The Chat

BULLETIN OF THE NORTH CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

VOU XII JANUARY, 1948 No. 1

PUBLISHED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

Gr««ntboro, N. C

The Ghat

Bulletin of the North Carolina Bird Club

Dr. Archie D. Shaftesbury, Editor

Woman’s College of University of North Carolina, Greensboro, N. C

EDITORIAL STAFF — Associate Editor, B. R. Chamberlain, 1320 Biltmore Drive,
Charlotte.

Contributing Editors; Miss Grace Anderson, Statesville: Mrs. Edna Lanier Apple-
berry, Wilmington; Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Henderson; E. B. Chamberlain, Charles-
ton Museum, Charleston, S. C.; Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, Charlotte: J. W. Clinard,
Hickory; Harry T. Davis, N. C. Museum, Raieigh; Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green,
Raleigh; Dr. John H. Grey, Jr., Chariottesville, Va. ; Miss Clara Hearne, Roanoke
Rapids; Dr. Thelma Howell, Macon, Ga. ; Mrs. Zora P. Jensen, Chapel Hill; Joe
Jones, Chapel Hill; J. W. E. Joyner, Rocky Mount; Henry Magie, Winston-Salem;
Rev. J. J. Murray, Lexington, Va. ; Howard T. Odum, New Haven, Conn.; Oscar
H. Paris, Jr., Greensboro; Prof. Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill; James L. Stephens,
Jr.; James L. Stephens, Jr., Lumberton; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Chapel Hill; airs.
Eddie W. Wilson, Cary; Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro; D. L. Wray, Raleigh.

Entered as second-class matter April 8, 1941 at the post office Greensboro, North
Carolina, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Published five times a year on the fifteenth of January, March, May, September,
and November as the official organ of the North Carolina Bird Club. Articles for
publication should reach the Editor by the first of the month in which the issue is
published.

NOTIFICATION OP CHANGE OP ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE
EDITOR.

Bulletin subscription, one dollar a year. Included in all membership fees.

Vol. XII JANUARY, 1948 No. 1

CONTENTS

Page

Christmas Bird Count, 1947 — Archie D. Shaftesbury 1

News of Local Clubs 11

State Bird Club Enjoys Field Trip to Coastal Wildlife Refuges —

Robert L. Wolff 12

Field Notes and News 14

Bachman’s Sparrow — A Portrait — B. Rhett Chamberlain 19

With the Editor 20

Important Notices Inside Back Cover

Local Clubs and Their Officers Outside Back Cover

OFFICERS OF THE NORTH CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

PRESIDENT Mrs. O. F. Jensen, Chapel Hill

VICE PRESIDENTS: B. R. Chamberlain, Charlotte; J. Weston Clinard, Hickory;
Robert Wolff, Goldsboro.

SECRETARY Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Chapel Hill

TREASURER Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, 6 Springdale Court, Greensboro

EDITOR OF THE CHAT A. D, Shaftesbury, W.C.U.N.C., Greensboro

MEMBERS AT LARGE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mrs. Cecil M. Appleberry, Wilmington; Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green, Raleigh

Christmas Bird Count, 1947

Archie 1). SHAFTESBUR^', Greensboro, N. C.

\\A received from members of the North Carolina Hird Club Christ-
mas counts from 16 localities in North and South Carolina and 'J'ennessee,
including Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charleston (South Carolina), Charlotce,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee), Greensboro, Lenoir,
Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (Hyde County, N. C.), Mount
Olive, Pea Island and Oregon Inlet (Dare County, N. C.), Raleich,
Spartanburg (South Carolina), Warsaw, Wilmington, Windom, and
\\^inston-Salem. The sixteen localities, with 190 observers, reported 176
different species and sub-species, and counted or estimated a total of ap-
proximately 100,224 birds.

Wilmington, which reported 94 species in the 1946 Christmas count,
led the North Carolina counts again with the record number of 1 15 species,
which puts them among the really high counts for the nation. (In the 1946
Christmas counts reported to the National Audubon Society, only 16 lo-
calities in the United States listed 100 or more species.) Charleston, South
Carolina, sending us their report for the first time this year, tops all of
our 16 lists, reporting a total of 136 species, slightly less than their list
of 144 species which placed Charleston second in the nation a year ago.
Ten of the sixteen localities reporting to The Chat this year list 50 species
or more, which is certainly a good record.

Some of the submitted records which appear to hold unusual interest
are: White-eyed Vireo, at Mount Olive (carefully checked by Bob Holmes
III); Ovenbird, at Raleigh (reported heard and seen); Baltimore Oriole,
at Spartanburg, South Carolina (adult male examined at close range by
three observers); White-winged Crossbill, at Charleston, South Carolina,
(the bird was “squeaked” down for closer observation — first report for
South Carf)lina, hut placed in the hypothetical list for that state, since the
specimen was not taken) ; and Eastern Grasshopper Sparrow, taken at
Raleigh by T. L. Quay. Quay’s method — taking the specimen — would
certainly give desired authentication to the record of a Wood Pewee, re-
ported by one observer at Asheville.

Winter records of American Egrets, first recorded along our coast
during the past few years, show increasing numbers. Little Blue and
Louisiana Herons are also reported from coastal areas. A Green Heron is
reported at Wilmington, and the Pea Island report lists 4 American
Bitterns and 2 Avocets.

Among the erratic species for this area. Red-breasted Nuthatches are
listed at only four localities, Wilmington (4), Raleigh (1), Greensboro

THE CHAT

9

w

(12), and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (31); Pipits were re-
ported from 7 localities, extending from Great Smoky Mountains National
Park and Spartanburg, South Carolina, in the west, to Wilmington atui
Charleston, South Carolina, in the east; Purple f inches are reported from
seven localities, all in small numbers (2 to 20), with the exception of Wil-
mington, which lists 52; Pine Siskins were reported from only 4 localities.
Chapel Hill (2), Greensboro (15), Spartanburg, South Carolina (1), and
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee (2).

The relatively small numbers of Robins reported on twelve inland lists
(two localities record none), with 717 Robins reported from Charleston,
South Carolina, and 800 plus listed at Spartanburg, South Carolina, sug-
gests that the Robins are finding more congenial weather farther south.
The density of distribution of Myrtle Warblers at this season of the }’ear,
as suggested by these counts, is interesting. Myrtle Warblers are reported
in numbers of from 3 to 12, from six inland localities; Raleigh, Lenoir,

indom, and Asheville list none; while counts from all the eastern lo-
calities, Pea Island, Mattamuskeet Refuge, Mount Olive, Warsaw, Wil-
mington, and Charleston, South Carolina, each lists from 200 to 500
Mvrtle Warblers.

The counts at the Federal Refuges at Mattamuskeet and Pea Island
indicate considerably larger numbers of Snow Geese and Canada Geese
than were recorded in the 1946 Christmas count, but this may be due to
earlier winter weather this year in the north. Black Duck and Pintail, the
most abundant ducks on these refuges, are listed in larger numbers than
last year. Other ducks seem to be fewer, both in kinds and in actual num-
hers of birds. Small numbers of Mallards are reported on nine of the
lists, but Redheads, which were abundant years ago, are listed from but
two localities. Chapel Hill (1), and Charleston, South Carolina (4).

ASHEVILLE, N. C. (Area covered this year was less than in the last two years,
but its limits and general topography were the same. From Beaver Lake soutli to
Rosscraggon, and from Dryman Mountain east to Bee Tree Road; open farmland
15 pet., town suburbs 35 pet., pine woodland 15 pet., deciduous woodland 10 pet.,
mixed woodland 10 pet., lake and stream banks 14 pet., marsh 1 pet.) Dec. 27 —
8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Clear, sunny j temp. 48-27 degrees F. ; wind from north,
about 7 m.p.h.j ground partly covered wdth snow which fell Christmas day. For
several weeks a noticeable scaixity of birds. Tliirty-two observers; 69 hours; miles:
on foot, 54; in cars, 94 (to reach desirable points). Pied-billed Grebe, 1; Red-
tailed Hawk, 3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 1; Pigeon Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 2;
Bob-white, 6; Barred Owl, 1; Kingfisher, 2; Flickers, 5; Red-headed Woodpecker,
1; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 26;
Phoebe, 5; Wood Pewee, 1 (Mrs. E. W. — Built in tree near house in summer); Blue
Jay, 51; Crow, 60; Chickadee, 155; Tufted Titmouse, 136; White-breasted Nut-
hatch, 48; Brown Creeper, 2; House Wren, 1; Winter Wren, 1; Carolina Wren,
35; Mockingbird, 3; Catbird, 2 (seen by L. J., a taxidermist); Brown Thrasher, 1;

THE CHAT

3

Robin, 6j llennit Thrush, 1; Bluebird, 64; Golden-crowned King;let, 34; Ruby-
crowned Kin^det, 8; Cedar Waxwing, 19; Starling, 184; Myrtle Warbler, 3;
Englisli Sparrow, 372 ; Meadowlark, 55; Purple Crackle, 3; Cardinal, 80; GoUlfinch,
25; 'I'owhee, 64; Junco, 182; Chipping Sparrow, 5; Field Sparrow, 43; White-
throated Sparrow, 107; Song Sparrow, 71; Total, 46 species; 1 880 indivitiuals.
Observers; Walter S. Adams, Esther Boniett, Esther Bloxton, Elizabeth- Collins, Mar-
garet Decker, E. Amiette Hi/ids ( compiler), Bobby Hoch, Louise Ingersoll, Leland
J. Jones, Mrs. Reed Kitchin, Paid T. Knollman, Mrs. Litcinda Lacy, Arthur La^v-
rence, Harry Lytle, Eileen McCabe, Mrs. J. N. McCabe, Nicholas McCabe, Jr.,
Sheila McCabe, Clayton McCracken, Mrs. M. F. Meredith, Jack Mnl-vaney, Frank
Rembert, R. H. Rembert, Mrs. Keidey Richbourg, Bobby Ruiz, Eleanor Shafjle,
Louise Tamahill, Mrs. IF. H. Thorn, Mrs. Eugoie Ward, Mrs. Annabel Worrell,
Mr. T. L. Young.

CHAPEL HILL, N. C. (Same area as in last 18 years; oak-hickory wootls 15
pet., pine woods 10 pet., lowland thickets and farmlands 55 pet., marsh and lake
shores 20 pct.j Dec. 23 — dawn to dusk; broken strato-cumulus becoming clear;
wind W, 5-10 m.p.h.; temp. 3 1 to 5 8 degrees F. Three observers in 3 jiarties in
A.M.; 2 observers in 2 parties in P.M. Total hours, 22 on foot; total miles, 20 on
foot. Horned Grebe, 1; Pied-billed Grebe, 2; Great Blue Heron, 2; Mallard, 4;
Black Duck, 56; Gadwall, 5; Redhead, 1; Ring-necked duck, 74; Buffle-head, 19;
Rudily duck, 5; Turkey Vulture, 66; Black Vulture, 18; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-
tailed Hawk, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 3; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 7;
Bob-white, 25; Coot, 15; Killdeer, 22; Wilson’s Snipe, 1; Mourning Dove, 102;
Barred Owl, 2; Flicker, 23; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 8; Red-headed Woodpecker,
6; \’ellow-bellied Sapsucker, 6; Hairy Woodpecker, 9; Downy Woodpecker, 20;
Phoebe, 13; Blue Jay, 49; Crow, 29; Carolina Chickadee, 24; Tufted Titmouse,
19; White-breasted Nuthatch, 8; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 20; Brown Creeper, 7;
Winter Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 48; Mockingbird, 10; Brown Thrasher, I; Robin,
76; Hermit Thrust, 34; Bluebird, 73; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 20; Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, 7; Am. Pipit, 1; Cedar Waxwing, 52; Shrike, 2; Starling, 9; Mvrtle
W'arbler, 12; Pine Warbler, 1; English Sparrow, 12; Meadowlark, 117; Red-wing,
405; Rusty Blackbird, 41; Cardinal, 130; Purple Finch, 3; Pine Siskin, 2; Gold-
finch, 32; Towhee, 23; Savannah Sparrow, 14; Bachman’s Sparrow, 2 (seen at 20
vards and heard singing — P. R.) ; Junco, 130; Field Sparrow, 44; White-throated
Sparrow, 441; Fox Sparrow, 16; Swamp Sparrow, 22; Song Sparrow, 166. Total,
69 species; 263 7 individuals. Obsercers: Joe Jones, Hozvard T. Odum, Phillips
Russell.

CH.ARLOTTE, N. C. (Three areas: One same as last five years, vicinity of Lucas
estate, around headwaters of McAlpine Creek; one same as last year, pond two miles
east of City just, off of Albemarle highway; one new area, northeast of City, vicinity
of Hayes Nursery and cemetery. Pine, gum, poplar woodlands 55 pet., cleared land
15 pet., cultivated nursery and open cemetery 20 pet., hedgerows and pond 10 pet.)
Dec. 27 — 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.; clear; wind 1-7 m.p.h.; temp. 29-53 degrees F.
Eleven observers in three parties; total hours 12)^2 (ll on foot); total miles 40
(14 on foot, 26 by car). Pied-billed Grebe, 1; Bufflehead, 6; Turkey Vulture, 8;
Black Vulture, 2; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Red shouldered Hawk, 1; Marsh Hawk,
2; Bob-white, 15; Wilson’s Snipe, 3; Flicker, 8; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 1; Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 2; Blue Jay, 22; Crow, 80; Carolina
Chickadee, 19; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Brown Creeper, 2; Carolina Wren, 10; Mock-
ingbird, 19; Brown Thrasher, 4; Robin, I; Hermit Thrush, 1; Bluebiial, 25; Golden-
crowned Kinglet, 2; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4; Cedar Waxwing, 8; Shrike, 4;
Starling, 120 (est.) ; Myrtle Warbler, 3; Pine Warbler, 2; Palm Warbler, 5 (see
note); English Sparrow, 15; Meadowlark, 29; Cardinal, 15; Red-eyed Towhee, 7;

4

THE C tl A T

Vol. XII, No. 1

Sa\annali Sparrow, 15; Junco, 117 (estj ; Field Sparrow, 13; White-throated Spar-
row, 62; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Song Sparrow, II. Total: Species, +3; individuals,
671. Seen in same area: Horned Grebe (male collected for museum Dec. 25, contained
iy2 inch bass) ; Phoebe, Dec. 26; Mourning Dove, 15, Dec. 25 ; Bald Eagle, adult with
white head and tail conspicuous passed over city Dec. 26 (Northrop). The Palm
Warblers recorded on the count were watched at close range (up to fifteen feet) on
Dec. 23, 25, 27, and 29. Eye lines were definitely whitish. Yellow on body not
bright. Tlierefore believed to be Western Palm (B. R. C. & E. M.). Observers:
B. R. Chamberlain (compiler), Norman Chamberlain, Miss Kitty Constable, Jack
F. Dermld, Victor Dermui, Miss Anne Locke, Brem Mayer, Ernest Mitchell, Miss
Betty Pleasant, Mrs. George Potter, Jimmy Potter (Members of Mecklenburg Audu-
bon Club).

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, TENN. (Same area as
in past 10 years; circle with 1Y2 mile radius centering on Bull Head of Mt. LeConte,
including a section of the Tennessee-North Carolina divide from Collins Gap to
Mt. Kephart; towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge; open farmland 25 pet., decid-
uous forest 25 pet., spruce forest 20 pet., abandoned fields, 20 pet., towns and
suburbs 10 pet.) Dec. 28 — 7:15 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Clear throughout the day; temp.
29 to 57 degrees F. ; wind variable, mostlv easterly, strong at high altitudes in A.M.,
light in P.XL; ground frozen in A.M., cov'ered with thin snow blanket in woods
above 4000 ft. Altitude range 1200 to 6000 ft. Twenty-six observers in 9 parties;
total party hours 73; total miles 385 (325 by car, 60 by foot). Great Blue Heron,
1; Turkey Vulture, 15; Cooper’s Flawk, 2; Red-tailed Hawk, 4; Sparrow Hawk,
2; Ruffed Grouse, 4; Turkey, 6; Killdeer, 22; Wilson’s Snipe, 2; Mourning Dove,
85; Screecli Owl, 1; Kingfisher, 4; Pileated Woodpecker, 5; Yellow-bellied Sap-
sucker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 15; Phoebe, 15; Horned
Lark, 13; Blue jay, 10; Raven, 7; Crow, 330 (est.) ; Chickatlee (botli Black-capped,
and Carolina observed), 345 (est.); Tufted Titmouse, 29; White-breasted Nuthatch,
3; Reil-breasted Nutliatch, 31; Brown Creeper, 14; Winter Wren, 9; Bewicks Wren,
1; Carolina Wren, 20; Mockingbird, 9, Robin, 160. (est.); Hermit Tlirush, 9;
Bluebird, 67; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 79; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4; Pipit, 75;
lest.); Shrike, 1; Starling, 85; Myrtle Warbler, 7; English Sparrow, 51; Meailow-
lark, 55; Red-wing, 9 Cowbird, 15; Cardinal, 72; Purple Finch, 7; Pine Siskin,
2; Goldfinch, 155 (est.); Red Crossbill, 4; Towhee, 45; Savannah Spari'ow, 18;
Junco (botli slate-colored and Carolina represented), 320 (est.); Field Sparrow, 440
(est.); White-throated Sparrow, 270 (est.); Fox Sparrow, 1; Swamp Sparrow, 7;
Song Sparrow, 190 (est.). Total, 58 species and sub-species; approximatelv 3 160
individuals. Observers: Mrs. Juanita Allen, Fred IF. Behrend, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey
Broome, Mary Ruth Chiles, Brock^cay Crouch, Edveard W. Dougherty, Mr. and Mrs.
Robert J. Dunbar, Thos. IF. Finucane, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Henry, Dr. Lee R. Hern-
don, William M. Johnson, Mrs. Frank Leonhard, B. Franklin McCamey, Jr., Mr.
and- Mrs. Robert A. Monroe, S. A. Ogden, Myrtle M. Seno, Doland C. Snoddy, Ar-
thur Stiipka, Dr. James T. Tanner, Rowan Togne, Paul Yambert, William Yambert
(members and guests, Tennessee Ornithological Society and National Park Service).

GREENSBORO, N. C. (Approximately same region as in past several years, in-
cluding Pinecroft, Starmount, Golf Courses, Richardson Estate, Greensboro Country
Park, Lakes Bramlt, Scales, Richlanil, Philadelphia, Buffalo and White Oak; decid-
u(.us and mixed woodlands 25 pet., open fields and golf courses 30 i)ct.. Cattail marsh
and thickets 1 5 pet., small fresh water lakes 20 pet.. City yards, campuses and park-
ways, 10 pet.) Dec. 27 — 7 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.; weather clear, light snow on gi-otmd,
small jmnds partiallv frozen, temperature 29 to 49 degrees F. Twenty-two observers
mostlv in 7 parties; total hours, 57; total miles, 78 (38 on foot, 40 by car). Pietl-
billed Grebe, I; Double-crested Cormorant, 1; Great Blue Heron, 4; Canada Goose,

January, 194S

r H E C H A T

5

18; Mallard, 22; Black Duck, 35 Bufflchead, 5; lloodcil Merganser, 6; American
Merganser, 9; Turkey Vulture, 125; Black Vulture, 41; Sharj)-sliinne(l Hawk, 3;
Cooper’s Hawk, 4; Red-tailed Hawk, 1; Reil-shouldered Hawk, 5; Sparrow' Hawk,
3; Bob-white, 17; Killdeer, lU; Mourning Do\e, 46; Screech Owl, 2; Barred Owl,
2; Kingfisher, 2; Flicker, 34; Red-bellied Wootipecker, 3; Red-headed WootljJecker,
4; ^'ellow■-bellied Sapsucker, 10; Hairy Wootlpecker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 29;
Plioebe, 8; Horned Lark, 27; Blue Jay, 60; Crow 235 ; Chickadee, 116; Tufted Tit-
mouse, 74; White-breasted Nuthatch, 23; Retl-breasted Nuthatch, 12; Brown-head-'d
Nuthatch, 9; Brown Creeper, 14; Winter Wren, 3; Carolina Wren, 31; Mockingbird,
57; Brown Thrasher, 2; Robin, 7; Hermit Thrush, 11; liluebird, 255 ; Golden-crown-
etl Kinglet, 76; Ruby-crownetl Kinglet, 220; Cedar Waxwing, 30; Shrike, 14; Star-
ling, 3 135 (est.) ; Myrtle Warbler, 6; Pine Warbler, 8; English Sparrow, 139; Meatl-
owlark, 63; Retl-wing, 111; Purple Crackle, 6; Cowbird, 3; Cartlinal, 97; l^ine Sis-
kin, 15; Goldfinch, 88; Towhee, 38; Vesper Sparrow, 1; Junco, 727 ; Chipping
Sparrow, 2; Field Sparrow, 141; White-throated Sparrow', 341; Fox Sparrow, 4;
Swamp Sparrow, 12; Song Sparrow', 229. Total 69 species, approximately 6694 in-
ili\iduals. Observers: Harry Bryant, Mrs. H'. C. Carr, Miss Inez Colihrell, Bill Craft,
Mrs. F. H. Craft, Larry Cra^zuford, Alan Hamm, Donglass Haislif, Miss Ethel
McNairy, Dr. and Mrs. Franklin McNutt, Hugh Medford, Hugh Medford, Jr., Oscar
Paris, Miss Etta Schiffman, Mrs. Edith Settan, Mrs. R. E. Settan, Dr. Archie D.
Shaftesbury, George A. Smith, Dr. Wesley Taylor, Thatcher T ozvnsend (Members and
guests of Piedmont Bird Club).

LENOIR, Caldwell County, N. C. (Including Lenoir and adjacent territory in
radius of about 7 mi.; same area as abserved in previous years; composed of woods,
hekls, oltl orchards, back yards, and streams,) Dec. 2 1 — Cloudy, warm, no wind.
Six observers, in four parties; one party, 8:00-9:00 A.M.; tw'o parties 1:00-4:00
P.M.; one part}' 12:30-4:30 P.M., and long enough at night to locate a Screech Owl.
Total, on foot 11 hours. Sparrow Hawk, 1; Mourning Dove, 12; Screech Owl, 1;
Retl-bel'.ied Woodpecker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Dowmy Woodpecker, 6; Blue Jay,
1; Crow, 1; Chickadee, 6; Tufted Titmouse, 6; White-breasted Nuthatch, 2; Brown
Creeper, 1; Carolina Wren, 5; Hermit Thrush, 1; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 4; Starling,
5; Pine Warbler, 1; English Sparrow, 40; Cardinal, 12; Sac'annah Sparrow', 2;
Junco, 3; Field Sparrow, 4; White-throated Sparrow, 31; Song Sparrow, 15. Total:
24 species; 1 66 individuals. (.*\lso observed : 1 Hawk, species undetermined.) Observers.
Mrs. E. Harper, Margaret Harper, Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Greer, Toni Parks, Mrs.
C. S. Warren.

MATTAMUSKEET N.VFIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, New Holland, Hyde
County, N. C. (Same area as 1940 and subsequent counts; Mattamuskeet Refuge and
adjacent woods and fields; including public road across the lake; marsh 30 pet., open
water 40 pet., fields and thickets 20 pet., pine and cypress woods 10 pet.) Dec. 21 —
7:11 A.M. to 4:55 P.M.; clear to partly overcast, ground bare; wind N to NE;
temp. 28 to 45 degrees F. Six observers mostly together; total hours afield 10; total
miles traveled 25 by car, 7 by foot. Pied-billed Grebe, 7; Great Blue Heron, 5;
American Egret, 18; Little Blue Heron, 2; Black-crowned Night Heron, 1; Whist-
ling Swan, 5000; Canada Goose, 15000 ; Blue Goose, 1; Mallard, 45; Black Duck,
2 50 ; Baldpate, 1; Pintail, 1000; Green-winged Teal, 3; Scaup, 3; Ruddy Duck, 5;
Turkey Vulture, 16; Black Vulture, 5; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 3; Red-shouldcred
Hawk, 2; Rough-legged Haw'k, 1; Bald Eagle, 10; Marsh Haw'k, 5; Sparrow Haw'k,
5; Bob-white, 6; King Rail, 1; Coot, 14; Wilson’s Snipe, 7; (Greater?) Yellow legs,
7; Herring Gull, 5; Gull-billed Tern, 2; Mourning Dove, 14; Belted Kingfisher,
1; Flicker, 3; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 2; Hairy Woodjtecker, 1; Downy Wood-
pecker, 4; Phoebe, 2; Crow, 56; Fish Crow', 3; Chickadee, 5; Carolina Wren, 5;
Short-billed Marsh Wren, 1 ; Mockingbird, 4; Catbird, 4; Brown Thrasher, ' ;
Robin, 1; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 125; Starling, 3;

6

THE CHAT

Myrtle Warbler, 2000 ; Yellow-throated Warbler, 1; English Sparrow, 13; Meadow-
Lark, 85; Red-wing, 6227 ; Purple Crackle, 75; Cardinal, 10; Towhee, 3; Field
Sparrow, 25; White-throated Sparrow, 15; Fox Sparrow, 1; Song Sparrow, 21;
Total, 62 species; 30,460 intlividuals. The larger flocks of birds were estimated
Observers; R. L. Wolff, Coldsboro; Joe West, Warsaw; James Fairies, Wallace;
Renato Cnbenas, Orienta, Cuba; and Willie G. Cahoon and Joe G. Adams, New
Holland.

MT. OLIVE, Wayne County, N. C. (Wooten, Williams, and Brandon farms;
open fields 50 pet., pine woods 10 pet., mixed pine and deciduous woods 35 pet.,
small ponds 5 pet.) Dec. 2 3 — dawn to dusk. Fair to partly cloudy; temp. 3 8 to 54
degrees F.; light wind. Three observers in two groups. Total hours, 16; total miles:
15 on foot, 18 in car. Pied-billed Crebe, 4; Wood Duck, 10; Turkey Vulture, 10;
Black Vulture, 9; Cooper’s Hawk, 2; Red-shouldered Hawk, 4; Marsh Hawk, 2;
Sparrow Hawk, 5; Bob-wliite, 35; Killdeer, 23; Wilson’s Snipe, 1; Kingfisher, 3;
Flicker, 16, Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Red-headed Woodpecker, 2; Yellow-bellieil
Sapsucker, 5; Hairy Woodpecker, 2; Downy Woodpecker, 8; Phoebe, 8; Blue Jay,
17; Crow, 28; Carolina Chickadee, 13; Tufted Titmouse, 10; White-breasted Nut-
hatch 6; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 11 Brown Creeper, 5; House Wren, 2; Winter
Wren, 5; Carolina Wren, 19; Mockingbird, 20; Catbird, 3; Brown Tlirasher, 7;
Robin, 70 (partlv est.) ; Hermit Thrush, 21; Bluebird, 31; Golden-crowned King-
let, 26; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 25; American Pipit, 19; Cedar Waxwing, 43; Shrike,
16; Starling, 225 (est.); White-eyed Vireo (yellow spectacles, white throat, and wing
bars, observed at very close range. — B. H. HI), 1; Blue-headed Vireo, (white spec-
tacles, gray-blue head and thick \'ireo bill — B. H. HI), 1; Myrtle Warbler, 282
(partly est.) ; Pine Warbler, 1 ; Palm Warbler, 1 ; Yellow-throat, 3; English Sparrow,
243 (partly est.) ; Meadowlark, 98; Red-wing, 158, (est.) ; Rusty Blackbird, 1 1 ; Cow-
bird, 12; Cardinal, 21; Purple Finch, 12; Goldfinch, 66; Towhee, 25; Sa\ann:ih
Sparrow, 37; Vesper Sparrow, 1; Junco, 64 (est.); Chipping Sparrow, 43; Field
Sparrow, 45; White-throated Sparrow, 136 (est.); Fox Sparrow, 7; Swamp Sparrow,
12; Song Sparrow, 91 (est.). Total: 65 species; 2,270 individuals. Obser\-ers: Miss
Elizabeth- Oliver, William C. Davis, Boh Holmes, III (compiler).

PEA ISLAND AND OREGON INLET, Dare County, N. C. (50 pet. open water,
30 pet. salt marsh, ponds and shore; 20 pet. sand dunes mostly covered with high
grass and few mvrtle bushes.) Dec. 20 — Clear; stiff NE wind; Temp. 45 to 60
ciegrees F. Five observers together; total hours, 10 on foot and truck; total miles,
35 on truck, 5 on foot. Horned Grebe, 3; Pied-billed Grebe, 21; Gannet, 3000 (est);
Double-crested Cormorant, 8; Great Blue Heron, 6; Louisiana Heron, 2; Little Blue
Heron, 1; .Vmerican Bittern, 4; Whistling Swan, 65; Canada Goose, 10,000 (est.);
Snow Goose, 7,000 (est.); Blue Goose, 1; Mallard, 4; Black Duck, 1,200 (est.);
Gadwall, 15; Baldpate, 3; American Pintail, 1,000 (est.); Green-winged Teal, 225 ;
Shoveller, 40; Bufflehead, 250 (est.); Surf Scooter, 1; Red-breasted Merganser, 26;
Bald Eagle, 18; Marsh Hawk, 15; Duck Hawk, 1 ; Pigeon Hawk, 1 ; Sparrow Hawk,
4; Coot, 60; Killdeer, 1; Solitary Sandpiper, 1; Greater Yellowlegs, 15; Red-backed
Sandpiper, 38; Avocet, 2; Great Black-backed Gull, 35; Herring Gull, 1,200 ;
Bonapart’s Gull, 60; Royal Tern, 1; Long-billed Marsh Wren, 1; Robin, 55;
Gohien-crowned Kinglet, I; Myrtle Warbler, 500 (est.); Meadowlark, 150; Red-
winged Blackbird, 85; Purple Grackle, 30; Seaside Sparrow, 5; Vesper Sparrow, 2;
Field Sparrow, 26; Fox Sparrow, I; Song Sparrow, 21; Total: 50 species, 25,204
individuals. Note; On Dec. 19, 1 Wilson’s Snipe was seen on Bodie Island. Tree
Swallows were seen 15 miles further north on Bodie Island. .Vbout 3,5 00 Bonapart’s
Gull were on Albemarle Sound between Skinnersville and Edenton. Obser\-ers: Paul
Sturm, Pea Island Refuge Mgr.; Joe West, Warsaw; James Faires, Wallace; Renato
Cubeuas, Orienta, Cuba; R. L. 11 olff, Goldsboro.

January, 19+S

THE CHAT

7

RALEIGH, N. C. (Practically same area as previous counts: lakes and small
ponds 40 pet., mixed pine and deciduous woodland 15 pet., deciduous woodland 10
pet., open fields 10 pet.) Dec. 22 — 7:30 AM to 5:30 P.M.; clear and fair all tlay;
mostly calm; temp 32-60 degrees F.; ground bare, water open except in sheltered
places some ice. Fifteen obser\'ers in six parties; total hours, 31 (27 on foot, 4 by
car); total miles, 35 (27 on foot, 8 by car). Horned Grebe, 1; Pied-billed Grebe,
5; Great Blue Heron, 1 ; Whistling Swan, 4; Mallard 4; Black Duck, 2; Gatiwall, 2;
Sho\eller, 2; Ring-necked Duck, 45; Lesser Scaup, 12; American Golden-eye, 1; Buf-
flehead, 1 ; Rinklv Duck, 2; Hoodetl Merganser, 6; Turkey Vulture, 9; Black Vulture,
12; Sharp-shinnetl Hawk, 1; Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Red-tailed Hawk, 6; Red-shouldered
Hawk, 2; Marsh Hawk, 2; Osprey, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 4; Bob-wliite, 13; Coot, 2;
Kilkleer, 10; Mourning Do\e, 15; Screech Owl, 1; Great Horned Owl, 1; King-
fisher, 9; Flicker, 14; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 7; Red-headed Woodpecker, 9;
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 5; Downy Woodpecker, 10; Phoebe,
4; Blue Jay, 49; Crow, 15; Chickadee, 64; Tufted Titmouse, 22; White-breasted
Nuthatch, 4; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 6; Brown Creeper,
5; Winter Wren, 3; Carolina Wren, 45; Mockingbird, 32; Brown Thrasher, 5;
Robin, 16; Hermit Thrush, 8; Bluebird, 48; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 11; Ruby-
crowned Kinglet, 19; American Pipit, 50; Shrike, 14; Starling, 2 80 ; Pine Warbler,
14; Ovenbird, 1 (heard and seen by Philip Davis); English Sparrow, 55; Meadow-
lark, 38; Red-wing, 10; Cowbird, 40; Cardinal, 14; Purple Finch, 20; Goldfinch,
57; Towhee, 53; Savannah Sparrow, 65; Eastern Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 (taken
by T. L. Quay); Vesper Sparrow, 2; Jimco, 525 ; Field Sparrow, 153; White-

throated Sparrow, 290; Fox Sparrow, 8; Swamp Sparrow, 20; Song Sparrow, 295.
Total 76 species; 2685 individuals. (Also seen: 2 gulls, species not identified.)

Observers: D. L. Wray (compiler), Robt. 0-vering, Mrs. C. H. Green ^ C. H. Bostian,
F. B. Meac/iam.^ E. IF. Winkler and sons, Miss Virginia Pickelle, Philip Davis, T.
L. Quay, Sandy McCulloch, Jo Ann Meacham, Gene Bostian, John David Wray.

WARSAW, Duplin County, N. C. (West, Best and Jones Farms; woodlands 45 pet.,
open fields, 45 pet., pasture 5 pet., water 5 pet.,) Dec. 22 — 7:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Fair all day; temp. 35 to 55 degrees F.; light wind. Two observers; total hours,
10; total miles 7 (on foot). Turkey Vulture, 3; Black Vulture, 6; Red-tailed

Hawk, 1; Kilkleer, 6; Mourning Dove, 27; Flicker, 2; Red-bellied Woodpecker,

i; Downy Woodpecker, 1; Blue Jay, 27; Crow, 10; Tufted Titmouse, 2; Winter
Wren, 2; Carolina Wren, 3; Mockingbird, 7; Robin, 60; Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
4; Shrike, 7; Starling, 3; Myrtle Warbler, 260 ; English Sparrow, 560; Meadow-
lark, 95; Red-wing, 250 ; Cardinal, 10; Towhee, 23; Junco, 70; Chipping Sparrow,
14; Field Sparrow, 20; White-throated Sparrow, 29; Song Sparrow, 23. Total: 29
species; 1,52 6 individuals. Observers: Joseph A. West, Thomas Rogers, Jr.

WILMINGTON, N. C. (New Hanover and Brunswick Counties — thital count in
area; Wrightsville Beach and Sound; Masonboro and Greenville Sounds; Winter
Park; Greenfield Lake; Orton Plantation. Mixed pine and deciduous woodland
60 pet., pasture 5 pet., freshwater ponds and river 20 pet.. Beach and salt marsh
15 pet.) Dec. 27 — Dawn to dusk; clear; wind W-NW in A.M., shifting to SW-W
in P.M., increasing from 11 to 18 m.p.h.; temp. 32 to 52 degrees F.; ground bare;
water open. 2 3 obser\'crs in 7 parties (5 additional obserr-ers for 2 hours in after-
noon); total hours 55 (44 on foot — II in cars); total miles 87, 49 on foot, 38 by-
car.) Common Loon, 24; Horned Grebe, 32; Pied-billcil Grebe, 42; Brown Pelican,
2; Cormorant, 2; Great Blue Heron, 3; American Egret, 15; Snowv Egret, 2; Louisi-
ana Heron, 27; Little Blue Heron, 6; Green Fleron, 1; Black-crowncd Night Heron,
26; Canada Goose, 400 (est.) ; Mallard, 20; Black Duck, 19; Bakipatc, 35; Pintail,
3; Green-winged Teal, 3; Shoveller, 2; Ring-necked Duck, 44; Scaup, 21; Goklen-
eve, 1; Bufflehead, 5; Ruddy Duck, 4; Hooded Merganser, 20; Red-breasteil Mer-

8

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 1

ganser, 32; Turkey Vulture, 23; Black Vulture, 6; Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Cooper’s
Hawk, +; Red-tailed Hawk, 3; Red-shouldered Hawk, 6; Bald Eagle, 6; Marsh
Hawk, 2; Osprey, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 11; Bob-tvhite, 8; Clapper Rail, 4; Virginia
Rail, 3; Coot, 75; Killdeer, 21; Black-bellied Plover, 5; Wilson’s Snipe, 2; Wilier,

1 ; Least Sandpiper, 1 ; Red-backed Sandpiper, 3 ; Semi-palinated Sandpiper, 6 ; Sander-
ling, 10; Herring Gull, 5 00 (est.) ; Ring-billed Gull, 100 (est.) ; Bonapart’s Gull,
25; Forster’s Tern, 23; Royal Tern, 2; Caspian Tern, 8; Mourning Dove, 8; King-
hsher, 11; Flicker, 46; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 3; Red-headed Woodpecker, 11;
'S'ellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3; Hairy Woodpecker, 3; Downv Woodpecker, 12; Phoebe,
6: Tree Swallow, 25; Blue Jav, 70; Crow, 75; Fish Crow, 2; Carolina Chickadee,
175; Tufted Titmouse, 69; Red-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Brown-headed Nuthatch, 76;
Brown Creeper, 3; House Wren, 12; Winter Wren, 12; Carolina Wren, 56; Short-
billed Marsh Wren, 4; Mockingbird, 45; Catbird, 14; Brown Thrasher, 6; Robin,
53; Hermit Thrush, 15; Bluebirtl, 63; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 8; Golden-crowned
Kinglet, 21; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 53; Pipit, 40; Cedar Waxwing, 9; Shrike, llj
Starling, 130; Blue-heailed Vireo, 4; Myrtle Warbler, 400 (est.); Pine Warbler,
225 (est.); Palm Warbler, 12; Yellow-throat, 4; English Sparrow, 500 (est.);
Meatlowlark, 102; Red-wing, 1,000 (est.); Boat-tailed Grackle, 23; Purple Grackle,
3; Cowbird, 1; Cardinal, 37; Purple Finch, 52; Goldfinch, 10; Towhee, 66; Savan-
nah Sparrow, 36; Henslow’s Sparrow, 2; (Trott & Mebane) ; Seaside Sparrow, 1;
Bachman’s Sparrow, 2; Junco, 700 (est.); Chipping Sparrow, 400 (est.); Field
Sparrow, 37; White-throated Sparrow, 450 (est.); Fox Sparrow', 90; Swamp Spar-
row, 1 1 ; Song Sparrow, 70. Total species observed, 115; individuals, 7043. Observers:
Mrs. Sibhel Turnbull^ T anc'il Home, Cecil A pfleberry, Jim Smith, Steve Smith,
Barty Marti)!, Bill Riiffi)i, John F iinderhurg, Ruth Roman, Roy Baker, Emma Lessen,
Charles Peschau, Leona Carroll, Julia Theobald, Mrs. H. E. Lane, Polly Mebane,
John Trott, Mrs. Howard J. Smith, Charles Theobald, Mrs. Will Rehder, Mrs. Boyd
Quarles, Mrs. C. D. Majfitt, Claude McAllister, John Carr, Don McAllister, Sandy
McCulloch, Kenneth Sfrunt, Edna L. Afpleberry (compiler).

This year we w'ere able to work more of our area than ever before. There w-is
pmcticallv no duplication because observers were given a territory and remained
there. They also were given a pocket lunch and so could stay in the field all day.
.At Kenneth Sprunt’s suggestion our axis point was moved from Masonboro Sound
to Monkev Junction on the Carolina Beach road, thus enabling us to include Big
Island on the river, where the Canada Geese have been wintering, and also a good
bit of Orton Plantation. This will be our area for the future. To cover even partially
all the good birding spots, we need more observers.

NOTES: Semi-palmated, and Least Sandpipers — Observed by E. Applebcrry, Bill
Ruffin, and Barty Martin, with 7X50 binoculars at about 50 ft., on mud fiat in good
sunlight. The Least stood out by being a little smaller and darker, with lighter legs.
.Again observed on Dec. 2 8, feeding in the same area. Henslo-w’s Sparrow. Trott and
Mebane walked the old car track roadbed from Winter Park to Wrightstille Sounil,
veering off to investigate ponds and scrub oak territory. Bird w'as first flushed from
grass and observed at distance of 5 to 10 ft. Later perched on low' limb beside similar
bird. Definitely greenish bird, reddish wings. Bachman's Sparrow — In same scrub
oak territorv where it had been observed and reported by E. Appleberry; observed by
Trott and Mebane, who had been asked to watch for them. Red-cockaded Wood-
pecker (l), was observed on Dec. 28. Black Terns (4), were reported by Mrs.
Turnbull, Loman, and Lossen, but w'ere not included in the report because Gregor
Rohwer’s record of 1 on the 1945 Wilmington Christmas Count is still causing com-
ment, and since no specimen was collected, it is reported in these footnotes, just to
keep the record straight. E. L. A.

WINDOM, Yancey County, N. C. (Farms of L. H. Hutchins, Mack Silver, Mrs.
C. P. Gibson, and adjacent territory; open farm land, 5 0 pet., white pine woodland

January, 1948

THE CHAT

9

2 pet., pastures 18 pet., deeiduous forests 30 pet.) Dee. 20 — 8 A.M. to 12 noon,
1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Partly eloudy in forenoon, clear but hazy in the afternoon; temp.
22 to 55 degrees F.; wind 5 m.p.h. Four obsereers in two parties; total hours, 16;
total miles, 20 (on foot). Cooper’s Hawk, 1; Killdeer, 10; Wilson’s Snipe, 2; Downy
Wootlpeeker, 2; Blue Jay, 2; Crow, 35; Chiekailee, 3; Tufted Titmouse, 3; Caro-
lina Wren, 10; Mockingbird, 2; Bluebird, 10; English Sparrow, 83; Meadowlark,
1; Cardinal, 22; Red-eyed Towhee, 3; Junco, 43; Field Sparrow, 45; White-throated
Sparrow, 9; Fox Sjiarrow, 11; Song Sparrow, 78. Total, 20 species; 375 individuals.
(On account of unfavorable weather most birds stirred very, little.) Observers:
Roosevelt Hiig/ies, Paul Hughes, Brook Boone, and Janies Hutchins.

WINSTON-SALEM, N. C. (Area included City, city watershed, Reynolda and
Yatlkin River. Pasture land 5 pet., oak-hickory forest 20 pet., old fields 20 pet.,
pine forest 5 pet., and lakes and rivers 50 pet.) Dee. 26 — 7:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M.
Weather fair, high winds in afternoon; three inehes of snow, whieli fell the previous
day, was mostly melted by afternoon in sun areas. Ten observers; total hours, 20;
total miles by ear 5 5, on foot 32. Canada Goose, 2; Mallard, 44; Black Duck, 24;
Fling-necked Duck, 28; Turkey Vulture, 20; Black Vulture, 2; Cooper’s Hawk, 1;
Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Bob-white, 22; Killdeer, 2; Mourning Dove,
12; Screech Owl, 1; Flicker, 7; Red-bellicd Woodpecker, 2; Red-headed Woodpecker,
3; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 3; Downy Woodpecker, 5; Phoebe, 4; Horned Lark,
1; Blue Jay, 23; Crow, 41; Carolina Chickadee, 24; T'uftetl Titmouse, 18; White-
breasted Nuthatch, 7; Brown Creeper, 1; Winter Wren, 1; Carolina Wren, 12;
Mockingbird, 6; Robin, 3; Hermit Thrush, 4; Bluebird, 28; Golden-crowned King-
let, 23; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 5; Shrike, 1; Starling, 1 15 ( 10,000 est. came to
roost at Gravlyn, Reynolda); Myrtle Warbler, 4; Pine Warbler, 1; English Sparrow,
68; .Meadowlark, 154; Purple Grackle, 69 ( 1,000 est. came to roost at Graylyn,
Reynolda); Cardinal, 38; Goldfinch, 54; Towhee, 21; Junco, 197; Field Sparrow,
113; White-throated Sparrow, 105; Fox Sparroev, 7; Song Sparrow, 110. Total'.
49 species, approximately 12,43 8 individuals. Observers: Janies L. Stefhenson, E.
Wayne Irvin, William H. Chance, The Rev. Douglas L. Rights, Burton J. Rights,
Graham H. Rights, Henry S. Fishel, John Ted Tally, Henry M. Magie, and
Robert H. Witherington (compiler).

CH.LRLESTON, S. C. (Bulls Island, adjacent waters and marshes, mainland
opposite, back to Wando River, as in proceeding years; farmland 20 pet., fresh-water
ponds and wooded swamps 25 pet., woods, mixed and pine 25 pet., salt-water creeks,
marshes and flats 25 pet., dunes and ocean front 5 pet.) Dec. 20 — Dawn to dusk;
clear in morning, overcast in afternoon; temp. 42 to 59 degrees F.; wind (mainly
in afternoon) NE, 5-10 m.p.h.; lots of water in woods; light frost. Seventeen
observers in 4 parties (l additional observer in A.M.) ; Total hours, 32 (24 on foot,
5 by car, 3 on boats) ; total miles 96 (27 on foot, 62 by car, 7 on boats). Common
Loon, 3; Red-throated Loon, 3; Horned Grebe, 21; Pied-billed Grebe, 5; Gannet, 4
(adults); Cormorant, 26; Water-turkey, 1; Great Blue Heron, 29; American Egret,
1; Snowy Egret, 5; Louisiana Heron, 9; Little Blue Heron, 5; Mallartl, 179; Black
Duck, 167; Gadwall, 219; Baklpate, 20; Pintail, 70; Green-winged Teal, 113,
Blue-winged Teal, 42; Shoveller, 15; Redhead, 4; Ring-necked Duck, 404; Camas-
back, 70; Scaup, 10; Golden-eye, 1; Bufflehead, 35; Oltlsquaw, 1; .American Scoter,
11; Ruckly Duck, 23; Hooded Merganser, 15; Red-breasted Merganser, 59; Turkev
Vulture, 40; Black Vulture, 15; Cooper’s Hawk, 3; Red-tailed Hawk, 4; Rerl-
shouklered Hawk, 18; Bald Eagle, 9; Marsli Hawk, 10; Pigeon Hawk, 2; Sparrow'
Hawk, 4; Turkey, 2; Clapper, Rail, 20; Virginia Rail, 1; Florida Gallinule, 10;
Coot, 574; Ovstercatclier, 123; Semi-palmated Plover, 3; Kilkleer, 7; Black-bellied
Plover, 33; Ruddy Turnstone, 3; Wilson’s Snipe, 13; Long-billed Curlew, ]
(E. B. C., A. S. Jr., et al. In area for two weeks or more) ; Spottctl Sanilpiper, 1 ;

10

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 1

Willet, 44; Greater Yellowlegs, 4; Lesser Yellowlegs, 2; Red-backed Sandpiper, 24;
Dowitcher, 16; Senii-palinated Sandpiper, 6; Marbled Godwit, 19; Sanderling, 24;
Herring; Gull, 111; Ring-billed Gull, 25; Laughing Gull, 15; Forster’s Tern, 22;
Caspian Tern, 54; Mourning Dove, 248; Belted Kingfisher, 7; Flicker, 29; Pileated
Vs'oodpecker, 26; Red-bellied Woodpecker, 35; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 12; Hairy
Woodpecker, 10; Downy Woodpecker, 18; Red-cockaded Woodpecker, 12; Phoebe,
19; Tree Swallow, 51; Blue Jay, 19; Crow, 142; Fisli Crow, 104; Carolina Chick-
adee, 48; Tufted Titmouse, 34; White-breasted Nuthatch, 4; Brown-headed Nut-
hatch, 30; Brown Creeper, 3; House Wren, 20; Winter Wren, 4; Carolina Wren,
23; Long-billed Marsh Wren, 2; Short-billed Marsh Wren, 7; Mockingbird, 17;
Catbird, 4; Brown Thrasher, 11; Robin, 717; Hermit Thrush, 18; Bluebird, 60;
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, 1; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 33; Ruby-crowned Kinglet,
114; Pipit, 189; Cedar Waxwing, 56; Shrike, 9; Starling, 2; Blue-headed Vireo,
3; Orange-crowned Warbler, 1; Myrtle Warbler, 457 plus; Yellow-throated Warbler,
1; Pine Warbler, 45; Western Palm Warbler, 17; Yellow Palm Warbler, 2 (G. R.,
et al. b ellow eye-stripe noted) ; Yellow-throat, 8; Engl ish Sparrow, 2 ; Meadow-
lark, 162; Red-wing, 601; Rusty Blackbird, 1; Boat-tailed Grackle, 10; Florida
( .' ) Grackle, 11; Cardinal, 52; Purple Finch, 2; Goldfinch, 44; White-wingeil

Crossbill, 1 (N. H. S., first noted in top of pecan tree, bird was squeaked down close
to observer, who noted crossed bill, white wing-bars, and notched tail, first report
for South Carolina, and hence placed on hypothetical list — E. B. C. ) ; Red-eyed
Towhee, 94; White-eyed Towhee, 7; Ipswicli Sparrow, 2; Savannah Sparrow, 32;
Henslow’s Sparrow, 1; Sharp-tailed Sparrow, 1; Seaside Sparrow, 4; Vesper Sjiar-
row, 7; Junco, 79; Chipping Sparrow, 28; Field Sparrow, 67; Wliite-throated

Sparrow, 246; Fox Sparrow, 7; Swamp Sparrow, 66; Song Sparrow, 65. Total:
136 species; 7 176 indiciduals. A number of shorebirds were missed owing to unfavor-
able tidal conditions. Observers: E. B. CJiamberlahi, E. B. Chamberlain., Jr., Harold
Giierard, Jr., Bob Holmes HI, M. L. McCrae, E. O. Mellinger, I. S. H. Metcalf,
James Mos'imann, Harold Peters, Patsy Peters, James Pittman, George Rabb, Ne-zv-
ron H. Seeheck, James Roe, Alexander Sprnnt, Jr., Mrs. Alexander Spriint, Jr., Alex-
ander Sprunt HI, Thomas Uz-zell, E. A. Williams.

SPARTANBURG, S. C. (Center of town to points 9 miles soutli and east; Ezell
woods, Ligon estate, Duncan Park, Fairforest meadow, Zimmerman lake; open farm-
lands 25 pet., town suburbs 20 pet., mixed wooillands 40 pet., fresh-water ponds .md

marshes 15 pet.) Dec. 2 1 — Dawn to dusk. Cloudy with light rain; temp. 32-54

degrees F.; wind NW, 2-18 m.p.h. Five observers in 2 parties; total miles, 25 (7 on
foot, 18 bv car.) Pied-billed Grebe, 5; Mallard, 9; Lessesr Scaup, 3; Turkey \''ulture,
8; Black Vulture, 4; Marsh Hawk, 1; Sparrow Hawk, 1; Killdeer, 28; Wilson’s
Snipe, 7; Mourning Dove, 6; Kingfisher, 1; Flicker, 18; Red-bellied Woodpecker,
1 ; Red-headed Woodpecker, 1 ; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 1 ; Downy Woodpecker,
1; Phoebe, 1; Blue Jay, 64; Crow, 25; Carolina Chickadee, 19; Tufted Titmouse,
18; White-breasted Nuthatch, 1; Brown Creeper, 2; Carolina Wren, 13; Mocking-
bird, 17; Brown Thrasher, 4; Robin, 800 plus (est. ; 3 unusually large flocks);
Hermit Tlirush, 6; Bluebird, 45; Golden-crowned Kinglet, 1; Ruby-crownetl King-
let, 17; Pipit, 20; Cedar Waxwing, 90; Shrike, 9; Starling, 48; Myrtle Warbler, 3;
Pine Warbler, 4; English Sparrow, 22; Meadowlark, 3; Baltimore Oriole, 1 (male in
full plumage, feeding in small dogwood tree, seen for 5 or more minutes within 10
feet bv G. C., L. C., and R. C.) ; Purple Grackle, 90; Cardinal, 34; Purple Finch, 15;
Pine Siskin, 1; Goldfinch, 34; Towhee, 23; Junco, 104; Chipping Sparrow, 10; Field
Sparrow, 26; White-throated Sparrow, 46; Swamp Sparrow, 2; Song Sparrow, 23;.
Total: 52 sj^ecies; approximately 1 739 indi\iduals. — Crabriel Cannon, Louisa Carlisle,
Ruth Crick, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ligon.

Jainiarv, 19+8

THE CHAT

1 1

News of Local Clubs

LENOIR AUDUBON CLUB: At the regular meeting on December 2nd,
which was a joint meeting with guests from the Hickory Bird Club, B. R.
Chamberlain, Vice-President of the North Carolina Bird Club, and Presi-
dent of the Mecklenburg Audubon Club, talked on modern bird study. Mr.
Chamberlain discussed the evolution of modern methods of bird study from
the settlement of the new worid when the importation of foreign birds was
a hobby of the wealthy; through the years of classifying and cataloguing
by killing and collecting specimens; to the present time when by means of
powerful binoculars and earners equipped with telephoto lenses birds may
studied in action in their natural habitats. He emphasized the value of con-
tributions by amateur bird watchers. The talk was illustrated by a beautiful
color film showing in slow motion, the flight of shore and water birds.

MRS. R. T. GREER, Secretary.

HICKORY BIRD CLUB; At the regular monthly meeting, held Thursday
evening, November 13th, at the home of Mrs. George Warlick, Dr. Harry D.
Althouse made an informal talk on “The Flycatcher Family and Their Nesting
Habits.” The talk, which was one of an educational series planned by the
club, was confined chiefly to the local members of this family, including the
Crested Flycatcher, Kingbird, Phoebe, Wood Pewee, Acadian Flycatcher,
and Least Flycatcher. Mention was made of the most beautiful member of
this family, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, which breeds from Texas to
Southern Nebraska. J. Weston Clinard gave an account of the fall meeting of
the North Carolina Bird Club held on October 18th and 19th at the Fresh
Air Camp near Charlotte, with the Mecklenburg Audubon Club as host. The
round-table discussion brought out some interesting observations of recent
migrating birds, and accounts of a recent held trip to the old Herman and
Rowe homesteads near Conover.

On Tuesday night, Dec. 2nd, ten members of the Hickory Bird Club, in-
cluding Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Warlick, Mrs. George Warlick, Mrs. W. J. Shuford,
Mrs. W. L. Long, Mrs. Katherine Vallotton, and Mr. and Mrs. Clinard, were
the guests of the Lenoir Audubon Club, being entertained in the home of
Miss Margaret Harper, at Lenoir, the speaker for the occasion being B.
Rhett Chamberlain, President of the Mecklenburg Audubon Club and Vice-
President of the North Carolina Bird Club.

The mimic thrushes and wrens were the subjects for discussion at the
regular meeting held on Tuesday evening, Dec. 11th, at the home of Mrs.
Donald Menzies. Mr. Clinard mentioned something of the basis for separa-
tion of the defferent groups, and mentioned that of about 50 species of mimic
thrushes, a group most abundant in Mexico, only three. Mockingbird, Brown
Thrasher, and Catbird are found locally, and of the approximately 250 kinds
of wrens throughout the world, only four, the Carolina Wren, Bewick’s
Wren, House Wren, and Winter Wren are abundant locally, though two
others, the Long-billed Marsh Wren and the Short-hilled Marsh Wren are
found farther east in North Carolina.

LUMBERTON BIRD CLUB VISITS GADDY’S GOOSE REFUGE: Out-
standing for its educational value, Lockhart Gaddy’s Goose Refuge, at An-
sonville, N. C., appeals to the public since it is possible to drive a car
down to the banks of a three-acre pond, and see at close range thousands
of Canada Geese and several kinds of ducks. Many people who see this con-
centration of waterfowl for the first time return home, seek out the avail-

12

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 1

able bird books and start learning about the life histories of the ducks and
geese they have seen. This is exactly what happened on Sunday, November
30th. when the Lumberton Bird Club visited this sanctuary and saw an
estimated 3,000 Canada Geese, a Richardson’s Goose, two Blue Geese, nine
Mallards, thirteen Black Ducks, four Pintail, a Redhead and a Ruddy Duck,
and a flock of sixteen Ringneck Ducks. Long before the refuge was reached,
all the cars on the highway seemed headed for the same place, and the in-
creasing interest of the public is probably partly due to the small admission
tee (which is used to buy corn for the birds.) Last year the United States
Fish & Wildlife Service supplied five bushels of corn each day for the
waterfowl. This year, due to economy measures in Congress, the public is
donating the money which feeds the geese.

Members of the Lumberton Bird Club visiting the Ansonville waterfowl
refuge were; Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Martin, Dr. E. R. Hardin, Mr. and Mrs.
Ozmer Henry, Ingram Hedgepeth, Mrs. W. W. Parker, Miss Lillian Whiting,
Mrs. E. L. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Hutto, and Mr. and Mrs. J. L.
Stephens, Jr.

PIEDMONT BIRD CLUB: At the regular meeting held on Thursday eve-
ning, Nov. 22nd, in the Science Building at Woman’s College, with the presi-
dent Miss Etta Schiffman, in charge, numerous committee reports and an-
nouncements were made. Mrs. Edith Settan, nominating committee chair-
man, read the committee’s slate for new officers and it was unanimously ac-
cepted. “Water Fowl,” was the topic for short talks by Mrs. Floyd Hugh
Craft, Miss Ethel McNairy, Mrs. Joseph M. Garrison, and Miss Pearl Wyche.
Mrs. W. A. Hill discussed the article, “Taming Wild Birds,” which appeared in
a recent issue of National Geographic Magazine. A moving picture, secured
by Mrs. Craft, program chairman, from Massachusetts Institute of Technol-
ogy, was shown, demonstrating the method of taking very high speed pic-
tures, and showing pictures of hummingbirds photographed with this high-
speed techinque.

"Birds and Bird Photography,” was the title of a lecture, by Dr. Myron A.
Elliott, of the Naval Research Laboratory, of Washington, D. C., presented
to the people of Greensboro, Monday evening, November 24th, at the Aycock
Auditorium of Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina. Over
a thousand people attended and enjoyed the talk and colored moving pictures,
telephoto pictures taken with unique optical equipment of Dr. Elliott’s own
devising. Following the lecture, a reception was held in Woman’s College
Alumnae House, with Mrs. W. C. Carr, hospitality chairman, in charge.

The December meeting, the Annual Meeting held on the evening of Dec.
19th, in the American Legion Grill, celebrated the tenth anniversary of the
club’s founding. Attendance prizes were given, and Dr. Wesley Taylor, first
President, and Miss Etta Schiffman, retiring President, sketched briefly the
history of the Piedmont Bird Club, since its founding in February 1938. The
featured speaker of the evening was John Trott, Jr. of New London, N. C.
and Chapel Hill, who gave a nature talk Illustrated with beautiful Kodachrome
pictures, most of which he had taken during the past summer at the Audubon
Nature Camp at the Todd Wildlife Sanctuary in Maine.

STATE BIRD CLUB ENJOYS FIELD TRIP TO COASTAL

WILDLIFE REFUGES

Just before sunrise, in tbe chill gray morning of Saturday, December 6th,
our group of forty members from all parts of North Carolina left Manteo, on

January, 194<S

r H K C H A T

13

Roanoke Island, in two open trucks, traveled south along Bodie Island to
Oregon Inlet. Here we ferried to Pea Island, where we spent practically the
entire day in the two trucks. Paul Sturm, the new Pea Island Refuge Warden,

drove one truck, and Joe Adams,
associate of Bill Cahoon from the
Mattamuskeet refuge, drove the
other truck. Sturm, a thoroughly
trained and experienced expert in
his work, served as an efficient
guide, and certainly won the re-
spect and friendship of our entire
group. He will fit in well with the
good folk of Manteo, who certainly
treated us to a real welcome and
were cost cordial and helpful
throughout our stay. At noon the
group stopped at Sturm’s cabin for
hot coffee and a picnic lunch.

The highlight of the trip was the
close observation of approximately
5,000 Greater Snow Geese. When

L.uv^cii.iuii i-c<a lo.ciiitj cti u ivicji.- .. i i i

tamuskeet Migratory Wate.’fowl Refuges, one realizes that there are probably
(Courtesy u. s. Dept, of Interior.) only around 20,000 Greater Snow

Geese in the world, the sight of one-fourth of them circling in a great white
mass with the contrasting black-tipped wings and a clear blue sky for a back-
drop— the weather was perfect for the trip — this was an unforgettable sight (as
awe inspiring as the magnificient Lost Colony summer presentation a few
miles to the north!)

The Pea Island Wildlife Refuge lies in a section that only recently was
one of the most remote and inaccessible places on the Atlantic coast. It is
a part of the North Carolina “banks” south of Roanoke Island, and is
bounded on one side by Pamlico Sound, and on the other by the open Atlantic
Ocean. Since 1938 great progress has been made on the Refuge on this long
narrow island covering 5,880 acres. By carefully locating strategic dykes to
impound rain water, large fresh-water marshes have been created, encouraging
the growth of duck and geese food plants such as spike rush, sago pondweed.
widgeon grass, and bulrushes. The roving sand dunes, planted with shore
grass, are largely anchored.

A total of 58 .species of birds were noted, including three Blue Geese, five
Whistling Swan, several eagles and hawks, and Mallard, Black, Pintail,
Shoveller, Ring-neck, Canvasback, Bufflehead, and Ruddy Duck, Green-
winged Teal, Red-breasted and Hooder Mergansers, Common Loon, a num-
ber of different shore birds (the rarest being an Avocet), gulls, herons, and
many different small song birds. The average winter duck and goose popula-
tion has increased from al)out 15.000 to about 50,000 since the Refuge was
established 10 years ago.

Besides the birds of the Refuge, the group saw three snakes sunning on
the warm sand, as well as evidence of muskrat and otter. We learned from
Strum that these animals are still well under the numbers to be considered
as harmful. In fact, we were surprised to learn that the muskrats are actually
of value by eating a considerable number of cat-tails shoots that come up
after cutting, to make way for growth of food plants of greater value to
the ducks and geese. So also, the eagles and hawks are classed as useful
on the refuge. They have been observed catching the ducks and geese that

14

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 1

are either wounded or diseased, but there were no reports of these predatory
birds killing healthy water-fowl.

Back in Manteo, after dinner Saturday evening, the group gathered in the
dining room of the Hotel Fort Raleigh, for comparison and checking notes,
and for pleasant discussion.

On Sunday morning we caught the early ferry to Mann’s Harbor and
went by Stumpy point. We learned that the ducks and geese had moved out
into the Sound, and only a few Scaup were in sight. A brief stop-over at
Mattamuskeet with the congenial and ol)liging warden, W. G. Cahoon, was most
worthwhile. We saw perhaps 2.000 of the Whistling Swan wintering there,
besides large numbers of Canada Geese and ciuantities of various species of
ducks. These Geese were probably at their height, but it was believed that
the peak on ducks had not been reached. (A complete list of the bird
species seen at Pea Island and Mattamuskeet will be found under Field
l^.otes and News in this issue of The Chat.)

All in all, it was a great experience, giving us a keener appreciation of
the five conservation projects being carried on at these two wildlife refuges.
With continued wide-spread interest and support, progress will be made there
toward inci’easing the sadly depleted numbers of waterfowl.

The following were in the group making the trip: Esther Bennett, Inez
Coldwell, Etta Schiffman, John Carr, Mrs. W. C. Carr, Mr. and Mrs. F. H.
Craft, Dr. Charlotte Dawley, Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Douglass, Parker Gay, Oscar
Paris, Jr., Mrs. Edith Settan, Dr. and Mrs. A. D. Shaftesbury, Dr. and Mrs.
Wesley Taylor, and Mrs. Margaret Wall, of Greensboro; William H. Bobbitt,
Jr.. B. R. Chamberlain, Norman Chamberlain, Jim Layton, Birford Moore,
and Sally Sandifer, of Charlotte; Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Jensen, John Trott, Jr.,
and Dr. Richard L. Weaver, of Chapel Hill; Norman McCulloch, Sandy Mc-
Culloch, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Overing, of Raleigh; Mrs. Helen H. Beems,
K. D. Pyatt, Jr., Lionel Weil, Jr., R. L. Wolff, and Dee Wooten, of Goldsboro;
Bob Holmes, of Mount Olive; Dicky Wallace, of Smithfield; Paul W. Sturm,
of Manteo; and Joe Adams, of New Holland.

Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro, N. C.

Field Notes and News

REDPOLLS AT HENDERSON, N. C., LAST WINTER. Mrs. T. C. Gill
reports seeing four Redpolls ou Feb. 8th, 1947.

MRS. A. W. BACHMAN.

BLACK AND WHITE WARBLER IN DECEMBER. At Henderson, N. C.,
on Dec. 7th, Misses Gary. Garnette Myers, and myself saw a Black and White
Warbler apparently in good condition. The bird was quite active and did
not appear to be suffering from any injury. JEANETTE S. BACHMAN.

CHAPEL HILL, N. C. On May 6th, a Red-breasted Nuthatch was seen at
the feeding station; 5 Pine Siskins were seen May 2nd; 1 female Purple
Finch was seen May 1st; White-throated Sparrows were still in Cliapel Hill
on Mav 10th; and on May 11th I saw one Pine Siskin at my feeder.

MRS. O. F. JENSEN.

MOREHE.‘\D CITY, N. C. : Dr. Ben F. Royal told me on November 1st th.it
(luring the previous week he had seen a Great Black-backed Gull in a flock of the

THE C H A T

15

common Herrings Gulls at Shacklefoial Point (east side of Peaufort Inlet), while
he was on a fishing trip. He also reported sighting a flock of Canada Geese and
a flock of about 50 Brown Pelicans. Aycock Brow.m.

DISPOSAL OF DROPPINGS OF NESTLINGS: I’ve made some mighty good
pictures of birds this summer, if I do say so, and two things I’ve proved that I
ha\'en’t seen discussed in print. Bluebirds, Wrens, and some other ca\'ity nesting birils
remove the droppings and fly off to drop them away from the nest; the Robin
and Wood Thrush cat them. Both types of birds, cavity and open nest, recei\e fhe
droppings directly from the young. Pve got movies to prove it.

J. W. E. (Bill) Joyner, Rocky Mount, N. C.

RAVENELS, S. C.: Pileated Woodpecker was observed October 14, 15, 16, and
17th, at Ra\enels, Charleston County, N. C., in hardwood, pine and cypress timber,
at close range, digging for grubs in rotted tree. Had formerly identified Pileated
Woodpecker in the Dismal Swamp region, in northeastern North Carolina, March
20, 1940.

L. A. Andrew, Jr., M. D., Winston-Salem, N. C.

WINSTON-SALEM, N. C. Purple Martins left nesting area on July 16th.
Third brood of Bluebirds ready to leave the nests; good Blubird year here.
A white, three-foot heron observed standing on Westend resident street
(second week of August); yellow legs and bill. The first Canada Geese arri-
vals, one pair, were reported on October 12th. By October 16th, six had
arrived. HENRY MAGIE.

ROCKY MOUNT, N. C.: Late in the afternoon of September 23rd, I saw
circling high over our City Lake a black bird which I first thought was a Cormo-
rant. I watched it for perhaps an hour and finally determined it to be a Water Tur-
key. About sundown it perched in the top of a 60-foot pine tree where it appeared
to be ready to roost. The next morning I went back to the lake and found the bird
still on the same perch. Five minutes after I arrived, it left the roost and sailed
down to the lake, where it fed or dived, then flew to another section of the lake
and dived around for a time. It visited about four sections of the lake within a
half hour, then rose, circled high, and headed south. Today (October l), I saw a
flock of Myrtle Warblers feeding in the bayberry bushes around the same lake. I be-
lieve this is an early date, at least for this sestion.

Bill Joyner.

WILMINGTON, N. C.: A Blue Grosbeak nest with 4 young, was obser\ed at
Masonboro Sound, on June 3rd, by Claude McAllister.

On June 8th, John Funderburg reported coming within 75 feet of a Dovekic sit-
ting upright like a penguin on a sandbar in Middle Sound, about a mile north of
Wrightsville Sound where Mrs. Sibbel Turnbull saw a Do\'ekie on December 28,
1946. This one recently observed was dingy and ragged, and we wonder if the one
seen on the Christmas count might be still hanging around.

A pair of Painted Buntings with 5 fledgings in nest was observed June 2 8th on
Masonboro Sound, by Claude McAllister, who found in the same area five other
nests with eggs in them.

A pair of Robins feeding 4 young in nest in vine on brick wall, at Thiiai and
Ann streets, on June 30th, by Claude McAllister. On July 19, 1946, Mrs. Warwick
Baker and I saw a mother Robin fetling a fledging on Market street, in Wilmington.

16

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 1

Gregor Rohwer and I again saw parent and young on July 28th, 19 + 6. Tliese
records are noteworthy, since the breeding range of the Robin in the eastern part cf
North Carolina is not well defiined. In Birds of Nort/i Carolina (l9+2), records of
nests or summer occurrence of Robins are listed for Gates, Perquimans, Hyde, and
Beaufort counties in the northeastern part of the state, and for Moore county, with
the statement: “Between these regions and the Atlantic Ocean, so far as we are
aware, no nests have been discovered, and it appears to be unknown as a summer
bird in the southeastern coastal counties.”

Red-breasted Nuthatch with + Ifetlgings was obser\-ed on July 25th, by John
Funderburg, in a pine tree on his farm at Rocky Point, about 15 miles north of
Wil mington. II e was first attracted by the call right o\er his head and was able to
observe them for about fifteen minutes with field glasses.

Edn.\ L.-vnier Applebery.

HENDERSON, N. C. Fall records from Henderson Bird Club: Green
Heron, Sept. 7; Osprey, Sept 29-Oct. 4; Spotted Sandpiper, Sept. 29; Yellow-
billed Cuckoo, Sept. 20; Black-billed Cuckoo, Oct. 4; Nigbthawk, Sept. 12;
Chimney Swift, Oct. 18; Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Sept. 20; Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker, Oct. 22; Eastern Kingbird, Sept. 16; Crested Flycatcher,
Sept. 5; Acadian Flycatcher, Apr. 30-Sept, 20; Wood Pewee, Oct. 6; Brown
Creeper, Oct. 12; House Wren, Oct. 21; Catbird, Oct 27; Wood Thrush, Oct.
6; Hermit Thrush, Oct. 29; Olive-backed Thrush, Oct. 2-27; Ruby-crowned
Kinglet, Oct. 27; Cedar Waxwing, Oct. 26; White-eyed Vireo, Sept. 20; Yel-
low-throated Vireo, Oct. 2; Blue-headed Vireo, Nov. 4 (May still be here. —
Nov. 26); Red-eyed Vireo, Oct. 17; Black and White Warbler, Oct. 4; Parula
Warbler. Sept. 15-Oct. 12; Yellow Warbler, Sept. 16; Magnolia Warbler, Oct.
1-18; Cape May Warbler, Sept. 29-Oct 29; Black-throated Blue Warbler-,
Oct 3-27; Myrtle Warbler, Oct 26; Black-throated Green Warbler, Oct. 21;
Yellow-throated Warbler, Sept. 22; Black Poll Warbler, Oct. 3-29; Prairie
Warbler, Oct 1; Palm Warbler, Oct. 26; Oven-bird. Oct. 2; Northern Water
Thrush, Oct 8; Hooded Warbler, Sept. 20; Redstart, Oct. 12; Yellow-throat,
Oct. 13; Baltimore Oriole, Sept. 8-16; Summer Tanager, Sept. 30; Rose-
breasted Grosbeak, Oct. 21; Indigo Bunting, Oct. 1; Savannah Sparrow, Nov.
8; Grasshopper Sparrow, Oct. 14; Junco. Oct. 22; Chipping Sparrow, Oct.
16; White-throat Sparrow, Oct. 13; Song Sparrow, Sept. 29. (The records for
the Black-throated Green Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, and Rose-breasted
Grosbeak were the first fall records for the Club.)

(Nov. 26, 1947.) JEANETTE S. BACHMAN.

WILMINGTON AND SOUTHPORT, N. C.: Between June +th and June 11th,
19+7, a trip was made to these areas with Claude McAllister, Jr., of Wilmington.
Two somewhat unusual birds were seen — Sooty Shearwater and Water Turkey or
Anhinga. The Sooty Slicarwater was seen from the shrimp trawler, Rosina, on June
10th, a few miles off Baldhead Island. It was seen flying and then lit on the water.
Fluslied at a distance of less than 100 feet, it was observed through 7x50 binoculars.
McAllister and the boat captain agreed on tlie identification marks. The Water Tur-
keys were found flying over open marsh areas, along the side of the road leading
to the mansion at Orton Plantation, on June 9th. Somewhat resembling Cooper’s
Hawks in flight, the three or four birds seen were never less than 100 feet from the
ground. One bird came within 200 feet of us, and on all of them the markings
stood out plainly in the early morning sunlight.

Among 28 Herons banded on Battery Island were 12 Louisiana Herons which
now carry a red cellulose band above the aluminum band, on the right legs. This

January, 1948

THE CHAT

17

combination should be watched for by anyone visiting Battery or the Southport area
during the next few years.

John Funderburg assisted in field work in Wilmington. Following is a list of
birds observed; Sooty Shearwater; Brown Pelican; Cormorant; Water Turkey; Great
Blue Fleron; American Egret; Snowy Egret; Louisiana, and Little Blue Herons;
Black Crowned Night Heron; Least Bittern, 1; Turkey Vulture; Cooper’s Hawk;
Red Shouldered Hawk; Bald Eagle; Osprey; Bobvvhite; Turkey, several with young,
in pine barrens above Orton pond, June 9; Clapper Rail; Oyster Catcher; Willet;
Herring, Ring-billed, and Laughing Gulls; Common, Least, and Royal Terns; Black
Skimmer; Dov'e; Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Barred Owl; Nighthawk; Chimney Swift;
Hummingbird; Kingfisher; Flicker; Pileated, Red-bellied, Red-headed, Downy, and
Hairy Woodpeckers; Eastern Kingbird; Crested, and Acadian Flycatcher; Wood
Peewee; Roughwinged, and Barn Swallows; Purple Martin; Blue Jay; Crow; Fish
Crow; Carolina Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse; Brown-headed Nuthatch; Carolina
Wren; Mockingbird; Catbird; Brown Thrasher; Robin; Wood Tbrush; Bluebird;
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher; Shrike; White-eyed, Yellow-throated, and Red-eyed Vireos;
Prothonotary, Panda, Yellow-throated, Pine, and Prairie Warblers; Louisiana Water-
thrush (Wilmington, June 4); Yellow-breasted Chat; English Sparrow; Meadow-
lark; Red-winged Blackbird; Orchard Oriole; Purple, and Boat-tailed Crackles;
Summer Tanager; Towhee; and Chipping Sparrow: Total, 82 species.

(.'\ug. 12, 1947) Sandy McCulloch, Raleigh

PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Birds observed Dec. 6,
1947, from 6:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Weather clear cool; light NW wind; travel
by open truck; 40 person in group; covered about 30 miles. Common Loon;
Horned Grebe; Pied-billed Grebe; Gannet (est. 2,500); Double-crested Cor-
morant; Great Blue Heron; Lousiana Heron; Black-crowned Night Heron;
American Bittern; Whistling Swan; Canada Goose; Hutchin’s Goose; Blue
Goose (3); Mallard; Black Duck; Pintail; Green-winged Teal; Shoveller;
Ring-necked Duck; Canvasback; Bufflehead; Ruddy Duck; Hooded Mergan-
ser; Red-breasted Merganser; Black Vulture; Sharp-shinned Hawk; Cooper’s
Hawk; Bald Eagle; Marsh Hawk; Duck Hawk; Sparrow Hawk; Clapper
Rail; Coot; Kildeer; Black-bellied Plover; Greater Yellow-legs; Least Sand-
piper; Red-backed Sandpiper; Sandeiiing; Avocet; Great Black-backed Gull;
Herring Gull; Ring-billed Gull; Royal Tern; Mourning Dove; Short-eared
Owl; Crow; Long-billed Marsh Wren; Robin; Myrtle Warbler; Meadowlark;
Red-winged Blackbird; Boat-tailed Crackle; Purple Crackle; Savannah Spar-
row; Seaside Sparrow; Song Sparrow: Total species, 58. Note: Estimated
number of Snow Geese, 5,000; estimated number of Canada Geese, 1.000.
Wind and an extremely low tide made feeding in the Sound possible, thus
accounting for the small number of geese and ducks seen on the Refuge
during the day. ROANOKE ISLAND: White-winged Scoter; Canvasback
Duck; Flicker; Carolina Wren; Ipswich Sparrow. STUMPY POINT: Greater
Scaup Duck; Catbird; Mockingbird. Additions to the list from MATTAMUS-
KEET: American Egret; Baldpate; Turkey Vulture; Red-tailed Hawk; Gull-
billed Tern; Belted Kingfisher; Phoebe; Tree Swallow; Fish Crow; Bluebird;
Starling; Maryland Yellow-throat; English Sparrow; Cardinal; Towhee:
Swamp Sparrow. ("Other species present, but time did not allow for obser-
vation.) Total species: 80. On the Mattamuskeet Refuge area, the following
figures compared with 1946 are of interest: Canada Goose, est. 45,000-.50,()00 ;
(10% increase; Whistling Swan, est. 5,500 (5% increase): Black Duck, est.
5,000 (5% increase); Mallard, est. 3,500 15% increase): Baldpate, 3,500 (5%
increase): Pintail, 9,000 ("6% increase). The geese were probably at their
height; the duck peak had probably not yet been reached.

Rorert L. Wolff, Goldsboro, N. C.

18

THE CHAT

FEW NESTS IN' MAY: May of 1947 opened for me with the disco\erY
of a Phoebe’s nest stuck against the sheer wall of a damp cuhert running beneath
a concrete highway. It held three half-feathered nestlings and was swarming with
mites, as usual. The nest, which consisted of mud and moss made into pellets, had
no support under it whatever — not a ledge or even an irregularity help the archi-
tect. This is the seventh year Phoebes have built unsupported nests against the walls
of this culvert. I still don’t know what holds the nests to these damp walls.

On May 9 a Prairie Warbler’s nest was found in the top of a swaying sweet-
gum sapling not quite head high. The nest was a fairly deep cup of straw and
feathers. Althougli it seemed to be complete, it was a week before the first egg
was laid — pinkish white with fine brown dots gathered into a wreatli at tlie larger
end. Two days later the second egg was laid. That niglit came a sharp windstorm.
Next day the nest was empty. I found the eggs, unharmed, lying among the honey-
suckle vines on the ground below and replaced them in the nest. I then fastened a
rod to the sapling so as to keep it from swaying and spilling out the eggs again.
But the birtl never returned. After waiting ten days I collected the eggs and nest.

On May 12 I found two nests scarcely six feet from the ground. I noticed a
Mockingbird flying into the dense head of a small spruce, followed her, and found
the nest, built of twigs and straw. It contained two gray-green eggs mottled with
brown, a curious combination of hues found in no other eggs except the jays. Five
days later the bird was incubating four eggs. She hatched them all. The other nest was
a Cardinal’s. It contained one half-naked nestling and an addled egg. Later I watched
the mother bring off this young one and “play baby” when the male came up, so
that he had to feed her as well as the child. Female Cardinals habitually work the
males in this fashion.

On May 30 I found a Vireo’s nest hanging from the fork of a persimmon twig
seven feet above ground. It had four eggs, white with a wreath and a sprinkle of red
dots. The owner came up and complained. She was smaller than the commoner
vireos, and had no white wingbars or stripes on head. She was mostly an ashy grey
except for a light breast. I could only identify her as a Warbling Vireo. But the
books say she is rare east of the mountains and always nests high.

The high moment of the month came on May 10 when I crossed the grass-
grown and brushy corner of a wide field. I decided it was just right for a Bobwhite’s
nest. Almost at once I found it. It was a short tunnel under a beargrass tuft through
which ran a twig from a pine. There was only one egg. I would never have found it
except that the light from this newlaid beauty just happened to catch my eye,
for due to the pine twig, this nest had something like a roof. But a nest in such a
situation is easy prey for dogs, cats, skunks, ’possums, snakes, and even box terra-
pins, and I had small hope that the owner (if the male is Bobwhite, what should
the female be called?) would complete her mission. But 18 days later the nest held
17 eggs. On June 20 she was on the nest, her colors concealing her so perfectly
I had to stare a long time before I could make out her head. On June 22 the nest
held only eggshells and one addled egg. The shells had been cut around the larger
end but the circle was not complete, leaving a hinge in each case. The Bobwhites
eggs are much thicker relatively than a hen’s eggs, hence the young one has a
special cutter on the end of his beak. As he revolves in the egg, he automatically cuts
his own opening. When I saw that 16 eggs had been hatched successfully, I rejoiced,
for Bobwhites have been getting scarcer everywhere in the neighborhood of towns.
(Tliis one was in sight of three houses and was only a dozen feet from a used foot-
path.) In the next moment I was sad, for I hoped I could manage to be there when
madame brought off her brood and led them off through the grass with the incessant
throaty murmur and low chip characteristic of Colinus mamas.

(July 3, 1947) Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill, N. C.

THE C H A T

19

Bachman’s Sparrow — A Portrait

Writing of Bachman’s Sparrow in his
“Birds of South Carolina,” Wayne states:

“Neither Bachman, who discovered tliis biril
in April, 1 832, near Parker’s Ferry on the
Ediso River, (S. C.) nor Audubon, who de-
scribed it, was able to find its nest.” It was
therefore with considerable excitement and
pleasure that I located and photographed
my first nest a number of years ago near
Charleston. Tliree years ago, June 4, 1944,

I added to mv list a second nest. That one
was found within a few blocks of my house
just within the city limits of Charlotte {The
Chat, Vol. IX, No. 3)

In 1947, I again recorded a Bachman’s
Sparrow nest and support the record with
a photograph of the incubating bird.

The nest was located some thirty feet off
of an unpaved, but frequently used road in
the southeastern part of Charlotte, less than
a thousand feet from the location of the
nest found in 1 944. As before, the site was
an open field spotted with young pines and
scrub oaks. Unlike the other nests, however,
this one, at the base of an isolated grass
clump, was so exposed that the entrance could be seen easily from a distance
of twentv feet or more. I found it at 6:00 A.M. on May 19, 1947, by-
watching an old bird preen itself for some minutes in a small pine and then .fly
almost directly to the site. The entrance faced east and I was able to see the bird
incubating before it hurried away- at my- approach. There were four pure white
eggs. At 1 P.M. that day, I returned for nest pictures and was amazed to find
mvself able to mo\-e up slowly to within four feet of the bird before it fleil. She
(Wayne say-s that the male does not assist in nest building or incubating) was
crouched in the nest with her bill apparently^ resting upon the lower edge. The
buff superciliary- lines blended w-ell with the surrounding blades of dead grass, it
was not, however, until my pictures were printed that I noticed the prominent
median line. x'\lthough most descriptions of Bachman’s Sparrow- omit mention of a
median line, it is conspicuous in a front view and I was pleased to find that it
shows quite plainly in the study skins that I w-as able to examine at the Charleston
Museum in June.

On returning to the nest on the following day I found it empty, and although
I w-as disappointed, it hardly seemed possible that a nest so exposed that no
grasses had to be moved aside for photographing could escape rletection bv the
numerous enemies of the ground nesters.

The nest was made entirely of dead grasses; those used for the lining being
very fine. It rested directly upon the ground and was completely arched o\-er, re-
sembling a sphere w-ith an inside diameter of nearly three inches, with an almost
circular opening about two inches across. The threshold measured one and se\en-
eights inches above the ground. There was no appreciable depression in the earth.

(July 14, 1947.) B. Rhett Ch.\mberl.mn, Charlotte, N. C.

Eaclnnaii Sparrow Inci/hatitig

20

THE CHAT

With the Editor

PROFESSOR ALLEN TO BE IN CHARLOTTE: The Mecklenburg Audu-
1)011 Club has secured Professor A. A. Allen, of Cornell University, for the
evening of March 22, when he will give his lecture with colored moving pic-
tures, “Listening in on Home Life of Birds.” The place is Queens College,
Charlotte; the time is 8:00 P.M.; and the price is 75 cents. Further informa-
tion may he secured from Mrs. H. W. Kilpatrick, 212 Queens Road, Char-
lotte, N. C.

BIRD SANCTUARY SIGNS AVAILABLE: The Raleigh Bird Cliih has
secured several dozen metal signs about 3x12 inches, with the wording
“Bird Sanctuary” in black on a white field. Members of other local clubs will
be interested in the fact that they have some surplus, which can be secured
for thirty cents each from Frank B. Meacham, Secretary of the Raleigh
Bird Club, at the North Carolina State Museum, Raleigh, N. C. For shipping
and postage five cents should be added.

“THE GOURD IN FOLK LITERATURE,” is the title of a monograph by
Mrs. Eddie W. Wilson, N. C. B. C. member of Cary, N. C., recently published
by The Gourd Society of America, as No. 3, of their Ethnological series.
With references from Old and New World classics, Mrs. Wilson shows how
ancient and modern peoples have resorted to gourds for inspiration as allegor-
ies and symbols of imaginative expression. Here are samples from the dozen
chapter titles: “The Gourd in Symbolism and Ceremony”; “The Gourd in
Art and Music”; “The Gourd in Natural Science”; and “The Gourd in Chil-
dren’s Literature.” The illustrated book, priced at $3.00, may be secured
from The Gourd Society of America, Horticultural Hall, Boston, Mass.

SILENT WINGS— A MEMORIAL TO THE PASSENGER PIGEON, a 42
page booklet edited by Walter E. Scott was published in connection with
the dedication of a memorial monument to the Passenger Pigeon in Wyalusing
State Park, Wisconsin, May 11, 1947. Included, besides the talks given at
the dedication, are reprints of two valuable papers by A. W. Schorger on
the early history of the Passenger Pigeon, especially in Wisconsin. There
are 12 cuts from photographs and drawings, including six illustrations from
photographs from living birds. The colored frontispiece is from an original
painting, dated 1835, by William Pope. A limited number of copies are
available to the public, and may be secured at $1.00 each, from: Wisconsin
Society for Ornithology, Walter E. Scott. Mendota Beach Heights, Madison 5,
Wisconsin.

SPECIAL NOTICE: After several years’ discussion in the N. C. B. C. re-
garding the possibility of closer coordination and cooperation with bird
lovers and nature groups in South Carolina, the matter has been mentioned
to various leaders in South Carolina and has elicited a most cordial re-
sponse. The general proposition has been approved by the N. C. B. C.
Executive Committee, and a committee, with B. R. Chamberlain, of Char-
lotte, as chairman, has been appointed to confer with representatives from
South Carolina groups, and it is hoped that a preliminary report will be
ready for the Annual Meeting of the N. C. B. C., Chapel Hill on March 20th.
At any rate, this project wilt be brought before the meeting for discussion
and possible action. Pertinent ideas which will probably be discussed will
include the possible extent and length of the proposed cooperation (or con-
solidation); the joint use of The Chat; the relative autonomy of the state
groups and their affiliated local groups; possible change of name to “Caro-
lina Bird Club,” etc.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Annual Meeting, Chapel Hill, March 20, 1948

Meetings at Person Hall Art Gallery, University of North Carolina
10:45 A.M. Opening Session: Announcement of Committees. Registra-
tion fee $.50 (immediate families of members exempt.)
Banquet tickets. Note: BANQUET RESERVATIONS
and requests for room reservations in homes in Chapel
Hill should be made IMMEDIATELY to Mrs. H. D.
Crockford, Box 816, Chapel Hill, N. C. Limited number
of rooms at Carolina Inn ($2.50 to $4.00 each) may be
secured by writing the Carolina Inn Manager AT ONCE.
12 :00 Noon. Informal lunch. Inn cafeteria.

1:45 P.M. Registration

Panel discussion: Margaret Wall, leader, “Activities for
Youth and Local Clubs.”

Scientific Papers.

4:30 P.M. Tea: At Mrs. 0. F. Jenson’s, given by Chapel Hill Bird
Club.

7:00 P.M. Banquet, Carolina Inn — $2.25 (tax and tips included.)
8:00 P.M. “North With the Birds to Hudson Bay,” lecture with
color films and unique bird song recordings, by DR.
ARTHUR A. ALLEN, Professor of Zoology, CORNELL
UNIVERSITY, ITHACA, N. Y.

This is a story of the enchanting bird life of Timberline
and Tundra, where some of our most interesting migrants
spend the summer: Harris Sparrow, Redpoll, Tree Spar-
row, and Northern Shrike ; Ptarmigan, Pipits, and Arctic
Loons; Golden Plover, Hudsonian Curlew, Dowitcher,
and Phalarope at* their nests so close you will want to
touch them.

Sunday morning, Mch. 21 — Field trip. Professor Allen will take his
sound truck and let us see it in action !

(Meetings open only to N. C. B. C. members and families.)

Notices of the N. C. B. C. Field trip to Bull’s Island, S. C., on
February 21 and 22, have been mailed to all members. A story of this
trip will be in the next issue of The Chat.

SPRING FIELD TRIP, to the WILMINGTON, N. C., area, Satur-
day, April 24, 1948. Requests for room reservations or other informa-
tion should be addressed, WITHOUT DELAY, to Mrs. Cecil Apple-
berry, 5 Lake Forest Parkway, Wilmington, N. C.

Local Clubs and Their Officers

Arden, Rosscraggon Wood, Inc.: P — Harold B. Swope, Skylandj V-P — Dr. Leigh
Robinson, Skyland; S-T — Mrs. W. H. Lashley, Royal Pines; Board of Governors
— Dr. Graham Harden, Skyland; Miss Susan Sheppard, Skyland; Kenneth Carr,
Skyland.

Asheville Bird Club: P — R. H. Rembert; V-P — Miss Margaret Decker; S — Mrs.

M. F. Meredith, 10 Castle St.; T — Mrs. Francis E. Field.

Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock Audubon Club: P — Miss Lena Reeves; V-P — Mrs.
Joe Winkler.

Boone Bird Club: P — Dr. Robert King; V-P — Mrs. W. M. Burwell; S-T — Miss
Cora Jeffcoat.

Chapel Hill Bird Club: P — Mrs. Harold Walters; V-P — David Frey; S-T — Mrs.

David Olson, Box 998; Publicity Chairman — Mrs. Horace D. Crockford.
Charlotte, Mecklenburg Audubon Club: P — Mrs. George C. Potter, 2111 Malverne
Rd. ; V-P — Mrs. H. W. Kilpatrick; S — Miss Connie Thigpen, 1215 Greenwood
Cliff; T — Mrs. W. B. Simmons.

Durham, Duke-Durham Bird Club: P — Miss Bertha B. Hopkins, 506 Buchanan Road;
S-T — Mrs. M. W. Johnson.

Greensboro, Piedmont Bird Club: P — Mrs. Floyd H. Craft; V-P — R. D. Douglas and
Mrs. H. L. Medford; Rec. S — Miss Charlotte Dawley; Cor. S — Miss Ethel
McNairy; T — Miss Sarah Lesley; Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs. W. C. Carr
and Miss Etta Schiffman.

Guilford College, T. Gilbert Pearson Bird Club: P — Elizabeth Hare; V-P — J. G.
Gilbert; S-T — Margery Pickett.

Henderson Bird Club: P — Mrs. A. W. Bachman; V-P — Mrs. T. C. Gill; S-T —
Miss Agnes Pegram.

Hickory Bird Club: P — ^J. Weston Clinard; V-P — Mrs. George E. Bisanar; S-T —
Mrs. Alex F. Vallotton, 1415 Eighth Ave. ; Reporter — ^J. W. Clinard.

High Point, Catesby Bird Club: P — James R. Mattocks; S — Mrs. Chester C.
Haworth; T — Mrs. John C. Siceloff.

Lenoir Audubon Club: P — Miss Margaret Harper; V-P — R. T. Greer; S-T — Mrs.
R. T. Greer, Box 800.

Lumberton Bird Club: P — ^James Stephens, Jr.; V-P — Mrs. Henry McKinnon; S —
Mrs. D. L. Whiting; T — Miss Lillian Whiting.

Mount Airy Bird Club: P — Mrs. J. Bruce Yokley; V-P — O. W. Kochtitsky; S —
Mrs. H. G. Long; T — Fred Johnson.

Raleigh Bird Club: P — Phillip H. Davis; V-P — W. B. Nesbit; S — Frank B. Meacham,

N. C. State Museum; Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs. A. J. Skaale and G. M.
Garren.

Roanoke Rapids Bird Club: P — Mrs. D. L. Wheeler; V-P — Miss Clara Heame; S-T —
Mrs. T. L. O’Briant, 538 Vance St.

Rocky Mount, Francis H. Craighill Bird Club: P — ^J. W. E. Joyner; V-P — The Rev.
Gray Temple; S — Miss Dorothy Craighill; T — Miss Lilly Shearin; Members of
Executive Committee — Mrs. Fairy Bandy and Mrs. J. W. E. Joyner.

Southern Pines Bird Club: P — Mary Keller Wintyen; V-P & S — Miss Louise Haynes;
T. & Rec. Sec. — Miss Nonna Shiring.

Statesville Audubon Club: P — Miss Nancy B. Eliason; V-P — Miss Grace Anderson;

S-*-Mrs. Calhoun Ramsey; T — Mrs. Earl Davis.

Tryon Bird Club: P — G. H. Holmes; S-T — Katherine D. Hamiltc«i.

Wilmington Bird Club: P — Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, 5 Lake Forest Parkway; V-P —
John Funderburk; S — Mrs. Warwick R. Baker, 204 Kenwood Ave.; T — Charles
F. Theobald.

Winston-Salem Bird Club: P — Henry Magie; S-T — ^Wm. S. Rothrock, 2434 Stock-
ton St.; Directors — Charles H. Babcock, Thurmond Chatham, Jr., Richard J.
Reynolds, II.

The Chat

BULLETIN OF THE NORTH CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

VOL XII MARCH, 1948 No. 2

PUBLISHED By THE NORTH CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

Greensboro, N. C.

The Chat

Bulletin of the North Carolina Bird Club

Dr. Archie D. Shaptesbury, Editor

Woman’s College of University of North Carolina, Greensboro, N. C.

EDITORI.'L STAFF — Associate Editors, B. R. Chamberlain, Charlotte; T. L. Quay,
Raleigh.

Contributing Editors: Miss Grace Anderson, Statesville; Mrs. Edna Lanier Apple-
berry, Wilmington; Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Henderson; E. B. Chamberlain, Charles-
ton Museum, Charleston, S. C.; Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, Charlotte; J. W. Clinard,
Hickory; Harry T. Davis, N. C. Museum, Raleigh; Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green,
Raleigh; Dr. John H. Grey, Jr., Charlottesville, Va. ; Miss Clara Hearne, Roanoke
Rapids; Dr. Thelma Howell, Macon, Ga. ; Mrs. Zora P. Jensen, Chapel Hill; Joe
Jones, Chapel Hill; J. W. E. Joyner, Rocky Mount; Henry Magie, Winston-Salem;
Rev. J. J. Murray, Lexington, Va.; Howard T. Odum, New Haven, Conn.; Oscar
H. Paris, Jr., Greensboro; Prof. Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill; James L. Stephens,
Jr., Lumberton; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Chapel Hill; Mrs. Eddie W. Wilson, Cary;
Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro; D. L. Wray, Raleigh.

Entered as second-class matter April 8, 1941 at the post office Greensboro, North
Carolina, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Published five times a year on the fifteenth of January, March, May, September,
and November as the official organ of the North Carolina Bird Club. Articles for
publication should reach the Editor by the first of the month In which the issue is
published.

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE
EDITOR.

Bulletin subscription, one dollar a year, included in all membership fees.

Vol. XII March, 1948

No. 2

CONTENTS

N. C. B. C. Holds Spring Meeting at Chapel Hill 21

N. C. B. C. Field Trip to Bull’s Island — Charlotte Hilton Green . . 23

News of the Local Clubs 25

Feeding Station to Rival “Wings at My Window” —

W. G. Templeton 27

Courtship of the Cardinal — /. Weston Clinard 27

North Carolina’s Type Forms — B. Rhctt Chamberlmn 27

Building Proper Homes for your Bird Neighbors — A. D. S. ..... 29

Constitution of North Carolina Bird Club 31

Field Notes and News • • 32

With the Editor . . . . 36

New and Reinstated Members of N. C. B. C Inside Back Cover

Local Clubs and their Officers . . ■ • Outside Back Cover

THE NORTH CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

Organized March 6, 1937, for the study and protection of our birds. Membership
is open to those interested in this work, and is divided into four classes: Active
members, who pay dues of $1.00 a year; Sustaining Members, dues of $5.00 a year;
Contributing Members, dues of $25.00 a year; and Life Members, $100.00, which
may be paid at one time or in four consecutive annual payments of $25.00.

Nominations and applications for membership should be sent to: Mrs. Margaret
Y. Wall, Treasurer, 6 Springdale Court, Greensboro.

N. C. B. C. Holds Spring Meeting at Chapel Hill

Dr. A. A. Allen, ornithologist from Cornell University, was the
featured speaker at the tenth annual spring meeting of the North Carolina
Bird Club, held at Chapel Hill on March 20th and 21st. Dr. Allen’s
lecture, “North With the Birds to Hudson Bay,” with splendid colored
moving pictures of birds and other animals of the Canadian timberline and
tundra, was given Saturday evening, following the annual dinner at the
Carolina Inn. Dr. Allen was present at the tea given at Mrs. O. F.
Jensen’s home Saturday afternoon by the Chapel Hill Bird Club, who
were hosts for the meeting, and demonstrated his sound truck and the
parabolic reflector which he has designed to pick up bird calls and other
sounds of nature, for permanent recording on phonograph records.

Over 125 members registered for the meeting, which was one of the
most enjoyable meetings which the club has ever held. The opening sessioii
which convened Saturday morning in Person Hall Art Gallery, of the
University of North Carolina, was called to order by the N. C. B. C.
President, Mrs. O. F. Jensen, of Chapel Hill. After a brief session for
various announcements, including the lists of the committees, the session
was adjourned for a tour of the Person Hall Art Gallery where there was
a splendid display of bird prints and etchings, including an extensive
Menaboni collection secured for exhibition from the National Audubon
Society by the Chapel Hill Bird Club, and also man}^ fine pictures loaned
by members of the local club.

The Saturday afternoon session, which convened in Person Hall,
began with committee reports. Mrs. Charles Swart, Membership Chairman,
reported 800 members for the N. C. B. C. Written reports were filed by
Nature Center Chairman, Miss Clara Hearne; Sanctuary Committee Chair-
man, D. L. Wray; and Education Chairman, Dr. R. L. Weaver; and
informal reports were given regarding the highly successful state-wide
field trips conducted at Pea Island, N. C., by Bob Wolff, and at Bulls
Island, S. C., by B. R. Chamberlain, and attention was called to the field
trip to be held at Wilmington, N. C., April 23-24, in charge of Mis.
Cecil Appleberry. R. D. Douglas, chairman of a special committee for
incorporating N. C. B. C., gave a preliminary report, and a motion was
passed that this committee, consisting of R. D. Douglas, Archie D. Shaftes-
bury, and B. R. Chamberlain, continue their work and report to the new
executive committee.

MERGER WITH SOUTH CAROLINA NATURE GROUP APPROVED

A letter was read from Alexander Sprunt, Jr., Charleston, S. C., replying- to an
official inquiry from the North Carolina Bird Club regarding the possibility of a

22

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 2

coalition of the South Carolina Nature group with the N. C. B. C. Regarding the
two leading organized local groups in South Carolina, Sprunt’s letter stated that the
Charleston group had voted unanimously to merge with N. C. B. C., and the
Columbia group had also signified its intent to join a merger of this nature. The
idea was enthusiastically approved by the large group of N. C. B. C. members
present, and a committee, consisting of Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Dr. Archie D.
Shaftesbury, Harry T. Davis, and B. Rhett Chamberlain, chairman, was appointed
to work out plans for the merger.

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED

The report of the Nominating Committee, which consisted of J. W. E. (Bill)
Joyner, Archie D. Shaftesbury, and Harry T. Da\'is, chairman, was presented by the
chairman. Various additional nominations were presented from the floor, and the
following officers were elected: President, B. Rhett Chamberlain, Charlotte; Vice-
Presidents: Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro; Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, Wilmington;
.\lexander Sprunt, Jr., Charleston, S. C. ; Secretary, Miss Sarah Nooe*, Charlotte;
Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, Greensboro; Editor of The Chat, Dr. A. D.
Shaftesburv, Greensboro; Members-at-large of the Executive Committee: Harrv P.
Davis, Raleigli; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Chapel Hill.

.-Vn interesting and valuable panel discussion on the subject, “Local Club and
Youth .LctiNities,” was conducted by Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall. Participants in this
discussion were: Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green, Raleigh, former president of the
Raleigh Bird Club, and nationally known nature writer; Mrs. O. F. Jensen, N. C.-
B. C. President, and enthusiastic bird bander and Junior Aiulubon club worker;
.Vliss Laura Owens, from the Charlotte, N. C., Children’s Nature Museum; Mrs.
Eilith Settan, Greensboro, teacher in Caldwell school, and former President of the
Piedmont Bird Club; John Funderburg, Wilmington, taxidermist; Robert Wolff,
Goldsboro, Boy Scout Executive and former president of the Piedmont Bird Club;
Dr. R. L. Weaver, Chapel Hill, Program Director North Carolina Resource Use
Commission; and J. W. Clinard, Hickory Bird Club President, who was pinch
hitting for Mrs. Clinard, who is principal of the Brookdale School at Hickory.

Following is a list of the scientific papers and moving pictures which were
presented at the Saturday afternoon session. (The moving pictures were presented in
the studio of Swain Hall Radio Station.)

“Critera for Collecting Phenological Data,” Dr. Elizabeth J. Frey, Chapel Hill.

“Preliminary Report of Purple Finch Weight Study at Chapel Hill, N. C., 19+6-
19+7,” Mrs. Ove F. Jensen, Chapel Hill.

“Obser\'ations of Waterfowl in Inland Waters,” William L. Hamnett, Wildlife
Resources Commission, Raleigh.

“Life History Studies of the Wood Thrush,” Florence Weaver, Chapel Hill.

“.A. State-wide Quail Inventory in .Alabama,” Dr. F. S. Barkalow, N. C. State
College, Raleigh.

“Birds of Rocky Mount and Vicinity,” (moving pictures). Bill Joyner, Rocky
Mount.

“Maine .Audubon Nature Camp, 19+7,” (ma\ing pictures), Margaret A’. Wall,
Greensboro.

.At tlie annual dinner meeting, which was held Saturday evening at the Carolina
Inn, the address of welcome was given by Mrs. Harold Walters, of the Chapel
Hill Bird Club, and the response was given by the newly elected President of the
North Carolina Bird Club, B. Rhett Chamberlain, of Charlotte. .Attending members

*Miss Nooe was unable to serve as Secretary, and the Executive Committee has
elected Mrs. George Potter, Charlotte, as Secretary.

March, 19+8

IHK CHAT

23

who were given special recognition included two former presidents of N. C. C.,
M iss Claiulia Hunter, of Henderson, ami Miss Clara Hearne, of Roanoke Rapids and
Pittsboro; Mr. and Mrs. Eilwin Clarkson, of Charlotte; Dr. Eugene Odum,
of the University of Georgia, Athens, Ga.; and Mrs. H. H. Brimley, widow of our
beloved “H. H.”

The field trip on Sunday morning, March 21, was in charge of Harry Yeatman,
of Chapel Hill, and over sixty attended, along with the guest of honor. Dr. A. A.
Allen.

Space does not permit giving credit to all who contributed to the splentlid
success of the meeting, but certainly a number of people should be mentioned. To
Dr. and Mrs. David Frey goes the credit for all the tletails of captions, arranging,
and hanging the exhibit of Menaboni and local bird pictures displayed in Person
Hall Art Gallery. The flowers in Person Hall were arranged by Mrs. F. H. Edmister,
while Mrs. Carl Pegg had charge of the flowers at the annual dinner and at Mrs.
Jensen’s home. The enjoyable tea given at Mrs. Jensen’s home by the Cliapel Hill
Bird Club was under the direction of Mrs. J. P. Harland. General registration for
the meeting was in charge of Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, Greensboro, and Bill Craven,
Goldsboro. Registration for rooms and for banquet tickets was in charge of Mrs.
H. D. Crockford, Chapel Hill, and she and Dr. Richard Weaver, Chapel Hill, who
had charge of the publicity, both looked after various arrangements and equipment
that helpetl much in the smooth running of the meeting. Attractively painted bird
place cards at the dinner were the work of the fifth and sixth grade students at
Greensboro’s Caldwell School, of which Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall is Principal. Each
member at the dinner received a verv attractive, large, colored reproduction of an
Audubon print, arranged for by Mr. and Mrs. Ove Jensen, through the courtesy of
R. S. Harris, Durham, special agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance
Company. A. D. S.

N. C. B. C. Field Trip to Bull’s Island

Ch.vrlotte Hilton Green, Raleigh, N. C.

As pirates did of old (so tradition says) the North Carolina Bird Club took
Bull’s Island the week-end of Feb. 21-22 — took it legally and literally, from a United
States Government landing barge. Over forty members from all parts of the state
attended the field meeting there, and in spite of the bad breaks the weather gave us
(it rained practically all the time) everyone enjoyed the trip thoroughly. And the
species count was 85!

Everyone wants to go back. Bull’s Island is a fascinating land, a barrier island
on the South Carolina seacoast north of Charleston, a place of open marshes, of
spartina grass, of forests of live oak draped in Spanish moss, of magnolia and holly,
of palmetto, bayberry, and yaupon. There are both fresh water and salt water
marshes and there are wildfowl on all of them. The island is part of the Cape
Remain National Wildlife Refuge, one of the most important on the Atlantic coast,
a six-mile strip of land, marsh and islands stretching for 21 miles along the
coast and including 28,000 acres.

Here, in the legendary haunts of pirates, on a sub-tropical island of 5,000 acres
that was formerly the deluxe hunting preserve of a wealthy sportsman (who later
turned it over to the government for a Wildlife Refuge) the Tar Heel Birdmen
gathered with a few choice souls, including Burnham Chamberlain and Alexander
Sprunt HI (Sandy), from the sister state.

Our group, the largest ever to make headquarters at Dominick House (so named
in honor of the donor. Gayer D. Dominick, who thoughtfully stipulated that the

24

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 2

fine residence should be maintained as a lodge where anyone could stay while
visiting the Refuge) included members from Tryon, Charlotte, New London, Greens-
boro, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Goldsboro, and Wilmington. In age they ranged from
around fourteen to a “young sixtyish.” Rhett Chamberlain, one of the vice-presidents,
was in charge of arrangements and all ran as smoothly as did last fall’s Charlotte
field trip, of which he was also in charge. (Except this time Rhett did not seem to
stand in so well with the weatherman.)

The bird count began with the water trip; we left from Moore’s Landing and
followed the winding channels that twisted and turned past vast marshes with many
birds, and along a few^ mud flats. Unfortunately, the tide was high and most of
the flats were covered, so there were not the vast numbers of shore birds seen at
low tide, but on a few exposed bars and mud flats there w'ere Oyster Catchers, Black
Skimmers, Marbled Godwdts, Plovers — some of them “firsts” for a few of the visitors.

During the winter, ducks and geese flock to the ponds. December is the high time
for ducks. There were still many to be seen, though not a goose was reported. There
are many excellent trails leading out from the Lodge, and if we had had any kind of
break in the weather, most of us would have explored all of them. As it was, nearly
everyone went tramping on one or more of them, in the “between drizzles” and even
in heavy downpours. TTiere is a mile-long trail, the “turkey-walk” leading down
to one of the finest beaches on the Atlantic Coast. This is on the ocean side of the
island, which is about six miles long, and from half, to a mile and a mile-and-a-half
wide. Everyone wanted to walk the length of that beach.

Skirting the various ponds, we saw Mallards, Shovellers, Teal, Buffle-heads, Bald-
pates, Pintails, Ruddy Ducks, a Florida Gallinule or two, and Coots by the hundreds.
.■\nd there must have been thousands of Myrtle Warblers on the island, for every
walker along the trails reported seeing them by the hundreds. With the great
masses of wax myrtle, or bayberry bushes, one would expect to see these warblers,
whose very name comes from this, its favorite food plant. Even in the rain their
little golden rumps gleamed brightly, fitting indeed, on an island where pirates had
reputedly buried gold.

Bald Eagles and Wild Turkeys, two wdnged kings! On the island is one of the
few completely pure strains of native Wild Turkey left in the South, and these

Wild Turkeys w-ere “firsts” in the life-lists of many of the visiting bird-folk, in-

cluding the writer, who had seen penned “wild turkeys” but never one actually in the
wild. On a tall tree just off the “Old Fort Road” was the Bald Eagle’s nest wdiich
Mr. Mellinger pointed out. He had seen the two young rearing their heads abo\'e
the nest.

This “Old Fort Road” is a part of the famous and picturesque “se\-en-mile loop”
and is the most interesting one of the island, passing both fresh and salt w'ater ponds,
and by the remains of the old tabby-work fort (made of oyster shells) near the
mouth of Jack’s Creek, where the provincial government had established a look-out
on the island in 1717, then on to Moccasin Trail and Lake, which is the choice spot
to see ducks. Here, in a heavy downpour, beneath great arches of live oaks with
their swaying moss, through the binoculars we saw the Canvas-backs, their white
backs glistening in the rain, and several other species of ducks. This was indeed a

“memorv picture” that all of us will cherish forever in our “rosary of memories”

of living bird pictures.

Though a “select group of Plicated Woodpeckers” had been promised those who
might miss the boat (everybody made it, though) the pileated were sought on the
island by the eager birders. Not all of us saw these great woodpeckers, which proved

March, 1948

THE CHAT

25

a bit elusive, but everyone diil see the conspicuous holes they make in dead trees
for their nesting cavities.

Besides the birds there were, of course, many deer, the large fox squirrels, which
were new to some of the visitors, alligators (most of them still deep in the mud), and
Carolina otters. In fact, the island is a haven for wildlife. During the fishing season
tliere are said to be channel bass, trout, whiting, croaker, sheepshead, spot, yellowtail,
and other .Atlantic seaboard fish.

The island part of this great Refuge is operated under the U. S. Fish and Wild-
life Sercice, with Mr. E. O. Mellinger, an outstanding wildlife specialist, in charge.
Mrs. Mellinger makes a charming and efficient hostess at Dominick House. Though
but fourteen members could be accommodated with rooms and meals, the others were
Invited to come, being given the water trip transportation and using the house for
headquarters, provided thev brought their own sleeping baks and food. Coffee was
furnished, and the Mellingers, graciously allowed the use of their kitchen and
equipment for the preparation of the “indoor camper’s” meals.

Noticeable indeed was the good fellowship and sportsmanship of this crow.l,
with its wide range of ages. Everyone was friendly, everyone tried to help the other
fellow. Those who had rooms and baths (and they got them in order of their
reservations being sent in) shared their facilities with the others. The great living
room with its immense fire-place, was headquarters for the group, and much drying
out of wet clothes was done by the fire-place and radiators, for the birders were
constantly going in and out, in spite of the rain. At night, this great room became
the dormitory of the women campers, and the sleeping bags in rows on the floor in
front of the fire, resembled giant cocoons.

Birds seen: Horned Grebe, Pied-billed Grebe, Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,
Snowy Egret, American Bittern, Mallard, Black Duck, Gadwall, Baldpate, Pintail,
Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Shoveller, Ring-necked Duck, Canvas-back,
Lesser Scaup, Buffie-head, Old Squaw, scoter (kind not decided) Ruddy Duck, Red-
breasted Merganser, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s
Haw'k, Red-shouldered Hawk, Bald Eagle, Marsh Hawk, Duck Hawk, Wild
Turkey, Sora Rail, Florida Gallinule, Coot, Oyster Catcher, Killdeer, Black-bellied
Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs, Red-backed Sandpiper,
Dowitcher, Marbled Godwit, Forster’s Tern, Black Skimmer, Mourning Dove, Belted
Kingfisher, Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Phoebe, Blue
Jay, Crow, Fish Crow, Carolina Chickadee, House Wren, Marsh Wren (undecided
which one). Mockingbird, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Robin, Hermit Thrush, Ruby-
crowned Kinglet, Cedar Waxwing, Loggerhead Shrike, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-
headed Vireo, Myrtle Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Maryland
Yellow-throat, Meadowlark, Red-winged Blackbird, Boat-tailed Grackle, Cardinal,
Goldfinch, Red-eyed Towhee, Savannah Sparrow, Slate-colored Junco, Chipping
Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow.

News of the Local Clubs

HICKORY BIRD CLUB: Despite unusual weather conditions, the club gathered
for the regular monthly meeting, on Tfiursday evening, Feb. 1 2, at the home of
Mrs. M. L. Reynolds. Mrs. .Alex Warlick was associate hostess, and the program was
in charge of Miss Minnie Gwaltney, wdio discussed the nesting habits of sparrows,
cardinals, and buntings. The round table discussions brought forth many interesting
observations of various birds that have come to the feeding stations during the
snows. National .Audubon Society check lists were distributed for keeping record*

26

THE CH,AT

Vol. XII, No. 2

of the various birds which the members observed. The official notice was read
confirming the Hickory Bird Club’s affiliation with the North Carolina Bird Club.

The Hickory Bird Club sponsored a bird house contest, from Feb. 21 to March 6,
open to all registered Boy Scouts in Catawba county, with Brooks M. Todd serving
as public relations chairman for the project.

The March meeting was held on the evening of the 11th, at the home of Miss
Garnett Launey, with the discussion led by the club president, J. W. Clinard, whose
theme was the Warbler family, an American group of some 150 species and sub-
species, named from the Europen warblers, not on account of their song, but on
account of similarity of plumage. This was one of the series of discussions, empha-
sizing particularly the nesting habits of various groups of birds. A moving picture
will be shown at the April meeting, scheduled to be held at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. J. W. Warlick.

LENOIR AflDL^BON CLUB; A regular meeting was held on Tuesday evening,
March 2, at the home of the president. Miss Margaret Harper. The members were
entertained by a description of land and water birds seen by Mrs. C. S. Warren on
a trip which Mr. and Mrs. Warren recently took through Georgia and Florida.
This was followed by an interesting round table discussion.

PIEDMONT BIRD CLUB: Spring count for the Greensboro region is planned
for Saturdav .May 1. A camping trip to Hanging Rock State Park, is planned for
Saturdav and Sundav, Mav 15-16.

FEEDING STATION TO RIVAL “WINGS AT MY WINDOW”

At long last, Maurice Stimson, retired, has consented to beckon our bird
friends to his door on a grander scale than before. Many thousands of them
already know they have a friend indeed, tucked away deep in the Brushy
Mountains, in a humble log cabin, on Route 2, nine miles above Taylqrs-
ville, N. C., near Three-Forks Church. He has given up all claims to his
drug store in Statesville and all ideas of another trip around the world. He
has made the global trip seventeen times, visiting more than thirty countries,
and can talk with first-hand knowledge of the birds in and near Saigon and
Rangoon, as he can of his native North Carolina birds.

Now this care of his bird visitors has outgrown his ability to feed and
shelter them, as w’as the experience of Ada Govan, up in the New England
hills. We can help in this without spending any money. Simply send to
Maurice Stimson, Rt. 2. Taylorsville, N. C., any and all old shoes, hats, coats,
dresses, or anything that can be sold to these mountain people, and he w'ill
turn all into cash and raise and buy sunfiower seed, suet, peanuts, etc., to
delight the palates of all comers. Maurice will report occasionally how the
project is coming along.

Mr. Stimson was recognized by both the late Brimleys — H. H. and Dr.
C. S. — as an outstanding authority on birds. He has been keeping records
since 189.5, and can give you the correct data as to when and where each
bird is to be found, whether it is the Henslow’s Sparrow, in its outlandish
twisted, awkward flight, or the Crested Flycatcher in its search for a snake
skin for its nest. Maurice has stalked the Lousiana Water Thrush, and has
found out how this enigmatic Pharaoh of the bird tribe got those large
mud-soaked leaves to its nest. Maurice and Sam Price, his helper, watched
for days last April as this Water Thrush floated these heavy oak leaves down
the small stream a few yards from his front door. When they would lodge

March, 1948

THE CHAT

27

on a root, the “thrush” — really a warbler — was there to give the gentle touch
to float them to the landing, whence she dragged them backwards up to
the nest under the roots of a beech tree. Would that each of you could have
been with me on April 28th, as Maurice and Sam and I walked down to the
nest where the Lousiana Water Thrush was setting. In spite of our loud
talking, and spite of Sam’s brandishing the large stick which he always car-
ried, the Water Thrush remained on the nest, while we three sat across the
tiny springlet, not five feet from the nest, with Sam pointing with his stick
to show the beautiful markings around the eyes and neck. Maurice said that
this confidence was due to the fact that each day they had watched this
unusual building process and so had established a mutual understanding.

W. G. TEMPLETON, Statesville, N. C.

COURTSHIP OF THE CARDINAL

Just as I entered the woods, there was a flash before me; and, on a twig, a
little gray bird alighted, while in precipitate pursuit came a flaming wonder of
red — he is blood red because he is the bravest, gayest, most ardent lover of the whole
woods — and in a burst of excited trills, broken whistles, and imploring gestures,
perched beside her.

Then I witnessed a cardinal bird declare his love, a sight so lovely and so. rare
it is vouchsafed to few mortals to behold. The red bird twisted, whistled, rocked,
tilted, and trilled; and the gray sat demurely watching him as if only half con-
vinced that he really meant it. The gay lover began at the beginning and said it
all over again with more impassioned gestures than before; and then he edged in,
touched, and softly stroked her wing with his beak. She appeared startled, but did
not fly.

So again the fountain of half whistled, half trilled notes bubbled with the
acme of pleading intonation, and this time he leaned and softly kissed her as she
reached her bill for the caress. Then she fled in headlong flight while the streak of
flame darted after her.- J. Weston Clinard.

North Carolina’s Type Forms

B. Rhett Chamberlain, Charlotte, N. C.

Writing in 1916, the late Arthur T. Wayne, State Ornithologist for
South Carolina, (Contributions from the Charleston Museum, III, a list of
the Avian Species for which the Type Locality is South Carolina; 1917),
listed seventy-six species of birds as types originally described from that
state. Upon re-reading Mr. Wayne’s paper recently it occurred to me that
readers of The Chat would be interested in a list of birds having North
Carolina as their type locality.

Unfortunately the similarity of the North and South Carolina lists
hardly extends beyond the titles. South Carolina’s seventy-six birds has
doubtless increased by several since 1916, while North Carolina’s score, up
to and including the Twentieth Supplement of the A.O.U. Check List pub-
lished in July, 1945, is eight. The explanation is quite simple. . As early

28

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 2

as 1722 the able English naturalist, Mark Catesby, went to South Carolina
and spent several years there describing and figuring the birds and animals
he found. His accounts of his travels, (The Natural History of Carolina,
Florida and the Bahama Islands; 1731), indicate clearly that he never
reached North Carolina. Fifty-seven of Catesby’s birds are in South Caro-
lina’s list of types. Seven others were described for the first time by Au-
dubon in his Ornithological Biography (1831-1839).

Of the eight species that make up North Carolina’s list of types, none
was recorded earlier than 1886. In that year William Brewster, the famed
Massachusetts ornithologist, published a list of 120 species of birds that he
observed or collected in the mountains of western North Carolina. In that
list the Mountain Vireo and the Carolina Junco appear as North Carolina’s
earliest described type species. Nine years later Dr. Elliot Coues described a
new Black-throated Blue Warbler and named it after its discoverer, John S.
Cairns of Weaverville, N. C. Cairns found his warbler in Buncombe
County. To date he is the only North Carolina native to succeed in adding
to the state list a bird not previously known to science.

The remaining five North Carolina types were noted by Messrs. Batch-
elder, Bishop, Burleigh, and Oberholser, all eminent ornithologists con-
nected with the U. S. Biological Survey, or northern museums.

North Carolina types, representing seven families, follow:

Appalachian Chickadee — Parus atricafillus fracticus Oberholser. Proc. Biol.
Soc. Washington, 50:220, Dec. 28, 1937. Type locality: Mount Guyot, 6,500 feet
altitude. Great Smoky Mountains.

Southern Creeper — Certhia familiaris nigrescens Burleigh. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash-
ington, 48:62, May 3, 1935. Type locality: Mount Mitchell, altitude 6,500 feet.

Southern Winter Wren — 'N annus hiemalis fullus Burleigh. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washing-
ton, 48:61, May 3, 1935. Type locality: Mount Mitchell, altitude 6,500 feet.

Southern Robin — Turdus migratorius achrusterus Batchelder. Poc. New Engl.
Zool. Club, 1:104, March 6, 1900. Type locality: Raleigh.

Mountain Vireo — Vireo solitarius alticola Brewster. Auk, III, (l):lll, Jan. 1886,
Type locality: Highlands, Macon County.

Cairns’s Warbler — Dendroica caerulescens cairnsi Coues. Auk, XIV, (l):96, Jan.,
1897. Type locality: Cragg Mountains, Buncombe County.

Southern Sharp-tailed Sparrow — Ammosfiza caudacuta diversa Bishop. Auk,
18:269, July, 1901. Type locality: Wanchese, Roanoke Island, Dare County. In
connection with this bird it is interesting to note that while it was not at once
accepted by A.O.U. and was not included in the 1931 list, it has since been
granted full status. (See: Wetmore and Lincoln, Auk., 49, 1932, p. 231, and
Montagna, Wils. Bull., 54, 1942, p. 110-112.)

Carolina Junco. Junco hyemalis carolinensis Brewster. Auk, III, (l):108, Jan.,
1 886. Type locality: Black Mountain, Buncombe County.

March, 19+8

THE CHAT

29

Building Proper Homes for Your Bird Neighbors

Many birds have been left homeless by the cutting of old dead and hollow trees.
The good old days of rail fences furnished for Bluebirds many suitable homes, not
a\ailable to present day Bluebirds in an age of wire fences and steel fence posts,
anti tree surgeons. Bluebirds and other kintls of birds tliat normally nest in hollow
cavities in trees, are mainly very beneficial species, and many of them may with little
effort be attracted as enjoyable paying guests to your yard or garden or farm,
by suitable provision of water, food, protection, and nesting boxes. The accompanying
sketches show some simple and practical designs for bird homes. With modifications
in size according to the table given below, the designs are suitable for homes for
many of our best bird citizens.

Suitable material is 3/8 inch, inch, or ^ inch white pine, cedar, redwood,
poplar, or other soft wood which is easy to work. Thicker material makes a cooler
home for the birds. Use I/2 or inch box or finish nails. Painting is not necessary,
though new wood may be painted or stained some dull tint, dull brown, green, or
gray. If painted, they should be put up early to get rid of the paint odor. The houses
should be rainproof, and should be provided with a small drain hole in the bottom.
The top or a side should be removable or hinged, not merely for examination or for
banding the young birds, but also for the removal of eggs of Starlings and English
Sparrows, and for removing the old nests and thorough cleaning after each brood
and at the end of the season. Cross-ventilation should be provided by some small
holes or rain-protected slits near the top. Gourds which are so commonly used in
some sections for Purple Martins, may also be used for Bluebirds and Wrens. A
hollow or hollowed out tree trunk, cut the right length, closed at top and bottom with
a piece of slab or plank, and provided with an entrance hole of the proper size, will
attract chickadees and titmice, and, if large enough, will house flickers and other
woodpeckers. Build each house for some definite species, and do not make the hole
too large. One important thing is to have the entrance hole near the top (except
for Purple Martins) and the right size for the birds you desire. In the deeper
nesting boxes the inside surface of the front should be roughened, or cleated, to
help the young reach the entrance. Perches at the entrance are probably of more
use to intruders, than to the rightful occupants. Some fine chips or shavings mav
be left in the bottom of woodpecker houses. Four inches or more of sawdust or
shavings may be left in the houses for Wood Ducks.

Vol. XII, No. 2

30

THE CHAT

Following is a table of sizes of nesting boxes for various species that may use
them in this region.

*CJ

V

"a

"o

n:

» I I o
o ^

4^ ^ (T)

bx) £ 'S

Cj

^ CO

o *3^

D

O

bJO

b£) _ _
s p

-2 .5

tin -H ^

O c

DO

O C

D CM O

Q 'o w

.4j^2x4j4

8

6

Ij^

4-12

4x4

6-8

1 to 6

1

6-10

4x4

6-8

1 to 6

iVs

6-10

4x4

6-8

5 to 7

1^

8-15

4x4

8-10

6 to 8

6-15

4x4

8-10

6 to 8

1%

12-20

6x6

8-10

6 to 8

2

8-20

7x7

16-18

14 to 16

lYz

6-20

6x6

8-12

8

9-12

6x6

12-15

9 to 12

\yi

12-20

6x6

6

1

2^

15-20

6x8

8

Sheltered platform

6-15

4x7

6

Slieltere

:d platform

6- 15

10x10

24

16

4

10-15

Bluebird 4j/2x4j^

House Wren

Carolina Wren 4x4

Chickadee 4x4

Tufted Titmouse 4x4

Nuthatch

Crested Flycatcher 6x6

Flicker

Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker

Purple Martin 6x6

Robin

Plioebe

Wood Duck 10x10

Bird houses placed on posts will be most frequently used. Birds seem to show
some preference for nesting boxes facing toward the south. If nesting boxes are to
be placed in trees, it is desirable that tree guards be erected to protect against
squirrels and cats. The boxes should be securely attached and should be put up early in
the year. January is not too early to put up Bluebird boxes. Avoid dense woods and
deep shaded areas. Select a location next to an open space, with peihaps a sligi
protection of shade. Chickadees have taken over a nesting box nailed up beside our

kitchen door. , . , • i

Do not place bird homes too close together, since most birds set up teriitorial

rierhts and drive others of their species from their domain. Boxes for Mood Ducks
should be nailed to a large tree, 10 or more inches in diameter, 10 to 15 feet above
the ground, with no branches immediately adjacent, and near to the watei ; oi they
may be placed on pipes or poles in the water, which will eliminate usage by squirre s

is a list of three pamphlets, one or more of which you might find useful
wish further suggestions, (l) “Bird Houses,” by Roger Top- Peterson, C.r-

cularNo.'"29, published by the National Audubon Society, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New
Wk 28, N. Y., for 5 cents a copy. (2) “Homes for Birds,” U. S Fish and Wild-
life Service, Conservation Bulletin No. 14, may be secured froin the Superintendent
of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C., for 10 cents a copy.
(3) “Bird Houses, Baths and Feeding Shelters,” by probably

still available from the Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, at

That vour boxes are not used the first year is not necessarily an indication tha
they are improperlv built or located. Mfiien your bird neighbors do finally take up
the'home vou have provided, you will have many enjoyable opportunities of observing
and possibly photographing their doings. By all means keep a record, with dates and
other data on vour observations of the nest building, smgmg and courtship, defense
of area against' other birds, laying, hatching, feeding the young, the time when the
voun<- leave the nest, and other interesting happenings which you .

Marcli, 1948

THE CHAT

31

CONSTITUTION OF NORTH CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

(NOTE: This copy includes all official changes and additions to Oct. 30, 1942.)

ARTICLE I. Name and Objects

Section 1. This organization shail be known as the North Carolina Bird Club.

Section 2. The purpose of this Club shall be the study and protection of birds,
and the education of our people as to the value of birds.

Section 3. All current data which in the opinion of the Editor or Executive
Committee is worthy of permanent record shall be published whenever practicable
in a publication of the Club, which shall be known as The Chat.

Section 4. The Club will also promote the establishment of local subsidiary
groups in the several sections of the State.

Section 5. The Club may also co-operate with State and Federal Authorities
in bringing about better enforcement of all existing laws, both State and Federal,
which protect bird life.

ARTICLE II. Membership

Section 1. ,4 ny person who is interested in the study of birds may be elected to

membership by the Club or the Executive Committee upon written endorsement
by two members.

Section 2. There shall be four classes of members; Ordinary members, paying
one dollar a year; Sustaining members, paying five dollars a year; Contributing
members, paying twenty-five dollars a year; and Life members, paying a lump sum
of one hundred dollars, or four consecutive annual payments of twenty-five dollars.

Section 3. All dues for the ensuing year shall be payable .January first. Members
in arrears .shall be dropped from the mailing list of The Chat; and shall be dropped
from the roll at the end of the year, provided such member has been sent two notices
of delinquency with interval of not less than two months.

ARTICLE III. Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Club shall be President, three Vice-Presidents,
S'ecretary, Treasurer, and Editor of The Chat. The duties of each shall be those
usually pertaining thereto. These officers, together with two elected from the Club
at large, shall constitute the Executive Committee.

Section 2. Nominations for officers shall be made by a Nominating Committee
appointed by the President at the opening of the Annual Meeting. Nominations may
also be made from the floor.

Section 3. Vacancies in the staff of officers shall be filled by the Executive
Committee.

ARTICLE IV. Meetings

Section 1. An Annual Meeting shall be held each spring at a time and place
to be selected by the Executive Committee. Other meetings may be called by the
Executive Committee, but only such business shall be transacted at a call meeting
as is stated in the call for it. All members shall be notified at least thirty days
in advance of each regular or call meeting, and the members present at such ineet-
ing shall constitute a quorum thereof.

ARTICLE V. Accounts

Section 1. A Committee of two inembers shall be appointed by the President at
the beginning of each annual meeting whose duty is shail be to audit the accounts
of the Treasurer.

ARTICLE VI. Amendments

Section 1. This Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting, or special
meeting calied for that purpose, by a two-thirds majority of members present,
provided the amendment has been submitted to the Executive Committee, and copies
sent to all members one month prior to the meeting at which it is to be voted upon.

ARTICLE VII. By-Laws

Section 1. By-laws may be adopted or repealed at any annual meeting or special
meeting by a majority vote of the members present.

BY-LAWS

1. As the different classes of membership are dependent merely on the due.s paid,
any member may shift from one class to another by increasing or decreasing his or
her dues.

32

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 2

Field Notes and News

PURPLE FINCHES AT GOLDSBORO, N. C.: Two Purple Finches, 1 male
and 1 female or immature, were observed at close range (4 ft.), Feb. 21, at
Goldsboro. The two birds, in company with 23 Cedar Waxwings, were feeding on
privet berries. Metz Bizzell, Goldsboro, N. C.

HORNED LARKS x\ND PIPITS AT GOLDSBORO, N. C.; On Feb. llth, 20
Horned Larks, along with about 50 Pipits were observed at the Goldsboro city
airport. Other reports indicate additional flocks of both species in this vicinity during
the previous three weeks. WoLt F

HORNED LARKS AT R.^LEIGH: On Feb. 1, a flock of seven Horned Larks was
observed on the snow at Raleigh, N. C. Their characteristic head markings and the
“horns” were distinctly visible, and the birds were uttering soft “tinkling” notes as
they ran about searching for bits of food. No specimens were collected, so the sub-
species was not determined.

Sandy McCulloch

VVRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N. C.; Observed Feb. 22, from causeway to Wrights-
ville Beach; Common Loon, 3, Red-throated Loon, 75; Horned Grebe; Pied-billed
Grebe; Gannet, 38; American Egret; Louisiana Heron, Little Blue Heron; Scaup
Duck; Bufflehead; Oyster Catcher; Semi-palmated Plover; Black-bellied Plover;
Killdeer; Red-backed Sandpiper, 40.

Franklin /Anderson, R. L. Wolff

BEAUFORT-MOREHEAD CITY REGION; Observed Feb. 14, at South End of
Shackleford Banks, approximately 500 Cormorants. Observed Feb. 15, between
Harker’s Island and Shackleford Banks, approximately 200 Red-breasted Mergansers.
Local people reported that ducks were very scarce during this winter period, fewer

than ever before in the memory of the old-timers.

Dick Boren, W. M. Craven, R. L. Wolff

WILMINGTON, N. C. A pair of Olive-backed Thrushes were seen on Nov.
16, by John Funderburg, Mary Baker, Cecil Appleberry, and myself. Were
observed at close range, with good glasses for perhaps fifteen minutes.
Definitely not Hermit Thrushes. Also saw an immature Bald Eagle, a Bald-
pate drake, and a flock of Canada Geese. Hope these geese are wintering
here They are feeding in fields and sleeping on Big Island.

EDNA LANIER APPLEBERRY.

RED-THROATED LOON IN INLAND NORTH CAROLINA; “Birds of
North Carolina,” 1942 edition, p. 4, cites T. L. Quay’s observation of a bird of
this species at Raleigh, N. C., December 1, 193 8, as the sole inland record for
North Carolina. Recently, in checking over Wilson Bulletin reprints, I noticed that
Dr. H. C. Oberholzer has recorded (No. 106, March 1919) an immature bird,
examined by him in 1906, “Killed a year or two before, exact date unknown, on
the French Broad River, near Biltmore, North Carolina. ...”

E. B. Chamberlain, The Charleston Museum, Charleston, S. C.

DEAD FOX SKIN ANNOYS BLUE Ji\YS; I have just witnessed an interesting
and amusing incident concerning this neighborhood. Earlier in the day I gave an old
fox skin to some of the boys in the block and had thought no more about it until this
incident occurred. I have my workshop behind the house, near a red oak thicket, so

March, 1948

THE CHAT

33

when I heard a number of Blue Jays giving their alarm call and continue giving it,
I stepped out to see if they had spied a cat or snake. As it turned out, they had seen
neither, but were clustered around the fox skin which the lads had draped over a
bush. The Jays were greatly excited and kept up their screeching for over an hour.
Every time the wdnd would shake the bush they wmuld fly into a screaming rage,
unmistakably taking the skin to be a live fox. While I stood there — within five feet
of the place where they were so engrossed in teasing the skin, fifteen English Sparrows,
two Brown Thrashers, and a Mockingbird came up and after teasing half-heartedly
for a sceond or so, left the scene. Now these birds are accustomed to seeing deer
scalps and v^arious birds and skins airing in my yard and often see mounted wildcats,
foxes, and hawTs, but this is the first time I have ever seen them show' any alarm
or anger at the sight of a skin. Perhaps they didn’t have much to do and decided to
have a little sport.

(May 27, 1947.) John Funderburg, Wilmington, N. C.

BREVARD, N. C. (Count over 5-mile radius including Forest Hills, Hunter
Farm, French Broad River valley. Sugar Loaf Mountain. Open farmland, 40 pet;
meadows, orchards, and pastures, 30 pet; deciduous woodlands, 15 pet; shrubby
thickets, 15 pet.) Dec. 28, 1947; 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Fair; temp. 25°-40°F.;
changing winds, 1-7 m.p.h.; ground covered with four day old snow, partially
melted on sunny slopes and meadows, 2-4 inches deep in woods and shaded areas.
Two observers together. Total hours, 9 on foot; total miles 8, on foot. Cooper’s
Haw'k, 1; Sparrow' Hawk, 1; Flicker, 1; Dowmy Woodpecker, 2; Phoebe, 4; Blue
Jav, 14; Crow', 14; Carolina Chickadee, 22; Tufted Titmouse, 19; Brown Creeper,
2; Carolina Wren, 15; Mockingbird, 2; Brown Thrasher, 1; Robin, 1; Hermit
Thrush, 3; Bluebird, 10; English Sparrow', 15; Cardinal, 18; Purple Finch, 1;
Goldfinch, 13; Towhee, 17; Slate-colored Junco, 58; Field Sparrow', 22; White-
throated Sparrow, 53; Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow, 47. Votal: 26 species; 358 in-
dividuals. (Seen in area Dec. 22: Bobw'hite, 7.) Observers: Rachel Orr Schepkow-
SKi, Oliver Orr. Note: Our 1946 count for the same area included 125 7 individuals
representing 35 species. The weather was a significant factor in accounting for the
reduced numbers this year.

LIVES OF MANY N. C. BIRDS SAVED DURING SNOWS: During late
January and early February much of North Carolina was covered with snow and
ice, the snow in some places well to the eastern part of the state being over a foot
deep. Bird club members in numerous localities, with the aid of newspapers and
radio broadcasts urged people to put out food and water for the birds. In the
Charlotte area, hundreds of pounds of feed were distributed, and, according to
newspaper accounts, an airplane was used to aid in the distribution. In Greensboro,
one of the local seed stores, Hattaway’s reported the sale of a ton of bird seed within
seven days, and a representative of the Scott Seed Store reported the sale of between
a ton and a ton and a half of bird seed within thre weeks. J. W. Clinard, president
of the Hickory Bird Club, reported that their club got good results from publicity
through their local newspapers and radio station. Bob Wolff, Boy Scout executive
at Goldsboro, reported that the Scouts distributed 350 packages of bird feed to
homes in and around Goldsboro. In all, nearlv two tons of feed were distributed in
the Goldsboro region, which had an unusually heavy snowfall. The response to news-
paper and radio appeals at Goldsboro was immediate; fully 50 per cent of the homes
contacted by the Goldsboro Scouts told the boys that they were already feeding the
birds. A. D. S.

FRIENDLY CHIPPING SPARROWS RETURN: During the summer of 1947,
Geo. Perrett made friends with a pair of Chipping Sparrows which nested in his

34

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 2

yard at Greensboro, carefully feeding them until they would, on occasion, take bits of
profferd food from his hand. On March 21, 1948, he saw a pair of Chipping Spar-
rows, the first of the spring, in his yard. Some bits of Ritz crackers, their favorite
food^ brought the female immediately to George’s feet. The male bird was more
wary but by the next day he had overcome most of his fear and Perrett enjoyed a
thrill which bird lovers will appreciate.

COWBIRD YOUNG AT GREENSBORO, N. C. On several days during the
past July, I observed on the lawn of my home in Greensboro and in a neigh-
boring yard, a Red-eyed Vireo feeding a young Cowbird which was much
larger than the Vireo. No Vireo young were observed, and never more than
one Vireo was seen. The Cowbird fed in an independent manner until the
Vireo approached, when the young Cowbird would flutter very helplessly
and beg for food from the tiny foster-parent.

OSCAR H. PARIS, JR.

WINDOM, YANCEY COUNTY, N. C. During the spring and summer of
1947 the Black-billed Cuckoo appeared to be in far greater abundance than
in any other year in my memory. It made tremendous inroads on both the
orchard-tent and the forest-tent caterpillars.

Our Christmas count, Dec. 27, showed an abundance of Song Sparrows,
those hardy songsters that are here throughout the year. My observations,
over a period of years, leads me to believe that there are 25,000 or more
in Yancey County (area 298 square miles), and that this is our most abun-
dant bird species, with the Field Sparrow a close rival. The Bob-white, how-
ever, has fared badly in this section during the past four or five years. It
is m'y judgment that there are not more than one-fifth as many in Yancey
County as there were five years ago. After considering various factors, I
have concluded that predators, including man, are the biggest factor in the
cataclysmic decline of this species. Lack of sufficient cover is another hn-
portant factor. How desperately we need an enlightened and constructive
policy and program of wildlife restoration, at least in this area of the state.
It is just a small step from interest in birds to interest in other forms of
living things. JAMES HUTCHINS.

GREENSBORO, N. C. Some 1947 records — Late Winter Residents: Red-
breasted Nuthatch (2), May 8; Myrtle Warbler (4), May 1; Pine Siskin, Apr.
24 (1); May 1 (5 feeding on dandelion seeds); May 11 (7); Junco, Apr. 1 (1)>
Fox Sparrow, Mch. 4 (Inez Coldwell). Spring Migrants; Solitary Sandpiper,
May 8' Cape May Warbler, May 1 {?>), May 8 (4), May 11; Black-throated
Blue Warbler, May 6 (Mrs. F. H. Craft), May 18 (1, male, singing); Black-
throated Green Warbler, May 6 (Mrs. F. H. Craft); Chestnut-sided Warbler,
May 6 (Mrs. F. H. Craft), May 11 (at Dr. Wesley Taylors Justamere Farm),
Bay-breasted Warbler, May 6 (Mrs. F. H. Craft; Black-poll, May 6 (Mrs. F.
H. Craft), May 16 (1, male); Palm Warbler (apparently Western), Mch. 11
(2, observed under very favorable conditions, Oscar H. Paris, Jr.) , Western
Palm Warbler, Apr. 4 (2, observed at 12 ft., Paris); Scarlet Tanagei, May
6 (Mrs. F. H. Craft); Rose-breasted Grosbeak, May 6 (1, male, observer
Etta Schiffman) Summer Residents arrival: Spotted Sandpiper, May 8;
Chimney Switf, Mch. 28 (Oscar Paris); Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Apr.
24 (male and female); Crested Flycatcher, Apr. 24; Wood Pewee, May 1;
(Wood Thrushes, on May 1, building nests, 4 observed in different localities
starting nests and carrying nest material); Summer Tanager, Apr. 9 (1, niale.

March, 1948

THE CHAT

35

observer, Oscar Paris). Summer Residents, late records: Wood Thrush,
Oct. 15 (Geo. A. Smith) ; Blue-headed Vireo, Sept 8 — singing as in spring
(Geo. A. Smith); Yellow-throated Warbler, Sept. 8 (Geo. A. Smith); Mary-
land Yellow-throat, Sept. 8 (Geo. A. Smith). Fall Migrants: Greater Yellow-
legs and Lesser Yellow-legs, Oct. 2G (Geo. A. Smith); Pectoral Sandpiper,
Sept. 21 (Oscar Paris and others); (Eastern) Dowitcher, Sept. 7 (1), Sept.
13 (2); Sept. 14 (2) — These birds, records of which are scarce in inland
North Carolina, were observed by Oscar Paris and others, on Lake Jeanette
(Richland Lake), the same locality where two specimens apparently the
first taken in inland North Carolina, were taken on Aug. 30, 1945, by Larry
Crawford (Cf. The Chat, 1945 Vol. X, No. 1, p. 19); Black Tern, Aug. 15
(Hugh Medford, Jr., Oscar Paris, A. D. Shaftesbury); Olive-backed Thrush,
Oct. 14 (Mrs. F. H. CrafO ; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Oct. 20 (3, singing —
Geo. A. Smith). Winter Resident arrivals: Common Loon, Nov. 15 (3, on
Lake Brant — John Carr, Tom Zapf, Oscar Paris); Pied-billed Grebe, Nov. 15
(on Lake Jeanette — Etta Schiffman, Carr, Paris, Zapf); Double-crested
Cormorant, Nov. 15 (Lake Brant — Carr, Paris, Zapf), Dec. 13 (Lake Jeanette —
Hugh Medford, Jr., and Oscar Paris), (see also 1947 Christmas Count); Mal-
lard, Nov. 15 (Carr, Paris, Zapf); Black Duck, Nov. 15 (Carr, Paris, Zapf);
Green-Winged Teal, Oct. 25 (Lake Descalia — Carr, Paris) ; Redhead, Nov.

29 (H. Bryant, Paris); Ring-necked Duck, Nov. 15 (Lake Brant — Carr, Paris,
Zapf), Dec. 13 (22, Lake Jeannette — H. Medford, Jr., Oscar Paris); Canvas-
back, Nov. 30 (1, Paris); Lesser Scaup, Nov. 30 (Paris); Bufflehead, Nov.

30 (3, Paris); Hooded Marganser, Nov. 29 (H. Bryant, Paris); American
Merganser, Dec. 13 (5, H. Medford, Jr., Oscar Paris); Winter Wren, Oct. 20
(Geo. A. Smith); White-throated Sparrow, Oct. 18.

On Mch. 11th, Mrs. Edith Settan reported seeing a “white” Robin at the
residence of Mrs. Mayme Hurley Wachter, 1002 Guilford Ave. On May 15,
Kildeer were observed with 1 young, just off the nest. On Sept. 8, Mrs. Geo.
A. Smith reported seeing a wild Turkey gobbler in dense woods at Starmount,
which joins the western part of Greensboro. An unusual discovery was made
on Feb. 17 (these dates are all for 1947), when Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Douglas
reported seeing a Wood Thrush. (Mrs. Douglas started her bird study as a
college student under T. Gilbert Pearson, and knows her birds.)

A. D. S.

TYRO BANDER AT ROCKY MOUNT, N. C., REPORTS: A very rank be-
ginner as a bird bander, having received my license in August of last year, I h.ave
just completed my reports to the federal government and feel rather proud of
them. During the past 103^ months 1 banded a total of 7 87 birds, as follows:
Sharp-shinned Hawk, 1; Mourning Dove, 6; Blue Jay, 16; Carolina Chickadee, 8;
Tufted Titmouse, 12; White-breasted Nuthatch, 6; Red-breasted Nutliatch, 4;
Brown-headed Nuthatch, 1; Brown Creeper, 1; Carolina Wren, 4; Mockingbird,
2; Catbird, 38; Brown Thrasher, 29; Robin, 1; Wood Thrush, 2; Hermit Thrush,
3; Bluebird, 10; Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2; Orange-cro^vned Warbler, 1; Myrtle
Warbler, 212; Pine Warbler, 48; Summer Tanager, 5; Cardinal, 13; Purple Fiurh,
136; Red-eyed Towhee, 15; Junco, 60; Chipping Sparrow, 108; Field Sparrow, 2;
White-throated Sparrow, 41. With one exception, all of these birds were caught in
my back yard, in an area less than 100 feet square. The Sharp-shinned Hawk was
caught by a friend a couple of blocks away. Thirteen of the birds were home grown
and banded in the nest.

I started out with tw'o traps, like none that Pve heard or read about. They
were two feeding stations, glassed in on three sides. To close the back I have an
electrically operated black curtain, wrapped loosely about a light stick. I used a
cheap door chime electro-magnet arranged so that the current would release a trigger

36

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 2

that holds the curtain. When this curtain falls, the birds flutter against the glass,
though they might easily fly against the curtain and escape.

Since October, 1946, I have used regularly three traps secured from Gregory
Gill, and hey have proved highly successful. Early this year I obtained a copy of
the Bird Bander’s Manual from Mrs. Zora Jensen, our state bird club president and
foremost bander in this state, and built a Baldwin type of trap which I placed over
a shelf feeder on a tree. This year I also secured four Potter type traps from Mr.
Jones, of Boone, Iowa. With this assortment I now believe I will be ready for the
fall migration and should have a pretty good season next year.

My most unusual capture was the Orange-crowned Warbler, the only one known
to have been reported from this section of the state. Out of 8 Chipping Sparrows
banded last year, four returned this year; and out of 5 Catbirds, I recaptured three
this spring.

(July 2, 1947.) J- W. E. Joyner

With the Editor

OBSERVERS PLEASE NOTE: B. R. Chamberlain has inherited the job of col-
lecting data for the National Society’s Audubon Field Moles for the inland area of
the Carolinas. Notes for spring migration report, covering the period from April 1
to June 1, should be sent to: B. R. Chamberlain, 1320 Biltmore Drive, Charlotte,
N. C. Send in your notes now.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TO MEET MAY 15: The N. C. B. C. Executive
Committee together with the Committtee Chairmen will meet Saturday, May 15, at
Morrow Mountain, in Stanly County. The meeting will begin at noon Saturday with
a picnic lunch served by a group from the Mecklenburg Audubon Club. The
business session will be called at 1:00 o’clock, and will probably end about 4:30 or
5:00 P.M., for those who have to leave. It is hoped that a quorum will be able to
remain for sessions Saturday evening and Sunday niorning, spending Saturday night
at the ranger’s camp.

MRS. WALL TO TEACH AT MAINE AUDUBON CAMP: Mrs. Margaret Y.
Wall, Treasurer of the N. C. B. C., Principal of Caldwell School at Greensboro, and
holder of last summer’s N. C. B. C. scholarship at the Maine Audubon Camp, has
received an appointment as instructor for three months this summer at the National
Audubon Society’s Nature Camp at Medomac, on the coast of Maine. Mrs. Wail
has had extensive training and experience in teaching and in specialized nature
work and is eminently qualified to make a valuable contribution to the work of the
Maine camp this summer.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Tlie N. C. B. C. Editor and the Treasurer
receive many interesting and pleasant personal notes in their correspondence with our
widely distributed members. During recent months, several complimentary letters
have been received from “old timers,” charter members, who have been active in
promoting the development and growth of the N. C. B. C. One such letter states, in
part: “I am proud of the Chat and it constantly gets better and better. I was delighted
to see the pictures of North Carolina’s Grand Old Men on the March 1947 cover.
It was a fine idea.” An N. C. B. C. member writes to Margaret Wall, from
Delaware: “I am enclosing a dollar, continuing membership in the N. C. B. C., but
more especially to receive T/ie Chat, since I am no longer near enough to attend
even occasional meetings. But I like to hear of the Annual Tiips, and the brief notes
of the various clubs. I especially like the (often too brief) experiences of members
with the birds, whether those rarely seen, or those one may enjoy every day. . . .”

New and Reinstated Members of N. C. B. C

Mrs. D. R. Allen, 330 Irvin St., Reidsville

Osmond Barringer, Rt. 4, 2001 Wilmount
Rd., Charlotte

Mrs. Anne S. Benbow, 618 Hill St.,
Rocky Mount

Mrs. I. T. Bendall, Box 344, Reidsville

Mrs. J. B. Bernard, 301 Beall St., Lenoir

Miss Etta Vee Boone, Windom

Miss Clara Burt, 2218 Sarah Marks Ave.,
Charlotte 3

E. B. Chamberlain, The Charleston Mu-
seum, Charleston 16, S. C.

W. B. Clotsworthy, Jr., M. D., Duke
Hospital, Durham

Capt. Walter R. Cox, Dunnellon, Fla.

Miss Omara Daniel, Coltrane Hall, Roan-
oke Rapids

Mrs. C. R. Davis, Liberty

Miss Zeta C. Davidson, Rt. 1, North
Wilkesboro

Mrs. Brent S. Drane, 205 Vance St.,
Chapel Hill

Mrs. Paul Allen Dunbar, Rt. 2, Sylvan
Dr., Spartanburg, S. C.

Ernest E. Easley, Jr., 5042 Duke Station,
Durham

Mrs. N. Thomas Ennett, 305 Front St.,
Beaufort

Mrs. Grace Faver, 1001 N. Eugene St.,
Greensboro

Mrs. Frank Fields, 1712 Spring Garden
St., Greensboro

Mrs. David G. Frey, Wilson Hall, U.N.C.,
Chapel Hill

Lt. Col. Fred H. Gallup, 1800 Beverly
Dr., Charlotte 7

Mrs. T. L. Gardner, Box 956, Reidsville

C. C. Garvin, 614 Powhatan PL, N.W.,
Washington, D. C.

Chas. W. Griffin, Rt. 2, Westridge Rd.,
Greensboro

Mrs. Mary M. Guy, 2609 Ashland St.,
Raleigh

Mrs. Thad Harrison, 2034 Sherwood Ave.,
Charlotte

Miss Virginia W. Harrison, 658 Chestnut
St., Greensboro

Mrs. B. D. Hendrix, 1615 Oaklawn,
Charlotte

Mrs. W. A. Hill, 1904 Brice St., Greens-
boro

Miss Sidney Holmes, 315 Mclver St.,
Greensboro

Mrs. W. Wilton Howard, 617 New York
Ave., Norfolk 8, Va.

J. Southgate Y. Hoyt, Box 54, Etna, N. Y.
Roosevelt Hughes, Windom
Mrs. George Hunt, Box 545, Reidsville
Charles Hutchins, Box 2505, Winston-
Salem

Gregory D. Ivy, Rt. 2, Greensboro
J. Ridley Jackson, 42 W'oodvale Ave.,
Asheville

Julian W. Johnson, care State Museum,
Raleigh

Mrs. Ira Thomas Johnston, Jefferson
John H. Jopson, M.D., Rutherfordton
Mrs. W. H. Kilpatrick, 212 Queens Rd.,
Charlotte 7

Mrs. Fred R. Klenner, Box 1015, Reids-
ville

Mrs. R. G, Knight, Roanoke Rapids
Dr. R. S. Leinbach, 728 Queens Rd.,
Charlotte 7

Mrs. W. L. Long, 1338 12th St., Hickory
Chas. E. Lovin, Jr., 455 W. Harper Ave.,
Lenoir

Miss Ruth Lowder, 809 Jackson St.,
Roanoke Rapids

N. B. McCulloch, Sr., Colonial Pines
Hotel, Raleigh

S. A. McFalls, 214 N. Ridgeway Dr.,
Greensboro

Mrs. S. A. McFalls, 214 N. Ridgeway Dr.,
Greensboro

Mrs. H. L. Medford, Box 1411, 830
Cornwallis Rd., Greensboro
Hugh L. Medford, Jr., 830 Cornwallis
Rd., Box 1411, Greensboro
Burt L. Monroe, Ridge Rd., Anchorage,
Ky.

Mrs. L. H. Moore, St. Pauls
Bob Morgan, 404 Church St., Farmville
Mrs. M. E. Motsinger, 1040 Arbor Rd.,
Winston-Salem

Miss Helen Myers, 210 Vance St., Lenoir
Nature Center, Martha Clark, Nature
Specialist, Danville Recreation Dept.,
Danville, Va.

Miss Elizabeth Oliver, Mount Olive
Dr. G. F. Parrott, Rt. 2, Kinston
Mrs. Carl H. Pegg, Chapel Hill

(Notification of correction or change of address should be sent to: Dr. Archie D.
Shaftesbury, Editor, The Chat, W. C. U. N. C., Greensboro, N. C.)

Local Clubs and Their Officers

Arden, Rosscraggon Wood, Inc.: P — Harold B. Swope, Skyland; V-P — Dr. Leigh
Robinson, Skyland; S-T — Mrs. W. H. Lashley, Royal Pines; Board of Governors
— Dr. Graham Harden, Skyland; Miss Susan Sheppard, Skyland; Kenneth Carr,
Skyland.

Asheville Bird Club: P — R. H. Rembert; V-P — Miss Margaret Decker; S — Mrs.

M. F. Meredith, 10 Castle St.; T — Mrs. Francis E. Field.

Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock Audubon Club: P — Miss Lena Reeves; V-P — Mrs.
Joe Winkler.

Boone Bird Club: P — Dr. Robert King; V-P — Mrs. W. M. Burwell; S-T — Miss
Cora Jeffcoat.

Chapel Hill Bird Club: P — Mrs. Harold Walters; V-P — David Frey; S-T — Mrs.

David Olson, Box 998; Publicity Chairman — Mrs. Horace D. Crockford.
Charlotte, Mecklenburg Audubon Club: P — Mrs. George C. Potter, 2111 Malverne
Rd. ; V-P — Mrs. H. W. Kilpatrick; S — Miss Connie Thigpen, 1215 Greenwood
Cliff ; T — Mrs. W. B. Simmons.

Durham, Duke-Durham Bird Club: P — Miss Bertha B. Hopkins, 506 Buchanan Road;
S-T — Mrs. M. W. Johnson.

Greensboro, Piedmont Bird Club: P — Mrs. Floyd H. Craft; V-P — R. D. Douglas and
Mrs. H. L. Medford; Rec. S — Miss Charlotte Dawley; Cor. S — Miss Ethel
McNairy; T — Miss Sarah Lesley; Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs. W. C. Carr
and Miss Etta Schiffman.

Guilford College, T. Gilbert Pearson Bird Club: P — Elizabeth Hare; V-P — J. G.
Gilbert; S-T — Margery Pickett.

Henderson Bird Club: P — Mrs. A. W. Bachman; V-P — Mrs. T. C. Gill; S-T —
Miss Ag^es Pegram.

Hickory Bird Club: P — J. Weston Clinard; V-P — Mrs. George E. Bisanar; S-T —
Mrs. Alex F. Vallotton, 1415 Eighth Ave.; Reporter — J. W. Clinard.

High Point, Catesby Bird Club: P — James R. Mattocks; S — Mrs. Chester C.
Haworth; T — Mrs. John C. Siceloff.

Lenoir Audubon Club: P — Miss Margaret Harper; V-P — R. T. Greer; S-T — Mrs.
R. T. Greer, Box 800.

Lumberton Bird Club: P — ^James Stephens, Jr.; V-P — Mrs. Henry McKinnon; S —
Mrs. D. L. Whiting; T — Miss Lillian Whiting.

Mount Airy Bird Club: P — Mrs. J. Bruce Yokley; V-P — O. W. Kochtitsky; S —
Mrs. H. G. Long; T — Fred Johnson.

Raleigh Bird Club: P — Phillip H. Davis; V-P — W. B. Nesbit; S — Frank B. Meacham,

N. C. State Museum; Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs. A. J. Skaale and G. M.

Garren. '

Roanoke Rapids Bird Club: P — Mrs. D. L. Wheeler; V-P — Miss Clara Hearne; S-T —
Mrs. T. L. O’Briant, 538 Vance St.

Rocky Mount, Francis H. Craighill Bird Club: P — J. W. E. Joyner; V-P The Rev.
Gray Temple; S — Miss Dorothy Craighill; T — Miss Lilly Shearin; Members of
Executive Committee — Mrs. Fairy Bandy and Mrs. J. W. E. Joyner.

Southern Pines Bird Club: P — Mrs Cecil Robinson; V-P & S — Miss Louise Haynes,
Box 660 ; T — Miss Norma Shiring; Rec. S — Mrs. Gordon Clark.

Statesville Audubon Club: P — Miss Nancy B. Eliason; V-P — Miss Grace Anderson;

S — Mrs. Calhoun Ramsey; T — Mrs. Earl Davis.

Tryon Bird Club: P — G. H. Holmes; S-T — Katherine D. Hamilton.

Wilmington Bird Club: P — Mrs. Cecil Appleborry, 5 Lake Forest Parkway; V-P —
John Funderburk; S — Mrs. Warwick R. Baker, 204 Kenwood Ave.; T — Charles
F. Theobald.

Winston-Salem Bird Club: P — Henry Magie; S-T — Wm. S. Rothrock, 2434 Stock-
ton St.; Directors — Charles H. Babcock, Thurmond Chatham, Jr., Richard J.
Reynolds, II.

The Chat

BULLETIN OF CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

VOU XII

MAY, 1948

No. 3

PUBLISHED By CAROLINA BIRD CLUB
Graensboro, N. C.

The Chat

Bulletin of Carolina Bird Club

Dr. Archie D. Shaftesbury, Editor

Woman’s College of University of North Carolina, Greensboro, N. C.

Contributing Editors: Miss Grace Anderson, Statesville; Mrs. Edna Lanier Apple-
berry, Wilmington: Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Henderson; E. B. Chamberlain, Charles-
ton Museum, Charleston, S. C.; Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, Charlotte: J. W. Clinard,
Hickory; Harry T. Davis, N. C. Museum, Raleigh; Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green,
Raleigh; Dr. John H. Grey, Jr., Charlottesville, Va. ; Miss Clara Hearne, Roanoke
Rapids: Dr. Thelma Howell, Macon, Ga. ; Mrs. Zora P. Jensen, Maple City, Mich.;
Joe Jones, Chapel Hill; J. W. E. Joyner, Rocky Mount; Henry Magie, Winston-Salem;
Rev. J. J. Murray, Lexington, Va.; Howard T. Odum, New Haven, Conn.; Oscar
H. Paris, Jr., Greensboro; Prof. Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill; James L. Stephens,
Jr., Lumberton; Mrs. Eddie W. Wilson, Cary; Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro; D. L.
Wray, Raleigh.

Elntered as second-class matter April 8, 1941 at the post office Greensboro, North
Carolina, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Published five times a year on the fifteenth of January, March, May, September,
and November as the official organ of Carolina Bird Club. Articles for publication
should reach the Editor by the first of the month in which the issue is published.

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE
EDITOR.

Bulletin subscription, one dollar a year, Included In all membership fees.

Vol. XII

May, 1948

No. 3

CONTENTS

Page

CAROLINA BIRD CLUB 37

The President’s Message (or Three Challenges)

— B. R. Chamberlain 38

Spring Field Trip to Wilmington a Grand Success — A. D. S 39

News of the Local Clubs 40

Bird Club Organized at Greenville, S. C. — May W. Puett 40

“Chicky,” a Chickadee That Likes Ice Cream — Mrs. Lester E. Snell 41

How Long After Arrival Does a Bird Take to Lay Its Eggs?

— C. S. Brimley 43

Thirty Nests to the Acre — Joe Jones 45

Migration — The Story of Birds Along the Flyways of the Skies

— Charlotte Hilton Green 47

Observations on Nesting Grasshopper Sparrows in Stanly County, N. C

— John Trotty Jr 50

Field Notes and News 52

With the Editor 55

Notice of Fall Meeting Inside Back Cover

Local Clubs and their Officers Outside Back Cover

CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

At an Executive Committee meeting held Saturday, May 15, 1948,
at Morrow Mountain State Park, in Stanly County, N. C., the results of
the recent membership poll on proposed names for the newly merged
North Carolina Bird Club and the South Carolina Nature Group were
counted, and the name ‘’''Carolina Bird Cliih^^ was selected. In the letto's
sent in by the members, the name Carolinas Bird Club also drew a consider-
able number of votes, and third place was taken by a write-in name. Bird
Club of the Carolinas. The new name will be displayed on club stationery
and advertising superimposed on an outline map of North Carolina and
South Carolina.

New Constitution

The Consolidation of the North Carolina Bird Club with the South
Carolina group necessitates some changes in the constitution. These changes
are being formulated by the Merger Committee, H. T. Davis, Archie D.
Shaftesbury, R. L. Weaver, and B. R. Chamberlain, chairman, in co-
operation with the Committee on Incorporation, R. D. Douglas, chairman,
as well as with representatives of the South Carolina groups; and the
New Constitution will likely be circulated to the members in time to be
voted on at the Fall meeting, which is scheduled for the first week-end
in October, at Saluda, N. C.

New Editorial Board

Among forward steps adopted at the Executive Committee meeting.
May 15, at Morrow Mountain, was the decision to divide up the work of
The Chat and to extend somewhat its scope. To this end a new Executive
-- Board was selected, each member of which was assigned a department in
The Chat. Following is a list of the Departments, together with the names
and addresses of the Editorial Board members to whom they have been
assigned;

Conservation^ State and National — Alexander Sprunt, Jr., Tbe Cres-
cent, Charleston 50, S. C.; Education — Richard L. Weaver, Box 1078,
Chapel Hill, N. C.; Life Histories and Ecology — T. L. Quay, Zoology
Dept., State College, Raleigh, N. C.; Local Club News and Personal Ne‘u.:s
B. R. Chamberlain, 1320 Biltmore Dr., Charlotte, N. C. The hope was ex-
pressed that each department would have some space in practically every
issue of The Chat. It is planned that certain articles, notably those of a
general educational nature, will also be reprinted and made available for

38

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

wider distribution. Requests or material for the various departments should
be sent directly to the department heads.

New' Membership Chairman

Robert Overing, Route 4, Raleigh, N. C., has been appointed Member-
ship Chairman, to replace Mrs. Charles M. Swart who recently resigned.
Inquiries for material and information regarding new memberships should
be sent to Mr. Overing. (Membership applications, with the money or
checks should be sent directly to; Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, Treasurer,
6 Springdale Court, Greensboro.)

The President’s Message (or Three Challenges)

CHALLENGE ONE: In a letter dated April 30, 1948, Mr. Clyde
Patton, Executive Director of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission, called upon our club to help their organization in the selec-
tion of Deputy Protectors. Quoting in part from Mr. Patton s letter:

“Inasmuch as your organization is made up of men and women who form a
nucleus of interest among the wildlife lovers in North Carolina, it is felt that you
can render valuable assistance through your local organization in soliciting the
services of high type men in these local communities who are conscientiously willing
to serve as deputy protectors for all wildlife in North Carolina. The members of
vour organization are requested, therefore, to recommend such men to their regular
county game protectors for such appointment. The game protector, in turn, \\ill
recommend such deputy appointments to us for consideration, approval, and appoint-
ment.

“Another project which I should like to present for your consideration is one
in which the membership of your local club would actively participate in a program
of soliciting and obtaining the cooperation of all peace officers in their community;
such as sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, police officers, constables and others. Section nine of
our present game law constitutes these peace officers as deputy game protectors, and as
such the local citizens whom they represent may rightfully expect their participation
and help in enforcing our laws protecting wildlife. The support of the local units
of your organization on this project would be a boon to our wildlife enforcement
program.”

If we have ever been challenged, this is it. The compliment is not
concealed. The wnldlife commission, representing both sides, is asking us
to help them do the joh right. I ASK THE EARNEST COOPERA-
TION OF ALL OF YOU IN MEETING THEM MORE THAN
HALF WAY IN THIS IMPORTANT WORK.

CHALLENGE 7'WO: By resolutions adopted at Charleston, and hy
your actutn at the Annual Meeting on May 20th, last, hnders of the two
Carolinas are handed together. There is new territory to work in and new
friendships ahead. With terrain including the highest mountain in eastern

May, i9+S

T H E C H A T

39

United States and the rich basins of the Roanoke, "Far, Neuse, Cape Fear,
Pee Dee, Santee, and Edisto Rivers, fanning out upon five hundred miles
of South Atlantic beaches, only we ourselves need stop us from becoming
a nonpareil among bird clubs.

CHALLENGE THREE: A Fable — Once upon a time a pair of
meadowlarks raised a brood in an oats field. In time the grain formed and
ripened and the farmer came to look over his crop. “It’s ready to harvest,”
he said. “In the morning I will get the neighbors to come over and help
get it in.” All excited, the young larks urged their parents to move to
another field. “Not yet,” said the parents, “Not yet.” Sure enough, no one
came to cut the oats. A few days later the farmer came again and looked
over his field. “Oh,” said he, “It’s getting too ripe. In the morning I’ll
come and cut it myself.” “Fly now,” said the parent larks, “When a man
depends upon himself for work he will do it.”

(Charlotte, N. C., May 5, 1948.) B. R. Chamberlain.

Spring Field Trip to Wilmington a Grand Success

The 1948 Spring Field Trip to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach was a grand
success in every way, and Mrs. Cecil xA-ppleberry and the Wilmington Bird Club are
to be congratulated and thanked for treating the visitors to a grand week-end that will
long be remembered. Nearly 150 N.C.B.C. members registered for the meeting and
most of them arrived at the headquarters at Ocean Terrace Hotel, on Wrightsville
Beach, in time for the Friday evening session, on April 23rd.

The Friday evening meeting was called to order by the new N. C. B. C. Presi-
dent, B. R. Chamberlain, Charlotte, and was turned over to N. C. B. C. Vice-Presi-
dent, Mrs. Cecil xVppleberry, Wilmington, who was chairman of the Spring Field
Trip. Charles F. Theobald, of the Wilmington Bird Club, welcomed the visitors,
and Dr. Archie D. Shaftesburv, Greensboro, made the response. President B. R.
Chamberlain gave a statement of general plans for the future. Talks were given
by two N. C. B. C. members from Charleston, South Carolina, Alexander Sprunt,
Jr., representative of the National Audubon Society, and E. B. Chamberlain, of the
Charleston Museum. Both Sprunt and E. B. Chamberlain were enthusiastic about the
recent decision of N. C. B. C. to merge with the South Carolina nature groups at
Charleston and Columbia. Chamberlain mentioned the book in preparation on the
birds of South Carolina, and showetl some of the paintings being prepared by a new
bird artist, J. H. Dick, Dixie Plantation, Charleston, S. C. Mrs. O. F. Jensen, retiring
N.C.B.C. President, who is leaving North Carolina, made her farewell remarks, and
Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green, Raleigh, presented her with a gift from the club, one
of the first copies of the forthcoming South Carolina bird book. Following the
speeches, the group was amused by games and stunts, and prizes were distributed.

The real field trip work began Saturday morning, April 24, before breakf.ast,
with observation of shore birds along the sound and ocean beaches, .‘\fter breakfast,
the entire group visited the beautiful Airlee Gardens, through the courtesy of Mr.
and Mrs. W. A. Corbett. It was here that the rare find of the trip was made, a
couple of the uncommon Swainson’s Warblers. Morning and afternoon boat trips

4-0

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

were made along the Inland Waterway to see shore birds. The weather was perfect
and the boat trips were fully enjoyed.

On Saturday afternoon the group loaded in cars and visited the McAllister home
on Masonboro Sound, stopping on the way as guests of Mrs. Donald Parsley, to
see the gallery of Audubon prints in the central hall at Live Oaks, the Parsley home,
which was designed by Bacon, who designed the Lincoln Memorial. Several other
localities of interest, including Wilmington’s Greenfield Lake, were visited during the
afternoon.

On Saturday evening the group gathered again at Wrightsville Beach in the
lobby of the Ocean Terrace Hotel, to check the bird lists — a total of 143 species was
counted for Wilmington’s spring census, and also to see John Trott’s candid shots of
Mrs. Appleberry, and some very fine moving pictures of birds taken by Bill Joyner
at his home in Rocky Mount.

-Many visitors remained for at least a part of Sunday, and sunned on the beach
or visited interesting places in and around Wilmington, including the beautiful
Orton Plantation, locatetl on the road to Southport. A. D. S.

News of the Local Clubs

MOUNT AIRY BIRD CLUB: The Mount Airy Bird Club had a fifteen minute
jH'ogram on the Granite City Radio Station WPA2, at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 4.

HICKORY BIRD CLUB: At the regular monthly meeting, on Thursday eve-
ning, April 8, a sound moving picture, “High Over the Borders,” was shown. This
picture shows with actual photographs and with animated drawings the various fly-
wavs between North America and South America and indicates the unity of the two
continents of the western hemisphere. Miss Minnie Gwaltney read a paper, prepared
by Mrs. Mcnzies who was unable to be present, on “Vireos and their Nesting Habits.”
J. W. Clinard described the recent annual meeting of North Carolina Bird Club, held
at Chapel Hill. The meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Warlick.

The regular Mav meeting was held on Thursday e\'ening. May 13, at the
home of Dr. and Mrs. H. D. Althouse, when Miss Garnett Launey presented an
interesting paper on “Nesting Habits of Woodpeckers.” Roundtable discussion
centered around observations of nesting birds and their young. Committees were
appointed to prepare the new year book, and plan the field trip for the June
meeting. It is planned to hold a picnic for the July meeting, usually suspended.
.■\ttention was callerl to the moving picture, “State News Number Three,”
which is to be shown at the Carolina Theatre, Hickory, May 2 7, 28, and 29, at the
re(|ucst of the club president, J. Weston Clinard.

Bird Club Organized at Greenville, South Carolina

On Friday evening, April 2 3, a few of the Greenville, S. C., bird enthusiasts met
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis C. Tolleson, 76 Latimer Street, for the purpose
of considering the organization of a bird club. After discussion, it was felt that
service could be rendered by organized planning and study. Miss May Puett was
asked to serve as temporary chairman, and Dr. W. H. Powe, Jr., acted as temporary
secretary. The following were elected unanimously as officers: President, Miss May
W. Puett; Vice-President, P. M. Jennes; Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Louis C. Tolleson.

The fourth Friday night in each month has been selected as meeting time, and
the May meeting will be held at the home of Dr. W. H. Powe, Jr., 13 Victory

May, 194S

r H K C H A T

41

Avenue. Since this is the migration season, reports from fieltl trips will make up the
program for the May meeting.

Field trips will be the main interest of the members,, and it is the intent of the
club to tabulate the members’ reports and keep a record of them. It is also jdanned
to work with schools and assist in the formation of youth groups for bird study.
Necessary committees will be selected as needed.

M.^y W. PuETi', President

“CHICKY,” A CHICKADEE THAT LIKES ICE CREAM

Chicky came to live with us on July 5, 1947. He was a baby Black-capped
Chickadee, still covered with down but with stubby feathers about a half an inch
long on wings and tail. This is how we came to take him into our hearts and home.
Just before one o’clock July 5, a friend found the baby bird lying in the doorway
of the post office. He was afraid some cat would get it, or some one passing by
might step on it and knowing of our interest in birds, he took it into the office and
asked Mr. Snell, my husband, what to do with it. My husband called me and I
suggested that he take the baby bird over to the city park and see if he could find the

parents. We knew that a pair of Chickadees had a nest in or near the small citv

park. He looked over the park and listened for a Chickadee call. There was not
a single bird of any kind in the park. Throughout the day and during most of the
night of the Fourth there had been a terrible bombardment of firecrackers in and
around the park. We suppose Mr. and Mrs. Chickadee decided it was too dangerous
there, so coaxed the baby- birds away^ Possibly- this one had not been able to
follow the parents to a place of safety- and had fallen on the street exhausted.

It is a lot of trouble to raise a baby bird, so it was with reluctance that I told
Mr. Snell to bring it home. He had held it close to the telephone while we were
talking and I could not resist its hungry begging. I forced its mouth open for the
first bite of food, but after that first taste the mouth flew open hungrily at the
approach of my hand, until he had eaten all he could swallow. .After that, he settled
down on a perch, hurriedly made from a small tree branch, tacked across one
corner of the kitchen from the top of a door to the top of a window casing. After
resting for about an hour he was hungry again and ate greedily. Then he tried out
his new perch by hopping from one end to the other. Finally he took off toward the

kitchen cabinet, flew smack into the wall and fell to the floor. He kept up those

ner\-e racking flights for about two weeks before he learned to make shorter
flights to something he could cling to and not fall. I thought he would surely kill
himself before he learned his limitations.

He thrived and grew on the diet of custard, made from one egg and a half cup
c'f milk, cooked in a double boiler. After some time, he tired of this diet and fretted
for a change. We tried different foods, nuts and peanut butter, among other things,
but he did not care for any of them at that time. Later he ate any kind of nuts with
relish. Mr. Snell found some small grasshoppers for him and these he enjoyed. So
for a while it was custard and grasshoppers. Soon he started eating some finely-
chopped nuts too. I searched the garden for small worms which he liked better than
any- other food, except ice cream. When we had ice cream we always fed Chicky
what he wanted of it. I would hold a spoon full out to him and he would settle
down on my- shoulder and scoop up the ice cream, mouthful after mouthful, with
an expression of pure bliss. We had at first hoped his parents would come to the
window where we kept food for them so we could turn him over to them. But
they did not show up, and after a week I put Chicky out on the clotlics line in a

42

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

wire cage. The parents came to the cage and looked him over and were greatly
excited. But Chicky was afraid of them and would have nothing to do with them.

I believe they would have fed him if he had asked for food, but he did not seem
to realize he was related to them. After a few such attempts, I gave up the idea and
did the best I could for him. He was a lovable little clown, very playful at times and
a real show off. He had several small things that he played with, carrying them
from place to place, hiding them, and later taking them out again. His favorite
toy was a piece of match stick, which he carried with him and pecked at it until
the splinters flew. He had fun also with a whole almond kernel. He hid it each
evening under the end of his stick perch, then in the morning he took it out to play
with again. He liked to drop small objects into a vase and watch me fish them out
so he could drop them in again. He hid bits of nut in my hair and in my pockets
when I would let hitn.

He was wary of strangers and would squeak and scold when one tried to
approach. When I 'first started caring for him I was wearing a cool pink wrap-around
dress. Whenever I tried coming near him with another dress on he acted frightened
and would not let me come near him. I finally gave in to his wishes and kept the
pink dress handy and slipped it on over anything else I happened to have on, before
going into the kitchen.

After he had been with us about two weeks, he started singing. I have never
heard another chickadee sing. The notes resembled the song of a Brown Thrasher in
some respects. He sang when he felt lonely and seemed to be trvdng to entertain
himself. He did this many times when I was tr\dng to take a nap. He hated being
alone, but when I left him he would play awhile, then take a bath, preen his feathers
and finally start singing. He seemed to be trying to make all sorts of different
funny sounds, just for the fun of it. He would often fly into the bedroom where
I way lying and play around the room and at intervals fly down near my
face and beg me to get up. As long as I stayed in the kitchen with him he was
happy and content. He loved water and took sev'eral baths each day, after he once
started bathing. He did not bathe until his feathers were out pretty well. He sat
inside the window and watched the birds outside bathing and eating. One day I
heard quite a commotion. It was our Chicky and another male chickadee having
a sparring match through the window pane. They were calling each other names
and had their black crests stiff and were trying to claw each other. That happened
almost every day then, until I started turning him outside. Chickadees are very
jealous of their territory and will not tolerate another one there if they can help it.

.\s soon as Chickv learned to fly down, we started turning him out. It takes baby
birds some time to learn to fly down. They soon learn to fly up but when they want
to come down, all they can do is flutter and fall. We let him outside first on July 25,
but he came in to roost until August 15, when he started staying outside nights. He
would be at the window early each morning though, wanting his breakfast and bath,
which he took on the breakfast table, in a small pie pan. He was terribly excited
about being outside for the first few days, but he tired easily and would come in
often to rest and get cool and eat. The other male bird fought him and made life
hard for him, but Chicky would just try to keep out of his way. He tried to be
friendly with the older one and seemed hurt and puzzled at the attitude it took.
The smaller Chickadee that always came with the old one, was friendly with our
bird and would wait near the house, calling frequently, while Chicky was in the
house. It is a female bird and we suppose it is his mother, but are not certain of that.

We had fed a pair of Chickadees for two years at our window and to our
knowledge they were the only pair in this locality. They had a nest in the park
both summers and when the baby birds were old enough, the parents brought them
to our place to feed them some of the free food from the window. They raised two

May, 19+8

r H K c H A r

43

broods each suniiiier. W'e have wondered wliat becomes of tlie young- ones since we
do not see them after tltey are fairly well grown.

Late in September, the old Cliickatlee seemed determined to drive our bird out
of the countrv. We were afraid he was going to kill the little one. Tliey all dis-
appeared for two days on September 18 and 19 but all tliree came back and were
here until the 2+tli. Then they left again and were gone ten days. We had decided
they had moved on to another locality, when they sho-wed up late in the evening of
October +th. Chicky came down to the window and ate, while I stood in the open
window and talked to him. With a little coaxing, he would lia\'e come inside, but
I thought it best to leave him outside since I was going away for three weeks, and
knew he would have to stay out during that time. I left on Oct. 6, but Mr. Snell
was at home and kept nuts and suet in the window. He saw the Cliickadees often anti
tried a few times to get Chicky to come in, but the bird seemed a little frightenetl
and preferred staving outsitie. After coming home I tlid not try to coax Chicky inside.
He was glad to see me, though, and made a big fuss, chattering to me. He would
fly down near mv hands but never quite liglit on tliem. Early in the winter a fourth
chickadee showed up occasionally with the others and we see it with them still once
in a while.

It is now March and the three of them have been here all winter, coming each
day for their food. They are singing their spring song and battling each other. We
are wondering if our Chicky will get a mate this spring or if the older one will
eventually drive him away, or perhaps kill him. We have had a bitter cold winter
with much ice and snow, and several times Chicky has acted like he wanted to come
inside, flying against the window and calling. But when I opened the window he
always changed his mind and decidetl not to come in. Yesterday he flew down near
me when I was out on the steps and almost touched my head.

(Kansas.) Mrs. Lester E. Snell.

How Long After Arrival Does a Bird Take to Lay Its Eggs

C. S. Brimley

These data are taken from my old records in the years 1887 to 1898. The first
date following, the year number is that when the species was first seen, and the second
date, that of the first set of eggs, followed by the number of days between the two.

Ruhythroated Hummingbird. 1887, April 12-May 20, 38 days later; 1 888, April
11-May 11, 30 days; 1889, April 19-May 13, 2+ days; 1890, April 18-May 7,
19 days; 1895, April 10-May 19, 39 days. Average, April 1+-May 14, 30 days.

Kingbird. 1 888, April 16-May 28, 42 days; 1891, April 14-June 16, 63 days;
1894, April 16-June 6, 51 days. Average, April 17-June 9, 53 days.

Crested Flycatcher. 1886, April 22-May 31, 39 days; 1887, April 15-May 24,
39 days; 1889, April 19-May 24, 35 days; 1892, April 21-May 22, 32 days; 1894,
April 18-May 24, 36 days. Average, April 19-May 25, 36 days.

Acadian Flycatcher. 1889, April 23-May 24, 31 days; 1890, May 1-May 23, 22
days; 1891, April 22-June 3, 42 days; 1 892, April 23-May 23, 30 days; 1895,
May 8-June 5, 28 days. Average, April 27-May 28, 31 days.

Wood Pevjee. 1888, April 21-June 1, 41 days; 1889, April 24-May 25, 31
days; 1890, April 26-June 4, 39 days. Average April 24-May 31, 37 days.

Wood Thrush. 1886, April 19-May 7, 18 days; 1 888, April 11-May 8, 27 days;
1890, April 18-May 16, 28 days; 1893, April 10-May 22, 42 days. Average, April
14-May 13, 29 days.

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THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. 1888, March 24-April 29, 36 days; 1 890, March 21-
May 1, 41 days; 1894, March 16-April 28, 43 days; 1898, March 21-May 4, 44
days. Average, March 21-May 1, 41 days.

Red-eyed, Vireo. 1 887, April 18-May 14, 26 days; 1 889, April 13-May 21, 3 8
days; 1890, April 22-May 28, 36 days; 1892, April 18-May 19, 31 days. Average,
April 18-May 21, 33 days.

W hite-eyed Vireo. 1888, March 30-April 26, 27 days; 1889, April 4-May 4, 30
days; 1891, April 6,-April 29, 23 days; 1 892, March 28-May 7, 40 days. Average,
April 2-May 2, 30 days.

Vello-zL'-t/zroated Warbler. 1 888, March 23-May 11, 49 days; 1 889, March 28-
May 4, 46 days; 1890, March 13, April 22, 40 days; 1891, April 1-April 30, 36
days. Average, March 23-May 2, 40 days.

Prairie Warbler. 1 888, April 12-Mav 17, 35 days; 1889, April 18-May 14, 36
days; 1890, April 8-May 16, 3 8 days; 1891, April 18-May 22, 34 days; 1892,
April 10-May 12, 32 days; 1 893, April 6-May 13, 37 days; 1894, April 16-May
19, 33 days. Average, April 11-May 16, 35 days.

elloiv-breasted Chat. 1886, April 26-May 19, 23 davs; 1 888, April 18-Mav 15,
27 days; 1889, April 23-May 20, 27 days; 1890, April 24-May 24, 30 days; 1891,
April 21-May 28, 37 days; 1898, April 20-May 28, 38 days. Average, April 11-
May 11, 30 days.

Louisiana Water Thrush. 1889, March 26-April 29, 34 days; 1 890, March 29-
May 1, 33 days; 1891, April 8-May 1, 23 days; 1892, April 1-May 2, 31 days.
Average, April 1-May 1, 30 days.

American Redstart. 1889, April 11-May 15, 34 days; 1 890, April 9-May 12,
34 days.

Orchard Oriole. 1887, April 24-June 8, 45 days; 1 888, April 16-June 11, 56
days; 1 889, April 20-May 29, 39 days; 1 890, April 24-May 20, 26 days; 1893,

April 25-May 22, 27 days; 1897, April 26-June 1, 36 days. Average, April 23-

May 30, 3 8 days.

Blue Grosbeak. 1886, April 23-June 1, 36 days; 1888, April 25-June 8, 44 days;
1889, May 10-June 3, 24 Tys; 1893, May 3-June 13, 41 days; 1894, May 1-May
31, 30 days; 1 895, May 7-June 11, 35 days; 1896, May 13-June 19, 37 days.
Average, May 4-June 8, 3 5 days.

Indigo Bunting. 1 886, April 28-June 5, 38 days; 1887, April 29-June 1, 34

days; 1 888, April 30-May 24, 24 days; 1889, May- 10-May 21, 11 days; 1891,

May 4-May 21, 17 days; 1894, April 27-June 1, 35 days; 1895, May 8-May 31,
23 days. Average May 2-May 28, 27 days. However the average date for arrival
of this species is April 26, which if used would make the first nest about 3 3 days
later than first arrival, which is more probable.

From these data it may be seen that the average date of the arrival of all these
species was just 34 days before the first nests were found, and as we also found out
that the usual time taken in building a nest and laying a set of eggs was almost
exactly 14 days, therefore the birds of these different species must have rested from
two to three weeks after their arrival before starting nesting, which is about what
might be expected.

CONSERVATION PLEDGE: I give my pledge as an American to save and
faithfully defend from waste the natural resources of my country — its soil .and
minerals, its forests, waters and wildlife.

May, 19+8

T H K C H A T

45

THIRTY NESTS TO THE ACRE

Joe Jones, Chapel Hill, N. C.

At least 30 bird nests were built last year (l947) on our one-acre place in
Chapel Hill at the corner of Hillsboro and Rosemary streets. In 1946 there were 11.

I believe the increase is partially a result of our attempt to make the place more
attractive to birds. Our efforts included putting' up nesting boxes, allowing vines and
shrubbery to grow thick and bushy, the removal of wire screens from chimney tops,
and fighting off Starlings, English Sparrows, cats, gray squirrels, and flying
squirrels.

There were four species of birds I was specially interested in attracting to the
place when we nioved to it in 19+5. Tliey were the Bluebird, Purple Martin,
Flicker, and Red-headed Woodpecker. The Bluebird is an old sentimental favorite of
mine, and I have a deep feeling for the others because they are being driven out of
so many places by Starlings. I wish bird lovers everywhere would make a special
effort to provide nesting places for these three species, and protect thetn against
Starlings.

The Red-headed Woodpeckers were already here when we came. They had
a hole in an old light pole in the back yard. I was sure they would nest there. A
pair went through the motions of nesting in the pole all last spring and summer
They were still mating, in September 1947, but they have never produced an egg.

I believe one is sterile and that when it dies, the other will get a new mate and
raise a family. That will be a proud day for me.

The bluebird box I put up in 1946 was occupied by House Wrens. But last year
a pair of Bluebirds appeared in February and had taken over before the wrens
arrived. They brought off two broods. So they are established, and will no doubt
be back in 1948.

No Martins came to the ten-room Sears-Roebuck box I put up for them this year.
Three were seen circling high over the place in July and August, and they even
alighted in the top of a dead sycamore about 200 yards away. But if they saw the
box they never showed it. Maybe I’ll get them some day. There is a colony three
miles from Chapel Hill on the Pittsboro Road, but I don’t believe any have nested
in the town itself for some years.

In February, 1947, We- erected a flicker box about seven feet up on an electric
light pole. Two days later a male flicker inspected it, and he soon began calling for
a mate. He called loudly and monotonously, week after week. We got tired of
hearing him. But he never gave up. He called right on througli March, April and
May.

In the early mornings of the latter part of May we saw two flickers and lieard
the whickering sound they make during courtship. Then the female ilisappeared and
the male began calling again. I looked in the box and was surprised to see fo»r
eggs. The male flicker began to spend part of the time on the eggs and part outside
the box calling for his missing mate, who had probably been killed by a hawk or
cat after laying four eggs. I didn’t believe the male w'ould hatch tlie eggs by
himself. He took too much time out for mate calling, and he had to cat. But all
four eggs hatched June 10. I doubted if the single parent coulud raise the voting
ones. One nestling died and was thrown out of the nest by its parent when the
brood was about a week old. It had evidently star\-ed to death. .'\ few davs later
anotlicr died and was thrown out. The noble father wasn’t tioing so well. We
fervently lioped he could raise at least one, after all In’s weary weeks of trouble
and anxiety.

The remaining two nestlings did some terrific yelling toward the end of June.
A female had showed up and seemed to be trying to entice their parent away. He

46

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

paid some attention to her, and sometimes his visits to the nest were more than two
hours apart. The young ones screamed with hunger. We expected them to starve.
But the male’s paternal instincts won, and he began to ignore the blandishments of
the female. She left, and he resumed his old schedule of feeding tlie nestlings at
intervals of about every half hour.

Both young left the nest the morning of July 6. They flew to a nearby scupper-
nong arbor, aiid then up into a big oak in the front yard. It had been four months,
two weeks, and six days since their father took up his stand in the nesting box.

Here is a list of 11 nests, all successful, built during 1946: Mourning Dove,
Tufted Titmouse, Cardinal, Robin, Wood Peewe, House Wren (2), Wood Thrush
(2), and Chimney Swift (2).

Here is a chart of

30 nests built during 1947, half of

which were

successful :

No. of Nests

Successful

Unsuccessful

Chimney Swift ....

4

3

1

House Wren

3

3

Robin

. . 3

2

1

Catbird

4

1

Bluebird

2

2

Wood Thrush ....

1

1

1

Crested Flycatcher

1

Flicker

1

1

1

Wood Peewee

1

Cardinal

4

4

-Mockingbird

1

\

Brown Thrasher . . .

2

2

Starling

1

I

English Sparrow . . .

1

1

I believe Blue Jays were responsible for the great mortality among the eggs
and young of Cardinals, Catbirds, Thrashers, and Mockingbirds. About 15 Blue Jays
were here at our feeding station all winter and they were much in evidence during
the nesting season.

The five young in the one unsuccessful Swift’s nest were killed in a fall of soot
and mortar, and the unsuccessful Wood Thrush nest was blown down because it was
too precariously placed at the end of an elm branch.

I am positive the Robin’s nest was rifled by a flying squirrel. I heard the incu-
bating robin scream at 9 o’clock at night. When I rushed out into the year she flew
up off the ground and into the oak branches near her nest. Early the next morning
she was on the nest, evidently having returned to it in the darkness without realizing
the eggs were broken or gone. But in an hour or so she left it and never returned.
The culprit was no doubt that nocturnal egg-eater, the flying squirrel. In September
1947, I captured one in our Crested Flycatcher nesting box. During the winter of
1946-47, a flying squirrel enlarged the entrance hole to our Tufted Titmouse box.
I nailed tin around the hole to keep the squirrels out. The Titmice returned to it
in the spring, and would probably have nested there again except that the Flicker
used the tin for a sounding board. The Titmice couldn’t stand it.

(Sept. 23, 1947.)

REPORT YOUR SCREEN TOURS SCHEDULES: Presidents and Secretaries
of local clubs which are sponsoring Audubon Screen Tours for the 1948-1949 season
are asked to report their schedules to The Chat as soon as they are available.

May, 19+8

r ii E C H A T

47

Migration — The Story of Birds Along the Flyways

of the Skies

CuARLori'E Milton CJrkkn, Raleigh, N. C.

Beyond iny study window I see a flock of Juncos, several White-throated Sparrows,
a Song Sparrow or two, and, at the feeding station on the birch, a \'ellow-bellievl
Sapsucker is enjoying the suet. A few moments before, a Brown Creeper had been
sampling the same suet, only to be chased awaiy by the more militant Myrtle Warbler.
A little later, perhaps, a Hermit Thrush will slip in cautiously to feed on the
scattered grains beneath the pyracantha, where the Fox Sparrow was seen yesterday.

Winter residents all, who came winging down the flyways of tlie skies, from
various parts of the North, during the autumn days. Migrants, or winged gypsies,
they may bring about, for a brief period in my garden, a meeting of the Arctic anti
the Tropics. For some of the summer residents, as the Wood Thrush, the Summer
Tanager, and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird may arrive back at their old nesting
grounds before some of the winter birds have departed. Thus we have had, at
Brookside, at the same time, the Ruby-throat which may have come from the Gulf
Coast, or Mexico, or even from Central America, and a Slate-colored Junco which
may have come down from beyond the Arctic Circle, while several times a Hermit
Thrush and a Wood Thrush — the one nesting as far north as southern Yukon and
northern Quebec, the latter wintering as far south as southern Mexico or Costa Rica
— have met to say “Howdy” in my garden.

Once one of our banded Summer Tanagers arrived on April 5th, and came
straight to the window cafeteria where he had been caught and banded the year
before, came while there were still numbrs of White-throats, Song Sparrows, a lone
Sapsucker and a still lonelier Brown Creeper about. Yet in a few weeks, perhaps even
days, they might be hundreds of miles or even a thousand miles apart. And in still
another year, they might all meet, for a brief period, once again in my garden !

Migration! No one has yet solved all the mysteries of it, though more is being
learned every year through careful studies, and especially through banding. Think
of it, a Ruby-throat, a tiny feathered sprite not much larger than one’s thumb, will
undertake a journey that might well apall the oldest, most seasoned traveler who has
every comfort, convenience and safeguard at his command. Yet Ruby-throat hasn’t
even a compass to guide him on the long flight — only a bird’s homing instinct, and a
sense of direction.

“Migration,” says Webster, “is the act of passing periodically from one region
to another for feeding or breeding.” No one knows when or how it started, though
some scientists think it may have had some connection with the recent — geologically
speaking — Ice Age.

But, throughout the ages man has noted it, and vaguely stirred and puzzled bv
the seasonal coming and going of birds. Whence had they come, and whither W'ere
they going.? No wonder the Arabs and the Persians based their calendar on the time
certain birds appeared during the year, and that certain primitive Eskimo tribes
called October the “month of the flying away” and March and early April the
“coming of the birds.”

Myths and Legends of Migration

Today, because of varied scientific studies, we do know much about migration,
though there is still much more to know. But before the days of trained ornitholo-
gists and their studies, there were many quaint legends and myths concerning the
appealing mystery. In the Middle Ages, people thought certain birds changed into
other species at certain seasons; that some birds hibernated in the mud for the

+8

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

winter months. .Alexander Wetmore, in his book The Migration of Birds, has an illus-
tration of an ancient woodcut depicting a fisherman hauling in his net, which contains
more swallows than it does fish; and I understand some of our South Carolina
negroes still swear this is so. .Another theory was that smaller birds congregated on
the shores of the Mediterranean and awaited the coming of big, friendly birds, as
storks and cranes, and then just comfortably hopping up on their backs, snuggled
down among the feathers and had a nice, safe journey across the big blue sea, to
.Africa.

Still another theory was that certain birds wintered on the moon ! People even
had it all figured out. Since there was not much traffic on the way, the birds just went
to sleep while flying and kept on going until they landed on the moon, the trip taking
about sixty days!

But with banding, some accurate information was acquired. Banding, as we
know it today, with records carefully kept, was started in 1899, and began where
so much constructive work was to begin, in little Denmark. Since then, banding
has become popular the world over. The tradition is that perhaps our first non-
official banding was done over a hundred years ago when a certain young Frenchman
who liked birds, and also liked to hunt on his father’s farm near Philadelphia, one
day noted some queer nests in a cave. He wondered about the birds which had
built them, and watched to see if the birds w’ould return to them in the spiing. They
did, and built a similar nest near-by. He tried putting a silver thread on the legs of
the nestlings and they, too, returned the following year. The birds were Phoebes, and
the young Frenchman, who thus did .America’s first bird banding was John James

.Audubon. . ,

Certain animals, too, make migrations, the most unusual, perhaps, and certaimy
one that appeals to the imagination, being that of the lemming of certain highlands
of Norway and Sweden. Lemmings are small animals, something like rats, and they
have an unusual cycle in that every few years their food is more abundant and they
tliemselves become so over abundant that their enemies cannot eat them fast enough
to maintain a balance. They overcrowd their territory, food becomes scarce and they
begin a westward march, down the highlands and twoard the sea. Usually they
travel along valleys, paying little attention to obstacles, “going over small cliffs
and eating their way through haystacks.’’ They are said to travel steadily in rows
about three feet apart, and march sometimes taking a year or more, their numbers
increasing all the time. They are followed by their enemies — hawks, owls, foxes, and
wolves, which eat them in great numbers, yet they continue to the sea. Not even when
they reach the shore do they stop, but swim out to sea, until they are overcome by
the waves, and are drowned.

Other animals — salmon, shad, seals, eels, have their patterns of migration built
up, probably, through thousands, perhaps millions of years. Even the monarch
butterfly, that lovely coppery-red fellow with black markings outlining the veins
and bordering the wings, migrates northward every spring and summer, moving up as
fast as the milkweed (its food plant) appears, so as to give food to its caterpillar.
In the autumn, monarchs are often seen migrating southwards in great swarms.
Once, at the annual October .Audubon meeting, at Cape May, N. J., a large swarm
of these butterflies was seen, flying low over the water, and close to shore.

One of tlie most weird and almost unbelievable stories of migration is that of
the eels, but it too long a tale to be told here. We must get back to birds and their
travels.

Often Tropical Affiliations

It seems strange that migratory binls often represent families whose mass and
affiliations are found in the Tropics, in many cases only a few species being known

May, 1948

rHE CHAT

49

elsewhere. Our orioles, tanagers, and hummingbirds are representatives of such
families. Hummingbirds are found only in the western hemisphere, and although there
are around 600 known species, ranging from Alaska to Patagonia, they are most
numerous in Columbia and Ecuador. Of the eighteen species in the United States,
only eight go beyond the Mexican border states, and only one, the Ruby-throat,
reaches eastern North America. Why? Around 3 50 species of tanagers are known in
the Tropics. Why should but four of them be migrants? The Baltimore Oriole, an
orange and black dream of beauty seems almost a tropical flower, dowered, by some
magic of alchemy, with wings and a song to gladden our northern lands. But —
there are some 40 species of orioles. What is it that urges two or three of them to
migrate? Why migrate anyhow, is a question the novice in bird-lore always asks.
We can understand a bird’s desire to follow the summer in the fall migration, to
want to leave the lands of ice and snow for warmer climes, to seek a land where
food is plentiful. But why should some sturdy-looking fellows — like the Robin and
the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker — migrate, while feathered mites like the chickadees
and kinglets brave the ice and storms? Part of it is food, we know — but that is not all.

But, they ask again, why the so-early spring migration? Why do some birds
leave their winter homes just at the time of greatest increase in plant and insect
life, often to be overtaken by cold and storms? In The Book of Bird Life, Dr. A. A.
Allen, of the Laboratory of Ornithology of Cornell University (and my teacher)
states: “The migrating instinct is closely associated with the enlargement and I'eduction
of the reproductive glands, a physiological cycle which, under normal conditions,
is just as regular as the pulsing of the heart and records time as accurately as a
clock. With most species the organs of mature birds begin to enlarge before those
of birds hatched the preceding year, and those of the males before those of the females.
Because of this the male birds arrive first and are followed by the females and later by
the immature birds.”

This, of course, affects the spring migration. Sometimes, in this migration,
mating takes place during stops and resting periods, and the pair travel on together.
With Phoebes, which are among the few birds that are supposed to remain mated
for life, and with Canada Geese, also supposed to mate for life, when one dies, the
remaining bird usually soon finds a mate, yet they do not winter together. Nor do
they migrate together, and, in the North, if the male arrives first, when his Lady
arri\es they go about home-seeking as if they had never been parted.

Another mystery is why some fall migratory flocks are made up of young birds of
the summer, -zv/iich -precede the old birds south. How do they find their way? Allan
Cruickshank, Audubon lecturer and in charge of Bird Study at the Audubon Nature
Camp in Maine, ahvays prefaces many statements about migration with “as far as
we know now,” or “the present theory is,” to make his students realize how' much
there is still unknown about migration, and that today’s theories may be discarded
in the light of further scientific discoveries tomorrow. At present, then, the theory is
that birds have a strong homing instinct and a strong, inborn, instinctive, sense of
direction. With these young birds of the summer preceding the old birds to a southern
home they ha\e never known, it must be an instinctive urge to go to the ancestral
winter home of their species.

(To be continueil)

Field Book of Eastern Birds. By Leon Augustus Hausman, Ph.D. G. P. Putman’s
Sons, 2 West 45th St., New York, N. Y. 1946: 4 1-8x7 ; xvi, 659; VI col.
plates, over 400 drawings. $3.75.

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\'ol. XII, No. 3

Birds in Kansas. By Arthur L. Goodrich, Jr. Report of the Kansas State Board of
Agriculture, June 1945, vol. 64, no. 267 (1946); J. C. Mohler, Secretary,
Topeka, Kansas: 5 3-4x 8 3-4; 340 p., 6 col. plates by Margaret Wittemore,
169 fig. Free to Kansans.

OBSERVATIONS ON NESTING GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS

IN STANLY COUNTY, N. C.

JOHN TROTT, JR., Chapel Hill, N. C.

The first Grasshopper Sparrow nest I observed was found accidentally
by two small boys. On May 19th, 1944, the boys took me to the nest, which
was in a dry field with little growth. The nest contained five eggs and was
carefully hidden at the base of a thick growth of plantain. It was arched over
Sitii only a small entrance in the side. The held in rvhlch the nest was
built was terraced and the nest was built just on the upper side of one of
these ditches. On June 1st I returned to find the nest empty. Probably some-
thing happened to the young, for there were evidences that the eggs had
hatched. It was at this first nest that I discovered that Grasshopper Spai-
rows do not remove the excreta of the young from the nest, in direct con-
trast to the extreme sanitary habits of the Field Sparrow and Chipping
Sparrow, and the Meadowlark, the latter also a ground nesting bird. This
observation proved true with all the Grasshopper Sparrow nests obseived.

On May 6th, 1945, I found another
Grasshopper Sparrow nest, this one
ill a field about two miles from the
nest found the year before. This nest

I was also arched over, though to not

such an extent as the first one ob-
' served. It contained four eggs, and
was also built on the upper side of a
terrace ditch. I don’t know whether or
not this practice was accidental, but
I prefer to believe that it showed
some instinct of the bird to protect
its nest from the water that would
naturally collect in the ditch. This
nest was found purely by accident —
the female flew from the nest when
I was about seven feet from her. She
made no attempt to lead me from her
eggs and made no vocal protest. The
male bird was not seen. On return-
ing to the nest five days later I found
the eggs hatched. This time the fe-
male chirped protestingly at me from a nearby weed. Again only one bird

was seen.

On May 27th. 1945, at a spot not 50 yards from where 1 had found the
nest just mentioned, 1 found another Grasshopper Sparrow nest. This one

Nest of Grasshopper Sparrow
Found June 1, 1946

May, 194.S

T H K C H A T

51

also had four eggs, and was built much in the same as the one found a few
weeks earlier. This nest was built in a slight depression in the ground, on
top of the hill near the hedgerow that separated the field from the one in
which the other nest was located. The female flew from under my feet and
I had no difficulty in locating the nest and eggs. This was in early after-
noon and the male had been singing from a tall weed about fourteen feet
away. When he heard his mate’s distress calls he came over to join her.
His mate, when flushed, ran through the grass dragging her wing, but when
she saw that I wasn’t falling for her trick, she proceeded to find the high-
est perch available from which to scold me.

Later in the summer of 1945, an old nest was found in the lower part
of the field, about 25 yards from the one just described. I believe that it
might possibly have been the second nest of this pair.

On June 1st of the following year, I found another nest. This one was
discovered by using the method described in Dr. Arthur A. Allen’s Book of
Bird Life. A forty-foot rope was dragged over the field, one person at each
end. When the rope passed over a ground nest the female was flushed. The
incubating Grasshopper Sparrow flew up, but not before running through
the grass the distance of some four feet. It was at this time that I discovered
the male bird’s strange attempt to lure an intruder away from the nest.
I nearly failed to find the nest on account of watching him. Luckily I had
placed my assistant at the place where the female had flushed. The male had
been singing from a flat stone in the field about 15 feet from where we later
found the nest. Right after the female had flown, he continued to sing, but
hopped down from his rock and began walking in the opposite direction
from the nest. He soon stopped singing, but continued to his way, making
wide curves and bobbing his head up and down as he went. He gave the
appearance of going secretly to his nest. I followed, and after leading me
some seven feet he suddenly flew a short distance and dived into the grass, to
be heard or seen no more until I returned to where I had left my companion
and found the nest. This nest had three eggs, and like the first nest I had
observed, it was built at the base of a large clump of plantain. Unlike any
of the previous nests, this one was not arched over (see photograph), but
was protected from above by the over-hanging plantain. Each time I visited
the nest the male bird repeated his singing-walk through the grass. This
nest was located in the same hill-top field where two nests were found the
year before. It was, like them, built near a hedge-row. At this nest was the
indication of a path leading to the nest so often mentioned in bird books
with regard to ground nesting birds.

The growth in the fields in which the nests were located rarely exceeded
six inches, the birds usually nested in parts of the fields where the plants
were thick but low. During all my visits to the Grasshopper Sparrow nests,
except the one mentioned at which only one bird was seen, I rarely found
the male far from the incubating female. He was usually singing from a
high weed or conspicious rock, never over 15 feet from the nest.

These nests were all constructed on the same general pattern, being small
and deeply cupped. They were built of fine grasses and weed stems, and
lined with finer grasses to varying degrees, some with almost no lining,
but most with soft, well-built interiors.

From the information gained with three years observation I plan to ob-
serve more and hope to contribute to the knowledge of the life history of
this insignificant but interesting member of the sparrow family.

52

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

Field Notes and News

BUZZARD WRECKS PLANE: According to a United Press report from New
Haven, Ky., dated March 27, an eyewitness reported the collision of a Beechcraft
plane with a buzzard, which resulted in the crash of the plane and the death of
five persons aboard. A. D. S.

REDDISH EGRET REPORTED IN NORTH CAROLINA: On July 27, 19+7,
at a small lake 1 3 miles southeast of Charlotte, I saw Great Blue Heron, young of
Little Blue Heron, American Egret, and one Reddish Egret. The latter was perched
on a dead tree and my son George and I observed it, at a distance of about 3 5 yards,
for ten minutes. The light was perfect, and I do not think there could be any mistake
in identification, as I am thoroughly familiar with the herons and egrets.

G. H. Holmes, Tryon, N. C.

RED-WING BLACKBIRD HANGED BY STRING: On April 18, at Pullen
Park, Raleigh, I discovered a female Red-wing Blackbird which had hanged itself
on a piece of string. The bird was about 20 feet from the ground, in a gum tree,
and the string with which she was entangled was part of the tattered remains of
a kite which had been caught in the tree. The string was tightened around the
bird’s neck, which was apparently broken, and one claw was still tiglitly clenched
in a tangle of the string, which the birds was possibly trying to get for nesting
material. S.\NDY McCulloch

WHEN DO YOUNG BIRDS LEARN TO BATHE? Perhaps some of your
readers have wondered about the age at which birds learn to take their baths.
Recently I saw something which might help to clear up this question. I saw a
young Robin just out of the nest and which had hardly learned to fly, alight on the
rim of one of mv bird baths. The parent bird alighted about the same time and fed the
young one and flew away immediately. The youngster remained, walked into deeper
water, and proceeded in the best bird manner to take his bath.

J. Weston Clin.^^rd, Hickory, N. C.

POSSIBLE RECORD OF OREGON JUNCO .AT GREExNSBORO: .About January
15, I noted an unusual Junco feeding with ordinary Juncos at a feeding station at
my home in Greensboro. This unusual bird was seen during the next three weeks
by numerous other observers. I reported my find to Ludlow Griscom of the Museum
of Comparative Zoology at Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass., and in reply,
Griscom stated that the bird could not possibly be an Eastern Junco in any plumage,
though it was impossible to tell wliich of the western sub-species it might possibly
lx;. Griscom added that several individuals of one western subspecies, Junco oreganus
montamis had reached the Atlantic vStatcs this winter.

Geo. a. Smith

PURPLE MARTINS .ARRIVE L.ATE .AT GREENSBORO: The first Purple
Martin arrived at Justamere Farm, near Greensboro, much later this year than usual,
and the arrival of others has been a delayed affair. One birtl arrived March 16,
but did not remain. Three more arrived on March 18, and by the end of the month
there were only about 12 pairs. I supposed that this depleted number might be all
that remained of the large group of last summer, but, surprisingly enough, more kept
arriving through the month of April, until my gourds were filled. .A nearby neighbor
reports the arrival of a few Martins at his home as late as May 7.

Dr. Wesley Taylor

May, 19+8

TMK CHAT

53

K1LLD?:ERS NESr EARL\’: a Kill-
deer’s nest with a complete set of four
eggs was fouiui March 15 in a field of
winter wheat on the farm of R. E. Coker,
near Chapel Hill, N. C. The accompanying
photograph, taken March 17, shows that
the “nest” is practically bare ground, but
the eggs are well concealed by their color-
ation. The mother Killdeer tried to lead me
away from the nest by flopping around on
the ground as if she were unable to fly.

OvE F. Jensen

ENGI.ISH SPARROW FEEDS YOUNG
ORCHARD ORIOLE: On April 26, 19+2,
from an upstairs window in my home, I
focused a 3 0 power telescope on an Or-
chard Oriole that was building her nest in
an oak tree in my yard. For several days
the female worked almost continuously on
the nest, while the male bird sat nearby
singing. Three eggs were hatched and mv
family and se\'eral friends rvatched the
mother Oriole feed her young. On the after-
noon of June 6, I %yas very much surprised to see an Englisli Sparrow fly up and
stuff a piece of bread into the open mouth of one of the Orioles. I watched the
Sparrow as she flew liown into a neighbor’s yard for more bread, and repeated the
feeding. During the follo^ying six days the Sparrow continued to feed the young
Orioles. The mother Oriole tried in vain to fight off the Sparrow, but did continue
to feeil her young. The first Oriole left the nest on June 9. When the third young
Oriole left the nest on June 11, it alighted on a wire fence, where it received another
feeding from the Sparrow'. Though this seems very odd to me, I belie\’e that 1
have a jiossible explanation for the behavior of tlie Sparrow. I had destroyed a
Sparrow’s nest and young just a few days before finding the Sparrow feeding the
young Orioles. R. E. Lee, Jr., Durham, N. C.

GREAT HORNED OWL CARRIED OFF TRAP: A Great Horned Owl, which
W'as mounted about ten years ago by a student at the University of North Carolina,
decorates the office of Postmaster W. S. Hogan, at Chapel Hill. Mr. Hogan relates
that the owl hail been caught in a pole trap set to catch hawks. The owl was pow'erful
enough to pull the cliain loose and fly away with the trap fastened to its leg. A day
or two later, Mr. Hogan saw the owl flying with something grasped in its talons.
He followed it and watcheii it alight and take off a couple of times. In each instance,
the owl carefully wrapped the dangling chain in its talons, so that its flight was
not too much impeded. Mr. Hogan had a gun handy, and shot the owl.

Robert Overinc;, Raleigh, N. C.

BLUE-HEADED VIREO NESTS AT SOUTHERN PINES: 1 heard a Red-eyed
Vireo as early as April 6, at Southern Pines this spring. During the same w'cek
a number of our local bird club members reported a Vireo’s nest. On April 13, 1
went to see the nest, which was located about ten feet from the ground, in an oak
tree. The bird was on the nest, with only the top of the head, back and tail visible.

54

T H E C H A T

Vol. XII, No. 3

and we assumed that it might be a Red-eyed Vireo with poorly formed eye markings.
On April 2 7, we again went to the nest, and found both parent birds feeding the
voung. They were quite tame, and we were able to observe them from a distance
of a few feet. They proved to be Blue-headed Vireos. The wing bars and other
markings were plainly seen. This is a record find for our local club.

Florence H. Robinson

HORNED LARK NESTS AND EGGS
FOUND AT GREENSBORO: On Sunday,

.May 9, we located at the Greensboro-High
Point airport two nests of (Prairie? ) Horn-
ed Larks, each with 4 eggs. This is appar-
ently the first record for Horned Lark eggs
and nests for Guilford County, though a few
days previously, on the Greensboro spring
count, (May l), Larry Crawford and
-•V. D. Shaftesbury had found, at the airport,
a fledgling Horned Lark that was not
quite able to fly. We took pictures of both
nests, but the eggs were very dark and the
nests were embedded in the clay, flush with
the surface of the ground, so the eggs did
not show up too well.

The Prairie Horned Lark has been
extending its range southward rather rapid-
ly in recent years. In 1931, the southern
limits of its range were listed as West
Virginia and Maryland. .Apparently the
first observation of nest and young in North Carolina was made in Iredell County,
near Statesville, in mid-June, 1940, by Maurice Stimson {The Chat, 1941, vol. V,
P. 22). The first eggs of Prairie Horned Lark ever recorded in North Carolina were
discovered by Dr. Francis H. Craighill, who found a nest and eggs at the
Rocky Mount airport, on .April 19, 1941.

Oscar Paris; Hugh L. Medford, Jr.

REGARDING SO.ME “DOUBTFUL” SPECIES .AND SUB-SPECIES IN
COAST.AL NORTH C.AROLINA: Following a discussion with the editor of The
Chat regarding some of the birds which so far have a doubtful status in our coastal
section, I have subjected “Birds of North Carolina” to a close study to find out
just which birds are included in this category, and I noted particularly the section
dealing with the Florida Barred Owl, Sta-ix varia georgica. Pearson and the Brimleys
thought it probable that this variety replaced the northern form in the southeastern
part of the state, and, from my own observations, I am inclined to agree with them.
I have handled a number of barred owls here at Wilmington, N. C., during the past
few years and all but one of them were Florida Barred Owls. The one exception,
which was a Northern Barred Owl, was killed on Town Creek in 1938. I have no\vt
in my collection a large Florida Barred Owl, easily distinguished by the lack of
feathers on tlie toes, taken in October, 1946, on Long Creek, about fifteen miles
from Wilmington, N. C. These owls may be heard in any season in this area.

John B. Funderburg, Wilmington, N. C.

Nest and Eggs of Horned Lark
Greensboro, N. C., May 9, 1948

May, 1948

riiK CHAT

55

SPECIMENS OF NORTH CAROLINA BIRDS-. Rccc-ntly I found somu siv-ci-
niens of North Carolina birds in tlie extensive collection of the American Museum of
Natural History in New York which I don’t believe have been recorded in ornitholog--
ical literature, These are as follows:

P/uilacrocora.x auritiis ^toridanus, Floriila Cormorant (No. 349522). male of
this species was collected on February 5, 1900, at Hatteras, Dare County. The col-
lector is not noted on the museum tag:, the specimen is originally from the col-
lection of Dr. Jonatltan Dwight.

Chen caeridescens, Blue Goose (No. 106941). Collected on Currituck Sound on
November 2, 1909, by Eilwin C. Kent.

Mareca fenelope, European Widgeon (No. 95147). An adult male was taken on
northern Currituck Sound on January 3 or 4, 1910, by Dr. L. C. Sanford.

Stegciiiopus tricolor^ Wilson’s Phalarope (Nos. 95 199, 95200). Tliese two birds,
the first marked as an immature female (?) and the second as an adult male, were
collectetl in Currituck County on the beach opposite Knott’s Island on August 17,
1908, by R. B. Lawrence. Only one of these is recorded in Birds of North Carolina.

(Nov. 17, 1947). Frederic R. Scott, Richmond, Virginia.

With the Editor

WEAVER HAS ARTICLE IN NATURE MAGAZINE: Dr. Richard L. Weaver,
of Chapel Hill, until recently Secretary of the N. C. B. C. and at present a member
of the Executive Board, adds another to his list of a considerable number of pub-
lished articles, with a paper, “Conservation Moves Ahead,” which appeared in the
February issue of Nature Magazine (Vol 41, No. 2, P. 104).

JUNIOR NATURAL HISTORY MAGAZINE: Recommended for the school child
between the ages of seven and fourteen; a wholesome publication which fosters ,'in
abiding interest in nature’s handiwork in field, stream, forest, earth, and sky. A
monthly publication, profusely illustrated, at $1.25 a year. Address: Junior Natural
History Magaine, The American Museum of Natural History, New York 24, N. Y.

FOR USE IN SUMMER CLASSES: “Birds and Their Attributes,” by Glo\er
Morrell Allen, Lecturer in Zoology at Harvard University and Librarian of the
Boston Society of Natural History; a fourth large printing is now available at $4.00
a copy. Teachers may secure an examination copy by writing: Marshall Jones Co.,
Publishers, Francestown, New Hampshire.

MISS MAY W. PUETT — Leader in the organization of the new bird club at
Greenville, S. C., is a former officer and enthusiastic worker in the Lenoir, N. C.,
Audubon Club. She writes that she is trying to get contact with Carolina Bird Club
.Members in other South Carolina localities in an effort to get them lined up with
the Greenville club or to help them organize their own clubs. Spartanburg is on her
list, so we can expect a local bird club there soon. Such enthusiastic work certainly
comes at the right time to fit in with the newly consolidated “Carolina Bird Club.”

“WILD WINGS,” is the title of a fascinating new bird book, written by
Dr. Joseph James Murray, who is pastor of the Presbyterian Church at
Lexington, Virginia. The reader of this attractively written and illustrated
volume goes on a facinating series of bird walks with the author, in his

56

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 3

home section in western Virginia, through the Florida Everglades, and even
in Europe. Dr. Murray, who is a member of the N. C. B. C., has a natural
love for the out-of-doors, and is one of the keenest bird students in this
country. His “Wild Wings” will be enjoyed by young and old, by hiker and
shut-in. The chapters are short, informal chats, made even more delightful
in relating his own experiences and observations. It is the sort of book
which bird lovers will enjoy reading on account of its colorful and easy
style and on account of its amazing amount of information. A lovely gift
volume, it will become for many bird lovers a permanent reference volume.
Copies may be secured from; John Knox Press, Box 1176, Richmond 9, Vir-
ginia. Cloth bound, the price of the 123 page volume is $2.50.

ORNITHOLOGY ESSAY AWARDS ANNOUNCED: The following- winners
of the High School Ornithology Essay awards were announced May 7, the annual
meeting of the North Carolina Academy of Science, at Davidson College, Davidson,
N. C.: First place, Minerva Rae Waters, Pantego High School, for her essay “And
They Earned Their Merit Badges Too!”; second place, Charles Kiser, High School
Dept., Warren Wilson Junior College, Swaiinanoa, subject: “Birds on Our Campus”;
third place, Frances Ann Radcliff, Pantego High School, subject “Birds of My
Home Community.” The ornithology essay awards, a part of several High School
awards sponsored each year by the North Carolina Academy of Science, are given
through the cooperation of Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, Charlotte, N. C., who offeis
i.20 cash for a first prize, and the North Carolina State Museum which offers a copy
of “Birds of North Carolina” for second and third prizes. The awards were
announced by Dr. Archie D. Shaftesbury, Chairman of the High School Science
Committee of the Academy of Science.

OFFICIAL STATE BIRD OF N. C.: Andrew Miller, Greensboro, N. C., writes
to Carl Goerch, at Raleigh {The State ^ Oct. 4), as follows: “My teacher says that
we have no official state bird in North Carolina, and that the Cardinal is the un-
official state bird. Will you please let me know if this is correct.” Goerch’s answer,
of course, is that the Cardinal is the official state bird, according to an act of the
North Carolina Legislature, and the dogwood blossom is the state flower, by the
same authority. . . . And speaking of informing the school teachers of North Caro-
lina regarding the official status of our state bird, the Caidinal, reminds us that
no less than the head of our state publicity bureau. Bill Sharpe, also needs a litde
straiMitening out regarding this matter. In the October issue of Holiday (the special
North Carolina issue which gave Greensboro all of 1 >4 lines mention in Jonathan
Daniel’s article), Sharpe apparently let this misstatement slip through (page 44):
“State bird — the Cardinal (unofficial).”

Considerable fun was poked at the Legislature in 1933 when, at the suggestion
of the North Carolina Federation of Woman’s Clubs, it adopted a resolution making
the Carolina Chickadee the official state bird, and a few days later removed the
Chickadee as the official state bird, after the legislators had seen a stuffed specimen
of a Chickadee and recognized it as a “Tom-tit.” In 1943, at the request of the
North Carolina Bird Club and various cooperating clubs. Senator Rivers D. John-
son of Duplin County introduced a bill to name the Cardinal as the Official State
Bird. This time there had been more extensive ground work. Bird clubs all over
the state, with the aid of the state’s leading newspapers and magazines, took a poll
of schoo'ls and other groups, and the Cardinal won by long odds. The bill passed
in the Senate and was turned over to Representative Willie Lee Lumpkin, of Frank-
lin County, to pilot it through the House. On March 4, 1943, the bill was passed
bv the House, thus making the Cardinal the Official Bird of North Carolina.

FALL MEETING TO BE HELD AT SALUDA, N. C.
ON WEEK-END OF OCTOBER 3

(Registration as early as 3:00 P.M. Friday, Oct. 1, is desired)

PLACE: Saluda, N. C. The Southern Railway Clerks Home, which
accommodates 45, will be held open. (The following places
will be available: Mountain Manor, 45 people; Saluda Inn —
steam heat, 35 people; and Fairview, 35 people.)

Members of Carolina Bird Club are asked to hold open the first week-
end in October, and wait for further notices.

Mrs. G. C. Potter,

Secretary, Carolina Bird Club, 2111 Malvern Rd., Charlotte 7, N. C.

EVERY CITIZEN’S RESPONSIBILITY

At one of the recently held Public Waterfowl Meetings, conducted
over the country by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dr. Clarence
Cottam, Asst. Chief of the Service, made a remark of such profound
significance that it is passed on herewith. He said, in speaking of the future
of American wildfowl, that until every citizen felt his or her responsibility,
to the extent of reporting known violations of game laws to the nearest
warden, there never would be complete success in conserving this great
natural resource.

Despite the almost universal opprobrium attaching to tale-bearing, he
stressed that this was not in that category at all, but rather the civil duty
of everyone in reporting a crime. Should a housebreaker be detected in
the act, a policeman is called; a game law violator is doing the same thing
in doing away with an asset which belongs to the American public. He is
stealing, and is, actually, a burglar to all of us. It is hoped that Dr.
Cottam’s advice will be heeded by every member of this Club.

Alexander Sprunt, Jr.

CAROLINA BIRD CLUB OFFICERS

PRESIDENT B. R. Chamberlain, Charlotte, N. C.

VICE-PRESIDENTS: Robert L. WolfF, Goldsboro, N. C.; Mrs. Cecil Appleberry,

Wilmington, N. C. ; Alexander Sprunt, Jr., Charleston, S. C.

SECRETARY Mrs. George C. Potter, Charlotte, N. C.

TREASURER .... Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, 6 Springdale Court, Greensboro, N. C.

EDITOR OF THE CHAT . . Dr. A. D. Shaftesbury, W.C.U.N.C., Greensboro, N. C.
MEMBERS AT LARGE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Harry T. Davis, Raleigh, N. C. ; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Chapel Hill, N. C.

Local Clubs and Their Officers

Arden, Rosscraggon Wood, Inc.: P — Harold B. Swope, Skyland; V-P — Dr. Leigh
Robinson, Skyland; S-T — Mrs. W. H. Lashley, Royal Pines } Board of Governors
— Dr. Graham Harden, Skyland} Miss Susan Sheppard, Skyland} Kenneth Carr,
Skyland.

Asheville Bird Club: P — R. H. Rembert} V-P — Miss Margaret Decker} S — Mrs.

M. F. Meredith, 10 Castle St.} T — Mrs. Francis E. Field.

Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock Audubon Club: P — Miss Lena Reeves} V-P — Mrs.
Joe Winkler.

Boone Bird Club: P — Dr. Robert King} V-P — Mrs. W. M. Burwell} S-T — Miss
Cora JefFcoat.

Chapel Hill Bird Club: P— Mrs. Harold Walters} V-P— David Frey} S-T— Mrs.

David Olson, Box 998} Publicity Chairman — Mrs. Horace D. Crockford.
Charlotte, Mecklenburg Audubon Club: P — Mrs. George C. Potter, 2111 Malverne
Rd. } V-P — Mrs. H. W. Kilpatrick} S — Miss Connie Thigpen, 1215 Greenwood
Cliff} T — Mrs. W. B. Simmons.

Durham, Duke-Durham Bird Club: P — Miss Bertha B. Hopkins, 506 Buchanan Road}
S-T — Mrs. M. W. Johnson.

Greensboro, Piedmont Bird Club: P — Mrs. Floyd H. Craft} V-P — R. D. Douglas and
Mrs. H. L. Medford} Rec. S — Miss Charlotte Dawley} Cor. S — Miss Ethel
McNairy} T — Miss Sarah Lesley} Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs. W. C. Carr
and Miss Etta SchiflFman.

Guilford College, T. Gilbert Pearson Bird Club: P— Elizabeth Hare} V-P— J. G.
Gilbert} S-T — Margery Pickett.

Henderson Bird Club: P — Mrs. A. W. Bachman} V-P — Mrs. T. C. Gill} S-T—
Miss Agnes Pegram.

Hickory Bird Club: P— J. Weston Clinard} V-P— Mrs. George E. Bisanar} S-T—
Mrs. Alex F. Vallotton, 1 + 15 Eighth Ave.} Reporter — J. W. Clinard.

High Point, Catesby Bird Club: P — James R. Mattocks } S — Mrs. Chester C.
Haworth} T — Mrs. John C. Siceloff.

Lenoir Audubon Club: P — Miss Margaret Harper} V-P — R. T. Greer} S-T Mrs.
R. T. Greer, Box 800.

Lumberton Bird Club: P— James Stephens, Jr.} V-P— Mrs. Henry McKinnon} S—
Mrs. D. L. Whiting} T — Miss Lillian Asking.

Mount Airy Bird Club: P— Mrs. J. Bruce Yokley} V-P— O. W. Kochtitsky} S—
Mrs. H. G. Long} T — Fred Johnson.

Raleigh Bird Club: P — Phillip H. Davis} V-P— W. B. Nesbit} S — Frank B. Meacham,
N. C. State Museum} Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs. A. J. Skaale and G. M.

Garren. I

Roanoke Rapids Bird Club: P— Mrs. D. L. Wheeler} V-P— Miss Clara Heame} S-T—
Mrs. T. L. O’Briant, 538 Vance St.

Rocky Mount, Francis H. Craighill Bird Club: P— J. W. E. Joyner} V-P— The Rev.
Gray Temple} S — Miss Dorothy Craighill} T— Miss Lilly Shearin} Members of
Executive Committee — Mrs. Fairy Bandy and Mrs. J. W. E. Joyner.

Southern Pines Bird Club: P— Mrs Cecil Robinson} V-P & S— Miss Louise Haynes,
Box 660} T — Miss Norma Shiring; Rec. S — Mrs. Gordon Clark.

Statesville Audubon Club: P— Miss Nancy B. Eliason} V-P— Miss Grace Anderson }
S — Mrs. Calhoun Ramsey} T — Mrs. Earl Davis.

Tryon Bird Club: P— G. H. Holmes} S-T— Katherine D. Hamilton.

Wilmington Bird Club: P— Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, 5 Lake Forest Parkway} V-P—
John Funderburk} S — Mrs. Warwick R. Baker, 20+ Kenwood Ave.} T — Charles
F. Theobald.

Winston-Salem Bird Club: P — Henry Magie} S-T — S. Rothrock, 2+3+ Stock-
ton St.} Directors — Charles H. Babcock, Thurmond Chatham, Jr., Richard J.
Reynolds, II.

The Chat

BULLETIN OF CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

Black and White Warblers

VOL XII SEPTEMBER, 1948 No. 4

Woman’s College, U. N. C., Greensboro, N. C.

The Chat

Bulletin of Carolina Bird Club

Dr. Archie D. Shaftesbury, Editor
Woman’s College of University of North Carolina, Greensboro, N. C.

Editorial Board: Alexander Sprunt, Jr., The Crescent, Charleston 50, S. C. — Conserva-
tion, State and National; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Box 1078, Chapel Hill, N. C. —
Education; B. R. Chamberlain, R. 1, Matthews, N. C. — Local Club News.

Contributing Editors: Miss Grace Anderson, Statesville; Mrs. Edna Lanier Apple-
berry, Wilmington; Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Henderson; E. B. Chamberlain, Charles-
ton Museum, Charleston, S. C.; Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, Charlotte; J. W. Clinard,
Hickory; Harry T. Davis, N. C. Museum, Raleigh; Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green,
Raleigh; Dr. John H. Grey, Jr., Charlottesville, Va. ; Miss Clara Hearne, Roanoke
Rapids; Dr. Thelma Howell, Macon, Ga. ; Mrs. Zora P. Jensen, Maple City, Mich.;
Joe Jones, Chapel Hill; J. W. E. Joyner, Rocky Mount; Henry Magle, Winston-Salem;
Rev. J. J. Murray, Lexington, Va. ; Howard T. Odum, New Haven, Conn.; Oscar
H. Paris, .Tr., Greensboro; Prof. Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill; James L. Stephens,
Jr., Lumberton; Mrs. Eddie W. Wilson, Cary; Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro; D. L.
Wray, Raleigh.

Entered as second-class matter April 8, 1941 at the post office Greensboro, North
Carolina, under th® Act of March 3, 1879.

Published five times a year on the fifteenth of January, March. May, September,
and November as the official organ of Carolina Bird Club. Articles for publication
should reach the Editor by the first of the month in which the issue is published.

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE
EDITOR.

Bulletin subscription, one dollar a year, Included In all membership fees.

VoL. XII

September, 1948

No. 4

CONTENTS

Page,

The Duck — A Heritage — Eddie W. Wilson 57

Local Club News — B. R. Chamherlnin 58

Migration — The Story of Birds Along the Flyways of the Skies

— Charlotte Hilton Green 61

Field Notes and News 65

Hunting a Heron Rookeiy in a F'lorida Wilderness — G. H. Hohnes 69

Another Purple Gallinulc Found in North Carolina — /. W. Johfison . . 71

With the Editor 72

Cover Photograph by Dr. A. A. Allen, Cornell University

CAROLINA BIRD CLUB OFFICERS

PRESIDENT B. R. Cbambcrlain, Rt. 1, Matthews, N. C.

VICE-PRESIDEN'FS: Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro, N. C.; Mrs. Cecil Appleberry,

Wilmington, N. C.; Alexander Sprunt, Jr., Charleston, S. C.

SECRETARY Mrs. George C. Potter, 2111 Malvern Rd., Charlotte 7, N. C.

TREASURER .... Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, 6 Springdale Court, Greensboro, N. C.

EDITOR OF THE CHAT . Dr. A. D. Shaftesbury, W.C.U.N.C., Greensboro, N. C.

MEMBERS AT LARGE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Harrv T. Davis, Raleigh, N. C.; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Chapel Hill, N. C.

The Duck — A Heritage

!

l^y Eddie W. Wilson, Cary, N. C.

With several species of North
American clucks nearing extinction,
and the other species all enormously
reduced in numbers, it seems that
the American wild duck, of such
great economic importance, might
suffer the fate of the Passenger
Pigeon. This would mean the pass-
ing of a group with entertaining
habits and rich tradition.

As for entertainment, both child and adult find delight in the exciting
sport of duck-watching: wild ducks in the air, criss-crossing in graceful
patterns; ducks on the water, pluming themselves, dipping with their tails
up, diving, swimming in circles as they sleep with their heads tucked under
their back-feathers, lifting themselves erect on the surface of the water and
vigorously flapping their wings.

As for rich tradition, the American wild duck has figured prominently
in American folklore, art, and literature throughout the years. In the
realm of folklore, according to an Ojibway Indian myth, it was the duck
which brought wild rice to man. The story is: One day, Wenibojo, the
hero-god, returned from hunting to find a duck sitting at the edge of his
kettle of boiling water. After the duck flew away, Wenobojo looked into
the kettle and found strange particles floating upon the water. When he
had eaten heartily from the kettle, he decided that it was the best soup he
had ever tasted. So he followed in the direction that the duck had taken and
soon came to a lake in which the delicious food — wild rice — was growing
in abundance.

Wenibojo’s following the duck in this myth is in keeping with the
veneration many of the tribes showed the duck. To them this handsome
bird was an unerring guide as it was familiar with the pathless air and
water and was also at home on the land, knowing well the streams and
lakes. Again, it was used as a charm or prayer-symbol for water, so essential
in the realization of primitive folk. An instance, of the duck’s presence in
Indian weather-lore is the fact that on the north Pacific coast of Noith
America, the Tsimshain was not allowed to throw stones at ducks lest
a heavy snowstorm set in.

In the art of the early American, perhaps the effigy pipes display the
duck in the most striking manner. The accompanying illustration is typical

Duck Effigy Pipe

(Courtesy of the Museum of the American Indian,
Heye Foundation. New York City)

58

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 4

of many of these. This wood-duck of finely polished steatite is lY^ inches
long. It was found at Peachtree, Cherokee County, North Carolina. It is
evident that the artist-craftsman took particular pains with the notches
along top of comh and along the tail. This masterpiece is now in the museum
of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, New York City. However,
the potters of these early days perpetuated the duck most interestingly in
clay, both realistically and in forms highly conventionalized. It was a
favorite subject in the wares of many sections. For instance, excavation
in a Pueblo ruin brought to light a duck-shaped vessel with three knobs
representing the tail and wings while on the sides of the bird are painted
triangular designs with terraced figures representing rain.

Among American writers, perhaps our naturalists have found greatest
delight in portraying the duck. Thoreau considered it a “very beautiful
bird” and mentions it many times in his Journal. Audubon, in Labrador,
watched a mother eider duck “swimming man-of-war-like amid her
floating brood like the guardship of a most valuable convoy;” again, while
in London, two flocks of wild ducks made him “homesick” for “the vast
forests in their calm purity, the beauties of America.” John Burroughs says
that at one time a wild duck and her young challenged him to a race but
they sped so fast before him that he “dropped his paddle and cheered them
heartily.” Finally, for John Muir the duck was the most beautiful of
birds. In his autobiography he tells us that when he was a child his father
brought one of these to the house to show his “bairns.” Immediately “thev
all agreed that never before had we seen so awfu’ bonnie a bird.”

Local Club News

(The Section covering Club news has been assigned to me, and I am calling on
the Secretary or other representative of each local club for your contributions. We
need brief notes on the acti\ities of as many members, and their friends, as possible.
The notes must be about jieople — what they are doing and what they plan to do.
Please jot down the doings of your people — everything your deem Chatworthy, and
send in the news at once. eV jmstal card or two from each local club will be better
than a \'olume from one. H. R. Cham nr^RL.MN, Rt. 1, Matthews, N. C.

ASHEVILLE, N. C.: R. H. Rembert, President of the Asheville Bird
Club, writes that their Club was organized during the month of April, so
their Club j'ear runs from April to April. They suspend regidar Club meet-
ings during the five months, December through April, when they have
their Audubon Screen Tours.

CH ARLES'FON, S. C.: R. H. Coleman, President of the Charleston
Natural History Society, has spent most of the summer collecting mammals

September, 1948

THE CHAT

59

in South Carolina in preparation for a new course in mammology to be
given at the College of Charleston this winter. George Rabb, with a field
crew from Emory University, has wound up a summer of reptile work in
Georgia. . . Alex Sprunt and E. B. Chamberlain are still grinding out
manuscript for “Birds of South Carolina,” and have reached the sparrow
family. Both plan to take time out to make the Tryon trip and to attend
the Annual Meeting of AOU at Omaha, Nebraska, on October 1 1th. . .
Harold Peters, Atlantic Ely way Biologist of United States Eish and Wild-
life Service has a new assignment on cloves. Says he will try to turn up at
Tryon if he can break away.

CHAPEL HILL, N. C.: Wm. L. Hamnet who was on the program
at the Annual Meeting at Chapel Hill, plans a banding station at his home
there in connection with his work with the North Carolina Eish and Wild-
life Commission. . . Dick Weaver has put in a full summer in pursuit of
his business as Secretary-Treasurer of the American Nature Study Society.

CHARLOTTE, N. C.; Mrs. George Potter, President of the Meck-
lenburg Audubon Club, attended the special session for club officers at the
Audubon Nature Center at Greenwich, Conn. She reports a rainy but
thoroughly enjoyable experience. . . The Mecklenburg Audubon Club has
signed up for a week-end at Bulls Island, S. C., this December. . . Miss
Laura Owens has been named Director of the Charlotte Children’s Nature
Museum, succeeding Russ Peterson who has taken a position with a Canada
Museum.

COLUMBIA, S. C.: Mrs. G. E. Charles, for years a valuable con-
tributor to Audubon Eield Notes, is busy compiling a seasonal list of birds
of Richland and Lexington Counties, in the heart of South Carolina.

GREENSBORO, N. C.: Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall is back after two
months as instructor at the Audubon Nature Camp at Medomak, Maine.
You can get a first hand report of her trip at Tryon. . . Five members of
the Piedmont Bird Clidi served as Bird or Nature Counselors in summer
Camps. Miss Etta Schiffman, Mrs. Edith Settan, Oscar Paris, and Bill Craft
were with camps in North Carolina, and Mrs. Margaret Wall was with the
Audubon Nature Camp at Medomak, Maine. Miss Etta Schiffman and Mrs.
Floyd H. Craft spent two weeks in June at the Maine Audubon Camp.
A field trip to Ocracoke was a high-light of the Piedmont Bird Club this
summer. Nineteen Club members left Greensboro August 20 and spent the
week-end on Ocracoke Island, a part of the North Carolina outer banks, to
observe gulls, terns, pelicans, and shore birds. Ocracoke is recommended by

60

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 4

the Club as a splendid place for birding. P'orty-eight species were counted
on this trip.

HENDERSON, N. C.: Misses Mariel Gary and Garnette Meyers
have returned from a trip into Canada with this contribution: “In New
Brunswick, a pair of Mallards were waiting at the door of the tourist
home as we went up for supper. Our questions to the owners revealed that
the pair stayed on the place the year around. When time for winter mi-
gration south arrived they hadd been fed sleeping pills and carried into
the barn. Now they accept the winter hand-out.”

RALEIGH, N. C.: Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green took courses in
Natural History at the University of Colorado this summer. . . Sandy Mc-
Culloch got his bird banding permit this summer. He has had experience
in banding around Raleigh and at the heron rookery on Battery Island,
Southport. . . In Inly, Raleigh city authorities had thrust upon them the
proposal to fog the city from the air with DDT spray as a means of
checking the spread of polio. D. L. Wray and Harry Davis, as citizens and
members of the Raleigh Bird Club, appeared before the City Council with
others to point out the fact that such spraying as was done should be selec-
tive ground spraying inasmuch as: (1) There is no accepted proof th.at
insects carry polio; (2) Such promiscuous spraying would be harmful in
its effect on mammals, fishes and beneficial insects; (3) Overall spraying
would not be as effective as spot spraying for destroying undesirable insects.
The Council adopted spot spraying. . . Ernest Mitchell, Jr., has taken a
Civil Service position with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service at
Washington, D. C. Both he and Roxie Simpson are located in the Nation;:!
Museum building. . . Raleigh Bird Club member Mary Shelburne Craw-
ford and John Trott, Jr., have been exposing some color film for the
Museum this summer.

SOUTHERN PINES, N. C.: Miss Louise M. Haynes, Secretary of
Southern Pines Bird Club, writes from Rockport, Maine, that their club
has no scheduled meetings between May and February as the members
scatter during the summer and fall and report their bird experiences later.

WILMING'FON, N. C.: Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, President of the
Wilmington Bird Club, has put in three good June weeks assisting with
the Nature Program at the Girl Scout Camp at Greenville Sound. Eighty-
two Gi'ls attended. . . Claude McAllister spent five weeks at the Duke
Marine Laboratory at Pivers Island, Beaufort, N. C. A good part of his

Soptcinbi,'!', 194S

r HE C H A T

61

time was devoted to photographing young terns and OystercatcJiers. . . .
^J'he resourceful Mrs. A. reports sho|vlifting corn worms at the A & 1^
store for a hungry baby vireo. At the cash register, the nose}’ checker peeked
into the worm hag and registered shrieks.

WINSTON-SALEM, N. C.: A nice letter from Hejiry .Magie reports
the Forsyth Wildlife Club sponsoring a city-country program to give every
one of the 1600 Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts an introduction to local birds.
. . . Mrs. George Simmons reported organizing the fifth sanctuary for
Winston-Salem. This one a 27-hlock area in the west end section. Probable
name: “Twin Castles Bird Sanctuary.” . . . Final note in Mr. .Magie’s
letter: “Hope to have for distribution sunflower seeds, super mammoth,
grandiflora, maxime, giant,” for next spring planting, especially for South
Carolina members. Address: 1515 N. W. Boulevard, Winston-Salem, N. C.

Migration — The Story of Birds Along
the Flyways of the Skies

Charlotte Hilton Green, Raleigh, N. C.
(Conclusion)

Migration Unevenly Distributed

Migration of birds is not evenly distributed. There are several great ancestral
routes or flvways; the Mississippi Valley being one, the Atlantic Coast another, with
many minor ones. East of the plains a multitude of spring migrants enter the United
States along the eastern lowlands of Mexico, by way of the West Indies and even
straight across the Gulf, and divide into two definite streams of travel, one going up
the Atlantic Coast, passing tlirough the Carolinas, on tlirough the Hudson Valley
and into New England; the other going up the Mississippi Valley.

The majority of the migrants keep to the same route spring and fall but a few
birds have a different route for the northern and southern flights. Tims the Golden
Plover winters in the Argentine. “In spring these birds migrate northward through
Central South America and on up the Mississippi Valley to their breeding grounds on
the bleak tundras and tlie barren islands of the Arctic. In contrast, on the return
trip they fly southeast, to the Coast of Labrador, where they feast on crowberries,
storing their “fuel” in the form of fat for the long — perhaps 2,400 mile flight —
down the Atlantic Ocean, not sighting land again until they reach nortliern Brazil.”
Easterly winds, according to our own Birds of North CaroUn-a, at times bring some of
the flocks, for a brief period, to the Atlantic seaboard of the United States and
rarely to our own state. Think of it, from Canada to Brazil without resting! From
Northern South .'\merica they may fly on for another 2,700 miles to their winter
home, covering some 8,000 miles in all. Some flight! But why, one wonders, does
this plover go so far, when tlie smaller frailer looking relative, the Piping Plover,
remains on the shores of our own land?

If we are talking about long-distant flights, however, the classic example is the
Arctic Tern, the “Lindbergh of all migrants.” This tern, that may nest far within

62

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 4-

the Arctic Circle, sometimes as far north as Greenland, and northern Greenland, at
that, seems to feel it necessary to winter south of the xXntarctic Circle. And through
banding, it is known that some, at least, cross the Atlantic and head south. Thus,
the extremes of its nesting and wintering range are 1 1,000 miles apart, so that it may
have to travel 22,000 miles each year!

Bird’s “Flying Equipment”

In contrast to the Arctic Tern, that stream-lined, slender-winged bird so well
“equipped” for long flights, is the Bob-white. A few moments ago a covey of them
were feeding just beyond my long border. Then a stray dog entered the yard, and
off they whirred on rapidly beating wings, to the safety of a wild tangle of low
shrubs and trees. Plump, compact little “bobs,” with heavy bodies and short, round
wings, capable of rapid flight, for escape — and for a few moments! But not capable
of long flights. Bob, many believe, never ranges much more than a half-mile from
his birth-place.

According to Dr. Frank M. Chapman, Dean of American Birdmen, in The
Travels of Birds, a bird’s equipment for long flights is the “engine” consisting of
the wings and muscles, and the “fuel” which is the bird’s coat of fat. (The camel’s
“fuel” is its “hump” of fat, whereas a bird’s fat is quite evenly distributed over its
body.) Too, there are a number of other things which make it possible for certain
birds to sustant long ights. A birds skeleton is very compact, and the bones are hollow ;
the heart is large and powerful, the lungs wonderfully developed. Tlie feathers of
such birds are so constructed as to withstand the beating of the wind.

The old conception that birds migrated at a great height does not check with
recent studies, although it is granted that height is influenced by the weather. On
cloudy night birds generally fly lower to escape the moisture-laden clouds. The
great majority of birds fly below 1600 feet and between 25-40 miles an hour. Of
course, there are exceptions. Storks and Godwits lia\'e been recorded at 20,000 feet;
Archibald Rutledge tells of a flock of geese that were photographed at five miles
above the earth.

Speed, too, has been exaggerated, although again there are exceptions. According
to Dr. Allen, the championship speed for homing pigeons has been recorded at 5 5
miles an hour for a period of four hours. A great blue heron has been timed and
found to fly 3 5 miles an hour, migrating geese 44.3 miles, a flock of ducks 47.5
miles. A British aviator. Col. Meinertzhagen has published in The Ibis the following
speeds of birds observed by him: “Small Passerine birds, 20-37 miles per hour;
crows, 3 1-45 miles; geese, 42-55 miles; ducks, 44-59 miles; Starlings, 3 8-40 miles;
falcons, 40-48 miles; waders, 34-51 miles per hour.”

Probably the greatest speed recorded with any accuracy is that of some Indian
Swifts which were timed, with stop-watches, over a two-mile course, at from
171.4-200 miles per liour. (British Birds, Vol. XVL, 1922, p. 31.) Our own chimney
swifts are probably our swiftest flyers — they actually name themselves!

However, all this does not mean that birds migrate, day after day, at their
top speed. While some birds, like the Arctic Tern and the Golden Plover cover
great distances without stopping to rest, most birds do not, as a rule travel very
far in a single flight. True, a Robin, for instance, may travel a hundred or even
two hundred miles in a single flight, but after each one they usually remain about
a stop-over, or resting place, it may be for several hours a day, or even a
week. We hear reports, for instance, of a Scarlet Tanager being seen in a neighbor-
hood for several days, or a week, although our own — we call it our own, because
nearly every year we see a scarlet in the wild tangle beyond the garden and stream
— seems to take but a brief rest.

September, 19+8

T HE CHAT

63

As to those leisurely stops: “Tlie spring advance of tlie robin” says Dr. Allen,
averages only 13 miles a day from Louisiana to southern Minnesota. Tlie rate
increases gradually to 31 miles a day in southern Canada, 52 miles per day by the
time it reaches central Canada, and a maximum of 70 miles a day when it reaches
Alaska.” Remember, however, this is an average for a species. There would be
variations, of course, in individuals.

Wells W. Cooke, another authority on migration (“Our Greatest Travelers,”
National Geografhic Magazine, Vol XXII, 1911, pp. 3+6-365), has estimated that
counting actual flying time and resting, most birds flying from the Canadian border
to the Gulf probably average about 23 miles daily. The fall migration is much
more leisurely than the spring one — probably mainly because there is not the urge
to get to the breeding grounds.

Night Flyers Predominate

-Vlthough some birds fly only by tlay, others only by night, and some both by day or
night, most migration is nocturnal. “As a rule all small, shy or weak-flying birds
migrate at night; all large, bold, strong-flying birds or species able to feed as they
go, migrate by day. Food is the great factor in making nocturnal migration pre-
dominant. Those able to feed as they' fly^ go by day (swallow. Night Hawk, etc.)
In other birds the stomach is empty' after a long trip. If the trip ended in the evening
they' would have little time to feed before night; as it is, they land in the early morn
and after a short rest have all day to feed — or refuel.” (Allan Cruickshank, in lecture
at Audubon Nature Camp, Maine.)

In T/ie Book of Bird Life, Dr. Allen makes this clear and dramatic. “The
necessity' for migrating by night is shown when birds arrive at the Gulf of Mexico
or other large body of water where it is impossible to get food of any kind. If they
started early in the morning, so as to be across by night, they would not be able
to get much food before starting, and by the time they reached the other side, it
would be dark and again impossible to feed. Thus an interval of 36 hours would
pass without food, a period that mught result disastrously for many birds because of
their high rate of metabolism.. If, however, they' spend the day' feeding and mi-
grate by night, their crops are full w'hen they start, and, when they arriv'e on the other
side, it is daylight and they can begin immediately to glean their living.”

That is why so often, at Brookside, our trees about the little stream in in the
wild willow'y' tangle beyond, are often literally' alive with warblers, vireos and
other small birds, when we go “birding” at dawn, during the peak of migration.
There has been a “wave of Warblers” arriving during the night, or at dawn, and
they feed before cpiieting down to rest. When we go out a little later in the morning,
all may be quiet. This does not mean they' have gone on, but that they are probably
resting, in a still more secluded tangle of treetops.

Birds Against the Moon

During the nights of migration, when many birds are fly'ing, often from favorable
places such as hilltops or even roof-tops along the birds’ flyways, one can hear
their soft call-notes almost constantly. The hilltops are nearer the birils, and city
lights bring the birds nearer. Light seems to attract them.

At Madison, Wisconsin, an ornithologist states that one night some 2,800 bird
calls were heard, the average being about twelve a minute, but at times so many
calls were heard that the air above must have been thronged with birds. Dr. Chapman
also tells of watching birds through a telescope w'hich had been turned on the full
moon, which thus formed a background against which the birds were seen to cross.
A small or low-powered telescope was used in order that all the moon might be in
the field of vision. Once he saw' 262 birds cross the moon between the hours of eierht

64

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. +

and eleven. Just three hours! And this, of course, was only an infinitesimally small
bit of sky through which birds were winging their way.

What guides these winged travelers on their journeys across unfamiliar countries
and wide seasr How do they find their way? The sense of sight, powerful as it
is, is generally discredited as so many more birds travel by night than by day, and
some fly high enough so that sight would be of little use, anyhow. And, although
a bird’s sense of hearing is acute, and it is recognized that bird calls do help keep
a flock togetlier, still there are no calls ahead, to direct tlie leader. Wliat is it that
sends the old gander who may be leading the flying wedge on, on, winging his way
through the blue.^ Always the answer seems to be the same — that instinctive sense of
direction coupled with the homing instinct.

Perils of the Way

Heavy toll is taken of bird life at all times, but especially during migration.
Storms often overtake birds. Once, after a storm on Lake Michigan, the shores of the
lake were strewn with tens of thousands of bird bodies. Severe Texas “northers” are
often responsible for other thousands of deaths. During a northern flight of long-
spurs, which are hardly birds of the Far North, and so have remarkable resistance to
cold, a great blizzard overtook them in Minnesota and millions perioshed.

In February of 1 895 the Bluebird, beloved by all, came very near extermination
because of a severe blizzard which coated with ice the earth and trees and shrubs of
all the eastern part of the country, even deep into the South, where so many Bluebirds
were wintering. It lasted several days and the Bluebirds were unable to break the
ice-coating which covered every bit of food. Bluebirds were starved and frozen by
untold thousands. I have heard our own Dr. C. S. Brimley tell that for many years
following, a Bluebird was one of the country’s rarest birds. Only in recent years
has it regained its old numbers.

The hawks. Cooper’s, Sharp-sliinned and Duck Hawk, prey on migrating birds;
and man-made perils, such as telephone and power lines, tall buildings, monuments,
and light-houses take their toll, sometimes in surprising numbers. Robert Overing,
a fellow N. C. B. C. member, once gave an entire program to our Raleigh Bird
Club on the study he had made, while resident in Wasliington, D. C., of tlie birds
killed by flying against that city’s beautiful — and tall — monument. As many as 700
birds have been picked up in one month about the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Too, during migration, and especially in the fall, thousands of single birds stray
from the proper line of flight and lose their way. Sometimes storms drive them far
out to sea, and they perish. Every few years, along our coast, there are reports of
Dovekie flights, following storms from the northeast. Many of these birds reach our
coasts in emanciated condition, and at times dozens of dead bodies are washed up
along our shores.

, The toll is heavy, the peril great. Yet a vast majority of birds come through
safely. Tliat any come through, and some of them banded, so those are accurate
reccords, return to the same place year after year, is almost a “winged miracle.”
Which only adds to tlie mysterv and tlirill — almost the magic — of migration.

.'\UDUBON ART TOURS, available for exhibition in museums, libraries, art
institutes, and other meeting places, may be locally sponsored by any organization
interesteil in stimulating public interest in the out-of-tioors and wide use of natural
resources. Artists represented include such notable bird painters as Allan Brooks,
Louis Agassiz Fuertes, R. Bruce Horsfall, Athos Menaboni, Roger Tory Peterson,
George Miksch Sutton, and others. 'Fhe tours are scheduled on a contribution basis.
For further information write: National Audubon Society, 1000 Fifth Ave., New
York 2 8, N. Y.

Sopteniher, 19+8

T H E C H A T

65

Field Notes and News

CORRECTIONS PLEASE; The note titled “HORNED LARKS A'l' RALEIOH”
on page 32 of the March 19+8 issue of 'rhe Chat, sliould he credited to Ernkst
Mitchell, Jr., Raleigh, instead of Sandy McCulloch. . . . And on the same inige of
the same March issue, in the note “RED-THROATED LOON IN INLAND NORTH
CAROLINA,” by E. B. Chamberlain, of the Cliarleston Museum, Charleston, S. C.,
we mis-spelled Dr. 11. C Oberholser’s name.

WATER-THRUSH NEST POUND AT RALEIGH, N. C.: Jay Johnson and I
found a Louisiana Water-thrush’s nest at Raleigh, N. C., during the middle of May.
First one I had ever seen. S.A.NDY McCulloch, Raleigh, N. C.

PIPITS REPORTED AT HICKORY, N. C. : A considerable flock of Pipits was
seen feeding in a plowed field near the Hickory, N. C., airport, on Sept. 2. This is
another early date for this species. D.WID L. Wr.\y, Raleigh, N. C.

YOUNG ROBIN AT WILMINGTON, N. C.: A baby Robin, barely able to fly,
was seen several times July 15, on a wall of Mrs. C, E. Black on Grace St. This
record is of interest, because Robins were not known to nest in eastern North Carolina
until quite recently. Edna Lanier Appleberry

HOLBOELL’S GREBE AT GREENSBORO, N. C.: On Mar. 21, on a small
reser\-oir in Greensboro, N. C., I observed a bird which was apparently a HolboelPs
Grebe. Later the same afternoon, I returned to the same pond with Dr. Archie Shaftes-
bury, and both of us observed the bird for a half-hour or more with a 3 8X telescope.

Oscar H. Paris, Greensboro, N. C.

KINSTON, N. C. : I was privileged to observe a flock of Baldpates (3 1 in num-
ber) feeding in an open, marshy pasture within 150 yards of a busy highway near
Kinston on several occasions during the third week of February. Two Bald Eagles
were seen flying northward over our farm near Kinston, on Maj' 3rd, the first
observed in this locality in many years. Several pairs of Orchard Orioles nested about
our home this year, which was quite an increase over the past two years when only
one pair was observed. Dr. G. F. Parrott.

FRIENDLY YOUNG MOCKINGBIRD: On July 27 a baby Mockingbird that
had left its nest in my yard the day before, or certainly not more than two days
before, hopped clumsily across the grass toward me, at my call, and stopped to raise
its wings high over its back after the well known manner of its parents — who wei'e
not present. The act was so deliberate that applause seemed to be expected. I had
never before seen this performance by a fledgling. The biril’s tail feathers were not
over an inch long, and appeared even shorter in comparison with the more tleveloped
wings. B. R. Ch.vmberl.mn, Charlotte, N. C.

POSSIBLE OBSERVATION OF WOOD IBIS NEAR HIGH POINT, N. C.;
On the evening of July 1, while at the Richarilson Farm south of High Point, N. C.
I saw three white birds come into view almost directly south of me. They were very
large, and were flying over the tree tops with rather slow heron-like wing beat,
though at a somewhat more rapid rate than the orilinary speed of a Blue Heron. As
they came closer, their large size and dazzling white color, and their black wing
tips were plainly seen. For a time they flew rather aimlessly, as though searching
for a place to alight, but when about 300 yards away, they appeared to be friglitened,
and began to gain altitude, flying in an easterly direction until tliey ilisappeared. At
the nearest point they were over the edge of Archdalc, N. C., near the Guilford-
Randolph Countv line. A call the next morning to the Warden of the High Point
Municipal Lake revealed that the Warden had .seen three large white birds on one

66

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. +

fork of the Lake about dark the day before, but he had not observed any black on
the birds.

I am quite certain that the three birds that passed over Archdale were Wood
Ibis, althought I must confess that an identification of an unfamiliar bird at such a
distance is not very sound ornithological evidence. It is for this reason that I hope
inquiry may reveal others who observed the birds in some of the ponds in this region.

James Mattocks, High Point, N. C.

SWAINSON’S WARBLER was seen at Ridgecrest, Buncombe County, N. C.,
August 10, at close range, flitting low over mountain bushes but remaining close to
chosen area. Had previously seen this bird during the State Bird Club’s visit to
Airlea, Wilmington, N. C., last spring. (The few North Carolina records of this
warbler are mostlv from the coastal counties, but “Birds of North Carolina,” 19+2,
page 295, records that PL A. Williams, of the Charleston, South Carolina, Museum,
found Swainson’s Warblers near Tryon, Polk County, N. C., in May 193+ and May
1935.) Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill, N. C.

SOME WATER BIRDS OBSERVED AT HIGH ROCK LAKE, N. C. ; During
the past year I have been keeping records of water birds observed at our Sea Scout
base, on High Rock Lake, on the Yadkin ri^•er about 15 miles soutli of Lexington,
N. C. During this spring not much was seen except a few hundred migrating geese.
From July 2+ to August 15, I saw a few species which surprised me. Here is the list:
Black Tern, about 10, July 26-Aug. 15; Common Tern, About 12, July 28-/\ugust
15; Ring-billed Gull, 2, July 25-August 11; Bonaparte’s Gull, 1, — unusual, August
8; Bald Eagle, 2, all summer, probably nested; Snowy Egret, 2, August 10; Pectoral
Sandpiper, 1, August 2. Larry Crawford, Greensboro, N. C.

CROW TAKES FOOD FROM SURFACE OF WATER WHILE IN FLIGHT;
Shortly before noon on May 16, the writer, in company with Alexander Sprunt, Jr.,
and B. R. Chamberlain, was watching some Crows coursing over the upper part of
Lake Tillery, on the Yadkin River, at Morrow Mountain State Park, Stanly County,
N. C. The river, which is dammed, is about a half-mile wide at tliis part. As we
were watching one Crow which was about 150 yards down stream, approximately in
the center of the lake, the bird paused in flight and dipped to pick up in its beak an
object from the surface of the water. As the Crow flew to the opposite side of the
lake, our binoculars disclosed that the object might have been a dead frog or fish.

Harry T. Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh.

SOME SPRING NOTES FROM LINVILLE VALLEY (N. C.) ; On May 13,
19+8, while at Pineola, Avery County, N. C., for a couple of days I noticed a pair
of Least Flycatchers staying in some trees quite near our dwelling. Later I noticed

them carrying food and' found their nest with young, 15 feet up in a maple tree,

within 100 feet of the house. The nest was compact, cup-shaped, and placed in

an upright fork of the maple. This was an interesting find since our State Bird

Records are rather short of information on the nesting of this flycatcher.

Robins seemed to be verv abundant there. Several nests were found, one particularly
close to the house, only six feet up in a small spruce tree in the yard, with + eggs.
The Chestnut-sided Warbler was rather common also. A pair of House Wrens were
found nesting in a hollow fence post along a road, three feet up from the ground.

Birds seen May 13 were: Turkey Vulture; Bobwhite; Dove; Yellow-billed,
Black-billed Cuckoos; Chimney Swift; Hummingbird; Kingfisher; Flicker; Yellow-
bellied Sapsucker; Downy Woodpecker; Kingbird; Crested Flycatcher; Phoebe;
Least Flycatcher; Wood Pewee; Tree, Rough-winged, and Barn Swallows; Blue
Jay; Crow; Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse; White-breasted Nuthatch; House, and
Carolina Wrens; Mockingbird; Catbird; Brown Thrasher; Robin; Wood Thrush;
Veery; Bluebird; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher; Cedar Waxwing; Shrike; Starling; White-

September, 19+8

THE CHAT

67

eyed, Yellow-throated, Mountain, aiul Red-eyed Vireos; Parula, '\Ydlow, Chestnut-
sided, Black-poll, and Pine Warblers; Oven-bird; Yellow-throat; Chat; Hooded
Warbler; English Sparrow; Meadowlark; Redwing; Summer Tanager; Cardinal;
Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Blue Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting; Goldfinch; Towhce;
Carolina Junco; Chipping, Field, and Song Sparrows. Total: 6+ species.

(May 20, 19+8) David and Ethel Wr.ay, Raleigh, N. C.

BIRDS BANDED AT PEA ISLAND REFUGE: On July 13, 14, and 15, with
Dr. John H. Grey, Charlottescdlle, Va., J. W. Johnson, North Carolina State Museum,
and Paul Sturm, Refuge Manager, the following colonial young birds were banded
on islands near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Dare County, N. C. :
323 Laughing Gulls and 325 Royal Terns. Also banded were 1 Louisana Heron; 2
Common Terns, and 2 Boat-tailed Crackles. The first 200 of the Royal Terns carry a
red celluloid band above the numbered band on the right leg. The young of one
pair of Cabot’s Tern may be included among those listed as Royal Terns. Some
birds of these species were banded at the Refuge in 19+0-19+1, and the intention is
to do consistent banding there in the future.

Harry T. Davis, Director, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C.

SPRING CENSUS AT RALEIGH, N. C., May 1, 19+8: Dawn to dusk. Cool and
partially cloudy in early part of day, warm and clear rest of day. Territory covered
same as for Christmas census. Species observed: Pied-billed Grebe; Double-crested
Cormorant; Great Blue, Little Blue, and Green Herons; American Bittern; Black
Duck; Ruddy Duck; Turkey, and Black Vultures; Red-tailed, and Red-shouldered
Hawks; Osprey; Sparrow Hawk; Bobwhite; Florida Gallinule; Killdeer; Spotted,
and Solitary Sandpipers; Greater, and Lesser Yellowlegs; Mourning Dove; Yellow-
billed Cuckoo; Great Horned, and Barred Owls; Chuck-will’s-widow ; Whip-poor-
will; Chimney Swift; Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Kingfisher; Flicker; Red-bellied,
Red-headed, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers; Kingbird; Crested Flycatcher; Phoebe;
Acadian Flycatcher; Wood Pewee; Tree, Rough-winged, and Barn Swallows; Blue
Jay; Crow; Chicadee; Tufted Titmouse; White-breasted, and Brown-headed Nut-
hatches; House, Carolina, and Short-billed Marsh Wrens; Mockingbird; Catbird;
Brown Thrasher; Robin; Wood Thrush; Hermit Thrush; Olive-backed Thrush, Gray-
cheeked Thrush; Veery; Bluebird; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher; Ruby-crowned Ki nglet ;
Cedar Waxwing; Shrike; Starling; White-eyed, Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, Red-
e\ed, and Warbling Vireos; Black and White, Worm-eating, Lawrence’s, Parula,
"Wllow, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue, Myrtle, Yellow-throated, Black Poll, Pine,
Prairie, and Palm Warblers; Oven-bird; Lousiana Water-thrush; Maryland Yellow-
throat; Yellow-breasted Chat; Hooded Warbler; Redstart; English Sparrow; Bobo-
link; Meadowlark; Redwing; Orchard, and Baltimore Orioles;. Scarlet, and Summer
Tanagers; Cardinal; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Blue Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting;
Goldfinch; Red-eyed Towhee; Savannah, Grasshopper, Bachman’s, Chipping, Field,
White-throated, Fox, Swamp, and Song Sparrows. Total: 11+ species. Observers:
D. L. Wray (compiler). Will Hon, Robt. Overing, Reid Jones, F. B. Meac/ia>fn,
J. Johnson, Miss Virginia Pick ell, Mrs. Albert Guy, C. H. Bostian, Gene, Lee, and
Lloyd Bostian, Jack Derjnid, Philif Dams, E. W . Winkler and Girl Scout Proof,
and Ethel Wray.

BOTH GLOSSY AND WHITE IBISES OBSERVED AT WILMINGTON:
On June 18, nine Glossy Ibises were seen flying in from the east at Masonboro Sound,
near Wilmington, N. C., by Morris Emmart. Emmart called Claude McAllister anil
asked him to watch for them. On June 26, while fishing in the Inland Waterway in
front of the McAllister place on Masonboro Sound, Claude McAllister and Don
Taylor saw 9 Ibises fly in from the east; these flew low, came within 200 feet of

68

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 4

the boat, made a turn and flew inland toward the Cape Fear River. The plumag'e
looked black, except on one bird which had some white. The birds flew with necks
extended and heads slightly raised; definitely not Cormorants. On July 27, 15 White
Ibises with black wing tips were seen flying in front of the McAllister place. They
were closely followed by 15 brown, presumably immature. Ibises, with white rump
patches. These were observed by Claude McAllister and Don McAllister, who
observed similar formations of 15 adult and 15 immature White Ibises again in
the same locality on August 1. Edna Lanier Appleberry

WHAT BIRD IS THAT?— North Wilkesboro, N. C., May 19. Dear Mrs. Wall:
One morning since returning from the Wilmington trip, I saw a bird that puzzled
me, but its stay on my porch was so brief that he was gone before I could get a good
look at it. Then a number of people asked me to tell them what sort of bird looks
like a titmouse, but was larger and went in flocks. I tliought they might be referring
'o Cedar Waxwings, but the wife of our minister asked the same thing — and she knew
her birds and knew they were not Cedar Waxwings. Early the next morning before
I was up, there was a tapping at my window, and there was the same kind of bird.
Quite definitely like a Titmouse, but larger. It lacked the rusty sides of a Titmouse.
Its back was tiark grav, niore like that of the Catbird; its bieast a peaily tind

the crest was like that of a Titmouse. After a few minutes it left its busy work at
my porch anti joined what was evidently a flock of its kind, but I am not sure of this
last as they were too far away for me to see, even with my field glasses. Can you
help us by telling what these birds are.? (How would our readers agree with the
identification as young or female Cardinals? — Ed.)

SPRING COUNT, GREENSBORO, N. C. The center of the Greensboro area has
been moved to a point about mile south-west of radio station WBIG, thus
including Justamere Farm and cutting out Ritter’s Lake; otherwise the region is the
same as in past several years, including Pinecroft, Starmount, Municipal and Country
Club Golf Courses, Richardson Estate, Starmount Farm, Hamilton Lakes, Greensboro
Country Park, Greensboro-High Point Airport, and Lakes Brandt, Richland (Jean-
nette),' Scales, Benjamin, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and Sharpe, and White Oak Pond.
Deciduous and pine woodlands, 30 pet.; open fields and golf courses, 25 pet.; marsh
and thickets, 10 pet.; fresh water lakes, 25 pet.; city yards, parkways, and campuses,
10 pet. May 1 — 4:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Weather clear and mild, 5-15 mph wind.
Tw'enty-five observers in 10 parties. Total hours, 83; total miles on foot, 51/2;
total by car, 32. Double-crested Cormorant; Great Blue Heron; Green Heron; Scaup;
Turkey Vulture; Black Vulture; Sharp-shinned HawT; Red-tailed HawT; Red-
shouldered HawT; Osprey; Sparrow Hawk; Bobwhite; Turkey, 1; Killdeer, 1 1 ;
Spotted Sandpiper, 32; Solitary Sandpiper, 3; Greater Yellow-legs, 4; Ring-billed
Gull, 2; Dove; Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Screech Owl, 1; Cluick-wilPs-widow, 3;
Whip-poor-will, 2; Nighthawk, 11; Chimney Swift, 138; Hummingbird, 8; King-
fisher; Flicker; Red-bellied Woodpecker; Red-headed Woodpecker; Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker, 1; Hairy Woodpecker; Downy Woodpecker; Kingbird; Crested Fly-
catcher; Phoebe; Acadian Flvcatcher; Wood Pewee; Horned Lark, 5; Tree Sw'allow,
25- Rough-winged Swallow, 8; Barn Swallow, 5; Purple Martin; Blue Jay; Crow;
Carolina Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse; White-breasted Nuthatch; Brown-headed
Nuthatch; House Wren; Carolina Wren; Mockingbird; Catbird; Brown Thrasher;
Robin- Wood Thrush; Olive-backed Thrush, 1; Bluebird; Blue-gray Gnatcatclier ;
Rubv-crowned Kinglet, 3; Cedar Waxwing; Shrike; Starling; White-eyed \ireo;
Yellow-tliroatcd Vireo; Red-eved Vireo; Warbling Vireo, 2 (E. Craft and H. Med-
ford Tr); Blue-headed Vireo, 5; Black and White Warbler, 13; Worm-eating
Warbler 1- Parula Warbler, 18; Yellow Warbler, 27; Magnolia Warbler, 1; Cape
Mav Warbler 4; Black-throated Blue Warbler, 3; Myrtle Warbler, 66; Black-

SejnoinlxT, 19+<S

T H t: c H A r

69

throateil (ireen Warbler, ! ; C'eriilean Warbler, 1 ; Hlaeklnirnian Warbler, I ; ^ ellow-
throated Warbler, 2+; Blaek-poll Warbler, 1; I’iiie Warbler, +2; Prairie Warbler,
35; Oven bird, 42; Louisiana Water-tlirush, 7; Maryland ^'el low-tli roat, 49;
\ ellow-breasteil Chat, 23; Hooded Warbler, 37; Redstart, 42; Enf^lish Siiarrow, 21S;
Meatlowlark, 33; Red-uinged BlaekbirtI, 200 (est.) ; Orchard Oriole, 4; Baltimore
Oriole, 5; I’urple Cirackle, 7; Cowbirtl, 1; Scarlet Tanager, 8; Summer Tanager,
39; Cardinal; Blue Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting; (joldfinch, 495; Towhee, 100;
Savannah Sparrow, 1; Grasshopper Sparrow, 2; Bachman’s Sparrow, 2; Junco, 1;
Chipping Sparrow, 166; Field Sparrow, 78; White-throated Sparrow, 171; Song
Sparrow, 9. Total species 1 12. Obser\’ers: Miss Esther Bomett, Mrs. IF. C. Carr, John
Carr, Miss Inez Col dwell, Mrs. F. H. Craft, Bill Craft, Larry Crawford , Dr.
Charlotte Do'wley, Mrs. R. D. Douglas, C. R. Lamb, Miss Sarah Leslie, H. L.
Medford, Mrs. H. L. Medford, Hugh Medford, Jr., Miss Ethel McNairy, Oscar
Paris, Mr. a)id Mrs. George Ferret t. Miss Etta Schiffnian, Mrs. Edith Settan, Dr.
.J . D. Shaftesbury, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Swart, Dr. Wesley Taylor, Thatcher
Townsend, Mrs. Margaret Wall (Members of the Piedmont Bird Club).

SPRING COUNT AT HENDERSON, N. C.: Bottom lands and deciduous woods,
50 pet.; pine woods, 10 pet.; marshes and ponds, 25 pet.; fields and farm lands, 15
pet. May 1, 1948, 5:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Weather clear until late afternoon when
slightly overcast; verv slight winds. Three observers in one party. Total miles, 30
(five on foot, 25 in car). Observed: Pied-billed Grebe, Turkey, and Black Vultures;
Cooper’s, Red-shouldered, and Sparrow Hawks; Bobwhite; Killdeer; Spotted Sand-
piper; Mourning Dove; Chimney Swift; Hummingbird; Kingfisher; Flicker; Red-
bellied, Red-headed, Hairy, and Downy Woodpeckers; Kingbird; Crested Flycatcher;
Phoebe; Acadian Flycatcher; Wood Pewee; Tree, and Rough-winged Swallows;
Purple Martin; Blue Jay; Crow; Carolina Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse; White
breasted, and Brown-headed Nuthatches; House, and Carolina Wrens; Mockingbird;
Catbird; Brown Thrasher; Robin; Wood Thrush; Bluebird; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher;
Ruby-crowned Kinglet; Cedar Waxwing; Shrike; Starling; White-eyed, Yellow-
throated, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos; Black and White, Prairie, Parula, Blue-
winged, Yellow, Cape May, Black-throated Blue, Myrtle, Yellow-throated, Worm-
eating, Chestnut-sided, Black-poll, Black-throated Green, and Pine Warblers; Oven-
bird; Louisiana Water-thrush ;. Yellow-throat ; Yellow-breasted Chat; Hooded Warbler;
Kentucky Warbler; Redstart; English Sparrow; Meadowlark; Redwing; Orchard
Oriole; Scarlet, and Summer Tanagers; Blue Grosbeak; Cardinal; Indigo Bunting;
Goldfinch; Towhee; Savannah, Chipping, Field, White-throated, and Swamp Sparrow.
Total species: 86. Observers: Gary, Mrs. A. W. Bachman (compiler), McCulloch.
Golden-winged Warblers were seen on Apr. 30 and May 2; Blackburnian Warblers
and Veerys were seen May 2; a Canada Warbler was seen May 3; and on May 4 a
female Rose-breasted Grosbeak was seen.

Hunting a Heron Rookery in a Florida Wilderness

G. H. Holmes, Tryon, N. C.

During early spring of this year I had a most unusual experience, which
I wish other Bird Club members could have enjoyed with me. I had been
looking around in the hope of discovering the nesting place of some of the
many herons and egrets which frequent the lagoons and islands in the

70

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. 4

vicinity of Dunedin, Pinellas County, on the west coast of Florida, In
searching through the back country of this county, I came on a fresh water
prairie of several hundred acres, covered with a heavy growth of water
plants. In the middle there appeared to be a lake of perhaps 30 acres. In
this lake were several small islands with scrub bushes on them, and on
examining them through my glasses I could see several egrets in the bushes.
Also, I saw an alligator floating in the lake. I commenced scouting around
the prairie in the hope of finding some way of getting a boat launched on
the lake.

After a thorough investigation, I found that the lake was surrounded
in every direction by marsh several hundred feet wide, and where the mar^h
ended, a heavy growth of scrub palmetto began and extended back for a
considerable distance. This made it seem impossible even to get to the edge
of the marsh, let alone get to the lake. Besides, rattlesnakes are common
and very large in such places. However, I was determined to get to the
lake, so I selected a place where it seemed possible to cut through to the
edge of the marsh.

I have a 15-foot aluminum canoe, very light and strong, which I carry
on top of my car. I invited two members of the Clearwater, Florida,
Nature Club, one a fairly expert photographer, to join me in the attempt.
On March 25th, we took the car as near as possible and unloaded it. Then
we cut out a way to the edge of the marsh, and carried the canoe in and
launched it. Loading in camera, field glasses, etc., we set out, all three in
the canoe. Using paddles to push the canoe, a foot or two at a time, through
the marsh growth, after an hour and a half of very hard work, we reached
the open water of the lake. We found two islands, with scrub myrtle and
elder growth, none over ten feet high, and this brush was full of nests, in
use. We estimated that there were not less than 500 birds on and around
these islands, and not less than 200 occupied nests. The nests, located from
4 to 8 feet from the ground, each contained from 1 to 4 pale, blue-green
eggs, from the size of an average hen egg down to the size of a quail egg.
The nests were rather crude alfairs, of sticks, slightly lower in the middle
and varied from about 15 inches to 28 inches in diameter.

Of the nesting birds, I estimated that about 50 per cent were American
Egrets, 20 per cent Little Blue Herons, 10 per cent Lousiana Herons,
lYz per cent Snowy Egrets, 5 per cent Cormorants, and 7 j/2 per cent
Anhingas (Water Turkeys). I could not be sure that the Anhingas were
nesting, but we think they were. They were wilder than the other birds, and
took to the air when we were well 200 feet away, while the other birds
showed little fear, and sat around us, not more than 35 feet away, while

September, 1948

THE CHAT

71

we photographed them. In one nest were two American Egrets about two
weeks old, I should judge. Besides the above mentioned birds, we saw a
pair of Black-crowned Night Herons, a pair of Little Green Herons, a pair
of Reddish Egret, and several Wood Ibis. I'here were also Coots, f'lorida
Gallinules, Pied-billed Grebes, and, circling high above we saw eight im-
mature Bald Eagles, apparently practicing Hying. There are a good many
Eagle’s nests in this county, which they use from year to year. They nest
in the winter, and the young come off in later winter and remain in the
vicinity of the nest until early summer, when they migrate north, possibly
to the Great Lakes, returning to Florida in September.

Having known this coast for many years, it is a great pleasure to know
that the water birds are increasing, whereas a generation ago they were on
the decrease.

Another Purple Gallinule Found in North Carolina

On May 29, 1948, Ellis E. Fleming found a male Purple Gallinule near the
power line on .U. S. Highway No. 1, near Manson, Warren County,. N. C. It died
on June 2, and he sent it to the State Museum. Upon skinning the bird and examining
the testes, I found that they were quite large. This indicates a breeding bird.

The Purple Gallinule {lonornis martin-
tea) has extended its range from the South
American marshes as far north as Texas,
Louisiana and South Carolina. This bird,
which in Audubon’s time was considered
rare in South Carolina and Georgia, is
now common in these states. Mr. Wayne
states in “Birds of South Carolina” (l910,
page 40 ) : “This beautiful and graceful
summer resident is locally abundant during
the breeding season on abandoned rice
plantations, and also on fresh water rivers
where the Wanipee {Poirtederia- cordata)
grows in profusion. This plant bears
purplish blue flowers which act as a
protecti\'e coloration to this species. Where
the plant is growing in profusion the gal-
linules are always most abundant, but where
it is absent scarcely more than one or two
pairs can be found. The birds generally
arrive between April 10 and 17, and are common by the 25th.

In “Birds of North Carolina,” (1942, page 119-120), there are listed seven
records of their occurrence in North Carolina, distributed from Iredell and Wake
Counties to New Hanover, Onslow, Craven, Carteret, and Currituck Counties. To
these records is added the statement that Churchill Bragaw frequently saw them
about Orton Plantation, Brunswick County, N. C., from May 1939 to 1942.

J. W. Johnson, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C.

Purple Gallinule taken May 29, 1948, near Man-
son, Warren County, N. C, (Photo by
courtesy N, C, State Museum,)

72

THE CHAT

Vol. XII, No. +

With the Editor

DATES FOR 1948 CHRISTMAS COUNT are December 25 to January 2,
inclusive. Now is the time to beg'in to check over vour local area for your Christmas
count and get your plans organized. Local clubs, groups, and indicdduals are asked
to make counts wherever possible. Enlist the help of every local bird enthusiast in
this enjoyable game and see that beginners go with more experienced observers.

BUCHHEISTER TO TALK AT WILMINGTON, N. C. : Carl W. Buchheister
of the National Audubon Society, will be in Wilmington, N. C. Monday, Nov. 8, to
gi\'e his lecture, “Wildlife Down East,” illustrated with colored moving pictures. The
lecture-entertainment, which is sponsored by the Wilmington Bird Club, will be
presented at 8:15 p.m., at the New Hano\er High School, in Wilmington.

NEW MEMBERSHIPS received now will be credited for the entire vear of
1949, and in addition will receive the November 1948 Chat free. If you need some
membership blanks, drop a card to Robert Overing, Membership Chairman, Carolina
Bird Club, Route 4, Raleigh, N. C. How about increasing the number of $5.00
Supporting Members from your locality? The Carolina Bird Club could greatly
increase its usefulness if more funds were available. Send all subscriptions and appli-
cations for membership to Mrs. Margaret V. Wall, Treasurer, Carolina Bird Club,
6 Springdale Court, Greensboro, N. C.

SCHOOL SCIENCE CLUBS: .More than 10,000 schools in the United States
of America and many foreign countries are taking part in a program set up by
Science Clubs of America, a non-profit organization sponsored by Science Service,
Washington, D. C. SC.'V aids students and teachers in organizing local science clubs.
It suggests jtrojects, tells how to get science publications free or at low cost, and
helps various local groups to work together. Teachers or students interestetl in
organizing or joining a science club, if their school does not already have one, should
write to: Science Clubs of America, 1719 N Street N. W., Washington 6, D. C.

H.A.WK MOUNTAIN SANCTl^.AR^' \isited each autumn by hundreds of people,
comprises 140 1 acres of mountain-top and woodland in eastern Pennsylvania, ami is
in the southward migration path of many thousands of hawks and eagles. The migra-
tions start in Se()tembcr and last until late in November, more eagles coming toward
the end of the migrations. The movement of the birds depends upon the weather in
regions north of Pennsylvania, but flights of from fifty to two humlretl hawks may
be witnessed fairlv regularlv. Information regarding the Sanctuary and the Hawk
.Mountain Sanctuary .Association may be secured from Maurice Broun, Curator, at
Dreherrscille, Pa., which is about 2 5 miles north of Reading, Pa. Note: Letters sent
to Brtnin must be sent to Route 2, Kempton, Pa., since Drcherrsvillc has no postoffice.

NORTH CAROLINIANS ATTEND .MAINE AUDUBON NATURE CAMP:
Four North Carolinians, Miss Margaret Watson of Elm City and Raleigh, N. C.,
Miss Tommie Tomlinson, Girl Scout executive from Burlington, N. C., Miss Etta
Schiffman, Greensboro, N. C. and Mrs. F. H. Hugh Craft, Greensboro, N. C., each
attendeil a two weeks’ session at the National Audubon Society’s Nature Camp, at
Medomak (pronounced Me-DOM-ak, they tell us), Maine, during the past summer.
Miss .Margaret Wall, Greensboro, N. C., Treasurer of Carolina Bird Club, was an
instructor at the Maine camp, in charge of Nature .Activities, during the entire .ten
weeks session. Miss Watson, who teaches at the North Carolina School for the Blind,
Raleigh, was the recipient of a one hundred dollar scholarship for the .Audubon
camp, given by the Carolina Bird Club.

New and Reinstated Members of Carolina Bird Club

Miss Lunette Barber, Cleveland Jr. Audu-
bon Club, Rt. 1, Clayton, N. C.

Dr. Fred Barkalow, Box 5215 State Col-
lege Station, Raleigh, N. C.

Mrs. S. J. Beach, Cragmoor, Cape Eliza-
beth, Maine.

Win. Bennett, 126 Harris St., Rocky
Mount, N. C.

Mrs. Wni. H. Bowling, 622 Hill St.,
Rocky Mount, N. C.

Mrs. Addison Brenizer, 2218 Hopedale
Ave., Charlotte, N. C.

Mrs. H. E. Casstevens, 621 Woodland Dr.,
Greensboro, N. C.

F. D. Conderman, New Bern, N. C.

Mrs. Clyde G. Crevensten, 308 Hillside

A%e., Charlotte, N. C.

Bill Dameron, 605 E. Walnut St. Golds-
boro, N. C.

Mrs. Paul E. Davis, 211 Hawthorne Rd.,
Raleigh, N. C.

Mrs. W. H. Davis, Box 63, Newbury,

N. H.

Mrs. Mary M. Dwelle, 314 Hampstead
Ct., Charlotte, N. C.

Miss Lucille Elliott, Chapel Hill, N. C.
Mrs. Jessie Scott Griffin, 301 Gulf St.,
Sanford, N. C.

W. M. Hannon, 1418 Plaze, Charlotte,

N. C.

Mrs. Isabel Bowen Henderson, 2 1 3 Ober-
lin Rd., Raleigh, N. C.

Mrs. L. G. Hooks, 913 Eastern Ave.,
Rocky Mount, N. C.

Samuel F. Hoshour, Mansion Park Hotel,
Raleigh, N. C.

Mrs. C. P. Johnston, 1333 Providence Rd.,
Charlotte, N. C.

W. P. Kellam, Purefoy Rd., Chapel Hill,
N. C.

Mrs. A. Scott Kelly, 204 Rush Rd., Fay-
etteville, N. C.

Mrs. Arch Lauterer, c/o C. E. Rush, 330
Tenney Circle, Chapel Hill, N. C.

Miss Harriet C. Lowe, 15 Woodbine Ave.,
Red Bank, N. J.

G. R. MacCarthy, Chapel Hill, N. C.
Miss Fannie McLellan, Campbell Folk

School, Brasstown, N. C.

Mrs. A. I. Maderia, Box 2001, Charlotte,
N. C.

Miss Velma Matthews, 308 Arlington
Terrace, Rocky Mount, N. C.

W. P. Nickell, Waxhaw, N. C.

Miss Louise F. Peering, 7017 Penna. Ave.,
Upper Darby, Pa.

Mrs. J. F. Piper, 1724 Hillsdale Dr.,
Charlotte

Mac Procter, Davie Circle, Chapel Hill
Mrs. Fred Proffitt, Burnsville
J. P. Ricks, 418 S. Howell St., Rocky
Mount, N. C.

Mrs. 1. E. Ready, Roanoke Rapids
Mrs. John E. Ryland, Union Mills
C. J. Simons, Box 600, Southern Pines,
N. C.

Mrs. E. M. Slocombe, 18 Belfry Terrace,
Lexington, Mass.

Mrs. N. D. Sowerby, 102 Sunset Dr.,
Greensboro, N. C.

Alexander Sprunt, IV, Davidson College,
Davidson

Mrs. Owen Carlyle Stilley, Martha’s
Acres, Brickyard Rd., Bethesda 14, Md.
Paul W. Sturm, Manteo
Mrs. J. J. Summcrell, 311 Forest Rd.,
Raleigh, N. C.

Wm. E. Tabb, 211 Beall St., Lenoir
Matt L. Thompson, 409 W. Cameron
Ave., Chapel Hill

Mrs. Matt L. Thompson, 409 W. Cameron
Ave., Chapel Hill

Mrs. Guy Townsend, Lumberton, N. C.
Donald Wagner, Rt. 2, Wilmington, N. C.
Miss Grace Pirkey Walter, Box 565,
College Station, Durham
Dr. W. M. Ward, 302 Pine St., Spartan-
burg, S. C.

Mrs. H. H. Weeks, 806 Hill St., Rocky
Mount, N. C.

Bobbie Wellons, 2944 St. Andrews Lane,
Charlotte, N. C.

Miss Mary Carter Whitehurst, 42 Johnson
St., New Bern, N. C.

M. P. J Williams, 72 8 Sycamore St.,
Rocky Mount, N. C.

Mrs. Marion Wright, 1035 E. Morehead
St., Charlotte, N. C.

Foster Harold Young, M. D., Klngstree,
S. C.

Mrs. Charles Zeiger, 2315 Lawndale Dr.,
Greensboro, N. C.

(Notification of correction or change of address should be sent to: Dr. Archie D.
Shaftesbury, Editor The Chat, W. C. U. N. C., Greensboro, N. C.)

Local Clubs and Their Officers — North Carolina
Arden, Rosscraggon Wood, Inc.: P — Harold B. Swope, Skylandj V-P — Dr. Leigh
Robinson, Skylandj S-T — Mrs. W. H. Lashley, Royal Pines; Board of Governors
. — Dr. Graham Harden, Sky land; Miss Susan Sheppard, Sky land; Kenneth Carr,
Skyland.

Asheville Bird Club: P — Miss E. Annette Hinds; V-P — Mrs. Norman B. Beecher;

S — Miss Margaret Allen, 208 Pearson Dr.; T — Mrs. Francis E. Field.

Boone Bird Club: P — Dr. Robert King; V-P — Mrs. W. M. Burwell; S-T — Miss
Cora Jeffcoat.

Chapel Hill Bird Club: P — Mrs. Carl H. Pegg; V-P — Harry Ycatman; S-T — Miss
Frances Yocom, 700 Gimghoul; Field Chairman — Bill Hamnet.

Charlotte, Mecklenburg Audubon Club: P — Mrs. George C. Potter, 2111 Malverne
Rd.; V-P — Mrs. H. W. Kilpatrick; S — Miss Connie Thigpen, 1215 Greenwood
Cliff; T — Mrs. W. B. Simmons.

Durham, Duke-Durham Bird Club: P — Miss Bertha B. Hopkins, 506 Buchanan Road;
S-T — Mrs. M. W. Johnson.

Greensboro, Piedmont Bird Club: P — Mrs. Floyd H. Craft; V-P — R. D. Douglas and
Mrs. H. L. ^Medford; Rec. S — Miss Charlotte Dawley; Cor. S — Miss Ethel
McNairy; T- — Miss Sarah Lesley; Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs. W. C. Carr
and Miss Etta Schiffman.

Henderson Bird Club: P — Mrs. W. B. Daniel, Jr.; V-P — Mrs. W. B. Wester, Jr.;
S-T — Mrs. Eric Flannagan.

Hickory Bird Club: P — J. Weston Clinard; V-P — Mrs. George E. Bisanar; S-T —
Mrs. Alex F. Vallotton, 1415 Eighth Ave.; Reporter — J. W. Clinard.

High Point, Catesby Bird Club: P — James R. Mattocks; S — Mrs. Chester C.
Haworth; T — Mrs. John C. Siceloff.

Lenoir Audubon Club: P — Miss Margaret Harper; V-P — R. T. Greer; S-T — Mrs.
R. T. Greer, Box 800.

Lumberton Bird Club: P — ^James Stephens, Jr.; V-P — Mrs. Henry McKinnon; S —
Mrs. D. L. Whiting; T — Miss Lillian Whiting.

Mount Airy Bird Club: P — Mrs. J. Bruce Yokley; V-P — O. W. Kochtitsky; S —
Mrs. H. G. Long; T — Fred Johnson.

Raleigh Bird Club: P — Phillip H. Davis; V-P — W. B. Nesbit; S — Frank B. Meacham,
State Museum; Ex. Com. — Officers and Mrs A. J. Skaale and G. M. Garren. ^
Roanoke Rapids Bird Club: P — Mrs. D. L. Wheeler; V-P — Miss Clara Hearne; S-T —
Mrs. T. L. O’Briant, 538 Vance St.

Rocky Mount, Francis H. Craighill Bird Club: P — J. W. E. Joyner; V-P — The Rev.
Gray Temple; S — Miss Dorothy Craighill; T — Miss Lilly Shearin; Members of
Executive Committee — Mrs. Fairy Bandy and Mrs. J. W. E. Joyner.

Southern Pines Bird Club: P — Mrs Cecil Robinson; V-P & S — Miss Louise Haynes,
Box 660; T — Miss Norma Shiring; Rec. S — Mrs. Gordon Clark.

Tryon Bird Club: P — G. H. Holmes; S-T — Katherine D. Hamilton.

Wilmington Bird Club: P — Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, 5 Lake Forest Parkway; V-P —
John Funderburk; S — Mrs. Warwick R. Baker, 204 Kenwood Ave.; T — Charles
F. Theobald.

Winston-Salem Bird Club: P — Henry Magie; S-T — Wm. S. Rothrock, 2434 Stock-
ton St.; Directors — Charles H. Babcock, Thurmond Chatham, Jr., Richard J.
Reynolds, 11.

Local Clubs and Their Officers — South Carolina
Charleston Natural History Society: P — Robert H. Coleman; V-P — Malcolm L.
McCrae; S — E. Burnham Chamberlain, The Charleston Museum, Charleston 16;
T— Ellison A. Williams.

Columbia Natural History Society: P — Gilbert J. Bristow; V-P — Harry Hampton;
T — Dr. Paul J. Philson; S — Mrs. Clyde Sisson; Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs.
G. E. Charles.

Greenville Bird Club: P— Miss May W. Puett; V-P— P. M. Jennes; S-T— Mrs.
Louis C. Tolleson.

The Chat

BULLETIN OF CAROLINA BIRD CLUB

Wild Turkey, Meleagns gallofavo

VOL XII NOVEMBER, 1948

No. 5

Woman’s College, U. N. C., Greensboro, N. C

The Chat

Bulletin of Carolina Bird Club

Dr. Archie D. Shaftesbury, Editor
Woman’s College of University of North Carolina, Greensboro, N. C.

Editorial Board: Alexander Sprunt, Jr., The Crescent, Charleston 50, S. C. — Conserva-
tion, State and National; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Box 1078, Chapel Hill, N. C. —
Education: B. R. Chamberlain, R. 1, Matthews, N. C. — Local Club News.

Contributing Editors: Miss Grace Anderson, Statesville; Mrs. Edna Lanier Apple-
berr.v, Wilmington; Mrs. A. W. Bachman, Henderson: E. B. Chamberlain, Charles-
ton Museum, Charleston, S. C.; Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, Charlotte: .1. W. Cllnard,
Hickory; Harry T. Davis, N. C. Museum, Raleigh; Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green,
Raleigh; Dr. John H. Grey, Jr., Charlottesville, Va. ; Miss Clara Hearne, Roanoke
Rapids: Dr. Thelma Howell, Macon, Ga. ; Mrs. Zora P. Jensen, Maple City, Mich.;
Joe Jones, Chapel Hill; J. W. E. Joyner, Rocky Mount; Henry Magie, Winston-Salem:
i;ev. J. J. Murray, Lercington, Va.; Howard T. Odum, L'ew Haven, Conn.; Oscar
H. Paris, Jr., Greensboro: Prof. Phillips Russell, Chapel Hill; James 1.,. Stephens,
Jr., Lumberton; Mrs. Eddie W. V,'’llson, Cary; Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro; D. L.
V/ray, Raleigh.

Entered as second-class matter April 8, 1941 at the post office Greensboro, North
Carolina, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Published five times a year on the flfteenth of .January, March, May, September,
and November as the official organ of Carolina Bird Club. Articles for publication
should reach the Editor by the first of the month in which the issue is published.

NOTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE
EDITOR.

Bulletin subscription, o»e dollar a year, included In all membership fees.

Volume XII November, 1948 Number 5

CONTENTS

Page

Carolina Bird Club Field Trip to Lake Mattamuskeet, Jan, 15, 1949 . 73

Fall Meeting Held at Tryon, N. C. 73

Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 25 to Jan. 2 75

Local Club News — B. R. Chamberlain 76

An American Discovers British Birds — Jack Dermid 78

Contribution of the Carolina Bird Club Education Chairman

— Richard L. Weaver 80

Lennon’s Marsh — J. L, Stefhens 82

Field Notes and News 84

With the Editor 85

Cover Photo from the American Museum of Natural History, New York

CAROLINA BIRD CLUB OFFICERS

PRESIDENT B. R. Chamberlain, Rt. 1, Matthews, N. C.

VICE-PRESIDENTS: Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro, N. C.j Mrs. Cecil Appleberry,

Wilmington, N. C. ; Alexander Sprunt, Jr., Charleston, S. C.

SECRETARY Mrs. George C. Potter, 2111 Malvern Rd., Charlotte 7, N. C.

TREASURER .... Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, 6 Springdale Court, Greensboro, N. C.
EDITOR OF THE CHAT . Dr. A. D. Shaftesbury, W.C.U.N.C., Greensboro, N. C.
MEMBERS AT LARGE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Harry T. Davis, Raleigh, N. C. ; Dr. Richard L. Weaver, Chapel Hill, N. C.

Carolina Bird Club Field Trip to Lake Mattamuskeet,

January 15, 1949

According to trip co-chairman Bob Wolff, plans have been completed
for Carolina Bird Club’s field trip to Lake Mattamuskeet National Wild-
life Refuge, Hyde County, N. C., for the week-end of January 15tb.
If you plan to go rnnkc \our 7-eservotions immediately to Mr. Axon Smith,
Manager, Mattamuskeet Lodge, New Holland, N. C. There are only
20 rooms at the Lodge, so reservations must be made early to be sure of
accomodations. Arrivals can be arranged for as early as Friday afternoon.
State whether you expect to remain Sunday night. Rates: $7.25 for single
room with bath and 3 meals; $6.25 for single room without bath, and
3 meals; $5.75 double room (each), no bath, 3 meals. Separate meals:
Breakfast, 85c; Lunch $1.25; Supper, $1.75.

The manager states that he can put up about 70 people. If more come,
10 can be taken care of in the dormitory at $5.25 each.

A Field Trip is planned for Saturday morning, and another for that
afternoon. Trucks will be available.

Plans for this field trip were started at the Tryon meeting, and
arrangements have just been completed in time to get this brief notice in this
issue of The Chat. The chief bird attraction will be thousands of Canada
Geese and Whistling Swans, as well as many other varieties of water and
song birds. Since the North Carolina Bird Club has already made three
field trips to the Mattamuskeet-Swanquarter region, many of those who
make this trip will doubtless be “repeaters”; those who have been there need
not be told of the fine time they will have.

Fall Meeting Held at Tryon, N. C.

The fall meeting of the Carolina Bird Club, the first meeting since the North
Carolina and the South Carolina groups merged this year, was held at Tryon, N. C.,
on Saturdav and Sunday, Oct. 2 and 3, and was well attended. Seventy members regis-
tered at the meeting, with splendid representation from both Carolinas. On Saturday
afternoon, an Exccuti\e Committee meeting was helil at the meeting headquarters. Oak
Hall Hotel, and field trips were conducted arouml Lake Lanier, and to the home
of the Tryon Bird Club President, George H. Holmes. While at the Holmes place,
the group got excellent views of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, apparently in migration,
and Mr. Holmes showetl colored pictures of birds taken on a recent trip to Florida.

At the dinner meeting and program, held at Oak Hall Hotel Saturday night.
President B. R. Chandterlain presided. Mr. Holmes welcomed the visitors to Tryon,

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November, 1948

'J' H E C H A r

75

and Alexander Spriint, Jr., of Cliarleston, responded. Mrs. Margaret V. Wall,
Treasurer, ga\'e a brief report of the club’s finances. E. B. Chamberlain, of Charleston,
told of plans for an early January field trip to Lake Mattamuskeet Wildlife Refuge,
N. C., witli Bob Wolff in charge, and of a field trip to Bull’s Island, S. C., the date to
be placed in late May, with E. B. C'hamberlain in charge. The 1949 annual spring
meeting of Carolina Bird Club will be held in Charleston, S. C. Mr. Sprunt displayed
a painting by Francis Lee Jacques, showing four species of ducks, which is one of
numerous paintings done by several noted bird artists for tlie new book on South
Carolina birds, which it is expected will be ready in about a year.

Dr. Archie D. Shaftesbury, Greensboro, introduced the speaker. Dr. T. L. Quay,
( f North Carolina State College, Raleigh, who ga\'e an interesting talk on “The
Winter Life of the Savannah Sparrow,’’ a bird which has apparently moved inland
as the forests were cut and the crab grass and broom sedge took their place. Mrs.
Charlotte Hilton Green, Raleigh, nationally known writer of books and nature
articles, described some of her nature observations during the past summer in Colorado,
when she added more than 30 new bird species to her life list. Mrs. Margaret Y.
Wall, who had charge of the Nature Activities at the Medomac, Maine, Camp of the
National Audubon Society during the past summer gave a brief account of her
work at the camp.

Door prize at the Saturday night meeting, a porcelain plate bearing a bird
picture, was won bv Mrs. J. E. Ryland, Union Mills, N. C. A bird feeding station,
designed by Dr. John Z. Preston, was shown by Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Brintnall, Tryon.
Lovely decorations for the table and for the hotel lobby were pro\ided and arranged
by the Tryon Garden Club. Following the evening meeting. Dr. Shaftesbury showed
two of the National Audubon Society’s new sound and color bird movies, Robin, and
Wood Thrush.

Early Sunday morning, the group gathered at Seven Hearths, the Brintnall home,
which is crammed full, and I do mean full, of antiques, for coffee and doughnuts,
as fortification for field trips led in various directions by E. B. Chamberlain, Gabriel
Cannon, Spartanburg, S. C., and others. After a group picture and breakfast back at
the Oak Park Hotel, the remainder of Sunday forenoon was spent on a trip to the
beautiful Pearson’s Falls sanctuary, near Tryon, preserved through the work of the
Tryon Garden Club. Many who attended the Tryon meeting mentioned the fine spirit
of fellowship which pervaded the meeting. Surelv none of the general meetings have
been more thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

Christmas Bird Count, Dec. 25 to Jan. 2

This year, as in the past several years, Carolina Bird Club will cooperate with
the National Audubon Society in making the Christmas count of the number and
kinds of birds in various localities throughout the nation. Last year T//e Chat jwinted
counts from 16 localities, including 2 in South Carolina. We hope to have more
this year, particularly from South Carolina. Local clubs, groups, and indi\iduals
are urged to make counts wherever possible.

Rules

When the National Audubon Society announced the dates for the 1948 count, it
was stated that new rules would be issued this year. As this note is written the new
rules are not yet available. If you do not have a list of the new rules from the
National z'\udubon Society, drop a card to the Editor, The Chat, W. C. LT. N. C.,

76

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Vol. XII, No. 5

Greensboro, N. C., and we will send you an abbreviated list just as soon as the new
rules are available.

BUT PLEASE REMEMBER, in order to be published in the January issue of
The Chat, lists from C. B. C. members must be received by the editor of The Chat
not later than Saturday, January 8 ; the birds must be listed in the order of the A. O. U.
check list (as in most recent bird books) ; lists should be typewritten if possible and
double-spaced. (Note: Single-spaced lists, or lists readable with difficulty owing to
thin paper or poor carbon copy will have to be recopied and will appear in a later
issue of The ChatC)

Be sure to get the new National Audubon Society rules for your count.

Local Club News

(Very meager this time. Contributors are bashful or busy or both. Can’t you Ao
something about it? Just appoint yourself a contributor and put something in the mail.

B. R. Chamberlain, “Critter Hill,” Rt. 1, Matthews, N. C.)

ASHEVILLE BIRD CLUB anticipates another successful season
with Audubon Screen Tours. Our Clubs would do well to check witn
the Asheville folks to learn their methods.

CHAPEL HILL BIRD CLUB — Enjoyed a wonderful evening on
Nov. 9th, with the Broleys, of Delta, Ontario. Mr. Broley, many of our
membership will recall, is the retired banker who took up eagle banding as
a hobby. His work has been featured in the Audubon magazine and other
publications. He has banded more than one thousand bald eagles. The
Broleys are again spending the winter in Florida. Chapel Hill Bird Club
also has Screen Tours this winter.

CHARLESTON NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY: E. B. Cham-
berlain and Alexander Sprunt, Jr., attended the annual meeting of the
American Ornithological Union at Omaha, Nebraska. 1 he were also
present and gave good accounts of themselves at Tryon. They had a close
schedule in getting to Omaha immediately after Tryon.

GREENVILLE (S. C.) BIRD CLUB: Miss May Puett, President
of the Greenville Club was honor guest at the Lenoir Bird Club meeting
when Bert Harwell spoke there. Miss Puett writes that she and some
club members have just experienced a successful bird bieakfast in the
woods and that she is sending a list of birds seen. Oui hat is off to Vliss
Puett. She has been in Greenville only a few months and she has already
stirred up enough enthusiasm to get folks moving before breakfast. The
December meeting subject is kinglets.

HICKORY' BIRD CLUB — Put out another good Year Book.
September and October meetings featured plans for the year, a talk by

November, 19+8

'V HE C H A 'E

77

y. \V. Clinard on bird songs, and a talk by Arthur Moser on jdumage. At
the invitation of Miss Ann Miller, representing seven garden clubs of
Hickory, the Hickory Bird Club entered an attractive exhibit in the October
dower show. This display featured a minature bird sanctuary prepared by
Mrs. E. B. Menzies with the help of Miss Minnie Gwaltney and Mrs.
Homer Robinson and others. The exhibit included examples of bird
houses and feeders.

LENOIR BIRD CLUB; A nice letter from Mrs. R. T. Greer reviews
the Club activities since July when a picnic was held at Tom Parks’ place,
^hnir Club News Editor knows the setting well. He was royally entertained
by Mr. and Mrs. Parks at their home last spring. Mrs. Greer tells of the
visit of Bert Harwell to Lenoir in August, a Study of the Vireos, by Miss
Helen Myers in September, and a report on the Tryon field trip of the
Carolina Bird Club in October; also a review of Audubon Magazines at
the October meeting by Mrs. Ered May.

LUMBERTON BIRD CLUB: Your Club News Editor ran across
Lumberton Bird Club President James Stephens, Jr., at Gaddy’s Goose
Pond on November 14th. Both watched the three-thousand-odd Canada
Geese and a lone White Eronted Goose that had come in this year. The
N ews Editor wormed an invitation to Lumberton to look for Wood Ibises
next summer.

MECKLENBURG AUDUBON CLUB (CHARLOTTE): Mrs.

Potter and a handful of the faithful have released their Year Book. Sarah
Nooe spoke at the October meeting. Subject: A Birder’s Book Shelf. Dr.
R. L. Weaver, Program Director of the North Carolina Resource-Use
Commission, and a member of our own Carolina Bird Club Executive
Committee, talked at the November meeting. Subject: Conservation in
North Carolina. The Mecklenburg Club did not sign up for Screen Tours
this year. However, the Tours are coming to Charlotte under the sponsorship
of the Charlotte Children’s Nature Museum. Highlight of the winter — a
two days field trip to Bulls Island, S. C., December 10, 11, and 12. Many
readers (about forty) will remember the N. C. B. C. trip to Bulls Island
last year. A good trip but a little on the humid side.

PIEDMON'E BIRD CLUB (GREENSBORO): Mrs. Margaret Y.
Wall attended the annual meeting of the National Audubon Society. Char-
lotte lost and Greensboro gained an ardent birder this summer when Miss
Anne Locke moved to Greensboro. Miss Locke is a past president of the
Mecklenburg zAudubon Club, and is field trip minded. "Ehe September
meeting, held on the 18th, was a field trip with a basket supper at the

78

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Vol. XII, No. 5

Greensboro Country Park Clubhouse. The Oct. 21 meeting, held at
Woman’s College science building, was interesting combination of a talk
by George A. Smith and chalk drawings by Mrs. Grace Favor, on Shore
Birds. Greensboro’s Christmas Bird Count is planned for Sunday, Dec. 26.

RALEIGH BIRD CLUB: Don’t miss Nature Magazine for Novem-
ber. Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green has an exxellent piece on Gaddy’s Goose
Refuge. The observation by Dr. A. A. Allen of Cornell is particularly
interesting. He stated that in his opinion there was little danger of disease
at the refuge during the winter months. That was one of the objectiojis
raised to the high concentration of birds by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. A letter from Tom Quay accepts the Editorship of the Ecology
and Life History Department of the Chat. Dr. Quay did an excellent job
with his talk at our Tryon meeting and we can look forward to some good
reading on his pages.

WILMINGTON BIRD CLUB. Carl Buchheister talked on the eve-
ning of Nov. 8th. His visit was the occasion for field trips practically around
the clock. Mr. Buchheister is a Vice-President of the National Audubon
Society. Many of our members will recall his visit and talk at Atlantic
Beach in May, 1947. The Christmas census will be held Monday, Dec. 27.

An American Discovers British Birds

By Jack Dermid, Raleig-h, N. C.

An intoxicated bird? Impossible! Vet there was one before iny \'ery eyes. Its dress
was formal, too, suitable for the most elegant cocktail party. My accusation was
rather harsh, but what else could I liave thought upon seeing a Pied Wagtail for the
first time? It was running swiftly across the ground near the brink of a gravel pit,
first in one direction, then in another. After each mad dash of se\’eral yards, the
bird paused for an instant and wagged its long tail rapidly up and down before
running again. Astonisheti by the strange antics of tliis small, white-faced, black bird,
I cautiously moveii nearer to it, focused my binoculars, and found tliat my previous
assumption was entirelv wrong. The wagtail was perfectly normal. It was only
chasing and catching small flying insects.

Thus began my first hike in the outdoors of Southern England. It was not an
ordinary field trip, but one of discovery, in which I, an American soldier, discovered
for myself tlie birds of another land. It was a tlay filled with adventures that would
have brought unlimiteil joy to any bird lover and a day of impressions that will never
be forgotten. .After reading my notes again, it seems that only yesterday I left the
little town of Christchurch and entered the fields and woods of Hampshire. The
May weather was itleal for birdingj and armed with binoculars, a field guide to
birds, and a notebook, 1 was prepared to face all challengers of the bird world.

The wagtail soon became annoyed by my presence and flew in an undulating
manner toward the distant side of the quarry. .As it disappeared from sight, a series of
plaintive notes, so quiet and soft, almost inaudible, drifted from a nearby group of
trees. I made my wav to the edge of tire woods and listened. .Again, as melancholy

No\eiiibor, 1948

T H E C H A y

79

ns before, a liiciclen sinjjer interruptetl the silence of tlie countryside. Anti only a few
nioinents passed before I discocered a British Robin perchetl on a low brancli of a
maple. Wlien I walketi toward it, the bird merely cocked its head to one sitle and
studied me curiously with its large friendly eye. Man anti bird watched each other
quietly. What a tlainty creature it was, half the size of an American Robin, with an
orange-red breast anti olice-brown upjier parts. Then the robin raised its heatl slightly,
anti motionlessly, save for its beak, toltl me of its sorrow with song.

After leacing the woods, I followed a paced road past several houses and fount!
a variety of birds about the lawns anti gardens. Of course, English Sjiarrows scolded
each other incessantly, and Starlings crackletl, grunted and whistletl from a sun-
bathed perch; but, somehow, the two vagrants seemetl to fit into the scheme of
things. A Song Thrush, a great deal like our Wootl Thrush in appearance, searcheti
the ground for earthworms in the gentlemanly manner that is typical of its family.
Some distance ahead on a picket fence, a pair of Chaf-finches was courting in bird
fashion. A frequent visitor of our tent area, this species captured my admiration the
first time I saw it, partly because it reminded me of the Lazuli Bunting of our
western states and partly because it was so friendly. It is one of the most common
birds of Britain; and no rural scene is complete without the handsome male, decorated
with a bluish head and nape, a russet throat and breast, and a conspicuous white
patch on each shoulder.

When I entered a dense woods, I heard the loud, strident song of a bird that un-
mistakably belonged to a wren. It could not have been anything else! And a hasty
search revealed the bold singer perched upon a prominent snag. It was a wren, indeed,
short upright tail and all, but a mite of a bird, even smaller than our House Wren.

When it sang, the bird put its whole heart into producing music, and its tiny body

shook all over.

Continuing along the path, I flushed a blackbird that was scratching about in the
undergrowth. It was the first British Blackbird that I had observed close at hand, and
I was amazed by the similarity of its alarm note with that of the American Robin.

In fact, if I had not seen the bird, I wmuld have identified it as the latter species.

In an effort to studv it further, I followed the blackbird for a short distance through
the woods. It was a more beautiful bird than its name implied, for its black plumage
contrasted sharply with its orange bill and the vellow rim around each eye. And it
was definitely an artist at sneaking through thickets and keeping out of sight.

Mv introduction to the female Blackbird, a brown-colored bird, was quite
startling. As I crossed a small stream on a fallen tree, the bird burst forth from
under mv feet, protesting loudly as it flew away. I parted the ednes that clothed the
log and found a nest constructed snugly in a ca\ity. It contained four greenish-
colorctl eggs, heavily speckled with redtlish-brown, and was composed of coarse
grass, solidified with mud, and lined with fine grass. During the time I was there,
' did not hear or see the female Blackbird again, or her mate; but from a point
downstream, I saw her slip back to her cherished eggs.

-Llong the creek, I made a brief acquaintance with the European Kingfisher, a bird
about half the size of the American species and just as unique. It flew jiast me like a
blue rocket, disappeared among the trees, returned in an instant, pauscil upon a low
branch for a few seconds, and then sped away. The brilliant blue of its upper parts
was matched with rich chestnut below, and a large black bill, a wliitc throat, and
red feet added the finishing touches to its dress.

NESTING BOXES: Take down all your nesting boxes now and clean them
thoroughly. Repair and repaint them where necessary, and replace a few for refuge
for wintering woodpeckers and other birds.

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Vol. XII, No. 5

Contribution of the Carolina Bird Club
Education Chairman

Richard L. Weaver, Program Director
North Carolina Resource-Use Education Commission

For those members of the Carolina Bird Club who are teaching or who would like
to help your local schools secure materials on birds, conser\ation, resource use, and
nature subjects generally, the Chairman of the Education Committee makes the
following suggestions:

J. Conservation Loan Packets are available for use in schools, workshops, and
teacher training programs from the U. S. Office of Education, Federal Security
Agency, Washington, D. C. Sample bulletins from the U. S. Office of Education,
U. S. Forest Service, U. S. Soil Conservation Sercdce and U. S. Fish and Wikllife
Service are included. Address request to Glenn O. Blough.

2. Forestry Packets can be obtained from U. S. Forest Service, Wasliington, D. C.,
from C. W. Mattison, Educational Consultant. The packet includes the following
bulletins: 1. The Work of the U. S. Forest Service; 2. Managing tlie Small Forest;

3. Our Forests — What They Are and What They Mean to Us; 4. Protect Hardwood
Stands from Grazing; 5. Forest Service Films Available; 6. Some Plain Facts About
Forestry; 7. Know Your Watersheds; 8. Suggestions for Integrating Forestry in
the Modern Curriculum; 9. Teaching Outline — The Well Kept Farm Woods;
10. Materials to Help Teach Forest Conservation; 11. A Chart — How a Tree Grows;
12. Visual and 7\uditory Aids for Teaching Conservation; 13. Bill Scott, Forest
Ranger — A Radio Production.

3. TEN LESSONS IN FORESTRY — For use in Grade Schools; prepared by J.
Walter Myers, Jr., and published by the Divisions of Forestry and Parks in the
North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development, Raleigh, N. C., 1948;
56 pages. These ten lessons are: 1. Our Forests, Past and Present; 2. How forests
Affect Our Lives; 3. How a Tree Grows; 4. Some Important Southern Trees; 5.
What We Get From Trees; 6. Forests Forever; 7. Wildlife in the Forest; 8. Soil,
Climate, and Trees; 9. Enemies of the Forest; 10. Guardians of the Forest.

4. Soil Conservation Service materials available from James Burdette, Regional
Office, Spartanburg, S. C., include bibliographies of available literature and films.
Some of the titles for the use of teachers particularly are : 1 . Bibliograph}^ — Available
Literature on Conservation for Schools; 2. An Outline for Teaching Conservation m
Rural Elementary Scliools; 3. An Outline for Teaching Conservation in the High
Schools; 4. Teaching Materials — Conservation Education in the Public Schools;

5. Motion Pictures and Slidefilms on Soil and Water Conservation, suitable for use
in Elementary and Secondary Schools; 6. Water and Our Forests; 7. Our American
Land — The Storv of Its Abuse and Its Conservation; 8. The Lord’s Land.

5. Teaching Conservation is a new book published by the American Forestry
Association, 919 Seventeenth St., N.W., Washington, D. C. It is written by Ward P.
Beard, Assistant Director, Vocational Education, U. S. Office of Education, 144 pages;
price M.50. It is designed for conservation workshops, teacher study groups and edu-
cators generally and could serve as a text. It has many practical suggestions on organi-
zation and implementation of the program.

6. LARGE WAS OUR BOUNT^’ — Natural Resources and the Schools; was
published as the 1948 Yearbook of the .Association for Supervision and Curriculum
Development of the National Education Association, 1201 Sixteenth St. N. W.,
Washington, D. C. ; 216 pages; price :f2.50 a copy. It was prepared by a committee
of seven educators and scientists with W. J. McGlothlin as Chairman. The titles of

November, 1948

1' H E C U A

81

the cliajiters will iiulicate the nature of the contents; “In What Direction Are We
Mo\ing;r” “Why Are We Concerneilr”; “How Much Has Our T’hinkin<j Expand-
edr”; “What Principles Shall Guide Us?” (This is something- we ha\'e long needed and
IS a \’ery significant contribution.); “What Are Schools Now Doing?”; “How May
We Mo\e Ahead?”

7. RESOURCE USE EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Three
new bulletins, Let’s Save Soil with Sam and Sue, Better Land for Better Living, and
Pioneers of a New South, ha\'e just been publisheil by Alabama Polytechnic Institute,
Auburn, Alabama, at 30c each for single copies and 25c each for four or more
copies. Address requests in care of Otto Holloway; 2 8 pages each; these materials
prepared in the Resource-Use Education Workshops at Auburn in 1946 and 1947 are
well illustrated, and are adapted to classroom use and to the children’s \-ocabulary.

8. Resource Management in North Carolina, by Paul W. Wager and Donald B.
Hayman, has been published and is a\'ailable from the Institute for Research in
Social Science, Uniyersity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. It reviews the conservation
and resource programs and makes recommendations for improvements.

9. Scientists Look at Resources. First report from Gatlinburg Conference HI;
has been published by the Bureau of School Service College of Education, University
of Kentucky, June 1948, No. 4, 160 pages, price 50c a copy.

10. Improving the Quality of Living — A Study of Community Schools in the
South by W. K. McCharen, Dic'ision of Surveys and Field Services, George Peabody
College for Teachers, Nash\ille, Tenn.; has 68 pages full of excellent suggestions on
how schools are helping to improve living in the South. Be sure to send for a copy.

11. THE PROJECT IN APPLIED ECONOMICS FOR BETTER LIVING —
sponsored by the Sloan Foundation. Numerous reading booklets for all ages and
guides for teachers have been prepared. They are designed to provide instruction on
these basic life needs, prepared by three institutions; University of Kentucky, food
problems; University of Vermont, ways of improving clothing conditions; and,
Universitv of Florida, housing instruction. Address Project in Applied Economics,
College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, for complete
price list. Prices per single copy vary from 15c to 40c with discount for quantity
orders.

12. Two New Books On Conservation have attracted international attention. They
should be read by all citizens, teachers, and people involved in planning for the
future of mankind and resources. Tliey are: Road to Survival by William Vogt;
Book of the Month Selection and a current best seller; Will Sloane Associates; and
This Plundered Planet, by Fairfield Osborn; Little, Brown & Co.

13. Four new color-sound films on conservation have been produced by the Con-
servation Foundation in association with the New York Zoological Society, New
York City. They are being distributed by Encyclopedia Britannica Films, Inc.,
Wilmette, 111. Their titles are: “The Birth of the Soil” (No. 415) ; “This Vital Earth”
(No. 416); “The Arteries of Life,” (No. 417); “Seeds of Destruction,” (No. 418).
The Living Earth films have been designed particularly for junior and senior high
schools. They will find tlieir greatest usefulness in general science courses and in
social studies such as citizenship, problems of democracy and American history. They
will be especially effective in biology anti agriculture classes. Their message is of
such importance tliat they can be utilized to great ath’antage in the elementary
science program of the mitlille grades, ami will prove \aluable on the college level
and as a basis for adult discussion groups.

The Chairman of the Education Committee will be glad to assist teachers in
securing additional materials on these subjects. Address requests to Dr. Richard L.
Weaver, P. O. Box 1078, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

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Vol. XII, No. 5

FEEDERS: Clean your feeders and start feeding winter birds now. Provide food
for these valuable allies, especially in snowy or icy weather when their own food is
scarce or unavailable. Have on hand ample food for your wintering birds, and
watch the weather reports for storms — snow sleet, rain.

Lennon’s Marsh

J. L. Stephens, Lumberton, N. C.

When the late Dr. T. Gilbert Pearson, internationally famous ornithologist,
\isited Lennon’s Marsh, near Lumberton, in Julv, 1943, he said that there were more
Water Turkeys {A/i/iiiiga anhinga) there than any place he had seen north of Florida.

It was Dr. Pearson’s last field trip, for only a few days later he died suddenly, before
his impressions of Lennon’s Marsh could be recorded for the enrichment of bird stiulents.

Part of an old plantation, Lennon’s Marsh contains 1100 acres of what is known
as the Hawthorne grant, the deed for this tract dating back to the time of George H
of England. A brief description of this unusual body of shallow water witli its
vegetation and physical features will help explain why it is such an attractive place
for birds.

On the south side of the marsh, stretching toward the west for two miles, there
is a typical pocosin area of cynthia bushes and other scrub bog \-egetation. Throughout
this wilderness of evergreen, which gives an impression of vast distances, there is a
maze of alligator trails and small ponds, many of which are so inaccessible that they
can be seen onlv from an airplane.

Through the center of the horseshoe-shaped marsh there is a growth of cypress
trees and many swamp ponds. This feeding ground for Wood Ibis and herons is
fantastically Ix'autiful, with green duckweed forming a carpet on tlie water and
Spanish moss waving in the wind from the branches of cypress trees.

By far the most interesting and valuable portion of the marsh is the eastern side,
whicli covers more than half of the total acreage. Here the marsh is open, shallow
water, not exceeding two and a half feet in depth, which supports vast beds of
duckweeds, white water lilies, water shield, pondweeds, swamp bulrush, sedges, and
other valuable aquatic plants. In the upper reaches of this great plant filled lagoon,
there are many low bushes and small cypress trees, and there in this remote section of
the swamp, American Egrets, Water Turkeys, Black-crowned Night Herons, Great
Blue Herons, and Little Blue Herons construct their nests.

From this description of this bird reserve, it is at once apparent that it is impractical
for large groups of people to observe the bird life here, due to the difficulty of
poling small boats along the water trails. Despite this inconvenience, most of the
members of the Lumberton Bird Club, in groups of two or three, visited the marsh
in 1947.

Field trips were taken in early March to observe the spring migration of water-
fowl. During the first few days of March, Golden-eyes, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead,
Mallard, and Black Ducks were much in evidence, but by March 18th, when another
boat trip was taken, the spring migration of ducks was at its height, and Blue-winged
Teal, Wood Duck, Shoveler, Baldpale, and Ring-neck Ducks outnumbered all other
uaterfowl. On March 18th the vanguard of the American Egrets had returned from
the south and were sitting around in the bird rookeries. Also at this season the Cjreat
Blue Heron had already constructed their nests, for the Great Blue is a resident through-
out the winter and the earliest nester of all the herons.

On March 2 8th Blue-winged Teal outnumbered all other ducks, and at this time
little blue herons were observed in the vicinity of their hereditary summer nesting
grounds. By .April 1st, Water Turkeys were seen flying in narrow circles over the

Nuxeinher, 1948

H E C H A T

8^

biixi rookery, and many were busy selecting' nesting sites in tlie same trees used by
American Egrets.

Ospreys, which appear to be uncommon in tlie autumn migration, pass ocer
Lennon’s marsh each spring in astonisliing numbers from March until May.

Many local bird students enjoyed studying this migration, wliich in 1947
leached its height on March 2 1st, when 29 Ospreys were observed in one afternoon.
During the period of the spring Osprey migration, an occasional Bald Eagle was seen.

Throughout the summer the biril rookery was the goal of many field trips.
During six years, in cooperation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, several
hundred birds have been banded, and returns receic'etl indicate tliat herons from
Lennon’s Marsh rookeries winter in the Carribean area, and possibly in Central

Left — L'oung Water Turkey (30 feet uji — two birds jumped and swam away but
this one elected to lia\'e liis picture taken); Right Top — Louisiana Heron; Right
Bottom — Little Blue Heron.

(I'icturcs taken at Leniinn Marsh hy .1. L. Stephens.)

.-\merica. While most returns from bamled birds liave been from \\ itliin the I’nited
States, two records outside tlie United States are of interest. A Little Blue Heron, bamled
June 1st, 1943, was taken Dec. 2nd, 1943, at Guadaloupe, Frencli West Indies. In
1946 an American Egret, banded July 19th, was taken Now 17th at Port au I’rince,
Haiti.

The Wood Ibis is a large and spectacular bird, and members of tlie Lumberton
bird club enjoyed fieltl trips on which ibis were seen. Wood Ibis arri\e in June and
remain on Lennon’s marsli, which a]ipears to be an especially good feeding ground.

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Vol. XII, No. 5

until November. Observations bv bird students throughout North Carolina indicate
that over most of the state Wood Ibis are of casual or accidental occurence. However,
for eighteen years the Wood Ibis has visited the marsh regularly in summer, their
numbers being influenced by water levels and food conditions. Of more than usual
interest is the fact that most of the ibis appear to be immature. It is probable that,
like their fellow waders, the herons, they straggle northward after the breeding
season. In January and February Wood Ibis are known to nest in the Cape Sable
region of Florida, and it is possible that young ibis reaching Lennon’s marsh m
June are from southern nesting grounds. Banding would no doubt add much new
information to what is now known about ibis migrations. No Wood Ibis have been
known to nest in North Carolina.

While volumes could be written about Lennon’s marsh without doing justice to its
exotic loveliness, in the final analysis it is the great variety of vegetation found here
that supplies bird life with food, nesting territory, and all the conditions necessary
for a suitable environment. Lennon’s marsh is a biological wonderland, a great outdoor
laboratory for the bird student and the ecologist.

Field Notes and News

CHARLOTTE, N. C. : Some fall migrants: On Sept. 8, I observed 2 Louisiana
Water-Thrushes, a Bobolink in fall plumage, a Parula Warbler, and numerous
Redstarts. Ernest E. Miichell, Jr.

G-ADDY’S GOOSE POND, ANSONVILLE, N. C.: Announcing the arrival of the
first wild Canada Geese of the 1948-1949 season: 22 Canada Geese arrived Oct. 3;
19 Canada Geese Oct. 4; also a few ducks. Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart Gaddy

(Note: Be sure to read the splendid article on Gaddy’s Goose Pond written by
Charlotte Hilton Green, in the current issue of Nature Magazine. Ed.)

HUMMINGBIRD CxATCHES GNATS IN FLIGHT: I saw a Hummingbird
catching gnats on the wing. She flew into a sw'arm of gnats, and caught several before
leaving'’ the swarm. The gnats were flying in the street, and I saw the hummer fly
into the swarm and attack then until my approaching car frightened her away.

(Sept. 12, 1948.) J- Clinard

HERRING GULLS EXTENDING NESTING RANGE SOUTHWARD: A note
by Howard H. Cleaves in Proceedings of the Staten Island Institute of Arts and
Sciences, Vol. H, part 1, Oct. 1948, p. 1 7-ff., mentions his discovery of a Herring
Gull’s nest with two eggs, on Staten Island, in New York City, on June 4th, 1948.
A second visit to the locality, on June 20, revealed that the eggs and nest had been
abandoned.

A MOTTLED SUMMER TANAGER AT TRYON, N. C. : A pair of Summer
Tanagers has been feeding their young from the feeding board of one of my neigh-
bors. The female is the usual color, but the male is a patchwork of red and olive. The
head and upper neck are red, above and below. The lower neck and back are olive
o-reen. Tlie lower back, including the upper part of the tail, is red. The lower half of
the tail is olive green. Underneath, except for the throat, the bird is olive gieen.
1 believe that this is a one-vear-old Summer Tanager. I have heard it sau
that the male of this species is not all red until his third summer, though none of the
bird books that I have mention this unusual fact. Has any reader of 1 /le Chat ■'any
definite, authoritative information on this? G. H. Holmes, Tryon, N. C.

ROBINS WORK 21 HOURS A DAY IN ARCTIC .ALASKA: Martin Knrplus,
Harvard University science student, ami his chief. Dr. Donald R. Griffin, who spent

No\emher, 1948

T HE C H A 'V

85

the past summer in tlie region of Point Barrow, Alaska, on a Navy-sponsoreil
stLuly of bird migration, spent part of tlieir time observing the work of a pair

of Robins at a spot about 100 miles southeast of Pt. Barrow, which is tlie “farthest

nortli” for the species. They reported that the parent birds toiled all ilay and nearly

all the midnight-sunnetl night feeding the young. Only around midnight did they
catch a little sleep, umler the still-bright sky. Then they were at it again, with the
result that the young robins grew very rapidly and were ready to attempt their
first flight in ten days, instead of the two weeks or so required in tlie lower

latitudes. Dr. Fr.vnk Thone, Science Service, Washington, D. C.

MIGRATING BIRDS KILLED IN FOG: Daily newspapers reported many
hundreds of migrating birds killeil or injured by striking the Empire State Building
in New York City from 1:00 A.M. to near dawn on the morning of Sept. 11.
.According to United Press reports, similar tragedies were reported in down town
Philadelphia and Nash\-ille, Tenn. Such incidents occur about the same time each
year, but this year’s mass death was by far the worst yet seen in New York City.
Lee Crandall, Curator of the Bronx Zoo, identified Red-eyed Vireos and eleven
species of warblers among the dead and injuretl birds. A. D. S.

PROTECTING RARE BIRDS: A brief article in the April 13th issue of The
(London) Ti»ies, tells something of the 1947 annual report of the Royal Society for
the Protection of Birds, and states: “. . . . The Society paid a reward of £10 for
every Golden Eagle eyrie from which young flew. Every claim was checked, and
eaglets were proved to have been reared at 23 sites. This year rewards are being
offered for the rearing of a dozen rare species, particulars of which were gi\-en in
a letter published in The Times of April 7.” We may have to come to “rew'ards” in
order to protect our American Bald Eagle and other disappearing species.

J. S. Holmes, Raleigh, N. C.

WILMINGTON, N. C.: Here are a few selected records from the winter season
notes, Dec. 1, 1947-April 1, 1948, from the Wilmington area, which might be of
interest. On Dec. 29, 1947, a flock of between 60 and 70 Blue-headed Vireos were
observed on Masonboro Sound, by Claude H. McAllister, Jr. On Web. 3, between
Greenfield Lake and Wrightsville Sound, Appleberiy and Baker saw at least 200
Fox Sparrows in flocks of from 10 to 50. Mrs. W. C. Mebane had been reporting
unusual numbers of Fox Sparrows in her yard. Here are some of the spring arrivals:
Painted Bunting, seen and heard at Masonboro Sound, March 7, by McAllister;
Yellow-throated Warbler, March 19, Cecil Appleberry; White-eyed Vireo, March
20, Cecil Appleberry; Bachman’s Sparrows, and Prairie Warblers — both singing,
March 26, Dr. A. A. Allen, John Funderblirg, E. L. A. IDuring the winter huge
flocks of Cedar Waxwings were reported from all over the country. Several times
.Mrs. Mebane had flocks estimated at 1,000. She also reported many Cowbirds. We
have never had many Cowbirds reported before. Edna Lanier Appleberry

CHARLOTTE, N. C. : For more than a year I have had under obser\ ation a field
near my home in the southern part of Charlotte. A stream crosses the field and this
and adjacent areas are favorable for nearly every kind of bird, breetiing birds and
migrants, found in the Charlotte area. On May 8, I observed, along tlie stream,
2 Solitary Sandpipers, and a Spotteil Sandpiper. Later I found a KilUleer feeding
along some water filled plow furrows. Following with the binoculars the flight of a
Shrike, I found the adult carrying food to three young in a nest which certainly looked
as though it had been useil for at least two seasons. Visits to “my birding grounds”
during June showed some newcomers, some Red-wing Blackbirds, four females and
one male. At first I found a single nest with a single egg. Later, as the birils were
well on their way to raising their broods of the season, the beautiful male bird seemed

86

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Vol. XII, No. 5

to be the sole defender and mate of the four females. On explaining this circumstance
to an ornithological authority in Washington, D. C., I was told that such polygamy
was a not uncommon occurence in this species. I was also lucky enough to find a
nest with three young Yellow Warblers, about six feet above the ground.

Ernest E. Mitchell, Jr.

CHARLOTTE, N. C. : On Saturday, Oct. 3, I saw a great many warblers in the
garden. For about two hours the trees were full of Parula, Hooded, Black-throated
Green, Prairie, and Orange-crowned Warblers. At 1 1 :00 a.m. there wasn’t one in the
garden that I could see, and by 12:00 every tree was full so I ran from one place to
another watching them. Then by 2:30 they had passed through the garden. I would
see as many as 6 and 8 Orange-crowned at a time. I also saw Orange-crowned
Warblers in the garden Oct. 10th. Eliz.a.beth Barnhill Clarkson.

With the Editor

AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS FOR CLUBS AND CLASSES— are listed in the
new Audubon catalog. Write to: Photo and Film Department, National Audubon
Society, 1000 Fifth Ave., New York 2 8, N. Y.

IF YOF^ ARE GOING TO MATTAMLISKEET — You might be interested in
getting a copy of an attractive bulletin, Niunber 4, Conservation in Action Series,
LL S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which maps and describes the Mattamuskeet, Pea Island,
and Swan Quarter Wildlife Refuges. Drop a card with your request to: Fish and
Wildlife Service, United States Department of the Interior, Washington 2 5, D. C.

ARTICLES BY CAROLLNA BIRD CLUB MEMBERS IN NATIONAL MAG-
AZINES: In the November issue of Nature Magazine (vol. 41, no. 9, p. 45 7-lT),
Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green, Raleigh, N. C., has an interesting article, with plenty
of pictures, on “Gaddy’s Geese,” whicli tells about Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart Gaddy’s
goose pond near Ansonville, N. C. . . . The October issue of 1 he Auk (vol. 65, p.
5 84-597), journal published by The American Ornithologists Union, carries an
article “The Bird Migration Controversy,” by Howard T. Odum, Carolina Bird
Club member now residing at New Flaven, Conn.

AUDUBON SCREEN TOURS AT CHARLOTTE, N. C. : The Charlotte
Children’s Nature Museum is sponsoring a series of the National Audubon Society’s
lecture-entertainments for the 1948-1949 season, including the following programs:
Roger Tory Peterson, “The Riddle of Migration,” Tuesday, Nov. 30; Howard L.
Orians, “Lakelore,” Wednesday, Jan. 19; Tom and Arlene Hadley, “Happy Valley,”
Monday, March 21. These programs will be presented at 8:00 p.m., probably at
Charlotte Central High School. There will also be two afternoon lectures exclusively
for children who are members of the Children’s Nature Museum.

“WILDLIFE IN NORTH CAROLINA,” — the official publication of the North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, is published monthly in attractive
form, and may be secured for 50c a year, or one dollar for two years, from: Wildlife
Resources Commission, Box 2919, Raleigh, N. C. North Carolina members of the
Carolina Bird Club who have followed for the past four years the separatioi.i of
“Game and Inland Fisheries” from the N. C. Dept, of Conservation and Development,
and the formation of the N. C. Wildlife Resources Commission, with the hope of
more efticient results, will do well to subscribe for “Wildlife in North Carolina,”
and see tliat other North Carolinians besides hunters and fishermen are considered in

Xovember, 1948

'r H E C H A 1'

the plans of the WiUllife Resources Commission, e\’en if the liunters and fisiiermen
do “pay tlie bill” with fishing and hunting licenses and with federal refunds to
North Carolina from taxes on sporting equipment and materials.

MRS HENRY PIKE GAINS RECOGNITION FOR BIRD WORK: Mrs.
Henry Pike, Chairman of the Bird Committee of the Siler City Garden Club, has
gainetl national recognition for her bird work, having received commendation from
the Chairman of the National Council of State Garden Clubs. This was particularly
in recognition of the considerable varietv of fine work which she did \^■ith the school
children of Siler City during 1947.

AUDUBON SCREEN TOURS AT CHAPEL HILL, N. C.: The Chapel Hill
Bird Club is sponsoring another series in the Audubon Screen tours for the 1948-
1949 season and have the following excellent list of lecture-entertainers scheduled:
Roger Tory Peterson, “The Riddle of Migration,” Monday, Nov. 29; Howard
Orians, “Lakelore,” Thursday, Jan. 20; Karl Maslowski, “Saguaroland,” Thursday,
Feb. 24; Tom and Arlene Hadley, “Happy Valley,” Tuesday, Mar. 22; and Telford
Work, “Bits of Land Along the Coast,” Thursday, Apr. 14. All tours are scheduled
for the Pick Theatre, at 8:00 p.m., and season tickets for adults are $2.40 including
tax.

ATTENTION, N. C. HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS: Four projects are
sponsored by the North Carolina Academy of Science for the benefit of students of
North Carolina High Schools: (l) The Academy A-aiard, prizes of $20, $10, and
$5 for meritorious project presented by a student or group of students or club; (2)
Biological Exhibits A^x'ard, cash prizes of $20, $15, and $5, provided by the Carolina
Biological Supply Company, are offered for the most meritorious exhibits of
preserved specimens of plants and animals, including plants and animals preser\ed in
various fluids, microscopic slide mounts, dried preserved specimens as mounted plant
materials, or any other method used in preservation of biological specimens for study
01 display; (s) Forestry Essay, cash awards of $20, $10, and $5, are offered for
meritorious essays in the field of forestry, the funds provided by the North Carolina
Forestry Association; (4) Ornithology Essay, a $20 cash award, offered by Mrs.
Edwin O Clarkson, and two copies of “Birds of North Carolina,” offered by the
N. C. State Museum, for meritorious essays on birds. The exhibits are to be displayed
at the N. C. Academy of Science meeting next spring, and the essays must be in the
hands of the judges before the ’Acadetny meeting. Regulations regarding these pro-
jects, together witli suggestions and blank certificates for application may be secured
by writing to: High School Committee of the North Carolina Academy of Science,
Dr. Archie D. Shaftesbury, Chairman, Woman’s College of the University of North
Carolina, Greensboro, N. C. North Carolina members of the Carolina Bird Club are
requested to call this to the attention of their liigh school science teachers.

JUNIOR AUDUBON CLUBS; School teachers and others in the Carolinas
interested in the organization of Junior Audubon Clubs, if you are not alreaily
familiar with the excellent material provided by the National Aiulubon Society, should
by all means make use of the aids — color plates of birds, outline drawings, illustrated
bird leaflets, iiicrnbership tags, and the Junior Audubon Magazine, Ne-u's on the Wing,
which is published four times a year and contains information on binl houses, feeders,
bird calendars, field trips, and club and assembly programs. 'Fhe junior clubs are
organized on an international scale, including Canada, United States, ami Mexico, and
so must be supplemented by material of state and local interest, but teachers of
elementary grades, and junior and senior high schools will find it verv valuable.
North Carolina had over 7,000 paid Junior .Uudubon members during the past year.
Ten or more students and an adult advisor constitute a Junior Aiulubon Club, and

88

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Vol. XII, No. 5

the annual dues are ten cents a member. Clubs renewing from year to year receive
different material each year. Proper application must be made to the National Audubon
Society. Teachers who are interested should mail a card or letter to the National
■Vudubon Society, 1000 Fifth x’lve.. New York 28, N. Y., with a request for applica-
tion and for the folder, “Let’s Form a Junior Audubon Club.” And how about
passing this information along to your friends who might be interested.

INFORMATION CIRCULARS: In addition to many other sertices rendered by
the North Carolina State Museum, the Museum, by means of printed and mimeo-
graphed circulars, protides information on such popular subjects as: Meteorites —
“Pieces of Stars”; North Carolina Gold; North Carolina Gem Stones; Fossil Wliales
in Eastern North Carolina; Mammoths and Mastodons in Eastern N. C. ; Native
Poisonous Plants; Important Honey Plants of N. C.; Insects and Entomology;
Raising Earthworms; Tlie Black Widow Spider; Aquaria and Terraria; Archaeology
in N. C. ; Some Common Harmless Snakes of N. C. ; Tanning Snake and Other Small
Skins; Some Common N. C. Birds for November; Some Common Spring and
Summer Birds; Bird Feeding Stations; To Make a Bird Calendar; Bird Bantling;
Making a Bird Skin; The Cardinal — Our State Bird; O’possums; Bats — Flying
.Mammals; and Tlie White-tail Deer — Game and Trophy. These are free, and the
museum requests that you ask only for those, and in numbers you actually need.
Among other publications that mav be secured from the museum at cost are: “Birds
of North Carolina,” 450 pages, illustrated, $3.50; Reptiles of North Carolina, 32
pages, 50c; “Poisonous Snakes of Eastern U. S. and First Aid Guide,” well illustrated,
10c; “Common Forest Trees of Nortli Carolina,” 87 pages, illustrated, lOc; “Impor-
tant Food and Game Fishes of North Carolina,” 54 pages, well illustrated, 25c.
Address North Carolina State Museum, Raleigh, N. C.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ENJOYED WORK AT
MAINE CAMP: Miss Margaret E. Watson, holder of
the Carolina Bird Club’s 1948 scholarship to the National
Audubon Societv’s Nature Camp at Medomak, Maine,
states: “Mv enthusiasm for the Audubon Nature Camp
is limitless. Those were wonderful days in Maine and
I am very grateful to the Carolina Bird Club for the
opportunitv of being there. Camp life itself is a grand
vacation. Tlie spruce and ]hne forests in combination with
the sea make the camp a perfect spot. The instruction
is of inestimable value. It is a rare privilege to know
such outstanding naturalists. Mrs. Margaret Wall’s classes
in nature activity were very helpful to me both in my

teaching and my work as a Girl Scout Leader. My

pupils are now working on several nature projects.” Miss Watson, whose home

is in Elm City, N. C., is now teaching at the State School for the Blind, m Raleigh.
She was graduateil from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina,

with a major in history, and several electives in science, which included field trips
over Guilford County witli Earl Hall’s botany classes. Nature subjects were also the
main interest for a summer session at Appalachian State Teachers’ College. Miss
Watson has taught at Black Creek, Elm City, and Roanoke Rapids, mid among
other summer work she has been counselor at 4-H ami Ciirl Scout Camps, for
several years she has been a Girl Scout Leader, serving at Roanoke Rapids and Raleigh,
and just before going to the Maine nature camp this summer she was sent by the
Raleigh Girl Scout Council to a conference for Leaders of Haiulicaiipcil Troops,
at Camp Edith Macy, Pleasantville, N. Y.

Margaret E. Watson

Do You Have a New Membership Card?

The 1949 membership cards are white, with the printing superimposed on a light
blue outline map of North Carolina and South Carolina. Unless you have one of these
cards, your subscription will expire January 1st. Of course, the Carolina Bird Club
Treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, 6 Springdale Court, Greensboro, N. C., will be
sending you a bill soon, BUT we are making the suggestion that w-e hope you can
find it convenient to remit your dues at once so as to save a lot of late holiday work
for your Treasurer. Thank you for considering this suggestion.

Regular Membership $ 1.00 Contributing Membership ...$ 25.00

Sustaining Membership 5.00 Life Membership 100.00

(Life Membership may be paid in four consecutive annual payments of $25.00)

GIVE

THE CHAT

for Christmas

Your gift will be announced by an appropriate
Christmas card together with this issue

Mrs. Margaret Y. Wall, Treasurer
6 Springdale Court, Greensboro, N. C.

Carolina Bird Club Life Members

Mrs. Edwin O. Clarkson, Charlotte, N. C.
Joe Jones, Chapel Hill, N. C.

Edward T. Cone, Greensboro, N. C.

Sustaining Members, 1948

Miss Grace Anderson, Statesville, N. C.
Jesse G. Ball, Raleigh, N. C.

Mrs. H. H. Brimley, Raleigh, N. C.

B. R. Chamberlain, Matthews, N. C.
Richard Thurmond Chatham, Elkin, N. C.
Richard T. Chatham, Jr., Winston-Salem,
N. C.

M. L. Church, Charlotte, N. C.

Harry T. Davis, Raleigh, N. C.

Mrs. Harry T. Davis, Raleigh, N. C.

L. C. Gifford, Hickory, N. C.

Mrs. J. E. Heinzerling, Statesville, N. C.
Mrs. O. F. Jensen, Maple City, Mich.
Mrs. J. E. Latham, Greensboro, N. C.
Mrs. C. D. Maffit, Wilmington, N. C.

Dr. Z. P. Metcalf, Raleigh, N. C.

D. Hiden Ramsey, Asheville, N. C.

Henry A. Rankin, Fayetteville, N. C.

Dr. Ben F. Royal, Morehead City, N. C.
Dr. A. D. Shaftesbury, Greensboro, N. C.
Miss Margaret Vanderbilt, Berea, Ky.
Robert L. Wolff, Goldsboro, N. C.

Local Clubs and Their Officers — North Carolina
Arden, Rosscraggon Wood, Inc.: P — Harold B. Swope, Skyland{ V-P — Dr. Leigh
Robinson, Skylandj S-T — Mrs. W. H. Lashley, Royal Pines j Board of Governors
— Dr. Graham Harden, Skyland} Miss Susan Sheppard, Skyland^ Kenneth Carr,
Skyland.

Asheville Bird Club: P — Miss E. Annette Hinds; V-P — Mrs. Norman B. Beecher;

S — Miss Margaret Allen, 208 Pearson Dr.; T — Mrs. Francis E. Field.

Boone Bird Club: P — Dr. Robert King; V-P — Mrs. W. M. Burwell; S-T — Miss
Cora Jeffcoat.

Chapel Hill Bird Club: P— Mrs. Carl H. Pegg; V-P— Harry Yeatman; S-T— Miss
Frances Yocom, 700 Gimghoul; Field Chairman — Bill Hamnet.

Charlotte, Mecklenburg Audubon Club: P — Mrs. George C. Potter, 2111 Malverne
Rd. ; V-P — Mrs. H. W. Kilpatrick; S — Miss Connie Thigpen, 1215 Greenwood
Cliff; T — Mrs. W. B. Simmons.

Durham, Duke-Durham Bird Club: P — Miss Bertha B. Hopkins, 506 Buchanan Road;
S-T — Mrs. M. W. Johnson.

Greensboro, Piedmont Bird Club: P — Mrs. Floyd H. Craft; V-P — R. D. Douglas and
Mrs. H. L. Medford; Rec. S — Miss Charlotte Dawley; Cor. S — Miss Ethel
McNairy; T — Miss Sarah Lesley; Ex, Comm. — Officers and Mrs. W. C. Carr
and Miss Etta Schiffman.

Henderson Bird Club: P — Mrs. W. B. Daniel, Jr.; V-P — Mrs. W, B. Wester, Jr.;
S-T — Mrs. Eric Flannagan.

Hickory Bird Club: P — ^J. Weston Clinard; V-P — Mrs. George E. Bisanar; S-T —
Mrs, Alex F. Vallotton, 1415 Eighth Ave.; Reporter — ^J. W. Clinard.

High Point, Catesby Bird Club: P — James R. Mattocks; S — Mrs. Chester C.
Haworth; T — Mrs. John C. Siceloff.

Lenoir Audubon Club: P — Miss Fries Hall; V-P — S. B. Howard; S-T — Mrs. R. T.
Greer, Box 800; Publicity Chm. — Miss Margaret Harper.

Lumberton Bird Club: P — ^James Stephens, Jr.; V-P — Mrs. Henry McKinnon; S —
Mrs. D. L. Whiting; T — Miss Lillian Whiting.

Mount Airy Bird Club: P — Mrs. J. Bruce Yokley; V-P — O. W. Kochtitsky; S —
Mrs. H. G. Long; T — Fred Johnson.

Raleigh Bird Club: P — Phillip H. Davis; V-P — W. B. Nesbit; S — Frank B. Meacham,
State Museum; Ex. Com. — Officers and Mrs A. J. Skaale and G, M. Garren.
Roanoke Rapids Bird Club: P — Mrs. D. L, Wheeler; V-P — Miss Clara Heame; S-T —
Mrs. T. L. O’Briant, 538 Vance St.

Rocky Mount, Francis H. Craighill Bird Club: P — ^J. W. E. Joyner; V-P — The Rev.
Gray Temple; S — Miss Dorothy Craighill; T — Miss Lilly Shearin; Members of
Executive Committee — Mrs. Fairy Bandy and Mrs. J. W, E. Joyner.

Southern Pines Bird Club: P — Mrs Cecil Robinson; V-P & S — Miss Louise Haynes,
Box 660; T — Miss Norma Shiring; Rec. S — Mrs. Gordon Clark.

Tryon Bird Club: P — G. H, Holmes; S-T— Katherine D. Hamilton.

Wilmington Bird Club: P — Mrs. Cecil Applebcrry, 5 Lake Forest Parkway; V-P —
John Funderburk; S — Mrs, Warwick R. Baker, 204 Kenwood Ave.; T — Charles
F. Theobald.

Winston-Salem Bird Club: P— Henry Magic; S-T— Wm. S. Rotbrock, 2434 Stock-
ton St.; Directors — Charles H. Babco^ Thurmond Chatham, Jr., Richard J.
Reynolds, 11.

Local Clubs and Their Officers — South Carolina
Charleston Natural History Society: P — ^Robert H. Coleman; V-P — Malcolm L.
McCrae; S — E. Burnham Chamberlain, The Charleston Museum, Charleston 16;
T — Ellison A. Williams.

Columbia Natural History Society: P — Gilbert J. Bristow; V-P — Harry Hampton;
T — Dr. Paul J. Philson; S — Mrs. Clyde Sisson; Ex. Comm. — Officers and Mrs.
G. E. Charles.

Greenville Bird Club: P— Miss May W. Puett; V-P— P. M. Jennes; S-T— Mrs.
Louis C. Tolleson.