMOND.

Mary Drummond

The preceding article by Miss
Drummond reviewing the earlier
activities of the Illinois Audubon
Society affords happily an occasion
for an additional article where her
name may appear in the title and
the record of her devoted service
to the Illinois Audubon Society
furnish the context.

Diminishing strength necessi-
tated Miss Drummond’s resigna-
tion from the secretaryship in 1912
after fourteen years of service, but
she has not been inactive in retire-
ment. Her keen: interest gimeauae
continuation of the work of the
Society, her expressions of sympa-
thetic approval from time to time
of forward-looking plans, and her
generous financial support have re-
mained significant assets of the
Society. -Her home (on spam

MISS MARY DRUMMOND AS SHE APPEARED [ane at Lake Forest looks out over

Dates pes eames ee a setting of shrubbery and an open,
flanking lawn into a deep wooded

ravine which invites the exploration of the shyest of birds who are thus
led to venture to test the hospitality of the place. On a foggy December
day in which these notes were collected the writer paused on the
bridge leading across this ravine to visit with a flock of Golden-

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 7

Crowned Kinglets that may have decided to be winter guests in such
favorable surroundings. In a home with such a setting and among
books and paintings and other tokens of refinement, Miss Drummond
keeps in touch with the organizations which especially in their formative
periods owed so much to her untiring support—the Audubon Society, the
Illinois Humane Society, etc-—and maintains close relations with the
activities of the church in which she has long been an aggressive worker.

Miss Drummond was born at Galena, Illinois. Her parents were of
Scotch ancestry though both were native-born Americans, the mother
coming from Maine, the father, Thomas Drummond, having been born
at Detroit. Thomas Drummond was educated for the law and came to
Chicago in 1835 looking for an opening. He found then that the bar
at Galena enrolled an abler and more influential membership than that
of Chicago and so the young lawyer went on to Galena to secure better
opportunities for association with men of eminence in his profession. Upon
the maturity of his powers came his appointment as United States Circuit
Judge which necessitated his removal with his family to Chicago. Mary
Drummond was then eight years old and so was destined to spend her
school days and her earlier womanhood among the interesting and rapidly
shifting scenes of the Chicago of that day. In the volume of reminis-
cences entitled, ‘“Chicago Yesterdays,’ edited by Miss Caroline Kirkland,
Miss Drummond has furnished a chapter which entertainingly sets forth
her impressions of the period.

When in his later years Judge Drummond retired from the bench he
moved at first to his farm near Winfield and later to Wheaton where his
death occurred. It was while living at Wheaton that Miss Drummond
enrolled in the Illinois Audubon Society and began the work of the sec-
retaryship. At that time the fields were conspicuously ripe for the harvest
and the workers truly were few. A very considerable proportion of
womankind in that day wore decorations of stuffed birds in their hats and
the economic point of view for the protection of bird life had not yet
been given much publicity. The game warden for Illinois, Mr. Charles H.
Blow, reported to the Illinois Audubon Society in the first year of its
existence that there was a great need for the education of teachers as well
as pupils in the matter of bird protection. He had discovered many
villages and some city schoolrooms decorated with strings of birds’ eggs
and had found that some of the teachers of the schools were in the habit
of offering prizes to the scholars who in a given time would rob the most
birds’ nests. The defense of such actions was that nest-robbing was a
proper practice because it “makes pupils observing.”

All this seems ancient history now though it is not so very long ago.
The great change coming about so rapidly in the attitude of young and
old from heartless indifference and positive cruelty to bird life to that of
general interest in birds and their protection speaks of the intelligent
planning of educational work which engrossed the attention of Miss
Drummond and her associates from the start. It has surely been a great
privilege to participate in the campaign of education, state and national,
of the Audubon movement which has accomplished so much in the twenty
or so years of its history. Between the lines of Miss Drummond’s compact
summary of the activities of the Illinois Society during her secretaryship,

Saar THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

it is not difficult to read of the exacting labor and painstaking attention
to detail the work of the secretaryship involved. All of Miss Drummond’s
voluminous correspondence was faithfully discharged by herself, all of
it in long hand. The commonplace nature of an observation that prompted
the letter of inquiry to the secretary did not fail to elicit a friendly and
encouraging letter of reply which furnished incentive for future observa-
tion and interest.

What a good listener is to a speaker, Miss Drummond seems to have
been to her correspondents. Her tact and appreciation were most alluring
and although all this brought a staggering burden of correspondence, there
were delightful compensations. There were glimpses of home life that
the new interest in the out-of-doors was brightening. Between secretary
and newly-aroused worker personal relations were frequently established.
These were not always casual for to this day many correspondents still
share with her enthusiasms that had their origins years ago and Miss
Drummond faithfully responds as of old.

This seems to show that underlying her love for bird-life and the
dumb creatures of her acquaintance has always been the love for humanity
which, after all, gives the former real significance. Perhaps this is a real
test for a good Audubonite anyway. ‘He prayeth best who,” we all agree,
—well, suppose we set it all down again:

“He prayeth best who loveth best
All things both great and small ;
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all.”
Jesse L. SMITH.

Photo by Ciarence Bonnell N

A TYPICAL SCENE IN BETHEL’S HOLLOW, POPE COUNTY, ILL., WHICH IS A ROCKY GORGE
BORDERED WITH HIGH BLUFFS. THE BEECH TREES SHOWN HERE ARE TYPICAL
OF THE RICH FOREST GROWTH NATIVE OF THE AREA.

Lwiatw One nUDUBON SOCIETY 9

Concerning the War on the National Parks

The following circular letter sent out by Robert Sterling Yard, Ex-
cutive Secretary of the National Parks Associaticn, should be given the
widest publication. Who is your congressman? Write him what you wish
him to do when the affairs of the National Parks come up for consideration.
Let us do what we can to make Illinois’ delegation in Congress one hundred
percent in favor of the complete conservation of our National Parks.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED

After forty-eight years of uninterrupted national parks conservation,
_ the last Congress nearly passed a bill permitting irrigation reservoirs in the
Falls River Basin of the Yellowstone National Park, and actually passed
one creating a Federal Water Power Commission with power to lease all
public waters, including those of national parks and monuments. Yet
twenty-four consecutive Congresses had confirmed the purpose of complete
conservation for national parks and had ae oe hundreds of attempts to
commercialize them.

Neither of the last session’s bills attracted any attention in. Congress,
and neither came to the knowledge of the public until nearly the session’s
end. A hastily gathered group of public spirited associations stopped the
Falls River irrigation bill in the House on May 25th after it had slipped
quietly through the Senate, but did not defeat it. Jt will come up again
this winter. ‘The Water Power bill passed both Houses before we dis-
covered that it applied also to national parks and monuments, and became.
law. A bill to amend the Water Power Act so that it will not apply to
national parks will be introduced at this session, under the auspices of
the Department of the Interior.

Meantime a thoroughly organized and well financed movement was un-
covered in Montana with the object of damming Yellowstone Lake, and @
bill is in preparation with that purpose for introduction in this session

of Congress.

Local irrigation interests behind these bills have combined with other
irrigation interests in the hope that one or other of the projects will pass,
thus creating the precedent for which many irrigation projects for other
national parks are waiting. There is no doubt that local water power in-
terests are concerned i nthis combination also. Already applications have
been made to the Water Power Commission for privileges, including dams,
power houses and transmission lines, in the Grand Canyon and Sequoia
National Parks.

This combination of interests bordering on the parks is very powerful.
It is intrenched in politics, and has strong leaders in both Houses of
Congress. 7

WHAT WILL HAPPEN

If Congress grants one single irrigation privilege in any national park,
no matter how inconspicuous the dam, or how little it injures the park, it
destroys the historic principle of Complete Conservation which alone dif-
ferentiates national parks from national forests. It opens the door. Entire
commercialization of all national parks will follow logically and inevitably.

10 Te EAU DUB ON; BU LEE tren

TEE PURPOSE: OFF NARI ONDIE PPARs

National parks are popularly called Playgrounds, but that is not their
definition. National forests are playgrounds, also, and of high degree.
Irrigation, water power, forestry and hunting in season are permitted in
national forests, but not in national parks.

National parks are NATIONAL MUSEUMS. Their purpose is to

preserve forever, in their original untouched condition, certain few, small,

widely-separated examples of the American Wilderness of the pioneer and
the frontiersman, of the works and processes of Nature unblemished by
man’s hands; of our native wild animals living natural lives in the natural
homes of their ancestors.

We can pass on to posterity no other gift of such pleasure-giving and
profit- giving quality, combined with unique usefulness to history and
science, as these Museums of Native America.

This Nation is rich enough to afford them. In area they are, altogether,
less than four per cent of the National Forest and LESS THAN ONE
AND THREE-FIFTHS PER CENT of the remaining Public Lands, the
commercial water opportunities in both of which are less than ten per cent
developed.

The relation of the national parks to the national forests may be likened
to that of a museum of natural history to the great city park in which it
stands.

HOW TO SAVE OUR NATIONAL PARKS

To save these unique National Museums (the world has no other like
them) we must personally insist that our Senators and Representatives in
Congress—

First, amend the Water Power Act so that it shall not apply to national
parks and monuments. ‘This will have the effect of throwing the power
over them back in Congress where it has rested for half a century and
where it belongs; and

Second, defeat the Falls River Basin Bill, the bill for the privilege to
dam Yellowstone Lake, and any other bills of similar purpose affecting any
national parks which appear before the next session.

Cook County Forest Preserve Zoological Ganlene

The Forest Preserve of Cook County received on December 30, 1919
from Mrs. Edith Rockefeller McCormick the gift of a tract of 105 acres
of land on condition that it be used for zoological gardens within five
years. This land lies west of Riverside between the DesPlaines River and
Salt Creek. Since the Forest Preserve Commissioners have no right under
the Forest Preserve law to spend public money for such a purpose, the
gardens will have to be established and maintained by a zoological society
such as the one in New York which conducts the gardens in the Bronx,
of which Mr. William Temple Hornaday is Director.

President Reinberg of the Forest Preserve Commission has called a
preliminary meeting on November 30th for the formation of such a society.
And there are ready for their use the reports made by the committee of the
Forest Preserve Commission who made a trip last summer to visit Cin-
cinnati, Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Buffalo and St. Louis to
investigate the work and methods of their Zoological Gardens.

oe ee

a

teiLine GS AUDUBON SOCIETY 11

A Few Bird Notes from the Great Smoky Mountains

A short visit to the Great Smokies in eastern Tennessee, in May 1918
and another in June 1920, introduced the writer to a number of birds
which rarely if ever come to northern Illinois, and to several others that
are known only as migrants or occasional summer visitors.

The visit in 1918 being a month earlier found more birds in full song
than were heard in 1920. Daybreak brought a most wonderful bird con-
cert and it seemed as though the narrow valley of the Little Pigeon
river must be literally alive with birds. Many of the songs were familiar,
but there were many new voices most of which were later identified, and
a few that on account of the shyness of the feathered vocalist I was unable
to associate with any bird of my acquaintance.

The most striking song noted was that of the Carolina wren, whose
ringing “tswee-udle, tswee-udle, tswee-udle” could be distinguished above
all of the other bird songs.. The Carolina’s whistle is as characteristic
and far sounding as that of. the cardinal though not having as great a
variety as does the song of the latter. The wrens, while very common,
seldom came out into the open to sing, consequently were difficult to see.
An entirely new song was that of the southern yellowthroat whose
softly slurred “receiver, receiver, receiver’ is quite different in quality

and acceleration from the more spritely ‘“‘wichity, wichity, wichity” of the
northern yellowthroat. A pair of these black masked midgets evidently
nested quite near the hotel for every afternoon they might be seen on the
fence a few hundred feet from the porch.

A covey of quail across the road on a hillside were more often heard
than seen, and one of the family invariably whistled ‘‘whi-i-te’, possibly
he had less respect for ‘“‘Bob’’, and chose to use only his last name. The

Photo by 0. M. Schantz

IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE TENNESSEE MOUNTAINS. IN THE BACKGROUND, FORESTED
TO THE VERY TOP, IS LE CONTE MOUNTAIN, THE HIGHEST IN THE STATE.

12 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

rest of the covey whistled the conventional bob-white that we are all so
familiar with.
The lisping call of the Carolina chickadee was occasionally heard,

and once in a ‘‘basement’”—narrow valley,—the roll of the pileated wood- —

pecker was heard but at so great a distance that we failed to see the
drummer. In 1918 bluegray gnatcatchers were very common and sang
almost as incessantly as chipping sparrows. Many of our well known
friends, song, chipping and field sparrows, several vireos, the cardinal
and indigo bunting were frequently seen and heard in the open spaces.
On the higher slopes and feeding in the tree tops, Cairn’s: warbler,
the southern type of the black-throated blue warbler could be heard sing-
ing while feeding, with quite as much persistence as the red-eyed vireo, and
one memorable forenoon while exploring a grove of giant tulip and buck-
eye trees miles up Norton creek, I was discovered by a pair of gorgeous
Kentucky warblers. ‘They were not at all timid and showed a curiosity

worthy of our chickadee. At intervals the male favored me with his rich

ringing song. As I was not “really bird hunting”, I no doubt missed see-
ing other warblers as it was ideal warbler country.

On the day of my one ambitious climb to the top of Rocky Spur,
which is one of the higher peaks joining Le Conte mountain (6500 feet),
and itself ‘up in the clouds”, we passed through a great forest of southern
hemlock, chestnut, oaks and buckeyes, up into the haunts of the black
bear and the rattlesnake, through rhododendron “‘slicks”’, past wonderful
flaming azaleas, and through acres of galax with its dainty spikes of tiny
white blossoms, where tree trunks were so covered with moss that polypody
and spinulose shield ferns grew freely on the perpendicular sides of the
trees supported entirely by the moss.

Among the rocks were stalks of wood-lilies not yet in blossom, six to
eight feet in height. Near the summit the vegetation became dwarfed
and so dense that the last few hundred yards were only possible by crawl:
ing on hands and knees through the bear tunnels.

Almost the first thing noticed after reaching the summit of Rocky
spur was a “joree bird,’’—chewink—, then a baltimore oriole and three
chimney swifts were seen, which completed the bird list for the day.

The great height of the trees makes bird identification difficult unless one
is thoroughly familiar with their songs. On the lower slopes, in the clear-
ings, and along the many mountain streams systematic bird hunting with
binoculars would no doubt yield very satisfacory lists.

In the Smokies the rugged and isolated mountain regions will remain
for all time an ideal home for many of our more rare birds.

The rough character of the country will keep out all but the hardy
and vigorous out-of-door enthusiasts, even though highways may cross
the higher mountains in the future. Nature has effectually protected this
wonderful country for a time at least by her planning of the mountains.

— ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ.

= a ee ee —

PPL Oise - AUDUBON SOCLETY 13

Photo by John Baird
WHERE PRAIRIE AND RIVER MEET IN THE FOREST PRESERVE

Birds and the Forest Preserve

The Forest Preserve as a bird refuge is a success. Already we have
noted a marked increase in the number of song birds visiting and inhabiting
our woods. As we acquire more connected areas and can afford better
protection, we expect much greater results. We are pleased to find that
protection of birds is a very popular movement. We seldom have trouble
with people molesting our birds,—I wish we could say the same in regard
to wild flowers. Not only are the song birds increasing, but the quail and
pheasants are here in much greater numbers. Where a few years ago we
had three small coveys, there are now reported fourteen or fifteen coveys
of considerable size. The water birds soon learn that they are protected on
the Deer Grove lake and on the DesPlaines River, and they feel at home
and stay on these waters a much longer time than was their former habit.

In our Nursery we are planting such trees as will provide feed for
birds and also we are growing acres of broom corn, millet, hemp and
sunflowers, which will be distributed to reliable caretakers for winter feed.
The millet is left in bundles and will be fed in that way. Also, we have
planted in two places wild grass to attract the water. fowl.

The Women’s Clubs of the Districts persuaded the schools to make bird
houses in their manual training work. They gave an exhibit of these houses
and they were donated to the Forest Preserve. This work was a great
success and we have this year over 3000 houses which were placed on the
Forest Preserve. Although these houses arrived late, seventy-five percent
of them were occupied this year. As a whole they were exceptionally well
made according to the principles of the best bird house building. Mrs.
Welsch, Secretary of the State Federation of Women’s Clubs, informs me
that the Women’s Clubs will continue the same policy of furnishing bird
houses to the Forest Preserve District. We realize the value of the birds to
the Forest Preserve not only because of the charm of their song and the
delight they are to the eye, but also from the standpoint of material ad-
vantage of the trees—we know that without birds we would have no forests

if T PES AU DUE ON BULL EE hin

in a few years. Through the Women’s Clubs, the Boy Scouts, the Girl
Scouts, the schools, and in every possible way, we are trying to teach the
public the value of the conservation of our bird life. Without the co-
operation of the public it would be impossible for us toprotect ourfeathered
treasures. The number of our Wardens is entirely inadequate to protect
our forests at all times.

While very many people know and appreciate the birds of the summer
time, comparatively few know the joy that may come to us from a study
of the winter birds. In the winter the birds that are in the forests are
more in evidence and appeal more strongly for food and for protection.
We hope that the feeding which we are doing will not only be of benefit
to the birds, but will be an example which be followed by other organ-
izations and by very many individuals.

For protection of birds on the Forest Preserves I feel impelled to
mention the cat. We feel bitterly towards any one who destroys two or
three of our birds, and still we tolerate cats when it is certain that the
average cat kills fifty birds every year. However fond we may be of
cats, we should all be willing to have them properly restricted. The
worst offender is the cat without a home and this cat should be killed ;
others should be licensed and belled.

The. Forest Preserve is anxious to do its best for the birds. We look
to the Audubon Society for advice and help in this work, and we are striving
in every way to make the Forest Preserve District the real safe refuge
and home of the feathered tribes.

RANSOM KENNICOTY, FORESTER.

Homes in a Forest Preserve

There was a building boom in the Cook County schools last Spring
which culminated in an exhibit of bird houses at Marshall Field and
Company’s retail store during the week ending April 3. Each of 200 or
more schools was represented by the specimen bird house which the pupils
of that school had voted to be the best in their local contest. The exhibit
at Field’s aroused great interest and enthusiasm which should carry over
into a permanent interest in the home life of birds. At the close of the
exhibit the bird houses were turned over to Mr. Ransom Kennicott, Chief
Forester of the Cook County Forest Preserve, and duly set up for the free
use of patrons of such commodities. Mrs. Theron Colton of the Second
District Conservation Committee of the Illinois Federation of Women’s
Clubs started the idea, Mr. Edward Worst of the Manual Training De-
partment of the Chicago Schools set the pupils to work, and Miss Emma
March of the Art Department of the schools started the work of making
posters, this latter proving a splendidly educative feature of the exhibit.
The exhibit as a whole was very suggestive. Almost every town or city
has business houses that would be delighted to give space for setting up
an exhibition of this sort. It is a splendid way to advertise and secure the
good will of children as well as grown-ups.

fren Os AUDUBON SOCIETY 15

The Elgin Audubon Society's New Home

The new natural history Museum in Lord’s Park, Elgin, which is in
the custody of the Elgin Audubon Society, was formally dedicated on Oct.
24th. Mayor Arwin E. Price made the presentation speech and gave the
keys to the President of the Elgin Audubon Society, Mr. B. F. Berryman,
who acted as chairman on the occasion. In response, Mr. Berryman
pledged the Society to use the Museum properly for the benefit of the
people. He outlined briefly some of the plans of the Society for the
protection of bird life in the Elgin area. He then introduced Mr. Orpheus
M. Schantz, President of the Illinois Audubon Society, who congratulated
Elgin upon the possession of such a museum and upon the local interest
in the study of nature which the Elgin Audubon Society is so successfully
furthering. He expressed the hope that Elgin will become as noted for
its natural history interest as for its watch factory and other commercial
enterprises.

The local papers, particularly the Daily Courier, quoted extensively
from Mr. Schantz’ address. During the day more than 500 persons at-
tended the exercises and visited the museum.

The initiative in the organization of the Elgin Audubon Society was
taken by Mr. Carl F. Groneman, an artist, in June 1914, who attributed
his inspiration to a chance copy of Bird-Lore which he picked up at
a sale of miscellaneous books in Chicago. It was a good investment for
Elgin, apparently, yor an Audubon Scciety was organized there on June
14, 1914 with Mr. Groneman as its first President and Mrs. Barbara
Culley, Secretary. The growth of the Society was gradual until its first
public bird exhibition and bird lecture on April 21, 1917, Mr. Schantz
lecturing at that time, when wide spread interest was aroused. Today the
membership is over 200. Its bird exhibits are annual events widely at-
tended and markedly beneficial in influence.

16 tHE AUD ULE ON -Eb U Leen

The Brown Thrasher

I first heard the Thrasher described as a brown bird with a long floppy
tail. This description is not far from accurate, though given by a boy
who had never studied birds. It is an interesting fact that this bird, only
eleven and a half inches long, should have a tail over five inches in
lenethis >: : |

My attention was first called to a Brown Thrasher one evening when
I heard the sweet, exhilarating and peculiarly rich notes of one in the
top of a tall oak tree in my back yard. ‘The next day I noticed the birds
carrying small twigs ‘o some place in the back part of the yard. So l
determined to find this Thrasher’s nest if it were possible. I hunted all
morning but was unable to find it, so clever were the two Thrashers in
concealing their approach to the newly constructed nest. The day after
I attempted again to find the nest but with no better results. That after-
noon, a friend used to the habiis of Thrashers and hiding places in which
they conceal their nests, discovered their nest very cleverly and successfully
camouflaged in a large pile of thorn apple branches that had been trimmed
trom the trees the fall before. |

The nest was built in the center of the pile of branches about two feet
above the ground. The outer part was made of coarse twigs, loosely laid
together. Inside this was the nest proper, lined with the greatest care,
with fine grasses and rootlets. Contrary to the habits of other related
birds like the Cat-bird no foreign substances such as paper, string or
cloth were woven into it.

The following day there was one long white egg, specked with fine
chocolate colored spots, in this daintly lined nest. On the fifth day there
were five eggs and the female then began her brooding, to the accompani-
ment of her mate’s never ending, seemingly spontaneous song.

Thrashers are reported to be very shy, but the female Thrasher would
stay on the nest even when I approached to within three or four feet of
her. I tried several experiments with interesting resulis, the first one
to see how close I could get to the nest without her leaving it. I did this
by daily walking around the nest for about fifteen minutes, approaching
nearer and nearer each time. At first she was startled and tried to hide as
much as possible by flattening herself down in the nest. But by the third
day she seemed quite used to me and did not even follow me with her eyes
as she did when I first appeared.

One afternoon I sat down about five feet from the nest and began to
whistle a waltz tune while I watched the female on the nest. The minute
I began to whistle she cocked her head on one side to see where it was
coming from. Then to my.amazement, she began to tap her bill on a
twig in front of her in perfect time to the music.

About two weeks later I went to the nest and found that all the eggs
had hatched and that the little birds were knotted up in a compact mass in
the bottom of the nest. [They were perfectly naked, flesh colored, with
abnormally large heads. I imitated‘the female’s low whistle and all five
heads consisting principally of mouths popped up. I withdrew to a little
distance and watched the mother bird feed the babies. She would feed
two of them one time and three the next and the male would do the op-

Petes AUDUBON SOCIETY 17

posite, each coming to the nest approximately once in every twenty minutes.

I was somewhat puzzled at first as to what the Thrashers were feeding
their babies until early in the morning of the second day I noticed the
female catch the owners of three large spider webs on a tree outside of
my window. ‘These spiders were immediately taken to the nest and fed to
three of the nestlings. Later in the day I saw the same thing repeated,
only this time she did not capture three but instead enough to go around
once and still leave two spiders in reserve. On the third day the little
birds were being fed larger and heavier insects, the most noticeable in-
sect being the common black ground beetle. These beetles were brought
to the nestlings by both Thrashers in ever increasing and astonishing
numbers.

Five days later the young Thrashers had nearly all of their feathers
unquilled, their backs being a soft red brown and their breasts sparsely
covered with white, specked feathers. They were a very unusual sight with
their oversized yellow bills and long yellowish legs which lent them the
appearance of an overgrown boy dressed in his last year’s outgrown clothes.

About this time the female Thrasher began to bring to her babies the
first grasshoppers of the season along with a few fruits, such as wild straw-
berries. From then on to the time they left the nest the principal diet of
the young birds consisted almost entirely of grasshoppers and a few berries.

Two weeks from the time they hatched, the young Brown Thrashers
left the nest. They did not seem to want to fly, and stayed around on the
ground and low bushes for several days, returning to the nest at night.
At intervals of three or four days for about a month, I saw them, usually
about twilight, flying or perching about their old nest. Finally, the two
adult Thrashers having drifted away to another location to raise their sec-
ond brood, the young Brown Thrashers disappeared and I have not seen
them since.
Joun H. SuTrer.

TWO MOODS.

IN THE FIRST OF THESE PHOTOGRAPHS OF A YOUNG BROWN THRASHER BY C. F.
GRONEMAN, THE BIRD APPEARS BRACED AND EXPECTANT, WILLING TO UNDER-
GO THE ORDEAL OF BEING FED. IN THE NEXT HE HAS AN AIR BEFITTING
ONE WHO HAS RECENTLY HAD A SATISFYING EXPERIENCE BUT WHO
ALSO HAS AN EYE TO FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS.

18 THE “AUDUBON BULL bE tin

|
1
|
b
:

Photo by Clarence Bonnell
A CYPRESS SWAMP ALONG THE CACHE RIVER NEAR KARNAK IN JOHNSON COUNTY, ILL-
INOIS. THIS IS IN THAT PORTION OF ILLINOIS WHICH LIES
WITHIN THE GULF: COASTAL PLAIN

Our State Forester in Action

A recently published bulletin of the United States Forestry Service en- -
titled, “Timber Depletion and the Answer,” by U. 5. Forester William B.
Greeley, brings together and summarizes the latest data concerning a prob-
lem which is of significance for every home in our land. It is a growing
significance, too, and it is of great importance that the information in this
bulletin should receive the widest publicity. It is urged that public-spirited
people everywhere acquaint themselves with the contents of this bulletin
and distribute copies of it generally. Copies can be obtained of the Su-
perintendent of Documents, at Washington, D. C., at a cost of five cents
each (sta.nps not accepted).

What forestry work is being done in Illinois? Everything possible with
the limited fund placed at the disposal of Professor S. T. Forbes and his
colleagues of the Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History at Urbana.
This will appear in a summary of the activities of our State Forester, Mr.
R. B. Miller, who represents the department and who through publicity
work, addresses, and field work is making a splendid beginning in arous-
ing public attention and support to the forestry movement.

Two bulletins on forestry have been issued, Circular No. 1, ‘Forestry
Survey for Illinois,” and No. 2, ‘Fire Protection in Illinois Forests,” now
in press. Articles have also been written for the Illinois Agriculturist on

Motors Aa UPUBON SOCTETY 19

farm forestry, for the Arbor and Bird Day booklet, and for the press.
Mr. Miller has given addresses before farmers’ institutes, horticultural
societies, the Tri-State Forestry Conference, the Arché Club of Chicago,
the Biology Section of the Central Science and Mathematics Teachers’
Association, the Prairie Club of Chicago, and elsewhere, emphasizing in
some of the talks with slides the recreational side of the forest. Five lec-
tures were given in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the
University of Illinois and Mr. Miller has appeared before schools as op-
portunity has offered.

To this publicity work which might well alone tax the resources of one
person, Mr. Miller adds field work, the demands of which are rapidly
growing. He has been called upon to make estimates for farmers in
various parts of the state, a recent instance being concerned with marking
the trees in a 65 acre tract to be taken out so that the owner can realize on
them and also improve the woodlot. The Forester looked after the plant-
ing of 6000 red pine and jackpine seedlings on “‘stripped lands” of the
Electric Coal Company at Danville. He has just made a preliminary
report upon a tract of 5000 acres of mining lands for one of the most
progressive coal companies in Chicago, this company desiring to handle
its timberlands so as to produce a perpetual supply of mine timber. This
will probably mean the making of a scheme for planting so as to keep up
the annual supply, and devising measures for fire protection, for better
cutting, and disposal of slash after cutting. It is hoped to get other coal
companies in southern Illinois interested in the same kind of work and
thus there will be openings for trained foresters to go directly into the
employ of the mine owners themselves.

The Soil Physics Department and the Geological Survey both assert
that there are many thousands of acres of lands in southern I1linois which
should not be cropped but which should remain in timber because when
denuded of forest cover the land soon erodes and gullies very badly, making
the raising of farm crops impossible. A thorough study of conditions in
typical areas is being made to determine what kinds of trees should ke
used in re-planting, and this should ultimately mean the establishment of
state nurseries to raise trees at cost for private owners.

The office of the Forester receives many inquiries of a varied nature
on the uses of native woods, planting of trees, use of wood preservatives
in prolonging the life of fence posts, etc. There are calls for the latest
information upon subjects such as forest taxation, fire protection, forest
policy, state and national, and other things necessary to introduce into
legislation. Forestry exhibits, to attract the attention of schools and of
farmers at their different meetings, engage the activity of the Forester also.
In New York state there are five men working in the department of forestry
extension alone, and it is evident that the work in I1linois will soon so far
outgrow the power of one man to attend to it that some of it will have
to remain at a standstill unless the department receives a larger measure ot
financial support.

20 Loe eA DOs ON BULLE tN

Notes from Bird Haven, Olney, (ice te

Permission has been secured to reproduce a portion of a private letter
from Mr. Robert Ridgway at Olney to a friend in Chicago. Here are given
glimpses of infelicities and, indeed, harrowing tragedies among the feath-
ered beings that have taken up their abode at Bird Haven in response to the
generous and catholic invitation of its owners. Careful observations such —
as are herewith recorded are of special interest to those trying to maintain
bird refuges. Mr. Ridgway writes:

“Through her (Mrs. Ridgway) efforts our place is a veritable paradise
for birds. When we first came there were only Crow Blackbirds (a large
colony), Bluejays, and House Sparrows on the place. This summer we have
counted 37 species (not including any of those just mentioned) that are
breeding on our eight acres, and the number of individuals is so great that
anything like an even approximately correct census would be impossible.
There is much sadness however connected with our feathered friends, for
we frequently miss one that we have learned to differentiate from its com-
panions by some peculiarity of voice or plumage. ‘This year the Cardinals
have suffered most, for the 25 to 30 that we fed all through the winter are
now reduced to a single male. Bird enemies are legion, the worst here
being hawks and snakes, next to these being cats, Bluejays and Grackles,
gray squirrels and flying squirrels. The Bluejays, despite the fact that
I shoot every one I can, destroy at least 75% of the eggs and many young,
while the Grackle is a veritable scourge in its destruction of young birds.
The flying squirrels have occupied most of the nesting boxes not already
taken by wasps and bumble bees, and the squirrels (gray and fox) ap-
propriate the larger boxes put up for Flickers ‘The white footed mouse is
another pest. A short time ago I found a nest of this creature that was
thickly lined with the feathers of a male Cardinal. The House-Wren, too,
we have a “grudge” against, for while a lively, sociable little fellow,
with a jolly though not very musical song, he is very fussy and quarrel
some, and there are so many of them (there are not less than a dozen pairs
nesting on the premises) that no Chickadee or Tufted Titmouse has the
slightest show. Most of all, Bewick’s Wren, in every way a more lovable
bird, every whit as tame, a charming songster, and absolutely tolerant of
other birds, must go when T. aédon arrives. Bewick’s spends the whole
year with us and nests early. Every spring 4 pair build their nest in a
box on ourkitchen porch and incubation is in progress when the House Wren
arrives. The very first thing the House Wren does after coming is to enter
the box, impale the eggs, one at a time, on his bill and drop them to the
floor porch. ‘Then he proceeds to drive the rightful owners off the premises.

The Chickadee (P. carolinensis). also an early breeder, is served in the same
manner. I came near forgetting the Red-headed Woodpecker, also a tyrant,
not permitting another woodpecker of any sort at the feeding places. He
persecutes the young Flickers shamefully.” ;

x

Pier Lae ts AUDUBON SOCIETY 21

Notes from Port Byron

Port: Byron, TIL, Nov, 415, 11920;

Last spring when the Red-headed Woodpeckers arrived, they ruined
most of the Bluebird nests about our place. I had used a one and a half
inch auger to make the entrance holes of the nesting boxes, which was just
the right size for the Red-heads to get in and tear out the nests and eggs.
Last year they ruined a Chickadee’s nest in an old peach tree in the garden,
when they enlarged the entrance and tore out the nest and young. Also
during the summer of 1919, several of the Red-heads formed the habit of
going into the chicken house and picking holes in the chicken eggs. They
were sometimes seen on the roof of the chicken house looking down through
some cracks, but they would never go in when anyone was watching them.
Once I surprised one inside, but he escaped through an opening on the
side. The holes which they picked in the eggs were not very large, and
when we opened some of them it could be seen that they stuck their bill
or tongue into the yolk, which was always mixed with the white. Some
days when the chickens were on the nests all day, the Red-heads did not
get a chance to puncture any eggs, and on other days there would
be from one to three with holes picked through the shell. This year they
did not bother us with such a bad habit.

At nine o’clock, on the forenoon of June 12th this year, while working
in the garden, I was startled by a strange bird which commenced to sing in
a plum tree in the northwest corner of the garden. It did not sing very
long, when it commenced to imitate other birds, and I then recognized
it as a Mockingbird. It did not stay in the plum tree, but kept moving
from tree to tree along the west side of-the garden, until it reached a rasp-
berry patch, when it suddenly quit singing, and then in about half a minute
afterwards a Brown Thrasher commenced to sing near the place where the
Mockingbird was last heard. Evidently the Brown Thrasher was follow-
ing the Mockingbird, and chased it away. During the time that the Mock-
ingbird was heard singing it imitated the Flicker, Bluejay, Cardinal, Purple
Martin, and Yellow-throated Vireo. On account of eye trouble, I could
not see the Mockingbird, but am sure it was one, as. I heard them sing in
Florida several years ago.

The breeding birds about our place were very successful this year in
raising their young, which I think was due to the dry weather we had
during the summer. Sixty-five pairs of Cliff Swallows built their nests
under the eaves of our barn. A good many years ago, before the English
Sparrows were here, there were about 200 nests on our barn each year,
but after the sparrows came, they became less and less every year, until
there were none. In 1913, when I got interested in the study of birds and
began to protect them, there were no Cliff Swallows at our barn. In 1914
one pair came and built a nest. I shot the English Sparrows that tried to
take the nest and the swallows raised two broods of young. In 1915 there
was again one nest. During the following years the number of nests in-
meased-as rollows: 19 i, 35 1917; 12; 1918, 363-1919, 55; 1920, 65. Ft is
hard work to keep the sparrows out of the nests, the only way is to shoot
and trap them. Most of the farmers do not pay any attention to the
sparrows and leave them to breed as they please. One good thing about

22 THE AUDUBON “BULLETIN

the swallows is they always take their nests again, after we pull the spar-

row’s nest out with a wire hook.
For the first time we had two pairs of Baltimore Orioles on our place
this year. One pair built their nest in a pear tree about 15 feet from
the Martin house and the other pair built their nest in a large old burr oak
near the garden about 50 yards from where the first pair built. The
Orioles were very peaceful ard never had any trouble with each other.
One of them kept calling every day until Sept. 5. A pair of Orchard
Orioles also built their nest in a pear tree about 15 feet from the Martin
-house and about 30 feet from the Baltimore Oriole nest. The Orioles
seemed to like the Martins and never had any trouble with them. Mourning
Doves were more plentiful again this year. One pair built in an apple
tree in the orchard, but I did not watch them. Another pair built in a
small plum tree in the garden and were successful in raising two young.
Afterward they again occupied the same nest, but for some reason aban-
doned it. Dickcissels were. scarce this year because most of the clover
froze out last winter and there were no clover fields for them to breed in.
This is the first year since 1914 that I did not hear the Yellow-breasted
Chat sing. I often went to a piece of brush land where a pair nested in
other years, but could not hear any. There are not many Bob-whites
here this fall. Most of the early nests get destroyed when the farmers
make their hay in June. There are also hundreds of other birds’ nests de-
stroyed by the mowers in haymaking time, such as the Meadowlark, Grass-
hopper Sparrow and Dickcissel.
: JouHN J. SCHAFER.

The Yellow-Breasted Chat

Data relating to the occurrence and nesting habits of the Yellow-
breasted Chat in the different poriions of Illinois are none too plentiful.
In notes from Rockford, printed elsewhere, Miss VanDuzer reports the
identification of one as late as September 28th of this season. Mr. John
Schafer in his notes from Port Byron near the Mississippi River in north-—
ern Illinois reports that this is the first year since 1914 that he did not
hear the Yellow-breasted Chat sing. A pair had nested in his neighbor-
hood during past years. In Mrs. Ellen Drummond Farwell’s “Bird Ob-
servations near Chicago”’ under date of May 12, 1898, and May 12, 1902,
she relates her experience with the Yellow-breasted Chat near Lake Forest.
At both dates it would appear that there were nests of this species in that
vicinity. Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz has volunteered a comment upon its
habits and Mr. Vandercook writes from Odin in southern Illinois, where
the bird is an established summer resident.

Mr. Schantz writes :—

“Among the many migrant birds that honor us with their presence in
northern Illinois none has been more mysterious and elusive than the chat.
Strikingly garbed, shy, and usually silent, this handsome warbler is prob-
ably as little known here as any of the warbler throng that pass through
during the spring migrations.

Once many years ago, on a dripping June morning at Riverside, when
the air was filled with bird songs, and the vegetation was still wet after
an early morning shower, suddenly there came clearly and distinctly a new

foarte eu PUBRON SOCIETY 23

note in the medley, and as suddenly there flashed out into the open with
a peculiar dropping flight, a chat. This was my first introduction. The
identification was not difficult for this versatile warbler is in a class by
himself. His song, actions and coloration placed him beyond question.
Each spring migration following had as part of its possibilities the further
acquaintance—often not realized—with this fascinating cosmopolite. A
friend who had studied the chat’s choice of habitation quietly organized
a personally conducted search for a nesting place, and finally discovered
a pair breeding in an out of the way bottom land south of Willow Springs
in Cook County. In later years we occasionally saw a single bird during
migration, but its appearance would be casual and its stay short, as if
it was entirely accidental and not likely to occur again if it could be
avoided.

It will be easy to understand my interest and delight when in late
June of this year I discovered the chat common and not at all shy, in the
foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee. In fact
he was familiarly known to the mountain people as the ‘mocking bird.”
Almost anywhere in the luxuriant growth along the fences one might hear
the chat scolding, imitating, and then following with his own odd mellow
whistling notes, the latter in rapid succession and all on the same pitch.

Here in the wonderful natural hedges of holly, stuartias, rhododendron,
and blackberry brier, draped with muscadine grape and the viciously thorny
catbrier, was the chosen home of this olive-backed, golden-breasted come-
dian, and here he might be seen and heard every day, self possessed, at-
tractive and altogether beautiful.”

Mr. Vandercook writes as follows :—

“This species arrives here at Odin usually early in May. I have ob-
served them as early as April 26th and again none would be seen before
May 15th. They no doubt depart for their southern winter home very
early. I have never seen any after September Ist. They inhabit the dense
thickets of underbrush and briers and are very hard to be observed. Were
it not for the loudness and variety of notes, which this species has the
ability to render it might be entirely overlooked. As it is, by hearing its
notes one may by patiently watching locate the author and he may be seen
flying from one perch to another, all the while moving with a peculiar
jerking of the wings and tail and uttering some one of its notes.

It nests in very dense thickets, usually from two to three feet above
the earth. The nest is a collection of tree leaves, weed stems, grass, grape
vine bark with an outside depth of 4% inches, and diameter of 6 inches.
I have found nests as early as May 18th and as late as June 7th. From
three to five eggs are laid, usually only four. I have observed only two
nests containing five. They are white, inclined to be glassy. Some have
a pinkish coat with reddish brown or chestnut colored spots and
specks. Some of these markings are thicker and larger on the large end,
but generally they are distributed over the entire shell. The eggs vary
some in size but are on an average about .70 inches in diameter by .90
inches in length. The food of the Chat consists of insects and berries.
This species is imposed upon by the Cowbirds and I have found nests
deserted with no other visible reason only the intrusion.”

Other notes relating experiences with this most interesting bird will
be very acceptable to readers of this Bulletin. Joh Ss

24 THE AUDUBON 80 2 Err N

Notes from Rockford

The first bird observations for the year 1920 which were of special in-
terest to Rockford bird-lovers was an enormous flock of Snow Buntings seen
Feb. 23. They were feeding on snow covered bare fields in company with
Horned Larks. They were very restless and apparently just ready to leave

The Red-bellied Woodpecker was with us again all through the winter.

We have a fairly accurate record for the Worm-eating Warbler on April
30. It is an unusual record for us, but the bird was observed all day and
described so minutely as to appearance and habits that it would seem to
be unmistakable. Many White-crowned Sparrows were seen in company
with White-throats during May and were reported from all parts of the

city. The Prothonotary Warbler was here the latter part of May, but as

far as I know we have no nesting record as we had last year.

August 30 an immense flock of Grebe covered the river. There must
have been hundreds of birds as in a trip of eight or ten miles they were
abundant all the way. They were unmistakably Grebes and crested with
white and chestnut on their head and throat. The early date makes it
difficult to identify the birds and we will await with interest any observa-
tions from others that may help to identify the flock.

This fall, a late date for a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was obtained—pre-
sumably because of the late fall, October 7. The Titmouse and Cardinal are
both with us again this year. Other interesting birds which have been
reported to me this autumn are a flock of Pipits, a flock of Purple Finches
in full plumage and a Yellow-breasted Chat which was reported Sept.
28 in company with Orange-crowned, Black-throated Blue, and Green, and
Baybreasted Warblers.

EDITH VANDUZEN.

Photo vy Waiter coeltz 5
AT BUTLER’S LAKE. THE HIGH WATER RAFTS THE DEBRIS OF LAST YEAR’S REEDS UPON
THE MUD SHOALS. HERE THE BITTERN TAKES HIS STAND. THE BUSY-BODY
COOT WANDERS OVER IT AND PUSHES OUT INTO WATERY AISLES
AMONG THE REEDS WHEN PRIVACY IS DESIRED.

peel

fran wots AUDUBON SOCIETY

The Thrushes

The robin flutes his old refrain,

Singing through sunshine and through rain —
The first to rouse the chorus, he

So cheers the waking world with glee.

The veery’s jingling music falls
In circles—and the sound enthralls
As through the darkening pines one strays
And dreams of dear, departed days.

The wood thrush song is liquid gold,
A perfect harmony supreme

Of love and loving manifold;
Making all sorrow but a dream.

The darling of the poet’s lay,
The blue bird’s note sounds far-away,
As if with heavenly color, clear
Angelic voices mingled near.

- But when the hermit sings—ah me!
His three-fold chord of ecstasy—
My spirit leaves my troubled breast
_And cradled, sinks to perfect rest.

MARY KAVANAGH.

The Whitethroat

The whitethroat when he comes in spring,
On northern lodge-pole seems to sing
To Indian mother weaving fleet
A swinging cradle for small feet,
A lullaby, serenely sweet,
In “Killaleet, ah Killaleet.’’

But when in autumn’s yellow haze,
’Mid purpling grapes in sunlit days,
His high clear note forever strays—
(The wildest cry the woods within
As if for long regretted sin—)
Sounds “Pity me Lord pity me.”
Mary KAVANAGH.

25

26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Bobbie of Park Ridge

While spading my garden in the Spring of 1919 I first noticed him
following at a distance and picking great beakfuls of worms, then flying
off to the next street and returning almost immediately to repeat the action.
I began to encourage him by tossing worms toward him. At first he did
not understand but gradually became bolder and always got them. He
finally became so tame that he would pick his food not only close to me
but would often follow my spading fork so close that I had to be careful
for fear of hurting him; and when digging a hole for the burial of table
refuse, he has actually hopped right into the hole, from the sides of which
he would pull great worms that I had failed to see and secure for him.

My good wife enjoyed this friendly bird as much as I and suggested
jokingly that he should bring his youngsters to our yard where we have
trees, and he would not have to travel back and forth so much. Almost
-as though he had heard and understood, he followed the suggestion next
day, for while I was digging, my wife discovered a young robin fluttering
in the crotch of one of our trees and climbing on a lawn bench she re-
leased the little fellow to a more comfortable position and a few moments
later ‘“‘Bobbie” went to the little one with a mouth full of worms and fed
it before our eyes. We later discovered that there was a pair of them
which we immediately named Peter and Paul.

Bobby by this time held undisputed possession of our yard. He was
a splendid provider for his brood and usually at the expense of the “sweat
of my brow,” not his. He fed those two youngsters until they were both
larger than he, and they finally became so independent from their ability
to care for themselves that I actually saw one of them refuse to accept food
from him. Soon after this he did not appear so often and I thought he
was deserting us, but one evening when I thought I was thru for the day
I sat on the lawn bench under the trees with my wife, suddenly almost at
our feet Mr. Bobbie lit on the lawn and looking up at us warbled a few .
low notes. Feeling that he wanted something I took my spading fork
from the side of the house and started for the back of the garden—I
guessed right, he was there before I was and I succeeded before dark in
getting him several good meals which he carried away as of old and re-
turned for more. We then decided that he had another brood and
wondered if he would bring his new offspring to us. We were not disap-
pointed, for some days later we found in the yard a new baby so small he
could not fly a bit and we wondered how the old bird got him there. We
called him Buddie and he soon grew big enough to fly around with Peter
and Paul. They were with us most of the Summer. Peter and Paul used
to fly around the neighborhood to feed but Buddie stuck to our yard until
late in the Fall—long after the first frosts and all other robins had dis-
appeared, and we feared he would not migrate with the others. Latterly,
however, we occasionally saw old Bobbie in the yard with him and have
always thought that he finally persuaded him to leave. We knew old
Bobbie because he had worked his tail off taking care of the little ones
and he had not succeeded in growing a new one up to the time he disap- ~
peared for the winter, but I hope not for good.

E. A. THOMAS.

Piette ae OU BON. §$O CIETY 27

A Modern Version

Whittier’s barefoot boy possessed a
“knowledge never learned of schools.”

Flight of fowl and habitude
Of the tenants of the wood.

The modern counterpart of this boy
fares forth in wading boots, armed with
a graflex camera. He makes careful
written notes of what he observes. He
writes an essay when he gets back to
school, illustrates it with his photo-
graphic prints, and gets credit on his
high-school course. He may, indeed,
win a cash prize for his. effort. At
least that is what happened to the New
Trier High School boy shown in the.
pietures Ulie boy is John’ i. Sutter .of
Winnetka.

Arctic Three-toed Woodpeckers in the Chicago Area

Last year we had the Bohemian Waxwings with us; this season, the
much rarer Arctic Three-toed Woodpeckers are here. Although every few
years a wandering individual is reported this seems to be the first season
that they have appeared in any numbers. As they are very partial to pine
and tamarack they may be looked for in the Indiana Sard Dunes wi‘h the
greatest prospect of success. They were first noticed on October 3rd, when
a fine male was found industriously digging insect larvae out of a dying
scrub pine east of Dune Park. October 24th another was discovered west
of Dune Park and another October 21st at Mineral Springs. Two more
at least have been seen by others at the latter place. They have all been
males—the beautiful golden crown patch being one of their most striking
features. Mr. Colin Sanborn, however, reports a female from the ever-
green grove at Beach just north of Waukegan, Illinois.

Their call, a rather loud, startling and rapidly repeated teck, teck,
teck, would attract attention whenever heard. As a rule they seem to be
silent, except for their persistent tapping as they strip the bark from some
badly infested dead or dying pine. These freshly stripped trees, noticeable
for a long distance in the woods, are one of the best indications of their
presence, none of our other wookpeckers removing the bark so thoroughly.
Three of the specimens observed were very tame, paying no attention to
me while another was rather nervous and shy.

Although the number of stripped trees would indicate that there are
quite a few of these northern visitors in the Dunes, a person in quest of
them might have to cover many miles of country before seeing even one, as
they are far from common.

H. L. STopparp.

28 THE AUDUBON BU Ei E t-iN

Bird Study at a Normal School

A letter of inquiry from a student at the State Normal School at Bell-
ingham, Washington, as to bird sanctuaries or reservations, led to some
correspondence with the teacher of nature study in that institution, Miss
Ida Agnes Baker, who has written for the Illinois Audubon Society an in-
formal memorandum of the work of bird study in her classes. Lack of
space entails the presentation of only a summary of the report. Since
the students are all prospective teachers, methods and illustrative material
are constantly used that will readily carry over into school room work.
The first study of the bird, for example, has to do with a chicken as usually
the most available bird. A pet rooster was brought in for use in the class
this Fall and after submitting to the indignity of a physical examination
the “bird’”’ climbed on his box and crowed to express his nervous reaction.
Games stressing the quick identification of birds from pictures or the ac- .
curate observation of characteristics of form and outline are freely used.
At the beginning of the course the students are given a list of standard
books written by nature lovers from which they are to select at least six
for careful reading. To this are added one half a year’s numbers of Bird-
Lore and the Nature Study Review. They have the quarter in which to do
this reading. Miss Baker does not require written reviews of the students’
reading. It is reading for inspiration, she tells them, not an English lesson.
She prefers that they read more books rather than write reviews.

A lecture on the Economic Value of Birds introduces the use of govern-
ment bulletins, the fact that the birds of the Pacific are not yet thoroughly
known hampering this work to some extent. Bird sanctuaries are next
treated and each member of the class is expected to investigate and report
in detail upon some project of this sort. No two students in the same
class may have the same topic and as there are 38 students in each class
the whole range of the literature of bird conservation is covered to provide
material for these reports, which are presented from time to time in the
form of oral class room reports. A Nature Study News Book hangs on the
class room wall and here are entered over the observer’s signature the
dated notes of special interest, migration and nesting data, etc. At the
end of the quarter each student hands in a dated record of birds ob-
served, occasionally illustrated with drawings and accompanied with
written observations.

In the Fox Lake Preserve

Inspector Edward St. Clair reports enormous flights of wild-fowl in
the Fox Lake Preserve during the past few weeks. Early in the season
thousands of coots came into the protected area. Later mallards, red-
heads, canvasbacks and other ducks appeared, sometimes in astonishing
numbers. One hunter who was permitted to play only the role of inno-
cent bystander reported sadly that he saw one flight of mallards “‘five
blocks long and four blocks wide.” Visitors came in auto loads to enjoy
the unique experience of seeing several thousand wild ducks at close range
in one day. November 21 a flock of 600 wild geese was on the lake at.
one time, this being the record visitation for a number of years. As late
as December 10 a large flock of canvasbacks lingered in the area.

FLLINGIS AUDUBON SOCTETY 29

Entertaining a Hum-
mingbird

A glass of sweetened
water placed on the rail-
ing of a veranda seemed
to a hummingbird that
discovered it an extraor-
dinary supply of unusu-
ally good flower nectar
Henceforth the bird’s at-
tention was for the nec-
tar and all else was ac-
cessory, including the
gentleman who held up
the glass and moved about
with it. Mr. William
Deane sent the portrait,

which was taken at Shel-
burne, N. H.

Meeting of the American Ornithologist’s Union

The 38th stated meeting of the Union was held in Washington, No-
vember 9 to 12, 1920, and was one of the most successful gatherings the
ornithologists have had in a number of years. To the lover of birds these
annual meetings are looked forward to with keen anticipation as there are
always new subjects presented, new ideas to discuss and new faces to meet,
for every year some member appears who had only been known to the
majority by his reputation or his writings.

The meetings were held at the U. S. National Museum. 140 members
of all classes were in attendance. At the business meeting Dr. Witmer
Stone was elected President, Dr. T. S. Palmer, Secretary and Waldo L.
McAtee, Treasurer. On recommendation of the council one Fellow, thir-
teen Corresponding Fellows, four Members and three hundred Associate
Members were duly elected. At the public meetings thirty-five papers
were presented. ‘Those which were illustrated with motion pictures were
of especial interest, every year showing more improvement in this wonder-
ful method of portraying the bird in all conditions of life and habits. At
the adjournment of the first day’s meeting the members visited the Library
of Congress for an evening session to examine an exhibition of original
drawings, paintings, photographs and prints of birds. The exhibit had
been previously planned by the local committee, invitations having been
sent to many of the well known bird artists throughout the country to send
samples of their work, limiting to six original drawings or paintings and
each photographer to two prints. The ready response resulted in a won-
derful exhibit and during the week was largely attended by both members
and the general public. On the evening of the second day the members
gathered for the annual dinner which has always been a pleasant feature of

30 THE AUDUBON BULLE TiN

the program. At these social functions the members have opportunity to
get together, get acquainted and compare notes, and later the local com-
mittee is always responsible for amusing the visiting members with some
unusual program. On this occasion besides the distribution of jocose
literature, a set of slides was shown representing various members of the
Biological Survey while in the field on their various campaigns, “snap-
shots” taken in all costumes and under many conditions. As Dr. Fisher
was appointed master of ceremonies cn this occasion his descriptions and
insinuations were the cause of much hilarity. The following morning
many of the members met and were escorted to the National Zoological
Park, where the officials conducted them to the various points of interest
in the Park. The collections of animals and birds are of a very high
order. The natural features of the locality, bordering on Rock: Creek,
up hill and down dale, make an ideal spot to display wild life. The
following day such members as had remained after adjournment of the
meetings, were invited for a field day at Plummer’s Island, on the shore
of the Potomac, some eight miles from the city where the Washington
Biologists Field Club owns a most picturesque spot. Seventeen members
took advantage of the Club’s hospitality and they were made very much
at home in their comfortable bungalow while the ladies cooked dinner
for the party. The day was clear and cold. We climbed over the ledges
which are conspicuous in the natural features of this high bluff rising
abruptly from the river. We took pictures and watched the Kinglets,
Cedar Waxwings, Cardinals and Juncos, and as we went into dinner a
Bald Eagle flew over the island and sailed down river. ‘These are the
conditions under which the ornithologists and nature lovers, many of whom
meet but once a year, when the A.O.U. holds its annual congress, can
enjoy each other’s company for there is a brotherhood among those
mutually interested that is firm and true. The appreciation of the members
who were entertained at dinner, receptions and other functions was most
marked.

Following is the program of the three days’ session:

Tuesday

1. Marriage Relations of the House Wren.

S. Prentiss BaLpwin, Cleveland, Ohio. (20 min.)
2. In Memoriam—William Dutcher.

T. S. Patmer, Washington, D. C. (30 min.)
3. Some Additional Notes on Birds of Cape May, N. J. .

WiITMER Stone, Philadelphia, Pa. (20 min.)
4. Roosting Habits of Migratory and Winter Birds in Middle Tennessee.

A. F. Ganter, Nashville, Tenn. (20 min.)
5. The Later Flights of the Passenger Pigeon.

FRANK Bonp, Washington, D. C. (10 min.
6. Notes on the Eclipse Plumage of Certain Waterfowl.

ArtHurR A. ALLEN, Ithaca, N. Y. (15 min.)
7. The Use of Homing Pigeons in the World War. Jilustrated by lantern

slides.

Ernest Haroitp Baynes, Meriden, N. H. (30 min.)
8. The trained Fishing Cormorants of Japan. Jllustrated by lantern slides.

Hl. M. Smith, Washington, , C. (20 min.)

9. The Temperate Zone in South America. Illustrated by lantern slides. _
Frank M. CHapman, New York. (20 min.)

10.

Li.

Peet wore AUDUBON SOCIETY 31

Published Figures and Plates of the Extinct Passenger Pigeon. /llustrated
by lantern slides.

R. W. SHuFELpT, Washington, D. C. (25 min.)

Some Recent Experiences with Kirtland’s Warbler. Jilustrated by lantern
slides.
WALTER B. Barrows, East Lansing, Mich. (30 min. )
W ednesday

The History and Purposes of Bird Banding.

F. C. Lincotn, Washington, D. C. (25 min.)
Recent Returns from Trapping and Banding.

S. Prentiss BALDWIN, Cleveland, Ohio. (20 min.)
Progress in Ornithology in 1920. (Jntroduced by Harry C. Oberholser.)

General Discussion by the Members. (60 min. )

The Desirability of a Definite Method of Indicating the Authorities for
Scientific Names.

Frank M..CHapmMan, New York. (5 min:)
Birds of South Florida. Jilustrated by lantern slides.
ArTHUR H. HcweELt, Washington, D. C. (30 min. )

All Papers Illustrated by Motion Pictures
Bird Life on the Audubon Reservation at Orange Lake, Florida.

NokMAN McCurntock, Pittsburgh, Pa. (45 min.)
Trumpeter Swans. Presented by Mayor Allan C. Brooks.

Hoyes Lioyp, Ottawa, Canada. (10 min.)
Some Bird Studies in Motion Pictures.

Tuos. S. Roperts, Minneapolis, Minn. (25 min.)
Notes on the Summer Birds of Southeastern Texas

T. GILBERT Pearson, New York. (45 min.)
The Ornithology of the Peruvian Guano Islands.

RoBert CUSHMAN Murpuy, Brooklyn, N. Y. _ (45: min.)

Thursday

The Pterylosis of Monias benschi. Illustrated by lantern slides.

J. P. Cuapin, New York. (20 min. )
The Pterylosis of the Avian Wing. Illustrated by lantern slides.

W. De W. Miter, New York. (30 min. )
Post Mortem Changes in the Colors of Birds’ Feathers.

F. M. CuHapMan, and L. A. FUERTEs. (10 min.)
Sexual Dimorphism in Sula nebouxi. Illustrated by lantern slides.

Ropert CUSHMAN MurpHy, Brooklyn, N. Y. (10 min.)

The Primaries of the Juvenal Plumage of Woodpeckers. Tilustrated by
lantern slides.

J. P. Cuarin, New York. (10 min.)
Notes on New or Little Known Birds from Nicaragua.

W. De W. MILLER, and LupLow Griscom. (20 min.)
Present Condition of Waterfowl Breeding Grounds on the Great Plains.

Harry C. OBERHOLSER, Washington, D. C. (30 min.)
Some Notes on European Birds.

Henry Otpys, Silver Spring, Md. (20 min.)
Nuptial Habits of the Sage Cock.

FRANK Bonp, Washington, D. C. (10 min.)
Nesting of Mourning Doves at Norman, Okla.

Mrs. MArGARET Morse Nice, Norman, Okla. (20 min.)

North American Shore Birds in Argentina.
Roperto DABBENE, Buenos Aires—Presented by FRANK M. CHAPMAN.

(15 min.)
The Estimated Number of Long Island Shore Birds.
J. T. Nicuots, New York. | (20 min.)
Breeding of the Evening Grosbeak in Northern Wisconsin.
O. W. SmITH. (5 min.)
The Pronunciation of the Scientific Names of Birds.
Francis H. ALLEN, Boston, Mass. (10 min. )

RUTHVEN DEANE, CHICAGO.

32 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Local Secretaries

The Illinois Audubon Society, emulating a program very successfully
carried out by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, has appointed local
secretaries at certain strategic points within the state. ‘These secretaries are
invited to keep the Society informed as to news of bird clubs, nature
study organizations, etc., and to send in newspaper clippings, and field
notes aS occasion serves. Each secretary will have on hand a supply of
current publications of the Society and will receive from time to time
special information relating to the work of the Society.

The list of those who up to the present time have consented to act as
local secretaries for their respective areas is as follows:

Belvidere—Miss Muriel Lampert.
Carbondale—Mary M. Steagall.
Champaign—W. Elmer Ekblaw.
Decatur—Mrs. Benj. Bachrach.
DeKalb—C. E. Montgomery.
Elgin—Secretary of the Elgin Bird Club.
Evanston—Miss Louise Whitehead.
Golconda—Mrs. Lillian B. Phelps.
Harrisburg—Clarence Bonnell.
Kewanee—Dr. Hattie Melaik.
Lake Forest—George Roberts, Jr.
Mackinaw—Miss Mae Blair.
Maywood—Secretary of the Maywood Bird Club.
Odin—C. B. Vandercook.
Olney—Mrs. Robert Ridgway.
Philo—Isaac E. Hess.

Port Byron—J. J. Schaefer.
Rockford—Paul B. Riis.

Rock Island—Nellie E. Peetz.
Salem—Mrs. Sig Kaufman.
Sullivan—Mrs. O. L. Todd.
Waterloo—H. I. Featherly.
Waukegan—Mrs. Elam H. Clarke.
Winnetka—John H. Sutter.

The Audubon Society of New Hampchie

The office of the Illinois Audubon Society is in receipt of a friendly
letter from Mr. George C. Atwell of Strafford, N. H., who is Secretary
of the Audubon Society of New Hampshire. Mr. Atwell congratulates
our Society upon the “splendid make-up of the Bulletin in its contents,
typography, press work and illustrations.” General Elbert Wheeler is
President of the New Hampshire Audubon Society. In the list of honor-
ary vice-presidents appear the names of Ernest Harold Baynes and
Winston Churchill. ;

LEE INOtSs AUDUBON “SOCIETY 33

Well-Placed Confidence

In the May Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the editor,
Mr. Winthrop Packard, published a letter from Brookline, Massachusetts,
telling of the exploit of a mallard duck under escort of a traffic policeman.
Mr. O. M. Schaniz writes for this Bulletin of the Illinois Audubon Society
of a wise mallard he met during his summer vacation. Both stories are
printed below:

April 13, 1920,
My dear Mr. Packard :—

The following true story might interest your BULLETIN readers. Last
week when traffic on Beacon Street was busiest, about eight o’clock in the
morning a mother mallard (wild duck) led her five children from a pond
on the Amory Street, where they had spread oil, across the field, under the
fence, down the middle of Carleton Street, the traffic policeman holding up
the electric cars and a hundred automobiles while she carefully led them
along over the car-tracks across Beacon Street, then over the B. & A. Rail-
road to the Fenway Brook in safety. That is what I call common sense and
devotion. I wonder if a hen would use as much judgment.

Yours truly,
(Signed) Harry V. Lone. -

Mr. Schantz spent a half day at Jack Miner’s famous bird-haven at
Kingsville, Ontario, in August. He writes: ‘On Mr. Miner’s grounds
there are two large ponds, one being a circular pond and quite near the
country road but separated from it by a wire fence. The other pond, not
visible from the road, is rectangular and almost surrounded by a thick
hedge. The wild birds usually visit the more secluded pond first and after
they have recovered from their natural shyness, they fly over the road, clear
the fence and settle down on the exposed pond to be fed. There they be-
come as tame as barnyard fowls. Canada geese, mallard and pintail ducks
may be seen at almost any time in season on this pond. ‘To this pond
a mother mallard duck has frequently attempted to bring her little ones
that were unable to fly over the wire fence. To do this she has had to lead
her young out of the fields and upon the public throughfare in her efforts
to get them through the fence into the pond where she knows that food
and protection is given other wild life. Now the Canada geese are in-
tolerant of the little ducks and would kill them if they were admitted.
So the mother mallard and her little ones were carefully driven around to
the sheltered pond where, if in danger, the ducklings could escape into the
hedges. Jack Miner’s kindly attitude towards the ducks and geese must
have received wide publicity among feathered circles for they surely know
about the treatment they will be given when they call at his refuge.”

34 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
FALL 1920

-Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park

RUGH VEN DEANE
112 W. Adams St., Chicago

MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest

BERTHA T. PATTEE
Evanston

CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside

ORPELEUS NT SeELNZ
LOESo; War Salle Street. Chicago

FREDERICK H. PATTEE
626) Ss Clark Su, Chicago

Editorial

By a bare margin of a day or so
the title of this—the Fall Bulletin—
becomes retrospective, since the first
day of Winter, by the calendar, finds
the Bulletin going through the
press. In point of time of emergence
from the mails it will be a christmas
number, and the delay which has
brought this about permits the Pres-
ident and Directors of the [Illinois
Audubon Society to extend the greet-
ings of the season to all their associates
of the Society and to all others of
kindred spirit who may see _ these
pages. It is hoped that all thus in-
cluded will extend their greetings to
all those for whom Audubon Societies
exist—to the various seed-eaters,
bark-explorers, winter wardens of
field and hedge-row, orchard and
forest, those that haunt hollow trees
and sit warming their five wits of
wintry nights. We trust there will
be good cheer to last through the
wintry season—suet and nuts and
table scraps, seeds of hemp and sun-
flower seeds, brush piles and fodder
shocks for refuge when the snow ed-
dies across the fields, and friendly
clearings trampled daily where offer-
ings of scattered grains are to be had.

* * *

The revised library list appearing
elsewhere suggests how richly one
may supplement the seemingly frugal
offering of bird life which Winter
brings one in these northern latitudes.
Indeed as one re-reads one’s copy of
Bayne’s “Wild Bird Guests,” the zest
to play the part of host makes one
almost believe winter has charms and
opportunities for the bird lover that
Summer does not possess. Read Mr.
Bayne’s chapter on “Entertainment of
Birds in Winter” and then admit that
one great winter sport is open to most
of us even if we can not go far afield.
Chapman’s book for youthful readers,
entitled “Winter Birds,” tells in an en-
tertaining way most of what is known
about how birds pass the winter
months and how we can minister to
their welfare. There is no greater fun
than playing the role of good-fellow
to such piquant personalities as Chick-
a-dees and Nuthatches.

For those who can lay aside books
and go afield in “winter and rough
weather,” there is always a chance, at
least in northern Illinois, of meeting
an Evening Grosbeak, or a Red-poll,
or a Bohemian Waxwing, or a Purple
Finch, a Pine Siskin, a=C@ross=bilieeem
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker, a
Lapland Long-spur, a Snow Bunting,
or what you will. Perhaps on some
biting day in February the Horned
Larks will fly. up about you as you
crunch your way over the glazed
crust of the meadow, and when you-
halt on the sheltered side of the forest
and listen intently, there will be the
tiny lisping of Golden - Crowned
Kinglets preliminary to the emergence
of the flock which has come to ex-
plore the hazel clump on the clearing’s
edge. It is worth trying.

*K ok *k

This is the “open season” for Con-
gressman and Members of the Illinois
General Assembly. Let us each im-
prove it. Our Congressman are to be
asked to defend staunchly a program
for placing the National Parks for-
ever out of the reach of designing
private interests. This matter has
been vigorously presented in another
column. Our Illinois legislators will
be called upon to approve a compre-
hensive system of state parks and
inaugurate a plan for re-foresting cer-
tain areas in Illinois. These are Au-
dubon measures.

Pipbr Nw OLS AUDUBON SOCTETY 35

A Distinguished Resident of Mt. Carmel

The people of Mt. Carmel have recently conducted a successful cam-
paign to save from destructicn a giant sycamore near that place. ‘This
was one of twelve of the same species growing in 1875 on an area not
exceeding one-half a mile square, which averaged 2314 feet in circum-
ference and 127 feet in spread of top by actual measurements and about
150 feet in height. This present day survivor of the notable group now
measures 30 feet in circumference. A photograph of its immense bole
is reproduced herewith. ‘The tree stands near the site of the new levee
soon to be constructed along the bank
of the Wabash River and it is report-
ed that the persons having charge of
the work intended to cut it down.
When news of this threatened disaster
reached the State Foresters of Indiana
and Illinois and organizations such as
the Friends of Our Native Landscape,
letters were sent to citizens of Mt.
Carmel proffering aid in securing the
preservation of the tree. It seems that
the local pressure of opinion was sufh-
cient to accomplish the purpose. Ac-
cording to a late issue of the Mt. Car-
mel Register, the engineers in charge
of the levee construction have agreed
to make a detour if necessary to save
the tree. The citizens of Mt. Carmel
are to be congratulated upon the pres-
ervation of this giant “‘aborigine” of
the Wabash Valley.

A Contest at New Trier

Pupils of the New Trier Township High School at Kenilworth took
part last May in a prize essay contest instituted by a patron of the school,
Mr. F. R. Barnett of Glencoe, who offered prizes of ten and five dollars
respectively for the two best essays on themes relating to bird life. Con-
ditions of the contest emphasized the value of original observations and
these were pleasingly reflected in the papers that resulted. The manuscript
of Paula Otten of Kenilworth was awarded first prize, that of John H. Sut-
ter of Wilmette, second prize. ‘The la‘ter’s paper was selected for re-
production in this number of the Bulletin because of the value of the data
relating to the nesting activity of a brown thrasher and also as a good
illustration of method of intelligent observation. New Trier High School
and the head of the Department of Biology, Mr. L. E. Hildebrand, are to
be congratulated upon the evidence that the pupils of that school go afield
for the acquiring of knowledge.

36 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Photo by F. N. Whitman Photo by F. N. Wh'tman

A RED-EYED VIREO ON ITS NEST, NEITHER INVIT- A CATBIRD POISED FOR A MUSICAL RE-
ING PUBLICITY NOR SHRINKING FROM IT. ACTION OF SOME SORT.

Photo by F. N. Whitman

A CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER ON ITS NEST. A BIRD WHICH DELIGHTS
IN SCRUB AND SECOND GROWTHS.

LL hots 2 UDUBON SOCTE TY 37

Forestry Legislation

A conference of state forestry officials was held at Atlantic City, No-
vember 12th to 13th, 1920, for the purpose of considering the question
of National Forestry Legislation and was attended by officials from six-
teen of the thirty-four state forestry departments. Colonel Greeley and
two others represented the Forest Service.

At this meeting a resolution was passed fully endorsing the recommenda-
tion of the U. S. Forest Service relating to cooperation with states in fire
protection and forest renewal, as embodied in the report on Senate resolu-
tion No. 311, known as the ‘Capper Report.” A brief summary of the
Capper Report called “Timber Depletion and the Answer’? may be ob-
tained free by writing the U. S. Forest Service or the longer report can
be obtained for 25 cents in coin from the Superintendent of Documents,
Washington, D. C.

These officials further urged upon Congress the enactment of the legis-
lation necessary to make those recommendations effective, accompanied by
suitable annual appropriations, which for the fiscal year ending June 30th,
1922 should be not less than one million dollars, this to be expended by
the Secretary of Agriculture in cooperation with the several states for
forest fire prevention and control, forest investigation, and timber pro-
duction including forest planting.

Colonel Greeley’s opinion is that about 75% of the difficulty in keeping
timber crops productive can be solved by efficient fire protection, so that
for the first few years this part of the program will be stressed. States
which can show that their fire protection is efficient can receive a certain
per cent of Federal funds, just as some of the states receive co-operation in
agricultural education under the Smith-Lever Act. Those states where
fire- production is not important, receive Federal Aid for the establish-
ment and maintenance of State Nurseries for distributing planting stock
~ at cost. The passage of such an appropriation bill would give many of
the states substantial aid in perfecting and carrying out their forestry
programs. Most states will ask their legislatures this winter for in-
creased appropriations for fire protection.. About $250,000 is available
under the Weeks bill now for co-operation in fire protection but with
many states co-operating the sums received by each are not large enough
and the bill limits expenditures in the state to the protection of water-
sheds of navigable streams.

Another important forestry meeting was held at Harrisburg, Pa.,
Dec. 8 and 9 under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Forestry Commission,
this meeting being called by Gifford Pinchot, Forestry Commissioner for
that state. With the various organizations now seeking extension in
forestry, such as the American Pulp and Paper Association, which met in
Chicago Nov. 12 and 13, the Council of Non-Using Industries, the Na-
tional Lumber Manufacturers Association and the Society of Amercan
Foresters, it is believed that the next few months will see something of
very great importance done. ‘The Forest Service, if given more funds, is
willing to co-operate in studies of land classification, forest taxation, legis-
lation, and other problems which have been giving difficulty to state
foresters for years.

38 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

It would seem that any state desiring to advance most rapidly in
matters of this kind should keep in close touch with the U. S. Forest
Service and this is the idea in Illinois at the present time. This
means, however, that to get the benefit of such assistance and cooperation,
the state must do as much as possible itself in securing appropriations and
building up a safe and sane forestry sentiment. This means education of
the public in forestry matters, in which all clubs with conservation depart-
menis can be very useful, since they can disseminate such information.

R. B. MILuer, State Forester.

_ Exhibit of the Wild Flower Preservation Society

‘The Chicago Chapter of the Wild Flower Preservation Society of
America has sent out invitations to its Third Annual Exhibition of Nature
Studies to be held in the East Galleries of the Art Institute from De-
cember 18, 1920, to January 18, 1921. Programs of particular interest
to children are planned for Saturday afternoons during the month at.three
o’clock. Beginning January 1, every afternoon at four, one of the Col-
lectors will give an informal talk and answer questions.

Six illustrated lectures on Nature Study will be given in the Club Room
at the Art Institute on the following dates at four o’clock.

Tuesday, Jan. 4—Birds and Flowers Through the Seasons
Mr. W. D. Richardson
Thursday, Jan. 6—Trees in Winter Form
Mr. Willard N. Clute
Friday, Jan. 7—Ferns of the Chicago Region
Miss Ruth Marshall

Monday, Jan. 10—Milk Weeds and Their Insect Guests
Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
Wednesday, Jan. 12—-Birds and Flowers of the Chicago Region
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz

Friday, Jan. 14—The Wonders of the Dunes
Mr. Henry C. Cowles

The exhibit of the Chicago Chapter last year was a tremendous suc-
cess and the interest aroused in the exhibit carried over into other cities
of Illinois. The Directors of the Art Institute were so favorably impressed
that they offered the Chapter gallery space greatly in excess of that used
last year and granted an extension of time for the exhibit to a month. The
lectures and programs are to be open to everyone interested.

Mrs. Charles L. Hutchinson is President of the Society, Mrs. Charles
S. Eaton, Secretary, 5744 Kimbark Avenue, and Mrs. Frederick W. Blocki,
Recording Secretary, 822 Buena Avenue.

(PLE NOTsS AUDUBON SOCTETY 39

The Wilson Ornithological Club

As the Bulletin goes into the mails the members of the Wilson Ornitho-
logical Club are on their way to Chicago to attend the annual meeting
which is to take place in conjunction with the meetings of other biological
societies, all affiliated with the American Association for the Advance-
ment of Science. ‘The officers of the Club for 1920 are as follows: Presi-
dent, R. M. Strong; Vice-President, H. C. Oberholser; Treasurer, G. L.
Fordyce; Secretary, A. F. Gainer; Editor, Lynds Jones.

The meetings of the Club will be held at the University of Chicago.
The members of the Chicago Ornithological Society and the Directors of
the Illinois Audubon Society will entertain visiting ornithologists on Mon-
day evening. ‘The program for the two days session is as follows:

Program
MONDAY, DEC. 2ith, ROOM M Ti, HARPER LIBRARY

foam. IM. -Conferduce of Officers.
Business Meeting of the Club.
The New Standard Catalog for Oological Exchange,
B. R. Bales, Circleville, O.
Ornithological Pot-Pourri—Members.
President’s Address.
12:30 A. M. Buffet Luncheon, Men’s Cafe, University of Chicago
Campus.
2:00 P: M. Harper Library—Bird Banding; Purpose, Methods and
| ; RecA e. octala, hs a | Results.
(Slides)—-S. Prentiss Baldwin, Cleveland, O.
Bird Banding in the Douglas Lake Region of Northern
Michigan.
(Slides)——Dayton Stoner, Iowa City, Iowa.
Address by Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio.
Bird Notes from Eastern Florida (Slides)
Gerard Alan Abbott, Gallipolis, O.
Glimpses of Bird Life from the Chicago Areas (Slides)
Wm. D. Richardson, Chicago, Il.

MONDAY EVENING

6:30 P. M. Annual Dinner at the City Club, Plymouth Place near
Van Buren.

|

8:30 P. M. Moving Picture Exhibition.

TUESDAY: MORNING, DEC. 28th, ROOM 14,

ZOOLOGY BUILDING

9:00 A. M. Impressions of a Nature Lover in the Applachian
Mountains.
(Slides) —O. M. Schantz, Cicero, II].
June Bird Notes from the Great Smoky Mountains of
‘Tennessee—
Albert F. Ganier, Nashville, Tenn.

40

27005 Be ae

THE AU DUB ON - BULLEN

Paper by C. W. G. Eifrig, Oak Park, Ill. No title.
The Great Horned Owl—Herbert L. Stoddard, Milwaukee,
. Wis.
Reports of Committees and Conclusion of Business. Room
10, Classics Building.
Songs and Call Notes of Wild Birds
George R. Mayfield, Nashville, Tenn.
Syenpos im of Bird Notes from the Nebraska Region
Myron H. Swenk, Lincoln, Neb.
Notes on Birds of the Cape Fear Region of the North
Carolina Coast (Slides) —Z. P. Metcalf, West Raleigh,

NG
From Vermont to Lake George (Shdes)

Gerard Alan Abbott, Gallipolis, O.
Adjournment.

THE BRIDGE OVER “MOSQUITO CREEK” NEAR BYRON BLUFFS. THIS IS ON THE
BEAUTIFUL RIVER ROAD FROM BYRON TO ROCKFORD.

fhizkiwotes, AUDUBON SOCIETY 41

Wild Ducks Come Home to Roost

The following very suggestive report of the success Mr. Jack Miner
of Kingsville, Ontario, has had in harboring wild fowl and banding them,
thereby securing valuable migration data, is copied from the issue of the
Iilinois Sportsman for Dec. 16, 1920:

Several years ago Mr. Miner set some wild duck eggs under an old
Plymouth Rock hen and reared to maturity four mallard ducks. He
named these Polly, Delilah, Susan and Helen. On the leg of each one
he placed an aluminum tag, on which were printed the words “Box 48,
Kingsville, Ontario.’ This was in the year 1912. That fall the birds
migrated and in December Helen was killed in Mitchell Bay, Lake St.
Clair. On March 14, 1913, Polly came back to Jack Miner’s pond, where
she was raised. On March 18 Delilah came home and on March 30
Susan, though wounded in the wing and foot, found her way back.
They migrated again that autumn and next year Polly came home ona
exactly the same date, March 14. On March 21 Delilah came home for
the. second time. Each year these birds raised a brood. They migrated
for the third time and in the spring of 1915 Delilah reached home first
on March 13 and Polly arrived on March 16. This time Polly was
wounded, having had the top of her bill shot away, and she did not
muetrate that fall. Delilah, however, left on time and returned for the
fourth time the next spring. In 1916 she again migrated and returned
in the spring. Again in 1917 she left with her brood for the South and
returned in the spring, 1918, completing her sixth round trip without
mishap. That fall she again raised a brood which she took south with
her. In the spring of 1919 Delilah was seen by members of Mr. Miner’s*
family, which makes the seventh time she returned after spending her
winters in the South. However, before it was possible to trap her to
record the absolute evidence from the tag on her leg, she disappeared
and Mr. Miner has reason to believe that she was illegally killed by a
man living near him.

Not only did these ducks return home each year, but many of those
which they raised also returned with them. All the ducks raised by
Mr. Miner were banded and each spring when they come back they are
trapped. and a record is kept of each one that has returned, at which
time Mr. Miner bands any other birds caught that have alighted with
his birds as visitors. In this way many hundreds of aluminum bands
have been sent broadcast over the country and much has been learned
as to their lines of flight from the records obtained when these birds
have been killed.

Mr. Miner has in preparation a book dealing with his experiences
with wild ducks and geese, illustrated with maps, skowing their lines
of migratory flight, as proved by his activities in banding and releasing
these birds. We feel sure that this work will prove interesting to all
lovers of wild life.

These records prove two things conclusively—that birds do return to
the place where they are hatched and that they know their friends and
guickly recognize where they are safe. In less than two days after
these birds returned to Jack Miner’s concrete ponds immediately adjacent
to his dwelling house in Kingsville, Ontario, he was able to get his
hands on them. Imagine such a thing being possible after these birds
had been shot at from practically every damp spot that they crossed
in their migration to the South and their winter sojourn there!

42 THE AUDUBON Baw 2 ein

THE YELLOW-HEADED BLACK-
BIRD, A “DOMINANT BIRD OF
THE REEDS” HERE APPEARS
VERY MUCH AT HOME. THERE
IS IN SIGHT A PLETHORA OF
MATERIAL FOR ITS COARSE
BULKY NEST WHICH IT LASHES
TO THE REEDS- THREE OB
FOUR FEET ABOVE THE
WATER.

Photo by F. N. Whitman

THE YOUNG FLICKER, NEED-
ING A GOOD DEAL OF ROOM
IN’ WHICH TO MANEUVER,
ALIGHTS UPON THE GROUND.
HIS OPEN MOUTH SIGNIFIES
NERVOUSNESS. RATHER THAN
A DISPOSITION TO CONVERSE.

Photo by John Sutter

THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S AS-
SISTANT. HE ALSO SERVES
WHO ONLY STANDS AND
HOLDS THE BRANCHES
BACK SO THAT THERE WILL
BE AN UNOBSTRUCTED
VIEW FOR THE CAMERA.
WADING OUT INTO DEEP
WATER IS A SIMPLE DE-
TAIL.

Photo by L. E. Hildebrand

Tah. Car OB ON BULL E:TIN 43

The Appreciation of Nature in the School
Program—A Memorial

(The following Memorial from the Friends of Our Native Landscape, ad-
dressed primarily to the Board of Education of the City of Chicago, was
sent last September to all school officials of that city and to the heads of
school systems in various parts of the country):

The undersigned respectfully invite your attention to this memorial and
petition which is concerned with the promotion of a greater appreciation of
our heritage of natural beauty and with the bringing about of a greater ap-
propriation of its influence into the lives of the present generation and of
those to come. We beg to present certain considerations which seem to in-
dicate the importance of action at this time on the part of your Honorable
Body looking to the accomplishment of such ends.

Never more than today have our national ideals seemed so tangible
a possession. Every national asset, spiritual as well as material, is re-
ceiving thoughtful appraisement, and everywhere among our citizenship
jealous efforts are being made to guard against any word or deed that may
blunt or impair the national aspiration. The public mind is prepared as
hardly ever before to give consideration to spiritual values in citizenship
and in its training, and this would surely appear to be a most opportune
time to give public appraisal of the value to our citizenship of a love of
out-of-doors.

As, with the inspiration and the challenge of the present crisis upon us,
we look out upon the many industrial waste places within our city where
large numbers of our people have their homes, we might well quicken our
resolve to work for the upbuilding of a generation that will not permit the
smothering out of nature from its surroundings; a generation that will
the rather see to it that nature more and more invades the city, and that
outposts from surrounding prairie and woodland are maintained as signi-
ficant and beneficent possessions within areas of urban life.

We cannot begin too soon to bend every possible energy toward a greater
diffusion of the sentiment for natural beauty and its preservation. The
multiplication of our small parks and, especially, the rapid development of
our forest preserve district, movements fraught with spiritual significance,
find us as a public ill-prepared to enter upon such inheritances. It is with
a certain amount of misgiving that the treasures of forest and country-
side and of winding watercourse, which obtain in the newly opened pre-
serves, are being thrown open to those to whom they rightly belong. Will
the people, invited to these scenes of sylvan loveliness, come unsympa-
thetic and as aliens, and with crudeness of taste begotten in harsh surround-
ings, mar and deface the landscape? Or will they come joyfully as into
a spiritual inheritance and cherish intimately and with reverence each of
the natural gifts opened up to them? As with the increasing facilities for
transportation the rich territory environing our city becomes more acces-
sible to masses of its people—the duneland with its charm and variety, the
Skokie, the ravines of the North Shore, the forested uplands, the cliffs that
front the crescent shore of Lake Michigan — will the coming of our people
to these domains of natural beauty be a source of dread to those upon whom

44 ILLINOTS AUDUBON SOCTETY

their stewardship devolves? In seeking answers to these questions we ap-
ply a searching test to our standards of civilization.

It is at such times that we turn hopefully to the youth in our schools and
are encouraged to plead for larger opportunities for their enlightenment
as to their natural heritage. We believe that the setting of our school
building and its surroundings should bid smiling defiance to all that may be
harsh and forbidding in the environment. Each school should have its ample
playgrounds screened with native trees and shrubs. There should be grass
plats dotted with wayside flowers. There should be school gardens where
vegetables and flowers can be grown and small plats devoted to grains and
grasses and other plants of commercial importance to the end that the chil-
dren may visualize the varied wealth of our soil.

We believe that generous provision should be made without delay for en-
riching the work in nature study in our schools. For every building there
should be a special director of nature study to encourage and assist the
teachers in their nature study work, to lead in field excursions, to have
charge of equipment, to be curator of specimens, etc. Equipment for this
work should be varied and abundant. There should be a plant house for
every school where the children’s active participation in propagation by
seed and bulb and cutting would be under way all the year round and where
the life histories of plants would be revealed. There should be aquaria and
equipment for keeping alive insects and other forms of animal life includ-
ing domesticated animals.

We believe that the teachers that come from our training schaele should
all have had generous courses in natural science based very largely upon
field trips and they should gather inspiration for themselves and for their
pupils from field and forest and from the nightly panorama of the stars.

Finally, in order that the possession of our great natural assets with
their innate possibility for exalting the ideals of our citizenship may be
brought impressively to the minds of each pupil and teacher, each super-.
visor and administrator in our system of schools, and thus to the attention
of the great public as well, we the undersigned respectfully petition that
your body set apart at least two days in the school year to be dedicated
to pilgrimages out-of-doors. One of these may well be a festival at the
height of Autumn coloration, another a fete to mark the high tide of
Spring. At such times these pilgrimages made in holiday mood but with
serious intent to spots of treasured beauty, whether of park or of boule-
vard or of countryside, would produce a lasting impression for good, equal-
ly in the minds of those who participate and of those who view the spec-
tacle. We do not presume to dictate to your Honorable Body, nor, through
you, to the staff of teachers of our schools, the details of such nature festi-
vals and excursions. We plead only for the permanent establishment of
such events upon the school calendar as will show that a great city gives
formal and impressive recognition to the value of a love for natural beauty
in refining and exalting its citizenship.

Jessig L. SMITH
EVERETY L. MILLARD
JENS JENSEN

LEE N OLS AUDUS ON. SOCTET Y 45

A Suggestive List of Bird Literature

The following list of books about birds is offered for the assistance of
those who are new in the field of bird study and for the convenience of
others who may be looking for titles of the latest bird literature. ‘The list
is concerned almost wholly with books to be used in the Illinois area.
Owing to conditions of the publishing business the retail prices indicated
must be regarded as tentative only. Unfortunately it is necessary to report
that several notable state publications are no longer available. Forbush’s
Useful Birds and Their Protection” and ‘Game Birds and Their Protec-
tion, etc.”’ are both out of print. This is true also of Eaton’s ‘Birds of
New York” issued in two large volumes with Fuertes’ superb illustrations
and published by the State of New York. Barrow’s volume entitled
“Michigan Bird Life,” valuable for Illinois students as well, can now be
obtained only in paper covers at one dollar a copy, postage extra. It is
very much to be hoped that new editions of the important works above
mentioned will ultimately appear.

BAILEY, FLORENCE MeErRRIAM Birds of Village and Field. A bird book
for beginners; with a color key to 154 birds and 300 illustrations.
12 mo. $2.00

BAYNES, ERNEST Harotp Wild Bird Guests. E. P. Dutton & Co. An
unusual book combining charming description and thoroughly practical
directions for the bird lover who wan’s to know how to attract and
protect the birds. It is especially valuable for its definite instructions
for forming bird clubs. $2.50

BLANCHAN, NELTJE Bird Neighbors. Doubleday, Page & Co. An in-
troductory acquaintance with 150 birds commonly found in the gar-
dens, meadows and woods about our homes. Introduction by Bur-
roughs. 48 colored plates. | $2.00

BurroucGHs, JoHN Bird Stories from Burroughs. Houghton, Mifflin &
Co. 8 full page illustrations by Fuertes. 174 pages. 12mo. 60 cents
BurGEss, THORNTON W. The Burgess Bird Book for Children. Little
Brown and Company. 353 pages with 60 full page illustrations in
color by Fuertes. Written for little children and in story form. It
aims to be an authoritative handbook on the appearance, habits, and
characteristics of the birds a child is most likely to see. A beautiful
book and very popular with children. $3.00
CHAPMAN, FRANK M. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. D.
Appleton & Co. Over 200 illustrations, 530 pages. 12mo. This
book heads the list of all of the bird books. It is easily the most use-
ful for study or reference. Pocket edition, flexible cover. $5.00
Library edition. | $4.00
MBG hn ds cee SHAN The Warblers of North America. D. Appleton &
Co. 24 full-page colored plates illustra‘ing every species and half-
tones of nests and eggs. Drawings by Fuertes and Horsfall. 306
pages. 8vo. Prepared with the co-operation of 30 other naturalists.
Contains valuable migration records, nesting dates, and biographical
references. An indespensable book for a study of the warblers. $4.00

46 . THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

BO vate acct eee ee ee eee Camps and Cruises of an Ornithologist. D. Apple-
ton & Co. With 250 photographs from nature by the author. 432
pages. 8vo. A fascinating story of various expeditions to obtain
material for the “‘Habitat Groups” of North American Birds for the
American Museum of Natural History. $4.00

Rae ae tei, Y and REED, CHESTER A. Color Key to North American
Birds. Doubleday, Page & Co. 800 drawings by Reed. 312 pages.
8vo. Excellent reference for identifications. Very brief notes. $3.50

BeNOR Me jor coats eae OO The Travels of Birds. D. Appleton and Co. 160
pages with maps and drawings. Chapters entitled Birds as Travelers,
Preparing for the Journey, Birds’ Air Line, Birds’ Time Table, Day
Fliers, Night Fliers, Dangers by the Way, Why Birds Travel, etc.
Very entertaining summary of latest information about bird migra-
tion told in language within comprehension of pupils of intermediate
grades. 72 cents

Si Sa hs A he ea i Our Winter Birds, How to Know and How to
Attract Them. D. Appleton and Co. 12mo. 180 pages. Illustrated.
“Serves as an excellent textbook for those who begin bird-study in
winter and contains such information as is desired by persons who
find pleasure in having birds about their homes in the bleaker months”.
Two color plates picture 42 species of winter birds. 80 cents

oie Ani ie eae a an he What Bird is Thatz-~D. Appleton qa t@ ones
pages. Every land bird east of the Rocky Mountains (301 species
in all) appears in group pictures where are shown the color and
markings and the relative size of the bird. The accompanying text
describes the distinguishing marks, range, nest, eggs and song of each
bird and the localities where and seasons when it may be found. The
pictures though small are clear and accurate. The book is literally a
“pocket museum” of birds. $1.50

Ducmore, A. Rapciirre Bird Homes. Doubleday, Page & Co. 183
pages. 16 colored plates and 50 half-tones. 8 vo. A useful book.
$2.00

Fintey, W. L. American Birds, Photographed and Studied from Life.
Charles Scribner’s Sons. 256 pages. Large, 12mo. Each of the
twenty-one chapters of this book represents one bird family, the
selections being nation-wide in scope. ‘The book is entertainingly writ-
ten and is illustrated with unusually good photographs taken in the
field. A splendid work. $3.00

GILMORE, ALBERT Fietp Birds of Field, Forest and Park. Foreword by
T. Gilbert Pearson. Page and Co. 318 pages. Illustrations by
Horsfall and Fuertes. A very readable book, familiar and conversa-

tional in style. Limited in its range to the east but of general interest.
$2.50

HensHaw, Henry W. The Book of Birds. National Geographic Society.
200 pages. 250 subjects in full color; 58 other illustrations. Treats
of “Common Birds of Town and Country,” “The Warblers,” and
“American Game Birds,” all beautifully illustrated from paintings by
Louis Agassiz Fuertes. Additional valuable chapters by F. H. Ken-

iin eis 2-U DUR ON. SOCILE TY 47

nard, George Shiras, 3rd, and Welles W. Cook. A book of reference
and a fascinating book to read. $3.00

Herrick, Francis Hoparr The Home Life of Wild Birds. G. P.
Putnam’s Sons. 255 pages. 8vo. A popular story of birds in action.
Chiefly concerned with homes or nests and their occupants. Very
valuable photographic records. ‘One of the best expositions of the
scientific method in the observation of the life of the nest.” $2.00

Jos, HerBerT K. How to Study Birds. Outing Publishing Co. 272 pages.
Large 12mo. Chapters on method of bird study, equipment (cam-
eras, etc.), identification, learning bird calls and notes, migration,
nesting season, eic. $1.50

PAGS Se The Sport of Bird Study. Outing Publishing Ceo
134 half-tones. 8 vo. Book designed especially for the beginner at
the study. Wonderful display of photographs from life. $2.00

fie eee Wild-Wings. Outing Publishing Co. 341 pages.
Square 8vo. Profusely illustrated from photographs. Adventures of a

- camera hunter among the larger wild birds of America on land and
sea. Introductory letter by Theodore Roosevelt. $3.00

. 2a ae Propagation of Wild Birds. Doubleday, Page & Co.
276 pages. 121 photographs from life by the author. A manual of
applied ornithology, treating of practical methods of propagating
quails, doves, waterfowl, etc. ‘There are four chapters on methods
of attracting and increasing smaller land birds, including aids to nest-
ing, making surroundings attractive and artificial feeding.

Lapp, NEIL Morrow How to Attract Birds About the House. Green-
wich Bird Protective Society, Greenwich, Conn. 68 pages, 40 illus-
trations mostly from photographs. Paper cover. Valuable pamphlet.

35 cents

MatrHews, F. SCHUYLER Field Book of Wild Birds and Their Mustc.
G. P. Putnam’s Sons. 262 pages. 16mo. 38 colored and 15 other full-
page illustrations and numerous musical notations. A description of the
characteristics and music of birds and intended to assist in the identi-
fication of the species common in Eastern United States. Can be
carried a-field in one’s pocket. Flexible leather, $3.00; Cloth $2.50

MILLER, OLIVE THORNE The First Book of Birds. Houghton, Mifflin
& Co. 12 mo. 149 pages with 8 colored and 12 plain plates and 20
figures in the text. This book has long been highly prized by experi-
enced leaders of children’s bird clubs. $1.75

a ear The Second Book of Birds. Houghton, Mifflin & Co.
12mo. 209 pages with 8 colored plates from designs by Fuertes and
16 other illustrations. ‘This stimulating book is about bird families,
explaining why. the birds are thus grouped and how the families may
be distinguished, etc. $1.75

Pearson, T. GILBERT The Bird Study Book. National Association of
Audubon Societies. 12mo. 258 pages. Color frontispiece. Pen and
ink drawings by Simmons and 16 photographs. An excellent book for
beginners and also of great interest to experienced observers. But re-
cently published and contains latest information as to progress of

48 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

movement for bird conservation, etc. The author as. President of the
National Association of Audubon Societies is a well informed writer
on birds in America. | 7 $1.25
REED, CHESTER A. bird Guide. Doubleday, Page & Co. In two parts.
Pocket size. Illustrations in color.
Part I. Water and Game Birds; Birds of Prey East of the Rockies.
Flexible cloth $1.25; flexible leather $1.50.
Part II. Land Birds East of the Rockies from Parrots to Bluebirds.
Flexible cloth $1.25; flexible leather $1.50. |
These well-known Bird Guides are of great service in identification
of birds. The two Guides may be obtained bound in a single volume,
flexible leather, for $2.50
RHE tN a en 25 North American Birds’ Eggs. Doubleday, Page &
Co. 356 pages. Numerous illustrations. 8vo. The eggs of nearly
every North American bird appear life size in half-tone illustrations.
An accurate description of each bird and its range are given. $2.50
TRAFTON, GILBERT H. Bird Friends. A complete Bird Book for Ameri-
cans. Houghton, Mifflin & Co. 336 pages. Aims to gather within one
book a brief discussion of essential facts concerning bird life that are
of general interest. Contains much carefully edited material from
government bulletins. $3.00
WALTER, HERBERT E. and AticE H. Wild Birds in City Parks. Pocket
edition with chart showing migration of birds. Written for use in
Chicago Parks but very useful elsewhere. ‘The very brief character-
izations are of unusual value. 40 cents
WEED, CLARENCE M. AND DEARBORN, NED Birds in their Relation to
Man. J. B. Lippincott & Co. 390 pages. Large, 12mo. The sub-
ject is set forth in a most readable style and the scientific data covered
by the authors (for the most part first-hand) is of great practical

value. A very useful book. $2.50.

WHEELOCK, IRENE GROSVENOR Westlings of Forest and Marsh. 12
- photographs and other illustrations by Harry B. Wheelock. 12mo.
Written in a most pleasing style by a patient and careful observer.
WuitTMaN, F. N. Familiar Studies of Wild Birds. Richard C. Badger.
85 pages with 72 photographs by the author. Contains a chapter of
descriptive material with excellent photographs for each of eleven
species of birds. Additional chapters on ‘‘Notes from the Indiana
Sand Dunes” and “‘the Photography of Birds.” $3.00
WRIGHT, MaBeL Oscoop SBuirdcraft. A field book of two hundred song,
game, and water birds. 80 full-page plates by Fuertes. 317 pages.
12mo. $2.50
WRIGHT, MaBet Oscoop AND Cougs, Dr. ELitior Citizen Bird. Mac-
Millan Co. 430 pages. 12mo. Scenes from bird life in plain
English for beginners. One of the best introductions to the study of
bird life. Profusely illustrated by Fuertes. $1.50

= Ge . 6

HE Illinois Audubon Society recommends the organiza-
tion of Junior Audubon Societies under one or the
other of the following plans:

First plan: Organize under the auspices of the National
Association of Audubon Societies and take advantage of
the special offer to pupils made possible by generous
patrons of the Society. Each member paying ten cents will
receive a set of six educational leaflets with colored pictures
and outline drawings for coloring with crayons. Each
member will also receive the Audubon button which repre-
sents a badge of membership in a Junior Audubon class.
Each teacher who organizes a class of twenty or more
receives a year's free subscription to Bird-Lore, the official
organ of the Association. Address the Secretary, 1974
Broadway, New York City.

Second plan: Organize under the auspices of the I]linois
Audubon Society. Each pupil is to pay fifteen cents for a
copy of ‘‘Useful Birds and Their Protection’’ published by
the United States Government, copies to be obtained either
from the Secretary of the Illinois Audubon Society or by
sending directly to the Superintendent of Documents at
_ Washington, D. C. To each member of a group provided

with this beautifully illustrated bulletin the Illinois Audu-
bon Society will give without charge the Audubon button
of membership in the Illinois Society and will send to
the leader of the group for a period of one year all the
publications and special notices of the Society together
with an illustrated certificate showing that the group is a
member of the Illinois Audubon Society. Teachers wish-
ing to enroll pupils under local plans may obtain Audubon
buttons for two cents each.

Address the

Illinois Audubon Society
10 South La Salle Street
CHICAGO

The

Audubon Bulletin

Spring 192]

Published by
The ILLINOIS
AUDUBON
Soci FY

[lincis Audubos Seaam
Service

The Society has two collections of hand-colored
lantern slides of bird life, each with an accompany-
ing printed lecture. These are loaned free of
charge to any school or organization in the state
but borrower pays express charges both ways.

The Society has travelling libraries of bird
books which are loaned to schools or organizations
for a reasonable length of time, the borrower
paying express charges both ways. __

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200
typical [Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces
for recording migration and nesting data. Schools,
Boy Scout organizations, and individuals as well
find these of great service. Price ten cents each.

The Society has in press a pocket check list of
birds with colored zonal maps. This list records
every known species of birds that visits Illinois
or nests within its borders. Send in applications
for copies of the first edition.

The Society publishes the Langdon Cat Circular
which is invaluable in arousing interest in the
question of protecting birds from marauding cats.
Price five cents each.

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the
Italian language warning against violation of
laws for bird protection. Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society,
1649 The Otis Building, Chicago

President Secretary-Treasurer

Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago Riverside
Vice President
Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
Highland Park

ON SS ee oe ee ey ne

=e

Application for Membership )
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society, and being '

in sympathy with them, I wish to become @........-:::ccscsssssssssssususenssusnssonsnenunn #svsesunsnsnsnusgsaseeeecsnaneesnen
member of the Society.

Contributing memberships . $5.00. Annually |
Sustaining memberships. $25.00. No annual dues if
Life memberships. f $100.00. No annual dues t
Benefactor . ' ‘ $500.00. No annual dues if
Patron : ’ : $1000.00. No annual dues rr

All members receive the publications of the Society.

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society, 1649 Otis Bldg., Chicago.

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Active memberships : $1.00. Annually a
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'

FORM OF BEQUEST |

I do hereby give and bequeath to THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON.
SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF
WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois. a

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To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois |
Audubon Society must increase its membership. Out of ;
a population of nearly six millions, Illinois should have at |
least ten thousand people who are enough interested in _
bird life to help the Society in its conservation efforts. |
Will you not help us expand our usefulness? |

the persons whose names appear on the other side of this

I suggest for membership in the II|linois Audubon Society |
sheet. |

Yes

1 MRE TE EEN eh yf ee Ye ee
May we use your name? INe fi

1
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, 1649 OTIS BLDG., CHICAGO | [

Ist.

2nd.

3rd.

Ath.

5th.

~The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support
upon the contributions of its members and friends. It
should have an income from a moderate endowment
sufficient to meet all fixed expenses.

@ The present income is totally inadequate to meet the
urgent and incessantly growing demands.

The Aims and Principles of the Illinois
Audubon Society are:
To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the schools, and
to disseminate literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and Fed-
deral laws relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of the
ostrich and domestic fowls.

To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruction
of wild birds and their eggs.

To restore to our wild birds wherever practicable, the natural
environment of forest and shrubbery which gave them food,
protection and seclusion.

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Sw eae es ee en ee aS ees ss ee ee SS ~
-_ _ _ ee ee rele iter ee ie ca Se Eee ee ety ee ae

Needs

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, INc.

i I ee ee

1649 OTIS BUILDING eee a CHICAGO
(OVER)

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Aidcirasec 1 Aerie ee BS SP AER EET BSS tel DACT) SAN ARE ASDA DS BOD of © et a ee !
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|

The Aims and Principles of the

Illinois Audubon Society are:

Ist.

2nd.

3rd.

4th.

To encourage the study of birds, particu-
larly in the schools, and to disseminate
literature relating to them.

To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich and
domestic fowls.

To discourage in every possible way,
the wanton destruction of wild birds
and their eggs.

Photo by Isaac E. Hess

A FAMILY OF BROWN THRASHERS

A FINISHED MUSICIAN CONTENT TO REAR ITS YOUNG IN A SCRAMBLED NEST OF
TWIGS, COARSE ROOTLETS AND LEAVES, LINED WITH FINER ROOTLETS.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1921

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the Illinois Audubon Society writes:

The Junco, the Fox Sparrow, and the Hermit Thrush still linger within
our area, though north-bound for the summer, as the Spring Bulletin of
the Illinois Audubon Society starts on its way. It has a varied message.
The epic of bird migration unfolds itself in notes from widely separated
areas, and in the story of the travels of Illinois birds. The testimony of
bird-bands confirms the story of periodic flights and return. An intensive
study of a bird of the hedge row and meadow is presented, and notes on
the behavior of certain birds contributed. Once more and fittingly there
is the appeal for refuges for wild life, for the preservation of bits of
marsh and woodland and other significant forms of natural beauty. Arbor
and Bird Day with planting and outdoor spectacles and pilgrimages to
significant natural possessions is stressed. The shadow of the prowler on
the life of fledglings again appears, and remedies are candidly discussed.
The mounting and display of bird pictures is illustrated and various news
items entered in their appropriate place. The President of the National
Association of Audubon Societies is introduced, and his appearance as a
lecturer before the society chronicled.

It is a pleasure to thank the many contributors to this number of the
Bulletin for valuable co-operation. The Society is honored by such service.
Recognition is due other workers who have appreciably augmented our list
of new members and who have secured the additional revenue required to
maintain the Bulletin.

The present condition of the Society is most promising. Its opportunity
is great. Its usefulness is limited only by the support it can secure. Let
us all constitute ourselves a membership committee. Legislation is pending
which will soon require the united support of forward-looking people.
To such the Illinois Audubon Society offers membership as a vantage

ground for achievement.
OreHEUS M. SCHANTZ

+ THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The National Association of Audubon Societies

The annual report for 1920 of the National Association of Audubon
Societies impresses one as usual with the national import of the work of the
organization. ‘Thirty-seven wardens were employed, two of these in Mich-
igan, the remainder on the coast from Maine to Louisiana. Seven field
agents through lectures, published articles, correspondence, and personal
work performed services of great value to the cause of wild-life protection.
These agents were E. H. Forbush for New England; William L. Finley
for the Pacific Coast; Winthrop Packard for Massachusetts; Mary S.
Sage for Long Island, New York; Arthur H. Norton for Maine; Frances
A. Hurd for Connecticut; and Herbert K. Job, in charge of the Depart-
ment of Applied Ornithology. Two paragraphs from the report are here-
with reproduced.

“In January, 1919, through the columns of Bzrd-Lore this association
first advised the public of the Eagle Bounty Law in operation in Alaska.
Since then we have continued to bulletin, from time to time, the results of
this measure. ‘The last report from our representative in Alaska showed
that the official territorial records reveal the fact that bounties had already
been paid on the feet of 8356 eagles. Nor does this tell the entire story
of the appalling slaughter of the American eagle, for it should be borne in
mind that to collect the fifty cents bounty it is necessary to bring in the
feet to some territorial official and pay a fee for an affidavit to accompany
them before the bounty can be collected. Men who secure only one or
two eagles at a time, or who shoot their birds a very long distance from the
place where the bounty is paid, of course never report their killings. Fur-
thermore, many hundreds of eagles undoubtedly are wounded by gunfire
and escape in the wilderness to die later from their injuries. We have filed
the most vigorous protests against this law and for a time it appeared there
were prospects of getting it repealed by the territorial legislature, but the
latest reports are that a great majority of the people of the region, includ-
ing Governor Riggs, have such fixed ideas of the destructiveness of this bird
to fish and game that the Bounty Law is in no immediate danger.”

All previous records in the organization of Junior Audubon classes were
broken the past year. Before the spring had far advanced, the 200,000
sets of literature, bird pictures, and Audubon buttons prepared for the
entire year’s work became exhausted. Eighty thousand sets of leaflets and
pictures left over from previous years were brought out of storage and were
readily accepted by pupils and teachers in lieu of this year’s material. By
the middle of May all possible sources of supplies had been exhausted and
regretfully we began returning to the disappointed children their ten-cent
fees. Our ever-generous and unknown benefactor again gave $20,000 to
this cause for the past year. With a total of $27,500 we enrolled and pro-
vided supplies to 280,963 children in the United States and Canada.

The report shows that in Illinois 375 classes for children were organ-
ized with a membership of 12,960. The Illinois Audubon Society recog-
nizes with grateful appreciation the value of the work the National So-
ciety is doing within our state. It is the duty of the Illinois Society to
carry on the work thus initiated and in turn to urge upon the citizens of
our state adequate financial support for the National Society.

fEAITN COIS. AUDUBON SOCIETY

or

Concerning the Dickcissel of the I]linois Prairies.

A Review

In the January, 1921, number of The Auk appears the first of a series
of two articles on the Dickcissel of the Illinois Prairies by Dr. Alfred O.
Gross, which, as the title indicates, should be of unusual interest to Illinois
readers. ‘The article treats of the geographical range, abundance and dis-
tribution of the Dickcissel in Illinois, migration, general activities and be-
havior, etc. “The second
article, to ‘appear (10
April number of ‘The
Auk, will cover such top-
ics as food and life his-
tory, mest, eggs, and
plumage at _ different
stages of growth. These
two articles comprise a
notable study which
while somewhat __ tech-
nical has much in it of
fascinating interest to
the general reader. To
give readers of the Bul-
letin some idea of the
value of the series of
articles, liberal quota-
tions therefrom are here
made, with the author’s
permission.

THE DICKCISSEL As a preface to the

A DETAIL FROM A MUMFORD PICTURE. REDUCEDFROM paragraphs quoted be-
PHOTOGRAPH WITH PERMISSION OF A. W. MUMFORD low, it may be said that

7 Dr. Gross is Professor
of Biology at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine. In 1906, while still
an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois, he and another
student were selected by Professor Forbes to make an autumn bird sur-
vey across Illinois, from east to west. This they successfully ac-
complished, walking from Danville to Quincy in 53 days and mak-
ing careful record of the bird life they found in a sirip 150 feet wide and
192 miles long! The data secured was published by Professor Forbes in
April, 1907, in a bulletin entitled, ‘“An Ornithological Cross-section. of
Illinois in Autumn.” In 1907 Dr. Gross with an assistant spent a month
in each of the three sections of Illinois, making careful surveys of the bird
life, and again in 1909 the work was repeated, this time ten days a month
being spent in each section during the three summer months. In this way
Dr. Gross secured valuable statistics relating to the comparative abundance
of the common birds of the Illinois fields.

As a general introduction to his subject Dr. Gross writes:
“To one who journeys along the dusty roads of Central Illinois on a
hot summer day, there is nothing that relieves the quiet monotony of the

6 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

sunny open landscape more than the earnest, incessant calls of the Dick-
cissel. Even the farmer and the layman, whose chief interests may be in
the dollars and cents of the productive grain fields, cannot fail to have
their attention attracted by this bird as it loudly and lustily announces its
presence. The clear accented notes of the monotonous song at once sug-
gest the bird’s common name—Dickcissel. In the middle west it is pop-

ularly and generally known as the ‘Little Meadowlark,’ a name that has

arisen because of its resemblance in miniature to the common Meadowlark.
Indeed, some very intelligent farmers believe the Dickcissels to be merely
small individuals of the larger and well known bird. ‘The name Black-
throated Bunting, so often met with in the writings of the older authors,
is now less used by bird students. By the typical westerner who knows
the Dickcissel intimately, he is often referred to as ‘Dick.’

The Dickcissel contributes not only its beauty and song to its environ-
ment but does its bit in the economy of nature by consuming scores of de-
structive insects, as well as hundreds of seeds of obnoxious weeds, harmful
to the crops. In Central Illinois where the Dickcissel is at its best, it
ranks among the most abundant and important birds from an economic
point of view. The ornithological writings contain many notes pertaining
to the distributon of the Dickcissel, but very little has been contributed on
the life history of this interesting and important bird, which deserves
better and more general recognition. For this reason the author feels that
no apology is necessary in presenting the results of this study.”

Abundance and Distribution

In commenting upon the abundance and distribution of the Dickcissel
in Illinois, Dr. Gross produces the following statistics obtained during
the bird surveys mentioned above:

General Statistics Illinois Bird Survey—Summer, 1909.

No. of No. of No. of | Order of
Acres : Dickcis- Stine BS i
ele birds N f Dickcis- | Dickcis-
Section Time on wre’) counted es oe sels. sel
birds were species. | counted
on 5o-yd. per sq. | abund-
counted. ; on 50-yd. :
strip. mile. ance.
strip.
Northern |June 30
4794 7647 71 96 12.83 5th.
Illinois Sept. 15
Central une 22
J 3807 6368 67 147 24.72 5th.
Illinois Sept. 4 .
uthern une 8
22 J 3023 3973 81 110 23.28 7th.
Illinois Aug. 26 .
Totals 11624 17988 117 353 18.9 11th.

ss

Leen Ons AUDUBON. SOCLET Y 7

“The statistics of the above tables give us concrete evidence of the great
abundance of the Dickcissel and emphasize the importance of the species
in the economic ornithology of the middle west. In 1909, out of 85 species
recorded for the whole state, the Dickcissel ranked fifth in the abundance
of individual birds, and in 1909, among the 177 species observed, it stands
eleventh. According to these data there are, during the summer months
in the 56,000 square miles of the state, more than a million Dickcissels
busily engaged in protecting valuable crops from the devastating grass-
hoppers. Surely such an army of useful workers is not to be ignored in
these strenuous times of conservation.

The density of the Dickcissel population of southern I]linois is prac-
tically the same as it is in the central part of the state; whereas in the
northern third of the state the number of Dickcissels per square mile is
very much less. ‘This marked difference is correlated with the fact that
northern Illinois, about 42 degrees latitude is near the northern limit of the
summer range of this bird.”

One may well linger over the statistics embodied in Table IV below.
This names the twelve commonest summer birds of Illinois and tells which
one is the commonest. From this we can compute the percent of the total
made up of English sparrows (31 percent) and that of blackbirds (35
percent. )

The twelve Commonest Birds with the Numbers of Each Species Seen
Within the Fifty-Yard Strip On All Areas Included In The Survey of the
State—Summer, 1909.

TABLE ITV.
Order of Total No.
abundance. Common name. seen.
i! PED CHISH? SPAGUONG oa oe omen slow ew woo Loe tert ic dee otaed als 4239
2 Got Ze deer ACISEs oO) ne ARE tes hie orca te he ee ee ns ee ae 2455
3 COND TIECE & Oe micncnnet Lan a era gee, Sone ean nn eae 1845
4 Meadowlastk ..2.06.4 5% Py See TEE RE Neo Ee ane 1434
5 HPS AGENT SUE) WE aaa Hae ach ic wind, cunt SE coat ade Eto eek 670
6 1 B93) DL WHT ao ea Pee ee OR: “met a naa nee a oe Me Ae 631
7 ed-wingemr PlackiInGd en scahacue 2 oe duke WEeo mek va wnlelelo 573
8 LRG heat PAK 2S HEIL WS ge eee a, a ecg ne | RO i eee ad 419
9 LPG] Ore Se eA eS = SL PE A SOI ole Oe ae Pais <n) en oe Pe 417
10 Paine: El@tied Wuarkote oe oc ss fckn ook cust ees eke ot bk 414
11 Dielscrsse ame eee eh ee Ue Be Bee ocd een ene 353
12 CRON Ges tye fee eps, Eo San Rae: Jean A ae ieee ee 287
TEC (ET eA shit eat Ee ct 5. SS a ee a 13737

Space permits of only a brief reference to Dr. Gross’ report upon the
song of the Dickcissel. He says :

“The Dickcissel begins singing as soon as it arrives in the spring, indeed,
the presence of the male newcomer is usually made known by his loud,
characteristic call. During the nesting season the song can be heard nearly
all times of the day, but it is by no means the first of the bird voices to be
heard in the morning. During the early morning hours, while waiting in
my blind for the coming of dawn, the weird call of the Pheasants, the
booming of the Prairie Hens, the cooing of the Mourning Doves, the
whistled Bob-White calls, and even the sweet songs of the Song and Vesper
Sparrows were heard long before the Dickcissel added his voice to the
chorus. As the day wore on and the heat increased the first voices were

8 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

silenced. one by one, but the Dickcissel kept up his singing with an un-
diminished earnestness. Even in the middle of the day, when the waves
of heat that rose from the fields to an almost unbearable intensity drove
most birds to cover, the song of the Dickcissel was still in evidence. The
earnestness and persistence of the Dickcissel is a trait we are compelled to
admire.”

The Society's Lecture Course

The annual spring series of bird lectures given in Chicago under the
auspices of the Illinois Audubon Society has been under way as the final
contributions to the Bulletin were reaching the printer. ‘These lectures
were held in the Louis XVI room of the Hotel Sherman and before audi-
ences averaging four hundred or more people. As usual they have greatly
stimulated local interest in bird life and the Society has had substantial
increases in its membership list.

- The first lecture of the series was given on Saturday, March 12th, by
Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, President of the National Association of Audubon
Societies. It was Mr. Pearson’s first appearance in Illinois and he at once
established friendly relations which will doubtless increase Illinois’ sup-
port for the National Association. Mr. Pearson reviewed the progress of
the cause of bird protection during the past thirty years and then with the
aid of lantern slides visualized for his audience episodes of the progress
and incidents of bird life in general.

Mr. Robert Cushman Murphy of the American Museum of Natural
History gave the second lecture of the course on Saturday, March 19th.
His subject was Birds and Animals of the Peruvian Coast. The spectacular
motion pictures which accompanied his fascinating lecture were secured
during the recent expedition of the Brooklyn Museum to the Peruvian coast
and islands. The films shown of the colonies of Cormorants, Pelicans and
Gannets are among the most interesting natural history films ever taken.

The third and last lecture of the series was given by Mr. Norman
McClintock and was entitled ‘““American Birds in Motion Pictures.” Mr.
McClintock has appeared several times before the Illinois Audubon So-
ciety and he is regarded almost as an asset of the Society. He brought
with him new motion pictures made during the past year, some of them
concerned with the bird life of the Florida coast. In. this lecture Mr.
McChntock maintained the high standard of his previous lectures. His
almost perfect motion pictures contribute strikingly to our knowledge of
bird life.

The Indiana Audubon Society

The Spring 1921 Bulletin of the Indiana Audubon Society is at hand,
compact with good material for all classes of readers. There are excellent
articles embodying the experiences of trained observers in studying the
habits of birds and there is an unusually valuable report of happenings at
a bird sanctuary near Crawfordsville. News of activities from various
parts of the state is presented and there are special articles designed to
enlist the Women’s Clubs and the schools of the state in the work. It is
well edited, well printed, and the illustrations are attractive.

Peis: AUDUBON SOCTET Y 9

T. Gilbert Pearson

President of the National Association of Audubon Societies

Because of the recent appearance
in Chicago of the newly elected
President of the National Associa-
tion of Audubon Societies, Mr. T.
Gilbert Pearson, to deliver the first
of the series of lectures in the an-
nual spring lecture course of the
Illinois Audubon Society, it is time-
ly and fitting that this number of
the Bulletin should present a sketch
of the life and activities of the man.
A vigorous speaker, an undaunted
leader in campaigns for legislation
and law enforcement, Mr. Pearson is
one of the most forceful personal-
ities the cause of bird protection in
America has enlisted. The signifi-
cance of his contribution to the cause
appears in records of state and
rational legislation and in_ the
awakened sense of the value of bird
life as a national asset.

T. Gilbert Pearson was born in
Tuscola, Illinois, November 10,
1873. While he was yet a small boy his parents moved to Florida and he
grew up in the lake country of that State, where he was accus‘omed to as-
sociate with many plume hunters and alligator hunters that were rampant in
those days. Influenced by his surroundings one of his early ambitions was
to be an Egret plume hunter for the millinery trade in New York, but before
he acquired the skill in the handling of a gun his interest in birds took
another turn.

At the age of thirteen, Mr. Pearson became an intense collector of
birds’ eggs. Fortunately he started right and collected scientifically, keep-
ing records of each set of eggs taken, etc. Just before he was seventeen he
went to North Carolina to school and his collection of eggs was used to
pay his tuition in the beginning. He worked his way through school and
college and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1899, then
went to Harvard for a short course in science. For three and a halt years
Mr. Pearson was Professor of Biology in the State College for Women in
North Carolina and while there organized the State Audubon Society, and
‘in 1903 drafted a somewhat unusual game bill and induced the Legis-
lature to adopt it. This measure not only protected all the non- game birds
in the State, but provided a closed season on game birds, and prohibited
the shipment of game out of the State. The most unusual feature of the
bill was that it incorporated the State Audubon Society with the powers
of a state Game Commission. For seven years following Mr. Pearson

T. GILBERT PEARSON

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

was the State Game Commissioner of North Carolina with all powers of |
such title. He operated as Secretary of the North Carolina Audubon
Society. 3

He lectured throughout South Carolina and induced the Legislature
of that state to adopt a similar law. When the National Association of
Audubon Societies was incorporated in January 1905 he became Secretary
and has been the one officer to devote his entire time to the work since.
Six years after the Association was organized the President was stricken
with paralysis and for the ten years following as Executive Secretary, Mr.
Pearson attended to the duties of both Secretary and President. In October
1920, after the death of William Dutcher he was elected President. Under
his management the past ten years the Association has greatly enlarged
and its income has grown from about $30,000 to $150,000 a year. He is
the originator of many phases of the Audubon work operating in America
today, including the Junior Department which has enrolled in ten years,
more than 1,500,000 (one million, five hundred thousand) children—one
quarter of a million more than the Boy Scouts have enrolled during the same
period.

Mr. Pearson has done a great deal of lecturing throughout the United |
States during the past twenty years, appearing before University audiences,
Chautauquas, Audubon Societies, Legislative Committees, Women’s Clubs
and other groups of people. He has been actively connected with the more
important national bird legislation during the past fifteen years, and is
the author of many state and federal laws on the subject.. He has done
much magazine writing and his name appears on seven books devoted to
the discussion of the habits and activities of birds.

Mr. Pearson is a member of the Explorer’s Club of America, the Camp
Fire Club of America in New York, and the Cosmos Club in Washington
City. He is a Quaker, a democrat, and the father of three North Carolina.
children.

Concerning Prowlers

This number of the Bulletin will reach some parts of the state where
already nestlings are being fed. Soon lawns and shrubbery and road-sides
will be patrolled by anxious parents concerned for the welfare of willful
offspring that have left the nest too soon, or that have had mishaps in their
first venture abroad. Then the foraging cat will be true to its instinct.
During the next few weeks, more harm will result to bird life from cats
than will be produced by any other destructive agency, man included, in
a year, weather conditions possibly excepted.

What restraint shall one put upon one’s pet cats? Feed them well so
that appetite will not prick the instinct to kill. Then plan for the con-
trol of their movements. One way is to tether them to overhead wires,
which give them limited areas of activity. Another way that has proved
satisfactory is to enclose spaces under porches with netting of some sort,
as large cages, in which the family cats are confined during certain parts
of the day, especially at night and during the early morning hours. A

I7ZLa NOLS AUDUBON SOCIETY 11

Vermont woman writes in Bird-Lore, ‘““We have solved the question of
how to control our family cat. His days are spent under the south piazza,
where he sits contentedly looking out through the netting in front, or
curls up in a box in a shady corner. After the birds are quiet for the
night he is released. ‘The good supper that awaits him at nine o’clock
never fails to bring him to the door, where he is captured and safely
shut up for the night.”’

Cats should be licensed. Cat licenses would be doubly beneficial. Pet
cats would be better cared for, and the stray cats would be reduced to the
minimum. ‘This would be a kindness to both and a blessing to man. There
is no room anywhere for vagabond cats. The license fee need not be large,
its chief purpose being to tag cats valued by somebody so that the proper
village authorities may know what cats are homeless, and also pay a fee to
some appointed person to trap stray cats and kill them in some humane way.

The department of game and fish of the state administration has been
requested to draft a law which would permit municipalities to impose a
tax on cats as well as dogs. A simple way to bring this about would be
to insert four words in the revised statutes as they now are. ‘This would
make the eightieth item in paragraph No. 62 of article No. 5 read as fol-
lows, the changes being printed in italics: ‘The city council in cities,
and the President and board of trustees in villages shall have the follow-
ing powers:

“Eightieth: To regulate, restrain and prohibit the running at large
of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, geese, dogs and cats, and to impose a
tax on dogs and cats.”

Clothed with these powers, municipalities should adopt cat ordinances
providing for the extermination of stray and unrestrained cats, and officers
should be designated to collect and dispose of such cats in a humane way.
All cats not bearing license tags should be designated stray and unrestrain-
ed cats and treated accordingly.

Cats should be tethered or confined from late afternoon to late morn-
ing during the bird nesting season ; that is, from about April 1 to October
1. There is no logic or reason in passing laws to punish boys for killing
birds and allowing their parents to keep, with impunity, cats which kill
scores of birds in their life time.

A great deal of patient work will have to be done before the average
community is brought to realize the significance of the cat problem. The
same should be said of the average farm. A good way to awaken public
sentiment is for a group of interested persons to take a census of the cats
in their village or city. If a careful inquiry, during the census, is made
as to the habits of these cats and their probable destructiveness, data will
_ doubtless be collected that will astonish all who question the facts that are
usually presented in making out a case against the cats. The Illinois
Audubon Society wishes specific information as to the results of cat cen-
suses and observations. Write for copies of the Langdon Cat Circular to
use as campaign material.

12 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Photo by Arthur A. Allen

YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT AND YOUNG.

CONCEDING THE NECESSITY OF A SUCCEEDING GENERATION THE YELLOW-BREASTED
CHAT VENTURES WITH AN AIR OF SUSPICION WHERE THE ODDS
ARE IN FAVOR OF THE CAMERA MAN.

The Yellow-Breasted Chat

Bird students are generally surprised upon first learning that the
elusive Chat, almost as large as a Catbird, is a member of the Warbler
family. All extensive families in Nature boast their giants and pygmies
and the Chat is the big fellow among the Wood Warblers.

The Chat almost earns the title of Mockingbird except that his notes
are decidedly individual and like unto no other.sounds on earth. He is
ridiculously funny but studiously inconspicuous. No bird in our varied
list of American songsters is more noisy and yet at the same time so ex-
tremely difficult to locate. To hear him at his jeerings and whistlings and
cacklings and sputterings is a real treat. His phonographic records how-
ever are all you may hope to enjoy for he steadily refuses to take his part
in the movies. You may hear his resonant voice clearly across the twenty
acre bramble patch but to stalk him in his haunts and slip upon him un-
awares requires the patience and ingenuity of a Holmes or a Burns or a
Pinkerton.

LELiINOts AUDUBON SOCIETY 13

How often have I interestedly, enthusiastically, excitedly made the
effort to flank him in his retreat, only to find him always on his guard—
trusting none but himself in the office of sentinel. Of all the aggravating
teases among birds, I unhesitatingly pronounce the Chat, chief and leader.
Birds, like human beings, are never so interesting as when we may not hope
to prophesy their next movements. When it is possible to record a program
of actions in advance of fulfillment, these objects of study cease to appear as
animated personalities and drop into the list of uninteresting automatons.

Not so—the Chat—one never knows what to expect of this gay de-
ceiver and invariably a patient observance of a part of his varied program,
is followed by the exclamation, ‘‘Well what next.” Consequently he is
popular with the bird lovers. His very elusiveness inspires us with a de-
termination to spy him out. The Chat’s pretended modesty excites all the
curiosity we may have inherited from our first respected female ancestor.

We have all sought him—some have found him and are anxious to
tell on him. Provoked because he so successfully deceived us, our pride
is piqued. However we have an excuse—that soothing lotion always so
plentifully stocked in the human laboratory and so necessary for the heal-
ing of our lacerated egoisms. The Chat is a ventriloquist and at once we
may excuse ourselves for being ‘made fools of.” No class of people so
quickly recovers from chagrin however as the bird lovers or so enjoy good
jokes on themselves. Hence the Chat has been dubbed with numerous
aliases.

Frank M. Chapman says he is “eccentric”? and a mystery that evidently
has a method in his madness. Ella F. Mosby names him ‘‘Nature’s Gro-
tesque.”’ To Neltie Blanchan he is a “Rollicking Polygot.” Ridgway
speaks of him as a ‘‘Happy-Go-
Lucky-Clown.” | Dugmore, the
famous bird photographer says
he does not fly in an “orthodox”
manner but journeys in quick
jerky flights like the moth and
butterflies.

Should we succeed in ap-
proaching him unobserved, we
may see him mount to the top of
his bush or tree in short succes-
sive hops and launch into the air
singing and chattering all the
while. He may surprise us with
a somersault or he may be con-
tent to flutter back to his beloved
thicket in a tumbling flight that
arouses a suspicion as to his san-
ity. I have ‘seen the Chat per-
form such aerial contortions as
would recall our childhood ex-
| . § periences in “skinning the cat’
Photo by Isaac E. Hess upon an invisible trapeze.

THE TREASURES OF THE CHAT If neighbor Chat “spots” you

14 ; THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

as you enter his domain, (he generally does), he will keep just a thicket
ahead and as if to taunt you, will immediately call to acquaint you where
he is hiding. A quick dash and run around the thicket may reward one
with a fleeting view of his flirting tail as he disappears into the deep re-
cesses of the next bower.

One lady in camp near a thicket where Chats were numerous had the
following to say of the Yellow-breasted Disappearer :

‘Here they reared their broods and not only all day but late in the
evening and by moonlight they could be heard making the whole place
ring with their medley of sounds, while not a feather of them could be
seen.”

The Chats are truly beautiful birds with their rich olive-green backs
and bright yellow under parts. White lines about the eyes and the black
beauty spot near the bill render him very attractive. He makes little effort
to conceal his nest and if one be willing to force his way—briar disputed—
through natural growing barb wires the bulky Chat nest may be found.

The home of so unique an outlaw should prove interesting and it does.
The nest is usually placed from two to four feet from the ground in a
tangled bush. Composed of grasses and stems and leaves, it is at first
glance uninteresting but only a peep inside reveals one of Nature’s beau-
tiful secrets. The little owner has silently slipped away at your approach
but her sharp beady eyes are sure to be watching you as you gasp in ad-
miration over her egg treasures. Four in number they glisten with a por-
celain whiteness and the cinnamon brown dot markings are so regularly
distributed over the entire surface as to resemble jewels in a setting.

The home life of these birds is charming. Loyal to their mates year
after year they also cling tenaciously to their favorite bramble homes.
Neglected fields at the edges of woods and particularly adjacent to bottom
lands are the choicest haunts of the
Yellow-Breasted Chats. Many are the
tangled thickets along the Illinois, the
Sangamon, the Kaskaskia and Salt
Fork that ring each May and June
with the voices of these Chat vaudevil-
leans. Look for him at any time after
May Ist, and when you have found
him, we guarantee your money back if
you are not satisfied with his entertain-
ment.

It is said that a Chat courtship is a
never to be forgotten episode for the
_ ; . fortunate observer. ‘The writer has yet
Photo by Arthur A. Allen this anticipation to entice him each sea-

son to the tangled tortous haunts of
A YOUNG CHAT the Yellow-Breasted Chat.
A POTENTIAL VAUDEVILLEAN OF THE Isaac E. HEss.

TANGLED THICKETS

IELIN GIs AUDUBON SOCIETY 15

Indigo Bird

Dear bird, thy light, untiring little song

Comes tinkling to my ear the whole day long :—
Those days when life hath gained a richer tune;
When weedy hills, but ankle-deep in June,
Submerge the knee; and as we saunter down
Toward the stream, hip, waist, chest, shoulder, crown
Are duly lost below the rising tide,

Until beneath a-roof of bloom we hide ;—

Days when the meadow buzzes, chirps, and creaks,
As though pent sound had found a myriad leaks ;
And when the night, from fireflies’ fitful gleams,

An interweaving constellation seems.

These days are thine, thou handsome lake-blue mote,
Bound captive in thy slender, lisping note.

But when the sun in glory seeks its rest,

And earth hath most of Heaven on its breast,

’Tis then, light-hearted one, I love thee best.

For o’er the glowing mead I see thee rise

On mounting wing toward the lovely skies ;

Then, motionless of feather, downward glide,

Spreading thy happy notes on every side.

This golden hour hath brought to thee and me

A taste of Heaven’s own serenity;

And heart is linked to heart in silent sympathy.
Henry OLpys.

Field Sparrow

Thou humble little minstrel of the field,
Modest thy voice and innocent of art;
But the delight thy simple strain doth yield

Captures my heart.
HENRY OLDYS.

16 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN.

Bird-Banding at Waukegan

The migration of birds reads like a miracle of nature and most of us
accept the theories advanced by our leading ornithologists. Some people,
however, are always looking for absolute proof of an idea, so persons of
this type conceived the idea of marking birds. Of course Audubon was
the first to try it out. He fastened silver wire around the legs of a brood
of Phoebes and the following year he observed two in the same vicinity
wearing his silver rings. From this beginning the work has advanced,
though chiefly in recent years, until now our government has undertaken
the work under the guidance of Dr. E. W. Nelson, Chief of the Bureau
of Biological Survey. This insures us that we shall have in the near future
absolute proof where now we have only conjecture.

The most interesting account available of bird-banding experiments is
that by S. Prentiss Baldwin and published by the Linnean Society of New
York in 1919 under the title of ‘‘Bird-banding by means of systematic
trapping.” I understand that reprints of this article can now be obtained
by writing to the Biological Survey at Washington, D. C. Mr. Baldwin
began in 1914 by placing bands not only upon young birds in the nest, but
upon many adults secured from traps, and in four years had placed nearly
1600 bands. He reports having retaken by traps during that time more
than sixty of these birds, some of them having been taken not only the
second but also the third and fourth years.

The writer began trapping birds for this same purpose in 1914 and
during the intervening years, with the assistance of his son, now seventeen
years of age, has had some interesting experiences which parallel in some
respects those described by Mr. Baldwin. Up to date we have banded 624
birds, some being nestlings but the great majority being full grown birds
secured in our traps. Our highest record was that of last year (1920) with
a total of 360 birds. The list included 44 Robins, 162 White-throa‘s, 4
White-crowns, 55 Juncos, 20 Brown Thrashers, 4 Flickers, 8 Grackles, 6
Redwings, 9 Catbirds, 8 Mourning Doves, 19 Towhees, 8 Barn Swallows, -
3 Red-headed Woodpeckers, 2 Ovenbirds, and one each of such birds as
the Yellow Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Fox Spar-
row, and Crow. I have been asked to write up for the Bulletin some
of our experiences and I will do this, selecting for that purpose ems here
and there from our notes.

First, what is the use of all this work? ‘This question is often asked.
The answer is that the data secured is furnishing convincing replies to im-
portant inquires such as the following:

Do birds return to the same nesting place? Ans. A Flicker was caught
in a hole in an apple tree on our lawn, May 7, 1915, and band No. 34057
fastened to its leg. On May 27, 1916, this same bird was trapped in the
very same hole, this time with five young. ,

Do young birds return to their birthplace? Ans. A Robin banded in
its nest in our yard before it could fly on May 17, 1918, with the number
42790 on its band, was trapped in our yard, April 6, 1920, just 200 feet
from where it was born. We hope to trap it again. Another robin banded
July 21, 1917, was killed by a cat in June, 1919, less than a mile from its
birthplace.

Divan ows AUDUBON SOCIET Y 17

Do birds winter at the
same place each year in the
South? Ans. Mr. Baldwin’s
trapping records at Thomas-
ville, Georgia, prove the re-
turn of Chipping and White-
throated Sparrows, Hermit
Thrushes, Myrtle, Yellow
and Palm Warblers tom the
same place each winter.

Do birds keep the same
mates for life. Ans. Jack
Miner’s records with wild
geese at Kingsville, Ontario,
prove that they are mated for
life and if one dies the other
does not remate. Mr. Bald-
win’s records with House
Wrens at Gates Mills, Ohio,
show that these birds even
change mates for the second

BANDING AN ADULT BIRD brood in the same season.

The route of migration of
the different birds and the distance a bird travels in a day during migra-
tion? Ans. Continual trapping and banding will eventually answer such
questions conclusively. We are looking for persons living along the
shores of Lake Michigan at points about fifty miles apart to do trapping
and banding and keep in touch with cne another by mail and by occasional
meetings to compare notes.

Do birds stop to feed in the same places each year during migration?
Ans. Jack Miner’s geese always stop at his place on the north shore ot
Lake Erie for food, then go on to their nesting grounds. In the fall they
stop again on their way sou‘h. We have noticed that birds come into our
yard that had apparently not been there before for that season and make
straight for the feeding place. I believe that birds know feeding points
as well as we know certain restaurants.

The following is a list of our returns to date:

1915, May 16. Flicker, No. 34507. Caught in a hole in an apple tree

in our yard and banded.

1916, May 27. Recaptured in the same hole with five young which

were also banded.
Robin, No. 34062.

1915, May 16. Banded before large enough to leave the nest in our

neighbor’s yard.

1916, Jan. 17. Shot at Turkey Creek, Louisiana, 850 miles from birth-

place.
Robin, No. 34065.
1915, May 19. Banded in nest on neighbor’s porch.
1916, March 31. Shot at Milltown, Georgia, 900 miles from birthplace.

Phoio by William |. Lyon

18

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Robin, No. 42780.

1917, July 21. Banded in a nest in our yard.

1919, June. Killed by a cat. Some children saw the band na took
the bird away from the cat and brought it to school. This was less
than half mile from the bird’s birthplace.

Robin, No. 42790.
1918, May 17. Banded in a nest in next yard. .
1920, April 6. Trapped and released within 200 feet of its birthplaee
Robin, No. 42065. ?

1920, April 22. Adult male, trapped and released.

1920, Dec. 13. Shot at Kossuth, Mississippi, 550 miles from trapping
ground.

Redwing Blackbird, No. 20626.
1917, June 16. Fledgling just learning to fly, caught and banded.
1918, Jan. 21. Shot at Centerville, Alabama, 700 miles from birthplace.
Bronzed Grackle, No. 42695.
1920, March 31. Adult male, trapped and banded.
1920, May 24. Found dead about three blocks away.
Slate-colored Junco, No. 29120.

1920, April 1. Adult male, trapped and banded. Repeated.

1921, Feb. 7. Trapped and released. Repeated.

: Trapping is not as dif-

ficult as it sounds. One can

be successful with so simple

a trap as a sieve trap. Nail

together four boards, one

inch thick and four inches
wide so as to make a box
three feet square and four
inches deep. Tack some
screen wire on the top. Prop-

it up with a stick about a

foot high under one side.

Attach a string to the stick

and run it into your window.

Put feed on the ground un-

derneath your box and you

have a_ feeding station.

When you pull the string

you have a trap. The or-

Photo by William I. Lyon dinary trap for English

BANDING A FLEDGLING Sparrows is more often used.
This is described in detail

in Farmer’s Bulletin 493, The English Sparrow as a Pest, and can be ob-
tained from the Department of Agriculture. We have experimented with
several traps of our own devising and with considerable success.

The accompanying illustration shows our most successful trap, which

is an improvement over the ordinary sparrow trap in the shape of the
funnels. The entrance opening being only two thirds of the height of the
trap, more flying space is left on the inside of the trap. When a bird

ILLINOIS. AUDUBON SOCIETY 19

finds it is captured, it
nearly always flies up
against the top of the cage
andafter fluttering around
a while lights on the up-
per slope of the funnel at
A. This being flatter than
in the old styles of traps
gives a larger and better
resting place. While rest-
ing here it can see through
the second funnel into the
rear compartment of the
trap. Once through the
second funnel it usually finds a resting place on the flat top of the funnel
at B and seldom escapes from the compartment. ‘The old funnels ex-
tended to the top of the trap which made the slope much steeper and a
poor resting place. They also took up much more room inside of the trap.

Birds are not as frightened at being trapped as many would expect.
We had one bird that was taken out of the trap six times on the day it was
first banded and this
same bird was in the trap
every day for twenty-one
days. When it was first
caught we noticed that
its scalp was torn and
the tail gone. It had
evidently barely escaped
from a cat’s embrace.
During the twenty-one
days its scalp healed and
a new tail grew to :
full length. Many other Photo by William I. Lyon
birds fed in the trap WAITING THEIR TURN
without being caught as
we did not make the funnels small. We were after robins and the larger
funnels gave the small birds a chance to go in and out.

Making of traps offers a chance to study each kind of bird and build a
trap to conform to its particular habits. This winter we have experimented
with traps for woodpeckers and were successful in catching two Downy
Woodpeckers, and a Chickadee. We have two more traps for the sides
of trees but they were made so late that there has not been time enough to
prove their real value. We have still another idea in traps to try out and
that is to put them on halyards and hoist them up into the tops vf the
trees to try for birds that do not feed freely on the ground.

Traps should always be in a permanent place that can be maintained
for three or more years as only continuous work will get “returns.” ‘The
position of the trapping station should be, for best results with migratory
birds, along a lake shore, rivers or creeks, or a line of trees or hills, as birds
follow these in their flights. Our own place is on the bluff overlooking Lake

Photo by William |. Lyon
AN IMPROVED “SPARROW TRAP”

Pipeig

20 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Michigan which is over a half mile distant. In spite
of the fact that it is in a city with railroad tracks and
factories near by, we get a fine variety of birds in our
yard. All our present traps are within one hundred -
feet of our house so we can watch them from the
windows. We are preparing to put some farther away
with guard fences around them. We have been both-
ered by cats but never by the same cat twice. (Ed-
itor’s note: !! P? !!!). The guard fence should en-
close a space of ten to fifteen feet in diameter.

We use small chick feed for bait and add plenty of
bread in large and small pieces, hemp, canary seed,
millet and sunflower seed. We also use a little suet.
In the woodpecker trap we tried out a cafeteria lunch, - ~
offering them suet, pork sausage, hamburger steak, and
meal worms, thinking we could get some new ideas
about bait, but suet was the only food they seemed to
prefer.

Formerly the American Bird-Banding Association
furnished bands to observers but now the U. 3S. B1-
ological Survey furnishes the bands and all reports must be sent in to them
monthly. To become a collaborator in this work one must get the recom-
mendation of two known ornithologists or other authorities when applying
to the Biological Survey.

William I. Lyon, Waukegan.

Evanston Bird Club

Evanston has the distinction of being the first of Chicago’s North
Shore suburbs to possess a thriving local Bird Club.

This organization was launched by a small group of enthusiastic bird -
lovers about two years ago. It has weathered the usual discouragements
incident to such a venture and now has attained a sizeable membership
list of faithful quality, and enjoys the co-operation of other prominent
Evanston clubs.

The event of the year on the program of the Bird Club is the Annual
Spring Lecture which has brought to Evanston men of national reputa-
tion in the “bird world.’ Mr. William Finley of Portland, Oregon, and
Mr. Norman McClintock of Pittsburg, both of whom present such re-
markable pictures of wild life, have appeared in Evanston under the
auspices of the club, to delighted audiences.

Recently the club took advantage of the presence in Chicago of Mr. T.
Gilbert Pearson of New York, president of the National Association of
Audubon Societies, and engaged him to speak in Evanston before a joint
meeting of the Garden Club of Evanston and the Bird Club.

As a means of interesting people in birds and incidentally of gaining
publicity for the club a weekly column in the local paper has been found
most effective. Under the caption ‘“The Bird Corner” a column appeared
every Saturday during the Spring months of 1919. It was filled with
notes and comments on the appearance of the birds; suggestions to those

Penman ote AUDUBON Ss OCTET Y¥ 21

just beginning bird study ; local occurrences in bird life worthy of note and
various informing items.

Last year the club conducted a series of Spring Bird Walks. This
project was somewhat of an innovation, but awakened sufficient interest
to repeat the plan this year.

These walks took place every Saturday and were announced in the
local paper.

All those interested in becoming better acquainted with the birds of
their own vicinity were invited to join the walks. Two convenient meet-
ing places in different parts of town were arranged and definite time ap-
pointed. Here the walkers were met by leaders of experience and in small
groups fared forth on their voyages of discovery.

Checking Up

It has been suggested that space be set aside in the Bulletin for check-
ing up statements commonly made as to the habits and economic status of
certain birds. As a beginning in this inquiry and for the purpose of in-
viting communications and discussions, our readers are asked to consider
the following questions:

“*The Loggerhead Shrike’ or the ‘Butcher Bird’ impales its surplus
prey on a thorn, sharp twig, or barb of a wire fence.” Query: Did you
ever see a Shrike do this? What different species of victims have you
found thus impaled? :

“The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is so fond of the Colorado potato-beetle
that it has earned the name of ‘Potato Bug Bird.’”” Query: Have you
seen Grosbeaks eating Potato Beetles? Did you ever hear it called locally
“The Potato Bug Bird?”

“The chief song of the Prairie Horned Lark is poured forth in the air
as it soars aloft, like a Skylark.” (“Springing from the ground with rapid
fluttering wings, the Skylark rises perpendicularly higher and higher, ’till
he is almost lost to sight in the clouds though his song drifts to us in un-
affected clearness; then in a spiral curve he slowly descends, the song
ceasing as he reaches a spot within a few feet of where he rose.”). Query:
Have you ever observed this song flight of the Prairie Horned Lark?

Mr. Jesse L. Smith writes:

“One morning in May, while driving across country on the way
to Ottawa, I saw a Shrike fly out of a wild crab-apple tree along the road-
side fence. I searched among the branches and found a mouse impaled
on a thorn-like short twig. The mouse had been beheaded and blood was
dripping from the body. I had disturbed the Shrike with a fresh victim.
I suppose this was the Migrant Shrike which is the common summer resi-
dent of Illinois.

“One January morning, while scouting over Waukegan Flats looking
for northern visitors, I found in a bush, a dead American Crossbill hang-
ing by its neck from a forked twig. This, I suppose was the work of
another northern visitor,—the Northern Shrike.

“T have only once heard the Horned Lark sing as it soared. This
was one fine April morning when I was tramping across a meadow north
of Joliet. A bird soared high aloft giving the same song one commonly
hears from the stubble morning and evening. As I recall, this particular

22 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

performer literally dropped from his high altitude, stopping twice on his
almost vertical descent to hover for a moment, his last stop being near
the ground.”

Mr. Isaac E. Hess writes:

“One fine April morning of last season, I was treated to a mid-air
rendition from Praticola that surely would rival the best production of
the far-famed English Skylark.

“T was first attracted by an unusually animated song which seemed
directly above me. I soon discovered a Horned Lark, with rapidly vibrat-
ing wings, circling round and round, over a freshly plowed field. He
seemed wholly carried away with the power of his song as he mounted
higher and higher, until he passed beyond my vision. I could still hear
him as the climax was reached, when with almost a scream of ecstacy he
fluttered back to earth ‘sliding down on the scale of his own music.’ He
dropped to the surface utterly spent by his violent exertions and the in-
teresting performance was over.”

Florence Boyd, a school girl of Highland Park, writes:

“Last spring as the potato bugs were very numerous on our vines,
mother offered my brother and me a penny for each one we killed. We
worked after school in the afternoons until it seemed that we would have
plenty of pennies for thrift stamps, but we hadn’t been working many
days before Mr. and Mrs. Grosbeak visited our garden and then we lost
our positions. Early in the morning—long before we were up—our little
friends, the Grosbeaks, were busy devouring potato bugs. Even when
the gardener was hoeing the potatoes the Grosbeaks would follow at his
heels eating all the bugs they could find. In fact he had to be careful not
to step on what he called ‘bug birds.’ The Grosbeaks nested in a syringa
bush behind our barn and all summer they ate the potato bugs off two
patches of potatoes, each about fifteen feet by thirty feet, and I will have to
admit my brother and I didn’t see one potato bug on our plants the rest
of the summer.” ;

With reference to the inquiry about the Grosbeak, Mr. Hess has some
very interesting and conclusive evidence to give. This relates to.a pair that
selected a site for their nest in a tree in his yard where he could watch the
daily progress.

Mr. Hess writes:

“The nest building covered a period of several days but the Grosbeaks
were anything but idle. They were proving good citizens indeed. Two
potato patches belonging to neighbors seemed to draw my tenants with
a magnetic power. Curiosity impelled me to search for the cause of their
frequent trips to the patches. Back and forth I found them walking
through the potato rows, reaching up to gather the eggs of the potato
beetle that were grouped on the under side of the leaves. When one of
the older beetles was found, the captor flew to the limb of a nearby tree
and with one blow cracked its shell. Keeping this up day after day the
useful birds cleaned the patches thoroughly. Then those gardens farther
away were visited and the owners, boasting that they were free from the
pest of bugs, were. surprised and deeply interested when told of the cause.
Doubting Thomases were invited back of my store to see for themselves
and my field glasses were in constant demand. Farmers who had heard

FELEN GIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 23

of the good news called me up over the telephone for verification of the
reports. In short my pair of Grosbeaks aroused more genuine interest in
the study of birds in this locality in one season than all the bird books
hitherto published.”

Mr. J. J. Schafer writes: A good many years ago the Northern Shrike
used to come here and stay all winter, and was seen to kill and impale
small birds on hedge thorns. One Shrike that stayed here one winter
chased and caught English Sparrows. The Migrant Shrike comes here
early in the spring and breeds. One spring a pair of Bluebirds built a nest
in a box on a half-dead apple tree, and about the time the Bluebirds were
incubating, a pair of Migrant Shrikes built a nest on a limb about six feet
above the Bluebird box. From then on, I could often hear the Bluebirds
complaining, and sometimes saw the Shrikes chasing them. The Shrikes
finally killed the female Bluebird, but the male succeeded in raising their
young. When the young Bluebirds came out of their box, the Shrikes
killed them; they did not impale them, but left them lying on the ground
after they had eaten some of the flesh from the neck. I never found the
body of the female Bluebird, but her feathers were all lying on the ground
below the tree. A dead Vesper Sparrow was also found lying on the ground
near the Shrike’s nest, with some of the flesh eaten from its neck. Once
the Shrikes were seen to impale a piece of mouse skin on a dead limb.
When the Shrikes first came in the spring, they would sit on clods and
cornstalks to watch for earthworms and bugs while the ground was being
disced for sowing small grain. It is my opinion that the Migrant Shrike
only kills other birds when they get too close to the Shrike’s nest during the
breeding season. They are a bad bird to have near the house, as the other
birds are greatly alarmed about them.

Forest Breemfield, Bethany, writes (in the “Decatur Herald’’) :

“While harrowing down cornstalks a few weeks ago, I watched a
Shrike who would perch himself in some dead trees at the end of the field
and watch for mice that were frightened from their nests by the harrow.
The shrike would fly along behind and above me some 40 or 50 feet and
every time a mouse was plowed out, the Shrike would get it. At one end
of the field in some thorn bushes the Shrike had several mice impaled on
the different thorns. There were two Shrikes that seemed to work the
whole field. I am sure that mice constitute four-fifths of the food of the
Shrike in early spring before the nesting time of small birds.

“A pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks paid daily visits last summer to
my potato patch. They were very tame and I was able to get close to
them and could easily see them getting the potato bugs. I was afraid to
poison the bugs for fear of killing the birds which ate them. The Gros-
beaks kept the bugs thinned down until they did not hurt the potato crop.

“The only place in central Illinois where I have ever seen the Horned
Lark is three miles west of Blue Mound. I saw several of them in the
spring of 1917 and 1918. They flew 25 to 30 feet into the air and de-
scended on ‘set wing’ singing very beautifully. It took me two years to
learn their name.”

Mrs. W. B. Olds of Decatur fed a baby Grosbeak potato bugs to the
evident pleasure of the bird. It thrived on the diet. She saw Grosbeaks
apparently hunting for potato bugs in a patch free from the pest.

24 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

A Cardinal’s Nest

(The following article written by a 7th Grade School Boy, is an ex-
cellent illustration of the value of patient and persistent observation. There
is need for a great many observations of this kind, and the article is com-
_mended to the attention of observers of all ages). 3

If you remember, in the Spring Bulletin of 1920, Mrs. Mosely of
Highland Park, told of a pair of Cardinals feeding on her shelf, but that
she had never been able to find their nest. She thought it might be in a
ravine north of her house. My home overlooks this ravine and I had
been looking in vain for the Cardinal’s nest for two years.

On Sunday morning, May 23, 1920, my mother, my sister, and I were
walking in a neighbor’s yard which also overlooks the same ravine, when we
saw a male Cardinal fly from over the bluff’s edge to the grass in front of
us. After he fed for a while, he flew to some shrubbery near. by and sang
in low tones, then flew back to the grass again. I said to Mother, ‘There
must be a nest there.”

I walked to the bushes which were between two stretches of open lawn,
and stumbled right on to the nest, frightening the female off. I was
afraid to look into the nest for fear of frightening the birds more. The
female then returned to her nest. Later Miss Cramer and I went back
and I ventured to look in. I saw three little mouths wide open. The
birds had apparently just hatched because I found the shells on the
ground beneath the nest. We watched for more than an hour that fore-
noon and saw the male go to the nest several times. We thought he carried
food. The female remained quietly on the nest. In the afternoon she
left the nest once to feed. She flew to the ground chirping and the male
immediately came to her. They sat for a time about six inches apart
looking steadily at each other, then touched beaks. Later he seemed to
have found food and she reached for it, then went off to feed for herself.-
After a rest on a near by tree she went back to the nest. Through the week
the male seemed to do most of the feeding, altho I was in school and
could do little continuous observing. May 3lst, eleven days later, one
fledgling left the nest in the morning and one in the afternoon. We ob-
served the feeding for several hours in the forenoon. The fledgling out-
side the nest was fed by both parents. The female then stayed near the
nest for some time, while the male did the feeding alone. At one time
she coaxed the fledgling to a new perch. Neither bird seemed to be afraid
although we sat in plain sight about six feet from the nest. The little
bird stretched himself, yawned, and preened his feathers by turns. He
slept between feeds but weakly chirped in answer to his father’s call when-
ever he came near. The female always entered the shrub without chirping.

The babies’ beaks were dark brown and very large in proportion to
the bird’s heads. In the afternoon, I was lying in a roll of wire about
six feet away when I saw the male with his claws pick up the fledgling by
the skin of his neck and carry it a few feet to a near by limb. The young
bird fluttered, finally landing on my wire cage. Both birds were much
excited and I was frightened for fear something would happen to the

t

ITLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 2

~

little one. I was so cramped for space that I had difficulty in turning
about to see everything. ‘The old birds frequently approached the wire
within a few inches but would fly back again in fright. After about five
minutes the female took courage and picked the little bird up in the same
manner and placed it on a branch above me. The male then carried it back
to the shrubbery near the nest. I then saw that a second fledgling had
left the nest. A little before six in the evening we saw that the third
member of the little family had not yet left the nest. We scattered some
chicken feed on the ground around the nest, but we did not see them eat it.
The young have well-feathered wings, a little browner than the female,
with no signs of red that we can see.

One day I was sitting on the roll of wire and overturned a sprinkling
can at my feet which made a little pool of water. Very soon the male
bird dropped down to the pool and drank. I had not been watching him
and he took me by surprise. The can tipped back but he scarcely noticed
it. Another time both adult birds were sitting on a limb facing opposite
directions. ‘They remained quiet for a while then faced each other and
touched beaks. That seems to be a custom of theirs. June second we found
the nest entirely empty. Soon, however, we saw the parent birds just over
the edge of the bluff, and following we found first one fledgling, then all
three. The male fed one young one. We were quite near for a while and
the few little feathers on the top of its head were raised in a decided crest.
It looked very comical in so young a bird. June seventeenth the male
appeared in our chicken yard with the three fat babies, and after feeding
them well took them away again. June twentieth my sister saw the male
come to our feeding shelf for food. They came a few times during the
summer, but since October they have come very regularly. Through these
experiences we learned much about the actions and calls of the Cardinals
while rearing young, and we hope to make use of these in finding our next
nest.

EpcGar I. EISENSTADT,

Highland Park.

Unsolicited Advertisements

The Keystone View Co., of Meadville, Penn., manufacturers of lantern
slides and stereographs, have recently published a set of one hundred
stereographs on bird life, which can be recommended without reserve for
use in the home and the school. The photographs were taken by Prof. Guy
Bailey of Geneseo, N. Y., expert photographer of bird life, who furnished
a number of the slides in the sets owned by the Illinois Audubon Society.
The stereographs made from his photographs are hand colored and bring
out all the possibilities of that form of photography. ‘The home life of
adult birds and fledglings, the nests and their environments are especially
well brought out. Stereographs of this sort furnish a valuable and very
definite way to study birds.

i
)

26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Illinois Birds As Travelers

Under this title Prof. Frank Smith of the Department of Zoology of
the University of Illinois has contributed to the Illinois, 1921, Arbor and
Bird Days an article of unusual interest and value. The state Department
of Public Instruction is doing a fine service in sending such articles into
every school in the state. Permission has been secured to reproduce the
major portion of the article in this Bulletin. |

Professor Smith writes: ‘It is apparent that the birds of about seven-
eighths of our different species are travelers, making annual journeys back
and forth between their summer and winter homes. The regions occupied
as such homes are now known for very nearly all of the three hundred
and more different kinds of Illinois birds, and the principal facts are
published so that anyone can look them up. Furthermore, the general
routes followed by the birds in traveling back and forth between summer
and winter homes are also known for most of the species. An examination
of the published data shows that birds of nearly one-half (48%) of the
species regularly found in Illinois have their summer and winter homes
entirely separated, necessitating a migration of all of the individuals of
those species over the intervening territory, annually, in each direction.
For some species these may be journeys of but a few hundred miles, while
for others they are thousands of miles. Summer residents of Illinois that
winter in the states next south of us do hot have far to travel, but birds
that nest in or near Alaska and the Arctic regions, and have their winter
home in the southern half of South America, make journeys of 8,000 or
9,000 miles twice each year.

The birds of more than one-third (36%) of our Illinois species journey
beyond the boundaries of our country to reach their winter homes. A few
kinds winter in the West Indies, others in Mexico, a greater number in
Central America, and representatives of more than one-fifth (21%) of our
Illinois species push on into South America for their winter feeding
grounds. Among these are included many thrushes, warblers, swallows,
tanagers, flycatchers, cuckoos, snipe, and sandpipers.

The accompanying map shows the migration routes followed
by most birds that leave the United States for the winter season. It is
similar to one in a bulletin of the United States Department of Agri-
culture (No. 185) on the subject of bird migration, prepared by W. W.
Cooke who, when living, was a leading authority and writer on that sub-
ject.

Most Illinois birds which migrate beyond the boundaries of the United
States doubtless follow route 3, which involves a direct flight across the
Gulf of Mexico to the southeastern part of Mexico, and then travel over-
land into Central America, and many of them go still farther into South
America. A few, like the cliff swallow, fly around the gulf through Mex-
ico (route 4) ; and a few, like the bank swallows and bobolinks, follow
route 2 via Cuba and the Carribean Sea directly to South America.

It soon becomes apparent to those who make an effort to keep ap-
proximately complete records of the birds found in their localities, that

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 27

these migration flights with the consequent changes in the bird population
are going on actively during the greater part of the year. In central
Illinois, the arrival of birds from the south usually begins in February
and often before the middle of the month. From this time on for nearly
four months there is a continually shifting population, and not until some-
time in June have the last migrants that hail from South America, taken
their departure for more northern regions. In August the return journey
is under way and birds on their way to the South American winter quarters
are again with us for a brief time. Not until December have the last

28 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

autumn migrants left us again for the south. In the spring migration, the
greatest number of new arrivals and the longest lists of birds seen on a
single trip are usually recorded early in May or, less frequently, in the
last week in April.

A knowledge of the locations of the winter homes of the different —
kinds of birds helps us to understand some things which might otherwise
be quite puzzling. It helps explain why the hermit thrushes arrive in
Illinois three weeks earlier than other kinds of thrushes; why the pheebes
arrive five or six weeks before other kinds of flycatchers; and why the
myrtle warblers can greet us several weeks before many other kinds of
warblers have the opportunity. Illinois hermit thrushes pass the winter
in the states situated between Illinois and the Gulf of Mexico, while the
other thrushes winter in Central or South America. The Illinois phebes
in winter occupy about the same territory as do the hermit thrushes though
some phoebes range through a considerable part of Mexico. ‘The other
kinds of flycatchers winter in Central or South America. Many myrtle
warblers are found in winter in the same regions as the pheebes, although
some go still farther into Central America. Most other kinds of warblers
winter south of the United States and chiefly in Central and South
America; but a few kinds, like the palm warblers, winter in the West
Indies, and the pine warblers have their wnter home in the United States
along with the myrtle warblers. When the spring migration begins, the
hermit thrushes, phoebes, and myrtle warblers have but very short journeys
to make before arriving in Illinois. The following list shows data on
times of arrival and on the location of the winter homes of a consid-
erable number of the species mentioned above. The date given with each
species is the average of the earliest dates of each of the years 1903-1920
on which that particular species was seen in the vicinity of Urbana Illinois.

Data on first records of certain kinds of birds at Urbana, Illinois:

Av. date Number
1st record years Thrushes. Winter homes. ~
April 1 17 Hermit; thrush. 6.2 ee South. half of U. S.
April 24 18 Olive-backed thrush.......... Cent. and So. Am.
April 29 17 Gray-cheeked: thrush... (35: (<2. 6125 oa So. Am.
April 28 18 Wood sthrushiia +. 3... ee Cent. Am.
April 30 17 Wilson’s*thrush ia. 4.4008 5254) eee So. Am.
Flycatchers.
Mar. 19 18 Phoebe kee Se eee ee South. half U. S.
April 27 18 Kane bird) i5.a4 5 Sie. & oo anes Cent. and So. Am.
May 1. 18 Crested: fly catcher 9.02 ee ee Cent. Am.
May 2 18 east, ty catcher.ccc= sem sien oe Mex. to So. Am.
May 11 17 Olive-sided flycateher.:s 2.4.4... ee So. Am.
May 12 NGue Acadian diy catcher 54s. => eee So. Am.
May 14 16 Yellow-bellied flycatcher.............. Cent. Am.
Warblers.
April 3 We, Miyatle: warbler: 226am se ce ee South. half U. S.
April 22 18 Palm “warbler... 203 63 was 660 ee Wee ie
April 22 17 Pineswarbler sic. Sot ee een tae South states
April 24 18 Black and White warbler....W. I. & Cent. Am.
April 30 18 Ovenbird -\.c5 3s ee eee Fla. and W. I.
May 1 18 Macnoliatwarblers. 22%. ccm. eee Cent. A
May 4 18 Cape May watbler < 35.0) a. .Se acon eee Wesis
May 6 17 Black-polled: warbler s..<2 os one ee So. Am.

May 10 16 Ganada: warbler: (23.27 wok Dn fete wire eR So. Am.

itv NOLS AUDUBON SOCIETY - 29

There are various interesting details connected with the migratory
flights of birds which merit attention, but the limits of this article forbid
more than a brief reference to a few of them. Among the questions which
naturally arise when one thinks of these wonderful journeys are the fol-
lowing: At what time of the 24 hours do they fly? How fast and at what
height? To what extent is their rate of progress influenced by food condi-
tions? How potent are wind, temperature, and barometric conditions in
determining their movements? Do they make fairly uniform progress of
30, 40, or 60 miles a day, or do they make longer single flights of several
hundred miles and then tarry a few days before making another consider-
able advance? Do migrants return to their home of the preceding year?
We will attempt to partially answer some of these questions.

Anyone who is on the watch at the right time of the year may see birds
in migration, since many of the larger strong-flying birds are known to mi-
grate by day, and so also do some of the smaller ones such as swallows,
chimney swifts, and night hawks, that are especially expert on the wing.
That very many travel by night is shown by their destruction at lighthouses,
by observations through telescopes directed towards the moon, and they may
often be heard in great numbers calling to each other when flying low on
cloudy nights. Birds of most species migrate at night.

In 1905 Professor Stebbins and Dr. Carpenter of the University of Ili-
nois, with the use of two telescopes directed towards the moon, succeeded in
developing a method for determining the height of migrating birds which
is far more accurate than any in use before. Their observations seem to
show that most birds migrate at considerably less than a half-mile above
the earth.

The speed at which birds fly while migrating has been accurately deter-
mined in but a very few ins‘ances. The results do not warrant conclusions
that migrating birds often fly over 50 miles per hour, but indicate that the
majority of our smaller birds average much less than that rate of speed.

A study of the daily records made in the months of February to May
inclusive, during the years 1903—1918, at Urbana, Illinois, furnish ample
evidence that there is a great lack of uniformity in the amount of migra-
tion activity on successive nights. On some mornings we have found large
numbers of new arrivals belonging to as many as 15 or 20 species not pre-
viously seen that season, and such movements are very likely to be preceded
and followed by several nights of very little activity. Such extensive move-
ments or bird waves, as they are called, are evidently independent of any
particular food conditions, since they commonly involve birds as unlike
in food habits as are the green herons, black and white warblers, and fly-
catchers. Extensive bird waves commonly occured with us, while records
were being kept, at the end of February, soon after the middle of March,
near the end of April, and early in May. The early May movement was the
greatest of all, and at its height, we expected to list 70 to 80 different
species per day and see multitudes of individuals. A study of the weather
maps of such times of migration activity reveals a close correlation
between bird waves and special weather conditions. The greatest
flights of night migrants have taken place at times when the weather maps
have shown the near approach from the west, of an area of low barometric
pressure, with the accompanying rise in temperature, and southerly winds.

30 - THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1921
Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION
JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park
RUTHVEN DEANE
112 W. Adams St., Chicago
MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest
BERTHA T.-PATTER
Evanston
CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside
ORPHEUS-M. SCHANTZ
10 So. La Salle Street, Chicago

HREDERICK H. PAd hE
626 S. Clark St., Chicago

LOCAL SECRETARIES

BELVIDERE
Miss Muriel Lampert,

Ave.
CARBONDALE

Mary M. Steagall, 808 Illinois Ave.
CHAMPAIGN

W. Elmer Ekblaw, 601 N. Willis Avenue.
DECATUR

Mrs. Benj. Bachrach, 1437 W. Main St.
DE KALB

C. E. Montgomery, N. I. S. N. S.
ELGIN

Miss Lillian Smith, Douglas Avenue.
EVANSTON

Miss Louise Whitehead, 1745 Orring-

ton Avenue, Secretary Evanston Bird

Club. j
GOLCONDA

Mrs. Lillian B. Phelps.
HARRISBURG

Clarence Bonnell.
KEWANEE

Dr. Hattie Melaik, Quinn Block.
LAKE FOREST

Rev. George Roberts, Jr.
MACKINAW

Miss Mae Blair.
MAYWOOD

Secretary of the Maywood Bird Club.
NORMAL

Miss Alice Jean Patterson, Ill. S. N. U.

DIN

C. B. Vandercook.
OLNEY
ats Robert Ridgway, 1030 So. Morgan
t.
PHILO
Isaac E. Hess.
PORT BYRON
._ J. J. Schaefer.
QUINCY
Mr. T. E. Musselman, c/o Gem City
Business College.

410 E. Lincoln

ROCKFORD
Paul B. Riis, 301 Shaw Street.
ROCK ISLAND
Nellie E. Peetz, 628 18th St.
SALEM
Mrs. Sig Kaufman, 524 No. Broadway.
SULLIVAN
Mrs. O. L. Todd, 606 S. Washington St.
WATERLOO
H. I. Featherly.
WAUKEGAN
Mrs. Elam H. Clarke, 740 N. Sheridan
d

Rd.
WINNETKA

John H. Sutter.

Editorial

. The observance of Arbor and Bird
Day in Illinois is a fitting and timely
theme for the editorial page of the
Spring Bulletin. The time set by
Governor Small in his proclamation
is April 15 or “some other day or
days in lieu thereof if that date does
not conform to necessary climatic
conditions.” The proclamation phras-
es impressively the significance of
the day. ‘‘The importance and the
value of our possessions in trees and
birds and the necessity for their con-
servation — matters affecting pro-
foundly the welfare of our people at
large. The influence of the beauty
of trees and birds on our minds and
characters as they form and develop.
The importance of the propagation
of trees, shrubs and vines, and the
preservation of our native bird life.”

This is surely the time when pil-
grimages should be made “in joyous
mood but serious intent to treasured
beauty spots whether of park or
boulevard or country side.” It is the
time to appraise the significant pos-
session—the big tree of village or
park or country side, the stream or
river bank, the reedy pond, the road-
side vista, the view from the hill-top,
or what one has. As groups of chil-
dren and, let us hope, of adults as
well, go to chosen spots to tell over
what the poets have said, from Em-
erson and Bryant to Joyce Kilmer
and Bliss Carman, the value of each
spot as ennobling the common lot
should be emphasized. Note how the
big elm enriches its surroundings.
Consider how destruction or denuda-
tion or other disfigurement of a bit
of beautiful landscape would impov-
erish the community. The clumps
of shrubbery along the roadside may
be shown to yield precious revenue

FLLINOAS AVUDUBON SOCIETY 31

in bird life. There is the economic
value to be noted, and even real
estate values as result of preserva-
tion of natural settings are to be es-
timated, but the value to the life of
the spirit—that is to be rated as
above price.

One harvest from thy fields
Homeward brought the oxen strong.
A second crop thine acres yield
Which I gather in a song.

The Spring Bulletin of one year ago
outlined in a tentative way the report
on areas suitable for state parks which
was being prepared by a special com-
mittee of the Society known as the
Friends Of Our Native Landscape.
This committee of which the executive
members were Jens Jensen, Prof. S. A.
Forbes, and Dr. Henry C. Cowles has
made its final report to the Society and
the publication of the report is now
under way. The report is chiefly con-

cerned with certain “major projects”:

such as the Palisades of the Missis-
sippi from Savanna northward with an
extension to take in the Apple River
Canyon; the Rock River Valley Park
including an extension of the valley of
Pine Creek to take in White Pine
Forest of Ogle County; the Deer Park
and Vermilion River addition to Starv-
ed Rock Park; the Middle Illinois
River Park below Havana; a park near
the mouth of the Illinois River in

Jersey and Calhoun Counties; a Mis- °
sissippi Valley Park in Jackson and.

Union counties to include Fountain
Bluff, and the Wolf Lake Country; the
Effingham Prairie Park; a Wabash
Valley. Park in Gallatin County.
These are the areas which the commit-
tee has been able to include in its of
necessity somewhat cursory surveys.
Other areas which the committee has
had no opportunity to investigate
directly, appear to the committee
worthy of careful consideration and
are referred to with favorable com-
ment.

The work of the State Park Com-
mittee of the Friends of Our Native
Landscape has aroused much interest
in various parts of the state. The
outcome has been the preparation of a
bill relating to state parks and pre-
serves, which was introduced in the
legislature by Representative Harlan
B. Kauffman. This bill provides for

the appointment of a state park board
composed of five members, one of
whom shall be the state forester. This
board is to make an investigation of
places which are of historic or scien-
tific interest or natural scenic beauty
and to formulate a comprehensive sys-
tem of state parks, preserves and ex-
perimental stations. The board is to
report to the department of public
works and buildings and to recom-
mend the acquisition of such tracts of
land as may deem suitable. The powers
of the board are purely advisory, the
bill vesting within the department of
public works and buildings, the con-
trol, supervision and management of
all such parks and the power to pur-
chase, lease, receive by donation or
devise, or take possession of tracts of
land suitable for public parks, forests,
game and fish preserves, etc.

The bill carries with it an annual
appropriation of $250,000.00, which,
while not at all liberal, might by care-
ful management during a term of years
be made to cover the purchase of spe-
cially significant portions of desired
areas and thereby stimulate local in-
terest in gifts of additional portions.
However, at the time of writing this,
the proposition to ask for so modest
an annual appropriation seems futile.
It appears that there is something al-
most sacred about the low tax rate
established by the Lowden administra-
tion and the present administration is
being besought by powerful organiza-
tions of various kinds to oppose on
general principles any legislative enact-
ment carrying an appropriation which
may increase the sum total of state
levy beyond the confines mentioned.
Education, conservation, state pride in
its spiritual possessions must not be
ministered to for fear the forty cent
rate will suffer.

Dear reader and Audubonite, how
much state tax are you paying this
year of grace? The writer finds that
his state tax out of a total tax of about
sixty dollars for all purposes is less
than three dollars a year, or less than
twenty-five cents a month. Now an
appropriation for state parks called for
above might possibly increase the
writer’s tax twelve cents a year or one
cent a month. Figure out your own
“burden” in proportion and tell it to
your legislator.

32 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN.

Notes From The Field, Revised to March 15, 1921

Chicago Area: Prof. C. W. G. Eifrig of River Forest furnishes the
following report upon the past season in the Chicago area.

“Ornithologically speaking the two. outstanding features of the past
season in the Chicago Area are the unusual mildness of the winter, and
the presence of the Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker. You may say the form- —
er, the mildness, is something meteorological and not ornithological, but
yet it is true, since meteorology, the weather, plays an intimate part in the
lives of birds, although not always in the manner popularly supposed.
The last fall and the present winter, at this writing hurrying to its end,
are ceriainly notable for the high temperature, the great proportion of sun-
shine, the paucity of storms, and the small amount of rain and snow. Lest
anyone say that this is only a little meterological enthusiasm otherwise called
imagination, as so many of our weather remembrances really are, let m:
quote from the official summaries of our Chicago weather bureau—it de-
serves to be here placed on record. To go back as far as October. “The
mean temperature for the month, 61.9° was the highest October mean
recorded since the station was established in 1871. Mild weather was
continuous from the 3rd to the 27th. Precipitation was about three-fifths
of the normal. Sunshine was above the normal. Of 19 clear days, 13
occurred in succession. As a whole, November was mild with only light
precipitation. The mean temperature, 40.2°, was 1° above normal. In
December moderate temperature prevailed throughout the first half of the
month, etc. The maximum was 62° on the 3rd., the minimum—4® on the
28th. No severe storms occurred, with the exception of a period extend-
ing from the 13th to the 15th. January, as a whole, was mild and dry, with
no severe storms. Aside from one moderately cold period, 12th to 17th
inclusive, every day was about the seasonal average in tempera‘ure, the excess
ranging from 15°—26° in 9 days. The total precipitation, amounting to
0.97 inch, was less than one-half, and the total snowfall, 3.2 inches, less
than one-third of the normal. There was an unusually large amount of
sunshine, 100% of the possible amount being recorded in 7 days. In
February mild, dry weather prevailed during most of the month. The
mean temperature, 33.4°, was 8° above normal, and this was the sixth suc-
cessive month with a mean temperature abnormally high. The absolute
maximum of 66° on the 15th exceeds all previous February records. The
month ranks as the third driest February in 51 years, and the total snowfall,
0.3 inch is the least. However, the small snowfall for the entire winter to
Feb. 28th, 9.4 inches, likewise breaks all previous records.” All this is
quoted with many omissions.

The second feature named above, the presence of the Arctic Three-toed
Woodpecker, is also remarkable. Ordinarily he stays summer and winter
in his northern home, rarely going as far south as this, because his food,
the larvae of wood-boring beetles, is found in winter as well as summer.
But this past season these woodpeckers have appeared in some numbers
here. Last year we had the Bohemian Waxwing, another rare northern
excentric visitor, the years before the equally erratic Evening Grosbeak,
and now the Three-toed fellow, thus putting some excitement into the.

tert NOrSs AUDUBON SOCIETY 33

lives of local ornithologists, making them ask:—‘‘What’s next?” The
first one was noticed near Bowmanville in October, despite the mildness of
the season, in November several were seen in Evanston by Mr. and Mrs.
Pattee, others were seen by Mr. C. C. Sanborn, and at several places in
the Dunes, at Mineral Springs and Dune Park by Mr. H. Stoddard, and
at Millers (three) by the writer.

In such a mild winter as this last one, ushered in by an equally mild fall,
one would expect some of our hardier summer residents such as Robins,
Flickers, Meadowlarks, Blackbirds, Killdeer, and others to remain here in
numbers, or at least their successors in the migration that take their places
for a few days with us during fall, or that many of the hardier migrants
such as the Myrtle Warbler, Fox and White-throated Sparrows, Rusty
Grackles, etc., would do so. But this has not been the case to any marked
degree, except in that favored corner of our area, at LaGrange, and
Hinsdale to Willow Springs. Here, as in other years, “flocks” of Robins
and numbers of Meadowlarks found it more congenial than just a few
miles farther north, and stayed all winter—precisely why it is hard to say.
The one exception, that is a species that this winter remained with us in
some numbers, is the Song Sparrow. That has been reported by several
observers from several localities. December 19th it was seen at Palos by
Mr. Paul, January 8th in Jackson Park by Mrs. P. B. Coffin, on the 25th at
River Forest by the writer, also on February 6th and 28th.as well as on
the 14th by Miss E. Craigmile. But this seems to be shared in by a large
part of North America. The writer was struck by the frequent occurrence
of the Song Sparrow in the last Christmas bird census published in ‘Bird
Lore.” He counted up and found that out of 78 reports from Canada, the
New England states, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota,
the Song Sparrow is given in 39 of the lists, from as far north as the
Ottawa River in Ontario, Canada, where the writer in six years never
found it in winter, although once a flock of Robins remained.

Among the birds that tarried longer than usual last fall, or intended
to stay all winter, or that came here from the south much earlier than in
other years, or are at least notable, the following have been reported: Two
belated Black-bellied Plovers and a Pigeon Hawk were seen at Beach, by
Mr. C. C. Sanborn. The latter rather rare in our area. A late Night-
hawk was seen in the Dunes by Mr. H. Stoddard, who also saw several
Harris Sparrows, a western migrant which lately seems to come thus far
east more regularly than formerly. On December 26th Mr. Gregory saw
a belated Lincoln’s Sparrow at Beach, as well as a Northern Shrike. Beach
is a great place for rarities, rivalling the Dunes in this respect. Here also
the most unexpected find of the season was made, a Black-crowned Night
Heron in immature plumage. This was shot January 4th by a would-be
hunter who was promptly apprehended by the ever alert game warden of that
district, Mr. J. F. Kern, who brought him to trial, and a fine of $25.00
was assessed against him.

Willow Springs yielded another Northern Shrike, a Saw-Whet Owl and
a Red-headed Woodpecker. Mr. DeLanbenfels of LaGrange reported the
Brown Creeper for January 8th. This was also seen at River Forest, in
Thatcher’s Woods, February 6th and 20th. A Flicker stayed at Arlington

34 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Heights throughout the winter, others were seen at Beach and Mineral ~
Springs. The first evident migrant Flicker the writer has seen came
sharp at noon on March 11th when he lit on a telephone pole above a
Flicker nesting hole, calling lustily at the top of his voice, as if he wanted
to say: “I am here!” ‘The last Sparrow Hawks the writer heard were
opposite his house on November 7th. ‘The next one he saw was Feb. 12th
at Lyons, the next was seen on the 22nd by Miss E. Craigmile at River
Forest. Another unusual winter record for these parts is the Fox Sparrow,
seen by the writer Jan. 18th at River Forest, in Thatcher’s Woods, and
again February Ist and 25th. Species like the Tree Sparrow and Junco
were, of course, with us in somewhat greater number than usual, although
why much larger numbers were not tempted by the mild weather to remain,
is hard to tell.

Now comes the Robin. Not counting the “flocks” reported from La-
Grange and Hinsdale, the first one was seen Feb. Ist at Beach by Mr.
Douglas, the next at River Forest on the 5th, another at Oak Park on the
6th. These may have been stragglers from LaGrange. What appeared
to be a little flock of real migrants was seen by the writer at River Forest
Feb. 28th where they became common before March 10th. The Blue-
birds were also earlier than usual. As early as Jan. 22nd two were seen
in the Dunes by Mr. and Mrs. Coffin, no doubt winter residents there for
once; February 15th one came into my garden at River Forest; on March
2nd more came, until now—this is March 13th—they are fairly commor
The Meadowlark put in an appearance here Feb. 14th when I heard him
sing. They were common by March 10th or before. The Redwing came
here Feb. 22nd, the Killdeer March 5th, in other parts of our area no
doubt even earlier: March 6th the Kingfisher was seen at Palos Park and
Feb. 20th a Hermit Thrush in the Dunes. All this seems to show that
this year’s migration is in its earliest phase two to three weeks ahead of the
average season. This does not mean that the entire migration will be
pushed so far ahead, no, the chances are that by the time we reach April
and May, the dates will be about the average again.

Finally, an interesting shifting of range may be noted. While a
pair of Tufted Titmice has been reported now and then from the North
Shore for two or three years back, three to four pairs appeared at once this
winter in Thatcher’s Woods, River Forest, where they were first seen by
Miss E. Craigmile all through January and February, also by the writer.
On Feb. 24th they were making the woods ring with their pleasing call.
This species seems to be the only one making a short migration northward
in winter, later withdrawing again a little further south. Let us hope that
this new and desirable species will remain to breed and increase in our
territory as the Cardinal has done in the last ten years.”

Elgin: Mr. B. F. Berryman, President of the Elgin Audubon Society,
reports that at the regular monthly meetings there have been from 30 to 75
persons in attendance.

“At these meetings,” writes Mr. Berryman, ‘‘we always have what we
call ‘Local Bird Notes’, and all the members are expected to tell any in-
teresting things they know about birds. Every meeting during the winter

remit OLs AUDUBON SOCIETY 35

months Robins have been reported as coming to the feeding shelves. In
January a Cardinal was seen in the grove north of Elgin. On January
22nd a flock of fifteen Blackbirds was seen west of Elgin in a Pine Grove.
By March 2nd Robins had arrived in flocks, and Bluebirds were singing on
March 5th.

Our Society is making every effort to complete the museum for the
Spring Opening.”

Decatur: Mrs. Benjamin Bachrach, local Secretary of the Illinois
Audubon Society for Decatur, reports the organization of the Decatur Bird
and Tree Club with over 100 adult members. George M. Proctor is Presi-
dent and Miss Rinnie Bean, Secretary. Mrs. Bachrach is Junior Super-
intendent and has charge of the organization of junior clubs, one for each
school. Each of these clubs is represented in the Bird and Tree Club by
four delegates, one parent, one teacher, and two children. Mr. W. B. Olds
has given his bird song recital at the Parent-Teacher District Convention
and Mrs. Bachrach has given bird talks at several schools, before the De-
catur Woman’s Club, and certain church societies. Mr. Proctor, who is
the Y. M. C. A. Boys’ Secretary, directed a bird house contest at the Y. M.
C. A. which scored a great success. Seventeen prizes were awarded. The
newspapers have given all this work full publicity. . One of the papers
gave a reproduction on its first page of the lecture announcements of the
Illinois Audubon Society, including portions of an advance copy of the
article entitled ‘““Checking Up” in another part of this Bulletin. The latter
article elicited much interest among bird observers and several interesting
responses were printed.- That sent in to the Decatur Herald by Forest
Breemfield of Bethany is reprinted elsewhere.

Lake Forest: Mr. George Roberts, Jr., writes:

“T have nothing unusual to report for the winter months. My shelf
continues to furnish me much delight, but, especially in an open winter
such as this, it has brought me nothing but the regular and commoner
birds; the Hairy Woodpecker, coming oftener this year to my suet than
heretofore. A Robin visited my back door almost every day in January ;
a lone White-Throated Sparrow was around the house up to November
27th, fully a month after a flock of them suddenly left my yard; Geese
flew northward in small flocks as early as the middle of January; and on
December 4th, I saw two Doves by the road side a few miles west of here
(the identification was unmistakable).”’

Miss Alice Jean Patterson writes: I can not remember a winter when
we have had so few birds in this locality. ‘The Cardinals have been here
all winter, have been singing since the first of February. We have had a
few Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers off and on. February 16th, there was
a Bluebird on our campus. The earliest date I have before this year is
Feb. 22nd. A Robin was reported January 15th. A number of Robins
have been reported the last ten days. There was one in our yard the
19th. Two Brown Creepers were seen Feb. 16. That is not unusual. I
have seen them here before in February. A Bronzed Grackle arrived
March 4th and a large flock, March 8th.

An interesting incident came to my notice the 28th of last September.

36 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

A large Blue Heron was brought in that was found dead by the roadside
about five miles out in the country. It had broken its neck by striking a
band of telephone wires. It was a magnificent specimen of an immature
bird.

In regard to the birds that are of interest because of extending their
range, I am sure that we have many more Cardinals nesting here than
formerly. Ten years ago it was a rare occasion when one saw a Cardinal
For the last three or four years we have had several pairs nesting in the
town. We always have numbers of Dickcissels in the open country here.
They are among the most abundant birds that frequent the hedge rows
along the roadsides. I have found the Yellow-Breasted Chat nesting in
but one locality in this area, but have not been able to visit the spot in recent
years.

Odin: Mr. C. B. Vandercook writes:

“In view of the fact we have had the mildest winter for a long time,
bird life has been scarce. I missed the large flocks of Prairie Horned Larks,
Purple Finches and Siskins which usually are here every winter. I saw
my first Bluebird for the year Jan. 5th, met three individuals which finally
passed on north; also saw six Meadowlarks the same day. I saw a Robin
Jan. 7th, one male Bewick’s Wren Jan. 13. On Feb. 2nd I saw 4 Robins, 3
Bluebirds and they remained. Feb. 12th the first Killdeer was heard, and
has been heard frequently ever since. March 2nd 2 Bronzed Grackles
were seen and since have become common. March 6th I saw two Finches,
both males, and one Fox Sparrow. Bluebirds, Robins, Meadowlarks and
Grackles are now common, (March 13). Other spring arrivals will soon
appear as insect life is visible; some dandelions are in bloom and every-
thing begins to look spring like.

I never have had the good fortune to observe the Shrike impale any of
its victims. I have seen them catch grasshoppers and devour them, but
never as yet a bird or mouse, although I have found quite a few Field
Sparrows, short-tailed meadow mice, shrews and grasshoppers impaled on —
thorns and barbed wire fences, which I supposed the Shrike had placed
there. In catching grasshoppers I have seen them hover in the air a few
feet above ground and apparently drop down all at once and then fly
away to a convenient perch and hold the victim by one foot and pick it to
pieces with their bills. Several farmers claim to have seen them catch mice.
I am enclosing the statement of one such person whom I believe to be a
reliable observer.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a very rare bird with me, it being seen
more during spring migration than any other time. I have only found it
here twice during the breeding season, so I can offer no information.

I have never observed the Horned Lark delivering his arrival song.
The only notes I have been favored with are the ones uttered while perched
upon a clod of earth or while flying from one place to another and while
feeding in a flock in the winter.”

My friend, Mr. W. J. West has the following to say about Shrikes:
“T have observed Shrikes catch mice by pouncing or dropping on them
similar to the habit of the hawk and then fly to a near by thicket or brush

Peat N Ors AUDUBON SOCIETY 37

and hang its prey in the small fork of the sapling or bush. I have fre-
quently found the prey of these birds hanging as I have above mentioned.
My observations were made about the last of February and the first of
March in the corn field when hauling out corn fodder.”

Olney: Mr. Robert Ridgway sends the following winter notes from
Olney: The winter of 1920-21 has been remarkable for its unusual mild-
ness. While December was not notably warmer than the average (only
2° above the normal of 33.7° for thirty-one years), only two Januaries and
two Februaries in the thirty-two vears during which records of the weather
have been kept here were warmer than these months in 1921; the average
mean temperature for January being 40.7° in 1890, 37.6° in 1907, and 37.5°
in 1921, the average for the thirty-two years being 31.3°; while that of
February was 41.3° in 1890, 39.8° in 1892, and 39.4° in 1921, the thirty-
two years average being 31.8”.

Compared with the winter of 1917-18, which was much the coldest on
record, the average mean for December being 22.4", that for January 13.2”,
and for February 31.3", the difference in bird life was very slight indeed,
the only noteworthy features being the abundance of the White-crowned
Sparrow, and the constant presence of small numbers of the Crow, Black-
bird (Bronzed Grackle) and Robin.

Grass on lawns and pastures has been visibly green all winter, and on
February 16th, I gathered ,out-of-doors, flowers of the Forsythia, Yellow
Jessamin, Japanese Witch-Hazel, and English (Sweet) Violet, some trees
of the red and silver Maples being in bloom at the same time. Now
(March 8) the Forsythia (F. Suspensa) is in full bloom, Jonquils and
Fragrant Honeysuckle are in flower, and the flowers of the Red and Silver
Maples and Common EIm are dropping. A flock of about thirty Canada
Geese flew over, going northward, on February 4th. Hylas were piping
on February 5th, and on the 13th Doves were cooing, Robins, Bluebirds,
Cardinals, and Meadowlarks were singing and Flickers uttering their
mating calls.

While Crow Blackbirds have been present in small number all winter,
they did not arrive “in full force” until March 5th, on which date large
numbers of Red-Winged Blackbirds came, the males in full song. The
Blue Jay is unusually numerous, dozens infesting our grounds each day,
and between them, the Blackbirds, and English Sparrows, I have a difficult
problem before me, because these pests must be driven off or exterminated
before the nesting season commences. Our troubles in this line are mate-
rially increased by the uninvited presence on our grounds of eight Albino
Grey Squirrels (pure white, with pink eyes). I do not like to kill them,
yet they must be disposed of in some way or we shall have no increase in
the birds on our place. As a bird destroyer, the Gray Squirrel is near the
head of the list, for no nest is secure from his discovery, and this means
the devouring of eggs or young. (Last summer Mrs. Ridgway caught one
of these rascals “‘red-handed,”’ while engaged in the destruction of a brood
of young catbirds).

The known history of these Albino Gray Squirrels may be of interest.
Several years ago a brood of young Gray Squirrels, all perfect albinos (it
is not known whether the parents were albinos or not) was discovered in
the woods near Claremont, a village about six miles east of Olney. They

38 | THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

were brought to Olney, and eventually liberated in a small piece of woods
at the north edge of town. There they thrived and increased to such an
extent that they are now to be seen in all parts of the town, no less than
eight having made their way to our grounds, on the opposite (south) side
of Olney. The significant point about these Albino Squirrels is the fact
that they ‘‘breed true.” All that I have seen are complete albinos.

Returning to the subject of the Blue Jay, Crow Blackbird, and Eng-
lish Sparrow; I often wonder why it is that these birds, liked by few and
persecuted by many, continue to increase in number, while birds beloved
by all who care for birds at all, either barely “hold their own” or decrease
in number. The Cardinal, for example, which was so numerous during
the winter of 1919-20 that we fed, daily, between twenty-five and thirty,
is represented on our place this year by less than half that number. The
decrease was first noticed during the nesting season of 1920.

The presence throughout the winter, in large numbers, of a bird (the
White Crowned Sparrow) that usually spends the cold season farther
south, raises the question whether these birds could have possessed previ-
ous knowledge that the coming winter was to be a mild one. That some
wild creatures are able to foretell changes in the weather, at least, has
been proven to our satisfaction by a big Fox Squirrel whose ‘“‘den” is in a
hole high off in the big elm tree near our house. When he descends from
his nest to the ground to feed, on friendly terms with the birds, he is in
full view from our dining room window, from which we daily observe him.
On several occasions he has been seen to gather mouthfuls of dead leaves
from the ground and ascend the tree to his nest, evidently knowing that
they would be needed to keep him warm, for invariably a ‘‘change’’ came
the next day. We therefore look upon him as a “weather prophet” to be
depended on.

Port Byron: Mr. J. J. Schafer reports as follows:

The coldest weather we had here this winter was on Dec. 28th, when.
it was 12° below zero. The rest of the winter was mild, the ground being
bare most of the time. Last year the fall migration ended in December.
The last Blackbirds and Goldfinches were heard December 1st and the last
Meadowlark was seen December 7th. :

Birds seen on the Mississippi River this winter were the Herring Gull,
American Merganser, Red-Breasted Merganser and the American Golden-
eye. The Mergansers were not as numerous as last winter. On Jan. 12th
a flock of ducks was seen flying southeast ; they were probably Mergansers
or Golden-eyes. A friend of mine saw a pair of Mallards in a creek
between Port Byron and Cordova, about Feb. 7th. On Feb. 10th the first
flock of Pintails was seen flying north. Some people living on Rock River
Bottom, reported seeing a large flock of Canada Geese flying north about
Jan. 5th.

A Sharp-Shinned Hawk was seen Jan. 5th and a Sparrow Hawk was
heard calling on Feb. 9th and 11th. A few Rough-Legged Hawks were
here all winter. A neighbor reported -seeing a very large hawk with a
white head (Bald Eagle) circling above a piece of timber in which he was
chopping wood, about Dec. 15th. Not many Bobwhites were seen. On
Dec. 9th, a covey of twelve came into the houseyard, and Dec, 16th, the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 39

same covey was seen in the garden. On Feb. 13th, while taking a bird
walk, I found two small coveys.

This is the first winter that I did not frequently hear the Screech Owls
call, and thought there were none about, but on the evening of Jan. 11th
one was fluttering against a window in the attic of an old building near
the house. I had left the door of the old building open on the previous
day, and the Screech Owl had gone in during the night, and up the open
stairway into the attic where we have our seed corn hanging, and was
probably trying to catch some mice. I opened one of the attic windows
and let it escape. Its plumage was rufous, and it certainly was beautiful.
On the morning of Jan. 14 my brother found a dead Screech Owl in the
basement of our barn. ‘There is a trap door in the floor of the upper
part of the barn, which was kept open all winter, until a few days before
the dead Owl was found, when it was closed. The Screech Owl had been
going up into the haymow to catch mice, and when the trap door was
closed, it starved to death in the basement. This owl’s plumage was gray.
Great Horned Owls were common and could be heard hooting every night.

There were no Red-headed Woodpeckers here this winter, and we
were glad of it. Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were common, and
the Downy Woodpecker was abundant.- On the afternoon of Jan. 20th, we
were surprised to hear the mournful call of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
-The call came from a near-by walnut tree, and upon going to the tree, we
found it to be a female Yellow-bellied oe ae 95 the first one seen here
in the winter.

Prairie Horned Larks were common all winter, and were first heard
singing Jan. 9th. The usual number of Blue Jays and Crows, never
very many, were seen and heard. Tree Sparrows and Juncos were very
rare, only two or three of each species came to my feeding shelf. A Tree
Sparrow was heard singing the first time Jan. 6th and the Juncos com-
menced to sing Feb. 28th. Cardinals were rare; one came to my feeding
shelf the first time on Jan. 23rd and was heard calling the first time on
Feb. 3rd. Brown Creepers are always rare here during the winter. On
December 16th one was seen on a maple tree beside our kitchen, but none
was seen at the feeding shelf. White-breasted Nuthatches were common ;
one pair comes to our feeding shelf every winter. Only a few Tufted
Titmice were seen and heard. On Feb. Ist and 4th I succeeded in calling
one up to the house, but it would not go onto the feeding shelf. They are
very easy to call if a person imitates them. Chickadees were common, and
six of them came to my feeding shelf.

On the morning of Feb. 18th, the first Bluebird came to our place,
and on the morning of Feb. 28th the first Meadowlark was heard. At
dusk on the evening of March Ist, a Killdeer was heard calling, and the
next morning one was seen in a near-by pasture. On March 2nd, a Black-
bird was heard while flying over, and about six Robins were seen. On
March 3rd, the temperature ranged from 22° to 37°, and on March 4th
from 28° to 65°, but there were no new arrivals on those two days. As I
finish these bird notes on the morning of March Sth, it is nice and warm,
the temperature was 52° at 7 A. M. and the following named species were
heard singing near the house: Prairie Horned Lark, Meadowlark, Tree

40 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN.

Sparrow, Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee, Robin, and Bluebird.
Other birds heard calling were the Blue Jay, Crow, and Hairy Woodpecker.

Quincy: Mr. T. E. Musselman sends the following records, under
date of March 4: :

Our all-winter inhabitants were Downy, Hairy, and Red-Bellied Wood-
peckers, Tufted Titmouse, Chickadee, Horned Lark, Blue Jay, Brown
Creeper, Redbirds (a hundred a day was not unusual in a country trip).
Long Island in the Mississippi sheltered Flickers, Red-Headed, and North-
ern Pileated woodpeckers, the first two in quantities. Quail, Juncos, Tree
and Song Sparrows, Carolina Wren, and Golden-crowned Kinglets (which
are uncommon during the winter time during most seasons), Sparrow, Red-
tailed and Marsh Hawks were common. Crows used Quincy as a crow
roost as usual, thousands coming in every night to roost. Mallards and
Golden-eyes were on the river all winter. Feb. 10th Robins and Bluebirds
arrived. Feb. 13th Meadowlark; Feb. 14th Killdeer; Feb. 15th Phoebe
and many flocks of Robins numbering fifty to a hundred in each flock were
flying over; Feb. 26th Cedar Waxwings. I find the season from three
weeks to a month earlier than the average.

Rockford: From Rockford Mr. Paul B. Riis writes as follows:

“The open winter no doubt has deprived this region of the several in-
teresting winter visitants, which of later years were wont to spend a few
short weeks with us. Thus the American Crossbill, Horned Lark, Snow-
bunting, Tree Sparrow, Purple Finch and Evening Grosbeak were not
recorded with the exception of the last three mentioned. The Red-Breasted
Nuthatch and Winter Wren, too, were little seen, and the Junco and Chick-
adee appeared less abundant. Naturally one would be led to believe that
a mild season would induce other species of short migratory habits to stay
on to fill the void. ‘To the contrary, there are no reports of Song Sparrow,
Redwinged Blackbirds, Red- Headed Woodpeckers or Kingfishers but the
Blue Jays stayed behind in full force. There also appeared to be many
Prairie Horned Larks at all times. Be

In the absence of the rarer winter visitants, one’s attention centers
on such species as remain to us. Thus it has been noted (with satisfaction)
that the Cardinal is more generally distributed over our entire region,
(Winnebago County) than ever before. This bird is a comparative new-
comer here, dating its first appearance back less than a decade. ‘The
Tufted Titmouse, a contemporaneous arrival of the Cardinal (with one
nesting record), has in the past been seen by a favored few. Reports this
winter show single birds in many parts of the city, in fact their unusual
prevalence has been a matter of considerable comment. ‘The Red-bellied
Woodpecker also has been continuously recorded for the largest part of the
winter by one observer. Observations taken at all seasons excepting June,
July and August, its repeated recurrence in central localities and at one
time in September in company with two young birds, lead one to suspect
this species to be a permanent resident. Dr. Ruth Marshall reports for
February 7 several Evening Grosbeaks: One bird lover, especially favored
by the gods, records from early December until a few days ago such reg-
ular boarders at the feeding station yard as a pair of Cardinals, a pair of
Golden-crowned Kinglets, one Tufted Titmouse, one Red-Bellied Wood-

ILEANGIS.ATDUBON S OCTET ¥ 41

pecker and occasionally a Red-breasted Nuthatch, besides the many reg-
ular winter residents. Robins have been reported off and on for the last
four weeks. There are a number of these as well as Bluebirds here now
(March 5). The Fox Sparrow with the earliest local record of March
6th arrived this year February 22nd.

It is rather singular that with the proximity of the Wisconsin lakes,
the nesting grounds of the Yellow-Headed Blackbird, that but three reports
of this bird are a matter of record with the local Nature Study Society.
There appears in the publication “Birds of Rockford and Vicinity” one
each for May 6th, July 10th and October 7th. The first record is of a
bird north of the city, apparently migrating and completely exhausted ;
another for July 10th by an observer now in California, and the last one
by the author of ‘“‘Three Migrating Birds,” Oct. 7th.

Madison, Wis., is but 75 miles distant. The Yellow-Headed Blackbird
is known to nest there abouts, yet the species is rarely seen here, though
sufficiently large and conspicuous to attract attention. No doubt our city
is passed at night during the initial migratory flight south, but the north-
ward movement nearing the end of the journey nets no more records and
offers little whereon to base deductions.

The Western Meadowlark has been variously reported for this region
for a number of years. Its early spring record is March 25th and fall,
November 7th. Naturally the unusual song of the bird attracted early
attention, the bird making its first known appearance north of Rockford,
following its southward spread through the valley of the Rock River.
Since the days of its advent in 1913, the bird has steadily spread east,
west and south. We have noted it everywhere in Winnebago County, also
have noted it in Walworth and Rock County, Wisconsin, Boone, Ogle and
Stephenson County in Illinois, these counties surrounding our Winnebago
County. It has been noted in these columns that this species is inter-
breeding with the Meadowlark, the resulting song clearly denoting the
parental influence. ‘This hybrid should furnish considerable interest to
the scientist. °

The Yellow-Breasted Chat of which there are a few scattering records
for the past years appears to have been more numerous in years gone by.
Mrs. Charles T. Sackett was so fortunate as to record its nesting here for
many years up to 1909. ‘The chosen nesting grounds were in close prox-
imity to a clear running creek, heavily wooded, near a heronry of the Black-
Crowned Night Heron. This bird paradise, known as the ‘‘Crows Nest,”
is situated 5 miles north west of Rockford and is little disturbed, though
thousands of crows roost near by.

The Dickcissel has a local record of May lIst—August 24th. It is one
of the latest arriving of all the Sparrows but is not especially abundant,
many observers closing their field books at the end of the year without
entering a single record.

Waterloo: Mr. H. I. Featherley, Teacher of Agriculture, writes:

“With the co-operation of the superintendent and teachers of the public
school here, we have organized a Junior Audubon Society with 140 mem-
bers. It is organized as a part of their regular nature study class work,

42 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

and the teachers have charge of the bird study in their respective rooms.
The teachers and I have planned to take the pupils on several hikes for
the purpose of identifying and studying the birds in their natural homes.
There is a prize offered in each room to the pupil who builds the best bird
house in his room and a prize to the one who builds the best bird house
in the school. The members of the society are bubbling over with elle
thusiasm over the organization.

It seems to me that if every < chisel! would organize a Junior Audubon
Society that we would soon see a marked increase in bird life. We can
do more by educating the child than we can by reforming the adult.

Two House Wrens have remained here all winter and another some 20
miles north of here has also. I couldn’t say positively whether the Blue
Birds remained all winter, but there were some here in January.”

Waukegan: Mr. Wm. I. Lyon writes: By March 10 practically all
the earlier birds of the season had arrived. ‘The first migrant observed
was a Bronzed Grackle and the date was February 25. ‘Two days later
6 Robins appeared together with a Flicker and a flock of Redwings: On
the same day I saw the White-breasted Nuthatch for the first time, it
having been absent from my feeding shelf all winter. March 2, Blue-
birds and Song Sparrows were about. Meadowlarks and Killdeers were
plentiful by March 5. Two or three days later I found a flock of Spar-
rows I could not identify. March 10 one member of the flock came into
my banding trap and I identified it as a Savannah Sparrow.

Winnetka: John H. Sutter, reports the bird arrivals as much earlier
than usual. Meadowlarks seemed to be in full force by March 6th with
Robins, Bluebirds, and Golden-crowned Kinglets in evidence.

fLetanN Ors AUDUBON SOCIETY 43

Bird Pictures and Picture Mounts

A library of bird pictures,
each mounted separately and
in attractive form, is a val-
uable asset for home and
school room. QOn_ separate
mounts the pictures are much
more available for class ref-
erence and comparison than
if bound together in a book,
and they can be used with
striking effect in a single
frieze or a series of friezes
during the weeks when in-
terest in bird movements is at
its highest. ‘The pictures can
be massed to good purpose on
class room walls or on wide
space in halls to serve
as a sort of calendar of
events. The following pho-
tographs show how Elm
Place School of Highland
Park accomplishes this.

THE-AUDUBON BULLE TiN

foun ts AUDUBON SOCIETY 45

Since the above lists are temporary only, by April 1 two other lists are
begun, one for Summer Residents, and another for those gone North for
the Summer, and to these transfers are made from time to time until they
include all the birds that have been observed during the year.

In transferring pictures to the summer resident list there is a chance
to encourage accurate observation and deduction, and to add from year
to year to the authentic local list of resident birds, this to be framed up
and placed in a permanent position. Such a list is sure to receive atten-
tion, whether it is hung in a school corridor or in the public library. The
aim for each local list should be to record accurate nesting data with dates
and specific details for each bird on the list.

46 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Mumford Pictures

The well-known Mumford bird pictures are the most widely known
and usually the most available. Four hundred species of birds are repre-
sented each by a colored plate seven inches by nine inches. These are for
the most part from photographs of stuffed specimens. ‘Their publication
began in 1897, since which time many millions have been distributed. Last
year (1920) the publisher, Mr. A. W. Mumford of Chicago, sold three
million copies, this being the 23rd year of their publication. It would not
be easy to exaggerate the importance of the service these pictures have
performed in awakening an interest in bird life. They have appeared as
inserts in magazines and in standard works on bird life, and they have
been distributed in practically every city and village in the United States
and Canada. They are doubtless to be found in every country on the globe.
In the course of publication more than $60,000.00 was spent in plates and
the business success of the enterprise does not lessen the credit due the
publisher for so important a contribution to the study of bird life. The
great usefulness of the pictures, however, does not justify overlooking
some very serious defects. In many instances poorly prepared and mounted
specimens were photographed against crude and inharmonious backgrounds
and thus sorry looking portraits of some of the most beautiful forms of
bird life have been produced and, as it were, standardized by their whole-
sale distribution. On the other hand pictures like that of the passenger
pigeon are almost flawless representations of the living birds.

The N. A. A. S. Pictures

Some years ago the National Association of Audubon Societies began
the publication of bird pictures in color to accompany the text of their
educational leaflets. ‘These pictures are five and one-half inches by eight
and one-half inches and up to the present time one hundred of them have
been published. ‘These pictures are reproductions of water color studies of
bird life by such artists as Fuertes, and Horsfall and Ned Sawyer, and
with a few exceptions exemplify the highest achievement of printing in
color. In contrast with the Mumford piciures these pictures show the

PELI NOS AUDUBON SOCIETY 47

advantage the artist with brush and pencil has over the taxidermist in
rendering the mood as well as the characteristic pose of the bird. ‘They are
portraits of living birds. As the N. A. A. S. places its emphasis upon the
distribution of its leaflets with their accurate and fresh presentation of
data relating to the habits and economic status of the birds, it is the policy
of the Society not to sell the pictures apart from the leaflets. “These with
the pictures cost five cents each. They may be obtained by addressing the
Society at 1974 Broadway, New York City.

The New York Pictures

The New York State Museum at Albany issues portfolios containing
106 plates of bird pictures, these being reprints from the plates used in
Eaton’s large work entitled ‘“The Birds of New York” published in two
volumes by the state in 1916. Reproduced from original paintings by
Louis Agassiz Fuertes, these plates represent the finest achievement of this,
today, the foremost artist of bird life. The plates are nine inches by
twelve inches and in the series are included the pictures of 320 birds that
breed within or visit the state of New York. Each plate represents a
group of birds of related species. For this portfolio of 106 plates the State
Museum asks only one dollar. This is an extraordinary bargain. For
purposes of study and comparison these group pictures are the best for
the class room.

Below are reproduced photographs of each of the three prints described
above. As these are on the same scale, the relative sizes of the prints are
preserved. The photographs illustrate the style of mounting the prints.

Mounting Bird Pictures

An 8-ply olive-green cardboard mount is recommended. This color,
or even a darker one, is good for a background and does not show finger
prints. The margins of the pictures are trimmed away and the titles re-
mounted below with due regard to correct spacing. Mounting board can
be ordered from the printer or from a wholesale paper house. It comes in
sheets 22 by 28 inches and should be cut at the printing office into 11 by
14 inch mounts for the New York pictures or 7 1-3 by 9 1-3 inch mounts
for the Mumford prints and the N. A. A. S. prints.

Flour paste can be used in pasting pictures to mounts. In the process
one must not neglect to moisten the reverse side of the mount with a rag
or a sponge. This forestalls the inevitable warping of the mount when
paste is applied to one side only. The entire underside of the picture
should be pasted to the mount. The best and quickest way of mounting
pictures involves the use of mending tissue which is a sort of sheet gutta
percha. It can be bought at a tailor’s supply house and comes in yard
widths and in any length desired. ‘The wholesale price is around twenty-
five cents a square yard. The picture to be mounted is laid on its face
and mending tissue is spread over the back, leaving only a tiny margin
exposed. The tissue can be in one piece or in any number of pieces laid
side by side. With one’s finger nail the tissue can be creased to make it
adhere temporarily to the back of the picture. The picture is then placed
on the mount in the desired position, a sheet of clear paper is spread over
it, and the whole surface is smoothed with a hot iron. This melts the

48

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

NEW YORK PICTURE

MUMFORD PICTURE

tissue and causes the picture
to - adhere | firmily#) ame
smoothly to the mount. Al-
lowing a fair price for tis-
sue and mounting board, a
set of the New York pic-
tures can be purchased and
mounted at a total cost of
six cents each; a Mumford
set at five cents each, and a
N. A. As. So sete at “cient
cents each.

Photographs of the New
York pictures, the National
Association of Audubon
Societies, and the Mumford
pictures, reproduced on the
same scale to show the rela-
tive sizes of the prints. The
New York pictures are on
mounts 11 by 14 inches.
The two smaller mounts
are 91/3 by 91/3 inches.
Margins are trimmed away
and titles remounted.

N. A. A. S. PICTURE

HE Illinois Audubon Society recommends the organiza-
tion of Junior Audubon Societies under one or the
other of the following plans:

First plan: Organize under the auspices of the National
Association of Audubon Societies and take advantage of
the special offer to pupils made possible by generous
patrons of the Society. Each member paying ten cents will
receive a set of six educational leaflets with colored pictures
and outline drawings for coloring with crayons. Each
member will also receive the Audubon button which repre-
sents a badge of membership in a Junior Audubon class.
Each teacher who organizes a class of twenty or more
receives a year's free subscription to Bird-Lore, the official
organ of the Association. Address the Secretary, 1974
Broadway, New York City.

Second plan: Organize under the auspices of the Illinois
Audubon Society. Each pupil is to pay fifteen cents for a
copy of “Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard”
published by the United States Government, copies to be
obtained either from the Secretary of the I\linois Audubon
Society or by sending directly to the Superintendent of
Documents at Washington, D.C. To each member of a
group provided with this beautifully illustrated bulletin the
Illinois Audubon Society will give without charge the Audu-
bon button of membership in the Illinois Society and will
send to the leader of the group for a period of one year all
the publications and special notices of the Society together
with an illustrated certificate showing that the group is a
member of the Illinois Audubon Society. Teachers wish-
ing to enroll pupils under local plans may obtain Audubon
buttons for two cents each.

Address the

Illinois Audubon Society
10 South La Salle Street
CHICAGO

The

udubon Buljetin
Fall 192]

Published by
The ILLINOIS
AUDUBON
Ser. TY

[linois Ee eae Docu

Service

The Society has two collections of hand-colored
lantern slides of bird life, each with an accompany-
ing printed lecture. These are lent free of charge
to any school or organization in the state but borrower
pays express charges both ways.

The Society has travelling libraries of bird books
which are lent to schools or organizations for a rea-.
sonable length of time, the borrower paying express
charges both ways.

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200 typi-
cal Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces for re-
cording migration and nesting data. Schools, Boy
Scout organizations, and individuals as well find these
of great service. Price ten cents each.

The Society has in press a pocket check list of
birds with colored zonal maps. This list records every
known species of birds that visits Illinois or nests
within its borders. Send in applications for copies of
the first edition.

The Society publishes the Langdon Cat Circular
which is invaluable in arousing interest in the question
of protecting birds from marauding cats. Price five
cents each.

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the Ital-
ian language warning against violation of laws for
bird protection. Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society.
1649 The Otis Building, Chicago

President Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell
10 S. La Salle Street, Chicago Riverside

Vice-President

Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
Highland Park

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY |
Application for Membership a :
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society, c

and being in sympathy with them, I wish to become a....20......2..2-.02-.-------eeeeeeeeeee |
member of the Society.

a ee e

Aecroen:.........60%iloLsolieios sel je.

ee ny Sane ney ae :

: i-

Classes of Membership ig

Active memberships ; $1.00. Annually le

Contributing memberships . $5.00. Annually le
Sustaining memberships. $25.00. No annual dues I

Life memberships : ‘ $100.00. No annual dues (Dy
Benefactor ‘ : ' $500.00. No annual dues by
Patron 5 : ; $1000.00. No annual dues ij

All members receive the publications of the Society.

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society
1649 Otis Bldg., Chicago

FORM OF BEQUEST

i
I DO HEREBY GIVE AND BEQUEATH TO THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON i"
SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND cab Elliettes art | ia
OF WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois.

aL MTAIORVORUCUA OVI, if

\
.

(over) | t

of

To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois Audubon
Society must increase its membership. Out of a population of
nearly six millions, Illinois should have at least ten thousand’
people who are enough interested in bird life to help the Society)
in its conservation efforts. Will you not help us expand our.
usefulness ?

I suggest for membership in the Illinois Audubon Society the;

persons whose names appear on the other side of this sheet.
)
hae dee asad aiebis ens abiiiie HAV. I val
Member of the Illinois Audubon Society j
Nt
Yes iY
r May we use your name?
No \

oe ne ee ee ee eee oe ee ee ee ee ee

= ILLINOIS-AUDUBON SOCIETY, 1649 OTIS BLDG., CHICAGO te)

The Aims and Principles of the Illinois
Audubon Society are:
1st. To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the schools
and to disseminate literature relating to them.

2nd. To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and
Federal laws relating to birds.

83rd. To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of
the ostrich and domestic fowls.

4th. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruc-
tion of wild birds and their eggs:

ee ed

5th. To restore to our wild birds wherever practicable, the ]
natural environment of forest and shrubbery which gave

them food, protection and seclusion. |

> a A es —_ os = —— aes ee ee ee TTT OT A ee
come’

Needs |

The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support upon
the contributions of its members and friends. It should have an
income from a moderate endowment sufficient to meet all fixed
expenses.
t

| The present income is totally inadequate to meet the urgent
and incessantly growing demands. ;
{

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, Inc. |

1649 OTIS BUILDING - - CHICAGO

(OVER)

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The Aims and Principles of the |

Illinois Audubon Society are:

1st.

2nd.

3rd.

Ath.

5th.

To encourage the study of birds,
particularly in the school, and to
disseminate literature relating to
them.

To work for the betterment and
enforcement of State and Fed-
eral laws relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the os-
trich and domestic fowls.

To discourage in every possible
way, the wanton destruction of
wild birds and their eggs.

To restore to our wild birds,
wherever practicable, the natural
environment of forest and shrub-
bery which gave them food, pro-
tection and seclusion.

AN OUTLAW AND TWO OF HIS FRIENDS

Photo by A. A. Allen

THE INTELLIGENCE AND INFINITE VARIETY OF THE CROW MAKE
HIM A VERY INTERESTING ADJUNCT OF THE HOUSEHOLD. AS A FREE
CITIZEN OF OUT-OF-DOORS, HE IS CLASSIFIED DIFFERENTLY. THINK
OF BEING PRESENT AT A SENATE OF THESE CHOICEST SPIRITS OF THE
BIRD CREATION! WHAT INTRIGUES AND BANDYING ABOUT OF WISE
SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES THERE MUST BE! WHAT GRAND SPORT
THEY HAVE IN WINTER WHEELING IN GREAT FLOCKS ABOUT THE SKY
AND DROPPING DOWN THROUGH THE SUNSET GLOW INTO THE GLOOM
OF THEIR NESTING PLACES IN SOME TALL PINES, ADDING SABLE TONES
TO SOMBER. THERE MUST BE A GREAT EXCHANGE OF WIT TOGETHER
WITH MUCH CAUSTIC COMMENT AND EVEN COLORFUL INVECTIVE AS
THE PROCESS OF ADJUSTMENT TO POSITION AMONG THE TREE TOPS
GOES ON, FOR HERE RANK AND DIGNITY AND OTHER INVIDIOUS, NOT
TO SAY OFFENSIVE, DISTINCTIONS MUST BE CONSIDERED ALONG WITH
GROSS BODILY COMFORT. BUT A PONDEROUS EQUILIBRIUM AT LENGTH
IS REACHED AND REVEILLE AT EARLY DAWN FINDS THEM FORTH ON
BRAVE ADVENTURE.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

FALL: 1921

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the Illinois Audubon Society writes:

Although this Fall 1921 Bulletin appears so late that the
winter birds are gathering about the feeding shelves and north-
ern visitors like the pine grosbeak are venturing into Illinois
territory, its appearance has an air of timeliness for it coin-
cides with the opening of the Fourth Annual Exhibition of Na-
ture Studies at the Art Institute in Chicago. In this exhibit the
Illinois Audubon Society has a part and the opening lecture is
being given by its representative, Dr. Thomas S. Roberts, who
comes on from the University of Minnesota to give his lecture,
“Wild Life Studies in Motion Pictures.” The full program of
the Exhibition appears elsewhere in this Bulletin.

This, like preceding issues of the Bulletin, has its varied
message. News from woodland, roadside and meadow is as
usual given a large place. It is upon the detailed reports from
good observers in the field that bird literature of originality and
real worth must be based. Three pages are devoted to the school
program and organization of bird clubs, and to announcements
of aids to bird study. Another installment of notes about bird
banding appears and fascinating glimpses of bird biography and
travel are given. From one correspondent comes the very sug-
a record of a local bird census which is worth careful
study.

When the last issue of the Bulletin was mailed the legis-
lature was in session and measures relating to state parks and
to desirable amendments to the laws designed to increase the
protection accorded to bird life were under consideration. Un-
fortunately the men of vision in the legislature were not able
to control events and no action was taken but the measures ad-
vocated are gaining strength with each delay, as various indi-
aes in the following pages attest. We are baffled to fight

etter.

The Board of Directors of the Illinois Audubon Society take
pride in calling attention to the membership leaflet which goes
out into the mails with this number of the Bulletin. We give
warmest welcome to the great number of new members who ap-
pear for the first time on our printed list of members.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ.

4 Tn Es AcU DUB OON Bo fol hotelN

The Ulinois Sportsmen s League

In view of the discouraging outcome of the legislative cam-
paign to establish a comprehensive system of state parks for
Illinois, it is heartening to note the favorable and aggressive
attitude which organizations like the Illinois Sportsmen’s League
are taking towards this question.

It is significant that a conference of wild life conservationists
should be held under the auspices of the Illinois Sportsmen’s
League in Springfield, during the last session of the Legisla-
ture.

It was primarily a meeting of sportsmen but in view of the
fact that the organizations of sportsmen there represented stand
unequivocally for the protection of non-game and insectivorous
birds and for the strict and impartial enforcement of the laws
relating to game birds, the President and Vice-President of the
Illinois Audubon Society attended the conference and took part
in the proceedings. The sportsmen’s official organ, known as the
Illinois Sportsman and ably edited by the President of the
League, Mr. H. C. Norcross of Carlyle, publishes valuable news
items and reports relating to the economic importance of bird
life. It gives much needed publicity to the conservation work of
our game and fish wardens. There is no other agency in Illinois
that is more active in enlisting the support of sportsmen for
the enforcement of our laws relating to bird life. Mr. Norcross
is local correspondent of the Illinois Audubon Society for Car-
lyle. It should be remembered that nearly every cent spent in
Illinois for the protection of non-game birds comes from license
fees paid in by sportsmen. The Audubonites are at no expense
whatever. This should at least make for friendly consideration
on their part of the point of view of the sportsmen when differ-
ences of opinion on classification of game arise.

The opening address of the conference delivered by Mr. Nor-
cross emphasized the necessity of setting aside numerous areas
-in Illinois as refuges for wild life and urged the importance of
establishing recreation grounds for the use of sportsmen under
state supervision. The most important feature of the conference
was the address by Prof. Stephen A. Forbes of the University of |
Illinois, who summarized the results of investigations of the past
two years showing the cumulative and deadly effect upon the
-plant and animal life of the Illinois River of the systematic
pollution of its waters by the wastes of the Chicago drainage
canal and the discharges from the sewers along the valley. The
statements of Prof. Forbes without comment on his part im-
pressed his hearers with the importance and gravity of the prob-
lem of restoring the conditions of health and natural bea
that once prevailed in the Illinois Valley.

Among important resolutions adopted at the conference were
the following:

LEaINOLS AUDUBON SOCIETY 5

“We favor the establishment by the state of recreation grounds
which shall be open to the public for either hunting, fishing,
camping, or other outdoor life sports, under proper supervision.

“We pledge our support to the Illinois History Survey and
State Forester in their work for the conservation of what is left
of our natural forests, and ask the Fifty Second General As-
sembly to provide the funds necessary for a complete survey of
the state.

“We most heartily endorse the plans made for establishing
state parks in Illinois as outlined and agreed upon at a conference
held in Chicago, all of which has the approval of our Natural
History Survey and State Forester.

“We stand for a system of game refuges and resting places for
waterfowl, also for the establishment of public shooting grounds,
following the Pennsylvania plan as far as possible.

‘We ask for an amendment to the present laws which will give
the state additional powers in dealing with the pollution of the
rivers, streams and other bodies of water in our state, causing
the destruction of our fish.

“We believe that wild life conservation should be taught in the
public schools of our state and urge the Department of Registra-
tion and Education, and the State Superintendent of Public In-
struction of Illinois to make provision for such instruction.

“We consider roving dogs and cats one of the greatest exist-
ing menaces to our wild game animals and birds, therefore we
favor the enactment of a law regulating the same.”

The Sportsmen’s League had the friendly interest of a num-
ber of the legislators and it had some strong talking points in
support of certain portions of its program. There was, for ex-
ample, the report of Warden Bradford of the Department of
Game and Fish. This showed that the receipts of the Division
for the year ending June 30, 1920, exceeded the expenditures by
$49,486.00. This means that for the payment of salaries and
other expenses of the Division not one cent of money obtained
by general taxation is used, and that the Division is actually an
appreciable source of revenue for the state. In view of this fact
the League petitioned the legislature to authorize the use of this
excess revenue for the purchase of suitable lands and waters for
wild fowl refuges and for the propagation of fish.

The justice and wisdom of this plan are apparent. Only citi-
zens who wish to hunt and fish are taxed to support the Division
and it is unfair to them to divert any of the revenue from any
other use than that of contributing directly to the hunting and
fishing resources of the state. The wisdom of preserving natural
areas for the purposes set forth is nowhere questioned.

Well, the best the League could get from the Legislature was
a “resolution.” Senator J. G. Bardill of Highland and Represent-
ative Frank Abbey of Biggsville, who sponsored the measures

6 THE AUDUBON BULLE TEN

of the League, had to be content with the passage of a joint res-
olution which consisted of four choice whereas-es and an urgent
message to the next legislature to do something about it. No ex-
cuse was offered for not doing something about it at the time.
The idea seemed to be the classic one of letting George do it.
None of the other measures advocated by the Sportsmen’s
League got far enough along even to be referred to George, so
there will need to be some more conferences of wild life con-
servationists and some more efforts to elect legislators who have
vision and a love for the common weal.

Records, Regular and Periodic

Most of us are quite familiar with the “periodic,” but I pre-
sume that the periodic bird enthusiast is something that is more
uncommon. I can style myself such from the fact that I have fre-
quently kept a very complete record for several months at a
time and then made no records for a much longer length of time.

From a survey of my notebook, I find that I have identified
approximately two hundred kinds of birds in northern Illinois,
mainly in Whiteside County. A few of the entries that I con-
sider to be worthy of note I will mention in the hope that some-
one may find them of interest also.

_ T have always found the Woodpecker family full of surprises.
The record shows that in the year of 1907, the Red Head re-
mained near Morrison, Ill., during the entire winter, as it did
also in 1916. The same winter, the Sapsucker was seen on the
tenth of J anuary. The Flicker is frequently found in January
and February in this part of the state.

Others that I have observed in winter inclu the Bronze
Grackle, Robin, Song Sparrow, and Golden Crowned Kinglet.

The Blue Grosbeak and the Harris Sparrow both were seen
northeast of Morrison, Ill., in the spring of 1909. The same
spring gave me my most interesting record. On May 8th, I
identified the Clarke Nutcracker. As far as I have been able to
ascertain, this is the only record of its appearance in this state.

The analysis of dates when first seen reveals some curious in-
formation. May 8th leads by far as my “lucky” day. The tenth
is a close second, while the eighteenth is third. This is a sum-
mary of the records for fourteen. years. The average of dates
ae gives May 8th as the height of the migration of the Warb-
ers.

I have offered the following dates of “‘First Seen” as an ex-
ample of the regularity with which some birds appear:

Year— 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1915 1916 1918 1919
Baltimore
Oriole— 5—2 5—1 5—8 5-11 5—6 5=11 5—8 5—2 5—1 5—5 5—5 5—8
1920 1921
5-5 5—8

H. A. MAXWELL, DeKalb.

PESINVIS AUDUBON SOCLTETY 7

Bird Geography in the Cook County Forest Preserves

A first entrance into Cook County over any one of the great
railways from the south, cannot fail to give the impression of
crossing a wide, level and uninteresting plain, at many places
sadly in need of drainage. For miles one passes through a vast
manufacturing district, ugly and monotonous, with an occa-
sional cat tail or buttonbush swamp indicating the former wet
and marshy character of much of the Chicago plain. Glimpses
of Lake Michigan on the right relieve the tiresome monotony,
but on the left Calumet Lake and its low shores fail to impress
the traveler with any possibility of a different physiography.

As the objective of all the railroads is Chicago, unless the
visitor goes beyond the city limits he may not be enlightened
as to the wonderfully diversified topography of this great county
with its 992 square miles of area. He might even live and die
a resident of the city without realizing that the Chicago plain
is but the entrance to one of the most interesting regions in the

od | pa

MUD LAKE IN THE PORTAGE TRACT
Photo by O. M. Schantz

State of Illinois, containing within the confines of Cook County
beautiful timbered lands and beautiful farms, well watered by
two famous streams, the Chicago and Desplaines rivers, and
their tributaries. He might never know that on the face of
Cook County is legibly visible a unique physiographic history,
telling of the successive stages that marked the development
of the level plain on which much of the west and south sides of
Chicago have been built.

8 TLE AUDUBON BULL et EN

The wide valley
of the great river
that was once the
outlet of the ancient
lake, the predeces-
sor of Lake Michi-
gan, is distinctly
traceable, and it
needs very little im-
agination when
looking south from
LaGrange to pic-
ture this mighty
stream filling the
present wide Des-
plaines valley from
brim to brim. When
the waters of the
lake gradually re-
ceded tolower levels,
the Desplaines and
Chicago rivers were
formed, and along

IN THE SAG VALLEY these streams beau-

etn ha se tiful woodlands have
gradually grown up, containing a great variety of trees, shrubs,
and woody climbing plants, as well as a bewildering carpet of
annual and perennial herbaceous plant associations. The adjoin-
ing prairie lands have an equally interesting vegetation and on
the ridges wonderful oak forests grow, consisting largely of
of the half dozen common varieties, with occasional specimens
of three oaks that have worked their way up from farther south.
The flood plains of the streams are timbered with a luxuriant
growth of trees that.do not mind occasionally having their feet
in the water. In time the older ravines and certain favorable fer-
tile lands acquired a fine growth of hard maples and other trees,
that gradually come in as the forested areas progress in age and
suitable soil. Compared with the total area of the county, it is
not surprising that there are still more than 30,000 acres of
woodlands. Of these acres 20,000 have become the property of
the people for all time.

As bird population is largely determined by the shelter af-.
forded by the forests, and by the available food supply, the
wooded areas in Cook County indicate the possibility of an un-
usual resident and migrant bird life. While it is not probable
that the former great flocks of waterfowl will ever be duplicat-
ed in the shallow lakes in and bordering the county in the south-
east portion, the automatic creation into bird sanctuaries of all
the forest preserves, and the construction of artificial lakes, has

ioe Dis AUDUBON SOCLET Y 9

attracted many water birds that for years have been almost
unknown in this region. This condition and the protection af-
forded by the migratory bird law, have already made a notice-
able difference in the number of birds to be seen. The birds evi-
dently know that they are protected, for the water birds are much
easier to approach than when found outside the preserves.

Each type of forest has its own individual attraction. There
are prairie groves of many acres in extent, oak ridges, flood
plains, marshy tracts bordered by willows and button bush,
shallow lakes and ponds and heavily wooded ravines.

There are also large areas being naturally reforested whose
copse-like thickets provide ideal conditions for bird life both
as to shelter and food. During spring migrations the valleys
of the Desplaines, Salt Creek and the north branch of the Chi-
cago River are visited by myriads of Warblers, Vireos, and mem-
bers of the Sparrow tribe. The Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied
Woodpecker, and Carolina Wren and occasionally the Mocking-
bird have been noted along the Desplaines river with increasing
frequency. The rare Prothonotary Warbler has beén found
nesting at Riverside in recent years and doubtless nests each
year in the county. The Skokie valley of which more than 2000
acres are being added by purchase to the Forest preserves, is
particularly adapted to the wants of the Rails, Sandpipers and
other shore and wading birds, and thousands of Redwings,
Bobolinks, Meadowlarks and Sparrows. The Portage tract
south of Riverside, which contains Mud lake, and as its name
indicates, is the site of the old portage between the south branch
, of the Chicago

river and the Des-
plaines, used by
pioneer French-
men and trappers
more than 200
years ago, 1S an
ideal Warbler
country. A haw-
thorn orchard
~ | furnishes the in-
#| sect life desired,
and later in the
summer the bee-
hive and _ hour-
%| glass hawthorns
fe house in their
Weae dense and thorny
yt protection many

A PRAIRIE selene we ie AREA nests<pin rch
ers, Catbirds, and Sparrows.

The gorgeous Cardinal arrived from the south more than

10 DHA AUDWE ON, Bh nota NeG

ik.

20 years ago, and evidently
found conditions to its lik-
ing, for not only has it
stayed on, but it may be
found in almost all of the
woodlands, along streams,
and also in the ravines
along the north shore of
Lake Michigan, where deep
ravines in the Chicago
Heights preserve along
Thorn Creek giant black
walnuts and the northern
ranging buckeyes, now pe-
HOURGLASS ee IN THE SKOKIE ey the

Photon by Os hE cae nt The famous swallow bank
in the loess deposits in Palos Park proves the Bank Swal-
lows’ knowledge of a proper nesting site. The. entire
Sag valley from Palos Park to the Mount Forest ridge
is a fertile feeding ground for all the Finches, for in its
mucky bottom rag weeds, sunflowers, and other seedbearing
weeds and wildflowers grow to perfection.

TROUT PARK, ELGIN, A RESORT FOR WINTER BIRDS
Photo by O. M. Schantz

Somewhere along Salt Creek, north or northeast of La
Grange there is a populous Grackle roost, and the procession
of birds wheeling in compact flocks on their way in at dusk is

LLLEN OTS AUDUBON SOCIETY 11

a most interesting sight, frequently lasting without interruption
for more than half an hour.

The woodlands on and adjoining the Mount Forest Preserves
are the favorite home in summer of the Scarlet Tanager, Great-
crested Flycatcher, Towhee, Woodthrush, Vireos and many of
the small Flycatchers. In this region, on account of the unusual
plant life, insect life is more than ordinarily plentiful. In the
narrow strip of woods between the trolley line and the Alton
Railroad are at least three spreading colonies of pawpaws, a
southern tree here reaching its northern limit in the county.
Here is also a large undergrowth of spice bush. In this restrict-
ed area are numerous trees of the chestnut oak, a fine specimen
of the shingle oak, many walnuts, black ash, hawthorns, and an
unusual growth of fine hard maples, besides wild grapes, wood-
bine, pokeberry, viburnums, prickly ash and other food bearing
plants. Across the canal from this preserve and between it and
the Desplaines river among the thickets of elderberry and prai-
rie rose, the elusive Chat does its housekeeping. Along the river
the Black-crowned Night Heron forages through the day, and
at night retires to a secluded roost not far distant.

‘ On the north shore of Lake Michigan the Chickadee nests
sparingly. The planting of evergreens in certain suburbs north
and west of Chicago in and adjoining Cook County bring down
to us each year winter birds from the far north, Pine and Eve-
ning Grosbeaks, Crossbills, Bohemian Wax Wings, and the er-
ratic Siskin. Out on the wind-swept cornfields flocks of Long-
spurs, Snowflakes, Redpolls, and Tree Sparrows rise and sail
away when disturbed, like autumn leaves. Just across the coun-
ty line in Dupage County, a sheltered prairie pond is visited each
year by an astonishing number of ducks, geese, mudhens and
other waterfowl. On its shores the Short-eared Owl finds good
hunting, and Bitterns and Herons wade in the shallow water,
finding food in abundance.

Within the scope of this article no effort has been made to
enumerate the numbers of varieties of birds that may be identi-
fied in the county, but rather to set forth the diversified attrac-
tions caused by its topography, and its possibilities for bird
conservation following the setting aside of the forests as public
domain. This will be more evident from year to year, as has
been proven by results so far. The opportunities for bird study
are so unusual in Cook County, and the woodland tracts so beau-
tiful and attractive to visit that all who go to the forest pre-
serves should become acquainted with most of our most con-
spicuous birds, and develop sufficient interest so that their bird
acquaintances would include many of the migrants that stop
only in their passage between their summer and winter homes.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ.

12 TE SAU DU BONS Ul Le ae Nee

Some Varieties of Sport

When James Oliver Curwood wrote “The Grizzly King” he
dedicated the book to fellow hunters with the confession of one
who for years hunted and killed before he learned that the wild
offered a more thrilling sport than slaughter. He expressed
a sincere hope that in his writings he may make others feel and
understand that the greater thrill of the hunt is not in killing
but in letting live.

The open season again has started a nondescript array of
licensed hunters to the fields and forests. With regret we note
among them many boys, banded together with but a single rifle
or gun among them. The procession loudly invades the unsus-
pecting landscape, and the wild things, grateful for the uninten-
tional warning, seek cover. Result, poor hunting. But the
youths are not to be thwarted. Their license entitles them to
hunt, shoot, and kill; therefore, anything and everything must
serve as a target. With rare persistence they overlook nothing
crawling, running, or flying, and the war of extermination is on.

On a short ramble a few weeks ago along the banks of a
picturesque pond we noted a few victims of just such a hunting
expedition. Strewn along the wooded shores we found the life-
less bodies of a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a Woodchuck, a Snapping
Turtle, and a little Green Heron. The Cuckoo, invaluable to us
because of its partiality to hairy caterpillars, was slain to prove
the superiority of marksmanship. The death of the hapless mar-
mot caught off his guard, an outlaw only by virtue of spreading
civilization, could hardly atone for the death of the Cuckoo. Nor
did it serve any purpose whatsoever to take the inoffensive life
of the beautiful creature with the iridescent plumage, the Little -
Green Heron. How its rare presence along a water course lends
the picture charm! It required no prowess or skill to tumble its
sharp silhouette from a naked limb. The Snapping Turtle, too,
would add to the interest of a limpid pool had its life been
spared. The activities of its life cycle are not incompatible with
the general scheme of nature.

Quite often our laws are at fault, and legitimize the taking of
useful lives. Reference is made especially to that affecting the
hunting of the Mourning Dove and Quail. The former with its
splendid record as an eater of great quantities of weed seeds
offers scarcely sufficient meat to offset its loss to agriculture.
The Quail also, known as the greatest ally of the farmer, feeds on
tons of grasshoppers, weed seeds, and many insect pests, and
should be accorded the protection due its economic status.

However, in justice to the hunter it may be noted that the
scarcity of Quail in many sections is due to lack of suitable cov-
er such as thickets and woodlands afford. A Hawk after tasting
Quail will linger over the territory until the last member of the
covey has been wiped out.

Pisa tol s “AUDUBON SOCIETY 13

In many instances the state laws defeat their own objects.
For example, the Illinois State law in regard to the shooting of
Quail declares an open season throughout the state from Novem-
ber 10 to December 10. In southern Illinois Quails are plentiful,
and the natural law of reproduction maintains a fair average
of birds. In central Illinois Quail is considerably less abundant,
and in northern Illinois the bird is scarcely known. In this case,
zoning for closed seasons would prove of great benefit to the
Quail, to the farmer, and also to the hunter.

Contemplate the fascinating mystery of the migratory fiight
which brings to us strange visitors from far lands, filling our
streams, meadows, and woodlands with interesting travelers and
possible friends. Listen to the solicitous call of the waterfowl and
the reassuring answer of its mate, and consider that their home
ties are as strong, momentous, and sublime as our own. Can
we afford to lose the enrichment our lives will receive from ac-
quaintance with these gentle guests, or raise the weapon to
sever home bonds of life only slightly less exalted than our own?

To the young hunter, the alien, the gentlemanly sportsman
we suggest a more fascinating way of bagging game, one which
knows neither closed season nor game laws. It works no hard-
ships on your quarry, which becomes your prize without being
stilled in wasteful death. On the preservation of your quarry’s
life depends your entertainment. The chase is exhilarating and
full of intense excitement. Trespass signs are never placed
against such hunters, and the daily bag may contain a dozen or
a hundred birds without consequences. The seasons alone will
dictate the number and species. You may meet old friends ev-
erywhere, often recognize individuals. Equipped with notebook,
field-glass, and camera you may sally forth into the very sanctum
sanctorum of nature to study, identify, and record its every form.
Your harmless intrusion causes but momentary embarrassment,
and the daily duties of the wild things soon go on.

PAUL B. Rus, Rockford.
Another Brief for the Quail

For several years I have noticed in different sporting mag-
azines and in the sport sections of our daily newspapers opin-
ions concerning the increase or decrease in the number of Quails
in different vicinities. Discussions of the subject often arise
at clubs, and it is no uncommon thing in the barber shops to hear
a game- bag artist declare that protection of Quail does no good,
that in territory where protection has been maintained for sev-
eral years the birds increase and then migrate to some other
vicinity where there is no protection and are exterminated.
The common remark is that winter, dogs and cats absolutely
control the number of Quails, and that shooting has little or no
effect upon the Quail population.

14 Teh AU DU BON BU ee TaN

The past summer I spent a month in southwestern Iowa,
where I have been going for a number of years. Quails have
never been numerous there due to constant shooting, but re-

cently the state has forbidden the shooting of Quail. Ever —

since this law went into effect
Quails have increased until
they are very abundant
throughout this whole district.
Within a half mile of the cot-
tage in which I resided I
found three nests, and no
doubt there were many more

Twenty feet from one of the
nests was a brood of half-
grown Quail which had been
reared earlier by the mother
who was now caring for a
complement of seventeen
HUNTED DOWN BY THE CAMERA eggs. Everywhere the clear
Photo by T. C. Musselman call of the Bobwhite could be

heard, and I feel sure that the tremendous increase in numbers
can be due to nothing else than the protection which that state

has placed on the Quails.

Last fall two hunters asked me to accompany them _ into
Missouri on a Quail hunting trip. As they possessed a very

wonderful dog I accompanied them, for I enjoy watching the

hunting of a good, keen-scented pointer. My weapon was a
high-powered camera, and the picture which is enclosed shows
that I was successful as the hunters with whom I traveled. I
found the birds much more abundant in Missouri than in IIli-
nois. I attribute this not so much to protective laws as I do to
the fact that cover is more abundant. The country is cut with
creeks and ditches which are filled with a heavy growth of brier,
hazel, brush, and weeds, while the hills are covered with green

fields of corn. The combination makes an ideal situation for
Quail.

From the standpoint of Adams County I believe that, due
to several mild winters and also to dry nesting seasons, the
Quail population has increased ‘during the last three years.
Furthermore, a large number of farmers are now refusing to
allow hunting on their farms, and this helps a great deal.

T. EK. MUSSELMAN.

of ‘which I did not. knows

aE we

Peer Wwers’ AUDUBON Ss OCTET Y 15

A Wreath and a Nest

Early in May of this
year one of the care-
takers of the Riverside
Cemetery at Sterling in-
formed me that there
was a nest on a tomb-
stone where he had been
working. I immediately
scented a good subject
foxy a photograph and
found the nest. It had
been made in an artifi-
cial wreath which hung
on the monument about
four feet from the
ground, and contained
three eggs in plain sight
of anyone within a
hundred feet or more.
It was very easy at that
time to take a picture
of the nest and eggs.

The eggs were more

than half brooded, for .

in a few days two of
them had hatched. It
must have been three or
four days before the
third egg hatched, so

Photo by G. P. Perry

long that I thought it was not fer-

tile. The next time I visited the nest there were three nestlings,

Photo by G. P. Perry

and I was unable to see any dif-
ference in them in size.

To get a picture of the birds
feeding the young required sev-
eral visits and much patience. I
placed the camera on a tripod
near the nest and focussed it on
the nestlings, removing the
slide, setting the shutter on 8 di-
aphragm 1/25 second, and con-
necting the release with a rub-
ber bulb about fifty feet long.
The ordinary camera bulb is not
strong enough to release the
shutter. Then I went to a consid-
erable distance and watched for
the return of the robins.

16 Tur AUDUBON, B UTE eae Ne

I did not have to wait long,
for the young birds are fed ev-
ery two or three minutes, nor-
mally. There was no shrubbery
behind which I could hide, and
when I slowly stole up to where
the bulb was lying on the grass
I was in plain sight of the birds.
However, they were so eager to
feed their young that after a few
trials they allowed me to get to
the bulb.

I suppose hundreds of people
visited the nest. It speaks well
for the training and discipline

Photo by G. P. Perry _ of our boys that the nest was
in no way disturbed or harried until the nestlings were large
enough to fly away. The cemetery grounds are a bird preserve,
and that may account for the fearlessness of these robins. Birds
soon find out where they are safe.

ori tn ee ee

GEORGE P. PERRY.

Photo by G. P. Perry.

IREPAOIs AUDUBON SOCIETY 17

; pT Pin Ore ifs

Sr
~*~

~ nothing more
exquisite in the
realm of na-
ture than a
bird’s nest
with its cluster
of dainty ovals,
each full of si-
lent music,
each dumb
miracle wait-
ing for the fin-
ger of God to
awaken, to be
alive and fill
the air with
bor iss Eo
sound.”

CELIA THAXTER.

From “The Isle of
Shoals”’

Give to me the gospel of the fields and woods,

The sermon written in the book of books:

The sweet communion of the things of earth
Fresh with the warm baptism of the sun:

Give me the perfect offertory of bud and bloom,
The perfect carolings of happy birds:

Give me the creed of one of God’s fair days
Wrought in the beauty of its loveliness:

And then the benediction of the stars

His eloquent ministers of the night.”

18 fas Ey A. UW DO BON BU Da i eNer,

Securing Life Stories by Banding Birds

The use of numbered aluminum bands that are supplied by
the U. 8S. Biological. Survey for bird banding has proved some
of Mr. Robin’s family relations, and his repeated visits show
how little fear he has of man.

On June, 1920, a full grown Robin was caught in a trap and
band number 57617 placed on his leg. On his release he flew
to a tree near by to examine his bright new ring, then flew away
and was not seen or caught in any of those traps again that
year.

He must have followed the migration to the southland to
stay for the winter and as the warmer weather of the spring ap-
proached he journeyed slowly northward until he had complet-
ed his trip of a thousand or more miles back to his home town.
Immediately on his arrival he went right back into the very
same trap and was caught on March 31, 1921, for the bright
little band with his number 57617 proved that he was the
identical bird that had been there last year.

During the next ten days the same Robin was caught five
times and each time in a different trap.

On May 10 a good looking Mother Robin was caught in the
original trap, and when she went away she wore band number
18030. A few minutes later Mr. Robin 57617 was caught again
in the same trap and released as soon as his number was read.
_ Little was it suspected that Mother Robin 18030 was his wife.
Mr. Robin 57617 was caught five more times in the traps du-
ring the next three weeks, and it is suspected that he was in
the open traps for his meals many times when there was no
one around to catch him.

During the trapping season a pair of Robins built their nest
in a shelter within one hundred feet of all the traps, which
made them appear to be some of the old friends, so a Robin
shelter trap nest was built, and when the young birds were about
half grown the old shelter was taken down and the nest with
the young birds placed in the new shelter which was attached
to the same spot in the tree. The old birds came soon and ex-
amined the nest. They knew something was wrong, and scolded
and looked for a few minutes, but there were three mouths
wide open begging for food in such an expressive manner that
the old birds could not resist the appeal and were soon at work
satisfying their offspring.

The next morning one end of a string was attached to the
movable front porch of the trap nest and the other end taken
behind a bush some distance away to await the return of the
parents. When the mother bird came to feed the young a quick
tug on the string closed the door. On examining the bird it
was found to be the good looking Mother Robin 18030. A few

Pera els AUDUBON SOCIETY 19

minutes later Father Robin 57617 was caught in the same way,
so that now it is known that these two birds are a mated pair,
and their three youngsters will be known to the world as
18036, 18037, and 18038.

After having been caught about a dozen times all told in six
different traps Father Robin 57617 must have had great faith
in people to have built his nest and raised his family within one
hundred feet of those traps.

Now the Biological Survey is very anxious to hear from both
of these birds next year to find out if they are still living peace-
fully together and how long their youngsters will live. Let us
hope that Father Robin 57617 will be successful in piloting his
family to the southland and back again to this vicinity for the
season of 1922 so that more may be learned about his family
record.

On June 21, 1920, a Brown Thrasher was trapped and band-
ed number 57632. The next day he brought his mate and she
was banded number 57633. Later the same day she came back
with a fledgling and took it into the trap and it was banded
57634. The next day the two old birds came and brought two
fledglings into the trap and they were numbered 57635 and
57636. On the following day another fledgling came and was
made known as 57638. That completed the numbering of the
Thrasher family.

There they camped and became an_ absolute nuisance.
Thrashers, Thrashers, in the traps all the
time until the traps had to be abandoned in
order to make them go elsewhere for their
food.

On April 24, 1921, the first bird trapped
this season proved to be number 57633, who
had returned to the old camping grounds. On
April 26 two Thrashers were observed feed-
ing very peacefully together. Gradually they
approached the trap, still feeding so peace-
fully together that it was certain that they
were a mated pair. They entered the trap
together and were captured. The female
57633 had returned, and the new male with
her was given L 92. Now the unanswered
question is, divorced or fickle? Grass or sod?

WILLIAM I. LYON.
Photo by Wm.I.Lyon _ Waukegan

20 PRE AUDUBON BULL Ea im

Cardinals at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

On Thanksgiving Day, 1917, great was the excitement at
Wychwood, Lake Geneva, to see a male cardinal feeding with
the juncos where hemp seed had been thrown on the _ brick
paths of the formal garden close to the house. A _ cardinal
had been noted during the summer at Yerkes Observatory some
three miles away.

All the following winter we kept food near the cottage
windows and the cardinal came frequently to the bird table.
In April I asked Mr. De Vry at Lincoln Park for a mate; he
sent me, with full directions as to procedure, a Mexican female
more brilliant in coloring than our own female cardinal. I
carried her up to the Lake and, arriving at night, put her in a
larger cage with water and food in my room. Early in the
morning I heard the male cardinal’s song; so did she, and beat
frantically at her bars. I took her at once to the screened
porch of the cottage and there kept her for a week. The male
bird came almost immediately to see her; she was coy but in-
terested. He fed on a window box just outside her screen and
even brought bits of nesting material there,—dare we say to
show her? She seemed contented and ate well. Ido not know
whether or not she was born in captivity but I think not. She

answered his whistle with her own lovely notes and each day
showed more progress in their acquaintance. Finally she be- —
came so restless that, although the weather was still cold and
rainy, it was decided to release her and, taking advantage of
the male bird’s close proximity, the door was opened and _ the
coquette flew to a tree top in the opposite direction. How-~
ever, it was not long before they were seen together and their
answering songs were heard. After the middle of May they
left our woods but were reported at various places around the.
Lake. Each autumn since they have returned to Wychwood
and during the winter have fed on the snow by the cottage.

This Thanksgiving morning, I heard a call a bit stronger
than the junco’s and looking out of my dressing room window
saw on the trumpet-vine over the porch the brilliant male bird.
He flew down to the terrace for hemp seed and on to the lawn.
Later in the day the female appeared in an aralia bush close to
the terrace. Mr. Frost at the Yerkes Observatory has a_ re-
cord of more than one nest this last summer. On another es-
tate near by five birds were counted at once. We like to think
that it is our original cardinal and his Mexican mate who spend
their winters at Wychwood.

FRANCES K. HUTCHINSON.

PEt ors AUDUBON BOCHET Y 21

Bird Notes of a Trip to Starved Rock

The morning of April 28 dawned bright and cool. A gentle
breeze was stirring and just as the sun came over the horizon of
Lake Michigan, a Robin sang the dawning song and was shortly
joined by a Towhee. Thus with promise of a good day ahead, I
left Chicago with two companions for Starved Rock.

As we paused for a detour, I heard my first house Wren
of the season, although the others of the party had seen them
a week earlier. As we went farther south these little birds in-
creased in numbers and at the park itself they were abundant,
being particu- |
larly fond of §
brush piles from &
which, as we ap-
proached, they
would fly to the
trees overhead ee as Sg! KC . 2 ae
and bubble out ge. jectitperegmemece<a/ ge ae i Dk) Se
their lively song. aes of eS \ Oe

The roadsides 7=
that morning &
were replete aes =
with bird life. Saas
One of the most Rita ,
interesting === A ets a ES SS a.
birds we saw
was the Horned
Lark. They
were new to me but I found them to be numerous over the en-
tire journey, always being startled from the middle of the dusty
road. The tail is black on each side of the center and, though
a conspicuous mark, none of the bird books at hand mentioned
this fact. We heard the song while the birds were chasing each
other over the fields at great speed, and while not unmusical it
was not so pretty as that of the bobolink, to which it is some-
times compared.

A little farther down the road we actually saw a Bobolink
and as the car came to a sharp halt we heard him sing. I was
agreeably surprised at seeing the rice-bird, as this was the first
year I had ever seen him this far north in April.

Mourning Doves in twos and threes were continually fright-
ened from the road. They made me wonder how they could be
so numerous, with their careless nesting habits and rating as a
game bird. Invaluable to the farmer, yet they are sac-
rificed to the lust of a few sportsmen at the cost of the entire,
sleeping country.

We passed several Loggerhead Shrikes at intervals, every one
sitting composedly on wires overhead. However, I have seen
them just as often flying actively through shrubbery lining road-

A FIELD SPARROW’S NEST
Photo by George Crook

29 fHH AUDUBON BULLE DIN

sides, so that this was not a fixed habit of the species, but merely
chance.

Before leaving home we were told that the country was ‘‘as
flat as a pancake” on the way to the park and that we would be
bored with the trip. This information did not dampen our en-

thusiasm, for it came from a lady who knew not how to see in- |

teresting things at every hand and her statement was contin-
ually disproved. We found many of the common birds very
abundant and every tenth to fifteenth fence post had its perch-
er. Every village had its avenues of different kinds of trees and
even the country was rolling rather than flat. The road crossed
several interesting streams, at one of which we identified a
Greater Yellow-legs. The large bird was solitary and rather in-
different to our inquisitiveness although he wandered from our
sight after a few moments. In the short one hundred miles to
Starved Rock we saw thirty-three species of birds along the
road.

I had often heard reports of Cardinals being seen, but until
today I had not seen one myself and so was quite excited when I
spied one, feeding under some cedar trees. Another halt was
made while we watched the beautiful bird and listened to his
three-syllabled song. By moving slowly we were able to ap-
proach within a few yards, and then with the field-glasses we ob-
tained a view that would sat-
isfy the most critical of us.
Before the trip was over I
had become well acquainted
with this new friend, for I
encountered others at
Starved Rock and also at
Deer Park. (At the time of
writing this, a few weeks
after returning to Glencoe
from the trip, some friends
reported that their cat had
caught and devoured a
Cardinal.)

Every bird we saw was
interesting, but two of the
noteworthy ones, seen on the
way to the park, were a
Kingbird, the first seen this
year, and a White-breasted
Nuthatch, creeping head
downward over the trunk of
a sycamore. Upon arrival OCCUPYING A LONG-TIME LEASE
at Starved Rock about noon, — MEE a to
we saw for the first time many Tufted Titmice. They are easily
identified by their crest and mouselike color. They utter a call

Poe eS AUDUBON SocretTy 23

which might easily be mistaken for that of their first cousin, the
Black-capped Chickadee. Their song is a clear whistle, and
though not easy to describe, I will know it every time I hear it.
The songs of all birds should be heard to be learned; a descrip-
tion, at best, merely hints of the thing and does not tell much.
A photograph hints of the beauties of a landscape or a group of
flowers but they must be seen to get the true value and beauty of
the original.

I was pleased to note some large, black water birds on an
island in the Illinois River, and later identified them as Double-
crested Cormorants. About twenty of them were perching in a
bare tree overhanging the water, and now and then one would
leave and fly with long neck outstretched to some point down the
river and one or two others would come and take his place in
the tree. Several of them were usually to be seen swimming
and diving expertly, although when taking to the air from the
water they did so with difficulty and caused a great splash.

That afternoon in the park was the most wonderful I have
ever spent. Birds were to be found everywhere. A fragrant
wild crab-apple tree in full bloom was the hiding place of a
Field Sparrow and a Cottontail Rabbit. A shady canyon was
the home of Bank Swallows and a Wood Thrush, and a more
picturesque spot can hardly be imagined, especially when I add
that a falls flowed over one end of the sandstone walls, which
were harmoniously tinted by the iron with which the water is
charged. Four or five Cardinals flew from one large tree to
another and presented a gorgeous spectacle. AS we saw a new
bird we thought it was the crowning event of the day, but then
another would be seen and it seemed a little more rare and beau-
tiful than the last one. Rose-breasted Grosbeak was feeding in
the treetops and made a pleasure picture. Farther on a covey
of Quail ran in front of us, the only time I had ever seen this
one time common bird. Thus it went on until sundown.

Then in the twilight we were attracted by a flash of crimson
in the top of a tall tree. Our field-glasses showed us that it was
a Scarlet Tanager, practicing the tactics of a Flycatcher. That
event proved to be the climax, and we left this bird heaven only
when the darkness shut out our view and with a promise to re-
turn at sun-up the next day.

GEORGE CROOK, Glencoe.

Bird Census of Waterloo, Illinois

One of the first things an observant person notices upon en-
tering Waterloo is the great number of bird houses which have
been built and put out to house the bird population of the town.
Thinking that it would be interesting as well as instructive to
take a bird census of the town, we formed a questionnaire and
sent a copy to every house in town.

The task of circulating the questionnaires would have in-

24 Te Bs A. UsD Us BON Be aL ae a en

deed been great had it not been for the hearty codperation of
the public school and St. Peter’s and Paul’s School.
The interest taken in birds here shows that as a whole the

people are somewhat above the average in their knowledge of

birds, but regardless of this, there are possible errors that the

laity will make any time. A few of these errors are mentioned at —

the bottom of the tables.

It is hard to form a questionnaire that the laity can thorough-
ly understand, and yet ask all of the questions a scientist would
desire. The following is the form of questionnaire we used and
the following tables show some of the results. Waterloo, ac-
cording to the 1920 census, has a population of 1930 people. The
data is based upon the report of 181 questionnaires. The ques-
tionnaires were based on birds nesting last season.

Bird Questionnaire
ai Bird Houses

Give numberof houses on property......................
How many pairs of birds will the houses accommodate?...............
How many houses weie occupied last season ?..................
ue name and number of pairs of birds which occupied the
ouses.
Give name and number of birds which reared more than one brood
last year.
6 Remarks:
II Nests not in bird houses.
1 Give name and number of pairs of birds nesting (not in bird
houses) on your property last season.
3 Remarks:
III Miscellaneous
ie oNumbervor, cats om properby, ee
2 Number of English Sparrow nests last season...................---

On me WD Re

3 Remarks:
Data Secured
Number ‘of bird houses 2.0) 2 eee 363
Number of pairs of birds they will accommodate... eee 660
Number of bird houses-oceupied last-season. ....... 2. eee 250
Number of birds nesting in bird houses last season ............-.......---- ee 876
Number of birds nesting (not in bird houses) last season .....-.............. tome
Number of birds-nestine: in Waterloo last season. 2 eee 2250
Number of English sparrows nesting last season .............--....222:-+:2+:++------- 928
Birds Living in Bird Houses
Bliwelar ds ee.v a oe = 54 pairs Swallow's (2s... eee 69 pairs
Martins, Purple ....2222.- 143 pairs Sparrows, English _.......... 53 pairs
VO INAG F ee <a re ee 6 pairs Wrens). te oS ee 118 pairs
Birds Rearing More than One Brood
In Bird Houses Out of Bird Houses
Bluebirds’ cose ee 22 pairs Bluebirds 24003 eee 1 pair
Micirtinisw cs 5 3 Ae a eee 4 pairs Brown Thrashers ............-.-- 2 pairs
VON sy e tae eles kee ee ee 1 pair “RODINS: 2k eee ee 24 pairs
English Sparrows .............- 17 pairs English Sparrows .........----- 53 pairs
DW AOWS, etn es cine ee ee 14 pairs Siw lows eco 2 ee cee 2 pairs
War emisite isc 20 ee ee 30 pains Wretis (02 et eee 3 pairs

Chipping Sparrows ...........- 2 pairs

PLLrTeOLs AUDUBON SBOCTE TY 25

Birds Not in Bird Houses

2 J ae 13 pairs Hiumimine PTs «san 3 pairs
2 10 pairs Mockimepirds: 2052.22.01. 4 pairs
Brown Thrashers .............. 11 pairs Origiess t:205. 32.2220) s 8 pairs
(OES eee ee eee ee 15 pairs FeCUDInOs 24s tt een 11 pairs
Chimney Swifts? .............. 6 pairs PROUINIS tics ee ok So cet 96 pairs
Sle ae Sc 1 pair English Sparrows ............ 411 pairs
0 ELS a aan 14 pairs Weta er ne 5 pairs
Mepemmnenes: 2.0 3 pairs Woodpeckers .................... 11 pairs
\ ne | TE eed te Ocean era 56 pairs
LE SSNSTSS Ser iS CUE ats Ik COT) bs) 2 sn e a 53 pairs
eee sparrows NOL im bird HOUSES 2... <---<c-- ene wanes eee one 411 pairs
English Sparrows rearing more than one brood in bird houses...... 17 pairs
English Sparrows rearing more than one brood not in bird houses 53 pairs

NEE ERIM SD, eos Se ot SB ber 8 oe) hh Se ee ee ee 132

* The name of the swallow was not given.

+ Chimney swifts were numerous. The number given is not accurate.
+ Not named. The Baltimore and Orchard both nest here.

$ Not named.

HT FEATHERLY.

ONE HUNDRED SIXTY HOMES AND THEIR BUILDERS AT WATERLOO
Phote by H. T. Featherly

Three Really True Stories

I have often read of birds doing strange things to coax
people and animals away from their nests when there are baby
birds, and since I have had a unique experience of the kind I
am sure that many of the stories are true.

One afternoon I was standing on the porch when I happened
to look down and see a female Redbird fluttering in the grass.
Both her wings were outspread and she seemed to be dragging
them behind her, as she fluttered along, stopping now and then.
In a few minutes I saw a squirrel not far behind her. As he

26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

came nearer she would start off. I thought the squirrel might
have injured her and went toward her, intending to catch her
and see in what way she was hurt. When I came close to her
she flew away into a tall tree: Then I thought of the stories I
had heard and went back to the yard to see if there were any
young birds on the ground. I could not see any, or any place
which seemed suitable for her nest. At last, within six feet of
a bird wash, was a small trellis about five feet high and six feet
wide on which grew a small bushy grapevine. I -pushed the
leaves apart, and there was the nest with four beautiful young
birds just ready to fly. I gathered up some sticks and scared
the squirrel until he never came back. Had he found the birds
he would have pulled them all out of the nest, but the mother
bird prevented him by playing lame and coaxing him away from
her treasure. You cannot have birds and squirrels in the same
yard.

In 1920 a pair of Redbirds made their home in a big yard, ©
containing all kinds of trees and flowers, in Shelbyville, Illi-
nois. They were so happy there that when winter came they
“moved in’? with a young married couple, Mr. and Mrs. M.—
Every night they came up on the porch to roost, one selecting
a large nail on one side of the door and the other a piece of wood
on the other side. They never exchanged places and were al-
ways there at a certain time. One day there was a terrible
snowstorm, and when evening came “Madam Bronze,” as the
mother bird was called, came in alone. “Red Coat’ was _ no-
- where to be seen or heard. About ten o’clock that night a
noise was heard on the front porch and when the door was
opened Red Coat flew in, nearly frozen. Mr. and Mrs. M—
got him warm and then put him on the back porch with some- -
thing to eat. He had come to the front porch because there
was no light on the back porch. After that he was always at
home and went to bed on time. Every morning Mrs. M—
gave the birds a slice of bread that had been dipped in warm
water or milk.

The two birds slept on the porch until late in the spring,
but one night Madam Bronze failed to come home, and not long
after Red Coat disappeared. At times one could hear him
singing, and I suppose he was happy over the little mud house
he had built somewhere in the bushes or trees. Soon he was
so busy hunting bugs for the little birds that he did not have
much time to sing.

Then one day, several weeks after Red Coat and Madam
Bronze disappeared, Mrs. M— heard a noise on the back
porch,—‘“‘such chattering,’ as she called it. She opened the
door and what do you think she saw. There was Mr. and Mrs.
Red Coat and a_ baby just large enough to fly. They had
coaxed him over with a big black pinching bug and then an
unlucky accident occured—they dropped the bug in a pail of

LEebreeeis AUDUBON $0 CIE TY 27

water and could find no way of getting it out. Mrs. M—
brought out a slice of bread, wet it with water, fished out the
bug and put it on the bread,and made the birds a bug sandwich.

Mr. and Mrs. Red Coat are still living in the yard and no
doubt will spend the winter of 1921—-22 on the porch with
their friends.

In the yard where Red Coat and Madam Bronze lived a
tray of food was put every morning about half past five o’clock
on the top of a rose arbor. One morning the lady who fed
the birds was watching to see who would be the first to come
for breakfast. She saw three Bluejays fly from tree to tree
and finally reach the tray of food. All three lined up. One
was a baby jay who was just being taught to fly and eat. The
father and mother birds ate of the good soft bread dipped in
water, but the lazy little rascal would not eat. He would throw
back his head, open wide his mouth and flutter his wings,
begging them to feed him as they had done in the nest. They
scolded him and would not give him one bite. The father and
mother bird talked to each other, then they flew up into a big
sycamore tree, where they sat side by side. The baby sat by
the tray and cried and chirped until I think they felt sorry
for him, since that was the first time he had been in that
strange place. They both came back and one sat on each side of
him. First one fed him and then the other till he could eat no more.

The next morning about the same time they came _ back.
The baby had been learning how to fly, and it took him only a
few minutes to reach the food. He acted just like some naughty
_ boys that I have seen at the table. The three sat in a row a-
round the tray and the baby bird would not eat. The father
father and mother scold- | ai
earand “coaxed. and
ate out of the tray so that
he would learn, but he only
threw back his head, opened
his mouth, fluttered his
Wings, and squeaked. The
father and mother bird flew
up into the big sycamore, sat
there a few minutes, then
flew away and didn’t come
back. The baby sat there
alone fluttering his wings
and opening his mouth until
he got tired, then all at once
he began to eat. After he had
eaten a good breakfast he
flew away into the trees.
Mrs. HOWARD J. HAMLIN.

Shelbyville Photo by A. A. Allen

28

Tah A UD U8 ON BU EE ee ian

The Loggerhead Shrike
By IsAAc E. HESS

On the topmost twig of an Osage tree
Sounding his call notes merrily,

Is the first heard Shrike of the season;
Wholly ignoring the bleak March winds,

Joy in the leaden skies he finds;
(Exuberance out of all reason).

His bell-like calls are pleasant to hear;

A vocal improvement during the year,
Developed perhaps for his wooing;

Two clear sweet notes he has brought along
To replace his harsh, discordant song

For the courtship days ensuing.

And scarcely has he mastered his lay
Ere comes his mate, nor suffers delay

Through stormy threatening weather;
So closely follows the mistress, I

Perplexed have often wondered why
They do not journey together.

Photo by I. E. Hess

eT ae ae ee ee eee

= = Ta Ll

freeeTonSs AUDUBON. SOCIETY 29

Through thorny thicket and hedge they scan
For suitable site where they may plan

‘A home near the old location;
Nor do they wait for balmy hours

Midst budding leaves and opening flowers
To begin the summer vocation.

Following wisdom gained through years —
Barricaded with thorny spears
They build to divert disaster,
Like scriptural structure built on rock
Able to stand the March wind’s shock
And April’s floods to master.

Laboring with an ardent zest,

The deep and prettily rounded nest
They firmly weave together ;

Rootlets and thorny twigs en masse
Interwoven with strings of grass

And lined with fur and feather.

Here in Nature’s cozy retreat
Savagery and innocence meet

Sans unlawful suggestion —
Violence is given full sway

Might rules in its dominant way
Nor needs its right to question.

Unassumingly dressed in gray

He does not in the least betray
The cruel hidden nature

That gives him questionable fame
And marks him with the vicious name

Attached in nomenclature.

While Mother Nature has decreed

That he should meet his every need
And has her approbation,

When he destroys birds that should live
We find it harder to forgive

His murderous occupation.

With mingled thoughts of sorrow and scorn
We see a bird impaled on thorn

And lament his disposition ;
But willing still are we to forget

His faults when virtues greater yet
Are brought to our recognition.

30 PE Es AU DUB ON, B Uae ee ea

The love and devotion he bestows

Upon his mate and the care he shows
The little ones in serving,

Is markedly beautiful indeed;
And should ’gainst criticisms plead

For comment more deserving.

Oh little Shrike, thy strenuous life

Is strangely mixed with love and strife;
Thou hast a nature dual;

Both war and peace with thee abide
Thou “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”

Thou art both kind and cruel.

Two Bird Lovers ina City Block

We had heard and seen many birds in the early Springtime,
for the ‘Mister’ of the home had installed a bird bath with run-
ning water in our back yard and from my window I could see
how our feathered friends appreciated it. The Robins, a Hermit
and an Olive-backed Thrush, and all the Woodpeckers were daily
visitors. A Scarlet Tanager and a Baltimore Oriole had stopped
more than a week to take advantage of it. But one morning we
spied an Oven-bird, bobbing his head with each step, as he made
his way along the edge of the shrubbery, a short distance from
the dining room window; then our hearts swelled with joy.

We had seen the Myrtle Warbler a few days before this, but
the very next morning we heard the Red-starts, che-wee, che-wee,
che-wee. I had gathered and piled up near the house a lot of
brush and as we watched the Redstarts, they seemed especially.
happy to have found it. In the week they spent there, we found
that they more than any of the migrants were very sociable.
The one little fellow would follow me the full length of our lot
if I too called che-wee, che-wee,che-wee. I kept a shallow pan
of water on the ground near the bird bath and can you imagine
how I felt when I saw a Redstart, a Pine Warbler and a Magnolia
taking a drink at the same time?

They all came to call in Farwell Avenue between Clark
Street and Ashland Avenue. The other Lover and I would find
a guiet place in a neighbor’s or our own yard, and in the month
of May, in this city block we saw most of the Warblers that
pass through Chicago on their way North.

The Yellow Warbler, the Black-throated Blue, the Chestnut-
sided, the Bay-breasted, the Canadian with his lovely necklace,
the Black Poll, the soul-satisfying Golden-winged, for whom we
had long waited, and the Connecticut all were our colorful
guests. The Parula, the Blackburnian, and the Cerulean, we
found a short distance away, but we have always felt that they
too had stopped to feast in the little ‘‘Woods” beside our house
though we had missed seeing them there.

Peet's: AU DO B.ON. S.0CGCLET Y 31

In a year’s time we have seen more than seventy different
birds in this block. Even a Whip-poor-will spent a day sleeping
in a big maple beside the house. Since that time, (May 7, 1918),
I have called him “My great big Warbler.”’ Have you ever seen
him wake up? No? Ill tell you about it. Just at dusk of that
evening, he showed signs of being alive by stretching his right
wing, then the left one, very much like both grown-ups and little
folks stretch their arms when awakened from a sound sleep.
But without furtner preparation, as far as I could see, he
swooped down to a tree stump in the back-yard and called
whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will, whip-poor-will.
From this place of vantage he flew in complete circles, to the
right and then to the left of the stump, catching an insect here
and there just as a dainty warbler or the flycatcher would do.
After repeating this a number of times, he flew swiftly around
the yard several times coming so near me that I expected to
be slapped in the face by his wings. He stopped in this wild
pursuit of food to perch on a post nearby. From there you
could hear three subdued calls — similar to the whirring of
a whip through the air. Then with a clearly defined whip-poor-
will, whip-poor-will he soared into the air until I could barely
see him and flew toward the open fields west of Rogers Park.

“A bird in your heart brings a bird to your house” had been

proved true again.
Mrs. FREDERICK A. SMITH.
5902 Magnolia Avenue, Chicago.

A School Beautiful Committee

The Illinois Council of Parent-Teacher Associations has made
an important move in appointing a School Beautiful Committee
and approving a comprehensive program of activities. Mrs.
Benjamin Bachrach of Decatur is chairman of the Committee,
the duties of which are defined, ‘““To see that the school grounds
are made beautiful with native trees, shrubs, and flowers; that
the school grounds are made bird sanctuaries; that definite time
is given in class work to the study of birds.”

The Committee has already a suggestive outline of bird
work for schools the publication of which is expected at an early
date. This outline lays emphasis upon concrete projects such
as maintaining feeding shelves, building martin houses, and
other houses, and under the head of landscape work stresses the
planting of shrubs whose fruit furnishes food for birds. Sug-
gestions for class study and lists of books and helpful charts
and pictures are given.

32 Pe AUD UB OLN BU sale aed IN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
FALL 1921
Published by
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION
JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park
RUTHVEN DEANE
112 W. Adams St., Chicago
MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest
BERTHA TT. PAL TEE
Evanston
CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside
ORPHEUS M. SCHANTZ
10 So. La Salle Street, Chicago

FREDERICK H. PATTEE
626 S. Clark St., Chicago

LOCAL SECRETARIES

BELVIDERE
Miss Muriel Lampert, 410 E. Lincoln

Ave.
CARBONDALE

Mary M. Steagall, 808 Illinois Ave.
CARLYLE

H. C. Norcross
CHAMPAIGN

W. Elmer Ekblaw, 601 N. Willis Ave.
DECATUR

a Benjamin Bachrach, 1437 W. Main

DE KALB

C. E. Montgomery, N. I. S. N. C.
ELGIN

Miss Lillian Smith, Douglas Ave.
EVANSTON

Miss Louise Whitehead, 1745 Orrington

Ave, Secretary Evanston Bird Club.
GOLCONDA

Mrs. Lillian B. Phelps
HARRISBURG

Clarence Bonnell
KEWANEE

Dr. Hattie Melaik, Quinn Block
LAKE FOREST

Rev. George Roberts, Jr.
MACKINAW

Miss Mae Blair
MAYWOOD

Secretary of the Maywood Bird Club
NORMAL

Miss Alice Jean Patterson, Ill. S. N. U.
ODIN

C. D. Vandercook
OLNEY
Mrs. Robert Ridgway, 1030 S. Morgan St.
PHILO
Isaac E. Hess
PORT BYRON
J. J. Schaefer
QUINCY
Mr. T. E. Musselman, c/o Gem City Busi-
ness College
RIVER FOREST
E_ther A Craigmile

ROCKFORD

Paul B. Riis, 301 Shaw St.
ROCK ISLAND

Nellie E. Peetz, 628 18th St.
SALEM

Mrs. Sig Kaufman, 524 No. Broadway
SULLIVAN

Mrs. O. L. Todd, 606 S. Washington St-
WATERLOO

H. I. Featherly
WAUKEGAN

Mrs. Elam H. Clarke, 740 N. Sheridan

Rd.
WINNETKA
John H. Sutter

Editoral

The abundance of good material
sent in for this number of the Bul-
letin is a matter for congratulation.
It automatically reduces the space
to be filled with editorial comment.
Again, congratulations! Doubtless
this can not be better used, for one
thing, than in echoing the regret at
the inaction and lack of vision on the
part of our legislators to which the
President of the Illinois Audubon So-
clety gives expression on the front
page. The economic waste from neg-
lect to conserve public resources of
marsh land and waterways, of forest
and significant scenic possession and
the wild life such areas imply, who
can compute? The sentiment against
such waste is growing. The cam-
paign initiated by Representative
Harlan B. Kauffman in the last leg-
islature will be renewed in advance
of the primaries this time.

With this and related matters the
next issue of The Bulletin is to be

~ concerned. Material for it was fair-

ly knocking at the door before this
went to press. There will be the
story of the mapping of forest areas
by the state forester and his assist-
ant. The story can now be convinc-
ingly told of the futility and waste-
fulness of draining such areas as
the Kankakee marshes. Reports of
successful grappling with the spar-
row problem are coming in and will
be given place. We: are to have a
new and better year.

,
“=
a
7

Pat weLsc AUDUBON, SOCIETY 33

An Exhibition of Nature Studies

The Fourth Annual Exhibition of Nature Studies is to be
held at the Chicago Art Institute from December 17, 1921, to
January 18, 1922. The Chicago Chapter of the Wild Flower
Preservation Society of America originated these exhibitions
which have aroused public interest far beyond the anticipations
of the promoters. The success of the exhibitions so impressed
the officials at the Art Institute that last year their staff of
decorators was given charge of placing exhibits for the Wild
Flower Preservation Society and the arrangement of the ex-
hibits and the setting given them were artistic to a degree.

Too much can not be said in praise of the skill and energy
with which the officials of the Wild Flower Preservation Society
and their immediate associates have organized these exhibitions
and promoted the campaigns of publicity in connection there-
with. This year the Society has generously invited the Illinois
Audubon Society and the State Microscopical Society of Illinois
to share in this undertaking. The scope of the exhibits has been
widened to include the fungus in every form from mildew to
mushroom; grasses, sedges and mosses; weeds—our trouble-
some immigrants; shells of sea and land snails; fish—native
and tropical; bird studies from life; rocks and fossils; and mi-
croscopes and what they show us. During the period of the ex-
hibition there will be an informal discussion and study of ex-
hibits each afternoon at four o’clock. Illustrated lectures will
be given in the Club Room of the Art Institute at four o’clock
each Monday and Thursday afternoon. Each Saturday after-
noon at 2:30 o’clock, in Fullerton Hall, nature subjects will be
presented through motion films or by speakers of note. The
opening lecture of the exhibition is furnished by the [Illinois
Audubon Society whose representative, Dr. Thomas Roberts,
of the University of Minnesota, will talk on “Wild Life Studies
in Motion Pictures.” The exhibition and all the lectures are
open to the public free of charge.

The officers of the Wild Flower Preservation Society are as
follows: Mrs. Charles L. Hutchinson, President; Mrs. Frederick
W. Blocki, Vice-President; Miss C. B. Neeley, Treasurer; Mrs.
Noble B. Judah, Secretary; Mrs. Charles S. Eaton, Correspond-
ing Secretary ; Mrs. George A. Butler and Mrs. ‘Alta S. Hen-
dricks, Field Marshals.

More About Bird Banding

In the Spring 1921 Bulletin Mr. Wm. I. Lyon published for
the first time a report of the very interesting work he is doing
at Waukegan in banding birds and tabulating material for mi-
gration records. In this issue he contributes some entertaining
details of life histories from his rapidly growing collection.

34 THE AUD UBION BU LL Erin

Readers of the Bulletin do not need to be reminded of the im-
portance of the work Mr. Lyon and other enthusiasts in bird-
banding, as yet comparatively few in number in the United
States, are doing. It is of immediate consequence that compe-
tent volunteers to codperate in the work be forthcoming. For
this part of the country Mr. Lyon has only two associates: one
at Hobart, Indiana, and one at Sault Ste Marie. He is anxious
to enlist workers between the latter place, and his home sta-
tion, Waukegan, and from Chicago southward to Cairo and the
Gulf. :

Supplementing the description of an improved “sparrow
trap,” which Mr. Lyon gave to the last Bulletin, he now sends
memoranda of more recent experiences. He writes as follows:

“When the birds
began to mate it
was apparent that
the self-acting traps
would soon have to
be abandoned, as
the traps could not
be watched all the
time and that would
keep the captured
birds away from
their mates or from
their nests when
built, so the number
of Sieve Traps or
Drop Traps.7jase
some may eall
them, was increased. Details of our experiences with these
traps are here offered.

“The original trap was just a box three feet square and four
inches deep with three quarter inch mesh wire netting on the top.
Two pegs were driven into the ground so that they would come
into the back corners of the trap and hold it securely in place
when the stick was pulled out from under the front to let the
trap drop on the ground. The front stick should not be over eight
to ten inches high. Then there was a door to drive the birds from
the trap into a small carrying cage. The wood sides did not give
the trapper a clear view into the trap and also kept the birds
from seeing inside. So another trap was made of the same
dimensions but all from wire. This was a good improvement
and caught more birds but it was soon apparent that it could
be improved. So next came a trap which was four feet square
and four inches deep and made entirely from wire, and it worked
much better as it covered more space. It appears in the ac-
companying illustration. From all these traps I run strings
up through the trees to a window in my house. The traps are

Psa ers AUDUBON SOCTE TY 35

kept baited at all times, so when no one is there to pull the
strings, they serve simply as feeding stations and the birds
grow used to getting their meals easily and come back for more.

“After a season’s experience it is believed that this plan of
trap has been the most successful all through the whole year.
Certainly for any one who is just beginning it is very simple
and the best feature is that it can be worked as little or as much
as one desires.”

The writer visited Mr. Lyon one bright morning this last
October, and watched the operation of both the self-acting
traps and the sieve traps worked by pulls. Within an hour
Mr. Lyon trapped 27 visitors, Fox Sparrows and White-throats.
Seven of these were “repeaters.” They had been band-
ed before, and their experience had not deterred them from re-
visiting the scene of their adventure. It seemed easy to cap-
ture birds in the very simple device of the sieve trap. It requires
only that one watch the trap and pull the string at the psycho-
logical moment.

The latest report received from Mr. Lyon as this number
was being sent to the printer indicated unusual success with
his tree traps. He had thus far banded 21 Chickadees, 5
Downy Woodpeckers, and a large number of Tree Sparrows. He
had also banded 4 White-breasted Nuthatches which had hopped
into a sieve trap on the ground.

Ape Pans.

A New Lake and a New Sanctuary

From Decatur, Illinois, comes the news that the near comple-
tion of an important civic undertaking which is of great con-
cern to that city because of its significance for sanitation and
industrial purpose is anticipated with heightened interest by
nature lovers generally for its possibilities in the way of an ar-
boretum and bird sanctuary. Mr. C. A. Wait of the Decatur
Review has kindly furnished us with the following data:

“Decatur, Illinois, has completed within the last month a
water impounding dam which will create a lake of 4,000 acres
immediately south and east of that city of 45,000 population.
While the lake has been created primarily to insure the water
supply of the city by damming the Sangamon river and flooding
the area of the basin to the extent noted, there has already been
_ started a vigorous movement in the community for the estab-
lishment of a bird sanctuary on this lake for the migratory water
fowl. The lake will have a total length of about thirteen miles
and will vary in width from three quarters of a mile down to the
original channel of the river.

“The construction of the dam will cost the city about a mil-
lion dollars and the purchase of the land, the raising of the
bridges and bridge approaches have cost almost exactly another
million. It is part of the city plan to create driveways and park

36 oH BAU DUB ON Bek ia Ne

spaces about the lake and for this reason the possibility of at-
tracting the beautiful waterfowl has interested the citizens of
the community.

“This body of water will be the largest in that section of
the state and it is the belief of those familiar with the habits
of the migratory water fowl that the creation of a refuge there
will result in the semi-annual visitation of thousands of wild
ducks and geese. Recently O. M. Schantz, of the Audubon So-
ciety, visited in Decatur where he spoke before the Bird and
Tree Club, and he found a considerable interest in the plan to
ask the state to create a sanctuary on the lake which is about
to be created there. The newspapers are taking an active inter-
est in the campaign and the sentiment has been found to be
very favorable to making Decatur’s new lake, which is right at
the city’s door, a fully protected home for the water fowl. Of-
fers of donations of money for the feeding of the birds have al-
ready been made up by citizens and plans to take the matter
up with the state game department have met with assurances —
of support from a number of officials.”

~ Notes from the Field Revised to Dec. 15, 1921

Carbondale

From the Normal School at Carbondale, Miss Mary M. Steag-
all writes of the truce that prevails there.

“We have a campus of about three acres where the students,
about a thousand in number, come and go, the children of the
Training School play, and the older boys play ball on several dif-
ferent diamonds; yet the last of May we counted on the campus
two hundred of this year’s bird nests. This count did not include
any except the nests found in the trees. There were perhaps
- two or three dozen more Sparrows’ nests in the vines and bushes
around the buildings, and in the eaves.

“This year, we found, to our surprise, the Summer Tanager
nesting in the woods and cliffs of our section more frequently
than the Cardinal Grosbeak, which is supposed to be the ‘red
bird’ of our part of the state.

“In a wooded ravine, on the eastern side of Big Hill, October
30,.I saw the American Woodcock feeding. We do not often
see them here, even in migration.”

Decatur

The membership list of the Decatur Bird and Tree Club con-
tinues to grow rapidly. It now numbers 255 adults and 445
junior members. There is splendid co-operation and enthusiasm
in Decatur in regard to bird protection. Mention was made in
the last Bulletin of the assistance rendered by the Y. M. C. A.
in planning and carrying out an exhibit of nesting boxes. The
Library published a list of bird books to assist not only the
student but the general reader and children as well. The lead-

Pic Nols AUDUBON SOCcTE T.Y 37

ing book store had a window display of books the Club wished
exploited. Under the auspices of the School Beautiful Com-
mittee each school has done some planting for the birds. The
Dennis School has a martin house and a feeding shelf. The
Pugh School has erected a bird fountain.

Professor W. B. Olds has been elected President of the Club
to succeed Mr. George Proctor, resigned. At one meeting of the
Bird and Tree Club teachers from the various schools were pres-
ent and gave their experiences in bringing bird study before
their pupils. The children preferred the hikes, it was reported,
to any other form of bird study. Mrs. Benjamin Bachrach
had been active in promoting the work of the junior groups and
has given several lectures in schools, before Boy Scout organiza-
tions, etc. The School Beautiful Committee of Decatur, of which
Mrs. Bachrach is chairman, with the co-operation of Mr. W. G.
Hardy, acting president of the Decatur Art Institute, invited
Mr. Myron H. West, city planner, to come to Decatur and ad-
dress a large audience of teachers and patrons upon the sub-
ject of the school setting. His audience, which included country
teachers as well as those of the city, was much impressed with
his address.

Elgin

The interesting way in which the Elgin Audubon Society
carries on is worth re-telling. The report of the monthly meet-
ings, with the reading of interesting papers and exchange of lo-
cal notes is very suggestive. The secretary, Miss Lillian B. Smith,
writes:

We meet in the different homes at six-thirty for a covered
dish luncheon, and have very enjoyable times eating together.
When a home is not available we hold our meeting in the Y. W. C.
A. rooms. The Society has a membership of 250 and we have
an average attendance of fifty.

For over a year we have been heartily absorbed in our
Museum project, and this summer we have been able to open the
building to the public. We have many fine specimens, some do-
nated and others purchased, and comments from visitors who
know pronounce them to be the best. Of course, our exhibits are
not all birds, but include minerals, shells, Indian relics, pottery,
rare curios, and mounted animal heads. We also have some re-
search books.

The museum has no regular curator, so the Audubon mem-
bers volunteer their services. The average attendance for the
summer was 200; the largest attendance was 700.

We are greatly in need of suitable cases to house the spe-
cimens for inspection, and it means proposed “drives,” food
sales, rummage sales, and so forth, to raise the amount of money
required. As previously reported, the city of Elgin gave us the
right to the Museum, but the building was sadly in need of

38 THE, A UW D.U BOW 2B Ura ean

repair, since it had been neglected for a number of years. It
required a large expenditure to put it in shape for use. The
annual report of the Treasurer shows that the Society’s in-
come from all sources for the past year was $1,104.09, and that
its expenditures, chiefly for museum purposes, were $1,082.78.
Audubon Day, or rather Bird Day, was recognized October
19, 20, and 21, when the citizens of Elgin who had specimens
suitable for the Museum were asked to leave them at an appoint-
ed place where a special committee was in charge to receive
them. A number of very fine specimens was brought in. Further-
more, movements of this sort tend to interest the public in the
birds and in what Audubon societies are striving to accomplish.

Lake Forest

Rev. George R. Roberts, Jr., writes as follows:

In reply to the inquiry as to visitors to the bird shelf (which
is just outside my study window) I can report that the interest-
ing experience of this fall is the return of the Red-breasted Nut-
hatches. They have appeared almost regularly every other
year. This year (after seeing none last winter) two of them
came on September 30, and I can hardly look out of my window
but one or both of them are at my shelf — not at it long, for
they seldom eat from the shelf; they invariably take a seed and
fly to a neighboring branch to “hatch” and eat it. I banded one ©
of them, which flew into a glass-enclosed porch.

I have never seen so many Kinglets in my seven autumns
as this year between September 14 and October 16. Both vari-
eties were numerous, the Ruby-crowned as usual being the more
so. I had a Bewick’s Wren in my back yard all summer up to
September fifteenth. So far as I could see there was only one of
them. A female Black-throated Blue Warbler was in my yard as
late as October 3, the White-throated Sparrows were here from
September 18 to October 24, the Juncos appeared on September
22, and the Chickadees blew in on October 22, my earliest rec-
ord for seven years. I might add that I seldom record the King-
lets so early as this year.

On the afternoon of November 22 I saw a small flock of
Pine Grosbeaks feeding on the fruit of a highbush cranberry.
There were seven in the flock: three males and four females
and immature. They were as fearless as the books declare and
I not only approached to within four feet of them but stayed
watching them for at least ten minutes. I am told that it is
several years since any of these birds have been seen in this
vicinity. Since that time (I write under date of December 5)
the Pine Grosbeaks have not been seen though three of us have
been watching for them. A visit to the place where I saw them
on November 22nd revealed that the ground beneath the bushes
was covered with the skins of the berries out of which they

Tuan ots AUDUBON SOCIETY 39

had eaten the fruit. At present writing, if they have stayed
in our neighborhood, they have escaped our notice.

Port Byron

Mr. J. J. Shafer sends another valuable series of notes from
Port Byron. Under date of November 15 he writes:

“T believe that as a result of the big snow and sleet storm of
April 16 thousands of birds perished from the effects of cold and
hunger. Up to the day of the storm I had noted the arrival of
thirty-seven species. Among them were the Mourning Dove,
March 30; Phoebe, March 18; Purple Martin, April 3; Vesper
Sparrow, March 18; Field Sparrow, March 20; Chipping Spar-
row, April 4; and Brown Thrasher, April 10, my earliest record
for this species. On the day of the storm about a dozen Robins
took refuge in our woodshed, in which a pair of Phoebes already
had a nest with eggs. A pair of Robins also had a nest with eggs
in a maple tree beside the kitchen, and one of the Robins was seen
sitting on the nest during the storm. The day of the storm there
was a high north wind, and the temperature ranged from 28° to
ou: |

After the storm was over, two dead Robins were found near
the house, and a neighbor reported finding one dead Robin and
one dead Flicker. Eight Martins were in our Martin house
during the storm, and I feared they would perish, but the next
day, when the storm had subsided and the sun was shining, they
came out of their house and began to fly around as if nothing
had happened.

The largest bird wave during the spring migration came
on May 8, when twelve arrivals were noted. Most of the Warb-
lers were late, and arrived from May 12 to 29. The Myrtle
Warbler arrived April 17, the day after the big storm. Several
Black-throated Blue Warblers were seen and heard, also one
each of the Prothonotary and Northern Parula.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Traill’s Flycatcher, Yel-
low-breasted Chat, and Bell’s Vireo failed to arrive during the
spring migration; the Chat and Traill’s Flycatcher were not
seen or heard here this year. This makes the second year that
the Chat has failed to come, and the first for Traill’s Flycatcher.
Bell’s Vireo is growing scarcer every year. Only one or two
were heard singing this year, from June 21 to 26. The Yellow
Warbler is also becoming scarcer each year; none have bred at
our place since 1917. One Western Meadowlark was heard sing-
ing on March 11; during the summer of 1918 one pair bred here.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird was not seen here until
August 6, when my brother, Charles F. Schafer, saw one sitting
on the houseyard fence, near a hollyhock. The next one was seen
by the writer August 14, where in other years they were found
breeding. The last one was seen at the same place September 11,
my earliest date of departure for this species. Mr. Hugo H.

40 7 TPE ACU DUO NB by her

Schroder of Bettendorf, Iowa, writes that he took a picture of
a Hummingbird in his yard on September 11, and saw them
there several days later. Davenport and Bettendorf are about
twenty miles southwest of Port Byron.

Mr. Schroder also took a picture of a Nighthawk nesting on
a factory roof last summer. He reports that the Prothonotary
Warbler has been breeding on Credit Island, near the lower end
of Davenport, for the last two years.

This year a pair of Baltimore Orioles built their nest in a
maple tree beside the kitchen, but something happened to the fe-
male Oriole about June 21. On June 22, the male Oriole stopped
singing, and the female was never seen again at her nest. A pair
of Sparrowhawks raised a brood in a Flicker box on a walnut
tree beside the public highway, and we blamed the Hawks for
killing the female Oriole. My brother saw where the Hawks had
killed two birds near their nest, and one day a Killdeer was
seen flying after one of the Hawks. We thought that probably
one of the Hawks had taken a young Killdeer and was flying
away with it. This is the first time that the Sparrowhawk has
bred on our place; we hope it is the last time.

No Shrikes nested here this year. Only one was seen in the
spring, and one during the summer. Mourning Doves were com-
mon; two pairs had nests at the same time on a large old burr
oak, and several pairs nested in our orchard. The Cliff Swallows
built ninety-one nests under the eaves of our barn, and we again
had much trouble to keep the English Sparrows out of them.
About July 15, all of the young Cliff Swallows were out of their
nests, and on July 20 all the young Martins were out of their

house. On July 21 the Martins began to gather in flocks and ~

sit on the windmill. Those that bred here left for the south
much earlier than in other years.

Following is my record of the arrival of sehiemaect irae
from the north :—Solitary Sandpiper, August 2; Marsh Hawk,
August 9; Belted Kingfisher, August 21; Great Blue Heron,
Nighthawk, August 23; Tree Swallow, August 28; Black and
White Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Can-
ada Warbler, September 4; Red-breasted Nuthatch, September 8;
Blue-winged Teal, September 10; Pintail, September 11; Rusty
Blackbird, September 16; White-throated Sparrow, September
18; Slate-colored Junco, September 22; Myrtle Warbler, Sep-
tember 23; Fox Sparrow, Philadelphia Vireo, Bay-breasted
Warbler, Black-poll Warbler, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, September 25; Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker, September 26; Rough-legged Hawk, Blue-
headed Vireo, October 6; White-crowned Sparrow, October 16;
Tree Sparrow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, October 23; Brant, Oc-
tober 24;.Barred Owl, October 29; Canada Goose, October 31;
Mallard, November i - Lapland Longspur, November 5; Goshawk,
November 4,

Lovey otrs AUDUBON SQ@CIET Y 41

Mr. Schroder reported seeing about 300 Double-crested Cor-
morants, October 1, several Harris Sparrows, October 16, some
Purple Finches during the week of October 9, and thousands of
water fowl (species unknown) on October 7.

I have not yet observed the water birds on the Mississippi
River this fall, but heard much shooting there Sunday, November
13. There are a good many ducks on Rock River Bottom this fall,
and one hunter reported killing nine Wilson’s Snipes on Novem-
ber 6.

Acorns were plentiful this fall, and during September there
were thousands of Redheaded Woodpeckers in the woods, and
there are many of them staying here at present. The first
snowstorm for this fall came on the night of November 10, and
the fall migration seems to be over. The last Bluebird was heard
November 11, and some Blackbirds November 13.”

River Forest

From the vicinity of the Cook County Forest Preserve comes
Miss Esther A. Craigmile’s interesting report:

Did you ever take a bird census on Christmas or New Year’s
Day? A sweep through the snow near Riverside along the
Desplaines and the scouring of the woods and fields near Hins-
dale usually results in a list of ten or twelve species during
the day. Winter feeding of birds in the Cook County Forest
Preserve makes the taking of a bird census a comparatively
easy process. Feeding stations have been established in var-
ious sections of the preserves, usually remote from buildings,
so that the English Sparrow factor is eliminated. Generous ra-
tions of corn are supplied for the Ring-necked Pheasants, millet
seed for the desirable Sparrows, sunflower seed for the Chicka-
dees, and suet for Woodpeckers, Brown Creepers, and Nut-
hatches.

An hour’s walk just after sunrise is a delight. Flocks of
contented Chickadees and Titmice declare their enjoyment
of their breakfast with notes of gratitude. They peer at you
fearlessly as you approach them. The suet counter is a popular
place, where various. birds await their turns and chirp with ©
eager anticipation or with discontent at the greedy fellow who
usurps more than his share of time, for only one bird feeds at
a time. Numerous Cardinals and from twenty-five to one hun-
dred Tree Sparrows and perhaps twenty-five Juncos frequent
the millet quarters. Some Song Sparrows and one Fox Spar-
row were often seen last winter. After light refreshments of
millet they scour the Forest Preserve and adjoining territory
for weed seed.

The crowing of the Cock Pheasants causes great consterna-
tion among the Crow family. The jargon of the Bluejays and
the twitter of Tufted Titmice are heard far and near. Cardinal
favors us with a number. One morning a busy flock of Red-

42 THE A:U DoU-B-O°N= BU GL Lene aN

polls was discovered. A Robin or two and one lone Red-winged
Blackbird wintered in Thatcher’s Woods last year.

On Washington’s Birthday, 1920, while in the woods I met
Mr. Kennicott, who reported twelve species and 110 individuals
observed in a walk through the Preserve. It gave me the great-
est pleasure to learn from him of the splendid campaign in-
winter feeding of birds being carried out in all our preserves.
The protection the birds afford our trees and their destruction
of weed seed make the winter feeding well worth while.

Late in May I spent a Sunday on the edge of the wood south
of Western Springs. Snatches of a Cathbird’s song attracted
my attention during the morning. Several times I stepped out-
side for closer observation, only to find the singer quiet or out
of sight. Suddenly it cccurred to me that a Catbird could hard-
ly be responsible for the medley of notes I heard, and a little
later I caught sight of a beautiful Mockingbird. For two hours
more he circled about the house, accompanying his song with
all the aerial flights that make him so interesting, while his
vocal exhibition rivaled that of the Western Mockingbird.

~ When I communicated the information to Dr. Eifrig of River
Forest I learned that he had been favored with a similar visita-
tion. Until the middle of June a pair of Mockingbirds were fre-
quently seen on Williams Street. No nesting record, however,
has been reported to me.

Rock Island

Local Secretary Nellie E. Peetz contributes the following
interesting field notes:

_ In reading accounts of cases where Cowbirds deposited their
eggs in the nests of other birds, I do not seem to recall any case
where the victim chosen was not a smaller bird than the Cow-
bird,—usually one of the Warblers or a Sparrow.

Early this Summer, however, some friends told of having
seen a Cardinal’s nest containing two Cowbird eggs. I think
I was somewhat skeptical, but all doubt was dispelled a few
weeks later, when our own Cardinals (I call them our Cardinals
because for several years the same pair of birds have been al-
most daily visitors at our feeding shelf) appeared one day with
two young Cardinals and three Cowbirds!

The Mother Cardinal would have absolutely nothing to do
with the Cowbird youngsters, and would not even come near
the feeding shelf when they were there. The entire care, and -
such care as those greedy young Cowbirds demanded,—de-
volved on Father Cardinal, and he certainly did his duty by
them.

One evening we noticed an amusing incident. Father Cardi-
nal had not at any time fed the young Cardinals, but on this
particular evening he noticed one of the Cardinal babies chok-
ing on a morsel too large to be swallowed. Deeply concerned,

PEGE NOLS) A. pu BON. SO Cin Tt ¥ 43

he immediately flew to the rescue, and both father and mother
tugged until the offending bite was removed. Satisfied that
the youngster was all right he returned to the Cowbirds.

When a second family arrived, we rejoiced that this time they
were all Cardinals.

EDITOR’S NOTE. It does not detract from the value of Miss Peetz’
observations to state that the Scarlet Tanager and the Wood Thrush are
also recorded as victims of the Cowbird’s craftiness. Bird-Lore for July-
August, 1921 has an important contribution to Cowbird literature by
Harry C. Elder. Miss Peetz and Mr. Elder will doubtless be much interest-
ed in comparing notes.

Miss Genevieve Zimmer writes:

Our cafeteria is in full swing at the present moment. The
first snowstorm sent all of our star boarders back. We fasten-
ed a large piece of suet up on the casing of the southeast win-
dow and nailed the lunch counter to the window-sill. Each
day we put out bits of chopped suet, cracked corn, sunflower
seeds, apples, and cracked nuts, which the children supply reg-
ularly. High prices do not seem to bother our feathered visi-
tors, for they devour literally quarts of chick feed, pounds of
suet, and bags of cracked nuts. All through the day we _ see
these four’ birds,—the Downy, White-breasted Nuthatch,
Chickadee, and Bluejay. The Brown Creeper never comes to
the counter but pilfers from the storeroom, an old elm near
the window. The four “steadies,” as we call them, must like our
bill of fare, for they have been with us eight years regardless
of the fact that children play right under the window and auto-
mobiles and noisy wagons drive past at all times of the day.
Each bird comes at least a dozen times a day and twice that
often in colder weather.

How human they are! The Chickadee, like the aristocra-
tic little lady she is, comes daintily to her place at table, eating
with exquisite grace. She is so shy the children fairly hold
their breath for fear she will fly away. Her little needle-like
bill gets out every tiny crumb of nut meat from the shell. The
White-breasted Nuthatch pounces greedily upon his food, eats
with a vengeance and hugely enjoys every gustatory experience.
He carries much suet away and has filled every crevice of the
elm tree near the window.

A suet gourmand is the Downy. He “pieces” very often,
attacking the suet every time as if he had never seen it before.
Once in a while he misses his aim and comes to the wrong win-
dow, pecking stupidly at the brick and wondering why it
doesn’t yield to him. Finally he flies away to try it all over
again and this time he stays long enough to make up for lost
time.

We call the Bluejay the cock of the walk. All flee the pre-
mises when he alights. He looks like a dude in his stylish
blue coat, but eats like a ruffian, scattering the food with both
feet and carrying off the choicest bits clear up to the next

44 oe Ae DUB ON, BW hein ay

block, hiding it under the eaves or dropping it in some old
woodpecker’s hole across the street.

There was a little tussle on the counter today. The Downy
had come out from under somewhere at the very same mom-
ent the Nuthatch appeared. The latter immediately turned
- about face and spread out his wings threateningly, jerking his ~
head back and forth so rapidly that it frightened the Downy
right off his perch. He chased him to the ‘‘Goody Tree,” as
the children call the elm that’s crammed with food, where he-
disappeared and stayed hidden for a long time. Back came
the conquering hero and settled himself in the middle of the
counter, sampling every nutshell see and daring anybody to
come near.

What delight the children have in watching them. Most
of the children are only six and a half, yet can imitate their calls
and know them anywhere at first sight. We have walks in the
fields and woods on the brightest, mildest days in the winter,
and are so happy when my whistle brings an answer from the
chickadee.

Rockford

The past winter E. E. Bartlett, an active bird lover of this
city, announced in his paper, The Rockford Register-Gazette,
a bird house building contest with attractive inducements and
prizes. He appealed to all the boys of the city, arranging three
groups of entries,— the first group for grade school pupils, the
second for high school students, and the third for all other boys
not eligible to compete in the first two groups. The third group
was made especially for boys out of school and out of work who
were interested in birds. It also gave them an opportunity to
earn a little money, since handsome cash prizes were offered
to the winners in each division.

In order to eliminate waste of time and good material, The
Register-Gazette published a series of photographs with detailed
plans of such bird houses as had been tried out and found prac-
tical and successful. These plans were furnished by the Park
Board office from its own patterns. They were in no sense arbi-
trary in restricting the ingenuity of the builder, but merely laid
down simple fundamental principles of bird house construction.
Every encouragement was held out to the builder to give his
fancy full sway.

E. E. Lewis, Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Bjorge, Sup-
ervisor of Manual Arts in the high school, and Paul B. Riis, Sup-
perintendent of Parks, were chosen to act as judges. The houses
were to be judged on their merits in workmanship, appearance,
and originality of design.

Leo Lyon, Director of Physical Education, enlisted the ser-
vices of the manual training department of the Boys Club with
the result that 125 houses were put on exhibition at a prominent

rLeaFNOrS AUBUBON- SOCIETY 45

downtown store for final judging. The designs covered houses
for Wren, Chickadee, Nuthatch, Downy Woodpecker, Robin,
Phoebe, Flicker, and Purple Martin.

The outstanding feature of the exhibit was the fact that al-
most all the houses were practical and meritorious. In fact, there
were but six entries which disregarded construction principles
entirely, and but two of these six proved valueless from the
standpoint of the bird. The freak houses of former contests were
entirely absent.

Every house not wanted at the builder’s home found a ready
sale or was donated to the Park Board.

PAUL B. RIIS.

A Mocking Bird Record at Rockford

So far as we know, there is no record of a Mockingbird which
has stayed for any length of time in this vicinity.

In the summer of 1918 Miss Celia Whelpley, a Rockford vis-
itor from the southern part of the state, declared that she had
seen or heard a Mockingbird several times near her room in south
Rockford. She said the bird was as familiar to her as a Robin is
to the residents of this vicinity, and that she could not be mis-
taken. I passed the news on to various bird lovers, but we had
never had a record before and it was, I think, given little cred-
ence.

April 18, 1919, Mrs. C. A. Nelson and her daughter, Betty, ob-
tained another record, also in south Rockford. The bird was
feeding near the ground and obligingly stayed while they exam-
ined and compared it with their bird books, establishing its
identity beyond all doubt in their minds.

September 1, 1921, when I came home I found my mother
quite excited because she had seen an entirely new bird on our
bird bath. It had stayed for some time, so that she was able to
get a full description. What she told me made me suspect its
identity at once, but without saying what I thought I took the
description of the Mockingbird and asked in detail as to its ap-
pearance. Everything agreed, and it seems to me, although
none of the records are mine, that I cannot doubt the evidence
of these three appearances.

May 18, 1921, Mrs. Sackett saw the Cerulean Warbler.

April 17, 1921, I have a record for a Ring-billed Gull and a
Woodcock. eae

Recently Mrs. Ogilby has seen Pine Siskins.

May 18, 1921, Mrs. Kimball and I identified a Prairie Warb-
er,
EDITH VAN DUZER.

46 Fre AUDwE ON BULGE be Pry

Junior Clubs

The work of the National Association of Audubon Socie-
ties in organizing Junior Bird Clubs is of far-reaching influence.
Last year’s records show that 220,787 children were enrolled
in its club memberships. There were 320 such clubs in Illinois ©
alone with a membership of 13,457 children. Through the gen-
erosity of certain of its patrons the Society has now for some
years been able to make special offers to attract membership
to its Junior Clubs, these being organized by teachers, scout
leaders, or other interested persons. When 25 or more pu-
pils have paid a fee of ten cents each, this money, together
with the name of the Club and the name and the address of
the teacher, is sent in to the National Society at 1974 Broadway,
New York. The Society then sends the Club a supply of ma-
terial so that each member is provided with a button and a set of
six colored pictures of common birds, together with the accom-
panying educational leaflets. These leaflets contain accounts of
_ the habits of the birds and outline drawings of the pictures for
color work. In addition, the teacher receives a year’s subscrip-
tion to the magazine Bird-Lore, which contains many valuable
suggestions for teachers. For the year 1921-22 the pictures
and leaflets will be concerned with the following: Mourning
Dove, Bronzed and Purple Grackle, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Brown
Thrasher, Green Heron, and Great Horned Owl. The Society
issues over 100 pictures with leaflets but the current offer to
Junior Clubs includes only those mentioned above. All the other
pictures may be obtained from the National Society for five
cents each.

The Illinois Audubon Society has no large fund available
for the promotion of Junior Clubs but it stands ready to use its
good offices in their organization. As the offer of the National
Society above described includes study helps for but six different
birds, many groups will prefer a more comprehensive program.
For these the Illinois Society offers the following suggestions:

The pupils might provide themselves with a copy of the gov-
ernment bulletin, “Fufty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard,”
all the illustrations being in color and the text clear and con-
cise. The introductory essay on the economic importance of
birds is of the highest value. Copies of this bulletin may be ob-
tained from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington,
D. C., at fifteen cents each.

In a similar fashion groups might take up the study of For-
bush’s bulletin entitled, “Outdoor Bird Study,’ which may be
obtained for fifteen cents of the Massachusetts Audubon Socie-
ty at 66 Newberry Street, Boston. This is a 51 page bulletin
illustrated with drawings and is peculiarly helpful for outdoor
work. Members of adult clubs will enjoy this as well as the bul-
letin previously mentioned.

PVC erSsS! AUDUBON: S OCTET. Y AT

Another suggestion is for each member of the Club to be
provided with one of the Bird Notebooks published by the Com-
stock Publishing Company of Ithaca, New York. These note-
books contain for field use outlines for observations of bird col-
ors, flight, nesting habits, haunts, foods, etc., and in addition,
there are outline drawings on water color paper of the birds
to be studied. Additional reference to these notebooks will be
found elsewhere in these pages.

To each member of a group of ten or more provided with
one of the above bulletins or notebooks the Illinois Audubon
Society will send a supply of the Illinois Audubon buttons free
of charge and will send the leader for a period of one year all
the publications and special notices of the Society together with
an illustrated certificate showing that the group is a member
of the Illinois Audubon Society. Teachers wishing to enroll
pupils under plans of their own may obtain the Illinois Audu-
bon buttons for two cents each.

Bird Study in the School Program

The Illinois Audubon Society believes it quite feasible to
place accepted aids to bird study on the official list of texts for
use in schools. In this way pupils will buy reference texts on bird
life in the same way that they buy dictionaries or spelling books.
This has been successfully tried out in a number of places. One
Illinois school, for example, asks its seventh and eighth grade
pupils to provide themselves with a copy of Chapman’s What
Bird Is That, which they buy at the wholesale rate at the school
book store. The sixth grade pupils buy the Comstock Bird
Notebooks, etc. This seems very suggestive and so the Illinois
Audubon Society offers the following program, the children to
be provided with texts which are not so much books about birds
as aids to bird study, this being an important distinction:

Grades one, two, three, and four. No text book recommend-
ed, the school to have a liberal supply of mounted pictures, a
set of the Keystone stereographs on birds, etc., etc. See Bird
Pictures and Picture Mounts, an illustrated seven-page leaflet
published by the Illinois Audubon Society.

Texts for the fifth grade, Comstock Bird Notebook, No. 1;
sixth grade, Comstock Bird Notebook No. 2; for the seventh and
eighth grades, Chapman’s What Bird Is That. Reading text to
be supplied by the school, as follows: fifth grade, Chapman’s
Winter Birds; sixth grade, Chapman’s The Travels of Birds;
seventh grade, Forbush’s Outdoor Bird Study; eighth grade,
Henshaw’s Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard. The
Chapman books are published by D. Appleton and Co., 2457
Prairie Ave., Chicago. The well-known Reed Bird Guides pub-
lished by Doubleday, Page and Co., have long since proved their
great usefulness, but preference is given to Chapman’s What

48 Loa AUD UB ON BUTE TEN

Bird is That because it treats of both land and water birds in
one volume and because its descriptive text is more complete and
authoritative. The illustrations though small are accurate and
reliable aids to identification.

Illinois Audubon Society Recommends:

The Nature Notebooks edited by Anna Botford Comstock
are among the most useful and practical aids to successful
work in nature study ever published. They include two bird
notebooks and one each on trees, plants, insects, fish, and com-
mon animals. They combine field work and school work (or home
work) under one cover. They are an inspiration to the teacher
and the student. The Bird Notebooks contain for field use, out-
lines for observations of bird colors, flight, nesting habits,
haunts, foods, etc., and in addition there are outline drawings
on water color paper of 58 birds, 30 of these drawings in the
first book and 28 in the second. These drawings were made es-
pecially for the books by Louis Agassiz Fuertes. . The Tree
Notebook and the other notebooks in the series can be recom-
mended in unqualified terms. Each of the notebooks is pocket
size, 4 7/8 by 7 inches, and they range from 123 to 150 pages.
They sell for 35 cents each with special rates in quantity. They
are published by the Comstock Publishing Company, Ithaca, New
ionic

“Have Birds About Your Place’’ is the title of one of the most
accurate and most beautiful sets of bird cards ever issued for
general circulation. They are printed on stiff, durable card-
board, 914 by 11 inches in size. The 24 cards in the set illustrate
56 of our common birds in natural colors. In addition, there are
several charts showing the food eaten, illustrations of insects
upon which the birds feed, a brief description of each bird, its
haunts and habits and outlines for bird study. Every bird lover
should have a set. The cards were published by the Agricul-
tural Extension Department of the International Harvester
Company, Chicago, which offers them at $2.50 for a single set or
$2 for 10 or more sets.

The announcement in the Spring 1921 Bulletin of the oul
lication of a set of stereographs on bird life is of sufficient im-
portance to warrant repetition here:

The Keystone View Co., of Meadville, Penn., manufacturers of lan-
tern slides and stereographs, publish a set of one hundred stereographs
on bird life, which can be recommended without reserve for use in the
home and the school. The photographs were taken by Prof. Guy Bailey
of Geneseo, N. Y., expert photographer of bird life, who furnished a
number of the slides in the sets owned by the Illinois Audubon Society.
The stereographs made from his photographs are hand colored and
bring out all the possibilities of that form of photography. The home
life of adult birds and fledglings, the nests and their environments are
especially well brought out. Stereographs of this sort furnish a valu-
able and very definite way to study birds.

ganization of Junior Audubon Societies under one
or the other of the following plans:

First plan: Organize under the auspices of the Nat-
ional Association of Audubon Societies and take ad-
vantage of the special offer to pupils made possible by
generous patrons of the Society. Each member pay-
ing ten cents will receive a set of six educational leaf-
‘lets with colored pictures and outline drawings for col-
oring with crayons. Each member will also receive the
Audubon button which represents a badge of member-
ship in a Junior Audubon class. Each teacher who or-
- ganizes a class of twenty or more receives a year’s free
subscription to Bird-Lore, the official organ of the As-
sociation. Address the Secretary, 1974 Broadway, New
York City.

Second plan: Organize under the auspices of the
Illinois Audubon Society. Each pupil is to pay fifteen
cents for a copy of “Fifty Common Birds of Farm and

cor Illinois Audubon Society recommends the or-

Orchard” published by the United States Government, |

copies to be obtained either from the Secretary of the
Illinois Audubon Society or by sending directly to the
Superintendent of Documents at Washington, D. C.
To each member of a group provided with this beauti-
fully illustrated bulletin the Illinois Audubon Society
wiil give without charge the Audubon button of mem-
bership in the Illinois Society and will send to the lead-
er of the group for a period of one year all the publica-
tions and special notices of the Society together with
an illustrated certificate showing that the group is a
member of the Illinois Audubon Society. Teachers
wishing to enroll pupils under local plans may obtain
Audubon buttons for two cents each.

Address the

Illinois Audubon Society

10 South La Salle Street
CHICAGO

The it less
Audubon Bulletin
Spring 1922

Published by
She YLLINOIS
AUDUBON
ae LE TY

Illinois Audubon Society

Service

The Society has two collections of hand-colored
lantern slides of bird life, each with an accompany-
ing printed lecture. These are lent free of charge
to any school or organization in the state but borrower
pays express charges both ways.

The Society has travelling libraries of bird books
which are lent to schools or organizations for a rea-
sonable length of time, the borrower paying express
charges both ways.

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200 fue
cal Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces for re-
cording migration and nesting data. Schools, Boy
Scout organizations, and individuals as well find these
of great service. Price ten cents each.

The Society has in press a pocket check list of
birds with colored zonal maps. This list records every
known species of birds that visits Illinois or nests
within its borders. Send in applications for copies of
the first edition.

The Society publishes the Langdon Cat Circular
which is invaluable in arousing interest in the question
of protecting birds from marauding cats. Price five
cents each. |

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the Ital-
ian language warning against violation of laws for
bird protection. Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society,

1649 The Otis Building, Chicago

President Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell
10 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago Riverside

Vice-President
Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
Highland Park

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~ Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society,
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, Classes of Membership
’ Associate memberships - $1.00. Annually
i Active memberships . : $2.00. Annually
; Contributing memberships . $5.00. Annually
, Sustaining membership : $25.00. No annual dues
1 Life memberships ; : $100.00. No annual dues
< Benefactor i ‘ , $500.00. No annual dues
, Patron : : : , $1000.00. No annual dues
: All members receive the publications of the Society.
s Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society
; . 1649 Otis Building, Chicago
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I DO HEREBY GIVE AND BEQUEATH TO THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON »
; SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
OF WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois.
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[ To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois Audubon
F Society must increase its membership. Out of a population of
: nearly six millions, Illinois should have at least ten thousand |
1 people who are enough interested in bird life to help the Society | |
. in its conservation efforts. Will you not help us expand our |¥
‘ usefulness ? T |
‘ I suggest for membership in the Illinois Audubon Society the
: persons whose names appear on the other side of this sheet.
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ae ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, 1649 OTIS BUILDING, CHICAGO y"
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The Aims and Principles of the Illinois
Audubon Society are:

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Ist. ~To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the schools
and to disseminate literature relating to them.

2nd: To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and
Federal laws relating to birds.

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3rd. To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of
the ostrich and domestic fowls.

Ath. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruc-
tion of wild birds and their eggs. ?

5th. To restore to our wild birds, wherever practicable, the ;
natural environment of forest and shrubbery which gave .
them food, protection and seclusion.

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Needs '

The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support upon
the contributions of its members and friends. It should have an
income from a moderate endowment sufficient to meet all fixed
expenses.

| The present income is totally inadequate to meet the urgent
and incessantly growing demands.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, Inc.
1649 OTIS BUILDING - - CHICAGO

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The Aims and Principles of the
| Illinois Audubon Society are:
Gee
|

To encourage the study of birds,
particularly in the school, and to
disseminate literature relating to
them.

To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

To discourage in every possible way,
the wanton destruction of wild
birds and their eggs.

To restore to our wild birds, where-
ever practicable, the natural envi-
ronment of forest and shrubbery
which gave them food, protection
and seclusion.

Photo by Jesse L. Smith

THE LIBERTYVILLE ELM

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1922

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the [Illinois Audubon Society writes:

This time the theme is increasing the membership of the so-
ciety and the more frequent issue of the Bulletin.

For several years the Illinois Audubon Bulletin has been dis-
tributed without cost to the members and friends of the society.
It has made for itself a place among bird publications which is
gratifying to all concerned. It has had recognition from in-
fluential sources in various parts of the country. It can still
be improved and its influence widened. It is very desirable that
it be issued more frequently. It has cost the society nothing
but the actual printing expenses. All contributions and illus- |
trations have been secured free of charge, and the work of
putting the Bulletin together has been done gratis.

The problem of increasing the efficiency of the Bulletin and
of its more frequent issue, together with certain proposed ac-
tivities of the Illinois Audubon Society, have influenced the
directors to plan a campaign for larger membership. After
careful consideration it was decided to change the dues of active
members to two dollars a year, and to create a new membership
called associate for which the dues will be one dollar a_ year.
All members now classed as active will remain so until the end
of 1922, at which time they will be given the choice of joining
the ranks of active members and paying the dues of two dollars
or becoming associate members and continuing to pay dues of
one dollar. All new members after this announcement will be
classed under the new arrangement.

The directors of the society are planning a definite cam-
paign among the schools. An effort will be made to enlist every
schoolroom in the state in active membership in the society.
Each room will be entitled to copies of the Bulletin and whatever
literature is issued to members of the society. It is hoped by
this means not only to increase the interest in bird conservation,
as eee to add to the available funds for education throughout

e state.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ, President.

4 TH Bs AWD UL Bs0 IN BU La aN

Illinois Lumbering and Forestry
Reprinted by permission from Lumber World Review, Nov. 10, 1921

It is hard to trace the origin and development of the for-
estry idea in Illinois; but no doubt it started as early as 1873,
when Dr. Burrill, of the Department of Horticulture, secured
a small appropriation from the legislature to try out a planting
of the various hardwood and softwood trees at Urbana, this
tract being still known as “The Forestry,” serving now more
as a windbreak and small park than as an experimental planta-
tion.

In 1908 forestry interest progressed so far as to result in
a preliminary survey of the state, covering some twenty-five
counties. It was carried out by a cooperative agreement be-
tween the U. S. For-
est Service, which
furnished two men
for the field work,
and the Natural Hist-
ory Survey. The re-
sults were published
as a bulletin of the
Survey, “Forest Con-
ditions in Illinois,”
and reviewers speak
very highly of this
publication by Hall

_. = and Ingall, which un-

ere ee ate MILL fortunately vee not

NEAR ALTO PASS accompanied

by a map of forested regions of the state, because of a lack of

funds. The measures advocated as a forest policy for the state
in this bulletin were fully ten years in advance of its time.

A forester has been at “large in the state’ for two years,
and by an addition to the last biennial budget of the Natural
History Survey, three others have recently been added, with
full authority to fall over the southern Ozarks providing they
can bring back some detailed information about forest con-
ditions there and elsewhere. For the information of any per-
son who has never struck Illinois south of the corn belt, the
original maps of the state show that at least thirty per cent of
the state was once covered with trees. The timber belts and
the rivers then formed the main lines of travel, the inhabitants
living in the timber, developing woodlots there, and from these
as base gradually they brought under cultivation the prairies
which have since made us famous. Even now there are parts
of the state where this combination should still prevail—timber
in the hills, orchards on the slopes, and farming in the fertile
and often narrow valleys.

or

Lio heer Ss AUDUBON SS. 0OC1LE TY

In writing the story of forestry in Illinois, a consideration
of lumbering in the state is of prime importance. Suppose we
take first the timber in the southern hills, which at one time in
the ravines contained a considerable percentage of white oak,
tulip (yellow poplar), beech and maple. The evolution has been
something like this: The small portable mill went in, cutting
up the best of the oak and tulip and leaving the beech. During
the past few years the beech has become valuable as a tie timber
through the perfecting of the process of wood preservation, so
that most of the product of these small portable mills has been
beech railway ties or beech car stock. With the change in
moisture conditions due to cutting out the beech, which is a
shade-loving tree, more light has been admitted to the forest,
and the black oaks and hickory have become the dominant
trees in the stand.

At this stage the tie-maker enters the game, taking out
the remaining white oak and the best of the black oak for rail-
road ties; and there follows him the mine-prop operator, who
takes out the smaller trees for mine-props, legs and motor ties,
the latter surfaced on only two faces. If fire is kept out of the
forest, we will have another crop of timber, mostly white oak,
black oak and hickory. If not, we will have conditions similar
to those described in Forestry Circular No. 2 of the Natural
History Survey, when fire takes its toll of mature trees and
kills young growth of seedling and sprout origin. The ground,
as in certain parts of the east, does not seem to be baked by
these repeated fires, although the nitrogenous matter it form-
erly contained must be partly burned out and its water-holding

et aa Ry
Ree ie =:

, Pee. Sine oe.

Photo by R. B. Miller
HAULING LOGS TO THE MILL

capacity in these hills greatly lessened by the destruction of
leaf litter and humus. Our foresters in southern Illinois have

6 ane AU DU BON BULLETIN

been impressed by the looseness of the hill soil, its fertility as
compared with many forest soils on ridges, and consequently
the greater chances for rapid growth if these annual fires can
be prevented.

This can be done by carrying on a campaign of education
among the people, by the formation of cooperative fire-protect-
tive associations, perhaps, or by the state acquiring a large
acreage of land in regions where stream protection and future
timber supply are especially important features.

Danger from fire is not so great in bottomland areas as in
the case of hill timber, although no special precautions are
taken about slash disposal or fire prevention. With better and
more conservative handling, there is no reason why the
smaller trees on a bottomland tract, instead of being sac-
rificed when of small value, might not soon form a second crop.
In many cases, due to periodic flooding, such tracts, even when
included in organized drainage districts, may not be cleared
and farmed for several years. The census report for 1920 in
Illinois shows that there are over 250,000 acres of such wet and
swampy timber land in organized drainage projects, classed as
“unimproved land,’’and failure to manage this conservatively
until it is brought under cultivation represents a great waste.
In some counties of southern Illinois this bottomland contains
a considerable amount of cypress, as in the Cache river bottoms,
either in scattered pure patches or mixed with gum, cucumber
and so forth.

Coming down to facts and figures, the U. 8S. Census Report
of 1920 gives the area of farm-woodlands in Illinois as 3,102,
147 acres, a reduction of about 45,000 acres in the last ten
years. To prevent the useless whittling away of the old wood-
lot is quite a task, in view of the demand for land for grazing
and farming purposes. A study of the situation reveals the
fact that much woodland is cleared which should have been left
in woods, especially on the steeper slopes, where it may be
farmed for a few years until the surface fertility has been ex-
hausted, then it reverts back to waste land, covered with briars
and sassafras and persimmon bushes. This is simply increas-
ing the number.of acres of waste land without really adding
very much to production of farm crops. The testimony of the
Geological Survey in Hardin County is that land which has a
slope of over 800 feet to the mile should be kept permanently —
in forest, while the Soil Survey of the state says that such land
should never have been denuded of its forest cover. There are
some 6,000,000 acres of this doubtful land whose character
needs to be determined by soil experts, orchardists, and for-
esters, so that it can be devoted to its best and most economic
use. We do not mean that this entire area of 6,000,000 acres
should be put back into woods, but let us say that half of it is
better adapted to forestry than to any other purpose.

roi nos AUDUBON SOCCER TY 7

This acreage, with the 3,000,000 acres of farm woodlands,
would give us a total of six million acres of forest land, which
should be kept in productive condition. Results obtained by the
forest survey party in southern Illinois already show that in the
case of the hill timber this is largely a matter of fire protection—
this is about all that stands between us and a second crop of tim-
ber. Surely one-sixth ot our total area devoted to timber is not
too much—it is very much lower than advocated by European
experts, who would raise the figure to twenty per cent of the
total land area in order to maintain our forest industries and
give us the necessary amount of protection forest.

This is a vision which we believe is not incommensurate with
the ambitions of those who have tried for so long to impress up-
on the state the importance of this valuable resource. Many
signs point to an awakening interest in forestry as a_ great
state and national question. The organization of a forestry com-
mittee by the Union League Club of Chicago and the efforts of
that committee to organize a Central States Forestry League
are most encouraging, and their efforts in the direction of pub-
licity and co-ordination of all interested in this question should
bring results, slow as progress sometimes seems to be. The aver-
age legislator is not opposed to progressive forestry legislation—
he is simply uninformed as to the true. condition of things, and
it is the business of a department which is entirely non-politi-
cal, such as the Natural History Survey of the state, to bring
together this information so that he can weigh and consider it.

R. B. MILLER, State Forester

Seven Years of a Food Shelf

For seven years I have had a food shelf just outside my
study window, in the leafy town of Lake Forest (Lake County),
on which has been kept constantly sunflower seed, hemp seed,
millet seed and bread crumbs, with suet nearby. <A_ careful
record has been kept of the birds that have visited it, and the

Photo by George Roberts
' HAVING THEIR PICTURE TAKEN THROUGH THE WINDOW DOES NOT EMBARRASS
THE REGULAR BOARDERS

results are here tabulated, not by way of presenting any record
of success but rather as a proof that to many who cannot easily

a THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

get off to go a-birding there are compensations and opportunities
in staying at home and letting the birds come to them. The list
of forty-four different species (not of course including the Eng-
lish Sparrow that I would fain be rid of) is here added, with such
comments as may be of value.

Twelve months of the year:

Downy Woodpecker Cardinal Grosbeak
Hairy Woodpecker Tufted Titmouse (April 1918 to Oc-
Red-headed Woodpecker tober 1919)
Bluejay
In the winter only:
Slate-colored Junco Red-breasted Nuthatch
Brown Creeper (eats suet only) Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch Purple Finch

Frequent feeders during one winter only, and not always
the same winter:

Redpoll Montana Junco

American Goldfinch Myrtle Warbler (into January)

Tree Sparrow : Hudsonian Chickadee :
Only in the winter and then most irregularly and occasion-

ally:

Crow (suet only) Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet :
In the summer, often bringing their young to the shelf:

Mourning Dove Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker American Redstart
Cowbird Brown Thrasher
Baltimore Oriole Catbird
Bronzed Grackle House Wren
Song Sparrow American Robin

Rare feeders in the summer, some of them only seen once:
Flicker Black and White Warbler
Crested Flycatcher Veery
Black-throated Blue Warbler Olive-backed Thrush

: : Hermit Thrush
In the migration seasons only:

Bee ee Oe | more numerous in the Spring than in the Fall

White-throated Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow

To these forty-four may be
added those which (1) have
fed more or less frequently on
the ground immediately be-
neath the shelf from seeds
which fell from it, and those
which (2) have bathed in or
drunk from the bath which is
PA RENDEZVOUS. “AT THE FOOD sHELF not ten feet from the shelf.

(1) and (2) Evening Grosbeak, Magnolia Warbler, Wocd Thrush.

(1) Searlet Tanager

(2) Solitary Vireo

There are also forty-two other species which have been seen
in my yard, all the way from the Geese that have flown low over-

TELL NOTS AUDUEGON SOCIETY 9

head to the Swifts that have nested in my chimneys (and, once,
let fall a young one into my fireplace) and the sixteen other
Warblers that have been seen from the same windows that look
out on the shelf. Surely this is no mean record for one yard, and
one that may perhaps give encouragement and pleasure to some
who think that their opportunities are negligible.

GEORGE ROBERTS.

A Trip to the Apple River Country

It was not until the fall of last year that my friend and I
gratified our long cherished wish to visit the beautiful Apple
River country of Jo Daviess County. Its fame had reach us,
and we knew that its friends were urging that it be set aside as
a state park. Finally: the time came when we were to see it for
ourselves.

Protracted and heavy rains postponed our trip several days,
for we had been advised to wait for dry weather. At last the
floods subsided and
the sun shone out on
a perfect fall day.
So we boarded the
morning train with
our knapsacks, pre-
pared for a_ two
days “outing. A
short ride brought
us to Warren, the
station nearest the
Canyon. The citi-
zens of the village
are deeply interest-
ed in the park pro-
ject and very at-
tentive to visitors,
for many are seek-
ing to know the re-
gion. A car was
waiting for us, and
we drove some five
miles or more to the
entrance of the
park. Here the two
main branches of

Photo by Miss Ruth Marshall

the Apple River JOM A NOONDAY REST IN THE SHADOW OF THE
to form the main GREEN-CLAD CLIFF
stream.

_We found ourselves at noon on the site of the old village of
Millville. Scarcely a trace now remains of the big mill and the
homes of the two hundred people who once lived there. From

10 noe AU DU BO IN Be Ue el ON

here the Apple River and its east and west branches have cut
meandering courses through the Galena limestone. The cliffs
rise high above the waters, which surge first upon one side and
then upon the other at the base of the rocks. Cliffs, towers,
islands, sometimes weather-scarred, sometimes clothed with
luxuriant growth, alternate with little flats and meadows. A
new vista comes into sight at every turn of the river, and alluring
ravines are always beckoning one away from the main stream
for new adventures. Everything promises a most enchanting
country for the naturalist and the artist.

On a sunny flat near the bridge we stopped to eat our lunch
and plan our hike. Again we found ourselves in good hands, for
it so chanced that three other nature lovers were already on the
scene, neighbors from the next village. We found that they had
been visiting the canyon for years, that they knew every trail
and tree and bird in
its season, the haunts
of the lady slipper
and the fringed gen-
tian to cherish them,
and all for the love
of it. So it was our
privilegetobe allowed
to join their party;
by ourselves we
should not have seen
half of these delect-
able places.

All that glorious
afternoon we tramp-

ed through the main
canyon, up hill and
over cliffs down into
valleys, for the water
was still too high to
wade and the river is
dangerously deep
and swift in places.
With the help of our
Photo by Miss Ruth Marshall new friends we even

THE RIVER MEANDERS BETWEEN CLIFFs wuicu Climbed to the top of
IN SOME PLACES ARE BARE AND WEATHER-SCAR- Tower Hill, a great
RED, IN OTHERS CLOTHED WITH VERDURE. flat-topped sentinel
rock. From here we could see to the north and south the main can-
yon stretching out below us in a beautiful panorama with the dark
river winding through it. Coming down from this dizzy height
we wandered on to cool and shaded flats. Across the river rose
an imposing cliff, a sheer wall of a hundred and fifty feet, with

PLELINOIS AUDUBON SOGCTE TY Et

Robbers’ Cave in the face of it. Here the stream is narrow; be-
yond, it runs in little rapids, a prospect to please the fisherman.
Even more interesting to us was the field for the botanist.
Whenever we stopped to rest we saw this. Some sixty kinds of
trees grow here, we are told, such a variety as_ probably we
could not find in another place in this section of the country. We
found a long list of ferns, which grow in great luxuriance. The
banks of the streams must be a paradise of blossom in spring.
Here it came to us most forcibly that there was need of prompt
action by the state, lest this rich collection of native plants be
sacrificed before it is too late.
_ Already some of the trees near Rattlesnake Rock have been
cut down, and sheep are pastured on the banks. One can never
tell when some unappreciative and vandal hand will get control
of the land. The canyon area contains some thousand acres, a
large tract, to be sure; but this land is along the streams where
it is rocky, exposed, and cut with ravines. Consequently it is
practically useless to the farmer, but it would be of inestimable
value as a public recreation ground in our rapidly developing state.
Time passed and the sun of the short September day was
getting low in the west. We had reached Miners’ Ravine. Here
we left the main stream and followed to its head, a mile or more
up country, a beautiful little canyon where a small tributary fell
over and under the shelving rocks of limestone, alone worth the
trip to see. But we had to admit that we were tired, and were
glad that our thoughtful Warren friends had arranged for our
lodging at a comfortable farm house.

Next morning we were out early and ready for more of it.
We walked back to our starting place of the day before, this
time, however, taking the three mile stretch of road on the up-
lands, to the bridge on the old Millville site. Asters and other
fall flowers were in their splendor in the open ravines. We
found a spring we had been told about. Then, following the
directions of our guides of the day before, we started to explore
the canyon of the West Branch. This is a smaller stream than
the main river, but quite as picturesque and more accessible.
Back and forth the stream runs from right to left at the foot of
the cliffs, affording the same delightful views and the same pro-
fusion of vegetation. Here were possibilities for a week’s ex-
cursion; but our visit had to come to an end. Clouds were
gathering again, and before the last roll of films was exposed,
the rain began to fall, and we were glad to see the car that came
to take us back to Warren and our train.

We are going again; that was settled. And we are going to
tell others of this beautiful spot. Moreover, we shall do what
we can to urge our fellow citizens to see that our law makers
appropriate the money necessary to purchase this rare country
for a great state park while it is still unspoiled.

RUTH MARSHALL, Rockford College.

12 TH EA, UD UB O Ne BU Eee aeN

Personals

On March eighth, Mr. T. E. Musselman, secretary of the
Gem City Business College, Quincy, and local secretary of the
Illinois Audubon Society for Quincy, lectured at the Hannibal
High School on birds. This was upon the invitation of the school
board, who wish to revive interest in nature study at that
‘institution. On April fifth Mr. Musselman is to give a general
bird talk at the Illinois College at Jacksonville, and give an ad-
dress before the science class of the college. |

Mr. O. M. Schantz, President of the Audubon Society, has
been in great demand in the lecture field during the last few
months. He spoke on “Bird Migrations” on January 16 in Ful-
lerton Hall in the Art Institute in Chicago, and on January 21
he participated in a bird program which occupied the entire ~
morning session of the Lake County Teachers’ Association at
Waukegan. At the same time Mr. William I. Lyon gave a talk
on bird banding, and Mr. Edwin Hulsberg gave imitations of
bird songs. Other engagements included talks at the Chicago
Latin School for Boys and the Chicago Latin School for Girls,
the Oak Park Garden Club, the Princeton Woman’s Club, the
Sterling Woman’s Club, and the Aurora Parent-Teachers’ As-
sociation. In December he gave two lectures for the Decatur
Bird and Tree Club. March 9 he gave a lecture on the dunes be-
fore the Woman’s Club of Kendallville, Indiana, and afterwards
assisted in organizing an Audubon Society.

Mr. Edwin F. Hulsberg of La Grange has given some very
successful recitals in imitating bird songs. He appeared on one
of the programs of the Wild Flower Preservation Society at the
Art Institute in January. He assisted Mr. Schantz in a bird
program at Waukegan in January, and on the first of March at
a special meeting of the Oak Park Garden Club.

Suet Basket

From Mrs. Nelson I. Childs of Elgin comes this simple but
effective device for suet container.

A very economical and practical suet basket may be made
as follows: Buy a ten-cent wire teapot stand. Fasten one side
to a tree with a staple, which will act as a hinge. Then drive
another staple into the tree on the other side of the stand and
about two inches from the stand. To this staple attach a hook ~
which shall reach to the wire basket and hold it firmly in place.
Thus the basket may be opened to be filled with suet, then fast-
ened tight with the hook.

The English Sparrows very soon grow discouraged trying
to get something to eat, since there is no place for them to stand.
I have had Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Red-and White-
Breasted Nuthatches, and Brown Creepers by the dozen all
winter, so that I am sure this basket is a success.

Pate nN OFS A U-DUPON S'O.CLE TY 13

Mrs. Robert Ridgway

A Sketch

Julia Evelyn Perkins was born in New York City, and until
her fifteenth year lived in a house facing Central Park, where
she first saw and became interested in birds. Her father was
a wood-engraver, and at the time of moving with his family to
Washington, D. C., was engaged in engraving wood-cuts to illus-
trate a “‘History of North American Birds,” by Baird, Brewer
and Ridgway—his removal to Washington being for the purpose
of being more conveniently located for his work.

While residing in New York it was Miss Evelyn’s custom to
make frequent visits to Central Park to observe and feed the
birds; thus from early childhood she developed a deep love
for our feathered friends. She also took great interest in
her father’s work, and assisted him materially by making
proofs from the blocks which he
had engraved. This was a spe-
cial pleasure to her, and I have
been informed (“on good auth-
ority”’) that the pleasure became
greater after she became ac-
quainted with the junior author
of the work which the engrav-
ings were to illustrate, and to
whom she was married on Oc-
‘tober twelfth, 1875.

Mrs. Ridgway’s love for birds
has never flagged, and all her
life she has been active, to the
best of her opportunities, in
their behalf. When we lived in
a suburb of Washington she
often returned from a visit to
friends in the city or from a
shopping trip with one or more
“bean-shooters” or “‘nigger-kill-
ers,’ once with a_ pocketful,
taken from boys who had been
using these juvenile implements of destruction with birds as
their targets. On one occasion she had taken three from some
boys in one of the city parks, and on indignantly dis-
playing them to a park policeman whom she hunted up, he said
to her: “Madame, you ought to be appointed on the force. We
uniformed policeman are helpless, because the boys know our
beats and can easily spot us at a distance. ’” On another occa-
Sion she attempted to take a bean-shooter away from a good-
sized negro boy, who grabbed her by both wrists and held her in
a vise-like grip until frightened by an approaching pedestrian.

14 TH EAU DU BO NGBU- Le er N,

When the first Audubon Society was organized, Mrs. Ridg-
way was asked to act as local secretary. A little later the Audu-
bon Society of the District of Columbia was organized. Of this
she was a charter member, and was not only very active in in-
creasing the membership, but was appointed one of a committee
delegated to canvas the millinery establishments and department
stores in Washington for the purpose of trying to induce the
proprietors to discard birds and feathers as ornaments on
women’s hats. In this effort Mrs. Ridgway was successful to
the extent of persuading one milliner, a Miss Henderson (who
has since married), who faithfully kept her promise, and, I am
glad to say, to her financial advantage; for at an exhibition of
featherless hats, held under the auspices of the Audubon Society
at the Arlington Hotel, Miss Henderson’s hats were highly
praised and gained her many new patrons.

Ill health, immediately following the death of her only son |
in his twenty-fourth year, has since prevented Mrs. Ridgway -
from taking an active part in Audubon Society work, but has
not in the least diminished her interest in bird protection. Here
at our. home she has spared no effort to encourage the birds to
stay with us, with results that are extremely gratifying. For
more than a year past, however, this labor of love has been too
much for her, and she has had to turn her charges over to me.

Mrs. Ridgway is a lover of her home, family, and friends and
cares nothing for what is called “Society.” Her life has been
marked by such complete devotion to her husband and his inter-
ests that even Ruth of olden times did not say more truly than
has she in practice: “Whither thou goest I will go; and where
thou lodgest I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy
God my God.” It has not always been easy for her, especially
when she left old friends and familiar scenes for others untried;
but she has become completely adjusted and reconciled to the
change and does not regret it. Old friends are sadly missed, but
new ones, some of them very precious, have been found; many
things far more than compensate for what has been lost, and
neither she nor I would return to city life except from the direst
necessity.

In a letter just received from a very dear but distant friend

to whom I had written of Mrs. Ridgway’s illness, he says:
“Greetings, with love and sympathy: with my hope and prayer
also for the restoration to health of Mrs. Ridgway, whose gra-
cious influence I have been sensible of even at a great distance.

“One phrase she used in a letter crowns her with immortality:
‘Where love is, there is no such word as sacrifice.’

‘Learned first in time’s dawn, the ages have taught nothing
finer, nothing truer. Mrs. Ridgway compressed in a sentence
all that Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll said in a long lecture, some of
whose glittering phrases I recall even yet. ... But all of it is ex-

LLRANM GTS AUDL EBON SOCIETY 15

pressed and better expressed in Mrs. Ridgway’s single sentence.

“The reason is that she has lived what she professed. :
In living a beautiful life she has taught a beautiful lesson; taught
_ many times before, but each revelation is as fresh as sunrise.’

She is now taking treatment at the Washington Sanitarium,
Sakoma Park, D.C.

In her enforced temporary absence from home, her birds and
everything that is dear to her, all miss her as sadly as she does
them, and are impatiently waiting to give her the warmest of
welcomes on her return.

ROBERT RIDGWAY.

The White Throats

When shadows lengthen as the sun goes down,
From out my garden comes a soft sweet call;

It is the white throats from a poplar tall,
Patrician sparrows clothed in suits of brown,

Like falling leaves they drop down from the sky
To visit us. Their stay is a delight,

And when they settle down to rest at night,

We wonder whence they came and question why.
They’re resting here, for they have journeyed long
And still have far to go before they reach

Their winter home. We wish that they might teach
To us their softly whispered evensong.

No birds that come with songs more sweet than they,

And surely none more welcome while they stay.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ.

16 te ASUS D UPB ON. USE aha taNes

Stachng Invaders Arrive in [Illinois

The most interesting ornithological happening of the season
at Urbana has been the wintering of a flock of blackbirds which
has included approximately thirty Bronzed Grackles, a dozen
Cowbirds, and at least seven Starlings. These birds have lived
within the city limits and kept in close proximity to dooryards
in a somewhat thickly settled part of the city. In deference to
city ordinances against the use of firearms and to a desire not
to antagonize the citizens who are interested in the birds, no
successful effort has thus far been made to secure specimens.
The identification is unquestionably correct, however, in the
opinion of a number of competent observers. Dr. Charles P.
Alexander of the State Natural History Survey has seen the
birds repeatedly and unhesitatingly asserts that Starlings are
present. Dr. Alexander, who compiled Fulton County records
for Eaton’s Birds of New York, had become familiar with Star-
lings before leaving that state to take his present position. Mr.
C. J. Telford of the state forestry service, who at New Haven
and elsewhere has had experience with Starlings where they are
well established and abundant, expresses entire confidence that
the birds seen here are correctly identified as Starlings. Mr.
Frank C. Baker, Curator of the Natural History Museum, has
had frequent opportunities to study the birds at close range in
his own dooryard and is similarly convinced. The writer on each
of five occasions, February 4, 5, 11, 12, and 22, with a prism
glass, studied the birds for a half hour or more with favorable

light conditions and found them to correspond in detail with the

descriptions and figures of the Starling in winter plumage. The
numerous pale specks, especially on the under parts; the dark
iris; tinge of yellow in the beaks of some specimens; and the
short tail, together with the general coloration, were unmis-
takable.

Although the various kinds of birds keep in the same general
flock, there is a very obvious tendency for individuals of the
same kind to associate more closely with each other than with
those of the other kinds. This is especially true of the Starlings.
The Cowbirds seen by the writer have all been males, but one
observer is confident that he has seen at least one female. No
Rusty Blackbirds have been identified by the writer, although
one observer is quite positive that he has seen one. This is the
first winter record of Cowbirds in the vicinity, known to the
writer. Grackles not infrequently pass the winter here, and
less frequently Rusty Blackbirds are associated with them.

An examination of available published records of the Star-
ling has emphasized the importance of having especial effort
made to establish the authenticity of first records for any local-
ity. In 1911 Bird-Lore contained an account of Starlings seen
at Newberry, Michigan in 1909 and 1910. In a later number of
the same year there is a note stating that the report was found

a A ae

bees Ohs 4AcU DUS ON SOC ET Y 17

to be erroneous. In Bird-Lore of 1912, there is an account of a
Starling seen November 30, 1911, in McLean County, Illinois.
It was observed at a feeding tray along with English Sparrows.
Considering the absence of trustworthy records at any point
west of Pennsylvania until several years later, one naturally
wonders whether the bird seen was actually a Starling; and,
even if it were, whether it might not have been one that had been
brought by someone from the East and had later gained its
freedom.

From several well known ornithologists of Ohio and Mich-
igan of whom inquiry has been made, the writer has been unable
to learn of any well established records of the Starling west of
the one made by Professor Lynds Jones in May, 1921, near San-
dusky, Ohio, and mentioned in The Wilson Bulletin, 1921, page
102.

FRANK SMITH, University of Illinois

The Rock Island Arsenal Bird Preserve

Miss Nellie E. Peetz writes from Rock Island:

It is with a great deal of pleasure that we are able to an-
nounce that the Rock Island Arsenal, an island in the Mississip-
pi River, situated opposite the cities of Rock Island and Moline,
Illinois, is now added to our list of bird preserves.

The Island is about three miles in length and half a mile
wide,—in some parts densely wooded and covered with a thick
tangle of underbrush,—an ideal home for birds. And there
certainly can be no one spot of equal size, anywhere in the
country, where a greater number of species may be found du-

April 25,
« at River

18 TH Ee Ac UD U- BO Ne Be Le iN

Stone bridge lésding :
7 te I Cffieers' Quarters. —

ting the year, due undoubtedly to its geographical situation, as
the Mississippi River is the north and south guide to migration
in the central states. A list of birds to be seen during the year
would therefore include all permanent residents common to this
Iccality, all summer residents, all winter visitants, and all mi-
grants passing through on their way north or south.

As the Island is a United States government reservation,
being used as a small arms and war supplies plant, it 1s more
or less closed to the public. Only holders of passes are allowed
admittance. Even in the past, therefore, the Island has in fact
been a bird sanctuary, since no molestation or destruction of
any kind is permitted, and the birds are not slow to realize
where they may find safety and protection.

The present Commandant, Col. D. M. King, is fully in sym-
pathy with the conservation movement and has expressed his
willingness to codperate in every way possible. It is through his
courtesy that the accompanying photographs were obtained.

Bird Banding as an Opportunity to Study Characters
and Dispositions

Birds and animals have as much character and disposition
as people, and bird banding offers an excellent chance to study
individuality in birds while they are actually in your hands,
where you can make a close examination and note their actions.
The Waukegan, Illinois, Bird Banding Station has studied the ac-
tions of the birds handled for the last five years and has en-

nen ee a

4
’

Le EE NOs AUDUBON: S0-C LET Y 19

joyed watching some very interesting characteristics in the
different birds.

The White-throated Sparrows arrived at our station about
October 4 and kept coming until October 25, when the last new
bird was banded. From that time on only a few repeating birds
were trapped. These seemed to like our restaurant and became
regular boarders. Early in November we noticed that a certain
five were always together in some of the traps at night, and
we handled them so often that it was plain that each had a
different disposition.

There was the Fighter, a female that always fought as long
as it was held in the hand, and when released invariably would
turn back and take one last peck at the fingers before flying.
The next was the Squealer, who squealed continually the entire
time it was held in the hand. Then there was the Quiet One,
who was just as gentle and quiet as a good little bird could be;
sometimes she would take a little hold of your finger but never
pinch. We were sure from her actions that she would be the
kindest little bird mother that ever lived and we could not re-
sist stroking her little head before releasing her. The Kicker
never stopped wiggling and kicking as long as we held him.
The last, the Common Person, was just ordinary bird; he tried
a little of all the actions of the other four.

The fighter, the Squealer, the Quiet One, the Kicker, and the
Common Person will long be remembered as the birds of distinct
character that were always together, and we were relieved when
it turned cold on No-
vember 20th, and they
moved on to the South-
land.

A Golden - crowned
Kinglet was_ trapped
and seemed so surprised
that it just lay perfect-
ly still and looked us
over while we put the
band on its leg and
when released it just
stood up, straightened
out its feathers and
then looked us over for
a full minute before fly-
ing to the nearest limb. | .

A female Downy Wood- Photo by R. S. Churchill

pecker trapped last A CHICKADEE IN ACTION

year squealed all the time it was held, and when trapped again
this year squealed louder and longer than before. Other Downies
would fight but make no noise.

20 THEA’ UD UB: ON Be UL Eee iN

The general question asked is, Are the birds frightened by
being handled? In order to answer this question in an intelli-
gent manner we have kept a careful record of the first flights
of birds after being trapped and banded, and the observation
is made by allowing the bird to become quiet in the hand, then
releasing as quietly as possible, and carefully judging the dis-
tance it would fly before alighting. This study brought out the
fact that when the same bird was caught the second time it
would fly about twice as far as the first time, but if caught the
third time the flight would equal about the same as the first
flight, and if caught the fourth time the flight would be less than
the first. If the bird still continued to be trapped the flight be-
came less and less until some of the birds that were placed on
the ground just hopped away, while others were always just as
wild as at first.

For the study of those interested in this subject we are giving
the following table of first flights recorded during the last few
years.

Distance of First Flights Made on Release after Being Trapped and Banded:

Name Distance Action While Handled

Downy Woodpecker 200 feet Fight and squeal
White-crowned Sparrow 100 feet Quiet
White-throated Sparrow 50 feet Majority fight
Song Sparrow 100 feet Generally quiet
Lincoln Sparrow 125 feet Quiet
Fox Sparrow 125 feet Generally quiet
Harris Sparrow 100 feet Generally quiet
Tree Sparrow 100 feet Very quiet
Field Sparrow 100 feet Quiet
Swamp Sparrow 100 feet Quiet
Savannah Sparrow 100 feet Quiet
House Sparrow not released Fighters
Junco 75 feet Quiet
Towhee i00 feet Kick and squirm
Myrtle Warbler 109 feet Quiet
Catbird 100 feet Quiet
Brown Thrasher 75 feet Fight and squeal
House Wren 50 feet Squirm |

_ Nuthatch W. B. i100 feet Half squeal
Brown Creeper 100 feet Quiet
Chickadee 40 feet All fight
Bluejay 200 feet Generally quiet
Kinglet, Golden-crowned 20 feet Very quiet
Wood and Hermit Thrushes 200 feet Quiet
Bronzed Grackle 100 feet Fighters
Mourning Dove Flew out of sight Quiet
Robin 150 feet Generally quiet

mea

—— ae

Pee NOs AUDUBON: SO - Ci Ee TY 21

The Mockingbird as a Northern Visitor

An unusual result of the open winter of 1921-22 has been
the appearance of one or more Mockingbirds in the Chicago re-
gion. At intervals during twenty years or more of bird study
this aristocrat from farther south has favored us with fleet-
ing visits. About twenty-five years ago a “‘Mocker” spent a
week in what is now known as Cicero, then called Morton Park,
where morning and evening at the top of a tall flag pole in the
grounds of the late Portus B. Weare at the corner of 52nd Ave-
nue and 25th Street, he sang with true Southern hospitality.
The Mockingbird was a source of much curiosity to the English
Sparrows, but they did not seem to worry it for when they be-
came too familiar a sudden charge from the Mocker would put
them to flight.

Another visit of a Mockingbird during a spring migration
was noted about 10 years later; at this time, however, it was
not heard singing. At rare intervals since it has been authen-
tically reported, last spring by Professor Eifrig at River For-
est, and this winter Mrs. U. F. Cleveland of Downers Grove re-
ported a Mockingbird as a regular visitor at a feeding shelf.
Mrs. Cleveland first noticed the stranger about the middle of
November, feeding on asparagus berries. She promptly moved
the branch of berries to her feeding shelf, where the Mocking-
bird soon found them and she was then able to observe the
bird closely. Later, friends who were familiar with “his high-
ness,” identified it for her.

After getting a taste of suet and later of peanut butter
he—or she—seldom touched the berries. True to the Mocking-
bird’s reputation it has driven all other birds from the shelf
while feeding, the smaller birds not coming back, but a pair of
Bluejays have refused to be intimidated and simply dodge him
and keep on feeding. Mrs. Cleveland reports the bird coming
regularly for meals during November, December, January and
February. She obtained a good photograph of the bird feeding.

On February 27th another report was made of a Mockingbird
in Rosehill Cemetery, by Mrs. Frederick Smith of 5902 Magnolia
Avenue. Mrs. Smith had gone to the cemetery to find Redpolls
and a Horned Lark that had been reported as being there. Be-
ing from Kentucky her delight at finding a Mockingbird and a
pair of Cardinals can easily be understood. It is quite possible
that the Mockingbirds have been seen by other observers and
have not been reported. All such “high spots’ in bird finds
will be gladly reported if sent to the Bulletin Editor —O.M.S.

22 DAE AUD Us BAOrN: BU te hh aN

Once More. The English Sparrow

Elsewhere appears the ominous report of the coming of the
Starling to Illinois. A potential pest (there is said to be one for
every fence post in some parts of rural England), its appearance
is untimely and disconcerting when we are so little able to cope
with the earlier importation, the English or House Sparrow.
Although it is all an old story it should be repeated that we must
focus more and more attention upon the Sparrow problem. He
thrives in the role of outlaw without any of the picturesqueness
and appeal that often goes with that. City blocks have been
abandoned to him and as the disappearance of the horse from
the city streets makes street sweepings less a source of revenue
for the Sparrow he betakes himself in ever increasing numbers to
the country. Rural districts are becoming densely populated and
the farmers’ barns are being transformed into huge caravansaries
for Sparrows. Let us even now as we confer about it highly re-
solve to go forth at this the nesting season and with pole and hook
dislodge these unwelcome tenants. We print herewith three
welcome reports upon Sparrow extermination. The first is from
Professor Frank Smith of Urbana.

“An attempt to reduce the English Sparrow population has
been one of the pastimes of the writer during the past year. Be-
side the natural dislike of a bird lover for the pests there has
been a desire to be better qualified to help others who might have
similar dislikes and ask for information concerning methods of
elimination. The first trap used was one of the type commonly
known as the “Government” Sparrow trap with which 18 of the
Sparrows were caught from March 17th to April 1st, inclusive..
Better results would very probably have followed more pains-
taking and time consuming attention. Beginning with April 12,
a trap advertised in Bird-Lore and known as the Ever Set Trap
was used during the remainder of the year. One female Cowbird
and 504 English Sparrows were caught in this trap from April
12 to December 31 inclusive. There were occasional periods of
one to three weeks in which the trap was not in use. The number
of birds taken and the amount of time which the trap was in use
follow: In April (10 days), 1 Cowbird and 52 Sparrows; in May
(10 days), 39 Sparrows; in June (28 days), 168 Sparrows; in
July and August, by a neighbor, 164 Sparrows; in September
(10 days), 6 Sparrows; in October (30 days), 40 Sparrows; in
November (17 days), 17 Sparrows; in December (15 days), 18
Sparrows. Total with both traps: 1 Cowbird and 522 English
Sparrows. Greatest catch in an interval of 24 hours, 23 birds.

. The Ever Set Trap required no attention other than the
provision of decoys and bait in the morning and the removal of
the catch at night. The majority of the birds taken in June
were juvenile. The trapping activities were carried on in an
ordinary city backyard, in a residence district with no vacant

Pea nO Ss AD EU BONS oO OT Eehey 23

lots, poultry yards, nor stables in the block. The average size
of each house lot is about four by nine rods. No other traps were
in operation in the neighborhood.”

At Waukegan Mr. W. I. Lyon, Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Morris and
others have been very successful in trapping sparrows. Mr.
Lyon used his modification of the U. S. government trap as
described in the Spring, 1921, Bulletin. Mr. Morris’ uses a
similar trap, his catch for the year being about 600. Both Mr.
Morris and Mr. Lyon scored their greatest success during the
summer months when the fledglings were acquiring experience.
Mr. Lyon’s record by months is herewith given, with the explan-
ation that he was away most of the month of August.

January, 0; February, 2; March, 2; April, 6; May, 2; June,
78; July, 217; August, 131; September, 14; October, 17; Nov-
ember, 17; December, 18; total, 504.

Mrs. Benjamin Bachrach, Jr., reports of the work of the
Bird Protection Committee of the Decatur Bird and Tree Club,
this committee giving considerable attention to the extermination
of the English Sparrow. The funnel-shapped trap recommended
by the government has been used. The catch up to October
had numbered 459 sparrows as reported by the chairman of the
Committee, Mr. C. C. Caldwell. Of her personal experiences
Mrs. Bachrach writes: ‘‘We have a bird garden and to the best of
our ability have identified 75 or more varieties. As usual the
bete noire of this garden is the English Sparrow. We have so
many lures for our bird friends, our small sanctuary seems to
be known to the feathered world as a safe retreat for nesting,
for resting, for mating, and naturally the Sparrow, this gamin,
this alien, so readily acclimatable, takes advantage of all this,
and methods of extermination must naturally be sought, some
way to outwit his keen little brain. We found the sparrow trap
not so satisfactory.

“We tried shooting from ambush, but the city ordinances dis-
couraged this method. So in the extreme cold weather we sat-
urated corn or bread crumbs in a solution of strychnine, then
baked it in the oven to kill the odor and make it look normal.
We found they would not touch it when it was wet. Then com-
menced a vigil, for at no time was that pan permitted to stay
outdoors unless it was watched for fear some useful bird might
partake. We have killed as many as twenty in a few hours, and
never another species of bird would go near the pan.

“In my talks to school children in large groups at schools
or to Boy Scouts I do not hesitate to teach them that the Sparrow
is a detriment. We do not consider him a bird but a pest. I tell
them how they usurp bird houses sized for other birds, how they
cruelly torture the Wren and the Bluebird for no reason. They
are cruel and spiteful, unclean, noisy intruders.”

24 THE AUD U B-O N= Ba0 ate ar aN

A Suggestion

(A business man from DeKalb offers a very practical sug-
gestion. We trust this will be an effective appeal to many of
our readers and that reports of resultant experiences will be .
furnished the Bulletin.)

A few years ago I was a school teacher in the district school
and from that experience, I would like to offer a suggestion.

The future of our song birds lies to a great extent in the
hands of the boys and girls of the farm and any plan that is
aimed to protect them must start with creating a love for the
birds in the hearts of the coming generation. The school is the
logical place to teach this love for our feathered friends but the
teacher is limited in time and often poorly equipped as to knowl-
edge.

My method ise teaching was to give bird talks once in a
while telling some facts concerning some common bird, and
then asking the children to use their eyes and ears during the
week. A few days later I would ask for any new information
that had been picked up by the pupils about the bird subject.
Beginning the first of the year, I would make an offer of a copy
of Bird Guide to the one who kept the best record of birds seen.
I did not say the most as that sometimes led to the habit of see-
ing things that were not.

The suggestion in brief would be like this. Any bird lover
who feels that he or she is not doing all that should be done to
protect the birds, let me appoint as a committee of one to do
the following, filling in your own methods as to details:

First: Find some country school that has not had the benefit
of a bird enthusiast as a teacher. (The County Superintendent
of Schools in any county will gladly give you such information
for the asking.)

Second: Form a cooperation with the teacher. If you can
not do this personally, the mails will aid you.

Third: Plan your own form of campaign to win some of the
boys and girls to a new love for the birds.

Suppose that you use an hour a week for this purpose. I
will venture to say that you will find more pleasure for the time
and money spent than for any equal amounts that you have spent
in some time. Individuality is the thing that makes one person
so much more valuable than another. In making the above out-
line I left plenty of room for each one’s individuality; its value
and success depend on the effort, and the raw material in the
shape of the boys and girls that receive it.

The big idea as I see it at present is to awaken the interest
of the children of the rural districts to the value of birds and
the necessity for their protection. Your work may not show re-
sults at first but flowers do not grow until the seed is sown.

H. A. MAXWELL.

Erratum
By inadvertence the name of Mr.
Edward Russel Ford, the author of

Skokie Memories, was omitted.

Pee NOLS AU DU BO N.S O-6- FET Y

Skokie Memories

Golden throated warbler tell me—
Or you, bittern, croak and tell—

Skokie memories compel me,
With desire ineffable,

To make question if its creatures
Fare as when I spake farewell.

Then, oh, rufous-coated sparrow—
Then, oh, joyous throated wren,

There were watery ways and narrow.
Where the silent water hen

Sought her ancient sanctuary.
Is she hidden now as then?

Does the swallow, like an arrow,
Skim along the Skokie’s marge,

Iris-blue and white with yarrow?
Does the bobolink enlarge,

As of old, themes Hedonistic?

Comes Sir Redwing to the charge?

If such Junes as once befell me
Skokie wanderers yet may know,
It were very kind to tell me.
Do the winds of Skokie blow,
Spicy with the smell of flagroot?
Give me answer—I must go!

26 MACE: A Uo DeUBaOeNn “Bk bor EEN

Birds in Busy Chicago

How much it would add to our joy in the glad springtime if
we all knew the birds we have with us —right here in busy
Chicago, especially during migration.

In our neighbor’s small yard, which boasts of one syringa and
a bridal-wreath bush, also a few feet of hedge, and even in the
dirt of the alley on the other side of our premises, and within
a radius of a block, I have seen 62 different species of birds.
We live on a typical Chicago street and only a half block from
Ridge Avenue.

Last spring my bird trips were somewhat limited because of
my being on crutches, so eyes and ears were keener and con-
stantly on the alert for the birds about us.

A wood thrush sang two evenings in a nearby yard! What
was my surprise while lying in the hammock on the porch to see
a warbler in the lower branches of a tree close to the porch rail-
ing — it proved to be that rare sprite, the Cerulean Warbler!
On the 14th of September a yellow rail appeared in the middle
of the street in front of our house and walked to the curb where
it hid in a border of petunias!

The following is a list of the birds seen:

Evening Grosbeak, Wild Geese, Woodpeckers: Downy, Hairy,
Red-headed, Flicker, Sapsucker ; Crow, Bluejay, Junco, Bluebird,
Robin, Grackle, Brown Creeper, Sparrows: Song, Swamp,
White-throated, White-crowned, Fox, Chipping; Flycatchers:
Phoebe, Pewee, Least, Yellow-bellied, Alder, Acadian; Purple

Martin, Kinglets: Golden-crowned, Ruby-crowned; Catbird, Ori- ~

ole, House Wren, Ovenbird, Thrushes: Hermit, Gray-cheeked,
Olive-backed, Wood, Veery, Northern Water, Louisiana Water;
American Bittern, Humming Bird, Night Hawk, Goldfinch, Scar-
let Tanager, Black-billed Cuckoo; Vireos; Red-eyed, Philadelph-
ia, Warbling, Warblers: Myrtle, Black and White, Yellow, Cape
May, Canadian. Tennessee, Mourning, Ceurulean, Redstart,
Nuthatches: White-breasted, Red-breasted; Brown Thrasher,
Yellow Rail.
GLADYS FOWLER.

Decatur Lake

Decatur Lake has been created a state wild fowl preserve. .

A popular movement directed to this end led to an appeal to
Chief Game Warden, Wm. J. Stratton of Springfield. He at
once instructed the local game warden, T. A. Nolan, to secure
the necessary data defining the area authoritatively and fixing

the state’s control through formal leases, etc. The state will |

post the area thoroughly and through the cooperation of warden
and interested citizens it is hoped to make it a well-protected
sanctuary.

|

te

Pot ey OFS A-WwbUs Oo Nis O.C-l. Bet y 27

Destruction of Lotus Beds

In October last the Waukegan Daily Sun reported that the
fad for decorating homes with gilded seed pods was endangering
the propagation of the lotus flowers in the Grass Lake area in
Lake County. Commercial interests in Chicago were gathering
seed pods of the lotus at Grass Lake and carting them away in
great motor trucks. A large force of men was employed in
placing these pods in crates and many tons of these crates were
hauled into Chicago.

It was though by some that the seeds would fall out of the
pods before the pods were gathered but an examination of pods
on sale during the past winter months showed that most of the
seeds were still in place. The Waukegan Sun makes the grave
prediction that because of this onslaught the lotus beds will be
greatly depleted. It states that many Lake County residents are
aroused over the danger that menaces these beautiful natural
flower beds, and are endeavoring to find what can be done to
halt the practice.

The Waukegan Sun, by the way, led the opposition in Lake
County four years ago to the establishment of Forest Preserves
and was influential in securing the defeat of the measure. The
conservation program thus defeated specifically included Grass
Lake and adjoining areas.

Federal Licenses and Game Refuges

We print with approval the following paragraphs from the
latest Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

Passage of the New-Anthony bill to provide for Federal
licenses to hunt migratory birds and for the establishment of
game refuges and public shooting-grounds for such _ birds
would affect about 5,000,000 American sportsmen, the Bureau
of Biological Survey, United States Department of Agriculture,
estimates. The bill has been favorably reported by the Senate
committee on public lands and surveys. In the House the bill
is in the committee on agriculture.

The bill provides that each hunter of migratory birds shall
obtain a Federal license, at a cost of $1 for the season, the
licenses to be issued at any post office in the United States.
Out of the proceeds not less than 45 per cent is to be spent by
the Government, through a proposed Migratory Bird Refuge
Commission, in buying or renting land suitable for the estab-
lishment of migratory game bird refuges which would serve as
breeding and feeding places for birds during the period of their
flight north, or the closed season, and as public shooting-grounds
during the open season. An additional 45 per cent will be used
for the enforcement of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the
Lacey Act, and the remaining 10 per cent for expenses in
issuing licenses and other administrative expenses.

28 Tee ACU - DUB ON: BS Ube hon

The bill provides that the Secretary of Agriculture shall be
chairman of the Commission, and that other members shall be
the Attorney General, the Postmaster General, and two mem-
bers of each House of Congress. Rules and regulations gov-
erning the administration of the proposed refuges would be
placed in the hands of the Secretary of Agriculture. The pro-
posed measure does not in any way obviate the necessity of
procuring a State hunting license. The National Association
of Audubon Societies favors this act, believing it will exert a
vast influence on the protection of Wild Life. T. Gilbert
Pearson, President, has sent out a call for funds to finance the
work of the Association in favor of this bill at Washington.

. The CG heck List

The proposed pocket check list of birds of Illinois which
this Bulletin has been promising for two years is soon to be an
accomplished fact. Final proofs have been revised, page forms
have been made up, and we are promised that the completed list
will be in the bindery as this issue of the Bulletin reaches the
mais... :

For the convenience of the greatest number two different
lists have been prepared. One is a working list of the more
common birds and is similar to the wall list published by this
Society. The other is the comprehensive list and is as complete
as authoritative data at hand can make it. It represents the
original observations and research of Mr. Benjamin T. Gault,
the editor of the check list, generously supplemented by those of
Mr. Robert Ridgway and other ornithologists for whose services
credit appears on the pages of the check list. A key to birds.
nests prepared by Dr. Arthur A. Allen of Cornell University,
is included. Mr. Ridgway furnishes the introduction and Mr.
Gault the foreword. A map of Illinois in color is included, this
showing the three faunal zones which overlap in Illinois. Blank
pages for notes are being bound within the same covers. A
circular giving additional information will shortly appear. Ad-
vance orders for the list should be sent to the Secretary of the
Society.

State Parks Report

The long delayed State Parks Report of the Friends of .Our
Native Landscape is going through the Press as this number of
the Bulletin reaches the mails. It is a bulletin of nearly 100
pages, fully illustrated, and issued from the Alderbrook Press
of Chicago. It contains carefully prepared reports upon the
possibilities for state park purposes of certain strategic places
_in the state.

Professor H. C. Cowles writes of southern Illinois including
the Ozark Uplift. Miss Caroline McIlwain describes the Monks
Mound Area and Jesse L. Smith the Effingham area. The middle

fsrbeN Os - AU DEB OW..8 0 C1 Et ¥ 29

Illinois River valley is treated by Morris Jessup; Professor U.
S. Grant writes of a proposed extension of the Starved Rock
area; Jens Jensen of the Savannah Headlands of the Mississippi;
Dr. H. S. Pepoon of the Apple River Canon, and Frederick H.
Pattee of the Rock River Country. A foreword by the Presi-
dent of the society, Jens Jensen, introduces this very interest-
ing and valuable report to the public. Copies of this Bulletin
may be obtained of Mr. Jensen by addressing him at Ravinia.

Alone in the Twilight

Alone, alone in the twilight,—alone with my _ thoughts.
Thinking of mother at home, of the bird singing in yonder tree,
of a girl I once knew, of many things, and of the setting sun.

Golden rays fleck the slender leaves of the drooping willows.
A dead twig falls seemingly without sound into the quietness of
the pool before me. All is hushed. Ripples, tiny ripples, grow
wider and yet wider as they approach the shore. They, too, are
flecked with gold, gold from the glowing sun. Everything is
golden,—all is dream-like.

Far in the distance a tiny song sparrow is singing. He
seems to twitter, ““Peace, peace, peace, peace be unto you.”

The sun, like a fiery plate, sinks lower. Little fleecy clouds,
rainbow-hued, play hide-and-seek around their bigger brothers.

A faint breeze waves the willow leaves and their shadows
move around in the water below.

Lower still sinks the sun until at last it touches the horizon.

Shadows darken.

Somewhere near at hand a robin warbles an evening serenade
to his brown-eyed mate. A thrasher pleads his cause; and the
crickets chorus.

The sun sets; and its rays of rosy light blend into the haze of
evening. Darkness is coming.

Out of the encircling shadows comes a plaintive cry,

“Whip poor Will-l-1! Whip poor Will-ll-l]-1? Will-l! Will-l-1?”

From across the pool an owl calls, ““Who-o0-0? Who-o-o0-0 ?”

A frog gurgles from the water and the crickets renew their
chorus.

Night has come. JOHN H. SUTTER

Photo ky John H. Sutter

30 Pulls -A20 DUB OsN SBA Le herein

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING, 1922
Published by
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION

JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park

RUTHVEN DEANE
112 W. Adams St., Chicago

MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest:

BERTHA T. PATTE
Evanston
CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside
ORPHEUS M. SCHANTZ
10 So La Salle Street, Chicago
FREDERICK H. PATTEE
626 S. Clark St., Chicago

LOCAL SECRETARIES
BELVIDERE
Miss Muriel
Ave.
Cee ONDALE
ary M. Steagall, 808 Illinoi “
GRRE C EE Inois Ave
H. C. Noreross
oH EON
- Elmer Ekblaw, 601 N. Willi 4
DECATUR Ps
Mrs. Benjamin Bachrach, 1437 W. Main

t.
DE KALB
C. E. Montgomery, N. I. S. N. GC.
ELGIN
Miss Lillian Smith, Douglas Ave.
EVANSTON
Miss Louise Whitehead, 1745 Orrington
Ave., Secretary Evanston Bird Club.
GOLCONDA
Mrs. Lillian B. Phelps
HARRISBURG
Clarence Bonnell
KEWANEE
Dr. Hattie Melaik, Quinn Block
LAKE FOREST
Rev. George Roberts
MACKINAW
Miss Mae Blair
MAYWOOD
Secretary cf the Maywood Bird Club
NORMAL
Miss Alice Jean Patterson, Ill., S. N. U.
DIN

C. B. Vandercook
OLNEY
Mrs. Robert Ridgway, 1030 S. Morgan St.
PHILO
Isaac E. Hess
PORT BYRON
J. J. Shafer
QUINCY
Mr. T. E. Musselmann,
Business College
RIVER FOREST
Esther A. Craigmile
ROCKFORD
Paul B. Riis, 301 Shaw St.

Lampert, 410 E. Lincoln

c/o Gem City

‘ing the van.

ROCK ISLAND
Nellie E. Peetz, 628 18th St.
SALEM
Mrs. Sig Kaufman, 524 No. Broadway
SHELBYVILLE
Mrs. Howard J. Hamlin
SULLIVAN
Mrs. O. L. Todd, 606 S. Washington St.
WATERLOO
H. I. Featherly
WAUKEGAN
Mrs. Elam H. Clarke, 740 N. Sheridan
Rd.
WINNETKA
John H. Sutter

Editorial

The Bulletin goes to Press in Lake
County, the northeasternmost coun-
ty in Illinois. It is a pleasant corn-
er, but it is the very last one in the
state into which Spring looks as she
invades the northland. As her suc-
cessive isotherms loop their way
northward they are retarded along
the shore line of Lake Michigan and
the bend of each isotherm is well up
in Wisconsin before its influence is
felt along Lake County’s shore line.
Thus it happens that our observers
in southern Illinois are putting down
nesting records and family flights
while. the Editor is thrilling at so
early a stage of migration as the ar-
rival of the Hermit Thrush and the
Myrtle Warbler. Hazel catkins and
the first hepaticas in northeastern
Illinois, shadbush, sassafras and
flowering dogwood in southern Illi-
nois. To such climatic diversities
dces the Bulletin endeavor to min-
ister. So here are Spring greetings
of a kind to its readers whether
they look out upon elms with swol-
len brown blossoms or in full leaf,
whether they are following the rear
guard of the warblers or anticipat-
May there be good
hunting with glass and notebook
and camera.

Lor ors AUT EON S$ 0-C PET Y 31

Belvidere

Miss Muriel Lampert writes of winter happenings at Belvi-
dere.

The regular winter residents came as usual to food stations,
the Chickadees in particular exhibiting a lively interest in the
new stations provided them by new friends. The Chickadees,
Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, Bluejays and Brown
Creepers have been with us all winter. White-breasted Nut-
hatches appeared to be plentiful until early in January, but
since that time I have not observed one. Red-breasted Nut-
hatches I have not seen or had reported to me this winter.

The White-breasted Nuthatches disappeared a few days
after I had a peculiar experience with one, who came to the food
‘shelf and spent an entire day thereon in an apparently dazed
condition, allowing me to pick him up at intervals, when dis-
turbed flying only a few feet away from the shelf into a su-
mach bush and immediately returning to the shelf. Part of the
time he slept. I am entirely at a loss to account for his con-
dition. The next few days the Nuthatches acted as usual—they
had not been particularly tame—and then disappeared.

The red letter day in my winter was January 12, when a
small flock, not numbering more than half a dozen, of Red-poll
Linnets came to our yard to feast daintily on the seeds of wild
asters and evening primroses, whose stalks were left above the
light snow which hardly covered the ground. I had never seen
any Red-polls before, and consequently was very much thrilled
to have them come to my own dooryard. This small flock made
two subsequent visits that I observed.

January 19, while taking a long walk, I saw my first Pine
Grosbeaks, a magnificent pair, but I regret to say they were not
in Boone county but just across the line in Winnebago. There
were a few Red-polls with them also. They were in a small
grove of splendid pine trees just getting ready to settle down
for the night, as it was late afternoon, and casting about for
material for an evening meal. They paid no attention to the
two excited observers, and were very deliberate in their move-
ments, keeping close to each other. When one flew to the
ground near a patch of snow where we had an excellent view,
the other closely followed, and they finally flew together to the
top of a large pine, where we left them.

Evening Grosbeaks were reported, but I was not fortunate
enough to see them.

Song Sparrows, Meadowlarks, Killdeer, Robins and Black-
birds have come at their usual times. Bluebirds are reported
‘as being more than usually numerous, and I have seen pairs
flying over. Juncos, which I saw on my January 19 walk, have
been in my yard for the last few days.

32 Hob AU DU BON: BU LL eel N

Carbondale

Miss Mary M. Steagall writes under date of March 13 as
follows:

The winter residents were numerous. There were the usual
number of Bluejays, English Sparrows, Meadowlarks, Bob-
whites, Slate-colored Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees and
Field Sparrows. The Cardinal Grosbeaks averaged about one
pair to each city block, as did also the Downy Woodpecker. The
female Cardinal has not the reputation for song, yet she was often
heard giving her ‘“Tee-hew, tee-hew, tee-hew,” back and forth
with her mate.

Each mocking bird selected as his feeding ground a laden
persimmon tree, and greedily guarded it against all intruders.
They, too, were about as numerous as the bearing persimmon
trees. °

Pairs of Bluebirds seemed busy all winter selecting holes for
their homes this spring. In these holes they began building
about the first of February.

The Robins, who seemed to disappear with the last of the
year, began their return by the first of February. On the fif-
teenth of February they averaged about six or eight to the city
block, and by the last of the month they were building their
nests. All early nests are placed in the crotches of the trees.
Later when the leaves begin to appear they will build on the
branching limbs.

During the winter an occasional Brown Creeper, Hairy -
Woodpecker, or White-breasted Nuthatch was seen in the trees.
The Tufted Titmouse whistled melodiously from the treetops on
all pretty days. The American Crossbills twittered daily from
the evergreen windbreak south of the town.

The migrations were not followed as carefully as would
have been most profitable, but a few facts have been observed.

The Canvas-back, which has scarcely been seen for the last
five years, has been a very common visitor. On the twenty-sixth
ot December the first flock were seen. They were in company
with a number of Redheads. By February hundreds of them
were seen going north. One large flock seen at this time con-
sisted of Mallards, Canvas-backs, Pintails and American
Scaup Ducks. Beginning with the Mallards, their abundance
is indicated by the order in which they are mentioned. Just
now there are seen every day on the lake nearby hundreds of
Mallards, Teals, both Blue- and Green-winged, Canvas-backs,

Phi, Ges AUDUBON SO CLE TY 33

Pintails and an occasional Merganser. The kinds may some-
times be found separately, but they
are usually mixed in the flocks and
in their flights. Flocks of Canada
Geese and an occasional White Peli-
can are seen.

About two weeks after the Rob-
ins began their return the Red-
winged Blackbirds began to come.
By the first of March they were
fiying back and forth to the lake
daily by the hundreds. At the same
time came also some Black Martins,
Song Sparrows, Bronzed Grackles
and Rusty Blackbirds. By March
8 were seen Crows, Turtle Doves,
Flickers, White-eyed Vireos, Be-
wick Wrens, Rose-breasted Gros-
beaks and on March 10 a Baltimore

a fe Photo by Alvin R. Cahn
Oriole was heard. YOUNG BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Elgin

The Elgin Audubon Society has its program of monthly
meetings, which continue through each month of the year as
reported by the Secretary, Miss Lillian Smith. For March the
program included a paper on Game Laws by Myron T. Foster
and one on Sea Gulls by Miss Nellie Bond. Mrs. David C. Cook
is to be the hostess for the April meeting and talks on Bird
Banding by Fred Meister, on Owls by Mrs. E. J. Botsford, and
Housing Birds by Howard Graves will be given. The calendar
for the year shows a series of interesting programs concluded
by the annual dinner, which occurs in January.

The Society is especially interested in the city of Elgin’s new
possession, Trout Park, with its arbor vitae and red cedar swamp
and other residual vegetation harking back to the days of the
receding of the glacier mantle from this area. The Bulletin is
to have a special report on this area from Elgin members. It is
hoped that the Elgin Society can make a careful nesting census

of the Park during the present season for publication in the
Bulletin.

Hinsdale
A note from Mrs. C. E. Raymond tells of another conserva-
tion project:

A short distance southwest of Hinsdale is a lake and a large
area of swamp land which has given bird-lovers a great deal
of enjoyment. Spring and fall ducks are quite plentiful, two

34 THK ASU De UCB=O°N> “BUS EE a bes

or three kinds nesting there, as well as many of the water birds.
A hunting club has had the privilege
of shooting during the season for
many years. It has been the wish of
the bird-lovers that this spot might
be saved or protected for the birds —
and their wish has been granted. A
Golf club has ben organized, leasing
160 acres from the estate of Mr. Ar-
thur Dixon, the lake lying in the cen-
ter of the property. The young men
organizing the club have named the
lake “Ruth Lake” after one of their
friends who died in France. The
birds are to be protected on the en-
tire property including the lake.
Every such bit of wild landscape
- protected and made accessible for
public enjoyment will be educative in
its influence. When the beauty of a
marsh and its significant revelation

Bhato be. Galvin’ Ro Gale of wild life become generally recog-
nized, their preservation will become a matter of course.
Normal

Miss Alice Jean Patterson writes:

We have had an unusual number of Golden-crowned King-
lets in this locality all winter. They have been feeding around
the clumps of shrubs on the campus. Cardinals also have been.
more numerous than usual. They have been singing continu-
ally since the last of January.

The Bohemian Waxwings were seen here the first week in
January. A Red-breasted Nuthatch has been feeding in the
yard of a neighbor all winter.

The first Robin I saw was on February first. On the same
day in Bloomington six were seen together in a yard. My first
Bluebird was recorded the twenty-fourth. I have reports of
several seen the twenty-fifth. A Song Sparrow was heard the
eighteenth.

The fifth and sixth grade children are starting on their
bird houses. Some will be put up on the campus, some on home
grounds. The seventh grade boys are planning a Martin box
to be placed on the campus.

The Boy Scouts of the vicinity of Bloomington and Normal
are getting ready for a bird house contest. They hope to have
several hundred houses to put up.

We are much concerned about the problem of stray cats.
Last spring we went to the mayor of the town to see if an ordi-
nance could not be passed to legalize the killing of all cats found

Pivot NOLS AUD BON SOCTET ¥ 35

on private grounds. The mayor said he could do nothing till
there was a statute passed by the legislature. I do not know
whether his position is warranted or not. However, I am hoping
the Audubon Society may be able in time to get the requisite
legislation on the question of getting rid of stray cats.

Odin

Mr. C. B. Vandercook writes from Odin as follows:

“While the winter of 1921-22 was a very mild one here in
Southern Illinois, bird life was not so plentiful as would be ex-
pected. Some species which are usually observed on mild days
were not seen at all. January 4 a Mockingbird paid me a visit,
and has returned the call nearly every day since. He does not
appear to take well to feed put out expressly for him, but pre-
fers to pick up whatever he can from the grass in the garden.
I have seen him at various places all over town, and he is appar-
ently getting plenty to live on. Mocking-birds are frequently
observed in sheltered quarters, and I think this one has found
it comfortable in town.

January 9 I saw one Bluebird flying northeast. January 15
I saw two Robins who were perched in the top of a large shade
tree. They finally decided that they were needed back in the
South, so they left, and I saw no more until February 1. Since
then they have been almost continually seen. January 20 I
was in the east part of town and I heard the pleasant note of
the Meadowlark, so I walk-
ed out into a pasture where
the sound came from, and
soon flushed fourteen in all.
The next morning there
were about three inches of
snow on the earth, and the
thermometer registered ten
above zero. I had occasion
to pass a piece of land in
the west end of town which
is grown up with wild blue
stem grass and very thick
at that. Here the Larks
were having a good time
singing and feeding. I count-
ed twenty-six in this flock.
I have seen or heard them
daily ever since.

January 31 I saw my first
Killdeer. It was flying north. ** EOF tal
I also saw three Bluebirds. Photo by R. S. Churchill
The first of February was een nee
warmer, with a drizzling rain, and Bluebirds were to be Heed

36 Tee AULD OB O2N: BU Lhe tN

any time flying in all directions. February 21 I saw seven Kill-
deers and several flocks of Ducks. More were observed on the
water but were not identified. I also heard a Grass Frog.

At 5:20 p. m. February 22 I saw a flock of several thousand
Blackbirds flying northeast. They were over a quarter of a mile
away, but as five of the Bronze species came back in a few min-
utes from the same direction the large flock took I believe they
were Bronzes.

March 3 several flocks of Ducks were seen, also one Bewick
Wren, the first one seen or heard since December 5. Usually
they may be seen on any mild day during the winter, but they
were entirely missing this winter. I have not seen any Mourn-
ing Doves, Red-tailed Hawks, or Marsh Hawks at all this winter.
Juncos and Tree Sparrows were not nearly so plentiful as usual.

July 13, 1913, J. G. McKee, a farmer living five miles north
of Odin, told me some boys were destroying Blackbird nests
around a neighbor’s orchard in the spring, and they came across
one which contained four light blue eggs. I made inquiries, but
could learn nothing more. Plain blue Grackle eggs are things
I have never heard of. I was of the opinion that it might have
been a stray Starling. I have not heard of any other occurrence,
and do not wish to record this as a fact.

Rock Island

Miss Genevieve Zimmer tells of some pleasant walks around
Rock Island.

Riverside Park and Cemetery in Moline, Illinois, is a ver-
itable bird haven. For ten years I’ve climbed its hills, roamd
its woods, sauntered along its creek, but never have I seen a
lovelier sight than on February twenty-second of this year, a
warm day with a moist wind blowing. Beyond the entrance
gate is a stretch of wide meadow, where Meadowlarks usually
congregate. I had passed it by and gone up the hill, with the
full expectation of hearing my brave little Song Sparrow—al-
ready two weeks behind time—when to my ear came the lilt of
spring’s first Bluebird. A pair of them dropped down into the
bushes in front of me, the beginning of a stream of them.

I thought I was “seein’ things,” but finally an immense
flock flew over to that wide meadow, where they looked like
a field of bluebells. I counted hundreds of them, as they flew up
and then fluttered back again. The grass had recently been
burned off, so no doubt they found plenty of insects that had
awakened under the warm smile of the sun.

In all my journeys up there I had never seen so many and
at such an early date. Usually a few pairs appear at a time,
betwen the dates February 18-25, and then later small flocks.
So perhaps this will be Bluebird year. A few days. afterwards

C

Pee NOLS A UDB ON 8'0'C EET ¥ 37

a big snowstorm came and I’m sure they suffered, although I
found no frozen ones anywhere about.

February 29, while it was still very cold and the ground
was covered with snow, a huge flock of Redwings and Grackles
flew over my head, steering their way down. towards the marsh-
es on Rock River. That was a little early also, as my records
say March 3-10. Spring never seems to be really establishd,
though, until I hear the shrill clarion call of the Meadowlark,
heard March tenth, rather late. I also heard a number of Song
Sparrows and a few pairs of Bluebirds, giving their little con-
versational song, always asking, ““Do you—love me—truil-ly ?”
There were few Robins.

I had rather an interesting experience with the Tufted Tit-
mouse that day. I could hear his ‘‘Peter! Peter!’ on one side
of me, and the echo ‘‘Beat it! Beat it!’ on the other, so I whistled
and walked along, and he followed me from tree to tree, answer-
ing me each time and finally lighting near me. I was delighted,
since he always seems to be a haunter of the highest tree tops
and continually fools me with his ventriloquistic powers.

Port Byron

Mr. J. J. Schafer sends in another of his interesting reports
from Port Byron in the Mississippi river region.

The weather was very favorable for bird life here this winter.
During December there was snow on the ground from the seven-
teenth to the twenty-ninth. After that the ground was bare until
February twenty-sixth. During January there were twenty-
four clear days, and January 24 was the coldest day of the winter
the thermometer registering eight degrees below zero.

Herring Gulls were numerous on the Mississippi River dur-
ing December, but there were not as many Mergansers and
Golden-eyes as last winter. January 10 a V-shaped flock of about
forty Canada Geese flew over our place towards the northwest.
Many coveys of Bob-whites were left over from last fall, and
on account of the fine weather this winter there will be plenty
left for breeding next summer.

One Marsh Hawk was seen January 20, and Cooper’s Hawks
were here all winter. One succeeded in killing and eating one
of our young chickens, but several weeks later it was shot when
it was eating at a frozen chicken which was lying in the garden.
It proved to be a male and was in very good flesn. Rough-legged
Hawks were here until December 11. After that none were seen
until February 1.

_ Screech and Great Horned Owls were not heard very often
this winter. On the morning of January 14 a dead Screech Owl
was found in the basement of our corn crib, where it evidently
had starved to death.

38 Pe EY A sty BU IBoOeN > Bauer aN

Hairy, Dowie and Red-bellied Woodpeckers were not as
numerous as last winter, but the Red-headed Woodpeckers
stayed here by the hundred. Prairie Horned Larks could be
heard singing nearly every day. Bluejays and Crows were not
very numerous.

December 11 a Bronzed Grackle was seen sitting on a tree
near the house; it probably was crippled, as one of its wings
hung down lower than the other. A small flock of Redpolls
stayed here all winter ; they were first seen December 14. Gold-
finches were last seen December 11.

February 5, while taking a bird walk, I flushed a small flock
of Longspurs, which I believe were Smith’s Longspurs. They
did not fly until I was very close to them, and when on the wing
they uttered a sharp chirp or whistle, followed by a chatter.

Tree Sparrows and Juncos were scarce. Only one “Tree
Sparrow and about a dozen’Juncos came to my feeding place.
The first Tree Sparrow was heard singing February 25, and the
first large flock was seen on the twenty-sixth. The Juncos be-
gan singing March 5. Cardinals, Brown Creepers, White-breast-
ed Nuthatches and Tufted Titmice were scarce, and Chickadees
were common.

February 21 we had the first thunder shower of the year, the
temperature rising to forty-three degrees in the afternoon. This
was followed by some more thunder showers on the twenty-
second, the first warm day of the winter, the temperature rising
to sixty-five degrees in the afternoon. This day brought the

first bird wave from the south, and the following species were .

seen and heard: Pintail, Killdeer, Blackbird, Robin and Bluebird.
On the following day the weather turned very cold, and the birds
were seen fleeing southward. A Sparrow Hawk was seen for
the first time on this day. February 25 a Rusty Blackbird was
seen sitting on a maple tree beside the house.

On the evening of February twenty-sixth it began to snow
and the next day there was about an inch of snow on the ground.
On the morning of February twenty-eighth the thermometer
registered zero, and March 1 some more snow fell, but by the
evening of the fifth it was all gone, and on the sixth the Pintails
and Bluebirds were again migrating.

Other spring arrivals were as follows: Mallard, Canada
Goose, Meadowlark, March 7; Bronzed Grackle, March 9; Red-
tailed Hawk, March 10.

J. J. SCHAFER.

Quincy

Mr. T. E. Musselman reports as follows:

This winter has been one of the quietest that we have ever
had in Quincy. The only unusual records were January records

Pac NOSES AV DUE. ON: SO CLE TY 39

of Winter Wrens and Wilson’s Snipes (Jacksnipes). Just yes-
terday the first flock of Cedar Waxwings made their appear-
ance, and we have had little else that was of interest.

My father-in-law, who lives near Beardstown on the Illinois
River, has complained that his farms have been pestered with
tremendous numbers of Wild Mallards all winter. A clipping
from one of the Rushville papers recently told of one farmer
who left a large number of ears of corn which he had shucked
in the field over night. The next morning as he approached
thousands of Ducks arose from the field and he found most of
his corn very badly eaten. I think this speaks well for the Fed-
eral Migratory Bird Law. Such conditions as_ this have not
been reported for a great many years.

The following paragraph from the Rushville, (Illinois)
Citizen under date of March 9 has just reached me and fits in
well with the above:

Ducks are to be seen in almost every field located north and
northwest of Rushville, the number in some of the fields being
estimated at many thousands. In the Crane Creek and Coal
Creek Drainage District, the ducks are said to be more numer-
ous than ever before and countless thousands can be seen in the
fields adjacent to the public road between Frederick and the
river. Fields seeded to wheat are now their favorite feeding
grounds and if this continues, there is a probability that the
growing crops may be considerably damaged.

Most of the hunters have observed the spring shooting law
very well, although there are about three cliques of professional
market hunters who are doing a big business, both in the fall
and during the spring, and they are marketing their kill
through several saloons. Naturally it does not make the honest
hunters of this vicinity very happy to know that these men are
breaking the law and getting by with it.

I might also report that the
Quincy Whig Journal is carry- 3
ing on a bird house contest to be
finished March 18. The houses
are limited to Bluebird boxes,
Wren boxes and Martin boxes
and a prize is given for the first [3
and second best houses in each
class.

Sunday, March 9, I took a &
hike and recorded the following ©
birds:Hairy Woodpecker, Downy *=*
Woodpecker, Bluejay, Red-head- °
ed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Bronzed Grackle,
Meadowlark, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, English Sparrow, Tree
Sparrow, Junco, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Cardinal,
Cedar Waxwing, Winter Wren, Little Brown Creeper, Crow,

40 PEE. AvU DU BON BU EE? EN

Horned Lark, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Black-
capped Chickadee, Robin, Bluebird, Herring Gull, Red-tailed
Hawk, Pin-tailed Duck, Mallard Duck and Green-winged Teal.

River Forest

Field notes from River Forest are contributed by Professor
G. W. C. Eifrig.

The outstanding feature of the past winter for our north-
western suburb is the presence of that aristocratic erratic
northern visitant, the Bohemian Waxwing. December 29 I saw
a flock of about seventy-five flying over, uttering their “‘beady”’
note, like the Cedarbird. They then scattered in small flocks
to look up the berries found so plentifully on hedges and plant-
ings around the homes and in some of the large, park-like gar-
dens of the village. Soon the berries of the high-bush cranberry
(Viburnum opulus) and the privet were cleaned up. Flocks of
ten or twelve were seen as late as Washington’s Birthday and
on March twelfth.

Some of our common birds seem to:be getting used to our

present mild winters. Thus I saw the Meadowlark—ours are

mostly the small southern variety, the Florida Meadowlark
(Sturnella magna argutula)—on January third, seven of them;
and again on the twenty-eighth; and in February they were
frequently seen and heard. They were common by the first
week of the present month (March), a week or two before they
normally are. The same holds good for the Robin. The only
month in which I did not see any was January. The last one of
1921 I saw December 30, and they came in migratory flocks by
February twenty-second. That exceptionally mild Washington’s
Birthday brought the contingent wintering right south of our
area here. Flocks of from fifteen to twenty-five were seen on
the twenty-third and soon after. The same day brought the
Bluebirds, two being seen; they may be called common since
March fourth, two weeks before their normal time to become so.

The Killdeer is even a greater surprise, the first ones coming
here February 18, then on the twenty-second. They were com-
mon by March fourth, which is extremely unusual.

The Bronzed Grackles and Redwings, however, seem to have
stuck more closely to their usual program. They did not turn up
here before the end of the first week of March. In fact, the
first Redwing, a lonely one, I saw on the twelfth, when also the
first Sparrow Hawk was seen. Of course Juncos, Fox Spar-
rows, and Tree Sparrows are here, but I have so far not seen
or heard a Song Sparrow. 3

The Ring-tailed Pheasant is in our parts becoming as com-
mon as the Meadowlark. One day I saw about thirty. The
center of abundance for them is in “North Woods,” a_ large
piece of park-like real estate, surrounded by a high fence, where

Mists

———_ - ~s

fee SAD Ue ON SOCTETY 41

they are unmolested. Thatcher’s Woods also harbor a large
number.

The mildness of the season will no doubt continue to prove
the truth of the old experience that no two migrations are alike,
and we can expect all kinds of new developments.

River Forest Bird Notes

A half dozen Short-eared Owls have wintered in the con-
ifers at Vaughan’s nursery near Western Springs. The abun-
dance of rabbits in the vicinity made it a desirable place to lo-
cate. The same birds were reported to me in the open country
north of River Forest where mice were probably abundant. Two
or three records of the Barn Owl have been reported from That-
cher’s Woods. February 26 a Great Horned Owl frightened
some small bird enthusiasts in the same locality.

Most of the winter birds have
resorted to the friendly shelter of
the Forest Preserve, so few are
tound in trees and shrubbery about
town. A large flock of Bohemian
Waxwings have been about the only
birds in evidence besides the omni-
present House Sparrow. Their
fearlessness and fondness for high
bush cranberries have made them
delightful visitors.

The open winter has made the
birds less dependent on the feeding
stations, so observation has been
difficult. The absence of Juncos and
Tree Sparrows has been offset by
the unusual number of Chickadees.
Robins, Meadowlarks, and Mourn-
ing Doves in unusual numbers win-
tered here. The almost unpre-
cedented high temperature of Feb-
ruary twenty-second was naturally

followed by the first wave of migra- photo z Alvin e ca

< * THE MONKEY-FACED OWL IS AN
tion. Large flocks of Robins, Bronz- prem sort of FELLOW TO MEET

ed Grackles; Red-winged Blackbirds, 1N THE Woops —
Crows and Bluejays appeared February twenty-third. Geese,
Ducks, Fox Sparrows and Bluebirds followed in smaller num-

bers.
Junior Audubon Observations

The other day Jack and I were out in the south woods, and
we saw a Monkey-faced Owl. When we whistled he would cock
his head from one side to the other.

IRVING PORTER

42 iH AA UTD UB ON. SB UE Lee

The first week in March Irving Porter and I went over to the
woods to see some birds. I was looking up into the trees for
them. All of a sudden I saw a big something up in the tree. I
said to Irving, “‘O, look at the Owl.” But I thought it was too big
for an Owl. I thought it was a cat. Some Bluejays were

screaming about it. Then it flew. I knew then it was a Great —

Horned Owl. We chased it a long way, but finally gave up the
chase.
JACK HAMMON

When I was walking tc school February twenty-third I saw
a whole flock of Robins where the new school is going to be. At
first I did not know what they were. I scared a few of them up.
I saw that they were Robins. A few of them were singing.
Without any exaggeration there were hundreds of them.

CHARLES GOLDER

Rockford

Miss Edith Van Duzer writes from Rockford:

Last spring after the leaves and flowers were out and the
birds had all come—April 16 and 17—we had a heavy drifting
snow which remained eight and a half inches deep on the level.
All winter we had been feeding birds just outside our window
in feeding station, trees, and vines. After the storm we cut up
meat, apples, bananas and suet, and threw them under the win-
dow on top of the snow, together with millet and sunflower seed.
During the two days we fed Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers,
Sapsuckers and Flickers, Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings, Ruby
Crowned Kinglets, Juncos, Robins, Bluebirds, Hermit Thrushes

and one Myrtle Warbler. Grackles and Rusty Blackbirds and -

Bluejays would come swooping down and frighten away the
Chickadees and Sparrows, of which the Tree, Song, Chipping
and White-throated came as well as_ the ever present House
variety. Even a Crow ventured once within a few feet of the
house—an unheard of. procedure for this suspicious individual.

Late in the afternoon of the seventeenth a pair of Cardinals
which had come all winter for sunflower seed came to add to our
number. It was a wonderful experience and one which no one
in the house will ever forget. Some of the birds which were not
in the habit of coming to our feeding station were so tame that
they would not fly when we came within a few feet of them. The
top of the snow within a radius of 35 or 40 feet from the feeding
station was crossed and recrossed with the prints of large and
tiny feet. This happened where the birds had been’ fed for
many years, though many of the birds mentioned had never
visited us before. It is not so pleasant to add that, even so, many
dead birds were found on the premises when the snow had dis-
appeared.

This winter besides the birds which are always’ with us,
Robins and Grackles have been reported at intervals, and the

= =

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY 43

Red-headed Woodpecker has fed every day at our foodsticks.
A pair of Cardinals have lived in the south town, but neither
they nor the Red-bellied Woodpecker, which visited us daily
last year, has come this winter. A flock of twenty-five or thirty
Bohemian Waxwings came March 3. These beautiful birds,
singly or in flocks, visit us each year, I suppose because of the
delectable berries hanging in the shrubbery of our neighbors.
No Titmouse has been heard of this winter, though they were
plentiful in 1921 and have been here for several seasons. March
5 I saw again a little Pigeon Hawk which lived in the south end
of Harlem Park last spring.

February 22, which in this locality was a warm spring day,
very wet and very soft underfoot, proved to three people, whom
weather did not daunt, a most delightful occasion. We tramped
many miles with the desire to see Horned Larks, and saw not only
the Larks but huge migrating flocks of Bluebirds and Robins
and some Grackles. A Killdeer flew over our heads and we
watched a Red-tailed Hawk for some time. On _ returning to
the woods late in the afternoon Bluebirds and Robins were all
over the ground as we had never seen them before. A Broad-
winged Hawk flew up before us as we went deep into the woods.
These birds, together with Crows, Chickadees, Red-headed and
Downy Woodpeckers, filled out our very successful winter walk.
Of course after tramping those many miles and pulling up a
smaller or larger portion of Mother Earth with each step we were
weary when we reached home, but as the small boy says, ‘‘Gee!
It was worth it.”

W aterlco

H. T. Featherly tells an interesting tale of a Junco’s winter
bath.

On December twenty-seventh about four o’clock in the after-
noon while on a field trip I was greatly surprised to come upon
a Slate-colored Junco bathing in a small brook. Standing in
water up to his black vest, feathers ruffled and tail spread out,
he seemed very much at home as he splashed the water over his
body with his wings. The fact that there was a considerable
quantity of ice in the brook did not seem to make any difference
in the amount of time consumed by his bath, which lasted at
least two minutes after he was discovered. He neglected to
bathe his head, but was very thorough with the rest of his body.
When he had finished his bath he flew into the bushes out of
sight.

December 27 I saw three Killdeers, one male Purple Finch,
and two Barred Owls. December 25 and 30 I saw House Wrens.
December 28 I flushed a flock of Mallard Ducks. January 5 and
6 I heard a House Wren singing.

January 24 I organized a Junior Audubon Society with one
hundred sixty-five members.

44 PEE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Notes from Waukegan Bird Banding Station

The most noticeable event of the winter season was the be-
havior of our Regular Boarder, a Fox Sparrow, who came to
our yard on November 12 and came back again on November
13, 14, 15 and 16. Then he was trapped twice and sometimes
_ three times a day until his total was thirty-three at the end of
the month, and still he stayed on, making a total of fifty-nine
visits in December. During the last of January he skipped a
few days but still held his attendance record up to forty-two
times. February was warm and he got the spring fever and
only came when the snow was on the ground or on stormy days.
He made only thirteen visits for the month. In all his times of
being trapped and released to March first totaled 149, but this
does not count the times that he got his meals from the flat traps
when no one was around to pull the string and catch him.. We
think he must have the record for the most trapped bird in the
United States.

Tree Sparrows visited our traps: during the past winter sea-
son for the first time. The two preceding years the traps
were in the same places but for some reason failed to attract
them, or they were not in the district to be caught.

Chickadees also made their first visit in numbers. Last year
we trapped just one, but this year we trapped twenty-eight,
mostly in November. These repeated right along through the
winter, so the trapping and banding proved that they remained
in one place for the winter.

Early last fall we observed a Nuthatch taking grain from.
under one of the traps and storing it under the bark of trees,
just anywhere it found a place, but a few days later another
was observed taking the grain and storing it in a knot hole. It
made three trips. Then we pulled the string and trapped it,
but a few days later we saw it again storing the grain in the
same knot hole. We let it make twelve trips before it was
trapped. On three more days the same bird made eight, ten and
four trips to the same hole before we trapped it to read the num-
ber and release as before, so we are sure that it was the same
bird and it was really storing grain in the same place every time.

During the mild weather there seemed to be hardly any birds
around, but just as soon as a storm came they would be back to
feed at the traps, so most of the trapping went by jumps. This
applied to Juncos especially, but we were pleased by having two
Juncos return with the old bands and one was back for the third
time. é

A Downy Woodpecker trapped and banded a year ago returned
and was trapped again. Another Downy that was trapped and
banded last year was found dead at the high school. We were
successful in banding about a dozen more Downies.

W. I. LYON.

Pipeline. AUDUBON. SO CLE TY 45

Cat Ordinances and State Laws

The President and the Secretary of the Illinois Audubon So-
ciety frequently receive letters of inquiry about possible legisla-
tion relating to the cat nuisance. Inquiries about the laws of
Illinois having to do with the protection of non-game and insec-
tivorous birds are also frequent. For these reasons it seems
advisable to reprint a resume of the bird laws of the state as
it appeared two years ago, and preface it with suggestions as
to working out a possible solution for the cat problem.

Without amending the present laws of the state it does not
seem possible to outlaw the stray cat. In several instances cat
ordinances have been framed for adoption by city councils but
expert legal advice has each time been to the effect that there
is no foundation in state law upon which to base such ordinances.
It has been pointed out before that the law granting power to
municipalities to restrain certain animals from running at large
might be amended to include cats. A simple way to bring this
about would be to insert four words in the revised statutes as
they now are. This would make the eightieth item in paragraph
No. 62 of article No. 5 read as follows, the changes being print-
ed in italics: ‘“‘The city council in cities and the President and
board of trustees in villages shall have the following powers:

“Eightieth: To regulate, restrain and prohibit the running at
large of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, geese, dogs, and cats,
and to inpose a tax on dogs and cats.”

Clothed with these powers, municipalities should adopt cat
ordinances providing for the extermination of stray and un-
restrained cats, and officers should be designated to collect and
dispose of such cats in a humane way.

The attention of the State Department of Game and Fish
has been called to this matter of amending the state laws and
co-operation of the authorities has been promised. Chief War-
den Wm. J. Stratton believes that there should be power to
restrain hunting dogs during the breeding season of ground
nesting birds. This is an important matter and it is hoped
that this and the other items mentioned will be included in a
bill which Audubonites and sportsmen alike can support at the
coming session of the legislature.

In response to frequent inquiries the Illinois laws relating to
non-game or insectivorous birds, they are here reprinted as they
appeared in the Spring 1920 Bulletin, with explanatory com-
ment. No changes were made in the law in the 1921 session of
the legislature.

The Illinois Law Relating to Non-Game or Insectivorous Birds.

SECTION 17. NON-GAME Birps. It shall be unlawful:

(a) For any person to shoot, kill, destroy or catch, or at-
tempt to shoot, kill, destroy or catch, or have in possession, living
or dead, any song, insectivorous or non-game seed-eating bird,

46 fe: A]GsD UB: 0 N70: GE iN

or part of such bird, other than an English sparrow, crow, black-
bird, blue-jay, Cooper’s hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, goshawk,
duck hawk, pigeon hawk, great horned owl or cormorant.

- (b) For any person to take or needlessly destroy the nest or

eggs of any song, insectivorous or non-game seed-eating bird, or —

have in his or her possession the nest or eggs thereof.
Comment on Section 17

It will be noticed that the list of outlawed birds set forth in
(a) above includes five of the hawk family, all but one being
small hawks and all of deservedly bad reputation. On the other
the big hawks, commonly called hen-hawks, conspicuous
as targets but very generally useful members of so-
ciety,—the red-tailed hawk, red-shouldered hawk, broad-winged
hawk, marsh hawk, etc., are no longer on the list of outlaws and
are entitled to the same protection as the bluebird and the wren.
This is also true, now, of all the owls, except the great horned
owl which is more or less rare in Illinois anyway. The representa-
tives of the Illinois Audubon Society were not successful in their
plea for the blackbirds. The law remains as of old, and red-
wings and yellowheads, surely without evil records in Illinois,
are left to take their chances with that dignified pirate bird, the
grackle, who, it is believed by many observers, is not generally
an evil bird but only locally and now and then. Anyway, what
is the evidence against any and all of the blackbirds in Illinois?
Let us find what there is and examine it and be ready when the
legislature meets again to speak with certainty for the yellow-
head and the redwing, at least, if not for the se

Who Enforces the Law

SECTION 75. It shall be the duty of all duly accredited offi-

cers and employes of the Department, and all sheriffs, deputy

sheriffs, constables and other police officers to arrest any person

detected in violation of any of the provisions of this Act.

It shall further be the duty of all such officers to make prompt
investigation of any violations of the provisions of this Act re-
ported by any other person, and to cause a complaint to be filed
before a court having jurisdiction thereof in case there seems
just ground for such complaint and evidence procurable to sup-
port the same.

Upon the filing of such complaint, it shall be the duty of such
officers to render assistance in the prosecution of the party com-
plained against.

Sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, constables and other police officers
making arrests and serving warrants under the provisions here-
of shall receive the same fees and mileage as constables are
entitled to in similar cases, under the provisions of the statutes
of the State, and shall also be entitled to one- half of the fines
imposed and collected for violations of the provisions hereof ' in
cases where they have filed complaints.

————— i ee

PRA oOw SAU DU BON ss 0 CLE TY AT

Comment on Section 75

Notice the various officers of the law whose duty it is to ar-
rest persons detected in violation of any of the provisions of
this Act. Note further that it is the duty of these same officers
to make prompt investigation of any violations of the provisions
of the Act reported by other persons, and if there seems just
ground for complaint the officer is to file a complaint before a
court of jurisdiction. Then after filing such a complaint it is
the duty of the officer to render assistance in prosecutions. Last-
ly all such officials including police officers are to receive fees
and mileage and one-half of the fines imposed. It is an open
secret that the officer who “works” an area frequented by vio-
Jators of the game laws has an opportunity to swell his normal
income perceptibly.

Who Shall Hunt

Only those who have hunting licenses may hunt and that
only during the respective periods of the year when hunting
shall be lawful.

SECTION 40. Hunting licenses will be issued to no person
under the age of sixteen years, without the written request of
the father or mother or legally constituted guardian of such
person. Hunting licenses will be issued (a) to residents of the
State of Illinois and citizens of the United States; (b) to non-
residents of the State of Illinois, but citizens of the United
States; (c) to foreign born persons who have procured their
final naturalization papers, and to the minor children of such
persons.

Comment on Section 40

It will be seen that aliens may no longer hunt within the
State of Illinois. They cannot procure a license and therefore
can be arrested on general principles when seen with a hunting
weapon of any kind, gun or net. Our laws still permit children
to secure hunting licenses but set up a slight safeguard as to is-
suing licenses to those under sixteen. The contention of the
Illinois Audubon Society was that sixteen should be the mini-
mum age requirement for the holders of hunting licenses.

When Net to Hunt

House Bill 312, approved by Gov. Lowden, June 25, 1917,
makes unlawful the discharge of firearms upon a public highway
by anyone other than an officer of the law and provided a penalty
of from five to twenty-five dollars for each and every violation
of this act. Section 38 of the Game and Fish Code reads:

It shall be unlawful:

(a) To hunt, kill, take or destroy, or attempt to hunt, kill,
take or destroy game birds, rabbits, squirrels, or fur-bearing
animals from any automobile or vehicle of any kind propelled
by mechanical power, by the use of the lights thereof or any light
used from such vehicle.

48 Tee EAU Ur BON Bev) he yee aa

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to trap or hunt
with a gun or a dog, or allow a dog to hunt within or upon the
land of another, or upon waters flowing over or standing on
the land of another, without first obtaining permission so to

do from the owner, agent or occupant of such land, and it shall

be further unlawful for any person to wantonly or carelessly
injure or destroy, in any manner whatsoever, any real or per-
sonal property on the land of another while engaged in trap-
ping or hunting thereon.

Further and Final Comment

There is no lawful huntaing on highways or roadsides nor
may one hunt on private property without permission. These
two provisions should be easv to enforce. The penalty for vio-
lation of Section 38 is a fine not less than fifteen dollars for each
offense. Here it might be stated that the penalty for killing pro-
tected birds is ten dollars for each and every offense. All these
penalties are coupled with jail sentences where the fines are not
paid, so that there is no default because of inability to pay a
fine.

It should be noticed finally, that no chance for subterfuge
is left to those who violate the rights of birds to life and the
pursuit of happiness. Section 17 explicitly states that it is un-
lawful to shoot, kill, destroy or catch or attempt to shoot, kill,
destroy or catch, and thereby sling-shot, air rifle, club, stone, or
net are outlawed with other weapons when an attempt on birds
on the protected list is made. The illicit hunter has: sometimes
an unarmed companion to carry the bag and to hold the atten-
tion of the officer while the weapon bearer may escape. The
innocent story of carrying the bag to oblige an unknown person
or of having picked up the game along the way is barred out by
this same Section 17 which declares it unlawful to have in one’s
possession, living or dead, birds on the protected list.

On the whole the bird protection laws of Illinois are ade-

quate to a high degree. As to their enforcement, that is up to the

final source of authority, the gentle reader and the rest of the
people. JESSE L. SMITH.

organization of Junior Audubon Societies under

2 gee ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY recommends the
, one or the other of the following plans:

First plan: Organize under the auspices of the
National Association of Audubon Societies and take ad-
vantage of the special offer for pupils made possible by
generous patrons of the Society. Each member pay-
ing ten cents will receive a set of six educational leaf-
lets with colored pictures and outline drawings for col-
oring with crayons. Each member will also receive the
Audubon button which represents a badge of member-
ship in a Junior Audubon class. Each teacher who or-
ganizes a class of twenty or more receives a year’s free
subscription to Bird-Lore, the official organ of the As-
sociation. Address the Secretary, 1794 Broadway, New
York City.

Second plan: Organize under the auspices of the
Illinois Audubon Society. Each pupil is to pay fifteen
cents for a copy of “Fifty Common Birds of Farm and
Orchard” published by the United States Government,
copies to be obtained either from the Secretary of the
Illinois Audubon Society or by sending directly to the
Superintendent of Documents at Washington, D. C.
To each member of a group provided with this beauti-
fully illustrated bulletin the Illinois Audubon Society
will give without charge the Audubon button of mem-
bership in the Illinois Society and will send to the lead-
er of the group for a period of one year all the publica-
tions and special notices of the Society together with
an illustrated certificate showing that the group is a
member of the Illinois Audubon Society. Teachers

wishing to enroll pupils under local plans may obtain

Audubon buttons for two cents each.

Address the

Illinois Audubon Society

10 South LaSalle Street
CHICAGO

i The
A udubon Bulletin
Fall 19292

Published by
The TLLINOIS
AUDUBON
BOCLE TY

Illinois Audubon Society

Service

The Society has two collections of hand-colored . t 3
lantern slides of bird life, each with an accompany- || _—

ing printed lecture. These are lent free of charge
to any school or organization in the state but borrower
pays express charges both ways.

The Society has travelling libraries of bird books

which are lent to schools or organizations for a rea- |
sonable length of time, the borrower paying express ~ ie

charges both ways.

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200 typi- a & ;

cal Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces for re-
cording migration and nesting data. Schools, Boy
Scout organizations, and individuals as well find these
of great service. Price ten cents each.

The Society publishes a Pocket Check List of Birds |

with a colored zonal map. This list records every
known species of birds that visits Illinois or nests
within its borders. Included with this is a very useful
key for the identification of nests. The Check List
sells for fifty cents.

The Society publishes the Langdon Cat Circular
which is invaluable in arousing interest in the question
of protecting birds from marauding cats. Price five
cents each . ;

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the Ital-
ian language warning against violation of laws for
bird protection. Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society, !
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago

President Secretary-Treasurer

Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell — | |

10 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago ~ Riverside
~ Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith

Vice-President
Highland Park

’
4
‘

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Application for Membership
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society,

and being in sympathy with them, I wish to become a.......2.2......---..-.2--eeeeeeeeee

Classes of Membership

Associate memberships ; $1.00. Annually
Active memberships . ; $2.00. Annually
Contributing memberships . $5.00. Annually
Sustaining membership. $25.00. Noannual dues
Life memberships : : $100.00. No annual dues
Benefactor , : ; $500.00. No annual dues
Patron : : . , $1000.00. No annual dues

All members receive the publications of the Society.

Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society ) :
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago

FORM OF BEQUEST |
I DO HEREBY GIVE AND REQUETH TO THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON t

SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION |
OF WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois.

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To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois Audubon |
Society must increase its membership. Out of a population of |
nearly six millions, Illinois should have at least ten thousand |!
people who are enough interested in bird life to help the Society |
in its conservation efforts. Will you not help us expand our
usefulness? |

I suggest for membership in the Illinois Audubon Society the |
persons whose names appear on the other side of this sheet. |

May we use your name?
No

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, 10 S. LA SALLE STREET, CHICAGO ,

The Aims and Principles of the Ilinois
Audubon Society are: | | .

Ist. To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the
school and to disseminate literature relating to them.

2nd. ‘To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and
Federal laws relating to birds.

3rd. To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of
the ostrich and domestic fowls.

Ath. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruc-
tion of wild birds and their eggs.

5th. To restore to our wild birds, wherever practicable, the

natural environment of forest and shrubbery which gave
them food, protection and seclusion. |

ee ee eae a eee ren a ery a

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The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support upon
the contributions of its members and friends. It should have an
income from a moderate endowment sufficient to meet all fixed
expenses.
| The present income is totally inadequate to meet the urgent '
and incessantly growing demands. '

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, Inc.
10 SOUTH LA SALLE STREET - CHICAGO

(OVER

|

|
|

The Aims and Principles of the

Illinois Audubon Society are:

1. To encourage the study of birds,
particularly in the school, and to
disseminate literature relating to
them.

2. To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal
laws relating to birds.

3. To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

4. To discourage in every possible
‘way, the wanton destruction of
wild birds and their eggs.

5. To restore to our wild birds, where-
ever practicable, the natural envi-
ronment of forest and shrubbery
which gave them food, protection
and seclusion.

Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz

LOVERS LEAP
Starved Rock State Rank

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

FALL 1922
Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the Illinois Audubon Society writes:

This number of the Bulletin gives publicity to one of the out-
standing events of our year, the issue from the press of our long-
delayed Check List of the Birds of Illinois. The immediate favor
with which it was received, the approval of our enterprise by
the President of the National Association of Audubon Societies,
and items of interest relating to the preparation and publication
of the Check List are told in the following pages. This number
also records another event of special significance to the Illinois
Audubon Society during the past year which was the A. O. U.
meeting in Chicago at which time our Society assisted the auth-
orities of the Field Museum and the Chicago Ornithological Club
in the entertainment of the distinguished visitors. The notable
collection of photographs, drawings and paintings of bird life
brought together for this occasion and left on exhibition for
some weeks after the close of the meeting has been significant in
inspiring interest in no small portion of the area which the
Illinois Audubon Society serves.

As is its wont, the Bulletin offers a variety of fresh and
original material. One of the earliest of Illinois ornithologists
is appropriately memoralized. One of our members permits the
advance publication of a portion of a chapter of his forthcoming
book on Mississippi Valley Birds at Home. The Morton
Arboretum which is steadily taking shape is given space. This
will be a notable refuge for bird life in the future. Among other
good things in this number the valuable collection of notes from
the field which follows the Editorial Page must not be left un-
mentioned. It is from such collections as these that students of
bird life in Illinois will find rich material. The next step in field
ornithology now that we have our scholarly and all-embracing
Check List of the Birds of Illinois, is a check list of each county
or groups of counties making a unit of bird fauna. To these lists
the field notes of past issues of the Bulletin as well as those of the
current issue will be valuable contributions.

To the Editor in his appropriate space is left the important
task of reminding us of the forth-coming session of the Legis-
lature and of what we may all have a chance to do in the way
of enhancing the living conditions of our co-workers and faithful
allies, the birds.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ

4 fie Aw Dy BO No Bev Lb PEN

Maior Robert Kennicott

The American Ornithologists
Union a few years ago organ-
ized a committee on biography
and bibliography which is to
make official note of the homes
and last resting places of well-
known ornithologists. This has
involved considerable investi-
gations but the work of
the committee has been meet-
ing with a good measure of suc-
cess. This committee took the
occasion of the recent meeting
of the Union in Chicago to look
up the home and last resting
place of Major Robert Kenni-
cott, the well-known pioneer in
Illinois ornithology and Arctic
explorer under the auspices of
the National Government. A
party consisting of Doctor and

MAJOR ROBERT KENNICOTT Mrs. T.S.Palmer, John H.Sage,
and Ruthven Deane went to Des Plaines where they were met by
Ransom §. Kennicott, Chief Forester of the Cook County Forest
Preserve, a nephew of the late Major Kennicott. They made
a pilgrimage to Arlington Cemetery and then they proceeded
to “The Grove,” the original home of the Kennicotts. The house,
which appears in our illustration, was built in 1845 and it was
here that Major Kennicott spent much of his early life and
wrote many of his reports. The death of this brilliant naturalist
and explorer at the comparatively early age of thirty-one, cut
short a career full of promise which had been signalized by
numerous activities in laying the foundation of scientific surveys.
Robert Kennicott was born in New Orleans, November 13,
1838, and passed his boyhood at ‘“‘The Grove.” He acquired a
taste for natural history at an early age, and while still little
more than a youth his writing attracted the attention of some
of the leading naturalists of the day. As a result he became for
a while a guest and pupil of Doctor J. P. Kirtland of Cleveland,
Ohio. In 1854 he accepted an invitation from Dr. P. R. Hoy of
Racine, Wisconsin, .where he pursued his studies in zoology
In 1855 the Illinois Central Railroad Company and the Illinois
State Agricultural Society formed a combination for the pur-
pose of making a Natural History survey of the state. Kenni-
eott received the appointment for the work and the Smithsonian
Institute furnished the outfit and the results of this expedition
were worked up at “The Grove.” In 1855-6 he rendered assist-

Pee N OLS AUDUBON S OCTET Y 5

ance to Professor Agassiz in obtaining collections and informa-
rind for his “Nature! History of the United States.” About this
time hé e6rielided to take up the study of medicine as a more
time WW practice but after two terms at the Rush Medical
School, ill-health showed that he could not stand the close con-
finement. In 1856 he was again active in building up a Chicago
Muséum of Natural History. The same year he accepted a
proposition from the United States Commissioner of Patents
to write an account of the mammals of the northwest injurious
to farming interests. This was published in the report for 1856.
In 1857 he made collections to start a Museum of Natural History
for Northwestern University and collected from Cairo, Illinois
to the Red River of the North. In 1859.he collected in the region
north of Lake Superior and from Hudson Bay to Behring Straits.
In 1862 he explored the valley of the McKenzie River from its
mouth to Fort Simpson. In 1865 he was selected to head an
expedition organized by the Western Union Telegraph Company
to Alaska and to collect objects of natural history for the Chicago
Academy.

The party sailed from San Francisco March 21, 1865, and,
later, was divided into two expeditions, Kennicott and his party ,
going up the Yukon River. He arrived at St. Michael’s, Morton’s/N
Sound, in September, and this spot was destined to be the base of ;
his future operations in the Yukon Valley. In this country he
had many disappointments and delays, and was weakened by
extreme hardships and exposures which undermined his none
too rugged constitution. Death overtook him when he reached

“THE GROVE”, DESPLAINES

6 Dea Aw) DeUR BONN. By Wigs yaa

the post of Nulato, May 13, 1866, and his body was brought back
to Chicago for burial.

The names of Kennicott’s colleagues in his nae pe oe
should be recorded here: Dr. Henry M. Bannister (1844-1920)
of Evanston, Illinois; Charles Pease (1835-1875) Lakewood,
Ohio; Henry W. Elliott, Lakewood, Ohio; and William H. Dall of
Washington. Scme of these records of Maj or Kennicott’s career
have been obtained from ‘“‘The U.S. Biographical Dictionary and
Portrait Gallery of Eminent Self-Made Men,” published in
1876.. Ruthven Deane.

The 1922 A.O. U. Meeting

~ On October 24-26 inclusive cccurred the fortieth stated meet-
ing of the American Ornithologists’ Union, the place of meeting
being the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

This was the great event of the year in ornithological cir-
cles. It is always a great privilege to attend a convention of this:
most influential ornithological association, and those of the
members of the Illinois Audubon Society living in or near Chi-
cago who availed themselves of the privileges of the meeting
were to be congratulated. It was the first meeting of the organ-
ization to be held in the middle west. The Illinois Audubon
Society was honored in having the opportunity to meet and
assist in the entertainment of the Union.

The Union was organized in 1883 and its ultimate aim was
‘to make of ornithology an exact science in all its branches. It
has held its meetings in rotation at Cambridge, New York, Phi-
ladelphia, and Washington. This year at the invitation of the
Field Museum of Natural History, the Illinois Audubon Society,
and the Chicago Ornithological Society, it came to Chicago. The
local committee on arrangements consisting of Wilfred H. Os-
good, of the Field Museum; Ruthven Deane, and Orpheus M.
Schantz of the Illinois Audubon Society ; and Percival B. Coffin,.
and Reuben M. Strong, of the Chicago Ornithological Club was.
most fortunate in the successful carrying out of the plans they
had matured. The middle west members of the ‘A. O. U.’, as it.
is called, were more than delighted with the attendance records.
of the meeting. 275 new associates were elected to membership.
—a record number. 167 members were in attendance—which
was a record number. 131 were present at the annual dinner,
which is looked forward to as one cf the great events of the
meeting. More papers were presented than could well be
handled and more than forty of the members remained over
the next day after the close of the session in order to take part
in a field trip to the sand dunes of Indiana.

Dr. T. S. Palmer, the secretary, managed the details of the
program with great success. The programs of the different
sessions were so varied and interesting that it is not easy to
single out members for particular emphasis. Reference might
be made, however, to the bird banding program which occupied

Pipi Oa Ss. AU RWB ON SO CME T Y 7

the entire session on Wednesday morning, October 25th. Mr. W.
I. Lyon, of Waukegan, Illinois, a prominent member of the Illi-
nois Audubon Society, had one of the most interesting papers
of the session on the subject of methods of trapping and general
practice of bird banding. Another valuable paper was presented
by Professor T. G. Ahrens, of Berlin, who read a paper on bird
banding and bird migration at Rossitten on the Baltic Sea. This
was illustrated by lantern slides. The presence of Professor
Ahrens, who made the trip from Berlin expressly to attend the
A. O. U. meeting, was an evidence of the spirit of friendly co-
operation on the part of German ornithologists.

Professor Francis H. Herrick, of Cleveland, Ohio, gave a
very interesting illustrated talk at one of the sessions on an eagle
observatory. Unusually interesting material was presented by
G. Finlay Simmons, of Austin, Texas, in his paper on the “Sea
Bird Sanctuaries of Texas,” and by Robert Cushman Murphy,
of New York, on “The Whitney South Sea Expedition of the
American Museum of Natural History.”

The final program on Thursday afternoon included a very
interesting talk on ‘“‘A Summer in Ecuador” by Frank M. Chap-
man and an exhibit of unusually attractive and valuable motion
picture films. Dr. Thomas S. Roberts, of Minneapolis, pre-
sented the subject of “Familiar Birds and Mammals in Motion
Pictures.” Louis Agassiz Fuertes, of Ithaca, New York, showed
a film of “Flamingos of the Bahamas;” and Donald R. Dickey,
of Pasadena, California, some exceptional pictures of wild life
in New Brunswick.

Not the least important feature of the A. O. U. meeting was
the special exhibit of pictures of bird life, which was set up in
an unusually attractive form in one of the display galleries of
the Museum. Practically all of the well-known illustrators of
bird life were represented in a comprehensive way, and many
bird photographers and amateur artists brought important con-
tributions to the exhibit. This exhibit was left in place after
the close of the meeting and during the past month has been a
center of interest for visitors to the Museum. Members of the
A. O. U. declared it was the finest collection of pictures of bird
life that has been assembled in the history of American orni-
thology. The list of more widely known artists whose works
were on exhibit included Louis Agassiz Fuertes, R. Bruce Hors-
fall, E. J. Sawyer, Ernest Seton Thompson, Allan Brooks, F. W.
Benson, L. B. Hunt, and Courtenay Brandreth. Carl F. Grone-
mann, a member of the Illinois Audubon Society, prominent in
the Elgin Nature Study Club, was represented by several very
carefully executed paintings of individual birds. W. D. Richard-
son, also a member of the Illinois Audubon Society, had a fine
collection of photographs of bird life. Other notable collections
of photographs were contributed by Professor Francis Herrick,
Arthur Allen of Ithaca, Doctor A. H. Cordier of Kansas City,
and Donald R. Dickey, of Pasadena.

8 THE AUDUBON (bw haan

The Morton Arboretum

In recent years the movement to conserve the wooded lands
of the country from destruction, has resulted in many public
and private efforts which are noteworthy in their success in
preventing the further denuding of timbered lands. The finest
example of public conservation is that of the forest preserves
of Cook county. Already more than twenty thousand acres of
magnificent woodland have been taken over and are being ad-
ministered for the people of the county. Along the north shore
of Lake Michigan are many fine tracts belonging to private
estates, which are not free to the public. These timbered areas
vary greatly both in their topography and the character of the
tree growth, owing to varied natural causes.

In nearly all
prairie regions the

best forested areas
are found border-
ing streams or con-
tiguous to bodies
of water. There
are, however other
natural causes
which may from
their effect on the
soil conditions, re-
sult in great tim-
ber tracts away
from waterways. -
The former glacial
Pager: Ore PPROACH TO THE ARBORETUM epochs which had
so much effect on the shaping of land contours in Illinois, had a
tremendous influence in furnishing suitable soil for forest growth.
North and west of Chicago the results of glacial action are
clearly evident to the geologist, who will tell you that the es-
kers, kames and moraines with their varied gravel formations
have made possible some of the finest forests in Cook, Dupage,
Kane and Will counties. When, therefore, the gravelly glacial
soils are watered by streams, even though small, conditions are
ideal for the growth of luxuriant forests.

In the valley of the east branch of the Little Dupage river, ~
in Dupage county, between the villages of Lisle on the Burling-
ton Ry. and Glen Ellyn on the Northwestern Ry., the above
deseribed combination of slacial drift and stream has made a
location ideal for the carrying out of a plan for an Arboretum
on so large a scale that it will be, when completed, the greatest
botanical garden in America. ‘Joy Morton has set aside 400
acres of the finest land on his estate for this purpose, which occu-
pies the center and both slopes of the Little Dupage valley,

Pe NOLS ee Uy DOU ON OC Be TY 9

merging on the east
side into a wonderful
primeval forest. The
entire Arboretum
tract will be land-
scaped so as to provide
not only ideal condi-
tions for plant growth,
but with it scenic ef-
fects that will add
greatly to the attrac-
tions of the project.
During the spring of
this year 138,000
plants and _ cuttings
were set out and dur-
ing the summer prepa-
rations for 100,000
more were made.

The main entrance
to the Arboretum will
be from the southeast
by a winding road
joining the new Chi-
ecago-Aurora highway
via Ogden Avenue.
Photo by Orpheus M. Scha Skirting the sharply

SUGAR MAPLE GROWING IN THE OPEN defined eastern edge
of the forest the road enters into a magnificent first growth
of ancient and dignified trees. Oaks, maples, ash, elm, walnut,
basswood, black cherry and many other varieties, with a lower
growth of hawthorns, wild crab and viburnum. At one low
spot is a colony of red elm (slippery elm) festooned with great
lianas of poison ivy, dangerous to touch but magnificent in its
autumn coloring; farther on a dry north slope is carpeted with
a dense growth of hepaticas, and everywhere the many varieties
of hawthorn are loaded with their striking red fruit.

Passing from the eastern timbered higher ground down the
slope to the roadway and across to the western boundary of
the arboretum, one is impressed by the numbers of magnificent
individual trees that have grown in entirely different manner
from those crowded in.the deep forest. One sugar maple, shapely
and dense, stands alone among its neighbors, having a spread of
almost 50 feet. Nearby is a wonderful elm, with a spread of
80 feet and a trunk diameter of 31% feet. In a hollow not far
distant is a group of tall, straight-bolled walnuts, whose trunks
if felled would furnish timber for furniture and veneer.

The study of, plant life in its relation to our economic life
has only begun. Although there are on many private estates
Collections of trees and other plant life of great interest, and

10 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

the greenhouses of many city parks contain notable collections
of tropical and exotic plants, the Arnold. Arboretum at Jamaica
Plain, Mass., is the only ambitious out-of-door botanical gar-
den in America. Kew Garden in England and its arboretum
contain 253 acres of land. This is one cf the most famous gar-
dens in Kurope and it is about 175 years old. The Arnold Arbor-
etum is about 50 years old and contains nearly 270 acres. It
is already famous for its wonderful collections of American
and introduced plant life.

Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz
ENTRANCE TO PRIMEVAL FOREST

The best talent in the country is being enlisted to make of
the Morton Arboretum as perfect a botanical garden as money
and expert experience can make it and already an expedition
jointly financed by the Morton and Arnold arboretums is on its
way to explore the forests of the Canadian northwest for rare
plants. The arboretum will be open to students of botany and —
plant economics, and the growth of this very great project
will be fascinating to follow.

The inception of the arboretum no doubt has some connec-
tion with the success of Arbor Lodge, founded by Mr. Morton’s
father, the late J. Sterling Morton, at the Morton Home in Ne-
braska City, Nebraska. Joy Morton has had a vision which is
now bearing fruit, in the founding of a great out-of-door gar-
den in the midst of the fertile prairie lands of Northern Illinois.
Within a few years it will be possible to see plants from all
parts of the temperate world growing under ideal conditions,
in close proximity to their North American relatives. In con-

Lest NOS “AUDUBON 8 O-C1l ET Y 11

nection with the Arboretum there will be a fine reference
library, in which plant lore will be the predominating objective.

On the wall of the history room in a great school, in North-
ern New York, built by another Chicago man for the purpose
of furnishing a rural community proper education, there hangs
a tablet on which is inscribed the following sentiment:

“Constantly search your mind for its best thoughts, culti-
vate your highest ideals, for without vision the people perish.”

The vision of such men as Joy Morton, W. H. Miner, and the
founder of the Smithsonian Institution, when accompanied by
the ability to carry out their ideals, puts the people of the
United States under a lasting obligation of grateful apprecia-
tion.

The Morton estate is a favorite breeding ground for Vesper
Sparrows, Bobolinks, Dickcissels and in a secluded field a pair
of the rather rare Lark Sparrow was found in July. Killdeers
and Sandpipers found the shores of the artificial lake very much
to their liking, and showed their appreciation of the protection
afforded by being very tame, only flying a short distance when
flushed.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ

The Sport of the Superior Being

We print, without comment, a copy of the letter which was
sent to the Chicago Evening Post, on September 10, 1921.

The Editor of The Chicago Evening Post,

Dear Sir:-

A great many good people are joyous these days to have
another shot at the partridge, the American pheasant, and the
noblest bird of our Northern woods—perhaps the last one. The
bird is reported plentiful in the woods of Wisconsin, but this is
not true everywhere.

On our way home, the other day, a business man, who de-
lighted to shoot partridges, said to me, “Judging by the hundreds
that are going to hunt the partridge, there won’t be a single bird
left to tell the tale.”

A week before we left our cabin in the Northern woods we
had the pleasure of a visit from a foreigner. One day after
tramping through the forest, he was touched by the silence of
them. “Your woods are beautiful, but dead!’ he exclaimed,
“there is not a-living thing in them.” I told him that years ago
these woods were very much alive, but just as our noble forests,
so their denizens were ruthlessly destroyed.

The tiger kills when he is hungry; the Indian killed for food;
but white man, who thinks himself a superior being, kills for
lust and pleasure.
; JENS JENSEN

12 THE AUDUPON PUL DET PN

Our Check List

The first copies of our new Check List of the Birds of Tlli-
nois came from the bindery the second morniny of the A. O. U.
meeting in Chicago, October 25, and the first copies to be
distributed went to ornithologists such as Frank Chapman, T.
S. Palmer, Lynds Jones, Harry Oberholzer, Arthur A. Allen,
and others. Everywhere comment of the most flattering nature
occurred. It was admired for its compactness of form, its
authoritativeness, its unique contributions to bird study in
Illinois and adjoining states, etc. A few days later a friendly
reference in the Chicago Tribune by Bob Becker brought in
mail orders for the List from every direction. From Mr. T.
Gilbert Pearson, President of the National Association of
Audubon Societies came a message of approval and congratula-
tion. :

The Illinois Audubon Society has reason to be proud of its
accomplishment. The Check List is well-printed and attrac-
tively bound and its convenient size (414 by 714 inches), its
broad margins inviting pencil notes, its symbols of range, nest-
ing habits and occurrence, make it an extremely useful hand-
book. The zonal map prepared by Mr. Gault and Mr. Ridg-
way is a valuable contribution to the geography of the bird
fauna of the Mississippi Valley. The long delay in the final
issue of the Check List from the press after the first announce-
ment of its preparation has been due to the desire to make all
of its details as accurate as possible. All of this has involved no
little expense and the Society has been obliged to fix the price
of the List at fifty cents, post paid. The distribution of the
Check List is sure to stimulate the intelligent observation of
bird migration and nesting occurrence in Illinois and our mem-
bers can perform a most useful service by purchasing a copy
and soliciting orders for copies from friends and acquaintances.

From the Preface to the Check List the following para-
graphs are reprinted:

A tentative “Check List” of Illinois birds appeared in the
Spring 1917 Bulletin of the Illinois Audubon Society and again
with certain revisions in the succeeding number. The value of
efforts of this sort was so evident that it was decided to under-
take the preparation of a check list which would recognize as
far as possible all authenticated data relating to the occurrence of
birds in Illinois, and serve as a standard for the recording of bird
notes in every section of the state. The so-called “Comprehen-
sive Check List of the Birds of [linois,’’ which occupies the
greater portion of this booklet, is the outcome. It is the work
of Benjamin T. Gault, a member of the Board of Directors of
the Illinois Audubon Society, and an ornithologist whose peculiar
‘fitness for this task is known to all students of bird migration in
the Illinois area. For many years an accurate and discriminat-
ing observer, he had accumulated private records which have

Pitt NOLS AUDUBON §:0 CLET Y 13

been of the greatest value in the preparation of the List. The
project has involved an almost endless amount of work and a
great deal of painstaking research. Mr. Gault’s sole compensa-
tion for this is to be in the assistance which the Check List will
render to observers and students of bird life everywhere in
Illinois.

Elsewhere Mr. Gault acknowledges his indebtedness to Mr.
Robert Ridgway and others whose contributions to the Check
List have been of the highest importance, and who have co-
operated in every possible way. To all these and to Mr. Gault
likewise, the Illinois Audubon Society wishes to extend its
thanks and the assurance of deepest appreciation of service ren-
dered. The Society is honored in being permitted to put its
imprint on this composite effort.

For some years the Illinois Audubon Society has furnished
schools with a wall chart. containing a list of two hundred. of
the more common birds of Illinois. It is purely arbitrary in its
nature and represents a sort of compromise on the part of those
who were asked to state their opinion as to the two hundred
birds which are “more common” in Illinois. This list is in-
cluded in this booklet with the hope that it will be of value for
ready reference and that the beginner may look upon it as a
satisfactory working list.

The key to birds’ nests which is also included in this book-
let is the work of Dr. Arthur A. Allen of Ithaca, New York, and
has appeared in a recent issue of Bird-Lore. Doctor Allen has
waived the copyright privileges for its use in this Check List
and the Illinois Audubon Society is greatly indebted to him for
this favor. The key should prove to be of great service to ob-
servers in the field.

Park Areas in Illinois

The Report on Proposed Park Areas in the State of Illinois
which has been under preparation for some time by the publica-
tion committee of the Friends of Our Native Landscape has re-
cently issued from the Alderbrink Press in Chicago. It is in
every respect a splendid piece of work. It contains 120 pages
with 13 maps and 53 halftone illustrations. No one can read
this report without being thrilled at the possibility of dotting
Illinois with spiritual possessions of this sort. The report has
been prepared by nature lovers expert at appraising the natural
beauty of the landscape and it should prove an inspiring appeal
for the conservation of the primitive scenery of Illinois. Copies
of this Report can be obtained at one dollar each postpaid upon
application to the Secretary, Mr. E. L. Wheeler, 215 West Huron
Street, Chicago.

14 is A DOP BO N* Be U eer aN

A Feathered Caruso

(From a chapter on the Carolina Wren in Hess’ forthcoming book en-
titled—Mississippi Valley Birds at Home.) —

Carolina is the giant of the eastern branch of the Trogloditae
or Wren family and a wonderful vocalist. Caruso-like in volume
and melody, he also exhibits the nervous erratic temperament
usually stamped so indelibly upon the stars of the stage world.
Unlike the operatic stellars, however, our Carolina objects to
the close scrutiny of his admirers.

Nothing suits him quite so well as to be heard at a distance.
Even a glimpse of a bird spy stalking him for a nearer approach
and he is gone with the sauciest flirt of his abbreviated tail.
Just neough of his neat brown coat is seen to prove aggravating
to the observer. For a brief period he darts out into the open
but before the focus of the field glasses may be properly adjusted
he is back in the brush pile or eclipsed by the old stump.

Perhaps none but the Chat provokes so many impatient ex-
clamations from the bird lover so intent upon observing his
many charms. One characteristic he cannot conceal however,
his wonderful melodious song. It has never occurred to me that
Carolina desires to hide this God-given talent under a bushel.
Did he not thoroughly enjoy sounding out these perfect tones to
reverberate through the woodlands, he would scarcely be so in-
cessantly engaged in the pleasing pastime. Privately I think the
gifted bird realizes his superiority over his feathered neighbors
and takes a secret delight in silencing the feebler efforts offered
in his vicinity.

Again I believe his exceptional modesty is only a bluff. I
have very good reasons for thinking so. You may test it your-
self the next time you meet Carolina in the woodlands. I have
learned to take my share in the game of hide and seek when a
Carolina Wren gives me the cold shoulder and disappears in the
underbrush. I have found him saturated with that human weak-
ness known as curiosity. It is rare fun to beat him at his own
game when he offers this challenge. When he shows by his
evident contempt, that the intruder of his domain is so far be-
neath his notice as to be ignored, stop suddenly and conceal your
presence. Not many moments will elapse until is heard the
quick flutter of nervous wings and soon the sharp eyes of the
little feathered flirt will spy you out. Then again he disappears,
but you understand him now and may laugh at his pretense.

As early as February you may hear him trying his vecal
chords. Carolina does not hurry away to the gulf states at the
approach of winter. He is another of the hardier birds that
“pooh-pooh” at applying the term “north” to central Illinois.
The mooted guestion as to whether the fortieth parallel of lati-
tude lies in “Dixie” or north of that land of winter sunshine has
never been settled by the members of the Wren family. The
House Wren and Bewick’s insist that the sunny south lies a day

Pet SD Oe ok DE BON * 8-0 CL eT ¥ 15

and a night journey away, while the Winter Wren and Carolina
argue by his presence that heaven is right in central Illinois.

Those acquainted with the warblings of his smaller cousins
are surprised at the full toned whistle of the Carolina Wren.
There are no bird notes of purer quality. His melodious trios
may easily be set to the music staff. Three notes—starting with
high “Do” and rapidlv falling to ‘Sol’ and then to lower “Do,”
exactly duplicate his most common offering. Seldom have I
heard even in his variations, other than a full true octave of
eight notes in limit. Observing with such method so fine a rule
in the laws of music, we must admit that the Carolina Wren is a
remarkable. bird. He is so enthused with his whistling talent that
our Illinois days are not long enough for his rehearsals. At three
in the morn before the eastern skies even hint of the approach of
a new day, this sweet toned whistle rings out in the darkness.

The great secret of the ages is recognized by Carolina. Life
is all too short to waste any of it in idleness and when this
strenous Wren is not singing for his own delectation he is busily
attacking the hordes of bugs and worms— inimical agents of the
Creator’s plan.

The erratic taste of the Wren family in the choice of nesting
sites also prevails as characteristic in the Carolina. Any kind of
cavity in stump, fallen log or box is good enough for him pro-
viding, of course, that the site is near unto his beloved woodlands.
The first nest I remember seeing was stowed away upon the
upper joists of a cabin in the woods. Another was in a fallen
log while a most interesting home was in a deep cavity in the
midst of a standing stump. I found this little female ensconced
at the end of a tunnel in the center of the big stump which meas-
ured full nine feet in circumference. She felt so secure in this
retreat that she would not leave when I peered into the entrance.
She merely eyed me as though used to such proceedings.

The song of Carolina is variously interpreted. To some ears
his ejaculations sound like “Jupiter-Jupiter-Jupiter.”’ Some one
long years ago translated his song into ‘‘Te-kettle-Te-kettle-
Te-kettle’’ and to my mind this version is about as nearly Angli-
cized as possible.

Food to his liking is plentiful, so Carolina follows literally the
scriptural injunction to increase and multiply. He begins the
ardous task of rearing families early in March and by the time
the third family of six or seven youngsters appears in July, his
particular part of the woodland might well resemble a Brigham
Young estate when school was out. Dwellers near a small pate?
of woods and particularly when near a small running stream
may be assured of a pair of these tenants if a can or small box or
empty jug is wisely placed. Save that little patch of grove you
had almost decided to raze and turn over to corn rows. Dollars
are not the only needful blessings in this modern practical day.

ISAAC E. HESS

16 TE Bs AU DL Ure OUND ol neler IN

Characters and Dispositions II
The Ow] and the Flicker

A pair of Flickers made a hole in a dead tree close to our
house, and on June 20, 1920, the three young Flickers that were
raised there were banded.

During the following winter the squirrels enlarged the
hole and filled it with leaves.

The next spring a pair of Flickers came to the same hole and
scolded for a while, then started a new hole about five feet lower
down the tree. By making a folding perch just below the hole,
they were trapped and banded as a mated pair, and on June 2,
1921 their four young were also banded.

In 1922 the Flickers came there about the middle of April
and scolded as before, but finally started a new hole a little to
one side of the tree, and about equal distance from each of the
old holes.

On May 2nd a Blue Jay was observed making considerable
fuss about the lower hole, which aroused suspicions, and with
the aid of a ladder we reached the hole, and found a Screech Owl
there. On removal we discovered she was sitting on five eggs.
which were all pipped.ready to hatch, but fearing she would in-
terfere with our Flicker family, we robbed the nest, banded the
Owl and took her quite a distance from the tree before releas-
ing her.

We had to be absent from home for about four weeks, and
soon after our return we were ready to band the Flickers. We
had observed that the old female wore a band but could not
capture her to get the number, but the male kept his legs so
well covered we were unable to see if he was banded.

On June 11th we started to band the young Flickers. Before
we got our ladder, we watched the old Flickers feeding the
young, and observed that the young were so old that the old
birds did not enter the nest, just going to the hole and calling
the young up for food, so there was no chance of capturing the
old birds to see their numbers, so we climbed the ladder, and
as we passed the lower hole, noticed four owl eggs of a second
setting, were in the hole, but all broken.

It was necessary to saw out a piece of the tree to get our
hand into the hole, and as we opened the hole, out came an owl.
We were surprised and annoyed, and took out the four young
Flickers and examined them very carefully, but they were not
harmed in any way, so they were banded and replaced in the
nest.

Our curiosity was aroused about the owl. The next morn-
ing, the 12th, we watched the old Flickers feeding same as ever,
but finally decided to see if the owl was around. On reaching
in the hole there wasthe owl, and we promptly threw her out.
On examining the young Flickers, found they were unharmed.

Thin OLS AUDUBON SOCIETY 17

a the 13th, everything happened just the same as on the
th.

On the 14th the same thing was repeated, but on examining
the young Flickers we found about half of some small bird which
apparently the old owl had attempted to feed the young Flickers,
and after putting the young back in the nest they were so far
advanced that two objected to such treatment, and left the nest.

On the 15th the old Flickers were feeding same as ever, and
investigation showed the old ow] still brooding the young Flick-
ers, but the remaining two also objected to the irregularities,
and left.

For the next ten days we looked into all the holes, but
the owl and the Flickers had all left. We have examined the
ie occasionally since then, but have not found a trace of the
owl.

In our experience with animals we have known cats and
dogs taking other young when their own had been taken away
from them, and have known chickens to hover most anything
they could find, but this was the first experience with wild birds.

Grackles of Bad Repute

On Nov. 22, there were about two hundred Bronze Grackles
that stopped for rest in their migration, in our yard while we
were doing our morning trapping. A Junco had been trapped
in one of the flat traps, and was hopping about trying to find
an opening, when suddenly a Grackle made a dive from a near-
by tree and tried his best to catch the Junco, then more followed
until there were about twenty-five on the trap, all trying hard
to catch the one poor little Junco, and one of the Grackles was
successful in pulling out some of its feathers just as reinforce-
ments arrived in the shape of a club thrown at the flock.

We believe if they had not been noticed they would have
killed the Junco, as it was becoming tired from the constant
dodging and surely the Grackles tried hard enough.

During the nesting season this year the Grackles spoiled
nearly all the eggs of the Robins in our yard.

White Throats and Robins

In the spring 1922 issue of this Bulletin you were told about
the Whitethroat Sparrows of 1921. This fall has brought some
additional facts that are worth mentioning.

Number 17042 has shown an unusual disposition for tame-
ness, and simply squats down and lets you pick it up to read its
number, and is very quiet all the time it is held in the hand.
Recently, when released from the trap she flew to a bush within
six feet of the trap and stayed there quietly and watched while
four new birds were taken out of the trap and banded, then, with
: a twittering notes, flew to the ground in search of more

ood.

18 THE) AUD UB O Ne Bou aa asa

Number 17070 is a fighter of unusual ability and proclaims
it in a very loud voice. As soon as the hand is put into the trap
he starts his challenging, and when the hand gets near he ad-
vances to attack and springs on the hand, pecking with all his
might, and never gives up a single instant while in the hand ©
being examined, and after release flies to the nearest branch to
sulk and scold.

The Whitethroats are acting just the same as last year;
about a dozen staying around like regular boarders, and we ex-
pect we will have to feed them until a good storm comes and
moves them southward.

The Audubon Bulletin for Fall 1921 contained an article
on “Securing Life Stories by Bird Banding’’, which described
how a male Robin that was trapped, banded and released in 1920
returned to be trapped again in 1921, and how a good looking
Mother Robin was trapped and banded the same day, as 18030;
later they were both trapped in a trap Robin Shelter, and proved
to be a mated pair, and their family was also banded. The story
ended with our hopes running high in expectation for returns
i922;

Well, we were pleased of course when the good looking
Mother Robin 18030 was again trapped in 1922, and we kept
a constant watch for the Father Robin No. 57617, but we could
not find him, or just where the Mother had her nest, but later
the sad reason was discovered by the Park Policeman when he
found a cat with a Robin, and discovered the band that proved the
end of Mother Robin 18030. Now our work of proving Robin
history must begin all over again, but some day we hope to be.
able to tell you if Robins keep the same mates through life.

Ww. I. LYON

The Cahokia Mounds

A recent bulletin of the Illinois State Museum by A. R. Crook,
Director, contains a noteworthy discussion of the theories relat-
ing to the origin of the Cahokia mounds and a summary of the
most recent conclusions of investigators. Six years ago Profes-
sor Crook made some studies of Monks’ Mound and was dis-
posed to regard all of these mounds as of natural origin. More
recent studies made in collaboration with Dr. M. M. Leighton,
professor of pleistocene geology at the University of Illinois,
who favored the theory that the mounds are artificial, have
brought Professor Crook to support that theory. The discus-
sion is accompanied by some very interesting photographs of the
area made by aeroplane photography, the work of Lieutenant
G. W. Goddard, of the Army Service. The bulletin is a valua-
ble contribution to the study of primitive man in the Illinois
area. Copies of this bulletin may be obtained upon application
to the Illinois State Museum, Springfield, Illinois.

rine NOLS AUDUBON SO CTE TY

The Chickadee

A puff of snow-dust from the twig
And then appears the periwig
Of shining black of chickadee.
He puts faint-heartedness to rout
Because he is himself so stout
Of heart—nay, were he twice as big,
"T would pass belief of one so wee.

I’ve seen him oft—and so have you—

Pierce the dead mullein through and through

To find some fat cold-storage grub.
He puts all daintiness to shame—
For daintier than that feathered frame
There nothing is. Rub-dub-a-dub!
The feast is spread at his tattoo.
Most tender are the brave—ah, me!
~ When alder and witch hazel bloom,
In all the woods is any room
For other wandering lover’s plea
Save his who makes such sweet complaint
That, were she twenty times a saint,
At last must melt his chickadee.

EDWARD R. ForD

19

200s iH AL UD Us8 ON BUCS ae

Robin Snowball

During the last week of May, 1922, a lady living in Henry,

seven miles from my home in Lacon, Illinois, hearing a commo-
tion in her yard, glanced out of the window and saw a white baby
robin on the lawn, fluttering its little wings and opening its
mouth at every bird that went near it.
The little fellow was too young to
be able to fly, apparently very
hungry, and seemingly deserted
by its parents, for an observation
extending over a considerable
time disclosed no bird paying at-
tention to this ghost-like robin.
Being of kind heart, and fearing
the conspicuous plumage of the
helpless youngster would result
in his destruction by boys or cats,
she took him into the house and
put him in acage. The little fel-
low responded to kindness and
feed, becoming very tame, taking
most of his sustenance from her
hand and when big enough flying
over the house, following her
from room to room, perched on
her shoulder frequently. Later
~ he was moved into a larger out
OTS yy 1S Io Bananas door cage and on July 22nd was
given to me and brought to my home in Lacon. Here a cage three
feet wide and four feet long and four feet high was built for him,
and placed under a tree on the lawn. During the summer he was
an object of much interest and curiosity to visitors and grew to
be a normal robin in every respect except color, though for some
reason he always maintained a dirty appearance.

During my absence in August, the little rascal slipped out
of the door of his cage as it was opened to put in the feed and,
quick as a flash, he was gone. He remained at large until the
afternoon of the next day, about thirty-six hours, when he
quietly permitted one of the family to pick him up and transfer
him again to his cage quarters in which he appeared thoroughly
satisfied and glad to get back.

About the 1st of October I moved the now adult bird into
the house and turned him loose in a conservatory with glass
sides and top 9 by 18 feet in which there are many dozen plants
of all kind, and began feeding him prepared bird food such as
is found in the bird stores for soft billed birds. The result was
magical. Robin Snowball, immediately took to bathing once or
twice a day, something he had declined to do while out in the yard
except in very rare instances, which without doubt, accounted

—

So SO seo OU BoM. bo Crh EY 21

for his dirty ill-kept appearance. His feathers at once cleared
up and the entire bird except the bill, legs and feet, is of ab-
solutely snowy whiteness. The eyes are a perfect bright pink,
rather large for a robin. The bill, a very light ivory, and the
feet and legs pinkish white with light yellow claws. Apparently
this bird is perfectly normal in every way and well satisfied
with his quarters. It is very tame, eats from the hand, will come
at call, and seldom, almost never, ventures out of the conserva-
tory, though large double doors continually open lead into the
dining room. He is very active in his movements, cheery in his
disposition. The first thing in the morning he greets the first
riser with a continuous and lengthy volume of robin conversa-
tion. He does not appear to be quite as strong or vigorous as a
normally colored bird, otherwise I can see no difference what-
ever except his color.

I have referred to this bird as “he”, but I am not certain
whether Robin Snowball is he or she.
Lacon, November 27, 1922.

R. M. BARNES

Complimenting the Check List

Miss Catharine Mitchell, Secretary of the Illinois Audubon
Society, has recently received a letter from the President of the
National Association of Audubon Societies from which the fol-
lowing paragraph is quoted:

“Your Check List is excellently prepared and should be a
source of delight to the field bird students throughout the state
and elsewhere. I prophesy you will have to have another edition
prepared before a great while, for as soon as the publication be-
comes known undoubtedly there will be a great demand for it.
It is very much along the line of something I have had in mind
for a long time for the various states in the Union, and a year
ago at the annual meeting of our Board of Directors, the
minutes show that I spoke of the advisability of getting out
just such a publication if we could take care of the matter finan-
cially. You have forestalled this for Illinois in a most splendid
fashion. My heartiest congratulations.

Yours sincerely,
T. GILBERT PEARSON, President

22 TEE AU DUB ON (B.0 fel, TaN

Nature Studies in the Great West

Gulls were everywhere. They hung over us in great clouds;
they swarmed about the rigging, fighting for position on the
wireless aerial; they trailed the ship and circled about her, their
raucous cries sounding even above the hoarse scream of the
whistle as the S. S. Avalon left Los Angeles harbor bound for
Catalina, the “Magic Isle.” These Western Gulls certainly had
ear-splitting abilities. However they were protected by law in
the harbor because of their value as scavengers, and I, for one,
enjoyed their humorous antics and graceful flight.

Although I live in Evanston, this bright June day found me
2000 miles from home with the blue, blue waters of the Pacific
about me and the ship’s engines throbbing underfoot. I was
first impressed by the mountains on the island. They were low
for the most part, the altitude ranging from 100 to 2400 feet.
The mountainous character of the land is explained by the fact
that Catalina is a volcanic isle, in fact the different layers of
lava can still be seen on some of the bare cliffs facing the sea.

These steep precipices are also of interest in that they are
the chosen eyries of the island’s largest birds, the Bald Eagles.
On the tops of these precipices one could usually descry the huge
pile of sticks and rubbish in which, safe from the pillaging
hands of man, the young had been raised to eaglehood. Well
do I remember watching the spectacular dive of an old bird from
the top of a 300 foot cliff to the water not ten feet behind our
boat where he seized a fish and winged his way = upward
again to devour it.

Many of the land birds are peculiar to Catalina and the sur-
rounding islands. One of the strangest of these is the Catalina
Raven who makes the lonely canyons echo with his hoarse, weird
cries. I shall never forget the evening in a wild canyon when I
first heard these ghoulish sounds. At that time I was not aware
that they came from the throat of a bird and will have to admit
of being thoroughly frightened.

In the eaves of a summer-house, part of an unfrequented
park on the mountain top, many House Finches or Linnets as
they are popularly called had their nests. These were compactly
woven structures composed largely of dried grasses. One of
them contained five bluish eggs spotted with black; the others
were occupied by young birds in all stages of development. I
spent some exciting half-hours in trying to photograph these
bantlings but without success.

The sweet voiced Linnet in the West replaces our brawling
street gamin, the English Sparrow. How much better to see the
cheery Linnet about our doorsteps than the bullying passer
domesticus, for the former’s scarlet head and breast are much
more beautiful I am sure than the latter’s dull plumage.

Pei Norms AUP UU BON Ss 0.GLE TY 23

The House Finch was the commonest bird on Catalina Island,
with the exception, perhaps, of the Western Mockingbird who
was ever present with his remarkable repertoire, singing as
jubilantly during the night as in day-time. We found the nest
of one of these birds in a small tree at a height of about six feet.
The bulky pile of rocks contained four greenish-blue eggs spotted
with reddish-brown.

Numerous other birds were observed including the Canyon
Wren, Cliff Swallow, Mourning Dove, Valley Partridge, Allen
Hummingbirds, San Clemente Towhee, Man-o-war Bird. A trip
to the isthmus of Santa Catalina afforded an opportunity to add
two water birds to my list, namely the California Brown Pelican
and the Brandt Cormorant. |

On July 17 in Hollywood we picked up a tiny baby humming-
bird which had evidently fallen from its nest in the Bougain-
villea vine. The wee bunch of feathers regarded me doubtfully
with his beady black eyes but finally deciding that I would do him
no harm he settled down contentedly in the palm of my hand.
The little creature was as yet unable to fly, so fearing that prowl-
ing pussies might here find a toothsome morsel we adopted him
as our own. A small cage of fine wire with board bottom was im-
mediately constructed. This we lined with cotton waste, placed
our charge inside, and suspended it from the vines.

The baby seemed nearly
starved so when I offered
him a solution of sugar
and water his needle like
tongue was soon busily
darting in and out licking
the sweet liquid from my
finger. However, when I
offered this food a second
time although he sipped a
few drops he showed no
further enthusiasm and
began to cry loudly. Then
as I seated myself to con-
sider, the problem was
suddenly and _ effectively
solved. I heard a loud
buzzing of wings a few
shrill squeaks of delight
from the youngster, and
who should appear but
mother hummingbird. She

SHE FED HER BABY IN MY HAND darted about the cage
and seemed very nervous. The entire top had been left open
but she could not understand that there was an easy way of
access. Finally, however, she alighted clinging to the side wires.

24 Tsk ie a U0 DW BO Ny “Bb -U Laer

The young bird, fluttering his wings came as close to his mother
as the wire would allow. Then the old bird poked her long bill
into the little fellow’s widely opened one and shook him vigor-
ously. After repeating this performance several times she dart-
ed away and the baby seemed thoroughly satisfied.

But is was growing dark and the nights were chilly so I re-
moved the cage into the house, wrapped a piece of flannel about
it and said good-night to my little charge. Next morning I
found him shivering and very weak, in fact it seemed that he
was about to die. However the sunlight and his mother’s food
soon revived him. Yes, we found her perched on the telephone
wire anxiously awaiting the arrival of her child.

The task of identifying the youngster now confronted me.
At the museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, we saw
mounted over three hundred species of hummingbirds ranging
in size from an inch to six inches and the state of California it-
self contains no mean number. But after a long process of elim-
ination I came to the conclusion that this must be the Anna
Hummingbird (Calypte anna) a plain species averaging about
three and one half inches in length. From that time on my new
pet’s name was “‘Anna’’. I judged him to be about three weeks
old for he showed signs of restlessness and seemed eager to try
his wings. Deciding that these members might need exercise
I removed him from the cage to the lawn swing to allow him to
try his aerial powers. Although these proved to be quite weak
Anna was no coward about trying and he attempted several short
flights.

During the course of the day the mother made many trips to
the cage, however, she was always nervous and always on the
offensive. Many other hummers hung over the Bougainvillea,
which seemed to be a favorite food vine, but she allowed these
intruders no peace. In fact she had more tolerance for the
human race than for others of her kind for she allowed us to
approach her baby without protest whereas had any bird gone
near the cage Iam sure that he would have regretted it. In order
to test her I seated myself on the lawn near the cage with little
Anna in my hand wondering if his mother would come and feed
him. After an hour and a half of almost motionless waiting
during which mother hummer flew about anxiously I felt her
feet clasping my finger. It was a wonderful sensation to feel the
grip of those tiny toes and when I slowly turned my head and out
of the corner of my eye saw her feeding her eager little one my
joy was supreme. Time after time I held the baby in my hand
and time after time she fed it there. On the fifth day she showed
little or no fear coming promptly to my hand but starting ner-
vously at the click of the camera.

During this time the baby’s wings hall been growing stronger
and on the seventh day he took flight from my hand to a near by
fig tree, where mounting higher and higher he finally reached

Pee Aes ae Uo Ce, oe OO TET Y 25

the top. There he was soon joined by his astounded mother and
my last glimpse of the two showed them perched contentedly in
the tree top and although Anna was certainly getting a thorough
shaking the unpleasantness of this was doubtless offset by the
good meal which he was receiving.

MARY ELIZABETH OSBORNE, Evanston

To a Butcher Bird

Come closer, let me see your glossy coat—

You needn’t fear a farmer boy like me,

For truly I enjoy your company—

Come, let me hear the song that’s in your throat.
Pick up the fattest grubs my plow throws out,
And carry to that hungry brood I found

In yonder nest, high off the ground,

With feathers lined within, and twigs without.
Your acts of cruelty I long have known;

I’ve seen the meadow-mice, and sparrows too,
Which you impale on barb or thorny snag.

And yet, that hunter with the blood-stained bag
Who passed a while ago—he’s worse than you.
You kill to live—he kills for sport alone.

WAYNE GARD
The Chicago Evening Post—Pillar to Post

A Humming Bird's Nest

From the Decatur Junior Herald, under the date of July 17th,
we copy a letter concerning a humming bird:

I read a few weeks ago in The Herald of some of the Decatur
people going out to see mocking birds. I wonder how many of
the bird lovers have seen a humming bird’s nest. I was lucky
enough to find one this week. While digging bait as a lure for
some of our finny friends in Kaskaskia river, I heard the peculiar
whir of the humming bird’s wings and stopped to watch.

She was just building, carrying tiny bits of cottonwood “cot-
ton” and placing it to form a small round nest. She would fairly
hammer it in place with her slender beak. This was on a Mon-
day. On Saturday the nest was completed and the tiny mother
was sitting on two eggs about the size of a hat pin head. The
completed nest is about the size of the cup of a bur acorn, and
it is so cleverly camouflaged with bits of green leaves as to be
nearly invisible, even though it is placed on an almost bare por-
tion of a maple limb. There the mother bird sits, perched on
top of the tiny nest swaying with every breath of air, a sight that
is worth going to see. Though I am 54 years old and a life long
lover of birds this is my first view of a humming bird’s home.

WILLIAM BULLOCK, Route 2

26 TH. BA UD. BONG 3B UL beet aN

Natural Bird Haven Near Shawneetown

North of the quaint and interesting old town of Shawnee-
town, now the oldest town in the state of Illinois, lies a string
of small lakes. It was my pleasure while camping there this
Summer to discover a natural bird haven, in fact we found more
different kinds of birds in this small area than in any other
place of which we know. We camped at “Big Lake” which is
the largest of these lakes and is just two and one half miles
north of Shawneetown. About one hundred yards west of a row
of cottages built here this summer, lies a thickly wooded area of
not more than twenty acres through which runs a slough, and it
was here that I spent the whole of my last afternoon, enjoying
the bird life. Several varieties of warblers flitted along the
slough and filled the air with their music. To a nearby bush
came a Cardinal and trilled his beautiful song, some Purple
Grackles came and quarrelled their way on. High in a tree the

Veery sang his song in queer conversational style. Bright
patches of blue, (the Indigo Bunting,) flitted here and there.
From under a brush pile hopped the Yellow-breasted Chat, and
a tiny Ruby-throated Humming-bird perched himself saucily on
a limb near by. We were able to identify eighteen different birds
and there were several more which baffled us.

How long the conditions so favorable to the extensive bird
life found here will remain undisturbed we do not know. A
company bought the lake and adjoining land this Summer and
have erected a hotel and cottages and have cut quite a lot of the
fine cypress tree for building purposes. We took occasion to

PEE Oi Ss A.D DEON. 6.0 CLE T Y 27

plead with the management of the place for the protection of the
birds, pointing out their value as protection for the trees and
their added beauty and attractiveness to the resort.

R. V. RATHBONE

A Joke on an Ornithologist

The July 11th-17th issue of the Rockford Republican, tells an
amusing story at the expense of some “professor-naturalist.”
This is the story:

Early this spring a woodpecker drilled a big, deep hole in a
telephone pole which stands near Rock River, south of Rockford.
A few weeks ago a lineman for the Central Union Telephone
company came along and nailed a strip of tin over the entrance
to the woodpecker’s home.

A few days later Louis Stewart, who lives on North Second
street, while fishing, heard a great commotion. Two wood-
peckers were fluttering about the entrance to their home from
which they had been evicted by the telephone lineman. Stewart
believing in fair play for the birds, climbed the telephone pole
and with a rock and a small nail managed to perforate the tin
around the hole and removed it, leaving the portion of the tin
about the hole nailed to the pole.

When the tin was removed the pair of woodpeckers moved
into their home and again took possession. A few days later,
the lineman who had evicted the birds, happened that way and
saw that the tin had been removed. He thought the woodpeckers
had done the job and he told his friends about it. A Rockford
professor-naturalist heard of it and sought out the lineman.

The lineman guided the professor-naturalist to the wood-
pecker’s home. The professor took a number of pictures of the
nest and the pair of woodpeckers. Then he wrote a story about
the unusual performance of the birds which he sold to a natur-
alist’s magazine. The naturalist’s friends are now waiting anx-
iously the publication of the story of how a pair of woodpeckers
pecked through tin and beat a cruel landlord who evicted them
from their home.

The Address is 1649-10 So. La Salle St., Chicago

Members and friends of the Illinois Audubon Society are re-
minded to send in orders for copies of the newly published
Check List of Birds of Illinois. It sells for fifty cents a copy,
postpaid. Why not buy several copies to sell to interested per-
sons in your community? Every time you sell a copy you are
doing a favor to the purchaser and helping to increase the num-
ber of intelligent observers of bird life.

28 PH Ee AUD UB ON Ba hh own

Preservation of Natural Beauty

Miss Lena McCauley in the Chicago Evening Post for October
26th writes appreciatively of certain organizations which are
working for the preservation of natural beauty. In reference
to the autumn meeting of the Wild Flower Preservation Society
of America, (Chicago Chapter) which took place at the Art
Institute Saturday afternoon, October 28th, she observes that
this society works tirelessly spring, summer and autumn, to
save the wild flowers of the prairie and of the ravines of the
Chicago region from destruction.

In the October sunshine the slave of the city, walled in by sky
scrapers, kept from nature by the distances to the country, for-
gets that Illinois beyond the city limits, is a beautiful world
with clear skies, handsome trees decked in crimson and golden
folage, and that even today wild asters and closed gentians
are blossoming by the roadsides. Freedom, fresh air and liberty
abide in the country.

The Wild Flower Preservation Society, Chicago Chapter,
exists like a persistent band of missionaries in the heart of
Chicago. Every little while it reminds citizens that the Lake
Michigan region is one of the richest in wild flowers of the north
temperate zone, of all the United States. Many of the plants
of early spring, blood root, trilliums, spring beauties, mertensia,
columbine and lady slipper are killed easily. If annuals are
plucked there are no seeds for next year; if tender plants are up-
rooted that land knows them no more.

Less than a quarter of a century ago the lovely sky-blue
fringed gentian, grew by the thousands between the sand hills
near Edgewater Beach and Loyola, and near the South Shore
Country club. South, west and north of the city, the shooting
stars, Virginia cowslips, marsh marigolds, gerardias, spring
beauties, trilliums, columbines, anemones and all the early
flowers listed in books, made gay the spring on the prairies, while
the wild crabapples and hawthorns blossomed in May, to be fol-
lowed by the flowering shrubs and field flowers of midsummer
and autumn. . !

Today, few come with the signs of spring. The city covers
the land. Automobilists pluck those that are left, or tear them
out by the roots. More and more city dwellers are born who
know nothing of the beauty or inspiration of the country, and
who are cheated of their birthright by artificial pleasures. If
the devastation of roadside flowers continues, the next genera-
tion of children will hear of wild flowers only as things of the
past, and their inspiration will be lost to them.

The Wild Flower Preservation society, Chicago chapter, has
a junior membership, and instructs its children in friendship of
the wild flowers by means of stereopticon pictures, exhibitions.
and pageants.

Pec itwo rs (2.0 DAVRON SO CLET Y 29

The fifth annual mid-winter exhibit will be held at the Art
Institute of Chicago, Dec. 28 to Jan. 13. The program will in-
clude Saturday afternoon lectures in Fullerton hall by speakers
of note, daily presentations of motion films of plant and animal
life by the Society for Visual Education, and exhibits installed
by the Chicago Aquarium society. It will offer interesting ob-
ject lessons in the natural sciences.

The Wild Flower Preservation Society of America is very
active in Massachusetts. Like the Chicago chapter, it endeavors
to secure state legislation, making it a penalty to pluck the
precious annuals, such as the columbine and fringed gentian,
the tender orchids and plants, such as the bloodroot and trilli-
ums, which are easily exterminated.

The Chicago chapter, Mrs. Charles L. Hutchinson, president,
has supported a movement to save the wild flowers by colonizing
them in suburban grounds and country estates. Some wild flow-
ers thrive under protection and the right care. Nearly every
suburb has its loyal wild flower friend, and River Forest has put
up a decided fight to protect the forest preserves.

The Friends of Our Native Landscape, the Prairie club and
Nature Study clubs co-operate with the Wild Flower society in
hanging signs to “Spare the Wild Flowers” and endeavoring to
educate the public to enjoy and not to destroy. Interested per-
sons desiring to help in this national crusade to keep the earth
as lovely as we find it, should join the Wild Flower Preservation
society.

Seward School, Room 201,
4600 South Hermitage ave.
To the Illinois Audubon Society, June 1, 1922
Dear Friends:

I am glad to belong to the Audubon Society. We put our
pennies in a box and when we had a dollar, we sent it to the
Illinois Audubon Society. The Membership card is hanging up
in our room. We thank you for it.

We know sixteen trees. We have learned about trees by
seeing the leaves and pictures. We know the shapes of the leaves
and the different edges.

We have learned about wild flowers too. Our teacher, Miss
Kelly, brings leaves and flowers to school. We love the song
birds. We know 32 song birds from bird pictures. We love
them for their beautiful songs. We love them for their beautiful
colors. The birds contribute to our ‘Daily Bread” by eating
bugs, worms and insects, and by eating weed seeds, too.

All the people must be very kind to birds. No boy in our
room will ever harm a song bird.

Your little friend,
OLGA VRABLIK
Aged 9 years

30 ThE AUD UB ON. BU Ee Ni

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
FALL, 1922
Published by
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION
JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park
RUTHVEN DEANE
112 W. Adams St., Chicago
MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest
BERTHA T. PATTER
Evanston
CATHERINE MITCHELL
Riverside
ORPHEUS M. SCHANTZ
10 So. La Salle St., Chicago
FREDERICK H. PATTEE
626 So. Clark St., Chicago

LOCAL SECRETARIES

BELVIDERE
Miss Muriel

Avenue
CARBONDALE.
Miss Mary M.
Avenue
CARLYLE
H. C. Norcross
CHAMPAIGN
. Elmer Ekblaw, 601 N. Willis Avenue
TUR

Lampert, 410 E. Lincoln

Steagall, 808 Illinois

=

Mrs. Benjamin Bachrach, 1437 W. Main
Street
DE KALR
C. E. Montgomery, N. I. S. N. C.
ELGIN
Miss Lillian Smith, Douglas Avenue
EVANSTON
Miss Louise Whitehead,
Avenue
GOLCONDA
Mrs. Lillian B. Phelps
HARRISBURG
Clarence Bonnell
KEWANEE
Dr. Hattie Melaik, Quinn Block
LAKE FOREST
Rev. George Roberts
MACKINAW
Miss Mae Blair
MAYWOOD
Secretary of the Maywood Bird Club
NORMAL
Miss Mary Jean Patterson, Ill., S. N. U.
ODIN
C. B. Vandercook
OLNEY
Mrs. Robert Ridgway, 1030 So. Morgan
Street
PHILO
Isaac E. Hess
PORT BYRON
J. J. Schafer
QUINCY
T. E. Musselmann,
College
RIVER FOREST
Miss Esther A. Craigmile
ROCKFORD
Paul B. Riis, 301 Shaw Street

1745 Orrington

Gem City Business

ROCK ISLAND
Miss Nellie E. Peetz, 628 18th Street
SALEM
Mrs. Sig Kaufman, 524 N. Broadway
SHELBY VILLE
Mrs. Howard J. Hamlin
SULLIVAN
Mrs. O.
Street
WATERLOO
H. I. Featherly
WAUKEGAN
Mrs. Elam H. Clarke, 740 N. Sheridan
Road
WINNETKA
John H. Sutter

L. Todd, 606 So. Washington

Editorial

Three weeks after this number of
the Bulletin appears we are to have
another session of the state legisla-
ture. That may mean something in
the way of increased bird protection
and more favorable conditions for
the propagation of wild life. So our
legislative program should be made
ready. First for a brief catechism.
Gentle, reader, answer the following
questions:

1. In what senatorial district do
you live?

2. Give name and address of your
state senator.

3. Give names and addresses of
the three representatives from
your district.

Answer from memory. No fair
looking them up just now. The Ed-
itor offers a prize of one year’s sub-
scription to Bird-Lore to the first
one to send in the correct answers to
the three questions. Accompany your
answers with the statement that you
wrote them down from memory im-
mediately upon reading this para-
eraph and without any assistance
whatever.

Well, what shall we ask our sena-
tor and the three representatives to
support? The law granting munici-
palities power to restrain certain an-
imals from running at large should
be amended to include cats. Inserting
the words, “and cats’, in two appro-
priate places in the 80th item in par-
agraph 62 of Article 5 of the revised
statutes would do it.Ask your politi-
cal friends to see to that.

hig Te Ors “At DAE ON: SO CLE TY 31

The Illinois Game and Fish Division, William J. Stratton, Chief Game
an Fish Warden, turned in receipts in excess of expenditures last year to
the amount of nearly $28,000. In the last five years there has been a net
profit to the state from this source of over $94,000. These profits have
been used for other purposes than the conservation of game and fish. This
should not be. They should be used to improve the service and to invest
in areas where game and fish may thrive. Tell your political friends that.

Proposed Park Area for Illinois. Two years ago a bill was introduced
by Representative Harlan B. Kauffman to provide for a state park board
to formulate a comprehensive system of state parks, forests, etc., and an
annual appropriation of $250,000 was to be made available for the carry-
ing out by the department of public works of this program. The bill
failed of support in the House. A similar bill will doubtless be brought
up at this coming session. Your political friends should be interested in
that.

Other matters of moment to all lovers of wild life may come up. The
pollution of the water courses in our state and destruction of potential
food resources therein continue in spite of protest. The Urbana Gas and
Electric Company has been indicted on the charge of permitting chemicals
from their plant to enter the waters of Salt Creek. A corporation at
Aurora is charged with polluting the waters of Fox River and killing the
fish. Chicago continues to wash its filth down the Illinois Valley. Perhaps
there is a legislative way to checkmate this.

There is a possibility that the friends of the Quail will propose a five
year closed season at this time. Now that a Federal Court has ruled that
the Mourning Dove is a migratory bird, there may be an effort to remove
this bird from the list of game birds of Illinois. For sentimental reasons alone
the Audubonites will wish to speak a word for these birds. The Quail is
coming to ke regarded as an economic necessity. Let us try to persuade
sportsmen to join with us in protecting the Quail. Tell your political friends
how ycu feel about that.

A New Edition

It is gratifying to be able to announce the appearance of the
second edition of The Birds of New York by Elon Howard Eaton,
and published and issued as a memorial of the New York State
Museum. It is in two large quarto volumes, beautifully printed,
and illustrated by excellent drawings and half tones and by 106
large color plates of birds after original paintings by Louis
Agassiz Fuertes. The first edition has been out of print for
some years and the appearance of the second edition is peculiarly
welcome for that reason. This exceedingly valuable work is
distributed by the state of New York at cost, this being six
dollars for the two volumes plus the postage. The work can
be obtained by addressing the New York State Museum, Albany,
New York. It might be added that the colored plates can be
obtained separately in a portfolio at the nominal cost of one dol-
lar for the entire portfolio. The plates thus issued in separate
form are not printed on as heavy paper as in the bound volumes
and lose somewhat in value because of that, but even as it is,
a portfolio of such valuable colored plates at the price mentioned
is an exceptional bargain.

32 EB eA UD UB) ON YO Loe aN

Belvidere

Mrs. Clara Lampert, Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court, sent
in an article which appeared in the Belvidere Daily Republican
in early May, and together with some notes made in May by
Alfred Engstrom, a young and enthusiastic observer whose re-
ports are carefully made. Mrs. Lampert adds some September
notes of her own. The newspaper article was by Mrs. Cleland
and is as follows:

This is the list of birds seen by a Boone County, Illinois farm-
er’s wife, who has never gone on a bird-hunt, but has seen these
birds at her home or along the roads. Between January 1 and
April 25, she has identified 35 species of birds, a few new ones,
but mostly old friends:

All winter the crows flew past—east in the morning, west at
night; the marsh hawk, easily identified by its ring tail, floated
over the fields, the horned larks ran along the roads; the red
headed woodpecker lived well on grains or corn from the silage
wagon carrying them to an oak tree; downy and hairy wood-
peckers ate suet from a maple tree near the kitchen door; the
prairie chickens and blue jays stay the year around; a brown
creeper was seen in Belvidere.

The first migrants seen were the wild geese, wild ducks,
juncoes and killdeer. Song sparrows, robins, grackles, red
winged blackbirds and bluebirds were seen in March, and the
hermit thrush picked up crumbs with the robin and song spar-
row during the sleet storm. The “‘new’’ birds were the redpoll,.
which was seen twice, and the ruby crowned kinglet, seen several
times during first week in April. The winter wren made his
third annual visit, appearing at 5 a. m. under the bedroom
window.

The house wrens are here, and the other two woodpeckers—
the yellow bellied sapsucker and the flickers. The belted king-
fisher, the solitary sandpiper and the great blue heron have come
back to the stream. The loggerhead shrike is following the disc,
getting worms. Vesper sparrow, white throat sparrow, brown
thrasher, rusty blackbird and mourning dove complete the list
to April 25, 1922. .

Alfred Engstrom’s notes were made on the ninth of May
and consist of. the birds he saw that day:

- Magnolia, Chestnut-sided, Redstart, Yellow, Golden-winged,
Canada, Nashville, Black-and-white Creeping, Cape May, Ten-
nessee, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Oven Bird,
Catbird, Red-headed Woodpecker, Robin, Bronzed Grackle, Cow-
bird, Baltimore Oriole, Blue Jay, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Screech
Owl, Purple Martin, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Humming
Bird, Phoebe, White-throated Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch,
Wood Thrush, Mourning Dove, Killdeer Plover, Brown Thrasher,
Field Sparrow, Green Heron, Flicker, Bank Swallow, Belted

RoR Oils ApoB ON” SOCIETY 33

Kingfisher, Black-crowned Night Heron, Spotted Sandpiper,
Kingbird.

Mrs. Lampert’s list represents her observations in one dav
from a window looking out on a small city lot on a principal
street:

Black-and-white Creeping, Black-throated Blue, Canadian,
Cape May, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana Water-Thrush
Magnolia, Myrtle, Ovenbird, Palm, Prairie, Redstart, Tennessee,
Yellow.

Other birds seen same day.

Carolina Wren, Catbird, Robins, Blue Jays, Olive-back

Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Veery, Red-eyed Vireo.

Decatur

The Decatur Bird and Tree Club is entering enthusiastically
upon the new year in the consciousness that the Decatur Lake
is an accredited bird preserve by the action of the State of
Illinois. The water impounding project just completed has thrown
the old Sangamon river into a broad expanse of water ten miles
long which promises much to the lover of bird life. Already
Decatur people are seeing that ducks and wild geese arriving
here are conscious of their protection. ,
The membership of the club last year numbered 262 Senior
members and 517 Junior members, and the effort has been made
to interest the public in the protection of bird life through the
various activities of the organizations, lectures, hikes and junior
organizations as well as through the study classes.

Mr. Henry Oldys of Silver Spring, Maryland, gave two inter-
esting lectures, beautifully illustrated, afternoon and evening
of May 16, 1921. In the fall Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz, President
of the Illinois Audubon Society, gave an interesting and in-
structive talk to the club.

Mr. H. D. Spencer of our own organization gave an illustrated
lecture on the growing of nut trees, specializing on the budding
and grafting.

The Junior Department has organized clubs in eight of the
Decatur schools in which birds are studied, the children taking
great delight in the trips to the woods where the wild birds
may be seen to best advantage. Drills from the chart are given
the children by the teacher in recognition of the birds, one
teacher allowing those who could name all the birds to act as
hike leader, taking a group of children out for study. The Bird
and Tree Club furnished each Junior Club a bird chart and liter-
ature.

The Decatur Club has the codperation of the Decatur City
Planning Commission and of the “School Beautiful’ committee
of the Parent-Teachers Association, which is shown in the
planting, shrubbery for the school grounds being chosen which
gives protection and food for the birds.

34 Eee a) UD USB OON. 5 Cs ia halen

The Protection department of the club has had sparrow traps
made which have been passed around over the city and are doing
active service in getting rid of the English sparrow, one man
having disposed of about 500 of these birds. An effort was made
to get a city cat ordinance, but the city attorney reported that a
cat law cannot be successful until there is a state law upon which
to base enforcement.

The Club hikes have been an important feature in the club’s
bird study. Two hikes were taken each Sunday, morning and
afternoon, from March 13 to May 20, all of the common birds
having been seen and more rare ones were seen passing through
our locality. It was learned that one member of the club has
seen a pair of mocking birds every month in the year on his
farm one mile north of Decatur. Few in our vicinity knew that
the mocking bird nested in our locality, to say nothing of look-
ing upon it as a permanent resident. The nest of a blue grey
gnat catcher was found by two members of the club, the only
ones of that variety reported in this vicinity.

The Decatur club has had a rare advantage in the bird song
study that has proved fascinating. The President of the club,
Mr. W. B. Olds, Professor of singing in the Millikin Conservatory
of Music, has made a special study of bird songs, composing
charming studies based on bird song themes. Mr. Old’s recital of
his songs was a much enjoyed program. These songs are sung
effectively by several of the young women students and are used
in Millikin kindergarten. The study of the bird song has given
an added charm to the study of our feathered friends.

That the interest in birds is growing in Decatur is evidenced
by the fact that many homes have become veritable bird sanct-
uaries, the drinking and bathing pan being always supplied with
water and shrubbery is planted that gives the needful food and
protection.

Report of the Committee on Trees of the Decatur Bird Club

This committee has concentrated its efforts along two lines,
in addition to efforts to advance a general knowledge of trees
among its members.

In the fall of 1920, The Bureau of Plant Industry, at Wash-
ington, sent forty-five slides for an illustrated address on the
“Value of Nut Trees for Food and Shade.” The address was
delivered before the Macon County Farm Bureau. It was in-
tended to show how the farm homes could be made more at-
tractive by planting nut trees about the home, such as the Alm-
ond, Walnut, Filbert, Hazelnut, Chestnut, Pecan, Chinquapin,
Hickory, Butternut and Persimmon, instead of the Box Elder,
Soft Maple and the Poplars.

It was also shown that rough pasture land which is not cap-
able of cultivation, could be made more profitable if planted to
nut trees, than choice land planted to corn or wheat.

Peele NOS A Bue On -sy0 C hkl ¥ 35

As a result of that campaign, one hundred fourteen (114)
nut trees of various kinds were planted by citizens of Decatur,

In the fall of 1921, the same committee undertook the task
of making planting plans for bird sanctuaries on small lots.
Many city lots can be made attractive to birds in-two ways. One
is to have a group of food bearing shrubs and trees, so the birds
may be supplied with the fruits and foods they enjoy. The
other way of attracting the birds, is to have a group of thickly
growing shrubs and trees so the nests of the birds may be con-
cealed, the brooding mothers having a sense of safety and pro-
tection for their young.

A plan for a “‘Birds’ Berried Corner” also a “Birds’ Nesting
Corner”’ was presented by the committee with diagrams and list
of shrubs and trees suitable for that purpose.

In February, the Bureau of Plant Industry of Washington
sent more than forty slides illustrating various methods of
budding and grafting, also some typical plantings of trees for
public highways.

Through the courtesy of Macmillan & Company, of New
York, publishers of Dr. Morris’ book on “Nut Culture’’, the com-
mittee was allowed to use the illustrations in that book, explain-
ing new and important discoveries in budding and grafting,
made by Dr. Morris.

Through the hearty co-operation of the Art Department of
te James Millikin University, slides were made of some of the
engravings in that book.

By this means the members of the Club had fully explained
the latest methods of propagation of trees of various kinds.

The Committee on Trees feels much encouraged. So far this
year, fifty different trees have been ordered for members. Four
different landscape plans applied for and three different owners
of farm lands are arranging to plant nut orchards on their hold-
ings.

H. D. SPENCER, Chairman

Glencoe

Frederick W. Hill sends in the following note from Glencoe
under date of August 9.

I took my little girl out this morning, to show her a Gold-
finch’s nest, which is on the outer end of the lowest limb (about
head high), of a large hawthorn tree near my house. The tree
is really in the back yard of a neighbor’s place, but it is a large
place and the nest is not near the house. The tree must be at
least 30 feet in diameter, so the nest is 15 or 20 feet from the
trunk. There are 4 young in it still in the hairy-downy stage.

The nest is the usual compact affair, perfectly round at the
top and built of fine grasses of different kinds and lined with
the usual thistle-down. The exterior is decorated with dabs of
cotton from the cotton wood trees.

36 Ab isl Joy Ay Uh ID) (Up ds) QIN, 185 Uf ly Why 1d) A IE IN|

I did not go to the nest immediately, wishing to watch the
mother bird. She was in a nearby tree, not particularly per-
turbed, but calling to her young in a very sweet, high note, that
sounded rather ventriloquistic, a constant call that one could
easily imagine was “baby, baby, baby, sweet baby, babe, baby.”
When I finally looked into the nest she stopped her call entirely
and was silent, probably was more perturbed, but did not show
it outwardly by sound or motion of any kind. The ene was not
in evidence. Perhaps it was a widow’s home.

In the same tree, not ten feet distant was the nest of a
cedar waxwing, about 15 feet from the ground. The bird was
setting or at least covering her young. I could not seein. This
nest also had the same cotton-wood cotton dabs on its exterior.
In an adjoining hawthorn, about 20 feet up, is a robin’s nest
with the usual white rag in its make up. One parent bird was
feeding angle worms to its young and the other was going. to
a nearby wild grape vine and gathering grapes, several at a
time which it apparently swallowed, but perhaps it fed them
to the young later, merely “half swallowing” them for the pur-
pose of carrying them. I picked up a robin on the ground, not
yet able to fly, as its feathers were not yet large enough, and I
am sure it was one from the same nest, which had escaped a
little earlier than its brothers.

On my way out. I observed that the young from a cedar
waxwing’s nest in my back yard were just out of the nest. One
of the young was sitting on a wire fence trying to balance it-
self. Its feathers were still too short for much flying. Its wings
looked dark, its back was grayish, it had the black line through
the eye, and the tip of its little tail (it was not a quarter of an
inch long) showed golden. The mother was much worried at
our presence and was hovering in front of it with a red berry
in her mouth, (either one of my very ripe currants or a wild
cherry not yet ripe) trying to induce it to fly to a safer place. I
watched the construction of this nest which was started July
second. It took a week to build, the birds being very leisurely
about it, doing a little work every morning, and both assisting.
Waxwings are real helpmates to each other, in all their married
activities, always being close together, and one adult often feed-
ing the other. There are no brawls or rolling pins in their home
life and no back talk, unless it is in the sign language, for there
is never a note out of them except the familiar beady one that
is hardly audible. This nest also had the cottonwood dabs on
its outside.

I noticed last Sunday, August fifth, that the first assem-
bling of martins was being held on a telegraph wire in my back
yard. Each year this occurs about this time and the number is
about 32, I presume it is the adults and their families that live
in the nearest martin house, say about five pairs and their new-
ly raised young of about four or five per family. A little later

Pili OS ALOE BON Ss O-O LE TY 37

this group “‘on the wire” will be augmented to 60, being joined
by the proceeds from another martin house a little further off.
Later, over near the Skokie Club, there will be a group of several
hundred on the wires, then I believe the grand gathering for
all the martins in the towns adjacent to Winnetka is the roof of
“Billie” Ott’s house, on the edge of the seventh hole at Indian
Hill Golf course, for there are literally thousands there. Then
the final rendezvous for all the martins of the North side is a
small woods on the west of Sheridan Road about one block south
of Central street. This occurs about August 28th. There are
literally tens of thousands there. The mere murmuring of their
voices, (not their song) is a roar, as they get ready for the
night’s roosting. If you have not seen this flocking you ought
to make it a point to take it in. It probably is the meeting of
all the martins of Northern Illinois along the Lake, and they
may all be there from all the way to the North Pole, for all I
know.
FREDERICK W. HILL

Meeting of Indiana Audubon Society and Nature Study Club

On May 12-13 a joint meet-
ing of the Indiana Audubon
Society and Nature Study
Club was held in the City of
Indianapolis, which proved
that Hoosiers live up _ to
their reputation for hospi-
tality, talent and versatility.
The reports brought back
from previous meetings
were so enthusiastic, that
this year the writer decided
SECRETARY EVANS IN ACTION to see for himself, and at-
tended the second days meeting, at which time the program an-
nounced field trips, a pageant, and a chicken dinner to wind up
the days entertainment.
The first day was devoted to business meetings followed by
a lecture by our good friend Norman McClintock, who made his
first appearance in Indianapolis. As in Chicago, Mr. McClin-
tock’s pictures captivated his audience, and the reception given
him delighted him for he reported one of the pleasantest ex-
periences of his lecture work. An informal reception was held
following the lecture, when Mr. McClintock was given an oppor-
tunity to meet more than 200 of Indiana’s ardent nature lovers.

The entire forenoon of the second day—Saturday—was de-
voted to field trips along the several waterways skirting the city,
and through a beautiful private estate. After lunch all ad-
journed to a fine woodland outside the city limits to attend the

38 Tie A UD UU BION Bal Lele edi

pageant. The walk to the scene of the pageant was along a
picturesque old canal, lined on either side with very interesting
forest growth which made ideal cover for many birds. The
pageant was given by handsome maidens large and small, the
. “little ones” being dressed to
represent different birds.
“Johnny Appleseed” appear-
ed later leading an old farm
horse and _ scattering seed
among the spectators and
dancers. After the pageant,
adjournment by another
wooded path brought the
hungry spectators to the
place of the Chicken Dinner.
This was a spacious farm
house with a roomy porch
THE PAGEANT across the front and on one
side. 75 members and guests sat down “and ate, and ate, and
ate, until they couldn’t stuff another mouthful.”

For an hour after dinner, Mr. Evans, Secy. of the Indiana
Audubon Society, acted as toastmaster. All of the responses
were spontaneous, no subjects having been announced, and most
of the speakers being unaware that they were to be called upon.
A very delightful talk was given by Dr. Frank B. Wynn, of the
Nature Study Club, who less than three months later lost his
life while mountain climbing in Glacier Park. Dr. Wynn’s death
is a great loss to Indiana as he was an enthusiastic and out-
spoken champion of all the things out-of-doors that needed pro- .
tection. |

The writer was much impressed by the efficiency and en-
thusiasm of the joint meeting, and strongly recommends that

next year’s Indiana meeting be attended by a goodly delegation
O. M.S.

Some Notes from Jo Daviess County

Last year at the close of the harvest season, a partly used
ball of binder twine was hung upon a nail in a machine shed on
the Cramer farm in Jo Daviess county. This spring a pair of
wrens made it their home. Nesting material was brought until
the hollow space in the ball was full enough to suit them. One
long twig which was left to protrude from the doorway was used
as a perch. The young were hatched when we attempted to
photograph the nest, and both parents were making frequent
visits with focd. We tried several days before we succeeded in
getting the accompanying picture. We were using only an
ordinary 4x5 camera, and our problem was to take a snap shot
in a rather darkly shadowed part of the shed. We procured

ieeeneOel ss Wa UsDil- BOON) 8: O/C:1 ‘En FE Y 39

a large mirror, and one of us took up the task of trying to keep
a patch of sunlight reflected on the nest, while the other stayed
by the camera. After a time the parent birds ceased to have
much fear of the queer looking object set up so near to their
home, and we finally succeeded in getting this picture of a very
alert, rather suspicious parent bird just ready to enter with a
fat green worm.

After the nestlings had left the nest the twine ball was emp-

tied, and we were much surprised at the coarseness of the lin-
ing. The material had evidently been gathered from a nearby
plum thicket and consisted mostly of stout knotty twigs. Even
the lining was scarcely any finer and it seemed a very rude home
for such tiny baby birds.
July sixteenth an albino robin
appeared in a bur oak grove
remained for nearly a week
feeding about. We saw it fre-
quently, but saw no color ex-
cepting the pink of the eyes,
beak and feet. It had a queer
habit of standing on one leg,
altho the leg appeared to be
normal. It seemed to be con-
tinually tagging the other rob-.
bins about rather than being a
member of any flock. We had
difficulty at first in identifying
it as a robin, altho we were
sure it was a thrush from its
shape. We identified it of a surety by its voice and later we saw
it frequently with other robins.

A neighbor found a gold-finch’s nest in a tall common
thistle. The nest was exquisitely made of fibres and lined with
thistle down. There were five eggs and later five baby birds. The
thistle plant stood alone in an open pasture field, but the nest,
built into the heart of the bushy plant was quite well hidden.

EDGAR EISENSTADT
BERTHA CRAMER

Moline

The fall migration brings to mind the interesting visit we
had during the entire past winter with a red-headed wood-
pecker, unusual, too, in that these birds are seldom seen in our
parts during the cold winter months. Early last fall this
brightly colored fellow was busy about two wren houses I had
placed over the rose trellis just outside the sun room windows
and which had been without tenants, the echo. of his tapping
reverberating through the house. Thinking he was hammering
at the house entrance to enlarge it that he might enter I went
out one Sunday afternoon to investigate and found that not the

40 Pree Ur U8 OrN. Baw einen ciel

least tap had been
made on the house
itself. My curiosity
becoming further
aroused I secured a
ladder and found on
investigation bits of
oak bark and acorns
pushed through the
small entrance. From
this time on we gave
the feathered beauty
considerable atten-
tion. and.found he

—— Wasi filling bornsene=
es and had the openings sealed with grass and mud. He stayed
with us the entire winter coming often to sit upon the porch of
the wren houses bathed in the winter’s sun, but made no attempt
to disturb his treasure, probably due to the fact that the winter
was an open one and very little snow and to the fact that we
provided a feeding place for such as desired to partake. This
spring when Mr. Woodpecker seemed to have forgotten his treas-
ure house and it was time to prepare for possible tenants I took
down both houses, after photographing them in position, and
found store or food provided by the bird. The contents of each
house weighed a trifle over 123, ounces and contained 201 and
203 pieces of bark and acorns respectively, the acorns being
quite dry due to the bark. Many folks to whom we related
the incidents said it was the work of a squirrel but eye witnesses
of several of the family easily disproved this as we would from
time to time see Mr. Woodpecker bring some of his treasure
and put it into the house then perched there continue pecking
and hammering away until he -had by repeated trips completely

filled the houses as I discovered upon opening them in the spring.
I gave one of the

houses to the Boy
Boy Scouts Head-
quarters of this city
for its bird exhibit
and still retain the
other although it
has made several
trips to various
school rooms as an
interesting lesson
to the children of
the provision the
bird makes for an
emergency (its
thrift being in the

PEeEEN OES AUDUBON SO CTET Y 41

fact that he wasted no room in storing the crowns or caps which
would have little food value but brought only the nut part, there
being but one cap in one house and four in the other. The en-
closed picture show how completely he had filled the houses and
with what skill and cunning he had sealed them. We looked in
vain for him to repeat his store gathering in two new houses
placed in the trellis but he has already gone south.

Port Byron

Another interesting report from the Mississippi region in the
vicinity of Port Byron is sent in by Mr. J. J. Schafer. Mr.
Schafer writes:

With the exception of one bad storm on July 9th, the weather
was very favorable for the breeding birds in this vicinity during
June and July. Traill’s Flycatcher and the Yellow-breasted
Chat again failed to come. and only one Bell’s Vireo was heard
singing on May 27th. Killdeers were here all spring and sum-
mer but we never found any nests. Mourning Doves were: com-
mon; three pairs nested in our garden, and two or three pairs
in the orchard. One pair in the garden laid three sets of eggs,
and were successful in raising several young. One nest in the
orchard for some time contained one young and one egg and
when the young was about half-grown, the remaining egg
hatched.

Most of the early Bob-white nests were destroyed by mowers.
One nest was found in the grass beside a fence post, but for
some reason was abandoned. One nest with 16 eggs was found
in the hay field after the mower had passed over it, but it prob-
ably was already abandoned, as the eggs were discolored by
rain. They always have better success with their second nests.
I noticed several large coveys during August and September,
most of them being young birds.

In the spring a pair of Sparrow Hawks took possession of a
Flicker house, but: we took it down and scared them away; we
did not want them here during the breeding season because they
kill nestlings and other small birds.

A pair of Crested Flycatchers built a nest in an old willow
limb which had been set up besides a fence post, but they soon
disappeared, and some time thereafter I found where a cat had
eaten one of them, nothing being left but the wings and some
feathers.

A pair of Yellow Warblers—the first ones since 1917, built
a nest in a peach tree in our garden and were successful in
raising a brood of young; a pair of Cedar Waxings raised a
brood of three young in a crab tree in front of the house.

Dickcissels were common this year. There were about six
pairs in a 13 acre field of clover and timothy; but all of their
nests were destroyed by the mower. Three nests were found

42 TAL AU DU BO UN, © BU Learn aN)

on June 14th along the public highway in front of our place;
one nest was destroyed by the mower, the second nest was built
in some poison ivy on a fence post and contained some shells of
Dickcissels’ eggs and one cowbird egg, and another cowbird egg
was lying on the ground. The third nest was also built in poison
ivy on a fence post; it was very well concealed and contained
four Dickcissel eggs. Most of them built nests again and raised
some young. On August 3rd, a nest
built in a weed under a barbed wire
fence was found in which there
were three large young, and another
pair had built in the top of an ap-
ple tree in front of our house.

A pair of Grasshopper Sparrows
raised a brood of three young after
the mower had passed over their
nest; the nest was built in a depres-
sion, and on a level with the surface
| of the ground. After we saw one

Photo by Richard Churchill of the birds fly from the nest, we

marked the location, and were careful not to drive over it with
the haying tools.

There were not so many Cliff Swallows here as last year;
only about 75 nests were built, last year there were over 90.
On June 23rd, many of the young Swallows were out of their
nests and sitting on the telephone wires. On the night of July
Tth, something broke and enlarged the entrances of about one
third of the nests. It probably was a pair of Great Horned Owls
that broke the nests, as they were heard hooting on a spruce
tree in front of the house during the night, and they also some-
times sit on the top of the barn. The owls were probably at-
tracted to the nests by the squeaking noise which the young
Swallows made during the night. The next day no Swallows
were about, and no young could be heard in the nests. Several
days afterwards some of the Swallows returned and occupied
some of the nests, and later on raised their second brood of
young.

Our Martins raised many young this year, the first ones came
out of their house on June 30th, and the last ones August 3rd.
They began to flock and sit on our windmill on July 23rd and
were all gone by the middle of August.

The weather was very hot and dry during August and Sep-
tember. The first half of October was also very dry, with a
few days of cool weather. The first migrant to come from the
North was a Solitary Sandpiper on July 17th, and on the eve-
ning of July 19th a Heron was heard squeaking as it was flying
southward. On August 15th and 16th a Little Blue Heron stayed
in the slough back of our barn. It was very tame, and came into
the barnyard several times and alighted on the buildings.

if eon ors, LUBUBON. SO CTE TY 43

Following is my list of birds “first seen’ this fall: Night-
hawk, August 22; Tennessee Warbler, September 3; Marsh,
September 8; Red-tailed Hawk, September 9; Red-shouldered
Hawk, September 16; White-throated Sparrow, September 17;
Myrtle Warbler, September 18; Rusty Blackbird, September 18;
Western Meadowlark, September 21; Winter Wren, September
24; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, September 28; Fox Sparrow, Octo-
ber 1; Rough-legged Hawk, October 3; Brown Creeper, October
6; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, October 7; Slate-colored Junco,
October 10; Hermit Thrush, October 15.

I never saw so many Bluebirds migrating, as there are this
fall. Every day during September and the first part of October
they could be heard calling as they flew over. The Red-headed
Woodpeckers left early and were nearly all gone by the first
of September. Teals were reported to be numerous on the Missi-
ssippi River about the middle of September. One party said
there were thousands. The coldest weather we had this fall was
on the morning of October 12th, when the thermometer regis-
tered 32 degrees, and at the time of writing this, the leaves on
the trees in the woods are nearly all green yet.

J. J. Schafer

River Forest
A Tiny Patient

September twenty-seventh a small lad rushed breathlessly
into my room with a beating heart in a fluff of green feathers
carefully treasured in his hand.

“This humming bird flew against the electric wires in front
of our house and hurt one of its wings! I was so glad he was
not killed,” he exclaimed.

I took the tiny bird in my hand and directed the lad to pur-
chase some sugar from the nearest grocery. When he returned
I had placed the patient in a fish bowl on a bed of cotton, with
a twig, in case it should be able to perch. It was pitiful to see
the fright of the little thing. I quickly made a solution of sugar
and water in a dainty white shell and dipped the slender bill

, . intoit. The delicate, needle-like
tongue shot back and forth
cleaning off the bill each time.
I repeated the process several
times during the morning but
the creature was too frightened
to feed naturally. By noon all
fear had gone and when the bill
touched the liquid, it voluntarily

remained taking a _ generous
portion. The tiny tongue dart-
ed in and out and it swallowed

Photo by Richard Churchill

AA THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

eagerly. Several times during the afternoon it fed but with no
movement of the wings.

Charles Hopkins, a twelve year old boy, took the bind home
that night and I was unexpectedly called out of town for four
days. Charles tells what treatment was given to the humming
bird for the next six days.

“The first day of captivity the little bird had a second fright
in the journey home in the fish bowl. Soon he gathered -
strength and flew out of the uncovered bowl to a height of two
feet from the table on which it was placed, then fell heavily to
the floor his strength being spent.

“For two days after this little incident, the bird was fed
regularly about seven times a day with the sugar and water
mixture, sticking out his long tongue but never perceptibly
opening his bill. He seemed to enjoy feeding from the depths
of a petunia, or gently sucking the end of a cloth-covered tooth-
pick dipped in home-made nectar. Soon another article of food
was added to his diet, some of the little aphids often found on
the stems of asters.

“From the first he improved rapidly, particularly in the
regaining of his equilibrium. Before many days had passed he
was able to perch on a toothpick with perfect ease. His wings
also increased in strength. The interior of the bowl was a
splendid place for him to try wing practice. Often our entire
family was startled by a hollow humming noise, better heard
than described. Upon inspection he proved to be but moving
his wings so rapidly through the air that a humming sound was -
produced, and made much greater by the shape of the bowl in
which he was confined.

“One afternoon he opened his sharp beak for the first time
to a width of half an inch. He seemed to want something to
eat which we were unable to give him. His strength increased
daily and he made repeated short flights about the room.
Perching on a tiny twig after its bath, it hummed continually
in its efforts to dry its silky green wings. I took him out among
the salvia plants where he was very fond of sipping honey from
them with his long beak. The tiny twig which was tightly held
by his feet suddenly became very buoyant as his wing move-
ments continued. Suddenly I let go of the stick intending to
let the humming bird fly to the ground. The twig alone reached
the ground for the little bird rose slowly and steadily through
the air, looking precisely like a giant green and white bumble
bee, with its tail turned straight down to the ground. Present-
ly he rested on a twig about twenty feet high where the pleasant
humming of his wings could plainly be heard. Here he rested
for about five minutes, then suddenly flew like a streak, so fast
I lost sight of him. I lingered about the spot for nearly half an

itwemworts AUDUBON SOCIETY 45

hour hoping to see him again but I did not. As October third

was followed by three days of mild weather I trust the little

rellow reached the sunny south without further accident.”
ESTHER A. CRAIGMILE

Rockford

_ Five hundred bird homes were added to the public parks of
Rockford, Ill., this vear through the co-operation of Rockford
Park District, manual training department of the city’s public
schools and Edgar E. Bartlett. Mr. Bartlett, who is a great lover
of birds, conducts a public campaign each spring in the interest
of bird life through his daily newspaper, The Register-Gazette.
The campaign this year was the most successful yet held in point
of practical bird homes obtained and interest aroused.

Details of the campaign were arranged at a conference early
in March of the eleven manual training instructors, Thomas
Bjorge, supervisor of Manual Arts; E. E. Lewis, superintendent
of city schools; Paul B: Riis, superintendent of the park dis-
trict, and Mr. Bartlett. The latter offered nineteen prizes, four
for each manual training grade and three special ones, with use
of the news columns of the Register-Gazette for stimulating
publicity. Students receiving bird houses were to receive credit
for the work.

Owing to a large number of the houses built in former con-
tests being impractical bird homes and useless after the contest,
it was decided to have all houses this year built according to
plans and specifications prepared by Superintendent Riis of
the park district. Each class of students was furnished with a
set of plans and specifications for the houses to be built. Copies
of Bird Lore were furnished each student to further aid him in
his work.

In addition to the cash prizes awarded builders of the best
entries in the campaign all boys building houses were the guests
of the Register-Gazette and park commission on a boat ride on
Rick river and wiener roast at Dr. Warren M. Miller‘s “Idlewild”
farm on Memorial Day.

In order to establish a real competitive basis, restrictive
classes were provided, confining the pupil to build wren, blue
bird, flicker nesting box, or robin shelving box. Those who de-
sired, could build martin houses. Several very fine types of
these were built.

The plans furnished were not arbitrary, excepting as to
dimensions of boxes, location and size of entrance holes, and
such other items of construction necessary to the building of
successful bird houses. In fact, every encouragement was held

46 TEE ACU D USB OAN SBaU) eh ean

out to the pupil, to give full rein to
his imagination. The result exceed-
ed the most sanguine expectations.
Of the 500 boxes built, there were
less than ten, which would prove
impractical and only two of these,
which were entirely useless. Thus
TWO OF THE PRIZE WINNERS every effort went into. good con-
structive work for our feathered friends.

Furthermore, where it was to be expected that there would
be little choice between the various exhibits, where all houses are
built from the same stereotyped plans, a surprisingly large
amount, in fact the greater percentage were artistic and tasty
boxes, built according to the builders own perception of art, to
be sure, plus the fundamentals of good bird house essentials fully
incorporated.

The manual training instructors entered into the work in a
fine spirit of enthusiasm, with the result that when the cam-
paign closed on May 27 almost 500 neat little “Bird Bungalows”
had been completed. Previous to their delivery to the park dis-
trict the houses were placed on exhibition in the display windows
of the Charles V. Weise dry goods store to further interest the
public in the bird life movement and give an idea of the work
being accomplished by the manual training department of the ~
schools.

PAUL B. RIIS

A good library for the winter months: Baynes’ Wild Bird Guests; Chapman’s Our
Winter Birds; Pearson’s The Bird Study Book; The Check List of Birds of Illinois. Write to
the Illinois Audubon Society, 10 South LaSalle St., Chicago.

Rock Island
A Home Made Bird Bath

Much has been said and written on the subject of attracting
birds to our homes through supplying bird baths and drinking
fountains, but because there is still room for more of them, I
would like to describe the bath shown in the accompanying
photographs. -

We had observed so many interesting incidents when only
small basins had been supplied, that we concluded a larger bath
would muitiply the pleasure of both birds and observers, but as
the fountains offered on the market seemed too expensive, be-

PRA tMOTs AUDUBON SOeCrleE TY 47

sides the cost of installing pipes for running water, we decided
to build a pool ourselves.

This particular bath did not even require a man to build it,
but was made by the feminine members of the family. The pool
measures five feet across, is about five inches deep in the center,
and gradually slopes out toward the edge, as the birds will not
jump at once into deep water. The fountain shown in one of the
illustrations, is a small brass garden sprinkler, attached to a
short length of hose, and was used only during extremely hot
weather, to keep the water in the pool fresh and cool. The cost
of the pool was $2.25 for cement and sand, and $.75 for the
spray. The cost of the labor was fully compensated for when
the first visitor arrived—a male Baltimore oriole.

The pool is just outside a screened porch, but our presence on
the porch did not in the least disturb or frighten the birds, and
being so close, we spent many delightful hours watching them.

While not nearly all of the many species observed in our yard,
visited the pool, still, during the season the bath was visited by
Flickers, Downy and Redheaded Woodpeckers, Chebecs, Blue
Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Grackles, Goldfinches, Chewinks, Jun-
cos, Cardinals, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Red-eyed and Yellow-
throated Viroes, Redstarts, Chestnut-sided, Bay-breasted and
Blackburnian Warblers, Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, House
Wrens, Chickadees, Kinglets, Veerys, Olive-backed and Hermit
Thrushes, Robins, and even a pair of Screech Owls. Probably
there were more that we did not happen to see.

Directly back of the pool, we erected a food shelf which rivals
the bath in popularity. The pictures were taken too late in the
season (October 21) to show anything but English Sparrows al-
though a Hermit Thrush had been observed the last threeevenings
bathing, at 5:15, too late in the day to take a picture. Nor do the
‘illustrations show the beauty of the foliage, since the frost has
already destroyed the flowers, but this is a field where each can
carry out his own ideas making the fountain an extremely attrac-
tive as well as useful
feature of any garden.

I am sure if more
people knew the
amount of enjoyment
they would derive in
return for the much
needed water they
would supply our
feathered friends, the
number of bird baths
in a community would
be greatly increased.

Nellie E. Peetz

48 De ACU D0 ON BU ai aN

In Memoriam--Edgar Lindgren

On August 12 last, United States
game warden, Edgar A. Lindgren,
while patrolling some woods north of
Council Bluffs, Iowa, was shot down
at close range by two Italians whom
he had found with wild ducks in their
possession in direct violation of state
and federal game laws. These same
Italians shot and seriously wounded
their unarmed companion in an effort
to prevent his giving evidence against
them. The warden lived long enough
to tell his story and the wounded Ita-
lian eventually recovered. The crim-
inals were arrested and one has been
given a long penitentiary sentence.
No report from the trial of the other two has been received.

Edgar A . Lindgren was a graduate of Bowen High School in
Chicago. While at that school he had joined the bird club
known as the Bowen Bird Boosters which has been in active
existence for nearly ten years. This Club has affiliated with the
Illinois Audubon Society and in that way young Lindgren was
a member of our Society. It is said that in his earlier school
years he had regarded birds as very useful targets for his marks-
manship, but under the influences surrounding him at Bowen
High School he became an enthusiastic protector of birds. He
furnished his yard as a bird preserve and fed birds during the
winter.

After his graduation from Bowen High School he joined the
navy where he served for about a year. He returned to civil
life with his old ambition to do something for the birds and
began his work as a Federal Game Warden where his advance-
ment was rapid. He was married about this time to Miss Leona
Marble. His untimely death in the performance of duty brings
forcibly home to all of us the realization of how much educa-
tional work remains to be done to secure co-operation to protect
the best things in life.

Mr. Raymond Lussenhop, President of the Bowen Bird Boost-
ers, informs us that it is the plan_of his associates to have a
framed picture of Edgar Lindgren in the zoology laboratory of
the school. It has been suggested that the bird fountain to be
placed in the school yard by the Club on its tenth anniversary be
named the Lindgren Memorial Fountain.

HE ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY recomends the
organization of Junior Audubon Societies under
one or the other of the following plans:

First plan: Organize under the auspices of the
National Association of Audubon Societies and take
advantage of the special offer to pupils made possible
by generous patrons of the Society. Each member
paying ten cents will receive a set of six educational
leaflets with colored pictures and outline drawings for
coloring with crayons. Each member will also receive
the Audubon button which represents a badge of mem-
bership in a Junior Audubon class. Each teacher who
organizes a class of twenty or more receives a year’s
free subscription to Bird-Lore, the official organ of the
Association. Address the Secretary, 1749 Broadway,

New York City.

Second plan: Organize under the auspices of the
Illinois Audubon Society. Each pupil is to pay fifteen
cents for a copy of “Fifty Common Birds of Farm and
Orchard” published by the United States Government,
copies to be obtained either from the Secretary of the
Illinois Audubon Society or by sending directly to the
Superintendent of Documents at Washington, D. C.
To each member of a group provided with this beauti-
fully illustrated bulletin the Illinois Audubon Society
will give without charge the Audubon button of mem-
bership in the Illinois Society and will send to the lead-
er of the group for a period of one year all the publica-
tions and special notices of the Society together with
an illustrated certificate showing that the group is a
member of the Illinois Audubon Society. Teachers
wishing to enroll pupils under local plans may obtain
Audubon buttons for two cents.

Address the

Illinois Audubon Society

10 South La Salle Street
CHICAGO

The
udubon Bulletin
Spring 1923

Published by :
The ILLINOIS
AUDUBON
SOCIETY

Illinois Audubon Society

Service

The Society has two collections of hand-colored
lantern slides of bird life, each with an accompany-
ing printed lecture. These are lent free of charge
to any school or organization in the state but borrower
pays express charges both ways.

The Society has travelling libraries of bird books
which are lent to schools or organizations for a rea-
sonable length of time, the borrower paying express
charges both ways.

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200 typi-
cal Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces for re-
cording migration and nesting data. Schools, Boy
Scout organizations, and individuals as well find these
of great service. Price ten cents each.

The Society publishes a Pocket Check List of Birds
with a colored zonal map. This list records every
known species of birds that visits Illinois or nests
within its borders. Included with this is a very useful
key for the identification of nests. The Check List
sells for fifty cents.

The Society publishes the Langdon Cat Circular
which is invaluable in arousing interest in the question
of protecting birds from marauding cats. Price five
cents each . |

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the Ital-
ian language warning against violation of laws for
bird protection. Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society,
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago

President : Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell
10 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago Riverside

Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith
Vice-President
Highland Park

: S “ he ‘ z os, ee ae oe
A oe Ne
SS gee ee

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ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
Application for Membership
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society,

and being in sympathy with them, I wish to become 2................---..-----sssssee-0-0

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: Associate memberships : $1.00. Annually
; Active memberships . ‘ $2.00. Annually
q Contributing memberships . $5.00. Annually
; Sustaining membership . $25.00. Noannual dues
; Life memberships ‘ $100.00. No annual dues
‘ Benefactor ahh ee ue! $500.00. No annual dues
; Patron ik d $1000.00. No annual dues
All members receive the iediiesbingn of the Society.

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Please sign this card and send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society
10 South La Salle Street, Chicago

ee ae Ge me oe ae ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ae oe ee ee es oe Ge ee oe oe ee ee oe ee ee ee ee ee ee es ee ee ae wet oe ob on we an a« ~~ ——

FORM OF BEQUEST
I DO HEREBY GIVE AND BEQUEATH TO THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON

SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION
OF WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois.

Doe

(OVER)
To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois Audubon
‘ Society must increase its membership. Out of a population of
: nearly six millions, Illinois should have at least ten thousand
. people who are enough interested in-bird life to help the Society
, in its conservation efforts. Will you not help us expand our
usefulness ?
' I suggest for membership in the Illinois Audubon Society the
‘ persons whose names appear on the other side of this sheet.
oe SEA tT ADRES aE iad ES a ea
’ Member of the Illinois Audubon Society
Yes

May we use your name?
No

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, 10 S. LA SALLE STREET, CHICAGO

The Aims and Principles of the Tlinois a
| ; , ‘Audubon Society are: — Beto
| 1. To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the school
| and to disseminate literature relating to them.
| 2. To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and
| Federal laws relating to birds.

3. To discourage the wearing of any feathers ie those of
| the ostrich and domestic fowls. |
| 4. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruc-
| tion of wild birds and their eggs.

5. To restore to our wild birds, wherever practicable, the
natural environment of forest and shrubbery which gave
them food, protection and seclusion.

Needs

The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support upon
the contributions of its members and friends. It should have an
income from a moderate endowment sufficient to meet all fixed
expenses. |
{The present income is totally inadequate to meet the urgent
and incessantly growing demands.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, Ince.
10 SOUTH LA SALLE STREET - CHICAGO

(OVER)

The Aims and Principles of the
Illinois Audubon Society are:

1. To encourage the study of birds,
particularly in the school, and to
disseminate literature relating to
them.

2. To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal
laws relating to birds.

3. To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

4, To discourage in every possible
way, the wanton destruction of
wild birds and their eggs.

5. To restore to our wild birds, where-
ever practicable, the natural envi-
ronment of forest and shrubbery
which gave them food, protection
and seclusion.

Photo by Jesse L. Smith

A SHAGBARK IN LOOSE GREAT-COAT AND A HOST OF MANDRAKES—A COMPANY
WELL-MET IN APRIL WOODS

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

SPRING 1923

Published by the

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

(For the protection of wild birds)

The President of the [Illinois Audubon Society writes:

In the Chicago area where the Bulletin is put to press Spring
is officially reported to be sixteen days late thus far. This
Spring Bulletin is also late, more than sixteen days at that, but
it is hoped that the season’s untimeliness will mitigate a little
the tardiness of the appearance of the Bulletin. The birds in
their migration did not disappoint us greatly and the notes from
the field arrived promptly enough, but “‘local conditions” have de-
layed an April issue until June.

This number of the Bulletin calls attention once more to the
possibilities of bird-study which bird-banding reveals. An in-
vitation to enlist in this work is extended by the secretary of
the Inland Bird-Banding Association and interesting reports of
progress in the work are furnished by our correspondents. The
story is told of the thrilling success which has attended the
efforts of lovers of wild life to attract the migrating hosts of
waterfowl to the new bird haven of Decatur Lake. The en-
larging of the park district areas of Joliet to include notable
woodland areas still in a primitive state is also told. Note is
made of the setting aside of a wild-life preserve for Carthage
College.

Field notes show how comparatively uneventful was the
chronicle for bird life during the past winter. From several
places come unusually rich reports of experiences in attracting
birds and providing adequate shelter and nesting opportunities.
Those who have not had the sport of nest-hunting with mirrors
will find instructions on how to prepare for it.

In due place brief mention is made of pending legislation
and the final pages contain an amusing symposium on the quail,
the contributions all being ‘“‘lifted’”’ from the columns of an in-
fluential agricultural weekly.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ

4 TH es AJUsD UB OyN = Bau ab aN

A Protected Waterway

Pho . = C. RS Waite

In the summer of 1920 the city of Decatur began work on the
construction of a water impounding project, the object of which
was to secure an ample supply of water for the growing city.
After careful surveys had been made it was decided to construct
a concrete and earth dam just above the present pumping station
in the Sangamon river and to flood the valley of that river above
this dam for a distance of about thirteen miles, creating a lake
of that length varying in width from the width of the river it-
self at the upper end to a width of about a mile and a half at the
widest part.

For this purpose nearly 4,000 acres of land were bought, the
dam built, the land cleared, bridges and roads raised or rebuilt,
with one handsome new bridge constructed outright, the total
cost of the whole project running to about $2,250,000.

By the fall of 1922 the dam had been finished, the basin
cleared of timber, six bridges and the approaches to them raised,
one bridge abandoned and a new one built, and with the advent
of the spring rains in January 1923 the long visualized lake be-
came an actual fact, the water running over the spillway of the
new dam and the sheet of water above covering the basin.

About a year ago lovers of birds and others who were inter-
ested in the saving of the waterfowl took up the project of mak-
ing Lake Decatur a refuge for these birds and a campaign of
education was started to create sentiment in favor of such a plan.

This met with considerable opposition, the old frontier theory
that wild birds are everybody’s property and live only to be shot

Tee A DWE ON BULL L&T IN 5

being deeply imbedded in a community where the conservation
policy had, up to this time, been a rather hazy sentimental idea
applicable to others but not to ourselves—as many conservation
theories seem to be held.

But through a steady campaign through the newspapers and
by talks by those interested at dinners, clubs and other places,
sentiment was gradually changed and the state was induced to
make the lake a refuge for the migratory waterfowl.

For a time much adverse criticism was heard about this ac-
tion but that too has died away being assisted quite materially

by the cordial co-operation of the state game officials and the
local game wardens who do not hesitate to impose the penalties
on anyone caught violating the law in regard to the shooting of
the birds.

With the creation of the actual lake late this winter the flight
of the water fowl soon demonstrated that they would sight this
large body of water in this otherwise prairie and dry land terri-
tory and would come here.

At first the birds were timid ,and rightly so, as they had had
no protection, but as they continued to come and were not dis-
turbed they remained on the lake in increasing numbers.

The necessity of providing some feed for the birds was soon
realized by those most interested in having them stay with us as
long as possible and Chauncey M. Powers took the lead in this
matter, raising within a few hours one day, a fund for the pur-
chase of feed. Fortunately for us, however unfortunate it may
have been for the elevator concern, a large elevator had been
burned here just a few days before this time and many bushels
of grain had been watersoaked but not wholly destroyed.

Several tons of this grain was bought at a low price—a ton
and a half was given by J. M. Allen, head of the elevator con-
cern—and under the supervision of Mr. Powers was placed in
the shallow water, from time to time, near the county bridge from
which the citizens interested in seeing the birds could easily do so.

In an amazingly short time the Ducks found where the grain
was located and, finding that they were not disturbed immedi-

6 To Ee SAC DU 2B ON Be Uri ei en

ately made that place their feeding ground—as the pictures will
show. .

Within fifty to 150 feet of the bridge and its approaches these
wild water fowl feed and play about in the water and thousands
of Decatur citizens, as well as the outsiders who come to town,
zo to the bridge to watch these guests so friendly and unafraid.

It is a source of never ending wonder to visitors who see them.
Only recently the famous naturalist, Dallas Lore Sharp, lectured
in Decatur and learning of the interesting spectacle on the lake
asked to be taken out there. A few days later in Chicago he was
talking about the extraordinary spectacle on an inland lake. To
Decatur citizens it is becoming accepted as a matter of fact—
the interesting thing being the complete reversal of feeling of a
year ago. Just one sight of those thousands of birds playing
there in safety and friendliness does the work.

Because of the interest in the birds traffic rules have been
made to prevent congestion on the bridge and approaches be-
cause of the number of cars and pedestrians who make it a point,
particularly on Sundays, to travel that way. Without exception
all stop to watch the birds—with the result that traffic jams be-
came so numerous that the police department was compelled to
take a hand.

What we will do next fall when the birds come this way again
we have not yet decided but that we will find some method of
feeding and planting feed in certain parts of the lake for them
is almost a certainty.

Now that the making of friends of the wild water fowl has
been demonstrated as a possibility our worst obstacles have been
overcome.

It is no exaggeration to say that everybody—almost without
any exception—is now with us. The hunters now realize that
hunting away from the lake will be good as the birds will go out
into the corn and wheat fields to feed next fall. Those who do
not care for the hunting but do like to have the birds here now
know that they can be induced to come here with a little showing
of hospitality and friendliness.

From being a smiled-at theory the question has become an
accepted settled subject and the man who would do anything
to cause the birds to stay away would be even more unpopular
than the man who started the plan a year ago.

The assistance of the newspapers in helping to create the
right feeling was invaluable, of course. The swinging into line
of the state game department and the active support of the local
game wardens was the finishing touch.

The whole community is greatly pleased.

The photos tell the story. They were taken from the ap-
proaches to the county bridge, the camera actually being in a
car when some of the photos were taken. , |

eV ; C. A. WAITE

Pei ee Oe ON ob Uae TN 7

The New Method of Bird Study

Do you know the fascination of trapping and banding wild
birds? Have you held a bird in your hands, examined him care-
fully, released him, and then found that instead of being fright-
ened away he comes back to your traps again and again; some-
times the same day, the same week; perhaps he reports to you
nearly every day all summer; yes, and some of them year after
year.

Professional or amateur ornithologist, you may by these
methods handle hundreds of birds in a year, study the bird, his
habits, his mates, and even keep a record of his children, or
grandchildren. By these methods you may secure new kinds of
facts, that were formerly so difficult to obtain.

“A trapping and banding station benefits and increases the
number of birds as success requires that the locality be freed
of the enemies; that food and shelter be provided, and the local-
ity becomes in fact a bird sanctuary.”

This method of bird study has been adopted by the U. S.
Biological Survey ( Washington, D. C.) and Special Permits
for Bird-banding are issued to those who will volunteer to place
the bands which are furnished by the Survey.

“Permits for bird banding are issued only to persons over
eighteen years of age who have sufficient experience and knowl-
edge of birds to carry on the work with scientific accuracy.”

Within two years permits have been issued to six hundred
persons in North America. In New England, some hundreds
of bird students have formed a Bird-banding Association to co-
operate with and assist the Survey in that region.

At Chicago, at the time of the meeting of the American
Ornithologists’ Union, on Tuesday, October 24, 1922, a bird
banders’ dinner and meeting was held; it was a large and en-
thusiastic meeting attended by many ornithologists, from many
parts of the United States and Canada. At this meeting the
Inland Bird-banding Association was formed, for the purpose
of assisting and co-operating with the Biological Survey in or-
ganizing this work in Canada, and the Central States and the >
States of the Mississippi Valley, from the Appalachian Moun-
tains to the Rocky Mountains and south to the Gulf of Mexico.

The. purpose of this association is to bring together those
who are interested in the study and protection of birds along
the great migration routes in this area, and to assist in organ-
izing trapping stations, to encourage local meetings of those
who are interested, and provide a central office of exchange of
information and ideas; members will be expected, when they
file reports with the Biological Survey, as required by the Sur-
vey, to furnish quarterly a general report to this Association.

The scientific results of this method of bird study are many
times multiplied by establishing permanent trapping stations;

g PEE ASU DU BON SB Ue Eien

for that reason institutional trapping stations are especially de-
sirable. Bird Clubs, departments of Colleges, Audubon So-
cieties, State and National Parks, Natural History Societies all
should operate trapping stations, as well as individuals.

The memberships are: Active, composed of those interested
in the work, and those who will trap and place bands, dues $1.00;
Sustaining, those wishing to help with the expense and promo-
tion, $5.00 or more.

If you are interested send in your application to the Treas-
urer. HERBERT L. STODDARD
The Public Museum, Milwaukee, Wis.

Bird Banding Activities at Thomasville, Georgia

It was my pleasure to be selected as the middle west rep-
resentative to take charge of the Bird Banding at the famous
Inwood Plantation, where yearly Mr. C. Prentiss Balwin car-
ries on his Bird Banding experiments. The plantation is a
beautiful southern estate with occasional open fields and a
great deal of tall, native pine protected by a keeper so that
both migrant song birds and game birds are very numerous.

In forty days I was fortunate enough to trap more than
four thousand birds. Of course, many of these were birds
which had been captured in previous years, while the rest of
them were new or repeats. On the legs of every new bird was
placed an identification band of aluminum, while every bird
which had been banded in former years was recorded and the
1928 life of the bird was forwarded to the Biological Survey
at Washington to complete the bird’s history which is kept
on a card numbered to correspond with the number on the
bird’s band.

The smallest bird captured was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet
which I captured twice. I have always understood this bird
to be an insect eating bird and I caught it both times at trap
*“A”’ where only small grain and bread crumbs were distrib-
uted. This tiny bird escaped from one of my collecting traps,
the mesh of which is three-fourths of an inch in size, which
shows how very tiny it must be.

Most numerous of all birds were the Chipping Sparrows.
In front of my house I had a drop trap made of a square
frame, five feet across, covered with a string netting. On one
side was a stick to which was attached a string. In the early
morning the Chipping Sparrows would gather under this trap
literally by the dozens. When the string was pulled the trap
would descend, capturing a large number of these tiny birds.
None was killed because the trap in descending did not fall to
the ground. The distance between the board and the ground
was covered by a heavy, brown, canvas cloth. My greatest
catch with this trap was fifty-one birds, another trap similar
to the common rat trap type of Sparrow trap was used to good

TILE AUDUBON BULLETIN 9

advantage and my catch covered such birds as: Redbird,
Mourning Dove, Brown Thrasher, Song Sparrow, Mocking
Birds, Towhee, Quail, Blue Jay, Red-bellied Woodpecker and
others.

Many people asked what the advantage of Bird Banding
is. The close study which the observer can make of individ-
ual birds, allows him to get an absolute knowledge of the
colors of live birds. Eventually, when Bird Banding stations
are maintained over the entire country, we shall be able to
tell absolutely the course of their yearly migration. Many
diseases of birds will be identified, the length of life can be
determined; whether birds mate for life or change partners
each year has in a great many cases already been discovered;
and the speed with which they fly can be easily estimated.

This last year a hunter in Georgia killed a Mourning Dove.
The bird was kept by the United States Game Warden, who
arrested the hunter for shooting migratory birds. The lawyer
for the defendant nearly cleared the culprit by saying that
Mourning Doves do not migrate, that they are born, raised,
and remain twelve months of the year in Georgia. Luckily
the Game Warden had in his possession the band, taken from
a Mourning Dove, killed in Georgia which had been originally
banded in Canada. The little strip of metal secured a con-
viction.

The work is very new and many people ask me, “Do you
ever catch the same bird twice? Do the birds get badly
scared?” In answer to this I might say that the Towhee
which is one of the most retiring of our bush birds, enters the
traps freely and eats the food greedily. I caught one such
bird eight times in one day. This bird sang while I held it in
my hand and I believe I could have captured it dozens of
times had I run my trap that often. I placed a Chipping
Sparrow in the hands of one of the guests, who had come to
witness the banding experiment, and much to her surprise the
bird lay there for nearly three minutes before flying, and then
she had to toss it out into the air to make it fly.

When we continue to capture birds in trap D less than one
block away, imagine everybody’s surprise, except mine, at
finding the same bird waiting for us in the next trap. As this
is a regular occurrence it shows very conclusively that what
fear the birds have is quickly forgotten when handled proper-
ly and scientifically by the observer.

It is hoped that this great study and sport will be taken up
by a large number of Illinois State Bird enthusiasts. In prose-
cuting this work, you will not only increase your own knowl-
edge of birds, but your efforts will be of great value to science
and consequently we should all do our best to be of service.

T. E. Musselman, Quincy, Illinois.

lO THe AUD UE ON, 5:0 Lb Etaw

Hawthorns as Bird Sanctuaries

No tree family of
the northeastern
United States is more
interesting, and at the
same time more con-
fusing to botanists
than the many species
of hawthorn. By rea-
son of its varied
forms of: foliage,
fruits, and growth its
presence is always a
picturesque addition
to the landscape.

Extremely hardy,
tolerant of many soils,
Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz it survives under con-

HAWTHORNS IN THE PORTAGE TRACT OF THE ditions that are fatal

Boe eNom oc to less hardy trees.
Because of the fondness of cattle for the leaves and tender twigs
the young hawthorns in pasture lands have a hard time growing
up as they should. The continuous browsing forces them to thick-
en into dense masses of twigs and thorns. These “‘behives” event-
ually widen out at their bases so that cattle can no longer reach
the tops, then a leader or perhaps several leaders shoot up and
soon form a symmetrical top changing the beehive into the hour
glass or sheaf form. The trees then begin to blossom and fruit. In
the region around Chicago there are many hawthorn orchards
sometimes containing a number of species. When the trees have
not been molested in their youth by cattle, they form the typical
broad-topped, sturdy tree that is characteristic of the larger
members of this interesting group. Where they have been re-
tarded in their growth by cattle, the dense masses of interlaced
branches with their abundant thorns are ideal nesting sites for
Catbirds, Sparrows and Thrashers. During the summer time the
dense foliage completely hides the nests from view, but after the
leaves fall a visit to a hawthorn orchard or thicket reveals a re-
markable number of nests proving conclusively their value to the
birds. The botanical name for the family—Crataegus—comes
from a Greek word, kratos, meaning strength; the English name
from the Anglo-Saxon haegthorn, meaning hedgethorn. There
have been almost or quite one thousand variations discovered by
botanists among the hawthorns, a very great number of which
are hybrids and not distinct varieties. There are a few members
of the family in other portions of the temperate world, but east-
ern North America is its typical home. The region about Chica-
go apparently is ideal for its growth and development, as it is
found in profusion in all our woodlands, sometimes forming or-—
chards of mature trees, in other localities it is the dominant

THis AUD U-B-ON. BULLETIN il

growth at the forest
edges. Where the soil
is to its liking it fre-
quently becomes a nui-
sance as from its re-
| markably prolific
fruiting it springs up
| wherever there is an
opening, often form-
._., ing almost impenetra-

_ ble thickets. |
; The coloring of the
frigts- ‘runs iT om
bright scarlet to dark
red and from green
to- yellow: time
shapes and size, too,
vary greatly. Some
pear shaped, others spherical, while still others are angled
showing distinctly the number of nutlets contained. The seeds or
nutlets are of extreme hardness, and being indigestible do not
lose their germinating power when eaten by birds and animals.
This accounts for their wide distribution and for their being
found in unaccountable locations.

Because of the haw-
thorn’s ability to re-
cover and thicken up
after being browsed
by cattle, it is fre-
guently used for a
hedge growth. One
prominent nursery-
man predicted to the
writer that the time
would come when it
would be the most
widely used tree for
that purpose in Amer-
ica. While ordinarily
the hawthorn does not 3
grow to great size, in- Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz

dividual é trees are THE HAWTHORN AS A SUMMER ASSET
known with trunks of

the diameter of two feet. Such trees have dense canopy tops and
are wonderfully beautiful in spring, summer, autumn, and
winter. In the denser forests among the taller trees, the form of
growth is slender and irregular.

At all times, however, one is impressed by the appearance of
strength, vitality, and ability to thrive under hard conditions.

Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz
THE HAWTHORN AS A WINTER ASSET

12 PE Aj) DU BON 38 UE i fan:

Occasionally trees are almost entirely free from thorns, and at
times the thorns are so numerous and “pugnacious” looking that
the tree is carefully avoided except by birds and squirrels. The
long polished thorns of the cockspur thorn made convenient awls
and needles for the Indians. The fragrant fruits of the mollis
branch of the family are pleasantly edible and from them may be
made a most delicious jelly which rivals the famous guava jelly
of the tropics. Unfortunately the fruits are attractive to many
insects and at times are very generally inhabited by a small .
white worm which though probably not injurious to the jelly
making value, does not appeal to the taste of the average house-
wife.

The limestone formation of Cook, Dupage and Will counties
seems peculiarly adapted to the growth of hawthorns, and they
vie with the wild crabapple in occupying great areas. In Lincoln
Park is a fine grouping of the lower growing varieties whose
persistent fruits make them conspicuous and attractive far into
the winter.

ORPHEUS MOYER SCHANTZ.

To a Goldfinch

“Gold-finch, swinging in the silver birches
Truly would I know just what you are

Your wary flight, your golden song
I think is dust from lonely far off star.

Gold-finch, feeding on the dandelion

Does golden plumage come from petals bright ?
You are a gem or bloom a-wing

You care free golden bird or happy sprite.

Gold-finch, singing sweetest song of love
Your call is sad, altho your life’s a smile.
To me you are a poem, bird,
Poem of God to brighten earth awhile.”
z SOPHIE TUNNELL

TEE AUDUBON BULLETIN 13

Coincidence or Habit?

What does it mean to one who has stalked through the woods
of New Hampshire in the summer time hoping to see a Hermit
Thrush to be able to hold one of these rare songsters in the hand?
If the latter is a privilege unusual, is not the repetition of the
opportunity more than doubly such?

In September 1919, on
driving into the garage in
my garden, I was_ sur-
prised at the sight of a
bird flying against the
window. Noting that it
was a Hermit Thrush I
closed the doors and called
Mrs. Burch, thinking it a
fine opportunity to study
the migrant at close range.
As the bird settled down
upon the bench, however,
the slowly approaching hand
did not startle the bird,
even when the hand closed
about its little body. It was
the obvious conclusion
that some injury had
occurred to wing or
limb, but inspection showed otherwise. When the camera was
brought and the Thrush held loosely he seemed to accept the
pitiless publicity with nonchalance, at length flying to and
alighting upon the camera. So contented was our Hermit in our
possession that we wondered whether the projected trip for that
day must be abandoned in order to keep watch over the visitor.
But just when that seemed inevitable, a sudden impulse ex-
pressed itself in a flight which took our little friend into the
nearby oak.

The next September, when the incident had been almost
forgotten, a Hermit Thrush was encountered in almost exactly
the same way, but in my attempt to emulate the example set
me by my fellow-bird-enthusiast I found that I was not such a
bird-charmer and the Thrush fled the garage leaving me the only
witness to his visit of 1920.

Photo by E. W. Burch

In September 1921, while the Fall migration was at its
height, I found again, just alongside the wheel of my car, as I
stepped out of it, a Hermit Thrush. Even then I did not dare say
the Hermit Thrush, for one would need to have a leg band for
evidence. But it was just such a Hermit Thrush as before. The
picture submitted is the evidence of the repetition of the privi-
lege of holding the rare deep-wood songster in the hand, for

14 TE AS Di. BOUIN Bo Ey bean

this time I did not try my own powers of charm upon the
Thrush.

The title question will be justified when I add that in Sept-
ember 1922 a Hermit Thrush was found lying in the garage, that
we two bird-lovers looked at it as it perched upon a high ledge,
but as this bird seemed already startled by the entrance of the
car, we did not make an effort to handle it. But in September,
1923 I shall have a few leg bands in my possession, at least one
of which will be designed to fit a Hermit Thrush.

ERNEST W. BURCH
Evanston Bird Club

Nest-hunting With a Mirror

Many times when out on bird trips, one has a great desire
to look into certain birds’ nests that are tantalizingly just out
of reach. Not only to satisfy our curiosity but to stimulate
interest in bird study and out-door observation, we use a simple
device that has added much to our pleasure and our knowledge.

This device is a mirror 6x8 inches set in a light wooden
frame which has a screw at the middle of each side. The end
of a stiff wire about 12 inches long, is bent around each screw so
that they will turn easily. They are then bent around the lower
end of the frame and brought together at the middle, where
they are fastened securely into the top of a light curtain pole
about six feet long. Your mirror will now swing like the mirror
of a dressing table and will remain at any desired angle. An
extension is provided by having a tin sleeve added to a second
pole, and, armed with this device, you may stand on the ground
and look into nests from six to sixteen feet high, seeing the
eggs or young birds perfectly without in any way injuring the
nest or disturbing its occupants.

Try it this spring and see how much it will add to the interest
and value of your bird study.
JESSIE R. MANN.
N. 1S. T. CG. DeKalbaaik

Photolby CAs wante
AFLOAT ON DECATUR LAKE

Tae AVUSPUBON BULLETIN 15

The Joliet Arboretum

Photo by L. H. Hyde

Between park and school authorities the City of Joliet con-
trols about 840 acres of park land, all a game and bird pre-
serve, well policed. In nearly every instance a school build-
ing has at least a city block.for a playground. One has 25
acres, another sixteen, another ten, another seven.

The Joliet park district covering more acreage than the
city itself beginning with small playgrounds from three to
seven acres each, has in the West Park forty acres in the hills
well covered with native timber, a restful place for the weary.
It has much natural beauty and is a favorite with the children.
Here is the beginning of a greenhouse system with about 300
species of cacti and other attractive desert plants. The col-
lections of native violets and ferns are also in this park. There
is some good planting here in shrubbery but no formal decor-
ative features—not enought to speak of.

The pride of Joliet lies along Hickory Creek east of the
city, paralleled by the main line of the Rock Island railway.
The stream in early days was called a river and still is so large
and clean that the name should be continued. In the begin-
ning forty acres were purchased in the hills nearest the city
and decorated with formal planting and playground features.
The late Harlow N. Higinbotham while director of the World’s
Columbian Fair, inspired by the native shrubs and plants so
generously used for the Wooded Island and border planting
of that enterprise, perhaps was inspired too, to collect the
native trees and plants for his own birth place, the early Hig-

16 THE AUD UE ON Bow fe Eten

inbotham home at Joliet. This collection was named The
Forest of Arden. It contained 327 acres of heavy forested
land, a grist mill and dam.

With O. C. Simonds, the widely known landscape aniet,
and Homer C. Skeels, botanist, seed expert for the U. S. de-
partment at Washington, in charge, roads, dams, driveways
and bridges were constructed and a vigorous collection of
plants made and planted. After five years of this building and
planting the land lay idle. Following the death of Mr. Higin-
botham, one of our many “Joliet boosting merchants,’ Robert
Pilcher, purchased the Forest of Arden one day and turned it
over to Joliet the next day. To be maintained as an arbor-
etum. ‘Nothing to pay,’ were the terms to the city.

The children of Mr. Higinbotham, Harlow D., Mrs. Joseph
Medill Patterson and Mrs. Richard T. Crane, followed with
the presentation for arboretum purposes of 240 acres of cut-
over land containing rich soil and many springs. Thus “park-
wise,” Joliet is gloriously provided for and Joliet citizens are
grateful and happy.

All of these lands are a game and bird preserve controlled
by a park board governed by rigid ordinances of the Lincoln
Park Board. The arboretum ambitions of Mr. Higinbotham
will be carried on as fast as enthusiasm and cash will permit.
A state fish-hatchery is promised for a secluded, yet accessible
site on the edge of the forest; water and fish food are plentiful,
the landscape pleasing. A little more land to square up these
tracts and quiet the prevailing golf clamor is promised. Then
we will have a real park system with hopes of making every
resident of Joliet exceedingly proud and joyful.

Another secret: The outlying border of the Hickory
Creek system is within four miles of that ““world-beating for-
est preserve of Cook County.”’ The landscape along Hickory
Creek well up into Cook County is delightful, the atmosphere
pure and all conditions restful and soothing, very appropriate
for picnic and boulevard purposes. At an early date no doubt
the people from the north side and all other sides of Chicago
will visit our arboretums in their own machines without a
break in boulevard or park shade and we shall be delighted to
become better acquainted and return the visit.

The beginning of the Hickory Creek system from the Jol-
let side is at the Highland Park and the Red Mill boating
and bathing entrance. Then in turn eastward, a driveway is
platted to be bordered by bright colored mallows, iris, lilies,
and lotus ponds. Next in order is an introduction to our great-
est attraction, the deep and darksome forest of giant oaks,
hickories, walnuts and maples of the Pilcher Arboretum.

Next eastward, up the creek, the valley boulevard will
pass through collections of smaller trees, shrubs and small

ne) a Dw BON, BULLE TIN 17

~ ins

Photo by W. N. Clute
WHITE OAKS AND SPRING BEAUTIES IN THE JOLIET AREA

plants, and perhaps collections of mosses and grasses, into the
Higinbotham Arboretum, something more in the experimental
and exotic lines, for here too, is an abundance of water and
all sorts and conditions of soil. Here too is our prehistoric
ruin, a fort unknown to history. The golf course is a secret
but alive.

Now for the boulevard into Cook County. We are ever
pleased with the bird and bug sort of citizens who come ram-
bling into our woods, thus this sketch of our belongings and
hopefulness. They are an interesting and an interested peo-
ple. In our day dreams, always filled with pleasant mem-
ories, we see the woods and a straggling multitude with lunch-
eons. At the Cherry Hill entrance to the Pilcher Arboretum
the Rock Island railway has a milk station. Perhaps the
“Cherry” name will be changed and more trains scheduled
for stopping.

As a bird preserve these woods are somewhat noted. A
grove of fifteen hundred sugar maples, as a canopy, covers one
flat completely. Giant trees, dense shrubbery, hills, ponds,
running streams and a little prairie are attractive to all tastes
in birdland. A covey of Woodcock, two of Quail and seventy-
five wild Mallard were included in our crop of 1922. The
rabbits, however, are altogether too numerous for the welfare
of young trees, and the annual drive is the program, with a
hundred or more ‘‘bunnies” for the orphans and hospital un-
fortunates.

I am not an authority in the bird line, but from a list made
by Messrs. Swarth, Dewey, Meenke and Skeels for the Field

18 foe AU DU BON 2b Lh EersaN

Museum in 1908 and from the okservations of Prof. Spicer,
Everret Shaw and others of our city since, it is probable that
our parks are visited by two hundred species. I found one
rarity in my own door yard, the Florida Meadow Lark. It
came here about thirty years ago, returning every spring, and
sang from a tall tree top again yesterday. It is so dark in
color that it is nearly black. In music perhaps this bird is an
imitator. A rival of the Thrasher it has tones of its own. In
the morning or evening concert we hear notes of the Wren,
the Red Wing and our own Meadow Lark, with many others I
do not recognize. The western Meadow Lark pours out a
joyous, exultant greeting, but the Floridian is more modest,
more refined, a violinist, not a horn blower. Come and hear
him. JAMES H. FERRISS

A Silly Wace: A True Story

A few years ago I spent the spring with a brother who lived
onafarm. At that time I was doing transcribing for one of the
large libraries for the Blind. I had put up two shelves on which
to keep my books, writing materials and other things.

One morning I went to take down my writing case, and to
my surprise, I found a bird’s nest lying on top of it. I tossed it
out of the window. Later on that morning I told my sister-in-
law of it. She laughed and said it must be the work of a Wren
she had seen in my room.

The next day I received a letter from a friend residing in a
nearby town informing me that several families had mattress-
making (my work) which they wished done at once.

I was away from home a week. The morning following my
return, when I went to put on a pair of pants which I had hung
under the shelves, I felt some dry leaves and twigs lying in the
seat. I shook them up well. While I was doing so. I felt two sharp
blows on the side of my head. A moment later the family rushed
into my room. They had heard a cry and thought it was one of
the children. On the floor lay a torn bird’s nest, while on a
branch of a peach tree which grew near the open window was
perched a Wren. She had built her nest in my pants during my
absence. After breakfast I re-arranged my books being careful to
leave a dark recess behind a small box in which I kept a few
things which I could easily take out without making any noise.

A few days later I was told that the Wren was building
another nest in my room. But this time she had selected a more
suitable place. It was not disturbed and she hatched and raised
her offspring in peace.

This contribution from Mr. W. F. Brown, of New Orleans, is
sent in by Mrs. E. G. Trowbridge of Winnetka. This experience
of Mr. Brown’s is the more interesting because he has neither
sight nor hearing, and therefore had to borrow the ears and
eyes of others to supplement his sense of touch.

en OU DUSB OP BULLETIN
The Mourning Dove

A Mourning Dove in dress of modest gray,
Had helped to save the crops in every way.
She ate the worms and bugs and larva too,
Carried an insect every time she flew

Up to her nest to feed her hungry brood.

Did no one harm, but surely lots of good.

Now in return she only asks that she

Shall not be shot, but may protected be.
Protected, even though the laws proclaim
That for a while she shall be legal game.

She helped mankind and more than did her part.
So spare her, hunter, please just have a heart.

Robin Redbreast

Robin, dear old Robin redbreast,

Of all the birds I think I love you best;

You come while yet the ground is white with snow,
And in your happy notes you seem to say

“‘Cheer up, cheer up, for spring is on the way.”

Robin, dear old Robin redbreast,

Who seeks for shelter and for food and rest,
Beside the door or in the leafless bough,
Though dreary be the day, you seem somehow
To scatter beams of sunshine and to bring
The joyous tidings “It is almost spring.”

Robin, dear old Robin redbreast,

I hope that you will come and build your nest

Close to my door, and rear your brood so shy,

Where I can watch you teach them how to fly,

And hear you sing in notes so loud and clear,

“Cheer up, cheer up, cheer up, the spring is here.”
Mrs. NELSON J. CHILDS

20 TB A Ue UbsO NN, Bae eran

Advertising The Illinois Audubon Society

Doesn’t it do your heart good! Not several girls with
fancy complexions standing with coveting eyes on a window
perhaps of hats which they could never have, but several men
just as interested in a window full of information about our
birds—pictures of ovr birds that they may have themselves,
the first early morning they get out to take the picture! This
is what you may see any minute of any day down in one of the
busiest blocks of the loop in Chicago.

On the east side of La Salle Street south of Washington
Street, the Harris Trust and Savings Bank have a window here
in this busy world that may give every one on every day a few
minutes of rest and pleasure. There are about a dozen bird
nests of varied construction principles that have been loaned
by the Chicago Academy of Sciences—Bobolink, Chimney
Swift, Field Sparrow, Pin-tail Duck, Golden-crowned Kinglet;
Grebe, Meadow Lark, Wood Pewee. There is a series of nine
photographs of the nest, eggs and young at different ages of
the Red-Tailed Hawk, also loaned by the Chicago Academy of
Sciences, making a very interesting window altogether. Then
there are copies of the Illinois Audubon Bulletin and of the
Check List, as well as a copy of the statement of the purposes
and principles of the Audubon Society.

Around the corner on Washington Street in the same build-
ing is another window calling attention to the work of the
Wild Flower Preservation Society. All best wishes to these
business houses with their windows so welcome to our eyes!

The Cardinal's Etiquette

From my observations I imagine that the male Kentucky
Cardinal is an autocrat during all seasons except the mating
time in early May, desiring to eat his lunch alone and conse-
quently in peace. I have seen him drive Mrs. Cardinal away
from the feed tray many times during the summer and fall
months. Today the female came to the feeding tray and com-
menced to eat. In a few minutes the male joined her, both
eating peacefully for a few moments. Then Mrs. Cardinal went
out to the edge of the tray and looked longingly at the male who
soon brought her a sunflower seed. He repeated the. dose when
she flew to an adjoining tree. He fed her three times there.
She then fiew to another tree where he fed her twice. Both birds

then departed.
W. C. EGAN

Pa Aw DUB OM. BU iL ET iN 21

The Izaak Walton League

The Izaak Walton League of America, incorporated as a
national federation of angling clubs, held its second annual
banquet at the Morrison Hotel on April the 21st, and over a
thousand members heard most inspiring speeches by Henry
Van Dyke and other well-known nature lovers. This new or-
ganization has started on a splendid work in a splendid way!
They are working not only for the fish but for the forests and
birds and every phase of the conservation of Nature.

The offices of the League, of which Will H. Dilg of Chica-
go is president, are at Suite 528-530, 326 West Madison St.,
Chicago. All success to its work!

A Simple But Effective Bird Feeding Station

A number of the members of the Evanston Bird Club have
enjoyed the presence of winter visitors upon their window sills
and porches through the use of the feeding tray herewith illus-
trated.

Its advantage lies in the slight degree of spring given to it
by the supporting wires, making it seem not unlike the bough
of a tree. In addition, the open nature of its construction en-
ables the amateur photographer to get in his work while the
bird is feeding. By selecting a sheltered window or porch the
need of a wind screen is obviated.

There is much latitude possible in its design. The rim may
be made of alder twigs, nailed with slender brads upon a narrow
rim of wood, or the perch of alder (or other straight twig) may
be nailed so as to divide the tray longitudinally. One tray that
proved attractive had a long piece of alder that projected sev-
eral inches from either end.

If screw eyes are used to hold the ends of the wires, it is
best to tighten these wires before screwing the eyes in tight.
This gives the desirable tension to the wires.

Chickadees and Nuthatches are fondest of these trays when
furnished with sunflower seed, peanuts and suet, chopped fine,
but Sammy Jay did not hesitate to drop in when passing our
way. The Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers prefer the lump of
suet tied to an oak branch or contained in a suet basket.

ERNEST W. BURCH

22 one ASU-DU BON BU Lb Eee

Bird Notes From Elgin

The Evening Grosbeak is an occasional visitor in this vicin-
ity. Several years ago I discovered five feeding upon the ground
among some underbrush near a wild black cherry tree in Lord’s
Park. I discovered them through the repeated, faint, cracking
noise which attracted
my attention as I ap-
proached their feed-
ing ground. I saw
they were busily en-
gaged picking some-
thing from the
ground and crack-
ing it with their
stout bills. This
proved later to be the
seeds of the black
cherry which they
broke to get the ker-
nels they contained.

InMay, 1920,
when my cherry
trees were in bloom,
I found a large num-
ber of the blossoms
on the ground. Upon
close examination I
discovered that they
had been nipped from
the twigs. Numerous
marks, apparently
from the bill of some
bird were found upon
the calyx and in some
cases the calyx had
been removed entire-
ly. I had noticed Ori-
oles and Warblers,
birds with slender
bills probing the blos-
: soms, apparently for

AFTER A WATER COLOR BY C. F. GRONEMANN nectar and _ insects

: and therefore con-

cluded that birds with a stout bill were the offenders. Later I
heard a Rose-breasted Grosbeak singing in the cherry trees. Im-
mediately my suspicion was directed toward him. Upon coming
closer I discovered both male and female Grosbeaks picking the
cherry blossoms; eating the calyx and letting the sepals and
petals fall to the ground.

~ 5 . : : ; ee

Tei ee Ue BONY Be LE erin 23

The Purple Martins re-
turning in the spring to the
house I have erected for
them have adopted a curious
nest-building habit. Besides
collecting the usual material
I have seen them fly to the
nearest cherry and _ pear
trees; tear the green leaves
fromthe uppermost
branches and carry them to
their nest. In northern
Wisconsin, in the spring of
1921, a pair of Martins oc-
cupying a nail barrel which
had been erected for them,
possessed the same curious
habit. Here, however, they
chose the leaves of the Balm
of Gilead (Populus balsami-
fera) which they also picked
from the topmost branches
of a tree about 100 yards

Photo by F. G. Paulus
YOUNG ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

away and flew to their nest with them.
The writer is anxious to know if
this habit has been observed by other
bird students.
CARL F. GRONEMANN

Below— A—A perfect
cherry blossom. Above—B—
cherry blossom with calyx
removed by Rose-breasted
Grosbeak.

24 THE ASU DUB ON Bw ii eT oN

Bloomington

From Mr. Harold B. Wood, Health Director, of Bloomington,
Illinois, come these notes under date of March 14th:

Your call for a list of wintering birds noted in today’s paper.

The following have been common at Bloomington during the
past winter: Blue Jay, Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, Cardinal, ©
Chickadee, Tree Sparrow and Yellow-shafted Flicker. In De-
cember a Tufted Titmouse was occasionally in cur yard. To the
feeding box made by my son, Merrill Wood, and to the suet in
the trees have come numerous Jays, aS many as five Cardinals ©
at a time, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and a Brown Creeper.

We have seen an occasional Marsh Hawk, and on Christmas
three Evening Grosbeaks (undoubted).

T have heard three distinct and different calls of Owls but
cannot identify the species.

Robins first appeared here the morning of March 2nd; we
heard the first Meadowlark March 8th (we live near the edge of
the city); Blackbirds first arrived March 9th; and on March
14th a Song Sparrow was heard.

Elgin

Mrs. N. I. Childs sends under date of March 5th the following:

I have been fortunate in having Downy and Hairy Wood-
peckers, Creepers, Nuthatches and Chickadees come to my suet
basket all winter.

Last summer the Downy had her nest in my yard and hatched
two young ones. I think one of them was not normal for the
mother took it when it was about a week old and flying high
above the drinking fountain dropped it . I went to it immediately
and found it still alive, but it died soon after.

For years I have had Wrens in my boxes, but last summer
the Downy would not let them even stay in the yard. I love the
Wrens very much and hope the Downy will not be quite so selfish
this year.

Miss Gertrude Higinbotham writes:

We are enjoying your “Check List of the Birds of Illinois.”
Everyone interested in the study of our bird friends should cer-
tainly have a copy.

We first began the study of the birds in 1914, and have cer-
tainly considered our time well spent. By always keeping water
and food (suet and seeds) where the birds can obtain them, we
always see between sixty and seventy different kinds of birds .
in our yard, which is an ordinary city lot.

On October 26, 1922, we had the treat of seeing our first

Red-bellied Woodpecker. (Notice the “‘Check List” says they
are rare in this section) December 29, 1922, we saw him again
and the Red-headed Woodpecker at the same time. Both were
on our bathing pan. On a visit to Trout Park on January 19,

Pe ee ODD) BONS BU. eet tN 25

1923, we saw a Rough-legged Hawk twice, so we felt sure we
could not be mistaken. The same day we saw the Chickadees,
Tree Sparrows and a Hairy Woodpecker.

December 24, 1922, I saw a large flock of Geese going north.
I succeeded in counting seventy-three. Last winter we had a
number of White-breasted Nuthatches, but this year they did
not return. This spring we have seen from our own yard, Hairy
Red-headed and Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Juncos, Mea-
dowlarks, Cedar Waxwings, Song Sparrow, Bluebirds, Hermit
Thrush, Tree Sparrows, Robins, Grackles, flocks of Geese, Gol-
den-crowned Kinglet, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Killdeer Plov-
ers. We can hardly wait until our Warblers return as we usually
have most of them right here at home.

Blue Island

Mr. Otto Bueter, an ardent devotee of out-of-doors, reports
the following episode:

For several years our small “home made” birdhouse has been
the home of Martins. The house is situated in the center of the
back yard about eighteen feet above ground on a small post.
Close by are telephone wires and electric light wires, affording
very convenient perches.

The bird-house being on the hill gives it a prominence of about
forty feet above buildings at the foot of the hill, with an open
space to the south approximating one hundred feet, trees and
shrubbery surrounding its base. As the capacity of the house
seemed taken, from year to year upon storing it for the winter
to avoid the sparrows filling it up, I added a story until it now
contains three stories, totaling eighteen compartments. Last
year I counted fifteen pairs of Martins nesting in it.

I put the house up on the tenth of April, taking it down on
the tenth day of August, painting the house each year and mak-
ing sure that all compartments are tight. The openings are
placed to one corner on a level with the floor landing.

One Saturday morning a sudden strong wind blew down the
house which fortunately landed on a tree, only a few landing
shelves being broken. My neighbor phoned me what had hap-
pened, he having a seven compartment bird-house in his yard
about seventy-five feet to the north, now containing two pairs
of Martins.

Arriving home about noon, we hurriedly replaced the broken
landing shelves and supplying a new post, started to put up the
bird-house again. It had been raised no more than forty-five
degrees when two Martins alighted on the house and remained
until it was upright, and before we could put in the lag bolts a
dozen or more Martins were back on the house, all lustily telling
the world that “ALL WAS WELL”. There are now eight pairs
nesting in the house.

26 TOE Av DUS ON BU tae rN

We are located about a block from the Blue Island Sag channel
of the Sanitary District which of course supplies plenty of water
and insect life. It is surely quite a pleasure to hear the pleasant
chatter of the birds. It is noticeable that they seem to be a little
nervous since the accident but are otherwise rather contented.

Carthage

Carthage College Will Conserve Wild Life.

Within the past few months a definite effort to conserve the
local fauna and flora has been undertaken by the Biology De-
partment of Carthage College. Lying within a mile from Carth-
age, and extending between the C. B. and Q tracks and a county
road for a length of 1250 feet, is the tract of land which has re-
rently been purchased for that purpose. Unlike the surround-
ing prairies, it combines an unusual range of soil with a very
irregular topography, making possible the satisfactory growing
of a wide range of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Two
artificial ponds of many years’ duration, together with the long,
flat-bottomed ravine through which the ponds are fed during
heavy rains, will provide for a highly varied water and lowland
flora. The ponds furnish also a wide range of aquatic animal
species for laboratory study.

The boys in the local high school are competing for prizes
offered for the best houses made by them, such houses to be
placed in the Wild Life Preserve. Hemp, broomcorn, and wild
berry bushes are being introduced abundantly, to entice birds.
Thickets are being established to lure them to their shelter.

A card catalogue of plant species of the county has been
worked up during the past three years, by the head of the de-
partment, and a consistent and persistent effort will be made to
introduce practically every species in the county into the Pre-
serve. A similar list of trees and shrubs from elsewhere, suited
tc this climate, has been prepared. College and city clubs as
well as faculty members, classes and private individuals have
been urged to provide planting materials of species desired by
the department. The response has on the whole been excellent,
and a wide range of native and non-native material has been
provided. Many further donations are expected.

An effort of this sort can not be the task of a single season.
Only sturdy plants not requiring cultivation are being intro-
duced. Young trees and shrubs are necessarily chosen. A ben-
efit given by the department has supplied a small sum for the
purchase of desired planting materials. Between two and three
hundred evergreens will be planted as soon as the season is
suitable. It will take many years to accomplish all the improv-
ing and beautifying desired. The tract has every qualification
necessary to make it an ideal biological station, wild life pre-
serve, and haunt for nature lovers, but its promoters are not
impatient of the years required to bring up the plan to the plane
of excellence which their ideals for it demand as a goal.

Pies U Dw BONS SUL LL Eer tN 27

Carthage College Wild Life Preserve includes about seven
and one-half acres of college land, to which has been added the
adjacent right of way along the C. B. and Q. tracks, by free lease
from that company. Students of the department have labored
faithfully to help put the place into suitable condition. The old
garbage dump of many years’ standing has been graded, under-
standing trees and shrubs are being pruned, as time permits.
Walks will be arranged throughout the tract. A neat fence is
being put about it. Outdoor brick “stoves,” or cooking devices,
on beds of sand, will protect from fires set by picnic parties.
Every tree and shrub group will be labelled with scientific and
common names, and the names of the givers. Much has been
begun, much must be done, to insure success. May the Pre-
serve prosper.

ALICE L. KIBBE
Decatur

Under date of March twenty-ninth, Mrs. Benjamin Bachrach
sends the following report:

Decatur bird lovers report that less birds were seen in these
parts than in former years. The Cardinal seems to stay with us
throughout the year. In my own garden we see the male and fe-
male together as early as February. Have observed this for the
past three years.

Mr. Aiken, who has a farm near the city, has a Mocking Bird
that spends the year near the house.

Birds observed during the winter are: Blue Jay, Downy,
Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpecker, Brown Creeper, Junco, and
Tree Sparrow. The birds that have arrived from the south in
the order of their coming are the Robin, Meadow Lark, Bluebird,
and the Red-headed Woodpecker, Bewick Wren. A flock of
Cedar Waxwings, twenty-five in number remained for a few
days feeding on the berries of the High Bush Cranberry.

The interest in birds and food shelter and protection for
them rapidly grows a more prominent movement in Decatur ev-
ery season. All of the schools either study birds, make houses,
posters, books, poems, or erect houses on the school grounds.
Great numbers of Martin houses are erected every year. On our
new lake wild Ducks have rested for a week at a time, and we
have Sea Gulls and Sandpipers. Quantities of food was emptied
in the lake for our interesting tourists. Our bridges were lined
with cars and people who came out in delight to view these flocks
who so quickly accepted as their own this fourteen mile of water
that the vision and finances of Decatur, and the feat of engineer-
ing made possible.

Our enemy the cat still prowls fearlessly round the city. Do
let us help the State Society to restrict this enemy of our
feathered creatures. The sparrows we are rapidly trying to
exterminate, as there must be at least two dozen sparrow traps
working in the various sections of the city. The Decatur Bird

28 TE ASU DU BsOUN sb Us, beh Aen

and Tree Club had a splendid exhibit which lasted a week, with
lectures and slides and much educational propaganda. The Dur-
fee school came off with the first prize for a school exhibit. It
was quite a comprehensive exhibit, including fountain, feeding
shelves, one with a protection that swings with the wind, a re-
ceptacle for nesting material, one for suet, a seed box, books,
poetry, original, posters, Martin, Bluebird, Wren and other
houses. Miss Lucia Mysch, teacher, and Mr. Piggot, principal
of the school, deserve great credit for their effort in this
direction.

Thomas Hart, one of our most active club members, re-
ports that he kept a close watch for nesting birds last year, to
find the earliest nest, and in 1922 it was a Robins’ nest, April
12, a Cardinal, April 14. This year he has been observing, and
so far reports no nest.

Evanston

I took a “Christmas Bird Census” on December 26th but the
number of species seen was very discouraging. Herring Gulls
were quite numerous; a dozen were seen during the course of
the day. A flock of about a hundred Lesser Scaup Ducks was
observed feeding off shore in the morning. At Skokie in the
afternoon Crows were plentiful. A Hairy and a Downy Wood-
pecker were obliging enough to perch on the same limb offering
an excellent opportunity for comparing their size.

On March 3rd in the Skokie Marsh we heard what I believe
to have been a Brown Creeper. A flock of Chickadees were
making the dreary day cheerful with their friendly notes.

February 25th was a red-letter day for my mother and my-
self. We were strolling past a neighbor’s yard about a block
form home when we heard a Cardinal’s loud clear whistle and
a splendid brilliant male flashed out of the tree whence the song
had issued. Our friend told us that the bird had been in her
vicinity all winter. The day after this he disappeared and we
saw nothing more of him until March 21st when I am quite
certain that I heard his call.

Another friend reports that a pair of very small Owls, one
gray and the other rufous, visited her yard during the first
week of January. From her description I feel sure that they
were Screech Owls.

Still another friend says that one day last summer her cook
came to her in great excitement complaining that an Owl had
chased her. The lady, incredulous, went out into the yard to
investigate. The Owl, she said, attacked her, actually alighting
on her head and when she ran breathless into the house the
wounds which the bird’s claws had made in her head were
bleeding profusely.

On March 11th, we took our field glasses in hand and went
to a wooded spot on the outskirts of the town. The air fairly

Ct Aw DUS ON BULLE TAaN 29

rang with the songs of Meadowlarks, the low twitterings of
Bluebirds, and the calls of Robins. Only one incident marred
the morning but by its very ridiculousness it added a bit of fun
to our sojourn. As I stood motionless, intently regarding a
Meadowlark perched on a fence post some distance away I felt
something rubbing against my legs. I glanced down and to my
chagrin beheld two cats at my feet. These members of the
feline family proved very friendly and very adhesive; in fact
they stuck to me all morning. So you can picture me eagerly
scrutinizing every bush and tree with two hungry and playful
cats trailing along in my wake.
MARY E. OSBORN.

Photo by Alvin R. Cahn

BROWN PELICAN AT HER NEST

An Aside

Have you your copy of the Check List of the Birds of Illinois
with the colored zonal map? Perhaps some of your friends will
wish copies. Write the Illinois Audubon Society, 1649 10 South
La Salle Street, Chicago. The Check List sells for fifty cents a
copy.

30 Thea Usp Ul BO Nb UE rian

Lake Forest

Reverend George Roberts reports under date of April 2, from
Lake Forest:

My work with the birds has amounted to nearly nothing
this winter and spring since there were not many here. The
following dates may be of value merely to check up with others:

Robins, first seen March 3rd, (none here this winter) ; Blue-
birds, the same date; Grackles reported March 10th (?), seen
by me the 13th; Mourning Dove, the 28th; Juncos returned also
on the 28th; Purple Finches here from March 16th to at least
the 25th.

Myrtle Warblers common around the house through October
18th; Golden-crowned Kinglets first seen October 17th; Chick-
adees first seen November 7th and a few were here all winter,
and almost the only bird I had around my place; saw one White-
throat on November 8th; Purple Finches in a small flock the
first two weeks in November.

I missed the Bohemian Waxwings by being out of town.
Have killed 71 English Sparrows since the middle of September
but still have a few around.

Moline

Mr. A. E. Hammerstrom has been using the Illinois Audu-
bon Society’s slides to good advantage in Moline and vicinity.
He gave illustrated talks before the boys’ department of the
Y. M. C. A., at the opening of a bird house building contest.
One evening he spoke before a newsboys’ club. <A whole aft-
ernoon was spent talking to one thousand school schildren who
came in relays to the hall in which the pictures were shown.
That evening he talked to one hundred boy scouts in East
Moline who were preparing to take their examination in bird
study.

A week later Mr. Hammerstrom lectured at Hampton in
the community hall, his very appreciative audience being
made up of representatives of the farming community and of
seventy members of the Black Hawk Hiking Club of Moline
who had walked into Hampton to eat a chicken supper at the
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and attend the lecture.

Morris

A Junior Audubon Society has been organized at Morris,
Illinois, composed of a live group of sixth grade girls. They
have been going on hikes to identify as many birds as possible
and are very enthusiastic about their work. They have a
lesson study around the camp-fire. Their first subject was
the Robin, and they are taking up the other members of the
Thrush family.

TWEE AUDUEON BULLETIN 31

Up to the present time they have identified the following
birds this year: Robin, Bluebird, Gray-cheeked Thrush,
Hermit Thrush, Olive-backed Thrush, Veerie, Wood Thrush,
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Black-
capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nut-
hatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, House Wren, Bewick
Wren, Brown Thrasher, Catbird, American Redstart, Water
Thrush, Oven Bird, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-
poll Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Myrtle Warbler, Black-
Throated Blue Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Tennessee Warbler,
Worm-eating Warbler, Black and White Warbler, Blue-
headed Vireo, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Loggerhead Shrike,
Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, American Goldfinch, Bohemian
Waxwing, Baltimore Oriole, Slate-colored Junco, Purple
Grackle, Lincoln Sparrow, Rusty Blackbird, Song Sparrow,
Chipping Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow,
Vesper Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Meadow Lark, Blue
Jay, Phoebe.

Daisy Pool Woefel

Normal

We have not had as many birds as usual in this region during
the winter.

Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers and Flickers fed on the suet
in the yard as usual, also Brown Creepers. We have had more
Cardinals than ever. They seem to increase in numbers from
year to year. Titmice have been singing since the middle of
January.

Robins were reported three times in January but none in
February. Several returned the first week in March. The first
Bluebirds were seen the last week in February. One Brown
Thrasher was reported in January.

We have had a number of Fox Sparrows since the seventeen-
th of March. We have had a large flock of Cedar Waxwings on
the campus since March 23d. They are feeding upon the dried
berries of the high bush cranberry shrubs and other seeds. There
were twenty-five in the flock yesterday. They roost in a clump
of hemlock, spruces and arborvitae. Golden-crowned Kinglets
are here now but have not been as numerous during the winter
as usual.

The first Grackles were seen March 10th, Redwings, March
24th.

I am wondering whether the number of Chickadees and
White-breasted Nuthatches is on the decrezse everywhere. We
used to have many of them around every winter. I have not
seen any this winter and very few for the last three years.

ALICE JEAN PATTERSON.

32 Ph AW DU BORN, BU Eh bien

Olney

The winter which has just closed was not very remarkable,
except for the unusual mildness of the month of January, which
was far more springlike than March, the latter being the most
stormy and unspringlike of any since we have lived here. Like
every other, however, the winter has been more or less peculiar
in respect to the birds which have or have not been with us.
The Killdeer, usually here all winter, was entirely absent until
the second of March. There were few White-crowned and White-
throated Sparrows and Juncos; no Fox Sparrows, nor Chewinks.
On the other hand there were more Grackles, Robins and Doves
than usually winter with us. Other birds were present in about
their normal numbers.

At this writing, March 22, Doves are nesting; they and the
Flickers had paired by the seventh of the month. The Doves
commenced cooing February 18; a male Cardinal was seen feed-
ing a female, a sure sign that they had paired, on March 11.
Bluebirds were inspecting the nesting boxes about March 15.
The Brown Thrasher came about on schedule time, March 16.

While feeding, different species of birds present many pe-
culiarities of behavior toward one another. When feeding to-
gether in numbers, only the English Sparrow and the Quail do
so in perfect peace. All other kinds quarrel more or less, es-
pecially the “peaceful”? Dove, one of which will not, during the
mating season, allow another of the same sex to feed near by,
persistently chasing it away, and if resisted, the two fighting
savagely. But, when they are through feeding I have seen them
all sitting on the ground together in perfect harmony. In the
case of the Chickadee (Carolina) and Tufted Titmouse, I have

Photo by J. Evelyn Ridgway

BROWN THRASHER’S NESTING PLACE—BRUSH PILE COVERED WITH
MORNING GLORIES

Ene AUDUBON B8VUL LE TIN 33

noticed, frequently, that when an odd number are present at
the feeding place, the familiar saying “two are company, three
a crowd” is well illustrated; the odd one is invariably persecuted
by the other two to such an extent that in order to obtain any
food it must do so after the others have gone, or else get it from
a separate and far removed feeding box.

Excellent nesting and roosting places for Juncos, Cardinals
and our Mocking Bird are the dense clumps of bamboos, the
brush piles, and tangles of climbing roses.

We have a very interesting pair of Tufted Titmice; they are
a devoted couple, being always together. They really dance,
hopping back and forth on the walk in front of the south porch,
facing each other, about two feet apart, and singing all the
time. One of the pair also imitates the notes of other birds, es-
pecially the chirp of the English Sparrow, and the ordinary call-
note of the Chickadees. This it does so perfectly that both Mr.
Ridgway and I were at first completely deceived.

While writing of the Tufted Titmouse I must tell of an in-
cident which occurred several years ago. I have an old Span-
ish mission chair, the seat and back being covered with a Puma
skin, given to me by a Costa Rican friend. It was on the porch
for several days. I noticed a pair of Tufted Titmice flying back
and forth past the windows. Curious to know why they were
acting thus I went out to investigate, and to my astonishment
found that they were getting their bills full of the Puma hair,
for nest building material. As they were making bare spots on
the skin, I moved the chair inside the hall. The door was left
open, however, and in a few minutes the birds were as busy as
ever, having come into the house and found the chair!

A favorite building material with many birds is the Florida
moss, which we festoon from the trees, when we have it; also
pieces of old muslin, torn in strips about six inches long and
half to one inch wide, and strips of soft paper. The muslin and
paper is put on bushes and it is an amusing sight to see the
birds flying with these strips streaming from their bills. A
friend told me she put out hair combings; in that there is great
danger, as I once found a bird whose feet were so entangled
with the hair that it was perfectly helpless.

As to preference in the matter of food, all birds prefer black
walnuts to any other kind of nuts. I have seen Cardinals, all
the species of Woodpeckers, Juncos, Chickadees, Tufted Titmice,
Bewick’s Wren, and Brown Thrashers picking the nut meats
from the cracked nuts put in the pans placed for the pair of Fox
Squirrels who are also exceedingly fond of them, as they are
also of sun flower seed. These squirrels each have a “den” in
the old elm near the dining room and come down at least twice
a day to eat. If there are no nuts they will eat slices of apple
that are intended for the Robins. The birds feed with the
squirrels, not seeming to mind them, although they keep at a
respectful distance, often, however, as near as only two feet

34 cH EAU DU BON BULL be tN

apart. I saw the two squirrels playing among our covey of
Quail, who were feeding under the Cornel bushes near the house.
The Quail did not seem to be at all disturbed by them.

The main feeding places are near the dining room windows,
from which we have a good view of all the birds, as well as the
squirrels when they are feeding. The windows are of the “‘three
in one” kind, giving a window space of more than six feet.

It is a beautiful sight to see, as we have, at one time, twenty-
two Doves and fifteen Quail feeding together under and near a
large Cornel bush, and twenty or more Cardinals together with
many of the smaller birds; and the two fat sleek Fox Squirrels
eating walnuts, each from his own pan; the Woodpeckers (some-
times all five kinds) extracting bits of suet from the holes bored
in the post supporting one of the nut boxes, or pressed into crev-
ices in the bark of the big elm; and Robins eating dried cur-
rants, sliced apple and crumbs of suet. I was surprised to ob-
serve that different Robins prefer different foods; some are
partial to dried currants, others to suet while others prefer
sliced raw apple, and one is very partial to finely ground pea-
nuts, a favorite food of the Flickers also. Little Bewick’s Wren,
also, is fond of suet and nut crumbs. He has been with us all
winter, but by the middle of April, when the House Wren ar-
rives, will have to change his abode. What a pity for there is
simply no comparison betwen the two birds in point of de-
sirability. Bewick’s song is far sweeter, he is equally tame,
and strictly minds his own affairs; while the House Wren is not
only “fussy,” but a destrover of the eggs of other birds. I have
watched the home life of the House Wren for a number of
years. It is a complicated affair, concerning which I may write
some other time.

Birds have so many enemies; Hawks, Cats, Screech Owls,
snakes (in summer), gray squirrels and flying squirrels, to-
gether with Blue Jays and Grackles, which like the snakes, sys-
tematically despoil the nests of both eggs and young. Conse-
quently, we have to exercise “eternal vigilance” in order to give
our birds needed protection.

Meadowlarks, Bewick’s Wren, Cardinals and Mocking Birds
sing here all winter, or rather at any time during winter. There
are two Mocking Birds now. The one with us all winter is much
lighter in color than the one who has recently come. The lighter
one lost his tail feathers during the winter ( as did two Cardinals
and a Junco) and for a time only the long white feathers came
in. The newcomer is very, very dark; he keeps from the box
at the base of the elm tree, while the lighter one comes from the
west side of the house and eats bits of suet. The newcomer has
to watch his chance in eating, for if seen by the other he in-
variably chases him off. Mr. Ridgway says the dark one has the
appearance of a hybrid between a Mockingbird and a Cathbird,
the underparts being quite as dark a gray as the back, while
very little white shows in the wings when it flies.

SHEVA UDU BON: BULLE TiN 35

Photo by J. Evelyn Ridgway
ANOTHER THRASHER’S NESTING PLACE—SHRUBS CANOPIED BY VINE OF THE
WILD PASSION FLOWER

As my bird family has grown, it is necessary to supply more
food, which unfortunately attracts the undesirables such as rab-
bits, white-footed and field mice at night, and Blue Jays, Black-
birds and hordes of English Sparrows by day.

Largely on account of these undesirables, especially the
ever-hungry English Sparrow, the quantity of food consumed is
enormous. Mr. Ridgway buys chick and scratch feed by the
hundred pound bag and little raw Spanish peanut meats, twenty-
five pounds at a time. Suet and sun flower seed in proportion.
My grocer gave me a carton holding thirty-six boxes of dried
currants, which had become slightly wormy, but enough to pre-
vent the sale of them. Robins like them very much. When the
ground was frozen, it was impossible for them to get their
natural food and the currants proved an apparently satisfactory
substitute.

Last fall, after the leaves had fallen from most of the trees
and shrubs, Mr. Ridgway made a count of the nests of the sea-
son on the north portion of our grounds only, that is, from the
open field south of the house to the northern end of the prem-
ises; an area of about three acres. The count did not—in fact
could not include many nests hidden in the dense foliage of num-
erous large coniferous evergreens and in the tangle of climb-
ing roses covering the enclosing fence. Several additional nests
were found later, when certain shrubs that held their foliage
until late in the season became bare, and a few but by no means
all of them have been added to the original list. The total num-
ber of nests which were occupied during the season of 1922,

36 Pn E- AUD U BeOeN), BU ft Lhe en

according to the count, is one hundred and seventeen, the species,
and the number of nests of each, being as follows: Robin 26,
Dove 20, Brown Thrasher 18, Catbird 18, House Wren 12, Chip-
ping Sparrow 6, Cardinal 6, Flicker 3, Red-bellied Woodpecker
1, Bob-White 1, Indigo Bird 1, Great-crested Flycatcher 1, Or-
chard Oriole 1, Wood Pewee 1, Red-headed Woodpecker 1, Blue-
lo1Geaale,

Besides the species named above, Mr. Ridgway says he is
positive the following nested on our grounds, although we had
not been able to discover their nests; Killdeer (in the open field, )
Wood Pewee, Blue Jay, Meadowlark, Field Sparrow, Yellow
Warbler, Maryland Yellow-throat. He had good reason for be-
lieving the following also nested on the premises; Green Heron
(seen daily flying between our little piece of woods and a pond
nearby), Screech Owl, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Downy Wood-
pecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Humming Bird, Goldfinch, Cedar-
bird, Red-eyed Vireo, Tufted Titmouse, and Carolina Chickadee.
All the above have nested here in previous years, also the Balti-
more Oriole, Bewick’s Wren, Chimney Swift (in a chimney of
our house), Alder Flycatcher (one season only), Cowbird, Tow-
hee, and Bronzed Grackle (each spring Mr. Ridgway declares
war on this species, to prevent its nesting here, but a pair or two
manages to outwit him).

The first summer we lived here, the only birds to be seen or
heard on the eight acres were Crow, Blackbirds (Bronzed Grack-
les), Blue Jays, and English Sparrows, and a vigorous warfare
against them was necessary before other birds could get a foot-
hold.

Our seven years’ experience on “‘Larchmound” has impressed
us with the great importance of water as a means of attracting
birds. Food they can easily find in abundance during the warm-
er months; but often water, unless provided for them, they can
only find by flying a considerable distance; and water to drink
and bathe in is not merely a luxury to them but an absolute
necessity.

“If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting Robin

Into his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”

Mrs. JULIA EVELYN RIDGWAY

Odin -

On New Year’s Day I took a little stroll in the country to see
what birds were present. I only saw Robin 1, Crows 3, Sparrow
Hawk 1, European Sparrow numerous, Crested Chickadees 3,
Flicker 1, Blue Jays 2, Cardinal 1, Juncos 10,— a very poor

Leh ALUDUBON BULLETIN 37

representation of what ought to have been seen. I have taken
several trips since but bird life was not very plentiful. Robins
were observed every few days and I frequently saw a Mocking-
bird which I think got most of its eats off of persimmons and
hack-berries as I saw it eating these on several occasions up to
February 17 when it was seen in my garden here in town. I saw
it catching some insect life in a bed of onions which I had
mulched with straw. Wondering what it was I made a close ex-
amination and found by moving the straw there were quite a
few grasshoppers about one half inch long. I think the Mocking-
bird caught them all for when I removed the straw the last of
March I did not see any more hoppers.

Saw my first Bluebird January 28, also a Marsh Hawk and a
Cooper’s Hawk. February 2, Killdeer 1; March 1, Ducks flying
over unidentified. January 19, saw first Meadowlarks, sixteen in
all were seen continually the remainder of the winter. March 2,
Bronzed Grackles, 8. March 4, Bewicks Wren put in its appear-
ance. Usually they may be seen all winter but this was the first
one that came my way. March 16, Brown Thrasher 1, Phoebe
1, Purple Finch 2, Towhee 2, Turkey Vulture 1. March 24, King-
fisher 1, Robin building in plum tree in my back yard. March 25,
Mourning Dove 2, Brown Creeper 1, Barred Owl nest, 3 eggs,
in post oak snag 36 feet up in about the only piece of timber
which contains any such snags in this locality as the hunters
have cut nearly all such down with a view of catching raccoons
and opossums, and have as a consequence destroyed the breeding
places for such mammals and the Owls. I also examined a
Screech Owl nest in a shade tree here in town opposite my home.
It contained 5 eggs. The opening of the cavity is towards my
house and I very often see Mrs. Ow! looking out during the day
time but every evening just about dusk she will sit and look out
for quite a while before leaving. She usually returns very early
in the morning while it is yet rather dark. I can slip my hand
under her just like a domestic hen. She only blinks her eyes
and sits perfectly quiet. Saw several Crow’s nests. Did not ex-
amine them as they were in trees rather hard to climb. Saw a
flock of Red-winged Blackbirds probably sixty in all. April 1,
Robin nest completed and contains one egg. Saw one Red-breast-
ed Sapsucker this morning.

C. B. Vandercook.

Port Bryon

Following is my report of the winter birds and the spring
migration up to April 2. Birds seen and heard during Decem-
ber 1922, January and February 1923, which were not perma-
nent residents or regular winter visitants were as follows:

On December 25, while observing the birds on the Mississippi
River with a telescope, I saw a Gull which was entirely black,
except the underparts, which were partly white, and which I

28 rH AU) UB ON BU Bere a

think was probably a
Great Black-backed Gull.
Three Mourning Doves
weer seen on December
4; two December 14; one
December 23; and five on
February 11. A farmer
told me that four Doves
came to his hog yard
every day during the
winter of 1921-22. Marsh
Hawks were seen on De-
cember 1, 5, 20, and Jan-
uary 9. A Bald Eagle
a 3 was reported to be stay-

oto by C. G. Groneman . ete 0 >
DOUBLE-NEST OF ORIOLE. THE SECOND NEST Ing on the Mississippi

WAS ADDED THE FOLLOWING SEASON River below Rapids City
during Christmas week, but I did not get to see it when I took
my bird census. About the middle of January one of the daily
papers printed an article from Geneseo, which stated that two
Bald Eagles were killed in Henry County that week. One of the
' Eagles was carrying away a pig when it was shot. by a farmer.
Residents of Rapid City told me three Bald Eagles stayed on or
near the river at that place during the winter of 1921-22.

On January 13, a Flicker was seen with the birds that came
to my feeding shelf, and on January 20, another one was heard.
Goldfinches were seen or heard on December 3, 5, 13, 25, and
January 16, and on December 25 a Smiths Longspur was heard
calling several times while flying over. On December 24 and 25,
a Short-eared Owl was flushed from some long dead grass in a
dry pond not very far from our house.

Two Bluebirds were seen on December 10 and some Robins
were reported to be staying on a farm three miles northeast
from here on the same date. Towards the end of February the
weather moderated, and the first migrants arrived. A Sparrow
Hawk was heard February 25, and a few Pintails came Feb-
ruary 27. Following is my record of the weather, and the ar-
rival and movements of the migrating birds during March and
up to April 2. Marchi. Clear, 35 to 58; Goldfinches were heard
in the garden. 2. Cloudy, 43 to 66; A Killdeer, some Meadow-
larks and Blue birds were seen and heard. 38. Cloudy, rain and
thunder in the evening, 33 to 42; Meadowlarks and Bluebirds
were here again. 4. Partly cloudy, 32 to 37; A Flock of Red-
winged Blackbirds was seen flying over, and six Robins were
seen in the garden. 5. Cloudy, 17 to 37; A Bluebird stayed here
all day. 6. Partly cloudy, 30 to 47; Meadowlarks were heard
singing. 7. Clear, 19 to 32; a Great Horned Owl was hooting
in the evening. 8. Partly cloudy, 25 to 43; a Robin was here
in the morning. 9. Cloudy, rain and thunder; 40 to 40. 10.
Clear, 26 to 42; Meadowlarks became common, and in the eve-

Lae AU URON BULLETIN 39

ning a Western Meadowlark was heard singing. 11. Cloudy,
28 to 42; Birds first seen and heard were the Flicker, Rusty
Blackbird, Bronzed Grackle, and Song Sparrow. A large flock
of Pintails was seen flying over in the P. M. In the evening
there was thunder and rain, turning into a snowstorm accom-
panied by a high east wind.

12. Cloudy, dep wet snow on the ground, 32 to 48; a Mourn-
ing Dove came into the barnyard in search of food, and staved
all day. A few Blackbirds, Robins, and Bluebirds were flying
about, and six Meadowlarks were seen sitting on a walnut tree
in the P. M. 138. Cloudy, light snow, 25 to 38; Meadowlarks,
Robins, and Bluebirds were all gone. 14. Cloudy, light snow
in P. M. Snowstorm in evening, 8 to 37. 15. -Cloudy, snow
turned to rain in the morning and rained all day; some snow
drifts, 31 to 38; a Fox Sparrow came and ate with the Juncos
and Tree Sparrows where I had scattered some corn meal for
them. Two Prairie Horned Larks came into the barnyard in
search of food. 16. Clear, 8 to 23; a Robin was in the garden
in the morning, and a Meadowlark came into the barnyard in
search of food. 17. Clear, 21 to 44: a covey of eight Bob-
white was seen along the public highway. 18. Snowstorm all
day accompanied by a high north wind, 23 to 4; a covey of
Bob-white were scattered about the place in the morning and
were calling. A Prairie Horned Lark went in the Sparrow trap
which I had baited with oats; it was in the front chamber, so
I just lifted the trap and let it fly away. The birds were very
hungry on this day, and we put our four large plates full of
cracked butternuts on the feeding shelf to satisfy them. 19.
Clear, 11 below zero in the morning, 15 above in P. M. 7 above
in the evening; a Robin was here in the morning and a Bluebird
iota, 20. Partly cloudy,-21 to 52: a Cardinal was in the
garden—the first one this winter. 21. Cloudy, 34 to 53; two
Gulls flew over and some Goldfinches were heard. Late in the
evening a Bob-white was heard calling. 22. Cloudy and rainy,
40 to 31. 23. Clear, 15 to 36; enough snow melted to leave
large patches of bare ground, and a good many Bluebirds were
flying about. 24. Clear, 20 to 40; many large flocks of Pin-
tails were flying about in every direction in the evening.

25. Partly cloudy, 38 to 40; a flock of about 30 Canada
Geese flew over in the A. M. and a male Marsh Hawk arrived
in P. M. A good many Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, Robins, and
Bluebirds were flying about, and a Western Meadowlark
was heard singing. A neighbor saw a covey of twelve Bob-
white in the morning, and also reported finding two dozen frozen
Meadowlarks in his straw stack. An article in one of the daily
papers stated that some frozen Bob-white were found along
the hedge fences near Albany. 25. Clear, 12 to 35; Marsh
Hawk seen again. 27. Partly cloudy, 30 to 35; many Hawks
were migrating most of them were Rough-legs, and a few Red-
mils 20... Partly cloudy, 17.to 39... 29.-..Partly: cloudy,.27 te

40 Ee i) BON BU i Beran

52; a flock of about fifty Robins was in the garden in the morn-
ing and another flock came in the evening. 30. Partly cloudy,
snow squalls, 22 to 24; a flock of Gold-finches was here in the
morning and a good many Blackbirds were flying around. A
Sparrow Hawk was seen sitting on a fence post near the house.

31. Clear, 8 to 31; early in the morning while going past
our cemetery, my brother saw two birds about the size of Eng-
lish Sparrows sitting on the ground under a cedar tree and eat-
ing something, and which undoubtedly were American Cross-
bills. He said one was red, and the other one was olive green,
and that they paid no attention to him whatever, although he
was only six feet away from them. The next day I went to the
cemetery to find out what they had been eating, and found many
small cones lying on the ground under the cedar tree.

April 1. Partly cloudy, 28 to 45; took a bird walk, but did
not find any new arrivals. Some more farmers reported finding
dead Meadowlarks.

J. J. SCHARER

Robinson

Mr. Harvey L. Long of the Robinson Township High School
reports the practical work being done in that school. He
writes:

“The writer is an instructor in general science, having about
80 high school freshmen as students. In the study of foods
- an opportunity was offered for reports, (as reports are a part
of the class work), on birds that help'in food production. An
outline was prepared for the student’s guidance which you
will find accompanying this sheet. Other reports such as
“The Feeding of Winter Birds,’ ‘How to Attract. Birds’ were
assigned so that about 20 people out of the 80 have made some
special study of bird life.

‘Interest has been stimulated to the point cohesse a bird club
is to be organized the coming week. We have planned to
have some of the best reports that were prepared for the gen-
eral science class read before meetings of the club, and other
reports and articles published in the local papers. Projects
in general science for the bird club will be worked out by ar-
ranging or grouping different classes of birds and mounting
the N. Y. pictures of them. The student may receive credit
for this work in general science.

“Hach member of the general science classes has been given
one of the new Arbor and Bird Day Bulletins which have such
excellent articles on birds in general.

“Not being familiar with this region I cannot be sure
whether the individuals which follow are, permanent, or sum-
mer residents:

“The Song Sparrow was seen on March 24, the Hairy Wood-
pecker March 27, Robins were reported here all winter. Sev.

THE AUS Usena EULLE TiN Al

eral appeared around town about the middle of January dur-
ing our mild weather. The Meadow Larks are everywhere
abundant and have been common since the latter days of Feb-
ruary. Students reported the arrival of Martins on March
29th.

“It is certainly gratifying to see so many Bob Whites. I
had the rare privilege about the middle of February to be on
a train stopped near here in the country when a covey of 28
birds walked up alongside the train about 10 feet away. [
have not seen such a beautiful sight for some time. On
almost every trip we take to the field we disturb a covey of
8 to 10 birds. Others of our winter and permanent residents
that are very common and abundant are the Cardinals, Tufted
Titmouse, and the Blue Jay. An Eagle was seen on one trip
but it was impossible to identify it because of distance.”’

Rockford

Miss Edith Van Duzer sends the following records dated .
March 11.

January 3—Barred Owl; 5—Waxwings; 5—Tree Sparrow;
10—Bohemian Waxwings, a large flock probably containing 500
individuals passed through the parks; 16—4 Red-bellied Wood-
peckers, apparently permanent; and February 24—Sharp-
shinned Hawk.

The season to most bird observers has, I think, been some-
what unsatisfactory since no regular winter birds have been re-
ported—such as Horned Lark, Snowflakes, etc.

Many Owls have been seen, however. Two Long-eared Owls
have been about here all winter, two Snowy Owls have been re-
ported as well as the ever present Screech Owl and the Barred
Owl already mentioned.

Three Marsh Hawks were reported on January 1st and were
seen again later, a Sparrow Hawk has ben reported by several
people, and I have seen the Broad-winged within a day or two.

A flock of Bob-white has been seen and a number of birds
seldom or never listed this time of year. A little Field Sparrow
has passed the winter here with a flock of about seven Juncos.
They have been observed for many weeks and always together.
Some Robins and at least one Flicker and Grackle have stayed
also.

A few Cardinals and Titmice have been here but not as many
as we have been having for several years. The Red-bellied Wood-
pecker has not come to our feeding stations tho’ he is about. Two
years ago he came to my suet every day for months.

The information I can give you will not, I fear, prove es-
pecially interesting. The last week all migrating spring birds
have been arriving on scheduled time.

An hour’s walk this morning showed Downy and Hairy
Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Bluejays, Blue Birds, Grackles, Rob-

42 EE AU DU BO Neo BU hahaa

ins, Killdeer, Scaup Duck, Broad-winged Hawk, Song Sparrow,
and Red-winged Blackbirds. Meadow Larks were also reported
today.

Urbana

Professor Frank Smith sends the following notes:

In The Audubon Bulletin Spring 1922, the writer announced
the results of a warfare on the English Sparrow during 1921.
More than 500 were captured in an ordinary city dooryard.
There has been no truce, and the efforts to eliminate the pests
have not been diminished, though during 1922 the total number
captured was but 285. The number in the vicinity was greatly
reduced in the latter part of the season and only 13 specimens
were taken during November and the first half of December, .
although the traps were in constant readiness. The date of the
last capture was November 17, and very few of them have been
seen in the immediate vicinity since that date.

No Starlings have appeared since those reported last year,
and, as far as I am aware, a lone Bronzed Grackle is the only
representative of the Blackkbird tribe that has passed the winter
in the vicinity.

Mockingbirds seem now to be thoroughly established here,
as permanent residents, and are seen all through the winter in
several different places in Urbana and Champaign. Asparagus
berries are eaten extensively by the individuals coming to the
writer’s dooryard during the winter.

Waukegan

April 18th, Mr. W. I. Lyon wrote: I have had a wonder-
ful time with the Cedar Waxwings, they came in flocks as you
will notice by the trap picture and in two weeks we banded
about two hundred of them. It was very noticeable how quiet
they were while being banded and held in the hand and flew
only a short distance on being released and many of them re-
peated a number of times showing little fear of people. The
main bait to attract them we found to be cut apples.

So far this year we have placed over five hundred bands
and our big harvest is just starting when the White-throated
Sparrows arrive.

How to Start Bird Banding

Begin the easiest way.

Trap only at convenient times.

Use a flat box trap with a stick under one side and a string
to your window. Keep the ground underneath the trap al-
ways baited so that when you are not around it becomes a
permanent feeding station.

The trap should be about three feet square and four inches
deep, made entirely of wire netting or make the sides of light

PES aU Dw B Os. BU EB TEN 43

wood, cover the top
with netting not larg-
er than three-quarter
inch mesh. If possible
make these sides of
wood and the front of
netting, this will give
a better view into the
trap to see when the
birds are underneath.
Make a door about
three by four inches.
The stick should not
be more than six in-

Photo by e. a oe Lot =, . ches high. Place a chip
CEDA A GS TEMPORARILY DETAINED on the top of the stick

between the trap as it will make the trap trip more easily. A
small box or carrying cage is necessary. Drive the birds from
the trap, through the door into the smaller box cage where they
are easily handled.

Lyon’s Improved Sparrow Type Trap gives more space for
the birds to fly in the top of trap and the lower, flatter funnels
give a better perching place where the bird can see the en-
trance to the second compartment, the funnel of second com-
partment has a flat top which makes a good resting place up
off the ground and keeps the birds much quieter.

It is an all wire trap made with a fine mesh on the sides
to protect the birds from injury by cats, owls, etc.

It is advisable to put a piece of tin or roofing over the rear
funnel covering about one half of the rear compartment to
protect birds from sun, rain and pests.

The top and funnels are made of three-quarter inch net-
ting which is less visible to birds when entering traps.

These traps were the most successful in catching 2000
birds in 1922.

We are applying for patent on these traps but at present
will give permit to any one holding Bird Banding permit to
make these traps for their own use but not to sell.

WM. I. LYON

44 Hen, ASU Dat 20 NS BsU Lae ereN

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN
SPRING 1923

_ Published by
ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY

For the Conservation of Bird-Life

COMMITTEE
ON PUBLICATION
JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman
Highland Park
RUTHVEN DEANE
112 W. Adams St., Chicago
MARY DRUMMOND
Lake Forest
BERTHA T. -PATTEE
Evanston
CATHARINE A. MITCHELL
Riverside
ORPHEUS M. SCHANTZ
10 So. La Salle St., Chicago
FREDERICK H. PATTEE
626 So. Clark St., Chicago

LOCAL SECRETARIES

RELVIDERE
Miss Muriel
Avenue
CARBONDALE
Miss Mary M.
Avenue
CARLYLE
H. C. Norcross
CARTHAGE
Alice L. Kibbe
CHAMPAIGN
W. Elmer Ekblaw, 601 N. Willis Avenue
TUR

Lampert, 410 E. Lincoln

Steagall, 808 “(Illinois

Jessie R. Mann, 336 Augusta Avenue
ELGIN
Miss Lillian Smith, Douglas Avenue
EVANSTON
Miss Louise Whitehead,
Avenue
GOLCONDA
Mrs. Lillian B. Phelps
HARRISBURG
Clarence Bonnell
KEWANEE
Dr. Hattie Melaik, Quinn Block
LAKE FOREST
Rev. George Roberts
MACKINAW
Miss Mae Blair
MAYWOOD
Secretary of the Maywood Bird Club
NORMAL
Miss Mary Jean Patterson, Ill., S. N. U.
ODIN
C. B. Vandercook
OLNEY
Mrs. Robert Ridgway, 1030 So. Morgan
Street
PHILO
Isaac E. Hess
PORT BYRON
J. J. Schafer

1745 Orrington

QUINCY

T. E. Musselmann,

College
RIVER FOREST

Miss Esther A. Craigmile
ROCKFORD

Paul B. Riis, 301 Shaw Street
ROCK ISLAND :

Miss Nellie E. Peetz, 528 18th Street
SALEM

Mrs. Sig Kaufman, 524 N. Broadway
SHELBY VILLE

Mrs. Howard J. Hamlin
SULLIVAN

Mrs. O. L. Tedd, 606 So.

Street -
WATERLOO

Armin Hartman
WAUKEGAN

Mrs. Elam H. Clarke, 740 N. Sheridan

Road

Gem City Business

Washington

Editorial

The tardy appearance of this
number of the Bulletin finds the
tide of migration spent and the
nesting affairs absorbing the time
and imterest of most e #of apne
feathered residents of Illinois. This
is the time when painstaking ob- .
server can do his bit to add to the
sum total of useful knowledge of
his bird neighbors. It is the time
to suppress the cat and to promote
infant mortality among the house
sparrow. It is a good time to under-
take special problems for investi-
gation. In a given area, what per- -
centage of the nestlings of each
species matures to successful flight?
What per cent of the Blue Jays
are law abiding? Is this species

decreasing in the area? What
species of birds in the area are
imposed upon by the cowbird’s

depredations? There is always a
place in the Bulletin for reports
of such inquiries.

The legislature lingers in session
as the Bulletin goes into the mails.
What is to happen to the Wild
Flower Preservation Society’s bill
to protect certain flowers? What
about the Forestry Bill which looks
to a future with waste lands once
more covered with magnificent
forests? What of the State Parks
Bill so patiently promoted by un-
selfish lovers of the native beauty
of our state? Let us question our
friends in the legislature and move
them to friendly action.

Ene Acie een But LE TEN 45

W hat About the Quail, Anyway?

The question of a closed season for quail has been very ac-
tively discussed of late because of proposed legislation to that
effect. Farming sentiment seems to be strongly for a closed
season of indefinite duration. The sportsmen representing the
opposition have received much comfort from statements from
E. W. Nelson, Chief of the U. S. Biological Survey and Mr. T.
Gilbert Pearson, President of the National Association of Audu-
bon Societies. Mr. Nelson concludes that. quail thrive better
under moderate persecution. Mr. Pearson’s ideas are set forth
in the following quotation from the Illinois Sportsman.

Quail asa Song Bird

A concerted effort has been made in several states during
the last year to place bob-white on the song bird list. Every
sportsman not only opposes this, but naturally resents it. The
bob-white is the gamiest of game birds and the sportsmen are
the men who have always protected and cared for him. To
place him on the song bird list is not to protect him, but to
abandon him. Long closed seasons on quail have been shown
to be laws on paper only—non-enforceable laws that never
bring the results hoped for.

We are very much pleased to receive a letter from T. Gil-
bert Pearson, president of the National Association of Audu-
bon Societies, in which he makes it clear that the National
Association of Audubon Societies does not desire to see the
quail put on the song bird list. Mr. Pearson says in part:

““A law placing the quail on the song bird list, or in other
words giving it perpetual closed season, is likely to have a
tendency to defeat the very object for which the bill was
enacted. The class of people who have taken most interest
in this bird in the United States is the organized sportsmen.
In many states these bodies, representing thousands of good,
worth-while citizens, in order to perpetuate their opportuni-
- ties to go afield with gun and dog, have expended much time
and large sums of money in feeding quail during the periods
of heavy snows and have also been responsible for the intro-
duction of tens of thousands of quail for the purpose of re-
stocking depleted coveys. Many of these organizations are
also active in apprehending and reporting those who kill the
quail by illegal methods or at unseasonable times.

“It is my opinion that especially in many of the northern
and central states the quail today would be almost as rare
as the passenger pigeon if it had not been for the efforts of
the game protective organizations of sportsmen who have long
been the chief active force in securing and encouraging the
enforcement of laws for its preservation. If in attempting to
protect quail the bird is removed for all time from the list of

46 Tab AUDUBON - BC Lert aN

birds that may ever be hunted, you virtually take from it the
solicitous protective influences of the one large class of our
citizens who have done most for its protection in the past.
“My experience has been that in most instances the for-
tunes of the quail may with a fair degree of safety be left in
the hands of the game protective associations which have an
intense personal interest in the preservation of the species.’’
The sportsmen should appreciate the stand Mr. Pearson
has taken on this subject.

W hat They Say About Quail

The following quotations show what some of them think.
The quotations are taken at random from issues of the Prairie
Farmer. The editor’s comment appearing there is that of the
Editor of that magazine.

M. EK. Long, Lee Co., Ill.—Will Bro. Wilkerson please ex-
plain why when a man is walking without a gun and scares up
a flock of quail they all fly away together, but if you shoot
into them they scatter and never get together again? The
answer is that they don’t.

Morris Walton, Schuyler Co., Il].—E. W. Nelson has some
queer ideas on quail. He says he can allow a reasonabie
amount of hunting and still have a normal amount of quail left.
It would probably make chicken raising more profitable if we
would let city hunters come out and shoot part of them. The
argument the hunters kill only male quails doesn’t hold water.
One wife is all a quail wants to bother with. If the males are
killed there will be a lot of old maid quail left that will never
reproduce themselves.

Emma B. Durston, Mercer Co., Ill.—Nature took care of
inbreeding in quail before there were hunters and will con-
tinue to do so. That is just the excuse of a hunter who wants to
keep on killing them.

O. W. Madeen, Kane Co., I1].—Leave it to the quail to take
care of themselves and keep out of the way of the hawks if
the hunters will leave them alone. Farmers around here are
going to get after the hunters. They will have to stop shoot-
ing quail or keep off our land.

D. Tait, Edwards Co., Ill.—I doubt if quail eat chinch bugs.
The hunter naturally shoots the last bird to get up and thus
kills off the older and lazy birds. Two-thirds of the quail
killed are males.

Peter Schallom, Monroe Co., Ill.—Permanent protection
will not cause quail to multiply enough to help the farmer.
One hard winter will kill more than all the hunters. The real
sportsman respects the law, but if you have a permanent
closed season quail will get tame and the pot hunter will
get them all.

Tee ee ON: BU Loe TPN AT

Troy Burk, Moultine Co., IJ].—I saw a dozen quail at the
edge of a cornfield last summer eating chinch bugs like a hog
eats corn.

Earl Hawkins, Wayne Co., Ill.—A closed season will not
give the quail eternal life. We have more here now than we
have ever had before, although there has been more hunting. If
we would provide cover for quail and feed them when neces-
sary we would have more of them.

Frank Specht, Clay Co., Ill.—Quail will never be thick
enough here to do away with the chinch bugs, even with a per-
manent closed season. I do not believe in their wholesale
slaughter, but I like to shoot a few now and then in late fall.

J. T. Wells, Jefferson Co., Ill.—I have killed quail at all
seasons of the year and never found a chinch bug in one yet. I
do not believe they eat them.

Oran Wagner, McDonough Co., Il1].—One of my neighbors
killed a quail when mowing stubble last fall. Its crop was so
full of chinch bugs that it could hardly fly. Where is Mr.
Wilkerson?

Roy Slater, Fulton Co., Ill—I hope you succeed in your
efforts to protect the quail. The skunk ought to be protected
too, as he eats mostly insects and mice.

F. O. Kiefer, Stephenson Co., I1l—Twenty years would not
be too long to protect quail.

A. Kleinlein, Brown Co., Ill—My boys saved 80 quail
craws this year and did not find a single chinch bug. If God
Almighty did not want us to kill quail He would not have
fed the Children of Israel on quail in the wilderness. Let us
not take all the sport away from the farm boys. Things are
blue enough as it is.

Protect the Quail

I read a statement :written by A. D. Wilkerson that
the quail is not a chinch bug eater. He had better go way back
and sit down. The chinck bug is practically the only bug
that winters on top of the ground. He winters along the
hedge rows where there is plenty of leaves and grass for
shelter, and that is where the quail gets his daily rations.
I wonder if Wilkerson ever saw a covey of quail busy along
a sheltered fence row. If he did and passed up the chance
to see what they were doing he had better investigate their
means of getting a living the next chance he gets.

Wilkerson says to let the hunters stir them up once in a
while to thin out the weak birds. Did you ever hear of a
hunter that asked a quail if he felt good before he shot? I
believe in protecting the quail not for one year or five years
but for all time to come. At the rate they have been slaugh-
tered in the last five years they will soon be like the prairie

48 Teh Ae UD UU, BO N- B Ue iE ele

chickens—you will see one in a blue moon. Wilkerson’s

theory is that inbreeding will play the mischief with the

quail, but it can’t be half as bad as an automatic shot gun.
Montgomery Co., II. EK. M. HULETT.

I notice in your issue of January 27 a letter on how to
increase the quail supply written by A. D. Wilkerson of Cook
County, Ill. He comes as near hitting the nail on the head
as I have seen. The editor says he’d better get his $100
ready that he offers anyone that will furnish positive proof
that a quail will eat chinch bugs in their wild state. I believe
he could make it $500 and his money be as safe as in a
government bond. I have examined hundreds of quail crops
for chinch bugs and can. say I have never been able to dis-
cover any chinch bugs in a quail’s crop yet.

White Co., Ill. WM. B. SHIPLEY. .

Maybe your chinch bugs are specially trained to escape
quail.—Editor.

That Inbreeding Theory

I was amused at the theory Mr. Wilkerson advanced when
he said, “‘shooting among quails was a necessity” to avoid in-
breeding. We first wonder if our brother Wilkerson really
believes what he preaches. Turtle doves as we all are aware
lay only two eggs. Nature has so arranged affairs that these
two eggs hatch male and female mated for life, and if broken
by death they remain unmated the remainder of their lives.
I have heard it said if by an accident of nature they are of the
same sex the mother will kill the weaker of the two. Pigeons
are similar in natural habits, and propagation. The dove and
the pigeon are as healthy and perfect as they were when Noah
liberated them from the Ark and they have been inbred mil-
lions of times. Brother Wilkerson is in our estimation a pump
gun and bird dog fanatic and did not know what else to say
‘and consequently his article sounds absurd in the ears of all
quail lovers. Hasten the time for a closed season on quail for
all time to come.

White Co., Ill. DONALD B. WEAS.

Well, Bro. Wilkerson, what have you to say to that ?—

HE ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY recommends the
organization of Junior Audubon Societies under
one or the other of the following plans:

First plan: Organize under the auspices of the
National Association of Audubon Societies and take
advantage of the special offer to pupils made possible
by generous patrons of the Society. Each member
paying ten cents will receive a set of six educational
leaflets with colored pictures and outline drawings for
coloring with crayons. Each member will also receive
the Audubon button which represents a badge of mem-
bership in a Junior Audubon class. Each teacher who
organizes a class of twenty or more receives a year’s
free subscription to Bird-Lore, the official organ of the
Association. Address the Secretary, 1749 Broadway,
‘New York City. :

Second plan: Organize under the auspices of the
Illinois Audubon Society. Each pupil is to pay fifteen
cents for a copy of “Fifty Common Birds of Farm and

Orchard” published by the United States Government,
copies to be obtained either from the Secretary of the
Illinois Audubon Society or by sending directly to the
Superintendent of Documents at Washington, D. C.
To each member of a group provided with this beauti-
fully illustrated bulletin the Illinois Audubon Society
will give without charge the Audubon button of mem-
bership in the Illinois Society and will send to the lead-
er of the group for a period of one year all the publica-
tions and special notices of the Society together with
an illustrated certificate showing that the group is a
member of the Illinois Audubon Society. Teachers
wishing to enroll pupils under local plans may obtain
Audubon buttons for two cents.

Address the

Illinois Audubon Society

10 South La Salle Street
CHICAGO

ee"

te i

Ned
“i

MARMARA IRAZRBRARBRERLRAZRLZRZRARE

THE
AUDUBON
BULLETIN

Fall 1923

Published by
THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON
SOCIETY

Pi a ak ke Pa Pe Pa Pe a a a a a a a a a a ae Pe Pe a A

Pe ae ak Pe Pee a Pe a Pe a Pe Pe Pe ee A

‘Illinois Audubon Society |
Service

| £ ike Society has two collections of hand-colored lantern

slides of bird life, each with an accompanying printed
lecture. These are lent free of charge to any school or or- —
ganization in the state but borrower pays express charges
both ways.

The Society has travelling Chee of bird books which if

are lent to schools or organizations for a reasonable length
of time, the borrower paying express charges both ways. ot

The Society publishes wall charts listing 200 typical
Illinois birds and providing suitable spaces for recording —

migration and nesting data. Schools, Boy Scout organiza- |
tions, and individuals as well, find these of great service. es

Price ten cents each.

The Society publishes a Pocket Check List of Birds ae Ve
a colored zonal map. This list records every known species
of birds that visits Illinois or nests within its borders. In-
cluded with this is a very useful key for the identification
of nests. The Check List sells for fifty cents. ee

The Society publishes the Langdon Gat Circolar wile isis y
invaluable in arousing interest in the question of protecting __
birds from marauding cats. Price five cents each. 5

The Society issues an illustrated postal in the Italian lan- oe

guage warning against violation of laws for bird protection, —
Price two cents each.

Address The Illinois Audubon Society |

10 South La Salle Street, Chicago —

President © Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Orpheus M. Schantz Miss Catherine Mitchell
Riverside
Mr. Jesse Lowe Smith |

Vice-President, Highland Park

. "i
Ce.

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY }
Application for Membership
Understanding the aims and principles of the Illinois Audubon Society, and being in

sympathy with them, I wish to become a....... 6.6065. c ceed ete cnt teen eee

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Classes of Membership |

fmaciate membershina 2 6) FN se $1.00. Annually li
Active memberships PRG fa ee a ae $2.00. Annually |
Contributing memberships “OO Peas $5.00. Annually |

SPIN MN ET GUARD, seis nis orsiennievecdtarbelnntveatbaeh aaa $25.00. No annual dues

IE ee te ey re ene $100.00. No annual dues
BeneSertotes: ari) ,oldgoiteetg jasverdw jebwd ob $500.00. Noannualdues |
Patron gp oe DELI ES Filth STU RAG to te. Srogaeo, No.annual dues \
All members receive the publications of the Society. Ik

0 South La Salle Street, Chicago

ee es Sell dilettante ee eee eee ee ee eee ee ee 2 ee ee ee ee ee ee a a ee ee a

Please sign this card “— send it with the fee to the Illinois Audubon Society, |

FORM OF BEQUEST
I po HEREBY GIVE AND BEQUEATH To THE ILLINOIS AUDUBON
SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF
WILD BIRDS (Incorporated), of the State of Illinois.

er ee’ a etary ie tae ek ew eee ee Oe ee Ale ee oe we 8 ew Ss 0, ie ee jee. os 8 8 me © ee lee 6 ee

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To carry out its aggressive program, the Illinois Audubon Society
must increase its membership. Out of a population of nearly six mil-
lions, Illinois should have at least ten thousand people who are enough
interested in bird life to help the Society in its conservation efforts.
Will you not help us expand our usefulness?

I suggest for membership in the Illinois Audubon Society the persons
whose names appear on the other side of this sheet.

Member of the Illinois Audubon Society

May we use your name?

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, 10 S. LA SALLE STREET, CHICAGO

The Aims and Principles of the Illinois Audubon Society Are:

1, To encourage the study of birds, particularly in the school and | to
disseminate literature relating to them.

: | 2. To work for the betterment and enforcement of State and Federal
laws relating to birds.

3. To discourage the wearing of any feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

4. To discourage, in every possible way, the wanton destruction of wild
birds and their eggs.

5. To restore to our wild birds, wherever practicable, the natural en-
vironment of forest and shrubbery which gave them food, protection
and seclusion.

Lief, Gin 466 6bb 686 6HH060606-50400 0 CHS DEEN CSCO EE ES 66.9640 065-6505 504 5'50 05 44460000004500550 ee

|
NEEDS | :

The Illinois Audubon Society depends for its support upon the con- "
tributions of its members and friends. It should have an income from |
a moderate endowment sufficient to meet all fixed expenses. :

The present income is totally inadequate to meet the urgent and :
incessantly growing demands. :

Bi

I

1

ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY, Inc.

10 SOUTH LA SALLE STREET - CHICAGO q

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The Aims and Principles of the

Illinois Audubon Society are:

ist. To encourage the study of birds,
particularly in the schools, and to
disseminate literature relating to
them.

2nd. To work for the betterment and en-
forcement of State and Federal laws
relating to birds.

3rd. To discourage the wearing of any
feathers except those of the ostrich
and domestic fowls.

4th. To discourage, in every possible
way, the wanton destruction of wild

birds and their eggs.

Photo by Orpheus Moyer Schantz

PINES IN THE WAUKEGAN FLatTs
A Favorite FEEDING PLAce For WINTER BirpDs

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

FALL,

PUBLISHED BY THE

PEELENOTS AUDUBON SOCIELY
(For the protection of wild birds)

GONTENT §

Tue Cuicaco REGION .

Birp Protection IN Europe
OverTONES—A Poem.

Nove Pusticiry Mernops

NestTING SITES
CLEVERLY CONSTRUCTED pecs Fs
WHERE THE Meapow BecIns

PROTECTION AND PROHIBITION :
Birps As DestTROYERS OF GALL INSEcTS
EpDIToRIAL . area
PrortrectinG Birps ae Ae
INLAND Birp BanpinG AssociATION MEETING
ExpLANATION OF BirD BANDs

Ducks oF THE ILLINOIS RIVER .

Tue Case or Bos-wHITE

PLAN TO SAVE THE Ducks ra
A. O. U. Meetinc—Srare Parks Recon
DraliNAGE OF Upper Mississippi Botroms

TRAPPING AND BANDING TREE-CLIMBING BirRDs .

LETTERS FROM CORRESPONDENTS
Favorite LAKE For BirDs SAVED .
IremMs FROM Decatur

At THE Forks OF THE Roap
Lecrure Course IN ORNITHOLOGY
Lorp Grey’s Birp BILL

BirDING IN AUTUMN—A Poem .
Tue CHARM OF RAVINES
MassAcHUSETTS BULLETINS .
Itutno1s Prairies IN 1871
Ittino1s Nature Stupy CLvus .
Cueck List ANNOUNCEMENT

T. Gilbert Pearson
Wm. Alexander Percy
William Barber
Walter E. Hastings
Esther A. Craigmile .

Illinois Sportsman
Carl F. Groneman

Dr. B. H. Warren
ee ecm

Frederick C. izes
Paul B. Riis .

Nat. Audubon Socteties .

Paul B. Riis .
William I. Lyon .
William T. Hornaday
0. M. S. :
Orpheus M. Schantz .

Robert Ridgway

ON +

Oo CO ~~

F THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Chicago Region

TUDENTS of geology, botany, and general geography at the
University of Chicago and Northwestern University have excep-
tional opportunities for field work. The natural forces that

carved out the great lakes, that wore down the Des Plaines River,
Chicago River, and Salt Creek valleys and their smaller tributary
streams, and that left the great marshes bordering on the dune land,
the morainic ridges and other evidences of the ice age, built a wonder-
fully diversified and fascinating landscape.

This region, all tributary to Lake Michigan and strongly influenced
by its tempering breezes, 1s called the Chicago Region. It is commonly
supposed to include the Lake Shore from the dunes at Michigan City
to Waukegan, and inland to include the Valparaiso moraine. Within
this area before the coming of the white man and for many years after,
there were conditions of forest, stream, lake, pond, marshland, and open
prairie that made ideal breeding grounds for myriads of birds.

It is probable that nowhere in North America were there to be found
greater variety or larger numbers of both land birds and waterfowl than
on this vast and comparatively level plain.

North of the region were forests, many lakes, large and small, grassy
meadows, and a marvelous system of rivers, tributary to the Mississippi.

South were the great prairies, the present corn belt, and below the
prairies the beginnings of the Ozark Highlands that extend west across
Missouri and Arkansas. To realize the multitudes of bird life that
formerly visited [linois, one should read Robert Ridgway’s description
of the Illinois Prairies as he saw them in 1871. This description is a
part of the introduction to Part 1 of Birds of Illinois, published as a
State Bulletin in 1889, now out of print.

While today many of the natural bird sanctuaries no longer exist,
having been destroyed by settlement, drainage, and other equally de-
structive causes, there are still to be found bits of forest, marsh and
dune areas that are visited by birds in considerable numbers each year. |

A few of these “remainders” are peculiarly attractive to certain birds,
that have very exclusive tastes in food. The frontispiece of the present
number of the Bulletin illustrates a unique example of reforestation in
the so-called Waukegan Flats in Lake County, that has not only proved
the possibility of introducing a number of varieties of pine trees in the
sandy soil of the flats, but has also furnished the coniferous seeds that
are the favorite food of a number of northern birds that move south
during the autumn and winter seeking new feeding stations.

Within the memory of many people in Lake County, the flats con-
tained a stand of good-sized White Pine trees. These pines furnished

THE AUDUBON: BULLETIN s

much of the dimension timber used in building many of the older houses
in Waukegan.

After the destruction of the pines, the Douglas Brothers, nursery
men of Waukegan, used the flats as a place for storage for their surplus
stock of evergreens, until such time as they could deliver the trees.

Not all of the trees were sold, and a goodly number of young pines
became acclimated and grew to maturity, among them being white,
gray or jack, Scotch, Norway and Table Mountain pines.

Now, after sixty years, these mature trees are perpetuating themselves
through their seedling offspring.

The pine groves and the adjoining marshes are favorite resorts of a
numerous bird host throughout the year, both resident and migrant.
Almost every fall and winter flocks of evening grosbeaks, pinefinches,
waxwings, siskins, and crossbills visit the pinery.

On the day that the frontispiece picture was taken, a small flock of
red crossbills was noted, all busily engaged in deftly snipping the pine
cone scales and extracting the pine seeds. Occasionally a seed would
be dropped and it would spiral down on the wind, landing point down
at some distance from the tree, showing very clearly nature’s wonder-
ful method of distributing pine ‘seed.

Many water birds nest in the marshy portions of the flats, and a
great many shore birds stop during spring and fall migrations. Red-
winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, and many sparrows find conditions to
their liking for both nesting and food.

Owing to the isolation of the flats much illegal shooting takes place,
but there is a possibility that in the near future this interesting old in-
let bed will come under the protection of the Forest Preserve act, by a
vote of Lake County.

Then arose a joyous clamour
From the wild-fowl on the mere,
And a voice within cried: ‘“‘Listen!
Christmas carols even here!”’

—Charles Kingsley.

6 THE AUDUBON. BULLE AYN

Bird Protection in Europe

The following letter from Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson telling of the results of his study
of the status of bird protection in Europe gives a very clear understand-
ing of the necessity for a world wide campaign for
bird protection

Dear Mr. Schantz:
Me of the principles for bird study and bird protection

which in this country we regard as rudimentary ones, have

no place in European countries. For example, here no one
may collect birds’ eggs without securing state and federal permits for
that purpose. In Great Britain there is practically no such restriction -
and the egg collecting craze like a scourge is sweeping the British Isles.
Literally hundreds of men and boys in the employ of wealthy egg-
collectors are searching fields and woods in spring for birds’ eggs.

In western Europe the eggs of the Lapwing, Stone Curlew and
-Oystercatcher are collected in vast numbers and sold in the markets
as food. Throughout southern Europe songbirds are widely eaten. The
little Skylark, for example, which was immortalized by Shelley, and
which has had a place in literature almost ever since there has been
iterature, is netted, trapped, caught by bird limes and shot in enormous
numbers. More than 200,000 are known to have been shipped from
Belgium to France for food in the winter of 1913-14. Nearly every
land-owner in Belgium, I am informed, has an ingenious device with
little mirrors which is whirled in the field and used in attracting Sky-
larks within range of the spoilers. In the fall and winter one may see
long strings of these birds hanging in front of the markets in southern
Europe.

We prohibit spring-shooting of wild fowl in the United States, but
there is very little prohibition of this kind in Europe. The President
of a bird protective society in Switzerland seemed surprised when I
made this suggestion, and replied by asking a question. He said,
“Why should we protect migratory birds in Switzerland for the benefit
of people who kill them to the north and south of us?”

There is certainly need here for international bird protection con-
ventions to be held. There are practically no convictions for violation
of the bird and game laws in Hungary or Italy. In 1921 there were only
sixty convictions in all of France for the illegal killing of birds. In New
York State alone there were over 1,000 during the same period.

On the other hand, in England and Scotland there is a widespread
personal interest in birds. The small birds there are very abundant.
It seems to be part of the creed of every cultivated Englishman to have
a personal knowledge of the names and appearances of flowers and

THE AUDUSON BULLETIN 7

birds. At the present time under the leadership of Lord Edward Grey
a songbird protection bill is pending in the British Parliament.

In many parts of Europe, especially England and Scotland, there
are enormous numbers of upland game birds. This is because game is
protected on an entirely different basis than in this country. It is all
privately owned. My friend and host, Mr. Hugh Gladstone, told me
there was not a place in all Scotland where there is “public shooting”’
except along the beaches “‘between tides.”” The game being privately
owned and being more or less profitable to raise, there are naturally
more game birds to the square mile than we find in this country.

Through our International Committee we propose to exchange pub-
lications so that those interested in bird-protection throughout the
world may be kept closer in touch with what is going on in other regions.
The Organization Committee 1s coming on very nicely. The French and
British sections of the Committee have formally organized as National
Committees for their countries.

The organizations in various countries that have been invited to en-
dorse the principles for which we stand, and each to appoint two mem-
bers to the International Committee, constitute not only bird-protective
societies, but all leading scientific organizations and institutions. As
an illustration I give below a list of the names of organizations which
have joined the Committee and each appointed representatives making
up the British Section. Among the members of this Committee such
people as Lord Rothschild, Lord Buxton, Hugh Gladstone, Percy Lowe,
Mrs. Reginald McKenna, William Sclater, Mr. Lemmon, etc. It is
thought that organizing in this way, workers in various countries will
be stimulated to greater efforts. Here are the names of the British
Societies referred to:

National Trust (for places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty);
Zoological Society of London; Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds; The Royal Society; the British Ornithologists’ Union; Royal
Scottish Zoological Society; The Plumage Group; and Society for the
Promotion of Nature Reserves. Sincerely,

T. GILBERT PEARSON,

President National Association of Audubon Societies

Overtones
I heard a bird at break of day No man, I think, could listen long
Sing from the autumn trees Except upon his knees.
A song so mystical and calm, Yet this was but a simple bird,
So full of certainties, Alone, among dead trees.

—William Alexander Percy
From “The Second Book of Modern Verse,” edited by Jessie B. Rittenhouse.

8 THE” AUDUBON] BWUEBLE LIEN

Novel Publicity Methods

NE of the large banks on La Salle Street has originated a series
of window displays that has attracted much attention and
favorable comment. The State Bank of Chicago, located at La

Salle and Madison Streets, has exhibited many collections of rare curios,
old books and prints, raw materials of different kinds and the finished
products made from them, collections of minerals, etc.

These displays have been a source of interest to thousands of pedes-
trians going to or passing the bank, and during the noon hours each
window has had a crowd of interested spectators.

The Illinois Audubon Society was asked to furnish material for a
display, and its exhibit occupied the La Salle Street window for three
weeks. The usual time given to an exhibit was two weeks but on ac-
count of the great interest shown, and the many requests for literature
the Audubon exhibit was given an additional week.

As a result of the bank exhibit a great many business men asked to
be directed to the office of the Audubon Society.

Recently the Transportation Bank at Dearborn and Harrison
Streets, borrowed material for a window display, and reports show
much interest 1n birds in that section of Chicago’s downtown district.

Vat moDUBON, BULLETIN . 9

Nesting Sites
By WitiiAM Barser, Kenosha, Wis.

NEST of the red-winged blackbird was found made of chufa
and bayonet grass, attached to stalks of calamus, and con-
taining three greenish, black- speckled eggs. The parent birds

gave me a most vociferous and noisy reception when I approached
the nest.

The next nest was that of a pair of blue birds in an old fence post.
The mother bluebird was shy and tried to lead me away from her babes.

In a hawthorn tree nearby another pair of bluebirds was teaching
their family of three to fly. This pair was more active, and fearlessly
tried to drive me away.

The third nest was right out in the open, built on the ends of a couple
of fence posts in a pile of posts only a few feet from a railroad, with no
shelter above it. The bottom of nest was attached to the posts by a
neat job of masonry, in construction quite similar to the mud construc-
Bomlor the bara swallow.

Photo by Wm. Barber, Kenosha, Wis. Photo by Wm. Barber, Kenosha, Wis.

rT = ’ T
ReEpDwinc BLAcKBIRD’s NEstT Biuesirpd’s Nest

IO THE AUDUBON BURL EAEN

In the nearby meadows were a number of meadow larks’ nests, but
the tunnel approaches made the taking of pictures quite uncertain, and
I did not attempt to take any.

At each nest the wounded-bird ruse was used to lead me away from
the nest. |

I checked all the nests up with the descriptions in our check list and
found very little variation.

Photo by Wm. Barber, Kenosha, Wis. Photo by Walter E. Hastings, South Lyon, Mich.

Rosin’s NEst Wren’s NEst

Cleverly Constructed Bird House

ALTER E. HASTINGS, 2nd Vice-President, Michigan Au-

dubon Society, South Lyon, Mich., sends a picture and

description of a very cleverly constructed bird house. He
writes:

“The house is a prize bird house, built by a Boy Scout and presented
to me by the maker. It is really a bluebird house, and bluebirds
occupied it until a pair of wrens made up their minds to take it over.
Then the trouble began, and the bluebirds were ousted bag and bag-
gage, eggs and all,

THE: AUDUBON BULLETIN 11

Professor Norman A. Wood and I sat on the porch at my home,
talking birds, and he wagered me that I could not take a good picture
of the pair. Out of six pictures I managed to get one good one.

The house is made by taking an 18-inch length of a post, and split-
ting off the four sides as nearly alike as can be done, then sawing the
center off at each end and nailing the four sides to the two ends. This
makes a very fine house. I judged about sixty houses, and chose this
one to be the best of the lot for workmanship, originality and practica-
bility. I have had it for four years; seven broods have been raised
in it and two have been destroyed.

Since I laid aside my gun for a camera, or cameras (I have four ot
’em), | have come to look upon birds as almost human, and the human
traits that I find are so numerous that I cannot believe that we are the
only beings that will see heaven and hell.

Birds have many traits that are esteemed by us humans as marks of
high character. They are patient, industrious, and nothing seems to
daunt their courage or dampen their joy in living. In many ways man
is not superior to his feathered friends.

Where the Meadow Begins

HE Greenwood Lumber Company is cutting the hemlock-

maple timber along the shore of Lake Superior in the region

west of Ontonagon, Michigan, at the rate of twenty million feet
a year. Thirty carloads a day find their way to the sawmill in Ontona-
gon. A pitiful waste of land is left in the trail of the lumbermen, swept
in turn by fire and wind. The Finns are following in this trail of the
lumberjacks, transforming the waste areas into dairy farms. These im-
migrants are clean, thrifty and industrious. Rich soil, the absence of
the common weeds and the prevalence of white clover make the transi-
tion a rapid one. The fragrance and beauty of these fields of clover and
timothy, densely populated by the birds of our prairie, overlooking the
beautiful waters of Lake Superior, is a thrill for anyone interested in
outdoor life.

The bobolinks are more numerous to the square mile than on the
Illinois prairies. The meadowlarks, too, are there. I heard only the
song of the western one. Sparrows are omnipresent with few of the
English brand. Savannas, which in migration hide behind hummocks
and tufts of grass, perch on the fence posts in full song with no apparent
fear of the passerby. Henslow’s sparrow was heard. Goldfinches and
song sparrows are numerous.

Swallows sweep over the fragrant clover fields or twitter from tele-
graph wires. The cliff swallows nest under the eaves of the Grange

1D AE Att BON - BU brik Ein

at Green. Baby tree swallows perch on the fence posts, resting from their
first attempts at flight. Barn swallows and purple martins are equally
abundant. At times I caught glimpses of bank and rough-winged swal-
lows skimming over.

Flycatchers are in evidence, kingbird, phoebe, pewee, alder, least
and olive sided. Nighthawks patrol the beach and the adjacent region
each evening. All these thrive on the mosquitoes which are plentiful
in late June and July.

The cut over area with uprooted and fallen logs, with a wealth of
strawberries, red raspberries, red elder, blackberries and blueberries, was
a bird paradise. This is the home of the white-throated sparrows and
their chorus was heard by day and night. They were friendly, too, and
often sang from the top of a balsam beside Cedar Lodge. Lincoln
sparrows preferred the most impenetrable haunts of uprooted trees.
Dozens of them were in song at one time yet most careful searching
could not locate a single one. The song is musical, varied and prolonged.
An unusual melody for a sparrow. It required a month of the most
careful stalking to be sure of its identity. In full song, perched on a
pile of brush, on the edge of the dense hemlock-maple forest I finally
met it face to face. I was walking on the Greenwood lumber tracks
and saw it but a moment. In the heavy timber they sing on every side
but are always out of sight.

Warblers were hard toidentify. Thisis the home of the house wrens
and they patrol the’ summer cottages so vigilantly that woe betides
warblers or other feathered friends that make an approach. House
wrens nest in every possible locality. Patris carina (father’s boat) was
left on the shore two days and a huge nest was built in it. A redstart
approached one day but was quickly dispelled by the wren patrol.
Maryland yellowthroat, Canadian, black-throated blue, ovenbird, and
Northern water thrush were listed, and other unnamed songs were heard
in the thickets.

Our four common woodpeckers 4 were in evidence. Traces of the
pileated were seen in the heavy timber near White Pine and Union Bay.
In returning from the lumber camp on a flat car with the lumberjacks I
discovered the huge pileated drilling the Paks of a large tree. My first
pileated !

Loons, spotted sandpipers and young, Pine herring gulls, great
blue heron and crows were beach companions. The song of the red-
eyed vireo and flocks of cedar waxwings were always present. Cat-
bird, brown thrasher, chipping sparrow, purple finch, junco, hawks,
bald eagle, mourning dove, bronze grackle, cowbird, red-wing and
chickadee were listed. Thrushes were all observed but the hermit.
The wood thrush is associated with the dark white-cedar bog where the
large showy orchis blooms, and with the mottled sun and shade of the
aspen-birch-bracken pioneer forest. Dense thickets and high perches

THE JAUDUBON. BULLETIN 13

made thrush study difficult, but the music of the late afternoon was
something to be remembered. It hardly seems that gray-cheeked and
olive-backed can claim the glory of the flute-like chorus.

If the acres of red elder were the burning bushes, surely the ground
was hallowed with mosses, fruiting marchantia, club mosses, trailing
arbutus, partridge blossom and berry, wintergreen, bunch berry, small
pink orchis, shin leaf, pitcher plant, tall yellow buttercup, twin flower,

oak and maidenhair ferns.
persistent garden weeds.

Sensitive ostrich, and lady ferns were the

Be you botanist, Finn, geologist, or ornithologist, this 1s a region

Take

well worth investigation.
you go.

“Michigan Bird Life”’
Walter Bradford Barrows is the author.

with you when
It is a publication

of the Michigan Agricultural College and is the most delightful, helpful

and exhaustive state publication on birds I have seen.

—EsTHER A. CRAIGMILE

From the Illinois Sportsman

Shooting from sinkboxes and
from artificial blinds is now pro-
hibited in Minnesota.

* * X

Hunting in all state lands is
prohibited in Alabama.

* *

In Pennsylvania persons physi-
cally and mentally unfit to carry
firearms are denied hunting li-
censes.

There is no open season on quail,
prairie chickens, and turtle doves
in Iowa.

* K &
Wild turkeys are protected un-
til 1928 in Tennessee.
* * OX
The closed season on quail,

pheasants and doves has been ex-
tended to 1930 1n Colorado.

Birds as Destroyers of Gall Insects

(Illustrations by Carl F. Groneman)

ered friends, have been attracted by the abnormal growths

: | NDOUBTEDLY many bird students, while studying their feath-

frequently found on trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants,

which are called galls.

These curious malformations owe their origin principally to insects
such as midges, aphids, wasps, moths, beetles, and their close allies, the

plant mites.
conspicuous in form and color.

Insect galls are the most common, and are often very

14 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Mh

LN
Ay yy Hi
i iN i oe

yr Ml MH I i: ‘
qi iD

Fic. 1-A a
! Cross SECTION -
SWS,
-A\\ Pine Cone GALi

\\

Yel

xy

Fic. 2—SuNFLOWER GALL

WZ Galls have an attraction for certain birds.

Ne They have learned that they contain many a
ae choice morsel.

The pine cone galls (Fig. 1), common upon

e the twigs of willows, are veritable food store-

: houses. I have seen chickadees and goldfinches

Ae in winter, perched upon them, tearing them apart

to get at the insect food hidden within.
\ Fig. 1-A shows a cross section of the pine

cone gall.
ae 3 Besides the gall insects, the birds find grass-
Pine Cone Gat hoppers” eggs underneath the scales of the gall.

I removed 103 such eggs from a gall which had
previously been examined by a bird.

The apical galls on the woodland sunflowers (Fig. 2) are also sub-
jected to close scrutiny by birds. These galls, too, are depositaries for
grasshoppers’ eggs.

Another gall which is common upon the branches of the white oak,
is the oak bullet gall (Fig. 3). These spherical galls are of a corky sub-
stance, in the center of which is a small thin-walled chamber containing
the gall insect. They are eagerly sought by the birds who open them to
extract the fat larva or the mature insect.

The galls on the stem of the giant ragweed also attract birds. I
have seen woodpeckers diligently tapping the walls of this insect dom-
icile until the occupant was dislodged by the feathered raider.

Other galls attacked by woodpeckers are the goldenrod ball galls,
and the twig galls on willows and poplars, the first caused by gall flies,
the other two by beetles (Fig. 4).

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 15

Fic. 3—Oak BuLiet GALL

Among mammals the squirrel is known to search the vagabond gall
(Fig. 5) on the cottonwood tree, presumably for its sweet contents,
honey-dew, produced by the aphids who in this case are the gall makers.

—Caru F. GRONEMAN.

< \\ bh
Fic. 4—Go.tpen Rop Fic. 5—VAGABOND GALL.
Bai GALL

16 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

THE AUDUBON BULLE TEN
FALL, 1923

Pus.isHeD By ILLINOIS AUDUBON SOCIETY
For the Conservation of Bird Life

CoMMITTEE ON PUBLICATION
JESSE LOWE SMITH, Chairman, Highland Park

RUTHVEN DEANE, 112 W. Adams St., Chicago CATHARINE A. MITCHELL, Riverside
MARY DRUMMOND, Lake Forest ORPHEUS M. SCHANTZ, to S. La Salle
BERTHA T. PATTEE, Evanston St., Chicago

FREDERICK H. PATTEE, 6265S. Clark St., Chicago

Loca SECRETARIES

BELVIDERE—Miss Muriel Lampert, 410 E. NORMAL—Miss Mary Jean Patterson, Ill., S.
Lincoln Avenue N. U.
CARBONDALE—Miss Mary M. Steagall, 808 ODIN—C. B. Vandercook

Illinois Avenue OLNEY—Mrs. Robert Ridgway, 1030 S. Mor-
CARLYLE—H. C. Norcross gan Street
CARTHAGE—Alice L. Kibbe PHILO—lIsaac E. Hess
CHAMPAIGN—W. Elmer Ekblaw, 601 N. Wil- PORT BYRON-—J. J. Schafer

lis Avenue QUINCY—T. E. Musselman, Gem City Busi-
DECATUR—Mrs. Benjamin Bachrach, 1437 W. ness College

Main Street RIVER FOREST—Miss Esther A. Craigmile
DE KALB—Jessie R. Mann, 336 Augusta Ave. ROCKFORD—Paul B. Riis, 301 Shaw Street
ELGIN—Miss Lillian Smith, Douglas Avenue ROCK ISLAND—Miss Nellie E. Peetz, 528 18th
EVANSTON —Miss Louise Whitehead, 1745 Or- Street

rington Avenue SALEM—Mrs. Sig Kaufman, 524 N. Broadway
GOLCONDA—Mrs. Lillian B. Phelps SHELBYVILLE—Mrs. Howard J. Hamlin
HARRISBURG—Clarence Bonnell SULLIVAN—Mrs. O. L. Todd, 606 S. Washing-
KEWANEE—Dr. Hattie Melaik, Quinn Block ton Street
LAKE FOREST—Rev. George Roberts WATERLOO—Armin Hartman
MACKINAW—Miss Mae Blair WAUKEGAN—Mrs. Elam H. Clarke, 740 N.
MAYWOOD—Sec. of the Maywood Bird Club Sheridan Road

EDITORIAL

WING to stress of other work, the real editor has been obliged to turn
this number of the Bulletin over to understudies. Your kindly toler-
ance is therefore asked for whatever defects you may find, and for the

lack of finished editorial judgment that has made the previous Bulletins so read-
able and so successful 1n presenting a varied program of bird news to our readers.

The present number of the Bulletin contains several articles of note, which
we feel are of great value, as they give first-hand information as to progress in
bird conservation, by men whose business it is to keep in touch with everything
that concerns our bird life, for or against.

Mr. Pearson’s resume of the European situation is a revelation of the need
of further international conferences and cooperation.

Mr. Lincoln’s article on “The Ducks of the Illinois River Marshes,” is a
valuable contribution to ornithology. It brings out the tremendous importance
of the State of Illinois in relation to waterfowl, and the necessity of preserving
the breeding places, which are later told about in Mr. Riis’ article on drainage of
the Upper Mississippi bottoms. Bird banding as a scientific occupation and
pleasant pastime is rapidly gaining many enthusiastic supporters. Mr. Lyon
tells of its success and how the difficulties in devising traps to catch the tree-
climbing birds have been overcome. Mr. Ridgway’s introduction to the “ Birds
of Illinois,” which we are taking the liberty of reprinting, gives a vivid picture
of the bird life on the Illinois prairies fifty years ago.

tne AU DUSON: BULLETIN 17

Protecting Birds Against Squirrels

By Dr. B. H. Warren, West Chester, Pa.

S a general proposition in the East, squirrels—Gray, Black, Fox,
A Red or Pine, the Flying and the little striped Ground Hackey or
Chipmunk, are all more or less given to destroying birds.

I have a farmer friend in Northern Pennsylvania who has a sugar
bush of some 65 acres, many large maple trees, numerous big beech
trees, some hickory trees, lots of hemlocks, etc. This wooded tract is
locally famous for Gray Squirrels. Some years back I knew a farmer’s
boy who one season told me he killed about 75 grays in the place and I
think he told the truth.

There are many Red and Flying Squirrels as well as considerable
numbers of Ground Squirrels on the premises.

The farmer loves birds. Several years ago he made and placed on
trees in the interior, and about edges, especially of this sugar bush,
100 wooden bird boxes. The first year several of them had tenants, viz.:
bluebirds, crested flycatchers, woodpeckers and a couple of wren fam-
ilies. Since then practically no birds have nested in the boxes. Two or
three years after the boxes were erected, an examination of a number
was made and it was learned that a lot of them were inhabited by fly-
ing squirrels; some had gray squirrels as occupants, and a few had mice
therein.

On one side of this sugar bush there is a grove of native chestnut
trees which, before the blight killed nearly too or more of the trees,
produced almost every year a large crop of nuts. At the present time
I understand some of the trees still survive and bear fruit. These nuts
were and are most desirable food for squirrels as are fruits of other trees
in the sugar bush. The sugar bush is quite a good place for Ruffed
Grouse in season, and in hunting them in winter I have often noticed
there are very few old birds’ nests to be seen in trees or shrubbery.

Boxes erected about the buildings on the same farm, where the
family resides, have nearly every year a few visitors such as bluebirds,
wrens and crested flycatchers as breeders. The squirrels do not harbor
about the farmer’s house and other buildings near to same.

Under date of October 1, 1923, Mr. W. B. Bell, Acting Chief, Bureau
of Biological Survey, Washington, D. C., writes as follows:

*“Dear Dr, Warren:
“Your letter of recent date relative to the carnivorous habits of the
Fox Squirrel has been received.
“We have no definite original data respecting the destruction of
birds or their eggs by the Fox Squirrel. Frank E. Wood, however, in the

18 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

Bulletin of the Illinois State Laboratory of Natural History, Vol. viii,
1910, page 518, in speaking of the Fox Squirrel of the Mississippi Valley,
Sciurus Niger Rufiventer, makes the following statement: ‘Both this
species and the Gray Squirrel are great destroyers of birds’ nests, and
thus indirectly do considerable harm. Woodpeckers and other birds
~ nesting in hollow trees seem especially liable to suffer from them.’ E.
W. Nelson in his account of ‘The Smaller Mammals of North America’
published in the Geographic Magazine for May, 1918, includes birds
and birds’ eggs among the items of food taken by the Fox Squirrel.”

Bird boxes can be put up in woods where squirrels live, in such a
way that these and other murderous intruders will not make headway
in their attacks. Place box securely on brass or other smooth metal rod
and fix other end of rod to top of post, which 1s planted in ground.
Keep post far enough away from trees, bushes, etc., that enemies like
squirrels, wood mice, weasels, snakes and cats, cannot jump or reach
from same and get the boxes.

This kind of box, rod and post outfit is used by Henry Ford at his

Bird Sanctuary near Detroit and is said to be a great success.

Inland Bird-Banding Association Meeting,
Indianapolis, Ind., November 2-3

N Friday and Saturday, Nov. 2 and 3, there was held in Indian-
apolis the first convention in America, if not in the world, that
was called for the express purpose of discussing the future of bird banding.
Bird banding has been carried on in various countries by individuals,
and organizations of scientific people as a side line and in a very desultory
manner. Not until last year had there been a distinctive bird banding
association in the West. The New England Bird Banding Association
had been organized in 1921.

The Inland Association was organized at the meeting of the Amer-
ican Ornithologists Union held in Chicago in October, 1922. From this
beginning there has grown an efficient organization which has in the
year created a widespread interest in this comparatively recent phase of
bird study.

The meeting at Indianapolis was successful far beyond the ambitions
of its promoters, and no doubt will be the beginning of a very active in-
terest in what has already proven to be one of the most important move-
ments towards a more accurate knowledge of the value and life histories
of our North American birds.

The selection of the meeting place was made by Mr. P. B. Coffin
of the Chicago Ornithological Club, who-knew of the keen interest in
bird study in Indianapolis, and of the efficient and delightful hospitality
of the Indiana Audubon Society and the Indiana Nature Study Club.

THE AUDUBON. BULLETIN 1g

The Friday morning and afternoon sessions were devoted to the busi-
ness of the Association and the election of officers for the ensuing year.

On Friday evening there was a public meeting in the Public Library
building attended by 165 enthusiastic bird conservationists.

The meeting was addressed by Mr. Richard Lieber, State Chair-
man of Conservation, and by Mr. S. Prentice Baldwin of Cleveland,

President of the I. B. A.

MemsBers oF INLAND BirpD BANDING ASSOCIATION

The Saturday morning meeting was addressed by Mr. Blatchley,
former State Geologist, and Mr. F. C. Lincoln, who has charge of the
bird banding work for the Biological Survey at Washington.

Saturday afternoon was given over to illustrated talks by Mr. Wil-
liam I. Lyon of Waukegan, on the methods and success of bird banding
and a description of the important work done last year by Mr. T. E.
Musselman at Thomasville, Georgia. Owing to Mr. Musselman’s in-
ability to attend the meeting, his pictures and work were presented by
Mr. Baldwin.

On Saturday evening a dinner was given at the Lincoln Hotel, at
which 52 guests gathered.

Mr. P. B. Coffin of Chicago, acted as toastmaster in place of Dr.
Stanley Coulter who had been expected to preside. Dr. Amos Butler,
one of the most widely known ornithologists in Indiana, and author of
the ‘‘ Birds of Indiana,’ ’ was the principal speaker.

Short talks followed by Mr. F. C. Lincoln, Mr. Alden H. Hadley
and others.

This ended a most successful meeting, and the future of bird banding
has been set very far up inits career. There is no doubt that bird band-

20 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

ing has come to stay, and that it will immediately take its place as one
of the most important branches of ornithological research.

To the kindly hospitality and enthusiasm of the Indiana Audubon
Society and the Indiana Nature Study Clubs, the happy results of the
meeting are largely due. The banding of birds does not 1n any way in-
jure them, and it renders unnecessary to a considerable extent the col-
lecting of birdskins for scientific investigation.

Not All Banded Birds Come from
- Washington

BIRD bearing on its leg a band numbered 231,048 on one side,

and stamped ‘Washington, D. C.” on the other, was shot 30
miles west of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on September 15 and the
matter written up in an Edmonton paper under the heading “‘Wash-
ington Duck Shot in Alberta.”’ That the bird was banded in Illinois
instead of Washington, D. C., however, was learned from the Biological
Survey of the United States Department of Agriculture. When the
files of that Bureau were consulted they showed that the bird so num-
bered was a mallard duck and that it had been banded by an assistant
of the Biological Survey at the Sanganois Gun Club, Browning, IIL,
on November 28, 1922, about ten months previously. The writer of the
news article, not knowing the details of the bird-banding activities of the
Government at Washington, concluded that the bird had been marked
in that city.

When banded wild birds are found with a serial number and the
abbreviation “Biol. Surv.’”’ stamped on one side and the abbreviated
address “‘Wash. D. C.” on the other, it does not mean that the bird so
numbered was hatched in the American capital or that it was turned
loose there. All bands bear this address in order that information re-
garding their recovery may be mailed to Washington, where, in the cen-
tral office of the Biological Survey, records are kept of all birds banded
by about 850 co-operators of the bureau stationed in various parts of
the country and holding permits to engage in the work of banding.

Anyone is likely to come across a banded bird which has met with an
accident, especially during the fall shooting season. The bands are so
small that they can only show the number of the bird and indicate that
the Biological Survey should be notified—preferably by mailing the
band itself to Washington with information regarding the place and
date of its recovery. The sender of the information receives a card in
_a few days, telling him where and when the bird was actually banded.
Public co-operation in the matter is a great aid in studies of the migra-
tion of birds.

Pinte AU eUBON BULLETIN 21

The Ducks
of the Illinois River Marshes

By Freperick C. Lincoin, Biological Survey,

United States Department of Agriculture

MONG tthe celebrated ducking marshes of the United States
A there are few of greater importance than the bottom lands of
the Illinois River and the contiguous territory. Naturalists,
sportsmen, and conservationists generally are now fully awake to the
importance of preserving such areas as breeding, feeding, and resting
grounds for our wonderful wild life, not only for the preservation of
those forms that require marsh or swamp associations, but also for the
invaluable returns yielded in the form of health-giving sport and in
the practical contributions to our national larder.

- The marshes of the Illinois River, as here considered, refer to the
region in the vicinity of the junction of the Sangamon River with the
Illinois. Similar conditions are found, however, for many miles both
above and below this point, including the famous Crane Lake territory,
Grass Lake, and many other ponds and streams of minor importance.

To one familiar with the saw-grass swamps of the Gulf and South
Atlantic coasts or with the great expanses of tules and cat-tails found in
the West, these marshes are unique. The heavy growths of herbaceous
vegetation are largely replaced by trees—oak, birch, ash, and pecan
being the most numerous, although regularly interspersed with maples,
elms, cottonwoods, and willows. Innumerable narrow sloughs wind
their tortuous ways through the timber, frequently widening out to
make ponds that are usually covered with lotus (Ne/uméo) or arrow-
head (Sagittaria). The banks of the sloughs, as well as many depres-
sions, or sink-holes, through the timber, support large quantities of the
nut-grass or chufa (Cyperus) so prized by all shoal-water ducks. This,
with the acorns, smaller pecan nuts, wild millet, and to some extent the
seeds of the lotus, constitutes the bulk of the natural food supply for the
ducks that frequent the region. Supplemental feeding by the duck
clubs is practiced on a large scale, however, and thousands of bushels
of corn (both shelled and on the cob), together with cane seed, are fed
every year. To my certain knowledge one club fed over 3,000 bushels
of corn and 20 tons of cane seed during the open season of 1922.

Several years ago, in the days of spring shooting, large numbers of
diving ducks, as redheads and canvasbacks, frequented this territory,
and efforts were made to attract them by the feeding of corn and also
by propagating various plants known to be favorites with them. These

22 THE AUDUBON -BUEEETEN

Photo by H. Vincent Taylor

MALLarDs ON THE Ixuinots RIVER

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 23

plantings were only partially successful, due probably to the large num-
bers of carp that infest not only the river proper, but also the sloughs and
onds.

The following observations on the abundance of the ducks in the
region are based upon two official trips made for the Biological Survey,
to the Sanganois Club, near Browning, Illinois, for the purpose of trap-
ping ducks for banding. The first trip covered the period from February
28 to March 25, 1922, and the second from September 27 to December
Pe 1922.

Merganser (Mergus americanus).—Reported as numerous at times
but seen by me on only one occasion, November 21, 1922, when one
drake and two hens were observed.

Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)—As Mr. Bent has ob-
served, this bird “‘is one of the handsomest of our ducks, a fit companion
for the gaudy wood duck with which it is often associated in the watery
woodlands.’’ Several pairs and solitary birds were seen during March,
usually in the wider portions of the sloughs. Early in November small
flocks were noted daily, but they were almost all gone by the last of
that month.

Mallard (duas platyrhyncha).—The mallard outnumbers all other
ducks of this area by 100 to 1. When I arrived on the marsh early in
the spring the timberland was overflowed, so that it was possible to go
anywhere in a boat; in fact, 1t was impossible to go anywhere without
one. The mallards were feeding in the shallow water on the pin-oak
ridges, gleaning acorns and nut grass. A blow from a paddle on the side
of the cutter would be met with a roar of wings, and in an instant the
trees would seem to be literally alive with ducks. The water started to
rise on March 12, and three days later had reached such a depth that
the shoal-water feeders were forced out. On that date (March 15) not
over 25 ducks of all kinds were seen.

The fall migration in 1922 was unusually late, due to an open season,
and it was the middle of November before the flight was at its height.
This was preceded by an infiltration of birds that probably represented
the breeding grounds of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas. Dur-
ing the latter part of November mallards were present in very large
numbers, every “‘bait hole” supporting literally thousands of birds.
The freeze-up began about the 3oth and the ducks left rapidly there-
after, the long lines flying toward the South being seen daily.

Black Duck (4nas rubripes tristis)—Not uncommon. In the spring
I trapped several beautiful hybrids between this species and the mal-
lard. Most of the black ducks seen in the fall were observed during the
earlier part of the season, indicating that they arrive from breeding
grounds considerably south of the regions used by the great bulk of the
mallards.

Baldpate (Mareca americana).—Not seen during the spring, and it is

24 THE, AUDUBON BULLE TEN

not acommon species in the fall. The first were observed on October 13,
and they were subsequently noted almost every day up to the last of
November. A few beautiful specimens were secured by the members,
one of which I mounted for the superintendent of the club.

Green-winged Teal (Nettion carolinense).—A few were seen during
the first part of March, but they are not plentiful at that season. In
the fall, however, they are at times very numerous. A few were seen
for the first time on October 3, and by the middle of the month large
flocks had gathered, usually frequenting small water holes in the timber.
As the water at these places froze more quickly than on the deeper
sloughs, they left for the South somewhat earlier than some of the other
hardy species. By December 1, almost all had gone.

Blue-winged Teal (Querguedula discors).—Not seen at all in March as
the weather was much too cold for them. A flock of 16 birds, first ob-
served on October 1, increased in a few days to about 100. Despite the
abundant supply of natural food and cane seed, the blue-wings could
only be considered as birds of passage and by the 20th they were reduced
to scattered pairs and single birds. The last one seen was on No-
vember 9.

Shoveler (Spatula clypeata).—Not seen by me in the spring, but a
State game warden reported seeing a few near the club grounds on
March 8. During the fall spoonbills were seen in small numbers from
the first of October until the early part of December. They were usually
noted as solitary birds, but one flock of 15 was observed on December 2.

Pintail (Dafila acuta tzitzthoa).—Ranks next to the mallard in point
of numbers. The proportion was not so marked in spring, but at the
height of the fall migration large flocks were seen constantly. Because
of their preference for more open water these birds do not feed in the
timber to the same extent as do the mallards. Early in November a
feature of each morning was the large flocks of pintails to be seen fly-
ing south, generally maintaining a perfect formation.

Wood Duck (47x sponsa).—When J arrived at the club in the fall,
the wood duck was almost the only member of the Anatidae present,
but it was so plentiful as to make up for the temporary absence of other
species. These birds appear to feed to a considerable extent on the seeds
of the lotus (yawknut), and the areas covered by this plant soon become
the gathering grounds for large numbers of birds. At the Sanganois
Club they are most carefully protected and encouraged because of the
fact that they serve as natural decoys for the other wildfowl. Many
nest boxes are put up and the club imposes a fine of $5 upon any mem-
ber who may kill one accidentally. 3

Redhead (Marila americana)—Not seen by me either in fall or
spring, but they have been reported on two or three occasions in spring.

Canvasback (Marila valisneria).—Although this used to be one of
the principal game birds at the Sanganois Club, it is rarely seen now,

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 25

due either to the destruction of its natural food by carp or to a change
in its route of migration. The latter reason receives credence among
sportsmen. I saw three on March 18 and a flock of 25 on November 23.

Lesser Scaup (Marila affinis)—Common in spring, particularly on
the Illinois River. A few were also encountered on some of the larger
sloughs, but their center of abundance was near the docks at Brown-
ing, where they obtained the offal thrown out from the fish market.
In fall they were decidedly rare. Three females were noted at one trap
on October 16, one was seen on the 21st and another on November 16.

Ring-necked Duck (Marila collaris).—Plentiful in March but not
seen at all in the fall. On March 18, I examined a “raft”? composed
mainly of this species, which I estimated to contain 3,000 birds. They
are found on the sloughs more frequently than the lesser scaup, result-
ing in their local name of “‘timber blackjack.”

Golden-eye (Glaucionetta c. americana).—Seen on three different
days, all in spring, two on March 2, three on the 3d, and two on the rgth.

Buffle-head (Charitonetta albeola).—A flock of ten ‘“‘butter-balls”
flew over the club house on March 3, the only time this species was
observed there.

Canada Goose (Branta c. canadensis).—Geese were heard on October
18, and on the 2oth three flocks were observed flying over, the largest
numbering about 75 birds.

Snow Goose (Chen h. hyperboreus).—Snow geese are almost unknown
in this vicinity so I was much surprised to learn of a flock (estimated
at 150 birds) that was observed on Crane Lake on October 27.

Washington, D. C., October 19, 1923.

Photo by Ruthven Deane

ScarBoro Beacu, MAINE

26 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The Case of Bob-white

By Paut B. Rus
M es interest has been centered upon quail in recent months,

due to efforts of bird lovers in many parts of the country to
accord this game bird the legal protection of song birds.

Each new effort is followed by the sportsmen with a call to organize
to frustrate these attempts that would deprive them of one of their most
important game birds. Each appeal is being accompanied with the
statement that Gilbert Pearson, President of the National Audubon
Societies, has declared quail a game bird pure and simple and not a song
bird. :

Dr. E. W. Nelson, of the Bureau of Biological Survey, United States
Department of Agriculture, also held that quail should remain in the
game bird list with reasonable allowance for hunting seasons and an
occasional closed year when found necessary.

It would seem that every effort of bird lovers is destined to be futile
in the face of such statements from our highest authorities in the land
of bird-lore; at least, the sportsmen use these relentlessly in their argu-
ments.

It is not a matter of record but rather of conjecture, that both of
these gentlemen made the statements with keen regrets but in keeping
with the existing facts. For does not your own heart quicken at the
recollection of your childhood home, where the notes of Bob-bob-white
gladdened its fields and meadows with its cadence of assurance? Or is
not its cheery call in the sweet fragrance of meadows greater com-
pensation over and above the victory-flushed moment, when a huddled
mass of feathers falls to your aim, the little body torn and forever stilled
in silent death?

The State of Ohio has given quail the legal protection accorded song
birds since 1g15. Sportsmen have made much capital of this fact,
especially so, since reports from unauthentic sources brand the experi-
ment a flat failure. Much of their case is being built around the Ohio
experience. But the evidence, systematically supported by reliable
census takers from all parts of the state, and compiled by Eugene
Swope, Field Agent for the State, and submitted in his annual report
to the National Audubon Societies, puts quail protection in an entirely
different light, one from which the sportsmen should also profit. Mr.
Swope states:

“Early in 1915, some of the Ohio conservationists and agriculturists
‘were instrumental in having the Bob-white legally classed with all pro-
tected birds of the state. Ohio bird census takers, reporting Christmas
observations to Bird-Lore six weeks prior to the enactment of this law,

LHE AUDUBON, BULLETIN a9

do not mention even one Bob-white in their lists. Now it may be only
a meaningless coincidence, but every Ohio Christmas census since 1914
mentions Bob-whites. It would seem that the birds are 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 ail suited to Bob-white’ s welfare, observing people declare that
their numbers yearly increase.”

A Christmas Census Report from the State of Ohio for the year
1915, taken by fourteen observers shows but 14 birds enumerated and
those were all counted by one observer, making an average of one bird
per observer. The 1922 census from the same state and over widely
separated parts by seventeen observers yielded 850 birds or 50 birds
to the observer. It is but fair to note that only twelve of the seventeen
observers reported quail.

Please take note that the above report was made by Mr. Swope in all
fairness, omitting nothing that might be construed to cloud the issue.
Since the sportsmen’s methods had been used prior to 1915 in Ohio,
precipitating drastic quail protection there, then it follows that their
logic is faulty somewhere along the line. If no more than the natural
increase had been taken, protective measures would not have been neces-
sitated.

This manifestly is not the case. The inroads made by civilization
make life for many wild species precarious. Shooting in no wise in-
creases vanishing flocks. The restoration and strict protection under
natural conditions, however, will accomplish just such results as shown
in Ohio.

The case of Bob-white, however, differs materially from that of
all other game birds. Its field of labor places the bird at the head in a
list of beneficial birds. Its diet consists of untold quantities of weed
seeds and tons of injurious insects. It is aptly termed the farmer’s best
friend. Alive and active, its value to agriculture is many times in excess
of its gastronomic value “en casserole.”

Under natural conditions Bob-white found ample food and ample
cover. Natural enemies checked its undue spread. Cover protected
it from its enemies. Today’s food supply is still ample or even greater.
The fields are ravished by unchecked hordes of insects. Its enemies
have greatly decreased, but the decrease has not been proportional with
the greater decrease of natural protective cover. Then comes the
hunter, who in a measure, makes up the decrease in natural enemies.
Thus poor Bob-white 1s now exposed on three sides.

Common sense dictates a policy of strictest protective conservation
in the case of Bob-white, particularly so in its game-bird status. Sports-
men the country over have everything to gain in supporting the efforts
of bird lovers, who are not interested in the species from a standpoint

28 THE AUDUBON BULEE FIN

of personal gain, as found in recreative shooting and pounds of wild
meat. Concerted action with these to effect protective measures, such
as restocking of depleted areas, cover planting, winter feeding, long
closed seasons, will primarily accrue to the sportsmen’ s benefit, as did
the closed season on spring shooting.

Here is a splendid opportunity for bird lovers and sportsmen to
get together in a common cause that will benefit them mutually. But
would it be fair to ask the sportsmen to forego their pleasures without
compensating them in measure greater than found in the protection of
the present game laws? Should not the bird lover, individually or col-
lectively, lend his efforts and combine forces with the sportsmen in an
active and constructive program that will safeguard Bob-white from its
natural enemies, by providing for it much needed natural cover? Sup-
pressio vert suggestto valst.

Plan to Save the Ducks

Audubon Society Would Make Bird Sanctuary of the
Proposed Gulf Coast Shooting Club

From National Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 Broadway, New York.

the plan of E. A. MclIlhenny and his associates to establish a

gigantic hunting club in the midst of the Louisiana Wild Life
Sanctuaries there has evolved a definite and constructive proposition
for saving the wild fowl of that region from the guns of the hunters and
at the same time protecting against loss those who invested 1n the Louisi- ©
ana Gulf Coast Club.

This plan is brought forward by T. Gilbert Pearson, President of the
National Association of Audubon Societies, who sees the possibilities
for establishing one vast, solid chain of sanctuaries in the great territory
of the Louisiana Coast where wild fowl winter. He dreams of a bird
reservation extending from Cote Blanche Bay westward to the Mer-
mentau River, a territory about 80 miles in length and from Io to 15
miles in width.

“This plan concerning which I have been in correspondence with
Mr. Mcllhenny for some weeks,” said Mr. Pearson today, ““contemplates
the purchase of the 100,000 acre tract on which the Club has option, )
and adding it to the adjoining wild life sanctuaries.

“Tt was through Mr. Mcllhenny’s efforts originally that Mrs.
Russell Sage and the Rockefeller Foundation purchased as bird reserva-
tions great territories in that region and Mr. Mcllhenny states that he
was very anxious to place the remaining territory in sanctuary, but saw

N's YORK, Nov. 27th.—Out of the storm of protest against

rte AUDUBON BULLETIN 29

no means of getting the funds to do this. He declares that his present
efforts to establish a hunting club in the region was his second choice
and that he has been doing this in order that the wild fowl which came
there so abundantly in winter might have a measure of protection which
private game preserves usually afford.

“This being the case,” continued Mr. Pearson, “‘there appears to
be no logical reason why he and his associates should not be willing to
sell the territory for reservation purposes. I know of one gentleman
who tentatively approached Mr. Mcllhenny on the subject some months
ago and offered personally to be responsible for a sum of not less than
$50,000 toward the purchase price. This party has recently indicated
to me his willingness to ‘take off his coat and work for raising a fund to
buy the land if it can be purchased at a reasonable price,’ and there are
others interested.”

Mr. Pearson, who has personally examined much of the territory in
this part of Louisiana, states, ““I have reason to believe that a consider-
able portion of this proposed club property is at present unsuitable for
ducks, but could doubtless be made a great haven for them by certain
dredging and diking operations. On other parts of the territory wild
fowl occur in myriads.

“Here and there in the marsh are ridges where cattle are run and
where the soil is cultivated. If the land should be purchased and pre-
sented to the State of Louisiana as a wild life reservation I think the
state would be glad to accept it. Furthermore, it is possible that an in-
come might be derived by grazing and farming privileges on the ridges
that would be quite sufficient to pay the running expenses of guarding
the territory.

“Tf the people i in this country can be made sufficiently interested to
purchase this, and one other smaller tract of land, we will have a con-
tinuous wild fowl sanctuary of far greater extent than exists anywhere on
this continent. It is the natural winter home of vast numbers of those
waterfowl that annually swarm down the Mississippi Valley from Can-
ada upon the approach of cold weather, and a reservation of this extent
would be one of the most valuable moves that could be made toward
preserving in numbers many species of our persecuted wild waterfowl.”

Be OCL | Gy

If you have any good bird news, send tt in to the
Editor

30 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The A. O. U. Meeting

HE Forty-First Stated Meeting of the American Ornithologists’
Union was held October g-11 at Cambridge, Mass.
Chicago was well represented both in attendance and on the pro-
gram. Those present from Chicago were—
Mr. Ruthven Deane
Mr. William I. Lyon
Miss Catharine A. Mitchell
Mrs. Lotta A. Cleveland
Mr. Nathan Leopold, Jr.
Mr. T. E. Musselman, a member of the Illinois Audubon Society,
from Quincy, IIl., also attended the meeting.
Miss Mitchell spoke on the Status of Sanibel Island, Fla., as a State
Bird Preserve, and Mr. Lyon gave his experiences in bird banding.
Next year the A. O. U. meeting will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa., and

it is hoped that many more will attend from Chicago and vicinity.

Third National Conference on State Parks
HE Third National Conference on State Parks met at Turkey

Run, Indiana, on May 7, 8, and g, and there were one hundred and
fifty delegatesin attendance from twenty-twostates. They had three days
of sessions as enthusiastic as the sessions the birds were holding among
the blossoms of the dogwoods and the redbuds, among the hemlocks
and tulip trees, and the rocks and ferns of Turkey Run. Reports of
problems and progress in all the states were discussed from every angle,
and helpful suggestions and resolutions are now on the way back, all
over the country, to everyone interested in the protection of our native
landscapes.

The Drainage
of the Upper Mississippi Bottoms

GAIN the conservationist is confronted with a well-meant drain-
A age project, primarily aimed to release useless lowlands and
swamps that they may be made into tillable agricultural
lands. The project is practically identical with all others that have
been carried out in years past for the reclamation of sloughs, marshes,
ponds, and lakes into fertile acres. The outcome of this, it has been
predicted by those who are in a position to know, will also prove as
flat a failure as have other similar drainage schemes of the past.

TRE AUBUBON BULLETIN a3

The project, however, differs this time from other drainage programs
in its magnitude, as it involves a territory of more than 300 miles in
length. The proposed area to be drained is that of the Upper Mississippi
Bottoms, reaching from Lake Pepin, Minn., to Rock Island, Ill.

Seven million dollars have been pledged toward the work by land
operators. The next National Congress will be asked to appropriate
another fourteen million.

Wisconsin and Iowa are the states most vitally affected if this
scheme goes through. For a beginning it is proposed to drain a strip

of land on the east side of the river, between Lynxville and De Soto,
a distance of twenty miles and known as the Winneshiek Bottoms.
Unfortunately this work has been authorized by the War Department
and sanctioned by Wisconsin Courts. The affected area covers about
14,000 acres on the Wisconsin side and 15,000 more on the Iowa side,
that will also be drained shortly.

According to Dr. A. L. Bakke, of the Iowa State College of Agri-
culture, who has made an exhaustive study of the region, the land
about to be drained is useless for farming purposes and serves humanity
far better in its present state. He estimates that for fish alone its pres-
ent value is $1.00 per foot water frontage.

To the student of bird life this region is of particular interest. The
Mississippi Valley is one of America’s most important highways of
bird migration, one which makes possible an easy flight from Central
and South America via the Gulf of Mexico to large territories adjacent
to the valley and to regions far beyond its headwaters, into Canada
and the Arctic. Untold thousands of wild waterfowl are produced on
these shallow waters while untold millions find the marsh lands in-
valuable retreats, assuring a safe journey, north or south. Practically all
of the best duck food plants in the United States, such as wild rice, coon-
tail, wild celery, duckweeds, pondweeds, and many other water plants
are found growing here. The many advantages of so wide a character
make the Bottoms a paradise incomparable to many aquatic game
birds, waders, and insectiverous song birds. It would be hard indeed to
find another range more richly blessed with a greater variation of bird
life. Thus we note among the migrants and nesting birds, grebes, loons,
gulls, terns, cormorants, ducks, geese, swans, herons, cranes, rails, galli-
nules, phalaropes, snipe, plover, hawks, cuckoos, kingfishers, woodpeckers,
goatsuckers, swifts, humming birds, flycatchers, blackbirds, jays, orioles,
sparrows, finches, swallows, vireos, warblers, wrens, thrushes, and blue-
birds.

Here the birds also find the many protective elements so necessary
during the migratory flight: food, water, cover, range, and sanctuary.
The diversity of its terrain is particularly favorable to many species
as nesting and breeding grounds. In its new status, however, the
birds will be robbed of these natural advantages; the valleys no longer

Be THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

will shelter and feed the millions
that for ages have followed its
course. They will be forced to
seek other ranges for food and
shelter at the expense of other oc-
cupants. Hardships and depri-
vation will be their lot henceforth.
No longer will the erstwhile manna-
strewn highway permit of easy mi-
gratory stages nor offer protection
to those who pass there the most
important period of life, the mat-
ing and nesting season. Its con-
verted meagre farm lands will be
unable to support the varied bird
life dependent on them, nor can
the lowlands and bottoms aid un-
told millions to reach safely their
destination.

Said a land promoter to me
Recently: Ihe Cconversiom or
marshes into fertile agricultural
lands justifies wholesale drainage.
Furthermore, if you were to pay
taxes on useless swamps, it could
not be drained too quick to suit
you... dhe= point. is) very ‘well
taken, brother, were it not for the
fact that you bought these worth-
less lands voluntarily and specu-
latively. We cannot be asked to
sympathize with you on this self-
imposed task.

There are other economic rea-
sons why this area should not be Winnesuiek Borroms
drained. Its value as converted
farm lands will be less than that in its present condition. An estimate
made by the Bureau of the Biological Survey of the United States places
the annual fish production in the land-locked waters at twelve million
pounds. Reams have been written on their value as breeding grounds
for all warm water food and game fishes or as breeding grounds of small
fur bearers who find congenial habitat in the territory. Flood control,
stabilizing of water levels and consequential conservation of soil produc-
tivity, its recreational value to the nation are each and every one
weighty enough reasons why the Upper Mississippi: Bottoms must not be

tak AUDUBON BULLETIN

ww
o>)

drained. The Izaak Walton League and many other conservation
bodies throughout the United States have risen in protest against this
drainage project. They have asked Senator Medill McCormick to
present to the next National Congress a bill authorizing the United
States Government to set aside the islands and bottom lands as a
National Reservation for recreational purposes. A word to your Sena-
tor or Congressman will assure him of the course to follow.

Trapping and Banding the Tree-
Climbing Birds

HERE is a way to trap everything if you can only figure it

out. Trapping and banding the tree-climbing birds at first

appeared to be a very difficult proposition. The moment the
birds would strike any obstruction they would fly away; so we began to
try a number of different schemes of forming something around the
tree so that as they climbed up the tree it would bring them into a
trap. The only way one can be sure is to make an effort to place
something and then watch and see how it affects the birds as they
approach the trap. In the attempt to make a successful tree trap this
one was changed from fif-
teen to twenty-five times
before we had one that was
successful. Our first birds
trapped were a few Brown
Creepers, but when we at-
tempted to take them out
of the trap they escaped,
until we finally found it was
necessary to make arrange-
ments so we could drive
them into a receiving cage.
Next, we were shocked and
surprised to see the Brown
Creepers go through 34-
inch mesh wire. On cap-
turing our first Creeper we
found our Number One band
would have to be lapped a
een Pas 2 little bit so that they could
Photo by Wm. I. Lyon not slip their long, slim foot

Tree Trap through the band.

Fe Ae OS ce
TP tare
Ss “eo Fie

34 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

A little later we were successful in making an unusual record by
getting a few Black and White Creeping Warblers and found that they
were very gentle and quiet if you held them a few moments quietly and

Photo by Wm. I. Lyon

REcEIvine Box

stroked and petted them.
They would sit on your
hand long enough to have
their pictures taken.

We were successful in
getting two Hairy Wood-
peckers last fall in this
trap; and this spring and
this fall we took a number
of Yellow-bellied Sapsuck-
ers. Finally, in September
and October, the Brown
Creepers came back; and
by careful watching and
making more changes in the
traps we finally got the
successful model, and one

day found ten Brown Creepers in one trap when we first took it down

in the morning.

During the rest of that day we were successful in getting twelve more,
so 1t made twenty-two Brown Creepers in one day, but we found there
were a few more changes necessary in the receiving box of the trap; so

we moved it again and now
we are ready to show you
what we call our 1924 model
of Woodpecker trap.

The first illustration
shows how it is placed
around the tree but does
not show the important
feature that the opposite
side begins much farther
down the tree and comes
up on a slant; that is, we
noticed if the birds came
up against an obstruction
like a piece of wire cross-
wise to the tree they would
fly away, but if it was on a
slant they would keep away,
but still continue up the
tree on the far side, which

Photo by Wm. I. Lyon

Brown CREEPERS

(The illustration shows the catch in a carrying cage,
which is the largest number of Brown Creepers we
ever had assembled at any one time.)

THEY AUDUBON BULLETIN ae

would eventually bring
them into the point of the
funnel, taking them into
the upper part of the trap.
When they reached the top
of the trap, there was an
opening into the receiving
box which appeared to
have free access to the
outside world; and when
the bird attempted to fly
through this it would come
™ up against a piece of glass
Photo by Wm. I. Lyon and while fluttering against
BLack AND WHITE WARBLER the glass, would slide down
the shute into the receiv-
ing box below. The receiving box is detachable so it may be taken
down to conveniently handle the birds in banding. By close observa-
tion in the second picture you will notice the glass and the shute. The
glass is 8x1o inches. The outside measurements of the trap are 12
inches long by 15 inches high and 1o inches wide. This leaves one inch
of wood each side of an eight-inch glass and the upper deck has an
opening of five inches, so that the ten-inch glass is five inches above
and five inches below the floor in the upper part of the receiving box.
We hope you will be able to follow this description and make a Wood-
pecker trap so that you may do some banding about your own place.
An interesting little stranger that comes to us each fall is the Tufted
Titmouse. Last year was our first experience and we had just two of
them in our traps. This fall again we have had two so far and they have
been very interesting birds;
one has repeated three or
four times and we find
that he is much more of a
scrapper than the Chicka-
dee ever thought of being.
He bites and kicks and
scratches all the time that
he is in your hand, but by
petting him considerably,
we finally got him to sit
still long enough to have
his picture taken. The
main part of getting him to q
sit still was to keep him photo py wm. I. Lyon
from picking at your finger; [epee

36 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

he seemed to be more interested in that than in escaping, but between
times we were able to get one or two good pictures of him and thought
it might interest you to get a good look at this shy bird.

The Fox Sparrow is again proving to be a regular boarder; so far
this year there are three of them that have stayed behind the others
and they are in the traps at least two times every day right along. Do
you remember back in one of the other Bulletins we told you about the
one that stayed all winter and was trapped 165 times? That record is
likely to be broken by these three regular boarders.

During the fall we trapped another large number of White-throated
Sparrows and the total number we have banded is over 1,000; of this
large number and also of the number that the other bird-banders have
succeeded in trapping there seems to be no returns on migratory points,
yet Mr. S. Prentiss Baldwin has had repeated returns since 1916 up to
1923 at his banding station at Thomasville, Georgia, and this little
group of birds that come to him every year occupy a certain portion of
the shrubbery about the house and are seldom found in one of the other
traps that are only a few hundred feet away. Mr. Baldwin has had re-
turns from this little group continually during the past six years, yet
he seems to be the only one successful with these birds. We hope we will

be able to solve the mystery before long. 7
—W. I. Lyon.

An Early Bird Day

eS bird-day program was given by the children of
Carbondale, Ill., March 8, 1923. It was given under the auspices
of the civic department of the Carbondale Woman’s Club, which had
offered prizes for the best bird-houses built by children.

Great interest was shown by the children, who tried to make the
houses practical, sanitary, and beautiful; still, the real thing they con-
sidered was “will the bird for which I am building this house come to
live tiger

Several days before the program was given, the bird-houses were put
on exhibit in the show windows of a book store. It was interesting to
hear the comments made by the children who crowded around the
windows.

Such remarks as these were heard, “Isn’t that a pretty house?”
“Huh? No bird would come to that house; it’s too bright.” “‘There’s
no way to get into that house to clean it.”

Although it was a rainy day, nearly twelve hundred children gath-
ered to hear the program. It consisted of old-fashioned recitations,
readings, and bird songs.

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 37

After this came the exciting part—the awarding of the prizes. Each
child came back for his own bird-house saying, “I want to put it up
early so the birds will build in it; next year I shall try again and see if

I can build a better house.”’ —FLorence_ R. KINc,
Bird Club, Sec’y, Carbondale, Ill.

Notes From Port Byron
ee an absence of three years, the yellow-breasted chat returned

again to this locality, and was heard singing, the first time on
June 10, the last time on August 19. No Bell’s vireo was seen or heard
here this year.

In my bird notes which were published in last year’s Fall Bulletin,
I told about the cliff swallow nests being ruined by some bird, and
blamed the great horned owls. Last spring the mystery was solved when
we caught a red-headed woodpecker in the act of pecking holes in the
nests. The red-heads are quite a nuisance here but as there are many
acorns this year, many of them will remain over winter.

I have a few late dates of “last seen or heard” for this year. A rose-
breasted grosbeak was singing in the garden on the morning of Septem-
ber 30. A whip-poor-will was heard calling on the evening of September
27, and the same evening a vesper sparrow was heard singing. A ruby-
throated humming bird was seen for the last time September 23. A
cat bird was heard singing the whisper song on the morning of October g.
A red-eyed or Philadephia vireo was heard singing October 14.

Migratory birds first seen or heard this fall by the writer, were as
follows:

Solitary sandpiper, August 5 Fox sparrow, September 7

Marsh hawk, August 17 Henslow’s sparrow, September 14
Sora rail, August 18 Hermit thrush, September 14

Night hawk, August 16 Ruby-crowned kinglet, September 14
Blue heron, August 24 White-throated sparrow, September 22
Yellow-bellied sapsucker, September 1 Myrtle warbler, September 26

Winter wren, September 2 Rough-legged hawk, September 30
Blue-headed vireo, September 3 Brown creeper, September 30

Slate-colored junco, September 5
—J]. J. ScHAFER.

The Bronzed Grackles’ Frolic

HE largest flock of grackles I ever saw alighted on my lawn to

enjoy a bath under a fine-sprayed sprinkler then in action. There
must have been between sixty and seventy birds in the flock. They
seemed perfectly happy and frolicsome, running here and there, jumping
up a few feet, having mock battles, and never still for a moment.

38 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

A torn piece of a bright red rubber bathing cap happened to lie on
the grass, wet and shiny from the water. One bird would take hold of
it and start to run, another some ten feet away would run and grab it,
other birds would follow suit, and the big war. commenced. They
would finally tire of it, but another relay would seize it and have their
share of fun.

Some were acrobatic in their frolic. A large beech tree with slender,
pendulous branches within a foot of the ground, stood near them. The
birds would give flying jumps and light on the tips, which, bending with
their weight, brought them to the ground. The branches had hardly
resumed their natural position before they were on them again.

They seemed to enjoy themselves so much that I wished I was a
bird, tail, feathers and all.

At the feeding table was a mother grackle feeding its noisy child,
who, like Oliver Twist, was always crying for more. The mother
grackle would eat four or five grains of chicken feed and then give the
babe one grain, returning to her four or five grains before her offspring
received its single portion. She was evidently teaching her young that
eating slowly aids digestion. ‘
: —WiiaM C. Ecan.

A Good Samaritan

QO* a cold night in late fall, the wind was howling about the house
saying, ““Winter is coming;” but we were all tucked snugly in
bed and thought not of the poor, out-of-door children who were not
prepared for the early cold weather.

When I awoke the next morning, the ground was lightly covered
with snow. I started out for a walk to enjoy the fresh cool air, when,
not far from the house, I heard the peep of a bird; and, going in that
direction, I found a Robin half frozen, lying in the snow. I picked him
up and carried him to the house where he was placed in a basket in some
soft wool. After a few moments he was able to move about and soon
began to eat the crumbs which were placed near. He lived in the house
with us all winter; but when spring came and his relatives returned from
the South, my Robin was eager to join them and soon disappeared with
the rest of the birds. I saw nothing more of him until one day in the
fall; while standing on the porch I heard a flutter of wings near, and
turning saw my Robin, who alighted on my shoulder for several minutes
for a farewell visit. He soon left for the South with the other birds.
This happened six years ago; but every spring my Robin comes back
and J meet him on the porch and feed him from my hand.

: —ALIcE ZARECK,
1522 5th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 39

The Flickers’ Dance

5 Sok flickers stood on the lawn some three feet apart, facing each
other. Suddenly they commenced nodding their heads up and
downina dignified, rhythmical unity, continuing some four or five times;
and then, holding their heads up as high as they could, they turned their
beaks sidewise but still pointed upward and held them there rigidly for
a few seconds, when they resumed their nodding, again throwing up
their heads and beaks.

Sometimes the beaks were turned to the right and then to the left.
At times one beak would point to the right and the other to the left,
and sometimes both pointed the same way.

They repeated this stunt some five times, when they disappeared
in the woods, where, I presume, Mr. Flicker treated Mrs. Flicker to an
ice cream cone. —WitiiAM C. Ecan.

Favorite Lake for Birds Saved to Minnesota

eae LAKE, a valuable and unusual body of water about 10,500
acres in area, located in Nicollet County, Minn., has been saved
to the State through the efforts of the State Game and Fish Com-
missioners, the Biological Survey of the United States Department of
Agriculture and landowners and local conservationists of the region.
A movement to lower the level of the lake four feet, eventually drain-
ing it entirely, was successfully opposed and defeated at two hearings
after an examination of the wild fowl and food plant value of the lake
had been made by three representatives of the Biological Survey.

In deciding this case the District Court in Minnesota laid emphasis
on the great importance to the public welfare of such bodies of water as
Swan Lake. Its favorable location, its relatively shallow fresh water,
and its abundant growth of vegetation suitable for cover, nesting sites,
and food have made it an attractive resort for many kinds of waterfowl.
Its margins and wooded islands are a valuable asset in the conservation
not only of game birds but also of insectivorous birds useful to farmers.
Among the water birds that breed on the lake are several species of
ducks, including mallards, blue-winged teal, redheads, lesser scaup, and
ruddy ducks; sora rails, Florida gallinules, American coots, four species
of grebes, black terns, and black-crowned night-herons are also common.

At least 50 kinds of plants valuable as food for water birds grow in
this lake, including practically all the best duck food plants of the
United States. There is also an abundance of fresh-water snails of sev-
eral species liked by water birds. Lowering the level of this lake mate-
rially would eventually cause the disappearance of its present kind of
vegetation and gradually destroy its value as a waterfowl resort.

40 1 rE AO DW BON. 3B Oink bas

Items From Decatur
/ | ‘HE Decatur Bird and Tree Club has elected the following officers:

President—Mr. C. W. MontrcoMEery
Vice-President—Mkrs. H. D. SPENCER
Secretary—Miss Rinnie BEAN

Treasurer—Mkrs. C. A. IMBoDEN

Junior Superintendent—Mrs. BENJAMIN BACHRACH

Every Saturday a different school publishes its bird notes in the
evening paper. Never yet has any school contribution been without its
bird news. The schools are affliated with the Bird and Tree Club. The
Welfare Home is a school for delinquent girls. The schools co-operate
with our homes for civic responsibilities.

Here are a few of the amusing and interesting things that happen
to a bird lover:

Finding dead birds on her doorstep.

Children bringing sick and injured birds.

One brought a baby English sparrow carefully tended in a box. (You
can imagine what happened when the child left.)

Inquiries come every day during the spring migration describing
birds that never existed and only could in the imagination of one un-
familiar with birds.

Request to band a lame waterbird.

Request to band a caged canary.

The older boys come to ask about game laws, and the children ab-
sorb every word of the stories that are told them about the birds and the
necessity for their protection and conservation.

Children come from all over the city to see the bird houses and learn
how to make and place them. Many people ask about bird fountains,
ask to borrow field glasses, and request information as to how to present
the bird work before the State Parent-Teacher’s Convention.

I try to find time for everyone interested, no matter how urgent
other duties may be. —ELEANORE S. BACHRACH.

At the Forks of the Road: Real Preservation
or Annihilation

To Au Epirors:

Permit me to say to you, speaking briefly and without noting excep-
tions, that the American people of the 48 states are guilty of great folly
in perm'tting their game birds and mammals to be slaughtered as game-
slaughter now is going on. If you cannot believe this now, twenty years
hence your sons w7//believe it, and regretit. The turning point has arrived.

THE AUDUBON | BULLETIN 41

The causes of the present wicked and foolish destruction are by no
means obscure. (1) The slaughter of game is ordered and regulated by
a very small minority, always consisting of hunters. (2) The many
millions of good men and women who do not shoot, and do not kill
‘game,’ are as a mass ignorant, or heedless, or deadly apathetic. (3)
Of the 5,500,000 men who annually kill game, about go per cent are
heedless of the rights of wild creatures, and merciless toward game to the
full extent of the law and of their ability to kill. (4) The other ro per
cent, consisting of humane and conscientious sportsmen, either try to
lull their own fears to sleep by cultivating optimism (of a deadly kind),
or else they do not feel impelled to become active reformers.

The non-migratory game species,—bob-white, quail, grouse, prairie
chicken, wild turkey, squirrels, and deer, all are going to hell, through
wicked engines of destruction, deadly bag limits and outrageous open
seasons, aided by much illegal shooting. Now the deadly automobile has
added fifty per cent to the perils of the game:

If you cannot awaken and arouse the millions of American voters who
do not kill game, then we may as well give up this fight; for a majority
of the hunters never will voluntarily give up 50 per cent of their killing
privileges so long as killable game remains.

—WixiraM T. Hornapay.

News From Lake Decatur
ce of boating to certain parts of the lake which will

be reserved for the undisturbed possession of the ducks and geese
when they start the fall migration to the south and stop at Decatur on
their long journey, are being planned by the game wardens and others
interested in having the wild waterfowl protected and made welcome on
Lake Decatur. Five teal were seen on the lake Friday.

The open season on ducks and geese starts Sunday, September 16,
and runs until December 31 and the need of reserving a section or so
of the lake as an undisturbed resting grounds for the birds is being
considered by those who take particular interest in having the wild
waterfowl stay here as long as they can be induced to stay.

BOATING NEARLY OVER

“Boating as such will not amount to anything from this time on,”’
said a man who is connected with the lake activities.

“Just as soon as the temperature drops here, boating interest lan-
guishes. We are not acclimated to cold days on the water.”

For this reason it is not believed that any rulings about reserving
sections of the lake for the exclusive play and resting grounds of the birds
will cause much inconvenience.

42 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

A few fishermen may want to row about to places not otherwise
accessible, but it is believed that these will be few.

Hunters are forbidden by the state to shoot on the lake; and birds
are safe there at all times as far as lawful shooting is concerned, for the
lake is under the specific care of the state game and fish department as
a reserve or refuge.

If the hunters will obey this ruling, they will find that the birds will
come in great numbers to the lake and will fly out into the fields and
along neighboring water courses to feed, when the hunter will have his
chance.

WARDENS TO ENFORCE LAW

The game wardens have served notice that the rule about shooting
on the lake must be observed. The open season rule never applies to the
lake itself. It is closed at all seasons to any kind of shooting.

The movement to keep even boatmen away from certain parts of
the lake so that the birds may be wholly undisturbed is just along the line
followed last spring when the birds became so friendly and tame in the
area near the county bridge.

PENALTY HEAVY

The penalty for violations of the section of the act protecting the
game preserves is a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200, or im-
prisonment in the county jail for not less than thirty days nor more than
sixty days, or both, in the discretion of the court.

With the public sentiment in this community so strong for the pro-
tection of the water fowl, the game wardens and other officials feel that
their stand on enforcement of the law will.be backed by both the people
and the courts.

A Lecture Course and Correspondence Course
in the
Elements of Ornithology

ee New England there are many people who would
like to study ornithology or at least take a first course in this
science. This demand comes from members of bird clubs, ornithological

clubs, the New England Bird Banding Association, etc. Few of our —
universities offer courses in this subject. To supply this need the New
England Bird Banding Association has secured the services of Dr.
Glover M. Allen, who will give a course in the Elements of Ornithology
in Boston this coming winter. The Nuttall Ornithological Club, the
Brookline Bird Club and the Essex County Ornithological Club have
officially endorsed the project. Dr. Allen is an all-around naturalist,

THE* AUDUBON BULLETIN 43

President of the Nuttall Club, Secretary of the Boston Society of
Natural History and a Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union.

The lectures will be ten in number and will be illustrated by lantern
slides and study material. In addition, the lectures will be sent out to
subscribers as a Correspondence Course. These lectures will treat the
subject systematically, and while neither too technical nor too ele-
mentary, they will not be of a “popular” order. Those attending are
expected to take full notes and at the close of the course to take a written
examination, as are all those taking the Correspondence Course. A set
of these lectures (100 pages or more) will constitute a valuable text-
book on the subject.

At the close of Dr. Allen’s course, an eleventh lecture will be given
by Prof. Alfred O. Gross of Bowdoin College, for the purpose of indi-
cating to bird-banders and bird-lovers how they can best assist the work
in their respective fields.

The lectures will be delivered in the Lecture-room of the Boston
Society of Natural History, corner Boylston and Berkeley streets, Boston,
at 7:45 P.M., beginning Tuesday, January 8, and continuing on succes-
sive Tuesdays.

Pm@ecotPecture Course... 9°. Yt a, $500
Pieeror see vlickets hy oS me te RS
Piiceml Coreespondence Course... “«. ©... .... . 3.00

The promoters of this course are confident that those who take it
will find an increased enjoyment in their field excursions and in bird-
banding, and more important still, will gain an added appreciation of
the great abundance of ornithological problems waiting to be solved,
problems on one or more of which every bird-student should take de-
light in working. The New England Bird Banding Association offers
this course not only for the pleasure it will give to bird-lovers but for
the permanent profit to ornithology which it firmly believes will result
from it. An application blank for the course is enclosed.

New Encianp Birp BanpDING ASSOCIATION
Boston, Mass. Laurence B. Fletcher, Secretary
50 Congress St., Room 941

T is with great regret that we announce the sudden death at
Philo, Illinois, on New Year’s Eve, of Isaac Hess, the well-known
ornithologist and an important contributor to the columns of this

Bulletin. In the next issue of this Bulletin will appear a biographical
sketch of his life, together with an appreciation of his scientific writ-
ings and of his contribution to the cause of protection of bird-life.

a) THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

New ENGLAND Birp BAanpInG ASSOCIATION

Application for Lecture Course and Correspondence Course in
Elements of Ornithology

Enclosed herewith is $

.. Subscriptions to Lecture Course

.. Subscriptions to Correspondence Course

Make checks PAYABLE to Charles B. Floyd, Treasurer, and SEND to L. B.
Fletcher, Secretary, New England Bird Banding Association, Room 941, 50
Congress Street, Boston 9, Mass.

Foundation Started for Public Shooting and |
Fishing Places

General assembly makes appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars. Move-
ment started by the Illinois Sportsmen’s League several years ago wins
out. Will not cost taxpayers in general one cent. The
Bill sponsored in House by one of our active and
influential members

SENATE Briiu No. 68 as AMENDED IN THE House

Provides as follows:
Section 1. There is appropriated to the Department of Agriculture, for —
Division of Game and Fish, the sum of $100,000 for the following purposes:
For the purchase of lands in the northern, central and southern Illinois
to be selected by and with the advice and consent of the Governor, for
preserves for the breeding, hatching, propagation and conservation of game -

2 OU Gles OLS Meee ea ere ee CIO 8 cit a Ae Mikes a et arrest Nani $50,000
For stocking such preserves and for breeding and hatching, propagating
ANG COIS Mole eens AVG III, es auch acgownneoncsnges nec pee hoy $10,000

For conducting a campaign of education as to matters relating to fish
culture and for constructing, equipping and maintaining three or more bass
IaPGMEEIES i.e eras West Ade RCE NS Ba eke ech ae $40,000

Ton AUDUBON: BULLETIN 45

Lord Grey’s Bird Bull

N the House of Lords yesterday the Committee stage of Viscount
Grey’s Bill for the protection of wild birds was completed.
Though the Bill has been subjected to minor criticism and amend-

ment, with the prospect of more alterations in the Report stage, little ©
evidence was forthcoming in yesterday's debate to bear out Lord Craw-
ford’s contention on second reading that the Bill goes beyond the
warrant of public sentiment. The Bill is intended to consolidate the
confused state of the law about wild birds and to make it easier to ad-
minister. Discussion yesterday fastened, as might be expected, on the
treatment of one or two species of birds which are often regarded as nox-
ious and therefore not deserving of human protection. The Bill makes
no mention of noxious birds as such, but it appears to leave sufficient
means open to prevent any species from becoming a local plague.

Of the rarer British birds the Bill recognizes two categories—those
which, with their nests and eggs, are to be protected at all times, and
those which, with their eggs and nests, are to be protected only in a de-
fined closed season. Towards the rights of both kinds of birds the public
conscience has been for years growing more sensitive. The man who
kills a rare bird simply because it is a rarity 1s now universally repro-
bated—humane opinion usually has no word bad enough for him; but
rare birds have other enemies, none the less dangerous because they mas-
querade as servants of science. In the name of oology, which is, after
all, only Greek for egg-collecting, a good many crimes are committed.
A bird. frequent enough elsewhere, may be scarce and breed little in
these islands; oologists, however, are often not content with a specimen
of the egg, but insist that it shall be a home-laid egg—one, or several,
perhaps, of only a few clutches laid in Great Britain. If the Bill dis-
courages this particular form of egg-collecting, science will not suffer.
In any case, there may justly be occasions where the interests of classi-
ficatory science ought to give way to those of life, the ornithologist’s
to the bird-lover’s. It is as the lover of birds, their host and their en-
tertainer, that Lord Grey appeals, as he has appealed before in public
addresses and lectures, in this Bill, and there are many who would rather
be assured, on hearsay alone, that such and such bird still breeds on our
hills and shores than see a stuffed specimen, the last perhaps ever caught
in England, through a glass in a museum. The future of many of the
noble fauna of the earth, the irreplaceable products of zons of evolution,
is bound to be doubtful as mankind advances upon their strongholds;
the great cats, on account of their habits and conditions of life, may have
but a few years before them and if they become extinct the blame will
not wholly rest at man’s door. But it is otherwise with the race of birds.

46 THEY AUDUBON BULLE VGN

If men are imaginative enough and respectful enough of nature, if com-
merce and fashion can be humanized, there should be no reason why the
bird life of these islands should not always remain rich and varied. It
will be regrettable if Lord Grey’s Bill fails, for want of time or other
cause, to become law, because it agrees with the drift of opinion and
harmonizes and tightens up the present rather unsatisfactory state of
the law

Birding in Autumn

When in autumn I go walking

Through the woods while birds I’m stalking,
Folks must wonder what I’m seeking

With my constant eager peeking.

If they knew the fun that’s in it,
They would scarcely wait a minute

_ When they heard the redbird’s whistle
Or saw goldfinch on a thistle;

Heard the song of chickadee
From the top of leafless tree;
Saw the red of downy’s crown,

Nuthatch feeding upside down;

Friendly whitethroats on the ground
Black-bibbed juncos all around;
Hermit thrush in russet coat,
Brown tree sparrow’s cheerful note.

Watch for cheeky scolding jay
Who will surely come your way;
Possibly you'll spy an owl

With its sober blinking jowl.

Come and try it, unbeliever;
Soon you too will have the fever.
Joy will be too great for words
When you learn to know the birds.
ONIN Se

Pab, AUDUBON BULLETIN ; 47

The Charm of Ravines

O the uninitiated a ravine might well seem a place to be avoided.
Steep sides, in rock formation frequently being almost or quite
perpendicular, rough eroded bottoms generally crowded with a
rank growth of vegetation, deep shade with perhaps a small stream or
pools of water, all join to make physical objections to exploring ravines.

There are, however, many unique attractions in ravines that offset
the objections and make of these deeply eroded portions of the landscape
a source of pleasure to the lover of the out-of-doors, whether the quest
is in search of trees, birds, wild flowers, insects, or animals.

Would you find maidenhair, fragile bladder or lady ferns, search
first aravine. If you would see rare wildflowers, and unusual trees and
vines, a ravine will reveal not only many varieties but also a delightful
perfection in those discovered. Plant life growing in ravines has many
advantages over that growing in the level places: rich soil washed down
from the sides or carried in by streams, shelter from the wind and the
hot summer sun, protection from cattle and marauding people by reason
of difficult access.

With these advantages it is also apparent why birds seek ravines for
food, shelter, and nesting sites.

If you wish to find birds on a hot summer day, when apparently
there are none about, go to the nearest ravine. If in winter you think
there are no birds hardy enough to stand the cold, you will be surprised

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Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz
SwALLow Bank, PALos Park

48 Loe AUDUBON saw e ea tN

Photo by Orpheus M. Schantz

Mapte Hitt Ravine

and delighted to find numbers of birds feeding, and if you listen to their
cheerful conversation you will discover that they are apparently quite
comfortable, even in zero weather.

In many forested areas the surface is too level for ravine formation,
but where the land is more broken or undulating, the ravines sink deeper
and deeper and often are of such depth that the tops of tall trees do not
reach the level of the rims.

The ravines on the shore of Lake Michigan north of Chicago, have
long been famous for their treasures of plant life, and more recently,
since the coming of the cardinal grosbeak to our region, they have fur-
nished shelter for this hardy, year-round resident against the rigors of
the wind-swept North Shore.

In the forest preserves at Chicago Heights 1s a deep ravine in which
is found the only colony of buckeye trees in Cook County. An old
ravine among the Palos Park hills has a wonderful growth of sugar
maples, butternut, ironwood, and other interesting trees which are only
found where the soil has reached a certain condition necessary to their
requirements.

At the mouth of the Palos ravine is the famous swallow bank, where
regularly each season a colony of bank swallows makes its summer
home. This bank of loess is known to geologists and ornithologists.

At AUDUBON. BULLETIN 49

To the geologist it tells a story of an ancient deposit of river silt under
conditions that he understands, and it can be used as a chapter in his
outdoor instruction book. To the bird lover the bank is of interest on
account of the bank swallows, and the marvelous knowledge that they
seem to possess as to its value to them as a nesting site.

The Sag ravine, not far from the junction of the Calumet drainage
canal with the main drainage canal, within its short confines of stratified
Niagara limestone, contains a bewildering company of plants, some of
which are found nowhere else in Cook County, and are only found
growing on rock surfaces. An approach to the ravine from the adjoin-
ing fields always disturbs robins and other birds that feed on wild fruits,
for the ravine contains many plants bearing seeds or berries.

At Maple Hill station, on the Chicago-Joliet interurban, is the outlet
of one of the finest ravines near Chicago. Here is a colony of wonder-
ful, old, hard-maple trees that call to mind the “sugar bush’’ back east.
Near the entrance on the west bank is a fine, lone specimen of the rare
Blue Ash. In the wide fan-shaped mouth of the ravine stands one of the
finest examples of the stratified hawthorn known in the region. Farther
up the ravine there is a constantly increasing number of interesting
plants. On the right bank is an ancient limestone boulder on whose
accommodatingly pitted surface grow columbines, tiny ferns, and other
rock-loving plants. On the steep sides grow maidenhair, lady and fragile
bladder ferns, bloodroot, hepaticas, white baneberry, and many violets.

With all these attractions it is not strange that this ravine is a well-
inhabited bird sanctuary. Here one can find the catbird, thrasher, scar-
let tanager, great crested flycatcher, wood pewee, vireos, many sparrows,
towhees, and the indigo bunting. In springtime the warblers stay until
the very last minute of their schedule on account of the abundant supply
of insects. In the narrow strip of lowland across the car line into which
the ravine debouches, the character of the vegetation changes, and one
may find jack-in-the-pulpit, green dragon, black and red haws, many
members of the sun flower and wild lettuce families.

Spice bush, pawpaws, chestnut and shingle oaks, prickly ash, mul-
berry, soft Bee hard maples, cat briar and wild grapevines, many vari-
eties of herbaceous plants, all contribute food and insects for the bird
epicures. According to old settlers passenger pigeons formerly came
to this region in great flocks, and every year flights of Bonaparte gulls
may be seen following the course of the Desplaines River, drainage
canal, and the old Illinois and Michigan canal, which here parallel each
other only a short distance apart.

Over 7,000 acres of forest preserves are joined in the Mount Forest-
Palos tracts. If sufficient control may be enforced against illegal shoot-
ing, this beautiful region with its many ravines may again harbor thou-
sands of resident and migrant birds, as it no doubt did fifty or more
years ago. —OrpHEus Moyer SCHANTzZ.

50 Dae AUDUBON 2BU iY Ein

The Department of Agriculture of the State of Massachusetts has
issued many valuable bulletins which have to do with bird conservation.

Bulletin No. 112:

‘Bird Houses and Nesting Boxes’’ contains 28 pages of text and
illustrations which should be of great assistance to anyone desiring to
provide homes for the birds.

Bulletin No. 117:

“Plants that Attract and Shelter Birds and Some that Protect Cul-
tivated Fruits.” 3

In this bulletin there has been carefully compiled a list of plants
that bear fruits, and it tells where they should be planted.

These bulletins may be purchased at 10 cents each from Illinois
Audubon Society.

Are Birds Frightened or Injured
Through Banding?

ee sparrow, after being trapped by Mr. Lyon,
returned to the same trap and was caught eight times more on
the same day.

A fox sparrow was trapped 165 times during a winter season, and
scolded vociferously when taken out of the trap.

An immature male towhee was trapped over 100 times in 60 days.

There are a few accidents to birds in banding, but they are less than
lg of 1%. The value of the information gained through banding is in-
finitely greater than that gained through collecting with a gun; and no
birds are ever killed intentionally.

Photo by Ruthven Deane

OvERLOOKING Saco Bay, MAINE

Pee AUDUBON BULLETIN Rit

Illinois Prairies in 1871

Reprint from Introduction, Birds of Illinois,
by Robert Ridgway

HE PRAIRIES. The author’s personal acquaintance with the

prairies, their vegetation and their fauna, is very limited. In his

section of the State, there is no open or uncultivated prairie nearer

to Mount Carmel than 25 miles, the nearest one being Allison’s Prairie,
opposite the city of Vincennes, Indiana.

In Jasper and Richland counties, prairies of considerable size occur.
_ They are offshoots or arms of the Grand Prairie, although each particular
arm or “bay” has its own distinctive name. A few miles west of Olney,
Richland County, lies Fox Prairie; and to the southeast of this (the
wooded bottoms of the Fox River and tributaries intervening) is Sugar
Creek prairie. These two are the only prairies which the writer has
explored ornithologically.

The first visit to Fox Prairie was made on the 8th of June, 1871,
the writer and his companions arriving a little before noon. A rolling
plain spread before us, the farther side bounded by timber, while the
prairie itself was free from tree or brush, except where some intersecting
stream was followed by a narrow line of thickets, interspersed with occa-
sional fair-sized and gracefully formed elms; or along the edge, where
the jungle of sumac, thorn-bushes, wild plum, hazel, etc., backed by
young oak and hickory trees, showed plainly the encroachment of the
woodland. Herds of horses and cattle scattered about over the prairie,
and two or three neat farm houses, with their attendant orchards and
cultivated ground, made us realize that we were yet within the bounds
of comfortable civilization; otherwise, the landscape presented much of
its primitive aspect. The day was a delightful one; for, although the
heat ranged above 80°, the fresh prairie breeze tempered it to a delight-
ful mildness. Resting upon the cool greensward in the shade of a
large elm in the hollow, our ears were delighted by such a chorus of
bird-songs as we have heard nowhere else. Among the leafy arches
overhead the Baltimore Orioles whistled their mellow flute-like notes,
accompanied by soft, contented warble and joyous carol of the Warb-
ling and Red-eyed Vireos; the birds of the meadow were chanting on
every hand their several ditties, while the breeze wafted to us the songs
of various woodland species. In the scrubby jungle a Mocking-bird
fairly filled the air with his rich medley of varied notes, the singer leap-
ing in restless ecstacy from branch to branch, with drooping wings and
spread tail, or flitting from tree to tree as he sang. A Brown Thrasher
poured forth a ceaseless accompaniment as he sat perched sedately upon
the summit of a small vine-canopied tree—a contrast in bearing to the

a9) PAE UD BON aS Clie aieN

restive, sportive Mzmus, his rival in vigor, and superior in sweetness, of
song. Several Yellow-breasted Chats interpolated their loud cat-calls,
vehement whistlings, and croaking notes. These three, loudest of the
songsters, well nigh drowned the voices of the smaller birds; but in the
brief intervals—“‘between the acts’ —were heard the fine and sweet,
though plaintive, song of the little Field Sparrow, the pleasant notes of
the Chewink, the rich whistlings of the Cardinal, and the clear, proud
call of Bob White. Upon proceeding to the thickets and thus inter-
rupting the louder songsters, the wondrously strong and vehement
notes of the “Chickty-beaver Bird”’ or White-eyed Vireo greeted us
from the tangled copse, and soon a song we had never heard before—
the gabbling, sputtering harangue of Bell’s Vireo—attracted our atten-
tion and, of course, our interest. In the more open woods marking the
border of the timber the several woodland species were noticed; there
the Vermilion Tanager or Summer Red-bird warbled his Robin-like
but fine and well-sustained song, the Blue-jays chuckled and screamed
as they prowled among the branches, and gaudy Red-headed Wood-
peckers flaunted their tri-colored livery as they sported about the trunks
or occasional dead tree-tops.

On the open prairie, comparative quiet reigned. The most numer-
ous bird there was “Dick Cissel” (Spiza americana), who monopo-
lized the iron-weeds, uttering his rude but agreeable ditty with such
regularity and persistence that the general stillness seemed scarcely
broken; hardly less numerous Henslow’s Buntings were likewise perched
upon the weed-stalks, and their weak but emphatic se-wick sounded
almost like a faint attempt at imitation of Dick Cissel’s song. The
grasshopper-like wiry trill of the Yellow-winged Sparrow; the meander-
ing, wavering warble of the Prairie Lark (Ofocoris alpestris praticola)—
coming apparently from nowhere, but in reality from a little speck
floating far up in the blue sky,—and the sweet “‘peek—you can’t see me”
of the Meadow-lark, completed the list of songs heard on the open
prairie. Many kinds of birds besides those already described were seen,
but to name them all would require too much space. We should not,
however, omit to mention the elegant Swallow-tailed Kites, which now
and then wheeled into view as they circled over the prairie, or their
cousins and companions, the Mississippi Kites, soaring above them
through the transparent atmosphere; nor must we forget a pair of
croaking ravens who, after circling about for a short time over the
border of the woods, flew away to the heavy timber in the Fox River
bottoms.

Early in the following August we paid a second visit to the same
spot, and found a material change in its aspect. A season of universal
drought having passed, the prairie, which before was comparatively
brown and sober in its coloring, was bedecked with flowers of varied

hue. The Mocking-birds, Brown Thrashers, Chats, and most of the

EAE AMDUBON, BULLETIN 53

other songsters, were silent, but the shrill screech of a large species of
Cicada repeatedly startled us as we brushed against the weeds, while
numerous grasshoppers were far more noisy than the birds. As we came
well out on the prairie, however, a beautiful and unlooked-for sight
appeared; in short, we were completely transfixed by the, to us, novel
spectacle of numerous exquisitely graceful Swallow-tailed Kites floating
about on bouyant wing, now gliding to the right or left, then sweeping
in broad circles, and approaching so near that several were easily shot.
Soaring lightly above them were many Mississippi Kites, of which one
would now and then close its wings and plunge downward, as if to strike
the very earth, but instantly checking the velocity of its fall by sudden
spreading of the wings, would then shoot upward again almost to the
height from which it had descended. When two or more passed one
another at opposite angles—as frequently happened—the sight was
beautiful in the extreme.

The total number of species observed during these two trips, within
the bounds of the prairie itself, numbered about ninety-five on each
occasion; while the surrounding woodlands, cultivated grounds and
river bottoms added so many more, that a total of about one hundred
and forty species were ascertained to, in all probability, breed upon an
area five miles square, having for its centre the portion of the prairie
where we made our investigations. Of this grand total, only twenty-five
were water-birds, the remainder of one hundred and fifteen species of
land-birds being, perhaps, as large a number of regular summer resi-
dents as any locality of equal extent in North America can boast.

A third visit to this prairie was made early in June, 1883—exactly
twelve years after the first trip. The change which had taken place in
the interval was almost beyond belief. Instead of an absolutely open
prairie some six miles broad by ten in extreme length, covered with its
original characteristic vegetation, there remained only 160 acres not under
fence. With this insignificant exception, the entire area was covered
by thriving farms, with their neat cottages, capacious barns, fields of
corn and wheat, and even extensive orchards of peach and apple trees.
The eat faemacran was complete; and it was only by certain ineffaceable
landmarks that we were able to identify the locality of our former visits.
As a consequence, we searched in vain.for the characteristic prairie
birds. Upon the unenclosed tract of 160 acres—a common grazing
ground for the herds of the neighborhood—Dick Cissels, Henslow’s
Buntings, Yellow-winged Sparrows, and the Meadow-larks were abun-
dant as ever; and running in the road, now wallowing in the dust, then
alighting upon a fence stake, were plenty of Prairie Larks (Otocoris);
but—shades of Audubon!—equally numerous were the detestable and
detested European House Sparrow, already ineradicably established.
We searched in vain for Bell’s Vireo, for all the thickets had been de-
stroyed. Neither was a solitary kite, of either species, to be seen.

54 THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

We left our beautiful prairie with sad heart, disgusted with the change
(however beneficent to humanity) which civilization had wrought.

The same is the history of all the smaller prairies in many portions
of the State; and it will probably not be many years before a prairie in
its primitive condition cannot be found within the limits of Illinois.

Illinois Nature Study Society

he Illinois Nature Study Society, Inc., of Elgin, has been or-
ganized for the purpose of studying natural sciences, and for the
protection of our native flora and fauna.
The following sections have been created, each to be governed by a

special committee: |

Botany

Ornithology

Entomology

Geology.

Eventually other sections will be added. The society also contem-
plates uniting similar organizations in this state into one central body,
which shall further the study of nature, and especially use its influence
against the further destruction of our natural resources, and for the ac-
tive conservation of all classes of wild life.

The active interest and efficient work which have been so noticeable
in Elgin, will insure the success of the new and broader organization
from its inception. ;

Elgin Nature Lovers have a fine basis on which to build for the future.
Trout Park with its unusual vegetation, the museum building with its
fine collection, many private collections of note, added to an enthusiastic
membership, will make of Elgin a center for this worthy venture.

A Sanctuary for Wild Life in Indiana
A. the last session of the Indiana Legislature a bil] was passed setting

aside a tract of 2000 acres along the Kankakee River, near Knox,
Indiana, for a Wild Life Sanctuary. This wise protective action will
save from destruction one of the greatest breeding-grounds for bird life
in the state. Many species that would otherwise be driven out by recla-
mation of river bottom lands, will now be provided with a perma-
nent home. |

THE AUDUBON BULLETIN

The I:ttino1s AupuBoN So-
cieTy’s Check List is one of the
first State check lists issued.

A unique feature of the list is
the zonal map of Illinois in colors.

It is a decided addition to or-
nithological literature, and can
be used in bird study in the ad-
joining states.

Price 50c postpaid

55

¥ R. R. DONNI
COMPANY A’

Si fave Illinois Audubon Society recommends the organiza-
tion of Junior Audubon Societies under one or the other
of the following plans:

First plan: Organize under the auspices of the National
Association of Audubon Societies and take advantage of the
special offer to pupils made possible by generous patrons of
the Society. Each member paying ten cents will receive a
set of six educational leaflets with colored pictures and out-
line drawings for coloring with crayons. Each member will
also receive the Audubon button which represents a badge of
membership in a Junior Audubon class. Each teacher who
organizes a class of twenty or more receives a year’s free
subscription to Bird-Lore, the official organ of the Associa-
tion. Address the Secretary, 1974 Broadway, New York
City. :

Second plan: Organize under the auspices of the Illinois
Audubon Society. Each pupil is to pay fifteen cents for a
copy of Fifty Common Birds of Farm and Orchard published
by the United States Government, copies to be obtained
either from the Secretary of the Illinois Audubon Society
or by sending directly to the Superintendent of Documents
at Washington, D.C. To each member of a group provided
with this beautifully illustrated bulletin the Illinois Audubon
Society will give without charge the Audubon button of mem-
bership in the Illinois Society and will send to the leader of
_ the group for a period of one year all the publications and
special notices of the Society together with an illustrated
certificate showing that the group is a member of the IIli-
nois Audubon Society. Teachers wishing to enroll pupils
under local plans may obtain Audubon buttons for two
cents each.

Address the

Illinois Audubon Society
10 South La Salle Street

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