p

4

Zl

FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR EDVCATION

FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

Bound at ]
A.M.N.H.
1908

r^ i J&irti lore

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

EDITED BY

FRANK M. CHAPMAN

flDfficial flDtffan of t^e Audubon feocietieo

Audubon Department Edited by

MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

AND

WILLIAM DUTCHER

VOLUME IX— 1907

THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

HARRISBURG, PA., AND NEW YORK CITY

COHYRlGhT, 19C7

Bv FRANK M CHAPMAN

y^/V//V,^^

INDEX TO ARTICLES IN VOLUME IX
BY AUTHORS

Abbott, Clinton G. See Stackpole, R. E.;
Photograph by, 95.

Ainsworth, Mrs. See Sloan, Mrs.

Allen, Mary Pierson, An Attractive Visi-
tor, 216.

Anderson, Minnie K., Christmas Census,

31-
Antes, Frank T., Christmas Census, 23.
Armstrong, E. E., and Carl C. Lawson,

Christmas Census, 29.
Arnold, Clarence M., Christmas Census,

21; Robins and Sparrows, 84.

Baker, John H., Christmas Census, 20.
Barber, A. H., The Blue Jay's Food, 128.
Barry, Anna K. See Peters, James L.
Bartlett, Mrs. Charles T., Bird Notes

from New Mexico, 127.
Barton, Ethel R., Christmas Census, 16;

A Bird Walk in December, 47.
Batchelder, Mrs. F. W., Secretary, report

of, 345-
Bates, J. M., The Bartramian Sandpiper,

84.
Beck, Herbert H., Christmas Census, 27.
Beckwith, Constance. See Beckwith,

Mabel F.
Beckwith, Mabel F., Constance Beckwith

and Sarah Francis, Christmas Census,

3°-

Beebe, R. H., Photograph by, 75.

Bent, A. C, Report on Condition of Bird
Colonies on Cobb's Island, Virginia, in
1907, 316.

Bergtold, W. H., The House Finch from
an Office Window, 61.

Bildersee, Isaac. See Stackpole, R. E.

Bixby, H. S., A New Robin Food, 129.

Blake, Francis G., See Wright, Horace W.

Blakely, Walter J., President, report of,
345-

Blake, Maurice C, Christmas Census, 17.

Blanchard, George G., Christmas Census,
16; The Blue Jay's Food, 83.

Blanchard, H. H., Christmas Census, 21.

Bliss, Lucy B., Christmas Census, 20.

Boardman, Miss E. D., and Mrs. Lidian
E. Bridge, Christmas Census, 17.

Bonner, Mrs. Paul R., Notes on the
Starling, 171; Trapping English Spar-
rows, 211.

Borgen, Nels. See Phillips, Charles.

Bosson, C, Christmas Census, 19.

Bowdish, B. S., Nature Study Organiza-
tions, 90; The Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
no; The Skylark {Alauda arvensis) on
Long Island, 217.

Boynton, Alice M., The Audubon Club
in the Bahamas, 184.

Bridge, Edmund, and Lidian E. Bridge,

Christmas Census, 20.
Bridge, Mrs. Lidian E. See Boardman,

Miss E. D.; List of Birds Observed at

West Medford, Mass., from January

I, 1906 to January i, 1907, 162.
Brooks, Allan, Christmas Census, 31;

The Wood Duck and the Canvasback

in British Columbia, 127; Plate by,

facing 189.
Brown, Edwin C, A Friendly Nuthatch,

218; and Henrietta Jordan, Christmas

Census, 31.
Brown, Frank A., Christmas Census, 21.
Bruen, Frank. See Smith, E. E.
Butler, Jefferson, Christmas Census, 30;

Secretary's Report, 342.
Buttrick, P. L., The Starling at Stonington

and New Haven, 208.

Calvert, E. W. See McFayden, Charlie;
Christmas Census, 16.

Carson, Alma, Secretary, report of, 351.

Case, E. C. See Mitchell, I. N.

Caskey, R. C, Christmas Census, 25;
The Starling at Morristown, N. J.,
209.

Chapin, James, Red-breasted Nuthatches
and Pine Finches on Staten Island,
N. Y., 174; The Starling on Staten
Island, N. Y., 209.

Chapman, Frank M., Photograph by, 7;
Editorials by, 40, 88, 132, 223, 275;
Bird-Lore as a Te.\t-Book, 46; Re-
views by, 86, 130, 175, 176, 220, 221,
271; The New Bird Groups in the
American Museum of Natural History,
1 68; A Call for Notes on the Starling,
172; The Starling in America, 206;
A Season's Field Work, 256; Common
Names of North American Birds, 265;
A Contribution to the Subject of Bird
Surgery, 268.

Chase, Ethel B., Herbert T. Thomson
and Harriet W. Thomson, Christmas
Census, 30.

Childs, Helen P., Secretary, report of, 330.

Chuver, W. H. See Mitchell, I. N.

Clark, Edith M., Christmas Census, 22.

Cobb, Beatrice, and Stanley Cobb, Christ-
mas Census, 18.

Coffin, Lucv V. B. See Gano, L.

Cooke, W. W., The Migration of Thrushes
32, 76, 121, 166, 205; The Migration of
Fly-catchers, 264.

Criddle, Norman, Nesting Sites of the
American Long-eared Owl in Manitoba,
12S.

Davis, M. B., Secretary, report of, 358.

Index

Davis, \Vm. T., The Starling Eats Pears,

267.
Dawson, W. Leon, President, report of,

359-
Davton, Reddington M. See Smith,

Wilbur F.
De \'ine, J. L., Christmas Census, 29.
Dillon, F. X.. A. G. Whitney and G. F.

Hubbard, Christmas Census, 17.
Dodge, V. K., Christmas Census, 2S.
Drew, Emma E., Christmas Census, 17:

Some Bird Acquaintances, 114.
Drummond, Mary, Secretary-Treasurer,

report of, 335. '
Dunham, Louis, A Late Warbler, 129.
Dutcher, William, Editorials by, 52. 97,

138, 183, 230, 282; Annual Report of

the National Association of Audubon

Societies, 2S5.
Dwight, Jonathan, Jr., Reviews by, 85,

86, 130, 221, 273; A Sketch of the

Thrushes of North America, 103.

Earle, Carlos, Christmas Census, 27.
Earle, Eleanor P., Christmas Census, 27.
Edwards, Edna S., report of, 361.
Elliott, E. Earl. See Gavitt, S. B.
Ells, George P., The Starling at Norwalk,

Connecticut, 207.
Evans, William B., Christmas Census, 25.

Fair, Wm. W., Christmas Census, 25.

Ferrv, John F., Christmas Census, 30.

Field, George W., The Heath Hen.^ 249.

Finley, William L., report of, 306.

Fisher, E. W., Secretary, report of, 353.

Fisher, W. H., Photograph by, 63.

Fiske, Dwight Lewis, Confiding \'ireos, 47.

Fitzpatrick, Adele, and Samuel D. Rob-
bins, Christmas Census, iS.

Flanagan, Wm. M., and Wm. Rochow,
Christmas Census, 27.

Fletcher, Arthur W., and Samuel D. Rob-
bins, Christmas Census, 18.

Foote, F. Huberta, and Alice R. Northrop,
Christmas Census, 25.

Forbush, Edward H., report of, 303.

Fordyce, George L., and Rev. S. F.
Wood, Christmas Census, ^o.

Ford, R. W. See Smith, E. E.

Francis, Sarah. See Beckwith, ^label F.

Fuertes, L. A., Plate by, facing 32, facing
61, facing 193.

Gannett, Lewis S., Christmas Census, 26.

Gano, L., and Lucy V. B. Coffin, Christ-
mas Census, 30.

Garretson, John Lyall, A Gentle Criti-
cism, 73.

Gates, Frank, N. Partridge and R. H.
Geberding, Christmas Census, 29.

Gavitt, S. B., and E. Earl Elliott, Christ-
mas Census, 23.

Geberding, R. H. See Gates, Frank.

Gill, John B., Christmas Census, 26.

Glover, Helen W., Secretary, report of,

33°-
Grant, Mrs. Henry Tyler, Secretary,

report of, 354.
Graves, Frances M., Christmas Census, 21

The Starling at New London, Conn.,

208.
Griffin, Delia I., Secretary, report of, 359.
Gross, Alfred O., and Howard A. Ray,

Christmas Census, 28.
Gurley, Alvin H., Christmas Census, 21.

Harper, Francis, Christmas Census, 24.

Hegner, Robert W., Clay Bird-Houses
and Bird-Baths, 69.

Heil, Charles E., Christmas Census, 19.

Hendrickson, John H., Wood Duck and
Woodcock Summer Shooting Con-
demned, 229.

Herrick, Francis H., Bird Protection in
Italy as It Impresses the Italian, 156,

193-
Higgins, Joy Montgomery, Secretary,

report of, 345.
Hill, J. Irving, Christmas Census, 21.
Hix, George E., Christmas Census, 24, 25.
Hodgman, Edith M., Christmas Census,

21.
Holtz, Fred L., The House Wren, 198.
Honsinger, Lelia E., English Sparrow

Notes, 214.
Honywill, A. W. See Saunders, A. A.,

Christmas Census, 22; Photograph by,

37; Prairie Horned Larks in Connecticut

174-
Horsfall, Bruce, Plates by, facing 48,

facing 93, facing 103, facing 134, facing

147, 171, facing 179, facing 225.
Horton, Wm. C, An Attempt to Establish

a Purple Martin Colony, 204.
Howe, F. E., Photographs by. 15, 129, 161.
Howe, Florence A., Secretary, report of,

336.
Hubbard, G. F. See Dillon, F. N.
Hubbard, Marian E., Bluebird Tenants,

II.
Hunt, Richard M., English Sparrow

Notes, 215.
Hunter, S., Christmas Census, 16.
Hutchins, John, The Feeding Habits of

the Blue Jay, Si.

Job, Herbert K., .\ Thrashing by Thrash-
ers, 241.

Johnson, Susan M., Christmas Census,
28.

Jordan, Henrietta, and Edwin C. Brown,
Christmas Census, 31.

Judd, Robert S., The Starling at Bethel,
Conn., 207.

Kenwood Bird Club, Christmas Bird

Census, 31.
Kimball, Jessie E., Secretary, report of,

341-

Index

Kiiowles, Wilhclniina C, Chrisinuis Cen-
sus, 22.

Kopman, H. H., Report of Exploration of
Seabird Colonies, 233; report of, 305.

Larson, Adrian, Christmas Census, 31.

Latham, PVank, Harry and Roy, Christ-
mas Census, 23.

Latham, Roy, The Starling at Orient,
L. I., 209.

Lawson, Carl C, Christmas Census, 28;
see Armstrong, E. E.

Learned, Agnes M., Christmas Census, 18.

Learned, H. L., M. F. and A. M., Christ-
mas Census, 18.

Lee, Charlotte E., Christmas Census, 24.

Leete, Bernard E., Christmas Census, 22

Lefebure, E. Lucas, Christmas Census, 28

Lcmmon, Isabel McC, The Starling at
Englewood, N. J., 210.

Leonard, Mortimer D., Christmas Census,
25-

Leonard, Mrs. A. G., Secretary, report of,
35°-

Lockwood, Emma H., Secretary, report of,
347-

Lockwood, L. E., Photographs by, 11.

Lucas, F. A., Oology as a Science, 35, 125.

Marble, Richard, and James L. Peters,

Christmas Census, 19.
Marrs, Mrs. Kingsmill, Chairman of

E.xecutive Committee, report of, 332.
McConnell, Harry B., Christmas Census,

30.
McFayden, Charlie, and E. W. Calvert,

Christmas Census, 16.
Merriam, C. Hart, John James Audubon, 3,
Miller, Frank M., President, report of, 339.
Miller, Richard F., Christmas Census, 26.
Miller, W. DeW., An Owl Tragedy, 173;

The Starling at Plainfield, N. J., '210.
Mitchell, I. N., W. H. Chuver, and E. C.

Case, Christmas Census, 31.
Mitchell, Mrs. M. B., Red-breasted Nut-
hatch at Sea, 126.
Montgomery, Thomas H., Jr., The

Question of the Amount of Science in

Oology, 36.
Morgan, Albert, The Starling at Wethers-
field, Conn., 208.
Morris, Robert O., The Introduction of

the Starling at Springfield, Mass., 206.
Morse, A. P., Photographs by, 13.
Murphy, Robert C, A Winter Flight of

Vesper Sparrows, 173.
Murphy, Robert C, and Edward A.,

Christmas Census, 24.

Nichols, John Treadwell, Around the

Horn for Petrels, 245.
Norman, Mrs. Charles, Christmas Census,

3°-
Norns, Wm. M., Jr., Christmas Census,

25-

Xorihr<>i), .Alice R., See Foote, F. Huberta
Norton, .Vrlhur H., Report on Colonics of
Birds in Maine Receiving Special Pro-
tection in 1907, 319; Secretary's report,
340.

Orr, Ellison, Christmas Census, 28.

Pabody, E. F., Jr., Christmas Census, 31.

Packard, W. H., and C. S. Van Deusen,
Christmas Census, 28.

Palmer, T. S., Reviews by, 87, 131, 222.

Pangburn, C. A., Horned Larks Breeding
in Connecticut, 217.

Pangburn, Clifford H., The Starling at
New Haven Conn., 207.

Pangburn, D. B. See Saunders, A. A.;
Christmas Census, 22.

Parrott, Mrs. Wm. F., Secretary, 337.

Partridge, N., See Gates, Frank.

Patton, John S., and Leonard S. Pearson,
Christmas Census, 26.

Pearson, L. S., A Persistent Phoebe, 83.

Pearson, Leonard S. See Patton, John S.;
Christmas Census, 26.

Pearson, T. Gilbert, Florida Bird Notes, 6;
Notice of Annual Meeting of the Nation-
al Association of Audubon Societies, 229;
Secretary's Annual Report, 300, 348.

Pennock, C. J., Christmas Census, 27.

Perkins, Edward H., Christmas Census,
16.

Perry, John S., Photographing a Loon, 266

Peters, James L., and Anna K. Barry,
Christmas Census, 20.

Peters, James L., See Marble, Richard;
Christmas Census, 20; List of Birds
Observed at Jamaica Plain, from Janu-
ary I, 1906, to January i, 1907, 162.

Pettigrew, George A., Secretary, report of,
356.

Phillips, Charles, and Nels. Borgen,
Christmas Census, 31.

Phillips, Sherman E., Christmas Census,
16.

Pierce, Nellie S., Christmas Census, 23.

Pitcairn, William G., A Report on the
Nesting Birds in the Vicinity of River-
view Park, Allegheny, Pa., for 1906, 154.

Pratt, George B., The Blue Jay as a De-
stroyer, 82.

Princehorn, A. L., Photographs by, 9, 206,
211.

Putnam, Miss. See Sloan, Mrs.

Putnam, Mrs. See Sloan, Mrs.

Randolph, Harriet, English Sparrows and

Electric Lights, 126.
Rattermann, M. Katherine, Secretary,

report of, 350.
Ray, Howard A. See Gross, Alfred O.
Redfield, Alfred C, Christmas Census, 27.
Ripley, B. L., Christmas Census, 20.
Robbins, Reginald C, Christmas Census,

21.

VI

Index

Robbins, Samuel D. See Fletcher, Arthur
W., and also see Fitzpatrick, Adele.

Roberts, Thos. S., Photograph by, 170.

Rochow, Wm. See Flanagan, Wm. M.

Rogers, C. H. See Stackpole, R. E.;
Christmas Census, 24, 25.

Rumney, M. Eloise, A Plea for the Spar-
row, 213.

Saunders, A. A., Christmas Census, 22;

The Starling at New Haven, Conn., 207.
Saunders, A. A., A. W. Honywill and D.

B. Pangburn, Christmas Census, 21.
Scribner, Julia S., Secretary, report of, 346.
Seeman, Ernest, Christmas Census, 27.
Sefton, H. L., A Southern California

Aviary, 147.
Sloan, Mrs., Mrs. Putnam, Miss Putnam

and Mrs. Ainsworth, Christmas Census,

29.
Smith, E. E., R. W. Ford, and Frank

Bruen, Christmas Census, 23.
Smith, Wilbur F., and M. Dayton Red-

dington, Christmas Census, 23.
Stackpole, R. E., and Clinton G. Abbott,

Christmas Census, 25.
Stackpole, R. E., Wm. H. Wiegman, Isaac

Bildersee and C. H. Rogers, Christmas

Census, 24.
Rtansell, Sidney, S. S., Christmas Census,

31; Some Edmonton, Alberta, Birds, iiS
otarr, Minna D., Secretary, report of, 341.
Stockwell, Adelaide, Christmas Census, 20.
Stone, Witmer, Reviews by, 176.
Stupp, Frederick J., Christmas Census, 23.
Swain, J. Merton, The Maine Ornitho-
logical Society, 65.

Taverner, P. A., Oology a Science, 78.
Taylor, B. F., President, report of, 355.
Taylor, J. W., President, report of, 343.
Ten Eyck, Elizabeth Freeman, A Study

of a House Wren, 201.
Thompson, Albert A., Christmas Census,

31-
Thomson, Harriet W. See Chase, Ethel B.
Thomson, Herbert T. See Chase, Ethel B.
Thwaites, Mrs. R. G., Secretary, report of,

360.
Tinker, A. D., An Unusual Nesting Site of

the American Long-eared Owl, 83.

Trafton, Gilbert, and Edward Uehling,
Christmas Census, 25; The Fallacy of
the Moving Bird-house, 269; Robins
Nesting in Bird-houses 270.

Uehling, Edward. See Trafton, Gilbert.

Van Deusen, C. S. See Packard, W. H.
Vermont Bird Club, Bulletin No. 2, re-
viewed, 272.

Wade, Francis C, and Jesse H., Christ-
mas Census, 17.

Wallace, John H., Game Commissioner,
report of, 328.

Warren, Edward R., A Hummingbird
That Wanted Light, 81.

Watson, John B., Report on the Condi-
tion of the Noddy and Sooty Tern
Colony on Bird Key, Tortugas, Florida,

307-
Way, W. Scott, Secretary, report of, 328.
Wellman, Gordon. See Wright, Horace W.;

Christmas Census, 19.
Welty, E. J., Corresponding Secretary,

report of, 352.
Wheelock, Georgiana M., Christmas Cen-
sus, 21.
Whitney, Alvin G., Christmas Census, 17.
Wiegmann, Wm. H. See Stackpole, R. E.
Wilson, Burtis H., Christmas Census,

29.
Wood, Rev. S. F. See Fordyce, Geo. L.
Woodward, Magnolia, Christmas Census,

28.
Worcester, E. J., Christmas Census, 20.
Wright, Horace, W. Gordon Wellman and

Maurice C. Blake, Christmas Census,

Wright, Horace W., Maurice C. Blake and
Francis G. Blake, Christmas Census,
18, 19.

Wright, Mabel Osgood, February, 41;
April, 89; In June, 133; August and the
Flocking Time, 177; October and Prep-
arations for Winter, 224; For December,
Six Reminders, 276; The Bluebird, 48;
The Red- winged Blackbird, 93; The
Baltimore Oriole, 134; The Indigo
Bunting, 179; The Purple Finch, 225;
The Herring or Harbor Gull, 277.

Index

INDEX TO CONTENTS

Alabama, 3 28.

Albatross, 246; figured, 247.

Alberta, 31, 118.

Anderson's 'The Birds of Iowa,' reviewed,

220.
Audubon, John James, an address, 39;

photograph of bust, facing 39.
Audubon Societies, Directory of the State

Societies, 282.
Auk, The, reviewed, 86, 130, 221, 273.

Bahamas, 256.

Biological Survey of the United States
Department of Agriculture, recent pub-
lications of, reviewed, 272.

Bird-baths, 69.

Bird Census, Bird-Lore's Seventh Christ-
mas, 16; Bird-Lore's Eighth Christ-
mas, mentioned, 263.

Bird Colonies, Report of Exploration of,

233-
Bird Groups, The New, in the American

Museum of Natural History, 168.
Bird-houses, 69, 269.
Bird Reservations, 230.
Bird Surgery, 268.
Blackbird, Red-winged, figured, facing

93; 93-
Bluebird, Arctic, figured, facing 193; 205.

Chestnut-backed, figured, facing 48;

Eastern, 11, 48, figured, facing 48, 69;

Mountain, figured, facing 193, 205.
Braislin's ' List of the Birds of Long Island,

N. Y.,' reviewed, 271.
'British Birds,' mentioned, 176.
British Columbia, 31, 127.
Bunting, Indigo, figured, facing 179; 179

California, 31, 147, 328.

Canvasback, 127.

Cassinia, reviewed, 220.

Catbird, figured, 129.

Chapman's 'The Warblers of North
America,' reviewed, 85.

Clark's 'The Birds of Amherst and Vicin-
ity,' reviewed, 86.

Colorado, 61, 81.

Condor, The, reviewed, 87, 131, 222.

Connecticut, 21, 22, 23, 81, 172, 174, 207,
208, 209, 211, 217, 241, 330.

Cormorant, Double-crested. 325.

Council, Bird-Lore's Advisory, 38.

Crane, Sandhill, nest and egg figured, 10.

District of Columbia, 330.
Duck, Wood, 127; figured, facing 189;
189.

Egret, American, 259.
Eider, American, 325.

Finch, House, 61; Purple, figured, facing
225; 225.

Florida, 6, 27, 52, 307, 332.

Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed, 264; figured,
facing 241; Vermilion, 265; figured,
facing 241.

Forbush's 'Useful Birds and Their Pro-
tection,' reviewed, 130.

Fourth International Zoological Congress,
Proceedings of, mentioned, 175.

Frigate Bird, 305, 315.

Fuertes' 'Calendar of Game Birds,'
noticed, 271.

Fulmar, Slender-billed, 247.

Goeldi's 'Album de Aves Amazonicas,'

noticed, 271.
Grackle, Purple, 82.
Grosbeak, Rose-breasted, no; figured,

no. III, 112.
Guacharo, 274.
Guillemot, Black, 319.
Gull, Great Black-backed, 320; Herring,

277; figured, 280, 320; Laughing, 306,

316, 317.

Hen, Heath, 249; figured, 254.
Heron, Great Blue, 326.
Hummingbird, Broad-tailed, 81; Ruby-
throated, figured, 73.

Illinois, 28, 29, 30, 82, 335.
Indiana, 30, 336.
Iowa, 28, 337.
Italy, 156, 193.

Jay, Blue, 81, 82, S;^, 128.; Canada, figured

119.
Journal of the Maine Ornithological

Society, reviewed, 176.
Junco, Slate-colored, figured, 170.

Kentucky, 28.

Kingfisher, Belted, figured, 75.

Lark, Prairie Horned, 174, 217.

LaRue Holmes Nature Lover's League,
346.

Linna^an Society, Abstract of the Pro-
ceedings, Nos. 17-19, reviewed, 271.

Loon, 266.

Louisiana, 233, 305, 339.

Maine, 65, 319, 340.
Maine Ornithological Society, 65.
Manitoba, 128.
Martin, Purple. 204,
Maryland, 341.

Massachusetts, 11, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 47,
162, 206, 215, 249. 341.

Index

Massachusetts Audubon Society Calendar
for 1908, mentioned, 273.

Merganser, 268.

Mershon's 'The Passenger Pigeon,' men-
tioned, 131; reviewed, 175.

Michigan, 30, 83, 201, 342.

Minnesota, 31, 198, 343.

Missouri, 28, 345.

Montgomery's 'The Protection of Our
Native Birds,' reviewed, 176.

Nebraska, 84, 345.

New Hampshire, 16, 46, 83, 345.

New Jersey, 25, no, 173, 209, 210, 216,
270, 346.

New Mexico, 127.

New York, 23, 24, 25, 129, 173, 174, 209,
217, 266, 267, 347.

Noddy, 307; figured, 327, 330.

North Carolina, 27, 348.

North Dakota, 350.

Nuthatch, Red-breasted, 126, 174; White-
breasted, 218; figured, 218.

Ohio, 30, 350.

Oklahoma, 351.

Ontario, 16.

Oology, discussed, 35, 78, 125.

Oregon, 352.

Oriole, Baltimore, 134; figured, facing 134.

Osprey, 327.

Owl, American Long-eared, 83, 128;

Barred, 173; Saw-whet, figured, 37.
Oyster-catcher, American, 318.

Pelican, Brown, figured, 6, 7, 8, 9, 167;

305; White, 306.
Pennsylvania, 26, 27, 83, 126, 155, 213,

353-
Petrel, Leach's, 324; Wilson's, 245.
Phoebe, figured, 74; 83.
Photography, 73.

Pigeon, Cape, 246; Passenger, 175.
Plover, Wilson's, 318.
Pufl&n, 319.

Rail, Clapper, 318.

Rich's 'Feathered Game of the North-
east,' reviewed, 271.

Rhode Island, 21, 84, 354.

Robin, American, figured, facing 61, 118;
76, 80, 84, 129, 269.

Sandpiper, Bartramian, 84.

Saskatchewan, 260.

Skimmer, Black, 305, 317, 318.

Skylark, 217.

Snipe, 274.

Solitaire, Townsend's, 205, figured, facing

193-
South Carolina, 259, 355.
South Dakota, 31, 356.
Southern Seas, Bird Life of, 245.
Sparrow, House, 8, 126, 211, 213, 214, 215;

figured, 211, 212, 213, 214, 269; Vesper,

173-
Starling, figured, 171; 171, 172, 206, 207,
208, 209, 210, 267.

Tennessee, 28, 126.

Tern, Arctic, 323; Caspian, 306; Common,
323; Forster's, 306, 317; Gull-billed, 317,
Least, 300, 306, 315, 317; Royal, figured,
284, 305; 317; Sooty, 307; figured, 328,

329-

Texas, 358.

Thrasher, Brown, figured, 210; 241.

Thrush, Bicknell's, 109; Gray-cheeked,
figured, facing 103; 103, 121; Hermit,
figured, facing 103; 103, 123; Olive-
backed, figured, facing 103; 103; nest
figured, 120, 122; Varied, figured, facing
147; 166; Wilson's, :i^; figured, facing
32; 103; Wood, 32; figured, facing 32,
161; 103.

Townsend's 'Along the Labrador Coast,'
reviewed, 221; 'Birds of Labrador,'
reviewed, 220.

Tropic Bird, 245.

Vermont, 17, 204, 214.
Vermont Bird Club, Bulletin No. 2, re-
viewed, 272, 359.
Virginia, 316.

Warbler, Blackburnian, 216; Black-throat-
ed Blue, 129.

Washington, 359.

Willet, 3 1 8.

Wilson Bulletin, The, reviewed, 222.

Wisconsin, 30, 128, 360.

Wolcott's ' Biological Conditions in Ne-
braska,' reviewed, 176.

Woodruff's 'The Birds of the Chicago
Area,' reviewed, 86.

Wren, House, 198, 201; figured, 198, 199,
200.

Wright's 'Bird-Craft,' reviewed, 86.

JOHN JAMES AUDUBON
From the bust by Willism Couper in the American Museum of Natural History

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

laON SOCIITIIS

Vol. IX January — February, 1907 No. 1

John James Audubon

By C. HART MERRIAM '

OF the naturalists of America no one stands out in more picturesque
relief than Audubon, and no name is dearer than his to the hearts of
the American people.

Born at an opportune time, Audubon undertook and accomplished one
of the most gigantic tasks that has ever fallen to the lot of one man to per-
form. Although for years diverted from the path Nature intended him to
follow, and tortured by half-hearted attempts at a commercial life, against
which his restive spirit rebelled, he finally, by the force of his own will,
broke loose from this bondage and devoted the remainder of his days to the
grand work that has made his memory immortal.

His principal contributions to science are his magnificent series of illus-
trated volumes on the birds ^ and quadrupeds^ of North America, his
Synopsis of Birds *, and the Journals'' of his expeditions to Labrador and to
the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.

The preparation and publication of his elephant folio atlases of life-size
colored plates of birds, begun in 1827 and completed in 1838, with the
accompanying volumes of text (the 'Ornithological Biography,' 1831-1839),
was a colossal task. But no sooner was it accomplished than an equally
sumptuous work on the mammals was undertaken, and, with the assistance
of Bachman, likewise carried to a successful termination. For more than

' An address delivered at the American Museum of Natural History, December 29,
1906, on the unveiling of busts of ten pioneers of American science, presented to the
Museum by its president, Morris K. Jesup.

'^ ' The Birds of America.' 4 atlases, double elephant folio, colored plates. London,
1827-1838; Ornithological Biography, an account of the habits of the birds of the United
States. 5 vols Royal Svo. Edinburgh, 1831-1839.

••'The Quadrupeds of North America,' by John James Audubon and Rev. John
Bachman. 3 vols. Royal 8vo. text, and elephant folio atlas of colored plates. New York,
1846-1854.

*' Synopsis of Birds of North America.' Edinburgh and London, 1839.

*' Audubon and His Journals,' by Maria R. Audubon. 2 vols. 8vo. New York, 1897.

4 Bird -Lore

three-quarters of a century the splendid paintings which adorn these works,
and which for spirit and vigor are still unsurpassed, have been the admira-
tion of the world.

In addition to his more pretentious works, Audubon wrote a number of
minor articles and papers and left a series of Journals, since published by his
granddaughter, Miss Maria R. Audubon. The Journals are full to over-
flowing with observations of value to the naturalist, and, along with the
entertaining 'Episodes,' throw a flood of light on contemporary customs
and events — and incidentally are by no means to be lost sight of by the
historian.

In searching for material for his books, Audubon traveled thousands of
miles afoot in various parts of the eastern states, from Maine to Louisiana;
he also visited Texas, Florida and Canada, crossed the ocean a number of
times, and conducted expeditions to far-away Labrador and the then remote
Missouri and Yellowstone rivers. When we remember the limited facilities
for travel in his day — the scarcity of railroads, steamboats and other con-
veniences— we are better prepared to appreciate the zeal, determination and
energy necessary to accomplish his self-imposed task.

That it was possible for one man to do so much excellent field work, to
write so many meritorious volumes, and to paint such a multitude of
remarkable pictures must be attributed in no small part to his rare physical
strength — for do not intellectual and physical vigor usually go hand in hand
and beget power of achievement? Audubon was noted for these qualities.
As a worker he was rapid, absorbed, and ardent; he began at daylight and
labored continuously till night, averaging fourteen hours a day, and. it is said,
allowed only four hours for sleep.

In American ornithology, in which he holds so illustrious a place, it was
not his privilege to be in the strict sense a pioneer, for before him were
Vieillot, Wilson and Bonaparte ; and contemporaneous with him were
Richardson, Nuttall, Maximilian Prince of Wied, and a score of lesser and
younger lights — some of whom were destined to shine in the near future.

Audubon was no closet naturalist — the technicalities of the profession he
left to others — but as a field naturalist he was at his best and had few equals.
He was a born woodsman, a lover of wild nature in the fullest sense, a keen
observer, an accurate recorder, and, in addition, possessed the rare gift
of instilling into his writings the freshness of nature and the vivacity and
enthusiasm of his own personality.

His influence was not confined to devotees of the natural sciences, for
in his writings and paintings, and in his personal contact with men of aflfairs,
both in this country and abroad, he exhaled the freshness, the vigor, the
spirit of freedom and progress of America — and who shall attempt to meas-
ure the value of this influence to our young republic?

Audubon's preeminence is due, not alone to his skill as a painter of birds

John James Audubon 5

and mammals, nor to the magnitude of his contributions to science, but
also to the charm and genius of his personality — a personality that pro-
foundly impressed his contemporaries, and which, by means of his biogra-
phies and journals, it is still our privilege to enjoy. His was a type now
rarely met — combining the grace and culture of the Frenchman with the
candor, patience, and earnestness of purpose of the American. There was
about him a certain poetic picturesqueness and a rare charm of manner that
drew people to him and enlisted them in his work. His friend, Dr. Bach-
man of Charleston, tells us that it was considered a privilege to give to
Audubon what no one else could buy. His personal qualities and charac-
teristics appear in some of his minor papers — notably the essays entitled
'Episodes.' These serve to reveal, perhaps better than his more formal
writings, the keenness of his insight, the kindness of his heart, the poetry of
his nature, the power of his imagination, and the vigor and versatility of his
intellect.

MONUMENT ERECTED TO AUDUBON IN TRINITY CEMETERY
NEW YORK CITY

'ELICAN ISLAND, CHARLOTTE HA RBOR, FLORIDA
The birds here all nest in trees

Florida Bird Notes

By T. GILBERT PEARSON

With photographs by the author

WHILE in Florida last year, in the interests of the National Associa-
tion of Audubon Societies, the writer spent some time studying
ornithological conditions of the lower Gulf Coast region lying
between Tampa and Key West. The objects of the cruise were, in part, to
visit the bird reservations in Tampa Bay; to explore, in quest of bird colo-
nies, a territory heretofore but slightly known; to investigate reported traffic
in Egret plumes; and, finally, to select a home in Key West for Mrs. Guy
Bradley, wife of the murdered game-warden. The expedition was made,
mainly in a two-masted sailing vessel, from which frequent expeditions were
made among the Keys and on the neighboring mainland.

Indian Key Reservation, near St. Petersburg, was visited on April ii,
1906. This island is about ninety acres in extent and is covered thickly
with mangrove trees, many of which attain a height of thirty feet. At this
time comparatively few birds were present. Seven Great White Herons
were seen standing on the mangroves, but two nests examined revealed no
eggs. Near by, one hundred or more Louisiana and Little Blue Herons
were likewise engaged in nest-building, but no eggs were seen. A flock of
Cormorants, numbering about sixty, left the trees at our approach and
settled on the water, as did also perhaps two dozen Brown Pelicans, but
these, too, were apparently not interested in domestic affairs. A Barn Owl,

(6)

Florida Bird Notes 7

a Red -bellied Woodpecker and a few Prairie Warblers were the other birds
found. In July, 1905, the writer found Pelicans and Cormorants breeding
here in immense numbers, and fully five thousand Man-o'-War birds were
using the island as a roosting place.

Passage Key, near the mouth of Tami)a Hay, showed on April 18, but
an earnest of the throng of bird -life which gathers here later in the sea-
son. This island is a low bank of sand covered sparingly with grass and
cacti. Near the north sides a pond with a thickly grown margin of trees
furnished ideal nesting sites for perhaps fifteen hundred Louisiana Herons.
The nests contained usually from three to five eggs. A few Ward's Great
Blue Herons were also here, with their well-grown young. A flock of Tea!
and a Greater Scaup Duck were swimming contentedly about the pond.
Ground Doves, were abundant and many Laughing Gulls filled the sea wind
with their shoutings.

Mrs. Asa Pillsbury, wife of the warden in charge, has a long list of birds
she has seen here. One of her records is the Florida Burrowing Owl. in
fact, the warden pointed out one of the burrows of this interesting bird.

Eight miles south of Passage Key a little crescent -shaped mangrove
island, less than two hundred feet in length, was the home of a colony of
Cormorants and Brown Pelicans on April 15. At this time egg-laying had
begun, although many nests were not yet completed.

\ SCENE ON PELICAN IM.AM), i\|il •
Photographed hy F. M. Chapman. The trees having disappeared, the Pcli
Compare with Mr. Pearson's pictures where all the birds an

Bird - Lore

Explorations on shore with local guides resulted in the finding of eight
breeding colonies of Herons. They were all located in ' pop -ash " trees
growing in small fresh -water ponds. Louisiana, Little Blue, Black-crowned,
Ward's Great Blue and Green Herons were found, the relative abundance
of the species being in the order named. The Louisiana and Little Blue
were about equal in numbers and were far more numerous than the others.
One colony of about twelve pairs of Yellow -crowned Night Herons was
located. The nests were in the semi -darkness of an exceedingly thick,
swampy growth. Two nests were examined; these held four eggs each.
The bird not infrequently, however, deposits five or six. The Anhenga,
locally called 'Water Turkey,' was frequently associated with the Herons,
and the snuf¥-colored young were often seen standing on the nests or

near-by limbs.

In the scrub -palmetto flat
woods of Manatee county.
Sandhill Cranes were com-
mon, and some of their nests
were photographed on April
21. The loud, rattling cry of
these birds sounded strange in
the silence of the lonely pine
barrens, but added much of
interest and charm to the
journeys inland. The Cara-
cara, or ' Mexican Buzzard,'
was here, also, at times alert
and exceedingly wary, again
exhibiting a stupidness and
lack of fear for which it is

TREE NEST OF BROWN PELICAN difficult tO aCCOUnt.

Bald Eagles were occasionally seen and a number of their nests were
found. These were usually in the tops of the largest trees available and
were sometimes six feet in thickness. Gray Kingbirds were common, espe-
cially near the coast, although outnumbered at least two to one by Tyrannus
carolinensis.

A few miles north of the Caloosahatchee River, on April 23, two
large colonies of Brown Pelicans were discovered. Many nests had not yet
been completed, and birds were continually flying about with twigs in their
bills. No young were found. One of the islands must have been the home
of two thousand, the other of at least four thousand of these great birds.
In view of the fact that Mr. Chapman has found this species breeding in
the Indian River, on the east coast of Florida as early as December, it is
interesting to note that here on the west coast, at a point fully as far south>

(9)

lo Bird -Lore

the Pelican's domestic affairs were four months behind the birds of the
Atlantic. In the five breeding colonies of Pelicans found on the Gulf Coast,
not one of them furnished the sight of young birds in April.

On the coast and its immediate neighborhood, Louisiana Herons were
abundant, and, in fact, they were far more numerous than all the other
Herons combined. Several large nesting places were discovered. In Gas-
parilla Sound are two keys which, at the date visited, must have each held
1 ,000 or 1,200 nests. Three other populous rookeries of these birds were
found among the Ten Thousand Islands.

Unfortunately, the bird laws of Florida are but slightly enforced,
although several professional hunters stated that the presence of Guy Bradley
in the Cape Sable region had prevented them from operating in that terri-
tory. The colonies are constantly raided for their eggs. A negro fisherman
told me that cake made with Pelican eggs ''has shure made fine eating."
Cormorants are shot in great numbers for food. Plume-hunting on a large
scale is no longer profitable, owing to the scarcity of plume-birds. Egrets
and Snowy Herons are now so scarce in the sections visited that not over a
dozen individuals were seen during the six weeks of field observations.

NEST AND EGGS OF SANDHILL CRANE

Bluebird Tenants

By MARIAN K. HUBBARD. Wellesley Colleee

T'

iHK l^lucbirds nested just outside
the dining-room window on the
third floor of a suburban apart-
ment house. This building is in the town
of Wellesley and surrounded by other
houses, but on one side it stands close to
the eastern slope of a long, low ridge
that forms one of the natural boundaries
of the college grounds. Oak-woods,
sprinkled with pine, crown the hill and
extend one -third of the way down over
the eastern side. Birds of many feathers
frequent this wooded slope. In the
springtime Warblers glean about its
edges, the Great - crested Flycatcher
whistles, buoyant, as he flies from tree
to tree, and notes of the Wood Thrush
rise through the stillness of late afternoon
like bubbles from the bottom of a spring.
The window to which the Bluebirds
came is the west one of a southwest bay,
and looks straight out and up to the
wooded hill. A house stands opposite, a
little higher on the slope, surrounded by
an apple orchard, some trees of which
stray down to the yard immediately
beneath.

From this window, for two winters past, birds have been fed with suet
and nuts. The success of the winter boarding establishment bred the idea
of summer boarders, and at the end of the first winter there was set out
upon a shelf a substantial and attractive dwelling made out of an apple-tree
bough, — the gift of an ingenious and nature-loving friend. The tenement
had no occupants during the first season, but last spring a pair of Bluebirds,
desperate over their fortunes in a cat-infested neighborhood, took the lease.
On April 25 there was grass inside the house, with telltale wisps pro-
truding from the entrance. Both birds came openly to the shelf that day,
and both worked busily for three days more. Later, four blue eggs were
laid, and while the female brooded these, the male, on the tip-top twig of a
neighboring tree or on a telephone wire some forty feet away, defended
valiantly his domain.

Anticipating the exhausting work of the following weeks, a supply of

III)

THE BLUEBIRDS' WINDOW
Photographed by I,. E. I.ockwood

12 Bird -Lore

tempting meal-worms was laid in. Sometimes the female, slipping away from
her task for a brief interval, would help herself to a worm or two, but by far
the greater number were devoured by the male, who watched keenly for
every issuance of the rations.

On June 13 the young birds hatched, and with that event began the
busy season. Tirelessly the mother came and went. She seemed too
absorbed to think of eating, and when she did help herself to meal-worms,
it was with an eat-to-live air that contrasted strongly with the evident
relish of the male. Upon her fell the chief burden of providing food and of
keeping both nest and young ones clean. But the male was no idle father.
That nest was the apple of his eye, and he guarded it as such. Moreover, he
assisted in the feeding to no inconsiderable degree.

Besides meal-worms, the young were fed on the usual Bluebird diet of
spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, cutworms and other insects, large and
small. The male spent much of his time on the edge of the shelf. The
arrival of the female with a load of provender was announced by a short,
subdued, yet decisive chep, that seemed to ask for a clear track to the nest,
a wish that had only to be uttered to be granted by the male. Each visit
of the parent birds with food precipitated from the young a shower of notes
that sounded like chee -ee-ee-ee, chee -ee-ee-ee, chee -ee-ee-ee, and which
did not cease until after the old ones had gone away.

Frequently a parent would be observed standing on the nest -porch,
looking attentively inside, — an attitude, no doubt, of nest-inspection. Notes
on this side of household duties are, unfortunately, almost lacking, but in the
few cases that were observed the female removed the excretal sacs to a
distance, the large white bundle plainly visible in her bill as far as the eye
could follow, some three hundred feet.

During these days of preparation of the young for flight, the old birds
grew accustomed to their unusual location and came and went freely, paying
no attention to ordinary sounds and movements in the room, even permit-
ting a person to sit near the open window. It was during this time that
most of the photographs were taken, the camera being set up within three
feet of the window-sill.

June 27, fourteen days after the hatching of the eggs, the most pre-
cocious of this precocious brood flew. This was toward sundown. No
more of the brood came out that night, and the parent birds, absorbed in
the care of their first-flown, let the rest go supperless to bed.

The next day was a quiet one. Occasionally the old birds came with
food. At 4:25 in the afternoon the second aspirant scrambled up to the
nest-hole, where, clinging to the outer rim, it whistled loud and clear the
Bluebird call- note — tur-wee — which the parent answered from the
tree. This was the first utterance of this call, and later observation made it
clear that it precedes immediately departure from the nest, and may even

Bluebird Tenants

13

be reckoned upon to herald that event. For half an hour this youngster
clung at the entrance, gazing out at the untried world and starting nervously
at sounds within the room. To fly or not to fly, that was the question, and,
as it sat there wavering, the camera registered its indecision. At last,
encouraged by calls from the parent, it flew to the tree below.

In ten minutes another tur-wee was heard, as the owner made its
way to the air and light. This young one flew in five minutes. Just one
minute later came another call as of one fearful of being left behind ; but this

m

MALE BLUEBIRD AT NEST
Photojjraphed from nature by A. P. Mor«e

nestling, after scrambling up to the light, fell back for the night, slipping
away unnoticed early in the mjrning.

They were all out now, and to the parents, busy with the initiation of
their charges into the ways of the perilous world, meal-worms offered no
further charms.

On July 12, just two weeks afterward, the old birds reappeared at the
window, helped themselves to meal-worms and went in to inspect their
house. Soon they began to prepare for the second brood. Some of the
old grasses were pulled out, new grass was brought, and this time some
horsehair was used for lining.

On August I, three weeks after the birds began to repair the nest, the
second brood hatched.

The storv of the second brood is a very different one from that of the

14 Bird -Lore

first. From the beginning the birds were much more timid, but this at first
could be accounted for by the fact that the room was not used much of the
time, and they could not so readily accustom themselves to occasional sounds
and movements. As the days went on the male grew very nervous, starting
at the slightest stir of people in the room, when six or even twelve feet dis-
tant. Appetites flagged and meal-worms were often left untasted. More
alarming still, the young were fed with much less frequency. The male sel-
dom left the shelf for any length of time. Had any one supposed that guard-
ing of the nest was an easy job, that illusion would have been quickly
dispelled by the sight of this patient father at his post, with bill agape, the
picture of discomfort. Dog-days had set in early, and the sun beat upon the
window through the middle of the day and in the afternoon until the hill
threw over it a friendly shadow. The need of some protection was painfully
apparent, and finally, in desperation, an old umbrella was raised outside the
window and fastened to a hook inside. The relief as it went up each day
was immediate and apparent.

One curious habit of the male after the second brood was hatched was
that of sitting on the nest-porch, facing the window, with his body pressed
close against the hole. Sometimes he would leave this position for the edge
of the shelf after the umbrella had been raised, but on other occasions he
would take his station there even in the protecting shadow. Was this merely
because the porch was an easier resting place than the shelf -rim, or was it an
instinctive attempt to keep out heat? In any event, the action, though it
may have been useful in the morning when the sun was pouring in, was of
doubtful value at other times, when it resulted in shutting out the air.

Something was wrong in the Bluebird household, as indicated by the
increasing nervousness and evident anxiety of the male. Many times he
would stand on the porch, peering steadily into the nest, in a fashion dif-
ferent from that of ordinary nest-inspection. His mute devotion was sweet
to see, but it was also painful to watch him growing more worn and har-
assed. The female all this time came and went, brooded even through the
hottest nights, and was apparently steadied by her constant service.

The cause of the anxiety became apparent when, on the ninth day, a
little dead body, after much effort, was thrown up to the nest-hole and
pushed out on the porch. The umbrella, though put up two days after the
eggs were hatched, had been raised too late.

The next day, flies about the nest and a bad odor told the tale of another
tragedy. The male was very nervous again and, as he sat against the entrance,
snapped at the flies that buzzed about his head. Late in the afternoon the
female went inside and tried to get the dead bird out. Over and over again
the little body could be seen tossed up to the opening, but each attempt to
get it out was unsuccessful. Three times this was repeated in the course of
an hour and a half, and at last she got it in such a position that it could be

Bluebird Tenants

15

reached with pinning-forceps, with which in her absence it was removed.
The old birds looked once at the body as it lay on the shelf, but paid no
further attention to it.

One more tragedy remains to be recorded. Early on the sixteenth day,
flies buzzed again about the window. The absence of both parents sug-
gested the fearful thought that perhaps all of the rest of the brood had died.
Reassured at last that the nest was not deserted, the house was lifted from
the shelf and carried to the kitchen table, where its roof was quickly taken
ofi. Within was one dead -bird and one living one. When this sole survivor
of the brood was lifted out he showed no fear, but cuddled down confidingly
in the hand and at the whistled call-note opened his mouth for a meal-worm.
It was not long, after the nest was put back on the shelf, before the old
birds came with food.

Three days later, when he was nineteen days old, fear developed, and on
being placed on a couch he hopped away hurriedly to hide behind a radiator.
In the afternoon he gave from the nest, for the first time, the call-note, and
five minutes later scrambled up to the opening. Hopping to the edge of the
shelf, he called again, and then, putting his trust in his untried wings, he flew
straight ofi and up to a tree one hundred feet away. The old birds had been
watching and followed now, guarding his course till he alighted. Another
flight to the roof of the neighboring house, with some imperfect attempts
at stopping, and he was ofi to the hill, still tended by his watchful parents.

An hour later the male came back to the nest-porch, and seated himself
against the entrance. Now and then he looked inquiringly into the nest.
The umbrella had been taken down, but after it was raised he came again
and took a drink; after that he disappeared and nothing more was seen of
the Bluebird tenants.

A HLUEBIRn HOME
Photographed from nature by F. E. Howe, Sterling, II

Bird-Lore's Seventh Christmas Bird Census

EACH year an increasing number of observers take part in BiRD-LoRE's
Christmas Census. Established primarily as a means of arousing inter-
est in field work and of encouraging definite methods of recording
one's observations, we are now gradually accumulating a mass of exact
information, interesting in itself and, in the aggregate, affording a definite
basis for comparison with results obtained in other years. It, therefore, has
true scientific value.

Millbrook, Ontario. — Time, lo a.m. to 2 p.m. Clear; foot of snow on ground;
wind northwest, light; temp., 6° to 8^. Downy Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, 7; Pine
Grosbeak, 10; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 16. Fotal, 5 species, 39 indi-
viduals.—S. Hunter.

Orangeville, Ontario — December 21 ; time, 8.25 a.m to 12 M.; 1.25 to 3.30 P M.
Damp and foggy atmosphere; about nine inches of snow; wind west, light; temp.,
23° to 29°. American Goshawk, i; Blue Jay, 5; Pine Grosbeak, 4; White-winged
Crossbill, 19 ; Chickadee, 27. Total, 5 species, 56 individuals. Snowf^akes were seen on
December 16 and Golden-crowned Kinglets on December 18. — Charlie McFayden and
E. W. Calvert.

Toronto, Ontario, High Park and Humber Bay. — December 22; time, 10 A. M. to
12.40 P. M. Light snow, storm at first, bright after; about six inches of snow; wind north-
west, light; temp., about 15°. American Herring Gull, i; Old Squaw, about 50 ; Downy
Woodpecker, 2; Pine Grosbeak, 13; Slate-colored Junco, 12; Brown Creeper, 5; White-
breasted Nuthatch, i ; Red-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 17; Golden-crowned King-
let, I. Total, 10 species, 103 individuals. — E. Wellington Calvert.

Reaboro, Ontario. — December 26; time, 10.20 a.m. to 12.20 p.m.; 1.05 to 2.20
P.M. Sky dull; about eight inches of snow; wind west, light; temp., 28° to 32°.
Ruffed Grouse, 3 ; Hairy Woodpecker, i ; Downy Woodpecker, i ; White-winged Cross-
bill, i; White-throated Sparrow, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 5. Total,
7 species, 16 individuals. Small flocks of Snowflakes have been seen here this winter. —
E. Wellington Calvert.

Canterbury, N»H. — Time, 8.45 to 10.45 a.m. Cloudy; snow; wind west; very
rough day. Ruffed Grouse, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Chickadee, 12 to 15. Total,
3 species, 14 to 17 individuals. — Sherman E. Phillips.

Cornish, N. H. — Time, 9.30 to 11 a.m.; 3.40 to 5 p.m. Cloudy and dark;
ground covered with several inches of snow; constantly snowing; strong breeze;
temp., 20°. Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 7; Redpoll, 14;
Tree Sparrow, 7; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 17; Golden-crowned King-
let, 2. Total, 8 species, 50 individuals. — Ethel R. Barton.

Tilton, N. H. — December 26; time, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cloudy, with snow-squalls;
about two feet of snow on ground; wind northwest, light; temp., 25°. American Mer-
ganser, 13; Hairy Woodpecker, i ; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2; Redpoll, 42;
Tree Sparrow, i ; Northern Shrike, i ; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 ; Chickadee, 32 ; Gold-
en-crowned Kinglet, 7. Total, 10 species, 103 individuals. — Edward H. Perkins.

Wilton, N. H. — Tiiue, 8.45 to 11.45 a. m. and 3.45 to 4.45 p. m. Cloudy ; ground
covered with six to ten inches of snow; strong northwest wind; several squalls; temp.,
20° to 25°. Ruffed Grouse, i ; Downy Woodpecker, 2 ; Northern Flicker, i ; Blue Jay,
11; American Crow, 6; Pine Grosbeak, 9; White-winged Crossbill, 5; Redpoll, 3;
Snowflake, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 15. Total, ti species, 62 indi-
viduals. Within two weeks I have observed a Shrike and (joshawk, also Pine Siskins

(16)

Seventh Christmas Bird Census 17

ami Red-l)ieaste(l Nuthatches, and today I found fresli work of the Pileated Woodpecker
in a pine tree. — Georc.k G. Hi.anchard.

Burlington, Vt.— Time, 9 to 10.30 a. m . , andi.i5to2 I'.M. Snowing hard; ground
covered with snow; wind northwest, strong; temp., 10 . From window. — Downy Wood-
pecker, 7; Pine Grosbeak, 3; American Goidtincli, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5;
Chickadee, 20 This is tlie first time I have seen the Pine Grosbeak about Burlington. —
Emma E. Drew.

Norwich, Vt.— December 18 ; time, 7.35 A. M. to 12.20 i'. M. Cloudy to clear; snow,
6 inches beneath a sharp crust ; wind north, moderate ; temp., 14° to 1 1°. Canadian Ruffed
Grouse, 2; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 2: Blue Jay, i; American Crow, 18; Pine
Grosbeak, 20; American Crossbill, i ; White-winged Crossbill, 53 ; Redpoll, 7 ; Brown
Creeper, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 48;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 8. Total, 13 species, 173 individuals. — Maurice C. Bi.ake.

Groton, Mass. — December 29, 1906; time, 8 to 8.30 a.m. Cloudy; five inches
snow ; no wind ; temp., 38°. Blue Jay, 4 ; Crow, 12 ; Redpoll, 115 ; Snowflake, i ;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 13. Total, 6 species, 147 individuals.— Alvin
G. Whitney.

Ipswich, Mass., Castle Hill and part of Beach.— December 22; time, 12.15 to 3
P.M. Weather cloudy ; wind west, light; ground bare; temp., 42°. Holboell's Grebe,
i; Loon, i; Black-backed Gull, 11; Herring Gull, 25; Red-breasted Merganser, 107;
Downy Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 2; Horned Lark, 5; American Crow, 130; Canadian
Pine Grosbeak, 6; Snowfiake, 2; Ipswich Sparrow, 4; Tree Sparrow, 40, a few singing;
Junco, 4; Myrtle Warbler, 5; Chickadee, 6; Ring-necked Pheasant, 5. Total, 17 spe-
cies, 355 individuals. — Miss E. D. Boardman and Mrs. Lidian E. Brirge.

Ipswich, Mass.— Time, 10 a.m. to 12 M. Cloudy; about a foot of snow on the
ground; wind northwest, fresh; temp., 30°. Crow, 39; Chickadee, 18; Hawk, i;
Flicker, i; Pine Grosbeak, 6. Total, 5 species, 65 individuals. — Francis C. Wa»e and
Jesse H. Wade.

Lynn Beach and Nahant, Mass.- -December 26; time, 9.30 a..\i. to 2.30 P.M.
Fair to cloudy; snow 7 inches; wind west, fresh, to northwest, brisk ; temp., 25° to 32 .
Horned Grebe, 5; Loon, 2; Red-throated Loon, i; Black Guillemot, i; Iceland Gull,
i; Great Black-backed Gull, 12; Herring Gull, 600; Red-breasted Merganser, 8 ; Red-
legged Black Duck, 4; American Golden-eye, 160; Bufflehead, 30; Old Squaw, 66;
White- winged Scoter, 6; Horned Lark, 34; American Crow, 10; American Crossbill, i;
White-winged Crossbill, 5; Redpoll, 3; Greater Redpoll, i; SnowHake, 8; Tree Spar-
row, i; Song Sparrow, 5; Chickadee, 21. Total, 23 species, 985 individuals. — Horace
W. Wright, Gordon Wellman and Maurice C. Bi.ake.

Devereux and Marblehead Neck, Mass. — December 29; time, 9.1G a.m. to 1.30
p. M. Fair; two inches of snow on ground; wind north, light; temp., 40° to 47"". Hol-
boell's Grebe, 18; Horned Grebe, 8; Great Black-backed Gull, 2; American Herring
Gull, 90; Red-breasted Merganser, 2; American Golden-eye, 60; Old Squaw, 13; Great
Horned Owl, i; Northern Flicker, 10; Horned Lark, i; American Crow, 8; White-
winged Crossbill, 23; Redpoll, 2; American Goldfinch, 8; Pine Siskin, 7; Tree Spar-
row, 17; Song Sparrow, 6; Northern Shrike, 2; Myrtle Warbler, 8; Chickadee, 23.
Total, 20 species, 309 individuals. — Maurice C. Blake and Horace W. Wright.

Fitchburg, Mass. — December 29, 1906; time, 2 to 5 p.m. Cloudy; five inches of
snow on ground; no wind; temp., 40". Ruffed Grouse, 4; Downy Woodpecker, i;
Blue Jay, 5 ; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, i ; Chickadee, 25; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 12. Total, 7 species, 50 individuals. — F. N. Dii.i.on, A G. Whit-
ney and G. F. Hubbard.

Nahant to Lynn, Mass.— December 21; time, 11 a.m. to 2.30 p..\i. Weather
cloudy; wind northeast, light; ground bare; temp., 28°. Holboell's (irebe, i ; Loon,

i8 Bird -Lore

i; Great Black-backed Gull, i; Herring Gull, 500; American Scaup Duck, 2 ; Ameri-
can Golden-eye, 17; Old Squaw, 41; White-winged Scoter, 10; Horned Lark, 10;
American Crow, 39; Pine Siskin, 24; Snowflake, 15; Song Sparrow, 2; Chickadee, 4.
Total, 14 species, 667 individuals. -Miss E. D. Boardman, Mrs. Lidian E. Bridge.

Squantum and Moon Island, Mass. — December 28; time, 9.45 A.M. to 3.00 P.M.
Cloudy to fair, snow flurries; snow two inches; wind southwest, light; temp., 32° to 36°.
Great Black-backed Gull, 40; Herring Gull, 700; Red-breasted Merganser, 4; Ameri-
can Scaup Duck, 200; American Golden-eye, 125 ; Old Squaw, 8; American Sparrow
Hawk, i; Short-eared Owl, 3; Northern Downy Woodpecker, i; Northern Flicker, 7;
Horned Lark, 2; American Crow, 70; American Crossbill, i; Redpoll, 4; Pine Siskin,
2; Snowflake, 2; Tree Sparrow, 8; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 12; Northern
Shrike, i; Chickadee, 7; Robin, 3. Total, 22 species, 1,202 individuals. — Horace W.
Wright, Maurice C. Blake and Francis G. Blake.

Bolton, Mass. — Time, 10.30 A.M. to i P.M. Walk of one and one-half miles;
snow-storm, ground covered; wind light, west of north ; temp., 22°. Blue Jay, i; Pine
Grosbeak, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, i ; Chickadee, 6. Total, 4 species, 11 individ-
uals.— Agnes M. Learned.

Bolton, Mass.— December 26 ; time, all day; seen from windows. Sunny; five inches
of snow; wind light, west of north ; temp., 30°. Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 3;
Amarican Crow, 5 ; Pine Grosbeak, 7 ; American Goldfinch, 2 ; White-breasted Nuthatch,
I ; Chickadee, 7. Total, 7 species, 26 individuals.— H. L., M. F., and A. M. Learned.

Belmont, Mass. — Time, 2.45 to 5.30 p.m. Snowing, ground covered with snow;
wind northwest, strong; temp., 26° to 18°. Downy Woodpecker, i; Crow, 6; heard a
flock of Canadian Pine Grosbeaks and a flock of White-winged Crossbills ; American
Goldfinch, 4; Redpoll, 15 ; Junco, 2 ; Brown Creeper, i ; Chickadee, 3; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 3. Total, 10 species, over 35 individuals.— Arthur W. Fletcher and Sam-
uel D. Robbins.

Belmont, Mass.— December 24 ; time, 7 to 9 a.m. Cloudy; wind not noticeable;
ground covered with snow; temp., 20°. Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, i;
Northern Flicker, i; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 15; Pine Siskin, 3; Junco, 2; Crow, 3;
Chickadee, 5. Total, 8 species, 31 individuals. — Adele Fitzpatrick and Samuel D.
Robbins.

Belmont, Mass.- December 25 ; time, 2.15 104.45 P-^'- Snow flurries, ground cov-
ered with snow; wind strong, northwest; temp., 26° to 24°. Northern Flicker, i; Blue
Jay, 3; American Crow, i; Screech Owl, i; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 70; American
Goldfinch, 2; Junco, 2; Chickadee, 9; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 9. Total, 9 species, 97
individuals. — Adele Fitzpatrick and Samuel Robbins.

Belmont, Mass.— December 26; time, 9.30 a. m. to 12.30 p. m. Clear ; ground cover-
ed with snow; wind northwest, light; temp., 30°. Blue Jay, i; Crow, 2; Canadian Pine
Grosbeak, 5; White-winged Crossbill, 4; Redpoll, 4; American Goldfinch, 4; Slate-
coiored Junco, 22; Song Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i
(heard); Chickadee, 8 ; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5. Total, 12 species, 59 individuals.—
Arthur W. Fletcher and Samuel D. Robbins.

Milton Hill, Mass.— December 27; time, 5.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fair to overcast;
south breeze, cool; snow on ground. Great Black-backed Gull, 7; American Herring
Gull, 100; Red-breasted Merganser, 15; Scaup Duck, 3 (large flocks of i,ooo-|- off shore,
probably these birds); American Golden-eye, 500; Old Squaw, 40; Sharp-shinned Hawk, i;
Flicker, i; Horned Lark, 10; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 1,000; Goldfinch, 20; Snowflake, 3;
Slate-colored Junco, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 10; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 3. Total, 17 species, 2,719 individuals ( numbers approximate). — Beatrice
Cobb and Stanley Cobb.

Needfiam, Mass. — December 19; time, 9 a.m. to i p.m. Clear; ground nearly

Seventh Christmas Bird Census 19

bare; wind east to southeast, light; temp., 15". Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 6;
American Crow, 3; Pine Grosbeak, 10; Redpoll, 12; Free Sparrow, 33; Junco, 11;
Chewink, i, male; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 17;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4. Total, 12 species, loi individuals. A Hock of 33 Pine
Grosbeaks weie seen on December 20. — Charles E. Heil.

West Roxbury, Mass. — December 22 ; time, 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Cloudy; ground
bare; no wind; temp., 34. Flicker, 6; Blue Jay, 6; American Crow, 28; White-winged
Crossbill, 18; American Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow, 4; Junco, 6; Red-breasted Nut-
hatch, i; Chickadee, 10; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 9. Total, 10 species, 90 individuals.
— Charles E. Hhil.

Boston, Mass. (Arnold Arboretum to Brookline Village and Howard Bridge). —
December 22 ; time, 9.20A.M.to i2.20i'.M. No wind ; fair; no snow on ground ; temp.,
26°. Herring Gull, 3; Golden-eye, i; Great Horned Owl, i; Downy Woodpecker, i;
Flicker, 8; Blue Jay, 9; Crow, 21; Goldfinch, 14; White-winged Crossbill, 3; Junco, 3;
Song Sparrow, 3; Cedar Waxwing, 18; Myrtle Warbler, 3; Brown Creeper, 2;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Canadian Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 23; Golden-crowne<l
Kinglet, 5. Total, 18 species, 129 individuals. — C. BossoN.

Boston, Mass. (The Arnold Arboretum, Olmsted and Riverway Parks, the Fens,
and Charles River). -December 22; time, 9 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. Fair, wind southwest,
light, A. M ; clouded, wind northeast, light, p. m ; ground bare; temp., 37° to 44°.
Great Black-backed Gull, 2 ; Herring Gull, 6 ; Black Duck, i ; Red-legged Black Duck, 5 ;
Green-winged Teal, i duck ; American Golden-eye, 45; Bob-white, 33; Ruffed
Grouse, i; American Sparrow Hawk, i; Great Horned Owl, i; Downy Woodpecker, 3;
Flicker, 37; Blue Jay, 27; American Crow, 35; Pine Grosbeak, 6; Purple Finch, 6;
American Crossbill, 9; White-winged Crossbill, 30; Redpoll, 5; American Goldfinch,
22; Pine Siskin, 7 ; White-throated Sparrow, 4 (one singing) ; Tree Sparrow, 10; Junco,
28 ; Song Sparrow, 14; Cedar Waxwing, 20; Myrtle Warbler, i ; Brown Creeper, 4; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 2 : Red-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Chickadee, 56; Golden-crowned King-
let, 17; Robin, I. Total, 33 species, 444 individuals. — Horace W. Wright, Francis
(;. and Maurice C. Blakr.

Arlington Heights, Belmont and Cambridge (fresh pond marshes and region ).
Mass. — December 24; time, 9.15 A. M. to 3 p. M. Clouded to fair; five inches of snow on
ground; wind northwest, Ijght; temp., 18° to 24°. Red-shouldered Hawk, i; American
Sparrow Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 3; Blue Jay, i; American Crow,
24; Pine Grosbeak, 79; American Crossbill, 7; White-winged Crossbill, 10; Redpoll,
23; American Goldfinch, 27; Pine Siskin, 5; Tree Sparrow, 32; Junco, 32; Song Spar-
row, 3; Brown Creeper, 7; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2;
Chickadee, 33 ; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 20. Total, 20 species, 315 individuals. — Hor-
ace W. Wright, Francis G. and Maurice C. Blakr.

Middlesex Fells, Mass. — December 24; time, 9.30 a. m. to 12.30 p. m. Clear; four
inches of snow on ground; wind northwest, light; temp., 15° to 21°. Red-tailed Hawk,
i; Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Barred Owl, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 9;
Crow, 10; Pine Grosbeak, 57; White-winged Crossbill, 3; Tree Sparrow, 6; Song Spar-
row, i; Carolina Wren, i (first seen November 21 ) ; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted
Nuthatch, i; Red-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 16; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3.
Total, 16 species, 113 individuals. — Gordon Boit Wellman.

Squantum, Mass.— December 24; time, 12.4010 3 p. m. Clear; five inches of snow
on ground: wind northwest, strong; temp., 20°. Great Black-backed Gull, 2; Ameri-
can Herring Gull, 40; American Merganser, 20; American Scaup Duck, about 500; Old
Squaw, 5; White-winged Scoter, 14; Horned Lark, 2; Pine Siskin, i; Tree Sparrow, i;
Chickadee, 3. Total, 11 species, 588 individuals. — Richard Marble and James L.

PiTPR'.

20 Bird -Lore

Franklin Park (Arnold Arboretum and Allandale Woods ), Mass.^ — December 23;
time, 9.40 A. M. to I 40 p. M. Cloudy, with occasional snow flurries; five inches of snow
on the ground; wind west, light; temp., 26°. Bob-white, i; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1;
Northern Flicker, 7; Blue Jay, 7; American Crow, 8; Purple Finch, 5; White-winged
Crossbill, about 50; Redpoll, 10; American Goldfinch, 15; Pine Siskin, 14; Slate-col-
ored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 3; Cedar Waxwing, 4; Myrtle Warbler, 6; Red-breasted
Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 7. Total, 16 species, 142 individuals. — James L. Peters.

Boston Park System, Mass. — December 26; time, 9 A M. to 12.15 P.M. Clear;
five inches of snow on ground; wind northwest, light; temp., 27^. American Herring
Gull, 30; Red-legged Black Duck, 2; American Golden-eye, 2; Northern Flicker, 11;
Blue Jay, 12; American Crow, 14; Purple Finch, 4; White-winged Crossbill, 32; Amer-
ican Goldfinch, 3; Song Sparrow, 3; Northern Shrike, i; Myrtle Warbler, 3; White-
breasted Nuthatch, i; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 28. Total, 15 species, 148
individuals.— James L. Peters.

Nahant, Mass. — December 27; time, 11.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Cloudy; five inches
of snow on the ground; wind south, light; temp., 38°. Holbcell's Grebe, i ; Great Black-
backed Gull, 49; Herring Gull, about 600; Red-legged Black Duck, i ; American Gol-
den-eye, 18; Bufflehead, i; Old Squaw, 20; White-winged Scoter, 12; Sparrow Hawk,
i; Horned Lark, 11; American Crow, 20; Snow Bunting, 18; Song Sparrow, 2. Total,
13 species, 754 individuals. — James L. Peters and Anna K. Barkv.

Arnold Arboretum, Mass. — Time, 2.30 to 4.30 P. M. Snowy, ground covered with
snow 6 inches deep ; wind west, light ; temp., 26°. Bob-white, 15; Flicker, 3 ; American
Crow, 3; Pine Siskin, 50; Butcher Bird, i; Brown Creeper, i; Chickadee, i. Total,

7 species, 74 individuals. — [?1 name.

Cambridge, Mass. — Time, 8.30 to 10 a. m. Cloudy, six inches of snow; snowing
lightly; wind northwest, light; temp., 12". Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk, i;
Downy Woodpecker, i ; Flicker, i ; American Crow, 2; Meadowlark, i ; Pine Grosbeak, 3 ;
American Crossbill, 8; Tree Sparrow, 6; Song Sparrow, i; Brown Creeper, i; Chick-
adee, 5 ; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2. Total, 13 species, 33 individuals.— John H. Baker.

West Medford, Mass. — December 23; time, 8.45 to 10.15 ^- ^'- Weather cloudy ;
wind northeast, light; eight inches of snow on ground; trees and bushes coated with snow ;
temp., 28°. Flicker, i; Blue Jay, 2; Pine Grosbeak, 10; White-winged Crossbill, 20;
Snowflake, 100; Brown Creeper, i; Chickadee, 8; Golden-crowned Kinglet, i. Total,

8 species, 143 individuals. December 26 a Northern Shrike was singing on a tree next our
house. — Edmund and Lidian E. Bridge.

Watertown, Mass. — December 22; time, 10.15 a. m. to 12 m. (Time of low tide
attracting Gulls to exposed flats.) Light fog, at times but thinly veiling the sun; ground
bare; no wind; temp., about 40°. Great Black-backed Gull, 2; Herring Gull, 40:
American Golden-eye, 37; Belted Kingfisher, 2; Flicker, i; Blue Jay, 2; American
Crow, 3; American Goldfinch, 23; Tree Sparrow, 3; Song Sparrow, 5; Chickadee, 2.
Total, II species, 120 individuals, beside more English Sparrows than all others
together. — Adelaide Stockwell.

Piety Corner, Waltham, Mass.— Time, 8 to 10 a. m. and from 12 M. to i p. m.
Seen from the window. Cloudy, followed by snow; ground covered with snow; wind
northwest, medium; temp., 15°. Downy Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, i; Blue Jay, 4; Crow,
i; Junco, 13. Total, 5 species, 21 individuals. On December 24, I saw a Robin from the
window. — E. J. Worcester.

Waltham, Mass. — Time, 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. Ground covered with ten inches of
snow; snowing hard; wind northwest, strong; temp., 26° to 28°. Flicker, 3; Crow, 3;
Goldfinch, 15; Tree Sparrow, 4; Junco, 2; Chickadee, 3; Robin, 2. Total, 7 species,
32 individuals. — B. L. Ripley.

Taunton, Mass. — Time, 9.45 to 11. 15 a. m. Cloudy, snow flurries; ground snow-

Seventh Christmas Bird Census 21

covered; wind, northwest, moderate; temp., 22° to 24°. Bob-white, 13; Downy Wood-
pecker, 1; Flicker, 4; Blue Jay, 16; Crow, 13; Purple Fincii, i; Goldfinch, 21; Pine
Siskin, 40; Tree Sparrow, 3; Junco, 75; Myrtle Warbler, 9; Chickadee, 2; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 1; Bluebird, 5. At home I saw the following birds feeding on suet, etc.,
on pear tree in back yard: Downy Woodpecker, 2; Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 4; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, i. Total, 15 species, 212 individuals. — Lucv B. Bi.iss.

West Taunton, Mass. — December 26; time, 11.45 '^- ^'- to 4'S '*• ^- Clear; ground
well covered with snow; wind west, rather strong; temp., 28° to 30°. Bob- white, 7;
Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 4; Crow, 565; Goldfinch, 22; Pine Siskin, 2; Tree
Sparrow, 85; Junco, 86; Song Sparrow, 3; Myrtle Warbler, i: White-breasted Nuthatch,
2; Chickadee, 5. Total, 12 species, 783 individuals. — Edith M. Hodgman.

Beverly, Mass. — Time. 8.30 to 11.30 A. M. Heavy snow-storm through forenoon,
with about twelve inches of snow on the ground; wind west-northwest; temp., 20°. Great
Black-backed Gull, 5; American Herring Gull, 125; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 5; Pine Gros-
beak, 40; Redpoll, 17; Tree Sparrow, i; Junco, 6; Chickadee, 6; Golden -crowned King-
let, 4. Total, 10 species, 211 individuals. — Frank A. Brown.

Nantucket, Mass. — Time, 7 A. M. to 8 p. M. Snow flurries, followed by clearing;
ground mostly bare; wind northwest, strong; temp., 29°. Horned Grebe, 6; Loon, 15;
Black Guillemot, i; Great Black-backed Gull, 5; Herring Gull, 30; American Mergan-
ser, 19; Redhead, 18; American Scaup Duck, f; Barrow Golden-eye, 2; Bufflehead, 1;
Old Squaw, 22; American Eider Duck, 42; American Scoter, 2; White-winged Scoter,
32; American Crow, 30. Total, 15 species, 229 individuals. — Ai.viN B. Gurlev.

Spencer, Mass. — December 22; time, 8 A. m. to 12 M., 1.30 to 3 i*. M. Cloudy,
ground bare; wind northeast, very light; temp., 30° to 36°. Downy Woodpecker, 3:
Blue Jay, i ; Pine Grosbeak, 2; Redpoll, 14; Northern Shrike, i ; Chickadee, 13. Total,
6 species, 34 individuals. — H. H. Blanchard.

Hamilton, Mass. -Time, 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m., and 2.30 to 3.30 p. .\i. Cloudy,
snow squalls; wind northwest, strong; temp., 22°. Pheasant, i ; Flicker, 2; Downy
Woodpecker, i; Crow, 100; Pine Grosbeak, 20; Pine Siskin, 100; Tree Sparrow. 5;
Chickadee, 4. Total, 8 species, 233 individuals. — Reginald C. Robbins.

Oxford, Mass. — December 27; time, 9.15 to 10.15 A.M. Bright, several inches of
snow; wind southwest, light; temp., 26°. Downy Woodpecker, i ; Blue Jay, 2; Tree
Sparrow, 8 ; Chickadee, 3. Total, 4 species, 14 individuals. — Georgianna M. Wheelock.

Woonsocket, R. I. — Time, 9.45 to 11.45 *• M. Cloudy, ground snow-covered; wind,
northwest, strong; temp., 26°. Downy Woodpecker, i ; Blue Jay, 9; Goldfinch, 16; Tree
Sparrow, 10. Total, 4 species, 36 individuals. — Clarence M. Arnold.

Glocester, R. I. — Time, 8.30 a m., to 1.30 p. m. Slightly cloudy, six inches of snow;
wind northerly, strong; temp , 20°. Ruffed Grouse tracks; American Goshawk, i;
Screech Owl, i; Purple Finch, i; Chickadee, 2. Total, 4 species, 5 individuals. Two
Song Sparrows seen daily up to December 24. — J. Irving Hill.

New London, Conn. — December 26; time 9.45 A. M., to 1.30 P. M. Clear; ground
partly covered with light snow ; wind west, brisk; temp., 29°. Herring Gull, 11; Downy
Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay 2; Crow, 4; Goldfinch, 10; Junco, i; Song Sparrow, 3; Chick-
adee, 5; Robin, 2; Bluebird, 2. Total, 10 species, 41 individuals. — Frances M. Graves.

New London, Conn.— December 28 ; time, 10 to 11 a. m., and 2 to 4 P. M. Drizzling
rain in a. m., clear in p. M. Ground bare ; no wind ; temp., 40°. Herring Gull, 100:
Great Black-backed Gull, r ; Whistler Duck, 8; Red-shouldered Hawk, r ; Horned Lark,
2; Pine Siskin, 30; Junco, 7; Song Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White- breasted Nut-
hatch, i; Chickadee, 13; Bluebird, t4. Total, 14 species, t67 individuals. — Frances M
Graves.

New Haven, Conn. — December 24. Lighthouse Point to Mamoguin. Time, 8.45 to
11.30 A. M. Clear, occasional snow flurries; one inch of snow on ground; brisk north-

22 Bird - Lore

west wind; temp., io°. Herring Gull, 200; White-winged Scoter, 6; Ducks ^kind ?), 40;
Red-tailed Hawk, i; Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Hawk (kind?), 2; Crow, 21; English
Starling, 16; Meadowlark, 20; Redpoll, 4; Tree Sparrow, 5; Song Sparrow, i; Chick-
adee, 4. Total, II species, 321 individuals. — A. A. S.'\unders, A. W. Honywill and D.
B. Pangburn.

New Haven, Conn. — An effort was made by five members of the New Haven Bird
Club to cover the best sections of bird country in and about New Haven. The results fol-
low : Fierce northwest wind ; thin clouds covering sun ; one inch of snow ; temp., 18° to 22°.

I. Edgewood Park and Mitchell's Hill.— Time, 8.15 a. m. to 12.30 p. m. Red-tailed
Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Flicker, i; Phoebe, i; Blue Jay, 11; American
Crow, i; English Starling, 2; Redpoll, 11; Goldfinch, i; Tree Sparrow, 6; Field
Sparrow, i; Slate-colored Junco, 4; Song Sparrow, 5; Myrtle Warbler, 3; Brown
Creeper, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Chickadee, 21; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3;
Bluebird, i. Total, 19 species, 87 individuals. The Phoebe mentioned above has been in
the park since November 25. Last year one was in the same locality from December 21
to March 10. On December 26, 4 Pine Siskins and i Northern Shrike were in the Park. —
Clifford H. Pangburn.

II. East Haven and Lake Saltonstall. — Fime, 8.30 A. vi. to i p. M. Herring Gull,
26; Black Duck, 87; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Sharp-shinned Hawk, i; Hairy Woodpecker,
i; Flicker, i; American Crow, 10; Blue Jay, 5; English Starling, 4; Meadowlark, 6;
American Crossbill, 4; Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow, 78; Slate-colored Junco, 16; Song
Sparrow, i; Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2;
Chickadee, 34; Golden-crowned Kinglet,"i7. Total, 21 species, 299 individuals. — A. A.
Saunders.

III. West Rock Park and Wintergreen Sap. — Time, 8.20 a. m. to 12.20 p. .vi.
Red-tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2; American Crow, 5; English
Starling, 2; Goldfinch, 30; Tree Sparrow, 3; Field Sparrow, i; Slate-colored /unco, 6;
Song Sparrow, i: Myrtle Warbler, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 13.
Total, 13 species, 67 individuals.— Duight B. Pangburn.

IV. New Haven to West Haven. — Time, 9. A. M. to 1.30 P. M. Distance covered,
twelve miles. Herring Gull, 20; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, i; Flicker,
i; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 7; English Starling, 6; Slate-colored Junco, 3; Song Sparrow, i;
White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 3. Total, 11 species, 50 individuals.— A. W.

HONYWII.L.

V. Prospect Hill to Pine Rock. — Time, 10 a. .vi. to i p. m. Downy Woodpecker,
i; American Crow, 3; Junco, about 20; Song Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, 2; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 3; Golden-crowned Kinglet, i; Bluebird, 3. Total. 9
species, about 38 individuals. — Bernard E. Leete.

Washington, Conn. — Time, 8.30 to 9 a. m. Clear; one inch of snow on ground;
wind northwest; temp., 16°. Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Tree
Sparrow, 10; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 6. Total, 5 species, 21 individuals.
December 28 two Pine Grosbeaks were seen among the trees. Observed the same pair
November 24, 1906, and heard the call, which I had not heard since the winter of 1903-04,
when these birds came for the first time under my observation. — Wii.helmina C.
Knowles.

Glastonbury, Conn. — Time, 3.30 to 4.30 P. M. Six inches of snow; snowing a little;
no wind; temp., 22°. Crow, i; Tree Sparrow, i; House Sparrow, i; ( heard Juncos; 1
White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 3. Total, 6 species, 7 individuals. December
26 saw Downy Woodpecker and December 27 Brown Creeper. — Edith M. Ci.ark.

Bristol, Conn.— Time, 7.30 a. m. to 12 M. Clear at 7 a. m., gradually clouding
until half overcast at noon; 2 inches of snow underlaid with ice; fresh northwest wind,
increasing to high but gusty; temp., 14° at start, 23° at noon. Downy Woodpecker, i;

Seventh Christmas Bird Census 23

Blue Ja\ , 11; Crow, 2; Pine Clrosbeak, 9: Redpoll, 40; (Joldfinch, 1; Tree Sparrow, 10;
Towhee, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 11; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, i.
Total, II si)ecies, 92 individuals. — E. E. Smith, R. W. Ford and Frank Bruen.

South Ncrwalk, Conn. — Time, 9 A. M. to i I", vi. and 1.30 to 4.30 i'. m. Fair,
becoming cloudy; temp., 18" at 9 a. .\i. ; distance covered, eight miles. Grebe, i; Her-
ring Gull, 54; Merganser, i; Broadbili, 9; Golden-eye, 2; Goshawk, i; Downy
Woodpecker, 7 ; Flicker, 5; Shoreiark, i; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 17; Starling, 55; Meadow-
lark, 27; Goldrtnch, 9; Pine Siskin, i; Tree Sparrow, 20; Junco, 57; Song Sparrow, 11:
Northern Shrike, i; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Chickadee, 22;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2 ; Bluebird, 11. Total. 24 species, 327 individuals.— WiLBLR
F. Smith and REnuiNcrov M. Davton.

Canandaigua, N. Y.— December 22; time, 7 to 11 a. m. Cloudy, snow flurries, wind
northwest, brisk; temp., 20°. Horned Grebe, i; Herring Gull, i; Red-breasted (?)
Merganser, i; Black Duck, 30 (approximate); American Golden-eye, 15; Canada
Goose, 40 (approximate); Crow, 200 to 250; Tree Sparrow, 45; Song Sparrow, i. Total,
9 species, about 325 individuals. December 23. American Sparrow Hawk, i; Hairy
Woodpecker, i. December 25, time, 8.30 a. m. to 12.30 p. M. and 2.30 to 5 P. M. Very
stormy; strong northwest wind, with snow; temp., 13°. Downy Woodpecker, i; Crow,
about 200; Snowflake, 47 ; Tree Sparrow, 18; Song Sparrow, 5; Brown Creeper, i; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 13; Ring-necked Pheasant, 7. Total, 9 species,
295 individuals. Total number of species, three days, 17. — Frank T. Antes.

Victor and Fishers, N. Y. — December 26; time, 8.15 a. m. to 2.45 p. m. Clear, be-
coming cloudy; wind west, brisk; temp., 20° to 33°. American Sparrow Hawk, 2; Great
Horned Owl, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow, 25; Blue Jay, 17; American Goldfinch,
11; Tree Sparrow, 24; Slate-colored Junco, 2; Song Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, 3;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Chickadee, 28; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5; Ring-necked
Pheasant, 2. Total, 14 species, 128 individuals. — Frank T. Antes.

Auburn, N. Y. — Time, 10 a. .\i. 104 p. .m. Weather cloudy, heavy snowfall through-
out day, preceded by very cold weather, with much snow; wind very strong, northwest;
temp., 15°. American Herring Gull, 4; American Merganser, 9; Red-breasted Mer-
ganser, 2 ; Bufflehead Duck, 2; American Golden-eye Duck, 9; American Sparrow Hawk,
i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; American Crow, 117; Tree Sparrow, 15; White-breasted
Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 3. Total, 11 species, 165 individuals.— Frederick J. Stupp.

Rochester, N. Y. — December 26; time, 10.30 A. M. to 12 M. Cloudy, ground covered
with snow; wind northwest, brisk; temp., 28°. Crow, 3; Pine Grosbeak, 3; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, i. Total, 4 species, 9 individuals. Also, December 23 ;
time, II A. M. to 12 M. and 2.30 to 3.30 p. m. Cloudy, ground covered with snow, and
snowing; wind northwest, light; temp., 10°. Cooper's Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker,
I.— Nettie Sei, linger Pierce.

Lyons, N. Y.— Time, 9 A. m. to 6 p. m. Distance covered, twenty-five miles; cloudy
and snowing hard most of the day; about ten inches of snow on level, but much drifted,
due to a very strong northwest wind; temp., 16°. Ruffed Grouse, i; Downy Woodpecker,
i; American Crow, 12; Snowflake — two flocks — 75 and 200, approximately; Slate-
colored Junco, (?); Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Black-capped
Chickadee, 36. Total, 8 species, about 350 individuals. — S. B. Gavitt and E. Eari.
Elliott.

Orient Point, Long Island. — December 23; time, 7 a. m. to 4.30 p. m. Cloudy in
morning; wind northwest, strong; ground slightly covered with snow; temp., 20° at start,
15° at return. Horned Grebe, 11; Loon, 13; Red-throated Loon, i; Great Black-backed
Gull, 3; Herring Gull, 461 ; Red -bre.isted Merganser, 42 ; Black Duck and Red-legged
Black Duck, 20; Redhead, i; American Scaup Duck, 104; American Golden-eye, 2;
Bufflehead, 11; Old Squaw, 488; White-winged Scoter, 62; Surf Scoter, 12; Bob-white,

24 Bird - Lore

12; Red-tailed Hawk, i; American Rough-legged Hawk, i; Short-eared Owl, i; Screech
Owl, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Flicker, 20; Horned Lark, 235; Blue Jay, 29; American
Crow, 589; Fish Crow, 2; Red-winged Blackbird, i; Meadowlark, 177 (several singing
finely); American Crossbill, 21; White-winged Crossbill, 3; American Goldfinch, 32;
Pine Siskin, 184; Snowflake, 154; Tree Sparrow, 290 (one singing spring songi; Slate-
colored Junco, 5; Song Sparrow, 91 (one singing sweetly); Swamp Sparrow, i; Northern
Shrike, 5; Myrtle Warbler, 218; Chickadee, 165; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 25; American
Robin, 154. Total, 42 species, 3,659 individuals. A Pine Grosbeak, Redpoll and Purple
Gracklewere seen on December 18, a Red-breasted Nuthatch and a Hermit Thrush on the
20th. — Frank, Harry and Roy Latham.

Mt. Sinai, Long Island, N. Y. — Time, all da). Sky overcast; high north- to north-
west winds; temp., 24° at 8 a. m; slight thaw at midday. Horned Grebe, i; Herring
Gull, about 100; Black Duck, 4; White-winged Scoter, 35; Black-crowned Night Heron,
i; Bob-white, 4; Ruffed Grouse, 2; Horned Lark, 16; Crow, 90; Fish Crow, 4 ( heard) ;
Meadowlark, 75; English Sparrow, 3; Ipswich Sparrow, i; White-throated Sparrow, 7;
Tree Sparrow, 300 (approximately); Slate-colored Junco, 70; Song Sparrow, 19; Myrtle
Warbler, 3; Winter Wren, i; Chickadee, 2; Robin, i. Country visited. — Sound Beach,
salt swamps, upland fields, deciduous woods, and red cedar woods. Total, 21 species,
737 individuals. — Robert C. Murphy and Edward A. Murphy.

Huntington, Long Island. — -Time, 10 A. M. to 12 30 p. M. Clear; ground thinly
covered with snow; wind northwest, strong; temp., 24°. Herring Gull, 5; Screech Owl, i;
Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2; American Crow, 13; Meadowlark, 5; American
Goldfinch, 30; Junco, 35; Song Sparrow, 3; Chickadee, 7; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 5;
Bluebird, i. Total, 12 species, 108 individuals. — Miss Charlotte E. Lee.

College Point to Long Beach, Long Island. — December 30; time, 7.20 a. m. to 5.30
P.M. Cloudy, rain in afternoon; ground bare; wind east; light to brisk; temp., 34°.
Great Black-backed Gull, 10; Herring Gull, 100; Old Squaw, 50; Red-tailed Hawk, 2;
Downy Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, i; Crow, 10; Starling, 30; White-throated Sparrow, 2;
Tree Sparrow, 50; Junco, 25; Song Sparrow, 5; Winter Wren, i; Brown Creeper, i;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, i. Total, 16 species, 293 individuals.— Francis
Harper.

New York Harbor to and at the Cholera Bank (10 miles South of Long Beach, L.I.).
December 22; time, 8.25 a. m. to 3.55 p. m. Weather, cloudy, misty, showers; wind, north-
west, light to none; temp., about 35^. Loon, 6; Kittiwake, 3; Glaucous Gull, 2; Black-
backed Gull, 20; Herring Gull, very common; Bonaparte Gull, 10; Old Squaw, i. Total,
7 species, 42 individuals plus Herring Gulls. — R. E. Stackpoi.k, Wm. H. Wie(;man\,
Isaac Bii.dersee and C. H. R(k;ers.

One Hundred and Thirtieth Street Ferry, New York, to Fort Lee, Coytesville, South
Englewood; Leonia, etc., N. J. — December23; time, 10.10 a. m. 104.55 p. m. Weather,
fine; brisk northwest wind; temp., about 21°. Herring Gull, 20; Red-shouldered Hawk, i;
American Rough-legged Hawk, i; Barred Owl, i (dead); Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow,
i; Red-shouldered Blackbird, i; Pine Grosbeak, 12; American Crossbill, 1; White-winged
Cross-bill, 14; American Goldfinch, 9; White-throated Sparrow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 20;
Field Sparrow, 2; Junco, 7; Song Sparrow, 3; Swamp Sparrow, i; Northern Shrike, i;
Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 10. Total, 20 live species,
113 individuals. — Charles H. Rogers.

Rockaway Beach, New York City.— December 23; time, 10.15 a. m. to 3 35 p. m.
Cloudy first hour, fine afterward; ground bare; wind northwest, very strong; temp., 28°.
Great Black-backed Gull, 55; Herring Gull, 400; Bonaparte's Gull, i (eight severed
wings of this species were found scattered upon the ground near a hotel); American Scoter,
i; Pine Siskin, 15; Tree Sparrow, 20; Hermit Thrush, i. Total, 7 species, about 500
individuals. — George E Hix.

Seventh Christmas Bird Census

25

Central Park, New York City.— Time, 9.30 a. m. to i i>. m. Weather partly cloudy;
wind west; temp., 19' to 25°. Herring Gull, 35; Sharp-shinned Hawk, i; Red-tailed
Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2 Starling, 38; Purple Grackle, i; White-throated Spar-
row, 13; Junco, i; Song Sparrow, i; Fox Sparrow, i; Cardinal, 3; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 4; Red-lieiiied Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 6. Total, 14 species, 107 individuals.—
Chari.ks H. Rockrs.

Central Park, New York City. — Fime, 9 to 10.30 a. m., and 10.15 to 2.25 v. \\.
Fine the first time out, overcast the second time; ground bare; wind northwest, brisk;
temp. , 28°. Herring Gull, 200; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2 ; Starling,
37; Purple Grackle, 2; White-throated Sparrow, 14; Junco, i; Song Sparrow, 2; Fox
Sparrow, i; Cardinal, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, i;
Chickadee, 6; Robin, i. Total, 14 species, 272 individuals. — George E. Hix.

Central Park, New York City. — December 26 ; time, 8.15 to 9.30 A. M. ; 2.10 to 2.50
F. .\i. Weather fair; ground bare; light winds ; temp. , 40°. Herring Gull, 500 (estimated);
Starling, 40; Chickadee, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3: White-throated Sparrow, 12;
Downy Woodpecker, i; Cardinal, 2; Junco, 3; Purple (Jrackle, 2. Total, 9 species, 568
individuals. — Mortimer D. Leonard.

Central Park, New York City. — December 23; time, 10 a. m. to 12 M., and 2.30 to
4.30P. M. Clear; ground bare; wind northwest; temp., 20°. Herring Gull, 150; Red-
tailed Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Starling, 20: Purple Grackle, i; Chaffinch, i;
White-throated Sparrow, 25: Junco, 4; Song Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 5; Brown Creeper,
3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 8; Robin, 5.
Total, 15 species, about 236 individuals. — R. E. Stalkpoi.k and Clinton G Abbott.

Van Cortlandt Park, New York City, and Yonkers, N. Y.— December 24; time,
10.30 a. m. to 12.30 p. M. ; 2.30 to 4 p. M. Overcast most of the time; ground bare; wind
high, northwest; temp., 12° to 18°. Herring Gull, i (over river); Downy Woodpecker,
4; Blue Jay, 8; Crow, 2; Starling, 3; Purple Finch. 2; White-throated Sparrow, i;
Tree Sparrow (three flocks), about 50; Junco, 20; Song Sparrow. 9; Brown Creeper, i;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 6. Total, 13 species, 109 individuals. — F.
Huberta Foote and Alice R. Northrop.

Passaic, N. J. — Time, 1015 a..\i. to 12.15 p.m. Partly cloudy ; ground bare; wind
north, strong; temp., 22°. Downy Woodpecker, i; Crow, i; Starling, 18; Goldfinch,
i; Tree Sparrow, 31; Junco, 12; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3 ; Chicka-
dee, 9. Total, 9 species, 80 individuals. — Gilbert H. Trafton and Edward Uehling.

Morristown, N. J. — December 22; time, 3 to 4.30 p. m. Light snow flurries;
ground partly bare, with some patches of snow; wind northwest, moderate; temp., 36°.
Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Crow, 2: Redpoll, about 30 (one flock): White-throated
Sparrow, 6; Tree Sparrow, 10; Junco, 12; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Chickadee, 10;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 14. Total, 9 species, 98 individuals.— R . C. Caskev.

Princeton, N. J. — Time, 8.20 a. m. to 1.30 p. m., and from 3. 20to 5.20 p. .\i. Clear;
ground bare; wind northwest, strong; temp., 15°. Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Sparrow
Hawk, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Blue Jay, i; American Crow,
28; Goldfinch, 36; White-throated Sparrow, i; Tree Sparrow, 260; Junco, 90; Song
Sparrow, 60; Cardinal, 18; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Tit-
mouse, 4; Chickadee, i; Carolina Chickadee, 3; Golden -crowned Kinglet, i. Total,
18 species, 521 individuals. — William M. Norris, Jr.

Newfield, N. J. — Time, 10 A. m. to 3.20 P. M. Cloudy in forenoon, clearing up at
noon; ground bare; wind northwest, brisk; temp., 23° to 29°. Crow, 2; Meadowlark, 3;
Song Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 30; Junco, 45; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee,
i; Robin, i. Total, 8 species, 85 individuals. — Wm. W. Fair.

Moorestown, N. J. — Time, 6.10 to 7 a. m., 8 a. m. to i. 10 i'. m., and 2.10 to 5. 15
p. M. Clear; wind west-northwest, strong; temp., 25°. Herring Gull, 2: Marsh Hawk,

26 Bird - Lore

i; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 6; Blue Jay, 2; Crow,
500; Goldfinch, 5; White-throated Sparrow, 9, Tree Sparrow, 24; Junco, 18; Songf
Sparrow (singing) 21; Cardinal, 7; Carolina Wren, i; Winter Wren, i; Brown Creeper,
i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Chick-
adee, 4; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7; Robin, i. Total, 22 species, 624 individuals. —
William B. Evans.

Philadelphia, Pa., Delaware River Meadows, Bridesburg and Frankford. — Decem-
ber 22; time, 9.30 A. M. to 2.30 p. M. Raining at start, afterward clear and overcast,
ground bare and unfrozen; wind northwest, light; temp,, 40°. Herring Gull, 20; Ameri-
cad Merganser, i; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, i;
Hairy Woodpecker, i; Northern Downy Woodpecker, 2; Northern Flicker, 2; American
Crow, 175 (estimated); Fish Crow, 3; Meadowlark, 18; American Goldfinch, 13;
White-throated Sparrow, i; Tree Sparrow, 20; Field Sparrow, i; Slate-colored Junco,
28; Cardinal, i; Song Sparrow, 15; Swamp Sparrow, i; Winter Wren, i; Brown Creeper,
i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Tufted Titmouse, 2 (singing); Black-capped Chickadee,
i; Golden-crowned Kinglet, i; Robin, i. Total, 26 species, about 315 individuals. —
Richard F. Miller.

Philadelphia, Pa. —Between Spring Garden Street bridge and the dam on the Schuyl-
kill. Time, 12.45 to i P.M. Ground bare; wind cutting; temp., 32°. American Herring
Gull, i; American Merganser, 5; Red-breasted Merganser, 15; American Golden-eye,
i; American Crow, 2. Total, 5 species, 24 individuals. December 26 same flock con-
tained about forty-five Red -breasted and fifteen American Mergansers, also five Golden -
eyes. — Lewis S. Gannett.

Gernnantown and Fairmount Park, Pa. — Time. 8.45 a. m. to 1.30 p. m. Cloudy;
ground bare; wind east, light; temp., 37°. Herring Gull, 4; American Merganser, 7;
Downy Woodpecker, 3; American Crow, 25; American Goldfinch, 4; White-throated
Sparrow, 8; Tree Sparrow, 14; Slate-colored Junco, 74; Song Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 4;
Carolina Wren, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 8.
Total, 14 species, 160 individuals. — Arthur F. Hagar.

Germantown, Pa. (about the Wissahickon, northeast of the town; . — December 27;
time, 9 45 A. M. to I p. M.; 3 to 4 p. m. Clear in morning; rainy in afternoon; wind
west at first, veering about to east; temp., 35° to 50°. Sparrow Hawk, i ; Downy Wood-
pecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, i; American Crow, 155 ( flock of 127); Purple Grackle,
i; American Goldfinch, 51 (flock of 50); White-throated Sparrow, 14 (in two flocks) ; Tree
Sparrow, 13: Junco, 45 (flock of 40); Cardinal, i; Winter Wren, 2; Carolina Wren
(heard, not seen); Brown Creeper, i; Chickadee, 7; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 7. Total,
15 species, 302 individuals. — Lewis S. Gannett.

Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pa. — December 24; time, i to 5 P. M. Clear;
ground bare; wind northwest to north, high; temp., 9^ to ii'^. Red-tailed Hawk, i;
Downy Woodpecker, 2; Crow, 1,000; Purple Finch, i; White-throated Sparrow, i; Tree
Sparrow, 4; Junco, i; Song Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, i;
Black-capped Chickadee, 25; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 15. Total, 13 species, 1,061
individuals.— John S. Patton and Leonard S. Pearson.

Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pa.— December 26; time, 8.30 a. .\i. to 2,30 P .m.
Clear most of the time; ground bare; wind northwest, high; temp , 30° at start, 33° on
return. Herring Gull, i; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Red-shouldered Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk,
i; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Crow, 27; Purple Finch, 20; Goldfinch, i ; Tree Sparrow. 1 ;
Junco, 75; Song Sparrow, 7; Cardinal, 10; Brown Creeper, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch,
2; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Black-capped Chickadee, 2; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 9. Total,
17 species, 172 individuals. Leonard S. Pearson.

Berwyn, Pa.— Time, 10.30 a. m. to 12.45 P. M., and 2.15 to 4.30 p. m. Cloud) ;
ground bare; wind nortinvest, strong; temp., ai"". Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2;

Seventh Christmas Bird Census 27

Crow, 90; White-throateil Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 28: Jiinco, 77; Song Sparrow, 4;
Winter Wren, i; Wliite-hreasted Nuthatch, i. Total, 9 species, 206 individuals.— John
B Gill.

Lititz, Pa. (Northern Lancaster County, Valley of the Hammer Creek. )— December
23; time, 10.45 \- '^■- to 5-15 '"• M- Partly cloudy, with snow flurries; ground partly
covered with snow; wind northwest, strong; temp., 19°. Ruffed Grouse, i; Turkey Vul-
ture, 3; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Sparrow Hawk, i; Downy Woodpecker, 7; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 2; Crow, 425: American (Joldfinch, 2: Pine Finch, 7; Cardinal Grosbeak, ii;
Tree Sparrow, 70; Song Sparrow, 3; Junco, 3; Brown Creeper, 2; White-bellied Nut-
hatch, 7; Black -capped Chickadee, 31; Tufted Titmouse, 12; Golden -crowned Kinglet,
4. Total, 18 species, 592 individuals. — Herbert H. Beck.

Columbia, Pa. -Time, 9 a. m. to 12 .vi. Cloudy at first, clearing later; ground lightly
covered with snow; wind west, medium; temp., 10°. Crow, 200; English Sparrow, 150;
Tree Sparrow, 25; Junco, 20; Cardinal, 2: White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 2.
Total. 7 species, 400 individuals.— Wm. M. Flanagan and W.vi. Rochow.

Kenn8tt Square, Pa.— Time, 10 a. m. to 1.30 p. vi. Northeast wind; sky overcast, a
chilly, uncomfortable morning; temp., 20" to 25°. Turtle Dove, 7; Turkey Buzzard, i;
Red-tailed Hawk, i; Sparrow Hawk, i; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2;
Crow, 6; Meadowlark, 5; Redpoll, 5; Cardinal, i; Junco, 55; Tree Sparrow, 9; Gold-
finch, 2; Song Sparrow, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Chickadee,
i; Golden-crowned Kinglet, i. Total, 18 species, 108 individuals. — C. J. Pennock.

Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pa. — December 29, 1906; time, 9.30A. .\i. to
1.15 P. M. Cloudy, ground bare; wind southwest; temp., 41°. Sparrow Hawk, 2; Hairy
Woodpecker. 2: Downy Woodpecker, 3; Crow, 25; Meadowlark, 8: Purple Finch,
i; White-throated Sparrow, 2; Tree Sparrow, 25; Junco, 30; Song Sparrow, 8; Cardinal,
2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 3. Total, 14 si)ecies, 113
individuals.— Alfred C Redfield.

Durham, N. C. — December 24, 1906; time, 1.30 to 4.00 p, ,\i. Weather, fair; wind
northwest, strong: ground bare; temp., 33°. Turkey Vulture, 20; Flicker, i: American
Crow, 8; American Goldfinch, 2 ; Field Sparrow, 25 ; Junco, 75; Cardinal Grosbeak, 3;
Maryland Yellow-throat, i ; Carolina Wren, 2 ; Winter Wren, i ; Carolina Chickadee. 3 ;
Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 13 species, 194 individuals. — Ernest Seeman.

Palma Sola, Fla. — South shore of Tampa Bay, on one small salt-water bayou, and in
pitch pine and spruce woods. Clear; wind northwest. Loon, 2; Brown Pelican, 2;
Louisiana Heron, 7; Little Blue Heron, 20 Semi-palmated Plover, 12; Ground Dove, 2;
Belted Kingfisher, i; Phcebe, i; Red-winged Blackbird, 9; White-eyed Towhee, 3;
Cardinal, i; Blue-headed Vireo, i; Myrtle Warbler, 35, Yellow-throated Warbler, i;
Pine Warbler, 20: Mockingbird, i; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, i. Total, 19 species, 127
individuals. — Eleanor P. Earle.

Palma Sola, Fla. — December 26, 1906. Wind north to northwest; temp. 40" to 55^.
Florida Cormorant, i; Brown Pelican, 6; Louisiana Heron, 11; Little Blue Heron, 20: a
flock of about 40 shore-birds, too far away to be identified ; Ground Dove, 2 ; Turkey Vul-
ture, 3; Bald Eagle, i; American Sparrow Hawk, i; Belted Kingfisher, i; Southern
Downy Woodpecker, i; Phcebe, 2; White-eyed Towhee, i; Cardinal, i; Blue-headed
Vireo, i; Myrtle Warbler, 60; Yellow-throated Warbler, 2; Pine Warbler, 30; Mock-
ingbird, i; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 2. Total, 20 species, 192 individuals. — Eleanor P.
Eari,e.

Palma Sola, Fla. — December 2S, 1906. American Egret, 6; Louisiana Heron, 6:
Little Blue Heron, 20; Ring-neck Plover, 3; Least Sandpiper, 5: (Jround Dove, 2; Tur-
key V^ulture, i; Bald Eagle, i; Southern Flicker, 2; Phwbe. 2; Cardinal, 2; Towhee, 5:
Yellow-throated Warbler, 5; Myrtle Warbler, 3: Loggerhead Shrike, i; Mockingbird, 2;
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 10. Total, 17 species. — Carlos Earle.

28 Bird -Lore

Knoxville, Tenn. — Time, 9 a. m to i p. m. Clear; ground bare; wind north, light:
temp., 28°. Hairy Woodpecker, 2: Crow, 9; Cardinal, 3; Wren, 1; Tufted Titmouse, i:
Bluebird, 12; unknown birds, 3. Total, 7 species, 29 individuals. - Magnolia Wood-
ward.

Lexington, Ky. — December 23. Time, 10 a. m. to 4.45 i'. m. Two inches of snow;
cloudy at start, changing to clear; wind brisk, north; distance about nine miles. Pied-
billed Grebe, i; Bufflehead, 10; American Coot, i; Killdeer, 5; Marsh Hawk, i; Red-
tailed Hawk, 2; American Sparrow Hawk, 2; Short-eared Owl, i; Hairy Woodpecker, 2;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 3; Horned Lark (about) 3,000; American Crow (about)
2,100; Meadow-lark, 33; Field Sparrow, 22; Slate-colored Junco, 36: Song Sparrow, 38;
Cardinal, 8; Carolina Wren, i; Winter Wren, i; Carolina Chickadee, 3; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 11. Total, 22 species, about 5,282 individuals.— V. K. Dodge.

La Grange, Mo. — December 21; time, 9 a. m. to 12 m. One inch of wet, new
fallen snow covering ground and trees; strong northwest wind; heavy clouds, threatening
snow; temp., 30°. Green-winged (?) Teal, 5; Great Horned Owl, i (heard); Hairy Wood-
pecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 6; Blue Jay, 2 ; Crow, 6:
Goldfinch, 6; Junco, 12; Cardinal, 13; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Tufted'Titmouse,
14: Chickadee, 10. Total, 13 species, 83 individuals.

December 26, route, time, temperature, ground and clouds the same as before, but
wind light, southeast. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, 6; Flicker, 6; Blue Jay, 7; Crow, 7; Goldfinch, 150; Junco, 13; Cardinal,
8; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Chickadee, 23. Total, 11 species, 228 individuals. — Susan M.
Johnson.

Waukon, Iowa. — Time, 9 a. m. to i F'. m. Damp and cloudy a. m.; clearing p. m.;
fresh south wind; temp., 30°. Hairy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 3; Goldfinch,
3; Sparrow (species undetermined), 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, i.
Total, 7 species, 16 individuals. — Ellison Orr.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa.— Time, 8 to 10.15 a.m. Two inches of snow but thawing
some; cloudy. Hairy Woodpecker, 2 ; Downy Woodpecker, 4; Red-headed Woodpecker,
i; Blue Jay, 3; Crow, 5; Tree Sparrow, 2; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 3; Chickadee, 31. Total, 9 species, 52 individuals. — E. Lucas Lefebure.

Urbana, IH. — Time, 9.45 a. m. to 12.30 p. .\i. Clear, ground covered with one inch
of snow; wind southwest, strong; temp., 35°. Red-tailed Hawk, i: northern Downy
Woodpecker, 4; Red-bellied Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 3; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, 4; Purple
Finch, 5 (i killed); Tree Sparrow, 38; Junco, 16; Song Sparrow, i; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 3; Black-capped Chickadee, 6. Total, 12 species, 87 individuals. — Alfred
O. Gross and Howard A. Ray.

Atwood, III.— Time, 8 to 11.30 a. .\i. Cloudy; ground covered with one inch of
crisp snow; wind northwest, light; temp., 22°. Northern Downy Woodpecker, 3; Red-
bellied Woodpecker, i; Flicker, 2; Blue Jay, 11; Crow, 150; Junco, 22; Tree Sparrow,
64; Song Sparrow, 8; Cardinal, 3; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Tufted Titmouse, i;
Black-capped Chickadee, 9. Total, 12 species, 278 individuals. — Alfred Otto Gross.

Roby, IlL — Time, 1.30 to 3.30 p. m. Clear, but hazy; ground and small lake here
frozen and covered with thin layer of snow; wind southwest, light; temp., 32°. Bob-white,
3 ; Redpoll, 40; Tree Sparrow, 10; Slate-colored Junco, 5 ; Northern Shrike, i ; Chickadee.
2. Total, 6 species, 61 individuals. — Carl C. Lawson.

Peoria, 111. — Time, 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. Wind light, from south; temp., 28° to 31^.
Cloudy; one inch of snow. Ring-billed Gull, 4; American Coot, i; Quail, one flock;
Downy Woodpecker. 14; Hairy Woodpecker, 7; Crow, 3; American Goldfinch, 11; Tree
Sparrow and Junco, two flocks estimated, 275; Cardinal, 8: Brown Creeper, 6; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 27. Total, 13 species, 362 individuals. — W. H. Pack-
ard and C. S. V as Deusen.

Seventh Christmas Bird Census 29

Desplains River Region, 111. — December 24; time, 7.40 a. m. to 3.30 i'. m. Trace
of snow, cloudy; very light northwest to southwest wind; temp., n " to 36^. Herring
Gull, 7; Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 17; Crow, 12; Tree
Sparrow, 21; Junco, 4; Cardinal, 2; Brown Creeper, i. White-breasted Nuthatch, i;
Chickadee, 5. Total, 11 species, 73 individuals. — Fr.wk Gatks, N. Partridck and
R. H. Geberdinc.

Chicago, III., Glenco to Highland Park.— December 26; time, 7.30 a. .\i. to 12 .\i.
Clear, becoming cloudy; wind southwest to south ; temp., 21° to 40°. Loon, i; Herring
Gull, 8; Ring-billed Gull, 7; American Merganser, 4; Red-breasted Merganser, 15;
Pintail Duck, 5; Lesser Scaup Duck, 50; Canada Goose, 7; Downy Woodpecker, i;
Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 18; Evening Grosbeak, 2; Junco, 3; Brown Creeper, i; White-
breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 4; CJolden-crowned Kinglet, i. Total, 17 species, 130
individuals. — Frank Gates.

Chicago, III., Graceland Cemetery to Evanston and Bowmanvil. — Time, 7 A. .\i. to i
P. M. Cloudy, becoming clear; traces of snow on ground; light north wind; temp., 21"
to 38°. Loon, 4; Herring Gull, 15; Ring-billed (iull, 2 ; American Merganser, 2 ; Pin-
tail Duck, i; Lesser Scaup Duck, 150; American Golden-eye, 7; Canada Goose, 22:
Hairy Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Prairie Horned Lark, 18; Blue Jay, 24;
Crow, 12; Pine Siskin, i seen, others heard; Tree Sparrow, 50; Junco, 12; Cardinal, i:
Cedar Waxwing, 7; Brown Creeper, 3; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 3; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, i; Chickadee, 12. Total, 22 species, 351 individuals. — Frank Gates.

Chicago, III., Stickney District.— Time, 10.30 A. .vi. to 3.30 P. M. Clear; ground
bare; a little snow in grass; wind west to southwest, light; temp., 33°. Prairie Hen
(flock), 20; Sharp-shinned Hawk, i; Prairie Horned Lark, 3; American Crow, 3; Tree
Sparrow, 30. Total, 5 species, 57 individuals. — J. L. De Vine.

Chicago, 111., Jackson Park and Vicinity, District. — Time, 8 A. m. to i v. m. Cloudy
and a dense fog, especially on lake, but clearing up toward noon; ground and lagoon fro-
zen and covered with light coat of snow; lake full of floating ice; wind light, varying from
northwest to southwest; temp., 30° to 32°. American Herring Gull, 15; Ring-billed Gull,
25; American Merganser, 18; Red-breasted Merganser, 8; American Golden-eye, 4;
Screech Owl, i; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 4; Snowfiake, 3; Lapland Long-
spur, 50; White-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 6. I'otal, 12 species, 137 individ-
uals.— E. E. Armstrong and Carl C. Lawson.

Warren, Jo. Daviess Co., III. — Cloudy; wind southwest; trace of snow; temp., 38°.
Ruffed Grouse, i; Red-tailed Hawk, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Flicker, 2; Horned Lark,
2; Blue Jay, 13; Crow, 564; Goldfinch, 2; Junco, 12; White-breasted Nuthatch, 11;
Chickadee, 20. Total, 14 species, 650 individuals. — [?] signature.

Moline, Illinois. -December 27; time, 10.30 to 11.30 a.m., on Arsenal Island in
Mississippi River, and 2.15 to 3.30 P..M., on Bluffs of Rock River, four miles southwest.
— Very cloudy; moist air; ground bare; wind northeast, light; temp., 35°. — Quail (Bob-
white), 6; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 12; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2 ;
Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 4; Cardinal, 5; Junco flocks (estimated), 100;
Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Chickadee, 12. Total, 12 species,
about 164 individuals. December 16, a Sparrow Hawk, American Goldfinches and
Golden-crowned Kinglets were seen, and on December 26 a flock of Blackbirds (Bronze
Grackles) were seen on Rock River. — Mrs. Sloan, Mrs. Putnam, Miss Putnam and
Mrs. Ainsvvorth.

Rock Island, 111. — Time, 10.30 a. m. to 12.30 P. M. Cloudy; light snow on ground;
light southeast wind; temp., 32°; Mississippi River channel open. Ring-necked Duck,
2; Quail, 35; Barred Owl, i; Crow, i; Blue Jay, i: Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy
Woodpecker, 2; Snowbird, 30; Chickadee, 15; White-bellied Nuthatch, 2. Total, 10
species, 91 individuals. — Burtis H. Wilson.

30 Bird -Lore

The Beach, Lake Co.. 111. — Sunny; light west wind ; no snow ; temp., 34". Ameri-
can Herring Gull, 10: Snow Goose (?), 5 ; Downy Woodpecker, x ; Blue Jay, 5 ; Crow,
10; White-winged Crossbill, 1 ; American Goldfinch, 4; many unidentified Ducks on
the Lake. — John F. Ferry.

Youngstown, Ohio. — Time, 7 a. M. to 4 p. M. Cloudy; aiwut six inches of snow, a
little snow falling during forenoon, wind west; temp., 14° to 28°. Distance walked,
seventeen miles. Quail, 4; Ruffed Grouse, 6; Red-tailed Hawk, i; Broad-winged Hawk,
i; American Sparrow Hawk, i; Barred Owl, i; Great Horned Owl, i; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2: Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Flicker, 5; Blue Jay, 3;
American Crow, i; Tree Sparrow, 50; Song Sparrow, 16; Cardinal, i ; Winter Wren, 2;
White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Tufted Titmouse, 14; Chickadee,
25. Total, 21 species, 149 individuals. — Geo. L. Fordyce and Rev. S. F. Wood.

Cadiz, Ohio. — Time, 9.15 A. M. to 2.15 P. M. Snowing, with eight inches of snow
on the ground; wind west, moderately strong; temp., 15° to 19°. Ruffed Grouse, i; Red-
tailed Hawk, 3: Sparrow Hawk, i; Horned Owl, i; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy
Woodpecker, 15; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, i; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 9; Flicker, 10:
Junco, 50; Song Sparrow, 8; Cardinal, 11; Carolina Wren, 2 (singing); White-breasted
Nuthatch, 12; Tufted Titmouse, 4; Chickadee, 8; Robin, i; Bluebird, 5 (singing). Total,
18 species, 144 individuals. On December 17, a farmer living near Cadiz shot a Black
Vulture under the impression that it was a Hawk. He brought it to me to identify. This
is a very unusual record for eastern Ohio. — Harry B. McConnell.

Richmond, Indiana. — Time, 7.30 a. .\i. to i p. m. Wind northwest; four inches snow
temp., 8°. Mourning Dove, i;Kingfisher, i ; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Red-bellied Wood-
pecker, i; Flicker, 5; Blue Jay, 5; Crow, abundant; Bronzed Grackle, 15; Goldfinch, 4;
Tree Sparrow, abundant; Junco, abundant; Song Sparrow, abundant; Cardinal, 24; Brown
Creeper, i; White breasted Nuthatch, 8; Tufted Titmouse, abundant; Chickadee, abun-
dant. Total, 17 species. — L. Gano and Lucy V. B. Coffin.

Greenville, Floyd Co., Indiana. — Time, 10.30 to 11 a. .\i., and 2 to 3.30 p. .\i. Ground
partly covered with snow; wind northwest, light, fair; temp., 40°. Buzzard, i; Red-bellied
Woodpecker, i; Red-headed Woodpecker, i; Downy Woodpecker, 14; Blue Jay, 7;
Crow, 16; Cardinal, 5; Junco, 23; Song Sparrow, 6; Carolina Wren, 4; Crested Titmouse,
13; Carolina Chickadee, 5. Total, 12 species, 96 individuals. — Mrs. Charles Norman.

Port Sanilac, Michigan. — December 28; time, 10.30 a. m. to 12.30 P. M. Cloudy;
two to six inches snow; southwest wind, light; temp., 32° to 34°. American Merganser (?) .
2; Crow, 6; White-winged Crossbill, 22; Chickadee, 4. Total, 4 species, 34 individ-
uals.— Ethel B. Chase, Herbert T. Thomson, Harriet W. Thomson.

Detroit, Mich. — Time, 10.15 to 11.45 ^- ^'- Cloudy; three inches of snow; wiod
northwest, light; temp., 20°. Location, Belle Isle in Detroit River. White-breasted
Nuthatch, 24; Chickadee, 14; Red-headed Woodpecker, 4; Goldfinch, 5; Crow, 2:
Herring Gull, 7; Pied-billed Grebe, 2 (flying southward). Total, 7 species, 59 individ-
uals.— Jefferson Butler.

Elkhorn, Wis. — December 23; time, 2 to 4 p. m. Clear, sunshine; ground partly
covered with snow; wind northwest, light; temp., about 50°. December 26: time, 9 to
II A. .M. Sunshine, snow in places; wind southwest, light; temp., about 40°. Downy
Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 16; Crow, 10; Redpoll, 70 (approximately ) ; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 6; Red-breasted Nuthatch, i; Chickadee, 5. Total, 7 species, about no indi-
viduals. Our lunch-counter is visited daily by one Hairy and two Downy Woodpeckers,
several Blue Jays, two White-breasted Nuthatches, one Red-breasted Nuthatch, and three
Chickadees. — Mabel F. Beckwith, Constance Beckwith and Sarah Francis.

Milwaukee, Wis. — December 24; time, 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. Clear, sunshiny; ground
bare; wind north, very light; temp., 15° at 8.30 A .\i. Herring Gull, 12; Ducks, 214,
chieflv Bufflehead, American (jolden-eye, and American Scaup: Downy Wood-

Seventh Christmas Bird Census 31

pecker, 3: Crow, 3; Tree Sparrow, 7. Total, 5 species, 237 individuals, — I. N Mit-
chell, W. H. Chuver and E. C. Case.

Lake Minnetonka, Minn.— (Twenty miles west of Minneapolis.) Brief observations
between .2 m. and 2 i'. m. Clear, light southeast wind; no snow; temp., 30°. Downy
Woodpecker, i ; Blue Jay, 3; Pine Grosbeak, 10; American Goldfinch, 5; Brown Creeper,
2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Chickadee, 5. Total, 7 species, 30 individuals. Nearly
ail seen atone spot in the woods where I had placed a supply of beef suet on Thanksgiving
Day. Grosbeaks very tame; could almost touch them.— E. F. Parody, Jr.

Red Wing, Minn.- Time, 8 A. m. to 1.45 p. m. Slightly cloudy; about two or three
inches of snow; wind southeast, moderate; temp., 21° to 27°. Bob-white, 16; Hairy
Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 23; American Goldfinch, 60; Tree Sparrow, 4; Junco, i8-
Cedar Waxwing, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 7; Brown Creeper, i; Chickadee'. 17!
Total, 10 species, 153 individuals. — Charles Phillips and Nels. Borc;e\.

Minneapolis, Minn.-Time, 8 A m. to 12 .M. Partly cloudy, ground nearly bare-
wind southeast, light; temp., 30°. Quail, 5; Downy Woodpecker, i; Blue Jay, 2!
Goldfinch, 9; Brown Creeper, i; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Chickadee, 5. Total, 7
species, 25 individuals. — Henrietta Jordan and Edwin C. Broun.

Minneapolis, Minn.-Time, 11 a. m. to 4 p. m. Cloudy; ground nearly bare; wind
northwest, strong: temp., about 35°. Bob-white, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay,
many: Redpoll, 4: American Goldfinch, 8 ; Snowf^ake, 3 ; Brown Creeper, '2 ; White-
breasted Nuthatch, many; Chickadee, 10. Total, 9 species, about 50 individuals.-
Kenwood Bird Club.

Murdock, Minn.-Time, 9 to ,0 a. m. Clear; one inch of snow; no wind- temp
about 38°. Prairie Horned Lark, 20: Goldfinch, 2; Tree Sparrow, 7; Chickadee, 6.'
Total, 4 species, 35 individuals.— Albert A. Thompson.

Kolls.LymanCounty.S.D.-Time, ii.30A.M.t04.30P.M. Cloudy ; ground covered
with snow ; light south wind. Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse, 14 : Black-billed Magpie, 4 • Red-
poll, about 150: Chickadee, i. Total, 4 species, about 170 individuals. -Adria.n'larson
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.-Time, 8 a. m. t0 4P. m. Clear; thirty inches snow-
wind south; temp., 20". American Goshawk, 3; Ferruginous Rough-leg Hawk 6-
Golden Eagle, i; American Hawk Owl, 7; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Canada Jay ' ,0'
American Raven, i; American Crow, 12; Pine Grosbeak, 4; Snowflake, .00; Chickadee
100. Total, II species, 246 individuals. — Sidney S. S. Stansell.

Okanagan Landing, B. C. — December 29; time, 7.30 a. m. to 2.30 p. m Fine •
five inches of snow; calm; temp., 20° at 7 a. m. Western Grebe, i; Holbcell's Grebe, i ;"
Horned Grebe, 2; Greater Scaup ( duck ), 120; American Golden-eve, 2 ; Bufflehead's'
Herring Gull, 3: Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse, 5; RuflFed Grouse, 3; Northern Hairv
Woodpecker, i; Cabanis' Woodpecker, i; Red-shafted Flicker, 4- Magpie 1-
Western Evening Grosbeak, i; Pine Grosbeak, 25; Rusty Song Sparrow, 2; Western
Meadowlark, i ; Slender-billed Nuthatch, 2; Red-bellied Nuthatch, i; Loner-tailed
Chickadee, 7; Mountain Chickadee, 2; Great Northern Shrike, i; Townsend's Solitaire,
I. fotal, 23 species, 203 individuals.— Allan Brooks.

Vernon. B. C- December 26. Cloudy; wind southwest: three inches of snow -
temp., 23 at 7 a. m. Northern Golden-winged Flicker, 2; Red-shafted Flicker 3-
Clarke's Nutcracker, i; Magpie, 8; Pine Grosbeak, 7; Shufeldt's Junco, 7- Rusty Song
Sparrow, 5; Mealy Redpoll, 60; Western Meadowlark, 6; Kingfisher... Total 10
>pecies, 100 individuals. — Allan Brooks.

La Cafiada, Los Angeles County, CaL-Fime. 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. Cloudy- no per-
ceptible wind; temp., 78° to 80°. Red-breasted Sapsucker, .; Red-shafted Flicker 2-
Black Phoebe, 6; California Jay, 2; House Finch, 6; Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow'
Golden-crowned Sparrow, large flocks; Thurber Junco, 6: California Towhee 26- Au-
dubon Warbler, large flocks; Western Mockingbird, 8; California Thrasher 2" Vigor's
Wren. 5: Western Robin, 45. Total, 15 species, ,08 individuals.- Minnie K a'nderson

The Migration of Thrushes

FIRST PAPER

Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data
in the Biological Survey

With drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and Bruce Horsfall

WE believe that all field -students of American birds will endorse the
statement that few ornithological papers have been published pos-
sessing greater enduring interest and value than those on the ' Mi-
gration of Warblers' which Professor Cooke has prepared for BiRD-LoRE.
We have, therefore, special cause for congratulation that, with the kind
permission of the Biological Survey, Professor Cooke has consented to treat
other groups of birds in the same equally thorough manner. — Ed.

WOOD THRUSH
SPRING MIGRATION

No. of years' Average date of
record spring arrival

Earliest date of
spring arrival

Atlantic Coast —

Northern Florida ....
Atlanta. Ga. (near) . .

Raleigh, N. C

Variety Mills, Va

Washington, D. C. . . .
Beaver, Pa. ....
Germantown, Pa. . . .

Englevvood, N. J

Rosiyn. N. Y

Shelter Island, N. Y. . .
Ballston Spa., N. Y. . .

Hartford, Conn

Providence, R. I. ...
Eastern Massachusetts . .

Mississippi Fa I ley —

New Orleans, La

Helena, Ark

Eubank, Ky. .....

St. Louis, Mo

Wauseon, Ohio

Petersburg, Mich

Plymouth, Mich

Chicago, III

Southwestern Ontario . .
Muskoka District, Ont. .

Ottawa, Ont

Keokuk, Iowa ...
Hillsboro, Iowa (near) .
Central Iowa, 41° 40' lat.
Sabula, Iowa . .

Lanesboro, Minn. . .

Minneapolis, Minn, (near)
Northeastern Texas . . .
Manhattan, Kans. . . .
Onaga, Kans. . .

Southeastern Nebraska .

April 26
April 9

April 16

April 28

April 26

April 25

May I

May I

May I

May 7

May 8

May 7

May 8

May 6

March 31
April 13

! April 16

I April 19
April 29

I April 29
May I
May 3
May 4

I May 13
May 10
April 30
April 30
May 2
May I

1 May 5
May 8
April 18
April 28
May 5

I April 27

Once in winter

April 3, 1893

April 10, 1893

April 17, 1896

April 19, 1891

April 22, 1889

April 30, 1890

April 26, 1900

April 29, 1894

May I, 1891

May 3, 1896

May 3, 1892

May 3, 1905

May I, 1899

March 25, 1900
April 6, 1896

April 10, i8§3

April 19, 1886

April 24, 1886

April 23, 1891

April 25, 1897

April 28, 1897

April 30, 1899

May 8, 1899

May 6, 1905

April 20, 1896

April 23, 1897

April 26, 1902

April 28, 1892

May I, 1892

May 3, 1904

April 16, 1891

April 22, 1885

April 28, 1891

April 25, 1897

(32;

1. Wood Thrush. 2 and 3. Wilson's Thrush.

The Migration of Thrushes

33

The date of May 6 in eastern Massachusetts is based on the notes of
twenty-four observers in eleven towns in Massachusetts east of the Con-
necticut; the date of May 2 at 41° 40' latitude in Iowa is from the records
of twenty -two observers in eleven towns.

FALL MIGRATION

Lincoln, Neb

Onaga, Kans

Lanesboro, Minn. . . .

Central Iowa

Chicago, III

Southwestern Ontario . .

Wauseon, Ohio

Waterloo, Ind

New Orleans, La

Melrose, Mass

Providence, R.I

Croton-on- Hudson, N. \'

Englewood, N.J

Beaver, Pa

CJertnantown, Pa

French Creek, W. \'a.

Raleigh, N, C

Southern Florida . .

August I

September 14

September 18

September 15

September 1 1

September 17

September 15
October 14

October 5
October 3
October 2
October 6
October 7
October 11
October 12

I September 15, 1900

j August 26, 1894
September 19, 1888

j October 6, 1887
September 22, 1900
October, 9, 1905
September 27, 1895

! September 28, 1891
October 18, 1903
September 16, 1899
September 22, 1904

I October 6, i89r
October 7, 1885
October 8, 1890
October 11, 1887
October 12, 1891
October 16, 1885
October 13, 1885

WILSON'S THRUSH

SPRING MIGRATION

No. of years' Average date of
records spring arrival

Atlantic Coast —

Key West, Fla

Northern Florida ...

Raleigh, N. C.

French Creek, W. Va. . .
Washington, D. C. ...

Englewood, N.J

Ballston Spa, N. V. ...

Hartford, Conn

Eastern Massachusetts . . .

St. Johnsburv, Vt

Durham, N.H

Southern Maine

Scotch Lake, New Brunswick

Montreal, Can

Quebec City, Can

May
May

9

May
Mav

3

Mav

2

May
May

7

4

May
Mav

10

Mav

•S

Mav

Mav

21

May

16

Mav

'5

Earli

est date of

spring ar

ival

April

28

1887

Mav

8,

1903

April

27

•89^

Apri

28

1891

Apri

26

1891

Apri

27

1900

May

3.

1905

Apri

29

1891

May

4.

1904

.\Iav

s.

1886

Mav

II,

19CO

May

12,

1900

May

20,

1904

.May

II.

1889

May

'4.

1898

34

Bird- Lore

SPRING MIGRATION, continued

PLACE

No. of years'
records

Average date of
spring arrival

Earliest date of
spring arrival

Mississippi ralley —

New Orleans, La

Helena, Ark

4
5
6

12

15
g

15
5
9
8

April 19
April 25
May I
May 2
May 5
May 6
May 13
May 8
May 9
May 15

April 14, 1905
April 18, 1904
April 28, 1894
April 26, 1897
May 2, 1900
May 2, 1898
May 5, 1902
May 5, 1885
May 5, 1890
May II, 1904

Plymouth, Mich, (.near)

Southwestern Ontario

Toronto, Ont

Ottawa, Ont

Lanesboro Minn . .

Aweme, Manitoba ........

The date of spring arrival, May 7, for eastern Massachusetts is obtained
by selecting the earliest dates, as contributed during a series of twenty years,
1886-1905, by twenty observers located in thirteen different towns in Mass-
achusetts east of the Connecticut river. No measurable difference can be
noted in the time of arrival at Springfield and at Boston or in the intervening
districts. Treating the notes from these thirteen towns as if they had been
contributed from one locality, the record of the first one seen is so uniform
that it will be given in full. All the dates of the first one seen are in May
and are for consecutive years, beginning with 1886: May 8, 7, 6, 9, 8, 11,
7, 7, 10, 7, 4, 7, 8, 6, 9, 6, 7, 9, 4, 5, average xMay 7. If the average date
of the first one seen had been calculated for each town separately and then
an average made of the resulting averages, the date of May 9 would have
been obtained for the final average instead of May 7.

FALL MIGRATION

The average date of the first one seen in the fall in southern Mississippi
is September 14, and at Raleigh, N. C, September 5. The first was noted
at Lexington, Ky., September 3, 1905; St. Mary's, Ga., September 13.
1905; Tallahassee, Fla., September 11, 1904; northern coast of South
America, October 5, 1900; central Brazil, November 4, 1882.

Aweme, Manitoba

Chicago, 111

Waterloo, Ind. (near)
Wauseon, Ohio . . .
Lexington, Ky. . . .
Bay St. Louis, Miss.
New Orleans, La. . .
Englewood, N. J. . .
Germantown, Pa.
Tallahassee, Fla.

August 27
September 6
September 12
September 16
September 24

September 16
September 16

September 4, 1903
September 27, 1903
September 22, 1887
September 25, 1895
September 27, 1903
October 11, 1898
October 17, 1903
September 20, 1885
September 19, 1890
October 9, 1904

Oology as a Science

To the Editor of HlRU- I.ore :

It is rather curious that neither Professor Montgomery, who attacks the
"egg collector," nor Mr. Sharpies, who defends him, should have mentioned
von Nathusius, who made a careful study of the microscopical structure of
egg-shells and obtained some highly interesting results. He, at least, pur-
sued oology as a science. J. A. Ryder studied the relations of the shape of
eggs to that of the birds that laid them, and elaborated a theory to account
for the various forms of eggs. The pigmentation and character of the pig-
ment have also been the subjects of more or less research, and an English
naturalist has made long and careful observations on the eggs of the Murre
from which he seems to have learned much.

Of course, the average egg-collector is that and nothing more, but has
the average collector of bird skins any higher claim to being a "scientist"?
How many collectors of anything, in fact, from cigar wrappers to old masters,
collect with any really intelligent purpose, any aim more definite than to
accumulate a number of objects whose possession gives them pleasure, all
the greater because their neighbors do not have them?

Collecting skins and eggs of the Great Auk comes dangerously near
being just as much of a fad as collecting stamps; in some cases it is possibly
more of a fad, for there are stamp-collectors with definite aims and purposes.
The eggs of the humble and multitudinous English Sparrow have yielded
more important results than the highly prized and expensive eggs of the aristo-
cratic Great Auk. To secure a skin of the Labrador Duck would fill the
recipient with boundless joy, and yet, from a strictly scientific standpoint, it
is not a whit more valuable than one of the Old Squaw. One yields precisely
the same amount of information as does the other, neither more, nor less.
The Dodo is not important because it is e.xtinct and rare, but because it is a
highly aberrant member of the Pigeon family and a magnificent example of
the effects of isolation and environment.

Supposing that the eggs in the cabinets of collectors had developed into
embryos, would the world have been the wiser? How many eggs have been
wasted by embryologists and thus prevented from developing into chickens
and thereby contributing to the sustentation of mankind?

Years ago Alfred Newton came forward to defend the egg-collector
before a parliamentary commission, and recently Mr. Brewster rose in his
behalf before the A. O. U. ; and, while this note is not to be taken too
seriously nor to be considered as a defence of indiscriminate egg-collecting,
it may perhaps show that in proper hands it may be capable of yielding good
results. For it is not the thing, but the manner in which it is used, that
counts. — F. A. Lucas.

35)

The Question of the Amount of Science in Oology

To the Editor of BiRD-LoRE:

Two replies have been made to m\' article on this subject in this magazine
of the May-June issue, and I would ask a little space for a return of courtesies.

Mr. R. P. Sharpies (Bird-Lore, September-October), in admitting his
ignorance of the names and works or the great embryologists named by me,
presents an example of the general lack of knowledge among oologists of
biological thought. He is also mistaken in considering embryology to be
a branch of oology, for the former subject comprehends all the stages of the
organism from the egg and the spermatozoon up to the adult, and had been
studied for some three centuries before the term oology came into use. One
might as well say that a gable upon a house supports the house! Then, in
answer to his question, I would reply that I know the works of Davie
and Bendire, and am aware that the latter is of great importance; that
I have had a slight personal acquaintance with Warren, and high esteem for
his services in securing protection for the Hawks and Owls; and that for
Baird I have always felt a great admiration, and would point out that his
fame rests largely upon his studies in comparative anatomy and geographica'
distribution, particularly of the fishes and amphibians. It is not quite fair to
allude to me by innuendo as one who has no field acquaintance with birds,
because from my ninth to my eighteenth year I spent most of my time col-
lecting and observing birds near the very town in which Mr. Sharpies resides,
and my collections of skins are in two of the Philadelphia museums.

The writer of the editorial in 'The Condor,' November number, ex-
hibits a broader point of view. But he is hardly correct in his statement
that the vast bulk of the work of embryologists, morphologists and
systematists is mere cataloguing of the structures of animals and plants."
Embryology alone has built up the following important conclusions: that
the adult is formed by a gradual differentiation, by an interaction of inherent
energies and environmental stimuli ; that the species is as much marked in
the egg as in the adult stage ; that all problems of heredity come down to an
understanding of the energies of the germ-cells, as also does sex-determina-
tion; that it is probable that the mystery of variations will be solved by the
analysis of individual development; that the adult cannot be comprehended
without an understanding of its growth; and here many other great con-
clusion might be mentioned were the space at my command not limited.

Systematists and morphologists in cooperation have given us the theory
of evolution, the meaning of division of labor and polymorphism, the idea of
homologies, etc. These results would have been impossible with a simple
cataloguing of facts; they depend on far-reaching generalization. But
oology, the collecting and study of dead egg-shells, what ample generalization
has it given us? None at all, and, therefore, it is not science and cannot be

(36)

The Amount of Science in Oology ^7

considered to have reached the scientific stage. To be sure, many of our
major theories remain to be tested, but it is scientific work that generah'/.es,
then tests the theories.

It is a pleasure to agree with both my critics that many subjects are
associated with oology that are of enjoyment and scientific profit. The
searching for nests furnishes keen delight and is a most wholesome and re-
freshing occupation; but, though it be all this and more, can it be called
scientific? If oologists will only recognize that it is not scientific, I will have
no disagreement with them. The study of the nesting habits is, in iny
opinion, one of the most suggestive lines of ornithological inquiry, for habits
and instincts are matters much more complex than any structures, and of
fundamental value for understanding the course and factors of evolution.
Most vigorously this study should be prosecuted. Here my critics have both
missed the point, for my whole argument was directed to show that the col-
lecting and preservation of dead egg-shells is the quest that in my opinion
has so far proveti to be without scientific value. To put it in other words:
whatever observations ornithologists make with regard to habits and acts of
intelligence, may well serve as a basis for scientific induction; but the col-
lection of dead egg-shells is barren of scientific spirit, and result. Alfred R.
Wallace and Lloyd Morgan have opened the inquiry into avian architecture>
but I doubt much whether most American oologists arc* acquainted with
their writings. — Thomas H. Montgomery, Jr.

SAW-WHET OWI.
tiy A. VV. Honywill. New Haven. Conn.. Marrh 25. 1906

Bird-Lore's Advisory Council

WITH some slight alterations and additions, we reprint below the
names and addresses of the ornithologists forming Bird-Lore'S
'Advisory Council,' which were first published in BiRD-LoRE
for February, igoo.

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

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

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

NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COUNCIL
UNITED STATES AND TERRITORIES

Alaska. — Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C.

Arizona. — Herbert Bro«n, Yuma, Ariz.

California.— Charles A. Keeler, Calif. Acad. Sciences, San Francisco, Calif.

Colorado.— Dr. W. H. Bergtold, 1460 Clayton Ave., Denver, Col.

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

Delaware.— C. J. Pennock, Kennett Square, Pa.

District of Columbia.— Dr. C. W. Richmond, U. S. Nat'l Mus., Washington, D. C.

Florida. — Frank M. Chapman, American Museum Natural History, New York City.

Florida, Western.- R. W. Williams, Jr., Tallahassee, Fla.

Georgia. — Dr. Eugene Murphy, Augusta, Ga.

Illinois, Northern.— B. T. Gault, Glen Ellyn, 111.

Illinois, Southern. — Robert Ridgway, U. S. National Museum, Washington, D. C.

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

Indian Territory. — Prof. W. W. Cooke, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Wash-

lowA. — C. R. Keyes, Mt. Vernon, la. [ington, D. C.

Kansas. — Prof. D. E. Lantz, Maniiattan, Kan.

Louisiana.— Prof. George E. Beyer, Tulane University, New Orleans, La.

Maine.— O. W. Knight, Bangor, Me.

Massachusetts. — William Brewster, Cambridge, Mass.

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

Minnesota. — Dr. T. S. Roberts, 1603 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, Mitm.

Mississippi. — Andrew Allison, Ellisville, Miss.

Missouri. — O. Widmann, 5105 Morgan St., St. Louis, Mo.

Montana. — Prof. J. M. Elrod, University of Montana, Missoula, Mont.

Nebraska.— Prof. E. H. Barbour, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb.

(38)

Bird-Lore's Advisory Council 39

Nevada. — Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C.

New Hampshire. — Dr.G. M. Allen, Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., Boston,

New Jersey, Northern. — Frank M. Chapman, Am. Miis. Nat. History, New York City.

New Jersey, Southern.— Witmer Stone, Academy Natural Science, Philadelphia, Pa.

New Me.xico. — Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washington, D. C.

New York, Eastern.— Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept. of Agr., Washing-

New York, Northern. — Egbert Bagg, 191 Genesee Street, Utica, N.Y. [ton, D C.

New York, Western.— E. H. Eaton, Canandaigua, N. Y.

New York, Long Island. — William Dutcher, 141 Broadway, New York City.

North Dakota.— Prof. O. G. Libby, University, N. D.

North Carolina. — Prof. T.G. Pearson, Greensboro, N. C.

Ohio. — Prof. Lynds Jones, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.

Oklahoma. — Dr. A. K. Fisher, Biological Survey, Dept of Agr., Washington, D. C.

Oregon. — A. W. Anthony, 761 '2 Savier St., Portland, Ore.

Pennsylvania, Eastern. — Witmer Stone, Acad. Nat. Science, Philadelphia, Pa.

Pennsylvania, Western. — W. Clyde Todd, Carnegie Museum, Pittsburg, Pa.

Rhode Island. — C. Abbott Davis, Museum Natural History, Roger Williams Park,

South Carolina. — Dr. Eugene Murphy, Augusta, Ga. [Providence, R. I.

Texas. — Prof. Thomas A. Montgomery, Jr., University of Texas, Austin, Tex.

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

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

Ver.mont. — Prof. (j. H. Perkins, Burlington, Vt.

Virginia. — Dr. W. C. Rives, 1723 I Street, Washington, 1). C.

Washington. — Samuel F. Rathbun, Seattle, Wash.

West Virginia. — Dr. W. C. Rives, 1723 I Street, Washington, D. C.

Wisconsin. — H L. Ward, Public Museum, Milwaukee, Wis.

CANADA

British Collmbia. — Francis Kennode, Provincial Museum, Victoria, B. C.

Manitoba. -Ernest Thompson Seton, Cos Cob, Conn.

New Brunswick. — Montague Chamberlain, 45 Milk St., Boston, Mass.

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

Ontario, Eastern. — James H. Fleming, 267 Rusholirie Road, Toronto, Ont.

Ontario, Western. — E. W. Saunders, London, Ont.

Quebec. — E. D. Wintle, 189 St. James Street, Montreal, Can.

MEXICO
E. W. Nelson, Biological Survey, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.

WEST INDIES
C. B. Cory, Field Museum, Chicago, 111.

GREAT BRITAIN

Clinton G. .Abbott, 153 West 73d St., New York City, N. Y.

40

Bird- Lore

A Bi-monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

Vol. IX Published February 1, 1907 No. 1

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico
twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post-
age paid.

COPYRIGHTED, I907, BY FR/

ch;

Bird-Lore's Motto:
A Bird in the Bush is Worth Ttho in the Hand

Various causes beyond our control have
necessitated a change in the order of publi-
cation of the plates of Thrushes as announced
in the last issue of Bird-Lore. The Wood
Thrush and Wilson's Thrush appear in this
number, the Robin will be given in April,
and in June the Hermit, Olive-backed and
Gray-cheeked Thrushes will be published.
Dr. Dwight will supply maps to accompany
the last-named birds, showing the nesting
ranges of their numerous races.

It will doubtless interest Bird-Lores
readers to know that the bust of Audubon
recently unveiled at the American iMuseum
of Natural History, and which is figured in
this issue, was based solely on the print of
the Cruikshank portrait published by Bird-
Lore some years ago.

We publish in this number of Bird-Lore
two additional communications in regard to
the subject of egg-collecting, and the editor
of 'The Condor' contributes a page to the
same controversy in the November- Decem-
ber, 1906, issue of that journal.

None of the disputants, however, mention
what, as we have frequently stated, seems,
to our mind, to be the most deplorable result
of egg-collecting, namely : that in robbing a
bird of its eggs we are robbing ourselves
of an opportunity to study it during the
most interesting part of its life.

The editor of ' The Condor ' extols what
he terms the "recreation phase" of egg-
collecting, and in California, the home of
'The Condor, 'one may find some admirable

examples of 'oologists' to whom egg-collect-
ing is primarily a recreation, and very read-
able indeed are their often thrilling stories of
how ' rare takes ' were made. But if one is
in search of information in regard to the
nesting habits of California birds, he will
pass by these tales of adventure, attractive
though they be, for the recDrds of definitely
directed field work by an ornithologist who
went to California for the express purpose of
studying the home-life of California birds,
and wisely, therefore, left their eggs where
they were found.

The controversy, after all, is more or less
academic. A comparison of present con-
ditions with those which existed twenty-five
years ago shows how much a thing of the
past egg-collecting has become. Nor is the
change surprising. As long as there was
anything to learn or to record from a gather-
ing of birds' eggs, their collecting was en-
couraged. But, when collecting brought
only duplication and the gratification of
the desire for acquisition, it was discouraged
and the collector discountenanced. Mean-
while more stringent bird -protective laws
have rendered increasingly difficult that
trading and trafficking in birds' eggs which
has ever been the mainstay of egg-collect-
ing; and eveiy one should rejoice that, in
North America at least, we have passed the
day when a mere hoarder of egg-shells
might pose as one of its exponents.

The ' Warbler Book ' is so directly the
offspring of Bird-Lore, we are sure Bird-
Lore's readers will be interested to learn
that, if all goes well, it will leave the
printer's hands sometime in February. The
book has required just one year more time
to prepare than we had anticipated, but we
hope is one year better!

Frankly, if we had known of the amount
of work involved in preparing a book of this
kind, we should have turned a deaf ear to
those who induced us to undertake it. It is
one thing to place on record what you your-
self know about a given subject, but quite
another to record also what everyone else
has written concerning it; and we have tried
to make the Warbler Book reflect existing
knowledge of North American Mniotiltidas.

d)e 3^uDubon ^ocietiee^

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

Aildn-ss all communications to the Editor of the School L)epartrn<-nt. Nation
Association of Audubon Societies. 141 Broadway. New Vork Ci

FEBRUARY

When autumn is over, with all the excitement and confusion of the great
bird flight southward, we pause, draw a long breath and turn toward the
score of patient winter residents with positive relief. Now, at last, we
have time to meet them face to face and enjoy their individuality.

In December, if it be mild, we are often surprised by the lingering of
some belated migrant. This year an Orchard Oriole, a bird that should
leave us in September, hovered about the old apple trees near the house
feeding upon some frosted fruit that still clung to their branches, the flesh
of discarded pumpkins, or else upon the berries of the porch honeysuckle
vines, in the shelter of which he roosted nightly until the i6th of the month,
a particularly sunny day, during which he left the neighborhood.

During January, any one who is much abroad will have grown accus-
tomed to the residents of his neighborhood, — the Woodpeckers, Downy and
Hairy, and the substantial Flicker, who has hewn him a home for all seasons
under the ventilator of the hay-barn or, maybe, in the cupola of your house
itself: the Nuthatches, Finches, Gold and Purple, the Meadowlark of the
fields, the Crow and his cousin the Blue Jay, the Chickadee and the Myrtle
Warbler.

The various Owls and Hawks will have passed in review, claiming
attention either by power of voice or wing. The Brown Creeper and Winter
Wren will have become so familiar that we forget that they are merely
visitors together with the Tree Sparrow, Junco, Shrike and Golden-crowned
Kinglet.

Comes February, the suspension bridge between winter and spring. We
may be unconscious that we have left the mainland of winter and are facing
the opposite shore of promise, yet so it is.

The landscape round about is more dreary than at any previous time
since leaf-fall. The snow has pulled away from the soft drapery it first
formed and lies crusted and hard under foot; its glare hurts the eyes. This
is the ' Coon Moon " of the Indian calendar, when, emerging from his
hole, this wary beast feels that he can find sure footing for his peregrina-
tions, but, to my thinking, in this latitude, at least, February should wear
the title the Redman gave to March — ^'The Moon of Snow Blindness.'

The days have alreacl\ lengthened an hour, at least, and what do the\

(41)

42 Bird - Lore

bring? With the first half of the month, come the tardy winter visitors
that have exhausted their more northerly feeding-grounds; the last half,
after the upward curve of the span has been reached, and one steps
quicker, a straggling advance guard of spring appears — the armorer, with
his creaking and filing of metal; the bugler, the minstrel and his more silent
brother the poet — the Grackle, the Redwing, the Robin and the Bluebird.

Last week I heard a nature -loving friend say: " February is the poorest
month of the season out-of-doors; every year when it comes I wish that I
might curl up and sleep like a woodchuck or bear. It is merely a twin of
January and the rougher and more monotonous of the pair."

This may or may not be, according to the chance of the particular
season. For myself, February has always been a month of surprises. In
February I can quite surely count upon seeing the lovely brown and white
Snowflake in company with dainty Redpolls in the field of wild grasses yonder.
The Crossbills and Pine Grosbeaks will visit the spruce knoll that has had
never a glimpse of them all winter. After a northeasterly snow flurry I scan
the marsh meadows hopefully for the great Snowy Owl, and I find the Horned
Lark and Lapland Longspur, or his telltale tracks, about the hayricks and
waste fields behind the shore huts. But best of all, after that central curve
has been rounded, is the first bit of spring color that tinges breast and
pinions as wings flutter through the bare trees and alders — ruddy breast of
Robin, azure spread of Bluebird and russet cloak of Song Sparrow. " Yes,"
but perhaps you say, " I have seen these birds in every winter month."

Surely, so there have been days and sunrises and sunsets in every month
of winter, but not the same as that day and the sunset thereof when, hearing
a scrap of rapid, insistant, half-nervous song, we rush out bareheaded and find
a Robin sitting alone, trying his throat. Not the winter wanderer, ill plumed,
scantily fed and anxious, darting hither and thither like a great wind-blown
leaf ; but the Robin who, in the far South , has felt the glow of spring, and its
impulse has bid him venture forth and proclaim it ahead of his fellows. ^
And faintly, afar on the air, comes a purling call ; nearer and nearer
it grows until sound takes shape bearing the sky colors of a calmer,
milder clime than the one to which it has returned with the anxious expec-
tancy of one glad to be at home again. Ah! we should love and speak well
of February, since before it ends its brief days it often gives to us the joyful
braggart Redwing; the Robin, that sings to the ear; the Song Sparrow, that
speaks to the silent places of the soul, and the Bluebird, that quickens the
beating of the heart. M. O. W.

THE AUDUBON SCHOOL LEAGUE
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

One of the principal objects of the National Association of the Audubon
Societies is to encourage the teaching and study of birds in the schools. To

The Audubon Societies 4.3

this end, it desires to assist teachers by supplying them with material suitable
for their uses and by stimulating the interests of their pupils.

Consequently it is proposed to form an Audubon School League, mem-
bership in which, shall be open to all boys and girls of sixteen years and
under who successfully take part in the competitions arranged by the Society.

These competitions will be in the form of essays, the subjects for which
will be announced in each issue of BiRD-LoRE. The first essay will be in
the form of a life- history of the Bluebird. This biography should tell of the
Bluebird's range, or geographic distribution, of its migrations, of its nesting
habits, its notes, its food, and should include particularly the results of persona!
observations. No fact connected with the bird's habits should be considered
too insignificant to receive attention, and each biographer should write as
though nothing had ever been published about the Bluebird before.

Each biography should be divided under the main headings given above,
with such additions or sub-headings as prove to be required, and should be
accompanied by a colored outline of the Bluebird and a map showing its
geographical distribution. Outlines for coloring and blank maps, similar to
those on a succeeding page, may be secured, without cost, of the National
Association of Audubon Societies at 141 Broadway, New York City. There
is no limit to the number of words in each biography. Biographies should
be sent to the National Association of Audubon Societies at the address
above given, so as to be received not later than March i. Biographies
received after that date will not be considered as eligible for the competition.
Competitors living in the West may write on either the Western or Chest-
nut-backed Bluebird.

For the best biography of the Bluebird, on the lines above mentioned,
will be given the first prize, the gold badge of the Audubon School League.

For the second best biography will be given the second prize, the silver
badge of the Audubon School League. Writers of biographies which are
accorded honorable mention will receive the bronze badge of the Audubon
School League. All to whom badges are granted become, by virtue of such
grant, members of the Audubon School League.

All manuscripts, maps and outlines should be endorsed by the competi-
tor's teacher or guardian as the work of the competitor.

SUBJECT OF THE SECOND BIOGRAPHY

The subject of the biography for the Second Audubon School League
competition will be the Red-winged Blackbird. The announcement is made
now in order that those who propose to prepare biographies may have an
opportunity to study this bird in life, for it should be stated that, in awarding
prizes, preference will always be given to the biography containing the largest
amount of original observation.

OUTLINE OF BLUEBIRD PLATES

Teachers may obtain copies of this plate for coloring, on application to the School Dep=
National Association o* Audubon Societies, i + l Broadway. New York City.

(4*)

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46 Bird - Lore

BIRD-LORE AS A TEXT-BOOK

It is suggested that teachers will find material in each issue of BlRD-
LoRE which will have a seasonable value in the study of birds. In the
present number, for example, Dr. Merriam's tribute to Audubon might well
be made the subject of a lesson on the life of this naturalist. Miss Hub-
bard's Study of Bluebirds contains much original observation and may well
be used to supplement the more general information contained in Mrs.
Wright's Leaflet.

The Bird Census furnishes a wealth of material for a study of the dis-
tribution of winter birds. The Chickadee, Junco, Crow, Downy Wood-
pecker, or some other abundant widely distributed winter bird may be taken
as a subject for study and the student asked to outline its winter range, as
shown by the census, on the map. In this connection the maps supplied by
the School Department of the National Association of Audubon Societies
may be used and the birds' distribution plotted upon them.

Professor Cooke's Migration Tables will also supply information in regard
to the distribution of birds, while as an aid to the study of bird migration
they are obviously of great value. A bird's journey northward may be
followed by the records from the localities given, its average rate of speed
reckoned, and the times of its arrival at each locality be used as some index
of the northward advance of spring itself.

In Mrs. Wright's Editorial Essays on the month, which will be continued
through the year, the teacher will not only find matter of exact seasonal
interest, but we are sure an incentive to the study of nature as well.

F. M. C.

NOTES FROM YOUNG OBSERVERS

Boys and girls of 14 years and under are invited to send to the Editor of the School
Department, of the National Association of Audubon Societies, at 141 Broadway, New
York City, notes of interest in regard to their study of birds. Contributors should state
their age.

A Bird Walk in December

Filling my pocket with nuts, I started at 8 o'clock for a tramp about the
woods and fields in search of birds. It rained nearly all the time I was out.

I started toward the east, but, hearing a Woodpecker, returned to where
I heard the call and found that it was a Hairy one. Turning to my left I
entered a wood, but, not seeing many birds, thought it best for me to come
out into the opening.

As I approached the clearing once more, I observed two Chickadees
examining the bark of an apple tree.

The Audubon Societies 47

When I stopped one of the Chickadees flew toward me as if he intended
to alight on me; but, to my disappointment, he alighted on a bush just
back of me. Not to be discouraged, I followed the two Chickadees, and
therefore returned to the woods where I hat! been. Coming to a thicket of
pines I stopped, anticipating a better acquaintance with the Chickadee, but
again to my disappointment it flew away. Ascending a little higher, where
I was not so much surrounded with trees, I saw several Chickadees. The
two nearest me were evidently procuring food. Going as near as I thought
possible without frightening the birds, I stopped and put two butternuts on
my hat, and, holding one in my hand, awaited for the approach of the Chick-
adees. Up flew a Chickadee to a dead sumac tree, then on the tree which
I was near, and at last on my hat, pecking the nut until he got sufficient
food, then flew to a neighboring tree. But ah, thought he, it is so good I
will come back and have another taste. This time he came on to my hand,
eating part of the nut, flew to a branch and wiped his bill, and then returned
to my hand again to say good-bye. I arrived home a little past eleven
o'clock. — Ethel R. Barton, Cornish, N. H.

Confiding Vireos

One Sunday afternoon in July, as I was getting out of m\' carriage, I
discovered a bird underneath the horse; I picked it up and found it to be a
young yellow -breasted Vireo. He was too small to fly, so I took him in
the house.

I fed him a while on potato; then took him out on the piazza. His loud
chirping attracted the parents. I put him on my finger, and, after fifteen
minutes of patient waiting, the mother bird flew down with a gypsy cater-
pillar, which she had taken from the apple tree. She first lit on my shoulder,
then on my hand and fed her young. She continued to feed it for three
quarters of an hour, when it became so dark I took it in the house and
put it in a cage on the piazza roof for over night.

The next morning when I went to see how it was, I discovered another
one of the brood on the roof; and before noon I had all four sitting on my
finger, with the mother feeding them. The father only fed them once.

Fourth of July morning my sister and two of my friends each sat with a
bird on their finger, while the mother fed them in turn. That night I put
them in a tree close by, and the next morning, when I went to look for them,
they had flown. — Dwight Lewis Fiske (aged. 14 years), Winchester,
Mass.

THE BLUEBIRD

By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

TOe i^ational ^association ot audufaon Societies

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 24

Who dares write of the Bluebird, thinking to add a fresher tint to his
plumage, a new tone to his melodious voice, or a word of praise to his
gentle life, that is as much a part of our human heritage and blended with
our memories as any other attribute of home?

Not I, surely, for I know him too well and each year feel myself more

spellbound and mute by the memories he awakens. Yet I would repeat his

brief biography, lest there be any who, being absorbed by living inward,

have not yet looked outward and upward to this poet of the sky and earth

and the fullness and goodness thereof.

For the Bluebird was the first of all poets, — even before man
The Bluebird's , j li j -i • l -i i u • r i_ •

_ had blazed a trail in the wilderness or set up the sign ot his

habitation and tamed his thoughts to wear harness and travel
to measure. And so he came to inherit the earth before man, and this, our
country, is all The Bluebird's Country, for at some time of the year he
roves about it from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Mexico to Nova
Scotia, though westward, after he passes the range of the Rocky Moun-
tains, he wears a different dress and bears other longer names.

In spite of the fact that our eastern Bluebird is a home-body,
The Bluebird's .... . , ,

_ . loving his nesting haunt and returning to it year after year,

he is an adventurous traveler. Ranging all over the eastern

United States at some time in the season, this bird has its nesting haunts

at the very edge of the Gulf States and upward, as far north as Manitoba

and Nova Scotia.

When the breeding season is over, the birds travel sometimes in family

groups and sometimes in large flocks, moving southward little by little,

according to season and food-supply, some journeying as far as Mexico,

others lingering through the middle and southern states. The Bluebirds

that live in our orchards in summer are very unlikely to be those that we

see in the same place in winter days. Next to the breeding impulse, the

migrating instinct seems to be the strongest factor in bird life. When the

life of the home is over, Nature whispers, " To wing, up and on ! " So a few

of the Bluebirds who have nested in Massachusetts may be those who linger

in New Jersey, while those whose breeding haunts were in Nova Scotia

drift downward to fill their places in Massachusetts. But the great mass of

even those birds we call winter residents go to the more southern parts of

(48)

J^.w

Upper Figures— CHESTNUT-BACKED BLUEBIRD

Order— Passeres Family— Turdid/e

Genus — Sialia Species — Mexicana

Subspecies — Bairdi

Lower Figures — BLUEBIRDS
Order — Passeres Family— Turdid/E

Genus— Sialia Species— Sialis

The Bluebird 49

their raiii^e every winter, those who do not bein^ but a handful in com-
parison.

"What does this threat downward journe_v of autumn mean?" you ask.
What is the necessity for migration among a class of birds that are able to
find food in fully half of their annual range? Why do birds seek extremes
for nesting sites? This is a question about which the wise men have many
theories, but they are still groping. One theory is that once the whole
country had a more even climate and that many species of birds lived all the
year in places that are now unsuitable for a permanent residence. There-
fore, the home instinct being so strong, though they were driven from their
nesting sites by scarcity of food and stress of weather, their instinct led them
back as soon as the return of spring made it possible.

Thus the hereditary love of the place where they were given life may

underlie the great subject of migration in general and that of the Bluebird's

home in particular.

Before more than the first notes of the spring song have

The Bluebird i j • . j- r>i ■■ j l l j

Home sounded m the distance, Bluebirds are to be seen by twos and

threes about the edge of old orchards along open roads, where

the skirting trees have crumbled or decaying knot-holes have left tempting

nooks for the tree -trunk birds, with whom the Bluebird may be classed.

For, though he takes kindly to a bird -box, or a convenient hole in fence -

post, telegraph pole or outbuilding, a tree hole must have been his first home

and consequently he has a strong feeling in its favor.

As with many other species of migrant birds, the male is the first to
arrive; and he does not seem to be particularly interested in house -hunting
until the arrival of the female, when the courtship begins without delay,
and the delicate purling song with the refrain, "Dear, dear, think of it,
think of it," and the low, two-syllabled answer of the female is heard in
every orchard. The building of the nest is not an important function, —
merely the gathering of a few wisps and straws, with some chance feathers
for lining. It seems to be shared by both parents, as are the duties of hatch -
ing and feeding the young. The eggs vary in number, six being the maxi-
mum, and they are not especially attractive, being of so pale a blue that it is
better to call them bluish white. Two broods are usually raised each year,
though three are said to be not uncommon ; for Bluebirds are active during
a long season, and, while the first nest is made before the middle of April,
last year a brood left the box over my rose arbor September 12, though I do
not know whether this was a belated or a prolonged family arrangement.

As parents the Bluebirds are tireless, both in supplying the nest with in-
sect food and attending to its sanitation; the wastage being taken away and
dropped at a distance from the nest at almost unbelievably short intervals,
proving the wonderful rapidity of digestion and the immense amount of
labor required to supply the mill inside the little speckled throats with grist.

50 Bird -Lore

The young Bluebirds are spotted thickly on throat and back, after the
manner of the throat of their cousin, the Robin; or, rather, the back
feathers are spotted, the breast feathers having dusky edges, giving a
speckled effect.

The study of the graduations of plumage of almost any brightly colored
male bird from its first clothing until the perfectly matured feather of its
breeding season, is, in itself, a science and a subject about which there are
many theories and differences of opinion by equally distinguished men.

The food of the nestling Bluebird is insectivorous, or, rather,
the Bluebird ^^ ^^ rnore exact, I should say animal; but the adult birds
vary their diet at all seasons by eating berries and small fruits.
In autumn and early winter, cedar and honeysuckle berries, the grape-like
cluster of fruit of the poison ivy, bittersweet and catbrier berries are all con-
sumed according to their needs.

Professor Beal, of the Department of Agriculture, writes, after a pro-
longed study, that 76 per cent of the Bluebird's food ''consists of insects
and their allies, while the other 24 per cent is made up of various vegetable
substances, found mostly in stomachs taken in winter. Beetles constitute
28 percent of the whole food, grasshoppers 22, caterpillars 11, and vari-
ous insects, including quite a number of spiders, comprise the remainder of
the insect diet. All these are more or less harmful, except a few predaceous
beetles, which amount to 8 per cent, but in view of the large consumption
of grasshoppers and caterpillars, we can at least condone this offense, if such
it may be called. The destruction of grasshoppers is very noticeable in the
months of August and September, when these insects form more than 60
per cent of the diet."

It is not easy to tempt Bluebirds to an artificial feeding-place, such as I
keep supplied with food for Juncos, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches,
Jays, etc. ; though in winter they will eat dried currants and make their
own selection from mill sweepings if scattered about the trees of their
haunts. For, above all things, the Bluebird, though friendly and seeking
the borderland between the wild and the tame, never becomes familiar, and
never does he lose the half-remote individuality that is one of his great
charms. Though he lives with us and gives no sign of pride of birth or race,
he is not of us, as the Song Sparrow, Chippy or even the easily alarmed
Robin. The poet's mantle envelops him even as the apple -blossoms throw
a rosy mist about his doorway, and it is best so.

THE BLUEBIRDS

I. Eastern Bluebird {Sialta sialis)

Adult male. — Length 7 inches. Upper parts, wings and tail bright blue; breast and
sides rusty, reddish brown, belly white. Adult female. — Similar to the male, but upper
parts, except the upper tail coverts, duller, gray or brownish blue, the breast and sides

The Bluebird 51

paler. A'/\f//;/;jf. —Wings and tail essentially like those of adult, upper parts dark sooty
brown, the back spotted with whitish; below, whitish, but the feathers of the breast and
sides widely margined with brown, producing a spotted appearance. This plumage is soon
followed by the fall or winter plumage, in which the blue feathers of the back are fringed
with rusty, and young and old birds are then alike in color.

Range. — F^astern United States west to the Rocky Mountains; nests from the Gulf
States to Manitoba and Nova Scotia; winters from southern New England southward.

ifl. Azure Bluebird {Siatia sialis azurea)
Similar to the Eastern Bluebird, but breast paler, upper (larts lighter, more cerulean
blue.

Raiii^e. — Mountains of eastern Mexico north to southern Arizona.

2. Western Bluebird [Siatia mexicana occidentalis)

Adult male. — Above deep blue, the foreback in part chestnut; throat blue, breast and

sides chestnut, the belly bluish grayish. Adult female. — Above grayish blue, chestnut of

back faintly indicated, throat grayish blue, breast rusty, paler than in male, belly grayish.

Ratline. — Pacific coast region from northern Lower California north to British Columbia,

east to Nevada.

2a. Chestnut- BACKED Bluebird (Salia me.xicana hairdi)
Similar to the Western Bluebird, but foreback wholly chestnut. (See plate. )
Range. — Rocky Mountain region from Mexico north to Wyoming.

2b. San Pedro Bluebird (Sialia mexicana anahelte)
Similar to the Western Bluebird, but back with less chestnut.
Range. — San Pedro Martir mountains, Lower California.

3. Mountain Bluebird (Sialia arctica)

Adult male. — Almost wholly blue, above beautiful cerulean, below paler, belly whit-
ish. Adult female. — Above brownish gray, upper tail coverts, wings and tail bluish,
below pale fawn belly whitish.

Range. — Western United States from Rocky Mountains to Sierras, and from New
Mexico north to the Great Slave Lake region.

Questions for Teachers and Students

How many kinds of Bluebirds are there? Trace their distribution on the map. How
do they differ from one another? How far north does the Eastern Bluebird remain in
winter? Are the Bluebirds we see in winter the same individuals that spend the summer
with us? When do the Bluebirds begin to migrate northward? Do they travel singly or
in flocks? Which sex comes first? When do the Bluebirds begin to nest? Where do they
place their nests ? Of what is the nest composed ? Do both male and female build ? How
many eggs are laid? What color are they? Do Bluebirds raise more than one family in a
season? What does the Bluebird look like when he leaves the nest? What do Bluebirds
eat?

Cbe ^utiubon ^ociette0

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Address all correspondence
the National Association of

Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER

d send all

Audubon Societn

ces for dues ;
111 Broadwa

ributions, to
York City

Membership in the National Association About Investments

55.00 pai^dju,nuaiiy constitutes a person a Sustaining ^^^ Association has received from the

$100.00 paid atone time constitutes a Life Membership Albert Willcox legacy the SUm of $256,078.
$1,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Patron ... ,^

S5.000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder 1 he h inance Lommittee have invested I245,-

fz5.ooo.oo paid constitutes a person a Benefactor ^^^ ;„ ^^^^ mortgages OH property in the

FORM OF BEQUEST City of New York, and the balance of $io,-

I J , L ■ J L .1 ^ T-,,.- SyS, which has only recently been paid into

/ do hereby ^tve and bequeath to The ^' ' . -^ . ■' ^

National Association OF Audubon SociE- the treasury, will be invested as soon as a

TIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WiLD BiRDS satisfactory loan Can be found.

AND Animals (Incorporated), of the City of The Finance Committee never loan more

^'^ "^ ' than two-thirds of the appraised value of a

property, the valuation being made by the
firm of Douglas Robinson, Brown Sc Co.,
of New York, one of the most conserva-

tive real estate firms in the city; further,

a Title Guarantee Company's insurance

New Year's Greeting policy is also taken, guaranteeing the title,

so that our investments are conservative and

The President wishes every member of the „r , „ ,„ /- ^ , „.•„.,.»(. c

-' . safe and earn nve per cent interest, tree or

Association and all others who are inter- .

taxes,
ested in the subject of bird and game pro- ^^^^,^^^ ^^^^^^ ^j ^^-^ S^^j^^^ 1^^^,^

tection a Happy and Prosperous New Year, ^j.^.^^ed, who in life contributed twenty-

and, at the same time, asks for their active j^^,^ j^„^^^ annually to the work of the

cooperation in the work of our Society. They Association, left it a legacy of five hundred

can give it in many ways, one of the most j^^,,^^^ ^^^.^ continuing his contribution in

valuable of whicii is to encourage others to oeroetuitv
join the important economic movement we

Reservation News '

are carrying on.

The whole trend of tlie public mind just
now seems to be toward a more intelligent
consideration of the value of wild birds and
animals. A great deal of this sentiment can
be attributed to the active campaign made
by the Audubon Societies during the past
decade. This is progress which must be
continued. It is a change in public senti-
ment which cannot be expressed in more
beautiful words than the following:

"I see the hearts of men go out, in new
love and care and understanding, to the
beasts of the field and to the birds of the air ;
and in all these I see the mind of the Son of
Man and the power of the Will Eternal."

Warden Kroegel, in charge of Pelican
Island, Florida, sends us frequent and in-
teresting reports regarding the condition of
the birds there. He writes that the first
Pelican eggs were found about November
I, almost a month ahead of the date in
1905. On November 15, there were nearly
one thousand nests with eggs in them and
about five thousand birds on the island, and
nest-building was still going on. He adds, it
looks as though the island would be full this
season. On December 12, he reports that
the first birds were hatched the day before,
that not many were out yet, but the island is
very well filled up with nests.

(52)

The Audubon Societies

53

During the recent marked fall in temper-
ature throughout the South, when thin ice
was made during two mornings at Pelican
Island, Warden Kroegel reports that about
one hundred and fifty young Pelicans,
mostly birds just hatched, perished as the
result of the freezing. On December 31, the
largest of the young Pelicans were beginning
to show wing-feathers; the cold did not
seem to hurt birds of this size at ail. He
estimates that there are two thousand young
birds upon the reservation at this date. All
of the above shows the remarkable results
that can be achieved by perfect protec-
tion.

At the Breton Island and Audubon Res-
ervation, Louisiana, great changes have
taken place. During the hurricane in Sep-
tember last, one of the largest islands in the
reservation, Grand Cochere, which was a
sand and shell heap, but an admirable
breeding place for Terns, was entirely ob-
literated, washed away, so that the birds
will have to seek another breeding place
during the next season. The same storm
carried away our house of refuge on Breton
Island, and every sign we had upon the
entire reservation. The largest island in the
reservation, Breton, was infested with musk-
rats and raccoons, but the hurricane and
consequent high tides swept over the island
completely and every vestige of animal life
was destroyed. This will make it an ad-
mirable breeding ground for the Terns, as
there will be no mammals to destroy the
young birds or eggs.

The reservation covers about seven hun-
dred square miles of territory, in a part of
the Gulf subject to violent storms; therefore,
it has been deemed necessary for the safety
of our wardens, and in order that they
may patrol the territory more rapidly, to
furnish them with a seaworthy boat. An
order has been given for a boat forty-five
feet long, fourteen feet beam, schooner-
rigged, with an auxiliary engine of eighteen
horse-power. It will have accommodations
for four men and will be used exclusively
for patroling this large reservation, which
undoubtedly will in time become one of the
most wonderful of the bird-breeding grounds
in the western hemisphere. Warden Sprin-

kle reports large numbers of Royal and Fos-
ter's Terns on the reservation as late as De-
cember 4, Black Skimmers December 9,
and Common Terns and Laughing Gulls
December 29. Wild birds soon discover
where they are not interfered with or an-
noyed, and remain there.

Legislation

The year 1907 bids fair to be one of the
most active legislative seasons ever experi-
enced by this Association, as will be seen
by the following outline of legislative work :

Alabama. — A bill of the most advanced
character has been introduced. It embraces
the Model Law and the following features :
Short open seasons for game and birds ; non -
sale ; non-export ; establishment of a game
commission ; non-resident, alien and resi-
dent hunting licenses. A large amount of
educational work has been done and every
possible aid has been given to the Honor-
able John H. Wallace, Jr., who has taken
charge of the bill. Vice-President Palmer
visited the Alabama legislature for the pur-
pose of fully explaining and advocating the
bill.

California. — This state is a hotbeil, at
the present time, of legislative activity, and
there will undoubtedly be many important
and drastic changes made. Secretary Way,
of the California Audubon Society, is devot-
ing a great deal of time and energy to this
important work,

Mrs. Alice L. Park, Chairman, Humane
Education Committee of the California Fed-
eration of Women's ('lubs, has introduced
in the legislature a bill to establish Bird Day
in the schools. Mrs. Park, two years since,
introduced a similar bill which was passed
by both houses of the legislature, but unfor-
tunately it did not receive the Governor's
signature, and therefore Bird Day in the
schools had to be postponed two years and
the work has all to be done over again.
This shows that a woman, when she knows
she is right, and is serving the public, is
not apt to be discouraged but continues the
fight until she is finally successful.

54

Bird - Lore

Connecticut. — An attempt will be made
to change the open season for wild fowl and
shore-birds from late in the spring until
January i. A great deal of preliminary
work has been done to help accomplish this
very greatly desired result.

Iowa. — Mr. George A. Lincoln, State
Fish and Game Warden, has introduced in
the legislature a resident hunting license
bill in order to make the game commission
of his state self-supporting. In this con-
nection it may be stated that the benefits
derived from the hunter's-Iicense law are
becoming better appreciated every day, and
it will certainly be only a few years before
every state shall have adopted this wise
provision.

Massachusetts. — Mr. George W. Field,
President of the Fish and Game Commis-
sion, has introduced a bill to "authorize the
Commission to take certainunimproved lands
upon the island of Martha's Vineyard."
This is for the purpose of making firestops
in order to protect the feeding and breeding
grounds of Pinnated Grouse, or Heath-hen,
and otherwise secure the maintenance of these
birds or of any other species of wild birds
upon the said island.

A strong effort will also be made to repeal
the law permitting the killing of Herring
Gulls and Great Black-backed Cutis in
Massachusetts, which is the only state in the
country that does not protect these two sea-
birds; and every bird-lover in Massachusetts
should make it his first duty, after reading
this notice, to write a strong letter to his
representative in the legislature, urging
that the present law shall be repealed.

It is known that the Game Commission
of Maine has written to the Game Commis-
sion of Massachusetts protesting against the
present Gull law in the latter state, on the
ground that it is an injustice and a violation
of the comity of states for Massachusetts to
permit the killing of migratory birds which
Maine is making special efforts to protect.

Missouri.— The conditions in this state
are very interesting. Two years ago, the
Honorable H. R. Walmsley succeeded, af-

ter strenuous work, in passing what is known
as the Audubon Bill. This law prohibits
the sale of game in Missouri and it also em-
braces the Model Law feature. St. Louis
has always been one of the greatest selling
and distributing points for game in the West,
and the enforcement of the present law has
restricted the business of the game dealers
to such a degree that they are determined to
repeal the whole law if possible, and, if not,
that portion of it relating to the sale of game.
It is reported that one game dealer spent
#2,000 to prevent the reelection of Mr.
Walmsley to the legislature, which he was
successful in doing. However, Mr. Walms-
ley cannot be prevented from taking an ac-
tive part in defending the present excellent
law of Missouri, notwithstanding he is not
a member of the legislature.

The fight in the legislatures of Missouri
and Texas this year is probably the initial
step in a campaign that is necessary to pre-
vent the total disappearance of the game-
birds of this country, including, amongthem,
water-fowl and shore-birds. If the sale of
game is not totally abolished it is only a
question of time, and probably a very short
time, before there will be no game to protect
or sell ; and it is the duty of the public, es-
pecially those who love wild-life, to see that
this question is settled once for all, not only
in Missouri and Texas, but throughout the
whole of North America.

On the one hand, the sale of game can be
permitted for the benefit of a limited class of
people, i.e., market-hunters, game dealers,
and a few high - priced restaurants and
hotels. On the other hand, the game-birds
can be protected and perpetuated for the
enjoyment of an exceedingly large class of
persons who prefer the live bird in its natu-
ral surroundings and also for the benefit
of a still larger class of persons, known as
agriculturists, to whom birds of all kinds
are of great economic value.

New Hampshire. — Following the sugges-
tion made in the last annual report, it is
probable that a bill will be introduced by
Commissioner Nathaniel Wentworth, to
establish a close season of ten years on the
Upland Plover and the Wood Duck. The

The Audubon Societies

55

<'ommissioner "thinks that it will be easy
to pass such a bill, as the sentiment of the
people is changing reniarkaiily on the sub-
ject."

New Jersey. -President Benjamin P. Mor-
ris, of the New Jersey Game Commission,
in his excellent report to the Governor and
legislature of the state, advocates very
strongly the abolishment of spring wild-fowl
and snipe shooting and also the adoption of
the resident hunter's license law. His impor-
tant recommendations will undoubtedly be
acted upon, and this Association, of course,
will do all that it can to help in this impor-
tant matter.

The fact that in Connecticut and New
Jersey, wild fowl can be shot after the first
of January, has always been one of the
strongest arguments brought by the Long
Island duck shooters for the repeal of the
New York law, and it is very pleasing
indeed to know that the Game Commissions
of New Jersey and Connecticut are both
strongly in favor of having a wild-fowl law
in their states, similar to the one in New
York, because they realize that spring shoot-
ing is one of the greatest causes for the
diminution of wild fowl, second only to
market-shooting and sale.

New Mexico — Mr. W. E. Griffin, Game
and Fish Warden, has agreed to introduce
our Model Law at the present session of the
legislature, and he writes : " From the present
outlook, I believe little difficulty will be
experienced in passing not only your bird
law, but also a comprehensive game law."

New York State. — The battle in this state
has not yet taken form, as the legislature has
just commenced its session and it is too
<arly to get an idea of what game bills will
be introduced. There are many important
changes that should be made in the present
law; in fact, a complete revision of the mass
of contradictory provisions in the New York
law should be made. The proper way to
■do this would be for Governor Hughes to
establish a commission to revise the entire
game law; one member of the commission
should be an ornithologist of national stand-

ing, to look after the interest of birds and
game.

North Carolina.- Tliis is also one of tiie
hotbeds of game legislation. The residents
of certain of the counties on the coast where,
for years, oneof the industries has been killing
Ducks for market, are determined to abolish
the Audubon Society of North Carolina, or,
if that is not possible, to remove all restric-
tions from some of the coast counties so the
gunners may continue their market-shooting.
It is the same old question whether the assets
of a commonwealth, that belong to all the
people, shall be confiscated and used by a
very limited class.

Secretary Pearson recently visited Asheville
and gave two public lectures. A local
branch of the Audubon Society was formed,
with 155 members. Asheville is the largest
health-resort of the southern Appalachian
mountains and is an important point for
bird-protection work. Mr. George J. Gould
has just agreed to contribute the sum of $500
per year to help carry on warden work in
this state, in which he has large property
interests. It is fortunate that our secretary
who has charge of the work in this district
is young, strong and full of enthusiasm; for
he needs every one of these qualities to suc-
cessfully conduct the campaign that is now
on, not only in his own state, but in the
other six states under his supervision.

In this connection, it is of interest to call
the attent on of our members to the growth
of Association work. Five years ago, one
man, with the aid of a stenographer a portion
of the time, could do all the work. Today
the Association has at its main office, in
New York, a staff of four assistants; the
southern office at Greensboro, North Caro-
lina, which is managed by our secretary,
has a clerical staff of two. In addition, Mr.
Edward Howe Forbush, late ornithologist
of the Board of Agriculture of the State of
Massachusetts, devotes his entire time to lec-
turing, organizing and getting new mem-
bers for the Association in the New England
states. The services of a lecturer and organ-
izer for the states of Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana, eastern Texas and Arkansas
will shortly be secured. The foregoing will

56

Bird - Lore

give some idea of the expansion of the
work of the National Association.

South Carolina. — Mr. Pearson will in-
troduce a bill in the legislature, similar to
the law in force in North Carolina, incor-
porating an Audubon Society in the state
with all the powers of a game commission.
From present appearances there is no doubt
of the passage of the bill, as there is a grow-
ing interest in the state for bird and game
protection.

The Dakotas.— In both of the Dakotas
bills of the most advanced character will be
considered by the legislature. It is a matter
of interest to the members of this Associa-
tion to know that in nearly every instance
when bills are introduced in any part of the
United States, they are, when in prepa-
ration, submitted to the National Associ-
ation for suggestions or revision. This gives
an opportunity for the Association to recom-
mend the adoption of the several fundamental
planks in the platform of the National
Association, which are, non-sale of game,
the abolishment of all spring shooting, and
resident and non-resident licenses for every
one ivho uses a gun.

Pennsylvania.— It is reported that an at-
tempt will be made to make an open season
on the Flicker. This effort will be made by
a few persons living in one of the smallest
counties in the state, who wish the privilege
of killing this beautiful and very beneficial
bird. In order to secure this privilege, pro-
tection must be removed from the bird in
the whole state thirty days in the year, the
time selected being in the fall, when the
birds are migrating and are the most numer-
ous. This is another one of the instances
where a few individuals desire to take, for
their personal pleasure and benefit, public
property that every other individual in the
state wishes preserved. The two Audubon
Societies in Pennsylvania and the John
Burroughs Society will have to see that this
bill is killed, should it be introduced.

Texas. — The present bird and game law
in this state is excellent, and it was retained

on the statute books largely by the work of
Captain M. B. Davis, secretary of the
Audubon Society, aided by the best sports-
men in the state, whose combined efforts
prevented its repeal in 1905. It is likely that
another attempt will be made to repeal this
law during the present session of the legis-
lature, and this Association is making a
strong effort to maintain the integrity of the
law and at the same time to strengthen it by
establishing a game commission and also by
having the resident, non-resident and alien
hunter's license law passed.

There are a few men in Texas who make
large sums of money every year by dealing
in wild fowl. They are associated with the
game dealers in St. Louis, Chicago, New
York and other game-distributing centers.
These are the men who are opposed to the
present law and are trying to secure its
repeal.

This Association has been making some
investigations regarding wild-fowl condi-
tions on the coast of Texas, and our repre-
sentative finds a condition of affairs that is
simply an outrage. On one occasion, at a
railroad station, two market-hunters came
in from the marshes with 205 Ducks, the
result of that day's hunt. In a conversation,
the hunter told our representative that he
had hunted for market for sixteen years,
going out every day except Sundays, while
the Ducks were there, and doing nothing the
balance of the year. He told of the diminu-
tion of water-fowl, and added, '' There is no
doubt but that they will be entirely extermi-
nated within the next few years unless some-
thing is done to preserve them."

At another station, he found men who
made a business of hiring gunners to shoot
for them, to whom they supplied ammuni-
tion and guns and paid so much apiece for
wild fowl which were shipped to Chicago
and other places, contrary to the Texas non-
export law. Our representative also learned
that the gunners are afraid to send their
water-fowl to the distributing points by
railroad and, therefore, send them by small
coasting vessels. On one of these boats he
saw an ice-box six feet long by four feet
wide and three feet high, which was filled
with Ducks at tiie time lie inspected it, the

The Audubon Societies

57

number of which he estimated to he in excess
of one thousand. This boat makes an aver-
age of one trip a week from the time the
Ducks first arrive until the day the last one
leaves for the North in the spring. Market
shooting is illegal in Texas, but is carried
on because the game dealers of St. Louis,
Chicago, New York and other places get
from the high-priced restaurants and hotels
big prices for these birds. Every year the
price of game increases, because the number
of birds decrease. When the sportsmen of
the country wake up to the fact that the next
generation will not have any game-birds,
they will probably be willing to join with
the nature-lovers to stop the sale of all game
and also to stop the killing of any game-
birds after the first day of January.

This Association will have two active,
intelligent, earnest workers represent it at
the capital of Texas to prevent, if possible,
the repeal of the present law, which neces-
■sarily compels the market-hunter to work
secretly and gives them a great deal of what
they consider, unnecessary trouble in ship-
ping their illegal goods. We also hope to
establish a game commission in Texas in
order that the law may be enforced, and to
have every man who uses a gun secure a
hunter's license.

Vermont. — Eternal vigilance is the price
of safety for birds, and it is not prudent for
the Audubon Societies to relax their watch-
fulness for a moment during the legislative
season. In Vermont, a single fruit-grower
thought he had cause for complaint against
the Cedar Waxwing for eating his cherries.
Without any thought of the results of his
action, he sought relief for his fancied loss
by an attempt to have protection removed by
legislation from all the Waxwings in the
•state. By concerted action on the part of
the Vermont Audubon Society and the good
sense of the majority of the members of the
legislature, the bill was defeated. It came
tip a second time in a modified form, i. e.,
that a fruit-grower might claim damages
from the state on presenting proof that he
had been damaged by Waxwings. It was
not a difficult matter to show the members
of the legislature that it would be practi-

cally impossible for any fruit-grower to
furnish reliable evidence of damage. The
mere fact that Waxwings were seen in a
fruit tree would not be evidence that could
be acceptetl by the state officials. The only
evidence worthy of credence would be an
examination of the stomach contents of the
bird made by an expert. Such evidence it
would be impossible for the complainant to
furnish. The second bill was also defeated.
In this connection the testimony of Mr.
William Brewster, of Cambridge, Massa-
chusetts, regarding the food habits of the
Waxwings, is of great value and interest.
There is no ornithologist in this country
whose statements regarding the habits of
birds have greater weight than those of Mr.
Brewster, as he never gives an opinion unless
it has been carefully weighed and is the
result of long personal and exceedingly
careful observation. In a recent letter to the
National Association, he gives his views re-
garding the food of the Waxwings, as fol-
lows :

" I am convinced, by an experience of
more than forty years, that the harm done in
the East to small-fruit crops by Robins,
Cat -birds and Cedar-birds has been greatly
exaggerated. Where those fruits are grown
in any quantity, the loss caused by the birds
just mentioned is very trifling. My father
used to maintain that the best way to deal
with the birds was to furnish enough extra
fruit to supply their wants and to allow them
to eat it undisturbed. I have long acted
on this principle and with perfectly satis-
factory results. In my garden in Cam-
bridge, six cherry trees have furnished us
with more fruit each season than our family
and friends have been able to use, both fresh
and for preserving. Vet the swarms of
Robins and the more or less numerous Cedar-
birds, which visit these trees at all hours of
the day, when the fruit is ripe, are never
disturbed at their repasts.

"At Concord, where I have been culti-
vating a variety of fruit and berries for the
past six years, I had much trouble at first
because I did not allow sufficiently for the
depredations of the squirrels (gray, red
and ground squirrels), which, being care-
fully protected, were numerous and hold;

58

Bird - Lore

but by the simple and inexpensive expedient
of increasing the nunnber of fruit-bearing
plants of every kind, I was soon able to
supply the birds and squirrels with all the
food of this kind that they cared for and to
obtain for myself more than two families
could use. I am quite aware that there are
men in New England who grow such
small fruits as cherries, raspberries and
strawberries on a large scale for the markets,
and who claim that the Robins, Catbirds
and Cedar- birds cause them very heavy
losses. I do not believe such assertions, for
whenever I have investigated them I have
found that they were practically without
foundation. The man who has fifty cherry
trees, or half an acre of strawberries or rasp-
berries, has nothing to fear from either birds
or squirrels ; he who has only one or two
cherry trees or only a few square yards
devoted to strawberries is likely to lose
almost his entire crop unless he protects his
trees and plants by netting, which is not a
difficult or expensive matter.

"Of our native birds, the Robin unques-
tionably does the most damage to small
fruits, partly because of his greater abun-
dance, than any of the other fruit-eating
species and also because he spoils many a
fine berry by pecking into it. The English
Sparrow is still more destructive in this way.
The Cedar-bird is seldom numerous enough
to do much harm, and he never, as far as I
have observed, mutilates cherries or other
fruit which he does not eat. I have talked
with other fruit-giowers in eastern Massa-
chusetts, and they agree that there is no
serious loss from Cedar-birds. When the
elm-leaf beetles first arrived in Cambridge,
four or five years ago, the Cedar-birds
assembled to prey on their larva? and were
of much service in this way."

Pacific Islands. — Mr. William Alanson
Bryan, the Honolulu representative of this
Association, in a late letter states that "I
hear of no further poaching in the outlying
islands." How important and pleasing this
information is, and how great the change
from the conditions that obtained a few
years since, can best be understood by a com-
parison with the following account of the

conditions that existed in 1902, at Midway
Islands*; "August 21, 1902, we reached
Sand, the larger of the two islets of the Mid-
way group. We found no signs of recent
occupants, other than the cast-off garments
of the colony of Japanese bird-poachers, to
whose work of destruction I shall later
refer. Everywhere on Eastern Island great
heaps, waist-high of dead Albatrosses {Dio-
medea immutabilis) Gooney, and Black-
footed Albatrosses (Diomedea nigripes) were
found. Thousands upon thousands of both
species had been killed with clubs, the wing
and breast feathers stripped off to be sold as
hat trimmings, or for other purposes, and the
carcasses thrown in heaps to rot. After my
acquaintance with the colony of bird pirates
on Marcus Island, it was but too apparent
that a similar gang had been in full opera-
tion at Midway not many months prior to
our visit, and that they had worked sad
havoc among the birds there, in spite of the
severe warning which had been given by
Captain Niblack, of the Iroquois, to a party
similarly engaged the season before. The
work of exterminating the Midway colony
was surely well under way, and I was con-
vinced that unless something definite was
done, and that at once, to prevent such wan-
ton destruction, before long this colony of
Albatrosses, as doubtless all those on the
low, outlying islands, would be wiped out
precisely as the one on Marcus Island had
been.

"On my return to Honolulu I took the
matter up with the proper officials in Wash-
ington, among others addressing a letter to
the Chief Executive, with the result that the
subject was brought to the attention of the
various cabinet officers concerned. With
ihe cooperation of Dr. Palmer, of the United
States Biological Survey, together with the
energetic services of Mr. William Dutcher,
President of the Audubon Societies, to whom
the whole matter of bird protection for the
Pacific has been presented in person by the
writer, most satisfactory results have been
obtained. A naval vessel will, in the future,

to Midway Island by William Alan-
xtracted from Director's Annual Report,
1905, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Honolulu. Also,
<;o?, p. ?oi.

*Report of a vis
son Bryan. E

see Bird-Lore. Vol. VI

The Audubon Societies

59

make at least two patrol trips each year to
the outlying islands of the Hawaiian group
to break up or prevent further depreJations.
The officers and men stationed on Midway
have strict orders to protect the bird colonies
there. The fishing rights to certain of the
outlying islands will be let only by the Ter-
ritory, with special clauses protecting the
bird colonies thereon; while the Japanese
government will, in future, refuse to allow
predatory hunting and fishing vessels to leave
Japanese ports.''

Philippine Islands.— A valued correspon-
dent, who is an officer of the United States
Army, writes of the bird conditions in the
Philippines as follows: "As far as bird
destruction is concerned in these islands, I
think there is practically or even absolutely
none; for this there are many reasons. To
possess a firearm of any kind one must have a
special license obtainable only from Manila.
Wild birds or any part of them are not used,
as far as I have ever observed, by the natives
for any purpose whatever. No native has
energy enough to hunt for pleasure, even if he
should have a gun. There is no tendency or
capacity among the natives to take up any
new industry. Hemp, rice, tobacco, sugar,
fish, — nothing else practically. They never
indulge in sport, as we understand it, except
cock-fighting and a little introduced horse-
racing. There are very few foreigners out-
side the big cities, and they are nearly all
agents of the hemp, rice and tobacco houses,
etc. I doubt whether a commercial skin has
ever been shipped."

Mr. Richard C. McGregor, of the Philip-
pine Bureau of Science, Manila, confirms
the above opinion in the following words:
"I think there are very few birds destroyed
here; with the very rigid law on firearms, it
is not probable that many species of birds
will be hard pressed."

Notes and News

Plume S.\les.*— Bird- of - Paradise skins
and 'Osprey ' featherswere again in large sup-
ply at the Commercial Salerooms on October

*From "Bird Notes and News," VoL i. No. 4. 1906,
London. England.

16, over 5,700 of the former beingcatalogued
and nearly all sold. Of 'Osprey' feathers
there were 485 packages, described as East
Indian, Rangoon, Chinese, Venezuelan, Bra-
zilian and Senegal; "short selected" reached
as much as ^8 per oz.," mixed heron" went
as low as 4/4d. and 6^4(i. The miscellane-
ous bird skins were almost all South
American. Forty cases of quills included
wing-quills of Pelicans, Swans, Albatrosses,
Eagles, Hawks, etc., and tail-feathers of
Buzzards and other birds of prey. At the
sale on December 11, there were offered
about 3,600 Birds-of-Paradise, 265 packages
of 'Osprey' feathers, and 5,278 wing-quills
of various birds. Tiie miscellaneous skins,
etc., included a very large number of heads
of the Crowned Pigeon.

Cage-Birds. — Occasionally dealers think
that the vigilance of the National Associa-
tion is relaxed in respect to cage-birds Re-
cently some dealers in Philadelphia thought
it would be safe to offer for sale Cardinals
and Mockingbirds. This was called to the
attention of the Pennsylvania Game Com-
mission, who promptly arraigned three
dealers, two of whom paid fines, while the
third has been foolish enough to appeal from
the decision of the lower court.

Educational Leaflets. — There is a con-
stantly increasing demand for our educa-
tional leaflets, which is not entirely confined
to the United States. A request was received
from N. GestGee, Soochow University, Soo-
chow, China, and also from Mr. C. C.
James, Deputy Minister of Agriculture,
Ontario, Canada, who says, "perhaps these
leaflets may be of use in connection with our
school work ." Miss Stebbins, Superintendent
of Nature Work in the schools of Spring-
field, Mass., writes: "Your leaflets have
been examined. They contain much of the
information which I have found it rather dif-
ficult to put into the hands of my teachers.
There are eleven school buildings, contain-
ing grade VII, in which we are especially
pushing the matter of the economic value of
birds; and we not only could, but should be
delighted to have an opportunity to use your
leaflets there. If you will send full sets to

6o

Bird - Lore

me I will see that the}' are used in the
schools."

With a Check for $302. — A friend who
sends us a check for $300 writes: ''I am
only too glad to help protect the birds. I
wish every one could realize, as I do, the
damage, the terror, of the insect plagues we
are facing in Massachusetts. It would not
surprise me if in ten years all my spare pen-
nies may have to go to protect my wood-
lands."

In this connection it may be stated that
the gypsy moth has spread as far as Maine
and also into Connecticut. How long will it
be before this terribly destructive insect will
have spread over a large part of the country
east of the Mississippi. It bids fair to do as
great damage as the boll weevil, which is
steadily marching eastward.

Use for Herring Gulls.— Mr. Edward
Hatch, Jr., who employs a special warden
to guard tlie Gulls breeding on his islands
in Lake Champlain, writes: "I have found
a practical use for the Gulls: they are the
harbingers of pollution. They do not, and
cannot, live where there is no pollution.
They are the only scavengers Burlington
and Plattsburg have, and they are working
days and nights until the lake freezes over."

Denmark. — It is with pleasure that we
note that a bird-protective society, entitled,
■" Svalen" (The Swallow), has been estab-
lished in Denmark. The secretary, Lieuten-
ant Colonel L. Nehrn, of Copenhagen,
writes: "At the present time the society
contains 75 circles and 4,000 members dis-
tributed all over Denmark. The aims and
principles of the society are:

''To influence the public generally, by
lectures, and by articles in the newspapers,
and to disseminate information regarding
the economic value of birds.

"To protect the useful birds.

"To discourage the murder of birds in
southern Europe.

"To discourage the purchase and use of
the feathers of any species of birds for orna-
mentation, except those of the Ostrich and
domesticated fowls.

"To set up nesting-boxes and to feed wild
birds in the winter."

The secretary adds: "The society will
be represented at the Agricultural Congress
in Vienna, in May, 1907."

Maryland. — In this state the Audubon
Society has been reorganized, with new of-
ficers, and it bids fair to be an active, pro-
gressive organization.

Women's Clubs

The club women of the country are show-
ing a splendid spirit and are doing a great
deal to help the National Association in its
eflFort to restrict the use of the " White
Badge of Cruelty," which is sold by the
milliners under the name of " Aigrette."
Women of intelligence are unwilling to use
millinery ornaments that can be obtained
only by the sacrifice of life.

At a recent meeting of the Executive Board
of the New York State Federation of Wom-
en's Clubs, it was determined to recommend
to the State Federation that they should
assist the Audubon Societies in their efforts
to protect the wild birds and animals of the
country. Although similar action was taken
a few years since, yet the recommendation
will be repeated and emphasized at the com-
ing annual meeting.

At the meeting of the Woman's Club of
Denver, Colorado, January 7, after hearing
an address on the subject of bird protection,
by Professor Felger, the following resolu-
tions were unanimously adopted: "Inas-
much as the destruction of bird life will
continue regardless of laws as long as the
women of our land persist in wearing bird
feathers for personal decoration; therefore,
be it

"Resolved, That we, the Woman's Club
of Denver, decry the use of all feathers,
except those of domesticated fowls, for deco-
rative purposes.

"Resolved, That we do hereby tender
our hearty support to the efforts being made
in the United States to discourage the sale
of wild birds' feathers and to enact and en-
force laws prohibiting the killing of wild
birds for such purposes."

1. Robin, Male.

2. Robin, Young.

Robin, Female.

i6irti-iLore

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

Vol. IX March — April, 1907 No. 2

The House Finch from an Office Window

By W. H. BERGTOLD, Denver. Colo.

MANY a bird-lover laments, because, in the rush of his busy life, there
is not more leisure to spend in the meadows, and forests, whither
his bird friends constantly call. Probably he never dreams of study-
ing live birds while at his ofiice desk. We, however, who live in the towns
and cities west of Kansas, have a charming bird with us always, right at our
office windows, which, if it be given the smallest encouragement, is an
unfailing associate and visitor, namely, the House Finch.

The House Finch is quite different, in habits, from its cousin of the East,
the Purple Finch : it prefers to build in and about the haunts of man, on the
points of vantage on houses and other buildings, and is perfectly at home
on the large buildings in the center of a large busy city, remaining with us
in the city the year round, and singing with sweetness and vigor all the
warmer months, it even bursts into song on bright and warm days during
the winter. This bird is a favorite with every one in Denver, and many
people feed it during the colder months, but, strange as it may seem to our
Eastern friends, the matter of drinking-water is a question more difficult
for the Finch to solve in cold weather than is that of food. In this dry
climate, where it scarcely ever rains in the winter, a season when at most
there is but scant precipitation which usually dries promptly, the Finches
find very little water left in the streets, on the roofs, or in the eave drains,
and, too, this little is very often frozen, pressing the birds hard to find a
drinking place.

The writer has, for some years past, kept a shallow pan filled with water,
fastened to one of his office window-sills; this office is in a building located
in the heart of Denver, surrounded by other high structures, and on the
top (fifth) floor, the windows facing south and west. During freezing
weather this pan is kept thawed with hot water; the Finches come to this
little drinking-dish by dozens and dozens every day in the year, and chatter
and dispute over precedence in taking a drink, like any diplomat at a presi-
dential reception. Those about this office have learned that the quietly

64

Bird - Lore

and an astonished retreat to shore, to be repeated over and over again
for the next few minutes.

These birds are good company and most w^elcome to roost in the folded
window awnings these winter nights; they usually get ready to retire for the
night about half an hour before sunset, and creep in and out of the canvas
like Wrens. One can tell when they are nearly ready to go to bed, as
they come in large numbers to drink before settling down for the night.

There came to the water last spring, for a while, a female with only one
leg; it was in excellent plumage and flesh, but had difficulty in getting down
to the water, though the surface was but little below the pan edge, its one
leg being insufficient to steadily and surely lower and raise its body. We
felt that an acquaintance was gone when, after a few calls, it returned no
more. The writer's desk is within three feet of the water-dish; the birds
drink fearlessly while they are being watched, and the charm of close
acquaintance enhances the opportunity of studying every detail of color,
hang of wing, attitude of legs and tail in alighting, hopping and drink-
ing. And, too, the many different notes of alarm, companionship, encour-
agement, notes of discovery and anger are given clarity of identification
by the closeness of observation; in fact, nothing can surpass the complete-
ness of this way of learning bird character. They are often so close
that one is reminded by their tiny, glistening black eyes, of Shakes-
peare's keen powers of observation when he makes Imogen say:

" But if there be yet left in heaven as sniali a drop of pity
As a Wren's eye." (Cymb. IV-2)

YOUNG GREEN HERONS

Bird Clubs in America '
III. The Maine Ornithological Society

By J. MERTON SWAIN. Secretary Treasuier.

THE association known as ' The United Ornithologists of Maine ' was
founded by Stephen J. Adams, of Cornish, Maine, January i, 1893.
It was conducted for two years as a correspondence society without
officers. During this period an attempt was made at organization, and a
constitution was drafted ; but, owing to the unsatisfactory results of the
correspondence method and to certain contentions that arose, the idea was
abandoned.

Increased interest, however, in the subject of ornithology in the autumn
of 1894 warranted a second trial. Another constitution was drafted January
I, 1895, and a permanent organization was effected by the election of the
following officers:

President, Stephen J. Adams, Cornish, Maine; vice-president, Charles
B. Wilson, Waterville, Maine; secretary, William L. Powers, Gardiner,
Maine; treasurer, Ralph Roclcwood, Waterville, Maine.

The charter members were indeed few, as will be seen by the following
list: Stephen J. Adams, William L. Powers, A. P. Larrabee, Ralph Rock-
wood, Charles B. Wilson, Maurice Royal, all of Maine.

It was the plan of the founders to publish a list of all birds that breed in
the state, map their faunal areas, and add a list of migrants. At the close
of 1895 the ranks contained thirty -five members, yet no active work had
been done.

Early in 1896 new officers were elected and the work of the society
began to take a definite shape. The following were chosen officers for
1896:

President, James Carroll Mead, North Bridgton, Maine; vice-presi-
dent, Everett E. Johnson, Lewiston, Maine; secretary and treasurer,
Ora W. Knight, Bangor, Maine.

President Mead at once entered upon a campaign of reform by appoint-
ing Mr. Adams, Mr. Lane and Mr. Powers a committee to revise the con-
stitution. Negotiations were entered into with the leading papers of
the state for space in which to publish the transactions, and the 'Maine
Sportsman,' a monthly journal, published in Bangor, was decided upon
as the most suitable organ. In the March number of that year there was a
page devoted to our interests, edited by Ora W. Knight, of Bangor,
and each succeeding issue contained a like amount of information, valuable
to the student of ornithology.

In the April number of 1895, the committee on new constitution

' For Nos. I and 2 in this series, see Bird-Lore, IV, 1902, p. 12. 'The Nuttall Club''
and IhiJ., p. 57, The Delaware V'alley Club.

(65)

Bird Clubs in America 67

reported their final draft, and in the May number President Mead was able
to report its unanimous adoption by the society.

On December 28-29, 1896, the society held its first annual meeting
in the high school building at Gardiner. The following officers were
elected for 1897: President, A. H. Norton, Westbrook, Maine; vice-
president, Ora W. Knight, Bangor, Maine; secretary and treasurer,
William L. Powers, Gardiner, Maine; councilors, A. L. Lane, Water-
ville, Maine, and James Carroll Mead, North Bridgton, Maine. Five
new members were elected at this meeting. Previous to this meeting, none
of the members, outside of the Gardiner branch, had ever met.

In the spring of 1897, the hopes and ambitions of the members of
the society were realized in the publication of ' The Birds of Maine,'
under the able editorship of Ora W. Knight, of Bangor, the list having
been prepared under the auspices of the society. Such was the demand for
this careful and concise work that the supply was soon exhausted.
One of the best and most enthusiastic meetings the society ever held
was its second annual meeting, held in the rooms of the Portland Society of
Natural History, in Portland, December 31, 1897, and January i, 1898.
All the officers were present and a goodly number of members. Twenty-
nine new members were elected and several valuable scientific papers
were read, among them, one of especial interest, ' How I Became an
Ornithologist,' by Hon. George A. Boardman, of Calais (the pioneer
naturalist of the St. Croix valley). These papers were placed in the
hands of Editor Mead for publication in the official organ, 'The Maine
Sportsman.' Messrs. Lane, Hitchings and Knight were appointed a
committee to consider a new and appropriate name for the society and
to report at the next meeting. The society, too, voted to make a
special study of a family of birds, by each member, and make reports at
each annual meeting. At the third annual meeting held in Waterville,
it was voted to change the name of the society to ' The Maine Ornitholog-
ical Society'. A proposition made by Mr. Knight to publish the proceedings
of the society separately was accepted, and Clarence H. Morrell, of Pitts-
field, was elected editor, with Mr. Knight as publisher. It was voted to call
the new publication. The Journal of the 'Maine Ornithological Society.'
To Mr. Powers belongs the honor of suggesting the name of the
society, and to James Carroll Mead for the name adopted for ' The Journal.'

The first number of ' The Journal ' appeared as a quarterly in January,
1899, and the three following numbers, with an average of ten pages, were
well filled with material of much interest to students of Maine birds.
Owing to Mr. Morrell's ill health, he declined to serve as editor of
Vol. II, and at the fourth annual meeting held in Brunswick, Mr. J.
Merton Swain, of Portland, was elected to succeed Mr. Morrell as editor.
At the completion of Vol. II, Mr. Swain assumed the publication of ' The

68 Bird - Lore

Journal ' also. Slowly, but surely, it was enlarged and put on a better pay-
ing basis by increasing the advertising and enlarging the subscription list.
Mr. Swain was reelected for five consecutive years. At the close of Vol.
VI, owing to pressure of business, and the conviction that for that reason he
could not do justice to ' The Journal,' and to the fact that he was chosen
by Mr. Knight to serve on the committee to assist in writing ' The Revised
List of the Birds of Maine', Mr. Swain resigned the office of editor and was
elected secretary and treasurer. Mr. W. H. Brownson, of Portland,
was then elected editor by the society, and under his management ' The
Journal' has continued to improve and increase in value and popularity.
Still greater improvements are in contemplation as fast as a larger list of
members and subscribers can be added. Many papers of interest, relative to
Maine birds, have been published from time to time. In Vol. V, No.
4, a series of papers, ' Notes on the Finches Found in Maine,' by Arthur H.
Norton, was begun. It was concluded in Vol. VL No. 3. In Vol. VI,
No. 2, began a series of papers, 'Contributions to the Life Histories of the
Warblers Found in Maine,' written by Mr. O. W. Knight and Mr. Swain,
and these are still being published in the current volume. For several years
the members have been making spring and fall migration reports. The
results have been tabulated by Mr. Dana W. Sweet, and published from
time to time in ' The Journal. ' The society at once became prominent in the
work of protecting the breeding colonies of sea-birds when the wave of
sentiment swept the whole country to stop the wanton destruction of birds
for plumage to adorn millinery. It at once responded to the call to
assist the A. O. U. committee on protection and the Audubon society
committee, rendering valuable aid. The adoption of the A. O. U. model
bird law by our state legislature was effected through the efforts of
our society.

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mm

Clay Bird-Houses and Bird-Baths

By ROBERT W. HEGNER

Wiih photoi;raphs from nature by the author

A PROBLEM that greets us with the coming of each spring is
that of attracting the birds to our homes. One of the best magnets
is the artificial nesting site, or bird -house. The most common
bird -house birds are the Wrens and Bluebirds. Whenever possible, the
Bluebird will build in a deserted nest -hole of a Woodpecker or a weather-
worn cavity in a tree. The pair of Bluebirds in the illustration nested
in a cavity in a fence -post. They had five young almost ready to fly
when the photographs were made.

Wrens nest in similar situations, but will build in bird -houses whenever
possible.

The introduction of manual training and nature study into graded
schools has given a great opportunity to teach the value of birds by
means of the bird -houses made by the children. The children at the
School of Education of the University of Chicago studied carefully all
the kinds of birds that are known to nest in artificial sites, and then

(69)

70

Bird- Lore

each one selected the bird for which he
wished to build, and drew his plans
accordingly. In the spring of igo6, these
children, in cooperation with the Chicago
South Park Board, made several hundred
Wren- and Bluebird -houses which were
placed in trees in Jackson and Washing-
ton Parks. A photograph of the child-
ren, each child with his bird-house, about
to start for the park, was published in
the May, 1906, number of the 'Elemen-
tary School Teacher.' A new method of
building bird-houses was recently adopted
in the clay-work department of this
school. The children in the sixth grade
modeled them from clay. They made
them with concave backs, so that they
would fit the trees for which they were
intended and could be fastened easily by
wires. They were baked a brownish color
resembling the trees, as a protection from
various enemies. Several of the children
wrote the name of the bird they wished
for a tenant in sunken letters on the front
of their production. One of the finished
efforts is so ingenious as to warrant a
drawing ana description. This house is

f

CLAY NEST- BOXES

Clay Bird-Houses and Bird-Baths 71

the one in the center of the lower row in the illustration. The builder of it
furnished it with a lid so that the contents could be examined at pleas-
ure. Bird -baths had been under discussion, and this lid was made con-
cave so that the rain would fill it with water. A gutter led from this bath-
tub to a cup of clay built on one side of the structure. This cup
caught the overflow and directed it through a small hole into another
cup on the inside. This made it possible for the bird to drink without leav-
ing the nest. On the other side of the house two other cups were
fastened. The cup outside was for food, which was to be protected by a lid.
The food was to run through a hole into the cup inside as fast as the

sitting bird desired. I do not know how successful this house has
proven during the two years it has been in use, but it certainly is a mode!
of modern methods in sanitation.

An accompanying illustration shows an excellent bird-bath. This is the
work of Mrs. W. M. R. French, of Beverly Hills, Illinois. About four feet
from the corner of the veranda of her home there is a connection for
the garden hose. From this an abundant supply of water was obtained andi
a bathing pool was built just beneath it. A shallow hole was dug two>
feet wide, three feet long, and eight inches deep. This was lined with
small cobblestones laid in cement. The end away from the tap was;
made lower than the upper end, and the superfluous water ran down ai
slight incline to the roots of a large oak tree, the visiting place of a remark-
able number of birds at all times of the year. Every day throughout
the summer a swift stream of water was turned on which effectually
cleaned the tub and left a clear, cool supply for the thirsty birds. No>
account has been kept of the varieties and numbers of birds that visited the

72

Bird-Lore

bath, but it very soon became known to the feathered neighbors and
they came daily for their refreshment. Blue Jays, Catbirds, Bluebirds,
Robins and Wrens at once took possession, and not only were visitors
but built their nests and made their homes in the trees and bushes
about the yard. And the birds were not alone in their appreciation of
their hostess' kindness, for many a dog has quenched his thirst at this
same fountain.

A large pedestal for flowers which stood on the lawn served as a bathing
and feeding place for birds, and its attractions were many. These are
only two of the devices at the home of Mrs. French for bringing
nature to the doorstep. Bird-boxes, food during the winter, and succoring
the strayed, injured or stolen were other activities that made the lives of the
wild inhabitants happier in this vicinity. The final result will no doubt
be the continued presence of birds and a general uplifting of the men,
women and children who become interested in them.

IAi

'•■ \iillP

IB

A BATHING FOUNTAIN

A Gentle Criticism

By JOHN LYALL GARRETSON

With photographs by Ihe author

LFIT us encourage the study of natural history with the aid of the
camera, and by our friendly criticism may we cause others to
think of ways to benefit themselves and at the same time bring
pleasure into the hearts of the lovers of nature.

With this idea in mind, it is the desire of the writer to call atten-
tion to the pages of many of our best magazines on natural history,
with their interesting pictures, especially of birds, many of which are

YOUNG RL'BV THROATEO HUMMINGBIRDS

admirable for what they bring to us, but are not strictly true representations
of nature.

The pictures, as we see them, truly portray the birds of the woods and
meadows while in a state of alarm; hence, they convey to us false impres-
sions of what we believe to be animal life in its wild state.

The question before us is: How may we overcome the obstacles which
hinder us from accomplishing the end we are striving for: that is, pho-
tography of nature while at home, as it were ?

There seems to be but one solution to be offered, and that is, to
so arrange our work that the subject photographed be wholly uncon-

(73)

74 Bird -Lore

scious of what is taking place: thus we ehminate all timidity on the part of
our shy friends. Then only are we on the road to successful animal
photography.

The best picture is not the most difficult one: but that one which
brings nature to us as it exists away from harm's reach, and is an

'•1 I

PHCEBE

honest representation of the manner in which God's creatures live while
at home.

The expression, "at home with the birds," sounds very nice, but
we should add, "while entertaining company," and we will conclude that
the bird acts as unnatural while in the presence of strangers as does
the human bemg.

Attention may be called here to the intelligent, peaceful expressions
shown in our pictures of the domestic animals where there is no suggestion
of alarm. Is this not ample proof that, in order to obtain the best pho-
tographs of our wild animals, we must press the bulb while they are
unconcious of our presence ?

It is seldom that we see a photograph of a bird standing on one leg with
his feathers all ruffled up, and yet how well do we know from our
observations with the field-glass, that this is one of the most common poses
for a bird to assume !

The picture of the Humming-birds shows them full-grown and very
nervous, being ready to take flight at any moment. This picture, although
interesting, could hardly be called natural, since the birds are intently

A Gentle Criticism

75

watchin>2; the observations of the intruder. Shortly after the picture
was taken they left the nest. Hying, to all appearances, as well as their
parents.

The young Ph(Ebe here shown has a distinct naturalness which is lack-
ing in the other attempts, for the reason that the bird was wholly
unconscious of observation.

Let us have pictures of our birds, as of ourselves, exhibiting an
unrestrained naturalness and ease of manner.

The Migration of Thrushes

SECOND PAPER

Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data
in the Biological Survey
With drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuer-tes and Bruce Horsfall

AMERICAN ROBIN*
SFRhVG MIGRATION

PLACE

No. of years'

Average date of

Earliest date of

record

spring arri

al

spring arrival

Atlantic Coast—

New Market, Va. .

12

February
February

23
26

A few winter

Wasliington, D. C

7

A few winter

Waynesburg, Pa

4

February

21

February 15, 1893

Beaver, Pa.

4

February

17

February 16, 1890

Berwyn, Pa., early years

7

February

'4

January 16, 1899

Bervvyn, Pa., late years

13

March 7

February 26, 1901

New Providence, N.J

6

February

24

January i, 1892

Selden, N. Y

7

March i

January 17, 1892

Flatbush, N. Y

6

March 6

February 9, 1892

Alfred, N. Y

14

March 1 1

February 18, 1900

Shelter Island, N. Y

6

March 16

January i, 1887

Branchport, N. Y. .' . .

9

March 11

February 29, 1896

Boonville, N. Y

10

March 20

March 4, 1889

Center Lisle, N. Y. ....

13

March 19

March i, 1902

Holland Patent, N. Y

17

March 18

March 6, 1894

Ballston Spa, N. Y

16

March 18

January 20, 1892

Paradox, N. Y

4

March 25

March 20, 1889

Hartford, Conn

13

March 16

February 26, 1888

Providence, R. I

9

March 11

January 4, 1905

Eastern Massachusetts

19

March 11

January i, 1903

St. Johnsbury, Vt

10

March 21

March 9, 1902

Hanover, N. H

5

March 20

March 13, 1898

Southwestern Maine . . ....

18

March 21

March 3, 1902

Halifax, N. S..

4

March 19

January i, 1890

Grand Manan, N. B

5

March 24

March 14, 1889

St. John, N. B

10

March 30

March 12, 1898

Pictou, N. S. . .

5

April I

March 15, 1887

North River. Prince Edward Island .

4

March 31

January 9, 1887

St. Johns, Newfoundland

II

April 6

March 25, 1865

Mississippi Valley —

Central Tennessee

7

February

19

A few winter

Central Kentucky

7

February

20

A few winter

Bioomington, Ind

7

February

14

January 16, 1887

Waterloo, Ind. (near) .

II

March 2

February 22, 1891

Wauseon, Ohio

7

February

28

February 6, 1887

Oberlin, Ohio

7

February

28

February 14, 1897

Ann Arbor, Mich ' "

19

February

24

January 24, 1904

Central Michigan

7

March 28

March 16, 1889

Northern Michigan

5

April 3

March 23, 1894

Rockford, III.

6

March 10

February 2, 1891

Chicago, III

18

March 13

February 25, 1888

Strathroy, Ont

13

March 8

Februarv 19, 1890

Toronto, Ont.

10

March 12

Wintered 1888-89

Listnwel, Ont

II

March 13

Wintered 1891-92

Southeast Parry Sound District, Ont.

14

April 6

March 9, 1902

(76)

The Migration of Thrushes

77

SPRING MIGRATION continued

PLACE

No. of years'

Average date of

Earliest date of

record

spring arrival

spring arrival

Mississippi Falley, continued

Ottawa, Ont

15

March 23

January 9, 1894

Keokuk, Iowa

12

March 2

January 12, 1902

Fairfield, Iowa (near)

14

March 5

January 14, 1891

Iowa City, Iowa ( near)

12

March 5

January i, 1879

Davenport, Iowa (near)

H

March 8

February 18, 1890

Southern Wisconsin

14

March 12

March 2, 1885

Wisconsin. Latitude 45° ....

II

March 25

February 15, 1892

Lanesboro, Minn

10

March 18

March 4, 1889

Heron Lake, Minn. ....

6

March 26

March 19, 1894

Minneapolis, Minn, (near) ....

12

March 24

March 9, 1903

Northwestern Minnesota

8

April 7

March 28, 1905

Onaga, Kansas

6

March 5

February 28, 1896

Syracuse, Nebr. . . .

II

March I

Wintered 1904-05

Argusville, N. D. . .

II

April 10

April 1 , 1892

Larimore, N. D. . .

9

April 6

March 25, 1905

Aweme, Man. . .

12

April 10

April 2, 1905

Reaburn, Man.

10

April 13

April 7, 1901

Qu' Appelle, Sask. .

5

April 10

April 4, 1904

Fort Providence, Mack

(near)

2

May I

April 29, 1905

Fort Simpson, Mack.

3

May 3

May 2, 1861

Fort Enterprise, Mack

May 14, 1821

Kowak River, Alaska ... ...

May 20, 1899

Rathdrum, Idaho

6

February 25

January 20, 1900

Columbia Falls, Mont

S

March 21

March 15, 1896

PLACE

No. of years'
records

Average date of last
one seen

Latest date of last
one seen

5
5
3

March 14
April 6
April 8

April 27, 1887
April 16, 1902
April 26, 1895
April 17, 1897

Central Mississippi

Fredericksburg, Texas

Pasadena, Calif

FALL MIGRATION

PLACE

No. of years'
record

Average date of first
one seen

Earliest date of first
one seen

Northern Florida

Southern Mississippi ....

Fredericksburg, Texas

Pasadena, Calif

3
6
4

October 9
October 20
October 22

August 8, 1890
October 9, 1897
October 15, 1894
October 5, 1897

78

Bird - Lore

FALL MIGRATION, continued

Kowak River, Alaska . . . .

Great Bear Lake, Mack

Columbia Falls, Mont. . . .
Aweme, Man. . . . .

Northwestern Minnesota . . . .

Lanesboro, Minn

Onaga, Kansas

Keokuk, Iowa

Ottawa, Ont

Gait, Ont

Oberlin, Ohio

Chicago, III

Alberton, Prince Edward Island

St. John, N. B

Montreal, Canada

Southwestern Maine

Renovo, Pa

Berwyn, Pa

November 14
October 22
October 26
November 6
November 23
November 12
November 12
November 24
November 4
November 11
October 3 1
November 5
November 4
November 12
November 10
November 20

September
September
November
November
November
Wintered
November
Wintered
November
December
November
November
November
Wintered
November
December
November
December

7, iS9»
25, 1903

20, 1892

4, 19Q1

5. 1895
[888-89

27, 1904
[888-89
29, 1888
15, 1901

28, 1896

21, 1904
3. 1897

[893-94

8, 1887
8, 1904

20, 1899
23, 1894

'Oology a Science'

To the Editor of Bird -Lore:

The recent discussion of this subject in BiRD-LoRE and 'The Condor'
has been one of considerable interest, but in spite of the various views given
it still seems that the crux of the question has been passed unnoticed.
In the first place, it must be admitted that oology is not embryology and
that, therefore, it is more or less unreasonable to discard the former because
it has given no results to the latter branch of science. Oology, even at its
best, has nothing to do v\^ith the development or structure of the
embryo, except in so far as it afifects the removal of the same from the
shell. Therefore, oology, as oology, should not be tried on its merits as
embryology, though it is difficult to see how any thorough naturalist can be
unfamiliar with the great names cited in former letters on this subject.

Mr. Lucas has mentioned several cases where external ovarian fea-
tures have yielded greater or lesser results in capable hands, and a few more
might be cited that have shown confirmatory evidence of taxonomical
relationships, but here is the point — are these few and isolated results
enough and sufficient to dignify the subject as a special 'ology'? Is there a
series of facts in nature, however commonplace they may be, that, with the
same amount of work as has been expended upon egg-shells, would
not have yielded equal if not greater results ? Do these meager results war-
rant us classing egg-shell study, as a whole, as scientific?

On one point aU authorities seem agreed, that nest-hunting does afllord

Oology a Science 79

atlinirablc facilities for the stiul\- of bird habits and life -histories, but is
not this but a by-product of o()lo^y'? Are eg^s collected for the sake
of the life-history knowledge thus gained, or are habits studied to aid egg-
collecting ? In other words, is life-history the end of oology, or is it a
means to an end ? If the former is the case, egg-collecting must be looked
upon as scientific, but in the latter we can only regard it as in the
nature of kindergarten work and as a means of absorbing knowledge in
a pleasant way.

The fact that some of our greatest ornithologists began as collectors
of eggs does not alter the question in any way; they began in the kin-
dergarten, that is all. The question is, "How many of them kept at it
when they grew able to do better ?" This immediately brings to mind the
memory of the late Major Bendire, who, perhaps, reached the high-water
mark in American oology. But what part of his fame rests upon his oolog-
ical work? If we eliminated the strict oological matter from his 'Life-
Histories,' would the latter be seriously damaged ? Reverse this operation
and what would be left ? If the pursuit of egg-collections was the only
way in which knowledge of the habits of birds could be attained, the ques-
tion would have a different aspect, but could not Bendire have learned
as much of birds and their ways if he had taken up photography, or
had sought to tag nestlings for migrational study, or, in fact, had taken up
any one of the many subjects of inquiry that suggest themselves ? Until
such is proved to the contrary, the case of Bendire, and others of his class,.
cannot go far to substantiate the scientific claims of the oologist.

Mr. Lucas asks also whether the average skin -collector is any less of a
"mere collector" than the average oologist ? I am afraid that he is not,,
but there is this difference; he is of more use to science than the lat-
ter. A skin, with its locality and date, is always of value irrespective of the
maker. It bears its own identity upon itself, and at any time may fall into
the hands of those who can use it. A properly made skin made by a savage
is of as much importance as one made by Mr. Ridgway, except, per-
haps, for sentimental reasons. Some of our most valuable data has been
gathered from old collections made by "mere collectors." As much cannot
be said for egg-collections. Egg-shells can, in the great majority of cases,
be only identified by the label and data attached, and this can never, in any
case, be any more reliable than the knowledge of the one that wrote
it. Their identity is but the opinion of one man, and once the record is
made, mistakes can never be corrected. Add to this that, in many
cases, absolute identification is impossible to make without taking and pre-
serving the parents, and that at all times the utmost care must be taken to
make sure that the eggs really belonged to the supposed parents, and
we have ample reason for doubting what little value there is in the "mere
collector" of eggs.

8o Bird -Lore

Mr. Lucas says that his letter must not be taken too seriously, thereby
admitting that his words are but an apology and not a justification, and it is
well that he does add that qualifying statement when he comes to speak of
the comparative values of Old Squaws and Great Auks. 1 would not
like to offer him a skin of the latter in straight exchange for one of
the former. He would likely defend his eagerness to trade on good,
scientific grounds.

The mention of the name of Sir Alfred Newton as a defender of the
oologist, made me naturally turn to his Dictionary of Birds, but I find that
he does not seem to deem the word oology as of sufficient importance
to even mention it as a separate heading, and only refers to it under
the heading of "egg," p. 182. This edition is dated 1899, and seems
to indicate that with years a riper judgment has considerably altered his
opinions on this question. I quote what he says about it:

"It is, therefore, eminently pardonable for the victims of this devotion to
dignify their passion by the learned name of 'Oology,' and to bespeak for it
the claims of a science. Yet the present writer — once an ardent follower of
the practice of birds' -nesting, and still, on occasion, warming to its
pleasures — must confess to a certain amount of disappointment as to the
benefits it was expected to confer on Systematic Ornithology, though
he yields to none in his high estimate of his utility in acquainting the

learner with the most interesting details of bird-life " This seems

to sum up the question in a few words that I have taken considerable space
to state. The apologetic tone that is so evident in Mr. Lucas' letter
and the editorial of Mr. Grinnell's in 'The Condor,' is most evident here.
In conclusion, I am induced to give the gist of a quotation that
floats hazily through the brain — from I know not where — but to the effect
that the greatest interest in oological work lies in "What contains the egg
and what the egg contains."

This may be epigrammatic, but we sometimes find a good deal of truth
even in an epigram. — P. A. Taverner, Highland Park, Mich.

Plumages of the Robin

The colored plate of the Robin, published in this number of BlRD-
LORE, shows the female as duller than the male. Often, however, the sexes
cannot be distinguished in color, the female being fully as bright as a richly
colored male.

jBtotefi^ from jFtelti anti ^tudp

A Hummingbird That Wanted Light

The accompanying picture shows the nest
of a Broad-tailed Hummingbird built in a
most peculiar situation. I presume it to have
been the above-named species, as that is the
most common one in this locality, but as
only the female was seen I cannot he posi-
tive, for tiie females of
the Broad-tailed and
Rufous-backed Hum-
mers are too much alike
to be told apart unless
one has the specimens
in hand. This nest was
built, as the photograph
shows, on an electric
light fixture on the porch
of a residence in Colo-
rado Springs. The light
is directly in front of
the front door of the
house, and so close to it
that the screen door,
which swings out, comes
within a few inches of
the lamp when opened.
It was July 18 when the
picture was taken. At
that time people were
passing in and out quite
frequently, and sitting
on the porch much of
the time, but they did
not seem to disturb the
bird.

The picture shows
how the nest was placed
on the fixture much better
than I can describe it.
In taking the picture I
must have been at work
over a quarter of an
hour, but the bird never
budged, though I was
fussing about with a
step-ladder, using that
for a support for the

camera, in order to get somewhere near to
a level with the nest. Several exposures
were made, the longest of a minute, the
others less, but all were time exposures,
and not a single negative shows any trace
of the bird having moved.

Two young were successfully reared in
the nest and flew away. The parent bird
was seen to come back
once after the young
had left, examine the
nest, and then depart.
Possibly, of course, this
may have been another
bird attracted by the
sight of the nest. It cer-
tainly seems to be a very
remarkable instance of
confidence on the part
of a bird, when one con-
siders the publicity of
the location and the
constant disturbance the
bird was subjected to by
people passing in and
out, and moving about
on the porch. — Edw aro
R. Warren, Colorado
Springs, Colo.

The Feeding Habits of
the Blue Jay

In the November-
December, 1906, num-
ber of Bird-Lore, the
Editor offers a welcome
to the testimony of orni-
thologists from the Mis-
sissippi valley upon the
feeding habits of the
common Jay. It was my
good fortune, through a
period of nearly twenty
years, to be an interested
observer of bird-life in
that region, principally
along the Baraboo and
Wisconsin rivers.

(81)

82

Bird - Lore

The Jay, like the poor of the scriptural
passage, was always with us, summer and
winter. In the latter season he frequented
largely the corn-cribs of the farmers, and
would even come familiarly into the wood-
shed of the house where we lived in the
edge of the village. As a boy I liked the
sociable fellow in winter; but when the
spring and summer came the Jay was hated
by all the other birds, and I could not help
sharing in their feeling. In the ' ' oak open-
ings," as we called them, along the edge of
the prairies, he was the one sly and ferocious
robber of eggs and young birds. The Mi-
grant Shrike made his feather-lined nest in
the locusts or amid the thorny depths of the
osage orange hedges, and he took also is
occasional toll of a Sparrow in summer and
Nuthatch in winter But I have never seen
the birds gather in screeching flocks against
the Shrike as I have seen and heard them
with the Jay. My remembrance of the Jay's
depredations upon the young of birds recalls
more especially his greed for the young of
the Baltimore Oriole. With the exception
of the regions along the river-bottoms there
were few elms and maples, and the Orioles
built their nests most often in the top
branches and twigs of the bur-oak. These
were sufficiently stiff to permit of so large a
bird as the Jay perching upon them and
making of the young Orioles an easy prey.

But the robber was not particular in his
choice. All the birds hated him, and he
preyed upon the eggs and young of all.

May I also add this, however, as a pos-
sible explanation of the varying observation
and verdict of different bird-students as to
the habits of the Jay. His feeding habits
may be different in different localities, and
even at different times. I state this from my
observations of another species of birds.
That other species is the Bronzed Grackle.
The western sloughs and river-bottoms
fairly swarmed with this Grackle, and yet,
in all the twenty years of my residence in
Wisconsin, I never saw a Grackle molest a
nest, or eat either egg or young.

In the East I have lived now for some-
thing over thirty years, always and in many
different localities, taking deep interest in the
birds. But until I came to my present place

of residence I never saw a Grackle rob a
bird's nest. But eleven years ago, on com-
ing to Litchfield, the marauding habits of
the Purple Grackle were forced upon my
notice to such an extent that if it had been
my only experience with the birds I should
have said that their chief diet during the
nesting season is made up of the eggs and
young of other birds. These depredations
went on through a period of three or four
years. The Robins were the special victims.
Hardly a nest in the apple trees about our
door, and, in so far as we could see, in the
orchard of our neighbor, escaped. The con-
stant bickerings of the Robins and the harsh
cry of their enemies under attack, quite
spoiled our spring-time pleasure. I have
seen, at such times, the Grackle making off
with fledglings of the Robin which were
quite a load for him to carry.

Now here is the strange part of the story : —
For four years I have not seen a single depre-
dation of a Grackle upon the nest of Robin
or other bird. It is true that the Grackles,
during this period, have not been nesting
near us in such numbers as they did. But
they have been present in the region, and I
can only attribute the peacefulness of these
later times to a change of habit on the part
of the black freebooters. In tropical coun-
tries, where the tiger abounds, it is not true
that all tigers are man-eating ones; but let
the tiger once get a taste of human blood
and then he becomes the terror of the villages,
lurking in wait and snatching his victims
wherever he can come upon them. May not
the same be true of the bird- eating ]?iyi and
Grackles? — John Hutchins, Litchfield,
Conn.

The Blue Jay as a Destroyer

In Dundee, Illinois, while walking down
one of its shady streets, I heard a great com-
motion among the English Sparrows.
Glancing up on to the outstretching bough
of a box elder, I saw a Blue Jay ferociously
tearing to pieces and devouring a young,
callow Sparrow just picked out of its nest.
It had no feathers on. The nest was con-
spicuous a short distance ofl^. A friend of
mine testifies that she saw at Stevens Point,

Notes from Field and Study

83

Wisconsin, a Blue Jay eating the remains
of a youni^ Song Sparrow just Hiclieil from
its nest on the ground.

If the Blue Jay will confine its diet to tiie
young English Sparrow I am fairly content,
and could see a possible way by which we
could be rid of some of these miserable rats
of the air; but when the question is turned
toward a depletion of the beautiful Song
Sparrow, there I have to weigh evidence.

The large nests of the English Sparrow
are such objective bunches of deformity,
perhaps the Jay will go for them sooner
than for the diminutive homes of the
Chipping or the Song Sparrows, when we
could allow the Jay to continue in his
depredation. I don't believe every pair of
Jays go into this kind of business; yet there
is testimony enough here in the West to
establish the fact that as much as we
delight to see the bird on a cold winter's
day, yet he does sometimes develop strong
cannibalistic tendencies. — Geo B. Pratt,
Chicago, III.

The Blue Jay s Food
The appended quotation is from the Bos-
ton 'Evening Record' of January 3, 1907.
Blue Jays ^re very plenty here, as well as
brown-tail moth nests. I shall watch the
Jays most carefully, and if I find this good
work is kept up shall be glad to report it to
you. It will be interesting to know if you
receive any reports of like nature from other
sections. — Geo. G. Blanchard, IVilton,
N. H.

BLUE JAY EATS MOTHS AND MOTH EGGS

"Wilton, N. H., Jan. i.— I he Blue Jay
is helping to solve the brown-tail moth
question. Dr. Hatch reports that he wit-
nessed a sight which will be of interest to
all the people of New Hampshire, and it
may in a measure help out the brown-tail
moth question. While calling upon a
patient he noticed a Blue Jay at work on a
tree near the window.

"Upon investigating he found it was
breaking into the nests of the brown-tail
and eating the eggs and the moths them-
selves. The bird cleaned the tree and was
busily engaged on another when the doctor

left. Upon fxaniinatiDii he found that every
nest had been c'eaned. Bird students explain
this by saying that the crust has been hiding
a great deal of the bird's food, and he is
getting what he can find elsewhere."

A Persistent Phoebe

For the past four years a pair of Phcebes
has taken possession of a certain spring-
house near here. The nest has yearly been
destroyed, owing to its near proximity to a
much-used path. I was, therefore, greatly
suiprised, on April 17, 1906, to see a pair
building in the same old place. Two days
later the nest was completed and contained
one egg. The following day I planned
to photograph the egg, but I found the
rafter stripped of its dainty home.

On May 2, I again found them at work
on a new nest where the first had formerly
been, but this was likewise destroyed, and
so also was a third the following week.
Far from being discouraged, however, they
began a new structure on the opposite side
of the building which protruded into a
small pond.

This was also torn down and left the
poor birds once more without a home. I
anxiously awaited to see what their next
move would be. I am sorry to say they soon
began a nest in the place where they had
lost their first three homes. At first they
were successful, and laid one egg: but,
alas! this was also taken.

I thought they would give up and try
somewhere else, but they went right to work
and built a nest on the water-side of the
spring-house, far out of reach. This, sixth
and last, nest, I am glad to say, was not
molested. It was started on June 10, and
served as a home for the patient Phoebe's
young ones. — L. S. Pearson, Wayne, Pa.

An Unusual Nesting-Site of the Ameri-
can Long-eared Owl

It was in the spring of 1903 (April 13)
that I came upon the nest of an American
Long-eared Owl placed upon the ground
underneath a couple of low, scraggy bushes.
The locality in general was a bit of swampy
ground, well fringed in by thickets of wil-

8+

Bird -Lore

low and other water- loving species of
shrubs, surrounded on two sides by wood-
land. Plenty of suitable nesting-sites were
to be had in this wood for the asking, so
there was no apparent reason for this pair
departing so far from their usual habits of
nesting in trees. In fact, a nest of the
species had been, shortly before, discovered
in a hollow limb of one of the trees.

The nest proper consisted simply of a few
leaves and fine rootlets laid on the bare
ground. No attempt at concealment other
than that afforded by the surrounding shrubs
had been made. Six eggs were present, oval
in shape and pure white.

The female manifested great displeasure
at my presence, and her peculiar notes, re-
sembling the moaning meow of a cat, soon
brought the male to the scene of action.
Although the latter exhibited his annoyance
at having his home matters broken in upon,
by a sharp snapping of the beak, he was not
nearly as determined in his efforts to frighten
as the female. She would frequently fiy so
close to my head and with such a show of
courage as to cause me to duck in some trepi-
dation. Upon one occasion, when bending
over the nest to secure a better view of its
contents, she hissed loudly, accompanying
the action with a fluttering movement of her
wings and a general ruffling of the entire
plumage.

During the period of my stay at the nest
the birds kept within a circle of thirty feet.
The female was on several occasions within
easy reach.

Some few days later I revisited the nest in
hopes of gaining a view of the young, but
was disappointed to find the eggs broken
and the nest abandoned.— A. D Finker,
Ann Arbor, Mic/ii^an.

The Bartramian Sandpiper

I have been greatly astonished, in reading
"Special Audubon Leaflet No. 6," on Bar-
tram's Sandpiper, to find the statement
made three times, that this bird is wholly
insectivorous. In Nebraska, at least, like
many other birds, it takes what comes most
easily. After the wheat is cut, and during
migration, it frequents the wheat stubble
and gorges itself with the waste grain.

They become, naturally, very fat on this
nourishing food. As I used to find them on
the rye stubble, commonly in Connecticut,
when I was a lad, I presume they were
eating rye likewise, but it did not interest
me then as now to observe the stomach
contents.

All that is said in the ' Leaflet ' regarding
the confiding nature of these birds and their
value in the landscape is perfectly correct.
They used to be shot for market straight
through the nesting season in Rock county,
Nebraska. They should, however, certainly
be well protected during the nesting season,
and not more than one month be open, as
is the case in some states with Quail and
other useful birds. I think it highly prob-
able that this liberty would be more bene-
ficial here, and elsewhere, than absolute
prohibition. Such is human nature. — J. M.
Bates, Red Cloud, Nebraska.

Robins and Sparrows

For a number of years I have been an
interested observer of the bird-life about my
home, but not until last summer did I note
that the English Sparrow had begun to
trouble the Robins so much that the lat-
ter are now seen in fewer numbers than
during past seasons. A large lawn near my
home has long been the Robins" favorite
feeding-place. Sometimes eight or ten of
these birds might be seen, but this year
(1906) they have almost deserted it, and
it is rare to see more than two there at the
same time. The cause of this is as follows:
As soon as a Robin alights and begins
to search for a worm, an English Sparrow
will fly down and follow it closely. When
the Robin pulls forth the worm the Sparrow
rushes in, seizes it and flies off a few feet
to swallow it. The Robin looks around in
a bewildered sort of way but makes no
attempt to recover the stolen morsel, and
either goes to hunting again or flies away.
Sometimes he has time to secure a worm
before the Sparrow is back, but most often
not. This performance is gone through
with nearly every time a Robin visits the
lawn, so that now they rarely visit the
place where once they were so common. —
C. M. Arn(ji.I), iroonsocket, R. I.

iSooft i^etoe; and 3^ebieto0

The Warbi.hrs or North Amhrica. By
Frank M. Chapman, vvitli the cocipieration
of other ornithologists, with 24 full-page
coloreii plates by Louis Agassi/ Fuertes
and Bruce Horsfall and 8 half-tones of
nests and eggs. D. Appleton ci: Co.,
New York City. 8vo., 320 pages.

However jaded may be the palate of the
weary bird-student who has swallowed the
nature-books of the last few years, he will
assuredly experience new and pleasant sen-
sations on turning the pages of Mr. Chap-
man's latest contribution to his particular
needs. It is a work valuable to the expert
and indispensable to the amateur who would
know all that there is to know about the life
and surroundings of the Warblers of North
America, so fitly called the "best gems of
Nature's cabinet." It contains a wealth of
biographical ami other detail that is posi-
tively bewildering, but the arrangement is
good and the volume well printed and of
convenient size.

The plan of the work, which the author
rightly hopes "adequately reflects existing
knowledge of the North American Mniotil-
tidae," is admirably carried out in every
detail. Each of the fifty-five species and
nineteen subspecies peculiar to the conti-
nent is treated separately, with a colored
figure of each species. These plates, by
Fuertes and Horsfall, having already ap-
peared in Bird-Lore, need no commen-
dation here. There are, in addition, a dozen
new half-tones illustrating nests and eggs.
An introduction of thirty-six pages is devoted
to 'General Characters,' 'Plumage,' 'Distri-
bution,' 'Migration,' 'Song,' 'Nesting
Habits,' 'Food' and 'Mortality,' the remain-
ing 301 covering the individual species.
Under each of these will be found first, its
'Distinguishing Characters,' followed by
'General Distribution,' 'Summer Range,'
'Winter Range,' 'Spring Migration,' 'Fall
Migration,' 'The Bird and its Haunts,'
'Song,' 'Nesting-Site.' 'Nest,' 'Eggs,'
'Nesting Dates' and 'Biographical Refer-
ences'— in short, nothing is lacking save the
purely technical which would be out of place

in a volume of this kind. This brief outline
of contents, however, gives very little idea
of the valuable contributions to the life-his-
tories of the birds which have flowed from
the author's own pen or have been judi-
ciously culled here and therefrom the writings
of others. Indeed, our author has been so
generous in crediting the contributions of
others that he has, we think, too modestly
put himself in the background while cover-
ing his retreat with quotation marks. There
has also been much original matter contrib-
uted to the book; Professor Cooke's migra-
tion data and Mr. Gerald Thayer's descrip-
tion of songs and habits, being especially
noteworthy

Among the numerous praiseworthy features
of the book may be noted the efforts to de-
scribe songs. Now, not for a moment should
the current use of 'cheps' and 'zees' and even
musical notation be discouraged; but it must
not be forgotten that, at best, these symbols
merely jog the memory of the individual who
writes them in his note-book and mean
nothing to ears that have not heard the
original music. Inasmuch as most bird notes
are far removed from human rendition, a
sentence, such as "you must come to the
woods, or you won't see me," which Mr.
Chapman felicitously attributes to the
Hooded Warbler, is quite as likely to rouse
the memory echo as any jumble of meaning-
less syllables. We note, too, with regret,
that the 'teacher' song of the Oven-bird is
merely scotched. Any one who can put the
accent on the first syllable certainly gets the
cart before the horse.

The care in^the descriptions of plumages
and the elaborateness of the tables of migra-
tion data are also features deserving of
especial mention, and there is a novel group-
ing of the Warblers according to their
songs.

Belief in the stability of popular names
receives a severe shock in the loss of our old
friend, the Maryland Yellow-throat, that
must now be known as the Northern Yellow-
throat with a Latin name a foot long. We

(85)

86

Bird- Lore

could have spared the less familliar Connec-
ticut Warbler or the Tennessee, but this is
indeed too much for our equanimity. Cruel
fashion deprives us of our birds, wliile a
crueler science deprives us of the very names
by which they might linger in our memories !
Some critics might take exception to the
contents of that ornithological scrap basket,
the 'Hypothetical List' or object to Oporor-
nis as a full genus, but such minor matters
in no wise affect the general excellence of
the work. It is one that reflects great credit
on its author and will be nothing short of a
boon to everybody who wants to learn the
best of everything that is known about the
North American Warblers — J. D., Jr.

Bird-Craft. A Field Book of Two Hun-
dred Song, Game and Water Birds. By
Mabel Osgood Wright. With eighty
full-page plates by Louis Agassiz Fuertes.
New York, The Macmillan Company,
1907. i2mo, 319 pages.

The contents of this standard book have
long since passed with honor the examination
of the reviewer, and we call attention to this
new edition only to comment on the new
dress with which 'Bird-Craft' celebrates its
twelfth year. The text is printed on un-
glazed paper, adding greatly to ihe pleasure
with which the book is read, while Mr.
Fuertes' bird portraits ('drawing' is far too
indefinite a term to apply to the character-
istic work of this artist) are effectively repro-
duced as plates on the coated paper half-
tone engravings require. The corners of the
pages are rounded, the cover is flexible, and,
in short, the book's makeup makes it closely
conform to the requirements of its subtitle. —
F. M. C.

The Birds of Amherst and Vicinity. By
Hubert Lyman Clark. Second edition;
revised and rewritten. Amherst, Mass.,
Press of Carpenter and Moorehouse, 1906.
i2mo, 103 pages.

The original edition of this list, published
in 1887, has been long out of print, and the
present edition has been prepared to meet
the demand which every authoritative, easily
accessible, local list creates for itself. Ten
species are added to the list of 1887, making
185 which are included n the present list.
A 'Field Key' of twenty-one pages is a new

feature, while the 'Artificial Key' has been
remodeled. Brief descriptions of plumage
are included under each species, with the
remarks on its local status, making it possible
for the student to begin his study of Amherst
birds with no other help than this book
affords. The nomenclature is several years
behind the times, but since the A. O. U.
'Check-list' now in preparation promises to
make our current classification and nomen-
clature quite out-of-date, it is probably
advisable to await its appearance and take
the medicine at one dose. — F. M. C.

Biological Conditions in Nebraska. By
R. H. Wolcott. Studies from the Zoo-
logical Laboratory of the University of
Nebraska. No. 68. Lincoln, Neb. De-
cember 1906. Pp. 23-34.

Within a few pages Dr. Wolcott draws a
clear and comprehensive picture of faunal
conditions in Nebraska. The state is divided
into a 'Missouri Wooded Region, ' a 'Prairie
Region,' a 'Sandhill Region,' a 'Plains
Region' and a 'Pine-Woods Region ' In
other words, Nebraska is a true connecting
link between eastern and western bird-life.
In its eastern part many arboreal eastern
birds find the western limit of their range,
the avifauna of the plains is fully developed
in its arid western portions, while the in-
trusion of wooded foothills in the north-
western part of the state marks the eastern
limits of the range of a number of western
arboreal species. Small wonder, then, that
400 birds have been recorded from Ne-
braska,— a larger number, we believe, than
has been found in any other state except
California and Texas. — F. M. C.

The Ornithological Magazines

The Al'k. — There is much that is com-
mon-place in the January 'Auk,' for it can
hardly be expected to furnish new thrills
every quarter; still it is very pleasant for its
readers to wade in fancy up to their waists,
with Mr. C. G. Abbott, in the mud and
water of the Newark marshes, and study at
close range such denizens as the Florida
Gallinule, Least Bittern, Pied-billed Grebe,
and others whose presence so near great
centers of population was hardly to have
been suspected. Mr. C. W. Beebe's 'Notes

Book Notes and Reviews

87

on the Early I-ife of Loon Chicks' is also
instructive. He watched a pair of young-
sters in the New York 'Zoo' and their
habits, taken in connection with observations
on other species, convince him that swim-
ming, feeding, flight, call-notes and other
phenomena are congenital instincts,— so
away goes the pretty fable of the fond
parents teaching their offspring to fly!

Mr. F. M Chapman now tells us that
the Maryland Yellow-throat did not origi-
nally come from Maryland, bravely slaugh-
ters his Florida form, ignota, on the altar of
synonomy, and leaves us with two races east
of the Rockies, —theSouthern Yellow-throat,
tric/ias, and the Northern Yellow-throat,
brachiJactyla, for which conclusions let us
be profoundly thankful.

A fresh batch of Audubon-Baird letters
are presented by Mr. R. Deane, and they
contain many bits of information concerning
birds and beasts of America as known fifty
years ago.

There is a local list of the spring birds of
Tishomingo county. Miss., by A. Allison,
and one of those of Cobalt, Ontario, by F. C.
Hubel There is a strange lack in the
latter of several species that must have been
overlooked, and the form of Downy Wood-
pecker should be medianus, not ^^ pubescens."

Mr. J. H. Fleming's accurate list of the
birds of Toronto is completed in the present
number. Two hundred and ninety species
and subspecies are recorded from a some-
what limited area. Among 'General Notes'
'A Migration Disaster in Western Ontario'
is worthy of special attention. Thousands of
birds were drowned in Lake Huron, over-
taken by the snow and cold of October 10,
1906. In closing, a review of the proceed-
ings of the Twenty -fourth Congress of the
A. O. U. may be noted, also an article by
Dr. J. A. Allen on the status of the Rio
Grande Seedeater. — J. D., Jr.

The Condor. — Two numbers of 'The
Condor' have appeared since the last review
in Bird-Lore. The November number
opens with the first part of Finley's 'Life
History of the California Condor, ' illustrated
with photographs by Bohlman, which in-
clude some of the most remarkable pictures

of birds ever taken with a camera. The
author has made a wonderful addition to our
knowledge of the nesting habits and devel-
opment of the young of this rapidly disap-
pearing bird. Four other papers on habits
of western birds also deserve mention. These
are Bowles' account of 'The Kennicott
Screech Owl' ; Sharp's description of 'Nest-
ing of the Red-bellied Hawk' in San Diego
county, California ; Miss Head's 'Observa-
tions of the Notes and Ways of Two Western
Vireos' and Willett's note on 'The Southern
California Clapper Rail Breeding on Fresh
Water.' The editor reviews the status of
the Hutton Vireo, recognizing three forms:
Fireo huttoni, which is common west of the
Sierras; V. h. oberlinlseri in San Diego
county, and V. mailliardorum on Santa
Cruz Island. An editorial on 'Better Ver-
nacular Names' suggests a number of
changes chiefly in the interests of utility,
uniformity, and the substitution of English
names now in common use for the 'book
names' now applied to several species in the
A. O. U. check list.

In the January number, the two leading
articles are on the habits of the Magpie in
Colorado. The first is by Warren, on 'Photo-
graphing Magpies,' and the other by Gil-
man, on 'Magpies on the La Plata.' Finley
contributes an account of his work 'Among
the Gulls on Klamath Lake,' in Southern
Oregon in 1905. A good illustration of the
opportunities for original observations even
in localities supposed to be well known is
given in Carriger and Pemberton's 'Nesting
of the Pine Siskin in California.' In 1903
and 1904 the authors examined some 25 sets
of eggs of this species in San Mateo and
San Francisco counties. In view of the fact
that this section has been the collecting
ground of ornithologists for forty years or
more, and was supposed to be as well-known
as any part of the state, the record is as re-
markable as it is interesting. Among the
shorter notes is a record of the nesting of the
English Sparrow at Newhall, Los Angeles
county. May 19, 1906. This record marks
the lirst entrance of the bird into southern
California and indicates a decided advance
in the distribution of the species in the
Southwest.— T. S. P.

Bird - Lore

A Bi-monthly Maerazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds

OFPICIXL ORGAN OF THH AUDUBON SOCIETIES

Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

Vol. IX

Published April

1907

No. 2

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico
twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post-
age paid.

COPYRIGHTED, I907, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Bird-Lore's Motto:
A Bird in the Bush is IVorth Two in the Hand

The last issue of 'The Warbler' contains
the unwelcome news that this publication
has been discontinued. Mr. Childs has
published some excellent material in this
magazine, and we regret to see that his
enterprise has not been accorded the support
it deserves.

This makes the third journal wholly or
in part devoted to birds, which has sus-
pended publication within a year, 'The
Warbler' being preceded by 'American
Ornithology' and 'Our Animal Friends."
All merited a better fate; for we believe
that they came to their end not through
failure on the part of their editors to meet
the demands of their readers.

Are we to infer, then, that the demise of
these periodicals indicates a decreased inter-
est in bird study on the part of the public
to which they catered? Personally, we
should not hesitate to reply to this question
with an emphatic "No," and we base our
answer on the experiences of an unusually
active lecture season which has brought us
in contact with the bird-loving public in
many and widely separated districts, on our
knowledge of the sales of bird books, and
on the ever-widening field of Audubon
educational work.

Why, then, have the magazines mentioned
been forced to suspend publication? Doubt-
less they have not been "forced" to suspend,
but probably they have been discontinued
because they have not met with the success
their originators anticipated.

Their failure is not to be attributed to loss

of interest on the part of the public, but
rather to the fact that no ornithological
magazine has ever secured a circulation large
enough to assure it the patronage of adver-
tisers, and without advertising the most pros-
perous magazine of the day could not exist
as a profitable proposition.

Whether a sufficient number of possible
subscribers exist to make a bird magazine
profitable, from a commercial point of view,
is open to question, but assuredly the means
has not as yet been devised for bringing
such a magazine to their attention. General
advertising scores too many misses for each
hit made to make it profitable. Circulars
rarely seem to reach the mark, and if the
publisher cannot secure the cooperation of
his readers, he may be assured a handsome
deficit at the end of the year.

The Audubon education work to which
reference was made above is destined to ex-
ert an influence which only those intimately
concerned with its development appreciate.
When Mr. Willcox endowed the National
Association of Audubon Societies, bird-
lovers doubtless thought of the numerous
practical ways in which the resulting income
could be employed to protect birds, but few
doubtless realize the far-reaching influence
the expenditure of a portion of this income
for free Educational Leaflets will have on
the future of North American ornithology.
As long as this sum will supply the demand,
no teacher or pupil need lack first-class bird
literature, and the thousands and hundreds
of thousands of these little monographs, with
their attractively colored plates should reach,
an audience forever deaf to the publisher
who has profit in mind.

A WORD of explanation for the unfortunate
delay in the appearance of 'The Warbler
Book' is due the many inquirers who were
led to expect its publication in February.
Its tardiness is due to that 'congestion of
trade' of which we hear so much in other
branches of commerce. Paper that had been
l)romised early in January was not delivered
a month later and, as a result, the efforts of
author and printer to be prompt, went for
naught.

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

Address all communications to the Editor of the School Department, National
Association of Audubon Societies. 141 Broadway, New York City

APRIL

April is the dawn of the natural year. March is a sprinji; month merely by
courtesy— a sort of delusive "twilight," as Wilson Flagg said of it — through
which familiar shapes flit, appearing and disappearing like wind-blown phan-
toms. March may respond to the sudden lure of the south wind and,
yielding a little, show us a few hepaticas on a sheltered bank, a trembling
group of snowdrops in a garden corner, or the raised cowl of the skunk-
cabbage in the still ice-edged marsh. The flocks of Robins, Bluebirds and
Fox Sparrows may bring melody to the leafless trees, while the Meadow-
lark returns to the lowland pastures in company with his squeaking and
creaking cousins, the Crackles, Redwings and Cowbirds, and the Phoebe
vies with the Chickadee in telling his name about the sheds and outbuild-
ings. Or March may mean that the hope born of the lengthened days is
deferred by snow-squalls that check both insect and vegetable life and drive
the early birds disconsolately to mope in cover.

But with April all is different. To be sure, the old fields lie sere and
brown for the greater part of the month, edged and threaded here and there
by green ribbons born of watercourses, while on hillside and open woodlands
the verdure is of moss rather than grass; yet everywhere the change quivers
on the air, and the cheerful chorus of the hylas rises from the reed -beds and
makes the heart beat faster. For after all, northward from the middle part
of the country, it is by sounds rather than by sight that the season takes
possession of the senses and makes us realize that it has come. It is by the
bird and not by leaf or flower that Spring first proclaims herself; the flower
lies next to the heart of earth, and one would think should be the first
to feel the pulse of renewal; but no, it is to the bird of the air that the
vision below the visible horizon belongs and, as if seeing the glow of the
spring sun before it has reached us, the birds arrive as heralds to proclaim it.
Already, when April comes, the Woodcock is practicing his sky dance,
and a snow flurry during the first half of the month may whiten the back
of his mate brooding on her nest among the protecting leaves with which
her colors blend. In April two bird families send their members with a
rush. The flocks of Fox Sparrows increase and pause on their northerly
migration. The White-throats, traveling in still more leisurely fashion, pause

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90 Bird -Lore

wherever there are seeded weeds and grasses, and mingle their exquisite httle
piping song with that of the Purple Finch and Vesper Sparrows; while the
Song Sparrow, that was perhaps present as an individual all winter, becomes
legion in a single night, and presently the tremolo of the Chipping Sparrow,
insectlike though of different quality, sounds at dawn from the ground or a
low bush where he sits with head thrown back in rapture.

In April, toward the middle of the month, the Swallows return to us,
with their pretty call notes and lispings, and the ear and eye are often piqued
by the voices and plumage of many Warblers. The Myrtle, that has been with
us at intervals all winter, is easily named ; then there comes the Pine Warbler
and the Louisiana Water-Thrush, a Warbler that suggests the larger Wood
Thrush. The Black-throated Green and the Black and White Creeping
Warblers, the latter mistaken frequently by the novice for a diminutive
Woodpecker, may be expected, and, should the last week in April be fair
and the leaves of the birches and swamp maples old enough to throw a faint
shadow, in reply to the golden signal of the willows, we may prepare to
welcome deputations from the families of Thrushes, Wrens and Thrashers,
the Wood-Thrush, Catbird, Brown Thrasher and House Wren; and when
we see the latter tip-tilting and scolding about the repairs necessary to his
last year's residence, we know that spring, in all its promise and fullness, is
but lingering around the corner, coyly arranging her drapery before dancing
into our sight. — M. O. W.

NATURE STUDY ORGANIZATIONS

The value of nature study, properly conducted, as a training to the powers
of observation has long been conceded; moreover, its direct value in teach-
ing the true economic relations to man of objects animate and inanimate is
well established. The more we study nature the better we learn that part
of nature's balance which best conserves human interests. Such studies
have enabled us to distinguish between friends and enemies among the lower
creatures; to realize how the former are beneficial and the latter harmful.

It must be conceded, also, that "in union there is strength"; that
properly conducted organizations for the study and preservation of the lower
forms of life accomplish more than scattered individual effort.

Admitting all this, conscientious teachers are anxious to provide for the
nature-study needs of the pupils under their charge, but they sometimes are
at a loss to create that interest which must underlie all successful educational
work. The writer belongs to a natural history society which is remarkable
because of its success in maintaining deep interest among its members, and
the consequent good attendance at meetings, two things unfortunately rare
in such organizations.

The Audubon Societies 91

He also has had the privilege of attending, by invitation, a meeting of a
bird club composed of boys of a New Jersey school, and he was expected to
offer suggestions about the management of the club and its method of con-
ducting meetings; but, after critically noting the methods employed, he
could make no suggestions for their improvement.

There are certain features in the management of these two organizations
which so obviously contribute to their remarkable success that they are here
used as examples, in the hope that other organizations may derive from them
hints that will lead to a like measure of success.

The natural history clubs above referred to have the usual officers, which
are elected annually; meetings are held twice a month, and are presided
over by the president, or, in his absence, by the vice-president or some mem-
ber temporarily selected; the secretary keeps the minutes, which must be
read and approved at a subsequent meeting; the dues are $1 per year.

Occasionally a member gives a stereopticon talk or some other special
program, but the usual order is to pass briefly through the routine
business, roll-call, reading minutes of last meeting, election of members
proposed at last meeting, proposal of new members, unfinished business,
new business. Then comes "items of interest," under which head the
president calls on each member in turn for any matter of interest he
may have to relate, and general discussion of such items takes place. In a
membership almost entirely amateur it is surprising what an amount of
interesting and valuable information is brought out, and the discussion is so
informal that there is no atmosphere of undue stiffness or restraint. Follow-
ing the items of interest, all of the members exhibit specimens, rare or com-
mon, many being of the simplest form, yet all are of interest to those
present.

The boys' bird club referred to is nearly ideal and will continue to be so
while its original methods are adhered to. The ages of the members range
from twelve to sixteen years; there are the usual officers and parliamentary
methods of conducting meetings; the educational leaflets of the National
Association of Audubon Societies are used as a basis of study. A leaflet is
alloted to each member to study and report on, three or four members at
each meeting reading essays on as many different birds, studied from the
leaflet, from any other accessible source, and as far as possible from original
observations. In these essays, quotations are given from authorities, with
remarks on the quoted statements from the experience of the boy obser\'er,
much of the matter given being entirely original.

Prizes are given for the best essay during a given period.

Another feature is the reading, by each member, of a list of the birds
observed since the last meeting, and prizes are given for the best lists made
during a given period. A few of the boys have cameras and photograph
bird life, and here again prizes reward the greatest measures of success.

92 Bird - Lore

The boys are careful in their photographing not to harm or disturb the
birds; they aim to be very accurate in preparing lists, and they never collect
birds or eggs, but only nests after the birds have left them. The meetings
are held in the evening, twice a month, at the school. They have field days,
when they go out Saturday in small parties to find nests and record obser-
vations. They are always careful never to remain long in the vicinity of a
nest. While a teacher fosters the club, the management is entirely with the
boys.

Here is the problem of nature study solved ; study and work are made
play; no time is lost from other essential studies; powers of observation are
developed ; healthful recreation is had ; there is practice in parliamentary
methods of conducting meetings; information is acquired which in the future
life of the students will benefit them in a thousand practical ways; and all
the time the direction of their diversion, recreation and surplus energy is
turned into safe and improving channels and away from the innumer-
able temptations that beset boys. The writer has yet to hear of the boy
who earnestly and conscientiously studied nature who became a bad man.

The success of these two organizations is due to the way in which their
programs are made attractive. The same secret applies to man as well as
boy. Put an attractive program before the members, let them manage, sug-
gest, discuss, and, above all, observe and report their observations and leave
the success to them. They will take care of that part, and nature study can
be conducted not only without interfering with, but to the advantage of all
other practical studies — B. S. BowDiSH.

THE VALUE OF BLACKBIRDS

"Kalm states, in his 'Travels in America,' that in 1749, after a great
destruction among the Crows and Blackbirds for a legal reward of three
pence per dozen, the northern states experienced a complete loss of their
grass and grain crops. The colonists were obliged to import hay from
England to feed their cattle. The greatest losses from the ravages of the
Rocky Mountain locust were coincident with, or followed soon after, the
destruction by the people of countless thousands of Blackbirds, Prairie
Chickens, Quail, Upland Plover, Curlew, and other birds. This coinci-
dence seems significant, at least. A farmer from Wisconsin informed me
that, the Blackbirds in his vicinity having been killed ofif. the white grubs
increased in number and destroyed the grass roots, so that he lost four
hundred dollars in one year from this cause." — FoRBUSH, 'Useful Birds
and their Protection.'

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
(Upper Figure, Male; Lower Figure, Female)
Order — Passeres Family — Icterid^e

Genus — Agelaius Species — Phceniceus

THE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD

By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

TOf Rational association ot ^nnnbon Societies

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 25

"Among all the birds that return to us in April, which is the most strik-
ing and most compels attention ? " asked a bird -lover of a group of kindred
spirits.

"The Fox Sparrow," said one who lived on the edge of a village where
sheltered wild fields stretched up hill to the woodlands. ''Every morning
when I open my window I can hear them almost without listening."

■'The Phoebe," said another, who was the owner of a pretty home,
where many rambling sheds broke the way from cow-barn to pasture.

"The Whippoorwill," answered a third, a dweller in a remote colony of
artists in a picturesque spot of cleared woodland, where the ground dropped
quickly to a stream.

"No, the Woodcock," said her nearest neighbor, a man whose cottage
was upon the upper edge of these same woods, where they were margined
by moist meadows and soft bottomlands — a man who spent much time out-
of-doors at dawn and twilight studying sky effects.

"And I think it's Red-winged Blackbirds," cried the ten-year-old son of
the latter; "for when I go out up back of the trout brook by the little path
along the alders near the squashy place where the cattails grow in summer,
you've just got to hear them. You can't listen to them as you do to real
singing birds, for they make too much noise, and when you listen for a bird
it's got to be still at least in the beginning. Sometimes they go it all together
down in the bushes out of sight, then a few will walk out up to the dry
Meadowlark's field with Cowbirds, or maybe it's their wives, and then one
or two will lift up and shoot over the marsh back again, calling out just
like juicy sky-rockets. Ah, they're it in April before the leaves come out."
And, in spite of difference of viewpoint, the group finally acknowledged
that the boy was right.

In point of coloring the Redwing is faultlessly plumed —
Per^sorTality"^ ^ glossy black with epaulets of scarlet edged with gold — the
uniform of a soldier, and this, coupled with the three martial
notes that serve him as a song, would make one expect to find in him all
the manly and military virtues. But aside from the superficial matter of per-
sonal appearance, the Redwing is lacking in many of the qualities that
endear the feathered tribe to us and make us judge them, perhaps too much
by human standards.

When Redwings live in colonies it is often diflficult to estimate the exact

(93)

94 Bird - Lore

relationship existing between the members, though it is apparent that the
sober brown, striped females outnumber the males; but in places where the
birds are uncommon and only one or two male birds can be found, it is
easily seen that the household of the male consists of from three to five nests
each presided over by a watchful female, and when danger arises this feath-
ered Mormon shows equal anxiety for each nest, and circles screaming about
the general location. In colony life the males oftentimes act in concert as
a general guard, being diverted oftentimes from the main issue, it must be
confessed, to indulge in duels and pitched battles among themselves.

The Redwing belongs to a notable family — that of the
His Family Blackbirds and Orioles — and, in spite of the structural sem-
blances that group them together, the differences of plumage,
voice and breeding habits are very great.

The Cowbird, the Redwing's next of kin, even lacks the rich liquid call
note of the latter and the lack of marital fidelity on the part of the male is
met in a truly progressive spirit by the female, who, shirking all domestic
responsibility, drops her eggs craftily in the nests of other and usually smaller
birds, who can not easily resent the imposition. Though a strong proof of
the unconscious affinity of race lies in the fact that these young foundling
Cowbirds invariably join the parent flocks in autumn instead of continuing
with their foster mothers.

The Meadowlark with the true spring song, who hides his nest in the dry
grass of old fields, is also kin to the Redwing and the Bobolink too, the
vocal harlequin of the meadows and hillside pastures. The Orchard and
Baltimore Orioles, also next of kin, are skilled musicians and model husbands.

Still another plane is to be found in the Redwing's dismal cousins, the
Crackles— Purple, Rusty, Bronzed and Boat-tailed — all harsh of voice and
furtive in action, as if a Crow fairy had been present at their creating and,
endowing them with ready wits, had, at the same time, deprived them of
all sense of humor and cast a shadow upon their happiness. For a Gracklc
is gloomy, even during the absurd gyrations of his courtship, and when, in
autumn, the great flocks settle on lawns and fields and solemnly walk about,
as they forage they seem like a party of feathered mutes waiting to attend
the funeral of the year; and this trait somewhat tinctures the disposition of
the Redwing before and after the breeding season.

The Redwing, in one of his many subspecilic forms, and
His Country masquerading under many names, — Red -shouldered Black-
bird, American Starling and Swamp Blackbird, — lives in North
America from Nova Scotia and Great Slave Lake southward to Costa Rica.
The Redwing, as known to us of middle and eastern North America, breeds
in all parts of its United States and Canadian range, though it is more
numerous by far in the great prairies of the upper Mississippi valley, with
their countless backwater sloughs, than anvwhere else. It is in regions of

The Red-winged Blackbird

9S

this sort that tlie ^rcat flocks turn both to the fall-sown {j;rain, as well as
that of the crop in the ear, causing the farmers the loss that puts a black
mark against the Redwings. Yet those that dwell east of this area, owing
to the draining and ditching of their swamp\ haunts being in much reduced
numbers, are comparatively harmless.

During the winter months the Redwings are distributed

His Travels throughout the South, though stragglers may be occasionally

seen in many parts of their summer range. Exactly why they

begin the southward migration in September and end it with the falling of

the leaves in late October, it is not easy to guess; for the food -supply is not

NEST OF RED-WINGED BLACKBIRO
Photographed from nature by C. G. Abbott

at an end and they do not dread moderate cold, else why should they be
in the front rank of spring migrants?

The last of February will bring a few individuals of the advance guard
of males, [n early March their calls are heard often before the ice has
melted and the hylas found voice; yet, in spite of this hurried return, the
nesting season does not begin until the middle of May ; and so for two months
and more the flock life continues, and foraging, fighting and general court-
ing serve to kill time until the remote marshes show enough green drapery
to hide the nests.

96 Bird - Lore

As a nest-builder the Redwing shows much of the
His Nest weaver's skill of its Oriole cousins, though the material they

works with is of coarser texture, being fastened firmly to low
bushes or reeds and woven of grass and the split leaves of reeds and flags,
all nicely lined with soft grasses and various vegetable fibers. Often, like
that of the Marsh Wren, the nest will be suspended between three or four
reeds and so firmly knit that it resembles one of the four-legged work-
baskets that belonged to the ' mother's room ' of our youth. The pale
blue eggs of the Redwing are particularly noticeable from the character of
the markings that thickly cover the larger end, for they seem the work of
a sharp scratching pen dipped in purplish black ink and held by an aimless
human hand, rather than the distribution of natural pigment.

An eater of grain though the Redwing is, and a menace to
His Food the farmer in certain regions. Professor Beal concedes to him

a liberal diet of weed seeds and animal food, itself injurious to
vegetation. Dr. B. H. Warren, who has made a wide study of the food
habits of this Blackbird, says: "The Redwing destroys large numbers of
'cutworms.' I have taken from the stomach of a single swamp Blackbird
as many as twenty-eight 'cutworms.' In addition to the insects, etc., men-
tioned above, these birds also, during their residence with us, feed on earth-
worms, grasshoppers, crickets, plant -lice and various larvae, so destructive
at times in the field and garden. During the summer season, fruits of the
blackberry, raspberry, wild strawberry and wild cherry are eaten to a more
or less extent. The young, while under parental care, are fed exclusively
on an insect diet." These facts should make us of the East welcome rather
than discourage the Redwing; for this is one of the species of familiar birds
that must become extinct in many localities, owing to the circumstance so
desirable in itself of reducing the waste marsh lands, and, though later in
the year other birds replace him acceptably, March and April would seem
lonely without the Redwing, for then, as the child said, "You've just got
to look at him."

Questions for Teachers and Students

Are there other species of Redwing than the one pictured? Trace its distribution. How
far north does it breed? At what season does it leave for the South in autumn? When does
the spring migration begin? What sort of country does the Redwing inhabit, high or low
ground? Does it nest immediately on its return? Where is the nest built and of what
materials? Do Redwings mate in pairs like Robins and Bluebirds? Are the males and
females feathered alike? What color are the eggs? To what family does the Redwing
belong? Name some of his kindred.

Cbe Audubon ^octetie^

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER

srrespondcnce. and send all r
Association of Audubon Soc

iices for dues and C(
141 Broadway. Nc

York City

Membership in the National Association

$5.00 paid annually constitutes a person a Sustain I nj;
Member
1 1 00. 00 paid atone time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Patron
$5,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder
$z;.ooo.oo paid constitutes a person a Benefactor

FORM OF BEQUEST

/ do hereby ^ive atui bequeath to The
National Association of Audubon Socie-
ties FOR the Protection of Wild Birds
AND Animals (Incorporated), of the City of
Neiu York,

Legislation

This issue of Bird-Lore might well be
called the legislative number, as all of the
matter in the Executive Department will
relate only to legislative proceedings through-
out the country.

While much of the story will show that
the Association has been successful in many
of its attempts for better legislation and the
defeat of bad legislation, yet, unfortunately,
in some important cases the forces that have
combined against us have been successful.
In the entire experience of the President of
the Association in legislative work, the year
1907 surpasses ail the others in the number
of bird and game bills that have been intro-
duced; they certainly number several hun-
dred. It is true that many of them are local
bills of little importance, but, on the other
hand, many of them seem to have emanated
from market-hunters and game dealers who
are becoming very restive under the pressure
of restricted opportunities for killing and
selling the fast-disappearing game birds and
animals of the country.

Our great benefactor, Mr. Willcox,

"builded far better than he knew" when his
love for wild life led him to leave to this
Association a substantial legacy. If the
National Association had not been placed
in its present strong position through this
benefaction, it would not have been able
to carry on the enormous amount of legis-
lative work that it has done during the
present legislative season. Heretofore, it
was only after the most careful consideration
and under the most urgent stress of circum-
stances that money could be appropriated
for legislative work, but this year we have
had able and energetic representatives doing
missionary work at a number of capitals.
The detailed story of legislative work
which follows will show to the members of
the Association and the readers of Bird-
Lore how important this branch of our
work is.

Congress and the Biological Survey

While the story of how the House Com-
mittee on Agriculture attempted to end the
existence of this valuable and important
Bureau is familiar to many of the members
of the Association, because they took an
active and prominent part in continuing the
Survey, yet to others this episode will be
entirely new; further, it is well to place
such matters on permanent record.

When the agricultural appropriation bill
was reported in Congress by the committee
in charge, it was discovered that no ap-
propriation whatever had been made for the
Bureau of Biological Survey. This meant
that this important and necessary Bureau
would be legislated out of existence, which
would have been such a serious handicap
and loss to the work of the National Associa-
tion that it would have taken years to have
overcome the setback. There was only one

(97)

98

Bird - Lore

thing to do, and that was for the National
Association and the State Audubon Societies
and the real sportsmen of the country to
rally to the work of saving the Survey.

The first week after the matter was dis-
covered was a busy time at the Association
headquarters. The mails weie entirely too
slow, and whole letters were sent by wire to
all parts of the country, asking for help in
this emergency. Our lecturers and organ-
izers were taken from their legitimate work
and were detailed to help save the Biological
Survey. The importance of this Survey to
the Association can hardly be realized,
unless one is actively connected with the
■work at headquarters. To the Biological
Survey we turn for all data regarding the
food habits of birds and their relations to
agriculture that are used, and in addition,
whenever the Association is advocating a
legislative bill relating to game or non-
game birds, the Bureau of Biological Survey
IS appealed to for an expert to appear at
hearings. To the Bureau also we turn for
publications, relative to birds and game,
for distribution to help in the educational
campaign the Association is always carry-
ing on.

Who instigated the outrageous attack on
the Bureau of Biological Survey is hard to
discover, but when we recall the work done
by the members of the House Agricultural
Committee in 1906, in the matter of the
meat-packing bill, it suggests the thought
that the same interests, through the same
channels, sought to cripple the work of
game protection and to remove a factor that
is doing so much to stop the sale and cold
storage of game.

The Senate of the United States insisted
that the Survey be continued, and forced the
House into a compliance with its wishes;
thus reflecting the wishes of every person in
the United States interested in the preserva-
tion of its wild life.

The Bureau of Biological Survey was
continued with the same meager appropria-
tion that it had last year. This appropria-
tion is so small that it does not permit the
Bureau to carry on its valuable work with a
force of scientists that it should be able to
employ.

The National Association and the real
sportsmen of the country are struggling at
the present time with the subject of the
preservation of the water game-birds of the
country, and the Survey is unable to give
us any data as yet regarding the food habits
of this class of birds, simply because they
have never yet been in a position to make
these important investigations. It is ex-
tremely desirable and vitally important that
the food of the shoal water-ducks and the
shore-birds of the country should be de-
termined at once; there is little doubt but
that it will be discovered that these two
classes of birds destroy enormous numbers
of noxious insects whose larval stages are
passed in water, but the proofs are needed.

Maine — Our representative in Maine,
Mr. Arthur H. Norton, some time since
sent us a copy of a petition that had been
sent to the legislature of his state by eighty-
three persons, residents in the township of
Lubec, and another petition from nineteen
persons in the township of Trescott, both of
which towns are in Washington county, in
the extreme eastern part of the state. The
petition prayed for an amendment to Section
8 of Chapter 32 of the Revised Statutes by
adding after the word "caught" in the
fourth line the words "but this shall not
apply to the shooting of Gulls by the owners
of land or those having lawful possession
thereof in the towns of Lubec and Trescott
and Whiting in Washington county, while
said Gulls are in the act of taking or menac-
ing to take fish exposed for drying purposes
or fish refuse or pumice spread upon said
land for manure or fertilizer."

This Association and its predecessor, the
Thayer Fund, spent several thousands of
dollars in protecting the Gulls of Maine.
There is no part of the United States at the
present time where Gulls are not considered
as non-game birds of beneficial character
and are not protected by the model law.

There was but one thing to do, which was
to send an ornithologist to make an investi-
gation of the damage claimed to have been
done by the Gulls and also to investigate the
character of the persons who petitioned.
The Honorable James Carroll Mead was

The Audubon Societies

99

selected; he was the nieml)er of the Assem-
bly who introduced arnl successfully carried
to adoption tlie model law in his state in
1902. Mr. Mead's report is an interesting
one, and shows how little foundation there
was for the petition. As a matter of record,
the report is given in full :

"Of the eighty-three names on the Lubec
and Trescott petition, I find but nineteen
are in any degree farmers. One man is
dead, four unknown, and the balance are
businessmen, mechanics, boatmen, laborers,
etc. I have personally interviewed fourteen
of the farmers, as well as several farmers who
were not petitioners, and the results are
almost confusing. I find no one making
complaints against the Gulls except for the
practice of feeding on the fish cuttings, or
'Scoots,' when spread on the land, and they
claim to be damaged annually from 10 per
cent to 75 per cent of the cost of the spread
fish. Several men have assured me that it
sometimes happens that while a man is at
the factory for a load, the Gulls will devour
a load already spread. The worst damage
they claim is done after the weather grows
cool in the fall ; early in the season (a few
men say until the middle of September in
ordinary years) the 'Scoots' spread decay
rapidly and the damage to them by Gulls is
not worthy of consideration. Those pushing
the bill strongest insist that June and July
are the only months that they are free from
the depredations. Some admit that Decem-
ber, or the fall of snow, ends all trouble,
while others just as strongly insist that the
danger on exposed, hilly farms, is equally
great all winter, inasmuch as the late-spread
fish, especially those kept some time in
pickle, remain intact all winter, unless
eaten by Gulls. For potatoes, grain, etc.,
the 'Scoots' are plowed in and the injury
done is not worthy of consideration. It is
only when spread as a top-dressing for
grass land that the Gulls are attracted. The
farmers commence haying in July, but I
judge late in the month ; right after this, and
until winter, they do their fertilizing. The
'Scoots' in July are often given away by the
packers in order to get rid of them, but later
sell for from 75 cents to $1.50 per load of
ten or fifteen barrels' capacity, and are

usually s(iread at the rate of two or three
loads per acre. I foimd two farmers who
said they protected their fields with dogs.
Another man has a piece of boiler iron near
his house on which his children pound with
a hammer and so frighten away the birds
for an hour at a time. Another man says
he can frighten them from his fields by
pounding his barn with a board, but he
added that 'pounding a barn with a board
wouldn't earn a living in Lubec' One
man, Walter Myers, thought the (iulls a
damage to him as a farmer, but a help to
him as a fisherman, inasmuch as they kept
his weir and the shore free from dead
fish."

From the above report, it will be seen tha*
the greater part of the damage claimed is in
the late fall and winter months, at which
time there certainly can be very few Gulls
left in the state of Maine, as the great body
of them have migrated further south.

A copy of this petition was sent to our
warden. Captain Fred. E. Small, in charge
of Old Man Island, Me., which is not very
far from Lubec, asking his opinion of the
merits of the complaint, and he replied as
follows :

"I have heard some few complaints made
by farmers against Herring Gulls eating the
herring off their fields, but most of them
make an image of a man and put in the
field, which keeps the Gulls away. In
regard to their eating codfish or herring left
on boards to dry, there is no truth in such
reports. This is called the principal fishing
locality in Maine, and I have been in the
business myself and know what I am talk-
ing about; my opinion in regard to these
reports is that the petitioners are planning to
make a business of killing Gulls for market."

Mr. Norton and Mr. Mead appeared at
the legislative hearing on the petition and
submitted all the facts gathered, and made
an appeal to the committee not to report the
amendment favorably. This appeal was suc-
cessful, and the Fish and Game Committee
reported adversely.

This Association does not take the stand,
nor has it ever advocated the protection of
birds when it is conclusively proven that
they are doing more damage than good; at

lOO

Bird -Lore

the same time, the Executive of the Associ-
ation never has, nor will it ever consent to
any amendment of a wise law on a com-
plaint, until the reasons back of the same
and all of the facts have been thoroughly
investigated. We have never yet found a
case where such a petition was not founded
upon prejudice or ignorance. It is only
another instance showing the value of and
necessity for thoroughly organized work,
such as is being carried on by the National
Association.

There is a petition before the legislature
of Maine to make the open season on Ducks
in the county of Lincoln extended to April
I. This is being combated, as there are
two reasons why it should not be adopted ;
first, because it is the trend of public opinion
at the present time among the best class of
citizens to prohibit all spring shooting; and
second, because it is unwise in a state of the
size of Maine, where the conditions are
practically the same in every part of the ter-
ritory, to have different open seasons. The
game law should be general and apply to
the entire state.

A petition is also before the legislature to
make a close season of five years on the
Wood Duck and the Buffle-head Duck,
commonly called "Dipper." The reason
given in the petition is an exceedingly wise
one.

"We urge the protection of the Wood
Duck and Buffle-head, because they are at
present so exceedingly rare as to afford prac-
tically no sport or food supply, and we be-
lieve, unless rigid protection is afforded them,
it will be only a short time before both
varieties are absolutely extinct." Such an
intelligent appreciation of present conditions
deserves the highest commendation and ap-
proval.

Another petition: "No person shall at
any time, hunt, trap, catch, kill, destroy
or have in possession any Moose, Deer,
Caribou or any game or fur-bearing animals
of any description, within a radius of ten
miles from the highest point of Mount
Katahdin, known as the south monument,
believing that the best interests of the state
require this to be done."

The above is an exceedingly meritorious

measure, and, if adopted by the legislature,
will establish a game refuge in one of the
most beautiful and interesting parts of
Maine.

New Hampshire.— A bill to amend the
Fish and Game law of this state was intro-
duced and has been passed. In some re-
spects the bill makes important improve-
ments ; for instance, it makes the close sea-
son on the shore-birds and Ducks from Jan-
uary 31, which practically stops spring
shooting, as none or but very few of these
birds are found in the state during the
month of January.

A second bill, making a five years close
season on the Wood Duck, Killdeer Plover
and Bartramian Sandpiper, commonly
known as the "Upland Plover," was intro-
duced and has been adopted. This is the
first state to adopt the recommendation made
by the American Ornithologists' Union at its
last annual meeting.

Massachusetts. — Out of the mass of bill
that were presented to the legislature tor and
against bird and game protection, the fol-
lowing important measures are of interest to
this Association :

An act for the protection of Loons and
Eagles; this was adopted.

An act to protect the Herring and Great
Black-back Gulls; this was adopted. By
the passage of this act protection is now
given to all the Gulls in every part of the
United States. The privilege to kill these
two species of Gulls in Massachusetts was
the only gap in a perfect series of laws in
the entire country.

This is one of the results of the work of
the "Thayer Fund" and the National Asso-
ciation during the last seven years. When
the plume-hunters commenced their on-
slaught against the larger Gulls in 1900, it
was found that in many states there were no
laws protecting these birds.

Two bills regarding spring wild-fowl
shooting were introduced, one making the
close season on certain species of wild fowl
commence March i, and another January i.

Neither of these bills received favorable
consideration. This is unfortunate, because

The Audubon Societies

lOI

it is ahsnliitely necessary that the spring
shooting of wild fowl should cease in North
America. There is need for educational
work in this connection in Massachusetts;
but with the love of birds and the intelli-
gence of the people of that state, there is
practically no doubt that, when the matter is
properly brought to the attention of the pub-
lic, laws shortening the open season for
wild fowl will he adopted by a future legis-
lature.

A bill to make an open season on the
Sabbath Day was very properly defeated.
Without considering the question of respect
for the Sabbath Day, it is always well to
make a close season of at least one day in
the seven, even during the season when
shooting is lawful.

Connecticut.— In this state, bills have
been introduced to make the close season
for Ducks and shore-birds commence Janu-
ary I. A great deal of educational work
is being done, antl it is hoped that the bills
will be considered favorably, although there
is considerable opposition developing from
the shore towns of the state, because the
market hunters do not desire their special
privileges curtailed. It is a fact that the
only opposition that is ever found in any
part of the country to the passage of bills
stopping spring shooting, comes from the
restricted class of persons who shoot for
market or who sell game. The great
majority of the people of every state advo-
cate laws that conserve the wild life of the
country for future generations; all intelli-
gent people hope to prevent conditions that
will lead to another story like that of the
Wild Pigeon and the bison.

New York — In the president's last
annual report, he called the attention of the
citizens of this state to the very wicked
provision in the game laws, which permits
the sale of wild fowl sixty days after the
close season commences. This provision
renders the January i wild-fowl law
nugatory and practically of no effect. There
is a further provision in the New York law
which permits the placing in bond of
surplus game which is on hand at the end

of the close or sale season, to be held until
the next open season.

Bills to remedy this marked defect in the
game law of this state were introduced;
that is, for the purpose of stopping the sale
of wild fowl after the loth day of January;
in otiier words, giving the dealers ten days
in which to get rid of their surplus stock
and also to stop the cold storage of any kind
of birds or game.

A hearing was held on both of these
bills on the 19th of February before the
Assembly Fish and Game Committee. The
Audubon interests were represented by your
president; two other Game Protective Asso
ciations were ably represented, and the only
opposition to the bill came from the Poultry
and Game Dealers" Association of New York,,
which was represented by a paid attorney.

It was thought that those in favor of the
two bills had proved conclusively to the
Assembly Fish and Game Committee that
these bills were meritorious and necessary,
and that they should be favorably reported.
The only claim that the attorney of the
Game Dealers' Association made was that
the bills interfered with vested rights and
the interests of his clients who were legiti-
mate dealers in game. Further, he claimed
that they did not sell New York State Ducks^
but received all of their supplies from other
states. In rebuttal, it was shown that many
of the states prevented the export of wild
fowl and other game and therefore the New
York dealers must necessarily be selling
goods illegally obtained.

For some reason which it is hard to learn
or understand, these bills have not been
reported out of the committee, although
the chairman has been personally urged to
give them favorable consideration and let the
fight for the bills be made on the floor of
the House: it is believed that the sentiment
of the state is so strong for the passage of
these bills that the Assembly will pass them.
At this writing an appeal is being sent
broadcast throughout the state, asking the
citizens to insist that the above bills should
be reported by the committee.

New Jersey. — An anti-spring shooting
bill for wild fowl and shore-birds have beea

102

Bird - Lore

introduced, together with a Hunter's License
Bill. A joint hearing before the Game
Committees of both Houses was held, and it
is an interesting fact that not a voice was
heard at the hearing in opposition to them.
Both of these bills have passed the Assembly
and are now before the Senate for action. It is
with great pleasure that we call the attention
of the citizens of New Jersey to the speeches
made in behalf of the anti-spring shooting
bill, and also for the most advanced bird
and game protection by Assemblymen
Crowther, of Middlesex; Fake, of Bergen,
and Hahn, of Essex.

South Carolina.— A bill incorporating
the Audubon Society of South Carolina was
passed by the legislature. This law is
exactly like the one in North Carolina, and
gives the Audubon Society of the state all
the powers and duties of a game commission.

Secretary Pearson will spend a large part
of April in organizing and starting the new
organization, so that the same efficient game
and bird protection may be had in South
Carolina that has obtained in North Carolina
since the Audubon Society of that state was
vested with its present powers.

How necessary it is to have an organiza-
tion to enforce the bird and game laws of
South Carolina will be shown by a quota-
tion from a letter recently received from
Sumter :

"About February 21 the first Robins
made their appearance in this vicinity, and
almost immediately a wholesale slaughter
began. Boys just large enough to hold a
gun (many with slingshots), men and ei'en
ivomen, all joined in the 'sport.' You can
hardly look out on the streets that you do
not see some one passing with a string of a
dozen or more birds. They seem to vie with
each other to see who can kill the most.
Only last evening, the gentleman with
whose family we board came in after only
a few hours' gunning with a bag of Robins.
You think, when everyone, almost, that you
meet is bent upon the self-same errand, that
it is a wonder there are any Robins left to
continue the journey northward.

"There is a splendidly organized Civic
League here, and I have thought that pos-

sibly they might take the matter up, if it
were placed before them in the proper light.
I spoke to one of the members the other
day, and she promised to mention the matter
at the next meeting. Can you not send each
of them one of your leaflets on the subject?
"This is the heart of the cotton-growing
industry of South Carolina, and I believe
that if the subject were placed in the hands
of a few of the leading men, something
might come from it."

Alabama.— The bill spoken of in the
January number of Bird-Lore passed both
branches of the legislature and was signed
by the Governor, and it is now a law in
this state. It is without doubt the most
advanced and drastic game law now in force
in the country. By appointment of the
Governor, the Honorable John H. Wallace,
Jr., has been made the Game Commissioner
of the state, and this means that the new
law will be enforced, for he is a most ardent
protector and has a very high conception of
the value of birds to agriculture, and also
that they are one of the assets of a state and
should be conserved in every possible way.

Pennsylvania. — A very radical retrograde
step has been taken in this state, and it is
understood that the legislation was approved
by the Fish and Game Commission. A bill
was introduced and has been passed by both
branches of the legislature to repeal the anti-
spring-shooting law. It has been stated that
this will not result in the killing of more
than ten thousand Ducks in the spring, but
when we consider that that means that there
will be at least a shortage of sixty thousand
Ducks in the following fall, the offspring of
those killed in the spring, there is no ques-
tion whatever regarding the great wrong
that has been done the wild fowl.

West Virginia. — This state has just
adopted by a practically unanimous vote of
both branches of the legislature the model
law. Senator Hazlett introduced the bill and
successfully accomplished its passage. The
bird-lovers of the state are under great obli-
gations to him for his public spirit and his
high appreciation of good civics.

^-r

Hermit Thrush. 2. Cray-cheeked Thrush. 3. Olive-backed Thrush.

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

Vol. IX May — June, 1907 No. 3

A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America

By JONATHAN DWIGHT, Jr.. M. D.

DAINTY of plumage and musical of voice, the Thrushes of North
America are perhaps the most delightful members of the great bird
population that spreads northward over the continent in spring, to
retreat far southward again in autumn before the snow and ice of a northern
winter. Five species inhabit our country, all of them abundant, but so
silently do they accomplish their long migratory journeys, slipping along in
undergrowth and hedge-rows by day and winging their way far up in the
quiet sky by night, that, except for flashes of wings in the woods or mellow
calls borne on the night air, their presence may easily be overlooked until
they have settled for the brief summer in their breeding haunts. Then
truly it may be said that they "waste their sweetness on the desert air," for
two of them, the Hermit and the Olive-backed, vie in breaking the solemn
spell of silence that broods over the wilderness of the great north woods;
one, the Gray-cheeked, carries his music to the very shores of the Arctic
Ocean, and only two, — Wilson's and the Wood Thrush, — remain to pass the
summer in the more temperate and populated portions of the country, their
northern range scarcely reaching the northern borders of the United States.
In plumage the Thrushes are brown of different shades, the breast and
under parts white with dusky spotting and often suffused with buffs and
grays. They molt but once in the year, but, as they dwell mostly in shaded
seclusion, they do not fade as much as might be expected in a twelvemonth.
The field -student will do well to distinguish even the species, for the
geographical races or subspecies are not readily recognizable even with
specimens in hand for comparison and measurement. It is to be regretted
that so much effort has been expended in forcing names upon very slight
differences, because, in the confusion which arises, the very purpose for
which a name is given, convenience, is defeated. Here, I merely ask my
readers to remember that variation is of three kinds, — individual, when one
bird differs from his own relatives; seasonal, when plumage is affected by
molt and by wear; and geographical, when environment imposes characters

I04

that are inherited,
nameable.

Bird- Lore

The geographical are the only variations that are

My out-of-door acquaintance with the Thrushes is of years' standing,
and I have enjoyed their company in many parts of the United States and
Canada. Furthermore, I have had access to large series of skins, and I now

BREEDING RANGES OF THE OLIVE-BACKED THRUSHES t Hylocuhia ustulalat
I. H. 11. usiulaia. 1. H. u. svjainsoni. J. H. u. alm<i

hope, by outlining their distribution and prominent characteristics of plumage
and habit, to impart, even to the casual reader, some idea of the meaning
of geographical distribution and the significance of subspecies.

Let us first turn to the Wood Thrush {Hylocichla mustelina) , one of the
species most familiar to every bird -student of eastern North America. It is
known afield by its large size, tawny back and white breast heavily spotted
with black, and its breeding range is the smallest of any of the five species,

A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America

105

extending only throughout the dry, deciduous woodlands of the eastern
United States and the Mississippi valley, and not crossing the Canadian
boundary except in Ontario. In winter it retreats to Cuba and Central
America, departing south, like most of the Thrushes, in September. It
readily adapts itself to modern conditions and fearlessly nests in the shade

BRKfcOING RANGES OF GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSHES (Hylo
I. H. a. alici^. 1. H. a. bUknelH

trees of parks and lawns, although shy as its brethren in its native forest.
Its rich song, suggestive of drowsiness and midsummer, is hardly surpassed
even by that of the Hermit Thrush. So much has been written about
this species that I need say but little. There are no subspecies recognized.
The Wilson's Thrush or Veery {Hylocichla fuscescens) is also a familiar
acquaintance, much smaller than the preceding species, less yellowish
brown and with a huffy breast that is very faintly spotted. He pushes

io6 Bird -Lore

farther north, reaching Newfoundland in the East and British Columbia in
the West, where the coast range of mountains seems to bar his way to the
Pacific coast. A line drawn from Philadelphia to Denver will roughly
indicate the southern limit of his breeding range, and in winter he is found
in Cuba, Central America and sometimes the countries farther south. The
Veery, so called from his song, which is a somewhat monotonous although
sweet repetition of metallic whistled notes, dwells chiefiy in marshy thickets
and makes his nest in tussocks of grass.

The birds of the Rocky Mountains and adjacent regions have been
separated as a subspecies under the name salicicola, or Willow Thrush,
characterized by larger size and darker colors, characters that are not well
borne out by the few specimens I have examined. Another dark race,
fuliginosa, from Newfoundland, has also been described but it was not
accepted by the A. O. U. Committee.

In Hylocichla ustulata we have a group of Thrushes called Russet-backed
{ustulata) in the West and Olive-backed {swainsoni) in the East, the
unfortunate discrepancy arising because the western birds were named first,
in 18-I.0, and the eastern not until several years later, both being then con-
sidered full species. As a matter of fact, Nuttall called ustulata the 'Western
Thrush' (Russet -backed being a later invention), and a simple solution of
the dilemma will be to call the two races, which they prove to be, one the
Western and the other the Eastern Olive-backed Thrush, with almte
(Alma's Olive-backed Thrush) a connecting link between them. The
eastern form, swainsoni, lacks the russet tinge of ustulata which is quite
pronounced in the tail, while alma: is a greenish, gray -backed bird very close
to swainsoni. As {or a-dica, I quite agree with Mr. Grinnell that it is merely
ustulata, faded in the California sun faster than are its fellows to the north.

The breeding range of the Olive-backed Thrush is coextensive with the
great belt of coniferous forest that stretches across Canada from ocean to
ocean, encroaching also on the northern parts of New England, New York,
Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota and dipping southward along the
mountains of the Appalachian, Rocky and Sierra systems. The tree limit
of the continent marks the northern limit of this belt, the greater part of
which is still a trackless wilderness, which, for a brief season only, is filled
with birds and flowers. Here, however, in this northland, where billows of
somber green spruces and firs stretch away on every hand, broken only by
innumerable lakes and streams and outcroppings of cold gray rock, the
cheerful songs of the Olive -backs may be heard to best advantage, often
mingling with those of the Hermits that occupy the same region. The
quiet of evening is the favorite hour for their most extended vocal efforts,
although they often sing during the day, while the Hermits are apt to be
silent save in the early morning hours and toward dusk. Perched high in a
tree, whence they may spy any one approaching and dive into the nearest

A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America

107

underbrush, they pour forth successive bursts of rippling melody. While the
song lacks the variety, the deliberation and the "spirituality" of that of the
Hermit Thrush, it flows with an irresistible swing that fairly eclipses the
Hermit's best efforts. In the dry air of the Pacific coast their ringing tones
seemed to me to be even clearer and sweeter than in the East.

BREEDING RANGES OF THE HERMIT THRUSHES \ HylocUMa

I. H. s- R-'iiata. 2. H. g. pallasi. i. H. g. auduhoni. 4. B g. nana

They are much shyer and more restless than are the Hermits, although
they carelessly place their nests five or six feet from the ground, commonly
in small spruces, where they are very conspicuous. The sitting bird crouches
motionless in the nest if surprised, but is generally able to slip away unob-
served and flit about silently with its mate in the adjacent bushes, sometimes
uttering a liquid ' puk ' of alarm.

Along the Maine coast and along nearly the whole coast of California,

io8 Bird - Lore

these birds breed at sea-level, and they have clung to their favorite haunts, the
spruce forest, wherever it has been spared by the lumberman and the farmer.
So it is that they occur along the higher Alleghanies as far south as Penn-
sylvania, in the southern Rocky Mountains at about 8,ooo feet altitude and
in the Sierras and ranges of Nevada at varying altitudes. When the vast
breeding range of the birds is considered, it is really remarkable that they
vary so little in plumage and practically not at all in size. For the winter
they betake themselves to Cuba and Costa Rica, sometimes reaching
Ecuador or Peru.

In the Hylocichla guttata group of Hermit Thrushes there is a beautiful
tangle of names and races, chiefly the result of mistaken zeal on the part of
expert ornithologists. Suffice it to say, that Gmelin's old name aonalaschkte
has been thrown over because his description is vague and because no
Hylocichla has ever been or is likely to be taken on Unalaska Island. The
next available name is guttata.

The range of the Hermit Thrush coincides very closely with that of the
Olive-back, although the species is slightly more southern in distribution
except in winter, when it does not entirely desert the lower border of the
United States. It dwells in the same coniferous forests, with perhaps a
preference for the deciduous bits scattered through it, and its song is often
blended with that of the other species. It is more sluggish in its movements
than the Olive-back, and even its song moves slowly. Nevertheless, the
Hermit Thrush bears the palm as the most gifted songster of North America,
and his sweet, measured notes poured forth in many stanzas of different keys
have been the theme of poetic writers.

The Hermit is less tidy in appearance than the Olive-back and, perhaps
because of his more terrestrial habits, becomes more frayed and worn in
plumage. This may be one reason why so many subspecies have been
described, and varying size is another, but in my opinion, when we have
accepted four races, we have about reached the limits of recognizable
variation. We should have, then, pallasi, the eastern race; nana, the smaller,
deeper colored Pacific coast race, and guttata, the gray Alaska- Rocky
Mountain connecting link just as in the Olive-backed Thrush; then we
should also have auduboni, a large race at the southern extremity of the
Rockies, which has no counterpart in the Olive-backs, because they show
no variation in size. As for slevini of California, if a'dica is a summer
fading, then slevini falls into the same category; ser/uoiensis of the Sierras
fills an inappreciable gap between guttata and auduboni, and verecunda of
Queen Charlotte Islands is, of course, merely the mainland bird nana.
These conclusions may not meet with general favor, as they are not in
complete accord with commonly accepted ideas, although I find them in
accord with the facts derived from personal examination of a large number
of specimens. I am satisfied that the recognition of more races will simply

A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America 109

mean that all winter specimens will be named by guesswork. Light ones
and dark ones, large ones and small ones, may be sorted out into series to
which names may be applied, but no one can feel sure by this process of
matching that some of the birds in different rows did not come originally
from the same nest !

The Gray-cheeked Thrush {Hyloctchla a/icia) is a species that boldly
seeks the most inhospitable northern confines of the continent, building its
nest beyond the tree limit, in the stunted birches, willows and alders that
fringe the Arctic Ocean. It ranges from Labrador to Alaska, extending
over Bering Strait to the bleak shores of northeastern Siberia, — truly a
dreary summer home, but in winter it retires to Costa Rica and Panama.
It closely resembles the Olive-back in plumage and, although larger and
greener, may easily be mistaken for the latter species. Its habits are similar,
and it, too, lays blue eggs spotted with brown, the eggs of the other three
species being plain blue. Its song is said to resemble that of the Hermit,
but, as it hastens quietly northward in the spring, few of us are destined to
enjoy its full melody.

A small dark race, bicknelU, Bicknell's Gray-cheeked Thrush, has been
described from the Catskill Mountains of New York, and similar birds have
been found on the Adirondacks and higher points of New England, as well
as on the cold islands off the Nova Scotia coast. The race is but slightly
differentiated and may perhaps be considered as a survival, dating from times
when glaciation was nearer home.

In conclusion, I would say that many definite records of capture of
specimens of the different races are open to doubt, and, while I have not
been able to investigate all of them, I have endeavored to weigh them
properly and the results are roughly indicated on the accompanying maps,
which show approximately the breeding ranges of the different species and
races.

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak

By B. S. BOWDISH, Demarest. N. J.

With photographs from nature hy the author

WHILE a few writers have tended to exaggerate the beauties of
color and sweetness of song, and the value of food habits of this
bird, more have slighted it. In the matter of brilliant color few of
the tropical birds surpass the Rose-breast, while to the writer, at least, his
song has a charm that is rivaled only by the melody of a very few of our
feathered vocalists. While, I believe, no systematic study of his food habits
has been made by the Department of Agriculture, yet the casual observa-
tions of bird students have shown that the Grosbeak has a peculiarly valu-
able habit, namely, the including of the potato beetle in his bill of fare, — a
taste apparently shared by few if any other birds.

On one point the Grosbeak's chroniclers have many of them been re-
miss. I refer to the share that the male takes in the labor of incubation.
In some instances writers ignore this entirely, while I have seen the extreme
statement that the male performed this entire work. Neither view is in
accord with my experience. In most cases I have observed the female on
the nest, while the male proved to be the more fearless and devoted in
attending to the household duties in the presence of supposed danger.

NEST AND EGGS OF ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK

(iio)

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak iii

This, of course, is as it sliould be, but is so contrary to the liabits of most
birds as to excite comment.

On May 24, igo6, I located two unfinished nests, which I ascribed to
Grosbeaks. One of these was never finished, but the other, completed

MALE ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK APPROACHING NEST

later, proved to be the property of a pair of Rose-breasts. The following
day I found another nest in a dense thicket some three miles from my home.
It was situated about eight feet froin the ground in an elder bush, and con-
tained two eggs. The male was the only bird about the nest, but was not
seen on it. I made a photograph of nest and eggs, but did not again visit
the spot, so know nothing of its future history. Within fifteen feet of this
nest was a newly finished one of a Wood Thrush and a Catbird's home
containing three eggs, while, a little further away, there was another Wood
Thrush's nest with three eggs and a second Catbird's with three eggs, also,
so the Grosbeaks did not lack for company.

On May 26, a female Grosbeak was sitting on the finished nest found
building on the 24.th, while another nest was discovered within twenty rods
of this one, with the female on it. This latter nest was about nine feet
from the ground, in a choke-cherry bush, in a damp thicket, and con-
tained two eggs. The male was nearby, while, in the case of the former
nest, no male was seen. The next day I made two visits to these nests in
hope of obtaining photographs, but was prevented by rain. On the first

J 12 Bird- Lore

■occasion the female wa<; on the nest in each case, while, at the second visit
the male was on nest number three.

On the afternoon of the 27th, I set up the camera on a tripod the legs
of which had been spliced with extra pieces to elevate it, and, with a bicycle
pump and one hundred feet of tubing, awaited an opportunity to make an
exposure. Late in the afternoon, when the light was becoming very unsat-
isfactory, the male went on the nest. I made an exposure, but develop-
ment proved that the bird had moved and spoiled the picture. On this
date I found the other nest was empty and abandoned, I suppose robbed.

MALE ROSF. BREASTED GROSBEAK ON NEST

This latter nest was built in a little elm, about seven feet from the ground,
and in plain sight of a public road.

On the 31st, nest number three contained four eggs; the female was on
when I arrived, but promptly got off. I set up my apparatus, and at the
end of the tube I wrapped myself up in the photographic tent and lay down
among the bushes, where I could take an occasional peep at proceedings,
through the opening at the top of the tent, closing this during the interim
to exclude the too friendly attentions of the myriad of mosquitos. It took
some time to establish the confidence of the male Grosbeak (the female
retired altogether), but at last he settled on the nest and, giving him time
to get comfortably ensconced, I made a half-minute exposure. The second
exposure was obtained under even greater difficulties, but eventually I gave

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak 113

the bird ten secomls as he stood beside the nest, ami then went home, fully
prepared to find that my two attempts were failures. I was agreeably sur-
prised when they proved to be fairly successful.

On June 2, I again tried to get photographs of both birds, without suc-
cess, so made pictures of nest and eggs and retired. On the following day
day the nest was gone, another of the frequent depredations about this spot.

June 9, about ten rods from the site of this nest I noted a female Gros-
beak sitting on a new nest, and presume it was the bird from the rifled nest.

Minot, in 'Land Birds and Game Birds of New England,' pa\'ing high
tribute to the beauty of dress and elegance of song of the male Grosbeak,
says "he therefore absents himself from the immediate neighborhood of his
nest except when obliged to approach it, or when relieving his mate from
the fatigue of incubation, as he occasionally does."" In contrast to his
observation, I have with one exception found the male Grosbeak always in
the close vicinity of his home. Moreover, as seems often to be the case,
conspicuousness by reason of brilliant coloring is more apparent than actual.
As the photograph shows, when the male Grosbeak settles in his nest the
rosy tints are concealed, and the apparently striking blacks and whites blend
nicely into the blacks and whites of the foliage perspective.

Ofif of the nest he is no more conspicuous than the Cuban Trogan,
and any one who has been in the forests where the latter birds abounded
can testify that, despite brilliant color, the birds are by no means readily
located.

The song of the Grosbeak resembles in a great measure the songs of the
Robin and the Scarlet Tanager, and I heard one performer that I supposed
was a Baltimore Oriole until I saw the bird. There is a less melancholy note
to the Rose-breast's song than the Robin's possesses, while it has not a cer-
tain harshness that detracts from the quality of the Tanager's performance,
and to me it is greatly superior to both.

As a final note I may add that on June 24, 1906, I located an empty nest
in the top of a locust in a grove of such trees, near my home. On July 7,
I found the female Grosbeak on this nest which, at that time, contained
eggs. As this is a late date for Grosbeak to be commencing housekeeping
cares, it seems probable that it was a second or third attempt on the part of
birds previously disturbed.

Some Bird Acquaintances

NOTES FROM AN INVALID'S SKETCH-BOOK

By EMMA E. DREW*

FIRST come my friends, the Red -eyed Vireos and their family. The
pretty mother built her little basket-nest in the apple tree just outside
my window. Mr. Red-eyed Vireo did not help his wife in her work,
but was ever near at hand to cheer her with his song. It was wonderful
to see how skilfully this tiny creature wove the bits of material into a
charming little home. Soon there were four pretty eggs in the nest, and in
due time three tiny, squirming, naked little birds, and one unhatched egg,
which Mrs. Vireo calmly poked out of the nest.

While the mother bird was on the nest I spent a great deal of time by
that window, and after a few days she did not mind me in the least. Once
I almost touched her, and she never moved.

When the three little Vireos began learning to fly, there were exciting
times at ' Shadyside.' Often Mrs Red-eye came to the veranda where I
was reading and invited me to step round and rescue her children, once from
Miss Day's good, toothless old pussy-cat, and several times from a mass of
tall, wet grass. Soon I concluded to bring the youngsters to the vine on
the porch, and after that I had an easier time. Then, too, I could watch
proceedings from my comfortable steamer chair. One day it occurred to me
to try my hand at feeding these young Vireos. So I got a few meal worms
and offered one to a youngster. My, how quickly he opened his mouth!
Down went the poor worm into what looked to me like a deep well, and
his parents had been feeding him almost every moment since dawn! While
I stood feeding them, the parent birds came into the vine with food in their
bills. Did they fly off in alarm ? Not they. Instead, they waited until I had
dropped my last worm into the mouth of a nestling, and then proceeded to
take their turn as undisturbed as you please. You may be sure I was very
happy to be taken into partnership by these neighbors.

*In a letter to the Editor of Bird-Lore Miss Drew writes: "I send a few notes on
birds, not because I feel these notes to be of value, but because some of your readers must,
like myself, live an out-of-door life for several years, to regain, in a measure, health and
strength, and who, because of inability to walk or drive very much, feel that even the
study of birds is not for them.

"For nearly seven years I have been forced to live in the woods in the Adirondacks.
For four years I have spent most of the spring and fall months in the little country village
of Jay, almost in the "heart of the ancient wood." Most of my days have been spent in a
steamer chair on the wide piazza, doing nothing. I have nDt been from the porch at any
time, except during the last year, when I have been able to take some long drives through
wonderful woodsy places, and yet I have a list of one hundred and forty birds seen in this
way, and have made friends with quite a number. My idea is to show some discouraged
invalid that there is real pleasure and work in watching the birds, even from a steamer
chair on a piazza."

Some Bird Acquaintances iiS

I have a very special friend in a White -breasted Nuthatch, who has been
about the place constantly for about three years, and who knows me any-
where. I call him 'Chum.' This bird friend comes into my room for nuts,
placed on the wide window-ledge for his benefit. One day last spring he
came before the nuts were quite ready. Not finding what he wanted in the
usual place, he gave a low quank of wonder and proceeded to look about.
I sat near at hand and had just filled a plate with broken peanut meats,
ready to distribute about on the window-ledge and on the trays which I
have nailed to the pillars of the porch. Chum spied me and at once flew
my way, alighting on the edge of the plate, where he slipped about at a
great rate. Finally, g:etting his balance, he selected a bit of nut and flew
off out of the window. When walking in the garden. Chum often drops
down on me, and I try to remember his fondness for peanuts before I start
out anywhere. Again, when writing at my table on the wide piazza. Chum
seldom fails to join me, tramping calmly over my letter, if necessary, to
reach his little dish of nuts. If I happen to be reposing in my steamer chair
reading, Chum spies me there, and flies down on the toe of my boot and
marches solemnly up my whole length to my hand, where he selects a bit
of nut with due deliberation and great satisfaction. Sometimes he settles
himself comfortably on my hand and eats his lunch there, hammering the
nut meats between my fingers, and then biting off little pieces best suited to
his taste. This little friend brought his wife and five little ones to a tree
near the veranda, about the middle of June, but while he came freely, as
usual, neither Mrs. Nuthatch nor any of her interesting family could be
persuaded to come near me.

Every fall, beginning October i, I tie pieces of suet to the near-by trees,
and nail little wooden trays to the piazza posts. The trays are kept filled
with cracked corn, nuts, hemp seed, sunflower seed and coarse oatmeal.
Both the suet and the trays are well patronized always.

The fall of 1903 was unusually cold, and most of the time I was glad to
wrap up in my rugs and watch the birds from a couch on the veranda, so, in
addition to the usual trays, I placed a well-filled one on a little stand about
a foot from my resting place. Soon I had plenty of company. All day,
from 9 A. M. until nearly 5 F. M., my little comrades were busy at
both lunch counters and suet. There were Chickadees, Nuthatches, Gold-
finches, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and Tree Sparrows. Even a Blue
Jay appeared once in a while. The tray near my couch was patronized
almost entirely at first by the jolly, friendly, confiding little Chickadees.
Often there were a dozen at a time eating peanuts from that tray. Each
would take a piece of nut, fly to some near-by resting place and eat, with a
good appetite. One fellow flew over onto me and ate his nut, warming
his toes on my rug at the same time. Another inquisitive little Chickadee
flew onto my head, and began to peck at the button which adorns my cap.

ii6 Bird -Lore

Sometimes I would not get out very early with fresh nuts for the trays.
Then some of these little friends would appear at my window and peck at
the glass, as much as to say, "Where is our breakfast ? " Soon these bird
neighbors become so friendly that, when I opened my windows and held out
my hands filled with nuts, down they would fly with a chickadee-dee for
good-morning, and take the nuts from my fingers.

This spring I had the pleasure of finding a flock of ten red Crossbills.
They were first observed April 30, in some apple trees near our cottage.
They were very tame, and I was able to sit down within six feet of them
and watch them. Three of the males were in full spring dress, and were
beauties. Two more had a quantity of red in their plumage. When startled,
they would fly a short distance away, uttering twittering notes as they flew.
I watched them for more than an hour with my glass, and found they were
extracting the seeds from some apples which had been left on the trees all
winter. The next morning when I looked out, lo, there they were again
to greet me! Reading in Mrs. Bailey's 'Birds of Village and Field' that
these birds were very fond of salt pork, I tied bits of this meat to the limbs
of the trees hoping to keep them after the apple seeds failed. This suc-
ceeded beyond my expectation, for morning and afternoon of nearly every
day until June 8 that little flock came to the orchard. On that day they
disappeared and were not seen again. While feeding, they gave a sort of
whistling note. They seemed very happy and very much at home. At
intervals one would stop feeding and sing a sweet little song, not powerful
or very loud, but varied and exceedingly pleasing.

While watching the Crossbills one morning (May 4), a Ruby-crowned
Kinglet flew into a near-by tree. At first he fed in silence, then began to
flit from twig to twig in such a pretty, graceful fashion, and suddenly broke
out into song. This was the first time I had ever heard the spring song of
this tiny bird, and it was, truly, a red-letter day for me. The song is quite
wonderful — or so it seemed to me — a prolonged and varied warble, mellow
and flute-like, with such sweetness and purity of tone! The bird is so
small, and the song so loud, and rich and full, that at first I looked about
for a larger bird.

One morning, about the middle of June, a Robin, seemingly in great
distress, came into the vine near my chair. When I started up, expecting
to see a cat about, the bird flew to her nest at the other end of the veranda
and then back to me. Placing a chair under the nest, I climbed up and
looked into it. Half in and half out of that nest hung a young Robin! In
some way a piece of string had become twisted about his neck. I hastened
to get my scissors and cut him down, to the great joy of his mother, who
kept close at hand while I released her child and placed him safely back in
the nest. She seemed to know 1 was doing her a good turn. The young
bird, after he got his breath again, appeared to have suffered no great harm.

Some Bird Acquaintances n?

This spring, besides keeping out the tray of food and the suet for my
bird neighbors, I hung out several cocoanuts. First 1 made a hole m one
side about the size of a quarter and then suspended the nuts by strong twme
from the near-by trees. Soon Nuthatches, Chickadees and Woodpeckers
patronized freely these little "houses full of meat" and furnished no end o
fun besides. Often all 1 could see of a hungry Chickadee was the end of
his tail. The Downy Woodpecker couldn't quite get inside, but he went
as far as he could, and even the big Hairy tried his hand at the nut.

I would like to tell of other friends among the birds — of the pair of
Song Sparrows who for two years have built their home in a white rose
bush not far from the house, and who daily - yes, and many times a day-
stroll up and down this wide piazza, talking in undertones of housekeeping
cares and feeding on the hemp seed scattered about for them at the same
time, never minding me in the least, and of the two pairs of Chipping
Sparrows who never failed to build in the vine on the porch, or to bnng
their young to my window-sill and teach them to eat peanuts, and of how
one poor bird was nearly choked to death because its mother jammed too
large a piece down his throat one day. And, too, of the pair of Robins
who also built in our vine very close to a Chippy's nest, and of how each
time Mrs. Robin left her own pretty eggs for a little recreation she never
failed to bring back some dainty for her neighbor's children; all of which
attentions Mr. and Mrs. Chippy resented, even severely pecking the officious
Robin, who seemed to like the unkind treatment, for she steadily and per-
sistently fed those young Chippies. I would like to tell you all this and
more but there is not time. But let me add one word. Let me tell you
that the friendship and the companionship of these little comrades has been
not only a source of real pleasure and comfort during these few years of
enforced exile from home and friends, but an education as well. Many a
needed lesson in patience have they taught me. Many a lesson in affec-
tionate consideration and helpfulness as well.

Some Edmonton, Alberta, Birds

By SIDNEY S. S. STANSELL

With photographs from nature by the author

IN visiting Alberta for the first time, 1 find there are many birds here
that are not Hsted as breeding this far north by several hundred miles.
My first surprise was in seeing the Rose -breasted Grosbeak; my second
when, early one morning, I heard a House Wren singing, for all the
world, as it does in Illinois. My third surprise came when 1 heard the
familiar call of the American Goldfinch, flying just as he did at home and
singing his same old song when resting on a bush or tree.

Thus my list of birds has lengthened and, by searching the woods day
after day, I became acquainted with more and more birds on each visit,
locating a nest here and one there. I soon had a fair collection of photo-
graphs, a few only of which are shown here.

On June 25, I visited Rat Lake, a small body of water containing only
a few acres, situated within a few minutes' walk of the city of Edmonton.

Here I expected to find
Ducks nesting, but, on
account of its proximity
to the city, the small
boys and hunters kept
them away; and all the
reward I received for
my diligent search was
a solitary Pied - billed
Grebe's nest floating in
the center of the lake,
and this contained only
one egg, so no photo-
graph was taken.

After encircling the
lake twice I noticed what
at first seemed to be a
bunch of dry grass, but,
on looking closer, it
proved to be an Ameri-
can Bittern hiding. I ad-
vanced toward the bird
slowly and carefully until
I was within fifty feet of
it, and yet it stood
perfectly still. I timed
it, and it remained in

N FEEDING YOUNG

(118)

CANADA JAY

April 8, Kjo;

I20 Bird -Lore

the same position for twenty minutes, then flew away to another lake
near by.

On starting home I flushed a Wilson's Snipe, but failed to locate its
nest. Several Killdeers were running along the shore, continually uttering
their familiar cries and trying to lead me away from their nest of young,
which I did not have time to locate.

The Northern Flicker is quite scarce here. I do not remember seeing
more than two or three pairs auring the season and did not locate a single
nesting site. White-throated Sparrows and Slate-colored Juncos abound in

*■■*'■ aK''

"mi

m^^^/i

W%M

NtST AND YOUNG OF OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH

the low, wet places, even in the back yards in the city, and frequently are
seen sitting on the telephone and electric light wire on the busiest streets.

The English Sparrow did not seem to be very abundant in the spring of
1906, and the following fall numerous flocks could be seen at most any
time of day chattering in the trees or flying about over town.

The American Robins are more numerous here than I expected to find
them. They nest along the Saskatchewan River and close to habitation;
the greatest number of nests I located were in white poplar trees. The one
in the illustration was on a steep hillside near the river. Even in this short
summer two broods are reared. Several nests of the Olive-backed Thrush
were found, all of them being about the same height above ground and
constructed of the same material. In the nest containing the three young
Thrushes, shown in the illustration, two Cowbird eggs were found.

The Migration of Thrushes

THIRD PAPER

Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data
in the Biological Survey

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH
SPRING MIGRATION

Gainesville, Fia

Raleigh, N. C

Washington, D. C. . . .

Englewood, N.J

Shelter Island, N. Y. . .

Beverly, Mass

New Orleans, La. (near)

St. Louis, Mo

Central Iowa

Oberlin, Ohio

Chicago, 111.

Lanesboro, Minn. ....
San Antonio, Texas . .

Onaga, Kansas

Aweme, Man

Fort Keogh, Mont. . . .
House River, Alberta . .
Fort Chippewyan, Alberta
Fort Anderson, Mack. . .
Kowak River, Alaska . .

No. of years' Averaee date of
records spring arrival

May 12
May II
May 23
May 20
May 23
April 22
May 3
May 9
May 7
May 12
May 12

May 6
May 14

Earliest date of
spring arrival

April 26, 1887
May 4, 1894
May 8, 1907
May II, 1898
May 17, 1901
May 20, 1902
March 27, 1897
April 24, 1885
April 28, 1906
April 29, 1899
May I, 1899
May 7, 1893
April 24, 1890
May I, 1904
May 1 1, 1906
May 18. 1889
May 19, 1903
May 22, 1901
May 28, 1865
May 24, 1899

Raleigh, N. C. . .
Washington, D. C.
Englewood, N. J. .
Beverly, Mass. , .
New Orleans, La. .
St. Louis, Mo. . .
Chicago, III. . . .
Lanesboro, Minn. .
San Antonio, Texas
Onaga, Kans. . .

Average date of
last one seen

May 27
May 28
May 31
May 5
May 22
May 25
May 24
May 13
May 17

May 17, 1893
June 5
June I, 1897
June 2, 1904
May 10, 1903
May 25, 1886
May 29, 1900
May 27, 1893
May 15, 1890
May 18, 1904

FALL MIGRATION

Chicago, III 6

Beaver, Pa 3

Washington, D. C 5

Raleigh, N. C I 4

Average date of
first one seen

Earliest date of first

September 11 August 26, 1894

September 18 September 7, 1903

September 28 September 15, 1897

October 6 October 2. 1888

(12.)

Bird - Lore

FALL MIGRATION, continued

Kowak River, Alaska . . ,
Nome City, Alaska ....
Fort Simpson, Mack. . . .
Athabaska Landing, Alberta

Aweme, Man

Chicago, III. ......

Washington, D. C

September 9
October 2
October 9

August 25, 1898
September 8, 1899
September 9, i860
September 12, 1903
September 30, 1903
October 6, 1894
October 12, 1889

The most striking characteristic of the Gray-cheeked Thrush is its
rapid migration, probably the most rapid of all North American birds.
Scarcely five weeks are occupied in the journey from the Gulf of Mexico to
Alaska, an average speed of a hundred miles a day and a probable speed
during the latter part of the journey at least twice as great.

OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH
SPRING MIGRATION

No. of years
i record

Atlantic Coast—
Raleigh, N. C.

Lynchburg, Va. . . .
French Creek, W. Va.
Washington, D. C. .
Beaver, Pa ....
Germantovvn, Pa. . .
Providence, R. L . .
Eastern Massachusetts
St. John, N. B. . . .
Halifax, N. S. ...

Mississippi Valley —

New Orleans, La

Central Kentucky

St. Louis, Mo. ...

Oberlin, Ohio

Southwestern Ontario

Ottawa, Ont

Southeastern Nebraska

Chicago, 111

Central Iowa

Lanesboro, Minn

Minneapolis, Minn, (near) . . . .

Huachuca Mountains, Ariz

Northern Colorado

Chevenne, Wyo

Great Falls, Mont

Columbia Falls, Mont

Athabaska Landing, Alberta (near).

Fort Simpson, Mack

Southern California*

Central California

Southern British Columbia

Dawson, Yukon

Average date
spring arriv

May 4
May 4
April 29
May 5
May 3
May 6
May 12
May 14
May 21

April 24
April 23
April 29
May 6
May 13
May 4
May 2
May 6
May 8
May 8

May 8
May 9
May 15
May 19

April 12
April 22
May 10

Earliest date of
spring arrival

April 22, 1892
April 30, 1902
April 27, 1893
April 19, 1896
April 30, 1902
May 3, 1890
May II, 1902
May 7, 1897
May 8, 1887
May 18, 1896

April 2
April 14
April 1-],
April 22
May 3,
May 5,
April 28^
April 23
May 3,
May I,
May 3,
May 2,
May 6,
May 7,
May 13,
May 17,
May 17,
May 24,
April 7,
April 12
May 7,
May 24,

< 1895
1906
1885
, 1902
1885
1902
1900
'897
1904
1887
1905
1902
1906
1888
1892
1896
1903
i860

1899

*The Pacific coast records belong to the Russet-backed Thrush.

The Migration of Thrushes

123

SPRING MIGRATION, continued

Lomitas, Texas

Releigh, N. C 6

Washington, D. C ' 7

Beaver, Pa 3

Beverly, Mass 8

Central Kentucky 7

St. Louis, Mo 4

Oberlin, Ohio 9

Chicago, III 10

May 13
May 21
May 22
May 27
May 21
May 25
May 24
May 28

May 22, 1880
May 17, 1893
May 28
May 23, 1902
June 4, 1900
May 24, 1905
May 29, 1882
June 13, 1905
June 6, 1894

FALL MIGRATION

No. of years' Average date of
record first one seen

Chicago, 111 II

Central Kentucky ' 4

Southern Mississippi j 3

Beaver, Pa 6

Germantown, Pa ' 5

Washington, D. C [ 5

French Creek, W. Va | 3

Atlanta, Ga. (near) 6

August 27
September 4
September 19
September 15
September 17
September 24
September 15
September 19

August 16, 1900

September 3, 1904

September 12, 1897

September 13, 1902

September 11, 1886

September 6, 1879

September 8, 1890

September 14, 1901

Average date of
last one seen

Columbia Falls, Mont,

Ottawa, Ont

Oberlin, Ohio. . . .

Chicago, 111

Bay St. Louis, Miss.
St. John, N. B. . . .
Germantown, Pa. . .
Atlanta, Ga. (near) .
Raleigh, N. C. . . .

October 2
October 2
October 3

September 23, 1895

October 21, 1902

October 24, 1896

October 24, 1897

October 31, 1901

September 22 I October 18, 1892

October 17 1 October 24, 1885

October 19 I October 25, 1904

November 19, 1885

HERMIT THRUSH
SPRING MIGRATION

No. of years' Average date of
ecord spring arrival

Earliest date of

spring

arrival

January i

1876

April

S.

1888

April

1898

April

s,

1897

April

0,

189s

April

3.

1901

April

10,

1904

March

18

1894

April

to,

1896

Atlantic Coast —

Washington, D. C. .
Germantown, Pa. . .
Englewood, N. J. . .
Renova, Pa. ...
Alfred, N. Y. ...
Hartford, Conn. . .
Providence, R. I. . .
Eastern Massachusetts
St. Johnsbury, Vt. . .

April 7
April 9
April II
April 17
April 19
April 12
April 20
April 15
April 21

124

Bird - Lore

SPRING MIGRATION, continued

Earliest date i
spring arriva

Atlantic Coast, continued

Lewiston, Me.

Plymouth, Me

Montreal, Can. (near)

Quebec City, Can

Scotch Lake, N. B

St John, N. B

Halifax, N. S.

North River, Prince Edward Island

Mississippi Fa Hey—

St. Louis, Mo

Bloomington, Ind

Oberlin, Ohio

Petersburg, Mich

Ann Arbor, Mich

Southwestern Ontario

Ottawa, Ont. . .

Charlwich, Ont., and vicinity . .

Chicago, III .

Hillsboro, Iowa, and vicinity . . .

Central Iowa

Lanesboro, Minn

Minneapolis, Minn., and vicinity .

Aweme, Man

Athabaska Landing, Alberta (near)

April 20

April 6,

1902

April 21

April 17,

189s

April 26

April 12,

1890

May 4

April 22,

1902

April 21

April 19,

1902

April 29

April 16,

1889

April 25

April 19,

1891

May 2

April 18,

1891

April 4

March 30

1888

April 4

March 23

1902

April 10

March 21

1901

April II

April 7,

1893

April 9

April 2,

1904

April 15

April 6,

1904

April 19

April 8,

,906

April 25

April 13,

1890

April 7

March 24

189^

April 6

March 31

190S

April 7

March 20

1905

April 9

April 5,

1888

April II

April I,

1905

May 2

April 25,

1903

May 17, I

903

The Hermit Thrush, in one or another of its forms, ranges from the
Atlantic to the Pacific, but in the West it breeds from Alaslca to Arizona.
The winter and summer ranges overlap for some hundreds of miles and the
migrations of the more northern breeding birds cannot be accurately traced.

PLACE

No. of years'
record

Average date of Latest date of last
last one seen | one seen

4

6

3
5
5
6
II

March 19 May 7, 1903
April 23 April 29, 1892
May 4 May 17, 1891
April 8 April 13, 1895
May 4 May 17, 1905
May 6 May 14, 1906
May 5 1 May 20, 1897

Raleigh, N. C

Washington, D. C

New Orleans, La

Waterloo, Ind. (near)

Oberlin Ohio

Chicago 111

FALL

MIGRATION

PLACE

No. of years'
record

Average date of
first one seen

Earliest date of first

Germantown, Pa

Beaver Pa

5

3
3
7
8
2

October 12
October 14
October 12
October 20
October 21
November 19

September 29, 1889
October 3, 1899
September 3, 1889
September 18, 1900
October 16, 1885

French Creek, W. Va

Washington, D. C

Raleigh, N. C

September 26, 1894

Migration of Thrushes

125

FALL MIGRATION, continued

Athabaska Landing, Alberta ....

Aweme, Man 3

Lanesboro, Minn 3

Chicago, III 6

Central Iowa 3

Waterloo, Ind. (near) 5

Ottawa, Ont 9

Southwestern Ontario 9

Oberlin, Ohio .4

North River, Prince Edward Island 2

Montreal, Can 4

Scotch Lake, N. B 5

St. John, N. B 7

Southwestern Maine . . 8

Providence, R. 1 5

Southeastern New York 7

Germantown, Pa 5

Washington, D. C I 2

September 17
October 12
October 12
October 15
October 22
October 14
October 18
October 27
October 10
October 16
October 22
October 24
October 27
October 30
November 2
November 3
November 10

Latest date of last
one seen

September 14, 1903
October 17, 1906
October 26, 1890
October 20, 1897
November 9, 1889
October 25, 1889
November 24, 1895
November 11, 1898
December 4, 1903
October 19, 1887
October 20, 1888
November 3, 1905
October 26, 1893
November 14, 1903
November 1 1 , 1900
November 13, 1903
November 1 1, 1889
A few in winter

Correspondence

Editor of Bird-Lore :

Dear Sir: If there is one thing that is more aggravating to me than
another it is to be misquoted, and, as Mr. Taverner has systematically mis-
quoted me throughout his article in the last number of BiRD-LoRE, I hope
the Editor will give me a little of his valuable space for a reply.

In the first place, I did not intend to apologize for anything; the object
of my communication was, first, to show that even egg-shells might be
scientifically studied and, second, that the average egg-collector was as
scientific in his methods as the average collector of anything. I made no
comparison of the comparative value of the Old Squaw and Great Auk, but
said that from a strictly scientific standpoint the Labrador Duck was not a
whit more valuable than the Old Squaw. Neither did I say anything about
Professor Newton's opinion of oology as a science, but that he came for-
ward to defend the egg-collector. What he said may be found in the Report
from the Select Committee on Wild Birds' Protection, published in 1873.
I am not aware that he has changed his point of view since.

In conclusion, let me remark that but for Major Bendire's interest in
collecting birds' eggs, we should not have had his charming and valuable
' Life Histories of North American Birds,' and while he might have taken
up various other branches of ornithological work, the fact remains he did
not. Very truly yours,

Brooklyn, N. Y., April 24, igoj. F. A. LuCAS.

J^otes; from JTteltJ anti ^tutip

English Sparrows and Electric Lights

The English Sparrows in a country com-
munity near one of the large cities of the
Middle Atlantic states have learned to make
use at night of the electric lights.

Many of the houses in this district have
recently been provided with lights over the
entrance doors or in the porticoes: and the
electric bulbs are, for the most part, sus-
pended in decorative lanterns of an old-
fashioned style consisting of a high-peaked
iron top and a frame which encloses the
glass below. This glass is spherical, and
is so set in the frame that there is an open
space all around between the glass and the
top of the lantern. The birds have found
this easy entrance, and have also discovered
part way up inside the iron top a bar that
looks as if made for a perch. There, above
the warm light, they have found shelter at
night, one bird, as a rule, being in each
lantern.

The lights are controlled at a central
plant and are turned on automatically at a
fixed time, and on clear evenings they often
appear before the daylight has gone and are
then relatively inconspicuous. The birds,
however, seem to be watching for them and
quickly f^y into the lantern-tops. On dull
evenings, or when the lighting has been
unusually delayed, the birds have frequently
been seen on their perches in the lanterns
before the lights have appeared.

For about an hour the Sparrows remain
awake and on the alert, ready to take flight
if investigation is inquisitive or is prolonged
more than a very few minutes; but when
they are once sound asleep they are not
easily disturbed.

The birds were first observed in the lan-
tern-tops in the cold weather that came early
in January of this year, and from that time
until the present (April 15) they have regu-
larly occupied most of the available places.

The difference in temperature between
the air inside the lanterns when the lights
are on and that immediately outside is con-

siderable. With an outside temperature of
27° Fahr., the mercury in a thermometer
whose bulb was placed on a level with the
perch inside the lantern stood at 44° Fahr.
three hours after the light had been turned
on.

While it gives pleasure on a wintry night
to think that the birds are enjoying the
warmth of the electric lights, it is question-
able whether the toasting at night followed
by exposure to storm and wind by day can
be beneficial. And, if this suddenly acquired
habit of the English Sparrow is injurious, it
is at variance with the commonly received
idea that animal instincts are a safe guide.

If the greater warmth is so agreeable to
these birds, wh}- do they not go in winter to
a warmer latitude? Are they unaware of
the migration of other species, or are they
physically unable to accomplish it ? Or is
it something so long absent from their hered-
itary make-up as to be non-existent to
them ?

With the coming of spring a new feature
has appeared: In two lanterns straws and
hay are accumulating. In one case they are
collected inside the glass globe close around
the electric bulb. This arrangement seems
not to be satisfactory, for the work is not
progressing. In the other lantern there is a
closely-packed mass across the base of the
cone-shaped iron top forming a compact
layer above the electric light with one small
round hole that seems like an entrance. Is
this layer the base of a nest ? Is the ar-
rangement a sort of incubator ? To investi-
gate would be to destroy the structure. —
Harriet Randolph, Bryn Mawr College,
Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Red-breasted Nuthatch at Sea

The notes of the Red-breasted Nuthatch
migration in Bird-Lore for December re-
mind me of the birds that boarded our
steamer last September.

It was, I believe, the 27th, and a strong
northwest wind was blowing. When

(126)

Notes from Field and Study

127

between two and three hundred miles east
of Newfoundland it was reported that several
birds had come aboard, apparently much
exhausted. They kept largely to the lower
deck, where they were fed, and a number of
the passengers saw them there, but no one
seemed able to identify them until at last
they were declared to be Labrador Wax-
wings. This announcement aroused my
curiosity. I heard strangely differing de-
scriptions of the birds, but I did not see
them until we were nearing Boston Harbor,
when they flew all about the steamer.

My first glimpse was of one running
down a post, and shortly afterwards I saw
several of the pretty little Red-breasted
Nuthatches, apparently as happy to be in
sight of land as we were.

Were they probably driven out to sea by
the winds as they were leaving Labrador or
Newfoundland?

Occasionally we see these northern birds
here in the winter. Three years ago a pair
of them appeared November 17, and re-
mained with us until January 27.

They were daily visitors at my bird table,
seemed very fond of hemp seed and were
very friendly and familiar. I have not seen
them iiere since, though I eagerly look for
them every winter. — (Mrs.) M. B. Mit-
chell, Chattanooga, Term.

flight was from east-northeast or, following
the Fraser River, they seemed to come down
through the Fraser canon, which splits a
deep rift in the wall of the Cascade Moun-
tains. But the curious thing is that at no
portion of the province east of the Cascades
have I found the Wood Duck anything but a
very scarce bird, and I never saw or heard of
it in the Cariboo district (where these birds
were heading from) . Were these eastern birds
from northern Ontario, northern Manitoba,
etc.? Of late years they have somewhat
decreased, though still fairly common.

The case of the Canvasback is still more
remarkable. In 1887 I never saw the bird,
and not until 1891 was I able to shoot one,
though Duck shooting almost continually.
There were considerable numbers on the
coast, but up the Fraser it was almost un-
known.

About 1894 it commenced to appear in
the latter locality, and was very common in
1896 and has been of common occurrence
since. Here this spring it was numerous,
more so than I ever saw it before.

It is a common breeder in open country
from latitude 54° northward, and a few
breed even as far south as this latitude.
East of the Rockies it breeds farther to ihe
south. — Allan Brooks, Ohanagan Land-
ing, B. C.

The Wood Duck and the Canvasback in
British Columbia

As an instance of the variation in num-
bers of some Ducks, I may cite my experi-
ence with two of the species you name.

When I first came to British Columbia,
in 1887, the Wood Duck was comparatively
scarce, though little Duck shooting was done
then. Each year it became a little more
numerous; in 1896 the species had reached
the height of its abundance. In that year it
was an easy matter in the lower Fraser
valley to kill fifteen or twenty birds in a
day, but not a small portion of the flocks
passing through were killed. About sun-
down in September and early October flock
after flock of Wood Ducks could be seen
flying at a moderate height, from thirty to
one hundred yards high. The direction of

Bird Notes from New Mexico

I fear that we are going to have trouble
with the Flickers, and it worries me, for I
can not ask every one to be as sentimental
about birds as I am. I have heard them
tapping on our wood cornice and veranda
pillars. I don't see how worms could exist
in painted wood. There is very little wood
about here. Nor can I see how there can be
any insects in plastered adobe, although we
all know that the unplastered adobe houses
are hotbeds of ants. We have lots of boxes
around and there are wooden fence-posts,
so I don't know what to do; all our birds
seem very tame.

Some of our best farmers also complain of
the Quail ; in the evenings they descend in
great flocks from the foothills, and feed
upon the alfalfa. We are too far from the

[28

Bird - Lore

foothills to be troubled by this; ours live in
the orchard, and we prize them.

Apropos of Hawks — I have seen very few
this winter, although Mr. Bartlett had told
me of the great flocks which usually winter
here, and I wonder if their scarcity has any-
thing to do with the unusual trouble we are
having with rodents! Our new ditch banks
are literally riddled with gopher holes, and
we are having great trouble in irrigating.
Yesterday they found about thirty holes in
half a mile of ditch !

The New Mexico rodents which break
our ditches are gophers, also "commercial
rats," field mice and others. We are rodent-
ridden. We have had great trouble with
the rat-holes in ditches causing flooding and
delays in work. I saw a number of Hawks
last autumn, but only one group of five all
winter, although they are said to winter
here. This is a wonderful country and
almost anything can be done agriculturally
if the rodents and insects can be kept down.
We have more pests than I ever before saw
or dreamed of; what would become of us
without the birds? And yet they are cen-
sured for taking some grain and fruit, while
it has literally to be snatched from insects.
The Tanager is also greatly censured and
often shot for molesting the bees.

I often watched them last summer and
never found them doing any harm. I am
happy to say that the Flickers did not return
to our eaves. I hear them all about us. Our
western Flycatchers and Meadowlarks are
numerous and charming. — ( Mrs. ) Charles
T. Bartlett, Victoria, N. M.

The Blue Jay's Food

I noticed in the April, 1907, number of
Bird-Lore what is said about the Blue Jay
as a cannibal. I fear the half has not been
told; still, I would not wage war on the
saucy, brilliant fellow who gladdens our
grove the year round Five or six years ago
my manager had a serious attack of making
money raising chickens, and purchased in-
cubators, brooders, sanitary coops, etc.
After the little chicks were placed in the
brooders and confined in little pens about
sixteen feet square, the Blue Jays found they

had a good thing and began acting up to
their belief in its goodness by killing the
chicks from one to three weeks old by the
dozens. A Jay would swoop down into the
pen, hit a chick nearly always in the eye
and off again. In a few minutes back he
would come and give the little chick another
peck, and usually about the third time kill
him, pick him up and fly a little distance
away, pick out the brains and begin an
attack on another chick. We tried to pre-
vent this destruction by keeping on the
watch and frightening them away, but still
they would succeed in killing as many as
twenty in a day. Finally anger took the
place of admiration, and guns were called
into use. Needless to say that the firing
caused the migration from our groves of
nearly all the birds we had protected for
years, as well as the death of the Jays.

There is no question as to the killing of
the chicks by the Jays, for many of us
watched the manner of the Jay's attacks
from start to fatal ending. If the chicken-
raising had been continued I am sure other
protection than the gun for the little fellows
would have been instituted. — A. H. Barber,
Waukesha, Wis.

Nesting- Sites of the American Long-
eared Owl in Manitoba

In "Notes from Field and Study" for
March-April, 1907, there is a note by A.
D. Tinker* on the "Unusual Nesting Site
of the American Long-eared Owl."

In Manitoba it is not a very unusual
occurrence to find these birds nesting on the
ground. The nests that I have seen have
always been in woods among aspens and
willows, in rather damp situations, little or
no attempt being made to build a nest.

This habit seems to be practiced only
when no old Crows' nests are to be found
in the immediate vicinity, as such nests
seem to be always used when in a suitable
situation.

In my twenty years' experience I have in
no case found a nest of this species above

*We take this opportunity to correct a typographical
error. Mr. Tinker's name havinj: been inadvertently
spelled with an F,

Notes from Field and Study

129

the ground that was built by the bird
occupying it.

The same habit of using other iiirds'
nests is practiced by the Western Horned
Owl in Manitoba, but in this case it is
usually an old nest of a Red-tailed Hawk
that is selected. — Norman Griddle, Aiveme,
Manitoba.

A New Robin Food

The snow-storms ami cold of last week
made a trying time for the advance guard of
birds up from the South, but at least one
Robin came out of it fatter than he went in.
It was noticed nearly three weeks ago that
he had taken possession of certain premises,
and, when the snow came, apple was cut up
for him and placed on the sill of an open
bay window. He was glad enough to come
and eat, and when the next lunch was set
for him on the coLich inside, it was a very
short time before he had ventured in after it.
For the following two or three days, when
the snow kept falling and the ground was

covered, he remained in possession of the
room. Hying in and out at frequent intervals.
But he would eat nothing but cut apple and
shredded wheat biscuit. Pettijohn and oat-
Hakes he passed by, and at beefsteak minced
for him he turned his beak way up,
utterly refusing even in stress of weather to
lower his standard of toothsome delicate
angleworm. — H. S. Bi.xby, Platlshurgh,
N. Y.

A Late Warbler

On November 27, 1906, I saw a male
Black-throated Blue Warbler, feeding in
some shrubbery. I saw him again on
December i, and on December 9, I found
him lying dead outside the door. The day
before had been very cold, and I suppose
that the cold, combined with lack of food,
was the cause of his death. — Louis Durham,
Irvington, N . Y.

[The specimen above mentioned was presented by
Mr. Durham to the American Museum and was found to
be in a greatly emaciated condition, having evidently
died of starvation. — F. M. C]

CATBIRD ON NEST
Photoeraphed by F. E. Howe, Sterling, III., Apr

iloofe jBtetos; anti 3^etoteto0

UsEFL'L Birds and Their Protection.
Containing brief descriptions of the more
common and useful species of Massachu-
setts, with accounts of the food habits,
and a chapter on the means of attracting
and protecting birds. By Edward Howe
FoRBUSH, Ornithologist of the State Board
of Agriculture. Illustrated b\- the author,
C Allan Lyford, Chester A. Reed, and
others. Published under direction of the
Massachusetts State Board of Agricul-
ture. [1907.] 8vo. XX - 437 pages, 171
figures, 56 plates.

In no single volume known to us is the
importance of birds to man so satisfac-
torily established. Mr. Forbush is not only
an ornithologist but an entomologist as well,
and, furthermore, he has had wide experi-
ence in making a personal presentation of
the results of his studies to those for whom
they were primarily intended. He is there-
fore exceptionally well equipped to state the
birds' case in their varied relations to man,
and we are assured that no one who will
read this volume conscientiously will fail to
be convinced by his arguments.

The book contains an amazing amount
of information and still is interesting read-
ing— a rare and valuable combination.
Bird-Lore's space only permits of the fol-
lowing synopsis: Chapter I, "The Value of
Birds to Man," under which are included
sections on "Primitive Man's Relations to
Nature," "The Increase of Insect Pests,"
"Capacity of Birds for Destroying Pests,"
"The Increase of Injurious Insects Follow-
ing the Destruction of Birds," "The De-
struction of Injurious Mammals by Birds,"
"The Commercial Value of Birds," "The
Esthetic, Sentimental and Educational Value
of Birds," etc.

In Chapter II, "The Utility of Birds in
Woodlands," and the "Relations of the
Bird to the Tree" are discussed. Chapter
III treats of birds as " Destroyers of Hairy
Caterpillars and Plant Lice," while Chap-
ter IV states the "Economic Service of
Birds in the Orchard." Chapters V and
VI and VIII to X contain descriptions and
biographies with special reference to food

habits of our common birds under such
groupings as " Song Birds of Orchard and
Woodland," "Birds of Field and Garden,"
"Birds of the Air," "Birds of Marsh and
Waterside," etc. In Chapter XI we have
an exceptionally valuable contribution to the
question of bird destruction under the head-
ing "Checks upon the Increase of Useful
Birds," and in Chapter XII, under the title
"The Protection of Birds," we have one of
the best contributions to practical bird pro-
tection with which we are familiar. The
illustrations, many of them by the author,
are admirable, and, all in all, we have here
a book which will long remain the most
comprehensive statement of the bird's claims
to man's attention. — F. M. C.

The Ornithological Magazines

The Auk. — Several papers in the April
issue deal minutely with the distribution of
birds in limited areas, H. H. Kopman dis-
cussing those of Louisiana and Mississippi ;

B. H. Swales and P. A. Taverner, those
rare in or wrongly attributed to southeastern
Michigan, and J. F. Ferry, the winter
visitors of a section of northeastern Illinois.
R. Deane records an unusual flight of Gos-
hawks [Accipiter atricapillus) , composed,
singularly enough, almost exclusively of
adult birds, which, during the past winter,
descended from the north and were noted by
many observers from Maine to Manitoba.

H. A. Estabrook epitomizes the English
Sparrow problem, and advocates extermina-
tion of the birds; A. Brooks describes a
hybrid (with accompanying plate in black
and white); R. W. Williams, Jr., offers
further notes on some birds of Florida; W.

C. Braislin, some on those of Long Island,
N. Y., and A. C. Bent gives us a pleasantly
readable account of the nesting of the
Marbled Godwit {Limosa feJoa), with half-
tones of its nest and eggs.

The lays of Bewick's Wren are inter-
preted in musical notation by A. H. Howell
and H. Oldys; and who would suppose so

(130)

Book Notes and Reviews

131

diminutive a bird could sing about three
notes in six flats!

William Brewster separates the Black
Rails of California under the name Porxana
jamarcensis coturnicnliis, and, in another
article, corrects the supposed records of the
Cinnamon Teal in Florida and South
Carolina.

Much might be saiti in favor of A. H.
Felger's card system of note-keeping at
page 200, but every system has its limita-
tions, and the distinctness of the individual
pen-pictures in our journals is lost by the
use of any mechanical method, while the
hopelessly unwieldy size to which card
systems grow is another serious drawback.
Poets and geniuses are not tied to card-
catalogues, and can we think of White or
Audubon or Burroughs or a dozen others
with pockets full of ruled cards?

Changes in the names of North American
birds are discussed in a paper by W. Stone.
When a cast-iron code of rules for fixing
scientific names is invented, stability may
result, and meanwhile current usage is
fixing vernacular ones to the confusion of
those who ought to furnish handles that don't
pull off.— J. D., Jr.

The Condor. — In the March number of
'The Condor' Finley continues his series
of life- histories of western birds, illustrated
with photographs taken by Bohlman.
Among the Pelicans' is an interesting,
account of a breeding colony of the birds in
southern Oregon, and the eight half-tones
show clearly some of the habits of the old
and young. The 'Migration and Nesting
of the Sage Thrasher,' by Oilman, recounts
the experiences of the author with this com-
paratively little-known bird at Palm Springs,
Cal., and in southwestern Colorado. 'An
Experience with the South American Con-
dor,' by Samuel Adams, describing the
finding of a nest and the collecting of the
old birds and young near the mouth of the
Rio Gallegos in Patagonia, is an article
which should be read in connection with
Finley's 'Life History of the California
Condor. ' " It is interesting to note the simi-
larity in the nesting habits of the two birds

and also to learn that the Condor, instead
of being confined to the Andes, as usually
supposed, is found on the pampas and breeds
in the barrancas or cliffs along the coast of
southern Patagonia.

In 'Nesting Ways of the Western Gnat-
catcher,' Miss Harriet W. Myers describes
a nest found in the Little Santa Anita
Cafion. Los Angeles county, California,
and the manner in which the young Gnat-
catchers are fed by their parents. An excel-
lent piece of work on geographic distribution
has been done by the editor, Joseph Grin-
nell, in a paper on 'The California Distribu-
tion of the Road-runner ( Geococcyx califor-
nianus). All the authentic definite records
of the occurrence of the bird in the state
have been collected and plotted on a map,
which is reproduced to illustrate the article.
The distribution of the bird "seems to fol-
low very closely the limits of the Upper
and Lower Sonoran zones," and in the
interior extends from Igo, Shasta County,
to the Mexican boundary. ' Stray Notes
from the Flathead Woods' consists of brief
notes on five species of birds made by Sill-
oway in June, 1906. In discussing 'The
New Check-list' now being prepared by
the A. O. U., Taverner suggests that the
names of subspecies be printed in smaller
type than those of species, and that the
latter be given a distinctive English name.
Some such plan as this would go far toward
simplifying the 'Check-List' for readers who
are now confused by the number of subspe-
cies in such groups as the Horned Larks
and Song Sparrows. Under the title 'A
Forgotten Reference to the Natural History
of California,' Walter K. Fisher summar-
izes the notes on birds in T. J. Farnum's
'Life, Adventures and Travels in Cali-
fornia,' the second edition of which appeared
in 1852.— T. S. P.

Book News

The Outing Publishing Comp.any an-
nounce the publication of 'The Passenger
Pigeon,' by W. B. Mershon, illustrated by
colored plates by Fuertes and Allan
Brooks.

*'The Condor.' viii. pp. M5-142, IQ06.

132

Bird - Lore

A Bi-monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THK AUDUBON SOCIETIES

Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

Vol. IIX Published June 1. 1907 No. 3

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico
twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post-
age paid.

COPYRIGHTED, I907, BY FRANK M. CHAPM/

Bird-Lore's Motto :
A Bird in the Bush is Worth Two in the Hand

To the Editor alone is due the entire blame
for the delay in the appearance of this
number of Bird-Lore. A voyage to the
Southeastern Bahamas consumed double the
time allotted to it, and, on returning, a
Heron rookery, which under protection has
developed conditions creditable to the days
of Audubon, proved so alluring that we
deliberately ignored the call of editorial
duties, confident of the approval of Bird-
Lore's readers.

To this same absence must be charged
the sin of a sadly neglected correspondence;
and may we beg further indulgence in this
connection during the next two months, when
field work will take us to the Canadian
Northwest ?

In 'Everybody's Magazine' for June,
President Roosevelt, as reported by Edward
B. Clark, expresses his indignation that,
after all that has been said of their inaccu-
racies, the books of W. J. Long should
continue to be used in schools for supple-
mental reading.

After exposing some of Mr. Long's
errors, Mr. Roosevelt remarks : " The
preservation of the useful and beautiful
animal and bird life of the country depends
largely upon creating in the young an
interest in the life of the woods and fields.
If the child mind is fed with stories that are
false to nature, the children will go to the
haunts of the animal only to meet with
disappointment. The result will be dis-
belief, and the death of interest. The men

who misinterpret nature and replace fact
with fiction, undo the work of those who
in the love of nature interpret it aright."

Is it the undeniable literary charm of
Long's books, or the dearth of desirable
nature stories, or the activity of his pub-
lishers which, in spite of their proved per-
niciousness, still keeps them on teachers'
lists ?

In the April number of 'The Nature-
study Review,' a writer speaks of the
"fascinating tales of the wilderness, as told
by Long, and the delightful life-histories of
Wabbles the Song Sparrow and Bismark
the red squirrel as recorded by Walton the
hermit of Gloucester," and couples them
with the "works of Burroughs and Tho-
reau," a grouping which we believe will
make truth-loving ' Oom John ' envy
Thoreau his resting-place in Concord's
churchyard.

Discussion of this subject with one of the
leading educators of the country brought
from him the surprising opinion that in
the city, at least, it is of more importance that
nature books used in supplemental reading
should be interesting than that they should
be accurate; it being argued that the im-
mediate object of such reading is to arouse
the child's curiosity.

Admitting that few children in our city
schools have an opportunity to test the
accuracy of the information they receive in
regard to animal life, is it desirable that
they be given as true that which is known
to be false merely because it is interesting ?

Nature study is designed not only to make
the child familiar with the commoner forms
of life, but also so to train his powers of
observation that he will see more widely
and more accurately; and no form of nature
study which has not science, and hence
truth, for its foundation can be expected to
endure.

The mention of ' Everybody's Magazine '
recalls, by the way, the interesting cover of
the April number of this magazine, which
depicted a Scarlet Tanager perched amid
pussy-willows, a striking and original com-
bination of an April flower and a May
bird.

Cbe ^utiubon ^ociette0

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

Address all communicalions to th<- Editor of the School Orpartmcnt, National
Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City

IN JUNE

What may one say of June ? So much is to he said that silence perhaps
is best, — silence that we may pause and Hsten, listen intently and open the
eyes wide, that nothing escape us. Why attempt to catalogue the pictures
that are daily hung against the wall of the sky or set upon lichen -covered
granite easels against hangings of deepest green, or those elusive ones that,
being painted by the mist of sunrise, vanish in full day?

Why attempt to reduce the soloists and chorus of the great natural
oratorio to a programme of names and titled performances. Suffice it to say
that all the birds will be there, at least all that have escaped the dangers of win -
ter, of long travel and the guns of unfriendly lands held by barbarous hands.

But one thing let us beg of June, daughter of Juno, and that is
that her temper may be even and that she distribute her rain and sunshine
with impartiality; for upon the disposition of June does much of the weal
and woe of the season's bird-life depend. If long rains flood the meadows
and marshlands, and weigh down the tree branches making the foliage
heavy and sodden, death and destruction visit many bird homes. The young
of the ground builders are either drowned or die of cold and damp; while
the tree-nests, especially those of the Thrush tribe in whose composition
mud is used, melt and give way, and oftentimes a little sodden heap under
a branch is all that is left to tell what has been.

On the other hand, if June is ' unco' hot and dry, and the tender foliage
withers, many song-birds of open nests are sufferers, holding up open, gap-
ing beaks to their distressed parents. In such a June as this the bird -bath
and the water-trough are blessings, and every bird -lover living in regions
without brooks or ponds should keep one filled; and even if there is water
near by, each orchard and garden should have its own supply close to the
nesting trees.

With the poet, we would praise God for June, — but let us not forget
that as it is the season of bird song, it is also the month of their greatest
anxiety; and, while we are listening to the music and enjoying the grace
of their every motion, let us endeavor to lessen their cares as much as pos-
sible by supplying nesting shelter for those who crave it and ensuring pri-
vacy for those birds who gather near our homes with pretty confidence
that we will help them to escape the preying habits of their wilder neigh-
bors of remote woods and fields. — M. O. W.

(133)

THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE

By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

Top iRational ja00ociation of Audubon &ociftie0

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 26

" Hush ! 'tis he !
My Oriole, my glance of summer fire
Is come at last." — Lowell.

We, who punctuate our reading of Nature's calendar with bird and
flower rather than by the artificial figures of the almanac, give to March
the Bluebird and Song Sparrow, the Redwing and the return of the Swal-
lows to April — and to May and June (for so does the rush of growth and
migration flood these months that they should be taken as a continuous
sixty-day jubilee), the Wood Thrush, Catbird and Oriole.

In one reading of the matter the Baltimore Oriole should be first men-
tioned, for his voice is that of the bugler that heralds actual spring, the long-
expected, long-delayed mellow period, distinct from the almanac spring,
that, when it once comes to us of the middle and north country, is quickly
absorbed by the ardor of summer herself. Also is this Oriole the glori-
ously illuminated initial letter wrought in ruddy-gold and black pigments,
heading the chapter that records the season; and, when we see him high in
a tree against a light tracery of fresh foliage, we know in very truth that not
only is winter over, that the treacherous snow-squalls of April are past, but
that May is working day and night to complete the task allotted.

For as the Indian waited for the blooming of the dogwood, Cornus
floriaa., before planting his maize, so does the prudent gardener wait for
the first call of the Oriole before she trusts her cellar-wintered geraniums
and lemon balms once more to the care of mother earth.

This Oriole has history blended with his name; for it is
and Identt ^^^^ ^^^^ George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore, tired and
discouraged by many of the troubles of his Newfoundland
colony, in visiting the Virginia settlement in 1628, explored the waters of the
Chesapeake, where he found the shores and woods alive with birds, and, con-
spicuous among them, vasts fiocks of Orioles. These so pleased him that he
took their colors for his own and they ever afterward bore his name — a fair
exchange.

The Baltimore Oriole comes of a parti -colored American family — Icter-
idas — that to the eye of the uninitiated at least would appear to be a hybrid
clan drawn from all quarters of the bird world. Yet it is typically American,
even in this variety; for what other race would have the temerity to har-

(134)

BALTIMORE ORIOLE

(Upper Figure, Male; Lower Figure. Female)

Order — Passeres Family — Icterid^e

Genus — Icterus Species — Galbula

The Baltimore Oriole 135

bor the Bobolink, Orchard and Baltimore (Orioles, Redwing, Meadow-
lark, various Grackles, together with the vagrant Cowbird, in the branches
of the same family tree ?

One of the many welcome facts concerning the Oriole is the ease with
which he is identified; and I say he advisedly, for his more industrious half,
who is the expert weaver of the pair, is much the more somber of hue. In
early May, or even as late as the middle of the month in backward seasons,
you will hear a half -militant, half-complaining note from the high tree
branches. As you go out to find its origin, it will be repeated, and then a
flash of flame and black will shoot across the range of vision toward
another tree, and the bird, chiding and complaining, begin a minute search
along the smaller twigs for insects. This is the Oriole, Icterus galbula,
as he first appears in full spring array, — his head, throat and top of back
and wings black, except a few margins and quills that are white-edged.
The breast and under parts, lower part of back and lesser wing-coverts
are orange flame, while his tail is partly black and partly orange.

Two other tree-top birds that arrive at about the same time, one to
remain and one to pass on, wear somewhat the same combination of red
and black — the Redstart and the Blackburnian Warbler. But, besides being
much smaller birds, they both belong to the pretty tribe of Warblers that,
with a few notable exceptions, such as the Chat and Water-Thrushes,
should be more properly called lispers, and not to be confused with the
clear-toned Oriole.

Once the female Oriole arrives, usually several days after the
His Mate male, his complaining call, "Will you ? Will you really truly?"

gradually lessens; and after a few weeks, when nest -building
begins, it quite disappears or, rather, is appropriated by the songless female,
who, while she weaves the nest, is encouraged by the clarion song of her
mate. The plumage of the female is brown and gray blended with orange
above, the head, back and throat being mottled with black, while the
under parts are a dull orange, with little of the flaming tints of the male.
Though the Oriole exposes himself more freely to view
His Nest than most of our highly colored birds, and in fact seems to

regard his gift of beauty anything but seriously, he takes no
chances, however, in the locating of his nest, which is not only from twenty
feet above the ground upward, but is suspended from a forked branch that
is at once tough yet so slender that no marauding cat would dare venture
to it. This pensile nest is diligently woven of grasses, twine, vegetable
fibers, horsehair, bits of worsted or anything manageable, and varies much
in size and shape, as if the matter of individual taste entered somewhat into
the matter. It has been fairly well proven that location enters largely into
this matter, and that nests in wild regions, where birds of prey, etc.,
abound, are smaller at the top and have a more decided neck than those in

136 Bird -Lore

the trees of home lawns and orchard. Of the many nests that I have found
and handled or else observed closely with a glass, the majority have been
quite open at the top like the one pictured, and the only one with a nar-
row and funnel-like opening came from a wayside elm on the edge of a
dense wood.

The female seems to be weaver-in-chief, using both claw and bill, though
I have seen the male carry her material. It is asserted that Orioles will
weave gayly colored worsteds into their nests. This I very much doubt, or,
if they do, I believe it is for lack of something more suitable. I have repeatedly
fastened vari-colored bunches of soft linen twine, carpet thread, flosses and
the like under the bark of trees frequented by Orioles, and, with one excep-
tion, it has been the more somber tints that were selected.

In the exceptional case a long thread of scarlet linen floss was taken and
woven into the nest for about half its length, the remainder hanging down;
but, on resuming my watch the next day, I found that the weaver had left
the half-finished task and crossed the lawn to another tree. Whether it
was owing to the presence of red squirrels close by, or that the red thread
had been a subject for domestic criticism and dissension, we may not know.

Be this as it may, in spite of the bright hues of the parent birds and the
hanging shape of the nest that is never concealed by a branch upon which
it is saddled, like the home of so many birds, an Oriole's nest is exceed-
ingly difficult to locate unless one has noticed the trips to and fro in the
building process; but once the half-dozen white, darkly etched and spotted
eggs it contains hatch out, the vociferous youngsters at once call atten-
tion to the spot and make their whereabouts known, in spite of sky cradle
and carefully adjusted leaf umbrellas.

If their parents bring them food, they squeal (yes, that is the only word
for it) ; if they are left alone, they do likewise. Their baby voices can be
heard above the wind, and it is only either at night or during a heavy
shower, when a parent would naturally be supposed to be upon the nest,
that they are silent.

As an adult, the Oriole lives on rather a mixed diet and

His Food has a great love of honey; but, of course, as a parent he is,

with his sharp beak, a great provider of animal food for his

home, and to his credit must be placed a vast number of injurious tree-top

insects that escape the notice of less agile birds.

Complaints are frequently heard of his propensity for opening pods and
eating young peas, piercing the throats of trumpet-shaped flowers for the
honey, and, in the autumn before the southward migration, siphoning grape
and plum juice by means of this same slender- pointed bill.

Personally, I have never lost peas through his appetite for green vege-
tables, though I have had the entire floral output of an old trumpet vine
riddled bud and blossom; and I have often stood and scolded them from

The Baltimore Oriole 137

uniier the houiihs of a Spitzenburji; apple tree, amid the blossoms of which
they were rummaging (perhaps for insects) but also scattering the rosy
blossoms right and left with torn and bruised petals. Powell, in ' The In-
dependent,' writes feelingly of this trait of the Oriole, thus:

" An Oriole is like a golden shuttle in the foliage of the trees, but he is
the incarnation of mischief. That is just the word for it. If there is any-
thing possible to be destroyed, the Oriole likes to tear it up.

" He wastes a lot of string in building his nest. He is pulling off apple
blossoms now, possibly eating a few petals. By and by he will pick holes in
bushels of grapes, and in plum season he will let the wasps and hornets into
the heart of every Golden Abundance plum on your favorite tree. . . .
Yet the saucy scamp is so beautiful that he is tolerated — and he does kill an
enormous lot of insects. There is a swinging nest just over there above the
blackberry bushes. It is wonderfully woven and is a cradle as well as a
house. I should like to have been brought up in such a homestead."

It seems as if the Oriole must be the descendant of one of
His Country the brilliant birds that inhabited North America in by -gone
days of tropic heat, and that has stayed on from a matter of
hereditary association ; for in the nesting season it is to be found from
Florida and Texas up to New Brunswick and the Saskatchewan country
and westward to the Rockies, beyond which this type is replaced by Bul-
lock's Oriole, of much similar coloring save that it has more orange on the
sides of the head and the white wing patch is larger.

But, however much the Baltimore Oriole loves his native

His Travels land, the climate and the exigencies of travel make his stay in

it brief; for he does not appear until there is some protection

of foliage, and he starts southward toward his winter home in Central and

South America often before a single leaf has fallen.

THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE

How falls it, Oriole, thou hast come to fly
In tropic splendor througfh our northern sky?

At some glad moment was it Nature's choice
To dower a scrap of sunset with a voice?

Or did an orange tulip flaked with black,
In some forgotten garden, ages back.

Yearning toward Heaven until its wish was heard,

Desire unspeakably to be a bird.

— EJirar Faivcett

Ct)e ^uDubon ^otittm

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER

Address all correspondence, and send all remittances for du
the National Association of Audubon Societies. I4t Broai

nbutions. to

York City-

Membership in the National Association individuals bars the way for a more rapid
„ . . advance. The hope for the future lies in

$5.00 paid annually constitutes a person a Sustaining t^

Member the fact that right always conquers in the

tioo. 00 paid atone time constitutes a Life Membership ^v a j 1 1 1

$.000.00 paid constitutes a person a Patron end, and, as the Audubon workers know

$5,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder ^^^y ^^^ absolutely in the right in the work

$25,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Benefactor -' . . . .

that they are doing for the preservation or

FORM OF BEQUEST the wild life of the country, our courage

/ Jo hereby gi^-e and bequeath to The must not decrease and our determination to

National Association OF Audubon SociE- succeed must not be abated one instant.

TIES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WiLD BiRDS Just here it is important to call attention to

AND Animals (Incorporated), of the City of ^^^ f^^^ ^^^^ ^^^ membership is entirely too
^'^ "' ' small ; among the eighty millions of citizens

_ - of this country are there not a few thousand

who will join in the movement to preserve
for future generations the wild life of North

-- - - America? Members, publish among your

friends the work of this organization and
Leeislation ^sk them to give us their support and in-

fluence. It is hard to see this civic effort
"The world is growing better— I know languish when the aid of a few thousands

it. A great unceasing movement toward ^f interested persons would make the Asso-

truth and goodness is carrying slowly for- ciation a great power for good. Bear in

word ever the character of this great, ^i^^ that if the vigilance of the National

mighty, mysterious humanity. How slow Association is relaxed an instant all of

it is, but oh, how real it is, the study of the the work already done will be dissipated in

ages tells. And yet behold how the good the twinkling of an eye.— W. D.

causes fail. Behold how selfishness comes

in to paralyze each great endeavor for the

good of man. Alas for him who sees only

this surface fact; who does not feel beneath

it all the heave and movement of the whole

race forward toward goodness. . . . The

best is strongest and shall ultimately con-
quer."— Sermon by Bishop Brooks.

The above seems also prophetic of the

conditions that now obtain in the bird world

as well as in the realm of humanity. The

stories which follow of the results obtained

during the past few months show that there

is a steady, although slow improvement in

legislative conditions; although, on the other

hand, how true it is that the selfishness of

(i

California.— The most important gain in
California in the way of legislation in the
interest of wild birds and game protection
at the session of 1907 is a hunting license
law fixing an annual fee of $1 for hunter*
who are citizens of the state, $10 for citizens
of the United States who are non-residents
of the state and $25 for aliens.

There are one or two defects in this law
that will no doubt be remedied two years
hence, but there was quite a pronounced
prejudice in many parts of the state against
a hunting license law of any sort, and it
was only by the hardest possible work on
the part of the friends of game preservation

38)

The Audubon Societies

139

that this was sufficiently overcome to ob-
tain the law even in its present form.

The open season for Doves has been cut
from seven and one-half to three months,
but the season opens at least a month earlier
than it should. There was an almost unani-
mous consent of the sportsmen of the state
to cut the Dove season to the one month of
August, and this could readily have been
done if the State Board of Fish Commis-
sioners had not, in its report, recommended
the longer season, which was incorporated
in the successful game bill.

There is a pronounced popular sentiment
in California favoring the taking of Doves
from the game list, and giving them pro-
tection at ail times. It is generally conceded
that no open season satisfactory to all sec-
tions can be made for the whole state, that
does not subject these birds to being hunted
during a part of the time they have young
in the nest. On this account, possibly 75
per cent of the sportsmen favor the drop-
ping of the Doves from the game-list, and
probably three-fourths of the remainder are
opposed to opening the season before Au-
gust. It now opens July 15, two weeks
later than under the old law.

The Doves, chiefly because of the prac-
tice of hunting them in the nesting season,
are fast being decimated in many parts of
California, and it will be necessary within
a very few years to close the season entirely
in order to preserve the species. The hunt-
ers of the state, with very few exceptions,
recognize this fact, and regret that the later
period was not fixed for the opening of the
season by the amended law. A number of
counties protect Doves (Santa Cruz pro-
hibits their killing at any time).

The open season for Ducks is now Oc-
tober I, two weeks earlier than formerly,
and the bag limit has been cut from fifty to
thirty-five birds to the hunter in one day.
There is evidence that bag limits on Ducks
have not been generally respected in Cali-
fornia, save where public sentiment and ac-
tive and efficient game-wardens compelled
such respect, but it is hoped that the in-
crease of funds now available for game
preservation, provided by the hunting li-
cense law, will give such increased warden

service as will i)ut a stop to many former
notorious violations of this sort by those
who make a business of killing Ducks for
the market.

Several coimty district attorneys ruled
last year that the Robin is a "game bird,"
and was, therefore, not protected by the
non-game law as it then stood. This re-
sulted in much Robin shooting in two or
three counties at the north, but happily the
law has been amended to remedy this defect.

Much to be regretted, an open season of
four months has been made for tree squir-
rels, which during the past two years have
been protected at all times. This was also
a recommendation of the State Fish Com-
mission, and one for which there was seem-
ingly no demand from any considerable
number of hunters.

Other open seasons for game and the olcJ
bag limit remain unchanged, except that
the deer season now opens and closes two
weeks earlier than under the old law.

A law was passed providing that any
owner of one hundred and sixty acres or
more of land may enter the same as a State
Game Preserve for one to five years, and
thus absolutely prevent hunting thereon for
such a period. If the intent of this law is
properly carried out, it will do very much
to restore the wild game in many depleted
sections.

A strong effort was made to remove pro-
tection from the Meadowlark, but this was
defeated in the Senate by a vote of three to
one. When this bill was introduced in the
Legislature, the Audubon Society issued a
special leaflet on the food habits, and thor-
oughly established benefits of this bird to
the agricultural interests, and a large edi-
tion was circulated at Sacramento and
among farmers' organizations throughout
the state.

The only piece of really vicious bird leg-
islation enacted at the late session is an
amendment to the non-game-bird law, re-
moving protection from "all fish - eating
birds, except Sea-Gulls and Blue and White
Cranes." The Audubon Society used every
possible means, including an appeal to the
State Fish Commission, to prevent this
crime against the several species of sea and

140

Bird- Lore

bay birds, practically ail of them harmless,
thrown open to inexcusable slaughter by
this act. It showed by the best of evidence
that there was no demand from the fishing
interests for such a retrograde step, that
there was no complaint against any of these
birds, with the possible exception of King-
fishers, and that the proposed legislation
was in the interest of no class save plume-
hunters and those who supply "specimens"
for the curio trade. The legislation remov-
ing protection from these birds, many spe-
cies of which are already nearly wiped out
by market and plume-hunters, is roundly
condemned by every recognized naturalist
and deplored by all classes, except those
who slaughter and exterminate bird-life for
coin. The Audubon Society is making an
effort to remedy this legislation, for which
no doubt a great majority of the legislators
voted unthinkingly, by an appeal to county
supervisors to protect the Terns, Herons
and other harmless water-birds, other than
game-birds, by county ordinances, which
supervisors have authority to do under the
county government act.

A carefully prepared and up-to-date bill
for the protection of non-game birds, amend-
ing the law passed two years ago, was
urged by the Audubon Society. The bill
was modeled after the best non-game bird
laws recently enacted in eastern states, had
been revised by a representative of the De-
partment of Agriculture, at Washington,
and was indorsed and approved by more
than forty farmers' organizations of the
state. It should have had the support of
every person who favors an effective law to
stop the further destruction of our harmless
bird-life. By the efforts of Mr. Ludington,
Assemblyman from San Diego county, and
a member of the Audubon Society, the bill
passed the Assembly with practically no
opposition. In the Senate, it was favorably
reported by the Fish and Game Committee
and passed to the third-reading file, where
influences beyond the society's control pre-
vented it from being called up for final vote.

A thoroughly commendable amendment
to the trespass law, providing for the
proper protection of uninclosed and other
private lands, was introduced and success-

fully carried through the Senate by Senator
Walter F. Price, of Santa Rosa, but in the
Assembly met a fate similar to that of the
Audubon non-game bird bill in the Senate.
Had adjournment been delayed a few days
longer, both of these bills could probably
have been passed. — W. Scott Way.

In February Bird-Lore, page 53, refer-
ence was made to the splendid efforts of
Mrs. Alice L. Park, Chairman, Humane
Education Committee of the California
Federation of Women's Clubs, to establish
Bird Day in the schools of California.

Mrs. Park was successful in the legisla-
ture in passing the bill, but the Governor
vetoed it, much to the indignation of the
club women of California.

His action in this matter was hard to
understand in view of the fact that he
signed a bill appropriating five thousand
dollars to purchase rifles for schoolboys.
The minds of some statesmen certainly
work in queer channels.

California will have other governors in
the future; let us hope that one may be
elected who will recognize the great benefit
to the school children of the state, of Bird
Day and what it stands for, bird protection
and good civics.— W. D.

Connecticut. — The prospect for better
legislation for the protection of wild fowl
and shore birds in Connecticut seemed at
first sight rather discouraging. Keepers of
shore hotels, owners of boat liveries, and
some of the older gunners have always been
in favor of spring shooting, and resented
any attempt to shorten the open season as
being an unwarranted interference with
their business. It was through the efforts of
these people, and the resulting influence on
the legislature, that Connecticut took a retro-
grade step, which extended the open sea-
son to May I. The agent of the National
Association undertook a journey along the
coast of Connecticut, making inquiries
among the older gunners, and all agreed
that the number of wild Ducks and Geese
had fallen off tremendously in the past sixty
or seventy years, that their destruction
within the last thirty years had been even
more rapid than before that time, and that the

The Audubon Societies

141

Teal, Black Duck, Wood Duck, ami other
valuable food Ducks were in danger of ex-
termination. They agreed, also, that most
of the sliore birds had been depleted even
more than the wild fowl. It was learned
that gunners were beating about the marshes
in April, in order to find the nests of the
Black Duck and so secure the mother birds,
and that the few Wood Ducks left were
being waylaid and shot when they left the
nest to feed. The Audubon Society of the
State of Connecticut, through Dr. Van
Name, chairman of its Committee on Legis-
lation, hoping to remedy these conditions
somewhat, had prepared a bill fixing the
open season between March i and Sep-
tember I. Before this could be presented,
however, your president succeeded in intro-
ducing into the General Assembly, by the
medium of Judge Elmer S. Banks, of Fair-
field, two bills, one establishing a close sea-
son on wild fowl beginning January i and
ending August 31, and another providing a
close season on shore birds beginning Jan-
uary I and ending July 31.

The bill prepared by the Connecticut
Audubon Society was then withdrawn, and
the united efforts of the members of the
National Association, members of the
American Ornithologists' Union and those
of the Connecticut Audubon Society were
concentrated to secure the passage of the
bills introduced by Judge Banks. A hear-
ing on these bills and others relating to
wild fowl and shore birds was held before
the Committee on Fisheries and Game in
the Senate chamber of the capitol at Hart-
ford. This was one of the largest and most
enthusiastic hearings ever held before that
body. The large gathering was due mainly
to the work of Miss Laura G. Jones, of
Hartford, local secretary of the Connecticut
Audubon Society, who sent out invitations
requesting the friends of the birds to attend.
The committee was addressed by your presi-
dent, by Dr. T. S. Palmer, of Washington,
and the Rev. Herbert K. Job, of Kent,
Connecticut.

Many other Connecticut people spoke in
favor of the bills, and there was no opposi-
tion. The sentiment of the large number
present was not only unanimous in favor of

closing the shooting on Ducks, Cieese,
Brant and Swan from January i to Septem-
ber I, but the majority were in favor of pro-
hibiting the shooting of shore birds during
that time, and thus makiTig illegal all
spring and summer shooting. The Com-
mittee on Fisheries and Game reported fa-
vorably on two bills containing the above
provisions, and also extending the close sea-
son on Rail. Such opposition as appeared
in the House was speedily overcome. The
agent of the National Association did con-
siderable work among the farmers, who
usually may be depended upon to come to
the rescue of the birds, when the necessity
of protecting them is called to their atten-
tion, and the bills passed the House almost
without a dissenting voice. By this time
the Audubon Society, of Connecticut, was
fairly awake to its powers and opportuni-
ties, and when the bills came up in the
Senate, the full force of this strong organiza-
tion was brought to bear. As a result, the
friends of the bill in the Senate, led by Sena-
tor Briggs, of Middletown, passed the
measure by a practically unanimous vote.

Great credit for the result is due to the
president of the Connecticut Society; to Dr.
Willard G. Van Name, of the Committee
on Legislation, and to Mrs. Helen B.
Glover, secretary of that society, as well as
to Mr. E. Hart Fenn, house chairman of
the Committee on Fisheries and Game, and
to Mr. John H. Sage, of Portland, secre-
tary of the American Ornithologists' Union.
It is but just to add that many sportsmen,
who care more for the preservation of the
birds than for the gratification of their own
desires, lent moral support to the movement.

The Governor signed both of the Audu-
bon bills and they ' are now laws of the
state, and Wild Ducks and Shore Birds can-
not legally be shot, in the future, in the
spring of the year in Connecticut.

This is another state that has been added
to the list of those that have adopted the
wise and beneficial anti-spring shooting law
and is a distinct gain in Audubon work in
the year 1907. — Edward H. Foriush.

Missouri. — In 1897, an effort was made
to enact a comprehensive "game" law in

142

Bird- Lore

Missouri, but it had less than half a dozen
supporters. In 1899, the friends of the
birds and animals made a very forceful ef-
fort. The Audubon Society, of Missouri,
many independent lovers of nature and
sportsmen became thoroughly awakened.
They realized that a commercial interest
was blocking their efforts and exterminating
our many beautiful and useful creatures.
This commercial interest (the game dealers)
managed to retain their attorneys in seats in
the legislature, and block the passage of a
protective measure through the sessions of
1901 and 1903. In 1901, an ideal law
passed the House and would have passed
the Senate, but the chairman of the commit-
tee to which it was referred pocketed it
and it was not reported back from the com-
mittee. These were the sessions when it
was known that the Legislature was openly
and notoriously corrupt. Then came the
session of 1905, when the "Audubon Bill"
passed and was signed by the Governor,
although the attorney and representatives of
the dealers made strenuous efforts to prevent
it. The game dealers then organized as the
Missouri Country Produce Dealers' Associa-
tion, and placed paid men throughout the
state to create sentiment to repeal the law.
They spent great sums in printing and post-
age, in defeating candidates adverse to their
nefarious business and electing those candi-
dates who were friendly. By trading, threat-
ening and other corrupt methods, they
passed through both branches of the Legis-
lature a most grotesque caricature of a pro-
tective measure. And the Governor of
Missouri, in order to obtain the friendship
of these destroyers for his political advance-
ment, signed this measure, a measure that
allows the shooting of fawns and does in
night-time or by day, the running of fawns
or does with dogs, the seining of streams,
the selling of Quail and other game ; that
destroys the warden service, and is abso-
lutely without means of enforcement. The
most unfair methods were taken by the game
committees and the speaker of the House;
and now the timid and innocent deer, ihe
lordly Turkey, the magnificent Ruffed
Grouse, the dear little Bob-white, the
strange Woodcock, the strutting Prairie

Chicken, the beautiful Wood Duck and all
other game of our picturesque wilds are to
be erased from Missouri forever. — Harry
R. Walmsley.

North Carolina. — Considerable im-
provement was made at the last session of
the Legislature in the game laws. The Au-
dubon Society's bill providing for a close
season on Woodcock, and making it illegal
to sell game-birds during that period of the
year when they cannot be killed legally,
was passed, and this will doubtless be the
means of saving the lives of thousands of
birds annually. As usual, a large number
of local county laws were enacted, but,
almost without exception, these were of a
more restrictive character. A few counties
absolutely prohibit the killing of Quail and
deer for a term of years. Laws were also
passed for several counties providing for the
protection of English Pheasants for a num-
ber of years, and the State Audubon So-
ciety will conduct experiments in raising
these interesting game-birds for stocking
purposes.

The general sentiment of the Legislature
was manifestly more favorable to bird and
game protection than heretofore, a marked
instance of the result of Audubon educa-
tional activity.

The Audubon Society of North Carolina
has recently purchased four islands in Pam-
lico Sound in order to give permanent pro-
tection to the large colonies of sea-birds
which breed there. One of these islands is
locally known as "Royal Shoal" and the
other three collectively are called the
"Legged Lumps.'" These are the main
breeding places of the sea-birds along the
North Carolina coast, at least eight thou-
sand young birds having been raised there
last summer. The species breeding on the
islands are Laughing Gulls, Royal Terns,
Wilson's Terns, Least Terns, the largest
colony of this species in the country. Black
Skimmers and American Oyster-catchers.
The islands are in the care of Game-warden
N. F. Jennette, who patrols that territory
throughout the breeding season, in the large
Audubon launch " Dutcher."— T. Gilbert
Pearson.

The Audubon Societies

143

South Carolina. — By the provisions of
the recent state bird and game law enacted
by the South Carolina Legislature, the mem-
bers of the National Association of Audu-
bon Societies resident in that state were in-
corporated and clothed with all the powers
usually enjoyed by a State Game Commis-
sion. Under its provisions, the Audubon
Society has the authority to select all the
game-wardens of the state who will operate
under its directon. Money gathered from
the sale of the $10 state non-resident hunt-
ers' license goes to the society, and this, to-
gether with the membership fee, constitutes
the fund which the society will have for
carrying forward its work.

On April 9, the society was formally
organized under its charter and includes,
among the members of the Board of Direc-
tors, some of the best known people of the
state. President B. F. Taylor, of Columbia,
has already begun work by renovating the
present list of game-wardens, and is carry-
ing forward the educational work begun by
the National Association. — T. Gilbert
Pearson.

South Dakota. — In this state the model
law was adopted during the present ses-
sion of the Legislature, and an Audubon
Society has been organized which bids
fair to be both active and aggressive. Its
president is Charles E. Holmes, of Sioux
Falls, and the secretary is George A. Petti-
grew, of the same place.

Oregon. — A bill amending the model
law was introduced and, notwithstanding
the hard work done in opposition to the
amendment by the Oregon Audubon Society
and others interested in the preservation of
the wild birds of that state, it passed the
Legislature. The bill was vicious in its
character, since it provided that all protec-
tion should be removed from "Owls, Hawks,
Butcher - birds. Magpies, Black - birds.
Woodpeckers and Applebirds, and, further,
that nothing in this act shall be considered as
preventing farmers, gardeners and orchard-
ists from destroying any birds other than
game-birds when necessary to prevent de-
struction of crops from the ravages of birds."

Governor George E. Chamberlain, after a
careful examination of the bill, discovered
how prejudicial it was to the best interests
of the state, and very wisely vetoed the
measure.

The National Association will take steps
to have a large amount of educational liter-
ature circulated and many bird lectures
given in that state before the next session of
the Legislature, in order that the people
may fully understand the value of wild
birds, an.i will also have the claimed
"depredations" of birds thoroughly investi-
gated, in order to see how much truth
there may be in the charges made by the
orchardists.

Texas. — ^The Texas Legislature enacted,
and the Governor signed, two bills for the
protection of the wild birds and wild ani-
mals of this state, one being a game-warden
statute, and the other a reenactment of the
general game and bird law passed by the
Legislature in 1903, the new bill being
practically the same as the old bill, the
changes being mostly unimportant. Under
the law, which will be operative next July,
the non-marketing and non-transportation
sections are retained in all their strength,
and that we conceive to be the most impor-
tant of all. The law enacted in 1903, with-
out a warden system for its enforcement,
was, nevertheless, a means of saving to the
state its wild birds and game in a great
measure, although thousands of dozens of
Quail were marketed and water fowl were
slaughtered and sold in carload lots. The
Texas Audubon Society estimates that the
old law, without the warden system, re-
duced the slaughter after its enactment
fully 50 percent annually, and that if it had
failed of enactment in 1903, and the state
left unprotected from that time until now,
there would be no game birds and game
animals in the state now in sufficient quan-
tity to make it an object to look after them.
Prior to 1903, the slaughter was progress-
ing at a rate which would have resulted in
annihilation, and after the model bird and
game law was enacted, it was only through
constant vigilance of the Audubon societies
and kindred organizations that its partial.

[44

Bird - Lore

enforcement was secured. The protection-
ists rallied in 1905 and prevented the re-
peal of the non- marketing and non-trans-
portation clause, driving the market hunters'
lobby out of the field, and immediately
commenced distributing literature looking
to the reenactment of the law, which would
have expired this year by limitation, and
the enactment of the game-warden bill, the
efforts of those seeking protection having
been blessed with success almost to the ex-
tent of the desire of those who sought to
afford protection to the wild birds and the
wild animals.

It is true that we did not get all that we
asked for, because the Legislature refused to
exact a license fee on the resident gunners,
placing the expense of the warden system
entirely upon the non-resident gunners.which
will reduce the funds forgame protection fully
■60 percent. The law will be new, and the
means of enforcing it insufficiently organ-
ized, and it is likely that a great many non-
residents will enter Texas, take game and
get out again without paying a cent. If so,
tlie fund will still aflord enough for a com-
mencement, and as it is pretty certain that
legislation in the future will continue pro-
gressive, and that the warden system will
be improved with each succeeding legisla-
ture, we may congratulate ourselves that we
have achieved something which will, in the
end, result in an ideal condition in the
Lone Star State.

Another matter which we regret is that
the Legislature refused to reenact the sec-
tion of the bird and game law which per-
mitted of the taking of wild birds and wild
animals for scientific purposes. That entire
section was eliminated, and the consequence
is that the Bureau of Biological Survey
can not, after next July, send its experts into
the state for collecting material and secur-
ing data for bulletins, which have in the
past proved so valuable to the farmers and
the people generally.

We shall strive hard to educate the peo-
ple sufficiently to induce them to insist that
their representatives and senators at the next
Legislature amend the bill, so that scientific
inquiry may be continued by the Biological
Survey. The issuing of certificates for the

taking of birds for scientific purposes, as
permitted by the old law, had been so
shamefully abused that it was impossible
to secure an exception in favor of the Fed-
eral Government in that respect. We tried
hard, but we failed and we regret it. The
Biological Survey had undertaken one par-
ticular work which was of inestimable value
to the South. Its experts had already ascer-
tained that forty-two birds were destroyers
of boll weevil, and the investigations in the
cotton fields are still in progress. The Au-
dubon Society has been informed by the ex-
perts sent here by the Government that
much important work can be accomplished
before the certificates issued to them under
the old law expire, and that the interval
will be short in which the work must be
suspended We have no doubt that the
next Legislature will amend the law, so as
to allow that inestimable service to continue
until it shall be demonstrated that the only
way to eradicate the cotton-boll weevil and
all other pernicious insects is to protect the
birds, so that they can increase and multiply
and carry out the mission for which they
were created. — M. B. Davis.

How very necessary drastic game laws
and efficient means for their enforcement are
in Texas is forcefully portrayed in the fol-
lowing communication from one of the best
friends the National Association has;

"In the second column of page 56 of the
January-February Bird-Lore is an account
of the exterminating slaughter of wild fowl
by Texas market-hunters.

"It must stir every bird-lover and every
real sportsman to protest. It recalls my own
observations there eight or ten years ago at

, about forty miles north of on

the coast. It was then a famous place for
Ducks, Brant, Geese and Snipe. It was an
upland, rising but a few feet above great
stretches of marshes — the latter an ideal
winter home for such birds.

"Until I went there, I never had an ade-
quate conception of what it was to be in a
place where such birds were plentiful. Mal-
lards, Pintails and Teal were most sought
for by the market-hunters. My guide, the

second winter, was named . He told

me that the Mallards had grown so scarce

The Audubon Societies

1+5

that he had given up hunting and gone to
farming, except when he guided parties. I
noted quite. a falling-otf of Mallards, al-
though then they were plentiful to nortiiern

eyes. was the most noted hunter

there. Such a skilful 'shot' as he could
easily get one hundred Ducks in a day. He
said that, in previous seasons, there had
been thirty days when he got more than two
hundred Ducks each day. He and my com-
panion and I shot ninety-two Snipe in one
day — a sickening record. I vowed it would
be enough for a lifetime, and I think it has
been. I was there a few days each winter,
and I am now ashamed to say, in February.
Then, I was thoughtless of bird protection;
never realized, nor had heard about the evils
of spring shooting; it was an open season,
and that sufficed. This I mention, as I be-
lieve many sportsmen have just that attitude
and need only the persuasive, educational
influence, and the information and reasons
shown for the preservation of birds by the
National Association.

"Down there the hunters shoot Snipe for
market only when they can find them squat-
ting on the ground, for to shoot single fly-
ing birds would require more time and am-
munition than would be covered by the
price received for the birds. My ' hunter '
told me — and certainly not to brag, but in
connection with market-shooting of Snipe —
that, once, after a sleet-storm, when the
marshes were covered with thin sleet, ex-
cept in the muddy trails trod by the large
herds of cattle, the Snipe squatted in rows
along the trails, and there the men potted
them in paying quantities. That was the
occupation of these men. Why not gather
the harvest when it was ready before them,
was, I presume, their justification, if, in-
deed, they ever thought any was called for,
for such destruction of that gamey little
bird.

"Many sportsmen went there for Snipe,
and, with one or two good dogs, could
easily get one hundred Snipe in a day; and
seldom did even sportsmen halt till the sun

went down! Upon later visits to , I

heard that all such game as I have men-
tioned had diminished materially. In the
vicinity of was a famous wild-celery

pond which a rich hanker had gotten pos-
session of . From all accounts, and the rights
— legal and physical — over the rights to
access to this pond which this ' bounder ' of
a sportsman had corraled and used as a show

place for lions visiting , and of his

keeping a gang of men there to shoot for him

and of his shipments to and others, I

judged this man as more guilty than the ordi-
nary pot-hunter. They said he made lots of
money out of the venture. I think his name

is , and probably I could ascertain

positively. Perhaps, now, he may be oppos-
ing your efforts to have Texas enforce its
non-export law, and to exact a law to pre-
vent the sale of game and spring shooting.
It really would not surprise me. We have
individuals and clubs in Massachusetts —
men of means, not real sportsmen it is true —
who have 'ducking' and 'goose-stands'
where they regularly have their care-takers
shoot and sell birds to pay the expenses of,
or make profits on, the 'stand.' This last,
incidentally, is the cause of thinning-out
the Geese and Black Ducks, which are an
easy prey to the highly organized decoying
artifices employed."

Wisconsin. — A bill was introduced in
the Legislature to repeal the anti-spring-
shooting wild-fowl law in the state. The
Fish and Game Commission and the Audu-
bon Society of Wisconsin, and a number of
other persons who are deeply interested in
the matter, are combating the bill with all
their power and will probably be successful
in defeating the measure.

Wisconsin now occupies the proud posi-
tion of being one of the first states to adopt
the anti-spring-shooting law, and the position
occupied by that state has always been
pointed to by this Association as an example
of excellent and wise legislation. Should a
retrograde step now be taken there, the in-
fluence exerted will be very bad indeed
in all other parts of the country. Wis-
consin is so near the Chicago market, one
of the great game-distributing points of the
country, that there is undoubtedly a strong
market-shooting influence that is at work in
Wisconsin. There is no doubt that the
great majority of the citizens of Wiscon-

'46

Bird - Lore

sin are in favor of the wise and bene-
ficial wild -fowl law now upon the statute
books of that commonwealth, and the only
persons who desire the repeal of the present
excellent law are the market-hunters, who
have no consideration for the future, but are
simply trying to appropriate assets that be-
long to all of the citizens of the state and not
to any individual.

Plume Sales*

The returns for the six plume-auctions
held at the Commercial Sale-rooms, Lon-
don, in 1906, are not encouraging reading
for the bird protector. The numbers cata-
ogued of Birds-of-Paradise and of pack-
ages of "Osprey" feathers were as follows:

Osprey Feathers

Birds-of

Packages

Paradise

February

■ • 327

8,508

April

. . . 260

7,188

June

. . 289

11,841

August .

. . . 242

3,948

October . . . 485 5,700

December. . . 265 3,600

This would give a total of 1,868 packages
of "Osprey," but, owing to the fact that the
packages are of varying sizes, the actual
quantity of feathers can be only very roughly
estimated.

An average of between 20 and 30 ounces
to the package seems to be a fair estimate,
and at 20 ounces the total would be over
37,000 ounces, or, on Professor Newton's
calculations, the feathers of nearly 150,000
birds. The total numbers of the Paradise
skins is 40,785. In both these cases a per-
centage must be allowed for unsold plumes
offered a second time; but the figures remain
sufficiently discreditable.

Apart from Egrets, Herons and Birds-of-
Paradise, the notable features of the sales
were the enormous numbers of Sea-Swallows
(Terns) and Kingfishers on sale, and the
growing consignments of quill-feathers from
Eagles, Buzzards, Pelicans, Albatrosses,
Swans and other birds. Ladies are usually

*From 'Bird Notes and News.' Vol. II. No. 5, IQ07,
London. England.

under the impression that a "quill" must be
a harmless ornament obtained from the
farmyard.

The trade in quill - feathers was even
more remarkable at the first sale of the
present year, held on February 12; of
Albatross quill-feathers one firm alone cata-
logued some 15,000, and also a very large
number of "'Osprey wing-quills."

Another feature was the 7,000 heads and
crests of the Crowned Pigeon on the market.
The two handsome species, the Crowned
Pigeon (Goura coronata) and the Victoria
Crowned Pigeon [Goura Fictoria) are
natives of New Guinea and adjacent islands.

They are nowhere very numerous, and
have little chance of becoming so, as only
one egg is laid. Some years ago the plume
trade penetrated New Guinea in quest of
them, but lately fashion has run on other
species. Now it would appear that the tuft
of feathers on the head, known as "the
goura mount," is again the incentive to the
persecution of the Crowned Pigeon, and
ladies who are tempted with " pigeon" feather
trimmings will do well to ascertain what
manner of pigeon is meant. The number of
Birds-of-Paradise catalogued was 4,328
light and 400 dark, nearly all of which
were sold. For "Osprey" plumes the de-
mand was less; 504 packages were offered.
Fifty-three Emu skins were put up ; the
Emu is the Australian representative of the
Ostrich, much hunted and now being
hunted to extermination.

There were 138 Impeyan Pheasants from
India, which "sold at higher prices."

Aigrettes. — The legal battle that has
been going on in New Orleans, relative to
the sale of aigrettes, whether taken within
or without the state, has probably been
finally settled in favor of their non-sale.
President Miller, of the Louisiana Audubon
Society, who has been the head and front of
the fight, wires this Association that "The
aigrette case was decided in our favor and
the entire non-game bird (model) law has
been upheld." Will women still defy law
and sentiment ?

^^

r^.ce-Ho^srAU^

1. Varied Thrush. Male. 2. Varied Thrush, Female.

3. St. Lucas Robin. Adult.

j6irti = lore

A BI-MONTHLY MAQAZINE
DBVOTBD TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

Vol. IX July — August, 1907 No. 4

A Southern California Aviary

By H. L. SEFTON

FOR over ten years the aviary which is the subject of this sketch has
stood amidst the semi-tropical verdure, in the private grounds of the
J. W. Sefton residence, in San Diego, California, where hundreds
— ves, I think I may say thousands — of people from different parts of the
world, have visited it. For years it was alone in its unique beauty, but now
one sees others; for many have followed our hobby and taken up the study
of birds, the climate of California being particularly adapted to the out-
door rearing of them.

The building is entirely open, save for the west and north end, and a
strip of roofing, about twelve feet wide, that runs the full length of the
building, over the nesting part. It covers an area of 20 x 40 feet, is built of
one-fourth inch square-mesh wire, and has a wire partition through the
center, so as to separate the tiny birds from their larger kin. Everything
that love and thought can do for the comfort of the birds is done: there
are pools of running water, low-growing shrubs, stumps of trees, swings
and perches of all kinds; in fact, it is a home for the feathered people, which
show their appreciation of it in song from the dawn of early morning
until night wraps the world in sleep.

How did we begin ? I will tell you: Many years ago— I think as many
as twenty — a German Canary was given to a member of our family ; he
was a magnificent singer, a great pet and very tame. We always had a
horror of small cages, so got him in a good-sized one, but left the door
open in order that he could go in and out at his pleasure, until finally he
went in only at meal time. The cage hung in the sun -room, and he flew
about among the growing plants and vines perfectly happy. His favorite
perch was on a clock that sat on the mantle in front of a large mirror in the
living-room; here he would Ry and sing to "the other bird," in the glass.
He was a born flirt, and really behaved shamefully, sometimes getting
so angry at the seeming impertinence of the fellow in the glass that he
would fly right at him with mouth wide open. It was while watching these

148

Bird- Lore

antics we first conceived the idea of a mate for him, so we got ' Zip,' a
pretty, motherly-looking bird.

We kept them in the cage for a few days and then opened the door,
when the fun began. Don't tell me birds don't think! Why, Dick took Zip
everywhere, into the parlor and out through the hall, on to the sideboard
and the dining table, all his favorite places, and last, as a sort of crowning
surprise, up on the clock, where he showed her the "other bird " ; but he was
completely nonplussed, for, instead of one other bird, there were two. Dick
was furious; he ruffled up his feathers and was in for a great fight. Well,
they finally went to housekeeping, not in the daintily lined wire nest
provided for them in their cage. Ah, no! Dick was not that kind of a bird;

A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AVIARY

but very carefully and laboriously they picked out each thread that we had
just as carefully put in, and carried them, together with many choice bits of
fringe, etc., to an Indian jar that sat on a high shelf in the sun-room. They
raised two families in Indian jars that season, and by the time Dick had
shown the brood around, and we had rescued some from behind curtains,
others from the backs of pictures, and discovered the whole lot asleep on the
clock, we concluded that one bird loose in a house was very unique and
interesting, that two birds were a good bit of a nuisance, but that a flock of
nine was a calamity. So we decided to build them a house out in the yard,
which we did ; an 8 x 8 octagonal affair, that is now used as a jail for unruly
members of the colony. The first prisoner was a Baltimore Oriole, sentenced
for life for egg-eating.

A Southern California Aviary U9

At that time we had not thoui^ht of importiiifi birds, but with the assist-
ance of some of the neighborhood children, we tried raising young native
birds. We raised, among others, about a dozen Redhead Linnets, and right
here I want to tell a strange thing. The California Linnet is a pretty bird;
the male's head and neck are a deep red, which, shading into the soft brown,
makes an exceedingly smart -looking bird. This color does not show until
after the first molt, so you can imagine our surprise when we saw the
Linnets we had raised getting orange -colored heads. It must have been
caused by a lack of coloring-matter we failed to supply in the food, for
some old birds that we trapped, with perfectly red heads, changed to orange
when the molting time came.

One learns a lot more by observation than by reading. We had very
little real knowledge of birds, so bought and read eagerly all we could find
on the subject; but we have, from our own experience, concluded that
most of the articles are either written from theory or from a study of speci-
mens of the taxidermist's art.

About this time we went abroad, and in our travels saw many odd and
beautiful birds, so we decided to import some, which we did, and have con-
tinued to do up to the present time. I remember some little Finches from
India arriving one day with a lot of others; they were round, fat little
things, and made quite a fuss whenever they did anything, chattering with
a shrill, rasping voice. We had a neighbor at that time building, and he,
too, was round and fat, and made a lot of fuss and noise, so we dubbed
them "the Doctors." That was ten years ago, and that pair of birds are
the fore-parents of hundreds now, but we still call that variety "Doctors."
Birds have characteristics the same as people, — some are good-natured and
generous, others are crabbed, sour and mean. Watch a lot of them, and
you will see.

We'have raised birds which the books say never breed in captivity. We
study them, make guesses at their wants and try to give them the environ-
ment they would have in their native haunts. For example, some birds never
carry twigs; hence we must know that they don't build nests. For those
birds we supply compartments, put a little sawdust in the bottom and,
behold! — perfect contentment with no present indications of a race suicide!
We raise hundreds of Grass Parrakeets. For them we have trunks of trees
cut in sections and hollowed out, each section divided into from two to four
compartments, each with an opening about the size of a silver dollar.
These birds make no nests, but lay their eggs — some as many as six — right
on the sawdust in the bottom, and commence sitting from the laying of the
first egg, so that you will find, in the same nest, birds covered with pin-
feathers and some just hatched. They are very cunning and make nice pets.

We have a pair of Rose Cockatoos, also from Australia, but, as these
birds were never known to breed in captivity, we gave no thought to an

I50

Bird- Lore

increase. One day we missed one of them, — they are so much alike we
scarcely knew the male from the female. Several days went by and still the
bird was missing. We had noticed that the remaining bird sat a great deal
on or near a hollow log, hanging on the wall, so we decided to investigate.
We reached down into the hollow, and such a howl as rose upon the air!
Heavens, how that bird bit! We retired, vanquished, and left Mrs. Rosalie

victor. Some weeks later she appeared, and we knew, from the hisses that
issued from that hollow log, that her vigil had not been in vain; later on
five youngsters came forth, thus proving there is more than has been writ.

Another member of the Parrot family is the Cockateel, a beautiful bird
of soft shades of gray. The male has a pale lemon -colored head, a crest of
lemon, and two bright orange spots on each cheek; he has a soft, musical
whistle. We have raised quite a number. The young are the homeliest
things imaginable. The only thing I can think of when I see them squirm-
ing, twisting their necks, and uttering their snake-like hisses, is St.
George and the Dragon, — only in their case St. George is missing.

We have also the brilliant King Parrot, a peaceable, elegant bird; the
mischievous, gorgeously colored Lory, with his acrobatic stunts; the Pink-
crested Cockatoo and other commoner varieties.

Among the larger birds are three varieties of Pigeons. Two of them are
game-birds of Australia — the Bronze and the Crested Pigeon; the other is

A Southern California Aviary

15]

called the Bleeding Heart, rather larger than an ordinary pigeon, fuller
breasted, of a dark gray-blue with a white breast, on which, directly in
front, is a splash of bright red, that at a glance looks exactly as though the
bird were wounded, — the illusion is perfect.

There are also several varieties of Doves, the rarest and most beautiful
being the Blue-eyed Zebra of Australia, and the Red -eyed Pekin of China.
The latter is the smallest Dove known, being, except for the length of its
tail, about the size of a Norwich Canary.

The Finches are a study in themselves. There are many varieties, the
smallest being the tiny Strawberry, which looks, as I heard a little girl say,
■'good enough to eat without either sugar or cream." It is the tinest mite,
exquisitely proportioned and with a song most wonderfully sweet and clear,
I cannot tell, in this article, of all these interesting little birds as much as I
would like to, for each kind has its own peculiar ways. For example, one
tiny variety, commonly called 'Black-throat,' of the softest pastel shades of
gray and brown, and with a bib-like collar of velvety black, makes a regular
apartment nest. We have a series of little boxes about six inches long, with
a small hole at one end of the sliding front. Into this little box they will
carry the wild dried grass we provide, until the box is almost full; then, at
the farthest end, they build a tiny nest in this dried grass, lining it on all

■■^i^

W^M

M:im

^■-k4*^

^■^«*^:

AMIDSr THE SEMI-TROPICAI, VERDURE

152 Bird -Lore

sides with soft bits of pampas plume, or any tiny feathers they can find.
This is the 'lying in' room, as it were. Then down by the opening they
weave the grass and any soft bits left over, into another nest. The eggs,
usually four, are laid in the soft, dark nest, where the young stay until
pretty nearly feathered; then they come down into the outer nest, where
they stay until ready to fly out. They never go back into either nest again.

The Weavers, as their name implies, weave their nests, using the
threads from the fan -palms. The Canaries build beautiful little nests among
the calla lilies and in the marguerite bushes, but we find they have more
success rearing their young in regular nesting cages away from the other
birds. A Canary is a regular gossip, and will often neglect its home duties
for the society of others.

Several years ago, we had a bird of the Grosbeak family. He was a
beauty, gray with a bright scarlet head and crest. He never sang; indeed,
I can't even recall a whistle, but he would sit for hours on a perch and we often
remarked on his apparent loneliness. On day a gentleman who has traveled
much and made a study of bird language, called and asked to see our col-
lection. While looking at them he said, "I see you have an Brazilian
Cardinal; does he sing?" I told him the bird was apparently dumb.

"Strange, strange!" he said. "Why, in their native home they are
wonderful singers" — and then occurred a remarkable thing. The man,
whispering to me to watch the bird, drew close to the wire, uttering a low,
peculiar whistle. Instantly the Cardinal seemed to awaken, his crest lifted,
he seemed to be listening; then, as the whistle continued, he answered
sharply, eagerly, flew over to a perch by the side of the wire from whence
came the whistle, and broke forth into a perfect torrent of melody.

The gentleman called a number of times afterward, and at each visit
the bird sang to him, but never, as far as we know, at any other time.
When the traveler's visits ceased the bird again lapsed into silence, and a
few months later he died, — I always will believe from homesickness, for
perhaps in his far-away home across the seas another lonely bird called
vainly for his mate.

The Redbird, or Cardinal, is a remarkably handsome bird, but of so jealous
a disposition that it is impossible to keep more than one pair in the same enclos-
ure. You can put a dozen males together and all is peace and harmony, but put
one female in and it is simply a survival of the fittest; so we have but two
pairs — one on each side of the aviary. The female of one pair is as fine a
singer as her mate, and he is a Caruso. They build fine nests, lay eggs and
hatch their young, but never raise them.

Of all our birds I think we love the Robins best — perhaps because their
voices recall the childhood home so far away, for whenever I hear a Robin's
call I seem to hear the voices of old friends, see their faces and smell the
blossoms from the apple orchard close by. We have Robins in San Diego

A Southern California Aviary 153

but only for a very few weeks in early spring; they simply stop to say
'Howdy" on their way to other lands. We had two Robins in our aviary-
Rob and Bob. The latter was a rarely intelligent bird ; he would stand with
his head on one side and listen intently while the Skylark sang, or a Nightingale
trilled, and then, at first very softly, he would try the notes over and over
until he learned many of them. He knew my footsteps, and before he saw
me would call a welcome. The many visitors to the aviary naturally gave
more attention to the rarer birds; but one day when a gentleman visitor
and I were standing looking at them, Bob walked gravely up and com-
menced his wonderful song. In amazement the gentleman listened, and
then turning, asked, 'Tsn't that bird just an ordinary Robin?" Most
indignantly I replied, ''Indeed not; that bird is a most extraordinary
Robin." We still have Rob, for, as is always the case, those whom the
gods love die, and poor Bob sings no more for us. We laid him away as
befitted so rare a bird, his casket a dainty white box filled with the petals of
the fragrant La France rose, among which we laid him, and then buried
him at the foot of a royal palm.

With over six hundred birds to feed, the question of proper food is no
small one. We mix in large bins, built for the purpose, our own seeds, buy-
ing it direct from the importers in great sacks, and accepting only clean,
bright seed. We use mostly canary and millet, with a little hemp in winter
(which is very fattening) , some sunflower seed, wheat and cracked corn. We
have little rustic tables on which, twice a day, the seed is placed, and each
bird takes what best suits its fancy. We always have cuttlebone and
crushed shell scattered about, and once a week a little plate of raw ground
beef is put on each side; those that need the meat eat it, others leave it
alone.

One can learn much from the study of birds. They teach us virtue,
generosity, kindness, gratitude — all those things that go to make living
worth while. Many would glance at those birds, perhaps see nothing in
them and pass on; others would be attracted by their plumage, by their
song, by the beautiful whole of the great cage, with its tropical setting
filled with life and song; but the student, he who sits and watches and
studies, can learn much.

Briefly I will try to prove all I claim for them. The birds do not, except
on rare occasions, hybridize. Each stays by his or her mate, each bearing
his share of the burden and responsibility of the family. They are gener-
ous to the stranger that alights on the wire, going to him, giving him a
friendly greeting, — so much so that on more than one occasion strange
birds have of their own accord, after several visits through the wires, hopped
down, and into, the half-open outer door (it is made double, one swinging
out, the other in) and gone in to dwell among them; and surely it shows
kindness to feed a nestful of half-starved babies thev never saw before, and

154 Bird- Lore

I have seen that done. I had found four young Linnets, half-grown, some
cruel boys had taken from their nest and left on the sidewalk to die, and,
not knowing what to do with them, decided to put them in the aviary and
see what would happen. What did happen was a great surprise. First one
Canary and then another flew down. Peep! peep! the young called, but
received nothing. The young birds' mouths meanwhile were wide open;
then down came a female Linnet. She seemed to take in the situation at a
glance, flew over to the feed tray, ate greedily, and then back to those
yawning mouths, and she fed those birds until they were satisfied, and sub-
sequently raised them. Could there be greater kindness than this? As for
gratitude, birds are full of it; for everything you give them they thank you.
If an apple, a crisp lettuce-head or a cluster of sweet alyssum or nasturtium
is put within their reach, they pipe a word of thanks before they eat.

Our family, large as it is, is a happy one; there is little or no quarreling,
for there is plenty of food and room for all, — only at eventide, when the
sun begins to sink behind Point Loma, and the sea and sky is a mass of
gorgeous coloring, then they scold a little. Perhaps some one, unmindful
of the rights of others, has chosen the very particular limb or corner that
belongs to some one else, and for a few moments there is discord — for each
bird has his or her sleeping place — but gradually there steals a silence and,
as the night shadows creep softly, from out of the west comes a crescent
moon, that, peeping down shyly through the branches of the camphor tree,
sees only the great cage with no signs of life within. All is still, save for a
soft twitter now and then, like the last sweet words from a little child's
lips before he drops off to sleep.

A Report on the Nesting Birds in the Vicinity of Riverview Park,
Allegheny, Pa., for 1906

By WILLIAM G. PITCAIRN

THESE observations were all made in the vicinity of Riverview Park,
Allegheny, Pa., the greater part in the park.

Riverview is a natural park of about two hundred and fifty acres,
mostly wooded hills and much hawthorn growth, situated about two and
one-half miles from the city of Allegheny. Being a picnic park, there is
something going on almost every day during the spring and summer, and I
think that this fact tends to limit the number of breeding birds; but, in
spite of the conditions, the birds seem to prosper fairly well, their chief
enemy being the small boy, who wantonly destroys many nests.

There has been a considerable increase, I think, in the number of birds
in this locality, particularly in the cases of the Baltimore Oriole, the
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and the many species of migrants.

X> X , JS

Mourning Dove . . . .
Yellow-billed Cuckoo . .
Red-headed Woodpecker

Flicker

Nighthawk

Crested Flycatcher . . .

Wood Pevvee

Baltimore Oriole . . . .
Chipping Sparrow . . . .

Field Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Rose-breasted Grosbeak .

Red-eyed Vireo

Catbird

Brown Thrasher . . . .

House Wren ......

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Wood Thrush

American Robin . . . .
Bluebird

Total

7
4 4

Some breeding: species of which no nests were found— Ruby-throated Hummingbird,
Northern Yellowthroat, Ovenbird, Yellow Warbler, Towhee, Vesper Sparrow, American
Goldfinch, Chimney Swift, Indigo Bunting, Cowbird.

dss)

Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian

By FRANCIS H. HERRICK,
Author of 'The Home Life of Wild Birds'

I WISH it could be said that Italy was at last beginning to awake to the
necessity of protecting its bird-hfe, but thus far the efforts of a few
ornithologists and humanitarians seem to have been of little avail.

Individual protests of the strongest kind have been made ; international
congresses have been held and stringent laws proposed, but little has been
accomplished. The annual hecatombs of song-birds are still offered up, and
the great peninsula of Italy, famed for centuries as one of the most beauti-
ful and fertile spots of the earth, which should be teeming with bird -life at
all seasons, is well-nigh desolate.

In a former article (in BiRD-LoRE, November-December, 1906) I
spoke of the general absence of bird-life in Italy as it impresses an American
traveler and resident in that delectable country. Italian birds are trapped
and shot in incredible numbers, especially during the spring and fall
migrations, without respect to kind, size or habits, and are regularly sold in
the markets as food for man and beast. Comparatively few birds are thus
allowed to breed, and outside of the limits of certain cities, no adequate or
uniform protection is afforded those which succeed in rearing young on
Italian soil. There is no strong public sentiment in favor of the birds, and
their service to agriculture is doubted. We showed that, in consequence of
the destruction of birds in Italy, the little insect-eating lizards had undoubt-
edly increased, that they form avast army, enlisted to aid the farmer by help-
ing to save his crops; yet, in spite of the reptile brigades, many districts suf-
fer, and famine is not unknown. But the Italian might reply: ''You are
jumping to conclusions too fast; there is a fatal flaw in your reasoning; liz-
ards, like birds, are indiscriminate destroyers of insects; how can you know
that they both do not effect more harm than good, or, at least, no less harm
than good by destroying parasitic and other insects beneficial to agriculture?"
We shall meet this question again. It goes to the very root of the problem,
and may well stagger any one who has accepted a sentimental solution to
this large problem, without question.

Before considering remedies for this hard lot of the birds, we will let the
Italians speak for themselves. The subject is wide-reaching, and I must
depend upon relatively few sources for information, but these are suggestive,
and, so far as they go, seem to be authoritative.''" I made a number of
visits to the University of Rome to examine the excellent collection of
stuffed birds in its museum, which forms a very useful and instructive
*It should be added that my observations in Italy were made in 1903-4, but, so far
as I am aware, the fortune of the birds has not materially changed since that time.

(156)

Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 157

exhibit. A curious fact about this collection, which furnishes unimpeach-
able testimony of the ruthlessness of Itah'an pot-hunters, is that a very large
proportion of these specimens, great or small, common or rare, were
obtained from the Roman markets, and are often thus marked (for
example, "^ Mercato al Pantheo^) with the date. Besides the common song-
birds of Europe there were Grebes, Loons, Egrets, Herons, Gulls, and
many others too numerous to catalogue here which found their way to the
markets in Rome at various times of the year.''"

The curator of the museum informed me that the smaller birds were pro-
tected from April 15 to August 15, the close season for water -fowl being
shorter. As we shall see, different regulations have been in force in different
provinces, but the result does not seem to have been to preserve the birds or
to augment the bird -life of the country, but rather to improve the business
of the gunners and snarers at other times. My informant would not admit
that the killing of wild birds had led to any injury of vegetation or of crops.

Further, I interviewed the director of the Royal Institue of Forestry at
Vallombrosa, and submitted to him a series of questions upon the subject
of bird protection in Italy, but this kindly man was unable to give me any
information on the subject. The idea of protecting the lives of wild birds
seemed as foreign to his thought as the "canal system" of the planet Mars.
^^ ^uod semper, omnibus, ubique,''^ what has always been done by every one,
everywhere, seemed to him eminently proper. The director knew that the
practice of killing song-birds was very old, but he thought it did no harm,
and he could not refer me to any literature upon the relations of birds
to man.

Sig. Nigro Lico has written an interesting manual •' on the protection
of animals, from the standpoint of an Italian, and Professor Antonio Berlese,+

*It would require a far greater familiarity with the birds of Europe than I possess to
identify a large part of those offered for sale in Italian markets, especially when the bodies
of the victims are plucked or even skinned, as is sometimes the case. I will note here a few
of the kinds seen in the Roman markets in 1903-4, concerning the identity of which there
>vas little or no doubt. When the Latin name Is given, the common Italian one follows in
brackets: Turdus musiciis {Tor Jo, the name used indiscriminately for various species by
the populace). Song Thrush, February 29. T. pilaris, Fieldfare; sold at 8 cents apiece
(in markets apparently under the name of Grit'es sa-voyard), February 29. Erythracus
rnbecola ( Fet/irosso) , Robin Redbreast; seen tripping about the Medici gardens,
March 9. rariellus cristatus (Paz'rj7ice!la), Lapwing or Plover; seen on the marshes in
Holland in early September; very common in the Roman markets from January i to
April I ; sold in the markets, and hawked all over the city in long strings, bringing ten
to twenty cents apiece. Gallinago ccrlcstis [Beccaccini], on sale at Ponti's on the Corso
at twenty cents each, February 29. Allodola, a large Finch streaked all over with umber
and buff, to be seen in great piles in the markets toward the last of February and in March.
About twenty-five other species were more or less common in the markets of Rome at some
time of the year.

tLa Protezione degli Animali (Manuali Hoepli), Milano, 1902.

% Bolletino di Entomologia Agraria, anno VIII, Num. 59. Padova, 1901.

158 Bird - Lore

director of the Royal Station for Agricultural Entomology in Florence and
a distinguished entomologist, has very decided opinions upon the relations
of birds and insects to agriculture. Aside from every question of sentimen-
tality, he considers it an open question whether wild birds are not, upon the
whole, more destructive than useful in their relation to insects, and thus to
the farmer and his crops. He considers that predatory and parasitic insects
are quite capable in most cases of controlling injurious species, while many
of these really useful agents are destroyed by birds*. This naturalist is
now engaged upon a treatise on insects, the concluding volume of which
will deal with the relations of insects to man. We may examine his views
more fully at some future time, but, since the latter work is not yet com-
pleted and his earlier writings are not readily accessible, we shall follow
for the present the compilation of Lico.

Lico devotes a chapter to the relation of birds to agriculture in which he
weighs the opinions of Italians both in favor of the birds and against them,
taking a stand rather guardedly with the latter. In the following paragraphs
I shall translate freely or literally from Lico, or even paraphrase his remarks,
in order to present his meaning or to define his position and that of others
upon this important question. Quoting from a paper delivered by Comm.
C. Durando before the National Zoophile Society of Italy in 1899, he says:

"In Italy, while the olive fly and the piralidi t cause annually losses of
several millions of francs, there is a furious hunt after birds of every kind
with firelocks, drag nets, bird-lime, snares, as well as mirrors, bird-calls,
artificial decoys, and even with birds caged and blinded for the purpose. At
every period of the year, without regard to the laws which prohibit it,
hunting is carried on. The prey is sold with impunity in the public markets
in the close season, and, what is worse, they do not spare the nests of
young birds, not even those of the poor Swallows. It is estimated that in
all Italy the annual hecatomb amounts to ten millions of individuals, among
which the Landsteiner of Wiholsburg reckons three millions Swallows.

"As a result of this, one should not wonder at the fact that not only in
Italy, but also in foreign countries and especially in Germany, the alarm has
been sounded and has spread from one state to another so that it has been
turned into a kind of proverb which one hears everywhere repeated; 'The
birds are the best allies of the farmer; let us protect the birds.'

"One of the most fervent of our ornithologists is Sig. C. Ohlsen.
Animated with a passion and a persistency worthy of better success, if not
a better cause, he does not limit his exertions to lectures on this subject,

*For the reference to Professor Berlese's work and for this expression of his views I am
indebted in the first instance to the courtesy of Dr. L. O. Howard, Chief of the United
States Bureau of Entomology, and later to Professor Berlese himself.

tLepidoptera (moths and butterflies), of which we are told in another place that there
arc twenty-eight genera in Italy, and that all of them are very injurious to agriculture,
especially to the apple, to hemp, and to the vine.

Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 159

but, with the aid of a political press, tries to scatter his ideas among the
people. His various articles which have appeared for this purpose in the
journal 'II Sole' of Milan present ample details for confirming those prin-
ciples which are briefly stated here. He further shows how the destruction
of forests, no less than shooting, has led to the decrease of birds and the
consequent multiplication of insects."

Under the heading of "Friends True and Imaginary," Lico continues:
"Regarding this maxim a recent entomological school has attempted to
establish the two following cardinal ideas: (i)The enemies of injurious
insects should be sought in the order of insects, and (2) insectivorous birds
destroy not only injurious but useful insects as well. In support of the last
thesis, the remarks of the distinguished ornithologist, Dr. T. Salvadori,
delivered to the Chamber of Deputies in Vienna, on December 9, 1891, are
quoted in part as follows: 'You must have heard, O gentlemen, repeated
a hundred times the eternal refrain — "Protect the birds! They are very
useful, because they destroy a great quantity of insects!" In regard to this
question, I would like to ask upon what kinds of insects do the little birds
chiefly feed, since the merit of their activity hangs upon this question; in
which of the two warring armies do they select their victims? Do they feed
chiefly upon the destroyers of our woods and fields? With all security and
determination, I answer. No!'"

Lico then observes that the birds which devour harmful insects should
be preserved, while those which feed upon useful kinds should be destroyed
as quickly and as painlessly as possible. It is recognized that the question of
the utility of wild birds is a complicated problem, because it embraces various
elements. In order to decide whether a bird is useful or injurious, we must
inquire, says Lico, first, whether the products of agriculture or insects
themselves are its prevailing food, and second, whether such insects are in a
greater degree useful or injurious under all conditions. Lists of the useful
and harmful birds are then given as approved by an international commission
for the protection of birds and agriculture, which sat in Paris in 1895.*

While this classification of the good and evil may be unjust or inaccurate,
on the other hand, says Lico, the figures which Sig. Ohlsen has set down
as the measure of the loss to Italy through the abuse of hunting do not have
the appearance of accuracy. In this regard the 'Naturalist's Bulletin'
(Sienna, 1896) ofifers the following comment: "Dr. Carlo Ohlsen, who
has very decided views in regard to the losses of agriculture due to hunting,
in an article published in a journal referred to above, recommends, in his
usual style, excessive rigors for the sport, and says that while the public
treasury received only 25o,000 lire (francs) from the sale of the hunting

*In the class of birds condemned as injurious to agriculture, to hunting or to fishing
are Eagles, Kites, Hawks, Goshawks, Falcons, Owls, Crows, Magpies, Jays, Herons,
Bitterns, Pelicans, Moor-hens and Coots.

i6o Bird - Lore

permits, agriculture incurred a loss of 25,000,000 lire at least. How does
the distinguished Sig. Ohlsen prove his estimate of this damage? Besides
proof to the contrary, we maintain that this sum is wholly imaginary,
because we believe that this gentleman cannot be in a position to distinguish
the utility from the harm which birds bring upon the cultivated plants by
feeding on insects, some of which are certainly of much more use to agricul-
ture than a few birds."

The same sheet for November 15, 1897, further expresses its views upon
the subject as follows: ''As we have remarked on other occasions, there
are most estimable persons and distinguished writers who fall into contra-
diction in their efiforts to prove the utility of birds and the need of excessive
measures in order to protect them, the outcome of which would bring more
harm than good to Italy. Here is another example of their efforts: 'An
esteemed sportsman and writer upon sporting matters has published in a
periodical of sport a plea for a single hunting law, and in it we find the fol-
lowing remarks: "The immense slaughter of little birds which is carried
on in autumn by means of nets, especially in upper Italy, arouses every-
where even in foreign countries the fiercest protests." '

"There are millions of pretty little birds which hunters destroy every
year by carefully crushing the cranium. In order to form an idea of this
slaughter, it is sufficient to walk at this season (October and November) in
the market place at Bergamo and at Brescia. There are to be seen, Robin
Redbreasts, Thrushes, Sparrows, and other kinds piled up like grain along
the walls. Pass at once one good law that shall put an end to such bar-
barity and such insane destruction. And here it is understood that this good
law should be of such a character as to prohibit absolutely the use of the
nets in hunting everywhere."

Now hear Lico's comment upon these sane remarks: "Let us ask if,
after so many, many years that hunting has been carried on by the use of
nets, after our fields have become less and less suited as covers for the poor
little birds, after that the government has shown that it is absolutely unable
to protect the birds during their reproductive period among us, — if after all
this there can still regularly occur that enormous slaughter of millions of
little birds, so that they can be seen in the markets like sacs full of grain,
then why condemn absolutely hunting by means of nets, since by this very
showing the method of hunting has not yet caused grave damage? Why
renounce a thing certainly useful in order to substitute another which is
very problematical ? "

1 have given this long and almost verbatim translation in full, because
it illustrates the kind of argument which is sometimes used, and used no
doubt with a certain degree of sincerity, to bolster up a bad cause. It is a
sad case of the blind leading the blind, for the entire bottom of this kind of
argument drops out the moment we consider the fact that the present great

Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian

i6i

destriKtioii of bird -life in Italy falls not upon the resident species which alone
belong to the Italian soil, but upon the migrants, — the birds of passage
which belong to the rest of the world. Owing to the compass-like preci-
sion of their instincts, one and all have kept for ages to the fatal overland
route in passing the peninsula of Italy on their migrations. The resident
species are as dead as the ancient Romans themselves, who fortified the
Capitoline Hill or built the Colosseum. When the migrants really give out,
Mr. Editor, so that they are no longer piled in your markets like grain, it
will be a sign not that "grave damage" has been done to Italy alone, but
that a large part of the bird-life of two continents has been wiped out. In
discussing the relation of birds to man, the migratory instincts, and the
relation of the country to the rest of the world, are just as important as the
food habits. Where do the millions of Swallows and the smaller migratory
song-birds, which are annually slaughtered for food in Italy, come from, if
not from central, northern, eastern and western Europe, and where do
many of them go, if not to Africa by way of Italy and Spain ?

( To be concluihd)

WOOD THRUSH ON NEST
Photosraphed by F. E. Howe, Sterling. Ills., Ju

The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Bird-Lists

ONE of the means employed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society
to interest its members in the practical side of bird study is an
invitation to make lists of the birds noted in the state during
the year, blanks being furnished for the purpose of properly recording
observations. The best ten lists received by the secretary for the Society for
the year ending December 31, 1906, were made by the following members:
Lidian E. Bridge, West Medford, 184 species; James L. Peters, Jamaica
Plain, 164 species; Anna K. Barry, Dorchester, 138 species; Percival S.
Howe, Jr., West Newton, 138 species; Louise Howe, Brookline, 116
species; Henry H. Lowell, Newton Centre, 115 species; William T. Barker,
Jamaica Plain, 11 1 species; Bertha Langmaid, Boston, 108 species;
Samuel Dowse Robbins, Belmont, 86 species; Georgianna M. Wheelock,
63 species. The two lists first mentioned are published herewith.

Name of Species

Holboell's Grebe

Horned Grebe

Pied-billed Grebe . . . .

Loon

Red-throated Loon . . . .
Black Guillemot . . . .

Parasitic Jaeger

Kittivvake

Great Black-backed Gull .

Herring Gull

Ring-billed Gull . . . .

Laughing Gull

Common Tern

Arctic Tern

Roseate Tern

Least Tern

Gannet

Double-crested Cormorant
American Merganser . . .
Red -breasted Merganser .

Mallard

Black Duck

Red-legged Black Duck .
Blue-winged Teal . . . .

Scaup Duck

Lesser Scaup Duck . . . .
American Golden-eye . .

Buffle-head

Old-squaw

American Scoter

White-winged Scoter . . .

List of Birds observed by
Lidian E. Bridge, >X'est
Medford, Mass., from
January 1, 1906, to Jan-
uary 1, 1907.

List of Birds observed by
James L.Peters, Jamaica
Plain, from J a n u a r y
1, 1906, to January 1,
1907.

Nahant ....
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells
Nahant ....
Nahant ....

Ipswich . . .

Ipswich . . .
Middlesex Fells

Medford . . .

Ipswich . . .

Muskeget . . .

Muskeget . . .

Muskeget . . .

Muskeget . . ,

Muskeget . . .

Jan. 6

Oct. 22

Sept. 2
Jan. 6
Jan. 6

Ipswich . . .
Middlesex Fells
Nahant ....
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells
Nahant
Squantum
Nahant .
Squantum
Nahant .
Nahant .
Nahant .

Aug. 29
Nov. 9
Jan. 21
Jan. 7
Nov. 17
July 28
July 28
July 28
July 28
July 28

Nov. 9
Mar. II
Jan. 6
Oct. 22
Apr. 8
Jan. 21
Apr. 8
Jan. 6

j Apr. 14
Jan. 6

1 Dec. 19
Jan. 6
Feb 22
Feb. 22

Nahant .... Feb. 3

Ipswich . . . Oct. 20

Jamaica Pond . Oct. 24

Nahant .... Feb. 3

Nahant

Oct. 6

Ipswich ... I Nov. 17
Brighton . . . Jan. 13
Boston .... Jan. i
Boston .... Sept. 29
Vineyard Haven Aug. 15
Vineyard Haven Aug. 15

West Tisbury,
Revere . . .
Ipswich . .
Newton . .
Revere . . .

Natick
Cambric

Aug. 3 1
Jan. 20
Oct. 20
Jan. 13
Feb. 17

Apr. 7
Mar. 14

Nahant . .
Squantam

Boston . .

Nahant . ,

Revere . .

Revere . .
Revere .

Feb. 3
Apr. 14
Jan. I
Dec. 27
Jan. 20
Feb. 17
Jan. 20

(162)

The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Bird-Lists

63

Name of Species

List of Birds observed by
LIdian E. Bridge, Wesi
Medford, Mass., from
January 1, 1906, to Jan-
uary 1, 1907.

List of Birds observed by
James L. Peters, Jamaica
Plain, from January
I, 1906, to January 1 ,
1907.

Surf Scoter Nahant ....

Ruddy Duck Middlesex Fells

American Bittern Belmont . . .

Great Blue Heron I Ipswich . .

Green Heron : Midtllesex Fells

Black-crowned Night Heron . . . Middlesex Fells

Virginia Kail ■ . Cambridge . .

American Coot Cambridge . .

American Woodcock Medford . . .

Wilson's Snipe ! Medford . . .

Pectoral Sandpiper Ipswich . . .

White-runiped Sandpiper I Ipswich . . .

Least Sandpiper ! Ipswich . . .

Red-backed Sandpiper Ipswich . . .

Semipalmated Sandpiper . . . . ; Ipswich . . .

Sandcrling , Ipswich . , .

Greater Yellow-legs Cohasset . . .

Yellow-legs j Ipswich . . .

Solitary Sandpiper ! Middlesex Fells

Bartramian Sandpiper 1 Ipswich . .

Spotted Sandpiper i Middlesex Fells

Ipswich
Nahant
Ipswich

Nahant ....
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells

Jan. 6
Oct. 22

May 5
May 19
May 20
May 20
June 5
Nov. 3
Apr. 8
Mar. 18
Aug. 30
May 23
May 19
Sept. 28
May 19
May 19
May 30
Aug. 17
May 18
Aug. 17
May II
May 19
Sept. 27
May 23

: II

Sept. 27
Mar. II
Mar 3 I
Apr. 27
Apr. 28
May 7
Mar. II
Feb. 25

Nov. 26
Aug. 17

Nahant .

Ipswich
Ipswich
Dedham
Morton Marshe
Cambridge .
Jamaica Pond

Black-bellied Plover
American Golden Plover
Semipalmated Plover . .
Piping Plover ....
Ruddy Turnstone . . .

Bob-white

Ruffed Grouse

Marsh Hawk

Sharp-shinned Hawk Cambridge

Cooper's Hawk I Middlesex Fells

Red-tailed Hawk I Medford . .

Red-shouldered Hawk ' Middlesex Fells

Broad-winged Hawk • • ' "

American Rough-legged Hawk . . Middlesex Fells

Duck Hawk 1 Ipswich . . .

Pigeon Hawk I

American Sparrow Hawk I Medford . . .

American Osprey | Medford . . .

Short-eared Owl Ipswich . . .

Screech Owl Medford . . .

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Middlesex Fells

Black -billed Cuckoo Medford . . .

Belted Kingfisher Medford . . .

Hairv Woodpecker Middlesex Fells

Down\- Woodpecker Medford . . .

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ..... Grevlock . .

Northern Flicker Medford . . .

Whip-poor-will . 1

Nighthawk ! Medford . . . May 17

Chimney Swift Medford . . . May 5

Ruby-throated Hummingbird ... Medford • • • June 3

Kingbird Medford ... I May 4

Crested Flycatcher Belmont • • • May 26

Chilmark

Ipswich

Nahant

Ipswich

Ipswich

Ipswich

West Tisbury

Franklin Park

Chilmark . .

Franklin Park

Ipswich

Feb. 3

May 19
May 19
May 5
May 8
May 25
Oct. 24

Chilmark
Chilmark

Feb. 23

! Apr. 28

[ Oct. 30

1 Aug. 4

May 18

May 13

Apr. 19

Feb. 25

Jan. I

June 16

Jan. 4

Franklin Park
Holden . .
Ipswich
Franklin Park
Natick . . .
Natick . .
Morton Marshes
Weston

Aug. 18
May 19
Oct. 6
May 19
May 19
May 19
Aug. 24
May 18
Sept. 8
May 4
May 19

Aug. 24
Aug. 24

Jan. 10
May 12
May 19
Jan. 2
Apr. 7
Apr. 7
Jan 16
Apr. 28

Franklin Park
Newton . .
West Tisbury

Jamaica Plain
Franklin Park
Belmont . .
Franklin Park

Arnold .\rborctum

Franklin Park
Belmont . .
Franklin Park
West Tisbury
Boston . .
Franklin Park
Cambridge .
Dedham . .
Belmont . .

Oct. 14
Jan 13
Aug. 30

Aug. 5
May 16
May II
Apr. 17
Dec. 30
Feb. 18
Sept. 28
Jan. 7
Aug. 15
June 21
"May 4
Aug. 10
May 5
May II

[64

Bird -Lore

List of Birds observed by
Lidian E. B.idge, West
Medford, Mass., from
January 1, 1906, to Jan-
uary 1, 1907.

Phcebe

Olive-sided Flycatcher
Wood Pewee .....
Alder Flycatcher. . . .
Least Flycatcher ....

Horned Lark

Prairie Horned Lark . .

Blue Jay

American Crow ....

Bobolink

Cowbird .... . .

Red-winged Blackbird .

Meadowlark

Orchard Oriole ....
Baltimore Oiiole ....
Rusty Blackbird ....
Bronzed Grackle . . .
Canadian Pine Grosbeak

Purple Finch

American Crossbill
White-winged Crossbill

Redpoll

American Goldfinch

Pine Siskin

Snowflake . - ...
Lapland Longspur . . .
Vesper Sparrow ...
Ipswich Sparrow ...
Savanna Sparrow . . .
Grasshopper Sparrow . .
Henslow's Sparrow . . .
Sharp-tailed Sparrow .
White-crowned Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Tree Sparrow . .
Chipping Sparrow . .
Field Sparrow
Slate-colored Junco . . .
Song Sparrow ....
Lincoln's Sparrow .
Swamp Sparrow . .

Fox Sparrow

Towhee

Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting . .
Scarlet Tanager ....

Purple Martin

Cliff Swallow ...

Barn Swallow

Tree Swallow

Bank Swallow ....
Cedar Waxwing ...
Northern Shrike ....
Red-eved Vireo

Medford
Grey lock . . .
Medford .
Middlesex Fells
Medford .
Nahant . .
Ipswich
Medford .
Medford .
Concord .
Medford .
Medford .
Medford .
Ipswich
Medford .
Cambridge
Medford
Medford .
Medford
Greylock .
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells
Medford
Middlesex Fells
Medford . .
Ipswich . .
Medford . . .
Ipswich . . .
Medford . .
Concord . . .

Ipswich . .

Medford . . .
Medford . . .
Medford . .
Medford . .
Medford . . .
Medford . . .
Medford . . .
Medford . .

Crainbridge . .
Medford . .
Medford
Middlesex Fells
Medford
Medford
Concord
Ipswich
Medford
Medford
('oncord
Medford
Medford
Middlesex Fells

May 2
June i6
May 13
May 27
May 2
Feb. 22
Aug, 17
Jan. I
Jan. I
May 2
Apr. 16
Apr. 7
Apr. 5
May 19
May 12
Mar. 17
Apr. 12
Nov. 18
Apr. 17
June 18
Nov. 3
Nov. 24
Mar. II
Nov. 26
Mar. 17
Oct. 30
Apr. 17
Oct. 30
Apr. 16
May 14

May 19

May 11;
Apr. 5
Feb 24
Apr. T I
Apr. 17
Apr. I
Mar. 7
May IS
.Apr. 28
Mar. 21
May 4
May 5
May 13
May 13
June II
Mav rq
Apr. 28
Apr. 12
May 14
Mar. 30
Ian. 6
Mav 6

List of Biras observed by
James L. Peters, Jamaica
Plain, from January
1, 1906, to January 1,
1907.

Franklin Park .Apr. 9
Holden . . May 12

Dedham
Ipswich

May 5
Oct. 20

Jamaica Plain Jan. 2
Franklin Park Jan. 2
Franklin Park May 8
Franklin Park Apr. 5
Morton Marshes Feb. 25

Morton Marshes
Ipswich

Feb. 25
May 19

West Roxbury j May 5

Mar. 6

Nov. II
Apr. 8
Nov. 25
Nov. 3
Nov. 25
Jan. 13
Nov. 4
Feb. 24
Nov. 17
Apr. 13
Oct. 20
Apr. 14
Aug. 30
June 16
May 19

Franklin Park

Arnold Arboretum

Franklin Park

Arnold Arboretum

Jamaica Plain

Arnold Arboretum

Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Squantum
Ipswich . . .
Franklin Park
Ipswich . .
Squantum . .
West Tisbury
Norwood . . .
Ipswich . . ,

Franklin Park
Morton Marshes
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Morton Mar>hes

Apr. 28
Jan. 14
Apr. 15
Apr. 14
Jan. 10
Jan. 16

Morton Marshes
Franklin Park
Weston . . ■
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Wayland . .
Ipswich
Franklin Park
Natick ....
Ipswich . . .
Franklin Park
Morton Marshes
Franklin Park

Apr. 13
Mar. 28
Apr. 28
May 7
May 13
May 15
June 2
May 19
Apr. 28
Apr. 7
May 19
Feb. 18
Ian. 21
May II

The Massachusetts Audubon Society's Bird-Lists

i6s

List of Birds observed by
Lydian E. Bridge, West
Medford, Mass., from
January 1, 1906, to Jan-
uary 1. 1907.

List of Birds observed by
James L. Peters, Jamaica
Plain, from January
1, 1906, to January 1,
1907.

Warbling Vireo Medford . . .

Vellow-throated Vireo ; Medford . .

Blue-headed Vireo Concord . . .

White-eyed Vireo Cohasset . . .

Black and White Warbler .... Middlesex Fells

Golden-winged Warbler . . . Middlesex Fells

Nashville Warbler Middlesex Fells

Northern Parula Warbler ... Middlesex Fells

Yellow Warbler Medford . .

Black-throated Blue Warbler . . . Medford . .

Myrtle Warbler Medford . . .

Magnolia Warbler Medford . .

Chestnut-sided Warbler Middlesex Fells

Bay-breasted Warbler . . . : Medford

Black-poll Warbler I Middlesex Fells

Blackburnian Warbler Middlesex Fells

Black-throated Green Warbler . . . Middlesex Fells

Pine Warbler Medford . . .

Yellow Palm Warbler | Medford . . .

Prairie Warbler . Arlington

Ovenbird Middlesex Fells

Water-Thrush Middlesex Fells

Mourning Warbler Greylock . . .

Northern Yellow-throat Middlesex Fells

Yellow-breasted Chat Cohasset . .

Wilson's Warbler \ Middlesex Fells

Canadian Warbler i Middlesex Fells

American Redstart

Medford

American Pipit Ipswich

Catbird

Brown Thrasher

House Wren

Medford . .

Middlesex Fells
Medford . . .

Winter Wren I Greylock

Short-billed Marsh Wren
Long-billed Marsh Wren

Brown Creeper

White -breasted Nuthatch . .
Red-breasted Nuthatch . . .

Chickadee

Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet .

Wood Thrush

Wilson's Thrush

Gray-cheeked Thrush . .
Olive-backed Thrush ....

Hermit Thrush

American Robin

Bluebird

Ring-necked Pheasant . . .

Kumlein's Gull

Black Tern

Purple Grackle

Baird's Sandpiper

Acadian Sharp-tailed Sparrow
Orange-crowned Warbler . .

Norwood
Cambridge .
Middlesex Fells
Middlesex Fells
Medford . .
Medford . .
Medford . . .
Arlington . .
Medford
Middlesex Fells
Medford . .
Concord
Middlesex Fells
Medford . .
Medford . .

Ipswich

Ipswich . . .
Cohasset . .
Middlesex Fells

May lo
May lo

May 2
July 4
May
May
May
May
May
May
Apr. 22
May 13
May 6
May 20
May 18
May 18
May 6
Apr. 15
Apr. 16
May 26
May 8
May 13
June 18
May II
May 30
May 20
May 20
May 6
Aug. 30
May 5
May 4
May 14
June 18
July 14
June 5 I
Feb. 25
Feb. 25
Sept. 24
Jan. 7
Jan. 7
Apr. 21
May 1 1
May 7
Sept. 25
May 14
May 15
Mar. 4
Mar. 4

Jamaica Plain
Franklin Park

May 6
May 6

Braintree . .
Franklin Park

Holden'.'"?'"."' .
Belmont . .
Franklin Park
Holden ...
Franklin Park
Franklin Park

Arnold Arboretum

Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Hyde Park .
Franklin Park

May 30
Apr. 28
.May 6
May 12
May II
May 2
May 12
Apr. 10
May 13
May 6

May 15
May 21

May 2
Apr. 15
Apr. 14
May 26
May 5

Dedham . .
Braintree • •
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Belmont . .
Nahant . . .
Franklin Park
Morton Marshes
Belmont . . .

South Sadbury
Cambridge . .
Franklin Park
Jamaica Plain
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Franklin Park
Jamaica Plain

Arnold Arboretum

Franklin Park

Aug. 30

Sept. 28
May 30
Nov. 26

Franklin Park
Squantum

Arnold Arboretum

Milton . .
Franklin Park
Boston . .
West Tisbury
West Tisbury

May 5
May 30
May 15
May 19
May II
Oct. 6
May 2
Apr. 22
May II

May 26
May 25
Jan. 16
Jan. II
Sept. 29
Jan. 2
Jan. 2
Apr. 17
May 6
May 23

May 24
Apr. 14
Feb. 4
Mar. 1 1
Jan. 2
Feb. 3
Aug. 29
Aug. 15

The Migration of Thrushes

FOURTH PAPER

Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data

in the Biological Survey

With drawings by Louis AGASSiz Fuertes and Bruce Horsfall

VARIED THRUSH

THE Varied Thrush, under which name both forms of this species are
included, breeds from northwestern California, northern Idaho and
northwestern Montana, north to Fort Franklin, Mackenzie, Fort
Yukon, and the Kowak river, Alaska; winters from central Washington
to southern California. Accidental in New Jersey, Long Island, Massachu-
setts, Kansas and Guadalupe Island, Lower California.

The spring migration begins so early that, on the average,
migrants arrive in central Washington March 6 and southern British
Columbia March lo. The valley of the Kowak river, Alaska, was reached
May 21, 1899. The average date of arrival at Columbia Falls, Mont., is
April I, and the earliest date is March 2, 1895. Central California is
deserted, on the average, April 2, and the latest date in southern California
is April 12, 1899.

The species leaves its breeding grounds in northern Alaska about the
first of September and usually arrives in central California, along the coast,
November 7, the earliest date being September 27, 1898. It appears on the
higher mountains of northern California about the first week in October.

SAINT LUCAS ROBIN

The Saint Lucas Robin is a resident species in the southern portion of
Lower California. The only record for the United States is that of a speci-
men taken January 2, 1880, at Haywards, California.

(166)

Mr

wm

The New Bird Groups in the American Museum of
Natural History

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

FROM time to time during the past four years photofiraphs of certain
bird groups in the American Museum of Natural History have
appeared in Bird-Lore, but, beyond the caption with each cut,
nothing has been said of the groups themselves or of the object of the series
of which they form a part. This series will be known as 'The Habitat
Groups of North American Birds.'

The novel features of these groups consist mainly in their painted back-
grounds and in their method of installation, particularly with respect to
lighting.

Briefly, it may be said that these groups are lighted from above by
reflected natural, and, when necessary, artificial light. The source of light,
therefore, whether by day or night, is always the same, and, in consequence,
there is but one set of shadows, a matter of the first importance where an
attempt is made to connect the actual foreground with the painted back-
ground.

In ground plan the groups are curved at the back and straight in front,
from which point alone they can be seen. Only a part of the front is
occupied by the glass through which the group is viewed, both the ends and
the top of the group being beyond the range of vision from the normal view"
point. This increases the panoramic illusion and adds greatly to the artistic
«efifectiveness of the whole.

It is, however, not my object to speak of the method of construction of
these groups, but rather of the idea which they are designed to embody.
The more novel feature of this idea is to be found in the painted back-
grounds which form a part of each group. Painted backgrounds for small
groups or panels of mounted birds have long been employed by the taxider-
mist; but this, it is believed, is the first attempt to introduce backgrounds
painted from nature and intended to reproduce a given scene as accurately
as the groups they supplement do a limited portion of it. Such backgrounds
have, therefore, not only a biologic or ecologic value, as they portray the
nesting habitat of a species or illustrate colonial nesting habits on a scale
which mere taxidermy alone would prohibit, but they have also a botanic,
geographic and physiographic value. It is believed, therefore, that when the
thirty-odd groups which have been planned for this series are completed,
the Museum will have not alone adequate reproductions of the nesting
habits and haunts of many American birds, but will have also a series of
paintings representing, in a novel and attractive manner, characteristic
American scenery. The series might indeed be called America and its Bird-
Life.

(i68)

*js?'Tnr

.X

Tr^i>9#^-'»i

^^^BHwHn^i^^

BHB

H^^^^T^ •_

lyo

Bird -Lore

The following groups have been completed: (i) Summer Bird-Life of
Cobb's Island, Virginia'^'; (2) A Flamingo Colony in the Bahamast ;
(3) Summer Bird-life of an Irrigated Section in the San Joaquin Valley at
Los Bafios, California! ; (4) Brandt's Cormorant, Monterey, California:^;
(5) Sandhill Crane, Kissimmee Prairies, Florida; (6) Anhinga, in a 'bonnet'
{Nitphar) swamp, Brevard County, Florida; (7) Ward's Heron, Brevard
County, Florida; (8) Brown Pelican and Pelican Island, Indian River,
Florida; (9) Wild Turkey, Mountains of West Virginia; (10) Prairie
Hen, Sandhills of Nebraska; (11) Golden Eagle, Bates' Hole, Wyoming;
(12) Cactus Desert Bird-life, Tucson, Arizona. Others are approaching
completion, and it is hoped to finish the series in 1908.

It should be added that the photographic reproductions here shown are
so far from doing justice to the originals that they serve only to suggest the
method of treatment, without conveying an idea of the remarkably success-
ful manner in which artist and preparateur have overcome the technical
difficulties encountered.

^Figured in Bird-Lore, V, 1903, p. 108.
tFigured in Bird-Lore, VII, 1905, p. 201.
JFigured in Bird-Lore, VII, 1905, p. 202.
IFigured in Bird-Lore, VIII, 1906, p. 202.

SLATE-COLORED JUNCO AND VOUN(
Photographed by Thomas S. Roberts

jBtote0 from JftelD anti ^tuDp

Notes on the Starling

Unless the ornitiioiogists are satisfied that
Starlings are enormously valuable to the
country economically, I predict that we are
going to deplore the importation of these

'"^^

STARLING, WINTER PLUMAGE
Drawn by Bruce Horsfall

birds quite as much as we do that of the
English Sparrow. I do not know that they
raise more than one brood each year, but
from their increase in numbers, they evi-
dently have large families,
and I am led to believe
that they have singularly
bad dispositions.

They have appropriated not only
all the holes in the old apple trees,
including those stolen from the Blue-
birds by the English Sparrows, but
also the holes in all the bi
trees, hitherto occupied by Flickers,
etc.

For three consecutive summers a
pair of these latter birds nested in a
hole in an elm tree, on a level with,
and not more than ten feet from my
bedroom window. Very early last
year a pair of English Sparrows tried
to build there, but I promptly ousted

tliciii. They started in a second time, hut
Starlings had discovered the snug place and
wanted it for themselves, so they were my
allies until I had to watch out that both
interlopers were forced to go elsewhere. In
spite of this, and in spite of the fact that the
Starlings had a hole of their own and
had occupied it for some time, they harassed
my poor Flickers into seeking a nest else-
where. It certainly looked like mere wan-
ton cruelty, for having gained their point,
the Starlings took no more interest in that
hole.

It is strange that these birds, so much in
evidence throughout the rest of the year,
become, when the trees are in leaf, so secre-
tive that they are rarely seen. Occasionally,
late in the summer, small flocks join the
Red-winged Blackbirds feeding in the salt
marshes; but, excepting between dawn and
sunrise, one looks in the trees for them in
vain. At this early hour they are invariably
to be seen within a few yards of their nest,
apparently having a good game of "hide-
and-seek," and keeping up an incessant
chatter. The trees are old and have many
holes, and five or six Starlings play until a
few minutes after sunrise, then disappear as
if from the face of the earth. That the same
thing goes on every morning in the vicinity
of other Starlings' nests, and that their first

STARLING. SUMMER PLUMAGE.
(171)

Drawn by Bruce Horsfai:

172

Bird - Lore

appearance mornings seems to be as they
emerge from a hole, causes me to believe
that the young, as well as the old, sleep in
holes. I think, but cannot say with cer-
tainty, that the young, until each takes a
mate, sleep in the hole in which they were
hatched; for those that I watched played
•every morning about their birthplace long
after they were fully grown. Possibly about
the time of the fall migration they seek new
quarters for themselves; but so secretive are
they that it is almost impossible to study
their habits through the summer months.
Even before the young can fly, the parents
are seen no more on the lawns with Robins
and Crackles, but hunt for food where they
•cannot be seen.

In the fall, when not a leaf remains on
the trees, Starlings are seen in their tops in
«mall flocks of from three to eight or ten.
It is at this time that one hears their loud,
clear whistle of two notes, — a high one fol-
lowed by one a trifle lower, the two some-
what slurred together. It is rather sweet
and very easy to imitate; in fact, one. can
■call them. This whistle and the result pro-
duced by the ludicrous straining at a song,
and which is only a wheezy creaking heard
all through the spring, constitute the Star-
ling's own singing; but, "to give the devil
his due," he is an excellent mimic; he can
copy many notes of the Catbird; he gives
the Wood Pewee's call so perfectly that the
reason is the Pewee's only alibi. One day I
was so sure that I heard a Downy Wood-
pecker hammering over my head that I
strained my neck searching for him; then,
to my astonishment, discovered a Starling
producing this noise from his throat.

In proof of my statement that these birds
have bad dispositions, I may say that I
have seen them annoy many diflFerent kinds
of birds, and I must tell of one incident that
occurred very early one morning only last
week. A Flicker was calling so loudly
and persistently that I was awakened.
Thinking it must be close at hand, I
went to the window and saw a male bird
in the old hole in the elm I have al-
ready spoken of. The female, although
quite near, was too timid to join him,
■evidently because of a pair of restless Star-

lings just overhead. I was too sleepy to
watch any longer, so settled myself for
another nap, and, almost at the same mo-
ment, heard both Flickers "talking" softly
together at the hole. It could not have been
more than five or ten minutes later when I
heard a bird cry very much like the quaver-
ing cry of the Screech Owl, only softer. I
jumped to the window and saw the body of
a Flicker half-way out of the hole, its head
twisted so far back and downward as to be
invisible. The contortions it made strug-
gling to get away were pitiful, and this
pathetic cry wrung my heart, but it got
away, and almost at once was followed by
a Starling, who gave a satisfied grunt as he
came to the edge of the hole, then (\ew to a
branch above, where he began his torturing
efforts at singing. — Mrs. Paul R. Bonner,
Stamford, Conn.

A Call for Notes on the Starling

Seventeen years have passed since the
Starling was first successfully introduced
into this country, and Mrs. Bonner's esti-
mate of the bird suggests calling for
information in regard to the distribution of
this recent addition to our avifauna, as well
as for an expression of opinion in regard to
its desirability. Introduced into Central
Park, New York City, in March, 1890,
the Starling has now spread eastward nearly
if not quite to New London, Conn., north-
ward to Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, and
southward at least to Princeton, N. J. As
a contribution to the history of this bird in
America, it will be well to place on record
now replies to the questions which appear
below :

1. When did the Starling first appear in

your vicinity ?

2. What is its status now?

3. Do you consider it a desirable addition

to our avifauna ?

4. If undesirable, give reasons why.

5. Do you know of any Starlings, other

than those released in Central Park,
which have been introduced into this
country ?

6. Was the introduction successful ?
The Editor will welcome replies to one

Notes from Field and Study

173

or all of tlK!.c (luestions. They may be
sent to him at the American Museum of
Natural History, New York City, not later
than September i, for insertion in the next
issue of Bik!>-LoRH. — Frank M. Chapman.

A Winter Flight of Vesper Sparrows

The following account, relating to a mid-
winter flight of Vesper Sparrows in the
vicinity of New York City, appears to consti-
tute an unprecedented record. The presence
of this species here first came to my notice
on February 12, 1907. During the forenoon
of that day 1 observed many individuals of
the species in the grassy fields and stubble
growth north of Merrick, Long Island; and
from this locality southward to the salt
meadows and westward along the Merrick
Road, I found Vesper Sparrows in com-
parative abundance. The birds were some-
times seen singly or in groups of two or
three, but were more commonly found
associating with Juncos and Tree Spar-
rows. All three species were industriously
feeding among the roadside weeds, in a
temperature which stood near the zero point.

Within the limits of Freeport, L. I., just
north of the center of the village, many
Vesper Sparrows were seen feeding between
the rails of the electric-car tracks from
which the snow had been entirely cleared,
and, as I followed the tracks toward Hemp-
stead and Garden City, one bird after
another f^ew up from before me, only to
alight again some distance ahead. After
being repeatedly flushed, the birds would fly
into a near-by bush or tree, and allow me
to pass before resuming their quest for food.
They were, without exception, exceedingly
tame, and usually permitted a close approach
before flying and expanding their white-
edged tails. North of Freeport, one of the
birds was secured for the Museum, thus mak-
ing identification positive.

On February 17, a careful search in the
vicinity of Jamaica, Long Island, failed to
disclose a single Vesper Sparrow, and none
was seen by members of the Museum
stafi, who spent several days on the south
shore of Long Island during the latter part
of February and the first week in .NLirch.

Se\eral hunts made since that time have
yielded no [setter results; the conclusion,
therefore, is that the flight must have been
either very local or of short duration,
probably the latter.

Although Giraud, in his ' Hirds of Long
Island,' says of the Vesjier Sparrows, "A
few remain with us throughout the year,''
recent records for dates later than the middle
of November are not common, and, more-
over, the above statement would hardly
account for sucli numbers of the birds as
were seen by the writer. With the excep-
tion of Giraud's account, the northernmost
recorded winter range of the species is in
southern Pennsylvania, where, according to
Warren, the birds are frequently seen in
winter. In Rhoad's and Pennock's list of
the ' Birds of Delaware,' the Vesper Spar-
row is given only as a summer resident.

The fact that the Vesper Sparrows were
with us during the coldest period of the
winter would appear to preclude the sup-
position that they were early migrants from
the South, and yet no other theory seems
probable. Field notes from all sections of
the country around New York City might
aid greatly in determining the direction of
the flight, so it is to be hoped that other
observers will be heard from. — Robert C.
Murphy, American Museum of Natural
History, AVxf I'ork City.

An Owl Tragedy

Early in April, 1906, I made my first trip
of the season to the home of a pair of Barred
Owls which I had been in the habit of visit-
ing each spring for several years. The
Owls nested in the hollow top of a dead pin-
oak stub about thirty feet from the ground.
The hole was open and unsheltered at the
top, and its floor was about two feet below
the entrance.

Upon reaching the familiar tree, I rapped
upon the trunk, expecting to see the big Owl
fly out as usual. Nothing happened, how-
ever, so I climbed to the nest. As I neared
it the clicking of an Owl's bill reached my
ear. Upon looking into the hole, I was
taken aback to see it closed by a heavy cake
of ice a few inches below the top, and it did

174

Bird - Lore

not take long to guess what had happened.
Two or three days before there had been a
snow-storm, and the old Owl, keeping her
eggs warm, had been covered by the falling
snow. The sleet and subsequent cold had
converted this into ice, which had frozen so
closely around several projections on the
walls of the hole as to resist all the Owl's
attempt to break through.

In the center of the ice-cake was an
opening little more than an inch square,
and through this hole I could see the Owl.
Her head was pressed against the center of
the disk of ice, and this had resulted in
melting the hole through the thinnest part.
It took but a few minutes to break and
remove the ice, but it is no wonder that the
Owl had been unable to do so, as it was from
three to four inches thick around the edge.

The poor bird presented a most pitiable
appearance, her bedraggled feathers hang-
ing in wet, stringy masses, with lumps of
ice adhering to parts of the plumage. I
pulled her from the hole, for she was so
stiff and weak as to be unable to fly. I suc-
ceeded in greatly improving at least her
appearance by drying and smoothing her
plumage, and left her sitting in an appar-
ently dazed condition in a cedar tree not far
from the nest.

Before I left, her mate was observed flying
about among the large oaks near by, but he
did not go to the nest. Whether the Owl
recovered or not I do not know, but this
year (1907) the old hole was found to be
unoccupied when I paid it my annual visit.

It may be well to add that in her strug-
gles to escape the imprisoned Owl had
broken her eggs into small fragments. Also
that a feather on the ice-cake showed that
her mate had visited the nest while she was
entombed within. — W. DeW. Miller,
Plainfield, N. J.

Prairie Horned Larks in Connecticut

Prairie Horned Larks breed in Berkshire
County, Mass., and in the northern New
England states, but I can find no record
of their occurrence in Connecticut, except
during migrations.

While spending my vacation at Wash-
ington, Conn., in the summer of 1906, from

the middle of July to the end of August, I
saw almost daily a flock of between twenty
and twenty-five of these birds on a side-hill
pasture lot not far from the house.

They fed on the ground, and, when
startled, flew to the top of a stone wall or
into a tree; unless further disturbed, they
immediately returned to the ground to con-
tinue feeding. If suddenly startled, the flock
would rise and fly to a distant part of the
field, uttering on the wing a note that
sounded like tzee-a-nuee, tzee-a-ivee.

I believe that the Larks nested here this
year (1906). Only four or five were in adult
plumage, the rest having the plumage of the
immature bird. As some were here all
summer, there can be no chance that they
bred elsewhere and then wandered here.
Likewise I was told of a nest that had been
found, which corresponded with a descrip-
tion of the Lark's nest and eggs, although
the person at the time did not know what
the birds were. — [Will the writer of this
note kindly send his or her name for pub-
lication ? — Eo.]

Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine-
Finches on Staten Island, N. Y.

In Bird-Lore for December, 1906, Mr.
Dutcher described a remarkable migration
of Red-breasted Nuthatches over Fire Island
Beach, N. Y. While no such flight was
noticed on Staten Island, still these birds
were unusually abundant throughout the
fall of 1906, the first being seen about Sep-
tember I, and the last remaining till late in
the autumn.

Pine-Finches, too, were present in for
large rnumbers during the winter of 1906-7
than in the two preceding. They were most
numerous on the beach on the south side of
the island, where they fed on the ground
and in the goldenrods.

Singularly enough, both birds were also
common on Staten Island during the season
of 1903-4, when the Nuthatches were ob-
served from September till November, and a
few the following spring, and the Pine-
Finches were even more numerous in the
central part of the island than during the
past winter. — James Chapin, Ne^ Brighton,
Staten Island, N. T.

iSooft i0eto0 ant) 2^et)ietja0

Prochedincs ok the Fourth Imerna-
TiosAi. ORNiTH(;u)t;icAi. CoNCRKSS Lon-
don, June I, 1905. Edited under the
direction of the president, R. Bowdler
Sharpe, LL.D., bv the secretaries: Ernst
J. O. Hartert, Ph.D., and J. Lewis
Bonhote, M.A. London; Dulan & Co.,
37 Soho Square, W. February, 1907.
8 vo. 696 pages, 18 plates.

This well -edited volume contains not
alone the papers presented before the F"ourth
International Ornithological Congress, but
also an excellent history of the Congress
itself, with lists of officers, committees and
members, and detailed reports of the pro-
ceedings of the various sections into which
the Congress was divided. It is manifestly
impossible to review here in detail the con-
tents of the nearly seven hundred pages
forming this volume, and, merely as a
matter of information, we give the titles of
those papers of interest to Bird-Lore's
readers. (21 ' President's Address' (A His-
tory of the British Museum's collection of
Birds), Bowdler Sharpe; (3) "What Con-
stitutes a Museum Collection of Birds?' 6
plates, Frank M. Chapman; (5) 'On the
Migration of Birds,' Otto Herman; (9) 'On
Extinct and Vanishing Birds,' 2 plates,
Walter Rothschild; (11) 'On Some Ant-
arctic Birds,' Edw. A. Wilson; (12) ' Some
Notes on the Hybridizing of Ducks,' 4
plates, J. Lewis Bonhote; ( 13) ' The Prin-
cipal Aims of Modern Ornithology,' Ernst
Hartert; (14) 'Some Ornithological Re-
sults of the Scottish National Antarctic
Expedition," W. S. Bruce; (16) 'Mono-
graphie de la Sterne de Dougall,' 1 plate,
Louis Bureau; (20) 'On the Origin of the
DitTe-rences Between Nestling Birds,' W.
P. Pycraft; (24) 'Sequence in Moults and
Plumages," Jonathan Dwight, Jr.; (27)
'The Unusual Migration of Briinnich's in
Eastern North America,' i plate, J. H.
Fleming; (30) 'On Colour Variation in
the Eggs of Palasarctic Birds,' F. C. R.
Jourdain; (31) 'The Wild Birds Pro-
tection Act,' Sir Digby Pigott; (32) 'Bird
Legislation in Australia,' Sir John Cock-
burn; (33) 'The Rationale of Bird Protec-

(

tion,' Frank E. Lemon; (34) 'The Food of
Birds,' Otto Herman; (35) 'Ornithologie
Economique,' A Quinet ; (37) 'The Sparrow:
Is it Useful or Harmful to Agriculture?'
Igali Svetozar; (40) 'The Importance of
Aviculture as an Aid in the Study of
Ornithology,' D. Seth-Smith. — F. M. C.

The Passenger Pif;EO\. By W. B. Mer-
SHON. New York: The Outing Publish-
ing Company, 1907. 8vo. xii 225
pages. 9 plates, 2 in color.

Mr. Mershon is to be thanked for bring-
ing between two covers the more important
literature relating to the Passenger Pigeon,
and adding thereto his own recollections of
this lost species, together with much interest-
ing data from various sources. Thus we
have the biographies written by Wilson,
Audubon and Bendire; Fennimore Cooper's
graphic description of a Pigeon flight from
'The Pioneers,' with more or less extended
quotations from later writers.

No part of the original contributed matter
appears to be of greater value than that
furnished by Mr. Henry T. Phillips, of
Detroit, who from 1864 to 1878 marketed
Passenger Pigeons either dead or alive.
From a single nesting in Oceana county,
Michigan, in 1874, Mr. Philips states 100
barrels of dead birds were sold daily for
thirty days and, in addition, 175,000 live
birds were shipped. He writes that in this
same year there were over 600 professional
netters, we assume in Michigan, and adds
that "when the Pigeons nested north every
man and woman was either a catcher or
picker." And still people marvel at the
Pigeon's extinction, and seek to account
for its disappearance through the action of
some catastrophe which destroyed nearly all
the existing birds. Need we look for a
greater catastrophe than that supplied by
man himself? We are glad to observe that
Mr. Mershon places no belief in this alleged
cause of the Pigeon's disappearance, but
finds in their persecution by man a sufficient
explanation of their decrease. A colored
plate of the Passenger Pigeon by Fuertes

175)

176

Bird- Lore

and one of the Band - tailed Pigeon by
Allan Brooks add to the attractiveness and
value of this volume. — F. M. C.

The Protection of Our Native Birds.
By Thos. H. Montgomery, Jr., Pro-
fessor of Zoology, University of Texas.
Bulletin, University of Texas, No. 79,
1906. 8vo. 30 pages.

Professor Montgomery discusses the sub-
ject of bird protection under three heads:
(a) "Reasons for Protection," {b) "Data
on the Destruction of Birds," and {c)
"Means of Protection of Birds."

He has long been interested in a study of
the food of birds, and the information
acquired by personal investigation, as well
as that obtained from the published works
of others, has convinced him of the value
of birds to our agricultural interests.

The question is handled in a scientific,
logical manner, which increases the force
of the arguments employed, and we trust
that the publication of this paper in a state
particularly in need of the services of insect-
destroyers will help to bring its inhabitants
to a realization of their indebtedness to
birds.— F. M. C.

The Birds of the Chicago Area. By
Frank Morley Woodruff. Bulletin VI
of the Natural History Survey, Chicago
Academy of Sciences, April 15, 1907.
221 pages, 12 full-page half-tones.

In an introduction of twenty-four pages,
Mr. Woodruff states the sources of informa-
tion on which this list is based, outlines the
territory embraced with its more significant
climatic conditions, calls attention to locali-
ties of special interest, describes conditions
unfavorable to birds, speaks of those extra-
limited species which have occurred and
those which may be expected to occur, and
has a word to say about migration from a
local standpoint.

For the excellent reason that a local list is
not the place in which to exploit the latest
scheme in classification, the A. O. U.
check-list is followed.

Pages 25 to 195 are devoted to the treat-
ment of the birds which have been reported
from the area covered. This is stated to in-
hi 1: ' i' ) Cook and Du Page counties.

the nine north townships of Will county
and the northern portion of Lake county,
Indiana." The species are not numbered,
nor does there appear to be a synoptic table
of their manner of occurrence from which
we could readily obtain an impression of
the character of the ornis of the area under
consideration.

The annotations include a statement of
the local status and general distribution of
each species, the less common species being
treated with a detail which should make
this paper of great value to local students.
An extended bibliography should help to
rescue from oblivion much matter in regard
to Chicago birds which has been published
in the daily press. It is interesting to
observe that, although E. W. Nelson appears
here as the author of only two papers relat-
ing to the birds of the Chicago area, he is
more frequently quoted than any other
author. — F. M. C.

Journal Maine Ornithological Society.
^The leading article in the December,
1906, number is on 'Bicknell's Thrush on
Mt. Abraham,' by D. W. Sweet, describ-
ing the occurrence of the species in Maine
during the breeding season. W. H. Brown-
son contributes some notes on 'Portland
Birds ' observed in 1906 and J. M. Swain
furnishes 'Contributions to the Life History
of the Pine Warbler." Migration tables
and numerous local notes make up the
number.

In the March, 1907, number, O. W.
Knight contributes to the Life History of
the Yellow Warbler and A. H. Norton dis-
cusses the occurrence of the Jerfalcons,
Lapland Longspur, Sharp-shinned and
Pigeon Hawk in Maine in winter. There
is also the report of the Eleventh Annual
Meeting and numerous Christmas Bird
Censuses and Local Notes. — W. S.

The publication of the first number of
'British Birds,' an illustrated monthly
magazine devoted to the birds on the
British list, is announced for June i. The
editor will be Mr. H. F. Witherby, assisted
by W. P. Pycraft. The annual subscription
of 10 s. 6d. maybe sent to Witherby (i Co.,
326 High Holborn, London.

Ct)e ^utiubon S)onette0

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Address all communications to the Editor of the School Department, National
Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City

AUGUST AND THE FLOCKING TIME

The nesting season is practically over at middle July, and dingy, faded
feathers are everywhere seen as the forerunners of the August time of silence
and withdrawal to seclusion for the summer molting. There are but three
birds that can be counted on for August music— the Red-eyed Vireo, the
Song-sparrow and the Indigo Bunting.

The novice cannot hope to identify new birds at this time of changing
and mixed plumage, and it is no easy task to follow some of the most familiar
species through the change and still be able to name them. The clearly
marked black, white and buff male Bobolink of June meadows, now wears
the brown stripes of his mate. After molting, the Scarlet Tanager is
feathered in olive-green, his wings and tail remaining black; the autumn
Goldfinch changes his bright gamboge coat for olive-gray, though his wings
are as in summer.

The birds of more sober plumage remain much the same, though the
markings seem less distinct. The brick-red spring breast of the male Robin
has faded to a yellowish hue, while the immature plumage of the young
birds of the season make the work of naming very difficult for the amateur.
In May and June, identification, learning the various call-notes and songs,
and watching the various processes of rearing the young, fill the hours to
overflowing, so that one day lapses to another, and midsummer comes all
too soon. The nesting season shows the personal and individual side of bird -
life, while, with late summer and early autumn, the impersonal or gregarious
phase begins. This gathering of the clans, as it might be called, under the
autumn spell, or flocking impulse, is very interesting to watch, and is in
itself a study.

The smaller birds travel in more or less mixed companions, and as early
as the first week in August, flocks of various Warblers arrive from the
North and remain for a month or more, according to the season, feeding
in the tree-tops. The first of our own summer residents to leave are the
Orchard and Baltimore Orioles, the Purple Martin, Yellow Warbler and
the Yellow- breasted Chat; and, though they do not finally disappear before
the middle of September, their migratory activity begins the last of August,
as soon as the molt is over and they have gained fresh strength of wing
with the new pinions.

(177)

178 Bird - Lore

There are two classes of birds whose flocking is of special moment, and,
when we see them assemble, we know that summer is over, no matter how
green the trees or fresh the herbage, — these are the Blackbirds, including
Crackles, Redwings and Cowbirds, and the Swallows.

The Purple Crackle makes himself ludicrous in April and May by tak-
ing a conspicuous position in a tree-top, and standing on tip-toe, with extended
wings, going through a series of ludicrous contortions and gasps and squeaks
that he evidently considers highly dramatic love-making. But, when they
have at last settled down to domestic life, they become almost as furtive as
the Crows in their comings and goings, and we forget them.

Comes a day in late August and there is a noise in the open between
garden and orchard like the rustling of fallen leaves under the tread of many
feet, mingled with strange creakings as if the doors of autumn were
turning on rusty hinges, and there far and wide, walking through the
stubbly grass or cloaking the bushes and trees upon which they perch in
sable, are the Crackles.

At a signal from the leader, they will rise and drift away like a storm-
cloud ; but tomorrow they will return, and the next day, and the next, staying
with us until Thanksgiving, and many injurious insects will they glean from
the land plowed for fall sowing. The Crackle flocks haunt stubble-fields and
wood edges, while the Cowbird flocks keep to the open pasture, and the
Redwings claim the marsh -lands.

The flocking manceuvers of Barn and Bank Swallows are interesting in
the extreme, and worthy of patient observation, for there are many things
not yet understood. It seems to me that they engage in flying drills, with
distinct right- and left-wheels, and various other tactics.

Whether this practice is merely for the pleasure of motion, or whether
it is to accustom the young of the year to the fatigue of travel, who can say?
But one thing is a fact, that while both Bank and Barn Swallows flock in the
middle or late August, they keep up this flying practice for a full month,
during which period they may be seen in vast numbers resting on the tele-
graph wires by the wayside, or on the fence-rails of wide-open commons
along the shore.

One day we think that they have swept ofi for good, but the next sees
them back at their posts, and a Barn Swallow flock has often remained in
this latitude until the first week of October. Then, when other flocks
fail, except in the absolute breeding season, we have the Crow always with
us ; and mendicant, thief, or whatever else we choose to call him, the watch -
ing of a flock of Crows, from August, when the corn is in the milk, until
the next mating season is a sufficiently interesting proposition for any bird
student. — M. O. W.

INDIGO BUNTING.
(Upper figure. Male; Lower figure, Female.

Order — Passeres.
Genus— Passerina.

Family — Fringillid/E.
Species— Cyan EA.

THE INDIGO BUNTING

By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

%^e il^attonal j900ociatton ot SLntmbon ^ocietitfi

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 27

Rich color is the chief attribute that sets the Indigo Bunting apart
from its kin of the tribe of Sparrows and Finches.

Blue that is decided in tone, and not a bluish gray, is one of the
rarest hues among the birds of temperate zones; for one may count the
really blue birds of the eastern United States upon the fingers of one hand.
This Bunting belongs to the tree-loving and tree-nesting
His Family part of his tribe, in company with the Grosbeaks and the
brilliant yellow American Goldfinch, whose black cap, wings
and tail feathers only enhance his beauty. The Sparrows, of sober stripes,
nest on or near the ground, and their plumage blends with brown grass,
twigs, and the general earth coloring, illustrating very directly the theory of
color-protection, while the birds of brilliant plumage invariably keep more
closely to the trees.

In size, the Indigo Bunting ranks with the small Sparrows, coming in
grade between the Field- and Song-Sparrows, and being only slightly larger
than the Chippie. The female wears a modification of the Sparrow garb, the
upper parts being ashy brown without stripes, the under parts grayish white
washed and very faintly streaked with dull brown, the wings and tail
feathers having some darker edges and markings.

When it comes to painting the plumage of the male in words, the task
becomes difficult; for to use simply the term indigo -blue is as inadequate as
to say that a bit of water that looks blue while in shadow is of the same
color when it ripples out into full sunlight, and catches a dozen reflections
from foliage and sky. A merely technical description would read: Front of
head and chin rich indigo-blue, growing lighter and greener on back and
underparts; wings dusky brown, with blue edges to coverts ; tail feathers
also blue-edged; bill and feet dark; general shape rounded and canary-like,
resembling the Goldfinch.

The last of May, one of these Buntings came to a low bush, outside
my window, and, after resting awhile, for the night before had been stormy,
dropped to the closely cut turf to feed upon the crumbs left where the
hounds had been munching their biscuits. I have never seen a more
beautiful specimen, and the contrast with the vivid green grass seemed to
develop the color of malachite that ran along one edge of the feathers,
shifting as the bird moved like the sheen of changeable silk.

(179)

i8o Bird -Lore

In vain did I search among contemporary writers for a description of
this phenomenon, which appears only in the plumage of the fully developed
male of two or more years of age. Finally, I chanced, in searching Alexander
Wilson's American Ornithology for a different matter, to find the only
adequate pen-picture of this bird that I know. Of its plumage he says:
There is one singularity, viz., that in some lights, his plumage appears of a
rich sky-blue, and in others of a vivid verdigris green : so that the same bird, in
passing from one place to another before your eyes, seems to undergo a total
change of color. When the angle of incidence of the rays of light reflected
from his plumage is acute, the color is green; when obtuse, blue. Such, I
think, I have observed to be uniformly the case, without being optician
enough to explain why it is so. From this, however, must be excepted
the color of the head, which is not affected by the change of position."

The nest, in no wise typical, is a loose and rather careless

His Nest structure of grass, twigs, horse-hairs, roots or bits of bark

placed in a low, scrubby tree or bush at no great distance

from the ground, and the eggs are a very pale blue or bluish white, and

only three or four in number.

Being a seed -eater, it is undoubtedly this Bunting's love
His Travels of warmth that gives him so short a season with us; for he
does not come to the New England states until the first week
in May, and, after the August molt, when he dons the sober clothing of his
mate, he begins to work southward by middle of September, — those from
the most northerly portions of the breeding range, which extends northward
to Minnesota and Nova Scotia, having passed by the tenth of October. It
winters in Central America and southward.

Although of the insect -eating fraternity of the conical
His Food beak, the Indigo Bunting consumes many noxious insects in

the nesting season, when the rapid growth of the young
•demands animal food, no matter to what race they belong. Being an
inhabitant of the overgrown edges of old pastures, or the brushy fences of
clearings and pent -roads, he is in a position where he can do a great deal
of good. Mr. Forbush, is his valuable book on Useful Birds and Their Pro-
tection, credits the Indigo Bunting with being a consumer of the larvx of
the mischievous brown -tail moth; but, whatever service it may do as an
insect destroyer, its service the year through as a consumer of weed seeds,
in common with the rest of its tribe, is beyond dispute.

The voice of the Indigo Bunting is pretty rather than
His Song impressive, and varies much in individuals. It consists of a

series of hurried canary-like notes repeated constantly and ris-
ing in key, but, to my mind, never reaching the dignity of being called an
impressive song. Yet on this point opinions differ, and Wilson calls it "a
vigorous and pretty good songster. It mounts to the highest top of a tree,

The Indigo Bunting i8i

and chants for half an hour at a time. Its sonj^ is not one continuous strain,
but a repetition of short notes, commencing loud and rapid and falling by
almost imperceptible gradations, for six or eight seconds, until they seem
hardly articulate, as if the little minstrel were quite exhausted; and, after a
pause of half a minute or less, commences as before." Then, too, the Indigo
bird sings with as much animation in the month of July as in the month of
May, and not infrequently continues his song until the last of August."

Nuttall writes that though usually shy the Indigo bird during the nesting
season is more frequently seen near habitations than in remote thickets:
"Their favorite resort is the garden, where, from the topmost branch of
some tall tree that commands the whole wide landscape, the male regularly
pours out his lively chant, and continues it for a considerable length of time.
Nor is this song confined to the cool and animating dawn of morning, but
it is renewed and still more vigorous during the noon -day heat of summer.
This lively strain is composed of a repetition of short notes, which, com-
mencing loud and rapid, and then slowly falling, descend almost to a
whisper, succeeded by a silence of almost half a minute, when the song is
again continued as before.

''In the village of Cambridge (Mass.), I have seen one of these azure,
almost celestial musicians, regularly chant to the inmates of a tall dwelling-
house from the summit of the chimney or the tall fork of the lightening-rod.
I have also heard a Canary, within hearing, repeat and imitate the low
lisping trill of the Indigo bird, whose warble indeed often resembles that of
this species."

This combination of musical ability, lovely plumage and its seed -eating
qualities long since has made the Indigo Bunting in danger of extermina-
tion, through the fact of its being universally, throughout the South, cap-
tured and sold as a cage-bird, both for home use and for export. In that
section the bird is called "blue pop," a corruption of "bleu pape," or "pope,"
of the French. Thomas Nuttall and Alexander Wilson, both writing in the
early years of l8oo, speak of the Indigo Bunting as one of the most familiar
of cage birds. Not only has this traffic existed since the days of Wilson,
but, until a very few years ago, when the Audubon movement began to be
a power, this Bunting, together with its cousin, the beautiful Painted Bunt-
ing, or Nonpareil, the Cardinal Grosbeak and the Mocking-bird were listed
and sold, as a matter of course, by every bird -dealer in the country.

Oh, the untold misery and waste of this caging and selling of free-born
birds! It is only one grade less direct a slaughter than killing them to trim a
bonnet. While the sufferings of the bonnet-bird have ended, with it life
those of the caged bird have only begun as the door closes behind him,

A few exceptional cases, where birds in the care of those who are both
able and willing to make their surroundings endurable, count as nothing
against the general condemnation of the practice of caging birds born wild.

i82 Bird -Lore

Those of us who have known, by experience in caring for wounded or sick
birds, exactly what incessant watchfulness is necessary to keep them alive,
realize how impossible it is that this care should be given them by the aver-
age purchaser.

Birds born and reared in captivity, like the Canary, are the only ones
that real humanity should keep behind bars. There is no more condemna-
ble habit than allowing children to take nestlings of any kind, and try to
feed and rear them; if disaster overtakes the parents, a responsible adult
should be the one to endeavor to succor the brood.

Nominally, the traffic in caged wild birds has ceased ; actually, it has not ;
nor will it until every bird-lover feels himself responsible for staying the
hand that would rob the nest, whether it is that of the ignorant little picka-
ninny of the South, who climbs up the vine outside the window where
you are wintering, and sees in the four young Mockers in the nest just
under the sill a prospective dollar, the child at home, who likes to experi-
ment for a few days with pets and then forgets them, or the wily dealer,
who sells sub rosa what he dares not exhibit. No quarter to any class who
make prisoners of the wild, outside of the Zoological Gardens or private
aviaries where the proper conditions exist.

Any free citizen prefers death to loss of liberty, and even the literalists
will, at least, allow this human quality to Citizen Bird, while it proves that
he or she who either cages or buys the captive wholly to lack the
spiritual quality.

Should we make prisoners of

"The ballad -singers and the Troubadours,

The street musicians of the heavenly city.
The birds, who makes sweet music for us all

In our dark hours, as David did for Saul."?

— H. W. Longfellow.

Questions for Teachers and Students

When does the Indigo bird come in Spring ? How far north does it travel ? How is
its color different from the blue of the Jay and Bluebird ? Is the caging of wild birds
ever right ? Why was the Indigo bird popular as a pet ?

Cbe ^utiubon ^otittm

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER
Address all correspondence, and send all remittances for dues and contributions, to
the National Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City

Membership in the National Association

$vOO paid annually constitutes a person a Sustaining

Member
f 100.00 paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership
$1,000 00 paid constitutes a person a Patron
$5,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder
$15,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Benefactor

FORM OF BEQUEST
/ do hereby gi-ve and bequeath to The
National Association of Audubon Socie-
ties FOR the Protection of Wild Birds
AND Animals (Incorporated), of the City of
Neiu York.

" I go to prove my soul !
I see my way as birds their tracltless way;
I shall arrive: what time, what circuit first
I ask not; but, unless God send His hail
Or blinding fire bails, sleet or stifling snow,
In some time. His good time, I shall arrive;
He guides me and the birds. In His good

time."
The bird and animal lovers will arrive at
the goal of their hopes, " In His good time,"
but the way to mortal eyes seems dim and
undefined very often and is beset by many
an obstacle placed by indifference, or, what
is far worse, selfishness and greed. The
altruistic has not been reached, by any
means, although bright gleams of sunshine
often cheer our way. When public officials
take the time from their busy lives to pen
such sympathetic words as the following,
which came from Governor Davidson, of
Wisconsin, it shows that "He guides." "I
assure you our Audubon Societies will ever
find me ready to lend any assistance in my
power to protect the wild birds and animals
of our country." Doubtless there are many
other men who occupy positions of public
trust who have the same feeling at heart but,

(183)

unfortunately, they do not take the time to
express it, and thus the influence of a word
from them is lost. Another gleam of sun-
shine from a well-known public man, James
Lane Allen, whose pen gives pleasure to so
many, will serve as a guide to others who
probably have the same sympathy at heart
but have not yet expressed it in a like
practical manner;

" I am today in receipt of your letter of
i8th of June, requesting me to become a
sustaining member of the Audubon Socie-
ties. It gives me pleasure to do so, and my
cheque in payment of the annual dues shall
be found herein enclosed.

"I should have become a member long
ago, if I had been asked— since the aims of
the Association appeal to me very strongly."

Members and readers, please recollect that
the work of the Association isexpandingdaily
and that our great need is a largely increased
membership and a greater endowment in
order to carry on the work to which we
have placed our hands; that is, to protect
and conserve the wild birds of the country,
Nature's own check on the undue increase of
insect pests. Do you know the annual
loss occasioned by destructive insects in
the United States? If not, the following
will give you some facts which surely will
be of interest to you.

Cereals . .
Hay ...
Cotton . .
Tobacco . .
Truck crops
Sugars - .

,. , Percenta>ie Amount

^^'""^ of loss of loss

. $Z. 000.000, 000 10 S2oo.00o.coo

5?o,ooo,ooo 10 5?. 000.000

600.000.000 10 60,000.000

53.000.000 10 5,300.000

265,000,000 20 53,000,000

50,000,000 10 5.000,000

Fruits - 135.000.000 20 27.000.000

Farm forests ... no 000.000 10 11.000.000

Miscellaneous crops. 58,000.000 10 5,800.000-

Animal products . . 1,750.000.000 10 175,000.000

Total . . .
Natural forests a

forest products
Products in storag

^5,55I.

1.000

J^595,I00.(

Grand 1

$795,

1 8+

Bird- Lore

The above table was prepared by Prof.
C. L. Marlatt, Assistant Entomologist,
United States Department of Agriculture,
and was published in the ''Year Book,"
1904. Professor Marlatt says, "'In no country
in the world do insects impose a heavier tax
on farm products than in the United States.
The lessening or prevention of this loss is the
problem for the economic entomologist to
solve." The members of the National
Association arc doing their part to solve the
problem. Every wild bird that is saved is
an additional natural check. Reader! Have
you among your possessions a tree or bit of
land that you cherish and love? Then encour-
age the wild birds to dwell with you; be an
example to your neighbor, and also help the
Association to spread its propaganda every-
where.

"In some time, His good time, I shall
arrive." — W. D.

The Audubon Club in the Bahamas

Perhaps nowhere in the world are birds
more needed than in Nassau, New Provi-
dence. Ants infest the gardens, borers rid-
dle the trunks of the most useful trees — in
short, nothing but the lynx-eyed, hungry
bird is able to cope with and check the
ubiquitous West Indian creeper and crawl-
er. And yet, strangely enough, birds are
scarce throughout this beautiful island.
Tourists, enamored with Florida's glorious
song-birds, complain of this defect in our
favorite winter resort, which, climatically,
is unequaled. Various causes are assigned
to the phenomenon, as the absence of run-
ning streams, etc. But the main cause is
this : the native children are incessantly
catching and killing the lovely bright-plu-
maged native birds. Sapodilla-gum, traps
—all possible devices are utilized to this
unspeakable end.

Convinced by long observation that, once
the value of the bird, and the joy of culti-
vating his acquaintance in the tree, could
be brought home to these children, the
problem of bird protection would be solvetl,
I began in the winter of 1906 distributing
Audubon Bulletins, with short informal
talks; the response was a surprise. A num-

ber of young colored men formed themselves
into a police-corps for the protection of the
birds. Now any boy detected with a bird
tied by the leg to cap or buttonhole, with a
bit of string, is promptly seized, and, if
necessary to the release of the victim, is
thrashed, and the frightened, often injured,
bird is after some careful nursing set at lib-
erty. In short, so much interest has devel-
oped that three Bird Clubs are now
regularly organized. One, the " Nassau
Audubon," has a membership of intensely
interested little white girls. Another, the
" De Lancey-Town Audubon," is made up
of young colored men and is doing a splen-
did work. The third is a club of eighty school
children of Nicoll's Town, Andros Island.
These children have made a marvelously
practical move by planting guinea corn for
the birds around the school yard. A fourth
club is now forming under the leadership of
another Andros Island boy in the settle-
ment of Fresh Creek. Herbert, who visits
Nassau from time to time in his father's
boat, loaded with kindling-wood, strayed
into my cottage: to my questions whether
birds were abundant in Fresh Creek, and
whether he clubbed and trapped them, he
laughed and answered "Ves'm." A set of
Bird Bulletins to read and carry to his
school-teacher with the usual "talk" per-
suaded Herbert that there was a lot more in
the bird than he had ever dreamed of. A
month later, a letter came from Herbert,
brought direct to the cottage by a brother,
because he had "done forgot how to spell
your name." He wrote that he had "got
into many a strife" and been taunted with
indulgence in "fool talk" through his ad-
vocacy of the cause of the birds. He ended
with "I am getting on fine with the birds.
O, I love them and all what you say is
true." Two months later, the day before
we sailed, he again appeared on the porch.
He was overjoyed to find on our table a
package of magazines and newspapers ad-
dressed to him, and which we were just
about mailing. On May 23, he, with
other faithful friends, carried our many bags
and baskets aboard the tug "Colonia," said
"good-bye," and went back to his isolated
island home cheered and enheartened by

The Audubon Societies

185.

"love for the bird." Outside the harbor,
where we boarded tlie " V'igilancia" four
members of the young men's club batle us
"God speed," with a cheery promise " /o
look after our birds ." — Ax.icv. M. Bovnion

Legislation.

New Jersey.— In April Bird-Lore the
passage by the House of an anti-spring
shooting bill for wild fowl and shore-birds
was reported. When the bill reached the
Senate, it was referred to the Committee on
Game, consisting of three members, one
each from Bergen, Monmouth and Ocean
counties At the hearing in the Senate
Chamber, the professional gunners and
those interested in the preservation of shoot-
ing, but not of tlie birds, were out in full
force. They had no arguments to advance
of a scientific or economic nature, but their
strong plea was that they had always shot
birds in the spring and still wished to do so
and that it did no harm, and their gain and
pleasure should not be interfered with by
sentimentalists. One of the advocates of
spring shooting was a clergyman and some
of his ornithological statements were of such
a remarkable character and so entirely new
to all of the scientists present that one was
led to wonder whether his ecclesiastical lore
might not have been obtained in the same
school. The bill was never reported out by
the Game Committee and consequently the
lack of wild fowl and shore-bird law still
exists in New Jersey. Without exception
this Commonwealth has the most barbaric
law regarding wild fowl and shore-birds
that now is extant in any part of the conti-
nent of North America. Further, it is decep-
tive and misleading, for it seemingly pro-
vides a close season for ducks and snipe, but
it is so carefully arranged that the period
that is closed by law is only when there are
no wild fowl or shore-birds in the state.
Repeated visits to Trenton were made b)-
tliose interested in the passage of the anti-
spring-shooting bill to urge on the Game
Committee to let the bill be passed upon by
the Senate as a whole, and not to have the
Committee decide a question which was of
interest to the entire state. Every possible

argument and legitimate influence was
brought to bear on the Committee, but with-
out avail. The bill was killed in Committee
by a vote of /aco to one. And thus the
people of the state of New Jersey were
deprived of their unalienable right to have a.
voice in the making of the laws that they
are subject to. Legislative committees, as
death-traps for bills, are far too prevalent
at the present time. This is death to states-
manship, for a legislator is now valued far.
more for his ability to steer a bill to Com-
mittee and there advance or kill it, than for
ability to expound to his fellow legislators, in
public debate on the floor of the chamber,
the worth of a measure or explain why it
should be defeated. In the present case the
whole state of New Jersey was disfranchised
by the action of two men, and yet not another
legislator raised his voice in protest. Is not
government by the people a farce in such
cases ? However, it is, after all, the fault of
the people themselves for not taking enough
interest in legislation to keep in touch with
the work of their representatives and when,
they do or do not approve of measures to
speak plainly and forcefully.

New York. — In April Bird-Lore atten-
tion was called to the bills to prevent sale of
wild fowl after the close season and also to
stop the cold storage of any birds or game.
The Legislature was in session almost six
months, yet these bills were never reported
out by the committees in charge, although
persistent effort to that end was made by
repeated visits to Albany, by letters and by
all other legitimate means. The lack of this
legislation is a serious defect in the game
laws of New York. This is another case
where the criticism made of legislation in New-
Jersey will apply with equal force. All of
this emphasizes the urgent need tor Federal
control of all migratory birds. So long as
there is divided control over creatures that
are in one state one day and in another the
next, satisfactory protection cannot be given
them. It is practically impossible to get the
legislatures of all the states to look at the
matter in the same light. It is a serious sub-
ject and one that deserves the closest atten-
tion from the public. As a marked example^

1 86

Bird -Lore

of the need for Federal control, take the case
of wild-fowl laws in the states of New York
and New Jersey. During the northward
migration, wild fowl can be killed in the
latter state, but cannot be in the former,
although the two great wild-fowl resorts of
Barnegat Bay (N. J.) and Great South Bay
(N. Y.) are only a few miles apart. It is a
manifest injustice to the citizens of New
York that New Jersey permits the killing of
wild fowl during the spring, and it is a still
greater injustice to the citizens of the whole
country that on one side of an arbitrary
geographical line migratory birds may
legally be killed, while on the other side of
the line they may not be. The only remedy
for this inconsistency is to place all migratory
birds under Federal control. Several feeble
attempts were made to pass local bills per-
mitting spring shooting of wild fowl and
snipe, but they were successfully combated.
However, were it not for the vigilance of
the National Association in all legislative
matters, a flood of such bills would be
passed each session.

Very early in the session foreign-game-
sale bills were introduced in both branches
of the Legislature. The Committeesto which
they were referred were seen at once and an
agreement was obtained from the Chairman
that before the bills were reported the
National Association should have a hearing,
when it could present reasons why the bills
were undesirable and a formal protest
against their passage. A hearing was not
called for, and it was supposed that the
advocates of the bills had abandoned them.
In the Assembly in this state, about ten
days prior to the close of the session, all un-
finished legislation is taken from the hands
of Committees and is placed in charge of
the Rules Committee and thereafter no hear-
ings are held. Much to the surprise of the
executive of the Association a bill to amend
Section 33 of the Game Law was introduced
by a member of the Rules Committee. This
amendment was the old Foreign Game Sale
Bill in another form, but with all its vicious
features. This necessitated another trip to
Albany ; a stay was obtained for a few days
to enable the Association to prepare a brief ,
showing why the proposed amendment was

undesirable legislation. To prepare such a
brief necessitated a trip to Washington to
consult experts on the subject. A copy was
sent to Governor Hughes, and also to many
of the most prominent and influential mem-
bers of both the Senate and Assembly.
Nothing further was heard of the bill.
The brief was as follows:

Brief on Assembly Bill No. 2769, Entitled
An Act To Amend Section 33 of the
Forest, Fish and Game Law Relating
to Certain Varieties of European Birds.

This bill proposes to authorize, in any'
city of the state having a population of
more than a million, the sale during Dec-
ember, January, February, March and
April, of five species of foreign game birds,
namely, Egyptian Quail, Red-leg, Lapwing,
Russian Grouse, and Rebhiihner; attempts
to impose a tax of one cent on each bird
imported; and provides for the appoint-
ment of at least two special officers at a
salary of $1,500 and an allowance of $1,000
each for traveling expenses — a total annual
expense of at least $5,000 — for carrying out
the provisions of the Act.

This bill (i) contains provisions in direct
conflict with the constitutions of New York
and of the United States; and is also (2)
defective in title; (3) bad in form; (4) bad
in policy; (5) class legislation.

(i) Bill Unconstitutional. In so far as
the bill provides for imposing a tax on birds
imported, it is clearly in conflict both with
the Constitution of the State of New York
and the Constitution of the United States.
On p. 4, line i, occurs the provisions:

A person, firm or corporation importing
said game shall, upon the arrival of said
game into the port of New York, pay a tax
of one cent per bird to the Forest, Fish and
Game Commission, to be paid by said Com-
mission into the treasury of the state of
New York in the same way as other moneys
are received and transmitted into said treas-
ury by said Commission.

No statement is made as to the reasons
for or objects of the tax and the bill is,
therefore, clearly in conflict with the provis-
ion in Section 48 of the State Constitution,
which declares:

Every law which imposes, continues or

The Audubon Societies

187

revives a tax shall distinctly state the tax
and the object to wiiich it shall be applied,
and it shall not be suHicient to refer to any
other law to fix such tax or object.

The bill is also clearly in violation of
Art. I, Sec. 10 of the Constitution of the
United States relating to import duties.
The Supreme Court of the United States in
passing upon a provision enacted by the
state of Maryland in 1821, almost identical
with the tax provision of this bill, held in
Brown v. Maryland (12 Wheat. 419) that:

An act of a state legislature, requiring all
importers of foreign goods by the bale or
package, etc., ... to take out a license,
for which they shall pay $50 and, in case of
neglect or refusal to take out such license,
subjecting them to certain forfeitures and
penalties, is repugnant to that provision of
the Constitution of the United States which
declares that "no state shall, without the
consent of Congress, lay any impost, or
duty on imports or exports, except what may
be absolutely necessary for executing its
inspection laws;" and to that which declares
that Congress shall have power "to regulate
commerce with foreign nations, among the
several states and with the Indian tribes."

The principles here laid down have been
applied, reiterated and relied upon by the
same court in subsequent decisions so often
that this decision is now generally regarded
as a leading case for the guidance of courts
in the interpretation of this section of the
Constitution.

(2) Title defecti've. The title is defective:

(a) In purporting "to amend Section 33
of the Forest, Fish and Game Law relating
to certain varieties of European birds." Sec-
tion 33 of said law relates primarily to the
protection of non-game birds native to the
state of New York, not of European birds,
or of game birds. It therefore attempts to
amend a section which in reality has no
existence as there is no "Section 33 relating
to certain varieties of European birds."

{b) The bill attempts to amend Section 33
by deliberately inserting two subjects, each
separate and distinct from the subject-matter
of the original section ( i ) the sale of certain
game birds imported from Europe, and (2)
the imposition of an import tax.

(f) The bill is manifestly a local measure
in that it applies only to cities which have
a population of more than a million, that is,
to the city of New York, and as such, itg
title is in violation of that provision of the
Constitution of New York (Sec. 40), which
declares that "No private or local bill . .
. shall embrace more than one subject and
that shall be expressed in the title."

(3) Bill Bad in Form. The subject-
matter of the Forest, Fish and Game Law is
arranged in an orderly manner, and to
facilitate reference to the various topics, each
special subject is placed in a separate sec-
tion which is given a distinctive number.
The amendments proposed in this bill have
no relation to the subject-matter of Sec.
33. but relate primarily to the sale of
Grouse and Quail, and as such, should be
given a distinctive number following either
Sections 28 or 29.

The bill is ambiguous, {a) In author-
izing sale of European game but allowing
importation of Egyptian Quail ; {b) in allow-
ing sale of Red-leg without specifying
whether the birds intended are Red-legged
Partridges, Red-legged Sandpipers or Red-
legged Ducks; (c) in permitting sale of
Russian Grouse which may cover a number
of species, some of which are indistinguish-
able from native birds; (d) in permitting
sale of 'Rebhiiher,' which is not a recog-
nized name in this country of any game bird,
but merely a German name that should be
translated into the common English equiv-
alent of 'Gray Partridge'.

(4) Bill Bad in Policy, (a) The bill is
opposed to the general policy of the state in
breaking up the practically uniform close
season for the sale of game under existing
law.

(b) It is opposed to the policy of the state
in making a distinction between imported
and native game.

(f) It is a direct reversal of the policy of
the state maintained at considerable expense
to the taxpayers and upheld by the Court of
Appeals in the cases of People ex rel Hilj
V. Hesterberg, Sheriff (1906), and People v.
Waldorf Astoria Hotel Co. (1907).

{d) The bill is bad in policy in attempt-
ing to amend Section 33, a section which

Bird - Lcre

has alreadj' been re-enacted three times (in
1901, 1902 and 1903) since it was originally
passed in 1900, which has been construed
by the courts and the language of which is
now in a form which is generally under-
stood.

{e} The bill is bad in policy in author-
izing an expenditure of $5,000 or more for
the employment of two special officers,
without the powers of ordinary protectors,
who may be on duty less than half the year
solely for the purpose of inspecting the
transactions growing out of the importations
of a single firm. How extensive these trans-
actions may be is perhaps disclosed by the
tax clause which is evidently intended to
rcrnrbarse the stafe^for the.-cost of inspec-
tion. At this rate, the importations would
aggregate at least 500,000 birds per annum.

(5) Class Legislation. The bill is evi-
dently drawn in such a way as to be genera]
in form, but by restricting its operation to
"any city of the state having over one mil-
lion in population," it is practically limited
to the city of New York. In fact, on p. 4,
line I, the mask of general form is thrown
aside in the declaration that "a person, firm
or corporation importing said game, shall,
upon the arrival of said game into the port
of New York pay a tax, etc.," ignoring the
fact that such game might be imported via
Canada through the ports of Buffalo,
Niagara Falls, Ogdensburg, Plattsburg,
Sag Harbor, Oswego, Rochester, Dunkirk,
or Cape Vincent. The measure will work
injustice and hardship to every other city in
the state and to every game-dealer outside of
New York by granting exclusive privileges
in Greater New York for the importation
and sale of five kinds of foreign game birds
in large quantities during four months in
the year when the season is closed elsewhere
in the state. Careful scrutiny of the history
of the measure and of the restrictions of the
"person, firm or corporation importing said
game" will reveal the fact that the bill is as
clearly drawn in the interests of a single
firm as if its title were "A bill to benefit A.
Silz & Co., of New York City."

Massachusetts.— The bill referred to in
February Biro-Lore to "Authorize the

Fish and Game Commission to take certain
unimproved lands upon the Island of
Martha's Vineyard" passed the Legislature
and is now a law. This act is really for the
purpose of enabling the Commission to con-
duct a scientific experiment of the greatest
value and interest, i. e., to preserve the very
small remnant of Heath Hens from extermi-
nation. This sole remaining colony of a
once numerous species of Grouse is in an
ideal situation in which to conduct the experi-
ment. Not more than one hundred birds
still remain, and the question of whether a
species so close to extermination can be
indefinitely continued will be watched with
the greatest interest by scientists in all parts
of the world.

Connecticut. — In addition to the other
excellent game and bird laws adopted by
this state during the present legislature, a
law was secured providing for hunting
licenses for residents, non-residents and
aliens. A law was also passed "making
the possession in the open air on Sunday of
any implement for shooting, prime facie evi-
dence of an intention to hunt."

Certainly the citizens of Connecticut have
reason to be proud of the very advanced
position held by the Commonwealth in the
great economic question of bird-protection.

A Bison Herd in the Adirondacks

The legislature of New York appropriated
$20,000 for the purchase of a herd of Bison
to be placed in the Adirondacks. Governor
Hughes vetoed the item, in view of the many
other demands on the treasury of the State.
In Massachusetts the citizens interested in
the perpetuation of the Heath Hen did not
ask for a state appropriation, but raised the
money themselves to carry on the experi-
ment. Had the same method been taken in
this state, Governor Hughes probably would
have conceded the use of the necessary public
lands. Both of these instances emphasize
the importance of not permitting a wild
species to approach so near extermination as
the Bison and Heath Hen, and also empha-
sizes the need of the proposed ten years
closed season for the Wood Duck.

1^

I 2

< U)

I I

Oo

THE WOOD DUCK

By WILLIAM DUTCHER

^i)e iRational SL^Qociation ot )3Lutiubon &ocicttt0

SPECIAL LEAFLET NO. 10

(Supplement to Bird-Lore, Vol. X. No. 4, July-Aueust)

The object of this leaflet is to call the attention of the American public
to a condition that now exists, but which it is hoped may be remedied by
concerted and prompt action on the part of all those who love the beauti-
ful in nature and are willing to guard it.

When Audubon wrote his account of the Wood Duck in
Former n i i / i i •

, , io35> only seventy-two years ago, he referred to their very

great abundance in such statements as follows : "At Boston,

where I found them rather abundant during the winter"; "I knew a person

in South Carolina who caught several hundreds in the course of a week";

"For my own part, I assure you, I have seen hundreds in a single flock."

That they were abundant even as late in the last century as in the seventies

is well established by reference to Dawson's 'Birds of Ohio,' published in

1903, in which it is stated "Thirty years ago Wood Ducks were killed by

wagon -loads every spring."

Dr. A. K. Fisher, Ornithologist of the Biological Survey,

Scarcity United States Department of Agriculture, was the first to

call attention to the growing scarcity of the Wood Duck in

an article entitled 'Two Vanishing Game Birds,' published in igoi. He

said, "Unless strong protective measures are soon adopted, the Woodcock

and Wood Duck, two popular and valuable game birds, will become extinct."

In order to secure late data, inquiries were made in all parts of the
continent, and the information received came from so many points that
it can be relied on to fairly represent the present status of the Wood Duck.
The consensus of opinion is that the Wood Duck has become alarmingly
scarce. Many reports were received showing that this species has entirely
disappeared as a breeder in the sections referred to, while others used such
terms as "Absolutely disappeared," "None," "Very rare migrant," "Have
seen but one in twenty years," "Decrease 6o per cent — 70 per cent — 90
per cent." Quotations from the reports might be continued indefinitely,
but they would all be of the same general tenor; although, in some localities
near the center of distribution of the species, the reports were not quite so
alarming. However, nearly every report showed in the most emphatic
manner that the time has arrived when the most heroic means must be
taken to stop the decrease.

There are several very potent reasons for the rapid decrease in the
numbers of the Wood Duck which are worth careful examination. Some

(189)

igo Bird - Lore

of these it is possible for man to remedy, while others are
easons or inherent in the habits of the species itself and thus are beyond

the direction of mankind. The habits of the Wood Duck,
which is often known as the Summer Duck and in some portions of the
South as ''Branchu," differ greatly from other wild Ducks. This species, as
its name indicates, is not a bird of the ocean or even the wide coastal bays,
but is found about the swamps and inland streams and ponds, especially
those bordered by timber. Contrary to the usual habits of Ducks, it nests
in trees, generally in holes or natural cavities.

Its tree-loving habit is one of the causes of decrease. The increase of
population in this country, and the consequent clearing of the land for
agricultural purposes, the ruthless destruction of the forests and the draining
of swamp-lands, have lessened the number of breeding sites; this applies
particularly to the eastern and middle -western section of the country. In
many localities where the Wood Duck was known to breed until within a
few years, it is not now found, owing to the fact that every tree suitable
for nesting has been cut down. This cause of decrease is largely due to the
habits of the species, and in some degree to the unwise practice of defores-
tation, which unhappily is so common in these days. When the citizens of
the United States wake up to the fact that it is criminal to cut down all the
forests, the homes of the Wood Duck will be saved; but, at the present rate
of decrease of this species of Duck, it may then be too late to be of avail.

Another cause, and probably the greatest, is spring-shoot-

Spnng- j^ Yhe Wood Duck is a species of very wide distribution

Shooting = "^ ...

on this continent, and in some portions therefore, it is practi-
cally a resident. For this reason, the species has suffered far more than any
other of the wild fowl by the wasteful practice of spring-shooting. The
killing of any species of birds while on the migration to the breeding grounds
or after they have reached there, is indefensible, and, in these days of increas-
ing intelligence respecting the value of birds, both economic and aesthetic,
is becoming more and more repugnant to the self-respecting sportsman.
Until spring-shooting is absolutely prohibited, both by law and sentiment,
the wild fowl of this continent, as well as all other migratory game birds,
will decrease. Let us examine for a moment how spring-shooting affects
the Wood Duck. This species, according to Audubon, pairs about March
first in Louisiana and as far north as Kentucky, and sometimes a fortnight
earlier; in the middle states about April first, and still later as it approaches
the northern limit of its range. One of the writer's correspondents in
Louisiana, who states that his knowledge of the "Branchu" is derived from
fifty years' experience as a sportsman, claims that these birds "pair off or
mate during the month of December, and from then on until February they
prepare for breeding. On the nth of May (1907), on my way to the
fishing haunts, I came across a flock of young, fully four weeks old." A

The Wood Duck 191

report from Kansas states, "Early in April, 1906, examined a female Wood
Duck, killed by a local hunter; the ovaries contained partly developed
eggs." A correspondent at Princeton, N. J., states, "In 1905 a pair were
killed here late in April, after tw^o eggs had been laid in their nest." Still
another reporter, in Utica, N.Y., states, "Saw female killed April 15th, which
contained a well-developed egg." A well known ornithologist at Portland,
Maine, says, "Wood Ducks reach us mated, and spring-shooting of mated
birds has no doubt had a potent influence toward decrease." From the
evidence given above, it is fair to assume that the Wood Ducks that are
resident in the Gulf states certainly mate early in February, with some
evidence that pairing takes place earlier, and that mating has already taken
place when the migratory numbers of the species reach the northern limit
of their range. It is, therefore, a self-evident fact that every Wood Duck
that is killed after January first is a strong factor in the ultimate and early
extermination of the species. There are no words too strong to use in
condemnation of the unscientific, wasteful and depraved practice of killing
mated and breeding birds. A sportsman who has any self-respect or regard
for the rights of future generations will not engage in spring-shooting.

A glance at the accompanying map, showing the 1907 open seasons for
Wood Ducks will demonstrate to the reader what a terrible drain on the
species spring-shooting is, for the diagram shows that, in the fifty-seven states
and provinces, thirty-eight legalize the shooting of Wood Ducks during
all or some part of the spring. It will also be noted that six states, nearly
10 per cent, give the Wood Duck no protection whatever, but allow it to
be killed whenever it is found in the state. It may also be noted that, in
several of the states where no protection is given, the Wood Duck is a
resident, which renders the entire lack of protection a far more serious
matter than if the species were only a summer visitor for the purpose of
breeding. Is it strange that by reckless waste, this species of wild fowl is
rapidly becoming exterminated?

Wood Ducks are greatly attached to their breeding places,
g, .^ and are gentle and rather unsuspicious. This very fact is

often the cause for the complete annihilation of an entire
family, where summer-shooting is allowed. Several of the reports received
give this as one of the important reasons for the decrease of the species,
stating that in some cases, even before the open season, entire broods are
killed by one or two pot-shots, and that in many sections the entire hatch
of a season is killed on the first day for legal shooting.

There are several other reasons for the decrease that may
Other Causes be mentioned, but cannot be considered in detail: the very
great increase in the number of gunners ; the marked improve-
ment in guns, — compare the old muzzle-loading shotgun with the present
breech-loader and the magazine gun ; the great number of gasolene launches

192 Bird -Lore

that are on the lakes and streams, which can cover more space in an hour
than a boat propelled by oars could in a day; the natural enemies, such as
the Great Horned and the Barred Oivls that live in the same territory with
the Ducks; the turtles, snakes and large predatory fish that are known to
destroy the ducklings when they are first led to the water. With so many
artificial, as well as natural enemies to deplete, the numbers of Wood Ducks,
it is imperative that drastic action should be taken at once, to prevent the
total extermination of the species.

There are several methods by which the rapid extinction
Remedy of the Wood Duck may be prevented, the first of which

is to have Congress pass a law placing all migratory birds
under the control of the Department of Agriculture. Federal control of
such birds is undoubtedly constitutional. To secure such beneficial legisla-
tion is a ma^er of time and education; the public need to be shown the
necessity for such action, and the legislator must be shown that his constit-
uents demand that the birds that cannot secure uniform legislation for their
protection by state laws must get it through Congress. In the interim, the
second method may be employed, which is to secure in every state and
province where the Wood Duck is found, either as a resident or migrant,
legislation making a closed season for ten years. There should be a heavy
penalty for the slightest violation of the act, either by shooting, possession,
ofifering for sale, or the destruction of nests or eggs. Two states, Massa-
chusetts and New Hampshire, have already adopted such a statute, — but only
for five years from 1907. In addition to such a law, which is imperatively
necessary at this time, it is recommended that all the clubs of the country
which control large preserves, and individuals owning estates where suitable
breeding places are found, should engage in the experiment of raising Wood
Ducks, which at the end of the breeding season could be liberated. With
a ten years' close season and breeding by public-spirited citizens, this beau-
tiful species of American wild fowl may be prevented from following in the
steps of the Bison, the Passenger Pigeon and others of the wild fauna of
the continent that the present generation of nature-lovers are lamenting
the loss of. Shortly, it will be too late to take action. This is an appeal to
the ornithologists, who still have scientific facts to discover; to the true
sportsmen, who are willing to refrain from reducing a species of game-birds
to the verge of extinction, and to the nature-loving men and women of the
country, who desire the added beauty of all wild life, to join in the demand
that not another Wood Duck shall be killed for a period of ten years, to
enable a fast-disappearing species of wild fowl to recuperate its wasted and
depleted ranks. Do not read this paper and idly pass it by, but join in the
movement, actively and aggressively; nor cease your good work until it is
known that success has been achieved, and that the Wood Duck is no
longer in danger of being classed as an extinct species.

CLOSE AND OF

EN SEASONS FOR WOOD

DUCKS IN

1907

NORTHERN STATES

JAN. t FEB. 1 MAH. | APR. | MAY 1 JUNE | JULY | AUG. | SEPT.

OCT.

NOV.

DEC.

.Maine

1

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Venn. .lit

T

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p^

i;iK"i- I.^Ullul

1 1 1

OP^EN

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CLOSE

N.'w Vork

^:%%

rA

N,-\v .I.Tsey

i '^^

renubvlvania

^^^

DoUuvaie

Maiylaudi

wmmm.

^^^

$$?^

Distii.t of Columbia

..c-./g-..^

Virsiiia

^^5^.

^, SEASON 1

U'l'sl Viife'ina

5^^

!v<^nliioky

Ohio

[ 1

^^^

Michisau

Indiana

Illinois

1

\Visi;unsin

.Minnesota

SEASON

i$?^

Iowa

w.

^^9y'^'»M^/i^.

.

Jlissouii

^^^

I i

Kansas

5^

mm^^

Nebraska

-^

'^^^Mm>

^%iifc%^

Soutli Dakota

?$$%$p$$$$$?^$^^^^

Xorth Dakota

OP

EN

Montana

w%>

^

^^^

^^;'

5$?^

Wyoming

Colorado

! 1- ■ 1

SOUTHERN STATES

North Carolina 1

1

w.,,..

South Carolina

(Jeorgia

I-: :

l--!orHi

Al.;'i,'M,,;

p^

Ml--: .-.11.,

1 1

■IVhi,

i , 1

Al l,,i:,-,-.-

:Ei\^ofi ' 1 I 1 1

I..M;:-,a;ia

/^^^

•le.xas

Oklahoma

Sew .Alexico

Arizona

PACIFIC STATES |

California

1

Nevada

^ i !

Utah

^ CLOSE

Iilaho

J

Oregon

1 1

Washington

1 1

CANADA 1

Alberta

^m^A 1 1 1

British folunibia
S.:s-Kul.-heuan

SEASON

:

M^n.ituba

^;%:%J

Uiitario

N

Quebec

1

Sew Brunswick

1 . .. . : : J

M^

Nova Seotia

' Seasons vary In different counties

I. Townsend's Solitaire.

2. Mountain Bluebird. Male.

3. Mountain Bluebird, Female,
(one-half natural size.)

A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE

DEVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OrriciA'L Organ of thc Audubon Socictics

Vol. IX September — October, 1907 No. 5

Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian'^'

By FRANCIS H. HKRRICK

Author of 'The Home Life of Wild Birds'

II

THE question of protecting wild birds is usually discussed in relation to their
practical use to man, but, says Nigro Lico, there is also the question of
humanity to be considered. If we drop the consideration of real or
presumed usefulness, should the birds be protected out of regard for our esthetic
feelings and our duties to humanity? Upon this point Sig. Salvadori is again
quoted as follows: "As to the esthetic side of the question, I heartily agree that
the birds are an ornament to the woods and fields, but who could deny that the
butterflies are still more so ? Is it not a pleasure to see, in the spring time, and to
salute again the strawberry Colia, the gloomy Antiopa, the resolute lo, the great
Policlora, all of them harbingers of the mild season? Why do we not dance with
joy when one after another are present on the scene — the silent Cavolaia, the
social Pieridi, the restless Arlecchino, the suberb Apollo, the grave Podalirio, the
playful Licene ? Why is it not a pleasure for whomsoever is not a stranger to
nature, to welcome these familiar friends, to study anew and to admire the varied
colors with which thc\- are clothed, their manifold forms, properties, and habits?
Unfortunately, all of these graceful and attractive creatures, which contribute so
much to the esthetic side of nature, all are more or less injurious and on this
account all are condemned to destruction."

"In respect to humanity, I would like, moreover, to ask in turn, is it a humane
act, when, with a shot from a musket one brings down a Woodcock, a Partridge, or
Grouse; when, with its legs broken or its bill crushed or split, it is condemned to a
slow and painful death by hunger ? We bird hunters,at least, do not torture any of
our victims. Not a brief second passes between the shot and death. Whv, on the
score of humanity, should we not also speak of a prohibition of hunting? Such a
construction of the law would in no way, I believe, receive official sanction, and
further, I submit, it would be refused with entire reason."

*Thf first part of Professor Herrick's Paper appeared in thc July -August number of
Bird-Lore.

194 Bird - Lore

This sounds well, but has not Sig. Salvadori confused the main point with
subordinate issues? The great question raised is the protection of song birds,
which, according to a large number, — probably the largest number of students, the
world over, — are, upon the whole, of decided benefit to agriculture, and therefore
to man, to say nothing of esthetics, and this question must not be involved with the
Hindoo doctrine of the sanctity of all animal life. Invertebrates, like the insects,
are not to be placed on a par with the highest expressions of vertebrate life. We all
must and do acknowledge that hunting, whether for food or sport, entails inevi-
table hardship upon the animals. The rule for all to follow is: No needless
sacrifice of the life of any animals whatsoever, whether vertebrate or invertebrate,
unless (i) they are destructive to the life of man, or to his interests, especially in
tilling the soil, and (2) unless they are of prime value as food. Where two living
beings — the man and the animal — can not dwell together in peace and to mutual
advantage the rule has ever been and must ever be that the weak gives way to the
strong. Under the head of necessary food animals, come the domesticated kinds
like the pig, sheep, and ox, various birds, and, as a compromise to the latent
savage instincts of man in the present state of civilization, wild or preserved game,
whether fish, flesh, or fowl. As to what shall be legitimate game among the
mammals and birds, it should not be difficult to reach a common-sense agreement.
No animal should be considered game which is not useful for food, and no food
animals should be sought among the small and liarmless mammals, or among
the small or useful birds. Taking the life of the higher animals is an unpleasant,
and, when needless, a cruel proceding ; but it is necessary unless the whole world
is to be converted to a vegetarian diet. Nature, however, does not seem to
expect this, and probably would not permit it, for in the alimentary tract of man
she has made a luxurious provision for both the digestion and the absorption of
proteids. Proteid is also stored away in the muscles and other tissues, to meet
unexpected emergencies, like the storage bins of fat and starch in both plant and
animal bodies. Now, since the animals are the great source of proteid, or nitro-
genous food, it is evident that nature expects us to make a liberal use of them
in our diet.

The laws and proposals of laws, as given by Lico, upon hunting in Italy, are
interesting and instructive. As he remarks, those who are interested in the protec-
tion of birds, from whatever motive, confine their attention to laws to regulate
hunting. Many assemblies have been held for this purpose, and many societies
have been formed to obtain from the government the most judicious laws upon
the subject.*

We are told upon the authority of Comm. Durando, that the present hiws which regulate
hunting are those which were in force in the ancient Italian States. Thus, in the Neapolitan
and Sicilian provinces the law of October 18, 1819 exists, and is still in effect; in what were
formerly the Papal States, with the exception of the Marches, the edicts of July io, 1826, and
August 14, 1839 prevail; in Tuscany the law of July 3, 1856; in Modena the decree of Febru-
ary 6, 1815, and notifications of January 22, 1826 ; in Parma the royal resolutions of Septem-
ber I, 1824, June 10, 1828, May 23, and 28, 1835; in Venice the law of February 13, 1804,

Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 195

It is not suprisiiiK t" lu-ar it said that "thr multii.li.alion of so many dilTcrent
rules tarings confusion and contradiction between regions but a sliort distance
apart or contiguous, whence the negligence or the ignorance of the authorities to
whom the execution of the law belongs; whence everything is in disorder in the
development of rural economy everywhere so important, and especially in Italy."
What these varied and antiquated laws are in every case is not stated, but it is
evident from the present practice, as already suggested, that they were framed
mainly in the interests of the hunters, and not of the birds nor of agriculture.

What are the legal enactments demanded by those Italians who desire to
really protect their birds? Lico quotes the statement of Sig. G. Spanna, made at
the Congress of the Zoological Society, held at Turin, in October, 1898, and
which may be summarized as follows: (i) To prohibit absolutely the hunting of
birds by any means except firearms; (2) To prohibit the destruction of the nests
of birds, taking or destroying the eggs, the young, the mothers; disturbing in any
way the nidification, also with the design or pretext of training dogs for hunting,
and this in whatever position the nest is found; (3) To prohibit the hunting with
firearms from March i to August 15, in all Italy; (4) To make it penal to pos-
sess and to sell in public or in secret, during the time when hunting is forbidden,
any birds, whether living or dead; in the hunting season it is legal to receive only
those birds which have been killed by firearms, and on the bodies of each of
which appears a wound from a leaden bullet, sustained by the living animal; (5)
To prohibit at all times the sale of birds alive, in cages, or otherwise confined,
excepting only foreign species, or those which are not migratory or resident in
Italy; (6) To increase the tax upon hunting with firearms to such a sum as may
correspond to the loss sustained by the public treasury through the suppression of
the concessions for hunting with nets, snares, and every other forbidden means;
(7) To declare as lawbreakers all who hunt in property not belonging to them,
and in the neighborhood of lakes, ponds, or streams, and water-courses belonging
to the provinces, to the municipality, or to private persons, without having
previously obtained permission in writing from the proprietor, which is to be
shown to the police officers whether public or private; (8) To the person author-
ized to proceed against the lawbreakers, and to the accusers, a share of the fine is
to be given, as well as of the sums paid per head of the game seized; (9) In so
far as regards the secondary rules, account is to be taken of the royal patents of
what was formerly the kingdom of Sardinia.

The sponsor for these laws thus expresses his opinion regarding them : " Hunt-
ing, now-a-days, I am glad to say, is no longer a means of procuring food.* For
a few is it a means of diversion and of ostentation in banquets. In either case,
and decrees of July 7, 1S04, September 21, 1805, March 21, 1811, and the proclamation of
July 5, 161 5 ; in the provinces once forming the Sardinian States, and in those of Lombardy
and the Marches the royal patents of December 29, 1836, July 16, 1844, and July i, 1845.

It thus appears that the antiquated laws upon the shooting of birds in Italy date all the
way from 1615 to 1856.

' *This is hardly the case in Italy wlicre shooting l)irds is often a means of eking out a living.

196 Bird - Lore

the pleasure and the luxury ought not to be obtained at a loss to the public
economy, and, therefore, the coercive measures framed to protect it have to be
such as produce efficient results."

Had the provisions recommended by Spanna been adopted in 1898, and
stringently enforced throughout the Kingdom of Italy, not only that country, but
the whole continent of Europe, would have been benefited. The proposals are
designed to prevent wholesale slaughter by restricting the times and methods of
killing wild birds. No discrimination is made between kinds supposed to be useful,
useless, or injurious, so far as agriculture or any of the interests of man are con-
cerned.

Considering the antiquity of the practice of killing birds in Italy without any
discrimination whatever, and the state of public opinion upon the whole subject of
bird protection, the proposals of Sig. Spanna are commendable, and if they were
adopted and carried out they would mark a great stride in the right direction. '

We learn further from Lico's Manual that demands for new and uniform
laws to regulate hunting have not been made in Italy alone, but in other countries
also. Since the migratory birds change their habitation at stated periods, it is for
the interests of all countries through which they pass to protect them by common
consent and for the common good. Again, we are told that a great ornithological
Congress was held at Aix, in Provence, November 9-14, 1897, and another at
Gratz, in Stiria, August 5-8,1898. The resolutions passed at these meetings were
considered by the different governments; but to the proposals made by France,
with the concurrence of adjoining states, unfortunately, the Italian government did
not agree.

From the preceding extracts it will be seen that those Italians who have given
any thought to the subject of birds, in relation to man, are by no means agreed upon
the desirability of evoking the aid of the law for the protection of birds of any
kind. Lico presents both sides of the question from the standpoint of an intelli-
gent Italian, and I hope it has been made sufficiently clear to what extent I am
indebted to him for the substance of many of the preceding paragraphs. His
conclusion of the whole matter, in which his own sympathies are clearly ex-
pressed, is given in the following sentiments: " Birds, like all other creatures
endowed with feeling, ought not to be subjected to needless suffering on the part
of man; they deserve his protection. This sounds well! Again, when everything
is considered, birds do more good than harm. The conclusion is logical! But the
excess of utility over damage is so great we should favor in all possible ways the
multiplication of birds. How would that sound? This is a question to which
we should give more direct attention, before insisting on new and definite
results in the work of national and international legislation. Heaven forbid
that a humanitarian cause like this should one day make its defenders repent of
superfluous zeal !"

Thus, we are brought again to the main ])r()blem: " Should the birds really be
be protected?" as the Italians conceive it, but it cannot be discussed at the close

Bird Protection in Italy as It Impresses the Italian 197

of this |)a|)cT. M\- aim has ht-cii to ,L!;ivc' tht' view of the <i(hfr sick-. Jiut, \vc must
ask, Are Salvadori, and Hcrk'si' and ia\o, who Noict' ihcir iipinions, and the others
of their school ri,<:;lit in considcrini^r l,i,-(l proteetion as a (|ucsti()n of such grave
douljt that they will not lift a linger to stay the slaughter? I believe that the
Italians are right in some of their minor j)remises, but wrong in their general con-
clusion. So far as argument goes, it can be shown upon the broad general facts of
biology that indiscriminate slaughter of the birds is very unwise. If birds are
indiscriminates layers of insects, which is admitted on all sides, how much greater
is the evil for man to become the indiscriminate slaughterer of the birds ?

On the practical side, we are putting the question to a test in this country,
where, thanks to the ornithologists and bird-lovers, and to the elaborate analyses of
the food of birds made by the National Government, we are beginning to pursue
a very general and uniform policy of protecting at all times as many of our wild
birds as possible — a policy quite the reverse of that favored in Italy. If the other
factors in the case can be equalized, time should soon show who is right and who is
wrong.

It is ditificult to prescribe for the patient who will insist that he has no ailment,
but, nevertheless, we believe that a great reform is needed in Italy, in checking
what we consider the insane and shameful slaughter of the song birds of Europe,
during the migratory periods especially; but this reform must come from the Ital-
ians themselves. Possibly, foreigners can do something to favor the movement: at
all events, it is for the interests of the other nations of Europe, and of Germany and
France in particular, to see that this cause does not languish. From all accounts, a
similar reform is needed in southern France and in Spain.

At some future time another international congress will be called to discuss
anew the subject of bird protection, and to draft a uniform code of laws governing
the destruction of migratory birds in all the countries through which they pass.
An international court of arbitration should then be formed before whom,
when necessary, every question in dispute can be brought, and, let us hope,
settled, at appropriate times.

The House Wren

By FRED. L. HOLTS, Mankato, Minn.

With photographs by the Author

IT has been my pleasure for several summers to put up Wren boxes, and to
watch their tenants. The tameness, audacity and nimble ways of the Wrens,
and their exuberant twittering song make them delightful birds to have
around a city home.

Wrens usually arrive in this locality about the second week in May, and go to
selecting their homes very soon after arrival. I put up two boxes last year, and
before they had been here a week the Wrens had begun to build in one box, and
had preempted the other also by occasionally carrying material into it. This
second box was later used for the second brood.

SHOWIXC; THAT THE NESTING MATERIAL RARE
ROOM FOR THE BIRD

I had no trouble in keeping the House Sparrows from the boxes. If the hole is
not more than an inch in diameter, the Sparrows cannot get in, but the Wrens can.
One winter I left the Wren box attached to a shed. A red squirrel took possession
of it. He gnawed the hole large enough for him to enter. Next spring I fastened
the box to a tree. I wished to test the statement I read in Birn-Lord that the Spar-
rows would not build in a box attached to a swaying tree. The Sparrows soon
discovered the box, went in and examined it, but, on thinking it over, decided not
to build there. Later the box was used by Wrens which, however, were not

(198)

The House Wren

199

molostrd li\ [hv Sparrows. ParcMitlu'licall}-, I nia\- remark thai J louse Sparrows
o^:casionallv build rude nests in trees, in spite of their swaying.

Wrens seem to work in the early morning hours in collecting the nesting ma-
terial. Sometimes, though rather rarely, I saw them at work during the day. The
bo.\ is filled about two-lhirds with twigs about si.\ or eight inches in length. It
is amusing to see a Wren picking up a stick by the middle and then poking it into
the hole of the box endwise. The box is filled with sticks nearly to the level
of the opening. This seems to serve as a sort of })latform for the nest pro])er,
which is made of grass and a few feathers.

HOUSE WREN AND XES

During the building and hatching period, the Wrens are shy and avoid going
near the box when observers are present. But, when the young are hatched, the
necessity of feeding them at frequent intervals makes the parents bolder. One
may then stand within a few feet of the box while the old birds go in and out.

The male is an indefatigable singer from early morning to late at night. The
song, though not especially melodious, is so rollicking and cheerful that one
enjoys hearing it.

Wrens feed chiefly on the ground, skulking about under the broad leaves of
vegetables, weeds and berry bushes picking up cutworms, moths and other
insects.

200

Bird- Lore

Several broods are hatched yearly. The male shares in the household duties.
Before the first brood is fully fledged, the female begins laying in the second nest,.
Possibly the preempting of a second box is forethought on the part of the birds.
Toward the last the care of the first brood is chiefly left to the male. The young
are unusually well-i^edged before they leave the nest. In fact, they are able to fly
fairly well several days before leaving the' box. They are very clamorous for
food and will thrust their heads out of the box to be fed. On finally leaving the
nest the young are conducted to some brush-pile, in whose shelter, where cats can-
not reach them, they may be heard twittering for several days. After the last
brood is hatched the Wrens are rarely seen or heard in the city. They go to the
fields and copses for the rest of the summer.

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A Hol'SK WREN FAMILY

A Study of a House Wren

By ELIZABETH FREEMAN TEN EYCK, Lansing:. Mich.

IHA\'I'', always wanted a Wren tenant, hut, tlirough ])ressure of affairs, especi-
all\' at the i)n)j)er season, I had failed to arrange the proper conditions.
I'^ven now it was past the middle of June, and, if the wife of a professional
ornithologist had not assured me it was not yet too late, another year would have
passed without the Wrens in residence. In a storeroom I found an immense
tin-cup which I sus])cnded on a hook by its handle, under the porch in a good
position for observation.

The Wrens were to be my company while the family went on a short tour, tak-
ing with them the life of the house — the boys. Boys attract other boys, so that the
result of one boy in a family is a merry house. But there are compensations for
loneliness and quiet which I was to learn.

A neighbor made me envious with two Wrens' nests for which she used common
plant-pots, n'ailcd up under a porch, the small drainage hole serving the purpose of
a door.

It was but a little while before the cup was observed and a Wren began to carry
in drv twigs, which, being of various lengths, many of them trailed outside, looking
very untidy. This would never do. I threw out all this accumulated treasure and
tied over the top of the cup a piece of shingle in which I had bored a small hole for
a door. As the cup was hung up by its handle, the door, of course, was not perpen-
dicular. For a few days it remained untouched. Then two birds quarreled for its
possession until one gave up and went away. I should like to think that the
one remaining in possession was the first comer whose work I had destroyed.

Many a sweet song was sung by the cheerful little workman, to the not-at-all
lonely woman sitting on the porch, watching him. We like thus to think that the
birds know us and care for us. Yet, I fear they are, in this respect, like a certain
"friend" of mine, an unsuccessful elderly spinster who, I am sure, regards me in
the light of a good, square meal ! The dish of water, too, they like to have where
they may drink and bathe, though I never saw the Wrens take advantage of it for
either purpose.

Watching the little builder, I wondered at his faith, as he sang day after day for
his mate. It required no little skill to manage the forked twigs that went through
the tiny doorway. Coming sometimes wrong end first, as they did, the little bill
slipped along until it reached the end which made it possible to pull and push it in.
No pictures that I have ever seen of Wrens are like this one. He carried his tail on
a line with his body, instead of perking it up at an angle ; but perhaps this
attitude comes later when the cares of a family crowd upon him and make
him pugnacious.

In other years, a Wren had sung all summer long in a spruce tree near the
house, the same sweet, monotonous, liquid trill. Why is it that a monotonous song
can so fill the heart that it is ready to run over? The Whip-poor-will with his

(20I)

202 Bird - Lore

three short notes always fills me with a homesick longing, and the years when I
could not hear him have been many.

For days my Wren sang and labored on without a mate. When he absented
himself for some time, I wondered if he had gone to Florida to fetch her, and
whether, when she came (for the Wren's faith was contagious and I never doubted
she would come), she would like the cup house. I had heard instances of the bride
flouting the home prepared for her by her little mate and utterly refusing it,
whether out of pure coquetry or obstinacy, or for good and sufficient reasons
which she saw and he did not. Years ago I nailed up in a pine tree a shallow
cigar-box in which a small hole was bored, and a male Wren at once began to
build in it. The female refused it, and I considered her the more sensible of the
two.

If the Wren of my porch in his absence had been South, he returned alone and
sang on as cheerfully as ever. Dick, our canary, hung in the porch and the Wren
often alighted on his cage to sing his bubbling song, perhaps taunting the caged
bird on his imprisonment.

When at last the expected one arrived, it was a question in my mind, whether
the bright silvery house provided attracted her, or the song of the preserving bird
whose patience was now rewarded. I wondered, too, if it were his mate of last
year or only a casual traveler who came. How could one find out ? We know the
ostrich mates for life, but I proved by my summer study that this is not true of
the Wren. Very soon there was a tiny chocolate-colored egg in the nest. One
could see it by lifting up the door, though the nest was in the farthest corner on
the top of a pile of twigs that almost filled the cup. This was on the first day
of July. There were then no decorations to the nest. On the fourth, when the
shingle-door was lifted, the little bird flew out through the little hole with a sad
little peep, the only sound she had been heard to make. If she only could have
sat still for a minute in her dainty bower! Surrounding her were speckled hen's
feathers each standing on its point, which was somehow woven into the nest,
each feather being so placed as to curve over the nest. It was beautifully artistic
(I feel as though every word of this sentence should be in italics), and may
have been arranged by her mate while she sat on the nest, for she just fitted
into her bower.

Do Wrens always build so daintily? I put this question to my neighbor,
whose Wren's nest in nailed-up flower-pots and she answered carelessly that they
always do. I doubted whether she gave thought enough to my question to answer
properly, for, when the nest-box is in something you cannot open, how do you
know what is inside ? If I had put up a plant-crock for a bird-house, I should
never have seen this remarkable decoration. On July 5, there were five eggs
in the nest.

The birds seemed to get their entire living out of an adjacent pine tree, among
whose needles were plenty of small insects. When they found an unusually large
one, they flew down onto the gravel driveway, to master it. It was a bad habit. The

A Study of a House Wren 203

With that w ill >t'c' [hv daii.t^HT in this liahil, and refuse to do so, will liax'e a better
elKUue to li\x' loiii,'. At tlu' conier of the porch was a spreading funkia. L'nder
it our cat |o\-ed to lii', thoui^h alwa\s dri\H-n awa\- when found there, he may
have spent the night there. It is a (juestion what to do with cats in the bird-nesting
season. On the morning of the si.xth, the tragedy must have taken place before I
took my place on the porch, for the mother bird came no more. The male bird
fretted for her and came and dropped a moth inside the nest, though he knew she
was not there. He hung above the cup with his neck stretched down to look in the
door, and then uttered his discontented call. Once before, when she was lost, he
had used this querulous call and it had driven her back to the nest, — she was neg-
lecting her duties. Now it was the only sound he made; there was no more song.

The family came home. If the boy could not see a nestful of young birds he
should at least see the eggs! I went to the nest — the eggs were gone — not even a
shell was left — and the eggs were not on the ground — there was nothing to show
there had ever ever been an egg in the nest! The doorway was too small for any
bird but a Wren to enter, — what had he done with those eggs ? Some one said
"He must have eaten them." Perish the base thought! — until it is proved
against him.

On the same day in which the loss of the eggs was discovered, the Wren was
seized with a fury of industry, and back and forth from the nest to the pine tree
he flew, each time carrying out a single feather and dropping it from his perch in
the pine tree. When the feathers were all out, he carried out the hairs of which the
nest was made till the last one caught about a twig and hung from his doorway.
He did not carry out any twigs. What a sad piece of demolition it was. But,
fortunately the little fellow had a short memory, for now, on the other side of the
house, he at once began to sing for another mate ; and the song which had
before seemed so cheerful now seemed a very sad and lonely one. It was so
late in the season to have his hopes blasted, and how could he e.xpect another
mate? As he sang, I counted ten, then counted ten between the songs, — the song
and the silence were of the same length. Thus it went on, the bird occasionally
coming to the side of the house where the porch with the empty nest was.

And one day she came and entered the little doorway, while his bubbling song
and lifted quivering wings testified to his delight. But she came out of the little
house, and flew away never to return. Did she feel there the presence of the ghost
of the murdered bird ? He followed her and never came back. In some happier
spot where death had not been, they may have made another home and raised
their brood.

An Attempt to Establish a Purple Martin Colony

By WM. C. HORTON, Brattleboro, Vt.

A COLONY of Purple Martins which for twenty five years had occupied a
house at the home of Mr. Wm. C. Horton, Brattleboro, Vermont, having
been killed by the exceptional weather of June, 1903 (See Bird-Lore
Vol. V, 1903, 164), Mr. Horton has attempted to establish a new colony by plac-
ing Martins' eggs under Tree Swallows. While his experiment has not met with
success it is nevertheless encouraging and, from a purely ornithological point of
view, exceedingly interesting.

Mr. Horton writes that the "experiment was tried under favorable circum-
stances, as the Tree Swallows were occupying my old Purple Martin house, and
had been for three years. Five years ago, when the Martins left on their migra-
tion south, they numbered about eighty young and old."

FROM MR. HORTON'S NOTE-BOOK

May 31, 1907 — Received four Purple Martin's eggs from J. Warren Jacobs,
Waynesburgh, Pa.

June I, 1907 — I found six Tree Swallow's eggs in nest; four eggs were removed
and replaced by four Martin's eggs.

June 6, 1907 — I removed the other two Tree Swallow's eggs, leaving the four
Martin's eggs, only. The Swallow was sitting on the eggs nicely.

June 16, 1907 — 7.00 A.M. Found one egg hatched.

June 16, 1907 — 6.00 P.M. Found two more eggs hatched.

June 17, 1907 — 7.00 A.M. Found the fourth egg hatched. The young Mar-
tins were doing well, their foster parents feeding them as though they were their
own.

June 22, 1907 — Young ^Martins growing and looking finely. Eyes not open vet
and not a feather started. Foster parents feeding them nicely.

June 24, 1907 — 6.00 A.M. Young Martins progressing finely. Feathers begin-
ing to show under the skin. Eyes just beginning to open. Foster parents are caring
for them satisfactorily.

June 25, 1907 — 6.30 A.M. Young Martins' eyes about one-third open; feathers
just beginning to show through skin.

June 26, 1907 — This morning 6.30 a.m. I found the young Martins' eyes
open ; feathers well started through skin ; tail feathers showing perceptibly. All
were doing finely and were plump and fat, — foster parents giving them the best
of care.

June 29, 1907 — 7.00 A.M. On visiting the Martin house, I found not one young
Martin in the nest. One was found on the ground under the house, and from its
appearance I should say it had been dead two or three days. I could not find the
other three. What caused this disaster I cannot conceive, but it ended summa-
rily my first experiment in trying to establish a Purple Martin colony.

(204)

The Migration of Thrushes

FIFTH AND CONCLUDING PAPER

Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data
in the Biological Survey

With drawings by I.ouis Agassiz FukrieS and BKitK Hokskall

TOWNSEND'S SOLITAIRE

THIS s])ecies l)i-ci'(ls ihroughoul thr Rock}- mountain re,:,non from nortliern
Mexico and southern California to the valley of the Yukon, near Circle
Citw and the valley of the Mackenzie near the Nahanni Mountains; and
from the Pacific coast to western Texas, western Nebraska and central Montana.
Since it winters as far north as southern British Columbia and central Montana,
its migrations are not extensive, and consist largely in i)assing from the winter
home in the valleys to the breeding grounds on the hii^h mountains. Most of
the migration dates fall in the month of March.

MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD

The Mountain Bluebird breeds north to southern Manitoba, southern Sas-
katchewan, Lesser Slave Lake and the upper Yukon; and winters north to central
Kansas and northern California. It is one of the early spring migrants, as shown by
the following dates: Northern Colorado, average, March 6, earliest, February 24,
1902; Cheyenne, Wyo., March 12, 1889; Custer City, S. D., March 17, 1897; Terry,
Mont , average, March 25, earliest, March 20, 1903; Columbia Falls, Mont., aver-
age, March 23, earliest, March 9, 1895; Rathdrum, Idaho, March i, 1903; Spo-
kane, Wash., March i, 1905; southern British Columbia, average, March 9,
earliest, March 3, 1906; Banff, Alberta, April 2, 1903; Medicine Hat, Sask., April
6, 1894.

The latest date on which the species was seen in Los Angeles county, Cal.,
was March 14, 1895, and the earliest date of the return in the fall, October 31,
1897. The last birds leave southern Manitoba, on the average, October 13, the
latest date being October 16, 1900. The latest date at Columbia Falls, Mont., is
November 6, 1896; and in southern British Columbia, November 6, 1888.

Bird-Lore's Colored Plates

With the publication of colored figures of the Solitaire and Mountain Bluebird, the
series of plates of North America Turdidae is completed. It is proposed now to take up the
Flycatchers, and the first plate of this series will appear in Bird- Lore for December.

Much time is required in the preparation of these plates, and it is necessary now to select
the group which will follow the Flycatt. hers. We ask our readers, therefore, to write to the
Editor stating their choice of the next family to be treated.

The delay in the appearance of this number of Bird-Lore is due to unexpected difficul-
ties in the preparation of this plate. — Ed.

(205)

The Starling in America

In the last issue of Bird-Lore (Vol. IX,
p. 172) the editor called for replies to the fol-
lowing questions concerning the Starling
(Stum us vulgaris) in this country:

1. When did the Starling first appear in
your vicinity ?

2. What is its status now?

3. Do you consider it a desirable addition
to our avifauna ?

4. If undesirable, give reasons why.

5. Do you know of any Starlings, other
than those released in Central Park,
which have been introduced into this
country ?

6. Was the introduction successful?
Several correspondents have responded to

these questions serially, others in a general

YOUNG SrAKLIXG AT EXTRAXCE TO NEST
Photographed by A. L. Princchorn, New Rochelle, N. Y.

way. All the replies arc given below as a con-
tribution to the history of this introduced spe-
cies. It appears that although Starlings have
been introduced at several localities in eastern
North America (see the note of Mr. Morris
beyond) only those birds released by the im-
porter, William Bartels, under the direction
of their purchaser, the late Mr. Eugene Schief-
felin, have prospered. On May 16, 1895, Mr.
Schieffelin wrote us that 80 Starlings were
released in Central Park, New York City, on
March 6, 1890, and that on April 25, 1891, 40
more were set free in the same place.

The city to the south, the Hudson river to
the west and East River to the east proved,
for a time, boundaries to range extension in
those directions, and the bird spread more
rapidly and more numerously
northward into the country lying
between the Hudson river and
Long Island sound. Stonington,
Conn., to the east, and Poughkeep-
sie and Newburgh to the north,
mark the known limits of the
Starling's range in these direc-
tions, while to the south it seems
not to be established beyond
Plainfield and Morristown, N. J.,
although a report has been re-
ceived of its presence in Baltimore
in the fall of 1906. — Ed.

The Introduction of the Starling
at Springfield, Mass.

In the early spring of 1897 nearly
one hundred Starlings were liber-
ated in a secluded spot in Forest
Park, in Springfield, Mass. The
next day two of these birds re-
turned and entered the box in
which they had been confined and
which had been left at the place
where they were let go, undoubt-
edly coming back for the food that
they could obtain there. From
that time, for nearly a year, noth-
ing was heard from these birds by
the persons who had released
them. Then it was learned that

(206)

The Starling in America

207

three had wintiTfd in thr town of Long-
meadow, aljout live niik's from where they
had been liberated. I saw these three birds
several limes, but before the middle of spring
they had disappeared. About that time it was
reported by a farmer that at another place
nearby a Blackbird had spent the winter in
the vicinity of his house. Very likely this bird
was a Starling, as Blackbirds only very rarely
winter in this region. The meteorological
conditions of the year following the release of
these birds was about normal, except that in
July the rainfall was almost unprecedented,
nearly fifteen inches being recorded in Spring-
field for the month. Since the spring of 189S,
the presence of an unconfined Starling within
twenty-five miles of Springfield has not been
noted by any competent observer. — Robert
O. Morris.

The Starling at Norwalk, Conn.

Starlings were first discovered in Norwalk
in the spring of 1900 by Mr. Frank L. Hum-
medieu, who called my attention to them.
They were first seen by me on June 10, of
that year.

They first located in the extreme south-
eastern part of the town, but now can be
found in various parts of the town, they hav-
ing increased much in number.

I have heard some complaints against them
but I am apt to take it with a grain of salt and
have plenty of leniency for them, and believe
they do much good. Whether or not they will
be a desirable addition to our avifauna,
depends; some think not. — George P. Ells.

The Starling at New Haven, Conn.

1. The first bird I saw at New Haven was
on October 26, 1901. I did not see the species
again until 1905, and the first nest that I saw
was in 1904.

2. At present the Starling is a common
bird in the city and in certain localities in the
surrounding country. It is increasing. In the
fall of 1906 I saw a flock in the salt marshes
near Woodmont, Conn., which I estimated at
about 1,500 birds.

3. I do not think that the Starling is a
desirable addition to our avifauna.

4. .\i cording to my observations the Star-
ling is mu( h more fond of hollow limbs in
ajjple orchards, etc., than the English Spar-
row and, for this reason, is liable to have
more effect on the Bluebird and others than
the English Sparrow has had. In feeding
habits I believe that they are largely bene-
ficial, as they eat insects both in meadows and
pastures, and from the terminal twigs and
bark of elm and apple trees. In spite of this,
they are probably not so valuable as the Blue-
birds and others that they drive away, and are,
therefore, not desirable. — A. A. Saunders.

The Starling at Bethel, Conn.

The Starling was first seen in Bethel during
the first week in April, 1907. On April 16 I
saw a pair building in the clock-tower of the
Congregational church. There was a shingle
off on its southwestern corner and they were
bringing dry grass from a sidehill nearby to
this hole. I saw them nearly every day after
this for about two weeks, when they seemed
to disappear entirely. — Robert S. Judd.

The Starling at New Haven, Conn.

I first identified the Starling in New Haven
on March 4, 1903. I had been in this city
only three months at that time and, judging
by the numbers then present, I think that
they must have been here as early as 1901.

The Starling is very common here and
seems to be well established. My daily bird
record, in which I record the birds observed
every day, shows that in the 218 days from
January i, 1907, to date (August 5), I have
recorded the Starling 213 times, although
there are other sections of the city in which it
is more abundant.

Regarding their distribution, I would say
that on one occasion, during the summer of
T906, Mr. Philip Buttrick, my brother, and
myself observed the Starling at Stonington,
Conn. Stonington is fifteen miles east of
New London.

I think that nearly all Starlings raise at
least two broods each year. I know of two
pairs both of which have raised two broods.
One of these pairs commenced the construc-
tion of their nest on April 3, and the second

2o8

Bird - Lore

brood flew July 25. I think that six is the
ordinary number of young.

While the young are being raised the old
birds keep very quiet. They usually go to a
considerable distance for food, and they make
their trips to and from the nest with great
regularity. They obtain their food on lawns
or, if there is one convenient, from a cow
pasture. In the winter I have often seen
them eat decayed apples.

About the middle of July the first flocks of
Starlings appear. These flocks, I think, are
largely composed of young birds of the first
brood, as a large part of the old birds are
still occupied with family affairs. During the
fall and winter the Starlings gather in flocks.
— Clifford H. P.^ngburn.

The Sterling at Wethersfield, Conn.

In the spring of 1906, in Wethersfield,
Conn., where I reside, I noticed a strange,
dark-colored bird, with straws in its bill, fly-
ing toward an old tree with a hole in it where
a branch had been sawed off. This bird was
entirely new to me and for a long time I did
not have a chance to observe it again. How-
ever, the following winter a flock of five or
more of these birds stayed with us all through
the winter months. I finally decided that
without a doubt they were English Starlings;
probably the first observed in this section of
the state.

It is evident that at least one brood was
raised, and in all probability more broods will
be raised, as I observed the parent birds
flying across my yard many times during
the past summer and have been very much
interested in their strange calls. — Albert
Morgan.

The Starling at Stonington and
New Haven

In reply to the request for information con-
cerning the English Starling, made in the last
issue of Bird-Lore, I can say that the Star-
ling has reached New London and beyond.
In July, 1906, during a three-weeks' stay at
Stonington, Conn., I saw this bird twice.
The first time on July 9, at a short dis-
tance outside the town; the ne.xt day in the

town itself. This time I was accompanied by
Mr. D. B. Pangburn, a well-known New
Haven bird student. On neither occasion
was identification doubtful. Once, while
passing though New London on the train,
Mr. Pangburn and myself saw a Starling
sitting on a telegraph wire in the railroad
yards there.

I am inclined to think that the Starling is
not numerous east of New Haven. At West-
brook, Conn., near the mouth of the Connec-
ticut river, it is practically unknown. Miss
B. A. Moore, a bird student who has had field
experience with the bird, says that it is some
years since a Starling has been seen in the
town, and she doubts if there is a pair there
now.

This bird was first reported from New
Haven by Dr. L. B. Bishop. He discovered
it on December 3, 1900, as reported in 'The
Auk' (Vol. XVIII, 1901). By 1903 it had be-
come common, and today it is, next to the
English Sparrow, the most numerous and
conspicuous bird in the city, and it is con-
stantly on the increase. Starlings roost in
most of the church towers, even those on the
green, often in company with flocks of
escaped domestic pigeons, with which they
seem to get along peaceably.

I wish we could settle the question of the
desirability of the Starlings by saying that
they are a desirable addition to our avifauna
in the cities, for there they do not come into
contact with many native species, and they
are certainly fully as interesting as the English
Sparrow. It seems to me, however, that they
seek the city largely as a place of protection
from the elements, that only a small portion
of their food supply is drawn from it, and
that the great bulk of them nest outside
of its borders.

During midday, few are seen in the city
except when the ground is covered with snow.
They are seldom seen on the ground or about
the streets in the neighborhood of their roosts,
with us. Toward dusk they .appear near
their roosting-places, flying from the direction
of the surrounding country, singly and in
flocks. At the same time of day I have stood
on the hills outside the city and seen them
flying toward it. At daybreak there is a
re\ersc flight.

The Starling in America

209

Near my liome is a large clin tree which
rises above the surrounding shade trees and
has a very large, flat crown; near it is a church
tower, used as a roosting-place. Late in the
affernoon on winter days often as many as a
hundred Starlings may be seen in this tree,
altogether making a racket that may be heard
several blocks. Yet I do not know of a pair
breeding in the neighborhood.

These facts, together witli the fact that
during late summer, when few Starlings are
to be found in the city, they are found in
flocks on the marshes, convinces me that,
economically, they must be considered with
the Grackles and Red-wings, and not with
the English Sparrow and a few other city
dwellers, and that to arrive at an estimate of
their desirability we must examine their food
supply.

In Germany (see Baron Laffert in ' Forest
and Stream' for March 30, 1907) they are
regarded as economically valuable. It may be
we shall find them a welcome addition to our
avifauna. — P. L. Buttrick.

The Starling at New London, Conn.

The Starling has arrived in New London.
On May 28, 1907, a friend came to me and
wanted me to go up near her house to see a
strange Blackbird. From her description I
suspected it to be the Starling, which I had
been looking for ever since it was reported
from New Haven and Norwalk. Sure enough,
it was the Starling, which I saw for the first
time. There were not more than ten birds in
all, and several of them were big young birds,
still being fed by the old birds; so it looks as if
they had come early enough for the nesting.
This is their first appearance in New London,
as far as I know, and I have never seen them
except in that locality, so that I can not say
so soon whether they are desirable or not. —
Fr.ances M. Graves.

Starlings observed by Mr. Heineken, about
twenty in number, settled in Livingston,
Staten Island, in November, 1891. The fol-
lowing summer he found a nest in West New
Brighton; and in the winter of 1892-3 the
Starlings at Livingston numbered about forty.
Thereafter they slowly increased; but even in
1898 Mr. Heineken knew of no others on the
island than those at Livingston and West
New Brighton.

Only three or four years ago, when Star-
lings were quite numerous throughout the
northern and eastern portions of the island,
they were rarely to be seen in the less populous
districts. At the present time, however, they
may be seen almost anywhere on the island,
though they still seem to favor the vicinity of
houses. During the early summer, while
breeding, they are very inconspicuous, but in
the autumn they wander about in large flocks.

I have never seen them attack any of our
native birds, but their rapid increase is start-
ling. I do not believe in introducing foreign
birds, but, even now, I doubt if the Starling
could be completely exterminated.. It is a far
warier bird than the House Sparrow, and e ven
that pest seems well able to survive the half-
hearted dislike of the general public. — -J.^mes
Chapin, iVfw Brightun, Staten Island, N. Y.

The Starling at Orient, L. I.

Two Starlings have been observed here this
spring. They Were first seen on May t2, by
Mr. Rufus W. Tuthill, an enthusiastic local
ornithologist, who called my attention to
them. They were seen almost daily through
May, spending most of the time in a large
cherry tree, containing an old Crow's nest,
fifty yards from the highway and a trifle
farther from the dwelling of Mr. Tuthill.

Orient is at the extreme end of Long Island
on the north shore and one hundred miles
from New York City. — Roy Latham.

The Starling on Staten Island, N. Y.

The early history of the Starling on Staten
Island, N. Y., has already been recorded by
Mr. W. P. Heineken in the 'Proceedings of
the Natural Science Association of Staten
Island' for February 12, 1898. The first

The Starling at Morristown, N. J.

I believe that the Starling has never been
seen in this locality until 1907. On March 20
I saw a flock of about twenty, and since that
time until the last week in June saw one or
more of them nearly every day. On June 9

2IO

Bird - Lore

I saw probably two hundred of them flying
in small flocks toward some evergreens,
evidently to roost, as it was near evening.

I have noticed a number of nesting-places,
both in hollows in trees and under electric-
light hoods.

No acts of aggression against other birds
came under my notice ; but one old orchard
that has heretofore furnished nesting -sites
for a number of Bluebirds was almost de-
serted by them this year, and the Starlings
were in possession. — R. C. Caskey.

The Starling at Englewood, N. J.

1. March 15, rSgS, two were seen,

2. Tolerably common.

3. No.

4. They are noisy and unmusical, and,
with their fondness for buildings, I think
would soon become a nuisance. Moreover,
when a flock takes possession of an old or-
chard or similar neighborhood, their rapid

increase makes it probable that Bluebirds,
Wrens and other small birds would soon be
driven out.

5. No. — Is.^BEL McC. Lemmon.

The Starling at Plainfield, N. J.

The Starling was first noticed by me in the
vicinity of Plainfield, N. J., on February 11,
1900, when I met with a flock of seven birds
in Ash Swamp, Union county. Since that
date they have steadily increased in numbers
and are now generally distributed and com-
mon in the surrounding country.

Although the Starlings do not seem to
openly annoy or drive away our native birds,
there can be little doubt that their increase
will have an unfavorable eff'ect on several of
our native birds that have similar nesting or
feeding habits. For this reason, I would be
glad to see them exterminated in this country,
but greatly doubt the possibility of doing so. —
W. DeW. Miller.

BROWN THRASHER
Photographed by Henry R. Carey, Portsmouth, N. H.

jBtote0 from Jftelti anti ^tudp

Trapping English Spanows

That I may not be considered heartless,
let tne lirsl sa\- that I am known as a lover of
i)irds: i)Ut earh year that adds to my acquain-
tance with tile I'Jii^lish Sparrows, brings my
wrath against them nearer to the boiling-
point.

If they only went about their own business,
living their own lives, one could forgive their
disagreeable, insistent noise, and even forgive
the expense they entail by their depredations
in the chicken-yard; but they seem to have
only mean traits and, certainly, they are
pleasing to neither eye nor ear.

When I hear people called tender-hearted
who plead in favor of the English Sparrow, I
cannot help feeling that they must live where
there is a sad scarcitv of our more attractive

i)iids. Not thai 1 (loui)t their tenderness of
heart, only it seems to me that they cannot
have had opportunities to observe this Spar-
row among communities of other birds. There
may be exceptional individuals but, as a whole
in my experience, the English Sparrows have
really vicious natures; I know lhe\- drive
away and harass other birds.

They, and of late the Starlings, have
appropriated all the holes in the old apple
trees, they promptly take possession of nearly
every bird-box I make, or in the few cases
where Bluebirds or Wrens have succeeded in
starting a home, the Sparrows try to oust
them; failing in this, they pester and harass
them nearly to death: and this, even, when
they have a home and family of their own.

From what I have seen, I believe I am
justified in saying that the English Sparrows

.VRTIMCIAL RriSHlSH HK.M' 1\ WHICH THK I'H( ) TC )(;R.\1'HP:R W .\S (( )XCK.\LEI)

WHILF. .\I.\KIX(i THE .\CCO.Nn\ANYING PICTURES OK ENGLISH SPARROWS

Photographed by A. L. Princehorn

(2,1)

212

Bird - Lore

will neglect their young for long intervals
many times a day, iust to persecute other
birds. I have seen them pull out nesting
materia! from Wrens' boxes, the entrance to

which was so small that the}- could only gel
their heads in. I have seen them pull to
pieces a Robin's nest only to let the material
float off on the breeze. I have seen them enter
Starlings' nests every time the Starlings left to
get food for their young and remain only just
long enough to escape detection; and the way
they harass my Wrens inclines me to murder-
ous thoughts. We are told that besides the
birds of prey, Crows, Blue Jays, Grackles and
even Catbirds become cannibals at times and
eat little nestlings of other birds, but English
Sparrows have been known to kill them
and I'ust drop them to the ground in what
looks like pure wanton cruelty.

All told, the English Sparrow is a menace in
too many ways to deserve considering his pro-

tection. They are dirty, noisy, quarrelsome,
meddlesome and cruel. To be perfectly fair,
I will say that for a couple of weeks in the
spring they no doubt are a benefit to my elm
trees for they eat the little green worm
that attacks the leaves; but I am very
confident that were the Sparrows absent
or more scarce my trees would be quite
as well cared for by Warblers and
X'ireos, — birds that I see fewer of every
\ear. It is the same with Song Sparrows
and Bluebirds, both of which I used to
have in large numbers. I fear we have
got to choose between having English
Sparrows with perhaps a few Robins
and Grackles on the one hand and hav-
ing all the other birds indigenous to the
locality on the other; and as this latter
c hoice means having perhaps fifty dif-
ferent varieties nesting within a stone's
throw, and all of them valuable because of
the good they do, it has my vote. This means
that I must rid the place of the Sparrows as
far as possible. I dislike having them shot,
fearing some might escape instant death and
get away to die slowly; so I was glad to learn
of a way to trap them. The knowledge came
to me by mere accident but the method seemed
to work, and I give it here below.

Get some of the very large wire rat-traps,
the kind that have the funnel-shaped entrance
the small end of the funnel pointed inward.
Sprinkle on the floor of the trap some grain
or crumbs or any suitable bird-food and a
little more on the ground leading to the trap.
Place it where the birds will see it and if you
have the luck mv stable-bov had vou will

Notes from Field and Study

213

have caught fifteen or twrnty Sparrows in as
many minutes; thc-n ihey may be drowned.

It seems incredible
trap, but I had the
evidence of my own
eyes and I mean to
try this method late in
the fall and through
the coming winter;
for, of course, it
should be done only
after the fall and
before the sprin.i;
migrations. A very
few yea'S of persist-
ent work should re-
sult in bringing back
many birds whose
gay colors or sweet
song are sadly missed
or rarely seen or
heard— Mi«. Paxjl
Conn.

:hat Ihev will

flew from the vines and settled on the cross of
the ( hurt h spire, preening his feathers, ap-
[)arenlly oblivious to all the trouble he caused.

R BoxNER, Statu jord,

A Plea for the Sparrow

In the April numljer of Bird-Lcjre I read
an article condemning the much-maligned
English Sparrow, stating that it drove off the
Robins and other song-birds. This statement,
often made, is so contrary to my own obser-
vations that I feel obliged, in justice to the
Sparrows, to give my experience. Around
our old home there were many trees, with a
lawn in front, where the birds daily collected.
In the vines covering the stone walls of the
church and parish house adjoining, the Spar-
rows built their nests, while the others
built theirs around the piazza or in trees
nearby.

One morning, while in the library, I
heard a frightful signal of distress from
a Robin, followed instantly by a pro-
longed noisy chattering from the Spar-
rows. Hurrying out to learn the cause
and to protect the birds if necessary, I saw
a Robin perched on top of the parish
house chimney, trailing his wings and giv-
ing a shrill cry of distress. The frightened
Sparrows had flown from their nests, and
settled on a beech tree in front of the
house. In a few minutes a Sparrow Hawk

The Roljin, however, still gave his call of
alarm and the Sparrows chattered in angry
protests in the tree. After a few minutes the
Hawk flew away and the Robin gave him
chase, joined by another bird, and soon all
three were lost to sight. The Sparrows then
returned to their nests and peace was restored.

Three times I think it was that the Robin
warned the Sparrows of their enemy, and they
always heeded his cry, leaving the vines and
fleeing from them in distress to the tree on the
lawn.

The Sparrows and Robins I have constant-
ly feeding together, neither disturbing the
other. Sometimes perhaps an impudent or
quarrelsome fellow would jump toward a

^^-^^

';;*;'?^

214

Bird -Lore

Robin, but he would only move a short dis-
tance off and go on peacefully "grubbing."

The Sparrows' main food is so different
from the worms the Robins eat that there is
no reason why they should be enemies. A
friend feeds the birds daily from her window,
and both the Robins and Sparrows feed
together on her roof. As to the farmers'
objections, I find the Robins are the thieves
of their cherries and strawberries; but, after
all, we have plenty of our garden fruits to
spare the birds their gleanings.

Instead of seeing fewer song-birds, for the
last two summers, there have been more.

m;t'--.

The Robins have returned each spring very
fat and tame.

There are many trees and gardens where I
am now living in Germantown, Philadelphia,
and this summer before leaving, there were
many beautiful birds settled for their summer
abode in the trees around. The Sparrows, too,
were many, but they settled their families in
the vines around the house, or back of the
shutters, which were not often closed. The
Sparrows gleaned much of their food from
the streets, while the Robins, Blackbirds and
many others fed in the gardens or lawns
around.

I plead for the Sparrows who stay with us
all winter, through cold and ice. They are
always cheery and so grateful if you cast
them even a crumb which falls from your
table. So trustful and sure you will not forget
them, while they wait patiently in the cold,
huddled together, until you have eaten your
warm breakfast, only softly chirping their

knock at your front or kitchen door. — M.
Eloise Ri,'MXEV, Germanlo-iim, Philadelphia,
Pa.

English Sparrow Notes

In the May- June, 1905, number of Bird-
Lore (page 176), is a very interesting note
"The English Sparrow as an Evictor," in
which your correspondent intimates he
would like to hear from the readers "who
have really discouraged these pests," and
experiences in the use of firearms for their
extermination, ''as to whether or not the
shooting scared away any other birds."

In the spring of 1902, a pair of Bluebirds,
after thorough inspection, began carrying
building material to one of the apartments in
the bird-house which is fastened to the top of
the horse barn, to be immediately set upon, of
course, by a pair of English Sparrows, and
ousted after an unequal fight. Thereupon the
lordly cock Sparrow settled himself before the
disputed door and began his impudent yelp-
ing, to the evident chagrin of the crestfallen
Bluebirds and the raising of my ire, for seiz-
ing my brother's 22-calibre Winchester
repeater, I carefully concealed myself, fully
determined to teach that Sparrow a lesson if
possible, to give him one good scare at least.
A few flying feathers was the only tangible
result of the light report of the rifle, plus the
sudden ceasing of the yelps. Returning the
rifle to its accustomed place, I brought out
the glasses and discovered the body of the
braggart on the shelf where he had stood and
fallen.

With considerable wonder as to whether or
not the Bluebirds would take offense at the
use of a gun in ther nearby presence, I kept
a keen lookout and was soon gratified to see
the pair working their way slowly back to
their rightful possessions, — alighting on the
barn, on the weather-vane of the bird-house,
and all the time warbling to each other in
their soft, pretty voices. Finally the male
became bolder and flew down to the shelf on
which lay his dead enemy, eyeing the body
askance, hopped nearer, and finally shoved
the body over the edge where it fell to the
ground below and I picked it up, still warm.

Then the Bluebirds engaged in such a
hallelujah as I never witnessed before and

Notes from Field and 'Study

215

only once since, the entire family of us watch-
ing the proceedings with much irtterest from
the time llie shot w;is I'lrcd. The tjirds sang
and warlilcd, made ecstatic little gyrations
in the air and hoj)ped around in the grass not
fifteen feet from the door where we were
watching them, warbling over and over again
their soft notes, the beautiful blue of tlieir
plumage fairly scintillating in the sun. The
next day both birds — I suppose the same jmir
— were carrying materials to the bird-house.

In a day or two another pair of Sparrows
drove away the Bluebirds with e.xactly the
same result as happened to cock number one,
and with exactly the same happy evolutions
of Bluebirds, even to the male pushing or
knocking the dead Sparrow over the edge to
the earth below. This time the Bluebirds
were left in peace and happily reared their
brood in the bird-house.

This year a pair of Bluebirds nested early
in the same bird-house; Chipping Sparrows in
a large gooseberry bush not fifteen feet from
the back of the house, and Robins under an
outside stairway of the shop. These nests,
aside from the Bluebirds, were inspected
daily and the Chippy's was photographed
once. About this time a cloud of English
Sparrows settled down and, as usual, my
brother began shooting them with his .22
rifle. I have repeatedly watched these nests
by turns as he aimed, and have never seen a
bird fly therefrom at the light report of the
rifle. Both the Bluebirds and Chipping
Sparrows are now nesting for the second time
on or near the first sites.

This is only one or two years' experience
out of seven or eight, during which time my
brother and self have used the 22-caliber
(never a shot-gun) effectively and effectually
until either of us appearing anywhere in sight
has been the signal for a general flight of
Sparrows, they finally leaving for good and
all for months at a time. Meanwhile all the
other birds are confiding and fearless, and
abound in great numbers around the house.
— Leli.-x E. Honsinger, St. Albans, Vt.

English Sparrow Notes

In the May-June, 1905, issue of Bird-
Lore, Mr. F. M. Bennet's account of his

English Sparrow troubles is of more than
ordinary interest to me, for my own exijeri-
ences with this pest have been strangely
similar. His description of the actions of
these Sparrows toward the "respectable"
birds illustrates splendidly the way my
English Sjmrrows have done. I, too, have
bird-boxes, and my Bluebirds had a hard
time indeed until I relieved them.

Perhaps a brief account of my experiences
will be welcomed by other bird-lovers, whose
bird-boxes are infested with these pests. My
plan for exterminating the English Sparrows
is simple, but is better than it sounds. I
simply shoot from the house, through a win-
dow slightly raised, every English Sparrow
that comes to a bird-box. .'\s I do not thrust
the muzzle out of the window, very little
noise is heard outside and the birds are not
disturbed, — except, of course, the stricken
Sparrow. I use a 38-caliber auxiliary barrel
inside of my shot-gun, the shells being charg-
ed with smokeless powder and dust-shot; but,
of course, any rifle or gun with a similar
charge would do.

Now, one might say that all bird-boxes
cannot be reached from a window, and indeed
I have several times shot Sparrows from out-
doors from necessity. And I can say this
truthfully: the bang of the rifle did not
frighten my Bluebirds or Tree Swallows in
the least. They even seemed to appreciate
the service I was doing them. In one case, an
English Sparrow expelled a Tree Swallow
from one of the boxes, and sat uttering its
disgusting notes at the door. The Swallow
lit in a nearby tree. From outdoors I shot the
English Sparrow, which fell to the ground.
Almost immediately the Swallow, with a
joyful twitter, was on the grass by the dead
Sparrow, surveying it quizzically from all
sides; then it entered its own home in peace.
I give this incident more as a noteworthy
happening in bird-life than as an illustration
of "how Tree Swallows regard the bang of a
gun," however; yet, as I said, my Bluebirds
and Swallows seem to know my good intent
towards them while, on the other hand, I now
take pride in the fact that the English Spar-
ows in my yard have become as wild as
Hawks, and fly at the mere rattling of a
window-sash.

2l6

Bird- Lore

I certainly should not recommend Sparrow-
shooting to readers of Bird-Lore if my own
experiments in doing so had not proved highly
satisfactory as they have; for this year I have
had the pleasure of recording, in my yard,
more birds than ever before, and several
never seen there before; while the nests, built
all within twenty feet of the house, show that
the birds trust in us for their protection. Let
the following "nest-record" speak for itself:

One Song Sparrow's nest and four young,
in shrubbery eight feet from our front steps;
one Chippy's nest in front-piazza vine, I'ust
built; two Bluebirds' nests in boxes, one
pair just raising second brood; one Yellow
Warbler's nest with young in bush; one Tree
Swallow's nest and eggs in box, live feet from
ground and near our parlor window, and one
Robin's nest and eggs on top of same box.
And I have killed no less than a score of
English Sparrows on these boxes since early
spring! And my Swallows are so tame that I
can stand within a yard of them without any
uneasiness on their part. — Richard M.
Hunt, Winchester, Mass.

An Attractive Visitor

On the ninth of May a friend gave me a
female Blackburnian Warbler which had evi-
dently been stunned in some way, as it was
lying with closed eyes when found. When the
exquisite little orange-throated creature came
into my possession she had greatly improved
and could fly about again. I brought her
home with me and placed her in my room
until after supper when I attempted to find
some insects with which to try to tempt her
appetite. Three circumstances greatly hind-
ered my success in this laudable undertaking.
In the first place, it was growing dusk. In the
second place, the season was but little ad-
vanced and the evening cool, and in the third
place, I am not related to the family Tyranni-
dae. However, I procured a few specimens
and attempted to feed my little friend, but
she refused to eat a mouthful. I picked up
my orange stick and found that the mite's
feet would close around it beautifully. After a
little I walked carefully to my bureau and
shut the sharpened end of the orange stick
in one of the drawers. I left the room, and

when I returned later with the light I found
the tiny traveler still on the slick with her
head tucked carefully under her wing and
resembling a dainty pompon, save for the
almost imperceptible rising and falling of the
little breast. Later she roused a little and I
put out the light, fearing she would become
frightened and fly about the room. A few

A VISITING BLACKBURXI.W WARBLER

Photographed from nature

moments later I lighted a match and found
that my guest had again tucked the head
under and was settled for the night. In the
morning she was still sitting on her perch
but later began to fly about the room. I
placed a fly on the rubber tip of my fencing
foil and slowly raised it toward her as she sat
on a picture-frame, but she still scorned my
advances. I climbed on a chair and placed a
fly on the picture-frame and on her return she
cocked her head and eyed it with interest.
The next time she came I was overjoyed to
see her snap up the little fly. I found a sunny

Notes from Field and Study

217

phuc in the f^ank'ii whrri' I was ahlf In caWh
sonic Hies, and a good part of my morning
was spent in this humble occupation. The
little stranger soon concluded that I served up
a fairly acceptable class of delicatessen, and,
waiving formality, sat upon my hand and ate
flies by the wholesale. I put my face down
close to the exquisite mite, but found her so
apparently interested in my eyes that I had
to keep them partly closed for fear of the
sharp little beak. Perhaps she was fascinated
by seeing the ri'tlcction of her dainty self.
I introduced her to the dining-room bay-
window, filled with house plants, and here she
was indeed happy, for she hopped from plant
to plant, picking up insects and larva* by the
dozen. She had many callers during her
short stay with me, but seemed to care little
how many people were about her. Early in
the afternoon I caught the tiny morsel,
placed her on a spray of alder and photo-
graphed her. But pictures are so inadequate
to her coloring and grace that they seem
almost sacrilegious. In the early afternoon I
gave her her freedom, leaving her time to get
her bearings before dark, and I may always
think as I look upon one of these brightest
gleams in our migrating throng, "perhaps it's
my beautiful little friend." — Mary Pierson
Allen, Hackettstown, N. J.

The Skylark (Alauda arvensis) on
Long Island

About mid- June, while passing a vacant
field in Flatbush, Greater New York, my
attention was arrested by the flight song of a
Skylark. The bird was above this vacant lot
and continued to rise and poise in the manner
so described. It remained in the air for at
least five minutes, singing continually, or
until I walked some distance away. Then it
descended in zigzag fashion to a point near
the center of the field. Thinking it might have
alighted near a nest, I carefully marked the
spot and walked rapidly over to it. I flushed
the bird at about the point I expected, but a
systematic search failed to discover a nest or
flush another bird. When the bird was flushed
it again rose in song flight . Another bird was
seen in a nearby field.

On August 30, 1907, I went to the same

place for the jairpose of investigating the
status of the Skylark in that locality. In the
same field where the bird was found in June
one was flushed, but it merely flew away
much after the manner of a Horned Lark, no
song was heard and no other bird was seen.
I enquired about the bird at the otiice of a
real estate dealer nearby and was referred to
an intelligent ex-farmer living in the vicinity.
This gentleman said that the bird was a regu-
lar but not abundant permanent resident,
equally common in winter and summer; that
about eight years before while farming in
that section, he found a nest and four young,
and he did not believe that the birds had in-
creased in numbers since that time. He esti-
mated that there were not more than thirty
birds in a radius of a mile in that section. In
two fields in front of his place he thinks that
the birds now breed and says that in the early-
evenings they rise in flight song above these
fields. Of course the song is heard only dur-
ing a period covering the breeding season and
a short time prior to and following it. During,
the rest of the year, the birds are compara-
tively silent and inconspicuous. For the failure
to increase in numbers this gentleman could
suggest no cause. — B. S. Bowdish, New
York City.

Horned Lark Breeding in Connecticut

In the July-August Bird-Lore there is
published an unsigned article on the Prairie
Horned Lark in Connecticut. As the writer,
who is a friend of mine, is away from' home'
and will not see this article until his return
in a month or two, I take the liberty of reply-
ing to your request for his name. The writer
is Mr. Albert W. Honywill, Jr. I was with
Mr. Honywill for a time and also saw the
Larks. On May 30, this year, my friend and'
I went with Dr. L. B. Bishop to Washington,
Conn., and although we went over all the
ground, were unable to find any Larks. Sev-
eral people, who had become acquainted with
the Larks in 1906, said that they had not seen
any this year. However, we heard an account
of a nest and young which was undoubtedly
that of a Horned Lark.

We found the Bartramkn Sandpiper oa
Mav so. — C. A. Pangburn.

2l8

Bird- Lore

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rapij

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WHITE -BREASTED NUTHATCH AND SUET. NOTE THE GRASP
OF THE BIRD'S EXTENDED FOOT

A Friendly Nuthatch

Last winter I kept a lunch-counter for the
lairds just outside a window of my room. It
was visited by several different species of

birds, but the most
frequent patrons
were the White-
breasted Nut-
hatches. They ate
everything from
cracked corn to suet,
but seemed particu-
larly fond of walnut
meats. I took ad-
vantage of this and,
after the birds had
become accustomed
to my presence at
the window, tried
feeding them from
my hand. One little
fellow became much
tamer than the rest
and after a few days
of training he
hopped upon my
hand and fed quite
fearlessly. After eating a few pieces he invar-
iably took one and flew to a nearby tree,
where he hid it in a crevice in the bark.

Later in the winter, the Nuthatch hopped
upon my arm, and even upon the top of my

WHITE-BRE.\STED NUTHATCH AT WINDOW FEEDING TR.\Y

Notes from Field and Study

219

head, and took food 1 had iihucd there. lie
found it great sport to eonie into my todhi and
feed from piles of food on the vvindovv-sill, and
also from my hand. One day he took another
hop towards civili-cation, — -he flew from the
window-sill to my dresser and ate from a luni[)
of suet I had placed there. After feeding a
while, he gave an indignant glance at his
image in the looking-glass, and flew out of the
window with a piece of food in his hill. He
even took food from a chair set a few feet
from the window and, at the request to " look
pleasant" in the form of a sharp whistle,
posed for his picture several times. He
apparently paid no attention to the glaring
face of the camera only two feet away. My
room was now being converted into a photo-
graphic studio, but all my customers came in
through the window!

When out in the vard, the Nuthatch would

lly down and eat from the top of my head.
He also would tome down the tree trunk and
feed from my hand. I took some pictures of
him doing this, pressing the bulb with my
other hand. (When I was feeding the Nut-
hatch, with nothing between me and the bird,
I could not help but think of Bird-Lore's
motto, but must confess that I thought for the
time being that "A bird in the hand is worth
two in the bush")

These little exjjeriences which I had with
the Nuthatch, go to show what can be done
with a wild bird when its confidence is won.
I won the confidence of Teddy (as we called
him), and he knew that he would not be
harmed or even frightened if he came near
me, and therefore he came into my room and
fed from my hand with very little fear. Teddy
was a friend whom I shall never forget. —
EinviN C. Brown. Minneapolis, Minn.

\ SELF-SUPPLVIXG LUXCH-COUXTER

iloob J^eto0 ant) 2^etoietD0

The Birds of Iowa. By Rudolph
Martin Anderson, Proc. Davenport
Academy Sciences, xi, 1906, pp. 125-
388.

Familiarity with the literature of his sub-
iect, access to pertinent collections, the coop-
eration of other workers, and an extended
personal field experience, combined with an
evident grasp of his thesis, have enabled Mr.
Anderson to produce an admirable treatise on
Iowa birds.

An introduction of twenty pages contains
sections entitled 'Scope,' 'Historical Work,'
'Relative Abundance,' 'Breeding,' 'Food,'
'Migration,' 'Range in Iowa,' Topography
of Iowa,' 'Climate of Iowa,' 'Faunal Areas,'
and 'Contributors.' We wish that there had
also been included here some discussion of
the changes which have occurred in the char-
acter of the Iowa ornis incident to the tillage
of prairies, drainage of sloughs, planting of
trees and increase of population. In this con-
nection, we may also suggest the desira-
bility of placing in a separate list those
species which have become e.xtinct in Iowa.

Mr. Anderson is commendably conserva-
tive in admitting birds to his list of 353
species; capture within the state and satis-
factory identification being the entrance con-
ditions imposed.

The annotations under each species relate,
in the main, to the bird's distribution, relative
abundance and season of occurrence, liberal
quotations from the earlier writers affording
material for comparison with the notes of
recent observers. There are also remarks on
habits which, in the case of breeding species,
often include much interesting biographical
matter. — F. M. C.

C.ASSINIA. Proc. of the Delaware Valley
Ornithological Club, x, 1906. 8vo. 76
pages, 2 plates.

There are evidently certain conditions in
and about Philadelphia favorable to the
development of ornithological endeavor.
Whether Alexander Wilson was stimulated
by them, or whether the 'Father of .American
Ornithology' created and willed them to his

(2

scientific descendants in the valley of the Del-
aware, we do not pretend to say, but each
year when Cassinia comes to us as a material
evidence of the continued activity in organ-
ized bird study about Philadelphia, we won-
der why such a weU-directed interest cannot
be aroused and maintained elsewhere.

Fifty observers, for example, sent in sched-
ules covering the 1906 migration, and the edi-
tor, Mr. Stone, remarks of the work thus far
done by the "migration corps" of the D. V.
O. C. : " It is doubtful if such an accurate and
comprehensive series of data has ever been
collected over such a limited area anywhere
in America . . ."

In addition to a report on the results of this
cooperative migration work, and an abstract
of the proceedings at the meetings of the
Club during igo6, this volume contains papers
on 'William Bartram,' by George Spencer
Morris (with two plates); ' .\ Study of the
Solitary Vireo,' by Cornelius Weygandt;
'Summer Birds of Western Pike County,
Pennsylvania,' by Richard C. Harlow; 'The
Concordville Robin and Grackle Roost,' by
Samuel C. Palmer; 'A June Trip to Pocono
Lake, Monroe County, Pennsylvania,' by
John D. Carter; and 'Winter Bird-life in the
Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania,' by Wil-
liam L. Bailey.— F. M. C.

Birds of Labrador. By Charles W.
TowNSEND, M.D., and Glover M.
Allen, Proc. Boston Society Nat. Hist.,
Vol. ;i^, pp. 277-428, pi. 29.

A summer on the Labrador coast gave the
authors of this paper an opportunity to be-
come acquainted with the more significant
characteristics of the avifauna of the region
and, at the same time, gave them that inter-
ested and discriminating point of view which
only personal experience creates. Hence, we
have here, not alone, some exceptionally
good biographical material based on original
observation — and in passing we commend
this paper to young ornithologists as an illus-
tration of how much may be seen in a brief
period if one is determined to make the best
use of one's opportunities, — but a critical

Book News and Reviews

resume of all that has been previously pub-
lished in regard to Labrador birds. The
result is a copiously annotated list of 213
"authenticated," 2 "extinct" and 44 "doubt-
ful and erroneous species. "

Introductory sections on 'Topography,'
* Faunal Areas, ' ' Migration, ' ' Ornithological
History — Ornithologists,' 'Bird and Egg
Destruction,' supply much general informa-
tion.

While the actual number of specimens col-
lected was small, they proved to be of special
value showing, among other things, that the
Prairie Horned Lark has no status as a Lab-
rador bird, Otocoris alpestris alpestris being
apparently the only form of the group occur-
ring in this region.

An unusual feature of this paper is a census
of the approximate number of individuals of
species of birds seen at stated localities. —
F. M. C.

Along the L.abr.^dor Co.vst. By Ch.^rles
Wendell Townsend, ^M.D., with illus-
trations from Photographs and a Map,
Boston, Dana Estes & Co., 1907. i2mo.
xii -f- 289 pages. 40 half-tones, i map.

This book admirably supplements the
paper on Labrador birds by its author and
Glover M. Allen, reviewed above. It is the
story of the summer cruise along the Labra-
dor coast, during which was gathered the
material on which the more technical paper
is based. Each work has its place, and each
appeals to its own audience, but in reading the
two together one is impressed by the com-
parative absence of repetition and conse-
quently realizes how much of the story of the
expedition would have been left untold if the
present work had remained unpublished.

Here we have a continuous narrative, in
which with no effort at "fine writing," the
Labrador coast and its inhabitants, human
as well as avian, is brought very clearly before
us. We wish there were more books of this
kind, and if every traveling ornithologist
could tell his story as simply and as pleas-
antly as Dr. Townsend relates his, our
supply of readable and informing nature
literature would be acceptably increased. —
F. M. C.

The Ornithological Magazines

The Auk. — In the 128 pages of the July
number there is much to attract the general
reader as well as other matters that will more
particularly please the student of ornithology.
The first instalment of an exhaustive local
list of 'The Birds of Custer and Dawson
Counties, Montana,' by Mr. E. S. Cameron,
is finely illustrated by photographs of the
country and is accompanied by two maps.
The third instalment of Messrs. Beyer,
Allison and Kopman's 'List of the Birds of
Louisiana,' will be found on later pages.
The Rev. P. B. Peabody writes pleasantly
of his experiences with 'The Crossbills of
Northeastern Wyoming,' where he found
these nomadic birds nesting in mid-winter.
A mop-stick proved a successful, though un-
certain weapon for securing specimens of the
birds. Fledglings and a nest were obtained.
Mr. A. H. Clark gives us a glimpse of 'Char-
acteristic Kamchatkan Birds ; ' Mr. J. T.
Ferry has something to tell us about the win-
ter birds of southern Illinois, and Mr. J. C.
Wood WTites about the autumn migration of
Warblers near Detroit.

More technical articles are one by Mr. O.
Bangs on birds of Costa Rica, one on a hybrid
Humming-bird by Messrs. Bangs and J. E.
Thayer, and one on a new Agelaius from
Canada by Mr. H. C. Oberholser. Mr.
Bangs describes two new species and five new
races, but what comes nearer home to most
readers of Bird-Lore is the separation by
Mr. Oberholser of the Red-winged Blackbird
of the Canadian Northwest under the sub-
specific name of arctole,qus. This is still
another of the millimeter races, differing from
its nearest ally, according to its describer's
own figures, about 5 per cent in dimensions
and nothing in plumage. Inasmuch as the
Red-wing is already split into so many races
that even experts do not agree as to what
name to caU a given specimen, this latest
'split' in a much worked-over — if not over-
worked— species is not a welcome guest.

An obituary notice of Professor Affred
Newton marks the passing of an old-time
ornithologist of note. — J. D., Jr.

222

Bird- Lore

The Condor. — In the leading article of
the July number of 'The Condor,' entitled
'The Grebes of Southern Oregon,' Finley
gives an interesting account of the habits of
the Western and American Eared Grebes
and calls attention to the ruthless manner in
which the birds have been destroyed for the
millinery trade. Five illustrations from pho-
tographs by Bohlman show the old birds, the
young and the nests. One figure shows clearly
the curious habit the old birds have of carry-
ing the chicks on their backs. ' Nesting Habits
of Phainopepla nitens,' by Harriet Williams
Myers, contains the results of some observa-
tions of these interesting birds made near
Garvanza, in the vicinity of Los Angeles.

A brief, but important, illustrated article
on 'The Thick-billed Parrot in Arizona' is
contributed by Austin Paul Smith, who
states that a flock of Parrots estimated at
700 or 1,000 was observed in the Chiricahua
Mountains in August, 1904. He expresses
the opinion that the birds are "not nearly
as casual as supposed." 'Summer Birds of
a Prairie Lake,' by G. Willet, is an account
of collecting experiences in northeastern
Montana in 1903. Under the title 'Measur-
ing a Condor,' M. French Oilman gives notes
on several California Condors seen near
Werner Ranch and San Jacinto Peak in San
Diego county, and near Bear Valley in San
Bernardino county. The specimen measured
had an expanse of nine feet, ten and one-half
inches. Finley adds some brief 'English
Sparrow Notes' illustrated by a photograph
of a Sparrow's nest built inside of a hornet's
nest. Among the short notes ' From Field and
Study,' Torrey records the Vermilion Fly-
catchers at Santa Barbara, California; Beck
adds several species to the list of birds known
from Clipperton and Cocos Islands; Finley
records the Magnolia Warbler from Salem,
Oregon; and Felger the Prothonotary War-
bler from Colorado.

The 'Directory of the Cooper Ornitho-
logical Club,' published in this number,
shows that the Club has two honorary and
229 active members, and has lost seventeen
members by death. — T. S. P.

The Wilson Bulletin. — Four numbers
of the 'Wil«on Bulletin' have appeared since

the journal was last noticed in these columns.
They are filled with the usual annotated lists
and popular sketches of bird-life.

The September, 1906, number contains a
short sketch of the birds of Clayton county,
Iowa, by A. R. Sherman, an annotated list
of common birds of Whittier, California,
by E. Craigmile, based on six months' obser-
vation— far too short a time to warrant
publication for a region so well known—
'A Purple Martin Roost,' by P. A. Taverner;
'A Glimpse of the Birds of Second Lake,
Coos county, N. H., by C. H. Rogers;
'August Days with the Birds,' by L. Jones, —
locality not mentioned — -and 'Two Days
with Beach Birds and Botanists' at Stone
Harbor, N. J., by C. J. Hunt.

In the December number J. Henderson
describes the birds observed on a trip through
northeastern Colorado; the editor presents an
anonymous list of 'Birds of Cleveland, Ohio,'
which had perhaps better have been preserved
in manuscript until something could be
learned of the author; F. H. Hall writes of
'Some Western Adirondack Birds,' and L.
Jones on ' Some Migration Records in Cedar
Point, Erie County, Ohio.'

In the March, 1907, number, W. F. Hen-
ninger writes at length on the 'Paradise of
Germany;' G. C. Fisher describes the 'Nest-
ing of Bald Eagles at Lewistown, Ohio ; and
C. J. Hunt gives a list of 'August Birds of
Lake Sebago, Maine,' with a description of
the locality. A list of 'Birds of Summit,
N. J.,' by the late L. K. Holmes, is published
and Lams jrankUnii and Ammodramm
lecontei are added to the Ohio list.

The issue for June contains the first in-
stalment of an important paper on 'Birds of
Point Pelee,' by P. A. Taverner and B. H.
Swales, which promises to be one of our best
contributions to the bird-life of the Great
Lakes. O. Widmann discusses 'Spring
Migration Anomalies in 1907,' a subject
which we trust may receive further attention
from observers elsewhere. Other papers are
'Notes on the Broad-winged Hawk,' by R.
W. Shufeldt; 'Our Bird Bath,' by C. F.
Schautz; 'Ruby-throats,' by C. J. Hunt, and
'Walter J. Hoxie,' by F. L. Burns.

Numerous short notes appear as usual in
each number of the Bulletin. — W. S.

Editorials

223

ilirti Eore

A Bi-monthly Magazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds

OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THK AUDUBON SOCIFTIE5

Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

Vol. IX Published October 1. 1907

SUBSCRIPTION RATES

Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico
twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post-
age paid.

COPYRIGHTED, I907, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Bird-Lore's Motto:
A Bird in the Bush is IVorth Two in the Hand

The annual meeting of the National
Association of Audubon Societies, to be held
at the American Museum of Natural History
on October 29, should be well attended.
The Association's increased income has per-
mitted it greatly to broaden its field of activ-
ities, and with its allied State Societies, it is
now not alone the most effective organized
protector of wild life, but through its work in
disseminating good, sound, popular ornitho-
logical literature to the schools, it exerts a
profound influence on the future of ornithol-
ogy in this country. Numerous possibilities
for development present themselves and their
discussion at the annual meeting is greatly to
be desired.

Comparison of conditions prevailing in
this country with those which exist in Italy,
as they are revealed by Professor Herrick's
paper, concluded in this number of Bird-
Lore, should give all Americans cause for
special thanksgiving. In other phases of
ornithology — the study of migration, of geo-
graphical distribution, and of climatic varia-
tion— .\merican ornithologists, as is well
known, are more advantageously situated
than their brethren of the continents, where
smaller political divisions do not beget the
cooperation and unity of interests which are
found in this country.

Uniformity of law is one of the fundaments
of adequate bird protection. While with us
the passage of the Model Law, by most of the
states in the Union, has gone far toward mak-
ing the laws effective in their primary intent,

the ideal condition will not be reached until
we have a Fefleral law such as Mr. George
Shiras, 3d, has proposed, placing the framing
and enforcement of all laws relating to migra-
tory birds in thchandsof the Ferleral govern-
ment.

In Europe the altitude of Italy well-nigh
renders the whole case hopeless. .\t the
International Convention for the Protec-
tion of Birds, held in Paris in 1902, Italy's
delegate was instructed to sign no "bind-
ing schedule," and her refusal to cooperate
with the other countries represented was
emphasized by her further statement that
"no agreement refused by Italy could be of
any advantage to Hungary or Austria." Not
only is the enormous destruction of bird-life
in Italy to be deplored, but the fact that Italy
is a migratory highway over which the birds
of a large part of Europe travel in their jour-
neys to and from Africa discourages attempts
to protect these birds in their more northern
summer homes.

It is unfortunate that the attempt to form
an ornithological section of the International
Zoological Congress held in Boston, August
19-24, 1907, was undertaken at too late a
date to permit of proper organization, for that
there was no lack of interest in the subject,
was evinced by the number of papers on
birds presented before the Congress, as will be
seen by the following titles: 'A Comparative
Study of Birds with Respect to Intelligence
and Imitation,' J. P. Porter; 'The Influ-
ence of Domestication on the Behavior of
the Ostrich,' J. E. Duerden; 'Organization
of the Gull Community: A Study of the
Communal Life of Birds,' F. H. Herrick; 'A
Statistical Study of the Local Distribution and
Ecology of Birds,' S. A. Forbes; 'Geo-
graphic Variation in Birds, with Special Refer-
ence to Humidity,' C. \V. Beebe; 'Remarks
on the Geographical Origin of North Ameri-
can Birds,' Frank M. Chapman.

In republishing several of the photographs
illustrating Schilling's 'Flashlights from the
Jungle,' the National Geographic Magazine
calls attention to the fact that the flashlight
apparatus employed by Schilling was in-
vented by George Shiras, 3rd, the pioneer in
the flashlight photography of wild animals.

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

Address all communications to the Editor of the Sc))ooi Department. National
Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City

OCTOBER AND PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER

If you have not already set-
tled the location for your lunch-
counter, and begun to spread
it with tempting tid-bits, you
should do so at once.

Whatever form this table may
take, either a partly roofed shelf
surrounding a tree, a bracket
against the side of the house, or
merely an extension to the win-
dow sill, it should be made of
weathered wood and be wholly free from the taint of new paint.

Birds love the old and are distrustful of the new and glittering. It is a good
plan, when time serves, to make a collection of old boards or mossy shingles,
that are so often discarded when old buildings are repaired, and keep them
ready; for there is nothing better than such material either for birds' houses or
feeding-boxes.

Also, do not wait until the natural food-supply is cut off, and most of the birds
have gone, before you offer them daily rations ; for the fact that food lies close
at hand may win for you many winter friends that otherwise would pass on.
Hungry birds will eat many things that do not belong strictly to bird diet, but two
articles I have found will suffice for all species, and gray squirrels as well, if you
have any in the neighborhood, — suet in good-sized lumps that will not be torn
to shreds too soon for the Woodpeckers and all other tree-trunk climbing birds,
and any one of the various dog-biscuits broken into pieces of various sizes, rang-
ing from that of a chestnut, which Jays and Nuthatches love to pound up to suit
their taste, to crumbs that tempt the Junco, Tree Sparrow, Purple Finch, Snow-
flake, and even the Robin and Bluebird. As for the Chickadee, bless his brave
little heart! he will take both meat and bread and nod you thanks between
courses.

The suet may remain on the counter until it is consumed, but be careful to put
only enough of the biscuit out each morning for the day's use, as, if it becomes
water-soaked and lacks crispness, it not only loses its seed-like quality and ceases
to be tempting, but is unwholesome for birds accustomed to digest either dry
seeds or juicy fruits but not pultaceous masses. — M. O. W.

(224)

PURPLE FINCH.
(Upper figure. Male: Lower figure. Female.)
Order— Passeres. Family —Fringi

Genus — Carpodacus.

Species— Purpurea.

THE PURPLE FINCH

By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

TOf iRational Si&somtion ot jaudubon ^ocittie&

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 28

The family of Si)arn)\vs and Finches, like that of the Warblers, Blackbirds
and Orioles, offers such an infinite variety of species and disports so many con-
tradictory fashions in the cut of beaks and tinting of plumage that when we have
even a bowing acquaintance with it we feel that we have really entered the realm
of bird knowledge.

In addition to its rarity, family Fnngillidae is the largest of all
His Family bird families, numbering some five hundred and fifty species, that
inhabit all parts of the world except Australia.

The one point that binds them together which the untrained may discover is
the stout bill, conical in shape with great power for seed-crushing. For, first and
last, all of the tribe are seed-eaters, and though in the nesting season much ani-
mal food is eaten by adults as well as fed to the young, and tree-buds and fruits
are also relished, the tribe of Finches and Sparrows can live well upon seeds —
seeds of weeds, the seeds concealed between the scales of pine-cones and the pulp-
enveloped seeds of wild fruits that are called berries.

This ability to pick a living at any season of the year that the seeded weeds of
waste fields and roadsides are uncovered makes what are called " permanent resi-
dents" of many species of Sparrows, and causes them, when they migrate, to still
keep to a more restricted circle than their insect-eating brethern. Also, alas! this
seed-eating quality, coupled with beauty of plumage and voice, has made them
favorite cage-birds the world over. Happily, freedom has now come to them in
this country, together with all our birds, and as far as the law may protect them
they are safe, though the latest reports say that small consignments of Mocking-
birds and Cardinals are still smuggled over seas by way of Hamburgh.

Run over the list of prominent members of the Fringillidac, or family of
Finches and Sparrows. Call them by memory if you can; if not, take a bt)ok
and look them up.

The Sparrows are clad in shades of brown more or less streaked, and their dull
colors protect them amid the grasses in which they feed and lodge. The birds of
brighter plumage are obliged to look out for themselves, as it were, and keep nearer
the sky, where their colors are lost in the blaze of light.

First to be remembered are the birds that wear more or less
Colors of red,— the Cardinal, the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, the Redpolls,

Crossbills, the Pine Grosbeak and the Purple Finch (who is no
more purple than he is blue or vellow).

(225)

226 Bird -Lore

Then come three birds who would seem original and striking in any family —
the Indigo Bunting, the southern Blue Grosbeak and the beautiful Painted Bunt-
ing or Nonpareil, gay in blue, gold, red and green plumes.

Red and blue — then yellow must follow as a natural sequence, to complete
the primary colors. It is a fact, in the floral kingdom, that the three primary
•colors never exist naturally without artificial hybridization in one family; thus,
there are red and yellow roses, but no blue; red and blue verbenas, but no yellow,
and so on.

In the Sparrow family, however, we have the three primary colors in all their
purity, — the American Goldfinch clad in pure gold and the Dickcissel of the yellow
breast, together with the yellow wing and tail marks of the Pine Siskin, supplying
the third color. The Towhee Bunting stands alone, a blending of brilliant black
above, white below, with chestnut sides and red eyes. The Chippy, Song and Field
Sparrows are typical of the color - protective family type. The white outer tail
quills are an index to the Vesper Sparrow ; the same white quills and a white vest
name the Slate-colored Junco. The White-throated Sparrow has his name plainly
printed under his beak, and the White-crowned Sparrow writes his in his white
head-stripe, while the rusty brown Fox Sparrow is known both by size and color.

The Purple Finch, which, as I have said, is not purple, but, when in full
plumage, washed with a rich raspberry -red, deepest on breast, crown and rump,
light breast, brownish back, wings and tail, is one of the notable members of thie
family. Its bill is heavy and round, approaching in size those of the Grosbeaks,
while in body it ranks with Song and House Sparrows. Besides having a heavy
bill that suggests the Grosbeak, it has a way of bristling the feathers of its crown
that sometimes gives it the aggressive mien of the Cardinal; while its clinking call-
note and way of flying in scattered flocks, and the fact that it is with us in winter,
cause it to be sometimes mistaken in the distance for one of the Crossbills.

One would think that, with its rich coloring and the fact that it is a winter resi-
dent in many parts of its range, this finch would be a well-known bird; yet many
people who have a fair knowledge of our common birds do not seem to know it.
Perhaps this is because the females and immature birds, wearing gray and brown
stripes, look so very much like their Sparrow kin that the rosy-vested bird that
sings in the trees, where his colors cannot be seen unless you are directly under
him, escapes unnoticed. The change of the young male Finch from his northern
plain garb to the full crimson costume is interesting as it is deliberate, taking two
seasons, the rosy flush not appearing until the end of the second year.

The range of the Purple, or Crimson Finch, as I wish that the
His Range Wise Men would agree to call him, is eastern North America. The
nesting season is spent from Minnesota and the Middle States
northward, and the winter from the borders of the northern States southward to
the Gulf. Its choice of a nesting location is very wide, for, like the Catbird, it is
equally at home in unfrequented and brushy woodlands, and on the borders of
hom^e gardens where people are constantly present.

The Purple Finch 227

In si)itt'()f his uni(|uc plumage, it is for his song that this bird has won renown,
and il is by his song thai hv is most readily to be identified. To hear this in its

l)frkH lion, one must listen for it in May and June; for this Finch
His Song has not ihe enduring vocal (jualities that endear his cousin, the

Song Sparrow, and give us the perpetual hope that we may hear
his voice in every month of llie year, — a hope that is usually fulfilled. The
Finches that have wintered with us begin to warble a little in late March, and the
same partial song may be heard in October, after the molt; but the song that
suddenly bursts into exuberance, rendering him one of our most conspicuous
songsters and recalling many notes of the English Chaffinch, belongs to the
nesting season.

It is almost impossible to render the song of a bird in syllables so that it appeals
to any number of people; for, as bird music is phrased according to the natural, not
the artificial key that we associate with annotation, its translation is a matter of
mood, temperament and accord between imagination and ear. To me, when the
voice of the Crimson Finch bursts forth in sudden joyousness, it cries, " List to me,
list to me, hear me, and I'll tell you, — you, you!" There must be, however, some
similarity between these syllables and the song, because more than once, on endeav-
oring to name a curiously described bird that I suspected might be this Finch,
the rapid whispering of these words has completed the clue, by the inquirers
exclaiming — "Yes, that is the way the song went." Yet, do the best we can to
suggest rhythm of the song, the music of it belongs to the woods and fields, the sky
and sun, from which we may not separate it. Forbush says of it: "The song of
the male is a sudden, joyous burst of melody, vigorous, but clear and pure, to
which no mere words can do justice. When, filled with ecstasy, he mounts in air
and hangs with fluttering wings above the tree where sits the one who holds his
affections, his efforts far transcend his ordinary tones, and a continuous melody
flows forth, ...ml, exhausted with his vocal effort, he sinks to the level of his spouse
in the tree-top."

These Finches travel at times in flocks and are at all times somewhat grega-
rious, and this trait has made them an easy prey for bird-catchers, and Mr. For-
bush tells us that, "If a bird of this species is confined in a trap-cage in spring
and exposed in a conspicuous place, most of the Purple Finches in the neighbor-
hood may be trapped. The greater part of the so-called 'Linnets' in many
localities have been taken in this way, despite the law and its officers, who are on
the lookout for the law-breakers. The birds have been sold in the bird stores or
•sent to Europe as red or gray Linnets. This may account for a local scarcity of this
Finch in some ])laces where it was formerly common."

The Purple Finch, though, like many others, it hunts for suc-
His Food culent food, apple and cherry blossoms in the spring, has a decided

economic value; for, the season through, it feeds upon orchard and
woodland caterpillars, lice, cankerworms, and when these are out of date it con-
sumes quantities of the seeds of injurious ])lants, including the noxious ragweed.

228 . Bird -Lore

Wilson (1829) devotes some space to a description of his experience with these
Finches as caged birds, showing that they have been captives these many years:
" The Purple Finches fly at a considerable height in the air, and their note is a single
chink, like that of the rice bird. They possess great boldness and spirit and, when
caught, bite violently and hang by the bill from your hand, striking with great fury;
but they are soon reconciled to confinement and in a day or two are quite at home.
I kept a pair of these birds upward of nine months, to observe their manners.
Both are now as familiar as if brought up by hand from the nest, and seem to pre-
fer hemp seed and cherry blossoms to all other food. Both male and female,
though not crested, are almost constantly in the habit of erecting the feathers of
their crown. . . . They are a hardy and vigorous bird. . . . When these
birds are taken in their crimson dress, and kept in a cage until they molt their
feathers, they uniformly change their appearance and sometimes never after
regain their red color. . . . They are also subject, if well fed, to become so
fat as literally to die of corpulency, being at these times subject to something
resembing apoplex}^, from which they sometimes recover in a few minutes, but
oftener expire in the same space of time.

The moral of this being that even a hardy Finch, when caged, becomes abnor-
mal and should be granted the same liberty as the Cardinal, Mocker, and all the
rest. Wilson says that the pair he caged were reconciled to confinement in a day
or two. This I am never prepared to believe about any bird born wild and cap-
tured after maturity. Cowed, or caged into submission, they may be, but recon-
ciled, never!

Questions for Teachers and Students

What family of birds has the greatest number of species ? What is the relation between the
colors of Finches and Sparrows and their haunts ? What is the principal e.xternal character of
Finches? What is their chief food? Do they migrate as far as birds which live mainly on
insects? How many of our commoner winter birds belong to the Sparrow family?

Cl)E 3.ut)Ubon ©octEties

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER

Address all correspondence, and send all

the National Association of Audubon Soc

for dues and contributions, to
Broadway, New York City

Notice oi Annual Meeting of the National
Association of Audubon Societies

The annual meeting of the members of the
National Association of Audubon Societies
for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals,
for the election of four directors to take the
places of the following directors, viz.: Frank
M. Chapman, Witmer Stone, Hermon Bum-
pus and William Brewster, class of 1907,
whose terms of office will then expire, and of
George Panitz and Alphonso Hodgman,
class of 1907, who have resigned, and for the
transaction of such other business as may
properly come before the meeting, will be
held at the American Museum of Natural
History, Columbus avenue and 77th street,
in the Borough of Manhattan and City of
New York, on the 29th day of October, 1907,
at 2 o.clock.— T. Gilbert Pearson, Sec'y.

Wood Duck and Woodcock Summer
Shooting Condemned

Wood Ducks bred here (Long Island, N.
Y.) this season and all summer long I have
seen scattered birds, and now small bunches
are beginning to appear in the ponds close by.
I saw one nice bunch of seven, a few morn-
ings ago, in a pond right close to several
houses.

For the past two months — ever since I
first looked for them — I have been finding
Woodcock, and I believe I have pretty well
proven the theory that these birds can regu-
larly be found within a few feet of where you
first locate them, for I have found them every
time I cared to look for them. If summer
shooting is allowed to continue, you can
readily see how^ this local habit of the Wood-
cock will seal its doom. To this very habit I
attribute its present scarcity in sections where
it was formerly abundant, for gunners have

(

killed everv bird they could find, until none
was left to return another season. In Nassau
and Queens counties I know great stretches
of fine Woodcock grounds where today the
bird is rarely seen in the summer months,
while further east, in Suffolk county, where
the bird is not much disturbed, in the summer
months, it can still be found in goodly num-
bers.

To illustrate how destructive summer shoot-
ing is, I have heard of one man who killed
nine birds on the Fourth of July, this year.
This man is not a good shot, but he takes
pride in the fact that not a bird escaped him.
These birds were killed along a small drain,
in one piece of woods, and he probably killed
the old and young of two entire broods. Next
season this party will probably wonder why
there are no birds in this particular patch of
woods. A few such men as the above will
destroy many birds in a season and in a short
while wdll leave the section of country they
hunt without a bird.

If the open season did not begin until the
first of October, or even until the 15th of Sep-
tember, it would be impossible to kill off all
the birds found; for by that time they would
have obtained their full growth and would be
better able to take care of themselves. Every
gunner knows that after you put up a fall
Woodcock a couple of times without getting
it, it is a hard matter to again locate it. In
this connection, I might state that, on a trip
last fall, a friend found about thirty-five
Woodcock, only sixteen of which were killed.
He could, of course, have killed a few more
of these birds, but does not believe in
hunting too close. Many of these birds
would not lie for the dogs, and flushed with-
out giving a shot, showing that in the fall
they are well able to take care of themselves.
— John H. Hendrickson, Jamaica. L. I.

229)

The New Bird Reservations in the Gulf of Mexico

The National Association of Audubon Societies, in continuing the plan origi-
nated by the Thayer Fund of making a thorough bird survey of the coasts of the
United States, sent its lecturer and organizer, Mr. Henry H. Kopman, who is a
well-equipped ornithologist, early in May last to explore the coast of Louisiana
from the Texas line to the mouth of the Mississippi. The trip was made in a small
schooner, 15 tons, the "Sea Bird," under command of Captain Couvillier with
mate Colson. The results obtained by Mr. Kopman were complete and satis-
factory and furnished the desired information on which to base a request for two
new reservations which were made by official orders of President Roosevelt in
August, as reproduced below.

The report of Mr Kopman contains so much valuable ornithological material
that it is given in full for the benefit of the bird students of the country, and also
because it cannot fail to interest the members of the Association who, besides
being deeply concerned in the preservation of the birds, furnish the funds with
which to cairy on the work. — W. D.

jexecuttve ®rt)er

It is hereby ordered that all small islets, commonly called mud lumps, in or
near the mouths of the Mississippi river, Louisiana, located within the area
segregated and shown upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this
order, are hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agri-
culture, as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. This reservation to be
known as Tern Islands Reservation.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT
The White House,

August 8, igoj

lExccutive ©rber

It is hereby ordered that the Executive Order of July 9, 1855, creating the
Light House Reservation, which embraces a small group of unsurveyed islets loca-
located in the Gulf of Mexico about three and one-half miles south of Marsh
Island, Louisiana, and approximately in latitude 29° 26' north, longitude 91° 51'
west from Greenwich, as appears upon United States Coast Survey Chart No. 200,
be, and the same is hereby vacated and set aside; and it is also ordered that these
islets, located within the area segregated and shown upon the diagram hereto
attached and made a part of this Order, be, and they are hereby reserved and set
apart for the use of the Department of Agriculture as a reserve and breeding
ground for native birds. This reservation to be known as Shell Keys Reservation.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

The White House,

August //, jgoj

(230)

TERN ISLANDS RESEITs^sTION

For Protection, of Native Birds

At Mouths of Mississippi River

LOUISIANA .

Embracing all small islets within area se^re^ated
by brol<en line shovvn hereon and designated
Tern Islands Reservation'

50" v.^

DEPARTMENTOFTHE INTERIOR,

GENERAL LAND OFFICE.

Richard A.Ballin^er^ Commissioner

[DIAGRAM ATTACHED TO AND MADE A PART OF THE EXECUTIVE
ORDER DATED AUGUST 8, 1907.D

(231)

SHELL KEYS RESERVATION

For Protection of Native Birds
LOUISIANA.

Embracing all small islets within area se^re^ated
by broken line shown hereon and designated
Shell Keys Reservation "

9155

GULF /OF

I SHELL ■%

li^?

/ ^^#^

B'S-

M E X I C O

'^;

^^^^-'

DEPARTMENT OFTHE INTERIOR

GENERAL LAND OFFICE

Richard A.Ballln^er, Commissioner

Tdiagram attached to and made a part of the executive
6rder dated august 17. 1907.3

(232)

Report of Exploration of Seabird Colonies

On the Coast of Louisiana West of the Mississippi River, Made in the Interests of

the National Association of Audubon Societies, May 15, 1907, to June 21, 1907

By H. H. KOPMAN

In submitting a report of the conditions of sea-bird life observed during the
■cruise along the coast of Louisiana between the Sabine river and Pass a L'Outre,
Mississippi river, from May 15 to June 21, 1907, I would first call attention to
several general features of the situation now confronting an attempt to establish
breeding reservations in the regions under consideration.

First. The birds of the territory visited showed a decided disposition to
•congregate during the nesting season within two comparatively small areas, one
being the chain of outer islands from Isle Derniere to East Timbalier, and the
other being the mud lumps off the mouths of the Mississippi; practically all
the nesting colonies found were within these two areas.

While the fact just instanced would doubtless facilitate in the work of pro-
tection, it indicates that the birds of the western coast of Louisiana are not dis-
playing at present their normal breeding vigor because of lack of confidence in
their surroundings, due to recent as well as to previous persecution. Islands
known to have been used formerly as breeding resorts were found deserted
during the past season, or, if occupied, the birds showed no disposition to take up
heir nesting duties. While it was reasonable to suspect the presence of non-
breed ng birds at most of the islands, the proportion of these seemed unusually
large.

In conclusion, as regards this particular subject, it is my belief that, after
several years of careful warden supervision of the coast explored, the extent of
the nesting territory would be greatly increased, and that islands now used only
by feeding and resting birds during the present season would become regular
nesting resorts.

Second. The most important single discoveries made were the colonies of
Laughing Gulls, Black Skimmers, and Louisiana Herons on East Timbalier,
:and the Brown Pelicans on the mud lumps off Southwest Pass. Although the
birds on East Timbalier have been greatly molested this year, they have not
been altogether discouraged. In the case of the Pelicans on the 'mud lumps'
.•at Southwest and other passes of the Mississippi, there seems to be little disposi-
tion in that neighborhood to molest the birds, and apparently full broods were
raised. I was informed by the United States engineers in charge of the dredging
operations at Southwest Pass, where the new concrete jetties are being constructed
.-at a cost of several million dollars, that the mud lumps off the Passes are part
of the territory under National control. There lumps appear, disappear, and
reappear from time to time, but always within the same general areas. I saw
none more than a mile from shore, and most of them are closely adjacent to the
.actua' outlets of the river. Some of them have grown to an elevation of six or

(233)

234

Bird - Lore

eight feet above ordinary high tide and an extent of an acre or more. It is'the
opinion of an engineer with whom I conversed that all of these mud lumps
might be set aside en bloc as a National Reservation. While all the lumps were
not used as nesting-sites, any of them is apt to be so used. The lumps are sup-
posed to originate from the action of gas and oil domes, but there is evidently
a growth in their size from the ordinary course of sedimentation. There is little

f

are ^rofrcr*

•S-ititii^*.

CAPTAIX FRAXK COUVILLIER AND WARNING NOTICE ON EAST TIMBALIER

vegetable growth on the lumps except of those weeds that come readil}- in Mis-
sissippi mud.

Third. With respect to patrolling possible reservations, Grand Isle seems-
the most generally convenient base of operations under present conditions.
Lighthouses are in close proximity to the colonies at East Timbalier, Southwest
Pass and Pass a L'Outre. The most inaccessible colonies are those on Isle-
Derniere and She'l Keys, off Marsh Island. The former of these might be in-

Report of Exploration of Seabird Colonies 235

eluded on the heal from Cirand Isle, hut would he more cDUVfiiicntly incluclcd
with Shell Keys on a distinct ruutc, with Morgan City as headquarters.

Fourth. The clusters of islands in the shallower parts of the several bays
between the Atchafalaya and Mississippi rivers, contrary to expectation, proved
almost absolutely unproductive in the present connection. Aside from the fact
that all or nearly all of these islands are infested with raccoons, muskrats and
other small predaceous mammals, their growths are not especially suited to the
nesting of sea-birds; rushes {Juncus), and a low shrub allied to Rhizophora mangle
cover most of these i.slands. In a few cases, however, Spartina and a few other
marsh grasses offer suitable nesting-sites for Laughing Gulls, Forster's Terns
and possibly one or two other species; yet only three small colonies of Forster's
Terns were found on such islands. The proximity of fishing camps and the lia-
bility of molestation may be responsible for the absence of birds in the majority
of such cases.

The innermost of the islands just referred to are in water so shallow that it
was impossible to reach them with the Seabird, which cannot be safely handled
in much less than four feet of water; and, w^hile I am confident that almost entirely
similar conditions prevail throughout these districts of clustered marsh islands,
a very shallow-draft boat, working among the innermost of the islands, might
discover a few additional colonies of Forster's Terns. The territory uncovered
by the Seabird from the outside could easily be covered in a week or ten days
at he most by a small boat working from the actual mainland.

NESTING COLONIES

1. Shell Keys (Now a reservation). — These keys lie about south of east from
Southwest Pass, Vermilion Bay, and are about four miles south of the mouth of
Oyster Bayou, Marsh Island. The keys form a reef about a mile and a half in
length. The eastern key is the longest and is separated by about a half-mile
from the others. The chart shows the reef as composed of a single key.

These keys were visited May 16 and 17. About 300 Brown Pelicans, 500
Man-o'-War Birds and 900 Royal Terns were seen on the keys. The Terns had
begun to nest on the central key and about 200 nests were found there. About
15 Pelican nests were found on this key and about 20 nests on the western key.
The Man-o'-War Birds, so far as known, use the keys only as a resting-place.

Besides the birds seen on Shell Keys, about 60 Brown Pelicans and 200 Royal
Terns were seen on Diamond Reef Keys, two and one-half miles off shore from
Cheniere la Croix, Marsh Island. These latter keys are merely resting-places.

The Shell Keys are composed entirely of oyster-shell fragments, are devoid
of vegetation, have an average breadth of about 15 feet, and are nowhere more
than three or four feet above ordinary high tide.

2. Caroline Cut Island. — This small island is a portion of Isle Derniere.
It is not named separately on the government charts. It lies west of a pass known
locally as Caroline's Cut.

236

Bird- Lore

I visited this island June 3 and June 20. At the time of the second visit,
Black Skimmers had begun to nest freely. There were about 750 of these burds
•on or about this island. Over 200 nests were found. No other birds were found
nesting here, although 150 Royal Terns, 200 117///^ Pelicans and 300 Brown
Pelicans were seen. The extent of this island is about eight acres. There are a
iew raccoons on it, but otherwise it is an admirable site for nesting.

3. East Timbalier. — Nesting, except among he Black Skimmers, was in
full progress while I was at this island, June 5 to 7. There were present about
.4,500 Laughing Gulls, 5,500 Black Skimmers, 1,750 Louisiana Herons, 8 or 10
Snowy Herons, and 6 or 8 Black-crowned Night Herons. Very few Skimmers'

YOUXG BROWN PELIC.\>-S ON MUD LUMP, S. W. PASS, MISSISSIPPI RIVER

nests were found, but the Laughing Gulls and Louisiana Herons were nesting
freely. The Gulls nest chiefly at the western end of the island, the Herons chiefly
at the eastern end. The area of the island is about 50 acres. It is making at
the eastern end, and washing at the western end. East Timbalier has the
heaviest vegetation of any of the seaward islands, yet raccoons do not appear to
be present.

Other birds seen here were about 200 Royal Terns and 500 Brown Pelicans.

4. North Pass Mud Lumps (All the mud lumps are now a Reservation). —
These lumps are about a mile directly off the pass. Their bearing from Pass a
L'Outre light is N. N. E. On two of these lumps, the larger of the two being
only about one hundred feet across, the following birds were nesting: 25 Laughing

Report of Exploration of Seabird Colonies

237

Gulls, 25 Royal Terns, 50 Forster's Terns, 75 Caspian Terns and 20 Brown
Pelicans. A stop was made here, June 13.

5. J\i.ss (I I.'i hitir M ltd Lumps. — A rather large lump lies a little to the north
of a direct line out of this ]xiss. Its bearing from the light is E. by N. ^N. A
few Royal Terns, 25 Caspian Terns, 25 Laughing Culls and about 125
Forster's Terns were nesting here. This lump was visited June 13.

6. Northeast Pass Mud Lumps. — About twelve islands, with a general bearing
of E. S. E. from Pass a L'Outre light, lie off Northeast Pass. The more northerly
of these lumps are in most cases the larger, and are occupied almost exclusively
bv Brown Pelicans. Of young and adults there were about 600 birds. From 350

LOUISIAX.\ HERONS. E.\ST TIMBALIER

to 400 Forster's Terns and about 500 Laughing Gulls were distributed among
the more southerly islands, and the majority of them were nesting. There were
also about 50 Cabot's Terns in this vicinity, but no certain proof of their nesting
was secured. These lumps were visited June 14.

7. Southwest Pass Mud Lumps. — Just to the east of the new jetties and about
a mile from the lower end, I found about 200 Brown Pelicans nesting on three of
the four lumps in that locality.

On the west of the jetties and near the upper end, two small lumps and two
large lumps were found occupied by about 7,500 Brown Pelicans in every stage
of nesting.

The situation of these Ium})s, within easy reach of the Southwest Pass light-
house and the United States engineers' offices, renders them an ideal location

238 Bird -Lore

for a government reservation. Surveillance here would be a very simple matter.
These lumps were visited on June 15.

FEEDING STATIONS

1. Calcasieu Pass — I had excellent opportunities for observation at this point,
being held there by contrary winds from the evening of May 21 to the morning
of May 26. Calcasieu Pass is the site of the Gulf Biologic Station, a state institu-
tion. The town of Cameron, or Leesville, is about two miles up the river. Except
for this village, the region about Calcasieu Pass is rather isolated. The nearest
town of any size, Lake Charles, is about forty miles distant in a direct line, and
nearly sixty by river. This entire locality offers exceptional advantages as a pre-
serve for both land and water birds. The country is low and open, for the most
part. At the time of my visit, I observed about 50 Least Terns, 50 White Pelicans
and 300 Black Skimmers feeding along the shore and about the pass. Florida
Ducks w^ere nesting plentifully in the vicinity. In winter. Ducks of many species
are present by thousands. In spite of the lateness of my visit, shore birds were
present in great variety and in considerable numbers. On the prairies, Doves,
Meadowlarks, Bob-Whites and Nighthawks are exceedingly abundant. Some
of the larger and less common water-birds, such as the Wood and Glossy Ibises,
Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Duck, and Sandhill Crane are present where deep
swamps and river woods occur in this region. Altogether, this entire locality
seems one of exceptional avian resources.

2. Trinity Bay, Isle Demi ere. — A number of birds were seen June 3 at the
head of the bay, and at a point half-way up the bay. The species and approxi-
mate numbers were as follows: Black Skimmers, 600; Brown Pelicans, 450;
White Pelicans, 175; Royal Terns, 100; Least Terns, 75; Laughing Gulls, 50;
Forster's Terns, 15; Caspian Terns, 10. The nesting season of Black Skimmers
had hardly begun when this locality was visited, but, as they have occupied it
as a breeding place in former seasons, it is very probable that they are nesting
there this summer.

3. Wine Island. — Although shown on the charts a^ a single island, this island
has been divided into two parts. Birds were found on the spits at both ends of
the eastern island, and on the eastern end of the western island. The total bird
population here was: Brown Pelicans, 1,300; White Pelicans, 150; Royal Terns,
400; Black Skimmers, 100; Least Terns, 60. These were the estimates made on
June 4.

4. Ft. Livingston (Barataria Light). — Visited June 7, 10 and 16. About 25
Cabot's Terns and 300 Brown Pelicans were observed in this particular locality.

5. Barataria Bay. — I was in various parts of this bay and its contiguous
waters, June 7-10, and June 16 and 17. 50 White Pelicans, 150 Brown Pelicans,
200 Forster's Terns and about 500 Laughing Gulls included most of the birds seen.

6. Shell Islands, Bastian Bay. — Though these islands seem to afford a very
suitable nesting-site, being somewhat similar to the Shell Keys off Marsh Island,

Report of Exploration of Seabird Colonies

239

few birds were found near them, and none were nesting. I saw, in all, about 25
Royal Terns, 40 Forstcr's Terns and 125 Brown Pelicans.

ENUMERATION OF SPECIES

al feeding stations. (Breeding colonies are

Of hirds seen in nesting colonics anc
marked with an asterisk [*].)

Brown I^elic.\m —

Diamond Reef Keys 60

*Shell Keys 300

Caroline's Cut Island .Soo

Trinity Bay 45°

Wine Island (eastern) 325

Wine Island (western) 1,000

East Timbalicr 5°°

Ft. Livingston ,iOO

Barataria Bay 15°

Shell Island 125

♦North Pass 20

♦Northeast Pass 600

*South\vest Pass 7'Soo

11,630
White Pelican —

Calcasieu Pass 5°

Caroline's Cut Island 200

Trinity Bay 15°

Wine Island (eastern) 200

Barataria Bav 50

650

Least Tern —

Calcasieu Pass 50

Trinity Bay 75

Wine Island (eastern) 06

185
Cabot's Tern —

Ft. Livingston 25

Northeast Pass 50

Caspian Tern—

*North Pass

*Pass a L' Out re.

Royal Tern —

Diamond Reef Keys 200

♦Shell Keys 9°°

Caroline's Cut Island 150

Trinity Bay 100

Wine Island (eastern and western) . . 400

East Timbalier 200

Shell Islands
♦North Pass. .

25

Black Skimmer —

Calcasieu Pass 3°°

♦Caroline's Cut Island 75°

Trinity Bay 600

Wine Island (eastern) 100

♦East Timbalier 5.5°°

Northeast Pass 100

7.350
-i>75o

Louisiana Heron —
*East Timbalier

Laughing Gull —

Trinity Bay 5°

♦East Timbalier 4,5°°

Barataria Bay 5°°

♦North Pass 25

♦Pass a L'Outre 25

♦Northeast Pass • 5°°

5,600

Grand Total 30.340

75 Appro.ximate numbers of birds found breed-

Forster's Tern—
♦Barataria Bay . .

Shell Island....

*North Pass

♦Pass a L'Outre.
♦Northeast Pass .

Southwest Pass .

200

50
50

Brown Pelican 8,500

Forster's Tern 7°°

Caspian Tern 100

Royal Tern - 9°°

Black Skimmer 6,000

Louisiana Heron i>50°

Laughing Gull -5'°°°

240 Bird - Lore

In making the estimate above, considerable difficulty was experienced on
account of the unsettled condition of the birds. This was particularly true on
East Timbalier. Frequent disturbance of the birds here made it almost impossible
to judge the proportion of breeding to non-breeding birds. My estimates in this
respect, therefore, are purely approximate. The estimates of birds seen are reason-
ably accurate.

ROUTE OF TRIP

The general course of my route was from Morgan City to Sabine Pass, and
return, and from Morgan City to Pass a L'Outre, Mississippi river and return.
The first trip occupied the time from May 15 to May 29, and the second trip was
made between June i and June 21. Four days were entirely lost on account of
head winds; three Sundays we lay at anchor and two days we stayed in port at
Morgan City, while putting the Seabird on the ways for copper painting and small
repairs. The rest of the time was spent either 'n making destinations or in studying
conditions ashore. A log was kept for brief entries of the daily course, including
all stops. A copy of the exact itinerary, as entered in this book, will be furnished
on request.

COURTESIES EXTENDED

At the Gulf Biologic Station, Mr. M. H. Spaulding, who was in charge at the
time of my visit, did everything possible to make my stay, and that of my crew, a.
pleasant one. At East Timbalier, Mr. Will Oliver, the lightkeeper, cooperated
with me in warning off violators of the state laws, and furnished some of the
material for the erection of large warning notices. At Southwest Pass jetties, the
United States engineers put at my command what information they had.

In conclusion, I wish to express my satisfaction at the faithful performance
of their duties by my crew. Captain Frank Couvillier and Mate O. C. Colson.

1 SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER 2. VeRMILION FLYCATCHER, M/

3. Vermilion Flycatcher, female
I One-half natural sizei

i6irti = tore

A BI-MONTHLY MAQAZENE

DBVOTED TO THE STUDY AND PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OrrieiAL Oroan of thc Audubon SoeicTii*

Vol. IX November — December, 1907 No. 6

A Thrashing by Thrashers

By HERBERT K. JOR

With photographs by the author

SOMEWHERE, I had read that the Brown Thrasher is at times very bold in
defending its nest, even from human intrusion. But as the years slipped
by and I had inspected nest after nest of this species, in every case finding
the owners as timid as thc average song-bird, I began to wonder whether the
story was not the product of some nature-fakir's art, which needed the prover-
bial grain of salt. But one day I found out the truth of the matter.

On the afternoon of June i8, 1906, toward sundown, I was driving homeward
along a country road, on one side of which was a farmhouse, and on the other
a bushy pasture. Here I saw a Brown Thrasher fly across the road just ahead
of me, carrying in its bill a large worm. It flew down into the pasture and alighted
upon the top of a dead sprout which projected from a thick clump of bushes.
After pausing a moment to look around, in order to be sure that the coast was
clear, down it went into the midst of the thicket. It was evident that there was
a nest somewhere near that spot, so I hitched the horse, took my 4 x 5 camera and
tripod, and went to investigate. But, though I made a careful search of the
thicket into which the Thrasher had gone, I could find no sign of the nest. After
looking it through again without success, I was about to look further away when
I began to hear some hissing sounds, which increased in vehemence as I began
to follow up this clue. It proved to be no snake, but the Brown Thrasher, sitting
close on a nest which was built into a cavity of the ground under the bushes.
There the bird remained, though I was but a step away, looking up into my face
and continuing to hiss, braving me and daring me to touch it.

Withdrawing a little, I made ready the camera on the tripod. But the presen-
tation of that blunderbuss was too much for the Thrasher's nerves. It ran off into
the bushes, where it was joined by its mate, and both of them set up a great outcry.
I could now catch glimpses of them both, and discovered that the brighter-hued
one, the male, was the one which had been on the nest. No wonder they were
angry and anxious, for they had five promising young — ragged and uncouth, to be
sure — but fine, healthy young birds. After opening the bushes, to let in a little

242

Bird- Lore

more light upcMi this interesting subject, I set the camera upon the shortened
tripod, decked it with fohage, attached a thread, set the shutter for an exposure
of one second, and retired awhile. The birds soon stopped their scolding, so I
quietly returned and discovered that the male bird was again on the nest. I pulled
the thread, and was glad to see that my subject did not mo\e. He even allowed
me to creep up behind the camera, change plates and make exposures by hand.
But when I tried to push the camera nearer, he beat a retreat. It was now getting

too dark for further work that day, so I put back the bushes in order and pro-
ceeded homeward.

Owing to trips away and rainy weather, it was not till four days later, June 22,
that I was able to resume the work, this time with a reflecting camera. Again
I found the male on duty. He slipped off, as before, and again I opened the
bushes, and then, very innocently, put out my hand to the nest to remove an
obstructing leaf. I was so surprised and startled that I almost fell over backwards
when instantly the male Thrasher dashed from the shrubbery behind the nest and
struck the offending hand a stinging blow. Instantly, he withdrew again and took
his station behind the nest, waiting to see what I would do. As I was not looking
for a fight, but for pictures, I stepped back a bit and squatted, waiting for the

A Thrashing by Thrashers

243

brave dclVnder to make the next move. Thou.^di it was mid-aflernoon and the June
sun was (|uite hot, and in a very sliort time the young, now about old enough lo
leave the iiesl. began to grow restless. The devoted father noticed this, and
came at once to their relief. Running out from this shelter, he took his stand
over them, spreading out wings and tail so as to make a perfect canopy to shield
them from the sun. How impressive he looked as he bravely did his duty, with
an air of being fearless and resigned to whatever might befall, if only he might
protect his hcli)less little ones! The female was back in the thicket, exhorting

BROWN THRASHER AND YOUNG

him, I took it, to be brave, — though she took good care not to expose herself
to danger.

With the reflecting camera, I then advanced, and, presenting the instrument
as near to him as I cared to, made a couple of exposures. Then I wanted a differ-
ent pose of the brave bird, so I extended my foot toward him. Instantly he
pounced at my leg, struck it a quick, angry blow, and hastened back to the young,
this time sitting on the nest as though incubating. After getting his picture in this
position, I decoyed him off again and again. After each attack he would generally
go off into the thicket, whence in a short time he would return to the nest and there
assume some new and striking pose. One such was when he stood over the young
and some of them poked out their heads through the feathers of his wing to see
for themselves what was going on. Sometimes, when I made only a slight feint,

244 Bird - Lore

he would run part way to meet me, and stand out in the open in a defiant attitude
while I snapped him.

During the course of this fracas, the young had one by one crawled out of the
nest and into the shade of the thicket, — all but one which was more puny than the
rest, and could not get up out of the rather deep cup. It was fortune for me that
this was so, for the brave little father was as ready to incur danger for one as for
all. His fine example at length seemed to inspire his mate, for she began to grow
more threatening in her advances, and she even came out in front of the nest,
where I secured just one snap-shot of her standing on a low, flat rock.

Having now used up a couple of boxes of plates and secured pictures of about
every possible position, I thought I would see what they would do if I actually
handled the young. So I started to lay hold of the chick in the nest. But no sooner
had I touched him than like a whirlwind, with shrieks of rage and despair, both
Thrashers precipitated themselves upon me. Seizing my fingers with their claws,
they hung on, scratching like badgers, nipping my hand here and there with their
sharp bills, and beating it furiously with their wings. Then they darted off into
the thicket, and again and again I touched the young one, with the same result.
The whole performance so interested me that I felt no injury from their attack.
When I bethought myself to look at my hand, I saw that it was dotted with little
drops of blood, where they had scratched or bitten through the skin. Then I
wrapped a handkerchief around as armor and let them try their strength on that.
If I put my foot near the nest, they went for that in the same vindictive fashion.

My only lack was of an assistant, to photograph the birds in the act of attack-
ing me. It was too late to secure one that afternoon. The next day I would have
brought my son, but the rain poured down unceasingly, and on the following day
the thrashing Thrashers and their offspring had retired from the bloody field of
the hard-fought battle and the glorious victory. No doubt they believed that they
had worsted and routed a man, and henceforth and forever Thrasher art, ballad
and literature will, of course, prate of arms and of the man who, on a memorable
day, baffled and beaten, backward reeled from some stubborn birds and a barren
field. As for the man in the case, he no longer doubts the Thrasher prowess, and,
even while nursing his sore hand, took pleasure in describing to interested audi-
tors his rather unusual experience in receiving a thrashing from small but experi-
enced professional Thrashers.

1II1>''''J ' •111,,-

Around the Horn for Petrels

By JOHN TREADWELL NICHOLS

With photographs hy the author

THERK is a glamour which liangs about tlie sea, due perhaps to its dangers,
its wildness, its mystery. There is a peculiar fascination in the study of
pelagic birds.

For some years the writer has been particularly interested in the Albatrosses
and Petrels, and in the latter part of the year 1906 was fortunate enough to make
a trip to their center of abundance, the Southern Ocean. Some species of this
group occur on all oceans, but to find them in abundance one should cross the
parallel of, say ;^_^° south latitude. At about this point the weather changes irom
good to bad. Soutli of it are the westerly gales and the birds.

The ship, a square-rigged, iron sailing vessel w-hich plies between New York
and Honolulu, T. H., averaging about one year to the round trip, left her wharf,
near the Battery, early one August morning. That same day, w^hen well to sea,
Mother Carey's Chickens became common. As to size, color and habits, birds
of the Petrel order tend to be grouped about certain types. One of the best marked
of these groups is the Mother Carey's Chickens. This again is separable into two
structurall}^ quite different divisions. One has short legs and generally a forked
tail, and is characteristic of the Northern Hemisphere. A representative of it,
Leach's Petrel, breeds on our coast from Maine northward. The Mother Carey's
Chickens that were following the ship w'ere, however, a long-legged, square-tailed
species, Wilson's Petrel, which breeds in the far south in our winter, the southern
summer, and, crossing the equator, is common off our coast in summer. For a few-
days they were about the ship, then they were gone.

We passed through a great, practically birdless area in mid- Atlantic, and
once seven days went by without a bird,- — the longest period of the voyage, —
perhaps of my life. One day, out in this barren region, a beautiful white Tropic
Bird was seen resting on the water. When the ship came abreast of it, it rose and
flew away with characteristic flapping flight, and with a glass it was possible to
see plainly its elongated central tail-feathers. Tropic Birds are as truly ocean
wanderers as any fowl of the sea, and particularly characteristic of fine weather
and the trade-wind belts of the Pacific. Here they are not numerous, and sometimes
days go by without them; but again there are several flying about the ship, and
their constant nasal cry becomes as familiar as the sunshine and the dancing
trade-wind waves. They are higher flyers than the Petrel tribe, and this and their
flapping flight mark them at once as of a different kidney from those low-sailing
birds left in the westerly weather farther south. Sailors call them 'bo'sns,' and
liken their elongated central tail-feathers to the ' marlin-spike' a boatswain might
be expected to carry with him.

But, to return to Petrels. As we approached the equator, with South America
drawing closer to the west and Africa to the east, there was a Mother Carey's

(2+5 )

246

Bird - Lore

Chicken again, that looked so Hke those left in the (lulf Stream that it was pro-
bably the same species — Wilson's Petrel — journeying south to its breeding grounds.
None could l)e secured, however, so the identification must stand as hypothetical.
Because we entered south latitude in September, wliich would correspond
to our northern March bad weather and the birds were found well to the north.
On September t8, about 20° south, there was a lone Cape Pigeon, not positively
identified. That evening a heavy wind squall with rain and a little lightning
bringing the wind about southwest, gave us our first taste of bad weather. Tw^o
days later there were ' Mollyhawks, ' and the da\- after that Cai)e Pigeons. The
smaller southern Albatrosses, exclusive of the gra\-, wedge-tailed Pluvhetria, the
weirdest looking bird of the sea, belong to one type. Although systemati.sts make

two divisions of them, one of which includes also the large Albatrosses, — they are
lumped b}- the sailor under the name " Mollyhawk ' or ' Molly, ' and the name
'Albatross,' is reserved for the larger birds which difTer also in color-pattern.
Sailors claim that the 'Albatross' has one more joint in its wing than any other
bird, and while doubting the anatomical truth of the statement, we still must
confess that the narrow wing and elongated upper joints do give somewliat that
impression.

Petrels and Albatrosses are birds primarily of the sea. No less truly, however^
are they birds of the air and wind. The high winds of the region they inhabit,
instead of being an obstacle, are to them a source of power. The sailing flight
shared by many species (all the Albatrosses, the Giant Fulmar, the familiar litde
spotted Cape Pigeon, etc.) is particularly adapted to wind, and perhaps this sail-
ing flight is the most interesting, and to a landsman the most striking thing about
these birds, not even excepting the great bulk and wing spread of the Albatross

Around the Horn for Petrels

247

YOUNG WANDERING ALBATROSS
poor picture, which nevertheless shows the characteristic
scaling flight, low over the water

which afterwards makes (om-
mon Itirds seen unnaturally
-mail. They all will occasion-
ally give their wings a few
flaps, but the sailing greatlx
predominates. I cannot do
better than quote from my
note-book.

"September 20. A gray
day; the sun barely more
than burning through the
clouds in the middle of the
day. Not much wind, and
the sea very smooth, but for
the swell. Heard a cetacean blow close to the ship, and had a glimpse of his
rather light-colored, brownish black, and his small dorsal fin. Saw^ two or three
Mother Carey's Chickens settle and sit on the water astern of the ship, which
seems worth noting, because one usually sees them on the wing. There were
a couple of small Albatrosses about,— the first this voyage. It was fine to watch
these birds sweeping along in their sailing flight, at intervals interrupted by a few
flaps of their great wings; turning this way and that, often leaning far over to one
side; now close to the water, now curving into the air some yards above it. They
seemed to flap their wings less frequently later when the wind was a little fresher,
than earlier with less wind.

"September 22. Towards evening watched a small Albatross come close to
the ship, and then fly off into the distance. I watched it as continuously as I could,
and did not see it flap its wings at all. I believe it was sailing all the time. There
was a strong wind blowing.

" October 29. In the afternoon there was a strong wind blowing. I was watch-
ing carefully the flight of some Cape.
Pigeons, a few 'Mollies' and a Cape Dove
or slender-billed Fulmar. The flight of the
^^^^ ihree was very similar and illustrated well

^^^H^ the sailing, Petrel flight at its highest devel-

^Bb ^>^^ opment. Occasionally they gave their wings

^l^lj^^M^ a few flaps, but only occasionally, and the

^^^^ general impression was that they were sail-

^H ing, sailing, sailing always. The birds were

V sometimes horizontal, but often one wing

^ was lower than the other, and frequently

the bird was thus tilted far over to oneside.
'- I noticed that they turned toward the down

^[J^^^!^^^^^^!"^"^"^" wing, and probably this is a, if not the

248

Bird- Lore

chief, factor in their steering method. Occasionally, I saw a bird flapping its
wings often, as though it were for the moment tired of sailing, or found diflficulty
in getting properly started, but this was exceptional.

" The Cape Dove seems to be much like the Cape Pigeon in flight and habits,
■coming about the ship with equal fearlessness and being equally eager for food
which may come from her. The light mark near the end of the wing also suggests
the stronger though not dissimilarly placed mark in the Cape Pigeon, and I find
it very useful in recognizing the species.

" Later I had a chance to watch a few Phcrbetria and one or two large Alba-
trosses. The flight is the same as that just described. Perhaps Phoebetria is more
inclined than the other birds to half flap its wings, a tremor, which it is hard to
•decide to have been flapping, or simply adjustment of the wings in sailing.

"October 31. At sunset watched a Phcebetria sailing about, back and
forth, at times passing directly over the ship, and when highest in the air, I should
say a little higher than her masts, I watched it for some time, constantly, until
it sailed astern and I lost track of it for the moment. Only once or twice was it out
of my sight for an instant, and I did not see it flap its wings once. It was sailing
-constantly. There was a breeze, but it was not blowing hard."

One thing all the members of the Petrel order with which I am familiar have
in common, — they fly low. Their method seems to be to fly about over the sea
scrutinizing the miles of salt water which slip by below them for what they may
pick up; at the same time ready to take the hint from another more fortunate
bird which they see drop down to some food it has spied. Luck must play a big
part in this game, and who can say how many miles sometimes go by without
yielding return. But miles mean little to them, and a day's gorging doubtless
-compensates for days of want.

C.A.PE HORN'

The Heath Hen
A Sketch of a Bird Now on the Verge of Extinction

By DR. GEORGE W . FIELD.

Chairiiian, Massachusetts Commission on Fisheries and tlanic

Dl'RIXC; the past two years much interest has been shown to save the last
remnant of tlie iuislern Pinnated Grouse or Heath Hen (Tympanuchtts
ciipido). It was formerly distributed from Cape Ann to Virginia, and
was especially abundant in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Long
Island and New Jersey; but immense numbers of adult birds were destroyed by
guns and traps, while the young fell victims to the colonial cat and to forest
fires. So abundant was this bird in the dark ages of ornitholog)', when indis-
criminate slaughter prevailed without thought of the bird's economic value or
place and function in Nature, that the articles of apprentices often specified
that they should not be compelled to eat the meat of this Grouse, (locally
called 'Heath Hen'), oftener than twice weekly.

Between 1800 and 1840 the bird had been generally exterminated in Massa-
chusetts. In 1844 Giraud believed it to be extinct on Long Island; as late as 1869
it was still found in New Jersey, and today the very last stand of the bird is on the
island of Martha's Vineyard.

The eastern bird was first distinguished frt)m the western t.\pe by William
Brewster, and described by him under the name Cupidonia cupido (Auk, January
1885, p. 82). In 1890 Mr. Brewster estimated that 120 to 200 birds, inhabiting
about forty square miles, were left over from the previous winter. This number
has slowly but surely diminished. Careful daily observations, extending from
October 1906 to May 1907, showed that the inhabited area has become restricted
to about thirty square miles, and the probable number of individuals to less than
one hundred. By actual count of the flocks very definitely located in various,
sections of the range, seventy-seven different individuals were accounted for.
In May 1906, a destructive forest fire swept practically the entire breeding
grounds, and very few birds were reared that season. The summer of 1907, how-
ever, was a favorable one. We know that at least ten broods were successfully
reared, and our census this year will probably show that the number of birds has
more than doubled.

This Grouse (called 'Hethen' by the natives) has been a well-known and
characteristic bird of the island as far back as memory or local tradition extends..
Opinions are widely held that from time to time western Pinnated Grouse or
Prairie Hens have been liberated on the island. Careful inquiries indicate that
the facts are as follows: (i) In 1859 Dr. Fisher liberated Ruffed Grouse and
Quail on the island, but no western Prairie Chickens; (2) In 1902 specimens of
the western Prairie Chicken {Tympanuchus americanus), which had survived
the sportmen's show at Boston, were liberated on Martha's Vineyard, but no-
suljscqucnt indications of their i)resence are known.

(249)

250 Bird - Lore

In 1877, foxes and coons were introduced for sport and later liberated from
spite, but it is probable that these have now been exterm'nated, and at present
the chief checks to the increase of the Heath Hen are (i) the forest fires, which
in recent years have swept large areas of the breeding grounds almost annually,
usually during the nesting period; (2) cats, whether kept or abandoned by the
summer visitors, feed upon the young Heath Hen, Terns and other birds; (3) cer-
tain species of hawks, notably the Goshawk, are known to kill considerable
numbers of adult Grouse; (4) with the increase of poultry raising on the islands,
particularly of the Turkey, there is danger of the introduction of enteric diseases,
notably "the black head," caused by the internal parasite Amoeba melcegridis,
which is equally fatal to Turkeys, Ruffed Grouse and Quail, but which is also
spread by domestic fowls.

About 1813 the Heath Hen disappeared from the district around Springfield,
Massachusetts. In 1824 it was reported as no longer common around Boston.
Cape Cod was the last stand on the mainland. In 1831 the ' Grouse or Heath Hen'
had become so reduced in numbers that a law was passed making a close season
from March i, to September i. In spite of this, the decline continued. Chapter
170, Acts of 1837, made a close season of four years upon this bird, which, by
Chapter 7, Acts of 1841, was extended for five years. These acts, however, per-
mitted any town to suspend this law in that town for such a period as they deemed
expedient. Some towns took advantage of this to secure special privileges for
the inhabitants of that town, e. g. Tisbury, on May 6, 1842, "Voted that the Law
for the Preservation of the Grouse or Heath Hen be so far suspended in the Town
•of Tisbury as to allow the inhabitants of said town to kill, take or sell Grouse
or Heath Hens from the first day of December to the tenth day of December inclu-
sive, provided they hunt them without the aid of dogs." The action of a subse-
quent town indicates that the decline in numbers was rapid. On April i, 1850,
the same town of Tisbury voted to suspend this law so as to permit the hunting
(without dogs) of these birds on the "12 and 13 of November next." (Perhaps
for the purpose of providing a substitute for the Thanksgiving Turkey.) From
this period to i9'^5 there were no systematic attempts to enforce the law. The
number of birds killed usually equaled or frequently exceeded the annual in-
crease. The islanders resented the intrusion of non-resident hunters, but many
birds were killed by rabbit hunters and by duck hunters crossing the island to the
ducking stands on the south shore. Some birds were taken by collectors, and
these skins, supplemented by others bearing fraudulent data, were disposed of
•extensively to museums and natural history stores.

During all this period, however, there was kept alive the feeling of local pride
in the Heath Hen as a peculiar possession of Martha's Vineyard. It has been even
stated that sentiments wellnigh voodoo-like in tendency were current on the
island, — e. g., that a boy must eat Heath Hen before reaching a certain age. The
writer, however, from careful inquiry, is of the opinion that there is no basis for
such statements.

The Heath Hen

251

Siiuf alnidsl nothinj,' has been recorded of the habits of the Heath Hen, the
ioUowiiig notes, made by the writer on the spot, may be of interest.

Maktha's Vi.xeyakd, May i, 1906

At 6 I'. M., we arrived al the point where we hoped to thid traces of the Heath
Hen. In a cleared t'leki aljout thirty rods from the road we di.stinctly saw two large
birds. On our nearer approach they squatted close, and their protective coloration
was so effective that, although we knew almost exactly the precise location of the
birds, we could not distinguish them. We crawled behind the nearest cover, and

THE HOME OF THE H

The men are looliing at the nest shcjw n in tin nt\t illu~tr,ili. m.
Photographed by George W. Field

remained motionless for perhaps ten minutes. At length the long shadows from
the descending sun enabled us to distinguish the birds as they crouched with head
close to the ground, among the very scanty vegetation. After another interval of
motionless activity on our part, one bird quickly arose and began feeding, appar-
ently without suspicion; soon two more birds arose as if by magic from the ground.
Then began a most interesting series of antics. These birds were joined by five
others, coming in singly and on foot from the scrub in various directions. The
birds came frequentlv within forty paces of our hiding-place, and in one instance
alighted on a small oak tree twentv-three paces frf)m our camera. While not near

252 Bird -Lore

enough for successful photographing, we were well situated for using our field
glasses. The birds were all actively feeding in the open field, apparently on
grasshoppers and other insects, but nipping red clover leaves very freely.
They moved leisurely about. Frequently two birds, sometimes as much as one
hundred to one hundred and fifty yards apart, ran directly toward each other,
dancing and blowing on the way, with the so-called 'neck wings' pointed upward
in a V form. On facing each other, both squatted and remained motionless from
one to five minutes. We could see none of the nodding and pecking motions of the
head so commonly indulged in by domestic fowls when fighting; rarely was there
sparring with the bill or striking with the feet and wings. In twelve or fifteen
encounters, only three or four times did they strike thus, and only once did we
see ' feathers fly. ' Most of the energ)- seems to be spent in posturing and blowing.
Generally, one of the combatants backed slowly away, suddenly stopping if the
opponent advanced too rapidly. In all these fighting tactics the similarity of
habits with those of the domestic fowl were very marked. From all directions-
came the peculiar ' toot, ' like distant tug-boats in a fog, all having whistles of the
same pitch. This call may be well imitated by blowing gently into the neck of
a tw^o-drachm homoeopathic vial. Each call extends over a period of two seconds,,
and is repeated at frequent intervals. It is prefaced by a run of about one yard,
with very rapid, mincing steps. The strides, however, are so short that the bird
does not advance rapidly. The tail is spread and the wings dropped after the
manner of the strutting Turkey cock. When the tail is spread, the white under-
tail coverts are conspicuous, and remind one forcibly of the 'white flag' of the
deer and antelope or of our gray rabbit. The head is then depressed and the neck
outstretched forward until it is about parallel with the surface of the ground; the
neck tufts are elevated to a V-shape. The bright, orange-colored air-sacs on each
side of the neck, directly behind the tufts of feathers, are slowly inflated until
they reach apparently the size of a tennis-ball, w^hen they appear like two small,
ripe oranges, one protruding from either side of the neck. The duration of the
call appears to closely coincide with the period of inflation, and seems to be
emitted as the air enters the sac, rather than when the air is expelled. The collapse
of the sac is sudden. The sound is ventriloquial, and it is very difficult to h cate
the direction or distance whence it comes, unless the bird can be seen. A second
sort of call is much less frequent, and closely resembles a single syllable of the
hoot of the Barred Owl.

Another characteristic antic was a peculiar combination of a short run, a
sudden jump of three to five feet into the air, and a rapid uncoordinated flop and
scramble in the air, the bird usually alighting within ten or twenty feet of the start-
ing point, but turning so as to face at least at right angles, or even in the opposite
direction from which it started. When in the air, it emits a peculiar cacophonous
call or cackle, which, when heard at a distance, gives the impression of a hearty
burst of laughter. The purpose of these semi-somersault-like manoeuvers ap-
peared to be to attract the attention of other birds, ])ossibly even as a challenge^

The Heath Hen

2S3

for frequently they seemed to j)recede the somewhat pacific duels described
above. The effect of these sounds, together with the 'tooting' calls in the mists
which so often obtain in their habitat before sunrise, is weird in the extreme. At
4:15 A. M. on May 2, these sounds were practically continuous, without appreci-
able interval, apparently from all directions. At 4:45 A. M. six birds could be
counted, all in sight at once. They appeared to resort to a particular clear space
of about two acres in (.■xteiit, wIrtc tlie antics just described were carried on. All
the birds, except one, were observed to have the orange-colored air-sacs. These

THE FIRST XEST OF THE HEATH' HEX TO BE DESCRIBED

AND PHOTOGRAPHED

Photographed by George W. Field, June 2, 1906

were probably cocks. We saw only one bird which we suspected might be a hen.
The other hens were probably nesting, or at least had secured mates, and no
longer resorted to the promenading place. As the sun rose high the 'tooting'
became less frequent; the birds became more restless, often flying to the neigh-
boring low oaks, nesting there until disturbed. The flight reminds one of that
characteristic of the Carrion Crow or Black Vulture of the south {Catharista
uriibu), — a succession of four to ten strong, rapid wing-beats, followed by a sail
of one hundred to two hundred yards on set wings; this is repeated until the bird
again alights or passes beyond the range of vision. The line of flight is usually
a straight line, twenty to twenty-five feet above the ground. Of our native birds,
the manner of flight most resembles our Meadowlark.

25 +

Bird- Lore

Thebird gives one the impression of admirable adaptation to the open country, —
a large, muscular, hardy, vigorous bird, able to withstand snow and sleet, in size
equal or even exceeding the Rufifed Grouse in weight. Inhabiting open fields
and pastures, subsisting on insects, leaves, seeds and wild berries, in a country
where the absence of foxes and raccoons reduces the numbers of its enemies prac-
tically to cats, men, skunks, field-mice and rarely some species of hawks, the
problem of maintaining and bringing back the bird to its former abundance
seems practicable.

Of the total number, twenty-one, which we observed on Ma\- i and 2, twenty
were plainly males; of the sex of one we were uncertain.

On June 4, a set of nine Heath Hen's eggs was taken and placed under a ban-
tam hen, selected for this purpose because she appeared to be unusually tract-
able; but on June 20, when one of the chicks hatched it was immediately killed
bv the hen, which attacked it viciouslv before it was entirelv out of the shell. The

, HE AMERICAN AH
tK^ "ii; shown hi situ in the p.^^^v
Photographed by J. Otis Wheelock

1 L RAL HISTORY

lion

The Heath Hen 255

other Heatli Hen's eggs failed to hatch, and onlyone contained a well-developed
embryo. After destroying the Heath Hen chick, the hen was given some pheasant
eggs, hatched them, and reared the chicks with all possible care.

An injured Heath Hen was received from Martha's Virfeyard, November 19,
but refused to feed, and, though placed in a pen with a tamed Ruffed Grouse,
lived only a week in the pen.

The only nest known to the writer was found in oak woods among sprouts
at the base of a large stump and contained either twelve or thirteen eggs, about
June 10. William Brewster has a set of seven eggs taken July 24, 1885.

The value of the birds as a local asset was early appreciated by man\' of the
best people, but to J. E. Howland is due the credit for initiating the action which
promises to prevent for all time the extermination of this bird. Mr. Howland
called the attention of the Massachusetts Commissioners on Fisheries and Game
to the conditions, and a permanent guardian was located in the midst of the region
inhabited by birds, to study their habits and to enforce the law. Amply supported
by public opinion, Representative Mayhew introduced a bill, placing under the
control and use of the Commission on Fisheries and Game such lands as may be
donated, leased, purchased or otherwise placed under temporary or permanent
control as a refuge and breeding area for the Heath Hen. Already $2,338 has been
pledged by public-spirited individuals and associations for the purpose, and about
1600 acres placed under special protection. In order that the expense may be
minimized, the legislature authorized the commissioners to take, "for and in the
name of the Commonwealth, such unimproved lands upon Martha's Vineyard,
not exceeding one thousand acres, as they may deem necessary for the purpose
of making fire-stops for the protection from fire of the feeding and breeding
grounds of the Pinnated Grouse, or of otherwise securing the maintenance and
increase of such Pinnated Grouse or of any other species of wild birds upon said
islands." For work "incidental to these purposes, and for an investigation and
reports upon the best methods and probable cost of protecting and increasing
the colonies of birds on the island," two thousand dollars was appropriated by
the last ^lassachusetts legislature.

KZii^^M''^-'--^

A Season's Field Work

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

With photographs by the author

THE many readers of Bird-Lore who have expressed an interest in the
' Habitat Groups ' of North American birds, now being prepared in the
American Museum of Natural History, may care to hear briefly of the field
work accomplished in connection with these groups during the past season. This
work can be prosecuted only during the nesting season.

The studies for this year were, therefore, planned to cover as long a nesting
period as possible, beginning with southern species which nest as early as January,
and ending with northern birds which are not concerned with domestic affairs
until July. In brief, the schedule was as follows:

March, southeastern Bahamas for Alan-o'-war Birds and Boobies (Siila

leiicogastra).
April, southern border of the Florida Everglades for Spoonbills and Ibises.
May, South Carolina for White Egrets.
June, plains of Saskatchewan for Wild Geese and Grebes.
July, summits of the Canadian Rockies for Ptarmigan and other arctic-
alpine birds.
The species of birds here included show wide variation in form and in nesting
habit, while the country in which they live, — their habitat — presents an even
greater diversity as we pass from a coral islet to a mangrove swamp or cypress
forest, or over rolling plains to snow-clad mountain crests. The subjects selected
were thus designed to add to the zoological as well as the geographical instruc-
tiveness of the exhibits as a whole.

A series of mishaps so prolonged the Bahaman expedition that I was pre-
vented from reaching the Everglades in time to find Spoonbills nesting, but, with
this exception, the schedule outlined above was followed with eminently satis-
factory results.

On March 28, with Dr. Alfred M. Mayer and Mr. George Shiras, 3d, I sailed
from Miami, Florida, for Nassau, Bahamas, aboard the 58-foot auxiliary ketch
' Physalia, ' belonging to the Marine Biological laboratory of the Carnegie Insti-
tution. Dr. Alfred M. Mayer, director of the laboratory, was in command.
To Dr. Mayer's cooperation the Museum is indebted for the success which
attended our efforts to secure material and studies for the group of Alan-o'-War
Birds and Boobies; indeed, had it not been for Dr. Mayer's skillful seamanship,
it is probable that the expedition would not have returned.

Nassau was reached March 29, at midnight. Laboratory supplies were here
landed for the use of members of the staff, who proposed to pursue their studies
in this vicinity, and, permission to collect the birds needed having been prompdy
granted by the Bahaman Government, we set sail for Cay Verde, March 31,
at 7 A. M.

(256)

A Season's Field Work

257

Cay Verde is an uninhabited islet of some forty acres area, situated on the
eastern edge of the Columbus Bank, between the Ragged Islands and Inaugua.
It is only 250 miles from Nassau, but, owing to adverse weather conditions, which
at times threatened us with serious disaster, ten days were required for the voyage.

The absence of definite information, both as to the number of birds frequent-
ing Cay Verde and the time of their nesting, made the outcome of our trip more
or less uncertain, and the difficulties encountered in reaching this remote islet
added in no small degree to the pleasure with which we found it thickly populated
with Boobies and Man-o'-war Birds, whose nesting season was at its height.

'.js^i^m^^w^m.

CAMP ON CAY VERDE

The birds in the air are Boobies

There is no harbor at Cay Verde, and, fearing that we might be forced by
a'storm to leave, Mr. Shiras and I camped on the islet, while Dr. Mayer anchored
off shore, changing his position from one side of the Cay to the other, as the wind
required.

We estimated that there were about three thousand Boobies and five hundred
Man-o'-war Birds on Cay Verde. The Boobies nested on the ground, the Man-o'-
war Birds in the dense thickets of sea-grape and cactus. Some nests contained
fresh eggs, but the larger number held young birds in various stages of develop-
ment, while a few young were already on the wing. The nesting conditions, there-
fore, presented an epitome of the whole nesting season.

The Boobies were remarkably tame, our intrusion occasioning surprise and

258

Bird - Lore

resentment rather than fear. One could walk among them as one would through
a poultry }ard, examining the nests and their occupants without attempt at con-
cealment.

The Man-o'-war Birds were more suspicious, but still were approached
without difficulty. Under these circumstances photographs and specimens were

"^ ^ ' ?.-^^:P^*|gi

fiSMd^f 'js

i

CYPRESSES IX WHICH WHITE EGRETS WERE NESTING

The blind from which the birds were studied may be seen in the upper right-hand

corner of the picture

easily secured, and at the end of three days satisfactory material was collected
for the proposed group. A much larger period would be required to make ade-
quate studies of the life of this bird community. Cay Verde was left April 1 1, and,
after encountering the usual unfavorable conditions and some mishaps, we arrived
at Miami April 29.

It being now too late to do the work planned for southern Florida. I pro-

A Season's Field Work

259

ceeded to South Carolina, being joined Ijy Mr. J. D. Figgins of the Museum's
department of pre])aration, and by Bruce Horsfall, the artist, who has so success-
cessfirilv painted many of the backgrounds of the groups already completed.

It has long l)een our desire to include the White Egret in the series of 'Habitat
Groups,' hut plume hunters have brought this bird so near the verge of extermi-
nation that our efforts to lind a 'rookery' in which suitable studies might be made
had been fruitless. However, in February, 1907, information was received of
the existence of a colony of Egrets on a large game i)reserve in South Carolina,
where the Museum was readily granted permission to make the necessary studies
and collections. On our arrival, every facility in the way of transportation,
guides, etc., was accorded us.

When the ground in which the rookery is situated was acquired by the club
now owning it, plume hunters had nearly exterminated the aigrette-bearing
Herons which formerly inhabited it in large numbers. A few had escaped, and,
after sev^en years of protection, they have formed one of the largest colonies of this
much persecuted bird now existing in the United States. Six other species of
Herons were found nesting with the White Egrets, the whole making a rookery
such as existed commonly in the days of Audubon, but which in the United States
are now almost unknown.

A former 'plumer, ' now chief warden in charge of the preserve, stated that
both the little White or Snowy Egret and the Roseate Spoonbill were once found
in the region, but their complete annihilation left no stock which, under pro-

WHITE EGRI.l' .
Made from the blind shown

preceding piclur

26o Bird - Lore

tection, might prove the source of an ever-increasing progeny. It is doubtful if
these birds could be introduced, but, in any event, the preservation of the White
Egret alone is a sufficient cause for thanksgiving, and bird-lovers will learn with
gratification of the existence of an asylum where this beautiful creature will long
be assured of a haven of refuge.

The Egrets were nesting high in the cypress trees growing in a lake several
miles in length. In order, therefore, to make the photographic studies so essen-
tial to the taxidermist in securing life-like poses for his subjects, as well also, as. to

RIXGED-BILLED AND C.ALIFORXIA GULLS, CRAXE LAKE, SASK A ICHEWAX

learn something of the Egrets' little-known home life, the artificial umbrella-blind
employed on many previous occasions was placed fifty feet up in a cypress tree,
and draped with Spanish 'moss' (Tillandsia). From it photographs of the birds
nesting in neighboring trees were eventually made.

The surroundings here were of great beauty, and Mr. Horsfall's carefully-
made studies will no doubt enable him to reproduce in his background the singular
charm of a flooded cypress forest.

On June 5, accompanied by Mr. L. A. Fuertes, as artist, I left New York for
Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, on the line of the Canadian Pacific railway. This
is a region of rolling plains dotted with lakes and ponds, which, when the water
is not too alkaline, support in their shallower parts a dense growth of rushes, —
the home of Grebes, Coots, Bitterns, Franklin's Gulls, Ruddv, Red-headed

A Season's Field Work

261

and Canvas-back l)u(k>. Ahoiil ihv t^rassy borders of the lakes and sloughs,
Mallards, Gadwalls, Pintails, Widgeon, Blue-winged Teal and other Ducks
nested. These species were also found on islands in the lakes where alone the
Wild Goose was known to nest, while some small islets were virtually covered
by hosts of Gulls and Pelicans.

On the prairies, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwits and Bartramian
Sandpipers laid their eggs. The region has well been called the nursery of wild
fowl, as at one time were our border states to the south. But the advance of civili-
zation, which first transforms a buffalo range to a cattle countrv, and later to a

^^■^

CAMP AT PTARMIGAX PASS

wheat ranch, has already reached the early stages of its agricultural development
about Maple Creek, and the forced retreat of the wild foW to the more remote
north is onl\- a ciuestion of time. The Canadian Government would do well to
set aside some of its still unsettled lands as permanent breeding reservations, to
w^hich each year, the water-fowls could return to nest. Such reservations would
in truth be nurseries, and, in permitting a bird to reproduce, would be of infin-
itely more importance than preserves which afford protection only during the
winter.

Near Majjle Creek, materials were secured for groups of Wild Geese, Western
and Eared Grebes, the Long -billed Curlew and Bartramian Sandpiper, due
permission having tirst been received from the chief game guardian of the Province.
The lack of timber and of drinking water made this region poor camping-ground,

262

Bird - Lore

and, while hunting and collecting, we were given quarters with Mr. x\ndrew Scott
on Crane Lake and with the Messrs. Baynton on Big Stick Lake. To these
gentlemen we are indebted not alone for entertainment but for much practical
assistance.

July 2 , we resumed our western journey in search now of those arctic birds which
on the alpine summits of the Rocky Mountains find congenial surroundings.

After inquiry at various places, we decided to camp near the Ptarmigan Lakes,
where we were informed the birds we wanted could be found. Saddle and pack-

MR. FUER

a T

W II

\1LED PTARMIGAN

TO STROKE A

ON ITS NEST
The bird left the nest a moment later

horses and a guide were secured at Laggan, and on July 8, we encamped near
timber-line, here at an altitude of 7,500 feet, just below the entrance to Ptarmi-
gan pass.

The alpine spring was at its height. The wet meadows from which the snow
had but lately disappeared were yellow with buttercups, the borders of the rapidly
shrinking snowbanks were starred with large white alpine anemones; on the
drier slopes heath and heather bloomed luxuriantly, and the rocks were covered
with flowering Dryas. The lakes were still ice-bound, the mercury reached the
freezing point nightly, and we experienced storms of snow and sleet, our tent,
one morning, being stiff with ice.

Bird-Lore's Eighth Christmas Bird Census 263

Our' work in tliis indescribably picturesque region was unexpectedly suc-
cessful, specimens of birds and plants and a large number of photographs being
obtained. l^'urthiTinore, the view from the heather-grown home of the Ptarmigan,
which will form the actual foreground of our group southward through the IMar-
migan pass, was, even in this land of sublime scenery, of exceptional grandeur.
The successively fainter timber-clad shoulders of the gap leading to the Bow
valley are backed by Mt. Temple towering impressively, the central peak on
a horizon marked, to the east, by the spire-like summits of the mountains
about Moraine lake and to the west by Hungakee, Lefroy, and Victoria.

The tourists who climb these mountains or penetrate the valleys lying between
them, may obtain a far more striking view of the range by crossing the Bow river
at Laggan and ascending the mountains to the north, in which the studies for
our Ptarmigan group were made.

Bird-Lore's Eighth Christmas Bird Census

THE plan of reporting one's observations atield on Christmas Day has met
with such cordial and practical endorsement by bird students throughout
the country that Bird-Lore's Christmas Bird Census may now be con-
sidered a fixed event, which increases in interest as the accumulating records give
additional material for comparison. From a total of 25 lists received in 1900, it
has grown to 135 lists in 1906.

Reference to the February, 1901-1907 numbers of Bird-Lore will acquaint
one with the nature of the report of the day's hunt which we desire; but to those
to whom none of these issues is available, we may explain that such reports
should be headed by a brief statement of the character of the weather, whether
clear, cloudy, rainy, etc. ; whether the ground is bare or snow-covered, the direc-
tion and force of the wind, the temperature at the time of starting, the hour of
starting and of returning. Then should be given, in the order of the A. O. U.
' Check-List, ' a list of the species seen, with exactly, or approximately, the number
of individuals of each species recorded. A record should read, therefore, some-
what as follows:

Yonkcrs, X. Y. Time, 8 .\. M. to 12 m. Clear, ground bare; wind west, light;
temperature 38". Herring Gull, 75. Total, — species, — individuals. — James Gates.

These records will be published in the February issue of Bird-Lore, and
it is particularly requested that they be sent the editor (at the American Museum
of Natural History, New York City) not later than December 28. It will save
the editor much clerical labor if the model here given and the order of the A. O. U.
Check-List be closclv followed.

The Migration of Flycatchers

FIRST PAPER

Compiled by Professor W. W. Cooke, Chiefly from Data
in the Biological Survey

With drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and Bruce Horsfall

READERS of Bird-Lore who are familiar with Professor Cooke's contri-
butions on the migrations of Warblers and of Thrushes will be gratified
to learn that with the kind permission of the Biological Survey this valu-
able series will be continued with a similar treatment of the Flycatchers. The
unrivalled amount of data which Professor Cooke has at his disposal gives to
these papers a value and interest readily appreciated by all field students of
bird-life. — Ed.

SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER

The winter home of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is in Central America and
Mexico, from which region it enters the United States in March. The average
date of arrival near San Antonio, Texas, is March 21, and the earHest, March 16,
1904. The bird is one of the most uniform species in its dates of arrival from year
to year. During fifteen years of observation, it reached San Antonio for five years
on March 21, and for eleven years within two days of this average date. In
southern Texas the average date of arrival is March 18, the earliest being March
12, 1898. The average date in northern Texas is March 26, the earliest being
March 21, 1876. Thus, the species, on the average, is only eight days in crossing
the great state of Texas, or an average of more than fifty miles per day — a speed
almost twice as great as the average of birds in the southern United States.

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is one of the few birds whose progress can be
measured in this way, from southern Texas to the northern part of the state, for
the reason that it migrates from its winter home to its breeding range by a land
route through Mexico, while some other species that fly across the Gulf of Mexico
to Texas appear in northern Texas as early as they are seen along the Rio Grande.

The Scissor-tail is most common in eastern Texas, fairly common in southern
Oklahoma, and ranges north to southern Kansas. The journe}- from Texas to
Kansas is usually made during the first ten days of April.

The return movement begins in August, and the greater numljer leave the
United States in September. The last bird at Winfield, Kansas, was seen Sep-
tember, 26 1902. In northern Texas, the average is October 11, the latest,
October 18, 1888. In central Texas, the average is October 18, the latest, October
20, 1892.

A few enter Louisiana, and they have been noted as arriving at New Orleans,
March 25, 1894; the latest record being near Kenner, Louisiana, October 6, 1889.

The Scissor-tail is one of the greatest of wanderers. While its regular home

(264)

The Common Names of North American Birds 265

extends from eastern Louisiana to soutliern Missouri, central Kansas and south
to central Texas, it has been noted as an accidental visitant in twelve of the
United States and three Canadian provinces, from Florida and Colorado to New
Brunswick and Hudson Bay.

VERMILION FLYCATCHER

This species winters in Mexico, so near the United States boundary that it
sometimes appears in P^ebruary (San Antonio, Texas, February 8, 1890; Oracle,
southern Arizona, February 25, 1899). Usually, however, it enters Texas a month
later, and the northern limit of the ordinary range, which is about at San Antonio,
is reached the latter part of March. About the same time the birds enter their
breeding grounds in the lower mountain valleys of Arizona. A few wander in
winter to southern California, as far northwest as Ventura county. Stragglers
have been taken in southwestern Utah, :\Iay 13, 1891, and in northwestern
Florida, March 25, 1901.

The Common Names of North American Birds

IN preparing its 'Check-List of North American Birds' the "Committee
appointed by the American Ornithologists' Union showed excellent judg-
ment in the selection of the 'common' or English names for our birds.
With few exceptions the names adopted have met with general approval and are
now in almost universal use. In this period of biblio-zoological activity little is
now left of the scientific nomenclature of the first (1886) edition of the 'Check-
List,' whereas the English names, not being subject to nomenclatural rules, have
proved far more stable than the technical ones. Winter Wren, for example, is
still Winter Wren, though from 1886 to 1907 it has been known as Troglodytes
hiemalis, Anorthiira hiemalis, Olbiorchilus hiemalis and Nannus hiemaUs.

Only the specialist keeps informed of these changes, but the name Winter Wren
is intelligible to all concerned. The consistent use of the English names of the
'Check-List' — and in Bird-Lore we try to employ these names consistently —
renders unnecessary for purposes of identification the use of the technical name.
In the forthcoming edition of the 'Check-List,' therefore, it is hoped that the
A. O. U. Committee will make only such changes in the common names of our
birds as seem to be absolutely necessary. Where, however, the attempt to secure
the adoption by the public of names given in the original edition of the 'Check-
List' (e. g. Bartramian Sandpiper, House Finch, Wilson's Thrush) has failed,
the name most commonly used should be accepted for the new 'Check-List.'
Again, certain 'Check-List' names are so obviously inapplicable (e. g. Louisiana
Tanager, Magnolia Warbler, Palm Warbler) that a change seems desirable.
The subject is eminently one for popular discussion and Bird-Lore will be
glad to print the views of its readers. — Ed.

jBtotefi^ from jTteld anD ^tuDp

Photographing a Loon

When I arrived at Spencer Bay,
Moosehead Lake, last June, I was told
that there was a Loon's nest on a small
island three miles down the bay. The
birds, they said, were in the habit of nest-
ing there each summer. A few days later
I was rowing around this island to find
a landing-place, and was greatly surprised
to see the old Loon, which I imagined far
out on the lake, come scrambling out
from under a pile of logs and dive into
the water. This was my introduction to
a bird which afterward gave me no little
excitement when I attempted to take its
picture.

My tirst chance to photograph the Loon
presented itself two weeks afterward, as
my guide and I were paddling down the
bay on our way to a neighboring pond.
The Loon's island lav directlv in our

course, and, remembering my previous
experience with the bird, I suggested that
we try to photograph him. When we were
within fifty yards of the island, I arranged
the camera for an exposure at fifteen feet.
The guide then paddled quietly up toward
the place where I had seen the Loon dive
into the water. Nearer and nearer we
approached, until it seemed as if the Loon
was not there, and that we were to be dis-
appointed. Suddenly, with a great com-
motion, the old bird came scrambling
off the nest and dove into the lake, as
before splashing water right into the
canoe, and startling me to such an extent
that I hardly had enough presence of
mind left to press the bulb.

Our calculations were upset completely
by the bird's sudden retreat at the last
minute. We had no idea that he would
allow us to approach as near as we did.
The camera was focused at fifteen feet.

LOON LEAVING lib NES'l

Note how the white neck-ring seems to cut the bird's head off; an apparently conspicuous

mark, which, in effect, renders the bird less evident. Photographed by John S. Perry

(266)

Notes from Field and Study

267

::^.^

EAT EX BY

TARl

and, as a matter of fact, when the ex-
posure was made, I could not have been
five feet from my subi'ect. It is no wonder
then that the negative, upon develop-
ment, showed only a gigantic splash and
no Loon.

The experience gained from our first
attempt, together with good luck, enabled
us, in our second, to secure a picture,
which, considering the subject, might be
called a success. We employed the same
tactics as before, except that we kept
further out from the shore, and, having
gained respect for the old fellow's rapidity
of motion, set the shutter speed at one
hundred and twenty-fifth of a second.
This time, the Loon, when we started
him, did not immediately dive into the
water, but skirted the shore for a few
feet, and, in so doing, gave me a better
opportunity to expose my film at the
right moment. How well I succeeded
may be judged by looking at the picture
itself.

I afterward attempted to photograph
the Loon on the nest by means of a set
camera, but was unsuccessful. The
camera may not have been hidden skil-
fully enough to deceive so w-ary a bird as
the Great Northern Diver. But another
reason for my failure has been suggested
to me by hearing the guides declare that
in hot weather the Loon often leaves her
nest for a long time, relying upon the hot

sun to keep the eggs warm. J am inclined
to doubt this, and think that ihe cause of
my not getting the picture was due 10 the
extreme shyness of the bird. — John S.
Perry, Troy, X. Y.

The Starling Eats Pears

In the early morning of October 17,
1907, the pleasing notes of Starlings were
heard in a large pear tree close to the
window of my home at New Brighton,
Staten Island. I looked out cautiously
and saw three Starlings engaged in eating
the ripe pears. They were very noisy
about it, and each seemed to think that
the pears being devoured by the other two
were better than its own, and they accord-
ingly changed places several times. In a
few minutes a large portion of each pear
had been devoured, and the Starlings flew
away. All the time they were busy, several
House Sparrows sat within a foot or two,
looking on, and, as on previous occasions,
I observed that they had no fear of the
Starlings. However, they knew better
than to molest these comparatively new
comers, and seem to be treated with indif-
ference by the Starlings.

When the birds were gone, I climbed
the tree and procured two of the pears,
and it will be seen from the photograph
that they were quite destroyed. Under the
tree I found two other pears that had evi-

268

Bird -Lore

dently been eater, on a previous occasion.
These fallen pears are quickly covered by
Prenolepis ants, that may sometimes get
the credit for the destruction first com-
menced by the Starlings. When critically
examined, however, the work of the birds
is very unlike that of the ants.

It is with regret that I present this pho-
tograph and damaging evidence, for it
would be much pleasanter to say a wholly
good word for the cheery-voiced Starling
that adds so much to the interest of our
rambles in town and country. Personally,
I am quite willing to give the Starlings
some pears in exchange for their enter-
tainment, nor do we begrudge the few
cherries that our native Robin eats every
summer.

Mr. Clifford H. Pangburn has men-
tioned, in the expressions of opinion
regarding the Starling printed in the last
number of Bird-Lore, that he has seen
them eating decayed pples in winter;
and Mr. James Chapin, referring to Mr.
Heineken's published note, gives an
account of the bird on Staten Island;
but, to be strictly impartial, the pear-
eating habit should be added in evidence.
— Wm. T. Davis, Neiv Brighton, Staten
Island.

A Contribution to the Subject
of Bird Surgery

It is a well-known fact that at the close
of the wild-fowl shooting season there are
present a greater or less number of what
sportsmen term 'cripples.' These are
usually wing-broken birds which, de-
prived of the power of flight, are unable
to join their more fortunate comrades in
the return to a northern nesting-ground.
Such birds are not known to breed, and,
handicapped by the loss of flight, they
generally fall prey to some enemy before
the return of another shooting season.

The American Museum of Natural His-
tory has been presented with the humerus
(reproduced herewith) of a Duck which
met this fate. Attached to the bone is a
label which reads: "Wing-bone of a Shell
Drake, broken in December, 1891, at the
head of River Pond by J. B. Payne of
Smithtown, L. I. The bird escaped by
crawling under a bog where he could not
be reached. It was seen occasionally dur-
ing the winter, and finally shot on March,
9, 1892, by A. W. Payne of Brooklyn, while
in my company. The bird did not attempt
to fly when found the last time. This is
only to show what nature will do without
the aid of surgery." (Signed) J. B. Payne.

HUMERUS OF A MERGANSER WHICH HAD BEEN BROKEN BY A SHOT.
A second shot may be seen embedded in the right end of the bone

Notes from Field and Study

269

"Nature," however, as will be seen
from an examination of the specimen,
made a very poor job of it. The growth
of new bone is indeed remarkable, but, far
from joining the ends of the fractured bone,
it has forced them apart, rendering the
wing useless, so far as flight is concerned.

The bone appears to be large for a
Merganser, but without commenting on
its size or the pathologic aspects of the
case, I present it as an authentic instance
in which a bird with a broken wing was
evidently unable to set it. The usual fate
of the crippled birds, referred to above.

Torts to attract the birds around
)mes. In the work in nature-study

in the public schools of this city, the chil-
dren have been encouraged to feed the birds
in winter, and to provide nesting-bo.xes in
the spring. But the almost universal
report comes from the children that what-
ever they try to do for the birds proves of
little avail on account of the interference
of the English Sparrows. If food is put out,
the Sparrows devour it and drive away
the other birds: when nesting boxes are
put up. the Sparrows occupy them at once.
or. after other birds have begun to build

YOUNG HOUSE WREN JUST LEAVING A NEST WHICH HAS NOT
BEEN MOLESTED BY THE ENGLISH SPARROW

eads to the conclusion that this is only
one of many similar cases, and raises the
inquiry if, as has been recently asserted,
birds can and do set their leg-bones when
broken, why do they not also employ their
alleged surgical abilities in the repair of a
far more important part of their anatomy ?
— Frank M. Chapman, Englewood, N. J.

The Fallacy of the Moving Bird-house

The English Sparrow has proven itself,
in this locality, a quarrelsome, trouble-
making nuisance, driving away our native
birds and discouraging the children in

quarrel with the first inmates till they are
driven away, so that the children are dis-
couraged from making further efforts.

As this activity of the children in doing
something for the birds is an important
factor in the child's development, the
author has sought for several years for
some clue as to how the discouraging inter-
ference of the Sparrows might be avoided.
Various devices in the method of con-
structing the bird-houses have been tried,
but with no avail. Last year the author
saw a suggestion which he hoped might
prove successful, namely, that if the house
were suspended the Sparrows would not

270

Bird -Lore

use it. In order to give this matter a fair
test, the cooperation of the children was
sought in those sections of the city where
any native birds still remained. The
matter was explained to the elder children
of the schools, and they were asked to sus-
pend their bird-houses by a spring or wire
and to notice whether the English Spar-
rows interfered with them.

In the fall, statistics w^ere obtained from
the children concerning the results. Re-
ports were received from 33 moving
houses. In 26 of them birds began to nest,
including 12 Bluebirds, 12 House Wrens,
3 Robins, i English Starling, and 6 English
Sparrows. Of these six, two pairs reared
their young, and others doubtless would
have done so had they not been driven
away by the children. Of the other twenty
birds, only six reared their young. Of the
fourteen that did not complete their nesting,
six were driven away by the Sparrows. Of
the six which did rear their young, three
were attacked by the Sparrows, but were
able to defend themselves successfully.

These experiences indicate that the
moving house is a failure as a means of
outwitting the English Sparrow. Indeed,
much less difficulty was reported from
the stationary houses. Out of 27 from
which reports were received, birds began
to build in 24 and successfully reared their
young in 15, including 8 Bluebirds, 5
House Wrens, i Robin and i English
Sparrow. Three pairs of Sparrows began to
build, and three pairs of birds which had
begun to nest were driven out by the Spar-
rows. As far as the author's own experi-
ence goes, the Sparrows seem to show a
preference for the stationary house; but
these reports indicate that the preference
is a slight one, and that they quickly avail
themselves of an opportunity to occupy a
moving house if no others are near.

The majority of reports indicated that
the Sparrows drove away the other birds
simply from the generally quarrelsome
nature of this troublesome nuisance, as,
in most cases, the Sparrows did not remain
to nest after driving out the first inmates.

In some instances, the Sparrow inter-
fered with the House Wren, although the

openings were made so small that the
Sparrows could not enter the house. They
were reported as remaining near the box
and worrying the Wrens as they were
bringing nesting material, till the Wrens
deserted the nest.

In all the author's experience, the Eng-
lish Sparrow has proven an unmitigated
nuisance, and, apparently, the only effec-
tive way of getting rid of it is by use of
the rifle or shotgun, although this method
cannot, of course, be recommended to
the children.

The only kind of nesting-box which the
author has used, the inmates of which
have never been troubled by the Sparrows,
is one made of an old tomato can with a
circle of wood, containing an inch hole,
fitted into one end. The opening is so
small and the house is so insignificant that,
apparently, it seems beneath the notice
of the Sparrow. A brood of Wrens has
been reared in this for four successive
seasons, and, during one summer, two
broods were reared. Possibly, this might
be a little safer from the attacks of the
Sparrow if it were suspended by a wire.

Has any one found a successful method
of outwitting the Sparrow other than kill-
ing it, which might be recommended
to the use of the children?— Gilbert
H. Trafton, Supervisor of Nature Study,
Passaic, N. J.

Robins Nesting in Bird-houses

Five cases have been reported to the
writer of the Robin's beginning to build
in bird-houses, and one case of their suc-
cessfully rearing their young. Three of
these were in moving, and two in station-
ary houses. As these were the first cases
of this kind to which the attention of the
author had ever been called, he took
special pains to investigate each case as
much as could be done in the fall, and he
was convinced that in two instances, at
least, the reports had been correct. It
will be worth while for students to experi-
ment with houses containing openings
large enough to allow the Robin to enter.
— Gilbert H. Trafton, Passaic, N. J.

ilooft jBtetDs; ant) B^etoietos

FuERTEs' 'Calendar of Game Birds.'
— While the printing of an artistically
designed little statement of days and
months on each of the large sheets (i8 x 14
in.) to which Mr. Fuertes' beautiful draw-
ings are attached, makes this publication
a 'calendar,' it might better be known as
an album or portfolio of paintings of birds
in nature.

The species represented are the Can-
vasback, Willow Ptarmigan in winter
and in summer. King Rail, Sandhill Crane,
Ruffed Grouse, Wood Duck, Upland
'Plover,' Bob-white, Mallard, Wild Tur-
key and Wild Goose. Acknowledged to
be America's leading ornithological por-
trait painter, Fuertes has here reached
a higher plane than that in which his
drawings show only the bird. In these
drawings he has placed his bird in the
landscape, and the result is not merely
a portrait but a picture. Long after this
'calendar' has been forgotten, these admir-
ably reproduced paintings will continue
to appeal to the nature-lover, who will
appreciate the spirit of the bird and season
they so strongly convey, while the lover of
the beautiful will be attracted by their
artistic excellence. The Calendar may be
obtained from its publishers, Moffat,
Yard & Co., or from L. A. Fuertes, Ithaca,
N. Y. The price, carriage paid, is $3.50. —
F. M. C.

Feathered Game of the North-
east. By Walter H. Rich. With
illustrations by the Author. New York.
Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., 8vo. xvi +
432 pages. Colored frontispiece. 82
full-page half-tones.

Practically all the Gallina;, Limicolse,
Rallidffi and Anatidte of northeastern
United States are treated in this volume,
and nearly every species is illustrated.
While writing chiefly from the sports-
man's point of view, the author shows a
naturalist's interest in his subject, and
much information is given concerning
the habits of those birds whose misfortune

it is to be ranked as game. The book there-
fore admirably supplements those works
which treat only of the land birds of the
northeastern States. — F. M. C.

Album de Aves Amazonicas. Organi-
sadopelo Professor Dr. Emilio A.
Goeldi. . . . Desenhos do Ernesto
Lohse. Supplemento illustrative A'
Okra 'Aves do Brazil.' pelo Dr. Emilio
A. Goeldi.

With the issue of the third part, this
important work is concluded. Designed
to illustrate Dr. Goeldi's 'Birds of Brazil,'
this album is also issued separately. It
contains, in all, 48 quarto plates and illus-
trates 420 species, in many instances, both
sexes being figured. The birds are excep-
tionally well drawn and, as a rule, satis-
factorily colored, and, notwithstanding
the fact that from ten to fifteen species are
often placed on a single plate, they are so
tastefully grouped as to produce a pleas-
ing effect. Dr. Goeldi should be congratu-
lated on his choice of an artist. No other
work contains so large* a number of
colored illustrations of South .American
birds. We have here then an adequate
pictorial exposition of one of the most
remarkable of avifaunae. This series of
plates framed would make a capital mu-
seum exhibit where funds were lacking to
secure specimens of the birds themselves.

The 'Album' was projected while Dr.
Goeldi was director of the Museum Goeldi
at Para. Since his resignation Dr. Goeldi
has resided in Berne, Switzerland, where
he may be addressed for further informa-
tion.—F. M. C.

Abstract of the Proceedings of the
LiNNAEAN Society. Nos. 17-19, 1904-
07. Containing a List of the Birds of
Long Island, N. Y. By William C.
Braislin, M.D.

From an average attendance of nine-
teen in 1903, the number has arisen to
thirty-four for the year ending March 12,
1907, and the figures are indicative of the
increased interest which has been shown in

(271)

272

Bird -Lore

the meetings of the Linnasan Society. Stand-
ing for the more popular phases of natural
history, particularly for field studies of the
local fauna, the Society is deserving of
far greater support from local natural-
ists than it now receives.

Dr. Braislin's paper occupies pages
31-123, bringing together for the first time
the information in regard to the occurrence
of birds on Long Island which has been
gathered, most of it, by Linnaean mem-
bers, since the publication of Giraud's
book in 1844. The number of species
listed is 364; but, subtracting two e.xtinct
and three introduced species and 2 (Acto-
dramas cooperi and ALgialitis mcloda
circumcincta) that have no standing, we
have 356 as the number of birds properly
to be accredited to Long Island.

Dr. Braislin's list is authoritative; his
annotations are to the point; references
and exact migration dates are liberally
given, and we wish he had also presented
an analytical synopsis of the Long Island
avifauna together with remarks on the
confines of the faunal areas represented. —
F. M. C.

Recent Publications of the Bureau
OF THE Biological Survey of the
United States Department of Agri-
culture.

Each publication of the Biological Sur-
vey increases the indebtedness of orni-
thologists to this Bureau.

Sentiment is admirable in its place, but
its place is assuredly not legislative halls,
and, when the advocate of bird-protec-
tive measures appears before committees
of Senate or Assembly, facts, not esthet-
ics, win him a hearing.

The increasing number of facts in re-
gard to the economic value of birds, gath-
ered by trained specialists who are ac-
knowledged authorities in their particular
branches, which the Biological Survey is
each year making accessible, form the most
effective arguments which can be presented
when urging the birds' claims to our
attention.

Among the recent economic publica-
tions of the Survey, each one of which,
through distribution or republication.

should have tne widest possible circula
tion, are: Circular No. 56, 'Value of Swal-
lows as Insect Destroyers,' by H. W.
Henshaw; Circular No. 57, 'Birds Useful
in the War Against the Cotton-Boll
Weevil,' by H. W. Henshaw; Bulletin
No. 29, 'The Relation of Birds to the
Cotton-Boll Weevil,' by Arthur H. Howell;
and 'Birds that Eat Scale Insects' (reprint
from Yearbook of Department of Agricul-
ture for 1906), by W. L. McAtee.

The Survey has also published a re-
port, by Henry Oldys, on 'Cage-birds
Trafiic of the United States', in which it
appears that the once large traffic in Amer-
ican birds for 'pets' has been suppressed,
and that for the year ending June 30, 1906,
we imported 322,297 cage-birds, of which
274,914 were Canaries and 47,383 various
species, chiefly of wild birds.

The Survey's Department of Game
Preservation, under the efficient care of
Dr. T. S. Palmer, continues its good
offices in unifying the work of game pro-
tectors by the publication of the follow-
ing papers: Bulletin No. 28, 'Game Com-
missions and Wardens, Their Appoint-
ment, Powers and Duties,' by R. W.
Williams, Jr., a book of nearly 300 pages;
Farmers' Bulletin No. 308, 'Game Laws
for 1907,' by T. S. Palmer, Henry Oldys
and Chas. E. Brewster; a tabular chart
showing the ' Close Seasons for Game in
the United States and Canada,' by T. S.
Palmer and Henry Oldys; Circular No.
62, 'Directory of Officials and Organi-
zations Concerned with the Protection
of Birds and Game, 1907,' by T. S. Pal-
mer; from the Yearbook for 1906, 'The
Game Warden of Today, ' by R. W. Wil-
liams, Jr.; and ' Game Protection in 1906,'
by T. S. Palmer.— F. M. C.

Vermont Bird Club, Bulletin No. 2,
Burlington, Vt., July, i907-8vo.,35 pages.

The first and most important paper in
this Annual Bulletin is by Mrs. E. B.
Davenport, on the 'Birds of Windham
and Bennington Counties.' An intro-
duction conveys a clear impression of the
leading physiographic and botanic fea-
tures of the region, and is followed by a
briefly annotated list of 176 species. This

Book News and Reviews

273

list is hasod on long-continued observa-
tion, and has evidently been prepared
with a thoroughness which will make it a
guide for future workers as well as of
unusual reference value.

Mr. Carlton D. Howe's 'Problems of
the Vermont Bird Club' may be profit-
ably read by others who have similar
problems at heart. G. H. Ross describes
the 'Nesting of the Winter Wren.' An
excellent paper by Miss Isabel M. Pad-
dock, in whose untimely death not only
the Vermont Club but the science of
ornithology has suffered a severe loss, is en-
titled 'Our Thrushes and Their Songs,'
and is accompanied by musical notations.

Abstracts of other papers are 'Notes
from a Bird Table,' by Marion Boll; 'A
Warbler Guest,' by Emily L. and Susan
E. Clark; 'Some Bird Acquaintances,'
by Emma E. Drew. There is a report of
the New England Federation of Natural
History Clubs, by Miss Delia I. Grifl&n,
of the Club's Field Meetings, and there
are Bird Notes from various sources.
— F. M. C.

Massachusetts Audubon Society's
Calendar for 1908. — The Massachu-
setts Audubon Society has reissued the
plates which appeared in its Calendars
for 1906 and 1907 in two Calendars for
1908. Each contains si.x plates; one illus-
trates the Pine Grosbeak, Saw-whet Owl,
Catbird, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, King-
fisher, and Blue Jay, the other, the
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Canadian
Warbler, Northern Yellowthroat Oven-
bird, Blackpoll and Myrtle Warbler.

The plates were printed in Japan from
blocks made expressly for this purpose, and
are tastefully mounted on cards 9I x 14J
inches, with descriptive text on the back.

The price of each Calendar is $1.50,
and orders should be sent to the Society
at the Boston Society of Natural History.

The Ornithological Magazines

The Auk. — A great bird catastrophe
is recorded in the opening pages of the
October 'Auk' by Dr. Thos. S. Roberts.
A host of Lapland Longspurs overtaken.

while migrating, by a wet snowstorm on
the night of March 13-14, 1904, perished
in countless thousands in Minnesota and
Iowa over an area approximating 1,500
square miles. The accompanying photo-
graphs of lake and lawn surfaces attest
the magnitude of the tragedy, and yet,
in spite of the destruction in a single
night of a million or so birds of a single
species, and this just before the breeding
season, no preceptible diminution in their
numbers has been observed, Truly, the
bad man who collects birds may take
heart!

A continuation of E. S. Cameron's
paper on 'The Birds of Custer and Daw-
son Counties, Montana,' is accompanied
as usual by several fine photographs; J. F.
Ferry has 'Further Notes from Extreme
Southern Illinois'; and A. T. Wayne offers
'Observations on Some Birds Procured
near Charleston, S. C Mr. H. E. Bige-
low describes in detail the plumage of four
hybrid Mallards and Dr. W. Faxon and
Mr. H. G. Higbee have each a word to
say about recent specimens of the supposed
hybrid, Brewster's Warbler.

The 'Summer Birds of Southwestern
Saskatchewan' is an illustrated tale of
the plains, by A. C. Bent, — and one well
worth the telling; for the day may not be
far distant when man, his cat, and the
House Sparrow will have ousted from this
region all species save those that can
adapt themselves to the new conditions
of civilization. With a minimum of shelter
and concentrated breeding areas, it is not
surprising that the bird population moves
out when human population moves in.

The progress of Ridgway's, 'Birds of
North and Middle America' is shown by
a review of the fourth volume, and there
is an obituary of Dr. Wm. L. Ralph,
curator of the egg collection in the United
States National Museum, who died July
8, 1907.

The latest rules in the game of names,
as adopted at the Seventh International
Zoological Congress, will be found at
page 464. Everybody has always in-
sisted on playing the game according to
his own rules, and now a loud howl of

274

Bird -Lore

opposition may be expected from the esti-
mated lo per cent of dissenters who can-
not square their scientific consciences
with the heresies proposed in the new
♦Article 30.'— J. D , Jr.

Book News

To the evergrowing list of defunct
nature magazines must be added the
name of 'Birds and Nature,' one of the
best known and oldest publications of
this class. In May last, the first number
of a new series was issued in a form show-
ing a marked improvement over earlier
volumes, but evidently suflicient support
was not received to warrant the issue of
further numbers.

The 'Bleating' or 'Drumming' of
Snipe {Callinago) is the subject of an
exhaustive paper by P. H. Bahr, in the
Proceedings of the Zoological Society
(1907, pp. 12-35). Mr. Bahr's experi-
ments appear to prove that the sound is
produced by the passage through the air
of the outer feather on each side of the tail
which, his observations of Galiinago
calestis show, are spread forward beyond
the remaining tail-feathers when the bird
is bleating. The paper should be read by
those who propose to investigate this
subject.

Dr. T. S. Roberts contributes to 'A
Pioneer History of Becker County, Minne-
sota' (Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.) a
compiled list of the birds of the county,
numbering 262 species. Its annotations
make it of value to the student of the
birds of the region in question. An article
on the 'Disappearing Birds and Game-
birds of Becker County,' by D. W.
Meeker, is included in the same volume.
Magazines which are taking an active
part in the 'nature-fakir' campaign
should make doubly sure that their own
columns are free from errors of statement,
I he result of carelessness or inexcusable
ignorance For example, the magazine
in which President Roosevelt has, with
characteristic force, denounced those na-
ture-writers who present fiction for fact,
contains an article entitled 'The Mystery

of Bird-flight ' in which we are informed
with due authoritativeness that the Emu
"flies, when at all, with the greatest
difficulty"!

In the September issue of the Massa-
chusetts 'Crop Report,' Mr. E. H. For-
bush, under the title 'Statutory Bird Pro-
tection in Massachusetts,' reviews the
history of bird laws in Massachusetts
from 1632 to the present time, and adds
suggestions for "needed legislation," in
which he urges the abolition of spring and
summer shooting, the issuance of a resident
hunting license, the prohibition of the sale
of game birds, the granting to wardens of
the right of search, and the establishment
of sanctuaries or reservations.

In the October, 1907, issue of 'The
Museum News,' published by the Brook-
lyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, Mr.
George Cherrie, of the Museum, gives an
account of his visit to the caves of the
Guacharo {Steatornis caripensis) in the
mountains of Trinidad, which is not only
a capital story of field experience, but
adds considerably to our knowledge of
the habits of this remarkable bird.

In addition to articles of local interest,
'British Birds' contains papers of a gen-
eral character which may be read with
profit by all ornithologists. In the Novem-
ber issue, for example, we find the third
part of W. P. Pycraft's suggestive study
of 'Nestling Birds, and Some of the Pro-
blems They Present' and also the third
part of F. W. Headley's article on 'Wind
and Flight.'

Witherby & Co., 326 High Holborn,
London, W. C, have issued a prospectus
of 'A Monograph of the Petrels' by F. Du
Cane Godman. The work will be a large
quarto, issued in five parts, the first of
which will be ready in December, 1907.
It will contain 105 hand-colored plates by
Keulemans and is offered at the sub-
scription price of £2, 5s per part, or £10,
IDS for the complete work.

The Bulletin of the Charleston Museum
(Vol. Ill, No. 6, Oct. 1907) contains a
section devoted to the local fauna, in
which are various ornithological notes of
interest.

Editorials

275

A Bi-monthly Maeazine
Devoted to the Study and Protection of Birds

OrPICIAL ORGAN OF THR AUDUBON SOCIKTIE5

Edited by FRANK M. CHAPMAN
Published by THE MACMILLAN COMPANY

Vol. IX Published December 1. 1907 No. 6

SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico
twenty cents a number, one dollar a year, post-
age paid.

COPYRIGHTED, 1907, BY FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Bird-Lore's Motto:
A Bird in the Bush is IVorth Two in the Hand

The twenty-fifth Annual Congress of
the American Ornithologists' Union will
be held at the Academy of Natural Sci-
ences in Philadelphia, on December 10-12.
Those of us who remember the first meet-
ings of the Union realize with difficulty
that its life extends over a quarter of the
century in which distinctively American
Ornithology may be said to have existed.

In the Historical Preface to his ' Key
to North American Birds' (1884), Coues
divided the portion of this century which
had then elapsed into Wilsonian, Audu-
bonian, and Bairdian epochs. Assuredly,
the succeeding epoch should be known as
the Epoch of the American Ornitholo-
gists' Union.

The present widespread interest in the
study of birds in this country may be
largely attributed to the influence exerted
by the Union, and every bird student
should consider it a privilege to be con-
nected with an organization to which he is
so deeply indebted. Membership in the
associate class is open to every American
ornithologist, and applicants for admission
may learn all needful details from Dr. J.
Dwight, Jr., treasurer of the Union, 134
West Seventy-first Street, New York City.

Dr. Field's article on the Heath Hen,
published in this number of Bird Lore.
emphasizes the largely haphazard manner
in which the habits of North American
birds have been studied. In spite of the

fact that the Heath Hen is a species of
unusual interest and is on the verge of
extinction, no one appears to have at-
tempted to make a special study of its
life-history until Dr. Field visited it in its
home, which, by the way, is not a thou-
sand miles from one of the centers of
greatest ornithological activity in this
country. Dr. Field's description of the
notes of the strutting Heath Hen appar-
ently shows that this eastern bird dififers
from the western Prairie Hen more in
voice than in plumage. In the western bird
the 'boom' is a strongly accentuated hoom-
ah-boom given with much apparent mus-
cular effort, the head being jerked violently
as the syllables are uttered.

With this issue we publish the first of
a series of colored plates of North Ameri-
can Flycatchers. The ser'ies will doubt-
less be completed in the next volume of
Bird-Lore, and it is essential that we
decide at an early date on the next family
to be figured. A call for an expression of
opinion on this subject issued in the last
number of BiRD-LORE leaves the matter
in doubt, and we shall be glad to receive
additional suggestions

No OXE can glance through the annual
report of the National Association of
Audubon Societies and its allied Socie-
ties without being impressed by the scope
and importance of its work. In addition
to its legislative, protective and educa-
tional activities, the Association has
inaugurated investigations of purely orni-
uliological interest. We call attention,
for example, to the report on the birds
of Bird Key in the Dry Tortugas by Dr.
Watson. The Association is to be con-
gratulated that, while acting as its warden.
Dr. Watson made the first adequate
study of the life of a bird community,
from the opening to the close of the nest-
ing season. For three months he lived
day and night with the subjects of his
researches, and we are assured that the
results of his labors, which will be pub-
lished by the Carnegie Institution, will
add much to our knowledge of bird-life.

SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Address all communications to the Editor of the School Department. National
Association of Audubon Societies, 141 Broadway, New York City

FOR DECEMBER— SIX REMINDERS

(i) Be sure that there is a heap of brush or corn-stalks somewhere about the
place. If you live near cedar woods, cut half a dozen small trees and fasten them
securely against a fence or shed on the south side.

If you have a pile of logs or kettle-wood at hand, thatch it loosely with either
corn-stalks, hemlock or cedar boughs, — then you will have the Winter Wren
and half a dozen other birds as permanent lodgers. Many perching birds in
winter prefer to roost upon something broad and flat, where they can huddle and
squat rather than perch.

(2) Be sure that your trays or tree-boxes for holding bird-food are per-
forated at the bottom, so that moisture can get through and not freeze. The
boarders will find their meals chilly enough without having them literally put
in cold storage.

(3) Be sure to vary the food, and when possible grind up some meat scraps
in your meat-chopper and mix it with the cracked corn and dog-biscuit on very
cold days and after a storm. At these times of peril, some freshly boiled pota-
toes or rice (the usual salt being omitted) will be much appreciated.

(4) Be sure to set a pan of water in a sunny spot every day, no matter how
cold the weather is; there will be at least an hour when the birds will be able to
drink.

(5) If you have undertaken to feed game birds either in natural or arti-
ficial cover that is at some distance from your house, be sure that it is done regu-
larly. A little experience will tell you how long the rations will last. If, as I hope,
you have a feeding-box for the smaller birds near the school-house, always
remember to provide an extra supply of food there on Friday, so that Sunday
need not be a fast, instead of a feast day.

(6) Be sure to begin the New Year by keeping an outdoor diary if you have
never done it before, — the best memory is treacherous. A simple book with
three days to a page will suffice. Do not write long descriptions, as these are
awkward for reference. Jot down the names of birds or other objects seen,
the kind of weather and any other incidents as briefly as possible. Then, when
you open the book later on, the details will group themselves about this frame-
work of accuracy. — M. O. W.

(276)

THE HERRING OR HARBOR GULL

By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT

%^t i^ational SiQQOtiation ot Audubon &ocietie0

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 29

The Sandpipers have ended their pretty courtesyings, and no longer patter
to and fro upon the beaches and river edges. The flocking Swallows have fin-
ished their fall manceuvers and left the marshes, and the Wild Goose arrows
no more fleck the sky. But white wings are bending over the crested waves,
and the clamor of call-notes comes from bar and shore, — the high-pitched cry
of the Harbor Gull.

If there is any one kind that deserves the title of our National
The Gull's ^y^^^j. gjj.^ j^ jg ^j^jg Harbor Gull, for it is to be found in the

Season

Northern Hemisphere wherever there is a sufficient body of
water to yield it food. For the three or four months of the year that are its breed-
ing season, it may be seen only northward from Maine, the Great Lakes, Minne-
sota and British Columbia, and in the northern parts of the Old World; but

for the rest of the year the Harbor Gulls travel southward as far
His Journeys as Cuba on the east, and lower Cahfornia on the west; and,

in Europe, southward to the Mediterranean; in great flocks
or .only small groups stopping to winter as regularly in certain haunts as the
migrant song-birds return in spring to their old nesting-places.

The Harbor Gull, like some of its land brothers, has two changes of plumage
in the year. The full-grown bird in summer wears a beautiful pearl-gray cloak,
with black and white markings on the wings, all the under plumage being; of
the purest silver white, of dazzling brilliancy. The bill runs straight out from
the head and is strongly hooked at the end, while the four-toed feet are webbed,

and fit the bird for resting on the water and swimming with all
„, ^ " ^ the ease of a Duck, though without its swiftness. In winter

Plumage . ° .

plumage, the old bird's head is streaked with gray and brown,
while the young bird of the year is generally grayish brown, streaked and spotted
on the upper parts, the breast and belly being marked with rusty brown and
gray, in the combination seen in some of our Hawks.

The name Herring Gull was given to this bird beforetime, because, as they
were originally fishermen by trade, their presence flying above the water told
where schools of herring were to be found.

Today the schools of herring are less plentiful along our shores, and the

value of this Gull, though greater than ever, is due to a different

^ f, ^ ".^. ° source. Coming familiarlv about the harbors of great cities,

Gulls to Man o . & >

frequentmg the beaches after the summer throngs of pleasure-
seekers have left, the Gulls become the health-oflficers of the coast, gleaning not

(277)

The Herring or Harbor Gull 279

only the refuse of shore and vessel but of cities as well, when the sea-going gar-
bage scows disgorge their loads

Nature never creates a useless type, and even so wise a man as our scientific
and far-seeing Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes was mistaken when he wrote of this
bird,

"Such is our Gull; a gentleman of leisure,

Less fleshed than feathered ; — bagged you'll find him such ;
His virtue, silence ; his employment, pleasure ;
Not had to look at, and not good for much."

This verse is doubly surprising when you realize that our medical poet must
have daily seen the Gulls at work as scavengers in the nearby Charles river.
It is another warning about careful seeing, for to overlook an important point
is as misleading as to get the habit of seeing what you would like to see in nature,
rather than what is there.

Of the thousands of people that see this Gull as a winter bird, compara-
tivelv few know of its home life during the season when it has left us and the
first breath of warm weather drives the Gulls northward.

As a Gull's chief food is gleaned from the sea, it must nest as close as pos-
sible to its source of supply. You can easily see that so large a bird could never
be free from annoyance on our bathing beaches or off-shore islands that are
used as summer resorts; so, as people flocked to the shore, more
The Gull ^^^ more, the places where Gulls might nest in comfort grew

fewer and fewer, and they w^ere driven to the remote islands like
those off the Maine coast, Great Duck Island, No-Man's-Land, and others,
and it is at Great Duck Island that is to be found the largest colony of Gulls
within the United States.

But even here and on many lesser islands, with only lighthouses and their
keepers for company, where there were no summer cottages or pleasure-seekers,
until a few years ago, the Gulls were not safe, for they, like the White Herons
of the South, were bonnet-martyrs. These beautiful white breast-feathers were
made into feather turbans. Perhaps, on one side of these, a smaller cousin of
the Gull, the Tern, or Sea Swallow, with its coral-red beak, would be perched
by way of finish. Or else, soft bands made of the breast, and some of the hand-
somest wing-quills were used for trimming.

Not only were these feathers sold wholesale to the plume merchants and
milliners, but people who went to the coast resorts would buy them of the sail-
ors simply because they were pretty, without giving a thought to the lives they
cost, or of how desolate and lonely the shores would be when there were no more
Gulls.

They are very sociable birds at all times of the year, keeping in colonies
even in the breeding season, a time when song- and other land-birds pair,
and prefer to be alone. Trees are sometimes used for nesting but the ground
is the usual place. The nests, when on the ground or upon flat rocks, are built

28o Bird- Lore

of grass, mosses, seaweed, and bits of soft driftwood formed into a shallow
bowl. If the edges of this crumble or flatten while the birds are sitting,
they use bunches of fresh grass or seaweed to keep it in repair, with the
result that the nest is not only a very tasteful object, but it blends perfectly
with its surroundings.

The eggs are very interesting because no two are of the same color,
being of every shade of blue and gray, from the color of summer sky and sand
to the tint of the many-colored, water-soaked rocks themselves. The markings
vary also in shape and size, and are in every shade of brown,
" ^ through lilac and purple, to black. The parents are very devoted

to their nests, and take turns in sitting. When the young are first
hatched, though covered with down, they are very weak in the neck and help-
less; but in the course of a few hours the little Gulls are strong enough to walk,
and the instinct to hide at the approach of anything strange comes to them
very suddenly, so that a Gull only three or four hours old will slip out of the
nest, and either hide beneath a few grass blades or flatten itself in the sand,
where, owing to its spotted, color-protective down, it is almost
oung invisible, so well does Nature care for her children — provided
that man does not interfere. When a Gull nests in a tree, how-
ever, the little birds, not feeling the same necessity for hiding, do not try to leave
the nest until the growth of their wings will let them fly.

On the sea beaches, squids and marine refuse are fed to the young Gulls,
but where they have nested near fresh, instead of salt, water many insects gleaned
from the fields are eaten.

It was in the Gulls' nesting season that the plunderers chose to go to their
island haunts, steal the eggs, and kill the parent birds, whose devotion, like
that of the WTiite Heron, left old the birds at the mercy of the plume hunters.

M:\\ YORK HARBOR

The Herring or Harbor Gull 281

At tlu' cml of suiniiuT, llie \ouii.n, wearing ihcir si)eckled suits, are able to

join tlie 1)1(1 in Hocks, and it is then that they scatter along the coast, some going

from the northern borders down to the Great Lakes. In and

^ " '" about \e\v York City, thev are one of the features of the winter

the Winter , ^ ■' ' . , , , . ,

scenery; as they tly to and fro under the arches of the great
bridge, and follow the ships the entire length of the harbor, and out to sea. At
night, they bed down so close together that in jilaces they make a continuous
line of feathers on the waters of the reservoirs and in the sheltered coves of
the Hudson. From the banks of Riverside Park, any autumn or winter after-
noon, so long as the channel is free from ice, they may lie seen Hying about
as fearless as a flock of domestic Pigeons.

Hear what Mr. Forbush has to say of these birds of the sea-mist and spray:

" The true Gull of the sea, the spirit of the salt, is a sort of feathered bell-buoy
and thus is of use to the sailors, as there is ample testimony to prove.

" In summer, in thick weather, the appearance of Gulls and Terns in num-
bers, or the sound of their clamorous voices, give warning to the mariner that he
is near the rocks on which they breed. Shore fishermen, enshrouded in fog,
can tell the direction of the islands on which the birds live by
watching their undeviating flight homeward with food for their
young. The keen senses of sea-birds enable them to head direct
for their nests, even in dense mist.

"Navigators, approaching, their home ports during the seasons of bird
migration, welcome the appearance of familiar birds from the land. . . .

"Sea-birds must be reckoned among the chief agencies which have made
many rocky or sandy islands fit for human habitation. The service performed
by birds in fertilizing, soil-building, and seed-sowing on many barren islands,
entitles our feathered friends to the gratitude of many a shipwrecked sailor,
who must else have lost his life on barren, storm-beaten shores."

Questions for Teachers and Students

At what season do Gulls visit your vicinity? What kind of Gulls do you find?
Where do they pass the summer? What is the difference in color between the adult
Harbor Gull and that of the young, born the preceding summer? What is the range
of the Harbor Gull? How are Gulls of value to man? Why were Gulls destroyed?
How do Gulls nest? Describe the appearance and actions of young Gulls. Of what
use are Gulls to sailors?

Cbe ^utiubon ^octetie0

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

Edited by WILLIAM DUTCHER

Address all correspo
the National Assoc!

ice, and send all re
of Audubon Socii

ances for dues and
. 141 Broadway, N

DIRECTORY OF THE STATE AUDUBON SOCIETIES

With names and addresses of their Secretaries

California W. Scott Way, Box 62, Glendora.

Colorado Mrs. Martha A. Shute, Capitol Building, Denver.

Connecticut..'.". Mrs. William Brown Glover, Fairfield.

Delaware.......................... Mrs. Wm. S. Hilles, Delamore Place, Wilmington.

District of Columbia Miss Helen P. Childs, Chevy Chase, Md.

Florida Mrs. I. Vanderpool, Maitland.

Georeia -Martin V. Calvin, Augusta.

Illinois Miss Mary Drummond. 208 West street, Wheaton.

Indiana Florence A. Howe, 2043 Hillside Ave., Indianapolis.

Iowa Mrs. William F. Parrott, 302 Franklin St., Waterloo

Kentucky..!. ............. Miss Ella Kerr, Campbellsville.

Louisiana Miss Anita Princ, 1682 Peters Ave., New Orleans.

Maine ................. .\'.. Arthur H. Norton, 22 tlm St., Portland.

Maryland Miss Minna D. Starr, 2400 N. Charles St., Baltimore.

Massachusetts Miss Jessie E. Kimball, care Boston Societv of Natural History, Boston.

Michigan Jefferson Butler, 411 Moffat Block, Detroit.

Minnesota Miss Jessie Whit.man, 2356 Bay less Ave., St. Paul.

Missouri............. August Reese, 2516 North Fourteenth street, St. Louis.

Nebraska Miss Joy Higgins, 544 South 30th street, Omaha.

New Hampshire. Mrs. F. W. Batchelder, Manchester.

New Jersey Miss Julia S. Scribner, 510 E. Front street, Plainfield.

New York. Miss Emma H. Lock wood, Scarborough.

North Carolina.. T. Gilbert Pearson, Greensboro.

North Dakota Mrs. A. G. Leonard, S97 Belmont Ave., Grand Forks.

Ohio Miss Katherine Ratter.mann, 510 York street, Cincinnati.

Oklahoma Miss Alma Carson, Guthrie.

Oregon Dr. Emma J. Welty, 321 Montgomery street, Portland.

Pennsylvania Miss Elizabeth Wilson Fisher, Room 22, 524 Walnut St., Philadelphia.

Western Pennsylvania G. B. Mason, Edgewood Park.

Rhode Island Mrs. Henry T. Grant. 187 Bowen street, Providence.

South Carolina Hon. O. B. Martin, Columbia.

S Dakota George A. Pettigrew, Sioux Falls.

Tennessee Mrs. C. C. Connor, Ripley.

Texas M- B- Davis. VV'aco.

Vermont Miss Delia I. Griffin, Museum Natural History, St. Johnsbury.

Virginia E. C. Hough, Falls Church.

W^ashington H. Rief, 4S Maynard Building, Seattle.

^^risconsin Mrs. Reuben G. Thwaites, 260 Langdon street, Madison.

Wyoming Mrs. Cordelia Chivington, Loveland.

Annual Meeting of the National
Association

The third annual meeting of the Na-
tional Association of Audubon Societies
was held October 29, in the American
Museum of Natural History, New York
City. Members were present from Massa-
chusetts, Connecticut, New York, New
Jersey and North Carolina.

The treasurer's report showed that the
income of the Society during the year had
been $17,978.53 and that the e.\pendi-
tures were $26,843.43, making a deficit
of $8,864.90. This condition arose from

(

the fact that legislative expenses were
very heavy during 'the past year, and it
was also necessary to help several of the
State Societies to carry on their local work.
Further, the Society received only six-
months' interest on its endowment fund,
as none of the investments of the Society
were made early enough in the year to
permit it to receive a full year's interest.
The Society now holds mortgages
amounting to $316,000 on six pieces of
New York City property. Each title is
guaranteed by a Title Guarantee Com-
pany. None of the loans exceeds two-
thirds of the appraised value; the said

282)

The Audubon Societies

283

values being certified to by tlu' nmsl lon-
servative and well-known appraisers in
New York City. All of the loans pay 5
per cent interest and are non-taxable.

The President gave a synopsis of what
had been accomplished during the year

1907, and outlined some of the plans for

1908. For details of his report, together
with the reports of the State Audubon
Societies and other matters of interest,
readers are referred to the complete report
which follows in this numt^cr of BlRD-
LoRE. After December 15, members of
the Association can receive separates of
the annual report and financial statement
on application at the office, 141 Broadway,
New York City.

The following Directors were elected
to serve for a period of five years, being
the class of 191 2: Mr. F. M. Chapman,
New York; Mr. Witmer Stone, Pennsyl-
vania; Dr. Hermon C. Bumpus, New-
York; Mr. Frederic A. Lucas, Brooklyn;
Mr. Carlton D. Howe, Vermont.

A resolution approving the work of the
United States Bureau of Biological Sur-
vey, and calling upon Congress to amplify
the work of the said Bureau, was unani-
mously passed, and it was further resolved
that the secretary send a copy of the reso-
lutions to every member of the next Con-
gress.

Subsequently a meeting of the Directors
of the Society was held, when the follow-
ing officers were elected to serve for one
year: President, William Dutcher; First
Vice-president, John E. Thayer; Second
Vice-president, Dr. T. S. Palmer; Secretary,
T. Gilbert Pearson; Treasurer, Frank M.
Chapman. Mr. Samuel T. Carter, Jr.,
was reappointed counsel for the Society.

The President appointed the following
Standing Committees: Executive Com-
mittee—Dr. J. A. Allen, Dr. George Bird
Grinnell, Mr. F. A. Lucas, Mr. F. M.
Chapman.

Finance Committee — ^Dr. Hermon C.
Bumpus, Mr. John E. Thayer, Mrs. C.
Grant LaFarge, Mr. F. M. Chapman. —
T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary.

The Protection of the Heath Hen

Dr. Field, whose article on the Heath
Hen in this number of Bird-Lore will
be read with interest, reports that in addi-
tion to practical and most valuable assist-
ance by J. E. Howland, Captain B. C.
Cromwell, and many others, contribu-
tions for the purchase of land for a reser-
vation on Martha's Vineyard have been
pledged as follows:

William Brewster $100

F. S. Pearson 100

G. B. Clark 100

John E. Thaver 100

H. H. Fav...' 100

S. M. Weld 100

Frank E. Peabody 100

L. D. Baker 100

Arthur F. Whitin 108

Judge F. C. Lowell 100

Dr. John C. Phillips 100

R. C. Robbins 100

Gardner M. Lane 100

Dr. B. H. Kidder 100

Hon. Herbert Parker 100

Anawan Club 50

R. L. Agassiz 50

Hon. A. P. Gardner 25

Dr. Gorham Bacon 100

Harriet E. Freeman 5

Middlesex Sportsman's

Association 200

• National Audubon Society . 100

For Making Fire Stops —

Town of Tisbury (at last

annual town meeting) . 250

Town of W. Tisbury (at
last annual town meet-
ing) 50

$2,338

Inasmuch as under these conditions
every dollar contributed for the purchase
of land adds at least one acre, it is hoped
that sufficient funds may be raised to
secure extensive tracts as refuges for the
Heath Hen, Least Tern, Upland Plover
and other birds which still resort to this
island.

Contributions may be forwarded to the
Commissioners on Fisheries and Game,
State House, Boston.

-•>

*'^ ^•'■■■'

^B

[:* y

u 1

9-. jn ; jfH^^H

■

; r.--^^

Annual Report of the National Associa-
tion of Audubon Societies for 1907

CONTENTS

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT.

Introductory.

Results Achieved in 1907.

Special Agents; Reservations; Warden Work; Educational Work; State Socie-
ties; Women's Clubs; Big Game.

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY.
General Remarks.
Meeting of Game Commissioners.

REPORTS OF SPECIAL AGENTS.

Report of Edward Howe Forbush.
Report of H. H. Kopman.
Report of William L. Finley.
Report of John B. Watson.
Report of A. C. Bent.
Report of Arthur H. Norton.

REPORTS OF STATE SOCIETIES.

Reports from Alabama, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michi-
gan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Washington,
Wisconsin.

LIST OF MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTORS.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER.

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

By WILLIAM DUTCHER

INTRODUCTORY

Members of the National Association: Stevenson says: "It is a golden
maxim to cultivate the garden for the nose, and the eyes will take care of them-
selves. Nor must the ear be forgotten; without birds, a garden is a prison-yard. "

I take it that the province of your President is to present to you annually
a concise statement of what the Association has done to prevent this country
from becoming a vast prison-yard through lack of birds.

The Association is now in a strong and vigorous condition, and is well equip-
ped to conduct an aggressive and progressive campaign for wild-bird and animal
protection through the several channels of work which it has followed since its
organization. This does not mean that it has reached the place that it intends
to occupy in the world of economics and philanthropy, but it has made such
a splendid beginning that those interested in this Society have every cause to con-

(285)

286 Bird -Lore

gratulate themselves on the position we now occupy. We are no longer an experi-
ment, but are a dominating factor in good civics. With an endowment, safely
invested, of nearly one-third of a million dollars, we have no fear for the future.
I do not wish this train of thought to mislead our members or the public, for we
are not yet endowed sufficiently, and we have but a very small part of the mem-
bership that we should have in order to do our best work. We have the experi-
ence and the equipment, and could largely increase our results did our own
means allow expansion. The membership of the National Association still
remains under i,ooo, notwithstanding the strong efforts that have been made
to increase it. The cause we advocate is so closely connected with the agricul-
tural and forestry interests of the country that it is one of the most important
now before the public. When we try to realize the enormous sum that is lost to
the country through insect and rodent pests, which the Government experts
tell us amounts to $800,000,000 annually, we are lost in wonder at the apathy of
the public. If a million or more dollars are lost through the mismanagement of
a bank or other fiduciary institution, it creates a wave of protest throughout
the entire country; yet a yearly loss equal to the entire capitalization of the
national banks of the country creates no comment whatever, simply because
the public do not realize what is going on. How to excite an interest in this
important matter is the function of this body, and to do it successfully we
need more money and a largely increased membership. In this connection, it
is proper to mention a misapprehension that has arisen in the minds of some
persons, notably among some of our oldest and heretofore most liberal contrib-
utors. They evidently believe that, as the Association has an endowment, there
is no need for further funds with which to carry on the work. There certainly
cannot be a more mistaken idea than this. As a matter of fact, as the Society
grows older and more widely known, the demands upon it become daily
more exacting and its opportunities for doing good increase far more rapidly
than its resources. Our outlay during the past year was some thousands of
dollars more than our income, but the demands upon us were of such vital
importance that they could not be overlooked. Had we not responded, the
cause of bird protection would have suffered a setback which would take years
to overcome.

Right here is the proper time to emphasize the need for a far larger field staff:
many parts of the country that need educational work cannot be touched, owing
to the inability of this Association to set aside the necessary funds to employ
additional expert aid.

We have reached the extreme limit possible until our income is largely in-
creased. Here is an opportunity for some of the wealthy philanthropists of the
country to place some of their riches where it will be doing the greatest amount
of good.

To what object could a person contribute where the results for good would
be greater?

MAP SHOWING STATES (SHADED) HAVING AUDUBON SOCIETIES

We teach people to protect wild life, thus making men, women and children
kinder and better citizens.

We teach the value of birds to the agricultural and forestry interests of the
country, and thus instruct citizens in economics.

We teach of the live bird or animal in plain simple words, thus giving the
rural populace, especially, an interest in nature, which never fails to brighten
and broaden human lives.

MAP SHOWING STATES (SHADED) IN WHICH THE MODEL LAW IS IX FORCE

288 Bird - Lore

We stand for the rights of our fellow citizens, the wild birds and animals,
and demand just and uniform laws for their protection, and also their rigid
enforcement.

We stand for the principle of non-political appointments in the office of Game
Commissioner, and recommend that such offices shall be filled by scientific
experts who alone are capable of securing the best and most lasting results.

We stand for civil service in the appointment of game wardens; they should
pass a satisfactory examination showing fitness for the position, and should
be continued in office during good behavior.

We emphatically stand for the abolition of spring shooting of any kind, on
the ground that the practice is wasteful and is the reason for the rapid decrease
of many species of birds.

We recommend very short open seasons for hunting and a small bag
limit. We urge that, when satisfactory scientific evidence is presented that
any species of game bird is in danger of extermination, laws be enacted
making a close season for the said species, in order that recuperation may
take place.

We urge the passage of laws providing for gun licenses, in order to curtail
as much as possible hunting by irresponsible persons, and also to provide ready
means of identification of hunters who violate bird and game laws or commit
trespass on posted lands.

We also urge such laws for the purpose of providing funds for protection
and propagation of game, and to render unnecessary the levying of taxes for
such objects.

We urge the passage of laws prohibiting the cold storage of game of any kind.

We urge Federal protection for all migratory birds, for the reason that it is
practically impossible to secure uniform State laws in time to prevent the disap-
pearance of several species of birds that are now known to be on the verge of
extinction.

We urge the enlargement of the Biological Survey, on the ground that the
statistics and information relative to birds and animals furnished by this Bureau
of the Department of Agriculture is absolutely necessary for the farmers of the
country. The educational work of this Association would be seriously handi-
capped were the scientific investigations of the Biological Survey to cease. This
Association has no criticism to offer regarding the amount of public funds
expended for the protection of the country against possible foreign attacks, but
it believes that a more liberal appropriation for the Biological Survey would be
a wise investment. The meager sum now appropriated annually, some $60,000,
is exactly the amount which it costs to manufacture one 12-inch, 45 caliber,
nickel-steel gun. The cost of firing this gun one time is $220 for powder and $190
for a battle shell. The $60,000 expended for the Biological Survey furnishes
information regarding the economic value of birds which saves millions of dollars
annually to agriculture and forestry. We, therefore, respectfully but emphatically

Results Achieved 289

urge an increased appropriation for the Survey, in order that it may more rapidly
continue its important work.

RESULTS ACHIEVED IN 1907

Special Agents. — It is always a dilTicult matter to place in concrete form
successes achieved in a given time by a moral movement, as many of them are
in some degree intangible. However, so much actual progress has been made
during the past year that it will be hard in the future to keep up the same ratio
of progress. The greatest gain of the year has been the enlargement of the lield
staff of the Association. Before the present year, our able and earnest Secretary,
Mr. Pearson, did a large part of the organization work; in fact, almost his entire
time was occupied this way. It cannot be questioned that the very best results
are to be obtained by the employment of trained men and women to carry to
the public the propaganda of wild-bird and animal protection. It is absolutely
necessary that the organizer should have a good knowledge of birds and animals,
especially in respect to their economic relations to the human race; moreover,
he or she must be an enthusiast whose whole mind and powers are engrossed
in devotion to the Society and its work. Such qualities are hard to find, but we
know that this Association has found them, or the results secured by the field
staff would not have been as great as they are. A brief review is in order :

Mr. Pearson, in addition to the valuable work he did in his home state,
North Carolina, where he is the moving spirit of the Audubon Society, con-
ducted an exploration along the coasts of South Carolina and Georgia, securing
much needed information regarding the birds of that section. He secured the
passage of an act in the legislature of South Carolina conferring upon the
Audubon Society the powers and duties of a Game Commission; he conducted
an investigation with a view of suppressing cage-bird traffic in its last stronghold;
he visited a number of Audubon Societies in the western states, giving them
encouragement and advice, while on a trip to the Yellowstone Park in Wyoming,
where he attended one of the most important meetings held during the year — the
biennial session of the National Association of State Game Wardens and Com-
missioners. It is of vital importance that this Association have the closest affilia-
tion with all state game officials, as the objects sought by each are identical.
He did excellent and valuable service in behalf of the Biological Survey at the
last session of Congress, and, finally, was instrumental in securing the passage
of resolutions at the International Conference of Cotton Growers, in Atlanta,
Ga., demanding the protection of wild birds, and calling on Congress to continue
the Biological Survey with increased appropriations, in order that it may more
rapidly determine the economic relations of wild birds to agriculture.

Air. Edward Howe Forbush, ornithologist of the Massachusetts Board
of Agriculture, and now in charge of Audubon interests in the New England
States for this Association, accomplished results of splendid proportions. He

290 Bird - Lore

was instrumental in securing legislation in New Hampshire, Massachusetts
and Connecticut of the most advanced character; the legislative work in the
last-named state continuing over a period of five months. He gave a series
of educational lectures, reaching hundreds of people, many of them teachers.
He contributed to the literature of bird protection two of the most important
and valuable ornithological publications that have ever been presented to the
public, both of which will exert a great influence. He did yeoman service in
behalf of the Biological Survey, and has pushed Audubon work to the fore in
his territory by aggressive and progressive methods.

Mr. Henry H. Kopman, one of the leading ornithologists of the Gulf states,
who commenced his services for this Association May 15 last, has accomplished
in a very short period results of great importance. He conducted a bird survey
on the Louisiana coast, west of the Mississippi delta, with results already pre-
sented in Bird-Lore, which paved the way for two additional reservations.
He has lectured before hundreds of planters in Mississippi at farmers' insti-
tutes, showing the importance of bird protection. He is now engaged in organizing
a Mississippi State Audubon Society, with every prospect of forming a strong
and influential body of the best citizens of the state. He has prepared and is
widely circulating a large amount of valuable educational matter, among the
most important of which is a series of papers regarding the value of birds, which
is appearing in the press of his section; and, finally, he is preparing an exhibit
of Audubon methods and literature for the Mississippi State Fair, which will
be seen bv thousands of citizens and cannot fail to exert a great and far-reaching
good.

Mr. William L. Finley, the well-known bird student and photographer
of the Northwest, has given us a small portion of his time during which he has
exerted a valuable influence in his section. He has contributed largely to the
press in Oregon and Washington, and has delivered many illustrated lectures
on bird subjects. He was instrumental in preventing the repeal of the Model
Law in Oregon. He aided ver\' largely in the organization of the Washington
Audubon Society, and also gave a series of lectures under the auspices of the
Association before the Audubon Societies in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri,
and Minnesota. His illustrated magazine articles on bird life attract wide-
spread attention and lead to a greater interest in the live bird and its home life.

Miss Mary T. ]\Ioore, of North Carolina, who has lately joined the field
stafif of this Association, has been conducting a series of farmers' meetings in
her home state, which cannot help but raise the standard of intelligent apprecia-
tion of the value of birds. The work she is doing is not merely economic, but
is of value in the homes of the people, as it reaches the fireside and interests
the mothers and children, thus attracting them to nature and her beauties.

The foregoing represents a part of what was accomplished by the field-staflf
during the past year, but there is no way to tell you in words of the beneficent
influence which is rapidly growing wherever the staff has worked.

Results Achieved

291

THREE ARCH ROCKS RESERVATIONS

For Protection of Native Birds

OREGON — Embracing all small islands off the Oregon coast segregated by broken
line and designated "Three Arch Rocks Reservation"

Department of the Interior, General Land Office, Richard A. Ballineer, Commissioner

Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October 14, 1907

lEiecutivc ©rbcr

It is hereby ordered that the group of small unsurveyed islands known as
the "Three Arch Rocks," located in the Pacitic Ocean from one-half mile to
one mile off the coast of Oregon, approximately in latitude 45° 28' north,
124° west from Greenwich, as shown upon the United States Coast Survey
Chart No. 6100, and located within the area segregated by a broken line and
shown upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order, is
hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agriculture
as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds and animals. This reser-
vation to be known as Three Arch Rocks Reservation.

The White House,

October 14, 1907

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

292

Bird - Lore

FLATTERY ROCKS RESERVATION

For Protection of Native Birds

WASHINGTON — Embracing all small islands off the Washington coast segregated
by broken line and designated " Flattery Rocks Reservation "

Department of the Interior. General Land Office, Richard A. Ballinger, Commissioner

Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October 23, 1907

lExecutive ®r^er

It is hereby ordered that all small, unsurveyed and unreserved islands lying
ofif the coast of the State of Washington in the Pacific Ocean, between lati-
tudes 48° 02' North and 48° 23' North, among which are those named and
commonly known as Spike Rock, Father and Son, Bodiel-teh Islets, Flattery
Rocks, Ozette Island and White Rock, as the same are shown upon coast sur-
vey chart No. 6400, or upon the General Land Office map of the State of Wash-
ington, dated 1887, and located within the area segregated by a broken line
and shown upon *he diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order,
are hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agriculture,
as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds and animals. This reser-
vation to be known as Flattery Rocks Reservation.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

The White House,

October 23, 1907

Results Achieved

293

QUILLAYUTE NEEDLES RESERVATION

For Protection of Native Birds

WASHINGTON — Embracing all small islands off the Washington coast segregated

by broken line and designated " Quillayute Needles Reservation"

Department of the Interior, General Land Office, Richard A. Ballineer, Commissioner

Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October ij, 1007

2440

wCp 1

dfi-

46-

J^ss'-'^^^l^ ,,;A

c*k)>^i^'

. V

0 ,

0

0

C

^ ^\i

24°40'

leiccutive ©rber

It is hereby ordered that all small, unsurveyed and unreserved islands lying
off the coast of the State of Washington in the Pacific Ocean, between latitude
47° 38' North, and 48° 02' North, among which are those named and commonly
known as Hand Rock, Carroll Islets, Bald Island, Jagged Islet, Cake Rock,
James Island, Huntington Rock, Quillayute Needles, Rounded Islet, Alex-
ander Island, Perkins Reef, North Rock, Middle Rock, Abbey Island and
South Rock, as the same are shown upon coast survey chart No. 6400, or \\\w\\
the General Land Office map of the State of Washington, dated 1887, and
located within the area segregated l)y a broken line and shown upon the dia-
gram hereto attached and made a part of this order, are hereby reserved and
set aside for the use of the Department of Agriculture as a preserve and breed-
ing ground for native birds and animals. This reservation to be known as
Quillayute Needles Reservation. THEODORE ROOSEVELT

The White House,

October 23, 1907

294

Bird - Lore

COPALIS ROCK RESERVATION

For Protection of Native Birds

WASHINGTON — Embracing all small islands off the Washington coast segregated
by broken line and designated "Copalis Rock Reservation"

Department of the Interior, General Land Office. Richard A. Ballinger, Commissioner

Diagram attached to and made a part of the Executive Order dated October 27, 1907

w-eo-

lEyecutive ®r^er

It is hereby ordered that all small, unsurveyed islands lying ofif the coast
of the State of Washington in the Pacific Ocean, between latitudes 47° 8' North,
and 47° 29' North, among which are those named and commonly known as
Arch Island, Sea Lion Rock, Willoughby Rock, Split Rocks, Sonora Reef,
Greenville Arch and Copalis Rock, as the same are shown upon coast survey
chart No. 6400 or upon the General Land Office map of the State of Wash-
ington, dated 1887, and located within the area segregated by a broken line
and shown upon the diagram hereto attached and made a part of this order,
are hereby reserved and set aside for the use of the Department of Agricul-
ture as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds and animals. This
reservation to be known as Copalis Rock Reservation.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT

The White House,

October 23, 1907

Results Achieved 295

Rc.scn\itioiis.—()nc of the most important results secured by this Association
since its organization has l)ccn the large number of reservations set aside as bird
refuges and breeding homes by President Roosevelt. During the present year,
six have been added, all of which arc the ancestral homes of birds, and they
will, in the future, be under the direct suj^ervision of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture. It is our function to investigate and discover bird-breeding
islands, rocks and keys; the locality and number and species of birds is reported to
the Department of the Interior, at Washington, and, if the pro]KTty still belongs
to the Federal Government, an order is prepared for the signature of the Chief
Executive. This Society then selects a suitable person to act as a guard, who
is recommended for ai)pointmcnt as warden. He is then officially commissioned
by the Department of Agriculture at a nominal salary, which is supplemented
b\- additional compensation from this Association. Two of the new reservations,
'Tern Islands' and 'Shell Keys' in Louisiana, have already been reported in
'Bird-Lore' for September-October 1907, and the four additional ones are
now recorded. One is located on the Oregon coast and is known as 'Three
Arch Rocks Reservation,' the order for which was signed October 14, 1907.
A detailed report of the bird inhabitants of this rescrvaticm may be found in
Bird-Lore, Vol. VII, 1905, pp. 103-106.

Mr. W. Leon Dawson, the President of the Washington State Audubon
Society, who is a careful as well as enthusiastic bird student, spent the summers
of 1906 and 1907 in a survey of the bird life on the islands and rocky islets off
the coast of Washington. These all lie close to the mainland, and are of no
agricultural or commercial value. They are, however, the homes of thousands
and thousands of sea-birds and a few small groups of sea-lions. On one island
alone Dr. Dawson estimated there were 40,000 Kaeding Petrels. This report
was the basis for three new bird and animal refuges, to be known as ' Copalis
Rock Reservation,' ' ()uilla\ute Needles Reservation,' 'Flattery Rocks Reser-
vation,' the orders for which were signed October 23, 1907.

The plan of bird and animal refuges is destined to be a great factor in the
future in the preservation of the wild life of the country. However good the laws
are and however well they way be enforced, killing will go on, and there should
therefore be refuges established in all parts of the country where shooting is abso-
lutely prohibited. It is astonishing how soon birds and animals learn to know
where they are undisturbed, and how little fear of man they display within such
bounds. The reservations we are securing are the beginning of the plan of refuges,
but the Federal Government owns no land in any of the thirteen original states,
nor does it own any in Texas. In these fourteen states, the proposed s}-stem of
refuges can be secured only by purchase, or by a legislative act.

It is very much to the credit of the authorities in Pennsylvania that the game-
refuge plan has been adopted. The authorities of New York should adopt the
plan at once, and establish a large number of bird and game refuges in the Adi-
rondack and Catskill Parks. The setting aside of land for a refuge does not

296 Bird -Lore

necessarily mean that it cannot be occupied by man, it simply means that when
a bird or animal reaches these sacred precincts its life is safe.

The refuge plan must necessarily in the future be largely by purchase or
lease or donation from individuals or societies. The Louisiana Audubon Society
has been very active in this work, and now owns or leases a large number of
islands.

During the past year, the North Carolina Audubon Society has acquired
some sandy islands on the coast, which are noted bird resorts. On one of them
is located the largest colony of Least Terns that exists in the United States. The
La Rue Holmes Nature Lovers' League has raised a considerable sum of money
for the purpose of buying a large tract of suitable marsh land in New Jersey,,
which is to be dedicated as a bird refuge. The state of Massachusetts has, during
the present year, acquired a tract of 2,000 acres on Martha's Vineyard for a
refuge, especially for the purpose of preventing the total extinction of the Heath
Hen. Individuals are adopting the idea, and are making their estates bird and
animal refuges; this is specially the case in California and in Indiana.

Thousands of memorial dollars are contributed annually to educational
or philanthropic institutions. We suggest that a beautiful and appropriate
memorial would be an island or tract of land dedicated in perpetuity as a bird
refuge in charge of this Association. It would be a lasting and fitting monument.

Warden Work. — The importance of this branch of effort of the National
Association is hardly realized by the public. Had it not been for the faithful
guardians who have cared for the colonies of sea-birds on the coasts and inland
waters of the country, many of the species of birds that we now have strong
colonies of would have been exterminated. This is easily proven; take for instance
the Terns and Gulls. A habit implanted in all species of birds centuries since
impels them annually to journey to an ancestral breeding home for the purpose
of reproducing their kind. If they are undisturbed, enough young are raised
to offset the decrease, caused by old age, epidemics, cold storms, high tides, lack
of food and predatory birds and mammals, and a species is maintained at a high
degree of strength and efficiency. If, on the contrary, the birds are prevented
from breeding for one season alone, the species is weakened, and, if this is con-
tinued, it will, necessarily, finally become exterminated, because not enough
new birds are produced to keep up the stock. Our warden system is for the
purpose of allowing the birds to breed undisturbed, and the loyalty and efficiency
of the men in our employ is the reason why our coasts and inland waters are
slowly but surely being repopulated with sea-birds, some species of which were
dangerously near the point of disappearance. Even with all the care exercised
in the past few years to prevent such a misfortune, there is grave doubt whether
it will be possible to restore at least two species that were formerly common,
viz., the Least and Gull-billed Terns.

During the breeding season of 1907, all of the colonies cared for did well,
and some of them had a specially favorable season. Each warden is required

Results Achieved

297

to make preliniiiiarN' rc'|)()rts of the coiiditioiis at his station during tlie season,
and a tinal re[)ort or suiiiniaf\- at the tlose of tiie hreediii}; ])eriod, or when the
young birds are all awin^. \'ery often we are fortunate enough to have some
member of the Assoeialion, wlio is a trained ornitholoj^Mst, make a tour of in-
spection. This \ear the coast of Maine and a i)arl of the Virginia coast were
visited, and the reports are appended. In addition, Professor Watson of
Chicago, a biologist, took charge of the bird colonies at the Dry Tortugas,
Florida, and his very interesting report is given in full.

There were the usual number of excessive tides, when thousands of eggs or
young birds were swept away; but such natural tragedies are to be expected. If
we can prevent interference by man, the balance established by nature will be
maintained. P>om every station, the wardens report that the birds are becoming
more tame and fearless of man, and this statement is often verified by letters
to the Association from members or persons who have noticed the change. Fur-
ther, when the birds are permitted to breed undisturbed, the first clutch of eggs
is hatched, and the young birds mature early in the season, and are much stronger
and more able to care for themselves when the migration period is reached than
birds that are hatched late in the season. To detail the reports of each warden
would take far more space than can be allowed, but from them it is safe to say
that during the past season many, many thousands of sea-birds were raised.

UNCLE MARK YOUXC, FAITHFUL WARDEN, NO-MAN'S-LAND ISLAND, MAINE
Largest colony of Herring Gulls in the United States. They are known as Uncle Mark's pets

298 Bird - Lore

Educational Work. — This branch of the work of the Association has been
very largely extended during the past twelve months, and is daily becoming a
more important factor in the advancement of the cause of bird protection. Since
our last report, the Association has issued six new Educational Leaflets, viz.,
' The Killdeer, ' ' The Bluebird, ' ' The Red-winged Blackbird, ' ' The Baltimore
Oriole,' 'The Indigo Bunting,' 'The Purple Finch,' and, in addition, the follow-
ing special leaflets: 'In February,' 'In April,' 'In June,' 'The Wood Duck,'
' August and the Flocking Time, ' ' October and Preparations for Winter. '

In the past year, we have printed 608,050 leaflets of the various issues,
which have been circulated in all parts of the country. This means that 2,320,450
pages of accurate information regarding the life-histories and food-habits of birds
and their economic relations to mankind have been spread broadcast among
the people, especially the school children. In addition, we have circulated 15,440
reports, 266,047 colored plates of birds, and 244,000 outlines of birds for children
to color.

The good results of this distribution cannot be for a moment doubted. We
see them on every hand in an increased interest in the live bird and the willing-
ness of the public press to advocate bird protection. The following quotation
from a recent letter from Professor Minear of Texas very clearly shows the appre-
ciation of an educator in the bird literature we supply: "In connection with the
garden work of the public schools of this city, I am endeavoring to protect the
birds of this section. I believe I can save many hundreds, if not thousands, by
the use of the leaflets which are being sent out by the Audubon Society. I have
about 300 leaflets on the Robin, Meadowlark, Nighthawk or 'Bull-bat,' and
Mourning Dove, which are being distributed, and I find the boys are astonished
as to the good birds do the farmers. I wish to continue this good work, and would
appreciate any number of leaflets you could spare me. I have eleven hundred
boys in the garden and would like to reach them all if possible. This work
means much to the farming interest of our state. "

Our own short experience proves conclusively that children never fail to
respond to our teaching about birds, and therefore it is our duty to expand as
rapidly as possible this branch of our work. This is not a new idea, for Col-
eridge says:

"That strain again I

"Full fain it would delay me! My dear babe,

"Who, capable of no articulate sound,

" Mars all things with his imitative lisp,

"How he would place his hand beside his ear,

"His little hand, the small fore-finger up,

"And bid us listen! And I deem it wise

"To make him nature's playmate —

" — — — — — And, if that Heaven

"Should give me life, his childhood shall grow up

"Familiar with these songs."

Results Achieved 299

Among the many beautiful thoughts left us by Bishop Brooks, there is one
which is so i>erlinent in this connection that it is (juotcd for encouragement:
"It means something tliat, in the (Hsorder of tliought and feeling, so many
men are fleeing to the study of ordinary nature. And it is rest and comfort.
Whatever men are feeling, the seasons come and go. Whatever men are doubt-
ing, the rock is firm under their feet, and the steadfast stars pass in their certain
courses overhead. Men who dare count on nothing else may still count on
the tree's blossoming and the grape's coloring. It is good for a man perplexed
and lost among many thoughts to come into closer intercourse with Nature, and
to learn her ways and to catch her spirit. It is no fancy to believe that if the
children of this generation are taught a great deal more than we used to be
taught of nature, and the ways of God in nature, they will be provided with
the material for far healthier, happier, and less perplexed and anxious lives
than most of us are living. "

Sliite Societies. — The reports of the thirty-three State Societies presented
beyond speak for themselves, and, in this connection, your President cannot
too strongly emphasize the importance of the work of these organizations which,
familiar with local conditions, can act as circumstances require far more sym-
pathetically and effectively than could a foreign body.

Women^s Clubs. — There are few countries where nature has been more
prolific and generous with beautiful birds and interesting animals than in the
United States. It is a sad fact that the citizens of the country have not all realized
their blessings in this respect, and have wasted what nature has so generously
provided. Many of the wild birds of the country have been ruthlessly slaught-
ered to ornament the head-gear of women. Many organizations of women
in the country are taking an active stand against the cruel practice of killing
birds for millinery ornaments, and I believe that it is the patriotic duty of every
woman in the land to join in the great civic movement to preserve the wild
life of the country. Surely the love of country embraces within its meaning
a love for its natural beauties.

The following resolution is being circulated by the General Federation
of Women's Clubs, and is exerting a powerful influence in the right direction.
This Association recommends its adoption by every woman, whether she is
a member of a club or is simply an individual:

Whereas: The beautiful white Herons are rapidly ciiminishing, with a likeli-
hood of their becoming extinct, and

Whereas: The demand for aigrettes for millinery purposes is responsible for
the slaughter of these feathered innocents antl the ( onsequent death of the nestlings,
therefore

Resolved: That I pledge myself not to wear any such Badge of Cruelty as the
aigrette, or the plumage of any wild bird, and that I will use all possible influence to
restrain others from doing so.

Big Game. — This Association lately took its first step in big game preser-
vation by bearing a j)art of the expenses in the trial of two poachers for the

300 Bird - Lore

illegal killing of Elk. The defendants were convicted and sentenced to imprison-
ment for three months and to pay costs amounting to $933. When they have
served their terms, they will have been in jail fourteen months, besides having
all the elk hides, horns and teeth in their possession confiscated. This case will
have a very far-reaching effect, especially in the Jackson's Hole region in Wyo-
ming, and, in fact, in the entire Northwest. Our Vice-president, Dr. Palmer,
is now perfecting plans for extending our work of big game protection.

Before closing this imperfect report of the activities of the year, it is my
duty as well as my pleasure to bear witness to the willing and loyal service ren-
dered by the officers and active workers in the state organizations. So long
as such a spirit is dominant, there can be no fear that the cause of wild birds and
animal protection will not go steadily forward. — William Dutcher, President.

REPORT OF T. GILBERT PEARSON, SECRETARY

General Remarks. — The past year has been a busy one in the southern office
of the National Association of Audubon Societies located in Greensboro, N. C.
The correspondence in all parts of the southern states has greatly increased
and a large amount of literature, copies of game laws, and cloth warning
notices have been distributed. In addition to this, the secretary has done an
unusually large amount of field work. Early in June, a vessel was fitted out at
Morehead City, N. C, for an exploring expedition southward along the coast
as far as Florida. The object of the cruise was to locate the breeding colonies
of sea-birds in this territory and secure wardens to guard them. The most inter-
esting discovery was that of a colony containing about five hundred birds of
that rare species, the Least Tern. This was located on the South Carolina coast
about ten miles from Cape Romain. More than two thousand Brown Pelicans
were also found on this coast. The vessel was out about thirty-one days.

Legislative work has claimed the secretary's attention in North Carolina,
South Carolina and Georgia, and he appeared before legislative committees
in these three states.

Much time has been spent in travel and work in South Carolina, to assist
in getting that state's Audubon Society on its feet. It is now fully organized,
having been incorporated by the Legislature with all the power of a state game
commission, and with good officers at its head.

A number of cities in South Carolina and Georgia have been visited in the
interest of the suppression of the traffic in song-birds, and, as a result, a number
of dealers have discontinued their work. Some other interesting discoveries
were made, which will be published in due time.

More than two dozen public lectures have been given by the secretary during
the year. He also represented the National Association at a number of gather-
ings, particularly the meeting of the League of American Sportsmen in Norfolk,
Va.; the meeting of the International Conference of Cotton Manufacturers

Report of T. Gilbert Pearson 301

and Growers, Atlanta, Ga.; and the biennial session of the National Associa-
tion of State Game Wardens and Commissioners, in the Yellowstone National
Park, Wyoming.

At these meetings, he introduced and secured the ])assage of strong resolu-
tions endorsing the woik of the United States Biological Survey, as follows:

Whereas: The Bureau of Biological Survey, United States Department of Agri-
culture, has been engaged for many years in studying the habits and distribution of wild
birds and mammals for the purpose of determining their economic value to the agri-
culturist, and

Whereas: It has been discovered by the said Bureau of Biological Survey that
many of our non-game and song-birds and certain of our mammals are most valuable
assistants in destroying worms and other insects injurious to growing crops, fruit and
forest trees, and the bulletins of this subject issued from time to time by the Bureau
are a practical and valuable aid to farmers and planters, and

Whereas: The Bureau of Biological Survey has investigated the relations of birds
to the boll-weevil in Texas and other cotton-growing states, and has issued several
publications on the subject, naming the species that destroy the weevil and giving infor-
mation as to their habits, with practical suggestions for increasing their numbers, and

Whereas: The work of game preservation by this Bureau has resulted in a more
general uniformity of state laws relating to open seasons, licenses and other details,
while the enforcement of the Federal statute known as the Lacy Law has resulted in
a more general observance of state laws regulating the export of game-birds and animals,
and

Whereas: All of this work is of direct and positive benefit to the cotton-grower,
therefore; —

Be it Resolved: That this Association recognizes fully the value of the work of
the Bureau of Biological Survey, and most respectfully petitions the national Congress
at its forthcoming session to make a sufi&cient appropriation for the support of this
Bureau to enable it to continue and broaden its work along the lines indicated; and
be it further resolved: — That a copy of this resolution be furnished by our Secretary
to every Senator and Representative in Congress from the cotton-growing states.

\' isits with the officers of the state Audubon Societies have been made, and
more or less work has been accomplished in Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio,
Missouri and Colorado. A number of trips, in executing the preHminary work
for legislative enactment, have been made to Virginia.

Miss Mary T. Moore has, during the year, been added to the office force as
school secretary. During the summer months she lectured before twenty-four
farmers' institutes, and since then has been busy with correspondence and
supplying the school-teachers in North Carolina and Virginia with leaflets
of the Association.

Meeting oj Game Comiuissiouers. — Your Secretary attended the fourth
biennial meeting of the National Association of State Game and Fish Wardens and
Commissioners which was held at Fort Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park,
August 9 and 10. The members met at Mammoth Hot Spring Hotel on August
8, and the same day called in a body to pay their respects to General S. B. Young,
Superintendent of the Park, by whose invitation the Association was holding

302 Bird -Lore

its meeting there. The sessions of the convention were presided over by President
W. V. Scott, State Game Warden of Montana; Chas. A. Voglesang, of Cah-
fornia, acting as secretary. In the course of General Young's hearty address of
welcome, many exceedingly interesting statements were made regarding the
increase of game in the park. For instance, we learned that about sixty-five
head of Buffalo are still preserved. About one-half of these are kept in a corral
near Gardner. The remaining ones are still running in a wild state in the Pigeon
Creek country, near Yellowstone Lake. The increase of these herds is not
rapid, one reason being the fact that the males increase much more rapidly than
the females. About 25,000 Elk are now believed to be in the Park, and the number
is continually augmented by additional bands which come in from the surround-
ing states to escape prosecution of the hunters, many of whom desire to kill
these fine game animals simply for the teeth. Antelopes are on the increase,
as are also Mountain Sheep. Mule Deer are today very abundant, and may be
seen almost everywhere while passing through the Park.

Following the remarks of General Young, Colonel Anderson, former acting
superintendent of the Park, was introduced. His address was one of the most
valuable and interesting of the entire convention. His experience in endeavor-
ing to preserve the game and repress poachers dated from the time of his appoint-
ment in 1881, and his early struggles on behalf of the game of the park were
listened to like tales of romance.

Dr. T. S. Palmer, of Washington, D. C, spoke on 'Novel Features of Recent
Game Legislation,' giving, in connection with this, a most valuable summary
of all the game legislation in the United States in the past year, as well as throw-
ing out many valuable suggestions regarding needed laws in different states.
The commissioners from one state after another followed, and told of the bird
and game conditions in the territory over which their jurisdiction extended.
It is interesting to note that many of these gentlemen gave the National Associa-
tion of Audubon Societies and the officers of the state organizations very decided
credit for battles which had been won in their states for bird and game protection.

The work of the Audubon Society in influencing legislation, particularly
the past year in saving the non-game bird law in Oregon; helping preserve the
remnant of the Game Commission in Missouri; the splendid work done in Con-
necticut with the establishment of the license law and other important features;
the creating of the Game Commission in Alabama, and the securing of full
control of the game protection work in South Carolina, were some of the matters
which were discussed in detail before the convention. The Audubon Society
is today an enormous factor in game legislation in America, and the cooperation
of the Audubon Societies and the State Game Commissioners throughout the
union is a most fortunate and valuable combination, and these two forces should
work hand in hand continually with tremendous and far-reaching results for
good. Among the most entertaining speakers of the convention were David
E. Farr of Colorado, L. T. Carleton of Maine, Dr. Geo. W. Field and John

Reports of Special Agents 303

Delano of Massachusetts, (ico. \V. Clark of Illinois, Carlos Avery of Minnesota
and William \. Stephens of Idaho. An important feature of the convention
was the i)resence and addresses of seven National Forest Rangers. E. A. Sherman,
Chief Inspector of the National Forest for the district of Montana, northern
Idaho and Wyoming, in a most interesting manner enlarged on the work of
forest preservation and the relationship between this valuable subject and game
protection.

New officers were elected for the Association as follows: President, William
F. Scott, Helena, Montana; First Vice-president, T. G. Pearson, Greensboro,
N. C; Second Vice-president, L. T. Carleton, Augusta, Me.; Secretary, Chas.
A. Voglesang, San Francisco, Cal.; Treasurer, Carlos Avery, St. Paul, Minn.;
General Council, Joseph Acklen, Nashville, Tenn.; Directors, John W. Delano,
Marion, Mass.; David E. Farr, Denver, Col.

After the adjournment of the convention, the commissioners proceeded on
a five-day tour in the Yellowstone National Park, where many facilities were
afforded them for seeing not only the wild life but the natural phenomena of
this wonderful, world-renowned region. — T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary.

REPORTS OF SPECIAL AGENTS

REPORT OF EDWARD HOWE FORBUSH

My work with the National Association began in January with the intro-
duction of two bills into the Massachusetts legislature. One of these was drawn
to protect the larger Gulls at all times, and the other to prohibit all spring shoot-
ing of Wild Ducks. While these bills were pending. Congress refused the appro-
priation for the Bureau of Biological Survey of the United States Department
of Agriculture, and it became necessary at once to concentrate all effort on the
attempt to make more widely known the importance of the work of the Survey.

From January 15 to June i, my time was given mainly to legislative work
in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This work was almost
uniformly successful, as all the measures advocated were enacted, with the
exception of the anti-spring shooting bill in Massachusetts. All proposed bills
inimical to bird protection were defeated. The bill to protect the Gulls was
enacted largely through the efforts of Dr. Geo. W. Field, chairman of the Com-
mission on Fisheries and Game. I followed through all their stages a bill
to protect Loons and Eagles, and another, introduced by the Fall River Natural
History Society, to protect the more useful Owls and Hawks. A bill requiring
non-residents hunting within the state to procure a $10 license was also advo-
cated and supported through all its stages.

The bill to authorize the Commission on Fisheries and Game to take land
on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, to be used in conserving and propagating
the nearly extinct Heath Hen, met with considerable opposition in the Ways

304 Bird - Lore

and Means Committee, and was delayed until late in the session; but the Chair-
man of the Fish and Game Commission, together with Mr. William Brewster,
president of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and many other friends of
the bill, came handsomely to its support, and a redraft was finally p3,ssed. The
commissioners have now taken, by gift or otherwise, about two thousand acres
of land, and are protecting this vanishing game-bird in its last stronghold, where
they intend if possible to propagate it, so that it may, in time, take the place it
formerly occupied in the Atlantic coast states.

The campaign in Connecticut was long and tedious, occupying more than
five months, but was finally successful in every respect. The forces which for
so many years had been able to keep open a spring-shooting season for wild
fowl, snipe and shore birds, were defeated and demoralized for the time being,
and all shooting of these birds is now prohibited in Connecticut from January
I to September i. The enactment of this law was finally followed by that of
another requiring the registration of all hunters. This is the greatest gain ever
made by the bird protectionists in Connecticut, for it provides money in the
shape of license fees to be used for the enforcement of the game and bird laws,
which were formerly little respected in many parts of the state. Another law,
which was strongly advocated and passed, prohibits the sale of upland game-
birds for a period of years. The Connecticut legislation was upheld by the
Audubon Society, by many enlightened sportsmen and intelligent farmers,
and opposed mainly by market hunters and others who care nothing about
the extermination of the birds provided they get their share of the birds or the
money which is expended in hunting them.

My work in New Hampshire was mainly devoted to the support of a so-called
omnibus bill for the protection of fish, birds and game, and bills for protecting
the Wood Duck, Upland Plover and Killdeer at all times for a series of years.
Mrs. Arthur E. Clarke, of Manchester, president of the New Hampshi.-e Audu-
bon Society, exerted a most potent influence for the passage of this legislation,
and she was ably seconded by the secretary, Mrs. F. W. Batchelder. These
ladies fully exemplify the power that officers of the Audubon Societies possess.
Great credit is due to Chairman Nathaniel Wentworth of the Fish and Game
Commission, for his work in shaping legislation. During this legislative work,
I have been impressed with the fact that each member of this Association and
each member of the State Societies is capable of exerting a considerable influence
toward the enactment of good laws, and a large part of my work has consisted
of getting acquainted with those who are interested in bird protection, and
showing them how they can best use their influence.

Twenty-two lectures were given from January to June before state normal
school teachers, farmers' associations and legislators in the three states.
Most of these talks were illustrated by stereopticon, and recent reports show
that they have led people, especially children, to feed birds, put up bird-houses
and otherwise care for birds and study them. From June to October, fully

Reports of Special Agents 305

half my lime has ht'cn (ic(u])ied with other (hities than those connected with
the work of the Association. The time given to its work has been utilized largely
in organizing people interested in the protection of birds in New England, and
in soliciting members for the National and State Associations. In August,
a series of five illustrated lectures on birds in their relation to the farmer was
given at the Massachusetts Agricultural College at Amherst before students
in the large and successful summer school of agriculture. This course })roved
one of the most popular of the year. The students were mainly teachers and
others connected with school or college instruction, and the attendance at these
lectures included nearly the entire school.

The bird laws enacted in Massachusetts since the first settlement of the
colony have been studied, and a bulletin entitled 'Statutory Bird Protection
in Massachusetts' has been prepared and printed by the Massachusetts State
Board of Agriculture for free distribution among farmers and others, in antici-
pation of a movement for better legi.slation. Co])ies may be had by application
to Secretary, J. Lewis Ellsworth, State Board of Agriculture, State Hou.se,
Boston, jNIass.

As the first edition of ' Useful Birds and their Protection ' was practically
exhausted within three weeks of its issue, a bill authorizing a second edition
was introduced into the legislature and passed. The second edition is now in
press, and copies may be obtained of Secretary Ellsworth when issued. I have
prepared also an illustrated article on the relations of birds to agriculture for
Prof. L. H. Bailey's Cyclopedia of Agriculture, now in press. — Edw.ard Hcjwe

FORBUSH.

REPORT OF H. H. KOPMAN

The work undertaken by your present special agent since his first connection
with your Association last May has included three principal lines of activities,
viz., a cruise along the Louisiana coast west of the Mississippi river, cover-
ing the period from May 15 to June 21, attendance on farmers' institutes
in Mississippi, for the purpose of addressing farmers on the importance of bird
protection, and covering the period from July 15, to September 6; and pub-
licity work in ISIississippi, with Jackson as a base of operations, having as its
object the organization of a Mississippi State Audubon Society. As this report
is being drafted, preliminary steps are under way for making an Audubon
exhibit at the Mississippi State Fair, at Jackson, November 5-16.

The cruise along the Louisiana coast was made in the schooner 'Sea-bird,'
of Pass Christian, Miss., owned by Captain William Sprinkle and sailed by
Captain Frank Couvillier and Mate O. C. Colson, of Morgan City, La. The
breeding colonies found on this trip were: Shell Keys, off Marsh island, at the
entrance to Vermilion Bay, the nesting-home of about two thousand Royal
Terns, and the resting-place of Brown Pelicans and Man-o'-War birds; that
portion of Last island west of 'Caroline's Cut,' where about 6,000 Black Skim-

3o6 Bird -Lore

mers were found breeding; East Timbalier, the breeding-place of aljout 4,500
Black Skimmers, 5,500 Laughing Gulls and 1,750 Louisiana Herons, as well
as about six pairs of Snowy Herons; the 'Mud Lumps' islands off North Pass,
Pass a L'Outre, Northeast Pass and Southwest Pass, Mississippi river. These
' mud lumps, ' together with the Shell Keys, have since been set aside as national
reservations. Important feeding stations were found also at Calcasieu Pass,
at Trinity Bay, Last island, at Wine island, on the Shell islands in Barataria
Bay, at Barataria Light (Ft. Livingston), and at Shell island, Bastian Bay.
The principal species observed were Laughing Gulls, Royal Terns, Black
Skimmers and Brown Pelicans. Caspian Terns and the greatest number of
Forster's Terns were seen on the mud lumps off Northeast Pass. Least Terns
were seen at several points, but none were found breeding; similarly with White
Pelicans. The number of brown Pelicans breeding and reared on the mud
lumps off Southwest Pass was estimated at 7,500.

Your agent made talks to farmers at twenty-five points in Mississippi, in
the counties of Lincoln, Copiah, Amite, Pike, Newton, Scott, Leake, Neshoba,
Kemper, Yalobusha, Grenada and Tallahatchie. The number of farmers reached
in this way was probably about five hundred. In addition, a talk was made
before about two hundred farmers at the ' Round-Up ' Institute at Agricultural
College(Starkville), September 4-6. The subject of this, as well as of the other
talks, was ' The Necessity of Feathered Help in Agriculture. ' Actual speci-
mens were shown in all cases, and much interest was manifested at the ' Round-
Up' and at a number of other institutes.

About one thousand copies of the poster, ' Save the Birds, ' have been sent
out to Mississippi post-offices; and this work will be continued until all the post-
offices in the state are supplied, and the circulation will probably be extended
to railway stations, hotels, etc. Two hundred copies of a circular letter calling on
the people to help in the organization of a Mississippi Audubon Society have
been sent to Mississippi newspapers, while some of the circulars have been posted.

Your agent wishes to express his appreciation of courtesies extended him
by state officials in Mississippi, and especially by Prof. E. R. Lloyd, Director
of Farmers' Institutes, and Hon. H. E. Blakeslee, Commissioner of Agriculture.
The latter has kindly invited your agent to make his headquarters in the Com-
missioner's office, and, in consequence, our literature is on file at this office,
while your agent spends a considerable part of his time there. Our literature
is also to be had from the Secretary of State, and the Superintendent of Educa-
tion.— H. H. KOPMAN.

REPORT OF WILLIAM L. FINLEY

During the past few years, there has been considerable change in economic
conditions in Oregon and Washington. Great stretches of land have been cleared
and settled, and fruit-raising has grown to be the leading industry. Native
trees and bushes have given place to grain-fields and orchards. The birds that

Reports of Special Agents 307

formerly lived on wild i'ruits and berries have taken to a civilized diet, and this
has naturally caused complaint from farmers and horliculturists. iiirds that
were unknown to the ordinar\- fruit-raiser, such as the \'ariefl Thrush and
Lewis Woodpecker, have suddenly been discovered, and have aroused com-
plaint,— the former because it eats grapes, and the latter is known as the ' Apple
Bird, ' because it frequents apple orchards.

The complaint has come from certain (juarters that birds are doinj^ more
harm than benefit, and, at the last session of the Oregon Legislature, a bill was
introduced which permitted farmers, orchardists and gardeners to kill any
bird they thought harmful. Such a sentiment was aroused against the birds
by a few fruit-growers that the bill passed both Houses, and would have become
a law had the members of the Audubon Society not made a strong a]:)j)cal to
the Governor, who vetoed the bill.

In order to forestall evil bird-legislation, we have begun a systematic work
of education throughout this part of the country. A series of Bird Leaflets are
being prepared, and will be published under the authority of the University
of Oregon. These are to be used at teachers' institutes, and, in connection with
the Leaflets of the National Association, will spread the interest among the school
children. During the past 3'ear, a series of lectures have been delivered in eight differ-
ent towns and cities throughout the state, in order to arouse greater interest in the
study of bird life. These lectures are also to be given before the various granges
and other societies. Considerable publicity work has been done by articles in
newspapers and magazines, such as ' School and Home, ' and ' The State Grange
Bulletin.'

The past year has marked the beginning of systematic work in bird protec-
tion in the state of Washington. Several bird lectures have been given, and on
April 20, at the conclusion of a lecture in the assembly hall of the Seattle High
School, the Washington Audubon Society was organized. This has since grown
to be a thriving organization, and will undoubtedly have a wide influence in
protecting the birds of the state. Your agent has also given public illustrated
lectures on the subject of bird study and bird protection in Illinois, Michigan,
Minnesota and Indiana. — William L. Finley.

REPORT OF JOHN B. WATSON ON THE CONDITION OF THE NODDY
AND SOOTY TERN COLONY ON BIRD KEY, TORTUGAS, FLORIDA

During May, June and July of the present year (1907), which are the import-
ant months in the nesting season of the above-mentioned Terns, I acted as
warden of Bird Key. While serving in this capacity for the National Associa-
tion, I was at the same time engaged in a scientific study of the habits of these
birds for the Marine Biological Laboratory of the Carnegie Institution. The
scientific report of this work will naturally first appear in the archives of the
Carnegie Institution. I wish, in the present connection, to extend my thanks

3o8

Bird -Lore

to President Dutcher and to the Audubon Society, for kind permission to carry-
on scientific studies on a protected bird colony, and for the complete control
of the colony during the period of study.

The writer has nothing but favorable statements to make upon the con-
dition of the colony. A few years ago, Dr. Thompson (Bird-Lore, Vol. V,
1903, pp. 77-86), made a detailed report upon the condition of this colony.
Apparently, since that report was made, the birds have increased largely in

OLD HOSPITAL BUILDING, BIRD KEY, DRY TORTUGAS, FLORIDA
Used by wardens as a residence

numbers. By methods which are described below, some notion of the number
of birds nesting upon the island was obtained.

Approximate Number oj Sooty Terns. — As was shown by Dr. Thompson,
some of the Sooties lay their eggs in holes in the sand, either under the bay
cedar bushes, or out in the open spaces, while others lay directly upon the sand,
or upon the matted grass. Apparently, the Sooties come to the island in groups.
This is evidenced by the fact that laying begins at slightly different dates upon
different portions of the island, Roughly speaking, the southwestern portion
of the island was first 'taken,' for the eggs first appeared in that section; then,
in order, the central and northeastern portions. The natural subdivisions of
the surface of the island, the sandy places, wooded portions, etc., made it pos-

Reports of Special Agents

309

sihlc to sul)(iivi(lr thrsc large lU'sling-placcs into given areas, for the i)ur])()se
of enumerating the eggs.

The three large areas were accordingly subdivided into ten smaller areas.
The number of square feet in each was ne.xt determined. Likewise, in each
of the tell areas, several smaller areas containing ten square feet were marked
off at random, and the number of eggs in each of these was actually counted.
These separate counts were then averaged, thus giving a fairly representative

NODDY TERN ON NEST, DRY TORTUCIAS, FLORIDA

figure for the number of eggs per square toot. Knowing the number of square
feet in the area as a whole, the estimate of the total number of eggs contained
in it could easily be made. When this same procedure had been followed with
respect to each of the ten areas, the total number of eggs was found to be 9,429.
Since the birds usually lay but one egg and there are two adults attached to each
nest, the total number of Sooties reaches 18,852. This, certainly, is not an
excessive valuation. The group photographs (reproduced by permission of the
Carnegie Institution) taken upon one of the areas most numerously supplied
with eggs, give a fairly correct notion of how thickly the birds are packed
together.

Reports of Special Agents

31

Approximate X timber oj Xoddy Terns. — Since the Noddies build their
nests of twill's, moss and sea-shells in accessible places, it is easily possible, with
the help of a mechanical counting device, actually to count the number of nests.
In some places, where the bay cedar is exceedingly dense, and the area has to
be gone over dog fashion (or at times even more primitively), and in others,
where the cactus growth is very dense, error in counting is possible. Six hundred
and three nests were actually counted. Probably 700 nests (inhabited) would
be a safer estimate. Doubling this
count to get the number of birds as
before, we have approximately 1,400
Noddies on the island. For reasons
which I will admit arc not scientific-
ally based, I feci that the above
figure does not give a sufficient num-
ber of Noddies. In the first place,
from the general impression one
gets, one feels that there is a vastly
greater number present. In the
second place, there are always hun-
dreds of Noddies 'sunning,' either
on the beach or in the trees. Now
my studies show that, during the
brooding season at least, the Noddy
has no leisure. Consequently, I feel
sure that there are many cases where
the birds live on the island without
nesting. I venture the suggestion,
merely as a suggestion, that the
Noddy does not breed until at least
two years of age.

A Running Account oj ^Nesting
Events.'' — The birds landed upon the
island (April 27) five days before I
reached it. On May ?, the beginning of my three months' continuous resi-
dence there, the birds (both species) were present in large numbers. As Dr.
Thompson suggests, mating, apparently, had already taken place before the
arrival of the birds upon the island. The Noddies were busily engaged, some
in rehabilitating old nests, others in constructing new ones. (The Noddy is
never satisfied with its nest, no matter how large it is. A suitable twig, piece
of shell, or bunch of moss, is an irresistible stimulus, which sets free the collect-
ing movements, regardless of the stage of advancement of the nesting period.)

The Sooties, at this time, were choosing and 'holding' appropriate nesting-
sites. This was done c)nly by dint of persistent fighting. The building of the

312

Bird -Lore

Scoty nest is an affair consuming very little time, even when an 'elaborate''
nest is constructed, — a little 'back shoveling' with the \vebbed foot, a little
'breasting': — a term I have chosen to designate the operation of sitting flat in
the nest and turning round and round and using the breast as a 'shaper' — and
the deed is done.

On May 5, two Noddy eggs were found. On May 7, several Sooty eggs
were laid. From this time on, the eggs were rapidly laid by both species. Three
weeks from these dates, most of the eggs had been laid. On June 3, the first

SOOTY TEKNS NEST ON THE GROUND, NODDY TERNS NEST IN THE TREES,
DRY TORTUGAS, FLORIDA

Sooty young was found. Marked eggs showed the incubation period to be slightly
variable but averaging about twenty-nine days. On June 9, the first of the Noddy
voung appeared. Marked eggs showed the incubation to be very variable, from
thirty-three to thirty-eight days.

In most cases, only one egg was laid. This is strictly true for the Noddy.
I have never seen two eggs in a Noddy nest except in cases where the first egg
had been displaced, and hence no longer gave the proper contact sensation?.
I counted in the neighborhood of fifty Sooty nests where two eggs were present.
In one case, I actually saw the parent bird with two young, and, in another
case, one young bird and one unhatched egg. Since no unhatched eggs were

Reports of Special Agents

313

found later, I am
incliiu'd lo believe
that, in these ex-
ceptional eases
where two ej^^i^s
are laid, hoth are
hatelied and the
young reared.

The weather
during the past
nesting season was
calm. ()nl\- one
storm occurred,
which did little

damage. The island is so small and so little above sea-level that the birds
are always in danger from this source. It is well that they have favorable
years, when thousands are born and reared without mishap, as was the case
during the past year. In addition to adverse climatic conditions, the young
of these birds are subject to the following vicissitudes: (1) The adult Sooties
kill the voung belonging to adjacent Sooty nests. This occurs, however,
only when the colony is disturbed and the young seek cover. The old

SOOTY TERN EICJHT D.-WS OLD

Iji^

SOOTY TERX TWEXTY-FIVE U.^YS OLD, DRY lORrUGAS, FLORID.\

NODDY TERN EIGHTEEN DAYS OLD

NODDY TERN THIRTY DAYS OLD, DRY TORTUGAS, FLORIDA

(314)

Reports of Special Agents

315

birds return to the nest first. When the very young birds shortly begin to return
to their respective nests (as they always do after every interruption until they
are read\- to (\y), tlicy lia\c to run the gauntlet of the sharp beaks between them
and their goal. The }-oung which are thus slain are, approximately, from one
to five days of age. After they attain the fifth day, they are quick to avoid the
neighboring nests. (2) On account of the carelessly constructed nest, the Noddy
young often falls to the ground and perishes. Just what percentage of the young
of the two species are lost in these ways is not known.

Rdalion of Frigate Bird to Tern. — After the young Terns appeared, possibly
five hundred Frigate Birds were present on the island. Even during the lay-
ing season of the Terns, one
hundred to one hundred and
fifty Frigate Birds are alwa\ -
present. In order to verify th(
statements of Dr. Thompson
and others to the effect that
the Frigate Bird chases the fish-
laden Tern until it disgorges,
a tower was constructed which
gave an adequate view of the
island as a whole. The al)o\c
statement of Dr. Thompson
could not be verified, nor could
a further statement which is
sometimes made, to the effect
that the Frigate Bird eats the
young Terns. On the other
hand, hundreds of times I have
seen the Noddy (rarely the
Sooty) chase the Frigate Bird
when the latter attempted to alight (roost) in the vicinity of the Noddy nest. In
justice to the above writers, it must be said, however, that the number of
Frigate Birds rapidly increases as soon as the young Terns a]:)pear, and that all
during the day they continually rest on the low Irishes which are nearest the
open nesting-places of the Booties.

A Feii' Words About the Least Tern (Sterna antillanim). — The Least Tern,
so far as the Tortugas group of islands is concerned, is nearing e.xtinction. Early
in the season, it was thought that a moderate-sized colony was going to thrive
on Loggerhead Key. When this colony was first visited, in the neighborhood
of fifty nests were found, a large percentage of w^hich contained two eggs. About
two weeks later, the colony was again visited. Only one nest containing eggs
remained. A visiting dog (from the lighthouse) and a large colony of wild rats
which infest this island probably destroyed the eggs. One Least Tern was

ONLY LEAST TERN FOUND ON LOGGER-
HEAD KEY, FLORIDA
Rats and dogs destroy the eggs. This species of Tern
has been nearly exterminated by plume hunters

3i6 Bird -Lore

hatched in the above nest. The photograph of this bird is given below. (This
photograph was taken by Mr. Keller of the Marine Biological Laboratory
Staflf.) Still another attempt was made by these birds to colonize Sand Key, but
there their nests were systematically robbed. Sand Key is about two miles dis-
tant from Bird Key. It is very small, and is so constantly washed over by waves
at flood-tide that it is extremely improbable that it can ever form a suitable nest-
ing-place for these Terns.

Dr. Mayer who is extremely interested in the bird life at Tortugas has prom-
ised to afford the Least Tern adequate protection if it again attempts to colonize
Loggerhead Key. Colonization of Loggerhead Key will give them their only
chance to survive. There is no room for them on Bird Key, and the other Keys
can probably never be adequately protected. — John B. Watson.

REPORT OF A. C. BENT, ON CONDITION OF BIRD COLONIES ON
COBB'S ISLAND, VIRGINIA, IN 1907

We landed on Cobb's Island Sunday afternoon, June 23, and left the follow-
ing Sunday, June 30, at noon. We made our headquarters at the Cobb's Island
Club House with Mr. George Isdell, who was then in charge of it; we consulted
Captain Andrews frequently, at the life-saving station, but could not sta\^ with
him, as he had no room for us. We explored Cobb's Island quite thoroughly,
and several of the surrounding islands and marshes, as they are called, including
Wreck, Moon and Pig Islands, Big Eastward, Little Eastward, Rapesan and
Presses ' marshes. '

Pig Island is a large, low and sandy island, practically devoid of vegetation, —
really nothing more than a large sand-bar raised sufficiently to be above the
reach of the highest tides. Cobb's, Wreck and Moon Islands consist mainly
of extensive salt-marshes, partially flooded at high tide, protected on the ocean
sides by high sandy or stony beaches, frequently covered with great piles of
oyster-shells, washed up from the .sea. The so-called 'marshes' are inside islands
consisting mainly of salt-marshes, flooded at high tide, but generally contain-
ing some dry lands.

We did not visit Smith's Island, for lack of time and because we heard that
birds were not as plentiful there as on the islands we explored.

Laughing Gulls were abundant everywhere, perhaps nearly as abundant
as they have ever been within recent years. We found two or three large breeding
colonies on Cobb's Island, and many smaller colonies or scattering pairs nesting
on the salt-marshes, where their nests were conspicious in the short marsh grass.
The largest colony of all was on Big Eastward, and there were other large breed-
ing colonies on Little Eastward, Rapesan and Wreck Islands.

The birds do not seem to be molested, but, as egging is allowed up to July 4,
the eggs are persistently and thoroughly collected almost daily by the oyster-
men until that date, after which they are allowed to raise their l)irds. Out of

Reports of Special Agents 317

hundri'ds of nests examined, we were able to find only two complete sets of three
eggs. It was surprising to see the thoroughness with which the nests were robbed.
Oystermen and fishermen are very numerous here, and, as they are busy on
their fishing-grounds at this season they live in small shanties on the marshes
and derive an important part of their food supply from the eggs of the sea-birds,
principally the Gulls. As the birds do not seem to be materially reduced in
numbers by their depredations, laying their eggs persistently like domestic
fowls, perhaps it would be hardly fair to deprive the men of this convenient
source of supply where provisions are so hard to obtain; but it does seem as if
the egging season might be shortened somewhat. The wardens, of course, are
powerless to stop egging until laws can be passed prohibiting it.

Gull-billed Terns are rapidly disappearing from this region, where only
a few years ago they were common. Only two pairs were seen on Cobb's Island.
I saw a few Terns, not over two or three pairs, at Pig Island, which I thought
were this species. At Wreck Island we found a few Gull-billed Terns, — perhaps
eight or ten pairs, — breeding in the Black Skimmer colony. We found, in all,
only four nests, one on Cobb's Island and three on Wreck Island.

A few Common Terns were seen almost everywhere, and a number of their
nests were found, but no large breeding colonies were noted.

Forster's Terns were occasionally seen at various points, and a few frequented
a marsh on Cobb's Island almost constantly, but no nests were found there.
On June 28, we discovered a large breeding colony on Wreck Island. Probably
over one hundred pairs, and possibly nearly two hundred pairs, were breeding
on a salt-marsh, where their nests were thickly congregated on windrows of
driftwood along the edge of a creek. The birds can be easily recognized by their
notes, and their nests are characteristic, being very neat, well-built structures
on large piles of driftweed. These and the other Terns' eggs are apparently
not regularly taken by the fishermen, perhaps because they are too small, for
we found full sets of eggs in all stages of incubation and some young
birds.

The Royal and Least Terns have now become {)ractically e.xtinct in this
region; we saw none of either species, but were told that a few Royal Terns
are seen occasionally. The Least Terns have been thoroughly annihilated for
millinery purposes. Our guides told us most appalling stories of the immense
numbers of these birds that were slaughtered here within the past few years;
the figures were almost incredible; he and nearly all of the gunners and fisher-
men on the coast took a hand in the game, and they kept at it until the last one
was gone, though at first the supply seemed inexhaustible. Probably this species
will never be reestablished on this coast, but I am happy to say that protection
has come in time to save the Forster's and Common Terns.

I understand that shooting for the millinery trade has been entirely and
eflfectually stopped, as it is known to be illegal and the wardens are seeing that
the laws are enforced.

3i8 Bird -Lore

Clapper Rails are still abundant on the meadows, where they are almost
constantly heard, though less often seen. We found a great many nests, but
saw practically no young birds.

The eggs we found were probably second sets, but we were unable to decide
whether the earlier sets had been destroyed by high tides or whether they had
hatched and the young were keeping out of sight. The eggs are taken to some
extent by the fishermen, but not so regularly as the Gulls' eggs, which are larger
and more easily collected.

There were two very large colonies of Black Skimmers nesting on Pig Island,
a small colony on Cobb's Island and a large colony on Wreck Island. They
were only just beginning to lay, and hardly any of the sets were complete before
we left. I doubt if many of the eggs are taken by the fishermen, though they
are considered good eating; they do not begin laying much before the egging
season closes. The birds are not shot or disturbed in any way, and I do not see
why they should not hold their own for many years to come.

Of the Willets, there were not over three pairs, and I am inclined to think
that there were only two pairs, as we never saw more than four birds at one
time. They frequented the north end of Cobb's Island and had apparently
finished breeding. About three or four pairs of Wilson's Plovers also frequented
the same locality and had evidently been breeding here; they acted as if they
had young in the vicinity, but we could not find them. Both of these species
are, in my opinion, doomed to speedy extermination in this locality, as they
are far from wary and will sooner or later be killed by some of the numerous
shore-bird hunters, who come here to shoot the migrant birds in the spring as
well as in the fall.

Less than half a dozen pairs of American Oyster-catchers were seen, — one
pair on Pig Island, two or three pairs on Cobb's Island, and one pair on Wreck
Island. The latter pair evidently had young, but the others were apparently
through breeding.

These birds are exceedingly wary and better able to survive; moreover they
are not considered good eating and therefore are not sought for by the gunner,
but it hardly seems likely that they can last many years more.

To sum up my conclusions — I should say that the Royal and Least Terns
are hopelessly gone; the Gull-billed Tern, Willet, Wilson's Plover and American
Oyster-catcher are doomed, and nothing can be done to save them; but the Laugh-
ing Gull, Forster's and Common Terns, Black Skimmers and Clapper Rails
are now being adequately protected, and should survive.

The wardens seem to be doing their work effectively and the laws are respected.
But the egging season might be shortened and spring shooting ought to be
stopped entirely. The only possible way to save the three shore birds which
now breed on Cobb's Island would be to make it a reservation and stop all
shooting there at all times. As the eastern Willet is rapidly approaching extermi-
nation, it would seem worth while to protect it. — A. C. Bent.

Reports of Special Agents 319

REPORT OF ARTHUR H. NORTON ON COLONIES OF BIRDS IN MAINE
RECEIVING SPECIAL PROTECTION IN 1907

The birds receiving s|)ecial protection in Maine In- wardens employed l)y
the National Association are Puf!in, Black Guillemot, Leach's Petrel, Double-
crested Cormorant, Common and Arctic Terns, Herring, Great Black-backed
and Laughing Gulls, American Eider Uuck, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue,
Black-crowned Night Herons and Ush Hawk, — a total of fourteen species.
With the exception of the Cormorant and Black-backed Gull, all breed in greater
or less numbers. Bv the timely effort of the Association, three species, the Puffin,
Laughing Gull and Eider Duck are being rescued from the very verge of extir-
pation in Maine.

The colonies were last inspected during the period from July 12, to August
16, 1904, and the results given in summary in Bird-Lork (January-Eebruary,
1905, Vn, pp. 90-93).

The present inspection covers the period from July 24, to August 7, a much
shorter period. On August 9, a trip was made to Blufif Island in Saco Bay, and
August 16, one was made to Muscongus Bay, completing the work. The ground
covered extends from Eastport to Saco Bay, Maine, approximately two hundred
miles in an air-line. The number of islands and ledges on which I found colonies
of birds breeding this year is twenty-eight. This includes all of the important
ones now known on the coast. The significance of these facts will be considered
in treating of the Herring Gull. In order to reach all of the various islands in
the limited time at my command, it was necessary at each center to employ
a competent boatman with a motor craft; this brought me in direct contact
with lobster fishers, sailing-masters, scallop dredgers and general shore-fishermen.

It may be here remarked that the invention of the motor-boat marks the
beginning of a new period in the history of the shore fisheries of all classes, an
industry which has had a potent influence on the history of our sea-birds. It
seems to me that this new period is one for the better, and it is to be believed
that the darkest days have been passed.

It is also a fact that the birds used as food are now much less numerous than
they were a dozen years ago, and the generation of gunners among the fisher-
men are Ijecoming superannuated. In those days it was usual for many to carry
a gun in their boats, but the practice seems to have ceased, and all are aware
that there 'is a fine' on the game birds.

PuFFix. — I saw no Puffins this year, though, on landing on ^latinicus Rock,
I hastened to their resort. This was during the middle of a clear day when the
birds were away fishing, even the Black Guillemots, which are so numerous here,
being absent from the vicinity. I was told by Captain Hall's young son that
he had seen five Puffins at one time this summer, and other observers assured
me that they had seen one or more. The Puffin is one of the most picturesque
features of our bird-life and its preservation is much to be desired.

Black Guillemot or Sea Pic.kox. — These most attractive birds arc still

320 Bird -Lore

common on the coast of Maine. They are very local in their choice of haunts,
and, though they are undoubtedly holding their own, do not seem to be increas-
ing. Their habitat in Maine still embraces most of the outer islands from the
western entrance of Machias Ba\- to the west side of Muscongus Bay. They are
especially numerous about the Mt. Desert and Matinicus groups of islands.

They appeared tamer than on former visits, flying very near boats or allow-
ing a close approach. On August i6, but one was seen on the Western Egg
Rock (Muscongus Bay), where formerly about a half dozen were accustomed
to breed. At all of their other stations about the usual numbers were observed.
This absence so late in the season may have been due to their having left the
breeding grounds.

The one seen was certainly not shy, but came to its nest with a rock eel,
while we were still near the shore. She hurriedly carried the tish into the rock
pile for her young, and quickly emerged and flew away. All of my observations
on this species convinces me that at this season, at least, its food consists almost
entirely of rock eels {Gunnellus gunnellus). Thus, so far as food is concerned,
it is of neutral value. Yet its beauty, gracefulness and pathetic voice makes
it fill a peculiar place in the scenery of barren rugged coasts. Surely, to the increas-
ing throng who visit our shores for recreation and esthetic enjoyment, it is,
in the near future, to "awaken an interest they could not e.xcite in a savage
breast."

It was a matter of much satisfaction to find that the nest shown with the incu-
bating parent (The Auk, Vol. XXI, PI. XVII), contained, on August 6, this year,
two young ones nearly ready to leave. This nest was first observed in 1902,
since which time it has been occupied on each visit.

Great Black-backed Gulls were resting in small numbers — a dozen or two
birds — at No-Man 's-Land, Wooden Ball and Metinic Green Islands. They
are not now known to breed on the coast, but are evidently becoming regular
summer residents, in increasing numbers, in the vicinity indicated, taking advan-
tage of the security afforded their near relatives. Their breeding is to be expected
under such suitable conditions.

Herring Gull. — Eight colonies of this Gull were visited. They are located
at Old Man, Brothers, Pulpit Rock, Cone Island, Little and Big Duck Islands,
Heron Island and No-Man's-Land. The distance, in an air-line from Old Man,
the most eastern colony, to No-Man's-Land, the most western one, is one hundred
and twelve miles. The three western colonies are the largest, and contain many
more than half of the Maine Gulls. Each of these colonies commands an inden-
tation or bay of the adjacent coast, which, with its peculiar currents, large areas
of flats, bars, ledges and mussel beds, furnishes the greater part of the food of the
dependent colony.

It is well known, of course, that these Gulls radiate in some numbers in all
directions up to thirty miles, and it has been conjectured that they range much
farther.

Reports of Special Agents 321

My t'stimalc of tlu' luinihtT of the smalk-r or eastern colonics is fifteen hun-
dred to two thousand at each, Old Man and lirothers, ei<^lit hundri'd at Pulpit
Rock, and four thousand at Cone Island.

The area occupied as breeding stations by the birds just enumerated has its
extremities thirty-two miles asunder, with a possible feeding range of sixty miles,
east to west, without encroaching upon the feeding-grounds of any other colonies.
The colonies of Cone Island and the Brothers show the most remarkable increase
in the total number of adult birds; and it is certain that the breeding birds have
increased at both places, though much more at Cone Island. The number of
adult birds at Great Duck Island, one of the most securely orotected colonies
on the coast, seemed noticeably less than on my last visit.

It is worthy of note, in this connection, that the number of Gulls spending
the summer west of Pemoquid this year is much smaller than at any correspond-
ing season for the past four years. On all of the breeding grounds the birds
are tame; nowhere did I see evidence of molestation by man.

At Old Man and Brothers the breeding season seemed much later than
elsewhere, many young being just hatched, and some of the occupied nests
were just hatching. At Cone Island the season seemed to correspond with the
western colonies. With the exception of the Old Man, at all of the colonies
considerable mortality was noticed among the young, probably due to the causes
which have affected the Terns.

The Gulls are tame and unsuspicous; their young hatch at a seasonable
time, and they are occupied with feeding them rather than with remating and
trving all summer to breed. While we now have several very large colonies of Gulls,
it should be borne in mind that, previous to 1900, many smaller ones existed.
There are now considerably fewer colonies than there were previous to the move-
ment to preserve the birds. They now lead normal lives, and it seems certain
that they have reached the state of abundance where their competition with
natural checks is much more severe. With the increase of birds at any colony,
the supply of food must be sought at greater distances, causing greater exposure
of eggs and young to the elements and to predaceous animals. Several checks
are evident and operative, and the idea that the birds are about to overrun all
bounds, as claimed by a small party, is plainly fallacious. Crows are notorious
robbers and destroyers of eggs and young birds, including Terns, and why not
of Gulls.

Terns are much more agile in the defence of their nests and young, yet with
them the cunning of the Crow often prevails. Captain Stanley, of Duck Island
Station, told me that the day before my visit an Eagle had visited his colony
and been seen to kill two old Gulls. At the Brothers a magnificent individual
of the Peregrine Falcon was seen, and evidences of several feasts on Petrel were
discovered. Young Gulls must have been entirely at his mercy. Ravens are
numerous enough in all the section inhabited by Gulls in this state to serve as
a factor in holding them in check.

322 Bird - Lore

The trip from Rockland to Matinicus on the little steam packet ' \V. G.
Butman,' carrying in addition to her crew, passengers, freight and the United
States mail, was made through a dense fog, which obscured all objects fifty or
seventy-five yards away. It was a matter of especial satisfaction to me to witness
the fact that, after running by the compass for a specified time, the Captain
stopped the engine, and listened for the Gulls on No-Man's-Land. This welcome
sound being distinctly heard, h^ noted carefully the direction and moved the
craft cautiously onward, until 'Two-Bush' eastern head was spied, directly in
his path. Another course was laid and the craft worked safely into the harbor.

It is also a fact that I have been assured of, that the pollock trawlers
are guided to the schools of fish on this coast by the Gulls.

Many of the lobster and other shore fishermen now value the presence of
the Gulls as above indicated, in guiding them to schools of fish, and in sailing
in fogs.

The uncomplimentary things said about the birds were confined to our
extreme eastern border.

Elsewhere, I witnessed an increased interest and growing admiration. An
elderly gentleman at Jonesport said, " I am glad to see the Gulls in the harbor.
When they come in the fall, in large numbers, right up to the wharves, it
seems good to see them."

Laughing Gull. — The colony of Laughing Gulls located at Western Egg
Rock, Muscongus Bay, was inspected on August i6 and found to be in good
condition. The birds allowed a close approach before taking wing, but, after
having been alarmed, hung far above us. After a short time, I made a count
of thirty birds overhead, and now believe that our estimate of fifty that arose
from the island was very nearly correct. Unlike my former visit, many remained
flying over the island throughout the period of my presence.

Immediate attention was given to the nesting-ground with the result of find-
ing a number of nests, all of which had hatched, and their vicinity was trampled
and whitened by the excrement of the young. Roads ran from the nests in
several directions into the dense mass of vegetation.

At least two young birds were seen ^n the wing, and, after a diligent search,
another, a half-fledged one, was found. It tried to make its escape by skulking,
but became entangled in the weeds and was taken in hand. It was a beautiful
and spirited young creature, and some difficulty was experienced in obtaining
a picture of it. It was returned to its road and the shelter of the weeds, and made
haste to run and hide. A little search was made a few minutes later, but it could
not be found. I was convinced that they are expert at evading observation,
the freshness of the roads through the weeds was unmistakable witness of this
fact. Two nests contained each an addled agg, but no other eggs were found.
The colony certainly looks flourishing, and the outlook for the species the most
hopeful for many years.

It must be said that this single colony is all that remains of several larger

Reports of Special Agents 323

ones once in the western half of Maine. Without protection, this species would
soon have been blotted out of our state fauna. It is a species calculated to fill
a place that no other bird can fill, to these generations who are to find enjoyment
in the wild life of our coast, such as their forefathers could not know. A pair
was seen swooping down over the Shark Rock, indicating that thc\- have taken
to breeding there again.

Common and Arctic Terns. — Terns are abundant and very tame on the
Maine coast, from Englishman's to Saco Bay. Large numbers were still on the
breeding grounds and many young ones were observed. On August 31, the first
}-oung t)nes were observed at sea, near the outer limits of Penobscot Bay. Sev-
eral of the old resorts have been reoccupied since our last trip of inspection.
These are Ship Island, Green Islands below Blue Hill Bay, and Shark Rock.

Large numbers of young Terns perished at Matinicus Rock at the time of
hatching, by reason of a heavy cold rain; and wherever I observed, a consider-
able number of dead young were seen, of all sizes, even well-fledged. Captain
James Hall, of Matinicus Rock, whose opportunities for observation are unrivaled,
expressed the belief that food is scarce and starvation is the cause of much
death, late in the season.

My visit to Libby Island was on Jul}- 26, when I found the large colonv of
that place entirely gone. Before I left the place, about twenty Terns flew in
over the island and then away. Captain McKlusky said that many returned
in the spring. No migratory movement was detected until August 16, certainly
none being in progress on August 9. I was assured by several persons that they
were abundant over the water far up Machias Bay. These probablv belong
to this colony. The presence of the Peregrine Falcon at the Brothers seemed
to me sufficient reason to account for the abandonment of Libbv Island by the
Terns. One of these birds took up its abode at the Egg Rocks, in Muscongus
Bay, in 1901, and the Terns abandoned the place and their eggs. There I col-
lected pellets filled with feathers and bones of Terns and Petrels.

A new colony of Common Terns was visited at Ballast Island, Englishman's
Bay. It was in good condition.

At Freeman's and Egg Rocks very large numbers were seen, both old
and young, though the young had not left the shore. About a dozen had
evidently bred successfully on Green Island, near the southwestern entrance
to Blue Hill Bay. None were seen there on my former visit. About fifty old
and young were also seen on Ship Island, also abandoned at the time of my
former visit, 1904.

Throughout upper Penobsco't Bay, Common Terns were abundant and tame,
belonging to the ledges northwest of Eagle Island. None were seen in Jericho
Bay, though a close approach was made to Saddleback Ledge and Southern
Mark Island. At Matinicus Rock and Metinic Green Island the large colonies
seemed undisturbed by man.

Very few Cas usual) were at the Western Egg Rock, Muscongus Ba\-, but

324 Bird - Lore

the colony at the eastern Rock was as large as in the early days of my experience
there. Here were several piles of a dozen or more eggs lying in exposed places,
showing that the hand of man had been molesting. A colony of one hundred
or less was also at the Shark Rock, none being there on my last visit.

I was told by Mr. Willis Snow that he had heard a report that a party of
boys went to Marblehead Rock on the Fourth of July and gathered all of the
Terns' eggs and threw them at marks, showing that the need of protection has
not passed away. This is an isolated rock five miles below Rockland, where the
services of a warden would be impracticable.

No Terns have bred in Casco Bay, so far as I can determine. The Bluff
Island colony continues in its usual security and good condition.

Leach's Petrel. — This bird is known to breed in Maine only on the
outer tier of islands from the Brothers, a little west of the entrance to Machias
Bay, to the west side of Muscongus Bay; yet it does not breed on all of the islands
of that tier.

As its habitat must always be limited and it is an easy prey for its enemies,
having suffered considerably of late years, especial attention was given to its
present condition.

Who has not heard of the Petrel, from childhood? Who does not know of
its walking upon the waves? How could we spare Mother Carey's Chickens
from our broad expanse of ocean, and the lore peculiar thereto? Within the
past fourteen years its range has been reduced, and one of the largest colonies
of the state has been seriously affected by permanent camping and the keeping
of dogs and cats.

At the Brothers, the colony is small, and the freshly torn wings of several,
with the particles of flesh still red, were seen, undoubtedly the work of the Pere-
grine Falcon. In one instance, a ghastly pair of these wings had been taken by
a late-breeding Gull to repair its nest. The next colony west of this is at the Duck
Islands, fifty-eight miles distant. Here the colonies are large and in excellent
condition.

A colony of considerable size is on the Green Islands, at the southwestern
extremity of the entrance to Blue Hill Bay. This is also in good condition. These
islands are very small, containing but three or four acres.

At the Big Spoon Island a colony of considerable size existed with a much
smaller one at Little Spoon Island. The Big Spoon colony has suffered by camp-
ing and its associated evils. At the Matinicus Islands very large colonies have
always existed, the largest being located at Seal Island and Wooden Ball, with
much smaller ones at Matinicus Rock and No-Man's-Land. At the Seal Island
the colony is still very large, but at the eastern end many have been dug out
of their burrows by dogs, and several mangled birds were seen. W^ith the possible
exception of a few Guillemots, no other sea-birds breed here now, though a large
colony of Terns was annihilated for the plume trade. It is said that the birds
have been more conspicuous this season" at Matinicus Rock than usual. At this

Reports of Special Agents 325

place and No-Man's-Land no indications of disturbance were to be seen, and
the same is true of the small colony on Metinic Green Island.

Quite large numbers still breed at both Egg Rocks in Muscongus Bay, and
their burrows and peculiar odor were very conspicuous. Here they have been
killed and eaten, to a considerable extent, by some predaccous animal, perhaps
Crows or Ravens. A couple of these black marauders were seen at the Western
Egg Rock, but too fur awa\- for identification. The Muscongus Jiay colonies
are likely always to remain at the mercy of natural conditions.

The Duck Island colonies and the smaller ones at Matinicus are now fully
protected. By the timely exclusion of dogs and cats from the Seal Island, this
important colony can also be saved. The once large colon\- at Wooden Ball has
been sadly reduced by camping.

Double-crested Cormorant. — This species continues to remain on our
coast in small numbers. The colony at Pulpit Rock was of its usual size, and
birds were very tame. Landing was not made, and no nests could be seen from
the boat. I caused one of my boatmen to run out to Black Rock, near Cone Island,
where, according to a report. Cormorants breed. Three of the birds were nest-
ing there, but the ledges are entirely unfit for a breeding place, being so low that
it must be swept over during gales from the outside, and it is very small. The
flock at No-Man's-Land numbered thirty at the time of my visit, all males in
glossy plumage. A few brown birds were seen fishing about the island. No
evidences of nests were found. It is to be expected that they will begin breeding
at this point if the present excellent conditions continue. This place became
a summer roost in 1903, when I saw but live.

American Eider. — There are probably today no Eiders breeding on the
coast of Maine, except those at Old Man's Island near our eastern boundary.
The island has been leased to the National Association by the Governor and
Council of Maine, it being state property. Capt. Fred. E. Small, keeper of the
Cross island Life-Saving Station, warden for the Association, has erected a large
sign, informing all who approach the rugged shores that it is a reservation for
wild birds. This warning has been so well respected that the Ducks have become
remarkably tame. Without this effort of the Association, we should now un-
doubtedly have to record this species among those extirpated from the state.

The shores of the island rise nearly perpendicularly from forty to one hundred
feet (estimated), nearly all around, except at the southwest or outer part, which
slopes away gradually to low-water mark. Here, scvcnt\-five }ards off, several
quarter-tide ledges lay, making, at low water or rough weather, a narrow, rocky
and treacherous passage between them and the shore. This part of the island
is exposed to the full and ceaseless action of the surf.

Here the Ducks find a congenial resort, in the rough water and about the
ledges. The top of the island, which is rent completely in two by means of a
washed-out dike, four to six feet wide, appears like an elevated plateau, clothed
to the bank with white spruce and fir, low, scrubby and dense. Man\- dead

326 Bird - Lore

trunks stand, decaying and waiting the fun- of some gale to hurl them to the
ground, to molder with innumerable fellows which have gone before them.

Mosses, ferns and coarse weeds, with an abundance of brambles, nearly
complete the vegetation, and so rank in growth are the latter that they have
made a most uninviting tangle. One's way must be forced through these, over
and under the brush and logs, guided by the mooted 'sense of direction,' if a
stranger.

This tangle afTords an obstacle to the Gulls, which must resort to the shelves
of the rocky cliffs, the sloping southwest shore, the adjacent picturesque needle
rocks, or the tops of the trees, to nest. Not so the Eiders, which prefer to walk
to and from their nests. To them the tangle affords a secure retreat.

Responding quickly to the conditions extended to them by protection, they
have become so fearless of boats that I was taken just outside of the off-lying
ledges, hardly a hundred yards from two females which sat on the shores of the
island, without standing as we passed. Several others remained between the
shore and the ledge, considerably nearer, without flying. It was a sight sufficient
to stir the enthusiasm of any one who has known these magnificent creatures
as the wildest of wild birds. It was enough to stir the pride of any, but the heart-
less, and it is gratifying to state that Captain Small's associates share his pride
in the flock of Ducks.

I saw seven females, and, outside of the ledges, a young male, probably but
a vearling. The latter, on being approached, rose and flew a short distance,
then dived and skulked. I was unable to find a nest, in a second short visit
here.

On August 25, in the morning, as the Portland and Eastport steamer ran
up Grand Menan Channel, three old drakes flew from the Campobello shore,
southwest, or toward the west side of Grand Menan. I was told by Captain
Fred Berry, now a surfman of the Cross Island Station, that one or two of these
Ducks have often been seen about the western end of the Western Shot, this
summer.

None were seen about their former resorts at Green Islands, below Blue Hill
nor at Spirit or Saddleback Ledges in Jericho Bay. At Metinic Green Lsland,
August 6, a young drake, a yearling, was flushed from the surf line; he flew about
a hundred yards and alighted

Great Blue Heron. — One of these birds was seen flying from Indian River
toward the rookery at Great Wass Island. On August 2, the Bradbury Island
Colony in Penobscot Bay was visited and found to be in e.xcellent condition.
The nests are now large from reoccupation, and all contained young nearly
full-grown. A few had left the nest and were in the trees close by. This colony
covers a considerable area, but the nests are scattered. It is extremely difficult
of exploration, being on a very steep hillside, in spruce timber, considerable
of which has died and fallen, lying with its brush on the ground. Wild currants,
raspberries and red-berried elder have penetrated the brush and flourish in pro-

Reports of Special Agents 327

fu>i()ii. Travel there is indeed Ial)i)rit)us. The crash and rustle of mv jjroj^ress
excited more curiosity than alarm in the birds, both young and old.

Black-crowned Night Heron. — This bird seems to be increasing and
forming new colonies. A nest with newly-hatched young in a low spruce was
found on Old Man Island, the first seen there. It was hardly ten feet above the
ground. .\t Heron Island the colony has become established, and the same is
true of the one at No-Man's-Land. A colony of considerable extent has formed
on Bradbury's Island since my visit there in 1903. At all of these places (except
Old Man) the young were out of the nests, but close by them.

Spotted Sandpiper. — This species is abundant on all of the i.slands and
ledges affording suitable conditions. I am not aware that it is molested. The
young were flying, though one rather young one was seen on Ballast Island,
Englishman's Bay.

OsPREY OR Fish Hawk. — This bird is still common in Penobscot Bay,
largely, I believe, owing to an old superstition, which has afforded them protec-
tion. Yet the early days of the granite industry reduced their numbers here
materially. On Bradbury Island there are several nests on trees, now occupied,
so far as I was able to observe. On several ledges between this island and North
Haven Island are nests built upon the rocks, perfectly accessible to man. The
_\oung birds were about ready to leave the nests, and were now standing upon
their flat tops. Some were already flapping their wings in anticipation of
flight. — A. H. Norton.

328 Bird - Lore

REPORTS OF STATE SOCIETIES

The reports of the State Societies for the past year in most cases show sub-
stantial progress, especially along educational lines; in fact, the greatest activity
and achievements of these Societies is in interesting the children. A careful
perusal and study of the work of each Society by the officers of the other Socie-
ties, will be of great advantage. Valuable suggestions are thus gained, for a
method or idea that proves a success in one locality may prove such in
another. The state reports will also prove interesting reading for the general
public, and should be a source of inspiration to many persons with means and
time at their disposal. No greater civic work can be found. — W. D.

Alabama. — For some time I have been visiting the various sections of the
state, and I have been delighted to note the magic effect the new game law has
had on the situation in Alabama. No law has ever been enacted that has been
so universally respected.

Convictions have been obtained which have had a most salutary effect;
reports received by the department showing that during the month of September,,
there were thirty-nine convictions under the game law. Marengo county,
with seventeen convictions, leads all the rest, while Lauderdale comes second
with six to its credit. The convictions, by counties, are as follows: Autauga, i;
Bibb, 3; Cofiee, i; Elmore, 3; Escambia, 2; Lauderdale, 6; Lee, 2; Madison, 2;
Marengo, 17; Talladega, i; Tallapoosa, i. Millard Lipscomb, of Demopolis,
heads the county game-warden list for having secured the most convictions
for anv (Mie month during the year, while Jesse A. Dowd}', of Florence, comes
next.

Game and song and insectivorous birds have increased fully 20 per cent,
and reckless men and wanton boys that erstwhile slaughtered them have ceased
to wage their war of extermination.

I have distributed over 100,000 copies of the game law, and have given the
law wide advertisement through the papers.

There has been a large demand for hunters' licenses, and every mail brings
in a letter from some probate judge asking for additional license blanks.

The game law has proven a success beyond my most halcyon expectations;
all in all, I am much gratified with the result of this legislation.— John H.
Wallace, Jr., Game Commissioner.

California.— Public interest in bird protection in California has made a
most decided increase during the past year. This is in evidence in several ways,
and especially by the greatly increased demand for copies of the bird-law leaflet
of the Audubon Society, which now comes from almost every part of the state.

The value of birds to the farmer and fruit-grower is receiving much atten-

State Reports 329

tion; udnifn"- c luhs arc C()0|)cratiiig with the State Society in elYorts to save the
l)ir(i>, and arc (lc( larins^ emphatically against the wearing of feathers other
than th(»c of the Ostrich; the press, almost without an exception, is giving
splendid support to the cause. Heads of educational institutions, county and
city school boards, superintendents and teachers, are alive to the importance
of the movement, and are helpin.; on the good work in every possible way. The
evil of egg-collecting is greatly diminished, and a more healthy sentiment among
bird students, and better respect for the law, has practically put an end to the
advertising of eggs and skins for sale or exchange in periodicals published in
the state.

In the interest of the game and bird i)rotection a great tnany thousand acres
of both wild and cultivated lands are now closed to hunters, and under the pro-
visions of the law providing for state game-preserves, enacted at the last session
of the legislature, many of these holdings, and thousands of additional acres,
will be entered under state protection for a term of years. In one locality in Los
Angeles county, apj)lication has been made for the entry of adjoining tracts
of foot-hill land aggregating more than two thousand acres.

The Society has distributed more than 20,000 coj)ies of circulars, leaflets,
warning-signs and digests of the bird laws, while several secretaries of affiliating
organizations have made large additional distribution of the Educational Leaf-
lets of the National Association. It is probable that we shall double this distri-
bution of printed matter during the present year. Five new Leaflets are already
in preparation, including 'The Western Mockingbird,' 'The Passing of the
Mourning Dove,' a Leaflet on feather-wearing, and another on the care of avi-
ary birds.

The Society is adding to its series of slides, and will soon have about one
hundred pictures, many of them made from photographs of living birds. A
good lantern is already assured, and within a few weeks we shall be prepared
to give increased impetus to the bird -protective movement by an illustrated
talk on western birds, for which there have been many requests during the
past year.

The wt)rk of the Audubon Society of California during the next twelve
months will be largely along educational lines. Efforts will be made to push the
work into counties that have as yet hardly been reached. The newspapers and
the school teachers are our great and usually faithful missionaries. When other
friends have sometimes failed us, the school teacher has always ''made good."

While we have accomplished only a little of the work that lay plainly before
us at the organization of the State Society less than eighteen months ago, we
have good and sufficient reason to rejoice at that which has been done, as well
as in the growth of interest in nature-study and bird protection, and especially
in the steadily increasing number of splendid friends of the birds that this Society
has brought together in an effective organization for a worthy and humane pur-
pose.— W. Scott W.'^y, Secretary.

330 Bird - Lore

Connecticut. — Our state work, this year, has been largely in the legislature.
We appointed a ' Watch-out-Committee' to keep track of the proposed altera-
tions in the game laws, and Mr. Van Name did good work in Hartford in push-
ing through the Alien License Bill and the Gun License Bill. The Society gave $io
toward the Bradley monument, and I15 towards the support of the Bradley
children. We spent over $25 repairing and renewing books for our traveling
libraries and $50 for five new libraries of twelve books each.

We distributed about 6,000 Educational Leaflets sent us by the National
Association, and some Leaflets issued by the Department of Agriculture. We
have printed the new bird laws on muslin in the English, Italian and Hungarian
languages, to be posted throughout the state and among the granges.

We have got an excellent, fearless game warden in our county now, and the
Society was glad to give him a mileage book of 500 miles and $20 toward his
expenses, as the state does not give the wardens carfare or stationery and pays
little for their time. Warden Smith has created quite a sentiment for bird pro-
tection, and aroused an interest in birds all over the county. We append a special
report from him.

"Seen from a warden's viewpoint, conditions in western Connecticut are
most encouraging. Public sentiment is responding to the educational work of
the Audubon Society and an understanding of the economic value of our birds,
and the friends of protection can no longer be judged by names on the Audubon
roll. Meadowlarks have done well and have been very little disturbed, and
it is very rarely that a Gull is killed, and each species is on the increase. The
foreign element is still the greatest menace to song-birds, but where personal
work had been done in our Italian colony, explaining the laws and penalties,
not one has been known to violate the laws this season, — a strong argument
for more educational work among them.

" Other places, however, have not been so fortunate, and since May first
seven arrests and convictions of Italians, and two convictions of Americans,
have been secured for violating the non-game laws, — one for the wanton kill-
ing of a Great Blue Heron by an American, who should have known better.

"The new license fee is meeting with general favor, and will be a boom to
protection; the $15 license fee for aliens will prevent a large number of these
people from roaming the woods with a gun, and furnish a fund for better warden
service."

Our Executive Committee has held several meetings in the year (omitting
the three summer months) and there is much interest and enthusiasm shown
in the work at these meetings. — Mrs. Helen W. Glover, Secretary.

District of Columbia. — The work of our Society is planned by the Execu-
tive Committee, consisting of the oflicers of the Society and fourteen other
members.

One of the most unique meetings was held in the fall, when, under the al)le

State Reports 331

and interesting leadershii) of Dr. T. S. Palmer, we visited the hird-house of the
National Zoological Park and saw many rare birds. That the privilege of this
trip was fully apjireciated was shown hy the large attendance.

Soon after this, we held a public meeting in the lecture hall of the Washington
Public Library, whose trustees have, for several years, most courteously j)laced
their hall at our disposal. The speaker on this occasion was Mr. Tylor, of Easton,
Md., who gave us some charming glimpses of outdoor life through his camera.

Our tenth annual meeting was held in January, and at this time we met
with two great losses in the resignations of Mr. Henry S. Oldys, from the chair-
manship of the E.xecutive Committee, and Mrs. J. I). Patten from the secretary-
ship. Both have been actively engaged in the work of the Society from its incep-
tion, and it was with deep regret that we learned that after ten years of most
faithful service they felt that the pressure of other duties was too great, and that
they must be relieved of active work.

Our most active work is done in the spring, and was inaugurated most aus-
piciously by the all-too-short lecture of our National Secretary, Mr. T. Gilbert
Pearson, on 'Some Results of Bird Protection in the South,' which was most
enthusiastically received.

This spring, instead of our usual Bird Class, we held four informal meet-
ings for the identification of bird-skins, under the direction of Prof. W. W.
Cooke and several members of the Executive Committee, preparatory to our
field-work, which later consisted of five Saturdays given to exploring the country
around Washington. For an account of the walks this spring, let me quote from
Prof. Wells W. Cooke's most interesting article, published in the 'Washington
Evening Star' of May 20.

"The Society has the record that for six consecutive years no one of its five
outings each year has been given up on account of the weather. The five trips
of 1907 were attended by 112 different persons, the larger part of whom were
present at only one meeting. On each trip the members separated into tl^'ee
or four parties, for the better observation of the birds, each party being in charge
of some one familiar with the birds of the District. The best trip of the season,
from the ornithological standpoint, was that of May 11, when seventy-two
species were observed. .»

" This year the number of species seen was exceptionally large, as corslpared
with other years, and the season was marked by the finding of some of the rarest
birds known to this region. A Cerulean W^arbler, the rarest W'arbler of this dis-
trict, was seen at Great Falls on May 11, and among other rare birds observed
may be mentioned the Summer Tanager, the Golden-winged, Hooded, Kentucky
and Worm-eating Warblers, the Red Crossbill and the Black-crownei Night
Heron. During the entire season, 112 people saw 113 dilTerent kinds pif birds,
as com])ared with 96 kinds seen during the five trips of 1906. "

It may not be generally known that the residents of the District of Columl)ia
are subject to 'Taxation without Representation,' so that if we want anv laws

332 Bird -Lore

enacted we must present our cause before the District Committee of the United
States Congress. A year or more ago some of us did our first ' lobbying, ' cooper-
ating with the Fish- and Game-Protective Association of the District, and were
successful in having a bill passed prohibiting all hunting or shooting in the
District, except for a limited time, and then only on the marshes.

Our Chief of Police, Major Sylvester (who is a member of both societies),
has cooperated most efficiently with us, and during the winter his mounted
police have been provided with food for the birds (toward which our Society
made an appropriation), which they have carried to outlying districts, and in
that way have furnished sustenance for many of the birds during the severe
weather. During the last three winters a few Mockingbirds have stayed with
us.

We have an adult membership of 240, and our junior members number 98.
The close of each year finds our Society farther advanced, both as to member-
ship and finances, and the outlook for the coming year is more encouraging
than ever before. — Miss Helen P. Childs, Secretary.

Florida. — The Florida Society cannot show any great gain numerically,
during the past year, yet, as the interest seems extending in educational lines,
it has the courage to continue in its efforts, even while realizing its failure to
prevent the illegal shooting and sale of plumage birds, or to secure more pro-
gressive legislation for bird protection, thereby hoping to save the existing rooker-
ies from devastation. The following statistics give some indication of our activity:
Membership, including all grades, 950; leaflets, circulars, reports distributed,
14,730; summary of the state bird laws for posting, 130; warning-notices, 200;
Audubon charts in use of schools, 75 (in Orange county, 40; Manatee county,
25; Duval county, 4; Franklin county, 2; and one each in Gadsen, Lee and Put-
nam counties); teachers having free membership, 160.

One Leaflet was published this year, making eighteen which have been
published by the Florida Society. Two prizes were given for compositions, and
four for coloring outline drawings were awarded to children between the years
of six and twelve. The weekly hour for bird-study, carried on in the schools
at Orange county last year, will be continued, and this year the schools of Mana-
tee county, will follow similar methods. We would especially urge that bird-
study be made a part of the course in normal schools, for one great difficulty
lies in the fact that no matter how ready teachers may be to instruct the pupils,
it is only in exceptional cases they have knowledge of the subject.

The Robert Hungerford Normal and Industrial School, Eastonville (colored)
continued its work in bird-study. At the commencement exercises in May,
two prizes were given for compositions on ' The Birds of Florida. ' In November
a book was given as a prize to a member of Mrs. Kirk Munroe's ' Boys' Club, '
' The Rangers. ' This year a prize will be given them " for good work in pro-
tecting nests." During the winter they are to hold a 'Bird Fair.' President

State Reports

333

\V. !■'. Blackmail, of Rollin> (Dllcgi', writes: "I had tlic |)leasure of speaking
at the conlcreiue, in St. Augustine, to some four or live hundred teachers and
others about the Au(hihon Soiiet). " As a resuh, the secretary, Mrs. Vander-
pool rei)ort> "tluit rociuests for hlerature and instruction have come from five
new counlie>. '"

The auxiharies at Port Orange and San Mateo have greatly increased the
interest in their localities. 'The Palmetto Cluh,' at Daytona, 'The Fortnightly,'
at Palm Beach, 'The Winter Park Fortnightly,' 'The Housekeepers' Club' at
Cocoanut drove, 'The Friday Literary' at Bradeiitown, have sustaining or
annual members, and are doing active work for bird ])rotection. The Florida
Sunshine Society sends into many houses its rays of love and kindness to birds.
Mrs. Robert, of Palm Beach, made an especial feature of an afternoon fete,
the reading of the National Association's report for Florida. Mrs. E. A. Graves,

(;lv br.\dlev's gr.we

Pholograpli tjy Kirk Munroe

of Ormond. writes of the interest in the 'Village Improvement Club.' Mr.
John Anderson, of Ormond, is an interested officer of the Societv, while our
thanks are given most sincerely to Mrs. Haden, of Orlando, and Mrs. Belknap,
at Miami, for constant and efficient service. Mrs. E. K. Anderson, chairman
of the Bird Protection Committee of the State Federation of Women's Clubs,
reports: "There are fourteen clubs that have special committees on bird pro-
tection, and the majority of these have, during the past year, observed Bird Day
with appropriate exercises. This year work among the schools will be more
generally taken up."

Bird Day was ()bser\ed by the Orange City X'illage Im[)rovemcnt Society.
The newspapers in the state have been most generous in aiding us, and we have
had, as always, the cooperation of the Southern Express Company.

This year, for the second time, a bill to prevent the shooting of live Pigeons

334

Bird- Lore

from traps failed to pass the legislature. Letters are frequently received asking
if we are powerless to prevent this "cruel and debasing" amusement, but while
reading the protest, a morning paper tells us " that the event of the day was

a twenty-bird handicap for Mrs. 's trophy." It was a close contest,

"the birds being fast and the sport fine," for there was a tie between two of the
braves," ''with 13 kills each, out of 20 birds," and later "a beautiful dinner
was served by admiring friends," in honor of one, "killing 14 birds out of 20.''

No new reservations have been made in Florida since October, 1906. The
reservations, or preserves, now are at Tortugas, Sand Key, Passage Key, Indian
Key and Pelican Island, where the launch ' Audubon ' is in use.

There have been reports from the South of the reappearance of Paroquets,

GUY M.BRADLEY

1870-1905

FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH

AS CAME WARDEN OF MONROE

COUNTY HE CAVE HIS LIFE FOR

THE CAUSE TO WHICH HE WAS

PLEDGED

ERECTED BY THE FLORIDA AUDUBON SOCIETY

1 ABLET 10 lil-: hRK( IKD (AKR (,LV BR.\DLEV'S GR.WE

and Nonpareils have been noted in certain localities, where for years they have
not been seen; while further north an increase has been reported of White Herons
Blue Herons, Cardinals, Robins and other birds.

In response to an article by Mr. Julian A. Dimock, in 'Country Life in
America' for February, entitled 'Egret Murder,' the sum of $58 was received
bv the treasurer of the Florida Audubon Society, Mrs. L. P. Bronson, which
is reserved as the nucleus of an ' Egret Fund. ' We here publicly thank Mr.
Dimock for his interest, the publishers for their cooperation, and the con-
tributors.

In a letter written by Mr. Kirk Munroe, April 15, 1906, he says: "I have
just returned from a cruise to Cape Sable, where on account of proximity and
association, I was roused to a great interest in the Bradley case. Last Monday

State Reports 335

Mr. Ingrahani a id 1 visited hi> ^ra\t', in a ( (xdaiuil grove, on the point of East
Cape Sable, overU)oking the Ijruad waters thai he strove so faithfully to make
safe for the feathered life that heautilied them. The grave is on a shell ridge
beyond reach of the highest tide, and itself a mound of pink and white sea-shells. "
Mr. Munroe then suggests that the Florida Audubon Society erect a memorial
tablet to mark this grave. Acting on this suggestion the Executive Committee
voted to do so. While plans were being made, a request for contributions for the
same object was ]iroposed by Mr. Butcher in the National report for October,
ic;o6. Through the kindness of Mr. Butcher, $16 sent him by various contrib-
utors was given to the Florida Society to add to their funds and an appropriate
bronze tablet affixed to a headstone will mark the spot where the body of Guy M.
Bradley lies. A letter from Mrs. E. R. Bradley reads: "The tablet in memory
of our dear son is received. We thank all the kind friends who have united in
getting it. " The tablet, which is of bronze and measures twelve inches by
eighteen inches, is reproduced herewith.

To Mr. Kirk Munroe and to contributors especial thanks from the Florida
Society are due. — Mrs. Kingsmill Marrs, Chairman oj Executive Committee.

Illinois. — The Illinois Audubon Society entered its second decade April i,
1907. Of its present directors, live have been members of the board for the ten
years of the Society's existence. Two general meetings have been held this last
year; one in Becember with Mr. W. L. Finley, as speaker, and the annual meet-
ing in May, when Prof. Francis Herrick spoke on the 'Nest Building and Life
of Wild Birds. '

No Leaflets have been published but a Migration Record for Schools has
been })rinted and is being sent to teachers. Several of the directors have done
good work in some of the Chicago schools and migration records, charts and
Leaflets have been given by the Society in some cases.

The excellent work done in many of the schools of the state is increasing,
being largely due to the interest in birds of many teachers and a few of the county
superintendents. In some of the counties, every school in the county observed
Arbor and Bird Bay.

In the annual letter of the secretary in the Arbor and Bird Bay Annual,
the subject of Government Reservations for Bird Protection was treated and
the suggestion made that the children consider their school grounds as 'reser-
vations' and themselves as ' wardens. '

At the meeting of the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs last October,
largely through the elTorts of ^Irs. Frahe, the president, a resolution was adopted,
placing the State Federation on record as against the wearing of feathers. Mrs.
Becker, president of the General Federation, was at the meeting and through
the kindly offices of herself and Mrs. Fletcher, chairman of the Outlook Com-
mittee of the General Federation, and after correspondence with Mr. Butcher
and the secretary of the Illinois .Audubon Society, the subject of Audubon work

336 Bird -Lore

was considered at the meeting of the directors of the General Federation held
last June; the results being that Audubon work was made part of the duties
of the Forestry Committee.

At our annual meeting, the president, Mr. Deane, stated that some of the
largest wholesale and retail millinery dealers in Chicago had assured him that
there was a great decrease in the sale of feathers. Another encouraging state-
ment was that the local Millinery Association, under the leadership of Mr.
Bode (a warm friend of the birds) had practically agreed to conform to the main
principles of the Audubon Society.

At the session of the state legislature last winter, some improvements were
made in the game laws. The open season for Woodcock and Mourning Doves
is shortened a month and the day's 'bag' for Ducks and water-fowl is reduced
from thirt\--five to twenty, and for Quail and other game-birds, from twent}-
five to fifteen. A backward step is the passage of the bill offering a bounty on
Crows and their eggs. This was passed in spite of the remonstrance of the State
Game Commissioner and the Audubon Society. An effort will be made to repeal
this bill.

The secretary of the Farmers' Institute, Mr. H. A. McKeene, has recently
issued a valuable article on bird protection, which is being widely circulated in
the state. At the state meeting of the Institute last winter, a strong resolution
was passed against the kiUing of Quail, Prairie Chickens, Pheasants or any
common bird, and also asking the legislature to pass laws forbidding Sunday
hunting. One of our directors, Mrs. E. S. Adams, has recently assumed charge
of a department on Audubon work in 'School News, ' a paper that reaches many
of our teachers. The 'Prairie Farmer,' Mr. C. P. Reynolds, editor, is also
giving part of its space to bird subjects. The Society has sent out during the
year, through its Senior and Junior Departments, 10,122 Leaflets. — Miss
M.ARY Drummond, Secretary-Treasurer .

Indiana — For the past year the regular work of a State Audubon Society
has been carried on in this state much as in others. Perhaps this report would
be more useful if it told of some of the ways of work we have found most help-
ful, rather than of routine and general work.

The school authorities, from the Superintendent of PubUc Instruction to the
kindergarten practice teachers, are awake to the value of bird-study in the
schools, and the Bird and Arbor Days are observed with real enthusiasm. The
teachers work directly with the materials in hand; during the heavy snows of
last winter, school children in various parts of the state were feeding the birds
and reporting on what they saw was an absorbing part of their school work.

Today, in many of the schools of this city, the pupils are carrying the infested
branches of trees and nests of caterpillars to school with them, that the pests
may be destroyed. They understand that the birds are gone, and so it becomes
necessar\- for some one else to do the birds' work, and this unusual invasion

State Reports 337

of catcrijillurs is tiirnini,' out tn he an ohjrd-lcssoii on the value of birds that will
sta_\- with these i)uiiils a loni^ time.

An Audubon workiT was asked to write a l)ir(l letter, rc(juiring an answer,
to certain grades of |)U|)ils in the i ity sc hools. The work was ])rimarily an exer-
cise in letter-writing for the |)U|)ils. The bird letter was i)rinted and put into
the hands of the pupils, resulting in thousands of replies telling of childish experi-
ences with the birds, and showing that even the smaller ])upils have an intelli-
gent appreciation of bird-life.

The schools recognize the usefulness of the Audubon work to such an extent
that the annual meeting is eagerly desired by many of the cities of the state,
although four sessions are already held; two evening sessions, one afternoon
session in one large assembly hall especially for the older pupils and the teachers,
and these meetings are always crowded. However, the most interesting work
is that of the morning. All available bird speakers are pressed into service,
and bird talks are given in every school in the place. Even the tiniest tots want
their bird talk as was shown last March, when a small room, used for the over-
flow of kindergarten pupils, was overlooked. The teacher was overheard to say
that her babies were almost crying, so disappointed were they at missing their
expected treat, and the tired visitors insisted on giving the Httle ones their talk,
after all.

We have been fortunate in having the opportunity of entering upon a field
of work which is peculiarly welcome tt) our members. Mr. William Watson
Woollen, one of our charter members, some years ago became impressed with
the fact that with the increase of population many of the native birds and flowers
were driven away because of the disappearance of their special haunts. Feeling
the necessity for a i)lace where the native life might be fostered and i)reserved
for the pleasure and study of the present and future generations, he purchased
a tract of land, not far from Indianapolis, comprising creek bottom, upland
and woodland. This 'Buzzard's Roost' affords an ideal place for many kinds
of birds that are fast disappearing from Indiana, as well as protection for those
that are abundant. It is preserved for the trees, birds and flowers, and will
eventually be given to Indianapolis to be held for this purpose. Mr. Woollen
desires members of the Audubon Society, and all nature-lovers and students,
to make use of this out-of-doors. The hope is that, through the influence of the
Society, like refuges for wild life may be established in many parts of the state. —
Miss Florence A. Howe, Secretary

Iowa.— The appeal made by the chairman of the Outlook Committee of
the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Mrs. J. T. Fletcher, of Marshall-
town, to all club women to take action and sign a pledge in regard to the use of
the aigrette and feathers of wild birds, was strongly endorsed, and the members
of the Audubon Society will present this pledge in connection with the Audubon
pledge to many organizations of women's clubs in the state. The Societv will

338 Bird -Lore

also take steps to post warning notices wherever and whenever necessary for
the enforcement of the Model Law.

During the year the following literature has been distributed: About 500
circulars on the 'Value of Birds to Agriculture/ at farmers' institutes, 800
copies of the Model Law, as passed in Iowa in 1906, and 3,000 National Asso-
ciation Leaflets to teachers' institutes, Chautauqua meetings, etc. Many circu-
lars and National Association Leaflets have been sent on request to members
•of women's clubs, superintendents of public schools, and teachers in general.

In spite of the fact that there seems to be a strong sentiment in favor of bird
protection in Iowa, there has been only a slight increase in membership during
the past year, and it is still difficult to secure local secretaries or active workers
who take more than a passing interest in the protection of bird life or the enforce-
ment of the Model Law.

School children, in kindergarten and primary grades, are being well in-
structed concerning birds, and are encouraged to study the many phases of
bird-life in their natural haunts by actual observation, as well as from books
and charts which are quite liberally provided.

Prof. John E. Cameron, of Kansas City, Mo., recognizing the need of pre-
paring the teachers for this work, has given numerous lectures in Iowa, at teach-
ers' institutes, on bird-life, illustrated by a series of stereopticon views. He
believes that there are enough strange things in nature to interest and surprise
the young without conjuring up a lot of things which are not true. About three
hundred pictures, many of which were finely colored, were flashed upon the
screen, showing the many varieties of song-birds and others found in the beau-
tiful fringe of woods along the banks of rivers and lakes of Iowa. Professor
Cameron's discourse was helpful and full of practical information, and withal
inspiring a love for the feathered creatures of the air. The Agricultural Depart-
ment of Farmers' Institutes has also been active in securing illustrated lectures
along this line, and in this manner educating the farmers as to the value of birds
in farm life.

The members of the official board are constantly in receipt of invitations
to give talks on bird-life at public gatherings. Mrs. W. B. Small, president,
represented the Society and delivered an address at the meeting of the Iowa
Federation of Women's Clubs, in Oskaloosa, in May. Dr. Margaret Clark,
chairman of the Executive Committee, on several occasions has been called
to give impromptu talks, and the secretary has received and accepted an invi-
tation to read a paper at the meeting of the Iowa Park and Forestry Association,
to be held in Des Moines in December.

Mr. Enos A. Mills, of Estes Park, Col., who is sent out by the Government
in the interest of forestry, will speak of the value of birds to forests in the
lectures which he will give this month in Des Moines, Marshalltown and
Waterloo.

We are greatly in need of workers in Iowa, who will act as local secretaries,

State Reports

339

secure members, dislrihute literature and jiledges, ]K)st warning notices and
attend to legislative work.

Pledge adopted by the Iowa Audubon Society:

" I HEREBY PLEDGE MYSELF, To refrain from wearing the plumage
of birds other than game-birds, domesticated fowls or the Ostrich; To discourage
the destruction of wild birds and their eggs; To encourage the study of birds and
nature in schools." — Mrs. William F. Parrott, Secretary.

Louisiana. — As a direct result of the activity of the National Association
of Audubon Societies on the coast of Louisiana, fully 75,000 Royal Terns, Fors-
ters Terns, Black Skimmers and Laughing Gulls were, during the past season,
added to the stock of birds living on the Gulf coast.

This year has been a fatal one to the birds. Just at the height of the breed-
ing season on. May 30, an unprecedented high tide submerged almost all the
breeding islands. The consequence was that, instead of the 250,000 birds which
we expected to show to the credit of the National Association, only a fourth
of that number were raised. If it had not been for the warden service main-
tained by the Association, the birds would also have suffered severely at the
hands of the pirates and egg-stealers haunting these waters. Under the circum-
stances, and until our State Society is in a position to assume this responsibility,
we sincerely trust that the National Association will maintain the present warden
service, and, if possible to do so, extend its limits and usefulness.

On the east side of the Mississippi river our State Society controls a bird-
breeding area of land and water approximating 750 square miles. On the west

-■ |M^,||

1

AUDUBON PATROL BOAT XO. 4, ROYAL
Employed to protect birds on tlie Gulf Coas

340 Bird- Lore

side of the river there is a breeding area of probably the same extent which, up
to the present time, has never been patroled b}- a warden, with the result that
during the breeding season boat-load after boat-load of birds' eggs are taken
from the islands without let or hindrance. This condition of affairs will con-
tinue until the National Association extends its activities to those regions by
appointing wardens who will see to it that the efficient provisions of our state
law are carried out to the letter, and the birds permitted to breed in peace.

At the request of the president of the National Association, our Society made
an investigation of the local quill trade. We found the retail millinery establish-
ments of New Orleans carrying large stocks of Pelican, Eagle, Hawk and Owl
quills. Many arrests were made, and as all the cases were decided in the courts
against the dealers and in our favor, the quill trade has been broken up.

By far the most important event which our Society has to chronicle during
the past year is practically two decisions of our state supreme court, affirming
that the Model A. O. U. Law enacted by our state legislature is within con-
stitutional limits.

From all this, it will be seen that the Louisiana Audubon Society is carrying
out the aims and purposes of its organization, and in our state we not only have
laws which protect the birds, but we are also enforcing them so effectually that
traffic in birds and birds' plumage has almost ceased.

Recently we bought another breeding island (named Sundown Island),
making the ninteenth. With the seven islands of Breton reservation belonging
to the Federal Government under our control, we lay claim to having the largest
wild-sea-bird-breeding area in the world, and we expect in a few years, through
the aid of the National Association, to show the greatest sight in bird-breed-
ing that has ever been seen.

Last year President Roosevelt sent us the following message: ''Hearty con-
gratulations to the Audubon Society of Louisiana. "

This year, when Newton C. Blanchard, the Governor of our state, signed
the deed giving us title to an island (Battledore) sold by the state, he sent us the
following message: "Use sparingly of the game-birds, even within the permit
of the law. Protect from destruction altogether the non-game birds,'' — in which
sentiment we all heartily concur. — Frank M. Miller, President.

Maine. — The local secretaries remain the same as last year, and the mem-
bership nearly the same, consequently the work of the local societies has been
chiefly educational. On the other hand, the work of the state secretary has been
chiefly miHtant, dealing with legislation, attending to a few complaints, and
furnishing information and laws concerning birds. Much of the latter work
cannot be separated from that performed at the direct instance of the National
Association, yet the value of the state organization should not be overlooked.
Very gratifying relations have been developed between the Society and the
' Brotherhood of Sportsmen. '

State Reports 341

Through the generosity of the National Association a set of fifty colored
lantern -slides, belonging to the ecjuii)ment of the Society, are to be made an
important feature of the coming winter's work. — Aktmir H. Norton, Secretary.

Maryland. — The Maryland Audubon Societ}' is but an infant in age, hav-
ing celebrated only one anniversary. There had previou.sly been an Audubon
Society in the state, and I am sure that much plowing and sowing must have
been accomplished by this senior society, for there is now manifested a great
interest in birddife, and a strong desire to })rotect and cherish these little crea-
tures which are truly living poems set to music; so, i)erha|)s, the younger organi-
zation will reap an abundant l.Hrvest which will be the result of former pioneer
efforts.

The membership of the present Society is growing. The law of its growth
is very simple. — each bird-lover interests his or her friends by talking to them of
the birds, their beautiful home life (so analagous to that of the human family),
the pleasure they give by their songs, and their great assistance to agriculture.
Enthusiasm is contagious. Those who were formerly indifferent begin them-
selves to study, and find the subject so alluring that they soon become ardent
admirers and lovers of their "little brothers of the air."

The president, Mrs. Charles W. Lord, has both by her pen and charming
talks shared, with others, the delight that her bird neighbors have contriljuted
to her own life. The vice-presidents were selected from men who are prominent
in the educational and commercial interests of the city.

The chief aim of the Society is to enlist the cooperation of the children. To
this end, bird clubs are being organized in the public schools, and the eager
response of the boys and girls is cause for the greatest encouragement. A debt
of gratitude is due Professor Van Sickle and the Nature Committee of the public
schools. The systematic study of birds is a part of the curriculum. Children are
also encouraged to make charts recording their observations. This has a great
practical value. That destructive tendency in the child which impels him to
throw the stone is thus checked and diverted; more than that, it is converted
into a constructive channel. We hope to see the day when the tield-glass and
camera will be considered satisfactory substitutes for the gun. — Miss Mixx.A.
I). St.\rr, Secretary.

Massachusetts. — During the past year rather more deaths and resig-
nations than usual were reported, but enough new members came in to more
than balance the loss. Our membership is now 6,549. Of these 1,934 are Juni-
ors, and 116 local secretaries.

Our four traveling libraries have been in use where they were appreciated.
Educational and other Leaflets, including cloth warning-notices and copies
of the law, have been distributed freely. Our three traveling lectures, bird plates,
charts and calendars, have been in good demand.

342 Bird - Lore

We have decided not to issue new plates tor ttie 1908 calendar, but to
use the same plates we had for our 1906 and 1907 calendars, giving patrons
a chance to buy either set. These are the plates that were printed in Japan.

A Bird Class, under the leadership of Mr. C. J. Maynard, was substituted
for the usual lecture course. Besides the regular monthly meeting of the Board
of Directors, a successful public meeting was held, with Mr. Ralph Hoffman,
Mr. Edward Howe Forbush and Dr. George W. Field as speakers.

Legislation at the State House was closely watched, as usual, by our Protec-
tion Committee, and complaints of violations of law received were reported
to the state officers, the Fish and Game Commission. The Society works closely
in touch with the State Board of Agriculture and the Fish and Game Commission.

An Italian gentleman, who has become interested in our work, has written
us an excellent warning poster and leaflet in Italian, with which we hope to do
some effective work. The poster is also used by the Fish and Game Commission.

A report of our work for the past five years is being prepared by the secre-
tary.— Miss Jessie E. Kimball, Secretary.

Michigan. — The Michigan Audubon Society began the year with much
trepidation, not only fearing the meeting of the legislature, but also the sports-
men and farmers who had bills to offer, which if they became laws, would undo
much of the work of our Society. The legislature remained in session until
June. During the session bills were introduced to pay bounties on Kingfishers,
Great Blue Herons and English Sparrows. A bill for a bounty on 'Chicken'
Hawks was urged by farmers. The Society opposed these measures vigorously.
The bill for a bounty on Kingfishers and Great Blue Herons passed the House,
but the Senate Committee did not report it. The Audubon Society was respon-
sible for the defeat of the Hawk bounty by taking advantage of a dilemma.

We insisted on knowing what was meant by ' Chicken ' Hawks. Those urg-
ing the bill asked many authorities, but were unable to ascertain with any cer-
tainty. During the time discussion was taking place, we sent all the literature
concerning the value of Hawks we could secure. Dr. Merriam's statement
as quoted in Mr. Chapman's preface to the 'Birds of Eastern North America,'
concerning legislation on Hawks in Pennsylvania, did more to halt the legis-
lature than any other literature presented. A number of sportsmen desired the
Meadowlark to be put on the list of game-birds. Our Society aroused so much
sentiment on this question as to have it passed over by the Game Committee. We
also strenuously opposed a proposal to lengthen the season for spring shooting.
We opposed a bounty on English Sparrows, but finally withdrew our opposition
with the understanding that bounties would be allowed during the winter months
only. The bill passed with such restriction.

We increased the prohibition of Sunday shooting to two more counties, and
found such a strong sentiment among the members of the legislature from the
agricultural districts against Sunday shooting that we felt if they had had a

State Reports 3+3

IcadtT on this (lucslioii, a hill would uiidouhtedly have passed jjrohihiting Sundav
shooiinjf throughout the state.

The Michigan Association, compt^sed of sportsmen, was organized for game
protection, including song and insectivorous birds. The Audubon Society-
joined forces with the Association, and urged the Association to request the
legislature to let game matters rest until they had time to canvas the situation
in the state, and make recommendations, which could not be done before the
meeting of the legislature in iqoq. The officers of the Association made such
a request.

The work of protection has made favorable progress in the state, the educa-
tional institutions showing increasing interest in the subject. The secretary
l^repared a booklet of one hundred and fifty pages on Audubon work. One
thousand copies were printed, but the request from colleges, schools, libraries
and public officials for copies was so extensive that it would have taken three
times as large an edition to supply the demand. This showed an interest that
surprised the Society, especially since requests came from all portions of the
state.

By reason of a contribution from the National Association we were able to
attend and aid in the formation of the Michigan Humane Society, composed
of the various societies of the state that carry on humane work for the protec-
tion of children, animals, and of animate life generally. Our Society became a
constituent member of the State Humane Society. Also, with aid from the
National Society, the secretary was able to take advantage of invitations to
address educational meetings and academies in various points in the state.

The Society was, to some degree, instrumental in bringing about a change
in the game warden system. One of the state deputies, who blocked our efforts
to prosecute violators of the game law, was removed, and another appointed
in his stead who has proven himself worthy. This new deputy, Mr. William
Daniel, has been in consultation with the secretary at various times, and lias
been ready to hear complaints coming to our Society from various territories
in his jurisdiction, and has acted on the same. We are expecting improved con-
ditions from the new State Game Warden, Mr. Charles Pierce. All things con-
sidered, we feel that the year has been one of advancement for Audubon work
from the moral and intellectual standpoint, though financially, we have made
little progress.

Our Society has offered a series of three prizes to the school or Society doing
the best work in bird protection. The prizes have been selected and we are now
waiting for reports. — Jefferson Butler, Secretarv.

Minnesota. — As in former year.-, for want of sufficient funds our work has
been somew^hat circumscribed. We have, through the kindness of the National
Association, been able to distribute several thousand Leaflets, which mostly
have gone to the border counties and schools of our state. We have also helped

344 Bird - Lore

northern Iowa and western Wisconsin to a certain extent. We have heard of
the results of the distribution of this bird Hterature in many cases, with resuhs
exceedingly satisfactory to this Society.

It has helped to get a number of branches organized in the smaller towns,
and has interested a large number of teachers in the public schools, who have
formed bands, and in this way started an education of the young people, which
ought to make good adult protectors for our wild birds later on.

We have taken up a work in our large towns, which seems to need attention,
and which I have not heard mentioned before. We have found that the shipping
of small birds from abroad in small cages, four or five inches square, has become
a large industry in our principal cities. We have found that these birds, after
arriving here, were kept in these cages, which were filthy and too small for any
exercise of the inmates, and that the food given them was thrown into the dirty
cages. W^e have insisted that these birds all be changed into larger cages, giving
them more freedom, better air, and cleaner food and quarters, and also have
insisted that these cages be kept clean. We had a law passed in our legislature
two years ago which would enable us to enforce such a demand. I am some-
what curious to know whether like work has been taken up in any of the other
cities or states.

We also arranged with the State Humane Society, and the local branches,
to post the country with circulars, giving information to the people that the kill-
ing of song-birds and the destruction of their nests is, under our law, a penal
offence, and also, offered a reward for the detection and the conviction of any
one infringing this law. This, I believe, has done more good, and reached more
people and protected more bird lives, than anything we have been able to do as
a Society.

I think I may safely say, that although we have not made much noise, we
have accomplished more work during the last year than any previous year,
that our membership is steadily increasing, and that our work is having a decidedly
good effect, especially upon the young people. The almost total disappearance
of birds worn as ornaments is one of the flattering results of our law, as is also
the agreement of our millinery jobbers to discontinue the sale of mounted birds.

The last few years have certainly, through the influence and hard work of
the National Society, accomplished wonders. We feel today as though we would
like to be financially strong enough to establish a branch in every county, and
flood the whole state with bird literature.

The writer, upon a late occasion in conversation with a farmer, was told the
following: " We were sowing a field not long ago, and my two boys noticed a
flock of birds following after the seeder. They made up their minds that the
birds were eating the grain, so they got out their shot-guns and killed quite a
number. I was curious to see how much grain one of these birds would eat, and
upon opening the crops of several, I was astonished to find that they were full
of fresh worms, but no grain. I told my boys that if I caught either one of them

State Reports 3-I.5

shooting birds on the farm, or allowiiii^ anvhody else to do so, I should make
an example of them. I had leariu'd a lesson." — J. \V. Taylor, Presideul.

Missouri. — I regret to say that the work of the Audul)on Society in Missouri,
which for four years has been active, encouraging and full of ])ractical results,
has met with a set-back, which may, for some years to come, i)rove in a manner,
disastrous. The Audubon bill for preservation of birds and game, which was
passed at a previous session of our legislature, has been attacked successfully
by its enemies in the halls of legislation. Influenced by politico-commercial
reasons, the very life of the bill or law has been weakened by an amendment
abolishing the offices of game warden and deputies, and substituting therefore
the sherifTs and deputies of the different counties. No argument is necessary
to show that sheriffs and their deputies will not enforce this law among their
friends and neighbors, and that without independent game wardenship the
law cannot be enforced at all. To the disappointment and astonishment of the
officers of the Audubon Society, and of the sporting clubs over the state, the
Governor approved the iniquitous amendment, despite protests from all sections.
The basic work of the Audubon Society, however, remains, but years will be
required to build again the structure thereon which this pernicious amendment
has destroyed. I regret that I cannot give a better report of the present condi-
tion of Audubon work in Missouri. — Walter J. Blakklv, President.

Nebraska. — How I wish that the Nebraska Society might send a long and
interesting report to the National Committee this year, instead it must be but
a word or so. Lack of funds and heavy personal cares have prevented the offi-
cers from carrying forward plans for a more thorough state organization.

The work done this year, as every year since our organization, has been with
the younger generation. The Audubon sentiment is strong in the public schools
of the state. The State Superintendent of Public Institution fosters it in every
way. Increase in sentiment toward bird protection is noticeable, in a general
way, among educators, farmers and school children.

The work of the National Association among the farmers has wrought a
marked change in this state, but the conscience of women in the matter of milli-
nery is yet to be awakened. — Miss Joy Montgomery Higgins, Secretary.

New Hampshire. — The very full report for 1906 renders needless any
special reference to our routine work. In the legislature a bill was passed
making a closed season for five }ears on Wood Duck and Upland Plover.
This action places New Hampshire in the van, alongside with Massachusetts,
in the movement for the preservation of these fast-vanishing species.

With the cooperation of Mr. William Dutcher and Mr. Abbott H. Thayer,
we have issued warning posters concerning protected birds in general, and Wood
Duck and Upland Plover in ])articular. Besides being distributed for use as

346 Bird - Lore

roadside posters, they have, with the consent of the Post Ofl&ce Department,
been sent to all the postmasters in the state with requests for their display.

Through the influence of our Society, the following lectures have been given
during the past season before the Manchester Institute of Arts and Sciences:
'Among the Island Water Birds,' by William L. Finley; 'Song Birds of New
Hampshire, ' by F. Schuyler Matthews; ' Among the Egrets with Warden Bradley, *
by Herbert K. Job, and 'Useful Birds and Their Protection,' by Edward Howe
Forbush. — Mrs. F. W. Batchelder, Secretary.

New Jersey. — While the interest in the Audubon Society of New Jersey as
a Society may not have increased materially during the past year, the interest
in birds does not seem to be declining. New members come in slowly, but we
hear of bird-lovers in all directions, and this general interest as a result of more
w^ide-spread education is again in the right direction.

The legislative work done by the Society, and by the National Association,
in New Jersey has been an important one, as a vicious bill was killed which
ordered the transfer of the Dove and Flicker to the game-bird list. Vigorous
measures were taken by the Society to pass an important anti-spring shooting
bill for the wild fowl and shore birds. Although the House passed this bill, it
was held in committee by the Senate, and killed there by a vote of two to one.
As usual, the friends of a bad cause were more active than those on the side of
righteousness, for at the hearing in the Senate few presented themselves to urge
the protection of the birds.

In this respect New Jersey is a stumbling-stone, and a rock of offense to all
the neighboring states who send their sportsmen to destroy our shore and other
birds. — Miss Juli.a. S. Scribner, Secretary.

The La Rue Holmes Nature Lover's League.— An aggressive move-
ment in behalf of birds was recently organized at Summit, New Jersey, through
the ardent love for nature of a young naturalist, whose brief career was closed
when but just entering upon this field of loving service. Organized in July, 1906,
an executive board, together with directors, chosen from various localities,
form a central organization with the power to create chapters in neighborhoods
and schools. The present membership, which reaches about fifteen hundred,
chiefly among the young, will shortly be materially increased by the addition
of chapters about to organize.

Closely allied in interest to the Audubon Societies, whose Bluebird badge
is also the League emblem, the Audubon Leaflets have, during the past year,
been distributed monthly for study in schools wherever organizations exist.
Additional advantage will arise, in the coming year, through the universal
writing of essays each month in connection with this study, and also through the
increased use of the colored and outlined Audubon Leaflets.

Nineteen of the forty lectures and addresses given during the recent past

State Reports 347

in llic intcTfst of birds, fori'sl and wild tlcnvers, were presented through the
( (turtcsv of the Xalional A^sot ialion, Mr. W'iiham Dutcher being the first speaker
after the first eoiueplioii of the movemenl; and Mr. Heei her S. Bowdish, in his
man\- lectures, (juiikening the interest in, and love for "our little brothers of
the air," through his words and the ])resenlalion of his very beautiful lantern-
slide-pictures.

The basis of the League is the sentiment of kindness, — a gentle considera-
tion for the weak — a sentiment which creates a co-partnershi]) among its mem-
bers in defending each remnant of passing nature; which awakens to a conscious
jov in the act of relieving suffering, or of creating content in behalf of even the
most humble form of (lod-given life.

During the past year it has been the interest of the League to awaken energy
in conserving nature's riches, accentuating its necessity through press notices,
addresses, and the distribution of about four thousand Leaflets in the interest
of our passing birds, forests and flowers of the wilds.

While it is too true that nature must recede before the advancing step of
civilization, it is also true that a universal love and unselfish consideration for
the fair wings of the air, the blooms scattered under foot, may save for future
generations at least a remnant of the vanishing pageants of the year.

New York. — Less work of an initiative nature has been undertaken during
the past year than heretofore. Slowly and quietly, however, the educational
efTort goes on, and the fruits of such work as many of our faithful local secre-
taries are doing, the future alone can show. The teachers are interested through-
out the state. Many reports are received of successful boys' clubs, and of these
it is always a pleasure to hear and to help in every possible way. The distribu-
tion of thousands of Leaflets and of wall charts, upon application, has been
continued. Our present membership is 8,770.

In regard to legislation, this has not been an idle year. Mr. Dutcher, as
president of the National Association, was the instigator of two bills in behalf
of bird protection; one to prevent the sale of wild fowl after the commencement
of the close seascyi (allowing dealers ten days only in which to dispose of sur-
plus stock); the other bill was to forbid cold storage of any birds or game. In
spite of the fact that the aid of Audubon workers in all parts of the state was
solicited by means of appeals issued by Mr. Dutcher, and sent out by the New
York Society, and every effort made to secure the passage of the bills, they were
never reported upon by the committees to which they were referred. On the
other hand, the attempts to pass dangerous Foreign Game Sale bills were
frustrated by Mr. Dutcher'S vigorous action.

The matter of most concern to the Society, as is shown by the great number
of complaints received, is the shooting of small birds, especially Robins, by Ital-
ians. The law posters may be distributed as widely as possible, but this does
not deter the law-breakers. More stringent measures are needed; more game

348

Bird -Lore

wardens should be appointed. In some cases our local secretaries are very ener-
getic in having offenders brought to justice, and, possibly, in no way is the
change in public sentiment in regard to bird protection more clearly shown
than by the fines which are imposed upon such offenders.

Our local secretaries are, many of them, devoted to the cause, and either
bv personal effort among the farmers, or by constant work with the children in
the schools, or by interesting editors of local newspapers, are continually extend-
ing the circle of the Society's influence. The towns which give promise of future
activity, newly brought into the fold, are: Mount Vernon, Chappaqua, Bedford,
Orangeburg, Central Valley, Franklin, Berlin, Schuylersville, Fonda, Glovers-
ville, Waterville, Binghamton, Union, Homer, Auburn, Weedsport, S. Lans-
ing, Keuka Park, Canandaigua, Naples and Houghton. New fields of work
yield much fresh enthusiasm, and with the hope which 'springs eternal' in
Audubon work, we look forward to the coming year with new courage, and the
anticijmtion of important gains. — Miss Emma H. Lockwood, Secretary.

North Carolina. — Audubon work in North Carolina has jjeen moving
forward in a most satisfactory manner the past year. During the session of the
legislature about sixty game laws, chiefly of a local character, were enacted.
These, without exception, were of a restrictive character, usually making

'DUTCHER,' P.^TROL BO.\T OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
AUDUBON SOCIETY

State Reports

349

)VAL TERNS

AUDUBOX SOCIETY

the hunting season shorter, and in some instances protecting game in certain
counties absolutely for a term of years. A few bills of an adverse character to
bird and game protection were introduced, but these were all killed. The general
sentiment of the legislature seemed to be very friendly to the Audubon Society
and its work.

During the year, sixty-five game wardens have been employed. These men
have posted thousands of cloth warning-notices and distributed a large number
of Leaflets of the National Association, and also those published by the State
Society. We successfully conducted seventy-five prosecutions in the state courts
for violations of the bird and game protective laws, and, in addition to this,
caused twelve arrests where evidence was not sufficient to convict. Persons
were fined not only for killing game out of season, but also for killing Night-
hawks, Mockingbirds, Cardinals and other non-game birds protected by the
Audubon law.

The work of caring for the breeding-places of the sea-birds on the North
Carolina coast has been conducted with great care the past summer, with the
result that over 10,000 young sea-birds were reared on the rookery islands. This
increase was secured despite the fact of hard storm-tides, and one severe hail-
storm which destroyed not less than 3,500 eggs and young birds. The largest
of the breeding colonies are located on Royal Shoal and Legged Lump. Dur-
ing the year both of these islands have been purchased by the Audubon Society,

350 Bird - Lore

in order that we might be in better position to protect them and their feathered
inhabitants.

An addition has been made to the office force in the person of Miss Mary
T. Moore, who, as school secretary, divides her time between the work of the
State Society and the National Association. During the summer months she
lectured on the importance of bird preservation to the farmers' institutes in
twenty-four counties, speaking to over four thousand six hundred people. When
the schools opened in the fall, she began her work with the school children and
teachers interested in nature study, and has been the means of greatly increas-
ing the list of teachers who are using the Audubon literature in the schools.

Interest in the protection of wild life in the state is growing rapidly, and one
of the evidences of the effectiveness of the Audubon Society work, as frequently
quoted by sportsmen, is that there are more Quail in the state this year than
ever before, and, by general observers, to the effect that song-birds are by
far more numerous than a few years ago. — T Gilbert Pearson, Secretary.

North Dakota. — With the opening of the spring of 1907, the Audubon
Society of North Dakota adopted the following plans, with the hope of arousing
a general interest in birds and their protection. First, evening meetings were held
fortnightly, to which the public was invited, and at which papers on various
phases of the work were read and discussed. Among the subjects treated were
the previous work of the Society, methods of bird observation, birds of the Red
river region, spring migration of 1907, etc. At each of these meetings members
reported on migration, nesting, etc., and the results were tabulated for per-
manent record.

Three weekly field excursions were undertaken, and consisted of a Monday
morning class, especially designed to interest university students, but open to
all adults. There was also a Thursday sunset class, to which all were welcome,
and a Saturday morning class, intended primarily for children. Each excursion
was in charge of one of the more experienced members of the Society.

An attempt was made to organize local societies throughout the Red river
valley, that the birds of the locality might be more systematically observed.
The effort will be continued until such societies are formed.

The membership in this state is small, but contains a number of real bird-
lovers, and we hope as the state increases in population to greatly enlarge the
scope of our work. — Mrs. A. G. Leonard, Secretary.

Ohio.— The meetings of the Audubon Society of Ohio are still the charm-
ing gatherings they always were, and as we had no lack of interesting speakers
and many exhibitions of choice specimens in the past year, we feel that, person-
ally, we have gained much. Mr. Finley's talk, with stereopticon pictures, was,
without doubt, the 'piece de resistance,' and we hope to have the pleasure of
another such treat.

State Reports 351

Mr. Charles Dury, our eminent naturalist, did much to make the last year's
series of meetings a memorable one, and as he discovered a unique specimen
in his collection of birds of this vicinity, he has added one more name to the fauna
of Ohio. He had taken the specimen at Ross Lake, April 5, t88o, and after
having overlooked it for twentv-six years, discovered recently that it was a
LeConte Sparrow.

Thanks to Mr. Hodges, Librarian of the Public Library of the City of Cin-
cinnati, we had exhibitions of current literature at each meeting, with a short
talk by Mrs. Hermine Hansen, teacher of Zoology at Hughes High School, e.xplan-
atory of each volume or pamphlet of such literature.

The president and secretary conferred with Dr. Dyer, the Superintendent
of the Public Schools of Cincinnati, about the distribution of Educational Leaflets.
Dr. Dyer was very enthusiastic, and thought the Leaflets should not only be dis-
tributed to the various schools, but were worth permanently preserving. He
advised our sending them to him in October, carefully arranged, so they may
be used as a part of the curriculum. This, we hope, will stimulate the students
to organize bird clubs, and that the coming year will see many of them estab-
lished.

We had a number of interesting field excursions this spring, and expect
to have many more next year, so we may have some personal experiences, as
well as the reminiscences of others, to remember and to record. Our enroll-
ment is increasing, our members are never lacking in enthusiasm, and we all
look forward to next year's meetings with delightful anticipation. — Miss M.
Katherine Rattermanx, Secretary.

Oklahoma. — The work of the Society for the past year, though seemingly
local, has been far-reaching in its results. About three thousand pages of litera-
ture have been distributed among the teachers, pupils and farmers of the terri-
tory, and while as yet but few auxiliary societies have been organized, the founda-
tion has been laid for more and better work in the future, and permanent organi-
zations throughout the new state. Bird-study has become a part of the common
school curriculum in some of our schools, and public sentiment in favor of birds
and their protection has been created all over the territory, which will surely
crystallize into stringent and effective laws at the next meeting of the legislature.

Farmers' unions have taken effective action for the prevention of pot-hunters
and others from killing or trapping the Quail, the Mourning Dove, the Meadow-
lark and other birds,

Guthrie, the capital of Oklahoma, has enacted strong and effective laws to
prevent the killing or trapping of birds, the robbing of their nests, or the exposure
or sale of bird eggs within the city limits.

Two years ago one might have traveled all over a county and heard little or
nothing said about birds, their value or protection; but today one can enter
scarcelv a farmhouse, a schoolhouse, or meet with anv assemblv of countrv

352 Bird -Lore

folk, that the subject of "our birds" is not at some stage of the conversation the
main topic, especially among the young people, who enquire eagerly for the
Audubon Leaflets, which are proving to be of much educative value, quicken-
ing the observation, and awakening an interest in all our feathered friends, and
creating a thirst for more knowledge of them. — Miss Alma Carson. Secretary.

Oregon. — Our past year's work in bird protection has shown that we need
to continue our efforts in educational work, especially through the country
districts. At the last session of the legislature a bill was introduced by some
fruit-growers which practically annulled our Model Bird Law, in that it allowed
farmers, gardeners and horticulturists to shoot any or all birds which they thought
were doing damage to the crops. In spite of our efforts, the bill was passed,
but a strong appeal was made to Governor Chamberlain from various parts
of the state, and we succeeded in getting his veto, thus killing the bill.

In order to spread the knowledge as to the economic value of bird life, our
president, Mr. Finley, is writing a series of Leaflets on Oregon birds, to be pub-
lished by the University of Oregon under the direction of the State Biologist.
The first of these was issued in June. It was general in character, entitled ' The
Study of Birds and Their Economic Value. ' The second, on some of the common
fall and winter birds, is soon to be published.

In addition to this, during the past summer Mr. Finley has given illustrated
lectures on the economic value of birds in eight different towns in various parts
of the state. He visited Forest Grove, McMinnville, Monmouth, Salem, Eu-
gene, Albany, Grants Pass and Medford.

The sea-bird colonies at Three Arch Rocks, off the Oregon coast, have been
doing well during the past year under the protection of Warden Phelps. During
the breeding season he succeeded in keeping persons from visiting the rocks,
so that the birds were undisturbed while nesting.

We are making the best effort possible for us in the direction of educational
work throughout the state. Our corresponding secretary has written personal
letters to every county school superintendent in Oregon, asking for his coopera-
tion and good will in the distribution of our educational literature to the teach-
ers of their county; many have answered expressing their interest and willing-
ness to help. We expect to hear from the greater number of them to the same
effect; to them we have sent packages of Leaflets tied in bundles ready for dis-
tribution.

Through our friend, Mrs. Clara H. Waldo, lecturer of the Oregon State
Grange, it has become possible for us to send our literature into every Grange
in the state; we have furnished her with one hundred full sets of Leaflets, securely
tied into sets, ready and easy for economic distribution. We intend to make
especial effort in the Granges by way of lectures, lantern-slides, literature, or in
whatever way our ingenuity and means will allow, for it is here, we think, to
do our most needed work between now and the next legislative session. Mr.

State Reports 353

Finlc\''s most excellent Leatlet is iiuludcd amoiij,' those of the National Audubon
J.eallets that we sent out; also into each package sent to county school su])erin-
tendcnts, and others, when it is thought advisable, we put two or more 'warning-
notices,' with the retjuest that they be properly placed. Every lady in Port-
land's 'Blue Book' has been favored with a set of the Ostrich and Aigrette
Leaflets.

Our corresponding secretary has written, during the year, two hundred and
ninety letters on Audubon matters. We have sent out the greater part of the full
compliment of Leaflets furnished us by the National Society, and are waiting
for more of the subjects suited for this country. The manual training classes
of our city schools make bird-boxes as a part of their class work; next spring,
at the proper season, we expect to make a half-holiday and go forth to place them
for spring tenants.

I am sure the sentiment in favor of bird protection is growing in our state,
but the state is very large and hard to cover, in consequence there is great igno-
rance as to the economic value of birds and their habits generally, also commer-
cialism is the same here as in other states, but we are encouraged to believe that
we are making progress and we intend to keep working. — Dr. E. J. Weltv,
Corresponding Secretary.

Pennsylvania. — The work of the Pennsylvania Audubon Society since
its last report has been principally that of re-organization. After the death of
its late secretary, Mrs. Edward Robins, the directors decided to re-organize the
Society on the basis of three classes of membership — namely, active members,
who pay annual dues, vote at the annual election and have the other privileges
usual to such menibership; associate members, who pay no dues, have no pri-
vileges, and are principally school children; and hfe members, who on the
payment of $25 are exempt from further dues, and have all the privileges of
active membership.

The directors then discovered that a previous Audubon Society had been
founded in Pennsylvania and chartered in 1886, but had ceased to hold meet-
ings, so a combined board of directors was formed from this original society
and the later one, and the charter formally adopted, with such new by-laws
as seemed necessary. The Society is now, therefore, in a regular and permanent
form, with a charter and an active and interested membership prepared to
follow up the good beginning.

In May the reorganized Society was given a most interesting account of the
work accomplished by the National Society, by Mr. Butcher ,.as a result of which
talk a number of names were added to the list of active members.

The business of reorganizing the Society on this permanent basis represented
most of the 'new work' done this spring, but the old activities were still kept
up. Twelve circulating libraries were kept moving in the state, and a number
of school children and children in societies, such as 'Bands of Mercv, ' etc.^

354 Bird -Lore

have signed the Audubon Pledge and received certificates of associate mem-
bership.

The increase of the pubhc sentiment for bird protection has been quite marked
during the past year in this state, largely due to the good work done by the State
Zoologist, and the Audubon literature distribution in schools. Indeed, it is to
the intelligent work of the public school teachers who take up the subject that
the Audubon Society owes some of its best results in the country districts.

The Society hopes to follow up its reorganization this winter with several
public meetings, where illustrated talks will be given by those prominent in bird
protection and ornithology (which seems still to be one of the most successful
ways of reaching the general public), and by special work among the schools.

In closing this report of the Pennsylvania Society, a word must be added
in recognition of the splendid work done by its late secretary, Mrs. Edward
Robins. Always an enthusiastic lover of animals, Mrs. Robins combined a
scientific knowledge of ornithology with her sympathy for the birds, which raised
the Society's work above the mere sentiment of the moment to a permanent
usefulness of both economic and humane value. The directors feel that the
best tribute they can pay Mrs. Robins' memory is to continue on her own lines
the work to which she was so devoted. — Miss E. W. Fisher, Secretary.

Rhode Island.— This Society has now been in existence for ten years. If
the millinery question had been the only one to which our efforts had been
directed during that time, we should certainly feel discouraged. The majority
of Rhode Island women wear feathers, and even members of our Society are
beginning to follow the prevailing fashion, taking refuge behind the assumption
that all ' made-up-pieces ' are composed of ' hen ' feathers. Even if such plumage
could be positively identified, it would still seem, for various reasons, to be ill-
advised to wear it. A letter was sent by us in the spring to the Women's Clubs
of the State Federation, asking them to sign resolutions binding them not to
wear feathers, and although no ofl&cial action was taken, yet many individual
signatures were received. The interest of such women will be of great value to
the cause, and we hope that the coming year will show the effects of their influ-
ence.

Our branch societies now number thirty, and our membership has increased
from i,ioo to 1,646. Most of the new accessions, however, have been children,
who pay small fees, and we have only one hundred and twenty-five sustaining
members. The chief interest shown in bird-study has been in the rural districts.
Many teachers there are giving attention to the subject, and we have constant
requests for literature and charts. With the assistance of the National Associa-
tion, and of our state officials, we have been able to place one hundred and fifty
colored bird charts in the country schools. Leaflets to the number of 15,000
have been distributed, and twelve copies of Bird-Lore have been sent regu-
larly to branch societies. Five traveling libraries, which had seen much use,

State Reports 3S5

wen- renovated, aiul two new ones added to tlie number, and all are continu-
ally moving from school to school.

At our annual meeting in March, Prof. Herbert I',. Walter, of Brown Uni-
versity, delivered an interesting lecture upon the plumage of birds, illustrated
by the epidiascope. \iy this instrument most vi\id and beautiful effects arc
obtained.

We have recently joined the Rhode Island League for rural progress and the
League of Improvement Societies, believing that these connections will increase
our usefulness.

Yew newspapers in the country have taken so much interest in the subject
of bird protection as the 'Providence Journal'. During the past year it has
])ublished a series of bird articles which have been valuable to students, and
very interesting to the general reader. Such a department has long been needed,
and all Rhode Island bird-lovers feel under obligations to the 'Journal' for
this educational work, as well as for frequent editorials u])on all matters relat-
ing to the Audubon Societies. — Mrs. Henry Tyler Grant, Secretary.

South Carolina. — A short statement of the work of the South Carolina
Audubon Society will be of some interest at this time. To begin with, the laws
of this state on bird, game and fish protection have heretofore been drawn with-
out system or regard to uniformity. Most of the law's that are now on the books
cover specific counties as regards the birds, and the northern and western part
of the state has no law protecting fish. I see no hope of straightening the
matter except by having new uniform laws passed at the next session of the
legislature.

The Society has had a man in the field as often as there was money in the
treasury to pay his expenses while soliciting memberships, but he has not met
with the success that we had hoped for, and the condition of the treasury at this
time does not warrant further expenditure. The president has advanced a con-
siderable sum of money which the Society has been unable so far to return,
but we hope that when the shooting season commences the licenses from
non-resident hunters will enable us to prosecute the work with some system
and energy.

We have been unable, so far, to get out any printed matter of our own, but
have distributed pamphlets contributed by the National Association and the
Department of Agriculture.

The newspapers of the state have given us material aid by notices of the
Society, and by publishing any articles sent in by us. Clippings covering this
matter have been sent from time to time to Mr. Pearson, secretary of the National
Association. Our secretary seems to be doing all that is possible under the cir-
cumstances, and has visited the different sections of the state at different times,
and has secured a few memberships at all points. By direction he made cases
against two parties for killing Great Blue Herons. In one case w-e secured a

3s6 Bird - Lore

conviction, and the other case comes up for trial, the party having demanded
a jury; we feel reasonably sure of a conviction in this case. It has been extreme!}'
hard to get any information about violation of fish laws, except in a general
way. The laws have been violated, but we have been unable to get any specific
information.

We find that by an omission in passing an amendment to the game laws
Doves are not protected at all, and may be shot at any time. We are glad
to state, however, that we have heard of no instance in which these birds were
shot during the nesting season, and hunters have started killing them only
recently. We have arranged for the appointment of all lighthouse keepers as
game wardens; quite a number of game wardens have been appointed, and
badges distributed. We are going a little slow in the appointment of wardens,
as we wish to secure reliable parties. The work of game wardens up to the
incorporation of this Society has been practically nothing. We have secured
such reports as we could get from the old wardens, so as to make some com-
parison with the work of this Society by the end of the year, and we feel sure
that the results will show a very material progress in game, bird and fish pro-
tection.— B. F. Taylor, President.

South Dakota. — The South Dakota Audubon Society is as yet only a few
months old, but to date we have organized a very satisfactory Society with a
large membership, and we expect to number several hundred by January first.
We have placed the A. O. U. Model Law upon our statute books, and it has
received very favorable comment from nearly all periodicals of the state. We
have published a series of articles about individual birds in the leading state
'daily,' and these articles have, in some cases, been entirely reproduced by
the state press. A series of public addresses has been given at various points in
the state, at which the attendance has been large and enthusiastic.

About 100,000 circulars on bird-life have been distributed through the state,
and school Audubon Societies have been formed in nearly every county. We
have a very large and beautiful room in the new Masonic Temple at Sioux Falls,
which is ours exclusively, and beautiful cases are being made for our collection
of mounted birds, nests and eggs. These are all specimens which have been
gathered in the past, as we do not sanction even the taking of an egg to increase
our collection. A feature of this collection is a large number of mounted birds,
not one of which was killed for mounting, but they are birds picked up after
severe storms, or birds that have lost their Hves by flying against wires or from
other causes.

We shall have in this room a reading-room, well supplied with books and
pamphlets on the subject of birds, and the room will always be oj^en to the
public.

The following is a page from a forthcoming book by President Holmes that
is to go into every school in South Dakota.

State Reports 357

ROLL OF HONOR

The Birds. — For service in the cause of humanity; for making the fields
to Hash with color, the lakes to laugh with music, and for making the trees the
ver\- 'peaks of song'; for ti-ac hing the courage, for pioneering, the joy of honest
toil, the virtue of happ\- mating, the spirit of devoted parentage and the satis-
faction in an 'ever so humble' home; for the singing with their work and reveal-
ing to us the life in nature that 'lifts us to the skies.'

The Ronixs. — I'or labor u])on our lawns; for stirring childhood's fancies,
and awakening in old hearts the illusions of their childhood.

The Larks." — For tireless hours of toil upon our farms, clearing thern of
insects and the seeds of noxious weeds; for singing in every field and from every
fence-post; for making morning the beginning of a day and evening the promise
of another.

The Bluebirds. — For picking up the berries of the ivy and the brier; for
clearing our gardens of grubs, our waysides of pests upon the wing and for giv-
ing a song to the early winds to tell us that we may rejoice at the bursting of the
buds.

The Cuckoos. — For stripping our trees of caterj)illars, our gardens of
spiders, our fields of beetles and for minding their own business.

The Hawks. — For their restless hunting of rodents and reptiles and for hav-
ing eyes that see in a half-blind world.

The Killdeers. — For their fight against the boll-weevil and the Rocky
Mountain locust and for the love of their little fuzzy babies.

The Woodpeckers. — For destroying ants, moths, beetles and weed-seeds;
for their tremulous tattoos and awakening calls of springtime.

The Kingfishers. — For lessening the swarms of beetles, crickets and
grasshoppers and reminding us that ours are ' halcyon ' days, if we but make
them so.

The Grosbeaks. — For destroying potato-bugs and caterpillars; for one
of the sweetest sounds in nature that makes us glad to stoj) in our hurr}- that we
may look and listen.

The Swallows. — For killing the germ-bearing mosciuitoes; for suffering
saved to the beasts of the field and for their cheerful ' twittering from the straw-
built shed.'

The Native Sparrows. — For using thousands of tons of weed-seed that
will never choke the grain or the llowers ; for their infinite i)resence and their
unnumbered songs.

The Uxkxowx Livixg. — For working without reward and singing without
applause.

The L'inknowx Dead. — That have fallen on broken wing during the wild
nights; that by unhappy flight have been the ])rcy of natural enemies and men.

358 Bird -Lore

Our certificates of membership have just arrived, and we shall soon have
the honor of forwarding to you Certificate No. 2. with the best wishes of our
young Society.

In order to help do our share toward maintaining the mother institution,
we shall send you before long a large number of subscriptions to Bird-Lore.

We have, in a direct way, checked the slaughter of Doves and of Robins,
and we believe that the organization of our Society has caused a better enforce-
ment of our game laws. — George A. Pettigrew, Secretary.

Texas. — The energy of the Texas Audubon Society during the current year,
has been devoted mostly to the procuring of desirable legislation, and in the
latter months to assisting in the enforcement of the statutes enacted for the pre-
servation of wild birds and animals, cooperating with the state warden and his
deputies to that end. The bill creating the warden system was made dependent
upon an annual license fee of $15, levied on non-resident gunners, the resident
gunners being permitted to shoot without license. From the license on the non-
resident gunners it is probable that a sufficient sum will accrue to support a
fairly efficient warden system, after the legal commencement of the gunning
season.

In the meantime, in order to protect the birds and game from lawless gunners,
who commenced slaughtering Doves, Quail, Prairie Chickens, water-fowl, deer.
Wild Turkeys and everything else two months before the open season, devoted
friends of the cause notably, in the Houston district, raised funds and paid salaries
of deputies from their private purses.

The growth of public sentiment in favor of preservation of birds has been
marked during the past four years, and particularly marked during the present
year. In the population of Texas of 3,800,000, it is probable thas 50 per cent
have had the arguments of the Audubon Society presented to them, in some
form. The press has been very generous in giving space to our literature, pub-
lishing our articles in prominent and desirable position, under handsomely dis-
played headlines, and often reenforcing our pleadings with able editorials. We
feel also greatly indebted to the Texas educators for the strong encouragement
they have given to Audubon Societies in the schools, academies, colleges and
universities.

The secretary, assisted by half a dozen ladies, and about an equal number
of gentlemen, has succeeded in entertaining audiences over a large area of the
state with lantern lectures. In one sparsely settled county, particularly in the
interest of the antelope, the peccary and the armadillo, the secretary had in his
audience about everybody within a radius of twenty-five miles. The chief diffi-
culty in lantern lecturing in Texas is transportation. Distances between points
are lengthy and roads are not good. Interurban electric railways are in pro-
cess of construction, and in the near future this difficulty will be in a large degree
removed.

State Reports 359

With a heart hrimmint^ full of hope, the work will he pushed forward, and
the secretary trusts when winter comes, with its long nights, to be able to ccjii-
duct a series of lanti'rn lei tvu-es in the larger cities, such as Waco, Ft. Worth,
Dallas, Houston, (ialvcston, Austin, San Antonio and other of the more
l)romincnt centers.— M. B. I).\vis, Secretary.

Vermont. — The membershi]) of the Vermont State Audubon Society, and
the work done by that body during the past year, sh(nvs no great increase over
other vears, owing largely to the fact that the Vermont Bird Club, an older society,
is working along the same lines. The latter organization, started several years
ago in connection with another scientific club, includes most of the bird-lovers
in the state, has the same aims as the Audubon Society, and is very active in
legislative matters. It has seemed wise, therefore, to make the work of our Society
largely educational in its scope, and to bring into it as many junior members
as possible. In this way, the "two societies do not conflict, but both together
make a strong influence for the saving of the birds, and the instruction oi the
general public as to their value.

Several junior Societies, numbering from one to four hundred children, have
been started during the past year in various towns of the state. The description
of the one located in St. Johnsbury may perhaps answer for all. Meetings are
held by this Society, which for convenience is divided into two sections, once
a month from January to June. The children choose ofiEicers from among their
own number, and conduct their meetings with much ceremony. In June a con-
test is held for determining those who are the best acquainted with the birds.
The contestants are arranged in three divisions, according to age, the prizes
in each division being five-dollar gold pieces. These prizes are donated by the
president of the senior Society, Mr. C. H. Horton, and the interest created by
the contest is very great. As preparation for this, bird walks are taken very fre-
quendy during the spring, these walks being lead by the secretary, or some
other member of the state Society.

Several senior Societies have arranged for lectures by various ornithologists,
admission to these lectures being either free or a nominal price, so that they could
be largely attended by the people of the vicinity. Among other speakers has
been Mr. Henry Oldys. of the Biological Survey, Washington, who has lectured
in Burlington, St. Johnsbury, Johnson and other places in the state.

Some Societies have placed bird books and copies of ' Bird-Lore ' on the
tables of the town libraries, and three traveling libraries, composed entirely of
bird books, have been circulated in the state. — ISIiss Bella I. Griffix, Secretary.

Washington. — Modesty is becoming in a debutante, and indeed we have
scarcely had time to take our bearings and get used to the lights since Mission-
ary Finley brought us out in April. At a meeting held in the Central High School
of Seattle, and presided over by Superintendent Cooper, we organized the Wash-

36o Bird - Lore

ington State Audubon Society with a membership of forty, since increased to
over two hundred.

We believe that we have a most promising field for the cultivation of l)ird-
lovers, and we find that protective sentiment has been already developed, and
fostered to a gratifying degree by the efforts of the Washington State Game
and Fish Protective Association, of which our etlficient secretary, Mr. H. Rief,
is the animating spirit. Our work has an assured welcome in public school
circles, and we await only the advent of the man with time enough to address
himself to the important task of guiding and informing an awakening interest.

There are in the interior of Washington a few Grebe colonies, which formerly
suffered at the hands of skin hunters, but we do not know of recent depredations.
Hawks and Owls suffer severely at the hands of unthinking farmers in eastern
Washington, and we are reaping the expected harvest of 'sage rats' in conse-
quence. Certain species of Grouse, notably the Columbian Sharp-tailed and
the Sage Grouse, are possibly doomed to extinction; but, on the other hand, the
spread of introduced species, notably the Mongolian Pheasant, and the Bob-white,
is quite reassuring. Although the English Sparrow has been long with us, it
is only recently that we have begun to notice the blighting influence of his mob
tactics in our larger cities.

In the summer of 1906, and again in 1907, the president of the Society recon-
noitered the islands lying off the west coast of Washington and located some
thirty rookeries of sea-birds. This region is little frequented by white men, but
the birds have suffered in a diminishing ratio from the depredations of Indians.
An effort has been made to put a stop to this practice, ancient as it is, and the
agent in charge of the Makah Reservation, Dr. C. S. Woods, has promised his
hearty cooperation to this end.

Some idea of the extent of these island colonies may be obtained when I
mention that probably 10,000 Rhinoceros Auklets nest on Destruction Island,
and 40,000 Kaeding Petrels on Dhuoyuatzachtahl, one of the Quillayute Needles
group; while upon Carroll Islet eleven of the twelve species known to the entire
coast were found in June, 1907. Doubtless the time will come when it will be
desirable to make of the last named a government reservation. — W. Leon Daw-
son, President.

Wisconsin. — Our Society has done little during the past year outside of
educational work, which has consisted mainly in the distribution of ten or twelve
thousand Leaflets amongst the schools and libraries of the state, and in the cir-
culation of our slides and lectures.

Our membership in the school branches continues to increase as the interest
amongst the school children is fostered by our little magazine ' By the Wayside, '
which is still published in connection with the Illinois Society. Our classes for
bird study conducted, in Madison during the spring months, were, as usual,
well attended. — Mrs. R. G. Thwaites, Secretary.

State Reports 361

III rc<j;ar<l to ihc work of our t hildreu's Auduhon Societies, the teachers say
lliey are doing good work. Many of the brandies are in rural districts, miles
from even a railroad, so I am not in close communication with them, but, going
through some letters, 1 Inid that during the snow-storms last April and May,
during the migration season, the children fed the birds at Mecedah, Rhine-
lander, Merrill, Montello, Mauston, Antigo, Yellow Lake, Elkhart Lake, Ingram
and Elk Mound. In A])])Ieton the birds were fed and boxes put out. There are
also two drinking-places in private yards. We have never had to resort to the
law here, but there is a marked improvement in bird conditions.

Four years ago it was quite impossible to save a nest, but this year a brood
of Catbirds were raised in a bush at the end of our bridge, so near to the side-
walk that we could look down into the nest, and any child could have taken
them out. The grass all about was worn down where every man, woman and
child in the neighborhood stopped to look.

The spiders have been very bad about our houses, so six families put up
Wren boxes, as many as there were places, and this year we thought there were
less spiders. — Miss Edna S. Edwards, Secretary, School Department, Wisconsin
A udubon Society.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

$5.00 paid annually constitutes a person a Sustaining Member.
$100.00 paid at one time constitutes a Life Membership.
$1,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Patron.
$5,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Founder,
$25,000.00 paid constitutes a person a Benefactor.

FORM OF BEQUEST

/ do hereby give and bequeath to The National Association of Audubon
Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds and Animals, Incorporated,
oj the city oj New York,

362

Bird -Lore

LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF AUDUBON SOCIETIES

BENEFACTOR

♦Albert Willcox 1906

LIFE MEMBERS

Bancroft, William P 1906

Beebe, Mrs. J. Arthur 1907

Bingham, Miss Harriet 1907

Bowman, Miss Sarah R 1905

Brewster, William 1905

Bridge, Mrs. Lidian E 1907

Brooks, A. L 1906

Brooks, Mrs. Everett W 1907

Brooks, S 1907

Brooks, Mrs. Shepherd 1906

Browning, J. Hull 1905

Carr, Gen. Julian S 1907

Childs, John Lewis 1905

Clyde, William P 1905

Co'olidge, T. Jefferson, 3rd 1907

Crosby, Maunsell S 1905

Earle,'Carlos Y. Poitevant 1905

Earle, Miss Eleanor Poitevant 1905

Eastman, George 1906

Fay, Mrs. Flora Ward 1905

Foot, James D 1907

*Frothingham, Howard P 1905

Havemeyer, Mrs. H. O., Jr 1907

Hemenway, Mrs. Augustus 1905

Hoffman, Samuel V 1907

Hostetter, D. Herbert 1907

Hunnewell, H. S 1905

♦Deceased

Huntington, Archer M 1905

Kidder, Nathaniel T 1905

Kilmer, Willis Sharpe 1907

Lawrence, Samuel C 1905

Marshall, Louis 1906

Morton, Miss Mary 1906

North Carolina Audubon Society. ... 1905

Osborne, Mrs. Eliza W .'.... 1906

Palmer, Gen. William J 1906

Pearson, Prof. T. Gilbert 1905

Phillips, Mrs. John C 1905

Phillips, John C 1905

Pickman, Mrs. Dudley L 1907

Pierrepont, Miss Anna J 1905

Pierrepont, John J 1905

Pinchot, Mrs. James W 1906

Potts, Thomas ^9°S

Reed, Mrs. Wm. Howell 1905

Sage, Mrs. Russell 1905

Satterlee, Mrs. Herbert L 1906

Shattuck, Mrs. F. C 1906

Tufts, Leonard 1907

Van Name, Willard G 1906

Vaux, George, Jr 1905

Webster, F. G 1905

Wharton, William P 1907

ANNUAL MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTORS FOR 1907

Abbott, Clinton G.

Achelis, Fritz

Acklen, Col. J. H. .
Agar, Mrs. John G.

Agassiz, Max

Agassiz, R. L

Aiken, John A

Aldrich, Spencer. . .
Alexander, H. B.. .
Allen, Calvin H.. ..

Allen,Chas. A

Allen, C.L

Allen County Audu-
bon Society

Allen, James L.. . .
Allen, Miss M. C.

Almon, Mrs

Almon, Miss M. E.

Amend, B. G

Ames, Miss M. S.. .
Ames, Mrs. W. H..

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Balcom, H. Tracv
Balph, Mrs. J. M.
Bancroft, Mrs.W.
Bangs, Dr. L. B.. .
Banks, Miss M. B
Barnes, Miss H. S
Barnes, H. S....
Barnes, Miss M
Barnum, W. M.
Barnum, Mrs. W.M
Barrows, Mrs. M

Bass, J. E

Bartlett, Mrs. C. T
Batten, George.
Baxter, John L.
Beach, Mrs. H. H. A
Beckwith, Mrs. D.,
Beech, Mrs. H

$260 00

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Anderson, Mrs. J. C.
Andrews, Mrs. H. E.
Andrews, Mrs. W. L.
Anthony, Mrs. S.R..

Appleton, J. W

Archbold, John D..
Atkins, Mrs. E. F. . .
Atkinson, Mrs. E. . .

Atwater, C. B

Auchincloss, J. W. . .
Audubon Society of

Connecticut

Austin, F. B

Avery, Samuel P. . .
Bicon, Mrs. F. E. . .
Bacon, Miss M. P.. .

Bahr, Dr. P. H

Baird, Miss L. H.. .
Baker, George L. . . .
Baker, L. D.\ Jr

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3(^3

ANNUAL MKMBERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS, continued

Brought forw'cl . .
Becmer, J. G. Jr..
Behr, Edward A..

Bclais, Uavid

Belais, Mrs. David
Bell, Mrs. Gordon.

Bemis, Mrs. F

Benedict, Theo. H.
Benn, Miss A. E.. .
Benn, George \V. .
Bent, Arthur C.. . .
Bertschmann, J.. .

Bevin, L. A

Bigelow, Mrs. P. . .
Bigelow, Dr. W. S.
Bill, Nathan D.. ..
Billings, Miss E. . .

Binney, Edwin

Bird, Miss Anna C.
Bird, Charles S... .
Black, R. C, Jr.. .
Blair, C. Ledyard,
Blakelv, Walter J..
Bliss, Mrs. Walter P
Bliss, Mrs. W. II..

Blum, M

Blunt, Miss E. S. . .

Bogert, W. S

Belles, Miss D. F. .
Boiling, Stanhope. .
Bond-Foote, Miss

Marv E

Bonner, Mrs. P. R..
Borden, Miss E. L. ,

Borg, Mrs. S. C

Borland, W. G

Botham, Miss E. S. ,
Bowditch, James H

Bowlker, T. J

Bovle, Edward J. . . ,
Bradford, Mrs. G.G
Bradlce, Thomas S. ,
Bradley, Miss A. A.,
Bradley, Miss L. . .
Bradley, Mrs. R.. .
Brandreth, Courtney
Brazier, Mrs. J. H.
Breed, Stephen A..
Breese, Miss E. L. .
Brennecke, George
"Bridgewater". . . .
Bristol, John I. D..

Brooks, Allan

Brooks, F. M

Brooks, Mrs. P. C.
Brown, Charles E. .
Brown, David S. . .
Brown, Edwin H..
Brown, Elisha R.. .
Brown, Hon. E. R.
Brown, Frank A. . .

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Brought forw'd . .$(>
Brown, Harrv W...

lirown, Dr. L

Brown, Ronald K. . .
Brown, Samuel N. . .

Brownell, C. R

Browning, W. H. . . .
Bulkier, Mrs. E. M.
Bullard, Mrs. E. P..
Burgess, John K. . . .

Burke, Jos. F

Burnett, John T. . . .

Burnett, Mrs. J

B u r n h a m , Mrs.

George, Jr

Burnham, Mrs. J. A.
Burnham, William.

Burr, Mrs. I. T

Bush, Mrs. E. F

Butler, Mrs. Paul. .

Butler, Miss V

Bye, Mrs. C. F

Cabanis, Winship. .
Cabot, George E. . . .
Cabot, Mrs. H. B.. .

Cabot, Louis

Cabot, Mrs. W. C. .

Cameron, E. S

C a m m a n n , Miss

Kate L

Carleton, Cyrus. . . .
Carnegie, Frank M.
Carnegie, M. T. . . .
Carpenter, C. L.. . .
Carr, Miss Eva A.. .

Carter, John E

Carter, S. T., Jr.. ..
Carv William A.. . .
Case, Miss L. W. . . .

Cash

Chafee, Mrs. Z

Chamberlain, Rev. L.
Chamberlin, Mrs.

F. P

Chamberlin, G. N. .

Chapman, C. E

Chapman, Mrs. J. J.
Chase, Mrs. A. B.. .

Chase, Sidney

Chase, Mrs.'T

Chatfield, H. S

Cheever, J. D

Cheney, Mrs. A.. . .
Cheney, Louis R. . . .
Childs', Mrs. C. H..

Chisolm, A. R

Christian, Miss E. . .
Christian, Miss S. . .
Christy, Bayard H..

Chubb, S. H

Chubbuck, Isaac Y.

GO

GG

00

GO

GO

GO

GO

00

OG

OG

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GO

00

5

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.s

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00

00

OG

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00

OG

00

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OG

00

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.S

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.=;

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5

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5

00

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00

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00

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00

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00

5

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5

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00

5

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Carried forw'd . .S676 go Carried forw'd . . S986 go

BrougiU forw'd ..$986 00

Church, F. C, Jr.. . 5 00

Churchill, Miss A. P. 5 00

Churchill, W. W. . . . 5 00

Clapp, Miss Helen. . 5 00

Clark, Miss A. B.. . . 5 00

Clark, C. H 5 00

Clark, Miss E. L. . . . 5 00

Clark, I. H 5 00

Clark, Mrs. J. T. . . . 5 go

Clark, Miss S. E. ... 5 00

Clarke, Miss H. E. . 5 00

Clarkson, Mrs. T. S. 5 go

Clemens, Miss J. L. 10 go

Clemens, S. L lo 00

Clemson, G. N 5 00

Clinch, Edward S.. . 5 go

Clinch, Howard T. . lo go

Coates, Miss S. H.. . 5 00

Codman, Alfred... 5 00

Codman, Miss C. A. 5 00

Codman, J. S 10 00

Coflin, George S.. . . 5 go

Coker, David R.... 5 00

Colburn, N. A 5 00

Colcord, Albert P. . . 5 go

Colgate, R. R lo 00

Collamore, Miss H.. 5 go

Collier, P. F 5 00

Collins, Miss Ellen. 11 00

Collins, Miss G.... 5 00

Collins, Miss M.... 5 00

Comfort, Miss A... 5 go

Comfort, Miss A. E. 5 00

Converse, Mrs. C. C. 5 00

Coolidge, J. R 5 00

Coolidge, J. T 5 00

Coolidge, T. J., Jr.. 5 00

Cooper, H. M 5 oo

Cope, Alban 5 go

Cope, F. R., Jr 5 go

Corlies, Miss M. L.. 5 go

Corning, Miss M. I. 50 00

Costello, W. J 2 GO

Cox, Mrs. James S. . ig 00

Cox, John L 5 00

Cramer, Mrs. A.... 5 oo

Crane, Miss C. L. . . 20 oo

Crehore, F. M 5 00

Crocker, W 5 00

Cromwell, James W. 5 00

Crosby, Mrs. E. H.. 5 oo

Crosby, Stephen M. 5 00

Grossman, G. W.. . . 5 00

Cudworth, F 10 00

Cummins, Miss E. I. 5 00

Cunningham, G. H. 5 oo

Curtis, Mrs. C. B.. . 5 00

Curtis, Mrs. Louis. . 5 co

Curtiss, Misses lo co

Curtiss, Miss S 5 00

Carried forw'd, $1,. ^89 00

364

Bird- Lore

ANNUAL MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS, continued

Brought for\v'd,$i,

Cutting, Robert F. . .

Dana, Miss Ada. . . .

Dana, Miss E. A.. . .

Dane, Miss A. L. . . .

Daveis, Edward H..

Davenport, Mrs.E.B

Davis, Mrs. W. R.. .

Davis, Walter R.. . .

Day, Mrs. A. M.. . .

Day, Mrs. Frank A.

Dav, Frank Miles. .

Day, Miss K. S

Dean, Charles A.. . .

Deats, Mrs. E. S.. . .

De Coppet, E. J.. . .

De Coppet, T

De Forest, H. W. . . .

Degener, I. F

Detroit Bird Pro-
tecting Club

Dewey, Dr. C. A.. . .

Dexter, George. . . .

Dick, Mrs. M. M.. .

Dickerman, W. B.. .

Dietz, Mrs. C. N.. .

Dod, Miss H. M.. . .

Dodd, Henry W. . . .

Dodge, Mrs. C. C. .

Dodge, C. H

Dodge, Rev. S. D.. .

Dodge, Miss G. H..

Dommerich, L. F. . .

D o m mic k, Mrs.
M. W

Donaldson, John J..

Dorrance, Miss A.. .

Dorrance, B

Draper, Eben S

Drew, Miss E. E. . .

Drew, Henry J. W. .

Drude, Miss L. F. . .

Drummond, Miss E.

Drummond, Miss M.

Duane, James May.

Dubois, Dr. M. B.'. .

Duncan, A. Butler. .

Dunham, A. L

Duryee, Miss A. B..

Duryee, G. V. VV. . .

Dutcher, Mrs. W. . .

Dutcher, Miss Mary

Dutcher, William. .

Dwight, Dr. J., Jr..

Dyer, Edward T. . .

Eaton, E. Howard. .

Eaton, Miss M. L.. .

Eddy, Miss S. J....

Edgar, D

Elliot, Mrs. J. W...

Ells, George P

389

00

s

00

5

00

2

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5

00

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00

5

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5

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5

00

5

00

5

00

5

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5

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5

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10

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5

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5

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5

00

.S

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5

00

5

00

5

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15

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5

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782

OG

Brought forw'd. Si,'

Ely, Smith '

Emerson, Miss J. T.

Emerv, Miss G

Emery, Miss G. H. .
Emery, Mrs. L. J.. .
Emmons, Mrs. R.

W., 2d

Enders, John O.. . .

Eno, Dr. H. C

Estabrook. A. F. . . .

Eustis, F. A

Eustis, Misses

Evans, Mrs. R. D.. .
Fackler, David P.. .
Fairbanks, Mrs.

Emma C

Fairchild, S. W

Farnum, Henry W..
Farwell, Mrs. John

v., Jr

Faulkner, Miss F. M

Fay, D. B

Fay, Mrs. H. H

Fenno, L. C

Fessenden, F. G.. . .

Field, E. B

Finlev, William L. . .

Fish, Mrs. C. P

Fisher, Miss E. W. .
Fiske, Mrs. M. M...
Flavell, Mrs. L. C. .

Flower, A. R

Fogg, Miss G. M.. .
Forbes, Alexander. .
Forbes, Mrs. W. H. .

Forbush, E. H

Foster, Macomb G..

Fox, Henry

Freeman, Miss C. L.
Freeman, Miss H. E.
Freeman, Mrs. J. G.
Freer, Charles L. . . . :
French, Miss C. A..
French, Miss E. A. .
Freudenstein, W. L.

Frissell, A. S

Fulenwider, J. J. B.
Fuller, Frank L. . . .
Garrett, Mrs. E. W.
Garrett, Miss M. E.
Gatter, Miss E. \.. .
Gavitt, William S.. .
Geer, Mrs. Walter. .
Gelpecke, Miss A.C.

Gifford, Dr. H

Gilbert, H. B

Gillett, MissL. D.. .
G i 1 1 i n g h a m, Mrs.

Tracie E

Glessner, Mrs. J. J.

82

GO

5

GO

3

OG

2=;

GO

10

OG

2G

GG

.=;

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s

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OG

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00

s

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s

OG

10

00

5

OG

5 00

5

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OG

GO

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00

GG

OG

OG

OG

OG

GG

so

00

OG

GG

GO

00

GG

00

00

OG

s

GO

5 OG

5 00
5 00
5 00
:g GO
5 00

Carried forw'd, $1,782 og Carried forw'd, 82,287 00

Brought forw'd, 82,287 go
Goddard, G. A. . .
Godeffroy, M

E.H

Goin, James D. . .
Goodrich, Miss J. T.
Goodwin, Mrs. H. M.

Graham, C. E

Graham, Miss M. D.
Graves, Mrs. C. B.
Gray, Miss Emily.
Gray, Miss Isa E. .
Gray, Mrs. Morris.

Gray, Roland

Greene, G. S., Jr..
Greene, Miss M.. .
Greene, Miss M. A..
Greenfield Audubon

Club

Grew, Mrs. E. W. .
Grew, Mrs. H. S. . .
Griffin, Mrs. S. B...
Guillaudeu, Emil. .

Hadden, Dr. A

Hadley, Mrs. A. P.
Hagar, Eugene P..
Hanes, Miss J. R..
Hale, Rev. E. E. . .

Hall, Alfred B

Hamill, Miss E. C.
Hamilton, Miss

Elizabeth S

Henbach, Mrs. G..

Hardie, W. T

Harding, Dr. G. F.
Hardy, Mrs. R. . . .
Harper, Francis. . .
Harral, Mrs. E. W.
Harriman, Miss M.
Harris, Mrs. J. C.
Harrison, Chas. G.

Hartline, D. S

Hartness, Mrs. J.. .
Haskell, Miss H. P..
Hatch, Edward, Jr.
Hatch, Lyle Payson.
Havemeyer, J. C..
Haynes, Henry W.
Haynes, Miss L. de

Forest

Hayward, Mrs. Mary

Smith

Heaton, Mrs. R. C.
Hecker, Frank J.. .
Heinisch, R. E.. . .
Hendrickson, W. F.
Henshaw, H. W. . .
Herrick, Harold. . .
Herrmann, Mrs. E.
Hesse, Victor L. . . .
Heyw'ard, D. C. . . .

Carried forw'd, $2,603 00

List of Members

365

ANNUAL MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS, continued

Brought forwM, $2, ()o^ 00

Hicks, Mrs. H. D... 5 00

Hicks, John 1) 5 00

H iggi nson , Miss

Elizabeth B 5 00

Higginson, Mrs.

H. L 5 00

Higginson, J. J 5 00

Higginson, T. W.. . . ^ 00

Hill, William n 5 00

Hittingcr, Jacob... 5 00

Hoaguc, Theodore. 5 00

Hodge, C. F 5 00

Hodgman, Mrs.

William L 5 00

Hoffman. C. A S 00

Hogc, Miss F 5 00

Holbrook, Mrs. E. . 5 00

Hoiden, Mrs. E. R.. 5 00

Holdren, M. E 5 00

Hollingsworth, Mrs.

George 5 00

Holmes. Charles E.. 5 00

Holt, Mrs. Henry. . . 5 co

Hopkins, Miss J.. . . 5 00
Hoppin, Mrs. Sarah

C. W 5 CO

Hornblower, Henry. 5 00
Hornbrooke, Mrs.

Frances B 5 0°

Horr, Chas. W 5 00

Hotchkiss, C. F 5 co

Houghton, C. S 5 co

Houston, J. A S ^°

Howe, Mrs A 5 00

Howe, Miss Edith. . 5 00

Howe, E. W 5 CO

Howe, Mrs. J. S.. . . 5 co

Howells, Frank S. . . 5 co

Howland, Miss E.. . 15 co

Howland, Miss I.. . . 20 00
Hubbard, Miss A.

Weir 5 CO

Hubbard, Miss M.E. 5 00

Bull, Mrs. A. G.. . . 5 00
Humphreys, Mrs.

Harold 5 00

Hunnewell, Walter. 25 00

Hunt, Dr. Emily G.. 6 00

Hussev, William H.. 5 00

Huyler, W. C 5 00

Hyde, Mrs. E. F.. . . 5 00

Ingalls, Chas. E. . . . 5 00

Ingraham, E. D.... 5 00

Inslee, Mrs. S 5 00

Iselin, Mrs. C. O... 10 00

Iselin, Mrs. W. E.. . 5 00

Issenhuth, E. C 5 00

Jackson, Mrs. ISL C. 25 00

Jamison, Chas. A.. . 5 00

Jaynes, C. P 5 00

Carried forw'd, $2,932 00

Brought forw'd, S2,

Jenckes, John

Jenks, Miss C. E.. .

Jenks, Mrs. W. H., .

Jennings, Dr. G. H.

Jesup, M. K

Johnson, F. E

Johnson, Mrs. F. S..

Johnson, Mrs. F. W'.

Johnson, W. H

Johnston, R. W. . . .

Jones, Boyd B

Jones, Charles H.. .

Jones, Mrs. C. H.. .

Jones, Miss Esther.

Jones, Frederick. . .

Jones, Dr. L. C

Jordan, Miss C. M..

Joslyn, Mrs. G. A.. .

Kah'n, Otto H

Kempster, James. . .

Kendall, Miss G.. . .

Kennedy, Mrs. J. S.

Kerr, Mrs. J. C

Kerr, Miss Lois. . . .

Kimball, Miss H. F.

King, Miss E

King, Miss L. B.. . .

King, M. K.. ;

King, William B.. . .

Kite, Mrs. M

Kittredge, S. D

Knight, Mrs. A. S. . .

Kopman, Henrv H..

Kuhn, Mrs. H.;.. .

Kunhardt, W. B.. . .

Kuser, Col. A. R.. . .

Kuser, Mrs. A. R.. .

Kuser, John D

Kvle, William S. . . .

LaFarge, Mrs. C. G.

Lancashire, Mrs
Sarah H

Lang, Charles

Langeloth, Jacob. . .

Langmann, Dr. G..

Lagowitz, Miss H.L.

Law, J. Douglas. . .

Lawrence, John B..

Lawrence, Mrs.
R. M

Lawrence, T

Lee, Frederic S

Leigh, B. W^atkins. .

Leman, J. Howard.

Lemmon, Miss Isa-
bella McC

Lemon, William H..

Lester, Mrs. J. W.. .

Lctchworth, Josiah.

Leverett, George V. .

932 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

25 GO

5 °°

5 00

5 00

5 °o

5 °°

5 00

5 °°

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

10 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

25 00

10 00

5 00

10 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 GO

3 00

5 OG

5 °°

5 00

10 OG

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 OG

5 00

5 GO

5 00

5 OG

5 00

5 00
5

GO

5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00

GO

Brought forw'd, $3,2

Levy, Mrs. J

Lichtenauer, Miss
Alice C

Livingston, G

Lodge, H. E

Loeb, Morris

Logue, Mrs. Ida L..

Loines, Mrs. M. H..

Long, Harry V

Longfellow, Miss
Alice M

Lord, Miss Cowper.

Lord, Franklin B. . .

Loring, The Misses.

Loring, Mrs. W. C.

Low, Hon. Seth. . . .

Lowell, Miss C. R..

Lowell, James A. . . .

Lowell, Miss L

Lowell, Sidney V.. .

Lowndes, James. . .

Lowry, Mrs. A. L. . .

Loyd, MissS. A. C.

Luce, Matthew. . . .

Lundy, Miss E. L. . .

Lydig, David

Lyle, John S

Lyman, Henry

McCullough, Mrs.
Marv

McEwen, D. C

McGowan, Mrs.J.E.

McHatton, Dr. H.. .

McKee, Mrs. W. L. .

McKittrick,T. H.Jr.

MacDougall, G. R..

Mac Enroe, J. F.. . .

Macy, V. Everit . . . .

Macv, Mrs. V. E.. . .

Madden, Miss A. T.

Mager, F. Robert. .

Maghee, John H. . . .

Maitland, A

Malcom, Mrs. A.. . .

Manning, F. H

Markham, Miss
Frances G

Markoe, Mrs. John.

Marling, Alfred E. . .

Marrs, Mrs. K

Marsh, Miss Ruth. .

Marshall, Charles C.

Marshall, T. A

Martin, Miss C. M..

Martin, Mrs. E

Martin, Mrs. J. W..

Maryland Branch of
the National Au-
dubon Society. . .

Mason, Mrs. E. F. . .

10 GO

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 GO

5 OG

5 00

5 00

5 00

30 GG

5 OG

5 00

5 OG

5 00

5 OG
5 OG

5 00

5 OG

5 00

s

GO

.s

GG

,=;

00

.=;

GO

,s

GO

10

GO

.=;

OG

2G

OG

5

OG

S

GG

5

GO

5 00

Carried forw'd, $3,275 gg | Carried forw'd, $3,627 00

366

Bird - Lore

ANNUAL MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS, continued

Brought forw'd,$3,
Mason, Mrs. E. L.. .
Mason, Miss F. P. . .
Matheson, W. J.. . .
Mauran, Mrs. J. L. .
Mavo, Miss Amy L.

Mead, F. S

Meisselbach, A. F.. .
Mellick, Mrs. G. P..
Mellor, George B.. .
Meredith, Mrs.

William T

Merrill, Miss F. E..
Merriam, Mrs. D.. .
Merriam,TheMisses
Metcalf, Manton B.
Metcalf, Stephen O.

Meyer, Miss H

Meyer, Thos. C. . . .
Miles, Mrs. H.F.. . .
Miles, Mrs. H. A.. .
Miller, Mrs. E. S.. .
Miller, Frank M.. . .
Miller, Mrs. R. F...
Miller, Roswell ....

Mills, Enos A

Mitchell, Miss Mary
Mitchell, Mrs. M. B.
Montgomery, Miss

Marv A

Moon,'E. B

Moore, Miss F. R.. .
Morgan, Miss E. P. .
Morris, Miss C. W. .
Morris, Robert O.. .

Morrow, T. J

Morse, Mrs. John

T., Jr

Moselev, F. S

Motlev^ F. Preble. .

Mott,'A. W

Mott, J. L., Jr

Nash, Mrs. M. C. B.
Newton, Dr. E. D.. .
Nichols, J. W. T....
Nicholson, Rebecca

and Sarah

Norcross, G. H

Norton, C. E

Noves, Mrs. H. A.. .
Oldberg, Mrs. O.. . .
Opdycke, Mrs. E.. .

Opdycke, L. E

"Ormonde"

Osborn, Mrs. W. C.
Osborn, William R..

Otis, Charles R

Outerbridge, .'\. J.. .
Owen, Mrs. M. L. . .
Paddock, Royce. . . .
Paine, Mrs. A. G.. .

627 GO

5 00

5 00

5 00

8 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

10 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

10 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 DO

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

4 00

5 00

5 00

25 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 °o

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

300 00

ID 00

5 00

S 00

5 00

3 00

5 00

5 00

237 00

Brought forw'd,S4,:
Paine, Miss E. L.. . .
Paine, Mrs. R. T.,

2nd

Palmer, Miss C. H..
Palmer, Miss D.. . .
Palmer, Miss Elsie.
Palmer, Miss L. S.. .
Palmer, Miss M.. . .
Palmer, Dr. T. S. . . .
Parker, Mrs. B. W. .
Parker, Edward L. .
Parker, Thomas F. .

Parlin, A. N

Patten, Mrs. W. S.. .
Patterson, W. F. . . .

Peabodv, G. A

PeabodV, Mrs. O.W.
Peck, Mrs. E. P... .

Peel, W. L

Pell, William H

Penfield, Mrs. C. S. .
Perkins, Miss E. G.
Peters, Francis A. . .

Pettigrew, G. .A.

Phillips, Mrs. Chas.

Phillips,' Mrs! J. c'
Phillips, Hon. J. M.

Phipps, Henry

Pickering, Mrs. H. .

Pierce, H. C

Pierce, Miss K. C.. .
Pillsburv, A. N., Jr..
Piper, Mrs. F. E. . . .

Pitkin, F. E

Planten, John R. . . .
Piatt, Mrs. Charles.
Pollock, George E..

Pond, C. H

Poor, James R

Pope, Alexander. . .

Post, Abner

Post, William S

Potter, Miss C

Potts, Jesse Walker.
Potts, Miss S. B.. . .
Pratt, Augustus. . . .
Price, John S., Jr. . .

Prohaska, J. F

Pryer, Charles

Putnam, F. W

Pvle, Howard

Rathborne, R. C. . .

Read, Bartow

Read, Miss C. H...

Read, Curtis S

Read, Duncan H...
Read, W. A., Jr. . . .
Read, Miss S. E....
Rees, Norman I. . . .

Carried forw'd, $4,237 00 Carried forw'd, $4,636 50 | Carried forw'd, $5,016 50

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00

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00

5

GO

.■^

00

.s

00

15

00

5

00

36

50

Brought forw'd, $4
Reinhold, Dr. A. J..

Renwick, E. S

Reynolds, D

Rhoads, Miss B. M.
Rhoads, Miss L. W.

Rhoads, J. S

Rhoads, Miss S. W. .
Richards, Miss A. A.
Richardson, Dr.

Maurice H

Richie, Miss Sarah.
Richmond, Walter. .
Ricketts, Miss J. . . .

Riplev, E. L

Rives, Dr. W. C. . .

Robbins, R. C

Robert, Samuel. . . .
Roberts, Mrs. C. . .
Roberts, Miss E. C.
Roberts, Miss F. A..
Roberts, Thomas S.
Robertson, Mrs. F. P.
Robertson, Miss J..
Robey, Andrew A.. .
Robinson, Miss A. H.
Robinson, Mrs. G.H.

Robotham, C

Rodes, Joseph H...
Rodman, Alfred. . . .
Rodman, Mrs. E...

Roth, J. E

Rynearson, E

Sage, John H

Sage, Mrs. S. M. . . .
Saltonstall, John L. .
Sanborn, Mrs. F. A.
Sankey, William E..
Sargent, Mrs. F. W.

Saunders, W. E

Savings of Carola

and her Brothers.

Scaitergood, T

Schieffelin, Mrs. H.

M

Schott, C. M., Jr...
Schramm, Arnold..
Schroeder, Arthur. .
Schwab, Rev. L. H..
Scrvmser, Mrs. J. A.
Sea'brook, Mrs.H. H.

Seamans, C. W

Sears, F. B

Sears, Mrs. S. C . .
Sears, William R.. .

Seaver, Benj. F

Sedgwick, Mrs. E. . .

See, Alonzo B

Seiss, Dr. R. W

Seligman, Isaac N..
Seligman, J

.636 50

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

• 5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

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5 00

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List of Members

367

ANNUAL MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS, continued

Brought forwM, S3,
Scton, I'lrncst T. . . .

Sewall, J. B

Shannon, T., Jr. . . .
Sharpe, Mi.-^s K. D..

Shatturk, G. C

Shattuck, Miss G. A.

Shaw, Franris

Shaw, Mrs. G. H...

Shaw, Dr. J. C

Shaw, Q.A., Jr

Shaw, Mrs. R. G...
Sheldon, Mrs. H. K.
Shepard, C. Sidney.
Sherman, J. P. R. . .
Shiras, George, 3rd.
Shortall, Mrs. J. L,.

Simmons, B. F

Sitgreaves,Miss M.J.
Skeel, Mrs. R., Jr.,.

Skidmore, S. T

Slocum, William IT..
Smith, Miss A. W.. .
Smith, Mrs. A. J.. .

Smith, Bvron L

Smith, Rev. C. B.. .
Smith, Miss C. L. . .
Smith, Miss E. C...
Smith, Mrs. G. W. . .
Smith', Mrs. J. N.. .
Smith, Miss L. I.. . .

Smith, Robert

Smith, Mrs. R. D.. .
Smith, Prof. Rov L. .

Smith, T.H.. , .'

Smith, Mrs. W. M. .
Smith, Walter M. .
Smith, Wilbur F. . . .
Smyth, Ellison A.. .
Snyder, Watson ....
Soren, George W. . .

Spafford, F. .'\

Speer, Mrs. R. E.. . .

Spencer, C. E

Spever, Mrs. J

Spooner, Miss'M.T.
Spofford, Paul N.. .

Sprague, F. P

Sprague, Mrs. I. . . .

Spray, S. J

Squires, H. L

Steinmetz, F. J

Sterling, E. C

Stetson, F. L

Stevenson, Miss A. B.
Stevenson, Miss F.G

Stewart, P. B

Stewart, Mrs. P. B..
Stillman, Miss B. W.
Stillman, William

O., Dr

0 1 6 3 0

5 00

S 00

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55 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

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30 00

10 00

5 00

5 00

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5 00

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5 00

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5 00

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5 00

2 50

5 00

5 00

6 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

3 00

2 00

S97 00

lirought forw'd, S5,

Stihvcll.Miss M. C.

Stirling, Miss E. M..

Stone, Charles A. . . .

Stone, Miss E. J

Stone, George

Stone, Herbert F. . . .

Storrow, Mrs. J. J..

Stratton, C. E

Strong, R. A

Strong, Sclah B

Sturgis, John H.. . .

Sugden, Arthur W. .

Swan, Mrs. R.T.. . .

Swasey, E. R

Swenholt, Jonas. . . .

Taber, Sydney R...

Taber, Mrs. S. R.. .

Taft, Cyrus A

Talcott, James

Tarbell, Miss K. L. .

Taylor, Alex. R

Taylor, B. F

Tenney, Mrs. E. P..

Thayer, Mrs. E. R..

Thayer, Ezra R.. . .

Tha'ver, Mrs. G.
A.; Jr

Thayer, John E. . . .

Thayer, Mrs. J. E. .

Thayer, J. E., Jr.. . .

Tha'ver, Mrs. N

Thebaud, Paul G.. .

Thomas, Mrs. L.. . .

Thomas, Mrs. T

Thompson, Geo....

Thorndike, .'Mbert. .

Thorne, Samuel . . . .

Thornton, L. M.. . .

Tingley, S. H

Tinkman, Julian R.

Titus, E., Jr

Todd, James

Torrey, Miss J. M..

Trainer, C. W

Trine, Ralph W

Tudor, F

Turle, Mrs. W

Turner, Mrs. W. J..

Tuttle, Dr. A. H.. . .

Tweedy, Edgar. . . .

Twombly, J. F

Tyson, Mrs. G

Unity Audubon So-
ciety

Van Huyck, J. M.. .

Van Orden, Miss
Mary L

van Wickle, Miss
Marjorie P

van Arnim, Miss A..

397 00

10 00

5 00

5 00

25 GO

5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
2 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

35 00

25 00

5 00
200 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

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5 00

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2 OG

5 00

15 GO

5 00
5 00

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5 00
5 00

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5

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5

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30

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5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00
5 00

5 00
5 00

5 00

5 00
5 00

Carried forw'd, $5,397 00 Carried forw'd, $5,956

Brought forw'd, $5,
Vermilye, Mrs. W.

Gerard

von Wagenen, Mrs.

G. H

Wadsworth, C. S. . .
In Memoriam, R.

C. W. Wadsworth
Wadsworth, Mrs.

W. Austin

Waldo, C. S

Wales, E. H

Walker, Master O..
Wallace, Mrs. A. H.
Walters, Frank. . . .
Ward, Marcus L. . ,
Warner, Mrs, G. M.
Warner, Dr. H, S,..

Warren, B. W

Warren, Mrs. E. W.
Warren, Mrs. C. . .
Warren, Samuel D,.

Watson, J. H

Webster, E. S

Webster, L, F

Weeks, A. G

Weeks, W. B. P.. ..

Wehrhane, C

Weld, Rev. G. F... .
Weld, Gen. S. M.. .
West, Charles C. .
Weston, Miss H.. . .
Wetmore, Mrs. C.W.

Wetmore, E

Wharton, Mrs. E. R.

Wheeler, J. D

Wheeler, S, H

Wheelwright, Mrs.

E

Wheelwright, Miss

M. C

Whipple, Mrs. H. B.
White, Mrs. C. T.. .
White, MissH. H...

White, Dr. J. C

Whiting, Miss G.. . .
Whiting, Mrs. S. B..
Whitney, Miss Anne
Whitney, Milton B..

Whiton, S. G

Widmann, Otto. . . .
Williams, Blair S. . .
Williams, Mrs. I, T.
Williams, Miss M.E.

Willis, Mrs. A

Wills, Charles T. . . .
Wilson, Miss A. E..

Wilson, C. W

Wing, Asa S

Winsor, Mrs. A

Winsor, Miss M. P..

Carried forw'd, $6,337 go

15

GO

5

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5

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5

OG

5

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5

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5

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5

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5

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5

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368

Bird- Lore

ANNUAL MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTIONS, continued

Brought for\v'd,S6, 337 oo

Winterbotham, J... 500

Winzer, Emil J 5 00

Wolff, Mrs. L. S.... 5 00

AVood, Walter 5 00

Woodcock, John... 5 00

Woods, Edward F.. 5 00

Woodward, Dr. L. F. 5 00

Carried forw'd, $6,372 00

Brought forw'd, $6,372 00 , Brought forw'd, $6,41 7 00

Wright, Mrs. M. O.. 500

Wright, Mrs. W. . . . 5 00

Wvatt, W. S 5 00

Wylly, Albert 5 00

Yenni, Mrs. C 5 00

iToung, T. S 5 00

I Zollikoffer, Mrs.O.F 5 00

Woolman, E

Woolman, E. W. ... 5

Wrav, Charles P 5

Wright, C. M 10

Wright, Horace W.. 5

Wright, J. P 10

Wright, M. F 5

Carried forw'd, $6,417 00! Total $6,452 00

Report of the Treasurer of the National Association of
Audubon Societies

BALANCE SHEET

Exhibit "A" October 19, 1907

Assets

Cash in Farmers Loan and Trust Company $6,199 92

Furniture and Fixtures 120 80

Boat "Laughing Gull" No. 4 S224 65

Boat "Royal Tern" No. 3 2,426 81

Boat " Grebe " No. 5 200 00

Boat "Audubon Patrol" No. 6 57 00

2,908 46

Investments —

Bonds United States Mortgage and Trust Company. . . . $3,000 00
Bonds and Mortgages on Real Estate in Manhattan

(New York City) 316,000 00

319,000 00

Deficit for the year ended October 19, 1907, per Exhibit "B". $8,864 9°
Add — General Fund deficit October 20, 1906 523 54

$9,388 44

Less — Balance on Special Fund, October 20, 1906 379 88

■ 9,008 56

Total $337>237 74

Liabilities
Endowment Fund —

Balance October 20, 1906 $14,772 00

Received from Estate Albert Wilcox 320,000 00

Life Members, 16 at $100 1,600 00

Life Members contributed to Endowment Fund 555 0°

$336,927 00

Bradley Fund $1,900 40

Less amount invested $i,499 oS

Taxes, Repairs, etc : 9° 58

1,589 66

310 74

Total S337.237 74

Report of the Treasurer 369

INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 19, 1907

Exhibit " B "
Income —

Members' Dues $4,640 00

Contributions 1,812 00

Interest received from Investments 11,152 90

Educational Leaflets, Sales 373 63

Expenses^

Oflice and storeroom rent $692 54

Printing 1,178 85

Newspaper clippings 26 64

Stereopticon 147 46

Bank Exchange 14 52

Launch Expenses 129 79

Legislation 107 62

Educational Leaflets i,594 32

Slides 503 10

Electros and half-tones 171 7S

Signs 39 66

Colored plates and outlines of birds 2,025 58

Legal Services ii33 2 00

Drawings of birds 76 00

Telephone 59 10

Envelopes 146 91

Lectures — Finley 532 35

Biological Survey, Expense 349 44

Telegrams 82 41

Express and cartage 116 84

Stenographic work 107 25

Postage 775 04

Office supplies 177 43

Miscellaneous expenses 193 09

Bird- Lore 1,004 42

Wardens 2,200 05

Commissions 42 50

Office salaries 2,470 84

Big Game Protection 100 00

Curran & Mead, Press Information, etc 1,50000

T. G. Pearson, Salary 1,625 00

T. G. Pearson, traveling expense 884 88

E. H. Forbush, salary and traveling expense i>34S 73

Miss Moore, salary 100 00

H. H. Kopman ; 337 50

Expenses carried forward $22,190 64

$17,978 53-

370 Bird -Lore

INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT FOR YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 19. 1907. continued

Income, brought forward $17,978 53

Expenses, brought forward $22,190 64

State Appropriations

Texas $1,582 98

Vermont 10 00

Rhode Island 87 88

Florida 613 12

Oregon no 80

Connecticut 71 22

Virginia 31 65

New York 104 iS

North Carolina 13° 32

Missouri 242 52

Delaware 8 20

Maine 182 68

Louisiana 468 83

California 81 30

"Wisconsin 36 57

Michigan 209 39

Illinois 19 60

New Jersey 42 85

South Carolina 199 88

Washington 16 85

Georgia 17S 7°

Mississippi 166 55

Alabama 225

Pennsylvania 20 45

Ohio 13 65

Indiana 6 25

Minnesota 4 ^5

Maryland 10 00

4,652 79

Total expenses 26,843 43

Balance;- Deficit, see Exhibit "A" $8,864 9^

Report of the Treasurer 371

PEIRCE, GIMSON & CO., CERTIFIED PUBLIC Accountants,
40 Cedar Street

Doctors J. A. Ai.lex, and G. B. Grinnell, New York, October 25, 1907.

Auditing Committee,

National Association of Au(lul)on Societies,
141 Broadway, New York Cit\'.

Dear Sirs: — In accordance with your instructions under date of the nth
inst., we have made an examination of the accounts of the National Associa-
tion of Audubon Societies, for the year ending October 19, 1907.

The resuhs of our examination are presented herewith in the following
Exhibits, viz : —

Exhibit "A" — Balance Sheet, October 19, 1907.

Exhibit " B " — Income and Expense Account for Year Ending Octo-
ber 19, 1907.

We have examined all vouchers and paid cheques in connection with dis-
bursements and found same correct. We have also examined the securities in
the Safe Deposit Company of New York. Yours \-ery truly,

PEIRCE, GIMSON & CO.

Certified Public Accountants.

New York, 346 Broadway,
Wm. Dutcher, President, October 28, 1907.

141 Broadway, City.

Dear Sir: — We have examined the report submitted by Messrs. Peirce,
Gimson & Co., Certified Public Accountants, of the accounts of the National
Association of Audubon Societies, for the year ending October 19, 1907, which
report shows balance sheet October 19, 1907, and income and expense account
for the year ending on the same day.

Vouchers and paid checks have been examined in connection with the dis-
bursements, also securities in the Safe Deposit Company.

We find the account correct. Yours tiuly,

J. \. Allen,

Geo. Bird Grixxell,

Auditing Committee.

372 Bird -Lore

Officers, Directors and Committees of the National Association of
Audubon Societies for the Year 1907

OFFICERS

President, William Butcher, of New York.

First Vice-President, John E. Thayer, of Massachusetts.

Second Vice-President, Theo. S. Palmer, M. U., of District of Columbia.

Secretary, T. Gilbert Pearson, of North Carolina.

Treasurer, Frank M. Chapman, of New York.

Attorney, Samuel T. Carter, Jr., of New York.

DIRECTORS
Class of 1908

Mr. Abbott H. Thayer, New Hampshire Mr. Frank M. Miller, Louisiana
Mrs. C. Grant La Farce, New York Dr. Theo. S. Palmer, D. C.

Mr. John E. Thayer, Massachusetts Mr. Ruthven Deane, Illinois

Class of 1909

Mr. W. Scott Way, California Mr. R. W. Williams, Jr., Florida

Mr. William Dutcher, New York George B. Sears, New York

Mr. Ralph Hoffmann, Massachusetts Wm. Hubbell Fisher, Ohio

Class of 1910

Dr. Geo. Bird Grinnell, New York Mrs. Kingsmill Maers, Florida

Mr. Arthur H. Norton, Mame Mrs. Mabel O. Wright, Connecticut

Mr. H. p. Attwater, Texas Mr. Walter J. Blakely Missouri

Class of 1911

Mr. Frank Bond, Wyoming Dr. Joel A. Allen, New York

Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, N. C. Dr. David Starr Jordan, California

Class of 1912

Mr. Frank M. Chapman, New York Mr. William Brewster, Mass.

Mr. Witmer Stone, Pennsylvania Dr. Frederick A. Lucas, New York

Dr. Hermon C. Bumpus, New York Mr. Carlton D. Howe, Vermont

Executive Committee

Dr. J. A. Allen Mr. F. M. Chapman

Dr. Geo. Bird Grinnell Dr. Frederick A. Lucas

Finance Committee
Dr. Hermon C. Bumpus Mrs. C. Grant La Faroe

Mr John E Thayer Mr. F. M. Chapman

SEVENTH CHRISTMAS BIRD CENSUS

JANUARY— FEBRUARY, 1907

20o. a Copy
SI a Yoar

iBirti = iLore

January -February, 1907

CONTENTS

GENERAL ARTICLES P'

Frontispiece — Bust of Audubon

John James Audubon C. Hart Merriam .

Monument Erected to Audubon in Trinity Cemetery, New York City. Illustration .

Florida Bird Notes. Illustrated T. Gilbert Pearson .

Bluebird Tenants. Illustrated Marian E Hubbard .

A Bruebird Home. Illustration F. E. Howe .

Seventh Christ.mas Bird Census

Wood and Wilson's Thrushes. Colored plate Louis Agassiz Fuertes . {tlcxw^

The Migration of Thrushes. First Paper W. W. Cooke .

Oology as a Science h. A. Lucas .

The Amount of Science in Oology

Saw-whet Owl. Illustration A. U\ Honeywill .

Bird-Lore's Advisory Council

NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY
BOOK NE"WS AND REVIEWS ....
EDITORIALS

Omitted to make space for the
Christmas Bird .Census

AUDUBON SOCIETIES — SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Editorial; Audubon School League; Outlines of Map and Bluebirds; Bird-Lore as
a Text-Book ; Notes from Young Observers.

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 24. The Bluebird. With full-page plate in colors .....

Mabel Osgood Wright .
AUDUBON SOCIETIES- EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

New Veer's Greeting; About Lnvestments; Resei<vation News; Legislation; Notes
and News ; Women's Clubs.

»*« Manuscripts intended for publication, books, etc., for review and exchanges should be
sent to the Editor, at the American Museum of Natural History, jjth Street and A'th Avenue,
New York City, N. Y.

Subscribers whose subscription
has expired will find a renewal
blank enclosed in the present num-
ber of the magazine.

To those whose subscriptions
expired with the December, 1906,
issue and who have not notified us
to discontinue their magazine, the
present number is sent in the belief
that the matter of renewal has
been overlooked.

On receipt of your renewal we
will send you the colored Grosbeak
picture, which should be consid-
ered due notification of the entry
of your subscription.

If you do not care to renew, will
you please notify us.

Reduced facsimile of the reprod
Horsfall's colored drawing of the Evei
beak. Presented to every subscribe
IX, 1907, of Bird-Lore. The
printed on heavy plate paper, su
framing, is life-size.

iction of
ingGros-
to Vol.
original,
table for

Entered as second-class mail matter in the Post Ofhce at Hartisburg, Pa.

MARCH— APRIL, 1907

20o. a Copy
SI a Yaar

JBirti = lorE

March -April, 1907

CONTENTS

GENERAL ARTICLES PAGK

Frontispiece — Amkrican Robin Louis A^assiz Fuerles .

The House Finch From an Ofkick Window Illustrated W. H Bftgtold 61

VouNG Green Herons. Illustration R. 11^ Hegtier 64

Bird Clubs in America. III. The Maink Ornithological Society. Illustrated . .

J, Met toil Swam 6s

Clay Bird-Houses and Bird-Baths. IllusLr.Ued . . . Robert IV Hegiier 69

.•\ GdNTLK Criticism. Illustrated John Lyall Garretson . 7.5

Kingfisher. Illustration .... . R. H. Beebe . 75

The Migration of Thrushes Second I'aper. illustrated witli colored plates f 10m drawings

by Louis Agassiz Fuerles and Bruce Horslall IV. IV. Cooke . 76

'O610GY a Science' Correspondence P. A. Taverwr . :S

Plu.mages ok the Robin . . . '^'^

NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY 5i

AHuMMiNG-BlKD THAT \V/..nti-d Lii-hl, lllustvaled, /•; A' Ifarre/,.- Tiik Fkki.ivi; Habits of
the Blue Jay, Jok>i HuIcIidis : Ihk Uhk .|a%' /-s a Ijl.si i- om-.k, i.emoe H. J-iall ; The
Blue Jay's Food, Geoige G. Blauchard; A Peksisikni Phokbe, L S. I'eai sou : An
Unusual Nesting-Sitk of the American LoNc^-EAki-n Owl, A. D hiiiker; The
I'.artramian Sandpiper, y. M. Bates ; Robins and Sparrows, C". M. Artiold.

BOOK NEWS AND REVIEWS 85

EDITORIAL S8

AUDUBON SOCIETIES -SCHOOL DEPARTMENT S9

EmTOR\.\\.. \vv.\i., Mabel Osgood H'riglil \ Nature-Study Organizations, B. S. Boicdish ;
The Value of Blackbirds.

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 25. The Red-winged Blackbird. With colored plate by

Bruce Hoi sf all . Mabel Osgood ll'right . 93

AUDUBON SOCIETIES- EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT 97

Legislation; Congress and the Biological Survey.

if*,t Manuscripts intended for publication
sent to the Editor, at the American Museui
New York City. .%". )'

books,
of A

;' and exchans:es should be
-jtJi Street and isth Avenue,

Reduced

facsimile of the reproduction 0

Horsfall's c

Dlored drawing of the tvening Gros-

beak. Pre

ented to every subscriber to Vol

of Bird-Lore. The original

printed on

heavy plate paper, suitable for

Subscribers whose subscription
has expired will find a renewal
blank enclosed in the present num-
ber of the magazine.

To those whose subscriptions
expired with the January, 1907,
issue and who have not notified us
to discontinue their magazine, the
present number is sent in the belief
that the matter of renewal has
been overlooked.

On receipt of your renewal we
will send you the colored Grosbeak
picture, which should be consid-
ered due notification of the entry
of your subscription.

If you do not care to renew, wiil
you please notify us.

Entered as second-class mail matter in the Post Office at Hartisburg,

MAY — JUNE, 1907

20o. a Copy
SI a Year

lBirti = lore

May -June, 1907

CONTENTS

QBNERAL ARTICLES page

Frontispiece— Hermit, Olive-backed and Grav-cheeked Thrushes . . Bruce Horsfall .

A Sketch of the Thrushes of North America. With maps Jonathan Dwight,Jr., M.D. . 103

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Illustrated . . B. S. Bowdish . no

Some Bird Acquaintances . Emma E.Drew. 114

Some Edmonton, Alberta, Birds. Illustrated . . Sidney S. S. Stansell . 118

The Migration of Thrushes Third Paper. Illustrated with colored plates fiom drawings

hy Louis Agassiz Fnertes and Bruce Horsfall l^. IV. Cooke . 121

Correspondence Letter from F. .\ Lucas 125

NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY 126

English Sparrows and Electric Lights, Harriet Randolph; Red-breasted Nuthatch at
Sea, Mrs. M. B. Mitchell: The Wood Duck and Canvasback in British Columbia, /iZ/uH
Brooks; Bird Notes from New Mexico, il/;i. Charles T.Bartlett; The Blue Jay's Food,
A. H. Barber; Nesi ing-Sites of the American Long-eared Owl in Manitoba, A^orwaw
Criddle; A Late Warbler, Loias Durham; A NfcW Robin Food, H.S. Bixby; Catbird
ON Nest, illustration, F. E Hcive.

BOOK NEWS AND REVIEWS 13°

Forbush's Iseful Birds and Their Protection'; The Ornithological Magazine; Book
News.

EDITORIAL 13=

AUDUBON SOCIETIES-SCHOOL DEPARTMENT I33

Editorial, Jcne, Mabel Osgood Wright.

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 26. Baltimore Oriole. W'wh co\ored pX^iehy Bruce Hoi sfall

Mabel Osgood IVright . 134

AUDUBON SOCIETIES- EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT 13"^

Legislation, If. D.; California, W.Scott IVav; Connecticut, £•. H. Forbusk; Missouri,
H. R. Walmslcv: North Carolina, South Carolina, T. Gilbert Pearson; South Da-
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«•« Manuscripts intended for publication,
sent to the Editor, at the American Museun
New York City, N. Y

books, etc.. J or review and exchanges should be
of Natural History, "jyth Street and 8th Avenue,

Reduced facsimile o( the reprodu
Horsfall's colored drawinj; of the Ever.i
beak. Presented to every suhscriber
IX, 1907, of Bird-Lore. The 1
printed on heavy plate paper, suit
framing, is life-size.

Subscribers whose subscription
has expired will find a renewal
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expired with the January, 1907,
issue and who have not notified us
to discontinue their magazine, the
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Entered as second-class mail matter in the Post Office at Harrisburg, Pa.

JULY — AUGUST, 1907

20c. a Copy
St a Year

,,«^„^i^^r.,^

U

<5^

4

y

b

■,r^!J.ys-^'W.*»^^rL" \

P

Editkd bt
KRANK M. CH-AJ»MAN

Published for the Audubon Socibties

BT

Ct)e a^acmillan Companp

HARRISBURC. P&.

^S^^'

,1

^5^

IBirti = lore

September - October, 1907

CONTENTS

GENERAL ARTICLES P^f~-E

Frontispiece — ScLiTAiRE, Mountain Bi.ukbird Louis Agassiz fnertrs

Bird Protection in Italy as it Impresses the Italian Francis H. Herrick 193

Thk House Wren. Illustrated . Fifd L. Holts . iqS

A Study of a House Wren f.lizabelh Fi inn a 11 Ten Eyck 2>/i

An Attempt to EsTABf.iSH a Purple Martin Colony William C. Norton 2(4

The Migration of Thrushes Fifth and Concluding: Paper. Illustrated with colored plates

irom drawings hy Louis Aji-assiz F/tcrles ami Brncr //ors/all ... ly.ll.Cuoke 205

Bird-Lork's Colored Plates 20=,

The Starling in America ... 206

Notes by Robert O. Morris, George P Ells, A. A. Saunders, Robert S. Judd, Clifford H.

Panshnrii. Albert Morgan, P. I,. Buttriik, Frances M Graves James Chapin,Ruy Latham,

R. C. Caskey, Isabel McC. Lemmon, W. DelV. Miller.

NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY . 211

1 KAipiNc; English Sparrows, Mrs. P. R Bonner; A Plea for thf Sparrow, M. Fioise
Rumnev; English Sparrow Notes, Leila E. Honsinger and Richard M. Hu7it; An
Attk ACTIVE \isitor. Mary Pierson Allen; 'Ihe Skylarks on Loni; Island, .ff ."> Bowdish;
Horned Lark Breeding in Connecticut, C. A. Pangbum; A Friendly Nuthatch,
Illustiated, Edjvin L. Bnwn.

BOOK NEWS AND REVIEWS .... 220

Anderson's 'Birds of Iowa"; 'Cassinia'; Townsknd and Allen's Birds of Labrador';
Townsend's 'Aiong the Labrador Coast'; The Ornithological Magazines.

EDITORIAL 223

AUDUBON SOCIETIES -SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 221

October and Pkepara itons for Winter

EDUCVTIONAL LEAFLET NO. 28. Purple Finch With coloied plaie by Pi nre Mm s fall

22.S

AUDUBON SOCIETIES- EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

.Vnnual Meeting of the National Association of Audubon Societies ; Wood Duck and
Summer Wood Cock Shooting Conde.mned; New Bird Reservations in the Gulf
OF Mexico with Executive Orders and Maps; Report of Exploration of Seabird
Colonies on the Coast of Louisiana, H. H. Kopman.

,% Manuscripts intended for ftublication . books, etc., for reviezc and exchanges should be
sent to the Editor, at the Anteiican Museum of Natural History, jyth Street and Sth Avenue.
New York Cifv. N. V

Subscribers whose subscription
has expired will find a renewal
blank enclosed in the present num-
ber of the magazine.

To those whose subscriptions
expired with the August 1907,
issue and who have not notified us
to discontinue their magazine, the
present number is sent in the belief
that the matter of renewal has
been overlooked.

On receipt of your renewal we
will send you the colored Grosbeak
picture, which should be consid-
ered due notification of the entry
of your subscription.

IX, 1907. of bird-Lore. The original. j£ ^ ^ ^q rCnCW, will

printed on heavy plate paper, suitable for ■* j-^^ . _

framing, is life-size. VOU pleaSe POtifv nS?

Entered as second-class mail matter in the Post Office at Hartisburg, Pa.

Reduced facsimile of the reproduction of
Horsfall's colored drawing of the Evening Gros-
beak. Presented to every subscriber to Vol.

NOVEMBER — DECEMBER, 1907

20«. a Copy
SI a Vaar

l&irti = lore

November- December, 1907

CONTENTS

GENERAL ARTICLES page

Frontispiece — Scissor-tailed and Vermilion Flycatchers

Louis Af^assiz Fuertes.

A Thrashing by Thrashers. Illustrated Herbert K. Job. 241

Around the Horn for Petrels. Illustrated John Treadwell Nichols. 245

The Heath Hen. Illustrated Dr. George W. Fie d. 249

A Season's Field Work. Illustrated Frank M. Chapman. 256

Bird-Lore's Eighth Christmas Bird Cen'sus 263

The Migration of Flycatchers. First Paper. Illustrated by Louis A ^assiz Fuertes

and Bruce Horsfall W . \V . Cooke. 264

The Common Names of North American Birds F. M. C 265

NOTES FROM FIELD AND STUDY 266

Photographing a Loon, Illustrated, John S. Perry; The St.'vrling Eats Pears,
Illustrated, Wiliam T. Davis; A Contribution to the Subject of Bird
Surgery, Illustrated, Frank M. Chapman; The Fallacy of the Moving Bird-
House, Illustrated, Gi'.bcrt H. Trajtun; Robins Nesting in Bird-Houses,
Gilbert H. Trajlr>-i.

BOOK NEWS AND REVIEWS 271

Fuertes' Calendar of Game Birds; Rich's Feathered Game of the North-
east; Goeldi's Album de Aves Amazonicas; Abstract of the Proceedings

OF THE LiNNAEAN SOCIETY; RECENT PUBLICATIONS OF THE BIOLOGICAL

Survey; Massachusetts Audubon Society's Calendar for 1908; The
Ornithological Magazines; Book News.

EDITORIAL 275

AUDUBON SOCIETIES -SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 276

For Dkcember — Six Reminders. M. O. 11'.

EDUCATIONAL LEAFLET NO. 29. Hk-^iring Gull. IWuznaieA . .Mabel Osgood Wright . 277

AUDUBON SOCIETIES EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT 28 2

Annual Report of the National Association of Audubon Societiks 284

^*^Manuscripls intended for publication, books, etc., jor review and exchanges, should be
sent to the Editor, at the American Museum oj Natural History, 77th Street and Sth Avenui ,
New York City, N. Y.

To Subscribers

Subscribers whose subscription has expired will find a renewal
blank enclosed in the present number of the magazine.

On receipt of your renewal w^e w^ill send you the colored plate of
the Wild Turkey (see next page) which should be considered due
notification of the entry of your subscription.

If you do not care to renew, will you please notify us?

To Members of the National Association of Audubon Societies
Members and Contributors to the National Association of Audubon
Societies are notified that they are entitled to, and will receive, the
magazine as members of the Association.

Entered as second-class mail matter in the Post Ottice at Harrisburg, I'a.

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uses

THE WARBLERS of
NORTH AMERICA

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Associate Curator of Ornitholosry and Mammaloey. American Museum of Natural History

With the cooperation of other Ornithologists

JVith 24 full-page, colored plates, by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and

Bruce Horsjall, illustrating the male, female and young

plumages of every species, and eight full-page

plates of nests and eggs.

THE INTRODUCTION

treats of the General Characters,
Plumages, Distribution, Migra-
tion, Songs, Nesting Habits, Food
and Mortality of Warblers.

THE BIOGRAPHIES

average about five pages for each
species, and contain sections ondis-
tingushing characters, together with
references to pertinent literature.

'THE NATION" SAYS

VVc have had many books on the birds
oi the United States and even on re- [
stricted portions of the country, but this |
is the first untechnical monograph on any j
single group of American birds. The
Wood Warblers, or Mniotiltidie, com-
prise a typically New World group,
extending from Alaska to Argentina and
numbering some 155 species. Of these,
fifty- five are found north of Mexico ; and
it is of these, with their nineteen addi-
tional subspecies, that this volume treats.
It bids fair to remain an authority for a
long time.

No keys to species are given, for the
excellent reason that every species in
male, female, and often in young plum-
age, is represented in color plates by
Fuertes and Horsfall — 124 figures in all
— excellent both as to drawing and
color. Among the contributions to the
book, Gerald Thayer's notes on songs
.ind habits are especially valuable. la

the discussion of plumage, the mention
of the indications of common ancestry
betrayed by the nestling types of colora-
tion is of considerable importance, as are
also the suggestions as to the probable
origin of each genus.

A list of bibliographical references
rounds out the treatment in a way which
leaves nothing to be desired.

The nomenclature followed is that of
Ridgway's "Birds of North and Middle
America" — the most logical and all-
sufficient which has yet been evolved.

Mr. Chapman's through knowledge
of the group, together with the free use
of the results of co-workers, has given us
in a form easy to consult, practically all
that we know about the northern species
of Mniotiltidie. To the technical orni-
thologist, as well as to the amateur with
only the Myrtle and Yellow Warblers on
his "list," this volume will be of con-
stant use.

Large 8vo.,320 pages. Cloth, $3 net.

Postaee, 20 cents additional

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THE WARBLERS of
NORTH AMERICA

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Associate Curator of Ornithology and Mammalogy. American Museum of Natural History

With the cooperation of other Ornithologists

IFith 24 full-page, colored plates, by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and

Bruce Horsfall, illustrating the male, female and young

plumages of everv species, and eight full-page

plates of nests and eggs.

THE INTRODUCTION

treats of the General Characters, Plumages, Distribu-
tion, Migration, Songs, Nesting Habits, Food and
Mortality of Warblers.

THE BIOGRAPHIES

average about five pages for each species, and contain
sections on distinguishing characters, plumages, range,
migration, haunts and general habits, song, nesting-
site, nest, eggs, nesting dates, together with references
to pertinent literature.

The contribution by many ornithologists through-
out the country of much before unpublished material,
and the inclusion of all the more important informa-
tion relating to North American Warblers which
has heretofore appeared, make this book a compre-
hensive monograph, useful alike for identification
and for the study of habits.

Large 8vo.,320 pages. Cloth, $3 net.

Postaef. 20 cents additioral

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, Publishers
NEW YORK CITY

VOLUMES NOW READY, OR PREPARING. FOR

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FIRST SERIES— Cojitiniied

MUSK-OX, BISON, SHEEP AND GOAT

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Illustrated by Carl Rungius and others

GUNS, AMMUNITION AND TACKLE

By CAPTAIN A W. MONEY, HORACE KEPHART, W. E. CARLIN. A L
A. HIMMELWRIGHT and JOHN HARRINGTON KEENE

FIRST SERIES— In Preparation

THE BEAR FAMILY

By DR. C. HART MERRIAM

With many illustrations by Carl Rungius and others

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By ARCHIBALD ROGERS and COLONEL ROGER WILLIAMS

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graphs with over fifty plates separately printed

THE TROTTING AND THE PACING HORSE

By HAMILTON BUSBEY. With many illustrations

SECOND SERIES — In Preparation
THE AMERICAN THOROUGHBRED

By CHARLES E. TREVATHEN. Fully illustrated from photographs

ROWING AND TRACK ATHLETICS
SKATING, HOCKEY AND KITE SAILING
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BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL
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NOW RE4DY

THE WARBLERS 0/
NORTH AMERICA

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Associate Curator of Ornithology and Mammalogy, American Museum of Natural History

With the cooperation of other Ornithologists

ff^ith 2^ full-page, colored plates, by Louis Agassiz Fuertes and

Bruce Horsfall, illustrating the male, female and young

plumages of evers species, and eight full-page

plates of nests and eggs.

THE INTRODUCTION

treats of the General Characters, Plumages, Distribu-
tion, Migration, Songs, Nesting Habits, Food and
Mortality of Warblers.

THE BIOGRAPHIES

average about five pages for each species, and contain
sections on distinguishing characters, plumages, range,
migration, haunts and general habits, song, nesting-
site, nest, eggs, nesting dates, together with references
to pertinent literature.

The contribution by many ornithologists through-
out the country of much before unpublished material,
and the inclusion of all the more important informa-
tion relating to North American Warblers which
has heretofore appeared, make this book a compre-
hensive monograph, useful alike for identification
and for the study of habits.

Large 8vo.,320 pages. Cloth, $3 net.

Postage, 20 cents additior^al

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, Publishers
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A Choice Collection of Memory Verses

NATURE STUDY IN THE POETS

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The ttacher who st ts lo il tlial lier classes of boys or jjii is cuminit to iiK-iiioiy. first ami last,
a good many short, pilliv, pertinent sentences, stanzas, lines o: passages from the world's best
literature will be doing them a service for which they will be Krateful all their lives. This service
will be of inestimable value not only as a pleasure and consolation in lonely or discouraged
moments, but also as a positive and efficient means of intellectual growth. Many a humble boy
or girl's life has been saved from ruin or lifted above the commonplace by just such a service as
that which is so happilv rendered by .Miss Thomas's book. , . , ,

The volume is the result of an unusually successful effort on the author's part to do, in the class-
room, for her own pupils, the work which we have suggested in the above sentences. With rare
discernment and cxipiisite literary taste she has searched the writings of the poets for those happy
and inspired passages in which they have caught the very essence of some thought of God as
expressed in Nature, and have put it into musical English. , ,, „ .

She has drawn not only from the well-known poets like Wordsworth, Longfellow, Rryant, but
al3o from some original sources. A number of bird poems, for instance, of unusual merit, and
never before published, are contributed by a friend of the author's. The selections on the Seasons
are arranged so as to portray the season's advance; that is, the stanzas coming first under the
head of Spring give the sights and sounds of early spring, those which follow carrying thethought
forward with the maturing season. . , , • , i

"Sounds from the Sea" and "Notes from the Field and Wood" are particularly rich and sug-
gestive sections. There are brief quotati ms suitable for special days, such as Arbor Day. Memorial
Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. Resourceful teachers will find many ways of using this
delightful vnlumc, which is alike valuable in the classroom and on the home table. .

■■ It would be well if a coov of this artistically arranged and printed volume could be put in
the hands of every pupil in the public schools." from the School Journal (N. Y.)

" The volume is especially notable for its typographical beauty."

The lyioyer Letters, New Haven, Conn.
" It you wish the best collection of studies for every time and season, get this handsome book."

The Pathfinder, Carbondale, III.

PAPER COVERS. 142 PAGES. PRICE. 50 CENTS. POSTPAID .

THE PALMER CO., Publishers, 50 Bromfield Street. Boston

Boys and Girls' i birb^mpfs wbd chart

NATURE -STUDY MAGAZINE

Representative of the Most Modern Nature-Study
Work. For Individual and Class Use

Editor, Martha Van Rensselaer

Price. Fifty Cents per Year

TESTlMONI.-lL

"I regard Boys and Girls a Eood expression of the

nature-study idea."— L. H. Bailey. Cornell University.

Samples sent on request

ADDRESS

BOYS AND GIRLS MAGAZINE
ITHACA, N. Y.

A New Field Manual of the

Birds of

Eastern North America

By C. J. MAYNARD

Send for circulars of this and other Bird
Books.

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HIS chart measures 21 x 28 inches, and fieurei
sixty-two representative species of our eighteen
familiesof Perching Birds. From Crow to Kinglet.

all these figures are photographed to the same scale;

and one may therefore instructively compare, at a glance.

characteristic members of all our families of Perching

Birds.

This chart has been so highly commended by teachers

that we have decided to place it on sale at twenty-five

cents per copy, postpaid. Special terms will be made to

schools and bird clubs ordering ten or more copies.

Address the autiior and publisher
WEST NEWTON, MASS.

THE MACMILLAN CO.

CreBcent and Mulberry Sts.. HARRISBURG. PA

Horace McFaruno Co.. Printers. HAHRisEunn, r».

READ Y IN FEBR UAR Y

THE WARBLERS of
NORTH AMERICA

By FRANK M. CHAPMAN

Associate Curator of Ornitholoev and Mammalogy. American Museum of Natural History

With the cooperation of other Ornithologists

JVith 24 full-page, colored plates, by Louis Jgassiz Fuertes and

Bruce Horsfall, illustrating the male, female and young

plumages of every species, and eight full-page

plates of nests and eggs.

THE INTRODUCTION

treats of the General Characters, Plumages, Distribu-
tion, Migration, Songs, Nesting Habits, Food and
Mortality of Warblers.

THE BIOGRAPHIES

average about five pages for each species, and contain
sections on distinguishing characters, plumages, range,
migration, haunts and general habits, song, nesting-
site, nest, eggs, nesting dates, together with references
to pertinent literature.

The contribution by many ornithologists through-
out the country of much before unpublished material,
and the inclusion of all the more important informa-
tion relating to North American Warblers which
has heretofore appeared, make this book a compre-
hensive monograph, useful alike for identification
and for the study of habits.

Large 8vo. Cloth, $3 net. Postage, 20 cents additional.

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, Publishers
NEW YORK CITY

AMNH LIBRARY

100102094

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