FORTHE PEOPLE FOK EDVCATION FOR. SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Volume II. FEBRUARY, 1918 Number 1. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETI MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This issue contains a Report of the Activities of the Society during 1917. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society; from month lo month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legisla- tion and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. Membership The present report has been sent not only to the Life, Sustaining and Associate Members, but also to many non-members who, it is hoped, will join the Society. If you are already a member, will you not try to obtain another name to put on the slip? If you are not yet a member, will you not join at once? This Society has far too few members and contributors; we need $50,000 at least in order to increase our working fund and activities. Will you help expand our usefulness? You are invited to join the Society. It is understood that persons joining the Society are in sym- pathy with its principles and agree not to wear the feathers of wild birds. The plumes of the ostrich and the feathers of domesticated birds are allowable. The classes of membership are: Life Members: paying not less than twenty-five dollars at one one time. Sustaining Members: paying one dollar annually. Associate Members: paying twenty-five cents annually. Junior Members: under sixteen years, paying ten cents. Local Secretaries may join the Society on the twenty-five cent, membership fee, and have the advantages of Sustaining Members. Further information relating to the Society will be given on application to the Secretary, to whom also requests should be made for the various pamphlets and circulars prepared for free distribu- tion, for the use of the free lectures and libraries, and also for the purchase of the Audubon calendars, charts, and bird plates pub- lished by the Society. All donations and subscription fees for the Society should be sent to the Secretary-Treasurer, WiNTHROP Packard, 66 Newbury Street, Boston, Mass. Monthly Bulletin REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS The Directors of the Massachusetts Audubon Society submit the fol- lowing report of the activities of the Society during 1917. The increase in membership for the year has been as follows: Life Members, thirty-eight; Sustaining Members, five hundred and nine. In the Annual Report issued in February last year a detailed account was given of what might be called the general activities of the Society. These have all been continued, in many cases extended, but can be only very briefly touched upon here. The calls on the office for advice and assistance come not only from Massachu- setts, but from every portion of the country. These have been invariably responded to. While no record has been kept of the munber of visitors to the office, it is believed that these have steadily increased. On Saturdays and school holidays there is often a considerable attendance of school children, either with or without their parents or teachers. The encourage- ment to bird study and bird protection has been extended through the traveling lectures, four of which have been in constant use by teachers and students throughout the State. In the same way the four libraries of bird books have had free circulation in the schools and libraries through the Women's Education Association. Application for the free use of the lec- tures should be made at the office; for the traveling libraries to Miss Alice G. Chandler, Lancaster, Mass, Bird During the year the educational work of the Society's three Bird Charts. Charts has been widely extended throughout the country. One thousand nine hundred and seventy-eight have been sold. These Charts have the highest recommendations from ornithologists and educa- tors and their steadily increased use in schools and libraries is very grati- fying. Not only do the Charts themselves perform an educational service, but the income from their sale, applied to the general fund of the Society, is used very largely for educational purposes. Audubon In the same way the Audubon Calendar has been received with Calendar, marked appreciation and the sale both at the office and through the mail has been successful. Bird The exhibition and sale of leaflets, of the best bird books, of bird Protection houses and other bird protection appliances have been greater Material, than ever before. The cloth posters for posting land against hunting and trespassing, both in English and Italian have had wide distribution, some two thousand in all having been put up in the State. Legislation. In legislation it is good to record that the better sportsmen and sportsmen's associations have more than ever before appreciated the need of protecting all forms of wild life and have often joined with the Audubon Society in working for better laws and prevent- ing the passing of bad bills. This co-operation has been effective in the State and has helped materially in national legislation. During the year the migratory bird treaty at Washington was advanced by the passing of the Enabling Act through the Senate. Because of war conditions the bill 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society did not pass the House, but friends were made for it both in Congress and out. Bird protectionists throughout the country worked for the passage of this bill and we feel that our own Society did its full share. Fifteen hun- dred dollars was judiciously expended in that way. Annual The Society's Annual Course of lectures at Tremont Temple was Lecture a great success from both an educational and financial standpoint. Course. The average attendance was about fifteen hundred. The lecturers were Clinton G. Abbott, of Rhinebeck, New York; Dr. Arthur A. Allen, of Ithaca, New York; T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary of the National Association of Audubon Societies, and William L. Finley, of Portland, Oregon. At each of these Mr, Charles C. Gorst gave whistling imitations of bird music. The Annual Mass Meeting of the Society was held in April also at Tremont Temple. The audience taxed the capacity of the hall, more than twenty-five hundred people being present. Mr. Ernest Harold Baynes lectured with stereopticon and Mr. Gorst whistled. Free Bird lectures have been deservedly popular throughout the Lectures. State, the demand being greater than the Secretary alone was able to keep supplied. In this work he was assisted by Mr. Charles B. Floyd, of Auburndale, President of the Brookline Bird Club; Mrs. F. B. Goode, Local Secretary for Sharon, and Miss Ruth E. Rouillard, of the office staff. In addition to this the Society was able to secure the services of the Rev. Henry Sartorio, Assistant Pastor of Christ Church at the North End, who gave five lectures in Italian on forbidden hunting and the need of bird protection in the various Italian centres of Greater Boston. Mr. Sartario is a forceful speaker and is very popular with his countrymen, and it is believed that much good for the cause resulted. Bird Work at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary has been carried for- Sanctuary. ward by Warden Alden Keyes, Jr., who has patrolled the place, has put up large numbers of birdhouses and during the winter has paid especial attention to feeding the birds. Local It is good to report increased activities on the part of the Secretaries. Local Secretaries, of whom there are one hundred and twenty- five in various parts of the State. All have been centres of activity and interest in bird protection, giving bird lectures, leading bird walks, feeding birds, putting up birdhouses and giving much time and energy to it all. A reception and luncheon was given to the Local Secre- taries in November, which was very well attended and which was most gratifying to the Directors in the interest shown and the results attained. A full report of this was published in the Bulletin for December. Bulletins. The Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, publication of which was begun with the Annual Report in February, 1917, has been universally well received by members of the Society and has ex- cited an interest in bird-lovers outside of the State which has directly re- sulted in increased membership. It forms a valuable means of binding closer the relationship between the Society and its members, keeping all in closer touch with the work at headquarters. It is finding increasing value through the exchange of ideas and the dissemination of knowledge regarding bird movements and stories of personal experiences with birds. Report of the Directors 5 Drinking Cups An interesting experiment for the furthering of a knowl- for Boy Scouts, edge of bird work amongst the young was the free dis- tribution of packages of drinking-cups among the Boy Scouts of Greater Boston; ten thousand of these were sent out through the Boy Scout headquarters each bearing a simple appeal to the boys to study birds and be kind to them. Feeding As in past years, the Audubon Society joined with the National Winter Association in a request sent broadcast throughout New Eng- Birds. land for the feeding of the winter birds. The need has been great during the past winter and the universal response has been very helpful. Public During the year the Society has made exhibits of bird pro- Exhibitions. tection work and bird protection material at the annual meet- ing of the State Board of Agriculture held at Springfield, a three days' exhibit which was very largely attended. It exhibited also at the State Bird Day at Amherst Agricultural College, joining with the State Grange and the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture. Lectures on birds were given and there was a large attendance both at lectures and at the exhibit. In addition to this the Society's traveling exhibits have been furnished to libraries, schools and clubs throughout the State. It is not possible to give a list of all who have made donations to the Society in 1917. Hearty thanks are due to very many for their generosity. A legacy from the estate of Miss Polly Hollingsworth was most welcome. It was immediately placed in the Reserve Fund, being invested in Liberty Bonds, thus helping at once in the cause of bird protection and in war needs. The Society's total investment in Liberty Bonds is now $6,000.00. LEGACIES. Sums donated by will to the Society will be immediately placed in the Reserve Fund of the Society, a use of the money which has peculiar value because of its permanence. The altruistic work of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, carried on for many years with increasing success, suggests the desirability of remem- bering it in this fashion. All the funds of the Society are handled carefully and conservatively, but the Reserve Fund, in the exclusive control of the Board of Directors, is especially worthy of the consideration of testators who wish to make legacies of lasting usefulness. There will always be need of organized work for bird protection, a form of conservation of the grealest importance to the general welfare. The Reserve Fund of the Society, when of sufficient size, will insure this. Can you not help in this way? FORM OF BEQUEST. I give and bequeath to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incorporated, the sum of Dollars for its Reserve Fund. Massachusetts Audubon Society REPORT OF THE TREASURER Receipts — January 1, 1917, to December 31, 1917 General Reserve Fund Fund Fees from Life Members $950.00 Fees from Sustaining Members $509.00 Dues from Sustaining Members 1,362.62 Other Members 10.60 Donations 617.98 Sale of Charts 2,684.40 Sale of Publications 631.63 Sale of Birdhouses 235.69 Sale of Calendars 635.25 Lectures 2,116.00 Part Expenses of National Association of Audubon Societies 688.98 Legacy from Polly HoUingsworth Estate 2,247.72 Interest 77.92 192.42 Miscellaneous 55.21 Total Receipts $9,675.28 $3,390.14 Balance January 1, 1917 5,591.02 6,103.54 $15,266.30 $9,493.68 Expenditures 12,782.70 6,000.00 Balance January 1, 1918 $2,483.60 $3,493.68 Investment : U. S. Liberty Bonds— First Issue $3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds— Second Issue 3,000.00 $6,000.00 Report of the Treasurer Expenditures — January 1, 1917, to December 31, 1917 General Reserve Fund Fund Salaries . $2,811.00 Printing and Stationery 1,703.88 Postage 2,220.98 Rent 250.00 Telephone 89.94 Transportation 75.00 Publications 415.78 Supplies 281.20 Birdhouses 262.71 Charts Manufactured 620.98 Calendars Manufactured 1,309.49 Electricity 43.56 National Association of Audubon Societies — Contribution to Enabling Act 1,000.00 Extra Lecturers 73.18 Alden Keyes — for Services on Sharon Estate. . 125.00 Folding Circulars 17.13 Luncheon and Expenses of Local Secretary Meeting 66.45 Lecture Salaries and Expenses 707.00 Purchase of Lantern 47.75 Rental of Hall for Annual Meeting 192.00 E. H. Baynes for Lecture at Annual Meeting. . . . 75.00 C. C. Gorst for Lecture at Annual Meeting 35.00 Auditing Books 50.00 Expenses at Bird Day 35.00 Drinking Cups for Boys Scouts 26.63 Treasurer's Bond 12.50 Purchase of Lantern Slides 11.00 Lists for Addressing 39.66 Miscellaneous 184.88 U. S. Liberty Bonds— First Issues 3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds— Second Issue 3,000.00 Total Expenditures $12,782.70 $6,000.00 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society A list of members of the Society to date was published in the Annual Report in the Bulletin of February, 1917. From time to time since then additions to the list have been printed, the kbt having been in the Bulletin for January. Since that time the following members have been added: LIFE MEMBERS Bird, Mrs. Charles S., East Walpole, Mass. Dean, Miss Bertha, 26 Dean Street, Taunton, Mass. Fisher, Herbert, Taunton, Mass. Fox, Mrs. Ida L., 205 Mill Street, Haverhill, Mass. SUSTAINING MEMBERS Adams, Miss Elizabeth L., Greenfield, Mass. Barbour, Philip W., 66 Martin Street, Cambridge, Mass. Bee, Mrs. Charlotte S,, 12 Baker Street, Lynn, Mass. Bee, Miss M. Elizabeth, 12 Baker Street, Lynn, Mass. Bemis, Henry S., 35 Elliott Street, Springfield, Mass. Bevington, Mrs. Thos., 124 Butler Street, Lawrence, Mass. Bliss, Helen S. T., 62 High Street, Newburyport, Mass. Bowen, Mrs. J. A., 187 Rock Street, Fall River, Mass. Bowler, Mrs. Alexander, 57 Cedar Street, Worcester, Mass. Brown, Martin M. (M. D.), North Adams, Mass. Burrows, Mrs. Marion C, 90 Ocean Street, Lynn, Mass. Carter, Mrs. D. W., 61 Moore Avenue, Worcester, Mass. Coolidge, Mrs. A., Heath Hill, Brookline, Mass. Coolidge, Thornton L., Heath Hill, Brookline, Mass. Crocker, Mr. and Mrs. Alvah, Fitchburg, Mass. Davis, Walter A., Fitchburg, Mass. Dobbins, Stanwood, 38 Columbia Park, Haverhill, Mass. Dodd, Mrs. L. H., 20 Sagamore Road, Worcester, Mass. Dumas, Mrs. Ernest G., 376 Andover Street, Lowell, Mass. Ernst, Mrs. H. C, 8 Greenough Avenue, Jamaica Plain, Mass. Esleeck, Mrs. A. W., 58 Highland Avenue, Greenfield, Mass. Hastings, C. H., Item Office, Lynn, Mass. Hersey, Mary H., Maplewood Terrace, Haverhill, Mass. Hilton, Charles W., 16 Henry Avenue, Lynn, Mass. Hudner, Mrs. M. T., 674 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Mass. Huntley, Mrs. Gertrude F., 29 Allston Street, Fitchburg, Mass. Hutchinson, Mrs. S. C, 15 Den Cove, Lynn, Mass. Johnson, Mr. N. C, 300 Main Street, Haverhill, Mass. Kellogg, Mrs. S. L., 148 Westminster Street, Springfield, Mass. McConnell, Miss Lillian B., 20 Sacremento Street, Cambridge, Mass. Mitchell, Mr. F. J., 118 Chestnut Street, Haverhill, Mass. Mortimer, Mrs. H. C, Barnstable, Mass. Monson, Mrs. J. H., 44 Brimmer Street, Boston, Mass. Morrow, Mrs. J. E., 88 Glenwood Avenue, Brockton, Mass. Page, Fred E., Newburyport, Mass. Parker, Mrs. Walter L., 270 Wilder Street, Lowell, Mass. Perry, Walter I., Newburyport, Mass. Russell, Mrs. W. D., 353 West 85th Street, New York. St. John, Edward P., Sharon, Mass. Stetson, Thomas M., 2nd., 81 Cottage Street, New Bedford, Mass. Tobie, Mrs. Lena D., Norton, Mass. Topliff, Miss A. E., 186 Main Street, Easthampton, Mass. Tucker, Mrs. D. G., Brookfield, Mass. Monthly Bulletin 9 WINTER BIRDS Higher and higher, day by day, swings the returning sun. The north- ward movement of the wildfowl has begun. Wild geese which have been driven to the far south by snow and ice are reported early this month flying north from the lagoons of Florida. Leagues upon leagues of ice crowding out of Long Island Sound with out-going winds and tides have driven hordes of white-winged scoters in advance of the floes until it seems as if the entire species were concentrated on these coasts. The winter has been one of the severest ever known. A flight of glaucous gulls or burgomasters passed down the coast as far south at least as Phila- delphia and the Iceland gull has appeared on the coast of New England and Long Island. Both species may be confidently looked for now, on their return. Among the herring gulls now on Long Island are some ring- billed gulls and a single Bonaparte's gull was reported from Block Island in February. Probably the winter has made some new records in the south. The usual feeding-grounds of the canvas-backs have been blocked with ice, and they have been recorded in South Carolina and Georgia, even the hardy harlequin duck has been noted in South Carolina. Loons, murres, little auks, golden-eye ducks and red-breasted mergansers have wintered off the Massachusetts coast, the latter in smaller numbers than usual. Com- paratively few black ducks and geese have wintered here, except in fav- ored spots, but Barrows', golden-eyes and buffleheads have been reported from time to time. Snow geese have been seen recently in southern Con- necticut, and four have been taken. A few mallards and lesser scaups are wintering in New England. Many of the hardy scoters have gone far south. Blue-winged teal are reported from Block Island. Some snipe have win- tered near open springs in southern New England. Purple sandpipers are on our coasts and a few night herons still remain in Massachusetts and Connecticut. A few bald eagles were seen or taken in December and January, but none reported since. Many birds of prey have wintered here; goshawks have been most common, with occasional pigeon, cooper's and red-tailed hawks in southern New England. Marsh hawks are reported from Cape Cod and Long Island, and a few sharp-shinned and many sparrow hawks from the three southern New England States and Long Island, N. Y. Snowy owls increased in January but were only scattering on the coast and rare in the interior. Great horned owls increased in southern Connecticut, where one gamekeeper is reported to have trapped and shot 225 hawks, mostly goshawks, and 76 owls, mostly great horned. At least three Arctic horned owls have been taken in New England and this species should be looked for. A few long-eared owls have been seen and taken in this region. Barred owls, screech owls and Acadian owls have wintered generally in New England. A great gray owl was taken in Worcester County, Massa- 10 Massachusetts Audubon Society chusetts. Foxes are universally reported numerous and here and there a gray lynx or wildcat is noted south to Connecticut and Cape Cod. The host of predatory mammals and large birds of prey, together with the inclemency of the weather is fast reducing the number of grouse and bob-whites. In most of New England these birds were scarce in the hunting season, though there were spots where they were common. There will be few left in the spring for breeding stock. Shrikes, or butcher birds, seemed to grow more numerous as the winter advanced. A few migrant shrikes were noted this month in northern Connecticut, and one on Nantucket. Mice are mostly concealed by snow, small birds generally are scarce, and shrikes are concentrating in villages and cities, where they feed largely on English sparrows. Blue jays have been fairly common. Canada jays have been reported, two from Bristol County and two from Worcester County, Massachusetts. Crows have gravi- tated mainly toward the coast to large roosts. A few kingfishers have been wintering near open water in Maine, New Hampshire, Masssachusetts, Rhod6 Island and Connecticut. Flickers and meadowlarks are trying to pass the winter in New England, but if the larks last through the winter it will be because of food put out for them. There are still some song, swamp and tree sparrows along the coast from northern Massachusetts to Long Island. The crow blackbirds and rusty blackbirds reported in southern New England in January have dwindled during the winter, but these and cow- birds are still noted on Long Island. The catbirds on Cape Cod disap- peared late in December and have not been noted since. A single towhee and a brown thrasher have been reported in Massachusetts, and apparently mockingbirds are wintering in all the New England States. There is a notable and general scarcity of juncoes, nuthatches, chickadees, woodpeckers, tree sparrows, myrtle warblers and winter birds generally. Pine grosbeaks, siskins, cedar waxwings and redpolls are few and local. Purple finches re- main in small flocks from Maine to Connecticut, where sunflower seeds are fed. Only two Acadian chickadees, two red-breasted nuthatches and one flock of white-winged crossbills have been reported from New England this winter, and people as far south as Pennsylvania note a similar though lesser scarcity of common and northern winter birds. The sea islands, with a somewhat milder climate, may be excepted from this statement; on long Island, meadowlarks, starlings, snow buntings, field sparrows, song sparrows and tree sparrows are reported common or abundant. Robins are still noted in every New England State. Bluebirds seem to have dis- appeared although a few usually winter in southern New England. One only has been reported since the cold weather of December. No Bohemian waxwings or evening grosbeaks have been noted since late in December. Birds reported as dead or dying of cold and starvation are: Briinnich's murre, little auk, bob-white, black duck, screech owl, Acadian owl, star- ling, robin, mockingbird and English sparrow. The comparatively large number of dead starlings and Acadian owls reported indicates that other species remaining here must have died as starlings and owls are hardy, resourceful birds. Dead starlings and small owls are more likely to be discovered than birds of the woods and fields, as they seek the shelter of buildings and thick trees about houses in in- Monthly Bulletin 11 clement weather, and are found dead often either in the buildings or just outside on the snow, where the size and dark color make them conspic- uous. Information about the destruction of birds by the elements or their natural enemies will be gratefully received. Edward Howe Forbush, 136 State House, State Ornithologist. Boston, Massachusetts, February 14, 1918. WHAT A CRACKLE DID. Looking from the fifth story window, 69 Newbury Street, I saw a flock of English sparrows on the wing attacking a bronzed grackle which was flying with something large and light-colored in its mouth. It was over the green grass plot midway between the back part of the Natural History and the Tech buildings. When a few feet from the ground, the grackle dropped the object which, by its fluttering, I saw was a live bird. He fol- lowed immediately after and squatted over it with bill elevated toward the threatening sparrows. These gave up the fight, however, and lighted in a nearby tree. In a moment, the grackle began to peck at his pray, scattering the feathers this way and that, when the bird gave another fluttering strug- gle. I hastened down to within a few feet before the grackle gave a flying jump and walked over near the corner of the Audubon rooms about fifteen feet away. There he stood, and steadily watched me, and his light yellow eyes were very conspicuous. I picked the bird up and it was dead, — a young, but full-fledged Eng- lish sparrow. The right eye had been pecked at, and the right breast muscles torn away. After moralizing a bit as to the grackle's right to the sparrow, I dropped it and stepped to the sidewalk about ten feet away. In a moment, the grackle, constantly watching me, paced in a half circle to within two or three feet of the dead bird, when instantly (it seemed, from the human standpoint, surreptitiously) he made a sudden side jump, caught the dead bird in his bill, flew to the tree between the buildings, and began to tear it vigorously. At this distance I could not see how he held it. The instant the grackle flew to the tree, the sparrows followed, and I thought from their impetuosity, that they were about to attack him. They did not do this, however, but alighted in the same tree and watched. I returned to my office, and, with a number of others, watched the performance for about ten minutes, when the grackle dropped what was left of the carcass and leisurely flew toward the Public Carden. The sparrows did not follow this time, but after quickly inspecting the remains of the bird, flew away. Two alighted for a moment on the ground; others just skimmed the sur- face, while some flew directly away from the tree. I examined the remains of the bird later, and found its eyes had been pulled out, most of the pectoral muscles torn away on one side, but only partially on the other, the body ripped open, and most of the entrails re- moved and probably devoured. I wonder the grackle, seemingly so ra- pacious, had not eaten more of the bird. I talked with Dr. Brainard about this and he explained it by saying, "I suppose he knew where he could get more." John W. Dewis. For Students and Bird Lovers What can be better for students and bird-lovers than a set of the beautiful colored charts of birds, life size, known as THE AUDUBON BIRD CHARTS There are three of these charts and they show in all 72 birds beginning with those most common. The birds are shown life size and in color and are scientifically accurate in form and markings. Each is numbered and on the chart is given, with the niunber, the common and scientific name. The Audubon Bird Charts are invaluable for school and family use. There is no better way to familiarize children with the appearance of our common birds than by the means of these charts. Hung on the wall, where they are never out of sight, they attract attention by their beauty and are a constant invitation to examination and study. They show the birds in life size and in characteristic attitudes and natural colors ; and are a practical help in nature study and drawing. They are both useful and decorative for schoolrooms, nurseries, and public and private libraries. Lithographed and mounted on cloth, size, 27 x 42 inches. These charts should be hung in every schoolroom and Public Library. Price of each Chart, $1.50. BIRDS OF NEW YORK. This is a portfolio, neatly boxed, containing a series of 106 plates, reprints from those used in the work entitled "Birds of New York", the books by E. H. Eaton, issued in two volumes by the New York State Museum. These plates carry the names of the birds represented and include all of the birds known to breed within or visit the State of New York. The pictures in colors are very lifelike, having been drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes. With some unimportant exceptions this set does very well for a set of the Birds of Massachusetts. They may be bought of the Society and will be sent postpaid to any address on receipt of Si. 50. THE AUDUBON- CALENDAR FOR 1918. This Calendar shows six beautiful colored plates with descriptive text: Red-eyed Vireo, Ipswich Sparrow, Nighthawk, Sparrow Hawk, Brown Thrasher, Purple Finch, reproduced from the original drawings. In general appearance this Calendar is uniform with previous calendars, although slightly larger in size. The retail price of this Calendar is $1.50, but on and after February 15th they may be had by applying to this office at $1.00 each, postpaid. The Calendars make desirable gifts to Bird Students, and the collection of bird pictures in colors thus obtained from year to year is unique and valuable. The supply is limited. Send all orders to THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. Volume II. MARCH, 1918 Number 2. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest aljout birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society ANNUAL MASS MEETING. The Directors of the Massachusetts Audubon Society beg to express to you their sincere appreciation of your interest in bird protection and the work of the Society, and invite you to attend the Annual Mass Meeting of the Society at Tremont Temple on Saturday, April 6, 1918, at 2 P. M. The programme Avill be as follows: Brief Report on the Work of the Society. Winthrop Packard, Secretary - Treasurer. How Birds will help to Win the War, with Stereopticon Illustrations. Edward Howe Forbush, President. Friendly Visits among the Birds, with stereopticon illustrations. Manley B. Townsend, Secretary, New Hampshire Audubon Society. Bird Music — Whistling Imitations. Charles E. Moulton. Bird Movies — Three Reels: No. 1 — Attracting Wild Birds. No. 2 — Bird Study for Live Boys. No. 3 — Home Birds for Everyone. With steadily increasing membership and larger opportunities for use- fulness, the Massachusetts Audubon Society is eager to help all to a better knowledge of birds and the best methods of attracting and protecting them. Its office at 66 Newbury Street is headquarters for information on such matters, and you are invited to use it freely. UNIQUE BIRD LECTURES. Mr. Horace Taylor, of the Brookline Bird Club, well known for his ability to interest young and old in our common birds, will deliver two lectures in Brattle Hall, Harvard Square, Cambridge. The first will be on "The Mystery of Bird Evolution," on Thursday, March 28, at 3 P. M. ; the second will be on "The Life and Song of Native Birds," Thursday, April 4, at 3 P. M. These lectures will be illustrated with over 200 colored slides, with rapid chalk-talk drawing in colors and with bird calls. There will also be prize contests in bird naming at each of the lectures, both for young and for old. Mr. Taylor's ability to entertain as well as instruct, as well as the low price of admission, should insure him a large audience. FROM YOUNGEST READERS. Dear Mr. Winthrop Packard: East Walpole, March 9, 1918. One cold morning when I was getting up two pheasants flew in at the window, and when I went down stairs to get my breakfast they followed me, so I fed them, and after they had their breakfast they went towards the door. Then I let them out and they went into the woods which was near my house and after that they came every morning and flew in at the window, and every morning I fed them all through the cold weather, but since the warm Monthly Bulletin 3 weather came they have not been coming so often. The last time I saw them was last Sunday morning. I hope they will come again next winter. Yours truly, Cecilia McSwain. Haverhill, March 12, 1918. iMass. Audubon Society. Dear Sirs: — Here is a little notice I wish you would put in the Bulletin. A robin has been heard here in Haverhill, Mass. One of your members, Stanwood Dobbins. NEW MEMBERS. The following new Life Members were received during the month of January: Gunn, Miss Alice G 687 Boylston St., Boston. Moore, Mrs. J. L 6 Buckingham Place, Cambridge. Sustaining Members Received During February. Bailey, Mrs. George 567 South St., Quincy. Brooks, John Graham 8 Frances Avenue, Cambridge. Clark, Mrs. E. L 41 Whitefield St., Dorchester Centre. Feudner, Ami! 21 E. Amdt. St., Fond Du Lac, Wis. French, Miss Martha E Box 167, Rockland. Harlow, Winslow 59 Mill St., Quincy. Hartwell, Miss Annie E 11 Queensbury St., Boston. Holly, William L 126 Crawford St., Roxbury. King, T 270 Adams St., Quincy. Lane, Mrs. F. D Ashburnham. Mitchell, Mrs. F. W 41 Symmes St., Roslindale. Mixter, Mrs. Jason W Plymouth. Rand, Fred D 25 Conway St., Roslindale. Sawyer, Mrs. C. A 237 West Newton St., Boston. Seikel, Hugo B Clark Lane, Waltham. Shattuck, Albert R 11 Broadway, New York. Shepherd, Miss F 59 Mill St., Quincy. Simpson, Mrs. G. F 80 Quincy St., North Adams. Stevens, Miss Fannie H North Andover. Stone, Mrs. G. W Hotel Vendome, Boston. Turner, Mrs. Myron B 25 Thompson St., Quincy. Webster, Lemuel J 342 Washington St., Wellesley Hills. Williams, Mrs. John G 48 Somerset Ave., Taunton. Wolfenden, Oscar 173 County St., Attleboro. 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRD MUSIC. The Bobolink Again. The "Jonathan Gillet" phrasing of the robin's song mentioned in a previous Bulletin has, it seems, been adapted also to the bobolink's melody, according to a reader, who gives it as follows: "Bob-o-link, Bob Gillet, Scour the skillet, Scour it white, Scour it bright. Scour it clean." Another very charming wording of the bobolink's song will be found in the following letter: Editor of Monthly Bulletin: Dear Sir: — My grandmother, born in New England in 1812 — used to gurgle the following words in such a way that they sounded more like the bobolink song than any other attempt at imitation which I have heard. "Bob-o-link, Bob-o-link, Go see Cicely, Cicely, So sweet, so sweet, Chee, chee." Emily B. Adams. The Song-Sparrow. In the January Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society is an article on the "Folk Lore of Bird Songs." This reminded me of actual Bird Songs, two of which have been a source of pleasure and interest to me for several years. In a shrubbery near my house a song-sparrow has warbled year after year the same refrain, and so individual that, although it cannot be proved, I feel strongly that it has always been the same song- ster; and as each spring came round, my husband and I would joyfully proclaim that our little friend had returned. Song No. 1: P L^ J^J J '^ i-h-<^-^p!id^r-^ At last we noticed a change in the song — it became weaker and shorter, and finally was reduced to the first bar only, and very feeble, but still quite distinct and recognizable. After that year — silence — but a new song started up in the same shrubbery — clear and strong — as follows: g ^^ J J J Ji I] J. / Ji. j1 J Can it be a descendant of our old friend? We are hoping that he will favor us again this year when the right time comes. Mary B. Hunnewell. P. S. — I fear my music conforms to no rules ! M o nthly B ull etin 5 Robin Redbreast. A beautiful incident was called to my mind recently. My physician, a member of the Audubon Society and a great lover of birds, and I were discussing the differences between the American and the English robin. The robin found in England is smaller and more graceful than those in this country, and far prettier. He is the real "Robin Redbreast." Our conversation, leading from one thing to another, awoke memories of a Christmas which I spent in England eleven years ago. I, with other members of my family, was attending morning worship in the old Episcopal Church in the village of Them, Oxen. The vicar had announced the hymn, and, as the organ pealed forth, a little robin, from no one knows where, alighted above the canopy and, without any preliminaries, threw up his head and poured forth his song as though his throat would burst. He seemed to join with the rest of us in the praises of Him whom we had come to worship. As the last tones of the organ died away, his silvery notes still echoed as he took flight through a half-open window. Mrs. Agnes Arnold. 57 Bartlett Crescent, Brookline, Mass. BIRDS OF EARLY MARCH. Looking back now on the winter that is past, we find that the hard, bitter cold and deep snow have taken their toll of bird life. Many birds have died in the North, but no report of such casualties has come from the South. Since February came in some of the birds that survived most of the winter here and others that returned too soon have perished of cold or starvation. The little auk, Holboell's grebe, herring gull, black duck, mourning dove, ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, bob-white, barred owl, screech owl, flicker, meadowlark, blue jay, starling, white-breasted nuthatch, English sparrow, chickadee, mockingbird, robin and bluebird are among those found dead. Many starlings and meadowlarks were picked up frozen, some evidently starved, others plump and well fed, some with food in their stomachs. This is similar to the unusual experiences of the hard winter of 1903-04, when a few well-nourished birds were found frozen. The woodpeckers have had a hard time except where people fed them, as the trees were frozen so hard that they could pierce the wood with diffi- culty, and they have sought insect food in old timbers in the interiors of sheds and in other sheltered places. Dead woodpeckers and flickers have been reported from New Hampshire. In Northern and Western Massa- chusetts and in Maine and New Hampshire the great northern pileated woodpecker has hammered and torn the dead trees of the forest in search of food. The disappearance of many birds during the severe weather in Decern- 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society ber was not caused so much by death as by migration. Lapland longspurs were reported south to Pennsylvania. All along the Atlantic seaboard winter birds drifted into the sheltered river valleys in late December on toward the coast and then southward. Birds took advantage of shelter everywhere. A screech owl roosted in a hooded chimney top. A red-shouldered hawk and a mockingbird showed sooty underparts, and must have sought some similar roosting place. A blue jay often sat on a warm manure heap, but froze at last. Along the coast from Cape Cod to South Carolina small birds flocked in sheltered localities where they could find food. Many that re- mained in the north found shelter from storms and cold, and protection from hawks and shrikes, in barns, sheds and stacks. English sparrows and starlings apparently suffered most from the attacks of shrikes and sparrow hawks. Ruffed grouse and bob-whites were the prey of cats and foxes. Many people report remains of grouse killed by foxes, and here and there one slain by some hawk or owl. Grouse and pheasants were attacked by ravenous crows, and a few grouse were reported to have been killed by diving into the snow from on wing and striking dense crust. As the ice along the coasts began to go out in January, five king eiders were reported from Block Island, R. I., and later one from Nahant, Mass. Still later a male harlequin duck was observed in the harbor of Vineyard Haven, Mass. Although many of the fresh-water wild fowl went far south during the great frost, their northward movement started early. The sea ducks were pushed to sea by the ice again in February and hard pressed for food. Vast flights of scoters skirted the ice on the south of New Eng- land. Bald eagles hung about Newburyport, Mass., and Bar Harbor, Maine. At least one great blue heron has been reported from Cape Cod in every winter month. February saw the Canada geese breasting the ice in their northward trend, and on March 5 a flock passed over Nashua, N. H. A few lesser scaup and pintails were reported that month from the Cape Cod district and near Boston. Wilson's snipe, which have wintered near a spring in Lynn, Massa- chusetts, for many years, disappeared in December and did not return until the last week in February. There have been few reports on bird life from the northern woods, as much of the time the snow has been too deep and soft for good snowshoeing. Deer are said to have been killed and eaten by dogs, foxes and lynxes. The only report of great numbers of northern winter birds came from Coos County, New Hampshire, in February, where many red crossbills, white- winged crossbills, pine grosbeaks and pine siskins were seen feeding on cone seeds. Three white-winged crossbills were seen near Bennington, Vt., February 17. Reports seem to agree that the snow bunting has been the only small bird from the north that has been generally numerous all winter M o nthly B ull etin 7 in New England. A few mourning doves wintered on the Massachusetts coast, but their numbers grew steadily less, thinned by frost and foes, until they disappeared. Some rough-legged hawks and red-shouldered hawks have wintered in Southern New England. Two Hoyt's horned larks were re- ported from Gloucester, Mass., early in February. A belated letter records 22 Bohemian waxwings near Providence, R. I., in January — the second record of this species for the winter. In addition to the report of a brown thrasher wintering in Worcester County, Mass., two more are noted, one in Rhode Island, the other in Connecticut. One catbird is reported from Cape Cod in February, and a single fox sparrow wintered near Boston. A short- eared owl was reported near Squantum, Mass., March 9, and a Canada jay was noted in Worcester County in February. A cardinal grosbeak began singing near Washington, D. C, on Feb- ruary 11, and on the 15th the bluebird, chickadee and tufted titmouse gave their spring song. The return of the smaller winter birds northward began about the last week in February. During February the tree sparrows and juncos increased locally in southern New England, and white-breasted nut- hatches arrived in places where they had not been noted before since No- vember or December. A flock of cowbirds in full song was seen on Long Island, N. Y., February 18, and one was recorded at Mattapoisett, Mass.. bn the 24th. A killdeer was seen at Block Island, R. I., February 22; prairie horned larks were singing their spring songs there February 28. and their flight songs in Massachusetts March 5. Tree sparrows sang in Massachusetts February 20, and in Maine February 23. A female red- winged blackbird was noted on Long Island, N. Y., February 24. Purple finches were in full song on Cape Cod March 5. Song sparrows, swamp sparrows, red-winged blackbirds, grackles and bluebirds all reached Massa- chusetts in small numbers before March 1. Crows have returned from the coast and river valleys to the higher lands in central Massachusetts. Fox sparrows may be looked for next. All the wild fowl are now on their northward way. A single Kumlien's gull was reported from Gloucester, Mass., in February. Iceland, glaucous, ring-billed and black-backed gulls are moving up the coast. Goshawks, that extended their winter movements as far south at least as Pennsylvania, great horned owls and all the rapacious birds driven south by food scarcity in the frozen north soon will be moving back, taking their toll of animal life as they go. Six very pale owls taken in northern New England seem to include in their numbers both Arctic and western horned owls. Barn owls are reported on Cape Cod and in southwestern Connecticut. The movement of birds from South America, Central America and the Antilles has begun, and soon the flood-tide of bird life will be flowing up the Atlantic seaboard toward New England. E. H. Forbush, State Ornithologist. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society WINTER BIRDS OF SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE. The following very interesting notes of the winter bird life of southern New Hampshire are from the Rev. Manley B. Townsend, who is to lecture at the Annual Mass Meeting at Tremont Temple on April 6. They include only the early part of the winter, being dated January 15th, but were un- fortunately crowded out of the February Bulletin by the Annual Report of the work of the Society. 1. Snowflakes unusually abundant. Several large flocks reported in Nashua. I have seen many more than usual. 2. Kingfisher wintering at the U. S. Fish Hatchery, living on small fingerling trout in an open brook. As this brook is not a part of the hatchery, and the breeding trout are safe under the ice, Mr. Hubbard does not molest the bird. 3. Snowy owl reported near Nashua. 4. Three goshawks reported. 5. Saw one saw-whet owl, and two others reported. One died, pre- sumably of starvation. 6. Robin wintering in Nashua. Saw him January 11. 7. Starlings wintering in old church steeple on Main Street. Counted 297 go in from 4 to 4.40 P. M. December 22. They scatter over the country during the day, returning at night for shelter. This will be their third year in Nashua. Increasing rapidly. 8. Bald eagle seen in Nashua in December. Probably same bird shot next day in Maynard, Mass, as it was devouring a pig he had killed. 9. Herring gulls, crows and American Mergansers common on the Merrimack, about the open places created by the rapids. 10. Ruffed grouse remarkably scarce. Foxes unusually abundant. But pheasants also numerous. Their tracks everywhere in the woods. Query: Why the scarcity of grouse and the abundance of pheasants? Do pheasants break up nests of grouse, as sometimes charged? Some hunters report grouse in unusual places, and maintain they are as numerous as ever, but have changed their location. But I find, and all reports agree, that the grouse are very scarce in their usual haunts. 11. No redpolls, siskins or goldfinches. I attribute this to the fact that the gray birches did not seed this year, and the above birds feed largely on the seeds of the gray birch. Ordinarily, the snow is covered with the bird-like seed-scales of this tree. Not a seed this year. Tree sparrows are quite abundant, and a few j uncos are about, as they are weed-seed eaters. Chickadees, blue jays, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, white- breasted nuthatches (no red-breasted reported yet), brown creepers and golden crowned kinglets about as usual. No evening grosbeaks reported yet. 12. A chestnut grove in Merrimack is completely riddled by pileated woodpeckers. Every tree has great holes drilled to the heart. As this grove will be cut down soon, I am going to examine the timber. I suspect that the chestnut blight has been at work, that the hearts of the trees are decayed (the trees appear sound externally), and that the woodpeckers drilled for the wood-borers in the unsound hearts. Volume II. APRIL, 1918 Number 3. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-oflSce at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Mo nthly Bulletin FIELD DAY AT SHARON The Audubon Society will hold a field day at the Sanctuary, Dr. George W. Field's farm at Moose Hill, Sharon, on Saturday, May 18th. As plans now stand, this will be an all-day outing, to which all members of the Society are hereby cordially invited. There will be no formal exercises, but well-known authorities on birds will be present to conduct short bird walks in the neighborhood. The time chosen is at the height of the spring migration, and as Moose Hill is a landmark and the region about it diversi- fied with woodland, pasture, swamp and streams, most of the common migrants, as well as the local birds of the season, may be expected. From the summit of Moose Hill, and particularly from the fire watchtower, a wonderful view may be obtained of the surrounding country. Mr. Alden Keyes, Jr., the Society's warden, together with Mrs. Keyes, will be ready to assist in any way, and their house will be headquarters. Those planning to spend the day should bring a basket luncheon. Ar- rangements will be made to have hot coffee served at luncheon time at a low price. Possibly other refreshments may be thus obtained, but at present this cannot be counted upon. The whole afi'air is intended to be a strictly informal gathering of bird lovers and bird students at a time and place where abundant birds may reasonably be expected. The sanctuary is a mile or so west of Sharon station. Trains from Boston leave the South Station at 6.25, 7.39, 10.59, 12.30, etc., returning at 1.21, 3.16, 5.01, 6.12, 7.10, 8.54, 11.26. There is an excellent automobile road to within a short distance of the house, the last half-mile being not so good, but perfectly passable. For the guidance of those who walk, or drive, from the station, signs will be placed at the intersecting roads. Birds may be expected at any point after leaving the train. ANNUAL MASS MEETING The annual mass meeting of the Society, held at Tremont Temple on the afternoon of Saturday, April 6, was a success, between seven and eight hundred people attending. That the audience was not more than three times as great is due to the fact that the great Liberty Loan parade was under way that afternoon, from one o'clock until long after dark, and com- pletely surrounded the place. The announcement of the parade was made after the meeting was announced, and hall and speakers had been engaged and the meeting advertised. It was found impossible to postpone the meet- ing. Hundreds of people who would have attended were in the parade either as participants or spectators. Hundreds of others were caught in the crowd, baffled by the marching columns, and either did not get to the hall at all or reached it late, after a long struggle. An attempt was made to reach as many as possible with the information that the lines of march could Monthly Bulletin 3 be circumvented by coming by way of the subway and getting off at Park Street, and several of the Boston papers very kindly published notices to that effect. That so many were there was a surprise and a source of much pleasure, and the lecture committee wishes to tliank all who made special effort to come. LIFE MEMBERS The following new Life Members were received during the month of March:— Brown, Miss Alice 11 Pinckney St., Boston. Foot, N. Chandler, M. D Readville. Sustaining Members Received During March. Adams, Charles F 21 Myrtle St., Jamaica Plain. Alden, Mrs. John 6 Punchard Ave., Andover. Allen, Mrs. Frederick W 91 Rowland St., Grove Hall. Allen, Mrs. Thomas 12 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Babson, Helen S 9 Keswick St., Boston. Balch, Miss A. L 130 Prince St., Jamaica Plain. Baldwin, Mrs. J. A 233 Fisher Ave., Brookline. Barrows, Miss Cecilia A 32 Burroughs St., Jamaica Plain. Beebe, Charles G 6 Beals St., Brookline. Beebe, Roderick 7 Shady Hill Square, Cambridge. Bent, Nathalie Canton. Betton, Mrs. C. G 282 Berkeley St., Boston. Blakely, David N 53 Monmouth St., Brookline. Bottomley, Dr. John T 165 Beacon St., Boston. Bowditch, Mrs. Margaret M Framingham Centre. Bowers, Mrs. Charles H 52 Cummings Road, Brookline. Bradford, Elizabeth 220 Beacon St., Boston. Bradford, Mrs. E. H 220 Beacon St., Boston. Bradlee, Miss Gertrude Chestnut Hill. Bragg, H. W 29 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Broadbridge, Dr. Harry N 179 Brighton Ave., Allston. Brown, Miss Eliza Otis The Warren, Roxbury. Brown, George H 431 Tremont BIdg., Boston. Cogswell, Willard G 83 Winona Ave., Haverhill. Dodge, Mrs. Joseph A Grafton. Excelsior Class, Grace Baptist Ch. . . Cross St., Somerville. Gray, Emily Felton Hall, Cambridge. Hammond, Sarah T Warren St., Roxbury. Hittinger, Mrs. Jacob Belmont. McLeod, Mrs. A. B 482 Norfolk St., Mattapan. McLeod, Mr. A. B 482 Norfolk St., Mattapan. Mandell, Alice 1 4 Auburn Court, Brookline. Murdock, Marion 90 Marion Road, Watertown. Nevin, Bessie T South Weymouth. Richards, Master Thayer 15 Follen St., Cambridge. Robinson, Miss M. F 6 Punchard Ave., Andover. Watson, Mrs. C. L 140 N. Main St., Attleboro. 4 Mo nth ly Bulletin IN DEFENSE OF THE PELICAN. All who know the Florida coast in winter will gratefully recall the quaint and interesting pelicans which nest in colonies at various points along shore. Their chief nesting-place is Pelican Island, in the Indian River, where the Audubon Societies support a warden who guards the rookery. This winter the fishermen of Florida, aided by other doubtless well-meaning but ill-advised agencies, notably one Florida newspaper, have made a de- termined attempt to get legal sanction for the destruction of the pelicans. The claim is made, and the United States Food Commission at Washington seems to have so little knowledge of birds that it has given the claim con- sideration, that the pelicans are to blame for the great lack of food fishes in Florida waters, where once they swarmed. The facts in the case are simple. The fishermen themselves are en- tirely to blame for the lack of fish. They seine the shallow waters of the Indian River and other bays and estuaries with shrimp seines and other seines of so small a mesh that they sweep up millions of fish, which are often killed in the net before it is brought to the surface. The fish caught in this way have no market value, and are left behind to rot. The fish as a rule caught by the pelicans are not market fish. In the nesting season the birds fly far to sea and catch and feed their young almost entirely on small menhaden, which are not a food fish. At all times they feed on surface fish, which, with the exception of the mullet, are not food fishes. Such mullet as they catch represent the only loss, and these are comparatively few. A generation ago, when there was no fishing done in Florida waters, or, at any rate, no seineing for market, the Indian River and the shallow waters of the whole Florida coast everywhere swarmed with fish of all sorts, as any one who knew Florida at that time can testify. The pelicans and other water-birds were then ten times as nmnerous as now. As a matter of fact, the fish-eating birds are a help rather than a hin- drance to the depth-inhabiting fishes. Attacking the schools of shrimp, sar- dines, minnows and other small surface swimmers, they drive them down where the larger can readily reach them. It is a well-established biological fact which should be widely known that in the balance of nature the surface- feeding fish-eating birds are a help to the food fishes rather than a hindrance. To exterminate the former would be to do harm to the latter. Massachusetts people can have only an aesthetic or altruistic interest in the Florida pelicans. Yet thousands of our people visit Florida every winter. It might not be a bad idea for such to write to their Florida friends, explain the matter from their point of view, and ask them to save the pelicans for them. They are worth more to Florida as an attraction for winter visitors than, perhaps, the Florida friends realize. Mo nthly Bulletin 5 SUMMER SCHOOL OF ORNITHOLOGY. The National Association of Audubon Societies now invites bird-lovers to attend its summer school of applied ornithology at Amston, Connecticut. The school will be in charge of Mr. Herbert K. Job, the well-known or- nithologist, author and lecturer on birds. The Amston Experiment and Demonstration Station is beautifully situated and well equipped for this work. There is a fenced pond and swamp containing fifteen kinds of wild ducks or other species for study and breeding experiments. Pheasants, bob- whites and other quails are raised to demonstrate estate and game-farm methods. In a woodland wire enclosure are breeding-stocks of the common mourning dove and of the band-tailed pigeon of the West, the latter a species quite similar to the lamented passenger pigeon. Nesting-boxes are occupied by numbers of bluebirds, wrens, tree swallows and other birds, and bird-life is varied and abundant. Wild ducks and herons frequent the lake, even in svmuner, and grebes, loons, wild geese and others stop during migration. Amston Lake is a picturesque body of water, over a mile long, with bold shores mostly wooded, and affords excellent boating, bathing and fishing. The headquarters of the Association, known as the "Audubon House," with Mr. Job and assistant in attendance, will be open from the first week of June till into the autumn. There are collections of bird specimens and a small working ornithological library for use of visitors and students. At Amston Inn, nearby, meals and accommodations can be secured. The purpose, in part, is to secure from the experimental work data for publication to interest people everywhere in practical conservation of wild bird-life. Likewise it is to teach these methods by actual demonstration to those who may come to observe. Further, it is desired to make this beautiful property a meeting-place afield for lovers of wild birds. The Association has its business headquarters in New York City, but here it would establish a social field rendezvous, amid birds and wild game and beautiful surround- ings, where its friends and those in sympathy with its aims may drop in, whether for the day or for more prolonged stay, and forget that they are but two hours' journey from cities. Protected from uncongenial intrusion by the fact that it is a private estate, and also that it has been made a "State Game Preserve" and Sanctuary, under protection of the State, it should make a congenial haven. This season, 1918, the first Summer School session will be opened, lasting three weeks. Rally Day is Friday, July 5. Saturday, July 6, will be Field Day, with excursions over the preserve, to learn the locations and inspect the bird-work. On Monday, July 8, the classes will begin. There will be evening lectures by well-known specialists. The formal session will close Friday, July 26. Mr. Job will conduct most of the class work, with practical talks by others, such as T. Gilbert Pearson, Edward Howe Forbush, and Donald McVicar, one of the best-known game-keepers in America, for- merly head game-keeper of the Duke of Leinster. Richard Edes Harrison, 6 Mo nthly Bulletin son of Prof. Ross G. Harrison of Yale University, a most competent young field ornithologist, will assist in field work. The following courses will be given : — 1. Bird-Study and Field Ornithology, as given by Mr. Job at Chautauqua Institution (N. Y.) Summer School. 2. Applied Ornithology, attracting wild birds and propagation of game-birds and wild water-fowl. 3. Nature Photography, both place and motion picture, with field demonstrations. These courses are designed to be of an interesting and popular nature, and of practical value to bird-lovers, teachers, land-holders, and amateur photographers of wild life. Tuition for the Summer School term will be $15, with option of taking any or all of the courses and of attending lectures. The price is put thub low for the initial season to induce bird-lovers to become acquainted with Amston, and merely to cover expenses. Room and board at Amston Inn are at the uniform rate of $2 per day, and $14 per week, and single meals 75 cents, these prices being as low as is feasible in these times. Should any students desire to camp, sites at the lake-shore will be assigned at nominal cost. Students or observers of birds who visit Amston other than as Summer School students will be shown everything informally and will be assisted in every possible way. It is suggested that parties or organizations come here for field days or vacation outings. Amston is a station on the Air Line Division of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, between New Haven and Willimantic, 44 miles from the former and 10 miles from the latter. Amston Inn is three minutes' walk from the railway station, the Audubon House just beyond, and the lake and all bird-work within easy walking distance. THE COMING OF THE BIRDS. BULLETIN OF INFORMATION— IV. As March went out the birds came in. In my last bulletin, issued March 15, it was asserted that fox sparrows might be expected next. In fact, they had arrived already in small nmnbers in Southern Connecticut March 5, and in Eastern Massachusetts March 10. There were very early movements of small birds along the coast, but the first great state-wide bird wave of the spring reached its climax in Massachusetts on March 19, when consider- able numbers of red-winged blackbirds, robins, bluebirds, fox sparrows, song sparrows and meadowlarks and quantities of bronzed grackles were observed locally from the coast to the New York line. During this wave there were noted some early records. A yellow-bellied sapsucker was seen March 19 in the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, and a brown thrasher in Worcester County March 18. A nighthawk was seen at Demarest, N. J., March 20. Two barn swallows were reported from East Marion, Long Mo nthly Bulletin 7 Island, on March 22, and one from Athol, Mass., on the 29th. Single chip- ping sparrows were noted at Lansdowne, Pa., March 9, and at Woods Hole and Hudson, Mass.. respectively, on March 28 and 29. This bird wave evidently reached Lewiston, Me., March 20 to 22, and Auburn, Me., March 23. Fox sparrows appeared at Bar Harbor on March 20, and a single grackle was reported from McDonald College, Quebec, Canada, March 22. A pair of yellow-bellied sapsuckers were seen at Limenburg, Vt., March 25. The last snow bunting was reported from Ellsworth, Me., on March 31. The first phcebes were seen at Southbridge, Mass., on March 20, and at Buckland, Mass., March 22. First arrivals of this species appeared in different locali- ties in Massachusetts until April 1, and it had reached Bangor, Me., on April 3. Another bird wave entered Massachusetts April 2, bringing niunbers of vesper sparrows, field sparrows, a few Savannah sparrows, and in Worcester County, Mass., and the Connecticut Valley a few white-throated sparrows. Pine warblers appeared from the 1st to the 4th. A few kingfishers were seen moving north in Massachusetts. It is interesting to note that the first one reported was seen at Huntington, in Berkshire County, on April 2, and the next two at Woods Hole and Lynn April 3; also that vesper sparrows reached Worcester County, Mass., April 2, but did not appear on Block Island, R. I., until April 4. During the week a wave of juncos, fox spar- rows, robins, song sparrows and bluebirds was reported from points in Maine, with most of the birds in full song. All this time homed larks, which wintered on the Atlantic slope, were moving north, and prairie horned larks, which breed here, were coming in. On February 14 the latter had reached Worcester County, Mass. On March 12 they were at Bangor, Me., and on April 5 their actions on Block Island indicated that they were nesting, though no nests were found. These very early breeders should be looked for now in open upland fields and pasture- throughout New England. Probably they are less rare than the common belief would indicate. The males are now singing their flight songs. Many bluebirds, robins and song sparrows are mated. On April 9 the first Caro- lina wren was reported from the shores of Buzzards Bay. A few rather remarkable occurrences have been noted in regard to migration. On February 4 two tree sparrows came aboard the steamship City of Rome off the Virginia coast, some fifty miles from land. On Feb- ruary 5 a flicker and a myrtle warbler alighted on the ship about forty miles east of Wilmington, N. C. Apparently all were blown out to sea by the strong northwest gale that prevailed during those two days. Birds often are driven off shore during their migrations, and probably sometimes, when caught in a cyclonic storm, are carried to sea and landed on shore again far to the northward, having been carried by the wind round a segment of the revolving storm. Possibly some such wind movement may have been responsible for the following recent occurrences: A bird, believed to be a yellow-billed cuckoo, was reported from Chelmsford, Mass.. March 25. It was perched upon a treetop giving its usual call. A freshly-killed scarlet tanager was brought in by a cat at Athol, Mass., April 4. The stomach contained remains of decayed apples and barberries, and skins of berries believed to be those of the deadly nightshade. Several reports of the occurrence of this species in April have been received in past years, but not recorded, as no specimen was actually taken. A warbling vireo is re- 8 Mo nthly Bulletin ported to have spent most of April 9 in a yard in Concord, N. H. The bird appeared to be a male, as it sang frequently. The first hermit thrush was reported from Hampshire County April 12. Two American three-toed woodpeckers have been seen in Hampshire County from February until quite recently. It is early yet to determine whether the severe winter has destroyed most of the mockingbirds wintering here, but thus far only five have beer| reported alive and in their usual haunts. Some may have gone South for the winter. One appeared at Lans- downe, Pa., in November, where the species has not been noted before, and was still there April 11. Two mourning doves came through the winter safely on Cape Cod, and the first arrival on Nantucket was seen March 10. Holboell's grebes and horned grebes began to leave the coasts of South- ern New England early in the month, and are now passing north. The first pied-billed grebe was seen at Block Island, R. I., April 5. Glaucous gulls remained in numbers about Barnstable, Mass., in March, and a single Iceland gull was still at Block Island April 5. Gannets and sea ducks have been locally scarce along the coast. One each of the wood duck and the green- winged teal were noted in Massachusetts early in April. Large numbers of ducks are reported in the streams of New Jersey. Canada geese have been flying north over New England for more than a month, and early in April brant began to appear in their northward flight. Two greater snow geese were reported from Long Island March 27. Eleven swans were seen near Fryeburg, Me., on April 1, and a small flock near Portland on the 2nd. Hudsonian curlews have arrived in dense flocks on the coast of South Caro- lina. A single ring-necked, or semipalmated, plover seen at Nantucket March 8 heralded the advance of the shore-birds. Woodcock were reported in Massachusetts March 24, and at Ellsworth, Me., March 28. Already they are breeding in New Jersey, while flights of Wilson's snipe are passing north. Breeding snipe should be looked for in Massachusetts. Unusually large numbers of great blue herons were seen on Long Island in small flocks from April 1 to 10, but only one bird has been reported in Massachusetts up to date (April 15). A few should be here now. The storm that began in Boston April 12 has destroyed some birds, particularly in Virginia, where the snow was deep. It may delay the migra- tion somewhat, but the hardy marsh birds will press on, and herons, bitterns, rails, coots and gallinules will soon be here. Most of the summer hawks and owls have come. Great horned owls now have well-grown young, and red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks are nesting. All along the Atlantic seaboard south of New England flights of small birds, urged by the reproductive instinct, are coming on. In Maryland pipits are unusually abundant, and should be here soon. Hermit thrushes, brown thrashers, ruby-crowned kinglets, blue-headed vireos, winter wrens, myrtle, yellow palm and black and white warblers, with all the swallows and most of the sparrews, will be with us before we realize it, and later will appear that flood of bird life that always comes when the leaves begin to open in the warm days of May. He who wishes to see them all should be afield before the rising sun or should anticipate, day by day, the twilight hour. E. H. FORBUSH, State Ornithologist. Volume II. MAY, 1918 Number 4. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, InCi (AppUcation for entry as second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society IN AUDUBON'S LABRADOR. The Audubon Society will mail you an autographed, first edition copy of Dr. Charles Wendell Townsend's new book, "In Audubon's Labrador," if you will fill out the enclosed slip and mail it with the price of the book, S2.50. There are only a limited number of these copies and they are offered in this way to Audubon Society members through the generos- ity of the author and the publishers. The margin of profit on the trans- action goes to the Audubon Society to help on the work of bird protection. Dr. Townsend, eminent as an ornithologist as well as a physician, is well known for several other books on Labrador as well as for his classic "Sand Dunes and Salt Marshes," an intimate study of the Ipswich region. Like these other books the present volume is written for the general reader rather than the specialist. Virile and containing much valuable informa- tion, it has the charm of a lucid style and is replete with human interest. In 1833 Audubon made his famous expedition to Labrador in order to study northern birds, especially sea-birds, for his great work "The Birds of America." Dr. Townsend, in 1915, carefully followed in a small schooner on the track of the great naturalist. He used Audubon's Labrador Journal as a guide and was greatly helped in his work by a pilot who knew the coast intimately and was able to take the author to the homes of the descendants of the same people that Audubon visited. In the first chapter Dr. Townsend gives a brief account of Audubon's expedition with portraits of the five young men who accompanied Audu- bon, including that of Tom Lincoln, after whom the Lincoln's Sparrow was named. In the succeeding chapters he recounts the incidents of his own voyage and gives not only many interesting studies of the bird pop- ulation but also of the human, both white and Indian. In conclusion he has a valuable chapter on conservation in Labrador, one especially on the eider, and an appendix containing letters from George C. Shattuck, who accompanied Audubon, and also letters from Audubon himself. The book is thoroughly illustrated. BIRDS ON THE CHARLES. As we look out the window a beautiful flicker is seen examining a No. 3 Berlepsch box. Along come three more flickers and there is a noisy discussion over something. As the flickers rush away a young screech owl glances out of a No. 4 box, sees me in the window and grace- fully climbs back in the box, showing an aloofness which the parents do not have. Then a couple of male purple finches pick up seeds from the ridge that is thirty-five feet high; and below, on the side of the over-flowing Charles, a big blue heron. Some action. M onthly B ulletin 3 A curious thing happened yesterday. Some of my bird boxes in pine trees seemed too deeply shaded so I had half a dozen taken down. They were placed on the piazza. Two hours afterwards I looked inside of them and found in a No. 4 Berlepsch box four eggs and a screech owl. I though she was dead, as she lay on her side and showed no signs of life when I touched her. But I suspected her, and hung the box again. This morning she was gone. She acted every bit like an opossum and showed no fear, as she was being rolled about in moving the box. We fortunately have two other boxes occupied by a pair of screech owls, which have apparently mated. G. F. Brown, NeedJuun. GOOD WORK FOR BIRDS. The following very interesting tale of one bird's experience in the bird hospital of Miss Mary E. Coburn, a Springfield school teacher, is taken from the Records of Walks and Talks with Nature, conducted by the eminent field naturalist, Mr. C. J. Maynard, of West Newton, Mass. Last September we found a nestling red-eyed vireo in the street. His leg was broken at the ankle joint and he was so tiny. We set the leg and the little fellow was very tenacious and cheerful. From the first he was a great favorite and kept us all busy catching crickets and hoppers for his appetite was a long one. We fed him blueberries, rum cherries, pears, and grapes, together with insects. All insect food was taken in his foot and held and eaten from there while he sang his little whee ee. He visited each child several times daily generally chatting a little. We never caged him and he never flew away, although there were many chances to do so, with 40 children passing in and out. We canned elder berries, rum cher- ries, blueberries, and pears for our birds and dug earth worms which we kept in the cellar and fed milk and coffee grounds. On their Christmas tree the children put some beef steak for vireo, this he liked slightly broiled. The friendship between this mite and the children was beautiful to see. If we had not let him attend school each day he would have died of homesickness. He pined during our vacation and seemed so happy to see them when school began once more. Some children dried crickets and soaked them in warm water for red-eye. He liked them much. I car- ried him home to the Reed place every night. He wanted to come to the table every time Miss Ingraham and I ate. We let him sit in a fern and if nothing seemed to be coming his way he would throw dirt in my plate until I fed him. If visitors came to the school he generally flew to meet them. Fire Chief Daggett came to lecture on his department and red- eye picked his brass buttons and even tried to get gold from the chief's teeth. Several times he has been nearly under foot as he would run on the floor under the seats in play. Last Monday on one of his jolly little trips he was stepped on and was gone in an instant. Since then we have kept a good grip on ourselves, but each child feels the loss keenly. Vireo did 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society more good in five montlis than people often do in as many years. We shall try harder than ever to help the birds on their return. Many of the children have feeding tables for the birds now here. Quite a number of birds were frozen to death during the severe cold. Last summer we raised over fifty injured and orphaned birds and still have two robins. We gave our summer vacation to the birds. I would like nothing better than to work with them all the time. We write this about our vireo that you may see how social and lovable a bird he was. He was the most intelligent bird that we have lived with. PRIZE ESSAY. Selected from several excellent prize-winners in a Melrose School compe- tition. The writer is a sixth grade pupil. One warm night in May, Mother, Daddy and I had just returned from a wajk and were in front of our house, when we heard a feeble chirp coming from the direction of the tree in front of the house. We hastened to the tree and found a small bird hopping helplessly around. Daddy feared a prowling cat might catch the bird, so he went to- ward the bird with the intention of restoring it to the nest in the tree, for we believed the young bird had fallen from the nest. As Daddy approached the bird a shrill call rang out in the air, and two large birds swooped down, and would not, for the life of them let Dad touch the young one. They circled round and round the little one, uttering cries and screeches all the while. At last we concluded that the two larger birds were teaching their young one to fly, so we entered the house. One spring I fashioned a box into a rude bird house and set it on a fork of the tree in our "park." Our "park" is a place Dad cut free of bushes under a small oak tree. I also set a board across the limb of a tree, and nailed it there. This was for me to put crumbs and tiny bits of meat on, together with small pieces of suet hanging from the branches by means of a piece of string. I hoped some birds might soon inhabit the place. Not long afterward we were overjoyed when a family of robins established themselves in the bird house. They were "newlyweds," I guess, for they were aAtvays together, blithely chirping back and forth to one another. At last what we had always wanted came. The baby robins! We had been away when the eggs were laid so that the morning after we came home we were a good deal surprised when the birds seemed to pop right out, "all of a sudden," as the saying goes. I watched them very much and occasionally brought a worm to them. Taking the worm, I would dangle it over their heads laughing in my sleeve at the way they would open their beaks and stretch their thin necks to get the worm. Monthly Bulletin 5 I would drop the worm in their midst and after a little quarreling each of the three would get a hig bite. While I was giving them the worm the mother bird looked on and scolded very hard, but after I had done this a few times she was very quiet although she was wrathy at first. The funniest thing of all was watching them learn to fly. They would perch on the edge of the nest, rather wobbly in the legs and shift undecidedly from one foot to the other. Then, with a little encouraging from the bigger birds, they would half fly and half jump from one limb to the other. As I was called from this scene of their progress to go on an errand and then help weed the garden, I did not see how they learned to fly from that point on, but needless to say, they learned to fly. My father declared they would be lazy because a piece of suet was always hanging over their nest and all they had to do was to stretch their necks to get some, when they were my tenants. And those birds weren't one bit grateful, either, for as soon as they were strong enough they flew away without a word of thanks and never came back ! NESTING BIRDS AT KATAMA BEACH. Edgartown, Mass., May 11, 1918. Commissioners on Fisheries and Game, Boston, Mass. Gentlemen: — I have to report for week ending May 11th: There are 24 pairs of piping plover, 25 pairs of laughing gulls, 12 pairs Wilson tern, and 15 pairs least tern at Katama Beach. This is an estimate, but is approximately correct. I have found two piping plover nests with eggs. The season has been backward but is now warming up fast, and I expect more birds this week. Respectfully, S. E. Morton, Deputy. OPPORTUNITIES FOR OBSERVERS. During the early summer very few notes on migrations can be made, but there are interesting movements of birds in July and August, after the breeding season, and some species begin the fall migration in July. Ob- servers in western Massachusetts should be on the lookout for the Ken- tucky warbler and the blue grosbeak. The Kentucky warbler has been reported from west of the Connecticut River, and the blue grosbeak from the Connecticut valley. We are anxious to learn also how generally the brown thrasher and the house wren are distributed in Massachusetts west of the Connecticut Valley. There are many opportunities during fthe breeding season of birds to study their habits, and we shall be glad to have any notes on the breeding habits of any species. All such should be sent to E. H. Forbush, State Ornithologist, 136 State House, Boston, Massachusetts. May 15, 1918. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRDS OF THE MONTH. The starting of vegetation in Massachusetts was delayed in some sec- tions by peculiar conditions. The snow came early in the winter and the cold was very severe but there was great variation in the depth of the snow. In some sections there was little snow and the ground froze deep- ly. In others there was more, and the ground froze little, and in still others the snow was so very deep and came so early that the ground did not freeze at all. Therefore we have wild flowers reported early in some sections and much later in others. In some localities the trees leafed earlier than elsewhere, but all these variations in the condition of vege- tation appeared to make no difference in the arrival of the birds. The spring migration is now in full swing. Practically all the species are here, although some are represented as yet by very few individuals. The number of individuals of the different species coming during the last week of April was small, and the smaller migrants have not reached anything like the numbers of individuals that were present last year. This probably is due partly to the fact that many of them died during the inclement weather of May, 1917, and others perished in the storms of this year. Since the last Bulletin was written more details have been received of the destruction of birds in an April snowstorm lasting about three days from April 12 to 15 in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Sno\\^ prevailed generally, or locally, in many sections of the Atlantic seaboard, and over wide areas between April 12 and 17. Probably no one ever will know how destructive these unseasonable snowstorms were to birds. Large and hardy birds like flickers were killed in numbers. Full details, however, have not been received. During the latter part of April there appeared no pronounced gen- eral bird wave, although there were some localities where birds were numerous. On May 1 a definite bird wave was reported near Philadel- phia, and a few of the species reported there appeared in small niunbers here at the same time, but the height of the wave reached Massachusetts on May 7. The number of arrivals gradually increased from May 4 to 7, when the arrival of 26 species was reported. On the 8th, 9th and 10th lesser numbers of species arriving were reported, but in many localities the number of individuals gradually increased. A few early arrivals of warblers are noted. On April 12 the parula warbler and the blue-winged warbler were seen at Woods Hole, Mass. A single black and white warbler was reported in Worcester County on April 24, and one was seen at Woods Hole on the 26th. From then until May 6 they were reported almost daily, but few in number. On April 24 the yellow warbler was noted at Woods Hole. At this date there seemed to be a local movement of birds along the coast of Massachusetts. The Monthly Bulletin 7 yellow palm warbler was seen at several points along this coast from April 15 until early May. With the exception of the myrtle warbler and the yellow palm warb- ler, the first flights of warblers in numbers were noted on May 6. The arrival of the yellow warbler was State-wide on May 6 and 7, but one was reported from Newburyport on May 4 The Maryland yellow-throat was first noted on May 5 and appeared over the greater part of the State on May 7. The magnolia warbler was first seen on May 2, but had not ap- peared generally on May 12. The chestnut-sided warbler was first re- ported from Worcester County on April 30, and again on May 6; it be- came common in southern Connecticut on May 9, and is more generally reported in Massachusetts on May 11. The black-throated green warbler was first noted in Berkshire County May 4, and quite generally reported in Massachusetts on the 6th, 7th and 8th. The black-throated blue warbler is reported on May 6 from Newburyport, and from Phillipston, Mass., and on the 7th and oth it became general. It had reached Ellsworth, Me., on the 12th. The parula warbler was common in southern Connecticut on May 6th, reported from northern Connecticut on the 8th and from Worcester County, Massachusetts, on the 10th. The Wilson warbler is noted in Massa- chusetts May 8 and at Lewiston, Me., May 12. The Tennessee, Nashville, golden-winged. Cape May, Canadian, blackpoll and Blackburnian warblers all came aiong with this wave. The hooded warbler has appeared as usual in Connecticut but has not been reported in Massachusetts. The first redstart was reported at Woods Hole, Mass., April 26 and not again in Massachusetts until May 7. The first ovenbird was seen at Woods Hole April 15 but most of the arrivals were from May 6 to 9. The Louisiana water thrush was common in southern Connecticut on April 28. No notes on the indigo bunting have been received from Massachu- setts but it is noted on May 7 in southern Connecticut, The grasshopper sparrow is reported from Worcester on May 10. The white-crowned spar- row is noted quite generally from May 2 to May 9. Two rare members of this family — the lark sparrow and the blue grosbeak — have been re- ported, the former from northern Worcester County and the latter from the Connecticut Valley. All the swallows and flycatchers have been noted except the yellow-bellied flycatcher. A correspondent in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, sends the description of a scissor-tailed flycatcher as that of a bird seen May 10. All the vireos are here, coming in mainly from May 2 to May 12. The first arrival of the blue-headed vireo was much earlier— at Oxford Mass, April 19. The first scarlet tanager was noted at Newburyport on May 7. The Baltimore oriole was reported throughout the length of Massachusetts from May 5 to 10 and had reached Lewiston, Me., May 12. The arrival of the house wren was from May 1 to May 11. The long-billed marsh wren was noted near Hartford, Conn., on May 10. Towhees and brown thrashers were late in arriving. The thrasher was common in southern Connecticut on April 26 and appeared in Massachusetts from May 1 to May 7. The hermit thrush had arrived in some numbers by April 12 in western Massa- chusetts. The olive-backed thrush and the veery are noted in Massachusetts 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society May 7. The wood thrush is reported from Woods Hole on April 20 and elsewhere in Massachusetts from May 6 to May 12. The kingbird and the catbird are noted from May 6 to May 10. The first whippoorwill was reported from Long Island on April 25, and Gro- ton, Mass., on April 26; after that there are none reported until May 3. It was common in Connecticut on the 4th and 5th, had reached Block Island on May 7, and was well distributed in Massachusetts on May 9. A single nighthawk was reported from northern Worcester County on April 25, but the species had not been heard from elsewhere except on Block Island, where it arrived May 10. The rose-breasted grosbeak arrived from the 7th to the 11th, and the bobolink from the 1st to the 12th. Hummingbirds were noted on the 8th, 10th and 12th. Only one migration of hawks has been re- ported. Hawks fly so high that few people note their migrations. Shore birds have been generally scarce, but since April 15th yellow- legs have been locally common. The white-rumped sandpiper was noted on Block Island April 30 and on Martha's Vineyard May 6. A sanderling was seen at the latter place May 5, the ruddy turnstone May 6, the semi- palmated and the least sandpiper May 8. The spotted sandpiper has been reported generally from May 2 to 12. The solitary sandpiper was noted at Hartford, Conn., on May 8, and at Rockport, Mass., May 11. The upland plover was reported from Connecticut on April 28 and from Worcester County, Massachusetts, May 2; a Hudsonian curlew at Martha's Vineyard May 7; a sora rail in Connecticut May 1, and a Virginia rail April 19 in Massachusetts. Bitterns were reported from Block Island April 23, from Worcester County, Massachusetts, April 26, and elsewhere in Massachusetts from May 3 to May 10. In the last Bulletin, dated April 15, it was stated that great blue herons should be in Massachusetts at that time. A few were actually reported on that date, but one was seen in Worcester County April 7 and on April 22 the species had reached Bangor, Me. Green herons were reported in Massachusetts from May 4 to 8. Migrations of the wild fowl go on about as usual. By May 1 most of the migrant black ducks had disappeared. Native black ducks are breed- ing. Many scoters, oldsquaws, mergansers, geese and brant have been noted. April 27 there was a flight by night of brant at Barnstable; April 25, a large flight at Block Island. One whistling swan was reported flying over Fresh Pond, Cambridge, on March 31. Five were reported not far away in Arlington, Mass., the first week in April. Evidently these birds were swans, but the identification was not positive. Northern gulls remained quite late. There were more black-backed gulls seen at Woods Hole on April 16 than had been seen there all winter. On April 27 glaucous gulls were seen in the same harbor, and on April 30 an Iceland gull was reported from Block Island. Laughing gulls arrived April 15 on Martha's Vineyard, and on the 16th at Woods Hole. They appeared at Block Island April 30. Common terns were reported from Martha's Vineyard on May 4, and the least tern on the 6th. A black tern in full plumage was seen on the Con- necticut River near South Windsor, Conn., on May 6, and for several suc- ceeding days. Loons are migrating up the coast in numbers. The migra- tion of the gannets is late. They were recorded about Martha's Vineyard on May 4, and they were still at Block Island on May 9. The migration is now at its height and not all the movements can be recorded here. Now is the time to be afield. E. H. Forbush, May 15, 1918. State Ornithologist. Volume II. JUNE, 1918 Number 5. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-ofSce at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of raie species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society THE ENABLING ACT. The Enabling Act, giving force to the Migratory Bird Treaty with Great Britain, was passed at 5 o'clock, Thursday, June 6th, by the Con- gress at Washington, D. C. The final vote was overwhelmingly in favor of the Act, something like six to one of those voting on a roll call. New England deserves great credit for the successful outcome of this long struggle. In January the Secretary went to Washington and made a care- ful poll of the New England Congressmen, who were nearly unanimous in favor of the bill. There was at the time little hope that the bill would be got before the House in the overwhelming rush of war legislation. Some weeks ago Mr. Forbush returned from Washington and reported that there was a chance if vigorous work were once again undertaken, and by the advice of Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, a general request was sent out from this office to all New England Bird Protection Associations that they communicate to Hon. Edward Pou, Chairman of the Rules Committee, their desire that the bill be considered. Telegrams and letters pouring in from all New England had their effect, and on Sunday, June 2nd, the Secretary received word from Washington that the bill would be con- sidered on the following Tuesday. He immediately went to Washington and took charge of rounding up the New England delegation in favor of the bill. In this he was successful and the opposition was entirely con- fined to certain portions of the West and Southwest. This opposition was vigorous and prolonged for two days on the floor of the House. The bill was slightly amended and in this amendment the Senate has since failed to concur. This takes it to a conference of the Senate and House, the outcome of which is expected to be favorable to the bill. CHECK LISTS. Check lists received and number of birds noted are as follows: Ed- win H. Merrill, Winchendon, 54; Bessie M. Graves, Southampton, 107; Lyman E. Nivling, Newton, 102; Robert L. Coffin, Amherst, 99; Annie W. Cobb, Arlington, 190; Eleanor E. Barry, Melrose, 125. Miss Cobb, easily the leader, is a very keen student of birds and an enthusiastically persistent observer. Among other rarities she notes Bar- row's golden-eye, seen at Nahant; the seaside sparrow at Martha's Vine- yard; Brewster's warbler, at Marlboro; the Hudsonian chickadee, at the Arboretum. Edwin H. Merrill, of Winchendon, though his list is smallest, per- haps deserves greatest credit, for he is an invalid, scarcely able to move from the house, and the birds must come to him to be recognized. Even so, he has heard the clear joy of the white-throat's song and the mystery of Monthly Bulletin 3 the veery's, has noted the wondrous beauty of the plumage of the tiny Blackburnian warblers and the redstarts, and has heard them sing. Bird study is helpful to the people who pursue it as well as to the birds. LIFE MEMBERS— APRIL. Batcheller, Mrs. Margaret T 267 Walnut St., Brookline, Blanchard, Henry Lawton 106 Main St., Brockton. Bowen, Miss Alice M 437 Central St., Springfield. Boyd, Miss Caroline B 22 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Brayton, Mrs. H. A Fall River. Brooks, Mrs. Lawton S Hotel Kimball, Springfield. Bullard, Miss Katherine E 39 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Burgess, John K Dedham. Callender, Miss Caroline S 677 Dudley St., Boston. Carroll, Miss Ellen S 25 Wyman St., West Medford. Clarke, Miss Lillian F 5 Brimmer St., Boston. Cole, Miss Ella M Southbridge. Cousens, Mrs. John A 207 Suffolk Rd., Chestnut Hill. Crocker, C. T Fitchburg. Cushing, Mrs. Livingston 282 Berkeley St., Boston. Daland, Mrs. Tucker 117 Fisher Ave., Brookline. Dresel, Miss Louisa L 328 Beacon St., Boston. Edmands, Miss Anne P 12 Corey Rd., Brookline. Fearing, Mrs. Mary P 333 Beacon St., Boston. Flint, Elizabeth H 290 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Foss, Mrs. Eugene N 11 Revere St., Jamaica Plain. Fries, Miss Anna M 2 Carlisle St., Roxbury. Gilbert, J. H. Grenville Ware. Grew, Mrs. Joseph C 2241 Wyoming Ave., Washington, D. C. Guild, Miss Sarah L 26 Mt. Vernon St., Boston. Harvard Bird Club Harvard. Haskell, Allen 25A Walnut Park, Roxbury. Haskell, Miss Mary P 25A Walnut Park, Roxbury. Haskell, Miss Sarah A 25A Walnut Park, Roxbury. Hedge, Miss C. A 440 Boylston St., Brookline. Hewett, Miss M. Elizabetli 4810 Chicago St., Omaha, Neb. Hockley, Mrs. Thomas Hotel Vendome, Boston. Holbrook, Mrs. Frederick The Tudor, Beacon Hill, Boston. Irwin, CD 50 Willard Rd., Brookline. Lawrence, Mrs. Wm 122 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Leonard, Miss Mary F 5 Chestnut St., Boston. 4» Massachusetts Audubon Society Lindsley, Mrs. M. A 1 West Hill PL, Boston. Loud, Mrs. Alice E 67 Munroe St., Roxbury. Mather, Mr. E. H 87 Milk St., Boston. Mayer, Richard 200 Summer St., Boston. Morse, Rev. Glenn Tilley All Saints Rectory, W. Roxbury. Morss, Charles A 201 Devonshire St., Boston. Murdock, Miss Maria 64 Church St., Winchester. Nazro, Mrs. Frederick H Riverbank Court, Cambridge. Nowell, Mrs. George M 122 N. Serrano Ave., Los Angeles, Cal. Osborn, Mrs. J. B 17 Keswick St., Boston. Page, Charles E., M.D 120 Tremont St., Boston. Page, Dudley L 636 Rogers St., Lowell. Parker, Mrs. William L 312 Dartmouth St., Boston. Poole, Miss Grace L 22 School St., Rockland. Proctor, Mrs. Henry H 282 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Rand, Miss Margaret A 49 Kirkland St., Cambridge Rogers, Mrs. Robert K Dover. Sayles, Mrs. R. W 263 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill. Shaw, Mrs. George R Concord. Shepard, Miss Emily B 124 Rawson Rd., Brookline. Simpson, Miss Helen Hotel Vendome, Boston. Stewart, Mrs. Cecil 451 Beacon St., Boston. Stone, Mrs. F. H South Dartmouth. Storrow, Mrs. J. J 417 Beacon St., Boston. Taber, Miss Gertrude S Hotel Puritan, Boston. Thacher, Miss Mary De W 69 Alleghany St., Roxbury. Thorndike, Richard K Millis. Thornton, Miss Mary Calef Magnolia. Tucker, Mrs. Fred H 206 Church St., Newton. Whitman, Loring Simsbury, Conn. SUSTAINING MEMBERS—APRIL. Achorn, Ralf C 25 Huntington Ave., Boston. Barney, Miss Margaret D 80 Marlboro St., Boston. Barrett, Marion 239 Moody St., Waltham. Blair, Miss M. P 15 Ellery St., Cambridge. Bliss, Miss H. M 50 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Brockton Woman's Club Mrs. Warren Tirrell, 401 Moraine St., Brockton. Brown, Mrs. Eleanor A 47 Glen Rd., Jamaica Plain. Carstens, Carol C 523 Washington St., Brookline. Monthly Bulletin 5 Carter, Mrs. R. H. A 4 Circuit Rd., Chestnut Hill. Caskey, Paul D 983 Charles River Rd., Cambridge. Cate, Mrs. Myrtle E 199 St. Paul St., Brookline. Chamberlin, Abby H 10 Keswick St., Boston. Chamberlain, Mr. and Mrs. S. H... 114 Fenway, Boston. Chapman, Mrs. Edwin Ashby. .: Clapp, Mrs. Lowell T 59 Evans Rd., Brookline. Child, Mrs. George S 11 Hazelwood St., Roxbury. Clark, Eugene W 20 St. John St., Jamaica Plain. Close, Lucile N 1 Fayerweather St., Cambridge. Cochrane, Miss S. C 219 Newbury St., Boston. CoUingwood, Mrs. Sarah J 603 Beech St., Holyoke. Grainmer, Mrs. C. L 131 Newbury St., Boston. Graton, Mrs. L. C 10 Buckingham PL, Cambridge. Hill, Donald M 60 Federal St., Boston. Hobart, Dr. Mary F Dodona, Needham Heights. Keller, Mrs. C. T 22 Euston St., Brookline. King, Mrs. Bertha C 55 Trowbridge St., Cambridge. Robinson, Mrs. J. M 74 Appleton St., Maiden. Shipman, Julia M 401 Beacon St., Boston. Shirley, Margaret I Quincy St., Quincy. Taylor, Bessie C West Peabody. Whitcomb, Janet 40 Westland Terrace, Haverhill. Wilde, Mrs. G. H 3 Concord Ave., Cambridge. Young, Rev, Clarence A 25 Waumbeck St., Roxbury. LIFE MEMBERS— MAY. Bradlee, F. J 222 Boylston St., Boston. Harding, Mrs. Benjamin F 124 Canton Ave., Milton. Hersey, Miss Mary L 6 Madison Hall, Trinity Ct., Boston. Stengel, Mrs. Peter 22 Bradlee St., Dorchester Centre. Torrey, Mrs. Belle M 52 Elm St., Worcester. SUSTAINING MEMBERS— MAY. Adams, Master Edward P Ware Hall, Harvard St., C'mb'dge. Baright, Mrs. E. K Salt Point, N. Y. Codman, Mrs. Ernest Amory 227 Beacon St., Boston. Colby, Mrs. Mary B 464 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Cole, William Morse 55 Brewster St., Cambridge. Comey, Arthur C 56 Fayerweather St., Cambridge. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society Comfort Carrier's Club Miss Edith L. Jones, Treas., Bui- finch Place Church, Boston. Conant, Mrs. J. F 1064 Beacon St., Brookline. Coolidge, Miss Helen 14 Coolidge Hill Rd., Cambridge. Cooper, Mrs. Burton H 127 Summer Rd., Brookline. Cowan, Fred H 25 Aldworth St., Jamaica Plain. Crosby, A. Morris 51 Middlesex Rd., Chestnut Hill. Crosby, W. 0 9 Park Lane, Jamaica Plain. Cunningham, Rev. Henry C 22 Blagden St., Boston. Currier, Mrs. Warren T 1806 Beacon St., Brookline. Curtis, Mrs. Annie F 44 Marsh Ave., Haverhill. (^iurtis, Joseph D 44 Marsh Ave., Haverhill. Curtis, Ensign Lawrence 464 Beacon St., Boston. Cushing, Mrs. H. W 70 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Dean, Mrs. Josiah S 19 Lanark Rd., Brookline. Dehon, Miss Theodora 535 Beacon St., Boston. Denton, Miss S. E 250 Ashmont St., Dorchester. de Wolfe, Miss Margaret H 9 Newbury St., Boston. Dixon, Frederick 1101 Beacon St., Brookline. Dodge, Hayward C 22 Bradlee St., Dorchester Centre. Drew, Miss Mary S 336 Washington St., Brookline. Emery, Miss Octavia B 20 Hubbard Park, Cambridge. Eveleth, Wm. Hartwell 18 Martin St., Cambridge. Finney, Mrs. Esther S St. Davids, Pa. Ingraham, J. C 187 Gardner Road, Brookline. McGill, Mrs. Frederick Fisher Ave., Newton Highlands. Munro, Mrs. J. G 90 The Fenway, Boston. Parker, Mrs. W. F 65 Columbus Ave., Northampton. Tucker, Miss Ruth A West Paris, Me. SOME CONCORD BIRDS. Dear Mr. Forbush: — Yesterday afternoon, at about 5 o'clock, I saw, in the Frog Pond on Boston Common, a pair of black ducks — a duck and a drake — which ap- peared to be quite unafraid although there was the usual large number of people about the pond. A boy threw some pieces of bread into the water and the ducks ate it. Last evening, at 7.25, a night-hawk flew by our house, on the easterly side. It was just before the wind changed and the air was very muggy and full of mosquitoes. Probably the bird was having a fine feed from them. Bluebirds and white-bellied swallows are scarce; I have seen, about our place at Concord, but two bluebirds and four white-bellied swallows Monthly Bulletin 7 — I should say one-third as many as in former years. We have seen no purple martins this year, nor have we heard of any being seen. Apparently there are more robins than even in former years; the usual number of orioles and of song sparrows and chipping sparrows. Partridge woodpeckers appear to be nesting in the Berlepsch box on the tree in the meadow east of our house, where they have been nesting for several years. I have heard that there are rose-breasted grosbeaks about Concord and we think we have heard some but have seen none about our place. I have noticed a few warblers. I have seen fewer meadowlarks than usual; have not seen or heard any quail or ruffed grouse. This morning, I think I saw, in the meadow, at a considerable distance, one or two bobolinks, the first ones of this season. We have been hearing, as in the past two or three years, the boom of the bittern in the meadow east of our house and have frequently seen one — in fact, it is getting to be quite an object of interest to people. I have seen automobiles stop so that the occupants could view the bittern, which appears to be getting quite used to seeing people, as he, or she, comes, at times, quite close to the Causeway. One afternoon, I saw what I supposed were two of these birds, except that one, who stood up erect, appeared to have a black or dark back, with white bands across his shoulders. Yesterday afternoon, I saw what I presume was the same bird, standing in the meadow, only that his general color seemed to be brown instead of black. He had the white bands across his shoulders. He appeared to be booming. The wind was blowing away from me so I could not say positively that I heard the sound, although I thought I did and he was going through the usual contortions that bittern go through when booming. When I first saw this bird, there was another bird near him which I am confident was a bittern; it was brown, the usual color. I was puzzled by the appearance of the one that looked black and had the white bands. Could it have been a bittern? Yours very truly, Edward L. Parker. The bird showing black and white was undoubtedly a bittern. The bittern has "a glossy black streak on each side of the upper neck," and during courtship it has the habit of displaying white nuptial plumes which are attached near the shoulders and which, though ordinarily concealed, can be spread out in the form of a conspicuous ruff. See the paper on the subject by Mr. William Brewster, in the Club, for January, 1911. — F. H. A. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRDS OF THE MOOSE HILL SANCTUARY. By Harry G. Higbee, Bird Warden. To spend a few hours among the birds in any locality is always a pleasure. To spend a whole day among those of the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary at Sharon was the special delight of many bird enthusiasts on the occasion of the Audubon Society "Bird Day," Saturday, May 18th. My own "day" on this occasion might be said to have started "the night before," as my companion and I arrived at the old farmhouse about 11 P. M. on Friday. Supper being over shortly after midnight, we strolled out upon the ledge which overlooks the broad expanse of valley and hills to the south and east. It was a beautiful night, and occasionally the chirping of passing migrants overhead came drifting down to our ears. Whip-poor-wills called vociferously, and now and then an oven-bird burst forth in an ecstasy of song, as if disturbed in some sweet dream. On nine different occasions within an hour, coming from various parts of the woods, did we hear this burst of melody commonly known as the "flight song" of the oven-bird. On none of these occasions, however, did the performer mount into the air, as it so often does when this song is given just after sunset in the dusk of a summer's evening. Shortly before four o'clock on Saturday morning we were again out on the ledge, this time ensconced in our blankets to listen for the waking birds and to watch the coming of the dawn. Venus shone resplendent in the southeast; overhead the stars were brilliant, and there was every promise of a good day. Our thermometer registered sixty degrees, and there was a light westerly breeze. Aside from the whip-poor-wills, the tree swallows were the first birds to be heard. They were twittering and flying about at four o'clock — an hour and a half before sunrise. A towhee called at 4.10, and a field sparrow came next at 4.15. Five minutes later we could distinguish faint streaks of approaching dawn over the eastern hills. Soon we heard an oven-bird, and, at half past four, a brown thrasher and a Maryland yellowthroat. Two minutes later a rose-breasted grosbeak sang, and at 4.35 the robin chorus started. Then came the songs of the wood thrush, scarlet tanager and hermit thrush. At 4.45 the hills across the valley were becoming visible and it was just light enough to see to write. A prairie warbler and a chestnut-sided warbler were heard at this time, followed closely by the redstart, catbird, Nashville warbler and black and white warbler. The last whip-poor-will call was heard at 4.50 — forty minutes before sunrise. The phoebe, pheasant, crow, indigo bunt- ing and Baltimore oriole were next noted in the order given. Then came, within a few minutes, the least flycatcher, yellow-billed cuckoo, red-eyed Monthly Bulletin 9 vireo, barn swallow, cowbird, black-throated green warbler and downy woodpecker. It was just five-thirty as the great orange-red sun appeared above the horizon and rose majestically behind the spires of Sharon village. This seemed to be a signal for the birds, and with one accord they seemed to join their songs in a mighty anthem to greet the giver of light. From our place upon the ledge we had identified thirty species of birds before sunrise. Thirteen more were added to this list before break- fast, by a short walk about the farm buildings and on the hillside just below. These were the blue jay, bluebird, chipping sparrow, song spar- row, rufifed grouse, golden-winged warbler, parula warbler, chimney swift, black-billed cuckoo, purple finch, vesper sparrow, Blackburnian warbler and house wren. Parties soon began to arrive for the day, and little groups strolled about in dififerent parts of the sanctuary watching for the birds. During the forenoon about the farmhouse, the kingbird, goldfinch, ruby-throated hmnmingbird and red-shouldered hawk, were added to this list, and later in the day, the blue-headed vireo, red- winged blackbird, nighthawk and veery. The foregoing list of fifty-one species of birds represents simply my own observations, made either alone or in company with Rev. Mr. Towns- end, of Nashua, N. H., who spent the night with me here at the old farm. These were all identified in a walk of less than two miles for the day, as I spent most of the time in the vicinity of the farmhouse and in show- ing others about the place. At, the same time a dozen difi^erent kinds of ferns were noted; seventy-six species of trees, shrubs, and vines were ob- served, and eighty-one different flowers and flowering plants were identi- fied— most of these on our little walk before breakfast. I mention these simply to show the wonderful variety and profusion of wild life in this spot, which seems in every way so admirably fitted for a bird sanctuary. Many more species might be added to these lists by a little investigation, as several parts of the sanctuary were not visited at all; and some of these, like the swale, the open marsh and pond, the thick woods, and the little streams, each have their own peculiar attractions and seem to gather about them certain forms of life not found in other parts. An interesting observation made here, which touches upon the value of birds about a place, was the fact that every tent caterpillar nest which I examined on this day had been either torn open or punctured with holes and the caterpillars eaten. Every web was empty, although a few days previous some of these had been filled with caterpillars of con- siderable size nearly an inch in length. These larger nests (which were torn open) were probably cleaned out by the cuckoos, which appear to be quite plentiful about these grounds. 10 Massachusetts Audubon Society During the day there were observed nesting here eighteen pairs of birds, representing the following eleven species: robin, Baltimore oriole, house wren, least flycatcher, phoebe, tree swallow, barn swallow, catbird, flicker, downy woodpecker and solitary vireo. Several interesting things were ob- served in regard to these. In the afternoon it was noted that a robin's nest in a low cedar by the steps of Dr. Field's residence had been robbed of its two eggs. From a little distance these birds were seen excitedly flying about and calling, and although no intruder was seen disturbing the nest, the miscreant was probably either a snake or a blue jay — the circum- stances seeming to point more to the former than to the latter. A robin's nest in a low spruce tree near the farmhouse contained four eggs (two of these being hatched when later inspected, on the 20th). In the same tree are four old nests, showing in all probability that this tree has been used as a nesting site by the same pair of robins for five seasons. In a cedar but a few yards away was another robin's nest containing two young, apparently several days old. The house wren was found nesting in an isolated bird-box ten feet up on a pole, near the little pond by the road. This box (a Lee bluebird house) has an inch-and-a-half entrance-hole and is seven inches deep. It was said to have been occupied by tree swallows during the past sea- son. It was filled to the opening with small twigs and other nesting ma- terial, in the top of which was a nice little hollow lined with strips of grapevine bark, horsehair and hen feathers. (When examined on the 20th this nest contained two eggs.) There were several other unoccupied boxes about, seemingly more fitted as to size for the nesting of the house wren than the one chosen by this bird. Within a few yards of the wren's nest a least flycatcher was observed building her little home twenty feet up in the crotch of a small elm tree, and not fifty yards away was another nest of the same species on a maple branch overhanging the street, and about the same height. Two orioles' nests were noted in elm trees along the roadside, about thirty yards apart, in both instances the birds being at work upon them. Three bird-boxes were found occupied by the white-bellied or "tree," swallows. Each of these was selected from a tier of three boxes of diff^er- ing types nailed to a twelve-foot pole, and in each instance the same type of box was chosen — a square box, 4x4x7, with an inch-and-a-half entrance hole, (Ware bluebird house.) In one case the box chosen was the middle one, and in the other two instances, the lower on in the tier of three. (When inspected on the 20th, one of these nests contained six eggs, the female being on the nest; another contained five eggs, and the last one, two.) These nests were all typical, being of dried grass, lined with hen feathers, the birds seeming to prefer white feathers for this purpose. M onthly B ulletin 11 The phoebe, which had its nest under the large barn, seemed to be rather late in breeding. This nest, when I examined it toward evening, contained four eggs and one young bird apparently but a few hours old. (On the 19th there was still but the one egg hatched, and on the 20th I found two young and three eggs in this nest.) A pair of barn swallows were nesting in the big barn, and another pair was noted flying in and out of the old barn adjoining the farmhouse. Two catbirds' nests were found. One of these, which was in a thick clump of barberry back of the old barn, was a splendidly built nest. I found it started on the 12th, and apparently completed except the lining on the 18th — the day of which we are writing. On the 19th I found it nicely lined with fine rootlets, and on the 20th it contained one egg — an unusually small one. Both the flicker and downy woodpecker nests were found in stubs on the hillside below the old barn, near the little stream. A rather unusual robin's nest was noted in a cedar tree near the lane, just beyond the windmill. This nest is large and bulky, and ap- pears upon close examination to have been remodelled and used either two or three seasons. I have never observed such an instance as this before. Probably the best "find" for the day was the nest of a solitary, or "blue-headed," vireo, on the thickly wooded hill south of the reservoir. This beautiful basket nest, which was first located by Mr. Cheney, was hung in the forked branch of a white oak sapling, about five feet from the ground. After a group of people had studied from a little distance the bird upon her nest, I made a closer investigation, wishing to see how near I could approach without the vireo taking alarm, and also to ascer- tain the contents of the nest. By moving very slowly, I succeeded in putting my hand within a few inches of the bird's head before she flew. A peep into the nest then disclosed her four creamy-white eggs, faintly spotted with brown. On top of these were two cowbird's eggs, about fifty per cent, larger than her own and showing off conspicuously with their thickly-blotched, dark markings against a background of gray. These intruders were removed, as otherwise her own offspring would have had little chance for successful development. Those who had such an un- usual opportunity to study this bird in its solitary home agreed that this experience alone was well worth the effort of the day's outing. The fifty or more enthusiasts who visited the sanctuary on this day certainly seemed to enjoy themselves, and all combined in good fellow- ship to make the outing a remarkably successful one. Many of the birds seemed especially accommodating in posing for their admirers or in dem- onstrating their vocal abilities. A ruby-throated hummingbird returned 12 Massachusetts Audubon Society a dozen times to his perch upon the top of a small ash tree, close by the farm house, where all could admire him: the house wren sang melodiously throughout the greater part of the day: grosbeaks seemed unusually abundant; and both the yellow-billed and black-billed cuckoos called at intervals, and showed themselves, that they might be distinguished by those who so easily confuse the two species. A Blackburnian warbler gave us a beautiful exhibition in the early morning, and several other warblers gave abundant opportunity for the observers to study and distinguish their songs. After the last of our guests had departed I went alone out on to the ledge, to sum up the day's proceedings and to absorb some of the peace and quiet which comes with the end of the day in such a place as this. Just before sunset there were many songs and calls, but with the soften- ing of the shadows these seemed to soften also, blending in perfect har- mony with the tinting of the skies and the gradual dimming of the land- scape. A solitary blackbird winged its way across the valley toward the marshes; the sad, sweet song of the field sparrow now seemed doubly sweet, as, unmingled with other voices, it rose from below among the sprout- lands; chewinks and Maryland yellow-throats called occasionally — ^the latter giving its less frequently heard call resembling the rattling notes of the kingfisher. From somewhere up in the sky came the sharp, weird cry of a nighthawk; then, as all became calm and serene, there came drifting across the valley from the pines beyond, that wonderful song of the hermit thrush — its clear, pure strains mounting up and up, until they seemed to float between earth and heaven. Soon an ovenbird, mount- ing on fluttering wings high over the tree-tops, gave its last ecstatic flight- song before settling for the night; then — as if it were the very spirit of the swamp incarnate — from somewhere out of the depths I heard the silvery, tranquil strains of the veery. Responding in clear, flute-like notes came the ringing song of the wood thrush, and ere the last of these sweet tones had died away, the voice of the night seemed to speak in the lonely call of the whip-poor-will. Moonlight was now fast flooding the valley and spreading its magic veil over the hills. Having finished the little souvenir which I had been whittling, I reluctantly rose to go, realizing that my day with the birds had come to a close, and that the friendly night, with its mysteries and its charms, had settled down once more over Moose Hill Sanctuary. \Mlome II. OCTOBER, 1918 Number 6. Issued Monthly by the Massarhusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the aflfairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and I 'fe Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRD WORK IS WAR WORK In the midst of our mightiest efforts to win the war we ought in no wise to relax our efforts in the cause of bird protection. Emphasis is laid on this fact by Food Administrator Hoover, who says: "I hope the people of the United States realize how closely related to the whole question of food saving is the question of the protection of our insectivorous and migratory birds." Through the passage of the enabling act of the migratory bird treaty the Federal Government itself now takes charge of all migratory birds, thanks to the untiring efforts of all bird protectionists, backed by a strong public opinion, during many anxious years. That public opinion should be so strongly behind this movement is due in a large measure to the per- sistent educational work of the Audubon Societies, a work which now extends throughout the world. This work must go on. It is the broad foundation on which stands the whole structure of bird laws and bird pro- tection. Its opportunities grow with its successes. It is needed to help the enforcement of the Federal Laws throughout the country. The local, non- migratory birds need it in the forwarding of the sanctuary movement which is their salvation. Most of all our young people need it. To them it points a pleasant, open road to nature study and an understanding of the deep things of life which are the foundation of character. You are in- vited to visit the office at 66 Newbury Street or the sanctuary at Moose Hill, Sharon, and become more closely acquainted with our work. MRS. ERNESTINE M. KETTLE In the death of Mrs. Ernestine M. Kettle, of Weston, the Massachu- setts Audubon Society loses a life member of long standing, a valued friend to all our work as indeed to all good work. In all the years of her membership no call for assistance was allowed to pass unheeded, and a substantial remembrance in her will, which will be added in due time to our reserve fund, makes that support permanent and readily available for all time. In the good will of such friends the good work of the world goes securely on. WALT F. McMAHON Walt F. McMahon gave his life for his country on the battlefront in France last August. In his death the cause of bird protection loses a staunch friend, an able champion, and a man whom everyone loved for his genial nature, his nobility of character and his enthusiasm for his chosen work in which he showed marked ability. He was for some time assistant to Mr. Forbush, State Ornithologist, at the State House. He lectured and took charge of exhibitions of bird protection methods for the Massachu- setts Audubon Society and later was called to New York, where he was in the office of the National Association when drafted last spring. He went to the new work with the same quiet courage, manliness and determina- tion to do his best which he had always shown. He was shot by a sniper while on extra hazardous scout duty for which he had volunteered. Monthly Bulletin 3 THE LIBERTY LOAN The Massachusetts Audubon Society has joined to the uttermost ex- tent of its ability in the Fourth Liberty Loan, just completed, as it has in the three which preceded it. The funds thus invested are those of its reserve, made up of the fees of Life Members, and of such legacies as it has received. All such sums are carefully held in reserve, even the interest turned back into the fund, in the hope that in time the amount will be sufficient to make the work secure financially. All funds of the Massachusetts Audubon Society are handled care- fully and conservatively, but the Reserve Fund, in the exclusive control of the Board of Directors, is especially worthy of the consideration of testators who wish to make legacies of lasting usefulness. There will always be need of organized work for bird protection, a form of conservation of the greatest importance to the general welfare. The Reserve Fund of the Society when of sufficient size will insure this. Can you not help in this way? FORM OF BEQUEST I give and bequeath to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incorpor- ated, the sum of Dollars for its Reserve Fund. THE AUDUBON CALENDAR, 1919 By courtesy of the National Association of Audubon Societies the Audubon calendar for this year, now ready, reproduces the following birds in color: Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Robin, Meadowlark, Rose- breasted Grosbeak, Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Cedar Waxwing, Chewink, White-throated Sparrow, Blue Jay, Cardinal. These, from paintings by Fuertes, Horsfall and Sawyer, are very faithful reproductions with ex- quisite backgrounds by these well-known painters of bird life. There are twelve calendar pages, one for each month, and the pictures are accom- panied by accounts of the various birds, written by Forbush, Pearson, Dutcher and Ingersoll, size 11^/2 x 7, neatly tied with red cord for hang- ing. Price, Si. 00 each, supply limited; shall we book your order now? MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY 66 Newbury Street, Boston Please send Calendar to Name Address 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society LIFE MEMBERS— JUNE Finney, Mrs. Esther S. Freeman, Mrs. James G. Gray, Mrs. John Chipman Harris, Mrs. Anna C. Hosmer, Phoebe L. Underwood, H. 0. St. David's, Pa. Weston. 176 Beacon St., Boston. P. 0. Box 2897, Boston. 264 W. Main St., Orange. Belmont. SUSTAINING MEMBERS— JUNE Adams, Mrs. Eugene T. Chamberlain, Miss Dorothy D. Brown, Mrs. Leroy S. Foster, Miss Fanny Foster, Miss Olive Tennyson Foster, Walter H. Fraser, Mrs. Duncan Freybe, Mr. and Mrs. Carl E. Gendrot, Mrs. Almira B. Fenno Gilbert, Miss Grace Gray, Miss Harriet Gray, Mrs. Wm. R. Gutterson, John Harris Hartmann, Arnold Haskell, Miss Mary E. Merrill, Miss Ada F. Robertson, Mrs. James E. 1415 Beacon St., Brookline. 28 Professors' Row, Tufts College, Mass. Lexington. LeRoy Ave., Newport, R. I. 369 Beacon St., Boston. 40 Court St., Boston. 206 Buckminster Road, Brookline. 124 Babcock St., Brookline. 1 Buena Vista St., Roxbury. 10 Blake Road, Brookline. 178 Beacon St., Boston. 373 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 1080 Beacon St., Brookline. 483 Dedham St., Newton Centre. Cambridge School, Cambridge. 5 Hopestill St., Dorchester Centre. Guilford Center, Vermont. LIFE MEMBERS— JULY Goodwin, Mrs. Charles C. Hinckley. Mrs. D. F. 16 Merriam St., Lexington. 5 Auburn Court, Brookline. SUSTAINING MEMBERS— JULY Dow, David C, Jr. Dow, Miss Margaret Drake, Miss Beatrice E. Ellison, Miss Laura B. Farnsworth, Miss Marion Felch, Lewis P., M.D. Gray, Miss Elizabeth Hatch, Fred A. Hinkley, Mrs. Holmes Holway, A. M. Howard, Miss Bessie Willis Howes, Mrs. Ernest Huegle, Mrs. Leo Wm. Hunt, Miss Rosamond 6 Hilliard St., Cambridge. 6 Hilliard St., Cambridge. North Middleborough. Duxbury. 33 Concord Ave., Cambridge. 1069 Boylston St., Boston. 25 Kingsbury Road, Chestnut Hill. 321 Summer St., Boston. 1 Berkeley Place, Cambridge. 1863 Beacon St., Brookline. 24 Linnaean St., Cambridge. North Cohasset. 590 Weld St., West Roxbury. 30 Warren St., Brookline. Monthly Bulletin 5 Hyams, Miss Sarah A. 26 Wales St., Dorchester. Morgan, Miss Alice M. 6 Mercer Circle, Cambridge. Walcott, Robert 910 Barristers Hall, Boston. LIFE MEMBERS— AUGUST Parker, Mrs. Edward L. Concord. LIFE MEMBERS— SEPTEMBER Chapin, Mrs. Rufus 1328 Northampton St., Holyoke. Kellner, Waldo Willard 7 Mason St., Cambridge. SUSTAINING MEMBERS— SEPTEMBER Adams, John M. 408 N. Main St., N. Natick. Cobb, Mrs. John C. 340 Adams St., Milton. King, Harvey 11 Merlin St., Dorchester. Jordan, Augustus C. 137 Mt. Vernon St., West Roxbury. Tinkham, H. L. Care W. L. Douglas Shoe Co., Brock- ton. THE MOOSE HILL BIRD SANCTUARY Shortly after our annual "Bird Day" on the Dr. Field estate at Sharon, an account of which appeared in the June Monthly Bulletin, arrangements were completed for the use of this property to be developed and maintained as a permanent protected area for wild birds, where studies, investigations and experiments pertaining to general bird welfare might be carried on in the interests of the Audubon Society, and for the benefit of the state at large. Mr. Harry G. Higbee, of Hyde Park, was engaged to take charge of this work, and assumed his duties on the first of June, taking up his resi- dence in the old farmhouse on Moose Hill Street, near the northern bound- ary of the property. This tract of land, which has been designated as the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary, covers an area of approximately 235 acres among the hills in the western part of Sharon, and rises from an elevation of 240 feet at its lowest point to over 400 feet at its western boundary. It is greatly diversified in character and seems most admirably adapted for the work which we have vmdertaken. Several small streams run through the property; there are an artificial pond for water fowl, and a small natural pond in the woods. Meadowland, swamps, many orchards and varied sorts of woodland afford ample shelter, food and nesting-sites for the various species of birds. About a mile and a half southeast of the property lies the well-known Lake Massapoag, and two miles southwest is Foxboro Pond, the head- waters of the Neponset River. Along the western boundary is a chain of hills, culminating not far away in Moose Hill, which rises to an elevation 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society of 536 feet. The value of this area as a bird sanctuary is further en- hanced by the fact that several square miles of adjoining territory have already been set apart by the state as a protected area for the birds. An- other advantage is that the sanctuary may be easily reached from Boston — Sharon being but a little over eighteen miles south, on the Providence Division of the New Haven Railroad. A preliminary survey of this tract has been made, and the land posted with suitable signs, forbidding the disturbing of birds or nests, or the gathering of fruits, flowers or shrubs within the sanctuary. Systematic records of birds and their nesting are being kept on special cards which we have designed and had printed for this purpose. An office has been established in the farmhouse, and several of the rooms arranged for museum and exhibition purposes, where students and visitors may find much to interest them relating to bird study. Several collections of general interest are also on exhibition here; including a collection of butterflies, moths and other insects, numbering about 400 specimens; two cases of minerals, and several exhibits of educational value pertaining to the eco- nomic importance of birds. Weekly reports have been rendered, showing progress of the work here, and general conditions regarding the movements and habits of the birds of this vicinity. About fifty species of birds are known to have nested within the sanc- tuary grounds this season, and about thirty more kinds were observed here during the migrations. Several interesting and unusual notes have been obtained in connec- tion with nest observations, and a number of useful photographs have been secured. In connection with the bird study and experimental work to be carried on here, insect, plant and animal life are also being observed, and it may be of interest to record here that about 175 species of wild flowers and flowering plants; 80 or more kinds of trees, shrubs and vines, and twenty different ferns have already been identified within the sanctuary grounds. Plans are being laid for experimental work in feeding devices for at- tracting and holding birds throughout the winter months; also for the construction of a pool and bird-bath in the dooryard at the farm. Methods of increasing useful birds are being studied, and every effort is being made as far as circumstances will permit, to make the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary attractive and of permanent value, both to birds and to bird students. ALLEGED REDISCOVERY OF THE PASSENGER PIGEON Statement by John M. Clarke, Director New York State Museum October 7, 1918. The enclosed letter from Mr. M. Rasmussen of Amsterdam, N. Y., is in reply to an inquiry from me regarding a statement of his discovery which Mr. Rasmussen had left with one of my associates at the State Museum. I have had a personal interview with Mr. Rasmussen since the date of the enclosed letter, in which he tells me that he has been a student and M o n t h I y B u I I e t i n 7 observer of birds for twenty -five years; that he had with him on this date, October 1, Mr. C. 0. Wilson and Mr. William Sanders, of Amsterdam, both bird students, and that they were together for a bird study trip through the country in the vicinity of West Galway and Charlton, N. Y. 56 Glen Ave., Amsterdam, N. Y., Dr. John M. Clarke, October 5th, 1918. Director State Museum, Albany, N. Y. Dear Sir: — Answering your letter of yesterday: Yes, I am absolutely sure that the birds were Passenger Pigeons and not the Mourning Dove. I could not have made this positive observation by seeing the flock, because we did not get close enough to make sure, but some were in a buckwheat field on the opposite side of the road from the field where we raised the flock, and because we knew, by seeing the flock and by the whistling sound of their wings, that we had seen wild pigeons we took precaution to get as close to them as possible. Two of us were fortunate enough to have a bird light on a low limb of a tree only a few feet in front of us, as we were standing still under cover in the edge of the woodlot, while my dog was raising the birds in the field. We were so close that we could see the orange-red skin about the eyes, and the bluish color of the back and the head with no black spot near the ear region; also the large size of the bird convinced us that we had a Passenger Pigeon before us, and that we had seen a small flock of them a few minutes before. The Mourning Dove is not so rare a bird to me. I have seen small flocks of them from time to time during the 25 years I have lived in this state. I never but once before saw Wild Passenger Pigeons and that was near Ithaca, about twenty years ago. Very truly yours, (Signed) M. Rasmussen. PROTHONOTARY WARBLER AT SHARON On May 28th I saw a bird on our own grounds, which I identified as a prothonotary warbler. The head was of a flaming orange, softening into a warm yellow on breast and underpart; as it flew it showed the white in the wings. I had ample time to observe as it remained on the wire for ten minutes or more and obligingly turned around several times. Is it not unusual for this warbler to be found in Massachusetts? Prairie warblers are abundant this season, also wren and cuckoos. I have ob- served redstarts, chestnut-sided warblers, Maryland yellow-throats, all eating gypsy moth caterpillars; also grosbeak and scarlet tanager. Sincerely, Harriet A. Goode. The prothonotary warbler is a very rare straggler to Massachusetts, and any observer who sees one here is to be congratulated. The white which Mrs. Goode observed as the bird flew was probably in the tail rather than in the wings. — Editor. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society THE BIRDS OF MY CITY GARDEN Ever since I came to live — and it is a whole generation now — in the old-fashioned house with a garden in front of it on the top of Beacon Hill, the first week in April a pair of robbins has come to the garden and about two weeks later a pair of shy, quiet hermit thrushes has arrived. It is an interesting question whether in each case these are the same pair. How long are birds supposed to live? I should be glad of light on this point. On the morning of April 19th of the present year, on looking out from the dining room window into the yard, I noticed under the big linden tree a small brown bird huddled together as if from fear, and as if trying to hide under the low brick wall. I thought at first that the bird was a sparrow, and wondered why he was thus alone, when the linden tree was full of his noisy mates, but looking more closely I recog- nized our old friend, the hermit thrush. Then presently I observed a black and white cat, who has the unwelcome habit of visiting our yard. I waved my newspaper and shouted to the cat, who moved a little, and in a moment the thrush had the courage to fly up into the linden tree. I went out into the garden and drove the cat away and the thrush was saved — for the time. He had evidently been hypnotized by the cat. For several winters a big owl used to come to the trees in our garden and he frightened away all the sparrows. I wish he would come again, but alas! I believe some boys, throwing stones at him, hurt him and he afterwards died. On April 16th a junco visited the garden and was picking up grass seed with the sparrows; a purple grackle also came, but he kept a little apart and looked lonely. On April 18th — a cold wet day — I saw a downy woodpecker knock- ing with his bill against the trunk of an old elm tree just below the gar- den; the day following he was in the linden tree close to my window, so that I had a fine view of his brilliant red head. In my notebook for April 20th I have: crows calling in the early morning hours; 22nd, gray day, robin sings all the morning. In the spring of 1917 and again in 1918 — oh, wonder of wonders, in a city yard! — for several morning;s and evenings, the hermit thrush was heard to sing! Annie L. Sears. EGRET AT TYNGSBORO. There is a large mill pond in our town and through July and August when the water is low there are extensive mud flats exposed. There, partly concealed in my boat, I have spent many pleasant hours. On Tuesday, Sept. 3, I had a very interesting trip to these same mud flats. Black- crowned night herons, green herons (saw great blue heron many times, but not this trip) ; greater yellowlegs, semipalmated, solitary, spotted and least sandpipers, and, finest and rarest of all, an American egret. Hav- ing a fieldglass, I watched him at my leisure, the bird sometimes standing for half an hour or more in water 6 to 8 inches or more deep, and again taking short flights to a mud flat; his immaculate plumage contrasting very noticeably, where he preemed his feathers undisturbed. Later, after talk- ing about him with other observers, I concluded that the bird stayed there- abouts a week or more. William Blanchard. Volume II. NOVEMBER, 1918 Number 7. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class mai.er at the post-oflSce at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining anc Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society FEED THE BIRDS The wonderful southward movement of the migrating birds is nearing its end. It has been characterized this year by greater numbers of many species than have ever before been noted. Mingling with the last of these come the winter wanderers and visitants from the far north. With the first fall of snow these will be about our doors, vieing with the permanent resi- dents in their interest in the insect life remaining in the shrubbery and orchards and in such food as we now put out for them. Their work in our gardens and on our farms has helped us win the war, it will help us to feed the starving millions of the war-stricken countries in the year to come. Let us help them through the bitter weather by feeding them sys- tematically. It is at once a joy and a patriotic duty and it gives a zest to the home life. The Audubon Society will gladly furnish full information as to the best method of feeding the wild birds. CHRISTMAS SUGGESTIONS You can do some of your Christmas shopping early by placing an order now with the Audubon Society for charts or calendars, which we will mail postpaid to any address in time to arrive with the Christmas mail. We will see that your card is enclosed if you send it with the order. The colored charts of the Audubon Society are decorative and enter- taining and have high instructive value for old and young. Their use in public and private schools, libraries and homes now extends to every state in the Union and is rapidly increasing. The money received from their sale goes into the educational work of the Society, of which the charts them- selves are an effective part. The price is $1.50 each, $4.50 for the set of three. The Audubon Calendar has twelve full-page colored plates of birds, one for each month, by distinguished artists. It is entirely new and more popu- lar than any of its predecessors. The edition is limited; it is going rapidly, and orders should be placed early if copies are to be secured. The price is $1.00 each. Can you not do a part of your Christmas giving in this way? The Audubon Society would appreciate the Christmas gift of a new member. Have you not some friend interested in birds who would appre- ciate the gift of membership? Membership in the Audubon Society includes subscription to the monthly Bulletin, the use of the Moose Hill Bird Sanc- tuary for study or recreation, opportunities to attend entertaining and instructive bird and nature lectures, advice and instruction from headquar- ters in all matters pertaining to bird life, and many other desirable privi ileges. The price is $1.00 per year. Twenty-five dollars purchases a Life Monthly Bulletin 3 Membership. Life Members have all the rights and privileges of Sustaining Members without further payment. The money received from Life Member- ships goes into tlie Reserve Fund of the Society, making a gift of Life Membership of peculiar value because of its permanency. QUAINT ITEMS OF BIRD-LORE Quaint tales in which bird-lore and folk-lore meet are always of inter- est to the editor. Among those received lately are two more wordings of the bobolink's song, as follows: "Bobolink, bobolink, He hawl a hairbrand, Pewee steel smart, Ain't I very light? Oh h, yes. Whew! — dingle, dingle, dingle." "Go to milk; go to milk; Oh Miss Phillisy, Dear Miss Phillisy, What will Willie say If you don't go to milk? No butter, no cheese, No cheese, no cheese; No butter nor cheese If you don't go to milk." The following has also been given as the wording of the blackbird's song. Possibly the English blackbird's song might have a phrasing that would fit this, which does not seem to belong to either grackle or redwing. It would seem to go better with the bobolink. One can but wonder how many of these folk-lore items concerning bird-life have been brought over from old England to New England in early colonial days and, having been fitted more or less loosely to our birds, have come down in local tradition. It runs thus: "Little Joe, little Joe, Kissing Judy, kissing Judy; Old leather apron. Calico breeches." Apropos of this is a paragraph in an account of a trip to Martha's Vineyard Island by Judge Charles F. Jenney, published in the "Records of Walks and Talks with Nature" conducted by C. J. Maynard. Massachusetts Audubon Society Upland Plover, 1. Chappaquiddick Island, Oct. 4, a very late date. Mrs. James B. Worden of Edgartown has informed me that the Indians formerly residing on this island called this bird "Squatter Williams." She received this information from her mother, who was a descendant from one of the old families of the locality. As the name is not of Indian derivation, it may be corrupted from some word of that origin. CAN WE SAVE THE GROUSE? That the ruffed grouse is in danger of extinction, so alarming is the shortage in the numbers of this splendid bird in all our Northern States is admitted by all who know the woods, sportsmen as well as bird-lovers. At the opening of the hunting-season this year the Massachusetts Commis- sioners on Fisheries and Game sent out a request to sportsmen to refrain from shooting these birds. That alert and well-informed sportsmen have heeded this request is not to be doubted. Unfortunately there are many men with guns and shooting licenses in the woods who have either not heard this request or are too selfish to heed it, for the few remaining partridges are being shot just the same. If we are to save the birds, vigorous action must be taken and taken at once. New Brunswick has just passed a law making a three-years close season on grouse. Game Commissioners of both New York and Pennsylvania, after careful and impartial investigation, pro- pose a close season for a term of years as the only possible remedy. This has been tried out for two years now in one Pennsylvania county with excellent results. There is no better partridge country in the world than Massachusetts, but if we want the birds to exist here we must stop shooting them. A five-years close season would probably, even now, bring them back in good numbers, provided it were rigidly enforced, but we must have it and have it soon. Ruffed grouse are resident birds. They cannot be propagated in any numbers artificially. The seed stock once reduced below the limit of safe recovery, — and we are dangerously near that point now if we have not already passed it in many sections, — the birds will be gone. PROTECT THE LAUREL Are we not willing to forego some decoration for the sake of preserving for the enjoyment of future generations the beauty of our woods, swamps and pastures where the laurel now grows? The mountain laurel is one of our most beautiful native shrubs, and is a typical feature of our New England woods and pastures. Not occurring in other countries, it is an essentially American plant, and it should be our pleasure and duty to protect it from destruction, but its very beauty and charm induce cutting to an alarming extent. In winter, especially, the inroads upon this beautiful shrub are extensive and dangerous, for it is then used for festoons, wreaths, etc., in Christmas decorations. As it is then cold weather, the foliage keeps well and bears transportation to a distance, so that the quantity collected is only limited by the demand and the avail- able material. The flowers are borne only upon the shoot of the previous year's growth, so that, if these are cut, a year's flowering is lost; and when Monthly Bulletin 5 one looks at long festoons of laurel leaves, it is saddening to think of the great quantity of bloom that has been destroyed for the next summer in this truly extravagant winter decoration. Care for the future often involves sacrifice in the present. SUSTAINING MEMBERS— OCTOBER Hathaway, E. S., D.D.S. 18 Centre St., Middleboro Heyer, John C. Federal Trust Co., Boston Innes, Constance 197 Bay State Road, Boston Jewett, Mrs. Freeland 1223 Beacon St., Brookline Jones, Mrs. Arthur M. 137 Bay State Road, Boston Jones, Mrs. Clarence W. 101 St. Mary's St., Brookline Kitchin, Mrs. Evelyn S. 115 William St., Woodfords, Me. Knight, Mrs. F. D. 145 Sumner Ave., Springfield Rowan, Paul Draper Road, Wayland Troup, Charles A. S. 36 Bellevue Ave., Winthrop FEEDING HUMMING BIRDS By Grace Sherwood Two years ago last June we read of feeding hummings birds from bottles. Privately I thought it a cheerful lie to fill space. As I had been ill for months and could not walk, I was willing to try anything for amuse- ment. We followed instructions. Mother hunted up tiny bottles, and red and yellow crepe paper. I tied the paper around the bottles, bringing the ends up around the neck, and trimming it to a crude imitation of the trum- pet flower. Mother made a weak syrup of granulated sugar, filled five bot- tles, and hung them on the porch. My faith was weak, and the first day's result justified it. Nothing doing. Toward night of the second day 1 heard the vibration of a hum- ming bird's wings, and the contents of the bottle was sampled. Since then it has been a continuous performance throughout the season. That year they left September 10th. 'Ihey are scheduled to return the 15th of May in this latitude. I saw a male bird on that date, and the next day the females came. We had not put out the bottles, as I wanted to make a test. One bird flew directly to the porch and to all five places where the bottles had been the preceding year. 1 went in and got the feed ready, asking no further proof that at least one bird had been here before. For a few days they ate ravenously and fought vigorously, then they settled down to everyday eating and fighting. By midsummer they were so fat I feared I might have to give them an obesity cure. They left the 6th of September and were very ill-tempered the last days. This spring I was not at home in May, and as there were a good many flowers in the yard, mother thought she wouldn't put out the bottles. She had to change her mind. The birds annoyed her by flying into the porch and against the windows, until she put out the feeders May 30th. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society During the three seasons we have learned much about humming birds. The most outstanding thing is their ill-temper. They spend so much time in fighting it interferes with their eating. As a rule they will not allow another bird to come within fifteen feet. They show their anger by sharp little squeaks, spreading their tail feathers, and striking each other in the air. They fly at each other, full speed ahead, and the impact is terrific. The first time I saw the aerial battle when the collision came I rushed out to gather up the remains, and give them Christian burial. No corpse. Then I looked for the desperately wounded. Still nothing doing. Now I know they don't mind a little thing like that. Between feedings they perch a great deal. There are three favorite places within a radius of twenty feet from the porch — small bare twigs where they sit and stretch their wings, clean their bills and scratch their necks. A perching humming bird is a serious looking object. When they are perfectly quiet they look as though "Hark, from the tombs a doleful sound" was the most cheerful hymn they knew. I have read that the males never feed from bottles — they seldom do, but I have stood within eighteen inches of a ruby-throat eating as though that syrup was pie. Usually they feed at bottles the same as at flowers — poised in the air — but often they sit down, fold their wings, and devote themselves to eating with the single mindedness of the small boy. When quiet at the feeders they fold their wings closer than when perching, and for size, they remind me of a big grasshopper. The first season I learned to distinguish three birds. After much thought, regardless of sex, and widi due respect to the gentleman in ques- tion, I named them Bathhouse John, Hinky Dink and Fingy Connors. Female hummingbirds are not perfect ladies. The males are better mannered. As to feeders, we found the imitation of flowers unnecessary. The food is all they care for. We find little holders made of raffia, so the bottles can be slipped out for cleaning, the most convenient. We put two teaspoonfuls of sugar into a long-necked bottle, using a small funnel, then pour in one-fourth of a pint of hot water. As soon as dissolved it is ready for use. We pour from the large bottles into the feeders, and our winged family average eating the bottle full a day. How many there are I could not say, as I never have been able to count over five birds at a time, and five make the air so full you could vow there were fifty, if you cut loose from cold mathematics. BIRDS OF THE SEASON The State Ornithologist issues a monthly bulletin of seasonal informa- tion on birds, gleaned from correspondents all over New England, adjacent states and points in eastern Canada. This bulletin is of such length that it is impossible to include it all in a publication of limited space but copious extracts are printed herewith. Bird students interested in receiving the full text direct should address Mr. Edward Howe Forbush, 136 State House, Boston, Mass. Monthly Bulletin 7 The autumn has been remarkable. Although there were many rains in September, most of the storms were warm and the season has been so mild and open that not only have fall flowers escaped the frost, but spring flowers and fruits have developed. Wild strawberries, raspberries and blackberries were ripening late in October. Many lawns, mowing fields and pastures still retain their green verdure. From the Berkshire Hills to the Atlantic Coast the trailing arbutus bloomed locally late in October, and the common dandelion blossomed again in many localities, beside the fall species, and in some cases it seeded for the second time this year. Both spring and fall dandelions were blooming the first week in November. Willow catkins are now (Nov. 15) open in eastern Massachusetts, and a few flowers still bloom in some gardens. The eff"ect produced upon the birds by such springlike weather was what might have been expected. Not only did many of them sing in the usual subdued tones, but some apparently gave their full spring songs. Even the flight songs of several species have been reported, and the singing of robins, song sparrows and some other species continued well into November. The mild weather seemed to delay the departure of some individuals of several species, and to bring about dilatory movements of the waterfowl. Many herring gulls and numbers of ring-billed gulls are now moving along shore. Bonaparte's gulls were reported from Cape Cod October 19, and from Woods Hole Oct. 17. Three were still at Toronto, Canada, Nov, 6. Kittiwake gulls were seen on Cape Cod Oct. 20, and at Block Island Oct. 25. Kumlien's gull is reported from Cape Cod Nov, 2. A considerable movement of black ducks took place during October, and now some small flocks of mallards are seen. Some baldpates have been taken. Scaup, or bluebills, and redheads are perhaps not quite as common as usual at this season. Golden-eyes, or whistlers, and old-squaws are here in small numbers. All the scoters have come along as usual, Canada geese have passed intermittently during the last four weeks. The first of the annual flight of brant was reported from New Brunswick on the first two weeks of October, or about three weeks earlier than usual. They were all old birds. Probably severe weather in the Arctic Ocean de- stroyed their unfledged young and drove them to a less inclement climate. Brant were reported as thin and poor and few young geese were seen. No great flight of brant has been reported from New England, Again an autumnal flight of swans has been reported, but these reports are few and vague. One observer on Cape Cod on October 16, a fine, clear moonlight evening, heard calls which seemed to fill the air, which he ascribed to swans. It was a great flight of birds going south and the sound of the beating of their wings seemed so loud and close at hand that he almost expected to be fanned by them. Scores of birds were calling and stragglers followed for at least two minutes after the main flight had passed. No general flight of hawks has been reported this month. On October 14 there was a flight of red-tailed hawks north of Lake Ontario lasting all day, but these were headed west, and probably were making for the Mis- sissippi Valley, In western Hampshire County, Mass., an observer reported on October 22 the greatest niunber of migrating hawks ever seen by him. They passed between 7 and 8 A. M. and were so numerous that no count or estimate of their numbers was possible. This flight was a great procession 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society reaching from horizon to horizon, passing rapidly in groups, also many single birds. The observer had no glass with him, and could not identify the birds, but they were all large hawks. Some appeared quite dark in color, while on the underparts of others the sunflight flashed with a glint like silver, an inspiring sight! They were all headed a few degrees west of south. Observers in that region are few and far between, and no one else has reported this flight. Since that day many goshawks have been reported in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, but their unmbers are not yet nearly so great in this territory as they were in 1916 or 1917. The first rough-legged hawks were reported at St. Lamberts, P. Q., Oct. 30. Since then the species has reached southern New England in rather small numbers. Single hawks now are seen mainly in this region. The flight of ospreys con- tinued through October. October 21 one snowy owl appeared at St. Lamberts, and a few days later several were reported in Massachusetts. There has been a slight movement of horned owls, but nothing yet to compare with that of the autumn of 1917. Barred owls have appeared in southern New England in some numbers within the past two or three weeks, and a few short-eared owls have been reported. These may be looked for now on lowery days towards night in meadows and marshes, where they fly rather low. Early in November pine grosbeaks had become fairly common in Toronto. They were reported in small numbers from Essex County, Mass., Nov. 9. From Worcester and Franklin counties Nov. 10. An evening gros- beak was reported from Guelph, Ontario, Canada Oct. 16, and another occur- rence at Sarbia Nov. 11. The record of evening grosbeaks in Massachusetts given in the last Bulletin is now corroborated by two more instances of the occurrences of this species in Worcester County, since November came in, and a pair was seen on Block Island Nov. 11. Many more may appear this winter. Snow buntings usually reach the northernmost coasts of Massachusetts about the last of October, and a few appear along the Connecticut Valley in Connecticut a little later. This year they were seen on the beach in Ply- mouth County, Mass., Oct. 25. They arrived at Block Island Oct. 31. Large flocks were received from our coasts. A few were seen in the interior. In eastern Franklin County one was seen Nov. 1 in the black and white plumage of summer. Two were noted in the Connecticut Valley in Connecticut Nov. 3. About twenty longspurs were observed on Cape Cod Oct. 28. Lapland longspurs should be looked for now, particularly along the coast. Some- times they feed with snow buntings or horned larks. They are more com- mon in fall and early winter than late winter and spring. A veery was noted in the Connecticut River valley in Franklin County Oct. 22 and five were seen Nov. 1 in Essex County. These are late records. Olive-backed thrushes and hermits were more or less common in Massachu- setts during October, and some were seen Nov. 1 and 2. Nov. 3 a large number moved south. This movement was also noted in Rhode Island. There were still a few hermit thrushes in the State at least as late as Nov. 7. Three wood thrushes were seen in Essex County Oct. 16. There was a large flight of robins on Nov. 3. Some were still at St. Lamberts Oct. 27. A great flight of bluebirds continued through October and into Novem- ber. A few are still here. Volume II. DECEMBER, 1918 Number 8. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society NEW DIRECTORS The Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Audubon Society has ac- cepted with great regret the resignations of two members of the Board who have been active in the work of the Society for many years. One is Mrs. Frank Bolles, who is prevented by absence in the South from con- tinuing her work on the Board; the other is Dr. George W. Field, who also resigns on account of absence, his important position on the United States Biological Survey, with headquarters at Washington, keeping him away from Massachusetts most of the time. At the regular December meeting of the Directors, Judge Charles F. Jenney and Dr. Glover M. Allen were elected to fill the vacancies. Judge Jenney, besides bringing to the delib- erations of the Board the judicial qualities of a justice of the Superior Court of Massachusetts, is also an excellent field ornithologist with a large ornithological library and a permanent interest in birds and their pro- tection. Dr. Allen is Secretary and Librarian of the Boston Society of Natural History, a professional ornithologist and mammalogist who has an intimate acquaintance with New England birds. The Society is very fortunate in securing the services of these gentlemen as Directors. SANCTUARY NOTES. The crisp winter weather invites our hardier bird-lovers to seek the winter birds in the rarified air of the Moose Hill Sanctuary. Sharon has been for decades noted for its ozonic atmosphere, and the Sanctuary, ly- ing upon the sunny southeastern slopes of its highest hill, gets the fullest value of this health-giving quality. The view from the top of the hill sweeps the country for scores of miles in all directions, while the air from the Arctic regions arrives in unbroken consignments of stimulating vigor. The whole region is unexcelled for a tramp over the frozen fields or a snowshoe trip among the white drifts. It is a place attractive to birds, summer or winter, and the rarer winter visitants may be looked for there now. Sanctuary for man as well as birds may be found at the farmhouse headquarters where Warden Highbee is conducting experiments in winter bird-feeding and is making daily notes of the bird life of the place. If one plans a visit to the Sanctuary, it is well to make arrangements with him. This can be done by telephoning Sharon 117-3, preferably between 11 and 12 A. M. Pine Grosbeaks and Evening Grosbeaks To the winter bird enthusiast probably London, Ontario, is the most favored region yet reported. There they have lately not only the evening and pine grosbeaks, but the cardinal as well. Massachusetts is so far not quite so fortunate, as the cardinals are not to be found here. We have Monthly Bulletin 3 pine grosbeaks in considerable abundance on all the high lands of the northern and western parts of the State, while scattered flocks are seeking the seeds of conifers far to the south and east. With these, or by them- selves, are the rare and most prized evening grosbeaks. The largest flock of evening grosbeaks so "far seen was at Easton dur- ing the second week in December, and at the time this is written, during the third week, they are still there, fifty or sixty in all. They have been reported at Princeton, Pittsfield, Lynn, Topsfield, Lancaster and Worces- ter, also in remoter places varying from Prince Edward's Island to north- ern Connecticut. Pine grosbeaks are reported from the Arnold Arboretum as the near- est point to the State House; also at Point Shirley in Winthrop, in Sharon, Canton, Plymouth, Medford, at Newburyport, where they are said to be "all over town," and at Weston, where "the town is red with them." Very many other places also report these beautiful and interesting birds. They are feeding not only on the seeds of conifers but also on those of the ash and maple, the buds of the latter and berries of the mountain ash and sumac, frozen apples and crab apples. The evening grosbeaks are found to be peculiarly attracted by the seed of the box elder, and as that is planted in many places in Massachu- setts, it is well to keep an eye on it when watching for these birds. Large numbers of the rarer and more interesting northern birds are reported to be on their way south f,nd common in the northern New England States. They may be looked for here at any time. Christmas Thanks The thanks of the Society are due very many members and loyal friends who took to heart the suggestion in the last Bulletin that Charts, Calendars, and memberships make admirable Christmas gifts. Our edition of a thousand of the beautiful 1919 bird Calendar was sold out early in December, and, to fill the orders which continued to pour in, several hun- dred more were with some difficulty obtained and made up by vigorous work of the office force. This second edition bids fair to be completely exhausted. Fortunately the Bird Charts — three in number, representing in all seventy-two birds — are in large supply as these orders continue to come in from schools and libraries as well as from individuals all over the country. The list of December members will be published in the Janu- ary Bulletin. Bohemian Waxwings Watchers in the winter woods may at any time now find a new joy of outdoor life in the — for this region — rare Bohemian waxwings. These birds, wanderers from the far Northwest, like the evening grosbeaks, are 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society frequent winter visitants to the upper Mississippi Valley region, though even there they can hardly be depended on. Their appearance in Massa- chusetts has occasionally been reported, but there are no authenticated records of them here for recent years. They are larger birds than our cedar waxwings, being nearly an inch longer. They have white markings on the wing, and the under tail-coverts are chestnut-rufous instead of white as in the cedar waxwing. In habits and general appearance the Bo- hemians are said to resemble the cedar waxwings. They should be watched for. MEMBERS ENROLLED DURING NOVEMBER Life Member . Lothrop, Mrs. Thornton K. 27 Commonwealth Ave., Boston Sustaining Members Hay, Mrs. H. C. 26 Coolidge St., Brookline Killam, Miss Mary W. 51 Avon Hill St., Cambridge Koenig, G. W. 35 South St., Brighton Learned, Erwin H. 11 Larchmont St., Dorchester Center Lee, Mrs. Leslie A. 25 Chauncy St., Cambridge Lee, Miss Sylvia 25 Chauncy St., Cambridge Lehon, Charles P. 1805 Beacon St., Brookline Leland, Leslie F. 21 Wabon St., Roxbury Lewis, Mrs. E. W. 32 Harvard Ave., Brookline Lindsay, Mrs. Edwin P. 983 Charles River Road, Cambridge Loring, Mrs. C. G. Pinehurst, N. C. Lovell, Miss Cornelia L. 10 Blake Road, Brookline Luce, Miss Alice H. A. 10 Wellington Road, Brookline Lyman, Mrs. Arthur Waltham McCracken, W. D. Fenway Station, P. 0. Box 32, Boston McQueen, Mrs. E. L. 84 Fenway, Boston Nealley, H. A. 16 Garden Road, Newton Porter, Charles H. Waban Vickery, George A. 49 Ocean Ave., Salem CONSERVATION IN CANADA A review of the Conservation of Wild Life in Canada in 1917, written by Dr. Gordon Hewitt and published by the Commission of Conservation, Ottawa, states that in spite of the pressing demands upon Parliament made by the war, the year was the most notable in the history of wild life con- servation in that country. Not only were two most important acts passed (Migratory Birds Convention Act and Northwest Game Act), but an inter- departmental Advisory Board on Wild Life Protection has been created. Monthly Bulletin 5 With regard especially to birds, this Board has taken steps to add to the wild life reserves a sanctuary at Point Pelee, the most southerly point of Canada, and one of the concentration points in the journeys north and south of migratory birds, as well as an ideal area for the encouragement of wild fowl. The Bonaventure Island cliffs, where thousands of sea-birds breed, and extensive areas in Alberta and Saskatchewan, withheld from settle- ment as not suitable for agriculture, are also being recommended as bird- reserves. The governments of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have estab- lished an absolute close season for prairie chickens (pinnated grouse and prairie sharp-tailed grouse) , owing to the extraordinary decrease in their numbers, and the fact that almost complete extermination has befallen those of the western States. BIRD LECTURES The annual course of bird lectures at Tremont Temple will be held this year on four Saturday afternoons, February 8th and 15th, March 1st and 8th. These will be illustrated by colored lantern slides and moving pictures of bird and animal life and will be as entertaining and instructive as in the past. Dallas Lore Sharp, Clinton G. Abbott, Norman McClintock and William L. Finley are to be the lecturers. The lectures will be en- tirely new in material and much matter, especially in the movies of birds and animals will be of surpassing interest. The tickets will be issued dur- ing January, and it is believed that the audiences will fill Tremont Temple this season as in tlie past. Do not forget to reserve these dates. THE IPSWICH SPARROW Fifty years ago this month — on December 4th, to be exact — the Ipswich sparrow was first taken by the well-known field naturalist Charles J. May- nard, at Ipswich, whence the name. This bird was for some time supposed to be a specimen of Baird's sparrow, a Western bird which, says Jonathan Dwight, Jr., it resembles very little. "Since then," says Maynard, "it has grown gradually more and more common until it has become a fairly abundant species. Such being the facts regarding the history of this fine sparrow, I do not hesitate to affirm that I am thoroughly convinced that it offers a practical example of the evolution of a species almost, if not quite, within our time, its ancestors being the common Savannah sparrow, some form of which (and this species appears to be quite plastic) wandered to Sable Island, became, through adaptation to changed environment, grad- ually transformed with successive generations to the present Ipswich spar- row." The Ipswich sparrow breeds only on Sable Island and may be seen in winters along sandy stretches of the coast as far south as Georgia. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRDS OF THE MONTH Items from the December Bulletin of the State Ornithologist. The autimin has been peculiar in that Southern birds that rarely are seen here even in summer have been noted here in autumn, and native birds in a few cases have remained here much later than usual. It may be that the warm southerly gales carried some migratory birds back to our coast. Ducks and Geese The flight of ducks and geese in New England has been rather dis- appointing to the gunners. The early flight of black ducks that bred in or near New England was about normal, but since then wild fowl for the most part have been less in numbers than usual. This may be because the autumn has been mild and therefore many of the birds have remained in the north or in the interior. The fact that brant, geese and some species of gulls have few young indicates that there has been a poor breeding season in the far north, and this may have seriously affected the numbers of some returning wild ducks from that region. The greatest wave of wild fowl reported passed through Massachusetts during the latter part of No- vember and the first week in December. It consisted mainly of mergansers, buffleheads, small numbers of mallards, red-legged black ducks, golden- eyes, oldsquaws and Canada geese, with a few hooded mergansers. Geese have been flying intermittently all the month, but on Dec. 4 immense flocks were seen in Maine. The great flight of geese of the month passed Block Island, R. I., Dec. 5, 6 and 7. There was a large flight on Cape Cod Dec. 6, and some on the 7th. The same week 72 geese were reported as killed at one pond on the Cape. Many flocks passed down the Connecticut Valley in November, and large flocks were resting on Long Island Sound. Seven snow geese were seen near Boston Dec. 1. A tremendous flight of brant was noted on Cape Cod near the middle of the month, with "thousands" of birds in some flocks. Probably a part of the same flight is that reported from Sandwich, Mass., as the "largest flock ever seen" on Nov. 16. A flight was noted at Martha's Vineyard on the same day. On Dec. 9 practically all the ducks and geese were said to have left Prince Edward Island for the south. No doubt there will be later movements of eiders, golden-eyes and other hardy sea fowl on our coast. Since the above was written the following report has come in about the flight of Nov. 16: "Thousands of brant and oldsquaws, quite a few scoters, a few razor-billed auks, some Holboell's grebes, gannets and loose flocks of both species of loons" passed East Sandwich, Mass. Swans The following report on swans from Maine was received too late for the last bulletin: "On October 29 six large white birds were seen on a pond at Fryeburg, where whistling swans were seen last year." The ob- server was positive that they were of the same species. Herons and Bitterns Five great blue herons went south at dusk at Toronto, Canada, Nov. 16. On Nov. 21 a large flight of great blue herons passed over Block Island between 2 and 5.30 A. M. The observer was awakened twice be- Monthly Bu II e tin ' tween these hours by the calls of a "host" of these birds. Sometimes they were so near that it seemed as if they must come in at the open window. At daylight a few stragglers were left behind on various parts of the island. The last bird recorded there was on Dec. 2. This flight appears not to have been noted anywhere except at Block Island and at Toronto, Canada. It probably denotes a great movement of herons from some of the farthest points of their northern breeding range. Great blue herons breed in the northern parts of Ontario, probably in the province of Quebec, and possibly even in Ungava. There is a regular movement over Block Island at this season every year. It usually occurs about the middle of November and commonly in the night. It seems prob- able that the Toronto herons were headed for the Ohio valley, while those farther east came down the coast. Apparently they must have been birds from the far north, as our well-known flight of great blue herons comes much earlier. One blue heron was seen on Martha's Vineyard Nov. 29, and one on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 near the coast in Essex County, Mass. These may have been stragglers from the great flight. Egrets Reports were received in September, October and November of white herons of some kind, but in no case were they identified. Ibises A white ibis was shot on Martha's Vineyard Nov. 26. What was this southern bird doing here at that late date? Woodcock The statement was made in the last bulletin that if any large flight of woodcock had then passed, it had not been reported. No large flight of woodcock has yet been reported from eastern Massachusetts, but 3. Rhode Island hunters shot 17 on Nov. 9, which some one remarked was "pretty good for a small State." One of the greatest flights in years is reported from Berkshire County, Mass., from about October 20 to 26. The largest flight the observer has noted for twenty years in the southern Connecticut Valley passed from Oct. 20 to Nov. 6, and reached its height Oct. 31. After Oct. 31 the flight consisted largely of male birds. In southwestern Connecticut a considerable flight was noted about Nov. 14 to 16. Eagles A few bald eagles have been reported along the coasts of Massachu- setts. Hawks The main autumnal flight of hawks had passed before November 15. Since then only single birds have been reported, among them 14 goshawks. The flight of goshawks was much smaller than that of last year, and many have passed on, but a few are still here. Grouse are now so scarce that these voracious hawks have taken to catching starlings, English sparrows and rats. The goshawks are also destroying many fowl, including guinea hens. All hawks that can catch a starling are now after them. For this they can be easily forgiven. Sparrow hawks, red-tails and red-shoulders, and rough-legs are here. One marsh hawk was reported from Connecti- cut Dec. 7, and one Cooper's near Boston Nov. 29. A late osprey was seen at Martha's Vineyard Nov. 27. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society Owxs The outstanding fact regarding owls during the past month is the preva- lence of barred owls over all the New England States. Taxidermists have received numbers. They are believed to have killed a few ruffed grouse that escaped the gunners. Only nine snowy owls have been reported to this office from New England during the month. Horned owls have moved slowly down from the north in small numbers until they have reached Rhode Island, and the shores of Connecticut, but no such flight as that of last year has appeared as yet. Both light and dark phases have been taken. Long-eared owls have been reported only from Canada. A few screech owls have been noted since Nov. 15. Grosbeaks Pine grosbeaks arrived in large numbers in northern Vermont Nov. 4, and more have arrived each week. They have been increasing in numbers from Maine to Massachusetts since Nov. 15, in small groups and little flocks, but since Dec. 1 they have become scattered over much of New- England, and flocks of at least 40 or 50 birds have been seen. They appeared first in the higher lands of the western and northern counties, and now have been reported from every county except Bristol, Dukes and Nantucket. Possibly they may become much more numerous in January, and they should be looked for throughout New England. They vary con- siderably in both size and color. Numbers of red males have come already in two or three shades of plumage. They appear to be very tame and con- fiding. A few occurrences of the evening grosbeak were recorded last month in Massachusetts, and it was remarked tentatively that many more might aopear this winter. Many more already have appeared, and if they find sufficient food here, it is probable that their numbers may increase still more later in the winter and toward spring. These birds have begun to come in more rapidly since Dec. 1, a flock seen at Bangor, Maine, con- tained over 50 birds, but thev are not yet as numerous or as widely scat- tered in New England as is the pine grosbeak. At London, Ontario, pine, evening and cardinal grosbeaks are noted. Redpolls Prince Edward Island reports large flocks of redpolls. They are now numerous and in large flocks in many parts of Maine, where they have been abundant since early in November. Large flocks of lesser redpolls were seen in northern Vermont Dec. 4. No considerable flight has yet reached Massachusetts, but since about the middle of November they have begun to move in on our higher lands. A few more have been reported since December came in, including a flock of about 75 at Worcester Dec. 8. If severe weather comes on in the north we may yet have a large flight, as they will find food here in the numerous birch and alder catkins now hang- ing on the trees. g^^^ Buntings and Longspurs Since the first flight of snow buntings, which reached its maximum on the coast about Nov. 13, only a few flocks have been reported from Massa- chusetts. The early birds probably came from the southern part of the breeding range. Large flocks are now reported from Maine, and we may have many here in January if deep snow comes. Longspurs have been re- ported but once this month on the coast in Pljmiouth County, near the head of Buzzards Bay, Dec. 1. Volume II. JANUARY, 1919 Number 9. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. The Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING January 15, 1918. The Annual Business Meeting of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc., will be held at the Society's Office, 66 Newbury Street, on Saturday, January 25th, 1919, at 3 p. m. This is the Corporation meeting and should not be confused with the Annual Mass Meeting, which will be held in the spring. Plans are on foot for making this Annual Mass Meeting an outdoor one at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary, Sharon, Mass. Notice of this latter meeting will be sent out later. Winthrop Packard, Secretary-Treasurer. BIRD LECTURES Definite dates have now been assigned for the Bird Lectures at Tremont Temple as follows: February 8th, Norman McClintock. February 15th, Prof. Dallas Lore Sharp. March 1st, William L. Finley. March 8th, Clinton G. Abbott. These men are leaders in the lecture field and will come to us this year with entirely new material. Audubon Society members will be given first opportunity to purchase these tickets, which will be issued shortly if they have not already appeared by the time this is printed. The bird lectures have in previous years taxed the capacity of Tremont Temple to the utmost. In addition to the moving and still pictures to be shown by the respective lecturers, other films of extraordinary scenes in bird- life will be shown. Mr. Edward Avis, well known for his violin and whist- ling imitations of bird music, will appear at one or more of these lectures. Negotiations are in progress with other whistling imitators of bird music, and it is believed that, all in all, the lecture course will surpass anything that has previously been done by the Society. Do not forget to reserve these dates. SANCTUARY PARAGRAPHS Joe Jefferson's 10,000-acre Louisiana island — happily called Bob Acres — will be, as a bird refuge, a better monument than marble makes. The Middlesex Sportsman's Association has posted the little island in Spy Pond, Arlington, owned by the Boston & Maine railroad, the use of which has been given the association for a bird sanctuary, and steps will be taken to prosecute all who go on to the place to interfere with the birds. A bird sanctuary has been established at Fulton Park, Waterbury, Conn., the gift of William E. Fulton to the city. The Waterbury Bird Club has acted jointly with the park superintendent in the establishment of the bird sanctuary. The Waterbury Bird Club, Inc., has a membership of 175. The articles of association contain as the purposes for which it was formed the following: Massachusetts Audubon Society 3 "To encourage and stimulate interest in the birds in our city and the surrounding country; to prevent as far as possible the destruction of our birds; to make and keep accurate records of all birds visiting us; to grad- ually establish bird sanctuaries and act in an advisory capacity with any municipality or other interest having the development and maintainance of bird sanctuaries within their jurisdiction; to accept donations, contribu- tions, trust funds, gifts, devises and bequests from any person or corporation and to administer the same for the purposes of the association." Mr. Francis A. Foster of Edgartown, Mass., has established his 400-acre Manaquayak Farm as a bird reservation. Martha's Vineyard is an ideal re- gion for the breeding of many species of song and insectivorous birds. The State has a large tract there now in the Heath Hen reservation and it is grati- fying to learn that private land-owners appreciate as well the need and value of further protection. It would be well for the State if the whole island could be made a bird sanctuary. A movement is on foot to add the Ipswich sand-dunes and certain neighboring properties to the list of bird reservations established in the State under Chapter 410, Acts of 1911. The Ipswich sand-dunes, which have been made famous by Dr. Charles W. Townsend in his classic, "Sand Dunes and Salt Marshes," are a Mecca to birdlife throughout the year. The famous Ipswich Sparrow is sought here by observers, and very many birds of marsh, sea and thicket may be found here in season. While the present owners of the property discourage trespass upon the regions by undesirable parties, people of good repute may visit the dunes for nature study by ap- plying for permission at the Lodge, Castle Hill Farm. This region has been for many years a favorite resort to people who love the wild and pic- turesque in out-of-door life. The sand-dunes have been enjoyed and studied by these in all their aspects summer and winter alike. It is believed that making the region a State Reservation would be welcomed by all concerned. LIFE MEMBERS ENROLLED DURING DECEMBER Miller, Dr. R. M The Peabody, Dorchester Centre SUSTAINING MEMBERS ENROLLED DURING DECEMBER Adams, J. S 98 Washington St., Dorchester Allen, Dr. Glover M 234 Berkeley St., Boston Barlow, Miss Laura 18 Brown St., Brookline Beetle, W. R 78 Lincoln St., Needham Bowdoin, Miss Edith G 39 Park Ave., New York Brooks, Mrs. E. A 51 WiUow St., Dedham Cowles, Miss Florence L Norton Cubley, Graydon Sharon, Conn. Davis, Mrs. T. J 424 W. 114th St., New York Derrick, G. W 1339 Chapel St., New Haven, Conn. Linder, Miss Mary F York St., Canton Little, Walter S 15 Plymouth St., Bridgewater Longfellow, A. W 1124 Tremont Bldg., Boston Lyon, Mrs. W. H 37 Warren St., Brookline McAllister, H. L 270 Commonwealth Ave., Boston MacPherson, Mrs. W 403 Strathcona Hall, Cambridge 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society Manning, E. L 76 Marshal St., Brookline Mason, C. R 87 Raymond St., Cambridge Mead, Albert W 60 Windsor Road, Brookline Mears, Mrs. David 0 9 Concord Ave., Cambridge Merrill, Mrs. L. M 62 Green St., Brookline Merritt, Robert 1 Dudley St., Reading Miller, Mrs. James ^6 Charles River Square, Boston Minot, Mrs. G. W Pride's Crossing Morse, Constance 157 Walnut St., Brookline Morse, Frank E 162 Boylston St., Boston Noble, Miss Eleanor G 66 Sparks St., Cambridge Owen, Miss Qara M 58 Highland Ave., Newtonville Parker, Arthur J 27 Glen St., South Natick Rotch, Mrs. William 157 Bay State Road, Boston Sauser, David A Hanover Temple, Miss M. L 26 Salem St., Reading Woodbury, H. 0 Beverly BOOK REVIEWS The books reviewed in this column may be seen at the office of the Audubon Society and may be purchased there at the list price, or they may be mailed at your request, postage extra. OUR WINTER BIRDS, By Frank M. Chapman Mr. Chapman's reputation amongst ornithologists is a guarantee that any book which he writes will be scientifically accurate and worthy of the attention of bird lovers. This book treats briefly of the well-known methods for feeding and sheltering winter birds. It also describes and notes the habits of each permanent winter visitant which is likely to be seen during the winter months. There are tiny colored pictures drawn to scale of all these birds and nineteen line drawings. The book is an excellent little reference book for winter use. It costs 60 cents and is published by D. Appleton & Co. THE WHY-SO STORIES, By Edwin Gile Rich This is a handsome volume, primarily of interest to children, but also worthy of the attention of all grown-ups interested in the folk-lore of bird and animal life. Most of the material is drawn from the folk tales of the American Indians, although Greek mythology and other European sources are drawn upon. The tales are entertaining as well as instructive. In them you learn why the tale-bearers became magpies, chattering still, how the pelican came to be and why he has his pouch, you read of the great ball game in which the bat got his leather wing, and you learn of the shameful mendacity and astonishing devotion of the chicken hawk which resulted in his having such meatless shins. There are sixty-six stories in all, ten illus- trations in line and color are charmingly done by Charles Copeland. The price of the book is $1.25 and it is published by Small, Maynard & Co. FIVE EXCELLENT FIELD BOOKS It is a pleasure to note such compact and comprehensive field books of nature as are five of those published by G. P. Putnam's Sons. Three of Massachusetts Audubon Society 5 them are by F. Schuyler Mathews, long known to the nature-loving public as a most accurate, as well as entertaining writer on birds, trees and flowers. The titles are "Field Book of Wild Birds and Their Music," "Field Book of American Trees and Shrubs," and "Field Book of American Wild Flowers." Two others of the set are "Field Book of Insects," by Frank E. Lutz, and "Western Wild Flowers," by Margaret Armstrong. All these are uniform in size and binding, profusely illustrated in color and line drawings, and are authoritative companions for a woodland walk and equally congenial for fireside study. They contain a vast amount of accurate information and yet are small enough to be carried in the side pocket of one's coat. They sell at $2.50 each. BIRDS OF A COHASSET ISLAND By H. V. Long A pair of greatcrested flycatchers arrived early in the morning of May 22d, 1914. I first noticed them building on the 27th. They were more than busy building in five different holes in a large martin-house that stands on Whale Meadow, 150 feet from the woods and 100 feet from the ocean. (By the way, a tree swallow was setting in one of the holes.) The male flycatcher would follow the female from the woods, and finally lead her, fly to the top of the house with crest standing upright, shrieking at the top of his lungs; then she would slowly arrive with so much grass, pine needles, feathers, etc., she found it difficult at times to get into the holes. After working continuously for four days, they suddenly discovered on the 31st of May, the stump of an old white oak tree with three deserted pigeon woodpeckers' holes that seemed good to them. They chose the middle hole and the old man with his usual dash told everyone where he was going to settle for the summer. The stump stood twenty yards from my garage, ten yards from my dog-house, a brood of chickens under the tree, a guinea-hen setting within ten feet of the tree, a cock guinea making a fearlul racket if anything unusual happened. The crows kept taking the guinea's eggs. We stopped that by having a bright tin cover swinging and hitting the limb just over the nest, and a scarecrow within five yards so natural that it was taken for the owner of the place and spoken to several times. While the flycatchers were building, they did not mind a half a dozen of us standing near watching them. May 31st, June 1st, 2d and 3d, they filled the nest with pine needles, dried grass and leaves; June 4th, packing in fine white feath- ers; June 6th, at 8:30 A. M., the female arrived with a large white feather, the male flying about her flirting with her. She showed up again at 9:30 with another white feather and stayed in the nest ten minutes. The male came along at 10:30, watched out till the mate arrived at 10:45 with what looked like glue to paste the feathers down with, stayed in the nest ten min- utes. She came again at 11:30 with feathers, went into the nest, then out again, and flew off with the same feathers. In the P. M. she flew away; the male fluttered over the hole and away after her. June 7th at 9 A. M., fe- male very quiet; she stayed in the nest a half an hour and seemed to have a little glue stuff in her mouth. Male stayed by watching fifteen minutes without moving. Did not see much of them until the 10th. She arrived at 6 A. M. and again at 8:30, each time with white feathers. She passed 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society almost all day looking out of the nest. He came along twice. Once during the day I stood within ten yards of the tree and shot an English sparrow with my 12-guage. The sparrows have been bothering our tree swallows. Fly- catcher was looking out of the hole at the time I shot. She merely dropped into the hole and immediately poked her head out again; seemed not to mind the noise at all. June 11th the female arrived at 5:45 A. M. with the usual white feather. He whistled, circled about her, then kept perfectly still while she was at work. When she flew out, he followed after. She passed most of the day looking out. Once she flew out, picked up a large brown hen feather and flew off with it. On the 11th she set for two hours. On the 12th a kingbird which had built a short way off made a dive at the flycatcher. They had a knock-down fight; I was afraid they would both get hurt. The kingbird finally flew off. On the 12th she flew out at 5 A. M. and back at 6 A. M. and settled on the nest. On the 14th, most of the day on the nest; male very seldom seen. On the 15th, male brought a fine worm and fed it to Mrs. At dusk they flew off together. 18th, setting — off occasionally — on most of the time. On the 20th. She pokes her head out just so often. Setting, no doubt. When she flies off, she floats up and down very slowly. House wren build- ing in a box in garage. Every time the wren appears, the male flycatcher makes a dive at her full speed, clicking his beak; wren dashes on to the ground under the bushes. The wren finally gave it up in despair and built in another box on the other side of the garage and raised four young ones. The 27th, the flycatchers feeding their young every few minutes. The 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st, the same. July 1st, again feeding them on mourning cloak butterflies. Rain or shine, they would both arrive with one of those butterflies. They kept that up until the young flew. On the 5th I heard the young chirping in the nest. July 7th, in the afternoon male and femae took food to the hole and back to the tree opposite, kept doing that several times; finally encouraged one young one to fly to the tree; then another and the next morning, one more. Have not seen or heard them since. P. S. No snakeskin. Foundation of nest mostly pine needles, dried brown leaves, grass dried, white hen and pigeon feathers. This year, 1918, I hung three snakeskins near the box. Flycatcher used them all for her nest. I am sending you also a few notes I have taken from time to time of some of the birds that have visited us in the last year or two. Massachusetts Audubon Society 7 We raised two broods of chickadees in the same box; I think the same parents; the first brood, four young ones, the second brood, four. We combed the hair out of our brown poodle. The nest both times was made of cedar bark for foundation and the rest of poodle hair. I cleaned the box out after the first brood left. We raised four young house wrens in a box on the garage; nest made of sticks, pine needles, lined with small white pigeon feathers. We raised five broods of tree swallows, six broods of catbirds, eight families of robins that I knew about, and at least fifteen families of song sparrows, one covy of eleven quail, fourteen eggs; one brown thrasher; one chewink; and one purple finch. November 1st, 1914. Over one hundred robins in the pine grove, half a dozen at a time bath- ing in the bird-baths. There is a line of savins that runs along the shore for several miles. There are at least three hundred robins that stay through the winter traveling up and down that line. November 14th, this year, saw on my beach thirty-one snow buntings. They were there off and on all last winter. In front of my house on White Head Island, ten feet from my piazza, I have two shallow bird-baths. August 4th, 1913, between 6:30 and 7:30 in the morning most of the birds in the neighborhood seemed to gather about those baths planning to migrate. They were feeding on hollyhock, asters, goldenrod, etc., and bath- ing in bunches in the baths. The robins, sparrows, blackbirds, flycatchers, etc., were taking turns. Every time one of them would take a dip, one of our pet catbirds would follow suit and splash around. I counted: 5 Cedar-birds, 3 Pigeon woodpeckers, 3 Great crested flycatchers, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Orioles, 11 Yellow warblers, 9 Robins, 1 Hummingbird, 3 Catbirds, 1 Red-winged blackbird and his yoimg ones in the pine grove, 2 Purple finches, 2 Chipping sparrows, 17 Song sparrows, 6 Kingbirds, old and young, 2 Downy woodpeckers, 10 Goldfinches, 1 Phoebe flycatcher. Innumerable tree swallows circling about within a few yards of the hou?e, also one beetle-head and one summer yellow-legs on the beach, 4 Kingfishers, young and old, on the rocks, later in the day, quite a flock of shore-birds. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society My island seems to be in the direct line of flight of almost all the birds; all the species of small birds seem to take a look in, coming in the spring and going in the fall; all kinds of flycatchers, etc., shore-birds, geese, brant and coot fly directly over the house. Thursday, November 19th, 1914, heavy northeast and southeast gale with continuous rain; the largest flight of brant for years went by, literally thous- ands all day, also a few hundred geese. There were 75 geese bedded in the shelter of White Head. The tree swallows and young entirely disappeared by the 5th of August, but in October, from the 1st to the 20th, they would arrive in the morning in a cloud and hover around my bird-boxes, literally hundreds of them. AS ENGLAND SEES IT The plume trade dies hard. It is harassed and curtailed by the forces of conservation and decency, yet eternal vigilance is still the price c/f liberty from it. It masks itself in many ways, and still works on. Bird Notes and News, the quarterly of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which has a wide outlook upon the bird-protection methods the world over, says: "Pennsylvania has stepped into the lead among all the States in the protection of birds. A recent change of the laws, says the National Humane Review, now makes it a crime to sell feathers of any wild birds whatso- ever, without the permission of the President of the Board of Game Com- missioners of Pennsylvania. Such permission will not be granted except in instances where the State itself will be benefited, as in sales to public museums or for educational purposes. "Under the former law, the President of the Board of Game Commis- sioners had the right to permit taxidermists to sell mounted specimens of birds, whether legally or accidentally killed in that State. There was also no law against the sale of feathers of foreign birds unless belonging to the same family as birds protected in the State. "There was a time," adds Bird Lore, "when Pennsylvania was a hotbed for the wholesale millinery interests of the country that had been driven out of New York State by the Audubon law." Speaking of conditions at home, it adds: "Whether the Board of Trade and D. 0. R. A. have or have not suc- cessfully stayed the importation of plumage, efforts to push the sale have not ceased, and there is no doubt that after the war every means will be tried to revive the trade, on the pretext of assisting either French workers or Colonial interests or poverty-stricken natives by a harmless provision of moulted plumes from swamps in Darkest South America or of clipped feathers from Egret 'farms' in Darkest India. It behooves every bird-lover, and especially every Hon. Secretary and member of the R. S. P. B. to remember and to remind others, that the plume trade is essentially alien- born and Hun-inspired; that the 'Osprey' is essentially a Boche produc- tion, obtained by the killing of parent birds and young; and that the char- acter of English trade and of English women will not be clean until the whole business of trading in the feathers and skins of wild birds slaughtered to serve foolish fashions is swept from the British market." ^^^^ AMNH LIBRARY 100110694 1 " B' ::iH|K^ ; "'BHHP'" m^- 'aj^^^^^Hr ^^^^K' i: I: 1! r v v u