+*

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE

IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION

VOL. XII JUNE, 1942 NO. 2

OFFICERS OF THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

President — Dr. Martin L. Grant, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Vice-President — Ethan A. Hemsley, Dubuque, Iowa
Sec’y-Treas. — Miss Lillian Serbousek, 1226 Second St. S.W.,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Librarian- — Dr. Warren N. Keck, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Editor — Fred J. Pierce, Winthrop, Iowa

Executive Council:

Mrs. Mary L. Bailey, Sioux City, Iowa
Miss R. Lucile Loban, Waterloo, Iowa
Mrs. Myrle L. Jones, Hamburg, Iowa

The Iowa Ornithnloirsts’ Union was organized at Ames. Iowa, February 28,
1 923, for the study and protection of native birds and to promote fraternal re-
lations among Iowa bird btudent>.

The central design of the Union’s official seal is the Eastern Goldfinch, designated
State Bird of Iowa in 1933.

Publications of the IJn on: Mimeographed letters. 1923-1038; 'The Bulletin.'

1 929-1930 r 'Iowa Bird Life," beginning 19$1.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $1.00 a year {includes membership
dues). Single copies 25c each. Claims for missing or defective
copies of the magazine should be made within six months of date
of issue. Keep the Editor informed of your correct address.

EDITORIAL AND PUBLICATION OFFICE
WINTHROP, IOWA

F

n i vred as second-class matter February 9, 1932, at the post office at ’Winthrop, I* ■?*.
under the Act of March 3, 1879.

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XII, 1942

18

SUMMER BIRO STUDY

By MYRLE L. JONES

Waubcmsie State Park
Hamburg, io\ra

No man or boy with rod or gun could derive more enjoyment from
his pursuit than the bird fan from his. And what a difference biologic-
ally I The bird fan brings about no need for a re-stocking program and
no license is required of him for hunting with field glass or camera.
{The writer is still barbaric enough to shoot his share of pheasants.
He has never missed an open season in Iowa,)

Keep It a Hobby

If your bird observations and records serve as a recreation, then you
can continue to enjoy your hobby; but if it develops into a routine of
hard hot trips afield 'and laborious book work, it is time to develop a
new hobby, or at least revise your plan of attack.

Summer Bird Study vs. Christmas Census

In our pursuit of summer birds our viewpoint will be vastly different
from that of the Christmas census hike or from our field day at the
Iowa Ornithologists’ Union meeting, for here we shall not be seriously
concerned about numbers since we are dealing now with birds which
have moved in for the summer. It is not a ease of see them now or
never (or wait a year). We strive rather to spy shamefully upon their
household activities and learn as much as possible about a few species
rather than attempt to find great numbers of species. We may visit
one particular habitat every spare hour for weeks rather than run
hither and yon as is our habit during migration studies.

Observations at Home

For most of us it is difficult to conceive of a more ideal opportunity
to watch birds than at the bird-bath if it is conveniently arranged so
that we may watch while we go about our work in our study, library,
bedroom or kitchen, and especially while we are eating our meals.
This insures many hours with interesting and responsive neighbors,
Many of us will make observations in this manner whereas we would
not take time for more highly organized trips into the fields.

The Bird Bund

Surely everyone owes it to himself to spend at least a few forenoons
in a bird blind. Such a blind need not be elaborate. Its construction
may involve burlap bags which have been opened flat (a few holes add
to its usefulness), mosquito netting, muslin, or even cheesecloth; any
one or several of which may be draped over an old umbrella or wired
permanently, tepee-fashion, to a few poles.

Place such a blind near a bird-bath in your most cherished birding
territory and you have an ideal opportunity to observe and listen. If
you say this would take too much time, you are mistaken, for it is well
worth all the time it takes. Plan your work this summer for such a
treat, if you have not already done so. If you still doubt, ask your-
self, “Am I running things, or are things running me?”

Do It the Easy “Way

Watching birds from a blind need not involve fighting insect pests
and sitting on a milk stool all day long. Provide yourself with a com-
fortable seat even though it be crude; dress comfortably but sensibly;
take along a cool drink, a good book or magazine. Then, if the birds
do not oblige, you still may enjoy a few hours profitably. As a rule,
however, jou will forget all about your book or the letter you may
have thought you would write to a friend, and instead be kept so busy
that a lunch would have proved a wiser burden than the book.

Notes and Meditations

A typical half day in the field might be more clearly suggested by

SUMMER BIRD STUDY

19

notes taken on a recent field trip than by any outline of itemized sug-
gestions or further explanations.

The field trip which follows was planned as a result of auditory evi-
dence of the Yellow-breasted Chat in this particular area of Waubonsie
State Park. The Chat uttered its characteristic notes very sparingly
as a fence-building crew worked in the vicinity a few days previous,

Filld Notes, May 18, 1942. I had scarcely found a comfortable
place under a canopy of sumac from which to watch before an Indigo
Bunting perched in a dead oak not a dozen feet away. He sang to me
in nearby trees for the next half hour, although he seemed more con-
cerned about the food problem than about the invader.

A Tanager flew overhead. Which kind? (Summer Tanagers are
fairly common at Waubonsie). Never mind that, it went so fast I
couldn't tell but it will be back, perhaps not today, but some other day.
No use chasing him.

Good thing I didn't for now I hear both the Chat and the Bell's Vireo
quite near. Let them hunt me up. I know who they are. I am more
curious than they, but they don’t need to know it.

A Buzzard flies lazily overhead where I can watch him with my
glass for a minute. I wonder where he is nesting? The Red-eyed
Vireo and Wood Thrush sing farther down in the more dense woodlands.

This 25 acres of State Park woodland is an ideal place for the
Yellow-breasted Chat. Even last fall it had impressed me and I
promised myself that I would come out here in the spring to listen for
Chats. It is a recently acquired area and has not yet passed from the
brushy stage of the cut-over timber area. Two broad hollows slope to
the east, ending in deeper woodlands among large elms and a few
cottonwoods and now and then a great oak which was no doubt too
difficult to cut or too crooked. At the upper end they pass into upland
prairies.

It is in this borderland area composed of dogwood, hazel, coral berry
and sumac that the Chat, Indigo Bunting, Bell's Vireo and Yellow-
throat find suitable environment. The old stumps bristle with sprouts
where oaks and hickories have been removed. Now and then we find
an isolated walnut or linden.

As I write some bird flies to the top of that dead tree 100 yards
away— about Cowbird size, I hear a Catbird. It may be that. When
a-birding never let work (the taking of notes) interfere with your
observations. There! What a look! It is my Chat. And now he
sings, then takes to the air in that crazy, jumpy flight. Does he crave
attention like a small child? He sings for several minutes, drowning
out the Indigo Bunting which still sings lazily; also the Bell's Vireo
"which spits out his song as though it were just so many notes to be
disposed of in the shortest possible time. There he is back where I saw
him first. It was lucky for me that i concealed my curiosity for he
probably would have ducked for cover if I had gone in search of him
Mvhen I heard his first notes.

A pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds dart swiftly overhead and
the Indigo Bunting sings on and on. There, the Bell’s Vireo comes
closer again. I haven't seen him but what does it matter. Didn't I
listen to that song almost daily for two months in 1938 and tried my
best to identify the singer? But not once in hours and hours of hunting
did I actually see him. Now I'll be independent for, after all, he isn't
so handsome. Now he sings not a rod away but all one sees is a little
streak as he darts through the sumac, then resumes his musical efforts
some distance away.

A Yellow-throated Vireo hesitates but for a moment in my walnut
tree; the only tall live tree within a hundred yards. Perhaps the Indigo
cleaned the insect pests from this tree, or possibly walnut trees are
not good hunting grounds until later in the season.

20

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XII, 1942

How much more enjoyable was lunch when I was given fifteen min-
utes entertainment by the Chat rather than by some electrical trans-
cription. Not everyone can enjoy Chat music at lunch but many are
entertained at breakfast by the Brown Thrasher, Catbird, Cardinal and
many another grandstand performer,

A small hawk comes swiftly into my hollow causing a deathly still-
ness among the birds. Not until several minutes after its passing do
the birds resume activity. First to appear are the flycatchers. Are
they such capable fliers that they have little or no fear of the small
swift hawks?

Even as I passed from the south to the north side of the area a Chat
launched out from the tall trees bordering a likely Chat habitat.
Though the sun indicated that the hottest part of the day was just
under way, the Chat went through that crazy jerky flight and gave
the usual ridiculous notes.

Concentration vs. Aimless Hikes
Each individual must decide for himself whether to concentrate on
a favorite territory or to ramble as the spirit moves. The latter desire
should be fairly well satisfied by following the spring migration. Now
that the nesting birds serve to localize species and even individual pairs
more than at any other season, it would seem logical to bend our efforts
toward a really thorough knowledge about a few families.

Breeding Bird Census

If you care to keep systematic records regarding your bird watch-
ing you might be interested in ‘Audubon Magazine's' Breeding Bird
Census. Much interesting and valuable information is being accum-
ulated through co-operation of ornithologists throughout the United
States who keep such complete records of a given area over a period
of years. Instructions for taking the census are given each year in
‘Audubon Magazine’. Consult recent issues for this information.

CHARTING THE FUTURE

THE PRESIDENT'S LETTER
By MARTIN L. GRANT

Preside ill, Iowa Ornilhiilogists' Tniort

The Editor tells me the new President is ex-
pected to write an open letter to the Iowa Ornith-
ologists’ Union, so here it is. I am, of course,
highly honored by the trust and responsibility in-
volved in my new office, and will do my best to
advance the cause of bird study and the interests
of the members to the extent of my limited capa-
bilities, We have just completed an instructive
and entertaining series of meetings at our conven-
tion, for which we have the Waterloo Audubon
Club to thank, as well as the past officers of the
Union, who have so efficiently managed the affairs
of the organization for varying periods of time.
May the good work keep up.

Since this is my first appearance in these pages,
perhaps a note of introduction may not be amiss. My own interest in
birds can be dated very accurately. At the age of 13 I noticed a
woodpecker in the act of climbing a tree — a small bird that appeared
to be striped with black and white all over. Search through several
bird books failed to disclose any such animal, and I felt certain, of
course, that I had discovered a new species. This was a startling in-
troduction to ornithology, my very first observation being of a form

DR. GRANT

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

21

unknown to science! To make a long story short, eventually I de-
cided that since the woodpecker was pressed against the tree trunk,
possibly I hadn’t seen his lower surface after all, and he might have
been of some other color underneath, rather than black and white
striped as he was on top. In fact, maybe he was a Downy Woodpecker,
and wasn’t a new species after all By that time, however, I had looked
through so many bird books that a permanent interest in the subject
had developed.

The first professional with whom I came in contact was Lynds Jones,
who had attended Grinnell College here in Iowa, and who was editor
of the ’Wilson Bulletin' for over 30 years. I took a course from him
at Gberlin College, and at the age of 18 became one of his laboratory
assistants in ornithology.

For many jears I kept a complete estimate of the numbers of birds
of each species seen each day of the year, but other interests and
hobbies diverted me eventually. I have never gotten around to com-
piling a Life-list, but my field records show that for one six-months
period, spent mainly in travelling throughout the United States, a total
of GG1 species and subspecies of birds were observed.

Enough of autobiography, however, and let’s look seriously at the
situation the Iowa Ornithologists' Union is facing. I do not need to
call attention to the present world situation, and how the rationing of
cars, tires, gas, etc., can affect our activities. Fortunately, bird study
is an activity which, while aided by transportation facilities, can be
carried on entirely on foot if need be. Except for vast stretches of
the open ocean, I have never been in a region where some birds could
not be found, by which I mean merely that each locality furnishes al-
most unlimited opportunity for serious studies in ornithology. Some
of the most fundamental research of recent years, such as the work
of Kendeigh, Nice, and others, has been done in ordinary environments
of the type that make up most of the state of Iowa. If our travelling
facilities become impaired, then, let us make use of what materials we
have available. Even if all transportation should stop, we still have,
fortunately, ‘Iowa Bird Life' for intercommunication. Make use of it,
send in your observations and articles so others may share your ex-
periences.

The less chance we have to visit each other, the more we can do
locally with organized bird groups. Now is certainly the time to form
and develop bird clubs in all communities. Our Union can function
more effectively if it represents a larger share of the population. Let
us all try to get new members, and increase our usefulness.

At present I do not feel enough of a prognosticator to venture an
assertion as to whether it will be possible or advisable to hold a con-
vention in 1943. Certainly I hope so, and I suspect it will depend not
so much on the international and domestic situation as on the interests
of the members of the Union. No definite suggestions as to place have
been made, so if you have anything to offer, send it in.

The Union's 'Check-list' in the printed card form is to be revised
soon. Any suggestions as to birds to be omitted or added, or as to
changes in format will be gratefully received. At the Waterloo con-
vention the following additions were suggested: Little Blue Heron,

American Egret, Prairie Falcon, Hungarian Partridge, Pileated Wood-
pecker, Magpie, Kentucky Warbler, and Blue Grosbeak, also the addi-
tion of the names of various groups, such as ducks.

I should not need to remind those who have not done so to pay their
dues to Miss Lillian Serbousek, the Secretary-Treasurer. If any mem-
bers feel the urge to lend more active financial support to the Union,
I might suggest sending $3.50 to the Editor, as that is the approximate
amount required to have a cut made for a photographic illustration in
the magazine.

A good year is ahead of us, if we wish to make it so.

IOWA BIRD LIFE — XII, 1942

00 .

A REPORT ON THE WATERLOO CONVENTION

By LILLIAN SERB 0 USER

Sec’y-Treas,, Iowa Ornithologists’ Union

The twentieth annual meeting of the Iowa Ornithologists' Union was
held on Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, 1942, at Waterloo, Iowa.
All the Saturday sessions were held in the Gold Room of the President

Hotel. The program opened with
an address of welcome by Mrs.
John Barlow, President of the
Waterloo Audubon Club. Dr. W,
N, Keck gave the response.

“The Forum", which is usually
the last number of the afternoon
session, was first this year, with
Dr. F. L. R. Roberts acting as
leader. The subject was “Good
Birding Areas in Iowa”. Dr. Rob-
erts asked for locations of nesting
colonies of Cliff Swallows, and the
following were reported: two col-
onies in the Sioux City region;
several hundred nests on a barn
near Amana ; about 200 nests in
Winneshiek County. In discussing
nesting of the Black-crowned Night
Heron, 500 nests were reported
near Ruthven, 200 nests north of
Waterloo, and smaller nestings in
eastern Iowa. Yellow-headed Black-
birds were reported in various
numbers at New Lake south of
Sioux City, at Independence,
Waterloo, Clear Lake and Spirit
Lake. It was mentioned that
Wright County might be considered
the dividing line for the Yellow-
head — the birds being numerous in
counties west of Wright County
and decreasing in numbers east of
it. The White Pelican was also discussed on “The Forum”, as were
Bluebirds and Starlings, which had been observed in most parts' of
the state.

Miss Margaret Kohlman, of Dubuque, in her talk on “Activities of
a Junior Audubon Club in Elementary Grades”, told of the progress
made by the members. She explained its organization, the nature of
the meetings, and read the club’s song. She showed samples of bird
puzzles and the Audubon leaflets received by each member. Miss
Margaret Murley, of the Webster City schools, followed with a “Junior
Audubon Report”. She said that at first no formal meetings were held
by her Junior Audubon Club, the members studying in the field. Miss
Murley displayed charts and maps made by the students in their study
of birds.

Since Bruce F. Stiles was unable to be present, his paper on “Con-
servation in Southwest Iowa” was read by Harry Rector, Conservation
Officer of Buchanan and Benton Counties. This was illustrated by a
lengthy series of slides showing various phases of conservation work,
and Mr Rector spoke briefly on his own conservation work in eastern
Iowa.

MISS LILLIAN SERBOUSEK
Secretary-Treasurer

(From a photograph taken in May, lt>42)

THE WATERLOO CONVENTION

no

IS

The last number of the morning session was given by Mrs. Mary L.
Bailey of Sioux City on “Some European Birds I Learned to Identify,”
In 1929, on her first trip to Europe, Mrs. Bailey identified 52 species.
Returning in 1932-1933, she added 13 species, making a total of 65.
She compared them with American birds and told interesting facts
about them.

Before adjournment the President appointed the following commit-
tees: Nominating, Dr. Mary Roberts (Chairman), Miss Esther Copp,
Mrs. R. W. Johnson; Auditing, R. W. Johnson (Chairman), Dr. F. L.
R. Roberts, Miss R. Lucile Loban; Resolutions, Dr. Martin Grant (Chair-
man), Mrs. Mary L. Bailey, J. Wilbur Dole.

Dr. Mary Roberts of Spirit Lake opened the afternoon program with
a “Memorial to Walter Rosene”, who had been a Charter Member of
the Union and one of the most active and loyal members, and whose
passing is a great loss to the organization. Dr. Roberts also mentioned
the deaths of J. H. Hoick of Spirit Lake, Fred H. Hall of Ottumwa,
both Charter Members of the Union, Carl Fritz Henning of the Ledges
State Park, and her father, Charles W. Price of Spirit Lake.

J. Wilbur Dole, Fairfield, followed with an illustrated talk on “The
Origin and Evolution of Birds”. Mr. Dole used slides to show that
birds evolved from reptiles and he discussed the Archaeopteryx, Hes-
perornis and Ichthyornis.

“Experimental Studies on Juvenile Herring Gulls” was discussed by
Willis Boss, of the University of Iowa. Injecting gulls’ eggs with
hormones caused the young birds to have adult plumage which they
ordinarily do not acquire for three years. The young birds were adult
also in their voices, courtship behavior, and calls, and did much fighting.

Dr. Robert Vane, Cedar Rapids, who was scheduled to show his
“Movies of Unusual Birds”, left for service in the United States Navy
on that day. Since he could not be present, his pictures were not shown.

Richard Trump, of Keokuk, explained “Some Problems of Bird Be-
havior in Relation to the Weather”. He urged members to include the
direction and velocity of the wind in their bird records.

To show and tell about “Pathways through the Ether”, Charles C.
Ayres, Jr., Ottumwa, used electrically lighted maps of his own con-
struction. The birds’ summer and winter homes and migration routes
were lighted in different colors on these very ingenious maps.

At the close of the afternoon program the business meeting was
opened by President Keck. The report of the 1941 meeting was read
and accepted. Dr, F, L. R, Roberts then presented the new constitu-
tion of the Union. Discussion followed, and several motions were made
and seconded to reword and change parts of it, and to send a copy of
the proposed constitution in its final form to the officers and Executive
Council for approval. The report of the Nominating Committee was
given, and a motion was made and seconded that this report be ac-
cepted and the officers elected as named (these new officers are given
on the title page of this issue). This was followed by the annual re-
port of the Secretary-Treasurer, Several bills were submitted and the
claims allowed. The business meeting was adjourned.

The annual Ornithologists’ Banquet was held at 6:30 p. m. in the
Gold Room of the President Hotel, with Dr, Martin L. Grant of Iowa
State Teachers College acting as toastmaster. Group singing was led
by Miss Helen Psaros, accompanied by Miss Shirley Hauser, after which
Miss Psaros sang two solos. Dr. Roy L, Abbott of the Biology Depart-
ment of Iowa State Teachers College was the speaker of the evening.
In his address, “I Write for Fun”, he stated that nature, including
birds, gave him the inspiration for his writings. He read three papers
that he had written for fun and for which he had received payment
from magazines.

24

IOWA BIRD LIFE — XII, 1942

Three field trips were scheduled for Sunday morning. May 10. Two
groups started at 6 a. m., the other at 6:30. All returned to the Hart-
man Forest Reserve for one o'clock luncheon. The combined groups
observed a total of 139 species. At this luncheon further business
matters were brought up and acted upon. A report by the Auditing
Committee was read and accepted. The question of the compilation
of the state bird list was explained by Dr. F. L. R. Roberts. After
some discussion it was decided that members bring their 1942 records
to the next meeting to use in compiling the state list. Dr. Keck, elected
to the newly-created office of Librarian, is to include among his duties
that of keeping the records of the state bird list. Dr. Grant read the
report of the Resolutions Committee at this time. Another committee,
a Legislative Committee, was appointed by the President; Dr. George
Hendrickson was appointed Chairman, with Jack Musgrove and Charles
Ayres, Jr. as the other two members. The duties of this committee are
to watch legislation regarding birds and feather traffic in particular.
A motion was made for adjournment, good-byes were said, and an-
other successful convention became history.

Resolutions.— WHEREAS, we, the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union, as-
sembled in convention at Waterloo, May 10, 1942, have enjoyed very
much our stay here, therefore, be it resolved that we extend to the
Waterloo Audubon Club our hearty appreciation of their kindness and
courtesy. We wish to thank not only this organization, but also all
who assisted in making the meeting such a pleasant one.

Be it further resolved that we extend our sincere thanks and deep
appreciation — first, to the officers of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union for
the services which they have officially rendered and for their untiring
efforts in making this meeting a success; second, to Mr. Pierce for the
efficient manner in which he has edited ‘Iowa Bird Life’; and third, to
Dr. Roy L. Abbott of Cedar Falls for the scholarly and humorous
address which he gave at the banquet.

And finally, be it resolved that the Secretary be instructed to re-
quest the appropriate Federal Congressmen that the Fish and Wildlife
Service of the Department of the Interior be adequately staffed to take
proper care of our wildlife resources which have showed marked gains
under the present competent administration.

Respectfully submitted,

(Signed) The Resolutions Committee,
Martin L. Grant, Chairman,
Mary L. Bailey,

J. Wilbur Dole.

Attendance Register.— AMES, Dr. and Mrs, G, 0. Hendrickson;
ATLANTIC, Don Bice, Bob Mallette, Eugene Ruhr, Chas. C. Ruhr;
CEDAR FALLS, Dr. Roy L. Abbott, Mr. and Mrs. John Bliese, Mrs. C.
F. Chapin, Fiances Crouter, Mrs, Lola Deal, Mrs. Ray S, Dix, Eleanor
Eifert, Mrs. Burness Eiler, Dr. and Mrs. M, L, Grant, Dr. C. W. Lantz,
Mrs, Florence Lowe, Joy Parry, Mrs. Eugene Smith, Mrs. Bertha Stock-
dale, Mrs. Warren Tay, Mrs. Vernon Ulrich; CEDAR RAPIDS, C.
Esther Copp, Isabel Hayman, Dr, W. N. Keck, Dr. A. W. Meyer, Lillian
Serbousek, Emily Steffen, Mr. and Mrs. E. W, Steffen; DUBUQUE,
Lyle Bradley, Clifford Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Johnson, Margaret
Kohlman, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Ruegnitz, Ival Schuster, Jack Tupper,
Mary Young; DYSART, Ruby G. McCarthy; FAIRFIELD, J. Wilbur
Dole, John Goodman, Malcolm McDonald, John Pollock; GRINNELL,
Dorothy Thompson; INDEPENDENCE. Harry E. Rector; IOWA CITY,
Willis Boss; IOWA FALLS, Mrs. Len Myers; KEOKUK, Calvin Kent-
field, Richard Trump; MT. PLEASANT, Mr, and Mrs, N. L. Cuthbert;
OTTUMWA, Chas, C. Ayres, Jr.; SIOUX CITY, Mrs. Mary Bailey, Jean

GENERAL NOTES

LalToon ; SPIRIT LAKE, Dr. and Mrs. F. L. R. Roberts; WATERLOO,
Mabel Bailey, Mabel M. Barlow, Lola Barnhart, Pauline Bassarear,
Myrle M. Burk, Wanda Daum, Geo. O. Faulkner, Mrs. Ivy Fisher, Mabel
Grupp, Salina Hantelmann, Shirley Hauser, Mardelle Holley, John C.
Jago, R, Lucile Loban, Myra Loban, Lillian Maxwell, Maude Michael,
Hilda Miller, Carrie L. Neidy, Harvey Nichols, Helen Psaros, Pearl
Rader, Evan Sage, Rosella Smidt, Barbara Spiegel, Mrs. Arch Stout,
Mrs. John Uban, Leila Untiedt, Wanda Wilharm, Katherine Young;
WEBSTER CITY, Margaret Murley; WINTHROP, Mr. and Mrs. F. J.
Pierce, Mrs. J. M. Pierce. Total registered, 94.

Birds Seen on the Field Trip. — Various localities in the Waterloo
region, covered by three groups of observers. May 10, 1942; 6 a. m.
to 12 noon (Central war time).

Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue and Green
Herons, Am. Bittern, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal, Shoveller, Canvas-
back, Scaup, Sharp-shinned, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Broad-winged,
Marsh and Sparrow Hawks, Osprey, Bob-white, Ring-necked Pheasant,
Virginia and Sora Rails, Am. Coot, Killdeer, Wilson’s Snipe, Spotted,
Solitary, Pectoral and Semipalmated Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser
Yellow-legs, Wilson's Phalarope, Forster's and Black Terns, Mourning
Dove, Barred Owl, Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-thr. Humming-
bird, Belted Kingfisher, Flicker, Red-bellied, Red-headed, Hairy and
Downy Woodpeckers, Eastern Kingbird, Phoebe, Wood Pewee, Crested,
^Yellow-bellied, ^Acadian, Alder, Least and Olive-sided Flycatchers,
Prairie Horned Lark, Tree, Bank, Rough-winged, Barn and Cliff Swal-
lows, Purple Martin, Blue Jay, Crow, Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse,
White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, House, Carolina, Prairie
Marsh and Short-billed Marsh Wrens, Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Robin,
Wood, Olive-backed, Gray-cheeked and * Willow Thrushes, Bluebird,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Migrant Shrike, Star-
ling, Bell’s, Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, Red-eyed and Warbling
Vireos, Black and White, Golden-winged, Blue-winged, Tenn,, Orange-
crowned, Nashville, Parula, Yellow, Magnolia, Cape May, Myrtle, Black-
throated Green, Blackburnian, Chestnut-sided, Palm, Connecticut,
Mourning, Wilson's and Canada Warblers, Oven-bird, Grinnell’s and
Louisiana Water-thrushes, Northern Yellow-throat, Am. Redstart, Bobo-
link, Eastern and Western Meadowlarks, Red-winged and *Rusty Black-
birds, Baltimore Oriole, Bronzed Crackle, Cowbird, Cardinal, Rose-
breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Purple Finch, Goldfinch, Red-eyed
Towhee, English, Savannah, Grasshopper, Vesper, Lark, Chipping, Clay-
colored, Field, Harris's, White-crowned, White-throated, Lincoln's,
Swamp and Song Sparrows. Total, 139 species. (Those marked with
the asterisk should have had accompanying details or the observer's
name.— Ed.)

GENERAL NOTES

A Thought on Bird Day. — March 21 is the date our state legislature
has designated as Bird Day in Iowa. This date is too early and I should
like to see it changed to the second Friday in April, which is the official
Bird Day in many states, I think this day should come In April because
it is more of bird month when wild birds are coming in flocks from
the south. We should then urge the celebrating of Bird Day during
their return from the southland, as a time to recall that our song and
insectivorous birds are the best friends and allies of farmers because
they destroy billions of destructive insects and their eggs. The human
race is in another merciless war — with the insect world for the posses-
sion of the earth, and in this war the birds are on our side. The birds
have their troubles, too, and need our help. So let's help to “keep ’em
singing.''^MRS. P. J. KLINKER, Denison, Iowa.

IOWA BIRD LIFE — XII, 1942

26

Late Spring Migrants in Black Hawk County, an Aftermath of the
1942 Convention.— On May 17, just a week after the Waterloo con-
vention, an all-day field trip was taken by six members of the Waterloo
and Cedar Falls Audubon Clubs, who covered almost exactly the same
ground as the convention trips of the previous week. It rained a large
part of the day, but, while many of the earlier migrants were no longer
to be found, a total of 106 species were observed. The following nine
species seen had not been reported on the convention field trips: Wood
Duck, Hooded Merganser, King Rail, Least Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull,
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cedar Waxwing, Black-poll Warbler, and Yellow-
breasted Chat. — MARTIN L- GRANT, Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Observations in Northwest Iowa. — While visiting at Spirit Lake over
the Christmas holiday season, 1941, I had opportunity to spend three
days in the field. Bird life as a whole was scarce in that area, al-
though the population of Ring-neckcd Pheasants was very large, 1000
or more being seen each day in the field. Most of them were confined
to heavy marsh grass in protected areas. The population of Hungarian
Partridges was low, and not more than a dozen were seen over a period
of three days. On December 28, about a mile and a half noxth of Lake
Park, Iowa, I located a flock of 150 Frame Chickens, probably migrant
birds from Minnesota or Dakota. About 50,000 Mallards stayed on
West Lake Okoboji until it froze on December 27, when the greater
portion of them left. The 1941 duck season brought an increase of a
few of our rare species of ducks. In Dickinson County {and also in
Louisa County) many more Buffl e -heads were seen than in ordinary
years, and there was a great increase in Black Ducks. During the
early part of October Black Ducks were very numerous, and specimens
taken proved to be the Red-legged Black Duck. The number diminished
toward the latter part of the season, however, and the specimens were
much smaller and lighter in color, and may prove to be the American
Black Duck. One Surf Scoter was taken at Storm Lake, Iowa, and
many more were noted in that area.— JACK W. MUSGROVE, Iowa
State Dept, of History and Archives, Des Moines, Iowa.

Bird H ouse Contest Sponsored by Quail Club. A very worth-while

contest was sponsored by the Davis County (Iowa) Quail Club, I be-
lieve it represents one of the very first occasions where a group of
hunters and sportsmen, such as comprise the Davis County club, have
gotten together to back a project for the protection of our song birds
in this part of the middle west. They are very much to be commended,
and I was proud that they called on me to talk to the schools and to
furnish data. The contest ended late in March and consisted of three
sections: (1) bird house building, (2) bird feeder building, and (3)
essay contest. Three types of houses were specified, for House Wren,
Purple Martin and Bluebird, with four prizes (paid in defense stamps)
given each class. The 12 prize-winning houses became the property of
the Quail Club, to be sold at public auction with the proceeds donated
to the American Red Cross. There were two types of feeders in the
bird feeder contest, and three prizes in defense stamps. Two classes
entered the essay contest, high school and grade school students, and
two subjects were available: ‘‘Value of the song bird*', and “Value of
the game bird”. Essays were limited to 200 words, and four prizes
were given.

The contest was county-wide. I talked to schools in Bloomfield, Troy
and Pulaski on the migration of birds, to help the opening of the con-
test, At the time of the spring migration of birds my law business
suffers considerably due to the talks which I am called upon to make
to student groups and clubs. I made nine talks during one period of
three weeks. — CHARLES C. AYRES, JR., Ottumwa, Iowa.

GENERAL NOTES

Pelicans on Trumbull Lake- — A large concentration of White Pelicans
was observed on Trumbull Lake, Clay County, Iowa, during the week
of April 19-25, 1942, and reported to the State Conservation Com-
mission. Almost 1300 of the big white birds stopped on their northern
migration to do a little fishing. Pelicans at rest are not one of Mother
Nature's most beautiful children, but on the wing their grace is un-
surpassed by any other bird. With their immense wing-spread, eight
to nine feet, a flight of pelicans gives the impression of a squadron of
flying fortresses. — JAMES R. HARLAN, State Conservation Commis-
sion, Des Moines, Iowa.

Red-breasted Nuthatches at Atlantic. -“On December 15, 1938, we
had three Red-breasted Nuthatches come and stay with us until the
first week of March, 1939. During the past winter they came on
November 13, 1941, two of them, and stayed until March 15, 1942.
They were not here during the two winters between 1939 and last
winter. The bird books say that they are very shy, but we found them
unusually tame, eating aw T ay unconcernedly with us looking at them
through the window right beside the feeding tray. — A. A. EMIGH,
Atlantic, Iowa,

A New Check-list for Wisconsin. — The Wisconsin Society of Ornith-
ology has published a very useful pocket-size check-list of Wisconsin
birds, in which are listed .366 different birds. Of this number 228 are
breeding birds. The booklet is neatly put up and contains 32 pages
with a short bibliography. The status of every species is indicated and
a chart shows the time of its migration, the length of its stay as a
summer resident or otherwise, and when it may be looked for during
the year; there is also a brief statement as. to whether it is a transient,
summer resident, or winter visitor. On every alternate page there are
columns for the observer to insert his own records of the species listed
on the opposite page. Copies of this list of birds of our neighboring
state are sold for 25c and may be obtained from Earl L. Loyster, of
the Wisconsin Conservation Dept., State Office Bldg,, Madison, Wis.
— F. J. P.

Frustrated Mallard Drake Destroys a Nest. — June 29, 1940, 7 p.m,,
we sat on a bank of Lake La Verne, Iowa State College campus, and
watched the Mallard ducks, originally of wild stock. This small flock
contained eight males and two females. On the opposite bank a group
of three males and one female were resting and preening by a clump
of bushes near which the female bad a nest with nine eggs. Previously
we had noticed this female duck; she was easily identified because she
waddled with a decided limp of an injured leg. We had noticed also
that three males were always very close and attentive to this female,
following her about and driving away other ducks that came near her.

On this occasion a lone strange male Mallard swam across the lake
and started to climb the bank toward the group of four. As soon as
the three drakes saw him, they waddled down the bank and drove the
intruder into the water. This happened three or four times as one or
all three drove the intruder back into the water each time he tried to
climb up the bank. Finally, the interloper elected to remain in the
water, but quacking he swam along the shore line as near as he could
get to the female. After a time the original group went over the bank
and down the other side to a by-pass stream. As soon as they were
out of sight, the lone male climbed up the bank, went directly to the
nest in the bushes, and rolled all nine eggs down the bank, — JACK
MAC CURDY and GEORGE 0. HENDRICKSON, Dept, of Zoology and
Entomology, Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa.

IOWA BIRD LIFE — XII, 1942

28

Pheasants Drown in Lake. — One of the natural hazards of wildlife
that is rather uncommon is accidental drowning. Upland game birds
are not long-range fliers* and this fact is brought to mind by a wildlife
tragedy at Lake Okoboji in the spring of 1942* when a flock of 12
Ring-necked Pheasants attempted to fly across that lake. The birds
were able to negotiate only a portion of the distance before they be-
came exhausted and dropped into the water. — JAMES R. HARLAN*
State Conservation Commission, Des Moines* Iowa,

Eastern Nighthawk Stomach Contents, 111 each of the months Of

July and August* 1940, an accidentally killed Eastern Nighthawk was
brought to me. The stomach of the first contained the recognizable
remains of 10 cutworm moths* and 129 "flying” ants. The stomach
of the second had recognizable remains of 57 ground beetles, 4 June
beetles* 1 stink bug, and 155 "flying” ants, — -GEORGE 0. HENDRICK-
SON, Dept, of Zoology and Entomology* Iowa State College* Ames,
Iowa.

A Cape May Warbler at Close Range. — Max von Schrader* a banker
in this city, heard something bump against his window in May, 1941.
Upon investigation he found a small bird lying on the ground outside,
and he brought it in to examine it and to determine its identity. The
bird was alive, though stunned. After contacting me it was identified
as a Cape May Warbler. It soon revived and Mr. von Schrader set it
on the back of a chair; then it flew away. As I told him* it is very
seldom that one has the opportunity to identify a live warbler of that
species bv holding the bird in one hand and a bird book in the other!
— CHARLES C. AYRES, JR., Ottumwa, Iowa.

Greater Scaup Duck and Cinnamon Teal in Western Iowa, On Oc-

tober 20, 1941, E. H. Brown of Council Bluffs shot a Greater Scaup
Duck (Xyroca marila). I was there at the time* and he was kind enough
to give it to me. It has been made into a skin and is now in the study
collection of bird skins in the Department of Biology at Morningside
College. The bird was killed near the northeast shore of Lake Manawa
in Lewis Township, Pottawattamie County* Iowa. Its measurements
in inches and decimal fractions are as follows: Wings extended, 31.25;
wing, 8.63; length, 18.25; exposed culmen, 2.18; tail, 2.75; tarsus, 1.88;
width of bill, 1.D9; length of bill nail, .44; width of nail, .28; height of
bill at base* 1.00. Gloss of the head was greenish; the white of the
speculum extended through the first seven primaries and shaded into
brown in the eighth primary. The bird is a male.

DuMont was able to find but one Iowa specimen of the Greater Scaup,
a female in the Coe College collection taken by A. M. Bailey in John-
son County, on November 15, 1911. He considered it a rare migrant.
T would class it as an "uncommon migrant", as I believe it is taken
occasionally each year by hunters who do not differentiate between it
and affinift. Bird students do not record it as they are not in the field
much at this time of year, and when they do see it they are not able
to separate it from affinis, as they see it at a distance on the water or
in flight.

On October 16, 1941, A. S. Workman of Glenwood, Iowa, told me
that he had killed a Cinnamon Teal (Querqvcdnla ci/anoptera) that day
on Folsom Lake, in St. Mary’s Township, Mills County, Iowa. I did
not see the bird, but Mr. Workman, who is a member of the State Con-
servation Commission of Iowa, is an experienced hunter and a reliable
observer. The bird was not preserved. — BRUCE F. STILES, Des
Moines* Iowa.

GENERAL NOTES

29

Shorebirds in Dickinson County, — The following observations were
made in Dickinson County, Iowa, May 15 to 20 inclusive, 1942. This
was the first year that I have observed numbers of Stilt Sandpipers,
The first one was noted on May 18 in the vicinity of Stony Lake. I
was very happy to see this bird as it had been a rarity in my past
experience. Within the next half hour I saw flocks of from 20 to 30
Stilt Sandpipers, On all the following days they were seen in small
flocks, mixed with other shorebirds such as Lesser Yellow-legs, Wilson’s
Phalarope, Semipalmated Sandpiper and Dowiteher. They appeared to
be one of the most numerous birds in the locality at that time. Any
small pond or wet place in the field would have a number of them on
it. More Hudsonian Godwits were observed during those days in Dick-
inson County than I had believed would be found in the whole migra-
tion. Flocks of from 3 to 13 were observed each day. Probably more
Hudsonian Godwits were seen than any other shorebirds except Stilt
Sandpipers. Other birds observed were Marbled Godwit, Ruddy Turn-
stone, Golden Plover (which numbered into the hundreds), and the
Sanderling. The last named bird was very common on almost any
sandy beach on the larger lakes. — JACK W. MUSGROVE, Iowa State
Dept, of History and Archives, Des Moines, Iowa.

Publications on Iowa Ornithology during 1941-

‘Audubon Magazine'. Christmas bird censuses from Iowa; 43 (1),
1941: supplement 126-128.

Baskett, Thomas S, Production of Pheasants in North-Central Iowa
in 1939; Jour. Wildlife Management, 5 (2), 1941: 168-174.

Cooke, May Thatcher. Returns from Banded Birds: Recoveries of
Some Banded Birds of Prey; Bird-Banding, 12 (4), 1941: 150-160

(Iowa records, 153, 155).

Dill, Homer R. Ruff in Iowa in Spring; Auk, 58 (2), 1941: 257.

Errington, Paul L. An Eight- winter Study of Central Iowa Bob-
whites; Wilson Bull., 53 (2), 1941: 85-102.

Haecker, Frederick W, Two Interesting 1940 Bird Records from
the Missouri River Bottoms; Nebr, Bird Review, 9 (1), 1941: 17,

Towa Bird Life’. 42 articles referring to Iowa birds in Vol. 11.

Kendeigh, S. Charles. Birds of a Prairie Community; Condor, 43
(4), 1941: 165-174,

Laffoon, Jean. Late Fall and Winter Bird Records, 1938 to 1941,
in the Sioux City Area; Proc. Iowa Acad, Sci., 48, 1941: 425-436.

Low, Jessop B. Nesting of the Ruddy Duck in Iowa; Auk, 58 (4),
1941: 506-517. Spring Flight of the Diving Ducks through North-

western Iowa; Condor, 43 (3), 1941: 142-15L

Moser, R. Allyn. The American Egret Seen in the Omaha Vicinity
during the Nesting Season; Nebr. Bird Review, 9 (1), 1941: 15-16.

Moser, R. Allyn, and F. W. Haecker. The Glaucous Gull in Iowa
and Nebraska; Nebr. Bird Review, 9 (1), 1941: 13. The Piping Plover
Returns to Its Nesting Site in Omaha; ibid.: 14-15. The Bald Eagle
in the Omaha Vicinity; ibid.: 16.

Musgrove, Jack. Game Birds of the Past: The Ruffed Grouse; Iowa
Sportsman, 1 (8), 1941: 7. The Prairie Chicken; Iowa Sportsman, 1
(9), 1941: 8, 15. The Wild Turkey; Midwest Sportsman, 2, (1), 1941:
8 , 21 .

Musgrove, Jack W. and Mary R., and Kenneth E. Colton, Birds of
Iowa Pioneer Days; Annals of Iowa, 22 (7), 1941: 543-555.

Pierce, Fred J. Winter Birds of Northeastern Iowa; Proc. Iowa
Acad. Sci,, 47, 1940: 371-385 (issued in 1941).

Scott, Thos. G. Feeding by Turkey Vultures at Dens of the Northern
Plains Red Fox; Ecology, 22 (2), 1941: 211-212.

Stiles, Bruce F. Lead Poisoning in Ducks of Southwestern Iowa
during the Winter of 1938-39; Proc. Iowa Acad. Sci., 47, 1940: 397-
399 (issued in 1941),

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XII, 1942

•>

0

Stoner, Dayton. Homing Instinct in the Bank Swallow; Bird-Band-
ing. 12 (3), 1941 : 104-109.

U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Bird Migration Memorandum No. 7;
June 16, 1941: 1-65.

Winslade, Jane M. Hudsonian God wits in the Missouri River Bot-
toms Near Blair, Nebraska; Nebr. Bird Review, 9 (1), 1941: 14.

— F. J. P.

Another Record of the Lark Bunting in Woodbury County. On June

7, 1942, about 8:45 p.m., Mrs. John V. Madison telephoned me that
they had in their yard a strange black bird! with white in the wing. I
went over and found a Lark Bunting (Calamospisa melanocorys) in the
top, dead branches of a cherry tree. 1 watched the bird in good light
for at least live minutes, at a distance of 25 feet and with a 6-power
prism glass. It had been under observation for about half an hour
before that, part of the time hopping over the lawn apparently picking
up insects. During my observation the bird was surprisingly inactive;
but it did hop or fly around a little within a radius of two or three feet.
I thought it might be settling to roost for the night; but presently a
Blue Jay flew into the tree, and the bunting departed.

In spite of the few r available records, this bird probably should be
considered an irregular visitor in Woodbury County. The summary of
records, so far as I have them, is as follows: I have seen a mounted
specimen of the Lark Bunting in the collection of A, J. Anderson. It
was taken in Sioux City, near the present site of the Good Shepherd
Home, on July 1, 1894. He saw a flock at that time. It is possible
that this specimen is now in the Public Museum at Sioux Falls, South
Dakota.

Dr. Guy C. Rich gave me the measurements of a specimen collected
either by him or for him on June 6, 1897, at Dorman’s Crossing, in
Sioux City. He also reported a field record for May 21, 1901, but I
am not sure who made it. Dr, Rich also told me of a specimen of the
“Lark Finch” on April 23, 1904, and a field record for April 26 by
Lloyd Brown; but no record of either the Lark Bunting or the Lark
Sparrow is included in the list of skins in the collection of the Brown
Brothers, which I have. On June 2, 1921, A. J. Anderson saw a flock
of six or seven Lark Buntings on the hills in Stone Park which he
watched for several minutes, part of the time at a distance of 25 feet.
He stated that this was his third record, the first being the 1894 record,
as mentioned above; his second was a field record near Leeds (Wood-
bury County), for which I have no date.

The next record for Woodbury County was for May 17, 1925, and
reported in the ‘Wilson Bulletin’ (Sept., 1925, p. 172) by T. M. Mur-
doch and W. W. Bennett. A. B. Darling reported the observation of
a single Lark Bunting on June 5, 1927, along the road between Oto
and Anthon, which was also published in the ‘Wilson Bulletin’ (Sept.,
1927, p. 170).— T. C. STEPHENS, Sioux City, Iowa.

The ‘I owa Conservationist’. — -In February of this year the Iowa State
Conservation Commission began publishing an 8-page monthly leaflet
under this title. It is edited by James R. Harlan, one of our former
members. The purpose of the little magazine is to advance the cause
of conservation in Iowa. Each issue is devoted to some phase of the
Commission’s work, such as game fish culture, game farming, wildlife
feeding programs, state park recreational facilities, tree-planting, wild
flower conservation, and so forth. The magazine is distributed free by
the Iowa Conservation Commission, Des Moines, and the mailing list
includes libraries, county and state officers, educators, newspapers and
Iowa publications, and recreational organizations. It is nicely illus-
trated and well printed on enameled paper. Several of our ornithologist
members have contributed to the magazine. In the March issue Bruce
Stiles writes about “Kungovick, Blue Goose Migrant of the Midwest”.
Myrle Jones describes bird-banding methods in the May issue.

NECROLOGY

; J >1

NECROLOGY

Jacob Hans Hoick, a Charter Member of the Iowa Ornithologists 1
Union, died at Spirit Lake, Iowa, January 5, 1942, following a long
illness. He was born on April 8, 1872, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany,
and came to this country with his parents in 1881. The family settled
at Cherokee, Iowa, in 1887. In 1900 he was united in marriage to
Miss Marie Henrickson of Sanborn, Iowa. They had one child, a
daughter, Gertrude. Mr. Hoick was engaged in the produce business
at Peterson, Iowa, for many years. In 1935 he moved with his family
to a resort near Spirit Lake where he became manager of a vacation
camp. He was a lover of birds and flowers, a fact which prompted him
to affiliate with our organization in its initial year. He also took much
pleasure in fishing and was a great admirer of the lake region in which
he spent most of his life. Burial was at Sanborn, Iowa.

Fred Holland Hall, president of the Hall-Ekfelt Furniture Co. and
prominent in the business life of Ottumwa, Iowa, for 45 years, died
at that city on February 22, 1942. A serious illness had confined him
to his home since the previous September. He was born at Mt. Pleas-
ant, Iowa, on October 31, 1873, the son of Adina Brackett Hall and
Emma Corinne Hall. He was educated at the Wellington, Kansas,
high school and at a business college at Burlington, Iowa. In 1897
he married Miss Lucy C. Kirshbaum, and to them was born a daughter,
Irane. Mr. Hall was active in business affairs, and was head of several
furniture and jewelry firms in Ottumwa and other cities in Iowa. In
civic life he was also prominent, and served on many boards of local
community effort. He was particularly active in the local Rotary Club
and Rotary International. Widely traveled, he attended Rotary meet-
ings in Europe and South America. With Mrs. Hall he visited many
interesting places on world tours. The study of outdoor life was a
lifetime hobby, and in the field birds were his particular delight. He
was a Charter Member of the Iowa Ornithologists' Union. Membership
was also maintained in the Sky High Trail Hikers of the Canadian
Rockies. His church affiliations were with the Congregational Church
of Ottumwa. Burial was at Burlington, Iowa.

Charles Warren Price, who became a member of the Iowa Ornitholo-
gists’ Union in 1929, passed away at his home at Spirit Lake, Iowa,
April 10, 1942. Born near Humboldt, Iowa, September 26, 1868, the
son of William B, and Euphemia Price, his life was begun in the farm-
ing region of western Iowa, and he continued to live the rugged life
of a farmer until he was 20 years old. When he was 14 he moved with
his family to a farm near Spirit Lake, where he was attracted to the
sport of fishing, a pastime which he followed actively during his entire
life. He was a nature lover from early boyhood, and the lessons in
nature lore and wildlife conservation that he taught his children and
friends are cherished memories of the man. In 1890 Mr. Price married
Miss Sarah Thomas, Their children were three daughters. Myrtle,
Virginia and Mary, the last named now Mrs. F. L. R. Roberts who is
well known in our organization. After leaving the farm, Mr. Price
taught in a rural school for a year then entered the business world,
first as manager of a lumber yard, later in real estate and insurance
business, and serving 12 years as Recorder for Dickinson County. As
Justice of the Peace he served the public long and faithfully, rounding
out a term of 34 years of this work at the time of his death. * An ardent
supporter of all laws protecting fish and game, he was most happy
when working with state conservation officers to protect Iowa's heritage
of wildlife; his decisions as Justice were fair and respected. Public
service also included terms as school board member, town assessor, two
years as mayor of Spirit Lake, and aid in many civic projects. He

IOWA BIRD LIFE- — XII, 1942

was a member of the Methodist Church. As a student of the history
of the middle west, he built up one of the finest private libraries per-
taining to this subject in Iowa, collecting many rare editions and copies
autographed by authors. At our convention at Spirit Lake in 1939
Mr. Price appeared on the program with an interesting talk on the
birds of the Iowa Great Lakes region in the earlier days.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Bruce F. Stiles, well known to our oi'ganization as an ornithologist
and writer, and a State Conservation Officer in the Council Bluffs
territory for the past three years, was recently appointed Chief of the
Fish and Game Division of the Iowa Conservation Commission. He
has supervision of management and enforcement in the game and
fisheries departments. His advancement to this important post came
in recognition of the excellent work he did as a conservation offieer.
With his office now at Des Moines, he has moved to that city.

Our information on the military services of our members is as yet
very meager. Dr. Thomas G. Scott, a reserve army officer, at this
writing is stationed on the west coast. Robt, A. Pierce, of Nashua,
was in camp on the east coast when last heard from. Howard Graesing,
of Spirit Lake, has joined the army and is stationed at Camp Robinson,
Arkansas. Dr. Robert Vane, of Cedar Rapids, enlisted in the navy.

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Lambert, of Hampton, enjoyed a trip to Wash-
ington, D. C. and eastern points in April. On the way home they
visited the Audubon Memorial State Park at Henderson, Kentucky,
where a museum containing many Audubon relics is maintained within
a park of much scenic beauty.

In the June, 1940, issue of ‘Iowa Bird Life’ Bruce Stiles described
the nesting colony of Great Blue Herons on the Gifford estate, a tract
of about 4 0 acres near Council Bluffs. This tract has been deeded to
the State Conservation Commission by the heirs of Dr. Harold Gifford,
Sr., to be “used, managed, and controlled by the State of Iowa and
preserved insofar as possible exclusively as a wildlife sanctuary as
long as such use is consistent with sound conservation practices, and
thereafter devoted to any other proper conservation use,”

The Editor of ‘Iowa Bird Life’ has several copies of R, M. Ander-
son’s book on “Birds of Iowa” for disposal. Letters of inquiry should
be sent to Winthrop, Iowa.

The following interesting item is an I.N.S. press release of February
4, 1942:

“Burlington, Iowa. — An original Elephant folio edition of four vol-
umes of Audubon's ‘Birds of America’ brought $15,600 in a New York
auction at which the book collection of the late Judge James D. Smith
of Burlington was sold, District Judge E. 0. Newell, administrator of
the estate, revealed Tuesday. The entire collection brought $34,710
and included Gould’s ‘Humming Birds/ which sold for $1,500. A
buyer paid $850 for a fourth edition of the Augsburg bible in German.”

This issue of ‘Iowa Bird Life’ is printed in an edition of 550 copies,
the largest edition we have had thus far.

Junior Members. The Constitution of the Iowa Ornithologists'
Union as revised at the Waterloo convention creates a new class of
membership — “Junior Member” — Tor young persons up to 15 years of
age inclusive. When the age of 16 is reached Junior Members pass
into the adult member group. Junior dues are 50c per year. We are
ready to enroll young people in this class of membership and urge our
older members to invite their young friends to join us. Junior Mem-
bers receive ‘Iowa Bird Life’ regularly.