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ABSTRACT

OF THE

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DBLAWARE. VALLEY ORNFTIOLOGICAL CLUE

OF

PEED A DELP ikea

HE organization of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club was

suggested at a preliminary meeting held in Philadelphia January

22, 1890, the following gentlemen being in attendance: William L.

Baily, J. Harris Reed, George S. Morris, Samuel N. Rhoads, and Spen-

cer Trotter, M.D... The club was finally organized, and a constitution

adopted, on February 3 of the same year. ‘The original membership
and officers were as follows :

President—WI1.11aM L. BaILy.
Secretary and Treasurer—SAMuEL N. RHOADS.

Members.
WititiM L. BAILy, SAMUEL N. Ruoaps,
GEORGE S. Morris, WITMER STONE,
J. Harris REED, SPENCER TROTTER, M. D.,

CHARLES A. VOELKER.

The primary object of the Club during the first year of its existence
was the recording and comparison of data relating to bird migration, as
observed at several localities in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. Oc-
casionally ornithological papers were read and discussed by the mem-
bers, and later this became an important feature of the meetings.

2 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

The following abstract of the Proceedings of the Club has been pre-
pared mainly for the purpose of furnishing the members with a record
of the work accomplished during the past two years. In order to avoid
repetition, wherever any papers or communications have appeared else-
where, only a brief mention of them has been made here, and references
to the periodicals in which they appear have been added in brackets.
Brief reports of many of the meetings have been published from time to
time in the Philadelphia Pudiic Ledger and the Ornithologist and Oé.0-
gist.

Many of the meetings of 18g0 were devoted entirely to the discussion
of the local migration, which it has not been considered necessary to
mention here.

March 7, 1890.—Five members present.

Mr. Baily read a paper on the “ Relationship between /arus atrica-
pillus and P. carolinensis,” illustrating his remarks with a large series of
specimens from the collections of the members and from that of Mr.
Philip Laurent.

The Carolina Chickadee (7. carolinensis) seems to be the only spe-
cies found about Philadelphia in summer, though both species are com-
mon in winter.

May 19, 1890.—Six members present.

Mr. Stone exhibited a number of specimens recently collected by him
in southern Mexico as ornithologist on the expedition sent out by the
Academy of Natural Sciences, and gave an informal talk on his experi-
ences in Yucatan and in the Mexican mountains. [For account of the
Ornithological Results of the Expedition, see Proceedings Acad. Nat.
Sci. of Phila. 1890, p. 201. ]

June 16, 1890.—F ive members present.

Mr. Charles J. Rhoads was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Morris read a paper on the “ Flycatchers of the genus Lmfi-
donax,” giving his experience with the species which are found in the
eastern United States. He had taken all these in the vicinity of Phila-
delphia except ‘Traill’s Flycatcher (2. pusillus traillii) ; one specimen
of this bird, however, was in Mr. Baily’s collection, which was shot
May 7, 1883, at Bryn Mawr, Pa.

The Acadian Flycatcher (Z. acadicus ) was the only species that was
found breeding about Philadelphia, it being a common summer resi-
dent.

Mr. Stone stated that the Least Flycatcher (2. minimus ) had recently

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 3
been reported to breed in Bucks Co., Pa., and near Trenton, N. J.,
though he had as yet no conclusive proof of the statement.

October 6, r890.—Seven members present.

Mr. D. E. Pannepacker was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper on the “ Probable Causes of Polygamy
among Birds” [American Naturalist, 1890, p. 1024. |

A communication was also read from Mr. Harry Gordon White, of
Wood’s Holl, Mass., on the migration of the Red Phalarope ( Crymo-
philus fulicarius), giving an interesting account of the occurrence of
great numbers of these birds off the coast of Nova Scotia during the
spring migration. Mr. White made his observations while on a cruise
from Gloucester, Mass., to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. [The Auk, 1891,
P- 233-]

October 20, r890.—Six members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on the “Spring Migration of 18go, at Phila-
delphia,”’ which consisted of a general summary of the work done by
the members, with suggestions as to the probable lines of flight of
migrating birds in the Delaware Valley. The paper was based upon a
careful study of individual records taken at the following stations dur-
ing the spring: Tinicum, Delaware Co., Pa., J. Harris Reed ; Haddon-
field, N. J., Samuel N. Rhoads ; Haverford, Delaware Co., Pa., Charles
J. Rhoads; Wynnewood, Montgomery Co., Pa., William L. Baily ;
Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa., Witmer Stone; Olney, Philadelphia,
Pa., George S. Morris. Charts were also exhibited showing a method
by which the so-called “bird waves” could be illustrated in a graphic
manner. [See The Auk, 1890, p. 298, and 1891, p. 194. ]

December 1, 1890.—Six members present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a communication from Mr. Caleb S. Cope,
recording the occurrence of the Wild Pigeon (£cfopistes migratorius)
in Washington, which seems to be the first mention of this species from
west of the Rocky Mts. [The Auk, 1891, p. 310.]

A letter was also read from Mr. Pfluger, of Portland, Oregon, re-
garding the introduction of German Song Birds at that place. He
stated that about 600 of these birds, including Chaffinches, Goldfinches,
Linnets, Song Thrushes and Siskins had been liberated in the spring,
ind that all the species were seen during the following autumn, the
inches having increased in numbers. They did not wander far from
2ortland during the winter, and a later communication stated that they
vere busy nesting in the parks and surrounding country in the spring of
i891. Next year another importation, including Blackbirds and Night-
ngales, will be liberated.

4 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

December 15, 1890,—Six members present.

Mr. Baily displayed a number of interesting specimens collected by
him during the year, including a Bewick’s Wren ( Zhryothorus bewickit)
shot at Wynnewood, Montgomery Co., Pa., April 12, 1890, a Black-
throated Bunting (.Spéza americana) shot by a gunner on Maurice
River, N. J., Sept. 18, 1891, and a partial albino Snow Bird (/unco
hyematis ).

He also displayed the unique hybrid between /unco hyemals and
Zonotrichia albicollis shot by him at Haverford, Delaware Co., Pa.,
Dec. 12, 1882. [See Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1883, p. 78.]

Mr. S. N. Rhoads spoke of the capture of a Short-billed Marsh Wren
(Cistothorus stellaris) at Haddonfield, N. J., October 13, 1890. [The
Auk., 1891, p. 244. ]

Mr. Baily remarked on the rarity of the Red-breasted Nuthatch
(Sitta canadensis) only one having been noticed by the Club during
the year i. e., on May 12.

January 5, 189z7.—Annual meeting. Seven members present.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows :

President—W 11MER STONE.

Secretary and Treasurer—SaMuEL N. Ruoaps.

Mr. Baily declined re-election to the presidency, as he expected that
business duties would prevent him from devoting the time to the Club
that the office would require. A vote of thanks was tendered him for
his energy in organizing the Club, and in presiding over it during the
first year of its existence.

A discussion was held on the character of work to be carried on in
connection with the study of Bird Migration during the coming year, and
it was decided that for constructing charts to show the time of occur-
rence of bird waves, daily records of the abundance of a few well known
birds were amply sufficient. The members, however, were recom-
mended to keep a full record of the occurrence of other species, which
would be available in case other lines of investigation should at any time
be taken up.

Mr. Voelker displayed a specimen of Raven ( Corvus corax sinuatus )
still in the flesh, which had been shot on Darby Creek, Delaware Co.,
Pa., on December 30, 1890.

January 19, 1897.—K ight members present.

Mr. William V. Wilbank was elected an Associate Member.

Blue-print charts were distributed to the members, giving a complete
list of the birds [204 species] that have come under the observation of

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 5

the Club during 1890, with notes on their abundance and time of occur-
rence. ‘The dates of arrival of a number of common migrants at all the
stations where observations were recorded during the spring, were also
given on the chart, as well as a map showing the location of the stations
along the Delaware Valley. [The Auk, 1891, p. 244. |

A general discussion was held on the relationship of the species of
Ammodramus. Dr. Trotter called attention to the fact that the bills of
the Seaside and Sharp-tailed Finches (4. marttimus and A. caudacutus )
were much more attenuated than was the case in other species, and sug-
gested that it was the result of the action of environment, these birds
having been compelled to probe in the soft mud for their food. The
development of their powerful feet he attributed to their habit of cling-
ing to the upright reeds. [See Proceedings Acad. Nat. Sci. of Phila.
1891, p. 118. |

The general abundance of Snowy Owls ((Vyctea nyctea) during the
present winter was remarked upon, some twenty specimens having been
reported from the vicinity of Philadelphia.

A communication from Mr. H. G. White, on “A New Method of
Recording Bird Migration,” was briefly discussed.

february 2, 1897.—Eight members present.

Messrs. J. Farnum Brown, George Forsythe, William W. Smith and
Frank L. Burns were elected Associate Members.

Mr. Wilbank displayed a specimen of the Lesser Snow Goose ( Chen
hyperborea nivalis), which he liad shot at Tinicum, Delaware Co., Pa.,
on Dec. 18, 1890.

A recent article on the bills of Crossbills (Zoxia), by Dr. Hans
Gadow, was discussed. The fact that the mandibles cross differently
in different individuals (the upper turning sometimes to the right and
sometimes to the left of the lower), led to some interesting questions,
whether mated birds always had the mandibles crossed in the same
direction, and if not, whether the opposite tendencies of the parents in
this respect would result in neutralizing the tendency to crossed man-
dibles in the young. It was considered that the habit of forcing the
mandibles apart horizontally in opening cones as described by Gadow
would tend to throw them out of the same plane on one side or the
other, and when once the tips did not meet evenly, the curved ends
would of necessity develop so that hereditary tendency might not have
anything to do with it.

A large series of specimens of the genus 77imga from the members’
collections was on exhibition.

February 16, 1897.—Eleven members present.

6 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Messrs. Cornelius Weygandt, I. N. De Haven and Thomas Dewees
were elected Associate Members.

A comparison of notes showed that sixty species of birds had been
observed in the vicinity of Philadelphia during January. The most
noteworthy were an Acadian Owl (WVycfala acadica), on the 15th, and
a Red-necked Loon ( Urinator limme), on the 17th.

Mr. Morris recorded the capture of a Brunnich’s Murre ( Uria dom-
wa), at Cape Charles, Va., on December 31, 1890. The specimen is
now in his collection.

A letter from Mr. Philip Laurent recorded the capture of a female
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra), at Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, October
23, 1890, and a Virginia Rail (Reallus virginianus), at Gloucester,
N. J., September 1, 1890. Neither of these species had been noted
by the Club during the past year.

Mr. Stone exhibited a series of Red-winged Blackbirds, ( Age/azus
pheniceus) to show the changes in plumage at different seasons of the
year.

A discussion was held regarding the reasons for the male birds of
of many species preceding the females in the spring migration.

Permission having been obtained from the Academy of Natural
Sciences for the Club to meet in the Council Room of the Academy
Building, Logan Square, Phila., it was unanimously decided to
hold all future meetings there, and a vote of thanks was tendered to the
Academy. Most of the meetings of the Club have been held at 21 N.
“th St., though the earlier ones were held at 1624 Arch St., and at 31
South 15th St., Phila.

March 3, 789z7.—Eleven members present.

Mr. Edwin Sheppard was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Stone read a brief paper on the Connecticut Warbler,
( Geothlypis agilis) including a list of the recorded occurrences of the
species.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads exhibited a specimen of this bird shot by him at
Haddonfield, N. J., May 20, 1882, which seems to be worthy of notice,
as there appear to be but two other records of the occurrence of this
bird east of the Alleghanies in spring. With the exception of the
above, none of the members had collected any adult males of this
species, but there are two fine specimens in the collection of the
Academy of Natural Sciences, taken by Dr. Wm. L. Abbott, at Chestnut
Hill, Phila., September 23 and 25,1880. ‘These had the throat and
chest clear gray, like spring birds.

Mr. Reed called attention to the occurrence of Field Sparrows

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 7

(Spizella pusilla) in this vicinity in winter, associated with flocks of
Tree Sparrows (S. monticola) and suggested that they might winter
here in greater numbers than had been supposed and have been hitherto
overlooked.

March 17, 18917.—Nine members present.

Mr. Thos. H. Montgomery, Jr., was elected an Associate Member.

The office of Secretary-Treasurer was divided, and Mr. Wm. L.
Baily was elected Treasurer.

Mr. Stone reported that the weekly migration schedules showed that
68 species of birds were under observation during February. The
great bulk of migration during the month took place on the 18th, 23d,
24th and 25th. These were warm days following spells of rainy weather,
and it was evident that the foremost groups of migrating birds having
been checked in their journey by spells of cold and rainy weather, em-
braced the first opportunity offered by a bright warm day for continu-
ing their migration, and having been increased by arrivals from farther
south, caused a more concentrated movement on these days. In 1890,
the first of these bird-waves occurred at Philadelphia on Feb. 14th,
26th and 27th.

Mr. Reed read a paper on the “ Hawks of Pennsylvania and New
Jersey,”’ which was discussed by the other members. Black Hawks
(Archibuteo lagopus sancti-johannis) still occur in winter in considerable
numbers on the Delaware marshes near the Lazaretto, but are seldom
seen elsewhere in this vicinity.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads exhibited an Ipswich Sparrow (Ammodramus
princeps) which he had found dead at Atlantic City, N. J., after the
blizzard of March, 1888.

Mr. Morris recorded the capture of a Swallow-tailed Kite (/anozdes
forficatus) at Olney, Phila., shot by Mr. Edw. Van Artsdalen in the
spring of 1888.

April 7, 789z7.—Nine members present.

Mr. Morris exhibited a curious female Maryland Yellow- throat ( Geo-
thlypis trichas), which had an unusually large bill. The specimen was
shot at Olney, Philadelphia, September 19, 1883.

Mr. Stone displayed a curious Orchard Oriole (/e#erus spurius) from
the Academy collection, which had one side colored like the adult male
while the other side was olive green like a bird of the first year [See
Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1882, p. 181.] Mr. F. M. Chapman, of the
American Museum of Natural History, New York City, has suggested
that this specimen was probably an hermaphrodite, as had proved to be
the case with a similarly colored F7ingil/a coelebs recorded in the Ibis.

8 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

A melanistic Meadow Lark (.Sturnella magna) with the yellow breast
entirely replaced by black was also exhibited. A short paper was read
by Mr. Stone on the “Winter Distribution of Birds and its Relation
to the Presence of Water-courses,” which was afterwards discussed by
the members.

A letter was read from Mr. S. N. Rhoads recording the capture of an
Ipswich Sparrow (Ammodramus princeps) at Cape Charles, Va., on
March 29.

Owing to the absence of Mr. Rhoads in the south, Mr. George S.
Morris was appointed Secretary pro fem.

April 21, 189z7.—Nine members present.

Mr. Stone gave a short account of a recent collecting trip to central
Chester county, Pa. He stated that on the mica-slate ridge which
crosses the county below the Chester Valley, he had found birds com-
paratively scarce, and that the great “waves” of the spring migration
were never well marked there. He attributed this to the probable fact
that the birds follow the valley of the Brandywine and the Chester
Valley in their migrations.

A discussion was held on the species of American Warblers (A/nioti?-
ude), and a large series of specimens was exhibited. Among these
was a female Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica caerulea) shot by Mr.
Montgomery at West Chester, Chester Co., Pa., in the spring of 18go-

Dr. Trotter stated that there was a fine specimen of Brewster’s
Warbler (//elminthophila leucobronchialis) in the collection of Swarth-
more College, but no data whatever were attached to it.

May 5, 1Soz.—Ten members present.

Mr. Baily gave an account of the species of /7eo found in the vicinity
of Philadelphia, illustrating his remarks with a series of specimens.

Mr. Morris exhibited a curious Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor ),
taken at Cape Charles, Va., May 11, 1886, which had the whole neck
and upper breast of a rich orange hue. Mr. Ridgway, to whom the
specimen had been sent, considered it a case of “ hyperchromatism,”’
or intensity of coloration, which sometimes occurs in the Yellow-breasted
Chat (Jc¢eria virens ) and a few other species.

The migration during April was discussed in detail. Many species
of birds had arrived much earlier than usual, but the prevailing ‘ cold
wave,” it was considered, would act as a set-back to further migration
for some days at least.

May 19, 789r.—Eleven members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on the “ Birds of Beaver Swamp, Cape May

Co., N. J.,”’ describing a trip recently made by Messrs. Voelker, Reed,
’ A lat 5

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 9

and himself in search of Hooded Warblers (Sylvania mitrata). These
birds were found abundantly, and undoubtedly breed in several of the
deep swamps of southern New Jersey. Among other birds seen on the
trip were the Pine Warbler (Dendroica vigorsii), Prairie Warbler (D.
discolor), Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), White-eyed Vireo
( Vireo noveboracensis) Hummingbird ( Zrochilus colubris), and Black
and White Warbler (AZnzote//a varia), all of which were considered to
be common breeders.

Mr. Montgomery read a paper on the “Summer Birds of the Maine
Coast,” illustrating it with a series of specimens. [See Ornithologist
and Odlogist, 1890, p. 161. |

Mr. Baily reported the capture of a White-crowned Sparrow (Zon0-
trichia leucophrys) at Wynnewood, Montgomery Co., Pa., on May 4,
and Mr. Stone a Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina) in Chester
Co., Pa., May 12. He also mentioned that half_a dozen Herring Gulls
(Larus argentatus smithsonianus) were seen flying over central Chester
Co. during a storm on the evening of May 11, 1890. Mr. Morris re-
ported seeing two of the same birds near Willow Grove, Montgomery
Co., some years ago.

June 2, 1597.—Eight members present.

Mr. Stone spoke of the lack of definite knowledge of the birds of the
central mountainous portains of Pennsylvania, and the importance of
making a thorough ornithological survey of this section.

Mr. Baily exhibited a series of eggs of the English Sparrow (/asser
domesticus) showing wonderful variation in size and coloration.

It was decided in view of the absence of many of the members
during the summer to suspend the meetings until September.

September 1, 189z7.—Four members present.

Messrs. J. Farnum Brown and Chas. J. Rhoads were elected Active
Members.

Mr. Stone exhibited a series of birds collected during the summer at
Cape May, N. J.

Mr. Voelker exhibited some beautifully mounted young Killdeers
(Aegialitis vocifera) only a few days out of the eggs, and reported the
capture of two young Rails in the black downy plumage, which had
been taken on the river marshes in Delaware Co., Pa.; the species
was probably Rallus virginianus.

September 15, 1897.—Six members present.

Mr. Samuel N. Rhoads gave a brief account of his recent trip through
the southern and western States. He left Philadelphia on the 26th of
March and reached Jacksonville, Florida, early in April, having stopped |

10 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

off a few days at Cape Charles, Va., where some collecting was done.
In Florida considerable work was done at Tarpon Springs and Myers,
and a trip was taken some distance up the Caloosahatchee River, visit-
ing on the way a large colony of the Florida Burrowing Owls (.Sfeotyto
cunicularia floridana). Mr. Rhoads then went to Corpus Christi,
Texas, where he spent several weeks (May 16-June 6) collecting
in the immediate vicinity of the town and along the Nueces River. He
reached Tucson, Arizona, June roth, and after collecting there for some
days, traveled north to Oracle in the oak belt of the Santa Catalina
Mountains, and then to a lumber camp near the summit. Mr. Rhoads
has generously donated the entire collection, numbering about 1000
skins, to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. [Full ac-
counts of the birds of the various localities visited will be published in
the Proceedings of the Academy ].

Owing to absence from home for the next few months, Mr. S. N.
Rhoads resigned the office of Secretary, and Mr. George S. Morris
was elected in his place.

October 6, 18917.—Seven members present.

Messrs. Stewardson Brown, Chas. E. Ridenour, and Dr. Wm. E.
Hughes were elected Associate Members.

Mr. J.-H. Reed read a paper on “The Birds Found Breeding in
Beaver Swamp, Cape May Co., N. J.” The trip described was made
May 30 to June 1 of the present year, with the special object of finding
the nest of the Hooded Warbler (.Sy/vania mitrata). In this Mr. Reed
was successful, having obtained a beautiful nest, situated in the center
of a holly bush. A nest of the Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor)
was found placed in a precisely similar situation. Large numbers of
both these species, as well as the Parula Warbler ( Compsothlypis amert-
cana), were seen, and they are undoubtedly common summer residents
in the swamps of Cape May county. Fifty-eight species of birds were
noted by Mr. Reed during his stay.

A collection of the nests and eggs of the birds of Pennsylvania and
New Jersey, which has been brought together by the members of the
Club for the museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences, was on ex-
hibition.

Mr. Morris called attention to three varieties of the nest of the Aca-
dian Flycatcher (Zmpidonax acadicus), one made largely of oak and
hickory catkins, another of grass, and another of the green-beard moss
(Usnea barbata). The position of the three nests was precisely similar,
all being hung from the fork of a slender branch.

October 20, 1897.—Eleven members present.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. Lz

Mr. W. E. Rotzell was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Morris read a paper on “ The Virginia Coast in Summer,” de-
scribing a trip made to Cape Charles early in August, 1891. He
treated mainly of the water birds, describing the nesting grounds of the
Laughing Gulls (Larus adricapillus) and Great Blue Herons (Ardea
herodias) and giving accounts of the habits of other summer birds, such
as the Black Skimmer, (Aynachops nigra), Least and Common Terns
(Sterna antillarum and S. hirundo). Among the rarer species noticed
were the Oyster Catcher (Hematopus palliatus), Little White Egret
(Ardea candidissima), and some Terns which he took to be the Royal
(Sterna maxima), though they might have been the Caspian, as he
was unable to secure any specimens. Many migratory shore birds were
already abundant.

Mr. Stone stated that he had noticed a Parula Warbler ( Compsoth-
Lypis americana) eating huckleberries. An examination of the berries
failed to show the presence of any insect larvee, and he was inclined to
think that the bird was feeding on the juicy pulp.

Mr. I. N. DeHaven exhibited an albino Sharp-tailed Finch (Ammo-
adramus caudacutus) which he had shot on the Atlantic City marshes.

November 3, 789z7.—Thirteen members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on the “ Summer Birds of Cape May, N. J.,”
illustrating his remarks with specimens collected during July and
August of the present year. Seaside and Sharp-tailed Finches, (47zmo-
dramus maritimus and A. caudacutus) were found abundantly, breed-
ing on the marshes, and one Savanna Sparrow (4. sandwichensis
savanna) was shot on July 6. The late date would indicate that this
bird might have been breeding, but its condition made it more probable
that it was a diseased individual left behind in the migration. Least
Bitterns (Botaurus exilis) and Virginia Rail (Aallus virginianus) were
found throughout August, and it is probable that both species breed at
Cape May. Loggerhead Shrikes (Lanius (udovicianus) were seen
frequently during the summer, and are undoubtedly summer residents,
while the capture of a Mockingbird (A/imus polvglottos) on Aug.
27, near Cape May Point, would indicate that this species is still to be
found breeding in New Jersey.

A specimen of Wilson’s Petrel ( Oceanites oceanicus) was displayed
which had been washed up on the beach at Point Pleasant, N. J., dur-
ing the summer, and had been preserved by Mr. A. P. Brown.

November 17, 1897.—Seven members present.

In the absence of the President, Mr. Baily occupied the chair.

Mr. Voelker gave an account of the anatomy and habits of Wood-

it 74 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

peckers, illustrating his remarks with some partially dissected speci-
mens. A general discussion was then held on the species of Wood-
peckers which occur in the vicinity of Philadelphia. Mr. Voelker had
several times seen the Red-bellied Woodpecker (AZe/anerfes carolinus),
but it was considered a very rare bird in this vicinity. The diminu-
tion in the numbers of the Red-headed Woodpecker (JZ. eryvthroce-
phalus), within the past few years was remarked upon. Mr. Voelker
had once seen an individual of this species near Clifton, Delaware Co.,
Pa., in January.

The first Snowy Owl (WVyctea nyctea), of the season was reported
from Woodbury, N. J.

December 1, 1897.—Twelve members present.

Mr. William A. Shryock and Mr. William J. Serrill were elected Asso-
ciate Members.

Dr. William E. Hughes, ornithologist on the West Greenland Expe-
dition, recently sent out by the Academy of Natural Sciences, gave a
detailed account of the birds observed on the expedition, illustrating
his remarks with the series of specimens which he had collected. The
route of the expedition was from Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Disko Island,
and thence north to McCormick Bay and Whale Sound, returning on
nearly the same track. The date.of starting from Sydney was June 12,
and in returning the expedition reached St. Johns, August 23. The
only land birds noticed were the Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur,
Redpoll, Wheat-ear, Raven, and Ptarmigan. The first was by far the
most abundant. The most conspicuous water birds were the Brunnich’s
Murre, Mandt’s Guillemot, Little Auk, Puffin, Ivory Gull, Kittiwake,
Long-tailed Jaeger, and Fulmar Petrel. [Full accounts of the Ornithol-
ogy of West Greenland will appear in the Proceedings of the Academy
of Natural Sciences. |

Mr. Voelker gave some statistics in regard to the relation of sex to
the two phases of plumage in the Screech Owl (A/egascops asto). Ina
series of 322 birds that he had skinned in the past ten years, there were
210 red, 104 gray, and 8 of motiled or intermediate plumage. Of the
red birds, 16 were male and 194 female, while in the series of gray birds
93 were male and 11 female. The mottled specimens comprised 3 males
and 5 females. é

Mr. Voelker also reported the capture of a Little Auk (Ade alle),
and a Razor Bill (Adca forda) at Pennsgrove, N. J., during the past
week.

December 15, 789z7.—TYen members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on the ‘‘Summer Birds of Harvey’s Lake,

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 13

Pa.,”’ in which he described the avifauna of the mountainous region
of the northwestern part of Luzerne county. A number of species were
found there in the breeding season which are known only as transients,
or winter visitants, in the southeastern portion of the State. The
most prominent of these were the Winter Wren ( 77oglodytes hiemats),
Hermit Thrush (Zurdus a. pallasit), Snow Bird (/unco hyemats),
Brown Creeper (Certhia f. americana), and many Warblers. [See
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. of Phila., 1891, p. 431. |

Mr. Weygandt stated that in the Berkshire Hills, Mass., he had found
the Canada Warbler (Sy/vania canadensis), a characteristic bird of the
high, dry woodlands, and not a swamp bird, as had been Mr. Stone’s
experience.

Mr. J. F. Brown recorded the wintering of the Kingfisher (Ceryle
alcyon) at Villa Nova, Delaware Co., Pa.

A collection of typical mountain plants, collected at Harvey’s Lake
by Mr. Stewardson Brown, was exhibited in connection with Mr. Stone’s
paper.

WITMER SIONE,
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THE !
DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF PHILADELPHIA.

OFFICERS, 1892.

President - - - - : WITMER STONE,
Academy of Natural Sciences,
gan Square, Phi ;
Secretary - - - - . - CHARLES J. RHOADS, —
Bryn Mawr, Pa, ‘
Treasurer - . - - - WILLIAM L. BAILy,

138 South 4th St., Phila

ACTIVE MEMBERS.
Witiram L,. Bary, CHARLES J. RHoaps, |
|

J. FAaRNuM Brown, SAMUEL N. RHOADS,
GEORGE S. Morris, WITMER STONE,
J. Harris REED, SPENCER TROTTER, M. D.,

CHARLES A. VOELKER.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.

STEWARDSON Brown, CHARLES E. RIpF* .
FRANK L. BURNS, W. E. ROTZELI

I. N. DEHAVEN, WILLIAM J. SER.
THOMAS DEWEES, EDWIN SHEPPARD, —
GEORGE FORSYTHE, WILLIAM A. SHRYOCK, ©
WILLIAM E. HuGHEs, M. D., WILLIAM SMITH,
THomMAS H. MONTGOMERY, JR. CORNELIUS WEYGANDT,,
D. ELMER PANNEPACKER, WILLIAM V. WILBANK,

SAMUEL WRIGHT.

The Club holds regular meetings in the Council Room of
the Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadel-
phia, on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (except
July and August) at 8 o’clock, p. m.

| »
33 ’o
“ pees”

a Ald

ABSTRACT

OF THE

id ptecse OF THE

DELAWARE VALLEY

i“

- ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB —
PHILADELPHIA. od

FOR THE YEARS 1892 TO 1897.

PUBLISHED BY THE CLUB.

“ATH@ “TWA AG NAWHL
“MOU dS ONOS SO LSAN

ABSTRACT

OF THE
PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF

PHILADELPHIA.

ARLY in 1892 an “Abstract of the Proceedings of the Delaware

Valley Ornithological Club for the years 1890 and 1891” was pub-
lished. The present publication is intended as a continuation of the
previous number, and covers the years 1892 to 1897 inclusive. In
future the Club proposes to issue a yearly number covering the Pro-
ceedings with much greater detail.

Many of the papers quoted in the following pages have been pub-
lished in full in the Awk, Sctence, and Proceedings of the Academy of
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, to which references are made.

Many of the local records for 1892-1894 have also been included in
the “ Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey ” published by the
Club in December, 18094.

January 5, 7892.—Seventeen members present. Mr.Samuel Wright
was elected an Associate Member.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows :

President—W1TMER STONE.

Secretary—CHARLES J. RHOADS.

Treasurer—W i..1AM L. Balty.

Mr. Baily read an interesting and humorous account of the origin
and early years of the Club, and Mr. Stone summed up the results of

2 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the work so far accomplished. Mr. 5. N. Rhoads spoke of the large
number of birds wintering this season in the vicinity of Haddonfield, N.
J., and especially emphasized the fact that many of them were in full
song.

Mr. Baily presented to the Club collection his unique hybrid finch,
Junco hyemats x Zonotrichia albicollis, shot at Haverford, Pa., Dec.
12, 1862, (see... AV. .O, (Ci vii. p. 78 and, Auk, 1393, p.0233-)

January 19, 1592.—Eight members present.

Mr. Morris read a paper on the “‘ Birds of Tampa Bay and Manatee
River, Florida, observed in December, 1890.’ Mr. Stone reported
Rusty Black Birds (Scolecophagus carolinus) and Swamp Sparrows
(Melospiza georgiana) wintering at Tinicum, Delaware Co., Pa.

February 2, 1892.—Twelve members present.

Messrs. Joseph D. Crawford and C. Few Seiss were elected Associate
Members.

On motion of Mr. S. N. Rhoads a committee of three including the
President was appointed to prepare for publication a complete list of
the birds occurring in Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

( Committee—S.N. Rhoads, G. S. Morris, Witmer Stone.)

Messrs. Stone and S. N. Rhoads described a trip to Cape May, N. J.,
taken Jan. 25-29. A list of thirty-four species was observed, all of which
may be considered of regular winter occurrence, as the weather was
very severe this season. ‘The more interesting species were Cowbird
(Molothrus ater), Red-winged Blackbird (Age/aius pheniceus), Field
Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), Savanna Sparrow, (Ammodramus s.
savanna), Robin (Merula migratoria) and Bluebird (Siaha sialis),
all of which were plentiful ; also a number of Long-billed Marsh Wrens
(Cistothorus palustris), two Short-billed Marsh Wrens (C. s/edaris),
and two Ipswich Sparrows (A4mmodramus princeps). The Marsh
Wrens had never before been recorded from either Pennsylvania or
New Jersey in winter. (Auk, 1892, p. 203.)

Mr. Smith reported the capture of a Raven (Corvus corax princt-
palis) in Clearfield Co., Pa., the specimen being now in his possession.

February 16, 1892.—Fourteen members present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads reported two Fox Sparrows (Passerella thaca), five
Hermit Thrushes (Zurdus a. pallasi?) and a number of Myrtle War-
blers (Dendroica coronata) at the ‘‘ Barrens,” near Westtown, Chester
Co., Pa., Feb. 7-8.

Mr. Weygandt read a paper on the “ Birds of the Berkshire Hills,”
observed during June, 1891.

March 1, 1892.—Eleven members present.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 3

The Committee on Publication of List of Birds of Eastern Pennsyl-
vania and New Jersey presented a circular calling for information, which
was ordered to be published.

Messrs. Stone and S. N. Rhoads reported a trip to Chester Co., Pa.,
but found very few birds.

Messrs. Baily and Shryock described a trip to Seaville, N. J., Feb.
20-23, on which they observed 33 species of birds, 19 being different
from the Cape May list of Jan. 25-29. The occurrence of the Seaside
Finch (Ammodramus maritimus) at this season was the most interesting
record.

An account of a Crow Roost near Coatesville, Pa., was read from Mr.
Hugh E. Stone.

Mr. De Haven exhibited a specimen of Sharp-tailed Finch, shot at
Atlantic City, N. J., Jan. 6. It proved to be a typical example of
Ammodramus caudacutus, proving that this bird wintered on the New
Jersey coast.

March 15, 1892.—Thirteen members present.

Mr. J. F. Brown described a recent trip to Atlantic City, N. J.
Twenty-six species were observed, the most interesting record being
a Parasitic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus) found dead on the beach.
He also secured an Ipswich Sparrow (Ammodramus princeps).

Mr. Stone read a paper on “ Bird-collecting in Yucatan,’’ being ex-
tracts from his note-book of February and March, 1890, while on the
Mexican Expedition of the Academy of Natural Sciences.

April 5, 1892.—Ten members present.

Mr. Geo. H. Sheridan was elected an associate member.

Mr. Stewardson Brown read a paper on “Summer Birds of Pt.
Pleasant, N. J.” He stated that this is about the northern limit of dis-
tribution of the Clapper Rail (Aa/lus crepitans) in the state, and it is by
no means common. Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowit)
occurs in small numbers, and a Wilson’s Petrel ( Oceanites oceanicus)
was found on the beach during the summer of 1891.

Mr. Wright read a summary of the history of the Ipswich Sparrow
(Am. princeps), and also referred to the captures of the bird on the
New Jersey coast. So far as known only seven have been taken in the
state up to date.

April 19, 1892.—Thirteen members present.

Mr. Robt. T. Young was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Voelker exhibited a specimen of Yellow-crowned Night Heron
(Wyctcorax violaceus) taken at Woodbine, Cape May Co., N.J., March
23, 1892, by Mr. Ware.» He also reported the capture of a Purple

4 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Gallinule (Jonornis martinica) on March 28, near Cape May N. J., by
C. F. Gardiner.

Mr. Stone described a series of Myrtle Warblers taken at Atlantic
City, N. J., which showed the spring molt in progress, and read a short
paper on the relationships between the Black Cap and Carolina Chick-
adees (Parus atricapillus and carolinensis) in which he considered
that the two were distinct species—the Black Cap breeding as far south
as the Blue Ridge, the Carolina throughout the New Jersey Pine Bar-
rens. In the intervening country Chickadees seem scarce in the breed-
ing season, but such as he was able to examine proved to be the
Carolina. He was quite prepared however to find in the face of
additional material that the two forms intergraded in this intermediate
area especially in northern central New Jersey.

May 3, 1892.—Eleven members present.

Mr. Joseph Tatum was elected an Associate Member.

General discussion on the spring migration.

May 17, 7892.—Ten members present.

Messrs. Stone and Wright described a trip to Clementon, N. J., May
6, where they found Pine and Prairie Warblers (Dendroica vigorsit and
discolor) evidently preparing to breed.

Mr. Wright reported the capture of a White Crowned Sparrow and
a Cape May Warbler (D. tigrina) May 13, at Conshohocken. Mr.
Baily also secured a White Crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
May 10, and Mr. Stone recorded two Golden Winged Warblers (/Zed-
minthophila chrysoptera), May 12,shot by C. A. Voelker at Collingdale,
Del? Co. Ra:

June 7, 1892.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. Reed read a paper on “A Collecting Trip to Dennisville, Cape
May Co., N. J., May 21-23.” Nests of the Parula ( Compsothiypis
americana usne@) Uooded (Wilsonia mitrata) and Prairie Warblers
(Dendroica discolor) were obtained.

Mr. Stone described a trip to Cape May, N. J., where he also found
the Parula Warbler breeding, and saw a Loggerhead Shrike (Zanius
ludovicianus), which led him to believe that this bird also nested there.

Mr. Voelker recorded a Yellow Crowned Night Heron (Vycticorax
violaceus), shot near Phoenixville, Pa., which contained a well developed
egg; also a Northern Phalarope (/ha/aropus lobatus), shot on the
Delaware.

Mr. Forsythe reported the capture of a White Crowned Sparrow (Zono-
trichia leucophrys) and Mr. DeHaven a Nelson’s Finch (Ammodramus
c. nelsoni) at Atlantic City, May 9, 1892, the first record for the state.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 5

September 6, 1892.—Business meeting of active members. Five
members present.

September 20, 1892.—Thirteen members present.

Mr. I. N. De Haven was elected an active member and Mr. D. N.
McCadden an associate.

The death of Mr. William Wharton Smith, associate member, was
announced, and the following resolution adopted :

Resolved, That since God in His mercy has been pleased to take from among us
our friend and fellow-member, Wm. Wharton Smith, one who during his life had by
his manly qualities and kindly unassuming manners won the esteem of all and the
affection of those of us who knew him best, and since Mr. Smith as a member of this
organization had proved himself to be a true lover of nature and a close and careful
observer of her beauties and phenomena, we do hereby, with sincere regret as indi-
viduals and as an organization, express our sorrow for the loss which we and all who
knew him have sustained through his sad death.

A number of nests and eggs collected during the summer were on ex-
hibition. Most interesting among these was a nest of the King Rail
(Rallus elegans), taken at Repaupo, N. J., July 15, 1892, by Dr. J. B.
Brinton. The date was very late and the eggs were unusually
small.

Another interesting specimen was a Chewink’s nest (Pipilo ery-
throphthalmus), collected in Chester Co., Pa., which was situated in an
oak sprout four feet from the ground.

October 4.—Nine members present.

Messrs. De Haven and Stone described their experience among the
Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Atlantic City, N. J., on October 1 and 2.
They found the 4. caudacutus by far the most abundant form, though
not a few A. ¢. subvirgatus were taken and two A. c. ne/sont, the latter
being decidedly the rarest of the three. (.4v%, 1893, p. 85.)

Mr. Morris read a paper ona “Trip through the Cascade Mts. of
British Columbia,” taken by himself and Mr. J. W. Evans during the
past spring.

The resignation of Mr. Chas. J. Rhoads as Secretary was tendered
and accepted with regret, Mr. G. S. Morris being elected for the un-
expired term.

October 18, 1892.—Sixteen members present.

Messrs. Mark L. C. Wilde and John Bisseger were elected associate
members.

The committee on publication was authorized to issue a circular call-
ing for information on our water birds for distribution among gunners
and sportsmen.

Mr. De Haven exhibited a White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia

6 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

leucophrys), shot at Morristown, N. J., Oct. 17, 1892, and Mr. Young a
Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina), secured at Meriden, N. H.,
last month.

Mr. Stone called attention to a Western Sandpiper (veuneves occt-
dentalis) in the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences, taken in
Cape May Co., N. J., Sep. 14, 1880, and suggested that the species was
doubtless of regular occurrence but had been overlooked.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads presented the paper of the evening on Hybrid
Flickers (Colaptes auratus x cafer) (see Science, Dec. 9, 1892),
illustrating his remarks by a large series of specimens.

November 1, 1892.—Twelve members present.

Mr. Raymond Kester was elected an associate member.

Mr. Voelker reported a Golden Eagle (Aguila chrysaetos), shot near
Cape May by Mr. J. Milford Oct. 20, 1892.

A wild Turkey Gobbler (Meleagris gallopavo), was reported shot fo
the Academy collection by Mr. McKeehan near Ferguson, Perry Co.,
Pa., last week.

Mr. Rotzell announced that he had seen and watched a Yellow-
throated Warbler (Dendroica dominica),at Narberth, Montgomery Co.
Pa., on July 3. The specimen was not secured.

Messrs. Stone and S. N. Rhoads described a recent trip to May’s Land-
ing N.J.; the most interesting specimen secured was a Short-billed
Marsh Wren ( Cistothorus stellaris), taken Oct. 25.

November 15, 1892.—F ive members present.

Mr. Reed read a paper on the American Barn Owl (Six pratincola),
in which he discussed the habits and distribution of the species. He
found it still a common resident of Delaware County, and exhibited
a series of eggs and a number of cast-up pellets which he had collected.

December 6, 1892.—Twelve members present.

Mr. Baily exhibited a specimen of Saw-Whet Owl (JVycfala acadica),
which he had secured at Haverford, Pa., Nov. 20, 1892.

Mr. Voelker showed a very peculiar Gull which he considered must
be a hybrid. It proved however to be a young plumage of the Kitti-
wake (Rissa tridactyla). It showed black patches on the sides of the
neck and a longitudinal blackish strip on each wing. It was shot near
Mt. Holly, N. J.. November 12, 1892.

Mr. Stone read the paper of the evening on “Arctic Bird Life,” in
which he traced the distribution and relationships of the various polar
species.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads presented a list of birds seen by him at May’s
Landing, N. J., December 2, in which he recorded the capture of a

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 7

Saw-Whet Owl ((Vyctala acadica), Northern Shrike (ZLanius borealis),
and Yellow Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum hypochrysea), the last
being the first winter record for the species in New Jersey.

Mr. S. Brown reported an Albino Bald Eagle (Halacetus leucocepha-
Zus), observed on the Susquehanna river near York Furnace, Pa. Red-
bellied Nuthatches (S7¢/a canadensis), were reported as very plentiful
during the fall migration.

December 20, 1892.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. De Haven described a large roost of Purple Grackles ( Quiscalus
guiscuda) on an island in the Susquehanna river near Peach Bottom,
Lancaster Co., Pa.

He then read a paper on a recent trip to Cape Charles, Va.

He secured several specimens of the Ipswich Sparrow (Ammodramus
princeps), which was found to be not uncommon, on Smith’s Island, and
on Dec. 8 saw a Tree Swallow ( Zachycineta bicolor).

Mr. S. N. Rhoads exhibited two specimens of a new Chickadee
which he secured in the Rocky Mts. of British Columbia, and compared
it with the Hudsonian Chickadee. The new bird he proposed to call
Parus hudsonicus columbianus, the Columbian Chickadee. (See Az,
1893, P- 23.)

Mr. Stone exhibited a large series of Grackles ( Quisca/us), explain-
ing the distribution of the three races, and pointed out the importance
of ascertaining the nature of the Grackles of Cape May and of the
Pennsylvania mountains ; the latter are probably nearly typical Quzscalus
guiscula eneus.

January 3, 7893.—Annual Meeting. Twenty-four members present
and one visitor.

The election of officers for the year resulted as follows:

President— GEO. SPENCER Morris.

Secretary—SAMUEL N. RHoapbs.

Treasurey—WILLIAM L. BAILy.

Mr. Stone spoke briefly of a recent trip to Cape May, N. J., stating
that the birds were very scarce compared with last season. Immense
numbers of Titlarks (Anthus pensilvanicus) were seen, however, which
were entirely absent in January, 1892. ‘Two Ipswich Sparrows (Ammo-
dramus princeps) were also secured on January 2.

Mr. Stone then followed with a paper on the Change of Plumage in
Birds, limiting his remarks, however, to the Passeres. (See Sczence, Jan.
ZT AMOS)

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana) he took up in
detail, and stated that in its molt it apparently afforded a parallel case

8 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

to the Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), already well described by
Mr. F. M. Chapman.

Mr. Morris recorded a Brown Thrasher (/arporhynchus rufus) at
Olney, Phila., Dec. 24, 1892, and several Hermit Thrushes (Zurdus
aon. pallasit).

Mr. S. N. Rhoads secured a Catbird (Galeoscoptes carolinensis) at
Atlantic City, N.J., Dec. 25.

January 17, 1893.—Fourteen members present.

Mr. William L. Whitaker was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper on ‘‘ Economic Relations of Birds to
Agriculture.”

Mr. Stone called attention to a specimen of Junco hyemalis taken at
Haddonfield, N. J., in which the greater coverts were tipped with white.

Mr. De Haven called attention to the two plates of Savanna Sparrow
(Ammodramus sandw. savana) in Wilson’s Ornithology, and suggested
that the figure of the male was taken from the Ipswich Sparrow (4.
princeps), which it strikingly resembles, being much lighter than the
other figure.

February 7, 1897.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. William Rodgers was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Morris read a paper on “ Birds of Bermuda,” based on notes
made in March and April, 1886.

Mr. De Haven exhibited a series of beautifully prepared bird skulls
representing our common species.

February 21, 1893.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on “ Birds of the Atlantic City Marshes,” in
which he described the present aspect of bird life on the New Jersey
coast and contrasted it with the time of Wilson and Audubon.

Mr. De Haven followed with some remarks on the changes which
have been brought about during the past twenty years in the bird life
of the coast.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads spoke of the mortality in the Crow Roosts near
Camden, N. J., and referred to a recent paper on the same subject by
Mr. Ridgway in Sczence. He believed that the blindness there referred
to might be epidemic, due to starvation and the enforced eating of
poisonous or infected food.

Mr. McCadden exhibited a number of photographs taken from live
birds at the Zodlogical Garden.

March 7, 1893.—Twenty-one members present.

Mr. William B. Scheuing was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Shryock read the paper of the evening on the “ Merchantville,
N. J., Crow Roost,” describing a visit made during the past month.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 9

March 22, 7893.—Seventeen members present and one visitor.

A paper on “Birds of the Caloosahatchee River” was read by Mr.
S. N. Rhoads, in which he related his experiences during a boat-
journey trom Fort Myers to Lake Hicpochee in South Florida in 189.
He spoke especially of the Florida Burrowing Owl (Speotyto cunicularia
floridana), a large colony of which he visited (See Auk, 1892, p. 1).

April 4, 1893.—Sixteen members present.

Dr. Trotter read a paper on “ Summer Birds of the Beaverkill, N. a2 :
several specimens were exhibited, among which was an interesting first
plumage specimen of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludovt-
ciana).

Mr. Stone spoke of a recent trip to the “‘ Barrens,”’ near Cedar Bridge,
N. J. The extremely arid charactcr of the county and the absence of
trees over three feet in height resulted in a great scarcity of bird-life.
Pine Warblers (Dendroica vigorsi) were abundant a few miles to the
west where the trees were higher.

A specimen of the European Widgeon (Anas penelope) was recorded,
shot at Havre De Grace by Mr. W. D. Winsor.

April 18, 1893.—Twenty members present.

Mr. Morris read the paper of the evening on “ Birds of Puget Sound,”
based on his experiences in Washington during the spring of 1892,
illustrated by specimens collected on the trip.

Mr. Voelker exhibited a first-plumage specimen of the Flicker
( Colaptes auratus) which had the head thickly spotted with red over
the entire crown.

Mr. De Haven recorded the capture of several Gnatcatchers
(Poltoptila cerulea) at Atlantic City, N. J., April 16, 1893.

May 2, 18937.—Seventeen members present.

Dr. Hughes read a paper on the “ Breeding of the Night Heron”
(Nycticorax n. naevius), referring especially to the Valley Forge
Heronry, Montgomery Co., Pa. He considered that the birds raised
but a single brood in a season.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads described a recent trip to the Cumberland Moun-
tains of Pennsylvania. The Large-billed Water Thrush (Securus
motacilla) he found evidently preparing to breed near Pine Grove
Furnace. Turkey Vultures (Ca/hartes aura) bred there commonly,
and Ravens (Corvus corax principalis) were reported by hunters to be
frequently seen.

Mr. Serrill read extracts from Kalm on the torpidity of Swallows, and
a general discussion ensued on the faith of some in this alleged phe-
nomenon.

May 16, 1893.—Seventeen members present.

Io ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Mr. Baily described a recent trip to Asheville, N. C., April 28 to May
3, and exhibited a number of nests secured by him, among others those
of the Blue Gray Gnatcatcher (Poloptila cerulea), and Hooded War-
bler ( Wilsonia mitrata.)

Mr. Stone exhibited a specimen of Labrador Duck ( Camfptolaimus
labradorius), which he had found in the collection of the late Geo. W:
Carpenter of Mt. Airy, Phila., and which had been presented to the
Academy of Natural Sciences. Nothing was known of the history of
the specimen, which is an adult male, and makes the fourth example in
the Academy’s collection, and the fortieth in existence (Aw, 1893, p.
363).

Mr. Morris reac an old letter from Edward Harris to Dr. John Spencer
in which he described part of his journey with Audubon and Bell up
the Missouri River (See Auk, 1895, p. 225).

June 6, 7893.—Twenty members present.

Messrs. Reed and Wilde described a collecting trip taken canine the
previous week through parts of Cape May Co., N. J.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads stated that he had taken a trip to Lake Hopatcong,
N. J., and noticed many Alleghanian birds breeding in the vicinity, as
Least Flycatcher (Zmpidonax minimus) Red Start (Setophaga ruticilla),
Chestnut Sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica), etc.

Mr. Stone exhibited a Flicker ( Colapites auratus) taken at German-
town, Pa., April 13, 1886, with red feathers in the malar stripe, also two
Prairie Horned Larks (Ovocoris a. praticola), taken by Mr. August
Koch at Williamsport, Pa.

September 79.—Special Business Meeting of Active Members.

October 3, 1893.—Sixteen members present.

A number of mounted groups for the collection were on exhibition
and were commented on by the members.

October 17, 1893.—Fifteen members present.

Mr. W. W. Justice, Jr., was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Stone made a communication on the Raldide@ or Rails, exhibiting
examples of the various forms and sketching their distribution (See
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sct., 1894, p. 130).

Mr. DeHaven spoke of the minute hook or claw seen on the wings
of young rails still in the down.

It was decided to change the time of meeting from Tuesday to
Thursday evenings.

November, 2 1893.—Nineteen members present.

Mr. Morris read a paper entitled “A Day in the Salt Marshes,” deal-
with the bird life near Atlantic City, N. J.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORINTHOLOGICAL CLUB. II

A paper on “ Rare Birds near Bethlehem, Pa.,’”’ contributed by Dr. J.
W. Detwiler, was read.

LVovember 16, 7897.—VYen members present.

Mr. Morris spoke briefly of bird life near Richmond, Indiana, as ob-
served by him on a recent trip.

December 7, 1893.—TVhirteen members present.

Mr. Stone spoke of the ‘‘ Lost Species of Wilson and Audubon.”

Mr. S. N. Rhoads spoke of birds seen near Tuckerton, N. J., stating
that the Raven and Black Duck were reported to breed in the neigh-
borhood by Messrs. Jillson of that town. He recorded an Oystercatcher
(Hematopus palliiatus) shot by Mr. Jillson, May, 1894.

December 21, 71893.—Fourteen members present.

A general discussion was held on “ Ducks.’

Mr. Whitaker reported the capture of a Whistling Swan (Odor.
columbianus) on the Delaware River opposite Bridesburg.

January 4, 1894.—Annual Meeting. Eighteen members present.

The election of officers resulted inthe choice of the following :

President—GEORGE SPENCER Morris.

Secretarv—CHARLES J. RHOADs.

Treasurer—WIL1LIAM L. BAILy.

Mr. 5S. N. Rhoads exhibited a copy of Ord’s Zodlogy, the property of
Dr. Solis-Cohen, and the only known copy of this rare work extant.
He spoke of a reprint * which he proposed to issue of this volume, and
called attention to several species of North American birds which here
first received binomial names.

January 18, 1894.—Twenty-three members present.

Mr. Shryock read a paper on “Summer Birds of the Pocono Moun-
tain, Pa.,”’ in which he described a trip taken during the latter part of
June and early July, 1893, to Mt. Pocono. Quite a number of north-
ern birds were nesting there, such as Hermit Thrush (Zurdus aon.
pallasiz), Canadian Warbler (Wilsonta canadensis), Purple Finch
(Carpodacus purpureus), but this element in the fauna had been
greatly reduced by the almost total destruction of the hemlock forest.

Mr. S. Brown followed with some remarks on the birds of another
section of the Pocono Plateau at Tobyhanna. Ina small tract of hem-
lock he found the Crossbill (Loxta curvirostra minor), Winter Wren
( Zroglodytes hiemals), and Junco (/. hyemats), and heard the unmis-
takable note of a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) in
the same vicinity. His observations were made July 3 and 4, 1893.
(Auk, 1894, p. 182.)

* A Reprint of the North American Zodlogy by George Ord, etc. Edited by
Samuel N. Rhoads, Haddonfield, N. J., 1894. 8vo, pp. 290-361+-90 pp. Appendix.

12 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

February 1, 1894.—Seventeen members present.

Mr. J. Francis Stokes was elected an Associate Member.

Dr. Hughes read a paper on “ Breeding Habits of the Snow Bunting,”
(Plectrophenax nivalis) based on his observations in Greenland while
accompanying the West Greenland Expedition of 1891 which estab-
lished Lt. Peary at Whale Sound preparatory to his journey farther
north. Dr. Hughes stated that the birds occupied the same nesting site
year after year. He took one set of six eggs, though five was the usual
set. The bird was most abundant about the native settlements, where
it filled the air with its pleasant song.

february 15, 1894.—Fifteen members present.

Mr. Serrill read a paper entitled “‘Some Bird Experiences in the
South.” He dealt principally with a remarkable roost of Purple Martins
(Progne subis), observed near Atlanta, Ga., June 15,1892. The flocks
congregated in an immense flight and performed interesting evolutions
before settling into some willow trees for the night.

Mr. Stone exhibited a specimen of the Ringed Kingfisher (Ceryle
torquata) taken by Mr. Geo. B. Benners at Laredo, Texas, the first
record of the species for the United States (see Awk, 1894, p. 177).

Mr. Voelker reported a Golden Eagle (Aguila chrysaetos) shot at
New Egypt, N. J.

March 1, 1894.—Twenty-four members present.

Mr. Baily described a trip to Holly Beach, N. J. He noted only
twenty-one species, most interesting of which was a Brown Thrasher,
(Harporhyuchus rufus) Feb. 22.

Mr. Justice recorded a Holboell’s Grebe ( Colymbus holbaliit) shot on
the Delaware River by John Reese, Feb. 21.

A general discussion followed on “The Best Methods of Preparing
Skins.”

March 15, 1894.—Seventeen members present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads made a communication on a recent trip to Barrel
Island, near Tuckerton, N. J. He located a roosting-ground of the
Short-eared Owls (Asio accipfitrinus) where there were numerous ejected
pellets, each containing a single unbroken meadow-mouse skull, together
with odd bones and hair. A number of mice-skins scattered about led
him to think that the Owls sometimes skinned their prey before devour-
ing it.

Mr. Reed stated that this was not the case with such owls as he had
studied in captivity. They always devoured their prey head foremost
without skinning it.

A newspaper clipping presented by Dr. Rotzell reported a Golden

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 13

Eagle (Aguila chrysaetos) shot, Mar. 5, 1894, by P. De Haven on Con-
estoga Creek, near Lancaster, Pa.

April 5, 7394.—Fifteen members present.

Dr. Trotter’s resignation as an Active Member was read, and accepted
with regret.

Mr. Stone read a paper on “ Ornithology at Philadelphia in the Past.”

April 19, 1894.—Twelve members present.

Dr. Wm. E. Hughes was elected an Active Member.

A number of specimens of birds, nests and eggs recently contributed
to the Club collection were on exhibition, and were commented on by
the members.

May 5, 7894.—Fourteen members present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper entitled “‘ Leaves from a Catbird’s
Diary,” in which he set forth in popular style many points relative to
bird migration.

Mr. Stone called attention to some errors in Dr. Warren’s “ Birds of
Pennsylvania’ which he had recently been investigating. There seems
no satisfactory evidence for the occurrence of the Black Guillemot
(Cepphus grvlle) in the State, while correspondence with Prof. Roddy
showed that the record of Kirtland’s Warbler (Dendroica kirtlandt)
with young was entirely erroneous.

May 17, 7894.— Nineteen members present.

Dr. A. P. Fellows was elected an Associate Member.

The following resolutions were adopted on the death of J. Farnum
Brown, one of the Active Members :

WHEREAS, We have learned with sincere sorrow of the sudden death of our late
member, J. Farnum Brown; and

WHEREAS, We are deeply sensible of the loss sustained in his decease by this
organization and all who knew him; therefore be it

Resolved, That we do hereby acknowledge our deep regret on account of his sad
death, and extend our sympathy to his family in their great bereavement.

Mr. Morris read a paper on “ Bird Life of Vancouver Island, B. C.”,
describing a trip to this region in company with Messrs. S. N. Rhoads
and J. Wister Evans in 1892.

Specimens of Ostrich, Emu and Cassowary, recently mounted for the
Academy collection, were exhibited by Mr. McCadden ; also a series of
Flamingoes (Phenicoplerus ruber) from the Bahamas, collected by D.
P. Ingraham.

October 4, 1594.—Eighteen members present.

Dr. W. E. Rotzell read a paper on “The Effects of Poke-berries
(Phytolocca) on Birds.” It was a generally accepted theory that these

14 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

berries acted as an “anti-fat’’ agent, but the results of his experience
proved that birds which were gorged with them were always in good con-
dition, and frequently quite fat (Hahnemannian Monthly, 1894, p. 790).

A Yellow headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) was on
exhibition, secured near Fish House, N. J., some years ago.

October 18, 1894.—Thirteen members present.

Messrs. Henry W. Fowler and John Reese were elected Associate
Members.

Mr. Stone gave an account of the birds at present in the Zodlogical
Garden, calling especial attention to the Barren Ground Geese
(Cereopsis novehollandig) from Australia, the Nicobar Pigeon
(Calanas nicobarica), Trumpeter Cranes (fsophia) and Turaco
( Zuracus ).

Dr. Fellows spoke of his experience with the Prairie Chicken ( Zym-
panuchus americanus) in Kansas some years since and its gradual de-
crease.

A specimen of Arkansas Flycatcher (Zyrannus verticalis) was ex-
hibited, taken near Princeton, N. J., by Mr. Phillips, Sept. 29, 1894 ;
also a Black-necked Stilt (imantopus mexicanus), obtained at Stone
Harbor, N. J., by Chas. A. Voelker, April 24, 1894.

November 1, 1894.—Twelve members present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads gave a resumé of two trips through Pike Co., Pa.,
during September last.

Messrs. Stone and De Haven described a trip to Atiantic City, N. J.,
during the recent high tides when the meadows were flooded and the
Clapper Rails (Ral/us crepitans) compelled to swim about in the water.

Mr. Whitaker stated that he had recently observed the Crow Black-
birds (Quiscalus qguiscula) eating chestnuts which were exposed in
opened burrs, and exhibited some of the partly-eaten nuts.

Mr. Morris read several interesting extracts from letters of Mr. Edw.
Harris written from the upper Missouri while accompanying Audubon
on his memorable trip (see Awk, 1895, p. 225).

November 15, 1894.—Eleven members present.

Mr. Morris read a paper entitled “ A%sthetic and Scientific Natural |
History,” in which he made a plea for the importance of the former
side of the study, especially on the part of those who were unable to
devote the requisite time to scientific investigation. He followed with
a short sketch of a May day among the Warblers at Tinicum, Del. Co.,
Pa., and recorded the capture of a Golden-winged Warbler (/e/min-
thophila chrysoplera).

Mr. De Haven reported a Red-throated Loon (Urinator lumme)
shot at Atlantic City, N. J., Nov. 5, 1894.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 15

December 6, 1894.—Eighteen members present.

Mr. Stone read a resumé of our present knowledge of the water birds
of the New Jersey coast, based on the notes he had compiled for the
club’s work on the “ Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.”
He deplored the lack of definite knowiedge of many species, but was
convinced that the coast was very poor in water birds compared with
the region from Long Island northward.

Dr. Hughes spoke of the occurrence of barren birds noted by him in
the Arctic regions, especially among the Murres (Urta lomvia).

December 20, 1894.—Eighteen members present.

Mr. Baily read an account of a trip to Raselas, Elk Co., Pa., June 18
to July 2, 1894. He found most of the birds reported to breed at
Harvey’s Lake by Mr. Stone, and a number of additional species, as
Vireo solitarius, Empidonax minimus, Seturus noveboracensis, Otocort
alpestris praticola, Carpodacus purpureus, Zamelodia ludoviciana and
Nyctala acadia (see Auk, 1896, p. 289).

Mr. Fowler exhibited an Olive-sided Flycatcher ( Confopus borealis),
shot at Holmesburg, Pa., Sept. 5, 1894, and Mr. Whitaker reported a
Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum) taken at Crescentville, Phila., Dec. 7,
1894.

The first copies of the ‘Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania and New
Jersey,” by Witmer Stone, published by the Club, were on the table for
distribution.

January 3, 71895.—Annual Meeting. Seventeen members present.

Mr. A. M. Githens was elected an Associate Member.

The election of officers resulted as follows:

President—Wmo. E. Hucues, M. D.

Secretary—Cuas. J. RHoaps.

Zreasurer—Wm. L. Balty.

Messrs. Stone, Baily and Hughes were appointed a Committee to
draft a new Constitution.

Dr. Hughes read the paper of the evening on the “ Food Birds of the
Eskimos,” drawing upon his experience in Greenland in 1891.

Two Fish Crows (Corvus ossifragus) were recorded shot at Holmes-
burg by Mr. Fowler, last week ; proving their winter occurrence in this
neighborhood.

January 17, 1895.—Thirteen members present.

Mr. De Haven made a communication on the “ Wild Fowl of the
Susquehanna Flats,’ describing this famous ducking ground, and com-
paring the former and present abundance of the game birds.

Mr. Wilde recorded the capture of a Hooded Warbler ( Wilsonia

16 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

mitrata) near the city, Sept. 5, 1894, and the finding of nests and eggs
of the Least Bittern (Avdetfa exits) and Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo
fiavifrons) in the vicinity of Camden, N. J., during the summer of 1894.

February 7, 1895.—Seven members present.

Messrs. Frederick Clark and Harry L. Graham were elected Asso-
ciate Members.

Mr. Morris read a paper on the “ Winter Birds of Cape Charles, Va.,”
describing a ducking trip taken during the last week of December, 1894-
The most interesting of the smaller birds observed was a Short-billed
Marsh Wren (Cvstothorus stellaris. Seventy-three species were listed.

The prevailing blizzard and its relation to winter birds was discussed.

February 21, 1895.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. Morris re-read his paper of last meeting by request.

Mr. Whitaker reported the capture of a King Rail (Rad/us elegans)
near Olney, Philadelphia, on Jan. 3, 1895, in the stomach of which were
found a bull-frog and a small turtle.

Mr. Stone exhibited a Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus),
shot from a flock of Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) onthe New
Jersey shore of the Delaware opposite Tinicum, Feb. 14, 1895. The
specimen belonged to Mr. Isaac Reiff, of Phila., and is the third posi-
tive record for the species in this vicinity, the others being taken in
1849 and 1864.

Mr. Justice reported a small flock of Pine Grosbeaks (/inrcola
enucleator) at Germantown, Feb. 7; and Horned Larks ( Ovocoris
alpestris) were noted at Olney and Tinicum.

March 7, 7895.—Eleven members present.

A new Constitution, presented for consideration at the last meeting,
was adopted.

Mr. Stone read a paper on American Crows, illustrated by a large
series of specimens. Among these were fifteen Fish Crows (C.
ossifragus) taken at Holmesburg during the winter by Mr. Fowler. Mr.
Stone failed to see any tangible specific difference between the North-
west Crow (C. caurinus) and the Common Crow (C. americanus) and
advocated treating the former as a sub-species. Its affinities were
clearly with C. americanus, from which it does not differ more than does
C.a. floridanus, and it is in no sense a “ Fish Crow,” allied to C.
ossifragus, as some writers seem to have thought.

March 21, 1895.—TYhirteen members present.

The following were elected Corresponding Members: Josiah Hoopes,
Thos. H. Jackson, Sam’l B. Ladd, H. Justin Roddy, Dr. M. W. Raub,
August Koch, Dr. J. W. Detwiler, Hugh E. Stone, W. E. Clyde Todd,

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 17

J. Warren Jacobs, W. H. Buller, Henry Hales, Thos. J. Beans, Wm.
Patterson.

Mr. I. N. De Haven was elected to the office of Vice-President
created by the new constitution.

A discussion was held on the extermination of the Wild Pigeon
(L£ictopistes migratorius). Mr. Baily quoted Capt. Clay, of Rasselas,
Elk Co., on the history of the bird in that vicinity; and Mr. Stone
stated on the authority of J. G. Dillen that large quantities of Pigeons
had been drowned and washed up on the northern shore of Lake Huron
about twelve years ago.

The last known capture in this vicinity was a bird of the year secured,
Sep. 9, 1887, in Chester Co., Pa., by Thos. H. Montgomery, Jr.

Dr. Hughes reported one seen in Chester Co. in 1873 or 4, which
from its action he thought must have been breeding in the neighborhood.

April 4, 1895.—Fifteen members |present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper on “‘ Crows of Philadelphia County.”
He reviewed his paper on Crows published in 1886 (see Amer. JVat.,
1886, pp. 691 and 777), and dwelt upon the establishing of the Fish Crow
as a permanent resident by Mr. Fowler. He also described the methods
of netting crows on the snow for trap-shooting, which is practiced
extensively at Holmesburg. Mr. Fowler stated that many hawks,
mostly Red-shouldered Hawks ( 4uzeo tineatus), were also caught in the
net.

April 18, 1895 —Twelve members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on “ Irregular Migrants,” in which the Red-
bellied Nuthatch (.Sz¢ta canadensis) and Connecticut Warbler ( Geo¢h-
Lypis agilis) were especially considered.

May 2, 7895.—Fifteen members present

Mr. Stone exhibited a series of Palm Warblers and suggested that
some of the fall specimens recorded as Dendroica palmarum might be
young D. p. hvpochrysea ; he did not consider that the plumage of the
birds of the year of the latter race was well understood.

May 16, 7895.—FEighteen members present.

Mr. Stone exhibited the original diary of William Bartram covering
the years 1802 to 1822, which had recently come into the possession of
the Academy of Natural Sciences, and read some extracts relative to
the migration of birds.

Mr. Serrill reported that Dr. Thomas, of Quakertown, had found the
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludoviciana) nesting along Tohicon
Creek, Bucks Co., Pa., and called attention to the existence of a Crow
Roost at Fort Washington.

October 3, 7895.—Nineteen members present.

18 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Mr. Wilde recorded a Swamp Sparrow’s nest (A/elosfiza georgiana)
at Pavonia, N. J.

Mr. Young described the finding of a nest and eggs of the Olive-
sided Flycatcher ( Contopus borealis) near Hazleton, Pa.,and exhibited
the specimens along with a skin of the female (see Auk, 1896, p. 278.)

Mr. Baily reported several Pectoral Sandpipers (Z7inga maculata)
shot at Holly Beach, N. J.

Mr. Stone read a letter from Mr. Aug. Koch, describing the spring
migration at Williamsport, and described the habits of some Turkey
Vultures (Catharies aura) which he had been able to examine at close
quarters while they were devouring a dead horse. He counted seventy-
nine in the immediate vicinity at one time. ‘The location was in central
Chester Co.,. Pa.

October 17, 1895.—Eighteen members present.

Mr. Wm. E. Chapman was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper on the “ Birds of Tennessee”’ (see
Proc. Acad. Nat. Sct., 1895, p. 463), which embodied the results of his
trip through the state during the past spring.

November 7, 1895.—Nineteen members present.

Mr. Wilde read a paper on the “Nesting of the Parula Warbler
(Compsothlypis americana usne@) in Southern New Jersey ” (see Awd,
1897, p. 289).

A specimen of Northern Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus), shot at
Beach Haven, N. J., by Mr. A. P. Willets, and presented to the Club,
was exhibited.

Mr. Stone exhibited a series of Red-winged Blackbirds (Age/atus
phoeniceus) taken at Tinicum, which illustrated the fall molt of this
species. An exhibition of lantern slides of birds and nests by Messrs.
Baily, McCadden and Wilde followed.

November 21, 1895.—TYwelve members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on “ Henslow’s Bunting (Ammodramus
henslowit ) nesting at Pt. Pleasant, N. J.,” in which he described a trip
taken, May 30, 1895, in company with Dr. Hughes and Messrs. Baily
and McCadden, with the object of verifying the reported occurrence of
this species. A number of the Buntings were found, but diligent search
failed to discover the nests, though the birds were unquestionably
breeding.

December 5, 71895.—Fifteen members present.

Amendments to the constitution were adopted, raising the Active
Membership limit to fifteen and providing for the transference at the
discretion of the meeting of an Active Member to the Associate list
when he is absent from four consecutive meetings without explanation.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 19

Mr. Young read a paper on the “Summer Birds of the Pennsylvania
Coal Region ” (Auk, 1896, p. 278).

December 19, 1895.—Fifteen members present.

Mr. M. L. C. Wilde was elected an Active Member and Mr. Francis
R. Cope, Jr., an Associate.

Mr. De Haven described a trip to Cape Charles, Va. Thirty-five
species were noted, the most interesting of which was a Briinnich’s
Murre (Uria domvia), the second capture for this locality.

Mr. Stone gave a critical review of Gatkes’ “ Heligoland,” com-
menting adversely upon his theories of migration and molting.

Fanuary 2,7896.—Annual meeting. ‘Twenty-four members present,
and one visitor.

The old board of officers were re-elected, viz:

President—WIi.LuiaM E. Hucues, M. D.

Vice-President—\. Norris DE Haven.

Secretary—Cuas. J. Ruoaps.

Treasurer—WIi 1AM L. BAILy.

Messrs. Wm. A. Shyrock and Robt. T. Young were elected Active
Members.

Mr. Voelker exhibited a hybrid between the Mallard (Anas boschas)
and Pintail (Dajfi/a acuta) secured in market.

Dr. Benj. Sharp was present by request and gave an account of his
recent trip to Alaska, illustrating his remarks by lantern slides and
specimens of birds secured by him and now in the Academy’s collection.

Fanuary 16, 1896.—Fourteen members present.

Dr. Hughes read a paper on “ Birds observed in Somerset Co.,
Maine,” describing a trip taken in August, 1895.

Mr. Wilde exhibited and presented a nest and set of eggs of the
Least Bittern (Avdetta exilis) from Newton Creek, N. J., taken July 4,
1895.

February 6, 1896.—Nine members and two visitors present.

Mr. Chas. A. Kellog, the professional whistler, was present by invita-
tion, and gave imitations of various bird songs.

Mr. Baily read several extracts from his ornithological journal for the
past year. He described a twelve-days’ experience in trying to raise a
young Hummingbird (7Zvochtlus colubris), which he had taken from
the nest and managed to keep alive for twelve days. He also recorded
the capture of a young Mockingbird (AZimus polyglottos) in the first
plumage at Holly Beach, N. J., and a number of Western Sandpipers
(Ereunetes occidentalis) at the same place (see Auk, 1896, p. 174).

Mr. McCadden exhibited two Golden Eagles, taken in Craig Co.,
Va., Dec. 18, 1895 (see Auk, 1896, p. 256).

20 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Mr. S. N. Rhoads reported several Black-backed Gulls (Larus
marinus) seen by gunners at ‘Tuckertown, N. J., Feb. rst.

february 20, 1896.—Fourteen members present.

Mr. Morris read a paper entitled “ European Bird Notes,” in which
he spoke of the species noted by him during a recent trip through
Great Britain and the Continent ; and contrasted the bird-life with that
of America.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads reported a Northern Shrike (Zanzus boreahs) at
Haddon Heights, N. J., a few days since.

March 5, 7896.—Fifteen members present.

Mr. Stone spoke on the “Structure of Feathers,” illustrating his re-
marks by some selected specimens and drawings. He also called atten-
tion to the nomenclature of the Horned Owls. The type of Budo
subarcticus in the Academy collection proves to be a typical arcticus.
Mr. Stone proposed the name occzdendalis for the old “ subarcticus,” and
proposed to separate the southern Californian race as pacificus Cassin.
(See Auk, 1896, p. 153; also Amer. Nat., 1897, p. 236.)

A number of birds collected by Dr. A. Donaldson Smith on his recent
expedition through Somali Land, N. E. Africa, were exhibited, from
the Academy’s collection.

March 19, 1896.—Ten members present.

A general discussion was held on “ Bird Protection.”

April 2, 1896.—Twelve members present.

Mr. Guy Myers was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper on the “ Real and Apparent Decrease
in Our Native Birds,’ which was followed by a general discussion on
the subject.

April 16, 1896.—Fifteen members present.

Mr. Stone read a letter from Mr. A. W. Anthony describing the de-
struction of Egrets for the millinery trade along the Gulf of California.

Mr. De Haven spoke of shore birds at Atlantic City, comparing the
spring migrations for several years past.

Mr. Fowler followed with some observations on water birds of the
Delaware River near Bristol, Pa.

May 7, 1896.—Seventeen members present.

Mr. Whitaker read a paper on “A Recent Trip to Florida,”’ illustrat-
ing his remarks by a series of photographs.

Mr. Stone described a trip to a heronry of the Great Blue Heron
(Ardea herodias), near Salem, N. J.,on May 2, in company with Dr.
Hughes, Messrs. Justice and Young. There were upwards of thirty
pairs of birds breeding in the tops of some tall pin oaks. Mr. Young

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 21

succeeded in securing a nest and set of eggs for the collection, which
were on exhibition. Mr. Stone had just returned this evening from a
second trip with several other members, and reported that most of the
eggs had apparently hatched, judging from the shells on the ground.

May 21, 1896.—Eighteen members present.

Several nests and eggs mounted with natural surroundings for the col-
lection were on exhibition. Notable were the eggs of the Night Hawk
( Chordeiles virginianus) and Whip-poor-will (Andérostomus vociferus),
collected by Mr. Wilde, and resting on exactly the same ground surfaces
upon which they were found.

October 1, 1896.—Nineteen members present.

Mr. Baily read a paper on “Gulls and Terns of Five-Mile Beach,
Nias

Mr. Stone described a colony of Laughing Gulls (Zarus atricilla),
which were breeding back of Brigantine Beach, N. J., in June, 1896.

Mr. De Haven reported that large quantities of Clapper Rails
(Rallus crepitans) had again been killed at Atlantic City during the
high tides, and estimated that 10,000 had been slaughtered.

October 15, 1896.—Seventeen members present.

Messrs. Albert Whitaker and Samuel M. Freeman were elected
Associate Members.

Mr. Stone read a paper entitled ‘“‘ The Salt Marsh Finches.”

LVovember 5, 7896.—Fifteen members present.

Mr. Henry Warrington was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Cope read a paper on the “Summer Birds of Susquehanna Co.,
Pa.”, in which he summarizes his observations covering several years.
Owing to the denudation of the forests the fauna is not so purely
Canadian as had been supposed, though a number of Canadian forms
still remain (see Proc. Acad. Nat. Sct., 1898, p. 76).

A specimen of Purple Sandpiper (7Z7%inga maritima) was exhibited,
which was secured, Oct. 31, 1896, at Beach Haven, N. J., by Mr. A. P.
Willets.

November 19, 1896.—Nineteen members present.

Mr. Edmund J. D. Coxe was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads described a trip taken through the northern
counties of New Jersey in October last, commenting on the birds
noticed.

Dr. Hughes reported a Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus) killed
recently near Downingtown, Pa.

This meeting was held in the ornithological room of the Academy,
which is to be the meeting-place in the future, the specimens, etc., being
more accessible for reference.

22 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

December 3, 1896. Sixteen members present.

Mr. Stone read a paper on “ Birds of Prince Edward’s Island” by
Mr. Young, who was unable to be present.

Mr. Baily spoke of a Golden Eagle (Aguzla chrysaetos) taken some
two years ago at Devon, Pa., and now in captivity.

Mr. Brown reported finding two Coots (#udica americana) dead near
Wayne Junction, Philadelphia, apparently killed by striking telegraph
wires.

December 17, 1896.—Eighteen members present.

Mr. Thomas L. Hammersley was elected an Associate Member.

The resignation of Mr. John J. Bisseger was accepted with regret.

Mr. Justice read a paper on “Some Impressions of European Birds,”
and Mr. Tatum followed with one entitled ‘‘ Ornithological Experiences
along the Miramichi, New Brunswick,” in which he described a year’s
residence at a lumberman’s camp.

A Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus), secured at Paterson, N. J., and
presented by Chas. A. Shriner, was on exhibition. Seven other indi-
viduals of the same species were reported shot at the same locality.

Mr. Stone called attention to the recently organized Pennsylvania
Audubon Society for the protection of birds.

January 7, 7897.—Annual meeting. ‘Twenty-two members present.

Messrs. Stewardson Brown and William L. Whitaker were elected
Active Members, and Mr. J. Wistar Evans, Associate.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows :

President—\. Norris DE HAVEN.

Vice-President—Cuas. J. RRoaps.

Secretary—Wnm. A. SHRYOCK.

Treasurer—Wm. L. BaILy.

A paper by Mr. A. B. Vanderwielen, entitled “Three Days with
Bicknell’s Thrush” (Zurdus alicie bicknelli), was read by Mr. Stone,
which dealt with the occurrence of this bird in the White Mountains,
INY Et.

Mr. Stone then made a communication on the Meadow Larks (Stur-
nella magna subspp.), illustrating his remarks with large series of skins
of the various races. He pointed out the difference between the resi-
dent Larks of Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley, and proposed to
separate the latter as a new form, Sturned/la magna hoopest (see Proc.
Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1897, p. 146).

Dr. Fellows distributed copies of an etching of ‘Gulls,

”

executed by
himself.
Mr. Whitaker exhibited a Briinnich’s Murre (Uria domvia) shot by

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 23

him at Cape Charles, Va., December 17, 1896 (see Auk, 1897,
P25202)) «

January 21, 1597.—Eighteen members present.

Messrs. Francis R. Cope, Jr., and Wm. W. Justice, Jr., were elected
Active Members, and Messrs. Gilbert H. Moore, Robert T. Moore, and
John Hutchinson Associates.

Mr. H. L. Graham was transferred to the Corresponding List, he
having removed permanently to California.

Mr. De Haven read a paper on the “The Hunting of Brant,” which
be supplemented with considerable valuable information on the distribu-
tion and abundance of the species.

Mr. Stone exhibited a specimen of the Brant (Branta bernicla)
from Whale Sound, N. Greenland, 1892, which was evidently breeding.

Mr. Whitaker exhibited a specimen of King Eider (Somateria
spectabilis) taken at Cape Charles, Va., Jan. 2, 1897, which extended
the known winter range of the species some miles southward, the previous
southernmost record being Cobb’s Island, Va., (4v&, 1897, p. 202).

Mr. Stone called attention to a nest of Carolina Wren ( Zhryothorus
Judovicianus) received from Mr. J. D. Winsor, which had been built in
the back of a sofa in his parlor and from which a brood had been raised,
the bird entering by the window.

February 4, 1897.—Twenty-seven members present.

A general discussion was held on the articles in the January number
of the Auk.

Mr. Reed exhibited a specimen of Black-throated Blue Warbler
taken on Cobb’s Creek, Delaware Co., Pa., in 1878, which exhibits all
the characters of Dendroica coerulescens cairnsit recently described
from North Carolina by Dr. Coues, and questioned the validity of the
new race.

Mr. Reed also reported a number of Briinnich’s Murres (U7ta
lomuia) near Beverly, N. J., Dec. 15 and 16, 1896 (see Auk, 1897, Pp.
202).

February 18, 1897. Seventeen members present.

Mr. Stone exhibited some specimens of Horned Owls (ude) and
explained that inadvertently he had erred in selecting a type for the new
form “ occidentalis,” which he had described, and, this becoming a
synonym, he would propose the name “ fallescens’’ for the Western
Horned Owl (Am. Naz., 1897, p.236). He also spoke of the death of
Major Charles Bendire, and his valuable work on the “ Life Histories of
North American Birds.”

March 4, 1897.—Nineteen members present.

24 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

The resignation of Mr. Wilde as an Active Member was accepted with
regret.

Mr. Baily read a paper on “ Beach Birds and Plover,” based upon his
experience with them for several consecutive years on Two, Five and
Seven Mile Beaches, N. J.

Mr. Young reported taking a set of Great Horned Owl’s eggs
(4ubo virginianus) at Betterton, Kent Co., Md. The birds were breed-
ing in an old eagle’s nest.

March 18, 1897.—Twenty members present.

Mr. Morris read a paper on “‘ Local Reminiscences of Audubon.”

Mr. Baily exhibited a series of plates of Humming Birds, painted
about 1855 by his uncle, Wm. L. Baily, a contemporary of John Cassin.

April 1, 1897.—Twenty-two members present.

Mr. W. L. Whitaker read a paper on “ Ornithological Photography,”
followed by an exhibition of lantern slides of bird’s nests taken by him
from nature.

A Wood Ibis (Zantalus loculator), collected in Lancaster County,
Pa., July 17, 1896, was exhibited, presented to the Club by Dr. Park
P. Brenneman.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads had observed Tree Swallows ( Zachycineta bicolor)
in large numbers at Port Norris, N.J., the last week of March, and Mr.
Fowler reported the same species as well as Purple Martens (Progne
subis) at Bristol, Pa., March 26. ‘These records are unusually early.

April 15, 1897.—Twenty members present.

The following resolution, presented by Mr. Stone, was unanimously
adopted :

“The Delaware Valley Ornithological Club has heard with profound regret of the
death of Prof. Edward D. Cope. The Club recognizes that in the death of Prof. Cope
the scientific world has lost one of its brightest lights, a recognized authority in four
distinct branches of zodlogical science, as well as one of the leading exponents of
the doctrine of evolution. We also recognize, many of us from our personal experi-
ence, that young students entering upon a scientific career have lost in Prof. Cope a

friend who, in spite of the demands of his own researches, was ever ready to assist
them and give them the benefit of his profound knowledge.”

Mr. Reed read a paper on the “ American Barn Owl” (Strix pratin-
cola), outlining his experience with the species in this vicinity. (Az,
1897, Pp. 374-)

May 6, 1897.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. Justice described a trip taken to Salem, N. J., and another to
Susquehanna County, Pa. On the former occasion he reported finding
a nest and eggs of the Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosum), and described

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 25

the habit of the Flickers (Colapies auratus) of boring through the
wooden sides of the old ice-houses. Inside one of these holes he found
a pair of sparrow hawks (Fa/co sparverius) nesting in hay which was
stored within. In Susquehanna County three nests of the Red-tailed
Hawk (Luteo borealis) were found, and Snow Birds (/unco hyemats)
were noted building on April 24.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads stated that five Red-headed Woodpeckers (AZe/-
anerpes erythrocephalus) had wintered in a wood near Haddonfield,
N. J., and two pairs were now breeding there. Mr. De Haven stated
that four or five had wintered at Overbrook, Pa.

May 20, 1897.—Thirteen members present.

Some notes on ‘“ Birds of Wolfville, Nova Scotia,” prepared by Mr.
Harold F. Tufts, were read.

Mr. Fowler reported the capture of a Summer Tanager (//ranga
rubra) at Tinicum, Delaware Co., Pa., May 15. (Awk, 1897, p. 410).

A nest and set of two eggs of the Goshawk (Accipiter atricapillus)
from Lopez, Sullivan Co., Pa., the gift of Otto and Herman Behr, was
on exhibition (4k, 1897, p. 317).

May 21, 1897, 3:30 p. m—Nineteen members and a large number
of visitors present. An adjourned general meeting held in the lecture
hall and open to the public.

The following program was presented :

“Some Early Anglo-Saxon Bird Names,” Spencer Trotter, M. D.

“The Aid of Ornithologists needed in the Determination of Certain
of the broader Morphological Problems,’’ Thos. H. Montgomery, Ph. D.

‘Modern Tendencies of Ornithology,’ Witmer Stone.

“A Resumé of the Work of the D. V. O. C.,”” Wm. A. Shryock.

“ Exhibition of Photographs of Birds and Nests,’’ W. L. Whitaker.

October 7, 1897.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. J. R. Moon was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Stone read a paper on the “ Molting of the Sanderling” (Cad-
dris arenaria), in which he showed that the flight feathers were in many
cases not molted until after the birds reached this latitude in the fall
migration. Specimens taken by W. L. Baily, at Cape May, August 4th,
were exhibited as illustrations. (See Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1897,
p- 368.)

Mr. De Haven exhibited several pellets cast up by a caged crow
( Corvus americanus) which consisted entirely of raspberry seeds.

October 21, 1897.—Eighteen members present.

Messrs. Otto Behr and Herman Behr were elected Corresponding
Members.

26 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

A paper entitled ‘‘ Great Gull Island during 1897,” was read by Mr.
Reed, in which he described the destruction of a colony of Terns (Sterna
hirundo) which formerly bred on the island. The island has been
fortified by the United States government and the breeding ground
practically destroyed.

Mr. Fowler reported a Red-throated Loon (Urinator lumme) shot
from a flock of fifteen at League Island, Philadelphia, and Mr. Baily
recorded a Mockingbird (AZimus polyglottos) seen at Cape May, N. J.,
last August.

November 4, 1897.—Twenty-three members present.

Messrs. Morris and Hughes discussed a trip taken to several points
on the Virginia coast of Chesapeake Bay, June 12 and 19, 1897, and
described the nesting of the several species of birds observed. Common
Tern (Sterna hirundo), Skimmers (Rynchops nigra), and Black-headed
Gulls (Zarus atricilla) and a few Forster’s Terns (.S. forstevz) were the
only kinds left breeding on the islands along the bay so far as they could
ascertain.

November 18, 1897.—Sixteen members present.

A general discussion was held on the proceedings of the Fifteenth
Congress of the American Ornithologists’ Union by the members who
had been in attendance.

December 2, 1897.—TYwelve members present.

Mr. Arthur Cope Emlen was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Stone read some notes on Mexican birds made during his trip
of 1890.

A specimen of Gannet (Sw/a dassana) in the mottled young plumage
was exhibited, shot at Holly Beach, N. J., Nov. 22, 1897.

December 16, 1897.—Eighteen members present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper entitled “ Fossil Birds and their Living
Allies,” in which he carefully reviewed the subject as treated by the
leading writers on the subject and exhibited many specimens from the
Academy’s collection.

Errata in Abstract Proceedings D. V. O. C., 1891-2.

Page 2. Empidonax pusillus traillii proved to be E. minimus.
Page 4. Corvus corax sinuatus. Specimen was taken in Fulton Co.,
Pa.

Page 5. Chen hyperborea nivalis should read C. hyperborea.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF THE

Delaware Valley Ornithological Club.

LIST

OF

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

FOR

1898.

VEC TEAL HOSUR ra:

WOOP Ait

\
Sable tagenlotiiii-y oltay Ot ota

CONS TLU TION.

ARTICLE I.
The name of this Association is the Delaware Valley Ornithological
Club.
ARTICLE II.
The object of this Club is the advancement and diffusion of ornitho-
logical knowledge.

ARTICLE III.
The members of this Club shall be persons who are interested in
ornithology considered in its widest sense. There may be three classes
of members: Active, Associate and Corresponding.

ARTICLE IV.
The officers of this Club shall be a President, Vice-President, Secre-
tary and Treasurer. They shall be elected annually, and shall hold office
until their successors are elected.

ARTICLE V.

This Constitution shall not be amended except by a unanimous vote
of the active members present at an annual meeting, notice of such
proposed action having been given to all active members, and the pro-
posed amendment submitted in writing at the preceding regular meet-
ing of the Club.

BY-LAWS.

ARTICLE I.—MEMBERS.
Section z. Active members shall reside at the time of their election
within twenty-five miles of Philadelphia, and shall have been Associate
members of the Club for at least six months. Active members shall be

(29 )

30 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE

limited to fifteen in number, and they alone shall have the privilege of
voting and holding office.

Sec. 2. Associate members shall be residents of Pennsylvania, New
Jersey, Delaware or Maryland, and shall not be limited in number.
They may take part in all the scientific meetings of the Club, and are
entitled to all the privileges of membership except voting and holding
office. An Active member who shall be absent from four consecutive
meetings shall be transferred to the Associate membership, unless his
absence be occasioned by sickness or other cause that may be deemed
sufficient excuse by a majority of the Active members present at a reg-
ular meeting.

Sec. 3. Persons residing more than twenty-five miles from Philadel-
phia, capable of furnishing desirable ornithological information to the
Club, may be elected Corresponding members. ‘They may attend the
scientific meetings of the Club and contribute notes or papers, but shall
have no further privileges of membership. Upon removal of their resi-
dence to within twenty-five miles of Philadelphia they cease to be Cor-
responding members but may be elected to Associate membership.

ARTICLE II.—OFFICERS.

Section z..The President shall preside at the meetings of the Club
and shall appoint all committees.

Sec. 2. The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President
in case of his absence or inability to act.

Sec. 3. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the
Club, shall send notices of time and place of meetings to all Active and
Associate members, shall notify members elect of their election and
shall acknowledge gifts or communications to the Club.

Sec. g. The Treasurer shall collect all dues from members and shall
have the care of all moneys belonging to the Club. He shall not make
any disbursements unless so authorized by a majority vote of the Active
members present at a regular meeting of the Club, and he shall present
a report at each annual meeting of the Club.

Sec. 5. Vacancies occurring in any office may be filled at the next
regular meeting of the Club.

ArtTICLE IIJJ.—MEETINGS.

Section z. The regular meetings of the Club shall be held at 7:30
p. m., on the first and third Thursday in each month, from October to
May inclusive, at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 31

Sec. 2. Special meetings may be called by the President with the
approval of two Active members.

Sec. 3. Four Active members shall constitute a quorum for the trans-
action of business.

Sec. g. Each meeting of the Club shall consist of a business and
scientific session. ‘The business session shall be open to Active mem-
bers only, the regular order of business being as follows:

1. Reading of minutes of last business session.

2. Reports of committees.

3. Nominations and elections.

4. Miscellaneous business.

The scientific session of the Club shall immediately follow the busi-
ness session, the order of procedure being :

5- Reading of minutes of last meeting.

6. Reports of committees or announcements.

7. Stated subject of the meeting.

8. Other papers or communications.

g. Adjournment.

Sec. 5. The order of business may be suspended at any time by a
two-thirds vote of the active members present.

Sec. 6. The annual meeting and election of officers shall be the first
stated meeting in January.

Sec. 7. Persons interested in ornithology may, upon invitation of a
member, attend the scientific sessions of the Club.

ARTICLE IV.—ELECTIONS AND EXPULSIONS.

Section z. All elections shall be by ballot.

Sec. 2. Nominations for membership shall be made at a stated meet-
ing previous to the one at which they are to be balloted for. Nomina-
tions for officers shall be made at the annual meeting at which the
election takes place.

Sec. 3. A unanimous vote of the Active members present and voting
shall be necessary for the election of a member, and a two-thirds vote
for the election of an officer.

Sec. 4. Any member may be expelled from the Club on satisfactory
evidence that he is an improper person to be connected therewith.
Such expulsion shall be by a two-thirds vote of the Active members
present and voting at a stated meeting, one month’s previous notice of
such proposed action having been given to all active members and to
the member accused.

32 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE

ARTICLE V.—FEES AND ASSESSMENTS.

Section z. An entrance fee of two dollars shall be charged to Active
members and one dollar to Associate members. The annual assessment
shall be for Active members two dollars, and for Associate members
one dollar. The entrance fee shall cover all regular dues for the first
year of membership, and any member elected on or after October first
of any year shall not be assessed for the year in which he is elected.
Corresponding members shall not be subject to dues of any kind.

Sec. 2. The annual assessment shall be due at the first stated meeting
of each year.

Sec. 3. No Active member one year in arrears for dues shall be
allowed to vote.

Sec. 4. The names of members two years in arrears for dues shall be
dropped from the list of members, providing that they have been twice
notified of their indebtedness by the Treasurer and their attention
called to this By-Law.

ARTICLE VI.—AMENDMENTS.

Section rz. Amendments to these By-Laws shall only be made by a
unanimous vote of the Active members present and voting at a regular
meeting of the Club, the proposed amendment having been submitted
in writing at a preceding regular meeting.

OFFICERS SINCE ORGANIZATION.

PRESIDENTS.
IW CTA SAIN PN 8) nay ie Mies Wrst) edt ay cones BOOS
WIEMERS SEONE) ire: na ieh vot heieneseh a ee. sh LOO T= ESO 2.
GEORGE SPENCER Morris . .... . . . 1893-1894.
WiETIAM: FE HIOGHES, MOD. oy 2). ja) a's! LOO5—19896.
EY NORRIS SDE HAVENT: (nj srisi\s hele) 32. LSO7—TSOS:

VICE-PRESIDENTS.

I. Norris DE Haven... . . March 21, 1895-1896.
CHARLES J. RHOADS . . . . . . 1897-1898.
SECRETARIES.
SAMUEL N. RHoaps ... . . . 18g90-Sept. 15, 1891.
GEORGE SPENCER Morris . . . . Sept. 15, 1891—Jan., 1892.
CHARLES J. RHOADS . . . . . . Jan., 1892—Oct. 4, 1892.
GEORGE SPENCER Morris . . . . Oct. 4, 1892-Jan., 1893.
SAMUEL N. RHoaDs. . . .. . . Jan., 1893-Jan., 1894.
CHARLES J. RHOADS .. . . . Jan., 1894-Jan., 1897.
Wiuiam A. SHRYOCK. . . . . . Jan., 1897-1898.
TREASURERS.
SAMUEL N. RHoaps ... . . . 1890-March 17, 1891.
Wituam L. Bary .... .. . March 17, 1891-1898.

(33)

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

OF THE

Delaware Valley Ornithological Club.

1898.

PRESIDENT.
I. Norris DE Haven, Ardmore, Pa.

VICE-PRESIDENT.
CHARLES J. Ruoaps, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

SECRETARY.
Wituiam A. Suryock, 823 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa.

TREASURER.
Witt L. Batty, 421 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa.

ACTIVE MEMBERS.*

Batty, WittIaM L. . . : se iat oh an ee eo aren eile te ENO Cn
421 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Brown, STEWARDSON . ...... (Oct. 6, 1891.) Jan. 7, 1897.

Stenton Ave., Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa.

Copr,- Francis R., Jris vs. + + « + (Dec. 19, 1895.)- Jan,,25, 1809s
Awbury, Germantown, Dhila., Pa.

De Haven, I. Norris ..... «. (Feb. 16, 1891.) Sept. 20, 1892.
Ardmore, Pa.

FOWLER, HUENRY Wien vo) oo ots . (Oct. 18, 1894.) Jan. 6, 1898.
Acad. Nat. Sci., aaa phi «, Philadelphia, Pa.

* Dates in parentneyes indicate election to Associate membership, others denote
election to Active membership.

(34)

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 35

Hucues, Wituram E., M.D. .-. . (Oct. 6, 1891.) March 19, 1894.
3726 Baring St., West Philadelphia, Pa.

justice, WirtiamM W., JR. . . .. « (Oct. 17, 1893.)),1 Jan. 21,1897.
Clappier St., Germantown, Phila., Pa.

MORRIS, GEORGE, SPENCER) sl) <) (5) /6 6 1 260) cay Paps eth oe BOUNCER,
Olney, Philadelphia, Pa.

RHOADS, CHARGES) Jars) ose ais.) a (JUNE 16, 1890.) Sept.) Ty FSO.
Bryn Mawr, Pa.

RHOADS SAMUEDOIN]) \ 00s) 2 Uigaien aRt es ee Sal an giltee OUNCES
Carnegie Museum, Bittahureth pe

SHRVOCK,) WIEEIAMC AMI aa nn a Dees i. £aOT.)). * Jane -2,/T890.
823 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa.

STONE, WITMER .. . ay NRA Manet t Bounders
Acad. Nat. Sci., Tee taunt Philadelphia, Pa,

WHITAKER, Wititan Toy 2. 6.0) ee Clam. 175/8S935)\, | fans 75) 189 7.
Cedar Grove, Philadelphia, Pa.

WOUNG ROBERT 10s (ute a panini CADIIUL TO 18925), Jans 2; 1590s

174 W. 126th St., New York City.

FORMER ACTIVE MEMBERS.

Brown, J. FarNuM,* . Associate Member, Feb. 2, 1891 ; Active Mem-
ber, Sept. 1, 1891—May, 1894.

REED, J. Harris,f . . . Founder. Active Member to April 16, 1896.
TROTTER, SPENCER, M.D.} . Founder. Active Member to April 5, 1894.
VOELKER, CHARLES A.f . . Founder. Active Member to Dec. 3, 1896.

Wixpe, Mark L.C.+ . Active Member Dec. 19, 1895, to March 18, 1897.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.

CHAPMAN, WILLIAM E. . ... . Wises whe OCU ha LOOes
6408 Main St., Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa.

GEARKVEREDERICK) (2) a) Pleo nepeet ka nig cg Ase s MED pe TOO5.
Conshohocken, Pa.

COGGINS; HERBERT IL). 3) 2030 8 sai et dal DECEIT O TSO Te

4547 McKean Ave., Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa.

Coxe), EpMUND, [JG De. i.) pais AGIAN Dies ie VFM dt NOVEEEOS LOOO.
I515 Spruce St., ‘Philadelphia, Pa,

CRAWFORD, JOSEPH D.. . . ; ash EDs 22 UN SOQ,
Frankford Road roe Hart hdc Philadelphia, Ras

* Deceased. + See Associate Members,

36 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE

EMLEN, ARTHUR COPE... . Sista tony allepece, kaye DOGG: cer eae
Awbury, Germantown, Phila., Pa,

Biyvans, fi: Wistar 37%" spe 2142 i att alten’. San. oft eee

Church Lane, Germantown, Phila., Pa,

emnows: Adis Ose ee: Yer tec Se fete ee le Tk sce Mira rrcvenee
4006 Chestnut St., Phila., Pa.

HHORSVEHE MCPORGE 4. Manta, ste; plies she a = Te 8 fee CD a eOme
Westtown, Penna.

Fox, HENRY .. . eG oth ok elon e 4G VAAL AS

| 4831 Main St., Garenioes. Phila, mi

FREEMAN, SAMUEL M.. . . ; State ta! 3 ey OCD, ogee
13 E. Penn St., Clone Phila, Pa,

GiruEns,; ALFRED MORTON (7 9200". 3. 0. }. + Jan. 3,/18992
1512 Pine St., Phila., Pa.

Gray, RUSSELL .. . » «,% Keb: 27. 20Gee
63d and eeeatwne ene West Philadelphia, Pa.

HamMERSLEY, THOMAS L.. . . . . ~o % 4 DEC. egos
3616 Hamilton St., West Philadelphia, Pa,

EMC EMINGON A) eer cess Mauna e ea: wae Oaet Sec Shake . . Jan, 27,1S0g6
Haddonfield, N. J.

KESTER; RAYMOND 1 ¢ <b) 4, 34 ¢ »f ie iad «oe = 2 ) Nov. a) aegee
Lansdowne, Pa.

McCappen, Davy Nii... . 2 stad & tASept 26,950
Acad. Nat. Sciences, Logan sinned Philadelphia, Pa.

Montcomery, Tuomas H., Jr., PH. D.. . . . . . March 17, 1891.
West Chester, Pa.

Moon, J.R. .. . ‘ NPA AM AN ee h 8 a GO CGS 7. Tena
836 Broadway, cca N. sf

Moore, Girpert, Es. aihese cL) paevian ca eA Ses aah aS 2a eet
Haddonfield, N. J.

MOORE, ROBERT Dei fo.) ie (Ass Ae, oe Rb oO Jaman eae
Haddonfield, N. J.

Mervers, F. Guy 2 fot: ys th wi Apri, aeaee
4603 Cedar Ave., West Philadelphia, Pa.

PENNELL, HOWARD Yi 5008 2) 8 8) HINGRD RIN) wine ofa ha goa
Wawa, Pa.

REED, J. Harris. . . . (Active Member, Jan., 1890—April 16, 1896.)

Beverly, N. J.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 37

REESE MMOHNG cM tins ey Cava au ng. batila isis fe lel se) ',eu OCLs PO, FOQAs
Riverton, N, J.
IROTZELES WaveiMin Dek Soe thee 3 oa HOCE Zo; 160%.

Narberth, Pa.

SCHEUING) WILLIAM Boo.) f4.8. 1 etre ule Gs: 12. VIATOR LOO a.
3024 West York St., Philadelphia, Pa.

SCULI. A. -SLEWART 5) jig)’: ir tan CPM MEE pered alo kc Pie ste loon
925 Broadway, Camden, N. I.

SEISS, C.. PEW.g 42s ts iis hy elle) calla Mahe: WRELE Ds 2gh BOO es
1338 Spring Gorden St, "Philadelphia, Pa.

SERRIED WVVIEPTAM poe osiisiite elite! isl von Zour s) -o) Leyaei alts te WECei iy LOGI.
Haverford, Pa.

SHEPPARD, EDWIN . . . . si Bille ch eure ea ea tesee ate arent? bESe x:
Acad. Nat. Sci., Logan eer Philadelphia, Pa.

SHERIDAN, GEORGE HH... .. . Get iei desu sp SH RDENLS, Bega.
Highland Ave., Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pa.

SMITH, WALTER GORDON’ <a, c/s, 4). ole. © oy t,o ol, bebe 7.2808.
Overbrook, Pa.

STOKES, FRANCIS J. . . Baiada my ogee ODL) RomlOOd.
Locust Ave., Coes Philadelphia, "Pa,

HRATUMA NS OSEBEO Wie! o- 3) 's so bere, pec da"\ eins.) sigs parire eh BLNLA Yass BOO ae
843 N. 41st St., West Philadelphia, Pa.

TROTTER, SPENCER, M. D. . (Active Member, Jan., 1890—April 5, 1894.)
Media, Pa.

VOELKER, CHARLES A. . . (Active Member, Jan., 1890—Dec. 3, 1896.)
Adamsford, Pa.

WARRINGTON, HENRY . . . , wha Aart el # dh ot NOVA 5A sTOOO,
1700 Mt. Vernon St., Philadelphia, Pa,

WEVGANDE CORNELIUS. 64 «2 5) «bs 2a tyes = MEDMTO;aSor.
79 Upsal St., Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa.

WHITAKER VAT BERT 50.05, 80805 SS Gi .S 15 ce ey Oi.) MOCEATES DOGO.
Cedar Grove, Philadelphia, P Pa.

Wipe, Mark L. C. . Oct. 18, 1892. (Active Member, Dec. 19, 1895-—
Merchantville, N. J. March 18, 1897.)

WRIGHT, J SAMUEB ten ciNed (alia ia viani lish eh Sere onieOiNetreebarition Pely BT OO a
Conshohocken, Pa.

38 OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE

FORMER ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.

BISGEGER, JOUN J... a,s'.+ ss se.5 -, Oct Ta ta8e2—Dees ag,
IBDRNS 4b RANK: 1; 2 ethyl 4s 2 tin, Be WeDs 2, TOO jamzane
FIEWEKS,, CHOMAS: (cc. folbe lye is) oye» RED! 16, 1801—)an. 1g.
PANNEPACKER, D. ELMER ...... ~ ~ Oct. 6, 1890—Jan. 1,
RmpENOUR, CHARLES EE. . . . . . . . . Oct. 6, 1891—April 16,
RODGERS) WILLIAM) “Su os .6... 2.4 2 Feb,’ 7, 1893-Feb: 2,
SmirH, WittiAM W.*. . >... +... . « Heb. 2, 1891_-July 3,
WILBANK, WILLIAM V. . . . . .. - . . Jan. 19, 1891—Jan. 1,

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.

BRANSELEIOMEAS Joe G40) otc (eta oles a oi oto. Make ah
Moorestown, N. J.

BEHE, CELERMMAN or c* ce bo + ies 9! on hetnet ore" o* 6 | uP Ocha
Lopez, Sullivan Co., Pa.

Bear, O1TO™. ...7.-. Hs OY eel B Rie bei Pete Mee RAO CEE
Lopez, Sullivan Co., Pa.

BUMMER, WAEL ec ee. ca ye ce te tote tere +. te te + ~ Markel 215

Marietta, Lancaster Co., Pa,

BUSH WV AGEER 1D.) de) teids 42 + pole te te te 2s Sa, @ ae oe ORE Diage
French St. Wharf, Wilmington, Del.

DerwitEr, JounsW.; MicDar’ jie tel wyis ae ve. ot be { « March 225
Bethlehem, Pa.

EASTMAN, FRANK B. . ... . alta = Pk 63 DRIED: ge
1121 Market St., Wilmington, Del.

GraHaM, Harry L.. . . . (Associate, Feb. 7, 1895.) Jan. 21,
Redlands, Cal.

PATS NAIAINEEY. Us ela “nd for ter vcoh in, su Aitan Cae ote ROR
Ridgewood, N. J.

TIOOPES, JOSIAM | 2. 2s Hee ean Vales. +7, x) Larch 2s
West Chester, Pa.

TACESON; THOMAS M9 Spe oe i ati Te an Ta st rans . March 21,
West Chester, Pa.

JACoRS, J. WARREN «0 0-04 & o's Gute ls « s « » March 2x;
Waynesburg, Pa.

* Deceased.

1895.
1897.
1897.
1895.
1898.
1895-
1898.
1897.
1895.
1895.
1895.

1895.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB.

Kocu, AUGUST .
Williamsport, Pa.

ADD, SAMUEL) Be S05 5, alan eave
West Chester, Pa.

PATTERSON, WILLIAM .

Salem, N. J.

PENNOCK, CHARLES J. . stay Splice, Sit satenhis
Kennett Square, Chester Co., Pa,

BENE IPSs Awe qm ee gets 0 Ney aa, Se
Princeton, N. J.

RAGE Wee MEMS rie yee eae aia ie ates ber aly Me

Lancaster, Pa.

RODD Ele TU STING Wantare ane st ly, Wits then ity Woe ae
Millersville, Lancaster Co., Pa

SToNE, Hucu E. bea aan
Coatesville, Chester Co., Pa.

Topp, W. E. CLypE
U.S. Dept. Agriculture, Waste D. C.

. March 21,

. March 21,

. March 21,

. March 21,

. March 21,

. March 21,

. March 21,

. March 21,

. March 27,

39

1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.
1895.

1895.

The Club holds regular meetings in the Ornithological Room of the
Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia, on the first
and third Thursdays of each month, from October to May inclusive, at

8 o’clock p. m.

The D. V.O.C. collection of Pennsylvania and New Jersey birds and
their nests is presented to the Academy, and is on public exhibition in

the museum.

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INDEX:

I.—Abstract for 1890-1.

ACCIPITER atricapillus, II, 21, 22, 25

4égialites vociferus, I, 9

Agelaius phceniceus, I, 6; II, 2, 18

Alca torda, I, 12

Alle alle, I, 12

Ammodramus, I, 5

Ammodramus caudacutus, I, 11; II, 3, 5
c. nelsoni, II, 4, 5
c. subvirgatus, II, 5
henslowii, IJ, 3, 18
maritimus, I, 11; II, 3
princeps, I, 7,8; II, 2, 3, 7,8
sandw. savanna, I,11; II,2

Anas boschas x Dafila acuta, II, 19

penelope, II, 9

Anthus pensilvanicus, II, 7

Antrostomus vociferus, I, 9

Aquila chrysaetos, II, 6, 12, 13, 22

Archibuteo 1. sancti-johannis, I, 7

Ardea candidissima, I, 11

herodias, I, 11
Ardetta exilis, I, 11; II, 16, 19
Asio accipitrinus, II, 12

BRANTA bernicla, II, 23
Bubo virginianus, II, 24
v. occidentalis, II, 20, 23
v. pacificus, II, 20
v. pallescens, II, 23
v. subarcticus, II, 20
Buteo borealis, II, 25
lineatus, II, 17

Catcarius lapponicus, II, 16
Calidris arenaria, II, 25
Camptolaimus labradorius, II, 10
Carpodacus purpureus, II, 11, 15
Cathartes aura, II, 9, 18
Cepphus zrylle, II, 13
Certhia f. americana, I, 13
Ceryle alcyon, I, 13

torquata, II, 12
Chen hyperborea, I, 5
Cistothorus palustris, II, 2

stellarisy 1,4) ll, 25/6.) 16
Colaptes auratus, II, 9, 10, 25
auratus x cafer, II, 6

Colymbus holbeellii, II, 12
Compsothylpis a. usnez, I, 10,11; II, 4,18

II.=Present Number.

Contopus borealis, II, 15, 18
Corvus, II, 17
Corvus caurinus, II, 16
corax principalis, I, 4; II, 2, 9
ossifragus, II, 15, 16
Crymophilus fulicarius, I, 3

DENDROICA coerulescens cairnsii, II, 23
coronata, II, 2
discolor, I, 8, 9, 10; II, 4
dominica, II, 6
kirtlandi, II, 13
palmarum, IT, 17
p- hypochrysea, II, 7
pensylvanica. II, 10
rara (—ceerulea) I, 8
tigrina, I, 9; II, 6
vigorsii, I, 9; Il, 4,9

EcropisTEs migratorius, I, 3; Il, 17

Elanoides forficatus, I, 7

Empidonax minimus, I, 2; II, 10, 15
trailli alnorum, I, 2
virescens, I, 2, 10

Ereunetes occidentalis, II, 6, 19

FALco sparverius, II, 25
Fulica americana, II, 22

GALEOSCOPTES carolinensis, II, 8
Geothylpis agilis, [, 6; II, 17
trichas, I, 7

HMATOPUS palliatus, I, 11; II, 11
Halizeetus leucocephalus, II, 7
Harporhynchus rutus, II, 8
Helminthophila chrysoptera, II, 4, 14
leucobronchialis, I, 8
Himantopus mexicanus, II, 14

IcTERUS spurius, I, 7
Ionornis martinica, II, 4

Junco hyemalis, I, 4, 13; II, 8, 11, 25
x Zonotrichia, I, 4; II, 2

LaNIus borealis, II, 7, 20
ludovicianus, I, 11; II, 4
Larus a. smithsonianus, I, 9
atricillayly Insills 275 26

(41)

42

Larus marinus, II, 20
Loxia, I, 5
curvirostra minor, II, 11

MEGASCoPsS asio, I, 12

Melanerpes carolinus, I, 12
erythrocephalus, I, 12; II, 25

Meleagris gallopavo, II, 6

Melospiza georgiana, II, 2, 18

Merula migratoria, II, 2

Mimus polyglottos, I, 11; II, 19, 26

Mniotilta varia, I, 9

Molothrus ater, II, 2

NYCTALA acadica, I, 6; II, 6, 7, 15

Nyctea nyctea, I, 5, 16

Nycticorax n. nzevius, II, 9
violaceus, II, 3, 4

OCEANITEs oceanicus, I, 11; II, 3
Otocoris alpestris, II, 16
a. praticola, II, 10, 15

PARUS atricapillus, I, 2; II, 4
carolinensis, I, 2; II, 4
Passer domesticus, I, 9
Passerella ilica, II, 2
Phalaropus lobatus, II, 4, 18
Pinicola enucleator, II, 16
Pipilo erythrophthalmus, II, 5
Piranga rubra, I, 6; II, 25
Plectrophenax nivalis, II, 12, 16
Polioptila ccerulea, II, 9, 10
Progne subis, II, 12, 24

QUISCALUS quiscula, II, 7, 14

RALLIDA, II, 10

Rallus crepitans, II, 3, 14, 21
elegans, II, 5, 16
virginianus, I, 6, 9, 11

Rissa tridactyla, II, 6

Rynchops nigra, I, 11; II, 26

SCOLECOPHAGUS carolinus, II, 2

Seiurus motacilla, II, 9
noveboracensis, II, 15

Setophaga ruticilla, II, 10

INDEX.

Sialia sialis, IJ, 2
Sitta canadensis, I, 4; II, 7, 17
Somateria spectabilis, II, 23
Speotyto c. floridana, I, 10; II, 9
Spiza americana, I, 4
Spizella pusilla, I, 7; II, 2
Stercorarius parasiticus, IT, 3
Sterna antillarum, I, 11

forsteri, II, 26

hirundo, I, 11; II, 26

maxima, I, 11
Strix pratincola, II, 6, 24
Sturnella magna, I, 8; II, 22

m. hoopesi, IT, 22

Sylvania. See Wilsonia.
Syrnium nebulosum, II, 15, 24
Sula bassana, II, 26

TACHYCINETA bicolor, II, 7, 24
Tantalus loculator, II, 24
Thryothorus bewickii, I, 4
ludovicianus, II, 23
Tringa maculata, II, 18
maritima, II, 21
Trochilus colubris, I, 9; II, 19
Troglodytes aédon, II, 11
hiemalis, I, 13
Turdus al. bicknelli, II, 22
aon. pallasii, I, 13; II, 2, 8, 11
Tympanuchus americanus, II, 14
Tyrannus verticalis, LI, 14

UriA lomvia, I, 6; II, 15, 19, 22, 23
Urinator lumme, I, 6; II, 14, 26

VIREO flavifrons, II, 16
noveboracensis, I, 9
solitarius, II, 15

WILSONIA canadensis, I, 13; II, 11
mitrata, I, 9, 10; II, 4, 10, 16

XANTHOCEPHALUS xanthocephalus, II, 14
ZAMELODIA ludoviciana, II, 7, 9, 15, 17

Zonotrichia albicollis, II, 11
leucophrys, I, 9; II, 4, 5

1898-1899. No. III.

ABSTRACT

OF THE

OF THE

DELAWARE VALLEY

ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF

PHILADELPHIA.

FOR THE YEARS 1808 AND 1899.

PUBLISHED BY THE CLUB.
1900.

ABSTRACT

OF THE

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF

Be ga Og we 5 dL i a WL

January 6th, 7898.—Annual Meeting. Thirty-two members present.
Mr. Henry W. Fowler was elected an Active Member.

The result of the election of officers for the year of 1898 was as
follows :

President—\. Norris DE HAVEN.

Vice-President—Cuas. J. RHOADS.

Secretary—WILLIAM A. SHRYOCK.

Treasurer—WIL.u1AM L. BaILy.

Mr. Stone read a paper on the Genus Ammodramus. Mr. Baily
showed two specimens of the Stilt Sandpiper, AZicropalma himantopus
taken on August r1th, 1897, at Wildwood, N. J. An exhibition of slides
of live birds, nests, and eggs was given in the lecture hall by Messrs
Baily and W. L. Whitaker.

January 20th, 1898.—Seventeen members present.

Mr. Henry W. Fowler read a paper on the Genus Auvéeo, giving a gen-
eral outline of the genus and special mention of the three most common
species, the Broad-winged, the Red-tailed, and the Red-shouldered
Hawks; with notes on their food habits and dispositions during the
mating season, and in captivity. He stated that in his experience, the
Red-shouldered Hawk is the most numerous species in this vicinity.
Mr. Baily made some remarks on the Hawks exhibited on the table, but
considered the Red-shouldered Hawk rather rare at Wynnewood, though

2 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

the Red-tailed Hawk was common. Dr. Hughes said that Cooper’s
Hawk was one of the most common breeders in the Chester Valley
region, it being almost as common as the Sparrow Hawk.

February 3, 1898.—Nineteen members present.

Mr. Shryock read a paper entitled “The Hind Limb of a Bird,”
which he illustrated with a few prepared specimens and skins and
mounted birds taken from the Academy collection. Mr. Stone gave a
talk on the evolution of birds as indicated by the foot, and advanced
some theories as to the cause of the various modifications referred to.
The subject was further considered by Messrs. Stone, Morris, Baily and
Hughes. Mr. S.N. Rhoads reported a Pine-Creeping Warbler, Den-
droica vigorstit, observed by him on January 30th, 1898, at Haddon-
field, N. J.

February 17, 1898.—Twenty-one members present.

Messrs. Walter Gordon Smith and Russell Gray were elected asso-
ciate members, and Walter D. Bush and Frank B. Eastman, correspond-
ing members.

Mr. Stone gave an account of a trip to Bear Swamp, N. J., which is
located almost directly east of Haddonfield, about 20 miles from Phil-
adelphia. He described the character of the country, and stated that
Cardinals and Hermit Thrushes were wintering there in numbers, and
feeding largely on the berries of the holly and greenbrier. Kinglets
and Blue Jays were common, and Hawks numerous, mostly Red-tails.
One Vesper Sparrow, several Winter Wrens, and a number of Blue-
birds were seen, as well as a small flock of Goldfinches. Mr. Tatum
read a paper entitled “ Ornithology and Invention,” in which he spoke
of the recent development in the art of photography, and the possi-
bilities it afford-d as an accessory to the study of ornithology. ‘The
cinematograph, phonograph and color photography were treated in re-
spect to their rendering it possible to reproduce the sights and sounds
of our fields and woodlands in the lecture-room. Mr. Wright reported
that the Crows flying over Conshohocken to the Radnor roost now
came from the northeast, and not from the northwest, as before. Mr.
Wilde reported a Snowy Owl from Milford, Delaware, taken on Octo-
ber 1, 1897, by Joseph Rogers, of that place. Mr. De Haven reported
Wilson’s Snipe as abundant in North Carolina during the latter part of
January, also Cow Buntings and Rusty Grackles. The region referred
to lay about 30 miles south of Norfolk.

March 3, 7898.—Twenty-three members present.

Mr. Pennock read a paper entitled “ The Brown-Headed Nuthatch.”

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 3

The distribution of this species as recorded by previous observers was
thoroughly reviewed, and illustrated by a shaded map. No pro-
nounced preference for sites near water, as recorded by Mr. C. S.
Brimley, of Raleigh, N. C. (Orn. & Odl., Oct., 1899), was found to be
the case in Georgia, where he had observed them. The first eggs were
taken on the first of March, and various sets were found until the 26th,
most of the complete sets being taken between March 12th and 25th.
Mr. Wilde read a paper entitled “‘ The Final Report of Three Years’
Work on the Inland Birds of Cape May County, N. J.” He first
treated of the swamps and ponds in their capacity as reservoirs for the
streams which take their rise inland, and spoke of the growth usuaily
found in them, observing that about three-quarters of the county was
covered with forests. ‘The common trees were enumerated. He then
read a resumé of former collection trips made by various members of
the club, and his own list of 1o2 species of birds observed in the
county, was gone over and commented on.

March 17, 1898.—Twenty-two members present.

Mr. Henry Warrington read a paper entitled ‘‘ Notes on Some Cali-
fornian Birds,’”’ in which he described his ornithological experiences in
the vicinity of Escondido, Cal., and presented a list of about 54 species
observed by him, together with notes on their habits and relative
abundance. Mr. Stone called attention to a Great Horned Owl se-
cured by Mr. Gray from Central Mexico, which represented the 'pale-
plumaged bird formerly known as Sudo virginianus subarcticus which
he recently described as sub-species pallescens, the old name being un-
tenable. Mr. De Haven reported a Clapper Rail, Radus crepitans, seen
at Atlantic City, N. J., on March 16th.

April 7, 1898.—Seventeen members present.

Mr. Baily read a paper entitled “The Winter Homes of our Summer
Birds.” The localities around Holly Beach, Cape May Co., N. J., were
described with special reference to their adaptability to the protection
of our summer birds during the winter. In his visit to the region dur-
ing the past winter the following birds were noted: Robin, very abun-
dant ; Myrtle Warbler, Tree Sparrow, Field, Song and White-throated
Sparrows in abundance. Flickers were also common. The less com-
mon birds included Hermit Thrush, Carolina Wren, and a few speci-
mens each of Brown Thrasher and Catbird. Associated with these
birds were some winter species, notably the Ipswich Sparrow (Ammo-
dramus princeps), which seemed very abundant along the coast this

winter. Mr. Baily suggested that the bird might not be as rare as

formerly supposed. Mr. Stone stated that his observations on the

4 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

abunaance of the Ipswich Sparrow on the New Jersey coast led him to
believe that it varied in different years. Mr. De Haven stated that
his observations at Cape Charles, Va., showed these birds so be very
irregular. Dr. Hughes gave a talk on “'The Hawks of Tinicum,
Delaware Co., Pa.” The great abundance of mice in this locality ac-
counting for the large number of hawks that congregate there. They
begin to arrive in October—first the Red-tailed, then the Red-shoul-
dered, and last the Rough-leg (Archiduteo). Of fifteen hawks shot the
past winter, fourteen were Red-tails, the other being a Red-shouldered.
Three of the Red-tails were in adult plumage. The birds roost in a
patch of tall woods situated on the meadows; the time of coming in
varies with the day. On dull days they come in much earlier than
when bright. Rough-legs had been noted quite abundantly in former
years, but this year there were very few. He thought there was no
diminution in the other species over former years. Marsh Hawks
were noted on every trip to the meadows, but were very variable in
numbers. The recent comparative abundance of birds in the adult male
plumage was commented on, the average in former years not being
over one in fifty.

Dr. Hughes described the taking of a Carolina Wren’s nest contain-
ing three eggs, at Perryville, Md., on April 6th, and the shooting of
three Cedar Waxwings, all females, on which the wax tips to the feathers
were unusually largely developed. Six birds of the same species re-
cently shot from a flock at Avalon, N. J., were all males. He suggested
the possibility of the sexes flocking separately at this season of the
year.

April 27, 1898.—Nineteen members present.

Mr. George S. Morris gave a talk ona trip made May 30, 1897, to
the region about the mouth of Pensauken Creek, N. ]., on the Dela-
ware River. The country for about a half mile up the creek is covered
with a swamp of reeds and timber of medium growth. Bank Swallows
( Clivicola riparia) were abundant, flying over the swamp, and bred in
a large colony in the vicinity. During the day, eighteen nests of the
Summer Warbler (Dendroica estiva) were found, as well as a number
of the Marsh Wren ( Crstothorus palustris). None of the latter, however,
contained eggs. A male specimen of the Mourning Warbler ( GeothZ)pis
philadelphia) was shot by Mr. Morris. A roost of Night Herons was
found, containing about twenty-five birds. Nests of the Carolina Wren
and Great Crested Flycatcher were found, and a Kingfisher’s nest, all
with eggs. Two Greater Yellow Legs (Zo/anus melanoleucus) were
seen along the river. The advantages offered by this locality asa field

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 5

for spring collecting and a general observation ground during the year
were dwelt upon, especially as it is so readily accessible from the city.
Mr. Stone called attention to two specimens of McKay’s Snowflake
(Passerina hyperborea) from Bethel, on the coast of Alaska. This is
still a very rare species in collections. Both birds were females in the
winter plumage. The breeding place of this species, Hall Island,
Bering Sea, was commented on by Mr. Stone. Mr. Baily reported
about one hundred Wilson’s Snipe (Gadinago delicata) to have been
shot within the last few weeks on the meadows around Ninety-Second
Street Station, below Philadelphia.

May 5th, 1898.—Twenty members present. Mr. Alfred F, Satter-
thwait was elected an Associate Member.

Dr. Hughes gave a talk on the Ipswich Sparrow, (Ammodramus
princeps) stating that his object was to define the winter distribution of
the species. He had made a number of trips during the winter to
Avalon and Seven Mile Beach, N. J., in company with several members
of the Club, as well as having observed this bird at Cape Charles, Va.,
during the same period. Some of the birds were found on every trip
this winter. On November 28th, 1897, about twenty-five were seen,
and six secured ; on December 30th, 1897, at Five Mile Beach, ten were
seen and six shot; at Cape Charles Va., on December 6th, 1897, one
bird was seen; at Avalon, January 16th, 1898, two birds secured; at
Avalon, on March 13th, 1898, fifteen birds seen and two shot ; and again
at Avalon, on March 27th, 1898, six birds seen and three secured. The
birds collected on the 13th of March, 1898, were molting extensively,
especially about the head. Dr. Hughes expressed the conclusion that
the bulk of the birds passed further south during the winter, as they
were more numerous at Avalon during the fall and early spring migra-
tions. Mr. A. T. Wayne, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, wrote him that
he never saw the Ipswich Sparrow alive, though he has searched for it
diligently. Messrs. Meyers and Hughes stated that they had collected
eight sets of Great Blue Heron (47dea herodias) eggs from a heronry
near Pitman’s Grove, N. J., the nests being situated in pine trees, at a
considerable height.

May roth, 1898.—Twenty-one members present. Mr. Anthony
Robinson was elected an Associate Member.

The discussion for the evening was on “ Recent Methods of Bird
Illustration and Taxidermy.” Following this Mr. Morris reported hav-
ing shot a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (ZLmprdonax flaviventris) at Olney,
Pa., on May 17th, 1898. Mr. Gilbert H. Moore presented a fine speci-
men of Wilson’s Phalarope (Steganopus tricolor) to the Club, which he

6 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

had shot at Ocean City, N. J.,on May 18th, 1898. The members
showed great interest in this valuable addition to the collection. (See
Auk, 1898, p. 268.)

October, 6 1898.—Twenty-four members present.

Mr. Stone called attention to the Josiah Hoopes Collection of North
American land birds now in the possession of the Academy. ‘The ex-
treme value of the collection as a whole was commented on, and cer-
tain series of specimens were shown on the table to give an idea of the
thorough way in which they were represented.

October 20, 1898.—Twenty-two members present.

Mr. William L. Baily read a paper entitled ‘‘ William Penn as a Col-
lector,” referring to the statue of the early founder which surmounts
the tower of the Public Buildings of Philadelphia. (See p.15). Mr.
Stone gave the result. of recent investigations made by him and Mr.
Tatum on the subject of “ Crow Flights and Crow Roosts,” and ex-
hibited a map showing the various roosts ip the surrounding country
and the lines of flight followed by the crows in going to and from them.
The roosts near Coatesville, Radnor, Doylestown, Salem and Merchant-
ville were mentioned, with others of less importance. Mr. Stone noted
a tendency on the part of the crows to roost in smaller numbers, and
stated that the larger roosts seem to be gradually breaking up.

November 3, 1598.—Twenty-three members present.

Mr. Wm. B. Evans was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Edw. A. Mclihenny, by invitation, gave a most interesting ac-
count of his eighteen months’ sojourn in Northern Alaska. Finding
that the birds of the Northwest were very poorly represented in
museums, he decided to make a trip North to collect in that section,
and for this purpose arranged with the authorities at Washington for
the use of the old whaling station at Point Barrow, Alaska. He
took with him two assistants, and about fifty-three tons of baggage.
The voyage from San Francisco to Point Barrow occupied forty-two
days. On the Paciflc, Albatross, both Black-footed and Short-Tailed,
were abundant, and the Eskimo method of catching the Fulmars was
used on them with great success. A Plover, the species of which has
not yet been determined, was taken on the Siberian coast. The spring
migration at Point Barrow began on April 3d, when the male King
Eider Ducks began to arrive. The females did not come until May
1st. Enormous flocks of these birds darkened the sky, and permitted
the firing of six shots into their mass from a single gun before they were
out of range. Almost all the males came before any females were

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 7

seen, and the former started on the return journey as the last of the
females passed north. The King Eider breeds at Point Barrow around
the small ponds on the tundra, using much black moss in the construc-
tion of the nests, and but little down. It is the most common duck of
this region, the Black Brant occupying second place. About four thou-
sand bird’s eggs were collected on the trip, many of which were those
of the Snowy Owl, which breeds at Point Barrow in large numbers, as
many as sixty nests of this bird being found in one day. Mr. Mcll-
henny has counted as many as fourteen eggs and young in one nest to-
gether. Incubation begins with the laying of the first egg, which
would otherwise freeze, and the male takes turns with the female in
setting. The male Snowy Owl is almost pure white in the Arctic re-
gions, while the females are always barred, the two sexes being thus
readily distinguished. During the process of incubation the male is
fed by the female, who will bring numbers of Lemmings and place
them near him on the ground around the nest. When the young are
first hatched they are pure white, afterwards getting darker, and event-
ually white again with the acquirement of the full plumage. Short-
eared Owls were also taken. Sandpipers were very abundant, and
numbers of their eggs were taken. Gray-checked Thrushes and a
Myrtle Warbler were shot ; and a Cormorant was taken. The capture
of the Rosy Gull during a large migration of Sabine Gulls was de-
scribed, two specimens of this rare species being taken on September
7th and gth, and on July oth another one was shot. Several Yellow-
billed Loons were also secured. (See Stone Proc. Acad. Nat.
Sci. Phila., t900, pp. 4-49, for full report on the collection). Mr.
Mcllhenny told of the hardships endured by wrecked sailors from
the vessels of the whaling fleet which were caught in the ice, and
spoke of the large supply of ducks which were killed and served
them for food as well as specimens. ‘The birds were packed in an old
house excavated in the ground, where they would freeze within two
hours, and five months afterward, during the dark season, they were
worked up into skins at the leisure of the collectors.

LVovember 17, 7898.—Eleven members present.

Mr. H. B. Fisher was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Stone gave an account of the sessions of the Sixteenth Congress
of the American Ornithologists’ Union, at Washington, D. C., from
which he had just returned, and stated that it was the most success-
ful meeting ever held by the Union. A short description of the var-
ious papers read was given. Mr. Baily gave a review of the papers
not touched on by Mr. Stone, and spoke of the exhibition of lantern

8 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

slides. It was announced that the next session of the Union would be
held in Philadelphia, November 13, 1899.

December 1, 1898.—Twenty-six members present.

Mr. Samuel N. Rhoads spoke on “The Birds of Clinton County, Pa.,”
reading extracts from his journal giving a general description of the
topography of the country, forest growth, etc. A White-Crowned
Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) was shot on October sixth, and on
October twentieth and twenty-first, Ruby Crowned Kinglets (Regulus
calendula) were noted. A list of birds observed in the locality
during May and June, 1896, was read, and each species com-
mented on as to its abundance, etc. Photographs of the region were
shown. Mr. Justice gave an account of a ducking trip which he took
to Salem, N. J. The ducks were numerous, especially Black Ducks.
He noted a Catbird on November 29, 1898, at Haverford, Pa. A
Pomerine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomerinus) which was shot on October,
1898, on the Delaware River, was exhibited on the table.

Dr. Hughes reported that at Stone Harbor, N. J., on November 2oth,
1898, he saw about twenty-five Ipswich Sparrows, (Ammodramus prin-
ceps) of which he secured nine specimens.

December 15th, 1898.—Seventeen members present. Mr. Chas J.
Pennock was elected an Active Member, and Mr. Nathan Kite an As-
sociate Member.

Mr. Morris called attention to six pictures from Audubon’s work which
had been presented to the club by Mrs. E. J. Bartol, and which were
exhibited on the walls of the Ornithological room. In the absence of
Dr. Hughes, Mr. Stone spoke alone on “The Birds of Sullivan and
Wyoming Counties, Pa.,” where is found probably the largest tract
of uncut hemlock forest in the State. The home of Herman and
Otto Behr, corresponding members of the Club, was the head-
quarters of the party, and much of the success of the trip was due to
their knowledge of the region explored. ‘The birds were strictly Can-
adian. A breeding specimen of the White-throated Sparrow was taken
on June 19th, 1898; and the nest, eggs, and male and female of the
Olive-sided Flycatcher were collected. Young Winter Wrens in the
first plumage, as well as several nests of the same species were secured,
the latter being found under tbe roots of overturned hemlocks. Two
nests and eggs of the Brown Creeper, a nest of the Red-bellied Nut-
hatch, one Acadian Owl, and an adult and two young of the Golden
crowned Kinglet were also collected. (See pp. 19-23.) Mr. Brown stated
that he had found the Mourning Warbler quite common in suitable
localities at Lake Ganoga, Penna., a few miles further west.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 9

January 5th, z8oo¥—Annual meeting, thirty-one members present.
Mr. William D. Carpenter was elected an Associate Member. The
resignation of Mr. Robt. T. Young from Active Membership was received
and accepted with regret.

The officers chosen for the year were as follows:

President—Cuar es J. Rwoaps.

Vice- President—Cuar es J. PENNOCK.

Secretary—WILLIAM A. SHRYOCK.

Treasurer—Wi aM L. BAILy.

Mr. Stone addressed the meeting on the “Birds of the Philippines
and Porto Rico,” explaining the geographical position and relationship
of the islands and commenting on the more interesting species recorded
from them. He estimated that there were about 325 resident species
so far noted in the Philippines, and about 25 native species in Porto
Rico.

Mr. Henry Warrington exhibited a Lapland Longspur, ( Calcarius
lapponicus) shot at Salem, N. J., December 28, 1898, from a flock of
Horned Larks. This is the second capture of this species in the Dela-
ware Valley since the organization of the Club.

Mr. Albert Whitaker stated that he had reliable information of the
shooting of two Wild Pigeons, (£ctopistes migratorius) by Mr. Frank
Butterworth in Wayne Co. Pa., November 2, 1808.

The meeting closed with an exhibition of lantern slides of birds and
nests by Messrs. William L. Baily and J. Harris Reed.

January 19, 1399.—Twenty members present.

Mr. Joseph W. Tatum was elected an Active Member.

Mr. W. Gordon Smith read a paper describing a locality at Merry-
dell, Maryland, on the Choptank Creek near the eastern boundary of
of the State, which he had visited July 13, 1898, in company with Mr.
I. N. DeHaven, and where a specimen of Prothonotary Warbler
(Protonotaria citrea) was obtained, and several others seen. The ap-
pearance of the specimen and the date of the occurrence gave every
indication that the species was breeding in this vicinity, which is mater-
ially north of its regular range. The low wet woodland with plenty of
fallen timber offered an ideal nesting locality for the bird.

Mr. H. W. Fowler remarked on the Ducks observed in the Philadel-
phia markets during the present winter. He found the Lesser Scaup
the most abundant species, while the Greater Scaup had not been seen
at all, although several hundred specimens had been examined. Black
Ducks and Red Heads were plentiful; Canvas Backs, Pintails and
Bald Pates, fairly common ; Ruddy Ducks, common late in the season ;

Io ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

Mallard, not as abundant as last season; one Ring Neck, several Gad-
walls, and two pair of Shovellers only were observed. Geese were
abundant, but Brant scarcer than last season.

Mr. Morris stated that Audubon’s original painting of the Black Cock
formerly the property of Edward Harris was on exhibition at Linsay’s
Art Store, Philadelphia.

Mr. Stone described a recent visit to the Crow roosts near Salem, N.
J., supposed to be the remnants of the old Pea Patch and Reedy Island
Roosts (See Bird Lore, Dec., 1899.)

February 2d, 1399.—Twenty-three members present. Mr. Wm. M.
Strang was elected an Associate Member, and the resignation of Mr.
Harry Fox was accepted with regret.

Mr. Herbert L. Coggins read a paper entitled “The Heath Hen
and other Birds of Martha’s Vineyard,” in which he summarized his
observations of several summers. Seventy-seven species had been noted
on the island. The Heath Hen was twice observed in the interior of
of the island and six individuals were seen. ‘They are protected at all
seasons under a penalty of $25 fine.

Mr. Chas. A. Voelker exhibited a Black Guillemot (Cepphus grylle)
shot on the Delaware River, near Chester, in December, 1898, from a
flock of Buffle-heads. This is the first record of the bird in this vicinity
since the time of Cassin, and in fact is the only definite record.

A Briinnichs Murre (U7ia /omvia) was reported shot at Atlantic City,
N. J., recently by Dr. J. F. Prendergast.

A letter from Mr. Gilbert H. Moore was read by the Secretary de-
scribing the breeding of the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (Zamelodia ludo-
viciana) at Haddonfield, N. J., early in July, 1897, this being the
most southern record of the nesting of the species in this vicinity. The
nest and eggs have been added to the Club collection at the Academy.

february 16, 7899.—Six members present.

Dr. James F. Prendergast and Mr. Samuel Palmer were elected As-
sociate Members.

Owing to the inclement weather no scientific session was held.

March 2, 7899.—Twenty-two members present.

Mr. W. L. Baily spoke of the “ Spring Flight of Shore Birds at Holly
Beach, N. J., in 1898.” On May 16 and 17 he considered the migra-
tion at its height.

Notes were read from a number of members relative to the effect of
the recent phenomenal blizzard upon local bird life. (See p. 13.)

Mr. Stone exhibited a live male Bobolink, the property of Mrs. Ed-

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. yy &

ward Robins, which was now about half changed from winter to nuptial
plumage, the transformation having been effected entirely by molt.

March 16, 1899.—Twenty-three members present.

A letter was read from Mr. Wm. L. Whitaker, now at Juneau, Alaska,
and another from Mr. Sam’l N. Rhoads from Miami, Florida, each deal-
ing briefly with the bird life of their respective regions.

Mr. Fowler read a paper on the species of Apteryx, reviewing the his-
tory, classification and distribution of the genus.

Mr. Shryock spoke of the skeletal peculiarities of these birds, illus-
- trating his remarks with specimens from the Academy’s collection, and
Mr. McCadden exhibited photographs from life of the Owen’s and
Mantell’s Apteryxes recently living in the ZoSlogical Garden.

April 6, 1899.—Twenty-two members present.

Mr. James A. G. Rehn was elected an Associate Member.

Mr. Morris read a paper on the “Birds of Eaglesmere, Pa.,’’ ob-
served during August, 1898.

Dr. Hughes reported a Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) shot
at Tinicum, Delaware Co., Pa., March 30, 1899.

Mr. DeHaven read an interesting letter from Mr. Chas. A. Long, of
Paterson, N. J., describing a flight of Hawks which passed through a
gap in the mountains near that place, Many were killed by local gun-
ners—according to Mr. Long—“ seventy-six assorted varieties of hawks,
including an Eagle, were shot.”

April 20th, 1899.—Twenty-four members present. Messrs. George
B. Cresson, William J. Cresson, and Dr. Walter W. Maires were elected
Associate Members.

An historic collection of skins made many years ago by W. P. Turn-
hill and Bernard Hoopes, and recently bequeathed to the Academy by
the late Prof. Cope, was on exhibition. (See Osprey, 1899, p. y8.)

Dr. Hughes described a nesting site of Great Blue Herons near Pit-
man Grove, N. J., consisting of about thirty-seven nests. They were
situated in pine trees from seventy-five to ninety feet from the ground.
He found full sets of eggs on April 16.

A large flock of Crossbills (Zoxza c. minor) were observed near the
Heronry.

May 4th, r899.—Eighteen members present. Mr. I. N. De Haven
read a paper entitled “‘ Life and Habits of the Clapper Rail,” being a
summary of a number of years’ observation on this species on the Atlantic
City meadows.

Mr. Baily described a Robin’s nest which had been built on a tem-

12 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

porary scaffold. When the destruction of the scaffolding became neces-
sary the workmen removed the nest to a near-by tree where it was sup-
ported on long nails driven into the trunk. ‘The birds returned to it
and laid a full clutch of eggs.

Mr. Baily also reported five Crossbills (Z.¢. minor) observed at
Haverford, April 23, 1899.

May 18th, 1899.—Twenty-six members present.

Mr. Samuel N. Rhoads addressed the Club on “ Glimpses of Bird Life
in Northern Mexico,” recounting his ornithological experiences in the
vicinity of Uruapan and Monterey. His remarks were illustrated by a
number of specimens obtained on the trip.

Mr. Baily commented on a recent trip to the Virginia coast, where
he had found a nest of the Oyster Catcher (Haematopus palliatus) and
had heard the Chuckwill’s Widow (Azxtrostomus carolinensis.)

October 5th, 1899.—Nineteen members present.

The death of Mr. Gilbert H. Moore, an Associate Member, which oc-
curred in May shortly after the adjournment of the Club, was announced
and the following resolution adopted :

Resolved; That the members of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club have
heard with deep regret of the death of their fellow member, Gilbert H. Moore, and
desire to place on record their appreciation of his active interest in Ornithology, and
their recognition of the great loss which they, both as an organization and as in-
dividuals, have sustained in his death.

Mr. Stone described a trip to Sullivan and Wyoming Cos., Penna.
taken by hlmself and Mr. Fowler in June, and reported a number of
additions to the list of species noted by him on a previous trip in June,
1898. He also reported the capture of a Buff-breasted Sandpiper
(Zryngites subruficollis) near Tom’s River, by Mr. W. M. Swain, Sep.
8, 1899. Mr. Swain had previously obtained another specimen on
Barnegat Bay, N.J., Sep. 1898. (Between the 7th and 2rst.)

Several members commented upon the abundance of Little Blue
Herons (Ardea caerulea) in this vicinity during the latter part of the
summer.

Dr. Hughes reported a number at various points along the New Jer-
sey coast, and exhibited one obtained at Stone Harbor and now in the
Club collection. Mr. Rehn reported one shot on the Upper Darby
Creek the latter part of August, and a flock had been frequently seen
on the Delaware near Beverly. Mr. S. N. Rhoads observed a flock of
50 or 6o birds feeding on the marshes near Mt. Ephraim, N. J., and
was enabled to approach near enough to obtain a good view of them.

All birds reported were in the white plumage.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 13

Mr. Stewardson Brown described a nest of Long-billed Water Thrush
(Sezurus motacilla) obtained by him in Somerset Co., Pa., along
Laurel Hill Creek.

October 19, 1399.—Twenty members present.

Messrs. Ernest M. Evans and W. H. Trotter were elected Associate
Members.

Mr. Baily reported on the birds killed by striking the City Hall
tower during the fall, supplementing his previous paper on the subject,
(See p. 15.) The matter was discussed at length.

November 2, 1899.—-Twenty-one members present.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads spoke on “Some Notable Mexican Birds,”’ treat-
ing more especially of the Thrushes and the Road Runner.

November 13-16, 1899.—The Seventeenth Congress of the American
Ornithologists’ Union was held at the Academy (See Auk., rgoo, pp.
58-63), and the regular meeting of the Club was omitted.

The Congress was the largest yet held, seventy-two members being
in attendance.

December 7, 1899.—Nineteen members present.

A genera! discussion was held on the “ Relationship and Distribution
of the Thrashers,” the subject being introduced by Mr. H. W. Fowler.

Dr. Rotzell described a Crow roost located near Valley Forge, Pa.,
which he had recently visited several times.

December 21, 1899.—Sixteen members present.

Mr. Chas. J. Pennock read a paper on the “ Birds of South Georgia
and West Florida,” recounting his experiences in that section during
the winter of 1887-1888. He also described in detail the capture of
a specimen of the Little Black Hawk (Suto brachyurus), and the se-
curing of the unique egg figured in Captain Bendire’s “ Life Histories
of North American Birds,” and which is still in Mr. Pennock’s pos-
session.

SMUD IAL a UTS i

BIRDS OF THE BLIZZARD OF FEBRUARY, 1899.

In consequence of the extremely cold weather which prevailed Feb-
ruary 9 to 11, and the remarkable snowfall of February 12 and 13, it
was generally expected that a marked effect would be noticeable in the
character of the bird life in Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
With the object of securing data on this point, circulars were issued by
the Club to all its members and correspondents.

The returns show that Horned Larks and Redpolls were the only

I4 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

northern species whose presence was due directly to the blizzard.
Horned Larks were plentiful all through the Delaware Valley, com-
ing even into Philadelphia, where open lots offered them opportuni-
ties for alighting. In the village of Rancocas, N. J., they came daily
to feed on grain thrown out to them by the miller, together with Blue
Birds, Meadow Larks, English Sparrows, and Juncos (Thos. J. Beans).
In the vicinity of Olney, Philadelphia, quite a number of Prairie
forned Larks (Ovocoris alpestirs praticola) were associated with the
common form and specimens were obtained by Albert Whitaker and
G. S. Morris.

The Redpoll records are limited to a flock of about twenty, ob-
served at Marietta, Pa., by W. H. Buller, February 14 and 15, and
three at West Chester, by Thos. H. Montgomery, Jr., February 14.

Meadow Larks and Crows were reported by several observers to be
very tame, and fearlessly approached houses and yards in search of
food and shelter. Juncos and Song-sparrows, while somewhat affected
by cold and hunger, did not suffer nearly so much as the English
Sparrows, large numbers of which perished. Quite a number of Quail
were also frozen, and several Crows and a Carolina Wren were found
dead. Dr. J. F. Prendergast reported two Clapper Rails found dead at
Stone Harbor, N. J., a few days after the storm.

On North Mountain, Sullivan Co., Mr. Otto Behr reported that the
Tree Sparrows, usually very common, seemed to disappear on the ap-
proach of the severe weather, and doubtless sought a lower altitude.

Mr. August Koch reported a single Herring Gull caught on the ice
on the Susquehanna River at Williamsport.

At Waynesburg, Greene Co., Pa.. Mr. J. Warren Jacobs states that
a number of Old Squaw Ducks were seen, while Cardinals, Carolina
Wrens, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, etc., were apparently little affected
by the cold.

MIGRATION DATA ON CITY HALL TOWER.
BY WILLIAM L. BAILY.

(Read before the Seventeenth Congress American Ornithologist’s Union, Philadel-
phia, November 14th, 1899.)

In the centre of the city of Philadelphia, five hundred feet and more
above the pavement, on top of the City Hall Tower, stands the colossal
bronze figure of William Penn, encircled with a ring of arc lights which
burn the night long. Unintentionally this beautiful circle, crowning the
highest point for miles around, has been the destroyer of many birds
during their nocturnal migrations between their winter and summer
homes. As much as we deplore this unfortunate destruction, we have
been able at the same time to obtain some interesting data upon the
subject of migration.

In 1897, August 28th, there appeared in thePhiladelphia Evening Bul-
letin an account of a rare bird that was found on the balcony just below
the lights of the tower. The discovery of a dead bird at such a great
height was a curiosity indeed to the keeper of the tower and his assist-
ants, and its correct identity even puzzled the mind of the learned re-
porter, who pronounced it a rare specimen ; but why it had chosen this
lofty spot to breathe its last was a mystery to all who were called into
consulation. My attention was attracted to the article, and upon in-
vestigation, I found the bird to be a young Sora Rail. ‘This was the first
bird that had flown against the tower since the lamps had been lighted,
on July 4th of the same year. I immediately took steps to interest Mr.
Slaughter, the superintendent of the electrical department, and from
that day to this, records have been kept of all birds that have been
found, the species being noted and the sex when possible, as well as
the conditions of the weather. More than a hundred specimens have
been saved, about seventy of which Mr. Slaughter has had mounted and
perched in a glass case made for the purpose. Each morning during
the migrating periods, the tower, roofs and court below have been
scoured and the specimens submitted to me for identification. Fifty-
six species have been found, and at least one of each has been mounted
or the skin saved. Inall, five hundred and twenty-nine specimens have

(15)

16 MIGRATION DATA ON CITY HALL TOWER.

been picked up, the number on any one night varying from one to one
hundred and fifty-four birds, thirty-two species being found in one
night’s slaughter. A Red-tailed Hawk for a time made his home in the
tower and has carried away a number of birds. ‘There were also no
doubt many birds lost among the numerous projections and lodging
places on the tower and roof below, while others were picked up by
strangers, cats, dogs, etc., in the streets and court.

My purpose in keeping these notes was not with any hope of discov-
ering something new, but light-house or rather high-tower collecting
was a novelty to me, and I was ready to record anything startling or
interesting. Incidentally I have found it a most convenient, as well as
fairly accurate, way of observing the fall migration without losing any
time in the field, and believe the results have not been unprofitable.
The electrician of the tower would merely push the button and the
lights would do the rest. The weather data was taken from the news-
papers, adding special notes as on the severity of the weather, sudden
changes of temperature, moonlight, etc, etc., which struck me at the
time as affecting the flights and number of victims.

In 1897, during the fall observations, nearly the whole month of Sep-
tember was clear and few birds were led astray into the light, and only
thirty struck between August 23rd and November 8th. In the spring
of 1898 Penn’s collection only amounted to six birds. In the fall, the
first two weeks of September were so warm that there was practically no
migration until the 15th, when it was sudden and soon over, netting
thirty-one victims.

This present year (1899) the great clock, with an illuminated face
over twenty-five feet in diameter, made its appearance, but luckily for
the birds, the lights around the tower were turned off from May 2 to 16,
and all the birds escaped but ten.

This fall, however, the great parade and the Industrial Exhibition
were special occasions for illumination, when four festoons of lamps
were swung from the rim of Penn’s hat to the balcony, and the gleanings
from August 23rd to October 31st amounted to four hundred and fifty-
two birds. If, like the light-houses, there was a cylinder of glass
around the outside of the light this slaughter would have been enor-
mous. As it is, many of the birds approach the tower without striking,
and I have watched them fly between the lights, circle the tower and
then disappear into the darkness without in the least endangering their
lives.

The theory that the old birds pass south earlier than the young does
not seem to compare favorably with the line of specimens obtained from

MIGRATION DATA ON CITY HALL TOWER. 17

the tower. From first to last during the fall migration just passed, old
birds mingled with the young. The number of Maryland Yellow-
throats, for instance, which were killed right along from the beginning
to the end of the migrating season, August to November, contained
the same proportion of old birds. So it was with many other species,
but there are many more young than old birds, of course. I think the
reason that so few old birds strike the light in the fall is on account of
their experience. ‘They have taken the journey between the north and
the south at least twice before, and they have become used to danger-
ous objects. In fact, they are experienced travelers, while the young
are not much more than children, and the new experience is bewilder-
ing, especially on a dark, cloudy night, when the birds fly much closer
to the earth, and, child-like, they are fascinated by the light and want
to get right into it. Then they are possibly not so expert on the wing
as their parents, or they might be able to recover themselves at the last
moment when they have discovered their mistake. Thousands of birds
pass close to the lights, while but few strike, and it is reasonable to
suppose that the old birds are much more likely to escape than the
young.

Threatening weather does not seem to prevent the birds from start-
ing on their migration, but a hard rain stops them. For example, one
night a large number of birds struck the tower when overtaken by a
northeast storm, but a hard northeast wind and rain continuing the
next day and night, not a bird struck, while from observations at another
point on this second night no birds seemed to be moving.

On moonlight nights no birds strike, except toward morning after the
moon has disappeared.

Another fact was noticed, that the birds not only migrate in the early
evening, but all night until break of day. At five o’clock one morning
the birds were going by in hundreds, while but few lost their lives.

Following is a list of the species and the number of each which have
flown against the tower. A Sparrow Hawk on the list does not posi-
tively indicate that it was migrating at night, for it may have dashed
itself against some projecting corner while in pursuit of a wounded bird
in the early hours of the day.

18

MIGRATION DATA ON CITY HALL TOWER.

List or Birps COLLECTED FROM AUGUST 27, 1897, TO OCTOBER 31,

Oy nm pW Db ww

\o

. Horned Grebe, .

- Ruddy Duck,

. Sora Rail, .

. Mourning Dove,

. Sparrow Hawk, .

. Yellow-billed Cuckoo,

. Black-billed Cuckoo,.

. Yellow-bellied Woodpecker,
. Flicker, d
. Phoebe,

. Wood pewee,

. Bobolink, .

. Savannah Sparrow,

. Grasshopper Sparrow,

. White-throated Sparrow,

. Chipping Sparrow,

. Field Sparrow, .

. Slate-colored Junco, .

. Song Sparrow,.

. Towhee,

. Indigo-bird,

. Scarlet Tanager,

. Cedarbird,

. Red-eyed Vireo,

. White-eyed Vireo,

. Blue-headed Vireo,

. Black-and-white Creeper, .
. Parula Warbler, é .
. Black-throated-blue Warbler,
. Myrtle Warbler,

. Magnolia Warbler,

. Chestnut-sided Warbler,

. Black-poll Warbler.

. Blackburnian Warbler

. Black-throated-green Warbler,
. Palm Warbler, °
. Yellow Palm Warbler,
. Prairie Warbler,

1899.
Spring.

3 Ss

Fall. Total,

1 2 young I
I young I
I young I
2 young 2
ree I
4 (1 young) 4
2 young 2
I I
5 6
2 young I
I I
I I
2 2
2 2
I I
14 young 14
5 young 6
6 (2 old) 6
I I
2 (1 old) 2
6 young 6
2 young 2
4 young 4
16 16
I

I young I
12 (4 old) 12
64 67
12 (3 old) 12
34 34
5 5
2 2
23 23
ite) 10
24 24
I I
26 26
I young I

39:
40.
4I.
A2.
43-
44.
45-
46.
47-
48.
49-
50.
cH
52:
53:
54-
55-
56.

SUMMER BIRDS OF SULLIVAN AND WYOMING COUNTIES. 19

Pine Warbler,
Bay-breasted Warbl
Cape May Warbler,
Nashville Warbler,

er,

Connecticut Warbler, .

Ovenbird,

Maryland Yellow-throat,
Yellow-breasted Chat,

Redstart, .
Catbird,

Brown Thrasher,
House Wren,
Marsh Wren,
Brown Creeper, .

Red-bellied Nuthatch,

Golden-crowned Ki

nglet,

Ruby-crowned Kinglet,

Wood Thrush,

Fifty-six species.

Totals,

I

Bo Site) E52
3
I dé young 15
3

= oS = Oe WR S&S eo

16 511

_

=
a NOH DO HW Se MWD DW COsI N BH HS Hw

(15 old) 15

|

527

The number of birds killed on the tower from August 23, 1899, to

October 31, 1899, was four hundred and fifty-two.

Special illumina-

tion on tower and several very stormy nights were responsible for the
unusual number.

THE SUMMER BIRDS OF THE HIGHER PARTS OF
SULLIVAN AND WYOMING COUNTIES, PA.

COMPILED BY WITMER STONE.

From Personal Observations and those of Messrs. Otto and Herman Behr.

Tue boreal element in the avifauna of Pennsylvania has been stead-
ily decreasing for a number of years past as the primitive hemlock and
spruce forest disappears before the advance of the lumberman. Sev-
eral lists of birds of those parts of the State which possess a more or
less typical Canadian fauna have appeared, but the present area seems
to have had the most strongly marked Canadian fauna of any part of
eastern Pennsylvania that I have visited, and a list of the birds will
therefore prove of interest. This is especially the case since I have at
my disposal the observations of Messrs. Otto and Herman Behr, of
Lopez, Pa., two excellent ornithologists, who have spent their lives in
the region under consideration. ‘To their hospitality I owe the privi-
lege of making a personal acquaintance with the birds of this vicinity
in June, 1898 and 1899, and to Dr. Wm. E. Hughes and Mr. Henry
W. Fowler, who accompanied me on these trips, I am indebted for many
notes. .

Eastern Sullivan county—Colley township—and western Wyoming
county—Forkston and North Branch townships—comprise part of the
main ridge of the Alleghanies, with an elevation of 2,200 feet. Except
where the timber has been cut the country is covered with a forest of
hemlock and birch, with here and there extensive patches of spruce,
especially in the vicinity of Crane Swamp, in North Branch township,
Wyoming county. Two streams drain this section, the Mahoopeny
flowing east and the Loyalsock west, the watershed being nearly on the
county line.

Porcupines, Red-backed Mice and Varying Hares are plentiful
throughout the region, and doubtless other boreal mammals formerly
occurred. The numerous Warblers, Thrushes, Junco, Olive-sided Fly-
catcher, Red-bellied Nuthatch, Winter Wren, Creeper and Kinglet are
characteristic birds. Among the abundant butterflies were noted
Limenitis arthemis, Vanessa milberti, Argynnis atlantis, Melitea
harrisit, and M. pheton, while boreal plants abound.

(20 )

SUMMER BIRDS OF SULLIVAN AND WYOMING COUNTIES. 21

The cutting of the timber and the fires which so frequently follow
totally change the aspect of the country and completely exterminate
many of the boreal plants, while the altered conditions admit of the
introduction of a more southern fauna, as evidenced by the presence of
late years of the Cottontail Rabbit, Quail, Towhee, Indigo Bird, Yellow
Warbler, Thrasher, Chat, etc. The absence of the Grackle and Or-
chard Oriole is interesting. The list of summer birds follows :

Colinus virginianus, Bop Wuitrr. Not common, more so since the timber has
been cut.

Bonasa umbellus, PHEASANT. Abundant.

Ectopistes migratorius, WiLp Picron. Formerly very abundant; not fonnd now.

Zenaidura macroura, DovE. Common.

Circus hudsonius, MarsH Hawk.

Accipiter velox, SHARP SHINNED HAWK.

Accipiter cooperi, Coorprr’s HAWK.

Accipiter atricapillus, GosHAWK. Breeds regularly. (See Stone, Auk 1897, p. 317).

Buteo borealis, RED-TAILED HAWK.

Buteo lineatus, RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.

Buteo latissimus, BROAD-WINGED HAWK.

Falco sparverius, SPARROW HAWK.

Asio accipitrinus, SHORT-EARED OWL.

Syrnium nebulosum, BARRED OWL. Common.

Nyctala acadica, Saw WHET OWL. Common; obtained young in juvenal plumage,
June, 1898.

Megascops aslo, SCREECH OWL.

Bubo virginianus, GREAT HORNED OWL.

Coccyzus erythrophthalmus, BLACK-BILLED Cuckoo. Common.

Ceryle alcyon, KINGFISHER. Common along streams.

Dryobates villosus, Hairy WOODPECKER. Common.

Dryobates pubescens medianus, DowNy WoovrEcKER. Less common than the
preceding.

Sphyrapicus varius, YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. Very common, and many trees,
both birch and hemlock, attest its drilling abilities.

Ceophloeus pileatus abieticola, PiLEATED WOODPECKER. Formerly common,
rapidly disappearing during the last few years.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus, RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. Very rare, noted in
the cleared ground east of Lopez in June, 1899.

Colaptes auratus luteus, FLICKER.

Antrostomus vociferus, WHIPPOORWILL. Common now; not found at all before
the lumbering began.

Chordeiles virginianus, NicHt HAWK. Not common.

Chaetura pelagica, CHIMNEY Swirt. Abundant.

Trochilus colubris, HUMMINGBIRD. Common.

Tyrannus tyrannus, KINGBIRD. Common.

Sayornis phoebe, PHOEBE. Common.

Contopus borealis, OLIVE-sIDED FLYCATCHER. Rather common; scattered at
intervals over the mountains, its penetrating call heard continually. Nest found
June, 1898.

22 SUMMER BIRDS OF SULLIVAN AND WYOMING COUNTIES.

Contopus virens, Woop PewEr. Abundant.

Empidonax flaviventris, YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER. Mr. O. Behr describes a
flycatcher observed some years ago, which was pretty certainly this species.

Empidonax minimus, LEAST FLYCATCHER. Common.

Otocoris alpestris praticola, PRAIRIE HORNED LARK. Occasional in the cleared
open fields, but not regular.

Cyanocitta cristata, BLue Jay. Abundant.

Corvus corax principalis, RAVEN. Rare.

Corvus americanus, Crow. Abundant.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus, BOBOLINK. In open, cleared ground east of Lopez; not
common.

Agelaius phoeniceus, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. In open, swampy ground, and
consequently not widely distributed.

Sturnella magna, MEADOW LARK. Common in cleared ground.

Icterus galbula, BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Not common.

Carpodacus purpureus, PURPLE FINCH. Regular, but not very common,

Loxia curvirostra minor, CROSSBILL. Reported to have bred once; occurs in
summer,

Astragalinus tristis, GOLDFINCH. Common.

Spinus pinus, Pine Fincu. Has bred, but not regularly.

Poccetes gramineus, VESPER SPARROW. Abundant.

Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna, SAVANNA SPARROW. Abundant.

Ammodramus savannarum passerinus, GRASSHOPPER SPARROW? A bird shot
some years ago in summer by Dr. B. H. Warren was thought to be the Hens-
low’s Sparrow, but the locality seems quite out of the range of that species, and
it was perhaps the Grasshopper Sparrow. Whichever it was, it is certainly of
rare occurrence. [W. S.]

Zonotrichia albicollis, WHITE-THROATED SPARROW. A male of this species was
found in full song on the edge of a high open pasture among a scattered growth
of pines on June 19, 1898. It evidently had a nest near by, but a careful search
failed to discover it. The Messrs. Behr assure me that they never saw the bird
in summer previously, and a visit to the same locality the following year failed to
discover any more. This species was probably of more regular occurrence in
the summer in former years.

Spizella socialis, CHIPPING SPARROW. Common.

Spizella pusilla, FreELD SPARROW. Common.

Junco hyemalis, Svow Birp. Very common.

Melospiza fasciata, SONG SPARROW. Common.

Melospiza georgiana, SWAMP SPARROW. Fairly common.

Pipilo erythrophthalmus, CHEWINK. Formerly very rare, but increasing where the
timber is cut, though not yet very common.

Zamelodia ludoviciana, ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Common.

Cyanospiza cyanea, INDIGO-BIRD. Not common.

Piranga erythromelas, SCARLET TANAGER, Abundant.

Petrochelidon lunifrons, C11rF SWALLOW. Common.

Hirundo erythrogaster, BARN SWALLOW. Common.

Tachycineta bicolor, TREE SWALLOW. Rather common.

Clivicola riparia, BANK SWALLow. Not common,

SUMMER BIRDS OF SULLIVAN AND WYOMING COUNTIES. 23

Ampelis cedrorum, CEDAR Birp. Common.

Vireo olivaceus, RED-EYED VIREO. Common.

Vireo solitarius, BLUE-HEADED VIREO. Very common.

Mniotilta varia, BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER. Abundant.

Helminthophila rubricapilla, NASHVILLE WARBLER. Not common; one obtained
June, 1899.

Compsothlypis americana usneae, PARULA WARBLER. Abundant.

Dendroica aestiva, YELLOW WARBLER. Not common; only seen of late years.

Dendroica coerulescens, BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. Abundant.

Dendroica maculosa, MAGNOLIA WARBLER. Abundant.

Dendroica pennsylvanica, CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. Abundant.

Dendroica blackburniae, BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. Abundant.

Dendroica virens, BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. Common.

Seiurus aurocapillus, OvEN Birp. Abundant.

Seiurus noveboracensis, WATER THRUSH. Common.

Geothlypis philadelphia, MouRNING WARBLER. Common.

Geothlypis trichas, MARYLAND YELLOW-THROAT. Common.

Icteria virens, CHAT. One seen in clearing near Lopez, June 18, 1898. Very rare,
never seen formerly.

Wilsonia canadensis, CANADIAN WARBLER. Abundant.

Setophaga ruticilla, RepsTarT. Very rare; not seen for a number of years.

Galeoscoptes carolinensis, CATBIRD. Abundant.

Harporhynchus rufus, BRowN THRASHER. Not common.

Troglodytes aedon, Housrk WREN. Common.

Anorthura hiemalis, WINTER WREN. Very common.

Certhia familiaris americana, BROWN CREEPER. Abundant.

Sitta carolinensis, WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Common.

Sitta canadensis, RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Not rare.

Parus atricapillus, CHICKADEE. Very common.

Regulus satrapa, GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. Rather common,

Hylocichla mustelina, Woop THRUSH. Rather common.

Hylocichla fuscescens, VEERY. Abundant.

Hylocichla ustulata swainsonii, OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH, Common.

Hylocichla aonalaschkae pallasii, HERMIT THRUSH, Abundant.

Merula migratoria, Robin. “Common.

Sialia sialis, BLUEBIRD. Common.

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

OF THE

Delaware Valley Ornithological Club.

LQOO.

CHARLES J. RHOADS, President,
CHARLES J. PENNOCK, Vice President.
HENRY W. FOWLER, Secretary.
WILLIAM L. BAILY, 77reasurer.

ACTIVE MEMBERS.

WILLIAM L. BAILY.
STEWARDSON BROWN.
FRANCIS R. Cope, JR.

I. Norris DEHAVEN.
Henry W. FOWLER.
WILLIAM E. HucHeEs, M. D.
WILLIAM W. JUSTICE, JR.

GEORGE SPENCER MorRrIs.
CHARLES J. PENNOCK.
CHARLES J. RHOADS.
SAMUEL N. RHOADS.
WILLIAM A. SHRYOCK.
WITMER STONE.

JosErpH W. TATUM.

WILLIAM L. WHITAKER.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.

CHARLES W. BUVINGER.
WILLIAM D. CARPENTER.
FREDERICK CLARK.
HERBERT L. COGGINS.
GEORGE B. CRESSON.
WILLIAM J. CRESSON.
ARTHUR COPE EMLEN.
ErneEsT M. EVANS.

J. WIsTER EVANS.
WILLIAM B. EVANS.

A. P. FELLOowS.

(24)

Harry B. FISHER.
GEORGE FORSYTH.

SAMUEL M. FREEMAN.
ALFRED MORTON GITHENS.
RUSSELL GRAY.

Tuomas L. HAMMERSLEY.
RAYMOND KESTER.
NATHAN KITE.

JosErH B. LODGE.

Davip N. MCCADDEN.
WALTER W. MAIREs, M. D.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB 25

Tuomas H. MONTGOMERY, JR., PH. D.

J. R. Moon.

RoBERT T. MOORE.

F. Guy MEYERS.
SAMUEL PALMER.
JAMEs F. PRENDERGAST, M. D.
J. Harris REED.

JOHN REESE,

JaMEs A, G. REHN.
WILLIAM R. REINICK.
ANTHONY ROBINSON.
W. E. ROTZELL, M. D.
WILLIAM B. SCHEUING.
C. Few SEIss.
WILLIAM J. SERRILL.

EDWIN SHEPPARD.
WALTER G, SIBLEY.
WALTER GORDON SMITH.
FREDERICK SORENSEN.
WILLIAM M. STRANG.
SPENCER TROTTER, M. D.
WILLIAM H. TROTTER.
CHARLES A, VOELKER.
HENRY WARRINGTON.
CHARLES S. WELLES,
CORNELIUS WEYGANDT.
ALBERT WHITAKER,
MARK L. C. WILDE.
SAMUEL WRIGHT.
ROBERT T. YOUNG.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.

CHARLES H. BAKER,
Tuomas J. BEANS.
HERMAN BEHR,
Orto BEHR.

W. H. BULLER.
WALTER D. BUSH.
FRANK B, EASTMAN,
Harry L, GRAHAM.
HENRY HALES.

H. WALKER HAND.
JostaH Hoopes.

Tuomas H., JACKSON.
J. WARREN JACOBS.
AuGusT KOcH.
SAMUEL B. LADD.
WILLIAM PATTERSON.
Howarpb Y. PENNELL.
A. H. PHILLIPS.

M. W. RaAvs, M. D.
H. Justin Roppy.
HucuH E. STONE.

W. E. CLYDE Topp.

The Club holds regular meetings in the Ornithological Room of the
Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia, on the first
and third Thursdays of each month, from October to May, inclusive, at

8 o’clock p. m.

The D. V. O. C. collection of Pennsylvania and New Jersey birds and
their nests is presented to the Academy, and is on public exhibition in

the museum.

The “Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” published by
the Club, is for sale at the Academy. Price, one dollar.

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IN DEX.

ACANTHIS linaria, 13, 14
Accipiter atricapillus, 21
cooperi, 21
velox, 2, 21
Agelaius phceniceus, 22
Ammodramus, I
Ammodramus henslowi, 22
princeps, 3, 5,8
sandw. savanna, 18, 22
sav. passerinus, 18, 22
Ampelis cedrorum, 4, 18, 23
Anas boschas, 10
obscura, 9
Anorthura hiemalis, 2, 8, 23
Antrostomus carolinensis, 12, 21
vociferus, 21
Archibuteo 1. sancti-johannis, 4
Ardea ccerulea, 12
herodias, 5, II
Asio accipitrinus, 21
Astragalinus tristis, 2, 22
Aythya affinis, 9
americana, 9
collaris, 10
marila, 9
vallisneria, 9

BONASA umbellus, 21
Branta nigricans, 7
Bubo virginianus, 21
v. pallescens, 3
v. subarcticus, 3
Buteo borealis, 1, 2, 4, 21
brachyurus, 13
latissimus, I, 21
lineatus, I, 4, 21

CALCARIS lapponicus, 9
Cardinalis cardinalis, 2, 14
Caritonetta albeola, 10
Carpodacus purpureus, 22
Ceophloeus pileatus abieticola, 21
Cepphus grylle, 10

Certhia f. americana, 8, 19, 23
Ceryle alcyon, 4, 21

Cheetura pelagica, 21
Chordeiles virginianus, 21
Circus hudsonius, 4, 21
Cistothorus palustris, 4, 19
Chaulelasmus streperus, 10
Clivicola riparia, 4, 23

Coccyzus americanus, 18
erythrophthalmus, 18, 21
Colaptes auratus luteus, 3, 18, 21
Colinus virginianus, 14, 21.
Colymbus auritus, 18
Compsothlypis a. usneze, 18, 23
Contopus borealis, 8, 22
virens, 18, 22
Corvus americanus, 2, 6, 10, 13, 14, 22
corax principalis, 22
Cyanocitta cristata, 2, 22
Cyanospiza cyanea, 18, 22

DAFILA acuta, 9
Dendroica eestiva, 4, 23
blackburnize, 18, 23
castanea, 19
ceerulescens, 18, 23
coronata, 3, 7, 18
discolor, 18
maculosa, 18, 23
palmarum, 18
p. hypochrysea, 18
pensylvanica, 18, 23
striata, 18
tigrina, 19
vigorsii, 2, 19
virens, 18, 23
Diomedia nigripes, 6
Dolichonyx oryzivorus, 10, 18, 22
Dryobates pub. medianus, 21
villosus, 21

ECcToPISTEs migratorius, 21

Empidonax flaviventris, 5, 22
minimus, 22

Erismatura jamaicensis, 9, 18

FALCO sparverius, 18, 21

GALEOSCOPTES carolinensis, 3, 19, 23
Gallinago delicata, 2, 5
Gavia adamsii, 7
Geothlypis agilis, 19
philadelphia, 4, 8, 23
trichas, 19, 23

HAMATOPUS palliatus, 12

Harelda glacialis, 14
Harporhynchus rufus, 3, 19, 23
Helminthophila rubricapilla, 19, 23
Hirundo erythrogaster, 22

(27)

28

Hylocichla alicize, 7
aon. pallasii, 2, 3, 23
fuscescens, 23
mustelinus, 19, 23
ust. swainsonii, 23

ICTERIA Virens, 19, 23
Icterus galbula, 22
spurius, 20

Junco hyemalis, 14, 18, 22

LARUS a. smithsonianus, 14
Loxia curv. minor, II, 12, 22

MARECA americana, 9
Megascops asio, 21
Melanerpes carolinus, 14
erythrocephalus, 21
Melospiza fasciata, 14, 18, 22
georgiana, 22
Merula migratoria, 3, I1, 23
Micropalama himantopus, I
Mniotilta varia, 2, 18, 23
Molothrus ater, 23
Myiarchus crinitus, 4

NYCTALA acadica, 8, 21
Nyctea nyctea, 2, 7
Nycticorax n. nzevius, 4

Orocoris alpestris, 13
a. praticola, 14, 22

PaRUuS atricapillus, 23

Passer domesticus, 14
Passerina hyperborea, 5
Petrochelidon lunifrons, 22
Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 18, 22
Piranga erythromelas, 18, 22
Podilymbus podiceps, 11
Pocecetes gramineus, 2, 22
Porzana carolina, 15, 18
Protonotaria citrea, 9

RALLUS crepitans, 3, II, 14

INDEX.

Regulus calendula, 8, 19
satrapa, 2, 8, 19, 23

Sayornis phcebe, 18, 21
Scolecophagus carolinus, 2
Seiurus aurocapillus, 19, 23
motacilla, 13
noveboracensis, 23
Setophaga ruticilla, 19, 23
Sialia sialis, 2, 23
Sitta canadensis, 8, 19, 23
carolinensis, 23
pusilla, 2
Somateria spectabilis, 6

| Sphyrapicus varius, 18, 21

Spinus pinus, 22

Spizella monticola, 14
pusilla, 3, 18, 22
socialis, 3, 18, 22

Steganopus tricolor, 5

Stercorarius pomarinus, 8

| Sturnella magna, 14, 22

Syrnium nebulosum, 21

TACHYCINETA bicolor, 23
Thryothorus ludovicianus, 3, 4, 14
Totanus melanoleucus, 4
Trochilus colubris, 21
Troglodytes aédon, 19, 23
Tryngites subruficollis, 12
Turdus. See Hylocichla.
Tympanuchus cupido, 10
Tyrannus tyrannus, 21

Uri lomvia, 10

VIREO noveboracensis, 18
olivaceus, 18, 23
solitarius, 18, 23

WILSONIA canadensis, 23

ZAMELODIA ludoviciana, 10, 22

Zenaidura macrura, 18, 21

Zonotrichia albicollis, 3, 8, 18, 22
leucophyrs, 8

1900. INO CAEN:

ABSTRACT

OF THE

OF THE

DELAWARE VALLEY

ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

PHILADELPHIA.

FOR THE YEAR 1000.

> POBLISHED BY ‘THE. CLUB:
1901.

ABSTRACT
OF THE

PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB

OF

PE AO Te eee TA

January 4,1900.—Annual Meeting. ‘Thirty-five members present.
Mr. Charles H. Baker was elected a Corresponding Member. The
following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

President—CHARLEs J. RHOADS.

Vice- President—Cuar es J. PENNOCK.

Secretary—HeEnry W. Fow er.

Treasurer—WIL1LIAM L. BAILy.

Mr. G. S. Morris addressed the Club on “ Winter Bird-life at Cape
Charles, Va.,” covering a recent visit of two weeks. Duck shooting in
this neighborhood, he stated, had deteriorated very much during recent
years, partially he thought from the increase in the oyster industry and
the presence of numerous oyster boats from which the ducks are con-
stantly shot. Black-headed Ducks (Aythya affinis) were noticed in
numbers. Among land birds he secured specimens of the Brown-
headed Nuthatch (Sz¢/a pusilla), Ipswich Sparrow (Ammodramus prin-
ceps) and Pine Warbler (Dendroica vigorsit). The Ipswich Sparrow
he regarded as a common winter species on the Virginia coast.

Mr. Witmer Stone read a humorous paper entitled “The Delaware
Valley Ornithological Club, its Nestling Plumage contrasted with its
fully Adult Condition, with Comments on Several of its Molts.” Mr.
Wm. L. Baily exhibited a number of lantern slides from photographs of
birds and their nests. The meeting then adjourned to a collation.

2 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

January 18, 1900.—Fourteen members and one visitor present.
Messrs. Chas. W. Buvinger and Chas. S. Welles were elected Associate
Members, and Mr. H. Walker Hand, of Cape May, N. J., a Corre-
sponding Member.

Mr. Witmer Stone exhibited a series of Crossbills (Z. /eucoptera and
minor) \ately received from Mr. Otto Behr, of Lopez, Pa. Wm. B.
Evans reported the Red Crossbill (Loxia c. minor) at Moorestown,
N. J., Jan. 14th; and Saw-Whet Owl (WVyctala acadica) found dead
Dec. 20, 1899, at Friendship, N. J.

Mr. A. C. Emlen noted a few Grackles ( Qutscalus quiscula) all
winter at Germantown, and exhibited a White-winged Crossbill (Zoxia
leucoptera) taken on Dec. 18, the first record of the species at Phila-
delphia for ten years.

Mr. Rehn reported Flickers ( Co/aptes auratus luteus) observed at
Tinicum, and a Hermit Thrush (Aylocichla a. pallasiz) at Clifton, Del.
Co: Pa.

Crossbills (Zoxta ¢c. minor) were reported from Germantown, Clifton
and Kennett Square.

Other interesting records were:

Red-bellied Nuthatch (Sz¢#a canadensis) ; Flicker ( Colaptes auratus
luteus), and Carolina Chickadee (Parus carolinensis), Kennett Square,
Chester Co., Pa., January 1, C. J. Pennock. Cat Bird (Galeoscoptes
carolinensis), Germantown, Phila., Jan. 14, E. M. Evans.

February 1, 1900.—Twenty-one members and a visitor present
Messrs. Frederick Sirensen and Walter G. Sibley were elected Asso-
ciate Members.

A letter from Dr. Montgomery reported two White-winged Crossbills
(Loxia leucoptera) at West Chester, Pa., Jan. 28.

Dr. Hughes made the communication of the evening ona trip to
Palm Beach, Fla., covering the end of December and beginning of
January. He found birds less abundant both in species and individ-
uals than he had expected, and though a fairly representative collection
was obtained, he secured nothing of especial interest. Bald eagles
(Halivétus leucocephalus) was nesting, and had large downy young by
the first of the year.

Mr. Pennock exhibited an adult male Ivory-billed Woodpecker
( Campephilus principalis) received from Taylor Co., Florida, where it
had been secured Jan. 12, 1900. (See below, p. 8.)

February 15, 1900.—Ywenty-six members present.

Mr. W. L. Whitaker addressed the Club on his two years’ sojourn in
Alaska and British America, mostly in the Stickine River district. His

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 3

opportunities for ornithological observations were very limited and
only a few specimens were prepared.

March 1, 1900.—Eighteen members present.

Mr. Witmer Stone made a communication on ‘The Earliest De-
scribers of Our North American Birds and Their Works.” He dis-
played copies of the works of Willoughby, Gesner, Catesby, Buffon,
Pennant, Latham, Wilson, Bonaparte and Audubon from the Academy’s
Library, commenting upon them.

Mr. A. C. Emlen observed a White-winged Crossbill (Loxra leucop-
tera) again at Germantown Mar. tr.

March 15, 1900.—Only six members present, owing to severe storm.
No meeting was held.

April 5, 1900.—Twenty-five members present.

General discussion on bird protection.

Mr. H. W. Fowler reported Green Herons (Ardea virescens) at
Holmesburg, Phila., April 1, and Mr. Kester observed a Thrasher ( Har-
porhynchus rufus) at Lansdowne, Del. Co., Pa., March 30.

April 19, 1g00.—'Twenty-one members and one visitor present.
Mr. G. S. Morris read a paper on the “Life and Work of Alexander
Wilson.”

May 3, 1900.—Thirteen members present.

Messrs. Wm. Reinick and Joseph B. Lodge were elected Associate
members.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads made a communication on ‘‘ Resemblances in the
Songs of Our Birds,” which was followed by a general discussion.

Mr. Baily reported several species of birds which had struck the city
hall tower during the autumn which were additional to his previous list,
Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus), Water Thrush (Sezurus nove-
boracensis and Tennessee Warbler (Helminthophila peregrina). He also
reported Crossbills (Zoxta c. minor) at Ardmore, Pa., April 29, 1900.

May 17, 1900.—Twenty-one members present.

Mr. Allen H. Grosh was elected a Corresponding member.

Mr. Stone spoke of ‘‘ Recent Additions to Our Knowledge of Ross’s
Rosy Gull,” reviewing Nansen’s account of the species and exhibiting
three specimens secured by Mr. E. A. MclIlhenay at Pt. Barrow, Alaska,
and recently acquired by the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Dr. Hughes described a recent trip to the heronry of Ardea herodias
near Pitman Grove, N. J. He found the birds less abundant than last
year, and was of the opinion that owing to their gregariousness and
conspicuousness they were slowly but steadily decreasing.

4 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

A fine specimen of Gadwall (Chaulelasmus streperus) secured early
in March on Delaware Bay was exhibited.

October 4, 1900.—Twenty-one members present.

Mr. Morris reported the breeding of Bluebirds (Sta%a sialis) at
Olney, Phiia., during the season, and the successful rearing of the young.

Mr. Pennock, on behalf of Mr. Samuel B. Ladd, placed on record
the breeding of the Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica)
on the south valley hills not far from Frazer, Chester Co., Pa. Mr.
Ladd wrote: “Nest found May 18th empty, no birds seen near it, but
when I returned on 27th the female was on the nest, which was placed
in a brier bush two feet up from the ground. This nest was lined with
hair-moss. In shape and position it was somewhat similar to the nest
of the Indigo Bird. The four well-marked eggs were slightly incubated.
Collected May 27, 1900, south side of Chester Valley, on high ground
in middle of woods, in rather open spot where timber had been cut off
and grown up with briers.”

Mr. Coggins described the occurrence of the Hermit Thrush (/}-
locichla a. pallasit) throughout the summer at Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.
[See Zhe Auk, Jan., 1901. ]

Nests 7 stfu of the Small-billed Water Thrush (Sezurus novebora-
censis), Hairy Woodpecker (Dryobates villosus), and White-breasted
Nuthatch (Sit/a carolinensis) from Sullivan Co., Pa., collected by Mr.
Otto Behr for the Club collection, were exhibited.

October 18, 1900.—Sixteen members present.

The resignation of Messrs. W. W. Justice, Jr. and Francis R. Cope,
Jr., from Active Membership were accepted with regrets.

Mr. S. N. Rhoads read a paper on the “ Life History of the Chim-
ney-Swift (Chaetura pelagica)” based upon painstaking study of two
pairs of birds which nested inside of a stable, the unusual location
being peculiarly favorable for observation. His paper was replete with
interesting and novel information. (Publication postponed for an-
other season).

An interesting letter was read from Mr. Henry Hales, of Ridge-
wood, N. J.

November 1, 1900.—Twenty-three inembers present.

Messrs. H. L. Coggins and Arthur C. Emlen were elected to Active
Membership and J. D. Carter to Associate Membership.

Mr. David McCadden made a communication on the “ Birds Ob-
served at Stone Harbor, N. J.” during the past summer. He found
Turnstone or “ Calico backs” ( Avenaria inlertres), Curlew (Mumentus

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 5

hudsontus), Willet (Symphemia semtpalmata), Sanderling ( Cafdris
arenaria), Lesser Yellow-legs (7otanus flavipes), Least and Semi-
palmated Sandpipers (77inga minutilla and Ereunetes pusillus) and
Ring-necks (Aegialtis semipalmata) were the most plentiful species,
occurring regularly in flccks of 253 to 50. Robin-Snipe (Zvinga
canutus), Black-bellied Plover (Sguatarola squatarola) and Yellow-legs
(Zotanus melanoleucus) were less abundant. Dunlin (Z7imga alfina
pacifica) and Dowitchers (Macrorhamphus griseus) were not observed
during his visit (Aug. 4-18, 1899). The Black Terns (Hydrochehdon n.
surinamensis) were abundant in flocks of about fifty, and were ob-
served teeding like swallows over the meadows, probably on grass-
hoppers. Laughing Gulls (Larus atricila) and Terns (Srna
hirundo) were more plentiful than last year, but no Egrets (Ardea
caerulea) were seen.

Dr. Prendergast supplemented Mr. McCadden’s remarks and ex-
hibited a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) in immature plumage
secured at Stone Harbor, Oct. 3d, a remarkably early date.

Mr. Stone exhibited another specimen taken at Atlantic City, N. J.,
June 20, t900; also an unusual date.

Dr. Hughes described several trips to the Delaware river marshes
below Philadelphia during the spring. ‘Three nests of the Virginia Rail
(Rallus virginianus) were found June 3, 11, and July 1, containing
eight, seven and nine eggs respectively ; three of the King Rail (2.
elegans), June 11, contained eight, nine and ten eggs, and one of the
Least Bittern (Ardetta exilis), June 3, contained two eggs. Swamp
Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) and Marsh Wrens ( Cistothorus palus-
tris) were breeding abundantly. Dr. Hughes thought that careful
search would show that the Rails were more abundant breeders in this
vicinity than had generally been supposed.

November 15, 1900.— Thirteen members present.

The resignations of Messrs. J. W. Tatum and W. L. Whitaker from
Active Membership were accepted with regret.

Mr. A. C. Emlen spoke of a “Trip to Chincoteague, Va.,” Aug. rst,
1900. He noted large numbers of Sanderling ( Cadidris arenaria) and
Lesser Yellow-legs (Zo¢anus flavipes). Pectoral Sandpipers ( 77inga
maculata), Curlews (Numenius hudsonius) and Dowitchers (MMacro-
rhamphus griseus) were also taken. Piping Plover (4 gialitis meloda)
were breeding on the beach, and Killdeers (4. vocifera) were asso-
ciated with the Yellow-legs. A few weeks later Robin Snipe ( Z7inga
canutus) and Greater Yellow-legs ( Zotanus melanoleucus) were abund-

6 ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS.

ant. Sickle-billed Curlews (JV. dongirostris) were taken, but were not
abundant. In an old pine tree seven pairs of Martens (Progne subis)
were breeding.

Wm. B. Evans described ‘An Excursion to Hanover, Burlington
Co., N. J.,” the trip covering three days early in May, 1900. “The
locality is well within the pine barrens, and two things were especially
striking ; first the absolute lack of migrating birds at a time of year
when near Philadelphia we were daily greeting the arrivals which make
this month 2 month of months. Of the 38 species recorded all ap-
peared to be resident with the exception of the White-throated Spar-
row (Zonotrichia albicollis), which was heard but once, and the Cross-
bills (Zoxia c. minor). The second point of interest was the presence
of these Crossbills at so late a date [May 6th].” (See below, p. 7.)

Dr. Hughes stated that at Forked River, N. J., June 6, 1g00, he had
observed about two dozen Crossbills (Zoxita c. minor) feeding on the
pine cones. On May 10, 1894, in company with Messrs. Brown and
Shyrock he had seen three Crossbills at Lewes, Delaware, these being
the latest records of the occurrence of the species within his experience.

December 6, 1900.—Nineteen members and a visitor present.

Prof. H. A. Surface, of State Collega, Pa., was elected a Correspond-
ing member and Wm. B. Evans an Active member.

Messrs. Stone and Baily reported on the Cambridge meeting of the
American Ornithologists’ Union, which they, as well as Messrs. Cope
and Pennock, had attended.

Mr. Philip Laurent exhibited a mounted specimen of the European
Corn Crake (Crex crex) taken at Hursley, Worcester Co., Md., No-
vetober 28, 1900, by John Livesey, while in company with Mr. Laurent.
The stomach contained remains of small grasshoppers. The bird
measured: wing, 5.25 ins.; extent, 16.75 ins.

December 20, 1g00.—Seventeen members present.

Dr. Samuel W. Woodhouse, of Philadelphia, was elected an Honor-
ary member, and Mr. Waldron D. W. Miller, of Plainfield, N. J., a Cor-
responding member.

Mr. Pennock described a visit to a rookery of the Florida Cormorant
Phalacrocorax ad. floridanus) near St. Mark’s, Florida, in April, 1589.
The nests in this instance were in high cypresses, about thirty or forty
nests in a tree.

Mr. Baily described his work during the past year in the interest of
Gull and Tern protection on the New Jersey coast (see Au&, 1901, pp.
83-84).

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE HABITS OF CROSSBILLS
(LOXIA C. MINOR) OBSERVED AT HANOVER, N. J.,
MAY 4-6, 1900.

WILLIAM B. EVANS.

These birds we saw every day, but doubt whether there were more
than a single pair. They evidently had no home cares, and wandered
about over several acres of pitch pines, but rarely so far from a given
locality that fifteen minutes of careful looking and listening would not
reveal their whereabouts. One was in the red plumage (very bright on
the rump) the other, olive.

On one afternoon I watched them carefully for three-fourths of an
hour, as they fed in a pitch pine, the top of which was about 25 feet high.

They showed their tameness by descending lower and lower, until
they were only about eight feet from my head, so that the field-glass
was scarcely needed. In moving from cone to cone they progressed,
a step at a time, along the connecting branch, and once when climbing
from a lower to a higher twig the female (as I took the olive one to be)
used her beak much as a parrot on his cage bars. They seemed to
prefer to feed clinging to the cones with their heads downward, looking
below with a knowing eye, each time they paused to nip the kernel of
the seed they had withdrawn.

When the beak was pressed in between the scales, one could plainly
see the imbricated rows separate and open, and the orange-colored
tongue dart out, and all at once, as if by magic the seed was in the
withdrawn beak, and the rejected wings were fluttering down. The
Crossbill thoroughly understands the combination of the pine cone.

The mandibles of these two birds both crossed the same way, the
upper one turning to the left, and the lower one to the right. The
female bird more than once alighted on one of the short broken-off
dead branches which project from the main stem of the pitch pine
and worked away at the fractured end, darting out her tongue as she
crushed off fragments, sometimes holding smal) pieces of wood in her
beak a moment. But why she thus made kindling, I do not know. She
also sometimes settled among the long pine leaves at the very end of
a branch and nibbled away at the needles, and an examination of one
such place showed that the inner fleshy part of the leaf had been
eaten out, leaving the outer membrane only.

Suddenly, at a well understood signal call, the two would launch out
into the air and undulate off to some distant tree.

C7)

RECENT CAPTURE OF IVORY-BILLED WOODPECKERS
(CAMPEPHILUS PRINCIPALIS) IN FLORIDA.

CHARLES J. PENNOCK.

While spending a few days collecting on the Gulf coast of West
Florida, in April, 1889, near St. Mark’s, I heard of a locality in that
vicinity that was particularly wild and unfrequented. “A great place
for game,” etc., and from the various yarns spun I wondered if some
of the rarer species of birds might not be found there, and at frequent
intervals since that time had planned for a trip to investigate. Finally,
giving up an immediate personal search, I obtained the address of a
“cracker,” and was assured that some of the species I hoped for were
to be found and that the “ Ivory-billed Woodchuck”’ was of the list.

Remembering the common experience in (not) obtaining desirable
specimens said by natives to be “abundant” in certain localities, I an-
ticipated no particular developments, and knowing the abundance of
the bird, thought I might receive a specimen of the Pileated Wood-
pecker. I was therefore surprised and delighted to have sent me by
mail during January, 1900, two specimens of the Ivory-billed Wood-
pecker, a male and female, in the flesh and both in quite good condition.
They were preserved by withdrawing the viscera and using common
salt freely on the flesh.

A third specimen, male, was received later from another source, but
unfortunately was not well cared for, the sender stating he had sent a
“hide,” an accurate term since the skin had been torn off by cutting
the bird from tail to under mandible, was minus feet, and had evidently
been dried by tacking on a board.

The measurements of the two better specimens, as taken when
received were as follows:

3 ?
Menta: 2. ul a er: Ne te aa 26 20155"
WYN ey Ae iM 2h ; ex rOvg 9%
Paal: iy. % ss rie fale aceo Re Nii wpe (| 7
Lee SUS) 0," 3s ae PA ate ane ie 1°" 1%
1 7 A pital k ROM Ree! panne Mz mea 2u,

The length of the female may have been over-extended, due to a dif-
ference in preparation before shipment.

(8)

BIRD LANGUAGE AN INDEX OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.

S. N. RHOADS.

Among those birds which we class low down in the scale of develop-
ment it is easy to trace the similarity of language which characterizes
them all, but as we rise from these to the higher groups, whose vocal
powers rival even those of man’s invention, the genetic relationship
often seems to disappear. It takes no prophet to foretell that this
new duck from the Philippines will quack or that new species of pigeon
will coo, but give him a thrush or a finch whose voice has yet been
unrecorded, and his predictions are useless. Perhaps there is no bet-
ter way of recognizing a family resemblance in bird notes and songs
and being impressed thereby than in the exploration of a distant
region whose faunal relations have a more or less remote connection
with the one in which you have lived. One of the most pleasing
memories of my sojourn in the semi-tropic wilds of Texas and Arizona
was to hear coming from the throats of strangely-colored birds the old
home melodies of thrush, wren, oriole and tanager. At such a time
our ears grow so sensitive to anything that savors of “auld lang syne”
we begin to fully realize the possibilities that exist in bird language
as an aid to the study of bird genealogy.

For the present it will suffice to merely suggest a course of research
along this line. In the first place, the song or language of birds is a
far more reliable index of family and genus than color, and in many
cases more so than feather characters as often used in diagnosis.
Again in the higher oscines, whose songs appear dissimilar to the less
critical ear, there are certain foundation or basal notes used in com-
mon, as in the falsetto of the robin, wood thrush, hermit and veery.
In these also there are resemblances, unmistakably thrushlike in their
call and scolding notes. I am informed that the same is character-
istic of the European song thrush and blackbird.

Among the wrens there is the best illustration of the constancy
of song character, and their scolding notes are wonderfully alike, from
that of the great Cactus Wren of the Mexican deserts to the startled
cry of the tiny sprite that lives in the cold dark dells of the Alaskan

(9)

ife) ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

forest. Nor is it pure imagination to declare that many notes of the
closely allied group of thrashers, especially some of those found in
Southern California, bespeak their kinship to the wrens.

Among the flycatchers, when we consider their poor development as
singers, there seems to be an unusual dissimilarity of language. Take
for instance the notes of the Wood-pewee, King-bird and Crested Fly-
catcher, belonging to three different genera. When at rest the notes
of the first two have little in common, but in their aerial or flight-song
there is a remarkable similarity not only in the circling, twisting, hover-
ing manner of flight, but in the method of delivering the song, viz., a
succession of single-syllabled notes terminating in a crescendo somer-
sault, during which a climax double or compound note is uttered, the
same performance being repeated several times before descending to
the chosen perching place. The Crested Flycatcher does not indulge
in a flight-song, but its warning notes as it stands sentinel over its nest
are of the same character as those of all other American flycatchers.
Its harsh exclatnatory cry or single call, by which it is best known,
seems to have little in common with the corresponding utterances
of the king-bird or pewee, but it frequently relaxes into a double-
syllabled modification of this which resembles in notation that uttered
by both king-bird and pewee under similar conditions. ‘There is also
a tremulous twitter of apparent satisfaction uttered by all three species
when they return to the perch after a successful foray. In the case
of the Great Crest, however, it is more like a harsh laugh. In all three
of these tyrant flycatchers the notes uttered while they are pursuing an
enemy are unmistakably alike in their tyrannine character.

Another marked instance of family resemblance in song is seen in
the Tanagridae. ‘The scarlet, summer, hepatic, Louisiana and Cooper’s
tanagers with which I have made acquaintance have songs and call
notes so closely resembling each other that it requires an exceedingly
expert ear to distinguish some of them.

Among families which seem to contain exceptions to the rule of
family song resemblance mention may be made of the Vireos, one
aberrant member of which seems to delight in strange surprises of
vocal mockery and jest, viz the White-eye. It has a distinct whistle,
which, however, has its counterpart in bars of the song of the red-eye,
solitary and yellow throated species. It is desirable that some one
with an ear for music and a correspondingly wide knowledge of birds
in their homes both in this and in foreign lands may follow up this
subject. It is not impossible that our knowledge of the genealogy of
families of birds far removed by the natural barriers of climate and

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. It

geography and dissociated in our minds by the systems of artificial
classification may be greatly enlightened thereby.

_-<---—-—_—_—_- -_-

THE Div. 0. G, COLLECTION.

In 1891 several members of the club presented to the Academy of
Natural Sciences the nucleus of a collection of the nests and eggs of
Pennsylvania and New Jersey birds, to be known as the Delaware
Valley Ornithological Club Collection and to be kept separate as a
local collection. In ten years this has grown until it occupies five
large museum cases, while specimens of nearly all the birds known to
occur in these states have beenadded. The nests are almost all 77 sztu,
the branches being supported on walnut bases. The woodpeckers, nut-
hatches and other similar nests comprise an entire section of tree trunk,
while ground nests are carefully mounted in plaster or papier-mache.
At present there are represented the nests and eggs of 112 species, all
taken within the boundaries of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Of
three of these, however, only the eggs are shown and of five only the
nests.

The club is very anxious to complete this collection as far as possible
and asks the aid of its correspondents and ornithologists in general, in
securing specimens of the nests or eggs of any of the following from
within the above limits.

Some on the list should be easily obtainable, others are doubtful as
breeders within the limits given, while many of the shore birds breed
no more on our coasts. Eggs of these latter obtained in New Jersey are
doubtless in many collections, and information relating to such will be
gladly received. Communications should be addressed to Witmer
Stone, Academy Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Phila.

Pied-billed Grebe, Little Blue Heron,
Loon, Sora Rail,
Gull-billed Tern, Little Black Rail,
Roseate Tern, Coot,

Least Tern, Avocet,

Black Skimmer, Black-necked Stilt,
Wood Duck, Woodcock,

Black Duck, Wilson’s Snipe,
(Any other wild Duck), Solitary Sandpiper,
American Bittern, Willet, ;
White Egret, Bartramian Sandpiper (Field Plover),

Snowy Heron, Piping Plover,

12

Wilson’s Plover,

Oyster Catcher,

Ruffed Grouse,

Wild Turkey,

Wild Pigeon,

Marsh Hawk,
Red-shouldered Hawk,
Broad-winged Hawk,
Eagle,

Duck Hawk,

Long-eared Owl,
Short-eared Owl,

Barred Owl,

Saw Whet Owl,
Black-billed Cuckoo,
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
Pileated Woodpecker (want eggs only),
Red bellied Woodpecker,
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher,
Traill’s Flycatcher,
Prairie Horned Lark,
Raven,

Bobolink,

Bronzed Grackle,

Purple Finch,

American Crossbill,

ABSTRACT OF PROCEEDINGS.

Pine Finch,

Savanna Sparrow,

Henslow’s Sparrow,
White-throated Sparrow,
Dickcissel,

Blue Grosbeak,

Summer Tanager,

Cliff Swallow (want eggs only),
Loggerhead Shrike,
Philadelphia Vireo,

Warbling Vireo,

Black and White Warbler (want eggs only),
Prothonotary Warbler,

Golden-winged Warbler,

Nashville Warbler,

Myrtle Warbler,

Cerulean Warbler,

Pine Warbler,

Mourning Warbler,

Mocking-bird,

Bewick’s Wren,

Short-billed Marsh Wren,

Red-bellied Nuthatch (want eggs only),
Golden-crowned Kinglet,

Gnatcatcher (want eggs only),

Wilson’s Thrush.

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

OF THE

Delaware Valley Ornithological Club.

19O1 (Apr. 1.).

CHARLES J. PENNOCK, President.

WILLIAM A. SHRYOCK, W2ce-President.

WILLIAM B. EVANS, Secretary, 252 S. Front St., Phila.
STEWARDSON BROWN, 7vreasurer, Acad. Nat. Sciences, Phila.

ACTIVE MEMBERS.

WILLIAM L., BAILY, WILLIAM E. HucHEs, M. D.,
STEWARDSON BROWN, GEORGE SPENCER MORRIS,
HERBERT L. COGGINS, CHARLES J. PENNOCK,

I. Norris DEHAVEN, CHARLES J. RHOADs,
ARTHUR C. EMLEN, SAMUEL N. RHOADS,
WILLIAM B. Evans, WILLIAM A. SHRYCCE,
Henry W. FowLer, WITMER STONE,

SAMUEL WRIGHT.

HONORARY MEMBER.
SAMUEL W. WoopDHOUSE, M. D.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS.

CHARLES W. BUVINGER, FRANCIS R. Corr, JR.,
WILLIAM D. CARPENTER, GEORGE B. CRESSON,
Joun D. CARTER, WILLIAM J. CRESSON,
FREDERICK CLARK, ERNEST M. EVANS,

(13)

14 ABSTRACT OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE

A. P. FELLOWS,
HARRY B. FISHER,
GEORGE FORSYTH,
SAMUEL M. FREEMAN,

ALFRED MORTON GITHENS,

RUSSELL GRAY,

THomAS L. HAMMERSLEY,
W. E. HANNUM,

WILLIAM W. JUSTICE, JR.,
RAYMOND KESTER,
NATHAN KITE,

JoserH B. Loncg,

Davip N. McCADDEN,

WALTER W. Mairres, M. D.,

J. R. Moon,
ROBERT T. MOORE,
F. Guy MEYERS,
SAMUEL PALMER,

James F. PRENDERGAST, M. D.,

J. Harris REED,
JOHN REESE,
James A. G. REHN,

WILLIAM R. REINICK,
ANTHONY ROBINSON,

W. E. RotzE.1, M. D.,
WILLIAM B. SCHEUING,
C. Frew SEIss,

WILLIAM J. SERRILI,
EDWIN SHEPPARD,
WALTER G. SIBLEY,
Louts IRVINE SMITH, JR,,
WALTER GORDON SMITH,
FREDERIK SORENSEN,
WILLIAM M. STRANG,
SPENCER TROTTER, M. D.,
WILLIAM H. TROTTER,
JosErH W. TATUM,
CHARLES A. VOELKER,
HENRY WARRINGTON,
CHARLES S. WELLES,
CORNELIUS WEYGANDT,
ALBERT WHITAKER,
Mark L. C. WILDE,
RoBERT T. YOUNG.

CORRESPONDING MEMBERS.

CHARLES H. BAKER,
THoMAS J. BEANS,
HERMAN BEHR,
Otro BEHR,

W. H. BULLER,
WALTER D. Bush,
FRANK B. EASTMAN,
Marcus S. FARR,
Harry I. GRAHAM,
ALLEN H. GROSH,
HENRY HALES,

H. WALKER FIAND,
Jos1AH Hoopes,
THomAS H,. JACKSON,

J. WARREN JACOBs,
AuGusT KocH,
SAMUEL B. LADD,
WALDRON D. W. MILLER,
WILLIAM PATTERSON,
HowarpD Y. PENNELL,
A. H. PHILLIPS,

M. W. Ravs, M. D.,
H. Justin Roppy,
HuGu E. STONY,

II. A. SURFACE,

C. F. SYLVESTER,

W. E. CLYDE Topp,
WILLIAM H. WERNEk,

WILLIAM L. WHITAKER.

The Club holds regular meetings in the Ornithological Room of the
Academy of Natural Sciences, Logan Square, Philadelphia, on the first
and third Thursdays of each month, from October to May, inclusive, at
8 o’clock p. m.

DELAWARE VALLEY ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 15

The D. V. O. C. collection of Pennsylvania and New Jersey birds
and their nests is presented to the Academy, and is on public exhibi-
tion in the museum.

The “Birds of Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” published by
the Club, is for sale at the Academy. Price, one dollar.

INDEX.

AXGIALITIS meloda, 5
semipalmata, 5
vocifera, 5
Ammodramus princeps, I
Ardea coerulea, 5
herodias, 3
virescens, 3
Ardetta exilis, 5
Arenaria interpres, 4
Aythya affinis, I

CALIDRIs arenaria, 5
Campephilus principalis, 2, 8
Carpodacus purpureus, 3
Cheetura pelagica, 4
Chaulelasmus streperus, 4
Cistothorus palustris, 5
Colaptes auratus luteus, 2
Crex crex, 6
DENDROICA pensvylvanica, 4
vigorsil, I
Dryobates villosus, 4

IREUNETES pusillus, 5
GALEOSCOPTES carolinensis, 2

HALI&ETUS leucocephalus, 2
Harporhynchus rufus, 3
Helminthophila peregrina, 3
Hylocichla aon. pallasii, 2, 4
Hyd¢drociielidon nigra surinamensis, 5

LARUs atricilla, 5
delawarensis, 5

' Loxia curv. minor, 2, 3, 6, 7
leucoptera, 2, 3

| MACRORHAMPHUS griseus, 5
Melospiza georgiana, 5

| NUMENIUusS hudsonius, 4
longirostris, 6

| Nyctala acadica, 2

|

| PARUS carolinensis, 2

| Phalacrocorax diloph. floridanus, 6
| Progne subis, 6

QUISCALUS quiscula, 2

| RALLUS elegans, 5
virginianus, 5

| SETURUS noveboracensis, 3

| Sialia sialis, 4

| Sitta canadensis, 2

carolinensis, 4

pusilla, 1

| Squatarola squatarola, 5
Sterna hirundo, 5

| Symphemia semipalmata, 5

TOTANUS flavipes, 5
melanoleucus, 5
Tringa alpina pacifica, 5
canutus, 5
maculata, 5
minutilla, 5

|

|

| ZONOTRICHIA albicollis, 6
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