Bulletin of

Vol. 18, No. 1
MARCH 1954

THE CHAT

Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Devoted to the publication of
scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the
Carolinas.

Editor-. Kay Curtis Sisson, 1430 Wellington Drive, Columbia 4, S. C.
Co-editor: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C.

Editorial Board: Gilbert Bristow, B. R. Chamberlain, E. B. Chamberlain,
Harry Davis, Jack Dermid, Charlotte Hilton Green, T. L. Quay, Mary Louise
Quincy, Phillips Russell, T. W. Simpson, D. E. Wade, D. L. Wray.

DistHbution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C.

The Chat is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December as the official
bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952,
at the Post Office at Raleish, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price
to non-members: .$1.00 per volume. Sinprle copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes
of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum,
Raleigh, N. C. Pleaae notify the Distribution Office immediately of chanyc of address.
Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the
Treasurer.

CONTENTS

The President’s Page 1

High Point Region — Bionomically Speaking. James Mattocks 2

Audubon Wildlife Tours. Alexander Spriint, Jr 5

The Carolinas Christmas Count for 1953. B. R. Chamberlain 6

Backyard Binding. Annie Rivers Faver, editor 11

Books. Thomas L. Quay, editor 13

Midwinter Field Trip at Pea Island. Robert Overing 14

The Status of Migratory Hawks in the Carolinas. Thomas IF. Simpson. . 15

CBC Spring Meeting Notice 21

General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, editor 22

Notes on North Carolina Coastal Colonies. Harry T. Davis and Robert Holmes, III 23

Notes on Interior Colonies. D. L. Wray 24

Blue Goose Record for Upper Piedmont, S. C. Douylas Wade 25

Early Arrival Records for Canada Goose in U))per Piedmont, S. C. Donylas Wade 25

Swallow-tailed Kite in Mountains. Al<..r.ander S])runt, Jr 25

Osprey Behavior. Sam Baker 25

Peregrine Falcon at Columbia, S. C. Jere D. Kyylcston 25

Ring-billed Gulls Near Edenton, N. C. Thomas B. Quay 25

Mourning Doves: Mass Behavior in Watering. William H. Hon 26

Owls. (Barred) Euyene Hester; (Screech) Doris Simpson 27

Briefs for the Files. B. R. Chamberlain 27

New and Reinstated Members. Compiled by

Edioin ir. Winkler 28

Present Status of Avian Forms for South Carolina.

Alexander Sprunt, Jr Inside Back Cover

Cover Photograph — Christmas Census Takers in Silhouette, photographed
by Gordon H. Brown, South Carolina Wildlife Resources Dept., Columbia,
S. C. The publication of this distinctive photograph has been made possi-
ble by the generous support of Mrs. W. C. Mebane, Wilmington, N. C.

THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE

An excellent New Year’s resolution, which is not yet too late,
would be for all of us to continue to support the Carolina Bird
Club to the best of our abilities. Aside from the obvious benefits
we receive for our nominal membership dues, and the affinity
we feel we have with our fellow members and with Thoreau and
Burroughs, as well as, perhaps to a lesser degree for some of us,
with Audubon and Wilson, we owe it to the living ornithologists
in our midst to provide as wide a circulation for the distribution
of their current observations as is possible. We can do this best
by renewing our memberships promptly each year and by en-
couraging our friends who are interested in any phase of bird
study to join our Club.

The articles which appear in The Chat, though popularly
written for the most part, and thoroughly readable, are accurate
and authentic. They are carefully edited, and many would be
acceptable in scientific journals. Their appearance in The Chat
guarantees that they will be read by many hundreds of persons
in North and South Carolina, where the authors reside and make
their observations. No purely scientific journal, I think, can offer
such dissemination.

The articles in The Chat are written by CBC members for
CBC members, though they are not limited to local interest or
consumption, and the knowledge of the avifauna in our States
is richly increased by the wide circulation of our magazine. The
quality and arrangement of the photographs in The Chat are
second to none.

You are all again invited and encouraged to submit your own
observations to the Editors of The Chat. Accounts of studies
made in connection with educational projects are especially
welcome. There should never be a dearth of manuscript material
in the Editor’s hands.

Our goal is to reach the largest number of Carolinians with
the most authentic and interesting information possible. Let’s
all help.

— Robert Overing.

HIGH POINT REGION— BIONOMICALLY SPEAKING

James Mattocks

The area about High Point, North Carolina is typical of the well-drained
upper Piedmont geography of the southeastern states. The elevation is 940
feet and the average rainfall is approximately 48 inches. The area is sit-
uated on minor divides and drains rapidly in various directions; there are
no rivers of size near by. The soil is of granite origin, generally acid, and
is primarily tight red clay (Cecil) with sections of gray sandy loams
(Wilkes, underlain by yellow clay, and Cecil, underlain by red subsoil.)
The surface is moderately rough, and is often cut by fairly steep ravines.

The original forest cover was presumably the typical oak-hickory climax;
but has been subject to repeated cutting for so many generations that no
original cover remains. Present wood lot composition includes White, Post,
Scarlet, Spanish, Red, Black and Blackjack Oak, a smattering of Willow
Oak, various hickories. Tulip Poplar, Sourwood, Sweet Gum and Black
Gum; Sycamore and River Birch occur along the streams. Persimmon and
Dogwood, while not important forest trees, still support certain specialized
wood industries.

The Red Maple, being generally distributed, and not being cut as the more
valuable lumber is taken, often becomes more and more dominant in cut over
areas. The two pines native to this area are the Shortleaf (echinata) and
the Scrub (Virginia) ; Loblolly plantings grow well in the area, perhaps even
more vigorously than the native pines, while ornamental White Pine plant-
ings have done well. Red Cedar is quite generally distributed in abandoned
pastures and forest edge.

The infrequent winter sleets and the characteristic hot dry period of
late summer may be limiting factors for plants which would otherwise do
well in the area. Wet meadows, which were formerly a common feature of
the landscape, have mostly been drained and put under cultivation, de-
stroying such habitat for birds.

The region depends primarily upon industry, although there is diversified
small scale farming and dairying. A large proportion of the area is still
in wood lot, cut over but generally ungrazed.

The area has a rich flora, which has been seriously depleted by agricul-
ture, industrial development, and repeated lumbering. A few shaded ravines
still remain, however, bearing the original Beech cover (which has never
been worth cutting). Typical spring flowers are Hepatica, Chickweed,
Bloodroot, Foam Flower, Dog-tooth Violet, Wild Ginger, Bellwort (spp.)
yellow, white and blue violets (spp.), trilliums (primarily catesbii and ses-
sile), Jack-in-the-pulpit, Blue Phlox, Pinks (spp.). Anemones, Dwarf Iris
(cristata), May Apple, orchids (spectablis, Whorled Pogonia, Moccasin
Flower, Twayblade, Crane Fly, Rattlesnake Plantain, Adam and Eve,
Ladies Tresses), azaleas and some Mountain Laurel. A surprisingly wide
variety of ferns and fern allies occur.

The meadow and abandoned field flora has become depleted by close cul-
tivation and drainage; but includes Paint Brush, Atamasco Lily, Wild Rose,
Squirrel Corn, Marshallia, Snake Mouth Pogonia, Beardtongue, Lobelias
(blue and red). Thistles, Goldenrods, Skull Cap, Asters, Buttonwood, etc.

2

The Chat

The advent of the tractor has meant close cultivation of fields formerly
abandoned, with the resultant decrease of Bob-white. Hunting- preserves,
which w-ere common a generation ago, based largely upon Quail hunting,
have now been broken up and sold. In spite of close settlement, however,
isolated pockets of Wild Turkeys remain, although their extermination may
occur at any time. Opening of large areas for airports and golf courses and
the fall planting of small grain leaves suitable areas for increasing numbers
of Pipits, Horned Larks, and other field birds during the winter season.
Horned Larks have nested in recent years at the High Point-Greensboro
Airport.

Persistent lumbering has opened areas to birds formerly not present in
number, such as the Prairie Warbler, which is now abundant in some areas.
In similar areas, occasionally, occurs the Pine-woods Sparrow.

Such brush and the resulting small bird population favor accipters, and
the Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned are now frequent all year. This increase
has probably been aided by the persistent shooting of the buteos, which are
easier to kill. However, the Red-shouldered, Red-tailed and Broad-winged
Hawks are still summer residents in small numbers. Sparrow Hawks are not
infrequent in winter, but quite scarce during the summer; Marsh Hawks
occur sparingly in winter. Bald Eagle, Duck Hawk and Pigeon Hawk have
occurred (which is about all that can be said on that matter), with occa-
sional Ospreys, most noticeable during the spring.

Screech Owls and even Barred Owls have made some adjustment to city
life, while Great Horned Owls still occur nearby. A Barn Owl is occasionally
seen, but no nest has been located. Poisoning of rats is widespread, but we
have no knowledge of its effect upon the owl population.

The Piedmont section, having been above the sea from ancient times, had
no natural impoundments of water. The numerous reservoirs and farm
ponds, constantly increasing, constitute a new asset in the environment for
water fowl and shore bii’ds. A wide variety of ducks occur during the winter,
including Mallard, Black, Gadwail, Baldpate, Pintail, Green-winged Teal,
Blue-winged Teal, (in migration) Redhead, Ring-necked, Canvas-back,
Scaup, Golden-eye, Buffle-head, Ruddy Ducks and others. Ducks come to
new ponds during the first two or three years, but are persistently shot and
return less frequently. Proper management of this new pond resource could
increase our winter population of wild fowl tremendously. Canada Geese
occasionally pass over the area in small numbers.

Wood Ducks occur, but we have no nesting record of recent years. A few
years ago, our local club erected Wood Duck boxes at the city lake; but,
since that time, dry weather and increased consumption have caused the
level of the water to drop five or six feet each summer, leaving a wide bare
area around all the shores which would be fatal to ducklings. There is good
reason to expect that such public reservoirs will continue to fluctuate; but
private ponds could provide numerous nesting facilities.

There is extensive predation by dogs and cats. On a recent drive it ap-
peared that almost every fence row, ditch, and thicket had one or more cats
patiently waiting by the edge of the weeds for some unwary sparrow to fly
out of the shelter.

Box Turtles are common, with consequent damage to ground nesting-
birds; while Snapping Turtles seem to be available for every new pond, with

March, 1954

3

consequent hazard for water fowl. Hattlesnakes and Cottonmouth Moccasins
do not appear to have ever occurred in the immediate area. Copperheads,
King Snakes, Hog-nosed Snakes and Black racers were formerly frequent,
but are now seldom seen. Ring-necked Snakes, Garter Snakes, Green
Snakes and the small Ground Snakes are present, as well as the common
Water Snakes.

Raccoons are rare; while Opossums are common and appear to be increas-
ing, both in the city and country. Flying Squirrels seem to widely take
advantage of city bird boxes and feeding trays. Gray Squirrels are common ;
no Red or Fox Squirrels. Occasional Minks and Weasels remain, but are so
rare as to have slight effect. Foxes are introduced from time to time, and the
usual controversy between fox-hunters and land owners flares up regularly.

For some years Ring-necked Pheasants were raised and released in this
area, but disappeared within a few years. However, both Bob-white and
Pheasant culture are not uncommon as a hobby, and local men have re-
markable success in raising Bob-whites in small cages over wire.

Woodcock and Snipe occur during migration, and Woodcock are presumed
to occasionally nest. Killdeers are common, but our area is extremely weak
on other shore birds. While the occurrence of shore birds is eri’atic and
small in number, quite a variety of species have turned up from time to time.

White-breasted and Brown-headed Nuthatches are summer residents and
are joined by the Red-breasted in the winter. Flickers, Hairy, Downy, Red-
bellied and Red-headed Woodpeckers are I’esidents, Sapsuckers are present
during winter; but we know of no Pileated nearer than Greensboro.

The average complement of passerines occur in the city and on the farm.
Scarlet Tanagers have been summer residents in the area for the past three
consecutive years; Rough-winged Swallows and Purple Martins nest in the
area, other swallows pass through on migration. The summer population
of Red-eyed Vireos is abundant. Yellow-throated Vireos not uncommon.
White-eyed Vireos common along the thickets, and the Solitary Vireo,
frequent in migration, occurs as the summer resident, the first nest in the
immediate area having been located last summer. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers
nest sparingly. Indigo Buntings and Blue Grosbeaks nest commonly in the
farm areas, as do Grasshopper Sparrows, Field Sparrows, Chipping Spar-
rows and Meadowlarks. Swamp, White-throat, Field and Song Sparrows
and Juncos are quite numerous during the winter, Savannah Sparrows
not uncommon, an occasional Fox Sparrow and erratic Chipping Sparrows.

Starlings are numerous; House Sparrows were very numerous a dozen
years ago, but suffered a great population decline, from which they have
recovered somewhat, and are now present in moderate numbers.

Crackles and Red-wings nest locally and large flocks are present during
migrations and often in the winter, sometimes accompanied by a few Rusty
Blackbirds. Cowbirds are common on migration and a few individuals re-
main late into the summer; Bobolinks occur in spring and fall migration.

A prominent feature in present agricultural practices is the use of annual
lespedezas, sown with small grain, which develops into a thick cover follow-
ing the harvesting of the grain. This provides excellent cover against ero-
sion, but does not appear to be especially good for birds. The cover becomes
too thick for satisfactory nesting and mowing occurs at times hazardous for
ground nesting species. Bob-white will use lespedeza fields for roosting; .but

4

The Chat

I am advised that they do not consume the seeds because of the inability of
their digestive processes to penetrate the heavy seed coat. Therefore, the
lespedeza fields tend to be lather barren during the winter, and most of the
winter open field birds prefer dairy meadows and barnyards.

Seed production appears to be ordinarily quite adequate to carry the cus-
tomary wintering populations. Snows are infrequent and persistent snows of
any depth are rare. Natural water supplies seldom freeze over; occasional
sleets glaze over food supplies ; but this condition is usually of only a few
hours duration. After such sleets, tailless sparrows are sometimes seen.

For more adequate listing of birds of the area, see the Christmas Counts
of High Point, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem in the Audubon Field Notes
and The Chat. See also the reports of Greensboro and Winston-Salem Spring
counts in the The Chat. — High Point, N. C., Jan. 11, 195^.

[This article was read by Guy Emerson, Past President of the Audubon Society and well
known field ornithologist, while on a recent visit to Columbia. Many will recall his New
Horizons in Ecology in the Audubon Mapazinr. 54: 156-157 (May-June) 1952. Mr. Emerson
recommends The Web of Life by John Storer as “a first book in ecology”. This excellent
book, which T have just read, will be reviewed in the next issue of The Chat. — Ed.]

Audubon Wildlife Tours

To Readers of The Chat:

Would you like to see Florida (Sandhill) Cranes, Caracara, Limpkin,
Glossy Ibis and Burrowing Owls? Would you like to see them under the fol-
lowing conditions — sitting in the seat of a comfortable station-wagon, paying
no attention to where you are going or how to get there, only raising to your
eyes a pair of 7x or 9x Bausch & Lomb binoculars (furnished free of charge)
and looking through them when told to do so?

Would you like to see egrets, Anhingas, ducks, grebes, hawks, eagles,
vireos, warblers and Cattle Egrets? Would you like to go on a trip which is
as near guaranteed bird observation regarding species you want to see, as
is possible in this country? Then all you have to do is to come on an Audubon
Wildlife Tour out of Okeechobee, Florida.

If you want to see Roseate Spoonbills, Frigate-birds, Great White Herons,
Crocodiles, Alligators, all you have to do is go down to Miami after you
are through at Okeechobee and take the Audubon Wildlife Tour into the
Everglades and Keys. They would be four days you will never forget.

These tours will run through April. Why not write to the National
Audubon Society, 13 McAllister Hotel Arcade, Miami, Fla., and ask for
a tour folder, on which every trip is dated, with a box behind the date for
you to designate the trip you want? How would you like to eat a good hot
lunch at a fish camp on the shore of Lake Okeechobee, or sandwiches and
coffee on the banks of the Kissimmee River, or on a “hammock” on the
prairie with an Audubon warden? All you have to do is say when you
want to come — you will see what you came for! — Alexander Sprunt, Jr.
(In April of 191^9 I went on the Everglades Tour and, still look back upon it
as one of the greatest experiences of my life. The Tonr teas then in its
third year. Charles Brookfield told ns that one person had. taken this Tonr
fifteen times! — Ed.)

March, 1954

5

THE CAROLINAS CHRISTMAS COUNT FOR 1953

The presentation of our Christmas and spring counts in the tabular
form used in the past few years is undoubtedly the best method we have
ever used to show all of the facts. There are two disadvantages: it is
space consuming; and only a small part of our readers, numbering over
1,200, ever examine the tables for the data in them. Since all of the infor-
mation is available, or can be published, in Audubon Field Notes, our
serious workers will find it there. It is also available in our files, upon re-
quest.

The present narrative report is designed to be more readable; to give
high lights of our counts; and to permit more space to the other depart-
ments.

In the following 25 summaries, key figure results of the counts over
the past five years are given, if available, in chronological sequence begin-
ning with the Christmas count of 1949: Number of species / Number of
observers.

The Wilmington 1953 count is of particular interest. Their total of 162
species will be very close to the top figure over the whole country. The
lowest figure returned was from Linville, N. C., in the Grandfather Moun-
tain area. It was a substantial improvement over the count of 13 made on
the 1952 count.

AIKEN, S. C. Five year score : . . ; 40/1; 45/1; 52/1; 53/1. Dec. 31; clear;
temp 40° -55°. Same area as before. About 2000 individuals. Single observer,
William Post, Jr., Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Sedge Wren are note-
worthy. Kildeer count ran to 355. There were about 280 of them in the
1952 count.

CHAPEL HILL, N. C.; Five year score: ; 61/6; 75/16; 70/13; 69/17.
Dec. 27; clear; temp. 24°-50°. Area unchanged. About 2700 individuals,
which is a slight increase over last year’s count, and due in part to 400 Slate-

6

The Chat

colored J uncos. No marked departures from usual species. Eleven parties.
Compiler: Matt L. Thompson. Mi’s. Matt L. Thompson, Bobby Thompson,
Phillips Russell, Mrs. Guyon Johnson, W. L. McAtee, Dr. and Mrs. Gerald
MacCarthy, Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Kaigh, Miss Francis Yocum, Miss Mary
Yocum, Coyt Coker, Mrs. Adelaide Walters, Lt. Col. Mark Orr, Mr. and
Mrs. R. B. Sharp. (Chapel Hill Bird Club).

CHARLESTON, S. C. Five year score: 145/38; 137/27; 123/20; 126/18;
131/12. Dec. 26. Clear; temp. 29°-57°. Area as usual - including Bull’s
Island and adjacent mainland. The only rare find of the 131 species counted
was a Worm-eating Warbler on Bull’s Island (Sprunt et al). This warbler
is seldom found above the southern tip of Florida in winter. Compiler:
Alexander Sprunt, Jr. T. A. Becket III, William Coleman, Mr. and Mrs.
Rock Comstock, John Henry Dick, Robert Edwards, I. H. Metcalf, I. S. H.
Metcalf, James Shuler, Paul Sturm, Arthur Wilcox, Ellison Williams.

CHARLOTTE, N. C. Five year score: 47/11; 50/16; 55/11; 56/8;
58/12. Jan. 2, cloudy, 19°-51°. Individuals about 1450. A single Canada Goose
was not on previous counts in essentially the same area. Three parties,
exclusive of two feeder counts. Compiler: B. R. Chamberlain. Jean Burgin,
Mrs. B. R. Chamberlain, Norman Chamberlain, Mrs. Edwin 0. Clarkson,
Dick Crutchfield, J. P. Hamilton, Jane Little, Stephen Mahaley, Brem Mayer,
William Smith, Olin P. Wearn. (Mecklenburg Audubon Club).

COLLETON NECK, S. C. No previous count. Located near Blutfton,
about 25 miles NE of Savannah, Ga. This count: 85/1. Dec. 27, clear,
temp. 38°-57°. About 1800 individuals. An unusually good coverage for
a single observer: William Post, Jr. No very unusual species, excepting
possibly a Black & White Warbler.

COLUMBIA, S. C. Five year score: 50/9; 49/6; 59/7; 66/11; 65/12. Dec.
29. Heavy fog with intermittent rain all day; temp. 45° -60°. Area as usual
but somewhat limited by flooded sections. A single Am. Tree Sparrow was
rarest find. In 15 years of records for Lexington & Richland Counties, it
had not been seen until the above date. (According to S. C. Bird Life, up
to 1949 there had never been an actual record of this species in the state. On
Jan. 26, 1952 one was identified at Bull’s Island.) 3 White-crowned Sparrows
were also noteworthy. Compiler: Gilbert J. Bristow. Mrs. J. B. Frazier, Jr.,
Mrs. S. E. Hartin, Jimmy Hartin, Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Hendrix, Mr. and
Mrs. Edward Kissam, Edward C. Lee, David Monteith, Charles I. Simons,
Kay Sisson.

EASTOVER, S. C. Five year score: 47/3; 50/4; 44/3; 65/2; 60/3. Jan.
3, fair, temp 49° -65°. An abundance of Rusty Blackbirds, Killdeer, and
Eastern Meadowlarks. Coverage over the usual area, with the addition of
Goodwill Pond area. One party. Compiler: Mrs. W. H. Faver, W. H. Faver,
Mrs. Clyde Sisson.

ELKIN, N. C. Five year score: ,; 42/3; 36/2; 60/13; 54/13. Dec. 26,
fair, 20° -52°. Above 3000 individuals. Ducks were scarce due to ice. A
single Blue Goose, and about 220 Canada Geese were unusual. Other abun-
dant species: Mourning Dove, 226; American Robin, 600; Eastern Meadow-
lark, 188, Slate-colored Junco, 427. Compiler: E. M. Hodel, Tom Roth, Tom
Bryan, Jr., Bill Roth, Tom Hendren, Hugh G. Chatham, Hubert Willis, Mrs.
Linville Hendren, Mrs. E. M. Hodel, Rev. Fowler, Linville Hendren, Wendell
P. Smith.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. Five year score:
59/30; 59/34; 58/40; 57/30; 62/30. Jan. 3 clear to partly cloudy. Temp.
25° -55°. About 2900 individuals. The uniform number of species and the
large numbers of observers over the years is unusual and probably indi-
cates thorough coverage. There was little that was unusual in this year’s
species, excepting that White-crowned Sparrows are listed again. They
were carried in last year’s count, for the first time. Ten parties. Mary
Ruth Chiles, William Cole, Hugh Davis, Jr., Margaret Dickson, Larry

March, 1954

7

Doyle, Robert J. Dunbar, Mary Enloe, Keeton Griffin, Joseph C. Howell,
Don Hurley, John Jacobs, E. S. Janson, Richard Laurence, Mr. & Mrs.
Frank Leonhard, James E. Liles, Richard Lorenz, Mr. & and Mrs. R. A.
Moni'oe, Julia 1. Moore, Kenneth Newton, Mrs. E. E. Overton, Paul Pardue,
Robert Scott, HI, William F. Searle, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Stupka, Maryann
Stupka, James T. Tanner, Samuel R. Tipton, Lois Tucker (Tennessee Orni-
thological Society. National Park Service, and guests).

GREENSBORO, N. C. Five year score: 66/24; 74/24; 74/29; 77/32;
73/29. Dec. 27, nearly clear. Temp 27°-48°. No change in area. Thin ice.
Sixteen parties. Of the 12,000 individuals tallied, nearly one half were
Common Starlings. Other high counts were Slate-colored Juncos, 1523;
White-throated Sparrows, 626; Field Sparrows, 338. A single White-crown-
ed Sparrow is a new-comer to the Greensboro lists. Compiler: Thomas E.
Street. Dr. Hollis J. Rogers, C. R. Lamb, Hugh L. Medford, Jr., Mrs. W. F.
Smyre, Mrs. Robert E. McCoy, Oscar H. Paris, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. George W.
Perrett, Mr. & Mrs. G. W. Daniels, Mrs. W. C. Carr, John Carr, Mrs. R. H.
Weisner, Etta Schiffman, Ida Mitchell, Mrs. R. D. Douglas, Dr. & Mrs.
F. H. McNutt, Mr. & Mrs. F. H. Craft, Mrs. A. D. Shaftesbury, Edith Set-
tan, George A. Smith, Norris G. Grubbs, James R. Mattox, James W.
Furr, Lee Watts.

GREENVILLE, S. C. Five year score:. . .; 38/4; 52/7;. . .; 37/4. Jan. 2,
clear, 35°-50°. Same area as in earlier counts. No unusual species or num-
bers of individuals. There was a noticeable absence of ducks. Compiler: May
W. Puett. Ruth Gilreath, Gladys Hart, Lillian Hart.

HENDERSON, N. C. Five year score: 46/5 . . .; 43/3; 56/3; 53/3. Dec.
28, overcast. Same area. One party. Eleven species of water birds feature
this count. Last year there were 6 of these, and the year before that,
only 1. The change has been brought about rapidly by the recent building
of the Buggs Island Dam. It is safe to predict that this area will soon
show a marked increase in bird life generally. Cormorants, Canada Geese,
Mallards, Wood Ducks, Scaup, Buffiehead, and Coots, are already present.
Compiler: Miss Garnette Myers. Miss Mariel Gary, Mrs. A. W. Bachman.

HIGH POINT, N. C. Five year score: 49/18; 53/15; 56/12; 55/20; 58/17.
Dec. 26, weather data not given. No unusual features. The most abundant
bird was the Slate-colored Junco (272). Eight Water Pipits are noteworthy.
Compiler: Mrs. W. F. Ellis. Mr. & Mrs. James Mattocks, Mr. & Mrs. C.
B. Mattocks, Mr. & Mrs. C. C. Hayworth, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Eshelman.
Miss Barbara Brooks, Mr. W. F. Lawing, Miss Edith Sherrod, Mrs. Worth
Ivey, Mrs. Charles Siceloff, Miss Mary Alice Siceloff, Miss Genevieve
Moore, Mrs. Harry Alexander. (Catesby Bird Club).

LENOIR, N. C. Five year score: 33/18; .; 30/14; 31/6; 45/11. Dec.

30, foggy - clearing, temp. 40 “-45°. Three parties. Same area as before.
Mourning Doves compidsed about one quarter of the entire count of about
1450 individuals. Slate-colored Juncos numbered 160. The outstanding bird
was the White-crowned Sparrow. Thirty-six of them were counted. Last
year’s count carried none, and there was but one the year before that.
Compiler: Fred H. May, Mr. & Mrs. R. T. Greer, Mr. & Mrs. C. E. Lovin.
Mrs. G. M Goforth, Miss Cary Harrison, Mrs J S Bernard, Tom Parks.
Mrs. Fred H. May. (Lenoir Bird Club).

LINVILLE, N. C. Five year score: . ; . . .; . ; 13/1; 18/1. Jan. 3,

cloudy, rain, wind up to 50 m.p.h., temp. 31‘’-41°. Observer Fred W. Beh-
rend. “Terrific wind from morning to mid-afternoon, which naturally af-
fected observations as birds kept under cover. Two Red-shouldered Hawks
were low over the Linville Golf course. I was pleased to find a White-
throated Sparrow at the relatively high altitude of 3700 ft., just west of
Linville. Also Common Meadowlarks at high altitudes on wires and in
pastures”. A Ruffed Grouse was included in the count.

MOUNT OLIVE, N. C. Five year score: 58/1; 61/1; 66/2; . , ; 67/1.
Dec. 26, clear to partly cloudy, temp. 29° -52°. Area same as previous

8

The Chat

counts. One observer: Robert Holmes, 111. Two Orchard Orioles and 4 Balti-
more Orioles are features of this count. Both species were present and
closely studied several days before and after the count. The Orchard Orioles
are in the same predominantly yellowish plumage as the bird collected
at this feeder in the winter of 1945. On Jan. 2, 1954, ten orioles; four Balti-
more, and (i Orchard Orioles, were in a tree in Holmes’ yard at the same
time. An Orange-crowned Warbler in the count should be mentioned.
Total individuals were about 2900.

ORIENTAL, N. C. No previous count. This count partial. Two observers,
4% hrs. Jan. 2, cool, clear, windy, temp. 50°-60°. Total species, 31. The
list submitted was confined to land birds. Compilers: Mrs. C. S. Warren,
Dr. J. B. Warren.

PEA ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, DARE COUNTY, N.
C. Five year score: . . . ; 39/3; 33/4; . . . ; 61/30. Jan. 2, clear, temp. 19°-51°.
Three parties. The count was confined to the refuge part of the island
and its waterway approach. This accounts for the absence of Robins and
such species common to the mainland. Snow Geese were reported to have
begun migration in some thousands a few days before the count. The re-
maining number was estimated to be approximately 4000, with 2500 or
more Canada Geese still present. At least 150 Whistling Swans were seen.
Great Black-backed Gulls were estimated to number 50, and Herring Gulls,
2000. Pintail were plentiful, as were Black Ducks, American Widgeon, and
Ruddy Ducks. Compiler: B. R. Chamberlain. Anne S. Adams, Leon Bal-
lance, Gordon H. Brown, Mrs. B. R. Chamberlain, B. R. Chamberlain, Jr.,
Norman Chamberlain, Betty Clark, Phillip Davis, Frank Edgerton, III,
Hannah T. Fitzgerald, Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green, Mrs. A. H. King, Mrs.
M. B. Koonce, Harry W. McGalliard, Mr. and Mrs. Fred H. May, Frank
Meacham, Ethel McNairy, Sarah Nooe, Robert Overing, H. C. Phillips, T. L.
Quay, Lucile Rice, Etta Schiffman, Fannie G. Sutton, Lewis B. Turner, Mrs.
Margaret Y. Wall, Mrs. T. Y. Walker, Mrs. H. W. Walters (Carolina Bird
Club, Inc).

RALEIGH, N. C. Five year score: 62/8; 60/9; 60/10; 67/9; 74/12. Dec.
28, cloudy, temp. 38 ‘’-55°. Six parties. Practically same area as previous
counts. Total individuals, about 7,900, of which Starlings numbered 5,600.
Gadwall (2), and Redheads (4), raised the number of species of ducks to
13. The others: Mallard, Black Duck, American Widgeon, American Pin-
tail, Green-Winged Teal, Shoveller, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Les-
ser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck. Slate-covered Juncos numbered under
200. The last year figure was 737. Song Sparrows (100) were about twice
as plentiful as last year. A single Whistling Swan, not found on the count,
was reported Dec. 25, and still present Jan. 10. Compiler: D. L. Wray.
Will Hon, Robert Overing, Philip Davis, Mr. & Mrs. E. W. Winkler,
Johnny Winkler, James F. Green, Mrs. D. L. Wray, John Wray, Frank
Meacham, Mrs. Charlotte Hilton Green.

ROCKY MOUNT, N. C. Five year score: .; 53/3; 60/4; 48/3; 48/3.

Dec. 28, fair, temp. 28° -50°. Same area as in previous years. About 2000
individuals. Slate-colored Juncos being 12% of them, and Common Meadow-
larks a bit more than that. A single Bufflehead was unusual. Seventy-
three Mourning Doves were found in two concentrations of 42 and 26,
plus a few scattered. American Robins (10) were not to be found. Last
year they were estimated above 850. Compiler: M. H. Barney. C. D. Ben-
bow, J. W. E. Joyner.

SALISBURY, N. C. Not previously covered. This count: 44/3. Centering
on the city square, includes area along Grant’s Creek, High Rock Lake,
and areas east and south. Dec. 28, cloudy to overcast, temp. 42°-52°. Total
individuals about 1010. Ore party. Herring Gulls (12) and Ring-billed
Gulls (7), are noteworthy. There was but 1 Robin. Slate-colored Juncos
outnumbered all others by hundreds (339). Mourning Doves were estimated
at 130. Field Sparrows were plentiful (80). Both Kinglets were found.

March, 1954

9

Two Savannah Sparrows were seen. The other species were about usual
for the area. Future expanded coverage will swell both species and indi-
viduals. Recorder: R. H. Blair. Thom W. Blair, Thom W. Blair, Jr.

SANTEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, S. C. Five year score:
. . . ; . . . ; . . . ; 75/1; 70/1. Jan. 1, partly cloudy, temp. 32°-60°. Same area
as last year. (Some counts were made prior to 1949). One observer: Rob-
ert J. Lemaire. Over 12,000 individuals; eighty per cent of these were
geese and ducks. The breakdown: Canada Goose, 660; Mallard, 235; Black
Duck, 54; Gadwall, 1350; American Widgeon, 2300; Pintail, 2050, Green-
winged Teal, 400; Shoveller, 13; Wood Duck, 2; Redhead, 8; Ring-necked
Duck, 425; Bufflehead, 1; Ruddy Duck, 6. The figures above 1000 are
shown plus or minus 100. Coots were estimated at 1250. Other species
normal to the area were well represented. One Gray-cheeked Thrush is
noteworthy. One was found in the Wilmington count. Field Sparrows (173),
were the most abundant of that group.

TODD, N. C. One previous count - 1952: 25/5. This count, 21/5. Jan. 3,
temp. 24°-42°. Strong wind up to 40 m.p.h. Ground frozen at higher alti-
tudes. Same area as last year. Individuals, 237. Two parties. An Osprey
was probably the most unusual bird of the count. Bob-whites, included last
year, were not found again. Towhees were less abundant and so were
Juncos - probably due to the high wind. Compiler: Mrs. A. Burman Hurt.
1. W. Carpenter, J. Leon Coulter, James Miller, Jack Neal.

WILMINGTON, N. C. Five year score; 136/22; 147/16; 141/14; 142/15;
162/15. Dec. 28, cloudy all day, temp. 41°-58°. Area unchanged. Seven
parties. Total individuals about 24,700, about twice last year’s figure.
Only three species above 1000: Canada Goose, 1050; Ring-billed Gull, 1010;
Red-winged Blackbirds, 8,200. Best finds: a Whistling Swan, near Orton’s
Pond (E. Appleberry, M. Baker, and Messenger); American Brant (McAl-
lister and Butters); Barn Swallows (15); Gray-cheeked Thrush (Funder-
burg, S. Baker). Black and White Warbler (Holmes); Prairie Warbler
(Holmes) ; Orange-crowned Warblers (5 - Holmes, Messenger, Mebane in
widely separated areas) . A Peregrine Falcon and a Pectoral Sandpiper
should also be noted. Compiler: Edna Appleberry. Cecil Appleberry, Mary
Baker, Sam Baker, Tom Butters, Clifford Comeau, John Funderburg, Bob
Holmes, III, Bill James, Claude McAllister, Don McAllister, Polly Mebane,
Steve Messenger, Mary Urich, Marie Vander Schalie (Wilmington Natural
Science Club.

WINSTON-SALEM, N. C. Five year score: 53/12; 54/19; 62/11; 54/8;
61/14. Jan. 2, clear, temp. 30°-57°. Some ice in the morning. Area same
as in previous counts. Six parties. About 7,700 individuals. Highest indi-
vidual count. Starlings (5000), next highest. Slate-colored Juncos (380).
One hundred-thirty Canada Geese were seen. Last year’s figure was 370.
Horned Larks numbered about 100. Both Kinglets were found. Compiler:
Edward B. Kissam. W. B. Cromer, Mrs. W. S. Ellington, Mr. and Mrs.
John Gatewood, Mrs. E. B. Gatewood, Mrs. E. B. Kissam, Dr. and Mrs.
T. W. Simpson, Lucia Simpson, Dr. and Mrs. M. P. Spencer, J. L. Stephen-
son, R. N. White, Mrs. Wortham Wyatt.

(The Columbia and Charleston, S. C. counts were late getting in so do
not appear on the spot map on page 6. — Ed.)

— B. R. C., Mattheivs, N. C., Jan. 18, 1954.

Mr. and Mrs. Julian Hankinson, Rt. 3, Spartanburg, S. C., good friends
of mine, have 500 pounds of Giant Russian ungraded sunfiower seeds to
sell. 5 lb.— $1.50; 10 lb.— $2.55; 25 lb.— $5.50.— Ed.

Man feels himself an infinity above those creatures who stand, zoological-
ly, only one step below him, but every human being looks up to the birds.
They seem to us like emissaries of another world which exist about us and
above us, but into which, earth-bound, we cannot penetrate. — E. C. Keith.

10

The Chat

• BACKYARD BIDDING

\ C ANNIE RIVERS FAVFR. Dep.irtmfnt Editrif

■A*.

«A J^’A^

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Albinism or partial albinism in various species of birds makes an in-
teresting subject for study in backyard birding. In complete albinism, we are
told by Dr. T. L. Quay, of the Zoology Department of North Carolina State
College, that the hereditary determiner for color is entirely absent so the
bird is all white. With partial albinism, the color determiner, or gene, is
present and active, but something prevents the carrying out of the process in
local areas. The order goes through to all parts, but something along the
line (chemical determiner, process, or group of cells) fails in its duty, and
we have a bird that is normally colored in some of its plumage but is white
or light-colored in the remainder. Naturally, these white or oif-colored birds
are very conspicious, and always cause much excitement when located.
The first one I ever saw was a white Junco in the yard of Mrs. Julian
Buxton’s home in Sumter, S. C., about two years ago. That same year, I
received many reports of a white blackbird having been seen in a large
fiock on the broad pastures of the. Wateree Hereford Farm near by. I went
several times to look for the bird but never did find that particular group
of birds. There are many House Sparrows here in the town of Eastover, and
on two occasions we have caught glimpses of a partial albino as a flock flew
over our oifice. This bird seemed to be mostly white about the body, with the
wings, head and tail of the normal color.

Mr. G. R. MacCarthy, of Chapel Hill, sent in the following item;

Late in the afternoon of November 1, 1953, a partial albino Robin visited
our feeding station. It was regular “robin color” on its head, wings and tail.
There was some red on its breast, but the body, under the wings, across the
shoulders, and the lower back of the neck were snow white. I attempted to
photograph it, but it got away before I could get my camera unlimbered.
This was the only time we saw this bird, and — so far as I can find out — it
has not been seen by any other members of the Chapel Hill Bird Club.

Mr. Tolliver Crunkleton of Highlands, N. C., reports that on June 21,
1953 he had entered the following paragraph in his record book concerning
a Brown Thrasher that had been hatched in his yard; “Brown Thrasher
— white on forehead and neck. Slate-blue elsewhere, except primaries and
tail, dull brown. Eye, greenish gray. Faint dusky streaks below. Seems to
have difficulty in moving about.” It disappeared from his feeding station
about a week after he wrote that, and he didn’t know what happened to it.
He also told of a Towhee that was all gray on one side, the other side being

1 1

March, 1954

of normal color. (This gentleman says that the writers of bird books should
mention that young Brown Thrashers are blue-eyed! Does everyone agree?)

Mr. Harry Hampton of Columbia, S. C., in his column IFoods and Waters
in the Columbia State, told this fall of having seen a partial albino Blue-
bird. He said that it was blue on the back, with the reddish breast of the
Bluebird, but the head was white and seemed to have some spots or streaks
on it. There also seemed to be some white around the rump where it should
not be. This bird was seen twice by Mr. Hampton and his family.

About three years ago in the early summer, Mrs. Ed Henderson saw a
partial albino Carolina Wren in her yard at 1615 Valley Road, Columbia,
S. C. It was an immature and was very light in color, almost beige to
greyish, with the normal rusty brown coloration showing on the tips of
the wing feathers. It was with three other young Wrens all of which were
in the ordinary plumage. Mrs. Henderson watched it for several days and
then collected it and gave it to the University of South Carolina at Colum-
bia, S. C., for its collection in the new LeConte Building.

From New Bern, N. C., Judge Henry A. Grady gives us a glimpse of bird
watching from a legal slant:

My home is on a long, narrow ridge, which extends from the public
road to the Neuse River. There is a deep ravine on the north and south
sides of my house, and to the south of me is a dense forest. In the tall
pines just over the southern ravine there is a colony of Crows. I have
made friends with them as far as possible, and they come into my yard
at times, without any apparent fear, for I let no one bother them.

Yesterday morning while I was sitting on my front piazza I heard a
terrible disturbance among the Crows. I decided that they were either
holding an election or court martial. I got my large book. Birds of
Amenca, and found pretty soon that Crows do in fact hold their courts,
condemn prisoners and execute them. I went back to my seat and
listened in on the performance. Witness after witness testified, the
presiding judge would make remarks at times, and finally there came
a verdict from the jury, and I knew that the prisoner had been con-
demned. My book says that when the jury decides against a prisoner
that a committee is appointed to execute him, and they do this, first
by picking his eyes out, then they jump on him and he is soon liquidated.

Now, for my question: This particular prisoner, so it appeared later
on, was a stranger who had attempted to join the colonv without a
passport, and without naturalization papers. The executioners were
not able to handle him, and he got away. I know that to be true for he
came across my yard with the speed of a jet plane. The thing that
attracted my attention was his color. Normally, crows are black, as
evervone knows. But this Crow had two wide white bands going around
his body, one just under his wings, with the other about two inches
further back. Did you ever hear of such a thing?

Sketch hy Will Hon

HOOKS

A Guide to Bi)d Fi)idi)ig ITc’s/; of (fie Mississippi. Olin Sewall Pettingill,
Jr. xxiv 709 pp.; illus. with line drawings by George M. Sutton. $G.()0.
Oxford University Press, N. Y. 1953. In this companion volume to his
Guide to Bird Finding East of the Mississippi {Chat 16(1), March, 1952),
Pettingill maintains the same high standards of accuracy, descriptiveness,
usefulness, and readability established in the earlier work. The travelling-
bird watcher may now carry a ready guide to ornithological adventure
anywhere in the United States.

For each state there are descriptions of the physiographic regions,
natural areas, and communities, lists of both the characteristic and espe-
cially distinctive birds and where and how to find them, directions to
special birding spots and what to see there, migration dates, aggregation
points, where to stay, whom to see, and even references to the literature.
Dr. Petting-ill’s Guides will not only save much time and effort for seasoned
travellers but should also encourage others to go more often on out-of-
state birding trips. Pettingill says, “Whereas I once believed that there
were only a few states with truly exciting- places to find birds, I now

know that every state encompasses at least several spots waiting to en-

rich a bird finder’s quest for the interesting and the unusual. All in all,
there are enough places in our nation, each peculiarly inviting, to keep
the bird finder ‘on the go’ for a lifetime.” — T.L.Q.

Birds as Individuals. Len Howard. 219 pp.; illus. with 32 full-page photo-
graphs by Eric Hosking. $4.00. Doubleday and Co., Inc., Garden City,

N. Y. 1953. This is an amazing, almost incredible, book, yet favorable
comments and reviews by outstanding authorities, and the ring of the
hook itself, leave no doubt of its full authenticity.

Miss Howard lives in the country and has that rare ability of living
and moving among- birds without their being afraid of her. She has thus
watched and studied their normal behavior under fearless conditions. This
is a great scientific and artistic achievement, and the results give us an
absorbing unusually valuable story. Miss Howard has learned that birds
display considerably greater individual differences and manifestations of
intelligence than has ordinarily been supposed. She learned to know gen-
eration after generation of individual birds at sight and without any
markings or bands. Her birds roosted in her house, searched out her food
supplies, landed on her fingers as she typed, and even played games with
her. I unreservedly recommend this book both as entertaining- reading and
scientific literature, and hope that everyone in the Carolina Bird Club
will come to know it. — T.L.Q.

An Album of Southern Birds. Photographs by Samuel A. Grimes. Text
by Alexander Sprunt, Jr. 103 pp., 9 x 12 inches. University of Texas
Press, Austin, Texas. 1953. Samuel Grimes is perhaps the best-known
photographer of birds in the southern states. He lives in Jacksonville,
Florida, and gets out to “luck-up” and photograph birds and their nests
as often as his engraving business will allow him. In this volume are
brought together 103 different full-page photographs, 4 in color, of dis-
tinctively southern birds, all by Mr. Grimes. Nearly every picture is at
or near the nest, with both adults and young or eggs, and each attests to
the skill and patience of the photographer. Other photographers will ap-
preciate the full information with each photograph on camera, lens, open-
ing, and speed.

Alexander Sprunt has written a warm and revealing introductory bio-
graphical sketch of his great friend, Sam Grimes. Mr. Sprunt’s vividly
descriptive captions catch the essence of each bird, as: Water Turkey —
Remnant of the Age of Reptiles, the Snakebird is almost a modern icthyor-
nis. A strange, silent dweller in cypress gloom and willow swamp — re-
mote, fantastic, unearthly. Swainson’s Warblers — Elusive phantoms of
swampy lowlands, their ringing song drifts eerily over blue palmetto,
cane, and cypress, ever luring one on into the shadowy fastnesses,— T.L.Q.

M ■

PEA ISLAND WILDLIFE

l‘}totO{iraph by Gordon H. Broirv, Courtesy of S. C. Wildlife Resources Dept.

Midwinter Field Trip At Pea Island

The twenty-eight hardy CBC members who journeyed to the North
Carolina Outer Banks for the mid-winter field trip at Pea Island National
Wildlife Refuge were amply rewarded with perfect weather and with the
thrill that comes from watching Gannets by the hundred and Snow Geese
by the thousand, not to mention the jeep and truck trips around the fresh-
water ponds where rafts of Coots, Ruddy Ducks, Pintails and Canada Geese
abounded. Interspersed among the smaller fowl were 150 Whistling Swans.

Some of us watched three Otter playing about in the water and saw
several long Otter slides on the dikes. A short distance tiway we came upon
a Muskrat eating at the water’s edge.

The Refuge officials, who were our companions and guides on the island,
showed us a goose trap, and explained how it is baited and operated. About
200 geese have been trapped, weighed sexed and banded this season.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is within the newly-formed Cape
Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area and can now be reached
by hard-surfaced road, except for the ferry, “The Governor Umstead” at
Oregon Inlet. Hunting is permitted in some parts of the Recreational Area,
but is not pex’mitted in the Refuge or its adiacent closed waters, according to
present laws.

The Carolinian Hotel at Nags Head provided plenty of rest and good
food. The driftwood-decorated dining room drew many comments, and
probably inspii’ed the large collection of driftwood brought back in the truck
by bird watchers.

This was without question one of the best field trips we have ever had.
Bob Wolff, Field Trip Chairman, did a splendid job in making arrangements,
and we regret that he could not be with us at the Refuge on January 2.
All who did make the trip vowed to return to this section of the Outer Banks
sometime soon, where Snow Geese winter and Old Christmas is celebrated.

— Robert Overing

14

The Chat

The Status of Migratory Hawks in the Carolinas

Thomas W. Simpson

Interest in the migration of hawks through eastern North America has
been stimulated by the discovery of phenomenal flights at certain concen-
tration points along mountain ridges and coastal peninsulas. Some of
these points, like Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania and Cape May, New
Jersey, became known to gunners who turned them into scenes of carnage
during the fall migrations. In latter years, organized hawk-shooting
has been discouraged to some extent by the establishment of sanctuary
areas at these crucial points, where birds of prey coming from extensive
areas in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States would con-
verge into vulnerable flocks and meet mass destruction in the narrow
flight lane along the ridges or sand dunes. (1). Continued observations
in the New England and Middle Atlantic states over the past decade,
with careful tabulation of hawks passing certain vantage points, have
been rewarded by the recognition of definite flyways. Recently these
studies have been coordinated on a state-wide and regional basis under
the direction of Chandler S. Robbins, pi’esent editor of Audubon Field Notes.
Participation of observers in the southeastern states began in 1949, when
Fred W. Behrend and others of the Tennessee Ornithological Society made
their first systematic search for hawks migrating through that state. In
1951, a group was organized for the same purpose in South Carolina by
William P. VanEseltine. The cooperative effort was extended to include
North Carolina in 1952, through the endeavors of Thomas L. Quay and
the writer. Activities of these groups have been summarized in several
previous contributions (2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Although most of the data on hawk
migration refers to the Broad-winged Hawk, Buteo 'platy'pterus, and its
fall migration in the mountains, it is felt that attention can be given
to other species, times and places. The following background material is
presented as an attempt to orient further study of migratory birds of
prey in the Carolinas and adjacent states.

Evidence of Hawk Migration from Seasonal Distribution Records

Sight and collection records of hawks from various localities throughout
the year, aside from the observation of mass flights in obvious migration,
may be used to evaluate the migratory status of each species. A marked
seasonal fluctuation in the abundance of a species may be taken, with
some reservations, to indicate a migratory shifting of the population into
or away from the region. Information contained in the standard works
on the bird life of North Carolina (7) and South Carolina (8), supple-
mented by check-lists for Georgia (9) and Virginia (10), shows that our
recorded birds of prey m.ay be grouped in the following manner:

(a) Permanent breeding resideyits, possibly wandering but without
striking seasonal fluctuation in abundance: Probably only the Turkey
Vulture and, except in the mountains, the Black Vulture. Even these
probably migrate.

(b) Permanent breeding residents, but with considerably augmented
numbers in winter (implying migration of individuals into the region from
elsewhere): Sharp-shinned Hawk (rare in summer). Cooper’s Hawk, Red-

March, 1954

15

tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Marsh Hawk, and Sparrow Hawk (rare
on coastal plain in summer).

(c) Permanent breeding residents, but less numeimis in winter (im-
plying migration of individuals away from the region without replacement) :
Osprey (nesting along coast in summer, transient elsewhere throughout
year).

(d) Smnmer breeding residents, with migration of almost entire popu-
lation elsewhere in winter: Swallow-tailed Kite (uncommon along coast,
rare elsewhere), Mississippi Kite (fairly common coastal S. C., much less
common elsewhere). Broad-winged Hawk (chiefly piedmont and moun-
tains), Peregrine Falcon (mountains).

(e) Transients and Winter Residents, migrating through the Carolinas
and some individuals loitering all winter: White-tailed Kite (accidental
in S. C.), Harlan’s Hawk (accidental in S. C.), Swainson’s Hawk (acci-
dental in S. C.), Roughlegged Hawk (rare). Golden Eagle (rare), Bald
Eagle (nests in late winter and early spring along coast, transient inland),
Audubon’s Caracara (accidental in S. C.), Peregrine Falcon (status out-
side of mountains), and Pigeon Hawk. Goshawk reported from Virginia
in winter, but no conclusive records from the Carolinas.

The single glaring omission is the presence of the Broad-winged Hawk
as a fall migrant, in the mountains of North Carolina at least, often in
astounding numbers. It is most remarkable that this fact escaped the
notice of observers and went uni-ecorded, to the knowledge of the writer,
until 1950 (11).

It may be inferred from the above arrangement that virtually all of
our recorded species are subject to seasonal population shifts and may
therefore be regarded as “migratory” in some degree*. However, for
more precise information one must turn to methods other than analysis
of distribution data.

Recognition of Migratory Subspecies

A sharply limited approach is that of identifying races of certain species,
such as the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Sparrow Hawk, which come
from elsewhere to add their numbers to the resident race at some seasons.
Thus, Buteo lineatus lineatus has been taken in South Carolina only from
Sept. 23 to April 16 (8), indicating a southward migration of this sub-
species during the colder months to augment the resident population of
Buteo /. alleni. While the smaller race of Sparrow Hawk, Falco sparveiius
paulus, is a rare permanent resident of coastal South Carolina, almost all
of the winter hawks are migrant Falco s. sparvenus.

Recovery of Banded Migrant Hawks

Banding would appear to be a highly specific means of tracing migrant
hawks. Yet, hawks cannot be banded in large numbers as a rule, like those
species which nest in colonies or roost in aggregate flocks. Hawk nests
are often almost inaccessible and nestlings few. Recovery is likewise difficult,
since they cannot (or certainly should not) be collected in large numbers,
as would be permissible with water fowl and game birds in season, or
with undesirable species. For these reasons, banding has not been particu-
larly helpful in studying hawk migration. A notable exception is the
splendid work of Charles Broley in tracing the migrations of Bald Eagles

* The technical term “Permanent Resident” denotes that individuals of the species may
be found throuKhout the year, hut does not necessarily reflect the seasonal distribution of
the bulk of the population. It would appear to be a term of limited usefulness, which often
obscures the status of true migrrants.

16

The Chat

by means of the banding- techriique. His work is well known, and, although
several of his recoids pertain to the Carolinas, no further mention need
be made here. Aside from this highly significant contribution, only a
handful of banding records are found in our regional literature. These in-
volve the Turkey Vulture (8), Red-tailed Hawk (7), Red-shouldered
hawk (7), Osprey (7), Marsh Hawk (12), and Sparrow Hawk (8). All
except the latter refer to birds banded during the spring and early sum-
mer in states to the north and recovered in the spring in North or South
Carolina. Th Osprey record, if accurate, is of additional interest in that
the bird was reportedly banded on Gardiner’s Island, New York, June 15,
1914, and recovered nearly sixteen years later, on April 4, 1930, at West
Durham, N. C. Sparrow Hawks banded in Massachusetts, New York,
Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have been recovered in winter in South
Cai-olina (8).

Observations of Mass Flights

Though subject to definite handicaps, such as the difficulty of having ob-
servers in the right place at the right time, this approach to the problem
of hawk migration has certainly been the most immediately rewarding.
It depends entirely on finding vantage points from which the passing-
migrants can be watched. Such observations can hardly be made except
during- the daylight hours and fortunately, diurnal migration appears to
be an attribute of hawks and their allies. Observations of hawks in flight
are, of course, only significant when a given species appears in substantially
increased numbers during the migration season. Most significant are definite
flocks seen passing in the same direction along a recognizable pathway,
such as a coastline or a series of connecting- mountain ridges.

Broad-winged Hawk Flights in the Mountains

When the cooperative studies on hawk migration were extended into the
Southeastern states, it seemed desirable to place emphasis on the Broad-
winged Hawk flighits. In the first place, the largest single aggregations of
migrating hawks seen from favorable vantage points in more northern
states were always Broad-wings. For example, during- twelve seasons at
Hawk Mountain (1934-1942, 1946-1948), Dr. Maurice Broun tabulated
75,207 Broad-wings, or 41.86% of the total number of 15 species. Flight
lanes of this species had been traced from New England into Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, Maryland, and West Virginia. Since Broad-wings are known
to winter in the tropics of Central and South America, it seemed apparent
that the flight lanes continued across the Southeastern states, probably
to the Gulf of Mexico. Observers therefore expected to find large flocks
of Broad-wings in the southern Appalachians during the last half of Sep-
tember. There has been abundant confirmation of this, up to a point. Flocks
of Broad-wings have been reported regularly during the last four years, in
flight down the Clinch Mountain from Virginia into northwestern Tennessee,
and along the Appalachians at the boundary between Tennessee and North
Carolina, at least as far south as the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park.

The first reported observation of a mass flight of Broad-winged Hawks
in North Carolina known to the writer is that of W. M. Johnson (11).
This observer, a member of the Tennessee Ornithological Society from

March, 1954

17

Knoxville, describes the soaring of several flocks over the Blue Ridge
Parkway between Little Switzerland and Mount Mitchell on September
25, 1950. A total of 2,322 Broad-wings were counted, with the largest
group numbering 450.

C. W. Senne of the National Park Service, in a letter to Dr. Maurice
Broun, dated September 9, 1952 and later forwarded to the writer, states:
“I was on the Blue Ridge Parkway on the afternoon of September 24, 1950.
The weather was fair and warm. There must have been at least two
thousand (2,000) Broad-winged hawks coming over Mt. Mitchell from
the northeast and heading in a southwesterly direction. The time was be-
tween 4 and 5 p. m. EST, and the hawks were flying at levels of from

100 feet above the ground level to several hundred feet altitudes. The
hawks were positively identified as Broad-wings.” This observation and
the one made on the next day by W. M. Johnson and party, noted above,
gave the first indication that a flyway existed in the Blue Ridge portion
of the southern Appalachians. In 1952, Behrend reported 128 Broad-wings
near Table Rock Mountain and Johnson reported 160 near Mount Mitchell,
on September 25 and 29, respectively. In 1952, 120 Broad-wings were

sighted by the writer and Mrs. Simpson at Doughton Park on the Blue

Ridge Parkway, as they left a roost and began to soar on thermal up-

18

The Chat

drafts. Reports of flocks nuinberiiip' 29 at Highlands by Tolliver Crunkle-
Both of these localities lie near the North Carolina - Georgia line at the
southern terminus of the Appalachians. These points represent the
farthest extension of the flight lanes in North Carolina, leading directly
into upper South Carolina and Georgia. In addition to the above localities,
numerous observers in 1952 (including 108 attending the fall meeting
on the Blue Ridge Parkway) reported Broad-winged Hawks in small
flocks, soaring on thermals in a southwesterly direction along migration
lanes. Again in 1953, similar observations confirmed the presence of a
Bi’oad-wing flight lane down the Blue Ridge. Especially impressive have
been the consistent flights at Houghton Park and Thunder Hill on the
Blue Ridge Parkway. Reports of Broad-wings from North Carolina ex-
clusive of the mountains and from South Carolina have not related to mass
flights in obvious migration.

. The best Broad-wing flights at Hawk Mountain and other points along
the Kittatinny Ridge in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey have
been associated with strong’ northwesterly winds. These favorable winds
occur in the presence of a low pressure system to the north, attended by
cyclonic (or counter-clockwise) circulation of air currents. These winds,
blowing against a barrier ridge, produce strong updrafts or “deflective

March, 1954

19

ton and 98 at Brasstown by Mrs. Lynn Gault were of particular interest,
currents”, which are utilized by hawks in soaring parallel to the ridge
(Fig. 1).

Once a flight has started, the hawks appear to seek out unerringly
the most adaptable course. Observations in our regions would seem to in-
dicate a rather diffuse flyway consisting of numerous possible lanes of
travel, depending on prevailing conditions of wind and other weather con-
ditions. This lack of consistency probably accounts for the sporadic records
of mass flights at any one point in the southeni Appalachians.

In contrast to close-in flight on deflective currents, most hawk flights
repoi'ted in our region have appeared to utilize “thermal currents”. These
are produced in the morning hours, as the sun heats the southeastern
mountain slopes. Columns of warmed air ascend through the cooler sur-
rounding layers persisting over shaded slopes. At a variable height, the
warm air condenses in the cold upper atmosphere, producing a small
cumulus cloud formation at the top of the “thermal”. Hawks soar on a
deflective current, or flap under their own power, into the base of a thermal
column and then ascend on fixed wings in easy spirals. After several
minutes, they have become small silhouettes nearly lost in the cloud at
the top. Then, one by one, they leave the sustaining column and assume
a long, flat glide which will carry them several miles into the base of
another thermal current. (Fig. 2).

Migration of Other Hawks on the Mountain Flyways

Several other species of hawks have been reported in apparent migra-
tion, usually along the same general pathway as the Broad-wings. Most
frequently seen are the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-tailed
Hawk, Marsh Hawk, and Sparrow Hawk. Peregidne Falcons and Pigeon
Hawks have both been reported in fair numbers and Dr. J. J. Murray
observed a “migration flight” of 35 Pigeon Hawks at Blowing Rock, with
Alexander Sprunt, Jr., on August 31, 1932 (13). Ospreys and Bald Eagles
have been seen occasionally along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall.
These records will be evaluated and reported when a sufficient number
accumulates.

Coa.stal and Off-Shore Flyways

It seems evident from sporadic reports that certain accipiters and fal-
cons occur in migration along the Atlantic coast of the Carolinas. Sprunt
and Chamberlain (8), in reference to the Pigeon Hawk, state, “South-
bound fall flights are particularly noticeable along the barrier beaches,
often at some distance from land. As an example, a steady though not
great flight including Pigeon and Cooper’s Hawks was noted on Octo-
ber 9, 1944, some 75 miles offshoi-e, headed toward Charleston (F.F. New-
man)”. H. G. Deignan (14) reported Pigeon Hawks on the Outer Banks
of North Carolina during the week of September 17-23, 1950, “as many
as five or six seen daily throughout the week, flying southward over the
dunes at Nags Head.” D. F. Crossan and R. A. Stephenson, Jr. (15) state
that Peregrine Falcons may be found regularly on the Outer Banks dur-
ing migration in September and October and many remain during the
winter. They add, “In addition to the Peregrines, during the latter part

20

The Chat

of September 1951, mass flights of Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp-shinned
Hawks were seen over a three day period along the banks in the vicinity
of Nags Head, N. C.” These reports indicate the need for methodical ob-
servations on the coastal islands during the migration seasons. There is
a strong possibility that significant hawk flights occur regularly off-shore,
within view of observers on fishing and pleasure craft.

This paper is a summary of current knowledge and not a tabulation of
census data. For this reason the hundred-odd observers who contributed
their records in 1952 and 1953 will not be acknowledged by name. We
hope that our 1954 studies will yield results which will warrant a statisti-
cal tabulation. Contributors should be listed as a group in this paper,
which would represent a true project report. — Wivston-Salem, N. C. — J(ni.
16, 195i.

References

1. Broun. Maurice. Hawks Aloft: The Story of Hawk Mountain. Dodd, Mead Company.
New York, N. Y. 1948.

2. Behrend, Fred W'. Fall Migrations of Hawks in 1951. The Migrant 22 :53-57 (Dec.)
1951.

3. . Fall Migrations of Hawks in 1952. The Migrant 23:62-65 (Dec.) 1952.

4. VanEseltine, William P. A Hawk Migration Project for the Carolinas. The Chat 16:6
(Mar.) 1952.

5. Simpson, Thomas W^ The Coming Season for Hawk Watching in the Carolinas. The
Chat 16:66 (Sept.) 1952.

6. . A Preliminary Note on the 1952 Hawk Migi’ation Project. The Chat 16:92

(Dec.) 1952.

7. Pearson, T. Gilbert, Brimley, C. S., and Brimley, H. H. Birds of North Carolina. Revised
Edition. North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Raleigh, N. C. 1952.

8. Sprunt, Alexander, Jr., and Chamberlain, E. Burnham. South Carolina Bird Life.
University of South Carolina Press. Columbia, S. C. 1949.

9. Greene, Earle R., Griffin, William W'., Odum, Eugene P., Stoddard, Herbert L., and
Tompkins, Ivan R. Birds of Georgia: A Preliminary Check-List and Bibliography of
Georgia Ornithology. The University of Georgia Press. Athens, Ga. 1945.

10. Murray, Joseph James. A Check-List of the Birds of Virginia. Virginia Society of
Ornithology. 1952.

11. Johnson, W. M. Migrating Hawks. (A mimeographed circular distributed to members of
the Tennessee Ornithological Society by the author) Knoxville, Tenn. 1950.

12. Smithwick, J. W. P. Marsh Hawk from Illinois. The Chat 16:47 (June) 1952.

13. Murray, Joseph James. Some Noith Carolina Bird Notes. The Chat 10:32-34 (Mar.) 1946.

14. Deignan, H. G. Bird Notes from the Banks of Dare County. The Chat 15:14 (Jan.) 1951.

15. Crossan, D. F., and Stephenson, R. A., Jr. Hawk Migrations Along the Middle Eastern
Seaboard. Delaware to North Carolina. Unpublished manuscript. 1953.

CBC Spring Meeting Notice

The annual Spring Meeting of the CBC will be held in High Point, N. C.,
on March 20, at the Y. M. C. A., 401 South Main St. There will be a field
trip at 6:30 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m., fee 25 cents. Business sessions and
papers will be presented both in the morning and afternoon. A tour of
wild flower gardens and a coffee hour will start at 4:00 p. m. The annual
dinner will be at 7:00 p. m., in the YMCA. Please send dinner reservations
($1.65) by Wednesday, March 17, to Miss Barbara Brooks, Chamber of
Commerce, High Point, N. C. Hotel Accommodations: (1) Sheraton Hotel —
single room with bath $4.00 up, double room (twin beds) with bath $8.00
up; Elwood Hotel — single room with bath $4.00 up, double room (twin
beds) with bath $7 50 up. Further details and the program will be sent
in the Newsletter.

March, 1954

21

GENERAL EIELD NOTES

Advisory Council: E. B. CTiambeiTain, Robert Holmes, Jr., Robert Overing,
Thomas W. Simpson, Arthur Stupka, Robert L. Wolff.

Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Route 1, Matthews, N. C.

This department will carry noteworthy data to the extent of the allotted
space. Bare lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will be held for
publication in regional groupings. All material should be sent to the Depart-
ment Editor. It may be presented in final form or subject to re-write. The
normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior to the issue date. Data
must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions.

Notes on North Carolina Coastal Colonies — On July 6 to 11, 1953, D. L.
Wray, Phillips Russell, John Gray and the writer made a trip to the Pea
Island - Cape Hatteras area. From Jack Ballance, Dare County Game Pro-
tector, we learned of a large colony of Laughing Gulls nesting on Durants
Island, near the Dare County “mainland.” He had no definite knowledge
of other colonies.

Arriving at the north side of Oregon Inlet, we found that the open sand
area that had a considerable colony of Black Skimmers last summer was
deserted except for two nests of Common Terns.

After a two hour wait we got the Ferry and noted that the usual large
colony of Laughing Gulls were nesting on Green Island, off our starboard
bow.

We reached Pea Island Station (once Coast Guard) where live Assistant
Refuge Manager and Mrs. Phillips. Here we rode out some severe light-
ning displays that shattered the kitchen chimney. We later took up resi-
dence at Tobe Tillet’s modern camp at the south side of Oregon Inlet.

Next morning our objective was Rookery Island where in past years we
had banded hundreds of Royal Terns. The area was much eroded by wind
and .wave, with no Royal Terns. One young Common Tern was banded and
a merganser escaped our clutches. We found 2 Least Tern nests with eggs.

We poled our boat a mile south to Jacks Island and the nearby scores
of acres of marsh lands. The latter were cut by winding ditch-like creeks
and slues, and along these, water-bush had grown about three feet above
the usual saw-grass and rushes. In the bushes we found 32 occupied nests
of Black-crowned Night Herons. The young were from flying stage to
newly hatched, and we banded 18 of them. Scattered in the marsh areas
we also found nests of marsh wrens and grackles.

The outboard motor refused to run and miles of boat poling ended
a long day.

We vaguely learned of other colonies of birds to the “suthard” around
Hatteras. The next objective, on July 9, was to search the flat beach where
Cape Hatteras points towards the Diamond Shoals. We found no indica-
tion of nesting colonies there.

From this beach we drove ten miles westward to the Village of Hatteras.
We learned that Black Skimmers were nesting on the open flat beach

22

The Chat

around Goosovilie Club, near the Inlet. Due to hot, dry weather, our vehicle
would not carry us thru this sand.

At the Buxton Post Office, we learned of a one-eighth acre island in the
sound recently made in dredging the harbor. We visited this island that had
been locally named Gull Island because the birds were nesting there. On
and around the meagre vegetation we found birds estimated as follows:
(50 Black Skimmers, 30 Common Terns, 6 Royal Terns, and 2 Cabot Terns,
all in flight. Of the young birds we banded 44 Black Skimmer, 3 Common
Terns, and 4 Royal Terns.

On July tenth, at Oregon Inlet, we awoke to find a northeast wind driv-
ing spray and sand over the beaches. We leaned into this and made our
way to some fiat ocean beach, near the surf, and here we found nests with
young Skimmers and Terns scattered for about two miles on the strand
just above the high water mark. The fine sand was sifting before the
wind and eggs and young birds were quickly covered when still for a
moment. Some of the larger Skimmers stretched our ability to overtake
them. Some made off into the roaring surf. We banded 2 adult Skimmers
and 35 young, and 5 Common Terns in this area. — Harry T. Davis, State
MHseinn, Raleigh, N. C.

For comparison with earlier records in this area, Mr. Davis has quoted
for us a letter from Game Protector Leon Thomas to Mr. Patton at Ral-
eigh, written in 1940, as follows:

“In regard to your letter of July 2 concerning skimmers and terns. Dr.
Pearson was here about the 10th of June, 1939. From New River Inlet
to Drum Inlet we found 12 colonies of these birds, with nests ranging
from 25 to 100 per colony. A total of all colonies amounted to 1500 to 2000
nests. Dr. Pearson made the statement that the last time he made a count
on these birds on this coast about 12 years ago, he found only 20 nests;
these were terns - no Skimmers.”

Regarding the Pea Island area specifically, D. L. Wray secui’ed from
Refuge Manager L. B. Turner the following data, largely on breeding
during the 1953 season:

Three broods of Pied-billed Grebes were successful in the North Pond
this year, as was one brood in the South Pond. We saw one brood in the
North Pond on July 8.

Gadwalls bred extensively on the ponds this year, and a total count of
402, adult and ducklings, was made during the season.

Of Black Ducks, a count of 83 adult and young was made during the
spring on the ponds.

Two pair of Ruddy Ducks were seen through the season on the North
Pond, in typical breeding plumage.

An adult Golden Eagle was around the Refuge from October 15, 1952
to March 1, 1953. An immature bird of this species was with the adult
the previous year.

Willets bred on the Refuge this season and the young were observed in
early July.

Mr. Phillips observed 2 Glossy Ibis on the Refuge during June, 1952.
Birds of note observed on July 8, 1953, on the Refuge, by John Gray, Phil-
lips Russell, Mr. Phillips and the writer were:

One Whistling Swan on the North Pond, suggesting a cripple; one adult
and one duckling Blue-winged Teal in the North Pond; one Common
Gallinule, on North Pond marshes.

The following typical birds were noted on July 8 on North Pond: Black-
crowned Night Herons, 40; Snowy Egrets, 20; Willets, 6; Great Blue
Herons, 4; Little Blue Herons, 72.

The following were quite commonplace on the Refuge: Barn Swallow
(nesting). Boat-tailed (jrackle (nesting). Red-wings, Semipalmated Sand-
piper, Thick-billed Plover, Black Skimmers, Laughing Gulls, Common
Terns, Least Terns, Tri-colored Herons, 16; Gull-billed Terns, 2; Least
Bittern, 4; Long-billed Marsh Wren (6 nests), and Forster’s Tern, 1.

March, 195^

23

Colonies in the Beaufort area were also visited during the summer and
commented upon by Holmes as follows:

On Radio Island, formerly Shark Shoal, now adjoining and south of
the Beaufort-Morehead City causeway in the mouth of the Newport River,
Carteret County, I found that the Skimmer colony this year (1953) was
smaller than last year, partly due to accessibility and human interference.
The island has been connected with the causeway and a road has been
built, and a commercial installation and new homes constructed.

A liberal estimate of the nesting birds this year would be 65 pairs of
Skimmers, 12 pairs of Common Terns, 15 pairs of Least Terns, 5 pairs
of Thick-billed Plovers, and a few Seaside Sparrows in the higher grass
spots. I found one pile of 16 eggs, indicating human interference. The
pair of Gull-billed Terns and pair of Oyster-catchers of last year were gone.

The Least Terns nested on the finer white sand in the depressions. The
Skimmers and Common Terns nested on the higher points with the surface
of the broken shells of darker color. Most of the nests were on the west
side of the low elevations, and all were scattered over an area of ten
acres or more.

Up Newport River, about a mile north of the causeway, I visited a
heron colony on Factory Island, once a Menhaden factory site, that has
now grown up to cedars and other small trees. I visited this on July 22
when most of the young birds were flying, and good estimates were diffi-
cult. I found Little Blue and Tri-colored Herons, Snowy and Common
Egrets, and Black-crowned Night and Green Herons, listed in the order
of their abundance. My count was about 150 adult birds with a number
of juveniles walking and climbing about the higher limbs of the trees.
I found a pair of Clapper Rails in the grassy border, with one downy
young. The hurricane “Barbara” of August 12 and 13 probably was late
enough to do little damage in these colonies.

Of the young birds found, I banded 45 Black Skimmers, 3 Common
Terns and 2 Least Terns on Radio Island; and one Clapper Rail and 5
Little Blue Herons on Factory Island. — Robert Holmes, III, Mt. Olive, N. C.

Notes on Interior Colonies. — With Harry Davis, the writer met Jim
Stephens at Lumberton, N. C., on June 30, 1953. We first visited Mr.
Stephen’s experimental areas where he is successfully rearing wild ducks
and geese in confined small areas. Then the writer and Mr. Stephens went
through the woods path, or backdoor route, to the rookery on Lennons
Marsh. There were fresh alligator trails along this route. Jim reported
that the White Ibis came to this rookery in considerable numbers this
spring, but he found no evidence of their nesting this year. On our visit
we found about 45 nests of Little Blue Herons in all stages from fresh
eggs to well-feathered young, about ready to fly. We saw two Great Blue
Herons, but no identifiable nest. At a roadside pond nearby we observed
Little Blue Herons in white, blue and piebald plumage. On one of the
sandy roads we came upon a large Canebrake Rattlesnake. We procured a
bag, let the reptile crawl in it and brought him back to the Museum. — D. L.
Wray, Raleigh, N. C.

A letter from Robert Wolff, written Oct. 11, 1953, tells us that the
Plymouth colony in Washington County has been wiped out. His account
follows :

“There were over one thousand active nests in 1952. Prior to that season,
Ken Trowbridge and Peter Leavitt, High School students in Plymouth,
built an observation platform in a tall pine that gave an excellent view of
the nesting birds. Weekly observations were made. In 1953, about two
weeks after the fii’st nests were constructed, and a few eggs laid, a gang
of lumbermen moved in and felled all usable timber. For about three weeks
following this, a few herons were seen in and out of the tract of woods,
but no nests were used. The new nesting site, if any, was not located
during the season.”

24

The Chat

Blue Goose Record for Upper IMedmont, S. C. — An immature Blue Goose
was seen on October 19, 1953, by Prof, and Mrs. Gaston Gage of Clemson
grazing on fescue grass near the shore of the Excelsioi' Finishing Plant
pond 2 miles southwest of Clemson. On several trips I confirmed the Gage’s
initial identification. The goose stayed at the pond for at least 5 (lays
At this same pond on October 21, Mrs. Wade and I saw one American
Coot (rare in this part of South Carolina), 5 Blue-winged Teal, 3 Green-
winged Teal, 5 Black Ducks, 2 Horned Grebes in winter plumage and one
Pied-billed Grebe. During the past 2 winters I have seen only 3 Horned
Grebes in the Clemson area. The rarity of Blue Goose records in the upper
Piedmont make the Gage’s record noteworthy. — Douglas Wade, Clemsim,
S. C.

Early Arrival Records for Canada Goose in Upper Piedmont, S. C. —
Sprunt and Chamberlain on page 107 of Smith Carolma Bi)d Life, list
“October 7 to May 1” as the wintering dates for Canada Geese in South
Carolina. On September 28, 1952, I obtained a count of about 60 Canada
Geese on Lake Issaqueena 6 miles north of Clemson, S. C. Canada Geese
were seen for the next 5 days on the lake. On October 7, 1953, W. H.
Purser and Waddy McFall of Clemson saw 13 Canada Geese on Lake
Issaqueena, and 2 days later I saw 11 Canada Geese on the lake. — Douglas
Wade, Clemsov, S. C.

Swallow-tailed Kite in Mountains — In view of the publication of the
Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides f. forficatus) in Pitt County, N. C. last
May (1953) by R. L. Wolff (Chat 17:93, 1953,) the following should be of
interest. Through corresponclence with my brother James, of Raleigh, I
am informed that on October 17, 1953, a single speciman of this kite was
watched for some time over a lake at High Hampton, Jackson County, N. C.,
by William L. Pressly of Atlanta, Ga.

Since this species is usually a rather early migrant as well as being very
definitely uncommon in interior Carolina (North or South), both the
locality and date are of more than passing interest. In South Carolina,
the nearest approach to the mountains at which this species has been ob-
served is Gaffney, Cherokee County, (Mar. 10, 1937). — Alexander Sprunt,
Jr., The Crescent, Charleston 50, S. C.

Osprey Behavior. — Lower Cape Fear River; warm and very foggy;
Nov. 30, 1953. Four of us, my brother Edgar Baker, Bruce Cartier, Eddy
Bell, and myself, went down river to our duck blinds. Shortly after 8:30
the fog lifted and the day turned into a beautiful bluebird day - windless -
cloudless - duckless. We left the blinds about 10:30, picked up the decoys
and started for home. Close by nun bouy 42, I noticed an Osprey circling
the marsh and pointed him out to the others. We watched him with the
binoculars for a few minutes, when, from down the river a lone Canvas-
back duck came loafing along just above the water. The Osprey immediately
went for altitude and got perhaps, 75 feet up when he did a half roll and
came down on the duck. It was not the plummet of the falcon, but a
swooping dive in which he flapped his wings once or twice. That was his
error, for before he got to the bottom of his dive the Canvas-back had
trebled his wing beat and was at least 20 feet in front of the Osprey’s
diving arc. The Osprey caught himself and continued his pursuit for only
a few seconds. The last we saw of the duck was a high speed speck cross-
ing the river into Brunswick County. — Sam Baker, Wilmington, N. C.

Peregrine Falcon at Columbia, S. C. — A Peregrine Falcon {Falca pere-
(ninus anatum) , or Duck Hawk, found dead on a street in Columbia, Rich-
land County, S. C., Jan. 2, 1954, appears to be the first record for the
county. The bird is a female, weighing 2 pounds, 15 ounces, when found.
It had a wing spread of 46 inches. I am now in the process of mounting
it. — Jere D. Eggleston, Columbia, S. C.

Ring-billed Gulls Near Edenton, N. C. — The Ring-billed and other spe-
cies of gulls often feed and rest in small groups in open fields along our

March, 1954

25

coastal waters. Individual gulls may be seen most any distance inland. On
Jan. 3, 1954 I found a compact flock of at least 400 adult Ring-billed Gulls
resting in a moist Winter Rye field bordering N. C. Highway 37 five miles
east of Edenton and five miles north of Albemarle Sound, the nearest large
body of water. This was at high noon. There were only about six immature
Ring-bills in the group. Eight Turkey Vultures seemed to be an essential
part of the aggregation. — T. L. Quay, Raleigh, N. C.

Mourning Doves: Mass Behavior in Watering. — Extreme dryness during
the past summer eliminated most standing water, marshland, and upper
soil_ moisture in the vicinity of Raleigh, thus making the lakes and a few
major streams the only open water supplies available to birds. Lake Johnson
itself (Raleigh’s 200-acre reservoir) was down to a level about eleven feet
below normal at the time of these observations. It isn’t strange, therefore,
that Lake Johnson should become a focal point for the watering of birds,
but some notes on their manner of flocking may be of interest, particularly
of the Mourning Dove, a game species. Robins in large numbers and at least
20 other species of birds were observed drinking here on the same afternoon.

Attention was first attracted to the dove flocking by a group of 95 seen
at 4:15 on the afternoon of Sept. 8 — the first day on which observations
were made at this time of day. During the following hour I kept continuous
track of the arrival of new birds and movement within the flock. Several
hundred birds were obviously present at the start and I counted 439 addi-
tions, many of them arriving singly or in “pairs.” Omitting the first flock of
95, there were 72 arrival groups, giving an average of 4.8 birds per flock.

Some birds made a semi-circle over the field before settling, but dropped into
the flocking area by the most direct route. In a few cases the individuals of
a flock landed at rather widely separated spots. Thus the arriving birds
gave an impression of independent birds or loosely associated flocks arriving
at a predetermined concentration point — a crescent-shaped area about 150
yards long located on a larger exposed mud flat covered with a sparse
growth of Tooth-cup (Rotata ramosior). After arrival the doves rested
quitely without feeding. At times small groups shifted from one section of
the crescent to another or circled far out over the woods, only to return to
the main body. Some birds, apparently a much smaller number, went into
an adjacent clump of medium-sized pines.

In the first 45 minutes no doves were seen moving to the stream, located
50 yards from one end of the crescent, but at 4:57 about 250 from that end
of the flock streamed over to the watering place. After four minutes small
groups began returning to the area they had left or going into the pines.

This continued until 5:07, when 200 doves from the next nearest segment of
the crescent flew to water in the same manner. Now there was much milling
around, and at 5:14 a third group of over 250 birds watered. At this time
over 300 unwatered birds remained quietly at the far end of the crescent,
indicating that a total of at least 1,000 doves were present.

The following day observation began at 3:30 P.M. at which time no doves
were present. By 4:40 less than a hundred had arrived, but at this time a
flock of about 200 came in. After that arrivals came consistently in small

Mourninp: Dove WaterinK Place Photo bij Rod Amundson

groups until GiJlO (darkness settled around G:4U). Roughly 700 doves were
counted and observations were essentially the same — small grou])s arriving
from all directions, but a close grouping in a confined area after arrival.
Attempts to take photographs disturbed the watering pattern, apparently,
for observations two days later showed again that segments of the flock
flew as a body to the water and several minutes elapsed before they were
followed by a similar group. Approximately GOO doves were present Sept.
11 and 13.

On 3 days when observation was continued until dark, doves began de-
parting in reverse order of the arrival pattern at about 5:30. Flock sizes
remained the same. On the 9th, when 200 arrived as a hock, 200 also de-
parted as a hock. Twice the area was checked as darkness closed in — no
doves were present in the vicinity.

On the morning of Sept. 14 a check was made at dawn to see if doves
were present. Though several individuals were seen in the vicinity, as
always, none were in the concentration area, seemingly verifying the idea
that none spent the night there or watered early in the morning. — William
H. Hon, Zoology Department, N. C. State College Oct. 1, 1953. (Interesting
weather facts: Official Raleigh rainfall: July, 1953, driest since 1935;
August, 1953, driest since 1887. — Dept. Ed.)

Owls. — Dr. J. R. Hester’s pond, 3 miles east of Wendell, Wake County,
N. C., Sept. 14, 1953, 7:00 P. M.; almost dark. — While hshing near the
head of the 9-aere pond, I heard something splash in the water about 60
feet from the boat. I then saw something moving from the water and could
barely tell that it was a bird’s wing. I turned my flashlight on and saw a
Barred Owl with its feet in the water and wings raised upward. It flew
to a nearby tree and sat there holding a 5” fish in its talons. I moved the
boat to within 40 feet before it flew, carrying the fish away also. — Eugene
Hester, Raleigh, N. C.

This from Winston-Salem, N. C.: On Oct. 30, 1953, at about dusk, while
driving to the Spencer’s home, I turned from the highway into a side
street at a corner well lighted by a mercury vapor lamp, and saw a Screech
Owl on the road. I pulled over and got out. The bird was sitting with its
back toward me, about 3 feet from the curb, facing oncoming traffic. About
a foot away, nearer the middle of the road, lay the body of another
Screech Owl that had evidently been hit by a car. Since the remaining live
owl showed no disposition to move, I captured it by putting my jacket
over it, and took it along. Dr. Spencer banded it. It was quite docile and
did not appear to be sick. We removed a couple of louse-flys from among
the inner wing feathers and released it. The next clay we examined the
dead bird but were unable to determine the sex. Both were p’ray phase. —
Doris Simpson, Win.ston-Salem, N. C.

Briefs for the Files.

Common Loon, Heard crying near Wilmington, N. C., Nov. 30, and Dec.
3, 1953, The “Eagle” Broleys, Appleberrys, et al. Old Squaw, 1 male at City
Lake, Salisbury, N. C., Jan. 12, 1954, Thom. W. Blair. Sora Rail, 1, Spencer
Lake, Winston-Salem, N. C., Sept. 10, 1953, Mrs. M. P. Spencer. Black-billed
Cuckoo, single bird at Eastover, S. C., Sept. 6, 1953, Mrs. W. H. Faver.
Barn Swallow, 2 imm. at Wilmington, N. C., Oct. 17, 1953, Mrs. A. and
others. Red-breasted Nuthatch, several at Wilmington, Oct. 17, and Dec.
3, 1953. Mrs. A. Winter Wren, singing at Wilmington, Oct. 18, 1953, also
Mrs. A. Catbird, 1, Elkin, N. C., Oct. 21, 1953, Hodel. Wilson’s Warbler, 1
male, Lenoir, N. C., Oct. IG, 1953, Mr. & Mrs. Fred H. May. Indigo Bunting,
several in yard at Eastover, S. C., Oct. 2, 1953, Mrs. W. H. Faver. Painted
Bunting, 1, Topsail Beach, N. C., Feb. 28, 1953, and Nov. 27, 1953, B. McK.
Johnson, M.D. Red Crossbill, small flock, North Wilkesboro, N. C., Oct. 22,
1953, Wendell P. Smith.

March, 1954

27

New and Reinstated Members, Oct. I, 1953 — Jan. 10, 1954

Regular Members
(Sponsor’s name is in parenthesis)

Althouse, Rev. H. D., 535 Second Ave., N.W.,
Hickory. N. C. iJ. W. Clinard)

Allen. Miss Susan J., Sunnybrae, Milford, Del.
Angell, Mrs. Nelson P.. Country Club Road,
New Bern, N. C. (Mrs. F. D. Conderman)
Asbill, C. M.. Jr., 2407 Stafford Ave., Raleigh,
N. C. iT. L. (3uay)

Ashworth, Mrs. Olive, Tryon, N. C. (Miss Rose
W. Terry I

Aycock, Mrs. J. B., Fremont, N. C. (Mrs.

Charlotte Hilton Green)

Aycock, Wm. P., II, Arrow Head Road, Chapel
Hill, N. C. (Bob Spearman)

Barber, Yates M., Box 117, Wrightsville Beach,
N. C. (T. L. Quay)

Beaty, Miss Anna M., Masonic Temple, Green-
ville, S. C. (George F. Townes)

Betts, Mrs. T. T., 101 Magnolia Ave., Fayette-
ville, N. C. (Mrs. L. E. Whitfield)

Briggs, Willis G.. 1546 Iredell Drive, Raleigh,
N. C. (H. T. Davis)

Broley. Charles. Delta, Ontario, Canada (J. W.
Clinard )

Buchheister, Dr. Carl 'SV., 1130 5th Ave., New
York 28, N. Y. (Mrs. O. F. Jensen)

Cahoon, W. G., Mattamuskeet National Wild-
life Refuge, New Holland, N. C. (Robert L.
Wolff I

Cantey, Major Edward B., Box 303, Columbia.
S. C. (D. E. Wade)

Causey, Miss Rebecca M., Route I, Liberty,
N. C. (Mrs. H. R. Pike)

Chapman, Steven C., Box 1155, Myrtle Beach,
S. C. (Mrs. P. D. Aman)

Chase, Mrs. H. L., Bo.x 1131, Tryon, N. C.
(Mrs. T. S. Clark)

Cheek. Randall P., 1700(4 N. Blount St., Ra-
leigh, N. C. (T. L. Quay)

Chivers, Jack, 50 Ordale Blvd., Pittsburgh, Pa.
(T. L. Quay)

Clark, Mrs. Elmer T., Lake Junaluska, N. C.
(Miss Sara Lesley)

Clark, Mrs. Robert. Box 385, Mt. Pleasant,

S. C. ( Betty Clark )

Coleman, .James Olin. Biltmore Farms, Ashe-
ville. N. C. (T. L. Quay)

Conderman, Mrs. Fred D., Route 3. Box 211,
New Bern. N. C. (Robert Overing)

Cooper, Albert M., 122 Mulberry St., States-
ville, N. C. (W. C. Miller)

DeTamble, Mrs. Fred E., Box 2250, Winston-
Salem. N. C.

Dickerson, Mrs. Woodson, 1811 Elizabeth St..

Orlando. Fla. (Miss Odessa Chambers)
Dillard, Mrs. E. A., Shulls Mills, N. C. (Harry

T. Davis)

DuBose, Mrs. D. S.. 116 Spring St.. Darlington,
S. C. (Mrs. Edwin Dargan)

Duchein. Miss Annette, Lake I..ure. N. C. (Dr.
Edna Warner)

DuPre. Miss Mary S.. 662 Otis Blvd., Spartan-
burg, S. C. (Gabriel Cannon)

Easom, Mrs. Herman F., E.N.C. Sanatorium.

Wilson. N. C. (Dr. Frances E. Noblin )

Ellis. Billy. 30 Wedgewood Drive, Greenville,
S. C. (Rosa Lee Hart)

Ennett. A. D., District Biologist. Swansboi'o,
N. C. (T. L. Quay)

Essick. Mrs. Marjorie, 3108 Banbury Road, Ra-
leigh, N. C. (Miss Mabel Jones)

Evans. Mrs. E. H., Route 3, Fayetteville, N. C.
(Claude W. Rankin, Jr.)

Evans, Mrs. Lorena S., Box 14, Annapolis, Md.
(A. D. Shaftsburyj

Fisher, Miss Sally M., New Holland, N. C.
(Harry T. Davis)

Frost, Mrs. Bertha R., 1438 6th Ave., Hunting-
ton, W. Va. (Jack N. Frost)

Gage, Mr. Gaston, Edgewood Ave., Clemson,
S. C. (D. E. Wade)

Gage, Mrs. Gaston. Edgewood Ave., Clemson,
S. C. (D. E. Wade)

Gaines, Mrs. W. E., 228 Halcyon Ave., Winston-
Salem, N. C. (W. E. Gaines)

Gibbons, Miss Rebekah, Tryon, N. C. (Rose
W. Terry)

Godfrey, Mrs. Martha K., 798 Glendalyn Ave.,
Spartanburg, S. C. (Gabriel Cannon)

Goode, James M., 921 Fourth Ave., N.W.,
Hickory, N. C. (J. W. Clinard)

Greene. Earle R.. 418 South Holt Ave., Los
Angeles. Cal. (Roy C. Werner)

Hardy, Mrs. C. T., 1919 Club Blvd., Durham,
N. C. (Dr. T. T. Jones)

Hill, Mrs. K. L., Cedar Lawn, Society Hill,
S. C. (Mrs. Edwin Dargan)

Hill, Mrs. W. A., 1904 Brice St., Greensboro,
N. C. (Mrs. Margaret Wall)

Hobbs, Mrs. K. O.. 2601 Avondale Ave., Char-
lotte 3, N. C. (Miss Leila G. Johnson)
Hopkins, J. Drayton. Simpsonville, S. C. (D. E.
Wade)

Hutchinson, Mrs. Edwin, 618 S. York St.,
Gastonia, N. C. (Mrs. Grady Pearson)
Johnson, Edwin W.. Spartanburg, S. C.
(D. E. Wade)

Karsch, Mrs. F. W. J., 510 Vance St., Roanoke
Rapids, N. C. (Roanoke Rapids Bird Club)
Kemp, W. P., 1518 East Mulberry St., Golds-
boro, N. C.

Ketchin, Mrs. J. S., West Washington St.,
Winnsboro, S. C. (Mrs. J. H. Boulware)
King, Mrs. Albert. 1800 Rolling Road, Greens-
boro, N. C. (Nina D. Tyner)

Lawson, William D., Armstrong Circle, Gas-
tonia. N. C. (J. R. Hudson)

Lee, Mrs. Mary Heath. Fairhope, Ala. (Mar-
garet Nichols)

Loggins, Mrs. F. W., 221 West Faris Road,
Greenville. S. C. (Rosa Lee Hart)

Ludeke, Mrs. A., Castle Hayne. N. C. (Mrs.
H. Vander Schalie)

McCarthy, Dr. G. R., Box 544, Chapel Hill,
N. C. (Roy M. Brown)

McClam, Miss Maude S., Route 1, Scranton,
S. C. (Miss Sally Sandifer)

McDonald. Mrs. M. G.. Jennings Ave., Green-
wood. S. C. (Mrs. J. H. Boulware)
McKeithan, D. T., Darlington, S. C. (D. E.
Wade )

MacRae, Miss Monimia F., 45 Lawrence Place,
Asheville, N. C. (Mrs. W. R. Marvin)
Massey. John, 2300 Hopedale Ave., Charlotte,
N. C. (Miss Carroll Johnson)

Massey. Mi's. .John. 2300 Hopedale Ave., Char-
lotte. N. C. (Miss Carroll Johnson)

Miller. William C.. 132 College St.. Chester,
S. C. (Mrs. W. C. Miller)

Miller. Mrs. William C., 132 College St.,

Chester. S. C. (Mrs. W. S. Robinson)
Montgomery, Mrs. Wade A.^ Route 2, Box 558,
Charlotte, N. C.

Montgomery, Mrs. Walter. 755 Plume St.,
Spartanburg. S. C. (Dr. Edna Warner)

28

The Chat

Moore, Miss Genevieve, 202 Rolaiul I’ark Ave.,
High Point, N. C. (Mrs. D. U. Parker)
Mornan, Miss Martha Frances, 24 E. Paris
Road, Greenville, S. C. (Rosa Lee Hart)
Morton, Mi-s. E. V., 4110 East Cooper St.,
Tucson, Ariz. (Odessa Chambers)

Myers, Mrs. Richard A., 2137 Radcliffe Ave.,
Charlotte, N. C. (B. R. Chamberlain)
Napier. Mrs. J. M.. DarlinKton, S. C. (Mrs.
Edwin Dargan )

Niehorster. Norman. 1084 Maple Ave., Ardsley,
Penna. (Margaret Nichols)

Norwood, Mrs. Joseph R., Jr., 906 S. Church
St., Salisbury, N. C. (J. R. Norwood, Jr.)
Odum, Dr. Howard T., Biology Dept., Univer-
sity of Fla.. Gainesville. Fla. (T. L. Quay)
Oliphant, R. H.. Chester, S. C. (D. E. Wade)
Ongar, Mi-s. Phillip, Tryon, N. C. (Rose W.
Terry)

Orr, Harry A.. McDaniel Heights Apt., Apt.

12-C, Greenville, S. C. (Mrs. Harry A. Orr)
Owens, Miss Laura, 1508 S Blvd., Charlotte,
N. C. (Margaret Wall)

Parker. Louis T., Jr., 6 Greenhill St., Charles-
ton, S. C. (E. B. Chamberlain)

Paschal, Miss Rosa, 302 Horne St., Raleigh,
N. C. (Mrs. Charles C. Cheek)

Paul, Mrs. James, New Hope Farm, Route 3,
Chapel Hill, N. C. (Roy M. Brown)

Payne, Mrs. Hubert A., 61 Society St., Charles-
ton, S. C. (Mrs. E. P. Carroll)

Peace, Mrs. S. T., 338 Anderson Ave., Hender-
son, N. C. (Mrs. Lillian K. Young)

Pettway, Miss Stella, 2111 Metts Ave.. Wil-
mington, N. C. (Mrs. W. C. Mebane)
Phillips, L. B., 2811 O'Berry St., Raleigh, N. C.
(Mrs. T. L. Quay)

Poutiatine, Mrs. Serge, Wappoo Hall Road,
Charleston, S. C. (Miss Helen F. Potter)
Purser. Mrs. Lucille, Hotel Carolinian, Nags
Head. N. C. (T. L. Quay)

Reichert, Mrs. Elsa, 14 West First St., Mt.

Vernon. N. Y. (T. L. Quay)

Rogers, Mrs. W. Davis, 47 Legare St., Charles-
ton 4, S. C. (Ellison Williams)

Ross, Charles, 818 Anderson St., Durham, N. C.
(Watt Eagle)

Shamburger, Miss Anne, 517 Highland Ave.,
Greensboro. N. C.

Sherman, V. L., Route 2, Dana Road, Hender-
sonville, N. C. (H. T. Davis)

Sherman, Mrs. V. L., Route 2, Dana Road,
Hendersonville, N. C. (H. T. Davis)
Simpson, Mrs. Roxie Collie. 6624 First St.,
N.W., Washington. D. C.

Smith, F. Brandon. Jr., Anderson, S. C. (D. E.
Wade)

Smith. George, Route 3, Box 210, New Bern,
N. C. (Mrs. F. D. Conderman)

Smith, Miss Helen P., 519 E. Main St., Spar-
tanburg, S. C. (Mrs. Isaac Andrews)

Smith. Mrs. Sterling L.. Route 5, Paris Moun-
tain. Greenville. S. C. (T. L. Quay)

Smith, W. M., 2036 East 7th St., Charlotte,
N. C. (Mrs. Beatrice Potter)

Strekley, Allen, 9 Black Hawk Dr., Washing-
ton, D. C. (R. L. Price)

Strickland. J. W.. Avent’s Ferry Road, Raleigh,
N. C. (Mrs. J. W. Strickland)

Present Status of Avian Forms of South
Carolina

At the close of the fourth year since the
publication of Smith Carolina RircUife, the ad-
ditions to the avifauna of that State to date,
may be of interest to students of ornithology.
There are now 446 forms recoi-ded, ))lus an

Tate, Mrs. J. H.. 32 North Madison, Marion,
N. C. (H. T. Davis)

Thomas, Miss Emma, 221 S. Marietta St.,
Gastonia, N. C. (Miss Wilhelmina Shull)
Thompson. Mrs. Hugh S., Ill N. Ervin St.,
Darlington, S. C. (Mrs. Edwin Dai'gan )
Tong, Mrs. Chris, 2309 Woodrow St., Durham,
N. C. (Dr. Thos. T. Jones)

Vernon, Mrs. H. W.. Box 1261, Tryon, N. C.
Mi-s. H. L. Mooar)

Wade, Harry J., 1035 Elm St., Beloit, Wis.
(D. E. Wade)

Waldrop, Neil, 8807 Glenville Road, Silver
Spring, Md. (George M. Townes)

Wardlaw, Mrs. Helen. 324 Wakefield Dr., Char-
lotte, N. C. (Miss Sarah Nooe)

Warren, Hon. Geor.ge, Hamilton, S. C., (D. E.
Wade)

Weaver, Dr. Richard L., Cons. Dept., School of
Natural Resources, Univ. of Mich., Ann
Arbor, Mich. (Mrs. Charlotte H. Greene)
Webster, C. R., 1509 Canterbury, Rd., Raleigh,
N. C. (H. T. Davis)

Webster, Miss Elizabeth, Tryon, N. C. (Miss
Rose W. Terry)

West, Horace, Aurora, N. C. (R. L. Wolff)
Whisnant, Miss Grace, Route 2, Morganton,
N. C. (B. R. Chamberlain)

Whitehead, Lawrence C., Box 5577, State Col-
lege Station, Raleigh, N. C. (T. L. Quay)
Whittier, Mrs. Benjamin L., 2718 Everette

Ave., Raleigh, N. C. (T. L. Quay)

Woodfin, Mrs. Edgar N., Route 2, Campobello,
S. C. (Mrs. M. B. Fryga)

Wooters, Mrs. J. K., 1304 Rhem St., Kinston,
N. C. (Miss Nell Broome)

York, M. A., 622 Daniels St., Raleigh, N. C.
(H. T. Davis)

Zerno. Miss Elizabeth, Black Mountain, N. C.
Supporting Members

Copeland, A. M.. Box 132, Montgomei-y Bldg..

Spartanburg, S. C. (H. E. Correll)

Mahon, Brown, 308 McDaniel Ave., Greenville,
S. C. (Mrs. Potter)

Roth, Mrs. Thomas M., 137 Terrace Ave., Elkin,
N. C. (Thos. M. Roth)

Family Members

Fowler, Manuel A., Main Street, Wilkesboro,
N. C. (L. L. Hendren)

Riherd, Mr. & Mrs. Paul M., 24 Lord Ashley
Drive, South Windermere, Charleston, S. C.
(Mrs. E. P. Carroll)

Riherd, Martha Carroll, 24 Lord Ashley Drive.
South Windermere, Charleston, S. C. (Mrs.
E. P. Carroll)

Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Wendell P., 711 Kensington
Ave., North Wilkesboro, N. C. (Margaret
Y. Wall)

Smith, Louise Pearson, Jr., 711 Kensington.
Ave., North Wilkesboro. N. C. (Margaret
Y. Wall)

Affiliated Club Members
Fayetteville Garden Club

West, Mrs. W. J., 115 Hale St., Fayetteville,
N. C. (Mrs. L. E. Whitfield)

Myrtle Beach Garden Club

Aman, Mrs. P. D., Box 1243, Myrtle Beach,
S. C. (Mrs. P. D. Aman)

additional 21 forms on the Hyiiothetical List,
making a total of 467. The writer, having an
interleaved copy of the volume, has kept it up
to date as closely as possible from observation,
perusal of literature, correspondence and other
means. The above figure stands as of the end
of 1953. — Alexander Spruvt, Jr., The. Crencent,
Charlenton 50, S. C.

Founded March 6, 1937

Incorporated August 8, 19^9

The Cai'olina Bird Club is an incorporated association for the study and
conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, in the Carolinas. Founded in
1937 as the North Carolina Bird Club, it was joined in 1948 by several
South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina
Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) holds
an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts
club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3)
sponsoi’s Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local gi’oups, (4) encour-
ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of
local clubs and sanctuaries, (6) takes an active interest in conservation
legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur-
nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible.

The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific
organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to
tbe Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes.

IMEMBEKSHIB

Membership is open to anyone interested in bii’ds, wildlife, and out-of-
doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are:

Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00

Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00

Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments)

All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five
cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription
to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc.
Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all corre-
spondence regarding membership should be addressed.

The activities of the Club and the coverage of The Chat will grow in
amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment
of dues and the securing of new members are vital contributions open to
everyone.

OFFICERS FOR 1953-1954
President: Robert Overing, Route 4, Raleigh, N. C.

Vice-Presidents : Thomas W. Simpson, Winston-Salem, N. C.; I. S. H.

Metcalf, Charleston, S. C.; Fred H. May, Lenoir, N. C.

Secretary : Miss May W. Puett, Box 2183, Greenville, S. C.

Treasurer: Edwin W. Winkler, 509 Gardner St., Raleigh, N. C.

The Executive Committee is composed of the Officers, the Editors, and the
following four elected Members-at-large : Rhett Chamberlain, Matthews,
N. C.; Linville Hendren, Elkin, N. C. ; Mrs. W. C. Mebane, Wilmington,
N. C. and Fred Sample, Columbia, S. C.

Bulletin of

Vol. 18, No. 2
JUNE, 1954

THE CHAT

Published b}' The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Devoted to the publication of
scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the
Carolinas.

Editor: Kay Curtis Sisson, 1430 Wellington Drive, Columbia 4, S. C.
Co-editor: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C.

Associate Editors: B. R. Chamberlain, Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack
Dermid, James Mattocks, T. L. Quay, Thomas W. Simpson, Douglas Wade.

Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C.

The Chat is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December as the official
bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952,
at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price
to non-membei-s : $1.00 per volume. Single copies; 30 cents. Correspondence about changes
of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum,
Raleigh, N. C. Please 'notify the Distribution Office i'lnmediately of change of address.
Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the
Treasurer.

CONTENTS

The President’s Page 29

The Birds of Guilford County, N. C. Dr. Charlotte Dawley 30

Late Summer Birds of the Black Mountains of North Carolina

Dr. Merrill P. Spencer 41

Backyard Birding. Amie Rivers Faver, editor 45

In Memoriam (Dr. J. W. P. Smithwick). T. L. Quay 47

Safety Factor in a Hanging Nest. B. R. Chamberlain 48

Annual Meeting of the Carolina Bird Club. Thomas W. Simpson . . .50

Books. T. L. Quay and Douglas Wade 51

General Field Notes. D. R. Chamberlain, editor 52

Loons and Mei-gansers. Sarah Lesley 52

Rare Wildfowl at Santee. Robert ,7. Lcmaire 52

Duck Behavior. E. R. Lyon 52

Purple Gallinules Continue to Bi'eed at Lake Ellis, Craven County, N. C.

Mr. and Mrs. Matt L. Thompson 53

Herring Culls and Gannets Along Hatteras Bank. T. L. Quay and Philip H. Davis 53

Swallow Migration on the North Carolina Coast. Hal H. Strickland 53

The Bank Swallow in the Carolinas. A. L. Pickens 53

Mockingbird Behavior .7. 11’. E. .Joyner 54

Goldfinches Nesting at Rocky Mount, N. C. />. R. Chamberlain 64

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Winters at Troy, N. C. I''ranccs M. Covin gton 55

More Dickcissels. 71. R. Chamberlain 55

Sparrow Trapped by Algae, or Pond Scum’.' I'^rank 71. Mcacham 55

Rare Sparrows in the North Carolina Coastal Plain. .John II. J-'iivdcrburg 55

The Ceilometer Hazanl. Thomas E. Street 56

Briefs for the Files. 71. Ji. Chamberlain Inside Back Cover

Cover Photograph — Blue-gray Gnatcatcher feeding young, Nash Co., N. C.
by Jack Dermid, Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, N. C. This cover
plate was given by the editors marking their first year in office.

THE PRESIDENT'S PAGE

I am glad that May Puett
has been elected president of
the Carolina Bird Club. I have
knovun Miss Puett for all that
number of years since 1915,
and I believe know what a fine
personality she is. In fact she
and I were associated together
in editing and publishing
Lenoir’s only newspaper for
quite a long time. During
these years I learned to re-
spect and admire her ability
and judgment. I must say
that she is one of the hardest
workers I have ever known.
And too, she has that unusual,
and most commendable, trait
of adding enthusiasm to her work, whatever that work might be.

As president of the Carolina Bird Club I am sure that she will
carry on the duties of that office with efficiency and with that
same enthusiasm that is so characteristic of her.

Miss Puett is a former resident of Lenoir, having spent almost
her entire life in that city before moving to Greenville, S. C.,
in 1947. She was a very active member of the Lenoir Audubon
Club and served as its secretary from 1944 to 1947. In Green-
ville she continued her field work and study of birds. Soon she
found others who were interested and together they organized
the Greenville Bird Club. Miss Puett was elected the first presi-
dent of the newly formed club and is still serving in that capacity.
Under her leadership it has been one of the most active of all the
CBC membership clubs.

Miss Puett’s inspiring interest in the study of birds has not
been limited to the Greenville area alone. Her talks and programs
in other clubs and schools and her field work have taken her into
areas where she has made many contacts with other observers.
Her enthusiasm in this work, no doubt, is largely responsible for
the growth of interest in field observation of birds among many
amateurs in South Carolina during the past few years.

— Fred H. May

THE BIRDS OF GUILFORD COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

Charlotte Dawley

Guilford County is in the north central part of the North Carolina Pied-
mont, about twenty miles south of the Virginia state line. It consists of
rolling hills, varying in elevation from 700 to 900 feet above sea level. The
land is well drained by small streams, some of which form the upper reaches
of the Haw and Deep Rivers. Many of the smaller creeks have been dammed
for commercial or recreational purposes, forming lakes which attract water
birds. Lake Brandt and Richland Lake, sometimes called Lake Jeannette, are
two of these larger artificial lakes north of Greensboro. Many people living
in the country have their own private lakes and farm ponds.

There are two large towns in Guilford County — Greensboro in the center
and High Point in the southwestern corner. The rest of the county, aside
from a few smaller villages, is farms and woods. Corn, wheat, and tobacco
are the principal crops, with a little cotton, and lately a few cattle. The
woods are largely pine or mixed hardwood, with the various oaks predomi-
nating.

Bird study in Guilford County begin with T. Gilbert Pearson, who made
observations at Guilford College from 1891 to 1910. At the same time J. H.
Armfield was reporting from Greensboro. During the 1920’s and 1930’s,
records were kept by Elmer E. Brown, Earl Hall, Wade Fox, and L. L.
McAlister.

This list is a cooperative project of the members of the Piedmont Bird
Club under the supervision of a committee consisting of Elva Barrow,
Charlotte Dawley, chairman, J. A. McLeod, Jr., H. L. Medford, A. D.
Shaftesbury, and George Smith. The records which were published in the
1942 edition of Birds of No)-th CaroHva by T. Gilbert Pearson, C. S. Brimley,
and H. H. Brimley, and in The Chat since its establishment in 1937 as the
organ of the North Carolina Bird Club, form the basis for this list. In
addition, the following people furnished records from their personal notes;
Evelyn Cole, Mrs. F. H. Craft, Mrs. R. D. Douglas, James Mattocks of
High Point, Mrs. Robert McCoy, Mrs. H. L. Medford, Ida Mitchell, Etta
Schiffman (who also lent those of Tom Zapf), Mrs. Edith Settan, and
Thomas Street. Without these notes, and without the patient checking of
the list by the members of the committee, it could not have been completed.

It is our aim to include all of the birds which have ever been seen and
i-eported from Guilford County. Since most of our records are sight records,
we have not indicated subspecies with the exception of the Western Palm and
Yellow Palm Warblers. The Check List of Common Nanies for Use in the
Carolinas by Simpson, Chamberlain and Quay has been followed for common
names, but in a few cases the more familiar name has been included in
parentheses. The scientific names are those used in South CaroU)ia. Bird Life
by Sprunt and Chamberlain. We have also tried to adopt the descriptive
terms used in that book, viz. “A biid may be said to be abundant if it occurs
in large numbers either in flocks or otherwise; common if it is of regular
occurrence in substantial numbers; fairly common, of i-ather frequent occur-
rence in small numbers; rare, of very unusual occurrence; casual, of irregu-

30

The Chat

lar appearance but coining from a rcgailar range not far away; accidental,
of purely fortuitous occurrence from a distant or unlikely area.”

1. COMMON LOON. Gavia imvier.

Occasionally visits the larger lakes, November to May.

2. RED-NECKED GREBE (HOLBOELL’S GREBE). Cohjmhus grise-
goia.

Reported March 21, 1948 on a small reseivoir by A. D. Shaftesbury
and Oscar Paris.

3. HORNED GREBE. Colymbus auritus.

Casual winter visitor from late October to April.

4. PIED-BILLED GREBE. Poclilymbns podiceps.

Common winter resident on many lakes, October to April, uncommon
in summer.

5. DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax auritus.

Casual winter visitor on large lakes, November to May.

5. a GREAT WHITE HERON. Ardea occklentalis.

Accidental. Larry Crawford identified as this species a big white bird
that he saw Sept. 6, 1943. It was much larger than an American Egret
which was standing near-by and was close enough so that he saw its
yellow legs when it flew.

6. GREAT BLUE HERON. Ardea herodias.

Fairly common p>ermanent resident along the shallow shores of lakes
and streams.

7. COMMON EGRET (AMERICAN EGRET). Casmerodius albus.

Fairly common post-breeding visitor, June to October.

8. SNOMW EGRET. Leucophoyx tlnda.

Fairly common post-breeding visitor, June to October.

9. LITTLE BLUE HERON. Florida coerulea.

Uncommon post-breeding visitor, late June to October.

10. GREEN HERON. Butorides virescens.

Common summer resident, April to October.

11. BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Nycticorax nycticorax.
Uncommon summer visitor, reported in April and June.

12. YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Nyctanassa violacea.

Fairly common summer visitor. May to late August. Nesting reported.

13. AMERICAN BITTERN. Botaurus lentigivosus.

Uncommon transient, March to May.

14. LEAST BITTERN. Ixobrychus exilis.

Uncommon summer visitor, June to August.

15. WOOD-IBIS. Myctena americana.

Rare post-breeding visitoi-. One was seen by J. M. Mattocks and J. W.
Furr, June 26, 1951 at the Uwharrie Scout Camp.

16. WHITE IBIS. Guaja alba.

Accidental. Mrs. Craft saw an immature bird June 28 and 29, 1951.

17. CANADA GOOSE. Brania canadensis.

Common during the spring and fall migrations.

18. SNOW GOOSE. Chen hyperborea.

Rare winter visitor, January and Mai-ch.

19. MALLARD. Anas platyrhynchos.

Common winter resident, October to January, occasional to March.

20. BLACK DUCK. Anas rubripes.

Common winter resident, October to January, occasional to March.

21. GADWALL. Anas strepera.

Uncommon winter visitor, November to March.

22. AMERICAN PINTAIL. Anas acuta.

Uncommon winter visitor, October to February. Nesting reported in
1949 on Deep River in Sumner Township, and observed in June, 1950
near High Point by James Mattocks.

June, 1954

31

23. GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Anas carolinensis.

Uncommon winter visitor, late October to late March.

24. BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Anas discors.

Common transient, March to May, and September to October.

25. AMERICAN WIDGEON (BALDPATE). Mareca americana.

Fairly common winter resident, October to May.

26. SHOVELLER. Spatula clypeata.

Uncommon winter visitor, November to March.

27. WOOD DUCK. Aix sponsa.

Fairly common permanent resident.

28. REDHEAD. Aythya americana.

Uncommon winter visitor, November to March.

29. RING-NECKED DUCK. Aythya collaris.

Common winter resident, October to May.

30. CANVAS-BACK. Aythya valisneria.

Uncommon winter visitor, November to February.

31. GREATER SCAUP DUCK. Aythya niarila.

Rax'e wanderer from coast, reported in November and February.

32. LESSER SCAUP DUCK. Aythya affinis.

Fairly common winter resident, late October to May.

33. COMMON GOLDEN-EYE (AMERICAN GOLDEN-EYE) .
clangiila.

Fairly common winter visitor, December to March.

34. BUFFLEHEAD. Encephala albeola.

Fairly common winter resident, November to March.

35. OLD-SQUAW. Clangnla hyemalis.

Casual winter visitor, December to March.

36. SURF SCOTER. Melanitta perspicillata.

Accidental. Three were seen April 29, 1945 at Richland Lake by Tom
Zapf, George Smith, and Larry Crawford.

37. RUDDY DUCK. Oxyiira janiaicensis.

Fairly common winter visitor, October to March.

38. HOODED MERGANSER. Lophodytes cucuUatus.

Fairly common winter resident, November to March.

39. COMMON MERGANSER (AMERICAN MERGANSER). Mergits
merganser.

Fairly common winter resident, November to Mav.

40. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Mergus serrator.

Fairly common winter resident, November to May.

41. TURKEY VULTURE. Cathartes aura. Common permanent resident.

42. BLACK VULTURE. Coragyps atratus.

Permanent resident, believed to be more common in winter.

43. SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. Accipiter striatus.

Permanent resident, more common in winter.

44. COOPER’S HAWK. Accipiter cooperii. Permanent resident.

45. RED-TAILED HAWK. Buteo jamaicensis. Permanent resident.

46. RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. Buteo lineatus. Permanent resident.

47. BROAD-WINGED HAWK. Buteo platypterus.

Summer resident, April to September.

48. BALD EAGLE. Haliaetus leucocephalns.

Accidental. George Smith and Larry Crawford saw an adult in full
plumage on Sept. 9, 1945 near Richland Lake.

49. MARSH HAWK. Circus cyanens.

Fairly common winter resident, September to May.

50. OSPREY. Bandion haliaetus.

Fairly common transient, March to June, September to November.

51. PEREGRINE FALCON (DUCK HAWK). Falco peregrinus.

Rare casual. One was captured in downtown Greensboro Dec. 24, 1953,
after alighting on the aerial of the television station. Also reported
by James Mattocks May 3 and Sept. 7, 1952 near High Point.

32

The Chat

52. SPARROW HAWK. Falco sparveriiis.

Common permanent resident.

53. BOB-WHITE. Colinas virginiavus.

Common permanent resident of fields and open woods.

54. TURKEY. Maleagris gallopavo.

Uncommon permanent resident in some of the swamps and woods.

55. KING RAIL. Rallus elegans.

Occasionally seen in marshes. Reported in October, November, and
May.

56. VIRGINIA RAIL. Rallus limicola.

Rare. Reported on one Christmas and one spring count.

57. SORA RAIL. Porzanu. Carolina.

Rare, one was seen by Pearson on August 19, 1909, and one by Mrs.
Settan on Sept. 22, 19*44.

58. YELLOW RAIL. Coturnicops )ioveboracensis.

Our only record is the one brought to Pearson, October 4, 1910.

59. BLACK RAIL. Laterallus jamaicensis.

Rarely seen. Inhabits low meadows or fields. Nesting reported by
Pearson near Jamestown. Reported recently in May, 1951.

60. PURPLE GALLINULE. Porphy)ida mar'tinica.

Accidental. Tom Zapf saw one on July 1, 1943 at Camp Graystone.

61. COMMON GALLINULE (FLORIDA GALLINULE). Gallinula
chlo)-opus. Rare spring migrant. One was observed May 18-22, 1949 at
the Crafts, and school children found one dead on Freeman’s Mill
Road, May 17, 1950 and brought it to Mrs. Perrett.

62. AMERICAN COOT. Fulica americayia.

Fairly common winter visitor, October to May; one July record.

63. RINGED PLOVER ( SEMIPALMATED PLOVER). Charadrius
hiaticula. Rare transient. Reported May 5, and Sept. 9 and 10, 1945.

64. KILLDEER. Charadrius vociferus.

Common permanent resident near water or on flat open ground.

65. AMERICAN WOODCOCK. Philohela minor.

Fairly common permanent resident, less common in winter.

66. COMMON SNIPE (WILSON’S SNIPE ). CapcfZa (/aZ/wnf/o.

Fairly common winter resident, September to May.

67. UPLAND PLOVER. Bartrarnia longicauda.

Rare transient. Pearson reported one in the spring of 1893, Tom Zapf
on April 28, 1945, and Janies Mattocks saw three at Sechrest Lake on
Nov. 22, 1953.

68. SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Actitis macularia.

Common summer resident, Aiiril to September.

69. SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Trvnga solitaria.

Common transient, March to May, and August to October.

70. GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. Tofanus melanoleucus.

Common transient, April to May, and September to October.

71. LESSER YELLOW-LEGS. Totanus flavipes.

Common transient, April to May, and September to October.

72. PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Erolia melanotos.

Fairly common fall migrant, September and October.

73. WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. Erolia fuscicollis.

Reported for the fii'st time in April, 1952. One or two were seen April
4 at the Crafts, 14 were seen April 24 at the Medfords, and four were
counted on the spring count. May 4. They were again reported on
the 1953 spring count.

74. LEAST SANDPIPER. Erolia ndnutilla.

Uncommon transient. May and September, more common in May.

75. DUNLIN (RED-BACKED SANDPIPER). Erolia alpiva.

Reported only once, on a field trip in March, 1953, led by Mr. and
Mrs. Perrett.

June, 1954

33

76. DOWITCHER. Limnodromus griseus.

Larry Crawford collected one Aug-ust 30, 1945 on Richland Lake. Re-
ported again Sept. 7-14, 1947, and May, 1953.

77. SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER. Ereunetes pusiUus.

Casual. Reported August 30 to October 7, 1945 by Larry Crawford.

78. WESTERN SANDPIPER. Ereimetes manri.

Four were observed at close range on a small lake south of High Point
on May 12, 1951 by James Mattocks and other members of the Catesby
Bird Club.

79. HERRING GULL. Lams argentatus.

Casual. Reported March 10, and April 29, 1945, and May 2, 1949.

80. RING-BILLED GULL. Lams delawarensis.

Casual visitor. Often see*n at the airport in April. From April 23-27,

1952 a flock of about 70 were seen feeding on popcorn at a drive-in-
theatre north of Greensboro. Seven were reported on the 1948 Christ-
mas count.

81. LAUGHING GULL. Lams atricilla.

Rare casual. Reported on the 1951 spring count.

82. BONAPARTE’S GULL. Lams Philadelphia.

Rare casual. Four were reported April 26, 1947 on Lake Brandt and
Richland Lake by Larry Crawford and the Medfords.

83. COMMON TERN. Sterna himndo.

Rare casual. Reported September 18, 1945 by Larry Crawford.

84. CASPIAN TERN. Hydroprogne caspia.

Rare casual. Reported April 29, 1945 by Tom Zapf.

85. BLACK TERN. Chlidonias nigra.

Uncommon fall migrant, August and September. One record April 29,
1945.

86. MOURNING DOVE. Zeyiaidiira macroura.

Common permanent resident.

87. YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. Coccyzus america’^ins.

Fairly common summer resident, late April to late October.

88. BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus.

Uncommon transient, reported several times in Mav.

89. BARN OWL. Tyto alba.

Permanent resident, seen most often at night.

90. SCREECH OWL. Otus asio.

Fairly common permanent resident.

91. GREAT HORNED OWL. Bubo virginianus.

Uncommon permanent resident. Reported in 1929, 1945, and on the

1953 Christmas count.

92. SNOWY OWL. Nyctea scandiaca.

Occasionally wanders down from the north in January or February.
Last reported in 1950.

93. BARRED OWL. Strix varia. Fairly common permanent resident.

94. LONG-EARED OWL. Asio atiis. Reported bv Pearson, December, 1901.

95. SHORT-EARED OWL. Asio fiammeus.

Reported by Pearson, January, 1902.

96. CHUCK-WILL’S-WIDOW. Caprimulgus carolinensis.

Uncommon summer visitor, reported several times on spring counts.

97. WHIP-POOR-WILL. Caprimulgus vociferus.

Common summer resident, early April to October.

98. COMMON NIGHTHAWK. Chordeiles minor.

Common summer resident, mid-April to mid-October.

99. CHIMNEY SWIFT. Chaetura pelagica.

Common summer resident seen fiying over-head from late March to
late October. Numbers are increased in the fall by migrants.

100. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD. Archilochus colubris.

Fairly common summer resident, April through September.

101. BELTED KINGFISHER. Mcgaceryle alcyon.

Permanent resident, common near lakes.

34

The Chat

102. YELLOW-SHAFTED FLICKER. Colaptcs an rat its.

Common perm.inent resident.

10:5. PILEATED WOODPECKER. Dryocopiis pilcatiis.

Permanent resident. Not often seen, but one can usually be found
in the deep woods or swamps.

104. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER. Cenfiinis carolhn.ts.

Common permanent resident. Increasing- in numbers.

105. RED-HEADED WOODPECKER. Mclancrpes erythroccphalns.

Fairly common permanent resident.

106. YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER. SphyrapicHs varius.

Common winter resident, early October to May.

107. HAIRY WOODPECKER. Dendrocopns villosiis.

Fairly common perm.anent resident.

108. DOWNY WOODPECKER. Dcvdrocopus piibesccns.

Common permanent resident.

109. EASTERN KINGBIRD. Tyrrnnius iyrannus.

Fairly common summer resident, April to October.

no. GREAT-CRESTED FLYCATCHER. Myiarchus crivitns.

Cemmon summer resident. mid-April through September.

111. EASTERN PHOEBE. Sayo}-nis phoebe.

Permanent resident, common near bridges where it often nests.

112. ACADIAN FLYCATCHER. Empidonax virescens.

Fairly common summer resident, late April to early September.

113. LEAST FLYCATCHER. Empidovax minimus.

Casual. Reported on 1952 aird 1953 spring counts.

114. EASTERN WOOD PEWEE. Contopus virens.

Common summer resident, late April to early October.

115. HORNED LARK. Eremophilu alpestris.

Has extended its range until it is now a permanent resident. Common
at the airport since 1941. The first nest was found there on May 9,
1948 by Oscar Paris and Hugh Medford, Jr.

116. TREE SWALLOW. Iridoprocne bicolof.

Fairly common transient, late March to May, and in August.

117. BANK SWALLOW. Riparia riparia.

Uncommon transient, April to May, and in September.

118. ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW. Stelgidopteryx yuficoUis.

Our most common swallow. Summer resident, late March to mid-July.

119. BARN SWALLOW. Hirimdo riistica.

Fairly common transient, late April through May, and late August.

120. CLIFF SWALLOW. Petrochelidon pyrrhonuta.

Rare transient, reported April 28 to May 19, 1945 and April 15, 1950.

121. PURPLE iMARTIN. Procjne subis.

Summer resident, abundant where nesting sites are provided. Dr.
Wesley Taylor says they begin to arrive early in March if the weather
is favorable, and leave about the first week in August.

122. BLUE JAY. Cyanocitta oistafa.

Permanent resident. Abundant.

123. AMERICAN CROW. Corvus brachy)-hynch.os.

Permanent resident. Abundant.

124. CAROLINA CHICKADEE. Purus carolinensis.

Permanent resident. Abundant.

125. TUFTED TITMOUSE. Purus bicclor.

Permanent resident. Abundant.

126. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Siftu cuiudiucusis.

Common permanent i-esident.

127. RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH. Siftu cuuudevsis.

Winter resident, late September to early May. More common some
years than others.

128. BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH. Siftu pusillu.

Permanent resident of open pine woods. May be increasing in numbers.

June, 1954

35

129. BROWN CREEPER. Certhiu familiaris.

Common winter resident, late September to early May.

130. HOUSE WREN. Troglodytes aedon.

Common summer resident, early April to early October.

131. WINTER WREN. Troglodytes t)oglodytes.

Fairly common winter resident, early October through April. Hides
in thickets and brush piles.

132. BEWICK’S WREN. Thryomunes beivickii.

Casual visitor. Seen building nest, April 28, 1939 by Wade Fox.
Several more recent March and April records, and one in the fall.
August 26 to October 7, 1944.

133. CAROLINA WREN. Thryothorus ludovicianus.

Common permanent resident.

134. MARSH WREN (LONG-BILLED MARSH WREN). Telmatodytes
palust>'is. Rare transient. Reported October 7, 1951 and May 4, 1952
at a small pond south of High Point bv James Mattocks.

135. EASTERN MOCKINGBIRD. Mimas polyglottos.

Abundant permanent resident.

136. CATBIRD. Dumetella ca)olinensis.

Common summer resident, April to October. Reported on two Christ-
mas counts.

137. BROWN THRASHER. Toxostoma riifum.

Common summer resident, March to October, occasional in winter.

138. AMERICAN ROBIN. Tardus )nig)'atorias.

Permanent resident. In summer they are common in town, but in
winter they congregate in woods and swamps.

139. WOOD THRUSH. Hylocichla mustelina.

Common summer resident, mid-April to October, Mrs. R. D. Douglas
saw one Feb. 17, 1947.

140. HERMIT THRUSH. Hylocichla guttata.

Common winter resident, October to May. Earliest record is September
14, 1952.

141. SWAINSON’S THRUSH (OLIVE-BACKED THRUSH).
ustulata. Transient, fairlv common during May and October.

142. GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH. Hylocichla mivima.

Rare transient. Etta Schiffman saw one in her vard Oct. 14-18, 1952.

143. WILSON’S THRUSH (VEERY). Hylocichla fnsccsceas.

Fairly common transient. May and September.

144. COMMON BLUEBIRD. Sialia sialis.

Common permanent resident.

145. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER. Polioptila cacralea.

Common summer resident, late March to mid-September.

146. GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET. Regalas satrapa.

Common winter resident, mid-October to April.

147. RUBY-CROWNED KINGLET. Regalas calevdula.

Common winter resident, early October to May.

148. WATER PIPIT (AMERICAN PIPIT). A7ithus spiaoletta.

Irregular winter visitor, October to May. Gather in flocks in open
fields.

149. CEDAR WAXWING. Bo)ahycilla cedi'oram.

Irregular visitor, October to June, more common than formerly. Often
seen in flocks in trees feeding on berries. Nesting reported both in
High Point and in Greensboro in June. 1950.

150. LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. Lcraias ladavicia)i as.

Common permanent resident.

151. STARLING. Stu,mus valgaris.

.Abundant permanent resident, first recorded in Greensboro on Feb.
29, 1920 by Elva Barrow.

152. WHITE-EYED VIREO. Vireo griseas.

Common summer resident, eaidy April to October.

36

The Chat

153. YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. \'irvo llat^ifroitN.

Common summer resident, late March to October.

154. SOLITARY VIREO (BLUE-HEADED VIREO). Virea solitarins.
Common summer resident, late March through October. One was re-
ported on the 1951 Christmas count.

155. RED-EYED VIREO. U/rce olivaceiis.

Common summer resident, early April to October.

156. PHILADELPHIA VIREO. U/rco philadelphiciis.

Rare transient. One was seen at the Crafts Oct. 23, 1949, and one
was reported on the 1953 spring count.

157. WARBLING VIREO. Virco gilvus.

Uncommon transient, late April and early Mav.

158. BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER. Mniotilia vuria.

Common summer resident, mid-March to mid-October. John McLeod,
Jr., observed one in the oaks in his yard on Nov. 27, 1950 and again on
Jan. 1, 1951.

159. PROTHONOTARY WARBLER. Profouotaria citrea.

Rare summer visitor. Reported April 13, 1929, and on the 1952 spring
count.

160. WORM-EATING WARBLER. Helmithcros vermivoi-iis.

Uncommon summer visitor. It was reported by several different people
in August and September, 1944, also in May, 1947 and 1948, and in
JuTlG 1951

161. GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER. Vermivora chrysoptera.

Uncommon transient, reported several times in early May and twice
in late August.

162. BLUE-WINGED WARBLER. Vo'mivora pinus.

Rare transient, reported in September, 1944 and 1945.

163. TENNESSEE WARBLER. Vermivora peregriva.

Rare migrant, reported in October, 1944 and May, 1945.

164. ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLER. Vermivora celata.

Reported for the first time by George Smith on the 1952 Christmas
count.

165. NASHVILLE WARBLER. Vermivora rujicapiJia.

Rare transient, reported September, 1950 and May, 1952.

166. PARULA WARBLER. Panda amencaiia.

Fairly common during migrations. April and May, September and
October. A few stay all summer.

167. YELLOW WARBLER. Dendroica petechia.

Common summer resident, April to August.

168. MAGNOLIA WARBLER. Deyuhoica magnolia.

Transient, late April and May, September and October. More common
in the fall.

169. CAPE MAY WARBLER. Dendroica tigrina.

Common transient, late April and May, mid-September to mid-October.

170. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER. Dendroica caeridescens.
Common transient, late April and May, September and October.

171. MYRTLE WARBLER. Dendroica coronata.

Common winter resident, early October to mid-May.

172. BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER. Dendroica virom.

Fairly common transient, April and May, September and October.

173. CERULEAN WARBLER. Dendroica ceridca.

Uncommon transient, reported on several spring counts. An adult
feeding young was seen in the summer of 1929 by E. E. and F. R.
Brown.

174. BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER. Dendroica fusca.

Fairly common transient, reported in May, September, and Octobei-.

175. YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER. Dendroica dominica.

Common summer resident, late March to early October.

176. CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER. Dendroica pen)isylvanica.

Fairly common migrant, late April to mid-May, late August to October.

June, 1954 37

177. BAY-BREASTED WARBLER. Dcndioicct castaneu.

Rare migrant, reported in May and October.

178. BLACK-POLL WARBLER. Dendroica striata.

Common migrant, late April to early June, also in October.

179. PINE WARBLER. Dendroica pinns.

Common permanent resident.

180. PRAIRIE WARBLER. Dendorica discolor.

Common summer resident from early April through September.

181. WESTERN PALM WARBLER. Dendroica pahnarnm pabnariim.
Gmelin. Rare migrant. Oscar Paris reported one on December 26,
1946 in low shrubbery, two on March 11 and two on April 4, 1947 about
twelve feet away.

182. YELLOW PALM WARBLER. Dendroica palmarnin hypochrysea.
Ridgway. Fairly common migrant, late March to early May, and in
October.

183. OVEN-BIRD. Seiarns aiirocapilliis.

Common summer resident, from mid-April to mid-October.

184. SMALL-BILLED WATER THRUSH (NORTHERN WATER
THRUSH). Seiioits noueboj-acensis. Rare transient. Reported Sept.
4-18, 1944 and September 13, 1953.

185. LOUISIANA WATER THRUSH. Seiarns motacilla.

Fairly common summer z'esident, late March to June.

186. KENTUCKY WARBLER. Oporornis formosns.

Summer resident, not often seen. Reported on 1952 and 1953 spring
counts. A nesting pair was observed from May 21 to June 6, 1950 in
the woods behind the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Swart.

187. CONNECTICUT WARBLER. Oporornis agilis.

Rare transient. One was seen Sept. 24, 1944 by George Smith.

188. YELLOW-THROAT. Geothlypis trichas.

Common summer resident, late March to mid-October. Tom Street saw
one on Dec. 29, 1951.

189. YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT. Icteria virens.

Common summer resident, late April to October.

190. HOODED WARBLER. Wilsonia citriaa.

Common summer resident, early April to mid-September.

191. CANADA WARBLER. Wilsonia canadensis.

Uncommon transient. They have been reported in May, 1949, 1951,
and 1952, and on August 31, 1944.

192. AMERICAN REDSTART. Setophaga ruticiUa.

Common summer resident, eaidy April through October.

193. HOUSE SPARROW (ENGLISH SPARROW). Passer domesticus.
Abundant permanent resident.

194. BOBOLINK. Dolichonyoc oryzivorus.

Uncommon transient, April and May, September and October.

195. COMMON MEADOWLARK. Sturnella niagna.

Common pei'manent resident.

196. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD. Agelaias phoeniceas.

Permanent resident, common in swampy areas.

197. ORCHARD ORIOLE. Icterus spuriiis.

Fairly common summer resident in low. open second growth, April
to July.

198. BALTIMORE ORIOLE. Icterus galbala.

Fairly common transient, April and May, one August record. Since
1949 they have been repoi’ted several times at feeding stations during
the winte]’.

199. RUSTY BLACKBIRD. Euphagus carolinus.

Transient, March to May, September to October, increasing in numbers.
A few spend the winter.

200. COMMON CRACKLE. Quiscalus quiscula.

Fairly common permanent resident. In September, 1952 a large
migrating dock was reported.

38

The Chat

201. COMMON COWBIRD. Molothrus afer.

Irregular visitor. Reported ou about half of the Christmas counts,
and on several spring c(-unts. June 5 is the latest date on which
an adult has been seen. Young have been reported with Chipping
Sparrows, Redstarts, Solitary and Red-eyed Vireos, Pewees, Acadian
Flycatchers, and Panda Warblers.

202. SCARLET TANAGER. Firavga oUvacea.

Fairly common transient, a few stay all summei'. Reported from early
April to late October.

203. SUMMER TANAGER. Piravcja rubra.

Common summer resident, from mid-Aprd through September.

204. CARDINAL. Rich-moudena cardmaUs.

One of the most common birds at all seasons.

205. ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK. Pheucticus ludoviciauus.

Fairly common transient, late April to early May, and October.

206. BLUE GROSBEAK. Guiraca caenilea.

Fairly common summer resident, late April to October.

207. INDIGO BUNTING. Passe)~i)ia cyauea.

Fairly common summer resident, late April to October.

208. EVENING GROSBEAK. Hcsperiphona vesperthia.

Rare casual. Reported in High Point March 4, and 19, 1946, and in
Greensboro April 3, 1946, and March 4, 1952.

209. PURPLE FINCH. Carpodacns piirpureiis.

Fairly common but irregular winter visitor, November to May. Often
seen in flocks feeding in trees on seeds.

210. REDPOLL. Acayithus flamniea.

Rare casual. John Carr reported that several were seen in yards in
and around Greensboro from Dec. 26, 1946 to Feb. 8, 1947.

211. PINE SISKIN. Spirals pinus.

Irregular winter visitor from November to May. Often in flocks feed-
ing on seeds of pine cones.

212. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH. Spimis tristis.

Common permanent resident. Its numbers are increased in April and
May in large flocks of migrants.

213. RED CROSSBILL. Loxia curvirosira.

Rare casual. A small flock was reported Jan. 31, 1953 by George Smith
in the pines near his home. Later they were seen by others at different
times until May 20.

214. EASTERN TOWHEE. Pipilo erythrophthalmiis.

Common permanent resident.

215. SAVANNAH SPARROW. Passercuhis sandwichensis.

Common winter resident, but not easily seen in the grassy fields where
it is usually found. November to May.

216. GRASSHOPPER SPARROW. Ammodramus savannarum.

Summer resident, open fields, April to October.

217. HENSLOW’S SPARROW. Passerhcrbitlus henslowii.

Rare transient, reported in April, the most recent being April 2, 1947
when two were seen by the Crafts and John Trott, Jr.

218. VESPER SPARROW. Pooecetes yiamineus.

Uncommon winter visitor, November to late April.

219. BACHMAN’S SPARROW. Aimophila aestivalis.

Fairly common summei- resident in open fields with pines and bushes,
not easily seen because it stays on the ground. Reported from late
March through June.

220. SLATE-COLORED JUNCO. Junco hyemalis.

Abundant winter resident, often seen in large flocks, October to mid-
May.

221. OREGON JUNCO. Junco oreyanus.

Accidental. George Smith observed one on his feeding station for about
three weeks in January and February, 1948.

June, 1954

39

222. AMERICAN TREE SPARROW. Spizella arborea.

Rare winter visitor, reported on one Christmas count and on a field
trip in March, 1943.

223. CHIPPING SPARROW. Spizella passerina.

Common summer resident, March to November. Occasionally a few stay
all winter.

224. FIELD SPARROW. Spizella piisilla.

Common permanent resident of field and open country. They often
gather in flocks during the winter.

225. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW. Zouotrichia Icucophrys.

Rare casual. Not definitely established until the 1953 Christmas count
when an adult was clearly seen at close range by Tom Street and
John McLeod, Jr.

226. WHITE THROATED SPARROW. Zovotrichia albicollis.

Common winter resident from early October to May. Latest record is
June 17, 1944 at Old Mill Camp.

227. FOX SPARROW. Passerella iliaca.

Fairly common winter resident, mid-November to April.

228. LINCOLN’S SPARROW. Melospiza lincolnvi.

Accidental. Wetmore reports an immature female shot on Troublesome
Creek, seven miles south of Reidsville on Sept. 23, 1939.

229. SWAMP SPARROW. Melospiza. georgiana.

Common winter resident in swampy areas, but hard to see. Late
October to early May.

230. SONG SPARROW. Melospiza melodia.

Now a permanent resident, although formerly seen only in winter.
The first nest was found by Tom Zapf on April 24, 1945 in an ever-
green tree in the Lake Daniel area. Common.

Bibliography

]. The Chat, v. l-lfe, 1937-1954.

2. Pearson, T. Gilbert, G. S. Brirr.iey, and H. H. Brimley, Eird.n of North Carolina. N. C.
Dept, of Agriculture. 1942.

3. Simpson, Thomas W., B. Rhett Chamberlain, and Thomas L. Quay. Check List of
Common Names for Use in the Carolinas. The Chat 17 : 35-39 (June) 1953.

4. Sprunt, Alexander, Jr. and E. Burnham Chamberlain. South Carolina Bird Life. Univ. of

S. C. Press, Columbia, S. C. 1949.

5. Wetmore, Alexander. Notes on the birds of North Carolina. U. S. Nat. Muh. Broceedintn
1941, V. 90, p. 483-530.

The 1953 Christmas Bird Count; Addendum.

WINDOM, YANCEY COUNTY, N. C. Five Year Score; 23/7; 24/4;
26/4; 25/4; 33/4. Dec. 29; heavily cloudy all day; temp. 35°-50°. Same area
in past 16 years plus a secluded cove abounding in wild grapes, polk berries,
smilax, etc. Four observers in two parties obtained an excellent count in this
high mountain area. Of the total count of 33 species, the Ruffed Grouse,
Pileated Woodpecker, Red-hcaded Woodpecker, Winter Wren and Hermit
Thrush were not found on the preceding four Christmas counts. Killdeer
and the Black-billed Cuckoo found in the 1949 census have not been found
on any of the following counts, and Meadowlarks have not been recorded in a
Windom census since 1950. H. Grady Bailey, Paul Hughes, James Hutchins
(compiler), and Wade Styles.

We rec()r<l with deepest sorrow the passing of Mrs. Joseph B. Whitener in Germany
on A))ril 9. 1954. "Boo" was Treasurer of CBC in 1952-53 and had many hundreds
of friends in CBC. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. We ex-
tend our sympathy to her family. — Ed.

40

The Chat

LATE SLIMMER BIRDS OE THE BLACK MOUNTAINS
OE NORTH CAROLINA

Merrill P. Spencer

Among' the varied types of bird life that the Carolinas have to offer,
none seems quite so unique as the summer birds of the higher mountains.
Here at distinctly southern latitudes, one finds plants and animals other-
wise commonly existing- 500 to 1,000 miles to the north. This southward
extension of the ranges of the northern birds offers interesting possibilities
to the casual birder, as well as to the scientist, for investigation in this
region.

The late summer birds of the Black Mountains are for the most part
nesting birds which have finished their domestic duties and are ranging up
and down the.se high mountain slopes before the migration season. A list
of these birds may be broken down into two groups as follows: Group I, to
include those species which during the summer season are confined to the
mountain region, and at that time are not seen in the piedmont; and Group
II, to include those species which may be found in the mountain region,
but whose ranges also extend into the piedmont and coastal regions of the
Carolinas.

The term “vertical range” is used to denote the altitude levels over which
any one of the birds is ordinarily found. The vertical ranges, like the
horizontal ranges of these mountain birds in the southern Appalachians,
are narrow oiies, and in many instances may be visualized as islands of
residence above the sea of warm summer air which stretches out over the
valleys and plains below. They are so confined by their peculiar needs for
the type of supporting vegetation and insect life which is found in their
particular vertical range. In many cases, however, the late summer ranges
are extensions of the more restricted breeding ranges.

The terrain covered by this study was forested steep mountain slopes,
except for some pastures and farmland along the lower valleys. Four
distinct qualitative variations in vegetation now clothe these ancient moun-
tains. Beginning at the top we find from the mountain peaks down to
approximately 6,200 feet covered with almost pure coniferous forest,
representative of the Canadian life zone. The dark green foliage of this
boreal forest of spruce and fir ends abruptly in an irregular line as it
contrasts with the light green cover of the cut-over area. The latter, ex-
tending down to approximately 5,200 feet, exists because of the unmerciful
cutting of its timber in the early 1900’s, and the ravages of fires. Quick
to grow, and covering this area at present, are such deciduous underbrush
as fire cherry, elderberry, blackberry, etc. Beginning at the lower limits of
the cut-over area, Ave find a transitional zone vegetation extending down-
ward and gradually changing until it reaches the piedmont. This transitional
growth around the 5,000 feet parkway level, includes northern hardwoods
interrupted with fine stands of red spruce. Below 4,500 feet, we find the
more southern species of hardwoods as well as a notable number of hem-
locks, particularly along the lower stream beds. The principal undergrowth
at all levels except the cut-over area is rhododendron.

June, 1954

41

The total period of this study extended from August 11 to August 21,
1953. This eleven day stay in the mountains was essentially a continuous
intensive field trip implemented by camping on the upper and lower slopes
of the Black Mountain Range. During the first eight days our tent was
pitched in the midst of the spruce-fir forest at an altitude of 6,300 feet.
There, through the hospitality and helpfulness extended by Park Superin-
tendent John Wilson, Ranger Vernie Murphy, and other park personnel, we
enjoyed the excellent camping facilities of Mount Mitchell State Park.

A large part of every day was spent in seeking birds in as many different
types of terrain as could be found. All observations were made by Mrs.
Spencer and myself, using 7 x 35 and 8 x 40 binoculars, respectively. Each
morning we rose with the sun for a pre-breakfast walk to take full advan-
tage of the avian activity at this time of day. W'e were usually awakened in
the morning by little groups of Golden-crowned Kinglets or Red -breasted
Nuthatches in the branches above our tent.

Our active birding hours during these first eight days were equally
divided between the spruce-fir forest of the mountain tops, (6,200 to 6,684
feet) including the adjoining cut-over area, and the transitional zone of
northern hardwood forest at the parkway level (5,000 to 5,300 feet) and
including the lower portion of the cut-over area.

The last three days of this period of study were spent with our tent
pitched in Carolina Hemlock National Park. This park is located on the
banks of the South Toe River which drains the eastern slopes of the Black
Range.

Since our time was equally divided between the three levels (6,200 to
6,684, 5,000 to 5,300, and 2,700 to 3,300) the number of each species that we
found at each of the levels is an index of the relative density of population
at each respective level.

From the literature and our own observations we have found 19 species
classified as Group 1, i.e., those confined to the higher mountains during
the summer months, and 34 species classified as Group II. This classification
excludes many more species found at 2,700 to 3,300 feet and lower, but
which do not range up to 5,000 to 5,300 feet.

Vicio of Clivfimann I‘co,k in the illack Momit.aina of North Carolina. Taken from the Blue
liidfic I'arkvaij at liidsie J unction. (5000 ft.) Bliotonraphed by Dr. M. P. Spencer.

Groups I and II are listed in the following- table:

(The dashed lines mean that the species is not
that the species occurs at that level hut v\ as

Altitudes Investinated
(i,2()0- 5,000- 2.700-

(i,()K4 ft. 5,200 ft. 2,200 ft.

Grt)up 1

(A.)

Hrown Creeper

20

. —

—

Winter Wren

4

—

—

(B.)

Common Raven
Red-brea8te<l

9

8

—

Nuthatch

25

14

—

Golden-crowned

KinKlet

Black-throated

45

12

—

Blue Warbler
Rose-breasted

12

13

—

Gro.sbeak

28

f>

—

Red Crosbill

1

0

—

Carolina Junco

lOO’s

lOO’s

—

(C.)

Ruffed Grouse

0

0

0

Cliff Swallow

20 +

0

0

Solitary Vireo
Black-throated

1

6

18

Green Warbler

40

6

3

Blackburnian Warbler 1

10

6

Chestnut-sided Warbler 1

3

C

Canada Warbler

5

6

B

(D.l

Yellow-bellied

Sapsucker

—

2

—

Veery

—

0

—

Baltimore Oriole

—

2

—

Group II

fA.)

Turkey Vulture

0

0

0

Broad-winged Hawk 0

2

0

Sharp-Shinned Hawk 0

0

0

Ruby-throated

Hummingbird

3

7

43

found at that particular level. An “0” means
not found by us.)

Altitudes Investitfated
(i,200- 5.000- 2,700-

0,084 ft. 5,200 ft. 2,200 ft.

Ked-headed

Woodpecker

0

0

0

Hairy Woodpecker

1

(1

0

Downy Woodpecker

1

0

2

Blue Jay

0

2

13

Car(dina Chickadee

0

2

4

Carolina Wren

0

1

.3

Catbird

12

52

6

■American Robin

3

n

22

Cedar Waxwing

Black «& White

22

35

5

Wai-hler

3

5

10

Pine Warbler

0

0

0

American Redstart

0

0

c

Scarlet Tanager

1

2

1

Indigo Bunting

0

1

0

■American Goldfinch

3

5

6

Eastern Towhee

10 +

4 +

3

Song Sparrow 5

0

19

Red-tailed Hawk

—

3

0

Sparrow Hawk

—

0

0

Bob-white

—

0

0

Barred Owl
Yellow-shafted

—

0

0

Flicker

—

0

0

Eastern Wood Pewee

—

4

15

Tufted Titmouse

—

fi

6

Brown Thrasher

—

0

1

Wood Thrush

—

0

6

Common Bluebird

Y el low-breasted

—

0

12

Chat

—

0

0

Hooded Warbler

—

0

0

Field Sparrow

—

0

14

The Brown Creeper and the Winter Wren which have the narrowest
vertical ranges, are found only at the top of the mountains in the fringe
of spruce-fir forest. However, they are common, and easily located. We
recorded 20 Brown Creepers and four Winter Wrens by sight. The delicate
tinkling song of the Winter Wren came to us soon after we awakened in
the morning and was heard frequently throughout the day. These two species
plus the 14 listed in sections (B.) & (C.) under Group I were all recorded
in the spruce-fir forest. As a matter of fact, at least one specimen of each of
these species was seen right at our higher campsite, with the exception of
the Ruffed Grouse and the Red Crossbill.

The Red Crossbill, recorded but once by us, is listed with seven birds
whose vertical summer ranges extend from the summit down to the
transitional zone at 5,000 feet. The Crossbill’s probable breeding range,
like that of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, extends band-like around the
ranges, excluding the peaks and the lower valleys. During the late summer
months they wander to the tops of the mountains. The wandering flocks of
Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks seen by us in the spruce-fir forest were devoid
of mature males. However, one was seen at the 5,000 foot level. The Black-
throated Blue Warbler similaily extends from its breeding range in the
cut-over area, to the forest openings of the mountain tops.

The Common Raven, the Red-breasted Nuthatch, and the Golden-crowned
Kinglet contrast with the previous three birds by nesting high in the

June, 1954

43

coniferous forests, and afterwards scattering* down the slopes to the 5,000-
5,300 foot level. We found it fascinating* to watch the aerial battles between
the Ravens and Red-tailed Hawks from higher vantage points.

The Slate-colored Junco (Carolina Junco) apparently wanders little below
its breeding range which caps all the mountains down to approximately
3,500 feet. The lower limit is open to easy investigation by anyone traveling
along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as the highway dips in and out of the range
of this extremely abundant species.

Seven more species (Group I, (C.)) were found whose vertical ranges
extend from the upper reaches down to the 2,700 foot level. We were dis-
appointed in being unable to locate even a single Rulfed Grouse. The Cliff
Swallows, vdiich roost in the lower valleys were seen feeding high over the
peak of Mt. Mitchell. They do not nest in the Black Mountains, but they
form an interesting part of this region during the late summer months.
The relative numbeis of Solitary Vireos seen at each level, indicates a clear
preference by this species for the lower altitudes. Counts of Black-throated
Green Warblers, in contrast, demonstrate their prefei*ence for the boreal
forests. The Blackburnian Warbler, which nests between 3,500 feet and 5,000
feet, demonstrates its reluctance to leave its breeding* range, and is there-
fore more likely to be seen at this altitude. The Chestnut-sided V/arbler is
most easily found at the lower levels, while chances of ones finding* a Canada
Warbler at this time of year aie equally good at all levels listed.

In section (D.) of Group I we find three species which are rather sharply
limited in their vertical ranges. The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Veery
nest at the level indicated. I would like to emphasize the opportunity we
have to hear the beautiful song of the Veery. To hear him, one should visit
the parkway at about 5,000 feet sometime before the end of July, as his song-
ceases by the end of that month. The exact status of the Baltimore Oriole
in the North Carolina mountain region bears further investigation. Bi)ds of
Nofth Carolina' states that this species is not seen east of the Blue Ridge.
Burleigh," in his extensive five year investigation of the birds of Mt.
Mitchell, never recorded it at any season.

Turning briefly to the birds of Group II, we find 34 piedmont and lowland
species whose ranges extend up to or beyond 5,000 feet. Of these, 13 limit
their upper ranges to the 5,000 to 5,300 foot level. One bird of this group
(5), the Scarlet Tanager which was seen by us. is of interest because of its
absence from Burleigh’s records of this region.

The summer vertical range of the Indigo Bunting is of peculiar interest,
though the upper limit of its breeding range is not known. The male only
ranges to the summits just during the month of July and sings each day
from the upper branches of the larger trees, while the females and young*
ai*e limited to the 5,000 foot level.

The remaining 21 birds in Group II extend their vertical ranges into
the spruce-fir forests. It must be concluded that these lowland birds
occurring at the upper mountain slopes do so on account of their high
degree of adaptability.

Hlm.lOI’.BAPlIY

1 Hirdu of North Carolina, Pearson, Mrimley & Brimley

2 Hird Tdfc on Mt. Mitchrll, BurleiKh, Thomas D.. Auk .iS : im, 941.

44

The Chat

- BACKYARD BIDDING

ANNIE RIVERS PAVER, Dpp.uli-f'nl Fdiinr

y

■:V

.. \ ,--

Notes continue to come in to this department on albinism in our common
songbirds. This has been a most interesting study to me. (I would like to
have suggestions from our readers for other topics that could be handled
in a similar mannei'.) Since the last issue of this bulletin, I have received
the following reports:

Mr. Louis LeConte, of a neighboring community, recently told me of
his having seen a partial albino Junco in the yard of his home on Christ-
mas day. This bird was almost all white, except for brown markings on
his head and back and wings. Mr. LeConte said it appeared to be larger
than the other Juncos. In fact, v/e discussed the possibility of it having
been a Snow Bunting, but gave up that idea after a close study of our
books.

One of the Rural Route mail cariders described a Robin that had had a
white band around bis neck. Mr. C. T. M^eston of Congaree (about ten
miles from here) told me about a “blonde Robin”, that appeared to be a
light tan or cream-colored all over.

From North Carolina, a letter from Mr. Clinnard at Hickory tells of
a partial albino Cardinal. He says, “She is definitely a female cardinal. She
has a wide white band around her neck extending about half way down on
her breast, and a white rump patch.”

E. M. Hodel, of Elkin, N. C., writing for Mr. Hendren and himself says:
“M^e went out Saturday afternoon and saw a rather unusual bird, both
flying and at close range, sitting. It was a partial albino Hermit Thrush.
The breast, instead of being light, was cinnamon colored, and had the
usual Hermit Thrush markings. The tail and back were practically white,
so that in flying it gave the illusion of a large white bird. We were able
to spot it on the ground, for it is comparatively tame and identification
was easy. The farmer on whose land this biixl was found reported that this
is the second wintgr that it has been here, and that it always stays in
about the approximate area in which we saw it. This thrush was feeding
on sumach berries in the company of a small flock of Robins.” (This bird
was seen on February 6, 1954.) Mr. Hodel also reported an albino Robin
at Elkin from March 13 to 20, 1954.

Again from North Carolina comes the following item:

Since our home is located in woodland on the edge of a golf course, we
have been very fortunate in the variety of birds attracted to our backyard
sanctuary. Predominant in numbers during the winter months are, of
course, the Juncos, which more than most birds, I think, look like they
have all been cut from the same pattern. This past winter, however, one
appeared which certainly stood out from the crowd. A mature male of
the familiar deep slate color, this Junco had pure white cheeks very
much like a Chickadee, and a white bib. Arriving in early January, he
patronized our feeders regularly each day, several times a day. In every

June, 1954 45

other respect, except for the white markings, he was just like all the other
Juncos .... fiesh-colorecl bill, slate-colored head and back, light under-
parts, and v/hite feathers in his tail. He is still coming daily at this writ-
ing (March 8). It will be interesting to watch for his return next year. —
Hazel Kepler (Mrs. Reginald Kepler), Hope Valley, Durham, N. C.

How many of you have had some child bring you a baby bird to care
for, and you have been completely ignorant as to the best plan to follow?
I, for one, have had no luck with baby birds, they always die in spite of
everything I can do. So I was delighted when someone sent me a copy of
the little bulletin, the EBBA NEWS, containing an article in which a
letter from Mrs. Robert A. Arny^ 149 Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair,
N. J., is quoted. (March 1953, page 7) Mrs. Arny^ writes that the very
best thing we can do is to teach the children and others to leave the little
birds where they find them. However, some will always be brought to
the person known to be interested in birds, so for our information she
gives the following advice: “Young birds thrive best on chopped lean
meat and whole wheat bread, and a minimum of water. Raptores should
have horse meat with feathers (from the poultry market) cut up fine and
^mixed in. Crows, jays and other omnivores like canned dog food. Grated
raw carrots should be added to the diet of all but birds of prey. It sup-
plies calcium for bone and feather building. Witch hazel is the best
thing I have found for treating bruises, and wounds should be bathed
with ST37. Above all, with young birds, avoid chilling.”

Random Binding on Critter Hill. — Last summer we clocked the calls of
Whip-poor-wills and Chuck-will’s-widows. We were after first hand knowl-
edge of their calling rates, since the authorities seemed to diifer so widelyL
And we weren’t very long in finding out why they diifer. As we sus-
pected, the individual birds have their own rates and they are not con-
stant. There is a marked slowing up as the season progresses. The Whip-
poor-wills were always faster than the Chucks and seemed to keep at it
longer. Early in the season, both species stayed close by the house; Oc-
casionally one would sit along the main ridge of our roof. But by Sep-
tember we strained our ears to hear them away olf in the deeper woods.
Early in the season they were heard from dusk to dawn, diminishing in
the wee hours. For late departure records, early dawn is the time to listen.
Or so it is with us. Our most important find was the new voices among
the Whip-poor-wills in Septembei - the Chucks were not heard after
July 17. The strange voices were unlike the ones we had been timing, in
pitch. One of them said “whip-poor-wheel.” Were they migrants that
had summered to the north of us, or Avere they'^ birds of the year in the
learning stage? They didn’t sound very proficient and not at all comfortable.

Statistics: May 16, 1953; beginning at 2:03 a.m.; temperature 62°.
Whip-poor-will - In ten series of 60 second counts on the same bird, the
average calling rate was 45.5 calls per minute. A similar set of ten series
on a Chuck-will’s- widow on the same night, starting at 4:22 a.m., averaged
29.1 calls per minute. For these two individuals, the Whip-poor-will called
1.6 times faster than the Chuck-will’s-widow. That was in May. By mid-
July both species had slowed down appreciably. Also, we seldom heard
more than ten uninterrupted calls, making the timing less accurate. The
Whip-poor-Avills’ rate was under 40 calls per minute.

The Whip-poor-wills must have moved out about September 16. On that
date, three birds called simultaneously. During the several preceding weeks
we had heard but one at a time, and seldom at that. — B. R. Chamberlain,
Maftheivs, N. C., December 31, 1!)53.

Does anyone in or out of CBC happen to have an extra copy of Birds of
North Carolina, Pearson, Brimlev & Brimley, which he or she would like
to present to the editor of The Chafl It will become the property of CBC
and will be passed on to each succeeding incumbent. The present editors
have donated a copy of South Carolina Bird Life, Sprunt & Chamberlain,
for this purpose. — Ed.

46

The Chat

IN MEMORIAM

John Washington 1‘eaiu'k
Smithwick was horn in Ber-
tie Co., N. C., on Aufi'ust 19,
1870. He attended the Uni-
versity of North Carolina and
was g-raduated from the Uni-
versity of Maryland in 1895
with the Doctor of Medicine
degree. Dr. Smithwick mar-
ried Sallie Thompson of Au-
rora in 1896 and practiced
medicine in Aurora until Feb-
ruary 1898, when the young
couple moved to LaGrange
and made their permanent
home. Dr. Smithwick was a
prominent physician and com-
munity leader in LaGrange
for fifty-five years, serving as
town mayor for 20 years. He
continued active in his medi-
cal work into his eighty-third
year, retiring only last year
after a short illness. Dr.
Smithwick is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren,
all of whom were with him when he passed away on March 17, 1954.

As a boy and young man in Bertie Co., John Smithwick studied the local
bird life intensively and corresponded with the Brimleys of Raleigh, John
Cairns of Weaverville, R. B. McLaughlin of Statesville, and others. He
published his first ornithology papers in 1891, and in 1897 wrote “The
Ornithology of North Carolina,” a N. C. State College Experiment Station
bulletin enumerating 903 forms.

During the past several years. Dr. Smithwick was an enthusiastic Sup-
porting Member of the Carolina Bird Club, personally accounting for several
dozen new memberships. His interest in the birds about him never flagged,
as shown bv his “Backyard Birding” observations published on page 58 of
the September 1952 Chat.

Dr. Smithwick’s final contribution to North Carolina ornithology came
with the publication, in the December 1952 Chat, of his “Birds of Bertie
County Sixty Years Ago.” This paper contains much hitherto unpublished
information and stands as a rare and valuable record of the former bird life
in that region. Dr. Smithwick’s painstaking scholarship is well illustrated
in this paper, which he wrote for the first time, at my request, in early 1952
from his good and carefully preserved notes made over 60 years ago. Dr.
Smithwick graciouslv carried the manuscript through four revisions, and
then generously and anonymously paid for the entire cost of its printing.

The following telegram was sent to Mrs. Smithwick at LaGrange on
March 22 :

The Carolina Bird Club extends to you its deepest sympathies and
treasures the memory of Dr. Smithwick as friend, physician, and ornitholo-
gist.— T. L. Quay.

SIMtING FIELD TRIF* AT EDISTO ISLAND

About 90 members and Ruests of CBC enioyed a fine outing at the Ocean Villa on Edisto
Beach. S. C.. April 2:!-25. 19.54. Field trips Saturday to different parts of the Island, on
the beaches, Edisto State Park and to Botany Bay netted 10.5 species. Nests of the Wilson’s
Plover and Willet were found and photographed.

Saturday evening after a slu rt meeting, Gordon Brown of the S. C. Wildlife Resources
Dept., showed movies he had taken on the mid-winter field triji to Pea Island, N. C. This
was followed by an excellent hour-long movie (d' wildlife in the Groat Smokies hy Mr. and
Mrs. S. G. Baldwin of Gatlin, Illinois.

June, 1 954

47

SAFETY FACTOR IN A HANGING NEST

B. R. Chamberlain

Synopsis.

This paper presents facts developed in testing the load capacity of a nest
of a Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons). A load-displacement relation-
ship is determined and a Safety Factor is indicated.

Material.

The nest selected for testing had been built on an outer' branch of a large
hickory tree, 16 feet from the trunk and some 12 feet above the ground. In
place of the usual fork, parallel twigs from the same branch had been
chosen by the builders," giving a less stable support than would have been
found in a fork. Fully 40 per cent of the perimeter of the nest was un-
supported. The nest proper, seemed to be representative for the species.
The two twigs from which it was suspended were separated by a distance of
11 centimeters at their point of attachment along the branch. The center
of the nest was approximately 29 cms., from the branch on one twig, and
18 cms., from the branch on the other twig.

The nest measured approximately five cms., in inside diameter, with an
inside depth of 5% cms. The walls were about 1% cms., thick. It was
composed almost entirely of cedar bark with a generous covering of lichens.
Both bark and lichens were bound firmly in place with spider silk. The lining
was of fine grass.

A careful analysis of the material made by Sarah Nooe of Queens College
faculty shows: lichen and bark, 8.0 grams; grass, 1.1 grams; paper and
cloth, 1.0 grams; dust particles, 1.1 grams. Total weight of nest stripped
from supports, 11.2 grams or 0.4 ounce.

The bark was in well shredded strips. There were three small pieces of
paper. It was heavy, soft, and slate-colored. The cloth was a single narrow
piece of white cotton, 32 cms., long. It was not exposed in the completed
nest. By count, 550 pieces of fine grass were separated. They ranged upward
to 17.6 cms., and probably averaged five cms., in length. Most of it was
grass tops and some seed pods were still attached. The lichen was similar to
that found in abundance on the hickory tree from which the nest was taken.
However, it possibly was gathered along with the bark from an old lichens-
covered cedai which stands 160 feet from the nest site.

Although the use of lichens is generally associated with camouflage, the
extra spider silk that bound it in place strengthened the over-all structure
considerably. Attachment to the twigs was accomplished almost entirely by
the use of silk. The species of spider providing the silk was not determined,
but web of the large Garden Spider was available in quantity within 90
feet of the nest.

.Method.

The nest was collected at Matthews, N. C., May 30 1953 twelve days after
a brood of three had left it. Deflection of the twigs during weighting was
prevented by placing fixed supports under the four points immediately
adjacent to the nest. Vertical loading was applied inside the nest by
pressui’e against a footing of plaster of Paris that had been poured into

48

The Chat

a form fitted cup of tin foil. The loading idg weighed •‘1.4 ounces, and
produced no appreciable displacement after iidtial settling. Loading weights
consisted of water and bits of lead.

Results.

Total failure of the nest occurred under a load of 76.1 ounces (4.75
pounds). At that point a displacement of 2.9 centimeters had been reached.

The load-displacement graph shows a fairly fixed stage in the 10 to 25
ounce range. Beyond that, the relationship is direct all of the way to the
point of failure, as indicated by the strength line. No real elasticity was
observed beyond the initial loadings, and any displacement appeared to be
permanent. Failure began midway down one side of the nest where minor
tearing was first noted under a load of 45 ounces (2.8 pounds). The dis-
placement at this load was 1.7 cms.

n

n

a

LOAD-

7/^

tpi

At

CE

Mt

■NT

t

?

.3

VJ

06

4

/7C

n

66

/

i

r?

r?

\n

f

0

y

0

a

Q_.

[i

M

1

»

1

1

1

Conclusions.

Apparently a load approaching the ultimate load may have been supported
for an extended period. Displacement seemed to be accompanied by a re-
arrangement of fibers rather than by breaking. Assuming that the nest was
undamaged up to the point of minor tearing, we are dealing with an
allowable load in the order of 45 ounces.

June, 1954

49

The weight of the three grown nestlings and a single adult Yellow-throated
Vireo is taken as three ounces. This is based upon data from the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.'' Activities of the group would not have changed
the total weight materially. However, the live load due to sudden lifting of
the branch by wind could have doubled the static load and subjected the
nest to a six ounce load'. With an allowable load of 45 ounces, the Safety
Factor for the nest examined is 45/6, or IVz-

Had the maximum brood of five been raised p’ the Safety Factor would
have dropped to five.

The period during which this nest was built and occupied was abnormally
dry. What effect this had upon the measured strength of the nest is unknown.

For a structure that was built for a month’s use," this pair of Yellow-
throated Vireos built well. — Matthews, N. C., March 15, 1954-

NOTES:

1. This is contrary to a key character given in Key to the Nests of the Coynmon Samyncr-
Resident Birds of Northeastern North America. (1925) — A. A. Allen.

2. Both sexes participate in nest buikling. Life Histories of North American Way tails.
Shrikes, Vireos, and their Allies. (1950) — A. C. Bent.

3. Chandler S. Robbins, myns (1954).

4. Any standard text on dynamics.

5. Same source as note No. 2.

(i. Ibid. Re-use of nest extremely rare.

[This paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of CBC on March 20, 1954 at High
Point. N. C.—Kd.\

Annual Meeting of the Carolina Bird Club

We had a splendid meeting at High Point, North Carolina, on March
20, 1954. The Catesby Bird Club was host to CBC members — the regular
migrants, casuals, and accidentals — who enjoyed a program that attested
to thorough planning and preparation. A stimulating program of papers
by CBC members occupied the morning session, called to order by the
President, Robert Overing, and conducted by Rhett Chamberlain. . Dr.
Thomas L. Quay reviewed the work on Mourning Dove feeding habits in
North Carolina and Dr. Merrill P. Spencer discussed the distribution of late
summer residents in the Mount Mitchell region. Mr. Chamberlain then
presented a unique analysis of the weight-bearing capacity of a Yellow-
throated Vireo nest. The last paper was presented by Mr. Gordon Brown of
the South Carolina Wildlife Department, who spoke on the status of the
Eastern Turkey.

Following an excellent luncheon served in the meeting place at the
YMCA, the program was continued with an informal presentation of color
films by Mr. and Mrs. Matt Thompson and Mr. Bill Joyner. The films and
commentary on the Purple Gallinule at Lake Ellis were an outstanding
featiu’e of the meeting. The final paper was by Dr. Quay, who gave a graphic
account of the publication of The Chat — from manuscript to mailing date.

At the business session, in addition to reports and election of officers,
Mr. W. L. McAtee of Chapel Hili, an outstanding wildlife authority, was
elected Honorary Member for Life on the nomination of Mr. Matt Thompson.

Tea was held for the membership at the home of Mrs. C. B. Mattocks
near High Point. Well-conducted tours of historical places, formal gardens,
and wild-flower gardens were held during the latter part of the afternoon.
The dinner I'neeting convened at 7 :00 p.m. at the YMCA. Mr. Overing
accepted a gift fi’om the executive committee as retiring President and
recognition was given the Catesby Bird Club. The speaker of the evening
was Mr. Wendell P. Smith, now of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Mr.
Smith gave a thorough account of the natural history of Vermont based on
his years of experience as state ornithologist. He concluded his talk with a
color film on Veimont. — Thomas W. Simpson, Sec'y.. Wiiistoii-Saletn, N. C.

50

The Chat

BOOKS

The Jl'c/) of Life. John H. Storer. 144 pages; i)lus 44 ])ages of photographs.

$3.00. The Devin-Adair Co., N. Y. 1953.

The conservation and wise use of our renewable natural resources — soils,
waters, plants, and wildlife — are rapidly becoming- matters of increasing-
understanding and concern by the general public. This little book, sub-
titled “A First Book of Ecology,” explains in simple, direct, and vivid
language the ways in which all forms of wildlife are dependent on each
other and their natural environments. Soil and water, grass, forest and
wildlife are all shown to be inextricably associated in nature, so that one
cannot be misused without harmful and long-reaching effects on the others.
Man’s continued use and enjoyment of these given resources, including
favorable agricultural practices, are dependent on these now well-known
and simple truths. The four-dozen photographs are arranged in sequence
to tell the story pictorially from the making- of soil in the beginning to the
way man is related to the function within the natural communities.

John H. Storer, farmer conservationist and now president of the Florida
Audubon Society has written this book for everyone that we all may work
effectively for our individual and collective good. Fortunately, Mr. Storer
has succeeded in placing- both the language and the price within everyone’s
reach. — T. L. Quay.

Those of the Forest, Wallace Byron Grange, 314 pp.; illustrated by Olaus J.
Murie, $4.75. 'The Flambeau Publishing Co., Babcock, Wis. 1953. Through
many years of intense field work and careful note-taking, Wallace Grange
prepared for this extraordinary chronicle which revolves around two snow-
shoe hares, Snowshoe and his son, Lepus. As you read, you get the feeling
that you, too, are there in the forest, swamp or brush, making- the observa-
tions. So realistically are these episodes reported in this year-round
chronicle, that one has difficulty in recalling whether one read about them
or actually witnessed them. And, in the case of this reviewer, who knows
Wallace Grange and something about the countryside and animals chronicled,
the book proved very dynamic.

Because Grange has tremendous perception and writes intimately of
many relationships of the hares to their environment, the book is not easy
to review. Grange has dwelled on the wholeness of nature, without once
bringing in humankind. This is strictly a story of "those of the forest” — a
story that will have most appeal to mature readers, although some of the
episodes, in themselves, can be extracted and relished by less mature oi-
younger readers. Undoubtedly, in the future some anthologist will so use
portions of this book.

The author has earned an honored place among- the great nature writers
and his book stands unique. It is an ecolo,gical chronicle. One might say that
it demonstrates the harino’nics of wiki life, with special reference to the
snowshoe hare. All this destines t’ne book to become a classic. In comparing
Those of the Forest with past examples of “nature writing,” this re-
viewer’s opinion is that it surpasses them all because of Grange’s tremen-
dous insight into the inter-relationships of living things.

Indeed through a reading of this book, many of us should gain additional
perspective on such troublesome points as “balance of nature,” long-time
plant-community successions, wild populations, cycles, predation, inter-
dependence of plants and animals, influence of weather, fire, soil, water, and
geological forces.

Grange was fortunate in obtaining illustrations from that gifted and
noted field naturalist, Olaus J. Murie. The only fault was that there were not
more of Murie’s illustrations included.

Don’t expect to be able to sit down and read this book through rapidly.
And, once you have gone through it, you will discover that you can pick it
up, open to almost any page, and quickly become involved in an episode,
satisfactorily complete within itself to the reader. — Douolas Wade.

June, 1954

51

•jm ^

GENERAL FIELD NOTES

Advisory Council: E. B. Chamberlain, Robert Holmes, Jr., Robert Overing,
Thomas W. Simpson, Arthur Stupka, Robert L. Wolff.

Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Route 1, Matthews, N. C.

This department will carry noteworthy data to the extent of the allotted space. Bare
lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will he held for publication in reE:ionaI
groupings. All material should be sent to the Department Editor. It may be presented in
final form or subject to re-write* The normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior
to the issue date. Data must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions.

There are 146 counties in the Carolinas. We hear regularly from about 10
of them and rarely from about 15 others. That is rather thin coverage. Is
j'our county represented?

^ Loons and Mergansers. — For the last two weeks (Dec. 20, ’53 to Jan. 2,
’54) there has been a ffock of about fifty Common Loons here on Lake
Junaluska (Haywood County, N. C.). The lake has been largely frozen over
during that time, and the loons would sit up on the ice for hours at a time.
Late in the evening they would come up on the bank where I got a splendid
view of them. During the same two weeks there have been about 18 Hooded
Mergansers here. I saw them in the sunshine yesterday with their white
crests displayed. We have had a few Canada Geese and I have identified
Mallards, Black Ducks, two or three Shovellers, Scaup, and Baldpate.
— Sarah Lesley, Lake Jnnaliiska, N. C., Jan. 4, lt>54.

Rare Wildfowl at Santee. — On February 5, 1954, I saw two Snow Geese
among a ffock of 185 Canada Geese in the refuge portion of Lake Moultrie,
Berkeley County, S. C. One of the Snows was an adult and the other an
immature bird. This is the first time I have observed this species in South
Carolina since I came here 312 years ago.

On January 9, 1954, E. F. Holland, Refuge Manager at Santee examined
a male European Widgeon that had been shot and killed that day by Basil
Richburg at Lake Marion, Clarendon County, S. C. — Robert J. Lemaire,
Santee National Wildlife Refuge, Sunimerton, S. C. (Both of the above
species are rare in South Carolina and previous records have been confined
to the coast. — Dept. Ed.)

Duck Behavior. — Mrs. Lyon and I ran out to one of the local ducks ponds
near Laurinburg on the afternoon of Feb. 25, 1954, to see what ducks were
here and sighted what I first thought was a Buffiehead. We maneuvered to
get a better light and found that the bird was a male Hooded Merganser.
Close by was a female Canvasback. The Merganser seemed to be sleeping
with its head under a wing while the Canvasback was alert. Now and again
she would swim up to him and turn him slowly around by pushing with her
bill. He did not seem to mind and kept up his siesta. Finally I waked him up
by slamming my car door and he pulled his head out and shook himself
with apparent alarm. They swam apart and were about 30 feet apart when
the Merganser decided to take off. He had a lead of about 30 feet when she
arose. In less than a hundred yards she had caught up with him and they

52

The Chat

flew together, turning at the far end of the pond and coining back to pass
over us and head in the direction of another nearby pond. There were no
other waterfowl on the pond and we surmise that these two were just
lonely. The Canvasback appeared to be almost twice as large as the
Merganser. They made strange companions. — E. R. Lyon, Laiii iiiburf/, N. C.

ITirple Callinules Continue to Hreed at Lake Eilis, Craven County, N. C. —
On June 25, 1953, a pair of Purple Gallinules with five downy young were
located at Lake Ellis near the same spot where we found a breeding ])air
in September of 1951 (Chat 15(51:79). Bill Joyner of Rocky Mount had
been invited to bring his camera and he got some excellent color film of this
second brood. Four days later Matt took additional pictures. Only two of
the young were found then. One of these was caught and examined. The
disproportionate size of the baby’s feet was amazing. The egg-tooth was
still in evidence. The films were shown and well received at the CBC An-
nual Meeting at High Point. — Mr. and Mrs. Matt L. Thompson, Chapel
Hill, N. C. (See also Robert Holmes’ note in the Chat 15(3-4) :59. Note also
that Lake Ellis is correctly listed above in Craven County. Previous
references list it in Carteret County. — Dept. Ed.).

Herring Gulls and Gannets Along Hatteras Bank. — On Jan. 1, 1954, as a
preliminary to the CBC Mid-winter Field trip next day, we explored the 40
miles of Hatteras Bank from Oregon Inlet to Cape Hatteras. When first
crossing the inlet we were struck by the large numbers of gulls in the
vicinity, both on the inner flats ancl the outer beach. We examined the
outer beach frequently on the southward run, and walked well out on
the sands of Cape Hatteras proper. The gulls were plentiful all along the
beach and out over the ocean for a good half-mile. These were predomi-
nantly Herring Gulls, with less than one per cent of Ring-bills and Black-
backs. How accurate would an estimate of total numbers be? We believe
that the total number of gulls along these 40 miles of ocean beach could
be conservativel3^ placed at between 100,000 and 200,000 individuals. What
is the wintering gull population of all North Carolina? Or the entire
continental east coast?

Gannets were also plentiful, frequently soaring and diving within 100
feet of the shore. Directly east off Cape Hatteras we estimated 3,000
Gannets to be in view at one time over a half-mile stretch. We have
)iever before seen Gannets gather together in large flocks like this. The
fishing must have been very good. — T. L. Quay and Philip H. Davis, Ra-
leigh, N. C.

Swallow Migration on the North Carolina Coast. — During the two weeks
period from August 9 to 23, 1953, at Long Beach, ten miles due west of the
mouth of Cape Fear River, I witnessed a portion of the Fall swallow
migration. Weather permitting, the swallows winged their way from dawn
to dark, parallel to the coast which runs almost due east and west along
this stretch of the Atlantic shore. By sample counts, averaging from less
than one per minute to a peak of more than 80 individuals per minute
(.August 18), it was estimated that approximately 89,000 individuals passed
this spot during the two week period. Occasionally rainy periods drove the
birds to roost on power wires where sight identification revealed that more
than 90 per cent were Barn Swallows with Tree and Rough-winged Swallows
in lesser abundance. During one such lull, a single Purple Martin was also
seen. In spite of the swoops and dips characteristic of swallow flight, these
birds were flying at an average speed westward of from 30 to 35 miles
per hour (determined by keeping pace in an automobile). — Hal H. Strick-
land, Greensboro, N. C.

The Bank Swallow in the Carolinas. — On December 21, 1926, Dr. Thomas
Smyth, then of the University of South Carolina, wrote me that one of his
students in ornithology, Mr. T. M. Craig, had recorded the Bank Swallow
(Riparia ripana) as nesting at Lake Summit and at Tuxedo, both in North
Carolina, during the preceding season, and that identification had been

June, 1954

53

verified by T. F. Musselman of Quincy, Illinois. The nests were about four
miles from the South Carolina line, and I did not enter them in my “Birds
of Upper South Carolina.” After several years in California and a return
east in the early 1930’s I found such birds in summer near Pioneer Park
and the reservoir between Table Rock and Caesar’s Head, but found no
nests. Thinking the Craig and Musselman records had probably been pub-
lished, I devoted but a single sentence to the record of my find in some notes
in the Auk, 51:537. Finding, since the advent of the 1950’s, that the earlier
record had evidently not been published, I took the matter up with Dr.
Smyth, and he assured me I was welcome to publish his communication.
Through the kindness of the University Alumni Association I found Mr.
Craig, who stated the Bank Swallows had been found near Lake Summit,
1926- ’28. An additional message from Dr. Musselman, a noted authority on
the subject, commends Mr. Craig’s field work and verifies “Bank Swallows
nesting near Caesar’s Head” and adds, “Certainly you are welcome to
publish the record.” The communication of all three of the gentlemen con-
cerned is carefully preserved in my files. Their observations and notes
precede mine by several years.

Excavations attending dam-building in the general vicinity apparently
opened banks in sand and alluvial soil and established new and local niches
for the species. As such banks weather off to mere slopes the birds could be
expected to yield the territory. Even more than the Rough-wing the Bank
Swallow seems dependent on undercutting and caving of banks for nesting-
sites, for the former makes use of abandoned and worn brick-walling when
niched and scarred by time. — A. L. Pickens, Queens College, Charlotte, N. C.

Mockingbird Behavior. — Today, January 8, 1954, as I started to turn into
my drive at noon I saw two birds tangled in a fight on the pavement in front
of my home. I stopped and one of them, a Mockingbird, flew up into “its”
Dogwood in the front yard. On the pavement was a Hermit Thrush pretty
well beaten and ruffled up. It wasn’t able to fly over five feet but it managed
to elude me on several attempts as I reached down after it. Finally capturing
it, I found that it apparently was uninjured except for the lower bill, which
was broken. There was some blood around the mouth.

I took the thrush into the back yard and placed it in the sun. When first
released it simply squatted quietly, making no effort to move. I left it and
returned about 10 minutes latei-. It flew about 10 feet away and I did not
try to recapture it. After lunch I started back to see how the bird was getting-
on and saw that the mocker had found it again. This time he finished the
job by killing the thrush. I attempted to get some movies of the action but
most of it was in shadows. The distance from the first affair on the pavement
to the kill is about 175 feet — still within the mocker’s territory.

I do not contend that the mocker first injured the thrush. It may have
been hit by a car or hurt in some other way. The mocker certainly finished
it, confining its pecking, like a Brown Thrasher breaking open a beetle, to
the area around the mouth. I expected to find upon examination that the
victim’s eyes had been pecked out. This was not the case. Chickens, you
know, will peck at any bloody spot on another chicken. With tropical fish it
is usually the eyes that are first attacked when an individual becomes weak.
So I thought perhaps the eyes would appeal to the mocker. On two occasions
I saw the mocker pull out strings of what I presume was tissue from the
thrush’s mouth. Other parts of it body had not been attacked. I left the
dead bird on the open ground in plain view, but on checking tonight I found
that it hadn’t been disturbed again. Instead, and despite the cool weather, a
host of ants had gathered. — J. W. E. Joyner, Rocky Mount, N. C.

Goldfinches Nesting at Rocky Mount, N. C. — In the Carolinas, the fall
line has been found to mark approximately the eastern limit of the breeding
of Goldfinches. More often their nests are found even nearer the mountains.
Letters from Charlie Benbow of Rocky Mount, describing the raising of
three young in his yard last summer are particularly interesting. The Ben-
bows had been watching a pair of Goldfinches at their feeders for several

54

The Chat

weeks when in Mid-Auf'-ust they turned uj) with three younj>-. Tlie “i)lumaf?e
of the youno- was about the same as that of the female except that it was
somewhat darker.” Both parents fed the young and taug’ht them to use the
bird hath. The call of the young- was of three or four syllables. — Dept. Ed.

Itose-hreasted Grosbeak Winters at Troy, N. C. — A female Rose-hreasted
Grosbeak came to my feeders on the outskirts of Troy on November l.‘h

1953. I have watched it .-ilmost daily and it is still here (March 30, 1954). It
has not yet attained full mature plumage.

For the most part it gets along well with other birds. It eats from all
feeders where there are sunflower seeds (4 feeders on 3 sides of the house),
and it eats chick scratch and reg;ular scratch from the ground. It feeds with
Towhees, Cardinals, Chipping, Field, White-throat, Fox, Song Sparrows and
Juncos. Sometimes when Cardinals get very near the Grosbeak it will flutter
its wings and frighten them away. It does the same to Nuthatches and
Downy W’oodpeckers. When Blue Jays, Mockingbirds, Thrashers or Robins
come to feed, the Grosbeak leaves. As far as I have observed it does not eat
crumbs, peanut butter or chopped nuts. There was a transient male Rose-
breasted Grosbeak here last year in April and I suppose this female will
leave about that time. — Frances M. Covington, Troy, N. C.

More Dickcissels. — Mrs. Cecil Appleberry, in her splendid account of the
past winter season at Wilmington, N. C., included the report of a male
Dickcissel observed by Mi-s. Polly Mebane in Mi’s. Mebane’s yard from
January 15 through 20th, 1954.

Near Raleigh, N. C., Wilella (Mrs. Robert L.) Overing watched a male
Dickcissel at their feeder for about 30 minutes on April 5, 1954. The bird
was with White-throats and House Sparrows. The feeder is located only 15
feet from a window. The Overings have lived and traveled in the West and
the Dickcissel is not a stranger to them. — Dept. Ed.

Sparrow Trapped by Algae, or Pond Scum? — On the afternoon of March
13, 1954, while trying to open the fishing season in a small pond nearby, the
writer observed a small sparrow-like bird floating on the water near shore.
The bird was only about a foot from shore in water three to four inches
deep, and its tail was fully spread, the wings being partially so. It was
picked up and examined. The specimen proved to be a Field Sparrow showing-
no evidence of injury, and it appeared in good condition as the weather had
been rather cool for the past several days. On closer examination both of
its feet were covered with balls of what appeared to be blue-green algae, or
pond scum, to the size of your little finger tip. After considering- the
position in the water suggesting a struggle and the masses of algae, it
led me to think rather strongly that the bird might have settled on the
shallow pond edge by some mistake, and in attempting to rise it had become
entangled in the mass of algae and drowned. — Frank Meacham, State
Museani, Raleigh, N. C.

Rare Sparrows in the North Carolina Coastal Plain. — On February 19,

1954, I collected an adult female Lincoln’s Sparrow (Mclospiza, Imcohiii)
in an overgrown sandy field near the Port Terminal at Greenville, N. C.
The bird was found in a flock of Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows,
and Juncos, but when it flew up and lit in a small hush the broad band
across the breast distinguished it immediately from these other birds.
Lincoln’s Sparrow has previously been reported from but one North Carolina
coastal plain locality. On April 14, 1939 an adult female was collected seven
miles west of South Mills at the edge of Dismal Swamp.’’ Also on February
19, 1954, I collected an adult male Fox Sparrow (PassereUa i. iliaca) in an
open hardwood swamp in the same area at Greenville. The Fox Sparrow is
i-are here and only one other has been seen recently. It was found near
Simpson, five miles east of Greenville, on October 23, 1953. The skins of
these birds have been deposited in the collection of East Carolina College.

The White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leacophrys) , is another species
I have found for which there is only one prior coastal plain record. This is

June, 1954

55

a report of two birds seen by E. L. Green at Cape Hatteras on March 25,
1936.- On January 3, 1954, I found one of these sparrows feeding with a
dock of White-throated Sparrows in the shrubbery of a flower garden al
Wilmington. It was seen again on Jan. 4, by Mary Baker, but was not seen
after that. At Greenville, one was seen perched in a small bush at the Port
Terminal on February 4, 1954. It was watched in full sunlight for nearly
five minutes by Dr. T. H. Eaton, Don McAllister and myself. A few minutes
later we also saw a Grasshopper Sparrow (Ainmochamns savannarum)
but we did not have the opportunity to collect it. There is only one record
of the Grasshopper Sparrow having been collected during the winter in
North Carolina, and that occurred on December 29, 1931, in Buncombe
County.’ There is a sight record in the Wilmington 1949 Christmas Count.'

NOTES:

1. Wotmore, Alexander. Notes on the Birds of North Carolina. Proceedings of the U. S.
National Museum, Vol. XC, pp. 483-530. 1941.

2. Pearson, Brimley and Brimley. Birds of North Carolina. N. C. Department of Agricul-
ture, Raleigh, N. C. 1942. p. 372.

3. Ibid. p. 360. Listed as .4. s. au.stralis, but currently referred to .4. .s. )>ratensis.

4. Audubon Field Notes. oOik Christrna.s Bird Count, National Audubon Society, Vol. 4,
No. 2, 1950. p. 98. — John B. Funderbukc, East Carolina College, Greenville, N. C.

The Ceilometer Hazard. — You are doubtless aware that for the past
few years there have been scattered reports of the attraction of migratory
birds to Weather Bureau ceilometers at the airports. These straight-up
searchlights pose a much smaller threat to birds than do the high, horizon-
tally-beamed lights. However, migrating birds occasionally become con-
fused and swarm around these great 35,000,000 candle-power beams. I have
noted them in flocks ranging- from a few to many hundreds around our
ceilometer at the Greensboro-High Point Airport, where I have worked
for the Weather Bureau for some years. September 15, 1948 is the earliest
date I have recorded them.

At that time the clouds were low, and it was rather foggy. A flock of
small birds came right down around the light, a rather rare occurrence here,
I later learned. More often they range from about 200 feet up to 2500 to
3000 feet, if the ceiling is that high. That night the birds stayed until day-
light, and I went out three times but was unable to find a dead or injured
bird, or to tell what species were present.

Several times that fall (1948), and during succeeding migrations, I saw
small or large flocks of birds around the light. Occasionally they came in
the spring, but mostly from about Aug. 15 to Oct. 1. Since I had found
no birds on the ground the first time, I made no further investigation,
nor any special note of later occurrences, except to notice that almost all
of the “bird nights” were cloudy, usually with a ceiling of 3000 feet, or
less, often with some fog. Occasionally a few birds would circle the light
briefly on a clear, or “high cloud” night, then apparently become re-oriented
and disappear.

In the spring of 1952, John McLeod, Jr., of Greensboro questioned me
about my experiences around the ceilometer, and addressed a letter to the
Fish and Wildlife Service on the subject. The reply from Frederick C.
Lincoln, dated May 7, 1952 is interesting;

“Because of our genei-al ignorance of the reasons for attraction and de-
struction of birds at ceilometers, all bits of information bearing on the
subject are most welcome. In the cases reported by you it is particularly
interesting to note that the phenomenon was observed only on cloudy
nights. The cases in Tennessee, where destruction of birds has been large,
have been, on the contrary, on clear nights.”

I observed no different developments after that until Sept. 7, 1953, when
an unusually large flock of birds came around our ceilometer. This time the
ceiling was higher than usual, over 5,000 feet, though it had been lower
before most of the birds appeared, and there was no fog. At sunrise I went
out to the light and found the following birds on the ground: 4 Red-eyed
Vireos. 3 Ovenbirds, 1 Black and White Warbler, all alive. With them were,
10 Red-eved Vireos, 3 Ovenbirds, 2 Black and White Warblers, and a female,
or immature. Summer Tanager. All of the latter list were dead.

56

The Chat

The livinji’ birds wore apparently unhurt, only sulferinp' from exhaustion
and confusion. One of the vireos yot up and flew when I trailed it. I caught
another, and it fought and bit vigorously, then fluttered back to the ground.
Perhaps all of the living birds were able to tly after resting. The living and
dead birds were scattered from 5 to 300 feet from the light.

Since I had not been to the office the previous night I am not certain that
some of the birds 1 found were not killed then. The weather had been much
worse then, with low ceiling and fog. Later in the fall several more flocks
of birds came to the ceilometer, but I found no more injured or dead ones.

The Weather Bureau has taken official notice of the attraction of birds
to ceilometers. In the spring of 1953 a letter came out to the effect that
ceilometers should be turned off when birds are seen around them. IF the
lack of light will not endanger air traffic by necessitating uncertain ceiling
reports.

Turning off the light often leads to a blown bulb when it is turned on
again, requiring an extra trip or two to the light, over 300 yards away, to
get the complicated mechanism working properly. So the problem is not
easily solved. — Thomas E. Street, Greensboro, N. C. (There are a number
of ceilometers at airports in the Carolinas and we need studies made at
each of them. Dept. Ed.)

Briefs for the Files.

Brown Pelican, 300 or more on sandbar just south of Wrightsville Beach,
N. C., Jan. 18, 1954. Sam and Dorothy Baker. Whistling Swan, 1 at Hender-
son, N. C., Dec. 2, 1953. Mrs. A. W. Bachman. Blue Goose, 1 immature at
Forest Lake, Fayetteville, N. C., arrived Nov. 27, 1952, remained 3 weeks,
associated with Mallards and Baldpates,' Henry Rankin, Jr. Spotted Sand-
piper, 1 Rocky Mount, N. C., Oct. 11, 1953, J. W. E. Joyner. Purple Sand-
piper, 4 at Wilmington, N. C., Jan. 19, 1954, Mebane, Appleberry, Baker.
Forester’s Tern, 15 in view at one time from causeway at Lake Mattamus-
keet, N. C., Nov. 27, 1953, T. L. Quay. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 1 at Troy, N. C.,
Mar. 11, 1954, Frances M. Covington. Red-breasted Nuthatch, 1 at Rocky
Mount, N. C., Dec. 20, 1953, first since 1946, Joyner. Yellow-throated Vireo,
1 at Wilmington, N. C., Feb. 28, 1954, Comeau; another at McClellan ville,
S. C., Dec. 23, 1953, J. B. Shuler, Jr. Myrtle Warbler, upward to 1,000
following a tractor at Eastover, 3. C., Feb. 18, 1954, first thought to be
Pipits which were present in nearby fields, Mrs. W. H. Faver. Yellow-
breast Chat, 1, Dec. 5, 1953, (Mebane), 2, Jan. 19, 1954, (Baker, Mebane,
Mrs. Appleberry), at Wilmington; 1 at McClellanville, S. C., Mar. 5, 1953,
J. B. Shuler, Jr. Baltimore Oriole, 1 male. New Bern, N. C., Dec. 20 through
31, 1953, Fred Conderman ; 1 male, 2 females. Elm City, N. C., Jan. 12, still
present Mar. 28, 1954, Mrs. T. B. Winstead; 1 female, Jan. 2 through Feb.
5, 1954, Wilmington, Mrs. Appleberry; 1 female, Jan. 13, through Mar. 19,
1954, Wilmington, Mrs. Mebane. Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak at Colum-
bia, S. C., still coming to Miss Ebba Van’s feeders. First date Feb. 12.
Accidental in winter in middle of S. C., Kay Sisson. Painted Bunting, 6, Dec.
5, 1953, near Airlie Gardens entrance, Wilmington, Edwin Toomer. Henslow’s
Sparrow, 1, North Wilkesboro, N. C., Nov. 28, 1953, Wendell P. Smith.
White-crowned Sparrow, 1 imm. Mar. 25, 1954, possibly was present most of
winter, Henderson, N. C., Mrs. A. W. Bachman. Fox Sparrow, 1 remained
at feeder in Charlotte, N. C., Feb. 17 through Mar. 5, two were present
Mar. 2, Mrs. Geo. W. Potter.

We announce the election of Dr. Christine Wilton and Leon Ballance to
the Executive Committee as Members-at-large. Dr. Wilton is Professor of
Biology at East Carolina College, Greenville, N. C. and Leon Ballance is
a graduate of N. C. State College in Agronomy, and is a farmer at Lake
Landing near Mattaniuskeet, N. C.

Announcement is also made at this time of I’eplacing the editorial board
by associate editors. Two new associates are appointed for 1954-55; Ernest
Cutts, Managing Editor of the Charleston Evening Post, and James R.
Mattocks, Attorney of High Point, N. C. — Ed.

Fotuided March 6, 1937

Incorporated August 3, 1949

The Carolina Bird Club is an incorporated association for the study and
conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, in the Carolinas. Founded in
1937 as the North Carolina Bird Club, it was joined in 1948 by several
South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina
Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) holds
an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts
club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3)
sponsors Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local groups, (4) encour-
ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of
local clubs and sanctuaries, (6) takes an active interest in conservation
legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur-
nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible.

The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific
organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to
the Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes.

iSlEMBEHSHIB

Membership is open to anyone interested in birds, wildlife, and out-of-
doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are:

Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00

Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00

Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments)

All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five
cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription
to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc.
Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all corre-
spondence regarding membership should be addressed.

The activities of the Club and the coverage of The Chat will grow in
amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment
of dues and the securing of new members are vital contributions open to
everyone.

OFFICERS FOR 19.51-19.55

President: Miss May Puett, Box 2183, Greenville. S. C.

Mcc-Prcsidciits : Robert Overing, Route 4, Raleigh, N. C.; Fred May, Lenoir,
N. C.; Linville Hendren, Elkin, N. C.

Sccrcfarg : Thomas W. Simpsoii, Winston-Salem, N. C.

I'rcasiii-cr : Edwin W. Winkler, 509 Gardner St., Raleigh, N. C.

The Executive Coniuiitfcc is composed of the Officers, the Editors and
the following foui’ elected Members-at-large : Rhett Chamberlain, Matthews,
N. C.; Fred Sample, Columbia, S. C.; Dr. Christine Wilton, Greenville.
N. C. and Leon Ballance, Lake Landing, N. C.

Bulletin of

THE CHAT

Volume 18 SEPTEMBER, 1954 Number 3

Vol. 18, No. 3
SEPT., 1954

THE CHAT

Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Devoted to the publication of
scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the
Carolinas.

Editor: Kay Curtis Sisson, 1430 Wellington Drive, Columbia 4, S. C.
Co-editor: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C.

Associate Editors: B. R. Chamberlain, Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack
Dermid, James Mattocks, T. L. Quay, Thomas W. Simpson, Douglas Wade.

Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C.

The Chat is published quarterly in March. June, September, and December as the official
bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952,
at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price
to non-members: $1.00 per volume. Single copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes
of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum,
Raleigh, N. C. Please notify the Distribution Office immediately of chanye of address.
Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the

CONTENTS

The President’s Page 57

Historical Developments of Sight Recognition. Ludlow Griscom 58

Carolina Bird Names. IF. L. McAtee 62

Backyard Birding. Annie Rivers Faver, editor 70

Editorial 72

Review: Land Birds of America, by Robert Cushman Murphy &

Dean Amadon — Reviewer, T. L. Quay 72

Sonybirds of America, by Dr. A. A. Allen &

Dr. P. P. Kellogg — Reviewer, K. C. Sisson 72

Breeding Habits of the Catbird. Mrs. G. E. Charles 73

Study Your Bird. Alice Carver Cramer (The Saturday Revieiv) 78

General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, editor 79

Common Loon at Eastover, S. C. Mrs. W . H. Faver 79

Banding Returns. Editor 79

Late Widgeon. Yates M. Barber, .Jr. & Don Baker 79

A Northern Phalarope at Rocky Mount. N. C. Editor 80

Behavior: Doves. Jays, Crows. ./. U'. A’. .Joyner 80

Some Birds of Balsam Gap, .7. Murray 80

Unusual Nest Site. ./. We.ston Clinard 81

Cedar Waxwings Nesting. ./. M'. F. .Joyner 81

Black-throated Green Warbler Nesting. Clifford M. Comeau; .John Trott 81

Anting. W. Jy. McAtee 82

A Winter Visitor at Wilmington, N C. Mrs. W. C. Mcbanc 83

More Snow Buntings in North Carolina. Editor 84

Spring Count — 1954. B. R. Chamberlain Inside Back Cover

Cover Photograph. — Tufted Titmouse, common bird of the Carolinas and
a regular visitor to feeding stations. Photographed by Jack Dermid, Wild-
life Resources Commission, Raleigh, N. C.

THE PRESIDENT’S PAGE

What a wonderful year this has been for me, with interesting' and profit-
able field trips, new friends, new birds, new teri'itory and new inspiration.
Every new species for my life list gives me a thrill, and every new friend
increases my interest in people, and I always enjoy new places. I did not
get to Pea Island in January to see the Snow Geese, but had the privilege
of seeing the movies made by Gordon Brown at the Edisto Island meeting.
High Point gave us a most cordial welcome and excellent entertainment at
our well attended annual meeting in March, with interesting programs. The
Lybrands at Edisto went out of their way to make our stay there comfort-
able, pleasurable and profitable. One of the high lights for the Greenville
Bird Club is their annual trip to Clemson where we are joined by the Van
Eseltines, former members, and formerly of Clemson, now of the University
of Georgia. In early May, Bea Potter joined me for a trip to Augusta, Ga.,
to attend the spring meeting of GOS. There we made more new friends,
added new birds, among them being Swainson’s Warbler on nest about
waist high on the bank of a river. Many other nesting warblers were seen
in the swampy areas. It was really a field day for warblers. Overhead we
saw the Mississippi Kite, not common in that area. Back home we searched
fcr a Henslow Sparow’s nest in a field of clover.

All of the above leads me to say that there is nothing quite like getting
out in the woods, fields and along marshes to watch birds in migration, in
their natural habitat, choosing their mates, building their nests, feeding
their young, teaching them to fly, and particularly observing the defense
of territories. I can recommend this as a most interesting hobby or study
that will afford relaxation, easing of tensions, pleasure, satisfaction and
contentment. Try it.

I am very much interested in initiating regions or zones with active
leaders, who will keep in touch with organized bird clubs, assist in organiz-
ing new clubs, and encourage membership all along the line. Along with
this, news of their activities should go to the newsletter editor for publica-
tion for the benefit of the entire membership. Won’t some CBC’ers volun-
teer for leaders?

An endowment fund has been discussed, and left in the hands of the
executive committee temporarily. We need an active group pushing this
matter. A small nest egg is already in the fund and more will be coming
in. I am working on this committee, and will have one lined up soon. I be-
lieve all affiliated clubs will be interested in this expansion and where
possible, I hope will make donations. It would be highly gratifying if we
could use this for memorial contx'ibutions, with a card acknowledging the
donation in memory of the person. By building up this fund, we can ex-
pand Club work.

I have just received an enthusiastic report from our treasurer, which
looks good with all bills paid. With such willing and enthusiastic officers,
editors, advisors, members-at-large, and committees, there is no reason
why the Carolina Bird Club cannot go places. More committees are to be
named, but some already at work include Fred May, publicity; Bea Pot-
ter, membership; Mrs. T. J. Buxton, sanctuary; Gordon Brown and John
Trott, education; Robert Ovei'ing, programs; George Smith, field trip
leader; Doris Simpson, newsletter editor, with Bob Wolff on reserve. It
is a happy privilege to be leader of this wonderful group of persons, and
with our excellent setup, we should grow steadily in interest and achieve-
ment, and I am sure we will do so. — May W. Puett

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS OE SIGHT RECOGNITION

Ludlow Griscom

Penod I: First of all there was no such thing as a sight record. Orni-
thology really got going in the late sixties and seventies of the last century
and was followed by a period of unrestricted collecting and shooting. There
were also sportsmen collectors who were only interested in getting ducks
and the various game birds, which in those times included practically all
water birds, hawks, and owls. The literature is stuffed with innumerable
errors based on specimens erroneously identified: The Blue Geese turned
out to be immature Lesser Snows, the Golden Eagles were Bald Eagles,
the rare Philadelphia Vireos were Tennessee Warblers, the American Three-
toed Woodpeckers were Hairy Woodpeckers with yellow crown-spot, and
Bohemian Waxwings were nothing but Cedars with some white feathers
in the wings! For identification all small birds were automatically shot,
and no reasonable man should have any quarrel with the people trained
in this school for their attitude and their point of view.

Period II: The decline of general collecting and the beginning of the
era of protection and conservation.

Laws of steadily increasing severity exterminated the lucrative profes-
sion of taxidermy. Spring shooting of game birds was abolished and an
increasing series of restrictive laws greatly reduced the category of game
birds in many different directions. Some of this was regarded as quite
disastrous by the older ornithologists, and Witmer Stone records an amus-
ing story of a conversation he had with Daniel Giraud Elliot, who in his
late eighties mourned the decline of ornithology! Stone, as editor of the
Auk and active with the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club at Phila-
delphia, was well aware that never previously in the history of the world
had there been such a boom as was then taking place in ornithology!
And, of course, what Elliot had in mind was the decline of general collect-
ing, as that was the only way known to him by which younger people
could acquire competent knowledge and experience.

Period III: The first appearance of sight records from 1900 on.

As a young man interested in local faunistics, I was told by both
Dwight and Chapman to study Bi’ewster’s Birds of the Cambridge Region
as an example of how a local fauna should be done. I did so. Brewster’s
criterion now seems to us exceedingly severe and almost unreasonable.
Sight records of rare birds relatively easy to identify were accepted, pro-
vided that the maker was known to be an experienced observer and pro-
vided that he had previous acquaintance in life with such rare bird. Mr.
Brewster did not hesitate to give sight records of rare birds of his own,
but he was always most careful to state that he was thoroughly familiar
with this species in life in other parts of the United States where he also
had had field experience. With the passage of time everybody accepted
his statements, as everybody knew that he had indeed had the field ex-
perience he claimed. It was this that started me off on my own chase of
a large life list from 1907 on — for which I have been teased all my life —
as in reporting rare birds I, too, wished to be able to say that I knew this
bird well from field experience in other sections of the country.

58

The Chat

Ml-. Brewster has published a charming- letter written to him on January
20, 1905, about a sight record of a Glaucous Gull, then so rare a bird in
Massachusetts that every case was a matter of record. The youthful author,
in reciting- his observation, closed with the following remark: “While I
do not feel this observation was conclusive, ... I still believe the bird to
be a Glaucous Gull.” Brewster writes: “While this observation was cer-
tainly not conclusive, . . .” The youthful author of the letter was Glover
M. Allen, soon to attain a national reputation as an ornithologist!

The next point I wish to make is that the reporting of an observation
required some similar phrase of humility, which was exacted from all
young men reporting sight records of birds in my youth. I asked myself
the rhetorical question. What was the matter with this observation, and
why was it certainly not conclusive? The answer is that there was no
specimen, no good glasses were used, because none existed, and there was
no comparison with other species, such as the Herring or the Black-backed
Gull. While this lack of favorable circumstances of observation was cer-
tainly not the observer’s fault, you just had to wait until this happened
to you!

In December, 1911, I persuaded the late Waldron DeWitt Miller to
visit Gardiner’s Island, Long Island, with me in search of rare ducks and
other sea birds. I wish here to pay tribute of my indebtedness to Miller
for many valuable experience pointers in the field and to state how much
I feel I owe him. But as we were going down in the train to Greenport,
I chattered happily about what birds we might expect to see, and I was
so rash as to mention that we ought to find the Red-throated, as well as
the Common Loon. Miller immediately interrupted me and said in a dis-
pleased tone of voice, “Everybody knows that these species are insepara-
ble in life.” I find from my journal that we saw one Red-throated Loon
on December 1, five on the 2nd, and two on the 3rd, and one specimen in
excellent condition was found dead on the beach and collected. Mr. Miller’s
notes read, “One specimen collected, others believed seen.”

I may now mention that on this trip we found a Black Guillemot on
one of the ponds and had a most excellent observation, and it was Miller
who first identified this bird and who proved that it could not be a White-
winged Scoter. This bird has never been mentioned for forty-two years,
and I now wish to give the reasons, as proof of the type of training that
I had to undergo in my youth and the rigid discipline that was exacted
from a young man starting in ornithology. The Guillemot was at that
time the rarest of winter stragglers to Long Island, and December 3
appeared too early a date. That is Item 1. Item 2: Neither of us had ever-
seen the Guillemot alive before. Item 3 : The Guillemot was in full summer
plumage instead of winter plumage. (It was forty years later that a
published revision of the Guillemots showed delayed moult in this species
to be very common.) Those are the reasons why Miller and I most care-
fully suppressed this Guillemot record for so long a period of time. And
the point is also psychological; when people were known to have sup-
pressed what they were convinced they actually saw, they were believed
when they finally did publish a sight record.

I have recently heard from a friend, not a collector, that he once sent
an article to the Auk containing a list of the birds from some mountain

September, 1954

59

locality in Pennsylvania. He made the frightful mistake of reporting the
Louisiana Water-thrush as a common summer resident (which it un-
doubtedly was) and the Northern Water-thrush as a common spring
and fall transient (which it also was), and the editor of the Auk refused
the article on the ground that “everybody knows that the two species of
water-thrushes are inseparable in life.” Similarly, it was not believed that
anybody studying the warbler migrations in spring could walk through
the woods identifying the various species in the treetops, including all the
particularly rare transients. This was proved by the late Louis B. Bishop,
of Connecticut, who was good enough to look into it and who went out
with younger members of the New Haven Bird Club. Whenever they
said, “There is a male Blackburnian Warbler in the treetop,” Bishop
promptly shot it, and, to his great surprise, it turned out to be a Black-
burnian Warbler! Both Brewster in the Nuttall Club and Dwight in the
Linnaean Society would not hesitate to put younger men through the third
degree about the sight records that they reported at the meetings. If a
young man was frightened and tongue-tied and was unable to give his
reasons for his identification, he was indeed seriously out of luck, but if,
on the other hand, he was able to speak up and give the true facts, they
were both fair and courteous gentlemen, and would say in public that
the characters given were indeed very well and correctly described.

By way of summary, as I look back on my own life I regard this as a
magnificent piece of training, even if at times it was unpleasant and dis-
agreeable. Younger people must remember that in dealing with techniques
previously unheard of they had to be established and validated. This
inevitably took time, and it was even harder on the older ornithologists of
the collecting period, who couldn’t possibly acquire this technique them-
selves. It is much harder, in terms of common humanity, to expect an

older and more experienced man to admit that a younger and less ex-

perienced man can do something that he can’t do.

The next period might be regarded as the period of success. Thanks
to automobiles, improved field glasses, spotting scopes, the matchless
Peterson Guides, and colored plates of every species of North American
birds readily available to everyone, we have seen what might be called
the victory for the struggle of sight records. I should like to call your
attention to the splendid summary by Witmer Stone in Birds of Old Cape
May. He no longer worries about whether or not the two water-thrushes
are separable in life, and he doesn’t even bother to cite whether or not

specimens of any of these commoner birds exist in the collections of the

Philadelphia Academy of Sciences. In other words, the struggle for sight
records took about twenty-five years.

We pass now automatically to what I wish to call present-day prob-
lems. We are living in an era of superficiality. Excellent as Peterson’s
Guides in fact are, they are guides and not encyclopedias to our knowl-
edge of North American birds. My point is, that there are many real
facts about North American birds which the users of Peterson’s Guides
and other popular manuals never acquire, and it must be admitted by the
fair-minded that in the old collecting days these facts were acquired by
students from the constant handling of specimens. I wish to give an
illustration of what I mean by “superficiality.” I have in mind the story

60

The Chat

of a young student who spent his summer college vacation motoring out
to the prairies of northern North Dakota, where he was taken by a refuge
manager to an island where some forty thousand Franklin’s Gulls were
nesting. It cannot, therefore, be doubted that he saw Franklin’s Gulls
and that he added the species to his life list perfectly legitimately. Six
weeks later he joined my party down at Monomoy. There on the beach
within shotgun range, and standing between two Laughing Gulls, was a
perfect adult Franklin’s Gull, which he was unable to recognize, spot, or
identify. My point is, that he really knew nothing about the Franklin’s
Gull and could not have given its various characters of identification
properly from memory.

Just as Witmer Stone said in the work already cited, we now have
hordes of incompetent and inexperienced observers, whose activities in
binding consist primarily in an increasingly frantic effort to secure the
credence of so-called higher authorities for rarities which they say they
see. We are constantly getting a flood of these incompetent sight records
in the literature, and the country is now so full of one type or another
of bird bulletins that it is impossible for the private individual to secure
a complete collection, nor is it possible for them to be reviewed in the
standard ornithological magazines. This has been followed by what might
be termed a decline of censorship and healthy skepticism. Actually, it
is impossible for Brewster’s criterion to be followed out in the present day
and age. I have tried it myself in Massachusetts and it cannot be done. It
is impossible to know everybody who is interested in birds, to arrange to
go out in the field with everybody and size up their competence and ex-
perience, nor is it any longer possible to state categorically, as Brewster
was able to do, that such a person was previously unfamiliar with the
species in life. You cannot keep track of everybody’s life list any more,
nor can you keep a list of all the people who have window feeding stations
for birds, where something rare or unusual might turn up at any moment.

I do not profess to know what the future solution will be, as it cannot
conceivably be worked out in my own lifetime, but I wish to conclude
with an earnest plea for my favorite science. I don’t wish it to fall into
disrepute because the so-called battle of sight records has been won.
Whether we like it or not, popular bird study has come to stay. People
will chase rarities with their field glasses just as they did with their guns
in earlier times. It is impossible and unreasonable to expect that every-
one will become a convert to the scientific methods of ornithology, or that
they will all secure collecting permits in the interest of science. Some
means must be found to prevent local faunistics from being by-passed as
amateurish, unscientific, and unworthy of serious attention and study.
There is a desperate need for severe, careful, and competent screening
and censoring.

Received March 2U, 1953.

This paper is an abbreviated version of a talk given on March 10, 1953, at the Annua)
Meeting of the Linnaean Society in celebration of its 75th Anniversary. It was prepared for
publication with the kind assistance of Mrs. Ruth P. Emery.

Reprinted from Proceedings of the Linnaean Society of New York 1951-1953, Nos. 63-65,
March, 1954.

Reprinted in The Chat by kind permission of Ludlow Griscom and Mr. Eugene Eisenmann,
President of the Linnaean Society.

September, 1954

61

CAROLINA BIRD NAMES

W. L. McAtee

The names in this series of notes are extracted from the carbon copy
of a manuscript x)n Americim Bird Names: Their Histones a^id Meanings,
by the writer, which is now in the vault of the University of Chicago
Press. Its publication is unlikely and, if not published, it will be deposited
in the General Library of Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y.

Folk names are here given of species known from the Carolinas. “N”, in
parentheses following a name, signifies that it is known from North Caro-
lina, and “S”, similarly, from South Carolina. Names included because they
are of general distribution have no annotation. Definite localities for most of
the names are available in the card catalogue of material upon which the
manuscript was based, which may be consulted in the Louis Agassiz
Fuertes Library, Department of Conservation, Cornell University. Com-
pilation for that collection, extending over forty years, and including
names from publications of all times and all languages, as well as from
unpublished sources, ended with the year 1947.

COMMON LOON. Bad-luck bird(N). Thought to be of ill omen. Hell-
diver. In reference to the bird’s uncanny diving ability. Loon. Said to be
derived from loom = Scand. lorn, meaning lame; tbe bird is very awkward
on foot; at the same time “loon” may be a sonic term as a common call of
the bird sounds like “ah-loo”. Walloon, warloon(N). Probably from a
common cry; see preceding remark.

RED-THROATED LOON. Eel-tricker (N). Presumably as an adept at
catching eels.

RED-NECKED GREBE. Sou-westerly l()on(N). From association with
storms from that quarter; “loon”, though a misnomer, recognizes that
this species is larger than other eastern grebes.

HORNED GREBE. Didipper (N). A contraction of divedipper, the
latter term, itself meaning diver. Diver duck(S). Any small waterbird
may be called a duck; this one is a notable diver. Hell-diver. In reference
to its uncanny diving- ability. Water-witch. See preceding note. White
coot(N). The bird shows a good deal of white and from a popular point
of view, the webbed feet ally it to the true coot or blue peter.

PIED-BILLED GREBE. Co()t(N). A general appellation for medium-
sized water birds. Dabchick. A bird that dabs or dives; of old usage in
Great Britain, recorded as early as 1667, Merrett. Didapper. A shortening of
dive-dapper; the latter part of which term means one that daps or dives.
Recorded in Great Britain as early as 1565-1567, Oxford English Diction-
ary. Dipper. One that dips or dives. Dive-dapper (N). A tautologic term
meaning literally the dapper, i.e. dipper or diver that dives. Of old record
in Great Britain: Shakespeare, 1592. Dive-dipper (N). Meaning the same
as for the preceding. Diver(S). Diver duck(S). Any small water bird
may be called a duck; this one is an exceptional diver. l)uck diver (S). See
preceding note. Gho.st-duck(S). As to “duck”, see second preceding note.
The term “ghost” refers to the birds “supernatural” capacity for disap-
pearing beneath the water. Hell-diver. In reference to the bird’s uncanny
diving ability. Sinkin’ l*eter(N). A number of marsh and water birds are
called “Peter”; the original meaning refers to apparent walking on the
water, as in the petrels and the splattering coot. “Sinking” alludes to the
remarkable capacity of the present species for submerging beneath the
water. Water-witch. The latter part of this name refers to the birds’ un-
canny diving ability. Witch-diver (S). See preceding note.

WILSON’S PETREL. Mother Carey’s chicken(N). “Chicken”, a bird.
For the remainder of the name, a variety of derivations have been sug-
gested; one having dictionary sanction is that the term is an Anglicization
of the Latin, Mater Cara (esteemed Mother), applied to the Virgin Mary as

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patroness of sailors. As these birds are regarded as portents of trouble, the
connection does not seem too clear. Another explanation is: “Mother
Carew was an old witch . . . good at raising the wind . . . The sailors will
not shoot (the petrels) on any account; they pay them great respect, that
their mother’s wrath may not be roused.”

BROWN PELICAN. Penguin (N). This name, originally indicating the
Great Auk, has been applied, since the extinction of that fowl, to a
variety of large sea birds.

GANNET. In general use; the term has several forms in Teutonic
languages, all meaining “gander.”

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT. Bogue Sound lawyer (N). See note
on Core Sound lawyer. Carmal(N). Corruption of cormorant. Colored
goose. Polite term used by those who do not care to say “nigger goose,”
which see. Core Sound lawyer. The collector of this name was informed
that these birds “like Core Sound lawyers were abundant and held their
heads high.” Cormal, Cormel, Cormon, Coromel. Corruptions of cormorant.
Nigger goose. In allusion to the black color and to the goose-like appear-
ance, especially when in flight in the V-formation so characteristic of the
Canada Goose. Water turkey. Probably originally from confusion with the
Anhinga; however, it is a water bird of bodily shape somewhat like that
of the turkey.

ANHINGA. Cormorant (S). By transfer; the bird is very cormorant-
like. Gannet(S). Probably through confusion with the more frequent fresh-
water bearer of this name, the Wood Ibis. Snake bird. When swimming
with all but the long, curved neck and the head submerged, there is con-
siderable suggestion of a snake in its appearance. Swamp darter (S).
Diver of the swamp, a good name. Water turkey. Alfred Newton (1896)
suggests that this name is accounted for by the bird’s spreading its banded
tail; general shape also may have been a factor.

GREAT BLUE HERON. Big blue crane(S). Herons are often mis-
called cranes. Blue crane. See preceding note. Blue skagen(N). See note
on scoggin. Blue yaron. Blue yeron(N). Dialectic forms of heron. Crane.
Herons are often miscalled cranes. Cranky (N). Apparently from its
scolding cries, when flushed. Fisherman (N) . Forty gallons. Forty gallons
of soup. In allusion to the alleged rank taste of its flesh. “One old fisherman
will make forty gallons of soup”; in reality the breast, at least, of this
bird is quite edible. Gannet(S). Apparently transferred fi’om the Wood
Ibis; and that bird may have acquired the name from the similarity of its
color pattern (mostly white with black wing tips) to that of the sea gannet.
Gray heron (N). Gray scoggin (N). See note on scoggin. Horse gannet.
Horse gannick (S). See note on gannet of which gannick is a corruption,
.lohnny Woggins(N). A familiar or “pet” name. Kingfisher (N). As the
largest fishing bird. Long blue crane(S). The bird is tall and like other
herons is commonly miscalled crane. Long Tom(N). A familiar name, in-
cluding allusion to the unusual height of the bird. Old cranky (N). “Old” a
familiar term; see note on “cranky.” Old Joe(S). Poor Joe (N., S.); Po’ Jo
(S.). These names are reputed to be variants of “Poor Job,” in allusion to
the birds’ scrawniness, from which ill-fortune is assumed. On the other hand
“pojo” is Gullah for heron, and has identical sound and meaning in the
language of the Vai tribe of Liberia and Sierra Leone, Africa. Lorenzo D.
Turner. Old long Johnny Gonga(N). Familiar name for this tall bird.
Pond gannet. Pond gannick (S). See note on gannet. Sambo (S). A familiar
or “pet” name. Scawgin, Scoggin, Scoggins (N). The definition of scoggin
as “a butt for ridicule” seeins to refer to John Scoggin, court fool to
Edward VI (1537-1553), Oxford English Dictioyiary. There is excuse for
its application to this and other species of herons, often ungainly in ap-
pearance and uncouth in action.

COMMON EGRET (AMERICAN EGRET). Big plume crane(S).
“Plume” indicates it was one of the birds once involved in the millinery
trade; many herons are miscalled cranes. Big white crane(S). See last re-

September, 1954

63

mark. Big white skagen(N). See note on scoggin. Long white(S). Name
used by plume hunters, referring to the relative length of the “aigrettes” of
this bird compared to those of the Snowy Egret. Sanko liddy(S). Gullah
name, possibly from the Hausa (African) term “tsangalumi,” meaning tall
animal or bird. Lorenzo D. Turner.

SNOWY EGRET. Crane(N,S). Various herons are miscalled cranes.
Job(S). This term is believed to express the idea that some sort of poverty
(Job’s is proverbial) is responsible for the bird’s scrawniness. But it is
possible that the name traces through “poor job” to “poor Joe” and “pojo,”
the last an African name for heron, which may have been imported during
slave-trading days (Lorenzo D. Turner). Little plume crane (S). “Plume”
indicates use of the species in the millinery traffic; see note on crane. Little
white crane (S). See note on crane. Sanko liddy(S). See note on that
name under Common Egret. Scoggin (N). See note on that name under
Great Blue Heron. White crane. See note on crane.

LOUISIANA HERON. Poor Joe(N). See note on “job” under the Snowy
Egret. Lady of the lake(S). Probably a variant of Audubon’s coinage,
“lady of the waters,” a tribute to its gracefulness. Silver-gray crane (S).
The body and wings of normal phase adults are neutral-gray. Scoggin (N).
The definition of scoggin as a “butt for ridicule” seems to refer to John
Scoggin, court fool to Edward VI (1537-1553), Oxford English Dictioyiary.
There is excuse for its application to this and other species of herons, often
ungainly in appearance and uncouth in action. White crane. Herons are
often miscalled cranes. White scawgin. White scoggin. White scoggins(N).
See note on scoggin. White yaron(N). Latter term a dialectic form of
heron. White Franky(N). “Frank” is a British folkname for the European
heron, most related to our Great Blue, hence we should expect a “Franky”
name for that species, and trace both of them to this English usage.

LITTLE BLUE HERON. Blue crane. Herons are often miscalled
cranes. Calico bird(S). From the patched blue and white coloration of im-
mature birds. Crane(S). Various herons are miscalled cranes. Gannet(N,S).
The Wood Ibis is called gannet, perhaps from the similarity of its white
coloration, with black wing-tips, to that of the sea gannet; vague resem-
blance to the ibis may have led to some of the herons sharing the name.
Little blue crane. See note on crane. Little po’ Joe(S). Two theories pre-
vail as to the origin of this and similar names. One would derive them from
Poor Job, the Biblical character, in allusion to the scrawniness of the birds
and their assumed misery; the other takes the name, “pojo,” meaning hex-on
in the Gullah dialect as a transfer. Lorenzo D. Turner, leading authority
on such matters, says that a word, identical in sound and meaning, prevails
among the Vai tribe of Libei-ia and Sierra Leone, Africa, whence it could
have been imported during slave-trading days. Little white crane. Some
of the bii-ds are blue, some particolored, and some white. See note on crane.
Little white skagen(N). As to the last term, see note on scoggin. Powder-
touch (N). In allusion to the patched white and blue coloration of immature
birds. Quock(N). By confusion with the Black-crowned Night Heron, so
called fi-om its common cry. Sanko liddy(S). Lorenzo D. Turner, master
of African languages, suggests that this Gullah name may be derived fi'om
“tsangalumi,” a Hausa woi-d meaning tall animal or biixl. Scoggen, Scog-
gin(N). According to the Oxford English Dicfioncoij, “scoggin” meaning
“a butt for ridicule” seems to trace to John Scoggin, court fool to Edward
VI (1537-1553). Application of the term to herons would have some justi-
fication from their at times ungainly appearance and uncouth movements.
Scout, Scow(N). By ti-ansfer fi-om the Green Heron whose cry, on flushing,
is imitated by these words. Squawk (N). Perhaps in reference to the bird’s
own calls, but more likely from confusion with the Black-crowned Night
hei-on, widely known as squawk. Squoggins(N). Amalgamation of
“squawk” and “scoggin,” which see. Storm bird(N). The birds flock inland
fi-om the larger waters when storms approach. White crane. Some of the
bii’ds are white. See note on crane. White quock(N). See pi-eceding note and

64

The Chat

that on quock. White scoffgin, White ska>i:en(N). See second precedinf^ note
and that on scog’g’in.

GREEN HERON. Fish hawk(N). As an expert fisher. Fly-up-the-
creek. Seen along small streams more frequently than ai'e other herons,
it may often comport with this name. Indian hen(N). One of the wild birds
that are facetiously referred to as “hens” of the Indians. King fisher-
man(N). In tribute to its expertness in fishing. I’rairie chicken (N). As a
somewhat chicken-like bird inhabiting a savanna (or prairie) type of
country. Queen (S). A Gullah name, that is possibly sonic, that is, in imita-
tion of a cry of the bird. Scout(N,S). By confusion with the Green Heron,
whose flushing cry is imitated by this word. Scruflins(N). Meaning un-
known; any suggestions? Sedge hen(N). A somewhat hen-like bird seen
about sedges. Skow(N,S). See note on scout. Skowk(N). Same as the
preceding.

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Fool bird(S). Because un-
suspicious of man. Indian pullet(S). Murrel hen(S). For both of these
terms see notes under the next species. Quok(N). From a common call.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON. Fool bird(S). Because sluggish
and unsuspicious of man. Gannet(S). By strained transfer from the Wood
Ibis of somewhat similar haunts. That species gets the name “gannet,”
apparently from the resemblance of its color pattern, white with black
wing tips, to that of the sea gannet. Gray quock (N). Latter term in imita-
tion of the bird’s most common cry. Indian pullet(S). A wild bird, face-
tiously referred to as the poultry, specifically, pullet, of the Indians. Murrel
hen(S). First term a variant of merle = bluish; “hen” as a sizable wild
bird. Quak, Quawk, Quok. Generally used terms in imitation of the bird’s
most common cry. Quow(S). A combination of quok, which see, and scow,
through confusion with the Green Heron, whose flushing note that word
imitates. Scoggin(N). This name, applied to most herons, apparently de-
rives from that of John Scoggin, court tool to Edward VI ^537-1553), and
alludes to ungainly and uncouth traits of the birds. Scow(N). By transfer
from the Green Heron whose flushing cry is imitated by that word. Squawk.
A general term referring to the bird’s most common cry.

AMERICAN BITTERN. Bittrun(N). Corruption of bittern. Full-pot(S).
Gullah; the explanation given is that the bird is big enough to All a pot;
however, the term may be sonic on the plan of “bum chuck,” “hit-log,” and
other appellations for this frequently sound-named species. Grass hen(S).
The sizable wild bird or “hen” that lives among grasses. Indian hen, Indian
pullet (S). Facetiously named as if it were poultry of the Indians. Johnnie
Gongle(N). A familiar or “pet” name. Lark(N). Significance unknown;
any suggestions? Marsh hen(S). As a sizable wild bird or “hen” that in-
habits marshes. Ma’sh scawgin(N). See note on scoggin. Pump-thunder
(N). The notes suggest the sounds made by an old-fashioned suction
pump, and are far-carrying, though hardly loud enough to justify the term
thunder. Sage hen(N). A sizable wild bird or “hen” that lives among the
sage, i.e., sedges. Scoggin (S). This name, applied to most herons, apparent,
ly derives from that of John Scoggin, court fool to Edward VI (1537-1553),
and alludes to ungainly and uncouth traits of the birds. Scow(N). By trans-
fer from the Green Heron whose flushing cry is imitated by that word
Squagin(N). A variart of scoggin, which see. Squawk, Squok(N). By
transfer from the night heron, whose common cry is imitated by these
words. Stake bird(S). In reference to the stake-like posture of the bird
when “freezing.” Stake-driver. At a distance, the notes suggest resonant
pounding. Thunder-pump. The notes suggest the sounds made by an old-
fashioned suction pump, but they are hardly as loud as thunder.

LEAST BITTERN. Fly-up-the-creek(N). Probably through confusion
with the Green Heron, which commonly bears this name. See under that
species. Mud clown(N). Poor Joe(S). A term widely applied to herons;
see note on “job” under Snowy Egret. Scawgin(N). See note under Great
Blue Heron.

September, 1954

65

WOOD IBIS. Flinthead(S). Its head being bare and having a horny
crownplate, this bird has received numerous names indicating hardness of
head. Gannet(S). By transfer from the large sea fowl, ordinarily so-called,
probably from the resemblance in color pattern — mostly white with black
wingtips. Gourdhead. From the shape of the head, including beak, the
latter being the “neck” of the “gourd.” Hammerhead, Ironhead(S). See
note on flinthead. Nigger turkey (S). Probably derisive as indicating the
kind of “turkey” fit for a “nigger.” Remember, this paper is on folknames,
not racial issues. Stork (S). This bird deserves the name; it is our only
representative of the stork family.

WHITE IBIS. Brown curlew (Carolina, Catesby, 1731). “Curlew” from
the curved beak like that of the true curlews; the young of the year are
brownish. Mountain curlew (N). “Mountain” a misnomer; the bird is a
lowlander. Curlew, see preceding note. Stone curlew{N). Probably from
that term in general natural histories; however, the bird rightfully bearing
that name does not occur in North America. Spanish curlew. “Spanish” to
distinguish it from the true curlews. Spanish gannet(S). Grouping with
the Wood Ibis accounts for the term “gannet,” which see under that species;
“Spanish” to indicate a different kind. White curlew. (General; early use,
Carolina, Catesby, 1731). The adults are chiefly white; see note on curlew.

ROSEATE SPOONBILL. Pink curlew. A general name from its color
and from its affinity with the ibises, which are commonly miscalled curlews.
Spoonbill (S, early use Bartram, 1792). The bill is considerably expanded
near the tip.

WHISTLING SWAN. Hooper (Carolina, Lawson, 1714). From a note.
Jail-bait (N). Because protected by law, penalty for violating which might
be a term in jail.

CANADA GOOSE. Goose (N). Gray goose (Rather general). Honker.
From its call, “a-honk, a-honk.” Marsh goose (N). This name has been
used to distinguish the smaller subspecies, hutchinsi. Reef goose(N). One
that frequents reefs, probably of oyster shells, in contrast to the marsh;
see preceding entry; this would then be the larger sub-species, canadeyisis.
Wild goose (universal).

SHOVELLER. Broadbill. In allusion to its spatulate beak. Cow-
frog (N). Significance unknown. Gordon Trumbull in 1888 {Names and
Portraits of Birds, p. 43) writes of finding this name at Morehead, and that
“the oldest inhabitants tell of hearing it in use from early childhood.”
Oyster duck(N). Meaning unknown. Shovel-bill. In allusion to the large,
spatulate bill. Shoveler. Same note. Shovel-mouth (S). Same. Shuffler (N).
Corruption of shoveler; though this name is given to the scaups and
other ducks from their splattering along the water when taking to the wing.
Spoonbill, Spoonbill duck. Spoony. With reference to the spatulate beak.
Spoonbill teal(N). Same note; teal standing for duck. Swaddle-bill(N,S).
Recorded from the Carolinas in the early 1700’s. “Swad,” English dialect for
pod may apply here with reference to the expanded beak.

RING-NECKED DUCK. Bastard redhead(N). Probably refers to the
female, deemed a hybrid of the true redhead. Blackhead (N). All scaup-
like ducks are called blackheads; and so they appear at a distance. Bluebill
(N,S). As an ally of the scaups, commonly called “bluebill,” and deserving
the name far more than this species. Bullneck, Bullneck blackhead (N).
The scaups and allies are widely called bullnecks, with no special relevance;
the Ruddy Duck really is a bullneck, i.e., has a notably thick neck. See note
on blackhead. Cold-shin (N). This name appears to be a corruption of
“cochin,” and that a facetious reference to a wild bird as if it were poultry.
Hybrid duck(N). Its similarity to, yet difference from, the scaup ducks, is
popularly explained as being due to crossing. Moon-bill (S). In reference
to the pale crossband near the front end of the bill. Ring-billed shuffler (N).
See preceding note. “Shuffler” alludes to the treading water or shuffling
these birds resort to when taking wing. Ringneck(N,S). From the narrow
orange-brown ring about the neck of the male. Tufted duck(N). By con-

66

The Chat

fusion with a related European species, pictures of which were seen in
books; our species has no ci'own-tuft.

GREATER SCAUP DUCK. Hi^ blackhead. At a distance the head
appears black. Bifj bluebill. The bill is dull blue or lead color. Black duck
(N). At a distance, the general dorsal coloration of males is black. Black-
head. Disregarding- sheen, the basic coloration of the head, neck, and breast
of the male is black. Black-headed raft duck(N). The latter term refers
to the birds assembling in dense flocks on the water, that appear solid or
raft-like at a distance. Bluebill, Bluebill duck. See note on big bluebill.
Broadbill. The bill, sometimes an inch wide, may be relatively broader than
in most ducks. Bull-neck (N,S). The scaups and allies are widely called
bullnecks, with no special relevance; the Ruddy Duck really is a bullneck, i.e.
has a notably thick neck. Coachen, Cold-shin (N). These terms seem to
come from “cochin,” referring to the ducks as if they were a kind of wild
poultry. Raft duck(N). See note on black-headed raft duck. Sea black-
head (N). As having more of a tendency to go to sea than does the lesser
scaup. See note on blackhead. Shuffler. In allusion to the water-treading,
splattering, or shuffling these birds resort to when taking wing. Whiffler
(Carolina, Lawson, 1714). From the pronounced winnowing sound made
by its wings in flight.

LESSER SCAUP DUCK. Black duck(N). At a distance, the general
dorsal coloration of males is black. Blackhead. Disregarding sheen, the
basic coloration of the head, neck, and breast of the male is black. Bluebill,
Bluebill duck. The bill is dull blue or lead color. Broadbill. The bill may
be relatively a little broader than in most ducks. Bullneck (N,S). The
scaups and allies are widely called bullnecks, with no special relevance; the
Ruddy Duck really is a bullneck, i.e. has a notably thick neck. Coachen,
Coldshin(N). These terms seem to come from “cochin,” referring to the
ducks as if they were a kind of wild poultry. Knot(N). Possibly meaning
tough or hard to kill. Little blackhead. See note on blackhead. Little
bluebill. See note on bluebill. Raft blackhead (N). “Raft” alludes to the
birds assembling in dense flocks on the water, that appear solid or raft-
like at a distance. See note on blackhead. Raft duck(N). See preceding
note. Shoveller (Carolina, Lawson 1714). Perhaps by confusion with
shuffler. Shuffler (N). In allusion to the water- treading, splattering, or
shuffling these birds resort to when taking wing. Whiffler (Carolina, Lawson,
1714). From the pronounced winnowing sound made by its wings in flight.

COMMON GOLDEN-EYE. Cock dipper (N). Cock, probably has the
sense of an attractive, or strikingly colored, bird; dipper = diver. Creek
duck(N). As a frequenter of running water. Dipper (N). Diver. Golden-
eye. The iris varies from pale to bright yellow. Hardhead (N). Pufflness
of the feathers makes the head look large, suggesting the name “hammer-
head” (La.) and other connoting hardness. Iron-head (N) . See preceding
note. Oyster duck(N). As feeding about oyster beds. Trash duck(N).
Probably not specific to this bird; in market-hunting days this term
covered all the unsalable species. Whiffler, Whistle (N). From the sound
made by the wings in flight; it is unusually loud in this species. Whistler,
Whistle-wing. See preceding note.

BUFFLEHEAD. Butterball. As being often very fat. Cock dipper (N).
Cock, probably has the sense of an attractive, or strikingly colored bird;
dipper=diver. Creek duck(N). As frequenting running water. Dipper.
Diver. Dipper duck(N). Diver duck. Fisher(N, Brickell 1737). As a busy
diver, fishing being assumed. Hairy-crown teal(N). Head feathers puffy,
elongate on side and crown, especially in the male; “teal” as a small duck.
River dipper (N). A diver frequenting rivers. Scotch duck, Scotchman,
Scotch teal(N). Meaning of the adjective may be that of skimped (because
small) duck; teal definitely has that significance. Wool-head (N). The head
has a profusion of long, soft feathers.

OLD-SQUAW. Knock-molly, Knot-moll, Knot-polly, Knut-low, Not-molly,
Nut-love (N). Possibly in imitation of its notes. Moll, Old maul(N). The

September, 1954

67

last term may be a dialectic form of moll; and both may belong to the
considerable variety of feminine names applied to this species in allusion
to its “garrulity.” Old squaw. The next preceding note applies. Oyster
duck(N). As frequenting oyster beds. Pheasant duck(N). This term al-
ludes to the long tail of the male. Southerland, Southerly, South-southerly
(N). Imitations of its notes.

WHITE-WINGED SCOTER. Big-nose(N). The bill is enlarged at base,
especially in the male. Black coot(N). All of the scoters are called coots,
although that name applies primarily to the lobe-footed mudhen. Booby,
Booby duck, Booley duck(N). The third name appears to be a corruption
of the second; and the term “booby” means foolish, or unwary, in reference
to the bird’s slowness in taking wing. Coot(N). See note on black coot.
Conch-nosed coot(N). The bill, especially in the male appears swollen; but
even so, the term conch (= a large, marine snail) is hardly descriptive. See
note on black coot. Horse-nostril coot(N). The nostril has a swollen margin
which may faintly suggest that of a horse. See note on black coot. Muffle-
jawed coot(N). In reference to the basal inflation of the bill. See note on
black coot. Old coot(N). “Old,” a familiar term. See note on black coot.
Raft duck(S). From its gathering on the surface of the water in dense
flocks, suggesting rafts. Salt-water coot(N). All the scoters, while in the
Carolinas, frequent salt, more than fresh water. See note on black coot.
Scooter (N). Perhaps a rationalization to give meaning to the word scoter,
with respect to which dictionaries do not help us.

SURF SCOTER. Big nose(N.) The base of the bill is greatly enlarged.
Black coot(N). All of the scoters are called coots, although that name
applies primarily to the lobe-footed mudhen. Black flusterer (Carolina, Law-
son, 1709). The second term refers to the noisy splattering of the feet
in the bird’s take-off into flight. Booby, Booby duck, Booley duck(N). The
third name appears to be a corruption of the second; and the term “booby”
means foolish or unwary, in reference to the bird’s slowness in taking wing.
Conch-nosed coot(N). The bill, especially in the male, is greatly enlarged
basally; but even so, the term conch ( = a large, marine snail) is hardly
descriptive. See note on black coot. Coot. See note on black coot. Great
bald coot (Carolina, Lawson, 1709). “Bald” refers to white patches on the
forehead and nape of the male. See note on black coot. Horse-nostril coot
(N). Probably by transfer from the white-winged scoter, as in the present
species there is even less suggestion of a horse’s nostril in the form of
the narial paid of the bill. See note on black coot. Old coot(N). “Old,” a
familiar term. See note on black coot. Raft duck(S). From its gathering
on the surface of the water in dense flocks, suggesting rafts. Salt-water
coot(N). All the scoters, while in the Carolinas, frequent salt, more than
fresh, water. See note on black coot. Scooter (N). Perhaps a rationalization
to give meaning to the word scoter, with respect to which dictionaries do
not help us. Sea coot(N). See notes on black coot and salt-water coot.
Sound booby (N). See note on “booby”; this one frequents the larger
Sounds.

BLACK SCOTER. Big nose(N). The bill of the male is enlarged basally.
Black coot(N). All of the scoters are called coots, although that name
applies primarily to the lobe-footed mudhen. Black duck(N). The male is
largely black, the female, grayish-brown. Booby, Booby duck, Booley duck
(N). The third name appears to be a corruption of the second; and the
term “booby” means foolish or unwary in reference to the bird’s slowness
in taking wing. Butter-bill(N). The enlarged basal portion of the bill of
the adult male is from yellow to orange. Conch-nosed coot(N). The bill
of the male is enlarged basally; but the term conch (= a large, sea snail)
seems not at all descriptive. See note on black coot. Coot(N). See note on
black coot. Horse-nostril, Horse-nostril coot(N). Probably by transfer from
the White-Winged Scoter, as in the present species there is even less sugges-
tion of a horse’s nostril in the form of the narial part of the bill. See note
on black coot. Muffle-jawed coot(N). In reference to the basal inflation of

68

The Chat

the bill. Sec note on black coot. Old cool(N). “Old” a familiar term. See
note on black coot. Oyster c()ot{N). The female and young’, which from
different conformation of the bill and general coloration, are often regarded
as of a different species; “oyster” may refer to their frequenting oyster
beds. See note on black coot. Haft duck(S). From its gathering on the sur-
face of the water in dense flocks, suggesting rafts. Ued-billed cootfN). The
hill of the male is in part orange. See note on black coot. Salt-water coot
(N). All the scoters, while in the Carolinas, frequent salt, more than
fresh water. See note on black coot. Scooter (N). Perhaps a rationalization
to give meaning to the word scoter, with respect to which dictionaries do
not help us. Sea coot(N). See notes on black coot and saltwater coot.

RUDDY DUCK. Booby{N). As being lethargic and unsuspicious of
man. Hristle-tail(N). The tail-feathers are stiff and pointed. Bull-neck (N).
In this species the neck is large, easily everting over the skull in skinning;
in most other ducks, it is more slender and the skin must be cut to slip
over the skull. Butter-ball. As being often very fat. Dickey (S), Dinkey (N).
The former term probably a variant of the latter, which means small.
Greaser(N). Meaning unknown. Hard-head, Iron-head(N). Either because
it is especially resistant, or more likely as being small, it escapes through
gaps in the shot-pattern, this species has the reputation of being hard to
kill. Lazy duck(N). As being lethargic and slow to get out of man’s way.
Leather-back, Leather-breeches (S). See note on hard-head. Light-wood-
knot (N). In recognition of its toughness. See note on hard-head. Nibbling,
Nubbin(N). As being small. Noddy (N). Silly, as being often lethargic
or unsuspicious of man. Paddy(N), Paddy bird(S), Paddy-whack, Paddy
whacker (N). Forms of a name, which in full appears to refer to the
splattering of the feet that accompanies its taking off in flight. Since
writing this comment, I have seen the term “patti-whack” as a Carolina
name for the tough sinews in beef (George P. Wilson, Publ. Amer. Dial. Soc.,
2,1944, p. 47), which suggests that paddy- whack may be only another of
the terms referring to toughness of the Ruddy Duck. Pod duck(S). From
its gathering in “pods” or dense flocks. Sleepy-head (N). As being often
lethargic. Stiff-tail. The tail-feathers are unusually stiff.

HOODED MERGANSER. Corn-peg(N). From the shape of the bill.
Crapper-crown(N). Refers to the conspicuous crest, but to what effect?
Fish duck. Fisherman (N), Fisherman duck(N). One that captures
Ashes. Fuzzy-head ( S) , Hairy, Hairy-crown, Hairy-crowned teal. Hairy-
crowned fish duck(N), Hairy-head(N, S). All in reference to the ample
crest. “Teal” as a small duck; “fish duck” in reference to its feeding habits.
Mop-head, Moss-head (S). In reference to its ample crest. Peaked-bill (S).
The bill is slender and pointed in contrast to the broad type characteristic
of most ducks. Pheasant, Pheasant duck(N). From the striking coloration
of the male. Sawbill. The bill is provided with prominent serrations.
Shad-pole, Shag, Shag-poll (S). The first name is a corruption, and the
second a shortening of the third; all refer to the bird’s ample crest. Sheld-
rake. Sheld means pied and refers to the contrasting black and white
coloration of the male. Tadpole(S). As a small species. Water pheasant
(N). See note on pheasant.

AMERICAN MERGANSER. Corn-peg(N). In reference to the shape
of the bill. Fish duck, Fisherman(N), Fisherman duck(N). One that cap-
tures fishes. Goosander. This general term, applied to the same species in
Great Britain is translated as goose-duck by Alfred Newton in his Diction-
ary of Birds. Hairy-crown, Hairy-crown fish duck(N). These names, ap-
plied to all fish ducks, are least pertinent to this one, in which the male
has a very slight crest; the female, however, has it further developed.
Morocco, Morocco-head(N). Applied to the female and young in refei’ence
to the reddish-brown color of the head, suggesting morocco leather. Sawbill.
The bill has prominent serrations. Shad-pole(S). Corruption of shag-pole
(or poll), applied to mergansers in allusion to the crest, which, is only
slightly developed in the male of this species.

September, 1954

69

BACKYARD BIDDING

ANNIE RIVERS FAVFR. Department Editnr

The most interesting club bulletin ever to reach this department is “The
Lesser Squawk” published by the Natural History Society of Charleston,
S. C. The June issue opens with the announcement of the next meeting,
and the rest of the page is sight records from the field. I would like to pass
some of these on to you, hoping that they have not been reported in GFN
already. One item of much interest to me was the following: “Arthur
Godfrey (not a member of NHS) on May 10 read a release from the
Audubon Society saying that a group in Washington has seen — and heard —
one of our rarest birds, one unseen there for 16 years: the Bachman’s
Warbler.”

The next page contains letters to the editors, together with this from
Miss Betty Lemon:

An Oscar for the Kingbird! — If the Natural History Society ever pre-
sents any Oscars for bird performers, I hope the first one goes to the
Eastern Kingbird. His antics probably furnish more entertainment for
the binocular battalion than do the shenanigans of any other member of
the bird world.

A pair arrived in our garden in May. They were evidently part of a
wandering troupe because the next day I noted the entire length of
Sullivan’s Island was well populated with these handsome show-offs!
Certainly no other bird is so consistently, so nattily attired. ... he is every
inch the actor with his formal black coat and white front . . . even the
suggestion of a black Hamburg on his head !

The show opened the morning I noted their arrival. While heading for
my car I noticed a great to-do about one of the trees on the street in
which two Kingbirds were putting on quite a performance. They were
jousting with a piece of cotton string about eight feet long, hanging from
a limb 15 feet above the ground.

The twine was blowing free, caught by a lively Island breeze, and the
Kingbird had hold of the nether end of it, tugging with all his might to
free the end of it from the limb. The female was playing prima donna . . .
fluttering about, chattering encouragingly all the while. The bird would
pull the string its full length from the tree; then it would grow taut and
snap out of his bill. Undaunted, however, he would start all over, finally
catching the fluttering end of the string and again starting his mighty
tug of war. I watched this to-do about ten minutes, but finally had to
leave. Whether he got it or not. I’ll never know, but that evening the
string was gone from the tree. How the lovely lady ever wove eight feet
of string into her nest is a mystery. . . . Keep your eye on the Kingbird
if you want a good show. How about it? Any more nominations for the
Bird Oscar?

Random Notes fi'om Critter Hill. — June 8, 1954. At about 7:30 this

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The Chat

evening Norman and I watched a Whip-poor-will while it called from the
ridge of our roof, directly over the kitchen. We were indoors when it
started, but not for long. Picking up glasses on the way, we slipped out
and backed away from the house until we could see the bird clearly against
a fairly light sky. It was sitting along the composition ridge capping, about
three feet from the chimney and facing away from it. There was enough
light left to get a bit more than a silhouette. The bird had continued to
call without interruption and we easily heard the low kiik that comes
between each complete call. For the first time for both of us, we watched
the mouth and body action that accompanies the calling. The “whip” and
“poor” notes came out with no noticeable opening of the mouth. The “will”
was driven with considerable force. The mouth opened abruptly to some
sixty degrees and then closed as quickly. At the same moment, the tail, or
the ends of the primaries — or both — jerked upward sharply. We wondered
if it was just the wings. There wasn’t enough light to see the shoulders
but they must have moved with the lung- action that produced such a
vociferous note. As for the fourth — or first — note, the low “kuk,” I got the
impression that it had to do with breath catching, but I couldn’t be sure. The
complete calls pour out at a rate somewhat above one per second and they
go on and on and on. Somewhere in the train there is inhaling and it
doesn’t seem to be in or between the principal notes. Our bird flew after a
demonstration of a couple of minutes. — B. R. Chamberlain.

Garden Birds by Phyllis Barclay-Smith is a little book that I have enjoyed
because it gives us a glimpse of backyai’d binding as it is done in the gardens
of England. Miss Barclay-Smith begins with the statement that “garden
birds vary as much as the gardens themselves.” Large estates used to form
natural reserves, but the breaking up of many large holdings are forcing
songbirds from their natui-al haunts. So the idea of converting even the
smallest garden into a place attractive to birds by planting berry and fruit
bearing shrubs, putting up nesting boxes, and furnishing water for drinking
and bathing is urged by the writer. There, as here, the greatest foe the
birds have is the cat. The English law says that cats cannot trespass, so all
that can be done is to train dogs to chase them out of their gardens ! Their
favorite nesting box is very much like the one recommended for our Blue-
birds. The lady has quite a good bit to say about providing nesting material
for birds. They seem to need this more than our birds. Otherwise, the re-
quirements as to food and water are about the same as ours. One comment
she makes is to remind gardeners that if birds have plenty of water provided
for them in the summer, they will be less likely to make attacks on fruit.
(Maybe so, but our birdbath is under the fig tree, and the birds still eat all
the figs ! ) Their feeders are spoken of as tables, and they have trays fixed
on window-sills, but they feed their birds crumbs, small grains and suet,
just as we do. People are urged to put out plenty of food for birds in cold
weather. Birds can stand low temperatures if they have sufficient food to
keep their body temperature up. When they are starving and their tempera-
tures drop is when they die. Several pages of the book cover a discussion
of bird behavior as it may be studied from observing birds on a feeder or
window tray. Some ornithologists are said to believe that small birds as a
whole are decreasing, and that the situation in regard to agriculture and
horticulture may become serious, for the birds form the first line of defense
against insect pests. I will quote part of the last paragraph; “The funda-
mental of all bird watching is patience, and this patience will be rewarded
a thousand fold, for one of the most encouraging aspects of nature observa-
tion is that the merest amateur may come across the most valuable dis-
covery. Bird watching is also an unending interest and pleasure, whether it
be confined to a small village or extend to all the continents of the world,
for there is always something new to be found out. In addition, a love of
nature is a link which is perhaps one of the strongest between men in the
world today — for in nature one is back to essentials and political differences
and difficulties fade awav in the background.”

Twenty color prints that form the rest of the book are reproduced from
John Gould’s The Birds of Great Britain. — Dept. Ed.

September, 1954

71

EDITORIAL — News, Reviews & Announcements.

As you have probably already seen, in this issue appears the first in-
stallment of Caroliyia Bird Names by Dr. W. L. McAtee, for many years
with the Fish & Wildlife Service (formerly the Bureau of Biological Sur-
vey) of the Federal Government.

The editors of THE CHAT feel very fortunate in that this interesting
and valuable series of folk names was made available to us by Dr. McAtee.
For his continued interest in THE CHAT, we offer Dr. McAtee our thanks.

Reprints of a final brouchure which will include the series of three
installments, will be made after the third and last installment appears in
the March CHAT. Definite prices will be announced in the December CHAT
with the printing of the second installment in the series. The cost of the
brochure will be nominal. We already have orders for 250. Reprints may
be obtained by writing to Dr. Thomas L. Quay, Box 5215, State College
Station, Raleigh, N. C.

Land Birds of America. Robert Cushman Murphy and Dean Amadon. 240
pages, 9" X 12". Illustrated with 264 photographs, 221 in color, by over
30 of America’s foremost photographers and including a chapter on bird
photography by Eliot Porter. $12.50. McGraw Hill, N. Y., in cooperation
with The American Museum of Natural History. 1953.

This is a magnificent book of extraordinarily high quality. It covers all
groups of land birds and the entire United States and Canada. The text does
not attempt to be exhaustive, but provides very satisfactory and up-to-date
summaries of each of the natural groups of birds. In this respect. Land Birds
of America, is an excellent general ornithology, and fills an important gap
in the increasing flow of new books on birds. The photographs alone are
priceless treasures, many being full-page and in faithful color. This is a book
anyone would be glad to own, regardless of previous experience, knowledge,
or library. — T. L. Quay.

Songbirds of America. Dr. A. A. Allen and Dr. P. P. Kellogg, Laboratory
of Ornithology, Cornell University. 27 pp; 10 x 10 inches. Ulus, with 24
full color photographs by Dr. Allen; Volume includes a single record,
available in 33-1/3 Long Playing or 45 Extended Play. $4.95. Book-Records,
Inc., 680 Fifth Avenue, N. Y. Here is the original “Soundbook on Birds,”
indeed a unique idea in listening, learning and seeing. The authors have
chosen 24 of our most familiar birds with an interesting commentary on
their range, size, habits, etc., keyed to perfect color reproductions of photo-
graphs taken in the field, and recordings of their songs.

The authoritative and easily understood text with additional illustrations
and sketches, preceding and following the commentary and color plates,
makes this an amazing and complete volume. The forewoi’d is by Roger Tory
Peterson, followed by a significant laudation of the influence of birds on the
hearts of men; a brief text on this continent’s flyways with a map; birds’
usefulness .to man and an explanation of color — why a Bluebird or Indigo
Bunting sometimes appears to be so black. The ways of birds, their music;
some facts about the recording methods of bird songs; photographing
birds and attracting them to yards and gardens, and a full page list of
books, records and published material to aid in further study of birds.

This “3-dimension” volume is a milestone in the field of nature study.
Will Dr. Allen and Dr. Kellogg now give us Volume two, and lay plans
for succeeding volumes? — K.C.S.

Announcement is made at this time of the Fall Meeting of CBC, to be
held at Blowing Rock, N. C., on September 25-26, 1954. Details of the
meeting and accommodations will be given in the Newsletter.

We wish to thank Harry T. Davis, N. C. State Museum, Raleigh, N. C.,
for his generous gift of a copy of Birds of North Carolina, Pearson, Brim-
ley & Brimley, for use by the editors of THE CHAT. — Ed.

72

The Chat

BREEDING HABITS OF THE CATBIRD

Mrs. G. E. Charles

My first acquaintance with the Catbird, Diinietella caroUnensis, was at
my childhood home in Davie County, North Carolina. There and then I
learned from my father to hate this bird because of its destructiveness to
the cherry crop which he grew for the market on our farm.

I learned very little about the habits of this rather shy but friendly
member of the Mockingbird family in these early years. I remember that
now and then numbers of them would scold at us as we gathered cherries,
and they would snatch one here and there and fly away into the briar
thicket beyond.

Years later when I became interested in birds and began to read books
on the subject, I was surprised to find that the Catbird was not generally
hated at all. At the time of this awakening I was living in West Columbia,
Lexington County, South Carolina.

Our backyard sloped down to a wooded area with thick undergrowth and
some swampy territory through which ran a stream of water. On the hill-
sides were blackberry briar thickets, a clump of French-Mulberry, some
privet hedge and wild cherry trees. In the swampy area were plenty of
elder-berry bushes and pokeweed (commonly called pokeberry), all of these
making the place a haven for Catbirds through the nesting season. Also,
Catbirds are fond of small fruit, both wild and cultivated.

I soon forgot my dislike for this attractive, well-groomed songbird and
wanted to know more about its habits. So in the early part of 1939, at the
suggestion of E. B. Chamberlain, I set myself to the task of making a
special study of the breeding habits of the Catbird. This study was con-
tinued over a period of three years — 1939, 1940 and 1941.

I was assisted in this work by James Price, a Boy Scout living next door,
whose job it was to climb trees, crawl through thick briars, or to do
whatever was needed to reach nests I could not reach unaided. My daughter,
Essie Mae (now Mrs. W. B. Dawsey), also helped me by drawing a diagram
of the nesting territory each year, showing the location of the home area of
each nesting pair of Catbirds and the location of each nest thei’ein. We also
added other nesting species as you will see by the map.

A copy of this diagram, along with a copy of my book of notes, material
for which I gathered by spending one hour a day making close observations
on nesting Catbirds, was sent at the end of each season to E. B. Chamberlain
at the Charleston Museum.

The first Catbird of each season arrived April 12. Sometime between then
and April 19 they became plentiful. They were in song when they arrived
and the courtship performance began at once.

Much is said about the courtship of the Flicker, but little or nothing about
that of the Catbird, which is equally interesting. The male puffs up to
twice his normal size. His neck and tail stretched in line with his body,
look like a stick stuck through a ball of feathers. In this odd shape, he
moves about on a limb or on the feeding shelf, trying to draw the attention
of his prospective mate. If she flies away without notice of him, he either
follows her to make further effort, or sits and cries in his cat-like notes.

September, 1954

73

74

The Chat

We are prone to think of birds as mixing miscellaneously through the
fields and woods with no system about their behavior. This is certainly
not true of the Catbird.

I learned that each nesting pair selects a home area at the beginning of
the breeding season and holds it to the end regardless of how many nests
might be robbed or destroyed. This of course does not mean that the birds
never fly beyond their home areas. It means that all nests are built in the
area selected and that no pair skips over the home area of another pair
to build a nest.

A Catbird has a very strong attachment for its home area. A pair nesting
near my garden in 1941 had eggs stolen from their first nest. They built
another only a few feet from the first. On June 16 when the three eggs
were hatching, the mother bird disappeared. Her mate sang with all his
might until dark that afternoon while the little birds died from lack of
attention. He held his territory and sang until near the end of July; but
no mate came to him. I saw him attempt to court a bird that came near,
but she flew away uninterested.

I knew his song from that of his neighbors because he so often mocked
the Red-winged Blackbird. And too, I noticed his interest in the first nest
of the season. One day as I sat quietly under his favorite bushes listening
to his song, all at once the notes grew softer and he crept into nest number
one and sat there for a minute or so, still singing in subdued notes. I had
added nest number two to my collection and regretted it lest it too might
mean something to him if he had it.

A pair of Catbirds may build a nest ten or twelve feet from an occupied
nest of a bird of some other species, but I found that none built less than
sixty feet from an occupied Catbird’s nest.

In 1939 Catbirds built a nest in a tangle of briars back of my garden
eleven and a third feet from a Cardinal’s nest that contained young birds.

Seven pairs of Catbirds nested in 1939 in my birding territory of about
four or five acres. The same number nested in 1940; and in 1941 there were
eight pairs. The first year I found twenty-seven nests. In each of the other
years I found twenty-one nests, making a total of sixty-nine for the three
years. Of course quite a few were not found due to standing water, thickness
of undergrowth, etc.

My records show that the Catbirds in my study area usually built three
nests and raised three broods a season. First nests had four eggs each.
Later ones four, three, or even sometimes only two. The time required for a
Catbird to incubate a set of eggs and raise a brood to fledgling stage is
twenty-three or twenty-four days. In cases where nests are disturbed the
birds will build again and again until a brood is raised or the season is out.

As to how soon the birds will build again after a nest is robbed, may
depend somewhat on the lateness of the season and on the stage of develop-
ment of the contents of the nest at the time of the disturbance.

About 12:30 o’clock on June 2, 1941, I found a snake making a meal of a
brood of Catbirds in a nest near my garden. Twenty-seven hours later, at
3:30 o’clock the next day the birds started another nest. One week from
the date of the snake tragedy the new nest had the first two of a set of
three eggs.

Nesting seasons are a bit earlier some years than others. In my birding

September, 1954

75

Two young Catbirds taken
from nest on opposite page
to have their picture made.
They were just about old
enough to leave.

Photo by Jack Dermid,
Courtesy N. C.
Wildlife Resources Comm.

area in 1939 two Catbird’s nests were built in April; in 1940 there was one
in April; in 1941 four were built and a fifth begun in April.

The earliest nest I have on record was found on the morning of April
20, 1939. Then it was but a small bunch of twigs. It had its first egg on
April 27, which is my earliest date for a Catbird’s egg. My earliest date
for a young brood to fly from the nest was May 25, 1941. I do not have an
exact date as to when the latest brood reached nest-leaving stage.

Here are some other facts I have recorded: September 14, 1939, I found
a very young Catbird perched in an elder. It apparently had not been out
of the nest more than a day or two. The next day I went to the same place
and found two young birds perched in an elder and being fed by a parent
bird. I looked them over carefully and they were indeed very immature. I
didn’t think they could have been fifteen days old. In that case, they had
hatched in September.

Such late broods are the results of early nesting efforts having been
disturbed. Breeding Catbirds have quite a few enemies. Those in my binding
area, as far as I was able to determine, were Crackles, Blue Jays, snakes,
I'ats, alley cats and mischievous boys.

Of the sixty-nine nests I found in the three-year period and watched
as closely as circumstances permitted, there were only thirty-one that I
was definitely certain were successful. Of the twenty-two pairs of nesting
birds, there was just one pair that went through a season with no mishaps.
I found their first nest April 27, 1939 which was a few days after they
had begun to build it. Their third brood took wing August 6, their nesting
season being about three and one-half months.

A Catbird’s nest is constructed of a foundation of twigs, an inner layer
of dry leaves, paper, strips of bark, etc., and lining of rootlets. Sometimes
there is a departure from this normal pattern.

A nest I found near a little space for a garden that had been dug at the
edge of the woods exposing many roots, was constructed entirely of roots;
larger ones for the foundation and tapering to rootlets for lining. A nest
near a fence, in the construction of which many new cedar posts had been
used, was altogether of cedar bark, except the lining of rootlets. That part
never varies except in the color of the rootlets. The Catbird seems to prefer
them black but can’t always find black ones and will use brown.

76

The Chat

Usually a Catbird’s nest is built from four to six feet above the ground.
But there is sometimes some departure from this normal height. The
highest nest I have on record was thirty-one and one-half feet up in a
Chinaherry tree in our hack yard. The lowest was twenty-eight inches up
in briars and a small bush growing in mud and standing water.

The summer song season of my West Columbia Catbirds ended about the
middle of August. In the fall, like their cousin the Mockingbird, they had
what slightly approached a second song season. At this time they sang in
subdued notes, sometimes almost in a whisper.

In October the birds began to disappear and by the middle of the month
they were about all gone. Rarely did I find one in winter.

The Catbird is said to be a permanent resident in South Carolina, “but
is not common in the Low-country in summer” (Sprunt and Chamberlain
in South Carolina Bird Life).

I have been a resident of Aynor in Horry County, South Cai’olina, since
December, 1950 and have not seen a Catbird here in winter. A few ai’e seen
regularly in summer, and I am wondering if the species may breed
sparingly in this area.

Sometime in May, 1953 I saw a Catbird gather a bill full of nest
material in my garden and carry it into a little thicket of bushes and
briars in our back lot I had reserved for birds. Later I saw a Catbird fly
in that same direction with something in its bill that I thought was food
for young.

I was ill that summer and thus unable to follow up the birds to be
certain. In November I went out to look for nests and found two that
were typical as to size, location and kinds of material used in their
construction.

Catbi)-d at nest in Holly tree, Wake Co., N. C., June, 1953.

Photo by .Jack Dermid, Courtesy N. C. Wildlife Resources Comm.

VA -

My first Catbird of 1954 arrived April 6. He sang until a mate came
a few days later. The two lived about the yard and garden, coming often
to the bird bath and feeder.

July 6 I found their nest (my first occupied Catbird’s nest in Horry
County). It was seven and a half feet up in vines in a sweetgum bush in
our back lot and only a few feet from one of the nests found in November.
It was more than half full of young bii'ds, either three or four in number
and apparently about a week old.

In the late afternoon of July 9 I went again to the nest, better equipped
to observe its contents and with my daughter to assist. Then only one
immature bird remained in it. The other two or three had, no doubt, taken
wing that day. The next morning at 6 o’clock this one was sitting on a twig
about six inches from the nest and looking quite able to take his first fiight.

I am hoping that all CBC members who live in Horry County will get
busy and check Catbird behavior on their premises and report their findings
to The Chat to be compared with mine. — Aynor, S. C.

(Map on page 74 is for the year 1941 — Ed.)

STUDY YOUR BIRD

By Alice Carver Cramer

“Gray-cheeked thrush . . . idoitified, when seen very well, by its
grayish cheeks and by its inconspicuous eye-ring. Similar species: —

. . . Olive-backed thrush . . . has buffy cheeks and a conspicuous buffy
eye-ring . . . Study your bird very carefidly . . . it is sometimes not
safe to try to distinguish them.” — Peterson, “A Field Guide to the

Birds” (second ed.) pp. 172-3.

Quick with the Peterson, quick with the glasses

Quick while the dew still ensparkles the grasses
Quick to the hedgerows and meadows : time passes.

You must study your bird, study your bird.

A male-in-eclipse do I see in that bush

Or some different species? A warbler? A thrush?

The size: is it big as a robin, or smaller?

Fatter or thinner? Shorter or taller?

Is it a curlew, a knot, or not?

And if not a knot pray tell me, what?

Sanderling? Stilt? Godwit? God wot!

Study your bird, study your bird.

Look at the wing-bars: distinct? indistinct?

Look at the eye-ring: what do you think?

The rump: is it grayish, or would you say white?

Remember how color’s affected by light!

The wings: do they form a dihedral in flight
Or a mere horizontal? Look quickly, it might
Be a kestral!

The glasses!

Too late — out of sight!

You must study your bird, study your bird, study your bird.

[Reprinted with kind permission of Alice Carver Cramer and The Saturday lievieiv.]

78 The Chat

GENERAL FIELD NOTES i

j

Adviso‘)-y Council: E. B. Chamberlain, Robert Holmes, Jr., Robert Overing,
Thomas W. Simpson, Arthur Stupka, Robert L. Wolff.

Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Route 1, Matthews, N. C.

This department will carry noteworthy data to the extent of the allotted space. Bare
lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will he held for publication in regional
groupings. All material should be sent to the Department Editor. It may be presented in
final form or subject to re-write. The normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior
to the issue date. Data must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions.

J. W. E. (Bill) Joyner, our most prolific contributor of bird lore — much
of which is beyond our slim page allotment — asks that we solicit notes
on incubation periods, size of clutches, number of broods, dates, etc.,
for Carolina nesting species. Its a good cause. Bill’s address is;

Lindy Avenue, Rocky Mount, N. C.

Common Loon at Eastover, S. C. — A live, mature Common Loon
( Gavia immer) was found on a roadside near Eastover, S. C., May 3, 1954.
The bird seemed to have an injured foot. It was beautiful and we released
it on nearby Armour pond. On May 21st, it flew to neighboring Yelton’s
pond, and was gone from there on May 27. It called “Ah-ooo.” — Mrs. W. H.
Faver, Eastover, S. C.

Banding Returns. — A Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus
aiiritus) collected in North-East River near Wilmington, N. C., Apr. 16.
1947, by John B. Funderburg, Jr., bore band number 41-809636, placed
June 30, 1941 at Kaniousaka County, Quebec, Canada. Birds of North
Carolina (1942) records a similar bird taken at Cape Hatteras, Oct. 18,
1923, that had also been banded in Quebec, in Saguenay County.

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) : Band recovered by Janies T. Buims, Raleigh,
N. C. Bird collected Nov. 20, 1953 in Black River, 35 miles from Wilming-
ton, N. C.; male, banded while an immature at Perch Lake, Jefferson
County, N. Y., by Rolla Parker and Donald Schierbaum (N. Y. State
Conservation Dept.). Band No. 495-55153. — Dept. Ed.

Late Widgeon. — Nine American Widgeon were seen at King’s Pond about
three miles south of Raleigh, on the afternoon of May 6, 1954. The flock
consisted of five males and four females. The birds first approached at
about 5:20 p.m. and, whistling continuously, circled the pond for about
ten minutes. After two or three false starts, they settled on the pond,
keeping to the lower end away from human presence. Two pairs of the
birds were apparently mated, but the remaining five birds showed less
attachment for any particular companion. At 6:20 p.m. the flock was
flushed by approaching fishermen, but after circling several times, again
settled on the pond. At about 6:30 p.m. the birds were again disturbed and
departed toward Lake Johnson to the northwest. There are no submerged
aquatics in this deep, muddy, eight acre pond and none of the birds were
seen attempting to feed. This seems to be an unusually late date for the
occurrence of Widgeon this far south. These were probably passing migrants.
In the coastal areas they are not often seen after about April 15th. — Yates
M. Barber, Jr. and Don Baker, Raleigh, N. C. (Widgeon were late at

September, 1954

79

other localities this summer. At Wilmington they remained as late as May
15, and at inland Greenville, N. C., they were seen on May 1st. — Dept. Ed.)

A Northern Phalarope at Rocky Mount, N. C. — On May 27, 1954, a male
Northern Phalarope (Lobipes lobatns) was observed on City Lake, Rocky
Mount, N. C., by J. W. E. Joyner and others. The bird remained from
about noon to dusk and spent most of the time feeding close to the lake
shore, ignoring automobile traffic on the adjacent highway. It was studied
at length at distances as close as ten feet, and field marks including a black
needle-like bill, back stripe, and a reddish-brown tinge over the back and
side of the neck, were carefully noted. In flight, the white wing-stripe was
conspicuous. The Northern Phalarope is a rare transient in the Carolinas.
— Dept. Ed.

Behavior: Doves, Jays, Crows. — On March 10, 1954 I photographed a
Mourning Dove at Red Oak, N. C., that had been sitting for two weeks. On
March 17 I made more pictures and found one young on the nest that
appeared to be several days old. It was well covered with pin feathers.
Beneath the nest was a dead bird that must have fallen out that very day — it
was the size of the bird in the nest. Today (March 31), I checked by this
nest and found quite a story:

Mr. Nero Bass, in whose yard the nest is located, told me as I drove up
that he had just ten minutes before placed the young bird back in the nest
after shooting off a flock of Blue Jays that had knocked it off the nest and
had done considerable damage to the youngster. We couldn’t see the bird
on the nest and a thorough search proved it to be hiding under a shrub. It
appeared to me to be grown enough to fly. It was certainly over three weeks
old. I found a patch of feathers on the ground and was told they had been
pecked out by the Jays. The attack had been concentrated on the side under
the wing. Mr. Bass told me there were several Jays involved in the fracas
and they were first noticed at the nest. He did not see any Crows, although
I am inclined to think that they might have started it and attracted the
Jays. The nest was about 20 feet up in a Red Maple. There were scattered
keys and no leaves on the branches today. Mr. Bass has declared war on
Jays.

Charlie Benbow called me last week-end to say that a Crow had broken
up a Dove nest in his yard, killing one of the young while the other flew
off despite some injuries. This youngster was not found by the adults who
only put up a broken wing act to protect it. It died the next day.

Back in 1946 (April 10) a Crow destroyed a Dove nest in my yard before
I could scare it away. It bit the head off a young bird that was so large I
first thought it to be grown. One of the adults played injured. — J .W. E.
Joyner, Rocky Mount, N. C.

Some Birds of Balsam Gap. — Specific localities are not too abundantly
supplied in Birds of North Carolina for many species breeding in the high
mountains. For that reason it may be worth while to mention some of the
birds seen at Balsam Gap, where I spent part of the morning of June 12,
1954. Balsam Gap, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, just west of Mt. Mitchell,
on the line between Buncombe and Yancey counties, is at an elevation of
5,317 feet. The surrounding forest still has a good amount of spruce. From
the gap a logging road leads northward through mixed woods ; and a hundred
yards east of the gap, behind a knoll, a trail runs north through a nice
stand of big spruce.

Although I did not see the bird, the unmistakable, slowed-up tapping of
a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was heard. The typical Canadian Zone Red-
breasted Nuthatches, Winter Wrens, and Golden-crowned Kinglets were
common, the wrens singing not only in the heavy spruce but in the mixed
woods where spruces were scattered. Veeries were heard on all sides. Two
Cedar Waxwings, presumably a pair, were seen together. Black-throated
Green Warblers were surprisingly abundant, nine males being heard.
Blackburnian, Cairns’s, Chestnut-sided, and Canada Warblers were common,
as were Mountain Vireos and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. — J. J. Murray,
Lexington, Virginia.

80

The Chat

Unusual Nest Site. — The city of Hickory’s water filter plant has a furnace
room in the basement right under the room where the big, noisy pumps are
located. This basement room has regular windows below the ground level
which are down in holes walled off by brick walls for each window so that
they may be of some service in admitting light and providing ventilation.

A Phoebe chose one of these window sills for a nesting place. When I saw
the nest some weeks ago, it contained five white eggs and the bird was
setting. The nest was very large and high, giving the appearance of having
been repaired for the last several years; and it had a long string of typical
mud-daubed material along the sill leading from it, as if placed there to
reinforce the foundation of the nest.

I have seen Phoebe nests on window sills before, but they were not six
feet down in a hole below the ground surface. — J. Weston Clinard,
Hickory, N. C., May 2U, 195^.

Cedar Waxwings Nesting. — Rocky Mount (upper Coastal North Carolina)
May 31, 19 5 If — Charlie Benbow has a pair of Cedar Waxwings nesting in
his front yard. Anne Benbow spotted them last Friday (May 28). When I
went around, the two birds were in a neighboring pine.

The nest is built at the tip of a pine bough about 40 feet from the ground.
It is just back from a cluster of cones and within a foot of branching new
growth. The tip of the branch is well exposed and if I can "get my 200 plus,
about 60 feet up in the pine. I’m going to get pictures or break — something.
The nest appears to be about six inches in diameter and about four inches
deep — something like a big ball. The Benbows report that evidently eggs are
being laid. — There are too many Crows and Crackles always flying around.
I don’t see how they can miss it. I don’t plan pictures until the young are
hatched.

June 10 — Had a friend go up for a preliminary survey. The nest is 38
feet from the ground. The female (?) sat tight yesterday and the eggs
should just about be hatched.

June 19 — Tough luck with the Cedar Waxwings. Late on the afternoon
of the 15th, I watched the nest from the ground for some time. The female
(?) was seen to peer over the edge several times — On the 16th, we had a
heavy rain late in the afternoon and I didn’t get around. On the 17th, I
watched the nest for perhaps 20 minutes and saw no activity of any kind.
The next day Benbow watched and determined that the old birds had left. —
I am inclined to surmise that some lightweight bird, such as a Crackle,
robbed the nest; there was no apparent damage done to it as seen from
the ground.

Incidentally, Benbow reported two flocks of Waxwings flying around
recently. Tonight, at about 7 p.m., a flock of perhaps 25 flew over my back
yard. — J. W. E. Joyner, Rocky Mount, N. C.

Black-throated Green Warbler Nesting. — Apparently the Black- throated
Green Warbler (Dench oica virens virens) and Wayne’s Warbler (D. v.
waynei) cannot be separated dependably by sight or sound records. Pre-
sumably, a Black-throated Green Warbler found nesting in the coastal
Carolinas is Wayne’s Warbler, whereas a nester in the western mountain
area is probably tvaynei but possibly virens. How far toward the coast
virens may breed is unknown and will remain so in the absence of collecting.
Regardless of race, the following contributions are yery interesting.

“On April 11, 1954, one mile north of Bolivia (Brunswick Co., N. C.) in
the edge of a small swamp I saw a female Black-throated Green Warbler
regularly carrying nesting material to a small clump of smilax and yellow
jessamine yines on a tupelo limb. The site was about 2 feet from the trunk
and about 30 feet aboye the ground. The next day the female was still
working on the nest. Now barely yisible through the vines, it was saddled
on the limb. Due to pressure of school work, I was unable to visit the site
frequently. April 16 the female was seen to enter the nest. May 8, I saw
the male carry a worm to the nest and leave without it. Although the male
often sang and was frequently observed in the woods near the nest, that
was the only time I actually saw it enter. On May 16, I discovered the

September, 1954

81

female feeding- at least 2 young birds in the bushes below the nest. I
notified Mrs. Appleberry, and on May 22, she, Mrs. Mebane, Mrs. W. R.
Baker, and I visited the place. We observed the female feeding 2 young in
the brush at a distance of about 15 feet, and also heard the male sing.

“The nest, which I now have, is rather fragile. It is composed chiefiy
of cypress bark, with fine weed stalks or grass; and a few feathers,
mostly red, are in the lining.

“Referring to South Carolina Bird Life, Sprunt and Chamberlain (1949),
I believe that this is the waynei subspecies. According to Birds of North
Carolina, Pearson, Brimley, and Brimley (1942), no nest had actually been
collected of this bird in eastern North Carolina. I wonder if one has since
been taken?” — Clifford M. Comeau, Bolivia, N. C., June 16, 195 Jt.

The second report comes from New London, N. C.:

“As you may remember, I have said several times that I thought the
Black-throated Green "Warbler (Wayne’s? — I don’t think so) was nesting
in this area. I have had no actual proof though I have heard its very
distinctive song many times in May and June along the banks of the Yadkin
River about 5 miles northwest of hei’e.

“Now I do have proof but from a (slightly) different area. On Monday,
May 24 I drove to Morrow Mountain (Stanly County, N. C.) with three
boys for a field trip. We were actually in the park on the road leading to
the picnic grounds and pool. One of the boys spotted a warbler in a poplar
near the road. It proved to be a male Black-throated Green Warbler
foraging in a low limb overhanging the I'oad. He came quite close and we
watched him for some five minutes. Then he fiew over our heads to another
poplar across the road. There he flew down to within five feet of us. Then
he was joined by a female and they flew higher into the tree where they both
fed a fledgling just out of the nest. We stayed and watched this procedure
repeated several times. The locale was not exactly the kind I associate with
these wonderful little birds as I remember the hemlock forests of the
mountains of North Carolina, and Hog Island, Maine. There were one or
two very large white pines in the area but it had a predominance of thick,
almost impenetrable undergrowth of laurel with very large (10-15 inch
diameter) poplars, sycamores, and oaks. — We searched for the nest but had
no luck. — This was not the end, however. On June 4, I was at the (Yadkin)
River, about a mile above the bridge in the same sort of habitat but with
less thick undergrowth. Again I heard the song, saw the male and watched
him long enough to locate a very noisy and demanding young being fed in
an oak, quite high up.” — John Trott, New London, N. C.

Comeau’s find near the coast at Bolivia is very noteworthy in that the
nest was seen in use and collected. After a check of the files of the U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Patuxent Research Refuge, it appears to be the first for
North Carolina and the fourth recorded anywhere. There are several
records of out-of-nest young being found.

As for Trott’s observations at Morrow Mountain and nearby New
London, these are central Piedmont areas, some 150 miles inland and having
elevations around 600 feet. These are the first records of breeding in this
area that we have. — Dept. Ed.

Anting. — “On May 29, 1954, I saw a female Cardinal anting in the drive-
way off the panhandle of Davie Circle, Chapel Hill, N. C. The bird gathered
the ants here and there over a space of several square yards and applied
them to the hard parts of its primaries and tail feathers. Ants frequenting
the area were of a large, reddish kind, probably a variety of Formica fusea.
This was my second observation of this curious phenomenon, the bird in the
other instance being a Red-eyed Towhee in Virginia. It was able to gather
all the ants needed without leaving a certain spot. (See Auk, Apr., 1944, p.
298).”

The preceding note is taken from a letter from W. L. McAtee, dated
May 30, 1954. It was followed by another dated June 4, replying to an
inquiry and some ventured opinions of ours. This second letter is quoted
in full :

82

The Chat

The Cardinal anting' episode was at about 9 a.m., the day sunny, but
the action was in the shade. My previous experience with the Towhee was
towards sundown. Accumulate data, yet, but theorize? It seems reasonable
that anting' has an anti-vermin basis but how to prove it? Brown {Auk,
Jan. 1953, p. 90) says that the Robin, Starling, and Crow ‘apparently do
not eat ants.’ However, all do eat them; in fact, practically all birds that
take any animal food at all, eat ants.

“I decided to check over the Auk (there probably are records in some of
the other journals) and give the results on the enclosed sheets.

Records in the wild are what are wanted, so I skip all of captive or
experimental’ birds.

“It seems to be time to restrict the term ‘anting’ to the use of ants and
let the cigarette stubs, etc., be treated under some other head.

^ “On the other hand, I can think of no activity more deserving the name
anting’ than taking a dust bath in an ant hill. This applies to Crow and
Wild Turkey. The last named is the only non-passerine bird on the list.
One would expect all the gallinaceous birds — such notable dusters — to be
anters. Stoddard, in TJxe Bob-ivkite Quail, says nothing about use of ant
hills, but N. Y. Grouse report says ‘Ant hills are very often selected as
sites for dust baths.’ (Darrow, Robert W., in The Ruffed Grouse. General
Habits. New York State Conservation Dept. 1947).

The Auk references follow: (To conserve space we have combined the
two lists furnished us)

Species Author and Issue

Wild Tui'key.

Blue Jay.

American Crow.
Catbird.

American Robin.

Wood Thrush.
Starling.

Blue-winged Warbler.
House Sparrow.
Common Crackle.
Common Cowbird.
Scarlet Tanager.
Summer Tanager.
Cardinal.

Red-eyed Towhee.
Song Sparrow.

Allen, F. H., July, 1946; McAtee, W. L., Jan. 1947.

McAtee, W. L., Jan. 1938.

McAtee, W. L., Jan. 1938; Groskin, H., April. 1950.

Brackbill, H., Jan. 1948; Groskin, H., Apr. 1950; Brown W
Jan. 1953.

Nichols, C. K., Jan. 1943; Van Tyne, J., Jan. 1943; Davis
Apr. 1944; Brackbill, H., Jan. 1948; Groskin, H., Apr. 1950 ’
Groskin, H., Apr. 1950.

McAtee, Jan. 1938; Brackbill, H., Jan. 1948; Groskin, H Apr
McAtee, W. L., Jan. 1938; Dater, E. E., Jan. 1953
Davis, M., Oct. 1945; Mayr, E., Oct. 1948.

Brackbill, H., Jan. 1948; Groskin, H., Apr. 1950
Nice, M. M., Apr. 1945; Groskin. H., Apr. 1950.

Groskin, H., Jan. 1943; Groskin, H., Apr. 1950.

Harris, Ruth, Jan. 1941.

Snyder, L. L., July 1941.

Van Tyne. J.. Jan. 1943; McAtee, W. L., Apr. 1944; Groskin
Apr. 1950.

H.,

M.,

1950.

H.,

Groskin, H., Apr. 1950.

Chapel Hill, N. C., June U, 195Jf.

A Winter Visitor at Wilmington, N. C.— January 13, 1954, was a cloudy,
rainy and cold day. I noticed a bird plummet to the ground but before I
could observe it closely, it had flown away. In about fifteen minutes, the
same thing happened and I became curious and started to investigate. I
picked up my field glasses and went upstairs to see, if by chance, the bird
was in the pecan tree which hangs over the side of the house.

I saw five Red-winged Black-birds and one odd bird. This bird was olive
yellow above. Olive rump and tail with a tinge of orange in the tail which
showed only in flight. It had a wash of orange on the breast. The head a
shade darker than the back. It had wing-bars and a dark pointed bill. No
eye rmg or eye line. It was about an inch shorter and more slender than
the Red-winged Black-birds. The bird was picking at the hulls left hanging-
on the pecan tree. Evidently, there were small insects on these hulls and
wrmn a piece would break off and drop the bird followed it to the ground.

Fortunately, this occurred near my most active feeding tray. I added
gi apes to the usual bird food of mixed grain, bread crumbs, sunflower seeds
and grits mixed with bacon drippings. The bird started feeding about 11
o clock and kept at it until about three in the afternoon. It fed at fifteen
to twenty minute intervals. It found the grapes the second day after they
were placed on the tray. It ate only the pulp and consumed ten to twelve
a day. The Cardinals ate the seeds. When the weather was freezing cold it
fed on the cooked grits mixed with bacon drippings. As the weather became

September, 1954

83

Founded March 6, 1937 Incorporated August 8, 19^9

The Carolina Bird Club is an incoi-porated association for the study and
conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, in the Carolinas. Founded in
1937 as the North Carolina Bii’d Club, it was joined in 1948 by several
South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina
Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) holds
an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts
club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3)
sponsors Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local groups, (4) encour-
ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of
local clubs and sanctuaries, (6) takes an active interest in conservation
legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur-
nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible.

The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific
organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to
the Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to anyone interested in birds, wildlife, and out-of-
doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are:

Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00

Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00

Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments)

All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five
cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription
to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc.
Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all corre-
spondence regarding membership should be addressed.

The activities of the Club and the coverage of 'The Chat will grow in
amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment
of dues and the securing of new members are vital contributions open to
everyone.

OFFICERS FOR 1954-1955

President: Miss May Puett, Box 2183, Greenville, S. C.

Vice-Presidents : Robert Overing, Route 4, Raleigh, N. C.; Fred May, Lenoir,
N. C.; Linville Hendren, Elkin, N. C.

Secretoiij: Thomas W. Simpson, Winston-Salem, N. C.

Treasurer : Edwin W. Winkler, 509 Gardner St., Raleigh, N. C.

The Executive Committee is composed of the Officers, the Editors and
the following four elected Members-at-large : Rhett Chamberlain, Matthews,
N. C.; Fred Sample, Columbia, S. C.; Dr. Christine Wilton, Greenville,
N. C. and Leon Ballance, Lake Landing, N. C.

Bulletin of

THE CHAT

Volume 18

DECEMBER, 1954

Number 4

THE CHAT

Published by The Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Devoted to the publication of
scientific and popular information on the birds and other wildlife of the
Carolinas.

Editor: Kay Curtis Sisson, 1430 Wellington Drive, Columbia 4, S. C.
Co-editor: Annie Rivers Faver, Eastover, S. C.

Associate Editors: B. R. Chamberlain, Ernest Cutts, Harry Davis, Jack
Dermid, James Mattocks, T. L. Quay, Thomas W. Simpson, Douglas Wade.

Distribution Office: N. C. State Museum, Box 2281, Raleigh, N. C.

The Chat is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December as the official
bulletin of the Carolina Bird Club, Inc. Entered as second-class matter on March 14, 1952,
at the Post Office at Raleigh, N. C., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Subscription price
to non-members: $1.00 per volume. Single copies: 30 cents. Correspondence about changes
of address and back numbers should be sent to Mr. Harry Davis, N. C. State Museum,
Raleigh, N. C. Please notify the Distribution Office immediately of change of address.
Subscriptions should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc., and sent to the
Treasurer.

CONTENTS

The President’s Page 85

Thumbnail Sketch — W. L. McAtee. Thomas L. Quay 86

Carolina Bird Names — Cont’d. IF. L. McAtee 87

Editorial 95

Duck Migration Study in the Greenville, S. C. Area.

James B. Shuler, Jr 96

Backyard Birding. Annie Rivers Faver, Editor 98

General Field Notes. B. R. Chamberlain, Editor 102

A Cattle Egret (seen in S. C.). Editor 102

Florida Red-tailed Hawk Collected at Wilmington, N. C. John B. Fnndcrhurg 102

Mourning Dove: Nesting Data. Ernest Cutts 103

Horned Lark Breeding at Greenville, S. C. James B. Shuler, Jr 103

Brown Thrasher Anting. Editor 103

Do Robins Get Drunk? Ernest Cutts 103

Disaster in Migration. Editor 104

Lark Sparrow at Greensboro, N. C. George A. Smith Inside Back Cover

Briefs for the Files. Editor Inside Back Cover

Cover Photograph — Ring-necked Ducks, two males and a female, common
visitor to farm ponds in winter in the Carolinas. Photographed by Jack
Dermid, Wildlife Resources Commission, Raleigh, N. C.

THE PRESIDENT S PAGE

Corrections: (77(c‘ Chat^ Sept., 1954) All names under the Louisiana Heron (p. 54) from

The Fall field trip of the Carolina Bird Club at Blowing Rock, N. C., in
September was a most enjoyable affair, even though birds were not too
plentiful and the Broad-winged Hawk migration was a disappointment.
However, good weather, fine scenery, cordial hospitality, comfortable ac-
commodations and a well planned program and good fellowship made up
for the shortage in other things.

At this time I would like to commend the Lenoir Audubon Club for its
recent generous contribution to the Endowment Fund. This club has the
honour of being the first to make such a gift and it would be an excellent
idea if other clubs and individuals would follow this lead. The income
from this fund will be used for the operation and expansion of CBC’s
conservation program.

Bill Joyner, regional leader, is to be congratulated for the fine way in
which he is organizing his area. Field trips have been held at Henderson
and Mattamuskeet, with others in the planning. Good work. Bill tells me
he is receiving excellent cooperation from evei’yone in his region. Other
regional leaders are getting started in their sections. These reports are
very gratifying and such fine work should enlarge our conservation pro-
gram which in turn will increase membership in CBC.

The idea of a summer camp in the Carolinas for CBC members has
come up several times in the past summer. Some investigations have been
made and others will be followed through and the findings reported to you.
Will all members be on the lookout for a suitable location for a camp and
advise me? Maybe we can make this dream a reality.

Sympathy is extended to the Sissons for the loss of their new beach
house on Pawley’s, and to all others who suffered from “Carol”, “Edna”
or “Hazel”.

All local clubs and members of CBC be sure to take part in the Christmas
Count this year. Dates for the count are on the editorial page (Page 95)
of this issue. Compilers follow the rules carefully and do not forget to send
a copy of your report to B. R. Chamberlain, Matthews, N. C., for The Chat.
Let’s have the largest count this year we’ve ever had!

I would like to see a bigger turnout of CBC members for the mid-winter
field trip the weekend of January 22, 1955 at Summerton, S. C. CBC field
trips are very rewarding. Everybody come who possibly can.

— MAY W. PUETT

W. L. McATEE

W. L. McAtee, the author of
“Carolina Bird Names”, is one of
the foremost ornithologists and bi-
ologists in the United States today.
For the entire first half of this cen-
tury he was a principal biologist
for the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service. During this time
he has published nearly 1,000 dif-
ferent scientific papers. His main
contributions have been in the food
habits of birds. This interest, how-
ever, has carried him throughout
the plant and animal kingdoms in
unending search for new facts and
explanations.

In addition to his unusually ex-
tensive written works, he has a
very large and important number
of papers as yet unpublished. These
manuscripts, along with the orig-
inal notes and records of his pub-
lished accounts, are now on deposit in the Library of Congress in Washing-
ton, D. C. This thoughtful means of permanent record will provide research
workers with access to much valuable basic data for long years to come.

Mr. McAtee has written extensively, also, in the related fields of folk-
lore and nature-lore. His collection of local, folk names of Carolina birds
falls in this category. The editors of The Chat feel particularly proud in
publishing this unique series of papers. “Carolina Bird Names” will be
of permanent value and interest to ornithologists, naturalists, historians,
and people in general.

Dr. McAtee I'etired in 1960 and came to live in Chapel Hill, N. C. Re-
tirement meant the beginning of a whole new set of investigations and
writings, so that today the words are flowing from his pen in increasing
volume and undiminishetl brilliance. It is deeply inspiring to visit this in-
defatigable naturalist in his study at 3 Davie Circle, Chapel Hill, and
realize directly the long sweep of American biology he represents.

The Carolina Bird Club, in the annual meeting at High Point, N. C.,
on March 20, 1954, elected Waldo Lee McAtee as its first and only
Honorary Member For Life, in recognition of his scientific eminence and
in appreciation of his interest in CBC. — T. L. Quay, Raleigh, N. C. Novem-
ber 1. Itl54.

86

The Chat

CAROLINA BIRD NAMES— Cont’d

W. L. McAtee

AMERICAN BRANT. Black brant (N). The head, neck (chiefly), and
breast are black.

SNOW GOOSE. White brant, white gooseCN).

MALLARD. Black duck(N). Reason for this name not apparent.
I)uckinniallard(N). This is the same as “duck and mallard”, meaning
the female and male, a form tracing back to Willughby-Ray, 1678. The
term lived until fairly recently as attested by manuscript notes of Gor-
don Trumbull(c. 1890), recording it for Orange County, and by H. H.
Brimley( Forest and Stream 1911) for Bladen County, North Carolina.
English cluck (N.S). This name meant a superior kincl of duck; it is a
species highly prized by gunners. Gray duck, gray mallard (Rather gen-
eral). Greenhead (Universal ) . The head of the male is green. Green-
head mallard (N). Same note. Mallard (Universal) .

BLACK DUCK. Black duck (General) . It is chiefly blackish-brown
with the feathers paler edged; but at a distance, or against the light, black
seems the proper word. Black English duck(S). See preceding note and
that on “English duck” under mallard. Black mallard (General). Eng-
lish duck(N). See note on this term under mallard. Mallard (N). It is
closely related to the mallard but distinct under all circumstances and
should not be given the same names. River duck(S). Skiddler(S).
Meaning unknown. Winter black duck(N). Winter duck(N).

GAD WALL. Creek duck(N). From its preference for small waters.
Gray duck (General). Gray widgeon (N,S) . Although varicolored in de-
tail, the general color of the male is slaty-gray; “widgeon” is a term
widely applied to medium-sized to small ducks. Marsh duck(N).

AMERICAN PINTAIL. Gray duck (in rather general use, sometimes
for only the female). This name is given to various ducks not well known
to the gunners. Neck-twister (N) . The bird has a long neck and “twists”
it freely, especially when circling overhead and inspecting a stand of
decoys. IMntail(General) . In allusion to the long pointed tail of the
male. Sprig, sprigtail (General). See preceding note. Sprig-tailed widg-
eon (S). Same note; “widgeon” as a medium-sized duck. Spring-tailed
wigeon(N). Corruption of the preceding name. Switch-tailed wigeon
(Carolina, Elliott, 1850). See note on pintail. Widgeon(S). A name
widely applied to medium-sized to small ducks.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL. Green-wing, green-wing teal (General). On-
ly the speculum of the wing is green. Red-head teal(N). The head of
the male is largely chestnut. Winter teal(N).

BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Blue-wing, blue-wing teal (General). As in
the “green-winged” species, the speculum is green; most of the remainder
of the exposed wing is light-blue in both sexes, a marking which, with
proper light, shows well in both sitting and flying birds. Fall teal(N). It
migrates southward earlier than the green-winged, or “winter”, teal.

EUROPEAN WIDGEON. Bastard redhead (N). Considering a cross
between the redhead and the baldpate. Bastard widgeon (N). As a sup-
posed hybrid of the redhead and the American widgeon, or baldpate.
German baldpate (N). To ditferentiate it from the American baldpate; is
German used as a substitute for European ? or merely as a distinguishing
adjective? Red-head widgeon, red-headed w'idgeon(N). The sides of the
head of the male are chestnut-red (the neck and breast lighter) and the
whole head, neck, and breast of the female are rusty-red. The head of Ameri-
can widgeon of either sex shows no red.

AMERICAN WIDGEON. Bald-crow'n(N,S). The forehead and crown
of the male are white. Baldface( Carolina, Lawson, 1709). See preceding
note. Bald-faced widgeon(N). Baldpate(General). Baldpate Widgeon(N).
AVhite-face(Carolina, Lawson, 1709). Widgeon(General).

WOOD DUCK. Acorn duck(S). It feeds on acorns. Acorn whistler (S).
See preceding note; the male utters a shrill whistle. Squealer (S). This

December, 1954

87

refers to the whistling note, “oo-eek, oo-eek”. Summer duck (General).
As remaining to breed. Summer whistler (S). See notes on names 2 and
3. Swamp guinea (S). In allusion to its habitat and to the spotting of
its plumage. Wood duck (General). From living in swampy woods and
nesting in tree holes.

REDHEAD. Raft duck(N). From gathering on the water in dense
flocks. Redhead (General). The head of the male is reddish-chestnut.
Red'headed raft-duck (N,S). See preceding notes.

CANVASBACK. Bullneck(N,S). Apparently this means thick neck,
but the species is not especially distinguished in that respect. See note on
this term further on under ruddy duck. Canvasback( General). Most of
the upper parts in the male are white with fine, wavy cross-lines of dusky,
in effect suggesting the fabric canvas. Raft duck(N). From gathering-
on the water in dense flocks. Red-headed bullneck(N). The head and
neck of the male are dark reddish-chestnut; see note on bullneck.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. Corn-peg (N). From the shape of
the bill. Fish-duck, fisherman, fisherman duck, fishing duck(N). One
that captures Ashes. Hairy-crown(N), Hairy-crown fish duck(N), Hairy-
head (S). Names of general application to the mergansers, in allusion to
their crests. Nine-gallon (N). In reference to its strongly flavored flesh.
“One old fisherman duck will make nine gallons of soup.” Salt-water
pheasant (N). “Pheasant” alludes to the striking coloration of the male.
Sawbill. The bill has prominent serrations. Shadpole(S). Corruption of
shag pole (or poll), applied to mergansers in allusion to the crest. Sheld-
rake. Sheld, meaning pied, refers to the striking coloration of the male.

TURKEY VULTURE. Buzzard (General). From resemblance on the
wing to the soaring hawks, known as buzzards in England. Buzzut(S).
Gullah corruption of buzzard. Carrion-crow (N,S). “Crow” from its black
color; “carrion” from its food. Charleston eagle (S). “Eagle” facetious.
North Carolina buzzard (N). The black vulture is called “South Carolina
buzzard”. Rab’n(S). Gullah corruption of raven; latter term from its
color and scavenging habit. Red-headed turkey buzzard (S). The naked
skin of the head and upper neck is livid crimson.

BLACK VULTURE. Black buzzard, black-headed buzzard, buzzard.
Names in general use. Buzzut(S). Gullah corruption of buzzard. Car-
rion crow. “Crow” from its black color; “carrion” from its food. Charles-
ton eagle (S). “Eagle”, facetious. Charleston short-winged buzzard (SL
Con crow(S). Corruption of carrion crow, which see. Rab’n(S). Gullah
corruption of raven; latter term from its color and scavenging habit.
Short-tailed buzzard (S). Short-wing buzzard (S). South Carolina buz-
zard (N.S). The turkey vulture is called “North Carolina buzzard”.

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. Club boy(S). Can “boy” trace to Penn-
sylvania German IFof(High German Weihc = kite? [the Superintendent of
the Club was named Beckman] ; “club” indicates that the bird was fre-
quently seen on the pi’operty of the Santee Club. Fork-tailed hawk(S).
The tail is conspicuously forked. Sky hawk(S). From being at home in
the sky. Snake hawk(N, recorded by Catesby, 1731). It preys upon

S T1 S S

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK. Bird hawk(N). As preying chiefly upon
birds. Blue darter, blue-tailed darter (N,S). The adult male is dark, blu-
ish-gray above; “darter” from its pouncing mode of attack upon its prey.
Blue-tailed hawk(N). The tail in the adult male is dark, bluish-gray, with
four or five blackish cross-bars. Bullet hawk(S). From the speed of its
attack. Little blue darter (S). See note on blue darter. Pigeon hawk.
This name, applied to several hawks, traces back to the time of the wild,
or passenger, pigeon, which they followed and upon which they preyed.
Sharpstriker (N) . From its pouncing mode of attack. Sparrow hawk(N).
From its preying on small birds. A fitting name for this species, which is
a counterpart of the European sparrow hawk; the little falcon, so com-
monly called “sparrow hawk” in this country, by no means so well de-
serves the name. Swift haw'k(S).

COOPER’S HAWK. Big blue darter (S). The adult male is dark blu-

88

The Chat

ish-j?ray above; “darter” from its pouncinf>- mode of attack upon its prey.
Blue darter, blue-tailed darter(N), blue-tailed hawk(N,S). See precedinj?
note. Hlue-tailed hen ha\vk,(N). Blue for the reason given; hen hawk,
as preying upon poultiy. Bullet ha\vk(S). From the speed of its attack.
Chicken hawk, hen hawk. As preying upon poultry. Pigeon hawk(N).
This name, applied to several hawks, traces back to the time of the wild,
or passenger, pigeon, which they followed and upon which they preyed.
Sparrow hawk(N). As preying upon small birds. Swift hawk(S).

RED-TAILED HAWK. Chicken hawk(General). The Red-tail preys
upon poultry but not to the extent popularly supposed. Stomach analyses
indicated that about one meal in twelve included chicken. Duck hawk(S).
Remains of wild ducks were found in only 4 of 754 stomachs. Hen hawk(Gen-
eral). See note on chicken hawk. Mountain hawk(N). Rabbit hawk (S).
Remains of rabbits were found in 64 of 754 stomachs. Red-tail (Rather
general). The tail of adults is chestnut above and shows that color pre-
dominantly when light shines thz’ough. Squirrel hawk(S). Remains of
squirrels were found in 80 of 754 stomachs.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. Chicken hawk, hen hawk(General). On-
Iv 8 of 391 birds examined had preyed upon chickens. Rabbit hawk(S).
Rabbit remains were found in 4 of 391 stomachs.

BALD EAGLE. American eagIe(N,S). As the National Emblem. Bald
eagle(Rather general). The head in adults is white, but not bald. Black
eagle (N). For birds in immature plumage, which is grayish-brown to
blackish, often with white patches. Gray-eagle (Rather general). See
preceding note. White headed eagle(Rather general).

MARSH HAWK. Blue hawk(S). The adult male is light bluish-gray
above. Chicken hawk(N,S). Supposed to pi’ey upon poultry, which, how-
ever, it does not do to any serious extent. Georgia boy(S). I offer only
queries here; can “boy” trace to Pennsylvania German WoHHigh Ger-
man, lFei/ie=kite) ? Or is it merely a familiar or “pet” name? Goshawk(N).
This can hardly be a transfer from the northern goshawk scarcely known
in the Carolinas; and in its original meaning of goose hawk would be a
complete misnomer for the marsh hawk Hen hawk(S). See note on
chicken hawk. Marsh hawk. From its quartering over marsh and other
grassland in search of prey; and from nesting there. Mouse hawk. A
good name; it is a great mouser. Old-field driver(N), old-field hawk(S).
As quartering or “driving” old fields in search of prey. Peter ripper (N).
As a harrier of blue peters or Coots. Rabbit hawk(N,S). Rabbits are
large, hence unusual, prey for this species. Ringtail(Carolina, Lawson,
1714, in British use for their subspecies back to Turner, 1544). The upper
tail coverts are white. Ring-tailed hawk(N). See preceding note. Spar-
row hawk(N). As preying upon small birds. Swamn hawk(S). See
note on marsh hawk: dialecticallv, marshes are often called swamps.

OSPREY. Diving hawk(S). In plunging for its fishy prey, it may en-
tirely (though briefly) disappear beneath the water. Fish eagle (Rather
general). The bird preys almost exclusively upon fishes, and is eagle-like
in appearance. Fish hawk(General). See preceding note. Fishing
hawk(N.; early use Catesby 1731). Lake hawk(S). Little eagle(S). It
resembles an eaade. Osprey (General).

PEREGRINE FALCON. Duck hawk (Rather general). Remains of wild
ducks were found in 9 of 57 stomachs examined. Pigeon hawk(N). This
name for hawks usually goes back to the time of the passenger pigeon,
the large flocks of which attracted followers of several species of hawks;
in modern times, the peregrine frequenting cliff-like high buildings in
cities preys chiefly on feral blue-rock pigeons. Sharp-wing hawk(N). A
good descriptive name; all of the falcons have more pointed wings than
our other hawks. Sparrow eagle(S). Probably in allusion to its small
size as an “eagle”; however, it includes sparrows among its chiefly avian
prey. Squirrel hawk(S). No mammals were found in 57 stomachs
examined.

PIGEON HAWK. Blue darter (S). The males are bluish-gray to slaty
above; they catch their prey by chasing, rather than by darting, however.

December, 1954

89

Blue skimmer (S). See preceding' note; “skimmer” probably refers to its
swift flight, as it is not a soarer. Sparr’ hawk(N). That is sparrow hawk;
a justifiable name for this species which preys freely upon sparrows and
other small birds.

SPARROW HAWK. Brownie(N). From its prevailing cinnamon-rufous
coloration. Chicken hawk(N). A misnomer; in 703 stomachs, no trace
of poultry was found; this species is too small to pi’ey upon chickens, ex-
cept the peepies, and apparently it seldom does that. Sparr’ hawk(N).
Sparrows are eaten though not extensively so; a better name, based on
food habits, would be grasshopper hawk. Sparrow hawk (General). See
preceding note.

RUFFED GROUSE. Drummer(S). From the sound made with the
wings by courting males. Pheasant (N,S). Persisting from early times
when colonists from England gave this name to the larger of the two
most common game birds, the other being the Partridge or Bobwhite;
both names being transfers from species of similar relative sizes, with
which they were familiar in the old country.

BOBWHITE. Bird (General in the Southeast). In the common expres-
sion: bird-hunting. Bobwhite(Rather general). From a common call.
Partridge(Former]y universal in the Southeast). See note on phesant un-
der the preceding species. Small partridge(S). This would be in a lo-
cality where the Ruffed Grouse was regarded as the large partridge.
Squealer (N). Belated young of the year, from their calls.

WILD TURKEY. Gobbler (General). The adult male. Mountain tur-
key (N). Peep(S.) The downy young. Tuckrey(S). Gullah pronuncia-
tion of turkey. Turkey, wild turkey (General) . Sonic, a common call
sounding like, “turk, turk, turk”.

KING RAIL. Double rail(N). From its large size compared to the
Sora {the rail). Fresh-water marsh-hen(S). As a sizable and cackling,
thus hen-like, bird of fresh marshes. Indian pullet (S). As a pullet-sized
bird that might be considered among poultry of the Indians. King rail(Ra-
ther general). From its large size and bright coloration. Marsh chick-
en(N). As a sizable and cackling, thus chicken-like, bird of the marshes.
.Marsh hen(Rather general). See preceding note. Sage hen, sedge hen(N).
See “hen” notes preceding; and add of the sedge, dialectically called “sage”.

CLAPPER RAIL. Big marsh-hen (N). See note on marsh chicken above.
This species and the King Rail are larger than the other rails. Clapper
rail(N). From a common cry, a repeated “cac, cac . . .”. Marsh hen(N,S).
See note on marsh chicken under the preceding species. Merl hen(S).
perhaps marl hen; merl being used in the sense of mud; see next en-
try. Mud hen(S). A sizable and cackling, thus hen-like, bird which in-
habits muddy surroundings. Sage hen(N). See note on the same name
for the King Rail.

VIRGINIA RAIL. Coot(S). Application unknown. Little Marsh
hen(N). A smaller “edition” of the King Rail, marsh hen, or marsh
chicken; see note on latter term under that species above. Mammy Coot(S).
Perhaps as a somewhat larger relative of the Sora, one of several species
called coots. Single rail(N). A rail of normal size, in contrast to the
larger King or Double Rail. Ziek(N). Apparently sonic, that is in imi-
tation of one of the numerous notes of this bird.

SORA RAIL. Coot(N,S). Application unknown. Marsh hen(S). As
a cackling bird of the marshes. Ortolan (N,S). As an edible species; this
name of a gastronomically noted European bunting has been transferred
to numerous species rated as excellent table birds. Sora (General). Thought
to be derived H'om an Indian name of the bird.

PURPLE GALLINULE. Blue Peter: “Peter” as a bird that can ap-
parently walk on water (it is supported by the leaves of plants on or near
the surface); the head, neck, and underparts are purplish blue. Mammy
Coot(S). As a large species of the coot group, here meaning the rails,
though the bird is a nearer relative of the true coot. Marsh hen(S). The
calls are hen-like and it inhabits marshes. Moonshine (S). The olive-
green upper surface, with bluish reflections, may appear moon-lit. Pond
fowT(S). A poultry-like bird of ponds.

90

The Chat

COMMON GALLINULE. Hald coot: “Bald” refers to the horny frontal
shield; the bird is a near ally of the American Coot. Blue I*eter (N,S).
See note on this term under the next species. Marsh l*eter(N). A “Peter”,
see note on Blue Peter below, that lives in marshes. Ued-billetl mud hen(N).
See note on mud hen under the next species; the bill except tip and the
contiguous frontal plaque are sealing-wax red. Sedge l*eter(N). A
“Peter”, see note on Blue Peter below, that lives among sedges.

AMERICAN COOT. Baldface(N). In allusion to the white frontal
plaque. Blue Peter (N,S). Treading on the floating leaves of aquatic
plants, it appears to walk, and spattering along in its take-off, to run, on
the water; hence Peter. General color bluish-slaty. Blue I’eter duck(N).
See preceding note; duck, as a sizable water fowl. Coot. Crow-bill (S).
Crow-duck(N). The bird has the habits but not the structure of a duck,
contrasting notably in the shape of the bill. Fud{S). This may be a
survival of a Scottish dialect term, meaning tail or scut of a rabbit, this
bird also having the underside of its small tail white. Marsh coot(N).
Marsh hen(S). As a sizable bird inhabiting marshes. Mud hen as a sizable
bird of muddy places. Peter (N). See note on blue Peter. Water hen(N).
A sizable bird usually seen on water. Whiteface(N) . In allusion to the
white frontal plaaue.

AMERICAN OYSTER-CATCHER. Clam bird(N,S). As feeding upon
clams. Clam-cracker(S). As opening clams. Oyster-bird(N,S). From
feeding on oysters. Oyster-cracker (N). From opening oysters. Oyster
Curlew (S). As feeding upon oysters; any large shore bird may be called
a curlew. Quit(N). From the note it utters when flushed. Red knife-
bill(S). The beak is orange-red, and is laterally^ flattened and truncated,
so as to be roughly compai-able with a knife. Twit(N). See note on quit.

RINGED PLOVER. Little ringneck(N). The neck has a broad white
collar bordered below by a narrow black ring; “little” in contrast to the
similarly marked but larger Wilson’s Plover. Peep(N). All small shore
bii'ds are called peeps; probably a sonic term. Ringneck (General). See
second preceding note. Ring-necked plover (S). Same reference. Ring-
neck sand chicken (S). Same reference for first part of name; sand chick-
en as a somewhat chick-like bird that freq'^ents sandy beaches.

PIPING PLOVER. Peabow(N). From its usual note. Ringneck(N).
The white ring is not so distinct as in the preceding species because of
the pale grayish-brown tone of adjacent plumage; but the black ring is
distinct, especially in front, though tending to be narrower behind.

THICK-BILLED PLOVER. Ringneck(N,S). The pattern of a white

ring, broader in front narrowed behind and bordered below by a grayish-
brown band, black in front, entitles this species to its share in the group

name. Stuttering bird, stuttering plover (S). From its notes, but the

terms do not seem very descriptive.

KILLDEER. Bad- weather bird(N). Its persistent calling believed to
presage bad weather. Cheweeka(S). By confusion with the jacksnipe
(which see)? Cold-weather bird(N). Probably from the same reason
given in the first note. Killdeer (Universal). In imitation of its com-

mon cry Tilldee(S). Another version of the cry.

GOLDEN PLOVER. Golden plover (General). The back is speckled
with yellow. Maggot-eater (N). From picking over beach debris which
may contain fly larvae.

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER. Beetle-head (N). “Beetle” apparently
means large. Bighead(N). Bull-head ( S) . This also means bighead.
Chuckle-head (N). Maggot-eater (N ). See same name under the preced-
ing species. Oxeye( corruptly oxide, N). From the prominent eyes.
Pilot (N). Thought to lead mixed flocks of shore birds. Sent-for-noth-
in’(N). The flight sometimes appears aimless.

RUDDY TURNSTONE. Calico-back (N). The back is particolored.
King-crab bird, king-crab eater(N). From feeding on the eggs of that
“crab” (Limuhis). Maggot-eater (N) . See note on same name for the
second preceding species. May bird(S). Seen then in migration. Ox-
eye(N). From the prominent eyes.

December, 1954

91

AMERICAN WOODCOCK. Night'flit (N) . A bird that flies by night;
from its crepuscular habits. Night-partridge (N). “Night” from its cre-
puscular habits; “partridge” in allusion to its brown color and explosive
flushing, similar to those of the Partridge or Bobwhite. Night-peck, peck,
peck(N). “Night” as before; the other terms seem to refer to the “peent”
or courtship call. Snipe (N,S). In early days this was the general name
of the bird, which only in recent times became widely known as Wood-
cock. Woodchuck (S) . Called Woodcock, it may as well be dubbed wood-
chuck as is also the Pileated Woodpecker; one name seems to suggest
the other. Woodcock (General). A jaunty bird of the woodland.

COMMON SNIPE. Chuweeka(S). Indian name? English snipe (Gen-
eral east of the Mississippi River). In such connections, the term “Eng-
lish” means the genuine or best. .lacksnipe(Universal). The small snipe,
that is contrasted with the Woodcock. See above. Marsh snipe (N). Snipe
(Now universal).

LONG-BILLED CURLEW. Crooked-billed curlew (N,S). All of the true
curlews have curved or “crooked” bills. Curved-bill (N). Leather bird(N).
Its flesh being tougb. Roach-bill(N) . The bill has an arch or roach.
Sickle-bill, sicklebill curlew (General) . The bill has a pronounced curve.
Spanish curlew (S). “Spanish” to indicate a strongly recognizable kind.

HUDSONIAN CURLEW. Crooked-billed curlew (N,S). See above. Jack
Curlew (General). That is, small, in contrast to the longbilled or great,
curlew. Spanish curlew (S). See note on same name under the preced-
ing species. Stone curlew (S). A name probably borrowed from a na-
tural history book; the true stone curlew does not occur in the United States.

ESKIMO CURLEW. Crooked-billed curlew (N,S). See note on this
name under the second preceding species.

UPLAND PLOVER. Flying colt(N). From a note simulating the
whinny of a colt. Grass plover (S). From its habitat. Highland cur-
lew (N). From its habitat; in this case “curlew” may have an independent
sonic origin, or it may illustrate the tendency to call all large shore birds
curlews. Plover (S). Probably as being a “game” species. Upland plo-
ver (Rather general). Wild mare(N). From a note simulating the whin-
nying of a mare.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER. Dogtail(N). Its tail is always “wagging”.
Grayback(N). Maggot-eater (N,S). This is nearly a synonym for shore
birds on the Carolina coast; it seems to indicate that the birds pick over
water-borne debris, where they may And fly larvae. Peet-weet( General).
From its notes when flushed. Sandpiper(N).. Sea chicken(N,S). This
name applies to most shore birds, as chick-like species of the sea beach;
the spotted sandpiper is seldom seen there. Spotted sand-chicken (S). Lat-
ter term has a meaning similar to that of the preceding entry; in adults
the breast is spotted. Teeter, teeter-tail (General). From its bobbing-
movements. Tip-up (Universal). See preceding note. Water Oriole (“Car-
olina”). From an early-season song, unusually full and varied for a
shore bird.

SOLITARY SANDPIPER. Diedapper(N). A name meaning “dive-
diver”, usually applied to grebes; in this case it probably alludes to the
bobbing movements of the bird. Piper (N). Short for sandpiper.

WILLET. Cumbee billy (S). The first term refers to the Combahee
River; the second is sonic, that is. from a cry of the bird. Fuss-box (S).
A vociferous being. Hill-billy (S). Sonic. Stone curlew(S). See note
on this name under Hudsonian curlew, ante. Willet (General). Sonic.
Will- willet ( “Carolina” ) . Sonic.

GREATER YELLOW-LEGS. Big yellow-leg(General). Larger yel-
lowshanks(N). Tell-tale ( Rather general). Its loud cries inform all game
of the presence of the hunter. Wintershanks(N). Contraction of winter
yellowshanks; “winter” as present in colder weather than is the “summer”
or Lesser Yellow-legs. Winter yellowshank(N). See preceding note.
Yellow-leg (General). Yellowshank(N).

LESSER YELLOW-LEGS. Little yellow-leg(General). Smaller yellow-
shanks(N). Summer yellowshank(N). As being seen in milder weather

92

The Chat

than is the “winter” or Greater YeIlow-lef>s. Yello\v-lef^(Genel■al). Yel-
lowshanks(N).

KNOT. Beach robin(N). From its habitat and the brownish-red color
of the underparts in breedinj>' plumaj>e. I'\)ol bird (“Carolina”). Probably
in allusion to misplaced confidence in man. Gray plover (N). In the fall
plumage. May bird(S). From the season of its greatest abundance.
I*lover(N). As a game species. Ked-breasted robin, red-breasted snipe,
sea robin(N). See note on beach robin. Robin snipe (Rather general).
Same note.

PECTORAL SANDPIPER. Grass bird(N). It likes to feed among short
grasses in soppy places. Grass snipe(General). See preceding note; any
shore bird may be called snipe. Jack snipe(General). As a small “snipe”.

WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPER. White-tailed sea-chicken (N). The
rump is white; sea-chicken, as a chick-like bird inhabiting the sea beach.

LEAST SANDPIPER. Peep (General). A word doubtless derived from
the note of one or more of them that is applied to various small shore birds;
as when used as a name for downy chicks, it no doubt has also the con-
notation of small stature. Sea chicken (N,S). As a chick-like bird inhab-
iting the sea beach. Smallest sea-chicken (N). See preceding note. Sneed-
ling(N). From “snede”, a morsel, or something small.

DUNLIN. Black-breasted snipe, blue-breasted snipe (N). In breeding
plumage there is a large oblong black patch on each side of the middle
of the lower surface. Sea chicken (N). See note on this name under the
preceding species. Winter snipe(N). Seen in that season; any shore
bird may be called a snipe.

DO WITCHER. Brown-back (N). Gray-back (N). The back is variegat-
ed, more grayish in winter, and more brownish in summer, plumage. Gray-
backed snipe (N). Gray snipe (Rather general). In winter plumage
Long-billed beach robin(N). The bill is as long as in the jacksnipe, the
underparts are pinkish-cinnamon in the spring plumage. Long-billed
snipe (N). See preceding note. Red-breasted snipe (N). The underparts
are pinkish cinnamon in the spring plumage. Robin snipe (General east of
the Mississippi). See preceding note.

STILT SANDPIPER. Sand chicken (S). As a chick-like bird inhabit-
ing sandy beaches.

SEMIPALM ATED SANDPIPER. Peep(N). See note on this term un-
der least sandpiper, supra. Sea chicken (N). As a chick-like bird inhabit-
ing sea beaches. Sneeding(N). See note on that term under Least Sand-
piper.

MARBLED GODWIT. Long-billed snipe(N). Square curlew (N). The
bill is nearly straight (slightly upcurved) in contrast to that of the true
curlews, which is down-curved. Straight-billed curlew (N). See preced-
ing note; any large shore bird may be called a curlew.

HUDSONIAN GODWIT. Grayback(N). In winter plumag'e; back gray-
ish-brown. Red-breasted snipe(N). In breeding plumage; russet, barred
with dusky and whitish, below.

SANDERLING. Bay snipe(N). Beach sea-chicken(N). A chick-like
bird frequenting beaches. Clam-chaser (N). The bird pursues receding
waves in the wash of which it captures small bivalves or “clams”. Sand
snipe(N). Sea-chicken(N). See third note above. Sneedling(N). From
“snede”, a morsel, or small thing. White sea-chicken (N). In winter
plumage the underparts are white and the upperparts pale gray to brown-
ish-gray, the general effect being that of a very whitish bird. Winter sea-
snipe(N). As present on the beaches at that season.

HERRING GULL. Sea gull(General).

RING-BILLED GULL. Sea gull (General).

LAUGHING GULL. Black-head, black-headed gull (General). Fool
gull(N). The young. Summer gull(Carolinas).

COMMON TERN. Big striker (Carolinas). Striker from its plunging
into the water after prey. Red-billed striker(N). The bill is vermilion
or coral-red basally. Sea swallow (Genei’al). From its graceful flight.
Striker (N.) See note on hig striker.

December, 1954

93

LEAST TERN. Little sea striker (S). See note on big’ striker above.
Little sea swallow(S) See note on sea swallow above. Little striker(Car-
olinas).

ROYAL TERN. Big sea striker (S). See note on big' striker under com-
mon tern. Big sea swallow (S). See note on sea swallow under common
tern. Big striker(N). Gannet striker(N). Gannet probably alludes to
its large size as well as to its plunging for prey, which is the significance
of striker. Red-billed striker (N). Bill mostly coral- or orange-red.
Striker(N).

CASPIAN TERN. Big gull(S). This is the largest of the terns, but
hardly rates the description “big” among gulls. Forked-tail striker (N).
The tail is forked but not so deeply as in most of the other terns. Red-
billed striker (N). The bill is coral- or vermilion-red.

BLACK SKIMMER. Barking sea hawk(S). From its repeated “ow,
ow, ow” call, its habitat, and its general appearance. Cutwater (Carolina,
Catesby, 1731). The bird flies about with its prolonged and compressed
lower mandible “cutting” the water. Knife-bill (S). The lower mandible
is compressed like a knife blade. Old wife(Carolinas, Lawson, 1714). Per-
haps from its vociferousnes, deemed garrulity. Razor-bill (N). See note
on knife-bill. Seadog(S). From its repeated “ow, ow, ow” call, suggest-
ing barking. Shearwater (N,S), shearwater gull(N). See note on cut-
water. Skimmer (N). The bird flies about with its prolonged lower man-
dible thrust into the water as if skimming. Striker (N). From confusion
with the terns, commonly so-called from their plunging into the water for
food — a habit this bird does not share.

RAZOR-BILLED AUK. Sea crow(N). It is about the size of a crow
and the upper parts are slaty-black.

DOVEKIE. Canary duck(N). As a small water bird. Sea dove(N).
The form is not unlike that of the common nigeon or dove.

MOURNING DOVE. Dove (General). Dub(S). “Dove” in the Gullah
dialect. Moaning dove(N). Possibly a corruption of Mourning Dove, pos-
sibly not. To some ears the notes sound mournful; however, thev are uttered
by the bird at the heieht of its joy in living. Mourning dove(S). See pre-
ceding note. Pigeon (N). In a sense it is a pigeon as there is hardly any
drawing of a line between pigeons and doves. Turtle dove(General).
This has no reference to the animals known as turtles in the United States.
It traces to the apparently sonic Latin term tiirtur, a name for the common
European turtle-dove. As turtle from this source means dove, the name
turtle-dove is a tautonym.

PASSENGER PIGEON. Pigeon, wild pigeon(General).

GROUND DOVE. Ground dove(S). As usually being seen on the
ground. Mourning dove (S). The soft cooing of this bird is considered
mournful by some; however, it is a courting performance. See note on this
term ur’der the second preceding species.

CAROLINA PAROQUET. Parrot, wild parrot (Both probably general).

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. Fool bird(S). Application unknown.
Ftain crow (Universal). The bird seems most vociferous before a rain;
“crow” must be used merely for “bird”, as the species is in no way crow-
like.

Corrections: (T/ic Chat, Sept., 1954) All names under the Louisiana Heron (j). 04) from
Scoirnin on, belonfj under Common EKret. {The Chat, Dec., 1954) Several of the names
which should have appeared in this issue from American Brant throu.trh Red-breasted
Mei'Kanser were included in the first installment. The final brochure to be printed in
March, which will include three installments, will be corrected and all names will be in their
proper AOU order. — Ed.

Reprints of Carolina Bird Names by W. L. McAtec will be available
at cost, plus postage and mailing expenses: between 12(‘ and 15(f each
for single copies and between and 12(;‘ for large orders, according to
the size of the total order to the printer. Send your orders in as soon as
possible to T, L. Quay in Raleigh, — Ed,

94

The Chat

D I T 0 R I A L

News, Reviews, Announcements
Authors, Members, Letters
Items of Interest

1954 CHRISTMAS COUNT

Official dates for this winter’s count ai'e Dec. 25, to Jan. 2, inclusive.
No recent changes have been made in the rules for the count. They may
be obtained from National Headquarters at 15^^ per copy.

Last winter Wilmington topped all areas in the Country with a list of
165 species. At Todd, N. C., high in the Appalachian Mountains, only
21 species were to be found. Both counts are important.

Reports intended for publication in The Chat should be sent to B. R.
Chamberlain, Matthews, N. C., by Jan. 10. Reports for Audubon Field
Notes should go promptly to the National Audubon Society, 1130 Fifth
Ave., New York 28, N. Y.

Last winter A. F. N., published 21 counts from the Carolinas. There
were 231 closely packed pages in that issue. The high cost of such an
enormous listing may force assessed fees from participants. Certainly
some financial aid is necessary, and it should be sent along with the re-
port. DO NOT send money intended for A. F. N., to The Chat. — b.r.c.

J. B. Shuler, Jr., chairman of papers for CBC, asks that all who have
papers to submit for possible presentation at meetings, please send them
to him at 43 Kirkwoocl Lane, Greenville, S. C.

Fred May of Lenoir, N. C. sent in the following news item: A male
Sora Rail stopped over here yesterday when he hit a building and dropped
into a window well. The rescue was made bv Mrs. P. P. Yates and first
aid was given by Dr. and Mrs. R. T. Greer. The visitor now is hospitalized
at the Mays, on Beall Street, under the care of Mary May, R. N. He is
a “First” for Lenoir Club members.

He is very active from shoulders up. His beak is vicious, but he is a
bit paralyzed in wings and feet and legs. All of us hope he is going to
make a full recovery, and will be on his way very soon. Omit flowers.

The Piedmont Bird Club will be glad to supply reprints of the article,
Birds of Guilford County, N. C. to anyone who is interested. Single copy
lOd; 3 copies 25(''; 10 or more copies 5(l‘ each. Write to Charlotte Dawley,
Woman’s College, Greensboro, N. C.

In the footnote to Historical Developments of Sight Recognition by
Ludlow Griscom (Sept. Chat) Mr. Eugene Eisenmunn is mentioned as
President of the LINNAEAN SOCIETY. Mr. Eisenmann writes that he
no longer has the honour of this position, but that he was Editor of the
Liunaean F)ocecdings at the time the above paper was given. However,
he is not the Editor either now. Your editor’s oversight.

From Carlita Nesslinger, Ithaca, N. Y.: “I have consistently derived
a certain benefit and pleasure from reading The Chat and I am pleased
to note that the most recent issues have improved steadily in the value
and quality of their articles.”

December, 1954

95

DUCK MIGRATION STUDY IN THE GREENVILLE,
SOUTH CAROLINA AREA

James B. Shuler, Jr.

The following paper is based largely on data extracted from an ornitho-
logical diary kept by E. S. Tillinghast of Greenville, S. C. The Tillinghast
residence faces the Union Bleachery Reservoir, and Mr. Tillinghast has
made the most of this opportunity to make long-term observations on ducks.
The notes cover the peidod from late 1948 through 1952. I wish to express
my gratitude to Mr. Tillinghast for the contribution of these notes.

The Area:

The Union Bleachery Reservoir on the outskirts of the city of Greenville,
covers about ten acres. It is supplied by pumping from two streams — the
Reedy River, and a small stream that abuts the reservoir. Since the water
is used industrially, it is passed through filter beds. Algae in summer clog
these filter beds and raise the pH of the water to about nine. For this reason
it is treated in the hot months with copper sulphate. The resulting depres-
sion of plant life ranges from the microscopic algae to the larger water
plants. The algae, having much the shorter life cycle, reestablish them-
selves yearly. The microscopic plants are permanently eliminated. Fish,
however, appear little affected, and many are seen daily against the mesh
filters at the intake point of the bleachery.

Observations :

Table 1. Arrival and Departure Dates and Relative Abundance. (The Relative Abundance
Number is calculated by multiplying the number of ducks by the number of days they
ramained on the reservoir).

SPECIES

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Mallard

Black Duck

Gadwall

Am. Pintail

Green-winged Teal
Blue-winged Teal
Am. Widgeon
Shoveller
Wood Duck
Redhead

Ring-Neck Duck

Scaup

Common Golden-eye

Bufflehead

Old-squaw

White-winged Scoter

Ftuddy Duck

Hooded Merganser

Common (Am.) Merganser ...

Red-breasted Merganser

Other species on the reservoir:

Common Loon

Pied -billed Grebe

Am. Coot

Nov. 8 to Feb. 18

(27 in one flock. Mar. 23, ’52)
Nov. 3 to Apr. 27

Nov. 3 to Mar. 25

Oct. 17 to May 7

Oct. 17 to May 23

Nov. 4 to Mar. 9

Nov. 18 to Apr. 9

(one bird)

(one bird)

Oct. 13 to May 6

Nov. 8 to Apr. 5

(all in .Tan.)

Nov. 14-27; Mar. 20-May 2 . .

Oct. 20-29; Mar. 20-Apr. 2 . .

Aug. 21 to May 3

Oct. 12-Nov. 8; Mar. 13-May 3

Sept. 1-Oct. 23; Mar. 19-Apr. 23

Oct. 24-28; Mar. 1-May G

Mar. 4-May 2

R.A.

286

2

37

7

1

382

136

25

2

203

7,809

2,103

282

69

419

63

112

17

47

96

The Chat

Among the 22 species of ducks listed on the i-eservoir were two which seem
far away enough, at least ecologically, from their normal range to be
classed as accidentals. The “Coot” of the New England coast, the White-
winged Scoter, was represented by one bird which appeared Mar. 12, 1950,
and stayed for twelve days. This duck proved to be a better diver than the
resident Nyrocivae. Its timed dives were found to average 50 seconds,
substantially longer than the 30 second average of the Ring-necks and
Scaups.

An Old-squaw paid a twelve day visit beginning Dec. 9, 1950. This bird
seemed to be in poor health. Its plumage was worn and its tail streamers
were abbreviated. It chose for its temporary domocile a small pond not
more than an acre in size that abuts the Bleachery building. A log floating
in the water served as its resting place, and it was often driven to take
refuge there by two harassing grebes.

As the Horned Grebe has not been reported so far inland in South Carolina
previously, it seems worthwhile to list its three occurrences at Union
Bleachery: Nov. 20, 1948, one bird; Oct. 31, 1951, one bird; and Nov. 7 to
Nov. 22, 1951, one bird. A fourth upstate record was made at Table Rock,
Burke County, Jan. 24, 1954, when G. F. Townes and I watched one diving
in company with a small flock of Ring-necks.

Analysis and some conclusions:

Despite the many observations, not all of the conclusions that follow are
based upon adequate data. It will be interesting to see if other observers
at comparable locations come to the same conclusions.

Regrouping the species above that were observed in spring and fall, but
were not present in mid-winter, results in the following:

Table II.

SPECIES

TOTAL

NUMBER

DAYS

OBSERVED

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

Gadwall

5

32

1

3

Blue-winged Teal

. 192

166

12

35

Am. Widgeon

15

125

3

30

Shoveller

1

24

1

10

Red-breasted Merganser .

24

88

3

14

Union Bleachery
Reservoir,
Greenville, S. C.

The Red-breasted Merganser, though a fish-eater, winters almost ex-
clusively in salt water and is included in the table as it appears at
Greenville only as a migrant.

The other ducks listed in Table II are predominantly vegetarian, and since
the reservoir contains little vegetable matter, food can scarcely be a motive
for the use of the pond by these ducks. The fact that winter records of them
are entirely lacking, strengthens this conclusion and points up the thought
that the pond is visited as a part of migratory activity.

Although migratory activity explains the seasonal grouping, an additional
explanation is required for the greater number of spring records as com-
pared with the fall records in the table.

Birds rest before attempting to navigate any considerable stretch of
unfavorable territory. An example of this was reported in Griscom’s
Moxlern Bird Watching (1947), where vast numbers of fall migrants
(passerine) were recorded on the islands in the marshes of Louisiana. In
spring no such congestion was noted, the birds flying on to the more
favorable woodlands of the mainland. Thus it is seen that these trans-gulf
migrants had more than enough endurance and energy to make the flight.
The reserve, a safety factor against unfavorable weather, if unused can be
safely employed once the coastal islands and marshes are reached. Without
this safety factor, the mildest squall line might spell disaster to a species.

In the case in point, the ducks, having crossed the mountains in fall, wing
on coastward to the abandoned rice fields, river deltas, and marshes of their
winter feeding grounds. In spring they hesitate and rest a while before
rising to hurdle the Appalachians. On foggy days in late March and April,
when flying conditions appear at their worst, the Teal, Widgeon, and
Gadwall are most likely to stop and mix bidefly with the divers.

On the Mississippi Flyway?

On several occasions Mr. Tillinghast was able to watch flocks of ducks
coming in and leaving the reservoir. His observations indicated an eastward
movement in fall and westward in spring. Kortright describes this link
between the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways as actually an olfshoot of
the Mississippi branch. He lists Blue-winged Teals, Gadwalls, Shovellers
and possibly some Ring-necks as the ducks using this migration highway.
Of possible significance in considering this I'oute as part of the Mississippi
flyway is the rarity of the Black Duck on the Union Bleachery Reservoir.
Though the commonest nesting species in the East and East-Central United
States and Canada, it is absent from the western part of the continent. —
James B. Shuler, Jr., Greenville, S. C., Feb. 7, insJ,.

C. B. C. Mid- Winter Field Trip

The week ending January 22, has been selected for the mid-winter trip.
The Santee National Wildlife Refuge is the site. The i-efuge is approximate-
ly 7 miles south of Summerton, S. C., on highways 15 and 301. There should
he opportunity to study ducks and geese on both foot and car trips that
are planned. Members will make their own i-eservations at any of the
numerous motels close by. Headquarters will be established at The Wind-
sor Motel, ^2 mile south of Summerton. The King Cotton Motel is also
recommended. Details will be sent out in a News Letter.

98

The Chat

BACKYARD BIRDING

ANNIE RIVERS FAVFR, Departmpnt Fditnr

A'

Not for many years has all natural food for birds and other wildlife
been so scarce. The extremely hot, dry weather prevented the trees from
bearing fruit, or at best produced only a few hard, dried up specimens
in place of the abundance usually found throughout our southern swamps
and woods. Here on our hillside in the central part of South Carolina,
there are some berries on the large black gum trees, but they are being
rapidly eaten now by the migratory tanagers, thrushes, and our local
Brown Thrashers, Cardinals, Flickers, and Mockingbirds. Very soon,
there will be none left for the Robins. There are no berries on the large
dogwoods, and just a few on the lower branches of one large holly near
the pond. The French mulberries did not even reach mature growth, so
did not bloom. The Hermit Thrushes usually feed on these berries as
long as any are on the bushes. Only the ligustrum and hedge bushes have
a fair crop of berries, but they are very small, and may fall off before
they ripen.

So this winter, all backyard birders should keep feeders well filled with
a variety of foods, and an adequate water supply should be available
as well, for what we provide may well mean the difference between
life and starvation for our common birds. Please be accurate as to identi-
fications and record all dates, as unusual weather conditions may bring a
shift in bird population, and we might again have some western species
in the Carolinas. The migration of warblers was early here, and the
majority have already passed on, the peak having been the first week in
October.

This department has received many letters and comments about birds
this summer, most of them having to do with the effect of the weather
on their nesting. At our home, we had no successful Cardinals’ nests until
the middle of the summer. However, the Red-bellied Woodpeckers had
young at our window feeder from early spring until the last of September.
Mrs. G. E. Charles wrote from Aynor, South Carolina, that she believed
that a Mockingbird had had jour broods in the neighborhood of her yard.
Like me, she did not think of keeping a record of their broods until the
very late young ones put in their appearance. The extreme heat destroyed
many an egg of the hole-dwelling birds. They were either “cooked”, or the
insects or mites were so plentiful that many nests were abandoned.

In some sections, the common birds seemed to disappear. Actually, I
guess they had left high, dry, situations for places nearer water, for we
had many of all kinds around our spring and near the pond, when there
seemed to be no birds anywhere else.

From Charleston, South Carolina, Mrs. Francis Barrington tells of the
activities in her yard in the following;

December, 1954

99

I have nothing- of great note to report to you, but I do have many a
Red Letter Day over the occurrence of birds at our bath, many of which
are rated as common residents or visitors in our locality. However, when-
ever they are “firsts” or “occasionals” in our yard I seem to get up as
much enthusiasm over them as if they were really rare — the Water Thrush,
for instance, that was in our garden and in and out of one bath or the
other almost continuously for four days straight (Aug. 24, 25, 26, 27),
usually prefacing his appearance with his imperative “chink, chink,
chink”. I have recorded him as a Northern Water Thrush, as the throat,
as well as the sides and breast, was streaked.

But on September 23 and 24 I really had more of a right to my thrill
inasmuch as the Cape May Warbler is considered by Soiith Carolina
Bird Life to be only a “fairly common transient” in our state, more
common in the Piedmont in spring and more common on the coast in
the fall. On both of these dates just given, the bird was at one bath or
the other, or in one of our oaks — a favorite tree of this species. I have
several previous records, both earlier and later than this year, but all for
the fall. The greenish-yellow rump, the distinct side markings and the
light patch back of the ear were all “right there”. And the “high, thin
seet, seet, seet, seet” (sometimes uttered three times, sometimes four)
usually announced his presence.

Yesterday’s (September 27) special moment was spent watching the
Olive-backed Thrush at the bath, its light eye-ring standing out sharply
in the soft light of the afternoon. This was a “first” for our yard when
recorded last May 10th. At that time its “whit, whit” betrayed its
presence. Yesterday it was silent.

I am often tempted to wish I had nothing else to do but sit by my
window and watch our visitors, many of whom probably come and go with-
out my knowledge!

Fall Field Trip

The 1954 annual fall field trip of CBC was held on September 24-25 at
Blowing Rock, N. C. Over a hundred ornithologists and bird watchers from
North and South Carolina attended the meeting with visitors from Florida,
Georgia, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Programs Friday and Saturday nights consisted of color slides lectui*es
on birds, other wildlife and plant life on the Blue Ridge Parkway areas by
Bill Lord, Parkway Naturalist, of Roanoke, Va.; Identification of ducks by
Doug Wade, S. C. Wildlife Resources Dept, of Columbia, S. C. and scenes
of Canada Geese at Gaddy’s Pond, Ansonville, N. C. and Edisto Island,
S. C. by Dr. W. K. Cuyler, Duke University, Durham, N. C.

Mrs. N. B. Beecher of Biltmoi-e, N. C., repi-esentative of the National
Audubon Society, discussed Junior Audubon Clubs in the schools of North
and South Carolina, and Miss Lunette Barber of the N. C. Wildlife Com-
mission, Raleigh, N. C., told of plans of cooperation between the Commission
and CBC in preparation of educational literature for use in the public
schools and general distribution.

Parkway Naturalist Lord and Ranger J. E. Hayes led field trips over
large areas of the 3,600 acre Cone Memorial Park. Lookouts for the observa-
tion of migrating hawks were maintained under the direction of Tom
Parks, Lenoir, N. C., chairman of the Hawk Study Committee of CBC,
assisted by Dr. T. W. Simpson-, Winston-Salem, N. C.

A check for one hundred dollars was presented to Miss May Puett,
President of CBC, for its Endowment Fund by the Lenoir Audubon Club,
first local organization in the Carolinas to make such a donation. — fred h.
MAY (Credit goes to Fred H. May and Tom Parks for planning and pro-
gramming the successful Blowing Rock field trip. — Ed.)

100

The Chat

ORNITHOLOGY ESSAY CONTEST

The North Carolina Academy of Science is planning- this year to expand
and improve its science education progi’am, especially in regard to the
public schools. The exhibits and contests which heretofore have been
held at the time and place of the Academy’s annual meeting in May will
now, in expanded form, be held at a separate State Science Fair on April
22-23 at Duke University.

Regional science fairs will also be started this year for the first time,
one in each of the six districts of the N. C. Education Association. Win-
ners in the districts will go on to the State Fair, The essay contests will
be handled in the same manner as the exhibit and other contests.

The subject of this year’s Ornithology Essay Contest is “The Migration
of Birds”. This fascinating subject will appeal to the imagination and
allow freedom and initiative in approach. A main source of material is
Migration of Birds, by F. C. Lincoln, United States Fish and Wildlife
Circular No. 16, for sale by Supt. of Documents, Washington 25, D. C., for
30^, or possibly free through a congressman. Additional information can
be found in back issues of Wildlife in North Carolina, The Chat (Bulletin
of Carolina Bird Club), encyclopedias, library books, and many popular
and scientific magazines. A list of references is available on request from
Dr. T. L. Quay, Zoology Department, N. C. State College, Raleigh.

The contest rules are as follows:

1. Not more than four essays may be entered from the same high school.

2. Essays are limited to 2,000 words. They must be written (preferably
typewritten) on 8% x 11 inch paper, on one side only. A bibliography
in good form must be attached.

3. Essays must be in the hands of the District Fair Chairman two weeks
before the date of the district fair. The four best essays in each district
will compete in the State Fair contest.

4. Open to students of junior and senior high schools.

There will be a first prize in each district of $10.00. Substantial, but still
undetermined, first, second, and third prizes will be awarded to the State
contest winners.

The place, date, dii-ector, and Ornithology Essay Contest chairman for
each of the district fairs are as follows:

Northeastern — East Carolina College, Greenville, April 2. Dr. J. 0. Derrick,
director. Mr. Robert L. Wolff. Box 294, Greenville, chairman.

North Central — N. C. State College, Raleigh, April 2. Dr. Alfred F. Borg,
director. Mr. Robert Overing, Route 4, Raleigh, chairman.

Southeastern — Flora Macdonald College, Red Springs, April 16. Dr. Amy
LeVesconte, director. Mr. James Stephens, Jr., Box 841, Lumberton, chaix’-
man.

Noi’thwestern — Woman’s College, U. N. C., Greensboro, April 2. Professor
Robert J. Baffin, director. Mr. James Mattocks, Box 462, High Point,
chairman.

South Piedmont — Catawba College, Salisbury, April 16. Professor Hansel L.

Hughes, director. Miss Sarah Nooe, Queens College. Charlotte, chairman.
Western — Western Carolina College, Cullowhee, April 16. Dr. J. G. Eller,
director. Mrs. Lucile Gault, Brasstown. chairman.

Each interested teacher or student should write to the proper district
director for an illustrated folder giving all the derails about the entire 1955
North Carolina Science Fairs. The district essav contest chairmen will be
glad to answer questions and provide further ii^formation.

C.B.C. members can make this essav contest a great success bv encourag-
ing their own and other high school childre^i to enter the lists! — T. L. Q)(ay,
Zoology Department , N. C. State College, Raleigh

With deepest sorrow we record the passing on October 5, 1954, of
Mrs. Harry Alexander, President of the Catesby Bird Club, High Point, N. C.

December, 1954

101

GENERAL EIELD NOTES

Advisory Coinicil : E. B. Chamberlain, Robert Holmes, Jr., Robert Overing,
Thomas W. Simpson, Arthur Stupka, Robert L. Wolff.

Department Editor: B. R. Chamberlain, Route 1, Matthews, N. C.

This department will carry noteworthy data to the .extent of the allotted space. Bare
lists of occurrences, unless of special interest, will be held for publication in regional
groupings. All material should be sent to the Department Editor. It may be presented in
final form or subject to re-write. The normal dead-line for any issue is six weeks prior
to the issue date. Data must be complete enough to enable the Council to render decisions.

A Cattle Egret (Dubiilcus ibis ibis) was seen Aug. 8, 1954, at Litchfield
Plantation, near Georgetown, S. C., by Maj. Peter Gething and James F.
Cooper. A first-hand account of the find is in preparation for The Chat.

We note with interest the passing of the Lesser Common Loon. In the
29th., Supplement to the A.O.U. Check-List (April 1954), Gavia, immer
elasso)i is ruled out as inseparable from the nominate form. The Common
Loon reverts to binomial status: Gavia immer (Brunnich).

Florida Red-tailed Hawk Collected at Wilmington, N. C. — On June 8,
1953, I collected a Red-tailed Hawk near Mott’s Creek, three miles south of
Wilmington, N. C., which seemed to me to represent the Florida race (Buteo
jamaicensis umbrinus). Comparison of this hawk with the two specimens
of the Florida subspecies in the N. C. State Museum further confirmed my
belief. Director Harry T. Davis, of that institution, kindly submitted the
Mott’s Creek bird to the National Museum and received from Herbert
Friedmann the following comment: “You are quite correct in that it
represents the Florida sub-species, — .The chief characteristic by which this
identification is made is the dark color of the ventral markings. The tail is
not particularly well marked with the characteristics of this race, and in
this specimen is not diagnostic in itself.”

When first seen this hawk was perched in a dead pine, and even at some
distance the coloration of the underparts was very conspicuous, giving the
effect of a brown hawk with a white band across the chest.

The mounted specimen has been deposited in the collection of the N. C.
State Museum. — John B. Funderbukg. East Carolina College, Greenville,
N. C. (Prior records of the occurrence of the Florida Red-tailed Hawk north
of the boundary of the state of Florida apparently are limited to three:
two taken in the vicinity of Rocky Mount, N. C., one of these shot Jan. 21,
1939, the other undated, and both presented to the State Museum where
identification was later confirmed by H. C. Obserholser; one taken Feb. 9,
1926, near Charleston, S. C., and now in the collection of the Charleston
Museum. A hawk taken in 1909, in Burke County, Ga., that was in the
collection of the late Dr. E. E. Murphy, and listed in his Observatio)is On
The Bird Life Of The Middle Savannah River Valley (1937) on the basis
that the specimen “seems to conform to this subspecies,” has been identified
as Buteo jamaieensis borealis by John Aldrich. This specimen, now in the
Augusta Museum, was submitted to the National Museum at our request by
J. Frp:d Denton. — Dept. Ed).

102

The Chat

Mourning Dove: Nesting Data. — A certain pine tree on Edgewater Park,
near Charleston, has a definite attraction for Mourning Doves. Once a mem-
ber of a sizeable grove, it now stands with a lone companion at the inter-
section of two dirt roads, with houses within stone-throwing distance on
three sides.

During mid-September, 1954, I kept a daily watch over a female dove
incubating her two eggs in a frail nest about 20 feet above ground, in this
pine. I was interested in this particular nest for two reasons: it was late
in the season for doves to be nesting here; and this was the beginning of
the seventh brood to be fostered in this same nest. P''or four years now a
pair of doves (I have no way of knowing if it is the same pair) have used
this same nest — each season adding twigs to replace dislodged ones. Last
year there were two broods and this was the third brood this summer. This
third set of eggs hatched Sept. 16, and the young birds left Sept. 25.

Two years ago a Wood Pewee built its nest on the same limb with the
dove nest — seven feet away toward the tip. — Ernest Cutts, Charleston,
S. C. (This seems to be a record for continuing use of one nest by Mourning
Doves. Tom Parks, at Lenoir, N. C., writes of a second brood in his yard
this summer. The nest, also in a pine, contained at least one hatched young
as early as March 9. Both young left on March 21, but returned to spend
the nights on March 22, and 23. On April 12, a second set of eggs was
hatched in this nest. The young were blown out by high winds on the night
of April 16, however. — Dept. Eel).

Horned Lark Breeding at Greenville, S. C. — On March 10, 1954, evidence
of the Horned Lark breeding at Donaldson AFB, near Greenville, S. C. came
to my attention. I watched a male singing from the top of a small chunk
of concrete. Later events proved that the territory had already been
established and incubation was well underway at that date.

A nest was located on March 16 containing two very young birds. How-
ever, they had disappeared by March 22. The nest was lined with grass,
bits of string and upholstery from automobiles. The usual nearby rock or
tuft of grass was missing.

A second nest was found April 12. Again there were two young, about
four days old and an infertile egg. The egg is at present in the collection of
the Charleston Museum. This brood left the nest April 19. Throughout May
the parents were involved in feeding them.

The female revealed her new nest June 5 when she was seen with nesting-
material. The first egg was laid on June 7, and was followed the next day
by another. An automobile parked close to the nest depression and caved it
in slightly. It was deserted before another egg was laid. Though I never
found a fourth nest I feel sure that the pair persisted in their attempt to
raise a second brood. — James B. Shuler, Jr., Greenville, S. C. (See The
Chat, 15: 48 & 80, 1951).

Brown Thrasher Anting. — May 30, 1954; about 3:30 P.M; temp. 85°. My
son Norman called to me to come to the window — a Brown Thrasher was
anting. The bird was picking up ants from the ground immediately in
front of it and placing them in the fluffed feathers of its breast. The opera-
tion was repeated three times. This bird presumably was one of a pair that
was at that time feeding two well grown young at our feeder. It was our
first observation of anting by any bird, and, as far as I know, a first record
of anting by a Brown Thrasher. Several small red ants were collected
promptly after the bird flew but they have not yet been identified. This
observation raises to sixteen, the number of species of birds reported
anting, that I have knowledge of. References to them may be found in the
Sept. 1954, Chat. — B. R. Chamberlain, Matthews, N. C.

Do Robins Get Drunk? — Sometime ago The Associated Press carried
a story in which a number of distinguished gentlemen, including a police
court judge familiar with drunks, disavowed any knowledge of drunken
Robins. In the story it was supposed that the Robins got tipsy from a
diet of china berries. All this is so much nonsense. Take it from a witness
who has encountered many a bird that was falling-down “drunk”.

December, 1 954

103

When a boy in Augusta, Ga., in the 1920’s, I spent many exhausting

aftenioons taking “drunk” Robins home to my home. In those days

Robins came to Augusta in tremendous flocks each winter. In our section,
on the eastern slope of The Hill, they spent the day eating sugar berries.
At night they roosted in a large swamp to the west of the city, and
at about 4 p.m. each day hordes of them passed over our place on the way
to the swamp. They came in waves of about 50 birds each, with the waves
a minute or so apart. And this lasted until dark. As the waves approached,
several of us stood on the corner and watched for “drunks.” Suddenly a
bird would falter, lose equilibrium, regain it, lose it again and descend
with erratic wing beats. As a bird faltered we started running toward
the spot where he would land. They came down everywhere, and on the
ground they ran for cover. When we caught one we stuffed him in our
shirts and went after others. Some afternoons I caught 15 or 20 Robins.

One year I had my own aviary. Each day I deposited my catch in an
abandoned rabbit hutch, and finally had about 200 birds. Then mother put
a stop to the project and ordered their release. I continued to catch “drunk”
Robins, letting them go after massaging their throats. That “sobered”
them up quickly and they were able to fly again. They acted in a drunken
manner because the berries they had crammed themselves with lodged in
their throats and literally cut off their wind. The massage cleared the
throat.

Charleston this year was visited by the greatest number of Robins in
the memory of local ornithologists, but I didn’t see a single “drunk.” —
Ernest Cutts, Charleston, S. C.

(Exhibitions of the results of over-feeding are not uncommon in birds.
Also at Charleston — Sullivan’s Island — Tree Swallows during migra-
tion have been known to gorge themselves on wax myrtle berries until
they fell helpless to the ground and could be gatherd by dozens. As for
the toxic effect of the food versus suffocation, the former seems to have
gi'eater support in the literature. A medical opinion, in a more serious
vein comes from T. W. Simpson; “ — engoi’gement with compression of
trachea and dyspnea seems a little unlikely to me. The crop is a distensible
organ while the trachea of the bird and other vertebrates is a fairly rigid
cartilaginous tube which does not compress easily even in the presence
of certain tumors. As you recall, some geese in Europe are fattened by
forcing large amounts of food into their crop under pressure. These geese
apparently do not show any ill effects other than mechanical disad-
vantage of being weighted down.” — Dept. Ed).

Disaster in Migration. — On the night of Oct. 7, 1954, there was a
“rain” of small birds at several spots in the Southeast. At this writing
(Oct. 12), reports are fragmentary except from Charleston, thanks to
Ernest Cutts of the Charleston Evening Post; and from Winston-Salem,
thanks to Dr. and Mrs. T. W. Simpson, and Dr. and Mrs. M. P. Spencer.

At Charleston, “city streets yielded bushels of — corpses. Trees, shrubs,
hedges, and lawns were full of injui'ed birds seeking shelter.” At the
Municipal Airport, at about 11 o’clock, the ceilometer beam was “filled
with clouds of birds.” A resident on Charlotte Street, near the W.C.S.C.,
radio tower heard what “sounded like rain hitting the windows.” Her
porch “was covered with dead and injured birds.” Bodies were seen floating-
in slips in the harbor. On the east bank of the Cooper River, the ground
around a radio tower “was covered with bodies.” At another tower on
the west bank of the Ashley River “there were thousands on the gi-ound.”
About 100 birds were selected for preservation at the Charleston Museum.
Twenty-four species were noted.

At Winston-Salem the reported loss was less spectacular. However,
190 birds were picked up - mostly at the airpoi't ceilometer. Twenty-one
species were identified.

What happened? Apparently this: Weatherwise, there was a perfect
setting for disaster. The long drawn-out summer had held back migration

104

The Chat

by weeks. When it finally got underway, airways concentration was ab-
normally high. On October 5 and (5 a cold front started to move down
from the Great Lakes area. With increasing speed it forced the migrants
ahead helter-skelter. On the 7th., the cross-wind associated with the move-
ment of the front came in rapidly from the Northeast. Tumbling tempera-
tures, overcast skies, and stabbing beacons were perfectly timed for
disaster for the heavy flights of small bii’ds on the night of Oct. 7.

Most of the birds collected were warblers. Yellow- throats out-numbered
all other species at Charleston. At Winston-Salem, 30% of the collected birds
were Ovenbirds.

The list of species at Charleston: Sora Rail, Winter Wren, Marsh (Long-
billed) Wren, Sedge (Short-billed) ^ren. Catbird, Red-eyed Vireo, and
these warblers - Black and White, Swainson’s Worm-eating, Golden-winged,
Parula, Magnolia, Cairn’s Black-Throated Blue, Black-throated Blue, Myrtle,
Black-poll, Palm, Oven-bird, Small-billed (Northern) Water-Thrush, Yel-
low-throat, Yellow-breasted Chat, American Redstart; also. Scarlet Tanager,
and Seaside Sparrow.

The Winston-Salem list was tabulated by numbers of each species: Wood
Thrush, 1; Swainson’s (Olive-backed) Thrush, 8; Gray-cheeked Thrush, 2;
Red-eyed Vireo, 25; Philadelphia Vireo, 1; The warblers — Black and White,
5; Tennessee, 30; Parula, 1; Magnolia, 6; Cape May, 2; Black-throated
Blue, 3; Black-throated Green, 2; Blackburnian, 7; Chestnut-sided, 14; Bay-
breasted, 13; Oven-bird, 56; Yellow- throat, 2; American Redstart, 4; also
Scarlet Tanager, 4; Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 2; Indigo Bunting, 2.

Although detailed weather data were obtained from both of the above
stations, they are withheld for broader comparisons when the losses at
Savannah, Ga., and other points are available. — Dept. Ed.

Lark Sparrow at Greensboro, N. C. — On the morning of July 30, 1954, I
was showing friends from Ohio, Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Shaggs, Blue Grosbeaks
when we spotted at some distance what appeared to t)e a Horned Lark.
Fortunately, we followed it and detected it to be a Lark Sparrow. It was
viewed for several minutes at about 40 feet in clear sunlight while perched
on a wire about 4 feet off the ground. We clearly discerned the cheek
and throat markings as well as the breast spot and white edging of the
tail. It was the white in the tail which caused me to spot it at a distance.
The Shaggs are a most competent couple in the field. They have seen Lark
Sparrows in the mid- West often and know it well. The bird we saw was
undoubtedly an immature as it had the streaking down the sides of the
upper breast characteristic of that plumage. This would indicate possible
breeding in North Carolina. — George A. Smith, Greensboro, N. C. (Lark
Sparrow records are scarce in the Carolinas. Since the spring of 1949 Mrs.
Appleberry has found one or two regularly in the Wilmington area. H. H.
Brimley recorded a deserted nest near Raleigh in 1890 — Dept. Ed).

Briefs for the Piles

Red-throated Loon, 1. Taw Creek. Santee National Wildlife Refuge. Summerton. S. C.,
Apr. 30-May 21, Robert J. Lemaire. Am. Bittern, 1, Rocky Mount, N. C., June 9, J. W. E.
Joyner. Blue-winged Teal, approx., 100, Pea Island Refuge, July 26. Mrs. Charlotte H. Green.
Bald Eagle, .5 full plumage birds circled two to three hundred feet above pasture on main-
land near Pawley’s Island, S. C., with sustained high pitched “twittering,” Sept. 9, B. R.
and N. A. Chamberlain, K. C. Sisson. Sora Rail, 4 near Beaufort, N. C., Sept. 25, T. L.
Quay. Piping Plover, several at Pea Island. Sept. 2, Richard H. Peake, Jr. White-rumped
Sandpiper, 1, Santee Refuge, May 12, R. J. L. Avocet, 2 in excellent plumage, stood at
length on one leg, neck drawn. Shark Shoals, Beaufort. N. C., Sept. 26, T. L. Q. Yellow-
billed Cuckoo, adult feeding young. North Pond, Pea Island Refuge, Sept. 2, R. H. P., Jr.
Cliff Swallow, flock of 20 near Purlear, Wilkes Co., N. C., July 18, Wendell P. Smith : 3 at
Winston-Salem, May 9, Edward Kissam : 2 at Greenville, S. C., May 9. J. B. Shuler. Jr.
Prothonotary Warbler, singing male investigated martin gourd hung 7 feet up in mimosa,
Eastover, S. C., June 14, Mrs. W. H. Faver. Yellow-throated Warbler feeding nestlings.
Kings Mountain National Park, York Co., S. C., July 10, Leeds Cushman. Black-poll 1,
Rocky Mount, May 24. J. W. E. J. Summer Tanager, several at Troy, N. C., Sept. 26,
Frances M. Covington. Grasshopper Sparrow, 1 singing male, near North Wilkesboro, late
in July, W. P. S. All dates 195Jt

December, 1954

105

Founded March 6, 1937 Incorporated August 8, 19J^9

The Carolina Bird Club is an incorporated association for the study and
conservation of wildlife, particularly birds, in the Carolinas. Founded in
1937 as the North Carolina Bird Club, it was joined in 1948 by several
South Carolina natural history clubs and the name changed to the Carolina
Bird Club. In addition to publishing The Chat, the Club also: (1) holds
an annual spring business meeting and a fall dinner meeting, (2) conducts
club-wide field trips to places of outstanding ornithological interest, (3)
sponsors Christmas and Spring Bird Censuses by local groups, (4) encour-
ages original research and publication, (5) aids in the establishment of
local clubs and sanctuaries, (6) takes an active interest in conservation
legislation, (7) cooperates with State and Federal agencies, and (8) fur-
nishes information and speakers to interested groups whenever possible.

The Carolina Bird Club, Inc., is a non-profit educational and scientific
organization with no paid personnel. Dues, contributions, and bequests to
the Club are deductible from State and Federal income and estate taxes.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to anyone interested in birds, wildlife, and out-of-
doors. The annual dues for the classes of membership are:

Regular $1.00 Contributing $25.00

Supporting $5.00 Affiliated Club $2.00

Life — $100.00 (payable in four consecutive annual installments)

All members not in arrears for dues receive The Chat. Seventy-five
cents of each annual membership fee is applied as the annual subscription
to The Chat. Checks should be made payable to the Carolina Bird Club, Inc.
Application blanks may be obtained from the Treasurer, to whom all corre-
spondence regarding membership should be addressed.

The activities of the Club and the coverage of The Chat will grow in
amount and quality as increased funds become available. Prompt payment
of dues and the securing of new members are vital conti-ibutions open to
everyone.

OFFICERS FOR 1954-1955

President: Miss May Puett, Box 2183, Greenville, S. C.

Vice-Preside)tfs : Robert Overing, Route 4, Raleigh, N. C.; Fred May, Lenoir,
N. C. ; Linville Hendren, Elkin, N. C.

Secretary: Thomas W. Simpson, Winston-Salem, N. C.

Treasurer : Edwin W. Winkler, 509 Gardner St., Raleigh, N. C.

The Executive Committee is composed of the Officers, the Editors and
the following four elected Members-at-large : Rhett Chamberlain, Matthews,
N. C.; Fred Sample, Columbia, S. C.; Dr. Christine Wilton, Greenville,
N. C. and Leon Ballance, Lake Landing, N. C.