ly ks-''-\ QL671 •W5 7 FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FORSCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ihr" THE WILSON BULLETIN AN ILLUSTRATED QUARTERLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO THE STUDY OF BIRDS IN THE FIELD Edited by LYNDS JONES OFFICIAL ()R(;AN of THE WILSON ORXITHOLO(tI( 'AL CLUB OLD SERIES. VOLUME XVL NEW SERIES, VOLUME XI. 1904 Published by the Club at Oberlin, Ohio 'p«. f^/^f(y'-^^^^'j TYPICAL NEST OF CERULEAN WARBLER Courtesy of Dawson's Birds of Ohio Photo by Lynds Jones THE WILSON BULLETIN NO. 46 A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHLOGY -Cf VOL. XVI. MARCH, J904. NO. I THE CERULEAN WARBLJiR rDendroica rara). LYNDS JONES. It is only recently that this warbler's nests have been found anything like commonly. Indeed, until recently its eggs have been sold at a high price and its nests much prized. The ac- companying illustration of a nest found the past season near Oberlin gives nearly the typical nest and its position on the branch. About Oberlin this warbler is found in the deeper woods, preferably where there is considerable moisture, at least dur- ing the spring months. Swampy woods are not much in favor. The trees must be small and slender, with few or no branches within twenty feet of ihe ground. Among these high branches the male feeds and sings, during the brooding days making regular rounds to and from the nest. One may locate the tree in which the nest is h'dden by patiently watching the male on his rounds, for the nest tree marks a halt in his otherwise somewhat regular progress of search for food. It is also the focus for all of the different excursions in different directions. The nests which I have actually found have been in trees which grow near, but not in, a shallow, sluggish woods spring stream. Spring freshets have removed enough earth to make a depression, but not enough to make a ditch. The tree has not been one of several forming a thicket of branches, but rather one which stands somewhat by itself. The nests have invariably been placed upon branches at some distance from the bole of the tree, on the top of a more or less horizontal fork of the branch. I have never seen a nest built into a per- 4 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. pendicular crotch, after the manner of the Yellow Warbler, nor distinctly saddled into the crotch like ihe Wood Pewee. The male has never shown much concern about the nest, but the female makes some feeble demonstration if the nest is closely approached. I have never seen the evidence of dis- traction exhibited by so many birds when their nests are threatened. A sharp, metallic chip, and restless flitting within two rods of the nest is the extent of the female's demonstra- tion. The eggs are decidedly warbler-like in every respect, but with a tendency to grayness in the markings. However, a word description of the eggs of many of the warblers is worth- less ; it is sufficiently difficult to distinguish between the eggs when one has them in hand. It seems strange that the eggs and nests of this warbler have been so long rarities in collections when the birds are certainly not rare breeders in almost any part of Ohio where conditions are at all favorable. No doubt the height at which the nests are placed is the main cause for the scarcity. Summer Birds of New Hampshire. 5 A PARTIAL LIST OF THE SUMMER BIRDS OF HOLDERNESS, NEW HAMPSHIRE. BY ARTHUR C. COMEY. The town of Holderness lies on the west shore of Squam Lake (or Lake Asquam), in almost the geographical center of the state of New Hampshire. It is divided naturally by the Squam Range and Little Squam Lake into three sections. I made the following observations in the area between the ridge of the Squam Range (elevation 2100 ft.) and Squam Lake (elevation 510 ft.), with my headquarters at Camp Algonquin, on the shore of the lake. Notes were taken during the months of July and August, 1899, igoo, 1901, and 1903, but chiefly in the latter season, which also included the last five days of June and the first four days of September. The shores of the lake are for the most part quite low, but rocky, with occasional narrow sand-beaches, and are covered with rather young woods of mixed growth, with here and there a grove of pine or hemlock. Nearly all of the farm- houses are situated on the "old road," which in most places is about a half-mile from the lake. Between these and the new road, not far from the shore, there are overgrown pastures and maple groves, with open fields near the houses. Back from the old road are mountain pastures and birch woods, stretching up to the almost bare top of Squam Range, about a mile away. Most of the marsh-birds were seen at Bennett's Creek, which meanders through a meadow into Bennett's Cove. Several years ago the dam at the outlet of Squam Lake was raised so that the lower end of this little plain was inundated and a lit- tle lagoon was formed, with a sand-beach along the shore. According to Mr. Faxon, in the introduction to his Holder- ness list (The Auk, Vol. V., p. 149), the locality lies "near the border of the Alleghanian and Canadian Avifaunse, al- though decidedly Alleghanian in its general character." The list includes six species recorded as migrants only, and eighty-seven summer residents. The sixty-five species re- corded by Mr. Faxon (June 4-12, 1885, and June 4-1 1, 1886) are starred. 6 The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. * 1. Gavia imber. Loon. Rather common, chiefly in the northern part of the Jake. 2. Aix sponsa. Wood Duck. Rare. One record, a female at Iloag Island, .July 18, 1903. 3. Botaurus lentiginosus. Bittern. Local; fuur.d at Bennett's Creek only. 4. Ariea herodias. Great Blue Heron. Rare; recorded as a migrant only. One record, one at Uamp Algonquin, August 23, 1903. 5. Butorides virescens. Green Heron. Local ; found at Bennett's Creek only. 6. Nycticorax nycticorax nsevius. Black-crowned N'ght Heron. Locally rather common. 7. Helodromas soHtarius. Solitary Sandpiper. Uncommon migrant. In 1903, a i)air at Ben"ett's Creek, August 9 and 10. *8. Aotitis macularia. Spotted Sandpiper. Common. *9. Bonasa ombellus. Ruffed Grouse. Quite common, but rare in 1903, owing to the cold spring, which killed nearly all the young. 10. Accipiter cooperii. Cooper's Hawk. Rare migrant. One record two on Sqnam Ridge, August 24, 1903. *11. Buteo bDrealis. Red-tailed Hawk. Rare ; recorded as a mi- grant only. One record, one on Rattlesnake Mountains, August 28, 1903. 12. Buteo lineatus Red-shouldered Hawk. Uncommon. *13. Hali^itus leucocephalus. Bald Eagle. Rare. In 1903, found about Rattlesnake Cove only. 14. Faico sparverius. Sparrow Hawk. Rare. Two records in 1903. 15. Coccyzus amerlcanus. Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Uncommon. *16. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus. Black-billed Cuckoo. Rather com- mon. *17. Ceryle alcyon. Belted Kingfisher. Common. *18. Dryobates villosus. Hairy Woodpecker. Not common. 19. Dryubates pubescens medianus. Downy Woodpecker. Common. 20, Sphyrapi;us varius. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Uncommon. Not found below lUOJ ft. elevation. *21. Ceophloeus pileatus abieticola. Northern Pileated Woodpecker. Rare. Two records in 1900. *22. Colaptes auratus luteus. Northern Flicker. Rather common. *23. Antrostomus vociterus. Whip-poor-will. Quite common. *24. Chordiiles virginianus. Nighthawk. Rather common. On August 28, 1903, at 11 a. m., I saw a flock of 100 or more between the two summits of Rattlesnake Mountains, circling about and slowly moving southwai'd, very close to the ground. *25. Chaztura pelagica. Chimney Swift. Very common, Vjut not seen the last two or three weeks. 2G. Trochilus colubris. RuVjy-throated Hummingbird. Uncommon. *27. Tyrannus tyrannus. Kingbird. Abundant. *28. Myiarchus crinitus. Crested Flycatcher. Rather common. *29. Sayornrs phoebe. Phcebe. Very common. Summer Birds of New Hampshire. 7 30. Nuttallornis borealis. Olive-sided Flycatcher. Rare migrant. One record, two at Camp Algonquin, August 26, 1903. *31. Contopus virens. Wood Pe wee. Abundant. *32. Empidonax minimus. Least Flycatcher. Quite common. *33. Cyanocitta cristata. Blue Jay. Quite common. *34. Corvus amcricanos. American Crow. Common. *35. Dolichonyx oryzivorus. Bobolink. Rather common summer res- ident. Quite conm.OQ in August. 36 Molothrus ater. Cowbird. Rare : recorded in 19C0 only. *37. Agelaius phoeniceus. Red-winged Blackbird. Rather common. *38. Icterus galbula. Baltimore Oriole. Rather common. In 1903, last seen August 13. 39. Quiscalus quiscula jeneus. Bronzed Grackle. Locally common. *40. Carpodacus purpureus. Purple Finch. Rather common summer resident. Common in August. *41. Astragalinus tristis. American Goldfinch. Abundant. *i2. PocE;etes gramineus. Vesper Sparrow. Common. *43. Passerculus sandwichensis savanna. Savanna Sparrow. Local ; common at Bennett's Creek. *i4. Zonotrichia albicollis. White-throated Sparrow. Uncommon ; found on the Squam Range (elevation 2C00 ft.). Also one singing bird, not 100 ft. above the lake, July 30, 1903. *45. Spizella socialis. Chipping Sparrow. Common. *4:6. Spizella pusilla. Field Sparrow, Abundant. *17. Junco hyemalis. Junco. Common above 1000 ft. elevation. Not found below 700 ft. *18. Melospiza cinerea melodia. Song Sparrow. Common, especially along the shores of the lake. *19. Melospiza georgiana. Swamp Sparrow. Local. Probably regu- lar at Rattlesnake Cove, where a singing bird was found, July 17, 1903. *50. Pipilo erythrophthalmtjs. Towhee. Common in second growth woods, but not in overgrown pastures. *51. Zimelodia luiovi;iana. Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Uncommon summer resident. Common in August. *r)2. Cyarospiza cyanea. Indigo Bunting. Abundant.' *53. Piranga erylhromelas. Scarlet Tanager. Common. *54:. Progne subis. Purple Martin. Uncommon. *55. Petrochelidon lunifrons. Cliff Swallow. Uncommon. In 1903, last seen August 12. *56. Hirundo erythrogaster. Barn Swallow. Abundant. *57. Iridoprocne bicolor. Tree Swallow. Common the first three weeks of July. 58. Riparia riparia. Bank Swallow. Rather common. Not seen af- ter July 20. *59. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing. Abundant. *60. Vireo olivaccus. Red-eyed Vireo. Abvmdant. One nest had two young birds about five days old, August 1, 1903. *61. Vireo gilvus. Warbling Vireo. Rare ; recorded in 1900 only. g. Summer Birds of New Hampshire. 62. Vireo flavifrons. Yellow-throated Vireo. Rare. 63. Vireo solitarius. Blue-headed or Solitary Vireo. Uncommon. *6-i. Mniotilta varia. Black and White Warbler. Uncommon. *65. Heliminthophila rubricapilla. Nashville Warbler. Uncommon. *66. Compsothlypis americana usneas. Northern Parula Warbler. Local: Common at Hoag Island, July 18, 1903. *67. Dendroica ^estiva. Yellow Warbler. Uncommon. *68. Dendroica cjerulescens. Black-throated Blue Warbler. Rare. 69 Dendroica coronata. Myrtle Warbler. In July, one recorded at 700 ft elevation. Common at Hoag Island on July 18, 1903. In 1903, after August 6, a very common migrant. 70. Dendroica maculosa- Magnolia Warbler. Uncommon migrant. First seen, August 12, 1903. *71. Dendroica pensylvanica. Chestnut-sided Warbler. Quite com- mon. 72. Dendroica striata. Black-poll Warbler. Rare: recorded in 1900 only. *73. Dendroica blackbumias. Blackburnian Warbler. Rare summer resident. In 1903, after August 6, a rather common migrant. *71. Dendroica virens. Black-throated Green Warbler. Quite com- mon. 75. Dendroica vigorsii. Pine Warbler. Common in all red pine groves. *76. Seiurus aurocapillus. Oven-bird. Common. *77. Seiurus noveboracensis. Water-Thrush. Rare. In July, one record, one at Hoag Island, July 18, 1903. In 1903, the only migrant was seen at Camp Algonquin, August 9. *78. Geothlypis trichas brachidactyla. Northern Yellow-throat. Com- mon. *79. "Wilsonia canadensis. Canadian; Warbler. Rare migrant. On. record, one at Camp Algonquin, August 23, 1903. *80. Setophaga ruticilla. American Redstart. Abundant. *81. Galeoscoptes carolinensis. Catbird. Common. *82. Taxostoma rufum. Brown Thrasher. Common. 83. Troglodytes aedon. House Wren. Rather common. 84. Certhia familiaris amerciana. Brown Creeper. Uncommon on the- Squam Range. Not found below 1500 ft. 85. Sitta carolinensis. White-breasted Nuthatch. Rather common. 86. Sitta canadensis. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Rather common sum- mer resident. In August, common migrant in the flocks of Warblers *87. Parus atricapillus. Chickadee. Abundant. 88. Regulus satrapa. Golden-crowned Kinglet. Rather common above 1500 ft. elevation. Not found below 700 ft. 89. Regulus calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Rare. One record, one on Squam Range (elevationilSOO ft.), July 15, 1903. *90. Hylocichia fusces:ens. Wilson's Thrush or Veery. Abundant,, but became uncommon towards the end'of August. *91. Hylocichia guttata pallasii. Hermit Thrush . Common. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. ,9 *92. Merula migratoria. Robin. Quite common Rather common •on the bare top of Squam Range. *93. Sialia sialis. Bluebird. Common. 9i. Passer domesticus. English Sparrow. A few around some of the farm houses. THE LARKS OF GERMANY. W. F. HENNINGER. Characteristic of the Earks is the bill, longer than that of the finches and buntings, longer and broader wings, and the earth- colored plumage, commonly called "lark gray." Only three species are ordinarily found in Germany, the others being lit- tle more than mere stragglers. Largest of these is the Crested or Tufted Lark, easily recognized by its conspicuous crest, then the far-famed Skylark, well known to all, and the small- est, the Woodlark, distinguished from the others by its size and the white wing-bands or spots. A little home-body is the Tufted Lark. The dusty roadside, fence-posts, deserted wagons and ploughs, stone walls, and roofs are her home, where we can listen to her low, but not uninteresting song, or see her skipping through the air with lisping notes or running to and fro with raised hood, as she snatches up an insect or a grain. Having entered Germany but lately, she has become familiar in many a region. She loves the slopes of the mountains, the grain-fields, and is more common in sandy places than her cousins. There she makes her nest on the ground in the fields, meadows and gardens ; four to six eggs it holds, white or cream-colored, with gray and brownish spots. Both parents brood and take care of the young in turn, looking for their food. Even winter's chills do not drive them away. They run ahead of us in the streets with Yellowhammers and Sparrows, or visit our back yards and barns to look for offal, dungheaps, spilled grain and simi- lar tid-bits, being very tame and modest, easily contented at all times, liked by young and old for their confidence in man, till spring comes and the humble creature is forgotten for her more brilliantly singing relatives. In golden splendor the morning sun appears on the eastern horizon, still tinted with the rosy hue of early dawn, like mil- lo The Larks of Germany. lions of liquid diamonds the dew is sparkling in the fragrant grass of the meadows, and from the leafy arches overhead the morning concert of our friends is sounding forth in honor of their Maker's praise. Look ! From j^onder field of grain, in ever-widening spirals, higher and higher rises a plain-colored bird, floating on the balmy breeze of the bright spring morn. The little throat is swelled with exuberant joy and the sweet- est warbling reaches our ear, now loud and clear, as the spiral nears us, now soft and distant as it turns the other way. How insignificant is the song of our Horned Lark in compari- son with this music of the Skylark ! With delightful ecstasy we follow it with our eyes till it soars as a mere speck in the azure sky, and now is lost to our sight. From every field and meadow they seem to rise, in glorious blending their notes ring out till some bold Sparrow Hawk sweeps past us and buries his cruel talons in the merry songster's breast, slowly dragging it to some secluded spot for lunch. For a few mo- ments all is quiet, but soon they rise again on all sides. The Skylark's lyric nature accompanies its movements with the singing life of its soul. With its slow rising it creates the beautiful warbling trill, and in the invisible realms of the ether the flute-notes of its nature melt away in circling waves, whirling they descend earthward again, till, like a dart of Cupid, it swoops into the surging sea of grain. There she seeks her food — humble fare — grain, insects and worms. There she builds her excuse of a nest — a mere hollow, lined with rootlets. There she watches her four or five white, brown- speckled treasures, there she raises her broods in safety from the haunts of man, but not always of the reaper's scythe. But come again with me to the meadows, when the twilight falls and the sun has gone to sleep. Softer now the tints of heaven, hushed the voices of the joyous spring, murmuring lowly are the forests' trees, slowly homeward turneth man and beast. Far, far away the Lark's melodious voice is heard; but no ! there she sits behind a clod in the furrow near by. More like that insolent ruffian, the Sparrow, she seems in her plain garb, and I understand your look of disappointment. But 'tis often so ; in plain garb is hidden many a jewel. And as she runs over the clods and through the grain with heaving breast, graceful neck, alert and free, you wilt soon see. 'tis The Wilson Bulletin — No. 46. 11 not the Lord of ruffians, but a star of heaven come down to earth. Now she stops ! Sweetly, tenderly falls the song- upon thine ear. It speaks to thee of by-gone days, of love's first dream, of childhood's play, of monher's tender care, of the old home by the wayside, of the brook's clear flowing waters, of all that is dear and sweet to memory and heart. The German nation's "Gemuet" is in the song. A yearning and a longing for yonder world comes over the soul as the dream-like love notes call 'till the last sound vanishes in the solemn darkness of the night. And Shake- speare called the Lark "shrillgorg'd" ! Had the great poet no ear for music ? Or is it because there is such a brutal shrillness in all British efforts of philanthropy and civilization from the time of Richard Coeur de Lion down to the days of Lord-butcher Kitchener in the Transvaal, that e'en the Lark to them was "shrillgorg'd"? For once, immortal Briton, thou wert mistaken ! 'Tis not a "shrillgorg'd" monster, but nature's best, its own harmonious melody that reaches us in the Lark's divine lullaby and lets us feel the poet's truth: "And I so ravished wiih her heavenly note I stood entranced and had no room for thought." Did you ever wander homeward through the woods, when the dark-winged angel of the night has kissed the fields and hamlets and breathed down to the roots of everything that lives? Come with me then, where the bushy beeches whis- per softly, where the gloomy firs stand out in silent awe, broken here and there by the ghost-like drooping branches of the birch, whose bark reflects the moonlight's silvery rays, "Als waere dran in stiller Nacht Das Mondlicht blieVien hangen." where the blooming heath's carpet, in shining red and white., sends out its delicious odor. Only the distant croaking of the frogs in the treacherous shimmer of the marsh, the howling "boohoo" of the Horned Owl, that robber-knight of the winged world, the spinning of the Goatsucker is heard, — all else is quiet in the moor and heath. The Robins sleep in safety, the Mavis and the Skylark have ceased their song, the Nightingale's bosquets and man's abode are far away, only the elfs dance over the meadows' fog, inviting you to join 12 The Larks of Germany. their merry throng, and erlking's will-'o-the wisp lures you into unknown depths. Hurriedly we pass along the barren fallow waste, close by the sombre forest. But lo ! Up from the sterile barren goes a song, clear, bright and cheery. Is it a new spirit form that wants to mock us ? Everywhere it seems to carry peace and comfort by its virile master-melody — a lovely greeting to the weary, wandering man ! High up into the air they soar, those earnest, flute-like notes. Forgot- ten are the hobgoblins of the night, sweet thoughts of rest and joy enter thy heart, trust to God is poured into thy soul ! Yes, praised be thou, O woodlark, thou living voice of moun- tain-heath and solitude ! Though not crowned with the Nightingale's laurels, not made immortal by the poet's strain, to me thou art dearer in thy modesty. Not only in the daz- zling light of day thou cheerest us, the dwellers on the earth,^ but in the night, "which is no mortal's friend," thou bring- est with thy heavenly flute a welcome to the lonely pilgrim ! 'Tis a song simpler than the Skylark's, but still more pleasing to the ear, a true ring of the forest's rustling leaves. It is a slow verse of some ten to twelve deep flute-notes, fol- lowed in a few seconds by a higher trill. Each spiral of its flight brings out a new verse, clear, powerful and melodious, full of masculine strength and not so much of feminine senti- mentality as the Skylark's song. And even in the fall good singers let their voices be heard, though softer then and more subdued. Her flight is not so wide, more swerving than the Skylark's, and on the ground she is more modest in her agile movements than the latter. Twice a year she makes her pretty, well-built home on the ground in the heath or by the elder-bushes, to hold her five white, gray-speckled eggs. Carefully running on the ground for quite a distance, she brings the food to her loudly clamoring young. One of the latest birds to leave us in the fall, she is one of spring's earliest messengers, with her heavenly song, though snow may still cover the heath and forest, and we rejoice to have her with us again. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 46. 13 THE MARSH WRENS' MIDNIGHT SONG. CHRESWELL. J. HUNT. The Pensaiiken Creek forms a part of the boundary line be- tween Burlington and Camden Counties, New Jersey. It twists and turns in a very irregular course, and at last finds its way into the Delaware River. As with all these tide-water creeks, the banks are high and wooded on one side, while on the other side, for the most part, lie low stretches of alder swamps, covered in the late autumn with a rank growth of wild rice, spatter-dock and pickerel-weed, with here and there a clump of rose-mallow or a gorgeous cardinal flower. It is here, among this almost impregnable growth, that countless numbers of Long-billed Marsh Wrens find a con- genial home, building their globular nests in the alder bushes just above the water, and when within the swamp one is never beyond hearing of their rippling song. They seem to be fairly overflowing with music — a bubbling, gushing song that seems rather to have had its birth above some rushing mountain stream, than above these sluggish waters. Before one has stopped singing another takes up the strain, hence all day long these marshes are merry with music, nor does the coming of night silence them. On the moonlight nights of July and August, these happy little songsters make merry the midnight hours with their cheery warble. They mount into the air, singing, and then dive back again among the sheltering reeds. The song is no doubt the same as that sung in the daylight, but the night gives to it a cer- tain charm. One must hear it, mingled with the quivering call of a Screech Owl and the "quauk, quauk" of Night Herons, to fully appreciate it. These concerts are not restricted to moonlight nights. I spent the night of August 8, 1903, in a boat among these swamps. It was cloudy, and now and then a light shower fell, but the Wrens were in song. Could they be otherwise ? To the bird lover who has never witnessed this night per- formance, there awaits a very pleasant experience indeed. DOUBLE NEST OF RED-EYED VIREO Courtesy of Tawsc u's Birds of Ohio Fhoto l)y Lynds JoDes The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. 15 A DOUBLE NEST OK RED-EYED VIREO. LYNDS JONES. The accompanying illustration represents a nest of the Red- €yed Vireo, taken more than a dozen years ago at my old home in Iowa. As shown in the illustration, there were two eggs in one side and one in the other. When the nest was found the mother bird was sitting upon the two egg side, but there were evidences showing that she had also sat upon the one egg side. To all appearances the two nests are exactly alike, and each is practically complete, only a small amount of the material being common lo both nests. It could rarely happen that a main branch would have two twigs growing from it on opposite sides at almost the same level, and at prac- tically the same angle. It is hardly conceivable that two fe- males or two pairs of birds could have built these nests. At any rate, tin re was no evidence of it, for only one pair of birds was to be found in the vicinity. Neither is it likel}^ that the male built one nest while the female built the other. The evi- dence is strongly in favor of the same architect for both nests. It looks like a case of indecision between Iwo equally favora- ble nesting sites. We are not surprised at evidences of inde- cision in the Long-billed Marsh Wren — if that is indecision rather than a method of working off superfluous energy — but the Vireos have noi been supposed to do such things. Till' CLOCK FACTORY. I'.S'rilHR CKAIGiAIILK. Our little party was eager with expectancy, for it stood on the edge of a pii;e grove from which proceeded no small com- motion. It was eleven o'clock in the morning and the colony was jttst retiring for the day. We were nearer now, and could see they were lilack-crowned Night Herons (^Nycticorax nydicorax nccvins). Some parent birds sat silently at the top of the dead pines, while some were feeding the young. The larger trees contained three and four nests. Three or i6 New Year Bird Census. four eager heads were outstretched from these nests, while some were making awkward attempts at walking on the naked pine branches. There were hundreds of nests in an area of about two acres. The young kept up a constant ticking, fast and slow, high and low, while an occasional squawk was heard from one of the old birds. It was a typical clock factory, where the squaivk played the part of the cuckoo clock, and the young ticked off the seconds. They seemed little disturbed by our party of six walking below them. It was little wonder that the flock had killed the beautiful pine grove, when the ground underneath was carpeted with twigs. The whitewashed un- dergrowth was developing ruggedly in spite of the environ- ment. Pieces of pale blue shell, dead fish and one dead bird, half grown, were found below the nests. Barring all sensa- tions of the olfactory tract, it was a delightful experience. THE NEW YEAR BIRD CENSUS. This, our second annual bird census, shows an increase of near 50 per cent, in the number of reports sent in, and that in the face of more wintry weather and general difficulty in get- ting into the fields. The reports show that even under the most adverse conditions the birds are certain to be present in some numbers. Vicinity of Alma, Lincoln County, Maine. Time 9:2.') to 11:55 a. m. Weather fine, no wind. Temjjerature 6 to 22. Redpoll, one flock of 30; Red-breasted Nuthatch, one flock of about 8; Chickadee, 7: Golden-crowned Kinglet, 2. Total, 4 species about 17 individuals. Harold E. Portek, Charles H. Rogers. Bristol, Conn. Time 7:.30 a. m. to 1:.30 p. m. Weather, cloudy at first, clearing by 8:30 a.m., clear the rest of the day. Six inches of snow, powdered over by a light fall the day before. Bob-white, 6, and fresh tracks; Ruffed Grouse, 4; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 4; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 16; Crow, 205+; American Goldfinch, 250+ ; Tree Sparrow, 102+ ; Junco, 15; Song Sparrow, 1; Winter Wren, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 9; Chickadee, 14; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 3; Hermit Thrush, 1. Total, IG species, over G30 individuals. Elbert E. Smith, Frank Bruen. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. 17 Boston, Mass., including the Parkway from Longwood through Jamaica Park and the Arnold Arboretum: also the Arnold estate and Hall's pond, Brookline. Time 8:50 a. m. to 1:15 p. m. Bob white, 15: Sparrow Hawk, 1: Barred Owl, 1; Flicker, 15; Blue Jay, 13; Crow, 19; Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 1; Goldfinch, 9; White- throated Sparrow, 10; Tree Sparrow 11; Junco, 1: Song Sparrow 6; Northern Shrike, 1: Brown Creeper, 2; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, 23: Golden-crowned Kinglet, 8; Hermit Thrush, 1. Moon Island and Squantum, Mass. Time 2:10 to 5:25 p. m. Black-backed Gull, 2; Herring Gull, GOO (estimated); Red-legged Black Duck, 9: American Scaup Duck, GOO (estimated): American Golden-eye, 150 (estimated); BuHle-head, G; Horned Lark, 10: Crow, 137; ^Meadowlark, 1; American Goldfinch, GO (approximate): Snow- flake, 22: Tree Sparrow, G (one singing): Song Sparrow, 8: Chickadee, 4. Total, 27 species, 2059 individuals. Francis G. and Maurice C. Blake. Cambridge, Mass., through the Fresh Pond Marshes, over Arlington Heights to Waverly: eight miles. Time 8:45 to 12:15. Clear, mod- ate N. W. wind. Temperature 24 to .35. Five inches of snow on the ground. Bob-white, 8: Red-ehouldered Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Northern Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 2: Crow, 10; Red-winged Blackbird, 2: Canadian Pine Grosbeak, 2; Goldfinch, 2: Tree Sparrow, 30; Song Sparrow, 6: Swamp Sparrow, 4: Myrtle Warbler, 1: Brown Creeper, 5; White-breasted Nuthatch, 3: Chickadee, 15; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 10. Total, 18 species, 108 individuals. x\rthur C. Comey. Philadelphia, Pa. Time 3 to 5 p. m. Place, a cemetery two miles from the city hall. Weather, clear, ground with a little snow in some places. Red-tailed Hawk, American C'row, 1: American (Joldfinch, 2: Junco (estimated) 40: White-throated Sparrow, G: Song Sparrow, 5: Cardinal, 1; Carolina Wren, 1: Winter W^ren, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2. Total, 10 species, GO individuals. Locis T. Pakke. Cupola, Chester County, Pa. I Time 11 a. m. to 4:P.O j). m. Weather, clear, ground scantily covered with snow here and there. Wind, N. W . to N.. brisk. Temperature 43 to 38. About 250 acres gone over thoroughly. Downy Woodpecker, 4: Northern Flicker, 1: American Crow, several hundred; Tree Sparrow, 35: Junco, GO; Song Sparrow, 20; White- breasted Nuthatch, 3; Chickadee, .30; Tufted Titmouse, 1; Golden- browned Kinglet, 1; Hermit Thrush, 1. Total, 12 species, 1.57 individuals (excluding Crows). Chreswell J. Hunt. Central Park, New York, January 1, 1904. Time 10:15 a. m. to 12:45 p. m. and 3 to 4 p. m. Clear, wind slight. Temperature .38. Herring Gull, 3: Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Star- ling, (about) 30; European Goldfinch, 4; White-throated Sparrow (about) 30; Junco, 1; Song Sparrow, 1: Cardinal, 4; Brown Creeper, 1 1 8 New Year Bird Census. White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, (about) 10; Robin, 1. Total, 14 specimens, 92 individuals. Clinton G. Abbott and Maunsell S. Crosby. Leonia, Nordhoff, Teaneck and Englewood, N. J. Time 9:15 a. m. to 4:15 1). m. Weather, fine. Wind, light west. Ground snow-covered. Herring Gull, about 200 (in Hudson River); Red tailed Hawk, 5; Snowy Owl, 1; American Crow, 19; White-throated Sparrow, 7; Tree Sparrow, 93; Junco, 67; Song Sparrow, 23; Myrtle Warbler, 5; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Chickadee, 18; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 3. Total, 13 species, 443 individuals, George E. Hix. Cadiz, O. Time 9:30 to 12-30 and 1:30 to 4:30. Clear until 1:30 p. m. Wind, N. W. to N. E. Temperature at starting, 24, at noon, 31. on re- turn, 27. Distance walked, by pedometer, registered 14 miles. Five inches of snow. Bob-white, 15; Ruffed Grouse, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 15; Red-Lellied Woodpecker, 4; Northern Flicker, 1: Horned Lark and Prairie Horned Lark, 65; Blue Jay, 3; Tree Sparrow, 34; Junco, 22; Song Sparrow, 9; Cardinal, 16; Carolina Wren, 4; White-breasted Nuthatch, 17; Chicka- dee, 23; Tufted Titmouse, 25. Total, 19 species, 259 individuals. Harry B. McConnell. Jefferson, O. Time 8 to 11:30 a. m. and 1 to 4:30 p. m. Temperature, 25. Slight west wind or none; mostly cloudy. Snow 8 inches, drifts in some places. Ruffed Grouse, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Barred Owl, 2; Hairy Wood- pecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Northern Pileated Woodpecker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Northern Flicker, 1; Blue Jay, 8; Tree Sparrow, 2; Junco, 5; Carolina Wren, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 9; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Chickadee, 13; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 1 . Total, 17 species, 61 individuals. Robt. J. Simm. McZena, O. Time 7:50 to 11:50 and 1 to 4:30. Partly cloudy, partly clear. Wind S. W., light in the morning, N., brisk in the afternoon. Temperature 14 to 32. Distance walked, about 8 miles. Alone in the morning, with Mr. Zeno Metoalf in the afternoon. Bob-white, 15; Ruffed Grouse, 2, Mourning Dove, 40; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Belted Kingfisher, heard several times; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Woopecker, 4; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Northern Flicker, 1; Prairie Horned Lark, 30; Blue Jay, 10; American Goldfinch, 27; Tree Sparrow, 60; Junco, 40; Song Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 6; Brown Creeper, heard; Caro- lina Wren, heard singing; White-breasted Nuthatch, 20; Chickadee, heard; Tufted Titmouse, 13; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1; Bluebird, 6. Total, 25 species, 300 individuals. C. L. Metcalf. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. 19 McConnelsville, O. Time 8 to 12 a. m. Cloudy and snowing. Tem- perature, 2G. Wiod north. Two inches of snow. Distance traveled, two miles. Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 2: Downy Wordpecker, 12; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 8; Northern Flicker, 1; American Goldfinch, 1. Tree Sparrow, 5} Junco, .30; Song Sparrow, 1; Cardinal, 45; Carolina Wren, 9; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8: Tufted Titmouse, 13, Chicka- dee, 12. Total li species, 151 individuals. C. H. MoRiiis AND E. J. Arrick. Oberlin, O, Temperature 21 to 28. Cloudy. Wind north, light to brisK. Oberlin and immediate vicinity. Bob-white, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1: Screech Owl, 1; Hairy Woodjjecker, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 7: Northern Flicker, 5; Blue Jay, 7; Meadow- lark, 6; American Goldfinch, 3; Tree Sjarrc^w, 5: Junco, 60; Song Sparrow, 2: Cardinal, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, common; Tufted Titmouse, 6; Chickadee, common; Bronzed Grackle, probable Total, 16 species, over 60 individuals. Francis M. Root. Oberlin, O. Weather as above. Trip of 22 miles to Lake Erie, at Oak Point, and west via Vermilion river and Chance Creek and the old quarry region. Herring Gull, 1; Bob white, 14; Mourning Dove, 1; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Golden Eagle, 1; Long-eared Owl, 1; Barred Owl, 1; Screech Owl, 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 6; Downy Wood- pecker, 12; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 4: Northern Flicker, 2; Blue Jay, 20; American Crow, 1; Gnldfincli, 3; Vesper Sparrow, 1; Tree Sparrow, 61; Song Sparrow, 18; Junco, 39; Cardinal, 29; Northern Shrike, 1; Carolina Wren, 2; Brown Creeper, 1; White- breasted Nuthatch, 21; Chickadee, 39; Tufted Titmouse, 18; Golden crowned Kinglet, 2. Total, 28 species, 283 individuals. Lynds Jones, D. E. Nye, F. B. Wolfe. Belle Isle, Detroit River, Mich., January 1, 1904. Time 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. Four inches of snow on ground, a fine, mild day for this time of the year. Cardinal, (male and female); Tufted Titmouse, 25; Chickadee, 50; White-breasted Nuthatch, 10; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Brown Creeper, 4; Blue Jay, 1. Total. 8 species, about 90 individuals. This same day Norman A. Wood saw a Cardinal at Ann Arbor, Mich. Raymond E. Miller captured an American Bittern at Waterford, M'ch., and J. Claire Wood saw a Northern Shirke at Wyandotte, Wayne County, Mich. Alexander W. Blaine, Jr. Hinsdale, 111. Time 8 a. m. to 1 p. m. Cloudy; north wind. Tem- perature 15. Two inches of snow, with drifts. A five-mile tramp through low prairie, east of town, and woods skirting east and north. Bides. 20 New Year Bird Census. Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Horned Lark, 2;"); Blue Jay, common; Ameri- can Crow, common; Evening GrosbeaK, 20; Purple Finch, 15; Junco, 50; Brown Creeper, 3: White-breasted Nuthatch, 5; Chickadee, 25; Golden-crowned Kinglet, -4 ; Tree Sparrow, 100. Total, 12 species, over 250 individuals. Esther A. Craigmile. Rock Island, III. Time 8:50 a. m. to 12:50 p. m. Mostly clear. Wind N. E , strong. Ground partly covered with snow. Temperature 22 to 24. A 12-mile tramp through woods and fields. Bob-white, fresh tracks; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Wood- pecker, 2; Prairie Horned Lark, 8; Blue Jay, 15; American Crow, 4; Tree Sparrow, 30; Junco, 7; Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nut- hatch, 2; Chickadee, 14. Total, 11 species, 85 individuals. Burtis H. Wilson. Mt. Carmel, III. Time 7:30 to 11 a. m. Distance traveled, about seven miles. Cloudy, threatening rain: light west wind; ground bare. Temperature 40. Canada Goose, 18; Hawk ( Coopers ? ) 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 1: Amer- ican Sparrow Hawk, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 5: Downy Woodpecker, 4; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2 : Red-headed Woodpecker, 12. Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Flicker, 8; Blue Jay, about 20; Crow, about 25; Meadowlark, 16; Goldfinch, about 30; Tree Sparrow, about 50; Junco, about 100; Song Sparrow, 6; Cardinal, 15; Loggerhead Shrike, 1; Carolina Wren, 3; Bewick's Wren, 1; Winter Wren, 1: Brown Creeper, 1; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Tufted Titmouse, about 50; Chickadee, about 20; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 4; Bluebird, 10. Total. 28 species, about 416 individuals. Chas. F. Brennan. Washington, D. C, Dec. 30, 1903. Ground just covered with a light fall of snow which came during the preceding night. Sky clear. Sharp northwest wind blew during most of the day, making it diflBcult to catch the low notes of birds, but also tending to keep the birds bunched jn the sheltered spots. Temperature not koown, but just warm enough \a middle of day to thaw the snow in the sunshine. Time spent in the fields, 9 a. m. to 11:30 a. m., along Piney Branch and Rock Creek, in in the northwestern outskirts of the city; 12 m. to 4:30 p. m., along the eastern branch of of Potomac, just east of the city. Sjjecies given in the order in which first observed, and numbers of each species seen, accurately counted except in the following cases, where accurate count was impossible and numbers only estimated, namely: Junco, Crow, Turkey Vulture, White-throated Sparrow, Fish Crow, Tree Sparrow. Junco, 40; American Crow, 1200; Song Sparrow, 11. Whitebreasted- Nuthatch, 5: Cardinal, 14; Tufted Titmouse, 11; Downy Woodpecker. 2; Hairy Woodpecker, 1; Chickadee, 6; Winter Wren, 2: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Turkey Vulture, 11; White throated Sporiow, 18: Gold- finch, 4; Carolina Wren, 4; Red breasted Nuthatch, 1; Hermit Thrush, 1; Cedarbird, 16; Fish Crow, a few among other Crows; Golden- crowned Kinglet, 1; Meadowlark, 2: Tree Sparrow, 20; Brown Creeper, 2; Duck, one of the larger wild ducks, but species not recognized*,. Sparrow Hawk, 1. Thos. H. Levering. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. 21 A DISASTROUS TRIP. W. F. HENNINGER. For several years it had been the desire of the writer to visit the famous Port Clinton (Ottawa County, O.) marshes to explore the bird world at the same place where Dr. lyangdon had been so fortunate in 1880. The afternoon of June 1st found me at Port Clinton, in a terrible rain and wind storm. Early the next morning found me out on the Portage River exploring the marshes for miles, then in the afternoon out on the Lake Erie waters. June 3rd, and 4th, on which day I was joined bj^ Rev. W. Eeon Dawson of Columbus, found me on Sandusky Bay, on the grounds of the Portage Gun Club and the Wynous Point Shooting Club. It was the same scene everywhere. The storm had carried the water higher inland than for the last eighteen years, and everything had been flooded, The only birds that had escaped destruction of their nests were the Red- winged Blackbird and the Eong- billed Marsh Wren. All our searching was in vain. Not a Grebe, not a Least Bittern were seen, but few Coots and Gallinules heard. On Friday, Brother Dawson ascended the dizzy height of the water works tower at Sandusky, but as far as the eye could see, the waters spread over the Sandusky marshes. Under these condition it was a wonder that any birds had escaped, and our record of sixty-six species noted during our three days' stay will still compare favorably with Langdon's ninety, as seen in 1880. Of interest were only a troop of five Bonaparte Gulls and four Semi-palmated Sandpipers on June 3rd, several Black Terns and sixteen Turnstones, seen on June 4th on Sandusky Bay. The Turnstones were found on a newly planted corn- field, and it was a pretty sight to watch them turning over the clods and catching their prey. It was in the club house of the Wynous Point Shooting Club that we found the most in- teresting things, stored away in the collection of birds, and enabling Brother Dawson and myself to bring home at least a few noteworthy records from this disastrous trip. The first was a specimen (sex unknown) of Chen hyperbo- rea nivalis, shot in the fall of 1886. 22 A Disastrous Trip. 2. Trumpeter Swan 1877 and White-fronted Goose, shot in the fall of 1868. 3. White-winged Scoter, shot in fall of 1881. 4. Peregrine Falcon, shot in fall of 1882, by Colonel E. A. Scoville. 5. A Hybrid, between Anas obscura and Anas boschas, killed in the fall of 1878, by Judge E. B. Sadler. 6. A pure Albino Redhead, killed in fall of 1880. 7. A partial Albino Coot, and 8. A partial Albino Wilson s Snipe, both killed in the fall of 18S1, by C. J. Clark. The Coot has many white feathers on the head and neck, also smaller white feathers on various parts of the body. The Wilson's Snipe has the upper part of both wings almost en- tirely white. 9. A Snowy Owl, shot in fall of 1881. All of the Ohio Ducks were represented in this collection, among them the rare Gadwall in several specimens. AN IMPROVIDENT KINGBIRD. LYNDS JONES. One of the Oberlin public school teachers has given me a Kingbird's nest which a pupil of hers found and preserved. The nest is normally made of strings, rags, weeds, hair, twigs and rootlets. It was built in an apple tree in no usual man- ner, except that the birds failed to notice that they had built into one side of the nest a fertile apple bud. In the natural course of growth the apple had to have room, and soon began to disarrange the side of the nest When completely grown the apple was fully two inches in diameter, and since the in- side diameter of the nest is only a half inch larger, there was little left of the nest cavity. No doubt the young had left the nest before the apple had attained much size, but probably not before it began to encroach upon the space intended for the young birds. 1 have heard of growing apples in bottles and other fanciful receptacles, but never heard of the use of a bird's nest before. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 46. 23 THE MAY HORIZON. So much interest was shown in the May Horizon last year, and such good results grew out of it, that we are ready to un- dertake it again the coming May. If possible, it would be the best plan to spend several whole days with the birds dur- ing May; but if that is not possible, then plan to spend some one whole day with them, in the definite expectation of making your list for that day reach the hundred mark. Woods, fields, marshes, and bodies of water should be inclu- ded in the field of operations if possible. It is alwaj's best to give the region as much study as possible the day previous to the day set for the supreme effort, so that you may be able to find the less common species with the least expenditure of time. You cannot hope for a very large list unless the study begins as soon as the morning light is strong enough to make large birds visible. I expect to get the owls during the morn- ing twilight, and the Whipporwill during the evening twi- light. If you must sleep, do it at high noon. You will need four lunches at least, and if you eat them while you watch for birds, you will be surprised at the number of new records that are made during the meal in the woods or beside the lake or pond. Lists sent to the editor not later than the 12th of May can be printed in the Bulletin A DOOR-YARD LIST OF BIRDS. BY ROBERT L. BAIRD. Many local lists are monthly published in our bird maga- zines. These are valuable and show the increased interest in bird study. Many of these lists are from favored localities and few are from such limited areas as one's own door-yard. It is with the purpose of showing some of the possibilities in this time that I contribute the following account from my notes and check-book for September and the first twenty days of October, 1902: At this time ray home was with Dr. Chas. Hancock, of Denmark, Lee County, Iowa. Dr. Hancock's place is situa- ted at the southeast edge of town. With the exception of one house across the road, there is no other within a hundred and fifty yards. The lot is about a hundred and fifty yards long by sixty to seventy wide. About the house are six or seven evergreen trees, Norway Spruce. Cedar and Pine, several fruit trees and an Osage Orange tree. At the farther end of the lot is a row of Locust trees. Part of the place was devoted to a garden, but a large part was simply in grass. Within these limits I saw or heard forty different species of birds in the seven weeks of the fall above mentioned. Not 24 Door Yard List of Birds. the most favorable time of the year, by any means, for finding birds, yet I was surprised almost every day by some new vis- itor. I wish I might have kept a list for a whole year there. I would be willing to wager that in the course of twelve con- secutive months, ninety or one hundred different species of birds could be seen or heard in this yard or flying over it. The list which I have, I am sure could have been made much larger, but my school duties kept me away from eight o'clock in the morning to foiir in the afternoon. The best find of the period, for myself at least, was Bew- ick's Wren. He came on one of the last days of the period, a cool, cloudy day. I had a good look at him, for he did not seem to notice my presence much He was investigating •everything around, especially through the large wood pile. It was just a few rods down the road that I found three Leconte's Sparrows one week, but I found none right in the yard. One wet, foggy morning, just before leaving for school, I happened to look out of the window to a cedar tree, a few feet from the house. It was fairly swarming with little birds and warblers. Among them were Kinglets, an Ovenbird, Black-throated Green Warblers, Yellow Warblers, a Myrtle Warbler, and two or three which I could not identify. One evening just before twilight, I could hardly believe my ears when, from a little clump of bushes, came an occasional "chewink" of a retiring Towhee. I investigated more closely and watched for some time a female Towhe from a distance of only six feet. Taking it all in all, I found the numbers of individuals in this region of southeastern Iowa far larger than here about Oberlin. My first of January all day horizon, published in the first Bulletin of 1903, was a good example of this fact. Especially was this true of the Larks, Blue Jays, Warblers and Sparrows. Following is the complete list of birds found in the yard I have described: Mourning Dove, few; Screech Owl, few; Hairy Woodpecker, few: Downy Woodpecker, few; Red beaded Woodpecker, tolerably common; Red-l>ellied Woodpecker, few; Northern Flicker, tolerably common; Chimney Swift, common; Nighthawk, few; Crested Flycatcher, few; Wood Pewce, few; Prairie Horned Lark, 2; Blue Jay, common; Ameri- can Crow, few; Meadowlark. tolerably common; Baltimore Oriole, few; Bronzed Grackle, common: English Sparrow, common; American Gold- finch, tolerably common ; Whitethroated Sparrow, few; Field Sparrow, few; Slate-colored Junco, few; Towhee, 1; Barn Swallow, few; Warb- ling Viero, few; Yellow Warbler, few; Myrtle Varbler, 1; Chestnut- sided Warbler, 1; Black throated Green Warbler, 2; Oven-bird, 1; Cat- bird, few; Brown Thrasher, few; Bewick's Wren, 1; House Wren, few; Whitebreasted Nuthatch, few; Chickadee, tolerably common; Golden- crowned Kinglet, few; Ruby crowned Kinglet, few; American Robin, few; Bluebird, common, migrating. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. 25 THE WILSON BULLETIN A QuaLFterly Ma^ga-zine Devoted to the Stvidy of Living Birds OfficiaLl Organ of tKe Wilson OrnitKoIogical Clvib Edited by LYNDS JONES PUBLISHED BY THE CLVB, AT OBERLIN, OHIO SUBSCRIPTION RATES Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, 50 cents a year, 15 cents a number^ postage paid. Price in all counties in the International Postal Union, 65 cents a year, 20 cents a number. Subscriptions may be sent to I,ynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. Frank 1,. Burns, Berwyn, Penn., or to Mr. john W. Daniel, Jr., Q street, N. W., Washington, D. C. EDITORIAL. Spiing has begun when the first birds arrive from the south. We recognize in the appearance of the birds the beginning of new condi- tions of both weather and landscape. To the true ornithologist spring^ covers the time during which the birds aro passing north, summer the time of nesting and molting, after the movement north has ceased and before the breeding birds have ceased to remain in hiding, autumn is the season of southward migration, and winter the remainder of the year. We are just now entering upon spring, with its predictions of coming birds and coming mild weather and have little diflBculty in spurring ourselves to more efifort in bird study. We do well when we pause to take stock of what we know and plan to accomplish the most in this delightful study with the time at our disposal. There are two things which will be of great service in this study. The first is : Plan your study to suit your own convenience. The second: faithfully keep a note-book record of what >ou see and learn. By the record I mean what you actually see and learn, not what you think about the birds and hope to learn. You are after facts first, after the facts it will be time to draw conclusions. it is the purpose of this Bulletin and of the Club which it represents to help those who need help in their study of birds. The editor is always ready to answer questions through these pages, if the question is of general interest and application, or privately, if that seems the better course. Questions which would naturally lead to controversy cannot be given a place for the very obvious reason that our knowledge of the birds would not be increased thereby. We are learners direct from Nature. 26 Editorials. Mr. Frank S. Daggett is now in Chicago, and will probably remain there for a year. Any of our members who may be in the city would meet a welcome from him at 24:1-2 Rialto Building. Mr. Clarence F. Stone of Brockport, N. Y., has had remarkable suc- cess in quest of the nests of the Cerulean, Canadian, Black-throated Blue, and other rare warblers, and if he is blessed with the necessary leisure hours, we may hope for an illustrated article on the subject. Mr. W. H. Brownson, who is news editor of the Portland, Maine, Daily Advertiser, writes a very attractive bird column once a week for that paper. In his long walks he sees and writes of many interesting species. Mr. Harry B. McConnell, of Cadiz (Ohio) Republican, has occasional interesting and instructive articles about the birds, giving special atten- tion to the reasons why we should do ail in our power to protect them. Mr. Walter F. Webb, now in the nursery business, is just as much of a bird enthusiastic as ever. He is planning to build a fine house with plenty of room for cabinets for his collections. He would be greatly pleased to meet any of our members who may find themselves in Roch- ester, New York. Advance proof sheets of Gleanings From Nature No. Ill, The Haunts of the Golden-winged Warbler, by J. Warren Jacobs, give promise of another treat of this interesting series. The makeup is similar to the Martin Colony booklet. There will be three full page plates showing the haunts of the Golden-wing, three smaller plates with nests ixi natural position, and two on one page showing series of eggs, with parents, natural size. There will also be a color chart, and notes on migration, nest building, song, food, young, eggs, etc., thirty pages in all. Mr. Jacobs is a careful observer and knows how to record what he sees. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. 27 NOTES. FROM BOULDER, COLORADO. Our experience with House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis) and Say Phoebes (Sayornis saya) may be of interest to your readers. Early in May a pair of the finches began building a nest of roots and mud in a 4x5 dry plate box placed under our front porch for their ben- efit. A few days later another pair began work on thesamenest, which finally resulted in a pitched battle lasting for several hours, with brief intermissions. One i)air then left and the other continued work. In a day or two a Phoebe put in an appearance and began work on the same nest, apparently working in lunmony with the finches, for we nev^r caught them in any altercation, though unquestionably both families worked on the nest. In two or three days the finches left Then the Phoebes built a fine symmetrical nest of hair and wool over the finches' rough foundation. In due time four Phoebe eggs appeared, then after three or four days incubation the Phoebes abandoned the nest, having apparently been kopt from the eggs by visitors on the porch so long that the eggs got chilled. Nest and eggs are now in the Museum of the University of Colorado. Junius Henderson. Hope, Dickinson Co., Kas., January 25, 1904. I am glad to note some new birds in this locality in the last two years. All first noticed in 1902 and again in 1903. The first was the Phoebe, three nests found in 1902 and twelve in 1903. " Wood Thrush, three nests in 1902 and one in 1903, in ytark in town. Chimney Swift one pair nested in school house chimney in 1902 and three birds seen in spring of 1903, but did not nest as they only staid about a week and then left. The Phoebe was quite common last summer along the creeks, but only a few in 1902. I am sure they have not nested here before 1902, as I have been under the bridges where they nested every year since they were built, and never saw them or their nest until 1902. The Chimney Swifts are also the first pair ever noted in town ; pointed them out to old eastern people and they said, " they were the first they ever had seen here but are quite common in eastern part of state " On January 5, 1904, as I was driving in the country I saw a Brown Thrasher hopping along a hedge fence, the first one of them I ever noticed in the winter here. O. H. Pease. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. A Revision of the American Great Horned Owls. By Harry C Ober- holser. From the Proceedings of the United States National Museum, Vol. XXVII, pages 177-192. No. 1352. A Review of the Wrens of the Genus Troglodytes. By Harry C. Oberholser. From the Proceedings of the U. S. National Museum, Vol. XXVII, pages 197-210. No. 1.354. In these two papers Mr. Oberholser has reviewed all American forms, not simply those which we call North American. We regard this broad- 28 Publications Received. ening of view which has been evident recently, a distinct gain in classi- fication methods. It is certain to throw light upon many problems of distribution and relationship hitherto only suspected. The use of Asio instead of Bubo for the the genus of the Gi-eat Horned Owls will cause temporary confusion, but ultimately make for stability, we trust. Sev- enteen forms of the Great Horned Owl are recognized, six of which are new species. That does not seem excessive from the whole of the Americas, but we trust that the naming of forms may rest permanently here. In treating the wrens of the genus Troglodytes, Mr. Oberholser has made a new genus in which to place that curious form, Thry- orchiluft &roM'>^i'' from Panama. Of the 37 forms of Troglodyte.'^ recog- nized there are li independent species showing no subspecific affinities. The South American form musexliifi is split into 14 forms, while our North American form (tedon, remains triple. In the whole genus bnt three new subspecies are eloborated, none of which afifect our fauna. We congratulate Mr. Oberholser upon this work, and trust that the whole field of American ornithology may be gone over as carefully in the near future. L. J. The Birds of Licking CouiS'TY, Ohio. By I. A. Field. Reprinted irom The Bulletin Scientific Laboratories of Denison University, Vol. XII, December, 1903. Mr. Field prefaces the annotated part of his catalogue with remarks upon the topography of the county and the general distribution of the birds found there. The annotations consist of statements concerning the times of appearance of the birds and the regions in which they may be found. Of the 203 species found in the county during the three years of his study, 27 are permanent residents, 79 summer residents, 9 winter residents, 80 transient visitants, and 8 accidental visitants. Of the accidental species the most interesting are the European Widgeon and Cinnamon Teal, both captured on Licking Reservoir. We welcome this additional faunai 1 st as a contribution to the literature of distri- bution. L. J. Boll, Weevils and Birds. Address by Prof. H. P. Attwater, in- dustrial agent Southern Pacific, at the Second Annual Convention of the Texas Cotton Growers' Association, Dallas, Texas, November 6th, 1903. In this paper Prof. Attwater shows clearly that one of the greatest enemies of the Cotton Boll Weevil is the host of birds. He pleads for the protection and encouragement of the birds that they may go about their beneficent work of destruction of insect pests unhindered. It is not too much to expect that if the birds are allowed to increase as they would normally they will keep in check insect depredations, for they will eat such insects as are most easily secured, other things being equal. L. J. Postglacial Origin and Migration of the Life of the North- eastern United States. By Charles 0. Adams. Reprinted from The Wilson Bulletin — No. 46. 29 Journal of Geography, Vol. I, No. 7, September, 1902, pages 303-310, 352-357. In this paper the author endeavors to trace the redistrij)ution of Life in that part of North America which was covered with glacial ice. The first migration was by the arctic types, which pushed up against the border of the retreating ice; second by the subarctic life, following close upon the heels of the arctic, and the third the temperate, the last mi- gration, represented by the fornis now found in Ohio, Indiana and Illin- oia. Only the third class are typically American. The northward mi- grations were marked not by river course.'-! so much as by forest and plains regions. We welcome this paper as throwing lightui)onthe post- glacial origin of our flora and fauna. L. J. Southeastern United States as a Center of Geographical Distribution of Flora and Fauna. By Charles C. Adams. Re- printed from Biological Bulletin, Vol. Ill, No. 3, July, 1902. Pages 116 131. The author here shows that so far as the eastern United States is concerned, the post-glacial life has been distributed from the southeast, except the distinctly boreal forms, and still remains as a center of dis- persal. He recognizes, also, a southwestern center of dispersal in the arid region of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. L J Amateur Sportsman, Vol. XXX, Nos, 2, 3, 4. American Ornithology, Vol. IV, Nos. 1, 2, 3. Bird-Lore, Vol. VI, Nos. 1, 2. Boll Weevels and Birds. Cassinia, 1903. Condor, The, Vol. IV, No. 1. Journal of Applied Microscopy, Vol. VI, N01. 9, 10. Maine Sportsman, The, Vol. II, Nos. 125, 126. Naturaliste Canadien, Le, Vol. XXX, Nos. 11, 12; Vol. XXXI. No. 1. Nature Notes, Vol. XV, No. 170. 30 List of Members. LIST OF MEMBERS. Officers for 1904. President — Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio. Vice-President — W. L. Dawson, Columbus, Ohio. Secretary — John W. Daniel, Jr., 1794 Lanier Ave., N. W., Washing- ton, D C. Treasurer — Frank L. Burns, Bervvyn, Pa. Executive Committee — Harry C. Oberholser, John H. Sage, Benj. T. Gault. Active Membefs. R. L. Baird, Oberlin, O. AC. Bent, Taunton, Mass. Homer L Bis:elovv, 511 Washington St , Bo'^ton, Mass. Dr. Louis B Bishop, 356 Orange St., New Haven, Conn. A. W. Blain, Jr , 1.31 Elmwood Ave , Detroit, Mich. Charles F. Brennan, Mt. Carmel, 111. W. H. Brownson, Advertiser office, Portland, Me. Clarence Morrison Brooks, West Point, N. Y. Frank Bruen, 81 Spring St , Bristol, Conn. Henry R. Buck, Wethersfield, Conn. G. M. Burdick, Milton, Wis. Frank L. Burns, Berwyn, Pa. Mrs. Agnes Chase, 59 Florida Ave., N. W., Washington, D. C. Maunsell S. Crosby, Rhin^beck, N. Y. Edward M. Daniel, Lynchburg, Va. John W. Daniel, Jr., 1791 Lanier Ave., N. W., Washington, D. C. Mrs Elizabeth B Davenport, 45 Green St., Brattleboro, Vt. Rev. W. L. Dawson, Columbus, Ohio. Walter Deane, 29 Brewster St , Cambridge, Mass. Owen Durfee, Box 25, Fall River, Mass. George C Embody, 22 Walker Ave , Bradford, Pa. Lou J Eppinger, 516 Chene St., Detroit, Mich. Miss E. VV. Fisher, 1502 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa. Benj. T. Gault, Glen Ellyn, 111. Mrs. Stephen Cobb Goss, 5475 Ridgewood Court, Hyde Park, 111. Glen M. Halhorn, 703 B Ave , Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Hon. Junius Henderson, Boulder, Colo. Rev. W. F. Henninger, 206 Jefferson St., Tiffin, Ohio. N. Hollister, Delavan, Wis. LaRue K. Holmes, Summit, N. J. Fred C Hubel, 112 Alexandrine Ave., Detroit, Mich. Chreswell J. Hunt, 1.308 N 53rd St., Philadelphia, Pa. J Warren Jacobs, Waynesburg, Pa. Lynds Jones, 160 North Professor St., Oberlin, Ohio. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 46. 31 J. Eugene Law, 305 Holt St., Pomono, Calif. W. P. Lyons, 10-11, 41 E Fourth St., Cincinnati, Ohio. Miss Rebecca Morehead Leete, North East, Pa. Herbert tl. Marble, Box 14, Somerset, Ma^s. Harry B. McConnell, Cadiz, Ohio. C. H. Morris, MeConnelsville, Ohio. Mrs. Lida B. McMurray, DeKalb, 111. Mrs, Olive Thorn Miller, 827 DeKalb Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Walton I. Mitchell, 534 Summit Ave., St. Paul, Minn. Harry C. Oberholser, 1454 Sheridan Ave , Washington, D. C. O. H. Pease, Hope, Kansas. Harold E Porter, 101 West 85th St., New York City. Charles H. Rogers, 5 W est 82d St , New York City. Dr. W. E. Rotzell, Narberth, Pa. John H. Sage, Portland, Conn. W. E. Saunders, Box 58, London, Ont. Orpheus M. Schantz, Morton Park, 111. George II. Selleck, 110 High St., Exeter, N. H. Dr. A. R. Shearer, Mont Belvieu, Texes. Prof. P. M. Silloway, Lewiston, Mont. H. H. Skinner, Oberlin, Ohio. Robert Windsor Smith, Kirk wood, Ga. Clarence J. Stone, Branchport, N. Y. Bradshaw H. Swales, 46 Moffat Building, Detroit, Mich. John E. Thayer, Box 98 Lancaster, Mass. Miss Adelaide Utter, Clerk U. S. Circuit Court, Kansas City, Mo, Warner M. Van Norden, 751 5th Ave., New York City. Walter F. Webb, Grand Avenue, Rochester N. Y. Alick Wetmore, North Freedom, Wis. Burtis H. Wilson, 1102 17th St., Rock Island, 111. Sidney S. Wilson, Bank of Commerce Building, St. Joseph, Mo. Honorary Members. Prof. H. H. Ballard, Pittsfield, Mass. Rev. J. H. Langille, Kensington, Md. Prof. H. Nehrling, Palm Cottage, Gotha, Fla. Mr. Otto Widmann, Old Orchard, Mo. Associate Members, Harold Bowditch, Pond St., Jamaica Plain, Mass. H. W, Carriger, 2(3111.3 Sutter St , San Francisco, Calif. Mrs. T. D. Dershimer, Square Top, Wyoming Co., Pa. Irving A. Field, Cambridge, Mass. J. L. Floyd, Ada, Ohio. N. C. Gilbert, DeKalb. 111. Harry S. Hathaway, Box 498, Providence, R. I. Thos. D. Keim, Bristol, Pa. 32 Members. Miss Caroline Mathews, 90 Main St., Waterville, Me. William J. Mills, East Point, Ga. Miss Isabella Sand, Ardsley-on-Hudson, N. Y, Dr. Chas. E, Slocum, Defiance, O. Miss Jane L. Spencer, 2.39 East 1st St., Oswego, N. Y. RcT. George F. Weld, Lincoln St., Hingham, Mass. Millard Van Wagner, 47 Leonard St., New York, N. Y. Edward R. Warren, 20 West Caramillo St., Colorado Springs, Colo. Norman A. Wood, 1216 S. U. Ave,, Ann Arbor, Mich. ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS. The following persons are nominated for Active membership: Objections to the reception of any of these persons should be sent to- the Secretary before April 15. G. F. Richardson, 116 S. Main St., Mt, Pleasant, Mioh. Norman A. Wood, 1216 S. U. Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. C, H, Morris, McConnelsville, Ohio, W. H. Brownson, Advertiser Office, Portland, Me, LaRue K, Holmes, Summit, N, J. Chreswell J. Hunt, 1306 N. 53rd St,, Philadelphia, Pa. Clarence F. Stone, Branchport, N, Y, Walter F. Webb, Grand Ave., Rochester, N, Y. Maunsell S. Crosby, Rhinebeck, N. Y. Nominated for Associate membership: G. F. Richardson, 116 S, Main St., Mt. Pleasant, Mich. A typical nest of the White-eyed Vireo ( IV/vo aovcJxu-acmxis One egg of the Cowbird appears above the lower edge of the nest. ( Courtesy of Dawson's Birds of Ohio ) THE ' WILSON BULLETIN NO. 47 A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHLOGY VOL XVI JUNE, 1904 NO. 2 SOME BIRDS OF OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON. BY J. M. KECK. Olympia is a favorite winter resort for many species of birds. The earth is rarely frozen, and both fresh and salt water is open all winter. The lowest temperature last winter was 25 degrees. There was but little snow, and at no time was the ground everywhere covered. Wild fruits abound and remain fresh until spring. In summer the birds are less abundant than in winter. The following list is the result of occasional observations from September i to May 5: 1. Aechmophorus occidentalis. Western Grebe. Common resident. 2. Colymbus hoIbcElIi. Holboell Grebe. Rare winter visitor. 3. Colymbus auritus. Horned Grebe. Migrant, common in spring. 4. Colymbus nigricollis californicus. Eared Grebe. Migrant. Seen in spring but not common. 5 Podilymbus podiceps. Pied-billed Grebe. Abundant resident. Very tame. 6. Gavia imber. Loon. Rare winter visitor. 7. Gavia pacifica. Pacifio Loon. Rather common in winter. 8. Gavia lumme. Red- throated Loon. Common winter resident/ 9. Cerorhinca monocerata. Rhinoceros Auklet. Rare winter visitor. 10. Synthliborhamphus antiquus. Ancient Murrlet, Very common winter resident. 11. Cepphus columba. Pigeon Guillemot. Resident, but not com- mon. 12. Larus glaucescens. Glaucous-winged Gull. Abundant winter resident. 13. Larus occidentalis. Western Gull. Common resident. 14. Larus argentatus. Herring Gull. Abundant. Probably resident. 15. Larus delawarensis. Ring-billed Gull. Very common. Possibly resident. 16. Larus brachyrhynchus. Short-billed Gull. Not common winter resident. 34 Some Birds of Olympia, Washington 17. Larus Philadelphia. Bonaparte Gull. Abundant in winter. Pos- sibly resident. 18. Sterna paradisasa. Arctic Tern. Common summer resident. 19. Phalacroccrax peocillatus. Brandt Cormorant. Common resident. 20. Phalacroccrax pelagicus. Pelagic Cormorant. Rare winter visitor. 21. Merganser americanus. American Merganser. Abundant in spring. 22. Merganser serrator. Red-breasted Merganser. Common in winter. 2.'^. Lophodytes cucullatus. Hooded Merganser, Rather common resident. 24. Anas boechas. Mallard. Not common resident. 25. Nettion carolinensis. Green-winged Teal. Seen in spring. Rare. 26. Spatula clypeata. Shoveller. Rare resident. 27. Aix sponsa. Wood Duck. Rare resident. 28. Aythya americana. Redhead. Not common resident. 29. Aythya valfisneria. Canvas-back. Abundant in winter and tame. 30. Aythya marila. Scaup Duck. Not very common. 31. Aythya affinis. Lesser Scaup Duck. Abundant resident. 32. Clangula clangula americana. American Golden-eye. Abundant resident. .33. Charitonetta albeola. Butfle-head. Rather common resident. 34. Harelda hyemalis. Old-squaw. Rare winter visitor. 35. Histrionicus histrionicus. Harlequin Duck. A pair seen April 5. 36. Oidemia deglandi. White-winged Scoter. Common winter resi- dent. 37. Oidemia perspicillata. Surf Scoter. Common winter resident. Tamr. 38. Chen h/perborea. Lesser Snow Goose. Rare migrant. .39 Ansex albifrons gambeli. White-fronted Goose. Not common migrant. 40. Branta canadensis oocidentalis. White-cheeked Goose. Common migrant. As I have not had the opportunity of closely examining this goose, and as the books give several varieties of Canada geese for this region, I am not absolutely certain of this species. The hunters do not distinguish the different varieties of Canada geese. They report them nesting to some extent in this locality, 41. Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern. Summer resident. 42. Ardea herodias. Great Blue Heron. Resident. Rare in winter. 43. Ardea virescens. Green Heron. Not common summer resident. 44. Nycticorax nycticorax najvius. Black-crowned Night Heron. Summer resident. 45. Fulica americana. American Coot. Summer resident. 46. Gallinago delicata. Wilson Snipe. Summer resident. Returns in February. 47. Ereunetes occidentalis Western Sandpiper. Migrant. 48. Numenius longirostris. Long-billed Curlew. Probably summer resident. 49. Colinus virginlanus. Bob-white. Rare resident. Introduced. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 35 50. Lophortyx californicus. California Partridge. Rare resident. Introduced. 51. Bonasa ombcllus togata, Oregon Ruff edj Grouse. Common resi- dent. 52. Phasianus torquatus. Ring-necked Pheasant. Not common. In- troduced. 53. Columba fasciata. Band-tailed Pigeon. Not common summer resident. 54. Accipiter velox. Sharp-shinned Hawk. Not very common resi- dent. 55. Accipiter cooperii. Cooper Hawk. Rare resident. 56. Botco borealis calurus. Western Red-tail. Not common resident. 57. Falco sparverius des«rticoIa, Desert Sparrow Hawk. Rare resi- dent. 58. Pandion haliaetus carolinensis. Am. Osprey, Summer resident, 59. Asio accipitrinus. Short-eared Owl. Common resident. 60. Megascops asio kennicottii. Kennicott Screech Owl. Common resident. 61. Bubo virginianus saturatus. Dusky Horned Owl. Not common resident. 62. Ceryle alcyoo. Belted Kingfisher. Resident. Rare in mid- winter. 63. Dryobatcs villosus harrisii. Harris Woodpecker. Not common resident. 64. Dryobates pubescens gairdnerii. Gairdner Woodpecker, Not com- mon resident. 65. Ceophloeus pileatus abieticola. Northern Pileated Woodpecker. Rather common resident. 66. Mclanerpes torquatus. Lewis Woodpecker. Rare. Probably summer resident. 67. Colaptes cafer saturatior. Northwestern Flicker. Common resi- dent. A variety of the Red-shafted type. 68. Chofdciles virginianus henryi. Western Nighthawk. Summer resident. 69. Selasphorus rufus. Rufous Hummingbird. Abvmdant summer resident. 70. Selasphorus alleni. Allen Hummingbird. Rare summer resident. 71. Cyanocitta stelleri. Steller Jay. Resident. Very rare in winter. 72. Perisoreus obscurus griseus. Gray Jay. Rare resident. 73. Corvus americanus. American Crow. Resident. Rare before Feb. 5. 74. Corvus caurinus. Northwest Crow. Abundant resident. 75. AgelaJus phoenic«us caurinus. Northwestern Red-wing. Common resident. Rare in mid-winter. 76. Sturnella magna neglecta. Western Meadowlark. Common resi- dent. 77. Scolccophagus cyaaocephalus. Brewer Blackbird. Abundant res- ident. Very tame. 36 Some Birds of Olympia, Washington 78. Coccothraustcs vespertinus montanus. Western Evening Grosbeak. Abundant migrant. A flock of a dozen appeared Feb. 18. In a few- days the Hock increased to a hundred. About April 1 the flock de- creased to about twenty. A few are still here May 5. They are very tame. They feed mainly on maple seeds. 79. Carpodacus purpureus californicus. California Purple Finch. Abundant resident. 80. Acanthis linaria. Red])oll. Rather common winter resident. 81. Astragalinus tristis salicamans. Willow Goldfinch. Common resi- dent. Rare in mid-winter. 82. Spinus pinus. Pine Siskin. Common resident. 83. Passer domesticus. English Sparrow. Resident. Not so abun- dant as in eastern cities. 84. Ammodramus sandwichensis alaudinus. Western Savanna Spar- row. Summer resident. 85. Zonotrichia leucophrys gambclli. Gambel Sparrow. Migrant. Possibly summer resident. 86. Zamelodia leucophrys nuttalli. Nuttall Sparrow. Common sum- mer resident. 87. Zonotrichia coronata. Golden-crowned Sparrow. Migrant. 88. Spizella socialis arizonas. Western Chipping Sparrow. Common summer resident. 89. Junco hyemalis oergonus. Oregon Junco. Common winter resi- dent. 90. Melospiza mclodia morphna. Rusty Song Sparrow. Common resident. 91. Passerella itiaca unalaschcensis. Townsend Sparrow. Winter resi- dent. 92. Pipilo mactilatus oregonus. Oregon Towhee. Common resident. 93. Piranga ludoviciana Louisiana Tanager. Rare summer resident. 94. Progne subis hesperia. Western Martin. Common summer resi- dent. 95. Tachycineta thalassina lepida. Northern Violet-green Swallow. Common summer resident. 96. Riparia riparia. Bank Swallow. Common summer resident. 97. Ampelis cedrorum. Cedar Waxwing. Rare resident. 98. Helminthophila alata lutescens. Lutescent Warbler. Summer resident. 99. Dendroica asstiva. Yellow Warbler. Not common summer resi- dent. 100. Dendroica coronata. Myrtle Warbler. Migrant. 101. Dendroica auduboni. Audubon Warbler. Common resident. 102. Dendroica nigrescens. Black-throated Gray Warbler. Rare summer resident. 103. Geothlypis tolmiei. Macgillivray Warbler. Rare summer resi- dent. 104. Salpinctes obsoletus. Rock Wren. Very rare resident. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 37 lfl!5. Thryomanes bewickii calophonus. Northwest Bewick Wren. Not uncommon resident. 106. Troglodytes aedon parkmanii. Pacific Hou«« Wren. Not com- mon summer resident. 107. Olbiorchilos hiemalis pacificus. Western Winter Wren. Com- mon resident. 108. Cistothorus palostris paludicola. Tule Wren. Rare summer res- ident. 109. Sitta canadensis. Red-breasted Nuthatch. Not common resident. 110. Parus atricapillus occidentalis. Oregon Chickadee. Common resident. 111. Psaltriparus minimus. Bush-Tit. Not common resident. 112. Regulus satrapa olivaceus. Western Golden-crowned Kinglet. Abundant winter resident. 113. Regulus calendula. Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Possibly partly resident. Common from Feb. 15 to May 1. 114. Hylocichia ustulata. Russet-backed Thrush. Rare summer resident. 115. Merula migratoria propinqua. Western Robin. Resident. Very rare in mid-winter. Abundant after Feb, 7. 116. Ixorcus nazvius. Varied Thrush. Migrant. Common through March. 117. Sialia mexicana occidentalis. Western Bluebird. Resident Very rare in mid-winter and not very common at any time. ALIy DAY WITH THE BIRDS. Responses to the call for All Day studies of the birds dur- ing May show a gratifying interest in this intensive study of the migrations. It is not an easy task to spend an entire day, always on the keen edge, searching for birds, but no such ef- fort goes unrewarded. One who has given much time to the study of the spring migrations hopes only to be able to spend more time during the next season. Constant study for three weeks or more, during which the birds are passing in the greatest numbers, might prove too wearing to even the most ardent student, but there are those of us who must learn by personal experience. Reports received range trom May 5 to May 23, and repre- sent territory from New York City on the east to Rock Island, 111., on the west, and latitude from Qberlin to Columbus, Ohio. The reports seem to prove that the height of the mi- grations for the region covered was between May 6 and 16, a jS All Day With The Birds period of ten days. The Ohio and Illinois reports clearly in- dicate an exceptional abundance of birds, both in individuals and in species, for practically the whole period. At Oberlin the 2ist was marked by a general departure of warblers and sparrows. But a discussion of the Northern Ohio migrations may be found elsewhere. In the accompanying table, "A" indicates that the spe- cies was abundant, "C" that it was common, "T C" tolera- bly common, "F" few in numbers. "X" indicates that the species was recorded but the individuals not counted, and the numbers give the numbers of individuals seen when a count was made. Explanations of the work done in the several places rep- resented are given here together, so that the tabular arrange- ment may not be interfered with, and so that the reader may see at a glance the distribution so far as the reports give it. The Ohio reports are given precedence because they contain the largest number of species, Oberlin, Obio, May 9. Temperature 70 at 3 a. m., 54 at 9 a. m. Partly cloudy, clouding rapidly to a cold westerly rainstorm at 6:30 a. m., the rain ceasing in an hour, and afterward a gradual lightening of the clouds, with a brief show of the sun at 5 p. m. Wind westerly, heavy to strong. Time, 3 a. m. to 6:30 p. m. Oak Point and vicinity UHtil 3:30p. m., then a wheel ride twelve miles to Oberlin and twa hours' work iu the woods and fields northwest of Oberlin. Lynds Jones. Tiffin, Obio, May 10. Temperature (at Oberlin) 45 to 62. Wind west-south west, brisk. Showers 9:30 to 10 a. m., 1:30 to 2:30, 3:10 to 4:20 p. m. 4:30 to 10:15 a, m., fields, meadows and two woods one and one-half miles southeast of Tiffin; 11:15 a. m. to 1:30 p. m., due north of Tiffin along the Big Four tracks and a deserted reservoir, three miles; west one mile, 2:30 to 3:10 p. m.; north one mile and back along the SandusKy River, 4:30 to 5:20 p. m.; drive home across country, reaching home at 7:20 p. m. Rev. W. F. Henninger and Carl Heilmann. Cadiz, Ohio, May 8. Temperature 60 to 70. Cloudy, with occa- sional light showers. Wind strong in the afternoon. Beginning at 4 a. m., time in field 11 hours. Walked fifteen miles, rode wheel fifteen miles. In woods and orchards around Cadiz. Hakry B. McConnell. Colnnibns, Obio, May 23. Temperature between 65 and 80. Clear and still ir. the forenoon, cloudy with light southwest wind afternoon, 3:00 a. m. to 9:30 p. m. Locality west of Columbus, and on the Ohio State University campus. Z. P. Metcalf, The Wilson Bulletin— No. 47 39 Morton Park, Illinois, May 8. Day warm and cloudy with slight showers. Wind southerly. 5 a. m. to 1 p. m. Orpheus M. Schantz Rock Island, Illinois, May 14. Morning overcoat, cold, warming about noon. No wind. 5 a. m. to 7 p. m. About twelve miles south of Rock Island, 111., including a drive to Milan. A cultivated region, with woods, thickets, fields and streams. Burtis H. Wilson. A TWO-DAY CENSUS. Northern New Jersey. 6:15 p. m. May 6th to 4:55 p. m. May 8th. May 6tb. Station to house by wagon; 6^2 miles; Ifo hours; 6:15 to 7:45. Weather mostly cloudy. 10 species, all seen later. May 7th. Weather cloudy. 12 species heard from room before leaving it, all seen later. 5.05 a. m. to 8:05 a. m Weather partly cloudy; 60 degrees at re- turn. Partly in woods, partly along road past fields and a few houses. 41 species, including Yellow-throated Vireo and Chestnut sided and Black throated Green Warblers, not seer later 8:55 a. m. to 6:40 p. m. Weather partly cloudy. I walked up a creek till it dwindled to a brook, came back by road, and spent some time in higher woods. The hunt included low and high woods, fields, a creek, and a village. 54 species (59 for the day). May 8th. 4:50 a. m. to 9:00 a. m. Weather, first half, foggy; second half, mostly fine. Entirely a road hunt: through fields and past farmhouses, a village, and an occasional small wood. 39 species, including Sparrow Fawk (1), Orchard Oriole (2), Scarlet Tanager (2), Red-eyed Vireo (4), House Wren (1), and White-breasted Nuthatch (4) not mentioned before. 9:50 a. m. to 1:30 p. m. Weather fine; 72 degrees at start, 77 de- grees at return. Like the long hunt of preceding day, but not so extended. 38 species, none seen this hunt only, except Hairy Wood- pecker (2.) 50 minutes spent near house, beginning at 2:30 p. m. yielded six species. 35 of these minutes were in woods, where we saw only several Swifts. House to station, mostly by wagon; 4 miles; 3:35 to 4:35. 22 spe- cies, including Heron, species unknown (1), Mourning Dove, Bob-white (1 pair), and Bank Swallow not seen before, making me 68 species for the two days. I was alone until Saturday night, (the 7th), when Mr. G. E. Hix joined me, and we were together from then on. He had hunied that afternoon, seeing Marsh Hawk and Cliff' Swallow, the only ones seen. The most striking thing about these hunts is the scarcity of mi- grants. The Warbler swarms which should have been met with every little way in the woods were almost entirely absent on Saturday and wholly so on Sunday. Charles H. Rogers. West Chester County, N. Y., May 6. Temperature 75. Clear. 5 a. m. to 7 :30 p. m. Frederick C. Hubel. Cupola, Chester County, Penn., May 8. Weather clear and warm. Peach and cherry trees in full bloom, apple buds just bursting. 5 a. m. till dark. A 200 acre farm, with a creek and woods, carefully worked. Chreswell J. Hunt. 40 All Day With the Birds 1 2 ja O 2 o o ^ 3 o h O 4 d a « o 5 as ^ a, OB o r -u _; I- — 1 6 1 a t^ a ce «;^ 7 in .1^ CO 8 ^ a w Sjjarrow Lark Sjiarrow X X "3' "4 40 20 4 70 ' "2' White crowned Sparrow c c c c 4 6 1 10 2 2 X 1 3 X X White-throated Sjiarrow Tree Sparrow ...... Ghippinj^ Sparrow 10 X X X X X X 12 7 1 25 7 2 Field Sparrow Slate colored Junco X c c c 3 10 c 2 c 5 tc c 2 c tc 5 1 c c tc tc 80 X X X X X X Swam]) Sparrow Towhee 4 6 3 6 1 5 3 X X X X X X X 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X C'a rdinal X Ro.se breasted Gro>!beak X X X X 1 X X Indigo Bunting Dickcissel .... Scarlet Tannger 1 40 . 16 20 5 "1 2 Purple Martin Ciitf Swallow 1 22 Barn Swallow 6 X X Tree Swallow Bank Swallow . 3 10 X 1 X 2 Rough-winged Swallow Cedar Waxwing Migrant Shrike Red-eyed Vireo 1 3 •8 4 2 X X X X 2 1 X X X X 4 Warbling Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo X 4 Blue headed Vireo W^hite-eved Vireo X Bell Vireo X Black and White Warbler Proth^notary Warbler c 1 1 1 X 6 X Blue-winged Warbler 6 1 X 2 Golden-winged Warbler. .. Nashville Warbler Orange-crowned Warbler c 1 X X 1 42 All Day With the Birds 1 2 2 6 20 1 5 15 1 2 2 6 1 2 3 X 4 5 6 X 7 8 9 Tftinessee Warbler c c c c c 1 c tc 1 c c 1 5 8 Northern Parula Warbler Yellow Warbler X 2 3 X 3 X "2 X X X X 1 X X X X X X X X 4 X Black throated Blue Warbler. . Mvrtle Warbler. 6 X Maynolia Warbler X Ceruleau Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler. . . X X X X X X X X X Bav-breasted Warbler Black-poll Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Blaek-throated Green Warbler Kirtland Warbler i* 1" X Pine Warbler 2 2 Palm Warbler X Prairie Warbler 1 c 7 2 Oven-bird. 3 "l' X 1 X X X X X X 6 2 X WaterTiinLsh Louisiana Wator-Thrush ... X 3 Kentuckv Warbler Connecticut Warbler 2 tc c tc 1 1 tc c c tc Mourning; Warbler .- 1 8 5 "1" X 1 X X Northern Yellow-throat Yelli)w-breasted Chat X X 10 2 X X Hooded Wnrbler W^ilson W^arbler 1 2 11 2 X 2 .... Canadian Warbler X Am. Redstart. X X X 7 35 18 1 X Am Pipit C^i third 50 2 X X 1 .... X X X X X X X X 18 2 X Brown Thrasher X Carolina Wren . . . . ... House Wren Winter Wren c 1 2 16 X 10 i X Long-billed Marsh Wren Brown Creeper 1 8 15 White-breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 c 5 7 tc c c c c c 2 c c 128 2 X X X 4 X Tufted Titmnuse . . .. 5 2 4 1 20 9 2 X X X X 4 C h i ( • k H de "! .... X X 20 1 Golden-crowned Kinglet. Ruby-crowned Kinfjlet Blue-yrav Gnatcatcher X X X X X X X Wood Th rush X X X X X 16 2 5 2 X Wilson Thrush Grav-cheeked Thrush X X Olive- backed Thrush 1 1 50 6 112 X Hermit Thrush 1 A 18 Am Robin X X X X X X X X 50 9 X Bluebird X Totals 80 90 56 76 65 66 53 The WiLvSon Bulletin — No. 47 43 OBERLIN ALL DAY WITH THE BIRDS. 1904. Two somewhat different styles of "All Day" work were attempted during the past remarkable May migrations. The ■one followed the general lines of previous work, for the pur- pose of determining what one man, or two working as one, could do in a single day in recording the birds of this region; the other attempted to cover practically all the different re- gions and sorts of topography and ph}fsical features by work- ing in companies of two persons each, the combined lists so made determining the day's record. This work may be called the "Company All Day" record. It is clear that such coop- erative work would result in a much larger list, given the same conditions, than individual work, provided the individ- ual be unable to cover the same territory in a day. Two ele- ments enter into individual work of this sort which seriously hinder the searching of certain haunts of some birds; these are the time available in a single day, and physical endurance. If one could be certain what species were to be found in cer- tain regions it would be possible to clean such region up and pass on to the next, but since this is almost never true, he must determine how much time it will be profitable to spend here and there and yonder, seeking to make each stop count for the most. There must be no actual stop in the lookout for species, for at no time and in no place out of doors is there tio possibility of making some new record for the day. One must be on the keen edge constantly. It has already been hinted that the present May migra- tions have been remarkable in many ways, in northern Ohio, if not elsewhere. Elsewhere will be found an article which attempts to give some conception of the conditions prevailing in Lorain County during April and May. For the sake of continuity the "Company All Day" on May 7 is given first. The accompanying table groups the participants, giving to each group credit for the records made. In the same table will be found the writer's personal record, two days later, and two records by Mr. Dawson and the writer, at later dates, when foliage and the progress of the migrations proved unfavorable for more than ordinary lists. The total of 131 species for the "Company All Day," and of 44 Obkkijn All Day With the Birds I 28 for the writer's persor.al record fully attest the crowded character of this period of the niiiiralions. It will be iiotictd. that no less than iS specif s wt-re recorded later which should have been recorded by the company, and that seven other species were certainly in the region co\-ered but were not seen on that day. Some of these would almost certainh- have been found had the writer's original plan been carried out, but c rcumstances made that impossible. The first grouj), consisting of Mr. R. L. Baird and Mr. S. D. Morrill, spent Friday night at Oak Point, in order to be ready for work at earliest dawn. Their work included a care- ful survey of the lake and its shore line in the innnediate vicinity of Oak Point, the marshes at the month of Beaver Creek in the regions of slack water, and the woods and fields within a radius of a mile or less with the Oak Point grounds as a center. Mr Baird visited Chance Creek during the evening, but without success. Messrs. D. E. Nye and H. H. Skinner couipo^ed the sec- ond group. Mr. Nye spent the early morning in the gorges of Black River at Elyria, while Mr. Skinner spent the early morning hours in the Black Swamp woods, three miles north- east of Oberlin, later meeting Mr. Nye in lUyna. After spending some time with the warblers in the woods in that vicinity, they took trolle\ to Lorain, and finall>' to Oak Point, sup[)lementing the work there of the first part}-, returning home, with Mr. Morrill, by trolle\ . The third group, Mr. Haiold Vincent and the writer, spent the early morning in the old South Woods, a mile south of Oberlin, and since neither could continue the work after noon, they practically exhausted the possibilities of that woods before leaving it at ten o'clock, visiting an orchard in the outskirts of town, the water-works reservoir. Arboretum and cemetery, finally returning with a list of exactly 90 spe- cies for the morning. During the afternoon two more species w< re accidentally added. The original plan of this third group contemplated a visit, during the afternoon, to a region where Broad-winged Hawks, Ruffed Grouse, Barred Owls and Carohna Wrens were nesting, none of which were seen. . during the day. The Wilson Bui.i.ktix — No. 47 4^ The acconipaiiyiu)^ table clear!}- iii-'licales that the Oak Point region is by tar the richest single region of the vicinit>\ This is more clearly proven when it is known that of the writer's personal list of 128 species 120 were recorded at Oak Point. Here are combined lake shore, mar.sh, muddy flats, wet woods, open woods, heavy woods, brushy tangles, rolling fields and flat wet fields. Farm houses and extensive orchards entice some birds which usually remain several miles inland. The day was more nearly ideal than any succeeding day when work of this sort was attempted. The temperature ranged from 57 degrees at 3 o'clock in the morning to 80 de- grees during the middle of the day. The air was decidedly chilly during the early morning hours, but the sky was clear until near noon, when threatening clouds appeared, later breaking awa)' to fair. The wind was s. e , light to brisk, dymg away in the evening Species marked A were abundant, C, common, T. C. tolerabl}' common, F, few in numbers Figures indicate the number seen. May 9th was a very different day. Three o'clock in the morning found the writer at Oak Point, a half hour too early for the first bird, which proved to be the only Screech Owl of the day. When the Whip-poor-wills began, a few minutes later, the Nighlhawks, Cardinals, Catbirds and Field Spar- rows were aroused for their first sleepy songs. Within half an hour most birds were singing or calling. At 1:30 a. m. the sky was half cloudy, wiih a brisk southwest wind to help push the wheel over the dozen miles of road. At 6:30 the wind had shifted to west by south and increased to heav}', driving dark clouds before it, accompanied by a dash of fine rain and a perceptible drop in the temperature. By 10 o clock the temperature had dropped from 70 degrees at the starting to 54 degrees, the heavy wind and dark sky continuing, but without rain At the approach of the storm all birds dropn^'^ from the tree-tops or higher branches to the ground, ui neai it, and remained low down during the day. They lost their timidity, most warblers permitting an approach within ten feet or less. It was during the last of the fine rain that a fine male of Kirtland Warbler stopped near me and remained •within twenty feet, often within eight, for at least ten min- 45 Oberlin All Day With the Birds utes, but he refused to sing. Later the rare Prairie and about noon the still rarer Hooded, were found in the low foliage. Ill a swampy woods half a mile south of Oak Point, the first Pruthonotary Warbler for Lorain County was feeding and singing, permitting a close approach and excellent study. This would have amply atoned for the cold and wet of the day, but a little later a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, which has eluded me for a dozen years, darted into view from a fringing thicket of the woods. Many other birds which do not ordi- narily seek the shelter of the woods were found in the lea of the thickets, where the wind did not reach them. The abun- dance of all thrushes except the Hermit, exceeded anything which the county has seen during my stay in it. The weather seemed impossible, but since the birds were here the record depended only upon field work under adverse conditions. The evening of May 13th did not give promise of any- thing worthy during the following morning, but a determina- tion born of necessit\ found expression in a trolley ride to Oak Point during that evening, and a search for the soft side of a reasonably clean plank, in a cold, bleak drizzle. The plank proved to be a convenient broken-down bedstead, with dilapidated springs — and mattress, under cover! Being too case-hardened to fear microbes, we slept peacefully until early morning twilight. Clearly, the weather had gone mad, but during its few lucid intervals the birds sang and sported about in spite of rain and cold. The day began at 45 degrees and did not reach 60 during even the noon hour. Rain fell rather more than half the day. The walk overland to Oberlin added but five species to the day's list, thus equalling the largest list previous to this year — 113 species. Not satisfied with the previous record, Monday, May i6> found us again in the field, reversing the course of study by beginning, as in previous years, at the old South Woods at three in the morning. Leaving this usually favored place shortly after 7 o'clock, and home an hour later, we wheeled leisurely to Oak Point, making many stops by the way. The list had reached 94 when the wheels were cached at 11:30, a mile south of the lake. Here the physical strain of two days before began to affect our ability to do effective work. The keen edge had worn off. Shortly after dinner Dawson was The Wilson Bulletin— No. 47 47 obliged to move homeward. Rather hasty work in the two swamps which had not yet been touched, a brief visit to the lake shore, and a hurried search through a half mile of woods, closed the day at 5:30. Dawson had recorded Cooper Hawk on the way home, making the combined list reach 1 14. The morning opened with a light frost in low places, but clear until late in the afternoon. The temperature reached 60 de- grees during the day, with a brisk westerly wind dropping completely down before night. The foliage seriously inter- fered with rapid identification, but was little more troublesome than on the 14th, Up to the nth neither blossoms nor leaves were far enough advanced to give trouble. The work of the i6th closed a series of record breaking all day studies. While it was serious work, sapping the vital- ity, it yet gave full value in return in showing the exceptional character of the season of migratiou. Three times within ten days the previous best record was broken, and the fourth day equalled. A new high-water mark was made, which nothing but another exceptional season can hope to equal, while a new record for co-operative work has been established as the be- ginning of a long series of such studies, we may well hope. A series of such co-operative studies in any given region can hardly fail to throw light upon some of the vexing questions of local migration, and furnish material for the broader study when made in connection with similar studies in contiguous regions. 4S Oberlin All Day With the Birds May 7. Company May 9 May 14 May 16 'ST c cb.2 C 4) O a a 03 CD T3 O 2 c Ql-5 a 0 ID tn & § 0^5 Pied-bilJed Grebe 1 1 1 1 7 1 ""2 Herring Gull 4 Bonaparte Gull Common Tern Black Tera 2 10 12 Red-breasted Merganser 1 Mallard 1 1 Lesser Scaup Duck 1 4 1 1 American Bittern L^ast Bittern 1 Green Heron Kmg- Rail 2 1 3 1 3 1 1 3 3 1 Virginia Rail 1 3 2 3 7 10 2 3 c 2 c c 2 c 4 4 5 2 Sora 5 American Woodcock 2 3 Wilson Snipe 1 Least Sandpiper Gn^ater Yellow-legs 1 3 f e 1 c 1 c c 1 c 1 Yellow-legs 2 "'l' 1 2 c Solitary Sandpiper Batramian Sandpiper 2 Spotted Sandpiper to to fe tc 3 1 1 c 3 2 tc 1 Killdeer Bob-white 1 Mourning Dove Turkey Vulture 1 Marsh Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 2 Cooper Hawk 1 Red-tailed Hawk 1 ...... Broad winged H awk 1 2 2 Am. Rough-legged Hawk 1 2 f e 1 Bald Eagle I 3 A rn Sjjarrow Hawk 1 f 3 3 1 Am Osprev ... Barred Owl 2 1 1 1 "i 1 Screech Owl t 1 2 2 2 tc tc 1 5 1 (ireat Horned Owl 1 1 1 f e 1 fe ■iVllow-billed Cuckoo. Black-billed Cuckoo .... 2 1 2 3 c 4 2 1 4 1 c e 'Ited Kingfisher Hairy Woodjiecker 1 3 tc 5 Downy Wood|)ecker Yellow bellied Sapsucker tc Red-headed Woodpecker Red- bell led Voodpecker c c 1 c 10 2 c Northern Flicker Whippoorwill c c 1 c 7 2 c 1 Nighthawk The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 49 Chimney Swift Ruby-throated Hummingbird Kingbird Created Flycatcher Phoebe Wood Pewee Yellow-belUed Flycatcher Green-crested Flycatcher Alder Flycatcher. Least Flycatcher .... Prairie Horned Lark '..... Blue Jay American Crow , Bobolink Cowbird . Red-winged Blackbird Meadnwlark Orcliard Oriole Baltimore Oriole . . Bronzed (Irackle Pnrplf Finch American Goldfinch Ve-i|)er Sparrow . . . . Gra'^shopper Sparrow. ........ Wliite-crowned Sparrow. ' White throated Sparrow Cliipping Sjjarrow Field Sparrow Song Sparrow Lmcoln Sparrow Swamp S arrow Towhee Cardinal Rose-breastedGrosbeak Pndigo Bimiing , Dickcussel Scarlet Tanager ' Piirjjle Martin ....,......' Clitf Swallow I Barn Swallow ' Tree Swallow Bank Swallow |. . . . Rough-winged Swallow. . '< Cedar Waxwing. ! Migrant Shrike . . Red-eyed Vireo Warbling Vireo Yellow-throated Vireo Blue headed Vireo LJlack and White Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Blue- winged Warbler Golden-winged Warbler Nashville Warbler Orange-cri)wned Warbler Tennessee Warbler May 7 A 2 f e c f o f o f e f e tc t c c c A c A c 1 fc c c c 15 tc f e tc c tc tc fe f e fe f e 1 f e A c fe fe fe tc Mav May 7 7 c c 2 tc c tc 2 tc 2 tc X ■ '2 c 1 tc c t c 4 3 0 6 c c c tc c c c c c 1 4 c c c c X tc c c 8 tc '2 tc 1 1 c 2 3 5 tc tc tc 10 May 9 0 3 6 c c c 1 3 10 c 2 to c 2 c tc tc tc c 1 May 14 c 3 tc c c c ■ " ■ F F e F .c c c c c c F c c c c tc tc c F F c F c tc 7 1 c c^ tc tc F 1 50 Oberlin All Day With the Birds Northern Parula Warbler Cape May Warbler Yellow Warbler Black throated Blue Warbler. . Myrtle Warbler Magnolia Warbler Cerulean Warbler Chestnut-sided Warbler Bay-breasted Warbler Black-poll Warbler Blackburnian Warbler Black-throated Green Warbler Kirtland Warbler Palm Warbler Prairie Warbler Oven-bird Water-Thrush Louisiana Water-Thrush Connecticut W^arbler Mourning Warbler Northern Yellow-throat Yellow-breasted Chat Hooded Warbler Wilson Warbler Canadian Warbler American Redstart. American Pipit Catbird Brown Thrasher House Wren Winter Wren Short-billed Marsh Wren Lone-billed Marsh Wren White breasted Nuthatch Red-breasted Nuthatch Tufted Titmouse Chickadee Ruby-crowned Kinglet Blue-grav Gnatcatcher. ...... Wood Thrush Wilson Thrush Gray cheeked Thrush Olive-backed Thrush Hermit Thrush American Robin Bluebird Totals. Grand Total . May 7 te tc c c 6t fe tc c 5t tc f e 2 5 5t f e tc tc fe fe tc c 1 A May 7 c fe 115 3 tc 3 3 May 7 105 131 c c c c c c tc 0 c 2 c c c tc c May 9 c c c c 1 c tc 1 c c 1 1 c 7 2 2 tc c 7 1 1 tc c c c tc c c c c c c c c c e 2 2 c c c c 92 128 Mav 14' c c tc c c c 4 6 4 2 .' 1 c c t c tc I tc c c c tc c 2 4 f c f f tc c 0 c c 113 May 16 tc 1 F c tc c to c 2 4 P tc F F 2 t c c 114 Total for May 7 to 16, inclusive, 152. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 51 AN "ALL DAY" BIRD STUDY. BY BURTIS H. WILSON. I left the house on the morning of the 15th, at 5 a. m., returning for breakfast at 6, and then returning to the fields to remain until 12 o'clock. The night had been very cold and a heavy dew had fallen, making the air so chilly that it was nearly noon before my overcoat could be discarded. It was an ideal day for bird ob.servation, as there was no wind, and the cold of the morning hours made the birds sluggish, so that it was nearly noon before the Warblers began to seek the higher tree-tops. I noticed, however, that the cold did not prevent the Warblers from singing almost incessantly, even as early as I started out. During the day eggs were found in the nests of Crows, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves and Brown Thrashers, also a Robin's nest with one egg and two newly hatched young. On account of the extremely backward spring, not only the migrations, but the nest- building, is at least two weeks later than usual with our early arrivals. After losing about forty-five minutes at the dinner table, I again sought the fields, spending the time until 5:15, when we sat down to sup- per. At 5:45 Mr. Montgomery's son and I started to drive back to town. We reached Milan, on the Rock River, at 7 o'clock, where I entered an electric car and ended my day's observations. Now comes what is to me the interesting part of my story. During the day I did not see Red-winged Blackbirds, House Wrens, Yellow Warblers, Meadowlarks, Bank Swal- lows, or Wood Thrushes, until on returning to town we ap- proached within three miles of Rock River, when one by one these birds were seen. This is also true of these birds on my way to the farm on the previous day, and al«o of several trips made in former .seasons over the same ground, the only excep- tion being the House Wren, which usually nests around the farm buildings, but has been seen there only^a few times so far this year. Only one Purple Martin was seen during the day, but if we had reached Milan a little earlier more would, without doubt, have been seen, as they nest in the village. But if I had been early enough to see the Martins, I would 52 The Song of Dickcissell have missed the tliree Great Blue Herons which flew east, high over our heads, when we were still aboiit a tnile and a half from the river. Another peculiar fact is that I saw no Grasshopper Sparrows or Vesper Sparrows during the day. However, the latter bird does not seem to be as abundant this year as usual. I noted only one Cliff Swallow, but as they seldom go far from the barn where they nest, and their colonies are not very common, it is not to be wondered at. The most abundant migratory birds seen during the day were the Warblers ( mostly Chestnut-sided, Nashville, Tennessee, and Redstarts ), and the Gray-cheeked and Olive-backed Thrushes, the Thrushes being ver}^ abundant. THK bONG OF THE DICKCISSELL. Spiza americajia. BY P. M. SILLOWAY Whiling away a recent afternoon over some old piles of ornithological literature, I found an interesting article entitled "Dickcissell in His Illinois Haunts." One paragraph partic- ularly attracted my attention: "The song of this interesting bird invariably begins with three notes, very much resembling the syllables Dick! Dick! Dick! These are followed by an indescribable warble with the notes running rapidly together." In his excellent characterization of the song, the writer per- haps unconsciously made use of a term which effectually limits Dickcissell to only one song, the one beginning with the three notes mentioned. Now it happened that duiing my last sum- mer in Illinois, 1898, I made some special observations re- garding the musical ability of Dickcissell, and it may not be amiss to record a part of the notes then entered in my journal. I trust that ray friend Mr. Hess will not take this contribu- tion as a criticism of his excellent article in thai old Oologist, but merely as a ftirther addition to our fund of recorded observations. During July, 1898, my home at Virden, Illinois, was near a forty-acre pasture, which was cut into two nearly equal Thk Wilson Bulletin— No. 47 53 parts by a railroad. A walk of one hundred yards alon^ the railroad would take me to the pasture, which was tenanted by many families of Uickcissell. The volubility of this songster is well known. Sitting on the porch of my home, 1 could hear long after sundown the ringing phrases of Diekcissell, watted to my ears on the clear summer air. It was my cus- tom to walk over to the pasture about four o'clock every afternoon, and follow the tall, tree-like hedge which enclosed the pasture. During these walks I noted down many songs of Dickcissell, with a view to make a complete summary at tlie proper time. Circumstances, however, called me from Illinois before I accumulated sufficient data, but such as I have to offer may prove of interest. The words suggested by the songs are not vital to the descriptions, but arc gi\en as the nearest rendering into English occurring to my mind when the notes were made. On Jul}^ 13 1 first fixed one particular Uickcissell as a part of a certain detail of the meadow. He soon became a landmark in my walks. His first song was like this: Dick, dick, ciss ciss sell, and this rendition proved to be his favorite production. Frequently I could hear in it: Quick, quick, sell sell sell, both songs being strongly emphasized at the last syl- lable Only rarely would this songster offer: Dick, dick, dick, sell sell sell. In another angle of the pasture I was sure to hear a per- former who was seemini^ly addicted to bad habits, for as I drew near his station, he would generally lake a stand on a tall weed and shrill out lustil}-: Quick, quick , gV me a che~iC. Frequently he would become so importunate as to repeat his plea: Quick, quick, gi' me a chczc,gi''me a cheic. The charac- teristic production of this songster began with only two notes, but sometimes he would vary the performance by uttering three dick or quick woiQs at the beginning. Once I was in an- other frame of mind, perhaps, though I am free to say that I do not clie7i', for I heard this songster utter, Dick, dick, minia- ture, twelve limes in a minute, shortly after he had shouted Gr Die a chezi'. In the same portion of the pasture where I met the first Dickcissell, another nearby performer would regularly chant: Dick, dick, quee quee quee, ciss ciss sell. After a generous 54 The Song of the Dickcissell measure of this song, he would change it to: Dick, dick, dick, dss ciss se/I. One tenant of the pasture offered a most original production as his characteristic song, which seemed to run like this: Quick, quick, looky here, skcezics. After trifling with me in the foregoing manner several times, the last song- ster would boldly omit the introductory notes, and call out: Looky here, skeesics, see see see. It is interesting to note that this songster had four or five songs easily distinguishable. One of his common offerings was like this: Dick, dick, qneer- ily; again he would say: Quick, queerily , quee vee. On July 20 I have the following production of another performer: Dick, dick, dick, queerily, cheiv cheic chezv. This song was frequently varied by changing the number of the dick notes, as sometimes only two were given, and occasionally four dicks formed the beginning measures. On July 21 I found a performer who gave the following variation of the characteristic song: Dick, dick, dick, ciss sell. Sometimes he would utter only two dicks, and frequently, by way of surprise, he would call: Dick, dick, dick, dick, omitting the customary phrase in closing. July 23 brought a new rendition of my July 20th song- ster's production. This is what I heard: Dick, dick, dick, what d'ye see see sell. This peculiar song was varied by changing the number of introductory notes to only two, and sometimes by giving four. Another different song heard on that day went like this; Quee, quee, quee, quee, — Dick ciss sell, uttered sometimes with only two dicks and three quees, like this: Quee, quee, quee, — Dick, dick, ciss sell. July 26 furnished the following records: Dick, dick, — sell sell sell, see, which was varied to: Dick, sell sell see. The lat- ter, offering only one dick, is the most unusual performance of Dickcissell. The same songster furnished this record: Dick, dick, sell sell sell, quee quee quee; and also this: Dick, sell sell sell, quee, as well as: Dick ciss sell, qicee quee quee. The following is the most unique record taken, but I think it will stand comparison with the original, Ciss sell, ciss sell, que, ciss sell. The Wilson Bulletin— No. 47 55 SPRING MIGRATION IN LORAIN COUNTY, O., 1904. BY LYNDS JONES. There are migrations and migrations, but the migrations of 1904 have proved to be in a class by themselves. For eleven years I have studied both spring and fall migrations at Ober- lin with more or less care, and for six years at Grinnell, Iowa. Only once during this period of seventeen years has there been anything like what we have witnessed this year. That was in the spring of 1888, at Grinnell, Iowa, when the weather conditions were somewhat similar during the last days of April and the first two weeks of May. In 1888 the weather had been about normal up to the middle of April, when a decided warm wave of considerable extent called the early warblers, and other birds which travel with them, north. This wave subsided on the 28th under the pressure of a decided change to cold, cloudy weather, particu- larly cloudy nights. This unfavorable condition prevailed, with frost on the 13th, 14th and i6th of May, with continued cloudiness and northerly winds, until the 17th. The warm wave which followed brought the birds in swarms, br'ght males, young, and females, all in the same company, some of them apparently already mated. There were scattering arri- vals during the interval, but these were largely confined to hardy individuals and did not represent the forward movement of the host. Some of the migrants tarried until June 10. The season of 1904, while clearly below the average in temperature for nearly the whole of March, seemed to be opening on the first of April, but speedily made good the tra- ditions of the day, for snow fell on the ^rd. A feeble warm wave on the 8th, 9th and loth made very little impression on the birds. Another warm wave, covering the 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th, caused a sprinkling of arrivals, but the sue- 56 Spring Migration in Lorain County, O. ceeding eight days were cold and wet, with northerly winds. Then followed a period of warmth and hope for eight days, with maximum temj)eratnres ranging from 62 degrees on the 3rd to 84 degrees on the 7lh, culminating on the 9th with a morning storm of rain and cold. More cold on the loth, iith and 12th, followed by two warm, and these by six cold days, closed the season so far as arrivals were concerned. At tht present writing ( May 27) a few of the transient warblers rtmiain. There had been no distinct movement up to May 4th, but scattering records of hardy individuals proved that the host was not far to the .south. Clearly, the weather a hundred miles south v^^as more favoi able for the movement of the birds than at Oberlin, during the first five days of May. On the 6th matters began to turn to decidedly favorable, and on the 7th the belated biids rushed in by hundreds. The three suc- ceeding nights were impossible for northern movement. In fact, onl\- the night of the 12th gave much opportunity for migration in the da 'kness, and evidently not many birds were read\- then, and the>- were obliged to wait until the 21st and 22nd, when the hosts moved north, leaving the 23rd with only the laggards. As in 1888, brilliant males, females and young, were found together, and apparently in nearly equal numbers. Mating was clearly in progress. Very few birds, except the Raptores and Robins, had succeeded in making much pro- gress in raising broods. Red-winged Blackbirds, which often have \ oung before this time, had scarcely even begun their nests. One of the most noticeable features of this exceptional migration was the superabundance of Grey-cheeked and Olive- backed Thrushes. For days they were more numerous than Robins, overflowing from the woods into the bordering fields. Wilson and Hermit Thrushes were also unusually numerous, but their numbers were insignificant compared with the others. Many of the warblers were also more than usually numerous, notably the Magnolia, Blackburnian. Chestnut- sided, and Black-throated Blue. On the other hand, the Cuckoos and Wood Pewee were hard to find, and the Chicka- dee almost refused to be seen or heard. Red-breasted Nut- hatches were fairly common for more than a week. One of The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 57 the disappointing features was the almost entire absence of any but the regular shore-birds. Lake Erie and the mud fiats seemed to have no attraction for them. The birds of greatest interest, the occurrence of which is worthy of special record are, first, Prothonotary Warbler, twice recorded, being the first county record; Kirtland War- bler, the second county record; Hooded Warbler, the third ■county record, at least three individuals seen; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, the first seen in Ohio by the writer; Short-billed Marsh Wren, the third county record; Brewster Warbler, singing almost like the Blue- winged; and a Yellow Warbler with a dusky forehead, suggesting a cross between the Yellow and Northern Yellow- throat, but probably a freak, since the •dark forehead, running from eye to eye, was the only Yellow- throat character. It fraternized with the Yellow Warblers, fed like them, acted like them. Taken all together, this migration season has been a capi- tal illustration of the effect of weather upon the later spring migrations. The weather had continued unfavorable, in the main, for northward movements in the more northern regions, while becoming gradually favorable south. The birds promptly ipushed north as far as conditions warranted, then halted ■to await a change. For the bunching of species which do not regularly migrate at the same time, in a region like Northern Ohio, it has never been surpassed in my experience, and does not seem likely to be repeated in the near future. One who could fail to improve the opportunities for bird study which the.se conditions presented, must be either luke-warm or else sinfully busy ! A DOOR-YARD LIST FROM MORTON PARK, ILL- BY ORPHEUS M. SCHANTZ. The "Door-yard List" from Denmark, Iowa, in the March Bulletin, was so interesting to me that the thought •came that possibly the observations of my wife and I, made in our 50 by 125 foot yard during the last three years, might "be of interest to others. We live about seven miles southwest of Chicago, in a lit- tle suburb which, fifteen years ago, contained not a house, 58 A Door-yard List From Morton Park, Ii,l. tree nor shrub of any kind. To-day there is a comparatively small area containing trees or shrubs that amount to anything. Four blocks square will cover the bird field, except the prairie birds, for there is open prairie nearly all around us. The nearest timber of any importance lies along the Des Plaines River, about four miles west of Morton Park. About half a mile north is a section of land, largely va- cant, partiall}' surrounded by a belt of trees, some of which are of good size. On the north and east of this tract the trees are planted so as to make a wide belt; on the south and west the}' are planted in a double row. The trees are princi- pally box elders, soft maples, cotton wood, silver poplar, and balm of gilead. In our little yard, and in front of it, are, altogether, ten Carolina poplars and cottonwoods, all about ten years old. These trees are very prolific in insect life, and with the profu- sion of vines — Virginia creeper, bitter sweet, nightshade — it may be readily understood why we have been favored with so- many "callers" during the spring and fall migration. We have always had the prairie birds, Meadowlarks, Horned Larks, Bobolinks, Dickcissels, quite a variety of Sparrows, and occasionally Bob-white, in the vacant fields around us. Five or six years ago we first began to notice the migrants, and of course had to have a bird book Mabel Osgood Wright's Bird Craft proved a great help, and was in constant use for two years, when we discovered Chapman's Hand-Book, since then we have never failed to identif}' any newcomer. We scarcely ever have to refer to the book now, because we have become quite intimately acquainted with most of the residents and transient visitors. With the exception of the prairie birds, very few nest in Morton Park. Those that do are Robin, Bluebird, Chimney Swift, Chipping Spar- row and Yellow Warbler. The first pair of Robins nested under a porch roof, within a few feet of the front door of a large residence. When the old gentleman who owned the house discovered the nest, he locked the door and allowed none to use it until the young birds were nearly full-fledged. On the second of March, this year, a flock of fourteen Robins made their appearance, evi- dently the descendants of the pair mentioned above. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 59 Our first year s record was 25, the second 40, the third 75, and each year since then between 80 and 100. Each year brings either some new record, or brings back some visitors that have missed coming for a year or two. By sitting on a broad v\indow seat in our bedroom, we could look down into a wide spreading Cottonwood, and in that tree we have identified a great many warblers and vireos that ordinarily are so hard to find and see satisfactorily. Last year we caught a fine male Florida Gallinule, which I think was tired and stopped to rest, as there was nothing the matter with it. We took it to Lincoln Park, where it may still be found. The park authorities were glad to get it. The following birds were found in our door-yard: Florida Gallinule, Mourning Dove, Screech Owl, Yellow- billed Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Whip-poor-will, Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby- throated Hummingbird, Kingbird, Wood Pewee, Least Fly- catcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Blue Jay, Crow, Bobolink, Prairie Horned Lark, Meadowlark, Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, Bronzed Crackle, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Redpoll, Snowflake, Vesper Sparrow, White- crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow. Junco, Song Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, English Sparrow, Towhee, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel, Scarlet Tanager, Sum- mer Tanager, Purple Martin, Loggerhead Shrike, Red-eyed Vireo, Philadelphia Virec, Warbling Vireo, Yellow- throated Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Bell Vireo, Black and White Warb- ler, Cape May Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Black- throated Blue Warbler, Myrtle Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-poll Warbler, Blackbur- nian Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Palm Warbler, Oven-bird, Water-Thrush, Northern Yellow-throat, Yellow- breasted Chat, Wilson Warbler, Redstart, Mockingbird, Cat- bird, Brown Thrasher, Bewick Wren, House Wren, Winter Wren.jBrown Creeper, White- breasted Nuthatch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Wood Thrush, Wilson Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Olive-backed Thrush, Robin, Bluebird. 6o Editorial THE WILSON BULLETIN A Q\ia.rterly NatfOLzlrvA Devoted to the Stvidy of Living Blr4s OfflclBLl Organ of tK» Wilson OrnlthologicaLl Club Edited by LYNDS JONES PUBLISHED BI THE CLUB, AT OBERLIX, OHIO Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, 50 cents a year, 15 cents a number, postpaid. Price in all countries in the International Postal Union, 65 cents a year, 20 cents a number. Subscriptions may be sent to I,ynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. Frank 1,. Burns, Berwyn, Penn., or to Mr. John W. Daniel, jr., Washington, D, C. EDITORIAL. The editor will be at Woods Hole, Mass., after June 25, where let- ters should be addressed, until September 1st After that date, and until the September Bulletin is mailed, address Oberlin, Ohio. Bird-Lore has established the Christmas Census, we have estab- lished the New Year Census and the May "All Day" record, and now are ready to add another to this intensive field study of the birds. Shall we not at least try to fittingly celebrate th« birth of our nation by making a list of the birds to be found on that day? Would not such a use of the day be more in accord with the real spirit of the anniversary than the usual noisy and dangerous celebration? To those who record 75 or more species on July 4, 1904, the editor will present volumes 9 and 10 of the Wilson Bulletin, or a copy of Bulletin .31, "A xMonograph of the Flicker." This summer study will include only the breeding birds and will therefore be of value as showing what birds nest in your vicin- ity. We trust that this beginning of the study of the breeding birds will prove so interesting that careful studies may follow. It is only by the careful study of the breeding birds of many localities that we shall be able to know for certain the actual distribution of many of our birds. Present day knowledge of summer distribution is largely general; we should make it exact by thoroughly working our own localities. In asking for New Year records and May records, and now in ask- ing for July 4th records, the editor has in mind a general campaign of field study such as few have ever undertaken systematically. He hopes to prove the intrinsic interest of this sort of work by inducing many to undertake it in these small ways so that they will be glad to broaden out to more and more studies, first looking toward monthly lists of the birds of each locality represented by an observer, and finally making these monthly records into strictly seasonal records for the purpose of determining accurately the bird population during each season. We The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 61 should then have Winter Birds, Birds of the Spring Migrations, Breed- ing Birds, Birds of the Fall Migrations. At first these would run into each other, but as the work grew and experience increased the different groups would separate themselves out, and the records would be of inestimable value in determining distribution. Monthly lists are not only possible but entirely feasible and within the reach of all who work in the field a little. Of course these monthly lists will not be complete, not even for the best of us, and likely not even if we could spend all our time in the field studying, for birds are not stationary structures and man's ability is limited, but they will be not less interesting for that reason. The check-book method of recording briefly field studies en- sures annvial, seasonal and monthly lists, for the record is a daily record. It is not complete, to be sure, but what is recorded is definite. It is also the easiest sort of record to keep. It can be made to give records of special localities if the observer wishes Thus the writer's check- book records the birds found at the water-works reservoir, on the col- lege campus, in his yard, at Oak Point, while giving the whole general record, all in one column for each species for one day. Simply trans- cribing gives each list, or only one, at one's pleasure. At best book- keeping is irksome, but here the labor is small for the results obtained. Furthermore, the records, when there are any, are definite even if meagre. They may be made as full as one pleases. Our plea is for more field study looking toward the exact determination of the birds of your region. Work easily, but carefully. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. Bird Life Stories, Book One, by Clarence Moores Weed. The book contains twenty-four chapters, each chapter treating of one familiar species. The author ha.s taken the text from the writings of one of four of our most famous writers upon bird life, and therefore the book is designed as a classical reader wholly devoted to birds. The four writers— Alexander Wilson, John James Audubon, Thomas Nut- tall, and Charles E. Bendire are sufficient guaranty of the matter ■elected for these twenty-four familiar birds. The book is clearly designed on the lines of The Nature Calendar series which the author of this book has begun for the purpose of combining the usually unin- teresting part of learning to read with a training of the senses to r«cog- nize the pupil's natural surroundings. It is unfortunate that the excellent quality of the text and general makeup of this admirable book should he marred by the quality of the colored pictures. The three color photograph process is responsible for not a little of the trouble, the mechanical process of printing being evidently carelessly done, but the taxidermy is not always satisfactory. We shall await the appear- ance of the other two numbers of this series with interest. The series is published by the Rand, McNally Company, Chicago. L. J. Wild Birds in City Parks. By Herbert Eugene Walter and Alice Hall Walter, Third Edition. 'The new features of this edition are the addition of forty-five bird —the majority of which are shore and water birds — and a simple field •62 Publications Received key.' Following 'General Hints' designed to aid in placing the birds under observation in the proper group, a brief description of each of the 145 species treated is given, with the names of other species with which it might be confused. There is a 'Table of Occurrence' giving the number of mornings out of the 454, during the years from J.898 to 1903 inclusive, when each was recorded. A 'Table of Arrival,' arranged systematically by families shows at a glance the yearj month, and day of the first appearance of each species. A chapter of 'General Hints' upon the water and shore birds, where the larger groups are given, is followed by 'Particular Hints' upon each of the water birds given. A 'Migration Chart,' 'Key,' 'Glossary' and 'Supplemental List,' with the index, complete this closely packed little book of 66 pages. Inside the back cover there is a large checked blank for recording the migrations of the sjiecies given in the book, with additional spaces for other birds. This little book cannot fail to be of great service to those who, living in large cities, would know the birds which may be found in the parks. L. J. Gleanings No. III. The Haunts of the Golden- winged Warbler. By J. Warren Jacobs. Published by the author. This thirty page brochure contains an admirable account of the summer haunts of the Golden-winged Warbler in the region of Waynes- burg, Pa., from studies carried on every summer since 1891. The whole subject of nesting is interspersed with interesting descriptions of the region and with unusually good half-tones of both the region and the nesting places and nests. A color chart prepared by hand, and half-tone of a series of eggs close the work, with descriptions of sets of eggs. Mr. Jacobs is to be congratulated upon this close study of a little known warbler, and its clear presentation in interesting form. L. J. Uirds of the Huachuca Mountains, Arizona. By Harry S. Swarth. Pacific Coast Avifauna No. 4. Cooper Ornithological Club of Cali- fornia. April 15, 1904. In two pages of introduction the author acquaints us with the mountain range, its position and physical features. Sixty-three pages are devoted to 195 species and subspecies, most of them being copiously annotated. The paper is a model of faunal literature, treating of a very interesting region. L. J. The Metallic Colors of Feathers from the Sides of the Neck of the Domestic Pigeon. By R. M. Strong, Reprinted from the Mark Anni- versity Volume, Article XIII, pp. 263-277, plate XX, 1903. This important contribution is the result of long continued careful study of the phenomena of metallic color reflections, chiefly from the neck of the domestic jjigeon. Dr. Strong seems to have well nigh ex- hausted the lines of investigation and concludes that 'The metallic •colors of these feathers Jare probably thin-plate interference colors or The Wilson Bulletin — No. 47 63 Newton's rings effects which are produced where sjjherical pigment granules come in contact with the outer transparent layer. The pig- ment also has the very important function of absorbing light not re- flected to the eye as metallic color. The colors seen without a micro- scope are mixtures of colors from innumerable small points.' L. J. Birds from Benguet Province, Luzon, and from the Islands of Lu- bang, Mindoro, Cuyo, and Cagayancillo. By Richard McGregor. Bulletin of the Philippine Museum, No. 3, January .30, 1904. This number of the Philippine Museum Bulletin is devoted to Zoographical Notes for Lubang, Mindoro, Verde, Cuyo, Agutaya, Cag- ayancillo, and Benguet Province, Luzon, to Undescribed Plumages and Notes on the Rarer Species, to New Localities for Known Species, and to a list of Species from Irisan, Benguet Province, Luzon. L. J. Birds of Alleghany and Garrett Counties, Western Maryland. By G. Eifrig. From The Auk, Vol. XXI, No. 2, April, 1904. The author prefaces the list proper with a brief but lucid discus- sion of the i)hysical features of the region and the intricate life zones as illustrated by birds, mammals, and plants. The list contains mention of 180 species, with brief annotations. We welcome it as a thoroughly reliable local faunal list. L. J. Wisconsin Arbor and Bird Day Annual, 1904. Compiled by Maud Barnett. Issued by C. P. Cary, State Superintendent. This hundred page magazine is prepared with special reference to the school children, with pictures, sketches of birds and trees, selec- tions of poetry, and articles written expressly for this Annual, or se- lected for their fitness. A number of full page photographs of trees from nature by A. W. Mumford, of Chicago, add to the attractiveness of the pages. The compiler has done a good work which will certainly stimulate nature study among the children for whom it was intended. L. J. Discovery of the Breeding Area of Kirtland's Warbler. By Nor- man A. Wood. From Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club, Vol. V, pp. .3-13, March, 1904. This interesting accovmt of the uncovering of the last warbler mys- tery is accompanied by four half-tones of nests and typical conditions of breeding, and a half-tone of the only egg found. Mr. Wood has here given us really more information about this rare bird, whose nesting was unknown until he discovered it, than we have of several other warblers. He has also given us careful and numerous illustrations of the song as heard in the breeding grounds. It is interesting to notice that none of the songs which he has transcribed for us resemble that which the writer listened to for a full half hour in Oberlin (see Wilson Bulletin, No. .32, page 2, July, 1900.) We can only hope that collectors will respect the rights of these birds to life, liberty and the pursuit of 64 Publications Received happiness instead of rushing in and causing their extermination. L. J. The Migration Route of Kirtland's Warbler. By Chas. C. Adams^ Bull Mich. Ornith. Club, Vol. V, pp. 14-21, March, 1904. This second contribution to the life history of kirtlandi, an at- tempt to determine its route of travel from the Bermudas, its winter home, to its known breeding range in Michigan, is well timed. It is accompanied by a like study of the migration route of the Prothono- tary Warbler, both being illustrated by maps. This discussion is neces- sarily limited to the known occurrences of the bird, and from the data at hand its route of migration seems to be from its winter home west- ward to the Mississippi river, thence north to the mouth of the Ohio, one branch continuing up the Mississippi to St. Paul, on its course giving off branches at the Illinois river, the birds reaching southern Michigan by skirting the southern end of Lake Michigan, and another branch entering northern Illinois. The Ohio offshoot again divides, one course being up the Ohio to Cincinnati, the other up the Wabash to northern Indiana and northern Ohio and eastern Michigan, there following the course of Lake Huron to Mackinac. The course thus pursued almost exactly corresponds to the post-glacial drainage of the regions covered. No doubt the birds pass further up the Ohio and finally cross to Lake Erie by one of the main tributaries, possibly the Muskingum or Scioto. Now that this bird has been brought so promi- nently before us there should be additional records of migrating birds. L. J. Unpublished Letters of John James Audubon and Spencer F. Baird. By Rutbven Deane. From "The Auk," Vol. XXI, No. 2, April, 1904. This paper consists of a letter from Baird to Audubon, and Audu- bon's reply, concerning Audubon's proposed western trip, and a recom- mendation of Baird to a position in the "National Institute," by Audubon. These letters give us a hint of the esteem in which Audu- bon, then sixty-two years old, held Baird, then but nineteen. L. J. Warbler Songs and Notes. By G. Eifrig. Reprinted from the Ottawa Naturalist, Vol. XVIII, 1904. This paper is given to brief descriptions of the songs of 22 of the warblers which visit the region of Ottawa. L. J, Amateur Sportsman, The Vol. XXX, Nos. 5, 6, Vol. XXXI, Nos. 1, 2 American Ornithology, Vol. IV, Nos. 4, 5. Atlantic Slope Naturalist, The, Vol. I, No, 6. Bird-Lore, Vol. VI, No. 3. Condor, The, Vol. VI, Nos 2, 3. Journal of the Maine Ornithological Society, The, Vol. VI, No. 2. Maine Sportsman, The, Vol. 11, Nos. 127, 128, 129. Monthly Bulletin, The, of the Division of Zoology, Pa. State Dept. Agri., Vol I, Nos. 4. 11-12, Vol II, No. 1. Naturaliste Canadien, Le, Vol. XXXI, Nos. 2, 3. Ohio Naturalist, The, Vol. IV, Nos. 5, 6, 7. THE WILSON BULLETIN NO. 48 A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHLOGY VOL. XVI. SEPTEMBER, 1904 NO. 3 NOTES ON THE HOLBOELL GREBE ( Colymbjis holbirllii ) BY ROBERT J. SIM. Learning of the capture of a Holboell Grebe near Ashta- bula, O., I set out on the first opportunity — Feb. 21, 1904 — to see if I could procure the bird. I found it in the possession of Mr. J. J. Topper of Plymouth. This man said that the bird had been seen in the neighborhood for about a week when he took it in thinking to prevent it from starving. It seemed to have come down to a pond near by which was cov- ered with a sheet ot "glary" ice, and was unable to rise. Judg- ing from the tracks in the snow as Mr. Topper said, the bird had been trying to reach some wild rose hips that still clung to the bushes. Before the grebe came into my possession strips of fresh fish and raw oysters had been offered it to no purpose, but a little piece of bread had been forced down its throat. This must have been about all the nourishment the bird had had for nearly two weeks. I found it exceedingly thin but able to run about. Bringing it home I kept it in a room where we saw much of each other every day. On the third day of May it was liberated on a small clear pond near Mills Creek, west of Jefferson. Thus it will be seen that this bird was kept in confinement for over two months, during which time opportunity for considerable study was afforded. Below its various occupations and actions are described as closely as my notes allow. 68 Notes on the Holboell Grebe FOOD, feeding and DRINKING. On the first day strips of raw meat and fresh lettuce were placed in a dish of water before the grebe. These were poked tentatively, then fished out onto the floor, but not eaten. The bird seemed inclined to flop himself into the dish. Towards night two small pellets of raw beef steak were forced down his throat. On the second day I placed a four inch wild fish (shiner?) in a dish filled with water. This was set on the floor in front of the bird. He gave the fish a slight poke whereupon it swam around violently. Making a quick thrust he caught it, grasping it crosswise with the bill — not impal- ing it. The fish then went through a course of pinching from head to tail, being hitched along from side to side in the bill. It was then turned about and gulped down head first. Later in the day three out of four strips of raw white-fish were eat- en, each about the size of a man's finger. These the grebe bruised and .shook until small fragments flew several feet around. At this time of the year Hve food was scarce, but we succeeded in finding a few small aquatic animals. By the twenty-seventh of February the grebe had eaten — all volun- untarily — the following: ID live gold fish — 2 to 5 inches long. 2 pieces raw steak (taken from water). 1 four-inch wild fish. 2 large tad-poles. 7 medium sized dragon-fly larvae. In swallowing the large gold-fishes the birds jaws seemed to be distended laterally and he gulped so violently that the back of his head struck his back with a hollow "tunking" sound. This operation apparently jarred the fish past the sticking point. When very hungry the grebe swallowed the fishes alive. Of the cray fishes offered him only the small or soft ones were eaten, and no great relish was shown. Earth- worms, when their season came, were eaten with avidity, but raw beef-steak (lean) was the principal article of diet with the bird during his stay with us. This came to be taken from the hand, the floor, or water indifferently. In swallowing food the grebe always threw his head outside the normal in violent gulpings, in this respect, as in most, differing from a contemporary coot captive which drew the food into his The Wilson Bulletin — No 48 69 throat simply by movements of the tongue and jaws. Unless the diver had already been filled up he invariably ate all the earth-worms and beetles which were placed in the coot's dish. Only once did the bird really drink, I believe. This was on the first day of our companionship when I put him into a small tank of water. On this occasion he drank eagerly, im- mersing the bill for an instant, then tipping the head back after the manner of most birds, and repeating this n)any times. BATHING AND PREENING It seems strange that a water-bird should be so indifferent to his natural element. When placed in a tank of clear water, warm or cold, our bird became very wet and soon tried to jump out. After his bath he looked snake}', so closely did the wet feathers adhere to his slender body. I do not think, however, that the under-lying down became much wet ; for the bird usually managed to dry himself in an hour or two. A regular bath, such as he took at once after being re- leased, consisted of much water treading, plunging and flap- ping. In fact the feathers could scarcely be raised one from another they were so completely soaked. In drying and replacing the feathers the bill was thrust, open into the plumage, then closed and flicked outward, send- ing drops of water in all directions. The bill was worked over every part of the plumage except, of course, that of the head, and this was rubbed vigorously on the back and wings; or was scratched with the middle-toe nail of the rapidly vibrating foot. When I gently scratched or rubbed the back or sides of the grebe's head he immediately rubbed his head on his back as though the sensation that my scratching caused sug- gested his own method of producing it. When the bird's back was scratched no such movements were observed. In preen- ing the feathers of the breast and belly he would stand nearly erect on his toes, retaining this position for .several seconds, then would step along so as to rest on a dry spot. Often the bird stood up vigorously and frankly, flopping his wings for several seconds at a time. I say frankly because in contrast the coot had a timid, furtive way of doing it. SLEEPING. The grebe slept from dark until dawn, and generally for about an hour after a hearty meal. In roosting he ordinarily a. CO O H o Z o o ■§> w o 9 O The Wilson Bulletin — No. 48 71 lay on his keel, his feet projecting behind. As the bird be- came sleepy the feathers gradually fluffed out and the head settled dou-n upon the back. Soon one foot would be seen to twitch slightly. This twitching and curling up of the toes would increase in violence until, with a preliminary rapid waving movement the foot was tucked ujider the wing which in turn was quickly covered with the flank feathers. Then the other foot was similarly hidden. Thus the feet were en- tirely concealed beneath the wings and feathers, not even the heel-joints .showing. While in this position the bird allowed me to lay back the feathers and then gently rai.se the wing. The flat, flipper- like foot was found to lie at full length against the warm, down-covered side of the body, the toes reaching nearly to the •'arm-pit." After tucking his feet away one by one, he would draw his head far back and with a peculiar wagging motion, settle it amongst the feathers of the back. With this movement the bill was thrust quite out of sight among the feathers on either side of the neck, more commonly on the right side. NOTES. Early in the morning what seemed to be the song was heard. It consisted of a series of cough-like notes '' Cah Call Call'' the bird would say, shaking his head in a most painful manner. This song, if it could be called such, was given four or five times at dawn, and each consisted of four or five of the coughs. When frightened into a desire to in- spire fear the grebe opened his mouth very wide ( by moving both halves) and gave a rather loud scream which became grating, like the crow's song, towards the end. It somewhat resembled a whinner though, of course, was not so loud. A much more pleasing note than either of the above may be sug- gested by the syllables, " Wit-' tali,'' — not loud but rather high, the first part being higher than the second. It was usually given when the bird had just taken wing exercise, or had waddled across the room. It was often given, too, when the bird's back was stroked. SWIMMING AND DIVING. In swimming he sat rather deep, the tail and heels usually being submerged. At all times when folded the wino^s were 72 Notes on the Holbcell Grebe quite concealed under the side and flank feathers and humer- als. In ordinary swimming the feet struck out alternately. The tarsi extended downward and outward. In diving the bird was not observed to spring forward in the common grebe manner, but rather let himself down very quickly as though drawing his head back through a hole. When it was below the surface I could scarcely realize that the creature before me was a bird, so slender was he and so swiftly did he dart about and shoot through the tangle of aquatic vegetation. It was amazing. The wings were entirely covered by the feathers and the feet struck out simultaneously at the sides, far astern. Their movements could scarcely be followed. STANDING AND WALKING. Contrary to the common belief in regard to grebes, this individual was never seen to rest upon his heels, though ob- served untiringly. The ordinary standing position was with the body|somewhat inclined forward, the shoulders humped up, and the tarsi descending forward and outward on a slant — and so entirely free from the ground. The bird could stand for nearly a quarter of a minute or run ten or twelve feet be- fore'dropping to his breast. While vigorously preening or jabbing at his feathers he would sway around and sometimes had to take a step or two to regain balance. He seemed to become 'fatigued after standing for a moment, the strain being felt most, I think, in the toe-joints and in the muscles and tendons^which flex the digits; for even with the tarsus slop- ping back as it did (see sketch) the toes were necessarily pressed'upward to an unnatural degree. This conclusion was strengthened by the fact that the toe-joints became much swoUen.and developed corn-like protuberances. In pattering rapidly^^along the bird held his body in a semi-erect attitude and it swayed but little, on account of the quickness of the steps; but when walking slowly along he swung noticeably to the side whose leg for the moment supported his weight. He sometimes took food from the floor without first lying down, though he usually assumed the ventropodal position when feeding. When going under chairs and other low ar- ticles the bird progressed in short leaps, giving a spring with both legs together and coming down on his breast. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 48 73 CURIOSITY, FEAR, ETC. When curiosity and suspicion were aroused the bird's neck was upstretched very slim and the feathers of the body, too, were pressed close. The feet were drawn up under the body at the sides ready for a leap. The suspicious object was regarded intently with one eye at a time. When frightened and disturbed the bird either ran and tumbled to the darkest corner, or defended himself by delivering powerful; blows with the nearly closed bill. During the first few days the bird bit me go often and so viciously that my hands were covered with scratches; but thereafter learned that it was useless'to try to intimidate me thus. When the coot was let loose'in the grebe's room a fight soon took place in which the gray fellow silently bit and scratched with bill and nail, while the grebe sat raining blows with his spear like bill. Their wings were raised threatingly but, I think, not used. Fearing that one might hack the other "into pieces small" I parted them and no more trouble followed during their week of companionship. COLOR, SENSE, MEMORY, ETC. During the first few days of the grebe's stay with us we fed him gold-fish which were taken from a dish by the use of a small net made of white mosquito bar. Soon, however, when the bird saw me pick up the net, he hurried over expecting, ap- parently, to see a gleaming fish drop out. And the moment I even drew a white handkerchief from my pocket he came tod- dling up with outstreched neck, eagerly watching every movement. Thus I could amuse my friends by making our pet come to calls or signals which, by themselves, would have no effect whatever. A gray overcoat or a long yellowish gray smock had no terrors for the grebe, but let me enter the room with a broad brimmed gray hat or a scarlet or black skull cap on my head and he would make for the darkest corner, A dark red gown worn by my sister had a similar effect, though most dresses did not frighten him. He would rest on the hand or lie contentedly on my knee as long as allowed to do so, or would climb onto my foot and let me raise him up on it. But all this was changed the mo- ment that the bird was liberated. He swam at once to the farther side of the pond, and do what I would he would not 74 Ornithological Reconnoissance return nor could I approach within many feet of him. He was just as shy as any wild grebe and paid no attention to pieces of meat tossed out to him. He saw me then as he has seen men before. I was no longer the great mass standing over him. One is reminded of the little girl at the menagerie who couldn't see the elephant. There he was towering up before her; but he was so big that she could make nothing of him, so she still asked, "Where is the elephant ? " AN ORNITHOI.OGICAL RECONNOISSANCE OF THE GRAND RESERVOIR, OHIO, IN 1904. BY W. F. HENNINGER The fact that in former years the Grand Reservoir, in Mercer and Auglaize counties, Ohio, was an interesting place for birds, as also that in Dawson's recent investigations it re- ceived but scant attention, induced Mr. Karl Heilraann, of Tififin, and myself to take a summer trip to the Reservoir, to find out what the conditions of biid life would be at the pres- ent time. Along the northern side of the Reservoir is the pike from St. Marys to Celina, the tracks of the Lake Erie & Western R. R. and the Western Ohio Traction Co. It is ob- vious that this part of the Reservoir showed nothing of interest concerning birds. The western part from Celina to the south- east showed us one interesting species, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, for the finding of this bird at this lime of the year would tend to strengthen Mr. Oberholser's only breeding record for this species in the state. The basis of our work and supplies was Montezuma, on the southwest end of the Reservoir, a quiet little village, the monotony of which is changed only by the advent of a stranger, or an occasional dog fight in which most of the citizens participate with great glee. There we heard that the oil wells in the Reservoir had driven the nesting birds out quicker than anything else. The Cormorants had ceased to nest since 1886, the Gad wall even before that. One of the natives told me he had nut seen a young duck for the last four years, though Mallards and Blue-winged Teal were supposed to nest there still. This did Thk Wil.^on Butj.etin — No. 4S 75 not ^eeni very encouraging and the first day on the water, which was higher than for the last 13 years, onl}- confirmed this. We saw great numbers of the Great Blue Heron, flocks of 18 and 25. and one Coot, the only one seen on the trip, and one bird which by elimination we thought to be the Sand- hill Crane, but identification was not as satisfactory as it should have been. As soon as we reached the oil derricks bird life was extinct. We rowed back in a fierce gale and concluded to start out bright and early the next mor.iing on the pike to St. Marys. So 6 a. m., July 2, found us out on the road with hip boots, gun and camera. After walking nine miles to the east we turned off to the Reservoir, and three miles east of the oil wells struck a place which was promising. The trees fring- ing the Reservoir were standing in about three feet of water, mostly willows, water ash and a few oaks. With their green arches they were keeping almost every ray of sunlight away from the oozy recesses beneath. Spotted Sandpipers and Red- starts were common and in a few moments I saw a female of the Prothonotary Warbler, w^hich we observed for about five minutes. Later on in a similar place we saw another female of tlie same species. This would indicate that it is still a very rare summer resident at the Reservoir. The call note, to my ear, faintly resembled the chirp of the Yellow Warbler, while the colors in general, setting aside the size, would remind one of the lilue- winged Warbler minus the wing bars. In this shady retreat we also found the Chestnut-sided Warbler in s-everal specimens. Most likely they had bred in the neigl.boorhood. Rowing across a space of open water we soon tnterid a dense swampy margin and here was the only place where the Long-billed Marsh Wren could be found, and then sparingly only, not to be compared with the vast num- bers at the Sandusky Bay marshes. Bitterns were booming plentifully, but the Least Bittern was not there. Gallinules and Rails were also absent, while a Wapakoneta sportsman, who is also a practical taxidermist, had found a nest of the King Rail on the previous week off Russell's Point at the Lewiston Reservoir. After poking around in the cat- tails for a while, we suddenly started a female Blue-winged Teal, but in spite of a very diligent search, we did not find the nest. The 76 Ornithological Reconnoissance bird was in an excellent condition and flew rapidly away, prov- ing that she was in no way a crippled bird. Evidently the Blue- winged Teal is a rare summer resident at the Grand Reser- voir. No other water birds were seen. Tree Swallows and Martins v,eve very common and i am surprised to see how commonly, in northern Ohio, the Purple Martin takes to the woods and swamps to nest, and how rare comparatively the species is, while in southern Ohio, it is hardly ever seen away from the bird houses and is a common bird. The ordinary Ohio land birds were all common at the Reservoir with the exception of the House Wren, which was rather rare. All told 67 species of birds were heard or seen. It certainly does not pay an ornithologist to make a visit to the Grand Reservoir, except in the migration seasons, the Ivicking Reservoir no doubt being the most profitable inland body of water in Ohio. The interesting things which Mr. Dury found at the Grand Reservoir in former years are gone for good, and after coming to this conclusion we wearily tramped the nine miles back to Montezuma, packed our grips and went home. JULY FOURTH CENSO-HORIZONS, 1904. Judging from the writer's experience, the Independence Day bird work was far less interesting and inspiring than the May migration work, and it was entered into with that lack of enthusiasm which summer heat is pretty certain to bring about. However, the work actually done proves that there is, after all work to be done in sunnner which will count quite as much as the May work in the final result. Heat, foliage, and last but not least, insects, make bird study in summer irksome. Take away the annoyance of the insects and I venture to assert that the present hesitancy about going into the woods in July would give place to commendable enthusiasm. L,et us hope that so much of the millennial time will soon come. The reports which have been received cover a pretty wide range of country, but are not as well scattered as the May re- ports. They are interesting in disclosing what are in the breed- ing birds of the several regions. One would suppose that a The Wilson Bulletin— No. 48 77 larger number of breeding birds might easily be found in each of the regions represented. The regions from which reports have been received, be- gining in the extreme east, follow: Woods Hole, Mass. R. L. Baird, I. A. Field, and Lynds Jones. 5 to 7 and 8 to 12 a. m., i to 5 p. m. Mani- land in the morning. Nonamesset Island and the surrounding water the latter part of the morning and afternoon. Little work done after dinner hour. Weather fair. Crosswick, N. J. Charles H. Rogers. First hunt 5:50 to 8 then 9:25 to 5:05. Weather fine. From Crosswick through Yardville to and around Laurie's Pond and return. EnglEwood, N. J. George E. Hix. Mostly damp woods and extensive marsh; no fields or orchards and only about a mile of road. 7:15 a. m. to 6:55 p. m. Weather fine. Canandaigua, N. Y., and vicinity. Frank T. Antes. 4:30 a. m to 5 p. m. on July 4th; 8 to 10 a. m. on July 5th. Village of Canandaigua, five miles of lake shore, a marsh at the foot of the lake, and a small tract of woodland about seven miles up the lake. Weather fine. GrasmerE Rhinebeck, N. Y. Clinton G. Abbott and Maunsell S. Crosby. 6 to 8 and 9 to 10 a. m. Area cov- ered about 150 acres. Fine day. Cupola, Welsh Mountain, Chester County, Pa. Thos. D. Keim and Chreswell J. Hunt. 5 a. m. to 7 p. m. Di.stance covered over 15 miles. Weather Fine. Geneva, O. A. W. Galpin and Robert J. Sim. Cowles Creek marsh and lake shore. 4:30 to 12 a. m. Hot day, partly clear, becoming rainy p. m. 20 acres in the marsh, and woods and thickets near. Waterford, Oakland County, Mich. Alexander W. Blain, Jr. 9 a. m. to 7:30 p. m. Warm day, showers in p. m. In Woods, fields, meadows, marshes, streets of town, a- long railroad tract, and along the lakes. Hope, Kans. O. H. Pea.se. i to 2:40 p. m. Heavy rain the night before, day warm, partly cloudy and sultry. A small grove and hedge fence. Distance about i Yi miles . 78 JuLv Fourth Censo-Horizons, 1904 I o-i -gW gW =< «>^^„ ^^. ^ ^1 *f^ =^t^ -Sa io ;sh £^'o as • ^^ aw 1^ ^ H J S 2 ^^ O O Loon 8 2 Herring Gull 2 Laughing Gull 2 Common Tern c Roseate Tern c Mallard 5 Wood Duck 1 American Bittern x Broad- wmged Hawk 1 Least Bittern 2. . . 2 Great Blue Heron 2 1 Green Heron 2... 3 x 3 1 Blk-crowned Night Heion x.... 1 American Woodcock 1 . . . . Spotted Sandpiper 4 x..x 4... 6 Bartramian Sandpiper 2 Killdeer 1 x 8.. 3... 4.... Bob-white 1 x 1 1 Ruffed Grouse 1 . . . . Mourning Dove 2 x.. x.... 1 2. ...15 Turkey Vulture 5 4 Marsh Hawk 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk x Red-tailed Hawk 1 Red shouldered Hawk x White-winged Scoter.... 1 Am. Sparrow Hawk 6 2 Screech Owl 2 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1....1 3 1.... Belted Kingfisher 3... 4 x. . x. . . . 1. . 2. . . 1. . . . Hairy Woodpecker ,. ... 2 x.... 1 1.... Downy Woodpecker 6.... 1 x 3 3.... Red headed Woodpecker 4.. 3... 2.... Northern Flicker 4... 17.... 1.... x . x.... 8.. 5... 6.... 8 Whip-jjoor-will 1 . . . . Nighthawk Chimney Swift 10. ..40.... 4.... x.. x.... c. .10. . .15. . . . Ruby-throat Hum'gbird.. 3 x 1 1 The Wilson Bulletin-No. 48 79 Kincybird 5... 7.... 1.... x.. x.... f).. 6... 10.... 10 Crested Flycatcher -i. . . . 2. . . . x. . x 1...3.... Phoebe 1.... 1.... X.. x.... 5.. 2... 6.... Wood Pevvee 10... 5 x.. x.... 3.. 3... 5.... Green-crested Flycatcher ...2....1 1 Least Flycatcher x Prairie Horned Lark 2... 10.... Blue Jay 2....1 X....7 1....2 American Crow c... 8.... 6.... x.. x c. 9. ..20.... Starling 1 Bobolink l....x..x 30.... Cowbird 4. . . 4. . . . 4 . . . . x. . x 8.... 2 Red winged Blackbird... c... 1 11 x.. x C..20... c Meadowlark 2... 19 x.. x c a Western Meadowlark 8 Orchard Oriole 4 X....4 1....7 Baltimore Oriole 3 1. . . . x. . x. . . . 1 2.... 11 Purple Grackle x.... 1 x.... c Bronzed Grackle c x 10.... c Purple Finch x American Goldfinch 5... 2 x.. x.... 8.. 3... c... 1 Vesper Sparrow 10... 1.... 1.... x.. x a.. 3... 4 Savanna Sparrow x.. x Grasshopper Sparrow X....9 1.... Lark Sparrow Chipping Sparrow 10. . .22. . . . 4 . . . . x. . x. . . . 3. . 1. . . c. . . . Field Sparrow 4. . . 5. . . . 3. . . , x. . x. . . . c. . 4 Song Sparrow c. . .25 . . . .35. . . . x.. x.... c.ll... a.... Swamp Sparrow 2 .... 9 Towhee C...3....1 X....13 2.... Cardinal 1 1 ; Rose-breasted Grosbeek 2.. ..2 x 1.... Indigo Bunting 2. . . 2. . . . 4. . . . x. . x. . . . 5. . 3. . . 5. . . . Dickcissel 15 Scarlet Tanager 2.... 1.... x.. x.... 4.. 1... 1.... Purple Martin 1.... . x 4 C....2 CliffSwallow 1 10.... Barn Swallow c...l2 2 x.. X....11.. 5... a 5 TreeSwallow 2 3 4.... Rough winged Swallow 4 x 6 2 Cedar Wax wing c 6.... x.. x 1... 8.... Migrant Shrike ... 1.... Red-eyed Vireo c. . .17. . . . 14. . . x.. x.... c. 5... 2 Warbling Vi'eo 1 x.. .x 5.... Yellow-throated Viero 4 x.. x White-eyed Vireo 3 3 Bell's Vireo 2 Black and White Warbler 2. .. 2 x.. x 8o Spring Migration Along Lake Erie's Shore Worm-eating Warbler 1 x.... 2 Golden- winged Warbler x Yellow Warbler c... 5.... 3 x.. x.... 1.. 1 5 Chestnut-sided Warbler. . c 1 x 2 Prairie Warbler c Blkthroat green warbler, c Northern Parula Warbler 1 Kentucky Warbler 2 Oven-bird c... 3 9 x.. x 6 1 Louisiana Water-Thrush 2 x..x Northern Yellow-throat. . c... 5 9 x c. 3... .... Yellow-breasted Chat 1 1 6..1 American Redstart 2 4....x..x 4.... Mockingbird 1 Catbird C...12....11 x.. x c. 3... 2. ...12 Brown Thrasher c... 4 x 4.. 1... 1 15 House Wren ... 4 x 7 1 3 Long-billed Marsh Wren 8 x 2...1 White breasted Nuthatch ... 1 8 x.. x 1 Tufted Titmouse 5 1 Chickadee 6 x..x 3 Carolina Chickadee 2 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher c Wood Thrush 3 2 x 4 5 Wilson Thrush 3 1 x. . x American Robin C...35 20 x.. x c.lO... 5 3 Bluebird 4... 3.... 3.... x.. x.... 2.. 4... 5.... 1 Hooded Warbler 9 3 SPRING MIGRATION ALONG LAKE ERIE'S SHORE. BY ROBERT J. SIM. While I was staying along the shore of Lake Erie near Geneva, Ohio, last May (1904) I was much interested in noting the diurnal flights of birds, which, the longshoremen assured me, occur every year. These flights took place on several fine days before the middle of the month. I made ob- servation only on days when the movement was not conspic- uous, that is, on May 7th, 12th and 13th. The weather was warm, the sky cloudless but hazy, and a rather strong south breeze was felt. The birds were all passing from west to east in a belt about one-fourth of a mile in width, the main body passing along over the beach. For the most part these flights were The Wilson Bulletin— No. 48 81 over before noon, and the earlier part of the morning seemed to be the favorite time. My notes are not complete because the flights were noticed a day or two before any records were kept, and because I had other bird work in hand and could not attend strictly to the migrators. The Raptores were well represented. Those which I shall call Buteo were not identified with absolute certainty though I should feel little hesitancy in calling them American Rough- legs. They were all of the same species. The size was that of the Red-shoulder or a trifle greater. The plumage above seemed to be rather dark, and below the birds were whitish with a dusky band varying in width and distinctness across the belly. The tails all appeared like that of a young Red- tail — that is, rather finely barred with dark and light. None of these birds stopped, but the Sharp-shins often did so, alighting among the trees and causing great disturbance among the small birds. Some of these small hawks had their crops vastly distended. Most of them were carefully looked at through an 8-power prism glass and were found with one exception to be in the brown, immature plumage. The Os- preys flew low, sometimes alighting on one of the trees along the bank. They varied much in the completeness of the necklace. The Blue Jays flew just above the top of the trees, some- times stopping for a moment in them. One flock stopped in an oak tree to feed. Nineteen seemed to be a favorite number for a flock, but they ranged from single birds to a flock of thirty. The flocks trailed out sometimes being in all a hun- dred yards long. These jays were absolutely silent except in the cases of stray ones. Below I give the species of birds, with the number seen, and the dates. MAY 7 MAY 12 MAY 13 Marsb Hawk 3 Sharp-shinned Hawk. 72 24 5 Cooper Hawk 2 Buteo 18 Am. Sparrow Hawk.. 2 1 1 Am. Osprey 5 1 Kingbird 13 Bluejay 120 few 148 82 Additions to List of Wixtkr Birds Am. Goldfinch 10 3 small flocks Am. Pipit 200 3 flocks 3 flocks On the 1 2th there was a conspicuous movement of swifts and swallows. They flew mostly in the fore part of the morning and towards night, going east. In the morning every one or two minutes a small company went by. In pro- portion they were as below : — Bank Swallow by far the most; Barn Swallow 2nd; Chimney Swift 3rd; Cliff Swallow 4th; Tree Swallow 5th ; Rough -winged seldom. In the afternoon the flight contintied from 3 to 6:30 p. m. Every two or three minutes a scattered, feeding flock of 20 to 50 passed along. Species as follows: Cliff Swallow predominating; Barn Swallow 2nd; Swift 3rd; Bank Swallow 4*^h and an occasional Tree Swallow. ADDITIONS TO LIST OF THE WINTER BIRDS OF WAYNE COUNTY, MICH. BY BRADSHAW H. SWALES. Since the publication of my list of the Winter Birds of Wayne county, Michigan, in The Wilson Bulletin, March, 1903, I have been able to add the following to the list of 61 species above recorded. 62. Larus argentatus. Herring Gull. Accidentally omitted. A common winter resident going north in late March. 63. Larus marinus. Black-backed Gull. Reported to be occasionally taken at the Flats in winter. One shot on the Detroit river during March, 1904, and .sent in to a local taxi- dermi.st. 64. LoPHODYTES cucuLLATus. Hooded Merganser. I observed a male December 3, 1903, at Belle Isle. Another was sent in later in the month to L. J. Eppinger. 65. Charitonetta albeola. Bufflehead. I noticed one bird at L. J. Eppinger' s which was .shot on the Detroit river in December, 1903. 66. Anas boschas. Mallard. A number were taken during December, 1903, on the Detroit river. 67. Anas oBvSCURA. Black Duck. Several observed Feb- ruary 3, 1903, on the lower part of the Detroit river. The Wilson Bulletin — No. 48 83 68. Nettion carolineNvSIS. Green-winged Teal. A late bird was shot in early December, 1903, off Fighting Island, by F. Bryant. 69. AcciPiTER ATRiCAPiLLUS. American Goshawk. J. B. Purd}' records a bird shot December 24, near Plymouth. (Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club, II, 38.) 70. Cerlyle alycon. Belted Kingfisher. Chas. Frei- burger records one January 14, 1903, at the Detroit Water Works. (Bull. Mich. Ornith. Club, IV, 28.) 71. PiNicoLA enucleator leucura. Canadian Pine Grosbeak. The first birds of this species were recorded in Wayne count}-, on November g, 1903, when two birds were shot near Detroit and sent in to L,. J. Eppinger. Jas. B. Pur- dy writes me that he shot one December 9th near Plymouth. On March 6, 1904, I met with two near Palmer Park, north of Detroit. SOME BARN SWALLOW NESTS. BY CHRESWELL J. HUNT. The Barn Swallows shape and vary their clay nests ac- cording to the site selected for them. The most common form seems to be that placed on the side of a beam, in which case the nest is usually in the form of a reversed half cone — the top being a half circle while the base is pointed. I also have a nest which was built where a lath projected two inches from the base of the beam. In this case the birds used this lath end for a foundation and built the nest above it. This nest is in the usual shape, the top being a half circle, but the bottom, where it rested upon the lath, is flat instead of pointed. An- other nest I have seen was placed in a corner where two boards came together at right angles. It had the usual pointed base but was exceptionally long. I have had a pair of Barn Swallows under observation for the past four summers. Their nests were built under the "barn-yard roof. They first built the nest, above referred to, placed upon the lath. They used this nest for two seasons when I removed it and sawed off the protruding lath. The next year they built a nest upon the beam right beside the 84 The Lawrence Warbler spot where the old one had been. This nest was of the usual pointed shape. Both of these nests were lined with straw — no feathers being used. This summer (1904) what I believe to be the same pair of birds built a nest on top of a strip of wood about five inches wide. This nest is shaped almost like a Phoebe's, being a high circular nest. The centre of this nest was made almost entirely of feathers into which the eggs sank and were almost hidden from view. While the female sat upon the nest lay- ing an egg the male would always be perched upon a near-by stick, apparently on guard. It is a wonder these birds selected this place for a nesting site as it is just above a door where people are passing every little while all day long. In constructing this nest the birds made themselves just about twice as much work as they would have had building one of the half cone style. As I be- lieve they were successful in rearing all their former broods this new style of nest was hardly built for more protection. Whether it is less arduous for them to build a nest on a solid foundation than to fasten it to the side of a beam 1 am unable to say. At any rate this circular nest took just about double the material for its construction. LAWRENCE WARBLER {^Helmintlwphila /aicrencei) BREEDING IN BRONX PARK, NEW YORK CITY. BY GEORGE E. HIX. On May 18, Dr. Wm. Wiegman found a typical male Lawrence Warbler (Helminthophila lawrencei') mating with a female Blue- winged Warbler {H. pinus). At that time they were collecting material but the nest was not found until after the young, six in number, were hatched. I first saw Lawrence on the nth of June. At that time the young had apparently been hatched a couple of days. On the 17th the nest was empty, but contained fresh excrement. When last seen there was nothing to show whether the young birds would be typi- The Wilson Bulletin— No. 48 85 cal pi)ius or tend toward lawrencei. This of course could not be determined until the juvenile plumage had been moulted and the first winter plumage assumed. The two songs heard were both different from that of the Blue-winged Warbler, being somewhat between that and the Golden-winged. AN ADDITION TO THE BIRDS OF OHIO BY LYNDS JONES. Mr. W. E. Ch'de Todd calls my attention to a record which entirely escaped my notice when compiling my 'Revis- ed Catalogue of the Birds of Ohio' . The published note fol- lows. 'Smith's Longspur in Ohio. By Clark P. Streator. Smith's Longspur (Calcarious pictus) Collected at Gar- retsville, Ohio, on Jan. 29/88. I observed a large flock of strange birds busily engaged in feeding upon the seeds of rag- weed. They would only stay a moment in a place and were very sh}', but I was lucky enough to secure two very fine specimens. I belive this to be the first time this species has been taken in Ohio'. Ornithologist and Oologist, 13, page 95-" This species should be added to the list of Accidendal spec- ies in the Revised Catalogue. ALL DAY WITH THE BIRDS. This may seem an inopportune time for discussing a sub- ject which has special reference to an all day study of the birds during the height of the spring migrations. It is cer- tainly true that this all day habit grew out of a special effort put forth to determine as nearly as possible what and how many species of birds might be found in a limited region in one day, but it has long outgrown merely that. These spring migration all day studies proved so valuable in many ways that entire days were given in other seasons to the 86 All Day With the Birds same sort of study, with no less interesting and valuable results. Some of my friends are making monthly records of the birds, planning at least four all day studies during each month. Some, with less opportunity for study, are making seasonal lists, based primarily upon three all day studies, one at the begining, one at the middle and one at the close of the season, supplemented by such records as may be made during the intervals. It is clear that the person who can spend a con- siderable time wnth the birds during each month will have at command monthl}-, seasonal and annual lists. In making any seasonal divisions one must largely disregard the calendar seasons and group the birds according to whether they are resident during the year, whether they are seen only during the winter months, or winter weather, or more exactly, whether they come from the north and spend the winter, whether they are transient visitors, passing the region twice each year, or whether they come from the south, breed and pass south again. Careful study will always disclose the group to which each species belongs during a series of years. If we would understand geographical distribution, local and general, fully, a considerable time must be spent with the birds at all seasons. While the mapping of areas of distribu- tion of birds must be based upon breeding birds, because it is during the breeding seavSon that they are really settled for a time, while at other times they are wandering about to a greater or lesser extent, their distribution during the winter season is no less interesting, and capable of throwing light upon some of the problems of summer distribution. The routes of migration mu.st also be regarded in the light of geo- graphical distribution, and the mapping of these routes is of more importance in the discussion of the di.stribution and origin of present da}- species than many persons think. These remarks apply principall}' to the question of continent distri- bution, it is true, but how are we to exactly know about such general distribution unless we begin with local distribution? Hence, the local list becomes of great importance as furnishing the material for such exact knowledge of general distribution. It may not be clear how the all day studies at any particular time bear upon this question of geographical di.stribution. My an.swer is that they furnish the means of knowing what The Wiuson Bulletin — No. 48 87 birds are in the region at the time of the studw Ten consecu- tive hours spent in a study of the birds only once a week will prove of more value in determining what birds inhabit the region than triple that number if scattered over the week in two hour lots, for the simple reason that the ground can be so much more thoroughly covered. The greatest value of the short studies lies in coming in touch with the birds often so they can be learned more readily. But it is one thing to learn the birds and quite another thing to learn what ones inhabit a given region. To you who must spend a considerable time learning the birds the shorter studies will be the more attract- ive, but once the task of learning is completeed, let the longer studies have a place, for the sake of the local list. The reader wall at once infer that 'All Day' bird studies for times not hitherto indicated will be suggested. At the risk of being considered an 'All Day' crank (might as well be killed for an old sheep as a lamb!) I want to propose to each reader who has become inoculated with this 'AH Day' germ some one full day's study in the succeeding months. The earlier in October such a study can be arranged the more birds will be recorded, but any day will be better than none. I would certainly be considered demented if I suggested Thanks- giving day for such activity, but iox students and educators, at least, the Saturday following the feast might prove both interesting and healthful. For December your services are already solicited. I would urge that Mr. Chapman be given hearty support in extending his Christmas Bird Census over the whole country. You cannot properly enjoy the day with* out getting near the heart of Nature. Another line of study is suggested elsewhere — that of la>-- ing more stress upon the fall migrations. It is now too late to note the beginnings of the southward movement by many of the breeding birds, but it is not too late to record the final de- parture of many species. Plan now to give next year's south- ward movement proper attention. 88 Some Needed Work SOME NEEDED WORK. Those who imagine that we are nearing the end of bird study — that there is not much left worth spending time upon — should search through all available bird books for such common things as most phases of breeding habits, the prob- lems of song, most questions relating to food and the manner and times of feeding, the effect of light and w^ear and age upon color of the feathers. In short, there is nothing j^et fully known even in the field of the more evident matters relating to the birds. In the less evident, having to do with mental processes, physiological processes and the like almost nothing has been done. An^-one should be able to throw light upon the questions of nest building, deposition of the eggs, period of incubation, young in the nest and out of it, and anything else relating to the life as revealed in the nesting season. There are doubtless more than a dozen species of birds nesting within your reach every year, and yet it is not a hazardous venture that you are ignorant about all of these suggested questions. Ought you to be? vSuch work will prove intensely interesting and of great value. It must certainly be within the reach of all who live where trees grow. For such work the birds need not be disturbed to the point of leaving the nest in order to carry on the necessary observations. If the nest is too high to be looked into without climbing too near it and where a step-ladder cannot be used, a small mirror on the end of a stick will often suffice. But if the study taxes your ingenuity, so much the better! The Wilson Bulletin — No. 48 89 THE WILSON BULLETIN A Quarterly Magazine Devoted to the Study of Living Birds Officiev.1 Organ of the Wilson OrnithologicaLl CI\ib Edited by LYNDS JONES PUBLISHED BY THE CLUB AT OBEBLIN, OHIO Price in the United States, Canada and Mexico, 50 cents a year, 15 cents a number postpaid. Price in all countries i'l the International Postal Union 65 cents a year, 20 cents a number. Subscriptions may be sent to Lynds Jones, Oberlin, Ohio, or to Mr. Frank L,. Burns Berwyn, Penn., or to Mr. John W. Daniel, Jr., Washington, D. C. EDITORIAL. The editor will be in Chicago, 111., from October 1st, until June 25. All communications and publications should be addressed to him at the University of Chicago, Chicago, 111., between those dutes, or until fur- ther notice. The editor spent another delightful summer at Woods Hole, Mass., and the islands in the vicinity, in company with Mr. n. L.Baird and Mr. I. A. Field. Nine days were spent on Muskeget island with Mr. Baird, and the other places of interest to an ornithologist were visited. Many interesting things were learned about the gulls and terns which will be shared with our readers later. A short trip among the lake Erie islands furnished an interesting comparison between the salt water and fresh water Common Terns. Much more consecutive time is needed before the whole history of the terns nesting in either region can be learned. We hojje that many bird students have undertaken a careful study of the autumn migrations, which began more than a month ago. We are now just in the midst of the southward movement, when fall work becomes the most interesting. The most important part of this fall work are the exact records of southward departure, or at least of that part of the work which remains of this season. Record should be kept of both last seen and the departure of the bulk of the species. Very few migration note books contain much information about any phase of the southward movement. Some of us have to be stay-at-homes all summer, and to such must we look for comjjlete records of the south- ward movement. 90 Editorial We are pleased to note that Mr. Frank M. Chapman, the best known writer on birds at the present time, has undertaken the task of collecting a complete life history of our warblers by the co-operative methods upon which oar Club was founded. Let every member of this Club and every reader of this BuLLETtN aid him in his good work to the full extent of your ability. There are possibilities in this field almost beyond conception if all who can will lend their aid. One great part of our work as a Club has been in raising up a generation of bird lovers who would know how to study the birds for furthering our knowledge of them. Now that an opportunity offers let us show Mr. Chapman that our efforts have been productive. We are also pleased to note that Science, for August 26, announces the establishment of ' A Station for the Study of Bird Life ' by Mr. Charles C. Worthington, at Shawnee, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, with Mr. William E. D. Scott in charge. Mr. Scott is well known as the Curator of the Department of Ornithology at Princeton University. He has written of his experiment with birds there, jjarticularly in re- gard to inheritance of song. This station is under the charge of the Worthington Society. All phases of bird life will be studied, under normal as well as artificial conditions. We may expect some valuable results from this establishment. Members and readers will be interested to know that Mr. J. War- ren Jacobs' collection of the ' Eggs of Native Pennsylvania Birds ' is now on exhibition at the St. Louis Worlds Fair. It is installed with the Pennsylvania economic zoological exhibit in the Palace of Agricul- ture. It contains the eggs of 159 species which have been known to nest within the state, several having been added to the collection since it was exhibited at the Chicago Worlds Fair, eleven years ago. All will be interested to see the collection about which Mr. Jacobs has written so entertainingly. Ill health has hastened the removal of our Vice-president, Rev. W. L. Dawson, to the Pacific coast. For the present his address will be Blaine, Washington. We trust that the bracing air and salubrious cli- mate of that region may speedily restore him to complete health and vigor. N. B. — The editor has concluded to issue a sheet of errata with the index, both to appear with the December Bulletin. He will be grateful for notice of any errors appearing in contributed articles. He will also be grateful for articles and notes intended for the December Bulletin. Everything intended for the December Bulletin should reach the edi- tor at his Chicago address not later than November 15. The Wilson Buli.etin — No. 48 91 NOMINATIONS FOR 1905. Nominations for officers for 1905 are now in order. The list of present officers and members may be found in the March, 1904, Bulle- tin. Every member should manifest interest enough in the Club to make full nominations. A postal card is sufficient to contain the re- quired number of names. Address it to Lynds Jones, University of Chicago, Chicago, 111. If you will give this matter your immediate at- tention there will be no dearth of nominations. IMPORTANT NOTICE : There are ready for distribution title pages for the following volumes of The Wilson Bulletin: New Series Vols. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11. All who wish these title pages may secure them by giving notice to the editor before the December number is mailed. Unless otherwise directed, all such requests will be met by enclosing the title pages wanted with the December Bulletin. They will be mailed earlier if a one cent stamp accompanies the request. 92 Notes NOTES. BOBOLINKS INCREASING AT BOULDER, COLORADO. Bobolinks, once supposed to be rare in Colorado, are common in at least three localities in Boulder county this year, and their songs have been much enjoyed by the writer and others. Last year I saw one east of Boulder and Dr. J. R. Brockett reported one on the University cam- pus at Boulder, and the year before Mr.L.C. Bragg took one near town, but this year I have seen about a dozen every day that I have visited one locality. Popularly our Lark Bunting has been oftencalled "Bobo- link," though there is no good reason for the confusion, as they are readily distinguished. Junius Hendhrson. A JANUARY KINGFISHER. On January 19th of this year I observed a Belted Kingfisher about two miles below this place on the bank of the Hudson river. The mer- cury stood at 2 degrees below zero and the river was frozen solid from shore to shore. I also recorded a bparrow Hawk the same day, but this is not un- usual as I have seen several during the past winter. Ossining, N. Y., May 6, '04. Frederick C. Hubel. NOTES ON THE NESTING OF THE BLACK TERN. On June 27, of this year, Mr. Karl Heilmann and the writer found a nest of the Black Tern with three fresh eggs in the Sandusky Bay marshes. The eggs were placed on a few broken fragments of old flags on what seemed to be a pancake of muck. After I had photographed the nest and eggs and put the dripping camera into the boat, I exam- ined the foundation. The pancake of muck rested on some floating vegetation. This in turn was resting on an old sunken muskrat house, probably three or four years old, which had formed a kind of a sub- marine decayed island. This would indicate that both Langdon as well as Jones and Dawson were right in their respective statements which seem to be at variance; it is the combination of both which gives US' the correct fact at least in this one particular instance. New musk- rat houses or those a year or so old were not used, though in abundance. We also saw a pair of Belted Piping Plovers on this date, the nest had probably been destroyed by a recent storm, which had ariven the waves of Lake Erie into the bay clear over the sand-dunes of the Cedar Point peninsula. W. F. Henninger. NORTHERN OHIO NOTES. Roseate Tern, {Sterna douyalli,) was found in a company of Com- mon Terns which were flying above Big Chicken island, lake Erie, August 26, 1904. While this island lies in Canada it is so near the bor- der of Ohio that the occurrence of this rare Ohio tern here should not The Wilson Bulletin — No. 93 be allowed to pass unnoticed. The bird was in full breeding dress, and gave evidence by its actions, of belonging to the island. Many of the other birds were in molt, but this specimen gave no evidence of molt. Black Tern.i Hi/drochclidoii nif/rd sin-inc?na)isis.) No birds were to be seen at their regular breeding places in the Sandusky marshes, August 24 to 27, but they were found in numbers at the Chicken islands with the Common Terns, most of them in transition molting i)lumage. Some had almost completed the molt, while others had scarcely more than begun. A few Black Terns were also found with small companies of Common Terns roosting on the sand spits among the Bass islands. It may be interesting to note that North Harbor island, which was a favorite breeding place for the Common Terns in 1901, gave little evidence of having been inhabited by more than a handfull of birds the past season. Likewise, Chick island, which was a low reef supi)orting a considerable growth of Smart- weed (Poli/c/anum) and numerous nesting terns in 1901, was reduced to a wave washed reef entirely devoid of either vegetation or tern nests on the day of our visit, August 26. However, roosting terns of both species, Herring and Bonaparte Gulls, were numerous enough to almost completely cover the rocks. The gulls were also in molting plumage. The lagoon of Middle Bass island, which yielded such rich bird life in 1901, was full to the brim, and surrounded by three feet of water on all sides. Consequently there were no mud flats, and no shore birds. A flock of Shoveller— decoys gave me palpitation of the heart until their true structure was revealed, when three small boys in a boat rowed through their midst. A single Least Bittern made an additional record for the lagoon. Black Terns were also in evidence here. Numerous Pied billed Grebes seemed entirely at home, and probably bred here during the summer, with the King Rails and Florida Gallinules. both of which were feeding everywhere. The only shore birds recorded among these islands were Sander- lings, Turnstones, Spotted Sandpipers and Killdeers. This was disap- pointing, in view of the records of others at Oberlin earlier in the month. I have noticed, however, that many of the shore birds seem to prefer in- land ponds and mud flats during their southward journey. Lynds Jones. 94 Publications Received PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. Some New Facts About the Migration of Birds. By Wells W. Cooke. Reprint from Yearbook of Department of Agriculture for 1903. In this interesting paper Professor Cooke discusses anew 'Causes of migration,' 'How do birds find their way,' 'Casualties during migration,' 'Distance of migration,' 'Routes of migration,' 'Relation of migration and temperature,' 'Variations in the speed of migration,' 'The un- known.' A careful review of this paper would involve reproducing much of it. Hence, the reader is referred to the Yearbook, access to which should be easy to all. Every local library should possess a copy, or the reprint may be secured through your congressman. L. J. Comparison of the Provisional Schemes of the Classification of Birds. By R. W. Shufeldt. Reprinted from the American Naturalist, Vol. 38, No. 448. In this valuable paper Dr. Shufeldt touches upon the various and varied systems of classification of birds in vogue now in different parts of the world, and rightly relegates our A. O. U. classification to the old Curvierian epoch. He shows that the world over there is no unanimity of opinion and practice in the limitation of the larger groups nor of the characters which should be assigned to the groups above species. He sees no immediate light for a uniform world classification, but concludes that only more exact knowledge of bird structure and general morphol- ogy will bring about any material improvement in the situation. Mean- while we may hope that our A. O. U. committee may be working along broad lines, looking toward this greatly needed world uniformity. L. J. The Economic Value of the Bob-white. By Sylvester D. Judd, Ph. D. Reprint from Yearbook of Department of Agriculture for 1903. Dr. Judd proves that Bob-white is not at all destructive to any sort of crops, but does great good in destroying enormous quantities of in- jurious weed seeds and insects. It possesses distinct; jesthetical value in addition to its value as a food. He concludes that it may be encour- aged to increase to such numbers that there will always be a surplus in the open seasons, thus permiting legitimate sport for those so inclined, while not endangering other interests. We heartily commend the pa- per to every person who may have the slightest interest in the bird. L. J. The Destruction of Birds by the Elements in 1903-04. Special Re- port, by Edward Howe Forbush, Wareham, Mass. Ornithologist to the State Board of Agriculture. From the fifty-first annual report of the Massachusetts state board of ag iculture. This paper is chiefly concerned with the discussion of the effect of the unusually severe winter and the following wet spring upon birds in Thk Wilson Bulletin — No. 48 95 general, especially in New England. The author concludes that large numbers of adult birds perished during the winter from lack of food and cold, and that the wet spring was responsible for the death of great numbers of nestling and young birds. Judging from my own studies of the terns and gulls which nest in the vicinity of Woods Hole, Mass., these storms did not materially affect these birds. The author makes a strong plea for the preservation of the birds by providing shelter and food in such severe winters, andemploying every possible means for pre- venting their destruction during unfavorable weather. L J. The birds of Erie and Presque Isle, Erie County, Pennsylvania. By W. E. Clyde Todd. Reprinted from Annals of the Carnegie Mus- eum, Vol. II, 1904. Pages 481 to 596, with three plates and one map. 237 species are here given as occuring in this limited area. 17 pages of introduction are concerned with a discussion of the physical features of the region and the grouping of the species treated according their mode of occurence. The copious annotations under each species are chiefly concerned with the occurence of the si)ecies in the region, with notes upon its occurence in contiguous regions. Mr. Clyde Todd has here given us a carefully prepared list of a region about which very little has thus far been written. We therefore welcome it as a further contribution to faunal literature. L. J. Amateur Sportsman, The. Vol. XXXI, Nos. 3, 4, 5. American Ornithology, Vol. IV, Nos. 7, 8. Bulletin of the Michigan Ornithological Club. Vol. V, No. 2. Bird-Lore. Vol. VI. No. 4. Condor, The. Vol. VI, No. 4. Maine Sportsman. Vol. XI, Nos. 130, 131, 132. Naturaliste Canadien, Le. Vol. XXXI, Nos. 5, 6, 7. Plant World, The. Vol. VII, Nos. 6, 7, 8. Transactions of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for 1903, Part II. Twentieth Annual Report, 1903, Agricultural Experiment Station University of W'isconsin. Twenty-third Annual Report, Cincinnati Museum Association, '03. THE - WILSON BULLETIN NO. 49 A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY VOL. XVI DECEMBER, J904 NO. 4 • KKARSARGE" BIRDS. BV K. II. AXn H. E. PORTKK. Kear.sarge, N. H., is situated in a narrow \alle\ of the White Mountains, having Moat Mountain and tlie noted White Horse ledges on the west, Mt. Kearsarge on the north, and Rattlesnake Range on the east. Through a "notcli" to the northwest, the railroad leads to P'ab^-ans and the higher peaks. Three villages are situated in this valley: Kearsarge, North Conwa>' and Inter\-ale. These villages are all interesting from an ornithologieal standpoint owing to the \er\- varied countr}-, but at Kearsarge village the birds are niainl\- lho.se of the woods and fields, alnio.st the only water being tlie dimin- utive Kearsarge Ijrook. Our summer home is some two hundred feet from the road, the inter\ening space being lawn, on which the (ioldfinches and Robins are especially numerous. With the exception of a few acres of haj'-fields, the remaining twenty-four acres of land are woods, througli which Kearsarge brook runs. This li.st was compiled during July, August and a ])art of September. Barel>- six /oiio hunts were made during that period, the birds seen mereh- chanced to meet our sight, but we always carried gla.s.ses. In the list those s])ecies marked * were .seen on our own place, tho.se marked f breed- ing there. In addition to those s])ecies named, the Towhee, Black - throated Blue Warbler and Pileated Woodpecker were heard. 1. Botaurus lentiginosus. American Bittern. This sijecie.s was seen once in July. l)ut .scvcimI times afterwiirds. Breeds in the Interval* marshes, 2. Ardea herodias. (ireut Blue Heron. Only once .seen, the only 98 The Wii.sox Hillktix — No. 49. record of tliis sjiccii's. as far as can l)c ascertained, in the valley. 'A. Accipiter velox. *Sliar]) sliinned Hawk. Commonest of the hawks. 4. Accipiter cooperi. *Cooi)er Hawk. Seini-occasional. •"). Buteo borealis. *Red-tailed Hawk. Fairly common durinj,' Sep- tember. (). Buteo lineatus. *Ked-shouldered Hawk. One instance noted. 7. Falc : sparverius. Am. Sjiarrow Hawk. Breeds on Peaked Mountain of the Kattlesnake Kan<>e. 5. Cer/le alcyon. -i-Belted Kin^lisher. One within sij,'ht or hear- iny- almost constantly. 5*. Dryobates villosus. *Hairy Woodjieckt-r. Occasional. 10. Dryobates pubescens medianus. +l)owny Wood])ecker. Common in tlie early summer. 11. Colaptes auratus luteus- ^Northern Flicker. IixHk r rare. 12. Antrostomus vociferus. *Whip poor-will. One seen. 13. Chordeiles virginianus. ^Xiyhthawk. A small flock apjieared nearly ewry eveninii'. 14. Ch«tura pelagica. *Chimney Swift. Common until Septemlier."). 1."). Tro;hiIuscoIubrts. *Ruhy-throated Humminobird. Uncommon. l(i. Tyrannus tyrannus. *Kin«bird. Conunon. Breeds at Intervale. 17. Sayornis phoebe. *Phoebe. Occasional. 18. Contopus virens. Wood Pewee. One instance. 19. Empidonax flaviventris. +Vellow bellied Flycatcher. One fam- ily near Kearsarj^e Brook. 20. Empidonax minimus. Least Flyc.itcher. One seen in Au^nist. 21. Cyanocitta cristata. *Blue Jay. Infrecjuent at all times. 22. Corvus brachyrhynchos. ^American Crow. Comparatively few seen until the tirst jiart of September. 28. Molothrus ater. Cowl)ird. One recorded from the Knchanted Woods. 24. Agelaius phoniceus. Red winded Blackl)ird. Breeds l)etween Keai'sarue Villatie and Intervale. 25. Sturnella magna. Meadowlark. One individual remained from July 1.3 to 17, i)art of the time at Intervale. 26. Carpodacus purpurcus. tPurple Finch. A frequent visitor to our lawn. l)ut dirtlcult to find when not there. 27. Astragaljnus tristis. -i-.American Ooldfincli. Common, especially on the lawns. 28. Pooecetes gramineus. tVes])er Sparrow. Infrequently seen. 29. Zonotrichia leucophrys. Whitecrowned Sparrow. One instance^ .'{(). Zonotrichia albicollis. *Wiiite 1 hroated Sparrow. F;iirly com- mon on the sIo])es of the mountains. 31. Spizella socialis. +C'hipping Sparrow. Abundant. 32. Spizella pusilla. -^ Field Sparrow. Rather rare. %\. Tunco hyemalis. t Slate colored Junco. Abundant. 34. Melospiza cinerea melodia. tSonj^ Sparrow. Very common occa- sionally, at otlu'r times surjjrisinj^ly rare. Kearsarc.e Birds. 99 .'{•"). Cyanospiza cyanea. *ln(iiyt) Huntiiifi. C'oiimion Hlon";- tlu' roads. '5(5. Hirundo erythrogaster. *Barn Swallow. ;57. Petrochelidon lunifrons. *C'litf Swallow. Two more surprisingly infrf(|iiciitly rcn-orded species. 38. Ampelis cedrorom. tCedar Waxwiny Very eoininon. 39. Lanius borealis. *Northern Shrike. Once recorded. 40. Vireo olivaceus. +Ked-eyed Vireo. Coinmonly seen near thn house. 4i. Vireo flavifrons. * bellow throated Vireo. By far the coininon •est of the Vireos. 42. Vireo solitarius. *Bliie-headed Vireo. Often s^'en, es])eciall}' in Septejuher. 43. Vireo noveboracensis. *White-eyed Vireo. Onee recrorded, th« •only time in the county, as far ;is can l)e asirertained. 44. Mniotilta varia. *'Black and white Warliler. lnfre. Galeoscoptcs carolinensis. *Catbird. Casual. 57. Toxostoma rufum. *Brown Thrasher. Once recorded. 58. Certhia familiaris americana. * Brown Oeeper. Rare at all times. 59. Sitta carolinensis. *White-breasted Nuthatch. Fairly common. 60. Sitta canadensis. *Hed-breasted Nuthatch. Rarer than the pre- vious s])ecies. 61. Parus atricapillus. tChi<'kadet^ Common. 62. Partis hudsonicus. *Hudsonian Chicadee. Very rare. 6.3. Regulus satrapa. *CTolden-crowned Kinj^let. (*ommon in Sep- teml)er. 64. Hylocichla mustelioa. tWood Thrush, l^aie. (r). Hylocichla fuscescens. ^Wilson Thrush. Commoner. loo Tin-; Wilson l^ri.i.i-rnx — No. 49. W. Hylocirhla swainsonii. *01ive-l)iu'k<'d Tliiusli. Once seen. (57. HylocJchla guttata pallasii. "' lli-niiit Thrusli. ( 'oitnnoncst of ttf' ihnisht's. (>S. Sialia sialis. *Bluel)ird. ("(tnimon. (ii>. Passer domcsticus. English SpJiiTovv. Only oner srcn in Kfiir- sarfTt' villa<,'('. In addition to these, nineteen speeies were recoi-ded from tfie villajje by four other bird-lovers, inehidin^- War))lin