1

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE

HOW A O IR. IM II T lh 0 ILO 0 II ST §> ,J lU^IUDIM

i VOL. V

MARCH, 1935

NO. 1

OFFICERS OF THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION
President — Dr. George 0. Hendrickson, Ames, Iowa
Vice-President — J. Wilbur Dole, Fairfield, Iowa
Sec’y-Treas.— Miss Kate E. LaMar, Des Moines, Iowa
Editor — Fred J. Pierce, Winthrop, Iowa

Executive Council:

Philip A. DuMont, Des Moines, Iowa
Oscar P, Allert, McGregor, Iowa
O. $. Thomas, Rock Rapids, Iowa

Ex-officio Council Members {Past Presidents) :

Walter M. Rosene Walter W. Bennett

Arthur J. Palas Dr. F, L. R. Roberts

The Iowa Ornithologists' Union was orennisied at Amos, Iowa, February 23,
fo,- the study and protection of native birds and to promote fraternal re-
lations Mmuiu; Iowa bird students.

The central desiern of the Union's official seal is the Eastern Goldfinch, desiirnnted
Stale Bird of Iowa in lfllBI.

Publications of the Union: Mimeographed letters, 1 92:(- 1U2H ; The Bulletin,

1929-10:10 : ‘Iowa Bird Life,’ betrinninK 1031,

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SUBSCRIPTION RATES; In Iowa, $1.00 a year. Outside of
Iowa, 50c a year. Special rate for all libraries, public or college,
50c a year. Single copies 15c each. (Keep the Editor informed
of your correct address.)

EDITORIAL AND PUBLICATION OFFICE
W I N T II R O P , IOWA

tered as second-class matter February 9. 19H2. at the po.-a office at Winthrop, Town,
under the Act of March 3, 1379,

o

IOWA BIRD LIFE—' V, 1935

THE ADVENTURES OF A FLOCK OF WILD GEESE

By E. D, NAUMAN

Several decades ago David Sears and his son Harry owned and oc-
cupied a farm near the northwest corner of Keokuk County, Iowa.
This is an ordinary rolling prairie farm. The only unusual feature
about it is a natural spring of water that never goes dry and never
freezes up.

At the time I am writing of, this farm was devoted mainly to the
raising of sheep, together with such farm crops ?s worked in well with
that industry. Extensive groves, orchards and vineyards occupied the
eastern portion of the farm immediately about the residences and barns.
Directly west from in front of the main barn was a sheep-yard 80 feet
wide from north to south and about 200 feet in length from east to
west. This yard was well inclosed with a wooden paling fence. Both
north and south of this yard were trees and bushes in profusion. The
barn formed most of the east end of the yard, and to the westward was
a field of corn which had been cut for fodder and was standing in rows
of tall shocks like sentinels on guard before a held of young and
tender winter wheat, just beyond. Where these two fields joined, and
to the northward a short distance, is the spring of living waters above
referred to. What a paradise for wild geese 1

During the fall migration, a flock of eleven majestic Canada Geese
found this ideal spot. They remained in the neighborhood during the
autumn, and came to this wheat field daily.

David and Harry* were Quakers (“Friends”). Consequently, the
most dangerous weapons they possessed were forks, rakes and hoes.
Most of the neighbors, being of the same neaceful faith, were likewise
possessed of the same kind of "field artillerv.” So these birds were
not persecuted or molested much, and even when the snows of winter
began to flv and covered up most of the wheat, they were loath to
leave, for there still remained the golden corn and the living waters.
But to complicate matters still further, the farmer decided at this time
that his sheen needed some fodder besides the grass blades ami tassels
that were still protruding out of the snow, so he hitched up "Tom and
Jerry” to his fodder cart, and like the prudent man that he was, drove
to the farthest end of the field and began to load fodder for a day's
rations,

This, of course, frightened the geese greatlv. They immediately took
to the air and disanpeared toward the south in great haste. But recol-
lections of the tender young wheat and the golden corn, to say nothing
of the living water, must have tantalized them all day. for late in Ihe
evening, flying low and on weary wings, thev returned to this vicinity
and, seeing no one in their quarters, settled down among the fodder
shocks as usual. Next day, the sheep being in need of more sustenance,
very nearly the same proceedings Look place, exeunt that the geese did
not remain awav Quite so late in the evening. Day after day, Harry
went after hi.s load of fodder, and each time the geese flew away to
return again in due time. The period of their absence, however, be-
came shorter each day as the winter rolled on, until at last thev merely
flew over into the next field and waited while Harry got his load and
decanted for the sheen-lot, when thev immediately returned, alwavs
alighting where the shocks had iust been removed, to nick up the
scattered corn and evidently to dry and warm their feet.

*'The cjiven niimen cf ‘‘Piivul -1 anti “Karev" Hnvc lve<?Ti used In this narrative because
ihese snlendid citizen*. WiniT “ Friend*." wished always to be so add reaped. nnd would
have almost rejrurdcd the use of "Mi*. Scnrif" an a per-ona! iilfront.—B. D. X.

ADVENTURES OF WILD GEESE

3

But now a new difficulty arose. As time wore on, each day fihe
number of shocks remaining 1 in the field grew less, and each day opera-
tions moved back a little closer to the groves and sheep yard. However,
this did not seem to deter the geese much, for they were always promptly
on hand about the remaining shocks. Finally, when the last shock
had been hauled into the yard and scattered over the snow as usual,
the gate from the field having been left open, the geese came in and
began to eat with the sheep.

The barn at the east end of the yard had one unusually large door,
which had been made large enough to accommodate a big load of hay
or fodder and came in close proximity to the roof at one point. This
door was open. While a “Friend” might and does have conscientious
scruples against shooting and killing, Harry knew there could be no
harm in adding a few Wild Geese to his collection of poultry, so he
hurried slyly back through the grove and orchard while the geese were
occupied with their dinner among the sheep. They soon saw him com-
ing through the gate from the field and, having their doubts as to his
peaceful intentions, they immediately sought an avenue of escape.

Both the north and south side of the yard being occupied by trees,
a wily old gander undertook to lead the way out over the barn. Eight
of them made their escape in this way, but the other three, having mis-
taken their elevation, failed to get over and flew through the open
door into the barn. Harry closed the door with alacrity, got his sheep
shears and carefully trimmed their wing primaries, then “opened wide
the door.” While this pruning of wings put an abrupt conclusion to
their navigation of the air, it did not interefere in the least with the
operation of their “honkers.” After an absence of a few hours, the
eight geese came back to this vicinity. There being no more corn in
the field, and with their fellows in the sheep yard calling continually,
they made several evolutions over the premises, then settled in the
yard again. The next drive yielded Harry two more geese. The other
six got away as before.

These drives were continued for several davs, until finally the whole
flock was driven into the barn. Hunger and the calling of their fellows
in the sheep-vard always brought the remainder of the flock back. But
to get the last wily remnant of them into the barn, the expedient of
scattering corn close to the barn only had to be used. Having the flock
close to the barn with the big door open made it much easier for the
geese to go into the barn than to fly over it, and eventually they all
got inside.

From that time on, as long as either David or Harrv lived, there was
always a flock of Wild Geese at their farm. But there had to be a
semi-annual trimming of wings, for when their distant cousins came
along in spring and fall, flying high in the blue sky. and their “honk”
was heard in the distance, the captive flock. had visions of the illimit-
able prairies and marshes of Canada, or the oonds and sloughs of
Louisiana and Bird Island. At such times the “call of the wild,” im-
planted through thousands of generations, would have asserted itself,
and the Sears* farm would certainly have lost its greatest charm for
the nature lover if these precautions had not been taken.

David and Harry have long since gone to their last reward, but these
noble birds and their descendents are still present and add greatly to
the aesthetic charm of many a farm of the Middle West.

The activities of wild geese have formed a link in the outdoor as-
sociations of several generations of Iowa farmers. Another interesting
article is 'Combating Wild Geese, ' by Ellis E. Wilson, in 'Iowa Bird
Life, Vol. II. 1932, pp. 35-36, This article describes the author's ex-
periences with geese during wheat-sowing time in early Iowa. — Ed.

4

IOWA BIRD LIFE — V, 1935

GENERAL NOTES

Hawk* in Iowa during the Fall of 1 934.— Despite rumors pointing
to the great decrease in the numbers of hawks in the Middle West, the
flight this fall seemed nearly normal in most respects. The great tri-
angle between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers might be a concen-
tration area for the moving hawks and thus account for the numbers
of the birds, but in any event it will be interesting to note any reports
of hawks this past fall from other parts of the country, to see if there
is a marked decrease from last year. ,

Along the Mississippi River during September, the flight of Red-
shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks was especially noticeable, and
there were days when dozens of birds of both species were seen. The
Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks were present in about the usual
numbers. Red-tailed Hawks were found to be less common than they
are farther west. The first Duck Hawk was seen near the Wapsipini-
con River in Scott County, on September 22. A Pigeon Hawk was
watched in the same locality, but just across the river in Clinton Coun-
ty, on the same day. This bird seemed to be well fed and playfully
knocked an adult Red-headed Woodpecker to the ground and flew off,
without harming the woodpecker. This latter bird was more scared
than hurt and shook himself and flew to a nearby tree.

Down the Missouri vallev the main flight of hawks took place dur-
ing the first part of October, and the hulk of the birds were Red-
tailed Hawks, Some Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks were seen and
two Swain son's Hawks were noticed. October 10 was a typical day
and on this day some 58 Red-tailed Hawks were seen in Audubon.
Shelby, and Harrison Counties. Four birds were distinctly black, and
five were seen in the very lia'ht plumage; the rest of the birds ap-
peared to be normal Red-tailed Hawks.

The Sparrow Hawks were common over the entire state during the
earlier part of the fall. The first Bald Eagle seen was an adult bird
flying over Marble Lake, Dickinson County, on August 30. The Osprey
was first seen on August 28, near Elm Lake, Wright County. Another
Osprey was seen in Harrison County near the Missouri River on Sep-
tember 27. Marsh Hawks were found about as common as ever and
in all corners of the state. A record of the Turkey Vulture, on Oct-
ober 13 in Ida County, is given, as the bird is not often found in that
vicinity. — 4VM. YOUNGWORTH, Sioux City, Iowa.

Migration Note* during the Fall of 1934. — The following records are
scattered over the state. An Arkansas Kingbird was seen at Monte-
zuma, in Poweshiek County, on August 10. Two Red Crossbills were
seen near Norwalk, in Warren County, on August 15. A flock of about
40 Brewer's Blackbirds was found near Solon, Johnson County, on
August 13, Another flock of the same snecies was found mixed with
Bronzed Crackles on October 7, near Wapello, Louisa County. A
third flock of these blackbirds was seen on October 10. in Adair County.

The last Whip-poor-will of the season was found in Scott County
on September 21, A flock of about 300 White Pelicans was seen on
September 2G, near Clarinda in Pane County. On October 7, a list
of 01 species of birds was recorded in tim Muscatine Slough region in
Louisa County. The most interesting And was the presence of 10
Black Ducks on Klum Lake.

Four Golden Plovers were seen on October 22. near Archer in
O'Brien County. An adult Golden E^He was seen the same day near
Hartlev in the fine county. The fi"st Lin Pm cl Longspurs of the season
were listed in Sac County, when ehotit 500 were* seen ne^r the town
of Schaller on October 27.— WM. YOUNGWORTH, Sioux City, Iowa,

GENERAL NOTES

5

An Autumnal Flight of Broad-win ged Hawks in Eastern Iowa. On

September 23, 1934, Mr, and Mrs. Charles H. Batton of Des Moines
and the writer witnessed a migratory flight of the Broad-winged Hawk
while we were along the Iowa River, four miles north of Columbus
Junction, Louisa County. The flock was estimated to contain approxi-
mately 400 individuals.

The behavior of these birds was of considerable interest to the writer.
The flock looked like a long, slightly weaving streamer, with the birds
gliding along on set wings, two or three abreast and in close formation,
one behind the other. This was considerably different from the scat-
tered, circling individual Red-tailed Hawks which composed a migratory
flock 'of 72 birds seen a year ago, and which was nearly a half hour
in passing.— PHILIP A. DU MONT, Des Moines, Iowa.

Additional Starling Records in Iowa.— On November 3, 1934, a flock
of from 200 to 300 Starlings was seen near the west city limits of the
town of Denison in Crawford County, While this was not the first
record for this county, it was the largest flock of Starlings seen by the
writer in western Iowa during 1934, Five Starlings were seen near
Logan, Harrison County, on November 5, 1934, On November *,7,
while driving through the town of Hartley, O’Brien County, I saw two
Starlings flying near the highway in the east part of that town. These
records bring the county reports of Starlings in Iowa to 96, with the
unreported counties being Buena Vista, Lyon and Osceola. WM,
YOUNGWORTH, Sioux City, Iowa,

Ducks on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa.- — During the
first few days of November, 1934, the writer spent considerable time
along the Mississippi River between Fort Madison and Montrose in
Lee County. Jt was along this stretch of river, known on the maps
as Cooper Lake, that the great raft of Scaup Ducks was watched daily,
with an effort being made to estimate how many were actually resting
and feeding in this" area. These ducks remained for the most part out
in the middle of the lake, where they spent their time diving for food
and resting in complete safety from duck hunters. The lower end of
the raft started just above the line where the Montrose-Nauvoo ferry
boat crossed the river. It extended in an almost unbroken mass north
for about five miles. The writer tried blocking off masses of the birds
by using some object on the Illinois shore as a point to work from, and
in this way a rough estimate could be made, A conservative number
would place the numbers of ducks in this flock at more than 200,000
birds. Below Montrose there were probably not more than 1000 ducks,
so apparently the main food supply for these birds was at the point
where they were congregated. No ducks were taken, so it could not
be determined whether any of the birds were Greater Scaups. We were,
however, able to pick out an occasional Ring-necked Duck. — WM.
YOUNGWORTH, Sioux City, Iowa.

Recent Magpie Records in Iowa. — Three Magpies were seen on Octo-
ber 30, 1934, near College Springs, Page County. This location is just
a short distance from the Missouri state line. Magpies were also re-
ported from Plymouth County on several occasions during the fall of
1934 by Walter W. Trusell of Sioux City. In November, 1934, R. K.
Barker shot a Magpie in Emmet County, east of Estherville (reported
by Dr. F. L. R. Roberts). Myrle L. Jones observed a Magpie near Clare
in Pocahontas County on January 6, 1935. It is always of interest to
watch for another wave of visiting Magpies, such as the one reported
by Dr. Ti C. Stephens during 1921. — WM. YOUNGWORTH, Sioux City,
Iowa.

6

IOWA BIRD LIFE— V, 1025

Fall Bird Notes from Clay County. — A male Yellow-headed Black-
bird was noted in a mixed flock of “blackbirds" seen near Round Lake,
Clay County, on October 4, 1934, While there are later dates for this
bird in Minnesota, few fall dates could be found for Iowa.

Six Horned Grebes were seen on Lost Island Lake, Clay County,
October 4, 1934. Swimming near by, offering a splendid chance for
comparison, were two Eared Grebes. The throat of the latter species
was grayer than in the Horned Grebe, and the white on the cheek did
not extend as high behind the eye, — PHILIP A. DU MONT, Bes Moines,
Iowa.

A Pokeberry Banquet. — While working between Odessa Lake and
Levee No. 15, in Louisa County, Iowa, I came across a large acreage
of pokeberry plants. The plants were growing on ground which had
been burnt over in the last few years. The area covered by these
plants must have been at least five acres. The date was November lb,
1934, and to birds, the berries are apparently most edible at this time
of the fall. Dozens of Robins flew up out of the patch. Fox Sparrows
had concentrated in this spot in larger numbers than I had ever before
seen; there must have been at least 500 of the birds. Slate-colored
Juncos and Tree Sparrows were flying in all directions. Cardinals and
Song Sparrows were also common. A dozen or so each of Flickers and
Red-headed Woodpeckers flew up from the pokeberry plants on my
approach. A lone Carolina Wren dived off to one side. Another resi-
dent, probably not interested in pokeberries at that time, was a Pileated
Woodpecker. He was making enough noise to vie with a passing flock
of Crows, and with this noisy bird still calling, I left the banquet table
to the guests. — WM. YOUNG WORTH, Sioux City, Iow p a.

Birds Observed in Northwest Iowa, — The following birds were ob-
served on November 27 and 28, 1934. The first Snow Bunting of the
season was seen near Archer, O'Brien County, on the 27th. Six Short-
eared Owls were flushed near Dolliver, Emmet County, and others were
seen in O'Brien, Osceola, Lyon and Plymouth Counties. A total of 15
Rough-legged Hawks were noticed on the trip. Three Red-tailed Hawks
and one forlorn Sparrow Hawk were also entered in the note-book.
Thousands of Lapland Longspurs were scattered about northwest Iowa,
and with them were hundreds of Horned Larks. Other non-game birds
listed were Cardinals, Slate-colored Juncos, Tree Sparrows, Chickadees,
Blue Jays, Flickers, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers. Bronzed Crackles
and Starlings. In Emmet County the Hungarian Partridge was found
to be nearly as common as the Ring-necked Pheasant. Two Prairie
Chickens were seen in Emmet County, while in Osceola and Lyon
Counties several small flocks were watched. Mallard Ducks were also
flushed from cornfields on several occasions. — WM. YOUNGWORTH,
Sioux City, Iowa.

Starlings in Monona County, Iowa. — -Early in November. 1934, Supt.
J. H. McBurney, of the Onawa Public Schools, brought a live bird to
me for identification. It was a Starling. He said that the bird had
been brought to school by Gerald Barsbv, who lives on a farm north-
west of Onawa, The bird was one out of a flock of 12. These birds
were not to be seen around the farm during the daytime, but flew off
early in the morning in the direction of Blue Lake. At about sun-
down they returned to roost in the barn. The Starlings were occasion-
ally seen to fight with the pigeons, but not with the English Sparrows.
The specimen taken to the school was mounted and is now in the
Biology Laboratory of the High School at Onawa,— T, C. STEPHENS,
Sioux City, Iowa.

GENERAL NOTES

7

The American and Red-breasted Mergansers Wintering in Iowa, —

While most of the Mississippi River was frozen over during January,
1935, there was a fair sized stretch of open water near Bellevue. Con-
struction of the Bellevue navigation lock resulted in continuous pump-
ing at the lock site with the resulting open water below the town of
Bellevue. It was here, on January 11, 13 35, that we found more than
50 American Mergansers and 3 Red-breasted Mergansers. The first
species seemed to enjoy drifting downstream a short distance, after
which they would suddenly jump from the water and fly upstream near
the lock. The latter species were not prone to follow out these actions
and were apparently quite satisfied to swim upstream, feeding as they
went. — WM. YOUNGWORTH, Sioux City, Iowa.

Publications on Iowa Ornithology during 1934. (Not including

those in ‘Iowa Bird Life. 1 )

Baumgartner, Frederick M. Bird Mortality on the Highways; Auk,
LI, pp. 537-538.

Bennett, Logan J. Notes on Nesting Waterfowl and Other Marsh
Nesting Birds in Northwest Iowa; Oologist, LI, pp. 101-104.

‘Bird-Lore. 1 Christmas bird censuses from Iowa, XXXVI, pp. 1C,
50-51.

DuMont, Philip A. The Double-crested Cormorant Nesting in South-
eastern Iowa; Auk, LI, pp. 509-510. A Report on the Starling in Iowa;
Auk, LI, pp. 525-520. The Breeding Birds of Iowa; Oologist, LI, pp.
50-66. Migrant Nelson's Sparrows in Central Iowa; Wils. Bulk, XLVI,
p. 62. The Western Harlequin Duck in Central Iowa; Wils. Bull.,
XLVI, pp. 63-G4. Shufeldt's Junco Taken in Northwestern Iowa;
Wils, Bull., XLVI, pp. 200-201. Iowa Specimen of the “American' 1
Eider Re-determined as the Pacific Eider; Wils. Bull., XLVI, p. 203.
Observations of the Ferruginous Rough-leg in Iowa; Wils. Bulk, XLVI,

p. 262,

Eaton, Richard Jefierson. The Migratory Movements of Certain
Colonies of Herring Gulls in Eastern North America; Bird-Banding,
V, (Iowa records, pp, 5, 8, 76).

Errington, Paul L. Second Broods in the Mallard Duck; Auk, Lf,
pp. 78-80. A Late Iowa Record for an American Bittern; Wils, Bulk,
XLVI, pp. 62-63.

Gessell, Jean P. Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Bird-Lore, XXXVI,
pp. 291-293.

Hendrickson, George O, Birds Found Dead on Iowa Primary Roads;
Proc. Ia. Acad. Sck, XXXIX, 1932, pp, 251-252 (issued in 1934).

Holland, Harold M, Cardinals Again Nest in a Sparrow Trap; Bird-
Lore, XXXVI, p. 305.

Mueller, Charles F. Carolina Wren at Davenport, Iowa; Bird-Lore,
XXXVI, p. 108. Egrets and Other Birds at Davenport, Iowa; ibid.,
p. 299.

Pierce, Fred J. Notes from Buchanan County, Iowa; Auk, LI pp,
253-254.

Youngworth, William. The Starling at Sioux City, Iowa; Wils. Bull.,
XLVI, p, 62. Field Notes from the Sioux City, Iowa, Region; ibid.,
p. 62. An Early Morning Mixed Migration; ibid,, p. 127. The Western
Blue Grosbeak in Iowa; ibid., p. 257. Changes in the Habits of the
Prairie Chicken; ibid., pp. 262-263.

(The ‘Fish and Game Guide', a bi-monthly leaflet beginning with
Voh I, No, 1 in July, 1934, is published by the Iowa State Fish and
Game Commission. It contains many references to Iowa game birds,
of interest chiefly to sportsmen and those concerned with game man-
agement matters. Free copies may be had upon request to the Com-
mission, Des Moines.) — F. J. P.

s

IOWA BIRD LIFE— V, 1935

The Role of the Accidental or Straggling Species of Birds in Iowa, —

The accidental occurrence of any bird within the confines of the state
is perhaps not of great consequence unless repeated a sufficient nunibei
of times. If, however, such a species is noted a dozen or fifteen times
in as many years, the species might well be considered an integral
part of our local avifauna. . ,

In many states it is now the practice to enter no species ot bird
on the state list except when represented by a specimen. If that prac-
tice were followed in Iowa, no less than 30 species would be removed
from our list, including such birds as Mockingbird, Lewis’s Wood-
pecker, Red-shafted Flicker, Little Blue Heron, Lark Bunting, etc.
Many of these 30 or more birds were included in the Iowa list on the
basis of formerly existing specimens. .

One difficulty in Iowa, which probably has been experienced in other
states, has been the pr^iervation of the first, or even the second and
third, specimen of a rare straggler once it has been secured. Without
this specimen there is always a possibility that the species or sub-
pecies was incorrectly determined.

The writer has advocated for some time the instigation of a de-
pository for these specimens of rare or accidental species taken within
the state. If such a collection were maintained, it would serve not
alone as a place of security for these record specimens, but would
encourage the study of distributional problems within the state. Un-
doubtedly, there would be a stimulation toward securing accidental or
straggling species if the collectors knew that such specimens were de-
sired and would be properly preserved. Certainly this factor is suf-
ficient to justify the inauguration of such a centralized collection.

Below are listed a number of rare or accidental specimens contained
in various collections. In most instances full details of the capture
of each have been recorded in some ornithological journal, and all
were recently enumerated in the “Revised List of the Birds ot Iowa. ’
Several specimens bear incomplete data or none at all. An effort should
be made by the individuals in charge to complete these records. Eventu-
ally, we may hope that all of these specimens may be concentrated in

one collection.

Pacific Loon H. J. biddings coll. labeled by writer

E. Brown Pelican .....Boone Public Library... unlabeled

Ward’s Heron .Dwight coll., N. Y — full data

” .....Univ, Iowa Museum...., full data

Yellow-er. Night Heron, .........U. S. National Museum.. ..full data

White-faced Glossy Ibis Univ. Iowa Museum full data

'* ” ” .. .Tennant coll... - unlabeled

” ” ” Alien coll........... full data

Trumpeter Swan Odebolt High School. .. recently labeled

Lesser Canada Goose.... U. S. Biological Survey, full data (two)

Greater Scaup Duck Coe College Museum full data

W. Harlequin Duck... State Historical Museum unlabeled

Pacific Eider .Sioux City Acad. Sci unlabeled

King Eider.. Univ. Iowa Museum, full data

Black Vulture ....Univ. Iowa Museum . ..full data

Mississippi Kite .Iowa Wesleyan College, one of two labeled

S. Bald Eagle......... Univ. Iowa Museum.... .....full data

Prairie Falcon... Tennant coll unlabeled (two)

” ” . Bullock coil unlabeled

Richardson’s Pigeon Hawk. ...Univ. Iowa Museum full data

Prairie Sharp-tailed Grouse.. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. — ....full data

” ” Jf ..Odebolt High School..... full (?) data

Eastern Turkey Univ, Iowa Museum -full data

" Jefferson Co. Library .unlabeled

GENERAL NOTES

9

Piping- Plover.,..,.,....,...., ....Univ. Iowa Museum.., ....full data

Eskimo Curlew Univ. Iowa Museum... data confused

” — Davenport Public Museum .....full data

Western Sandpiper (Jniv. Iowa Museum.... full data (three)

” ...DuMont coll,. ....... full data

BufF-breasted Sandpiper.. Univ. Iowa Museum, two of three with data

Parasitic Jaeger .Univ. Iowa Museum full data

*' Coe College Museum. full data

Long-tailed Jaeger Univ. Iowa Museum.... ....full data

Atlantic Kittiwake .....State Historical Mus partial data

Sabine's Gull Univ. Iowa Museum full data (two)

M ,f ..Davenport Public Mus... partial data

Brunnich’s Munre —..Stephens coll - full data

Arctic Horned Owl ..Univ, Iowa Museum full data (two)

” ” ” ...Bolte’s coil existence unverified

Minnesota Barred Owl. Univ. Iowa Museum.. .........full data

Northern Horned Lark Coe College Museum.., full data (two)

” ” ,r Youngworth coll... full data

Clark’s Nutcracker Univ. Iowa Museum ....full data (two)

>f ” Odcbolt High School,... ..full (?) data

Carolina Chickadee........ Coe College Museum.... — full data

Russet-hacked Thrush.. ...Am, Mus. Nat. Hist... ......full data

N. Water-Thrush Am. Mus. Nat. Hist...... full data

Pine Grosbeak Phila. Acad. Nat. Sci.. partial data

White-winged Cross-bill Allert coll full data

” ” ..Iowa State College . full data

Nevada Savannah Sparrow. ...Univ, Iowa Museum full data

W. Field Sparrow ...Coe College Museum... .full data

Allert coll - full data

” " ,f Youngworth coll,... full data

—PHILIP A. DU MONT, Des Moines, Iowa.

January Bird* in Northwest Iowa. — On a trip to Spirit Lake on Jan-
uary 1, 11)35, we saw 12 Prairie Chickens, 1 Red-headed Woodpecker,

2 Meadowlarks, 25 Hungarian Partridges, 1 Northern Shrike, a flock
of about 700 Crows, and several other species. On January 5, between
Spencer and Algona, we saw 12 Short-cared Owls. — F. L. R. ROBERTS,
Iowa City, Iowa.

“Brownie."— One very hot day last summer I found a baby Brown
Thrasher in the direct sun in an alley behind our house. He was on his
side, but when I picked him up he opened his eyes and beak. His
parents were not to be seen. I took him into the house and he was
soon comfortable in a warm nest of his own.

My next thought was to give him food and water, but how to give
it to him was a question. A medicine dropper was put into service
and did very well. I was surprised at the amount of water he drank.
T soaked some bread in water, and he ate greedily. He let me know
that he had enough by not opening his mouth. Soon he was asleep.
We did not hear anything from him for about an hour. Suddenly we
heard a chirp. I went to look at him and found him on the side ot the
basket. I made a trip to the alley and found the parent Brown Thrash-
ers very much distressed. Returning with Brownie, I placed him in the
shade near the two birds. One of them, evidently the mother bird,
flew at me and picked the top of my head. She flew away and soon
returned with a green worm which she put down Brownie's mouth.
The thrasher family was united and happy again as I left them. —
(MISS) DOROTHY JONES, Davenport, Iowa.

10

IOWA BIRD LIFE— V, 1035

The Christmas Bird Census. — CEDAR FALLS, IOWA (Teachers Col-
lege campus, through Cedar Falls, and east a half mile on highway No.
20, then south to Fisher's Lake and return), Dec. 26, 1934; 8:30 A. M.
to 12:30 P. M. Strong north wind; temp. 13 degrees below zero. Ob-
servers together. Ring-necked Pheasant, 2; Downy Woodpecker, ,
Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 8; Black-capped Chickadee, 1; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 2; Brown Creeper, 1; English Sparrow, 36; Goldfinch, 10; Slate-
colored Junco, 1. Total, 10 species, 64 individuals. — JOHN BLIESE,
JAMES HAWKS,

TAMA IOWA (along highway No. 59 for a distance of 15 miles,
food-shelf at home), Dec. 25, 1934. Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Red-shouldered
Hawk, 1; Broad-winged Hawk, 1; Rough-legged Hawk, 2; Marsh Hawk,
1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Ring-necked Pheasant, 14; Short-eared Owl, 1;
Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1; Hairy Wood-
pecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 3; Blue Jay, 6; Crow, 8, Black-capped
Chickadee, 8; Tufted Titmouse, 9; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Brown
Creeper, 1; Starling, 30; Meadowlark, 7; Cardinal, 2; Goldfinch, 2;
Tree Sparrow, 8; Slate-colored Junco, 9. Total, 24 species, 127 in-
dividuals.— MR. AND MRS. W. G. MACMARTIN.

WEBSTER, IOWA (Porter School, south to North English River,
downstream one mile and return), Dec. 26, 1934; 2 P. M. to 4:30 P.M.
Temp, zero or below all day* Seven miles on foot. Bob-white, 16;
Mourning Dove, 2; Barred Owl, 3; Flicker, 1; Red-bellied Woodpecker,
1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Blue Jay, 1; Crow, 2;
Black-capped Chickadee, 6; Tufted Titmouse, 6; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 2; Starling, 26, Meadowlark, 1; Cardinal, 28; Slate-colored Junco,
2. Total, 16 species, 105 individuals. — MYRLE L. JONES.

(“Eastern” and other directional names are omitted in the above
lists. Their use in state bird journals is optional, we believe. Our
editorial policy is to leave this matter in the hands of our contributors,
who may use them or not, as they wish. The February issue of ‘Bird-
Lore' contained Iowa bird censuses from Backbone State Park, Daven-
port, Des Moines, Ogden and Pierson, with a combined total of 42
species. — Ed.)

Notes from Eastern Iowa, Winter of 1934-1935* — A small flight of
Snow Buntings was to be found in Iowa this winter. A flock of about
300 was seen near Giard in Clayton County on January 12. Other small
flocks of a few birds each were seen near Church, Allamakee County,
on January 14. A lone Northern Shrike was noticed near Waterville,
Allamakee County, on December 12, 1934. Deputy Game Warden
George Kaufmann of Lansing saw a Snowy Owl on January 14, near
New Albin, Allamakee County. An adult Bald Eagle was seen near
this town by Mr. Kaufmann and the writer on January 15,

The following species are summer residents which in some years
seem to remain in Iowa despite the zero weather. A Meadowlark was
seen near McGregor, Clayton County, on December 9. Mourning Doves
were seen in Jackson County near Maquoketa on December 7, and near
Sabula on January 11. Two Bronzed Grackles were seen feeding in
a farm yard near Ainsworth, Washington County, on January 17. A
Song Sparrow was found near Burlington, Des Moines County, on
December 17, and during the same month Sparrow Hawks were found
on two occasions in Lee County, once in Muscatine County, once in
Scott County, and twice in Keokuk County. During January, 1935,
Sparrow Hawks were noticed in Keokuk County on the 10th, in Wash-
ington County on the 17th, and in Polk County on the 28th. Another
was seen in Marion County on February 3. — WM. YOUNGWORTH,
Sioux City, Iowa.

GENERAL NOTES

11

i

Bald Eagles and American Merganser*.— On January 19 , 1935, i the
writer observed six Bald Eagles and several hundred American Mer-
gansers on the Mississippi River just opposite Davenport, Iowa, The
deputy game wardens from that region report that it is common for
the American Mergansers to winter on the Mississippi River from
Davenport south, — LOGAN J. BENNETT, Des Moines, Iowa.

Lunch-counter Note., — For years I have been feeding the winter
birds. Black-capped Chickadees, Cardinals, Tufted Titmice White-
oreasted Nuthatches, Tree Sparrows, Blue Jays, Downy and Hairy
Woodpeckers come to my feeding shelves. Last winter (1933-34) a
Flicker was one of my winter bird guests. I put bread crumbs, sun-
dower. hemp and canary seeds on my lunch-counter, as well as a dish
of water. Above the shelf hang suet boxes. Last winter a neighbor
fed a male Robin all winter. This winter I had a Robin eating bread
crumbs in mv back yard as late as December 11, As I write this I
see a male and female Cardinal eating sunflower seeds, and a Downy
Woodpecker is picking at the suet.— (MISS) DOROTHY JONES, Dav-
enport, Iowa.

Notes from Black Hawk County.— On July 2ft, 1934, I saw an Ameri-
can Egret on the Cedar River at Cedar Heights. It was feeding along
the river in company with a Green Heron. Some boys in a boat dis-
turbed the birds and both flew downstream several hundred yards, fee,
there for ten minutes, then returned almost opposite me. With the
sun behind me, I had a splendid view of the bird for twenty minutes.

An injured Goshawk, which was found by Robert Porter near a road
several miles southwest of Cedar Falls, was brought to Iowa State
Teachers College on October 3, 1934. Having no control over its body
other than the snapping of its beak and the grasping action of its talons
(which it had sunk into Mr. Porter's hand nearly to the bone), it re-
mained in whatever position it was placed. None of the hawks bones
was broken; nor had it been shot. It remained in that condition ,or
a dav, after which wo decided to kill the bird and mount it. Illuminat-
ing gas was used to kill if. The dead bird was studied carefully, but
nothing was found except a tiny blood clot about three-fourths of an
inch from the base of the skull. .

For several years 1 have suspected that the Western Meadowlark is
decreasing and the Eastern Meadowlark increasing in this vicinity.
About eight years ago the Western Meadowlark was the commoner
form; now the Eastern bird appears to be more common. Wishing to
*tudy their relative abundance, I kept a record (by the difference m
song) of the two forms as I found them on my various trips during
1934, On 14 trips, between May 2G and October 20, my record showed
a total of 4ft Eastern and 23 Western Meadowlarks. These numbers
do not by anv means represent all the Meadowlarks seen, but only those
which were positively identified as either the Eastern or Western form.
If this record can be taken as representative, the Eastern bird out-
numbers the Western slightly more than two to one near Waterloo.

There appeared to be a dearth of Dickcissels in this vicinity during
1934. Although often visiting places where they should have been,
not one specimen did I see throughout the entire season.

While at Steamboat Rock, Hardin County, on October 15, 1934, we
found a Ruby-throated Hummingbird which had died idinging to its
perch. With legs very straight it was hanging upside down on a choke-
cherry twig. It was much shrunken and dried, but the entire bird
seemed to be intact. We cut off the “death perch” to take the speci-
men home for a curiosity. — JOHN BLIESE, Waterloo, Iowa.

12

IOWA BIRD LIFE— V, 1935

A BOB-WHITE COVEY FEEDING

Miiny farmers provide foot! for them in winter when such help Is much needed.
(Courtesy of Iowa Stnte Culkye}.

A Word for the Bob-white Quail.— Recently I met a man who pre-
tended to be much concerned about the welfare of our Bob-white
Quail. He said to me; “There is too much inbreeding going on among
these birds. They lack vigor and stamina. Some shooting and scatter-
ing of the flocks would be a good thing. It would improve their health
and vigor, and it would result in larger and more thrifty coveys in
the future/’ I have heard others make similar statements.

Investigation shows, however, that in nearly every case the person
making these assertions is possessed of a brace of dogs, high-top boots,
and a repeating shotgun or two. These oracles of biological wisdom
are too willing and ready to assist in this “scattering” process which
they recommend. It is difficult to understand how two or three fright-
ened birds, with a few feathers shot off and a stray shot or two in
their bodies, can be of more value as breeding stock than a covey of
12 to 15 normal birds.

While it is my desire to give due consideration to the statements
and claims of others, I believe that this important matter should be
viewed from several angles. We have, for example, a number of species
of swallows, swifts, blackbirds, finches, and others which gather an-
nually, first in family groups and later in immense flocks. But they
all have instinct or sense enough to separate in due time and take care
of themselves and their progeny without man’s “scattering” interven-
tions. Furthermore, in the early history of Iowa, when human in-
habitants were few and a shotgun almost a curiosity, quail were so
numerous that they were occasionally taken in traps or nets by hun-
dreds, But now it is sometimes claimed that the quail cannot take
care of itself and may be become extinct unless aided by our nimrods
with their dogs and repeaters! — E. D. NAUMAN, Sigourney, Iowa.

Bird* of 1934 in the Iowa City Region, — During the year 1934 our
family recorded 180 species of birds in the vicinity of Iowa City, We
made 34 field trips in which the whole family participated. Individual
members were out observing on several other occasions- The territory
visited was largely within 20 miles of Iowa City and included Lilly Lake
at Amana and the Conesville marshes. A few trips were made to
various points along the Mississippi River,

Besides the more common birds our list included Herring, Ring-
billed and Bonaparte's Gulls, Forster’s, Least and Black Terns, Double-
crested Cormorant, American, Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers,

RECENT BIRD BOOKS

13

Black Duck, Gadwall, Snowy Egret, Blue Goose, Black-crowned Night
Heron, King and Sora Rails, Wilson's Phalarope, Woodcock, Dowitcher,
Marbled and Hudsonian Godwits, Black-bellied and Golden Plovers,
Yellow-headed, Brewer's and Rusty Blackbirds, Purple Finch, Pine
Siskin, Lapland Longspur, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Scarlet Tanairer, Cliff
and Tree Swallows, Blue-winged, Cerulean and Connecticut Warblers,
Yellow-breasted Chat, American Pipit, Mockingbird, Carolina and Be-
wick’s Wrens, Blue-gray Gnatcatchcr and Willow Thrush, — MARY
PRICE ROBERTS, Grand Island, Nebraska,

Late Nesting of the Bob-white.— *A one-day-old Bob-white chick was
found in Washington County. Iowa, on September 27, 1934. The
specimen was preserved and is now in permanent possession of the
Zoology Department of Iowa State College at Ames. — LOGAN J. BEN-
NETT, Des Moines, Iowa,

Little Blue Herons in Iowa.— On July 24, 1934, Gerald Spawn and
the writer collected the first specimens taken in Iowa of the Little Blue
Heron. Two birds were seen and collected on Elk Lake, Clay County.
Both specimens are now in the permanent possession of the Zoology
Department of Iowa State College at Ames, — LOGAN J. BENNETT,
Des Moines, Iowa.

RECENT BIRD BOOKS

BIRD CITY, bv E. A. Mcllhennv (Christopher Publishing House,
Boston, Mass., 1934; cloth, pp, 1-203; price, $3).

Avery Island is in the southwestern part of Louisiana, near the
Gulf of Mexico. In this region of abundant flora and fauna Mr. Mc-
T1 benny founded “Bird City," which, from a very modest beginning
on a two-acre space in 1893. has grown into a 35-acre sanctuary in
which 100,000 individuals of the heron family are now found. Al-
though Bird City attracts many groups of birds, particularly the ducks.
Mr. Mcllhenny has endeavored to build up a colony of the Snowy
Egret, a species which was all but annihilated bv the nlume trade in
the nineties. He sowed the seeds of this colony with eight young
birds which he secured from rests in the locality and reared in cages
at his home. These birds were allowed to migrate, and most of them
returned the next year. Then began the slow growth of the Snowv
Egret colony, a growth covering many years and achieved through
the great nains and solicitude of Mr. Mcllhenny who was determined
to replenish the ranks so sadlv depleted bv tl™ plume hunter, In this
he has been infinitely successful. The story of his work with the Snowy
Egret, ?s told in this book, is aborbing reading.

For us Northerners ‘Bird Citv' has a deep interne it is the story
of birds of which we know but little. The wild life of the Louisiana
swamD is amazingly abundant. The narrative is interwoven with de-
scriptions of the habits of many of the wild creature*! of this region.
Not mar.v of us will have opportunity to vim a birds’ naradise such
as this; but in reading the storv we can nt least partially visualize it.
The book is filled with ornithological facts, which mid greatly to our
knowledge of several groups of unfamiliar birds. About 100 full-page
halftone nlates from phonographs taken in Bird City admirably sup-
plement the text. — F. J, P.

a # # »

AMERICAN BIRD BIOGRAPHIES, bv Arthur A. Allen (Comstock
Publishing Co., Ithaca, N. Y., 1934; cloth, pp. i-viii -j- 1-238 ; price,
$3.50).

Dr. Allen’s bird stories which have been appearing in ‘Bird-Lore’

14

IOWA BIRD LIFE — V, 1035

for several years are now* available in book form- This volume pre-
sents the first series of these stories, while further volumes are prom-
ised, The present book takes up the life histories of twenty common
birds. The chapters are in autobiographical form, each bird telling
his own story of the endless struggle for existence— of his migration,
nesting, family-rearing, food-hunting, eluding of enemies, and other
intimate matters. They are appealing recitals, filled with heart in-
terest and charm — a pleasing product of Dr. Allen’s facile pen. Al-
though written in a style to attract younger readers, the biographies
are of interest to all ages and classes of bird students. Studied closely
they will be found to contain a full description of the bird's life history,
for which the author has drawn on his lifetime of experiences with
birds, and has gleaned from the writings of our foremost ornithologists.
The scientific accuracy of the text is therefore unquestioned. A
series of 189 photographs of living birds attests Dr. Allen's skill as a
wild life photographer. Twenty full-page plates, ten of which are in
color, by George Miksch Sutton, further embellish the text. It is a
handsome book, and one which assures a great store of entertaining
and instructive reading. — F, J. P,

* * * + *

Membership News. — On the night of January 6, Mr. and Mrs. Walter
Rosene of Ogden were very seriously injured in an auto collision. This
unfortunate occurrence necessitated a slow, painful recovery and many
weeks spent in a hospital.

Mrs, Mary L, Bailey, our former Secretary, suffered very severe
injuries in a fall some time ago. She was confined to her bed for a
number of weeks.

Dr. F. L. R. Roberts has been elected a member of the Alpha Omega
Alpha medical fraternity, “for exceptional ability in medical sciences.”

George 0. Faulkner of Waterloo left the United States early m the
year on a trip of about three months during which he expected to visit
various interesting places on the African continent. Last year his
travels took him to South America, and he has traveled widely during
other years.

Chas. J. Soiker spent the winter in Virginia as a naturalist in the
National Park Service,

Dr. T, C. SteDhens attended the Wilson Club meeting in Pittsburg,
Pa., December 28-29. He was the only Iowan present at the meeting.

When last heard from, Walter W. Bennett was making a water-fowl
survey of Arizona and New Mexico as a Junior Biologist of the United
States Biological Survey. He received an appointment last fall and
has been working in the Migratory Water-fowl Division of the Survey.

New Iowa members: John Bliese, Waterloo; J. W. Forster, ^ Rock
Rapids; Howard Graesing, Spirit Lake: Dr. E, S. Parker, Ida Grove;
Gustav J. Schultz, Sutherland; Mrs. W, J. Armour, Sioux City; Mrs.
Mell M. Clark, Corvdon; Mrs. J. T. Rogers, Corydon; Robt, H, Smith,
Mason City; I. T. Bode, Des Moines.

New subscribers: Dr, Rudolph M- Anderson, Ottawa, Canada; Harry
D. Dunbar, Elkhorn, Wis. : Mrs. A. R. Jenson, Clarks Grove, Minn.;
Karl Maslowski, Cincinnati, Ohio.

* * * * *

THE ANNUAL CONVENTION — SIOUX CITY, MAY 10-11-12

The foremost event in the year's activities — -the annual convention —
will be held this year at Sioux City on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May
10, 11, and 12, with headquarters at the Martin Hotel. It is to be a
joint meeting with the Nebraska Ornithologists’ Union; therefore, it
has unusual interest, offering opportunities to hear reports from workers

THE ANNUAL CONVENTION

15

outside of our state and to meet many new bird students. The program
committee, composed of Professors T. C. Stephens, Myron H. Swenk
and Philip A. DuMont, have been working for many weeks on arrange-
ments for the program, and with their capable handling, an unusually
interesting program is assured. It is to be hoped that our member-
ship will be well represented at this meeting. We feel sure that all
who attend will find the program most enjoyable.

The meeting will be opened on Friday afternoon. It is planned to
devote the afternoon and evening to a Conservation program, in charge
of speakers who are eminent in this field. The Saturday morning and
afternoon sessions will be in charge of the Iowa and Nebraska Ornith-
ologists' Unions, and in addition to a series of splendid papers on
various phases of bird work, the business meetings of the respective
organizations will be held. On Saturday evening there will be an or-
nithological dinner, with Dr. Thomas S. Roberts, of the University of
Minnesota, as the guest of honor and speaker. Dr. Roberts, who is
author of the monumental work on ‘The Birds of Minnesota,’ is re-
garded as the Dean of Mississippi Valley ornithologists. On Sunday
it is planned to have a field trip through the proposed Lewis and Clark
National Park, which embraces 30,000 acres lying along the Missouri
River on the Nebraska side. Lunch will be eaten in the woods.

Plans are going forward steadily, but us we go to press it is ton
early to give a detailed account of what the preparations include.
Mimeographed announcements of the completed program will be mailed
to each member well in advance of the meeting. Much credit is due
those upon whom fall the heavy responsibilities of giving us a good
program and an enjoyable convention. Sioux City invites you, and
the officers and committees of the Iowa and Nebraska Ornithologists'
Unions urge you to attend. Mark the dates on your calendar!— F. J. P.

ROOM WITH BATH FROM $2.50

SIOUX CITY

Official Headquarters for the
Convention of

Iowa Ornithologists' Union

Nebraska Ornithologists' Union
May 10, 11 and 12

•K

16

IOWA BIRD LIFE— V, 1935

j Like friendly neighbors .

familiar birds tell their life-stories j

! j

IN j

B

AMERICAN BIRD BIOGRAPHIES j

By Arthur A. Allen
Author of The Book of Bird Life

! WITH

I

J

Twenty full-page water-color portraits of birds
| By George Miksch Sutton

| Ten of these in natural colors; ten in duotone
j and

I Two hundred photographs of bird life by the author

i |

"These [biographies] arc delightful in the extreme, and give :

! highly informative and revealing material on courtship, nesting, 1
I and migration. I would recommend the book unreservedly for I
j adults — and certainly the Junior Literary Guild would not have j
made It their January selection were it not highly suitable for f
children."

— Roger T. Peterson in Natural History, j

a

*

About 2 50 pages, size 6^2x954. Price $5.50 [

!

m *

M I

Order from your bookseller or from

\ COMSTOCK PUBLISHING CO, INC. I

I 1

j CORNELL HEIGHTS ITHACA, NEW YORK ■

j !

— .. — — - — -■ — <■ — .. — — =. — - — .□ — — ■■ — ■■ — ‘*f*