mm^&^ 5S']'t' - :.M.r' .- m #1;-:^. " t -J, ti ^ 1 t.,t \i ft i^) i Vf«ii'U iH r I ft I^ (1 l'.!4r^.^/« in :<' M&'i. ii Wfii'LiS''''^^'^' iwnVv til m'^'^ ' n'' ': imh %JrkM [If ^ i;r jr 5VS r FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY / Bound I A.M.N.H. I Volume III. FEBRUARY, 1919 Number 1. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (AppUcation for entry as second-class matter at the post-oflBce at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 r^EWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This issue contains a Report of the Activities of the Society during 1918. This 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 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 hopeil, 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 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 3 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS. The Directors of the Massachusetts Audubon Society submit the fol- lowing report: During the year the extension work of the Society has been carried on vigorously throughout the State. Monthly from one to two thousand letters have gone to selected lists of people setting forth the value of the work of the Society, its need of new members and funds. As a result of this the membership has been increased by 92 Life Members and 274 Sustaining Members and the funds by $424.25 voluntary contributions. The returns from this work in membership fees and contributions have in- variably more than paid for the expense of it. Its greatest value is meas- ured by the increase of interest in birds and their intelligent protection. This interest, fostered directly by our own work, is by no means confined to the State. Almost daily evidence of it comes from remote sections of the country as well as near by. BULLETIN. With this issue the Bulletin begins its third year. It has been received with universal commendation by members and friends of the Society. As a means of giving notice of coming events such as lectures, meetings, publications, etc., it has demonstrated its use- fulness. It serves as a valuable tie between those in direct charge of the work and the membership at large. It records events in the work of the Society and it is an increasingly valuable repository of unique and inter- esting personal experiences in bird study and protection on the part of its numerous contributors. The editors are in frequent receipt of re- quests for complete files for the use of public and other libraries. It serves as an added attraction to memberhip and carries the educational work of the Society to some thirty-five hundred homes monthly. CHARTS. A valuable part of the educational work of the Society is the distribution of its Bird Charts now so well known among edu- cators and bird students. Special notices in regard to these charts have been mailed to all school superintendents and libraries in the United States and to some five thousand Audubon Society members. During the year something over fifteen hundred of them were distributed to points including almost every State in the Union. New editions of 1,000 No. 3 and 2,000 No. 1 have been printed. CALENDARS. The 1919 Calendar containing twelve colored pictures of birds by Fuertes, Horsfall and Sawyer with appropriate descriptions have been very popular. Two editions have sold, comprising in all some thirteen hundred copies without disposing completely of the demand, which was unexpectedly large. New plates and a larger edition are planned for 1920. 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society EXHIBITIONS. The Society exhibited its work at the Annual Corn Show of the State Board of Agriculture at Worcester, last January, during a three-days' session. It was one of the most popular attractions of the place. We also joined the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in the all-siunmer exhibit in the interests of food conservation given at Horticultural Hall. We exhibited at the Annual Bird Day of the State Grange at Chelmsford, Mass. The Society stands ready to furnish exhibits to libraries, schools or associations throughout the State for any reaonable period of time, and filled many such demands last year. TRAVELLING LECTURES. The three travelling lectures have been in frequent demand. Two of these are accom- panied by stereopticon slides, the third by colored pictures of birds. Be- side these 192 extra bird slides are provided which may be loaned to re- sponsible parties and additions of interesting educational pictures are added from time to time. Teachers throughout the State are welcome to the use of these lectures and slides on payment of transportation only. They are regarded as valuable educational material. TRAVELLING LIBRARIES. The four small travelling libraries of use- ful bird books have been circulated in many communities where no libraries are available or where libraries are too small to have many bird books, with very satisfactory results. Applica- tions for the use of these libraries should be sent to Miss Alice G. Chandler, Lancaster, Mass. Owing, no doubt, to combined causes of war and pestilence the demand for the services of the Secretary for illustrated bird lectures during the past year has been much less than usual. These demands have been met either by the Secretary in person or by Miss Rouillard, Mrs. Goode or Mr. Floyd. ANNUAL LECTURE COURSE. The annual lecture course of the Society, now a recognized Boston institution, was held at Tremont Temple on three Saturday afternoons in February. The lec- turers were Norman McClintock, of Pennsylvania; Stanley C. Arthur, of Louisiana, and William L. Finley, of Oregon. At each of the three lectures Mr. Charles Crawford Gorst gave his inimitable whistling reproductions of bird music. The attendance as usual was very large and the course was valu- able not only in placing the cause of bird protection pleasingly before the general public at a very low cost, but also in bringing a considerable in- come to the coffers of the Society. ANNUAL MASS MEETING. After the lectures the Annual Mass Meeting was held at Tremont Temple. Illustrated talks being given by Mr. Edward Howe Forbush, State Ornithologist, and the Rev. Manley B. Townsend, Secretary of the New Hampshire Audubon Society. Mr. Moulton, of Lynn, gave whistling imitations of birds. Owing Monthly Bulletin 5 to the tremendous obstacles established by the Liberty Loan parade which circled the hall all the afternoon of the meeting the attendance was less than usual. In spite of the barrage, however, several hundred people got safely through and were well repaid. BIRD DAY. The Society's first annual bird day outing was held at the Sharon Sanctuary on May 18 at the height of the spring migra- tion season. It was well attended by enthusiastic members who expressed great interest in the place and its value as a bird sanctuary. This year it is planned to combine the Annual Mass Meeting and the Bird Day Outing at the Sanctuary. LOCAL SECRETARIES. The Society's Local Secretaries, of whom there are 123 in various parts of the State, have been locally active in the good work of bird protection. Either by them or under their auspices bird lectures have been given, bird walks led, bird-houses have been made and put up, especially by the school-children, and the birds have been fed during the winter. The work of these local secretaries, so quietly but efficiently carried on, is of great value to the cause and the Society would be glad to establish others in community centres where there are none at present. GENERAL INFORMATION. The Society has come to be recognized as headquarters for general information and assistance in all matters pertaining to bird study and bird protection. In- quiries come to the office daily by mail or by telephone or are made in per- son on matters of the most varied nature. Great care is taken to render satisfactory service in all such instances. These inquiries come not only from our own members and from our own State, but from strangers and from far distant points. All receive careful attention. BIRD BOOKS. The Society has at the office a carefully selected library of bird books. All persons interested in birds are invited to inspect these and to make use of them at the office at any time. The library table and material for notes are always available. These or any other bird books desired may be bought through the Society at the list price. BIRD-HOUSES. At the office are exhibited also the best in the various types of bird-houses, bird-baths, feeders and bird food. The exhibition is carefully selected, showing only the approved forms. As in the case of the bird books, any of this material can be ordered through the Society. LEGISLATION. An important work seen to a successful conclusion during the past year by the Society was the passage by Congress of the Enabling Act of the Migratory Bird Treaty. With the final passage of this Act, which occurred last July, the Migratory Bird Treaty with Great 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society Britain and Canada came actively into being. This is believed to be the most important and far-reaching bird legislation that the world has ever seen. It gives the Federal Government at Washington, acting through the Biological Survey, complete charge of the migratory game and insectivorous birds of the country. For fifteen years the forces of bird protection have been working for this. The President of the Society, Mr. Edward Howe For- bush, made a trip to Washington in the interests of the Act early in the year. He was followed later by the Secretary-Treasurer, who made two trips. Through their efforts every New England Congressman was appealed to and in the final vote every one of them voted for the Act. In local legislation it is a pleasure to report that the better class of sportsmen and their associations throughout the State have come to recog- nize that their interests are the same as those of the Audubon Society and have worked in harmony with it. No bills harmful to the cause of bird protection have been passed by the Massachusetts Legislature. The Legis- lative Committee have, however, carefully watched the legislation proposed at the State House and will continue to do so. SANCTUARY. A most important work of the Massachusetts Audubon So- ciety during the past year has been the promotion of its model bird Sanctuary at Moose Hill, Sharon. Last June Mr. H^rry G. Hig- bee, a naturalist of repute, was engaged as a Superintendent and entered enthusiastically upon the work. The picturesque old farmhouse on the hill has been fitted up as his headquarters, and many of his collections of birds and other nature material have been intalled there, and he has ever since kept careful record of the bird life of the Sanctuary. There is space in which to quote only a few things from his voluminous and carefully detailed report which may be seen and consulted at the Society's office. The birds of the past seven months have been card-catalogued and the records filed in alphabetical order in such shape that they may be consulted at the Sanctu- ary by interested bird students. Ninety-six species have been recorded, also lists of species visiting the dooryard, nesting, etc. Forty-one nests have been under observation during the season. Preliminary lists have been made of other forms of wild life within the Sanctuary, two hundred different kinds of flowers and plants having been observed. During the winter extensive bird feeding work is being carried on and results recorded both in note and in photograph. The promotion of the local sanctuary movement is an im- portant part of the work of our Society. The establishment of many such sanctuaries throughout the State will go far towards solving the problem of preserving our wild bird life. The Society has constant inquiries as how best to equip and plan a Sanctuary. At Moose Hill we are already able to demonstrate some of these methods and other opportunities will be added as the work goes on. It is impossible in the space allotted to this report to describe all the Monthly Bulletin 7 activities of the Audubon Society during the past year. The more important ones have been briefly touched upon. Further information in detail will be cheerfully furnished at the office of the Society, 66 Newbury Street, or at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary, Sharon, Mass. LEGACIES. The Society acknowledges most gratefully the receipt of a legacy of $100 from the estate of the late Anne M. Washburn, of New Bedford, Mass. Sums donated by will to the Society are 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 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, Incorporated, the sum of Dollars for its Reserve Fund. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society REPORT OF THE TREASURER. Receipts — January 1, 1918, to December 31, 1918. General Reserve Fund Fund Fees from Life Members $ $ 2,300.00 Fees from Sustaining Members 273.00 Dues from Sustaining Members 1,679.50 Other Members 3.75 Donations 424.25 Sale of Charts 2,005.93 Sale of Calendars 1,305.23 Sale of Birdhouses 142.37 Sale of Publications 724.62 Lectures 1,701.50 Part expenses of National Association of Audubon Societies 643.04 Refund on expenses to Washington on Enabling Act 40.00 Use of Lantern 5.00 Refund on Mileage book 4.26 Refund on lecture expenses 5.09 Contributions for Moose Hill Sanctuary, Sharon . . . 700.00 Legacy from estate of Anne M. Washburn 100.00 Interest 60.02 148.72 Interest on Liberty Bonds 282.17 Miscellaneous 13.90 Total Receipts $ 9,731.46 $ 2,830.89 Balance January 1, 1918 2,483.60 3,493.68 $12,215.06 $ 6,324.57 Expenditures 11,754.91 5,000.00 Balance January 1, 1919 $ 460.15 % 1,324.57 Investments U. S. Liberty Bonds — First Issue % 3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds — Second Issue 3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds — Third Issue 3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds — Fourth Issue 2,000.00 $11,000.00 Monthly Bulletin Expenditures — January 1, 1918, to December 31, 1918. General Reserve Fund Fund Salaries $ 2,905.50 % Printing and Stationery 1,210.79 Postage 1,547.12 Rent 250.00 Telephone 88.11 Transportation 95.67 Electricity 39.41 Office Supplies 159.26 Publications 494.06 Birdhouses 92.48 Charts manufactured 1,947.94 Calendars manufactured 83.28 Expenses, Moose Hill Sanctuary, Sharon 1,177.36 Enabling Act on Treaty 277.46 Exhibition at Worcester 22.54 Lecture salaries and hall 745.17 Extra lecturers 23.09 Folding circulars 27.16 Insurance on charts 16.50 Expenses of Annual Meeting 212.50 Rental of Safe at Old Colony Trust 10.00 Mileage book for travelling 25.00 Purchase of lantern slides 21.82 Drinking Cups for Boy Scouts 27,60 Arbor and Bird Day Bulletin 78.12 Plates for addressograph machine 14.08 Auditing Books 1.00 Treasurer's Bond 12.50 Miscellaneous 149.39 U. S. Liberty Bonds — Third Issue 3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds — Fourth Issue 2,000.00 Total Expenditures $11,754.91 % 5,000.00 10 Massachusetts Audubon Society LIFE MEMBERS RECEIVED DURING JANUARY Parker, Mrs. Cortlandt Fort Sill, Oklahoma SUSTAINING MEMBERS RECEIVED DURING JANUARY Baxendale, Mrs, E, M. Amrita Island, Cataumet Boyd, Mrs. Harriet T, Dedham Brewer, Frank C. 57 Main Street, Hingham Cheney, Mrs. B. P. 32 Marlborough St., Boston French, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Canton Higbee, Harry G. Sharon Linder, Robert B. Canton Linder, Mrs. John Canton Loud, Francis Fiske 1 Dwight St. Extension, Brookline Loud, Richard 1 Dwight St. Extension, Brookline Mead, Mrs. Lucia Ames 19 Euston St., Brookline Peach, Mrs. Harry R. 59 Lindall St., Danvers Sherburne, Mrs. Frederick 382 Commonwealth Ave.. Boston Stanley, Miss Mary R. 28 Ash St., North Attleboro Thaxter, Miss Amelia R. 26 Pleasant St., Salem BIRD NOTES Unique Nesting Place I think perhaps you will be interested to know that on Tuesday, Jan- uary 14th, I was obliged to go down around Marshfield, Pembroke, Hanson and that section of the country looking up some farms for a couple of returned soldiers. In the course of my travels we visited one old abandoned place and found the back door unlocked so walked in. It was a very old house Avith wonderful old fireplaces, the one in the kitchen of the house being one of the best examples I ever saw of fireplace, oven, with the two old kettles set in on the side. A good many of the window panes were gone and the thing of great interest to me was that on a shelf over this sink was a robin's nest. This was unquestionably a last year's nest and the signs were not wanting that they had raised at least one brood. I have seen robins' nests in lots of odd places, but never before have I seen one inside a house. Probably they had a safe and comfortable home. R. W. Merrick. New Hampshire News You will be interested to know that we have a screech owl wintering in Nashua. I saw him Monday. He is living in the brick ventilator that runs through the top of a schoolhouse. Subsists on the English sparrows (pre- sumably). I also saw a small hawk last Saturday. I did not have my glasses and he flew before I could get near enough to distinguish the markings, but from M onthly B ulletin 11 the size and shape I felt sure it was a sparrow hawk, the first I have ever seen in Nashua in winter, although I have noted them at the Arnold Arbore- teum in mid-winter. Pine grosbeaks are roaming about, also evening gros- beaks. A northern shrike was recently reported to me from Woodlawn Cemetery. I saw a deer run through the schoolhouse yard opposite my house day before yesterday. A big colony (hundreds) of starlings winter- ing in an old church steeple on Main Street in heart of the city. Manley B. Townsend. Good Bird Food The monthly bulletin is greatly enjoyed. When we eat a squash we dry the seeds and put them through a meat- grinder (large orifices) and the broken seed is eagerly devoured by the chickadees. Those breezy bird- jottings by Mr. Long in last bulletin were a pure feast to us. A flock of goldfinches makes merry around here these days — what days they are for January! Arthur J. Parker. JANUARY BIRD NEWS (Extracts from the Circular Letter Issued Monthly by the State Ornithologist of Massachusetts) . We are now in the midst of a winter which has thus far been peculiar in Massachusetts, with comparatively little snow, and unusually high average temperatures. Blossoming sprays of arbutus were found on Mount Tom December 21. A single buttercup was reported at Groton on New Year's eve, and a bunch of these flowers was picked January 16. Dandelions were in bloom in Hampshire County January 3. Willow catkins are reported now in Boston, and wounds in the maples are said to be dripping sap near the .coast in Essex County, Mass. Lack of snow in southern New England has left an abundance of food uncovered for sparrows and other migratory seed- eating birds, which nevertheless have left us and gone south as usual, leaving but few of their numbers to spend the winter here. On the other hand some northern species have been unusually numerous here notwithstanding the mildness of the season. Northern birds appear to be more abundant now in northern New England than here, while native birds are more common along the southern coast of New England, on Cape Cod and Long Island, than in most of Massachusetts. Thirty-five species were reported this week from one of the Elizabeth Islands. Some of the water birds and sea birds seem to have lingered late in their southward migration, perhaps on account of open water in the north. The land birds now here are sedentary or wandering according to their 12 Massachusetts Audubon Society habits and the scarcity or abundance of their favorite food. Northward movements of a few species may be expected soon, if the weather continues mild, while if severe cold and deep snow comes we may expect still more movements southward or toward the coast. Those who live near the coast may discover some rare sea-birds now by keeping watch along the beach or in sheltered bays immediately after severe storms. Ducks and Geese The southward migration of ducks and geese seems to have been de- layed somewhat, but on the whole there is nothing remarkable to report about their present status. There are some late records. The migration of geese along the New England coast continued until the very last of December. Some geese may be migrating still. If not, they are acting in a peculiar manner. Recently some school children near Taunton, Mass., ran in to tell their teacher that there were a lot of birds making letters in the sky. "They made an 'N' and then they all turned round and made 'Vs.' " Yesterday morning, (January 30), we were told that a great flock of geese was heard moving over Worcester County before full daylight, headed south and within hearing of our domicile. We suggested that it might have been a flock of early hens laying for the listener, as we thought that such a flock moving south late in January over our house would have waked us from the dead, — but yesterday and today the mail brought in reports of flocks of geese mov- ing in three other counties, one of them going north. Both geese and brant seem to be wintering south of Cape Cod. Woodpeckers A great flight of hairy woodpeckers apparently must have moved in from the north or west. The birds seem to have been unusually prevalent this winter over most of New England, and it is quite possible that the northern race is represented among them. They have appeared even in cities in an unusual manner. Shrikes have attacked them in some cases, but the woodpeckers seem to regard such attacks as a sort of game at which two can play. Downy woodpeckers are not unusually common generally, and flickers seem to be rather scarce, though occasionally seen, but principally along the coast. Crows The distribution of crows this winter seems peculiar. They have de- parted from some regions where the ground is bare, and concentrated in others. Many have remained in New England. The greatest numbers are reported mainly near the coast, and along the larger river valleys. Grosbeaks Either the number of evening grosbeaks in New England has increased during the past six weeks, or they are moving rapidly from place to place. M onthly B ull etin 13 They have now been heard from in every county in Massachusetts but Dukes and Nantucket, and are now reported from Rhode Island and Connecticut. They have been gradually working south and east, until apparently they have become scattered over nearly the whole of New England. Pine gros- beaks also, which have been abundant in northern New England since De- cember, have worked southward until they have reached the southernmost New England states, and have even appeared in the larger islands along the coast. Their numbers in northern New England and in northern and wes- tern Massachusetts have been large and the movement is very widespread, ft seems remarkable to see so many of them in such mild open weather. Redpolls Redpolls seem to be working south and along the seaboard. Since January came in they have been reported in large numbers from Maine and northern Vermont and have worked down to southern New Hampshire in large flocks. Apparently the flocks have not yet reached southern Ver- mont. A flock of about 500 is reported from northern Worcester County, but comparatively few have been noted as yet along the southern Connecticut valley and in southeastern Massachusetts. Waxwings Cedar waxwings appear to have been almost wholly absent from New England during the last two months. The only records reported since December 16 are a large flock in Plymouth County, Mass., and three birds in Boston January 17. A migration is due to return now, or any time in February. The above was written on the 29th, — two days later (the 31st) a report comes of 40 birds near Boston January 28. Bohemian waxwings have been reported locally in considerable num- bers from the Maine and New Hampshire seaboards, between January 6 and 23. Six birds were reported near Boston "about the 20th" feeding on the fruit of a thorn tree. They were quite tame and the white markings on the wings could be plainly seen. The latest report records seven birds from a new locality in Maine, so tame that one could go within six or eight feet of them. Other small bands were seen and heard the same day. This species is considered a very rare and irregular visitor in New England. In the November bulletin observers were notified to be on the watch for this species. It should not be confounded with the cedar waxwing. Wrens Last winter seems to have exterminated all the Carolina wrens in New England. It is reported to have killed most of them as far south as Vir- ginia. Even on Naushon Island, where they have nested for years, none has been reported this season. 14 Massachusetts Audubon Society Mockingbirds Last winter seems to have killed off most of the mockingbirds in New England. Two have been reported this winter in Maine, two in New Hamp- shire, five in Massachusetts, and one in Rhode Island. LITTLE SCHOOL DOES BIG WORK Has Brought About Bird Sanctuaries Covering 20,000 Acres (From the Springfield Union) The small school at Sixteen Acres is doing a large work this winter in protecting and caring for the birds which make this suburb their home, and four birds are being wintered in the hospital which the school is maintaining. For several years this school has been especially interested in the preserva- tion of conmion birds and has put a good deal of time and work into helping the birds in every conceivable way. Besides the regular hospital work of rescuing orphan birds and mending injured ones, the school became interested in the sanctuary movement, and in eight months 20,000 acres were posted and the owners pledged to protect the birds and their nests thereon. The largest reservations so protected through the school's efforts are the Mt. Tom and Mt. Wachusett Reservations of nearly 2000 acres each, and Horace A. -Moses' farm of 1000 acres at Woronco Heights. The John Ashley School of West Springfield co-operated in the sanctuary movement, while Buckingham and Central Street Schools have co-operated in the hospital work. When the Sixteen Acres School entered the sanctuary work no prize was in view, just love for the birds. However, the Permanent Wild Life Pro- tection Fund has given the children a certificate of valuable service for founding 109 sanctuaries. The Peoples Journal of New York and Dr. Wil- liam Hornaday have presented the school with Dr. Hornaday's works on nat- ural history. The school has also received recognition from the Massa- chusetts Fish and Game Commission. Anyone needing posters for their lands can be supplied by applying to the school. GOOD WORK IN WORCESTER (From the Worcester Telegram) "Feed the birds," the 1918 slogan of the Audubon Society, in Worcester, Mrs. H. M. Witter, local secretary, and her assistants among the members of the Fish and Game Commission and the Boy Scouts, will be heard again, now that the snow has packed down. In the cold last year, lives of thousands of the game and other useful M onthly B ull etin 15 birds were saved by the campaign of feeding, inaugurated by Mrs. Witter and Jay N. Snell of the Commission, and until the past week the birds have been able to take care of themselves. With zero weather, and hard-packed snow and ice, the birds begin to show real distress, in their search for food. Mrs. Witter and Mr. Snell are prepared to do the same work as that of last year in supplying feeding sta- tions and shelters with grain, where the need of them as reported, is genuine. Each case is given a thorough investigation and grain is sent by parcels post in the outlying districts, or handed to Worcester bird lovers to scatter at the feeding stations. Suet and crumbs put on lawns and tied to the trees by householders, will help out the Worcester birds. Many have done this in the past few days, and the birds have found the food and are returning every day to the same spots. Boy Scouts have been made the same proposition on the silver cup com- petition again this year, through the Audubon Society, and by establishing the feeding stations and caring for them, will have a chance at the trophy. Mrs. Witter has offered the equivalent of the cup if the Scouts do not want the trophy, and Mr. Snell has offered his services to the boys if they want to take up the work at once. FOUNTAIN FOR ROOSEVELT Announcement is made that the National Association of Aubudon So- cieties and its affiliated State Organizations, Bird Societies and Sportsmen's Clubs, throughout the country, will at once begin the work of providing for the ultimate erection of a notable work of art to be known as the Roosevelt Memorial Bird Fountain. T. Gilbert Pearson, the Secretary of the Association, who originated the plan, states the idea is being received with great enthusiasm. "There is not the slightest doubt," said Mr. Pearson, "that lovers of out-of-door life will combine to support this tribute to our great fallen leader. Colonel Roose- velt was the most forceful champion of wild life conservation the world has ever produced. He exposed the school of sham nature writers and drove them to cover under the stinging appellation of nature fakers. He encour- aged by example, by influence and by contributions the scientific study of natural history. As President he established the principle of the United States Bird Reservations and by executive order created thirty-eight of these federal bird sanctuaries. As a hunter he taught the world lessons in straight, clean sportsmanship." It is understood that the most eminent sculptors in America will present plans for the memorial bird fountain and that when completed it will be not only the most unique but one of the handsomest works of out-of-door art in the United States. Its location will be probably in New York or Wash- ington City. A National Committee of Nature Lovers and Sportsmen is rapidly being formed to advance the project. Suggestions and approvals are pouring in to the offices of the Association, 1974 Broadway, and a formal call for support will be made. 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 number, 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 $1.50. Bird Books. The Audubon Society exhibits and is selling agent for the best in bird books. These may be seen at the office of the Society and purchased there at the regular price, or such books as are desired may be ordered and will be forwarded by mail, postage extra. Birdhouses. Bird food, feeders, baths, in fact anything needed for the welfare of wild birds may be obtained through the Society in the same way. Send all orders to THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. Volume III. MARCH, 1919 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 FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This 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 iu;ormed 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. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRD WALKS. Many enthusiastic bird students let no season of the year go by without frequent bird walks. The erratic move- ments of the winter birds, and especially the interest in those which come down as rare visitors from the Far North, give even in the dead of winter opportunities for interesting and exciting discoveries. As the spring ap- proaches, these joys are augmented by the possibility of early arriving spring migrant^ With the northern shrikes, the pine grosbeaks, the siskins and the j uncos may appear any day of late February or early March, grackles, robins, song sparrows or even bluebirds. It is in March that the interest in bird walks becomes keener, and those whom the winter storms have debarred or delayed plan to brave the lessening rigors of the weather and get out to meet the first returning spring visitants. Announcements of personally con- ducted bird walks at the Sharon Sanctuary will not be forthcoming until the next Bulletin. Meanwhile, however, there are two opportunities offered to bird-lovers at large. The Brookline Bird Club conducts walks weekly, and welcomes bird-lovers even if not directly connected with the Club. Fuller information concerning these walks may be obtained by addressing the Secretary of the Club, Mrs. George W. Kaan, 194 Aspinwall Avenue, Brookline. On Saturdays Mr. C. J. Maynard conducts walks and talks with nature. Mr. Maynard is one of the best and best-known field naturalists in the country today, having a wide knowledge of birds, on which he is one of our foremost authorities, and of wild life in general. Arrangements for join- ing these walks may be made by addressing him at West Newton, Mass. BIRD LECTURES. By the time this Bulletin is published the Audubon Society's Annual Course of bird lectures will have been completed. The great care which has been taken to make these lectures at once entertaining and instructive has found a ready response in the public. The attendance has been very satisfactory, the hall being well filled and the appreciation of the good things of the Course freely expressed. An attend- ance of twelve to fifteen hundred people every Saturday for a month at a series of bird lectures shows the great interest which the general public takes in birds and the efforts of the Audubon Society to secure effective and con- tinual protection for them. The Course has come to be a recognized Boston institution which people attend as a matter of course much as they do the Symphonies. The lectures have this year netted a substantial sum, which will be used in furthering the work of the Society. AUDUBON PICTURE. The Elson Art Publication Company of Belmont, Mass., has placed on view at the office a beautiful engraved picture of Audubon. This portrait, painted by Henry Inman, is now in the possession of Harriet B. Audubon, the naturalist's granddaughter. It is considered an excellent likeness by members of his family. The repro- duction is deep intaglio copper-plate photogravure, nearly of the same size as the original. The plate was undertaken some years ago at the suggestion of members of the Massachusetts Audubon Society in order that a good por- trait might be available for schools, believing that many of the Audubon Societies would be interested to see that it was placed there. The size of the photogravure is 1534 x 19 inches. The framing size is 24 x 30 inches. Two editions are published. The price of this picture, unframed, express paid, is $5.00. Copies may be ordered through the Society. Monthly Bulletin FRAMINGHAM MOCKINGBIRD. A note received not long ago from Miss Josephine Reynolds, of Framingham Centre, says: "The wintering mockingbird about which I wrote you in Janu- ary is still here. I see it every day. It sits in the sun on a tree very near the house, pluming itself for several minutes at a time. It prefers to find its food, does not take what is put out for it. It is now three months since we first saw it here." FEDERAL WARDEN. Under the Enabling Act of the Migratory Bird Treaty with Great Britain federal wardens are be- ing appointed for various districts throughout the United States. Under the present regulations, Willis S. Holt, at Lowell, has the entire New England territory under his supervision. Complaints of violations of the Federal Migratory Bird Law come under his jurisdiction. Bosson, Mrs. Harry P. LIFE MEMBERS Received during February Reading SUSTAINING MEMBERS Received during February Anderson, Miss Helen F. Andrews, Miss Elizabeth H. Bessey, Miss Lenora Bumstead, Rev. Horace Clarke, C. E. Gnahn, E. C. Jarves, Miss Flora Jenkins, Miss Florence S. King, Delcevare Langdon, Miss Maude Linder, Mrs. John Nelson, Miss Elizabeth M. Nichols, Miss Jenny L. Norton, F. H. Norwell, Miss Mary F. Norwich, Mrs. Emma M. Noyes, Mrs. Marion W. Page, Charles L. Page, Miss Mattie A. Palmer, Miss Elizabeth H. Palmer, Miss Harriet R. Palmer, John E. Paul, The Misses Peabody, Mrs. C. H. Perera, Mrs. Gino L. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Perry, Miss Margaret Pettee, Benjamin Phipps, Mrs. W. B. Plumb, Miss Jennie M. Rawson, Miss Jennie L. Richards, Professor Robert H. Richardson, Miss Anna R. Rogers, Dr. Alfred P. Simonds, Mrs. J. O. Spike, J. Edward, Jr. Tucker, Kenneth R. 104 Aldrich St., Roslindale 7 Brown St., Cambridge 31 Cedar Ave., Stoneham 91 St. Paul St., Brookline 51 Summit Road, Medford 316 Jefferson St., Burlington, Iowa Kingston, R. I. 36 Cliff Ave., Winthrop Highlands Adams Street, Quincy 33 Concord Ave., Cambridge Canton 464 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 219 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill 55 Chestnut St., Boston 12 Linnasan St., Cambridge 30 Arborway, Jamaica Plain 1079 Beacon St., Brookline 25 Perrin St., Roxbury 98 Hemenway St.. Boston Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 107 University Road, Brookline 32 Lindsey St., Dorchester 310 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 293 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 382 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 100 Stratford St., West Roxbury 312 Marlborough St., Boston 1651 Beacon St., Brookline Hotel Hemenway, Boston 98 Hemenway St., Boston 19 Congress St., Room 95, Boston 32 Eliot St., Jamaica Plain 467 Pleasant St., Belmont 10 Monadnock Road, Newton Centre 37 Somerset St., Belmont 50 Trowbridge St., Cambridge 217 Dewey St., Worcester 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society MR. AND MRS. FEARLESS Yes, I feel that I know Mr. and Mrs. Fearless extremely well, for although I have not eaten a pinch of salt with them, I am sure I have fed them more than one peck of hemp seed and doughnuts. They have been my nearest summer neighbors for over three years. Their house is within fifteen feet of ours, "The Katy Did." We are bounded in front by the ocean, on the other three sides by a grove of spruce trees. The Fearless house is a small gray one of rather a severe style of architecture designed by Mr. Packard, but it evidently pleases them in every detail. At the door, which is always open, there is simply one step. Upon this Mrs. Fearless generally stops, and after looking anxiously round, quickly disappears within. It was first placed on a living tree, about twenty-five feet from the ground. When I arrived, I was greatly disappointed that it was not occupied, and at once moved it to a pole eight feet high. Food having been on my feeding station all winter and spring, I had many mealers — hermit and olive-backed thrushes, myrtle, magnolia and parula warblers, juncos, song, chipping and white-throated sparrows, robins, an occasional flicker, and the chickadee, who were soon eating from my hand as they had done the previous fall. They generally take two or three seeds in their bills, and, flying to a nearby branch, tuck two of them under the moss, and then, holding one seed between their tiny feet, peck at it until the kernel is reached. It is a never-failing pleasure for me to see them eat the seeds, always with the greatest gusto, just as if a child had a box of his or her special brand of Page and Shaw. They frequently drop seeds. Sometimes they fly down and rescue them, but oftener they do not bother their dear little black and white heads about them. When the chickadees see me in the woods, they fly to me at once to be fed, most of them zigzagging timidly from bush to bush until they reach my hand. But Mrs. Fearless always comes as straight as she can fly. For this I gave her the name. About six o'clock one morning I saw Mrs. Fearless gathering moss from a rock, and when she flew into the house I had placed for her, I was weak with holding my breath and pleasure. I soon heard the tap-tap-tapping as she was pressing the moss tightly against the bottom of her selected home. She worked on the nest only in the morning. Soon she was sitting — and then — both Mr. and Mrs. were feeding. I never look at the family until I know it is about time for them to leave the nest. Then I raise the whole roof of the house (made for this purpose), and behold a most beautiful sight. The five mites of birds are on the edge of the nest with their heads pointing out like a large rosette. Their feathers are a clear black and white, exquisitely soft of texture. When they leave the house they are well able to fly, and all disappear, but in about a week I hear the familiar chick-a-dee-dee-dee, and I am happy that my pets have returned. The babies are soon eating at the station, and bathing in one of my five pools, all of diff"erent depths and surroundings. I have had four babies on my hands at one time, coming for doughnuts, of which all birds seem very fond. When knitting I place the food on my hat, so as not to break in on the "purl" and "plain.^" In the fall of 1917, thinking our place large enough for more than one family of chickadees, I put up a second house, out of sight of the first. At this time I also banded Mr. Fearless. But evidently chickadees do not believe in community life, for when I returned last June, I saw that Mrs. Fearless had taken possession of the new house and had not allowed any of her oflf- spring to occupy the abandoned one. I soon heard the four sweet notes, the Monthly Bulletin 5 love song of these birds (to nie the dearest bird song there is) ; and there was Mr. Fearless too, his band as bright as if he had just been using silver polish. As soon as they took their brood of five from the house, I removed the nest. It was made of moss, as usual, lined with the soft brown covering of the fern fronds. They sometimes used cotton I had put out for the purpose. While still feeding, Mrs. Fearless began and built in same house. While engrossed witli family cares, they pay little attention to me. They fly swiftly back and forth, sometimes with such an intent look. It seemed to me as if a marked-down sale must be on, and they had to hurry for fear their favorite moth would be gone. They have stopped at my window station, and although the little black bills seemed filled with a fat green worm or spruce beetle, they quickly add a piece of doughnut or suet and hasten on to feed all at once. But in the fall my pets are constantly with me, both looking worn, weary and rather forlorn, sometimes having just one tail-feather, sometimes none. Every time I step from the house they fly to me for food. While watering my ferns and wild flowers (I have no other kinds), I have the hose in one hand and seed in the other. It is one of the pleasures of visitors to Land's-End to come to the Katy Did and feed the chickadees. I know Mr. and Mrs. Fearless would be glad to welcome all bird-lovers to their happy home, particularly if they had hemp seed in their pockets. Kate Denig Tower. SOME SHARON BIRDS My autumn visitors have been of unusual interest. We raised a 160-foot row of sunflowers, and the seeds have attracted a flock of about sixty gold- finches, who still remain with us. Never have we had so many juncos, and, contrary to their usual habit, they feed high in the birches (in company with the goldfinches) upon the seeds of those trees. Here are some items from my daily bird records: Sept. 16. — Brown creeper. Sept. 19. — (Heavy rain.) I put out suet and grain, and almost at once ten blue jays appeared. The adults fed the young, whose call for food re- sembled the squeaking of an ungreased wheelbarrow. Sept. 20. — (Rain.) Catbirds flocking. Sept. 27. — First juncos arrived, also first white-throated sparrows. Sept. 29. — Flocking of flickers in great abundance. The air is filled with their petulant call. Large flock of myrtle warblers. Oct. 1. — Feeding on lawn together were flickers, female, red-winged black- birds, catbirds, blue jays, robins, song, chipping and white-throated sparrows, also one field sparrow, and juncos. Chewinks feeding in un- derbrush. Oct. 2. — Flock of nine white-throats (who remained until October 20th). Oct. 9. — Many myrtle warblers feeding in birches. Two red-breasted nut- hatches, also many bluebirds; one pair monopolized a bird-box all day (possibly with a vioAv to next season's needs). Oct. 12. Soft, warm rain. One red-breasted nuthatch, one downy wood- pecker, chickadees, myrtle warblers, white-throats, two black and white warblers, one yellow-throat and one black-throated blue warbler. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society Oct. 17. — Many robins, one catbird, one purple finch, one yellow-throat, who has been about for several days. Heard white-throated sparrow's full song (just as I had heard it one July evening from the depths of the Nova Scotia spruces), likewise robins' song (half -rendered), and the muffled (possibly the whisper song) of the song sparrow. Oct. 18. — Damp and cool. Three fox sparrows arrived this A. M. Fed all day, and left at five in the afternoon. Oct. 20. — Our white-throats left us, but two white-breasted nuthatches ar- rived. Bluebirds still abundant, and air full of their musical calls. Oct. 25. — Large flock of myrtle warblers left this afternoon. Oct. 30. — Maryland yellow-throat left today. Nov. 5. — Male hairy woodpecker in woods back of us. Nov. 10. — Four fox sparrows and two song sparrows feeding on weed seeds. Nov. 19. — Two ruff"ed grouse feeding on blueberry leaf buds. Nov. 20. — Large flock of goldfinches (counted sixty) arrived, and are still with us (Jan. 3rd). Fox sparrows, tree sparrows, juncos and gold- finches all feeding in same clump of birches, and ground is covered with discarded seed-pods. The fox sparrows sang full song in chorus (I had never before heard it in autumn) . Tree sparrows also (I counted forty) sang under cover of shrubbery where they were feeding. Nov. 30. — Ground covered with snow (raw and cold). Two white-throats, one adult male and the other young, with faint brezist stripes. Dec. 2. — Very cold (10° above early in morning). Two golden-crowned kinglets feeding on Norway pine; also goldfinches, white-throat (adult) at feed-box. One hermit thrush arrived, and must have been lost, as he seemed very restless (the up-and-down motion of tail being constant). He fed sparingly on black hawberries. Dec. 3. — Snowed one-half inch during night and warmed up through day. White-throat (adult) in feed-box. I fear something has happened to the young bird. Snow-fleas in abundance on top of light snow. Dec. 5. — White-throat left. Two white-breasted nuthatches. Female hairy woodpecker in woods. Dec. 7. — Very cold. Sparrowhawk caught junco. Northern shrike on feed- box (not feeding). Downy woodpecker feeding. Dec. 14. — Phoebe note of chickadee. Hermit thrust appeared and fed on Sumac berries; apparently resigned to remain through the winter, as there was no repetition of tail movement. Three rufi"ed grouse feeding upon same berry bush, very near the kitchen window. Since the above date, we have daily our usual birds, more abundant than ever, with one or more (up to three) grouse almost constantly about, and, most interesting of all, the hermit, who comes with the flock of birds when they feed about 10 A. M., 1 P. M. and 3 to 4 P. M., though, true to his name, he feeds in solitary fashion on the same clump of sumac. He is there as I write. On January 1st the ice-storm covered the food supply, and hermit flew to the doorstep. I uncovered a pile of frozen apples, which I have kept for an emergency food supply (as his cousin, the robin, is fond of them, one coming frequently to an apple tree for that purpose) , and out ran a fat white- footed mouse (surely the Abraham of his family, if size denotes age). We still have a small flock of purple finches, and also our large flock of goldfinches. Harriet U. Goode, Local Secretary. Monthly Bulletin 7 A MODEL SANCTUARY Unique Country Club That Serves Scientists and Wild Life Alike There is a club in the country near Washington which niunbers among its habitues representatives of nearly all the tribes of wild animals and birds found in that part of the country. Rabbits, grouse and foxes, raccoons and opossums, all enjoy a sort of associate membership — that is, they are wel- come to the premises, and are not disturbed. This club was founded by a number of Washington biologists some years ago, and is located on the upper Potomac. Its property consists of 50 acres of wild land, including an island in the river, and a log cabin which the members use as a headquarters when pursuing their investigations. The place is carefully protected from trespassers by friendly neighbors, when none of the members are present. The purpose of the scientists in founding this club was to make a study of every form of life which occurs upon a typical tract of land in that part of the country. Among the members of the club are specialists in almost all branches of biology. They have already investigated everything from the minute algae of the river water to the large quadrupeds which occasion- ally visit the premises. To the layman 50 acres seems altogether too small an area for such a study; but the scientists selected the site for their club with care. It in- cludes slopes with exposures to the east, west, north and south, sandy soil and clay, dry knolls, a bit of swamp, heavy forest and cultivated land. Thus it offers to visiting and resident wild thipgs every sort of food and shelter which the region affords, and, in addition, it gives them protection from gunners. As a result, two coveys of quail have made it their permanent resi- dence, as have many rabbits and squirrels, while ruffed grouse visit the place every fall. One of them was once found sitting on the porch of the club-house. And this place is only a few miles from a great city, and one mile from a noisy amusement park. The biologists are here able to make studies of the habits of wild birds and animals extending over several years. For example. Dr. A. K. Fisher of the Biological Survey has been trying for some time to solve a problem in the breeding habits of the bob-white. Each summer two broods are raised at the club, and in the autumn there are sometimes nearly 30 birds on the tract. Some of these stray off and are killed by gunners, and some die of cold in the winter, but generally about half of them survive until spring. At that time, however, all disappear except two pair, which again rear their broods. Although hundreds of the birds have been produced and protected on the place in the last few years, never more than four nest there. The birds seems to understand that there are only housekeeping ac- comodations for two families, and that all the rest must emigrate when the mating season arrives. How they decide, which shall go and which remain 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society is a mystery. Where the migrants go is also a mystery, for the scientists are familiar with the surrounding country, know every covey of birds in the vicinity, and have never been able to detect any addition to them. Dr. Fisher now plans to catch the birds in traps, band their legs, and release them. Anyone who kills a banded quail will be asked, through notices in the newspapers, to notify the Biological Survey. In this way the scientist hopes to shed light on a mystery in the life of Bob White. The biologists have set aside this tract of land for their investigations, not only because wild animals and birds are becoming rare, but because the wild flowers and other plants having an ornamental value are being no less rapidly exterminated. With the coming of the automobile and the crowds of pleasure seekers which it carries into the country, such plants as the dogwood, the holly, the ground pine and the wintergreen, which are esteemed as decorations, are disappearing from the vicinity of Washington and other large cities. This is almost wholly due to thoughtless vandalism. People do not seem to realize that the plants growing in a bit of woodland are as much the property of the owner as his apple trees or his corn crop, and may be equally valuable to him. They seem to think that if the plant is a wild one, they have a right to destroy it, and they proceed to do so. They are seldom content with picking a few light sprays, which would not seriously injure the plant, but commonly tear it to pieces. After a few attacks, the plant dies. That is why you so seldom see a holly tree in the woods anywhere near a city, and why the dogwood is becoming more and more rare. Even the hardy and abundant laurel is becoming scarce in some sections because it is an evergreen and is valued for decorative pur- poses in the fall and winter. Old-timers say that the appearance of the woods has been radically altered by these depredations. The wild flowers have suffered even more than the large woody plants. The trailing arbutus, which was once a common wild flower in the vicinity of Washington, has been almost exterminated by the thoughtless woods roamers, who are seldom content to pick the blossoms, but usually tear up the plant by the roots. Often it wilts before they reach home, and is thrown down by the roadside. The wild phlox, which used to festoon the woods in great beds, has also nearly disappeared. Ferns have also suffered heavily. The gathering of ferns, and also of evergreens, is often followed on a commercial scale, and local florists are much to blame, but the ever-increasing tribe of the autoist is most to blame. It is often he, too, who sets the leaves on fire, either by a carelessly dropped cigarette, or in building a campfire. The result of these ground fires is to destroy the nourishing humus of the forest soil, the seedlings of trees and flowers, and the eggs of ground-nesting birds. In order to protect a bit of the countryside from these violations, and to set an example that owners of large estates would do well to follow, the Washington biologists have founded their club of 50 acres. They believe, that the damage which is being done to American woodlands could be checked if people understood the serious effect of such depredations. This story is a plea to those who go into the woods not to destroy wantonly, but to leave beauty for others to see and eaijoy. Volume III. APRIL, 1919 Number 3. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (AppHcation for entry as second-class matter at the post-oflBce at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This 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 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 f«es. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society SANCTUARY BIRD DAY The Annual Mass Meeting and Bird Day of the Massachusetts Audubon Society will be held at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary, Sharon, on Saturday, May 17th. Ihe Sanctuary Headquarters and Museum will be open and the grounds available to members and their friends from dawn until dark, and all interested in birds are cordially invited to attend. The date is set at the height of the migration season, and there is no better region in the State for the observation of rare and beautiful wild birdlife. The Museum is well worth visiting, and the whole place is a unique and instructive exposi- tion of methods and opportunities for bird study and bird protection. What is being done on the Moose Hill farm could and should be done on every farm. All will be welcome to explore the Sanctuary and study its wild life. Bird walks may be joined under competent leaders. At two p. m. Mr. Edward Avis will give a talk on birds, with whistling imitations, and there will be other brief interesting exercises. At 3 p. m. there will be a conference and experience meeting of the local secretaries of the Society. The Society will pay travelling expenses of Local Secretaries to and from this meeting. The Sanctuary is not only a wonderful place for the observation of birdlife, but a fertile field for botanical study. Many rare plants are native there and others have been introduced, so that botanists as well as ornitholo- gists will find the place of peculiar interest. Hot coffee and sandwiches, possibly other refreshments, will be on sale on the grounds. Those wishing to be sure of more should bring a basket luncheon. Time-table of train service between Boston and Sharon will be found under the heading "Bird Walks" elsewhere in this Bulletin. The Sanctuary is about a mile and a half west of Sharon Station, may be readily reached by automobile, and there will be opportunity for parking. When within a mile or so of Headquarters, bird-picture signs will be found at intersecting roads pointing the way. Those who walk from the station should take the highway which crosses the track, going west on it and taking each turn to the left. There is automobile service between the station and the Sanctuary; fare 50c each way. BIRD WALKS Beginning Saturday, April 26th, Warden Higbee will conduct bird walks at the Sanctuary, meeting the 1 :45 afternoon train from Boston at the Sharon Station at 2:25. The walks will begin at the station and continue through the Sanctuary grounds to Headquarters, where there will be opportunity to rest and view the Museum exhibit. The route to and from Headquarters may vary, but the whole walk of, say, five miles will be so arranged that those wishing to take only part of it may do so, resting at the Sanctuary meanwhile. In this way a part taken need not be much over a mile of easy grade. Sunset bird walks are planned for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, beginning on the arrival of the 5:40 train from Boston at 6:18. There is a convenient return train at 8:54. Mr. Higbee will meet the arriving train. There is a motor service between trains and the Sanctuary Headquarters; fare 50c each way. The sunset bird walks will begin on Tuesday, April 29th. The charge for walks per person is 50c, the money to be used towards the support of the Sanctuary. Train service: M o nthly B ul letin 3 Sharon. Prov. Div. 19 miles. 38 minutes. Fare 55c; 5 rides $1.93. At 6.22, 7.39, 10.59, 12.30, 1.45, 2.33, 3.29, 4.28, 5.06, 5.40, 6.12, 6.55, 8.59, 10.20, 11.33. Return— 6.06, 6.56, 7.37, 7.52, 8.52, 11.02, 11.55, 1.21, 3.16, 5.03, 6.14, 7.10, 8.54, 11.26. Sunday— 8.08, 8.49, 12.22, 2.24, 4.08, 5.05, 6.50, 8.28, 10.20. Return— 8.09, 10.06, 1.11, 2.31, 5.03, 5.11, 7.14, 8.54, 11.25. BOOK REVIEWS Birds of Field, Forest and Park, by Albert Field Gilmore. The author of this charmingly written book not only details in a most attractive way his personal observations of birdlife for a period of more than thirty years, but describes in a pleasing manner the habits, plumage, songs, etc., of each individual bird that has come within his range. He carries us still farther into the fascinating study of birdlife by his word pictures of the wonderful surroundings made by Nature, and he defines clearly the sympathy and oddities of our feathered friends which we are perhaps prone at times to overlook. The book costs S2.50, and is published by the Page Company. The foreword is written by T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary of the National Asso- ciation of Audubon Societies, and the book contains forty illustrations, eight of them in full color, by Fuertes and Horsfall. LIFE MEMBERS RECEIVED DURING MARCH Jones, Miss Helen L. Mason, Charles F. The Wadsworth, Boston. 27 Bailey Road, Watertown. SUSTAINING MEMBERS RECEIVED DURING MARCH Adams, Charles E. Adams, Miss Pamelia S. Alden, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Borden, C. W. Brewer, J. Wilmon Briggs, Miss Marjorie A. Brooks, Miss Grace R. Brown, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Brown, Walter F. Chamberlain, Mrs. H. G. Cheney, Miss Frances S. Chubbuck, George T. Churchill, W. W. Clement, Miss Avis L. Clough, George M. Cochrane, Miss Miriam Collins, Charles A. Crooker, Mrs. Alma G. Crossley, Mr. and Mrs. W. Davis, Mrs. Janet Dawson, Miss Frances Dowd, Lewis A. Emerson, Kendall, Jr. Evans, George H. 29 W. Broadway, Bangor, Maine. 90 Longwood Ave., Brookline. 58 Chestnut St., Quincy. Fall River. Hingham Centre 102 Florida St., Springfield. 23 Oak Ave., Belmont. Box 100, R. F. D. No. 2, Canton. 299 Congress St., Boston. 339 Charles St., Boston. 233 Union Ave., Framingham. 73 Georgia St., Dorchester. Felton Hall, Cambridge. 31 Hardy Ave., Watertown. 24 Milk St., Boston. 18 Jackson Hall, Trinity Court, Boston. 8 Prescott Road, Lynn. 4 Congress St., Lynn. Gleasondale. 58 Shepard St., Cambridge. 120 Ocean St., Lynn. 9 Atherton St., Dorchester Centre. 56 William St., Worcester. Somerville Pub. Library, Somerville. Massachusetts Audubon Society Everett, Rev. Edward Farley, William T. Field, Miss Helen G. Field, Mrs. P. B. Fisher, E. L. Fisher, Miss Lila C. Freeman, Mrs. Leverett N. Harding, Miss Rebecca L. Haskell, Alfred T. Huggins, Bertram P. Jackson, Joseph Johnson, Mrs. Otis S. Keene, Mrs. E. F. Lawton, Mrs. M. A. Leighton, Mrs. Cedric Lindsey, Mrs. N. Allen Low, Miss Ruth E. MacKay, Robert Mead, Mrs. George Morse, Thomas E. Ogden, Miss Estelle C. Packard, Dr. Horace Perry, Mrs. Louis F. Phillips, Mrs. A. J. Sanford, S. N. F. Sumner, Miss Mary A. Wardwell, Percival Wheeler, Miss Mildred Williams, Miss Sarah Woods, Prof. James H. 652 Huntington Ave., Boston. Stony Brook. Voses Lane, Milton. 13 Hilliard St., Cambridge. Wonalancet, N. H. 46 Stratford St., West Roxbury. 541 Ward St., Newton Centre. Central St. School, Springfield. 34 Glendale St., Dorchester. 105 W. Glenwood Ave., Hyde Park. 25 Woodland St., Worcester. 78 Dalton Road, Newton Centre. 102 N. State St., Concord, N. H. Newton. 8 Craigie Circle, Cambridge. 73 Jersey St., Marblehead. 58 Central St., Somerville. 29 Neponset Ave., Dorchester. 27 Church St., Winchester. 33 Steams Ave., Medford. Hotel Vendome, Boston. 470 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. P. 0. Box 365, Coronado, Cal. West Peabody. Box 702, Fall River. Canton. 52 High St., Stoneham. c/o Fred Benway, Esq., Hudson. 229 St. Paul St., Brookline. 3 Mercer Circle Cambridge. BROCKTON AUDUBON SOCIETY An Audubon Society has been formed at Brockton, with Mrs. Amelia C. Brown as Chairman and Mr. Rufus H. Carr, General Manager, the direc- tors being Mrs. Edward H. Tindale, Mrs. G. H. Priest, Mrs. S. J. Gruver, Mrs. T. L. Kendall, Mrs. C. S. Pierce, Mrs. H. L. Tinkham, Mrs. Harry H. Williams, Mrs, Everett Willis, Mrs. Elroy S. Thompson, Mr. Lewis W. Crane and Mr. Frank H. Whitmore. An ambitious program has been laid out for the Society which includes six-o'clock-in-the-morning bird walks and a lecture on the evening of April 15th in the auditorium of the Public Library by Winthrop Packard, where an exhibit of bird-protection material will be viewed and where birdhouses made by Brockton school-children in a prize contest will be judged. On April 22nd the Society will meet with Mrs. Amelia C. Brown. Mr. Frank H. Whitmore, Librarian, will deliver an address on "The Bird Books of the Brockton Public Library." On May 17th there will be an automobile ex- cursion to the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary at Sharon, where the members will join with the Massachusetts Audubon Society in their Annual Bird Day meeting. On May 22nd Mr. Edward Avis will lecture on birds — with stere- M o nthly B ulletin 5 opticon illustrations and whistling imitations — in the auditorium of the High School. A large membership of bird-lovers is confidently expected for this new society. EXHIBITION OF BIRD SKINS There will be an exhibition of the Davis collection of bird skins at the rooms of the Appalachian Mountain Club, 1050 Tremont Building, Boston, April 22nd, 23rd and 24th, which all interested in birds are invited to attend. On the evening of April 22 the President of the Club, Philip W. Ayer, will address the Club on the topic, " Birds of the North Woods " and Mr. Winthrop Packard will speak on " Bird Migration." EXHIBITION OF BIRD PAINTINGS During the two weeks, beginning April 7th and ending April 19th, a collection of bird paintings by Charles E. Heil will be exhibited at the Brooks Reed Gallery on Arlington Street. Mr. Heil's paintings are well known to bird enthusiasts for their beauty as well as their fidelity to nature. The public is cordially invited to attend this exhibit. NEW ENGLAND FEDERATION OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES The twenty-six societies located in New England will hold their Annual Meeting on April 25th and 26th, Friday and Saturday, in the Rogers Build- ing, 491 Boylston Street, Boston. There will be exhibitions of the work of various societies and individuals, comprising specialties in natural history, which will be open on both days to members and to the public. On Friday evening there will be an informal meeting for showing exhibits and for short reports and addresses. This interesting gathering shows annually the amount of work being done throughout New England by our natural history societies and the scientists connected with them. A WHITE SPARROW My Dear Mr. Packard: — Under the eaves of the Highland Club House in West Roxbury lives quite a colony of English sparrows, who find plenty of good food on the lawn of the Unitarian Church opposite. There among these noisy, fighting little creatures is a curiosity — a white one. His head is like the ordinary sparrow, but his back is white, except just the tip of wings and tail. Quite an interesting sight. He has been there all winter. Very late in October a party sailed from South Boston to Marblehead and back and had for one of, the passengers a little junco. He made many attempts to leave the boat, but for some reason did not venture far away, and returned to his perch in the rigging and left when they landed in South Boston. On March 6th a song sparrow sang for a few minutes in a tree near my window here. Mr. Finley's pictures were certainly very fine! Cordially yours, Katharine H. Andrews. Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRDS BY TELEPHONE My dear Mr. Packard: White Wickets, West Newton, Feb. 27, 1919. In regard to my window list, that was of course a very slight sketch of the real host of feathered children who come and go there throughout the season. In case you are interested to know how many one can see while sitting at my telephone within a hundred feet of the highway, I append the following list, 62 in all: Bronzed Crackle Red- Winged Blackbird Robin Bluebird Phoebe Cowbird Fox Sparrow Purple Finch Vesper Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Tree Swallow Myrtle Warbler Yellow Palm Warbler Black and White Warbler Nashville Warbler Parula Warbler Yellow Warbler Magnolia Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Maryland Yellow-throat Redstart Blackburnian Warbler Golden-winged Warbler Black-poll Warbler Hermit Thrush Swift Least Flycatcher Towhee Thrasher Catbird Wood Thrush Yellow-billed Cuckoo Black-billed Cuckoo Kingbird Oriole Rose-breasted Grosbeak Tanager Warbling Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo White-crowned Sparrow White-throated Sparrow Gray-cheeked Thrush Quail Pheasant Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Flicker Pine Siskin Jay Crow Goldfinch Nuthatches (both) Chickadee Redpoll Cedar Waxwing Crossbill Tree Sparrow Junco Golden-crowned Kinglet Brown Creeper Pine Grosbeak Hawks I do not mean that every winter or year I see the whole list, but I do mean that in the past two years I have seen from my window each and all of these birds. A red-breasted nuthatch came to breakfast today, and the usual boarders comprise a whirlpool of juncos and a fountain of chickadees. This may sound crazy to some, but they weave and Hy about the feeder in such a fashion as to remind one of the activities of those things. Nuthatches use the bark of the elm tree on which the feeder is nailed as a clamp to hold the sunflower seeds while they are prying them open. The interstices are filled with the shells of those seeds, and while the nuthatches are so occupied they permit the other people to feed, but they are unusually selfish and aggressive at other times. You need not bother to read these notes about my family, but I must gossip about them to some one who appreciates the fine points of their characters. Monthly Bulletin 7 A flock of robins passed over a day or two ago, and soon I shall miss the binoculars more than ever. But they are to bear a silver strap for every battle in which they have been while watching the birds of prey. Sincerely yours, Mary Chase Witherbee. A SHOREBIRD REFUGE The Fish and Game Commission of the State of Massachusetts is en- trusted with the sane conservation of the wild birdlife of our State, and is doing more to this end than is generally understood. Reservations estab- lished by it under Chapter 410, Acts of 1911, are numerous throughout the State. On these reservations hunting is at all times illegal, and the State wardens are entrusted with the enforcement of the law thereon. But the Fish and Game Commission works in other ways for the preservation of wild life where it is unduly threatened. A recent letter of theirs to the Board of Selectmen of the town of Ipswich well illustrates not only to what straits the small game of the country have been reduced in favorable localities by un- favorable conditions, but also the fact that the Commission is cognizant of these conditions and endeavors to remedy them in ways that are fair at once to the game and to the hunters. It is as follows: Jan. 4, 1919. Board of Selectmen, Ipswich, Mass. Gentlemen : During the past few years our Board has pursued the policy of estab- lishing reservations or bird sanctuaries on limited areas throughout the Com- monwealth. In some places we have acted under Chapter 410, Acts of 1911, which enables us upon the petition of landowners to establish reservations. We enclose herewith a copy of this Act for your consideration. In other places we have been able to bring about as effective a condition by inducing authorities who have control over land to take such action as will be equivalent to establishing reservations. We wish to lay before you for your consideration the following propo- sition : We understand that the Poor Farm of Ipswich lies under your jurisdic- tion. We refer to the property having on it the red brick house, and located along the Rowley River, and bounded on one side to a certain extent by the railroad tracks of the Boston & Maine Railroad. In that portion of the farm running parallel with the above mentioned railroad tracks is a slough hole which to many shore bird gunners has become known as the Poor Farm Slough. It has always been a great place for a large number of yellow legs 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society and smaller shore birds to congregate early in the season. When the writer first used to gun at this slough about ten years ago but few sportsmen went to it. In recent years, however, the number of gunners has increased, and competition for blinds has become so keen that gunners went to the slough and camped there 48 hours before the open season last year in order to have a place from which to shoot. On the opening day of the season there were at least thirty-five gunners around this small area, and the birds coming into it were practically exterminated. This is a very favorable spot around which to establish a bird sanctuary, and on behalf of our board I call your attention to the desirability of estab- lishing it as such. I have sounded out the sentiment among a number of sportsmen who have frequented this place in years gone by, and they are of the opinion that things have come to such a pass that this is the only practical thing to do, and will result in the saving of a substantial number of birds. We would suggest that the whole farm be made a bird sanctuary. We will undertake to stock it with pheasants and quail. At this time we cannot state how far our finances will enable us to provide a deputy who will patrol the whole area throughout the entire open season, but we certainly will make a special point to protect it during the early part of the season. The foregoing is sufficient to give you briefly our ideas on the subject, and we would be pleased to amplify them either in coming before your hon- orable board or in answering any specific questions which you may wish to put to us. We have great sympathy with the sportsmen's point of view, and it is not our purpose to use this as an entering wedge to the shutting off" of more territory in this locality. We believe that the preservation of the birds in this small area from which they can work out into the surrounding country will still provide a reasonable amount of shooting, and protection thus af- forded should tend to a substantial increase of the game in that region. Assuring you that we shall be pleased to co-operate with you fully in reference to the above plan, we are, (Signed), William C. Adams, Chairman. A FRIENDLY NUTHATCH. Miss Katrine Blackinton writes: "Tlie feed- ing-stations and seeds have been a great source of pleasure to us. I now have a nuthatch who comes into my bed- room, where the long French windows stand always open, and takes nuts from all places in the room. If I happen to be there, he usually helps him- self at my dressing-table, which stands near the window. He has grown to be quite a member of the family. I mention this because it seems interesting to know that that sort of relationship may be established with a wild bird in the winter. It was due in the beginning largely to your sunflower seeds." Volume III. MAY, 1919 Number 4. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-oflBce at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This 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 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. THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY INCORPORATED FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS Founded 1896 Incorporated 1915 A strong and active Society of nation-wide influence which needs a larger fund for carrying on its important work in the protection of birds and fostering an intelligent interest in them on the part of farmers and the general public, and especially of the rising gen- eration. The Society watches and influences legislation, promotes the enforcement of the bird laws, maintains and encourages bird reservations, and does a large educational work. WILL YOU HELP make this increasingly widespread and val- uable work permanent through an adequate Reserve Fund? This 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. President EDWARD HOWE FORBUSH Secretary -Treasurer WINTHROP PACKARD Directors WILLIAM P. WHARTON, Chairman Mrs. Arthur T. Cabot Francis H. Allen Mrs. Roger W. Cutler Dr. Glover M. Allen Mrs. John W. Elliot Arthur C. Bent Miss Minna B. Hall Judge Charles F. Jenney Mrs. Augustus Hemenway Frederic H. Kennard Miss Maria Purdon Edward L. Parker Miss Harriet E. Richards Dr. John C. Phillips Mrs. Reginald C. Robbins Reginald C. Robbins Dr. Charles W. Townsend Office, 66 Newbury Street, Boston, Mass. Monthly Bulletin 3 SANCTUARY BIRD DAY. The Annual Mass Meeting and Bird Day of the Massachusetts Audubon Society will be held at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary, Sharon, on Saturday, May 17th. The Sanctuary Headquarters and Museum will be open and the grounds available to members and their friends from dawn imtil dark, and all interested in birds are cordially invited to attend. All will be welcome to explore the Sanctuary and study its wild life. Bird walks may be joined under competent leaders. At two p. m. Mr. Edward Avis will give a talk on birds, with whistling imitations, and there will be other brief interesting exercises. At 3 p. m. there will be a conference and experience meeting of the local secretaries of the Society. The Society will pay travelling expenses of Local Secretaries to and from this meeting. Hot coffee and sandwiches, possibly other refreshments, will be on sale on the grounds. Those wishing to be sure of more should bring a basket luncheon. Time-table of train service between Boston and Sharon will be found under the heading "Bird Walks" elsewhere in this Bulletin. The Sanctuary is about a mile and a half west of Sharon Station, may be readily reached by automobile, and there will be opportunity for parking. When within a mile or so of Headquarters, bird-picture signs will be found at intersecting roads pointing the way. Those who walk from the station should take the highway which crosses the track, going west on it and taking each turn to the left. There is automobile service between the station and the Sanctuary; fare 50c each way. BIRD WALKS. On Saturdays, Warden Higbee conducts bird walks at the Sanctuary, meeting the 1 :45 afternoon train from Boston at the Sharon Station at 2 :25. The walks begin at the station and continue through the Sanctuary grounds to Headquarters, where there is opportunity to rest and view the Museum exhibit. The route is so arranged that those wishing to take only part of it may do so, resting at the Sanctuary meanwhile. Sunset bird walks are taken Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, beginning on the arrival of the 5:40 train from Boston at 6:18. There is a convenient return train at 8:54. Mr. Higbee will meet the arriving train. There is a motor service between trains and the Sanctuary Headquarters; fare 50c each way. The charge for walks per person is 50c, the money to be used towards the support of the Sanctuary. Train service: Sharon. Prov. Div. 19 miles. 38 minutes. Fare 55c; 5 rides $1.93. At 6.22, 7.39, 10.59, 12.30, 1.45, 2.33, 3.29, 4.28, 5.06, 5.40, 6.12, 6.55, 8.59, 10.20, 11.33. Return— 6.06, 6.56, 7.37, 7.52, 8.52, 11.02, 11.55, 1.21, 3.16, 5.03, 6.14, 7.10, 8.54, 11.26. Sunday— 8.08, 8.49, 12.22, 2.24, 4.08, 5.05, 6.50, 8.28, 10.20. Return— 8.09, 10.06, 1.11, 2.31, 5.03, 5.11, 7.14, 8.54, 11.25. 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society BOARD AT THE SANCTUARY. The Field residence at the Sanctuary will be opened early in May, Mrs. George W. Field returning from Washington for that purpose. All mem- bers who attended the Bird Day meeting in 1918 will recall with pleasure Mrs. Field's hospitality. The same welcome will be extended this year. Transients or those wishing to make a longer stay at the Sanctuary for nature study or simply for rest among beautiful natural surroundings in the ozonic air of the Sharon hilltop may obtain accommodations at reasonable rates on application. Address Mrs. George W. Field, Sharon, Mass., or commu- nication may be established through the Sanctuary telephone, Sharon 117-3. Calls made between 11 and 12 a. m. will be most likely to receive prompt attention. This is the warden's telephone and his work keeps him afield most of the time, but he plans to be within call during that hour. STATE ORNITHOLOGIST'S BULLETINS. Some months ago this Bulletin called attention to the valuable work being done by State Ornithologist Forbush in his monthly studies of the movements of birds as reported to him by observers throughout New Eng- land and adjacent territory. The demand for the summary of these obser- vations, issued monthly to the press, observers and others especially inter- ested, has grown to such an extent that it is impossible to supply it. There is no special appropriation for this extension work of the State Board of Agriculture, valuable as it is, and the State Ornithologist regretfully re- quests the announcement that further requests cannot be granted. BIRDS FOR THE BLIND. A valuable work in giving blind people a knowledge of bird life is be- ing done by Miss Susan F. Haskins of New Bedford, Mass. Her method is to use the admirable four-page leaflets of the National Association of Audu- bon Societies with the colored and outline inserts as a basis. The outlines of the bird pictures are pricked and the blind, who read with the finger- tips, are thus able to get a good idea of the form and in many cases the characteristic pose and size of the bird. A blind child hearing the song of a robin, for instance, may by using the modified leaflet at the same time get a very good idea of how the bird looks as he sings. HELIGOLAND AS A BIRD SANCTUARY. Ever since the signing of the armistice, and, indeed, a much earlier date, a discussion has been going on intermittently as to what is to be done with Heligoland, the little island in the North Sea which served such a sinister pur- pose during the war as one of Germany's naval bases. Some of the pro- posals have had much to be said for them, many of them nothing, but among those advanced lately none, surely, can make a more general appeal than that put forward at the annual meeting of the Royal Society for the Pro- tection of Wild Birds, in England, for making Heligoland an ornithological observation station and bird sanctuary under international control. Heligoland has always been famous for its birds, not only, like so many high-cliffed, rock-girt islands, for its sea birds, but for the multitudes of land Monthly Bulletin 5 birds which sweep over the tiny island in their migratory flights east, west, north, and south. As far as sanctuary goes, the sea birds, at any rate, have just made it this for centuries, without any regard at all for the humans who have come and gone. They were there, shrieking aroiuid its crags, when the goddess Hetha, the special object of veneration among the Angles of the mainland, had a temple on Heligoland; when the pagan King Radbod ruled there, and when St. Willibrod came to the island, in the Seventh Century, preaching Christianity. And so it has continued ever since. The great naturalist, Heinrich Gaetke, made Heligoland famous as an ornithological observation station. He studied the subject of the migration of birds and bird life at all seasons at his observatory on the island with little cessation or interruption, day after day, and night after night for fifty years and more, and from these studies, as he himself says, he was led to recognize that the little island presented an undreamed of wealth of material, valuable to this so mysterious study, and indeed was in this respect "superior to the proudest empire of the earth." The passage of the world from war to peace may be signalized in many ways, but none could, surely, be more striking than the transforming of the grim naval base of Heligoland into a bird Sanctuary. LIFE MEMBERS RECEIVED DURING APRIL. Osborn, John B. 17 Keswick St., Boston. SUSTAINING MEMBERS RECEIVED DURING APRIL. Ames, Amyas Bacon, Miss Isabel Craig Bancroft, Mrs. H. H. Bedford, Thomas P. Branch, H. C. Callaghan, Mrs. Alice Holman Chase, Frank H. Comtois, Rev. J. 0. Denham, Miss Ella Norwood Dixon, Mrs. Frederick Eastman, Mrs. E. P. Fairbanks, J. W. Flynn, William F. Fortnightly Club, The Gerrish, Dr. G. H. Giliotti, Louis Grant, Miss J. F. Grimes & Harris Healy, J. Ward Holstein, George J. Lee, Miss Elizabeth A. Monk, Miss Susie N. Nealley, Mrs. H. A. Nowak, Rabbi Abraham Orne, Harold J. North Easton. 986 Charles River Road, Cambridge. Millbury. 66 Pleasant St., Worcester. Webster. Holden. 120 Hemenway St., Boston. Millbury. Rochester, N. H. 1101 Beacon St., Brookline. 719 Columbia St., Burlington, Iowa. 45 South St., Westboro. Westboro. Leominster. 22 Ash St., Spencer. 37 Elm St., Westboro. 213 Huntington Ave., Boston. Leominster. Leominster. 923 N. 7th St., Burlington, Iowa. 42 Park St., Maiden. Framingham Centre. 16 Gardner Road, Newton. 28 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Melrose Highlands. Massachusetts Audubon Society Pearse, Miss Alice W. Perry, Dr. Henry J. Powdrell, Robert Ranstead, Miss Kate A. Rogers, Miss Bertha F. Sherman, Richard Samuel Shmnway, Carl E. Smith, George M. Soule, Miss Bessie N. Spencer, Dr. H. C. Spinney, Miss Eleanor M. Stivers, George A. Sunday School of Temple Ohaber Shalom Sweet, Miss F. N. Talbot, L. R. Taylor, Miss Solatia M. Underbill, E. M. Vail, Ralph L. Valentine, Miss L. W. Webb, Miss Louise M. Weed, H. Wilmarth, Charles C. Zerbe, Arthur J. 317 Walnut Ave., Roxbury. 45 Bay State Road, Boston. 58 Greenough St., Brookline. 1703 Bolton St., Baltimore, Md. 36 Hale St., Beverly. 17 Castleton St., Jamaica Plain. 453 Washington St., Boston. 82 Brookline Ave., Boston. 82 Walnut Park, Newton Newton. 199 Marlborough St., Boston. 2301 So. Main St., Burlington, Iowa. 11 Union Park St., Boston. 19 Arlington St., Boston. 509 Audubon Road, Boston. 56 Bromfield St., Boston. 160 Dana Ave., Hyde Park. 1 County Road, Chelsea. 357 Charles St., Boston. 4 Liberty Square. Boston. Lynn. 133 County St., Attleboro. Oradell, N. J. THE AMSTON SUMMER SCHOOL. The National Association of Audubon Societies has its Experiment Sta- tion in wild bird culture and game farming at Amston, Connecticut. It is in general charge of Herbert K. Job, the well-known ornithologist and author, with assistants, including Robert K. McPhail, formerly Game-Keeper to the King of England at Windsor Castle, one of the most experienced professional experts in America. This Wild Life Sanctuary and State Game Preserve abounds in bird life, over one hundred species having been observed in summer, without the migrants. Amston Lake is frequented by wild water-fowl. A large pheasant- rearing enterprise is in operation, as also the breeding of many kinds of native wild ducks, the bob-white, the California quail, wild doves and pigeons, and also the breeding of canaries, on a commercial scale, by ex- perts of wide experience. By the latter part of May the Audubon House, Headquarters of this As- sociation, will be opened, with Mr. and Mrs. Job and daughters in attendance for the season. There are collections of bird specimens and a small work- ing ornithological library for use of students and visitors. At Amston Inn, nearby, meals and accommodations may be secured. At the Lake there are boats and bathing facilities. Being at high altitude, about 500 feet above sea-level, nights are cool, and the place is practically free from mosquitoes. Summer School — ^This year there will be two terms, each of three weeks : — First Term, General Popular Bird Study, July 5th to 25th, including the following courses: — (a) Field Bird Study, for knowing the wild birds, (b) Applied Ornithology, an elementary course in methods of attracting Monthly Bulletin 7 and propagating wild birds and game, (c) Nature Photography, both plate and motion pictures, with field demonstrations. These courses are designed to be of an interesting and popular nature, and of practical help to bird-lovers, teachers, land-holders and amateur bird-photographers. Second Term, Commercial and Practical Game-farming and Estate Work, July 26th to August 15th. This is to help prepare people for start- ing or conducting game-farms or game production on farms, preserves, or estates, or to fit themselves for employment by others along these lines. The above courses will be conducted by Mr. Job, with lectures by visit- ing specialists, and demonstrations in game propagation, trapping of ver- min, and other practical work, by Mr. McPhail. There will be excursions and picnic suppers on the Lake, and evening outings to listen to night sounds. Terms and Accommodations — Tuition for the Summer School will be $15. — for either of the two terms, or $25. — for both. Rooms and meals may be had at Amston Inn at moderate cost, a special rate being made for Sum- mer School students. A few cottages, furnished or unfurnished, may be had. Should registered students desire to camp, sites on the lake shore or else- where can be assigned, at nominal cost. Bath-houses are free to students and guests at the Inn, who must, however, provide their own bathing-clothes. Boats may be rented at reasonable prices. The Audubon House will sup- plement the Inn for social use of visitors. Parties or clubs will be received for field excursions or vacation outings. Visitors and observers are wel- come to come at any time, and will be shown about and assisted in every pos- sible way. Location — Amston is a station on the Air Line Division of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. Ten miles from Willimantic. Inquiries — Applications for Summer School registration, excursions, bird-study outings, etc., should be addressed to Herbert K. Job, 291 Main Street, West Haven, Conn., and to Amston, Conn., after the last of May. In- quiries about rooms or meals should be made to The Amston Inn. HUMMINGBIRDS. SUMMER OF 1918. By Grace Sherwood, Jefferson, O. May 13th, two days ahead of schedule time, a female hummingbird came to the yard. I put up the feeders, but she paid no attention to them, so I knew she was not of the "old gang." The bottles hung untouched two or three days, then feeding began. Whether some of last season's birds came, or the new ones caught the idea, I know not. The 27th a male bird came and stayed all day, eating as one famished. He would eat until you wondered where he put it, go to a near-by twig, perch a few minutes, then back and at it again. For a few days I only saw him occasionally, then he concluded an unfailing supply of food was too good a thing to pass up; so he came regularly in spite of feminine opposition until the 1st of August, when I infer he went Soutn. As I never saw but one male bird at a time, I fancied only one came. He was truly a charming fellow, and I named him Ephraim, thinking it neat but not gaudy, and "Eph," for short, convenient. I soon learned his footsteps, or wingbeats. When out doors I could tell long enough before he came in sight to call him by name. I never made a mistake, so I know that at least this particular male bird could readily be told from the female by the sound of his flight. I tried with all my might to find how he^made this distinctive sound, but failed. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society the only comparison I can make would be the rapid opening and shutting of a tiny sandal wood fan. He had a hard time getting his share of the food, in spite of my moral support. I told him those bottles were out for the benefit of all hummingbirds, regardless of age, sex or previous condition of servi- tude. One night I thought he had heeded my counsel for he chased a female away, and came back to his bottle. I started to commend him for holding his own, but the sentence was never finished, for she came back striking him so hard he left for the night. August was a strenuous month for all concerned. As there are only two in the family, our sugar ration would not supply all needs. Mother and I decided we were responsible for the birds and would feed them first. There are advantages in living in a hamlet, the neighbors all knew our troubles. One keeps bees; she brought some unsalable honey. Another had some maple syrup meet with an accident; she brouglit that. The grocer had a sack of sugar damaged in transit, and he brought that. So not a little stomach went empty and we kept our acquaintance with the sugar-bowl. I made up the food in a four ounce bottle; many days I had to make twice in order to keep the small feeding bottles all going. I had eight out and found a hungry hummingbird could clean out a bottle two and one-fourth inches long. Sometimes a perching bird would run out its tongue an inch or more, anticipating that the food would be "licking good," I suppose. They fed often, all day, but from five o'clock in the evening until dark, reading or writing on our porch was not to be thought of, because of feeding and fight- ing. One evening I had the bird-glass leveled on a perching female, when another came near. Instead of striking as usual, she sat still but raised the feathers the whole length of her back exactly as a dog raises his hair. I never saw such concentrated wrath in my life; one just naturally dodged! They were so accustomed to me they hardly noticed me, except to scold me if I let a bottle get empty. They would come so near the vibration of their wings would ruffle my hair. Early in the season the ants got into the bottles, and I would have to change the location. The birds would go to every place where a feeder had been, then look around until they found the new location. When so many came, I did not stop to make holders, but took strings and tied the bottles up. After that they would investigate any bit of rag or string within sight. Would a flower-fed bird do that? The 9th of September the last bird ate a hearty breakfast, then started her airplane southward. Two experiences of the season stand out in memory. One May morning I woke up at sunrise and looked down from a window on our lilac bush, an enormous white one. The top was a mass of blossoms with just a show- ing of light green leaves. Over this a male hummingbird darted in and out, often facing the east so the jewel in his throat caught the sunlight. A hum- mingbird, lilacs and sunrise can make a "mountain moment." A few feet from our porch is the trunk of a cherry tree, left for old association's sake. We planted an ivy to run over it, making it ornamental to us, and useful to the birds. The stump is about ten feet high, and at the top are some shoots about a foot long. One mid-afternoon in July, Ephraim perched on the tip of one of those twigs. He sat there motionless, facing the west, with his head slightly raised, showing his throat in full. The strong sunlight turned that twig into bronze-gold, and Ephraim into a mag- nificent jewel, the whole suggesting a royal scepter fit only for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Volume III. JUNE, 1919 Number 5. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETIN MASSACHUSETTS PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This 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 infonued 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. I T 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society BULLETIN. Vol. L, No. 1 of the Florida Audubon Bulletin, issued quarterly from the office of the Florida Audubon Society at Winter Park, comes to hand with a store of useful and pleasing information. Its editors introduce it as follows: "The Audubon Bulletin, a new activity of the Florida Audubon So- ciety, greets with a kindly and hopeful spirit its bird-loving friends. Its purpose is to chronicle the affairs of the society, to report items of interest concerning birds, to keep its readers informed as to bird legislation and conservation, and to briefly note the more interesting personal observations of its readers who have a deep or growing interest in wild bird life. In each issue it hopes to carry to those who receive it a cheerful message. It will be glad to print in future numbers any brief items of notable observations in connection with bird life. School children especially are invited to send short reports of what they see that strikes them as being worthy of note when observing the birds in the fields or about their homes. The Bulletin will be sent free to all members of the Florida Audubon Society. The next number will be issued July 1st. Communications should be addressed to W. Scott Way, Secretary, Winter Park, Fla." BOARD AT THE SANCTUARY. The clear hilltop air, the restful quiet and sylvan beauty of the Moose Hill region help attract people to the Audubon Society's Bird Sanctuary at Sharon, Mass., where exceptional opportunities for bird and nature study are available. During the month of May some 550 interested visitors saw the collections at the museum, watched the rare and beautiful birds which fed daily about the door and took bird walks along the many well-marked paths. Botanists as well as bird students find unusual opportunities there. People, once attracted to the place, come again and again. The demand for the services of Warden Higbee in explaining the exhibits at the museum and in the field is constant, and he is found a readily available source of information on all nature topics as well as a genial guide. Bird walks, scheduled for Saturday afternoons at 2.25 and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.18, starting from the Sharon station will hence- forward begin at the Sanctuary headquarters at 3 and 7, giving time for people arriving by train to reach the house. The demand for the warden's presence at headquarters afternoons has been so constant that this change is necessary. Transients wishing to spend a day or more will find excellent accom- modations at the Field residence at the very modest rate of two dollars a day. Many have already thus enjoyed Mrs. Field's hospitality. All interested in nature study and especially in methods of bird pro- tection are welcome at the Sanctuary. Members and others, however, should bear in mind that its beauties and its wild life are for all and that destruc- tion or removal by individuals of any portion of these violates the very purpose for which it is maintained. All are earnestly urged not to pluck flowers or fruit, not to destroy or remove plants, not to interfere in any way with nesting birds. Monthly Bulletin 3 Life Members Received during May. Davis, David D 66 Beaver St., New York Redmond, Mrs. Eugene T .70 Upland Rd., Brookline Toppan, Mrs. R. W 20 Toppan's Lane, Newburyport Sustaining Members Received during May. Barry, Mrs. Charles A 12 Appleby Rd., Wellesley Bates, Mrs. George E 2 Allston St., Dorchester Byrkit, Mrs. Francis K Summit Rd., Wellesley Carr, Miss Ella F 2 Allston St., Dorchester Currier, Mrs. W. Eugene 87 Merriam Ave., Leominster Dougherty, Mrs. Harold T The Mollis, Newton Ewing, Miss Kathleen Richmond Enfield Foster, Miss Leona M Northboro Francis, Miss Letha 0 Plympton Gage, Mrs. Harold M 150 Cedar St., Braintree Goode, Mrs. Mae J 66 Highland Ave., Somerville Green, Mrs. Lorenzo L 60 Powder House Rd., Medford Hanks, Mrs. Arthur R 131 Chestnut St., Needham Howlett, Mrs. E. L 4 Arlington St., Cambridge Hurd, Dr. Albert G Millbury McCrillis, Mrs. M. L. C 24 Newton St., Brockton Poole, H. G Wollaston Poole, Miss Louella C 70 Harold St., Roxbury Poor, Miss Mary Marland 67 Mt. Vernon St., Boston Porter, E. H 33 Washington Ave., Cambridgeport Potter, Mrs. A. H 1039 Mass. Ave., Cambridge Potter, H. Sturgis, Jr 63 Goddard Ave., Brookline Powers, Mrs. Hale 68 Davis Ave., Brookline Pratt, Miss Ellen E 1584 Beacon St., Brookline Preston, Miss Mabel P 84 Fenway, Boston Prudden, Mrs. Theodore P 63 Buckminster Rd., Brookline Prynne, Charles M Hotel Westminster Putnam, Mrs. Florence T 234 Merriam Ave., Leominster Rankin, Rev. H. P Belchertown Reed, Miss Bertha M Worcester Reed, Mrs. Sarah A 352 Beacon St., Boston Rhodes, Mrs. L. H 9 Downing Rd., Brookline Rice, Miss Frances E Berlin Ritchie, D. A 26 Washington Ave., Cambridge Ritchie, Miss Marion A 26 Washington Ave., Cambridge Rivers, Mrs. George R. R 122 Newbury St., Boston Robinson, Mrs. F. N Longfellow Park, Cambridge Rogers, Edwin A 161 Devonshire St., Boston Rogers, Mrs. L. Waldo 55 Dana Ave., Cambridge Sharon Bird Study Club Mrs. Carrie W. Fernald, Treas., Sharon Shull, Miss Metta 1588 Beacon St., Brookline Wheeler, Miss Carolyn L 493 Center St., Jamaica Plain Witherle, Miss Amy C Castine, Maine 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRD DAY AT THE SHARON SAiNCTUARY. By Harry G. Higbee, Superintendent. A growing interest in bird protection seemed evidenced on Saturday, May 17th, when nearly two hundred visitors, members and friends of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, gathered at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary at Sharon to view the work being done here in behalf of the birds, and to -".xplore and study for themselves the many forms of wild life to be found within these 225 acres of woodland, meadow, swamp and hillside. Although the day at its beginning gave every promise of being a stormy one, and was, indeed, rather poor for bird observation, forty-six species were noted here during the day, most of these in the immediate vicinity of the old farmhouse which the society now uses as Sanctuary head- quarters, where information of every sort pertaining to birds may be found, and where many interesting exhibits may be studied. Braving the uncertainties of the weather, these enthusiastic bird lovers came from every quarter of the state, being present from forty different cities and towns in Massachusetts, from New Hampshire, Connecticut, and New York City. Although the economic value of birds is too well known to need any mention here, the value of such a protected area as is being maintained at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary by the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the State Fish and Game Commission is not so well known to many persons who are otherwise interested in bird welfare. By eliminating as far as possible the enemies of the birds, by provid- ing them food, and offering them suitable shelter and nesting sites, this little tract has become a veritable bird paradise. More than one hundred different kinds of birds have been identified here during the past season, — half that number being several times observed within the sanctuary in a single day. The following species were noted here by the writer on Bird Day, the greater part of these being observed in the early morning, before sunrise. Several other species were known to be here, but little opportunity for ex- tended observation was afforded on this day, and most of those mentioned were noted within a short distance of the farmhouse: Chewink; whippoorwill; tree swallow; robin; wood thrush; catbird; chipping sparrow; redstart; least flycatcher; song sparrow; yellow warbler; purple finch; oven-bird; Nashville warbler; black and white warbler; red-winged blackbird; chickadee; scarlet tanager; chestnut-sided warbler; hermit thrush; prairie warbler; white-throated sparrow; white- crowned sparrow; house wren; field sparrow; crow; ruffed grouse; golden- winged warbler; barn swallow; Baltimore oriole; flicker; Maryland yellow- throat; black-throated green warbler; blue jay; rose-breasted grosbeak; red-eyed vireo; solitary vireo; goldfinch; ruby-throated hummingbird; bluebird; kingbird; slate-colored junco; cowbird; indigo bunting; chimney swift; and phcebe. The hummingbird, kingbird and indigo bunting were seen here for the first time this season. Warblers seemed scarce and but few species were noted. Robin, phoebe, bluebird, song sparrow and house wren nests were under observation. No special bird walks were planned, for this day, but our guests wandered about through the many beautiful trails led by their Monthly Bulletin 5 own inclinations, or remained in groups watching the birds about the door- yard at the farmhouse headquarters. That most wonderful bird of all — ^Mr. Edward Avis, — with his mar- vellous reproductions of bird songs, entertained the audience at the after- noon meeting, which was held at the Field residence close by; where addresses were also given, and later an "experience meeting" of the Local Secretaries was held. The generous hospitality of Mrs. Field in opening her house to our visitors was much appreciated by all. During the day more than one hundred and fifty people viewed the exhibits at the office and Audubon Room at headquarters. Our dooryard birds attracted much attention and admiration. Fifteen or twenty purple finches remained about the house throughout the day, feeding at close range upon the seed scattered on the stone porch. A pair of rose-breasted grosbeaks also fed here within a few yards of the observers. Our one junco still remaining with us was a regular visitor to the porch for his share of the food, while several chipping sparrows hopped about among them, or added their bit of song to the liquid calls of the oriole overhead in the elm trees. A handsome male white-crowned sparrow also spent most of the day here in the dooryard as he has for several days past, giving all who watched a splendid opportunity to see this rare migrant feed unconcernedly a few yards away, or to hear his soft, sweet song in the trees just overhead. A house wren sang close by from the tangle of the oldfashioned garden; a ruby-throated hummingbird occasionally ap- peared, and a pair of bluebirds, nesting in one of our dooryard boxes, formed a welcome addition by their bright colors and soft, warbling notes. The songs and calls of many of our common birds — especially those of the purple finch and certain calls of the jay — seem to confuse many persons. An immature bird singing, or a bird giving only part of its song, frequently misleads even a careful observer, and too much stress can- not be laid upon the importance of very careful and repeated observations, both of the notes and markings of a bird before positive identity is stated. Keeping lists of birds may be very valuable for comparison and study and is by all means to be encouraged, but the making of a list simply for the purpose of seeing how many one may observe in a day is apt to lead to careless observation and insufficient evidence of the identity of the bird. Especially is this true among the warblers, many of which vary their songs and calls; and, with the differences also apparent in the changing plumage of some species, mistakes are easy to make. The pose, shape, habits, color and actions should all be taken into account when observing birds, and a long acquaintance with them shows that there is also a marked individuality among many of the same species. This is true principally of their songs, and when apparent adds to the difficulty of recognizing them. We are apt to expect a certain kind of bird to always act in the same way and to sing the same song, and we find that they no more do this than do individuals of the human race. We should also remember that light conditions have much to do with the apparent size and coloring of a bird, as does also the angle of view when noting its markings. Let us see more things in the out-of-doors, but let us understand those things which we do see better. Observers of long experience need not be cautioned with these sug- gestions, but the writer is prompted to make them after twenty-seven years of field observation and study among the birds, in various localities and under a wide range of conditions, and after leading classes in bird study for several years. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society In addition to our avifauna, many beautiful flowers attracted the atten- tion of our Bird Day visitors. The spring beauty, the shooting star, and the yellow lady's-slipper were all in bloom, as were also five different kinds of trillimns. Vegetation as a whole seems considerably behind that of last year when our Bird Day was held here (May 18th), and most of the ferns have not yet unfolded. The day ended with rain. After the last of our guests had departed, and the little old farmhouse under the big elms had again assumed its hermit-like solitude, I went out upon the ledge to watch from my favorite perch the closing of the day and the coming of the evening shadows from across the valley. A great whirr of wings greeted me as I opened the door and stepped out upon the stone porch. It seemed as if all my feathered friends of the dooryard had gathered for a last bit of lunch and to say good-night before I left them. More than a score of purple finches, several chipping sparrows, grosbeaks and the white-crowned sparrow were here, and I thought how much worth while are all our efforts to preserve and protect them. Out upon the ledge all was quiet. Soon a chewink called, and then another; a tanager sang from the oaks close by in Tanager Woods; a black and white warbler came flitting through the trees singing for his supper, and a prairie warbler mounted a birch sapling in Chewink Hollow, just below the ledge, and repeated his little ascending trill of insect-like notes. The chorus of the frogs soon began in the little laurel-encircled pool below the rocky hillside, and as the colors softened and the dusk deepened, an oven-bird mounted upward toward the light, and on fluttering wings de- scended with his outburst of melody. This was repeated again and again. Then clear but faintly across the valley from the distant pines came the sweet "Good night" which I had come to hear, — the pure, tranquil strains of the hermit thrush, tl-.e song which to me is the embodiment of all that is beautiful among the hills and valleys from which it emanates. Ere these sounds had mingled into a quiet murmuring, as the day nestled into the arms of night, a scene none the less beautiful, but more spectacular, appeared to end the day. A rapid gathering of storm clouds appeared over the valley, soon forming into a distinct, dark bank toward the southeastern range of hills, and leaving beneath it a band of clear light over the horizon, which set off most beautifully the vari-colored hills beneath it. As I stood watching it, the hills to the south became suddenly obliterated and the storm broke, moving eastward across the valley and enveloping all in a thick, driving rain as it came. Only those who have watched a storm among the hills know the beauty and grandeur of such a scene, and it was with some reluctance that I returned within doors, to muse over the events of the day and to plan for our next annual Bird Day at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary. THE YOUNG PHCEBES. By Harriet B. Audubon, of Louisville, Kentucky, Grand-daughter of John James Audubon. For many years I had longed to see a family of young birds fly out of the nest, but met with no success until the summer of 1917, while spending a few weeks at Woodbridge, Connecticut. A pair of phoebes had built a nest at the top of the front door on what Monthly Bulletin 7 not the most complimentary of birds could call a convenient ledge; the door was rounded at the top and adorned only by a rounded strip following the curve of the door. This strip was painted and varnished, and looked as smooth as glass. The nestlings — there were three of them — grew larger and larger and stronger and stronger; sometimes they stood up on the edge of the nest; sometimes a very bold one ventured to stand on the insecure footing just outside the nest. I wondered much how they would make their descent, for there were no ornamentations or projections to offer steps to help them to reach the piazza, and the distance was at least ten feet. One day when one of them was standing just outside the nest, either he lost his footing in trying to return or one of his brothers, thinking his room was better than his company, gave him a push, and he fell, but, flutter- ing, caught his little claws in the wire of the screen door and clung there, terrified for several minutes; then, making an attempt either to jump or to fly, neither he nor I knew which, he fell, as if dead, on the second step of the piazza. He lay perfectly motionless, and I, not understanding his language, and being, therefore, unable to make him aware of my kind feelings toward him, could only look on and wait. After a few minutes he stretched out a leg and a wing. Then a parent brought him some delicious morsel, which he devoured; after that he lay still for a few minutes more, and then suddenly took a good strong flight into a tall evergreen tree that stood near the piazza. I don't know what happened next; my imagination suggests that the father covered him in the tree, while the mother came back to the nest to keep the other two warm during the night. During the greater part of the next day the mother sat or stood on the top step of the piazza, calling to her children to come down; sometimes she flew to the nest and away again, as if to show them how to get away, but though they seemed lively, they made no eff'ort to leave home. The following morning the same process was repeated, but apparently without effect. In the afternoon there was a fierce thunderstorm with pour- ing rain, and I thought there would be no leaving the nest that day; but suddenly, in the midst of rain, wind, thunder and lightning, one of the birds flew, not just dropping down to the piazza, but with a strong, beautiful flight, far into the high branches of the tall evergreen. About half an hour later the last bird followed his example, with the same strong, beautiful flight, in spite of wind and rain. I like to believe that there was then a happy reunion of father, mother, and three children in the big evergreen tree. BIRD STUDY IN THE CITY. By WiNTHROP Packard. [From the Headquarter's Bulletin of the Boy Scouts of America.] Sometimes, even in winter, in the city, I get a glimpse of big, wild birds and the sight of them lifts my thoughts from brick and stone to the blue skies, the blue sea and the open spaces where freedom waits, for these big birds I see are the sea gulls. High over the city roof tops, even above the steeples of the churches, they sail on strong wings, going for a drink of fresh water in the Charles River where they rest and gossip with their fellows. I watch them from the Esplanade as they swim in the Basin or sit seemingly warm and content on the ice margin and I see with them the mergansers. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society The gulls are birds of our own shores, summer and winter, following the great steamers to sea or hovering over the tip of T Wharf, watching for what refuse food they may pick from the waves. They have little fear of man, for the Audubon Societies have protected them for so many years that they know they are safe. Sparrows, pigeons and gulls are the birds which the city Boy Scout sees most often. He may begin his work for the Merit Badge in Bird Study with them, but though he may not go often or ever, to the country, he need not feel that he has no chance to see other wilder birds. Over in the Basin with the gulls all winter long, are the mergansers or shelldrake. Divers and fishermen are they, plunging swiftly and swimming under water faster than the fish on which they feed. Sometimes the shelldrake fly over the city. Rarely a flock of wild geese goes honking by. What a glimpse of romance of wild life comes with these great free rovers who write V, A, or N in the sky! What a trumpet sound their clarion cries are to us; calling us to go forth to the open spaces and be free. Nor need the city boy lack other bird mysteries. Often of a summer nightfall, over the Common, I hear the quaint "peent, peent" cry of the nighthawks, and see them swooping and soaring swiftly in the unfathomable blue above my head. Acrobats of the air, they dive, somersault and climb more swiftly and surely even than an American ace in his airplane. They are hawking for insects on which they feed. These country birds have become city dwellers and their young are hatched on the flat gravelly roofs of the great buildings. Spring and summer bring other wild birds to the parks, the Fenway, the Common, and even the Public Garden. One busy man, Horace W. Wright, watching the Public Garden mornings, has seen there one hundred and sixteen different species. City boys and girls may study wild birds though they never go to the country. The Audubon Society will gladly help them in this good work. ROBIN NESTS ON MOVING FREIGHT. PiTTSFiELD, May 20. — A freight car that came through from the West the other day carried a robin in her nest. Trainmen said the bird did not seem to be disturbed by being whisked over the country on a moving train. FAITHFUL ROBIN. A peculiarly marked robin has been to our yard five consecutive springs, arriving each year in March or April. Through the center of the tail the feathers are pure white, comprising the greater portion. The outer ones are the usual color. The back and breast are liberally spotted witli white. It adds another evidence of memory in birds shown by their seeking former homes. This one seems to be a bachelor. He is never "chummy" with any other robin, nor has he brought to our enclosure any progeny. At times he is absent several weeks but never fails to reappear and he takes a dip in our bath occasionally as late as October. That is the month of his departure. He goes with our blessing, and a hope for his safe return. Mrs. M. R. Stanley. NO SUMMER BULLETINS. As has been the custom since the Bulletin was first published there will be no further issues of the Bulletin until the October number. Volume III. OCTOBER, 1919 Number 6. Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. (Application for entry as second-class matter at the post-o£Bce at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This 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 Slate 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 Ijfe Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society GREETINGS The Massachusetts Audubon Society has been busy all summer, the office has been open and the constant and varied calls upon it for service to the public in matters of bird protection and bird study have been faithfully attended to. This issue of the Bulletin goes to press as the vacation season is fully over. To bird lovers throughout the world we send greetings. Our work is by no means confined within the borders of our own State. Important as it is within these borders, tlie good will of the Society and its desire to serve go to all whose interests are our own wherever they are. We publish or provide the best in bird charts, bird calendars, bird books and all bird protection material. Wliether you are a member of our Society or not we cordially invite you to bring your bird problems to us. If direct help is possible, we give it. We can at least give you the benefit of expert advice. Purchase of bird books, charts, calendars or other material through the office by mail or in person aids our cause not only in prestige but in funds. We will gladly attend to orders of this sort, large or small, from any source at any time. Our Society greatly needs funds to support the constantly increas- ing expenses of its work. We believe that we are the greatest existing agency for that sane preservation of wild life which is now recognized as of incalculable benefit to mankind. Will you not help us to maintain this work at its best? WILLIAM BREWSTER William Brewster, the first President of the Massachusetts Audu- bon Society, died at his home in Cambridge, July 11th last, in his sixty- ninth year. Mr. Brewster was one of the founders of the Society and was chosen President at its organization in 1896. He held the office till December, 1913, when he resigned to devote himself more exclusively to his scientific and literary work and was made an honorary Vice- President of the Society. Mr. Brewster was the most eminent of New England ornithologists. While he owned one of the largest private col- lections of birds in the country and was well known as a systematist, his chief study was the habits of birds, and this gave him a keen interest in their protection. He was much loved by all who knew him, and his death leaves a keen sense of loss among the Directors of the Society, with whom he worked faithfully for the cause of bird-protection for so many years. MOOSE HILL BIRD SANCTUARY From January 1st to September 21st, 1919, 1150 persons visited the Sanctuary. One hundred and one different cities and towns were repre- sented by these visitors who came from seventy-seven cities and towns Massachusetts Audubon Society 3 in Massachusetts, five in New Hampshire, four in Maine and New York, two in Vermont and Rhode Island and one each from Connecticut, District of Columbia, Colorado, Minnesota, California, Canada and Nova Scotia. One hundred species of birds have been recorded at the Sanctuary so far this season. Sixty-three species of breeding birds were present during the summer and seventy-five nests have been under ob- servation. A census estimate of the bird population this summer shows approximately three hundred nests of breeding birds on the grounds and 1200 young birds believed to have been raised, about 50 of which were house wrens, an unusual number of wrens for this part of the state. Life members received during June, July, August and September Kilham, Miss Susan C 8 Thorndlke St., Beverly Philipp, M. B Rocky Hill Road, Ipswich Silsbee, Katherine E 411 Beacon St., Boston Tomlinson, Mrs. Irving C 8 West Hill Place, Boston Walters, W. F 181 Bay State Road, Boston Weld, Rudolph Fiske Bldg., 89 State St., Boston Stevens, Ruey Bartlett, M.D 942 South St., Roslindale Sustaining members received during June, July, August and September Barrett, Mrs. Wm. F The River House, Ipswich Bowles, Miss Adah N 25 Granite St., Cambridge Brown, Miss Helen G 94 County Road, Ipswich Burnett, Russell 193 Winchester St., Brookhne Cole, Miss Helena B 27 Wales St., Dorchester Centre Edwards, Earl W 331 Little Bldg., Boston Emery, Frederick L 5 Stetson St., Lexington Fish, Miss Maude E 73 Newhall St., Lynn Foster, Miss Elsie L 11 Hilton St., Hyde Park Freeman, Miss E. M 131 Beacon St., Hyde Park Giesberg, Mrs. A 34 Medfield St., Boston Gilmon, Myron Piper 128 Common St., Walpole Gove, Mrs. Bert W 25 Hooker St., AUston Hartnett, W. J 133 Grampian Way, Dorchester Hauck, Joseph P 619 Woodland Park, Chicago, III. Holt, Miss M.E 16 Sheffield West, Winchester Howard, Miss Edith L 1368 Commonwealth Ave., Boston Howe, Mrs. Wm. P 241 Buckminster Road, Brookline Lockwood, Miss E. H Wellesley Farms Marvin, Claude R 11 Queensbury St., Boston Marvin, Mrs. Cleora S 11 Queensbury St., Boston Morrill, Mrs. C. W 38 Rangeley, Winchester Packard, Mrs. Helen J 20 Morton Road, Milton Patten, Mrs. Ernest L 11 Holmes St., Maiden Pierce, Miss Jane 376 Newtonville Ave., Newtonville Pike, Miss Ada B 153 Hemenway St., Boston Poffenholz, William Box 21, Richmond, Cal. Raeder, James 53 State St., Boston Raymond, Mrs. Henry E 535 Beacon St., Boston Robertson, Miss Jeanie 28 Walden St., N. Cambridge Rogers, Miss Winifred H 27 Irving St., Cambridge Rosenthal, Mrs. Louis Larcom Cottage, Beverly Farms Rush, Mrs. W. R Navy Yard, Boston Sabine, Jane K., M.D 348 Marlborough St., Boston Sachs, Paul T "Shady Hill," Cambridge 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society Sampson, C. P. 214 Bay State Rd., Boston Sands, Miss Marian M. T 2 Walnut Ave., Cambridge Sargent, Mrs. Francis W., Jr. Charles River Village Schaefer, Henry S. . 11a Myrtle St., Jamaica Plain Schaefer, Mrs. Henry S 11a Myrtle St., Jamaica Plain Schoenthal, Felix 26 Kenwood St., Brookline Scudder, Mrs. H. E 17 Buckingham St., Cambridge Sears, The Misses Esther and Ruth 426 Beacon St., Boston Sears, Mrs. R. W. Hotel Somerset, Boston Shaw, Mrs. Robert Gould 1101 Beacon St., Brookline Shepherd, Arthur 225 Newbury St., Boston Sherman, Miss J. G 167 Marlborough St., Boston Sias, Miss Martha G 1501 Beacon St., Brookline Smith, Frank E. 51 Elm Hill Ave., Roxbury Smith, Miss Harriet S 68 Bay State Road, Boston Smith, Miss Martha R 7 Clinton St., Cambridge Smith, Mrs. Robert D 12 Phillips Place, Cambridge Snow, Mi.ss Ella A Hotel Nightingale, Upham's Corner Spalding, Mrs. J. S. 358 Tappan St., Brookline Stickney, Miss Helen 47 Salisbury Road, Brookline Stoddard, Willard R The Old Homestead, Barnet, Vt. Strong, Mrs. Charles P 86 Sparks St., Cambridge Swift, Mr. & Mrs. Newton 52 Hereford St., Boston Thaxter, Miss P. S. 89 Mt. Vernon St., Boston Thayer, Miss C. V. R. Lancaster Thowless. Herbert L 765 Broad St., Newark, N. J. Tolfree, E. R 1090 Beacon St., Brookline Turner, Mrs. Frederick Jackson 7 Phillips Place, Cambridge Tyler, Miss Mary G. 3638 Chestnut St., Phila., Pa. Van Bergen, Mrs. H .C. 1501 Beacon St., Brookline Van Kleeck, Mrs. Walter L 54 Vernon St., Brookline Von Arnin, Miss Albertina 87 Ivy St., Brookline Wales, Thomas C 35 Crafts Rd., Chestnut Hill Walker, Mrs. Edward W 32 Centre St., Brookline Walton, W. W. 91 Manthorne Road, W. Roxbury Warren, Mrs. George E. 148 Beacon St., Boston Warren, Henry S. 31 Clafln Road, Brookline Warren, General Lucius H 290 Commonwealth Ave., Boston Watson, Esther Southold, N. Y. Webster, George A P. O. Box 74, Roxbury Webster, Mrs. Arthur G 66 West St., Worcester Weld, Miss Frances E 70 Marlborough St., Boston Wheeler, Mrs. H. J HI Grant Ave., Newton Centre Whittemore, William F 812 Tremont Bldg. Boston White, Major Austin T 200 Causeway St., Boston Wiggin, Miss Annie J 32 Quincy St., Cambridge Willmarth, E. S 11 Lincoln Hall, Trinity Court, Boston SOPHISTICATED WILD DUCKS One of the best bird stories of the season comes, well authenticated, from Brookline. It is probable that no other town ever saw a police- man hold up traffic while a wild duck and nine ducklings crossed its busiest street. It should be borne in mind that, although Brookline is a city in all but name, and its main streets are filled with traffic, yet portions of it are still suburban, even rural. Perhaps nothing shows this more clearly than the following story of a wild mallard duck that has for some years nested on the shores of Hall's Pond on Ivy Street. This is a little pond surrounded by marshy ground, and here among the reeds has been the nesting place of this Massachusetts Audubon Society 5 wild bird. This year, having been disturbed on the border of the pond, she made her nest in the long grass on the nearby playground, from which on June 24th she triumphantly led to the pond ten young duck- lings. Great was the joy among the local bird lovers, followed by sorrow, for three days later duck and ducklings disappeared. On that day, at eight o'clock in the morning, the police officer who regulates traffic on one of the busiest Beacon Street crossings, saw a remarkable sight. He has ushered or escorted all sorts and conditions of men, and even some animals, safely across the wide street, but here came a new de- mand on his chivalry, new even for him, for there appeared a family of ten, so closely huddled together that they seemed one body, waiting a chance to get across in safety. Up went his hand and trolley-cars, drays, trucks and automobiles, big and little, stopped for a long slow crossing. Motors purred and motorists laughed aloud when they saw for what they were held up, for here was a mother wild duck and nine downy ducklings decorously crossing Beacon Street in the heart of busy Brookline. And not a wheel went forward until they were safely over; the policeman saw to that. A brother officer who happened to be on the spot, followed the brood and their vigilant leader up Carlton Street toward the Riverway Park, where no doubt the mother duck knew that conditions were well suited to wild duck life. But the railroad tracks still lay between the brood and saftey. Here, thought the watching policeman, was a poser. The bridge they could not cross, the step up was too much for any tiny duckling and the mother led them down the embankment to the tracks. Here again it seemed they would be blocked, for the T-shaped iron rails loomed well above their heads. Here, says the eye-witness, the mother talked to them, scolded a bit and did her best to get them to go over. Finally she lay down and rolled over the rails and the little ones, imi- tating the manoeuver, "rolled over" in the same way. The policeman says that is the only way he can described the action. After much cajoling and duck talk, they imitated her and got over the rail, reaching the river in safety. While the reason for the duck's change of residence remains a mystery, it might be explained by the fact that some accident had be- fallen one of her children on the night before she left the pond. BIRDING BY STEAMSHIP On a hot June night in the Gulf of Mexico I was suddenly awakened by the stopping of the engines. Hurrying on deck in pajamas and slippers I found that the ship had stopped to take on a pilot for the mouth of the Mississippi River, I think it was the "South Pass". No matter how familiar the captain may be with his particular "pass" he needs a pilot. 6 Massac hu sett s^^A u d ub o n Society for the pass isn't where he left it on the last voyage. The great fan- shaped system of river mouths is constantly shifting, constantly push- ing further out into the Gulf. To the north the red glare of the light- house on the end of the jetty marked the beginning of an interesting journey. Soon the big ship passed between the tv/o rows of piling which marked out a channel just wide enough for two ships to pass in comfort. Presently a narrow strip of soil appears outside the piling, gradually getting wider, and then the first bushes, from which came just at day light the familiar strains of the song sparrow. As the big ship plows her way at good speed close to the east bank the high deck affords a fine post of observation. The land broadens, trees appear, small tracts of cultivated land, houses, cabins, landings, corn and sugar cane abound, now and then a grinding mill comes into view and an occasional "mansion" with its double decked veranda and negro quarters behind. It was a unique experience to go "birding" in the early morning through woods and fields on the deck of an ocean steamship. I was much interested to see and hear what sort of birds were summering in that southland. Most in evidence was the song sparrow, but through the swampy lands the black bird's reedy notes and the robins cheerful call were almost a continual chorus. The flickers flickered and the vireo preached just as in New England. There were occasional flocks of crows and one hawk. The soft notes of the blue bird were heard and Sammy Jay did not hide his light under a bushel. Now and then a kingfisher flew across the bow sounding his rattle. One scarlet tanager flashed by, or was it a cardinal? The fly catchers were seen and heard all along the way perched on the dead branches and launching suddenly into the air in pursuit of bugs, while swallows darted here and there. It was rather disappointing not to see more strange birds. I suppose I must have been expecting the shores to be lined with gaudy parrots, noisy parrakeets, birds of paradise, flamingoes, hoatzins and other tropical birds, but the only ones I can recall not common to New England are the mocking bird, the mourning dove and the scissor-tail fly catcher. The latter was new to me and I was interested to see him manage his excess steering gear. New Orleans is six hours, nearly a hundred miles, up the river, a fact which I had not realized. Altogether this voyage by ocean liner through fields and plantations and woods was as delightful as it was unusual. R. G. Frye, Sharon. STARLINGS AND GYPSY MOTHS Manomet, Mass., July 18, 1919. My Dear Sir: — I have your reply to my inquiry in regard to the English starling for which please accept my thanks. My reason for asking is this. The bird has never appeared on my place here until now. When we came Massachusetts Audubon Society 7 down we found a pair industriously at work in an old bird-box near the house. The man said that this pair had been driven from another box by a chipmunk that had eaten the eggs. We were watching the parent birds feed the young one — afternoon — when suddenly one of the party asked what was looking out of the hole. It turned out to be a weasel that had slipped in while the birds were away and we were not looking. In less than five minutes the thing was over. He had killed four out of five young — I had at least wounded him as he was coming out of the box — the parent birds had flown into the box, discov^ered him there, and got out again without damage. We took the box down, found the condition of things inside — removed the dead young (all bitten in the same place, the eye and skull) — replaced the uninjured one (which had evidently escaped because covered by the others) — and put the box back in place. In spite of the fright that the parent birds had gone through, they were back the next day, and continued to feed the single young until it Hew, about ten days later. The food they used interested me for it was "gobs" of gypsy moth caterpillars v,'hic]i they had to fiy about a mile to get. Their courage and persistance under these difficul- ties shows well why they multiply so fast. My man — Swede — tells me that they take these birds at home and teach the young to talk. Harold C. Ernst. AN ADVENTURE WITH OWLS Tuesday July 1st at 5 A.M. a strange noise was heard at the Bird Bath; could not tell whether it was a squirrel, cat or bird. On look- ing we saw on the bath four grey birds — suggesting owls — but the dim morning light made everything indistinct. At nine o'clock Tuesday evening, heard the same noise as in the morning, and looking from a screened piazza where we were sitting — we saw at the bath four owls. The piazza was lighted with a red shaded electric light. My daughter and I went out to get nearer the birds, when they flew to our clothes line posts, too high for us to see any detail. Thursday night at the same hour they were there again — and we tried to approach them with a flash light. We gained a fair idea of their size, but that was all and two again flew to clothes poles and two to our roof edge. Saturday evening they came at nine o'clock. Three on the bath and one on the tree above it, we went toward the bath very slowly and quietly. Two flew into the tree, while one remained on the bath, and allowed us to get very near it, and stared at us in a very friendly way with its yellow eyes. We could see that it had no ears and saw quite plainly the white spots on sides — and^have concluded that they must be Richardson Owls. _ The spread of wings in flight however, seemed almost too great for a bird of ten inches — but other detail corresponded to the Richardson. They always announced their coming by the strange noise I am unable to describe. These owls were seen at 64 Canton Ave., Milton, Mass. Mrs. E. Luther. 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 nmnbered and on the chart is given, with the number, 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", tlie 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 $1.50. THE AUDUBON CALENDAR FOR 1920. This Calendar shows twelve beautiful colored plates with descriptive text : Tree Sparrow, Crossbill, Phoebe, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Catbird, Belted Kingfisher, Herring Gull and Slate-colored Junco. It is uniform in size and general appearance with that of last year but entirely new in material. The retail price of this Calendar is $1.00. Copies will be mailed free to any desired address on receipt of the price. 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 III. NOVEMBER, 1919 Number 7 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. This 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. Massachusetts A ud uh o n Society MAY WE HELP YOU? The Massachusetts Audubon Society is headquarters for everything that pertains to the great movement for the sane and adequate protection of all desirable wild bird-life. We aim to help the bird students and bird protectionists as well as the birds. You can obtain at the office, 66 Newbury Street, Boston, many things of great value absolutely free. Advice and Instruction. We give expert advice freely in all matters pertaining to the study of birds or their protection. Cloth Posters. These are in the best legal form for protecting your property from trespass or illegal hunting. Pamphlets. We have in variety much useful literature on bird protection and bird study issued by the Audubon Society and others. Lectures. We have several travelling bird lectures, text and slides of which we lend free of charge to teachers and others who wish to lecture on birds. Libraries. Four travelling libraries of bird books are loaned to public libraries or other educational centres in towns which need them. Exhibitions. Bird literature, various types of bird-houses and other bird-protection material lent at any time for educational exhibits. Bird Clubs. If you wish to start a bird club in your town, write to us. We will help you. Bird Sanctuaries. If you wish to start a bird sanctuary in your town, write to us. We will help you. Supplies for bird work should be obtained from us. You get the lowest prices and the best service, and you help the Society to a modest margin of profit which is used to further bird work. Bird Books. We have the newest and best in bird books on our shelves for inspection. You are invited to examine or use these for reference here at the office. We sell them at the list price. You may order them or any other nature book, and we will see that they are mailed to you at the regular price, postage added. Calendars. Our 1920 Bird Calendar pictures twelve beautiful birds in color — size lljx7 inches. It will be mailed postpaid for $1.00. Charts. The Audubon Bird Charts — three in number — show seventy- two different birds in color. They are lithographed, mounted on cloth, size 27x42 inches. We sell thousands of them yearly to schools, libraries and private individuals. They are known the country over. Even far-off Alaska bought them this year. They cost $1.50 each and they last a lifetime. Bird Pictures. We have over a hundred different bird pictures from paintings by Horsfall, Fuertes and others suitable for framing. With descriptive leaflet and outline drawing these are best for teaching children — 5 cents to 25 cents each. Lantern-slides. We sell beautifully colored slides of birds. You may choose from 200 at $1.00 each. Bird-houses. We show and sell the best in bird-houses, feeders and food for the winter birds. Mail orders will receive prompt attention. Massachusetts Audubon Society TOWN A SANCTUARY Winter Park, Florida, has set a fine example to bird enthusiasts by making the entire town a bird sanctuary. The town is posted with the following ordinances and a card of similar import is sent yearly to all hunters and handed to new arrivals. TOWN OF WINTER PARK ORDINANCES Prohibiting the Killing of Birds, Wild Game and Alligators, and For- bidding the Discharge of Fire Arms Within the Corporate Limits. Article XII, Section 138. Be it ordained by the Town Council of the Town of W^inter Park that no person shall shoot, trap or in any other manner kill any birds, alligators or wild game of any kind within the corporate limits of the Town of Winter Park. Any person violating this ordinance shall be fined in a sum not exceeding twenty-five dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding ten days, or both. Section 141. Be it further ordained by the Town Council of the Town of Winter Park that no person shall fire off any gun or pistol within the corporate limits of the Town of Winter Park. Any person violating this ordinance shall be fined in a sum not exceeding ten dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding ten days, or both. August 1, 1918 // you are interested in saving the ivild birds, please report violations of these ordinances to Secretary of Winter Park Bird Club. Winter Park has for many years been the home of Dr. William F. Blackman, President of the Florida Audubon Society, and the Society was largely instrumental in the making of the Sanctuary as well as in a great amount of other good work for bird protection in Florida. Con- cerning the Sanctuary W. Scott Way, Secretary of the Society, writes: — The entire town of Winter Park (about two miles square) is a bird sanctuary by act of the Town Council. The inclosed card contains the ordinances. There is an additional ordinance under which the Mayor can appoint deputy marshals for the special purpose of enforcing these ordinances, but such officers receive no pay from the town. We have had four or five appointed, one of which, residing in an important locality, is paid a small sum by the local Bird Club. We should have at least one more under pay for partial time. As Secretary of the Bird Club and Manager of the Sanctuary I have personally given a great deal of time to its protection without any pay whatever, Ijeyond the satisfaction of having saved a good deal of wild life. I really have not been in a position financially to do this work but I agreed to shoulder the job and thus far I have done it. The sanctuary has now been established two years. The first year we had quite a lot of trouble with the hunters but last year we had very little. Of course the whole territory is posted with signs such as I am sending you under separate cover, and the small cards like the inclosed are distributed freely before each hunting season. Nearly all the prop- erty holders adjoining the town limits wish to be included in the sanctuary 4 M a s s a ch u s et t s A u d uh 0 n S 0 ci e ty and to these we furnish special signs free. They are supposed to deal with hunters under the State law prohibiting hunting on posted property. Fortunately Winter Park does not contain much of a hunting population and the locality does not attract hunters as winter visitors. So we are rather a bird protective community. To be sure, there are some violations of the ordinances in the out- lying districts. It would require at least three wardens with motorcycles constantly on the job to hold the lid on tight, and the local Bird Club has nothing like a sufficient income for such an undertaking. There is no county game warden in the district. So we are under a good deal of a handicap. However, many of our leading men and women are deeply in sympathy with the purpose and are very prompt to give information of violations that come to their personal notice. The Mayor and Council are also friendly to the sanctuary and always ready to follow any sug- gestions from the Bird Club. Our troubles have not come from local sportsmen so much as from school boys, negroes and that class of auto- mobile travelers who always have a gun in reach. The State law pro- hibits shooting on the public roads but you would have to have an officer every hundred yards to catch them. However, taking it all in all, our sanctuary has been a great success, of which we have the evidence in the hundreds of quail now to be seen in nearly every part of the town. Bunches on the streets, in the gardens and on the lawns of the residents, mostly very fearless, are a common sight. Old residents tell me that there are more quail in Winter Park this season than they have seen for twenty years. Other game-birds and the song-birds have increased as well. So we are pleased with results thus far, but, at the same time, we never forget that eternal vigilance is necessary to head off the vandal. There is no provision in the State law for setting up private game and bird sanctuaries. All efforts for such legislation have thus far failed, but any holder of inclosed lands can protect his lands by posting. • • • BIRDS OF THE MAGALLOWAY Our camp was at the junction of the Little Magalloway and the Magalloway Rivers, about fifteen miles above the big dam on the Ma- galloway. This dam has made a lake about seventeen miles long, and many of the hardwood trees in the flooded area are still standing. One of the most common and persistent of the bird notes was a new one to me and I was some time in locating the bird; it was the olive-sided fly- catcher, and everywhere I went up and down the river he was always in evidence to the ear if not the eye. The first one I located was prospect- ing for a nesting-site on a dead birch stub which stood in the edge of the water. Within a hundred yards of this stub, beside an old tote-road — in a hole in the bank — I found the daintiest nest of a white-throated sparrow, neatly constructed of grasses and lined with deer-hair! There were two eggs in the nest when I found it, and although I made three other visits to the nest I did not see the eggs again, as Mrs. Whitethroat was always "at home" and on duty. One of the prettiest pictures I have ever seen was that which this little lady presented as she looked straight at me from her deer-hair nest! Tree swallows (or stub swallows as the guide called them) were everywhere abundant. Chimney swifts were not uncommon, although Massachusetts Audubon Society 5 so far as I knew there was only one chimney within fifteen miles. There were at least two pairs of grackles about the camp, and I found one nest. It was in a hollow stump which stood in the water. Standing up in the canoe, I could just see into the nest, and I found four young birds. The parent birds did not fly directly to the hole, as the starlings do, but would light on the top of the stump and work their way down carefully to the hole. Above this nest was another — whether an old one or a new one I could not determine, as the top of it was out of reach from the canoe. One wonders what will be the fate of these young grackles when they first attempt a flight from their water-surrounded abode. On June 10th I went up to Lincoln Pond two miles back from the River. Here I found a single nest of a herring gull — three eggs — one hatching when I found the nest. A bird which greatly surprised me on this pond was the prairie horned lark. On my way over to the Pond I saw a fine adult bald eagle and on this pond a loon. There was not a large number of species in the vicinity so far as I could discover, but it was interesting to me to see on their breeding-grounds some of the birds which I had always known as migrants. Robert F. Cheney. • • • Sustaining members received during October. Adams, Miss Emily 21 Bates St., Cambridge Armstrong, Miss Irene The Ludlow, Boston Atherton, Mrs. George E 222 Marlboro St., Boston Bowditch, Edward Cottage Ave., W. Roxbury Bowditch, Miss Elizabeth S 366 Adams St., Milton Bradley, Mrs. J. G 312 Beacon St., Boston Bridgewater Bird Club Lester W. Sprague, Sec, Bridgewater Brown, Miss S. A Hotel Vendome, Boston Cutler, Wolcott 104 East 22nd St., New York Dutcher, William 939 Central Ave., Plainfield, N. J. Gifford, Stephen N., Jr 263 Summer St., Boston Morris, Charles Whitney 132 Kemper St., Wollaston Robinson, Mrs. Charles W 1535 Cambridge St., Cambridge Souther, Channing W., Jr. Allendale St., Jamaica Plain Speare, Mrs. Lewis R 28 Sumner St., Newton Centre Sparrow, Miss Mariorie 1140 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill Swasey, Mrs. Martha S 34 Oak Ave., Worcester Torrey, Miss Edith E 164 Huntington Ave., Boston Warden, Mrs. Elizabeth E . Box 80, Oxford Wood, Miss G. A. 7 Buckingham Place, Cambridge Wood, Mrs. Mary Channing 20 Edgehill Rd., Brookline Wood, Nelson M., M.D 72 High St., Charlestown Worcester, Mrs. H. E 10 Kirkland Road, Cambridge Wright, Miss Beatrice 46 Cotswold Rd., Brookline Wright, Mrs. James H 371 Harvard St., Cambridge Young, Mrs. F. E Hotel Puritan, Boston Young, Mr. F. E. Hotel Puritan, Boston Young, Miss Marjorie 294 Ashmont St., Ashmont Young, Miss Rosamond Rosemont, Duxbury -K • • SOME VERMONT BLUEBIRDS The following observations were dictated to me without material change by Mr. Willard R. Stoddard of Barnet, Vermont. His house is on an elevated bank of the Connecticut River, about a quarter of a mile from the water. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society The last of March or the first of April, 1919, there was a snowfall and after the snow had gone, it was cold for this time of year. That evening five bluebirds went into a little bird-box, 6x8, which was at- tached to the veranda post just inside of the eaves on the veranda at the back of the house. On the second night eight birds went into the box, and on the third night eleven birds came, and ten got into the box while the eleventh flew away. On the fourth morning, the coldest of all the four days, the birds did not come out, and Mr. Stoddard put his hand into the box and the birds seemed so benumbed that they scarcely stirred. Then he took the box down with the birds in it, and took it into the kitchen, v/here he opened it. By this time the birds had begun to revive a little. Two or three flew around the kitchen and against the windows. They were all nervous and frightened. Mr. Stoddard took a corn-popper and managed to get all the birds into it. Then he took them in this way to the attic, where he let them out of the cage. He fed them angle-worms and gave them water and milk. He could not say whether they drank any of the milk or not, but they drank the water and ate the angle-worms voraciously. Two birds sometimes would pull at opposite ends of the same worm until occa- sionally the worm would break, while others would swallow the worm whole, like a robin. The following morning, one bird was dead and two dying. As the day was warmer than the others had been, Mr. Stoddard let the remaining seven birds out the window, and that night five birds came back to the box, and went in. Later one pair nested in this same box and raised three broods this summer. They began to nest the last of April, and the last brood left the box, about August 22d. After Mr. Stoddard had taken the birds out of the box in the kitchen, he replaced it on the post again the same day. That night, "the eleventh bird, apparently the same one," came back and looked into the box, but did not go in. The return of the eleventh bird caused Mr. Stoddard to doubt the wisdom of taking the birds from the nest at all. He fancied that, had he left them in the box, the ten birds would have revived during the day, come out, and taken care of themselves equally as well as the eleventh bird. (Mr. Stoddard's solicitude for the welfare of the bevy of bluebirds and the chance he took in saving them by removing them to the house was doubtless the proper procedure. Seven birds were kept alive, and, had they been left, they might have all died. His course, surely, until we know more about the resistance of the bluebird, was proper.) Mr. Stoddard related another interesting occurrence concerning this family of bluebirds. A number of times he has witnessed the male bluebird bring worms to the mother bird on the nest. Sometimes, how- ever, he would find her so greedy for the meal that she would fly from the nest to meet him on a tree nearby or the railing. But he asserts that the male bird rarely gave her the worm until she had gone back to her nest. Sometimes she wheedled him out of his discipline, but not often. From Mr. Stoddard's descriptions, one would take it that the male bluebird is a martinet. Mr. Stoddard had never noticed that the male bird relieved the female on the nest, but always found that it was the mother bird that flew from the nest when he passed by too near— not like the apparent solicitude which is evidenced by the male warbling vireo. The bluebird is very tidy in the care of her nursery. Mr. Stoddard observed (what is common knowledge concerning many birds) that the Massachusetts A II duhon Society 7 bluebird keeps her nest very clean; every bit of excrementitious matter was taken away, and often the refuse would be carried away into the orchard before it was dropped. She seemed to understand the sanitary laws. Many of the highest species of creature manifest less wisdom in conducting some of their affairs than do numbers of the smallest; and so it was observed a long time ago by a very wise man: "There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; the conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks." jQj^^ y^ D^^jg^ M.D. • • • BOOK REVIEWS Trees, Stars and Birds, by Edwin Lincoln Moseley, A.M., Head of the Science Department, State Normal College of Northwestern Ohio. Nature study has in the past been more of a minor factor in the educa- tion of the child, but now the time approaches when school authorities are commencing to recognize the usefulness of a child's intimate knowledge of nature and the possibilities that may be unearthed in the child's life when it has before it the opportunity to know more about the interesting facts of the great outdoors. This study naturally calls for appropriate textbooks in order that the subject may be treated properly, and in this treatise may be found definitely and concisely three phases of nature study. The author's long and successful experiences are treated in this book in such a way as to be of special benefit not only to the pupil but also to the teacher in the way of information, suggestions and questions on the three subjects of trees, stars and birds. The book is unusually well printed and bound and contains over three hundred illustrations, including colored plates by Louis Agassiz Fuertes. It is published by the World Book Company, and the price is $L40. Homing With the Birds, by Gene Stratton-Porter. Readers of Mrs. Porter's novels know well the genuine and interesting way in which she takes them with her through mazes of fiction deftly interwoven with facts of the outdoor world. Nor is it necessary to introduce the author to nature lovers, for readers of "Freckles," "The Girl of the Limberlost," "The Harvester," etc., have found the stories opening to them new paths into pleasant realms of nature study. The personality of an author is always interesting and in this new book Mrs. Porter relates to us her personal experiences and interesting incidents in her intimate study of bird-life. She gives us in detail glimpses into the family life of the birds as well as her own and we are thus brought into closer and more intimate knowledge of both. The book is illustrated with photographs taken by herself, many of them remarkable as showing strange phases of bird-life and unusual experiences in bird study. This book is published by Doubleday, Page & Co., and the price is $2.00. 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 number, 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 Sl.50. THE AUDUBON CALENDAR FOR 1920. This Calendar shows twelve beautiful colored plates with descriptive text : Tree Sparrow, Crossbill, Phoebe, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Catbird, Belted Kingfisher, Herring Gull and Slate-colored Junco. It is uniform in size and general appearance with that of last year but entirely new in material. The retail price of this Calendar is $1.00. Copies will be mailed free to any desired address on receipt of the price. 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 III. DECEMBER, 1919 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 PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This 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 THE YEAR AT THE MOOSE HILL BIRD SANCTUARY By Harry George Higbee, Supt. During the past eleven months we have entertained about thirteen hundred visitors at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary at Sharon. The season has been a remarkable one for the growth of vegetation, and a most excellent one for the observation of flowers and plant life. Many of these have been especially beautiful and profuse in their bloom- ing and have interested many of our visitors. Upward of three hundred varieties of trees, shrubs, ferns and flowering plants may be found grow- ing here under natural conditions, where they are easily available for study. As with the birds, studying, identifying and card-cataloguing these various species has been continued, although much time has necessarily been taken for the guidance and enlightenment of our visiting friends. Eight new birds not noted here last season were added to our Sanc- tuary list this year, making a total of one hundred and six species ob- served here thus far. About two-thirds of these are resident species, breeding within the sanctuary grounds, and the nests of many have been under observation during the summer. A few of these are of special interest. Eight families of house wrens were successfully raised in our nesting- boxes about the dooryard and orchards. Fifteen pairs of tree swallows used similar boxes of varying types, most of these being attached to the top of ten-foot poles. A family of hairy woodpeckers — rare nesters in this vicinity — was brought forth from its secluded home in a swamp maple beside the Ferny Trail. A Canadian warbler is believed to have nested here, along the edge of Shadbush Swamp, as it was several times observed in this vicinity in the month of June. Woodcock sang nightly in the ma ting-season, and their wonderful, ecstatic love songs could be heard through the golden afterglow about our orchards and among the alder swamps. Bob-whites and ruffed grouse brought forth and jealously guarded their timid broods among the wilder parts of the sanctuary, a nest and thirteen eggs of the latter species being discovered beneath the shelter of a thick grove of pines about a mile from the farmhouse. In this same grove, high up in top of one of the big pines, a curious and wise-looking young barred owl sat daily at the edge of his home — which was an old, remodelled crow's nest — and blinked down at the wood folk below, or welcomed with apparent disapproval his "queer- looking friends" who sometimes climbed to the top of the tree to make him a visit. Monthly Bulletin 3 Another interesting home was the nest of a black and white warbler, beside the Mohawk Trail in the edge of Hermit Thrush Swamp. This beautifully constructed nest, which contained five eggs, could scarcely have been more deftly concealed than it was here, hidden on the leafy ground under a projecting root and with a bit of ground pine overhang- ing its entrance like a delicate green drapery. Doubtless it never would have been discovered, had not the anxious little bird left her nest just as we happened to be studying some flowers a few feet away. The solitary vireo, the Nashville warbler, the veery and the hermit thrush all nested here this season, and a brown creeper was reported seen in the Mohawk Woods by one of our visitors in the month of July. A Canada goose dropped in and spent a week with us, in the little duck pond, in the early part of May, — evidently on his way north to the breeding-grounds, — while a fine male white-crowned sparrow, a rare migrant for this section, remained about the farmhouse for several days during the spring migration, singing beautifully in the dooryard and coming frequently to the food scattered upon the stone porch. Our rarest visitor of the season was a lark sparrow, a bird which inhabits the middle west and the Missipssipi valley and which was far out of its usual range. He paid us his respects in the latter part of May, and quarrelled while here with our sociable little chipping sparrows. Organized bird walks, with instruction on general nature subjects, were held here through the months of May and June, parties being guided about the grounds by the Superintendent. Botanists and en- tomologists, as well as those especially interested in birds, have found fruitful fields at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary. Much has been accomplished in interesting people in sanctuary work and in the Audubon Society. Several owners of contiguous land have allowed us to extend our work to their property and to post their grounds. A number of bird books, charts and flower books have been sold here, and several new members have been received into the Society. Winter conditions now prevail at the Sanctuary, and while the grounds are not as attractive as in the summer months, there is always something of interest here for the lover of out-of-doors, Juncoes, tree sparrows and chickadees are now feeding daily about our food-stands and window-gardens, and other winter birds are making their appear- ance. Those wishing larger game may be interested in the fact that a bear has for some time past been frequenting the grounds, and has evidently on several occasions visited the dooryard. Thus far, however, he has succeeded in eluding his would-be captors. The Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary has become well known as a wild life sanctuary and a place of interest for nature lovers. That the work has had far-reaching and beneficial results is shown by correspondence. 4 M a s s a chu s ett s A uduh 0 n S 0 ciety ■inquiries and testimonials which have been received, many of these coming from distant places. The enthusiasm of our guests in their appreciation of the excellent opportunities offered here for nature-study, the interest shown in the educational value of such work, and the many expressions of hope that it might be made permanent, are also worthy of mention here, and serve to make the results of our efforts seem well worth while. MISSOURI DECIDES Now that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, putting in force the Treaty with Great Britain and Canada, is in full swing, giving both birds and citizens adequate protection against pot-hunters and others, it should be noted that two Western judges who decided that the old migratory bird treaty law was unconstitutional have just reversed these decisions as regards the Treaty Act. Concerning this the "Bulletin of the American Game Protective Association" says in part: — "The duck shooters of the country who have fought federal pro- tection for migratory birds in an effort to defeat the law so that they might continue the destructive practice of spring shooting of waterfowl, have been decisively beaten on two occasions lately in the United States District Courts. This fact is made more interesting because on both occasions those opposing the law^ felt certain they would win. Their array of counsel was the best they could obtain. They chose their cases with due regard to decisions made in the past and with all respect to the local sentiment in the district where the trial was held. In fact, they left no stone unturned that would aid them in their fight to defeat the law, and still they lost. The sportsmen of the country should feel highly pleased over their victory, for surely the law is valid or the or- ganized fight against it would have met with at least some slight success. "On May 23, 1914, United States District Judge Jacob Trieber, of the Eastern District of Arkansas, held that the original migratory bird law of 1913 was unconstitutional. Because of this fact, those favoring spring shooting pinned their faith to Judge Trieber, but their confidence was not justified, for on June 4, 1914, this judge handed down a very sweeping decision upholding the new law. It might be well to state that the attorney who secured the first decision against the migratory bird law was present also on the second occasion. This was the first jolt received by the spring shooters, but the knockout blow came later at Kansas City, Missouri, when Judge Arba S. Van Valkenburgh, on July 2, 1919, upheld the law in a decision so sweeping that a fitting compari- son is Dempsey's decision over Willard a few days later. "Those opposing the law, both organizations and individuals, re- ferred to the Kansas City case as the 'test case' and the men arrested were Monthly Bulletin 5 defended by money raised for this purpose. Perhaps the metropoHs of Kansas and Missouri was the most logical place for them to win. On March 20, 1915, Judge John C. Pollock, sitting at Kansas City, Kansas, declared the old law unconstitutional. The last legislature of Kansas passed a bill authorizing the state's attorney-general to defend all men gratis who were prosecuted for violating the federal game law. However, the Governor refused to sign this bill. I mention these facts to show that where such sentiment existed, ample funds and legal advice would be forthcoming to oppose the national law. "Shortly after the principals in this case were indicted, Frank W. McAllister, attorney-general for the State of Missouri, slipped out duck shooting and was caught in the act and placed under $1,000 bond. Nat- urally, he joined force with the enemy and the legislature of Missouri authorized him to test the law and incidentally save his scalp, if possible. With counsel hired from money secured by subscription, and with the legal staff of both Kansas and Missouri they should have made a good showing, but their defeat was complete. "Many of the decisions quoted by counsel striving to have the law declared unconstitutional are used by the government and later referred to in the decisions as upholding the validity of the law. Great stress was laid on the former decision of Judge Trieber and the decision of Judge Pollock in declaring the old migratory bird law unconstitutional and all the authorities for these decisions are quoted. However, Judge Trieber himself points out that his former decision has no bearing on the present case, and in this opinion he is borne out by Judge Van Valkenburgh, in that the former law was not supported by a treaty with a foreign govern- ment. "After the 'test case' was well under way, the State of Missouri, through her attorney-general, brought a civil action to restrain United States game wardens from enforcing the law in that state. This com- plaint asking for a temporary restraining order was argued at the same time as the demurrer to the indictments of the two men involved in the 'test case,' and a brief was submitted by the attorney-general's office, which was assisted by Mr. J. G. L. Harvey, a law partner of Senator James A. Reed. In the same decision in which Judge Van Valkenburgh overruled the demurrers he dismissed this complaint, as the basis of both was the contention that the law was unconstitutional, which was not established." Now that even Missouri has been "shown" through its own origi- nally dissenting judges, the matter of the constitutional legality of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act may be considered as settled for all time. 6 Massachusetts Auduhon Society Life Members received during November Clark, A. Frank New Bedford Prescott, Mrs. Henry S New Bedford Richards, Miss Beverly 82 Chestnut St., Boston Stanton, Mrs. James E., Jr South Dartmouth Sturgis, Miss Evelyn R 63 Beacon St., Boston Sustaining Members received during November Abbot, A. J Westford Abbot, Edward M Tadmuck Hill, Westford Annis, Miss Jean Carleton, Nova Scotia Austin, Miss Edith Marion Barnes, Mrs. Emma L 284 Union St., New Bedford Bartlett, Mrs. Amos Webster Bennett, Miss Clara Fairhaven Bradbury, Miss Margaret S 369 Harvard St., Cambridge Bridgewater Bird Club Lester W. Sprague, Sec, Bridgewater Brown, B. F 27 Myrtle Ave., Fitchburge Daniels, Mrs. F. H 2 Regent St., Worcester Dodge, Miss Grace B 124 Bedford St., New Bedford Evans, Thomas Mill St., Auburn Herring, J. Henry 684 County St., New Bedford Holmes, Miss Sarah D 26 7th St., New Bedford Howland, Miss Elizabeth K 95 Madison St., New Bedford Hurd, Miss Frances South Norwalk, Conn. Hutchinson, Miss Mabel H 670 County St., New Bedford Johnson, Miss Mary Wellesley Hills Kempton, Mrs. S. H New Bedford Lincoln Bird Club Miss Mabel L. Washburn, Sec, Lincoln Macomber, Miss Augusta C 74 State St., New Bedford Parsons, Miss C 398 Beacon St., Boston Plummer, Henry M R. F. D. No. 4, New Bedford Russell, James S 31 State St., Boston Shaw, Master Louis A Newton Centre Snell, Miss Janet 215 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford Stanley, Dr. N. A 222 Union St., New Bedford Terry, Mrs. L. T 75 Madison St., New Bedford Thornton, Miss Augusta 114 Hawthorn St., New Bedford Tripp, Joseph M R. F. D. Box 3, New Bedford Tripp, Thomas A Fairhaven Trowbridge, Mrs. G. A Linwood Whidden, Miss Eleanor 170 Ivy St., Brookline Wilcox, Miss Flora P 9 Maple St., New Bedford Wilde, Mr. Fred C R. F. D. 48, Highland Rd., LakeviUe GOOD WORK BY THE ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE The Animal Rescue League of Boston, through the efforts of Mrs. Huntington Smith, its president, has established a bird sanctuary of 40 Monthly Bulletin 7 acres^of beautiful and diversified country within 18 miles of Boston. It is fenced to keep out marauders, furnished with nesting places and drink- ing fountains and with tangled thickets in which the shyest of warblers may bring up a family in absolute seclusion, and is now ready for its feathered tenants. The steady disappearance of many of our native birds, has long been a source of keen anxiety to ornithologists and nature lovers. Bird sanc- tuaries, now being everywhere established, are believed to be the best remedy for this condition. This sanctuary has been made possible through the bequest of the late Mrs. Martha B. Angell, widow of Dr. Henry C. Angell of Beacon street, to the Animal Rescue League. The bequest provided for the establishment of the Bartlett-Angell Memorial Home for Animals by a gift of property, which consists of about 50 acres of land, a house and a barn, situated in Medfield, on the car-line between Dedham and Franklin. Forty acres of this land are heavily wooded with pines, cedars and other trees. It is the wish of the league officials to preserve this beautiful tract of woodland and to carry on the work of the farm. The directors of the League, after consultation with Edward Howe Forbush, state ornithologist, decided to make use of the property for the purpose of encouraging the increase of native birds by putting up bird-houses, constructing water-places, arranging shrubs and thickets to attract birds and making every effort to protect the birds. The sanctuary contains tall trees for the birds that like to build high in the branches, meadows for the ground builders, deep wildernesses for the shy folk, nesting boxes and hollow trunks for birds that are semi- domesticated and prefer to make their homes in the neighborhood of human habitations. The house is used as a residence for the caretaker who will guard the reserve against the depredations of men and boys who may desire to hunt eggs and nests and practice with shotguns on the birds. Individual bird-lovers, study clubs, etc., are welcomed to picnic on the grounds and make their studies of the birds at close range. To facilitate observation without disturbing the birds, drinking and bathing basins and feeding- tables are arranged throughout the re- serve. The birds are to be fed on these tables only in winter. The managers of the sanctuary expect that this regular feeding will induce many migratory birds that now leave the country in winter because they cannot find anything to eat to remain here the year around. Already many of these birds have taken possession of the new reserve. In the summer 20 different species of birds were counted at one of the drinking placfes. They included tanagers, wood thrushes, veeries, grosbeaks and other kinds. 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 nimibered and on the chart is given, with the nmnber, 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 naturai 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 moimted 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 Museimi. 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 $1.50. THE AUDUBON CALENDAR FOR 1920. This Calendar shows twelve beautiful colored plates with descriptive text : Tree Sparrow, Crossbill, Phoebe, Brown Thrasher, Wood Thrush, Baltimore Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Catbird, Belted Kingfisher, Herring Gull and Slate-colored Junco. It is uniform in size and general appearance with that of last year but entirely new in material. The retail price of this Calendar is $1.00. Copies will be mailed free to any desired address on receipt of the price. 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 III. JANUARY, 1920 Number 9 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Auduhon Society, Inc. (Application for entry a3 second-class matter at the post-office at Boston pending.) BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This 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 M a s s a chu 5 ett s A uduh 0 n S 0 cie ty ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING The Annual Business Meeting of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incorporated, will be held at the office of the Society, 66 New- bury Street on the afternoon of Saturday, January 24th at 3 P.M. All Life and Sustaining Members of the Society are members of the Corpora- tion and have voting power at this meeting. Annual Reports of the Secretary, the Treasurer, and Auditing and Nominating Committees are made at this meeting. A detailed report of the work and funds of the Society is issued in the February Bulletin of each year. Bird Lectures The Annual Bird Lecture Course will be held this year in Symphony Hall. The dates are February 28th, March 6th, 13th and 20th. The opening lecture will be by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, best known probably for his exquisite pictures of bird life. Mr. Fuertes is a naturalist of the first order and has studied the lives of birds in tropical jungles and northern wildernesses as well as about home. Besides his unequalled pictures of bird life he gives some remarkable whistling imitations of bird notes. In addition to Mr. Fuertes* pictures very interesting and entertaining movies of bird and animal life will be presented. On March 6th the Society presents Mr. William L. Finley, of Oregon, with a series of new moving pictures of life in the Western mountain wilderness. Mr. Finley needs no introduction to Audubon Society audiences. He will be present himself this year, which will give added zest to the enjoyment of his adventures. Mr. Edward Avis, well known for his beautiful pictures and excellent reproductions of bird music, will also appear at this lecture. March 13th will be Roosevelt Day. The world appreciates that former President Roosevelt, great in so many ways, was a naturalist of distinction, especially interested in bird life. Mr. Carl E. Akeley, who was with Mr. Roosevelt on his African expedition, will relate some of the vivid experiences of this trip, with pictures of the African birds and animals seen. Mr. George K. Cherrie will tell how Mr. Roosevelt ex- plored the "River of Doubt" in the Brazilian wilderness and show pic- tures of this most adventurous expedition. There will be movies of President Roosevelt among the birds of our own country, and the whole will make a unique and interesting afternoon. The last lecture of the series, March 20th, will be a great treat to all lovers of the music of our common birds. The lecture will be by Mr. Charles C. Gorst, whose whistling reproductions of bird music have al- ways been the delight of Audubon Society audiences. Mr. Gorst comes with new experiences and new ability and some very interesting pictures. In addition movies will be shown of bird life amid the beautiful Adiron- dack Forests. Admission tickets to the Course will be $2.00, single admission 75c. Course tickets will be mailed to all Life and Sustaining Members of the Audubon Society during the present month on approval as is our custom. Massachusetts Audubon Society 3 People interested in bird life may also obtain them on application at the office of the Society, 66 Newbury Street. Every year requests have been made for opportunities to purchase reserved seats at the annual bird lectures. Symphony Hall will give us an opportunity to comply with this demand and at the same time have ample seating opportunity for all who come on the ordinary admission ticket. Arrangements will be made whereby all desiring reserved seats may exchange the ordinary admission tickets for them on application at the office of the Society. The Annual Lecture Course has not only been for many years a source of enjoyment and education to all who have attended, but has added materially to the funds of the Society, thus aiding in its good work. There was never greater need of increased income than at present, and it is earnestly hoped that all members and friends will avail themselves of this interesting and inexpensive educational opportunity. Birds of the Post Office Often the best friends the birds have are people, perhaps of humble vocations, who do good work for them as they go about their daily business. It seems as if the birds appreciated that and took care to put themselves in the way of such help. Robins have been known to build their nests on beams amidst whirring and noisy machinery, and now comes the story of Carolina bluebirds that find the rural mail- boxes quite to their liking and the rural mail-carriers among their best friends. North Carolina Education thus comments on this: "Friends of small creatures," says the correspondent, "would laud Raymond Taylor, a rural mail carrier here (at Kinston), could they know the patience he has exercised toward a host of blubirds the past few months. Route No. 3, Taylor's, seems to be a favorite with the birds. They have built innumerable nests in the mail boxes along it. Taylor has endeavored to spare the nests, and the farmer owners have mani- fested the same consideration. *Jap' Horner, at Hines' Junction, for instance, tolerated three different nests in his. As fast as one brood would be hatched and the nest torn out by Horner, another would be built. Horner finally told the bluebird mother to carry on and not mind him at all. Sometimes when Carrier Taylor has approached a box, sitting birds have disregarded him entirely, seeming to place unlimited confi- dence in him. "Carriers Raymond Taylor, of Kinston, and 'Jap' Horner, of Hines' Juction, North Carolina, are hereby commended to the attention of the Audubon Society as being worthy of that society's most distinguished decorations of honor." Winter Birds The editors of the Bulletin would be glad to learn of anything strange and new in local bird life. Thus far the winter birds do not seem to be numerous or in especial variety. A mocking-bird has been reported as seen at Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, and still remaining there as late as November 30th. Redpolls ar at some feeding-stations, but in the 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society main seem to prefer the seeds of the gray birches, among which they have been seen in flocks. Evening grosbeaks have been reported from the Arboretum at Jamaica Plain, Neither j uncos nor tree sparrows seem to be numerous as yet. Bird Songs of France Bird-lovers the country over will gratefully remember the lectures on birds with whistling imitations by Mr. Henry Oldys of Washington, D. C. Like so may of the bird men Mr. Oldys went across during the recent war, and, while two of his sons were at the front, was engaged in those numerous activities which so ably supplemented the firing line. The following letter recently received tells something of this work but more of that interest in bird life which even the war could not suppress: — AMERICAN RED CROSS Croix-Rouge Americaine 4 Rue de Cheoreuse, Paris 30 November, 1919. My dear Mr. Forbush: I am still, as you see, lingering in Europe. I am now with the Red Cross, which I joined last August, and have just completed a task under- taken at Brest of making suitable disposition of the young boys of various nationalities, but, chiefly, French, picked up and carried by the American troops as "mascots." It was very interesting work and involved a stay of two months at Brest. But, though there are many things I would Iirc lo speak of at length, my time is limited and I shall confine myself to one subject — the birds of Europe, of which I have made the acquaintance of about fifty species. Some of these are strongly suggestive of related species in America. The crows caw and act generally like our crows; the green woodpecker flies down to the ground to feast on ants like our flicker and utters a repeated note that is very like the flicker's spring reveille; the wren bobs about like our wren, though a trifle more sedately, but sings more like the winter wren, though in a less attractive voice; the titmice, of which there are several species, gaudier in attire than our chickadee, having the same "chickadee-dee-dee" and other notes, but differ in their songs. I have not heard one that sings so attractively as the chickadee or the tufted titmouse; the blackbird {Merula merula) behaves precisely like our robin and utters the same strident note of alarm, but is a far better singer, rivaling the wood thrush in this respect. The lark, mounting from the field with its loud and_ far-carrying song of varied phrases, in which the s sound is prevalent, gives pleasure more from the abandon and joyousness of its singing than from any musical beauty in the performance. It rises by a fluttering movement that carries it upward almost imperceptibly, poises and flutters in the upper air, usually at a height of five or six hundred feet, but sometimes one hundred feet above the earth, then descends by alternate dives and fluttering pauses, though I have seen one descend in a straight dive of Massachusetts Audubon Society 5 one thousand feet. The whole performance usually occupies from three to five minutes. I have heard many nightingales, at one time being within thirty feet of two that were trying to outsing each other. The Victor grapho- phone record of a nightingale gives an excellent suggestion of the song, which is loud and carries far. The song is more commonly heard by day than by night! Some of the phrases suggest imitations, but these are doubtless only coincidental resemblances. I have heard perfect repro- ductions of cardinal and Carolina wren phrases in the nightingale's song, which would not, of course, have been actual imitations. The night-jar suggests a spinning-wheel. It gives a performance that lasts several minutes without any apparent stop for breath. When I first heard the "song" I though I was listening to many frogs in a pool. The tone is not at all raucous, but is very pleasing to the ear, though ab- solutely dry and without any approach to music. The cuckoo surprised me with the great, heavy character of its ut- terance. The cuckoo-clock note, though a faithful reproduction, would have to be much magnified in calibre to reproduce with exactness the actual tone. It is like a snare drum compared with a bass drum. The robin is a prime favorite with me. Modest, tranquil, gentle, unobtrusive, he is my best friend among the European birds, perhaps I might say among all birds. In his singing of the two or three short phrases, vibrant in tone and often carrying the quality of the veery's song, though reduced in volume, he seems to be the unconscious instru- ment through which the music of nature is pulsing. There is an inad- vertence about his singing that relieves it of all self-consciousness. All through the year these bits of Pan-music may be heard, the singer (or rather instrument) poised motionless upon a lower twig of a sapling, the orange-red breast perhaps gleaming amidst the complementary green of foliage. Sidney Lanier is his counterpart in the poetical world, as op- posed to Poe, Whitman, Milton and Shakespeare. Another great favorite with me is the handsome little stone-chat, a chewink in miniature, though more gaily garbed. I remember a grass-topped cliff beside the sea at Sainte Marguerite (near Saint Na- zaire) where one or two pairs of stone-chats made their homes. When- ever I came upon this high vantage point, these birds would ascend at once to the tips of the low shrubs in which they lived and stand guard silently, like well-trained and alert sentinels. And when I moved to the edge of the cliff, they would follow me, always perched upon the top of shrub, fence-post, or whatever other place of sentry duty they selected. I have seen the brilliantly clad male mount guard on the top of a stake not more than five feet from the point where I was resting on the grass, enjoying the warmth of the sun to the body and the beauty and charm of the ocean to both eye and ear. I have seen a few bulfinches, but, beyond their well-groomed ap- pearance, I know little about them. The same is true of the goldfinch and the linnet, but the yellowhammer I learned to know better. This is the bird of whom the English say it says, "A little bit of bread and no cheese!" I have been much interested in watching the jackdaws circling about the towers of cathedrals or settling on the ledges with peculiar guttural 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society conversational or controversial notes, their gray heads readily distin- guishing them from the rest of the corvine tribe. The nuthatch, though like ours in appearance and behavior, differs materially in voice, having varied loud, clear calls some of which suggest the tufted titmouse. The song thrush or mavis, recalls our brown thrasher, but is far superior to that bird musically. I have heard from it songs that were nearly identical with cardinal and Carolina wren phrases. These are some of the birds with which I have met and which have particularly impressed me. I had much opportunity to study them last spring. Before leaving them, however, I should mention the chaf- finch, which may be seen feeding in the outer streets of Paris and other cities, looking like picturesquely clothed and very well-behaved English sparrows. The song is attractive as being one of the earliest heard in the spring, but has little intrinsic beauty. Sometimes it strongly recalls our house wren. Many times it closes with an upward-rising interroga- tory inflection like that of the western house finch. It, the blackbirds, and the large and handsome wood pigeons are very frequently encoun- tered in the parks and avenues of Paris. A word more in closing. In the pension where I am installed is a large, jocular elderly Frenchman with a halo of iron-gray hair, who is very fond of giving sly, good-natured digs. Yesterday he threw this challenge to me: — "France is God's own country; God never visits the United States." I took up the gauntlet and replied, "God knows he can trust America alone." As an American you should applaud this retort, which, by the way, was well applauded by the French present. Here is a long letter. I hope you will find it interesting enough to justify the demands on your time in reading it. Faithfully yours, Henry Oldys, Lieutenant, American Red Cross. A SQUIRREL FAMILY MOVES It is not always necessary to go far afield in order to see strange and unusual sights. We had an illustration of that fact last summer. One Sunday afternoon we were sitting on our piazza in Cambridge. A member of the group suddenly remarked, "Do look at that squirrel coming up the drive. I believe it has a young one in its mouth." Sure enough; a gray squirrel came running past the piazza holding in its mouth a little fuzzy ball. Mother Squirrel paid no attention to us what- ever but went up a tall elm near us and disappeared in the topmost branches. In a moment she came down alone, ran down the driveway and across the street and up into an elm tree over there. Soon she ap- peared again, holding a very large furry baby by her mouth. It was evidently a heavy burden, for, after carrying it up into our elm, she stopped and rested when half way back to our gate. She lay down flat on her stomach with her paws outstretched for about two minutes. Then up she jumped and soon a third little one was being brought up our drive. M a s s a chu s ett s A u duh 0 n S 0 ci ety 7 The delighted group on the piazza was now quietly watching the whole performance through opera-glasses, feeling as if in box seats at a very interesting show. After leaving baby number three in our elm tree, Mother Squirrel visited her old apartment across the street once more, but it was as if to make sure that she left it in order for she returned alone. She ran towards the rubbish-pile in the corner of our garden and carried several branches of twigs and dry leaves to the new nest as if taking up extra bedding to make her children comfortable in their new home. One of our party said: "Don't you understand how foresighted she is? This is the thirty-first of August, and she wants to get the family all settled before the first of September." We wondered so much why she considered our garden a better place than the tree on the other side of the street. Was it noisy over there? Had a cat molested her babies? But a scientific man versed in the ways of squirrels told us that they probably moved for the very unromantic reason of too many fleas in the first nest! Now that the leaves have gone we can see the new home up in our elm tree and sometimes catch a glimpse of the squirrels going in and out of the entrance which is on the western side of the nest. M. E. Cogswell. A COURAGEOUS CHICKADEE In the cold winter days come a band of wee, blithesome birdies to our front yard, to feast on the suet and seeds we put out for them. One sad day a little chickadee was struck down and maimed by a cat. I picked it up from the snow, that tiny bunch of gray and black and white, and the stricken mite defended itself valiantly by pecking my fingers. But when I brought it into my warm room and placed it in a snug box, Chickadee presently became quite trustful and lost all fear of human folk. Here, anyhow, was protection, and still some good in life. Our wee guest spied about the new strange world of the room, and became at home. It did not give in to its helplessness. Though legs and wings were almost useless from the cruel stroke that had robbed it of sweet liberty, it did not mope or sulk over its hurt. Instead it kept briskly though awkwardly busy reaching for and eating the seeds and crumbs we scat- tered in its box. And even though almost every quick little flounce it made caused it to tumble on its side, or clear over on its back, it always persevered, in whatever position, waiting on itself. Earnestly attending to its tasks of exercise and food, with forest-born independence — lacking only the power! Sorrowful wholly had Chickadee's misfortune appeared, but for the miracle of its pluck. As often as it would try to get up afoot (this once so nimble acrobat) or to flit up on the low edge of the box, it still would fail of the simple endeavor, defeated, most often to spin over on its little back and lie helpless so, but undiscouraged. Then, if one of us were by, the little cripple was picked up and placed right side up once more. It grew quite tame to handling. Wonderful was the hardy, indomit- able spirit with which it took its troubles, always bright-eyed and perky 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society as it strove to feed itself or hitch about in its box. "Whenever the box was moved to a different spot, it would glance keenly around to take in all the new sights. We began to wish that Chickadee might live and stay long with us, so much did the brave little cripple endear itself to us. Then again we felt we could not wish this — so many times within an hour we found it lying feet uppermost, powerless to right itself. Yet often, while lying thus overturned, the cleanly birdie went to work pecking and preening at a soiled spot on its little gray breast. Gradually the stricken mite became more helpless, so that we had to take it up in one hand and offer it morsels of food from the other. The good little patient took the morsels from between thumb and finger, and sometimes cocked a bright eye up to my face as if to say: "It's all right, old fellow, I'm having a bully good time!" . . . One could think God must have liked to watch that little bird, that had fallen to the ground, yet bore all so bravely. But one morning I rose early and went to see our pet — and Chicka- dee was dead. My wife cried over the tiny, fluffy corpse, and I nearly, too. I fear the little sufferer may have died from thirst. Unaided it could not drink, and when we held it to water it seemed to choke on the few drops it took. . . . American young folk know the impassioned thought of the poet Emerson, grateful for the sprightly good-fellowship, the exemplary courage of these birds: "The Providence that is most large Takes hearts like thine in special charge." Would not the wise, good poet wish us to remember that it lies in our power to help — and not to thwart — this "charge" of Providence? "In glad remembrance of our debt." Arthur J. Parker. ANOTHER DUCK STORY The story of the ducks in a recent number of the Audubon Bulletin has reminded me of another family of ducks that lived in Phoenix, Arizona. These ducks, four in number, lived in a part of the town which once in so often was inundated with city water. One afternoon, as I was sitting on the porch opposite, I saw the water begin to gather in the lower part of the garden, and walking down to meet it, came one duck. On he waddled, until he stood on the very edge of the water. There, just as he seemed about to plunge into his cool bath — and it was a terribly hot day! — he turned and hurried off, quacking as he went. The other members of his family were at the farthest corner of the garden, but he searched them out, and soon, in single file, they were hurrying down to the water led by the kind)^ and unselfish brother who had first found the little bath. X S. C. K.