IOWA BIRD LIFE

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE

IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

VQL. XXII JUNE, 1952 NO. 2

OFFICERS OF THE IOWA ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION

President-Albert C. Berkowitz, Des Moines, Iowa
Vice-President — Dr. Peter P. Laude, Iowa City, Iowa
Sec'y-Treas. — Mrs, George Crossley, Farley. Iowa
Librarian— Dr, J, Harold Ennis, Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa
Editor — Fred J. Pierce, Winthrop, Iowa

Executive Council:

Walter W. Barrett, Sioux City, Iowa
Mrs. E. J. Petranek, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Clifford Johnson, Dubuque, Iowa

The Iowa Ornithologists* Union was organized at Ames, Iowa, February 28,
1923. for the study and protection of native birds and to promote fra terra] re-
lations among Iowa bird students.

The central design of the Union’s official seal is the Eastern Goldfinch, desig-
nated State Bird of Iowa in 1933,

Publications of the Union: Mimeographed letters, 1923-1928; ’The Bulletin,’
1929-1930 ; ‘Iowa Bird Life,’ beginning 1931.

SUBSCRIPTION RATE: $2.00 a year. Single copies 50c each, i.
Subscription to the magazine is included in all paid memberships, =;
of which there are four classes, as follows: Contributing Mem- \
ber, $10.00 a year; Supporting Member, $5.00 a year; Regular Mem-
ber, $2 00 a year; Junior Member (under 16 years of age), $1.00 a year. \

EDITORIAL AND PUBLICATION OFFICE
WINTHROP, IOWA

Entered as second-class matter February 9, 1932, at the post office at Winthrop,
Iowa, under the Act of March 3. 1879.

18

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXII, 1952

WOOD DUCK NESTING ON LAKE ODESSA AREA

The left photograph shows a nest-box fastened to a tree in the Lake Oddessa area.

A clutch of Wood Duck eggs viewed from the top of a nest-box is shown in the right
photograph.

WOOD DUCK PRODUCTION

19

WOOD DUCK PRODUCTION FROM NEST-BOXES
AND NATURAL CAVITIES ON
THE LAKE ODESSA AREA, IOWA, IN 1951

By ROBERT E, DREIS and GEORGE O. HENDRICKSON

Department of, Zoology and Entomology
Iowa State College
AMES. IOWA

In 1950 Keith Schreiner initiated an investigation of the productivity of
the Wood Duck aided by nest-boxes on the Lake Odessa Area, Louisa County,
Iowa (Schreiner and Hendrickson, 1951). On the same area, during the spring
and summer of 1951, the senior writer conducted an investigation to ascer-
tain the Wood Duck production from natural cavities, and to determine the
effect of an increased number of nest-boxes. The Lake Odessa Area contains
5,800 acres of which 2,500 acres are open water and 2,600 acres are marsh and
timbered bottomland. The remaining 700 acres consist of tilled and abandoned
farm land.

A total of 36 nest- boxes were erected in time to receive the nesting hens.
The boxes were constructed of rough, unpainted lumber from plans designed
by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The inside dimensions were 10 inches
by 10 inches by 26 inches, with an entrance hole cut 6 inches down from the
top of the box. The boxes were equipped with removable lids, and sawdust
was placed In the bottom of the boxes as nesting material. They were fast-
ened to dead trees entirely surrounded by water and to live trees on land.
Tree climbers were used to aid in the inspection of both nest-boxes and nat-
ural cavities.

The flood crests of the Mississippi River in April, 1951, were among the
highest on record (Lamoureux, 1951). At points along the Iowa shore the
crests were above the record high-water levels of 1880. These floods caused
severe breaks in the levees protecting the Lake Odessaa Area. All nest-
boxes were inundated at the time Wood Ducks were actively seeking nest-
ing sites. During the period of this investigation the water-level varied
from a high of 20.9 feet to a low of 4.8 feet. Although three weeks of high
water disrupted all normal procedures, the writers were able to study re-
nesting possibilities in both nest-boxes and natural cavities.

The first sign of Wood Duck usage was a hollow in the sawdust made by
the hen as the first egg was laid. The hen lined the nest with feathers and
down during the egg-laying period and during early incubation. Before leav-
ing the nest the hen usually covered the eggs with a mat of down and saw-
dust.

The first nest was established on April 1, and by April 21 eight boxes
contained the eggs of Wood Ducks. Three nest-boxes were occupied by
Hooded Mergansers and two nest-boxes contained eggs of both Wood Ducks
and Hooded Mergansers, Kortright (1943) wrote of concurrent use of a cav-
ity by Wood Ducks and Hooded Mergansers, and stated that the Wood Duck
usually completed the incubation. Unfortunately, all the nests were destroyed
by the floods which broke the levee on the night of April 21. The boxes con-
tained a total of 108 Wood Duck eggs and 36 Hooded Merganser eggs.

An attempt was made to determine the rate of egg-laying, This was ac-
complished by noting the number of eggs laid in a particular nest between
two dates of inspection. Thus, a rate of approximately one egg per day was
determined from seven nests. Dump-nesting was believed to have occurred
in three nest-boxes. In one box 20 eggs were laid in 15 days, in another box
17 eggs were deposited in 13 days, and in a third box 10 eggs were laid in
eight days, Schreiner and Hendrickson (I95D in a similar investigation in
1950 reported one dump nest in which 16 eggs were laid in 14 days.

20

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXII, 1952

As the flood waters receded and exposed the nest-boxes, they were clean-
ed out and repaired, and fresh wood shavings were added. The first nest was
reestablished on May 13 while the flood waters were yet within 3 feet of the
bottom of the nest box. Nests continued to be established until June IB,
when out of the total 36 nest-boxes nine (25 percent) were occupied by
Wood Ducks,

Of the nine clutches started, six (66 2/3 percent) brought off broods suc-
cessfully. Three boxes, which contained a total of 13 eggs, were deserted.
Of the 72 eggs in the successful boxes, 68 eggs (94 percent) hatched success-
fully, three eggs were eaten by a raccoon and one egg was infertile,

The six broods contained from nine to 14 ducklings with a mean of
11.3 + 1.61. The final brood hatched on July 31, which extended the nesting
season over a period of 122 days. This was considerably longer than the prev-
ious year when Schreiner and Hendrickson (1951) found that the nesting
season lasted 95 days. It was thought that the extended nesting season in
1951 was caused by the floods, and that the post-flood nests were all renesting
attempts. No nests of the Hooded Merganser were established in nest-boxes
after the flood waters receded.

Periods of incubation were established as closely as possible. The writers
considered the time the last egg was laid as the onset of incubation. Incuba-
tion was terminated when the last duckling pipped the egg. Of the six boxes
that brought off broods, the incubator periods were 28, 28, 31, 31, 32 and 32
days, It was noted that the later hatching broods had the longer incubation
periods.

The temperament of the hens varied with the individuals. In general,
the further incubation progressed the more reluctant the hens were to leave
the nests. One instance which illustrated this tendency happened as follows.
On the 24th day of incubation (June 22) for a particular nest, a severe wind-
storm dislodged the lid of the box. The hen remained with the eggs through
the entire day and following night of heavy rains. In the 24-hour period of
June 22 Lamoureux (1951) reported 2,22 inches of rain fell in Louisa County.
Although the sawdust in the nest box was soaked, the eggs were kept warm
and dry. The eggs hatched and the brood left the box successfully.

The exodus of young Wood Ducks from nest-boxes was witnessed on five
occasions, in all of which the hen sat on the water in front of the box and
called out the ducklings. The hens obviously did not know when all the
ducklings had emerged as in four instances they continued to call for ap-
proximately 10 minutes after the last duckling had left the box. One hen led
her brood away while one duckling was yet in the nest box, but that duckling
finally emerged and swam rapidly to join the rest of the brood.

An investigation of natural tree cavities was undertaken to determine
the use by Wood Ducks. Only cavities with an entrance 3,5 inches in diameter
or larger were considered. It was assumed that this measurement was the
minimum that a Wood Duck could squeeze through. A total of 260 acres of
timber was surveyed and 64 cavities located. Fifty-two cavities were ex-
amined in detail and of this total four (7.7 percent) were used by Wood Ducks,
seven (13,5 percent) were deemed suitable for use by Wood Ducks, and 41
(78,8 percent) were considered as unsuitable for Wood Duck use. The critical
factors in classing a cavity as suitable or unsuitable were the sizes of the
nesting platform and cavity. The minimum platform used by Wood Ducks as
found in this investigation was 108 square inches. The depth of the cavities
used varied from 9 inches to 48 inches and the entrance dimensions were all
considerably larger than the minimum 3,5 inches. The height above the
ground varied from 8 feet to 25 feet with an average of 14.7 feet.

Broods were sought by cruising at low speed with boat and motor, by
paddling through the flooded bottoms, by keeping watch from a motionless

WOOD DUCK PRODUCTION

21

boat and by trips on foot. Practically all the broods were seen very early
in the morning from dawn until approximately eight o'clock. Including the
six broods from the nest boxes, a total of 19 broods were located on the Lake
Odessa Area. Thirteen broods evidently hatched from natural cavities. This
total agrees quite well with the estimate made by Fritz Pierce, the Federal
refuge manager.

At less than one week of age the broods were exceedingly difficult to find
as they spent most of their time in dense cover on land. The ducklings re-
mained at the hen’s side at all times. At two to four weeks of age the brood
ventured into the open, but swam into dense cover at any indication of danger.
Growth during the first month of age was rapid, and at four to five weeks of
age the ducklings were about one-half as large as the adult hen. When pur-
sued they immediately dove under water and came out on shore. The duck-
lings were able to fly first in the sixth or seventh week of life. When pur-
sued they flew a short distance and upon alighting on the water dove from
sight. At eight weeks of age the ducklings were of the same size as the adult
hen, and were capable of sustained flight.

At maturity, the broods observed averaged 7.6 ducklings. By multiplying
this average by the total number of broods on the area, an estimated 144 juv-
enile Wood Ducks were believed to have been raised. In 1950 on the same
area Schreiner and Hendrickson <1951) reported 21 broods averaging 7,1
ducklings to the brood, or 149 ducklings. It appeared that a slightly higher
survival rate compensated for the smaller number of broods in 1951.

The adult hen often unwittingly gave away the presence of a brood with
loud cries and by feigning injury. This sham was accomplished by beating
the water with her wings and moving in a direction directly opposite to that
in which the brood was hidden.

Musgrove 1 1 947 ) stated that the eclipse plumage of the male Wood Duck
is worn from June until late August or early September, but that the flight-
less period is sometime in July or August. On July 24 two male Wood Ducks
were observed to be in full moult and rendered flightless by the loss of wing
quills.

Due to the extreme fluctuations in water levels the growth of much aqua-
tic vegetation was severely retarded. Only one location on the north end of
the area grew any large beds of marsh smartweed. Early in May, Wood
Ducks were observed feeding on duckweed, and this plant remained extreme-
ly abundant throughout the summer. In late August, Wood Ducks were ob-
served flying to and from stands of oaks in the bluffs at the west end of the
area. Musgrove (1947) and Bent (1923) mentioned acorns as an excellent
Wood Duck food,

Fifteen nest-boxes were used by species other than Wood Ducks. Con-
current use by the Wood Duck and the Hooded Merganser was discussed
previously. Fox squirrels used two nest boxes. It appeared that a squirrel
and a Wood Duck had fought for possession of one box as evidenced by sev-
eral hundred Wood Duck feathers and a belligerent squirrel in the box. Wasps
and mud-daubers were found in five nest boxes. A pair of white-footed mice
occupied one box erected on a tree on dry land. Red-headed Woodpeckers
were observed entering and leaving nest boxes on several occasions as were
Prothonotary Warblers, but neither of these birds attempted to nest in the
boxes.

The Louisa County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League furnished labor
and materials for 12 nest boxes. Messrs, Fred Schwob, Fritz Pierce and Dan
Nichols deserve mention for their valuable suggestions and assistance gen-
erously given throughout the period of this investigation.

IOWA BIRD LIFE — XXII, 1952

90

LITERATURE CITED

Bent, A. C.

1923. Life Histories of North American Wild Fowl.

U S. National Museum. Bulletin 126.

Kortright, F. H.

1943. The Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America,

Wildlife Management Institute. Washington, D, C.

Lamoureux, C. E.

1951. Monthly Reports. U. S. Department of Commerce.

Weather Bureau. Iowa Section. 62:94-151,

Musgrove, J, W,

1947. Waterfowl in Iowa. The State of Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa.

Schreiner, K. M. and Hendrickson, G, O

1951. Wood Duck Production Aided by Nesting Boxes, Lake Odessa,
Iowa, in 1950. Iowa Bird Life. 21:6-10.

THE "DIPPING" OF BRONZED GRACKLES

By JOHN C. W. BLIESE and GEORGE O. HENDRICKSON

Department of Zoology and Entomology
Iowa State College
AMES, IbWA

Ames, Iowa, is one of those midwestern cities blessed, or cursed (depend-
ing on one's point of viewi, with a Bronzed Grackle roost. In connection with
a study of this roost and the roosting birds in it, numerous observations have
been made of the several flight lines coming to town during the summer
and fall evenings. Repeatedly a phenomenon has been noted which is strik-
ing to watch. For want of a better name it has been called "dipping” in the
writers' notes.

For the main part, the birds have been observed to fly slightly above
tree-top level on the last lap of their evening roosting flight. Minute after
minute the birds will come in a continuous stream. Then all at once a por-
tion of the flight line will suddenly lower its altitude, maintain this lower
level for a few yards, or perhaps even 100 yards, and then rise again. The
drop in altitude may be only a moderate one of a few feet, or it may extend
to 3 or 4 feet above ground level. It may involve only two or three birds, or
it may involve hundreds. There may be a wave of such dipping, the dip
progressing either forward or backward along the flight line perhaps 20 to
100 feet or more. Whereas on some evenings only one or two dips will be
noted, on other evenings it will be observed again and again, or perhaps not
at all.

Bronzed Grackles are the chief performers. If Starlings happen to be
present with the Grackles. they will dip with them. Alone, however, they
have not been seen to do so. On several occasions a few Robins seemed to
give a similar performance.

The phenomenon builds up as the season progresses. It is not noted early
in the roosting season when flocks are still small and the flights not too thor-
oughly organized. In 1951, for example, flight lines into Ames formed about
the second week of June, but no dipping was noted until July 10 when a very
weak one, given by a single group of 19 grackles, occurred. It was not noted
again until July 18 when it was noted three times, each time being performed
by only five to 10 grackles. The behavior began to be noticed fairly regu-
larly about the last week in July, and the first very pronounced one was seen
on August L It has been observed for two years in succession on four dif-
ferent flight lines, therefore it is not the behavior of an isolated group of
birds. No dipping has been noted in the morning when the birds leave the
| roost, but data are too limited there to draw any conclusions.

i

FROM THE OBSERVER'S NOTEBOOK

Effort has been made, without success, to discover the stimulus that sets
off this behavior mechanism. On one or two occasions the distant report of a
gun, or the sudden popping of a motorcycle seemed to be related, but at other
times similar sounds had no visible effect on the birds. Dipping most fre-
quently was noted when no stimulus of any kind was evident. Clapping of
hands by the observer located directly beneath or near the flight line in-
variably caused the line to veer, but never to dip.

Considering the commonness of this phenomenon at Ames, it is surpris-
ingly absent in the literature. To date, at least, no clear reference to it has
been noted anywhere.

FROM THE OBSERVER'S NOTEBOOK

By WILLIAM YOUNGWORTH
SIOUX CITY, IOWA

TELEVISION TOWERS AS BIRD PERCHES
Sioux City is located in what is known as the fringe area for television re-
ception. as our nearest television broadcasting station is about 100 miles away
and the next nearest about 175 miles. This fact necessitates the construction
of high towers to insure any kind of television reception. These towers are
high affairs, some of them soaring up toward 200 feet, as Sioux City is built
on hills and valleys and towers are erected accordingly. These towers are
supported by numerous guy wires and are crowned with a series of horizon-
tal rods.

We have noticed that birds have come to like these towers for perches
and that several species use them. Mourning Doves like to perch on the
topmost bars and give their mournful calls. Starlings sometimes stop and
whistle a few times. Brown Thrashers like to fly to the topmost bar and give
their delightful song. Robins often light on the series of guy wires, then by
short flights upward, finally reach the top and give a few cheerful twitter-
ings, Bluebird families also perch on the towers in the fall. The most in-
teresting observations to date have been the use of the towers by Purple
Martins. These birds make use of the towers when the young are a-wing. A
common sight is a family of young martins safely perched on the top antenna
bars, where they are fed by the parents, often on the wing. It is apparent
that the martins spend the night roosting on these towers, as they are seen
there the last thing in the evening.

ROBIN BROODS — SUMMER OF 1951
This is an account of the nesting of a pair of Robins in and around our
yard during the past season. The spring of 1951 is entered on the weather
records as a cool, subnormal one with nearly 10 inches of excess moisture
for the season — a season which deterred both the farmer and his friends,
the wild birds. Our pair of Robins built their first nest rather late, in a
maple tree in the adjoining parking. Eventually three birds grew' up and
wer e ready to leave the nest, but the almost daily rains kept them in the nest
until well past the usual departure period. When they did leave the nest,
they were more fully feathered than any young Robins I had ever seen.
Even then they did not come down to the ground as so often young and
helpless Robins do. They stayed well up in the branches of the trees, no
doubt because it was still raining every day and the trees now afforded
good protection. The parents had in the meantime started their second nest
in a tree near our front porch. It was shortly thereafter that the three young
birds came down to the lawn. Although they were now nearly as big as
their parents, and had long tails, they still begged for food and seemed very
dependent on their elders.

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXII, 1952

24

The saga of the second nest progressed more rapidly, with warming
weather. One day four young, half-feathered Robins, in the usual Robin
style, were flopping about the front walk. Children and dogs got two of them,
as they could fly only 3 or 4 feet, and vve herded the other two into our mul-
berry hedge. One of them had sense enough to stay there and he survived;
the other one was accounted for by a neighbor’s cat. Summer was now slip-
ping away and the birds were in a hurry. The third nest was soon evident,
in a locust tree in the neighboring yard to the rear. August was gone when
two baby Robins came down from the nest in the locust tree. They were
well feathered, but had extremely short tails and did not fly well. What
caused concern was the fact that their parents had apparently deserted them.
After their second day on the ground, they had to forage for themselves, but
thanks to an abundant supply of honeysuckle and dogwood berries, which
they gleaned from the ground, our young Robins did well. We augmented
their diet with worms and grubs dug from the garden and tossed near them.
They were quite tame and never refused an offering. In time their tails grew
out and they flew away.

The question of why birds sometimes desert their young in the fall is
an interesting one. It is apparent that when the nesting cycle is over, the
strong migration instinct overcomes the family instinct and the young are
deserted. A classic example of this desertion of young birds by their par-
ents as the migration time approaches was observed by Fred J. Pierce at
Winthrop, Iowa. (Purple Martins Desert Their Young, Iowa Bird Life, De-
cember, 1944, p. 78).

DOGWOOD BERRIES AS BIRD FOOD

It is a well-known fact that dogwood berries are a staple bird food in
season, but it is always interesting to report on these various bird foods
from time to time. It would be beneficial for every home owner to plant a
dogwood bush somewhere in his backyard. The 1951 weather was an enigma
to both farmer and city dweller, but more costly to the former. I am
again dwelling on the lateness of the spring season. It adversely affected the
corn crop, but prolonged the wild berry crop far beyond normal. Until
mid-September migrating Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos lived in our dog-
wood tree and partook of the juicy white berries. In late September the
dogwood fruit was still clinging to the stems when William Reed Felton, Jr.,
and I made an extended field trip near Sioux City. We disturbed flocks of
hundreds of Robins from the various patches of dogwood as we passed
through.

THE SMART BLUE JAY

Folks who make a little study of birds soon come to the conclusion that
most birds are useful, but they can’t find good words to say about the Blue
Jay as he is always in the doubtful category. True, he takes some insects in
season, but he also eats quantities of fruit and grain. He takes the eggs and
kills the young of many useful songbirds. So, during the nesting season, we
despise him as a cruel killer. Many householders shoot any visiting jay on
sight. But his numbers remain about the same, and each spring and fall we
witness the interesting migration flight, A few hardy jays stay with us dur-
ing the winter months,

Some birds are much smarter than others, as species. We place the Blue
Jay as one of the most intelligent of our bird neighbors. We try to keep water
in the concrete bird-baths most of the year, and on cold fall mornings, when
about an eighth-inch of ice has formed during the night, we like to watch
these up-and-coming Blue Jays. The other birds sit around and twitter help-
lessly for a drink, but not the Blue Jay. With his powerful ice-pick beak he
punches a hole through the ice and drinks his fill. Later in the winter, when

THE CEDAR RAPIDS CONVENTION

the weather is below zero, the solid ice in the bird-waterer pushes up from
the rim of the concave bowl and leaves an air space all around the bowl.
Again our bird clown sizes up the situation and, with a few well-directed
blows from his bill, knocks small chunks of ice from the edge of the ice cake
and gobbles them down, thus mixing ice with the shelled corn he has just
eaten from our feeding tray.

The sense of smell does not seem to be too well developed in birds and
we are not often privileged to witness their use of this sense. During the
early morning of November 25, 1951, 4 inches of light, fluffy snow fell. We
looked out to see what birds might be feeding on the suet-post. We saw a
Blue Jay fly down and land on a small wooden stake which stood above the
snow 4 or 5 inches and marked a choice clump of painted daisy. The jay
perched on the stake for a few moments, then dived into the snow and start-
ed beating its wings rapidly, much as if it were bathing in water. The snow
flew and finally the bird reached the bare ground. There he speared a chunk
of old, rancid suet. He must have smelled it through the 4 inches of soft
snow. He was determined to get it even if he had to dig for it. This is an-
other instance of the intelligence of the Blue Jay — a bird which we come
to like during the long, cold winters, when his touch of bright blue is a wel-
come sight on an otherwise drab landscape.

THE CEDAR RAPIDS CONVENTION

By MRS. GEORGE CROSSLEY

Sccy.-Treas.. Iowa Ornithologists' Union

The 30th annual meeting of the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union was held Sat-
urday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, 1952, on Coe College campus, with the Ce-
dar Rapids Bird Club as host. Registration began at 9 a.m. in the lobby of
Hickok Hall. The morning session opened at 9:30 in the auditorium with ad-
dresses of welcome by H, H. Brooks, President of Coe College, in behalf of
the College's centennial celebration, and Miss Marjorie Brunner, President
of the Cedar Kapids Bird Club, in behalf of the local group. Our President,
A. C. Berkowitz, gave the response.

The first speaker on the program was M. E. Stempel of the State Conser-
vation Commission. His talk. "The Late Spring of 1951 and the Late Quail
Hatch," was a summary of results obtained through laboratory experiments.
He showed how, by measuring the length of Quail wing feathers, it is possible
to estimate within two weeks the age of the birds and the time of hatching.
Slides were used by Thomas Morrissey of Davenport to illustrate his talk on
"Some Parasites of Birds." Two groups of parasites were discussed: those
that live within and those that live without their hosts. He concluded from
his study that in most cases birds could live with their parasites without harm.
Dr, George G Hendrickson of Iowa State College gave an interesting and
technical interpretation of the "Magnetic-Vertical-Coriolis Theory of Bird
Navigation." This was followed by 'The Great Horned Owl, the Bird that
Lives where It Can", presented by Dr. Paul L, Errington, also of Iowa State
College. He told how the owl, a rather stupid bird without any special
adaptability, makes the best of any environment and gets along because of a
strong physique, Lester F. Faber, Supt, of Federal Aid for Conservation in
Iowa, concluded the morning session with an explanation of "The Fish and
Game Federal Aid Program." Slides were used to illustrate how the program
is being carried out in various parts of our state,

The afternoon session opened at 1:30 with a most interesting talk on
"Experiences with Wood Ducks," by Frederic Leopold of Burlington. His ob-
servations were based on years of first-hand knowledge with the ducks nest-
ing in boxes on his property overlooking the Mississippi River. Tom Kent,

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXII, 1952

26

a high school student from Iowa City, gave a short talk on inexpensive equip-
ment for use in photographing birds. He furnished proof of results obtained
with a series of colored slides, which also illustrated what to do and what
not to do in ' Bird Photography”. A film, “Behind the Flyways", provided
by the Fish and Wildlife Service, was shown next. This explained the ser-
vice of that organization to the hunter of today and tomorrow.

President Berkowitz presided at the business meeting which followed.
By motion the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was waived.
The President appointed Geo. O. Hendrickson. A. W. Meyer, and Fred Pierce
to serve on the bird list committee. Dr. Harold Ennis, R. W. Johnson, and
Fred Kent were appointed to the Resolutions Committee. E. J. Petranek was
asked to audit the Treasurer’s books. Upon motion it was unanimously voted
by the members that our Union be incorporated. Arthur Palas then read the
Articles of Incorporation as drawn up by him and Charles Ayres, Jr, Ques-
tions were answered and technicalities explained to the members. By motion
and unanimous vote the members formally accepted and adopted the Articles
of Incorporation as read and approved. By motion and unanimous vote the
Union formally adopted the increase in dues as acted upon at the fall meet-
ing, The dues and memberships are as follows: Contributing, $10.00, Support-
ing, $5.00, Regular. $2.00, Library, $2.00, and Junior (under 16 years), $1,00,
Editor Pierce asked for more Iowa bird notes from members for publication
in our magazine. The treasurer’s report, which showed a balance of $245.65,
was read and accepted. Librarian Ennis reported on the year's acquisitions
to the library. He requested members and speakers to place papers and other
items of interest on permanent file in the library. He also asked for addi-
tional copies of old issues of l Iowa Bird Life,” The President brought the
unfinished business of the revision of the state check-list to the attention of
the group, but no action was taken.

The afternoon meeting was concluded with the showing of "Sunrise Sere-
nades”, sound motion -pictm'e film of the courtships of certain North Ameri-
can grouse, filmed by Charles W. Schwartz and Edgar M. Queeny, of St,
Louis. The members had opportunity through the day to enjoy the many bird
paintings of Earnest Steffen on display in an adjoining room. The Kents dis-
played a number of bird photographs in the lobby, where were also the latest
books on ornithology and natural history brought by Fred Pierce.

Members met again at Voorhees Hall at 6:30 p.m. for the annual banquet.
President Berkowitz read letters from Miss Zell Lee, Charles Ayres, Jr., and
the Drs. Roberts who were unable to attend the convention because of illness.
After the banquet the group went to the newly-completed Sinclair Memorial
Chapel, to be delightfully entertained with the showing of two exceptionally
beautiful films with accompanying lecture entitled “Adventures in Color
With American Birds and Big Game”, by Cleveland P. Grant, of Mineral
Point, Wisconsin, One film recorded the adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Grant in
photographing big game animals in the Rockies, and the other showed the
nest life of various species of birds. These films are among the finest pro-
duced in this country, and the accompanying narration by Mr. Grant was ex-
ceedingly interesting. The Sinclair Chapel was almost entirely filled by mem-
bers and friends of the Cedar Rapids Bird Club who had been invited to at-
tend this feature of the program. There were about 1000 persons in the chapel,
and wc believe this to be a record in the long series of annual meetings of the
Union.

Sunday breakfast was served at Hotel Roosevelt at 4 a.m. Four birding
trips were scheduled: 1) Swan Lake, Iowa River Valley, Amana Lake; 2j Lake
Macbride State Park, Swan Lake; 3) Cedar Lake, Prairie Creek Woods, Dark
Hollow of Palisades-Kepler State Park; and 4) Amana Lake, Dutch Lake
Woods, East Amana. A light rain began before the groups started. There

THE CEDAR RAPIDS CONVENTION

27

was intermittent rain throughout the morning. All trips terminated at Hawk-
eye Downs Youth Center for one o'clock luncheon. A short business meeting
followed. The total bird count for the day was 137. Dr. Ennis read the re-
port of the Resolutions Committee The Nominating Committee presented
the list of new officers (as given on the title page of this issue) who were
elected by a unanimous ballot for the nominees cast by the Sec.-Treas. upon
motion of the voting members.

Invitations for the 1953 convention, from the Garden Club of Boone, and
from Cornell College, in honor of its centennial, were extended by Myrle
Jones and Dr. Harold Ennis, respectively. Upon motion it was unanimously
voted by the members to accept the invitation from Cornell College. Since
ro invitation was received for the fall get-together the President instructed
the Executive Council to find a place for that meeitng. A most enjoyable
convention was then adjourned.

Attendance Register, — AMES, Dr. P, L. Errington, Mil Ferguson, Dr, Geo.
Hendrickson, Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Johnson, Dr. E. L. Kozicky; BOONE, Mr.
and Mrs. M L. Jones; BURLINGTON, Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Leopold; CE-
DAR FALLS. Dr. M. L. Grant; CEDAR RAPIDS, H. H. Brooks, Dorothy and
Marjorie Brunner, Mrs. Minnie Campbell, Esther Copp. Margaret Dickey,
Emma Doornink, Lavina Dragoo, Mrs, C. C. Flodin, Dr. Karl Goellnei, Di.

V. O. Hasek, Ondre Hasek, Isabell Hoyman, Dr. and Mrs. A. W. Meyer, Ethel
Orr, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Petranek, Lillian Serbousek, Mr. and Mrs, E. W. Stef-
fen, Iola Tillapaugh, Dr. L. F. Vane, Dr. and Mrs. Robt. Vane, Wilma Van
Orsdol, Mrs. Frank Waples, Pauline Wershofen, Myra Willis; COGGON,
Walter Pike; DAVENPORT, Thos. Morrissey, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Petersen,
Peter Petersen, Jr.; DECORAH, Mrs. Alden Bauder, Kay Henning, Mis. Elsie
Henning, Mrs, Tom Henning; DES MOINES, Bruce Berger, Mr. and Mrs. Al-
bert Berkowitz, Mr. and Mrs. Woodward Brown, Mrs. W. G. DuMont, Lester
Faber, Mrs. H. R. Peasley, Bruce F. Stiles, Lynn Willcockson; DUBUQUE. Mrs.

W. R. Gruwell, Henry Herrmann, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Lutes, Clifford Johnson,
Mrs, Mildred Pregler, Mrs. Robt. Ruegnitz, Ival Schuster, Edra Walter; FAR-
LEY. Mr, and Mrs. Geo. Crossley; INDEPENDENCE, Ruth Funk; IOWA CITY,
Bill Caldwell. Mr, and Mrs. Fred Kent, Tom Kent, Dr. and Mrs. Peter Laude,
Bruce Nolf. L, O. Nolf; LISBON, Rev. M. C. Melcher, Vernon Melcher; MT.
VERNON, Mrs. J. W Bean. David Ennis, Dr Harold Ennis; NASHUA, Mr,
and Mrs, Robt. Pierce; NEWTON. Mr. and Mrs, J, Paul Moore, Jim O'Brien;
OSKALOOSA, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Partridge; OTTUMWA, Mrs. C. W. Soots.
Mr, and Mrs. M. E. Stempel; POSTVILLE. A. J. Palas, Fritz Palas; SIG-
OURNEY, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Millikin; SIOUX CITY, Mr, and Mrs, W. W.
Barrett, Bob Nickolson, Tillie Prestegard; THOR. Dennis Carter; WATER-
LOO Dr, Myrle Burk, Geo, Faulkner, Helen Hawkins, Russell Hays. Pearl
Rader. Dr, C. W. Robertson; WAUKON, Warren Hayes; WINTHROP, Mr. and
Mrs. F J. Pierce. Mrs. J. M. Pierce; HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.. Walter Bennett;
NAPERVILLE. ILL.. Dr. Warren Keck; FORT CHURCHILL, MANITOBA,
W E. Beckel; DEARBORN, MICH., Mr. and Mrs. Neil Reid; PROVIDENCE,
RHODE ISLAND, Mrs, E. J. Ruff; MINERAL POINT. WIS., Mr. and Mrs.
Cleveland P. Grant. Total registered. 121.

Birds Seen on the Field Trip. May 11, 1952.— Lesser Loon, Pied-billed
Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue and Green Herons, American
and Least Bitterns, Blue-winged Teal. Wood Duck, Lesser Scaup, Turkey
Vulture, Sharp-shinned, Red-tailed, Red-shouldered, Marsh, and Sparrow
Hawks, Osprey, Bob-white, Ring-necked Pheasant, Virginia Rail, Sora, Am.
Coot, Semipalmated, Am, Golden. Black-bellied and Upland Plovers, Killdeer,
Wilson's Snipe, Spotted. Solitary, Pectoral. White-rumped, Baird’s and Least
Sandpipers, Greater and Lesser Yellow-legs, Hudsonian Godwit, Ring-billed

28

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXII, 1952

Gull, Forsters and Black Terns, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Great
Horned and Barred Owls, Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-thr, Humming-
bird, Kingfisher, Flicker, Red-bellied, Red-headed, Hairy and Downy Wood-
peckers, Eastern Kingbird, Crested and Least Flycatchers, Phoebe, Wood
Pewee, Prairie Horned Lark, Tree, Bank, Rough-winged, Barn and Cliff Swal-
lows, Purple Martin, Blue Jay, Crow, Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-
breasted Nuthatch, House and Prairie Marsh Wrens, Catbird, Brown Thrasher,
Robin, Wood, Olive-backed, Gray-cheeked and Willow Thrushes, Bluebird,
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Migrant Shrike, Starling,
Bell's, Yellow-throated, Blue-headed, Red-eyed and Warbling Vireos, Black
and White, Golden-winged, Blue-winged, Tennessee, Nashville, Parula, Yellow,
Magnolia. Myrtle, Black-throated Green, Cerulean, Blackburnian, Chestnut-
sided, Black-poll and Palm Warblers, Oven-bird, GrinneH’s and Louisiana
Water-thrushes, Northern Yellow-throat, Am. Redstart, Bobolink, Eastern and
Western Meadowlarks, Red- winged and Brewer’s Blackbirds, Orchard and
Baltimore Orioles, Bronzed Crackle, Cowbird, Scarlet Tanager, Cardinal,
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Dickcissel. Purple Finch, Goldfinch,
Red-eyed Towhee, English, Vesper, Lark, Chipping, Clay-colored, Field, Har-
ris's, White-crowned, White-throated, Swamp and Song Sparrows, Total, 137.

GENERAL NOTES

Red-breasted Nuthatches at Tama. — A pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches

came the first of November, 1951, and the female was still here on April 29.
The male was killed one night in January* by a cat or squirrel I think. I
heard a “thump” on the wall when it happened; the birds roosted up there
every night and would often take nuts from the shelf to the wall. They would
eat the nuts in some sheltered place, but I never learned just where. The
little female was tame and saucy, and as late as April 29 was feeding on suet
and nuts several times a day. Alone and so late in the season, she perhaps
decided to stay with us for the summer. — MRS. W. G. MacMARTIN, Tama,
Iowa.

Brown. Thrasher Winters in Mt. Pleasant. — About the middle of December,
1951, when I was doing a little field work with my class in tree study, I saw
a Brown Thrasher in an old orchard in the northeastern part of Mt. Pleasant,
well within the city limits. The orchard was small and well protected by
surrounding buildings. I thought this might be an overwintering specimen,
which had found a source of food in a trash and garbage pile near by. On
the morning of February 15, 1952, I took the bird class to the same site, and we
were able to observe the thrasher at close range. On both trips the ground
was covered with snow. I think we can safely assume that this bird
spent the winter in the area.— D. D. MILLSPAUGH, Iowa Wesleyan College,
Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Bird Notes from Shenandoah, — My daughter and I were very much inter-
ested in the Christmas census published in “Iowa Bird Life”. The report of
the White-crowned Sparrow by Mr. Palas claimed our attention, for we saw
one February 2, 1952. It was in a “draw” with Tree Sparrows and Slate-color-
ed Juncos — very near us and we had a good look at it.

On April 16, 1952, we stopped near a marshy meadow on the outskirts
of town where there were numerous Great Blues and Black-crowned Night
Herons. My daughter called my attention to a bird skulking behind clumps of
grass near us. When it finally appeared it proved to be a Yellow-crowned
Night Heron. I have had only one other record for this bird — April 6, 1940,
at Hudson, Iowa, that bird also at close range. Though the other herons were
at this marsh for several days, we didn't see the Yellow-crown again. An-
other thrill for us was the sight of six Willets. To get their wing pattern

GENERAL NOTES

29

daughter Jean finally ran toward them, and they rose, circled and came back
to the place from which they were flushed.-MRS ROBT. I. BORDNER. Shen-
andoah, Iowa,

Polk County Records.— On May 25, 1952, at the Impounding Reservoir near
Des Moines, Albert Berkowitz and I saw three Caspian Terns, Near the same
place, on May 31, 1952. a White-eyed Vireo was seen by Albert Berkowitz,
Mr. and Mrs. James Decker, and the writer,— WOODWARD H. BROWN. Des

Moines, Iowa.

Great Homed Owl Takes Rubber Duck Decoy.— During the 1951 duck
hunting season our conversations with hunters in the Vinton region often
reverted to the number of decoys that were being lost or stolen rather than
to the number of ducks bagged. One day we were short one decoy but did
not report the loss to our friends because we could not understand why only
one had been taken. The answer came ten days later when the farmer on
whose place we hunted brought in a Great Horned Owl that apparently had
mistaken one of our rubber decoys for a live duck. In taking it from the
pond the owl had become entangled in the cord, which finally had caught
on a fence approximately 80 rods from the pond. The Owl, unable to free
itself, had died from starvation and exposure —HARRY E. RECTOR, Vinton,

Iowa. -

Studies of Nocturnal Bird Migration in Iowa. — In the autumn of 1952, ob-
servers all over the United States will be training telescopes on the moon
to obtain counts of migrating birds passing before its disk. These counts will
be used to determine the volume and direction of night migration at different
times and places. By the analysis of such data, it will be possible to map the
flow of migration, to study the effects of weather, and to determine the houi-
to-hour pattern of activity. The methods to be employed, and some of the
surprising results already achieved by them have been described in a recent
paper by George H, Lowery, Jr. (“A Quantitative Study of Nocturnal Bird
Migration,'’ University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History,
vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 361-472).

In a previous cooperative investigation in the spring of 1948, participated
in by over 200 bird students and astronomers at 30 widely separated sta-
tions, Iowa was represented by the excellent work of a group at Ottumwa
under the direction of Charles C. Ayres, Jr. There, 44 hours of moon-watch-
ing, covering 10 nights in April and May, yielded the second highest estimated
total of migrants per mile of front to be reported that year — 134,000 birds.
Lowery says of the observations, “At Ottumwa, Iowa . . densities were near

the maximum for all stations. Considering this fact, along with lesults at
Lawrence and other mid-western stations where cloud cover did not inter-
fere at the critical periods of observation, we have here evidence support-
ing the generally held thesis that eastern Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa lie on
a principal migratory flyway." The Iowa results, besides contributing to
many conclusions of a general nature were also notable for the shifts from
night to night of the major flight trend, in contrast to some other stations
where the directions show great consistency. Just how this should be inter-
preted, we shall not know until further tests have been conducted.

It is hoped that in the fall of 1952 the station at Ottumwa will be joined
by others in Iowa. The more numerous the localities where observations are
being made, the more interesting are the comparisons that may be drawn,
and the more dependable the conclusions that can be reached. The observa-
tional procedure is an extremely simple one, requiring no previous experience.
Anyone who has access to a small telescope, or a large one, can participate.
Interested persons are urged to write at once for further details to Robert J.
Newman, at the Museum of Zoology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge,

IOWA BIRD LIFE — XXII, 1952

30

La., where the data will be mathematically processed. — ROBERT J. NEW-
MAN, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Travels of a Red-shouldered Hawk. — On August 12, 1951, I captured an
immature Red-shouldered Hawk on Credit Island, at Davenport. On Aug-
ust 17 the bird was shot at Worthington, in Dubuque County, According to
the report from the Fish & Wildlife Service, it was shot near some chickens.
At the time I released this bird a number of hawks of various species were
already migrating south over the area, but this hawk chose to move up the
river instead of down and was shot some 70 miles from Davenport five days
later. — JAMES HODGES, Davenport, Iowa.

Bell's Vireo Nesting at Dubuque. — In mid-May. 1952, a friend called me
about a pair of vireos which were building a nest in a bramble of black-
berry bushes in some empty lots back of her house. I went to see the nest and
the bird, which was a Bell's Vireo. We had fine views of it. The size and
coloring, the habit of singing as it worked on its nest, and the nest itself, in
a bush instead of in a tree, all fitted the description of Bell's Vireo. The
song was different from any other vireo song I have heard. My friend is
going to save the nest for me.— MRS. ROBERT RUEGNITZ, Dubuque, Iowa.

Two Records of the Hooded Warbler in Iowa. — Mrs, Crossley and I ob-
served a Hooded Warbler on April 8, 1950, in the ravine under Cascade Bridge
at Burlington. We had clear and close views of the bird in low, leafless
bushes and on the ground. A few weeks later Roger Tory Peterson told us
that this warbler had been reported unusually early in several cities, includ-
ing Rockford and Chicago, outside of its normal range. One reason given for
the accidental appearance of the warbler was the severe hurricane in the
south prior to the date of reports. (See also report by Thomas J. Feeney of
Davenport in Sept. 1950, Iowa Bird Life.) On May 3, 1952, we again had
good views of the Hooded Warbler, in Linwood Cemetery at Dubuque. This
time he sang for us, another clue to his identification. Due to the dense foliage
we were unable to follow him as he went farther into the brush. We were
not fortunate in seeing him the next day on our annual Field Trip for the
club — GEORGE E. CROSSLEY, Farley, Iowa.

RECENT BIRD BOOKS

THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGY BEFORE AUDUBON,
by Elsa Guerdrum Allen (American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia, 1951;
paper wrappers, 4to, pp. 385-591, with 55 illustrations; price, $2.00).

Bird students who have been accustomed to think of ornithology in
America as beginning with the illustrious Audubon, are going to find this
new book a revelation. It will revise any false notions as to early ornitholog-
ical history, and will provide many hours of pleasant, informative reading.
Mrs. Allen has done a wonderful work in research, and those who are serious-
ly interested in birds will long be indebted to her for furnishing this scholar-
ly volume of history.

She begins the book by giving an account of ancient bird lore, sketching
Aristotle’s studies of birds in the Middle Ages, and going on to Pliny, Goiter
and numerous other early naturalists. One chapter is given over to "Early
Bird Lore in England", and another to "Early Bird Lore in the Western
World/' In the latter there are such names as Oviedo, Richard Eden, De
Acosta, De La Vega, Samuel de Champlain, Father Hennepin, Nicolas Denys,
Labat, De Rabie, Le Moyne, and many others.

There is an excellent chapter on Mark Catesby, who is credited with
founding American ornithology. Hi$ two-volume work, "Natural History of
Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands" (1731-1743), was so superior to
earlier publications it gave Catesby the rank of the first real American nat-

RECENT BIRD BOOKS

31

uralist. Although he visited the east coast of United States primarily for
botanical studies, he became intensely interested in bird life and completed
more than 100 fine plate of birds. The biography of Catesby is very interest-
ing and brings out a great many little-known facts on this colorful person-
ality.

In a chapter entitled “American Ornithology Under European Compilers”,
there are well-rounded sketches of Eleazar Albin, George Edwards, Linnaeus,
Thomas Pennant and John Latham. Then follow descriptions of others who
visited the continent and left their mark on the literature — Johann Forster,
Charlevoix, Du Pratz, Chastellux, de Crevecoeur, Bossu, and Peter Kalm,
Among the early ornithological explorers in the interior of America we find
such names as Henry Ellis, Humphrey Marten, Thomas Hutchins, Capt. Cart-
wright, Jonathan Carver, John Drayton, Benjamin Barton, William Bartram,
and John Abbot,

It is fitting that the book should close with a long and complete biography
of Alexander Wilson, the father of American ornithology. The tendency in
recent years has been to glorify Audubon and ignore his predecessor, Wilson,
Mrs, Allen corrects this error and gives us a revealing picture of the man who
in many former accounts has been made to appear drab and ordinary. It is
a stimulating portrayal, in keeping with the style of the rest of the book, and
is an excellent tribute to the deserving Wilson.

The reproductions of letters, portraits and bird plates, liberally scattered

through the book, make a valuable addition to the text,— F. J, P.

* * * * *

A CHECK-LIST OF THE BIRDS OF VIRGINIA, by Joseph James Mur-
ray (Virginia Society of Ornithology, Williamsburg, Va,, 1952; paper wrap-
pers, 8vo, pp. 1-113; price, $1,50).

This is an excellent state bird list, compiled by Dr, Murray with the co-
operation of many members of the society who furnished records. The state
is rich in bird life and historical associations; 398 bird forms are given, with
14 additional on the hypothetical list. The early pages of the book mention
some of the birds recorded in history by such men as Captain John Smith
and Mark Catesby, followed by an outline of ornithological work in the state
from 1800 to 1930. There is a discussion of the physical features and faunal
zones of the state, and a short bibliography. The species list is well annotated
and packed with information. — F. J. P.

*****

ENJOYING BIRDS IN MICHIGAN, edited by Homer D. Roberts and Clar-
ence J. Messner (Michigan Audubon Society, Jackson, Mich., 1952; paper
wrappers, 8vo, pp. 1-64, with more than 100 illustrations; price, $1,00).

Another excellent state publication, this book has the popular approach
to bird study and should go a long way in making people bird-conscious. In
a section on ‘Some Common Michigan Birds We Should Know", 80 species
are briefly described, each with an accompanying pen drawing. There is an
article on the Kirtland's Warbler, another on the Sandhill Crane, and one on
the Robin, State Bird of Michigan. There is a full check-list for the state, to-
gether with a pictorial map-guide to birding areas within the state and writ-
ten instructions as to where to go. Brief chapters on attracting birds, bird
photography, bird-banding, field-study helps, bird migration, and an account
of the various activities of the Michigan Audubon Society, round out this
very useful and attractive booklet which other state bird societies might prof-
itably imitate.' — F .J. P.

*****

The May-August (Vol. 7, No. 5) issue of "Atlantic Naturalist”, published
by the Audubon Society of the District of Columbia, contains the first part of
a fine biography of Dr. Paul Bartsch. This is especially interesting to us be-

32

IOWA BIRD LIFE— XXII, 1952

cause Dr. Bartsch lived in Iowa for many years and was a pioneer ornitholo-
gist in our state (see Mrs. Taylor’s biographical sketch of Dr. Bartsch in Iowa
Bird Life. 1942, pp. 36-39). This issue of the Atlantic also contains an article
on Cardinals nesting, with six photographs, by Toni Kent of Iowa City.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Dr. Mary Price (Mrs, F. L. R.) Roberts wrote the below letter from
Corona, California, under date of May 8, 1952, It was read at the annual
banquet of the Union, at Cedar Rapids, May 10.

To Our Friends of IOU:

We will greatly miss your companionship at this convention and meet-
ing old acquaintances among Iowa birds. Frank had a severe stroke in Oc-
tober. We have moved to California and bought a home next door to our
daughter, Velma, and family. Frank was in the University Hospital at Christ-
mas time, I was needed almost constantly night and day, and had to give up
sending Christmas greetings. We were happy to hear from many of you.
Frank is slowly improving and will probably be able to walk again by
winter.

Just this morning a flock of Cliff Swallows chose our eaves for their
homes, thus taking us right in as new California residents.

For many years the Union has been one of our greatest interests and
pleasures. We wish for it continued prosperity and usefulness, As we write
this we recall many of you individually and regret we are not with you.
We especially want to congratulate Editor Fred Pierce, and may “Iowa Bird
Life” continue at its present high standard. And to Dr. Ennis we want to
wish a healthy growth of the IOU library under his care, To all of you, an
interesting program and good weather for hikes in a wonderful bird territory.

Dr. Herbert Brandt, author of the recently -published “Arizona and Its
Bird Life”, as well as several other popular bird books, recently sent a three-
year subscription to “Iowa Bird Life”, with the following comment: “I find
you are doing a good job in the editing, while the articles have that type of
vigor which stems from practical field observation. There are altogether too
few of this type of literature now appearing, and I am glad to learn that you
are contributing your share to its maintenance.”

Mrs. Robert Ruegnitz of Dubuque had a fine trip of 6,000 miles down into
Arizona and the Southwest, from April 17 to May 8. They drove across all or
a part of 10 states, with the Tucson area as the main objective of the trip.
As a result of reading Dr, Brandt’s “Arizona and Its Bird Life”, the brief stop
they had planned for the Chiricahua Mountains developed into a nine-day
stopover and gave Mrs, Ruegnitz one of the most interesting of all her bird
experiences. They found a guest ranch within the borders of the Chiricahua
National Monument, and with the cooperative attitude of their hosts, it proved
to be a birder’s paradise where no less than 36 new birds were added to their
list. On side trips near there other birds were added, while Saguaro National
Monument yielded 13 additional new birds. Mrs. Ruegnitz is enthusiastic in
her praise of Arizona, and closes the descriptive letter of her trip with this
wish: “I hope that any of our Iowa bird people who haven’t yet birded in
Arizona will go there sometime and I especially hope they will visit the
Chiricahuas.”

FALL MEETING, WATERLOO, SEPTEMBER 14

The 1952 fall IOU meeting will be held Sunday, September 14, at the farm
home of Mr. and Mrs, Donald Sage, who live several miles northeast of Water-
loo. A full announcement, as well as a map showing how to reach the Sage
farm, will be sent to all members about September 1. The meeting is being
sponsored by the Waterloo Audubon Society.

i