:> /.^«. 0^ Kn^Hj FOR THE PEOPLE FOR EDVCATION FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Volume V. FEBRUARY, 1921 Number 1 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This issue contains a Report of the Activities of the Society during 1920. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from montb tow* month, will report items, of interest concerning birds, such as the appear of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Fe legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the w Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. H 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society MEMBERSHIP The Society needs .$50,000 at least in order to increase its activities. Will you help expand its usefulness? The classes of Membership are Life Members paying not less than $25.00 at one time. Sustaining Members paying $1.00 annually. Junior Members under ten years, paying 10 cents. ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP BIRD PRESERVATION Personal participation in the great work of saving our valuable and beautiful wild birds. INFORMATION Advice from competent specialists on the best methods of bird study and bird protection on the home grounds, in sanctuaries or elsewhere, assistance in identification. READING ROOM AND EXHIBITION HALL Use at any time of the reading room and exhibition hall at the office, 66 Newbury Street, where bird books, pictures, charts, leaflets and all modern appliances for bird protection are displayed. BIRD LECTURES The Society gives annually a Course of Lectures, illustrated by stere- opticon and moving pictures by the foremost bird specialists of the country. Members have the first opportunity to purchase these tickets at moderate prices. t^f - /|, ^ y^ . j^ <^ BIRD SANCTUARY Members and their friends have free use of the Moose Hill Bird Sanc- tuary for bird study and recreation, MONTHLY BULLETIN All Sustaining and Life Members receive without further expense the Monthly Bulletin, containing information regarding the work of the Society and news of interest in the world of bird study and bird protection. LEGACIES The Society gratefully records the receipt of $10,000, initial payment on a legacy of $20,000 from the estate of the late Mrs. Ernestine M. Kettle of Weston. This goes, of course, to the Reserve Fund, the interest only of which is used for the general purposes of the Society. It will be a perpetual re- minder of the good will of our late Life Member and will help carry forward for all time a good work which was very dear to her heart as it is to all mem- bers of our Society. Sums donated by will to the Society are placed in the Reserve Fund of the Society, a use of the money which has peculiar value because of its per- manence. The altruistic work of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, carried on for many years with increasing success, suggests the desirability of remem- bering it in this fashion. All the funds of the Society are handled carefully and conservatively, but the Reserve Fund, in the exclusive control of the Board of Directors, is especially worthy of consideration of testators who wish to make legacies of lasting usefulness. Monthly Bulletin 3 There will always be need of organized work for bird protection, a form of conservation of the greatest importance to the general welfare. The Reserve Fund of the Society, when of sufficient size, will insure this. Can you not help in this way? FORM OF BEQUEST / give and bequeath to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incor- porated, the sum of . . • ■ Dollars for its Reserve Fund. REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS The Directors of the Massachusetts Audubon Society submit the follow- ing report. Our work during the past year, judging from the income and outgo of the Society, has just about doubled. In effectiveness and scope we feel sure that it has increased in at least an equal ratio. Legislative work throughout the country has been carefully scanned and we have helped in all important matters perlaining to conservation. Contributing both money and service to the work of the National Association in forming junior classes in bird study in Massachusetts schools, we were helpful in increasing the showing of our State to second place among all the States. More than 30,000 juniors were thus added to the list of youthful bird students in our schools. During the year a vast amount of mail, numbering upwards of 100,000 pieces has gone out from this office, including a voluminous correspondence with people in this and many other States on matters of bird protection. We rejoice that we have been able to advise and assist other Audubon Societies in their good work, have had a helpful hand in the forming and encouraging of bird clubs and promoting individual bird study and bird protection in far distant places as well as in many localities in our own State. Here our chief work lies, but we are glad to be so often of use elsewhere. During the year we have added to our roll 52 Life and 650 Sustaining Members, our greatest record of new members for any one year. PUBLICATIONS BULLETIN Our edition of the Monthly Bulletin has been four thousand or more each month. Through it we reach every member, keeping all informed as to the needs and activities of the Society, giving notice of events of interest and importance in the bird world and recording, we believe, many worth-while matters. The Bulletin goes also to Libraries and Museums, files are kept at the office and most back numbers may be obtained although some are now out of print. The editors welcome brief articles of personal experience with birds and many such of value as records of bird-life have been printed. BIRD CHARTS Our three Charts, picturing seventy-two common birds in color, while most in use by educators, libraries and individuals throughout New England, have had wide circulation elsewhere, having been placed in one hundred and thirty-eight other cities and towns, representing most of the States of the Union as well as some places outside — Seward, Alaska, Jerusalem, Pales- tine, and London, England, for instance. Regretfully, on December 1st we were obliged to increase the price of the Charts to $2,50 each, conditions in 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society the printing trade and the greatly increased cost of color work making this necessary. Our total output for the year has been greater than in any pre- vious one. CALENDARS The Audubon Bird Calendar, published annually, has come to be a rec- ognized institution through its attractive bird pictures in color. Something over 2,000 had been sold by December 31, 1920, and the sale continues. As with the Charts, the Calendars go to distant points both in this country and abroad and carry the name and work of the Society to a wide constituency. BIRD BOOKS Our Society recommends and exhibits the best in bird and other nature books and is rapidly becoming recognized as headquarters for information on such matters. During the year our total sales amounted to $2,366.82. We have, we feel, in this way not only rendered valuable assistance to bird stu- dents and nature lovers but, as we receive the usual booksellers' discount from the publishers, we have been able to add a modest profit to the treasury of the Society for further use in bird protection. BIRD-HOUSES It is our desire to have on hand for exhibition or sale all desirable bird protection material or at least to know where and at what prices such mate- rial may be obtained. Our sales of bird-houses, bird food, feeders and baths has grown this year, totalling a dollar for every day in the year. The amount is small still, but it means a distinct and helpful service to the cause. He who feeds, waters or houses the wild birds is their friend and ours. EXHIBITIONS In addition to the permanent exhibition of bird protection material, charts, bird books, etc., always open to the public at the office, 66 Newbury Street, there is frequent demand for exhibition material to be used in other parts of the State. During the year a dozen or more towns held such exhibi- tions in libraries, schools or the meeting places of bird clubs, the material being supplied by our Society. Our only charge for such exhibits is for transportation. This service, too, overflows the borders of our State, one request having been received and filled from a town in Missouri. Last October the Society exhibited for three days at the Eastern States Agricultural Fair at Springfield, Mass. Through the courtesy of the Wom- an's Educational Department a considerable space, decorated with shrubs and flowering plants, was used to exhibit bird-houses, bird feeding appli- ances, charts, etc., and a large amount of the literature of bird protection was distributed among the thousands of visitors who thronged the exhibit. It v/as a splendid opportunity to bring our work before a large portion of the general public who might not otherwise have an opportunity to know about it. The thanks of the Society are due to Mrs. J. J. Storrow and Mr. John E. Thayer, through whose courtesy the arrangements were made. TRAVELING LECTURES The three Traveling Lectures with text and stereopticon slides have had their usual popularity, at least thirty-five localities having had the use of one or more of these. Beside the regular lecture material the Society has frequent calls for the loan of slides which it is glad to fill from its large and increasing stock. Schools and bird clubs are especially invited to avail themselves of this valuable material. TRAVELING LIBRARIES Our four Traveling Libraries, especially useful in communities where Monthly Bulletin 5 public libraries are small or lacking, have been in constant use. At the beginning of the year they were thoroughly inspected and revised, worn out material was replaced, and many new and desirable books were added. There is no charge for the use of these libraries, which may be had on application to Miss Alice G. Chandler of Lancaster, Mass. ANNUAL LECTURE COURSE In spite of inclement weather, the Society's Annual Lecture Course was most successful. It was held at Symphony Hall, the lecturers being Louis Agassiz Fuertes, William L. Finley, Carl E. Akeley, George K. Cherry, Charles C. Gorst and Edward Avis. Remarkable movies of the birdlife, pictures of two Roosevelt expeditions in the wilds of Africa and the Brazilian wilderness and others of great interest to bird-lovers were shown. Three of the lecturers, Mr. Gorst, Mr. Avis and Mr. Fuertes gave whistling imitations of bird music. Both financially and as an exposition of the wonders of bird- life these lectures were a great success. ANNUAL BIRD DAY The Society's annual Bird Day was held on May 17th at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary in Sharon. It eclipsed all others in point of attendance, some five hundred persons being present, and showing great appreciation of our efforts in bird protection and methods of attracting birds. There was the usual convention of Local Secretaries, presided over by the President of our Society, Mr. Edward Howe Forbush. Other than that there were no formal exercises. The Sanctuary headquarters was thronged throughout the day with people interested in our exhibits. The neighborhood birds fed on the door stone and about the place in close touch with all who cared to observe them. Parties scattered throughout the Sanctuary on bird walks and there was opportunity for close observation of bird-life all day long. At the Sanc- tuary many rare wild flowers are protected as well as all the common species, and these were observed with special interest by members of the Society for the Protection of Native Plants which joins us in our work. MOOSE HILL BIRD SANCTUARY The Society now carries on its demonstration work at the Sharon Sanc- tuary throughout an area of more than five hundred acres, having secured the co-operation and sanction of interested owners of land adjacent to the Field property. The Superintendent, Mr. Harry G. Higbee, has been con- stantly on hand and with the assistance of Mrs. Higbee has given careful attention to the constantly increasing demands of the position. Acting also as Warden for the State Conservation Commission, as a United State Deputy Game Warden and as Special Police Officer Mr. Higbee has patrolled the grounds throughout the year, preventing trespass and prosecuting violations. His work includes a constant biological survey of the area, keeping record of the wild life therein. The Sanctuary has been increasingly valuable to the cause of bird protection during the past year through the throngs of visitors who have come there to observe and learn. During 1920 more than 2600 people came to the Sanctuary for this purpose. Every portion of our State has been well represented by these visitors; others, especially during the summer vacation season, have come from far distant points both in this country and abroad. The publicity value of the Sanctuary, not only for the general cause of bird protection, but for the special work of the Massachu- setts Audubon Society is thus very great. The various departments of our work are so inter-related that it is difficult to tell which is of most importance. Certainly our demonstration sanctuary is very valuable. Extracts from the Superintendent's Annual Report will be found elsewhere in this issue. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society LOCAL SECRETARIES The Society has appointed throughout the State one hundred and twenty- five Local Secretaries, who look after the interests of the Society and repre- sent it in their various localities. The Directors wish to express their thanks to these faithful representatives who, they feel assured, are doing good work for the cause. The Society would be glad to enroll other Local Secretaries in places where none are at present active. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AUDUBON SOCIETIES The Directors note with great interest and approval two new appoint- ments to office in the National Association. On the death of Mr. Dutcher, founder of the National Association and its President since that time, Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson was unanimously elected President. Mr. Pearson had been Secretary of the National Association and its executive officer for many years and during his wise administration of that office had greatly increased the prestige and manifold activities of the Association. As President he will continue as executive officer. Mr. William P. Wharton of Groton, Mass., has been elected to take Mr. Pearson's place as Secretary of the National Asso- ciation. Mr. Wharton was for many years Chairman of the Board of Directors of pur Massachusetts Audubon Society and is widely known for his interest and activity in all matters pertaining to bird protection and con- servation in general. We feel that a close connection and assistance in our State work which has always been so helpfully maintained by the National Association will be continued under the able leadership of these two new offi- cers. MOTION PICTURES During the past year the Society has entered into a new field of educa- tional work which it believes to have boundless opportunities for good. At a very considerable expense it has had Longfellow's beautiful poem, "The Birds of Killingworth," fittingly photographed for the screen. Large dis- tributors of motion picture films have shown an interest in this picture, and it is believed that through them a very wide dissemination of this beautiful and instructive story can be obtained. Our first thought in the matter, of course, is that the cause of bird protection shall be put before as many theatre patrons as possible. For this reason for some time it is probable that the film will be withheld from other usage. Later, however, it will be pos- sible for Audubon Societies, bird clubs and others interested to obtain the use of this picture on payment of a nominal rental. We feel that there is a hitherto unoccupied field here for good work in our cause. PROTECTION FOR RARE PLANTS Along with the desire to preserve our valuable wild birds, useful mam- mals and other forms of vertebrate life in the woods, a commendable senti- ment is growing for the preservation of our native plants. The Boston Society for that purpose is always glad to send out its well-written and attractive leaflets to school-teachers and librarians who will make good use of them. In the neighborhood of large cities, especially, the rarer ferns, the evergreens and the more striking and beautiful of our flowering plants and shrubs are rapidly disappearing if they have not already disappeared. The Christmas fern, the laurel, the cardinal flower are all unfortunate ex- amples of this recklessness on the part of people who covet these beautiful things. If the various societies working for conservation for the common M o nthly B ulle tin 7 good can teach the younger generation to know the birds without a gun, to love the wild rose and leave it on its stalk, great good will have been accomplished. CLOTH POSTERS Every bird-lover should make his own place, whether a tiny dooryard or a great country estate, a bird sanctuary. For this purpose the cloth posters of the Massachusetts Audubon Society are always in great demand. They are the first step toward a legal remedy for trespass and illegal shoot- ing. During 1920 some four thousand of these posters were distributed by the Society to Members and others who wanted the birds on their prop- erty let alone. For such purposes the Society is glad to furnish a half dozen free to any responsible person asking for them. Larger quantities than this we supply at cost of printing — 6c each. CHECK-LISTS To all interested in making a list of birds seen, whether members or not, the Audubon Society will gladly furnish free check-lists. These list the birds under their correct vernacular, or common, names and with the num- bers given them by the American Ornithologists' Union. There is a blank opposite each bird's name for the locality, the place seen and heard and the date. The editors of the Bulletin are glad to chronicle yearly in the Bulle- tin brief acknowledgments of lists made out and returned to us. This year we have the following: Margaret D. Smith, North Truro, Mass., 41; Maude A. Lang, Lowell, 102; Mrs. W. H. Howe, Lowell, 95; Howard E. Clark, Waltham, 35; Willis H. Gerry (age 14), Melrose Highlands, 60; Mrs. Rich- ard B. Harding, Brookline, 133. Occasionally lists which are not very long will record unexpected or unusual species. Margaret D. Smith of North Truro, for instance, having seen the upland plover, the orchard oriole and the mockingbird. THE MOOSE HILL BIRD SANCTUARY Items from the Superintendent's Annual Report for the Year 1920 INCREASED PATRONAGE Twenty-six hundred visitors have been registered at the Sanctuary office this year, — about double the number of last year. INCREASED AREA We have added this year more than two hundred acres of varied growth to our Sanctuary area, which now comprises over five hundred acres. ADDED AUTHORITY The Superintendent has recently been appointed Special Police Officer with full authority over the territory under his care. He is also now a regular Massachusetts Fish and Game Warden and a United States Deputy Game Warden. PUBLICITY Several published articles during the year, both in the local press and in the Society's Monthly Bulletin, have served to keep the bird-loving public will informed of our activities and of the opportunities offered here for 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society nature study. Special reports to the State Ornithologist, and our bird-band- ing work under the United States Biological Survey have also served to make our Sanctuary better known and have afforded opportunity for work of real scientific value. OFFICE RECEIPTS AND NEW MEMBERSHIPS $473.72 have been received at the Sanctuary office for books and bird supplies sold, new memberships and contributions. This is an increase of $368.83 over last year. Forty-six new members have been received here, as follows : 1 Life Mem- ber, 29 Sustaining Members, and 16 Juniors. BIRD WORK One hundred and twelve species of birds have been recorded here during 1920. Our total Sanctuary list now numbers 127. Daily notes on the birds and other wild life are recorded and kept on file at the Sanctuary office. FOOD AND FEEDING Food has been kept out constantly through the year about the Sanctuary headquarters, and our food stands have been well patronized. Winter feed- ing has been carried on over a considerable territory during the severe weather, the Superintendent and his wife tramping over two hundred miles on snow- shoes in this work during the winter of 1919-1920. Food was also supplied to others who would care for birds in their vicinity. About four hundred pounds of the Packard Special Mixture and four hundred pounds of other foods were used in this work during the year. OUR NESTING BIRDS Seventy-one species of birds were noted here during the breeding season and it is believed that all of these nested within our Sanctuary. One hundred and five nests, representing thirty-seven species, were re- corded. At least four pairs of woodcock, several ruffed grouse and two pairs of quail probably bred here. Hermit thrushes sang from April 27th to August 12th, and it is believed that at least four pairs of these birds nested within our borders. The veery, the solitary vireo, the hairy woodpecker and the golden-winged warbler also nested here, and a female white-breasted nuthatch was observed here on the 11th of July. Some interesting observa- tions of nesting swifts in our office chimney were made, three adults being found to occupy this nest. LISTS OF WILD LIFE The varied fauna and flora which may be studied here in its natural en- vironment includes over seven hundred species. These are being constantly listed and recorded for the benefit of visiting friends. One hundred and twenty-seven species of birds, 327 wild flowers, 163 trees, shrubs and vines, 24 ferns, 18 reptiles and batrachians and 17 mammals have already been catalogued. Our library of nearly three hundred volumes on nature subjects is also accessible to visiting students. Monthly Bulletin 9 REPORT OF THE TREASURER RECEIPTS January 1, 1920, to December 31, 1920 General Reserve Fund Fund Fees from Life Members $1,300.00 Fees from Sustaining Members $650.00 Dues from Sustaining Members 1,925.75 Other Members 105 Donations 908.06 Sale of charts 2,771.60 Sale of calendars 2,035.60 Sale of publications 2,366.82 Sale of Bird-houses 365.71 Lectures 4,078.50 Part expenses of National Association of Audubon Societies 831.52 Subscriptions to Moose Hill Sanctuary, Sharon 2,485.78 Subscriptions for bird feeding 259.50 Junior work 1.25 Slides sold 19.30 Return on lectures 1.19 Return for expenses at Springfield 44.79 Motion Picture "Birds of Killingworth" 3,450.00* Royal E. Bobbins Memorial Fund 2,000.00 Roosevelt Memorial Fund 10.00 Interest on Reserve Fund 78.32 Interest on General Fund 54.85 Interest on investments of Reserve Fund 467.50 Interest on Royal E. Robbins Memorial Fund 45.68 Miscellaneous 42.83 Partial payment on Mrs. Ernestine L. Kettle Legacy 10,000.00 Total Receipts $24,895.60 $11,300.00 Balance January 1, 1920 1,823.82 1,302.95 $36,719.42 $12,602.95 Expenditures 25,084.38 Balance January 1, 1921 $1,635.04 $12,602.95 Investments U. S. Liberty Bonds— First Issue $3,000.00 U, S. Liberty Bonds— Second Issue 3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds— Third Issue 3,000.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds— Fourth Issue 2,000.00 $11,000.00 Royal E. Robbins Memorial Fund U. S. Liberty Bonds— Third Issue ' $1,996.96 Deposited at Boston Five Cents Savings Bank 3.04 $2,000.00 *An informal loan to the Society, to be repaid out of receipts from the motion picture. 10 Massachusetts Audubon Society EXPENDITURES January 1, 1920, to December 31, 1920 General Reserve Fund Fund Salaries $4,630.75 Rent 325.00 Printing and stationery 2,724.45 Postage 1,581.96 Transportation 108.68 Telephone 90.38 Electricity 88.64 Supplies 555.04 Publications bought 1,793.10 Bird-houses bought 471.78 Advertising 223.56 Moose Hill Sanctuary, Sharon 2,075.37 Lecture fees and hall 1,232.07 Bird food 262.93 1920 Calendar plates 108.00 1921 Calendar plates 720.00 Folding circulars 46.08 Slides purchased 130.11 Revising Traveling Libraries (purchase of books) 43.51 Junior work contribution to the National Association of Audubon Societies 500.00 Refund on lecture tickets 8.50 Refund on charts 1-50 Roosevelt Memorial Fund 10.00 Insurance on Charts and Leaflets 15.00 Rental on safe 10.00 Field Day expenses 62.00 Audit of books 1-00 Cardboard for calendars and charts 39.30 Springfield exhibition 44.79 Lists for addressing 22.50 Treasurer's Bond 12.50 Motion Picture "Birds of Killingworth" 4,950.00 U. S. Liberty Bonds for Royal E. Bobbins Memorial Fund 1,9%.96 Five Cents Savings Bank for Royal E. Roberts Memorial Fund 3.04 Miscellaneous 195.88 $25,084.38 Monthly Bulletin 11 ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING At the Annual Business Meeting of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc., held Saturday afternoon, January 22, 1921, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Secretary-Treasurer Mr. Winthrop Packard Directors for Three Years Mrs. Arthur T. Cabot Mr. Alexander Pope Mrs. John W. Elliot Dr. Charles W. Townsend Rev. R. F. Cheney Mr. William P. Wharton Auditing Committee Mr. Edward L. Parker, Chairman Mr. William P. Wharton Mr. Francis H. Allen Voted that the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer be accepted with commendation. Voted to adjourn. Winthrop Packard, Secretary. Jan. 22, 1921. A PUZZLED SHRIKE To the Editor, Dear Sir: You were interested in my bird experience of last year, so I take the liberty of writing you once more. Evidently winter is being felt by the birds, as my canary was again attacked by a hungry forager for food. Last year, you will remember, a sparrow hawk tried to get him but was foiled by a glass in the window. This year it was a sleek gray and black butcher- bird. He swept down upon the window where my canary was hanging, then flew to a tree within three yards of the house, where I could see him looking perplexedly at the bird through the glass, wondering why he could not reach the dainty morsel so temptingly within sight. He dashed down upon the window four times, then flew away, doubtless seeking English sparrows. which, though not so rare a morsel, would be easier to catch. I wondered if any of your Audubon readers have had similar experiences or if our being on a hill overlooking a lake gave him more unobstructive view than usual. Sincerely yours. Faith A. Capeles. Haverhill, Mass. 12 Massachusetts Audubon Society Life Members received from December 26th to January 24th Buffington, Mrs. E. D. 33 Chestnut Street, Worcester Sustaining Members received from December 26th to January 24th Capeles, Mrs. T. Francis Challis, Mrs. John Chamberlain, George E. Colburn, Miss Harriet Coolidge, P. T. Duston, Miss Myra A. Evans, Miss Jeannie Fessenden, Mrs. R. G. Fisher, Miss Jessie M. Foote, Mrs. H. W. Fuller, Newcomb Gere, Mrs. Katherine Gale Gould, Mrs. Elvira R. Griffith, Miss Josephine Haight, Mrs. Margaret W. Hobson, Miss Alice M. Howe, Mrs. W. H. Kinsman, Dr. Edgar O. Lovejoy, Miss Helen D. Marshall, Mrs. Mary M. C. Moore, Mrs. Eva C. Olennon, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Osgood, E. H. Jr. Payson, Miss M. L. Pierce, Miss Elsie Preble, Dr. Wallace Preble, Mrs. Wallace Rich, Miss Martha L. Richardson, Mrs. G. W. Rogers, Miss F. S. Rogers, Miss Helen H. Safford, Nathaniel M. Saville, Mrs. William Seaver, Mrs. L. S. Smiley, Miss Mabel L. Smith, Mrs. Mary P. Wells Swift, Miss Agnes Terr, Mrs. George W. Wellington, Mrs. C. 0. Wiley, Miss Katherine E. 21 Windsor Street, Haverhill 90 Bacon St., Winchester 107 West Wyoming Ave., Melrose 275 Andover Street, Lowell 31 Central Street, Bangor, Maine 3 Hudson Street, Worcester 391 Beacon Street, Boston Concord 217 Church Street, Newton 22 Highland Street, Cambridge 145 Highland Avenue, Fall River Lock Box 432, Syracuse, N. Y. North Billerica 182 Adams Street, Milton Newport, R. I. 21 Searle Ave., Brookline 105 Jenness Street, Lowell 5 Boylston Street, Cambridge 9 Coiliston Road, Brookline East Walpole 201 Newbury Street, Brockton Pittsfield South Hamilton Dennis Lincoln 22 Appian Way, Cambridge 22 Appian Way, Cambridge 15 Goden Street, Belmont 77 High Street, Newburyport 384 Marlborough Street, Boston 18 Thorndike Street, Beverly Milton 126 Windsor Road, Waban 576 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington 20 Park Avenue, West Somerville Greenfield Hingham 168 Winthrop Street, Taunton Concord Avenue, Belmont 293 Fuller Street, West Newton JUNCOS ON AN OCEAN STEAMER The following extract from a letter from a passenger on the steamship Rochamheau — New York to Havre — late in October is interesting: "We have enjoyed a large flock of jimcos which have crossed with the steamer and came to the deck to be fed. The officers of the ship tell us they have made several voyages lately, going out and back as regular passen- gers." "A great dearth of birds here. Instead of five chickadees coming from early dawn until after sunset, we have only two and they come rarely once a day for a short period. Instead of a pair of hairy woodpeckers and a pair of downies most of the day, one lonely little female downy comes once or twice a day. No j uncos, no nuthatches, a few jays. During the snowstorm and a few days of cold weather a flock of tree sparrows broke the monotony by feeding most of the time on my porch." Mary F. Hobart, Needham. Volume V. MARCH, 1921 Number 2 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items, of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 M a s s achus e tt s A ud uh on S o ci ety MEMBERSHIP The Society needs $50,000 at least in order to increase its activities. Will you help expand its usefulness? The classes of Membership are Life Members paying not less than $25.00 at one time. Sustaining Members paying $1.00 annually. Junior Members under ten years, paying 10 cents. ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP Bird Preservation Personal participation in the great work of saving our valuable and beautiful wild birds. Information Advice from competent specialists on the best methods of bird study and bird protection on the home grounds, in sanctuaries or elsewhere, assistance in identification. Reading Room and Exhibition Hall Use at any time of the reading room and exhibition hall at the office, 66 Newbury Street, where bird books, pictures, charts, leaflets and all modern appliances for bird protection are displayed. Bird Lectures The Society gives annually a Course of Lectures, illustrated by stere- opticon and moving pictures by the foremost bird specialists of the country. Members have the first opportunity to purchase these tickets at moderate prices. Bird Sanctuary Members and their friends have free use of the Moose Hill Bird Sanc- tuary for bird study and recreation. Monthly Bulletin All Sustaining and Life Members receive without further expense the Monthly Bulletin, confainin^jj informal ion regarding the work of the Society and news of interest in the world of bird study and bird protection. LEGACIES Sums donated by will to the Society are placed in the Reserve Fund of the Society, a use of the money which has peculiar value because of its per- manence. The altruistic work of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, carried on for many years with increasing success, suggests the desirability of remem- bering it in this fashion. All the funds of the Society are handled carefully and conservatively, but the Reserve Fund, in the exclusive control of the Board of Directors, is especially worthy of consideration of testators who wish to make legacies of lasting usefulness. There will always be need of organized work for bird protection, a form of conservation of the greatest importance to the general welfare. The Reserve Fund of the Society, when of sufficient size, will insure this. Can you not help in this way? FORM OF BEQUEST / give and bequeath to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incor- porated, the sum of Dollars for its Reserve Fund. M o nthly Bulletin 3 THE BIRD LECTURES The Annual Lecture Course of the Massachusetts Audubon Society will be held at SYMPHONY HALL, Huntington Avenue, Saturdays at 2 o'clock, March 26, April 2 and April 9, 1921. Course tickets (price S2.00 each) will not be sold at the door but have been mailed to all members. They may also be obtained at the office, 66 Newbury Street, Boston. Single admission at 75c may be obtained in the same way or at the door on the day of the lecture. RESERVED SEATS A limited number of seats on the floor of the hall have been reserved. Price for the course, including admission, S3.50. Admission tickets may be exchanged for reserved seat tickets on application at the office of the Audu- bon Society, 66 Newbury Street, and payment of the difference in price, in person or by mail, sale closing Saturday, March 19th at 12 M. Reserved seats for single lectures on sale at the office of the Society, 66 Newbury Street, on and after Monday, March 21, at $1.25 each. March 26th, Robert Cushman Murphy. "Great Birds of the Guano Islands." An intensely interesting story of strange wild birds illustrated by very spectacular moving pictures. The lecture will be preceded by the Audubon Society's beautiful educational film "The Birds of Killingworth" and followed by bird whistling by Edward Avis. April 2nd, Harry C. Oberholser. "Birds of the National Capitol." As a scientific ornithologist of the Biological Survey, Mr. Oberholser has a splendid fund of firsthand knowledge on this topic and illustrates it with very many beautiful colored pictures. The lecture will be preceded by two reels of the home life of our native birds, taken by Thomas S. Roberts of the University of Minnesota, followed by bird whistling by Edward Avis. April 9th, Norman McClintock. "Birds of a Florida Sanctuary." Spe- cial studies of rare and common birds of central Florida by one of the fore- most moving picture photographers of wild life. The lecture will be pre- ceded by views in the Sharon Sanctuary of the Audubon Society and followed by bird whistling by Arthur C. Wilson. The Society spares no expense to make its yearly lectures the best obtain- able. Its ofi"ering this year is especially good. We sincerely hope you will be able to come. 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRD DAY The Society's annual all-day outing at the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary, Sharon, has usually been held at the season when the warbler migration is near its height on some Saturday between the 12th and 20th of May. As Saturday, the 14th of May this year falls nearest that date and as the mild winter thus far gives promise of a fairly early spring it is believed that the 14th will be the most desirable date this year. Further notice in regard to details will be published in later issues of the Bulletin. Last year over five hundred people visited the Sanctuary on Bird Day and enthusiastically declared themselves well repaid. It is probable that the attendance will be even greater this year. ANNIVERSARY SUBSCRIPTION The response to the request for an anniversary subscription in celebra- tion of the Society's twenty-fifth year of continuing service to the community has been prompt and very gratifying. A substantial sum has thus far been realized and further subscriptions arrive almost daily. A complete report on this fund will be made in a later issue of the Bulletin. The Directors of the Society feel most deeply grateful for this generous response and the trust thus reposed in them. It is their earnest purpose that every dollar of the money thus received shall be put to the most effective use in the cause of bird protection. LEGISLATION The most important bill before the Legislature this year from the stand- point of our Society is that to authorize an appropriation for the publication of a two-volume work on the Birds of Massachusetts by Edward Howe For- bush, State Ornithologist. The plan is to prepare and print five thousand copies, five hundred copies to be given to free public libraries, museums, agricultural high schools, etc., in Massachusetts, and the remainder of the edition to be sold to individuals at a price which will in the end repay every dollar of the expense incurred. An appropriation of $8,000 is asked of the Legislature this year for the colored drawings by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, whose work as a bird artist is well known and will guarantee their excellence. In the beginning it is proposed that ten thousand portfolios of these colored plates be prepared, printed and sold at a profit sufficient to pay for the five hundred copies of the work given free. In this way the State will get back every dollar of the money expended and a work of great value to all bird students and those interested in wild life will be placed within easy reach of all. It is earnestly hoped that all members of our Society will use their influence in any way possible to further this very desirable plan. An attempt has been made to get a bill through the Legislature, pro- hibiting the possession or offering for sale of the plumage of birds of para- dise, goura and all birds the importation of which is forbidden by the Fed- eral law. The effect of this bill would be stop the selling and advertising for sale of paradise feathers and others now smuggled in quantities and shamefully offered for sale by otherwise reputable milliners. Many organi- zations and individuals appeared at the hearing and spoke in favor of this bill and there was no opposition before the Committee at the hearing. The Committee, however, reported "leave to withdraw." This unfavorable re- Monthly Bulletin 5 port was accepted by both House and Senate so promptly that the matter was killed for this year before those in favor of it knew what was happening. This was a perfectly straightforward piece of legislation which ought to have been enacted, and an earnest attempt will be made to see that it receives more favorable consideration another year. It is possible that in the mean- while the Federal Government will take charge of this situation, as the fol- lowing Washington Dispatch indicates. WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.— At the tariff hearing before the Ways and Means Committee today T, Gilbert Pearson, president of the National Asso- ciation of Audubon Societies, and Dr. W. T. Hornaday, of the Permanent Wild Life Protection Fund, of New York City, urged additional legislation for the protection of wild birds. Mr. Pearson asked for the substitution of the bill recently introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Mott of New York, for the present provision of the law prohibiting the entry into the United States of certain plumage. The former places the burden of proof upon the owner of such plumage to show that it came into his possession or the United States prior to October 3, 1913. The law now merely prohibits entry and to bring a case it is virtually necessary to catch a smuggler in the act of bringing the feathers in. This makes it almost impossible to secure a conviction when the feathers get by the Custom House. Congressman Garner, of Texas, while announcing that he was in sym- pathy with the suggestions of the witness, said he did not believe it possible for this committee to write into the law any such provision, the matters to be covered being within the jurisdiction of the House Judiciary Committee. Mr. Pearson took a different view, however, on the ground that the present provision was written into the law by the Ways and Means Committee in 1913. A proposal that a bill should be entered placing a two-year closed season on ruffed grouse was later modified to one which would place the authority to order such a closed season in the hands of the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game, provided they on securing evidence felt that such a season was necessary. At the hearing recently given representatives of the Audubon Societies, Sportsmen's Associations and others spoke in favor of this bill and there was no opposition, but the Conservation Committee re- ported "leave to withdraw." All possible influence should be brought to bear on the Senate and House of Representatives at Washington to see that the undesirable water- power bills which give to private corporations the right to exploit large regions in Yellowstone Park and others of our great National Parks are defeated. The Smith bill, as it is called, House Resolution 12466, would provide for the placing of a dam in the southwestern part of Yellowstone National Park. This would wreck the wild beauty of a section of the Park and ought to be most vigorously opposed, as it would open up opportunities for untold disaster to all these important playground privileges. On the other hand Senate Bill 4554 to amend the Federal Water Power Act so as to prevent the construction of power plants, dams, etc., in the National Parks would defeat these exploitation schemes and should be favored. Massachusetts Audubon Society MT. ICATAHDIN A RESERVATION. The Cumberland County Audubon Society of Maine asks the support of all interested in wild life for their plan to establish Mr. Katahdin as a State Park. Such a bill is already before the Maine legislature, and it is believed that the project is both practical and popular, as it is in line with the rapidly growing movement to secure and preserve notable regions of beauty and grandeur for the enjoyment of our own people and the attrac- tion of visitors. Life Members received from January 26th to February 26th: Brown, Mrs. Lloyd T. Highland St., Milton Calhoun, Miss Emma May 216 East Front St., Monroe, Mich. Cooper, Henry E. Weston Fox, Miss Laura L. 15 Tremlett St., Dorchester Marston, Howard Parker House, Boston May, Miss Elizabeth G. Leicester Mayo, Laurence West Newton Phillips, Mrs. Stephen H. 8 Hamilton St., Salem Sustaining Members received January 26th to Feb. 26th: Ailing, Miss C. E. Ames, Brewster Amory, Mrs. Robert Andrews, Miss Frances K. Arnold, Mrs. H. D. Bailey, George Guy, Jr. Baker. Mrs. Ethel M. Barker, Ralph E. Barnard, Winthrop Blaisdell, Miss Emily R. Blaisdell, Mrs. Minerva H. Blood, Arthur K. Boyden, Mrs. W. L. Brackett, Mrs. J. Q. A. Brasee, Mrs. Ada G. Briggs, Miss Betsy W. Brown, Mrs. Mabel Wolcott Bryant, Mrs. A. P. Bunnell, Mrs. G. W. Burbank, Mrs. George C. Cushman, Mrs. Joseph A. Gilbert, Harwood, Jr. Hansen, William Harding, Miss Katherine C. Hathaway, Miss Ellen R. Kennard, Harry P. Kennard, Mrs. Irma MacFlynn, Miss Charlotte E. Perry, George L. Poole, Mrs. Sarah P. Power, Mrs. C. W. Prescott, Charles O. Redfern, Mrs. B. W. Sanborn, Mrs. J. L. Shedd, Mrs. Amy F. Shove, Mrs. F. A. Wheelock, Miss Georgie M. Willard, Mrs. S. P. WiUard, Dr. S. P. Wright, Miss Cornelia R. Williams, Mrs. Francis H. Wrye, Walter C, Jr. 138 Newbury St., Boston 5 Pinckney St., Boston Brush HiU Rd., ReadviUe 10 SheflSeld Rd., Winchester 1559 Beacon St., Brookline Ipswich 85 West St., Reading Taunton 46 Norfolk Rd., Arlington 129 Arlington St., Newton 129 Arlington St., Newton 13 Portland St., Lynn Beverly 87 Pleasant Sl, Arlington 113 Ocean St., Dorchester 198 Dean Rd., Brookline Tenacre, Wellesley 59 Garfield St., Watertown 11 Glen St., Maiden Sandwich Sharon 111 Holland Rd., Brookline Maynard 128 Longwood Ave., Brookline 385 County St., New Bedford Duxbury Duxbury 1819 Orchard St., Burlington, la. 31 Milk St., Boston 46 Mt. Vernon St., Somerville Pittsfield Westford Swampscott 14 Mt. Vernon St., Haverhill 396 Andover St., Lowell 205 Mountain Ave., Maiden Oxford Marlboro Marlboro 505 Beacon St., Boston 93 Revere St., Boston 140 Church St., Newton M o nthly B ulletin 7 CHECK LISTS The Audubon Society check-lists, furnished free to all who ask for them, continue popular with all who wish to make lists of birds seen. Many of those making records send them in for our approval and comment. Among those received too late for mention in our last issue of the Bulletin are the following: Margaret and Rosamond Lane, 19 Oxford Street, Cambridge, total number of birds checked, 64; Robert L. Coffin, Massachusetts Agricul- tural Experiment Station, Amherst, birds checked, 131; Bessie M. Graves, Southampton, 108; George E. Allen, Plainfield, 66; Maude A. Graves, South- ampton, 77. The Society will be glad to furnish lists to be begun for the ensuing year and publish the results in the Bulletin early next season. THOSE DEDHAM OWLS. May 16th. — As we were sitting at a second-story window watching the birds, there happened some interesting things. In a No. 3 box on a tree ten feet from the window, a dark brown screech owl seems to be setting, as she only remains at the opening five minutes at a time. Yesterday a light yellow screech owl was sitting at the opening but at noon he flew away. This was the first time we had ever seen an owl fly in the day time. Today the event was repeated, indicating that the eggs had hatched and that he was visiting the young. Again today the inhabitant of the box appeared with a small ball of fur in her beak. She sat for an hour with this small piece of black and white fur held to the breeze. Then she retired and shortly re- appeared without the fur ball. Six feet away on another tree is another No. 3 box inhabited by a pair of flickers. Once when the little owl was taking her airing at the opening of her box, the flicker flew over on to her box as if to visit her, but she quietly withdrew. The flicker flew away and the owl reappeared and the flicker paid another visit and received the same reception. Then the flicker remained still for a few minutes before flying away as though in deep thought. The young are hatched, as the bird now spends most of her time in the opening. The father owl, after his two visits to the home box, went away for a few days, but returned yesterday, and today presented a beautiful picture as his reddish brown head shone in the sun at the opening of his own box. He has not called at the home again. A box outside the window gave forth a concert as the mother bird appeared with a worm. Their existence was a surprise and the disappointment was great when they were found to be starlings. May 24th. — Day before yesterday, when the young owls were only a few days old, a young one appeared at the entrance of the box. He must have been placed there, as he was only the size of a hen's egg. In a short time he was taken down. The mother owl did not risk the experiment again yesterday, but today two young owls appeared at the hole together. Then they disappeared and the mother owl came up, followed directly by a young one. I walked to the window to attract them, and as the young owl was on the near side I could see them both turn and gaze at me. The little owls already seem grown up and except for the strength quite ready to take care of themselves. G. Franklin Brown. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRDS AND SQUIRRELS "While one often sees gray squirrels about Waltham, Melrose can go further. A prominent citizen of Melrose, Franklin P. Shumway, has fed and partially tamed a whole colony of squirrels, and they have for a long time lived in two immense trees on his premises. For the whole of Christmas week those trees were illuminated by hundreds of vari-colored electric lights which did not in the least disturb the furry tenants and made a beautiful spectacle." — Waltham Free Press. The two blue spruce trees alluded to in the notice are about forty feet high, and when decorated with the red, white and blue electric lights and covered by snow did make a very beautiful appearance. An amusing incident occurred late one Sunday afternoon. One of a quartette of blue jays which I regularly feed happened to be on one of these trees when my man turned the lights on, and it frightened the blue jay so that he jumped so quickly that he did not spread his wings and went over and over on to the ground, where he gave a couple of hops and flew away, screeching at the top of his voice. About two weeks later I saw all four of the blue jays perched con- tentedly on a limb of one of the lighted trees, apparently not the least afraid of the lights which indicates, what I have often noticed, that so-called "wild" birds will speedily become accustomed to even unusual surroundings. Franklin P. Shumway. BIRDS AT MORSES'S POND GROVE, WELLESLEY, FEBRUARY, 1921 When last Ave visited our woodland camp the trees were silent and the way was damp; at night there was no moon but stars appeared, the house was cold but we are ever cheered by thoughts of morning which will surely bring the birds to chirp and call, if not to sing by the south window and at the west side, where seed boxes are placed and suet tied. The first to come next morning was the cheerful jay, who took posses- sion in his saucy way, of the gray feeder by the window placed. To this I objected and he was chased. He then flew over to the tall pine tree where the white suet dangles swinging free. Upon a branch he clung and reached far out and gave the thing a poke. It swung about till he could reach it as it neared his bill; so he sat there yelling as he ate his fill. But list, was that a chickadee I heard? It never could be any other bird than tiny black-cap of the friendly ways, calling in winter as in summer days, "A deedeedee! Sisses ee, sisses ay, sisses erF' standing in snow with- out the least demur, or clinging to the food hung in the tree. The Downies then arrive. Both he and she are very much alive and busy eating suet from the tree where it is nailed, for they appear to be afraid to dangle in the air and cling as Dee-Dee, to the suet on the string. Then nuthatches, they of the snowy breast, come to the feeder, which might be a nest, for in she goes and turns around to peek — then out she comes with seeds held in her beak. What is that bird with back of white and brown, which hunches up the trees but seldom faces down? That's the brown creeper; it's his way you know; another one is hopping on the snow. Hairy is calling like a woodland elf — he soon appears as Downy's larger self. The jays have heard his challenge and rush near; they are not very friendly, that is clear. These are the birds we have with us this year, but juncoes are not very far from here; and tree sparrows and kinglets yellow-crowned, in spruce trees and the pine woods may be found. Jean E. Garth. v>K^'' - '- I ' '^ ^ . v.. ,"rii.. Volume V. APRIL, 1921 Number 3 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society ilibisa BULLETIN A.M. OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items, of interest concerning hirds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society MEMBERSHIP The Society needs $50,000 at least in order to increase its activities. Will you help expand its usefulness? The classes of Membership are Life Members paying not less than $25.00 at one time. Sustaining Members paying $1.00 annually. Junior Members under ten years, paying 10 cents. ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP Bird Preservation Personal participation in the great work of saving our valuable and beautiful wild birds. Information Advice from competent specialists on the best methods of bird study and bird protection on the home grounds, in sanctuaries or elsewhere, assistance in identification. Reading Room and Exhibition Hall Use at any time of the reading room and exhibition hall at the office, 66 Newbury Street, where bird books, pictures, charts, leaflets and all modern appliances for bird protection are displayed. Bird Lectures The Society gives annually a Course of Lectures, illustrated by stere- opticon and moving pictures by the foremost ])ird specialists of the country. Members have the first opportunity to purchase these tickets at moderate prices. Bird Sanctuary Members and their friends have free use of the Moose Hill Bird Sanc- tuary for bird study and recreation. Monthly Bulletin All Sustaining and Life Members receive without further expense the Monthly Bulletin, containing; information regarding the work of the Society and news of interest in the world of bird study and bird protection. LEGACIES Sums donated by will to the Society are placed in the Reserve Fund of 'he Society, a use of the money which has peculiar value because of its per- manence. The altruistic v,ork of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, carried on for many years with increasing success, suggests the desirability of remem- bering it in this fashion. All the funds of the Society are handled carefully and conservatively, but the Reserve Fund, in the exclusive control of the Board of Directors, is especially worthy of consideration of testators who wish to make legacies of lasting usefulness. There will always be need of organized work for bird protection, a form of conservation of the greatest importance to the general welfare. The Reserve Fund of the Society, when of sufficient size, will insure this. Can you not help in this way? FORM OF BEQUEST / give and bequeath to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incor- porated, the sum of Dollars for its Reserve Fund. Monthly Bulletin 3 SUSTAINING MEMBERS RECEIVED FEBRUARY 15TH TO 26TH (omitted in last issue op bulletin) Name Address Allyn, R. B 1522 Massachusetts Ave., Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado Bemis, F. G 40 Old Orchard Rd., Chestnut Hill Browning, John F 418 Lafayette Street, Salem Brush, Mrs. Charles N 123 Longwood Ave., Brookline Campbell, Franklin E House Messenger, State House, Boston Cummings, Miss Harriet A 16 Kennard Rd., Brookline Fitch, Conover 50 Dunster Rd., Chestnut Hill Giddings, Miss Madeline 14 Coombs Street, Bangor, Maine Johnson, Mrs. William H 1 Berkeley Ave., Haverhill Laurie, Miss Ehzabeth M 143 College Ave., West Somerville Littlefield, Miss Edith Pine Lodge, Methuen Monahan, Mrs. Justin H 15 Hamilton St., Readville Pulsifer, Mi.ss Helen R 55 Ware Hall, Cambridge Quequechau Chapter, D.A.R., Annie B. Allen Fall River Rand, Mrs. F. C Lincoln Avenue, Manchester Richmond, Mrs. C. A Tyngsboro Robinson, Mr. J. D 51 Chestnut St., Boston Whitcomb, Mrs. Ahce Farmington, Maine Worden, Mrs. Mona W Edgartown LIFE MEMBERS RECEIVED FROM FEBRUARY 27TH TO MARCH 25TH Clark, Miss Mildred J 77 Central Street, Stoneham Inman, Miss Minnie M Hotel Hemenway, Boston Lowell, Mrs. Francis C 159 Beacon St., Boston Wheatland, Mrs. Stephen G 30 Chestnut St., Salem SUSTAINING MEMBERS RECEIVED FROM FEBRUARY 27TH TO MARCH 25TH Name Address Adams, Mrs. John South Lincoln Allen, J. M Newtonville Almy, Miss Madeline E 21 Morgan Street, New Bedford Badger, Mrs. Walter L 126 Brattle Street, Cambridge Brewster, Mrs. B. E 942 High Street, Dedham Burke, Mr. Robert W Duxbury Carr, Miss Elizabeth A 123 Broadway, Taunton Carter, Miss Bernaditta R South Main Street, Attleboro Chandler, Caroline H 17 Gushing Road, Wellesley Hills Clapp, Mrs. L. T 59 Evans Road, Brookline Clark, Miss Florence M 72 Gardner Street, Allston Clark, Mrs. William E 69 Newbury Street, Boston Clarke, EHot C 15 Brimmer Street, Boston Clauss, Eugene A 151 Slater Ave., Providence, R. I. Cobb, Henry W 151 Rumford Ave., Mansfield Cochrane, Mrs. R. M. McKay 257 Commonwealth Ave., Boston Conklin, Mrs. M. F 10 Ramsdell Court, Arhngton Conway, Mrs. Earle E 48 Windsor Road, Waban Creighton, Margaret 16 Deer Cove, Lynn Currier, Charles R 49 EHot Street, Jamaica Plain Curtis, Miss Cora B Marlboro Curtis, Greely S Marblehead Gushing, H. Stanley, Jr 7 Magouen Ave., Medford Dana, Miss Ethel M Westbrook, Maine Danner, Mrs. John South Lincoln Dantzler, Marion W Leicester Davis, Philip A., Jr Lowell Rd., Concord Dennen, Rev. Ernest J 1 Joy Street, Boston Dean, Mr. F. W 4 Eliot Rd., Lexington Dillon, Mr. Fred N D. M. Dillon Steam Boiler Works, Fitchburg Dodge, Mr. Laurence P 208 Beacon Street, Boston 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society Dunn, Miss Sarah A Ashland, Maine Eastman, Clarence W Amherst Eastman, Harold F 155 Lincoln Ave., New London, Conn. Eaton, Nancy Wells, Maine Eddy, Richmond 49 Fairfax Street, West Newton Edwards, Miss Helen W 1 Arhngton Place, Haverhill Emery, Allan C Kings Oak Hill, Weymouth Heights Fellows, Mrs. Otis D 142 Homer Street, Newton Centre 59 Fernald, Miss Carrie Sharon Fletcher, L. B 75 State Street, Boston Goodale, Miss CaroUne J P. O. Box 43, Weston Hall, Miss Marjory L 22 Hardy Road, Swampscott Hedge, WilUam R 87 Kilby Street, Boston Hudson, Maria A 13 Hilton Street, Hyde Park Knight, Miss P. L Suite 8, 590 Newbury St., Boston Lewis, Mr. Walter C 41 Mt. Vernon St., Boston Locke, Miss Elizabeth L 634 Pleasant St., Belmont Mason, Charles E 30 State Street, Boston Mason, Charles E., Jr 25 Exeter St., Boston Mason, Miss Harriet 25 Exeter St., Boston Mason, John A 25 Exeter St., Boston Matthews, Mrs. Frances H Fortnightly Club, Sharon Newhall, Mrs. Louis M 31 Bassett St., East Lynn Read, Miss E. A 17 Paul St., Newton Centre Richardson, Cyrus N Boston City Hospital, Boston Russell, Miss Harriet J 709 Winthrop Street, Medford Sharpley, Miss F. 0 97 Pinckney Street, Boston Sherman, Miss Jane M .25 Clover Street, Belmont Upham, Mrs. R. W Rowley Bird Day at Sharon. — The Annual Bird Day at the Moose Hill Sanctuary has been set this year for Saturday, May 14th, at which time it is believed that the warbler migration will be in full swing and that most of the local birds will have arrived. As at present planned, there will be no formal exercises, but all members and friends are invited to come for the day and enjoy the Sanctuary, — birds, wild flowers, woods and museum, all of which are at their best at this season. Last year more than five hundred people visited the headquarters museum and the various attractions, came early, stayed late and went away impressed with the beauty of the place and its friendly wild life, also with the value of the bird sanctuary idea. If coming for all day, bring a basket luncheon. Sandwiches, coffee and ice-cream will be on sale at the Field residence, which will be open to all visitors. New Bird at Sharon Sanctuary. — Visitors to the Sanctuary invariably come away friends, not only of the birds, but of Warden Higbee and his wife. All such will be pleased to learn that the great white bird recently reported as hovering about the place alighted on Monday, March 21st, and was identified as will be seen by the following report from the Warden: " For the Week ending March 21, 1921 — the stork brought us on March 21st, 1921, a httle baby named Louisa Sinclair Higbee, weight 7| lbs. — Elsie Louise and Harry George Higbee — Respectfully and delightedly submitted, H. G. Higbee, Supt." Bird and Flower Lecture. — A lecture entitled " Birds and Flowers through the Seasons " will be given by Mr. W. D. Richardson of Chicago, at Horticultural Hall, Boston, on Friday, April 29th, at 3.30 P.M., under the auspices of the North Shore Garden Club and the Chestnut Hill Gar- den Club. It will be illustrated by lantern-slides hand-colored by Miss Grace Nichols of Chicago. Admission wiU be free. M o nthly B ull etin 5 The National Parks Situation. — T. Gilbert Pearson, President of the National Association of Audubon Societies, who has been keeping careful watch of the attacks being made in Congress on the Yellowstone National Park, reports as follows: First, H. R. 12,644, introduced by Congressman Smith of Idaho, sought authority to build a reservoir covering 8,000 acres in the southwestern part of the Park. Another bill, introduced by Senator Walsh of Montana, known as S. B. 3,554, sought to secure in Congress authorization to dam the Yellowstone River and make a reservoir of the beautiful Yellowstone Lake. Smith wants water for irrigating lands in Idaho, and Walsh wants to use the waters of the Yellowstone River for irrigation north of the Park in Montana. There would appear to be no reason why the waters of the Fall River Basin and the waters of the Yellowstone River could not be dammed up outside of the Park, but this is not what is wanted, for to do this the waters of the reservoir would cover lands, some of which would have to be paid for, whereas if the waters can be dammed up in the Park, no payment would have to be made, as the lands of the Park belong to the pubhc. What these men are after is free storage base for the water that they want to use for private commercial purposes outside the Park. The plans which these men sought to carry out by means of Federal legislation would not only be detrimental to the Yellowstone Park, but the success of either would mean the setting of a precedent which would eventually result in the practical destruc- tion of a large amount of the scenic beauty and interest of this territory, which nearly fifty years ago was set aside by Congress as an area in which the natural beauties of the region were to be forever preserved. When through the publicity of this and other organizations the general public became advised as to just what was taking place, protests in the form of letters, tele- grams and petitions by the thousands were sent to senators and congressmen, with the result that it was found impossible to further advance the bill. That publicity killed the Fall River Basin project was admitted by Congressman Smith of Idaho at a memorable hearing before the Select Committee on Water Power of the House of Representatives on January 6, 1921. In addition to the National Association of Audubon Societies, many other organi- zations and numerous individuals immediately took up the cudgel in defense of the Park. The responses were immediate and effective, and the thousands of protests of outraged citizens that poured into the Capitol resulted in stopping further progress of both of these bills and they died with the adjournment of Congress on March 3. The Walsh bill never came to a vote in either House, but the Smith bill did pass the Senate and was more than once up for passage on the Unanimous Consent Calendar in the House. Action by the organizations interested in the preservation of the Parks and the wild life within their boundaries was not taken a minute too soon. It should be borne in mind, however, that while we have won the first battle, the opposition is gathering its forces for a new attack at the next session of Congress, and we shall probably have the fight all over again. Mr. Smith has already served notice that he is going to make another attempt to get possession of the Fall River section of the Yellowstone Park* in fact he is reported to have stated he is going to introduce a bill to take this entire territory out of the Park, and should he succeed in this undertaking, it would, of course, then be easy to use the waters. Bird Protection Material. — Now is the time to put out bird-houses. At the office of the Society may be seen the best types of these, some of them may be bought here and taken away; any of them may be ordered through us and will be promptly delivered. Not only are the bird-houses found to be valuable to the birds, which are great insect-destroyers, but bird-houses themselves, in some instances, serve a double purpose. They house the birds and later on develop into very successful gypsy-moth traps, as the following letter from an ardent bird-lover whose estate is a veritable bird sanctuary will show: 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society " Last spring at gypsy moth time we went through our bird boxes and found the Packard small paper box for tree swallows a better trap even than the large wooden boxes that were placed higher. We got from only fifteen boxes enough worms to fill a bushel basket. Some of the boxes were jammed full, the tree warden said he never saw such a catch." Readers of the Bulletin will do well to remember that bird baths, feeding appliances, in fact all material for the protection of birds, can be seen at the office of the Audubon Society and ordered there at the lowest obtainable prices. Keep the Roadsides Beautiful. — The Society for the Protection of Native Plants, which is doing such a good work for the preservation of our rare wild flowers, is issuing a timely Bulletin of suggestions to motor- ists, extracts from which follow. Anyone interested in the distribution of these and other Bulletins along similar lines should write to the Society at 66 Newbury Street, Boston, for a supply. '. Our roadsides are in a real danger now from automobilists who love our native plants, but who do not understand their habits and whose reckless gathering of them is wiping them off the face of the earth. We are exterminating our laurel; every year we allow florists to go out and cut truckloads of the leaves for making decorations for ballrooms and churches. Each cutting means that a year's growth and thousands of clusters of the wonderful pink flowers are destroyed. Many of our road- side flowers may be picked without endangering the supply. Daisies, wild roses, aster and goldenrod, meadow-sweet and joe-pye-weed are so plentiful that enough will surely be left to go to seed. Take a book along with you if you do not know these plants, and you will find the making of their acquaintance a delightful pastime. You will learn that you can help to propagate rather than destroy the treasures of our woods and fields. There is our native orchid the pink lady's-slipper. Cut one now and then, leaving the roots intact, but leave the others to grow; they are among our rarest treasures. Gentians, jack-in-the-pulpit, arethusa, bird- foot violet, ferns and many others need protection; even the Mayflower is rapidly being exterminated. Our countryside used to be the possession of the few people living in the locality. The automobile has put it in the possession of all of us. Help as you go along the highways to teach people to make them more beautiful. Check-lists. — Reports from people who have been listing the birds during the past year continue to come in. Among those received may be noted the following: R. F. Homan, Marblehead, 61 birds checked; Walter Haeuber, 10 years old, Framingham, 63 birds; Ruth M. Haeuber, 11 years old, Framingham, 63 birds. These two are the most successful lists put in for some time by children of that age. Their accuracy and knowledge of birds is vouched for by an older person, and it is very gratifying to know that young children are so observant and so wise in bird-lore. ASTONISHING EXPERIENCES WITH A WILD PARTRIDGE By Clinton G. Abbott in "The Conservationist," Albany, New York There can be no denying that even to human ears the reverberating rumble of the Bates Steel Mule — as Mr. A. H. Armstrong's farm tractor was technically known — suggested in its rolling beats the magnified drumming of a partridge. To Billy's ears, as he stalked through the Monthly Bulletin 7 covert where for years, perhaps, he had known no partridge rival, the thump-rup-nip-rup that came to him from the distance doubtless could mean nothing but the taunting challenge of a giant foe — all the more alluring by reason of his evident size and power. How otherwise can we explain that when Mr. Armstrong drove his tractor down the woods lane that led to the potato field, all unsuspecting of the presence of a partridge within miles, out ran Billy from the under brush, crest up and ruffs extended — all bristling for a fight? Nothing else could coax him from his retreats; but when the tractor was running nothing could drive him away! So all Mr. Armstrong had to do, when he wanted to exhibit his extraordinary bird to friends, was to back the tractor from its shed and ride it down the lane. The friends, following in the rear, seldom failed to enjoy the unusual experience of seeing a wild partridge, not only absolutely devoid of fear, but actually permitting itself to be picked up and handled in a manner to which even a domestic fowl would not submit. Upon two occasions several of us visited the Armstrong " farm," which is what the owner prefers to term the country estate near Schenec- tady where he indulges his hobby in the intervals of scientific research for the General Electric Company. At both visits Billy gave us his full line of tricks. The first time, as we trailed behind the pulsating Steel Mule, it was almost uncanny, when we had arrived in the neighborhood where we were told we might expect the partridge at any moment, to turn and see him hastening after us in the roadway. Then the fun began. Our host, who knew just the best way of handling the bird, descended from the seat of the tractor (though purposely letting the engine continue to run noisiljO and, bending down, he talked to Billy, then gently raised the bird on his wrist. Returning to the driver's seat he started the machine and for a while drove with the partridge riding with him — standing sometimes upon his shoulder or arm, sometimes upon the steering wheel. Meanwhile Mr. Armstrong kept up a constant talking or whistling to his pet-from-the-wild. Billy answered with a craking sound, similar to that sometimes made by hens, but so low that it could be heard only at close range. Mr. Armstrong explained to us that Billy was always a little nervous at first, and it was well for a familiar person alone to handle him, but that within a few minutes he would be so self-possessed and free from fear that the rest of us could play with him about as we wished. And so it proved. We all picked him up, and stroked him, and looked into the depths of his wild, free eye — for it was surely the eye of a wild, free creature, even though he was momentarily a captive. We all admired with delightful intimacy his glossy black ruff and the rich brown bars upon his plumage; and we took notice especially of his clean, gray feet. When upon the ground Billy displayed a playful combativeness that kept us in constant laughter. He would pluck at our trousers with his bill, and peck vigorously at any hand that was extended toward him. Into a pair of field glasses that were held before his eyes he gazed in truly ludicrous fashion. As for taking photographs of him, while on the ground, with the Graflex camera, it was well nigh impossible. He wanted to " fight " the lens and, with arched neck, he would closely follow the camera, while the photographer vainly attempted to back away a sufficient dis- tance to get the bird in proper focus. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society Our watches, our keys and penknives were all brought into use as playthings, and each provided fun. A farm-hand, returning from the field with his team, was hardly noticed by Billy, who simply stepped to one side to let them pass. But when Mr. Armstrong's airedale terrier came romping down the lane in search of his master, the partridge at last seemed suddenly to awake to his normal instincts and hastily disappeared into the woods. We did not try to call him out again, feeling that he had already been generous enough in the thrills with which he had provided us and deserved a well-earned rest from our further attentions. OUR ROBIN PET By Grace E. Wilder In a big oak in East Lynn was a robin's nest with two eggs in it. July 11, 1915, early in the morning, a crow came to eat the babies, which then were four days old. The parents objected strenuously, thereby attracting the attention of a kingbird and English sparrows, who came to assist the parents. The nest was dislodged, one birdling was half eaten, and the second fell with the nest. The family went out to see the cause of such noises, and took pity on the live birdling by placing it in a basket (on wool), suspended on a clothes-line. The parents of birdie, not understanding human motives, attacked their benefactors. The nest on the clothes-line did not interest the parents, and off they flew, leaving their one offspring to the humans to care for. It was fed four angle- worms every fifteen minutes, about seven pieces every half -hour. In the fall, "Timmie," as it was named, was placed in a very large oblong cage. It had been brooded all summer by an apron over the basket, so was at first much afraid in the cage. There was only of the family of three which it chose for special atten- tion, so when Timmie began roosting on chair rounds, Miss Grace induced him to use the cage-roost instead. At last he became contented and now can not be persuaded under any circumstances to leave his house. The following year all agreed that the birdling had been misnamed, but she is called by the original name still. Being reasoned with and spoken to as if a child, Timmie seems to understand well and when excited, an explanation quiets her. She has favorite hymns and shows strong preferences for many things, and answers her friend with yips like talking. She seems inquisitive and knowing and is beloved by all who see her. In these five years she has learned many cunning tricks. One thing she does is to put her bill up through the wires to kiss her friend. Things are given her for amusement. Once a piece of calico was placed inside and she tossed it about awhile, then left it. Quite a while afterward her friend asked her where it was. She immediately picked it up ! Her food is everything — worms, grasshoppers, flies, cheese, onions, rais- ins, bananas, ice-cream, cake, tomatoes — whatever is given to her. She is fat and well-colored and healthy-appearing. Her leg was broken by the fall from her nest and one wing also was injured. She could not be given free- dom. Nor is it necessary. She is happy as can be, and a hundred amusing stories may be told of "Miss Timmie" and her ways. Volume V. MAY, 1921 Number 4 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items, of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society MEMBERSHIP The Society needs $50,000 at least in order to increase its activities. Will you help expand its usefulness? The classes of Membership are Life Members paying not less than $25.00 at one time. Sustaining Members paying $1.00 annually. Junior Members under ten years, paying 10 cents. ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP Bird Preservation Personal participation in the great work of saving our valuable and beautiful wild birds. Information Advice from competent specialists on the best methods of bird study and bird protection on the home grounds, in sanctuaries or elsewhere, assistance in identification. Reading Room and Exhibition Hall Use at any time of the reading room and exhibition hall at the office, 66 Newbury Street, where bird books, pictures, charts, leaflets and all modern appliances for bird protection are displayed. Bird Lectures The Society gives annually a Course of Lectures, illustrated by sfere- opticon and moving pictures by the foremost bird specialists of the country. Members have the first opportunity to purchase these tickets at moderate Dfices. Bird Sanctuary Members and their friends have free use of the Moose Hill Bird Sanc- tuary for bird study and recreation. Monthly Bulletin All Sustaining and Life Members receive without further expense the Monthly Bulletin, containing information regarding the work of the Society and news of interest in the world of bird study and bird protection. LEGACIES Sums donated by will to the Society are placed in the Reserve Fund of 'he Society, a use of the money which has peculiar value because of its per- manence. The altruistic work of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, carried on for many years with increasing success, suggests the desirability of remem- bering it in this fashion. All the funds of the Society are handled carefully and conservatively, but the Reserve Fund, in the exclusive control of the Board of Directors, is especially worthy of consideration of testators who wish to make legacies of lasting usefulness. There will always be need of organized work for bird protection, a form of conservation of the greatest importance to the general welfare. The Reserve Fund of the Society, when of sufficient size, will insure this. Can you not help in this way? FORM OF BEQUEST / give and bequeath to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incor- porated, the sum of Dollars for Us Reserve Fund. Monthly Bulletin 3 BIRD DAY AT SHARON. If skies are fair on Saturday, May 14th — and all good bird people are looking hopefully for that condition — it is probable that there will be a record attendance at the Audubon Society's Annual Outing. All members of the Society and friends of bird protection are invited to spend the day among the birds on the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary hilltop. There will be no formal exercises, but there will be miles of woodland paths, through a varied country, thronged with bird and plant life. The Headquarters Museum, more interesting than ever before, will be open to all visitors. Warden Higbee and assistants will be in attendance. The Field house will ])e open to all, and there will be an opportunity to purchase sandwiches and other refreshments. There will be an opportunity to park automobiles and a conveyance at moderate rate will take those who do not wish to walk to and from the station, where all trains will be met. Trains from the South Station for Sharon are as follows: Eastern Standard Time (For daylight- saving time, read one hour later), that is to say, an early morning train leaves Boston for Sharon at 6:39 according to the time-table and the South Station clock. Tliat will be 7:39 by your watch if you have it on daylight- saving time. Other trains for Sharon are as follows, standard time: 10:00, 11:25: 12:35, 1:33, 2:30, 3:28— Return 10:51, 12:21, 2:18, 3:44, 5:14, 6.10, 8:11, 11:08. Those who prefer to walk from the station will find a convenient trail through the woods from the railroad tracks to Crossmoor Road. This trail leaves Crossmoor Road again and goes by way of the Big Pine to the Sanctuary Headquarters. The distance is about two miles. WORCESTER'S FIRST AUDUBON BIRD FESTIVAL. Interest in bird protection and the work of the Massachusetts Audubon Society has grown very rapidly of late in Worcester. Through the good offices of Mr. Harry Sinclair, on Friday, April 22nd, Worcester celebrated its first Audubon Bird Festival. Taken about the city in a swift automobile, Winthrop Packard, Secretary of the Massachusetts Society, and Arthur E. Wilson, lecturer and bird whistler, visited all the outlying schools, where each gave a brief talk on the best method of bird study and bird protection to the school children. In this way several thousand children with their teachers were reached. In the afternoon an audience of about a thousand of the children with teachers and friends assembled in the great auditorium of the new High School, where Mr. Packard gave a talk on "Bird Mysteries," illustrated by colored lantern-slides, Mr. Wilson gave whistling imitations of bird music, and the Audubon Society's moving picture "The Birds of Killingworth" was shown. This Ifecture, with all its features, was repeated in the evening to an audience of about six hundred adults. The whole affair was a great success and reflects great credit on the organizing ability of Mr. Sinclair and the Worcester bird enthusiasts. Through it has come a greatly increased interest in the junior-class work of the National Associa- tion, which was set before all teachers and children, and the work of the State Society, which through it directly gained over sixty new members. It was a splendid rally for bird study and bird protection, and the Heart of the Commonwealth has good reason to be proud of it. 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRD DAY IN MAINE. The State of Maine recently celebrated its first officially appointed Bird Day. In most of the schools there were exercises pertaining to birds. The Stanton Bird Club, of Lewiston, made this a special day, various members visiting the city schools and talking to the children. Then in the evening they filled the spacious rooms of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce with an enthusiastic audience. There were speeches by various members of the Club, an exhibition of bird charts, bird-houses and other bird protection material, trees and shrubs attractive to birds, photographs, posters, etc. Prominently shown and attracting much attention were a series of water color pictures of birds made by Elwyn McColister, a junior member of the Club. The Lewiston evening papers devoted several columns to the story of the day. The Cumberland County Bird Club of Portland also celebrated the day, one feature being a bird lecture with illustrated lantern slides provided by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. About seventeen hundred Portland school children saw these pictures and were thus initiated into the pleasure and profit of bird study. Henceforward, Bird Day will be a regular feature in the State. BOOKS FOR BIRD STUDY. For those wishing a complete outfit in small compass the Audubon Society recommends a purchase of Chapman's "Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America" ($4.00), the colored plates of "The Birds of New York" (bound, S2.50; unbound, $1.50), and Reed's "Bird Guides," "Land Birds" (leather, $1.50; cloth-bound, $1.25), "Water Birds" (leather, $1.50; cloth-bound, $1.25). Chapman's "Handbook" is a complete dictionary of bird-life and of methods of bird study, and the colored plates of "The Birds of New York" show every bird ever seen in that State and is equally service- able for Massachusetts. The little Reed Bird Guides slip easily into the pocket and are invaluable for bird walks and other outdoor use. At the office we show and are always glad to take orders for most of the important and useful bird books of the day. Many of these we have in stock, and they can be obtained here without delay. Among new books just added, of great value to bird students, is Dr. Charles W. Townsend's supplement to his valuable work "The Birds of Essex County." THE "NATIVE PLANT" SOCIETY. Members of the Society for the Protection of our Native Plants were enthusiastic visitors to the exhibition at Horicultural Hall recently to view Mr. Albert E. Burrage's wonderful display of our native orchids in bloom. With consummate art the hall had been transformed into a woodland glade where the foot fell softly on moss and pine leaves where were tiny pools surrounded by sphagnum moss and where water trickled over cool rocks. The display of orchids was very wonderful. There also were pitcher-plants in bloom and many varieties of fern in full frond. It was agreed by the visitors that nowhere short of the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary at Sharon could be seen such a profusion of beautiful ferns in full growth. Many of our rare orchids may also be found in the limits of the Bird Sanctuary. The Society for the Protection of Native Plants is doing a splendid work throughout our State in calling attention to the need of preserving our rarer M o n thl y B iill e tin 5 wild flowers and plants from thoughtless destruction. This work also is carried on far beyond the limits of the State and appeals to the Society from libraries or schools for leaflets are always honored. The Society for the Protection of Native Plants joins with the Massachusetts Audubon Society in its interest in and its support of the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary and all members are cordially welcome at the Sanctuary at any time. It is believed that they will turn out in large numbers at the Annual Bird Day on May 14th. THE QUAIL AS A GAME-BIRD. The National Association of Audubon Societies does not advocate the placing of the Quail on the "songbird list," and this is the attitude it has always held. As historic evidence of the fact that we regard this bird as strictly a game-bird I may mention that in the old "Model Law" prepared by the American Ornithologists' Union, which, as a result of campaigns instituted by workers of this Association, was adopted in forty-one States, the group of birds to which the Quail belongs is specially declared to be game-birds. In most States this bill was known as the Audubon Bill and in many places today is known as the Audubon Law. If the ordinary safeguards thrown around a game-bird, such as bag- limit, limited shooting season, non-sale, and other usual precautions, do not prove sufficient in preventing the numbers of the species from becoming unduly depleted, then it should be protected by a closed season of a few years' duration in order to allow the bird to recuperate in numbers. A law placing the Quail on the songbird list, or in other words giving it perpetual closed season, is likely to have a tendency to defeat the very object for which the bill was enacted. The class of people that has taken most interest in this bird in the United States is the organized sportsmen. In many States these bodies, representing thousands of good, worth-while citizens, in order to perpetuate their opportunities to go afield with gun and dog, have expended much time and large sums of money in feeding Quail during periods of heavy snows and have also been responsible for the in- troduction of tens of thousands of Quails for the purpose of restocking depleted coveys. Many of these organizations are also active in apprehend- ing those who kill the Quail by illegal methods or at unseasonable times. It is my opinion that especially in many of the Northern and Central States the Quail today would be almost as rare as the Passenger Pigeon if it had not been for the efforts of the Game Protective organizations of sports- men who have long been the chief active force in securing and encouraging the enforcement of laws for its preservation. If in attempting to protect Quail the bird is removed for all time from the list of birds that may ever be hunted, you virtually take from it the solicitous protective influences of the one large class of our citizens that has done most for its protection in the past. My experience has been that in most instances the fortunes of the Quail may with a fair degree of safety be left in the hands of the Game Protective associations who have an intense personal interest in the preservatipn of the species. T. Gilbert Pearson. Massachusetts Audubon Society Life Members received from March 26th to April 25th Brewster, Miss Elizabeth Brewster, Miss Polly Fenn, Mrs. H. N. Fitzgerald, John E. Greene, Mrs. S. Harold 54 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 54 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 279 Clifton St., Maiden Peabody 11 Marshall St., Newton Centre Sustaining Members received from March 26th to April 25th Shaw, Henry S., Jr. Allen, Harding Allen, Harlan A. Aspinwall, Mrs. Wm. B. Averill, Miss Sarah Babcock, Mrs. Harold Bassett, George K. Berry, Gordon Bickford, Ernest A. Bigelow, George A. Bigelow, Walter E. Bonney, Barbara Boone, Mrs. Robert Bradlee, Mrs. E. C. Brown, Miss Belle G, Buckley, Louis H. Butler, Mrs. J. V. Butterick, Mrs. Mary A. > Clarke, George L. Cobb, Mrs. Melville L. Coe, Richard Converse, Myron F. Cram, Mrs. L. B. Cross, E. J. CuUen, John J. Davis, N. G. Dennett, Mrs. Marie G. DeWitt, Alexander Dickinson, Miss Grace I. Dietz, Carl F. Dillingham, Miss Cora F. Dillingham, Miss Elizabeth Dominick, Mrs. C. G. Dominick, Mrs. F. M. Dresser, Frank F. Drury, Mrs. F. A. Drury, Mr. F. A. Eustis, Miss Mary H. Everett, Dr. Oliver H. Everts, Miss Elizabeth S. Fanning, David H. Farmer, Walter W. Faulkner, L. W. Fellows, Joseph E. Flynn, Mrs. Joseph S. French, Allen Gardner, Mrs. C. B. Gleason, Mrs. A. H. Glendenning, R. T. Goddard, Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Goodrich, E. W. Gould, Marshall N. Gould, Mrs. Marshall N. Harrington, Francis A. Hartley, George D. Head, Miss E. F. 78 Cypress St., Newton Centre Barre Attleboro 1 Normal St., Worcester 2 Isabella St., Worcester 28 Queensbury St., Boston Winslow, Maine 19 Elm St., Worcester 7 Rankin St., Worcester Mt. Pleasant Ave., Leicester 17 Westland St., Worcester 160 Crowninshield Rd., Brookline 31 Church St., Winchester 179 School St., Milton 373 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 75 Grove St., Worcester „0 Charlotte St., Worcester 22 Boynton St., Worcester 219 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, R. L 1101 Beacon St., Brookline 57 Highland St., Hyde Park 316 Main St., Worcester Annisquam 82 Foster St., Worcester 72 Loring St., Lowell 5 London St., Worcester 332 Beacon St., Boston 340 Main St., Worcester 12 Windsor St., Worcester 8 Westland St., Worcester 132 Elm St., Worcester 132 Elm St., Worcester 16 Glendale Rd., Braintree 16 Glendale Rd., Braintree 49 Elm St., Worcester High Ridge Rd., Worcester 446 Main St., Worcester 93 Ivy St., Brookline 53 Pearl St., Worcester 42 Crafts Rd., Chestnut Hill 150 Woodland St., Worcester 2 Beaconsfield Rd., Worcester 25 Fairmount St., Lowell 16 Buffum St., Salem 169 Walnut St., Manchester, N. H. Concord Hotel Victoria, Boston 769 Main St., Worcester Manchester 190 Salisbury St., Worcester 15 Howe St., Somerville Marshall St., Leicester Marshall St., Leicester 856 Main St., Worcester 43 Beaching St., Worcester 23 Leicester St., Brookline Monthly Bulletin Henick, Leander F. Higgins, Aldus C. Higgins, John W. Homer, Mrs. Ella A. Hovey, Mrs. F. E. Howard, Roland E. Kutchins. Mrs. George F. Jeppson, George N. Kingsley, Miss Joan Lawson, Miss Frances^ Leach, Miss Jennie E. Legg, John Linehan, John J. Lovell, L. M. Lowell, Alfred S. MacGowan. Henry A. Marble, Albert C. Mason, Mrs. Charles E. Minns, Miss Grace Mi not, Mrs. Francis Moen, Mrs. P. W. Morley, Wallace Murray, Henry P Neall, Mrs. N. J Parker, Wendell P. Perry, Mrs. W. S. Picott, Miss Etta ' Porter, C. Fran'' Potter, B. W. Reed, Edgar Reidy, Maurice F. Ripley, E. Pearson. Jr. Roe, Miss Annabel C. Sandiford, Miss Alice Saunders, L. E. Shanleigh. Mrs. Samuel D. Sibley, Willis F Spears, Miss Florence E. Stewart, Miss Rose Stoddard, H. G. Swift. Mrs. W. E. Thayer, Mrs. Edward D. Tiffany, Miss Eugenia Washburn, Miss Miriam A. Whitcomb, Harry E. Whittall, Mrs. Matthew J. Wilmarth, Mrs. H. P. 405 Main St., Worcester 218 West St., Worcester 80 William St., Worcester 26 Sagamore Rd., Worcester 6 Stratford Rd., Winchester 9 Lisbon St., Worcester 20 Ripley St., Worcester 41 Burncoat St., Worcester 9 Cedar St., Worcester 54 Falmouth St., Boston 15 Howe St., Somerville 28 South Lenox St., Worcester 18 Trowbridge Rd., Worcester 8 State St., Worcester 24 Brattle St., Worcester 22 Boynton St., Worcester 23 Beaver St., Worcester 25 Essex St., Boston I Acorn St., Boston 50 Fenway, Boston 60 Elm St., Worcester 203 Summer St., Worcester 53 Wachusett St., Worcester 40 Crafts Rd., Chestnut Hill II Cleveland Ave., Worcester 1 Harvard Place, Worcester 15 Howe St., Somerville 339 Clark Rd., Brookline Rutland Reed & Paine Mfg. Co., Worcester 304 Main St., Worcester Weston 73 Moore Ave., Worcester 725 Boylston St., Boston 262 Salisbury St., Worcester 1 Islington St., Allston 314 Main St., Worcester P. O. Box 1136, Boston 81 Ivy St., Brookline 105 Madison St., Worcester 5 Massachusetts Ave., Worcester 39 Elm St., Worcester 2 Harvard St., Worcester 42 Elm St., Worcester 6 Harvard St., Worcester Shrewsbury Ridge Road, Sharon BIRDS THAT TRAVEL Last August, while on a trip to New York, via Cape Cod Canal, I noticed an English sparrow flitting about the upper deck of the ship at the dock in Boston, and notwithstanding the fact that on account of fog we anchored at the entrance of the canal the bird stayed with the ship until we reached New York the following night. En route the following day the writer while sitting in the stern noticed a small land bird following the ship which it finally reached in an exhausted condition. This bird proved to be a redstart, and when it had recovered it was perfectly at home and spent its time picking up crumbs, strutting in a manner peculiar to the species. This bird also stayed aboard until we reached our destination. On November the 21st, 1920, the writer was witness to a large flock of wild geese that flew over West Roxbury in a northwesterly direction, William B. Hubbard, 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society SOME FLORIDA SANCTUARIES From the Florida Audubon Bulletin In the way of Federal Sanctuaries Florida now has eleven, established in the order named: Pelican Island, Passage Key, Indian Key, Mosquito Inlet, Torugas Keys, Key West, Pine Island, Palma Sola, Matlarha Pass, Island Bay, Caloosahatchee. The last of these, a small but important island in the Caloosahatchee River, near Fort Meyers, was established in July of last year. It is a breeding ground for herons, cranes and other species of birds that seek such nesting places. It may be of interest to state that Pelican Island, in the Indian River, was the first Bird Reservation established by the Federal Government. This was in 1903, and since that date, in all the States and Alaska, 72 additional Reservations have been established. Moving pictures of the bird-life on several of the Federal Reservations in Florida, made by Herbert K. Job, which have been shown at several picture theatres in the State, are a surprising revelation to bird-lovers. The first municipal sanctuary established in Florida was at Winter Park. This came about mainly through efforts of the local Woman's Club, and later has been looked after by the Winter Park Bird Club, Considerable tracts of private lands outside the corporation were afterwards added to the sanctuary by action of interested owners. Owing to lack of money to employ competent wardens during the hunting season, and the large ter- ritory to be covered, the promoters of this sanctuary have not been able to prevent an occasional violation of the ordinances, but on the whole the Winter Park Sanctuary has been a very great success in protecting bird life within its scope and thus has created an interest that has led to the establish- ment of a number of similar sanctuaries in other localities of the State, including Cocoanut Grove, Dunedin, Florence Villa and Miami Beach. More recently and mainly through the efforts of Mrs. Katherine B. Tippetts, President of the Florida Audubon Society, an important chain of Bird Sanctuaries, mainly municipal, has been established in Pinellas County, which Mrs. Tippetts has named the "Pinellas County Federation of Bird Sanctuaries." These, in the order of their establishment and beginning with with August, 1920, are as follows: Pass-a-Grille, St. Petersburg, Anona, Gulfport, Ozona, Oldsmar, Largo, Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Walls Springs. Dunedin, which previously had been made a sanctuary, may be included with the above, the whole forming a splendid chain of sanctuaries across the county and affording protection to the wild birds over a large extent of territory. Seven of these sanctuaries were estab- lished by municipal acts, the others, not being incorporated places, were brought about through local organizations with the co-operation of interested land-owners who agreed to keep their holdings posted and thus aid in the protection of the wild life thereon. Volume V. JUNE, 1921 Number 5 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society No Summer Bulletin As has been customary, the Bulletin will not be issued during the summer months, the next number coming in October. The editors wish to express their thanks to contributors and readers for their cordial support of the publication. We feel that it has done much good in promioting the welfare of the Society and in bringing the members into local touch, one with another*. Bird Day The Society's Annual Bird Day Outing at the Moose Hill Sanctuary on Saturday, May 14th, was a joyous one for all who participated, in spite of a vigorous downpour of rain during a greater part of the day. ALout a hundred and fifty people came, many of them at an early hour, and all were enthusiastically sure that they were repaid for' the visit. Fifty or more species of birds were observed throughout the day, some of them rare species. Among these was the hybrid Brewster's warbler, which very properly ap- peared to Mr. Edward Howe Forbush, State Ornithologist and President of the Society. Golden-winged warblers were numerous and almost everybody had an opportunity to see them. One enthusiast who had motored up with a party from New Bedford declared that she had been looking for this bird for ten years and now, having seen it on all sides and heard it sing, she felt that the world was all right no matter what happened. As usual Mrs. George W. Field kept open house for all and served an excellent luncheon for all who required it. The sun came out in the latter part of the afternoon, too late to increase the attendance, which last year numbered about five hundred and which this year was expected to be greatly increased. Visitors are already coming to the Hill in lar|ge numbers and can be accommodated at Mrs. Field's for a stay of several days at a time if they so desire. Wollaston Exhibit "Birds are friends" was the slogan at the exhibition of the Junior Audubon Society in Wollaston School Hall under the auspices of the Edu- cation Committee of the Wollaston Parent Teachers Association. Mrs. Jesse F. Stevens, local secretary for Wollaston and leader of the Junior Audubon Society, was in charge, with the able co-operation of Principal David Good- speed and the teachers themselves. Prizes were awarded to youthful bird- house makers and essayists. The exhibition was well attended by people from Wollaston and elsewhere, and there were talks on birds by Winthrop Packard and by Mrs. Amelia Brown, President of the Brockton Audubon Society. The exhibition was a success in every way and reflects great credit upon its prime mover, Mrs. Stevens. Brookline Exhibit The New England Federation of Natural History Societies was enter- tained at its Annual Meeting at Brookline at a Natural History exhibit under the auspices of the Brookline Bird Club. This splendid exhibit, which lasted in all nine days, was prepared largely through the efforts of Mr. L. R. Talbot, President of the Club, and Mrs. George W. Kaan, Secretary. There were a large number of mounted birds displayed with nests and eggs of American birds — 1250 in all. Some eighteen hundred people attended the exhibition, which was tactfully and capably supervised by Mr. Arthur W. Parker. M o nthly B ul letin 3 Bulletin Wanted Whoever has a spare copy of the Audubon Bulletin for April, 1918, will confer a favor by forwarding it to this office. We have at this office a considerable number of extra copies of Bird-Lore of past years. Any one wishing to fill out a set of these will do well to look them over at the office, where tliey will be cheerfully shown. English Bird Problems Bird-protection problems seem to be much alike the world over. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, whose headquarters is in London, notes some of them. One would think that Shelley's skylarks would be safe in England, yet the Royal Society sends out a protest against their sale as food in the market stalls there. The Bishop of Durham inveighs bitterly against the wearing of aigrette and paradise plumes by society women, which he says has prevented the passage of the plumage bill. This bill, like our own plumage bill, would prohibit the importation of these feathers. The plimiage bill has been before Parliament for years, but so far has been in- variably killed by a combination of shopkeepers and feather wearers. It is interesting to learn that the destruction of waterfowl by the dis- charge of crude oil from steamers and oil stations alongshore — a condition prevalent in this country and already noted in the AuDUBON Bulletin — occurs to a disheartening extent along the coast of England. The Royal Society is taking measures to obviate this disastrous condition. Junior Leaflets The National Association, through its Boston office, is sending out an appeal throughout New England for the support of its Junior Class work. This work has grown tremendously throughout the country, needing more and more money to support it. Add to this the great increase in the cost of color printing, which has nearly trebled the expense of producing the leaflets, and one readily sees that a shortage in the supply would occur. This has happened for the second year, and children have been disappointed and teachers disturbed over the state of affairs. An earnest effort is being made to increase the amount of money available for this purpose during the next school year. The education of the young in a knowledge of birds through the leaflets is a very important work. Any one willing to help out in this matter should communicate with Winthrop Packard, Massachusetts Agent, 66 Newbury Street, Boston. Safety for Bobolinks The New Jersey Audubon Society is to be congratulated on its success in getting a bill for the complete protection of bobolinks through the New Jersey Legislature. The Federal law permits an open season on bobolinks in New Jersey and some other of the more southern states, the birds, because of their rice-eating habits during the autumn migration, being considered harmful in the South. All sorts of opposition both above and below board were made both in the Senate and in the Assembly to the passage of this bill, and it was only by vigorous and vigilant effort on the part of the New Jersey Society that it was passed. Herring Gulls in Maine The Governor of Maine has saved the herring gulls which nest so numer- ously all along the rocky shores and which are of such interest to all the thousands of svmrmer visitors. A bill to permit the shooting of herring gulls 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society at all seasons was at the last session entered in the Maine Legislature. All sorts of reasons for this bill were adduced by its proponents, some of them subtle, others humorous. Among the latter was the charge that the herring gulls were liable to ruin the Washington County blueberry crop, it being asserted that they ate the green berries from the vine. This bill passed the Legislature but was vetoed by the Governor and his veto was sustained. The bird-lovers of Maine are to be congratulated on their Governor. Little Gateways to Science Two books of a series of three proposed have been issued by the Atlantic Monthly Press of Boston under this heading. The first is "Hexapod Stories." This deals with six-legged insects — butterflies, moths, crickets, katydids, etc. The second is a book of bird stories and is dedicated to all Junior Audubon Classes. Both books are by Edith M. Patch, who combines definite scientific knowledge with charming narrative. The stories are told very simply for the very young and open up the beginnings of scientific knowledge in enter- taining fashion. Some pages of notes at the end of each volume give hints to the teacher and references for further reading along the lines suggested by each story. These books are of interest to all who care for natural his- tory and should be particularly valuable to teachers of the junior grades. The price is $1.25 each. Oar Bird Friends, by Sarah, H., Dudley An Educational Game for Home and School, illustrating and describing fifty-two of our common birds. The purpose of the author in designing this game was to give instruction as well as amusement and to stimulate a desire for a deeper knowledge of bird-life. It has been endorsed by leading edu- cators and ornithologists and is just what is needed by both young and old to teach the essential points in the identification of birds. Price 50 cents, postpaid. The Way Worcester Did It Many inquiries have been made as to methods by which the very suc- cessful Bird Festival at Worcester was promoted. Details of the plan are given herewith. Its success was due first of all to its location, in a city brim- full of civic pride and eager for the best in community welfare work. The Audubon Society's local secretary in Worcester has been for many years Mrs. Maude E. Witter. She has labored there generously, self-sacrificingly, for the advancement of the cause. Through her tact and energy the Scouts, the schools and the general public have been interested and roused, and a local committee for bird work formed, consisting of herself as Secretary, Mr. Harry R. Sinclair, Treasurer, Mr. Charles L. Allen and Mr. Paul B. Morgan. This local Committee took the matter in hand, planned for the entertainment and sent to all Audubon Society members in the city letter No. 1, enclosing No. 2 and No. 3 and an envelope addressed to Mr. Sinclair with a request that No. 2 be signed and sent to some friend, enclosing also the envelope and No. 3. The responses were prompt, many members also enclosed to that friend a personal letter urging a full subscription, and the amount realized was very gratifying. It made nearly a hundred members for the Massachusetts Society and countless friends for both societies, gave the children of the city a treat and left a sum in the hands of the treasurer for further welfare work. M o nthly B ulletin 5 LETTER No. 1 ANNOUNCEMENT TO MEMBERS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY March 31, 1921 FIRST AUDUBON BIRD FESTIVAL AND ENROLLMENT OF NATURE LOVERS Where is it? When? What? At the North High School, Friday, April 22, the Local Members of this Society will present, with the co-operation of the Natural History Society and bird lovers of Worcester, TWO PROGRAMS Afternoon at 4 P. M. for Children At your invitation and through the interest of Walter S. Young, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, 1200 children will see fine slides and motion pictures of birds and hear a talk on "Bird Mysteries" by Winthrop Packard of Boston, Secretary of the Society. We are engaging the best whistling imitator of bird songs that we can secure, Mr. Arthur E. Wilson, who will appear both afternoon and evening. Evening Program at 8 P. M. Moving Picture, illustrating Longfellow's "Birds of Killingworth," showing marvellous wild-bird pictures and slides never before seen in Worcester. Mr. Packard will give a bird talk which you will enjoy, and beautiful bird songs will be reproduced by Mr. Wilson, famous for his remarkable bird imitations. How can we do it? We intend to do it because we know you will not only support it, but do so generously and ask your friends to do so. As you are a member of the Society, we are sending you one compli- mentary ticket. If interested, we ask you to send us, with the enclosed sub- scription blank, one to five dollars (no more), and for every dollar we will send you two seats in the reserved section. The fine thing about it is that if the returns are what we know they will be, we shall have the expense guar- anteed, and, for every dollar you send, ten young people and children can be given tickets through the schools and the Natural History Society which is co-operating. Thus you will assist directly in increasing general interest in Bird Life and Bird Protection on a large scale. You probably think of a friend or some one in the family who ought to join us. Kindly hand or mail the enclosed blank to them for subscription and by doing so help all bird lovers of Worcester, our Society and its State- wide work, THE BIRDS, and The Local Audubon Society Mr. Charles L. Allen Mr. Harry R. Sinclair, Treas Mr. Paul B. Morgan Mrs. Maude S. Witter, Sec'y MEMBER'S SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Worcester, April 1921 Mr. H. R. Sinclair, Treas., 9 Moreland Street, Worcester, Mass. Treas. Local Audubon Society: I enclose $ (not over $5.00, please) for the BIRD FESTIVAL, 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society April 22. You will please send me two tickets and give away ten free chil- dren's or bird lovers' tickets for each dollar I send you. I will use, or see that those you send me are used. Yours very truly, Member Mass. Audubon Soc'y P. S. Any surplus funds are to be kept for use by the local committee for Bird Protection, Bird Festivals, Feeding wild birds, Bird-house- building contests, etc. LETTER No. 2 (This went to non-members through enclosure with No. 1 and a request that it be mailed to a friend together with pledge and enclosed envelope addressed to Mr. Sinclair.) To Friends of the Birds: The Massachusetts Audubon Society Local Committee is planning a "Bird Festival" at the North High School, Friday, April 22nd, and asks you to join them in supporting the Society so that with the co-operation of the Natural History Society we may invite 1500 to 1800 children and bird lovers to attend the Festival. The Society, formed to promote interest in our friends, the birds, needs your support as an annual member. Fee Si. 00. Membership entitles you to a monthly bulletin on birds and nature and aids bird protection, as our Society has a strong influence on proper legislation. This dollar will also give you a complimentary seat in the reserved section at the Bird Festival. A subscription of from $1.00 to $5.00 more will give you two additional seats for each dollar and enable the Society to invite ten children beside. This may seem like frenzied finance, but the committee consisting of: Charles L. Allen Maude S. Witter, Secretary Paul B. Morgan Harry R. Sinclair, Treas., expects it to work, and hopes to have a fund left over for other efforts in behalf of the birds. The Audubon Bird Festival will be conducted by Winthrop Packard, Secretary of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, who will present Moving Pictures and Slides and give a talk you will enjoy. A whistler, Arthur E. Wilson, will give marvellous imitations of bird songs. Will you not use the enclosed sheet for your subscription? Yours in behalf of the birds and the children. Member of the Mass. Audubon Soc'y Address reply to 9 Moreland St., Worcester, Mass. LETTER No. 3 Non-Member's Pledge Mr. Harry R. Sinclair, Treas., Local Audubon Society, 9 Moreland Street, Worcester, Mass. Dear Sir: I am interested in the Bird Festival and enclose my subscription of $ , the first dollar to be used for a year's membership in the Massachu- setts Audubon Society, and you will please send me one complimentary ticket. Monthly Bulletin 7 The rest of the money please add to the general fund for the Bird Pro- tection, Bird Festivals, Prizes for Bird-House Building, Bird Feeding and general use of the Committee. I expect two reserved-section tickets for each extra dollar and understand that you will be able to send free tickets to ten children or nature lovers for the Bird Festival at the North High School, Friday, April 22nd, on account of my subscription and for each extra dollar I give. I will see that the tickets you send me are used. Yours very truly, Name Street Date P. S. I understand this entire plan is conducted without profit and every dollar goes to help the cause. LETTER No. 4 Receipt Sent with Tickets Worcester, April 1921 To Subscribers to the AUDUBON BIRD FESTIVAL: Worcester, Mass. Your remittance of $ at hand. Enclosed please find .... tickets, in the section reserved for members and their friends at North High School, Friday, April 22. Your committee is particularly anxious that the holders of tickets shall avail themselves of this treat and that the hall may be filled. If you can't use all of the tickets or prefer to return part of them to the committee, we will see that they are used to advantage for the demand is great and the hall seats less than 1200. Yours very truly, WORCESTER AUDUBON COMMITTEE Charles L. Allen Paul B. Morgan Maude S. Witter, Sec'y Harry R. Sinclair, Treas. Address — 9 Moreland St., Worcester. CURB THE CAT The Commonwealth of Massachusetts through its Department of Con- servation, William L. Bazeley, Commissioner, by the hand of William C. Adams, Director of Fisheries and Game, sends out the following appeal: Dear Sir: The breeding season for wild birds is at hand, and from the middle of May to the middle of August is a time of great destruction to bird life, the mother birds being confined to the nests, and the fledglings as yet unable to care for themselves. While some of the mortality is due to injurious birds and animals and 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society exposure to unfavorable weather conditions, the greatest single living agency in the destruction is the roaming, unrestrained house cat. At this time the officials of this division wish to impress this fact on the people throughout the State, and we trust you can give it space in your paper. Ask the owner of every cat to keep it under such control that it will be impossible for it to catch ground nesting birds or the young birds leaving the nests, during the critical period (May 15 to Aug. 15). Appreciating any help you can give the cause by calling it to the atten- tion of your readers, I am, Very truly yours, William C. Adams, Director. POSSIBLE WEALTH By Arthur J. Parker "There is no possible wealth," wrote Emerson, "but a rush of thoughts." Well, how about a rush of wings — "wild wings"? Such as enriched an hour for me last eve, making it golden with wonder and a spell. A vast level pall of storm-clouds made heaven and earth alike strange, and cast on swamp and woodland a glamor of weird twilight. From across the swamp came a sharp kuk, kuk, kuk — too late to be a robin and anyhow of a different quality. Snipe, I suspected, this being April 10, and snipe weather. I listened and waited. Then it came, above, around, uttered invisibly from the low storm-wrack, the thrilling aerial wing-music of the snipe. Forlorn amidst the skyey desolation, now near, now far, one moment appar- ently vocal (a tremulous moan), the next plainly winnowed from stiff flight- feathers. The music had much the pitch and tempo of the screech-owl's eerie chant; distinguishable, however, when the unseen performer hurtled down close above my head, when the tones became palpably but an accen- tuated soughing. Once, in boyhood, I had seen as well as heard the spectacular per- formance, and the memory now was added, gold to gold. This morning another fresh-minted piece from Nature's treasury. Be- yond the bank of blackberry canes arose a sudden melee of avian combat, the onslaught of two crows upon a male sharp-shinned hawk. Hither and yon through the orchard whirled and dodged the nimble accipiter, but in vain; only the cover of the remoter woods could stay that pernacious agile pursuit. Then out ventured my song sparrow and carolled hearty thanks- giving. The way of a bird in the air is ever a kind of miracle, and a keen aesthetic delight; a sign and a token to our earth-bound lives of freedom and achieved beauty. Our real wealth or "illth" being nothing other than the present content of the consciousness, whither (we may ask) shall we resort for riches so freely and fruitfully as to the glorious works of creation? And of these, surely, the boon supreme is the living bird — the marvel of its development and adaptations; its benison of song; its grace or infinite variety of form and posture; its admirable loves and loyalties; the vivid poetry and spiritual symbolism of its flight! Monthly Bulletin Life Members received from April 26th to May 20th Hunnewell, James M. 340 Tremont Bldg., Boston Sustaining Members received from April 26th to May 20th Barnard, Roy A. Boardway, Mrs. E. E. Bond, Mrs. F. R. S. Briggs, Mrs. L. W. Brown, Miss Carrie F. Bryant, M. L. Chubbuck, Willard Copeland, Mrs. W. A. Cunningham, Mrs. L. 0. Cutler, Mrs. W. Waldo Dodge, Mrs. J. H. Fahey, Rev. J. F. Fiske, Miss Georgians Gay, Mrs. Daniel Gilbert, Mrs. A. W. Greenwood, Joseph H. Hall, W. P. Hamill, Miss Helen HamiU, L. C. Hamill, Mrs. L. C. Hayden, Mrs. Frank D. Heald, Mrs. Charlotte B. Higgins, Mrs. M. P. Hill, Miss Caroline L. Hodge, Mrs. Franklin S. Holcombe, Miss Harriet L. Holden, Ruth Hubbard, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Hutchins. Miss Else H. Hyde, Miss Helmar Jewell, Pliny Jones, L. C, M.D. Keith, Mrs. Lulie H. Kelly, James P. Kendall. Miss Elizabeth H. Kiefer, Mrs. W. Kimball, Albert B. Kimball, Miss Nellie S. Larkin, Miss Irene Ballantyne Litchfield. E. F. Lothrop, Howard Lowell, Mrs. J. B. Luttropp, Knut J., D.M.D. MacGowan, G. W. Macomber, Mrs. F. E. Marshall. Miss S. R. Mason, Miss Lelia S. McFadden, Mrs. F. M. McGunigle, P. J. McPheeters, Miss Claudia McPherson, Mrs. D. B. Moffatt, Mrs. C. M. Morgan, Mrs. Charles H. Morgan, Miss Elizabeth Moore, Miss Anna M. Onthank, Miss Charlotte W. Porter, Mrs. C. F. Richardson, Mrs. Emily L. Rockwell, Mrs. Wm. E. Rolston, Edith M. 5 Randolph Rd., Worcester 17 Roxbury St., Worcester 28 William St., Worcester 728 Pleasant St., Worcester 616 State Mutual Bldg., Wore 50 King St., New York City Duxbuiy Mansfield 23 Hudson St., Worcester 63 Lancaster St., Worcester 12 Davidson Rd., Worcester Walpole Grafton 162 Highland St., Worcester 48 Stone Rd.. Belmont 2 Woodbine St., Worcester 175 Broadway, Norwich, Conn. 477 Grove St., Worcester 477 Grove St.. Worcester 477 Grove St., Worcester 5 Moreland St., Worcester South Weymouth 218 West St.. Worcester Box 1204, Knoxville, Tenn. 28 Hartshorn Ave., Worcester 8 Warren St., Jamaica Plain 56 Thomas Rd., Swampscott 207 Elm St., Holyoke Dudley Rd., Newton 3 Spooner Rd., Chestnut Hill Concord Falmouth 36 South St., Campello 8 Oak View Terrace, Jamaica Plain 7 Symmes Rd., Winchester 106 Reals St., Brookline 38 William St., Worcester 347 Cabot St., NewtonviUe 71 Washington St., Hudson 108 Water St., Boston Box 121, Fall River 4 Burgess Rd.. Worcester 419 Boylston St.. Boston Brookline 23 Prince St., West Newton Atlantic Monthly Press, 8 Arlington St., Boston 390 Commonwealth Ave.. Boston 6 Windsor St.. Worcester 52 Colberg Ave., Roslindale Downer-Milwaukee College, Milwaukee, Wis. 667 Chestnut St.. Waban West Wellington Terrace. Worcester 28 Catherine St.. Worcester 21 Cedar St., Worcester 58 Wachusett St.. Worcester 73 Cedar St.. Roxbury 339 Clark Rd., Brookline 13 Maple St., Attleboro 5 High Ridge Rd., Worcester E. Kendall St. School. Worcester 10 Massachusetts Audubon Society Roper, Mrs. Marcellus 11 Kensington Rd., Worcester Shaw, Paul A. Boulder Farm. Newton Centre Shaw, Robert K. 38 Monadnock Rd., Worcester Sibley, Otis 6 Elmwood St., Worcester Smith, Dr. C. Morton 437 Marlboro St., Boston Snow, Benjamin B. 16 Haviland St., Worcester Stone, Miss Margaret 225 Newbury St.. Boston Taylor, Mrs. Jan 49 Pearl St., Worcester Vance, Miss Pauline H. 8 Boynton St., Worcester Warren, Charles H. 1030 Pleasant St.. Worcester Whitney, Mrs. H. S. Princeton CHECKING UP THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS The desire to learn what became of birds that flew south with the approach of cold weather led Audubon — the great American naturalist — to place silver threads about the legs of a brood of phoebes. The following spring he was rewarded by having two of the birds return to nest near the haunts where they learned to fly. This occurred early in the nineteenth century, and was the first known case in America of bird banding. Since that time this means of securing information on the movements and life history of migratory birds has been used by many societies, and every fall thousands of birds fly south each bearing a narrow ring, stamped with a number, about one of its legs. So valuable is this work, especially with game and insectivorous species of birds, that in 1920 the United States Department of Agriculture took over the experiments being conducted by the American Bird Banding Association, the society's work having outgrown its available resources. Since it is the returns from bird banding that furnish the data desired in this branch of research, it is of prime importance that the methods employed be improved and that the percentage of birds under observation be increased. To assist co-operators in this work, the department has published Department Circular 170, Instructions for Bird Banding, which is just available for distribution. It is the plan of the Biological Survey of the department, which is super- vising the bird-banding work, to advance this method of research along two principal lines: first, the banding of fledglings as formerly practiced; and second, the systematic trapping and banding of adult birds. As the banding of fledglings has the advantage of affording valuable information on the ages of birds, the survey wishes to encourage these activities, but it desires to lay special emphasis on the added value of the systematic trapping of adults. With the establishment of a well-connected chain of trapping stations throughout the United States and Canada, regular "returns" are confidently expected by department specialists with reports of retrapping birds that had been banded at the original and other stations. Data thus aff"orded are already indicating the exact lines of migration of individual birds, the speed of travel, and innumerable items of interest, many of which have a direct bearing upon the study of life histories and the administration of the Migra- tory Bird Treaty Act with which the department is charged. The department issues bands of two types to co-operators in the work. M o nthly B ulletin 11 One type is the split ring band for all small birds, and the other is the flat strip band that is adjustable for all large birds. For general land-bird trapping the so-called Government "sparrow trap" has been found the most satisfactory. The Bulletin contains details of construction of this trap. It also discusses other methods of trapping, the operation of traps, handling and releasing birds, and filling out reports. Federal trapping permits for this work are required under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Applications for permits and and requestt for the Bulletin should be addressed to the Bureau of Biological Survey, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. SOME INTERESTING QUESTIONS "After all," says the State Ornithologist, in his latest issue of "Notes for Observers," "the most important observations that we can make are those by which we learn what birds do in the world. For example, we should like some corroborative evidence in regard to the following: 1. If anyone has noted Grebes of any species or Loons using their wings in flight under water, we should like to hear of it and especially how the wings were used (how widely spread) and whether the feet also were used at the same time, — that is, whether the bird depended mostly on its wings or on its feet. 2. What unusual notes have you heard from Crows? We have heard some similar to those of Owls and Cuckoos and other indescribable notes, one of which, often repeated, exactly imitated the whine of a young puppy. We have records of two instances where Crows in captivity have been taught to talk. Are there others? One correspondent writes that in December three Crows amused several persons by their comical actions, bending down their heads so that their neck feathers might be dressed by each other, presenting one another with little twigs and touching their bills as if in salutation. Has anyone else observed anything like this? 3. Catbirds have a nest-robbing reputation among the country people. Has anyone observed this? 4. Who has heard from the Meadowlark a loud clear song resembling somewhat that of the Bobolink, but much louder? 5. We wish descriptions of the flight song of birds. 6. Who can describe the singular mating flight of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird? The above are suggestions which we hope will bring new or corrobora- tive information. What imitations of the notes of other birds have you heard from the Catbird and the Brown Thrasher? This is an extra sent out to notify you of the May flight. Edward Howe Forbush, Director, Division of Ornithology. 12 Massachusetts Audubon Society BIRD HOUSES TO RENT Fine residential section. Prices are from fifteen songs a month to thirty songs a month. ' "' Details The Birds Retreat. Address is twenty feet from the ground on the south side of the pear tree. Fine six tenement house. Holes are from one inch in diameter to two inches. Price fifteen songs a month for each apartment. Apt. 1 To rent. Apt. 3 Occupied by two bluebirds who are nesting. Apt. 2 To rent. Apt. 5 Occupied by two bluebirds who are nesting. Apt. 4. To rent. Apt. 6 To rent. The Holloiv Tree. A fine one tenement house to rent. It is cat proof! Price thirty songs a month. Hole is one and one-half inches in diameter. To rent — situated eleven feet from the ground on the northeast side of the pear tree. Cherry Tree Castle. Nice two tenement house with piazza located twenty-five feet from the ground in the topmost crotch. One hole is seven-eighths of an inch in diameter and the other is one and one-half. Dept. 1 To rent. Dept. 2 To rent. The north piazza is occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Robin, Esq. Cherry Blossom Bungalow. A one tenement house twenty feet from the ground in a crotch facing towards the house. One side is open. Price twenty-five songs a month. (Robins preferred). To rent. The Song Sparrows Refuge. Situated seven feet from the ground facing towards the southwest. Price eighteen songs a month. To rent. By Leslie Rockwell Smith (14 years old), Hadley, Mass. MEMBERSHIP The Society needs $50,000 at least in order to increase its activities. Will you help expand its usefulness? The classes of Membership are Life Members paying not less than $25.00 at one time. Sustaining Members paying $1.00 annually. Junior Members under ten years, paying 30 cents. Volume V. OCTOBER, 1921 Number 6 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. BULLETIN MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society NOTES FROM THE MOOSE HILL BIRD SANCTUARY By Harry George Higbee, Superintendent The Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary in Sharon continues to grow. More than six hundred acres, comprising land under about a dozen private ownerships, and varying in altitude from 240 to 540 feet, are now being made use of by the Audubon Society in its experimental, educational and protective work among the birds and other wild life. The interest and helpfulness of this work has been shown by our in- creased patronage, about twenty-five hundred people having visited the sanctuary so far this season. Over nine hundred of these, representing seventy-nine cities and towns in Massachusetts and twenty-five localities in ten other States, were registered during the month of May; while several other States and Territories, as well as Ontario, Canada, England, France and Japan, have since been represented by our visiting friends. Among our distinguished guests have been Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson of New York, President of the National Association of Audubon Societies, Mrs. Mabel Osgood Wright of "Birdcraft Sanctuary," Fairfield, Conn., Mr. Renkei Tsuda of the Japanese Embassy at Washington and Dr. Toshii Takagi of Tokio, Japan. We have also had a busy season among the birds. The yellow- breasted chat, prothonotary warbler, Brewster's warbler, grasshopper sparrow and yellow-legs have this year been added to our Sanctuary list, making a total of 133 species observed here. One hundred and seven species have been noted so far this season. Our spring migration was varied and unusual ; a comparison of dates of arrival with those of other years disclosing some interesting facts. On the 29th of May, which might have been termed the height of the spring migration for this year, sixty-four species were observed by the superin- tendent in two and a half hours in the early morning, within a radius of half a mile of the Sanctuary Headquarters, while on May 21st, sixty- seven species were noted during the day. It has been a good year for our breeding birds. One hundred and fifty-two nests, representing forty-two species, have been under obser- vation during the season. This, however, is probably a small percentage of the birds nesting here, as but little time is afforded for this work during the breeding season. Tree swallows and house wrens have been unusually abundant in our nesting-boxes. An increase of mourning doves has been noted, and they are known to have bred close by. Black ducks, ruffed grouse, bob-whites and woodcock have also been observed here in increasing numbers. Two nests of woodcock were found, and several other pairs are known to have nested here. In one instance eight of these birds were noted within half a mile along the roadside, in the early evening. Hermit thrushes continue to haunt the grounds, several pairs having bred in our secluded woodlands, while their wonderful twilight songs have been heard continually from late March until early August. Monthly Bulletin 3 Whip-poor-wills called nightly through most of the summer, being frequently in the dooryard. They have also lately been heard up to the 14th of September. On June 6th a "nest" of this species was located near Sunrise Ledge, and the unusual opportunity of observing this interesting bird with her eggs was thus afforded a number of our visitors. A pair of hairy woodpeckers chiseled out their home in a tall hickory not fifty yards from the farmhouse. Brown creepers were known to be nesting in our Mohawk Woods, and their quaint httle songs, fitting in so well with the soughing of the pines through which they wandered, could be heard here throughout the summer. Orioles, catbirds, robins, barn swal- lows, tree swallows, redstarts, yellow warblers, song sparrows, chipping sparrows and chewinks have all come into our dooryard for nesting-ma- terial, making use of the silks, cotton, feathers, etc., put out for their special use, and opportunity has been afforded to watch most of these in their interesting work of nest-construction. Ospreys have several times been observed here, wandering, perhaps, from their cherished abode, a huge nest occupied by them for many years, overlooking a secluded little pond not far away. Our beautiful soaring red-shouldered hawks seem now an essential part of the wild life of our Sanctuary, and their return each season is eagerly looked for. This year on the 6th of April we found them nesting in their favorite haunt, a century-old pine on the shore of Woodland Pond. The banding of wild birds, now under the control of the Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agriculture, is becoming an important and valuable feature in the study of ornithology, and this work has been undertaken here as far as circumstances would allow. About eighty birds, representing nineteen species, have been banded here this season. Feeding of the birds has been kept up all summer, and such species as the purple finch, song sparrow, chipping sparrow, hairy woodpecker and downy woodpecker have brought their young to our window-shelves or suet-cages for food. Additions and improvements are constantly being made in our ex- hibits and display of bird material at the Sanctuary office, and a stock of helpful books on the various subjects pertaining to the study of birds, flowers, trees and insects may always be found on sale here. A GNAT -CATCHER THRILL It had been raining all the night before, and till the middle of the afternoon of April 30, when it cleared sufficiently for Mr. M to go afield. He had been gone only a short time when he returned with the announcement that he had seen a blue-gray gnatcatcher in an ad- joining field. He having gone outdoors again, I went to the door, where I found him watching a bird in our garden. As he turned, I exclaimed, "Oh, here is your blue-gray gnatcatcher!"; and there within a dozen feet of me was the handsome blue-gray bird with tail spread, giving one the impression of being half tail, which is not far wrong. In over twenty- three years of bird study I think that seeing PoUoptildlccBrulea for the first time produced the biggest thrill I have ever experienced in birddom. Nellie M. Mason. North Orange, Mass. 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society A GREAT BLUE HERON One day I was walking near the Snipe Swamp in the Berkshire Mount- ains, when I saw a shadow sail over a field and then into the Swamp that I was headed for. The shadow was a great blue heron. When I am out studying birds I usually go to that Swamp. I took pains to keep very quiet. When I was almost in the middle of the Swamp I looked up in a tree to find the heron, and then I remembered that there are a great many fish and minnows in the swamp and that maybe she was fishing. Finally when I was almost at the end of the swamp I found the nest. The heron must have crept away when she saw me coming. I studied the nest, in which there were two eggs, and then I went on. I saw a lot of warblers and other birds and then I went home. The next day I went to visit the nest and I saw one chick but the other was not out then. When the mother saw that I was so near she snapped her bill and threatened to peck me, but finally, when I left, I saw her go to the nest to see if I took the other egg or her precious baby. The next day I went to the nest, and the other egg was hatched. After about six days the mother did not mind me except when I stooped down to get a good look at the babies. One day I caught a pan of minnows. I put them down near the nest and went home. Next day I went there and the minnows were all gone. I put another panful there (although it was hard work to catch them) and I watched it. She began to feed the young birds, stuffing the minnows down their throats, and then they wanted more. How they could hold them all I do not know, but I helped the mother feed them every day (they grew so fast), until one day the family was gone. Harry Kennard. (age 13) Wanted The Roosevelt Memorial Association, Inc., 1 Madison Av- enue, New York City, which is carrying on a valuable work through its bureau of research and information, is very anxious to obtain the follow- ing pamphlets by Theodore Roosevelt : Notes on some of the birds of Oyster Bay, Long Island, 1879; the Summer Birds of the Adirondacks in Franklin County, New York, by Theodore Roosevelt and H. D. Minot, about 1877. Anyone having these pamphlets or knowing where they may be obtained will confer a favor by communicating with the Association at the foregoing address. Wanted A copy of the October Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society for the year 1920. Please forward to the office, 66 Newbury St., Boston. Post Your Land. — The Audubon Society will be glad to furnish cloth posters prohibiting shooting and trespassing to all who wish to use them in an earnest endeavor to preserve our wild bird-life. These posters were devised with the assistance and approval of the Commissioner of Con- servation, Department of Fisheries and Game. Six of these posters, Monthly Bulletin 5 sufficient for a small place, will be given free to any responsible party. A larger number may be secured on payment of the cost of printing — 5 cents each. Junior Audubon Classes. — The National Association of Audubon Societies announces the following material for the school year 1921-1922 for every member of a Junior Audubon Club from whom a fee of ten cents has been received. The teacher may also receive a set for ten cents. 1. Audubon button, showing a Red-headed Woodpecker in colors. 2. Pictures, leaflets and outhne drawings of the following: Mourning Dove Brown Thrasher Bronzed and Purple Grackle Green Heron Yellow-billed Cuckoo Great Horned Owl No other leaflets issued by the Association can be substituted for the above, although they may be purchased at cost of publication (five cents each) when five or more are ordered at one time. A complete list of Leaflets will be given on request. Teachers and others wishing to form these classes are urged to send in their applications as early as possible this year. A special effort has been made to increase the available number of Leaflets. Last year, in spite of a very large stock, the Leaflets were exhausted during May at a time when the demand is apt to be greatest. A request for funds for these Leaflets was at that time sent out from the Boston office of the National Associa- tion. The response was prompt and generous and the sum of $831 was received, a substantial addition to the large fund needed to carry on the work throughout the country. The education of our young people in a knowledge of bird-hfe, carried on untiringly by the National Association of Audubon Societies, under the personal direction of its President, Mr. T. Gilbert Pearson, is without doubt the most valuable and lasting work for bird protection which is being done in the country today. The Massa- chusetts Agent wishes to convey the thanks of the Association to all who so generously aided in this special subscription. Bird Lecturers. — So many inquiries comes in to the Society from time to time for available bird lecturers that the following list is pub- lished, neither complete nor final but sufficient to show a number of the more important ones. For prices and other details in regard to their lectures they should be personally addressed. When doing this, please mention the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Mr. Edward Avis, 500 Fifth Avenue, N. Y. (Mr. Avis will be in Boston or near by, October 24-November 5, Nbvember 28-December 10, February 10-20, March 11-19, April 6-9, 17-26, May 8-16, May 31-June 7.) Whisthng imitations. Mr. Charles Crawford Gorst, 28 Beaufort Road, Jamaica Plain, Mass. (Mr. Gorst will be here during January and after April 1st.) Whis- tling imitations. Rev. Arthur E. Wilson, 89 Newbury Street, Boston, Whisthng imitations. Mr. Horace Taylor, 3 Netherlands Road, Brookline, Mass. Mrs. F. B. Goode, Sharon, Mass. Dr. John B. May, Cohasset, Mass. Rev. Manley B. Townsend, Attleboro, Mass. 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society BOOK NOTES Portraits and Habits of Our Birds. — These two volumes, elegantly- bound in buckram and gold contain valuable material by many authors, all expert bird men, edited by T. Gilbert Pearson. Each volume is illus- trated by fifty full page colored plates by Louis Agassiz Fuertes, Bruce Horsfall and other artists of note and thirty or more drawings and photo- graphs from nature. Here are the leaflets which have been issued, from time to time by the National Association, bound in permanent and very attractive form. They may be seen at the Audubon Society office, 66 Newbury Street, or will be mailed, postpaid, on receipt of price. $4.00 per volume, $8.00 for set. Dogs, Birds, and Others. — This book, published by E. P. Button & Company, of New York, and selling at $3.00, is a compilation of natural history letters from the London "Spectator" with an introduction and note. It is dedicated to Ralph Hodgdon. A considerable portion of the book is devoted to anecdotes of birds, intimate personal experiences of various British correspondents. To all interested in animal life in general and especially in dogs or birds, this collection of firsthand reports on ob- servation and experience is at once valuable and most interesting reading. Bird Gossip. — George W. Jacobs & Co., of Philadelphia, pubhsh in this most readable volume a collection of the personal experiences of Harriet Wilbur in observing bird-life. Some of these are reprinted from the "Christian Endeavor World," "The Youth's Companion," the "New Country Life" and other periodicals. These are all well written, first- hand stories, beautifully illustrated with colored plates from the leaflets of the National Association of Audubon Societies. The book contains much to interest and entertain as well as to encourage young and old to personal observation and study of bird-Hfe. Old Plymouth Trails. — Author's edition, autographed copies are still to be obtained of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. By mail, post- paid, $3.50. The Boston Transcript says of this book: — "Mr. Packard follows these trails and many more beside and much after the manner of Thoreau — though far more entertainingly than he — he chats of the footpaths and the wayside blossomings; and the birds overhead and the birds which hide beneath the undergrowth; of the midsummer moonhght; of the wild apple trees and their petals ; of the woodchuck and his manners ; of the voices of the brookside and the ghosts upraised by the northeasters ; of the mystical pastures and the white pine groves and the lore of the red cedar; of pickerel fishing and of yule fires. He sees abundant beauties where the ordinary traveller passes by on the other side and sees nothing and makes no comment. Mr. Packard not only sees these beautiful things, but he has the power of making his readers and followers see what he sees and drink in the beauties which he offers them. "Many of the chapters of this very delightful book are somewhat familiar already to Transcript readers, for they made their first appearance as fleeting sketches in these columns. It will be pleasing to be able to possess these very charming nature studies in a permanent form." Outdoor Bird Study. — A fifty page booklet, profusely illustrated, prepared by Edward Howe Forbush, State Ornithologist of Massachusetts for the use of beginners in bird study. It tells in interesting manner how to find birds, how to know birds, how to approach birds and how to at- M o n t h I y B u II e t i n 7 tract birds. Beginners in bird study or bird students of wider experience can learn much from the perusal of this authoritative monograph. Sold by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Price 15 cents, postpaid. Quantity rates on application. A BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION Bird banding in America was begun by Audubon, who placed silver threads about the legs of a brood of phoebes and was rewarded the following season by having two of his birds return to nest in the same vicinity. Active experimental work in modern methods of bird banding was begun in the United States about twenty years ago and has been carried on by various organizations since that time. Because of the valuable information to be secured relative to the movements and life histories of our migratory birds, especially the game and insectivorous species, the work was taken over by the Biological Survey in 1920. It is the plan of the Survey to advance this method of research along two prin- cipal lines: First, by the banding of fledglings as formerly practiced; and second, by the systematic trapping and banding of adults. A recent lecture on this subject given under the auspices of the Boston Society of Natural History by S. Prentiss Baldwin, of Cleveland, Ohio, aroused much interest and a bird banding association has been proposed. Any one caring to undertake this work and wilhng to join the association should address Mr. L. B. Fletcher, 75 State Street, Boston, Mass. LIST OF LIFE MEMBERS RECEIVED FROM MAY 21st TO SEPTEMBER 20th Cotton, Miss Elizabeth A 357 Kent St., Brookhne. Nichols, Charles J 263 Summer St., Boston LIST OF SUSTAINING MEMBERS RECEIVED FROM MAY 21st TO SEPTEMBER 20th Cole, Miss Rosalie M 89 Robbins St., Waltham Cox, Dr. Stanley 12 Montgomery Ave., Holyoke Crane, E. Mildred Girl Scout Camp, Dunstable Crocker, Mrs. C. Frank 72 Green Acre Ave., Longmeadow Denison, Miss Rebecca L 42 Fletcher St., Winchester Denton, Lincoln 12 Reservoir St., Cambridge Erhard, Leonie N 94 Village Ave., Dedham Estabrook, Mrs. A. M 62 Winona Ave., Haverhill Farrington, Annie E 9 Fourth Ave., Haverhill Fogg, Miss Ada Odiorne Farmington, Maine Gardner, Miss Helen C 15 N. Main St., Attleboro Gates, Miss Catherine E 58 Kenwood Ave., Newton Ctre. Gilley, Miss Emma 129 Grasmere St., Newton Greene, Miss Jessie M 6 High Street, Amherst Hall, Miss Annie J 34 Fairmount St., Leominster Hayden, Mrs. J. W 14 Bowdoin St., Cambridge Hidden, Walter 51 Waterman St., Providence, R. I. HiUman, Howard L 30 Hawthorne St., Watertown Hillman, Mrs. H. L 30 Hawthorne St., Watertown Innes, Charles H 53 State St., Boston Johnson, Mrs. E. J Winchester Kellogg, H. J Turner's Falls King, Mrs. Stanley Sharon Kirby, Miss Helen G 81 Ivy St., Brookline Kite, Walter C 17 Russell St., Milton Larsson, Mrs. H. W 3848 Fourteenth Avenue., Oakland, Calif. Learned, Miss Agnes M Wilkins St., Hudson Lewis, Dr. Frederic T 538 Chestnut St., Waban 8 Massachusetts A 2i d ub o n Society Linscott, Mrs. J. M 44 Arlington Rd., Wellesley Hills Marshall, Mrs. L. L 129 Grasmere St., Newton Mason, Henry L., Jr 492 Boylston St., Boston Mayer, John Wyckoff, N. J. McMullin, Mrs. Samuel 68 Churchill's Lane, Milton Meade, Miss Julia M St. Stephen's School, Yancey, Va. Meserve, Mrs. John M Poorest Ave., Hudson Miles, Rena 71 South St., Quincy Newbegin, Robert 62 Sparks St., Cambridge Nickerson, H. and W Dedham Nye, Mrs. A. E 31 Sever St., Worcester Padghom, Miss Clara H Woodland Cottage, Princeton Parker, Mrs. A. H Charles River Pearce, Mrs. F. A 100 Prospect St., Gloucester Pearce, Miss Jeanette 94 Lincoln St., Framingham Pennell, Miss Jennie F 10 Lexington Terrace, Waltham Perldns, Mrs. F. H 460 Walnut St., Brookline Phelan, Joseph W 60 Brooks St., West Medford Persons, Rev. and Mrs. Frank S, II Yancey, Va. Phelps, Warren Arthur 19 Tennyson Ave., Pittsfield Pike, E. Bertram Pike, N. H. Pratt, Mrs. F. S West Newton Preston, James F 534 Congress St., Portland, Me. Pushee, Mrs. Horton Weston Putnam, Miss Ahce E Albright House, Northampton Ray, Miss Ethel V R. F. D. 41, Hudson Rice, Mrs. Grace Felton 96 Berkeley St., West Newton Rice, Mrs. Henry W 30 Hawthorn St., Watertown Rice, Henry W 30 Hawthorn St., Watertown Roadcap, The Misses Agnes and Edith . . Yancey, Va. Roberts, Mrs. Benjamin H 457 Locust St., Fall River Rose, Mrs. Rebecca L. C 22 Longfellow Rd., Wellesley Hills Rushton, Miss Ahce F 106 North 13th St., Allentown, Pa. Ryan, Miss Margaret A 62 Main St., Hatfield Sanger, Mrs. C. R 10 Appleton St., Cambridge Sargeant, W. C 146 Massachusetts Ave., Boston Scott, Mrs. H. B Kittery Point, Me. Scott, Robert L Wellesley Scovell, C. H 110 State St., Boston Sherman, Mrs. W. C 15 Montclair Ave., Roslindale Thayer, Miss Constance 15 Cedar St., Worcester Thayer, Phihp 15 Cedar St., Worcester Vatter, Miss Cora 300 South St., Brookline Veazie, Miss Mary L 1137 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge Warner, Mr. A. F Upland Rd., Sharon Washburn, Gordon B 25 Harvard St^ Worcester Watts, Mrs. John R 326 Clark Rd., Brookline Wilson, Rev. Arthur E 85 Newbury St., Boston A GOOD WORD FOR THE BIRD CHARTS Massachusetts Audubon Society, June 4, 1921. Boston, Mass. Dear Sirs : — Enclosed, find El Paso County School Warrant #7324 for $7.50, covering charges against the Canutillo School for the three Audubon Charts Nos. 1, 2, and 3. The children are very happy to have these lovely charts in the school and many visitors to this office enjoyed studying them the few days we had them hanging up for exhibit. Sincerely, Myra C. Winkler, Co. Supt. Schools, El Paso Co. Monthly Bulletin PRICE-LIST OF LITERATURE SOLD BY THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY 66 NEWBURY ST., BOSTON EDUCATIONAL LEAFLETS, Price Five Cents These leaflets, published by the National Association of Audubon Societies have four pages of descriptive text, a separate colored plate, and a separate outhne on drawing-paper, intended to be colored. 72. Wood Thrush 73. Whip-poor-will 74. Roseate Spoonbill 75. Sora Rail 76. Pintail 77. Crow 78. Loon 79. Towhee 80. Chipping Sparrow 8L Kingbird 82. Bald Eagle 83. Surf Scoter 84. Shoveller 85. Chestnut-sided Warbler 86. Redstart 87. Veery 88. Avocet 89. Black-necked Stilt 90. English Sparrow 9L Sage Grouse 92. White-throated Spar- row 93. Phoebe 94. Pileated Woodpecker 95. Raven 96. Slate-colored Junco 97. Least Tern 98. Least Bittern 99. Red-Eyed Vireo 100. Turkey Vulture lOL Ground Dove 102. YeUow-beUied Sap- sucker 103. Bronzed and Purple Grackles 104. Brown Creeper 105. Great Horned Owl 1. Nighthawk 2. Mourning Dove 3. Meadowlark 4. Upland Plover 5. FDcker 6. Passenger Pigeon 7. Wood Duck 8. Marsh Hawk 9. Red-shouldered Hawk 10. Sparrow Hawk 11. Screech Owl 12. Short-eared Owl 13. Purple Martin 14. Barn Owl 15. Yellow-biUed Cuckoo 16. Tree Sparrow 17. Goldfinch 18. Cardinal 19. Kingfisher 20. Rose-breasted Gros- beak 21. Scarlet Tanager 22. Blue Jay 23. Killdeer 24. Bluebird 25. Red-wing'd Bl'kbird 26. Baltimore Oriole 27. Indigo Bunting 28. Purple Finch 29. Herring Gull 30. Snow Bunting 31. Song Sparrow 32. Barn Swallow 33. Tree Swallow 34. The Kinglets 35. The Crossbills 36. Mallard 37. Sharp-shinned Hawk 38. Bobohnk 39. House Wren 40. Bush-Tit 41. Mockingbird 42. Orchard Oriole 43. Red-headed Wood- pecker 44. Frankhn's Gull 45. Bl'k-head'd Grosbeak 46. Robin 47. Bob-white 48. Cedar Waxwing 49. Chimney Swift 50. Carolina Wren 51. Spotted Sandpiper 62. Least and Semipal- mated Sandpipers 53. Horned Lark 54. Snowy Egret 55. Downy Woodpecker 56. Ruby-throated Hum mingbird 57. Yellow-headed Blackbird 58. CaUfomia Quail 59. The Nuthatches 60. Willow Ptarmigan 61. Chicadee 62. Hudsonian Curlew 63. Ruffed Grouse 64. Emperor Goose 65. Crested Auklet 66. Green Heron 67. Alaskan Longspur 68. Brown Thrasher 69. Tufted Puffin 70. Catbird 71. Tufted Titmouse USEFUL BOOKS RECOMMENDED Travels of Birds. By F. M. Chapman, Illustrated. Our Winter Birds. By F. M. Chapman. -The Bird Book. By Fannie H. Eckstrom. Recommended for beginners. 12mo. cloth. Tales from Birdland. By T. Gilbert Pearson. Decorated cloth, illustrated, 12mo. postpaid, $1.10. Postpaid, 80 cents. Postpaid, $1.10. Postpaid, $1.40. 10 Massachusetts A u d w h o n Society The Bird Study Book. By T. Gilbert Pearson. Decorated cloth, illustrated. 12mo. Postpaid, $1.35. Stories of Bird Life. By T. Gilbert Pearson. A book for young readers. 12mo. cloth. Illustrated. Postpaid, 80 cents. Burgess Bird Book for Children. (58 colored plates.) Postpaid, $3.15. Burgess Animal Book for Children. (32 colored plates.) Postpaid, $3.15. A Year with the Birds. By Alice E. Ball. A book of charming poems about the birds. Illustrated by 56 colored plates. Postpaid, $3.65. First Book of Birds. By Olive Thorne Miller. Book for beginners. Illustrated. Postpaid, $1.90 Second Book of Birds. By Olive Thorne Miller. Companion volume to First Book of Birds. Illustrated. Postpaid, $1.90. Birds of Village and Field. By Florence Merriam Bailey. Book for beginners. Illustrated. Postpaid, $1.90. Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America. By Frank M. Chapman. Keys to and descriptions of all eastern birds, with notes of habits and lists of ref- erence-books. Six colored plates and many other illustrations. 12mo, cloth. 530 pages. Postpaid, $4 . 15. Handbook of Birds of the Western United States. By Florence Merriam Bailey. A similarly complete manual of western birds. Profusely illustrated. Postpaid, $4.15. Bird-Life. By Frank M. Chapman. An introduction to ornithology and description of the commoner eastern birds, 65 colored plates. Especially useful to amateurs. Postpaid, $4 . 15. Warblers of North America. By F. M. Chapman. 24 colored plates. Postpaid. $3.70. Birds of the Cambridge Region. By William Brewster. Memoir IV of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. 4 plates and 3 maps. Postpaid, $2.65. Birds of Essex County. By Charles W. Townsend. Memoir III of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. 1 plate and 1 map. Postpaid, $2 . 65. Supplement to Birds of Essex Coimty. By Charles W. Townsend. Memoir V of the Nuttall Ornithological Club. 1 plate and 1 map. Postpaid, $2.15. Field Observation Book. Suggestions and blanks for recording identification notes on birds in the field. Much used by Boy Scouts. Pocket size, flexible cover. Postpaid, 20 cents. Hand Book of Nature Study for Teachers and Parents. By Anna B. Comstock. Illustrated. Highly recommended as a general guide. Postpaid, $3.75. Methods of Attracting Birds. By Gilbert H. Trajton. A useful handbook. 12mo. 172 pages. Illustrated. Postpaid, $1 .60. Portraits and Habits of Our Birds. Volume I and Volume II. Postpaid, $4.00 each. (Volume I contains Educational Leaflets 1 to 50 with index; Volume II, Leaflets 51 to 100.) Book of Birds. Contains principal articles on birds published during last six years in National Geographic Magazine. 250 colored illustrations by Fuertes. Postpaid, $3.40. What Bird is That. By F. M. Chapman. Pocket Museum of the Birds of the Eastern U. S. Arranged according to seasons. Cloth edition Postpaid, $1.65. Leather edition Postpaid, $1.90. Field Book of Wild Birds and Their Music. By F. Schuyler Mathews. A description of the character and music of birds, intended to assist in the identi- fication of species common in the Eastern United States. Illustrated by many colored plates. Postpaid, $3 . 15. Birds of New York. A collection of 106 colored plates, illustrating every bird ever known to fly over the State of New York. This set of pictures is equally serviceable for New England. Unbound form Postpaid, $1.50. Bound form Postpaid, $2 . 50. Monthlij Bulletin 11 Pocket Handbooks. By Chester A. Reed and others. Uniform in size, 5^ by 3^ inches; flexible covers. Every page bears a colored picture of one or more birds or other objects described. The prices include postage: Land Birds East of the Rockies. Cloth, $1.25; flexible, SI. 50. Water Birds East of the Rockies. Cloth, $1.50; flexible, $1.75. Land Birds West of the Rockies. Cloth, $1.25; flexible, $1.50. Animal Guide (North American Mammals). Cloth, $1.25. Flower Guide (for the Eastern States). Cloth, $1.25; flexible, $1.50. Tree Guide. By Julia E. Rogers. Cloth, $1.25; flexible, $1.50. BiUterfly Guide. By W. J. Holland. Cloth, $1.25; flexible, $1.50. Pamphlets Bulletin No. 1. Attracting Birds about the Home. Illustrated articles containing de- signs for bird-houses, bird-tables, lists of shrubs, etc. Postpaid, 15 cents. Bulletin No. 2. Propagation of Upland Game Birds. By H. K. Job. Postpaid, 25 cents. Bulletin No. 3. Propagation of Wild Water-fowl. By H. K. Job. Postpaid, 25 cents. Bulletin No. 4. Bird Study in Elementary Schools. Postpaid, 25 cents. Primer of Bird Study. By Ernest Ingersoll. Postpaid, 18 cents. Audubon Bird Charts The Audubon bird charts are 27 x 42 inches, lithographed on good paper and mounted on cloth, with wooden rollers at top and bottom. They show the birds, life size, in characteristic attitudes and natural colors. A booklet accompanies each chart describing the birds shown. These charts are especially valuable for school and hbrary use as they offer practical help in nature study and drawing. An illustrated descriptive circular on request. No. 1 — 26 Common Birds. No. 2 — 26 Common Birds. No. 3 — 20 Winter Birds. Price of Each Chart, $2.50 Audubon Bird Collection Educational folders 5x8 inches, printed on light card for pocket reference. Each case shows a group of birds, drawn to uniform scale and in full colors. May be used for class room study or for identification in field work. No. 1 — Permanent resident and winter visitant land birds of the North- eastern States. (63 birds) No. 2 — Permanent resident and winter visitant land birds of the South- eastern States. (82 birds) No. 3 — Early spring migrant land birds of the Eastern United States. (74 birds) No. 4 — Common winter land birds of the Western United States. (84 birds) Price Ten Cents Each Our Bird Friends. By Sarah H. Dudley. An educational Game for Home and School. Fifty-two of our common birds of the summer and winter illustrated and described. Just what is needed by both young and old to teach the essential points in the identification of birds. Postpaid, 50 cents. Stereopticon Slides. More than 200 different Lantern Slides, admirably colored, and suitable for illus- trating Lectures on Birds. List furnished on apphcation. Postpaid, $1.00 each. Field Glasses. Price $7.50, postpaid, including case and strap (supply is small). Price $12.00, postpaid, including case and strap. Both these glasses are very good and come well recommended. Bird-lore. Edited by Frank M. Chapman. An illustrated bi-monthly magazine. — $1.50 per year. OflBcial organ of the National Association of Audubon Societies. Monthly Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Contains news, items, notices of lectures, etc. of interest to the birdlover. Included with subscription to the Society, $1.00 per year. Any other bird-book may be obtained on request. For Students and Bird Lovers What can be better for students and bird-lovers than a set of the beautiful colored charts of birds, life size, known as THE AUDUBON BIRD CHARTS There are three of these charts and they show in all 72 birds beginning with those most common. The birds are shown life size and in color and are scientifically accurate in form and markings. Each is numbered and on the chart is given, with the number, the common and scientific name. The Audubon Bird Charts are invaluable for school and family use. There is no better way to familiarize children with the appearance of our common birds than by the means of these charts. Hung on the wall, where they are never out of sight, they attract attention by their beauty and are a constant invitation to examin- ation and study. They show the birds in life size and in character- istic attitudes and natural colors; and are a practical help in nature study and drawing. They are both useful and decorative for schoolrooms, nurseries, and public and private libraries. Litho- graphed and mounted on cloth, size, 27 x 42 inches. These charts should be hung in every schoolroom and Public Library. Price of each Chart, $2.50. BIRDS OF NEW YORK. This is a portfolio, neatly boxed, containing a series of 106 plates, reprints from those used in the work entitled "Birds of New York", the books by E. H. Eaton, issued in two volumes by the New York State Museum. These plates carry the names of the birds represented and include all of the birds known to breed within or visit the State of New York. The pictures in colors are very lifelike, having been drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes. With some unimportant exceptions this set does very well for a set of the Birds of Massachusetts. They may be bought of the Society and will be sent postpaid to any address on receipt of $L50. Same, bound, guards against disarrangement, or loss of plates Postpaid, $2.50 MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY 66 Newbury Street, Boston a! D C 12 VfcLUME V. in NOVEMBER, 1921 Number ' r/iH Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. ^:N BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, r)ne dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. -WHO AMONG YOUR FRIENDS WOULD ENJOY THESE BOOKS ?■ Birds of La Plata By W.H. Hudson Did you read the long review of this work by Samuel Scoville, Jr. in The New York Evening Post ? Every line shows his intense interest in its descriptions of birds new to him and their notes — "the many colored knight or tyrant who takes the place of our kinglet. There, too was a picture of his wonderful little nest fastened to the side of a rush just above the water, made of soft bits of dry, yellow sedge cemented so smoothly that it looks as if it were cast in a mould. It seems strange to think of a kinglet as a water bird, and stranger yet to read of yellow cardinals, oven birds who make their nest of mud on trees. . . . Then there is the Colendra mockingbird who steals scraps of some fifty other bird melodies and blends them into one song. . . . The two volumes of '' Birds of La Plata" are packed full of the little delightful personal touches which make Hudson's descriptions always a delight. . . . Altogether the work is one which every bird-lover should have in his library." — E'vening Post, Jan. 29. Limited edition, with 22 plates in colors ------ $15.00 Special large paper edition with illustrations mounted - - $35.00 Territory in Bird Life By H. Eliot Howard A FAMOUS NATURALIST writes : "I have read 'Territory in Bird Life' with great pleasure. The author has an original thesis — the importance of the bird's chosen territory — which appears to me to throw light upon many facts. He defends it with a wealth of personal observations which show great insight and skill. The book seems to me to be a considerable contribution to ornithology and also to comparative psychology. It is a first-class piece of work. It is refreshing to come across such a fine book." Dr. Howard has since childhood been interested in birds and has practised the inten- sive study of his chosen subject by watching one individual throughout its breeding season, usually during the hours of 4 to 7 a.m. His interpretation of the bird's actions in selecting territory, and defending it, and the relation between the territory and bird song, and between territory and the problems of migration are very interesting. With eleven fine illustrations in photogravure, .... $8.00 Dogs, Birds and Others Edited by H. J. Massingham For many years the " Natural History Letters " in the London Spectator havs been a feature of deepening interest to those studying the psychology of animals. Mr. Mas- slngham has made a selection of these letters and added Illuminating notes which make of them a book keenly Interesting in its bearing on the facts and the philosophy of animal life, with at the same time much of the sort of charm which forever lingers about White's " Natural History of Selbome. " $3.00. These should be obtainable in any Bookstore; if not, order from E. P. Dutton & Co., 681 Fifth Ave., New York M onthly B ulletin 3 RETURN OF BIRDS TO FORMER LOCATIONS Chimney Swift In the year 1900 a pair of chimney swifts built their peculiar nest "glued" to the boards, about four feet above the floor, on the inside of a bath-house at my "camp" on Sandy Pond, Lake Ontario, EUisburgh, New York. The bath-house had two compartments and we left one to the exclusive use of the chimney swifts and daily watched their actions. While the female was brooding the five eggs and young, the male bird toward sunset would attach himself to the boards directly under the nest, hanging on securely by its sharp toes and tail points. The full complement of eggs hatched and the young matured without accident. After the young became old enough to not require brooding, the female "perched" on the side of the bath-house alongside her mate and still directly under the nest. A few days later the young birds crowded each other out of the nest and took position under it and there remained constantly until ready to fly. About sunset the old birds would join the young, and "then they were seven" perched on the inside of the bath-house directly under the nest, somewhat resembling a brood of bats. For several days after the young began to fly they would spend most of the time thus perched under the nest. During this period we would pick a bird off the wall, stroke it, then hold it loosely in the hand, when it would fly out through the ventilator hole in the bath-house and come back in a minute or two and again take its "perch" on the wall. Both the old and young birds became quite tame. We did not remove the nest, and the next year a pair of chimney swifts again took possession of the bath-house, tore out the old nest, and rebuilt at the same spot. This time all the young fell out of the nest before they were strong enough to perch and were killed in the fall to the floor. Thus "molested" they did not return the following year. Surely this second vagary of building in a bath-house instead of a chimney must have been by at least one of the seven birds of the previous year, although during the winter they had, as seems well established, ac- companied others of the species in travel to the interior of South America. Prairie Warbler When boys, my brothers and I spent a large part of our time hunting and collecting birds and eggs in and near our home in Newton, Mass. We would occasionally see one or more prairie warblers, and one summer about 1876 we were rewarded by locating a colony in a rolling field near what is now the thriving residential village of Waban. We then found and collected four or five of their nests in the hazel and barberry bushes of the field. For two succeeding years we had similar good fortune in the same field. We kept the location a secret and in trade secured some of the best specimens of other chum collectors, including Brewster and Maynard, who were not able to find our or any 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society other prairie warbler "quarry". After the third year of this feast a fire swept over this field and we were not able to locate the prairie warbler colony, and evidently they did not return to adjoining quite similar fields. Surely this is another case of return of birds to their former haunts after a winter sojourn in the far South. Golden-Winged Warbler Maynard was the first to collect an authenticated set of golden- winged warbler eggs and nest in Massachusetts. This was in Newton- ville. Within the next few years Purdie and Towne each collected one, and we, two sets of golden-winged warblers, all in Newton within a mile or two of Maynard 's first find, and, as I recollect, there were only two or three other authenticated sets collected in Massachusetts up to about 1880. Who will say that this is not evidence that the then quite rare golden-winged warblers returned year after year to the same locality? Blue Jay Early in the spring, about six years ago, in crossing the foot-bridge over the B. & A. R. R. to the Chestnut Hill Station, near my house, I noticed two blue jays having a quite violent fight in a beech tree located a few feet from the end of the bridge. This was before the tree had foliage. Waiting for my train, I took the opportunity to watch the fight. Presently, another blue jay came noisily flying to the tree, and on his arrival one of the belligerent jays took flight. Clearly he was an intruder in the family trying to steal a mate. The remaining birds then proceeded to "bill and coo" like a pair of turtle doves, on a branch within ten feet of where I was standing, and then, to my surprise, one of the birds jumped on a partially completed nest which I had not observed in a crotch of the tree. Note this nest was within ten feet of the end of this foot-bridge, over which several hundred people passed daily, and also within twenty feet of the spot where the locomotives of some twenty passenger trains daily stop and blow off steam and smoke with accompanied bell-ringing. At least twice a day I watched the birds as I crossed the bridge to and from the trains. I doubt if any one else observed the nest. The birds were not molested and raised their young. The next year a pair of blue jays built near the top of an elm tree back of and within twenty-five feet of my house and within five hundred feet of the peculiar nest near the railroad. I had observed the blue jays around my house that spring, but had not found the nest. Early one morning a violent commotion of the jays was in progress, and on investigation I found the young had left the elm-trees nest and a stray cat was trying to get the young birds, while the old ones were interferring with the cat. My impression is that the cat had climbed the tree and the young had jumped from the nest a few days before they were sufficiently matured to fly. I collected the young birds and put them together in a shrub but saw nothing more of them. I suspect the Monthly Bulletin 5 cat finally devoured them. I believe this was the same pair of jays which had built and reared their young at the railroad site the previous year. Thus molested by the cat, the blue jays have not since returned to build in or about my premises. Robin Four years ago a pair of robins built on the top of an open shutter of a second-story window of my house at Chestnut Hill, and they suc- cessfully reared the young and paid little attention to watchers from the inside of the window. The following year a pair of robins built on the same shutter. The next year they built similarly on a shutter of the next house and the following year again built in that location. Through the opening of the shutter at that time, the nest was destroyed and we have not seen them since. Doubtless the four repetitions of this peculiar nesting-location was by birds of the same family. Catbird For several years we have been regaled by singing of a catbird and frequent sight of a pair of them and later of their young. I knew the birds must have nested in the shrubbery near my house. After the foliage had dropped in the fall of 1919 I found the nest in one of the shrubs, and in 1920 I found the nest while the eggs were being laid, in a shrub at the corner of my lot about seven feet from the ground, within ten feet of the curbstone on both streets, where hundreds of automobiles and other vehicles pass daily, and within twenty feet of the place where my family and friends enter and leave motors to and from my house several times daily. The catbird while brooding would permit us to go within a few feet of the nest without leaving it. The young were successfully reared. This spring (1921) the catbirds returned, and we enjoyed them and their song for several weeks. I discovered the nest in a shrub this time about ten feet from the ground, on the opposite corner of my lot but still within ten feet of the street. Suddenly the nest was forsaken, and we have heard and seen nothing of the catbirds since. My belief is that a cat molested the nest and that if it did not catch one of the birds while brooding it drove them away. They may or may not return next year, but I fear the chances are against their doing so. RosE-BREASTED GrOSBEAK Mr. J. Robertson Ward, of Brookline, gives the following interesting and valuable observation: "In the spring of 1920 we found a young rose-breasted grosbeak in the alley behind our house. He was unable to fly; so we took him into the house and raised him on various foods until he was able to fly. He had the run of the house and was perfectly tame. "We would take him into the park and he would fly to the top of a tree and come back to us. He flew out of the window one day late last summer and played around the park and came back to the cage, 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society which was on the window-sill. In the fall he repeated this as often as he wished and then one day he disappeared. "This spring (1921) he returned to the window-sill, and so we put his cage there again. He has made use of the food placed there and still is as tame as ever. We do not know where his nest is." The lessons fairly drawn from all of the above are: 1. Together with the many incidents recorded by others, practical proof that if unmolested, birds will return to^their former haunts year after year. 2. If molested, they probably will not do so. 3. We should all carefully consider whether we prefer cats or song-birds in and about our homes and "govern ourselves accordingly." The two do not "mix" in brotherly fashion, and when they do establish relations the birds most surely will leave if they are not killed by the cats. Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. George C. Warren. July 29, 1921. AUDUBON BIRD CHARTS Educators throughout the country are rapidly coming to appre- ciate the value of the Audubon Bird Charts. They are a beautiful decoration for a schoolroom wall, where they always attract attention, interest, and admiration. In their teaching quality, however, lies their chief value and they are also largely used outside of the schoolroom. During the last few years shipments have been made not only to prac- tically every state in the Union, but also to Alaska, Hawaii, and Jerusalem. A recent order was received from the Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C, for several sets of these charts for use in the Park Department of Yellowstone National Park. For young children these charts are especially admirable as they teach through their very presence on the nursery wall. PROTECT THE LAUREL The time is at hand when people begin to think of gathering greens from the woods for Christmas decoration. Many of these, like the club-moss, which trails along the surface in pine woods, commonly known as evergreen, may be taken in quantity without doing harm. Others should be collected with discrimination or not at all. One of the last is our mountain laurel {Kalmia latifolia), which stands in beau- tiful green masses on our hillsides after all other leaves have fallen. The Society for the Protection of Native Plants urges us to protect the laurel and refrain from cutting it at all times. The laurel is a slow- growing shrub and is now no longer to be found in many sections where once it was abundant, because of indiscriminate gathering. Its use as a winter decoration should be discouraged. Monthly Bulletin 1 BIRDS OF KILLINGWORTH The Community Motion Pictures Company, 46 West 24th Street, New York City, are the sole agents for the United States of the Massa- chusetts Audubon Society's beautiful bird film, "The Birds of Killing- worth." This is being received with marked enthusiasm wherever shown. It is a two-reel picture and is available for bird clubs, schools, or societies wherever there is an opportunity to use a standard motion- picture machine. Application for the use of this film should be made direct to the foregoing address or to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 66 Newbury Street. THE KATAHDIN GAME PRESERVE The Katahdin Park Game Preserve was created on June 20th of this year, when Commissioner Willis E. Parsons of the Maine Fish and Game Department signed a decree making it unlawful to catch, hunt, chase, or kill any living animal or bird in the Mt. Katahdin region. The decree is effective for four years. The new preserve is the wildest, most rugged and picturesque portion of Maine, and included in it are some of the State's best hunting-grounds. BOOK NOTES The Conservation of Wildlife in Canada By C. Gordon Hewett, D. Sc. Without doubt the most valuable and comprehensive treatise on Canadian wild life that has been published is this book with its fifteen chapter heads and its twenty-three remarkable full-page illustrations besides text figures, map and chart. The volume makes a splendid text-book on the wild life, past and present, of North America, for it is only in Canada that any considerable portion of this, especially the large mammals, is still to be found. The book is replete with informa- tion, full of interest and charm, and is a compelling plea for a concerted effort toward the preservation of these birds and mammals now threat- ened with extinction. Canada has made notable progess in conservation of late years. Its wild-life reservations cover over thirty thousand square miles, not counting its bird sanctuaries which are numerous and widely scattered. It has of late years framed and passed many admirable protective laws. In the planning of these laws and the bringing of them to pass the author had a large part. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the North- west Game Act and many lesser but important measures were either his inception or he had in their success a most potent influence. His intimate knowledge of Canadian wild life gives the book peculiar value, not only to the naturalist but to the conservationist. It is published by Charles Scribner's Sons, and the price is $2.50. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society UNUSUAL HAPPENINGS From the Office of the Director, Division of Ornithology 136 State House, Boston, Massachusetts October 1, 1921 Grouse seem to be increasing in number and their "crazy season" has begun. On September 23 one observer reports that a friend, awakened by a rumpus early in the morning, found a grouse in his bed! The bird had come in through two panes of glass, but recovered uninjured. On September 21 the eggs in a nest of bob-whites were found hatched. They were not hatched on the 19th. This is an exceedingly late brood. A young belted kingfisher fell down a chimney in Essex County, Mass., and^came into a room through the fireplace, creating considerable excitement. We frequently have reports regarding the taking of eggs and the killing of young birds by snakes. A correspondent sends us the follow- ing, which he vouches for: "In July when I was at work near Brookeville, Fla., a farmer's wife called to me, saying a large gopher snake was robbing her hen's nest. I hurried to the spot and saw a snake which measured 5| feet taking eggs from the nest of a common barnyard fowl. The nest was along a hedge near the road. "Quickly picking up a hoe I struck the reptile just as it swallowed the last egg in the nest and severed the head from the body and then picked the mutilated remains up by taking hold of its tail, and as I did so six eggs, all unbroken, rolled out on the grass and soft sand. The grateful woman who called to me gathered the eggs up, set them under an old hen and in due course of time all of these eggs hatched." Edward Howe Forbush, Director, Division of Ornithology. QUAIL PLENTIFUL THIS YEAR The bob-white is plentiful this year. Two successive mild winters and three good breeding-seasons have multiplied bob-white coveys by the thousand, according to reports to the Biological Survey, United States Department of Agriculture. In Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, and Indiana there has not been such an abundance of the birds in many years. In a recent trip through northern and northwestern Indiana, they were seen in greater numbers than ever before, and wardens in many other states in which there is no open season on quail report them abundant in their localities, notably in Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. In Massachusetts, reports vary greatly. In somx counties the birds are scarce or wanting. In the southeastern part of the state, especially Barnstable and Plymouth counties, they are still numerous. M 0 n thly B ull e tin 9 LIST OF LIFE MEMBERS RECEIVED FROM SEPTEMBER 21 TO OCTOBER 21 King, Mrs. Henry P 118 Beacon St., Boston Sheldon, Miss Jeanette T 32 Farlon Rd., Newton Warden, William F 155 Beacon St., Boston Westcott, Mrs. Wm. R Harvard List of Sustaining Members Received from September 21 to October 21 Beals, Walter L Middleboro, Mass. Blaha, Carl 782 Dudley St., Dorchester Frisbie, Robert 18 Beach St., Rockport Marsh, Mrs. Theodore T 16 Spruce St., Dedham Megrew, Allen 265 Clarendon St., Boston Orr, Arthur 6 Mill Lane, Rockport Shaw, John C. Jr 94 Hawthorne St., New Bedford Shreve, Mrs. Benjamin D 17 Chestnut St., Salem Small, F. H 38 Berwick St., Worcester Stanley, Mrs. Arthur 66 Oak St., Hyde Park Stark, Miss Mary R Girls' Latin School, Boston Stearns, A. Warren, M.D Billerica. Stone, Miss Caroline B 53 Hancock St., Lexington Stone, Seymour H 12 Emmons Rd., West Roxbury Stover, Charles C. 204 University Ave., Providence, R. I. Surette, Mrs. Thomas Whitney Concord Taft, Mrs. Edmund M Whitinsville Trafton, Mrs Frances D 323 Minot Ave., Auburn Valentine, Mrs. R. A 50 Vernon St., Brookline Vaughan, Mrs. Samuel Beverly Farms Wadleigh, Mrs. H. A 95 Sheffield Rd., Winchester Ward, Andrew H 127 Centre St., Milton. Washburn, Mrs. Henry B 3 Mason St., Cambridge THE BIRD PERCH When the first robins and bluebirds showed themselves from the South, I decided to try something that seemed to me original, namely the erection of a bird perch. I first cut a pole in the woods and brought it up to the house, then I fastened to the top of it the limb of a tree which had been trimmed down to a few leafless branches. Digging a fairly deep hole in the ground, in the middle of the nearby hayfield, I set my bird perch in it securely. It had not been up more than fifteen minutes before a bluebird perched on it. The perch being quite distant from any tree suggested a pleasant resting-place for him as well as for other birds. It is a pleasure to watch this perch at any time, but especially in June, when the birds are numerous. I have seen many different species sitting on it and sometimes two at once, but my most regular patron was the kingbird. All during the season he could be seen there almost any time perched on the tip of the highest branch, whence he would suddenly dart into the air, seize his prey and return to the perch again William Wheeler, Local Secretary for Walpole 10 Massachusetts Audubon Society MEMBERSHIP The Society needs $50,000 at least in order to increase its activities. Will you help expand its usefulness? The classes of Membership are Life Members paying not less than $25.00 at one time. Sustaining Members paying $1.00 annually. Junior Members under ten years, paying 10 cents. Advantages of Membership Bird Preservation Personal participation in the great work of saving our valuable and beautiful wild birds. Information Advice from competent specialists on the best methods of bird study and bird protection on the home grounds, in sanctuaries or elsewhere, assistance in identification. Reading Room and Exhibition Hall Use at any time of the reading room and exhibition hall at the ofifice, 66 Newbury Street, where bird books, pictures, charts, leaflets and all modern appliances for bird protection are displayed. Bird Lectures The Society gives annually a Course of Lectures, illustrated by stereopticon and moving pictures by the foremost bird specialists of the country. Members have the first opportunity to purchase these tickets at moderate prices. Bird Sanctuary Members and their friends have free use of the Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary for bird study and recreation. Monthly Bulletin All Sustaining and Life Members receive without further expense the Monthly Bulletin, containing information regarding the work of the Society and news of interest in the world of bird study and bird protection. Legacies Sums donated by will to the Society are placed in the Reserve Fund of the Society, a use of the money which has peculiar value because of its permanence. The altruistic work of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, carried on for many years with increasing success, suggests the desirability of remembering it in this fashion. All the funds of the Society are handled carefully and conservatively, but the Reserve Fund, in the exclusive control of the Board of Directors, is especially worthy of consideration of testators who wish to make legacies of lasting usefulness. There will always be need of organized work for bird protection, a form of conservation of the greatest importance to the general welfare. The Reserve Fund of the Society, when of sufficient size, will insure this. Can you not help in this way? FORM OF BEQUEST I give and bequeath to the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Incor- porated, the sum of Dollars for its Reserve Fund Portraits and Habits of Our Birds These two volumes, elegantly bound in buckram and gold, contain valuable material by many authors, all expert bird men, edited by T. Gilbert Pearson Rack Volume is Illustrated by Fifty Full-Page Colored Plates by Louis Agassis Fuertes, Bruce Horsfall and other artists of note AND Thirty or More Drawings and Photographs from Nature Here are the leaflets which have been issued from time to time by the National Association, bound in permanent and very attractive form. They may be seen at the AUDUBON SOCIETY OFFICE, 66 NEWBURY STREET, or will be mailed, postpaid, on receipt of price, M.OO per volume, $8.00 for set. Feed the Birds I The Packard Automatic Food House Keeps the Food Dry ; Feeds Automatically; Avoids Waste; Lasts Years; Weighs a pound-and-a-half Holds a Quart and Costs 75c. TWO FOR $1.25— WHY PAY MORE? By mail postpaid in New England ; elsewhere add postage. Special Mixture Bird Food A balanced ration full of Roasted Peanuts, note the appetizing odor The birds love it. Best for the birds, best for use in the food-house. 8 lbs. (almost a peck) for $1.25, postpaid in New England. Else- where add postage. ATLANTIC BOOKS FOR NATURE LOVERS Wild Brother Strangest of True Stories from the North Woods By Wiiiiam Lyman Underwood Kipling in his 'Jungle Book ' has immortalized Mowgli, the man's cub, who fled from the wrath of Shere Khan, the tiger, and took shelter in the den of a wolf, and was brought up with her young. Many such stories have come down to us out of the past, but has anyone ever heard of the reverse of these stories? Does history record an instance where a woman, to save the life of a helpless starving animal, has taken it into her family and brought it up with her baby? I think not. Such a story was told to me one evening in midwinter, by the station agent in a little village in Northern Maine." (page 95) Engagingly written and fully illustrated, this extraordinary story of human kindness is certain to take a distinctive place in the chronicles of animal lore. $2.00 Everyday Adventures By Samuel Scoville, Jr. ** Mr. Scoville writes so delightfully about finding a blue gentian, or an almost inaccessible raven's nest, or a rare orchid, that his advice to gain health and cultivate a hobby for the outdoor things seems not only practicable but desirable. Like A. Edward Newton and his enthusiasm for Boswell's Johnson, Mr. Scoville with his enthusiasm for bird songs and flowers leaves one hopelessly infected. "By all means read this book if you love birds, flowers or the woods. The chill of winter and the heat of Summer are in it. The joy of sitting at home and coming unexpectedly upon a woodland treas- ure is a joy not lightly to be foregone, and a joy that comes to you over and over in these pages.' ' — Chicago Evening Post. Profusely illustrated, $3.00 At all Booksellers or THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY PRESS, INC. 8 Ar!ington Street Boston (17), Mass. Volume V. DECEMBER, 1921 Number 8 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. M 0 nthly B ulletifi 3 THE STORY OF THE AUDUBON SOCIETY Twenty-jive years of Active and Effective Work for the Preservation of Wild Birdlife By Winthrop Packard The term "Audubon Society" was coined in 188G by George Bird Grinnell, then editor of "Forest and Stream," and under this name an organization for the protection of birds was formed with its headquarters in New York City. Over 48,000 people are said to have signed cards, ex- pressing their interest in the work, l)ut the Society soon ceased to exist. In 1896 the Massachusetts Auckibon Society for the Protection of Birds was organized. Its membership and the scope of its work have con- tinued and increased. It is now the oldest and, with the exception of the National Association of Audubon Societies, the strongest and most active bird-protection society in the country. It was not the first in the world, however, for the Selborne Society, with Sir John Lubbock as President, and the Roj^al Society for the Protection of Birds, Her Grace the Duchess of Portland President, were already active in England and still continue. The Massachusetts Society has been rightly called the "mother" of all Audubon Societies, for directly through its example and influence similar societies were formed one after another until nearly every state in the Union has such a society. In 1902 the late William Dutcher was chosen leader of the National Committee of Audubon Societies, whose aim was to bind together and make more effective the work of the various State organizations. Out of this grew in 1905 the National Association of Audubon Societies with Mr. Dutcher President and Mr. T. Gilbert Pear- son Secretary. While in close touch with the National Association of Audubon So- cieties at all times, leaning much on it for advice and assistance, and fre- quently contributing funds and service to its good work, the Massachu- setts Society is an independent organization in all respects. Its main work lies within its own State and its membership and financial support come largely from within its borders, but sons and daughters of Massachusetts go all over the world and Massachusetts interests and aflSliations go with them. Loyal members of the Massachusetts Audubon Society are to be found in most States of the Union and in many foreign countries. In the same way, through its leaflets, charts, calendars, travelling lectures, libraries and exhibits and through its service to the public in response to countless personal ai:)peals for advice and encouragement in bird-protection matters the direct influence of the Society goes out to every part of North America and often to more distant lands. Russia, Alaska, Honolulu and Jerusalem, even, have in recent years come to the Society for advice, encouragement or bird-protection supplies. The first record-book of the Society records the first informal meeting of the Board of Directors as having taken place at the residence of Mrs. Augustus Hemenway, 273 Clarendon Street, Boston on Monday, February 10, 1896. There were present Mrs. Ciihoi, Mrs. Bolles, Miss Hall, Mrs. Hemenway, Miss Richards, Secretary, Mr. Bangs, Mr. Lowell and Mr. Minot. Nine days later a second, more formal meeting was held with Mrs. Cabot at 3 Marlborough Street, Boston. At these meetings leaflets, by- 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society laws, committees, local secretaries, etc., were discussed and arranged for and the work of the Society was fairly launched. That its influence was to be permanent and far-reaching might have been predicted from the long list of distinguished people who were its officers as follows: President William Brewster. Vice-Preside nts : Mrs. Louis Agassiz, Pres. of Radcliffe College. Mrs. John L. Gardner. Mrs. Charles Head. Mrs. Augustus Hemenway. Mrs. Henry S. Hunnewell. Mrs. Julia J. Irvine, Pres. of Wellesley College. Miss Sarah Orne Jewett. Mrs. Clara T. Leonard. Mrs. Endicott Peabody. Mrs. John C. Phillips. Mrs. Dudley L. Pickman. Mrs. John E. Thayer. Miss Wharton. Mrs. Henry Whitman. Hon. Charles Francis Adams. Sylvester Baxter. William Sturgis Bigelow, M.D. William S. Bryant, M.D. J. E. Chamberlin. Philip A. Chase. Samuel Henshaw. Henry L. Higginson. Hon. George F. Hoar. Rt. Rev. William Lawrence, D.D. Hon. John Lowell. Prof. Edward S. Morse. Charles S. Sargent. Horace E. Scudder. Bradford Torrey. Secretary and Treasurer: Miss Harriet E. Richards. Mrs. Frank Bolles. Mrs. Arthur T. Cabot. Miss Minna B. Hall. Directors: OuTRAM Bangs. Ernest Amory Codman, M.D. James Arnold Lowell. George H. Mackay. J. B. Millet. Charles S. Minot, Ph. D. One hundred and ten Local Secretaries were soon appointed, scattered at strategic points throughout the State. One of the first questions to come before the Board of Directors was "how to influence other States to start Societi(»s" and from the l)eginning every effort was made to this end with most gratifying results. Before the first year was out Pennsylvania organized and in 1897 New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, Maine, the District of Columbia, Wisconsin, New Jersey and Colorado followed, with societies already forecast in Rhode Island, Ohio, Iowa and Indiana. M 0 nthly B ulletin 5 Realizing that an organization moves forward only on fvnids, care was taken at the very beginning to provide these through incnnbership fees and donations and the Treasurer's report, puhhshed in October, 1897, toward the close of the second year, shows receipts of $3,322.12 and expenditures of $1,904.19, leaving a balance of $1,317.93. At the very first meeting a legislative agent was appointed to represent the Society in regard to pro- posed legislation concerning the game laws. One of the purposes of the Society, as stated in the hrst paragraph of its first circular, was to discourage the buying and wearing of the feathers of any wild birds. For this, throughout its existence it has worked un- ceasingly and with a large measure of success, but as the foregoing shows it immediately stepped forward into the greater conflict for general l)ird welfare, where it has ever since remained. William Brewster, of Cambridge, was elected President of the Massa- chusetts Audubon Society at its beginning and continued in that office until a pressure of other duties caused his resignation in December, 1913. He was succeeded by Edward Howe Forbush, State Ornithologist, who still (1921) is the head of the Society. To its two Presidents the Massachusetts Audubon Society owes much of its prestige and success. The foundation of these were laid by Mr. Brewster, whose personality and training so admirably fitted him to lead in work of this sort. "His influence was always toward the best efforts and the highest ideals, both in scientific work and personal conduct and association with him was always stimulat- ing and improving." All his life a field naturalist and collector, at the time of the founding of the Society Mr. Brew^ster was already known throughout the country as one of the foremost ornithologists of his time. His scientific attainments, his deep knowledge of l)ird-life and broad and sympathetic understanding of it peculiarly fitted him to be the foremost representative of a Society for the protection of birds. He added to these qualities a temperament that was invariably calm and judicial, blended with a forceful yet always genial leadership that was an inspiration to those who came in contact with him. Set upon the broad foundations of tolerance and wisdom laid tluring his administration, the Society has always been free from any suggestion or charge of fanaticism. Through his in- fluence it went serenely forward to its great work, tact and patience always directing its energy and enthusiasm. This sane guidance and balanced as well as fostered enthusiasm has been admirably continued in the able leadership of Mr. Forbush. The Society's first Secretary-Treasurer was Miss Harriet E. Richards of Brookline, and as it owed much to the wisdom and deep ornithological knowledge of Mr. Brewster, so it did to the tact, zeal and tireless devotion of Miss Richards. Upon her fell the l)runt of the detail work of the organization. As Secretary-Tr(>asurer, lectur(>r, demonstrator and field organizer she worked day and night for the building up of the Society. At the end of the first year, largely through her activities, the Society listed 385 school members and 926 Associate Members, who by vote of the Directors came to be known as Founders, a title of privilege which they still retain. With these two in direct charge and with an active and keenly inter- ested Board of Directors, the work of the Society went forward surely and successfully. Through the courtesy of the Boston Society of Natural History, deskroom for the Secretary was provided in the library of the building free of charge, a friendly hospitality which was continued for near- 6 Massachusetts Audubon Society ly twenty years. Later on the Council Chamber in the basement of the building was turned over to the Society for its ever-expanding office. This connnodious room is still occupied in conjunction with the Massachusetts office of the National Association of Audubon Societies, the two societies joining in paying a modest rental. An early plan of the newly launched Society was the publication of an educational Audubon Calendar and an Audubon poster w^hich could be used by all who wished to post their land against hunting. These two activities have been continued to the present day, several thousand calen- dars i^being sold yearly throughout the country and the Audubon Poster for the protection of birds being known in every hamlet throughout the State. Another early activity was the devising of a circular advocating Bird Day in the public schools. This was published in the Journal of Edu- cation and reprints were widely circulated amongst superintendents, teachers and others. In response to this first circular eighteen gratifying letters were received saying that Bird Day had been or was to be observed in the schools. Through the persistent influence thus originated Bird Day has since become an established institution in the State, fostered and provided for by the Commonwealth itself. During the second year of the Society's existence it was voted to devise and print the first bird chart, the idea being taken from a copy of a German bird chart, exhibited by Ralph Hoffmann, who was an influential member of the Board of Directors and was at one time Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hoffmann was for many years an active worker in the cause, widely known as a lecturer on birds and the author of a valuable Bird Guide. In 1909, twelve years after the founding of the Society, Mr. Hoffmann, then Chairman of the Board, issued a circular stating the character and aims ^of the Society. A paragraph from this sums up very well the work of the Society up to that time. "In the past twelve years the Massa- chusetts Audubon Society has by no means confined its educational work to combating the fashion of wearing birds' plumage on hats. It has pub- lished nearly fifty leaflets and distributed them either directly or througli its Local Secretaries; it has published two wall-charts, representing to- gether fifty-two of our common birds ; it has issued seven Audubon Calen- dars; it has instituted three travelling lectures and four travelling libraries, which are sent into communities where there is a lack of this particular kind of educational influence; it has organized in Boston nine courses of pop- ular lectures." In the fall of 1903 the Society regretfully accepted the resignation of Miss Richards, its first and up to that time its only secretary, tendered on account of ill health, and Miss Jessie E. Kimball, who for some months had served as secretary pro tern., was elected to the position. Miss Kimball served faithfully in this capacity for a term of ten years, being succeeded in 1913 by the present Secretary-Treasurer, Winthrop Packard. The work of the Audubon Society since that time, while it has followed consistently the lines marked out for it by the Founders, has been so varied in detail, has touched the public of our State — indeed of the country at large — on so many sides of the bird-protection problem that it would need a book to adequately describe it. The office at 66 Newbury Street is at once a Museum of bird-protection material, an exhibition library, an ever ready source of information and activity in the dissemination of knowledge in all matters pertaining to bird study and bird protection. It has become head- MonthlyBulletin 7 quarters for supplies as well, and every day brings inquiries, appeals for help, orders for material or visiting investigators, often from far-distant States as well as our own. In all matters pertaining to better legislation the Society has fought vigorousl}^ since its founding. It has been largely instrumental in getting upon the statute books of the State the better bird laws that have been enacted during the past quarter of a century. It has contributed in money and service in every campaign for better national laws as well. It was particularly active in work at Washington for the Federal Migration Bird Law and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, both of which have done so much for the protection of our useful wild birds. It has contributed liber- ally to the various funds needed for bird work throughout the country from time to time. One of its notable contributions was $1,000 toward the Roosevelt Memorial Bird Fountain, planned for by the National Associ- ation of Audubon Societies, this total being made up of very many small sums generously donated by a large portion of its membership. I'he Audubon Society Bird Lectures, begun in a small way by Ralph Hoffmann and his fellow directors, have become a Boston Institution, bringing lectming scientists from all over the country and filling the largest hall in the city with audiences numbering fifteen hundred or more for each lecture. Several thousand Audubon Calendars, published each year, carry bird pictures in color and bird information into as many homes, and the Audubon leaflets and pictures go forth on missionary errands, often to far-distant places, in every mail. In the same way the Audubon Bird Charts, now three in runnber, showing seventy-two birds in color, have become a schoolroom necessity throughout the land and are displayed in progressive public libraries every- where. In April, 1916, the Society accepted the generous offer of Dr. George W. Field of the use of his Sharon estate for a bird sanctuary. This estate; comprises two hundred and twenty-five acres of diversified field and forest land with brooks and small ponds admirably adapted for the purpose. Since that time through the good will of adjoining landholders the area thus protected has been increased to seven hundred and fifty acres. In June, 1918, Mr. Harry G. Higbee, an ornithologist of repute, was engaged as resident^warden at the Sanctuary, making his headquarters at the very ancient farmhouse. The Society's aim in this work is to show how birds may best be attracted on any farm or estate, to so attract and protect them over a large area and especially to make the place so interesting to the g(ni- eral public that it will make pilgrimage to it to learn the methods employetl. In the farmhouse certain rooms have been set apart for the display of Audubon literature and material and have been made very attractive by Mr. Higbee's excellent natural-history collections showing birds, flowers, minerals, insects, etc. During 1920 over twenty-six hundred visitors registered at the Sanctuary office, representing twenty-three States and some distant countries — Canada, Cuba, England, for instance. A dele- gation of Japanese studying American institutions came one day. The Sanctuary work is supported entirely by voluntary subscription and from the General Fund of the Society. In February, 1917, the monthly "Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society" was first pubhshed, its purpose being to chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, to report items of interest con- 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society cerning birds, to_^keep its readers informed as to^State and Federal legis- lation and briefly^to note matters of interest al )Out[birds throughout the world. Its subscription price is $1.00 ixt annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. The Bulletin has proved itself valuable in increasing the sense of fellowship among the members of the Society, as a means of widely disseminating information in regard to the work and as a treasure-house of contril)utions of interesting items of personal experience with birds. One of the first aims of the Audubon Society was to interest and edu- cate young people in a love for birds and their protection. In the beginning it institutetl Junior Membership for a nominal fee and it has labored to this great end of educating the young all through its career. It numbers among its Sustaining and Life Members today many whose first interest was aroused through Jvmior Membership. When in 1912 the National Asso- ciation's plan of Junior Classes in bird study with leaflet, text and colored picture, was proposed, the Society immediately took it up. Its initial success throughout the State being due largely to the effective work of Miss Jessie E. Kimball, then its Secretary. This work throughout the State has steadily expanded, as many as 28,000 children having been thus trained in a single year. Realizing the educational value, especially to the young, of worth- while motion pictures, the Society has had filmed, at very large expense, a two-reel picture of Longfellow's beautiful poem "The Birds of Killing- worth." The quaint, picturesque New England village setting with its Academy and church, parson, preceptor and scholars, with the farms, farmers, village and farmlife give great interest to the story, all through which the birds are seen in profusion, flocking, singing, nesting and feeding their young. The bird pictures are by the noted motion-picture photographers of wild birdlife, William and Irene Finley. This picture is distributed by the Community Motion Picture Company, of 46 West 24th Street, New York City, throughout the United States, and abroad by the Inter-Ocean Film Corporation, 218 West 42d Street, New York City. Its use by theatres or private gatherings may be obtained on application to the Society. It is proving a valuable educational force in the cause of bird protection. Thus we have briefly stated some of the principal activities of the Soci- ety during the past twenty-five years. Naturally all reference to a mass of detail often important and effective for the cause has been omitted. The great desire of its Founders and Directors has been to arouse the public conscience to the need of the work and to secure and direct its assistance. In the quarter-century great progress has been made. To realize this one has only to recall the incessant slaughter carried on without restraint twenty-five years ago, skins of our songsters shipped to the milliners in great bales, articles of connnon and unrestricted traffic, wildfowl of all .kinds killed for the market by the ton, then note the complete cessation of such traflac today. In this result, brought about by Audubon and con- servation societies throughout the country, our Massachusetts Society has had always an active participation, often an effective leadership. The Society has proved its worth. There is still great need of its leadership and its activities. It has learned the value of the mutual assistance and friendly good will of its membership. It tries to give to all who work with it not only a feeling of fellowshii) in the work but the thought that membership is a distinct personal advantage. Lei us help you is its slogan. Monthly B ulleti n 9 The Massachusetts Authibon Society is headquarters for everything that pertams to the great movement for the sane and adequate protection of all desirable wild bird-life. We aim to help the bird students and bird protectionists as well as the birds. You can obtain at the office, 66 New- bury Street, Boston, many things of great value absolutely free. Advice and Instruction. We give expert advice freely in all matters pertaining to the study of birds or their protection. Cloth Posters. These are in the best legal form foi- ]irotecting your property from trespass or illegal hunting. Pamphlets. We have in variety much useful literature on l)ird protection and bird study issued by the Audubon Society and others. Lectures. We have several travelling bird lectures, text and slides of which we lend free of charge to teachers and others who wish to lecture on birds. Libraries. Four travelling libraries of bird books are loaned to public libraries or other educational centres in towns which need them. Exhibitions. Bird literature, various types of bird-houses and other bird-protection material lent at any time for educational exhibits. Bird Clubs. If you wish to start a bird club in your town, write to us. We will help you. Bird Sanctuaries. If you wish to start a bird sanctuary in your town, write to us. We will help you. Supplies for bird work should be obtained from us. You get the lowest prices and the best service, and you help the Society to a modest margin of profit which is used to further liird work. Bird Books. We have the newest and best in Ijird books on our shelves for inspection. You are invited to examine or use these for refer- ence here at the office. We sell them at the list price. You may order them or any other nature book, and we will see that they are mailed to you at the regular price, postage added. Calendars. Bird calendars of the current year, very attractive bird pictures in color with exquisite backgrounds, six plates with calendar dates — six 113^ x 7 inches, price $1.00. Charts. The Audubon Bird Charts — three in number — show seventy- two different birds in color. They are lithographed, mounted on cloth, size 27 x42 inches. We sell thousands of them yearly to schools, libraries and private individuals. They are known the country over. Even far-off Alaska bought them. They cost $2.50 each and they last a lifetime. Bird Pictures. We have over a hundred different bird pictures from paintings by Horsfall, Fuertes and others suitable for framing. With descriptive leaflet and outline drawing these are the best for teaching children — -5 cents to 25 cents each. Lantern-slides. We sell beautifully colored slides of birds. You may choose from 200 at $1.00 each. Bird-houses. We show and sell the best in bird-houses, feeders and food for the winter birds. Mail orders will receive prompt attention. SEPARATES — A separate of the foregoing article, con- taining the story of the Audubon Society, with the portrait of Mr. Brewster, may be obtained at the office of the Society. Price 25c each, postpaid. 10 Massachusetts Andiihon Society SUSTAINING MEMBERS RECEIVED FROM OCT. 22 TO NOV. 17, 1921 John C. Alden 5036 74 Fairmount Ave., Newton Mrs. Richard Ames 5043 Way land T. Winthrop Barnard 5052 46 Norfolk Rd., Arlington Mrs. H. S. Bird 5053 46 Shepard St., Cambridge Mrs. C. O. Blood Lynnfield Centre Mr. C. O. Blood Lynnfield Centre Miss I. F. Brigham 5051 578 Main St., Maiden Mrs. Walter Dean 5035 293 Walnut St., Dedham John Evans 5040 330 Centre St., Milton Horace Field, Jr 5049 123 High St., Brookline Mrs. Clara Gay 5045 3 Joy St., Boston Mary J. Graffam 5046 Holliston F. A. Kidder 5038 17 St. Lukes Rd., Allston Mrs. F. A. Kidder 5039 17 St. Lukes Rd., Allston Library, McGill University 5033 Montreal, Canada Miss Edith Monro 5054 122 Concord St., Newton Lower Falls Mrs. Irving Porter 5037 65 Woburn St., W. Medford E. C. Sherwin 5034 36 CUnton St., Springfield Mrs. Mary C. Stevens 5031 44 Woodbine St., Auburndale Henry Swift 5032 4 Liberty Square, Boston Mrs. Charles D. Thompson 5041 Andover E. C. Whiting 5042 7 Chauncy St., Cambridge Mrs. Delano Wight 5050 44 Sumner Rd., Brookline Miss Martha W. Willett 5044 Norwood Clarence H. Wisham 5048 2 Larchwood Drive, Cambridge Mr. George H. Woolley 5047A Commercial Wharf, Boston Mrs. Edith Christiana Woolley 5047 63 Hyde St., Newton Highlands Christmas Hints. Christmas comes in a few weeks. It gives our members an opportunity to remember some bird-loving friend with a bird book, chart or calendar. We especially recommend the Audubon Charts, three in number, showing seventy-two birds in color, $2.50 each chart; '' Birds of New York," neatly bound, all the birds in color, $2.50 each; the Audubon Calendar for 1922, six bird pictures in color with descriptive text, $1.00 each. We have a four-page price-list of recommend- ed bird books, leaflets and material which we will gladly mail on request. Bird Lectures. Plans already in the making for the annual course of bird lectures would indicate that the Course this year will be more inter- esting, entertaining and instructive than ever before. The lectures will be held on Saturday early in April, probably the 1st, 8th and 15th. Don't fail to reserve these dates. Bird Painters. A recent welcome visitor to the Audubon Society office was Mr. H. P. Crane, of Chicago, who rests from the cares of his large business interests by studying wild life and planning his large Wild Rose Farm at St. Charles, Illinois, as a bird sanctuary. He recalled the fact that New Orleans, which he visits frequently, seems especially to be the home of prominent bird painters. Audubon was long supposed to have been born there. He s}ient an important portion of his life there, during which he did many of his woiulerful paintings of lairds. Parelli, now dead, painted there, jirodueing bird pictures which are held in high esteem. A pupil of his, Viavant, now living there, does exquisite bird paintings and Viavant 's daughter, studying under her father, bids fair to rival him in the quality of her work. Portraits and Habits of Our Birds These two volumes, eleg^antly bound in buckram and gold, contain valuable material by many authors, all expert bird men, edited by T. Gilbert Pearson Each Volume is Illustrated by Fifty Full-Page Colored Plates by Louis A^assi% Fuertes, Bruce Horsfall and other artists of note AND Thirty or More Drawings and Photographs from Nature Here are the leaflets which have been issued from time to time by the National Association, bound in permanent and very attractive form. They may be seen at the Audubon Society Office, 66 Newbury Street, or will be mailed, postpaid, on receipt of price, $4.00 per volume, $8.00 for set. 3 Rustic Cedar Bird Houses for $5.00 and parcel post charges (21c to Mass.) •' HAVE A HEART " Feeder com. bining Suet Holder and Grain Feeder. In Summer it makes a splendid robin shelf. Price $2.50. Crescent Sparrow Trap (Pat. 1393438). Price $5.00, Parcel Post to Mass. 18c. CRESCENT CO. "BIRDSVILLE." TOM'S RIVER P. O.. N. J. PICTURES IN FULL COLOR FOR HOME, SCHOOL AND LIBRARY Send twenty-five cents (stamps) for illustrated catalogue of Great Paintings by Great Masters ^3XXf^ "^ ^^e nvorld's art galleries and priijate collections Ask your dealer to show you the Medici Prints, they are favorite Christmas and wedding presents. The Medici Christmas cards and calendars are the most beautiful in the world. The Riccardi Press Books and many other books in art and belles-lettres are issued by The Medici Society. Ask for a complete list. THE MEDICI SOCIETY, Publishers, 755 Boylston Street, Boston Publishers for the United Slates of The Burlington Magazine far Connoisseurs FEED THE BIRDS 7/ie Packard Aut07Jtatic Food House Keeps the food dry; feeds automatically; avoids waste; lasts years; weighs a pound-and-a-half ; holds a quart and costs 75c. TWO FOR $1.25 --WHY PAY MORE By mail postpaid in New England; elsewhere add postage SPECIAL MIXTURE BIRD FOOD A balanced ration full of Roasted Peanuts, note the appetizine odor. The birds love it. Hest for the birds, best for use in the food-house. 8 lbs. (almost a peck) for $1.25, postpaid in New England. Elsewhere add postage. Address : WINTHROP PACKARD, Canton, Mass. ATLANTIC BOOKS FOR NATURE LOVERS Wild Brother Strangest of True Stories from the North Woods By William Lyman Underwood Kipling in his Jungle Book ' has immortalized Mowgli, the man's cub, who fled from the wrath of Shere Khan, the tiger, and took shelter in the den of a wolf, and was brought up with her young. Many such stories have come down to us out of the past, but has anyone ever heard of the reverse of these stories? Does history record an instance where a woman, to save the life of a helpless starving animal, has taken it into her family and brought it up with her baby? I think not. Such a story was told to me one evening in midwinter, by the station agent in a little village in Northern Maine." (page 95) Engagingly written and fully illustrated, this extraordinary story of human kindness is certain to take a distinctive place in the chronicles of animal lore. $2.00 Everyday Adventures By Samuel Scoville, Jr. " Mr. Scoville writes so delightfully about finding a blue gentian, or an almost inaccessible raven's nest, or a rare orchid, that his advice to gain health and cultivate a hobby for the outdoor things seems not only practicable but desirable. Like A. Edward Newton and his enthusiasm for Boswell's Johnson, Mr. Scoville with his enthusiasm for bird songs and flowers leaves one hopelessly infected. " By all means read this book if you love birds, flowers or the woods. The chill of winter and the heat of Summer are in it. The joy of sitting at home and coming unexpectedly upon a woodland treas- ure is a joy not lightly to be foregone, and a joy that comes to you over and over in these pages.' ' — Chicago Evening Post. Profusely illustrated, $3.00 At all Booksellers or THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY PRESS, INC. 8 Arlington Street Boston (17), Mass. Volume V. JANUARY, 1922 Number 9 Issued Monthly by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc. BULLETIN OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY PROTECTION OF BIRDS 66 NEWBURY STREET, BOSTON, MASS. This Bulletin will chronicle the affairs of the Society from month to month, will report items of interest concerning birds, such as the appearance of rare species locally, will keep its readers informed as to State or Federal legislation and briefly note items of interest about birds throughout the world. Subscription price, one dollar per annum, included in all Sustaining and Life Membership fees. 2 Massachusetts Audubon Society ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING The Annual Business Meeting of The Massachusetts Audubon Society, Inc., will be held at the office of the Society, 66 Newbury Street, Boston, on Saturday, January 28th, at 3 P.M. All Life and Sustaining Members of the Society are members of the corporation and have voting powers at this meeting. This is official notice to all such as is required by law. The Annual Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer and of the Auditing and Nominating Committees are made at this meeting. A detailed report of the work and funds of the Society is issued in the February Bulletin of each ygaj._ WiNTHROP Packard, Secretary. HAPPY NEW YEAR The Audubon Society extends to all members its cordial wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. The coming of 1922 finds it in good con- dition financially. Particularly successful has been the Christmas trade of bird charts, bird calendars and worth-while bird books and bird-protection material. Its thanks are due and are hereby given to all members who have so cordially assisted in making this sale successful. The material that thus goes out carries its own lesson of bird study and bird protection, and the money received helps the Society to further opportunities in the good work. THE FIRST BIRD LAW Before Christ 1451 years, when the old Hebrew lawgiver, Moses, formu- lated a code for the children of Israel, he enacted the following: "If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young; but thou shalt in anywise let the dam go, that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days." THE POPE ENJOINS BIRD PROTECTION Extract from "Swallows," by Evelyn Martinengo Cesaresco, which appeared in "The Spectator," issue of June 25, 1921, page 810. "I received yesterday a communication from the National Association, which has its seat at Genoa. This association has prepared a circular to be sent to the parish priests, in which they are urged to enjoin on their flocks, and especially on the children, respect both for the birds and the nests. The circular is accompanied by a letter of Cardinal Gasparri, written by command of the Pope, who gives his warm approbation to the proposal to enlist the services of the priests for the protection of 'the birds of the air, which, besides being useful to agriculture, seem also the best consolers of man in his pilgrimage through this vale of tears, and which, more than anything else, lift our thoughts to God the Creator.' " BIRD BANDING ASSOCIATION MEETING The first meeting of the New England Bird Banding Association will be held Tuesday, January 17th, at 2 o'clock at the Boston Society of Natural History, 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, for the election of officers and to hear a talk by Mr. S. Prentiss Baldwin on "Instructions in Bird Banding." Mr. Baldwin is making a special trip from Cleveland to attend this first meeting and deliver his lecture. Massachusetts Audubon Society 3 BUILDING A BIRD CLUB By WiNTHROP Packard You need two things for the foundation of a successful Bird Club. FIRST, birds, of which every community has many, usually far more in number and variety of species than is suspected by the average citizen. SECOND, two or more people genuinelv interested in knowing birds. Given these two conditions, it is perfectly easy to start a considerable portion of the community on what bird enthusiasts speak humorously of as "the trip," meaning that once started on the trail of bird study you have acquired a joyous avocation that will last a lifetime. Bird study and bird protection lead always the one into the other, and many especially fine opportunities to study birds intimately come from attracting them in numbers about the home by giving them food, water, shelter and nesting accom- modations. To form your club: Get two or more bird enthusiasts together and organize. You will need a President, Secretary and Treasurer, (these last two offices may well be combined in one). Some clubs have besides these a "general manager," who is picked for his energy and ability to foment business activity and who acts as a sort of field driver to round up and enthuse the activities of the organization. These offices may well comprise the Board of Government, to whom all mooted questions should be referred. More officers than these, as well as a constitution and by-laws, may or may not be needed. Personally, I believe that the less a club is bound by careful rules and restrictions the better it will get on. A name, purpose, simple rules for membership, meetings, and the government of the club are desirable. The enthusiasm of the members and the guiding power of the officers should supply the rest. As for the things a club may do, both for its own welfare and pleasure and for the good of the community, their name is legion. The club should have frequent meetings for free discussion of bird topics and experiences, and should occasionally have a bird lecture from some outside authority on the subject. It should hold frequent bird walks to observe the bird life of the neighborhood. It should encourage its mem- bers to feed, house and otherwise protect the birds. All these things work for the maintenance of personal interest among the club members. Beyond that, however, lies a great field of valuable civic work in which a bird club may engage with profit both to itself and to the community. It should get in touch with the Audubon Society of its state and with that of its nation, take membership in each as a club or in the name of some in- dividual of the club, and heartily support the work of the two greater organizations for better state and national bird laws. Through these organi- zations it will receive stimulating and improving literature of great value. It will learn the methods of interesting the school children of the State in a knowledge of birds through the junior classes in bird study, organized and carried on by the National Association of Audubon Societies and fostered by all State organizations. Bird clubs may well assist by placing this work locally before teachers and scholars and in keeping it forward. The club may give a public exhibition of bird-protection literature and appliances on some desirable occasion, in connection with its lecture course, for instance, or in the public libraries, and attract and interest the general public in that way. 4 Massachusetts Audubon Society Every bird club should plan to have a bird sanctuary in its neighbor- hood, some favored spot where birds are especially guarded and encouraged. A sanctuary is valuable for the work it does for the birds, as an object lesson to the community in calling attention to the work of the club and in actual bird protection. Many bird clubs have done valuable work in the publication of reports, memoirs and investigations of members into scientific phases of bird life, such as the publications of the Nuttall Ornithological Club of Cambridge. In fact there is no end to the pleasure, civic betterment and scientific knowl- edge which may be derived from the earnest work of a bird club. Such a club should enjoy, study and protect birds locally. It should enjoy and help the State Audubon Society in its work for the State. It should participate in and derive pleasure and benefit from sharing the nation-wide work of the National Association of Audubon Societies. To all planning the formation of a bird club or engaged in forwarding the practical work of such a club is recommended the First Report of the Brush Hill Bird Club. This is a compendium of valuable information covering the formation, progress and extraordinary range of activities of that club. It may be obtained through the Massachusetts Audubon Society. HOMING BIRD PETS By G. Franklin Brown The owl that was driven away from her home of three years by a gray squirrel has come back and has remained a month. For a week there was another owl living with her, and they would take turns at the opening. The hen Reeves pheasant that I once told you took refuge in our lighted vestibule after losing her perch for the night and which I sat down beside on the floor and petted like a dog, after an absence of three years was seen two weeks ago beside the road across the river and this morning was under my window at her old stamping-ground eating grain. Can you beat it? NESTING JUNCOS We have had a very good year for birds here. My son has identified over ninety-five species within a radius of a mile and one-half from the parsonage. We have identified over fifty species in our garden, a little lot of land about seventy-five by one hundred feet. We have raised three cedar waxwings by hand, besides having other interesting experiences. We found a junco's nest with young and know that the white-throated sparrow and myrtle warblers must nest here. My son found the pipits here one day in October, also the horned larks. The great blue heron was with us all summer. On November 5th I saw a solitary female pine grosbeak. Two of my friends who saw the bird considered she must have been disgruntled with the rest of the flock and decided to see the world for herself. Fox sparrows have been quite numerous this fall. We have also had the white-crowned sparrow, which is not so common here. Mrs. George L. Mason, North Orange, Mass. Massachusetts Audubon Society 5 MELROSE BIRDS RETURN November 18, 1921. Editor Bulletin of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, 66 Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Dear Sir:—! was much pleased with the article in November Bulletin regarding return of birds and it may interest your readers to learn my experience in this matter. At my Melrose home, for three consecutive summers, I cared for a robin who had lost all the toes of his left foot, his left leg simply being a 1 straight leg much like a tooth pick. I was first attracted to him by noticing that when he drew a fish worm out of the ground he would tip away over on one side and after some weeks of feeding him, I noted that when he tried to pull a fish worm out, the leg without any toes would go away down pretty near to his body in the soft turf and this is what caused him to practically tip over when he was working about my lawn. The last summer he was so tame that I would dig fish worms and he would come up within a foot of my hand to pick them up. For several years I had a robin's nest in exactly the same location in a white birch tree that was so near my piazza that I could stand on the upper piazza and look directly into the nest. Most seasons two families were raised in the same nest and I am very sure that it was the same family of robins because the last year or two they practically paid no attention to my looking into the nest nearly every day, taking photographs of it, etc. The tree became so broken in the heavy snow two winters ago that it had to be cut down and the next spring at nesting time there were three or four robins fussing around that end of the piazza for several days evidently looking for the tree in which to build their nest. I have also had a great deal of pleasure for many years in watching a group of blue jays who nest in some apple trees in the neighborhood but who regularly come to my squirrel-cage in the front of the house to pick up corn and seeds. About this time of year they come regularly every morning for their breakfast because I keep ears of corn and suet hanging in several places for them. I am very sure that these blue jays all come from the same family because they invariably go to a special place on my squirrel- cage and if there is not enough corn there for them, they will stand and holler for it. It is also worth noting that on Sunday mornings, when we sometimes sleep later than usual, they will come to the cage at about their usual hour — 7 o'clock — and fuss around it, hollering most of the time until I get up and feed them. In fact they have become so much a part of my place that they are known all around the neighborhood as "Shum way's blue jays." Yours very truly, Franklin P. Shumway. Massachusetts Audubon Society Life Members Received November 18, 1921, to December 27, 1921 Baker, Miss Esther H. 179 Hope St., Providence, R. I. Stone, Robert G. 311 Clinton Rd., Brookline Sustaining Members Received November 18, 1921, to December 27, 1921 Adams, Mrs. Ciiarles Z. Allen, Ben Franklin Avery, M. H. Babcock, Mrs. Mary G. S. Baldwin, Miss Elizabeth P. Bangs, Francis R. Barry, Miss Ellen L. Bartlett, Mrs. Alice M. Bicknell, Mrs. Amy K. Bigelow, Joseph S. Bigelow, Mrs. Joseph S. Billings, Mrs. Fanny A. Blake, Dr. John B. Blanchard, Mrs. H. W. Bowen, John T. Bradley, Richards M. Brandt, Mrs. Carl Brooks, Edwin W. Bi7ant, Miss Grace M. Burrage, Miss Caroline S. Byrne, Harry C. Cameron, Miss Lucy A. Chase, Mrs. Josiah Chubbuck, Mrs. C. H. Clapp, Mrs. L. T. Emery, Miss Florence E. Gillette, Robert Stone Gilman, Arthur S. Hathaway, Mrs. Charles M. Houghton, Miss A. LeBoutillier, George Loring, Augustus P., Jr. Macausland, Miss Bertha H. Record, Mrs. Mabel A. Smith, Francis Stanley, Mrs. Howard Thomas, Mrs. Christine D. Williston, H. S., Jr. Woelfle, Miss Caroline Young, Dr. Edward L., Jr. Zueblin, John 693 Commonwealth Ave., Newton Centre Needham Lubec. Maine Dudley 48 Harvard Ave., West Medford 190 Marlborough St., Boston 316 Federal Bldg., Boston 985 Charles River Rd., Cambridge Buckfield, Maine 251 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 251 Commonwealth Ave., Boston 529 Pleasant St., Belmont 371 Commonwealth Ave., Boston Concord 14 Marlborough St., Boston 60 State St., Boston 15 Zamora St., Jamaica Plain 1 Hubbard St., Concord 175 West St., Braintree 72 Highland St., West Newton 6 Mellen St., Boston Westford York Village, Maine 34 Charles St., East Weymouth 59 Evans Rd., Brookline West Sterling 102 Grandview Ave., Wollaston 54 Garden St., Cambridge Spring St., West Bridgewater 535 Beacon St., Boston 3 Orchard St., Andover 111 Devonshire St., Boston New Canaan, Conn. Abington 1 Wolcott Terrace, Winchester 15 Kay St., Newport, R. I. Sherborn 35 Round Hill, Northampton 20 Olmsted St., Jamaica Plain 249 Dean Rd., Brookline 2 Wolcott Terrace, Winchester Questions. Do you know of any credible evidence to sustain the ancient belief that Wood Ducks or any other ducks that nest in hollow trees sometimes carry their young from nest to water, and if so, how were the young birds carried? Have you known any surface-feeding duck, swan, or goose to dive; if so, what species and under what circumstances? Have you known any diving duck to cling when wounded to an object on the bottom until death ensued? If so, when, where and what species? Address Edward Howe Forbush, Director, Division of Ornithologij , Room 136, State House, Boston. Massachusetts Audubon Society 7 BIRD BANDING Since the first attempt at Bird Banding considerable development and progress have been made. It has become important enough to have been taken up by the Bureau of Biological Survey. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C, and under its guidance valuable results should be ob- tained. The Survey has succeeded in interesting to date about 100 observers, to whom approximately 5000 bands have been issued. Some of the questions to be answered by Bird Banding are as follows: Do birds return to the same nesting area season after season? Do nesting birds ever use the same nest and have the same mate season after season? Do certain birds rear a second brood in the same nest or in the same region as the first brood? Do yomig birds return to breed in the same spot in which they were reared? Do migrating birds stop off at the same feeding places en route year after year? Do certain individual birds come and go over the same migration routes? How long do birds live? Etc., etc. The Biological Survey is now considering plans to secure the permanent co-operation of Universities, Colleges and Agricultural Schools throughout the country in Bird Banding, and when plans have been developed more definitely and a larger number of organizations and individuals have become enrolled in this effort, the volume of data and results should accumulate rapidly. I take this opportunity to solicit volunteers in Massachusetts and in New England to undertake this work with the ultimate purpose of forming a Bird Banding Association to meet regularly to forward and systematize this work. Will you join? Bands, record blanks, licenses, books of instruction and literature will be furnished free by the Biological Survey. As a result of only 10 weeks activity at Cohasset this year and with but one trap the writer was able to trap and to band from nests 75 birds representing 15 species. If you are interested in this plan and would like further data, write either to the Bureau of Biological Survey at Washington, D. C, or to the undersigned. Yours very truly, 4 Post Office Square, Boston, Mass. Lawrence B. Fletcher. CLOSED AREAS IN NEW MEXICO Nine hundred and forty thousand acres of the best hunting and fishing- grounds in New Mexico have been closed by order of the state game com- mission. The order is the most sweeping ever issued in the state. The closed streams and grounds will b(^ posted at once. Hunting in the posted areas is a misdemeanor and is punished by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $300, or imprisonment in the county jail for not less than five days or more than thirty days. Ten areas in the vicinity of the Rio Grande are closed from hunting migratory birds. 8 Massachusetts Audubon Society MOURNING DOVE A MIGRATORY BIRD, COURT DECIDES The mourning dove, known in some localities as the Carolina or turtle dove, is a migratory bird coming within the protection afforded by the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Act of Congress to give it effect, although individuals of the species remain within the borders of certain States the entire year. This decision was rendered in the case of the United States against Joseph H. Lumpkin, brought to trial at Athens, Ga., November 14, before Federal Judge S. H. Sibley and a jury. The defendant, who was charged with killing mourning doves during the Federal close season, contended that the birds which he had killed had not migrated but had remained in Georgia the entire year, and for this reason were not covered by the Federal statute. The case, which attracted widespread attention, was attended by prominent attorneys of Georgia. The court held as a matter of law that the mourning dove is protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty, Act, and Regulations, and instructed the jury that the only question of fact to be decided by it was whether the defendant actually killed mourning doves in the close season as charged in the indict- ment. The trial consumed two days and resulted in the jury returning a verdict of guilty, and the imposition of a fine of $25 and costs. ■ HELPING THE FLEDGLINGS Dear Mr. Packard: I wish to tell your readers of a method I have used successfully in saving the lives of young birds who have been scattered from the nest and are unable to fly. Tie through the top band of a half-bushel peach-basket a strong cord or small rope forming a handle. By another strong cord fasten it well out on the branch of a tree too small for a cat to climb and run a perching stick through over the middle band. The parent birds are attracted by the babies' cries and the wide opening makes it easily accessible for them to fly down with food. Soon the little ones gain strength to get on the perch and from that find their way out when able to fly. Mary R. Stanley, 28 Ash Street, North Attleboro. MOVING THE PHCEBES During the summer of 1920, a pair of phoebes nested on a beam of our cottage piazza. For obvious reasons the nest was taken down, and placed at first on the piazza railing. Although it was in plain sight, the old birds could not find their brood when they returned, but searched the old nesting- place in distress. The nest was replaced and the four birdlings fed, and was again removed with a similar result. The babies at last showed signs of suffering, so I gave them water with a medicine dropper, which revived them. Finally I took a low stepladder and tied branches to the top, and then placed the nest upon one of the steps. Immediately the old birds flew to the nest and began to feed the babies, and continued to do so, until they left the nest. They proved to be a neat family, but in this way we could watch and control conditions if they became annoying. We moved the steps from place to place, the old birds not minding. The mother brooded the nest at night. One morning she found that the nest was in the bright sun- shine, so she sat on the edge and spread her wings to shade it. When we moved the steps into the shade she no longer kept this position. It was an interesting experience for us, and may give a suggestion to others. Carrie J. Allison, Center Lovell, Maine. Massachusetts A uduh o n Society 9 BOOK REVIEWS Wild Brother, by William Lyman Underwood, Atlantic Monthly Press, Boston — S2.00. Thousands of people have heard Mr. Underwood lecture on the black bear of the Maine woods that grew up as a member of a backwoodsman's family. They have been entertained and thrilled by the amazing story and they have believed it because they have seen on the screen pictures of the bear, his surroundings and many of his adventures. Mr. Underwood has put all this in book form, profusely illustrated. The story is a Maine woods epic, told with a direct simplicity and a charm of straightforward narrative that is sustained throughout. It will appeal with- out question to all the thousands who have heard the lecture and should appeal equally to many thousands more who never have had that good fortune. The Book of Birds for Young People, by F. Schuyler Mathews, G. P. Putnam's Sons — S3. 00. Mr. F. Schuyler Mathews is intimately known to all nature students through his valuable books on birds and flowers. "The Field Book of Wild Birds and Their Music' and "The Field Book of American Wild Flowers" are constant companions of students of wild life everywhere. "The Book of Birds" is essentially a book for young people, though it is entertaining and instructive to people of all ages. It gives brief descriptions of the birds, tells of their habits, their song and their nest building in a very definite but entertaining way. There are chapters on birds of the various seasons, on Southern birds, warblers, winter birds and migration, besides a vast amount of interesting information on birds in general. The book is profusely illustrated, there being 67 full-]>age illustrations in color and 28 in black and white by the author. One of the very best of the bird books for children. The Children's Book of Birds, by Olive Thorne Miller, Houghton Mifflin Company — $3.00. Long ago Olive Thorne Miller wrote "The First Book of Birds." It was so immediately and worthily successful that it was followed very soon by "The Second Book of Birds." Few bird books for young people have had such lasting popularity. Now, combined in one, they appear as "The Children's Book of Birds." The book has sixteen colored plates and many other illustrations. These give added value to a book which is well worth while because of the entertaining manner in which it is written and the undoubted value and accuracy of material information which it conveys. Conservation of Our Mammals and Birds. Dr. John C. Phillips writes on this timely topic in the September number of the Harvard Gradmttes' Magazine with logic and vigor. The article is too long to be reprinted in the Bulletin, but all lovers of wild life should read and ponder it. In the final paragraphs the author sums up the situation and gives some very per- tinent suggestions in an outline of policy which seems to him the most important for saving species actually threatened and for increasing those that are capable of being increased. In the main he finds the situation hopeful, but believes that definite action should be taken in the very near future toward increasing the number and size of sanctuaries and taking prompt action to protect some species which are now in great danger of extinction. For Students and Bird Lovers What can be better for students and bird-lovers than a set of the beautiful colored charts of birds, life size, known as THE AUDUBON BIRD CHARTS There are three of these charts and they show in all 72 birds beginning with those most common. The birds are shown life size and in color and are scientifically accurate in form and markings. Each is numbered and on the chart is given, with the number, the common and scientific name. The Audubon Bird Charts are invaluable for school and family use. There is no better way to familiarize children with the appearance of our common birds than by the means of these charts. Hung on the wall, where they are never out of sight, they attract attention by their beauty and are a constant invitation to examin- ation and study. They show the birds in life size and in character- istic attitudes and natural colors; and are a practical help in nature study and drawing. They are both useful and decorative for schoolrooms, nurseries, and public and private libraries. Litho- graphed and mounted on cloth, size, 27 x 42 inches. These charts should be hung in every schoolroom and Public Library. Price of each Chart, $2.50. BIRDS OF NEW YORK. This is a portfolio, neatly boxed, containing a series of 106 plates, reprints from those used in the work entitled "Birds of New York", the books by E. H. Eaton, issued in two volumes by the New York State Museum. These plates carry the names of the birds represented and include all of the birds known to breed within or visit the State of New York. The pictures in colors are very lifelike, having been drawn by Louis Agassiz Fuertes. With some unimportant exceptions this set does very well for a set of the Birds of Massachusetts. They may be bought of the Society and will be sent postpaid to any address on receipt of $1.50. Same, bound, guards against disarrangement, or loss of plates Postpaid, $2.50 MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY 66 Newbury Street, Boston Portraits and Habits of Our Birds These two volumes, elegantly bound in buckiam and ^rold, contain valuable material by many authors, all expert bird men, edited by T. Gilbert Pearson Each Volume is lllmtrated by Fifty Fu/i-Page Colored Plates by Louis Jgassiz Fuertes, Bruce Morsfall and other artists of note AND Thirty or More Drawings and Photographs from Nature Here are the leaflets which have been issued from time to time by the National Association, bound in permanent and very attractive form. They may be seen at the Audubon Society Office, 66 Newbury Street, or will be mailed, postpaid, on receipt of price, $4.00 per volume, $8.00 for set. ^ , 3 Rustic Cedar Bird Houses for $5.00 and parcel post charges (21c to Mass.) •'HAVE A HEART" Feeder com- bining Suet Holder and Grain Feeder. In Summer it makes a splendid robin shelf. Price $2.50. Crescent Sparrow Trap (Pat. 1393438). Price $5.00, Parcel Post to Mass. 18c. CRESCENT CO. "BIKDSVILLE." TOM'S RIVER P. O.. N. J. FEED THE BIRDS The Packard Automatic Food House Keeps the food dry; feeds automatically; avoids waste; lasts years; weighs a pound-and-a-half ; holds a quart and costs 75 c. TWO FOR ^1.25 --WHY PAY MORE By mail postpaid in New England; elsewhere add postage SPECIAL MIXTURE BIRD FOOD A balanced ration full of Roasted Peanuts, note the appetizing odor. The birds love it. Best for the birds, best for use in the food-house. 8 !bs. (almost a peck) for $1.25, postpaid in New England. Elsewhere add postage. Address : WINTHROP PACKARD, Canton, Mass. Bring back the beautiful Purple Martin to every community, not only in Massa chusetts, but all New England States as well, by using REAL bird-houses manufact- ured by the JACOBS BIRD-HOUSE aud MANUFACTURING COMPANY and in dorsed by the birds everywhere. Send for our free annual Bird-House Booklet and a copy of The American Bird-House Journal and learn what others are doing in establishing Martin colonies, feeding winter birds and encouraging all kinds of house-nesting birds. JACOBS BIRD-HOUSE and MANUFACTURING CO., Waynesburg, Pa. c CO o