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THEIR NEsTs AND Eaas.
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THe Y ounG Oo oaist,
——V OR DE—
poe llDRN TD OF BIRDSS”
mein WeSTS AND-EGGS.
VOLUME I.
GAINES, N, Y.:
FRANK H. LATTIN, Puspuisuer.
1884—1885.
JOHN P. SMITH,
JOB, RAILROAD AND BOOK PRINTER,
80 STATE ST., ROCHESTER, N. Y.
‘VOL. .
YOUNG
GAINES, N. Y., MAY, 1884,
NOLOGIST
ANIC. is
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COL-
\ LECTING BIRDS’ EGGS.*
IP
le esa 1 B49
_ =Intrropuction.—It has been the
-endeavor of the writer to render
‘these Instructions as concise and
‘simple as the nature of the subject
-would permit. How far he has suc-
ceeded the reader must determine.
_ No mention has been made of the
elaborate methods of blowing eggs,
adopted by English collectors, as it
requires many delicate instruments
to empty them in those ways, which
could not be easily obtained in this
country, and which also requires a
degree “of care and time for their use,
which the writer feels confident
would not be bestowed by our read-
ers. Besides, we maintain that eggs
can be neatly blown by the simple
methods detailed in this serigs of
papers, and that the science of Dolo-
gy will be as much furthered by
Specimens so prepared, as by those
upon which many hours have been
wasted.
_ Without further preface, we will
_at once take up the subject, and first
we wish to make a few
PRELIMINARY Remarxs.—Collect-
ing birds’ eggs for scientific pur-
_ poses, requires far more discrimina-
tion than collecting specimens in
any other branch of Natural His-
tory. Animals, birds, insects, shells,
plants, &c., carry their own identi-
fication with them; and knowing the
locality, a person well versed in the
particular science in question, can
at once pronounce what they are.
= with birds’ eggs it is very differ-
BY J. P. NORRIS.
* This article was written a number of years ago
for the Country Gentleman, and as we consider
__ the instructions as complete as any published, we
eprint them for the benefit.of the readers of the
Youne OoLoaist.—[En.
a
ent. Without they are bi
identified and authenticated, they
are of no value for scientific pur-
poses whatever. Therefore Identifi-
cation and Authentication should be
the chief aim of the egg-collector,
although the other details should
not be neglected.
There are many of the commonest
species of birds whose eggs are so
nearly alike, that unless they are
very carefully identified, serious mis-
takes will occur. This is particular-
ly the case with the eggs of wood-
peckers, two species frequently hav-
ing their nests in the same tree, and,
without great care is used in their
collection, the eggs of one species
will be confounded with those of the
other. With ducks’ eggs also, great
care must be exercised. Two or
three’ species of ducks frequently
have their nests within a few yards
of each other, so that they will re-
quire very positive identification.
Neatness in blowing and marking
the eggs, renders them more fit for
the cabinet, and is not to be neg-
lected, but the chief points to be at-
tended to, as being the only ones
by which science can_ be benefited,
are Identification and Authentica-
tion.
IDENTIFICATION.— Whenever the
collector does not positively recognize
the parent bird of a nest of eggs, the
parent should be procured and pre-
served with the eggs. But if he is
positively certain of the identity of
the parent, there is no necessity for
obtaining it.
When, however, he is unable to
procure the parent, either from not
being able to shoot the bird, owing
to its shyness, then he should make
a careful observation of the materi-
als of which the nest is composed—
4 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
supposing that he cannot bring it
away with him owing to its size or un-
portability—and the nature of the
spot where it was found. This should
all be carefully noted on a register
kept for the purpose, (a description
of which will be given hereafter,)
opposite to the number which is
marked on the eggs.
If the collector is fortunate enough
to shoot, snare or trap the parent
bird or birds, they should be care-
fully skinned and labeled with a ref-
erence to the eggs of which they are
the parents—thus: ‘‘ Parent of eggs
marked No. —.”
In case the collector does not un-
derstand how to skin birds, then he
can preserve a wing (taken off at the
shoulder joint) and the head, which
latter should be cut off just behind
the skull, and must have the eyes
and the brain scooped out to pre-
serve it. These will very often iden-
tify eges very well.
Many errors have arisen from see-
_ing birds near eggs, and then sup-
posing them to be their parents.
There are many birds—such as the
Crow and the Blue Jay—which suck
eggs, and are consequently often
found nearer to other birds’ nests
than they have any right to be.
Again, there are others—such as the
Titmice, Creepcrs, Nuthatches and
others—who, although not plunder-
ers, obtain their food by seeking for
it even in the very places where
other species breed. Among the
water birds also, which often breed
very close to each other, mistakes
have arisen from supposing a nest
of eggs found in a marsh to belong
to a bird which fluttered on the
ground and showed other signs of
distress, when the real cause of its
distress was that it had a nest of its
own within a few feet of the one
that was found.
The experience of a single season
of egg-coilecting is, however, to most
persons, worth more than pages
written on this subject.
wit
We desire to impress it upon eg:
PA
eit
collectors that without eggs are we ir
identified, they are of no value for~
scientific purposes whatever. Let
4S
So pe
him not consider it a waste of time,
therefore, if he spends an hour, nay, —
even two, in watching for the parent
of a nest of eggs of which he does:
not know the name. One nest of —
eggs well identified is worth more —
than a barrel full not identified.
If the parent of a nest of eggs does” :
not make its appearance one day
while you are waiting for it, then —
leave the eggs until the next day or
the day after, and then try again.
Be careful not to handle the eggs if —
you intend to leave them in the nest —
until the next day, for some birds. ©
are so shy that if the eggs are touched
they will perceive it and forsake the:
eggs—and some will even break ©
them—and thus you lose the chance:
of identifying them, and run the
risk of losing them altogether.
Kyen if you cannot identify them,
you should preserve them, for an.
oologist can often recognize them,.
and you might in this way secure
some yery rare eggs. |
AUTHENTICATION.—— The proper
way to authenticate eggs is to num-
ber them, beginning with “1” for’
the first nest of eggs, “2” for the
second, “3” for the third, @e-——
writing the number down on the
register, with the name of the bird:
to which they belong opposite to-
them.
In the column headed “ Po-
sition of Nest, &c.,” should be writ-
ten the site of the nest, and, if it be-
an uncommon one in your vicinity,
the materials of which it is com-
posed. In every case where the eggs.
are rare the nest should accompany —
them, if not too large and bulky...
Attach a label to the nest, with the
number marked on the eggs found
in it.
In the column headed “ Position.
of Nest, &c.,’ should also be added.
a memorandum of the manner in
which the identification was effected,..
A roa Sa
} ey:
‘ et
Se .
MS
X
. This latter
_ lutely necessary to keep the nests of
hand side.
Ae MLE Abe
’
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4
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 5
-& Both birds shot,” “ Bird
Pee Pabus:
shot,” or, if the identification was
effected by seeing the birds only, the
D fact should be stated thus: “ Bird
well’ seen,” or “Bird seen,” as the
‘ case may be. Never sina to add
a these memoranda in all cases—even
_ with the commonest eggs—as it adds
greatly to their value for scientific
_ purposes.
Always mark all the eggs in the
same nest with the same number.
precaution is abso-
eggs distinct—which is very impor-
_ ‘tant, and should be carefully attend-
ed to while collecting them. If the
_ egg is difficult to mark, owing to
_ greasiness of the shell, it can be
_ easily marked by rubbing a little
_ finely powdered chalk upon it.
In marking the eggs use a pen-
_ ceil, and write the numbers distinct-
ly, but not too large, near the hole
‘by which the contents of the egg
have been emptied.
| When the eggs are not well iden-
tified, the fact should be stated in
the register.
- In collecting many nests of the
same species at the same time, it is
necessary to mark each nest of eggs
with a separate number in lead pen-
cil, as they are collected; but the
final marking, with ink, must not
- bedone until the egg is emptied,
- and is dry. Do not rub out the
pencil mark until the one in ink has
been substituted. :
How to Krep an Eao-Reaister.
—An HEgg-Register can be best kept
con ordinary foolscap paper, in the
following manner: Take a sheet of
foolseap } paper, and rule a line length-
wise, about an inch from the eft
This space is for the
date when the eggs are collected.
Next rule a line half an inch to the
; right of the former one and parallel
This space for the name of
_ the bird. Next rule a line half an
inch to the right of the former one.
_ This space is for the number of eggs
found in the nest, and how many
were broken in blowing. The re-
mainder of the space left unruled is
intended for remarks concerning
the position of the nest, how identi-
fied, materials of which it is com-
posed, &e.
[To be continued.]
rr re
From Rhode Island.
Spring has begun. Robins, Blue-
birds and Blackbirds have returned.
The breeding season is at hand.
Among the earliest breeders is the
Little Screech Owl, which may be
seen at dusk hunting for its prey,
the field mouse. In this respect it
is very beneficial to the farmer. Its
near relative, the Horned Owl, may
also be found at this time. One of
my correspondents has been so for-
tunate as to find three nests contain-
ing eggs of the latter bird.
Both of these Owls breed in hol-
low trees and old deserted nests,
during the early part of March.
H. A, Tapor.
Great Horned Owl.
Mr. Geo. H. Selover, of Lake City,
Minn. writes us that on April 1st he
found a Great Horned Owl’s nest
which contained two young owls
about three days old. The nest,
which was made of large sticks and
lined with soft grass, was placed in
a birch tree about forty feet from
the ground. It measured three feet
in diameter and one and one half in
depth. Besides the young birds,
there were also in the nest the re-
mains of a young rabbit and two or
three field mice. The male, upon
the approach of Mr.S. immediately
flew from the neighboring rocks
where he had recently alighted, but —
the female, remaining near the nest,
seemed reluctant to leave. Mr. S.
also states that the horns or tufts of
the parent birds could be plainly
seen at a distance of 800 feet.
4 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Inquiries and Answers.
ARRANGING SPECIMENS, &C.
From S. L. W., GRINNELL, Ja.—What method
of mounting, arranging and classifying, and what
sort of a cabinet is preferable for a collection of
about one hundred species of eggs?
Almost every eollector has a method of his own,
which, as a general thing, he deems superior to
all others. For acabinet, we consider the spool
cabinets, in which our merchants keep thread,
quite suitable. The slats which separate the
spools can be easily removed. Trays, such as can
be obtained at any paper box factory, should then
be placed in the drawer for holding the eggs. In
case you cannot or do not care to use the trays,
you can evenly cover the bottom of the drawer
with a layer of white or pink cotton. (The pink
wool coiton can usually be obtained at any large
jewelry store, but is rather expensive). The slats
which you have previousty removed, can now be
replaced in such slots as you may wish, thus hold-
ing the layer of cotton securely in place. The ma-
jority of our best oologists collect in sets, while
a few still saye only single eggs or pairs. Young
collectors generally save single eggs. We should
collect in sets as far as possible, and would always
have a well filled data blank accompanying each
set. In placing the eggs in the cabinet, take the
eggs in the order of the names of the birds as they
occur in ** Ridgeway’s Nomenclature,” beginning
with No. 1, Wood Thrush; place the eggs or sets
which you may have of this species in one corner
of the drawer. Now place your Wilson’s Thrush
next, then Robins, Mocking birds, Catbirds,
Brown Thrashers, etc., etc., as you may have
them. The above is about the way we would
arrange and keep a collection. We would be glad
to hear from our older collectors as to the man-
ner in which they have arranged and classified
their collections.
SUMMER YELLOWBIRD; TITMOUSE.
From W.I.S., CLINTON, Wis.—Will you please
describe the eggs of the Summer Yellowbird and
Titmouse?
The Summer Yellowbird, or Yellow Warbler,
as it is commonly called, lays from four to five
eggs of a grayish white ground color, spotted and
blotched. with brown. These spots, or rather
blotches are quite thick at the larger end of the
egg. The size of the eggs average about .65x.50
in. Fresh sets of the eggs of this bird can be ob-
tained from May 20th to June 15th. The nests
are usually placed in young Sapinge, six to twelve
feet from the ground.
The Titmouse, or Black-capped Chickadee,
places its nest in an excavated hole, from six to
ten inches in depth, in a stump or dead tree.
Eggs number from six to eleven, of a pure
white, slightly tinged with pink and covered with
small dots of a reddish brown. Of the two nests
of this bird, which we have found, both were in
old stumps about two feet from the ground,
— is 7
SCARLET TANAGER; OWLS. e
From ©. C., Ciinton, Wis.—Where do thal
Scarlet Tanaber and the Common Field Owl build
and when shall I expect to find their nests? =
The Scarlet Tanager generally builds its nest
during the latter part of May. In the past few
years we have found over a dozen nests of this
bird, all of which were frail structures, composed
of sonal hemlock twigs and fibrous roots, placed
from eight to twenty feet from the ground, on
horizontal limbs of hemlock trees, ata distance
varying frum two to twelve feet from the trunk
of the tree. If we remember correctly, a collector
brought usa set last season which he obtained
from a nest placed in an apple tree. But from
our experience, we should expect to find them in
the woods in hemlock trees. The eggs are usual-
ly three in number, of a dull bluish green, (same
color as those of the Chipping Sparrow) and more
or less spotted or blotched with purplish or red-
dish brown. The eggs vary in size, but Bi iacs
about .95x.64 in,
Most Owls nest very early in the season, some
species nesting in February, but March seems to
be the favorable month. The nests are variously.
loeated. Crotches of tall trees, hollow trees and
ledges of rocks are places well adapted for their
nests. The Mottled Ow] nests later in the season
and chooses a hollow tree, usually not more than
ten feet from the ground.
nest and eggs.
SCOOP-NET.
From §
the depth of a foot or more?
An old hollow apple
tree seems to be a favorite receptacle for Lae
1. O. H.A., Burtineton, N. J.—Can you .
tell how us get birds’ eggs out of holes in trees to
We have always used, with best of success, a —
scoop-net made by taking a piece of wire of the
required length, bending and twisting it atone
end soasioform a loop. The loop thus formed
should be from one to three inches in diameter
(depending upon the size of the eggs which you
wish to obtain).
muslin or
to a wooden handle or to the rib of an old um-—
brella. ‘
BOARD FOR DRYING BUTTERFLIES.
From L. L., N. Y. Ciry.—Would you be so king.
as to give me the address of a dealer in N. Y. City —
who keeps drying cages for drying butteiflies? I
ask this favor because I have been looking for one
a long time, but without success. If you know of
no city dealer please send me your prices,
We knew of no dealer in N. Y. City who keeps —
the boards for drying butterflies, but yon can
easily make one. Take an inch pine board, of the
desired width and length, make a groove, % inch
in depth, lengthwise the board. Bevel the edges
of the groove and glue a strip of cork in bottom —
of groove. Your board is now ready {oF your |
butterflies.
Fasten a little bag, made of’
mosquito netting, to the loop. For.
nests in very deep holes, the bag can be attached -
| '
.
}
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER. }
From G.C. P., AusurN, Mze.—Please tell me
what kiud of a looking bird the Great Crested
_ Flycatcher is, and what kind of an egg it lays?
The Great Crested Flycatcher somewhat resem-
bles the Kingbird. We have not space to give a
_ minute description of the bird. In regard to its
nest, etc., WILSon says: ‘He arrives in Pennsyl-
vania early in May, and builds his nest in a hol-
low tree deserted by the Bluebird or Woodpecker.
The materials of which this is formed are scanty,
and rather novel. One of these nests, now before
_ me, is formed of a little loose hay, feathers of the
guinea fowl, hog’s bristles, pieces of cast-off
snakes’ skins, and dogs’ hair. Snake skins, with
this bird, appear to be an indispensable article,
‘for I have never yet found one of his nests with-
out this material forming a part of it. Whether
he surroundsthis nest with this by way of a terro-
- rem, to prevent other birds or animals from enter-
ing; or whether it be that he finds its silky soft-
ness suitable for his young, is uncertain; the fact
however, is notorious. The female lays four eggs
of a dull cream color, thickly scratched with
purple lines of various tints. as if done witha
pen.”’
Of the nests of this bird that have come under
our observation, all have invariably contained the
essential (?) snake skin. From a large series of
eggs, we find that the ground color is not always
of a ‘dull cream,’’ as we have had several speci-
mens of which the ground color was lilac and
many which range between the two colors.
NOMENCLATURE OF N. A. BIRDS,
From J. D. H., Rep Bank, N.J.—Will you
please tell me what the meaning is of the ‘* No-
menclature of American Birds,’’ as we see on your
price lists? What kind of a bookisit?’ I received
your circular and think that a paper of that kind
would be very popular.
The *‘ Nomenclature of North American Birds”’
is a 94 page pamphlet, published by the govern-
ment, under the direction of the Smithsonian In-
stitution. It contains a catalogue of the Birds
contained in the U. S. National Museum, with
other valuable matter. Most of our leading col-
lectors and dealers use numbers corresponding
with those used in this catalogue in making out
their lists and in marking their specimens.
. PARTRIDGE; SAPSUCKER.
From N.L. W., TRuMANsEURG, N. Y.—What
is the correct name of the bird commonly called
Partridge? Also of the bird called Sapsucker?
The latter isa small bird that flies from tree to
tree pecking the bark.
_ The Ruffed Grouse is very commonly, but im-
properly, called Partridge; in fact, many of our
rural sportsmen, 1n Western New York at least,
know this bird by no other name,
The Yellow-bellied, Hairy, and Downy Wooa-
peckeis are often called Sapsunckers.
id
‘THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 7
PREPARING SKELETONS,
From G. S., DELAWARE, O.—In collecting for
my museum I have often wanted the skeletons of
animals but could never succeed in getting one.
Could you tell me how to prepare one?
We have had no experience in preparing skele-
tons, but take the following from Manton’s Taxi-
dermy:
‘During the busy collecting season, rough
skeletons may be made by removing skin, viscera,
and as much muscle as possible, covering the
body with the arsenic-alum powder, and allow-
ing it to dry, when the specimen may be wrapped
in paper and laid away forfuture use. To pre-
pare skeletons for the cabinet, remove as much of
the fleshy part as possible, and boil the bones un-
til the remaining flesh is softened and can be
easily removed. Then boil in water in which a
piece of lime as large as a hen’s egg has been dis-
solved. Remove, dry, and if necessary wire.-
Skeletons Should be mounted on wires fixed in
a wooden standard painted black.’’
PACKING BOXES.
From O. D., PHILADELPHIA, PA.—DoO you sell
the little tin boxes such as you sent the egg in,
if you do, will you let me know the price?
We had our packing boxes made for our own
use, but should our friends desire any of them we
can supply them at the following rates:
size. per doz. per hun.
tonnce; 1s by Lianch co. Sey Tete kot coe $
2 497 SScrpa neh rei ies re Lee 95
3 ag create + AT ed ea nT 9) ordeal Se 1 35
APES SAREE AS SE ee NOD eet mg 1 50
SAE AS Ne OD ee See Sirs = ch eh OR 2 Ae Thy 1 $5
6 OF I Ser eh it nar eee Oui Uyak gs Medes ks a oe
GRRE RNS ARE SG tei Me ee re ey 2 70
pe pal BOG RAT rahe e uty Hick Sie ot are Se Mull 3 15
16 Eis es gh SPN AIO RES Boe ee. eta Let oe 3 75
Boxes will be sent by express or freight at pur-
chasers expense. Special rates on large orders.
We find that by the use of these boxes we save
enough from breakage and postage to more than
pay their entire cost.
‘* WESTHRN’”’ BIRDS.
From L.C., Huron, Dak.—Is the Kingbird and
Meadow Lark, which we have here, the ‘* West-
ern”? Kingbird and Meadow Lark? I haye some
eggs of a bird which is like the Kingbird, only
the male has.a yellow breast. What kiud of bird
is it?
The term ‘‘ Western,”’ as given to many of our
birds, usually applies to those west of the Rocky
Mountains. Possibly the Western Lark breeds
in Dakota. Will some Ornithologist, who knows,
please inform us? The other bird you inquire
about is the Yellow-breasted Chat.
CABINETS.
From J. C. McL., THAYER, Kan.—Have you
any cabinets, or cases, or anything in which to
keep a collection? If you have no cases, please
name some good method to keep them,
Parties having cabinets for sale should adver-
tise in THe Youne Ontocist. We have had at
least a dozen inquiries for them during the past
week,
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY
—Y —<
FRANK H. LATTIN, - GAINES, N.Y.
Cor espondence and items of interest to the Oolo-
gist, and Specimen and Curiosity collector solicited
trom all.
Terms of Subscription.
Sing!e Subscription, - + £0 cents per annum,
Clubs of two or More copies, - 40 cents per copy.
The above rates include postage.
Rare Specimens will be offered, from time to time,
at « slight advance on regular rates, to induce per-
sons to subscribe. For particulars see first page.
Terms of Advertising.
Single insertion, 20 cents per line, nonpareil.
1mo. 3 mo. 6 mo. lyr.
Five lines, 1 00 2 50 4 00 6 00
One inch, 2 00 5 00 8 00 12 00
1-2 column, 70) 17 £0 28 00 42 00
One * 13 00 32 50 52 00 78 00
One page, 25 00 62 50 100 09 150 00
Advertisements under five lines, charged one line
extra. Yearly advertisements payable quarterly in
advance. No deviation in any case from the above
rates.
Remittances should be made by draft on New York ;
money order or postal note payable at Albion, N. Y.;
or by registered letter. Unused U.S. postage stamps
of any denomination will be accepted for sums under
one dollar. Address all subscriptions and communi-
cations to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y.
S77 Make money orders and drafts payable to
FRANK H. LATTIN.
Editorial Melange.
Prof. Bailard’s new Hand-Book is just
what is needed by every collector.
W. B., of Flint, Mich., found an egg of
the Whip-poor-Will last season at that place.
Spaulding’s new catalogue is a ‘‘ little dai-
sy.” Send stamp at once and see for your-
self.
RK.) B.; Jr,, of (Hyde Park, Til., shot three
Evening Grnevoaks near that place during
the past winter.
We were unavoidably somewhat delayed
in issuing this, It will
not occur again.
our first number.
Yhere are hundreds of A. A, Chapters and
Natural History Clubs in the United States.
Let each Society instruct one of its most ac-
tive menbers to act as our agent and solicit
subscriptions. Remember, agents can de-
8 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
duct, as their commission, 15 cents from
every subscription they obtain, and that the
one hundred who obtain the most subscrip-
tions will receive valuable-prizes in addition
to their regular commission.
S. L. W., of Grinnel, Iowa, has found
several Shrikes’ nests in that locality during
the past two seasons.
BuveE Jay.—First nest reported by R. W.
H., of Savannah, Ga.; found April 14th, and
contained three eggs.
J. D. McD., of sPiymonth, Ohio, found
two nests of the Sandhill Crane in that vi-
cinity during the season of 1883.
W. Elliot Woodward’s sixty-sixth sale,
consisting of coins, medals, pre-historic rel-_
ics, &c., took place at Bangs & Co’s, April
24, 25 and 26. Catalogue received.
W. B. H., of Toronto, writes: ‘‘Last year
while collecting, we found the nest of the -
Yellow-shafted Flicker in a hollow stump,
about twenty inches from the ground.”
If this copy of THz Youne Ooxoaist is of
no value to you, please hand it to some per-
son interested in the collecting of birds’ eggs
or curiosities, or return it to the publsher.
We thank our friends for their promptness
in responding to the little circular announc-
ing Tue Youne Oonocist. We received over
1,000 ‘‘favorables,” and 400 yearly sub-
scriptions.
Collectors’ blanks, labels, tags, etc., ete.,
should be used by every collector. The par-
ties who advertise in this number of THe
Youne Oonocist do good work at low prices.
Give them a trial.
We use a considerable space in this issue
‘‘blowing our own horn,” for which we
hope our friends will make due allowance.
We intend to give a variety of more interest-
ing matter hereafter.
To Eprrors anD PusiisnHers.—We will
send THe YounG Oouoaist one year to any
editor or publisher who will give it a fayora-
ble notice, and send us a marked copy of
his paper containing the same.
:
aim
Y.
‘a
hs
~
‘a
i
att
_ .adyertisement on page 16.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 9
The article, now running in the Golden
Days, ‘Birds’ Eggs and Egg Collecting,” by
the Rev. J. G. Wood, is very interesting for.
the American boys -to read, but what do
_ they care for the nesting of European birds?
We send out 5,000 copies of this issue.
Should you receive more than one copy, or
- if you do not care for the copy you do re-
- @eive, please hand to some curiosity-collect-
ing friend and have them send in their sub-
scriptions.
W. T. C., of Paris, D1l., has a fine cabinet,
patterned after a cathedral, 33x2} feet. He
made it during the spare moments of two
years with a scroll saw. It has five hundred
and twenty-six pieces of thirty kinds of wood
in its construction.
Mr. G. G. Pendell, of Edniboro, Penn.,
writes us that he has a very curious speci-
men in the gedlogical line. It bears a strik-
ing resemblance to a miniature human skull.
“The eyes, mouth and nose were formed by
the action of water.
Dealers often obtain specimens in large
‘quantities at very low rates. From time to
time, as we obtain such bargains, we will
give our friends the benefit of these reduc-
tions. Bargains in the fossil, mineral, shell,
egg and curiosity line will be offered in each
_ issue of Tur Youne Oo.xoaist.
Advertisers may think our rates a trifle
‘high, but we request any advertiser who has
anything that is of interest to wide-awake
boys and girls, to give us a trial. We will
refund the money for all advertisements in
-June and July issues thatdo not pay the per-
son inserting the same. What publisher
‘makes a fairer offer to obtain trial ads?
Every collector should have a rubber
‘stamp with which he can print his name and
address on all packages and mail matter he
sends out. We have used them for years,
and by their use have often saved packages
worth three times the first cost of the stamp.
Don’t fail to send 15 cents to C. J. Conolly
.& Co., for their 144 page catalogue. See
When you write
-smention Tez Youne Ootoaist.
Queries Answered.
———oo
L. T., Atuantic, Jowa.—Your egg is the
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
G. P. B., TRumanspure, N. Y.—Cliff and
Eave Swallows are the same.
A. B. W., Curnton, Wis.—April and May
are the best months to find nests of the
Hawk and Crow.
EK. L. W., Mizrwavxer, Wis.—Egg No. 1
is doubtless Wood Pewee. No. 2, from de-
scription, should think egg must be Prairie
Hen.
L. D., Lircurrerp, Minn.—The Purple
Grakle of the eastern U. 8., and the Bronzed
Grakle of the Mississippi valley are each
commonly called the Crow Blackbird.
J. A. H., Whitehall, N. Y.—Ingersoll’s
work describes neither birds nor eggs, but
tells you all about how to collect, how to ar-
range cabinets, &c. Samuels’ Birds of New
England is doubtless the book you want.
J. 8. B., Cuicaco, Inzu.—There are so
many of our Sandpipers, Plovers, &c., that
persons, who are not familiar with birds,
call Snipe, that we cannot name your egg
positively without a more definite descrip.
tion.
i> <> ie —___
‘**Dad, if I were to see a duck on the wing
and were to shoot it, would you lick me?”
‘‘Oh, no, my son, it would show that you
were a good marksman and I would be
proud of you.” ‘‘ Well, then, dad, I pep-
pered our old Muscovy duck as he was flyin’
over the fence to-day, and it would have
done your heart good to see him drop.”
it <<
‘‘You see, grandpa, we perforate an ap-
erture in the apex, a corresponding aperture
in the base, and by applying the egg to the
lips and forcibly exhaling the breath, the egg
is entirely discharged of its contents.”—
‘*Bless my soul,” cried the old gent, ‘‘ what
improvements they do make. Now in my
young days we just made a hole in both
ends and blowed.”
<2
rS” Now is the time to send in your sub-
scriptions for Tur Youne Ooxoeist.
10 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Notes from Durand, Wis.
I found the first bird’s nest of the
season last January. It was an (old.
—Ep.) Indigo Brnting’s, and con-
tained one egg, which the Blue Jays
had doubtless overlooked.
Two Bald Eagles have been found
dead here this spring, supposed to
have been killed by poison which
had been placed upon a dead horse.
Waxwings have been quite plenti-
ful this winter. They live on the
crab-apples left on the trees. The
only birds that have returned from
the South, as yet, (March 19,) are
Crows and Hawks. Kh. S. B.
i ED et
A Genuine Curiosity.
We take the following item from
a letter written us by Wes Hocking,
of Dodgeviile, Wis.:
“T received a few days since from
a friend, who resides in Ellendale,
Dakota, a spinal joint of a buffalo,
which he picked up on the prairies,
containing asteel point of an Indian
arrow, which is about five inches
long and half an inch in width at
the base, tapering to a sharp point.
The point of the arrow struck the
bone immediately above the spinal
column at the base of the vertical
process, penetrating through the
process about one-half inch, where
it now remains firmly imbedded,
having slightly checked the bone at
the intersection of the process with
the vertebra. I prize it very highly.”
oe
Ground Dove.
(CHAMPELIA PASSERINA.)
This bird is very common with us
in this locality during the entire
year. Ihave often shot them dur-
ing the coldest winters. They com-
mence to build their nests abont the
last of April. I have found nests
with eggs as early as May 5th. I
have been collecting eggs about fif-
teen years, and during that time I
have never found a nest of this bird
ing big prices for poems like yours.
on the ground. The nest is a very pee
simple structure, generally conan My
ing of a few twigs and pine straws, —
and is usually placed at from two.
to four feet from the ground, and :
have known them, in one ingtaiiee,
to build as high as eight feet on the
branch of a tree. This nest con-
tained two eggs, slightly incubated.
About three weeks afterwards, I was
collecting in the same place, and
chancing to look in the old nest,
found two fresh eggs. Whether the
eges belonged to the same pair of
birds or not I am unable tosay. I
am certain that they raise two,if
not three broods during the season,.
for a friend of mine found a nest as
late as Aug. 31st, which contained
one fresh egg. I think this is the
latest on record. The Ground Dove
lays two white eges which vary in
size. T, Dz, PERRY:
Savannah, Ga., April, 1884.
—ED>- <> If you have any doubt,
either of our ability or intention
to fulfill all of our offers, we refer
you to R. Andrews, Postmaster,
Gaines, N. Y. |
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Vol. 1. No. 2. GAINES, N. Y., JUNE, 1884. |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLEC-
TING BIRDS’ EGGS.
BY J. P. NORRIS.
No. 2.
Biowine Eaes.—Eggs are best emptied
of their contents, by means of a drill, made
for the purpose. By means of this drill a
hole is made in the stde of the egg, and one
is sufficient. The size of the hole should
be proportionate to the egg, and the
amount of incubation it has undergone.
To start a hole with one of these drills,
take a fine-pointed needle and perforate
the shell. Then insert the drill gently
and work it slowly, as a too rapid motion
is almost sure to break the shell of fragile
eggs. When the hole is large enough,
insert a hollow straw, (in case of not
having a tube made for the purpose,) and
blow through it gently. You will then
perceive the contents of the eggs slowly
oozing out. Too violent blowing will
cause small and delicate eggs to break.
Those not having a drill can blow eggs
in the following manner : Make two holes
on the same side of the egg, near the ends
with a fine pointed needle,—the hole near
the large end of the egg being the larger of
the two. Then apply the mouth to the
smaller hole and give a gentle puff, and
the contents of the egg will ooze out of the
larger hole.
Large eggs should be rinsed out with
clean water, (taking care not to get any
upon the shell, as it will sometimes remove
the color,) to prevent decompostion of any
-matter that may not have been ejected by
the blowing. This precaution is not nec-
essary in eggs less than 14 inches long,
unless they should contain embryos, when
they should be thoroughly rinsed out.
And sometimes it is not necessary to rinse
{ PuBLisHED MONTHLY.
50c. Per YEAR.
out larger eggs when they are perfectly
fresh.
When the egg has been incubated a suffi-
cient time to form an ambryo, it will be
necessary to make a much larger hole by
which to empty the contents. No matter
how far the embryo is developed, it is
possible to empty the egg by making a
large enough hole.
Never make holes in the ends of the egg
for the purpose of emptying it, as it ruins
its appearance, and prevents accurate
measurements being taken of it. When
the holes are on the same side, they do not
injure the appearance of it, as they do not
show when the egg is resting on that side,
and consequently it looks much better in
the cabinet and is more valuable.
The principal accident to be avoided is
crushing the egg between the fingers,
while holding it. To avoid this hold the
egg very lightly between the thumb and
fore-finger of the left hand, and then you
have the right hand free to operate with.
It is recommended to have a basin of water
in front of you and to blow the eggs over
it, and then if you should happen to drop
them, the water will stop the violence of
the fall, and prevent them from being
broken.
Most persons suppose that eggs are very
fragile things, and are very difficult to
blow. We can assure all such persons
that this is not the case, and that, witha
little experience, any one can blow them
neatly and without breaking them.
PACKING FOR TRANSPORTATION.—TO
pack eggs for transportation, each one
should be enveloped in a roll of raw cotton.
The eggs over an inch long should be laid in
layers in large paste-board boxes, each one
having been previously wrapped in a roll
of raw cotton. The outside box, or one
that contains them all, must be made of
20 THE MOUNG, @GGDOGIATs
wood, as paste-board boxes without any-
thing to protect them, would certainly be
broken or crushed in transportation. We
have found this to be invariably our ex-
perience, and we have had many valuable
eggs broken from their having been packed
in paste-board boxes, and not enclosed in
wooden ones.
If raw cotton cannot be procured in
sufficient quantity at a cheap rate, old
rope carefully picked into tow makes a
very good substitute. Or the silk from
the ear of Indian Corn makes a capital
article for the purpose. Large eggs may
be packed in dry moss, using great care to
envelope them entirely in it. But after all,
raw cotton is by far the best substance to
use when it can be procured cheaply.
Never pack eggs in sawdust or bran ;
it works in at the holes where the eggs are
blown, and makes them so solid that they
jolt together in the box and break. We
have seen some very valuable eggs entirely
ruined by being packed in this manner.
SUGGESTIONS FOR FINDING THE NESTS
oF Brrpos.—Birds breed in accordance with
the latitude of the country they select, and
their eggs are to be found from February
to August. Most birds, however, breed in
the months April, May and June; but the
nests of all large hawks and owls should be
sought for at least a month or two previous,
according to the latitude of the place
where the collector is located. In fact it
is utterly impossible to give exact dates for
certain species, as they vary in almost
every State, and even in the different parts
of a State. The collector must use his own
judgement in regard to this point, and be
on the lookout for the early breeding birds.
Many hawks and owls breed in deserted
crow’s nests, and also in holes and cavities
in decayed trees. When they go to the
trouble of building a nest for themselves. it
can hardly be distinguished from that of a
crow, if it be on a tree. A great many
species of hawks and owls have a great
partiality for the nest occupied by them
during the previous season, and they will
often return to it year after year.
The eggs of all woodpeckers, creepers,
titmice, nuthatches, &c., are very rare,
and extremely difficult to find, owing to
the unexpected cracks and crevices in
which they breed.
Many sandpipers and plovers breed in
plowed fields, and in meadows near a fence,
or in a clump of grass. All eggs of this
class of birds are much wanted by oolo-
gists. They are hard to find, owing to a
habit that they have of running along the
ground for a distance before taking flight,
and thus misleading the collector as to the
position of their nest. If concealed, the
collector will often have an _ oppor-
tunity of seeing them alight near their nest.
If they are particularly shy, and persist
in running before taking flight, try the ex-
periment of discharging a gun suddenly.
Very often in their flight they will take
wing directly from their nest.
Another good way to find the nests of
birds that breed in the grass or in marshes,
is to throw down your hat or some other
article, as near the place where the bird
rose as youcan. Now hunt round in a
circle from the object which you threw
down, and you will stand a much better
chance of finding the nest, than if the eye
had no guide to help it. A dog (particu-
larly a trained setter or pointer) is a very
valuable companion for an egg collector.
He should be well taught, however, not to
rush in and break or devour the eggs before
his master can come up.
In conclusion dear reader, I would ask
you if you are an egg collector ? If so, you
have chosen one of the most rational and
interesting of sports. Sport it certainly is,
and quite as legimate sport as the pursuit of
the birds themselves; for when you kill
the bird you destroy all hope of future
progeny, but if anest of eggs be taken,
cannot its owner readily replace them with
another lot.
*This article was written a numberof years ago
for the Country Gentleman, and as we consider the
instructions as complete as any published, we reprint
them for the benefit of the readers of THE YOUNG
Oo.oicisT.—| Ed.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 2%
Painted Bunting or Nonpariel.
(PASSERINA CIRIS.)
This bird is one of the migratory. tribe
wintering in South America and the West
India Islands. It is one of the handsomest
birds we have, beautiful in plumage and
rich in color, besides having a very pleasant
song. It generally arrives at Savannah by
the 14th of April. I have never seen them
any earlier, and have watched them for
years. They commence to build early in
May ; I have found their nests as early as
May 7th, with eggs ; they build a neat nest
composed of paper, rags, withered plants,
leaves, etc., lined with fine fiberous roots
and sometimes horse-hair. They have no
regular place to build, as you will find
them in the smallest bushes to the largest
trees. I know of no bird that the collector
needs to watch more than he does the
Painted Bunting. At first sight the female
looks a great deal like some of the Warb-
lers and Vireos, and the eggs vary a great
deal in size and markings, but the general
type is white, with red, amber, purple and
lilac shadings. Last summer, while out
collecting, I found a nest in a small pine
sapling, about four feet from the ground ;
it contained four eggs so thickly marked
with ferruginous dottings, as to appear that
color. As I was somewhat doubtful about
its identity, I concealed myself near by to
watch ; I had not long to wait before the
bird came and went on the nest ; I shot it,
and it proved to be a female Painted Bunt-
ing. I have often found two and three
nests in the same tree, piaced in the moss ;
I have collected as many as forty eggs of
_ this species in one afternoon. Another
striking thing about this bird is, that it will
very often build its nest on top of another
Bunting’s nest. I cite a case here: On
June 238d, 18838, I found a nest which con-
tained one egg and one young bird; the
whole structure was about eight inches
long outside, and only about two and one-
half inches deep inside. I was somewhat
surprised, and thought it strange that the
nest should be so long and yet so shallow,
so I took the egg and young bird out and
laid them on the ground, and commenced
to pull the nest apart, when I found
another perfect nest, which contained three
eggs slightly incubated, and upon the
ground underneath the nest, among the
leaves, I found two more eggs which doubt-
less had fallen from the top nest, as incuba-
tion was far advanced. I have often found
eight eggs in one nest, thus leaving little
doubt that two birds sometimes lay in the
same nest. I have found nests with eggs
as late as July 20th, so I think they must
rear two, if not three broods during the
season.
Troup D. PrrRry,
Savannah, Ga.
a — _
Pigeon Hawk.
J.B. W., of Fork Union, Va., sends us
the following description of a Hawk, its
nest and eggs, which he has found at that
place. Can any of our older Ornithologists
tell us whether it is the Pigeon Hawk or not?
““The nest was one that had previously
been used by a pair of crows, and was
placed in the top of a spruce-pine, twenty-
five feet from the ground, Four eggs,
average dimension 1,7;x1,3; inches; unequal
in size, and varying in color; three were
dirty white, with very small brown dots,
and around the middle a broad band of
brown, the blotches running together ; the
fourth was smaller than the rest, uniform
light brown, with light mottlings. Parent-
male killed ; spread of wings, 1913 inches ;
length 114 inches ; tarsus, 24 inches ; tail,
74 inches; beak, 12 inches. Eye, pupil,
large black ; iris red; top of wings, back
of neck, back and upper part of wings,
slaty blue. Under part of primaries and
secondaries, light, with dark bars under
wing coverts, dirty white, with reddish
brown motlings. Throat and ear coverts
white; mid rib of each feather, black ;
breast and under body, light reddish, with
indistinct white spots. Tarsus and toes,
yellow ; claws much curved. Under tail
coverts, pure white ; upper coverts, slate ;
tail, brown, barred with black tips, faintly
white,” What is it ?
NS
NS
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Inquiries and Answers.
WAX-WING, FLICKER, WHITE-BELLIED SWALLOW.
G. W. H, Worcester, Mass.—I received THE
YouncG Oovoaist this morning, am perfectly satisfied
with size and contents. Will you tell me the true
name of the bird called ‘‘ Cherry-bird’”’ in this sec-
tion? Also Pigeon Wood Pecker? There is a pair
of birds building their nest in a bird house in my
yard. The birds are about the size of the English
Sparrow, they have purple backs, white bellies, and
very large, swallow like wings. Can you tell me
what they are?
1. Cedar Wax-wing, commonly called Cedar or
Cherry-bird.
2. Yellow Shafted Flicker. There is no American
bird known by a greater number of names. In our
correspondence we have had this bird called by more
than a dozen names, among which we might mention
as more common Goldenwinged|Woodpecker, Flicker,
Yellow hammer, Highhole, WHighholder, Yellow
Shafted Woodpecker, Pigeon Woodpecker, etc., etc.
We once had a correspondent who called this bird the
‘* Zebec,’’ cannot say what authority he had for so
doing.
3. White-bellied Swallow.
SHRIKES, ETC.
From E. B. W., Cresco, Jowa.—I am very well
pleased with your paper. Please, can you tell me the
difference betwen a Loggerhead and a White-rumped
Shrike? I have found three Shrikes’ nests, but I
don’t know which kind laid the eggs. In your price
list of first class eggs, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo is
numbered 387, and the Black-billed 388. In the
second class list the numbers are changed around.
Which is right ?
Your Shrikes’ nests are doubtless those of the
White-rumped. Of the difference between this
species and the Loggerhead, Baird, in Vol. IX of the
Pacific R. R. Reports, says: This species is similar
in appearance to the Loggerhead, but differs in
several points. The ash of the upper parts is decid-
edly lighter, the rump generally almost white, instead
of nearly like the back. The white at the base of
the tail feathers is much more extended, reaching
within half an inchoor less of the tips of the coverts.
There is also a good deal of white on the secondaries,
visible from below, not seen in Loggerhead.
The numbers given the Cuckoos in first class list
are correct.
SPARROW HAWK.
From W. B., Hoosack Fats, N. Y.—‘‘I have
an egg in my posession that I would like to hear you
give the name of in your next number of THE
YounG Oovoaist. I found five of them in the latter
part of May 1883,in a hole made in a rotten tree
about fifteen feet from the ground. The egg is an
inch and one-fourth in diameter, being nearly round ;
it is light brown, completely covered with small specks
of a little darker hue, some being darker than others.
I am very well pleased with your paper, it is more
than I expected.
Your egg is that of the Sparrow Hawk.
PEWEE, BLACK PEWEE, AND WOOD PEWEE.
From L, M. D., NewsurGH, Oun10.—You will find
enclosed the egg of some bird that builds on the
ground. The nest is very simple, being composed of
fine grass, and lined with a few horse hairs. The
nest was concealed under a tuft of grass, and con-
tained four eggs of the owner, and two eggs of the
Cowbird. Please tell me the distinction between the
Black Pewee, Wood Pewee, and Pewee, their eggs
and nests.
The egg sent was that of the Song Sparrow.
The Pewee is very commonly called Phoebe-bird.
The Black Pewee takes the place of the Pewee on
the Pacific coast. Im regard to the nest of the
Pewee, Samuels, in his Birds of New England, says;
The nest is usually placed under a bridge, sometimes
under an eave or ledge of rock, sometimes a barn or
other building. It is constructed of fine roots, gras~
ses, fine moss, and hairs, which are plastered together,
and to the object the nest is built on, by pellets of
mud; it is hollowed about an inch and a half, and
lined with soft grasses, wool and feathers. The eggs
are usnally five in number; their color is white, with
avery delicate creafn tint. There are usually in each
litter one or two eggs, with a few spots thinly scattered
over the larger end ; these spots are of a reddish
brown. The period of incubation is thirteen days,
and two broods are often reared in the season in this
latitude. The length of eggs varies from .72 to .78
inch ; breadth from .54 to .56 inch.
The Wood Pewee is smaller, and in color of a
darker shade than the Pewee, which it resembles in
many respects, The eggs are of a beautiful cream
color spotted and blotched, frequently forming a
wreath around the large end, with brown and lilac.
From several dozen eggs we find them to measure
from .66 to .76 inch in length, and from ,52 to .58 inch
in breath. The nest is usually built on the horizontal
limb of atree. Nuttall describes the nest as follows :
‘*‘ The nest is extremely neat and curious, almost
universally saddled upon an old moss grown and
decayed limb in a horizontal] position, and it is so
remarkably shallow, and incorporated upon the
branch as to be easily overlooked. The body of the
fabric consists of wiry grass or root fibers, often
blended with the small branching lichens, held
together with cobwebst‘and caterpillars’ silk, moistened
with saliva; externally it is so coated over with
bluish crustaceous lichens as to be hardly discernable
from the moss upon the trees. It is lined with finer
root fibers or slender grass stalks.”’
WHITE BLUEBIRD EGGS.
_From C. A. D., Buritincton, Vt.—Is there a new
kind of Bluebird here? We found a nest in a post,
with bird on ; it contained five white eggs nearly the
same shape and size as acommon one.
The Bluebird occasionally lays white eggs.
ErRraAtTa,—On page 7, No. 1, under Western birds,
your reply is an error.
_The Lark of Dakota is the Western Lark, and the
bird with yellow breast, the eter Kingbird.
rov., R. I.
Many thanks for correction.—[Ed.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. - 23
NIGHT HAWK,
From W. G. D.,—While hunting in the woods, I
found an egg a little larger than that of the Meadow
Lark ; lying on the ground: comparatively no nest ;
eggs white, with brown markings, somewhat resemb-
ling the above mentioned bird’s egg; bird a little
larger than a dove, of a dark color with little white
on the back. Can you tell through your paper what
kind of an egg I have found,
Your egg is that of a Night Hawk.
‘CAROLINA’? WAX-WING, REDBIRD,
BUNTING,
Will you please inform me if there is such a bird as
the “ Carolina Wax-wing?’’ Also if the Redbird we
have here is the Western Redbird? 1 found a nest
of eggs the 2d of May, that I know nothing of. The
male had a yellowish green back and head, witha
red throat and breast. The females entire plumage
was a yellowish green cast. The eggs were chalky-
white, thickly specked with red ; size about the same
as the egg of the Lark Finch.
ER D., JR.
Gainesville, Texas.
The nest which you found May 2d, was that of the
‘ainted Bunting.
AND PAINTED
GREAT BLUE HERON, WHIP-POOR-WILL, CROW.
From F. B, S., Lancaster, N. H.—‘*Can you
tt] me how many eggs the Great Blue Heron lays?
Wil you describe the Whip-poor-will’s egg? I ob-
taied a set of six Crow eggs on May-day, is not
th: an unusual number ?”’
bs. 1. Most writers give three or four eggs as the
aveige set of the Great Blue Heron. At a large
erqry in this county, (Orleans, N. Y.) four seems
to behe usual number. We obtained several sets
last Sason from Little Spirit Lake, Iowa, of five eggs
each.
No., We have several eggs of the Whip-poor-
will, br have never found one ourselves. Samuels,
in his3irds of New England, gives the following
good de¢ription :
€ ‘hip—poor-will constructs no nest, but lays its
eggS, Wch are two in number, in a slight hollow
which itzratches in the earth, usually near a rock or
fallen trik of atree. These eggs are of an elliptical
form, beiy as large at one end as at the other ; their
ground cor a delicate creamy white, with blotches,
lines, andpots of different shades of light brown
and lavemr; taken altogether, it is one of the
handsomes eggs found in New England. The
length of eral specimens before me varies from
1.21 tO 2.27 ches, breadth from .75to.7g inch. The
bird commeées laying about the last week in May,
and the perl of incubation is fourteen days.
No. 3. Sixs not an unusual number fora set of
Crow eggs.
DGED EGGS OF THE PEWEE.
From W. Ul PoucHKEeprsic, N. Y.—I have just
found an egg, d do not know the name. I found
it In a nest Maof moss, ina barn. The old bird is
like a Pewee ycatcher; the egg is white, witha
few small reddi brown spots on the large end. I
would be muchbliged if you would tell me the
name. .
Your nest is thof the Pewee, they frequently lay
eggs having a fevots on the larger end. One of the
first Pewee nests ever found, contained eggs dotted
with reddish bro.. This nest was attached to a
beam underneathn old barn. For several years
this pair of birds; undisturbed, raised from two
to three broods eaGeason. The eggs were always
more or less dottec From the hundreds of Pewee
eggs that we have hdled during the past few years,
not over one out of s|ye was dotted.
California Mottled Owl.
(How a western collector obtained one.)
On Saturday, April 29th of this year, I
was on a collecting trip at the Foot Hills,
six miles from our suburban city. The
first nest that I found was that of the
California Mottled Owl, which contained
three eggs. I was desirous of obtaining
some Woodpeckers’ eggs, and seeing a hole
of that bird in an old decayed oak, about
twelve feet from the grouud, I scrambled
up to investigate its contents ; finding that
I could not reach the bottom of the hole,
I procured a small oak stick and was
agreeably surprised, on probing with it, to
feel, what I thought were the coveted
Woodpeckers’ eggs ; on breaking a hole in
the limb lower down, I saw what appeared
to be a dead owl, with chips and debris
nearly covering its back ; it was sometime
before the owl would show any signs of
life in spite of my poking it with the stick ;
I finally secured its legs with a string, and
transferred both the owl and eggs to the
ground without injury to either myself or
my prizes ; I then tied the other end of the
string to a twig, while I should pack away
the eggs in a collecting tin, which I carry
for the purpose. When I was again ready
to move, I untied the string from the twig
and unthinkingly laid it down. The next
instant I had the pleasure of seeing my
beautiful specimen disappear under the
thick underbrush, carrying with it the
string with which its legs were bound
together. At first all hope of recovering
the owl left me, but it soon occurred to me
that, as its legs were bound, it would be
compelled to alight on the ground to rest ;
with this faint glimmer of hope, I took up
my gun and started, as nearly as possible
in the same direction taken by my learned
friend, the owl. Luck seemed to be with
me, for about fifty yards from my starting
place, I discovered the runaway, or flyaway
bird on the ground before me; creeping
up slowly, with my gun already to fire
should it attempt to fly, I managed to
secure it by pinioning it to the ground with
my gun barrel. This specimen stayed
with us for several days, eating very little,
but finally escaped from its cage.
js ACN arg be
Alameda, Cal.
-
24
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY
FRANK H. LATTIN,
GAINES, N. Y.
Correspondence and items of interest to the OoLo-
GIsT, and Specimen and Curiosity collectors solicited
from all.
Terms of Subscription.
Single Subscription - - 50 cents per annum.
Sample Copies, - = = ~ 5 cents each.
The above rates include postage.
Rare Specimens will be offered, from time to time,
at aslight advance on regular rates, to induce persons
to subscribe. For particulars see first page.
Terms of Advertising.
Single insertion, 20 cents per line, nonpareil.
1 mo. 3 mo. 6 mo. lyr.
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Advertisements under five lines, charged one line
extra. Yearly advertisements payable quarterly in
advance. No deviation in any case from the above
rates.
Remittances should be made by draft on New
York ; money order or postal note payable at Albion,
N. Y.; or by registered letter. Unused U.S. postage
stamps of any denomination will be accepted for
sums under one dollar. Address all subscriptions and
communications to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
Gangs, Orleans Co., N. Y.
(= Make money orders and drafts payable to
FRANK H.LATTIN.
JOTTINGS.
F. L. A. H., of Bangor, Maine, found a
set of eight ruffed grouse eggs on May 6th.
C. H. D. Sharon, Wis., has found a
nest of the yellow shafted flicker con-
taining ten eggs.
Some of our southern friends wish to
know the correct names for the following
birds: tomtit, titmouse; wheatbird, tea-
bird.
We thank our friends for the many val-
uable items they have sent us. On account
of space we have been obliged to hold
over a large amount of valuable matter for
the July number.
To Epirors AND PUBLISHERS.—We
will send THE YounG OoOLOGIST one year
to any editor or publisher who will give it
a notice, favorable or otherwise, and send
us a marked copy of his paper containing
the same.
Fraudulent, Patent Medicine, or ‘‘ Blind”
advertisements or notices, will not be pub-
lished in THE YOUNG OOLOGIST at any
price. Advertisers will please bear the
above fact in mind, and thus avoid needless
correspondence.
J. R.S. of Alexandria, Va., writes that
in that vicinity there has been recently
found a nest of the blue bird which
contained five eggs, upon removing the
nest it was found to have been built upon
an old nest containing two eggs.
S. J. O., of Ocala, Fla., writes that while
on a collecting trip, a short time since, he
happened upon an old Indian camp, where
he picked up twenty-three flint arrow
heads, the most of which were perfect ;
and that he also found there several fine
specimens of petrified Palmetto.
One of our western friends sends us a
valuable article for Tok YounG OoLoGIsT,
to which he adds the following: ‘‘If the
above is worth while, insert in next OOoLo
GisT and send copy, if not, gently consigi
to the waste pot without funeral services.’
Our friend is doubtless an editor.
Mr. H. B. of Adrian, Mich., has a cal-
net made of walnut, 4 ft. high, 2 wide ad
14 deep. It has fourteen drawers, of
which nine are two inches in depth ; pur
six inches, and one three inches. Tw of
these he uses for books, instrument,etc.
The cost of the cabinet was $12.00. |
Our friend, J. M., a leading Taxidrmist
of Quebec, Can., writes us that thyother
day he mounted a Robin which ha been
kept in a cage for over eleven year) The
bird was of good size and in goodeather.
He also writes that he has a kit with
two heads, eight legs, two tailsmd one
body ; it was alive when born,/ut died
soon after.
The valuable collection of birs eggs of
Mr. F. M. Carryl, Avondale, } J., has
been placed in the hands offrank H.
Lattin for sale. Catalogues w/ be issued
at once. The collection ‘consts of 450
species in sets with data, (besiS hundreds
of duplicate sets.) Collecti¢ valued at
over $1,600.
MinERAL . TABLES.,— A? mo. book,
bound in cloth, containing’) pages by
J. ©. Foye. This little bogis Invaluable
to mineralogists, it contain complete ta-
bles for the determination, /ScTiption and
classification, of minerals. /or further in-
formation address the puShers, Jansen,
McClurg & Co., Chicago, |S.
|
|
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
25
Mr. H. §., of Algonac, Mich., writes us
that on April 26th, he found his first
Mallard’s nest for ’84., it contained eight
eggs. He also sends us interesting items
about the Coot, Ruddy Duck, Crow, ete.
_ In regard to the Loon, he says that it is
very scarce in that locality, its nest 1s
usually made of rushes and is placed on
old rat houses, by the edges of creeks and
bays.
te H. R. T., of Almeda, California
has found eleven Humming Birds nests
this season, two of them were found on
March 31st.
Can any of our many friends inform us
as to the best method of erasing ink marks
and other stains from eggs ?
W. iB. K. of. Toronto, writes us that on
May 34, he obtained a set of six Crow eggs.
All were very pale in color, especially one
which was nearly white, with avery few
markings at the larger end.
When sending specimens by mail, you
should always have your own name and
address (as well as that of the party to
whom you are sending) either written,
printed or stamped on your package ; also
state the nature of the contents of the pack-
age. By so doing you may save many
-_ valuable packages and prevent unpleasant-
ness between. yourself and correspondents.
One of the best labels for this. purpose we
have just noticed on a package received
from an old collector from’ Utica. For
the benefit of our friends we print it below,
and trust they will use one similar :
‘‘Specimens in Natural History only.
Postmaster. Should this package mis-
carry or remain uncalled for, I will send
necessary stamps to prepay its return, if
you will kindly inform me the amount
needed. EB! B: Jr.; Utica, N.Y.
—___ ><> @—=2-4-____
A Predicament.
DEAR SIR:
I find myself in the condition of the
traditional Irishman. I have entirely for-
gotten to remember whether I sent. you 50
cents for your paper or not.. | do remem-
ber of writing you on the subject, but
about the subscription I am nonplussed.
Please be kind enough to inform me how I
stand. If I havn’t sent the money, I shall
most assuredly do so at the first opportunity,
as I am much pleased with your paper.
Will do what I can to further its circula-
tion, and will send any items of interest I
can get hold of in this vicinity,
Yours, etc.
C. B: W. Watervilie, Me.
|
DATA BLANKS.
Every collector should use them. The
following is a fac simile properly filled.
>
. . . . i)
ali OS
shea” apne
NM geen nd
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; . : - oS
; Ht . ‘ =
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re SG < 3S
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aS NN ea
eh yee > f
78 nC -Q Y
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Ne K) aN . cd) 5 =
lg peta ge mene
ere sa Se
‘ soiegye aiflt tactmot&e byis
“lier ve ATL RRE ou
e = tS . Ww .
208 ea CO ALO ;
eS ing S ‘
tabee! ee Si cigeny og elle
err” S ok
Biden S yn) . are S
! fa! > BbbiAias 8
. ' . _— = SS
. e . WN . .&Q
he ; iis Na ne alae s
A ke ee noplaaal Tbe
Ei Gmeint eae ERY ORG
io raked hi walbost ool dire
AAS OT NE STP TEN Pines eee
NP Ge. oad, Gleilton. HB wic®
Pe. Sn Si Aa ao Rita lea i
Each egg of the above set should be
marked 5163.
er
Cabinets.
(Editor of Young Oologitst.)
In regard to Cabinets for collections I
found it hard work to get anything to suit
me until one day I came across a printers
cabinet with cases, which I found to answer
the purpose very well for all small eggs.
The triple cases are the best, as the com-
partments are of the same size. Of my
large eggs, some are in glass cases on each
side of my studio, and others in a cabinet
of my own make, after the style of the
printers cabinet mentioned above, having
large drawers to suit the height of the
eggs. At first [ tried keeping my eggs
in glass cabinets, but as my collection be-
gan to grow I found it useless to try this
plan as it takes great deal of space which
I find is not very plentiful with an ama-
teur.
BLUE NOSE,
Halifax, Nova Scotia.
26 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Nashville Warbler.
Notes on the Nashville and Hooded
Warblers, and Golden-winged Woodpecker
from Dighton, Mass.
On the fourth of June, 1883, I found a
nest of this species. The nest was placed
in a snarl of briars about six inches from
the ground; it was composed of grape
vine bark, dead leaves, and the inner
bark of the chestnut, lined with horse-hair
and pine needles ; it contained four eggs of
a white color with a faint rosy tint, covered
irregularly with dots of reddish brown and
obscure lilac. Dimensions of the four
specimens were, .62x.50 inch; .58x.48
inch ; .60x.48 inch, and .59x.47 inch.
HOODED WARBLER.
I found a nest of this species on the 9th
of June, 1883. The nest was pensile,
attached to the fork of a young white oak,
about four feet from the ground; it was
composed of bark, moss and dead grass,
neatly and compactly woven together ; it
was suspended in the form of a basket
from the forked twig to which it was
attached, and deeply hollowed; it was
lined with pine needles and feathers, con-
tained four eggs of a dull white, covered
with dots of reddish brown at the large
end ; average dimensions .52x.68 inch.
GOLDEN-WINGED WOODPECKER.
On May 6th, 1883, I found in a hole two
eggs of this bird ; I took one, leaving the
other as a nest egg, and continued to do
this day after day, until she had laid
seventy-one eggs. The Woodpecker rested
two days, taking her seventy-three days to
lay seventy-one eggs. I prize this set very
highly.
dated CG. LP.
--—-——— ———_——_- => @ oe
Skeletons.
To G. 8., DELAWARE, O.
The surest and best way to prepare the
skeletons of birds and other small animals
for collections is, to place the dead body in
the midst of an ant-hill; after leaving it
there for a month or so, the flesh will be
entirely taken off, and the bones will
remain white and unsoiled. The ants are
of the common black species, which raise
large mounds of earth in the pastures and
woods. H. A. TALBor.
The Intelligence of Birds.
Dr. Charles C. Abbott describes in Se¢ence
some interesting experiments on the intelli-
gence of birds. When he girdled branches
on which birds had built their nests and
thereby caused the foliage to shrivel up so
that the nests were exposed, the birds
abandoned the nests, although they had
already laid their eggs. But in a case in
which the nest already contained young
birds, the old birds remained, notwith-
standing the exposure of the nest, until the
young ones were able to fly. He placed a
number of pieces of woolen yarn—red,
yellow, purple, green and gray in color—
near a tree in which a pair of Baltimore
orioles were building a nest. The pieces
of yarn were all exactly alike except in
color. There ‘was an equal number of each
color, and the red and yellow pieces were
purposely placed on top, The birds chose
only the gray pieces, putting in a few
purple and blue ones when the nest was
nearly finished. - Not a red, yellow or green
strand was used. Dr. Abbott concludes
from his observations of the building of
birds’s nests that the female birds is exact-
ing, obstinate and tyranical, and not at all
disposed to give in to the wishes of her
lord and master. The site of the nest is
selected after careful examination of suita-
ble locations by both birds.
There is an island on the coast of Cali-
fornia, which is covered by three acres of
eggs. A sea captain who recently visited
it says the island is of rock with a surface
of about three acres. It is covered with
guano, in which sea fowls of all descrip-
tions were found laying or incubating their
eggs. The surface appeared to be almost
entirely covered with eggs, principally
those of sea-gulls, shaggs, and a small bird
known as the salt-water duck. He says it
was difficult to walk without treading on
the eggs, and a ship could be easily loaded
with them.
The above clipping was sent to us by a
friend in New York City.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 27
(For the YOUNG OOLOGIST.)
Ornithology of the Island of Montreal.
By W. D. SHaw.
The following list of birds frequenting the Island
of Montreal has been prepared chiefly from observa-
tions made by Mr. Ernest D. Winter and myself, ex-
tending over a period of several years. It is probable
that a few species have escaped our notice, as many
remain only a short time on the Island during their
migrations north and south.
t.- Merula Migratoria, (American Robin.)
2. Hylocichla Mustelina, (Wood Thrush.) _
3- Hylocichla Unalasce Pallasi, (Hermit Thrush.)
4. Hylocichla Ustulata Swainsoni, (Olive-backed
Thrush.)
5. - Hylocichla Fuscescens, (Wilson’s Thrush.)
6. Galeoscoptes Carolinensis, (Catbird.)
7. Harporhynchus Rufus, (Brown Thrasher.)
8. Sjialia Sialis, (Bluebird.)
g. Regulus Calendula, (Ruby-@rowned Kinglet.)
10, Regulus Satrapa, (Golden-crowned Kinglet.)
11. Parus Atricapillus, (Black-capped Chickadee.)
1z. Sitta Carolinensis, White-bellied Nuthatch.)
13. Sitta Canadensis, (Red-bellied Nuthatch.)
14. Certhia Familiaris Rufa, (Brown Creeper.)
15. Troglodytes Aedon, (House Wren.)
Anorthura Troglodytes Hyemalis, (Winter
17. Eremophila Alpestris, (Shore Lark.)
18. Anthus Ludovicianus, (American Titlark.)
1g. Mniotilta Varia, (Black-and-white Creeper.)
20. Parula Americana, (Blue Yellow-backed
Warbler.)
21. Dendroeca Aestiva, (Summer Yellow Bird.)
22. Helminthophaga Chrysoptera, (Golden-winged
Warbler.)
23. Dendrceeca Virens,
Warbler.)
54. Dendroeca Czerulescens, (Black-throated Blue
Warbler.)
25. Dendreeca Coronata, (Yellow-rump Warbler.)
26. Dendrceca Blackburniz ,(Blackburnian Warbler)
27- Dendreca Striata, (Black-poll Warbler.)
28. Dendroeca Castanea, (Bay-breasted Warbler.)
(Black-throated Green
29. Dendrceca Pennsylvanica, (Chestnut-sided
Warbler.)
30. Dendroeeca Maculosa, (Black-and-yellow
Warbler.)
31. Dendrceca Pinus, (Pine-creeping Warbler.)
32. Siurus Auricapillus, (Golden-crowned Thrush)
33. Geothlypis Trichas, (Maryland Yellow-throat)
34. Geothlypis Philadelphia, (Mourning Warbler.)
_ 35. Myiodioctes Canadensis, (Canadian Flycatch-
ing Warbler.
36. Setophaga Ruticilla, (American Redstart.)
37- Pyranga Rubra, (Scarlet Tanager.)
38. Hirundo Erythrogastra, (Barn Swallow.)
39. Tachycineta Bicolor, (White-bellied Swallow.)
40, Petrochelidon Lunifrons, (Cliff Swallow,)
41. Cotile Riparia, (Bank Swallow )
42. Progne Subis, (Purple Martin.)
43- Ampelis Garrulus, (Northern Wax-wing.)
44. Ampelis Cedrorum, (Cedar Wax-wing.)
45. Vireosylvia Olivacea, (Red-eyed Vireo.)
46. Lanius Borealis, (Great Northern Shrike.)
47. Lanius Ludovicianus, (Loggerhead Shrike.)
48. Pinicola Enucleator, Pine Grosbeak.)
49. Carpodacus Purpureus, (Purple Finch.)
50. Loxia Leucoptera, (White-winged Crossbill.)
51. Loxia Curvirostsa Americana, (American
Crossbill.
52. Aegiothus Linaria, (Common Redpoll.)
53. Chrysomitris Pinus, (Pine Goldfinch.)
54. Astragalinus Tristis, (American Goldfinch.)
55. Plectrophanes Nivalis, (Snow Bunting.)
56. Poceceies Gramineus, (Grass Finch.)
57- Melospiza Palustris, (Swamp Sparrow.)
58. Melospiza Fasciata, (Song Sparrow.)
59. Junco Hyemalis, (Black Snowbird,)
60. Spizella Montana, (Tree Sparrow.)
61. Spizella Domestica, (Chipping Sparrow.)
62. Spizella Pusilla, (Field Sparrow.)
63. Zonotrichia Albicollis, (White-throated Spar-
64. Zonotrichia
Sparrow.)
65. Passer Domesticus, (English Sparrow.)
66. Zamelodla Ludoviciana, (Rose-breasted Gros-
beak.)
67. Passerina Cyanea, (Indigo Bunting.)
68. Dolichonyx Oryzivorus, (Bobolink.)
69. Molothrus Ater, (Cowbird.)
70. Agelzus Phoeniceus, (Red and buff-shouldered
Blackbird.)
71. Icterus Galbula, (Baltimore Onuole.)
72. Scolecophagus Ferrugincus, (Rusty Blackbird)
73. Quiscalus Purpureus, (Purple Grackle.)
74. Corvus Frugivorus, (Common Crow.)
75. Cyanocitta Cristata, (Blue Jay.)
76. Perisoreus Canadensis, (Canada Jay.)
77. Tyrannus Carolinensis, (K ingbird.)
78. Myiarchus Crinitus, (Great Crested Flycatcher)
79. Sayornis Fuscus, (Phoebe Bird.
80. Contopus Virens, (Wood Pewee.)
81. Contopus Borealis, (Olive-sided Flycatcher,)
82. Empidonax Flaviventris, (Yellow-bellied Fly-
catcher.)
83. Caprimulgus Vociferus, (Whip-poor-will.)
84. Chordeiles Popetue, (Nighthawk.)
85. Chetura Pelasgica, (Chimney Swift.)
86. Trochilus Colubris, (Ruby-throated Hum-
mingbird.)
87. Ceryle Alcyon, (Belted Kingfisher.)
88. Coccyzus Erythrophthalmus, (Black-billed
Cuckoo.)
89. Coccyzus Americanus, (Yellow-billed Cuckoo)
go. Hylotomus Pileatus, (Pileated Woodpecker.)
gt. Picus Villosus, (Hairy Woodpecker.)
92. Picus Pubescens, (Downy Woodpecker.)
93- Picoides Arcticus, (Black-backed Three-toed
Woodpecker.)
94. Sphyrapicus Varius, (Yellow-bellied Wood-
pecker.)
gs. Melanerpes (Red-headed
Woodpecker.)
96. Colaptes Auratus, (Yellow-shafted Flicker.)
97- Bubo Virginianus, (Great Horned Owl.)
98. Scops Asio, (Little Screech Owl.)
99. Asio Americanus, (American Long-eared Owl)
too. Asio Accipitrinus, (Short-eared Owl.)
101. Ululo Cinerea, (Great Gray Owl.)
1oz. Strix Nebulosa, (Barred Owl.)
103. Nyctea Scandiaca, Snowy Owl.)
104. Surnia Funerea, (American Hawk Owl.)
105. Nyctale Tengmalmi Richardsoni, (Richard-
son’s Owl.)
106. Nyctale Acadica, (Saw-whet Owl.)
107. Circus Hudsonius, (Marsh Hawk.)
108. Accipiter Fuscus, (Sharp-shinned Hawk.)
tog. Astur Atricapillus, (American Goshawk.)
110. Falco Peregrinus Nevius, (Duck Hawk.)
111. Tinnunculus Sparverius, (Sparrow Hawk.)
112. Buteo Borealis, (Red-tailed Hawk.)
113. Buteo Lineatus, (Red-shouldered Hawk.)
114. Buteo Swainsoni, (Swainson’s Hawk.
115. Buteo Pennsylvanicus, (Brosd-winged Hawk)
116. Archibuteo Lagopus Sancti-Johannis, (Amer-
ican Rough-legged Hawk.)
117. Pandion Haliaetus Carolinensis, (Fish Hawk)
118. Halizetus Leucocephalus, (Bald Eagle.)
119. Ectopistes Migratoria, (Passenger Pigeon.)
120. Bonasa Umbellus, (Ruffed Grouse.)
121. Squatarola Helvetica, (Black-bellied Plover.)
122. Charadrius Pluvialis, (Golden Plover.)
123. Ochthodromus Wilsonius, (Wilson’s Plover.)
124. Obyechus Vociferus, (Killdeer.)
125. Aegialites Semipalmatus, (Semipalmated
Plover.)
126. Aegialites Melodus, (Piping Plover.)
127. Aegialites Cantianus Nivosus,
Plover.)
128. Philohela Minor, (American Woodcock.)
129. Gallinago Media Wilsoni, (Wilson’s Snipe.)
Leucophrys, (White-crowned
Erythrocephalus,
(Snowy
28 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
130. Macrorhamphus Griseus, (Red-breasted
Snipe.)
131. Actodromas Minutilla, (Least Sandpiper.)
132. Actodromas Maculato, (Pectoral Sandpiper.)
133. Lotanus Flavipes, (Yellow-legs.)
134. Rhyacophilus Solitarius, (Solitary Sandpiper)
135. Totanus Melanoleucus, (Greater Yellow-legs;
Tell-tale.)
136. Tringoides Macularius, (Spotted Sandpiper.)
137. Ardea Herodias, (Great Blue Heron.)
138. Nyctiardea Grisea Nezvia, (Black-crowned
Night Heron.)
139. Botaurus Lentiginosus, (American Bittern.)
140. Rallus Elegans, (Red-breasted Rail.)
141. Rallus Virginianus, (Virginian Rail.)
142. Porzana Carolina, Sora Rail.)
143- Fullca Americana, (American Coot.)
144. Bernicla Canadensis, (Canada Goose.)
145. Anas Boscas, (Mallard.)
136. Anas Obscura, (Black Mallard.)
147. Dafila Acuta, (Pintail.)
148. Mareca Penelope, (Widgeon.)
149. Nettion Carolinensis, (Green-winged Teal.)
150. Querquedula Discora, (Blue-winged Teal.)
151. Spatula Clypeata, (Shoveller.)
152. Aix Sponsa, Wood Duck.)
153. Fulix Marila, (Scaup Duck; Greater Blue-
bill.)
: 154. Fulix Affinis, (Little Blackhead; Lesser Bluc-
ill.)
15s. Aethyia Americana, (Redhead.)
156. Aethyia Vallisneria, (Canvas-back.)
157. Clangula Glaucium Americana, (American
Golden-eye. .
158. Clanguia Albeola, (Buffiehead.)
159. Mergus Merganser Americanus, (American
Sheldrake; Merganser.)
160. Mergus Serrator, (Red-breasted Sheldrake.)
161. Lophodytes Cucullatus, (Hooded Sheldrake.)
162. Larus Marinus, (Great Black-backed Gull’)
163. Larus Argentatus, (Herring Gull.)
164. Larus Philadelphice, (Bonaparte’s Gull.)
165. Sterna Fluviatilis, (Common Tern.)
106. Sterna Antillarum, (Least Tern.)
167. Colymbus Torquatus, (Loon; Great North-
ern Diver,)
168. Podilymbus Podiceps, (Thick-billed Grebe ;
Pied-billed Dabchick.)
The above will, I trust, induce others to publish
lists of birds occurring in their localities. Such
records are valuable for reference regarding the geo-
graphical range of the species.
Oe
Chewink, Sora Rail, Cooper Hawk.
During the last Summer I found three
Chewink’s nests which were placed in
bushes at a height of from two to five feet.
According to most Ornithologists this bird
builds its nest on the ground. Nests of
the Scarlet Tanager promise to be very
abundant this season, if the number of
birds that have arrived here is any indica-
tion. Last summer I found a nest of the
Sora Rail on May 30th, within one hundred
yards of half a dozen houses. The nest
contained twelve eggs nearly hatched.
One of my friends found a nest of Cooper
Hawks, on the 5th inst. It was placed in a
black oak about sixty-five feet from the
ground, and contained five fresh eggs.
’ Rock Island, Ills.
White-rumped Shrike.
A. B. W. of Clinton, Wis., under date
of May 5th, writes us as follows: I re-
ceived your paper and am much pleased
with it. I have been collecting nearly two
weeks. The first nest found this season
was that of a crow and contained seven
young birds. The next time I went col-
lecting I climbed an Oak tree, and found
two young squirrels. They were quite
tame and very lively. On this same trip
I, together with two other boys found a
White-rumped Shrike’s nest containing
four eggs. It was placed in a locust hedge
in a crotch of a tree, about six feet from
the ground. The nest was composed of
thistle down feathers, twine, pieces of
cloth, in facts almost anything suitable
that the bird could obtain. It was lined
with wool, hair and feathers. Shrike’s
nests can generally be found by the bones
and carcasses of young birds, etc., impaled
upon the thorns about the nest. We took
the four eggs but did not disturb the nest;
upon revisiting the nest a few days later,
we found two more eggs. We took both,
eggs and nest. Still later while collecting
in the same locality, we found a nest of
this same bird containing five eggs.
An old New York Sun quotes the follow-
ing high prices for eggs : Two eggs of the
great auk (supposed to be extinct), recently
sold in an auction room in Edinburgh, for
$16. They were afterward resold in
London, one fetching $500 and the other
102 guineas. This supposed to be the
largest price ever paid for an egg, except a
single specimen of a moa egg, which was
sold in London in 1865 for $1,000, or £200.
A nest full of these would be worth
finding, provided one could find purchasers
at the above-named prices.
Se aoe
From Nebraska.
The first number of THE Youne
OoLocistT received ; am well pleased with
it. On the morning of the 10th inst., I
found eight or ten nests of the Bronzed
Grakle. They were each and every one of
them placed from six to ten feet high in
the wild plum trees, which grow in abund-
ance on the banks of the creeks in this
state. The birds in question have chosen
very picturesque places for their camping
ground. The plum trees are at present one
mass of white blossoms. ‘The nests of the
Mourning Dove were as plenty as those of
the Black birds.
N,. A. &.,
York, Nebraska.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
29
ae
Queries Answered.
H. J. D., NorTHFIELD, VT.—The Stone-
chat is an European bird, its eggs resemble
those of the Blue-bird. The Baltimore
Oriole is often called the Golden Robin.
F. H. P., Nortn BEVERLY, “Mass.—
Robins often build their nests in pine trees.
F. B. W., Rocnestrer, N. Y.—Your
nest and eggs are either those of the
Swamp or Savannah Sparrow, doubtless
the former.
W. B. S., Artanta, Ga.—l. White-
eyed Vireo. 2. A Bank Swallow's egg is
pure white. Cliff Swallow’s eggs are white
spotted, with dusky brown. 3. Send egg
and we will try and give name.
a dull olive, spotted with brown.
A. R., CHARLESTOWN, W. Va.—We
cannot identify your eggs from description |
given, as you neither describe the bird nor
nest.
Martin.
J. H. H., SprirxcGrretp, Mass.—The
Ruffed Grouse and the bird which you call
the Partridge are identical. In Pennsy]l-
vania and other localities the Ruffed Grouse
is often called the Pheasant.
.W. C. W., New Haven, Conn.—We
W. McK., AxLepo, Inu.—The Martin, |
which is found in your locality and in |
other parts of the U. S.. is the Purple |
will endeavor to name all eggs sent us for |
identification, if description is also given
of nest and bird. Collectors wishing their
specimens returned, must enclose stamps |
for packing and return postage.
A. M. B., Warsssstne, N. J.—Full
information in regard to skinning, stuffing
and mounting is given in Manton’s
Taxidermy. Price 50 cents. For sale at
this Office.
R. W. T., CoatHam. O.—The nests and
eggs which you have found, are those of
the White Rumped Shrike.
CoLLEcTOR, OswEGo, N. Y.—The eggs
of the different Shrikes resemble each other
so closely, that they could not be described
so as to make identity. The variety which
breeds in your locality, is doubtless the
White Rumped. From your description,
should say that your ‘‘ Wild Ducks” eggs
were the Sora Rail. The Yellow Shafted
Flicker has a red cresent on the back of
its neck. The Euphonia is a small bird of
the Tanager family, and is a Mexican bird.
|
|
L. D., LrrcHrre.tp, Mrxn.—The bird of
which you have found so many nests, is
doubtless the Indigo Bunting.
A. 8S. M., Parua., Pa.—Cannot Posi-
tively name your eggs as you describe,
neither the bird nor nest.
W. C., Woovstock, ItLt.—The Cooper’s
Hawk is more commonly known as Chicken
Hawk.
H. J. D., NORTHFIELD, VTt.—We can-
not identify eggs from a mere description,
_ unless description is given of both nest and
bird. Egg No. 1 is English Sparrow.
The bird you desired named is the Rose-
breasted Grosbeak.
R. W. F., PrymMoutu, Ct.—The King
bird that breeds in California is the Western
S.J. O., Ocara, Fra—The Blue Jay | King bird.
usually lays five eggs, in color they are of |
W. A., Unton Sprines, N. ¥.—Purple
Grakle is the correct name for Crow
_ Black bird.
C..P. W., LAKE ViLLaGE, N. H.—Bald
Eagle eggs are worth $4.00 each. Par-
roquet eggs 50 cents each.
T. C., SEAFoRTH, OnT.—We can fur-
nish Samuels Birds of New England at
$4.00 per copy. If you have already
subscribed for THE Youne OOoLoaist,
you can obtain one of our premiums by
getting a friend to subscribe with you.
You can then pay the 15 cents extra and
select one of the premiums for yourself.
C. R. E., FREDERICK City, Mp.—The
bird you wish named is the American
Goldfinch. We have never known the
Catbird to harm the nests and eggs of other
birds. Has any of our friends ”
C. H. D., SHaron, Wis.—The correct
name for the Wild Pigeon is Passenger
Pigeon (459). The bird you sent for
identification was the Yellow Shafted
Flicker, (378). We are not quite certain
in regard to your hawk, will inform you
later.
F. M. W., Newron 14.—Phoebe bird
or Pewee is the correct name for the bird
that you call Bridge Swallow.
W. B. W. CLARKSVILLE, TENN.— Your
egg is that of the White-bellied Nuthatch.
G. R. C., NasHviLLe, TeEnn.—The egg
you sent for identification is that of the
Lark Finch.
W.S. C., Peorra, I~tLt.—Your nest is
doubtless that of the Chipping Sparrow.
We have known of several early nests of
this bird being placed in clumps of weeds,
at from six to twelve inches from the
ground.
E. K. M., McConnELLs VILLE, 8. C.—
Chimney Swift is the correct name for bird
often called Chimney Sweep and Chimney
Swallow. We have had eggs, supposed to
have been turtles, which had hard shells.
G. H. 8. Jr., Ryz, N. Y.—Are not your
eggs those of the Grass Finch ?
H. G., Porr Byron, N. Y.—The red
and black shouldered Blackbird is a
Western bird. Its nesting habits, eggs,
etc., resemble those of our common red
and buff shouldered Blackbird.
R. B., Minustonn, N. J.—The bird
building the pensile nest which you describe
is the Red-eyed Vireo. The two small
ones were eggs of that bird. The larger
ones were eggs of the Cowbird.
G. H. L., LircHrre tp, Mrinn.—Our set
of two, Swallow-tailed Kite eggs, came
from Texas, and were collected April 21st,
1888. .The nest was in an Oak tree, about
75 feet from the ground. The three set of
eggs of this bird, which have come under
our observation during the past few years,
consisted of two eggs each.
E. N. B., Sourn Boston, Mass.—Alli- |
gator eggs are worth about 25 cents each,
(we have none). A first class egg is one
that has been carefully blown through, one
smoothly drilled hole in the side, properly
cleaned and identified. Dealers number
their eggs to correspond with those given
in Ridgway’s Nomenclature of N. A
Birds. Eggs sold or exchanged in sets
should be accompanied with a data blank,
giving full particulars as stated in your
egg register.
L. R., Trumansspureu, N. Y.—Ostrich
eggs are worth $3.50 each. The bird you
call High-holder, is the Yellow Shafted
Flicker. The one you call Teetering
Snipe, is the Spotted Sandpiper. Our eggs
are numbered to correspond with the
numbers given in our regular Price-list
ON Oe C., Decatur, TEexas.—We will
endeavor to determine your Minerals, if
you will send us small fragment samples.
W. V. A., NorrH GRANVILLE, N. Y.
—Your nest and eggs are those of the
Wood Pewee.
H. H.. ArnLantic, lowa.—We have no
doubt that eggs would look fine if stuck
on cards, but don’t do it, it is neither
scientific nor convenient.
M. K., Freeport, Inu. — The bird
which is called the Crow Blackbird in your
vicinity, is the Bronzed Grakle. If you
take only one or two eggs from a nest, but
few birds will know the difference.
30 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
C. A., Taunton, Mass. — Blow-pipes
can be cleaned when they become clogged
by the use of a fine wire.
F. M., West ELkton, O.—We have not
the space in this issue to tell how to skin,
stuff and mount birds, but will soon pub-
lish an article on the subject.
E. §., Spring Hitt, Tenn.—The Boat-
tailed is a larger bird than the Purple
Grakle (or Crow Blackbird). We have
obtained eggs of the Boat-tailed Grakle
from Ga., 8. C., Miss., and Texas.
W. K. P., ArHEeNns, Pa.—The bird
which you describe as having a black head
and back, white belly, and a large red
neck-tie which runs to a point at the breast,
is the Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
B. D. C., SoutH BLOOMFIELD, N. Y.—
The bird which you call the Butcher bird.
is the White-rumped Shrike. Many of
our larger Hawks are known to most per- |
sons under the more general name of Hen
Hawk. The Hen Hawk of your locality
is doubtless either the Red-tailed or Red-
shouldered Hawk.
H. M. §., Reaprine, Pa.—Seven is not
an unusual number of eggs for the Yellow
Shafted Flicker to lay. We had three sets
last season of eight eggs.
W.S. C., Peorta, ILuts.—We can fur-
nish the ‘‘ Nomenclature of N. A. Birds”
at 35 cents per copy. We have often heard
of the Mourning (or Turtle, as you call it)
Dove nesting on or near the ground. The
Ground Dove is a sourthern bird, and_ is
one of the most diminutive doves known
to naturalists. Its size is about the same
as the Song Sparrow.
Ground Dove.
In my notes on the Ground Dove I re-
ported that they commenced to build about —
the last of April, I should have said the
last of March, as I have found their nests
as early as April 18th, containing young,
large enough to fly.
2 Dar.
Sap Sucker.
I would suggest in answer to N. L. W..,
of Trumansburg, N. Y., that in this local-
ity the White-bellied Nuthatch is the most
commonly known as Sap-sucker. Being
in about the same range as he is, I think,
perhaps this is really the bird he means, a
description of the bird giving measure-
ments etc., would soon prove the point.
‘** Medicus,”
Cortland, N. Y.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
Vol. 1. No.3. GAINES, N. Y., JULY, 1884.
Oological Items from Waterville,
Maine.
The first was the discovery, the third
week in May, of a Red Shouldered Hawk’s
nest. It was builtin the top of a tall Black
Birch, some 35 feet from the ground. It
was composed externally of sticks, and
was lined with moss and leaves ; the eggs
were three in number, quite fresh ;
although nearly the same in size and shape,
there was a marked difference in coloration.
The ground color was a dirty white, over
which was spread on one egg a great
profusion of lilac and brown _ blotches.
A second egg had no markings on_ the
- ground color, which, in this instance, had
a distinct drab tint. The third egg was
intermediate between the two. Now, as
this disparity in color is no unusual thing
in Hawk’s clutches, the question comes,
what causes it? This question is nearly
answered in the present case by the fact
that the highly colored egg was laid first,
and the spotted one last. The coloring
matter is deposited on the shell while the
egg is still in the oviduct, and in such a
case as this either was insufficient in quan-
tity, or thtough the piggishness the first
egg took the lion’s share, or since the lion
stands so high among beasts perhaps this
would be called anormal appetite in his
case. At all events we have here a_ hint
well worth following up more closely than
has been in the past, 7. e., whether, when
such a difference occurs in a clutch, it is
due to precedence in time of laying or to
some other more subtle cause. Let us hear
from others on this point.
The second find was a Summer Yellow
bird’s nest with four eggs in it. There
was nothing peculiar about the eggs or
nest, save the great height of the latter
led to a close inspection of its structure. It
was found after a little that the nest had a
§ PusiisHeED Montuty.
t( 50c, Per YEAR.
false bottom. When this was removed a
cow bird’s egg was found securely packed
in on the original bottom.
This method of getting rid of the para-
sitic egg that the cow bird is forever im-
posing "on the smaller birds is, I believe,
much commoner than first supposed, Ac-
cording to Baird it is the invariable practice
of this Summer Yellow bird, which will
never under any circumstances hatch a
cow bird’s egg. Nests of two stories have
also been found of the white crowned
sparrow, in the bottom a buried cow bird’s
egg, while above were two more cow bird’s
eggs and three of the rightful owners. With
us here the robin, nearly all the vireos and
many of the warblers have been known to
become uuwilling nurses of the cow bird.
ie Wee
Yellow Shafted Flicker.
Yesterdav, June 7th, I found a nest of
the Yellow Shafted Flicker in a stump,
about five feet from the ground. The nest
contained eight eggs, one of which was
remarkably small. I noticed at the time,
that four of them looked dark and hard
set; on reaching home I blew them. No.
1, 2, 8 and 4 were hard set to such an
extent, that I could plainly discern the
eyes of the young birds. ~The contents of
No. 5 were thick and tinged with blood,
while Nos. 6, 7, 8 were perfectly fresh.
The following are their dimensions.
Lola Webra ee 1.08 by .85 NO s5encmeet 61.00). DYESS
Niol 2salesar}. 1.08 by .83 Nio6./f3 0123.88 1.06 by .84
Nov geen assis. 1.07 by .85 INP im < 5 siarstataie 1.96 by .84
No.'g.: 2.51.06 by .89 ING. Sse cnsos -70 by .56
I do not know whether it is usual for
more than one to lay in the same nest, but
it looks remarkably like it in this case.
No. 8 is the smallest Yellow Shafted
Flicker’s egg that I have ever seen, it is no
larger than a Blue-bird’s egg.
W. B. K., Toronto, Can.
36
Yellow Headed Blackbird.
The Yellow-headed Blackblid, Xanthoc-
ephlus icterocephalus, is medium between
the Crow Blackbird and the Red-and-buff
shouldered Blackbird, and as his name in- |
dicates has a zone of yellow over the en- |
tire head and extending down on to the |
shoulders with a few traces of the same be-
low; the remainder black- The female is
a dull brown with traces of the yellow of |
of the male. The Yellowhead is eminent-
ly a marsh bird and may be found most
abundant in the lake regions of Northern
Towa and Southern Minnesota, where it
breeds in the wild rice swamps, placing
the carefully woven nest of grasses in a
cluster of last years’ stalks; usually in a
part inaccessible except by boat. I have
counted over 500 nests ina tract of one-
eighth of an acre, the eggsall in the same
state of incubation.
the nest, the owners set up a series of
hoarse croakings by which others are at-
tracted, when a perfect din of grating, |
The grassy |
cries and ‘‘squawks ” begins.
materials of the west are nicely interwoven
among the stalks so firmly that the struct-
ure can be removed only by cutting away
the stalks with the nest;
height of twelve to fifteen inches, usually
about four inches.
The egg is dark-speckled and much re-
sembles the egg of the Brown Thrush,
four to five in a set. The only bad trait
attributed to the Yellow-head is his habit-
ual merry-making with his neighbors’
corn-fields, where he frequently ruins an
entire crop, not only picking off the young
plant. but literally digging up the seed.
During the migration the Yellow-head
is more seldom seen than other species; his
flight is mostly by night, while he remains
in swamps and marshes by day. —
Notwithstanding his ugly habit of pelf 1
like the Yellow-head, for there is sure to
be lively racket if not melody, where he
casts his lot.
J. W. PREsTON.
Baxter, la.
When any one nears |
some attain a |
|
|
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Inquiries and Answers.
CHEWINK, ROUGH- WINGED SWALLOW.
From G-8.-P., Princeton, N. J.—In
your paper E. 8. B. says he ‘‘found three
Chewink’s nests last summer in bushes.”
I found a nest May 2nd, 1884, on the
ground containing two eggs, incubation
far advanced. Do they not usually lay
four? A friend of mine, here, found a
nest of the Rough-winged Swallow, which
contained seven eggs. Is not that an un-
usually large clutch ?
The Chewink usually lays four or five
eggs. The set of swallows is large, and
from the few sets of the Roygh-winged
which we have had, would say ‘‘ unusual-
ly.”
RESTORING AN EGG’S TRANPARENCY.
From A. T. H., Boston, Mass.—Rev.
J. G. Wood, the naturalist, recommends
that those eggs which lose their pink trans-
parency after being blown, to restore it by
means of colored wax. Is that the way
you do ?
We have never tried it.
with what success ?
Who has, and
FINDING EGGS ON THE GROUND.
From T. F. H., GALT, Onr.—Last year
a friend of mine found a perfectly fresh
egg of a Wood Pewee lying among a num-
ber of rocks on the bank of the river, and
I myself found several eggs of the English
Sparrow lying on a gravel path. Could
you let me know if all birds lay their eggs
on the ground at times ?
All birds are apt to deposit their eggs on
the ground if their nest is destroyed before
they have laid their usual complement.
CUCKOOS, &C.
From VY. C. W., GRANVILLE, O.—I have
a pet hawk which eats bread and milk.
Will you please tell the difference between
the Yellow-billed and the Black-billed Cuc-
koos ? Also, difference between their eggs?
The most noticable difference between
the two Cuckoos mentioned is the yellow
under mandible, and black in the tail feath-
ers of the yellow-billed. The eggs of the
yellow-billed are of a light greenish blue ;
average dimensions, .90in. by 1.80 in. The
eggs of the black-billed are of a darker
greenish-blue, and smaller in size ; dimen-
sions .70 in. by .98 in., to .85in, by L.10 in.
Measurements of the eggs of both species
were taken from eggs in our collection.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
37
EGGS OF THE COW BIRD.
From G. K., Peoria, Inu.—Last year
IT found three Cow Bird eggs in a Wood
Thrush’s nest. I would like to know if
any of the subscribers of THE YouNnG Oot-
ogisr have ever found that many in one
nest.
We once found a Pewee’s nest contain-
ing three pewee eggs and four eggs of the
cow bird. Let us hear from others.
GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER,
BIRDS’ NESTS. ;
From R. B., SomERsET County, N. J.
—On the 19th inst. I mailed to you a box
containing an egg which I found in an old
holiow apple tree ; the nest contained four
or five eggs ; can you tell me what it is?
Do Humming Birds ever use the same nest
the second year when the nest is in good
condition ?
Your ege is that of the Great-crested
Flycatcher. Who can answer the Hum-
ming Bird query ?
HUMMING
LEAST FLYCATCHER.
From C. K., AtHENs, Pa.—I have a set
of eggs that [ found a short time since,
which at that time I supposed to be of the
Wood Pewee, but as I see by the descrip-
tion in the last number of THE YounG
Oo.oeisr that it does not agree with mine,
I will describe the bird, nest and eggs. The
nest contained five eggs, which were all
pure white, exactly the shape of the com-
mon pewee, and mearsured 7-16x9-16. The
bird was quite a little smaller than the
cemmon pewee, grayish-white breast, black
head and bill, each wing had a streak of
lighter colored feathers across it. The note
of this bird is ‘‘ pe-wee,” but, not as the
common pewee ; the first syllable is short,
the second long, and rises to a very high
pitch at the end. The nest was in the fork
of four limbs of a small willow tree, about
seven feet from the ground; I have the
nest and fork. The nest is 13 in. deep,
outer diameter 24 In., inner 12 in.; is built
of dry grass and lined with fine roots about
- the size of a horse-hair ; also quite a few
orioles’ feathers were woven in. I also
have a set of three eggs which I cannot
identify. The nest was built in a small
willow, about two feet from the ground,
is very bulky, 14 in. deep, outer diameter
6 in., inner diameter 24 in. Itis built en-
tirely of stiff, dry, hayey-like weeds, and
lined with white horse-hair. The eggs re-
semble the Song Sparrows very much, only
being a little larger. The bird, as near as
I can recollect, also resembles the Song
Sparrow.
The nest which you supposed to’ be that
of the Wood Pewee is that of the Least
Flycatcher. Your other nest is doubtless
that of the Song Sparrow,
RUSSET-BACKED THRUSH (7)
From R. E. D., VANCOUVER’S ISLAND,
B. C.—The egg which we send as sample
is of a dark blue color, covered with brown
spots, and is larger than a Hedge Sparrow’s.
The bird is nearly as large as a Robin,
stays mostly in dense woods, is never out
in the heat of the day, but early in the
morning and in the evening. Its usual
note is a short whistle, late at night it may
be heard with its shir-r-r-r-r-r. The nest is
made of moss, lined with leaves. The bird
lays three eggs. Would like to know the
name.
As yet we have not received, the egg ,
can any of our readers tell us whether it is
the Russet-backed Thrush or not ?
WOOD THRUSH.
From R. O. 8., EN@LEWOOD, Thu. —
Will you please give me a description of
Wood Thrush eggs ?
Coues in his ‘‘ New England Bird Life c
gives the following excellent description of
the nest and eggs of this bird: ‘‘ The
Wood Thrush is chiefly found in low,
damp woods, and in thickets. The nest is
usually placed in a bush or low tree, in the
situations just indicated, a few feet from
the ground. It is composed of leaves and
grasses, with a layer of mud, and then a
lining of fine rootlets. The eggs, four or
five in number, are greenish-blue, like
those of the Robin, but smaller, being 1.05
to 1.12 in length by 0.68 to 0.75 in breadth.
They are laid usually about the last of
May.”
Blue-jay, Brown Thrush.
May 12th, 1884, I found a set of six
Blue-jay eggs; will some one tell me if this
is not an unusual number? All the sets I
ever found before contained four or five,
mostly five.
IT also found on May 16th, a set of five
Brown Thrush, I think they generally, if
not always, lay four. Let me hear from
some one upon the subject through THE
Youne OoLoeist.
R., Norwich, Conn.
38 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
_
Date of Arrivals for 1884.
(From the note book of an Otsego County
Collector.)
March 18—Blue Birds ;
Black Birds.
March 20—Meadow Larks and Robins.
March 22—Song Sparrows; Pewees.
March 23—Ducks, in small flocks.
March 26—Geese; Passenger Pigeons.
March 380—Belted King Fishers ; Gr.
Blue Herons.
April 13—Red Tailed Hawks ;
Grakles and Swamp Sparrows. ~
April 14—Golden Winged Woodpecker;
Field Sparrows.
April 15—Sparrow Hawks;
wee; Red-headed Woodpeckers.
April 18—Spotted Sandpiper; Chipping
Sparrow.
April 22—Barn Swallow; Cliff Swallow
and Woodcock.
April 25—Cow Bird; Chimney Swift;
House Wren.
May 3—Rose Breasted Gresbeak; Green
Heron; Goldfinches; Wilson Thrush.
May 5—Balt. Oriole; Bobolink; M. Yel-
low Throat; King Bird; Cat Bird.
Took clutch of crow’s egg, first of the
season, in freezing weather, April 14
April 19th I took my first clutch of eggs of
the Red Tailed Hawk. The nest was
placed in a hemlock tree, about forty feet
from the ground. In the lining I noticed
some thin pine shavings. I have found
many nests of the Red Tailed Hawk, but
have never been able to obtain the eggs be-
fore. On the same day I found five nests
of the crow, containing 5, 6, 4, 5 and 2
eggs, respectively. On April 25th I hap-
pened near the nest from which I had taken
the only two eggs a few days before, and
saw the crow leave the nest. On climbing
the tree I found two more eggs, one of
about the ordinary size, and the other, upon
measuring, I found to be 1.58 x 2.40 ins.,
the largest I have ever seen. May 10th I
saw two nests of the Green Heron in pro-
cess of construction. From the 4th until
the 12th of May it rained every day, and
tes has been going on rather slowly.
F. L. R., West Burlington, N. Y.
R. and B. S.
Purple
Wood Pe-
Orchard Oriole.
(ICTERUS SPURIEUS. )
This is another of our beautiful summer
visitors, arriving about the middle of April.
They commence to build about the 10th
of May, but last summer while collecting
in Beaufort County, 8. C., I found a nest
on May 9th, which contained three eggs.
I have looked back through my note book,
but this is the earliest case that I can find.
Here in Georgia I never found them earlier
than the 16th of May.
They build a beautiful nest, perfect, as a
work of art surpassing anything I have
ever seen in the nest line. Outwardly it is
composed of a species of long, green grass,
lined with the down of the Scotch thistle,
which mades it very soft and warm, and is
placed on the extreme end of a limb among
the thick foliage, almost defying detection
except to the experienced collector.
Theeggs are from three to five in num-
ber, and varying somewhat in size. are of
a light blue color marked with blotches
and lines of black umber and shades of
purple.
The Orchard Oriole is a good songster,
having a clear and musical note. The
birds are easily reared, and are often
found in cages, where they seem quite
contented.
In Georgia they seem to prefer the
sweet gum tree, at all events I have found
them oftener in these trees than any other.
I have found as many as six nests in less
than~a quarter of a mile. There is one
striking peculiarity about the nesting of
this bird that Ihave noticed; this is that
out of nine nests that I found one day last
summer, with the exception of two, I also
found the nest of the kingbird placed in
the same tree and near the Oriole’s nest.
Whether this holds good as arule in other
placesIamunabletosay. T.D. PERRY.
Long-eared Owl.
On March 22d, this year, I found a
Long-eared Owl’s nest, containing two eggs
and one young owl.
W. W. G., Stoughton, Wis.
The Slip System.
CLARENCE M. WEED.
Every young oologist ought to be some-
thing more than a mere collector. If he
works only for the sake of getting a col-
lection, to show ordinary friends, much as
he would a collection of highly colored
beads, he had better give up at once. Only
when he strives to learn the habits of our
feathered beauties and to discover some-
thing new about them, does he deserve the
title of oologist.
By the slip system is meant a method of
keeping notes and catalogues on slips of
paper, or card-board, about the size of a
postal card. This is the system adopted by
many of the greatest scientists in the Uni-
ted States, and is a great help to any per-
son wishing to do real earnest work in al-
most every branch of science.
For notes, ordinary unruled book paper,
cut the size ofa postal card, is best. Enough
of these slips to last a year can be obtained
at-any printing office for a few cents. On
these every observation in regard to the
nesting or other habits of each species, the
color and number of eggs in a nest, the
time of arrival and departure, and many
other points, should be noted. Each sub-
ject should be on a different slip, and the
slips should be arranged alphabetically with
regard to subjects. By this method a sur-
prising amount of information will be ac-
cumulated in a single season, in a form that
is readily accessible. The best slip-holder
for beginners isa piece of manilla or other
thick paper, cut twice the width of the slip,
and then doubled. This is held by a rub-
ber band. It is a good plan to have a sep-
arate slip for the notes on each species. The
advantages of this system are its handiness
and ease of reference. As the slips can: be
carried in the pocket, notes can be made on
the spot, which makes them much more
valuable, and, aS new observations are
made, they can at once be slipped in their
proper place.
For catalogues, each egg should have a
slip bearing the same number and giving
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 39
date, locality, and so forth. When an egg
is lost or exchanged, a new slip may be
substituted and another egg given the same -
number.
oo—_—_—__
Turkey Buzzard.
DeaR Epiror: One thing which I
overlooked in my last was the allusion to
the Turkey Buzzard’s egg in THE YouNG
OoLocist. I have two specimens in my
collection, one ‘‘found under a shelving
rock” on the east side of Beaucatcher
Mountain, near Ashville, N. C. The first
year I found the young birds two as ugly
specimens of Ornithology as I ever en-
countered. The following year I went
earlier (the last days of March), and found
only one egg which I took, fearing to wait
for another. The bird then abandoned
that locality. The eggs are not ‘‘ blue,”
neither are there any ‘‘pink spots” on
them. Mr. Lusk must have found a ‘‘mare’s
nest.” The specimen which lies before me
has a creamy white ground, dotted all over
with spots and blotches of chocolate
brown from the nearest dot to spots 4 inch
in diameter and intermingled with fainter
markings and scratchings of a clay-blue
and lighter shades of brown, more thickly
at the large end. The other egg is similar,
and was given to me by a young collector
near the same place. There is no mistake
about either of them. Yours truly,
N. A. S.
York, Neb.
————-e —> -2e
Marsh Hawk.
_ Saturday, May 10th, while collecting in
a marsh, I found the nest of a Marsh
Hawk, containing five bluish-white eggs,
faintly marked with reddish brown spots.
F. G. O., Lapeer, Mich.
Two gentlemen, one named Woodcock,
the other Fuller, walking together, hap-
pening to see an owl, the last said: ‘‘ That
bird is very much like a Woodcock.”
‘* You are very wrong.” said the first; ‘‘for
it’s Fuller in the head, Fuller in the eyes,
and Fuller all over.”
40 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
"EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY
— BY —
PReNe H. LATTIN,
GAINES, N. Y.
‘Gaaeaaces and items of interest to the OoLo-
Gist, and Specimen and Curiosity collectors solicited
from all.
Terms of Subscription.
Single Subscription - ~ 50 cents per annum.
Sample Copies, = - - - 5 cents each.
The above rates include postage.
Rare Specimens will be offered, from time to time,
at aslight advance on regular rates, to induce persons
to subscribe.
Terms of Advertising.
Single insertion, 20 cents per line, nonpareil.
1 mo. 3 mo. 6 mo. 1 yr.
Five lines, 1 00 2 50 4 00 6 00
One inch, 2 00 5 00 8 00 12. 00
ie column, 7 00 17 50 28 06 42 00
ve 13 00 32 50 52 00 78 00
One page, 25 00 62 50 100 00 150 00
Advertisements under five lines, charged one line
extra. Yearly advertisements payable quarterly in
advance. No deviation in any case from the above
rates.
Remittances should be made by draft on New
York ; money order or postal note payable at Albion,
N. Y.; or by registered letter. Unused U.S. postage
stamps of any denomination will be accepted for
sums under one dollar. Address all subscriptions and
communications tt THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
GaingEs, Orleans Co., N. Y.
(8 Make money orders and drafts payable to
FRANK H.LATTIN.
JOTTINGS.
In marking eggs collectors should always
use a Soft lead pencil.
We have several files full of valuable
items from our friends. These will be
used at the earliest possible period.
During tne month of July we will send
THE YoOuNG OoLocistT and one of our
rubber stamp outfits for only 65 cents.
Tue YounG OoLoeist without the outfit
for 58 cents.
In regard to the American Peregrine
Falcon; Duck Hawk, J. R. B., of Windsor,
Vt., wfites us, that he has found where
they are breeding; easily accessible; do
not know as I shall get any this year, but
think I can ‘‘monopolize” the locality in
the future.
P. B. H., of Sherwood, Cayuga Co.,
N. Y., found a set of Mottled Owl eggs
during the latter part of May.
Mr. I. Tennant, of Stoke, England, has
our thanks for the set of Tabular Views of
Characteristic British Fossils, stratigraphic-
ally arranged, and the valuable papers
which he kindly sent us.
Collectors desiring to purchase or ex-
change desirable specimens should try our
exchange and want column. Several par-
ties write us that they have received over
forty replies from a single notice.
If each and every one of our present
subscribers will send us only one sub-
scription during the month of July we
will have THE Youne OoLoaistT neatly
covered, and have our advertisements con-
fined strictly to the cover pages.
To Eprrors AND PUBDISHERS.—We
will send THk YouNnG OoLogisT one year
to any editor or publisher who will give it
a notice, favorable or otherwise, and send
us a marked copy of his paper containing
the same.
On the 8d of May I observed a Golden
Eagle soaring at a good height, north of
this city. There are few birds besides -
Crows, Bluebirds, and Robins breeding
here yet. (May 7th.)
F. D., Toronto, Ont.
S. L. W., of Grinnell, Iowa, writes us:
A companion Oologist of mine last season
saved some hawk’s eggs, which contained
young birds; by putting lye into the eggs,
this, of course, destroyed the chicks, and
made it possible to blow theeggs. Another
way is, to put the egg into an ant-hill,
leaving it there until the ants have eaten
the inside.
We often receive a dozen or more pack-
ages at a single mail, consequently it is
almost impossible for us to tell who they
are from unless the sender’s name is either
written, stamped or printed on the wrap-
per.
THE YOUNG
OOLOGIST. 4I
Prof. Ballard’s Hand-book of the Agas-
siz Association, at hand. After hastily
glancing over the contents, must say that
it will be almost invaluable, not only to the
members of the Agassiz Association, but to
any beginner in the study of the natural
sciences, while our older Naturalists will
find many valuable and interesting hints
and items. The little book, of nearly 120
pages, contains twice the matter that books
of that class usually contain, and is pub-
lished at the same price, viz: 50 cents. To
give the readers of Tok YounG OoLoaist
some idea of the contents we take the fol-
lowing from the chapter on exchanging.
We trust our friends will read it carefully
and profit by it, not only for our but for
their own good :
‘‘In preparing packages for the mail, be
sure that you enclose the specimens in a
box sufficiently strong to withstand the fre-
quent concussions of the way, and so se- |
_ curely wrapped and tied that it shall not
become undone. About one third of the
packages received here, are broken on the
way. Minerals should be separately wrap-
ped in paper or cloth before being put into
the box. Eggs may safely be sent in aug-
ur holes bored in little blocks of wood.
Flowers and ferns should be carefully
pressed between strong sides of paste-board.
Insects should be pinned with the utmost
possible strength and care, into boxes thor-
oughly lined with cork, very strong, light,
and doubly wrapped. Beetles and bugs
may be sent in cotton, like eggs. Always
prepay postage in full. Enclose no writing
in package (except labels of specimens,
which are allowed) but never neglect to ac-
company the package with a postal card or
letter, describing contents, stating from
whom it comes, and rehearsing what you
expect in exchange. It is often utterly im-
possible to determine the sender of a pack-
age, or what to send in return. Tie the
parcel strongly, but do not seal it, unless
you wish to pay letter postage. One or
two fine specimens are always more accept-
able than several inferior ones.”’
Also, from the chapter on reports we |
take the following items:
——s =
COW BLACK BIRDS.
I found four Cow Birds’ eggs in a nest
with one of the Wilson’s Thrush. Has any
one else found so many in one nest? X.
NIGHT HAWK ASLEEP.
Last August, I saw, about 7 o’clock one
evening, what I took to be a dead bird ly-
ing on a stone wall by the road side. It
was half lying, half leaning against a stone.
I clambered up the bank to get it, making
some noise. Just as I put out my hand to
pick it up, with a great flap and rush by
my face, the bird soared up into the air.
As soon as it opened its wings, I knew it
to be a Night Hawk by the white spots on
the under side of them, and by the peculiar
cry it uttered. Wm. CARTER,
—
The Black Stilt.
This bird has begun to arrive in large
numbers on this coast (about May 1st).
However, owing to the protracted rain
they are a little late this season. They are
in very poor condition on account of their
long flight from the lower part of the
United States and Mexico, where they
spend the winter. They breed about the
middle of May, the eggs may be obtained
fresh until the middle of June. They usu-
ally congregate in large flocks ‘in some
suitable locality, and build their nests
close together a score or more often being
found within a few yards of each other.
The nest is composed of small sticks and
roots, closely put together, and placed
among the grass on the margin of some
lake or river. The eggs are four in num-
ber, speckled, and resemble the eggs of
the Killdeer, but about twice their size.
Towards the last of August, the young
birds having attained their growth, they
begin to assemble flocks to leave in large
numbers, and six weeks later there will ‘be
very few if any remaining.
Such are the uabits of the ‘‘ Black Stilt”
as nearly as I can ascertain during their
breeding season.
A. M. SHIELDs,
Los Angeles, Cal.
42 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Queries Answered.
J. H., MippLeport, N. Y.—Can’t say
positively what your egg is. If you had
sent description of bird, could doubtless
have identified egg.
J. W., GOUVERNEUR, N. Y.—Eggs sent
for name were as follows: 1. Scarlet
Tanager. 2. Cliff Swallow. (?) 4. Purple
Grakle. 5. Song Sparrow. 6. English
Sparrow.
N. A. §., York, Nes.—All numbers
used by us in marking eggs, in our cor-
respondence or exchanges, are those used
in the Smithsonian Catalogue, (1881 edition).
Coues’ work describes the birds of the
Pacific Coast.
J. W. H. Jr., MippLeport, N. Y.—No.
1 is the white-rumped Shrike. No. 2,
Downy Woodpecker.
C. H., BENNINGTON, Vt.—The Brown
Thrush is often called the Brown Thrasher.
The bird which you call the Tipup or
Spotted Tattler is the Spotted Sandpiper.
The nest you found was that of the White-
rumped Shrike.
M.S. P., NASHVILLE, TENN.—The nest
and egg which you sent for identification
is that of the Blue-gray Gnat-catcher.
Coues in his key to N. A. Birds gives the
following excellent description of the nest
and eggs of this bird :
““The nest is a model of bird-architec-
ture, compact walls and contracted at the
brim, elegantly stuccoed with lichens, fixed
to slender twigs at a varying distance from
10 to 50 or 60 feet ; eggs 4-5 about 0.60 x
0.45, whitish, fully speckled with reddish
and amber brown and lilac.”
A. C.8., Fr. Mapison, [a.—From de-
scriptions which you give, should think
that No. 1 was the Yellow-billed Cuckoo ;
No. 2, Summer Yellow Bird.
A. B. W., Cuinton, Wis.—The bird
which you call ‘‘Common Snipe,” is the
Spotted Sandpiper.
F. C. J., Rep Hoox, N Y.—Your
Thrush queries are answered elsewhere in
this number.
A. T. R., Puiua., Pa.—Cannot positive-
ly name egg from description given.
H. B., Fuutron, N. Y.—There is no
common Sparrow, except the English, that
breeds in holes in trees.
EK. De 'L., Exiicorr Crry, Mp.,—All
descriptions of eggs sent for name, must be
accompanied with full description of nest
and bird ; or, which is better still, with a
skin of the bird, if you wished them named
with certainty.
J..M. A., JR., MURFREESBORO, TENN.
—The two Whip-poor-will eggs which you
found are worth, at dealers rates, $1 each.
C. R. E., Freprrick Crry, Mp.—The
“odd” egg which you found in the Chip-
ping Sparrow’s nest was that of the Cow
Bird. The eggs of the Baltimore Oriole
often have brown scrawls on them.
JUMBO, JERSEY City, N. J.—The larger
mineral specimen you sent for identifica-
tion was Feldspar; the smaller one the
same, containing Galena.
H. W. B., PuLatTtsvitizE, CrT.— The
Hawk eggs which you sent (1b and 1c) were
both eggs of the Cooper Hawk.
A. V. B., Sr. Josepnu, Mo.—The eggs
which you found in the Chewink’s nest
were those of the Cow Bird. We hardly
think the Dwarf Cow Bird breeds very ex- —
tensively, if at all, in Missouri. Who can
informs us with certainty?
R. B., Miuustonr, N. J.—The correct
name for the bird so commonly called
‘‘Shite Poke,” is Green Heron. Cow
Bird eggs are white, thickly specked with
various shades of brown.
L. E. J., Cotton, WasH. TER.— Your
Black Bird eggs are those of the Red-and-
black-shouldered Black Bird.
H. D., Fr. Mapison, Ia.—Your de-
scriptions are hardly complete enough to
accurately name the eggs.
W.H., SHELBYVILLE TENN.—A corre-
spondent from Houma, La., writes us that
if you want eggs to retain their natural
color and not fade, to rinse them with a so-
lution of isinglass and sugar. He also states
that this will not only keep them from
fading, but strengthens them.
S. M.—1, cle ia aiautie 2, Satie |
Yellow Bird; 3, Wood Thrush. The re-
mainder of your eggs we can not positively
identify from-descriptions given.
G. B. P., Parrerson, N. J.—From
your description should think your nest
was one of the Herons.
C. H. D., SHaron, Wis.—Your Hawk
is doubtless the Swainson’s or the Red-tail.
J. A. C., Jonnstown, N. Y.—Don’t
keep your eggs in saw-dust, or any other
material that can work in the holes that are
made in blowing the eggs. For correct
manner, carefully read THE Youne Oo1-
OGIST.
J. 8. B., Curcaco.—We are always glad
to obtain eggs of the Red-headed Wood-
pecker at one-half rates in exchange.
A. L H., Rockport, Mass.:-— Embryo
Hooks are used to remove the contents of
eggs in which incubation is far advanced.
_ Every collector should have one, as many
rare specimens can be saved by their use.
A pin with the point slightly bent will an-
swer very well in case you have not a reg-
ular hook. For data blanks see June
YouneG Ooxoeist.
L. A. W., AND OTHERS.—We do not pay
contributors for items, and are happy to
say that there are hundreds of collectors in
the United States who take enough interest
in our work to forward us valuable little
items and newsy notes from time to time,
gratuitously. We most heartily thank our
many friends for these valuable little notes,
and in payment for them will endeavor to
give them good exchange in other items
through the columns of Taz Youne Oot-
OGIST.
R. M., LaCrosse, Wis.—For ego cases,
cabinets, &c., we refer our readers to Mr.
H. P. Mitchell, Gaines, N. Y., whose ad.
appears in another column. Mr. M. has
had considerable experience in that line of
work, and we can assure our friends who
may see fit to favor him with their orders
that “satisfaction” will be ‘‘guaranteed.”
W.S. B., Lansine, Micuo.—The Caro-
lina and Sora Rail are the same bird.
THE YOUNG Mia a | easy 43
Ww. Y. P. Aanttiees (ue _The bird
- which is ccuuntuule called the Bull-bat, es-
pecially in the South, is the Night Hawk.
F. D., Toronro, Onr.—The Bronzed
Cow Bird is a Mexican bird, and is found
along the Mexican border of the U. 8. Its
eggs are entirely different than those of our
common Cow Bird—in color being of a
greenish white. We have several in stoek
and in color they closely resemble those of
the Indigo-bunting. Perhaps they are
faded a little. Average measurements
about .90 x .70.
Notes from Peoria, I.
This spring I have found two nests of
the Great Horned Owl, also, one nest of the
Bald Eagle ; the latter was about fifty feet
from the ground, placed in a cottonwood
tree. Among the several Hawk nests that
I have found this season was that of the
Black Hawk (American Rough-legged
Hawk) a very rare bird in this locality. I
tried to secure the birds, but failed. I have
several varieties of eggs that are not men-
tioned in your list, the rarest of which is
the Hooded Merganser (Hooded Sheldrake. )
I found the nest on April 20, 1881, in the
hollow of a willow tree, about fifteen feet
from the ground. In the nest, or rather
hole, for there seemed to be no nest other
than rotten wood, were twelve eggs, these
hidden under a covering of down from the
breast of the bird. Both the eggs, except-
ing three that I have exchanged, and the
down are in my possession. In the ‘‘Ool-
ogist”’ you state that the Scarlet Tanager
builds in hemlock trees, as we have no hem-
lock here, they build mostly in the elm. I
also found the nest of the Great Crested
Fly-catcher, composed mostly of feathrrs,
and containing six eggs. W.S. C.
The largest number of subscribers we
have yet received from any one person
does not exceed five. Collectors should go
to work in earnest in soliciting subscrip-
tions. At least ten or a dozen of our
friends will receive on the 10th of August,
from five to ten times the amount of
money they have sent us.
44.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Wilson’s Thrush.
As we have had many inquiries in regard
to the nesting of this bird, for the benefit
of our readers we take the following article,
written by C. O. Tracy, of Taftsville, Vt.,
from an 1882 Ornithologist and Oologist :
‘‘Wilson’s Thrush, except the robin, is
the most abundant thrush of this locality.
Although found plentifully in nearly all
situations, its favorite haunts are low,
swampy woods. The past summer a pair
of these thrushes built their nest and reared
their young within fifty yards of my house.
The site selected for their nest was by the
roadside, under an.elm tree, among the
rank, growing-male ferns. ‘They seemed
to be an unusually social pair, and came |
about.the house searching for food, show-
ing no signs of fear. Teams were constant-
ly passing within eight feet of their nest.
Of twelve sets which I collected this sum-
mer, seven contained 4,. four 3, and one 2
eggs, each. The set containing but two
eggs was taken July 26th, and would un-
doubtedly have contained one or two more
had I left the nest undisturbed.’ The ear-
liest set was taken May 30th. Six sets
measure as follows: Set of four, collected
May 30th, 92x66, 90x65, 88x65, 88x65 ; set
of four, collected June 5th, 88x65, 87x65,
86x65, 85x65; set of four, collected June
Sth, 89x68, 88x67, 89x66, 92x65; set of
three, collected June 13th, 85x68, 84x67,
85x68 ; set of three, collected June 20th,
84x70, 87x69, 84x69 ; set of three, collected
June 28th, 80x60, 76x62, 80x60.
“The set taken June 28th was, I think, |
the third litter laid-by that. pair of birds,
which will account for the small size of the
eggs. The eggs are oval, but vary some-
what in shape ; their color is bluish-green,
a little darker than than those of the Blue
Bird, and lighter: than those of the Cat
Bird. The nest is placed on or near the
ground, but usually in a low bush within a
few inches of the ground, and is composed
of leaves, dried grass and weeds, lined with
fine roots, strips of bark, and often hair.
There is but little variation in the nests
which I have examined in this locality.”
Cedarbirds in California.
On May 13th, I received a bird from a
friend, killed in his cherry orchard, which |
he called the Cedarbird, or cherry bird.
It is a. wax-wing, having six waxen
points on its wing. I mention this because
I had never before seen one here, and was
’ not aware that they were found in California.
G. C.-C., Petaluma, Cal.
(
‘‘Tomtit,” “Titmouse” and ‘‘Wheat-
bird.”
I have lived for the past. five years in
North Carolina and studied the birds there.
The following are the correct names of
the birds which your southern correspond-
ents mentioned:
The ‘‘ tomtit ” is the Carolina Titmouse
(Parus carolinensis).
The ‘‘titmouse ” is the Tufted Titmouse
(Lophophanes bicolor). Another Southern
name for this bird is ‘‘ fairy bird.”
There are two birds called ‘‘wheatbird,”
one the blue grosbeak (Guiraca evruleca)
and the other the Indigo bunting (Passerina
cyaned).
Are not.the above statements correct?
, E. T. ADNEY.
— ——
Removing Stains, &c.
Noticing in one of the columns of Quer-
ries concerning stains on eggs, I would
say, try a piece of felt dipped in Muriatic
acid, of equal dilution, just so as to be
damp, all free drops should be wiped off
cloth, and then apply carefully to spots.
W.S. B., Mineralogist.
West Medford, Mass.
—- <<
Ink Stains.
In the last YounG@ Oonoaist there was
a query about the best mode to remove
ink stains from eggs. We think of the
different methods we have tried that the
following is the best: ‘Take a gill of
water and dissolve in 5 cents worth of ox-
olic acid, and unless the shell is very rough
it will remove the stain immediately.”
Yours truly,
G. A. & D. A. Loomis,
North Granville, N. Y.
——_—=< <> __-
To any person sending us 50 cents for one
year’s subscription to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
with 15 cents additional to pay the postage,
packing, &c., we will send any one of the
following articles as a premium :
1—One egg of the Yucatan Jay,
2—One egg of the Euphonia, '
3—One egg of the Gular (?) Oriole, Icterus
Gularis.
4—One Mazan Creek Fossil Fern,
5—Two Abalone or Pear] Shells.
HE YOUNG OOLOGIST
The Screech Owl.
After few days the weather grew intense-
ly cold, the thermometer running ten de-
grees below zero. Making a professional
visit on one of these bitter days, as I drove
into the barn-yard to unharness my horse,
I noticed the result of quite a little tragedy
in the animal kingdom. Some fifteen feet
up the side of the barn hung a Screech
Owl (Scops asio), caught by one foot under
a large batten partly sprung off from the
building. It was frozen stiff, its eyes
standing out white and ghastly with the
expansion of the frost ; and just above it,
seemingly caught under the same batten,
and frozen in like manner, was a common
mouse; thus both had been turned into
ice in the very act of the chase.
This bird is abundant here throughout
the year, but is more noticeable in winter,
as it then approaches the barn and the out-
buildings, probably in search of food and
shelter. In late summer and early autumn
it may be heard about the orchard or the
edge of the wood ; in the evening, uttering
a soft whinny, not at all to be compared,
however, to ‘‘ Screeching.” Thoreau, des-
cribing the sounds within hearing of his
hut at Walden Lake, gives special promi-
nence to the vocal performance of this
bird. He says: ‘‘It is no honest and blunt
tu-whit, tu-who of the poets, but, withont
jesting, a most solemn. graveyard ditty,
the mutual consolations of suicide lovers
remembering the pangs and the delights of
supernal love in the infernal groves. Yet
I love to hear their wailing, their doleful
responses, trilled along the road-side, re-
minding me sometimes of music and sing-
ing birds ; as if it were the dark and tear-
ful side of music, the regrets and sighs
that would feign be sung. They are the
spirits, the low spirits of melancholy fore-
bodings of fallen souls that once in human
Volkl, No 4. GAINES, N. Y., AUG., 1884.
{ Pus.isHep MonrHLy.
) 50c. Per YEAR.
Shape night-walked the earth, and did the
deeds of darkness, now expiating their sins
with their wailing hymns or threnodies in
the scenery of their transgressions. They
give me a new sense of the variety and ca-
pacity of that nature which is our common
dwelling. Oh-o-o-0-0 that I never had been
bor-r-r-r-r-n! sighs one on this side of the
pond, and circles with the restlessness of
of despair to some new perch on the gray
oaks. Then—that I never had been bor-r-r-
r-n! echoes another on the further side
with tremulous sincerity, and bor-r-r-r-n /
comes from far in Lincoln woods.”
About nine inches long, with 'large ear-
tufts, ash-gray above, with a lighter shade
of the same beneath, all over mottled and
streaked with black, the biack streaks be-
neath again crossed with black and accom-
panied with reddish tints, white markings
on the shoulders—sometimes the general
ash-gray above mentioned being entirely
replaced by reddish ; this bird can never
be mistaken. H. D. Minot says: ‘‘ The
eggs are laid in the hollow of a tree, an
apple-tree being frequently selected, in
which are often placed a few simple ma-
terials, such as leaves or dried grass. The
eggs, of which four are laid about the
middle of April, average 1.85x1.80 of an
inch. They are white, and nearly spher-
ical.” The almost round, white eggs,
generally pure white and about equal at
both ends, and with a fine surface, are
characteristic of the Owls.
Mr. W. Perham (at Tyngsboro, Mass.)
often secures the nest of this species .by
on trees in the woods ‘‘ sections of hollow
trunks, boarded up at the open ends, with
entrance-holes cut in the sides,” the bird
appropriating these instead of natural
cavities or deserted Woodpeckers’ nests,
‘both as roosting and nesting places.”
As with the Owls in general, this species,
when in the down is pure white. Being
re THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
very small except the bill and feet, it
might be mistaken for a little white ban-
tam chicken. A pretty sight, indeed,
is this snow white brood of little creatures,
inahole of some old apple tree, in the
thick, shadowy part of the orchard, or in
some partially decayed tree in the edge of
a dense woods.
On one of the last days of May (1880), I
was surprised, while passing through the
woods, by something which seemed to me
at first sight a large bunch of gray wool on
a limb some fifteen feet from the ground,
but which, on closer examination, proved
to be four young Screech Owls. nearly full
grown, well fledged, and sitting so closely
together, and so perfectly still, as to re-
quire quite an effort to define them to the
eye. They were a weird sight. The
plumage was soft and downy, the color
cold gray, thus refuting the theory that
the red garb, in which this bird is often
found, is the immature dress. The same
species seems to be sometimes red, and
sometimes gray, independant of age or sex.
In the latter part of June, the same year
on entering the woods at late twilight, a
bird flew at his my head, uttering a hoarse
guttural scream, followed by a sharp
snapping of the bill. It proved to be a
Screech Owl, probably a parent bird, with
young near by.
Including a number of varieties, this
Owl inhabits North America at large.—
From Rev. J. H. Langille’s, ‘‘ Our Birds in
their haunts.’ ,
The Importance of Identification.
Having been a collector of birds eggs
for many years, I feel that I have a right
to call the boys’ attention to the greatest
error which they generally make at the be-
ginning of their career as Oologists ; that
is the collecting of eggs not fully iden-
tified. In many of their collections you
will find eggs marked ‘‘hen hawk” or
‘‘oround bird,” when in fact either of
these names will apply equally well to
several varieties, and neither egg is of any
scientific value unless better named, and
when I say better named I mean correctly
named also. Unless you are positively cer-
tain that you know the bird by seeing it
do not take the eggs till you can take the
bird. This will seem to many cruel ad-
vice but if you will collect at all, you
should collect in such a way that your col-
lection will be of value. There are many
ways of taking the bird, the most satisfac-
tory way being to shoot her, but as many
of you have no gun, you will have to fall
back upon the various kinds of traps. Of
these by far the most useful is a simple
snare of horse-hair for small birds, and of
twisted horse-hair for large ones. These
snares will very seldom fail to catch the
bird, if properly placed about the nest.
There are various other traps well known
to most of you, but they are not so certain
to take the correct bird as the snare, for it
often happens, that other birds besides the
owners of the nest are about, sometimes
seeking for food which is commonly most
plentiful in just the places where you will
find the nests, and sometimes like your-
selves birds-nesting. So it is very necess-
ary that you should be certain that the
bird you take is the one that owns the
nest.
The next most important thing after
most positively identifying the eggs, is to
make such a record that all your trouble
may not be wasted by your own forget-
fullness. Put a number on each egg with
a lead pencil, and number each egg alike ;
then in a blank book kept for the purpose
enter the number, and opposite it the name,
date, locality, number of eggs in the set,
how they were identified, as ‘‘ both birds
shot,” or ‘‘female snared.” as the case
may be, full description of the nest as to
size, inside and outside, diameter and
depth construction, material, and how
and in what sort of a tree it was placed,
whether in the woods or fields, whether
the locality was wet or dry, and any other
information you may think of value. A
set of eggs so identified and with such a
record is worth a hundred carelessly col-
lected.
In conclusion let me ask you to always
remember that the value of a collection
does not depend upon its numbers but on
the scientific accuracy of its collector.—
The Collector. Be Anat
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 53
. Correspondence.
THE SUMMER YELLOW-BIRD AND COW-
, RIRD AGAIN,
From E. §S. B., Rock Isuanp, InL.—
In regard to the habit common to some
of our birds of ridding themselves of the
Cow-birds’ egg left in their nests, by cover-
ing the eggs and enlarging their nest, C.
W. B. states, that according to Baird, it is
the invariable custom of the Summer Yel-
low-bird. Now either C. W. B. or Prof.
Baird must be mistaken, for in this locality,
while two-story nests of the Summer Yel-
low-bird are of frequent occurrence, nests
containing young Cow-buntings, or incub-
ated eggs, are not uncommon. I recently
found a vireo’s nest of unusual heighth, in
which, on examination. were found two
Cow-bird’s eggs securely imbedded. The
nest had been deserted, probably upon the
Cow-bird again revisiting it. I have often
found nests containing as many as three
Cow-bird eggs, and once or twice have
found four in nests of the Wood Thrush,
which rarely escape the Cow-bird here.
DAKOTA JOTTINGS.
REDFIELD, Dax.—I send a few notes
from observations here during the past five
weeks, which may be of interest. I have
found nests of Marsh Black-bird, Bank
Swallow, Summer Yellow-bird, Yellow-
billed Cuckoo, Crow Black-bird, Wilson’s
Thrush (6), King-bird, Sandpiper (?) Least
Flycatcher, Turtle Dove, Brown Thrush
and others. Whip-poor-wills breed here.
I think Night-hawks, Plovers and Meadow
Larks abound. The Lark often sings
from the tops of houses in this town of
800 people. I think the Great Crested
Fly-catcher is here. Is this it? A bird
associating with King-birds, larger than
them, back ashy gray, head, neck and throat
slaty blue, belly sulpher yellow, wings
tiffed with light brown? They flutter
about, making a great and continuous
racket when I approach a King-birds nest.
I have found nests, which seemed certainly
to belong to them, for when I took the
nest away the pair came up and mouned
piteously, but the eggs don’t at all answer
_ descriptions, but more like Wood-pewee’s.
~Cas-birds and Cow-birds breed. Horned
Larks are here in small numbers.
found no nests. Maryland Yellow Throats
breed here. I found in one Wilson’s
Thrush’s nest two Cow-bird’s eggs, one of
which was pushed down out of sight in
the middie of the nest.
One of your correspondents asks if 5
eggs is not an unusually large set of Brown
Thrush’s eggs. In lIowa, where that
I have
thrush is one of the commonest road-side
breeders, 5 eggs is the usual set. .
Red-shouldered Hawk.
(Buteo lineatus.)
(FOR THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.)
This bird is a rather common resident of
Massachusetts throughout the year. It is
the most noisy of its family, during spring
especially, when it would be difficult to ap-
proach a large piece of woods without
hearing its shrill cry, ‘‘ Ka-hee, ka-hee,” as
it is seen sailing in rapid circles at a very
great height above the trees.
At the approach of spring this species
begins to pair. This happens about the
first of April. The top of a tall tree seems
to be preferred to any other place for a
nest. The nest is a bulky affair built of
sticks and twigs and lined with feathers,
moss and the inner bark of the chestnut.
The nest is quite often of sufficient bulk to
fill a bushel basket. I have found several
nests of this hawk. Some of them were
not over fifteen feet from the ground ;
others from forty to fifty. This bird lays
three and four eggs, but sometimes only
two. The eggs vary a great deal both in
color and markings. In some the ground
color is a dirty white and marked with
large blotched lines and dots of amber
brown of various shades, from quite light
to dark. Others are covered with faint
dots of purple and lilac, and look as if they
had received a thin coat of whitewash over
the dots. And still others are of a dirty .
yellowish white color, without spots or
marks of any kind. The average dimen-
sions of several specimens is 2 by 1 11-16
inches. They are usually laid about the
20th of April in Massachusetts.
C. D. Purmurpes, Dighton, Mass.
72
THE YOUNG OOLOGIS!
EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY
FRANK H. LATTIN,
GAINES, N. Y.
Correspondence and items of interest to the OoLo-
cist, and Specimen and Curiosity collectors solicited
from all.
- Terms of Subscription.
50 cents per annum.
Single Subscription - -
5 cents each.
Sample Copies, = - - -
The above rates include postage.
Rare Specimens will be offered, from time to time,
at aslight advance on regular rates, to induce persons
to subscribe.
Terms of Advertising.
Single insertion, 20 cents per line, nonpareil.
1 mo. 3 mo. 6 mo. 1 yr.
Five lines, 1 00 2 50 4 00 6 00
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Advertisements under five lines, charged one line |
extra. Yearly advertisements payable quarterly in
advance. No deviation in any case from the above
rates.
Remittances should be made by draft on New |
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N. Y.; or by registered letter. Unused U. S. postage
stamps of any denomination will be accepted for
sums under one dollar. Address all subscriptions and
communications to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
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(2 Make money orders and drafts payable to
FRANK H.LATTIN.
eal
JOTTINGS.
The October number of THE YounG
OoLoGistT promises to be very interesting.
The page ot ‘‘ Queries Answered” has
been necessarily omitted from this number.
T. D. Perry, Savannah, Ga., has found
several nests of the Bachman’s Finch.
W.H. B., Lebanon, Ohio, says he has
been ‘‘out west,” and there “Partridge” |
means ‘‘ Prairie Chicken” ; the Common
Quail is also frequently called ‘‘Partridge.”’
T. B. H., Sherwood, N.Y., sends us an
interesting story of his capture of a Mot-
tled Owl and twelve eggs, which he ob-
tained by removing the eggs as they were
deposited In the nest.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
E. §. C., Huron, D.T., wishes to know
if it iscommon for Mallard and Ruddy
Ducks to lay in the same nest, and says he
has found a nest containing 8 Mallard eggs
and 8 of the Ruddy. Theeggs were fresh.
es
L. M. Davies, Newburgh, O., has found
a nest of the Savannah Sparrow, containing
two eggs of the owner and two of the Cow-
bird. He wishes the opinion of others as
to whether the set is complete or not.
L. M. 8., Newburgh, Cuyahoga Co., O.,
sends his receipt for mending cracked eggs.
It is to hold the eggs firmly together and
brush them with collodion. He gives T'he
Collector credit for first calling his attention
to the fact.
L. G. S., Schuyler’s Lake, N.Y., writes
that his brother found a young Robin who
had not its eyes open. He put the bird in
a Pewee’s nest, in which there were eggs
not hatched. The old bird fed the Robin,
who now rules the roost and sits on the
young Pewees, four in number.
W. E. H., Jr... Winston, N.C., inquires
the number of eggs the Logcock (Pileated
wood-pecker) lays in aset. He thinks six,
as none of the nests he has found have ex-
ceeded that number except one, which he
found near Farmville, Va., containing
eight.
F. P., Lake City, Minn., has found two
Barred Owls’ nests this year, not more
than 2U0 feet apart. The first nest was in
a birch tree about 75 feet from the ground,
and contained one egg, which he left for a
set. The second contained five eggs. The
owls were very savage. The nest was
made of sticks. and lined with feathers of
the Ruffled Grouse. He returned to the
place in about a week to secure the set
which had one egg, but when he was within
a few feet of the nest a Flying Squirrel ran
out of the nest, and on looking at it the
nest contained but a few crumbled egg-
shells. He inquires if any of our readers
have ever known of the Flying Squirrel
eating eggs.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
73
During the months of Septsonber and
October we will send THE YounG OoLo-
Gis? one year and any one of the following
works, post-free, for only 95 cents :
Arabian: Nights.
Sketch Book.
Tom Brown’s School Days.
Don Quixote.
East Lynne.
Dickens’ (Charles) History of England.
Robinson Crusoe.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Ivanhoe.
Willy Reilly.
Gulliver’s Travels and Baron Munchau-
sen.
Swiss Family, Robinson.
Thaddeus of Warsaw.
Paul and Virginia Parselas, and Vicar of
Wakefield.
Grimms’ Popular Tales.
Tour of the World in Eighty Days.
Ballard’s Hand-book of the Agassiz As-
sociation.
All of the above works are handsomely
bound in cloth and gold, and, with the ex-
ception of the last, contain from three or
four hundred to over six hundred pages
each,
F. E. L., Salt Lake City, writes that |
during a recent trip on Great Salt Lake he
collected eggs of the White Pelican and
the California Gull.
J. W., Paw-Paw, Mich., says he has
found a Warbling Vireo nest lined with a
Sunday school lesson leaf. This speaks
well for the morals of Paw-Paw birds, but
not so for the boys who are so careless with
their Sunday school papers.
H. A. H.. Berkely, Cal.—-This corres-
-pondent says that in the nest of a Red
Shafted Flicker he found three Flicker’s
eggs. He took two, leaving one. The
_next day he found three deposited in the
same nest. He took them, and going next
day found two more. This leads him to
believe that two Flickers sometimes use
the same nest.
The. competition for the 100 prizes
offered for obtaining subscribers by the
publisher of Tok YounGe Oo oaist closed
August 20th. Every person who sent us
only a single subscriber will receive a
prize. The ten best prizes will be award-
ed as follows
1. John T. Nientimp, Rochester, N.Y.
2. H. W. Hayford, North Conway,N.H.
H. W. Davis, North Granville, N: Y.
Geo. W. Tripp, Adrian, Mich.
T. H. Spaulding, Albion, N.Y.
. Geo. Phillips, Sterling, Ills.
. Ned. K. Swigart, Toledo, O.
C. E. Stowe, Ashburnham, Mass.
. A. M. Shields, Los Angeles, Cal.
10. Charles Cook, Syracuse, N.Y.
The above parties sent us clubs ranging
from four to about thirty subscribers each.
OS?
White Pelican.
-
~
( O -3D
Our collector at Minneapolis, from whom
we expected to receive a large number of
White Pelican eggs, writes us that he has
been unable to procure any. He says that
Devil’s Lake, Dakota, where the birds are
usually very plentiful, is this year deserted
by them. Last season eggs were easily ob-
tainable, one man getting over a barrel of
them. The Pelicans were certainly a beau-
tiful feature of the lake. When there last
summer I saw a large flock of them, per-
haps several thousand. As the steamer
neared them the engineer blew the whistle
and they all flew. Thesky was white with
them for a space the length of four hun-
dred feet or more at a height of perhaps
seventy-five feet. Where the birds have
gone is a mystery.
Sod ee) Ls SL OEE
Our Catalogue.
Our new catalogue is now partially
printed, but we will not again attempt to
name any definite time when it will be
ready for delivery, but can assure our
friends who have already purchased a copy
that it will be forwarded them as soon as
we can get itfrom the binder. As we gave
our printer the copy nearly a month ago,
we feel somewhat inclined to ‘‘saddle” the
cause of fhe delay upon him.
74 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
A RARA AVIS.
“The Sealskin-bird,” ‘‘ Monkey-faced
Owl.” (?)
We find space for the following which
several friends have clipped for us :
Mr. Henry Torstadt, who resides upon
Eleventh, between Maple street and Broad-
way, Lousville, Ky., is the possessor of the
strangest living creature ever seen. Mr.
Torstadt has already been offered $100
for the bird repeatedly, and has invariably
refused it. Several ornithologists and nat-
uralists in the east and one in Chicago,
upon finding they could not buy it, have
notified Mr. Torstadt that they intend com-
ing to Louisville to see what they believe
to be the missing link, between the bird
and beast creation. Mr. Ross says the
bird, though ouly a short time in the pos-
session of Mr. Torstadt, has become so
famous in Louisville that it is visited daily
by hundreds of people, many of whom are
ladies. From the ladies it got the name
of ‘‘ the seal skin bird.” Mr. Ross says it
was shot in the left wing, fell to the
ground and was captured by Mr. Torstadt’s
brother-in-law, while hunting near Louis-
ville. It is about the size of a hen, but has
a monkey-shaped face with a beak like no
other bird that has ever been seen. The
beak is very short and shovel-shaped, and
has a destructive capacity beyond that of
a bald eagle. The talons are exactly like
those of an eagle, and the wings measure
four feet nine inches from tip to tip. The
legs are perfectly straight and without
joint, and about nine inches long. It is
the body of the bird however that attracts
the most attention. This is covered with
fur instead of feathers, and the hair is
about the length of that on a sealskin after
it is dressed to make a lady’s sack with.
It is of a dark brown color, but somewhat
lighter than seal-brown. The wings are
covered with fur, commencing at the body
but feathers being farther on, and the end
feathers on the wing are as long as those
of an ordinary-sized bald eagle The bird
lives on raw beef and English “Sparrows
om
and nothing delights it so much as to have
an opportunity to catch, tear and devour
a lot of sparrows. It has already become
quite domesticated and a great pet with
the ladies who declare it is to lovely for
anything.
Our friends wish our opinion in regard
to the above. In reply, would say that
the following article from the Ornithologist
and Oologest may throw some light on the
subject :
‘“MONKEY-FACED OWLS.”
Enclosed please find a photograph of a
pair of Owls which have been on exhibi-
tion here for two or three weeks. The
owner‘says they are the only pair in the
United States of North America, and are
native birds of Tartary. The photo is a
very fair representation. He calls them
‘“Monkey-faced Owls.” The bill proper
is very small, but the mouth extends almost
to the eyes. Eyes, as near as I could see,
were very small. Iris dark hazel. Back
dark brown, marked very finely, breast
speckled with brown, bill blackish, crown
finely mottled, no tufts, tarsi long. Two »
pair were taken at the fort at St. Augus-
tine, Florida, last February. One pair was
bought for some scientific institute in Ohio,
but escaped. P.T. Barnum, the man says,
offered him $500, but he refused.
If they are American birds they are a
cross of Barn Owl and something else.—
W. P. Tarrant, Saratoga.
A specimen of the ‘‘Monkey-faced Owl,”
a rare bird, was recently captured by Cap-
tain Pitts, of Orlando, Fla., in the Ever-
glades. It is described as being somewhat
smaller than the Hooting Owl. The plum-
age has the soft, furry texture of the owl
family, but a tinge of orange enters into
the color. The head and face are those of
a baboon, the face being white, while the
eyes are much smaller than those of an
owl of the same size, coal-black and some-
what almond-shaped, opening and closing
with lids like those of ananimal. In fact,
they more nearly resemble the eyes of an
otter than a bird.—Hv.
<> +
The Turkey Buzzard.
(FOR THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. )
I suppose this will not be new to you,.
but I thought I would tell you a little of
my study of the Turkey Buzzard. Yes-
terday I happened to look out of my win-
dow and saw on the church on the corner
of the square about twenty Turkey Buz-
ee ee
~ to see them.
zards. As I had not seen one closely, I
took advantage of my opportunity to study
natural history and went out into the yard
I noticed they kept flying
down into one corner of the churchyard,
and my curiosity being aroused, I looked
over the fence and discovered they had
carried one of their own dead into the
graveyard and were dragging it into the
corner of the yard, where they left him
under the shade of a small bust. I found
they had a very unpleasant odor. The
male resembles our male turkey very much,
being a little smaller, but where the tur-
key’s neck is a blueish red color the buz-
gard’s is a bloody red. The female is all
black, but sometimes a dirty brown. They
generally fly very high, and usually sail
unless frightened. Of course, they are
protected by the law on account of their
eating all garbage left around. In Charles-
ton you can see them in the street as we
see sparrows up North.
Yesterday I shot what the boys in the
South call ‘‘Bull Bats.” They are just the
same bird as our Night-hawk.
I found on my trip up Mt. Craggy, near
Asheville, N.C., a garnet which is at least
twice the size of a man’s fist. Have any of
the readers of THE YouNG OOLOGIST ever
seen one as large? MC. We
Columbia, 8.C.
Le! ee ee ee)
California Birds—Their Eggs, Nests,
and Habits.
(FOR THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.)
BURROWING OWL.
The Burrowing Owl lays from four to
nine white eggs, somewhat larger than the
pigeon’s. Its nest is composed of dry
horse dung, some of which is always scat-
tered around the hole and is an infallible
sign of a nest, and without which it is use-
less to dig in the hope of finding one. In
the breeding season I have found some odd
things in owls’ nests at different times
Last year I found two dead mice in a nest
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 7s
scraping the loose dirt away from a nest
and was not a little startled to find a large
trap-door spider in my hand, as its bite is
supposed to be sure death. My brother
was also scraping away some dirt from a
hole and brought out in his hand two large
centipedes. This Owl lives chiefly upon
rats, mice, insects, etc., and I once saw one
devouring a snake. It usually sits on the
mounds of dirt by its hole during the day
and hoots at night. If anyone approaches
it bows, or bobs its head up and down, and
“‘coo-coo’s” in an amusing manner.
KING-BIRD
is not altogether a California bird, being
also found in the Eastern States. Its usual
number of eggs is four or. five. They are
white, with reddish brown spots. The
nest is composed of straws, leaves, string,
wool, etc., andis built in a convenient tree.
It is very warlike and courageous. I have
often seen one, two or more attack an
eagle or turkey buzzard. It is commonly
supposed to live upon bees, and is there-
fore called ‘‘bee-bird” or ‘‘bee martin” by
many, but I cannot confirm the supposition
from actual knowledge. Ihave seen King-
birds catch millers or moths, beetles, flies,
etc., but do not recollect seeing any catch
bees.
CRESTED QUAIL.
The Quail lays from six to eighteen eggs
asa rule. I have been told by persons
that they have found twenty-three eggs,
and have read of as many as thirty eggs
being found in a single nest. The nest is
usually built of dried grass and leaves, but
sometimes the eggs are laid upon the bare
ground, especially in sandy regions. They
live chiefly upon seeds, small insects and
grapes, the latter being their favorite food
insummer. One of a flock always seems
to be acting as sentinel, and the moment
there is a sign of danger it gives the signal,
and with a great whirring of wings-the
flock takes refuge in flight or in the nearest
bushes.
MOCKING-BIRD.
The Mocking-bird lays from four to six
eggs of a blueish green color, with red-
containing five eggs. This year I was brown spots. The nest is composed of
76 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
sticks, straws, then a lining of horse dung,
and inside of that horse hairs, string, wool,
etc. The birds are rather shy when build-
ing, but the nest is easily found, being
usually in orange, lemon or lime trees.
Its food consists principally of insects,
seeds and fruit, mainly the latter in sum-
mer. During the breeding season the male
sings almost incessantly, often during the
night as well as day. I have occasionally
awakened during the moonlight summer
nights and heard them singing magnifi-
cently.
WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE.
The White-rumped Shrike is found in
many States other than California, where
it is more commonly known as ‘‘Butcher-
bird,” owing to the supposition that it
catches and impales upon orange and other
trees living mice, rats and small birds. It
lays from four to six eggs as a rule, but a
friend assures me that he found eight in a
single nest, which is the first case I have
heard of.
LINNET OR HOUSE FINCH.
The Linnet is in California what the
Sparrow is in England and some parts of
the United States. It is very common
and is a great enemy of the farmers, owing
to its practice of living almost entirely upon
the fruit buds just before they bloom, thus
injuring the crop considerably. It lays
from four to six eggs of a pale blue color.
The nest is composed of small sticks,
straws, etc., and lined with horse hair,
wool or other soft material. It is built
almost anywhere, in barnsypvines. trees,
under house eaves, on barn beams or any
convenient place.
HUMMING-BIRD.
The Humming-birds are quite abundant
in California, theré being some half dozen
kinds. They lay two pure white eggs, a
little larger than a pea. The nest is com-
posed of spider webs glued together with a
secretion from the bird’s mouth. The nest
looks like a ball of yellow cotton wool, and
is usually fastened on a single branch, wil-
low and fig trees being their favorites.
During the season when the orange, lemon
and lime trees bloom there are vast myriads
of infinitesimal insects, which attract great
numbers of the beautiful Humming-birds.
ROAD RUNNER.
The Road Runner is found chiefly in the
sandy cactus patches and mountains. It
lays from four to nine eggs, which are at
first white, but because of the bird being
uncleanly soon become dirt color. The
nest is composed of sticks, straws and dried
grass, etc., and is placed within six or
eight feet or the ground, usually in a cactus
or waternote bush. It is rather a curious
bird, with a large beak and head and very
long tail, while the body is quite small. It
gets its name from a curious habit of run-
ning along in front of a horse or team for
a considerable time before it will leave the
road.
There are many other species I might
mention, but fear your space will forbid.
A. RES
A-——, Cal.
(ae
‘From Wycming.
*
(FOR THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.)
Rovais, Wyo. Ter., Aug. 16, 1884. —
DEAR Eprror,—I enclose you a few
hastily written notes from this section. I
am a subscriber to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
and am very much pleased with it.
NOTES.
Sage-hen.—This magificent bird, for size,
is found in abundance in this part of the
country. The nests I have found have
been invariably a mere hollow scratched in
the ground under a sage-bush. The nest
complement is from ]0 to 14 eggs, laid in
the latter part of April or May. My ex-
perience has been that the eggs vary con-
siderably in size, although all in one nest
are very uniform. Here are the measure-
ments of four eggs taken at random from
a set collected by me, also to show varia-
tion in size measurement of two from an-
other set: (1.) 1.75 by 1.38, 1.63 by 1.17,
1.69 by 1.18, and 1.63 by 1.17. Three of
the foregoing are very similar in size.
They are all of a whitish cream color and
oval in shape, being nearly as large at one
end as at the other. (2.) 2.25 by 1.51 and
smaller end than the egg of a hen.
white, with a slight shade of cream.
the mother.
———— _
2.28 by 1.48. These two last mentioned
are more the shape of a hen’s egg, except
that they taper to a sharper point at the
Color,
At this season (Aug. 16) the young birds
are about half grown and still following
They are shot in great num-
bers and eaten,as their flesh is very white
und tender, and at this early age has not
taken on that strong and disagreeable taste
of sage which characterizes the old bird.
As their name signifies, they live almost
entirely on the leaves of the sage-bush. In
the crop of several I have shot this summer
I have found wild currants, gooseberries
and sage leaves.
I have observed here this summer King-
birds, Black-billed Cuckoos, Robins, Black-
birds. Bank Swallows, Cliff Swallows,
Night-hawks, Meadow Larks, Shrikes,
Plover, Magpies, Crows, Hawks, Eagles,
Ducks, Geese, Curlews and several kinds
of Sparrows. As far as my observations
go, Magpies do not breed in this valley
(Sweet Water River). This spring they
were very numerous here, but a littie be-
fore the breeding season they all disap-
peared, and I saw none all summer until
the other day, when I saw six disporting
themselves among the willows on the river
bank. The nearestso the river I have seen
any nests was 18 miles.
sticks.
W. 58., Rougis, Wyo. Ter.
-/— eee
Yeliow-headed Blackbird.
/
(FOR YOUNG OOLOGIST.)
I noticed in one of the numbers of THE
Youne Oouoaist that you would like
some notes on the Yellow-headed Black-
bird (Xantliocephalus icteroceplialus), and
as I have had a little experience among
them this season, I send a few words con-
cerning their breeding habits.
- generally placed from six inches to three
feet above the water, fastened to the stems
of ‘‘cattails” or reeds, and is a little larger
THE YOUNG” OOLOGIST.
They were built |
in cotton woods, 15 to 25 feet from tne |
ground, and were composed of coarse |
The nest is |
77
structure than the Red-wing’s (Agelaeus
pheeniceus), though it can generally be
distinguished from the latter by the lining,
which consists of rather broad yellowish
straws.
The Yellow-head prefers a slough that
has a little open water in the centre, but
does not seem to notice or care much about
its neighbors, as I have found them breed-
ing indiscriminately with Red-wings, Least
Bitterns, and Florida Gallinules.
They commence laying about the last
week in May in this locality, which is about
forty-one degrees north latitude, and we
have taken fresh eggs as late as June 12th,
but would probably not have got them if
the nests had not been disturbed two or
three times in the spring. I have found
many nests in a single slough.
(Let me caution the collector about going
into these sloughs, as they are very decep-
tive in presenting an appearance of firm
footing. )
The measurement of the eggs of the
Yellow-head is 1.00 to 1.15 by .75.
Eggs, ground color, greyish, spotted all
over with brownish, thickest near larger
end, where it usually hides the ground
color. Uny. S. GRANT,
Des Moines, Lowa.
Nest of the Black-thri ated Green
Wartile..
(Dendreeca virens.)
(FOR THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.)
On June 28rd, 1884, I took a set of four
fresh eggs of the Black-throated Green
Warbler. The nest was placed in a small
fir bush, 34 feet from the ground. It was
composed of small spruce twigs, dry grass,
cobwebs and thin, narrow strips of birch
bark, and was lined with hair and a single
black feather. It measured 3 x 2} height,
24 outside measurements and 12% x 14 depth,
12 in. inside measurements. The eggs,
which were creamy white, with brown and
purplish markings (principally on the larger
end), averaged .67 x .55 of aninch. The
bird was very tame,“almost allowing me to
catch her. H. H. M.
Oak Bay, N.B.
78 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Exchanges and Wants.
Brief special zannouncements, ** Wants,’’? ‘‘Ex-
changes,”’ inserted in this department for 25 cents per
25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate
of one-half cent per word. No notice inserted for less
than 25 cents. Notices which are merely indirect
methods of soliciting cashépurchasers cannot be ad-
mitted to these colums under any circumstances.
Terms, cash with order.
WanTED—To exchange and buy Birds’ Eggs from
collectors throughout the United States and Canada.
Write and send prices to E. R. Davis, Jr., Gaines-
ville, Texas.
WanTED—A few Humming Birds’ *Nests. Will
give excellent exchange’:or good cash price. Also
eggs of 312 for exchange. C. H. Andros, Taunton,
Mass.
Lead; ore, zinc ore, fossil shells and crinoids, py-
rites iron, petrified moss and wooe, pressed terns and
other curiosities for sea*urchins, mounted sea mosses
and good curiosities. Good specimens sent and de-
sired in exchange.g Send list of what you have and
want. Ocean curiosities especially desired. Sam.
CARPENTER, JR., Oswego, Kansas.
A collectionZof 6ojeggs «including Woodcock, Wild
Goose and Bonapartian Gull, for the best offer of la-
belled woods, which must be 2x8 inches or larger and
of uniform size. A first-class Purple Martin’s eggs
for every V nickel without ‘‘cents.”’ Cuas. A. Davis,
128 King St., Burlington, Vt.
I have ancient Roman and Greek coins and foreign
coppers to exchange for match and medicide stamps,
small fossils or rare minerals. Write,to J. D. Van
Saun, Jersey. City, N. J., Box 283.
Fresh water and marine,shells to exchange for
birds eggs. Correspondence with field collectors
desired. VERDI Burrcu, Branchport, Yates Co.,N.Y.
Henri N. Barser, Polo, Ogle Co., Ill., wishes to
exchange birds’ eggs with collectors having, either
first or second,class ones. Please write.
I have for exchange one® large chromo, ten differ-
ent foreign stamps, a few picture cards for birds’
eggs, minerals or coins. Address La GRANDE SOUTH-
WORTH, Schuyler’s Lake, N. Y.
Gollectors—I havetwenty eggs of the Brown Peli—
can, also a few of other desirable varieties to ex-
change. Correspondence solicited.;ARTHUR H. Hack,
Taunton,.Mass.
Exchange—A Chinese coin ora Chinese newspaper
for every stamp from Iceland, Liberia, Cypress,U. S.
12, 24, 30 Or go., 1851, 1861 or 1869 issue. 25 rare Cali-
fornia postmarks for every 5 U. S. department
stamps. A fine specimen of Red Wood from the big
tree of California, for every U.S. executive, justice
or state department stamp. A rare Chinese calling
card or a horn nut for every 75 varieties ofistamps.
Foreign exchanges and correspondence desired.,.W.A.
TEBOow, 1,630 Q. St., Sacramento, Cal.
Southern Eggs, Fossils, Sea Beans, Minerals anda
large variety of specimens for first class Eggs, Shells,
Geodes, Shark Teeth, Crystals and Books on Natural
History in good condition. Send, list. JouN B.
WHEELER, East Templeton,§Mass.
I have onethundred (100) varieties of foreign coins
to exchange, both copper and silver. I will exchange
them for other coins. Lists exchanged. W.G. JER-
REMS, JR., 38 Aldine St., Chicago.
Frep M. Anpkos, ‘Taunton, Mass., has over a hun-
dred varieties of Birds’ Eggs in sets and single to ex-
change forsets. Correspondence solicited.
H. K. Lanpis, Landis Valley, Pa., will give good
exchange in minerals for first-class eggs not native to
Pennsylvania. Correspondence desired with experi-
enced collectors. Write soon.
Anfimproved Lester scroll saw with 100 feet ofi,Y%
inch wood for best offer of*Birds’'Eggs. A good flute
worth $12.50, for eggs, stamps, coins, specimens, cu-
riosities, printing press, type. A breech-loading shot
gun or riffe,an oak and white holley cabinet for
eggs, will hold 200, togexchangei for eggs. Address
SPER BER SE SrouT, 611'Franklin Ave., Minneapolis,
inn.
Tofexchange—A?f fine new Racine Canoe for a 54
ariel Bicycle. E.§C..P., P. O. Box.2545,+ Springfield,
ass.
Something? needed! by every boy in the United
States, will be given inexchange for Birds’ Eggs or
other curiosities. Write immediately to W.E, Proc-
tor, 1518,Market Street, Oakland, Cal.
Stuffed Birdsgto exchange for Birds’ Eggs. Best
of Workmanship? guaranteed; twelve years’ experi-
ence; send your lists of eggs by letter, no;postals
wanted. H.F. Kramp, Wallingford, Conn.
Minerals, stamps, silk curiosities, silk scraps, etc.,
to exchange for minerals, curiosities and birds’ eggs
insets. WiLL G. Cope, 1818 Barrett Ave., Louis-
ville, Ky
An eight fdollar Continental Note of 1776, gzexuzne,
for the best offer in Indian or Mound Builders. Relics
in good condition. E. M. FReNcH, Amesbury,Mass.
WanTep—First-class Birds’{Eggs and,Curiosities
in exchange in large?quantities. Send lists and state
what you ‘desire in exchange. Frank’ H._LaTTIN,
Gaines, N. Y.
Twenty varieties sof American Birds’ Eggs, first-
class. and fourteen varieties of shells to-exchange for
the.same., W. G. TALMADGE, Plymouth, Conn.
Eggs and stamps ?for ,eggs; 32, foreignistamps for
every foreign coin except one cent Canada. Corres-
pondence solicited. F. J. Sorrore, Belmont, Alle-
gany Co., N. Y.
T. L., Box 62, Oakland, Cal., wants:to exchange
good eggs ofiCrested Quail and:Foolish Guillemot
forciee Role ees,
‘**V nickels’? without the word cents, and minerals
for birds’ eggs and. minerals. WARREN CARTER,
Wallingford, Del. Co., Pa.
"Dealers please send lists and prices of minerals, rel-
ics and eggs to W. B. FLANsBURGH, La Fargeville,
Jefferson,Co., N.Y.
I would like to exchange eggs with allcollectors. I
also desire rare foreign stamps; send for list; I also
have foreign coins for exchange. ,.V. E. WyMaAn,
Perry, Lake Co , Ohio.
Cuas. Acuorn,” Rockland,' Meine, wants toyex-
change first-class Wilson Tern eggs with data, for
others in Same Condition. Send list and state number
wanted.
Fossils, Flint, pectolite, iron’'and.copper ore, plum-
bago, soil from Japan, China and Turk’s Island,
shells, picture cards, vegetable ivory from,Africa, to
exchange forg birds’ eggs. JAMES JUDD, 528 Will-
oughby Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. —ees
tial eesti
= Ocean curiosities, such as star fish, sea urchins,
shells, etc., minerals, magazines, amateur papers,
books, etc., will be given in exchange for all kinds of
coins, stamps (except U. S.) minerals and birds’ eggs;
correspondence desired. E. G Hartow, Lynn, Mass
‘; Ihave eggs to exchange with all collectors. List
on application. W. F. BEADMAN, Vineland,N. J.
HE YOUNG OOLOGIST
i 50c. Per YEAR.
el, No, 6. GAINES, N. Y., OCT. 1884, — {Pearshen Mowraty.
The Bobolink.
Leaving the swamp and coming out into
‘the broad meadows in the vicinity, I am
greeted by the newly-arrived Bobolink
(Dolichonyx oryzivorus).
It is difficult to
speak of the. Bobolink without going into
ecstasies. To say the least, le is the finest
bird of our fields and meadows. See him
“mount that stake by the roadside! Every
feather of his jet-black front is partially
raised, the elegant creamy-white patch on
the back of the head and neck is elevated
into a crest; his wings and scapulars, so
finely marked with white, are partially
extended; and as he pours forth his mar-
velous song, he waltzes gracefully to his
own music, turning slowly around, so that
the beholder may have a fair view of all
sides. Now he launches into the air, and—
half hovering—half flying—his song be-
comes even more resonant and penetrating ;
the loud, rich, liquid notes of his prolonged
and varied warble causing the air to vi-
brate over many acres of the open field.
The first tinkling tones are like those of a fine
musical box rapidly struck, then come the
longer drawn. notes as of a rich viol or
violin, and finally the sweet liquid, limpid,
gurgling squnds as of an exquisite bell-
toned piano lightly and skillfully touched.
These several different strains, variously
modulated, are uttered with a rapid, gush-
ing volubility, which to an untrained ear
might sound like the performance of a
whole chorus of songsters. As the strain
ceases, he drops down most gracefully with
elevated wings into the clover, or, grasp-
ing the elastic culms of the taller grasses,
swings proudly on his tiny perch. Each
individual adopts his own territory and
adheres to it, compelling his intruding
neighbor to retire to his own side of the
road or fence, and then returning to his
own domain with an air of independence and |
authority. Here he keeps up his proud antics
and charming melody some week or 10 days
before the female arrives. Only 7.50 long,
and very nearly the colors and marking of
a Sparrow—the lighter parts being simply
a little more yellowish—you would never
suspect her relation to such a gay consort.
He recognizes her at once, however, and
begins his ardent demonstrations. He
sings and waltzes to her, hovers in front
of her, fairly rending his throat in the
ardor of his musical performance ; and
when she in her coyness, real or feigned,
flees from him, he pursues her closely, and
they dash in and out of bushes, trees, and
fences with the most perilous speed. More
than once he slackens the chase for a few
minutes, alighting and throwing in a few
of his finest musical flourishes, and again
renews it as ardently as ever, till at length
he completely wins the object of his pas-
sion. Now they are seen together fora
short time, and then the modest female re-
tires among the clover and the taller
grasses of the luxuriant meadow, and,
scooping outa rather deep cavity in the
ground, arranges a frail, loose nest of dried
grasses, and lays her 5 eggs—averaging
about .90X.67, white tinged with brown,
spotted, blotched, and clouded with several
shades of brown, and also a neutral shade
of brownish-lilac. She adheres most close-
ly to her nest. In walking across the field
you may almost step on her before she will
leave her treasures. Then flying only a
few feet, she is instantly out of sight again ;
and unless you are a ready observer, or
have some knowledge of birds and _ nests,
you will be puzzled to know what you
have found. As the Bobolink raises but
one brood, and in the thick grass, some
time before the hay is cut, its nest is but
seldom seen by the farmer.
During the whole period of incubation
the male is one of the happiest of birds.
82 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Without any perceptible sense of care, or
|
of any misgiving, whatever, he keeps up
his gay performances of waltzing, flight,
and song, with but little intermission, his
beautiful figure adding greatly to the
charms of the summer landscape, and his
far-reaching melody harmonizing grandly
with the joyousness of the season, and
ever Cheering the husbandman in his long
hours of toil.
If the Bay-winged Sparrow is ‘‘the poet
of the plain, unadorned pastures,” the
Bobolink is the poet of the luxuriant
blooming meadows, announcing the beauty
and the promise of the fruit-blossoms, and
hymning the bright hues and the fragrance -
of the clover. It is the utterance of all
the youth and joy of spring—of an un-
bounded hilarity.
In due time the young appear, a thrifty
family, all clad in the plain but beautiful
habit of the female, having a great deal of
yellow, almost of bright yellow, on the
under parts. When they leave the nest
the parents show the greatest solicitude for
them, flitting about in the most excited
manner, and chipping loudly when their
domain is intruded upon.
The nest of the Bobolink being so well
hid away, and in parts little infested by
enemies, it would seem that the species
must sustain but a small loss during the
breeding season.
These birds have their casualties, how-
ever. Walking once over a meadow along
a stream, I saw a young Bobolink flutter-
ing over the edge of the water; and going
up to it, saw something like a good sized
stone just under it, which I imagined had
in some way fastened down the bird so
that it could not get away. Taking hold
of the supposed stone and lifting it out of
the water to free the bird, my friend accom-
panying me called out. ‘“‘a turtle!’ Sure
enough ! a large turtle had been holding
the bird by the foot, but relinquished it
on my interference. I do not know which
was the quickest, I to let go the turtle, or
the bird to fly away to the woods beyond.
Perhaps the bird, thinking this reptile a
stone, had lit on it to drink, and had thus |
been entrapped by the treacherous object.
About the 20th of August these birds are
gathered in flocks preparatory to migration.
By this time the old males have laid aside
the gay livery of the breeding season, and
appear as plain and sparrow-like as the
rest of the family. Imagine the chagrin
and disappointment of European bird fan-
ciers, in the early history of our country,
who, having captured Bobolink in all the
glory of the breeding season, beheld him
turn brown and spotted as a Sparrow and
become voiceless ere they reached the end
of their long voyage homeward! Nor
does this bird ever resume his bright colors
while caged. Exceedingly perplexing, too,
was this change of plumage to the first
students of American ornithology, who
Saw the males migrate in immense num-
bers to the north in spring, but saw none
return to the south in autumn.
As soon as the Bobolinks begin to flock
for their very leisurely fall migration. their
whole manner is entirely changed. Who
would imagine those immense flocks of
plain birds, flying high, and in the swift,
undulating manner of the Goldfinch, over
the marshes about Niagara river in August .
to be the same species which he saw enliv-
ening the meadows the spring before. That
plain and subdued note which it repeats
quite leisurely—guatt, quait, quait—could
give no clue to the voice of the same bird
a few weeks earlier. But fire into the*flock
as they alight among the weeds and grasses
after the manner of snowbirds in winter,
and like them, feed on seeds instead of in-
sects, and you will find them to be verita-
ble Bobolinks in excellent condition, and
not at all of mean appearance, clad in their
finely-marked suits of greenish yellow and
brown. These autumnal migrations con-
tinue through the day and the night, and
pretty much throughout the month of
August along Niagara river and along the
shores of our great lakes in its vicinity. In
the day-time even, one often hears the
familiar migratory note above given, with-
out being able to see the birds. On _ look-
ing carefully, however, one can see them
flying very high, seemingly scarcely more
ne
TE’ YOUNG ’*,OOLOGIST.
than dark specks against the sky.
As these birds move southward, they re-
ceive different names according to their
habits of diet. In eastern Pennsylvania,
where they feed on the seeds of the reeds
along the rivers, they are called Reed-birds,
and in the south, where they feed on the
rice, they are called Rice-birds.
Wintering beyond our boundaries, this
bird enters the Eastern United States in
large numbers, and reaching the Middle
States about the first of May, breeds from
thence northward to the Saskatchawan, and
west to the Rocky Mountains. To the
eastward, Mr. Smith reports it as breeding
adundantly in Maine; Mr. Chamberlain
gives it as acommon summer resident in
New Brunswick, particularly in the valley
of the St. John river, and I found it
plentiful last June in the Annapolis valley,
Novia Scotia, but did not see it elsewhere
in the Province. Mr. Maynard gives its
summer habitat between 38° and 40°.
Arriving in Western New York during the
first week in May, it reaches Maine about
the middle of that month, and New Bruns-
wick about the last.
On account of its short, thick Dill, this
bird was once called a Bunting, but its
general structure places it among the Marsh
Blackbirds or American Starlings; and
as its white markings are similar to those
of a Skunk, it has also been called the
Skunk Blackbird.—Hrom Rev. J. H. Lan-
gille’s ‘‘Our Birds in Their Haunts.”
a
Bachman’s Finch.
Peucea eetsivalis. ~
This species, I believe, is somewhat rare
and but llttle known, but this season I had
the good fortune to find them breeding
quite numerous among the rank grass in
old fields. They are somewhat shy in their
actions when flushed from the nest, run-
ning off a little way, beating the ground
with its wings and uttering a slight chirp-
ing sound, seeming all the time to be in
great distress. They build on the ground
in a slight hollow; nest composed of dry
grass and roots, nest nearly arched over,
they lay four white eggs, one-half inches
wide by three-quarters long. The first nest
I found was on May 18th; incubation far
83
advanced, therefore allowing for time of
building, laying of eggs, and advancement
of incubation, it stands to reason that they
commence to build about the last of April.
All the nests that I have ever found (and |
found nine (9) this season, in which all ex-
cept two, had young large enough to fly)
have been in the same field, and in nearly
every instance have been near a path, leav-
ing little doubt that they are sociable birds,
and prefer to breed incompany. ‘They do
not rise right off the nest, but seem to
run through the grass a little way before
flying, but by standing still and watching,
you will soon see the bird sneaking back,
and you will find the nest every time, at
least I have found it so. Whether they
remain with us the whole year or only
come from farther south to breed I am at
present unable to say.
T. D. PERRY.
SAVANAH, Ga., October, 1884.
<> -_______—
Dove vs. Robin.
Yesterday morning I climbed up an
apple tree to get some apples, and a Turtle
Dove flew out of the tree. I did not see
any nest belonging to that bird, but I found
a deserted Robin’s nest containing two
Dove’s eggs. The nest had no lining, but
was smoothly plastered inside with sand,
as Robins’ nests generally are. 1| did not
know that Doves laid their eggs in other
birds’ nests before.
Wood-peckers are plentiful around here,
and there area good many half rotten trees
for them to breed in.
THE YOUNG OoLoGIsT improves with
every number, I think, and could not well
do without it now. H. E. DzEats,
Flemington, N.J.
Col Be
Testimonial.
SEPT. 25, 1884.
Mr. F. H. Lattin:
DEAR SrrR—I think your paper is a very
good paper to insert exchange notices and
notices for selling collections, I having put
in a ‘‘for sale notice” and obtained a sale
in two days after issue. Yours truly
OTIS T. MOUNT,
JERSEY City, N. J.
{Mr. M. Informs us that he sold his col-
lection in the A. M. and his Y. O. did not
come until P.M. This is what we call
quick returns.
84 THE YOUNG OOLQGIST?,
A Day Among the Sea Birds of Maine.
On the fifteenth of June last a couple of
friends and myself started in a carriage for
Seal Harbor to see a fisherman and local
axidermist, whom we had engaged to
take us out to the islands. It was a glori-
ous day, and after our hour and a half
ride through the most beautiful section of
Maine, we arrived at the harbor (about 8
A.M). We immediately startéd for Little
Green, an Island about eight miles out to
sea, where the terns and petrels nest.
After rowing about a mile past the granite
quarries of Spriceand White Heads and vis-
iting anold deserted herony, a row necessa-
ry onaccount of the strong ebb tide, we
hoisted sail and the wherry just scudded
for the open sea. R. entertained us with
stories of his trips after water-fowl and
pointed out the different ledges where they
most congregate in Winter. His stories
held our close attention and so did some-
thing else not so pleasant, viz., rowing, for
our breeze died away and left us with
three miles of heavy pulling. When
about a quarter of a mile from the island
the Terns arose in clouds, hovering over
the island, and filling the air with their
discordant shrieks, cree-cree-cree-e-e, and
the Laughing Gull mocked us from his
safe-elevation with hoarse ha-ha-hah’s, at a
nearer approach the Sea Pigeons left their
nests, skimmed over the surface of the
water, a safe distance and there in pairs,
calmly floating on the water watched our
movements, then a Raven startled from his
feast of eggs, flew into the air, uttering his
harsh cry, but he was not the beautiful,
glossy, black Raven which is really a
handsome bird, for alas, his plumage had
become soiled, dirty, brown and _ torn,
many of his wing feathers were gone, and
his flight was feeble, the reason was evi-
dent for the moment he rose into the air
the whole cloud of Meds. rushed after him.
Poor bird, he could only scream, flap his
wings and try toescape. After we had
landed we saw him several times far away
with his crowd of Meds. about him try-
ing in vain to escape. But now we turned
our attention to collecting eggs; first, we
went for the Terns, these we collected in
our hats, and as a consequence mine was a
little the worse afterward. On Little
Green the Terns, although many build
on the ground, generally lay on the bare
ledges where the sun is hot, and on the
pebbles of the, beach, where the eggs easily
escape detection; sometimes the nest will
be well formed in the sand, or a bunch of
sea-weed will hold the eggs, but generally
no attempt at a nest is made, and the eggs
are quite often dropped below high-water
mark. But on Fisherman’s Island, they
generally build a nest, which isa hollow
in the ground, lined with coarse weeds,
and generally contains three eggs, some-
times four. In a short time we had ob-
tained all the eggs we wanted, and after
eating our dinner, turned our attention to
the Petrels. We hunted around and found
some old tree trunks which had lain fer
years, until they had settled deep into the
ground. These we overturned for the Pet-
trels’ nests, the Petrel digs a furrow a
foot or two deep beneath some old tree or
ledge, hollows out the extremity, makes a
rude nest, and deposits one egg only, one ~
pure white egg, somewhat resembling a
pigeon’s, rounded at both ends and some-
times having fine flesh tinted dots arranged
about the larger end. Under some trees
we found several nests, and the birds were
always at home. This necesitated the
unpleasant part of collecting. They could
not be driven from their nests, and so we
took them by the tail and tossed them into
the air, whereupon they took wing. and
flew away, but many, like Bo-Peep’s
sheep, ‘“‘left their tails behind them,” In
my eagerness to get one off the nest I
seized it by the head, but I dropped him
quick, for the creature did what R. warned
us against, used its weapon of defense,
squirted into my handa thimble full of oily
liquid, which had a most disgusting, sick-
ening odor, secondly, if second, to that of
the skunk. This musky odor is almost
impossible to be removed, the eggs emit it,
and those which I collected on that day
still retain it. The oilissues from the nos-
~ ere a & >
Se ae ae ee
Mipete
tril above the beak, and can be ejected to
Sometimes we |
found two birds in one nest, but in such a |
-_a distance of several feet.
case no egg was found, while one bird was
always accompanied with one egg, so
probably the male attends his mate until
the egg is laid, and then leaves.
and eggs don’t accumulate very fast at the
rate of one ata time, so we thought we would
try to find some other kinds. A diligent
search in the rush hummock revealed but
one egg of the Laughing Gull, and but two |
sets of Sandpipers. This was disgusting,
and the mockiug laugh of the Gull sound-
ed then, anything but pleasant.
rocks of the shore, peering under the
ledges and rocks for Sea Pigeons, and we
felt well repaid with four nests and six
eggs, for they are very large and hand-
some. Then we were ready to go home,
_ but if we had to row going we had to row
much harder and further returning, but
stories made the time pass pleasantly, and we
gathered many hints which will be of ser- |
vice to us in our collecting next year. |
After our arrival at the shore we took sup- |
per with our host, once more looked over
his birds, started for home, tired but happy
“and well pleased with our day’s work. We
voted R.a good fellow and agreed that |
our pleasantest day of the season had just
been passed. We got home about 9 P. M., |
and went to bed to dream of Gulls, Terns |
and Petrels. Cuas. ACHORN,
Rockland, Maine.
——<_<_<__4+ > o—_
Reunion of Hawks.
As I was passing from the house to the
barn on Sept. 18th I chanced to look at the |
sky and noticed four or five hawks, but on
a closer examination found there was a
large flock in three clusters. The two
largest contained about ninety each and
the less seventy-five. These were followed
by what might be called a rear-guard of |
fifteen or twenty. They were moving to-
ward the south, with that circular move- |
ment common to hawks, especially when
searching for prey. I think I am safe in
saying that there were fully three hundred.
Is it common for hawks to congregate in
this way ? FL D.
‘ Sharon, Wis.
But it |
was awful hard work getting their nests, |
For the |
~ next half hour we broke our knees on the |
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 85
Queries Answered.
G. H., PorrsmourH, Va.—In regard
to some of the local names which you use,
would say that the Shite-Poke is Green
Heron, the Rain Crow is the Yellow-
billed Cuckoo, the Jackdaw is the Boat-
tailed Grackle, and the Lettuce bird (of
some localities at least) is the Blue Gros-
beak.
H. W. H.—There are many dealers in
Natural History specimens and supplies in
the United States, each of which, asa rule,
make some particular branch a specialty,
and with the larger dealers each have their
specialty in which they excel any other
dealer. We cannot give the names and
addresses of dealers in this column. Our
advertising rates are low, and we would
be pleased to have any reliable dealer give
THE YouNG OoLoGeist a trial.
F. H. M., Hotyoxe, Mass.—The nest
and eggs of the birds which you describe
as given below are those of the Great
Crested Flycatcher.
‘“The nest was found June 7 near West-
fiield. It was ina holeinan apple tree,
20 feet from the ground, and composed of
cast-off snake skin and a few pieces of hay.
The eggs were 6 in number, .86x .83 in
size, and are difficult to describe. The
ground color is buff, which is marked
lengthwise by purplish brown, mixed with
others of a lighter tint. The markings ap-
pear to be done with a pen or scratched
with a sharp instrument, and and are more
confluent near the larger end.”
C. De L. A., SourHineton, Conn.—
The bird you desire named is the Yellow-
billed Cuckoo. Chipping Sparrow is the
name for the bird you call ‘‘Chippy.”’
L. M. D., NEwsureH, O.—A set of
eggs is not complete unless it contains all
of theeggs taken from the nest. Should a
collector find a nest containing the eggs
of the Cow-bird in addition to those of the
owner, to have the set complete it would be
necessary to keep the eggs of both species.
Boot A.,.N.. oe Orry..—The Weld
Sparrow is the smallest of our spaisrows.
Its nest is placed either in a low bush or on
the ground, and contains four or five whit-
86 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
ish eggs, speckled with reddish brown,
average dimensions about .69 x .50 in.
The white ground color of these eggs usu-
ally has a slight greenish tinge. This
Sparrow is quite common in Eastern U. §.
The Marsh Hawk is found throughout
North America. Its nest is placed on the
ground in some marshy locality.
H. C. L., Hanrorp, Cau.—The bird
commonly called ‘‘Wild Canary” in your
section is, from your description, Lawren- |
ce’s Goldfinch.
J. W. G. JR., GAMBIER, O.—Nesting
Season proper will begin in your latitude
during the early part of April. Nests of
our early breeders, such as the Shore
Lark, Woodcock, and some of the larger
Owls can be found in March, while the
nest of the Great Horned Owl should be
sought after in February.
L. D., Lircarrep, Minn.—The Boat-
tailed Grakle birds in the South Atlantic
and Gulf States, its eggs average larger
than those of either the Bronzed or Purple
Grakle. In the two last named species
and variety the ground color of the
eggs is a Sort of a greenish or blue-
ish color, while that of the Boat-tailed is
either a greenish or purplish white. The
large, long-legged bird, so commonly
called ‘‘crane”’ or ‘‘blue crane,” is the
Great Blue Heron.
A. H. G., Urica, N. Y., AND OTHERS.—
American Goldfinch is the correct name of
the bird which breeds so frequently in
many localities during the months of July
and August. Its nest is composed of
some soft, downy material, usually thistle-
down. Eggs are from four to six in num-
ber, of a bluish white color. This bird is
commonly called the ‘Thistle Bird, ‘‘Yel-
low-bird,” ‘‘Wild Canary,” &c.
J. H. B., Dayton, O.—The term ‘“‘set-
mark,” as used in the data blank signifies
the number, letter or charactcr you have
placed on each egg of one clutch to dis-
tinguish them from the eggs of another
clutch of the same species.
E. C. P., SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—Egegs
sent for identification were: 1. Shore
Lark. 2. Western Lark Finch. 3. Field
Sparrow,
“P. D. Q.,” Monirz. ALA.—From the
specimens which we receive we think the
Orchard Oriole must be much more plenti-
ful in the South than the Baltimore. ‘The
eggs of the Baltimore Oriole are larger,
ground color ‘whiter, and markings more
of a scrawling nature than those of the
Orchard.
A. B..H., Scortsyvinie, NP y= we
American Coot is the ‘‘Mudhen of our
inland Lakes and rivers. ‘‘White-billed
Mud-hen” is also a common name for the
above bird. The bird known as the ‘‘Salt-
water Mud-hen” is the Clapper Rail.
L. L. C., Unton City, Conn.—Grass
Finch is the name of the bird known in
your vicinity, as the ‘‘Potatoe Bird.”
[Mr. C. states that the nest of Grass
Finch is so frequently found in his neigh-
borhood ina potatoe hill that the above
name is given it. ]
G. D. P., Estes Park, Cot.—The breed-
ing range of the Black-billed Magpie in the
United States is from the Plains to the Pacific
with the exception of California. In this
state it is replaced by the Yellow-billed, Pica
nuttali. In regard to the Western Yellow-
bellied Flycatcher I would say that, asarule
the nest is not far fromthe ground. I now
have a nest of this variety before me which
was taken from a little ledge five feet from
the ground on the inside of a hollow Pla-
tamus tree, at Haywood, Cal. The nest is
a loose structure composed of small root-
tets, small shreds of bark, from grass and
weed stalks, and is lined with fine grass.
The outer portion of the side of the nest
which was placed next to the ledge was
composed of rotten reed stalks, leaves in-
termingled with spider webs or a worm’s
nest, doubtless to hold the nest more secure-
ly tothe rotten wood to which it was
attached. This nest is perhaps more care-
lessly constructed than that of our com-
mon King bird, and is decidedly below par
asa thing of beauty. The eggs, five in
number, are white, having a slight tinge of
cream, sparsely speckled with. reddish
= =
’
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
brown. These specks are quite thick at the
larger end and on some specimens become
nearly confluent.
Average measurements .68X.53 inches.
The eggs are readily distinguishable from
those of the other Flycatchers, with the
exception of the eastern variety of this
species, whose eggs are identical (we have
gets of both varieties to which the identifi-
cation is positive.)
P. McF. B., AtrLAN?TA, Ga.—The bird
that is often called ‘‘Red-bird,” ‘‘Scarlet
_ Sparrows etc., in the south, of which you
give the following description, is the Sum-
mer Red-bird.
‘The male bird is about the size of a Cat-
bird, he is red colored and has a crest on
the back of his head.
yellowish color, without the crest. The
nest is very simple in construction, being
always placed on a horizontal limb of a
scrub tree, generally an oak. it is built of
twigs, lined with a yellowish straw. The
eggs are about the size of a Red-headed
Woodpecker’s egg, and of the same coloras a
Chipping Sparrows, thickly spotted and
blotched around the large end with brown-
ish blotches.
in regard to Sparrows query see answer
to E. T. A, New York city.
- J. E. McK., PotnuapELPuta, Pa.—The
Fish Crow is smaller than our common
Crow, and is a martime bird, a habitant of
the south Atlantic and Gulf Coast, in the
south east, and of the Pacific Coast from |
Oregon to Alaska in the northwest.
= i 2
Take Notice.
The eggs of Lawrence’s Goldfinch are
not blue. Various California collectors
have sent Arkansas Goldfinch eggs broad-
cast over the country under the name of
Lawrence’s. We have had numbers of
blue ones sent us, but coming from collec-
tors who did not take skins as well as eggs,
we always refused them. We lately re-
ceived white eggs from an esteemed collec-
tor, and in reply to a note written by us to
William Brewster, he writes, “The eggs
of Lawrence’s Goldfinch are always pure
white, despite what Coues affirms in his new
“Key.’”—Random Notes on Natural His-
tory.
The female is of a |
87
An Oological Surprise.
ee On the 21st of July a friend gave me an
egg of the chipping sparrow. It had been
droped into the grass and shaken, but not
broken. I wraped it in cotton and put it
into a’small tin box, as I was just starting
out collecting and had not time to blow it
then. The next morning when*I opened
the box the large end of*the egg came off
and there was a young bird with open
mouth asking for breakfast. It was taken
back to the nest. M. C.
Eau Claire, Wis.
+ 2
Late Nesting—Ground Dove.
I found a nest of the Ground Dove in a
orange tree, six feet from the ground on
Sept. 11th, incubation advanced. The nest
was composed of a few straws and grasses
placed on the top of an old Mocking-bird’s
nest. In this locality the Ground Dove
usually nests on the ground. Their nest
usually consists of a slight cavity scratched
in the ground, lined with grass and roots.
Should you go near the nest the old bird
will fly off and flutter around asif she had
broken her wing, in fact, I have seen per-
sons try to catch them. I have found their
nests as early as May Ist. But few birds
lay here later than June, and with this ex-
ception I have never taken eggs later than
July.
If any collector has ever found a nest
later,than Sept. 11 let us hear from them
through this paper. J. 8...
Tampa, Fla.
we
Doubtless hundreds of our readers have
noticed the advertisement of Mr. W. W.
Osgoodby, which appears in the Youne
OoLoaist. Mr. O. has been the official
stenographer for ‘the New York Supreme
Court for the last 22 years. And we, hav-
ing faith and fully believing that he will
do just what he says he will in his circulars
and advertisement, most cordially endorse
the following extract from the Rochester
Commercial Review: ‘We stake our repu-
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cisely as he advertises. Mr. Osgoodby is
not only all his advertisement claims for
him, as a reporter, but he is one of the re-
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Everybody who wishes a knowledge of
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88
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
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WE have just received a copy of Rev.
J. H. Langille’s “Our Birds im: their
Haunts,” and are delighted with the con-
tents. It has been Mr. L’s. aim to write a
book on birds for everybody in which we
think he has more than succeeded. The
article on the Bobolink, which we give in
this number of the YouNG OoLoaistT, is
only a fair sample of hundreds of similar
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wish our readers to pay especial attention
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and know that he will give our friends 100
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their Haunts” and are not fully satisfied
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than they paid for it in exchange. We
make this offer in order to aid Mr. L. in
the dissemination of his valuable work.
Perhaps it will be needless to add that we
do not expect a single copy offered us in
exchange, but if there is we are ready to
stand by any offer we may make.
i ior
Late Nesting.
P. B., of Atlanta, Ga., finds a nest of
the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, containing one
fresh egg on the 24th of August.
W, B. P,, of Decatur, Mich., found a
Quail’s nest containing 18 eggs, incubation
far advanced, on the 5th of September.
_ — — ——
NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS
Who Received Seventy-Nine of the One
Hundred Presents Given
September, 1884.
The subscribers whose names and places
of residence are given below, are those who
received seventy-nine of the one hundred
valuable prizes offered for obtaining the
largest number of subscribers for the
Younea Oonoaist between May Ist and
- August 20, 1884.
These presents were given in addition to
a premium worth 20 cents or a cash com-
mission of 15 cents for each name sent by
them, Whether it has paid our friends to
work for us or not, our readers can decide
for themselves. Opposite each name the
number of subscriptions is given that the
subscriber obtained.
Twenty-five dollars in cash—John T. Nien-
trimp, Rochester, N. Y., 29.
Twenty dollars worth of specimens—H. W.
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Fifteen dollars worth of specimens—H. W. |
Davis, North Granville, N. Y., 20.
Ten dollars in cash—Geo. W. Tripp, Adri-
an, Mich., 20.
Hight dollars worth of specimens—T. H.
Spaulding, Albion, N. Y., 16.
Five dollars in cash—Geo. Phillips, Ster-
ling, Il., 10.
Samuel's Birds of New England, worth
four dollars—Ned. K. Swigart. Toledo,
m;- 10.
International Stamp Album, worth two |
jifty—C. E. Stowe, Ashburnham, Mass., 5.
International Stamp Album, worth one |
Jifiy—A. M. Shields, Los Angeles, Cala., 4. |
Ingersoll’s Birds’ Nesting, worth one twenty-
jiwe—Charlie Cook, Syracuse, N. Y., 4.
Manton’s Tazxidermyt, fifty cents each.—
Lincoln Rappleye, Trumansburg,
ie 4,
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iN,
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
89
|
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gO
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iV Se ees Be
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5 ee B
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Egg Drills, 12 cents each—Not competi-
tors enough to win the last twenty-one
prizes.
eS
Egging in a California Swamp.
I see so much interesting reading matter
in your paper from eastern correspondents
I thought it would not be amiss to let
them know what we can do out here in
the way of egging.
It was an early morning about the mid-
dle of June that two friends and myself
procured a light spring wagon and set out
for a lake called ‘‘ Nigger Slough.”” Why
it is called this I cannot say, unless it is
the unusual darkness of the water, caused
by a large amount of alkali in its general
composition.
We reached the lake at 8 o’clock, having
made the drive of over fourteen miles in
less than three hours.
The view which met our gaze was beau-
tiful in the extreme—before us stretched
the beautiful expanse of placid, sparkling
water, lined here with a dense wall of tall
green reeds, nodding with a polite ‘‘ good-
morning” to the golden sun just beginning
to make itself conspicuous from its con-
cealment behind a lofty cloud of ‘‘morn-
ing mist;” again the eye is charmed by
twining, curling banksof green, here and
there intercepted by a group of graceful
drooping willows, which would ever and
anon dip their emerald boughs into the
graceful ‘‘love me still” air; the otherwise
solitary scene is enlivened by the swarms
of splashing, noisy water fowl, which seem
to live for their own enjoyment.
But this is straying too far from my sub-
ject; my readers will begin to question
whether I am eulogizing on the beauties of
nature, or going on a fishing expedition.
To return: One of my companions soon
procured a small skiff and we all embarked
and began to penetrate the masses of dark
waving Tules or Sedge. We could not
row on account of the Tules, but easily
pushed the boat along by placing the oar
on the sandy bottom and pushing oufselves
along.
The first two or three nests were Coots,
which contained from seven to fifteen eggs
each; then, to add variety to the scene we
would now and then run across a nest of ©
the Little Grebe with its contents of seven
little eggs, snugly hid from view by being
covered over with a layer of dead Tules
and decaying grasses, (indeed it has puz-
zled me when this curious little water-
fowl] sits on her eggs, as I have never yet
found a nest that was not snugly covered
over and hidden from view, as just de-
scribed). Then, after a long interval, dur-
ing which we would literally ‘‘scoop in”
the Coot eggs, we would find a fine set of
from seven to fourteen Redhead’s eggs and
Swamp Wrens; without exaggeration I have
stood at one spot and counted over a dozen
nests at one time. We continued in this
manner until the setting sun, casting its
long reflective shadows across the water
warned us that it was time to make our
departure, and thus ended our days sport,
resulting in the possession of over 500
Coots eggs; several dozen Redheads, Grebes,
Swamp Wrens and Red-winged Black-
birds without end; this is one days’ hunt
out of many. It is true this is one of the
most successful, in which I have been en-
gaged, but I could tell of many more
which were very profitable as well as in-
termingled with the varied experience of a
practical ‘‘field collector.”
A. M. SHIELDs.
ae
fb
*: Se gr)
Old ‘‘ Put” and the Bird’s Nest.
_ The boys of revolutionary times were
' very much like the boys of to-day.
¥
e
General Israel Pntnam, who is the hero
of all ‘‘Young America” for his breakneck
ride down the cliffs and his adventure in
the wolf’s den, was a ‘‘bird’s-nester” in his
|
:
_ is sent us by a friend :
_ Putnam’s early days were spent as those
of most boys placed in his situation in life.
| One of his favorite amusements was ‘‘bird-
nesting.” The hunts for the nests were fol-
lowed in company, and Putnam was
always the leader.
‘Qn one occasion he and his companions
came across a fine nest, which lodged on a
| fine branch of a very high tree. There was
no way of reaching the nest except by
climbing (which was very difficult), and
venturing out on the branch, which, nine
| chances to one, would break under the
weight of the robber. No one would ven-
ture. Putnam regarded the nest and limb
in silence for some moments, and at length
said :
“Yd wager that there is not a boy for
ten miles around that can get that nest.”
| All agreed with him.
_ “Tl try it,” said he, deliberately taking
off his jacket and rolling his pantaloons up
| to his knees. His companions tried to dis-
:
:
f
z
suade him, but to no purpose. Go he
would.
“Tl fancy that: one of the king’s strong-
holds,” said Putnam, ‘“‘and may I be
blessed if I don’t take it-” ++
The tree was ascended—The limb gained.
Putnam placed his foot upon it, and it
cracked. He ventured a foot further; the
limb bent low, and a warning murmur
rose from the boys below—and Putnam
persevered. His fingers touched the wished
for prize, and just as he cried, ‘I’ve got
it,” the limb broke clear off, and he fell—
but not to the ground. His pantaloons
caught in one of the lower limbs, and his
head hung downward.
_ “Put, are you hurt?” asked one of the
boys.
ee ee
A ‘
boyhood. The following anecdote of him |
. THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
yl
‘“Not hurt,” answered the undaunted
heart, ‘‘but sorely puzzled how to get
down.”
“We can’t cut away the limb, because
we have got no knife.”’
‘““T can’t stay here till you get one.”
‘We'll strike a light and burn the tree
down.”
‘““Ay, and smother me in the smoke.
That won't do.”
There was a boy named Randall in the
group, who was noted for being a crack
marksman, and who afterwards fought
bravely by Putnam’s side. Him Putnam
addressed :
‘Jim Randall, there’s a ball in your
rifle?”
tes fe
‘Do you see that a very little limb holds
me here?”
Laon
‘* Fire at it.”
‘What, to cut you down?”
“Of course,”
‘‘ But I might strike your head,”
“Shoot! Better blow out my _ brains
than see me die here, which I shall do in
fifteen minutes. Shoot!’
‘But you will fall.”
‘* Jim Randall, will you fire?”
The sharp crack of the rifle rang through
the forest, the splinters flew, and Putnam
fell upon the ground. He was severely
bruised, but laughed the matter off, and
nothing more was thought of it. Drawing
the nest from his pocket, he said :
‘* Here is that nest; I said I would have
it, and no one should see me fail.’’
Oe
In regard to the Mallard and Ruddy
Ducks laying in the same nest as men-
tioned among the Jottings in the last num-
ber of Younc Oo.toaist by E. 8S. C., Hu-
ron, D. T. We might add the following
similar instance.
In our collection we have a set of five
eggs of the Cinnamon Teal, collected by
Chas. E. Aiken, near Ft. Garland, Colo.,
July 12th, 1875, on the back of the data
blank which accompanies the set, the col-
lector add: ‘‘In the same nest with these
eggs (the Cinnamon Teal) were three larger
ones of a different species—probably Mal-
lard’s.” Mr. Aiken also says in regard to
this nest: ‘“The nest was reached by wade-
ing about 200 yards through mud and
water waist deep.”
92 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
To Advertisers.
Owing to our limited space heretofore it |
|
|
|
|
has been impossible for us to exchange or |
even solicit advertisements. But in the |
future, as our cover will give us three or |
four more pages for your use, we most re-
spectfulky request you to send us a copy of |
your ‘‘ad.” and let us give you our figures. |
We will give you a good discount from
udvertised rates.
2
Wisconsin Birds.
The following is a list of Wisconsin
birds, mostly prepared from. my notes, on |
Ornthology and Oology, taken during the
last five years in the central and eastern
parts of the state. I have placed a single
dagger (+) before the names of birds found
to be rare, a double dagger ({) before very
rare species, and before migrants an aster-
isk (*)
American Robin.
Wood Thrush.
Hermit Thrush.
Gray Cheeked Thrush.
Olive-backed Thrush.
Wilson’s Thrush.
Catbird.
Brown Thrush.
Bluebird.
* 10 Ruby Crowned Kinglet.
* 11 Golden Crested Kinglet.
12 Blue Gray Gnat-catcher.
13 Black-capped Chickadee.
14 Hudson’s Bay Titmouse.
15 White-bellied Vuthatch.
* + 16 Red-bellied Vuthatch.
17 Brown Creeper.
18 House Wren.
19 Long-billed Marsh Wren.
20 Winter Wren.
21 Short-billed Marsh Wren.
22 Shore Lark.
* 23 American Titlark.
24 Black and White Creeper.
* 25 Blue Yellow-backed Warbler.
t 26 Worm-eating Warbler.
+ 27 Blue Golden-winged Warbler.
PG
*
+
CMAIAOokWeH
++
* 28 Nashville Warbler.
* 29 Orange-crowned Warbler.
30 Tennessee Warbler.
31 Summer Yellow-bird.
* 32 Black-throated Green Warbler.
* 33 Black-throated Blue Warbler.
* 34 Cerulean Warbler.
* 35 Yellow-rumped Warbler.
* 36 Blackburian Warbier.
* 37 Black-poll Warbler.
* 38 Bay-breasted Warbler.
* 39 Chestnut-sided Warbler.
* 40 Black and Yellow Warbler.
* 41 Red-poll Warbler.
42 Pine-creeping Warbler.
* 43 Cape May Warbler.
44 Golden-crowned Thrush.
45 Small-billed Water Thrush.
* 46 Connecticut Warbler.
i Maryland Yellow-throat.
48 Mourning Warbler.
Golden-breasted Chat.
50 Hooded Warbler.
ns
a
ce
51 Black-capped Yellow Warbler.
k
|
we
* 52 Canadian Fly-catching Warbler. |
58 American Redstart.
54 Scarlet Tanager.
55 Barn Swallow.
56 White-bellied Swallow.
d7 Cliff Swallow.
58 Bank Swallow.
+ 59 Rough-winged Swallow.
60 Purple Martin.
* 61 Northern Waxwing.
62 Cedar Waxwing.
63 Warbling Vireo.
64 Red-eyed Vireo.
* 65 Philadelphia Warbler.
66 Yellow-throated Vireo.
+ 67 Blue-headed Vireo.
68 White-eyed Vireo.
- + * 69 Great Northern Shrike.
70 White-rumped Shrike.
71 Evening Grosbeak.
72 Pine Grosbeak.
73 Purple Finch.
74 American Crossbill.
75 White-winged Crossbill.
76 Common Red-poll.
+ 77 White-rumped Red-poll.
78 Pine Goldfinch.
79 American Goldfinch.
80 Snow Bunting.
81 Lapland Longspur.
82 Smith’s Longspur.
83 Savannah Sparrow.
84 Grass Finch.
85 Yellow-winged Sparrow.
- .
*k——
* 86 Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Finch).
87 Lark Finch.
88 English Sparrow.
* 89 White-crowned Sparrow.
90 White-throated Sparrow.
* 91 Tree Sparrow.
92 Chipping Sparrow.
93 Clay-colored Sparrow.
+ 94 Field Sparrow.
* 95 Black Snowbird.
96 Song Sparrow.
97 Swamp Sparrow.
*
+ * 98 Lincoln’s Finch.
+ * 99 Fox-colored Sparrow.
* 100 Chewink Towhee.
+ 101 Cardinal Grosbeak.
102 Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
103 Indigo Bunting.
104 Black-throated Bunting.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
————
ie
.
* 113
- 114 Brewer’s Blackbird.
+ 122
» 184
» 186
+ 142
105 Bobolink.
106 Cowbird.
107 Yellow-headed Blackbird.
108 Red and Buff-shouldered Black-
bird.
109 Meadow Lark.
110 Western Meadow Lark.
* 111 Orchard Oriole.
112 Baltimore Oriole.
Rusty Blackbird.
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
121
Purple Grackle.
American Raven.
Common Crow.
Black-billed Magpie.
Blue Jay.
Canada Blue Jay.
Great Crested Fly-Catcher.
Phoebe Bird.
Olive-sided Fly-catcher.
Wood Pewee.
Traill’s Fly-catcher.
Least Fly-catcher.
Ruby-throated Humming-Bird.
Chimney Swift.
W hip-poor-will.
Night Hawk.
Hairy Woodpecker.
Downy Woodpecker.
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
182
pecker.
133 Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.
pecker.
Pileated Woodpecker.
Red-bellied Woodpecker.
Red-headed Woodpecker.
Yellow-shafted Flicker.
Belted Kingfisher.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
Btack-billed Cuckoo.
American Barn Owl.
American Long-eared Owl.
American Short-eared Owl.
Barred Owl.
Great Grey Owl.
Richardson’s Owl.
Saw-whet Owl.
Screech Owl.
Great Horned Owl.
Snowy Owl.
American Hawk Owl.
135
137
138
139
140
141
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
’ *153 Peregrine Falcon. .
154 Pigeon Hawk.
155 Sparrow Hawk.
156 Fish Hawk; American Osprey.
157 Swallow-tailed Kite.
158 Marsh Hawk.
159 Cooper’s Hawk.
160 Sharp-shinned Hawk.
161 American Goshawk.
162 Red-tailed Hawk.
163 Red-shouldered Hawk.
* + 164 Swainson’s Hawk.
~
Black-backed Three-toed Wood- |
Banded backed Three-toed W ood-
|
|
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
178
++
+ *226
* 207
Broad-winged Hawk.
American Rough-legged Hawk.
Golden Eagle.
Bald Eagle.
Turkey Buzzard.
Passenger Pigeon.
Mourning Dove.
Canada Grouse.
Ruffed Grouse.
Prairie Hen.
Common Sharp-tailed Grouse.
American Duck.
Great Blue Heron.
American Egret.
Green Heron.
Black-crowned Night Heron.
American Bittern.
Least Bittern.
Wood Ibis.
Turnstone.
Black-bellied Plover.
5)» American Golden Plover.
Killdeer.
Semipalmated Plover.
Piping Plover.
American Woodcock.
Wilson’s Snipe.
Stilt Sandpiper.
Robin Snipe.
Purple Snipe.
Pectoral Sandpiper.
) Bonaparte’s Sandpiper.
} Baird’s Sandpiper.
Least Sandpiper.
Red-backed Sandpiper.
Semipalmated Sandpiper.
Sanderling Sandpiper.
Marbled Godwidt.
2 Hudsonian Godwit.
Greater Yellow-legs.
Yeliow Legs.
Solitary Sandpiper.
Willet.
i Bartram’s Sandpiper.
Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
Spotted Sandpiper.
Long-billed Curlew.
Hudsonian Curlew.
Red Phalarope.
Northern Phalarope.
4 Wilson’s Phalarope.
American Avocet.
Black-necked Stilt.
Belding’s Rail.
Virginian Rail.
Sora Rail.
Little Yellow Rail.
Florida Gallinule.
American Coot.
Whooping Crane.
Sand-hill Crane.
Whistling Swan.
Trumpeter Swan.
Blue-winged Goose.
904 THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
* 228 Snow Goose.
229 Lesser Snow Goose.
* 230 American White-fronted Goose.
* 231 Canada Goose.
* 232 Hutchin’s Goose.
+ *233 Brandt.
234 Mallard.
235 Black Mallard.
* 236 Gadwall.
Pintail.
* 288 Baldpate.
* 289 Shoveller.
240 Blue-winged Teal.
241 Green-winged Teal
242 Wood Duck.
+ *243 Scaup Duck.
* 244 Little Blackhead.
245 Ring-billed Blackhead.
* 246 Canvas-back.
* 247 Red-head.
248 Butterball.
+ 249 Harlequin Duck.
250 Long-tailed Duck.
* 251 Ruddy Duck.
* 252 American Sheldrake.
+ *253 Red-breasted Sheldrake.
254 Hooded Sheldrake.
* 255 American Pelican.
* 256 Double-breasted Comorant.
+ *257 Glaucous Gull.
+ 258 American Herring Gull.
* 229 Ring-billed Gull.
* 260 Bonaparte’s Gull.
261 Forster’s Tern.
* 262 Common Tern.
263 Black Fern.
+ 264 American Red-necked Grebe.
+ *265 Horned Grebe.
266 Eared Grebe.
267 Thick-billed Grebe.
268 Loon.
{ 269 Black-throated Diver.
270 Red-throated Diver.
C. McCoiuvum,
Twinn Bluffs, Wis.
Aa RS Se
Ca)
(Ju)
~
Showy and Desirable Eggs at Lower
Rates than Ever Before
Offered.
Unless so stated inthe November Youne
OoLocist these low rates will be cancelled
November 15th.
Owing to the fact that we now have
thousands of the following eggs, rather
than to carry so large a stock we have de-
cided to give our friends an opportunity to
purchase at one-half usual rates. These
eggs are among the most desirable ever
offered for collectors desiring showy eggs ;
for young collectors, or to be used in mak-
Mocking-Bird - - - 10°
Brown Thrasher - - - - 05 —
House Wren - - . : 08 |
Long-billed Marsh Wre 2) io ET
Summer Yellow Bird - - - 08
Cedar Bird - - : 2 : 10
Purple Martin - - : . 20
Cliff Swallow - : L - - 05
Bank Swallow - : - E 05 —
Crimson House Finch — - - - 15.
American Goldfinch - : 08.
Lark Finch - - - - - 20
Cardinal Grosbeak - - - 15]
‘Rose-breasted Grosbeak - - : 25 |
Cala. Brown Towhee - - - 20.
Painted Bunting — - . - - 20
Yellow-headed Blackbird _ - - 20
Texan Orchard Oriole’ - - - 15
Purple Grakle~ - : - - 08 |
Common Crow - - - - 10.
Blue-Jay — - : - - - 08
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - : 20 |
Kingbird - - - - - 06—
Pewee) = - a 8 oe . 06.
Yellow-shafted Flicker - - 06
Mourning Dove - - - - 08
Ground Dove - 50
Wild Turkey - - - - 1.00
Texan Quail - - - : - 20
Cala. Quail - . - . . - BDI
Snowy Heron - - - . . 25 |
ing exchanges, collectors wishing to avail §
themselves of these low rates, should not
delay in sending in their order, as we can-
not agree to fill them at these prices after
November 15.
All orders will be filled promptly, and
forwarded by return mail or express, AT
MY RISK, POSTAGE OR EXPRESS CHARGES
PREPAID.
SPECIAL RATES UNTIL NOV. 15.
Collectors sending us 25c can select from
the following list eggs to the amount of 30c.
Collectors sending us 50c can select from
the following list eggs to the amount of 70c.
Collectors sending us $1,00 can select
from the following list eggs to the amount
of $1.50.
Collectors sending us $3.00 can select
from the following list eggs to the amount
of $5.00.
Collectors sending us $5.00 can select
from the following list eggs to the amount
of $7.00. |
Collectors sending us $12.00 can select
from the following list eggs to the amount
of $25.00.
Remit at once by draft on N, Y., money
order or postal note on Gaines, N. Y., or by
registered letter.
Louisiana Heron - : s : 25
Little Blue Heron - - - - 20
mone riover =" - » - =; 50
potted Sandpiper - - - - 20
|'Plorida Gallinule - . - 15
American Coot - - - - 15
\[Redhead — - : - - . 50
American Hider - : - . 40
(Ruddy Duck - : - - 1.50
own Pelican - : - - 20
Double-crested Cormorant - - 40
orida Cormorant - - - - 30
Brandt’s Cormorant - - - 1.00
||\Baird’s Cormoront - - : «6° 4200
¢Black Skimmer - - - - 30
American Herring Gull - - - 30
Laughing Gull - ; th Me 25
\|Royal Tern” - See : 40
|}Porester’s Tern - a . 30
Common Tern - - - - - 12
\|}Arctic Tern - : : - 15
“Roseate Tern - : - - - 18
ibeast Tern - - - - - 12
| Leach’s Petrel - - - - 25
Common Guillemont - -~— - 35
\/Cala. Guillemont - - - : 40
| Bronzed Cowbird - - - 1.50
\Great-tailed Grakle- - - - 60
.|Parauque Goat-sucker A a 5.00
|| Groove-billed{Crotophaga pi ee) BOO
' Ocellated Turkey et : ae 4.00
NGuinea Fowl - - - = - 10
Summer Redbird- — - - 35
\ Carolina Wren Sea eam 25
| Red-headed Woodpecker - - 15
4 Alligator - - - : ’ é 30
4 Western Gull 4 : : - 75
Two SPECIAL OFFERS TO ENLARGE
We will give 25 cents worth of the above
eggs for every new subscriber you will send
us for the Youne Ooxoeist before Nov.
| 15, 1884. These subscriptions will count
towards the valuable prizes to be given
January ist.
No. 2:
For $1.00 we will send one dollar’s worth
Any of our present subscribers wishing
to avail themselves of this offer can have
i years’ subscription. Address, plainly,
FRANK H. LATTIN,
GAINES, N. Y.,
Orleans Co.
i THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. 95
Exchanges and Wants.
Brief special announcements, ** Wants,” ‘*Ex-
changes,” inserted in this department for 25 cents per
2s words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate
of one-half cent per word. No notice inserted for less
than 25 cents, Notices which are merely indirect
methods of soliciting cash purchasers cannot be ad-
mitted to these colums under any circumstances.
Terms, cash with order.
WanTED—To exchange and buy Birds’ Eggs from
collectors throughout the United States and Canada.
Write and send prices to E. R. Davis, JR., Gaines-
ville, Texas. Z
Wantep—A few Humming Birds’ Nests. Will
give excellent exchange or good cash price. Also
eggs of 312 for exchange. C. H. Andros, Taunton,
Mass.
Lead ore, zinc ore, fossil shells and crinoids, py-
rites iron, petrified moss and wooe, pressed terns and
other curiosities for sea urchins, mounted sea mosses
and good curiosities. (Good specimens sent and de-
sired in exchange. Send list of what you have and
want. Ocean curiosities especially desired. Sam.
CARPENTER, JR., Oswego, Kansas.
A collection of 60 eggs, including Woodcock, Wild
Goose and Bonapartian Gull, for the best offer of la-
belled woods, which must be 2x8 inches or larger and
of uniform size. A first-class Purple Martin’s eggs
for every V nickel without ‘‘cents.’’ Cuas. A. Davis,
128 King St., Burlington, Vt.
I have ancient Roman and Greek coins and foreign
coppers to exchange for match and medicide stamps,
small fossils or rare minerals. Write to J. D. Van
San, Jersey. City, N. J., Box 283.
Fresh water and marine shells to exchange for
birds eggs. Correspondence with field collectors
desired VeERp1I Burrcn, Branchport, Yates Co.,N.Y.
Henri N. BarBer, Polo, Ogle Co., Ill., wishes to
exchange birds’ eggs with collectors having either
first or second class ones. Please write.
I have for exchange one large chromo, ten differ-
ent foreign stamps, a few picture cards for birds’
eggs, minerals or coins. Address LA GRANDE SOUTH-
WORTH, Schuyler’s Lake, N. Y.
Gollectors—I havetwenty eggs of the Brown Peli-—
can, also a few of other desirable varieties to ex-
change. Correspondence solicited. ARTHUR H. Hack,
Taunton, Mass.
Exchange—A Chinese coin ora Chinese newspaper
for every stamp from Iceland, Liberia, Cypress,U. S.
12, 24, 30 Or go., 1851, 1861 or 1869 issue. 25 rare Cali-
fornia postmarks for every 5 U. S. department
stamps. A fine specimen of Red Wood from the big
tree of California, for every U.S. executive, justice
or state department stamp. A rare Chinese calling
card or a horn nut for every 75 varieties of stamps.
Foreign exchanges and correspondence desired, W.A.
TEBOW, 1,630 Q. St., Sacramento, Cal.
Southern Eggs, Fossils, Sea Beans, Minerals and a
large variety of specimens for first class Eggs, Shells,
Geodes, Shark Teeth, Crystals and Books on Natural
History in good cond:tion. Send list. JouHN B.
WHEELER, East Templeton, Mass.
I have one hundred (100) varieties of foreign coins
to exchange, both copper and silver. I will exchange
them for other coins. Lists exchanged. W.G. JER-
REMS, JR., 38 Aldine St., Chicago.
FRED M. ANDROs, Taunton,Mass., has over a hun-
dred varieties of Birds’ Eggs in sets and single to ex-
change forsets. Correspondence solicited.
Bo. srs THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
H. K. Lanois, Landis Valley, Pa., will give good
exchange in minerals for first-class eggs not native to
Pennsylvania. Correspondence desired with experi-
enced collectors. Write soon.
An improved Lester scroll saw with roo feet of yy
inch wood for best offer of Birds’ Eggs. A good flute
worth $12.50, for eggs, stamps, coins, specimens, cu-
riosities, printing press, type. A breech-loading shot
gun or riffe,an oak and white holley cabinet for
eggs, will hold 200, to exchange for eggs. Address
HerseErT E., Strout, 611 Franklin Ave., Minneapolis,
Minn.
To exchange—A fine new Racine Canoe for a 54
nek Bicycle. E.C. P., P.O. Box 545, Springfield,
iWlass.
Something needed by every boy in the Uhited
States, will be given inexchange for Birds’ Eggs or
other curiosities. Write immediately to W.E. Proc-
tor, 1518 Market Street, Oakland, Cal. -
I have eggs to exchange with all collectors. List
on application. W. F. Beapman, Vineland, N. J.
WanTED—A good Acromatic Telestope, Surveyor.
Compass, with Vernierand Surveyors chain. Addres
Ao full particulars, to J. E. Winstow, Virgil.
Chrome ore, magnesia, rose, milky and glossy
quartz, flint, pectolite, michorchist, soap-stone, fele-
spar, horn block, to exchange for birds’ eggs. Jas.
W. Jupp, 528 Willoughby Ave. ,Brooklyn, L.I.,N.Y.
Birds’ Skins, Eggs and Insects for the same. A
Foot-Power Holly Bracket Saw for the best offer in
birds’ skins or side-blown eggs. CARLETON GiL-
BERT, Jackson, Mich. _t
Stuffed Birds to exchange for Birds’ Eggs. Best
of Workmanship guaranteed; twelve years’ experi-
ence ; send your lists of eggs by letter, no postals
wanted. H.F. Kramp, Wallingford, Conn
ee
Minerals, stamps, silk curiosities, silk’scraps, etc.,
to exchange for minerals, curiosities and birds’ eggs
insets. Wr1Lt G. Copr, 1818 Barrett Ave., Louis-
ville, Ky.
Minerals, Curiosities, etc., to exchange for Birds’
Eggs, in sets with data, and blown through one
hole Rare foreign stamps for match and medicine.
C. L. BRownELL, Nyack-on-Hudson, N. Y. -~ f
pr) ee
Ep. K. McCvain, McConnellsville, S. C., wants
to exchange a first-class Telegraph Instrument (cost.
$5), for a printing press complete in first-class order.
Write at once if you want to exchange. ;
An eight dollar Continental] Note of 1776, genuine,
for the best offer in Indian or Mound Builders. Relics
in good condition. E. M. Frencu, Amesbury,Mass.
WantTEp—First-class Birds’ Eggs and Curiosities
in exchange in large quantities. Send lists and state
what you desire in exchange. FRANK H. LatTIN,
Gaines, N. Y.
Twenty varieties of American Birds’ Eggs, first-
class, and fourteen varieties of shells to exchange for
the same. W.G. TaLtmapGe, Plymouth, Conn.
Eggs and stamps for eggs; 32 foreign stamps for
every foreign coin except one cent Canada. Corres-
pondence solicited. F. J. Sorrore, Belmont, Alle-
gany Co., N. Y.
T. L., Box 62, Oakland, Cal., wants to exchange
good eggs of Crested Quail and Foolish Guillemot
for other good eggs.
**V nickels’? without the word cents, and minerals
for birds’ eggs and minerals. WarREN CARTER,
Wallingford, Del. Co., Pa.
Dealers please send lists and prices of minerals, rel-
ics and eggs to W. B. FLANSBURGH, La Fargeville,
Jefferson Co., N. Y.
I would like to exchange eggs with all collectors. I
also desire rare foreign stamps; send for list; I also
have foreign coins for exchange. V. E. Wyman,
Perry, Lake Co , Ohio.
Cuas. Acuorn, Rockland, Meine, wants to ex-
change first-class Wilson Tern eggs with data, for
others in same Condition. Send list and state number
wanted,
Fossils, Flint, pectolite, iron and copper ore, plum-
bago, soil from Japan, China and Turk’s Island,
shells, picture cards, vegetable ivory from Africa, to
exchange for birds’ eggs.. JAMES JuDD, 528 Will-
oughby Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y.
S. S. Owen, North Turner Bridge, Maine, wishes
to exchange birds eggs with all collectors. Lists sent
upon application. He also wishes new nickels with-
out the word cents, and_will give cash or eggs in
exchange for the same. Correspondence solicited.
Ff XCHANGE—Owing to our overwhelming stock |
in 30 or more varieties of minerals, we will give
extraordinary offers until November ist. Gorres-_
pondence necessary. A. E. SOUTHWORTH &
CO., Woodstock, Ill.
ALLIGATOR EGGS by return mail at only 30c.
each. H. W. DAVIS,
North Granville, N.Y.
PASTE BOARD BOXES made especially for col-
lections of all kinds. Two inches square, % inch
high, 25 cents per doz. Send stamp for circular.
pt. J. NEABIS:
511 Washington Ave., St. Louis, Mo.
My 24 Page Illustrated Catalogue, containing prices _
of thousands of Coins, Stamps, Currency, &c., sent
free, with two Silver Plated Medals, for roc. For
sale only by W. F. GREANY, 827 Brannan St., San
Francisco, Cal. : j
ANTED—7s5 cents cash or 50 cents and an egg
of the Painted Bunting for an Ebony Fife nam
ly new; the fife cost $1.50. A. S. MEHL, 1,527
Mt. Vernon St., Philadelphia, Pa.
i
GEND to cents for one of the Celebrated Micro-
scopic Watch Charms; 3 for 25c. Louis E.
SCHRADER, 1021 Main St., Wheeling, W. Va.
NOTICE.
Owing to protracted illness I am breaking
un my entire private collection of U.S. and
Foreign Stamps, Revenues, etc., Post Cards,
Confederate Bills, Minerals, Fossils, Petrifac-
tions, Indian‘ Relics, etc. Sheets of stamp:
sent on approval on receipt of postage. Nine
kinds of rare Iowa Minerals (1 by 1, labelled’
for 25c.; 2 by 2 specimens 10c. each; perfec
arrow heads 4 to Ioc. each; large specimen
of gold ore 15c. each. List of any of th
above for 2c. stamp for postage. Address
TAMES. ©. JAY;
La Hoyt, Henry Co., Iowa
.
4
4
wh a Sa —
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
BVol. 1.
—————————
: The Crow Blackbird, or Bronzed
- ~_—- a
Grackle.
Quiscalus purpureus eneus.
For many years, during the fall and
early spring, a forest of young maples on
the old college farm has been the regular
resort, or roosting place, for thousands of
these birds.
Soon after daylight on these
October mornings, the long sinuous cloud
of Grackles sweeps over the city of Man-
hattan, bound for the vast cornfields on
the bottom lands of the Kansas river. In
_ the evening, the return to roost is in some-
what detached bodies; but there is usually
one flock which is more extensive than
others. This gradually absorbs the
smaller bodies, and circles around the
roosting place until twilight, when all dis-
appear among the maples. All their evo-
lutions are accompanied by the usual chat-
tering noise. .
This habit of the Crow Blackbird has
been constantly observed in our latitude
farther east and southward. Indeed, these
birds breed in large companies.
_ The thicket of black Austrian pines on
‘the college farm is a favorite nesting
place. Hundreds of pairs of Grackles
breed in them yearly, some of the pines
having several nests each.
= SS eee Se
v
Farther south, along~ the Mississippi
river, these birds form ‘‘ roosts” during the
fall and winter of almost incredible num- |
bers. In Southern Lllinois, flocks perhaps
a hundred times as large as those seen
here, occur. These scatter over an im-
mense territory during the day, but return
to the ‘‘roost” at nightfall.
The question arises: Do not these birds
do great damage? It may be that question
is an open one for some localities; but for
the greater part of Kansas I would rec-
ommend that they be protected.
No. 7. GAINES, N. Y., NOV, 1884. |
|
{ PuBLisHED MonrHLy.
60c. PEr YEAR.
eee
PES IID TERE DET, CL ELE TE DE LL ELIOT TO a ees
I know some farmers look upon the
Crow Blackbird as an enemy to their in-
terests; but the charge has not been that it
destroys the maturing crop of corn. On
the other hand, they are charged with de-
struction to the young corn that has just
appeared above the ground. I have long
been convinced that this charge against the
Grackle is almost wholly groundless. I
have gone into the fields of young corn
where these birds were especially busy,
and have examined the young corn pulled
up. In nearly all cases the graln was un-
touched, and was evidently not that for
which the bird was searching. Further
observation showed, that these cornfields
were much infested by cut-worms, and
that the birds were evidently engaged in
destroying them. The cut-worms often
burrow at the base of the young plant and
the bird destroys the plant in getting the
worm. I will not deny that the birds
often do eat the grain when thus exposed;
but they do not seem to have that purpose
in view.
Mr. B. H. Warren, of West Chester,
Pennsylvania, has given to the State Ag-
ricultural Society of that State the results
of an examination of the food taken by a
a large series of specimens of the Crow
Blackbird killed during the different
months. The results seem to*substantiate
what [have said.
In March twenty-nine specimens were
examined. They had eaten chiefly insects
and seeds; in five corn was present, and in
four wheat and oats were found. ‘‘All of
these grains were in connection with an ex-
cess of insect food.”
April—Thirty-three were examined.
Food chiefly insects, but with a small
amount of vegetable matter.
May—Eighty-two examined. Food al-
most entirely insects, chiefly cut-worms.
June—Forty-three examined. Showed
98
generally insects, cnt-worms in abundance;
‘‘fruits and berries present, but to a very
small extent.”
July—The twenty-four examined showed
mainly insects; ‘‘ berries present to a lim-
ited amount.”
August—The twenty-three examined
showed chiefly insects, berries and corn.
September—EHighteen examined. Food,
insects, berries, corn and seeds.
October —Three hundred and_ seventy-
eight were examined. One hundred and
eleven of these, taken from the first to the
tenth of the month, showed the following
results, Thirty, corn and _ Coleoptera;
twenty-seven, corn only; fifteen, grasshop-
pers; eleven, corn and seeds; eleven, corn
and grasshoppers; seven, Coleoptera; three,
Coleoptera and Orthoptera (grasshoppers);
three, wheat and Coleoptera; two, wheat
and corn; one, wheat; one, Diptera.
‘“The remaining two hundred and sixty-
seven birds were taken from the tenth to
the thirty-first of the month, and their
food was found to consist almost entirely of
corn.”
I have no doubt that an examination of
Kansas birds would show similar results.
Hence, we must conclude that it is only
_ when insect food is not abundant that corn
becomes the principal diet of the Crow
Blackbird. In the first part of the season
itis of decided benefit, and even in the item
of cut-worms alone saves far more to the
farmer than it reclaims in late summer and
autumn.—Hrom The Industrialist, by Prof.
D. HL. Lantz, of Kansas State Agricultural
College.
2
i
A Singular Duel,
On page 76 of that recent and most in-
teresting popular treatise on ‘‘Our Birds in
Their Haunts,” by J. H. Langille, appears
this statement, among others, descriptive
of the Blue-Jay: After noting the consid-
erable mimicking power of this bird, and
the evident satisfaction he enjoys in teasing
other birds with it, seeming to prefer for
his victim a small Hawk, the author says :
‘* But this ludicrous farce often terminates
THE: YOUNG) OOLOGIST,
tragically. The Hawk, singling out one of
the most insolent and provoking, sweeps
upon him in an unguarded moment and
offers him up a sacrifice to hunger and
resentment.”
In confirmation of the statement here
made, I may venture to add the following
tragic termination, of which I was an eye-
witness :
It was a cold, raw forenoon in the early
winter of 1881; the snow lay some eighteen
inches deep and was still falling in occa-
sional gusts. While passing through a
little thicket of junipers on the bank of
Pleasant River, deep in the virgin forests
of Maine, my companion and myself came
upon some fresh Porcupine tracks.
Here close beside the margin of a little
tributary stream to the river was a path as
hard and well-worn as a cow-path where -
these animals had passed and repassed with
their heavy plantigrade tread. Yonder is
one of the junipers with its bark well-nigh
eaten away by the same animal.
These incisor marks of the Hedgehog are
an accurate indicator of the depth of the
snow, a sort of self-registering depth meas-
urer, by means of whose records one may ~
tell, even in the heat of summer, just how
deep the snow has lain when the chilly
blasts of winter drove it in white clouds to
gather behind some sheltering knoll.
They tell us, too, on what these hardy
animals feed when all else lies buried deep
beneath December’s white mantle.
Suddenly the winter’s silence is broken
by an unearthly sound; no! not @ sound,
but a medley of sounds all pitched on the
same discordant key.
Having never been fortunate enough to
hear the far-famed ‘‘cry” of a wounded
Hedgehog, I at once imagined that I was
at last listening to it and that the noise pro-
ceeded from two males of that species in
deadly combat,
But on carefully approaching a dense
clump of the junipers whence the sound
proceeded, what was my surprise to behold,
instead of the two animals of my imagina-
tion, only a Blue-Jay and a Sharp-shinned ©
Hawk.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
99
Firmly locked together, each was fight-
ing with that grim despair which only
comes when death impends.
In this case, however, the desperation
was mainly on the part of the Jay, as with
beak and talons the Hawk was fast reduc-
ing both his plumage and his courage. But
it was by no means so one-sided as might
appear, for in the little time that I watched
them the Jay drove his sharp beak into one
of the Hawk’s eyes and again into the back
of his neck in such a vicious manner as
made him wince very perceptibly.
fe This duel would have undoubtedly re-
sulted in the death of the Jay before very
long, as already his wing and tail feathers
_were gone and the snow for some distance
around was covered with his characteristic
blue plumage.
: Determined to die game, he was fighting
till the last, but was foolishly expending
Buch of his energy in heartrending cries
‘indicative alike of stern defiance and a
‘rapidly waning hope. Interspersed with
these dying throes came the harsh exultant
tones of the Hawk, too often cut short and
_assimilated to the mourning of the Jay by a
fierce jab of the latter’s beak into some ex-
posed portion of the Hawk’s body.
_ After studying the duel for some time I
brought it to a sudden close by shooting
both birds. The Jay was quite well picked
and partially skinned also. The Hawk
‘Made a good specimen and was preserved.
The insertion of a glass eye in place of the
‘one he was unwary enough to lose made
him almost perfect.
_ There is a suggestion in this latter fact
that possibly as a result of similar encoun-
ters there are among birds, as among men,
certain one-eyed individuals, and it would
be instructive to ascertain whether in such
Instances that wonderful precision by which
‘the Hawk strikes his quarry endures the
loss. C. B. Wison,
Waterville, Me.
—
j The Fish Hawk.
q Pandion haliztus Carolinensis.
f The following article was taken from an
old paper and sent us by a friend, thinking
.
:
it might be of interest to the readers of the
Youne Oouocist :
In the ‘‘ Naturalist’s Guide” (1877), Part
II., Catalogue of the Birds of Eastern
Massachusetts, by C. J. Maynard, is the
following note: ‘‘ Pandion Carolinensis,
Bon. Not a common summer resident,
growing less so every year. Perhaps a
few breed in the interior, but it is doubtful.”
Mr. Maynard also placed the bird in his
list of regular spring and autumn migrants.
I was much surprised when I read this
note, as no bird is more familiar in this
locality than the Fish Hawk. It is with us
a regular summer resident, arriving early
in the month of March and departing early
in November, and breeds evtry season
quite abundantly. From more than a
quarter of a century’s personal observation
I can attest that these Hawks have not per-
ceptibly diminished in number in this
vicinity, and I can find a dozen or more
nests of this species within an hour’s
drive of my home which have _ been
occupied by them for years, and in which
they have annually reared their young.
For nearly nine months of the year I can
look up any day, and almost any time of
the day, and see one or more Fish Hawks
watching for their prey or going to and
from the nest. Some of the nests are locat-
ed near Taunton, Great River, or on the
shores of Mount Hope or Narragansett
Bay, and some are situated a mile or more
from tbe water. Perhaps I live in a para-
dise for Fish Hawks, but I should not
have been more surprised to have read that
the Robin and Bluebird and the Song
Sparrow were uncommon summer resi-
dents, and that but few of them breed in
this region. Though not so numerous as
Swallows or Blackbirds, if the phrase
‘‘common summer resident ” is applicable
to any representative of our avi-fauna, it
is applicable to Pandion haleatus. The
Osprey begins to build, or much more com-
monly, to repair an old one, soon after
their arrival. From two to four eggs are
the usual complement, and incubation
commences in May. While the female is
setting the male brings her food and at
Tele)
times takes charge of the eggs as the mate
goes off foran airing. One of the pair is
on or in sight of the nest from the time in-
cubation begins until the young are able to
shift for themselves. I have repeatedly
seen the female on the nest and her mate
perched on a limb of the tree pruning its
feathers or wings and murmuring a not
unmusical strain, evidently as a solace to
his companion, while Robins, Sparrows
and Blackbirds lit upon the branches and
sang their melodious songs, apparently un-
noticed by the Hawks. Harmless to the
agriculturist, protected by the fishermen,
watched with intense interest by all who
care for our birds, second to none In the
matchless majesty of his mien, the Fish
Hawk is seldom molested save by the
oologists, ornithologists or the mere collec-
tor of eggs. EisHa SLADE,
Somerset, Mass.
——$$<—__§_~-
Spurred Towhee; Least Tit.
An interesting California bird is the
Spurred Towhee, here named from its
peculiar call the ‘‘ Catbird.””» The Spurred
Towhee places its nest in various situations,
but seems to prefer a hidden position on
the ground. Three or four eggs are laid
ina nest, which is usually composed of
decayed leaves and lined with dry grass
and roots.
During the past season I found many
nests, most of which were placed under
brush or grass on the. ground. Of the
three found above ground, one was built
in the lower limb of a cherry tree, three
feet nine inches above ground: one in a
shrub, five feet six inches above the ground,
and the other in a eucalyptus tree, ten feet
from the ground. When flushed from the
nest the female Towhee will sometimes
drag herself fluttering along the ground for
a considerable distance in the vain hope of |
enticing the collector from its home. I
have an egg of the Spurred Towhee in my
possession which is less than half the ordi-
nary size. It was found with fonr other
eggs of the usual size in a Towhee’s nest
built on the ground.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST. y
The Least Tit, although one of the tiniest
birds to be found in California, is not by
any means the least interesting. The nest
- of the Least Tit is usually placed in a live-
oak tree, at varying heights. Although
built by such a minute little bird it is un-
doubtedly one of the most beautiful and
curious nests to be found on this coast.
The home of the Least Tit is hanging and
cylindrical in form and made up of in-
numerable minute dead leaves, sticks, etc.,
plentifully interspersed with dry moss.
The moss is held together by a fine, com-
paratively strong, web-like substance,
which is drawn out in fibres. The dimen-
sions of the nest are as follows: Length,
ten and a half inches; diameter near the
bottom, four inches; diameter in the centre,
three inches. The entrance to the nest is
through a small, circular orifice, in the side
near the top. This little entrance is only
three-fourths of an inch in diameter, and
seems hardly large enough to admit even
its little owner.
The lower part of the nest, for about two
inches and a half, is nearly solid. This
firm foundation the Least Tit covers with
feathers and other soft substances, upon
which she deposits her eggs, which are
usually from five to eight in number
and pure white.
Hick. JPAyioR
Alameda, Cal.
pid pee ea
“¢ Lettuce-Bird.”
I see you state in the last Youne Oouo-
GIsT that the name ‘‘ Lettuce-Bird ” is ap-
plied to the Blue Grosbeak. I would state
that in the central part of North Carolina
it is also applied to the American Gold-
finch, from its feeding on the seeds of the
lettuce. Yours very truly,
Kk. T. ADNEY,
N.Y: City,
Thanks. Our only authority for stating
that the Blue Grosbeak was sometimes
called the ‘‘ Lettuce-Bird”’ was that a few
years since we obtained some eggs from a
collector in Texas, which he called the
‘* Lettuce-Bird.” These eggs proved to be
those of the Blue Grosbeak.
‘Old Put and the Bird’s Nest.”
re
E ANOTHER VERSION.
_ The anecdote published in the last num-
a of THE Youne Ooxoaisr relating
one of General Israel Putnam’s daring ex-
' ploits in his younger days calls forth the
following letter froma gentleman to whom
the general was a great-great-uncle :
‘ Boston, Oct. 18, 1884.
_ THE Youne Ooxoeist :
A copy of your issue, No. 6, vol. I., ad-
dressed to A. Putnam, Boston, has found
its way to me, though probably intended
for someone else, because I have never been
_a student of birds nor of any other class of
animated beings than Man. Having lived
already four score and two years, I am not
likely to travel much in search of birds’
eggs.
__ Your account of “Old ‘Put’ and the
_ Bird’s Nest’? amused me a little. He was
born in the same house and reared on the
same farm as myself. He was the brother
of my great-grandfather.
‘in Danvers, Mass. From my grandfather
“Israel, nephew of the Old ‘‘Put” Israel, I
heard in my younger days of his uncle’s
exploits in taming bz//s, etc., but never of
hunting for birds’ eggs, though, like my-
self and other boys, he no doubt did that;
but the use of the ‘‘rifle’ many years be-
fore the rifle was invented caused me to
smile. Very respectfully,
ALLEN PUTNAM.
Knowing that the boys of America never
tire in reading about their heroes, and
knowing that the above letter would be
of especial interest to the readers of THE
_Youne Oo.oeist, we have taken the lib-
erty to publish it in full. It will be need-
less to add that we value the letter highly.
From a long article given in the Rural
_ New Yorker some fifteen -years ago we clip
the following extracts, which includes an-
other version of the ‘‘Bird’s Nest” anec-
_dote—the writer of which must also have
forgotten that the ‘‘rifle’ was hardly in use
-acentury and one-half ago—and also the
one about ‘‘taming bulls’ which Mr. P.
alludes to in his letter :
- Our hero’s great-grandfather, John Put-
nam, settled in that part of Salem, Mass.,
now Danvers, in 1634. His father was
Captain Joseph Putnam. Israel was born
_January 7, 1718. The house in which he
1
The place was,
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
IO]
was born is still standing, in good _preser-
vation, and occupied by his’ grand-
nephew.
THE BIRD’S NEST.
Young Putnam’s first daring exploit was
in attempting to get a bird’s nest attached
to a Slender limb at the top of a tall tree.
He walked out on the limb below, but just
as he touched the nest and exclaimed, ‘‘I’ve
got it—it is mine,” the limb broke, and he
fell till he caught on another limb by his
pantaloons, where he hung, head down-
wards. Hanging thus, where he could get
neither up nor down, in a position where
death must come ina few minutes, he called
to a boy in the frightened group below to
shoot off the limb with his rifle, After
some hesitation he did this, and young
Putnam fell to the ground somewhat
bruised.
Determined not to be defeated, a few
days afterwards he returned to the tree,
alone, and with much difficulty secured
the nest, which he brought to his com-
panions in triumph.
HE CHASTISES A BULL.
He was a man of great personal
strength, as an incident occurring at this
period will show. He had an eye for fine
cattle, and having reareda bull of beautiful
proportions, which he highly valued, but
having a vicious temper had become the
terror of his neighbors, he determined to
chastise and conquer him, and took the
following very novel way todo it. Com-
ing up to the animal in the pasture, while
in one of his vicious moods, ‘‘he seized
him suddenly by the tail, and twisting it
around a small tree. held him fast” with
one hand, while he severely chastised him
with an ox-gad, in the other. The bull
bellowed and tore up the earth in his rage,
but all in vain, as the grip that held him
was inexorable. From that time the bull
had a master, and the sight of a rod made
him submissive.
a ee
For every new subscriber you may send
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a copy of our new Hand-book.
102
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY
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As we go to press, we receive from J.
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valuable papers on the egg of #pyornis
maximus, the colossal Bird of Madagascar.
Our readers will hear from them later.
H. W., of Adrian, Mich., writes, us,
that while out collecting last May, he found
a set of four Robin’s eggs, the first was of
the usual size, the second a little smaller,
and the third smaller than the second, and
that the fourth was perfectly round.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
The name of Mr. L. B. Walker, Morris-
town, N. J. was omited from the list of
prize winners, given in the last Youne
Oo.toeist. Mr. W. sent one subscriber.
Publishers receiving a copy of this
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should be regarded as indispensable to the
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and place of business.—G@olden Hra.*
Mr. S. E. Cassino, of Peabody, Mass.,
is now compiling the International Natur-
alists Directory of 1885, and desires to
have the name of every scientist, whether
amateur or professional, in the world,
inserted in this edition. The 1885 edition
will contain the names of people interested
in science, and desirous of making
exchanges from all parts of the world; and
in order that the addresses may be reliable,
only such names will be inserted in the
foreign department as are heard from, or
are well kaown. Blanks will be furnished
the readers of the YounG OoLoGIsT with
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enough to fill them out and return, the
publisher cannot insert their names. Our
readers should write for blanks at once, as
it will cost nothing to have their names
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addresses from all parts of America,
Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceanica, all of
which were interested in one or more of
the many branches of science. The 1885
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plete than any previous edition. Mr. C. is
also compiling a Philatelic Directory.
When sending for blanks always mention
Tue Youne OoLoeist.
THE ‘YOUNG ‘OOLOGIST.
103
G. R. N., Phila., Pa., writes, that on th
morning of October 20th, he saw a flock of
at least six hundred crows within twenty
yards of a house.
We are indebted to Chas. Achorn, of
- Rockland, Maine, for the following items:
Prof. Bickmore of Central Park, N. Y.
City, made arrangements for a collecting
tour through the Mussel Ridges and Fox
Islands, Me. He particularly desired young
birds, in the down, and engaged afriend of
mine to accompany him, who was to skin
the birds secured. They were to have
started August 6th, but owing to the death
of Prof. B’s associate, the trip was given
up after ail the arrangements had been
made. last year Prof. B. engaged the
same man to accompany him on the same
trip, but was forced to abandon his plans
at the last moment. Prof. B. is a native of
Tenants Harbor, Maine.
Albert Phelps, of Damariscotta, Me., has
been collecting for the Peabody Institute
this summer. He was off here in the
harbor for about a week with his Yacht.
Phelps is about 19 years of age.
—_»+_ .___
* Dove vs. Robin;” White Robin Eggs.
Noticing H. E. Deats’s article in your
last issue headed ‘‘ Dove vs. Robin,” 1 add
my experience. During five years’ collect-
ing I have found two nests in every res-
pect like a Robin’s, and apparently built
by that bird, which when found contained
two Turtle Dove’s eggs each. The old
doves were tending the nests, and seemed |
‘to have full and undisputed possession.
At another time I found a found a
Robin’s nest containing three white eggs,
which, supposing them to be Dove’s, I was
about to take, but noticing that the shape
and the shell varied from Dove’s eggs gen-
erally, did notdo so. On that day the par-
ent was not seen around the nest. On re-
turning the next day the nest contained
four white eggs, on which a Robin was sit-
ting. I have known of one other nest
being found in this vicinity which con-
tained what were evideutly White Robin’s
eggs. J. L. HoLumnasHeap,
Woodstock, Il.
Jottings from West Stratford, Conn.
Scarlet Tanager :—I have found several
nests of this species during the season, all
of which were in appletrees. I have never
seen anest of this bird in any other tree.
Found a set of six Great Crested Fly-
catcher eggs. Is not this a large set?
Turtle Dove:—Found several nests of
this bird this year. The nest is placed in
a small cedar about four feet from the
ground; made of sticks, grass and leaves;
eggs, two in number, pure white.
Yours respectfully,
W. H. Lucas.
0 =e
Late Nesting.
I noticed several items on late nesting,
and can give a little of my experience in a
few brief words.
On August 7th, 1882, took a set of four
Song Sparrows, fresh; took set of four Gold-
finchs on the 30th of August, 1883, fresh.
I also found nest containing one full-
fledged Goldfinch on the 2nd of October,
1882. Catbird’s latest is the 25th of July,
and Grass Finch the 29th of July, fresh.
Yours, CPi. As.
Taunton, Mass.
0 eo
The Flying Squirrel as a Nest-Robher.
In regard to the query of F. P. about
Flying Squirrels eating eggs I would say
that this spring I found a Red-headed
Woodpecker’s nest in a tree about sixty
feet from the ground. A few days after-
ward, when I returned to get the eggs, the
bird was sitting on a tree near by making
a pitiful noise. I looked up at the hole in
the limb containing the nest and saw the
head of some animal. I shot it, and it
proved to be a Flying Squirrel, but the eggs
were gone. Outof the nine Woodpecker’s
nests I found thts season I saved three;
the rest were destroyed, I suppose, by
Flying Squirrels. I poisoned seven by
putting strychnine in a dove’s egg and put-
ting the egg in a hollow tree where I had
found a Woodpecker’s nest. Flying Squir-
rels are very numerous in this locality.
EK. A. W., Lake City, Minn.
104
Queries Answered.
W. 8B. H., MinwavKe&zE, WIs., writes:—
‘‘T have noticed that nearly all the fruit
trees especially apple, are fairly speckled
with little sap-holes, made by sap-suckers.
[s this injurious to the tree.?”
We have often noticed trees, the bark of
which was literally perforated with the
holes our correspondent mentions, but we
have yet to hear of the first instance of
their being injurious to the tree.
C. H. V. Jr., N. Y. Crry.—The White-
bellied swallow builds its nest-in holes, in
walls, in trees, and sometimes in bird-
houses or boxes.
C. H., Bennrneton, Vir'—The bird
which you call ‘‘ Fire Bird,” is doubtless
the Scarlet Tanager.
Snakes produce their young from eggs.
C. W. P., Tiuton, N. H., and others:—
Information in regard cabinets can be
found on pages 6, 9, 24, and 25 in May and
June YounG Oo.uocists. more informa-
tion will be givenin the future.
C’ G..8., Rateren, N. C.—The nest
and eggs which you describe as follows,
are those of the Little Screech Owl.
‘“The nest was found in the woods in a
hollow tree about 6 feet from the ground,
and the depth of the hollow was about a
foot. The eggs are a little larger than
those of the Domestic Pigeon, nearly
round. Color white. Number of eggs in
nest, four.
the Screech Owl, in fact it is not called by
any other name.”
ERRATA. The answer to P. McF. B. on
page 87 of October Young Oologist is part-
ially wrong. The nest and eggs which Mr.
B. describes, are those of the Summer Red- |
bird, but the birds described were doubtless
intended for a male and female Cardinal
Grosbeak. The Summer Red-bird has no
crest.
We are indebted to Mr. T. D. Perry for
first noticing the error.
G. R. L., Orrawa, ILu.—With the
exception of the Guillemots, there is doubt-
less no one species of birds whose eggs
show a greater variation in color and
markings than those of the Blue Jay.
The Bird is commonly called |
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
L. M. D., NEwsBurGH.—1. In your egg-
register always note the person from whom
you obtained the set of eggs. This should
be done in the column for remarks.
2. Collectors should keep the data of ©
domestic birds’ eggs.
®. The eggs of the Cow-bird should be
kept with nest and eggs which accompanied
them when found.
4,
. . =t
‘ ee
; Byes
. ia)
wier re
. a te as
: an ae
at
vf =. a ae
P= : Bes
* pate
ey Ur ie oR > nae eae
Ee ae oS ee
em a : 2 oe
Bot og x oop
aq 8 8 aec°s
ate 2 eS oe
= £ a5 36
Sh rl hecones FA aS
a ah ey Pip ° —
SHA 0
2a ME NON 1 0d 0 eee) Se
CRM MES sche 0) een
CR oe) |e Ot eset Bee ©): 025, (al ele ae
er eter
2 2. al
a MS, | ees $1 SiS aS ae
: 8 8.3 6. S) Sy ee
SS) 8. Lee SS Se
Ss. 8 3.8 8 8) 350 ee
Se OS 4 sos eee
The above is about the way you should
fill out a data blank for a nest of the Indigo
Buntings which contains three eggs of its
own and two of the Cow-bird. Should
there be anything peculiar about the Cow-
bird’s eggs, or their finding, the fact should
be noted either on the margin or back of
the blank.
F. E., Rocuester, N. Y.—-The Black-bird
which is so common in the marshes is the
Red-and-buff-shouldered Black-bird; the
one in trees, evergreen generally, is the
Purple Grakle.
J. V. V. W., CHATHAM CENTRE, N. Y.
—The bird which you call the ‘‘ Quoc” or
‘Quack ” is doubtless the Night Heron.
J. W. W., Rocuester, N. Y.—The
term ‘‘Cowbird” is preferable, according ~
to Ridgway.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
C. T., Atroona, Dat.—Wilson’s Snipe
is frequently called Jack Snipe.
W.R.B., Po’xrEpste, N. Y.—The nest
which you describe is one of the Cuckoo’s.
The Chewink is frequently called ‘‘ Ground
Robin.”
H. H., SHELBYVILLE, TENN.—The
Bank Swallow is frequently called ‘‘ Sand
Martin.”
OC. R. H., New Lonpon, CT.—Several
collectors have found eggs of the Blue-bird
‘during the past season, that were pure
white.
B. H. W., West View, Va.—The
correct name for the bird which you call
the ‘‘ Blue-gray Flycatching ” is, according
to Ridgway, Blue-gray Flycatcher. The
‘‘Crested”’ Titmouse of your locality is
doubtless the Tufted Titmouse, No. 36
of Ridgway.
J.C. J., St. Jonnsury, VT., and others.
—Every subscription you send us for the
Youne Ooxogist between October Ist,
1884, and January 1st, 1885, will count
towards one of the prizes, it makes no dif-
ference whether you send one at a time
or twenty, every subscription sent will count.
J. W. H., MippuEePort, N. Y.—The
birds’ nest which you found in the top of
an evergreen tree is that of a Purple Finch
and not the Summer Red-bird as you
suppose.
C. H., Bennineton, Vermont :—The
length of time required for a Hawk to lay
its full clutch we are unable to say. We
have taken sets of the Cooper’s Hawk in
which one egg was deposited daily.
During the spring of 1881 we took a set of
three eggs of the Red-tailed Hawk, one of
the eggs was fresh, another had been set
about one week, and in the third incuba-
tion was far advanced. Hawks frequently
use the same nest more than one season.
|
;
Our larger Owls breed during the monhts of
February and March. Hawks, Owls, and |
Crows can often be started from the nest
by pounding the trunk of the tree. The
Marsh Hawk doubtless breeds in Southern
Vermont.
105
J. M. 8. Jn: Newrort, R. 1—The
Spotted Sandpiper generally, if not always
lays four eggs, the set of three which you
found, in which Incubation was advanced,
was either an exceptional set, or else one
egg of the set had been taken or broken
before you found the nest. Sandpipers
and Plovers usually lay four eggs.
G. R. N., PHrwapeLpata, Pa.—Spec-
imen sent for name is Pyrites and on ac-
count of its color, resembling gold. it is
often called ‘‘ Fools’ Gold” because it is
valueless and useless as a metal.
[eA Be 7 AY
The American Goldfinch.
This is one of our most common summer
birds, and is to be seen almost throughout
the entire year. Long after all other birds
have sought their sunny haunts of the
south, the Goldfinch is still to be seen with
us and cheering us with his sweet songs
far into the cooler days of autumn. I
have seen flocks of hundreds of them in
mid-winter when the ground was covered
with snow, but they seemed to be as merry
as ever picking the seeds from the thistle
and the wild sunflower.
A short period in early summer they are
not to be seen, but slowly put in their ap-
pearance during the latter part of June.
They begin to build their nests in July,
which is usually made of fibres, paper, and
fine straws, with a thick lining of thistle
down, usually placed in saplings and osage
hedges. The set of four or five eggs are to
be found fresh from August 1st till Sep-
tember 10th, and even later. The eggs are
of a light blue color. The Goldfinch is a
bright yellow color, with black wings and
some black on the top of the head, making
it a bright eolored bird. But winter
changes its bright hue to gray, [brownish
olive above, grayish-yellow and white be-
neath.] They are easily reared from the
nest and caged.
Gro. F. BREUNINGER,
Beattie, Kansas.
a
The circulation of the YounG OoLoaisT
the past six months has averaged over 4,000
each issue.
106
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST;
A Bird Island.
BY E. C. W.
Off the east coast of Last Island, La.,
encircled by the blue waters of the Gulf of
Mexico, lies a small sand island, quarter of
a mile in breadth and three-quarters of a
mile in length. As this bird island became
visible from our approaching sailboat, a
beautiful scene met our view. Along the
northern coast for about a quarter of a
mile a column of White Pelicans were ar-
rayed, and along the southern side a line of
Gray Pelicans were stationed, all basking
in the sunshine. On our boat nearing the
shore the column of White Pelicans arose,
and with the regularity of drilled soldiery
leisurely took their flight, their ebon black
primaries in rich contrast with their pure
white bodies. Away, away they went, the
column never breaking. When they reached
the gray ones they too rose in splendid
order, and the two separate columns left us,
bound for the shores of some other island.
They do not breed on this island, but
among the scented evergreens and other
marine plants of Timbalier and Last Island,
where each pair builds a conical-shaped nest
and incubate their two white eggs, which
in size and proportions equal those of a
goose. Their breeding season is in the
latter part of spring. Whena Pelican de-
sires fish it flies aloft over the waves till it
descries one; partly closing its wings, so as
to form a resemblance to an arrowhead, it
darts down on its finny prey with such
velocity as to disappear beneath the waters.
Quickly rising, it; buoyantly rests on the
wave a moment to’store the fish in its capa-
cious pouch, and rises again to repeat the
performance until its storage room is well
filled, when it wings its way to the shore
to devour in silence the objects of its exer-
tions. Troops of them may be seen any
day on these coasts fishing in this way.
Sometimes a different ‘method’ is adopted.
A body of them alight in a small and shal-
low bay, and, ‘forming a line across the
mouth, the invaders march along, driving
the fish before them ‘into shallower water,
where they seize and transfer them with
ease to their pouches. In the crop of a
specimen killed by a fisherman two trout
six inches long were found,$,These birds
are respectively Pelecanus americanus and
Pelecanus fuscus of Audubon. The bird
island is only a waste of white sand thickly
spangled with sea-shells of many forms
and colors. Not a bit of vegetation
is to be found. A strong scent of fish
is exhaled from the hot sand, caused
by the innumerable fish eaten by these
birds. Under a July sun this island would
suggest a desert but for the beat of the
the waves on the shores and medley cries
of seabirds. Thousands of birds live and
breed here, and earth and air are fairly
alive with them; auks, gulls and terns, as
far as the vision reaches you observe birds.
Rookeries resembling cities and towns are
regularly laid out over the whole island by
them. Each nest, or rather depression in
the sand, is about two feet from its neigh-
bors, thus leaving paths or streets through
which a person may walk and view every
citizen’s home, with its one, two, three or
four young, or eggs of different sizes and
markings, according to the species. A
pretty sight it is, to view this vast con-
course of birds from a distance, when un-
molested. The gleaming of their uniform
or variegated plumage in the sunlight; the
roar of the breakers as crested with foam
they roll on the shore, and the distant out-
lines of Vine and Last Island, render the
region and scene picturesque. Visitors to
Last Island stop and gather some ot these
eggs; some as curiosities and others as sub-
stitutes for domestic fowl’s eggs. The
young of these birds can scarcely be distin-
guished from the sand, so near in color is
their down, and which the parents, to make
the deception complete, scatter sand on.
When unfledged they will not move from
the abode provided them by their parents,
though you touch them, but if removed
and placed?on,the sand again, they hastily
scamper away.
Lattin’s new Catalogue is at last ready
for delivery. Send for a copy-_ It is inval-
uable to collectors.
é
>
The ‘‘ Young Oologist ” as an Advertis-
_=_°*
> _ 2t
ing Medium.
Woopsrtock, Ill., Oct. 10, 1884.
F. H. Lattin :
Dear Sir—We cannot say near the exact
number of answers received from our
_ “‘ad” in your journal, as most of them ne-
glect to mention,in what journal they saw
it, but we have ordered out column in
the - , as it proved a failure
compared with THE YouNG OOLOGIST,
-F-We predict success to THz Youne
could answer.
OOLOGIST, as it is the best advertising me-
dium, and has the finest and most instruct-
ive reading matter of any journal of the
_Kind ever published. We heartily recom-
mend it.
We received 713 addresses from our ex. in
your columns. =E. G.® Harlow, of Lynn,
Mass., gets the axe, list’numbered 483. *
* * * * Thanking you for the second
insertion of our ‘‘ad,” and stating that
when in need of more ‘‘ads” THE YouNG
Oo oeristT shall receive our attention. We
remain, sir, yours,truly,
A._E. SouTHWORTH & Co.
STILL ANOTHER.
F. H. Lattin:
Dear Sir:—Many thanks for inserting
my Adv. I received more letters than I
I was actually surprised
the way the letters poured in. I received
more letters than all the rest of the letters
- combined that came to La Hoyt.
I expect to advertise in the Dec. No.
Yours tuly,
JAMES C. JAY.
A Four-Story Nest of the Summer Yel-
lowbird.
‘One day as I was out collecting eggs I
found a nest of the Yellow Wren (Summer
Yellowbird) which was built in a currant
bush. As I approached the nest I found it
to contain a young Cow-bird. But as I
drew nearer the Cow-bird fluttered away.
At the nest was a fine specimen and seemed
to be very long. I thought I would take it
THE) YOUNG OOLOGIST.
107
home. As I was cutting off the branch I
happened to squeeze the nest, and felt
something break. I took the nest apart,
for I knew what it was, and'found nest No.
2, containing two eggs of the Cow-bird.
I thought I would see if there were any
more Cow-bird’s eggs in it, and to my great
surprise found two more compartments,
each containing one egg, which makes in
in all (counting the young Cow-bird) five
Cow-bird’s eggs. Has any reader of THE
Youne Ooxtogisr ever found a nest like
this? jal & aa
Canandaigua, N. Y.
Blue Grosbeak.
Guiraca cerulea.
This retired but beautiful species is an-
other of our migratory birds, arriving
from farther south, where it winters,
amongst us about the 20th of April. They
are, I believe, considered a very rare bird,
which I suppose is caused by its not being
generally known, as it is a silent and very
timid bird in all its actions and habits, not
having much of a song, only an occasional
chuck. 'They commence to build early in
May. I have found their nests as early as
May 11th with eggs slightly incubated.
They generally choose a low, swampy
place to build, and seem to prefer pine
saplings to all other places. They build a
neat and compact nest, composed outward-
ly of snake-skin (I have never found one
that did not contain one), withered leaves
and plants, and lined with fine fibrous
roots. Lay three eggs (sometimes four),
pale blue, turning to a lighter shade after
being blown. Like all other birds, their
eggs vary somewhat insize. Jam positive
they raise two, if not three, broods during
the season, as I have found a nest with
fresh eggs as late as July 7th. I do not
think they are as rare as they are generally
supposed to be, as I have found as many
as seven full sets during a season; but then
some seasons are better than others, and
you may find a certain species right along
and never find it again for years to come.
TD; Prey,
Savannah, Ga.
108
The Nest and Eggs of a Fish Hawk.
May 9th, 1883, I collected a handsome set
of three eggs of this bird. The nest was
placed in a rotten oak, at its very top, and
before it could be reached we were com-
pelled to nail huge bars as braces to the
side of the tree. On arriving at the top the
nest appeared prodigious. It was fully
twice as large as a bushel basket, and was
made of the most curious mixture of old
seaweed, dung, clods of earth and sticks
or limbs as largeas one’sfist. I chose dusk
as a suitable time to obtain the eggs on ac-
count of the extreme height, being from
sixty to seventy feet from the ground.
I was rewarded by a most beautiful set
of eggs. They lay before me now, and I
hardly feel as if 1 could do justice to them
by a description. They are all about the
same size; number one is arich blood red |
at the larger end and entirely bulf at the
smaller, by far the best of the three; num-
ber two has the same top, but the color
runs all over the egg; number three is a
curious mixture of the other two, being
dark chocoiate on a creamy buff ground,
marked with confluent splashes of brown.
They all have the fishy smell which lingers
so long after they leave the nest. I have
seen and collected a great many eggs of
this bird, but this set | would not part with
for any amount of other eggs.
H. A. TA.sort,
Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Way We Get the Eggs of the
Bank Swallow.
About 7 o’clock A. M. my partner and I
get ready for our hunt.
The first thing we get is the seat, as we
call it; itis a board about three feet long
and one foot wide, with a hole in eaeh
end in which we tie the ends of the rope.
Next thing is the scupper, a piece of iron
6 by 2 inches.
And last the egg box and spile, which we
drive in the bank. to hold and adjust the
seat in the right place.
We then hitch up the horse and are
ready for the journey. It is about three
eee pee
THE YOUNG rOOLUGiIs :.
go. When we arrive and hitch the horse
to a tree we walk down to the bank.
Here you will see a bank about thirty
feet high and very steep, in which there
is numerous little holes out of which the
swallows are darting.
We now drive the spile in the bank and
fasten the rope to it, and descend with the
scupper to the board on which we sit. |
Now you will see us digging into the holes
in the bank, and next running our hand in
and pulling out six small white eggs.
I usually take a hold of the edge of the
nest and pull the whole thing out at once,
in this way you are not liable to break the
eges.
Then my partner lowers the egg box,
which is nothing more than a big cigar
box full of cotton, and I place the eggs in
it. In this way we get the Swallow eggs,
‘‘CHAD,”
Cleveland, O.
2
Flickers in a Church Tower.
Last fall (1883) a beautiful church was
built at this place, with a tower that rose
gracefully into the air to the heighth of
sixty-five feet. In the spring of 1884,
Yellow-shafted Flickers, on their road
passing from one woods to another,
chanced to alight on the tower, and began
to cut holes in large enough to admit them-
selves, finding it a suitable place for
breeding, began at once to construct nests,
placing them on timbers within. Six pair
succeeded in bringing forth their young.
GL P85
Beattie, Kansas.
Unspotted Eggs of the Chipping
Sparrow.
In reply to C. H. A., I would say that
while collecting in Middletown in June last
I found in a hedge of thorn trees a nest
containing four eggs of the same size and
color of the Chipping Sparrow, and identi-
fied them by the bird and the nest.
J. W. Sway, Jr.,
Newport, R.TI.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Vol. 1. No.8. GAINES, N. Y., DEG. 1884. |
The Alligator.
The Saurian in its native home written
for the YouNG OOLOGIST.
The principal haunts of this saurian are
our swamps, lagoons, grassy borders: of
fresh water, lakes, and unnavigated bayous.
But it is not restricted to those localities
alone, for small and medium sized ones are
found in all of our water courses, even
near the stir and noise of towns. They
would be exceedingly common in all of
our streams, were it not that some people
kill them because they fear them, and
others, on account of their few vulnerable
parts, consider them a desirable target to
test their marksmanship. The large alli-
gators will not trouble a person if he shows
no hostility to them; but, if troubled or
wounded, they prove formidable antago-
nists, especially during the breeding season.
They are consequently shunned by the
swampers. and not many of them can be
obtained, who will go and trouble their
nests and eggs.
As an instance of how dangerous it is to
travel where the alligators breed, I may
mention the two colored wood-choppers on
Bayou Du Large, who, while passing near
an alligator’s nest, were attacked and their
pirogue capsized. One of them had his
thigh badly lacerated by the enraged
reptile, and, but for the other man coming
to his assistance, might have been killed.
The pupil of their eyes are elongated
like a cat during the day, and are dilated
by the darkness of night, and assume an
orbicular form. They are, therefore, noc-
turnal as well as diurnal in their habits,
though the greater part of the day is spent
in basking in the sunshine, or sluggishly
drawing themselves over the gramineous
surface of the water. Their locomotion is
as rapid at night as during the day it is
slow. When disturbed by the approach of
{ PuBLISHED MONTHLY.
60c. Per YRAR.
a person and not disposed to fight, the
alligator disappears with a splash beneath
the water. If shot and mortally wounded,
he turns over on his back, beats the water
violently with his tail, and plunges
beneath to die. The alligator does not eat
often and can live for weeks without food.
The alligators food consists of dead
animals, birds, etc., besides which he
manages to secure some of the living ones
also. He has been seen to catch and kill large
dogs as they were drinking from the stream,
and to climb up the cross-bar fence, drop
over in the poultry yard, and steal some
of its denizens ; clothed in nearly invulne-
rable armor he does not hesitate to attack
the prey. Sometimes he may be observed
apparently sleeping, while the dragon-flies
are circling overhead, some of them prob-
ably mistaking the projection on the tip of
his snout for something inanimate, alight
to rest themselves, and are immediately
engulped by the saurian, who, throwing
his head back, catches them in the same
manner that a dog does the cracker placed
on his nose. In spring the alligator calls
its mate by uttering a series of yelps.
When fighting among themselves, or play-
ing in the muddy water, the large ones
bellow nearly like a bull, which has been
compared by Longfellow, in ‘‘A Tale of
Acadie,” to aroar: ‘‘ Mixed with the whoop
of the crane and the roar of the grim
alligator.” The alligators generally build
their nests in the shallow part of swamps,
lagoons, or untraveled bayous during the
months of May and June. It is conical in
Shape and rises to a height of about two
feet, with a base approximating three feet.
It is composed of grass, rushes, and con-
tiguous vegetable litter; the grass and
rushes are cut and transported to the
mound, that which is near is thrown on by
their feet. During the months of June
and July the alligators lay, and as many
Ilo
as 48 eggs have been counted in one nest.
The eggs average about 8x1# inches ; the
swampers say that the oblong eggs produce
males and the oval ones females. The
eges resemble porcelain ; the internal pel-
licle is very thick and strong ; it is com-
posed of two membranes, the fibres in one
extending longitudinal and in the other
laternal ; this conjoint pellicle on the inner |
side is as smooth as glass, and seems
enameled. The transverse white band
seen on the egg, while fresh, is only the
whiteness of the internal membrane, in
those parts, seen through the semi-trans-
parent shell. The yellow spots, of diff-
erent shades, seen on some eggs, are also |
situated on the pellicle, but are permanent, ;
while the former disappears as incubation
advances, or when the egg is emptied of
its contents. The alligators fecundity is
wonderful, but many of their eggs are
destroyed by animals and reptiles. It
requires from sixty to ninety days of |
warmth and sunshine before the young
escape from the shell.
parents call by following them, but in a
few days care for themselves. The greatest
length; attained by an alligator that I am
cognizant of, is eighteen feet. They grow
very little in a year; those over twelve feet
long are over a century old.
RC. W,.
Houma, La.
i
Collecting in the Marshes. ,
BY B. A. G.
Early in June of this year two of us
made a collecting trip to the marshes of
the Seneca River, or, as they are often
called, the ‘* Montezuma Marshes,” and as
I had there the pleasure of seeing the nests
of several birds which were new to me,
some account of the trip may be interest- |
ing to the readers of this paper.
In order to collect in these marshes it is
necessary to have both a boat and a pair of
hip-boots of rubber, for in many places it
is too deep to wade, and in many others
the flags are too thick to push a boat through.
They then average |
nine inches long, and respond to their |
BARE. YOUNG
OOLDGIET:
The first nests we found were those of
the Long-billed Marsh Wren. These were
placed in the flags from a foot to six feet
above the water, and were composed of
last year’s flags very neatly and cunningly
woven into a ball about as large or a little
larger than a cocoanut, with a small round
hole on one side about large enough to
admit one’s finger. They were lined with
the down of the ‘‘ cat tail,” and we found
the complement of eggs in almost all cases
to be six. These were about the size of
the common chipping sparrow, and of a
beautiful chocolate color. They were in
all stages of incubation, from perfectly
fresh to almost hatched, but we found no
young birds.
One very odd thing about these birds is
the number of nests they build. Without
having kept any accurate record, I should
estimate that not more than one nest in
eight or ten was occupied. Whether these
birds build these nests for safe roosting
places out of the reach of night prowling
animals, or whether they are not suited
with the first, second or third, and con-
tinue to build till the desire to lay over-
comes their critical taste, or whether they
build so many nests (as some have claimed)
to deceive and annoy their enemies, neither
I nor any one else can say positively, but
it is certain that no one can spend a day in
these marshes without coming to the con-
clusion that these wrens are among the
most interesting of our many interesting
birds.
One of the most plentiful birds on these
marshes we found to be the Florida
Galinule. This bird is decidedly mis-
named. It should be called the American
Galinule, for it occurs almost all over the
United States. It breeds in great numbers
here, building its nest among the flags and
grasses generally far out from shore. The
foundation is made by breaking down the
flags till a little platform is made which
will, to a small extent, rise and fall with
the water. On this the nest proper is built
of last years flags newly placed together
and one might think, except for its location
over the water, that some small hen had
wandered from home and hid her nest
among the reeds.
Thd eggs are about the size of a bantam
hens, and of a handsome light buff color,
marked pretty thickly with reddish brown
spots and blotches. The number varies so
greatly that I have no doubt that more
than one bird sometimes occupies the same
nest. Many sets seemed to be complete
with seven or eight eggs, while some con-
tained as many as thirteen. In all cases
when the number was large, they were in
_ various stages of incubation, some ranging
all the way from ‘‘fresh” to newly
hatched. The birds slipped off the nests
and quietly stole away among the thick
moss so that it was very difficult to see
them. In all their ways they are remark-
ably like a domestic fowl so that the com-
mon local name of ‘‘ water chicken” is
quite appropriate. They can swim very
well indeed, though their feet are not
webbed at all, and their long toes spread
‘wide apart enabling them to stand and run
upon the water plants and lily pads with
ease, giving them at a distance the appear-
ance of walking on the water. Like all
the rail family, though their flight is slow
and they make a fair mark, they are
difficult to shoot because of the fact that
immediately upon rising they fly to the
nearest cover, and as they are rarely seen
more than a few feet from this, it is neces-
sary to shoot very quickly. They are
hunted a great deal, as they are delicious
eating and fair sport; still they seem to
thrive, and, after many years I can not see
that their numbers have diminished much,
though they have become very shy.
While searching for the nest of the
galinule, you will probably discover what
you think is a last years nest of one of
these birds, sodden and water soaked, just
floating upon the water and just ready to
sink, caught in the grass but likely to go
away at any minute. Don’t pass this by
without a closer look at it, and you will
find that it is not an old nest but a new
one. Although built of the oldest and most
water soaked rubbish which can be col-
lected from the muddy bottom of the
II!
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
river, it will not sink entirely, though it is
almost submerged ; but on the contrary,
if the water rises it will rise with it. It
will not float away, but is securely fastened
to the grass, and finally, if you look care-
fully, you will see that a little of the
material in the middle of the nest is loosely
placed, carefully remove this and you will
find under it a set of eggs; from four to
seven of the Pied-billed Grebe or Dab-
chick, (Thick-billed Grebe). These eggs,
if freshly laid, are a pretty pale blue, but
soon become dusky and dirty, stained with
the wet and muddy material of the nest ;
they are a trifle smaller and more pointed
than the last species, and the shells are
thick and chalky. Like the last, they have
been set upon since laying begun, and the
pale blue one is perfectly fresh, while the
dirty brown one in the same nest is well
along toward hatching. The contents of
these eggs has a very peculiar consistency,
sticky and bright orange red. As you will
have learned from the description, the bird
covers them when she leaves the nest, and ©
very quickly and neatly she does it too—
just a scratch or so of the loose material
and it it is done, and she slips in the water
and dives a long way before she makes her
apperance again. In observing her actions
we found an opera glass invaluable, as
indeed it is for observing all mostall birds.
The diving of these birds, as almost all
know, is something wonderful; and
whether it is true or not that they dive at
the flash of a gun, it is certain that they
are exceedingly difficult to kill if they see
you before you shoot. If, however, you
can approach them unobserved they are
no more difficult to kill thanaduck. They
make poor work of rising, beating the
water with their wings for a long way and
gradually end by sinking back again, and
if they are still pursued dive for a long
distance.—T'he Collector.
DT RR ON,
Weare pleased to note that Mr. A. M.
Shields, a name familiar to the readers of
the Young Oo.xoecist, of Los Angeles,
Cala., was awarded a Diploma and Silver
Medal for the best Oological Exhibit at
the Fair, recently held in that City.
The American Woodcock.
(Philohela minor. )
The Woodcock is a common summer
inhabitant of Massachusetts ; it is one of
our earliest spring arrivals, appearing by
the ist of March, and sometimes by the
25th of February. When it first arrives it
is gregarious, being found in small com-
panies of seven or eight; it is nocturnal in
its habits, frequenting low swampy thickets,
and sometimes bushy pastures. If we
stand in the evening in the neighborhood
of a low tract of land frequented by these
birds, we sometimes hear a number of
individuals uttering their note or bDleat.
Upon flushing one of them they rise twenty
or thirty feet in the air, circle around for a
few moments, all the time uttering a sharp
twitter ; when ready to alight, they partly
close their wings, and descend very swiftly,
and the air passing through their wings
produces a sound similar to that of the
Night-hawk. About the first of April
they commence their duties of incubation ;
the nest is nothing but a slight hollow
scratched in the leaves by the female bird,
the situation usually preferred is a clump
of bushes in a swampy locality. I found
a nest April 28d, 1883, containing four
eggs, I almost stepped on the bird before
she could be induced to leave the nest;
after she left it she fluttered along on the
ground for a few yards as if her leg or
wing was broken. I didnot follow, think-
ing it only a temporary lameness. The
four eggs I found in the nest were of a rich
creamy drab color, thickly spotted with
several shades of brown and obscure lilac,
their dimensions was 14§x1.% in., 144x12,
in., 143x149 in., and 148x1.% in. Incuba-
tion was far advanced. The Woodcock
departs on its southern migration about the
middle of November.
CHARLES L. PHILLIPS,
Dighton, Mass.
St NO
Collectors desiring anything in the
stamp or coin line will do well to examine
the prices on the lots offered in our adver-
tising columns,
THE)! YOUNG *OOLOGISTN,
|
A Downy Woodpecker.
The fact that it is very imeresting to
study our winter birds, and that our young
friends can add many grains of value to
their bird granary by observation during
these cold dreary months, is plainly illust-
rated in the following, which we take
from an article by John Burroughs, in
the December Century, entitled ‘‘ Winter
Neighbors.” ‘‘ My bird is a genuine little
Savage, doubtless, but I value him as a
neighbor, It is a satisfaction during the
cold or stormy winter nights to know he is
warm and cosy there in his retreat. When
the day is bad and unfit to be abroad in, he
is there to. When I wish to know if he is
at home, I go and rap upon his tree, and,
if he is not too lazy or indifferent, after
some delay he shows his head in his door-
way about ten feet above, and looks down
inquiringly upon me—sometimes latterly I
think half resentfully, as much as to say,
I thank you not to disturb me so often.
After Sundown he will not put his head
out any more when I call, but as I step
away I can get a glimpse of him inside
looking cold and reserved. He is a late
riser, especially if it is a cold or disagree-
able morning, in this respect being like the
barn fowls; it is sometimes near nine
o'clock before I see him leave his tree.
On the other hand, he comes home early,
being in if the day is unpleasant by 4 P. mM.
He lives all alone ; in this respect I do not
commend his example. Where his mate
is I should like to know.
SO eg ne eee
Humming-birds in California.
In some parts of the State of California
the Humming-birds are very numerous,
and, on sunny days, may be seen in all
their tropical splendor, buzzing about
among the flowers in search of their food.
The nest of the Humming-bird is nearly
as beautiful as the bird itself, and displays
an amount of exquisite workmanship that
would seem well calculated to put to shame
the owners of more rudely constructed
nests. The dainty little hummer usually
places its nest on a small limb or twig
a
_ nest.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
somewhere between eight and twelve feet
from the ground, although I have known
eccentric members of the Humming-bird
family to construct their downy little
homes as high as twenty and even as low
as five feet above the ground. In my
locality they seem to consider one tree as
suitable as another when building their
nests ; [ have found them in the eucalyptus,
live-oak, cyprus, pine, and various fruit
trees. About the best way to discover
them is to patiently watch a female bird
until she goes to her nest. This requires
sharp eyes and not a litle patience, as the
bird you have your eyes on may have its
nest at a distance, or have none at all. In
the protection of their nests they are
extremely sagacious, and resort to many
devices to prevent them from being dis-
covered. I have often seen the female
when going to her nest fly with almost
lightning rapidity past it, and then as
swiftly return and gracefully alight on the
They have a curious habit of rising
to a great height, and suddenly flying
straight toward the earth at full speed.
H. R. Taylor,
Alameda, Cal.
A Daring Hawk.
While | was sitting in the mounting-room °
of a taxidermist of this place, an old
farmer entered bringing a fine specimen of
the Red-shouldered. Hawk; the taxidermist
seeing no mark or blood on it, asked the
old man how he killed it, this led to an
explanation, and the old fellow said, that
as he was coming from a pasture back of
his barn through a little clump of firs, he
saw a Partridge, and picking up a stone,
was lucky enough to hit it and kill it, and
picked it up and was going on toward
home when this hawk swooped down and
tried to wrest the Partridge from his hand.
He was greatly surprised, as any one
naturally would be, but clung to his bird
and so did the hawk ; he had a rope with a
large bull-ring attached, with which he
had been leading a cross bull to the back
pasture, he raised this and struck the hawk
113
and stunned him so that he fell to the
ground, and the old fellow got him and
wrung his pretty neck. I will vouch for
What he said, as he is a respectable
farmer known by many people in this
town, and had no reason to exagerate.
Joke Bs. .
St. Johnsbury, Vt.
Snake Eggs.
Permit me to call your attention to a
slight error in the current number of the
Youne Oo.oaist. In ‘‘Queries Answered”
you stated that snakes produce their young
from eggs. This is true of most species.
but some species of the genus Htaenca,
for example, the common garter snake,
(H. Sirtatis), are ovoviviparous.
Sincerely,
C. H. WILDER,
sanandaigua, N. Y.
Our answer to the above mentioned query
was doubtless rather blind. We did not
intend to have it understood from our
answer that all snakes lay eggs, for as Mr.
W. says, several species of fishes and reptiles
are Ovoviviparous, and consequently do not
lay eggs, but nevertheless, as we stated,
produce their young from eggs.—[ Ep.
~7~os
Dove vs. Robin.
I do not think it would be amiss if I tell
you a funny bird-nesting experience I had
in the spring. I was climbing an apple
tree in which a pair of turtle doves had
built for several years, when a Robin’s
nest excited my curiosity, and I looked
into it and found two Robin’s eggs. Seve-
ral days after I visited the same nest and a
turtle dove flew off. I thought it very
strange that a dove should take possession
of a finished nest, especially if it contained
eggs, on looking into the nest, fancy my
astonishment on finding two eggs of the
dove and two of the Robin. I have since
concluded that there must have been a
fierce battle for the possession of the nest,
and that a dove can’t count very well.
Gro. P. ELLiorT,
Mercer, Pa,
114
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTHLY
FRANK 2. LATTIN, GAINES, N, ¥.
Printed by Joun P. SMITH, & State Se
Racteceee:
Correspondence and items of interest to the OoLo-
G1sT, and Specimen and Curiosity collectors solicited
from all.
Terms of Subscription.
Single Subscription - - 60 cents per annum.
Foreign Countries, - =F Sen one
Sample Copies, = - -
The above rates include postage.
Rare Specimens will be offered, from time to time,
at aslight advance on regular rates, to induce persons
to subscribe.
6 cents each.
Terms of Advertising.
Single insertion, 20 cents per line, nonpareil.
1 mo. 3 mo. 6 mo. iL yiacs
Five lines, 1 00 2 50 4 00 6 00
One inch, 2 00 5 00 8 00 12 00
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One page, 25 00 62 50 100 00 150 00
Advertisements under five lines, charged one line
extra. Yearly advertisements payable quarterly in
advance.
Remittances should be made by draft on New
York ; money order or postal note payable at Gaines,
N. Y.: ; or by registered letter. Unused U. S. postage
stamps of any denomination will be accepted for
sums under one dollar. Address all subscriptions and
communications to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
GaInEs, Orleans Co., N. v:
(e" Make money orders and drafts payable to
FRANK H.LATTIN.
Entered at the Post Office at Gaines,
Second-class mail matter.
ING We, vas
JOTTINGS.
Santa Claus should not forget to obtain
a copy of ‘‘Our Birds in their Haunts”
for each of his young friends.
If you wish to make two persons happy,
send the YoUNG OOLOGIST one year as a
Christmas present to some nature loving
friend.
_ Owing to our limited time, the Curiosity
Bulletin has suspended, but special lists
and rates will be given in advertising col-
umns of the YoUNG OoLoGIsT in its stead.
The sample sets of Data Blanks and
price-lists of Taxidermists’ and Entomolo-
gists’ supplies, as mentioned in our Hand-
Book, will be ready January 1st, and Feb-
ruary 1st, respectively.
C. G. Strong, of Raleigh, N. C. writes
us, that he has a runt egg of the Cat-bird,
which is no larger than that of the Blue-
gray Gnat-catcher. Mr. 8. also states in
reply to W. H Lucas, p. 108 Nov. Youne
OoLoGIsT, that six eggs is the number
generally found in the nest of the Great
Crested Flycatcher in his locality.
Mr. Oliver Davie, of Columbus, Ohio
has our thanks for sample copies of his
Naturalist’s Manual, it is a neat little work,
and well merits the attention of our
oological friends. The work is intended
especially for the young naturalist. Mr.
D. gives instructions for collecting and
preserving birds, eggs, nests, and insects,
and for the benefit of the oologist he has
compiled, from leading scientific works a
description of the nests and eggs of Ameri-
can Birds from the Thrushes to the
Tanagers, inclusive (No. 1 to 164 Ridge-
way’s Nomenclature) to which he has
added original notes on the species with
which he is familiar. We trust friend D.
will be able to complete the descriptions
from Pringillide to Alcide, thereby making
a work indispensable to the oologist. The
‘* Naturalist’s Manual” can be obtained by
addressing Mr. D. or at the office of the
Youne OouoeistT. Price, paper covers,
75 cents ; bound in cloth $1.25.
The attention of every reader of the
Youne Ooxoatsr is called to the advertise-
ment of Messrs. Davis and Baker. Just
think of it! An Oologists Directory ! Just
what we have long wanted and always
needed. To be compiled and published
by two wide-awake collectors. If every
reader of’ the YouNG OoLoeistT will take
hold of the work as they ought, its success
will be unquestionable.
Send in your names at once, and at the
same time those of your friends, and, per-
haps, obtain a rare and desirable egg in
addition to the Directory for your trouble.
Boys, this is our work. Let’s put our
shoulders to the wheel and make it a success.
Remember the address. Davis & BAKER,
N. Granville, N. Y.
| == i! é ee 7 Aa ae
/ G. K. Smith of South Bend, Ind., sends
‘us the following item taken from the
| Sunday Register of that place: ‘‘A fine
|, specimen of the cormorant family was
)| killed at Fish lake on Wednesday by W.
| L. Casaday, and will be taxidermized by
/ Schuyler Martin. Mr. S. adds that this is
) the first of its species that has been found
in that vicinity, and that a Pelican was
} wounded and captured at South Bend
some time ago.”
We have received a box of handsome
Minerals from A. E. Southworth & Co., of
|) Woodstock, Ills.. samples of those adver-
)| tised in another column, and if these are
|| fair samples of the specimens which they
/ send out, we must say to our friends,
if they desire to obtain showy and desirable
specimens at reasonable prices, give the
}| firm at least a small trial order.
_ The competition for the sixty valuable
| presents offered by the publishers for ob-
|| taining subscribers for the YouNG OoLoGIstT
up to December 1st, has been very light ;
only two or three parties have sent in over
| three subscriptions each. With this com-
}| petition there will be no postponement, and
| all subscriptions intended to count towards
/ one of the valuable presents we offer, must
‘be sent us before January Ist. On the
| morning of January 12th we shall forward
to each prize-winner the premium they
/may win, and in February issue, a list of
'the lucky competitors will be published.
' Every Person who sends us one or more
subscriptions will doubtless receive a prize.
Only thirty more days. Improve your
feeme.
Gaines is a small village of less than
| three hundred inhabitants, and receives at
present only one mail per day. Weare
‘four miles from a railroad station, and
over thirty miles from the city where we
transact the most of our business, and have
\the bulk of our printing done. These
inconveniences cost us several hundred
| dollars per annum in fares, valuable time,
ete. Our business is rapidly and steadily
ee
vw
( THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
115
increasing, and.in the future. we have con-
cluded to devote our energies almost ex-
clusively to the handling of Oological
Specimens and Naturalist’s Supplies, both
Wholesale and Retail, and to the publishing
of the Youneé Oouoaist, we, in order to
close out our large stock of Curiosities and
Natural History Specimens, shall offer
them in lots from time to time, (beginning
with Stantps and Coins in this No.) until
the entire stock is sold, which will neces-
sarily take at least eight or nine months,
and as soon as our stock is reduced down
to our specialties, we contemplate removing
to some town or city that will furnish us
with better facilities for conducting our
business.
Librarian W. L. Scott has our thanks
for a copy of ‘‘ Transactions No. 5, of the
Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club.”” This club
of 120 members is doing a large amount of
good Scientific work, and as their name
indicates, the summer months are devoted
to field work. The Transactions, a
pamphlet of 152 pp., is a desirable acquisi-
tion to any naturalists library, and gives
able papers and good reports on the six
branches of natural Science to which the
club is devoted, viz: Geology, Botany,
Conchology, Entomology, Ornithology,
and Zoology. We are inclined to believe
that Canada has more good working Field
Clubs than the United States. Whether
the 7ransactions can be purchased or not,
we were not informed.
ee
The Young Oologist as an Advertis-
ing Medium.
A publisher well known to Scientists
throughout the world adds unsolicited testi-
mony.
Prasopy, Mass., Nov. 21st, 1884.
Mr. F. H. Lattin.
My Dear Sir:—1 am greatly pleased with
the result of your notice of the Directory.
It was a good investment. As I have not
seen the notice, will you kindly send me a
copy.
Yours respectfully.
S. A. Cassino.
116
THE YOUNG OOLOUWIST.
Queries Answered.
A. F. P., Paw Paw, Mica. — The
Western and California Gulls breed on the
Pacific coast of N. A., their eggs resemble
those of the Herring Gull, and like most
of the Gull family, three eggs comprise
the complete set.
In regard to the Leach’s Petrel, read ‘A
Day among the Sea Birds of Maine,” p. 84,
October YOUNG OOoLocistT.
G. H.—As a rule we cannot furnish the
eggs of any species not priced in our New
Catalogue.
Can any of our correspondents tell us
the correct name for a southern bird called
‘*thaddy ” ?
J. F.C., Micu. Crry, Inp., and others.
— The ‘‘Teeter-tail,” ‘‘ Teeter Snipe,”
‘“Tip-up,” ‘‘ Water Wagtail,” are names
by which the Spotted Sandpiper is known
in various localities.
L. A. W.. NEwineron, Cr.—The Old
Curiosity Shop has suspended its subscrip-
tion list, has been transferred to Our
American Youth, of Middlebury, Vt.
W. T., La Crosse, Wis.—Your nest is
that of the Mourning Dove, this bird is
often called ‘‘ Turtle Dove” and “‘ Carolina
Dove.”
A. Van L., Coxsackiz, N. Y.—‘‘Hivel’’
is doubtless another name added to the
already long list by which the Yellow-
shafted Flicker is known. The markings
on the eggs of the Red-and-buff-shouldered
Blackbird vary, we have seen eggs of this
species in which the markings were entirely
absent.
To MANY QUERISTS.—On account of |
space it has been necessary to omit the
answers to your queries this month.
- SO?
Trees injured by Sap-suckers,
With regard to the query on p. 104, I
can positively state that several mountain
ash trees on my fathers grounds have been
killed by the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker |
(Sphyropicus varius).
W. L. Scorr, Ottawa, Canada.
. but was a little larger.
|
Very late Nesting.
On the 20th of October, 1884, I found a /
nest containing four fresh eggs. The eggs —
were like the bluebirds eggs, you could not |
tell the difference. The nest was built in —
a bush about four feet from the ground, —
and was made of sticks lined with grass, —
and was about the size of a cat-bird’s nest. —
The bird resembled the English Sparrow, ~
The eggs were |
blue, I have never before seen a bird like ©
it. Please tell me the name
AUSTIN C. STEMPEL,
Fort Madison. Iowa ~
Doubtless the Black-throated Bunting.— —
[ Ep. |
C. 8. C., of Spencer, Mass., writes: ‘
How Can I Collect Bird’s Eggs Scien-
tifically P
During the past season we think the
above query has been asked us at least fifty
times if not more. Every collector should
read the article on Bird Nesting in the Sep-
tember number. We think Mr. Flint tells
the reporter plainly and clearly how it is
done.
120
The Little Black-bird and the Worm.
From one of our young ornithological
friends.
A Blackbird and his mate had a brood
of young ones, and kept feeding them all
day long, but the mother had brought a
large worm and gave it to one of the
brood. Then she flew away, but when she
came back, there was the worm sticking
out of the mouth of the poor little bird in
a very uncomfortable manner, the mother
Black-bird seemed taken by surprise, and
uttered a cry of distress, upon that forth
came her mate. The two birds did all that
they could to make the worm go down,
but in vain. Something prevented it, and
it was a little time before they found out
what it was. At last the blackbird saw
that the end of the worm had caught on
the feathers of the breast and was held
tight, so it could not be moved, and it cost
him a great deal of trouble to do so, but he
succeeded at last. The poor little black-
bird had a narrow escape of death, and, as
it was, it lay almost as if it were senseless
for a long time, but the parent went on a
twig close by the nest and sang one of his
sweetest songs, as if rejoicing that the
danger was over.
L. 8., Schuyler’s Lake, N. Y.
ogee
For every new subscriber you may send
us for the YOUNG OoLoGistT, we will give
a copy of our new Hand-book.
+ ~
If you do not receive THE YOUNG OOLo-
places of principal resort for the summer | Gist regular, write to us, not our agents.
f
:
i
t
1
F
E22
Jottings From the Note-book of a Col-
lector in Texas.
Thinking it may interest the readers of
THE YouNG Oouoaist, I send a few notes
of my field work during 1883. I was in
the North, New York and Pennsylvania,
during ’84, and in consequence did not col-
lect any that season. My first take was on
the 12th of March, when I run upon a
Black Vulture sitting on one egg, the nest
placed under an old fallen tree top, incu-
bation about one-third advanced.
March 14th—Found nest of the Crow
containing five fresh eggs. These were
taken out, and passing the nest a few days
afterwards found the crow had laid one
more egg and was setting hard on that.
March 15th—Found a nest of the Red-
bellied Hawk containing three eggs, incu-
bation slight. This species frequents the
bottoms, building a very large nest of
sticks and Spanish moss in the crotch of a
tall post-oak or pin-oak tree. Moderately
common in this locality.
- March 17th—Took a set of Bluebird’s,
five fresh eggs, out of an old gate-post.
March 31st—I was in luck this day.
While hunting for the nest of a pair of
Great Horned Owls that I was positive
were breeding in that locality, I flushed a
Turkey Buzzard out of a bunch of briars
and brambles. On searching I found her
nest, a mere hollow in the ground, contain-
ing two as beautiful eggs as I have ever
seen. I have taken many sets of this spe-
cies, but none that will compare with the
set I took this day. After securing my
prize I again commenced paying attention
to my Owls, and at last found their nest, a
hollow in a large post-oak tree, about
twenty feet from the ground and not more
than 100 yards from a house. I found this
set rather too late to Save, as one young
ow!et had just managed to get his head
into this cold, cruel world; the other egg
was slightly chipped. However, as I had
never heretofore taken any eggs of this
species, I bagged ’em with the rest.
April 2d—I took my first set of Carolina
Wren. The nest was placed fin an old
FHE NOUNG. OOmUGis i
i.
outhouse and contained six fresh eggs. I
took the last set of this species on July 3d.
April 4th—I was fortunate in securing a
rarity, namely, a set of the Red-cockaded
Woodpecker, this day. The nest was
pecked in a half rotten pin-oak, twenty-five
feet from the ground, and contained four
beautiful white eggs, incubation com-
menced.
April 7th—Took my first set of Red-
bellied Woodpecker, five eggs, fresh.
April 8th—First set of Cardinal Gros-
beak was taken to-day. I took about two
hundred sets of this species, taking the last
July 23d.
April 15th—Carolina Dove was the vic-
tim to-day. This is one of our most com-
mon species. J take many sets annually;
have taken them as late as August 20th.
Having seen the Swallow-tailed Kite
during the preceding summers, I was on
the lookout for their nest, and told Stokes
and Dick Lancaster (two brothers whom I
employ every year to climb and collect for
me) to be on the watch also. IJ waited
patiently and at last, on April 21st, Dick
Lancaster brought me the welcome tidings
that he had found a nest of the Swallow-
tailed Kite. Accompanied by bis brother
Stokes we went for that nest.
there I found the nest was placed in the
top of a very tall pin-oak, seventy-five feet
or more from the ground. I am a poor
climber myself, twenty or twenty-five feet
being my limit, and consequently am de-
pendent on others when it comes to col-
lecting Crow, Hawk and Owl eggs. But
to return to our nest. Dick shook his
head, the wind was blowing and swaying
the nest too much. Stokes said he could
climb any tree in the bottom and was going
to see into ‘“‘that nest,” took off his boots
and commenced ascending. I watched
On arriving |
him anxiously and at last saw him peer- —
ing into the nest, and the welcome cry
came down, ‘Two eggs; guess what color
they are.” They were brought safely down
and proved to be beauties indeed. None
other of the Hawk species can equal them
in my estimation. I think this set of eggs
now graces the cabinet of the editor of —
Pas
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
THe YouNG Oo.uoaist, and if his readers
want a description and measurements they |
must call on him.
}
April 22d —-I took my first set of Bell's
Vireo. Thisis one of our summer visitors,
leaving here early in the fall. Ihave never
found their nest after the middle of June.
April 27th—Mockingbird, five eggs,
fresh. This is one of our best known
birds. It is very sociable, building its nest
as Close to the habitation of man as it can.
They build in all situations, in a pile of
rails, bush, tree, or in a corner of the fence;
wherever they can find a place that will
hold the foundation of large, loosely laid
twigs that is the groundwork of their nest.
May Ist—I found my first set of Meadow
Lark, Bronzed Grackle and Orchard Ori-
ole. The Meadow Lark is a permanent
resident. The Bronzed Grackle and Or-
chard Oriole are summer visitors.
May 2d—First set of Yellow-billed
Cuckoo, three eggs, incubation about one-
half. This is another of our summer vis-
itors.
May 3d—I found an egg of the Dwarf
Cowbird in a nest of Bell’s Vireo, incuba-
tion advanced. I have taken ‘these eggs
out of the nests of Bell’s Vireo, Painted
Bunting, and in two instances they had im-
posed on the Orchard Oriole. The Painted
Bunting is the victim though, twice to any
other bird’s once.
May 6th—The Lark Finch furnished its
quota on this day, a fine set of five fresh
eggs. This is another of our summer vis-
itors, staying until early winter, raising two
or three broods. Have taken their eggs as
late as August 18th.
May 8th—I bagged my first set of Scis-
sor-tailed Flycatcher, one of our most com-
mon birds during the summer months.
They put in an appearance early in the
spring and I have seen a few stragglers as —
late as November 20th. I also on the
Same day took one set each of the Painted
Bunting and Yellow-winged Sparrow.
May 10th—Brought me my first set of
Blue Grosbeak. Of the fifteen or twenty
sets of this species that I have taken I
don’t think I ever found one that did not |
123
contain a cast-off snake skin in the make-
up of the nest. I also took my first set of
Texas Quail on May 10th. I don’t recol-
lect how late [have taken eggs of this spe-
cies, but I have seen the young not more
than four or five days old as late as Sep-
tember 28th.
May 25th—I dropped on a set of Great-
crested Flycatcher in a hollow limb of a
post-oak. This species is one of our rarest
summer visitors.
June 2d—I run upon a colony of Boat-
tailed and Bronzed Grakle and took several
sets of each.
This is not near all the species that I
have taken, but owing to having lost many
of my'slips or notes I could not make out
a perfect list.
If you think it will interest collectors in
other localities, I will send you a monthly
report during ’85. I will report the arri-
val of each of our summer visitors, date of
taking of the first and last set of each, and
any other matter of interest relating to
Bird Life. J. A. SINGLEY,
Lee Co., Texas.
+ ~~
Trees Injured by Sap-suckers.
Our reply to W. B. H., on page 104 of
the November YounG Oo.oeist, although
true as far as our observation extended,
seems to have been erroneous. A Califor-
nia correspondent sends us an article which
appeared March 15th, 1883, in the Forest
and Stream, on the Yellow-bellied Wood-
pecker, by B. Horsford of Springfield,
Mass., from which we take the following:
In running my eye over the list of ‘‘Birds
of Maine,” substantially the birds of New
England, I noticed that the Yellow-bellied
Woodpecker was passed over with a few
words, just what every author gives the
bird, showing most conclusively that ‘orni-
thology as a science had not at all reached
his character, habits and peculiar instincts.
I am obliged to set down first, that this is
the most destructive bird in our climate.
I have seen the best trees in an apple orch-
ard destroyed, while the owner looked sad-
ly at the trees ceasing to bear and dying,
124
not once dreaming that so small a bird
could cause it. ‘‘Sometimes called a Sap-
sucker.” Falsely so-called. He has no
sucking apparatus.
often asserted and stoutly defended. False
again; he never bores a wormy tree, and
besides he has no barbed tongue like his
tribe for pulling out a worm when he gets |
almost to it. Still worse, he kills a tree
leaving no mark of his bill on the wood
equal to the scratch of a pin. Then what
under heaven does he do ?
Well, he kills the tree most certainly. I
have seen the white birch cut off, or rather |
broken off, twenty feet from the ground,
in more cases than | can number, all his
work. Ihave seen the yellow birch de-
stroyed in the same manner; branches of
the tree cut off, shriveled branches strug-
gling for life, but dying. I have seen a
tree girdled with spots twenty feet from
the ground, then again a few feet lower,
then below that, repeating the process to
the roots, leaving a dead and dry section
above each belt. I have seen the white
pine destroyed in the same way. I have
seen an elm tree eighteen inches in diame-
ter whose trunk of twelve feet was spotted
with ‘‘gimlet holes” in the bark nearly one
inch thick, and where for ten summers past
Ihave shot the pests, and thereby saved
the tree. Rut this was a ‘‘honey dew”
elm, of thicker, darker, greener foliage
than hundreds of others in the neighbor-
heod, and from the tips of the leaves a
drop of sweet liquid falls—hence the name.
What other crimes against property this
bird may be guilty of, I leave others to
discover. What I have seen any one can
see if they have the same opportunity. |
The bird crowds closely the snow line in
its northern migrations, and although leav-
ing his ‘‘trade mark” on many trees, does
little damage in Massachusetts. But fur-
ther north, where the bird breeds, whole
orchards are severely injured, if not de-
stroyed, by them; scarcely a tree can be |
found without the gimlet holes in the bark,
abandoned without enlargement for some
distaste in thesap. In that case the wound
in the soft inner bark would
Boring for worms is |
grow over, |
THE YOUNG’ OOLOGIST!
while the rough outside bark would show
the holes ever afterward. The first im-
pression might well be that sweet-apple
trees would be selected, but the rule is not
reliable, since the sour, ‘‘tpuckery” crab-
apple seldom escapes.
The bird usually commences operations
early in May, on the smooth, green, healthy
bark of a tree just beginning to bear fruit,
and just asthe bark swells out with the
soft pulp for the year’s deposit of wood.
With true philosophy he invariably begins
just below the offshoot.of branches, where
the upward tlow of sap is retarded by
knotty fibers above, and where the accu-
mulation presses, causing the sap to flow
more freely than at any other place. If
the taste is satisfactory he bores agaln, then
returns to the first, lapping oui the sap
with a tongue fringed with hair on both
sides, meeting at the point. This is the
key to all his eccentric habits. Thus al-
ternately pecking new holes, and lapping
out those already made, he soon girdles a
tree with bleeding wounds. Then perhaps
flies off to other trees, picking bugs and
worms from the bark, but soon returns to
the flowing sap, where three-quarters of
the day is spent. If the heat of summer
dries a hole he at once enlarges it laterally,
causing it to bleed afresh. Thus by a pro-.
cess constantly intermittent, the work is
carried on often by a whole family in turn.
In this way the holes approach each
other till the flow of sap is so diminished
that the leaves fade and the fruit withers
on the stem or falls to the ground. Per-
haps not half the apple trees attacked are
killed outright, but the birch tree invaria-
bly dies. The injury is in degree, and in
every possible degree, from the round gim- —
let hole, which is not fatal, to the broad
“countersink” which kills the branch or
the whole tree. J must allude here to the
fact that when the Woodpecker leaves the
tree a Humming-bird invariably drops
down from a twig on which he has been
waiting his turn, thrusts his tongue into ©
the holes in rapid succession and darts off
the moment Picus appears.
I think the reader will acknowledge my _
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
first assertion sustained, and also that this
species is misnamed ‘‘a_ sap-sucker,’’ al-
though at a certain season sap is a prime
article of food, and that he is more of an
insect than a worm eater, lacking the nec-
essary machinery for reaching worms in
the true picarian style.
ome
The Barn Owl in Southern California.
With the exception of the Burrowing
Owl, the Barn Owl is the most abundant
of Southern California Strigedv. The breed-
ing season begins about the first of March,
and eggs may be obtained through March,
April and even as late as the earlv part of
May. The nest is usually a hole in the
face of some cliff or steep bank—generally
excavated by the birds themselves, although
they sometimes make use of natural cavi-
ties.
in length and eight inches to a foot anda
half in height. The eggs are laid on the
bare earth of the hole, no material of any
sort being added. If the nesting place be
not disturbed, the owls occupy the same
hole, year after year. If the first set of
eggs is taken, a second set is generally
laid. In one instance, which came under
my observation last spring, a pair of
Barn Owls made a nest in a gully about
twenty feet deep, with perpendicular sides,
the owls making use of a large hole, which
had been washed out by the rains of
previous years. This nest was not dis-
covered until rain, late in March, softened
the earth so that several feet of the side of
the gulch was caved off, disclosing some
fragments of egg shells and one egg which
had been imbedded in the mud, so that it
escaped destruction. On blowing, this egg
was found to be perfectly fresh,
About two weeks later [ was consider-
ably astonished in going to the stable to
feed the horses one morning, to hear the
peculiar click-click of the Barn Ow] coming
from place in close proximity. On in-
vestigation I discovered that a pair of Barn
: Owls (doubtless the same pair above alluded
to, as they had been seen in the vicinity
- evening), had taken possession of
|
\
The holes are from one to four feet |
|
125
the upper part of a hay press, which had
been left standing near the stable after the
season’s work. Both birds were in the
press when I went to investigate, but as I
climbed up the side, the male flew out; the
female did not follow, however, and seemed
very unwilling to leave her corner. She did
not fly, even when I gently pushed her a
little to one side, disclosing a single egg,
which was deposited on the bare boards of
the platen. She was left undisturbed, and
an egg was laid every other day until six
had been deposited, when, as no more were
laid in the ensuing four days, I took the
set. The incubation varied from one egg
about half incubated, to one which appeared
p rfectly fresh. Barn Owls occasionally
breed in hollow trees or other convenient
places, but, in this locality at least, a hole
in the face of a cliff is the general rule.
The eggs vary both in number and in size
and shape. They are usually rather long,
and pointed at the small end, somewhat
similar to those of the Quail, though in one
set I obtained last spring, the eggs were
nearly spherical, one of them measuring
1.47x1.29 inches. An egg from another
set in my possession measures 1.98x1.48 in.
The number of eggs in a set ranges from
three to eight, five or six being the more
common number. The eggs are white, but
without the glossy surface common to the
egos of the smaller species of owls.
JosEPH L. EDMISTON,
Riverside, Cal.
fs eget J
The new column = announcement of
Messrs. Davis & Baker, publishers of the
Oologists’ Directory, merits the special
attention of, our readers. Their preVious
advertisement appeared in two leading
monthlies prior to its being published in
THE YounG Ooxoeist, but in a letter a
few weeks since they inform us that two-
thirds of all answers received mention the
YOUNG OOLOGIST.
+e
For every new subscriber you may send
us for the YouNG OoLoeist, we will give
a copy of our new Hand-book,
126
THE YOU YOUNG NG OOLOGIST
EDITED AND PUBLISHED “MONTELY.
FRANK H. LATTIN, GAINES, N. ¥.
Printed ne Joux P, ‘SontH, 80 State ES “Rochester.
eed nae ep items of interest to ae student
of Birds, their Nests, and Eggs solicited from all.
Terms of Subscription.
Single Subscription - - 60 cents per annum.
Foreign Countries, - - - 75
Sample Copies, - - - -
The above rates include postage.
6 cents each.
Terms of Advertising.
Single insertion, 20 cents per line, nonpareil.
1 mo. 3 mo. 6 mo. lyr.
Five lines, 1 00 2 50 4 00 6 00
One inch, 2 00 5 00 8 00 12 00
1-2column, 7 00 17 50 28 00 42 00 |
1 id 13 00 32 50 52 00 78 00
One page, 25 00 62 50 100 00 150 00
Advertisements under five lines, charged one line
extra. Yearly advertisements payable quarterly in
advance.
Special discounts can be given on most advertise-
ments. Send copy for estimate.
Remittances should be made by draft on New
York ; money order or postal note payable at Gaines,
N. Y.; or by registered letter. Unused U. S. postage
stamps of any denomination will be accepted for
sums under one dollar. Address all subscriptions and
communications to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
GAINES, Orleans Co., N. Y.
(es Make money orders and drafts payable to
FRANK H. LATTIN.
Entered at the Post Office at Gaines, N. Y., as
Second-class mail matter.
JOTTINGS.
Back numbers of THE YounG OOLOGIST
will be furnished at six cents per copy.
Mr. M. Abbott Frazar, of Mt. Auburn,
Mass., collected many showy and desirable
eggsein Labrador last season.
For $1.00 we will send a copy of our
Hand-Book and THE YouNG OOLoaiIstT,
from May, 1884, to Dec., 1885, inclusive.
The first prize of last competition has
been won by Mr. H. W. Davis, of North
Granville, N. Y. Mr. D. sent us less than
twenty new names. With the exception
of Mr. D’s list, we received only one or
two exceeding ten names.
THE YOUNG) OOLOGISR
The bya siatheee of Tae Youne
OoLocisr will have a circulation of not
less than 5,000 copies. Advertisers desir-
ing space should send in copy at once.
Erery copy will be placed in the hands of
wide-awake Collectors.
On page 1382 we give a fac simile of a
hand-bill announcing the sale of one of the
rarest eggs ever offered collectors. This
egg, we think, brought its owner $1,000.
There are but few collectors in this country
but what an egg or two of this species
would like to obtain. We are indebted to
J. I. Tennant, F. R. 8., Stoke-in-Trent,
Eng., for the loan of one of the original
bills.
To every collector who will send us a
list giving the names of not less that twelve |
collectors in their vicinity, whom they
think might be induced to subscribe for
THE YouNG OoLoGiIstT, we will send a
copy of our new Hand-book, for their
trouble. Names of present subscribers
will not count. This offer will hold good
until Feb. 15, only.
Our Premium List In A Nut SHELL:—
For every new subscriber, one of our pres- -
ent subscribers may send us, we will give
twenty-five cents worth of anything we
advertise, or offer for sale in THE YOUNG
Oo.oaist, our Catalogue, or any circular
we may send out: We trust our friends
will obtain for us as many new subscribers
as possible. We consider our premium
list one of the largest and most varied
ever sent out by any publisher in America.
Parties desiring to obtain a costly premium
ean send in their names, as fast as obtained,
and we will give them a check good for
25 cents, in trade, when the required num-
ber of checks are obtained they may be
sent to us and we will send the premium
desired.
We are receiving many kind letters, in
praise of our Oologists’ Hand-Book, and to
us it is very gratifying, as it assures us our
efforts are appreciated.
American Ornithologists’ Union.
(BIRD MIGRATION. )
At the First Congress of the American |
Ornithologists’ Union, held in New York
city, September 26-28, 1883, a committee
on the Migration of Birds was appointed. |
It is the purpose of this committee to inves-
tigate in all its bearings, and to the fullest |
_ extent possible, the subject of the migra- |
tion of birds in the United States and Brit-
ish North America. The work will not be
limited to the accumulation of records of
_ the times of the arrival and departure of |
the different species, but will embrace the |
collection of all data that may aid in deter- |
mining the causes which influence the pro-
gress of migration from season to season.
For example, severe storms, gales of wind,
_ protracted periods of unusually high or
low temperature (for the locality and time
_of year) are among the atmospheric condi-
tions that are known to exert marked ef-
fects upon the movements of birds. The
opening of the leaves and the flowering of
certain plants, with the correlative appear-
ance of a multitude of insects, are also
among the factors that have to do with the
abundance of many species. Hence the
careful registration of certain metorological
phenomena, and of the state of advancing
vegetation from day to day, will constitute
prominent items in the record books of the
observer.
For the purpose of rendering the result
of the season’s work as full and valuable
as possible, the committee earnestly solicits
the co-operation of every ornithologist,
field-collector, sportsman and observer of
nature in North America. Indeed, a large
corps of observers is absolutely essential to
the success of the undertaking, and the
undertaking, and the committee hopes to
receive substantial aid from many who pro-
fess no knowledge of ornithology. Effi-
cient service can be rendered by those
familiar with only our commonest birds,
and the committee will gladly accept data
concerning any of the following well-
known species:
THE YOUNG
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OOLOGIST. 127
Robin.
Mocking-bird.
Catbird (Eastern).
Brown Thrasher.
Bluebird (Eastern).
House Wren.
Yellow-rumped Warbler; Myrtlebird.
Yellow-breasted Chat.
Redstart.
Maryland Yellow-throat.
Cedarbird; Waxwing.
Purple Martin.
Barn Swallow (fork-tailed).
Cowbird.
Yellow-headed Blackbird.
Red-shouldered Blackbird (Eastern).
Meadow Lark.
Oriole; Hanging-bird.
Crow Blackbird.
Horned Lark; Shore Lark.
Kingbird; Bee Martin (Eastern).
Violet-Green Swallow (Western).
Scarlet Tanager.
Pine Grosbeak; Bullfinch.
Purple Finch.
Red- poll Linnet.
Snow Bunting.
Yellowbird; Thistlebird (Eastern).
Chewink; Towhee (Eastern).
Junco; Slate-colored Snowbird.
Cardinal Redbird.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Indigo-bird.
Bobolink; Ricebird.
Pewee; Phebe.
Hummingbird (Eastern).
Chimney Swift (Eastern).
Whippoorwill.
Nighthawk.
King-fisher.
Fish Hawk.
Wild Pigeon.
Also, any of the Waders, ‘‘Shore-birds,”
and Ducks.
PLAN OF THE WORK.
For convenience in collecting and ar-
ranging the enormous mass of material
which will be accumulated by the joint
labors of this army of field workers, it has
been deemed advisable to divide the vast
expanse of territory embraced in the United
States and British North America into
thirteen districts, each of which has been
placed under the immediate direction of a
competent superintendent. The districts,
with their respective superintendents, are :
Alaska—Supt., John Murdoch, Smith-
sonian Institute, Washington, D. C.
Northwest Territories—Supt., Ernest E,
128
THE ‘YOUNG, OOLGGIST.
T. Seton, Assinaboia, oa Carberry, Mani-
toba. ;
Newfoundland—Supt., James P. How-
ley, St. John’s, Newfoundland.
British Columbia—Supt., John Fannin,
Burrard Inlet, British Columbia.
Manitoba—Supt., Prof. W. W. Cooke,
Caddo, Indian Territory.
Quebec and the Maritime Provinces—
Supt., Montague Chamberlain, St. John,
New Brunswick.
Ontario—Supt.,
Hamilton, Ontario.
New England—Supt., John H. Sage,
Portland, Conn.
Atlantie District (New York, Pennsylva-
nia, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina)
—Supt., Dr. A. K. Fisher, Sing Sing, New
York.
Middle-Eastern District (Southern Mich-
igan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Ken-
tucky and Tennessee east of the Tennessee
river, Alabama, Georgia, Florida)—Supt.,
Dr. J. M. Wheaton, Columbus, Ohio.
Mississippi Valley (Dakota, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Northern Peninsula of Michi-
gan, Nebraska, Iowa, Lllinois, Kansas,
Missouri, Indian Territory, Arkansas, the
Thomas Mellwraith,
small portions of Kentucky and Tennessee |
west of the Tennessee river, Texas, Louis- |
iana, Mississippi)—Supt., Prof. W. W.
Cooke, Caddo, Indian Territory.
Rocky Mountain District (Idaho, Mon-
tana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Arizona,
New Mexico)—Supt., Dr. Edgar A. Mearns.
Pacific District (Washington, Oregon,
California, Nevada)—Supt., IL.
San Diego, California.
Light-house Division—At
charge of the chairman.
present
Belding, |
in |
The home of each observer is called a |
station, and is recorded by number upon
the books of the committee. The commit-
tee particularly requests that all persons
who read this circular, and are willing to
aid in the work, will wnmediately commu-
nicate with the superintendents of their re-
spective districts.
It is the duty of each superintendent to
exert himself to the utmost to inerease the |
number of observers in his district; to an-
swer the questions they may put to him
concerning the details of the work, etc.; to
collect at frequent intervals the product of
their labors; to ascertain from these data
the whereabouts of certain species in win-
ter, and the times of leaving their winter
homes; to determine if possible the number
and extent of the chief avenues of migra-
tion within the limits of his district, and
the average rate of speed at which the dif-
ferent species travel; to locate the breeding
areas of the summer residents; and, finally,
to submit the result of the season’s work to
the chairman of the committee. The chair-
man shall, in turn, arrange, condense and
systematize the material received from the
superintendents of the several districts,
and shall present to the Union the fruits of
the joint labors of all the collaborators, to-
gether with any comments, deductions or
generalizations he may have made upon
the same.
INSTRUCTIONS TO COLLABORATORS.
The data collected may conveniently be
arranged in three general classes: @. Orni-
thological Phenomena. 0. Meteorological
Phenomena. c¢. Contemporary and Cor-
relative Phenomena.
(a) Ornithological Phenomena.
Each observer is requested to prepare, at
his earliest convenience, a complete list of
the birds known to occur in the vicinity of
his station, and to indicate (by the abbre-
viations enclosed in parentheses) to which
of the following five categories each species
pertains:
1. Permanent Tesidents, or those that are
found regularly throughout the entire
year (R).
2. Winter Visitants, ovr those that occur
only during the winter season, passing
north in the spring (WY).
3. Transient Visitants, or those that oc-
cur only during the migrations, in spring
and fall (TV).
4. Summer Residents, or those that are
known to breed, but which depart south-
ward before winter (SR).
5. Accidental Visitants,
from remote districts (AY).
or stragglers
to note the sex of the first comers, and the |
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
It is desirable also to indicate the rela-
tive abundance of the different species, the
terms to be employed for this purpose be-
ing: Abundant, Common, Tolerably Com-
mon, Rare.
In many species the males arrive in ad-
vance of the females, hence it is important
date at which the opposite sex is first seen.
In recording arrivals and departures it is
highly important to distinguish between
the movements of the great bulk of the
_ species and those ot the forerunners or ad-
vance guard. For this purpose two dates
should be recorded for the incoming, and
two for the outgoing of every non-resident
species, as follows:
1. The first appearance of the species
(F).
2. The arrival of the bulk (BA).
3. The departure of the bulk (BD).
4. The last individual seen (L).
In addition to the above, which may be
regarded as essential data, there are many
other noteworthy details that bear more or |
less directly upon the complicated prob-
lems involved in the study of migration.
Among such may be mentioned the bodily
condition of the bird (whether fat or lean),
the moult, and the periods of song. The
time of mating, when observed, should al-
ways be recorded.
(0) Meteorologicul Phenomena.
Extended meteorological data are not re-
quired, though the observer would derive
material assistance from a _ systematic
weather record. The committee desires
information upon:
1. The direction and force of the wind.
2. The direction, character and dura-
tion of storms.
3. The general conditions of the atmos-
phere, including rainfall.
4. The succession of marked warm and
cold waves; including a record of all sud-
den changes of temperature.
(c) Contemporary and Correlative Phe--
nomena.
The committee desires that the data under |
this head be as full and complete as possi-
|
|
|
129
ble, and requests exact information upon :
I. The date at which the first toad is
seen.
2. The date at which the first frog is
heard.
The date at which the first
or ‘‘peeper” is heard.
4. The dates at which certain mammals
and reptiles enter upon and emerge from
the state of hibernation.
tree-toad
5. The dates at which various insects
are first seen.
6. The dates of the flowering of various
plants.
7. The dates of the leafing and falling
of the leaves of various trees and shrubs.
8. The dates of the breaking up and
disappearance of the ice in rivers and lakes
in spring, and of the freezing over of the
same in the fall.
Not long since we received the above cir-
cular from G. Hart Merriam, M. D., of Lo-
cust Grove, Lewis Co., N. Y., who is chair-
man of the Committee on Migration. We
trust that our readers will carefully con-
sider the subject matter of this circular.
Write to the superintendent of the district
in which vou reside and he will add your
name to the large list of stations already
established, and will expect to hear good
and favorable reports from you. Do not
disappoint him, but procure a note-book,
“several if necessary, for the purpose and
keep a correct and minute record of the
bird happenings in your locality. You
will find your task far from being an un-
pleasant one nnd your notes will be of no
small value to this body of scientific men.
We know that if the readers of THE
YounG Oowoertst take hold of this work
with the zeal so characteristic ig most of
their undertakings, many hundred new
Stations will be established during the com-
ing season, and we propose, should we be
enabled to enlarge THE YOUNG OoLoatst,
to have several pages devoted to the re-
ports of these stations. The ‘‘agents” can
send their reports to us, we will print them
in good shape and send a copy of our mag-
azine to the superintendent of each district
130
THE YOUNG) OGLOGIST:
Wild Geese Frozen to the Ice; Frozen
Ducks.
W. B. H. of Milwaukee, Wis., writes
that last winter a young man of Milwaukee |
secured several Wild Geese which had _be-
come frozen to the ice while sitting around
an air-hole, on a small lake about 100 miles |
from the city, and that a hunter informed |
him that he had in three cases found Wild |
Geese frozen to the ice on lakesin northern
Wisconsin.
Mr. H. also enclosed the following clip”
ping taken from the Oshkosh Times :
Register of Deeds Spiegelberg brought —
the news this morning of a very singular
occurrence in the up-river country. He
states that in the ifland formed at the con-
fluence of Lake Poygan, the Wolf river
and the Boom Company’s canal, the sud-
den change in the weather on the 28d inst.
| Nov.] overtook a thousand or more Mal- |
lard Ducks, which had found a resting
place, and the cold having numbed them
they were unable to fly, and hunters and
farmers had an easy time in catching them
The highest number caught by one family
was 213, A good many of the ducks were
picked and brought into the market, while
lots of them were packed for winter use.
Mr. Spiegelberg says that the ducks were
very fat, but that when discovered they
had nothing in their crops, being unable to
move on account of the cold. Mr. Spiegel-
berg, who has lived in the vicinity a long
time, has no remembrance of a similar oc-
currence.
+ > o-
How to Handle a Gun.
The following advice to young sportsmen |
appears in the St. Nicholas.
readers wi]l peruse carefully and always
bear it in mind when out for a day’s sport:
We trust our |
Always bear in mind that it is the muz-
zle of a gun that is dangerous; therefore,
never allow the muzzle to point toward
yourself or any other person.
Never put your hand over the muzzle of
a gun nor allow another person to handle |
your gun while it is loaded.
Use a breech-loading with rebounding
hammers.
Our Smal'est Winter Friend.
Of all our birds [ think the little Black-
capped Titmouse (Parus atricapillus) is our
best friend and most general favorite. Not
like the others, who desert us at the first
sign of hard times, they stay with us dur-
ing the most dreary weather, cheering us
with their funny ways and happy little
song.
They are of a social disposition, and
often found in company with the Nu-
thatches, with
peaceable.
Their only fault is, they are very inquis-
itive.
The other day when collecting it was
snowing very hard, and not seeing any-
whom they are always
thing for along gime, felt rather discour-
aged and stopped a few minutes to rest. I
had not done so two seconds before I heard
Are not |
YOUNG
QOLOGIST, I
oe)
—
a little twitter above my head, and on look-
ing up saw one of my little friends hang-
ing from nearly the topmost branch of a
very tall tree, working with all his little
might, probably at the insects which it
contained, every now and then uttering a
little sort of twitter, with sometimes the
note for which he gets his name, Chicka-
dee.
While I was looking at him I heard a
rustling in the leaves, and about three
yards from me saw one of his companions
turning them over, running up into the
bushes and shaking snow all over himself,
to all appearances not conscious of my
presence; but in reality peeping at me
whenever he thought I was not noticing
him.
I watched him a little while, much
amused, but feeling a little chilly, started
on.
I had not gone far before I shot a Blue
Jay, and was standing admiring it when I
looked up and found | was again sur-
rounded by my little friends, who proba-
bly were at a little distance when I shot,
and being of such inquisitive natures could
not help but come and see what I was do-
ing.
The Titmouse is also one of our most
useful birds, each bird being said to de-
stroy in the spring on an average of over
two hundred injurious insects daily.
ARTHUR H. LOcKEr',
Exeter, N: EH.
Le u
The tallest bird known to ethnologists
was found by Professor Herbert in the
lower cocene deposits near Paris, France.
It was over twelve feet in height, and
could have bitten a man’s head off as easily
We
cannot be too thankful that this bird has
Ladies
would have wanted to wear it on their hats,
as a Woodpecker can nip a cherry.
gone out of fashion and existence.
and men who sat behind such bonnets or
ornaments in the theatres would be unable
to see whether a ballet or a prayer meeting
were in progress on the stage.
EGG OF THE MOA OR DINORNIS,
FRONI NEW ZEALANID.
Ro Ps Ee eel & ea i ®
Mee J. CG) Sav eae
Has received instructions to offer for sale by Auction,
At his GREAT ROOM, No. 38 KING STREET, COVENT GARDEN,
On FRIDAY, the 24th day of NOVEMBER, 1865,
AT TWO (0;CHOCE
A SPECIMEN, NEARLY PERFECT, OF THIS VERY
RARE & REMARKABLE HGG,
The Bird of which is now presumed to be quite extinct.
The egg has just arrived, per Ship RAVENSCRAIG, and is probably the
Dinornis ingens of Owen.
The egg will be on view the Day prior and Morning of Sale.
The following account of the singular discovery of this Egg was published
in the Wellington Papers.
EXTRACT FROM WELLINGTON PAPERS.
Discovery of a Moa’s Egg at the Kat Koras.
There is at the present time being exhibited at Messrs. Bernune & Humrer’s stores, for the benefit of the
curious, an object of no less interest than the egg of a Moa, another relic of the rara avis of New Zealand.
The egg is of itself an object of no:common interest to ordinary people, but 1t must be still more so to those
who watch narrowly the development of natural history in its relations to this colony, and the circumstances
connected with the finding are calculated to lend a still greater, not to say aromantic, interest to It. It appears,
from what we learn from Captain Davidson, of the schooner Ruby, which trades between this port and the
Kai Koras, that a man in Mr. Fyffe’s employment at the latter place was digging the foundation of a house,
and when on the side of a small mound he suddenly came upon the egg in question, and the skeleton of a man,
supposed of course to be a Maori. ‘The body had evidently been buried in a sitting posture, and the egg must
have been placed in the hands, as when found the arms were extended in such a manner as to bring it im-
mediately opposite the mouth of the deceased. ‘This, it is assumed, was in accordance with the Maori custom,
and was done for the purpose of giving the individual who was buried an opportunity of sustaining himself if
he thought proper, or it, in the course of things, he required sustenance. Between the legs of the skeleton
were found numerous tools, cut from green stone, including a spear, axe, and several implements, which would
lead to the belief that the man to whom the bones belonged must have been, in some way or other, connected
with the wood trade—that is to say, if carpenters. cabinetmakers, &c., flourished in his time. All the bones
were in excellent preservation, one arm and hand being entirely without blemish. The skull bore evidence of
its proprietor having, at some time or the other, received some hard knocks, probably in the battle-field while
taking his part in some of those terrific encounters which are supposed to have taken place in ancient times.
Unfortunately, before the man who was digging discovered the natural treasure, the implement he was using
came in contact with the shell and broke a small piece out of the side of it, but the fragments have been
carefully preserved, and might readily be fitted into the aperture. The egg itself is about ten inches in length,
and seven inches in breadth, the shell being of a dirty brownish color, and rather better than the thickness of a
shilling coin. ‘he inside is perfectly clear and free from all traces of decayed matter. From what Captain
Davidson tells us, we should supnose that the ground where this relic was discovered must have been used asa
cemetary at some distant period of the past,as Mr. Fyffe had previously found some interesting Maori
emblems about the same place, but one of the natives about there—and some of them we are informed have
arrived at very mature ages—have the slightest recollection of even having heard, as a matter of history, that
any of their ancestors had found a final resting place in that particular locality.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
Vol. 1. No. 10. GAINES, N. Y., FEB., 1885.
Nesting of the Winter Wren.
‘Why this species is called the Winter
Wren seems somewhat strange, as, in Can-
ada at least, it is very seldom ever seen or
heard during the winter season, though in
the latitude of Philadelphia some speci-
mens may be commonly met with at that
period of the year, but with the return of
spring it is one of the earliest of our visit-
ants to cheer the wild, swampy woods with
its gladsome lays. The term Wood Wren
would, I think, be more appropriate than
the name it bears, as in contra distinction
to its congener, the House Wren, it is ex-
clusively a woodland bird. From early in
April until mid-summer its cheery notes
are constantly heard in the wild lowland
woods where it makes its summer home,
though with the exception of its notes the
student of nature often has little evidence
of its existence, for as soon as it becomes
aware of the presence of man it immedi-
ately seeks concealment among the fallen
timber and tangled brushwood surrounding
its nesting-place, at the same time uttering
a few disconcerted notes. From my early
childhood I have been a resident of the
Janadian backwoods, and often when out
in the pathless forest 1 have listened with
delight to the thrilling music of this wood:
land ranger, though for many years I was
ignorant of the little performer and its af-
finity to the House Wren, which. was
among the most familiar of our feathered
friends that annually made their homes
around our dwelling. When I was about
fourteen years of age, one summer day I
was in hunt of cattle along the margin of
the creek that bore the Indian namé of Can-
a-ca-jig. Passing a place where there
still indications of once being .an Indiair
encampment I noticed that a large maple
tree had fallen across the stream, and that
in its fall it had drawn up with its roots A
f
|
|
|
§ PusiisHep MontHLy
) 60c. Per Year.
large piece of earth which, hanging down-
ward, formed a kind of wigwam. Into
.this I entered, supposing it to be the nest-
ing-place of a Pewee or a Jinco. AsI did
so and began to look around in the gloomy
| light, a little dark bird flew past my face,
and which from 'the glimpse that I got of
it, and its notes, I identified as the species
then known to me as the Wood Wren. I
soon discovered the nest, placed in a small
cavity, built externally of moss in the form
of a ball, with a small hole in the side.
| Putting my finger into the nest I found that
it contained a number of eggs. Some of
the eggs I took out in order to see their
color and count their number. I found
that there were eight eggs in the nest, of a
pure white color with reddish dots toward
the large end. or much like those of’ the
_ Black-capped Chick-a-dee in size and mark-
| ing.
|
Some days after I looked at the nest
again and found that it contained young.
This was the first nest of this species, with
eggs, that I had seen. Many a time since
then I have seen partially formed nests of
_ this species, and others from which eggs
had been taken or in which young had
' been incubated, but I have seen only one
other nest with eggs. I have on several
' occasions seen the bird in the act of form-
_ ing her nest, but no sooner did she become
aware that it was discovered than she im-
| a hole in the side of an
mediately forsook it. Once I saw a nest in
which young had evidently been raised, in
old
Another time when engaged in sugar-
moss-covered
log.
making I saw a bird of this species carry-
_ ing bits of moss-into a hole in the top of
, an old rotten stump, but when she saw me
_ examining her nesting-place no more work
yas* |
was performed there. I have much other
| evidence to show that if the nest is touched
|
or the bird suspects that it has been dis-
covered before eggs are deposited, she at
once deserts it. In the early part of. June,
134
1878, I was out in a piece of low woods
about a mile south of this town, nest hunt.
ing. Seeing a large hemlock tree partially
turned up by the root. I thought that
underneath it was a place likely to contain
the nest of the Winter Wren, whose eggs
I was now anxious to obtain for my collec-
tion. Gazing into this cavern I saw a nest
a few feet from the entrance, and a mo-
ment after a Wren popped onto the ground
and then flew out past me. This nest, like
all the others, was composed of moss, in
the form of a ball, and neatly lined with
fine fibrous bark, hair and Hawk feathers.
It contained six eggs which I found to
have been several days incubated. One
was broken in blowing, two I gave to an-
other collector and the other three are still
in my collection. It would take an expert
Oologist to distinguish them from those of
the Brown Creeper.
WitiraM L. Kgs,
Listowel, Ontario.
e+e
Duck-hunting at Gospel Swamp.
It has been so long since | have sat down
to write anything outside of business let-
ters, that if my wits ever were sharp on the
subject Igam afraid they are pretty dull
now. Still I thought I would let the read-
ers of THe Youne Oo.oeisr know how
we can enjoy our spare time out here when
we cannot go egg-hunting.
It was on the 18th of last December a
couple of friends and myself decided to
spend the two weeks holidays by taking a
grand Duck-hunt. Acting on this we at
once began preparations; we were all
equipped with guns, ammunition, etc., by
the afternoon of the 19th, and having pro-
cured a good team and plenty of provisions,
we started out for a place renowned for its
Duck shooting, called Gospel Swamp, sit-
uated about fifty miles from Los Angeles.
The swamp part of this name is all right,
but I conld never just see where the ‘‘Gos-
pel” part of the business comes in, for the
country itself, full of dark sloughs and
deep bog-holes, is very far from being gos-
pel-like.
' Los Angeles.
- drive lay among green meadows and eme-
were too much for
- thought a little fresh fruit would be a good
. of fruit.
- hunting expedition, and gaining our prom-
the golden beauties.
FHE YOUNG. OOLOGIST.
It is needless to describe our trip from
Suffice it to say that our
rald orange orchards, whose clusters of
golden fruit bore a pleasing contrast to
their surrounding masses of dark green
folinge. The tempting clusters of fruit
me, inasmuch as [|
acquisition to our stock of provisions.
So I stopped at the next orchard and
asked the proprietor for a few dimes’ werth
He, seeing we were out for a
ise of a brace or two of fine Ducks on our
retin, was very generous and presented
us witha couple of sacks brimming full of
After thanking him
properly we proceeded with our journey,
and added variety to the monotony of the
_ drive by shooting such squirrels and mead-
ow larks that were so unfortunate as to
cross our path.
After a drive of some twenty miles we
were overtaken by the approaching dusk,
and made our encampment at a spot called
“Coyote Hill,” so named on account of the
immense numbers of prairie wolves, or
- coyotes, found in this vicinity. We at once
proceeded to pitch camp and retire, but
not to ‘‘blissful dreams.” During the
night our sleep was frequently disturbed
by the tumultuous howlings of these ‘‘too-
familiar - on -short- acquaintance” animals.
Indeed, to judge by the sounds, some num-
bers of the varmints would approach to
within fifty or sixty yards of camp, and as
_ if by a given signal previously agreed upon
' set up such a series of yells and barks that
a person is reminded of a concert in Pan-
-demonium. This was, to speak mildly,
somewhat annoying; as I could not see the
creatures, 1 would take my gun from under
_ my pillow and discharge it in the direction
of the animals. .
For a time this action would have the de-
_ sired effect, i. e., of quieting the uproar,
- and I would again attempt to calm my
_ troubled feelings in Nod’s reveries. How-
‘ ever, my attempt was fruitless; for as soon
as I was comfortably ensconced beneath
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
the covers they would, like Hastings’ Ideal,
It is true the animals are —
harmless; so are mosquitoes, but neverthe- |
less a person unused to their lullaby does |
not appreciate it as the efforts on the part —
‘come again.”
of the animals probably deserve.
Thus I passed a very restless night,when |
daylight at length dawned upon us, to my
great joy and the apparent discomfiture of |
the coyotes, for at the first approach of |
dawn I could see them skulking off in pairs |
and trios and soon disappear in the recesses
of the deep thickets near our camping
ground. The creatures were evidently
very much disappointed at not finding us
more generous with our fresh-killed birds |
and squirrels, the scent of which had prob- |
ably attracted them to our locality.
We at once proceeded to re-pack our
camp, and after partaking of a slice of |
bread and fried bacon, and above all, the
cup of hot black coffee, which cannot be
truly appreciated until a person is outon a >
hunt on a cold morning, we ‘‘pulled stakes”
and departed. After a few turns and
crooks we reached our hunting grounds
without further mishap, about three o'clock |
on the afternoon of the 20th. We at once
began to pitch camp. The spot selected
was a high, dry knoll on the bank of a lit-
tle stream and about fifty yards from a
willow thicket which afforded us with a
never-failing supply of fuel.
things fixed comfortably. and to use the
expression, everything was lovely by five
o'clock in the evening.
It was about this time the Ducks and
Geese began to come in from the bays and
large lakes and to alight among the small
sloughs and grain fields to feed.
ber of Ducks in these incoming flights was
simply amazing.
dred yards in extent would come rushing
in and for a short time darken the sky, and
these had no sooner passed on and dis-
persed when another immense flock num-
bering countless thousands would come
sweeping along in the same direction.
Each of my comrades and myself took
favorable stands on the banks of the slough
and then commenced a general fusilade |
early and at our posts at sunrise.
We had |
The num- |
Flocks of several hun- |
135
Senne beanie
which we kept up for about an hour, when
it became too dark to participate in the
sport further, so all hands repaired to the
camp. When we had arrived there and
taken an inventory of stock we found that
we had bagged one hundred Ducks, mostly
Mallard and Pin-tail, with a few scattering
Widgeon, Teal and Spoon-bills. As we
were somewhat tired we retired early to
blissful slumbers, and, | am happy to say,
an undisturbed one, for we were not trou-
bled by coyotes, as on the previous night.
The next morning we were up bright and
We did
not have long to wait; soon a few strag-
gling Ducks come sailing along at an in-
viting distance over our heads and we give
them a couple of loads for luck and bring
down a couple of daring old drake Mal-
lards.
Then three or four detached flocks come
rushing along, all heedless of their impend-
ing doom. We get in a couple of good
telling shots among these, and then—
Mercy! but what is that dark cloud which
comes rushing along with a muffled roar’
We do not have long to wait for an an-
swer. Soon the Ducks are upon us, like a
whirlwind, on their way back to the bays.
At their arrival bang! bang! go our fowling
pieces, but such is the tumult you could
not hear the reports two hundred yards
distant.
After ten or fifteen minutes the flight
has all passed and we proceed to pick up
our Ducks, which to say the least made
quite a little pile when we reached camp
and put them up ina bunch. By this time
the ducks are all down in the large bay, so
we procure a boat and row out for a little
mid-day sport. Our success here was not
so great here as inland, however we pro-
cured quite a number of Geese on the open
water, mostly the White and Grey Brant.
After several hours of this sport we again
retire to camp and prepare for the evening
shoot. After picking our fowls for the
teathers and throwing the carcass away we
repair to our stands of the previous even-
ing. As the weather was a little windy
with signs of rain, the Ducks began flying
136
THE: YOUNG “OOL OGIST.
early and. came in by. iceeamia’)
flight was simply appalling... This ; eyen-
The |
ing we made another tremendous haul, and
thus our. time, passed;, each, day: was a fair
repetition of, the pri evious. one;... - ane
To.vary the monotony: - one of, my. com-
panions. succeeded: i in killing a jar ge White
Swan, Ww hich measured. over seven. feet
from tip to. tip, and a day or: so.- later. the
other companion killed a large wildcat |
which he saw prowling along the bank ofa
slough, probably looking for achance Duck
that might be caught napping. However,
the cat will probably postpone his ducking”
tour in his present condition. And now,
after my two companions had immortalized
themselves over the Swan and wildeat,.w as |
I to suiler disgrace . by not killing a single
noble specimen of theanimal creation? Not —
much. The next evening I achieved a feat
worthy of fame.
As I was walking along |
through an open meadow IT spied a beauti- |
ful little white and black animal, about the |
size of a small badger, skipping playfully
along in the path before me. Now, thought |
I, was my chance for glory, so I no sooner |
saw the little creature than I gave chase.
The animal did not seem to be in a hurry
(unfortunatety for me) and I soon overtook
it. As I came to close quarters it erected
its beautiful little tail, and I—I—well, for
reasons of my own, stopped short... I will
state right here that in my opinion the
most generous animal in the world is the
skunk. On the slightest acquaintance—
without even an informal introduction—he
will give youa good rich scent and not
charge you a cent for his services either.
His generosity is truly commendable.
After my first onslaught I recoiled a few
steps for obvious reasons and my good
health, and gave the charitable animal the
full contents of my two gun-barrels. After
this adventure I returned to camp a wiser
and a scented man. My companions needed
no explanations as to the manner of ani-
mal which I had encountered. Suffice is
to say that for some unaccountable reason
they strongly objected to my coming into
camp, and advised “a change of clothing.
This prescription I complied with, and left |
my fone suit a mer distance to the lee-
ward.of camp in the willows.
After the skunk episode things ran along
tranquilly as ever and our luck was always
good, Righthere | would like to say that
everywhere | would go, among the reeds
and sedge-grass, on the banks of the
sloughs, and in the shallow water, I found
innumerable old nests built close to and on
the ground. They were about eight inches
in diameter and composed of light mate-
rial, as small tules, dried grass, ete. For
some time I was puzzled to know their
probable identity, but soon noticing the
numbers of California Clapper Rails which
abounded in every little bunch of grass and
sedge, I at once concluded that they were
the authors of the old nests. So acting on
these pointers I intend to visit the swamp
the coming egg season and try my success
at egg-collecting in that locality.
But .to my subject. After we had
camped out for a fortnight and killed
Ducks and Geese until killing them ceased
to be a novelty and lost its sport, we began
to re-pack and turn our faces once more
towards home, sweet home, at which place
we all arrived on the evening of January
3d. I arrived alive and well and am still
so, and only wish for another opportunity
to spend a few spare days at Duck shoot-
ing, and I don’t think my Eastern friends
would object to taking a little hunt with me
in the same neighborhood. Well, I hope
that some day I may have the pleasure of
taking a little pleasure trip with some of
my numerous friends who are readers of
THE YOUNG OOLOGIsT, so wishing you al
a happy New Year (although a little past
the season) and good luck the coming egg
season, I will regretfully say good-bye to
THE YOUNG Oo.oeist and its many read-
ers. A M, SHIELDs,
Los Angeles, Cal’a.
tg
A valued correspondent from New York
City writes us that among the various pres-
ents President-elect Cleveland is fairly del-
uged with, isa mammoth egg, from some
_ Virginia admirer. What kind of an egg
it is, is not mentioned, but he adds that it
is probably ‘‘hen fruit.”
DHE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Little Screech Owls in Pigeon and
Poultry Houses.
During the latter part of last March my
|
|
|
|
pigeon-houses were infested by two pairs |
of Little Screech Owls (Scops asio).
spent the day among the catalpas and
They |
bushy oaks that stud the yard of the |
Catholic clergyman, across the street; and,
every evening, at dusk, appeared in a tall |
pecan tree in our poultry-yard, uttered a
few cries, and then descended into
pigeon-houses. The pigeons were terrified
the |
at the presence of their unwelcome guests |
and left their homes, passing the nights in ©
the surrounding houses and in trees.
One evening, a few minutes after dark-
ness had set in, the tenants of our property,
adjoining the poultry-yard, hastily sent us |
word that thieves were operating in our
poultry-house.
My brother and I immediately burried to |
the poultry-house, he carrying a lantern,
and I armed with a pistol., On arriving at
the scene of the disturbance, the first live
thing we met, was a turkey-gobbler, with
his head trust between two banana trees,
and trying, with all of his might, to escape
between them. After extricating him from |
his position, we proceeded to the poultry-
house, to dislodge the thieves.
Brandishing my pistol, I called to the |
intruders to surrender; but no sound greet-
ed our ears save that of the poultry trying |
to regain the perches from whence they |
were disturbed. We then made an examina-
tion ofthe building and yard: not a sign of
a thief was visible.
We found turkeys and chickens about |
the yard, in corners, bushes and other
favorable hiding places.
into the cause of the disturbance ; and, as
After driving |
them to their perches, we began inquiring |
no biped or quadruped of a large size |
seemed the malefactor, the question natur- |
ally presented itself: What was it?
All of our speculations were dissolved,
when the Little Screech Owls, who had ©
taken possession of the pigeons’ dwellings,
were mentioned. It seems that the door
of a pigeon-house on the side of, and open-
|
|
|
137
ing into the poultry house had_ been left
open, and, through it, a pair of the little
varlets had entered and, alarming the
poultry, produced a stampede among the
feathered congregation.
After this event we determined to kill
the disturbers ; one was shot (April 4th),
and another was found in a _ pigeon-nest
and destroyed. The other two did not
linger long, where their companions were
killed, and left not long after.
A few weeks later, in cleaning out the
pigeon-houses, three Little Screech Owl
eges were found in one house, and one egg
in another house. They had made no ad-
dition to the pigeons’ nests; and, unabashed,
laid their spherical white eggs in nests, in
which the pigeons had reared their young
some time before.
Houma, La. B.C. W:
sp toab hee NE Ne ieee
Prehensile Power of the Peet of the
Crow.
(CORVUS FRUGIVORUS. )
Apropos of this subject, which has been
somewhat discussed lately, my friend
Charles W. Beckwith, Esq., of Frederic
ton, N. B., has sent me the following note:
‘‘A few months ago, while walking along
the bank of the St. John river, which at®™
that point is something over half a mile
wide, I observed a Crow coming toward
me from the direction of the opposite
shore, holding in his claw some large ob-
ject, and laboring heavily against the
strong wind which was blowing in his face.
Reaching the shore, after considerable ef-
fort, he alighted on the branch of an elm
growing near to where | stood, and in do-
ins so dropped its burden. On examina.
tion this proved to be a dead kitten, not
more than three or four days old, I judged
from its appearance, and not at all de-
cayed.””
MonvTAGUE CHAMBERLAIN,
St. John, N. B.
1) Dae re Ash
For every new subscriber you may send
us for the YouneG Ooxoaist, we will give
a copy of our new Hand-book.
138
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
“EDITED AND PUBLISHED MONTELY
FRANK E. LATTIN, GAINES, N. ¥,
Printed by poke P. Smiru, 80 State St., Rochester.
Godeianvaeice and items of interest to the student
of Birds, their Nests and Eggs solicited from all.
pos ae Gubeenntion:
Single Subscription - - 60 cents per annum.
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Sample Copies, = - - -
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Terms of Advertising.
Single insertion, 20 cents per line, nonpareil.
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extra. Yearly advertisements payable ita) erly in
advance.
Special discounts can be given on many advertise-
ments. Send copy for estimate.
Remittances should be made by draft on New
York ; money order or postal note payable at Gaines,
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stamps of any denomination will be accepted for
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communications to THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
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fe" Make money orders and drafts ean able to
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Entered at the Post Office at Gaines ING Win vas
Second-class mail matter.
JOTTINGS.
A friend from Chester Co., Pa., is desir-
ous of knowing how far south the nest of
the Broad-winged Hawk has been found.
Can any of our readers give us information
on the subject?
Every Naturalist and Curiosity collector
in America should subscribe for THE
Youne Oo.Locist. We givemore original
and valuable reading matter for the money
than any like periodical ever published.
If you are not interested in ornithology
and oology the bergains offered by our
advertisers will more than repay the sub-
scription price.
THE) YOUNG
OOLOGIST.
We are striving to captivate the hearts
and pocket-books of America’s Naturalists,
if they, old and young, amateur and _ pro-
fessional, will take 60 cents from the latter
and send it to us in payment for Tre
YouNG Oo.Logist one year. We will take
our chances at ‘‘getting around” the former
during the ensuing twelve months.
This month’s Youne Oo.oeist has a
very extensive circulation; should you re-
ceive more than one copy, or not care for
the copy you do receive, neither throw it
away nor return it to us, but hand or
send it to some friend whom it might in-
terest. Two parties will then thank you
for your trouble.
Copy for January issue of THE YouNG
Oo.LocistT was handed our printer Dec. 28;
ample time was given to have them out by
January Ist, but, as our friends are doubt-
less aware, we did not receive them until
the morning of Jan. 14. The afternoon of
the same day we received them, our thir-
teen hundred subscribers each had a copy
in the mail bag started for their home.
Our printer may disappoint and delay us
once more, but only ence.
We will send a copy of Davie’s Egg
Check List, the Youna@ OoLoGist one
year, and a copy of our new ‘‘ Oologists’
Hand-Book” for only $1.00. We make
this offer in order to get our Hand-Book
and Davie’s Check List introduced before
the coming season. This offer will hold
good until March 15th, only. Between 700
and 800 subscriptions expire with the April
number. Renew at once, accepting the
above offer. Should our friends decide to
have the Youne Oo.oeist enlarged on
May Ist, the parties now renewing their
subscriptions will be owing us 40 cents,
but to new subscribers having their sub-
scriptions commencing before or with the
January number, no extra amount will be
charged.
Back numbers of THE YouNG OOLOGIstT
will be furnished at six cents per copy.
—
As we go to press, too late for this
|, months issue, we receive from Mr. Jose R,
| Curtis, of Painted Post, N. Y., a ‘‘grand
|ischeme” to organize the collectors of
| America interested in the study of birds,
| their nests and eggs, into an Association
|,similar to the Agassiz, to be known as
fica Knights of Audubon.” Full par-
Ferg et
ticulars next month.
: ERRAtTA:—Under Jottings, in January
issue, the type setter not only added testi-
‘mony to the large size of the Moa egg, but
ity, heretofore undiscovered by the most
}}eminent scientists, in saying :
‘“There are but few collectors in this
‘country but what an egg or two of this
species would like to obtain.”
Our copy read: ‘‘ There are few collec-
}| tions in this country that an egg or two of
|| this species would not obtain.”
On January 22d, a bitter cold day ; brisk
| west wind ; mercury ator near zero—we
recorded our first Horned Lark for 1885.
|} Once, twice, thrice we thought we. recog-
nized his welcome notes, the last call being
too much for us, we started in search of
(our early visitant. We soon found the
little fellow, only a few rods from our
| office door, running and skipping merrily
Hover the frozen ground, now and then
|| picking up a stray seed, apparently, in
| spite of the cold, enjoying himself as
heartily asif it was a warm, sunny day in
| April. On Dec. 1st, 1884, while going to
West Kendall, we saw four of these birds;
we have observed them every month since
‘last February; can we not soon have them
{recorded as an occasional winter resident in
Western New York?
SHALL WE MAKE THE YOUNG OoLOGIsT
[A THIRTY-TWO PAGE MAGAZINE?—For the
past few months we have been struggling
heroically with the above query, and _to-
day are as far from a definite answer as the
‘day when it first confronted us. We have
decided to let our readers answer the ques-
tion, and upon their answers depends
[whether Tak Youre Oonoaist—upon the
unconsciously (?) endowed it with a vorac- |
THE YOUNG ~OOLOGIST.
7
139
first of May next (the initial number of
Vol. II,)—shall consist of thirty-two pages,
“chuck full” and running over with inter-
esting items and articles on Birds, their
Nests and Eggs, (this issue is,only one-half
of a fair sample of what we would make
it,) or whether it shall be issued, as at pre-
sent, with only sixteen pages. If we en-
large to thirty-two pages, our subscription
price will necessarily be increased to $1.00
per annum. But where could the student
of birds obtain more information bearing
directly on their hobby for $1.00, than in
twelve numbers of a_ thirty-two paged
Youne OoLoeisr?
Let us hear from each and every reader
of this article ar ONCE. Write short and
to the point. = —
Davie’s Egg Check List.
Last December we received a letter from
our friend, Mr. Oliver Davie of Columbus,
O., in which he hinted that in a short time
he would place before the oologists of
America a work which would be as neces-
sary and essential for them to have as
‘‘bread and butter,’ and in fact ‘‘ they
couldn’t get along without it.” Knowing
Mr. D. to be a man
of his word and not |
wishing to doubt his statements, we waited |
patiently to see ‘‘the elephant.”
About |
January 1st we received advance or sample |
pages of his new work.
were pleased would be putting it mildly.
To say that we |
We were then and are now ready to en- |
dorse any of Friend D.’s statements bear- |
ing on the value and necessity of his work. |
The work stands alone in its chosen field, |
and thousands will be sold during the com-
ing season.
cheapness and beauty, and had Friend D.
been one of the ‘‘ Big Bird Doctors” the
idea of sending out the work for less than
$2.00 would have been absurd; but we are
happy to say that, for our good, Friend D.
does not belong, as yet, to that fraternity,
The book itself is a marvel of .
and that he is an oologist from the crown |
of his head to the soles of his feet, and |
knowing that many of the younger col-
lectors can more readily spare 60c. than
42.00, he has concluded to content himself
with very small profit, and has placed the
price so low that every American collector |
will obtain a copy. We trust that the ex-
tensive sale of his work will more than re-
ward him for his generosity. And we will
say to the collectors obtaining a copy from
us, we will not only refund their money if
not more than satisfied, but will send
stamps sufficient to pay the return postage.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Let every purchaser write and tell us what
they think of the work.
WHAT OTHERS SAY.
Dr. Jones, author of the ‘‘ Illustrations
of the Nests and Eggs of the Birds of
Ohio,” says: ‘‘It certainly will take a
prominent place in the ornithological liter-
ature of the United States. Fifteen years
ago What would I not have given for a
work like this ?” ete., ete.
‘* Have looked it over, and find it inval-
uable to the egg collector. The descrip-
tions are accurate and the work meets along
felt want. The topography of the work is
perfect and the price brings it within reach
of all. A. N. FULLER,
Lawrence, Kas.
DEAR S1r.—Received the ‘‘ Egg Check
List.” It is worth ten times the price.
Puitie LAURENT,
Philadelphia, Pa.
oe
The Black Snowbird.
This bird is common here, building its
nest in all suitable places.
The nest is placed on the ground, gener- |
ally beneath the edge of a rock or tuft of .
grass, and is composed of fine straw lined |
with horse hair.
I once found a nest of this bird built be- |
neath an old tin pan, and another on some |
hay in the loft of a barn.
This bird generally lays four eggs, but I
have found two nests containing five. One |
of them is now in my collection; the other |
was too far advanced to blow. |
Out of over twenty nests of the Snow-
bird found by me last season one contained |
two eggs well advanced, the rest three and |
four. |
Will some of the readers of THE YOUNG |
Oouoaist tell me how many eggs the Red- |
eyed Vireo generally lays ? :
I have found several nests of this bird |
containing two and three eggs each, but |
never any more. ‘‘Minot” says they lay
four and five. H. H. McApam,
e@ Oak Bay, N. B.
The Red-eyed Vireo generally lays four
eggs in this locality. —[En.
Queries Answered.
in your letter when writing about other matters.
|) J. B. B., Wytheville, Va.—The birds,
| hich you call the ‘‘ Mexican Canary” and
|/Mexican Goldfinch and. Black Snowbird.
G. $., Jackson, Mich.—The difference
Goldfinch
‘between the American
umbers of the YOUNG OOLOGIST.
priately called ‘‘ Yellow Warbler.”
H. E. M., Phila., Pa.—In regard to
queries about the birds of Lorain Co., Ohio,
would say that the ‘‘Butcher-bird’’ of that
| locality is the White-rumped Shrike. The
|lyellow-throated Vireo doubtless breeds
| there. |
A. V’L., Coxsackie, N. Y., wants to
now if the bird known as the ‘* Hivel” in
| his locality is not the Yellow-shafted Flicker.
G. G. C., Minneapolis, Minn.—The
jfoundin California and South-western U.
ter. Their eggs very closely resemble each
|jthe larger. Daviesin his new ‘‘Egg Check
List” gives their measurements as follows :
House Finch, .85 by .65; Crimson House
)\Finch, .80 by .60. Both birds were un-
lo Langille’s work.
mL. P. B., Spring Hill, Tenn.—‘‘ Coues’
(Key to N. A. Birds” is the ‘ standard
\;work”’ on the birds of America.
fepors is unusual. We have seen thousands
“ first ” spotted one.
C. R. H.. New London, Conn.—Many
7 jlast season.
mJ. W. L., Brandon, Vt.—We are not ac-
you mention. Can any of our readers in-
tard Kingbird ” and ‘‘ Pump Thunder” ?
mish the nests of many birds at the same
(price we charge for an egg of the same
| Species.
icies are worth not less than 10 cts. each.
. W.YV.0., Providence, R. I.—You will
find the tables classifying the three king-
by
collectors found white eggs of the Bluebird |
: lean with birds having the local names |
Nests of the most common spe- |
‘doms, viz: Animal, Vegetable and Min- |
] :
jwritten an a postal or slip of paper—never mix them |
Michigan Snowbird” are doubtless the |
and |
Summer Yellowbird has been given in back |
The |
Jatter named bird is commonly and appro- |
‘Crimson House Finch and House Finchare ©
S. The former isa sub-species of the lat-
[jother, those of the House Finch averaging |
nown to Wilson, and are bevond thescope |
(| W. E. B., Rochester, N. Y.—The egg of |
the American Goldfinch having faint brown
of their eggs, but have yet to see our |
|form us the correct names for the ‘Cus- |
S. W. V., Birmingham, Ct.—We can fur- |
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
_ Queries to be answered in these columns should be |
141
eral, in standard text-books on Zoology,
Botany and Geology. Inquire at any lead-
ing book-store in your city. THe Youna
OoLoaist is sent postage paid to subscrib-
ers. THE YOUNG OoLogist will be sent
one year to any publisher giving it a good
review. (This offer is not open to small
amateur sheets.) We cannot furnish raw
cotton; doubtless many of our Southern
friends can.
Many QUERIstTS will find their queries
answered in former numbers of THE
YouNG OoLoeisr. It is folly for us to an-
swer the same questions monthly. The
‘“Tip-up” is a very common name_ in
many states for the Spotted Sandpiper.
ome
A Peacock with Queer Tastes.
The writer and a friend while out gun-
ning on Staten Island—previous to the now
existing law—were caught in a severe storm
and drenched. A dangerous cold was the
inevitable result of the wetting; so a
council of war was held as to the best
means of warding it off. ‘A very hot
drink” was the verdict. But where could
such be.procured’ A saloon was the only
place known of So after a squabble as to
be it the cold or saloon, we chose the lesser
evil. Entering one on the outskirts of
Stapleton, we proceeded to a rear room
and ordered hot lemonade, with lots of
ginger in it—the best preventative against
a cold. While awaiting its preparation,
our attention was attracted by the peculiar
actions of a tine large peacock, of stately
mien and brilliant plumage, in the room,
who apparently was in a mild state of ex-
citement. This excitement greatly in-
creased when the waiter appeared with the
steaming lemonade. ‘‘ What's the matter
with the bird?” we inquisitively queried of
that stolid individual, who, clearly to be
seen, was a ‘‘ native.”
‘‘He wants to be treated,” answered he,
with a grimace.
‘Wants what?”
‘To be treated! Wants a drink.”
‘* You don’t mean to say that the peacock
drinks?”
‘“ Yaa! Guzzles like an old toper, sir.
Just try him.”
Which we did. But being of blue rib-
bon principles, ordered ginger ale. On it
142 THE YOUNG UOLOGIST.
being set before him, the peacock, with a
seemingly;pleased look, thrust his head in |
and in a minute the glass was empty. |
Another glass being produced, he as
quickly,” emptied’ that, and then walked
around ina satisfied manner. ‘‘ Walks a
little gingerly,’ Tobserved the waiter, and
then, after recovering from tho paroxysm |
of mingled laughter and stamping, into |
which his brilliant glint. of humor had |
thrown him, he added that the bird some- |
times drank whiskey, but as it invariably —
became stupefied after thus indulging, it |
was wary of the drink. Ale, lager, sweet |
wine, and other beverages, were greatly |
relished by it. The saloon proprietor is |
coining a small mint out of it. parties pay-
ing 25 cents and the cost of the drinks to |
see it imbibe. FRANK P. KINGSLEY,
New York. |
+>
Bird Arrivals at College Hill, Hamilten
Co., Ohio.
Bird arrivals during Spring of ’84 :
Bluebird, Feb. 2d.
Robin, Feb. 2d.
Robins in greater numbers on Feb, dth. |
Snipe (species unknown), Feb. 21st, (a |
single one).
Snipe (species unknown, supposed to be |
same one), Jan. Lith.
Blackbird (single one), Feb. 22d.
Kildeer, Feb. 23d.
Chewink (a pair during a snow storm),
March 2d.
Blackbirds (Purple Grakle), March 2d.
Meadow Lark, March 15th.
Red-winged Blackbird, March 15th.
Cowbird, March 15th.
23d.
Green Heron, March 15th.
Turtle Dove, March 28th.
Chimney Swift (wind from 8S. W.), April
15th.
Whip-poor-will (heard a single one), |
April 17th.
Catbird (arrived before but remained |
hidden), April 17th.
Red-headed Woodpecker (single), March
Barn Swallow, April 25th.
Scarlet Tanager (two males), April 25th.
Baltimore Oriole, April 27th.
Wood Thrush, April 28th.
Pewee, April 25th.
Kingbird, April 26th.
Night Hawk (single), May 1st.
Hummingbirds, May 2d.
Yellow-breasted Chat, May 6th.
Indigo Birds, May 2d.
Yellow-bellied Cuckoo, May 14th.
The following birds were noticed around
the house during the Winter of ’83-4 :
White-bellied Nuthatch.
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker.
Red-bellied Woodpecker.
Downy Woodpecker.
Brown Creeper.
Yellow-bellied Flicker.
Woodpecker (species unknown).
Winter Wren.
Screech Owl.
Crow.
Blue Jay.
Redbird.
Eng!ish Sparrow.
Snowbirds.
Hen Hawk.
Black-capped Titmouse.
Wi. C. Parsons,
31 Monroe Avenue,
Columbus, O.
——- -*>o
White-bellied Nut-hatch.
Although a very common bird in the
Atlantic slope, is, I consider, one of the
most interesting of our common birds, |
There is something noble and independent
about the little creature, that any lover or
close observer will admire. Its time is all ©
taken up in useful employment, looking for
insects, etc. I have never, except during
the incubation period, saw them sit for any
length of time idle; there is considerable of
the angry Frenchman about them. Like
many other birds the owl is their great
enemy. They, with the Blue Jay, Black-
capped Chickadee and others, seem to take
particular delight in tormenting their
enemies. I have shot many an owl by
le
: looking for their nest during the breed-
Lng season. One has very often to exercise
| great amount of patience and perseverance
\turing the building time, the nest is very
| eadily found. The song of the male bird
i" CPA YyOuUNG:OOLOGIST.
|
‘ that period is peculiar, and therefore the |
ore easily remembered.
e male bird in the latter part of April, if
fou are careful and follow at a distance, it
ls a very easy matter to find the nest. He
vill follow his silent mate, singing and
| :hirping as lustily as he can, or he will
verch himself on a limb near the nest and
}vatch for intruders, especially a rival, and
on case he spies one, he will immediately
i. ‘
‘ive chase.
By watching |
I was watching a pair last
pring and was surprised to see both birds |
iarry out instead of ‘nto a hole, fine grass |
nd bark. It struck me as being somewhat
ingular, so I seated myself on a stump in
| 1] view to watch what would follow.
hey seemed to be very much concerned
ybout something. When they come out of
he hole they would select a crack in the
ark of the tree near the hole, and begin to
‘ammer the particles of grass and bark
ntil it was securely hammered fast.
/vould then return for another load.
Presently I saw a Red or Pine Squirrel
ome out of a hole a few feet below the one
jaey were working in; the moment they
jaw it, they flew at the intruder, who beat
}hasty retreat. They seemed to be very
yogry, and kept up a continual chattering;
iainking that perhaps the squirrel might
ave taken possession of their nest, I
ylimbed up/and cut in, and found to my
farprise eight magnificent eggs; there had
een nine, but one had been broken. I
adge, by the squirrel, as there was a hole
it about the size of a squirrel’s claw. On
yxamination I found the cracks in the bark
2 the tree above and below the hole, filled
ith what they had taken from
)juirrel s nest, which had been built after
ie bird had finished laying; the eggs were
wightly advanced. On the same day I
und a nest of the same bird with ten eggs
This clutch I have in my cabinet.
Pit.
: E. T. Mack.
Nazareth, Pa.
suqreaee
the |
They |
143
jimply observing the actions of these birds | Intelligence of the Blue Jay; A Crow
Query.
Cyunocitta cristata, The following inci-
dent was related to me by a professor in
Belmont College, near Cincinati.
He said that one day his wife called his
attention to a Blue Jay’s actions in their
yard,
The bird appeared to be ill. He groaned,
whimpered and sat unsteadily on the tree.
Soon another Jay found him and the two
had a consultation. The well bird now
examined the sick one and then flew to a
cherry tree, procured some of the gum
from the bark, flew back and gave it to his
patient, who took the dose. This he re-
peated until the supply was exhausted. He
then flew to a spruce tree and soon came
back with remedy No. 2. He then flew
away and was gone some time. Finally
he returned and administered the third
prescription. This the sick bird also took.
The professor could not determine what
the second ‘‘ dose” was, but the bird soon
began to revive and at length flew off with
his comrade. (1 couldn’t help wondering
if the ‘‘ doctor” charged him 2 a visit ?)
The following speaks for itself. A lady
was passing under a tree in her garden.
Suddenly a Blue Jay flew down and
screaming fastened its talons in her hair.
The lady, surprised, looked first up to the
tree, and saw a nest tilled with fledgelings,
then down to her feet and there lay a half
fledged Jay who had been crowded out.
She had him put back in his home and the
mother quited her screams and seemed
satisfied.
A gentleman in one of Ohio’s inland
towns is the happy possessor of a bald
head. The other day he stepped out into
the yard without his hat, when suddenly a
Jay darted down and struck him a blow on
his shining pate. He then flew off to his
companions who evidently enjoyed the joke
very much.
Corvus frugivorus. Minot says, that the
“rattling sound that crows sometimes
make is uttered only in spring. I happened
to be near Cincinnati last week and as the
144
THE TYOUNG)OGLEOGiIs®
crows were flying to their resting place
above the city I heard one make that sound.
I have often heard that sound before but
never in spring and always in the fal] and
winter. I should like to hear the views of
some others on this subject. It is very in-
teresting to watch them ‘‘ tack” to take
advantage of the upper air currents.
Wii C. Parsons,
Columbus, O.
“+e
Spotted Robin Eggs.
I noticed in the January number of the
Youne Oo.oeist, that Mr. John A.
Martin of Wallingford, Conn., spoke of
finding Spotted Robin eggs. In 1882, in
company with a friend while out collecting,
we came upon a Robin’s nest with the bird
on the nest, and as it was low, I climbed to
the top of a wall, (It was over the wall on
the branch of a sapling) and reached the eggs.
On looking at them I saw they were spot- |
ted, there were (3) in the nest which | took.
This was the only instance that had come
under my observation until I saw a set of
five (very unusual, just the number alone,
as I never took but one set of that number)
which were spotted with blotches as large as
a No. 1 shot (the blotches were black).
They were found by a little boy, and he
sold the set for 15 cents. Hawk
Norwich, Conn.
Chas. E. Doe, of Providence, R.
writes :—Seeing your extract on Spotted
Robins eggs, reminds me of a set of four of |
same that was collected by a young friend
of mine near Providence, and brought to
me to see if I could tell what they were.
The nest was built in a spruce tree, and |
and one |
contained three spotted eggs,
unspotted; this was during the latter part
ot May 1888.
W, Swallow of Tyngsboro, Mass.,
writes in regard to the Spotted Robin egg :
‘*“Would state that I have one. I took it
from a nest in an apple tree, May 21, 1884.
The nest was about seven feet from the
ground, built in the usual manner, and
contained four eegs. I did not notice the
spots at the time, so could not state whether
the other three were spotted or not. After-
By
wards I noticed the egg was quite thickly
covered with small brown spots, more
numerous about the large end. The egg is
a little smaller than the usual size and
lighter colored.”
+> ae
Hummingbirds Laying
ished Nest.
eS an. Unies
One day last summer, in North Carolina,
while out after eggs and birds for speci-
mens, my attention was drawn towards a
hummingbird which several times flew
to a spot on a slender limb of a sweet gum
tree I was watching. I saw nothing, but
changing my position, I discovered a nest
about twelve feet from the ground. I have
the nest before me now ; it is made entirely
of the soft down of, I think, the mullien,
and instead of being thickly covered with
lichens, as is usual, it has almost none at:
all, and is apparently not finished. From
what I could see, the old bird was at work
on the nest. There were two eggs in the
nest, perfectly fresh.
Now here is what I would like to know:
Do hummingbirds, or indeed any other
birds, ever lay their eggs before their nest
is completed ? Ee See
New York.
7 >
Witeataia Birds.
IT noticed with interest the list of Wis-
consin birds published in a recent number
of THE YounG Oouoerst, and should like
to make the following additions :
King Rail (Rallus elegans)— Found breed-
ing on ‘Lake K oshkanong, Jefferson eounty,
by. Mr. Ludwig Kumlien.
Louisiana Ta anager (Pyranga ludoviciana)
—Found br eeding on Lake Koshkanong by
Mr. Theo. Kumlien.
Frigate (7achypetes aquilus)—One speci-
men shot near here.
White-winged Black Tern (Sterna leu-
coptera) ¢ yne specimen shot by Mr. Theo.
Kumlien at Lake Koshkanong.
Franklin's Rosy Gull (Chroicocephalus —
trankuint .
St. Domingo Duck (Arismaturia domin-
icw)—Myr. Theo. Kumlien, Lake Koshha-
nong. These birds were all positively
identified and a part of them are now in
the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Tue Youne Ooxoetst is a vedy inter-
esting paper, and | think that any one in-
terested in Birds cannot well be without it.
Cras. A. KEELER,
Milwaukee, Wis.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Vol.1. No.11. GAINES, N. Y., MARCH, 1885.
Nesting of the Bank Swallow.
A favorite dwelling place of the Bank
Swallow, (Cotile riparia), are the clay banks
ot the Genesee River, and during the breed-
ing season, these graceful little creatures
are constantly seen along that placid stream,
skimming over the water, now and then
dipping in, and then executing a graceful
curve, soar far up into the sky, until only
a small speck in the line of vision.
Their burrows are somewhat similar in
construction to the Kingfisher, only smaller,
being about four inches and a half in dia-
meter, and about two feet and a half deep.
- At the extremity of the burrow is placed
.
the nest proper, which is usually con-
structed of feathers, dry grass or fibers,
and lined with down. Sometimes only a
few feathers carelessly put together seem
to suffice, and | have found the eggs lying
on the bare sand and dirt. The eggs are
generally about six in number, 68. x 50.;
and when fresh, of a delicate pink hue, but,
when incubation is advanced, are of a dull
white color.
In the spring of 1882, I took a trip up
this river with Mr. Chas. Merrell of Gen-
eseo, an ardent oologist and collector, in
search of notes and observations.as well as
specimens.
I take the following from my field book,
written on that occasion.
‘“May 28th, 82. Started out with all par-
aphrenalia at four o’clock this morning.
We were on the banks of the river by 4:30,
and soon came upon a ‘‘colony of holes”
in the opposite bank. Being desirous of
watching the building or digging of the
nests, I adjusted my field glass and discov-
ered one of the swallows at work in the
dirt near the top of the bank. It was
making a circle by picking out the clay
(with its beak), which was evidently the
§ PusLisHED Monruty.
) 60c. Pek Year.
_ foundation to work from, for it was soon
) walls.
joined by its mate, and together they began
digging away the dirt and forming the
[ watched them until they had dug
_ in about 3 inches and then began to think
| of the eggs.
There being no boat or bridge near, we
decided to resort to the next best mode of
| crossing—swimming, and we were soon
_ striking out for the opposite bank, with
’ our heads.
our collecting boxes and implements over
When we landed we lost no
time in getting into the nest, and, while
_ Mr. Merrell marked the eggs and wrote out
_ data blanks, I gathered.
| to the next one.
/ and in the next four, and so on.
The first hole 1 explored contained six
fresh eggs, which I passed him, and moved
There I found two eggs,
One hole
looked as if it was unoccupied, but I
decided to ascertain whether it was or not
and standing on a narrow ledge of sod, |
' reached my arm in, when to my great dis-
gust, my hand encountered a small snake,
and springing back with a sudden impulse,
_ there we re-crossed and dressed,
I lost my footing and rolled downward
into the water. After finishing our work
and walk-
ed on to the next nesting place. In this
_ way we continued through the day, occa-
' sionally going out of our route for other
| night,
eggs, and when at last we prepared for the
our days collection consisted of
_ single eggs and sets of the Bank Swallow,
‘Crow, Red-and-buff-shouldered Blackbird,
Meadow Lark, Black-billed Cuckoo and
Chipping Sparrow.” The result was more
| gratifying than was expected.
I have found that a very handy tool to
carry is a hatchet with the back end made
into a pick about five inches long, and very
slightly curved, for very often one has to
dig away a portion of the bank to obtain
these nests.
JosE R. CuRTISs.
146
THE YOUNG) OGLOGIST:
CORRESPONDENCE.
ENGLISH SPARROWS.
WHAT IS TO BE DONE WITH THE LITTLE
TYRANTS ?
Editor Young Oologist:
DEAR Sir :—I would like to learn your
opinion and that of other oologists concern-
ing the hostile actions and rapid multipli-
cation of the English Sparrow.
This little British usurper has made him-
self an enemy to the collectors of this local-
ity by his unmerciful attacks on the other
birds, few which do very often hold out
against him. No bird, however large, that
he happens to meet with, is he afraid of,
and although he does not always come out
the victor he is always ready for the next
trial.
And as a consequence of his open hostil-
ity to all his feathered fraternity, it is a
fact undisputed that as soon as he takes up
his residence in the neighborhood the other
birds begin to disappear.
Only the stronger birds as the Blue Jay
and Woodpecker seem to be able to with-
stand his bold sallies. The Robin, Pewee,
Oriole and the like all have to retreat
before his attacks.
I was quite amused by an incident which
I happened to witness last fall. It took
place near and old willow tree where a
number of Sparrows had taken up their
abode. A Blue Jay happened to alight on
a tree some twenty feet from the willow.
He had hardly alighted when up flew one
of these little warriors with feathers all
ruffed up, in, no doubt, his best fighting
trim, darting directly atthe Blue Jay. But
his small majesty caught a Tartar this
time, for the Blue Jay, lifting his beautiful
head, caught young Johnny Bull in his
beak and started to fly off with him. There
was a fuss, you may be sure, and the Blue-
Jay after carrying him about ten yards let
him go, and Johnny scampered back to
the willow as fast as he came from it. I
have seen an English Sparrow attack a
Red-headed Woodpecker.
The multiplicity of the English Sparrow
is wonderful. It lays at least three broods
a season, commencing in May, (I have
never seen any eggs before this), and lay-
ing until late in August, and some have
claimed to have found their eggs as late as
September 15th.
I have frequently found a nest contain-
ing youug ones in it, and at the same time
a full set of fresh eggs. The parent, after
hatching out the first clutch, lays another
clutch and thus lets the young ones hatch
itout. Probably this mode of hatching is
more common with this bird than with any
other. They are also extremely hardy.
They do not always migrate South at the
approach of winter, but live in their old
nests which are in deep holes in trees or in
cracks in the eaves of houses and barns, etc.
Now the question is, what is to be done
with these little tyrants? They are cer-
tainly doing a great harm by driving off
our pretty summer birds from our yards
and gardens, and it would give me great
pleasure to hear what others may have to
say on this subject. Yours truly,
E
Ottawa, Ill.
NOTES FROM KANSAS.
Hditor Young Oologist :
DEAR S1R :—I notice several errors made
by correspondents of your journal, concern-
ing the birds of our state. I desire to call
attention to them for the benefit of all inter-
ested. In the September Number, W. S.
8. notes the arrival of the Stormy Petrel at
Richmond, Kan. As the Stormy Petrel
has never before been observed in the state,
there is undoubtedly an error as to the
identity of the bird.
In the same issue G. F. B. mentions the
absence of shrikes from Marshall county
in the breeding season. If he will carefully
examine the hedges of his neighborhood
for several seasons about April 1st, he will
undoubtedly find nests of the White-
rumped Shrike. Would like to ask if the
identity of the Song Sparrow whose nest
was found March 25 was fully established.
These Sparrows remain with us until the
middle of April, at which time they have
not yet paired. I have never found any
breeding in this locality, though they
undoubtedly breed in the State the early
date seems remarkable.
As much has been said in your paper
about the number of eggs found in a set of
the different species, I give a list of the
largest sets taken here during the past two
seasons: Catbird 5; Bluebird 6; Purple
Martin 5; Bank Swallow 6; Chewink 6;
Crow 7; Bronzed Grackle 6; Blue-Jay 6;
Yellow-shafted Flicker 9; Mourning Dove
3; Long-eared Owl 6 ; Cooper’s Hawk 5 ;
Quail 34. Yours, e
i Manhattan, Kan.
Thanks, Prof. L. We trust our older
readers from other sections will as kindly
correct any mis-statements their young fol-
lowers may unintentionally make in our
columns. The ‘‘Song Sparrow’s” nest
found by G. F. B. was doubtless that of
Shore Lark.—Ep.
Fr LT Pee
ORNITHOLOGICAL SYNONYMS.
‘MEXICAN CANARY,” ‘‘HIVEL,” ‘“‘THUNDER
PUMP.”
In looking over ‘‘Queries Answered” in |
the February number of the Youne
OoxLoarst, I see that information is desired
concerning the local names of certain of
our birds. and, although I cannot answer
all the questions, I may give a pointer or
so on this, to me, very interesting subject. |
L. B. B. While in Texas, I often heard
the Painted Bunting, or Nonpareil (Passer-
ina ciris), called the Mexican ‘‘Canary,”
and frequently saw the birds offered - for
sale by the Mexicans.
A. B. L. I have heard the name
‘‘Hivel” applied to the Yellow-shafted
Flicker (Colaptes auratus), in Ohio, I
think, and, by the way, was ever a_ bird
gifted with so many vernacular appellations
as this familiar friend.
J. W. L's. ‘Pump Thunder’ is evi-
dently a transposition of ‘‘Thunder Pump”
by which name the American Bittern
(Botaurus lentiginosus) is known in this
locality, though the names of ‘‘Stake-
driver” and ‘‘Shitepoke” (I give the name
as pronounced), are common also. A
- directory of ornithological synonyms will
be a welcome addition to any bird lover’s
library. Dr.° Py
Minneapolis,. Minn.
SPOTTED ROBIN EGGS.
I wish to record a find of a nest of two
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
: 147
=
|
spotted Robin’s eggs, taken season of °83, |
as I see several finds have been recorded in |
the YounG Oo.Loeisr. which I always find |
time—sometimes when I should be sleep-
ing to read through.
ie io MS aie TD. ,
Cortland, N. Y.
In your columns I have noticed several |
articles about ‘‘Spotted Robin’s Eggs.” |
Last season my brother found a nest with
two eggs, both of which were spotted just
like those in the YounG Oouoaisrt.
The eggs were found June 15, 1884. I
have shown them to several scientific men
and they say they never saw such a thing
before. A Bluebird’s nest was also found
with snow-white eggs.
panier bee
Brookside, N. Y.
H. H. R., of Westerly, R. I., also records
a set of spotted Robin eggs.
FROM CALIFORNIA.
This season promises to be an unusually
early one in this locality. On February
4th I took sets of 4 and 8 Barn Owl; incu-
bation advanced. February 8th, took sets |
of 5 and 7 of the same. These dates are
probably the earliest on record for this
species. Yours,
J. L., Riverside, Cal.
J. S. of Anaheim, Cal,, reports his first
finds of the season 1885.
February 8th. Found nest of the Cali-
fornia Thrasher containing two eggs—quite
fresh, in a wild sage bush about a foot and
a half above ground.
February 11th. Found nest of the Road-
runner containing two eggs which were
left over for more as they generally lay
four.
February 13th. Found a nest of the
White-rumped Shrike containing one egg ;
this was in an orange tree, nine feet above
ground. This specios has now fairly
begun, as several nests have been found in
this locality.
NUTTALL’S POOR WILL.
In writing to us about the eggs of the
above bird which he found, B. L. B., of
Emporia, Kansas, says: There were two
in the nest. They were found on the side
of a slight hill in a hollow in the ground,
and the bird was sitting on them. The
eggs are greatly like those of turtle doves,
pure white and elliptical. The mother bird
greatly resembled a Whip-poor-will, but
was smaller. I am positive it was a Nut-
tall’s Poor-will.
MEADOW LARKS IN WINTER.
Your catalogue and price list is very
neatly gotten up and a great aid to an egg-
collector.
On December 31st, just after the snow
had disappeared from the fields I happened
to see four meadow larks which struck me
as being a very funny occurrence.
Itis the first time 1 can remember of
seeing this bird remaining until the last of
the year.
This fact is worthy of mention in your
paper.
Shall subscribe for vour paper the com-
ing year. Yours,
T.MeD)P.,
Bennington, Vt.
FROM WISCONSIN.
I noticed in a recent number of the
YouNG OOLOGIST, some notes from
Durand, Wisconsin. Speaking of the
Northern Waxwiug, the writer says they
are found there in small flocks nearly every
winter. Last winter, during January and
February, hardly a day passed when flocks
of twenty or more could not be seen about
148
THE YOUNG'VOLDGIST:
here. They were found in the city feeding
on the berries of the mountain ash, and
were exceedingly tame.
This winter not one has been seen. Pos-
sibly there are fewer berries than usual.
Should like to hear from others and see if
the bird is equally rare elsewhere. There
was a decided increase in the number of
birds last winter, and there must have been
some reason for it.
The Northern Shrike is found here as a
trancient visitos only, when it is quite com-
mon, The Bonaparte’s Rosy Gull, although
considered a trancient visitor here, is often
seen in mild winter weather.
A short time ago I sent youa list of a
few rare birds found in this state. Have
since learned that Harris Finch has been
captured here twice.
Do you want all subscribers who desire
to aid the American Ornithologist’s Union
on the subject of migration to send their
reports to you only or also to the superin-
tendent of their section?
C. K., Milwaukee, Wis.
Send your reports in full to the superin-
tendent of your section. Send a condensed
report of the most interesting observations
to the YounG Oouoetist for publication.
We find it would require hundreds of pages
monthly to print these reports in full, so
we must be satisfied with the ‘‘meat.”
JOTTINGS FROM MICHIGAN.
Received YOuNG Oo1.0GIsT yesterday
and Hand Book and Catalogues some days
previous. Just the thing wanted. Many
thanks. I have noticed a few things that
may be of interest to to the readers of THE
Youne OoLocist. Some time in October
I noticed a sharp conflict between a pair of
Sparrow Hawks and Blue Jays, the Hawks |
watching their opponents (about 5 in num-
ber) from a dead tree and when they came
to attack they woul: be driven back to the
swamp, always getting the worst of it, but
I noticed. that they always turned over on
their backs to receive the Hawk when he
attempted to strike them. This lasted for
nearly an hour, when they went to far
back in the swamp for me to follow. Last
summer evenings we amused ourselves
quite often by going into a young orchard
close to the house for the purpose of listen-
ing to a pair of birds which would fly quite
near in the dusk of evening, though never
to be seen and we would hear the noise
without being able to say whether made by
the voice or wings of the birds. I will not
attempt to describe it, as it would be vain.
It was in August and the birds would be
apparently near and again at a distance of
erhaps one-fourth ofamile. Never heard
it before and do not think it is a common
bird around here. I am in the habit of
making boxes for birds to build in, and one
day left an er bird cage out on the
stoop, and when | went to it a few days
after, found a pair of English Sparrows
had taken possession. It is needless to say
they remained and reared one or two broods,
though close to the door, through which
we were continually passing in and out.
A Chipping Sparrow also built a nest in a
hanging-basket filled with moss, within a
foot of the same door. My little friends
remained unmolested for some’ time, but
finally left for reasons unknown.
Respectfully,
FO. EH.
» Grass Lake, Mich.
The pair of birds you mention were
doubtless Night Hawks. In regard to the
noise you mention, we take the following
from Wilson :
‘‘ As soon as incubation commences, the
male keeps a most vigilant watch around.
Ife is then more frequently seen playing
about in the air over the place, even during
the day mounting by several quick vibra-
tions of the wings, then a few slower, utter-
ing all the while a sharp, harsh squeak, till
having gained the highest point, he sud-
denly precipitates himself headforemost,
and with great rapidity, down sixty or
eighty feet, wheeling up again as suddenly ;
at which instant is heard a loud booming
sound, very much resembling that produced
by blowing strongly into the bung hole of
an empty hogshead.”
HUMMINGBIRDS LAYING IN UNFINISH™
ED NESTS.
In answer to the above I must say that it
is my opinion that when the time arrives
for the female to deposit her eggs, she must
deposit them whether her nest is complete
or not. I found the egg of a Catbird on
the ground in a swamp; the egg was per-
fectly fresh and not broken or cracked, and
I think the bird deposited it there either
while flying to the nest or because it had
no other place to put it. Hens often drop
their eggs while on the roost. All this
leads me to think I am correct.
La Crosse, Wis.
In answer to E. A. T. about unfinished
nests, I would say that in the latter part of
July, 1884, I noticed a Yellow-billed Cuckoo
with a stick in his mouth. I watched it,
and found its nest with two eggs, incuba-
tion slight, nest about half finished. The
female was sitting on the nest when I
found it. A OG,
Lawrence, Kan.
COLLECTING AMONG THE CALAVERAS
GROUP OF BIG TREES.
In June 1883 two friends—one of them |
a resident of Oakland, Cal.; the other a |
Smith- |
gentleman’ connected with the
sonian, a Mr. B. by name—and myself
took a trip to the Calaveras group of big
trees on a collecting tour.
successful.
a bird
called the Olive-sided Flycatcher.
The nest was placed some forty or fifty
feet from the ground on the limb of a red-
wood tree.
_ dirty white color spotted on the large end
with brown. Two nests of Oregon Snow-
bird next fell a prey to us, then came sev- |
eral sets of California Robins, then, and
rarest of all, a set of the Dwarf Thrush.
The nest was placed in a bush about two
feet from the ground, and contained two
eggs a little lighter than a robin’s egg, and
all one color.
_ The Flycatcher’s are either in Mr. B.’s or |
The identity of the Flycatcher’s and
Thrush’s eggs were proven by shooting the
birds. The others we know from frequent
contact.
The Thrush’s eggs are in my possession.
the Smithsonian’s.
A THREE-STORY NEST OF THE SUMMER |
1
i
.
}
aC NOR
Oakland, Cal.
BUTCHER BIRDS.
We were quite |
The first eggs of any note |
_ which we found were owned by
It contained three eggs about |
the size of an Oregon Thrush’s egg, and a
THE }YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Will you please name the bird of which |
_ this is a description, in the query column: |
Above clear ashy-blue growing
underneath ; wings and tail black, a little
darker blue on top of the head, a black |
stripe behind the eye, bill tan color, short
and thick. He was about the size of a
robin. I saw him February 4th, 1885, on
a tree, side of a brook. Could find no
bird that answered to this description in
Cones’ N. E. Bird Life.
Temperature about 20 degrees above.
Providence, R. I.
Your bird is one of the Shrikes.
YELLOW BIRD.
Having seen in THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
several articles relating the many-storied
nests of the Summer Yellowbird, I thought
I would add a little experience of my own.
One day last year while out collecting
I came across an abandoned nest ina clump
of blackberry bushes. I was about to pass
it by when the unusual length of the nest |
attracted my attention. I took it, and pull-
lighter |
Wind from 8. E.
ing it apart a little, discovered, buried |
149
under the top of the nest, an egg of the
Cowbird and one of the Summer Yellow-
bird. Upon still further examining the
nest I discovered another story containing
one egg each of the Cowbird and Yellow-
bird, thus making three stories in all.
Ca Wie
Brooklyn, Ohio.
FROM ST. CLAIR FLATS.
I have had some experience in the bird
business this winter. One day I went out
on the marsh hunting muskrat, and |
found a Marsh Wren on the ice; it went
in a bunch of reeds and would not leave.
After half an hour’s hard work I caught it.
I took it homewith me and put it in the
cage with my Canary ; but it was too much
for us; went through the cage, got away
and doubtless went back to its home on the
marsh. I have never before found them
here in this locality in winter.
At another time I was out shooting
Ducks and I shot what the people here said
was half Mallard and half Dusky Duck.
They called it a ‘‘ Brewer.” The body of
the Duck was dark-brown; the head was
green with a brown streak down the center.
The Duck was larger than the common
Mallard. Can you tell me the right name
or is the above name correct.
Please inform me whether it is common
for Marsh Wrens and Rails to stay here in
the winter, and do they winter in your
State ? Last week. 1 found a nice Rail
walking around with my hens at my hen
house.
HB
Algonac, Mich.
The Mallard has frequently been known
to cross with other Ducks. Marsh Wren
and Rails winter in the South.
BLACKBIRDS; GOLDEN CROWNED
THRUSH.
Will you please tell me the difference, if
any, between the following Blackbirds : It
has a hanging nest about 5 inches deep and
larger than an Oriole’s nest and made of
much the same material. It was up in the
top of our common swamp alders. There
were several nests in the same swamp; have
not seen any except in that place. The
bird about the same as our common Red-
and-buff-shouldered Blackbird, and the
eggs are about the same color. No. 2.
A bird about the same size of Bluebird.
Color, light brown back, spotted breast-
white and reddish brown. The nests are
placed on the ground in or near the woods,
and is almost entirely arched over and com-
posed of grass and leaves. The eggs are
about the size of a Bluebirds, ground color
white, spotted more or less all over with
150
reddish brown spots, thickest at the larger
end. Now if you would inform me the
names of these eggs through the columns of
the YounG OoLocisT or otherwise you
would greatly oblige me.
hp ON 5
Plattsville, Conn.
No. 1. Your Blackbird is the Red-and
buff-shouldered ; they frequently make
their nests in low bushes.
2. The Golden-crowned Thrush—often
known as the ‘‘ Oven-bird” on account of
its covered nest.
“MEXICAN CANARY.”
I think that part of the answer to J. B.
B.’s question, in the February Number is
incorrect, as the Painted Bunting or Non-
pariel, commonly goes by the name of
Mexican Canary in Texas (where I lived
for some years).
in different localities.
| Dea "ea Sap
Richmond, Va.
JOTTINGS FROM RHODE ISLAND.
Noticing in the last Youne OoLogist
an article on the intelligence of the Blue-
Jay, I thought I would send you the fol-
lowing article on the subject which I clip
from the Watchman :
‘‘Near Knoxville, Tenn., recently a
Blue Jay was seen to fly anumber of times
to a high picket fence to attract a pair of
kittens playing on the lawn. The kittens
finally mounted the fence and began a cau-
tious approach from picket to picket.
But it may be otherwise |
The Jay let the first get within 18 inches, |
then hopped over between the two.
over it.
back and between. The first kitten
approached and the bird hopped back over
it, and so kept it up until one kitten got
disgusted and left, and the other followed
soon after. Once or twice the Jay tried to
inveigle the kittens to another frolic, but
failed.”
Last summer I found about 6 inches
below the water, a large bunch of jellylike
matter. The outside was covered with
minute fresh water ‘algae’ etc. On cut-
ting into it with a knife it appeared to be
exactly like jelly, and quite transparent.
Can you tell me what it is ?
Which system of classification in Botany
is more universally adopted, that of Lin-
neas or that given by Gray in his text-book.
on the snbject ? Andalso other systems of
classification.
About a mile from where I live there is
a stream of water which in one part of of
its course has become ‘so clogged up with
The |
second kitten approached, the bird hopped |
It turned and the Jay hopped |
|
|
|
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
bushes growing out of the water as to be
almost aswamp. It is, however, an easy
matter to get through some parts of it, as
there are small canals just large enough to
admit a small boat. It is a great resort for
Red-and-buff-shouldered Blackbirds and
Purple Grakles. Last year I found there
a nest of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo con-
taining 4 eggs nearly hatched ; also a nest
of the Swamp Sparrow containing 4 fresh
eggs. The latter nest was about 6 inches
above the water, in a bush growing out of
the water. Both these birds are very rare
in this immediate vicinity. January 20th
a young man who attends Brown Univer-
sity here, shot a single Field Sparrow, and
Feburary 10th I saw a Chipping Sparrow.
According to the Watchman frogs were
peeping on January 12th, in the meadows
about Taunton. Yours truly,
W.Va
Providence, R. I.
A QUAIL QUERY.
I have noticed during the fall while gun- .
ning, that nine-tenths of the Quail that I
have killed are females. I have flushed
several flocks, killing pretty nearly all in
each, and have found this to be the case.
In one | shot 17 and there was but one
male bird init. In another I killed 14, and
there was but two male birds. Out of 78
that I have bagged, I killed but 8 male
birds. Is thisacommon thing ? I thought
that some of your readers might be inter-
ested in it. I was always of the impression
that the male predominated.
ie Y, Aies
Nazareth, Pa.
HUMMINGBIRDS.
UNFINISHED NESTS—EARLY NESTING.
In reply to the query of E. T. A. in the
February YouneG Oo.oeist as to whether
or not Humming-birds were ever known
to lay their complement of eggs before
completing the nest, I will say that last
year I found a nest of the Humming-bird
which, although containing two eggs, was
plainly not yet completed. While observ-
ing this nest I repeatedly saw the female
bring lichens and moss, and arrange them
on the nest, thus proving beyond a doubt
that the Humming-bird does not in every
case finish building its nest before the eggs
are deposited. On February 13th of this
year I took a set of Anna Humming-bird
with incubation far advanced. Whether
the beautiful weather that has prevailed in
this part of the state during the past month
has anything to do with this extraordinarily
early breeding I can only ea ae
H
‘Alameda, Cal.
ia an
‘
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Study of Birds.
Odd hours may be well spent in watch-
ing and studying the habits of birds, es-
pecially the most common ones. It may
be thought by most persons that there is
nothing new to be learned about birds so
_ well known as the chipping sparrow or
barn swallow, but many an interesting fact
can be picked up by anyone giving a little
time to their study. Now some city per-
son will say, what can you learn about
birds in a city? Ihave lived in a city some
years, and the bulk of my study of birds
and their habits have come while in the
city. Amongthe birdsI have noted as
being common are the Robin, Catbird,
Bluebird, Phoebe, Barn and Cliff Swallows,
Kingbird, Night Hawk, Baltimore Oriole,
Red-and-buff-shouldered Blackbird, Cow-
bird, Crow, House Wren, Song Sparrow,
Chipping Sparrow,
- Meadow Lark, Brown Creeper and Hum-
mingbirds, Many more, both common
and rare, are seen in the course of a_ sea-
son.
All but four or five of the birds I have
named nest inside of the city limits, some
of them in our door yards.
Black Snowbird, ©
While birds have habits common to all |
the individuals of a species, they have also |
individual traits or peculiarities, that are |
interesting and show some degree of rea- |
soning power.
The study of general an- |
atomy could be profitably carried on with |
the study of habits.
Don’t think, however, that habits and |
formation are all there is to be studied. |
When you have a good collection of notes |
at your disposal, you are just ready to be- |
gin another branch of study, that of col- |
lecting and examining the evidences of
reasoning power you have collected.
Gather together all the parallel cases and
form your theory. Then, ever after be on |
A few |
week’s experience will point out more sug- |
the watch for facts to sustain it.
gestions than could be easily enumerated.
|
Let us now look to the means of study. |
A gun is very necessary for field work, |
but is generally out of the question in
161
cities. The best substitute is a field glass.
You can always remember a bird seen
clearly through a field glass, and you will
notice many odd ways that would have
been lost had the bird been shot. After
you have all the points of color and par-
ticular marking, etc., with the aid of a
good text book, you can determine the
species.
To a beginner birds so near alike as the
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, might
cause some trouble, but in time birds can
be distinguished at first sight. In studying
color try and be in such a position as_ to
give the bird or object a dark back ground.
In closing I would say, always keep a re-
cord of the notes you take from day to day.
Don’t omit a thing, because you have
noted it before, but always put it down.
Wa
Syracuse, N. Y.
+.
An Intelligent Bird.
In front of a window where I worked
last summer was a butternut tree. A hum-
ming-bird built her nest on a limb that grew
near the window, and we had an oppor-
tunity to watch her closely, as we could
look right into the nest from the window.
One day there was a heavy shower coming
up and we thought we would see if she
covered her young during the storm, but
when the first drops fell she came and took
in her bill one or two or three large leaves
growing ciose to the nest and laid this leaf
over so it completely covered the nest ;
then she fled away. On looking at the
leaf we found a holein it and in the side
of the nest was a small stick that the leaf
was fastened to, or hooked on. After the
storm was over the old bird came back and
unhooked the leaf and the nest was _ per-
fectly dry.— American Sportsman.
a as Pe SE od Se em
The International Stamp Company, of
West Gardner, Mass., writes :
‘‘Continue advertisement in Youne
Oouoeist. QO. K. paper to advertise in.
‘A No. 1’ with us.”
This is only a fair sample of many un-
solicited testimonials we are receiving.
162
Notes on the Great Horned Ow! from
Virginia.
Great Horned Owls are very common in
this locality, and are ceasily decoyed by
careful imitation of their deep voiced
groaning. They are very careless and
bold, and will enter almost any kind of
trap.
I have caught, stuffed and mounted ten
this winter, the largest being a little less
than five feet in alar expanse. They are
very savage in the defense of their nest
and mates, of which latter fact I was made
painfully aware of one night, the 20th of
January last.
The night preceding I had captured a
fine male specimen which I placed in the
corn house for safe keeping.
As soon as it was dark he began to hoot, |
and soon called up his mate; then for a
couple of hours held a free ticket concert ;
one in the corn house, the other on _ the
barn near by.
Quietly creeping up behind the corn
house and peeping between it and another
building I saw the owl perched :on the |
barn.
Three times she uttered her deep call
and each time the prisoner gave answer.
Then she espied my head as I was peering
around the corner of the building, about
fifteen yards from where she sat on the
barn.
a few moments, she dropped down out of
my sight in the deep shadow of the barn,
having been boldly outlined against the |
clear sky ; to fly away though I ; not so.
The next instant a dark object came sailing
on swift wings between the buildings,
struck me a blow on the forehead which
nearly knocked me to the ground, passed |
on leaving me very much bewildered by |
the suddenness and force of the attack.
The owl meanwhile hovering near and
seemingly inclined to renew the assault.
After a mutual study of each other |
Then reperching on the barn hooted de- |
fiance and ridicule at me.
I then gave up the contest and returned
to the house to repair my lacerated scalp,
which was bleeding freely from two
THE YOUNG’ OOLOGIST.
wounds, one in the middle of my forehead,
an inch and a quarter long, and a deep
puncture in my left eyebrow.
A few nights after I caught the same owl
and found her the most troublesome and
savage of any I ever handled.
On the 9th of January last while hunting
in a large forest near the James River, I
was shown a large nest by a flock of crows.
They would circle around them, alight in
the top of the tree over the nest and look-
ing down at it would keep up the greatest
string of crow talk 1 ever heard.
Knowing that something, possibly an
owl’s nest, I emptied one barre] of my
gun intoit. It being about forty feet from
the ground, to my delight a very large bird
of some kind flew heavily out.
It only flew about ten feet from the nest
before coming to earth, in response to the
summons of a load of No. 4 shot. It
proved to be a very fine Great Horned Owl.
I wished very much to climb the tree for
eggs, but not having my spurs with me I
lost them.
Dissection showed she had deposited
them and was sitting.
JOsEPH B. UNDERHILL,
Fork Union, Va.
ai Al
Nest of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
(Coccygus amercanus. )
On the 20th of last July I was out in a
piece of swampy woods on my farm, Wild-
wood, and hearing the notes of a small
bird—strange to me in a thicket of willow,
and other smal! timber—I penetrated in or-
der to interview the author. AsI did so
the sound seemed to move further off, and
I followed it. Suddenly bursting through
the thick brushwood into a spot more open,
I saw just before me, and within reach, a
nest of bramble with the bird seated upon
it. Gazing at the bird a few moments, I
identified her as the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.
As this was the first nest of this species
that I had discovered I eagerly approached,
and tound as the bird flew off that it con-
tained two eggs of a light greenish hue,
about as long, but more oval than those of
much similar.
‘papers.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
the Robin.
while one was almost fresh, the other had
been several days incubated, and though
they were probably her full sei, they were,
doubtless, her second clutch. The nest it-
self, placed on a kind of fork of a small
swamp elm, was a mere platform of small
sticks, having the space between filled in
with the downy catkins of the willows, it
was so shallow that it seemed wonderful that
the eggs did not roll off. In size the eggs
are considerably larger than those of the
black-billed species, and I think the bird
itself is also larger, though the plumage |
and general habits, as well as notes, are
And whereas the black-
billed species is often seen in orchards and
shrubberies near to human residences, and
nests in such places, yet its yellow-billed |
congener appears to be more of a swamp.
or woodland bird, and chooses such places
for nesting purposes.
W. L. Kets,
Listowel, Ontario.
a hts GE ale
Queries Answered.
Queries to be answered in these columns should be |
written an a postal or slip of paper—never mix them
in your letter when writing about other matters.
H. C. L., Cala,, and others, many
thanks for the clippings from your local
We are always pleased to obtain
anything new in the ‘‘bird line,” even if it
is ‘‘clipped.”
G. D. P., Estes Park, Colorado. <‘‘ Jor-
dan’s Manual of Vertebrates” is of but lit-
tle value to a field collector or an ormith-
ologist. ’ :
L. D., Petersburg, Va. The bird called
‘‘Marten,” nesting in the steeple of an old
church is the Black Martin.
G. B, H., Fernwood, lll. The Bohemian
and ‘‘Northern” Waxwing are the same.
M. W., Baltimore, Md. We furnish
climbing irons suitable for large or small
persons. ;
C. H., New London, Conn. ‘‘Wilson’s”
and Common Tern are the same.
G. F., Elk Point, D. T.- ‘-Manton’s In-
sect’s,” price 50 cents, will tell you how to
preserve moths, butterflies, etc.
A. C. S., Fort Madison, Ia., and others.
No. 1 of the ‘‘Y. O” was printed on news,
and Nos. 2 and 8 on light book paper.
These I took, and found that
153
W.H.R., Burlington, Vt. Eggs of the
Phoebe often have a few reddish brown
dots near the larger end.
H. 8. B., Roxbury, Mass. The American
Goldflinch is often called ‘‘Wild Canary.”
C. C. R., Norwich, Conn. The plumage
of the male and female Cedar Waxwing is
the same. The horny substance resembling
red sealing-wax which you found at the
termination of some of the wing feathers is
from what they derive the ‘‘waxwing”’ part
of their name. The ‘‘wax” is found more
or less on many specimens, while on others
itisabsent. A setof five eggs, one of
which was taken from the ovary of the
bird, should be recorded as a set of four
eggs, and on the data you should make a
note of the taking of the fifth egg from the
ovary.
F. L. D.. Laurel, Md. Hawks generally
nest in high trees. Turkey Buzzards on
the ground or in stumps or hollow logs
near the ground. You can look for nests
of these birds from the middle of March
until May 1st.
J.J. U., Lancaster, Pa.
lay light blue eggs.
H. H. R.; Westerly, R: ‘1. . The small
nest somewhat resembling that of the Bal-
timore Oriole, made mostly of moss and
sea weed, which you found was. doubtless.
that of the Blue Yellow backed Warbler.
C. M.. Frankfort, Ind. The Hawk’s
nest which you found last May containing
four dirty bluish-white eggs, measuring
about 2 by 13 inch, was that of the Cooper’s
Hawk.
J. A., Towanda, Pa. Warblers
Vireos are both found in your locality.
G. P. E., Mercer, Pa. If cellecting from
a scientific standpoint, collect sets, if
otherwise, sparingly of pairs or single
eggs.
H. G., Seneca Falls, N. Y., and others.
The only standard work on ornithology
describing the birds of North America in
full is ‘‘Cones’ Key.” Price prepaid,
$10.00.
F. M. P., Fort Madison, Ia. The Caro-
lina Wren is an eastern and southern bird.
aE idl
The Gridley (Cal.) Herald says : ‘‘A flock
of sheep feeding on stubble several miles
west of town were attacked by a large band
of ravens. Spectators say they were not
less than 300 birds in the band. They
would fly down at the sheep and alight on
the mutton, eagle style. Many of the birds
got their talons fastened in the wool, so
that they could not tly away, and eighteen
were thus captured alive ”
All Herons
and
154
Gambel’s Quail.
(Loportyx Gambelii.)
I take the following description from a
head and a number of eggs furnished me
by a gentleman of Arizona Territory.
The bird is altogether unknown to me,
being confined principally to that territory |
and the northwest. They are said to be
very common there and are killed in large
quantities for game.
teenths of an inch long and five sixteenths
deep. It is of a pure black. color, and
curves somewhat down.
The bill is nine-six- |
The head is |
}
}
|
|
crested with six black feathers about one |
and one-half inches long, which form into
a solid bunch, narrowed at the base and |
widening toward the top. Top of head
chestnut brown. Forehead and _ frontal
feathers bright black, crossed near the
upper part with a band of white, which
extends from eye to eye, thence passing
along the side of the head nearly to the |
back. Cheeks and lores bright black. Jug. |
ulum black. Throat and neck light grayish |
with a tinge of blue, the ends of the feath-
ers lightly tipped with darker. A white
streak extends in a curved line from very
near the eye toa point about a half an inch
from the same. A spot lying under the
upper white band and back of the ear, is
faint grayish brown, triangular in shape. |
Back of neck and head gray with a tinge |
ot blue. All feathers are plainly edged
with slate color. In regard to its nesting
habits [ am unacquainted ; but the Prina
Indians who procured the eggs, say the nest
was nothing more than a hole scraped in the
sand. The eggs were collected near Loca-
ton, Pinal county.
many there were in the clutch. As they
were collected on May 25th, 1885, I should
judge nidification begins near the Ist or
10th of May. Few eggs of the same species
show such a variation in color and mark-
ings. The ground color in the main is
creamy brown, being darker in some and
lighter in others. It is spotted, specked
and blotched all over, principally at the
larger end, with reddish brown, chestnut
and rufous. In some the blotches do not
Ido not know how |
THE’ YOUNG OOLEOGIS EF.
occur, and the whole egg is specked pro-
fusely. Some are more thickly spotted
than others.
around the small end. The size varies
greatly as the dimensions of the following
eggs will show :
1.34 x .96 1.22x .96 125 x00 3
1.22 x .96 1.25x .96° 1.25 =x +196
1.22 x .96 1.09x .96 1.09 x .96
1,31 296 1.3b:x 1,00 1.28 x 1.00
The eggs in shape resemble those of
others of the family, being pointed at the
small end and nearly flat at large one.
WARREN CARTER,
Wallingford, Pa.
SSS es
Notes from Nerwich, C2nn.
‘ On May 20, ’82 I found an unusual set
of four American Osprey, Fish Hawk (Pan-
dion haliaetus carolinensis) on Plum
Island. The eggs were fresh and have a
very beautiful rich brown color and are by
far the handsomest set I have seen, and I
have taken over fifty sets and seen as many
more sets of eggs in the nests. I also
found a set of three, avery odd set. The
first egg is clear white, the second nearly
white except a few very faint lilac spots
hardly observable, and the third is like the
average eggs of this species.
Catbird (Galeoccoptes carolinensis). On
June 23, ’82 I found aset of five. Let us
hear from some of the collectors who have
found sets of five through THE YounGe
OoLoGIsT
Robin (Merula migratoria).
1882, found a set of five eggs.
American Goldfinch (Astragalinus tris-
tis). On July 30, 84, found a set of four
pure white eggs of this species.
Henslow’s Sparrow (Coturniculus hen-
sloni). On July 3, ’82, found the third set
ever found in New London County. The
first two were found by Mr. Junius A.
Brand of this city, who identified mine for
me. They were found at Gardner’s Lake,
Bozrah, Conn., eight miies from here in a
dry pasture within two hundred yards of a
heavy piece of woods. Nest made like a
Song Sparrow’s on the ground,
On May 4,
One has a semi-circle of dots +
THE YOUNG
Chewink (Pipilo erythrophthalmus). |
Found a set of five (large set). I never have
seen a set of five except this one, and al- |
ways thought four was the common num-
ber until I saw given in THE YOUNG
Ooxoeist four or five.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia lu-
doviciana.) Founda set of 4 June 6, ’84.
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a rare bird
in this county.
A new way to capture a Kingfisher.
June 138, 1884, I went out to Gardner’s Lake
collecting, and one of the first nests I
found was a Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle
alcyon).
the sand bank where it was. assisted by a
farmer’s son. After digging about half an
hour I saw seven eggs. I immediately
pushed my hand in after them, and what
was my surprise when all at once a bill
closed together like a steel trap and I at |
once pulled my hand out a little faster
than I putitin. I pulled my hand so sud-
denly that Mrs. Kingfisher came out very
fast on my finger), and struck my com-
_ panion a little below the chest. He at once
clapped his hand where Mrs. Kingfisher
struck and was our prize. I should not
care to try catching Kingfishers by this
method again. Hawk.
>
Intelligence of the Oriole.
On the western side of Central Park,
very near 108d street and Eighth avenue,
stands a row of elm trees, difficult to ap-
Tat once commenced digging in |
|
|
|
proach on account of a heavy growth of |
syringa bushes around them. Ona branch |
of one of the trees, about sixteen feet from |
the ground, a pair of Baltimore Orioles set
to building a nest a few weeks ago. They
chose the extreme end of the bough, with
evident intention of making it a hazardous
experiment for any bird nester to attempt
to molest them.
caution they appeared not to observe what
the few persons whose eyes were keen |
enough to see the first labors of the little
architects saw—that the branch was much
too slender to support so large a nest as an
oriole builds,
But in their excess of |
|
\
OOLOGIST. 156
When the nest was about two thirds fin-
ished the birds saw their mistake. The
branch had bent so low that it was getting
perilously near the grass.
Work was at once stopped, and the™
builders sat close together for a long time,
und seemed to be discussing the situation.
Finally, they flew side by side to a bough
about fifteen inches over the one on which
their nest was, and, leaning over, inspected
the distance. They seemed to be satisfied,
and, though it was growing rapidly dusk,
the birds flew away in opposite directions.
In the morning it was found that they had
firmly secured their habitation, and pre-—
vented the branch from bending lower, by
passing a piece of white string, which they
had found somewhere in the park, over the
upper bough, and fastening both ends of it
securely to the edges of the nest. The
building then went rapidly on, and the
orioles are now engaged in hatching their
eggs. Very few persons have seen the
nest, and there is a fair prospect that their
skill and ingenuity will be soon rewarded
by a brood of young orioles.
The Baltimore Oriole is a very intelligent
bird, buta New York ornithologist, who
saw the nest, said he had never seen an
achievement quite equal to this one before.
He says the art of knitting fibers or strings
together is well known to many birds. The
weaver bird of India builds its nest out of
a large, strong leaf, which it stitches to-
gether at the edges, making a compact and
closely adhering funnel.— New York Sun.
gyal ess
Yellow-breast Chat.
(Icteria virens.)
This beautiful and handsome species has
nothing but its rich plumage to recommend
itself to our notice, having no sweet song
to cheer you with while rambling through
the woods. But for all that they are an
attractive species, and I for one would sadly
miss them if they should fail to pay their
annual visit. They are migratory, arriving
from farther south where they winter,
about the 10th of April and I can assure
you they generally make there arrival
156
THE: YOUNG -OOLOGiIs.
known by their constant chattering which
they keep up all day long and often far
into the night. They commence to build
about the 25th of April, as I have found
their nest with eggs as early as May 9th.
Incubation advanced. They build a com-
pact nest (seldom more than four feet from
the ground), composed outwardly of grass
and bark from the grape vine, lined with
fine roots dnd dry grass. Lay four white
eggs speckled with reddish brown spots.
For three consecutive years I have found a
nest of this species in the same spot and on
the same day of the month and same
number of eggs, three, in it.
They seem to prefer the the myrtle
bushes to others to build in, at least I have
found it so, as I have found them oftener
in them than in any others. They are a
very jealous bird, hating for any one to
intrude on their haunts, chattering and
scolding as long as you are in sight. I
I know they raise two, if not three; broods
during the season, as I have found their
nests as late as July 17th with fresh eggs.
a) JP
Savannah, Ga.
ee
The Maryland Yellow-throat.
(Geothlypis trichas.)
This beautiful little warbler, is a com-
mon summer resident of Massachusetts,
appearing from the south from the Ist to
the 15th of May. When it first arrives it
usually frequents low swampy thichets.
You may see one of these birds perched on
the topmost branch of a bush warbling its |
beautiful song. The instant he observes
an intruder he darts down into the under |
If you stand still for a while, vou |
brush.
may see him hop up into the bush again,
first from one twig to another, until he has
reached the upmost twig again, and if he
does not see any suspicious movements he
will resume his interrupted song.
Maryland Yellow-throat usually commen-
ces building their nest in the latter part of
May.
cality. Their nest is usually placed on the
ground, but [have found them over two feet
° : : oer |
from the ground in a bush. Their nest is
They usually select a swampy lo- |
The |
|
a large bulky affair, usually composed of
dead grass, leaves, feathers, grape-vine
bark, dead ferns, or most. anything that
will make a fit receptacle for their eggs. A
nest that I found in a fresh meadow was
composed externally of wide blades of
fresh grass, and lined with moss. They
lay four or five eggs usually, the eggs
varying a great deal both in size and mark-
ings. They are creamy white in color with
numerous spots of dark brown and obscure
spots of lilac at the greater end of the egg.
I have one set of four eggs that are pure
white in color with faint dots of light red-
dish brown at the largeend. One egg has
but a single spot, and that is hardly large
enough to be noticed. Average dimen-
sions of several specimens, .70x.52 inch.
The birds rear two broods in a season in
Massachusets. I found a set perfectly
fresh July 7, 88. The Maryland Yellow-
throat departs for the south by the middle —
of September.
CHARLES 8S. PHILLIPS,
Dighton, Mass.
a A
White-bellied Nuthatch.
On the 22nd of May, 1882, I found a
nest of this bird in a hole in an apple tree,
inan orchard, about 54 feet from the
ground, which contained five young birds
about a week old and one unincubated egg.
I discovered the nest by seeing the parent
bird carrying food to her brood.
On tho 27th of April, 1883, being near
the place whcre the above was found I
thought I would see if the birds were
about. As 1 neared the locality I sud- —
denly saw the bird on the tree near the
hole where the nest was. On examination
I was very much surprised to find six as
handsome eggs as anyone would wish to
see, I examined one, and as the incuba-
tion had begun I secured them.
The nest is quite bulky, made of root-
lets and fine bark, lined with hair. The
eggs are a beautiful roseate-white, spotted
quite thickly with reddish brown, chiefly
at the larger end.
CHARLES E. DOE,
Providence, R. I.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
White-rumped Shrike.
One of the most interesting of the Pa-
cific Coast birds is the White-rumped
Shrike (Collyria excubitor—Baird), which
is found in considerable numbers in the
southern half of the Pacific States. I do
not remember to have met with it north of
the latitude of San Francisco, but proceed-
ing south from that line, the Shrike, or
_ Butcher-Bird, as it is here called, is often
seen, and in most cases regarded as a wel-
come friend. The familiar name ‘‘Butcher
bird” is often applied to other members of
the Lande, and especially to ‘‘C. Borealis,”
but the name seems to be more appropriate
for the White rumped Shrike, owing to the
exercise of that peculiar characteristic,
which so long since suggested the name.
The Butcher bird, as described by Baird
seems to be different from the one found
here in size somewhat, but the difference
does not give room for other classification.
The description given by a prominent. na-
turalist, of it having ‘‘the power of imitat-
ing the sounds of other birds, especially of
those indicating distress,” I do not find
true here, although | may be in error in
this particular ; but the one habit which
distinguishes them so pre-eminently from
all others cannot be mistaken. Through
the summer and autumn almost every
bush and stalk presents to the observing
eye evidences of its industrial trait. Small
birds suffer somewhat, but the principal
victims are fieid mice, crickets and grass-
_ hoppers.
for their victims. | Only two days since I
counted twenty-three dead animals, prin-
cipally mice and grasshoppers, impaled on
the barbs, in walking a distance of only
forty-rods along a wire fence. Different
theories have been advanced as to object of
this piece of procedure, but at last the
‘“‘object is not well understood.” Perhaps
it is the same trait, developed in a lesser
degree, which causes the Canide to bury
bones and other food as providence for
future want.
By many the Butcher bird is considered
The barbed wire fences of the
plains furnish a favorite place of deposit
157
a friend to the interests of the gardener
and horticulturist, as a means of getting
rid of the many pests which it destroys,
but it is yet to be demonstrated whether or
not this has foundation in fact.
CyriL MARR,
Borden, Cal.
American Redstart.
(Setophaga ruticilia.)
Although this bird is not rare in this lo-
cality, its nest is seldom taken, as far as I
can learn, being rather hard to find.
Early on the morning of May 18, 1883, I
took a walk out to the woods to secure a
nest of a Wood Thrush, which I had found
the day before. While at this nest, which
was about ten feet up ina beech tree, my
attention was called to a Redstart which
was flying about in the top of the tree and
seemingly much annoyed.
Climbing up I looked about, but not see-
ing any nest I began to descend when my
eye suddenly fell on the little nest which
was placed in the fork of a small branch,
about three feet from the trunk. Since
that time I have taken many rare eggs, but
no discovery has given me greater plea-
sure than the finding of this nest. I called
to my companion that I had found it, and
in a moment announced that it held four
eggs, three of the owner’s and one Cow-
bird’s, which proved to be perfectly fresh.
The nest was saddled in the fork, about
eighteen feet from the ground, higher than
this bird usually nests. It was composed
of cottony substances outside, lined with
horsehair, and was neatly and compactly
built.
Of the three eggs, two measured each
66x49, the other 69x48 inches. When
blown they were pure white with a broad
ring of light brown and obscure purple
spots around the larger end.
| s OG aah a
Philadelphia, Pa.
——— Oo
Back numbers of THE Youn@e OoLogist
will be furnished at six cents per copy.
57 Maryland Yellow Throat (122).
58 Macgillivray’s Warbler (x21).
For the Young Oologist. 59 Grace’s Warbler (104).
The following is a list of the Land Birds of the | 60 Green Black-cap Warbler (125).
Pacific Coast, from Alaska to Mexico. (The numbers | 61 Long-tailed Chat (123@).
in parentheses correspond to Ridgeway’s Nomencla- | 62 Barn Swallow (154).
ture.) 63 Cliff Swallow (153).
rt Dwarf Thrush (s). 64 White-bellied Swallow (155).
2 Russet-backed or Oregon Thrush (4). 65 Violet-green Swallow (156).
3 Olive Thrush (4a). | 67 Bank Swallow (157).
4 Robin (7). | 68 Rough-winged Swallow (158).
5 Cape Robin (8). | 69 Purple Martin (152).
6 Varied Thrush, Western Robin (9). 7o Swainson’s Warbling Greenlet (1392).
7 Mountain Mocking-bird (x0). | 71 Blue-headed Flycatcher (139).
8 Sickle-bill Thr.sh (16). 72 Lead-colored Greenlet (147)°
g Leconte’s Thrush (16a), 73 Black-headed Greenlet (141).
xo Henry’s Thrush (17). |
74 Hutton’s Greenlet (144)
xx Ashy Thrush (14).
| 75 Bell’s Vireo (145).
12 Mocking~—bird (11), | 76 Gray Greenlet (147).
13, Cat-bird (12), | 77 Wax-wing, The Bohemian Chatterer (150).
14 American Dipper, Water Ouzel (19). 78 Cedar Bird (151).
15 Western Bluebird (23). | 79 Black Flycatcher (317). ©
16 Rocky Mountain Bluebird (24). | 80 Townsend’s Flycatcher (3252).
17 Golden-crested Wren (232). | 8x Northern Shrike (148).
18 Ruby-crowned Wren (30). 82 White-rumped Shrike (1494).
19 Blue-gray Flycatcher (27). | 83 White-winged Shrike (1494).
20 Black-tailed Flycatcher (29). | g4 Cooper’s Tanager (1642).
21 Lead colored Flycatcher (28). 85 Silver-colored Tanager (163).
22 Ground Wren (35). | 86 Louisiana Tanager (162).
23 Plain-crested Titmouse. 87 Red Crossbill (172).
24 Black-crested Titmouse (37). 88 White-winged Crossbill (173).
25 Wollwebers Titmouse (39). | 89 Pine Grosbeak (166).
26 Western Titmouse (410). go Western Purple Finch (168a@).
27 Mountain Titmouse (40). gi Cassin’s Purple Finch (169).
28 Chestnut-backed Titmouse (46). ° | g2 House Finch (170).
29 Least Titmouse (47). | 93 Lesser Redpoll (179).
30 Plumbeous Titmouse (48). 94 Gray-eared Finch (174).
31 Yellow-headed Titmouse (50). 95 Hepburn’s Finch (1752).
32 Western Nuthatch (5124). 96 Gray-checked Finch (t77).
33 Red-bellied Nuthatch (52). 97 Gray-crowned Finch (175).
34 California Nuthatch (54). o8 Siberian Finch *
35 Western Creeper (552). 99 Thistle Bird (181).
36%California Cactus-Wren (56). | roo Arkansas Finch (182).
37 Cape Cactus Wren (57). ror Mexican Goldfinch (18264).
38 Rock Wren (58). 10z Lawrence’s Goldfinch (183).
39 White-throated Wren (59). | 103 Pine Finch (185).
40 Western Mocking-Wren (61a). 104 Evening Grssbeak (165).
41 Parkmann’s House-Wren (632). | 105 Snow Bunting (186).
42 Winter Wren (6s). 106 Lapland Longspur (187).
43 Long-billed Marsh-Wren (67). | 107 Nonalaska Sparrow (193).
44 JTit-lark (71). | 108 Skylark Sparrow (1434).
45 Sprague’s Lark (73). 1og Titlark Sparrow (194).
46 Nashville Warbler (85)
47 Orange-crowned Warbler (86).
48 Lucy’s Warbler (83).
110 Sea-shore Sparrow (196).
St. Lucas Thrush (195).
112 Grass Finch, Bay-winged Bunting (1972).
Lal
-
taal
49 Virginia’s Warbler (84) 113 Yellow-winged Sparrow (198).
so Yellow Warbler (93). 114 Lark Finch (2042).
51 Audubon’s Warbler (96). r15 Western White-crowned F inch (207).
52 Yellow-crowned Warbler (95). | 116 White-crowned Sparrow (2072).
53 Black-throated Gray Warbler (105). 117 Golden-crowned Sparrow (208)
54 Townsend’s Warbler (108).
55 Western Warbler (109). * Occasional visitor to North America,
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
118 Oregon Snow-bird (218).
119 Gray-headed Snow-bird (220).
120
121
122
123
124 Chipping Sparrow (ar1a).
Brewer’s Sparrow (213).
Black-chifned Spariow (215).
125
126
127
128
129
154 Red-shouldered Blackbird (261a).
155 Red and White-shouldered Blackbird (262).
156 Yellow-headed Blackbird (260). |
157 Western Lark (264).
Rusty Song Sparrow (231¢).
Mountain Song Sparrow (2314).
130 Lincoln’s Finch (234),
13t Red-capped Finch (230).
132 Cassin’s Finch (228).
133 Townsend’s Sparrow (2354)
134 Large-beaked Sparrow (2354).
135 White-shouldered Blackbird (256). |
136 Black-headed Grosbeak (245).
137 Blue Grosbeak (246).
138 Blue Linnet (240).
139 Western Nonpareil (250).
140 Texas Cardinal (243).
141 Cape Cardinal (242a).
142 Oregon Ground Robin (2386.
143 California Ground Robin (238a).
144 Abert’s Finch (241).
145 Brown Finch (2408).
146 Canon Finch (240)
147 White-throated Towhee (2402).
148 Green Finch (239).
149 Horned Lark (300).
150 Bobolink, Rice-bird (257).
151 Cow-bird (258).
152 Dwarf Cow-bird (2582).
153 Swamp Blackbird ;
Pink-sided Snow-bird (219).
Black-throated Sparrow (224).
Bell’s Finch (225).
Mountain or Tree Sparrow (210).
California Song Sparrow (231c).
4 The Red-wing Black-
bird (261).
158 Western Oriole (272),
159 Hooded Oriole (269).
160 Scott’s Oriole (268).
161 Brewer’s Blackbird (274).
162 American Raven (250).
163 White-necked Crow (281).
164 Western Crow (2826).
165 Clarke’s Crow (284).
167 Yellow-billed Magpie (287).
168 American Magpie (286)
169 Steller’s Jay (290).
170 Long-crested Jay (290c).
171 California Jay (293).
172 Woodhouse’s Jay (292).
173 Sieber’s Jay (295).
174 Canada Jay (297).
175 Western King-bird (304)
176 Arkansas Flycatcher (306).
177 Cassin’s Flycatcher (307).
x78 Ash-throated Flycatcher (313).
«79 Black Flycatcher (817).
|
166 Maximilian’s Jay (285).
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
180
159
Say’s Flycatcher (316).
Olive-sided Flycatcher. (315).
Coues’ Flycatcher (319).
Short-Legged Pewee (321).
Traill’s Flycatcher (322).
Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher. (323).
Grayish Flycatcher (328).
Hammond’s Flycatcher.
Red Flycatcher (330)
Buff-Breasted Flycatcher (8292).
Belted Kingfisher (382).
Texas Kingfisher (383).
Nuttall’s Whipoorwill (355)
Night-hawk ; Bull-bat (857).
Texas Night-hawk (3.8).
White-throated Swift (349).
Northern Swift )352).
Oregon Swift (352).
Black-Chinned Humming-Bird (336).
Red-Backed Humming-Bird (340).
Broad-tailed Humming- Bird (359).
Anna Humming-Bird (338).
Costa’s Humming-Bird (337).
Heloise’s Humming-Bird (342).
Calliope Humming-Bird.
Xantus’s Humming-Bird (347).
Paisano; The Road-runner ; The Chapparal
Cock (385).
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (387).
Harris’ Woodpecker (3604).
Gairdner’s Woodpecker (3612)
Nuttall’s Woodpecker (364).
Arizona Woodpecker, (363).
2 Cape Woodpecker (3622).
White-headed Woodpecker (366).
Arctic Three-toed Woodpecker (367).
Striped Three-toed Woodpeckes (367).
Red-necked Woodpecker (369a).
Red-Breasted Woodpecker (3694).
Williamson’s Woodpecker (369).
Round-headed Woodpecker (370).
Black Woodcock ; The Log-cock (371).
Yellow-bellied Woodpecker (373).
Gila Woodpecker (374).
Red-headed Woodpecker (375).
California Woodpecker (377).
Narrow-Frouted Woodpecker (3772).
Lewis’s Woodpecker (376).
Red-shafted Flicker (378d).
Malherbe’s Flicker (379).
Bain Owl (394).
Great Horned Owl. (405).
Mottled Screech-Owl (402).
Flamulated Owlet (404).
Kennicott’s Owl (4026).
Long-eared Owl (396).
Short-eared Owl (396).
Western Barred Owl (398).
Barred Owl (397).
Great Gray Owl (399).
Kirtland’s Owl (400).
Acadian Owl (401).
Burrowing Owl (408).
Whitney’s Owl (411).
California Pygmy Owl (409).
Snowy Owl; The White Owl (406).
Hawk Owl; Day Owl (407).
Golden Eagle (449).
White-headed Eagle (451).
Fish-hawk (425).
Duck-hawk (414). |
Western Duck-hawk (414).
Prairie Hawk (413).
Pigeon Hawk (417).
253 Arizona Hawk (4172)
254 Sparrow-hawk (420).
255 Cooper’s Hawk (431).
256 Mexican Hawk (4332).
257 Sharp-shinned Hawk (432).
258 American Goshawk (433).
259 Western Red-tailed Hawk (436a).
260 Red-tailed Black Hawk (5368)
261 California Hawk (437).
Harlan’s Hawk (438). |
Brown Hawk (441).
Swainson’s Hawk (442).
Elegant Hawk (4392).
Band-tailed Black Hawk (440). |
Sharp-winged Hawk (437).
Rusty Squirrel-hawk (448).
Rough-legged Hawk (447).
St John’s Black Hawk (444).
Gray Hawk (445).
Black-Shouldered Hawk (427). |
Marsh Hawk (430). |
Caracara Eagle (423).
Harris’ Buzzard (434). |
California Condor (453). |
Turkey Buzzard (454)
Band-tail Pigeon (456).
Red Dove (457). |
Passenger Pigeon (4509).
Carolina or Common Dove (460).
White-winged Dove (464).
Ground Dove (46s).
Cape Ground Dove (466). |
Mexican Turkey (470).
Dusky Grouse (471).
Richardson’s Grouse (4714).
Franklin’s Grouse (472a@)
Sharp-tailed Grouse (4782)
Sage-cock (479).
Oregon Grouse (4736)
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
2Q1
292
293
204
295
206
White-tailed Ptarmigan (476).
Mountain Quail (481).
California Quail (482)
Gambel’s Quail (483).
Sealed or Blue Partridge (484).
297 Massena Quail (485).
Epwarp H. Fiske,
Berkely, California.
sree. MME ES
For every new subscriber you may send |
us for the YOUNG OOLOGIST, we will give |
a copy of our new Hand-book.
|
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
|
A Few Words for the Egg Collector.
The following extract taken from an ar-
ticle by J. M. W., of Norwich, in an old
“Ornithologist and Oologist” will answer
the queries of many correspondents:
Why do you collect eggs? Do you live
in the heart of one of our great cities, with
few chances afield, and collect through the
mails by purchase and exchange? Do you
heap eggs together as curiosities or orna-
ments to show to friends, or to equal and
eclipse the collections of A and B? Ifyou
are influenced by these motives, or situated
as above indicated, stop where you are!
Trouble the birds no longer and turn your
attention to bric-a-brac. You are on a
lowcr plane than the crows, grackles and
jays who destroy eggs through inherited —
instinct and appetite. But if you take the
field yourself, in search of ruddy health,
with a passionate love for your pursuit, —
with no love of notoriety, and without ever |
a thought of rivalry, then we may notcon- |
demn you. Furthermore, if you, hope by —
comparison of sets and by observations on |
obscure breeding habits to add a few grains
of information to our humble science, go:
on, yours is no unholy work.
io
Parasites, What Are They?
\
Can any of the readers of THe Youne }
OoLocist who have studied the subject, |
give me some information on these bird
parasites which I have found in various —
parts of the bodies of birds, notably in
owls.
The first case which came under my
notice was that of a Rosy Finch ; on open-
ing body to examine the stomach I discov-
ered on the side of the heart a peculiar
mark, thinking it a mere wrinkle of the
pericardium, but on closer examination
found it to be a small white worm buried
in the tissue of the heart, in an 8 shaped
trench. It was about four-tenths of an
inch in length. .
During the present winter I have found
them on several occasions in the heads of.
owls, being embeded between the eyeball ¥
;
‘an
|| The largest were nearly an inch in length
and about one-twentieth of an inch in dia-
|} meter ; white and semi-transparent, very
Y slow motioned. In one case I found over
' two dozen behind the left eye, a portion of
ae had collected in a bunch the size of
/ two buckshot. The flesh and tissues sur-
no way inflamed or irritated.
ply Jarval or intermediate stages of some
other form of parasite? IJ had kept the
| owls alive several days and they ate freely,
f could see well and appeared perfectly
t healthy.
i J. B. U., Fork Union, Va.
-@
The Red-tailed Hawk.
(Buteo borealis.)
This bird is rather common throughout
| the northwest. It arrives in this locality
} (44 degrees N. lat.), about the middle of
/ arrival.
fifty feet from the ground.
| built in sight of houses and fields, the top
| of a hill or bluff being a most desirable
‘place. The nest itself is a large affair,
about three feet by two, or even larger,
, lined with birch bark and leaves. The
| birds are rather sociable, the farmer espec-
i
| young chickens. I found one nest within
three hundred feet of a much traveled
road. I identified the first set I took by
4 seeing the color of the tail when the bird
) flew between me and the sun.
| dirty white, spotted with reddish brown
about 2.20; by nearly 2.00 inches, about the
; Same at both ends.
| face of a cliff over one hundred feet in
height. They leave generally about the
| last of September or the first of October,
but this year remained with us until the
middle of October.
Gro. H. SELOVER,
Lake City, Minnesota.
rounding the parasites appeared to be in |
\ April, and begins to nest soon after its |
They generally select an oak tree |
\ and place their nest from twenty to over |
It is generally |
|| mostly at the larger end. They measure |
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
d the bony processes surrounding it, and |
| always onthe side contiguous tothe nostrils. |
Query? Were these adult forms, or sim- |
jally thinking so when he is minus some |
aA
The eggs
/ are generally if not always two in number, |
They generally build |
in a tree, but I have found one nest on the.
161
The Marsh Hawk.
(CIRCUS HUDSONIUS. )
I have seen from time to time inquiries
as to the nature of the Marsh Hawk, in the
Youne Oo.oerstr. For the benefit of those
who are unacquainted with this interesting
bird, I will give a description. It is about
twenty inches in length, and an adult bird
will measure about three feet from tip to
tip. During the spring and summer they
may often be seen flying low over the
meadows in search of small rodents, and
while flying thus, the white upper. tail-
coverts, which distinguish this Hawk from
others, may be seen from a considerable
distance. They build their nest about the
first week in May, in the middle of a large
marsh, or what might be more appropri-
ately termed, an open swamp, where spruce
trees and huckleberries grow, though they
always choose a spot which is free from
the larger trees and shrubs, with only the
low swamp laurel, and a bed of moss to
separate the nest from the water. The
nest is sometimes only a mere collection of
straws and twigs, but is sometimes six or
eight inches high, and a foot across. The
eggs are 4 or 5 in number, and when fresh
are a light bluish cast, slightly marked with
blotches of reddish brown near the small
end, They measure about 14 to 12 inches.
When flushed from the nest, the old Hawk
rises perpendicularly with a piercing cry.
FRED. 8. ODLE.
Lapeer, Mich.
oi
FATHER’S ADVICE TO HIS Son.—‘‘ My
son, I have heretofore presented you with a
copy of the Holy Bible. If you study only
one book let that be the book, as the truths
it contains ‘are able to make you wise unto
salvation.’
I herewith present you witha copy of the
recent edition of Webster's Unabridged
Dictionary. If you study only two books
let this be the other, as it is not only a
dictionary unsurpassed in the spelling, pro-
nunciation and defination of words, but is
also an encyclopedia of information in its
Vocabularies of persons and places noted
in Fiction, Scripture, Greek, Latin, and
Geographical Names, Biographical Diction-
ary, Quotations, Pictorial Illustrations, &c.,
making it a book to which you will have
occasion frequently to refer during life.”
—President, Marion Female College.
162
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
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JOTTINGS. .
We intend to make the thirty-two paged
initial number of Vol. II (May issue), one
of the most valuable and interesting maga-
zines ever placed before the ornithologists
and oologists of America. Will our older
readers favor us with a few interesting ar-
ticles? We must have their co-operation
to carry out our intentions.
This issue contains considerable unin-
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the good will of onrreaders with so much
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weshall send them in March and April
issues eight pages more than we promised.
‘SPECIAL “NOTICE. “Rack Number
of Vol. II. of THE YOUNG OOLOGIST
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will contain 32 Pages.
and renewals will be received until
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subscriptions beginning with January
Number will be accepted at 60 Cents.
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though dated March, is in reality the March
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issue must reach us on or before March
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comodation, and as they will contain 40
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We will send a copy of Davie’s Egg
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year, and a copy of our new ‘“‘ Oologists’
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Competition for February prizes has —
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prize-winners will exceed five names. Do
not let the prizes offered for the March
competition be captured so easily.
The Knights of Audubon.
During the past few years hundreds of
societies have been formed by the young |
collectors of America, and during the past |
few months our correspondents have writ-
ten us about at least twenty of these so- |
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
cieties, working under as many different |
names, among which might be mentioned |
“Ridgway Clubs,” —
‘‘Audubon Clubs.”
“Baird Clubs,” ‘‘The Young Oologists,”
‘Natural History Societies,” etc., etc.
In order to make these various societies
a success, and that the result of their labors
may be of use and value to other collec-
tors we have decided, at the earnest solici- |
tation of many of our patrons, to start an
association to be known as THE KNIGHTS —
OF AUDUBON. The association of Knights |
of Audubon, until we are able to meet and
draw up a constitution of our own will be |
controlled by one similar to that of the
Agassiz Association, whose success and |
high standing we hardly dare hope to at- |
This constitution, and also instruc- |
tain.
tions for organizing legions, etc., we take
from the *‘‘Hand-Book of the Agassiz As-
sociation ;” of course remodeling so as to |
be adapted to the wants of our association.
CONSTITUTION.
Article 1.
shall be THE KniGHTs oF AUDUBON.
Art. 2.
Association to collect, study and preserve
The name of this Society |
It shall be the object of this |
natural objects relating to birds, their nests |
and eggs.
Art. 3. The officer of this Association
shall be a Chief Secretary, who shall per-
form the customary duties of such officer.
This officer is to be appointed by the Pub-_
lisher of Toe Youna OoLoeist.
Art. 4. New Legions may be added
with the consent of the Chief Secretary,
provided that no such Legion shall con-
sist of less than three members.
Legions shall be named from the towns
in which they exist, and if there be more
than one Legion in a town they shall be |
further distinguished by the letters of the |
alphabet.
* A valuable little hand-book by Professor Harlan
H. Ballard, of Lennox Academy, Lennox, Mass. Sent
by mail, post paid for 54 cents. We trust every Legion
of the Knights of Audubon will obtain a copy, as our
society being similar the instructions, etc., given
therein will prove exceedingly valuable.
163
Art. 5. Each Legion may choose its
own officers and make its own by-laws.
Art. 6. This Constitution may be
amended by a three-fourths vote of the
Association or its representatives.
Art. 7. THE Youne Oowoctst shall be
the official organ of communication between
members and Legions of this Association.
HOW TO ORGANIZE A LEGION AND CONDUCT
A MEKTING. PARLIAMENTARY
LAW. BY-LAWS.
We will proceed to answer the most im-
portant and constant questions that come
to us from day to day. Naturally the first
inquiry is, ‘““How can I form a Legion of
the K. of A ?’
As three is the smallest number of mem-
bers recognized as a ‘‘ Legion,” the first thing
to do is to find at least two persons besides
yourself who are interested in the plan.
Call a meeting and appoint a temporary
chairman. Explain to your friends the
purpose for which you have called them
together, and make a motion to the effect
that a legion of K. of A. be organized. If
this motion prevails, it will be well to have
a committee appointed to draft your by-
laws; or the rules by which your legion
is to be guided. After choosing this com-
mittee you may adjourn.
At the next meeting, hear and act upon
the report of your committee, and elect
your permanent officers. It will prove of
great service to you to conduct your meet-
ings as far as may be, in accordance with
parliamentary law. Your by-laws should
contain an article stating what authority
shall control you in this regard. You will
find either Fish’s or Roberts’ Rules of
Order an excellent and intelligible guide.
BY-LAWS.
Very much of the comfort and harmony
of your meetings will depend upon the
wisdom of your by-laws. They should be
simple, short and comprehensive, and
should cover such points as what officers
you will have, how long they shall hold
office, what initiation fee you will require,
how many members you will admit, what
fines you will impose for absence,
what duties shall devolve upon your offi-
cers and members, and what order of exer-
cises you may follow in your meetiugs.
The following schedule may prove valu-
able as a suggestion :
The name of this society shall be, etc.
The officers shall be —.
The entrance fee shall be —.
The regular dues shall be —.
Se eal
164
d. The.order of exercises at our regular
meetings shall be: a. Roll call; 6. Min-
utes of the last meeting; c. Treasurer’s
report ; d. Report of corresponding secre- |
tary ; ¢. Reports of members on specimens,
etc. ; f. Miscellaneous business; g. Ad-
journment,
6. New members may be elected at any
regular meeting of the society, by ballot,
and -— adverse ballots shall exclude.
7. The meetings of this society shall
be conducted in accordance with ——., ete.
The second article should contain a
clause limiting the time during which the
various offices shall be held ; but consider-
ing the fact that the addresses of your
President and Secretary are to be publish-
ed in THE YounGe Oo.oetst, for the bene-
fit of other legions, those officers should be
elected once for all, if possible. In any
case you should take a P. O. Box, which
may remain as the permanent address of
your legion through whatever official
changes may occur.
In societies where members are of nearly
the same age, the decision of the majority
should be regarded as absolute, and be
cheerfully agreed to by the minority. In
family legions, and those under the direc-
tion of a teacher, it is well to have a by-law
giving the President the power to veto,
and making a three-fourths vote necessary
to pass a motion over his veto. Such
branches may, if they choose, constitute
simple classes and remain entirely subject
to the control of parent or teacher. The
Constitution leaves each branch entirely |
free in these matters.
The first duty of your secretary, after
having recorded the minutes of your meet-
ing for organization, will be to send to the
Chief Secretary of the Association an ac-
count of the formation of the legion.
Once in one month thereafter, a report of
your progress will be expected. Should
you from any cause, disband, immediate
notice should be sent to the Chief Secretary
so that other chapters may not address you
in vain.
Each Legion must subscribe for the of-
ficial organ, THE Youne Oouoeist. These
subscriptions are to be sent to the Chief Sec-
retary immediately after you have organized
your Legion. Onehalf the amount re-
ceieved from the Legions for THz Youne
OOLOGIST will be used by the Chief Secre-
tary to pay the actual expenses of the asso-
ciation, and the remaining one-half will be
forwarded by the Chief Secretary to the
publisher of THk Youn@ Oo.oaist.
Owing to the valuable aid, suggestions re-
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST,
ceived, and interest manifested in our work
we have requested Mr. Jose R. Curtis, of
Painted Post, Steuben County, N. Y., to
act as Chief Secretary of the Knights of
Audubon. Mr. Curtis has kindly accepted
the appointment, and in future all com-
munications should be sent to his address.
The following is a short extract from
what the Chief Secretary has to say :
‘“The publishers of Tok Youne Oo.o-
Gist have decided to start in their paper a
society or association, to be called the
‘Knights of Audubon” (in honor of that
great scholar and traveller), to which any
person can belong, regardless of sex. This
will enable the most obscure naturalists to
exchange specimens, notes, etc., and place
themselves on an equal basis with other
collectors, using this magazine as the of-
ficial organ.
A department will be devoted to this
subject, which will be, ‘‘Birds, their nests,
and eggs,” containing communications
from the different members of the frater-
nity, with name of writer, etc. These let-
ters must be concise and with more atten-
tion to actual facts and observations. The
success of the association depends entirely
upon the efforts of the oologists, and others
interested in birds, and it will require no
great exertion on their part to make it a
monument of the Audobonites, and an
honor to the memory of the great natural-
ist after whom it is named. Organize
legions at once.”’
hy A gee Sea ek
The attention of our readers is especially
called to the notices of our advertising
patrons which occur in this issue. Many
of the advertisements are those of old and
reliable firms, and as this is the class of ad-
vertising we desire to encourage, we trust
our readers will draw the attention of their
friends, whom they think might be inter-
ested, to our advertisements. As the
readers, as well as the publisher, is de-
sirous of informing the public of the value
of THE YOUNG OOLOGIST as an advertis-
ing medium, it is, doubtless, needless to
add—always mention THE YouNG OOOLo-
GIST when answering advertisements ap-
pearing in its columns.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
THE VERDICT.
Our Friends have decided to ‘‘ Make the
Young Oologist a 32-page Magazine” — What
They Say.
CALIPORNIA.
‘* By all means make a 32-page paper of the Y. O.”’
—G. E. H., Woodland, Cal.
‘* Hope you will enlarge the Y O,. as proposed. I
think it will pay you.’’—S. L. E., Riverside, Cal.
‘* [ have received three natural history papers and I
think the Y. O° is the Jest.’’—F. C., Petaluma, Cal.
‘*T should like it.”,—H. C. L., Hanford, Cal.
‘“T am decidedly in favor of having the Y. O. en-
larged.”—N. B. L., Oakland, Cal
‘‘T am in favor of making the Y. O. a 32-page
paper, and am willing to pay the 4o cents extra when
I renew.’‘—C. W. K., Oakland ‘Cal.
_ “Tam willing to pay $1.00 a year for your paper if
it is enlarged ’’—E. H. F., Berkely.
_** Would be in favor of the proposed change in the
size of paper.’’—H. R. T., Alameda.
“I am decidedly in favor or making the Y. O. a 32-
page magazine, if you can do it, and I shall surely
continue my Subscripton.’’—T. L., Oakland.
COLORADO.
** My paper received to-night, and I have to say
this: whenever you are ready to enlarge the Y. O.and
advance the price, I am ready to pay more, and I say
_YES.”—F. M. D., Estes Park.
CONNECTICUT.
‘‘ Enlarge the Y° O. by all means, if possible.’’—H.
1. C., Wallingford.
‘**T think the enlargement of the Y. Q. an excellent
plan.”’—F. V. H., Norwalk.
‘““T think that the proposed enlargement of the Y.
O. will be a big improvement.’’—V. S. S., Norwalk.
**T am in favor of your enlargement and so are all
my brother collectors in Wallingford ’’—H. F
Wallingford.
““ Nothing would please me more than to have the
Y. O. enlarged to 64 pages if you could cover the 64
pages with the same class of reading matter as you do
your present 16 pages, but of course that is out of the
question at present ; but by all means enlarge it to 32
1f you can, and [ think there are but few but would
gladly pay double for it.”"—E. W. J., Woodbridge.
** We say enlarge the Y. O. and if necessary publish
it weekly, We'll engage to subscribe.’—F. & T.,
Plymouth,
ll
; “Tam very much pleased with the idea of increas-
ing It’s size.”"— J, A. M., Wallingford.
** I sincerely hope you will enlarge the Y. O. to a
thirty-two page magazine. I will be glad to continue
my subscription at the advanced price.’’—S. F. R.
New Haven. bili ;
‘* Am In favor of making it a 32 page monthly ; it is
the best paper out as it is, and I am much pleased with
it.",—W. H. L., West Stratford.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
‘“ I would willingly pay the difference in price in
order to have the Y. O. increased in size.’’—T. W. R
—Washington.
LF |
GEORGIA.
““In regard to making the Y. O. 32 pages and
charging $1.00, I say yes, by all means. Wishing you
good luck in your undertaking, I am as ever, 1. D.
P., Savannah. ’
| have a 32 page magazine.
165
‘*[ will support it with my subscription, whatever
price it is.’’—W. B. S., Atlanta.
ILLINOIS.
‘‘T received February Number of the Y. O. last
night, and before the evening was gone I decided ,to
take it, and I would be perfectly willing to give the
other 4o cents the day that you decide to increase the
size of it.. In fact J would be willing to give $1.00 for
zt gust as it zs.’—P. L. O., Hennepin.
‘*T would gladly pay an extra 40 cents for 16 pages
of Y. O.”’—G. B. H., Fernwood.
‘* In regare to enlargeing the Y. O., I should think
it a good idea, no matter as to the price ; it is worth
that price now to collectors.’’—W. 5S C., Peoria.
‘*T would prefer to have it enlarged, as it is, I think
one of the best of its kind.’”’-—J. G. W., Waukegon.
‘“I am willing to pay my proportion to have the
paper enlarged.’’—A. K., L., Spring Valley.
‘‘'The Y. O. is very instructive and entertaining ;
make it thirty-two pages.’’-—H.S. W., Normal.
‘* By all means let us have a thirty-two page Y. O.’
—H, G. W., Chicago.
5]
INDIANA.
‘** T will be one of those who take it at that price. |
am very much pleased with it, and hope to get you
several new subscribers.’’—J. F. C., Michigan City,
‘“-T am in favor of enlarging the Y. O.’’—C. M..,
Frankfort.
KANSAS.
‘**T think it would be a good plan to enlarge the Y.
O.”—A. T. J., Hiawatha.
‘*T will have to see the May Number before I can
decide positively about taking the Y. O. next year or
not. I will probably, if my chink don’t give out.’’—
A. O. G., Lawrence.
MAINE.
‘Am much pleased with it and am in favor of
having it enlarged.’’—A. H. B., Orona.
‘*T should be willing to pay the extra price if the
Y. O. was enlarged as you propose in the February
number of your paper. I think a series of Jectures
on Popular Ornithology and Oology would prove a
great attraction.’’—V. E. P., Rockland.
‘* Make the Y. O. a 32-page paper if possible. I[
will take it next May if you do.’’—C. H. C.,,
Portland.
‘““Tam in favor of having the Y. O. made a thirty-
two page magazine.’’—J. T. P., South Paris.
“The Y. O. is a succdss. Asa 32-page magazine it
will excel itself. Will renew my own subscription
soon.’’—C. A., Rockland.
——
MARYLAND.
‘*T hope you will make the change in the Y. O."’—
M. W.., Baltimore.
MASSACHUSETTS.
‘*T think it is the best of the kind published now at
the price. If you make the price higher you will have
to compete with other very good papers, and perhaps
lose some of your young subscribers. But if you can
still keep it the best of the kind for the money, go
ahead.’’—C. W. S, Tyngsboro.
““Tf it would be possible to double the size of the
Y.O.and preserve both its merits and the rank it
holds among the oological papers of the day—that is
among the very first, I for one should most assuredly
say yes. Yours, F* W., Malden.
““T for one am willing to pay 40 cents extra and
*— J.B. R., Fall River.
166
‘*T for one shall be very glad if it is done, and I
think a great many others will like it also.’’—F. H. P.,
North Beverly.
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“**T like the paper very much; hope you will en- |
large.’’—J. F. D,, Springfield,
‘*T vote that you enlarge the Y. O. It’s value will
be greater than the price.’’—W. H. F., Pittsfield,
MICHIGAN.
‘* Increase your size by all means.
world.”’—G. W. T., Adrian.
‘* 1 would favor the enlargement,.’’—B. L., Leslie.
‘* 1 am greatly in favor of having the present size of |
the Y. O. doubled, and trust you will find it practic-
able to carry out your idea.’’-—J. B, R., Detroit.
‘* [ think it would be a good plan.
my copy each month, I[ read it through and always
wish for more,’’—L. S. M. M., Marshall.
‘I for one should be glad to see the Y. O. enlarged.
l think the paper splendid and wouldn’t be without
it.’’—F. O. H., Grass L ke.
‘*] cast my vote in favor of enlarging your most
interesting paper and will send the balance of sub-
scription if you conclude to do so.”’—W. A. J.,
Detroit.
MINNESOTA.
‘1 say to enlarge it by all means, as it will give
more space for correspondents and therefore make it
more interesting.’’-—R. L., Minneapolis.
‘*T would like very much to see the Y. O. increased
in size.’’—B, M., Faribault.
‘* Would most emphatically say to enlarge it.’’C. T.
M., Minneapolis.
‘** T vote to have the Y. O. a 32-page monthly.’’ —G.
G. C., Minneapolis.
‘*T for one say yes, by all means make it 32 pages.
| am very much pleased with the Y. O. and would be
perfectly willing to pay the additional subscription
for the extra pages, feeling certain you will do your
bast to make it 32 pages and keep it as interestiug as |
now.’’—A. G., Lake City.
‘We, the undersigned are in favor of enlarging the
V.O.V=6) Si) Eo Wek Gee PL ake City)
MISSISSIPPI.
*‘ I for one say make the Y. O. a32-page magazine.”’
—J. T. M., Oxford.
NEW HAMPSHIRE.
‘‘T think changing your magazine to 32 pages would
be a great improvement, as the quantity is the only
thing any one can find fault with now.”—A
Exeter.
‘“T for one would be very glad to see the Y. O.
changed to a 32-page monthly and will do what I can
sto help support it.”’—-A. L..S., Claremont
mn
NEW JERSEY.
When I receive |
Best paper inthe |
‘* ] should say by all means make the Y. O.a thirty- |
two page magazine.’’—G. S. P., Princeton.
‘©? enclose a one dollar bill for those items men-
tioned in the February number of the Y. O. I will
send slip from the paper. I think that your paper is
very useful and that every egg-collector should take
it. I will do what I can to enlarge its circulation. I
think that it would be a great deal better to enlarge
it, and I hope that it will be.’’ Yours Resp., O. §.,
Montclair.
‘“T am in favor of having the Y. O. enlarged.’’—J.
H. W., Princeton.
With it.
‘*] am very much pleased with tne Y. O. No live
collector can very well get along without it. I am in
favor of enlarging it.’’—H. C. G., Port Byron.
_ ‘““Tapprove of the plan of enlarging the Y. O., and
increasing the price.’’+-C. W. C., Woodside.
‘*T have been so well pleased with the Y. O. that
I am heartily in favor of haviug it enlarged. I have
never seen a magazine that contained so much inform-
ation, particularly in as small a space.’’—E. M. C.,
Buffalo.
‘*T would be glad 30 have the Y. O. enlarged.” —H.
G., Seneca Falls,
** Make your magazine a 32-page one ; it is a success
now but would be better if larger.’,-—R. W. W., Syra-
cuse.
‘‘T would be very glad to pay $1.00 for a years sub-
scription to a 32-page Y. find it a very valuable
paper in many ways.’’—L. L., New York City.
‘* Under the pressure of the present hard times, I
would not enlarge the Y. O.; am more than pleased
It is first class as it is.”’—A. N. A., Tru-
mansburg.
‘*T would be willing to pay one dollar for it if you
make it a 32-page magazine.’’—F. B., Rochester.
‘IT for one say by all means have it a 32-page mag—
azine’’’—J. W. R., Sag Harbor.
“I think it will be a good thing, as it looks small
now.’’—H. H. Y,, Rochester.
‘*] think that the enlargement of the Y. O. would
be of great benefit to collectors, and I for one vote for
the enlargement.’’—L. G. S., Schuyler’s Lake.
** Would willingly subscribe another year for it at
that price. Will you not put in some articlesf on tax-
idermy? I think others beside myself would like it.”’—
F. B. W., Rochester.
‘*T think it would be a great improvement.’’—E.
G., Troy.
‘*] most heartily endorse your plan for enlarging
the Y. O., and in fact it seems most necessay to ac-
: y
commodate the extensive and numerous contributions
sent.’’—J R.C., Painted Post.
‘“T would say that I would be very much pleased to
have the magazine enlarged.’*—H. S. B., Rochester.
‘* Enlarge the Y. O. by all means; it will be more
than worth $1.00 to every collector.”—G. D. G.,
Brooklyn.
‘‘T am very much pleased with your paper and
would not take the price I paid for it after I have read
it all through. I would gladly pay 4c cents extra and
have it enlarged.”’—C. V. A., Chatham Centre.
NORTH CAROLINA.
‘*T am in favor of changing the Y. O.”—J. H. F.,
Tarboro.
OHIO.
‘‘ Make the Y. O. #32-page peper by all means, if
possible. I am ready to plank down 40 cents extra,
and I am sure all the rest of your subscribers will do
the same.’’—W. D., Cleveland.
‘‘T heartily approve of having that magazine en-
larged.’’—R. G. T., Brooklyn.
‘“T am highly in favor of it."” —E. W. V., Canton.
‘“ It would please me very much to have 1t larger.”’
—J.S., Cleveland.
‘I am greatly in favor of enlarging the Y. O.’’—F.
C. W., Hudson.
‘Let the Y, O. be enlarged, I for one am willing to
pay the extra tax.” —G. L. S., Martin’s Ferry.
‘“Tam heartily in favor of making this valuable
paper contain 32 pape’ and will try and do my part
to support it.”’— J. C. W., Granville.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
** We would like very much to have you change the
size of the Y. O.’’—D. B. W., Perry.
‘*T am in favor of it and will be glad to pay the dif-
ference.’’—B. B. T., Dayton.
PENNSYLVANIA.
‘* Enlarge the Y. O. by all means. The difference
in price will be naught compared to to the information
we know we will receive in the additional pages.’’—
G. H. H., Reading, Pa.
‘* Keep the Y. O. the size it is. The price will be
an objection. There are so many more will take it at
what it now is. i in i
folks one month.’’—]. S. K., Fremont.
“*T hope the Y. O. will be enlarged—and will be
willing to pay $1.00 per year.”’—T. D. A., Meadville.
‘**T would very much like to have the Y. O. enlarg- |
ed to thirty-two pages.
I find the paper quite invaluable to me.’’—J.
mantown.
It would be fully worth $1.0 .
P., Ger-
‘*T am very much in favor of enlarging the Y. O. to |
ae :
a 32-page magazine. | think it is the best paper on
eggs that could be found.’’—C. T. L., Philadelphia.
W.C., Wallingford.
“Your little Y. O. is better with every number, |
send you on postal card my desire to see it increased |
to 32 or 64 pages, the expense to subscribers should be
no consideration ; it is an energetic, interesting little
treasure, and I predict for the Y. O. that inside of five
years it will find its proper place among our larger and
older literary and art magazines.’’—H. G. P., Chester.
““T think it would be invaluable both for instruction
and information, therefore I say 32 pages.’’-—R. L,
M., Germantown.
‘**T agree.”’—B. R., Shoemakertown. _
** 1 am pleased to hear that you think of enlarging
the Y. O.’’—C. K., Athens.
““ I was very sorry to hear in the February number
that you might change it to $1.00.
to I can not take it’ I would be very sorry if you
change ; if you do not I will take it.
next number.’’—T. R., Philadelphia.
‘“*T am in favor of enlarging your paper, and hope
that the answer in the March number will be favor-
able.”’—F. Z. G , McKeesport.
**T think the plan an excellent one and worthy the
support and approbation of every collector in the coun-
try.’’—G. P. E., Mercer.
““ Am favorable to the enlargement or that daisy— |
the Y. O.”"—R. H. I., Reading.
“Hope you will get enough support to enable you | ica : }
' scription one dollar instead of sixty cents as formerly.”’
to enlarge it.’”’—H. K. J., Manayunk.
RHODE ISLAND.
‘“You_ have my vote [to enlarge]; I hope many
others will think the same as I.’,—H. H. R.; Westerly.
““T think it would be a good plan.’’—J. M. S.,
Newport.
“ Have the Y. O, a thirty-two page monthly by all
means.
year and longer.”’—H.S. H., Providence.
SOUTH CAROLINA,
“T will pay the difference, 40 cents and be glad if |
you enlarge. .J.D., Anderson.
TENNESSEE.
“IT vote to enlarge the Y. O.’’—W. H., Shelbyville.
| very good one.
There is plenty in it to do young |
If yo e going | - canal : :
i Sls ae ae Sy intend to renew my subscription at any price.’’—F.
I will see in the |
I will willingly pay my $1.00 for another |
167
VERMONT.
‘*It would please me very much to see the Y. O. a
thirty-two page magazine. I wish it all success, and
will try to find time to contribute to it’s columns,’’—
©; Oct Cartsyille:
‘*T think your proposition to enlarge the Y. O. a
Am willing and glad to pay one dol-
lar a year for enlarged copy.’’—C. H., Bennington.
“T take the Y. O. and like it very much. [ think
perhaps it would be well to enlarge it to thirty-two
pages.’’—J. W. L., Brandon.
VIRGINIA.
‘* Your proposition to enlarge the Y. O, is an excel-
lent one, and I willbe glad to see it out in it’s new
form, Why notillustrate it ?”’—J. B. U., Fork Union.
‘For one I am glad to advance my subscription
| go cents and enlarge the VY. O. Let us have a thirty-
two page magazine on May the first.””"—L. B. F.,
Richmond.
‘‘ Tam in favor of the Y. O. being enlarged, and will
try and get some subscribers.’’—W. D. R., Fredricks-
| burg.
**Put my name down by all means as one greatly in |
favor of of it and willing to pay the extra amount.”— |
“IT think I will take the Y. O. this year whether
you double the number of pages or not. Iam a con-
| Stant reader of it.”,—H. D. W., Richmond.
WISCONSIN.
““It is my opinion that it would please every sub-
scriber to have it enlarged to 64 pages or still larger or
a good plan would be to let it be just as it isand make
itsemi-monthly. I will do all Icanto support it.’’—
W, F., La Crosse.
‘*T am in favor of having Vol. 2 of the Y. O.a
thirty-two page magazine.’’—M. C., Eau Claire.
‘Tam in favor of making it 32 pages.’”-—H. B. W..,
Clinton.
‘** Hope you will enlarge your paper as contemplat-
ed, I think it ts well worth a dollar as it is, and
M. S., Milwaukee.
‘** I think one dollar cheap for such a paper and am
willing to pay it. Will renew my subscription when
you decide.’’—C, H. D., Sharon.
‘*T for one am willing to pay extra if the Y. O. is
enlarged to a 32-page paper ; as it now it, it is invalu—
able to the collector.’’—E. B. C., Rubicon.
CANADA.
‘““T for one will be most happy to make my sub-
H., Galt.
‘“*T would very much like to see the Y. O. enlarged
- aS itis a capital paper for amatears, and even older
| collectors find many records of interesting observa-
tions in it.”,.—W. D.S., Montreal.
KIND WORDS
For The Young Oologist, Hand-Book, &c.
‘*The data blanks you sent me are first-rate, the
| best I ever saw ; the paper is good and does not blot
| through as was the case of those I formerly received
of
The caliper, after experience and practice is al|
| right for small eggs—cannot expect anything more
perfect for the price.’’—E. R., Nazareth, Pa.
We have received from the publisher a copy of the
Ootocrst’s Hanp-Boox. This is one of the most
168
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
convenient and useful condensed reference books for
the ornithologist or oologist we have yet seen, giving
the numbers from Ridgeway’s, Baird’s and Coues’
check-lists. One chapter which will be found very
useful to the collector of eggs is that giving the num- |
ber of eggs in aclutch of the North American birds.
Also ‘tHow to blow and prepare Bira's Eggs,’’ and
“To Pack Eggs for Transportation.”
least no collector should be without a copy, and we
guarantee that you cannot invest twenty-five cents
more profitably.— 77dings from Nature.
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like all the other goods I ever purchased of you, gave
more than satisfaction.’’- H, K. T., Alameda.
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I feel more pleased each time I send for anything
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stantly receiving more. I am also running short of
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—W.L.S., Ottawa, Canada.
Perfectly satisfactory.”’
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To say the |
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eggs, etc., and am very much obliged to you for send-
ing it. It is the best of the kind in the United
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Sir : I suppose a few words of praise is in order. In
regard to THE YounG Oo.oGist—a work which I
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feel very much disappointed. It is a work that I
prize very highly, and as long as there is an edition
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doubt a great many of the subscribers wish the same
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editor success. Yours respectively, M. F. K:, Wal-
lingfard, Conn.
i eee
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THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
MARCH COMPETITION.
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THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
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~ OOLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS, ae,
PRICES FOR 1885.
EGG DRILLS:
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No. 2, 12-100, . “* ; 12
No.3) -*: ‘** 18-100, ‘ “ f 15
Nora: ** “121-100, “Rr” ; 20
No. 0, medium handle, 3. 32 in. burr ee aetae th cthtt 20
No. 1, 4.32 25
| No:, 2: me Ce aS BOG ah Syd sreiga wisie,e 35
Pe tee re let Ae ree 50
Ne: de. cx % BBR Maden ssasese 16
No. 1, long handle, 3.32 in, burreseeeeeeeeeeee es 25
No. 2, Bh Te ime de tae J 35
No. 3, “ re er cia eae. 50
No. 4, 5 Ce el SO ee ee 75
No. 5, x 1D OP ta Wee dctetare nls catde whre' 100
No. 6, - 16.82 ‘ coosscesces- +s 150
No. 7, ~ of improved aes 1-2 inch in
diameter, cut coarse for thick-shelled eggs,
ore for thinzshelled i750. .me sss eases 150
BIO WAREPE:S = INO. 16: braSSnrcn esis ainainic/o\ oie ele nin 15
33 a3 No 8, nickel-plated........... 35
EMBRYO HOOKS: No. 1, long handles, blued
steel ; three sizes, fine, medium and large,
price SSO ony 4 Ts Ray ee Be ee 30
No. 3, best made, screws into a finely engraved
nickled handle. Handles, each.......... 25
HipoksS (CHECE SIZES > GACH» «cts viz binieis olan os wie ie aisa'e! = 20
PiciaGle Amd LOO Kine< alesse ol- ccs wera oarsard wis we Sia ee 2 40
Handle, with three hooks (assorted sizes)....... 75
EMBRYO SCISSORS: No. 1, cheap.......... 25
a be WNoz;2> extra... .seesra's 50
CALIPER RULES: For taking the m@sure-
ments of birds, ergs: ete. v.00 sss. cccece. 35
resent subscribers may send us, we will |
Pp
give twenty-five cents worth of anything we
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ean send in their names, as fast as obtained,
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CALIPER RULES: Ivory, trimmed in nickle, 1 00
3 in. steel rules, marked hundreds ......-....... 50
oe cs Ps Eset Db acts scnsratelsieate'a 75
LEAD PENCILS: Soft, for marking eggs ..... 10
DATA BLANKS: Best out, printed on white or
tinted paper, red or black ink, see samples,
PICEMIOZEIN a oa oats are Semen tlabeiciels r/c icnrele is 3 to 10
era AGRON Vevejciafeis « n:cen sth antse eal tytals sa08la! sa 15 to 45
GTP OUSATG vate 5 « 2.aiveiSo <1 ear sutte! do arte n) oe 100 to 3 50
TASIDERMISTS EW EEZERS! «ccf. BE Ii Shi Gore aRGINIE Aic TI5
Goldfinch,’ American. ..2 0.25.2... ccc ce wens need ee 105
Goldfinch, Arkansas........- B cians el esayavstctemetstctste att 87
Goldfinch, Lawrence’s..-. 52 i202) 2 cue ese cesnes 87
Grakle, Bronzed....--.-2s.seeces eee eeee ee nes 28, 97
Great Auk, Value of Eggs........-.--..s0000... 28
Great Blue Heron... 2.2... ..e cence eens Pah nas
Great-crested’ Flycatcher: ..- 5... 6... cence sees 7s SUT!
GoPEUTLEES bes oi care ect h say tassels iseairels eiaphams vaste ras 53
Grosbeak, Catiinals, ). s/s: 2 shee meen meee 57, 122
Grosbeak! Tvening. «iiss .s Ge csssiccen pace ces 8
Grosbeak, Blue... 05063 cise s cme nine, 44, I00, 107, 123
Grosbeak Pinte 3: \ic' se on a pipewen nae binant 119
Grosbeak, Rose-breasted.........0...0...0005. TOMES
Grotnd MOVER ste erates Gis angen pkeinrers ore TOs GOvuOr
Gull, Bonaparte’s Rosy --- +... -'.,)0 0. ees merees se 148
Gail Galitorana cal cee on eel ae eerie p a ceisler 73
Gali ieate nime a) ecient orem eee ret alate aes 84
Gun, How to Handle..... 0.0.2... cece eee ene 130
Hamilton (Go. Olio’ -Arrivalssis:icr sate epaiere chapwessnyrierele ae 87, 88, 103, 116
Least) Ply cateher.\J)/5)5-t/eretelseise=ie els take Pete eee 37
Least, “Dits. San cerket el Saab ee eels iec ett enn 100
Lettuce Birdiy-\:/.\: ste co cusye aces CSE tae 100
GF bits ENA OMS AABE GOMOD AB MAGS niecc, aot: 76
Little Bird and the Worm.......... ia(ajeh ele eee 120
TeagGOCK:, os. bias = » @amyegey siclsinis y=, elelulebateteis telat 72
TQ OM so) sho: chee cl ays arese. ms ollol panies lete ep level ti Siena le ene ee 25
Mite pies. cere cys = +ls/ele eirclsie/e iv) ) neonates Otte amet 77
Mark: Packacess oy. scieyeleveueteyesrievee ate ieisied et ein marae 25
Maryland Yellow-throat............ 3), biel tie eeetees 156
Mending Eggs... 65 elapse eine pe + pee 72
Mexican (Canary. -/2) seiaieys)abeebiers oleic tetatenere 147, 150
Michigan, Notes... 05 2/2/05 0s195 ¥\0/esin sale ostaiioies 148, 149
Mineral Tablesisccic jopssy-yejsite sine oiusisiatelereiaete Pita
Mba or Dinornis, Salevof Biep. j. 0 yoy. -iita ene 132
Moa, Value of Eggs, etc......--+seeeeeee 28, 126, 138
Mockimebirdts <4 j-=-/-1-:5 5 +seeisia' yin arene tetelaiein 75, ni2a
Montreal, bist of Bitds.i\s5a0-es4 590 0a enna 27
Mourning Dove......--eeeeesee eee eee e eee eeees 28
Nashville Warbler... ceca ss een: os cee enone 26
Naturalists’ Manually’. 6.4 sae sic thistos Mee hottie bite TI4
Nebraska... esse cere eee e ee eine eicinnmieiieiwcininie ele mia 28
red ER Cruelty.swsciincch eed om iach oe eee 120
Nest. Ege; Wooden .)..0.0.0.6 4) <0s.0:: 5 «sis elem eae 71
Nests of Many Stories. :\%. 22+. sercenes 30, 53, 54, 107
Nesting of the Winter, Wren........:s.0.--5s56- 133
Nicht Hawk. .-)-)-0-+ > cope eerereere 28, 69, 75, 148
Night Hawk Asleep......s.s0.-2.-ecereeeeecees 41
Nj KuSystem of Arrangement...) 0.0- ss saseeee 12
Nomenclature of N A. Birds...........-....52. 7
Nanparielsc in ey. scck sees igean tenes 21, 147, 150
Nuthatch, White-bellied................. 30, 142, 156
Old “Put,” and the Bird’s Nest.)..39-c-aeeee QI, 101%
Odlogical Surprise... ..05> - pope es bree eee REE 87
Organize Knights of Audubon.................. 163
Oriole’ Baltimore: . sche. apes ce wr ener sibie lata 055
Oriole) Orchard. « ice'-% oibys cre tre iay- jon eke oho elie anes 38, 119
‘
met gy
aE eg tl
a
eA AT mst eA ARNT N NT NRT ye
Tier YOUNG (OOLOGIST:
Page.
Prades, Tittelliscnce of. 1.2... ca ptilse. odes 26, 155
Ornithology of the Island of Montreal.......... 27
IMC RES Sih va kis ars bike's « winknildcwtnes o cig) 99, 154
Otsego Co., N. Y., Notes from............s0000- 38
Ottawa F. N.C., Transactions of....... ove ere fe II5
i; Our Birds in Their Haunts.................-- 88, 117
We Mite eS nce ad woes Chace Ocebs. aeovet 92
DPW DIE TT OWENS 5 too .\-c avs we poche hoe) «toed. 75
Owl, Barn, in Southern California............ 125, 147
way California, Moattled.......00500000..0. 00081: 23
Owit\ Great Horned..:. 255.6... 65080....! Samte5 52
PUI MB SMES NAVE bey irciscce ss ' cae Epcaees «ethos 38
Owais Mombkey-facedn cies eleteevece cs eckee 74
DUMP EEMEIGM cud ac sued dadcsseiatlas izes lan 40, 72
DIV PDCEIEOM, yess e522 saiss m ombheiele ein es =: «tee, 51, 137
UL, SSeS TEP PEEP Eee Ree ee ee od Xo.
i EN OSES, 6 a 7
}} Packing Eggs for Transportation................ 19
Pacific Coast, List of Land Birds................ 158
er alnWed, Biting. © esos. coe nse 21, 23, 147, 150
yi: BGS ge Sy Sr ee ae Bd 160
OS DT p So RS Me 7, 72
Peacock with Queer Tastes..................... 141
NEMA wre tacn ee Vics.tse eee. See et we 115
PCWenmGVOVEREE Scere cc aeteet yt. ue EY, 73
Peart, Eb Notes from... 6....... 0202.60.05 0.. 43
Petrel, fesen’ SOS SH RAIA RAD SRA eA sees Se Ape lia 84
SSUES OE ee eae 22,70, 72
SU SA rel gk Se Sa ge 22
mr ewe, Dotted Eges of; .:. 25.6 ecb sc ec cee cccc ce. 23
EW WIVGGHISTA wc ret cakes sldi eis eho. tek 2 22
Merehemmtie Shtsxruland.://25:.0)27:582. 1.0057.) 87
SUPOMMUIAA@E eee stes cto. geeanee At, VN ee 21
edie Willy Mute: i25603.0 2:0 147
BOMMODEO cere eiacysabaitss) Peele 161
SmeMIMCAMSANIES 34 22120 S02 33652 Uaioe coe, gfy. 8 25
Prehensile Power of the Heet offthe Crows... - 5. 137
erepating ‘Skeletons... 0.0002. 0.0.0 00.0.0 0.06.
BICPUNV MIRGISS S005 te 02234 utee lee 89
1 1 BS SA OES Ee enn ene ee 88
i Pua) California. .14/56 020. 25022892220 0 Oo 75
)} Quail, Gambel’s....... Amos Mama Se Lee c8 2 Heart
| Briain Citecyrs se scisss ese sceseeces YAU ee.) ut 150
are Mensa sis cist hd ae MONLY, on 123
/QUERIES ANSWERED:
1 Alligator, Begs... ..... <2 Cte eee 30
Eeeebey ut Arist gaa kw. . aa out ha sia: 59
Blaeshed. Crewe. os. 55. easels. 9,29, 30
ar eribeR Wiektaly..! .... JE LL 58
Blackbird, Red-and-black shouldered...... 30
Blackbird, Red-and-buff- ‘* 30, 58, 104, 116
Blackbird, Red-winged................... 58
BEE. SWARMED so. Ka hoda eee! oe 58
Blowpipess Voc Glean: 99 fA 2 30
Bluebird, White Eggs................. 105, 141
PRE DAM iamgsre anal: . ile CRON 2 245 29
ee CEE E ROBY CORE ty Cae Re 43
ORGNGEBIMOs 2248s. sls. 1 ykB TY a2, 30, 14]
Buzzards: Turkey... +365 fss0 i132... 153
Rem CRS. , dts ese, 43, 104
se ok eS Sie Ss CAAA): ABE OT aaa 29
Page.
Canary: Wild, .:326557 cases tages ite. 58, 86, 153
Chewrolerss sit saz ssesieers23i 2 Bs dare oss 105
Ghimmey: Sweep: s:2:3 siete se iiev ee. 29
Gltantey' Swifts. sg sites. s seal 29
BMPS sie is essdece sills Bat 59
TA ot ately a Ba 2 Rae eh ed 85
Climbing Troms. 4:22: i%421223.20F. 0.02700, 153
ippiige is. o.22022245 bein ees cee 153
Goncibwrors «125.10 Wedel 43
Gaot, American : 2.24 0d000 Meee’. 2522 86
Gomes! Wey, 125.15. cathe seed se ees. U! 141, 153
WOWRMA Lk wes vee tee taeeehe 42, 58, 85, 104
Cowbivds Bronzedis.23. 0202150020525. 43
Gownwd, Dwarkss232d00piec9dee is. 42
Graneiiaisccss! BEDS 3G ESE OR Ret Ae wiser 86
Crame; Blaets. 12:5: is2sahm eens 86
CADW Ree ewinh ves ba ace nes Awl, 9, 105
Gtow yr Fishy 442 4292083244 Ne ehee fe 87
CUR oi eee ied | baer: 58
Cuckoo, Yellow-billed.................... 85
WPevosbiamies 353.0 cee ke eee oe 104
DIALER Belen s/s: ote ie alates rod dre eat tet ts
Dove, Carolina..... EP Sheri Lary eee eek ae 116
Dome, Grocnd 24042 icssssas seas tenn hel ye 30
Dove, Mourning: ..4022235.0652.2; --30, 59, 116
Dovey Turtles.04 55.293. ea ee 30. 116
Barbe Malt yids IAIAg oboe oso ae geeee 29
Egg. from an Ovary... isp descaeben.. 153
Eggs; How Markedit..ct 5 Sov. ekg 30
Beeson Cards .r.aareee nei, ohkc.24 hoe 30
Eggs, Taking from Nest.................. 30
Eggs; to.Returm Colors, 4+ 5200/0... 10%. 42
Bess, Do Keep. rate alee! ee ee 43
Eggs, Variation in Color.................. 104
Bees, We Can Furnish... 3.) 222. 005 116
Ernbiyo Gookss..0u.5 2: ieee, i) 43
PRM OMaLA Nie). Onn rind gece Rhee 29
BUMO MS GRAB: WALA. ALLe need Che 86
Bach TEDISS 55 4 An ae $y, Une 141
Finch, Crimson House.................... 141
Higetin Parples. 102 09 ene ee ed 105
Js te: CASO a eS eA 0 104
Meine, Bers... k nin a eee se 30
Flicker, Yellow-shafted......... 29, 30, 116, 141
Flycatcher, Blue-gray...00.oc0cc00.-.... 105
Flycatcher, Great-cresged...!........ ..59, 85
Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied................ 87
Flycatcher, Western Yellow-bellied........ 87
BA SAM 4 nce eee os Oe eM 105
rallimule,: Mloridars.: 551.1416 eel le): 59
Gnat-catcher, Blue-gray.................. 42
Goldfinch, American........... 58, 86, 141, 153
Goldfinch, Lawrence’s........:........... 86
Grakle, Boat-taileds. 4... 902.2... 30,85, 86
Grakie; (Bromzed’..i i. kent... 2... 9, 30
Graide: Purple 45 «24 S20 abc5e0.'02: 9, 29, 30, 104
Grosbeak, Blue. iviyidsioiss 58 fo) 85
Grosbeak, Candwnalss4:52222:2.000 8 58, 104
Grosbeak, Rose-bre sted.................. 30
ule Ey eee yee ne 29
Ratitlemint® Boasts: 2) Foy OP a Cotsaal 104
CU A GAMIGMENaS 2G TG ae 116
THE YOUNG
Page
Gonil, | Pierentio snc. aa anne teManteenen 116
Gull, Western, 6) )n0.\00 sanaliaee amen eevee 116
Mane-bird: ..52-2\<5-) 0p R sehr hone eerie 59
Hawkins oniiee esos ee ane oases 9, 30, 105, 153
Hawise ‘Chicken <) |... .5.\sm-n seen eae 29
Hawk, (Cooper Sirciseriwaeere esc tnn 29,105, 153 ©
Plawke lems ejects «siciescieles'<\-ialeip nine) oloustee totter 30 |
Hawise Marsh er aeiicisisietelsremisierisiaseiinet 86, 105
Hawk, Red-shouldered................... 30 |
Hawk, Red-taned’s.....6.-8eenenese einer 105
Meron BM eoGaceesch= cstesliantcinp eel ena 153 |
Heron. Green. :. 5... ck aawate cae thera 85
Heron*Great | Bluevs \-n.ceretie ee tetaieiee 59, 86
Heron, (Night, .'.':%). 5.5 s,qakpastetade bs beh Sale 104
High holdetie. ia-% cu a.5 Jomle esis Sonus s ale ste 30
PLAvelinc sac sacs cis eicle ce icra rerctatatorese 116, 141 |
TdentificatiGh screw. sce selesiee ne isa make 29, 42,
Indigo Bunting... ... 10 -s nels. ssn se ene nn 104 |
Ingersoll’s Birds’ Nesting............+-0++ 9
Insects: wanton Ss.jsce sc tiiatin cineitlse eit iat 153
Jackdaw <: <)c. ss.ed nemgan eaeeae fant hanes 85
JES EIS. asa o6 AddapdagesedosAsanaa6dns 29, 104
Sordant’s’ Manmall’,,.0 oon eeeienhinacinh Git 153
Kinebirds.. .Gcless ep ciecie peice eee kee 29 |
Kingbird, Custard. .,. 5 )i pseieee eee 141
Sparrows Chippinp-.cn.e ee sae eeee 29,59, 85
Sparrow, English.) eo cen pees Peete 42, 58
Sparrow, “Pieldic ic cac. atuee ar ea ee 85
Sparrow, Scarlet? jesse oh See eee 87
Sparrow, Swamp.) 59. sce oes eee 58
Standard Work: sien cee UO Be 153
Stoné Chat . 2024 Saree ae ee 29
Swallow, Bank: ico. .+;.c0k see 29, 58, 105
Swallow, Barn....... 7a. te cage ee 25a eee 59
Swallow, Bridge... 950... \/. fe\. otieereee 29
Swallow, Chimneys:.2.:.... Ss -seee eee 29
Swallow, Cliff, 0. snes se eee eee 9,21, 59
Swallow, Bave.ii).desiisne ech einen eet 9
Swallow, White-bellied... .............0 104
Tanager, Scarlet 149
Rail, Clapper. .....-.--se25 ceee eee eeeeeee cranes 11
Rail, Sora....-..see ee ceee cr eeeeeeeeeeecees eID, 28
Rail, Virginia. ........--. ++ cesses cece rece eeeeee Il
Reara Avis. 0.2 ccc cc cecc vec cas ace cece ngeeacescs 74
TR AOEHS ewes ins oc ie 've wacsne vaeecnecsweve ane sim ae 153
Ravi iil. Se Bees be pees Bepbae COCOOU CURSED oe 23, 117
Redbird, Summer........---+e2eeeeee ee cece eens 117
Redstart, American.........--+seee eee eeees 119, 157
Restoring an Egg’s Transparency.........+++--- 36
Rhode Island Notes.......--.eesceeseeececees 5, 150
Riel IEE, sbn ly fae es ca asc ese ve souse seine. 76, 147
ERGs Epc ereretttetetefe itis sintah a -tnlcleia''s @ierd iets 0, cre1ein,5)ersr0/ 72, 83, 102
MERE ONCE owed tela a's cnln ae ene kcene reece cae aaies 24
Robin, Eggs Spotted........:...eseeeeee Eats 04 4e0 047
Robin, Nests “‘ Siamese”’......... see eceeeeees 119
Robin, White Eggs.....- ale Oooot canieonchncencde 103
Rete GCOS ec oiciaiclels sicis\e=\ale he's elsieicinle olsie\ivere'e 7, 24
eI MES ota iach is 6 << alates sla gine einlein'a ns oe 'aaien 35, 114
aaa CIC Tee eee iele @ ainsi v 6/401 Min'P's'i\a) visio « eisinaae s+ 0 76
SHIR iro cas ooccubecsa FyMOOCRBOOCOGe 7, 30, 116, 123
ernle (MHA Seas eve oo) ole) cralels = = vais wos o10'6.$.0'« 6
BoM NAGS sine aigia spit aon a Acie esse ens 139
Stasi INGE Co dae cod0eb de Bee ennY COE OeC DeaCOR car 6
OURS | SUE cae AE ee ee ee er Bey E37
Screech Owls in Poultry House............. «.- 137
Sea Birds of Maine, A Day Among Them....... 84
SR PNURNNE EXEED Hart oo) « Weel opin ays\cla sia’ 106 ws. ¥ dle vn) «0 74
Ce ESOT So hide CS I er ee ees 70, 147
RA UICES aie Hee aise edioreneicss Sele ie minratariats a-elaves 8, 22, 149
MAS GG POL NC AG cy felt e's adnc se apn wie ais ec d cie'cenicl 22
RR ee eH MIGEE OEM 26
PUMA lie ial acs tins lola snes Siti o's a g'apla'e, w.c'd's: o:e:aas ks 39
Smallest Winter Priend. 66.0 see ced ove ceaw ee 131
BA Rae tales diuis se’ wale siecle. adm lbs sresehare 54, 113
Snare, Novel Bird..... Batis Sein eterahanaie Sihsia: cue alates 118
RIMCSOTIEEI DEVIL Me sicie c.s'sic « os ving snSiyieeis «dine co'e c 140
Sparrow, Chipping, Eggs... j.cecsasesess 70,107, 148
SHORING. LISIER SS Gils REGROUCS CACOOC Aage HEC ArE 22
SARTO DEEMBIOW Shere = os ncin tn clacawwedvelees eao7 be
EM OME a cia. g'aa 2 ih nia dle Sisinaidw, iia x} 9 64% 37
SPST EOWS,) ES NISE «303 2)5<. caine .c)01s esr oie ete chee ciateisio ate retale aio» 44
AMEN OLS MEIL CET c)< s'clove occ cr awretalwreernu as aelarelres 44
MOmtiGoserccie'ss Dj s\aidiwie areolar etete ra etente are eretehel ha fart 44
P ME OWNEE, SDUPTCO sos sa seen ease wie asa ASC OOET 100-
| Trees Injured by Sapsuckers.............--. 116, 123
Wit WER Z ANG <0 sisal yw niente safes creases « 75
MurkeyeBuzzarG SSS Of steele lelsin's aniciaegiarcte 37
Nar eNE Fes OV e e (eiavcieteveie cya aioe caee claves ae ee tam ths 103
TRV p itd Kod BXCK Coeur Off oe Re Cis OSE Ae eer eA 54
PInMEt embetter sted cas oe sie ayeiria tate meiaieinictaine we oaks 71
Unfinished Nests, Hummingbirds Laying in.....
UES Se Sy RN RE go a 144, 148, 150
Unspotted Eggs of Chipping Sparrow........... 108
WS Zeb Vel 25 AA AC OL CRG SOR OC OCODE A at SOA Ge One Peer ers 165
WO ERE LLU Siete) 1ota re nicl cis ertere icin ote ro teleewia Shane: oce re aoe 54, 123
Wareo IREG-EV OC's aipctc oe eicle sjacie'clsisieisia side arwe 54, 70. 140
VATE 5s NW set LUNN Dol ote ai a7e| chat atel<\eloletaratnye/elere:eintntel are ein c= 713
Warbler, Black-throated Green......-........--. re
Wan bler sa OGGed i Jcis.c ena: re lat Seine aac oto crers a 26
Warblers Miagtioliats Scand 119, 147
WAOCCOG eter ratiee oie sia eneiy sie cla) sista nielalese Gin « erdc bier lll
Woods Beweeircrters «science slainsis) siete cpisicisieta.cihse6s cic at (DO
Wood peckersMOwn warticctsisideltesice seca clea cree 112
Woodpecker, Golden- winged .............2.--22, 26
Woodpecker. Pileated:.% .o25-.ccce + sedesedecacas 72
WE GGG OE SE OE IR CON ie cis's e—____
Our Premium List in a Nut Shell.
For every new subscriber, one of our
present subscribers may send us, we will
give twenty-five cents worth of anythin g we
advertise, or offer for sale in THz Youne
| OoLoaist, our Catalogue, or any circular
| we may send out. We trust our friends
will obtain for us as many new subscribers
as possible. We consider our premium
list one of the largest and most varied
ever sent out by any publisher in America.
Parties desiring to obtain a costly premium
can send in their names, as fast as obtained,
and we will give them a check good for
25 cents, in trade, when the required num-
ber of checks are obtained they may be
sent to us and we will send the premium
desired. Parties prefering cash in place
of the above will be allowed 15 cents on
each subscription.
THE YOUNG’ :-OQGLOGIST,
IN ORDER: TOGREDUCE. LHe
LARGEST STOCK of BIRDS’ EGGS in AMERIC
before our removal to Albion, we have concluded to offer our patrons Kirst CLASS SPECIMENS at the followin
LOW PRICES until APRIL 25th, 1885. After that date all orders will be filled at regular rates only. Sadzs
Saction guaranteed or money refunded,
All orders will be filled promptly, and forwarded by return mail or express, AT MY RISK, POSTAGE OR EX
PRESS CHARGES PREPAID.
Remit at once by draft on N. Y,, money order or postal note on Gaines, N. Y. , registered letter, or stamps
Boys you have less than 30 days to order of ‘ Lattin’ at GAINES. He has’ given you low prices. Senc
him at least one small order during that time. Give our little postoffice such a boom that it will eriiele bot
our postmaster and “‘ Lattin.’”? You run xo x7s%, as he guarantees satisfaction.
OUR SPECIAL RATES, GOOD UNTIL APRIL 25TH.
Collectors sending $ .50 can select from the following list eggs to the amount of $ .65.
1.00 re 1.40.
ee oe 2.00 ae ae ae ras 3.00.
: ia is 5.00 4a a3 46 ae 8.00.
oe ae 10.00 ve 6 oe ae 17.00.
i 25.00 a ry A " 45.00.
oe oe 50.00 ay 4. oe A 00.00. ’
Dealers will do well to accept either of the two last offers. Small orders unde: fifty cents will be filled a
prices named.
| Red-headed Woodpecker - 12; Centurus Albifrons, White-
FIRST CLASS EGGS. Californian Woodpecker - 40 Bente, Woodpecker a 10
are ae Meare a oz | Yellow-shafted Flicker = 05 | Turdus Grayi, Gray’s rus
Ae Sane tae nee . 4 es | Road-runner, Chaparral Cock 50 | Mimus_ Gracilis, Long-tailed
Mockingbird é r iy 10 ri he ee erote pages 3 00 . ee = -
2 r = Aine merican Karn Owl - - 75 olioptila albiloris - -
aaah T acter MES ic American Long-eared Ow! - 75 | Thryothorus albinucha - — -
Biliebied f - 03 Little Screech Ow] = — 60 | Euphonia affinis, Euphonia
Basilrailed Giikle d is oo | Vreat Horned Owl = - 175 | Saltator atriceps - - -
Cactus Wten i. & yi 59 | Burrowing Owl = , - 60 | Icterus gularis -
Houce Wien 5 © - 08 Sparrow Hawk - = # 40 | Icturus auratus, Golden-winued
Western House Wren - 16 | Cooper's Hawk: =i > =. Oriole + So
Black-and-yellow Warbler - 80 Red-tailed Hawk = - 75 | Lampropsar divas - — - -
Black-poll Warbler - i 75 | Red-bellied Hawk = - 150 | Tyraunas satrapa, Golden- .
Vellow-breasted Chat : 1g | Swainson’s Hawk _ - abe 1 50 crowned Flycatcher F
Loggerhead Shrike hs Lamar Black Vulture, CG arrion Crow 1 00 SECOND CLASS EGGS.
White-rumped Shrike - 25 | Mourning Dove - im 7 10
Cedar Wax-wing - y _ jo | White Fronted Dove - = 65 |) RB aGin a S is
Purple Martin. - - - 29} White-winged Dove - - 50 | Mogk inated = Fea ie ee
Cliff Swallow - . = .9§.| Ground Dove fie 8) BO") (Cainer 2,
Barn Swallow a = = 05 | Sage Cock - = 7 75 | Brown Thrasher z = ~
Gummer!Redbird.. . E ae | Bob-white, American Onail 12 | Bluebird “ Ss eo
English Sparrow -- dang. | Lexan Quail .7 7 7 20 | White-rumped Shite 44! ae
Crimson House Finch = - . jg , Califormian Quail - i - 20 | Purple Martin - 2 =
American Goldfinch - at 03 | Snowy Heson = = - 20 | Cliff Swallow = = =
Green-back Goldfinch - - 30 | Louisiana Heron - 5 - 20 | Bank Swallow - - -
Lawrence’s Goldfinch = 390 | Little Blue Heron = = 20 | Crimson House Finch - -
Grass Finch - - - - 08 | Green Heron a aE 15 | American Goldfinch - = ~-
Yellow-winged Sparrow - 30 | Lapwing - 3 - - 30 Chipping Sparrow - - =
Lark: Finch -° =. =» = 20 | Milson’s Plover, - - = - 50°) WicitSpamrow | ee
Western Lark Finch - - 35 | Whimbrel — - s rs - 99 | Song Sparrow - =
Chipping Sparrow - 4 ~ 03 | American Coot - - - 16 | Cardinal Gréabeeie a Ys 2
Field Sparrow - = = 0g Mallard = - ; F ra - 25 | Blue Grosbeak - =
Black Snowbird - - - 45 | Redhead - - - - 40 | Yellow-headed Blackbird -
Song Sparrow ~ - - 03 American Eider E , - 30 | Red-and-buff-shouldered
Californian Song Sparrow - 29 | Ruddy Duck - = - 150 Blackbird = - E
Texas Spacrow - 2 - 100 Double-crested Cormorant - 35 | Red-and-white-shouldered
Californian Brown Towhee 25 Great Black-backed Gull - 80 | Blackbird - tm 1 tie ae
Cardinal Grosbeak Ps ¥ 15 American Herring Gull - - 25 | Blue Jay 4 re £ E
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 29 , Ring-billed Gull & 7 80 Pewee -
Black-headed Grosbeak - 85 | Laughing Gull zs 3 - 25 Red-headed w oodpecker dot
Blue Grosbeak - - - 60 Forster's Tern - - - 30 | Yellow-shafted Flicker -
Painted Bunting, Nonpareil 29 , Common Tern . i - 10 Burrowing Owl -
Black-throated Bunting - 45 4 Arctic Tern = . s 15 | Mourning Dove - - -
Cowbird ie 5 i 4 05 Roseate Tern = = - 15 | Ground Dove Z be iz
Bronzed Cowbird = 1 25 Razor-billed Auk =, a 40 | American Quail - - -
Yellow-headed Bize birds = 15 | Common Puffin 7 i - 40 | California Quail - - -
Red-and-buff-shouldered Common Guillemot - - 30 | Florida Gallinule - - -
Blackbird fi ZL A 03 Californian Guillemot = ~ 35 | American Coot - ci 5
Wagler’s Oriole - 2 1 00 Alligator = = = = 30 | Mallard - = ~ > -
Hooded Oriole - = = 75 Guinea Fowl - z ow - 12 | Redhead 4 = = -
Brewer’s Blackbird = - 1g | Domestic Pigeon 7 a 05 | American Eider = = -
Great-tailed Grackle - x 60 | Ruddy Duck _ - - -
Bronzed Grackle - = =! 110 CENTRAL AMERICAN EGGS. American Herring Gull =
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 25 | Common Tern = - -
eget te Martin - 05 | Meleagris ocellata, Ocellated | ne ase. - - =
oebe bird, Pewee - 05 Turke = = - 3 00 veast Tern = “ = =
Western Yellow ellied Fly- Ortyx aidvdialaris - - 100 . Leach’s Petrel z Ff i
catcher ~ 40 | Geococeyx affinis, Mexican Common Guillemot -~— -
Paraugue Géatsuclacs = 4 00 Paisano = = - 2 00 | English Sparrow” - = -
Address, FRANK H. LATTIN, Gaines, Orleans Co., N. Y.
THE YOUNG
UBBER een Novelty
lectors. make Big Pay selling our
STAM goods. Circulars and terms FREE.
144 Page Catalogue mailed for 15c.
Cc. J. CONOLLY & CO., Rochester, N. Y.
Ee en SSP ewe ee ae)
have a copy of the ‘Collectors Directory,’’ which
contains the addresses of Collectors of Birds Eggs, who
wish to exchange eggs with others, and addresses of
reliable dealers, &c. Price 10c.
CHAS. KING,
Oberlin,
FOR SATE,
A fine collection of woods, minerals, and
fifty-three bird’s eggs, also a three drawer
black walnut cabinet,
Ohio.
Box 9138.
Re Ch SNL TEL,
P. O. Box 39. Englewood, Ml.
FASTER NOVELTIES. eae and Girl in Ege
Shell drawn by Swans; Boy and Girl breaking
Egg. Both of these beautiful novelties send for r2 cts.
A. G. BASSETT,
Rochester,
DON’T READ THIS.
Boys, if you want to get a Fee eee bargain for your
friends, as well as for yourself, send for one of our
unexcelled sheets of stamps, on approval. ‘Twenty-
five per cent commission.
Amateur papers please insert for three months, and
send bill. Mention this paper.
INTERNATIONAL STAMP Co.,
No. g Central St., West Gardner, Mass.
PHONETIC SHORTHAND. galore be
Send stamp for specimen pages, &c. W. W. OsGoopsy,
St. Rochester, N¥ ONGOODBY’S ‘METHOD.
HOT SPRINGS.
All kinds of Mine pees specimens found in this lo-
cality, securely packed and sent at the very lowest
prices. Crystalized Quartz, Loadstone, Wavellite
and deposits from the hot water are my specialties.
Send ten Cents and two letter stamps for sample of
Quartz or Loadstone.
INE OY:
RG) ALEEN:
P. O. Box 475, Hot Springs ; Ark.
OUR SPECIALTY
——Is——
Low Prices and Good Work.
We do all kinds of Job Printing, in the latest and
best styles, at bottom prices.
Data Blanks, Naturalists’ Labels,
Cards, Note Heads,
Envelopes, Tags, Price Lists, &c.
Printed to order with Neatness and dispatch.
Send us copy, or write us what you want, and get
« our prices before giving orders elsewhere. We will
save you money. Address
A. M. EDDY,
West Kendall, N. Y.
Dealers and Col-
' cents each ; Scorpions, 10 cents ;
OOLOGIST.
EVERY OOLOGIST
must have, to be rully equipped tor the coming col-
lecting season, 1 Brass B lowpipe, 15C.; Ife Drill, r5c.
roo Data B lanks, 25c., Lattin’s Hand-book, 2s5c.
Davie’s Egg Check List, 6oc. The above articles (and
the YouNG Oo.oaist, which we suppose you already
have) are indispensible to the wide-awake collector.
Until April rst we will send the five articles priced
above, post-paid, upon receipt of
Saianaineat) Yabo ciao
FRANK H. LATTIN,
Gaines, N. We
TEXAS SPECIMENS.
Address
Bird Skins, Nos, , 263, 289, 372, 460, 480b,
25 cents each. 362, 50 cents. Minerals, Selenite,
(very fine,) Fossiliferous, Cretaceous Rock, Fossil
Wood, Silicified Wood, Flint, 2x2 inch specimens, 10
Centipedes, 25 to 50
cents, according to size; Florida Moss, package 10
cents, pound 30 cents; Land and Fresh Water Shells,
labeled with scientific name, eight species, twenty
specimens, 30 cents; Fragments Indian Pottery, 5
cents; Flint Arrowheads, 0, 20 and 25 eae
Javelin Points, 50 cents ; all by mail, post-paid.
Remit by Postal Order, Note, Registered Letter or
two-cent stamps. Orders of One Dollar, or over, will
be.packed in Florida Moss. Address
. Ay SS INGLEY,
Giddings, Lee Co., Texas.
Refer to Publisher YounG Oo.LoaisrT.
N. B.—I neither have, nor will have,
242,
3irds’ Eggs
| for Sale or Bechanee:
Oldroyd’ S ‘National Inks
These inks have been sent to over twenty States in
this Union, besides Canada, India and Asia. Rev.
_ Samuel G. McFarland, Superintendent of Government
| rency, &c.,
Schools in Siam, Asia, says he has used them a great
while, and likes them better than any he has ever
tried. A. I. Root, of Medina, Ohio, editor and pub-
lisher of Gleanings in ‘t Bee Culture,”
tested and sold thousands of bottles of Olroyd’s inks,
and has sold thousands of bottles of others, but Old-
They are
says he has
royd’s excell all others as a writing ink.
not injured by freezing, and will not corrode a pen.
A package in powders, sufficient for one pint of either
black, blue, violet, green or red, sent free to any part
of the United States upon receipt of fifteen cents.
EIGHT PACKAGES, ~ - $1.00
FIVE DOZ. PACKAGES, $5.00
{=> Simply add one pint of pure rain water. If too
thick at any time, reduce with water. Address
WM. OLDROYD,
Columbus, Ohio.
‘COINS! STAMPS!!
My 24 Page Illustrated Catalogue, contain-
ing prices of thousands of Coins, Stamps, Cur-
sent free, with two Silver Plated
Medals, for toc. For sale only by
VN. F. GREANY,
$27 Brannan St., San Francisco, Cal,
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
Exchanges and Wants.
Brief special announcements. ‘*Wants,’’ ‘‘Ex-
changes,” inserted in this department for 25 cents per
25 words. Notices over 25 words charged at the rate
of one-half cent per word. No notice inserted for less
than 25 cents. Notices which are merely indirect
methods of soliciting cash purchasers cannot be ad-
mitted to these columns under any circumstances.
Terms, cash with order.
I have a fine lot of U. S. cents and half cents, some
uncirculated ; also colonial hardtimes tokens, War
tokens, store cards, foreign coins, and silver. Corres-
pondence solicited. Address R. R. GAY, 36 Marietta
St., Rochester, N. Y
To ExcHANGE.—Minerals, fossils and eggs for the
ane E. D. Droun, Weldon, Montgomery County,
EY
WanTED—U. S. Cents of the following dates: 1840,
50, 52, 54,56, and 1877. Will pay cash for same.
Write for prices to A. T. JOHNSON, Hiawatha, Kan.
Wanrep.—To Exchange a fine pair of Roller
Skates, (No. 7») cost $4.00, for a pair of Climbing
Irons, or the best offer of Birds’ Eggs. Address
Drawer B, Crystal Springs, Copiah Co., Miss.
To ExcHanGe.—Fine collection of Eggs, about
two hundred different kinds, 350 in all, also scroll
saw, lathe, emery wheel, circular saw and drill, double
barreled shot gun, with fixtures, Smiles’ Works (4),
also pair of Barney & Berry club skates. The above
property is in good shape. Will sell or exchange for
other desirable property. Watch wanted. Further
particulars from F. O. HELLIER, Grass Lake, Jack-
son Co., Mich.
For ExcHance.—Star Fish, and Eggs of the
Skate, ur Sand Shark, for Birds’ Eggs, in sets, or stal-
actites. OHN M. SWAN, Jr., 14 Central Ct.,
Newpor’. k. I.
MountTt» Birps.—I will exchange for collections
of Eggs, (two of each kind,) and no less than sixty
different kinds of medium and large ones, and one
hundred small ones, the following Mounted Birds, all
dated and labeled by me. 1 Baltimore Oriole; 1 Car-
olina Rail; 1 Chestnut-sided Warbler; 1 Red Wing
Starling; 1 Black and White Creeper; 1 Red Start;
1 Gold Finch; 1 Blue Bird; 1 Black Capt. Titmouse.
‘These birds are all mounted on collection stands, by |
me, and are some of my best work, and are all labeled,
when shot, and by myself. Address JOHN T.
JONES, Professional Taxidermist, Malden, Mass.
WANTED.—To exchange Foreign and United States
Stamps, for full clutches of well identified Birds’
Eggs, with data blanks. Also well preserved bird
skins, with data blanks. Also any books, in good con-
dition, on Ornithology or Oology. Be sure and write
explicitly the first time. to avoid useless correspon-
dence. Give each article you have for exchange what
you value it at. Also give full list of all the stamps
you want, and their price as stated in any reliable
catalogue.
Avenue, Detroit, Mich.
DEALERS.—We can furnish you anything obtainable
in the line of Oological specimens, supplies and instru-
ments, at lowest wireless rates. We can also furnish
you with one of the best price-lists out, for less money
than you can obtain them of any printer in America.
For full particulars address the publisher of THE
YounG Qoo.ocist.
Address W. A. JOHNSON, 526 Fourth
MARINE CURIOS.
7 fine Starfish or sea urchins, or 4 shark eggs for 25
cts. The lot for 60 cents. Starfish and sea urchins 5 ~
cts up; 12 fine sea curios, 25 cts; club rates given.
Address, E. H. HARLOW,
‘Lynn, Mass
CONFEDERATE BILLS—Set containing $1, $2,
$3; Post-paid, only 15c. Address,
R. R. GAY,
36 Marietta St., Rochester, N. Y.
TIGER COWRY,
(CYPRAA4 TIGRIS.)
From the East Indies, is one of the handsomest and
most durable shells in the market. Size 2x2x3 in.,
usual retail price 25c., but owing to our large stock
will send a sample by mail, post-paid, for only 12c.
One dozen by Express for 60c.; fifty by Express for
$2.00. FRANK H. LATTIN,
Gaines, N. Y.
Send 10c. for the largest pack of advertising cards
ever offered. Agents wanted tc sell Foreign |
Stamps on commission. 25 stamps and terms free.
A. C.. PHILLIPS;
Sinclairville, N, Y.
Established 1823.
WM. H. WARNER & BRO.,
MEDALISTS,
1123 Chestnut St., PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Washington National Monument Medal. Obverse
—bust of George Washington. Reverse—Washington
National Monument, dedicated Feb. 21, 1885. Size
21, White Metal, fine proof. The above Medal will be
forwarded to any address on receipt of price ldc.
Circulars of several of our late publications of fine
Medals forwarded to any address Free.
ME as. fee
Pacific Coast Birds’ Eegs & Skins,
FoR SALE CzIEALP.
——-LISTS FOR STAMP.——
Your correspondence for mutual benefit is kindly
solicited.
W. F. GREANY,
827 Brannan St., SAN Francisco, CAL.
Minerals and Cut Gems.
I can furnish collectors with fine’ specimens
of the rarer species, including choice Minerals,
Semi-precious Stones, and Gems. —Crocido-
lites (polished african tigers-eye) English fluors
of every hue, Baryta, Columbite, Wavellite,
Rhodonite, crys. Chalcopysite, green Garnets,
(Ouraravite) green Tourmalines, with pinl»
centre, etc.
W. S. BEEKMAN,
POBox 16k West Medford, Mass.
THE YOUNG OOLOGIST.
BIRDS’
teed as represented.
marked ‘* by express.’
BIRDS’ EGGS.—First Ciass AMERICAN.
Lot 1—Nos. 1, 11, 12, 18, 221, 98, 56,
157, 164, 181, 170a, 1494, 128, ES.
231, 237, 254, 260, 261, 270, 274,
282, 304, 306, 315, 375, 388, 460,
B86, age ee
se hae ee =e Ser e's) v) 0) a) & ay 9) edie,
we wl @ 0). « 40) Galle Giiu,d! 10 Oe ekene, ‘es (eye 60 € 6. 6 9
Lot ee express—664, 2-762, 2-7638a,
641, 743, 2-580, 6-686, 3 G. F., 3
688, OTN oa el eae ae
Lot 4431, 580, ‘686, 282, 688. 68,
B74, 375, 244, 306, 388, 460, 261,
ee te yer. We ii es... cs
Lot 6—325, 261a, 375, 122, 152,
248, 193a, 41, 170a, 198, t 211, 2
42. 153, 154, 181
Lot 7—431, 164, 321, 299, 580, 686,
460, 688, 304, 11, 351, 13, 261, 375,
ater by amu Mees, Bie © .......
Lot 8—Sets with data of, 5-282, 5-315,
Gee: aie soon. Oe
Lot 9—30-686, 15-261...............
Lot 10—763a, 748, 686, 580, 688, 274,
268, 258, 315, 211, 99. 193a, 170a,
68, 163, 157, 181: 149a, 18, 12, a.
Lot 11—56, 19a, 321, 135, 164, 67,
580, 686, 460, 688, 282, 2638, 7, 22,
149a, 375, 12, 261a, 261, 272, 306,
304, 274, 254, 258, 1, 157, 13, 315,
231, 170a, 154, 68, 211, 181, 158,
254,
Lot 12— -Express—5-763, 5-768a, 25-
686,
Lot 13-—2-580, 2-375, 261, 261a, 154,
Lota Bit, oo, ‘Oo, O74, 263, 130,
and sets with data ofi5- 982 and 5-
Lot 14—Two each of 688, “460, 375,
686, 1, 7, 13, 274, 304, 306, 258, 261,
157,
Lot 15—56, 164, 274, 321, 7, 18, 12, 1
2638, 306, 258, 231, 22, 261,
>
204, 211,
170r, 63, 154, 41, 157, 304, 275, E.S. 2
Lot 16—663, 664,and sets with data
OF O40 ANG NA-20e. toe oe eee nes é
Lot 17—580, 149a, 164, 170a, 138, 2-
686, 2-688, G. D. and sets with data
of 4-1, 4-211, 6-E.S., 4.261, 2-460. .
Lot 18—580, 2, 56, 274, 3'75, 306, 272,
and sets with data of, 3-686, 3-688,
cl C1 Cs Se ae a ie
Lot 19—Express—4.763a, 4-763, 10-
Gane 10-666, 2-Ga Fk. cose eee.
Lot 20-41—Each contains first class
side blown eggs of the following
species to the amount of 50c. at
aie! PAs etete | os laud re 6 6 wie 4
BOGOR, COLON. cle aks s be eiee ks t
231, 211, 63, 181, 170a, E. 8... %
CLOSING SALE oF
EGGS AND MINERALS.
Having disposed of my trade and most of my stock, I offer thetremainderZas }follows.
All securely packed and sent prepaid,
regular prices. Sent postpaid for..
1, 7, 1s, 22, 56, 68, 154, 157, 170a,
231, 258, 261, 272, 306, 321, 325,
460, 586, 688, E. 8. C.
Lot 41—Express—10-763, 19 G. F.,
7-580, 3-306, 127, 40-261, 20-E. 8...
ENGLISH.
Lot 42-44—199, 294, 58, 53, 52, 512,
Sh eee. LAB BO 2 erste ele «6
| Lot 45—58, 58, 52, 82, 187, 148, 89...
_ Lot 46-53—Each contain 50c. worth
| Lot 60-—2x2
of first class English “eggs. No
duplicates in a¥ package. “Postpaid
Lot 54—4-294, 512, 2-52, 2-82, Re 2-
148, 142.. : Siete
SECOND CLASS.
Lot 55—525, 246, 557, 68a, 63, 2-289,
val 8 BO) eae 388, 8.378, 5-460, 3.7, 278,
261a, 5-E. S., 5 304, 164, 151......
Lot 56—390, 270, 278, 271, D. P., 6-
378, 289, 2-460,£2-7, 2-18, 1s, ard
22, 211, 154, 281. C., 258, 158,
4S) ae Tate aie GEM Ak Leet Rs A
Lot 57—482, 312, 2.289, 388, 170, 68a,
63, 181, 515, 270, 231, 164. 272, 211,
375, 8.378, 351, 158, 154, cs 22 PB ii
13, 7, 258, 6-306, oa) ae te
Common and Roseate Tern—Having
quite a number of these left I will
as long as the supply lasts sens,
them by express in lots to suit py_"-
chasers, at 6c. each. One dozen bh”
MINERALS.—Al Minerals by Rep
Lot 58—85 varieties rrom 1 to 23
inches square, including Amazon
stone, malachite, dog tooth shan,
rose quartz, Cie Relies Ms abu e 0 df
Lot 59—8xs specimens of Chalcedony,
Pyrites, Sphalerite, pearl spar, tufa,
smoky quartz, pet palm, cannel
coal, jasper and porphyry
specimens of feldshan,
mica, porphyry, tale. jasper, agat-
ized wood, iolite, gypsum, argent,
awhile «te eles
Lot 61-66—Each package contains
from 15 to 35 specimens of the fol-
lowing minerals, ranging in size
from 4x4 to 24x24. Each lot
weighs from 2} to 4 pounds and
contains many very fine specimens,
including Williamsite, Seelik, lava,
Amazon stone, epidote, sphalerite,
pyromorphite, wad, pet palm, jas-
per, porphyry, moss agate, apatite,
prehrute, stilbite, &c., Wc........
Everything guaran-
In ordering name several lots you would as soon have, as the first one ordered may be
sold. Send at onee if there is anything in the list you want.
Remit by postal note or registered letter,
if not
28
1 35
2 00
sf )
Press.
L 00
1 00
60
T. H. SPAULDING, ALBION, N. Y.
THE, YOUNG: @OLOGIST,
J. ALDEN SMITH,
[LATE STATE GEOLOGIST, |
Mining Engineer, Metallurgist and Assayer
BOULDER, BOULDER CoO., COL.
Wee my full page adv. on last cover Pa of March ‘‘ Won nario
JOB. FRINTING
First-class Work —
and luow Prices.
GSOMMEENEE Zit ae
Catalogues, Circulars, Price-lists, Exchange-lists, Dodgers, Note Heads,
Bill Heads, Envelopes, Statements,’ Data Blanks, Labels, Postal
Cards, Business Cards, Visiting Cards, Tags, &c. Printed
in, “thee best style’! Work ;blocked “if gilesired’
Send copy,
Write for Prices. Address.
or write us just what you want, and get our estimate.
AL STEV Bi
P.O. Box 242:
B! ck Hills Cabinet Minerals.
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL.
4,000 lbs. constantly on hand. 30 varieties ; any
size, some of them are ‘Tin Ore, Mica, Selenite,
Dendrite, Needle Crystals of ‘Tourmaline, Dog ‘Tooth
Spax, Garnet Slate, very black. Biolite, Fossils, Baccu-
lites, Nautilus, Ammonites.
See advertisement in
YounG Ooroaist.
Write for price-list.
January and February
GeWe o LIBRE WEIGEL.
Deadwood, D. TI.
pith * SONG Wouse? Sd,
ety Row, Wr 3
f ! ‘witt PAY ITS|6O. SUMAN NAD Days ey 3
Wey rf
oe 2
Tare pall
TWO MACHIN:
S PENNOCK & SONS CO.
KENNETT SQUARE, PA., AND FORT WAYNE, EN
a\.SO SOLE MANUFACTURERS OF THE MATCHLESS SeL=
LOAbiNa, SELF-DUMPING SCRAPER
—— + re
Claremont, N. H.
ASTER EGG DYES*#9 de ots Red, “iis Yel-
low, Violet and Green. Enough to color five
dozen eggs. All the 5 colors for only ro cents.
A. Gi, BASSEZE
Rochester, N. Y.
Cards with name, toc. amole ode ante list 6c.
STEMPEL Bros., Ft. Madison, Lowa.
BIRDS EGGS.
For Sale Cheap; also eggs to exchange. Send
Correspondence solicited.
A. M. SHIELDS.
Los Angelos, Cala.
stamp for list.
330 So. Main Sti;
CORALS! CORALS!!
Just received a Job Lot of small specimens, assorted
species, just the thing fora retail or exchange trade.
Owing to our large stock, can send them by express at
the following rem: arkably low rates. lb. 30c.; 5lbs.
$1.35 ; 10 Ibs. $2.50; 100 lbs. $20 00.
FRANK H. LATTIN,
Gaines, N. Y.
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